Lecture Notes on Stories and Beliefs Around Famous Figures

Introduction

• Gaus Azam Legend: Those who shook hands with Gaus Azam were believed to be spared from death.
• Common Theme: There's a prevalence of falsehoods in society, impacting even sacred places like mosques where speakers and clergy may spread these dubious stories.

False Claims in Religion

• Wuzu and Death: Claim that taking Gaus Pak's name without ablution (wuzu) would result in death or some form of harm. This is contrary to common Islamic belief and lacks evidence.
• Imam Abu Hanifa and Allama Tahir ul Qadri: Qadri claimed to have studied directly under Imam Abu Hanifa in dreams over excessive and changing periods (from 9 years to 1520 years).
• Junaid Baghdadi: A claim says he walked on water by chanting holy names and enabled others to do so through similar chants. Contrary to realistic Islamic teachings.
• Imaginary Dialogues: Unrealistic stories about physical dialogues with non-living entities like the moon asking permission from Gaus Pak before appearing.
• Sahaba Stories: Another false story about Hazrat Umar threatening the sun to dim its light.

Unrealistic Characters and Claims

• Phone Communication with Saints: Claims of direct phone conversations with deceased saints. Totally imaginary and unfounded.
• Origin of Cats: Myths propagated about how cats were created from a lion's sneeze during Noah’s time.
• Unfounded Religious Practices: Strange practices like altering the way of performing 'istinja' (cleaning after defecation) during fasting are unfounded in Islamic texts.

Summary of False Legends

• Physical Handshake of Gaus Azam: Claims of receiving life assurance by shaking hands with him.
• Contradicting Quran: False stories sometimes contradict the Quran. For instance, stating certain people could evade death contradicts the Quranic verse that everyone must taste death.
• Perpetuating False Legends: Such legends diminish the real teachings of religion and leverage people's blind faith and lack of critical thinking.

Conclusion

• Encourage critically examining such stories. Adherence to authentic religious texts and rational thinking over blind belief in propagated myths or legendary anecdotes should be promoted.
• Interaction Call: Engage audience for feedback to decide on future content.

Reflections

• Acknowledge the widespread nature of these myths and stories in religious discussions.
• Question the potential impact these stories might have on true religious understanding and practice.