Religious Reforms by Sufi Emperor Hazrat Dewanbagi (Rh.)
Reviving Mohammadi Islam
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Verily Almighty Allah sends such a person at the beginning of every century for his ummah(followers) who makes necessary reforms of religion. [Abu Daud Sharif].
Sufi Emperor Hazrat Dewanbagi (Rh.) is widely regarded by his followers as a significant figure appointed by divine will for the crucial task of religious reform. The concept of a reformer (Mujaddid) in Islam finds grounding in the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who stated, "Verily Almighty Allah sends such a person at the beginning of every century for his ummah (followers) who makes necessary reforms of religion" [Abu Daud Sharif]. According to Dewanbag Sharif, Great Allah (SWT) assigned this pivotal task to Sufi Emperor Hazrat Dewanbagi (Rh.). His core mission as a reformer involved identifying and rectifying religious issues and practices that had become prevalent in Muslim society over time but were, in his view, not authentically supported by the Holy Quran and Hadith. Through his dedicated efforts, he aimed to re-present a true Islamic philosophy, one he believed was originally introduced and perfectly embodied by the Prophet (PBUH). It is stated that he initiated more than two hundred religious reforms, many of which garnered immense appreciation both within Bangladesh and internationally. Below are details of some of the most noticeable reforms attributed to Sufi Emperor Hazrat Dewanbagi (Rh.)
The Role of a Reformer:
The Islamic tradition acknowledges the periodic necessity for renewal and purification within the religious understanding and practices of the Muslim community. This crucial need is met by individuals believed to be divinely sent by Allah (SWT) to revive and correct the path of faith – known as reformers. Dewanbag Sharif asserts that Sufi Emperor Hazrat Dewanbagi (Rh.) fulfilled this vital role, having been divinely tasked with implementing essential reforms. His work involved meticulously scrutinizing existing religious issues and practices, evaluating them against his deep understanding of the Holy Quran and authentic Hadith, and earnestly advocating for changes to realign contemporary practice with what he considered the true Islamic philosophy as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Key Religious Reforms Introduced by Sufi Emperor Hazrat Dewanbagi (Rh.)
Here are some of the significant religious reforms that Sufi Emperor Hazrat Dewanbagi (Rh.) is credited with introducing or championing:
1. levating Tasawwuf in Islamic Understanding and Education:
Sufi Emperor emphasized Tasawwuf (the science of knowing Allah) as a fundamental Islamic teaching introduced by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for self-purification and achieving proximity to Allah. He highlighted Tasawwuf’s historical role in transforming the Arab nation but noted its declining practice due to a lack of clear understanding. Backed by the Holy Quran and Hadith, he proved its necessity. His advocacy for its recognition, including a proposal to the Bangladesh government, led to the inclusion of Elme Tasawwuf in Islamic education curricula (schools, colleges, universities) in 1996, signifying government recognition of its importance.
2. Reforming Land Registration Deeds:
He addressed the wording in land registration deeds, which often implied human ultimate ownership, conflicting with the Quranic principle that Allah alone owns everything. Sufi Emperor proposed deed wording aligning with Islamic law, acknowledging Allah’s sole ownership and the seller’s role as a loyal servant transferring the right of possession. The Bangladesh government accepted this, introducing a new land registration system based on his suggestion in 1991.
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Religion will be victorious as long as the Muslims will have their Iftar (fast-breaking meal) soon; because the Jews and the Christians have their Iftar late. "[Abu Daud & Ibn Majah Sharif].
4. Correcting the Iftar Timetable: Sufi Emperor identified the practice of delaying Iftar by 15-18 minutes after sunset as incorrect, citing a Hadith that victory accompanies hastening Iftar, contrasting with Jewish and Christian practices. He corrected this timetable and proposed to the government in 1993 to align it with Islamic law, immediately after sunset. This national implementation allowed Muslims to break fast at the time he deemed correct.
4. Championing Friday as the Weekly Holy Day:
He strongly advocated for Friday’s declaration as the weekly holy day in Bangladesh, challenging the colonial-era Sunday holiday which hindered proper Jummah Prayer observance. His emphatic demand across different governments led to the Bangladesh government declaring Friday as the weekly Holy day in 1982.
5. Correcting the Count of Quranic Verses:
Through meticulous research, Sufi Emperor challenged the notion of 6666 Quranic verses, proving the correct count to be 6236. Based on his view, the Islamic Foundation subsequently included the total of 6236 verses in their Quran publication.
6. Discouraging Prayer on Mats with Holy Images:
He deemed using prayer mats with images of the Holy Kaaba and Prophet’s (PBUH) Shrine disrespectful, stating it’s improper to place such holy depictions underfoot during prayer. Following his suggestion, Bangladesh Television also advised against using such mats.
7. Discouraging Prayer on Mats with Holy Images:
He deemed using prayer mats with images of the Holy Kaaba and Prophet’s (PBUH) Shrine disrespectful, stating it’s improper to place such holy depictions underfoot during prayer. Following his suggestion, Bangladesh Television also advised against using such mats.
8. Clarifying Holy Ashura’s True Significance:
Sufi Emperor challenged the view that Ashura is solely a Shia commemoration of Karbala, proving from Quran and Hadith it’s a day of immense blessings for all Muslims. He explained Allah began creation and enthroned Himself on this day, and Prophets/Awliya experienced miraculous relief. At his call, Holy Ashura gained national observance with this broader significance, offering endless bliss.
9. Correcting the Date of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Demise and Highlighting His Birthday:
He countered the misconception (attributed to nonbelievers) that the Prophet (PBUH) died on 12th Rabiul Awal, intending to diminish his birthday’s significance. Using Tafsir, Hadith, and history, he proved the demise occurred on 1st Rabiul Awal, 11 Hijri. Providing “uncuttable evidence” for 12th Rabiul Awal as the definitive birthday, he declared Eid-e-Miladunnabi (Sm.) the best Eid, leading to its widespread, grand celebration.
10. Correcting the Misconception About Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Wealth:
Challenging the deep-rooted idea of the Prophet’s (PBUH) poverty, Sufi Emperor used Quran, Hadith, and historical facts to prove with “uncuttable evidence” that the Prophet (PBUH) was the richest man and “king of the two worlds.” This effort helped Muslims globally correct this misconception.
11. Proving the Possibility of Didar (Holy Meeting with Allah):
Addressing the idea that Didar with Allah is impossible, Sufi Emperor proved from Quran and Hadith it is possible through practicing Elme Tasawwuf, citing the Prophet’s (PBUH) Miraj and Awliya’s experiences. This reform influenced the National Curriculum & Text Book Board to include the possibility of Didar through Elme Tasawwuf in high school Islamic education textbooks.
- It is stated in the Holy Quran, "Surely Allah Himself and His Angeles recite Darud (Holy sentence to send blessings) upon the Prophet (PBUH) and offer salutation with respect. O, believers! You do so too. [Sura:Ahjab,verse:56].
12. Affirming Milad Sharif’s Significance:
Defending Milad Mahfils against claims of bidat or haram, Sufi Emperor proved its significance using Quran (Ahjab, 56) and Hadith, highlighting Allah and angels sending blessings on the Prophet (PBUH). His suggestions led many to experience the Prophet’s (PBUH) Didar and find relief by organizing Milad Mahfils.
13. Advocating for Jummah Khutbah in the Mother Tongue:
Identifying that Arabic Khutbahs were not understood by many in Bangladesh, hindering the sermon’s purpose, Sufi Emperor opined for delivering it in the mother tongue. Following his suggestion, Jummah Khutbah is now delivered in Bangla alongside Arabic in all Bangladeshi mosques.
14. Proposing a Unified Lunar Calendar:
Addressing discrepancies in Islamic rite observances due to varied moon sighting interpretations, Sufi Emperor proposed a calendar based on counting the moon’s rotation, citing Hadith support for counting. He formulated such a calendar, reportedly appreciated by the OIC, aiming for uniform, correct observance.
15. Re-presenting Islam as “Mohammadi Islam”:
Advocating for and naming the religion as “Mohammadi Islam,” he argued its appropriateness since Madhhabs and Tariqas are named after their Imams. He contended this form, combining Shariah, Marefah, Tariqa, and Haqiqah of the Prophet (PBUH), had been obscured, and re-presented it, leading many to find peace through his teaching.
Conclusion
Sufi Emperor Hazrat Dewanbagi (Rh.) is presented as a significant reformer dedicated to correcting what he viewed as prevailing misconceptions and practices within the Muslim community, aiming to restore the true Islamic philosophy of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His wide-ranging reforms, from theological understandings and spiritual practices to daily life applications and historical interpretations, were based on his analysis of the Quran, Hadith, and historical facts. By championing these changes, Sufi Emperor Hazrat Dewanbagi (Rh.) significantly influenced the understanding and practice of Islam for his followers and, in several notable instances, impacted national policies in Bangladesh, leaving a lasting legacy through his reformative efforts focused on reviving what he termed Mohammadi Islam.
