When an invitation to watch a film was given...

Dear Islamic brothers! In the early days of Dawat-e-Islami, the weekly Sunnah-inspired Ijtima’ of Dawat-e-Islami would take place in the first Madani Markaz, Gulzar-e-Habib masjid (in Soldier Bazaar, Karachi). On one occasion, the founder of Dawat-e-Islami, Shaykh-e-Tareeqat, Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat دَامَـتْ بَـرَكَـاتُـهُـمُ الْـعَـالِـيَـهْ was heading to the weekly ‘Ijtima’ with other Islamic brothers. They passed by a cinema, where a young man was waiting in a queue to buy a film ticket. When he saw Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat دَامَـتْ بَـرَكَـاتُـهُـمُ الْـعَـالِـيَـهْ, he shouted: ‘Maulana! There’s a very good film on, come and watch it!’

Upon the rudeness of this young man, Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat دَامَـتْ بَـرَكَـاتُـهُـمُ الْـعَـالِـيَـهْ did not become angry, rather, in a display of wisdom, patience and forbearance, gave salaam to him instead. Moving closer to the young man, he then said with great politeness: ‘Son! I do not watch films, but as you have given me an invitation, I thought I should give you one as well. اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه, shortly a Sunnah-inspired Ijtima’ will take place in Gulzar-e-Habib masjid. It is a humble request that you participate in this. If you can’t come today, then definitely attend another time.’ Alongside this, Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat دَامَـتْ بَـرَكَـاتُـهُـمُ الْـعَـالِـيَـهْ also gifted him a bottle of perfume (‘itr), and made his way to the Ijtima’.

After a few years, one Islamic brother came to Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat دَامَـتْ بَـرَكَـاتُـهُـمُ الْـعَـالِـيَـهْ. He was adorned in clothing which was in accordance with the Sunnah, as well as the crown of Imamah adorned on his head. He then said to Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat دَامَـتْ بَـرَكَـاتُـهُـمُ الْـعَـالِـيَـهْ: ‘A few years ago, a young man invited you to watch a film. You showed great patience and forbearance, not becoming displeased, but rather, inviting him to the Ijtima’. I was that young man. I was inspired beyond words by your beautiful character. One day, I came to the Ijtima’, the sight of mercy fell upon me, and اَلْـحَمْـدُ لـِلّٰـه, I repented from all my sins and associated with the Madani environment of Dawat-e-Islami! (Ta’aruf Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat, p. 40)

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                                                                               صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد