Guest contributor Saajidah Malvinah takes a look at factors contributing to declining attendance at the ladies weekly programmes.

A few years ago when I attended the ta’aleem programme with my granny during the school holidays I noticed a few girls around my age would attend too. The numbers have dwindled since, with most attendees being elder or middle-aged women. My intention is not to go into political dimensions or into the hierarchy of Jamaat, which would explain and make people understand the tried-and-tested methodology employed by the Tabligh Jamaat. Rather, why is it when there is a youth programme or an A’lim giving a talk, then the attendance is higher? Most women who were posed the question proposed that the weekly ta’leem has lost touch with matters on the ground and that the ta’aleem is too monotonous.

Ta’aleem programmes are usually held weekly at one of the residents’ house, generally on a weekday morning wherein Fazaail-A’amaal is recited and the 6 points with encouragement toward Deen is extended. During months nearing Ramadaan or Hajj, Fazaile-Haj or Fazaile-Ramadaan is recited. Many masa’il relating to the above-mentioned topics are discussed in detail.

Lost touch?

The book from which the ta’aleem is read is authored by none other than the illustrious scholar Sheikh Zakariyya (r.a). His books have benefitted thousands of individuals in the last few decades globally. One can write volumes on his noble qualities, suffice to say that he passed away in Madinah and was buried in that noble city.

Fazaile-A’amaal is a rare book in the sense that such vast topics are covered and so well researched. In our time the Muslim ummah is gripped by many challenges – divorce, abuse, pornography, drugs etc. and the ordinary man is not equipped with the necessary skills to resolve these issues. He thus resorts to impermissible ways like gambling, stealing or drugs etc. There are other kitabs that could be included in the ta’aleem which will assist individuals with conflict management or turning to Allah through dua etc. We could even consider basic mas’alah regarding women’s haidh (monthly menses). I am not suggesting that the traditional kitabs be stopped for a moment, as basic issues like salaah, fasting etc need extensive and consistent covering. There are other books that can be included to assist in the upbringing of children and marital disputes etc.

Monotonous

Yes, the reader might have read the incident many a times or might be a bit shy but that should not deprive others of hearing the incident. At the same time, the tone of the person’s voice could change from suspense to pride to anger depending on the incident or Hadith narrated. Initially some people might giggle but our Nabi [saw] has mentioned: “Certainly actions are judged by their intentions” (Bukhari). People will then start listening to what is read thereby earning great rewards. My suggestion to the ones who are complaining — instead of being a mere complainer, start making a difference!

The above two reasons were the main reasons for declining interest in my opinion, although there are many underlying reasons for the ta’aleem numbers to dwindle. The ta’aleem does not require any drastic measures insofar as change or to be redeveloped. Little changes via adaptation, which will cause interest in all walks of people, not only the traditional Jamaat brothers’ wife to attend the program. It needs not be too innovative. For example: the ta’aleem can be at the local park with proper hijab rules fulfilled with a picnic for those who wish, or a ta’aleem at the weekend with a craft thereafter, or a course which one of the local ladies knows. Hazrat Moulana Yunus Patel (ra) said: “Do for Allah’s pleasure and He will give you from His treasure.”

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