𝗙𝗮 𝗔𝘆𝗻𝗮 𝗧𝗮𝘇𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗻...? 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙒𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢, 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙒𝙚 𝘿𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙒𝙚 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜? 𝘉𝘺: 𝘐𝘯𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘜𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘒𝘩𝘢𝘯 | 𝘔𝘦𝘩𝘥𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴

An appeal to reflect upon our heritage, fulfil our responsibilities and build a future worthy of our legacy.

A Moment of Reflection: As I was reflecting upon the verse of the Holy Qur'an, فَأَيْنَ تَذْهَبُونَ ۝ (Fa Ayna Tadhhaboon?), I began to reflect upon where we, as a community, are heading from here. Where have we come from? What are we doing today? And where are we going? In Surah At-Takwir (81:26), Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala poses a profoundly powerful question to humanity:

فَأَيْنَ تَذْهَبُونَ ? ?Fa Ayna Tadhhaboon

"So, where are you going?"

This is not merely a question about our physical destination. It is a question that invites us to introspect about our lives, our choices, our priorities and our ultimate purpose.

In this Surah, and throughout the Holy Qur'an, Allah reminds humanity about the Day of Judgement, the temporary and impermanent nature of worldly life, and the accountability that awaits every soul for its deeds and actions.

It reminds us that life is not just about accumulating wealth, attaining positions, pursuing ambitions or achieving worldly success. We must also reflect upon our relationship with Allah, the purpose of our existence and the direction in which our lives are taking us.

Are we moving closer to Allah through our actions, or are we allowing ourselves to drift away from His guidance? Are our ambitions aligned with the values of our faith? Are we fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to us? This reflection is not intended to question anyone but to encourage each one of us to pause, look within and reconsider our direction.

We as Mehdavis,  have a distinct history, an identity and a legacy that we must cherish. But more importantly, we have a responsibility to carry it forward with dignity, wisdom, faith and purpose.

Remembering Where We Come From

Our forefathers lived in an era when opportunities were limited, yet they carved out respectable positions for themselves through determination, discipline, knowledge, faith and character. Many served kingdoms and administrations in distinguished positions, earned the trust of rulers, and left their footprints in the pages of history.

They were known not merely for the positions they held, but for the values they upheld. They lived with dignity, practised Tawakkul (trust in Allah), maintained piety, and conducted themselves with honesty and integrity. Their lives remind us that faith and worldly responsibilities are not contradictory; rather, when guided by the right intentions, they complement each other.

They may not have had the educational infrastructure, technological advantages or opportunities that we enjoy today. Yet, they made the best of what was available to them.

The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we making the best use of the opportunities that have been placed before us?

Remembering our ancestors should not be limited to recounting their achievements, preserving family histories or taking pride in their distinguished past and using their surnames & titles as our prefix or suffix to our names. Their real legacy must be reflected in our conduct, our achievements and the contribution we make to society and to the nations we live in.

What Are We Doing Today?

We are living in a rapidly changing world. Education, technology, innovation and professional competence are shaping the future of nations. Opportunities are expanding, industries are transforming, and the expectations from individuals and communities are evolving.

In this environment, it is essential that we encourage our younger generation to pursue higher education and acquire relevant skills to survive. Enable them to competent enough to take our legacy forward.

Education must not be viewed merely as a means of securing employment or earning a livelihood. It is a powerful instrument for personal development, social advancement and nation building, while adhering to our core values and religious practices.

Let our children aspire to become doctors, engineers, scientists, researchers, administrators, educators, entrepreneurs, civil servants, technologists and leaders across diverse sectors. Encourage them to pursue professional courses, develop technical expertise, embrace emerging technologies and cultivate leadership abilities.

Academic qualifications alone may not be sufficient. The world also demands communication skills, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, financial literacy, emotional intelligence, adaptability and the confidence to take responsibility.

We must create an environment within our families and communities where learning is encouraged, achievements are celebrated, and young minds are motivated to aim higher. Turn your dinning tables into a platform to discuss and deliberate about our Past, Present and Future, while igniting minds of our tinder generations.

At the same time, we must recognise that every individual may not follow the same academic or professional path. Skilled trades, vocational education, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and practical expertise are equally valuable. What matters is that we become competent, productive and responsible individuals in whichever field we choose.

The Dignity of Every Profession

Our community must learn to appreciate every honest profession and every legitimate means of earning a livelihood. 

We need mature and ethical businesspeople who understand that success is not measured merely by profits, properties or possessions, but also by the trust they build, the people they employ, the opportunities they create and the values they uphold.

We need efficient and skilful professionals who are committed to excellence, continuously upgrade their knowledge and perform their duties with dedication.

We need loyal, sincere and trustworthy employees who respect their organisations, honour their commitments and discharge their responsibilities without compromising their integrity.

We need responsible administrators, visionary entrepreneurs, dedicated teachers, competent healthcare professionals, progressive farmers, skilled technicians and innovative thinkers. Wherever we are placed, we must strive to be among the best. Let our identity be associated with competence, honesty, reliability and excellence. A Mehdavi should always be someone whose word can be trusted, whose work speaks for itself, whose presence adds value, and whose conduct inspires confidence.

Faith, Identity and Our Jamats & Dairas

While we aspire to excel in education, business, professions and public life, we must never lose sight of our faith and identity. Wherever you go, whatever field you work in, whatever business you pursue, and whichever position you attain in life, remain a practising Mehdavi and stay connected to our Jamats and Dairas.

Our professional achievements, social standing and material progress should never distance us from our spiritual roots. On the contrary, the more we progress in life, the more grounded we should remain in our faith and values.

Stay connected with your Jamaat, participate in the activities of your Daira, nurture relationships within the community and encourage the younger generation to remain connected with our heritage, culture, history and traditions.

Let our education make us knowledgeable, our professions make us capable, our businesses make us prosperous, and our faith keep us humble and righteous. We must learn to move forward in the world without moving away from our faith, our identity and our community.

Our connection with our Jamats and Dairas should not be limited to occasional gatherings or family events. It should be an integral part of our lives, helping us strengthen our spiritual foundation, preserve our traditions and maintain bonds across generations. Volunteer & contribute in the Jamat / Daira / Masjid activities irrespective of age / gender / position / social status in whatever means you can. 

From Individual Success to Nation Building

Our responsibilities do not end with our families or our community. We are an integral part of this great nation INDIA (or whichever country you belong to), and its progress is equally our responsibility. Nation building is not the responsibility of governments alone. It is a collective endeavour in which every citizen has a role to play. Read history to find out how our forefathers have contributed in their times, many historical accounts were not documented, but there is still hundreds of pages in the books of Indian history which honors the legacy and services of Mehdavis, we have been the king makers, warriors, writers, poets, teachers, strategists and officers of high ranks in the past. 

Likewise, we can contribute through education, employment generation, entrepreneurship, innovation, public service, social welfare, environmental conservation, scientific advancement and community development at present and in future across the globe.

A businessman who creates employment contributes to nation building. A teacher who shapes responsible citizens contributes to nation building. A doctor who serves patients with compassion contributes to nation building. An employee who performs his duties honestly contributes to nation building. Alhamdulillah, I personally know many of them who are playing there roles excellently.

A student who pursues knowledge with determination is preparing himself to contribute to the country's future.

Let us participate in every possible sphere of national development. Let us be visible through our achievements, respected for our character and remembered for our contributions.

We must also build bridges, nurture relationships and engage constructively with people from all walks of life. Our faith, values and identity should inspire us to become better human beings and responsible citizens.

Rather than isolating ourselves or remaining confined to familiar circles, let us widen our horizons, collaborate with institutions, participate in professional networks and contribute meaningfully to the larger society.

Our forefathers earned respect through their character and contributions. We must earn it through our knowledge, competence, integrity and service.

Where Are We Heading?

This is perhaps the most important question for every Mehdavi family, every parent, every student and every individual.

• Are we preparing our children for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow?
• Are we investing in their education and skills?
• Are we encouraging them to think independently, develop confidence and aspire for leadership?
• Are we building businesses that create employment and generate sustainable wealth?
• Are we becoming professionals who are respected for their competence and integrity?
• Are we contributing to society, or are we merely living within its boundaries?
• And when the next generation looks back at us, will they find a legacy worth following?

We must understand that history does not preserve the names of people merely because they belonged to a particular family or community. It remembers those who made a difference.

Our forefathers left us a legacy of dignity, faith, resilience and service. It is now our responsibility to build upon that foundation and create a legacy that future generations can take pride in.

Let us just not be satisfied with what our ancestors achieved. Let us use their achievements as inspiration to accomplish even greater things. Let every parent become a mentor to their children. Let every educated individual guide someone who needs direction. Let successful entrepreneurs support aspiring businesspeople. Let established professionals open doors for deserving youngsters. Let our community develop a culture of mentorship, collaboration, knowledge sharing and collective progress.

Most importantly, let us never allow material success to distance us from our faith, humility and moral responsibilities. Our ambitions must be high, but our feet must remain firmly grounded. Our efforts must be sincere, but our trust must always remain in Allah.

A Legacy Worth Passing On

The world is changing, and we must change with it, without losing the values that define us. Let us preserve our heritage, understand our history, strengthen our faith, educate our children, develop our skills and participate in the progress of our nation.

Let us be known as a community that values knowledge, respects hard work, honours commitments, conducts business ethically, excels professionally and serves humanity. Let us aspire to occupy positions of responsibility, not merely for status or recognition, but to make a meaningful difference. Let us become role models in our respective fields so that when someone speaks of a Mehdavi, the first things that come to mind are honesty, dignity, competence, trustworthiness, humility and excellence.

The question Fa Ayna Tadhhaboon? must remain before us as a constant reminder to reflect upon our direction.We know where we have come from. We must understand where we stand today. And we must consciously decide where we wish to go. The legacy of our forefathers is our inheritance, but the legacy we leave behind will be our responsibility.

Let us rise to that responsibility, remembering that our ultimate destination is not defined by worldly achievements alone, but by how we lived our lives, how we served humanity and how faithfully we followed the guidance of Allah.

A Word for the Kasibs – Earning with Faith and Responsibility

In Aqida Sharifa, authored by Hazrat Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir Siddiq-e-Vilayat (RZ), there is a particularly relevant section titled “A Word to Earners (Kasibs)”. Drawing from the teachings of Imam Mahdi Alaihis Salam, it outlines twelve limitations for those engaged in earning their livelihood.

The central message is profound: Earn your livelihood, but let your heart remain devoted to Allah. Depend on Allah, not merely on your earnings. Do not allow greed for wealth to govern your life. Observe congregational prayers, remain engaged in Zikrullah, uphold the commandments of the Qur'an, never utter falsehood, and ensure that your business and financial dealings remain within the bounds of Shariat.

The teachings also emphasise charity, payment of Ushr and Zakat, companionship with the Bandagan of Allah, and extending financial assistance to those in need. They remind earners that wealth is a responsibility and a means of service, not an end in itself.

This is a timeless lesson for every Mehdavia engaged in business, employment, trade or any other profession. We must strive for financial stability and professional success without becoming slaves to material possessions. Let our earnings be Halal, our dealings transparent, our commitments honoured and our hearts attached to Allah.

Be successful earners, but never let earning become the purpose of your existence. Earn with honesty, spend with responsibility, give with generosity and live with Tawakkul. 

The Role of Mehdavia Times

In this pursuit, Mehdavia Times Welfare Trust endeavours to be a small but meaningful platform for reflection, awareness and community engagement. Through sharing our history, heritage, values, achievements and contemporary thoughts, we hope to inspire our present generation and future generations to remain connected to their roots, pursue knowledge, uphold our traditions and contribute meaningfully to society. Our endeavour is not merely to remember our past, but to inspire a generation that can create a legacy worthy of being remembered. 

A Final Reflection from Surah At-Takwir

The verses that follow the question Fa Ayna Tadhhaboon? offer us a beautiful reminder and bring this reflection to its spiritual conclusion.

Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala says:

إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكْرٌ لِّلْعَالَمِينَ ۝٢٧

In huwa illā dhikrun lil-'ālamīn.

"Surely this Qur'an is only a reminder to the whole world." (81:27)

لِمَن شَاءَ مِنكُمْ أَن يَسْتَقِيمَ ۝٢٨

Liman shā'a minkum an yastaqīm.

"To whoever of you wills to take the Straight Way." (81:28)

وَمَا تَشَاءُونَ إِلَّا أَن يَشَاءَ اللَّهُ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ ۝٢٩

Wa mā tashā'ūna illā an yashā'a Allāhu Rabbul-'ālamīn.

"But you cannot will to do so, except by the Will of Allah, the Lord of all worlds." (81:29)

These verses remind us that the Qur'an is a message and a reminder for all humanity. The choice to seek the Straight Path and make sincere efforts towards it is presented to us, while the ultimate Will and guidance belong to Allah, the Lord of all worlds.

As we reflect upon our past, assess our present and plan for our future, let us remember that our worldly pursuits must always be guided by the principles of our faith.

Let us pursue knowledge, work with integrity, conduct our businesses honestly, serve our nation sincerely, remain connected to our Jamats and Dairas, and strive to become better human beings.

May our journey through this world bring us closer to Allah rather than take us away from Him.

A Dua

May Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala guide us towards the Straight Path, strengthen our Imaan, increase us in beneficial knowledge, grant us wisdom in our decisions and sincerity in our actions.

May He bless our children with knowledge, understanding, good character and the ability to excel in their chosen fields. May He make them successful in this world and grant them success in the Aakhirah.

May Allah grant us Halal provision and Barakah in our earnings, honesty in our businesses, excellence in our professions, sincerity in our service and trustworthiness in all our dealings.

May He enable us to uphold the dignity and values of our forefathers, preserve our heritage, strengthen our unity, remain steadfast in our faith, and guide us to become a source of goodness for our families, community, society and nation.

May He grant us the ability to serve humanity, stand for what is right, support those in need and leave behind a legacy of knowledge, piety, integrity and meaningful contributions.

May Allah protect our generations from ignorance, arrogance, dishonesty and misguidance, keep us connected to our Jamats and Dairas, and make them among those who bring honour to their faith, their families and their nation.

May Allah protect us, guide us, and lead us towards the Straight Path. Aameen Ya Rabbal Aalameen.

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Rabbana aatina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-aakhirati hasanatan wa qina azaaban-naar. Aameen

Let us come together, reconnect with our roots, empower our younger generation and turn this reflection into collective action for a stronger, educated and progressive Mehdavia community.

Jazak Allah Khair

Inayath Ulla Khan
Mehdavia Times Welfare Trust (R) 

Note: The Arabic verses and references have been aligned with Surah At-Takwir, verses 26–29. I have also retained the distinction between our worldly responsibilities and our ultimate accountability before Allah, which is the central thread connecting the entire article.