Taken from Ashrafiya
Sayyidi wa sanadi Shaikh Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) said,
‘My respected father (Mufti Mohammad Shafi’,Allah have mercy on him) used to say in context of the Quranic verse:
[O you who believe, fear Allah, and be in the company of the truthful.]
In his tafsir Imam Razi (Allah have mercy on him) said that there is a prophecy in it for the future generation to come until the Day of Judgment.
The explanation is that it is our fundamental belief that the injunctions of Quran are to be followed in all environments and circumstances till the very last day. Then how is it possible that the Quran will order us to do something that is not possible. If the pious ceased to exist then how their company can be achieved. This proves that the truthful and pious (sadiqeen) will always exist so their company is available to achieve taqwa.
He further added that it may be possible that they are less in number and difficult to discover. However, this does not negate their existence. Just take the every day examples. These days corruption and contamination of food is rampant. It is difficult to find unadulterated common day items such as sugar and flour. In spite of this none of us have abandoned their use and settled for substandard alternatives. We actively search for places from where good quality stuff can be purchased.
Similarly, search actively for pious and inshaAllah you will find them.
However, do not set your standards very high. For people of our caliber pious individuals like Shaikh Junaid Baghdadi or Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani or Shaikh Moin ud Deen Chishti (Allah have mercy on them) are not essential. Our islah (spiritual reformation) can be effectively done by the pious present in our era.
Waaz, Ramadan 1432
Friday 30 December 2011
Monday 19 December 2011
The Sinister...'Far Away, Distant' Feeling
That ‘far away, distant' feeling is something that comes to us all every now and then. This is that feeling, where everything feels blurred and everything seems distant. It seems that everybody is getting on with something or the other and you seem to be standing still; it just feels that you are stuck in a time and place from which you can’t get out of! An example of this to a lower degree can be seen in a student who is sitting in an exam hall; he sees everybody around him doing something but his brain feels to blunt to think of something and his stomach begins to churn as he sees his time is running out.
The reality of this all is that different incidents in a person’s life can trigger of this feeling. Sometimes, an abundance of work and pressure could be the cause; at other stages panic and anxiety could be a reason. Sometimes desperation could settle into oneself and many times, all these factors come together to hit insaan for a six! He then becomes like that cricket ball which has been hit out of the stadium and is sitting outside in the car park all by itself, waiting for somebody to pick it up and bring it back to its rightful place (i.e. the pitch). Similarly, when life is moving so fast around us and we feel completely dazed, we too need someone to take us by the hand and put our hearts’ at ease.
This feeling is an emotion that comes to us regularly and perhaps more so as we grow up and less so as we reach an elderly age. As a person grows, his responsibilities increase and he finds himself juggling between those actions which he must do (whether he likes it or not) and those actions which he likes to do (as a hobby). During his life, he will find himself constantly balancing between the two. When a person starts taking too much on, he finds himself bewildered at the sheer pace of life. There seems to be too many things happening and too little time to analyse them all.
In some instances, an issue of great magnitude such as a person’s death is placed in front of us which totally sweeps our feet from beneath us. Another example could be of a person who is planning to get married; he may be preparing for months on end but as the time to tie the knot approaches, he begins to feel that there are many things which he hasn’t dealt with! In both situations, a person is left befuddled and perplexed.
And in some instances, a person can want to feel far away from everything! When a person constantly sees ‘snakes’ from amongst his dear ones and dark evil in his surroundings, one naturally wants to curl up into a ball and stay in one corner. Sometimes sadness comes to us in abundance and the only reprieve seems to be in the darkness of a silent room. Thus, the far away feeling occurs because a person doesn’t want to feel close to the action.
Finally, you have others who experience the far away feeling because they are quite simply potty! This is when a person is just to foolish to do what is good for himself and continues doing stupid things which prove to be a hindrance to his existence! An example I hear you say? Take the example of a person who wastes his life in a shisha cafe; everyday he wakes up, he does the same thing. He brushes his teeth, wears his jacket, takes money from his parents and follows his friends (who may also be potty) into a shisha cafe. He thereafter wastes pound after pound in buying drinks, coals, snacks etc. The most bizarre thing of all is that this very same person has a career defining exam the following day and he should be revising! As a result, he sits in the exam hall the next day and all he can do is squirm in his chair when he sees his classmates around him pencilling in their exam papers at speed.
So how can a person stop this feeling or get out of it? There are a variety of things he can do. Below are just a few:
May Allah Ta’ala grant us all aafiyat and make our hardships easy for us. Ameen, ya Rabbal ‘Aalameen.
The reality of this all is that different incidents in a person’s life can trigger of this feeling. Sometimes, an abundance of work and pressure could be the cause; at other stages panic and anxiety could be a reason. Sometimes desperation could settle into oneself and many times, all these factors come together to hit insaan for a six! He then becomes like that cricket ball which has been hit out of the stadium and is sitting outside in the car park all by itself, waiting for somebody to pick it up and bring it back to its rightful place (i.e. the pitch). Similarly, when life is moving so fast around us and we feel completely dazed, we too need someone to take us by the hand and put our hearts’ at ease.
This feeling is an emotion that comes to us regularly and perhaps more so as we grow up and less so as we reach an elderly age. As a person grows, his responsibilities increase and he finds himself juggling between those actions which he must do (whether he likes it or not) and those actions which he likes to do (as a hobby). During his life, he will find himself constantly balancing between the two. When a person starts taking too much on, he finds himself bewildered at the sheer pace of life. There seems to be too many things happening and too little time to analyse them all.
In some instances, an issue of great magnitude such as a person’s death is placed in front of us which totally sweeps our feet from beneath us. Another example could be of a person who is planning to get married; he may be preparing for months on end but as the time to tie the knot approaches, he begins to feel that there are many things which he hasn’t dealt with! In both situations, a person is left befuddled and perplexed.
And in some instances, a person can want to feel far away from everything! When a person constantly sees ‘snakes’ from amongst his dear ones and dark evil in his surroundings, one naturally wants to curl up into a ball and stay in one corner. Sometimes sadness comes to us in abundance and the only reprieve seems to be in the darkness of a silent room. Thus, the far away feeling occurs because a person doesn’t want to feel close to the action.
Finally, you have others who experience the far away feeling because they are quite simply potty! This is when a person is just to foolish to do what is good for himself and continues doing stupid things which prove to be a hindrance to his existence! An example I hear you say? Take the example of a person who wastes his life in a shisha cafe; everyday he wakes up, he does the same thing. He brushes his teeth, wears his jacket, takes money from his parents and follows his friends (who may also be potty) into a shisha cafe. He thereafter wastes pound after pound in buying drinks, coals, snacks etc. The most bizarre thing of all is that this very same person has a career defining exam the following day and he should be revising! As a result, he sits in the exam hall the next day and all he can do is squirm in his chair when he sees his classmates around him pencilling in their exam papers at speed.
So how can a person stop this feeling or get out of it? There are a variety of things he can do. Below are just a few:
- Stop feeling sorry for yourself – sometimes a person needs to slap himself (not literally) and pull his socks up. For how long will a person feel sorry about himself and watch the people around him be successful and not be a part of that success himself? A person must produce unyielding efforts to break away from the vicious cycle of self pity and sorrow.
- Grab hold of a good friend to help you – sometimes we can’t see how deep we are in a situation. At times we exaggerate our problems and at other times, we play matters which are of huge relevance down. When we have the ‘far away feeling’ we should confide this matter in a close, loving, knowledgeable friend. We should explain to him, “I need you to help me pick myself up and make use of my time.” This feeling can bring much sadness to a person which in turn brings a fatigued, lazy ethos. We need to tell our close friend, “When you see me wasting my life away, pull me together and slap me (literally)!”
- Get up and go – have some ‘get up and go’ about yourself. You may find that nobody can help you; that should not send you into a murky abyss. Rather, fortify your intentions and make something of yourself.
- Take the advices from the Qur’an and the Hadith - While the Qur’an cheers up a saddened soul, it also has great advices to push a person in the right direction. Similarly, the words of our Nabi salallahu alayhi wasallam have great blessings; he himself would say, ‘I am a source of peace for my companions’. Thus, if we engross ourselves by becoming his companions (i.e. by studying his words), his invigorating shadow will extend over us also.
- Make lots of dua – only Allah Ta’ala is the One who can take us out of the darkness we see before us. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an, “When My servants ask you about Me, then (tell them that) I am near. I respond to the call of one when he prays to Me; so they should respond to Me, and have faith in Me, so that they may be on the right path.” The court of Allah Ta’ala isn’t like a shop which has opening and closing hours; it is open all hours. The court of Allah Ta’ala is like that shop which has everything a person could need and more; he just needs to pre-order through his dua and Allah Ta’ala will send him what he requires. The postage, packaging and delivery depends on that person’s sincerity in his dua but when does eventually receives it, five star customer satisfaction is guaranteed!
May Allah Ta’ala grant us all aafiyat and make our hardships easy for us. Ameen, ya Rabbal ‘Aalameen.
Sunday 11 December 2011
Lessons from Hadith #7 - Speaking The Truth
انّي لا اقول إلاّ حقّا
“I do not say anything except the truth.” (Al Adab Al Mufrad)
“I do not say anything except the truth.” (Al Adab Al Mufrad)
Once the Prophet salallahu alayhi wasallam joked with the Companions radiallahu anhum. They were amazed that the Prophet salallahu alayhi wasallam was joking with him due to his lofty status so they enquired, “Ya Rasulullah! You make jokes with us?” It was then he replied, “I do not say anything except the truth.”
This hadith indicates towards speaking the truth even in joking. Many people engage themselves in joking which is not true just to make the other person laugh. This is a lie and should be abstained from; rather jokes can be funny as long as they are of a truthful nature. Some wish to be the joker among a group of people but while he is causing others pleasure by laughing, he is causing the displeasure of Allah to descend upon him.
From this hadith we also see the soft and playful nature of the Prophet salallahu alayhi wasallam. Many people feel that a practising person cannot be of a funny and joyful nature. Many people who are of a religious nature dislike to be of a jubilant nature and feel that they should always have a rigid, serious outlook about themselves. This could not be further away from the Sunnat of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam. It is mentioned in Shamail Tirmidhi on the authority of Abdullah ibn Haarith (may Allah be pleased with him), “I did not see anyone who smiled more than Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam.”
Wednesday 30 November 2011
When Desire Takes Over
When Desire Takes Over
Available at Azhar Academy & all good book shops!
Introductory offer: 15% off retail price. (£2.55) original price (£3.00)
An engaging book covering the pressing issue of illicit relationships, that are growing popular amongst Muslim youth. The author succesfully explores the deadly cocktail of sins that are prevalant in colleges and universities. He provides useful, practical solutions, enabling them firstly, to recognise what is harmful to them as students and more so as Muslims, and secondly, to courageously say 'no' to partaking from the cocktail's poisoned chalice.
Issues convered include love, lust, secret lovers and marriages, loneliness, infatuation etc.
"This book can be described as the "need of the times" as it highlights the harms of moral decadence. It provides a rare insight into the nature of the various forms of relationships and the disastrous consequences which then follow. It gives guidance to help a person abandon a life of sin and become a pious Muslim." - Sheikhul Hadith Maulana Abdur Rahim Sahib
Extract from Book: "....Many people are of a beautiful nature, great conduct and of religious insight, yet still they fall into the snares of Shayṭān. This is not because they are evil people or that they have bad hearts. It is quite simply down to the fact that they are lonely! As mentioned before, a person constantly needs a hand to hold, a pair of eyes to look into, and quite simply, a person to love. Many people can live without this partner until a certain age but as soon as they reach the limit, the mind becomes infatuated on having a partner.
Sunday 27 November 2011
Surat Yusuf Tafseer
UCLU ISLAMIC SOCIETY PRESENTS
ONE DAY INTENSIVE - TAFSEER OF SURAH YUSUF
SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2011
10AM-5PM
Shaykh Abdus-Subhan Dalvi (Graduate of Jamia Sirajul Uloom)
OR ALTERNATIVELY,
REGISTER TICKETS BY E-MAILING UCLU ISLAMIC SOCIETY: mail@uclisoc.com or d.sassa1@gmail.com
Tuesday 8 November 2011
Thursday 3 November 2011
Scribbling a Masterpiece
Hazrat Maulana Saleem Dhorat Sahib DB said,
“It is easy to fall prey to the deception of Shayṭān that we are performing much more worship than those around us. What we need to understand is that quantity is not everything.
Consider the example of a toddler who spends hours scribbling on a piece of paper. Even though the child has spent much time and effort, his writing is of no real value.
On the other hand, in five minutes of inspiration, a professional author is able to craft an article that goes on to become a masterpiece. The toddler however will not be able to understand the difference between his work and the work of the professional.
When it comes to practising Dīn we are also like toddlers in comparison to the pious servants of Allāh ta’ala whose short devotions are far greater than our lengthy devotions. This is why we think that we are performing so much. Shayṭān plays on this misconception and thus we do not reflect.
This is the reason why we need to spend time in the company of the pious. Through their company, we will begin to master the art of worship and ultimately, inshā’allāh, turn our scribbles into priceless gems.”
taken from Shaykh.org
“It is easy to fall prey to the deception of Shayṭān that we are performing much more worship than those around us. What we need to understand is that quantity is not everything.
Consider the example of a toddler who spends hours scribbling on a piece of paper. Even though the child has spent much time and effort, his writing is of no real value.
On the other hand, in five minutes of inspiration, a professional author is able to craft an article that goes on to become a masterpiece. The toddler however will not be able to understand the difference between his work and the work of the professional.
When it comes to practising Dīn we are also like toddlers in comparison to the pious servants of Allāh ta’ala whose short devotions are far greater than our lengthy devotions. This is why we think that we are performing so much. Shayṭān plays on this misconception and thus we do not reflect.
This is the reason why we need to spend time in the company of the pious. Through their company, we will begin to master the art of worship and ultimately, inshā’allāh, turn our scribbles into priceless gems.”
taken from Shaykh.org
Sunday 23 October 2011
Khidmah (service) of Deen
Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam has mentioned in a hadith, “Allah Ta’ala will strengthen His Deen, even if it be by the means of a sinful person.”
To be given the ni’mah and bounty of serving the Deen of Allah Ta’ala is not something which we should consider to be small. Nor should we consider those who are offering some sort of khidmah (service) to be small. Rather, these people are special as Allah Ta’ala has handpicked them to do good while He has left other people in misguidance and without an objective.
Sometimes we tend to gain some ‘ujb (self admiration) when we do some khidmah and we feel that we are superior to others. The reality is that this feeling of ‘ujb has made us less favourable unto Allah Ta’ala than that person who has sat out altogether. When Allah Ta’ala wants something to be done, He is in need of nobody; thus when we do receive the opportunity to help this religion in some way, we should take it as a great honour from Allah Ta’ala.
Many people are such that while doing khidmah, they may feel bored and fed up. This is a characteristic that man has within himself. He only feels interested in doing those things in which he will be given some type of material gain. When a person does khidmah of Deen, he doesn’t necessarily see this profit but by Allah, it is stored from him in the hereafter. One thing is to feel bored within your heart and while this is understandable, to openly make a face and sulk only reflects arrogance. Sometimes this can even be seen in those who consider themselves to be of a religious nature.
A person must ponder over the aforementioned hadith. If Allah Ta’ala wanted, He would flip the heart of a sinful person and take huge work of Deen from; and that person who was sulking and being patronising will be left stripped of all reward. Thus, when we are given an opportunity to do some khidmah, even though we may not like it, we should not moan and groan about it. This is just our nafs speaking and it is necessary to swallow this thought.
Verily, a minute in the service of Allah Ta’ala is not left ignored by Allah Ta’ala. Surely He deposits something for His slave and waits to give it to him at its appointed time. There are some bounties that we see in front of us in this life and there are others that we will ogle in amazement in the hereafter. It just requires us to pull our socks up and work with sincerity and humility.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the ability to do khidmah of Deen with patience, perseverance and humility. Ameen.
To be given the ni’mah and bounty of serving the Deen of Allah Ta’ala is not something which we should consider to be small. Nor should we consider those who are offering some sort of khidmah (service) to be small. Rather, these people are special as Allah Ta’ala has handpicked them to do good while He has left other people in misguidance and without an objective.
Sometimes we tend to gain some ‘ujb (self admiration) when we do some khidmah and we feel that we are superior to others. The reality is that this feeling of ‘ujb has made us less favourable unto Allah Ta’ala than that person who has sat out altogether. When Allah Ta’ala wants something to be done, He is in need of nobody; thus when we do receive the opportunity to help this religion in some way, we should take it as a great honour from Allah Ta’ala.
Many people are such that while doing khidmah, they may feel bored and fed up. This is a characteristic that man has within himself. He only feels interested in doing those things in which he will be given some type of material gain. When a person does khidmah of Deen, he doesn’t necessarily see this profit but by Allah, it is stored from him in the hereafter. One thing is to feel bored within your heart and while this is understandable, to openly make a face and sulk only reflects arrogance. Sometimes this can even be seen in those who consider themselves to be of a religious nature.
A person must ponder over the aforementioned hadith. If Allah Ta’ala wanted, He would flip the heart of a sinful person and take huge work of Deen from; and that person who was sulking and being patronising will be left stripped of all reward. Thus, when we are given an opportunity to do some khidmah, even though we may not like it, we should not moan and groan about it. This is just our nafs speaking and it is necessary to swallow this thought.
Verily, a minute in the service of Allah Ta’ala is not left ignored by Allah Ta’ala. Surely He deposits something for His slave and waits to give it to him at its appointed time. There are some bounties that we see in front of us in this life and there are others that we will ogle in amazement in the hereafter. It just requires us to pull our socks up and work with sincerity and humility.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the ability to do khidmah of Deen with patience, perseverance and humility. Ameen.
Sunday 9 October 2011
Glad Tidings For The One Who Is Ill
Illness is something which we quite simply have no control over. Depending on the severity of the illness, a person can range from being merely annoyed to utterly distraught. However, let there be glad tidings for that slave who falls ill as Allah Ta’ala uses this illness as an excuse so as to expiate the sins of His slave.
How amazing is it that Allah Ta’ala has given us something positive in something which we dislike. There are many such examples in our Deen where Allah Ta’ala has exalted our status through something which is normally perceived as being disliked and petty. For example, if a person was to prostrate to another man, this would be a complete and utter disgrace. It would show the weakness, frailty and feebleness in a person that he is taking his forehead and placing it at the feet of another person. This idea of lowering one’s head for another can seem quite disgraceful however we prostrate towards Allah Ta’ala by taking the most honoured place of our body (i.e. our forehead from where we thinks and understand) and we place it on the floor by which Allah Ta’ala honours us with Jannah. Allah Ta’ala has made honour for us in something which people would normally perceive as being wrong. In the same way, Allah Ta’ala has favoured us and honoured us even when we are ill. Being ill is something that we obviously do not like but even whilst being ill, our sins are wiped away and our rewards are increased.
Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “A Muslim does not encounter fatigue, tiredness, concern, sorrow, injury or grief, or even a thorn which pricks him without Allah expiating his errors for him by that." Subhanallah! Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam has mentioned several odd problems that could befall a Muslim and in every single one of them there is forgiveness from sins. The general idea here is that anything which displeases a Muslim is a source of mercy for him. Likewise, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam also said, “Affliction will continue to trouble the believers, men and women, in their bodies, their families and their property until they meet Allah Ta’ala purified of every wrong action."
Furthermore, illness is a sign of a person’s belief in Allah Ta’ala. Once, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was discussing illness when a person asked, “What is illness? For I swear by Allah, I have never been ill!” Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Leave us! For indeed you are not one of us!” This is said because Allah Ta’ala gives illness to a person in order to wipe away his sin. In a narration mentioned in Abu Dawud, it is indicated that when a slave does not have the ability to do good deeds which will enter him into Jannah, Allah Ta’ala afflicts him with some temporary sadness or illness through which his sins will be erased and his good deeds increased. As a result, he is entered into Jannah. Again, Allah Ta’ala is looking excuse to forgive us. Thus, if a person falls ill, he should praise Allah Ta’ala in his heart and be happy that he has some sign of Iman within him.
One a Bedouin came into the company of Rasulullah salalallahu alayhi wasallam; Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam asked, “'Has Umm Mildam (fever) got hold of you?” The Bedouin replied, “What is Umm Mildam?” Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “It is the heat between the skin and the flesh.' The Bedouin said, “No.” Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Have you got a headache?” “What is headache?” the Bedouin asked. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam replied, “It is wind which gets into the head and beats the veins.” The Bedouin replied, “No (I have not experienced this). When he stood up, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Whoever wants to look at a man who is one of the people of the Fire (i.e. let them look at that man.)”
In fact, on a side note, one hadith related in Tabrani, “Never does a Muslim get a headache except that Allah Ta’ala expiates his sin, writes for him rewards and elevates his rank.”
The bottom line here is that we should always ask Allah Ta’ala for security in our life. We should always make the dua, “O Allah, I ask you for forgiveness and security, in my religion, worldly life and hereafter.” Likewise, “O Allah, I ask you for to safe-keep my ears, my eyes and my body.” We should not hope for illness, rather we should take its coming as a sign of forgiveness from Allah Ta’ala.
Finally, my eyes fell over a nice piece on visiting the sick person written by Sheikh Fadhl ullahi Al-Jeelaani in his commentary Fadhl Allahi As-Samad fi Towdeehi Al-Adab Al Mufrad. If we visit a sick person, we should try to adhere to the following 10 points:
1. He does not face the door directly when asking for permission to enter. (i.e. he is not trying to be nosy and see what is going on inside).
2. He opens and closes the door softly. (i.e. He doesn’t start banging doors and disturbing people.)
3. He does not try to remain anonymous. (i.e. When a person is asked, “Who is it?” he doesn’t respond by saying, “Me!”. This brings no clarity and is a source of annoyance to the sick person as well as those around him).
4. He should not come at an inappropriate time. (i.e. he should not come when it is obvious the sick person needs feeding etc).
5. He should not sit for too long except when it pleases the sick person. (i.e. sometimes, people overstay their visit and this over burdens the sick person but he may feel too shy to say anything. He may need some rest in order to preserve his energy but sometimes, useless chatter diminishes this. However, the case of a person who pleases the heart is different. Generally, when the beloved is near, the heart forgets all of it's sorrows. On a side note, I remember one brief story of Layla & Majnoo. Majnoo was so infatuated on Layla that news of this came to the Qadhi (judge) who immediately stipulated 100 lashes (whipping, pitai) for Majnoo. As a result, Majnoo was hit 100 times but to the amazement of the people, he did not let out a single yell. It was as if he was in a trance; however, when he was hit with the last lash, he let out an almighty yell! The people were amazed and thus asked him, "You received 99 lashes and did not utter even whimper but on the 100th lash, you screamed so loud?! Why is this?!" He replied, "My beloved Layla was watching me from her balcony and I was looking at her. Whilst she was there, I was lost in her and so I did not feel any pain; on the 99th whip, she turned and left as the punishment was to end. When she left, I came back to reality." Thus, it is always nice to have the beloved visit when one is sick.)
6. He should lower his gaze from the sick person (i.e. if the person has some apparent illness on the body, the visitor should not fix his eyes upon it as if to show some shock. :-| <-- like that)
7. He should not question the sick person excessively. (i.e. this can become tiresome).
8. He should show sympathy. (i.e. sympathy shows softness and care).
9. He should make sincere dua.
10. He should give him some words of encouragement so it strengthens the ill person’s resolve. (i.e. many people go and visit the sick people and instead of giving them encouragement, they say, “Oh dear! You look terrible!” This doesn’t do any good to the moral of the ill person; rather it convinces him that he is in a truly poor state. This in effect gives a huge psychological blow to the ill person and at times can break his resolve. Thus we should give words of encouragement to build the resolve of the sick person).
May Allah Ta’ala give us all good health. Ameen.
How amazing is it that Allah Ta’ala has given us something positive in something which we dislike. There are many such examples in our Deen where Allah Ta’ala has exalted our status through something which is normally perceived as being disliked and petty. For example, if a person was to prostrate to another man, this would be a complete and utter disgrace. It would show the weakness, frailty and feebleness in a person that he is taking his forehead and placing it at the feet of another person. This idea of lowering one’s head for another can seem quite disgraceful however we prostrate towards Allah Ta’ala by taking the most honoured place of our body (i.e. our forehead from where we thinks and understand) and we place it on the floor by which Allah Ta’ala honours us with Jannah. Allah Ta’ala has made honour for us in something which people would normally perceive as being wrong. In the same way, Allah Ta’ala has favoured us and honoured us even when we are ill. Being ill is something that we obviously do not like but even whilst being ill, our sins are wiped away and our rewards are increased.
Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “A Muslim does not encounter fatigue, tiredness, concern, sorrow, injury or grief, or even a thorn which pricks him without Allah expiating his errors for him by that." Subhanallah! Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam has mentioned several odd problems that could befall a Muslim and in every single one of them there is forgiveness from sins. The general idea here is that anything which displeases a Muslim is a source of mercy for him. Likewise, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam also said, “Affliction will continue to trouble the believers, men and women, in their bodies, their families and their property until they meet Allah Ta’ala purified of every wrong action."
Furthermore, illness is a sign of a person’s belief in Allah Ta’ala. Once, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was discussing illness when a person asked, “What is illness? For I swear by Allah, I have never been ill!” Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Leave us! For indeed you are not one of us!” This is said because Allah Ta’ala gives illness to a person in order to wipe away his sin. In a narration mentioned in Abu Dawud, it is indicated that when a slave does not have the ability to do good deeds which will enter him into Jannah, Allah Ta’ala afflicts him with some temporary sadness or illness through which his sins will be erased and his good deeds increased. As a result, he is entered into Jannah. Again, Allah Ta’ala is looking excuse to forgive us. Thus, if a person falls ill, he should praise Allah Ta’ala in his heart and be happy that he has some sign of Iman within him.
One a Bedouin came into the company of Rasulullah salalallahu alayhi wasallam; Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam asked, “'Has Umm Mildam (fever) got hold of you?” The Bedouin replied, “What is Umm Mildam?” Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “It is the heat between the skin and the flesh.' The Bedouin said, “No.” Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Have you got a headache?” “What is headache?” the Bedouin asked. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam replied, “It is wind which gets into the head and beats the veins.” The Bedouin replied, “No (I have not experienced this). When he stood up, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Whoever wants to look at a man who is one of the people of the Fire (i.e. let them look at that man.)”
In fact, on a side note, one hadith related in Tabrani, “Never does a Muslim get a headache except that Allah Ta’ala expiates his sin, writes for him rewards and elevates his rank.”
The bottom line here is that we should always ask Allah Ta’ala for security in our life. We should always make the dua, “O Allah, I ask you for forgiveness and security, in my religion, worldly life and hereafter.” Likewise, “O Allah, I ask you for to safe-keep my ears, my eyes and my body.” We should not hope for illness, rather we should take its coming as a sign of forgiveness from Allah Ta’ala.
Finally, my eyes fell over a nice piece on visiting the sick person written by Sheikh Fadhl ullahi Al-Jeelaani in his commentary Fadhl Allahi As-Samad fi Towdeehi Al-Adab Al Mufrad. If we visit a sick person, we should try to adhere to the following 10 points:
1. He does not face the door directly when asking for permission to enter. (i.e. he is not trying to be nosy and see what is going on inside).
2. He opens and closes the door softly. (i.e. He doesn’t start banging doors and disturbing people.)
3. He does not try to remain anonymous. (i.e. When a person is asked, “Who is it?” he doesn’t respond by saying, “Me!”. This brings no clarity and is a source of annoyance to the sick person as well as those around him).
4. He should not come at an inappropriate time. (i.e. he should not come when it is obvious the sick person needs feeding etc).
5. He should not sit for too long except when it pleases the sick person. (i.e. sometimes, people overstay their visit and this over burdens the sick person but he may feel too shy to say anything. He may need some rest in order to preserve his energy but sometimes, useless chatter diminishes this. However, the case of a person who pleases the heart is different. Generally, when the beloved is near, the heart forgets all of it's sorrows. On a side note, I remember one brief story of Layla & Majnoo. Majnoo was so infatuated on Layla that news of this came to the Qadhi (judge) who immediately stipulated 100 lashes (whipping, pitai) for Majnoo. As a result, Majnoo was hit 100 times but to the amazement of the people, he did not let out a single yell. It was as if he was in a trance; however, when he was hit with the last lash, he let out an almighty yell! The people were amazed and thus asked him, "You received 99 lashes and did not utter even whimper but on the 100th lash, you screamed so loud?! Why is this?!" He replied, "My beloved Layla was watching me from her balcony and I was looking at her. Whilst she was there, I was lost in her and so I did not feel any pain; on the 99th whip, she turned and left as the punishment was to end. When she left, I came back to reality." Thus, it is always nice to have the beloved visit when one is sick.)
6. He should lower his gaze from the sick person (i.e. if the person has some apparent illness on the body, the visitor should not fix his eyes upon it as if to show some shock. :-| <-- like that)
7. He should not question the sick person excessively. (i.e. this can become tiresome).
8. He should show sympathy. (i.e. sympathy shows softness and care).
9. He should make sincere dua.
10. He should give him some words of encouragement so it strengthens the ill person’s resolve. (i.e. many people go and visit the sick people and instead of giving them encouragement, they say, “Oh dear! You look terrible!” This doesn’t do any good to the moral of the ill person; rather it convinces him that he is in a truly poor state. This in effect gives a huge psychological blow to the ill person and at times can break his resolve. Thus we should give words of encouragement to build the resolve of the sick person).
May Allah Ta’ala give us all good health. Ameen.
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Being Gentle...like a butterfly
The idea of being a stoned face, mysterious individual with a sense of firmness sounds appealing to some; when this type of character exudes from a person, a sense of dominance can emanate from within the heart. This eventually leads one to become ill mannered and arrogant which in turn changes a person into a prideful being. As a result, this firmness which seemed to be awe inspiring has now taken a person to the banks of Jahannam. It is for this reason that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, "Harshness does not exist in something except that it makes it repulsive. Indeed Allah is compassionate and He love compassion.”
Unfortunately, we live in very rough society; such an environment has almost nurtured us to be hostile naturally. I understood this perfectly when I recently went to Madinah. I had left the hotel to go to the Prophet’s salallahu alayhi wasallam Mosque for Iftar when a brother suddenly grabbed my arm 20 meters away from the mosque. I instantly took him to be a trouble maker but I soon realised he was actually calling me to sit and break my fast with him. I watched him and found his courteous behaviour to be ever so pleasant. I then began to question myself as to why I had been so firm with him. I realised that it was the society that I had come from which told me to be defensive and sceptical as opposed to being gentle and friendly.
The sunnah or Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam teaches us differently. It teaches us to be gentle and soft to every living and lifeless thing. During the battle of Uhud, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam commanded the archers to remain on a hill close to the battle until the war was won. Due to a misunderstanding, they left their positions which resulted in the death of 70 companions. However, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was not harsh to them, nor was he aggressive. Rather, he was understanding and sympathetic; he accepted their reasons and pardoned them. He himself states in one hadith, “Forgive right-acting people for their mistakes.” Such behaviour brought about the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and He notably mentions in the Qur’an,
Softness is truly a characteristic which we must inculcate into our life. However, this does not mean that we become naive. If we live in such a place where there is much trickery and deceit, then it is not an act of piety to be forbearing. On the other hand, this is foolishness as a person is asking to be hoaxed.
Being gentle should be within us naturally. When a person is gentle, it beautifies him as a person and also wins the heart of people. Rasulullah salalallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Softness does not exist in anything except that it beautifies it.” However, in order to bring this characteristic within ourselves, we must aim to become tolerant. A person can only learn to forgive and be soft to others once he has subdued his nafs to such an extent that he does not become angry at petty things. When a person is able to blow away his annoyance, signs of compassion may then prevail in him.
Showing kindness to animals is enough for Allah Ta’ala to forgive a person. Imam Bukhari rahimahullah relates a narration in which a person fed a thirsty, ailing dog water which cured him. As a result, Allah Ta’ala forgave his sins. On the other hand, the hadith that Imam Bukhari rahimahullah brings thereafter shows the state of a woman who treated her pet so poorly that it was completely malnourished. As a result of her hard heartedness, Allah Ta’ala entered her into the fire. If this is the case with regards to animals, then what can be said for humans and especially our Muslim brothers and sisters?
There are some misinformed people who try to use Hadhrat Umar radiallahu anhu as their justification to being harsh. Such people quite simply do not know who Hadhrat Umar radiallahu anhu was. He was a soft, loving, caring man who shed tears for the sake of this Ummah. Such people who claim that he was harsh and stern know very little of him. His firmness was to those who had disobeyed Allah Ta’ala and caused pain to the Muslimeen but besides that, he was merciful to the believers as well as the non believers. Many narrations can be put forth of his softness. Let it be remembered, that he was a person about whom people used to say prior to his acceptance of Islam, “There is more chance of Umar’s donkey accepting Islam!” However, his heart was thereafter nurtured by the one who has been titled as the Mercy to Mankind; surely then, such characteristics would have been found in him also. Finally, I conclude with the hadith:
"Whoever has been given his portion of compassion has been given his portion of good. Whoever is denied being given his portion of compassion has been denied his portion of good. Good character will be the weightiest thing in the believer's balance on the Day of Rising. Allah hates a coarse, foul-mouthed person."
May Allah Ta'ala bless us with such characteristics. Ameen.
Unfortunately, we live in very rough society; such an environment has almost nurtured us to be hostile naturally. I understood this perfectly when I recently went to Madinah. I had left the hotel to go to the Prophet’s salallahu alayhi wasallam Mosque for Iftar when a brother suddenly grabbed my arm 20 meters away from the mosque. I instantly took him to be a trouble maker but I soon realised he was actually calling me to sit and break my fast with him. I watched him and found his courteous behaviour to be ever so pleasant. I then began to question myself as to why I had been so firm with him. I realised that it was the society that I had come from which told me to be defensive and sceptical as opposed to being gentle and friendly.
The sunnah or Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam teaches us differently. It teaches us to be gentle and soft to every living and lifeless thing. During the battle of Uhud, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam commanded the archers to remain on a hill close to the battle until the war was won. Due to a misunderstanding, they left their positions which resulted in the death of 70 companions. However, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was not harsh to them, nor was he aggressive. Rather, he was understanding and sympathetic; he accepted their reasons and pardoned them. He himself states in one hadith, “Forgive right-acting people for their mistakes.” Such behaviour brought about the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and He notably mentions in the Qur’an,
“It was a mercy of Allah that you were soft and gentle with them. If you were rude, harsh, hard hearted, then they would have fled away from you. Pardon them, seek forgiveness from Allah for them and in future, consult them in the matter”
Softness is truly a characteristic which we must inculcate into our life. However, this does not mean that we become naive. If we live in such a place where there is much trickery and deceit, then it is not an act of piety to be forbearing. On the other hand, this is foolishness as a person is asking to be hoaxed.
Being gentle should be within us naturally. When a person is gentle, it beautifies him as a person and also wins the heart of people. Rasulullah salalallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Softness does not exist in anything except that it beautifies it.” However, in order to bring this characteristic within ourselves, we must aim to become tolerant. A person can only learn to forgive and be soft to others once he has subdued his nafs to such an extent that he does not become angry at petty things. When a person is able to blow away his annoyance, signs of compassion may then prevail in him.
Showing kindness to animals is enough for Allah Ta’ala to forgive a person. Imam Bukhari rahimahullah relates a narration in which a person fed a thirsty, ailing dog water which cured him. As a result, Allah Ta’ala forgave his sins. On the other hand, the hadith that Imam Bukhari rahimahullah brings thereafter shows the state of a woman who treated her pet so poorly that it was completely malnourished. As a result of her hard heartedness, Allah Ta’ala entered her into the fire. If this is the case with regards to animals, then what can be said for humans and especially our Muslim brothers and sisters?
There are some misinformed people who try to use Hadhrat Umar radiallahu anhu as their justification to being harsh. Such people quite simply do not know who Hadhrat Umar radiallahu anhu was. He was a soft, loving, caring man who shed tears for the sake of this Ummah. Such people who claim that he was harsh and stern know very little of him. His firmness was to those who had disobeyed Allah Ta’ala and caused pain to the Muslimeen but besides that, he was merciful to the believers as well as the non believers. Many narrations can be put forth of his softness. Let it be remembered, that he was a person about whom people used to say prior to his acceptance of Islam, “There is more chance of Umar’s donkey accepting Islam!” However, his heart was thereafter nurtured by the one who has been titled as the Mercy to Mankind; surely then, such characteristics would have been found in him also. Finally, I conclude with the hadith:
"Whoever has been given his portion of compassion has been given his portion of good. Whoever is denied being given his portion of compassion has been denied his portion of good. Good character will be the weightiest thing in the believer's balance on the Day of Rising. Allah hates a coarse, foul-mouthed person."
May Allah Ta'ala bless us with such characteristics. Ameen.
Friday 23 September 2011
Post Ramadhan Effort
Taken from Ashrafiya
For development and maintenance of reverence of God (taqwa) in our post-Ramadan life sayyidi wa sanadi Shaikh Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) said,
1.Leave sinful activities:
Be strict on holding your lower (nafsani) desires. Make a firm determination. Do not yield to these sinful desires easily. These desires and Satan are our two arch enemies.
2. Change the thought pattern.
The mind is constantly occupied with thoughts. There is no gap or vacuum in this process. These thoughts are either of worldly matters or useless issues or sinful activities. It is essential to intervene and develop a spiritually healthy though pattern. We have to actively think about hereafter, heavens, thankfulness of Allah for the innumerable bounties and blessings bestowed upon us, asking refuge for anticipated calamities, repenting from sinful activities, etc.
3. Adopt pious company
This is the most effective way to achieve the change of thought pattern. It leads to absorption, assimilation and implementation of the Divine teachings in our life. Without the company of the the pious the Deen remains limited to superficial level.
4. Make remembrance of Allah
Set up a daily routine of making remembrance of Allah. There are three categories of remembrance of Allah. First is that it is done with the tongue without presence of mind. Second is when tongue is silent and there is mindfulness. Finally, when both tongue and mind are making the remembrance together. Do not under evaluate even the first category. It is a stepping stone for the rest of the categories. Moreover, with consistency it eventually engulfs the mind also.
Make a daily time table for this. The daily activities done in an organised method creates barakah in time. More things are done in the same period of time. Include in it these four things, recitation of Holy Quran atleast two pages daily, durood, third kalima and istegfar. Fix a specific time for them. In other times recite whatever form of remembrance comes to mind.
The remembrance of Allah (dhikr) is a form of energy and power. It assists in development of determination to fight the lower desires.
5. Make supplication (dua)
Set a specific time for this. Like prior to sleeping, after esha. For few minutes sit and supplicate.
Say, ‘O Allah I want to follow the path You are pleased with. I want to control my thoughts, aspirations and desires as per Your desires. You have repeatedly instructed us in the Holy Quran to do so. How can I do it? I am weak. My determination and effort are feeble. Provide from Your benevolence and mercy the determination, power and motivation so I can control my desires and make them totally subservient to Your commands.’
Make this supplication daily without any gap. It is impossible that Allah will reject this supplication indeed.
29th Ramadan 1432/30th August 2011, Darul Uloom masjid, after duhur bayan.
Thursday 15 September 2011
Wednesday 7 September 2011
The Importance of Du'a
By Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah
Source: Islamic Dawah Academy
Du'ã is asking Allah for help or for the fulfilment of a particular need. It expresses a slave's helplessness and dependence on Allah, the All-Powerful and Merciful. It is the channel through which one gets directly in touch with one's Creator.
The purpose of man's creation is worship and according to a Hadeeth, 'Du'ã is the essence of worship'. (Tirmizi) And according to another Hadeeth, 'Du'ã is the worship'. (Tirmizi)
Just as Salãh, Sawm, Zakãh, Hajj etc. are acts of worship, du'ã too is an act of worship. Therefore just as one takes out time to pray Salãh or to recite the Qur'ãn or make zikr, similarly, according equal importance to du'ã, one should also take out sufficient time for the sake of du'ã.
The objective behind every act of worship is the Recognition of Allah as the Creator and the All-Powerful, and that one acts according to His Will and not as one likes. A Servant of Allah accepts his weaknesses and recognises his need for Allah. Out of all devotions, this humbleness and total submission is best expressed in du'ã. Furthermore, other acts of worship can become a source of pride whilst du'ã is an act which is usually free from any trace of pride.
Nowadays, du'ã has become a mere ritual. It has become a routine practice which one is accustomed to perform at certain times of the day. People raise their hands for a few moments at the time of du'ã, uttering a few words, some consciously, and some without even realising what they are asking for.
Today hardly anybody resorts to du'ã for solutions to their problems. For most people du'ã is a devotion which is the most difficult to practise. Even at the blessed places and in the blessed moments, a short while occupied by du'ãs will seem like hours. By and large, we find that the engagement in Salãh or the recitation of the Qur'ãn is relatively easier than making du'ã. This only reflects our distance from the Being of Allah, as du'ã is the only act of worship which provides us with the opportunity to communicate with Allah in the manner we wish. Lack of concentration in this act of worship shows that the performance of other acts of worship are also customary and superficial, and lacking the true essence. If we truly enjoyed the Proximity of Allah, we would inevitably have found enjoyment in confiding in Him and beseeching Him. We would have always felt an eagerness to turn to Him, in open and in solitude.
Many of us make du'ã half-heartedly, not convinced whether our demands will be answered or not. We should know that Allah always answers the du'ãs of people. However, it may not always seem so and many people, failing to experience the effects immediately, begin to feel dejected and put off. This, however, should not be the case, as Allah, the All-Hearing, undoubtedly hears and accepts the supplications of people, only that the du'ãs of some are answered immediately, whilst those of others are deferred for their own benefit.
One should keep in mind that the acceptance of du'ãs also depends on the expectations of a person. Allah deals with people in accordance with what they expect of Him. In one Hadeeth, the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam has related the following Statement of Allah: 'I treat my servant as he expects of me…' (Bukhãri, Muslim)
The Ahãdeeth also tell us that du'ãs (provided that their requisites have been fulfilled) are accepted invariably, but their acceptance is manifested in either of the three below-mentioned ways: Sometimes, Allah immediately answers them and blesses the seekers with what they have asked for; sometimes He substitutes what they have asked for with something that in His Knowledge was better for them; or alternatively, through the blessings of the du'ã, He removes an impending calamity that was to befall them. At times, neither of the above may transpire, but on such occasions, the du'ã is treasured for the Hereafter. These unanswered du'ãs will bear so much reward that a person, on the Day of Qiyãmah, will wish that none of his du'ãs were accepted in the world. (Kanzul 'Ummãl)
Abstaining from harãm (clothing, food, income, etc.) is another essential requisite for the acceptance of du'ã. The Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam once made mention of a person who travels widely, his hair dishevelled and covered with dust. He lifts his hands towards the sky (and thus makes the supplication): "O Lord, O Lord," then the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "But his diet is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothes are unlawful and his nourishment is unlawful. How then can his supplication be accepted?" (Muslim)
By keeping the following few points in mind concerning du'ã, inshã'allah, one will benefit greatly. Firstly one should remember that du'ã is an act of worship and should be given an independent status of its own. It should not remain a mere ritual.
Secondly, one should make du'ã after performing all good deeds such as Salãh, recitation of Qur'ãn, zikr etc., and also fix a specific time especially for du'ã. In du'ã, one should adopt humility and ensure that one understands what is being asked. The time spent in du'ã should be gradually lengthened. In the initial stages, the same du'ãs can be repeated over and over, and in the meantime more and more du'ãs should be memorised. An effort should be made to learn those du'ãs in particular which encompass the general need of all the Muslims.
Thirdly, when making du'ã, a person should have a firm faith that he is asking from Allah the All-Powerful, and He is able to fulfil every need of ours. The chances of being cured from a fatal illness, for instance, may seem remote but it should be believed from the depths of the heart that Allah is able to cure any illness if He so wished. Dr. 'Abdul Hay 'Ãrifi rahmatullahi alayh (a renowned saint) used to say, 'Does there exist any problem that cannot be solved through du'ã?', and then he would say 'How can there, when du'ã is a request made to Allah for the removal of problems and there is no problem on earth whose removal is beyond His ability.'
One should ask Allah for both worldly needs and those of the Hereafter. Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam has instructed us to ask Allah for all our needs, however petty they may seem to be. He sallalahu alayhi wasallam mentioned that even if a person's shoelaces break, he should ask Allah before embarking to obtain new ones.
Finally, one should not ask for anything unlawful. Many young people do not realise this and by asking for impermissible things incur the displeasure of Allah.
May Allah give us all the tawfeeq to turn to Him for all our needs and may He fulfil all our lawful needs of this world and the Hereafter. Ãmeen
Source: Islamic Dawah Academy
Du'ã is asking Allah for help or for the fulfilment of a particular need. It expresses a slave's helplessness and dependence on Allah, the All-Powerful and Merciful. It is the channel through which one gets directly in touch with one's Creator.
The purpose of man's creation is worship and according to a Hadeeth, 'Du'ã is the essence of worship'. (Tirmizi) And according to another Hadeeth, 'Du'ã is the worship'. (Tirmizi)
Just as Salãh, Sawm, Zakãh, Hajj etc. are acts of worship, du'ã too is an act of worship. Therefore just as one takes out time to pray Salãh or to recite the Qur'ãn or make zikr, similarly, according equal importance to du'ã, one should also take out sufficient time for the sake of du'ã.
The objective behind every act of worship is the Recognition of Allah as the Creator and the All-Powerful, and that one acts according to His Will and not as one likes. A Servant of Allah accepts his weaknesses and recognises his need for Allah. Out of all devotions, this humbleness and total submission is best expressed in du'ã. Furthermore, other acts of worship can become a source of pride whilst du'ã is an act which is usually free from any trace of pride.
Nowadays, du'ã has become a mere ritual. It has become a routine practice which one is accustomed to perform at certain times of the day. People raise their hands for a few moments at the time of du'ã, uttering a few words, some consciously, and some without even realising what they are asking for.
Today hardly anybody resorts to du'ã for solutions to their problems. For most people du'ã is a devotion which is the most difficult to practise. Even at the blessed places and in the blessed moments, a short while occupied by du'ãs will seem like hours. By and large, we find that the engagement in Salãh or the recitation of the Qur'ãn is relatively easier than making du'ã. This only reflects our distance from the Being of Allah, as du'ã is the only act of worship which provides us with the opportunity to communicate with Allah in the manner we wish. Lack of concentration in this act of worship shows that the performance of other acts of worship are also customary and superficial, and lacking the true essence. If we truly enjoyed the Proximity of Allah, we would inevitably have found enjoyment in confiding in Him and beseeching Him. We would have always felt an eagerness to turn to Him, in open and in solitude.
Many of us make du'ã half-heartedly, not convinced whether our demands will be answered or not. We should know that Allah always answers the du'ãs of people. However, it may not always seem so and many people, failing to experience the effects immediately, begin to feel dejected and put off. This, however, should not be the case, as Allah, the All-Hearing, undoubtedly hears and accepts the supplications of people, only that the du'ãs of some are answered immediately, whilst those of others are deferred for their own benefit.
One should keep in mind that the acceptance of du'ãs also depends on the expectations of a person. Allah deals with people in accordance with what they expect of Him. In one Hadeeth, the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam has related the following Statement of Allah: 'I treat my servant as he expects of me…' (Bukhãri, Muslim)
The Ahãdeeth also tell us that du'ãs (provided that their requisites have been fulfilled) are accepted invariably, but their acceptance is manifested in either of the three below-mentioned ways: Sometimes, Allah immediately answers them and blesses the seekers with what they have asked for; sometimes He substitutes what they have asked for with something that in His Knowledge was better for them; or alternatively, through the blessings of the du'ã, He removes an impending calamity that was to befall them. At times, neither of the above may transpire, but on such occasions, the du'ã is treasured for the Hereafter. These unanswered du'ãs will bear so much reward that a person, on the Day of Qiyãmah, will wish that none of his du'ãs were accepted in the world. (Kanzul 'Ummãl)
Abstaining from harãm (clothing, food, income, etc.) is another essential requisite for the acceptance of du'ã. The Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam once made mention of a person who travels widely, his hair dishevelled and covered with dust. He lifts his hands towards the sky (and thus makes the supplication): "O Lord, O Lord," then the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "But his diet is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothes are unlawful and his nourishment is unlawful. How then can his supplication be accepted?" (Muslim)
By keeping the following few points in mind concerning du'ã, inshã'allah, one will benefit greatly. Firstly one should remember that du'ã is an act of worship and should be given an independent status of its own. It should not remain a mere ritual.
Secondly, one should make du'ã after performing all good deeds such as Salãh, recitation of Qur'ãn, zikr etc., and also fix a specific time especially for du'ã. In du'ã, one should adopt humility and ensure that one understands what is being asked. The time spent in du'ã should be gradually lengthened. In the initial stages, the same du'ãs can be repeated over and over, and in the meantime more and more du'ãs should be memorised. An effort should be made to learn those du'ãs in particular which encompass the general need of all the Muslims.
Thirdly, when making du'ã, a person should have a firm faith that he is asking from Allah the All-Powerful, and He is able to fulfil every need of ours. The chances of being cured from a fatal illness, for instance, may seem remote but it should be believed from the depths of the heart that Allah is able to cure any illness if He so wished. Dr. 'Abdul Hay 'Ãrifi rahmatullahi alayh (a renowned saint) used to say, 'Does there exist any problem that cannot be solved through du'ã?', and then he would say 'How can there, when du'ã is a request made to Allah for the removal of problems and there is no problem on earth whose removal is beyond His ability.'
One should ask Allah for both worldly needs and those of the Hereafter. Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam has instructed us to ask Allah for all our needs, however petty they may seem to be. He sallalahu alayhi wasallam mentioned that even if a person's shoelaces break, he should ask Allah before embarking to obtain new ones.
Finally, one should not ask for anything unlawful. Many young people do not realise this and by asking for impermissible things incur the displeasure of Allah.
May Allah give us all the tawfeeq to turn to Him for all our needs and may He fulfil all our lawful needs of this world and the Hereafter. Ãmeen
Thursday 1 September 2011
Wednesday 17 August 2011
7 Tips to Control Our Appetites in Ramadan
the following has been written by Naiyerah Kolkailah
It’s time to break your fast. Isn’t it a wonderful feeling? Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace and blessing be upon him) says, “The fasting person experiences two joys: one when he breaks his fast, and one when he meets His Lord” (Muslim). That first joy is something we can all attest to. Especially with the long, 16 hour fast, it feels great to finally quench your thirst and get some satisfying food in your tummy. Ok, well, some might not be the right word. For many of us, when sunset rolls around, we eat like there’s no tomorrow. Or, should I say, to stock up for tomorrow? Whatever the reason – being tempted by delicious food, compensating for feeling deprived during the day, storing energy for the next day’s fast, or just plain old social eating – we struggle repeatedly with over-eating at iftar time.
Subhan’Allah (Glory to God), the Prophet ﷺ said: “The worst container to be filled to its utmost capacity is the stomach. It is enough for people to eat what will suffice to keep them standing, but if that is not attainable, then one third for food, one third for drink, and one third empty for air” (Tirmidhi). Most of us know the Prophet’s Sunnah (practice), but how many of us continue to eat until we’re 5/3rds full, to the point where we can’t breathe and feel uncomfortably stuffed, lethargic, sleepy, and not as energized for prayer and worship as before we broke our fast? It’s amazing how we can practice complete self-restraint with food while we’re fasting, but we struggle to apply it even partially when we have the green light to eat.
We are now in the second half of Ramadan, and before we know it, the month will be over. Let’s make it one of our goals (and insha’Allah [God-willingly] commit to it for good) to minimize over-eating so we can maximize the benefits of this blessed month. Here are seven tips to help develop a more mindful approach to eating:
1. Think of the Purpose. One of the benefits of fasting is that it makes you appreciate the blessing of food. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala (exalted is He) says, “So eat of the sustenance which Allah has provided for you, lawful and good; and be grateful for the favor of Allah, if it is [indeed] Him that you worship” (Qur’an, 16:114). Your ultimate purpose in life is to worship Allah (swt), so food provides you the energy and strength you need to worship Him with more devotion, concentration, and reverence. As you have iftar every day, ask yourself: are my eating habits hindering me, or helping me increase the ihsan (excellence) in my worship?
2. Remember the Source. If friends or relatives shower you with gifts, it is common courtesy to thank them and show appreciation. Allah (swt) provides you with sustenance on a daily basis, so remembering Him when you eat is a thoughtful way to express gratitude. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Allah is pleased with His slave when he eats something and praises Him for it, or drinks something and praises Him for it” (Muslim). When you take the time to remember Allah, mindfully and with contemplation – before, during and after you eat – it is more likely that you will be satisfied with less food.
3. Start Small. Break your fast with something light (i.e. dates and water), then pray Maghrib (evening prayer) before having the rest of your meal. That should take the edge off your hunger, which makes you less susceptible to binging and ravenous eating. Also, when you serve the food, serve it in a small plate, then go for seconds if you feel the need. Keep the main dishes away from sight and not where you’re sitting. The more food you see in front of you, the more you will eat without thinking about it first. If you’re having trouble holding back, think of Allah’s rewards, “And eat and drink but do not be wasteful, certainly He does not like those who are wasteful” (Qur’an, 7:31). Remember that waste is not just what goes in the trash, but also what we consume in excess.
4. Hydrate. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water when you break your fast. You’ll be less likely to eat too much afterward because that hunger sensation (which is often mistaken for thirst) can partly subside with hydration. Also, sip the water slowly and smile with thanks as you feel it tingling down your body. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Do not drink in one gulp like a camel, but in two or three (gulps). Mention the Name of Allah (say Bismillah) when you start drinking and praise Him (say Al-hamdu lillah) after you have finish (drinking)” (At-Tirmidhi).
5. Share with People. Ramadan is a beautiful time because it brings family and friends together, and strengthens the bonds of kinship and brother/sisterhood. Part of that bond is built when you share food together. Sharing not only increases the blessing in your food, but also makes you realize how little you can be satisfied with. Some of the Companions came to the Prophet ﷺ once and said, “We eat but are not satisfied.” He ﷺ said, “Perhaps you eat separately.” The Companions affirmed that. He then said, “Eat together and mention the Name of Allah over your food. It will be blessed for you” (Abu Dawud). If you’re at home, make sure you don’t eat alone, and invite people to eat with you. If you’re eating out in a group, partner up with someone and order a dish together. You will be surprised how filling it will be. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Food for one person suffices for two, and food for two people suffices for four, and food of four people suffices for eight” (Muslim).
6. Go Super Slow. Eating too much can sometimes be a result of eating too fast. It takes a mindful, conscious effort to actually slow down your body’s motions while you’re eating. Try to be aware of every piece of food you eat; raise it to your mouth slowly, chew it slowly, and swallow it slowly. That will give you time to enjoy the food, savor every bite, and be thankful for it. It will also give your body time to process the food you ingest, and give you time to listen to your body when it tells you it’s satisfied.
7. Plan Ahead and Get Cracking! One way to avoid over-eating is by shortening the meal time, and not making the evening revolve around food. Besides planning and making simple meals, every day before iftar, have a plan set that specifies how you will spend the rest of the night. Every moment is precious in Ramadan, so bring that to mind often, and plan accordingly. As soon as you feel satisfied with what you eat, consciously stop eating. Don’t eat more just because there’s food on your plate! It’s better to save leftovers than stuffing yourself so food doesn’t get thrown away. Then, after you finish eating, get moving; help clean the kitchen, go for a walk, read Qur’an. If you can, leave the area where food is visible so eating more isn’t an option. And whatever you do, don’t linger around the sweets and desserts for too long because that’s just asking for trouble!
What tips do you have on how to eat less at iftar time? Share with us!
We ask Allah (swt) to grant us the ability to always be grateful for His blessings, and to utilize His blessings in a way that is most pleasing to Him.
Taken from SuhaibWebb.com
Friday 5 August 2011
Effectively Planning Your Du`a’
the following has been written by Abu Yusuf Ismail
If I told you that I could give you whatever you wished and allowed you to have one week’s time to decide what you wanted, would you plan for it? I believe you would.
We plan for the things that are important in life, for the things we want most. From job interviews, to choosing spouses, to picking out furniture for the house, we plan for things that are important.
So what about our du`a’ (supplication)?
Is not our du`a’ a way to receive what we ask for? Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) is the One that provides everything in our lives and asking Him is the most important thing we can do, but how often do we actually plan for it? Du`a’ too often becomes only a spur of the moment thing rather than a comprehensive list of things we wish for the most.
With Ramadan upon us, now is the best time to really put our minds to what we wish to ask the Creator of the heavens and the earth. I would like to share some ways to do so most effectively from my own personal experience.
Others have playlists, Muslims have praylists
For the past 4 years, before the beginning of every Ramadan, I have made a special, organized, and comprehensive list of du`a’. The list would consist of 8 to 10 things that I desired the most, both in dunya (world) and in the akhirah (Hereafter). Every day of Ramadan, I would pray for them at the times that du`a’ are most likely to be accepted. I call these my praylists.
As Muslims, we make du`a’ to Allah (swt) everyday. We make du`a’ right when we wake up, before every meal, every time we raise our hands and recite Surah Fatiha, and so much more. Why then make a special list of du`a’? Developing a praylist helps one focus and reflect.
Focusing on a specific list of du`a’ helps remind oneself of his/her needs and ambitions. By listing and repeating the items on the list, every single day, it not only assures that one does not forget all his wishes but it reinforces the pursuit of each one. For example, if I have always wanted to improve my tajweed (recitation of the Qur’an), by asking for help from Allah to do so everyday encourages me to put my words into practice.
Reflection of du`a’s allows one to appreciate what Allah (swt) has granted them. I can personally attest to this. There have been items on my past praylists that have been answered in ways that I could never imagine. It’s incredible. I look back and cannot believe I have received so many of the things I asked so desperately for. Allah (swt) truly does not leave the hands of a believer empty when raised to Him.
The time is now
Now that Ramadan is upon us again, I am excited to develop another praylist for the blessed month and I would love to encourage you all to do the same.
As an incentive, I remind myself and others, that our Prophet ﷺ (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything” (Tirmidhi). Why make Him mad?
Here are effective ways to plan your du`a’ to make the best out of your praylist:
1. Write it all down
- Take some time to actually write out your praylist. Do so in a format which is most accessible for you to review. You can write them on a small piece of paper to place in your wallet or purse, or if you’re like me, you can type them into your phone’s notes application.
- There shouldn’t be any limit on the size of the list, as long as it is manageable. If the list is so long that it becomes a burden to repeat more than once a day, it’s then best to shorten it.
- If you are weary of writing out your praylist because you wish to keep some or all of the items private, you should still write it out but then only list keywords that remind you of each item.
2. Ask anything & everything that is good
- When choosing your items, imagine that Allah is asking you to ask Him for anything and everything you’ve ever wanted! Imagine the possibilities. From self improvement, to material things, to bettering relationships in your life, write down everything you want to ask Allah with no limitations other then keeping each item halal. Remember, you’re asking Al-Mujeeb! The One Who Responds and is the Supreme Answerer.
- Learn Prophetic and Qur’anic du`a’s to include as well.
3. Organize
- Organize items in your praylist into different categories. I use the categories: dunya, akhirah, `ibadah (worship), the ummah (Muslim community), and relationships. Once each item is sorted, you’ll notice that some categories may be lacking than others. Adjust and add du`a’s where necessary. This will ensure that your praylist is all encompassing of your needs.
4. Make du`a’ when they are most likely answered
- These times include right before breaking the fast, during your salah (prayer) in sujood (prostration), after the obligatory prayers, Qiyam ul-layl (night prayer), and the last 10 nights. At the least, everyday of Ramadan, I always make sure to make du`a’ before breaking my fast during iftaar.
5. Remember the etiquettes of du`a’
- There is a right and proper way to make du`a’. Remember that we must praise Allah (swt) first, ask for peace and blessings upon our Prophet ﷺ and then make our du`a’.
So go on, take some time to think of what things you want the most. This time next year, you’ll be surprised how many items on your list Allah has directly or indirectly granted you insha’Allah (God-willing).
If you have any tips you’d like to share, please provide them in the comments.
I pray we all have a meaningful and successful Ramadan full of barakah (blessings). May Allah (swt) preserve us all to reap the benefits of such a Holy month and bring us closer to Him. May He give us all strength, knowledge, patience and humility. Ameen.
Taken from SuhaibWebb.com
Thursday 28 July 2011
We Are Taking A Ramadhan Break!!!
Assalamu Alaykum,
Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah Ta'ala, I have been given the opportunity to visit the Holy Lands during Ramadhan. I will therefore not be able to update the website but I will definitely remember all our beloved readers in my duas (not that my duas are worth anything). None the less, my beloved friends Maulana Haroon and Muhammad Umer has taken charge of the website and he will update it as he feels appropriate. I will inshallah come back with kodak moments to share with those of you who are hoping to go there some day. Here are some posts which can help you with Ramadhan:
Your Guide to a Successful Ramadhan
Ramadhan Break
One Umrah Everyday in Ramadhan
Health Benefits of Fasting
Preparing for Ramadhan
How did Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam receive Revelation?
I urge you all and myself first to make the most of this month. These days are so blessed that a person who has been committing major sins all his life can free himself from the chains of disobedience simply by strengthening his resolve and turning towards Allah Ta'ala with a heart of sincere repentance. If you strengthen your resolve now, you will be happy forever.
Please kindly remember me, my family and us all in your humble duas.
Wassalamu Alaykum
I pray to Allah Ta'ala that He makes this month a means of guidance and forgiveness for us all. Ameen.
Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah Ta'ala, I have been given the opportunity to visit the Holy Lands during Ramadhan. I will therefore not be able to update the website but I will definitely remember all our beloved readers in my duas (not that my duas are worth anything). None the less, my beloved friends Maulana Haroon and Muhammad Umer has taken charge of the website and he will update it as he feels appropriate. I will inshallah come back with kodak moments to share with those of you who are hoping to go there some day. Here are some posts which can help you with Ramadhan:
Your Guide to a Successful Ramadhan
Ramadhan Break
One Umrah Everyday in Ramadhan
Health Benefits of Fasting
Preparing for Ramadhan
How did Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam receive Revelation?
I urge you all and myself first to make the most of this month. These days are so blessed that a person who has been committing major sins all his life can free himself from the chains of disobedience simply by strengthening his resolve and turning towards Allah Ta'ala with a heart of sincere repentance. If you strengthen your resolve now, you will be happy forever.
Please kindly remember me, my family and us all in your humble duas.
Wassalamu Alaykum
I pray to Allah Ta'ala that He makes this month a means of guidance and forgiveness for us all. Ameen.
Commentary on Hadith: How Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam received revelation - part 3
Following on from the first post which can be viewed here, and the second post which can be viewed here we continue with the commentary of the third hadith of Bukhari sharif which describes the manner in which Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam received Revelation.
فَجَاءَهُ المَلَكُ فَقَالَ: اقْرَأْ، قَالَ: " مَا أَنَا بِقَارِئٍ "، قَالَ: " فَأَخَذَنِي فَغَطَّنِي حَتَّى بَلَغَ مِنِّي الجَهْدَ ثُمَّ أَرْسَلَنِي، فَقَالَ: اقْرَأْ، قُلْتُ: مَا أَنَا بِقَارِئٍ، فَأَخَذَنِي فَغَطَّنِي الثَّانِيَةَ حَتَّى بَلَغَ مِنِّي الجَهْدَ ثُمَّ أَرْسَلَنِي، فَقَالَ: اقْرَأْ، فَقُلْتُ: مَا أَنَا بِقَارِئٍ، فَأَخَذَنِي فَغَطَّنِي الثَّالِثَةَ ثُمَّ أَرْسَلَنِي، فَقَالَ: { اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ . خَلَقَ الإِنْسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ . اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الأَكْرَمُ } ،
“And then an angel came to him and said, ‘Read!’ Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam replied, ‘I am not one who can read!’ Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “The angel then grabbed hold of me and squeezed me until I felt that I was going to become unconscious, he then released me and said, ‘Read!’ I replied, ‘I am not one who can read!’ The angel then grabbed hold of me again and squeezed me until I felt that I was going to become unconscious, he then released me and said, ‘Read!’ I replied, ‘I am not one who can read!’ The angel then grabbed hold of me and squeezed me a third time until I felt that I was going to become unconscious, he then released me and said, ‘Read!’ I replied, ‘I am not one who can read!’ Then he said, ‘Read with the name of your Lord who created (everything); He created man from a clot of blood, Read! And your Lord is Most Gracious.’”
Commentary
“And then an angel came to him” – A question which arises here is that how did Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam know that he was conversing with an angel?
Answer 1: Imam Isma’eely rahimahullah states that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was not aware that he was conversing with an angel at the time but as they continued to meet, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam understood that it was an angel he spoke too . This is why when Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam spoke about this incident at a later time, he used the term ‘angel’.
Answer 2: Sirajud Deen Balqeeni relates that it is possible that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam remembered the incident that occurred in his childhood (i.e. when the angels opened his chest and cleansed his heart). However, this answer is not weighty as we still don’t know how Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam knew his heart was being cleansed by angels in his childhood.
Answer 3: Aishah radiallahu anha is the narrator of this hadith and it is possible that she used the term ‘angel’ to describe what had happened. (Fathul Baari)
Out of all these explanations, the first answer is the best. (Kashful Baari). This angel was Hazrat Jibraeel alayhissalaam.
When did the angel come, what was the month and how old was Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam at that time?
It is an agreed matter that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam received the revelation on a Monday. However, there are three opinions in relation to the month in which it happened. 1) The famous opinion is that it happened in the month of Rabee’ ul Awwal either on the 1st or 8th day (2) 2nd of Rajab (3) This happened in Ramadhan. There is a difference of opinion in relation to the actual date; 7th, 17th, 24th have all been mentioned.
Hafiz ibn Hajr al Asqalani rahimahullah says that the third opinion is the most accepted opinion as Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam would be doing I’tikaf during this time.
There has been some discussion with regards to the age of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam. It is quite famous that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was 40 when he received revelation for the first time however there are many opinions in what his exact age was. From amongst them are: (1) 40 yrs and 10 days (2) 40 yrs and 40 days (3) 40 yrs and 2 months (4) 42 yrs (5) 43yrs (6) 45 yrs.
The most accepted opinion here is that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was around 40 years of age. The extra days or months are just a subject of discussion.
“Read!” – An objection arises here that why was Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam asked to read when it was known that he was unlettered? It seems as if this is giving pain whilst knowing that the person being tested has no ability.
The answer given by Hafiz ibn Hajar rahimahullah is that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam wasn’t being given pain (takleef) but he was being given encouragement to read (talqeen). For example, when a teacher tells his student to read, his objective is to have the student read in his (the teacher’s) tone and style i.e. the student will not know how to read it properly at first but by practising behind the teacher, he will learn. So here, when Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was given the command to ‘Read!’ he understood it in accordance to its apparent meaning and that is why he said, “I am not one who can read.” The objective of Jibraeel alayhissalaam was not to have Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam read by himself but to have him repeat after Jibraeel alayhissalaam.
“I am not one who can read!” – Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was unlettered but despite this, his use of language in speech was of an extremely high calibre. He is the most eloquent person to have ever descended on to this earth. However, one question arises as to why he was not able to repeat the words of Jibraeel alayhissalaam despite the words being so small in nature. Maulana Saleemullah Khan sahib (DB) gives the answer that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam had been in astonished as he had been in the mountain for a long time, he was alone and all of a sudden an angel appears in front of him and commands him to read. It is obvious that this would have a startling effect on anyone. An example of this could be seen in our institutions, a student of knowledge could be extremely sharp but when is called in front of his ustaad to read and be tested, he is completely dumbfounded out of awe.
“The angel then grabbed hold of me and squeezed me until I felt that I was going to become unconscious” - Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was squeezed in a strong embrace by Jibraeel alayhissalaam and this happened three times. What was the wisdom in doing this?
1) It was to make sure that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was completely free from any worldly thoughts. It was done to make his heart completely alert to the situation at hand.
2) Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was being cautioned that a big responsibility will also be put on him (much weightier than this embrace) in the form of revelation.
3) It was to highlight that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam would not be able to read except by the leave of Allah Ta’ala. This is why when told to ‘Read’ the first few times, he was not able to.
4) It was to highlight to Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam that what he was experiencing was in fact a reality. (For example, people say today ‘Pinch me! Am I dreaming?!’ when they experience something amazing. So here, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was being squeezed to indicate to him that this occurrence is a reality.)
5) It was done to put some revelation in to Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam through Jibraeel alayhissalaam.
Why did this embrace have to happen three times? Why was it not possible to have everything done at once?
1) Allama Qastallani rahimahullah mentions that when Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was squeezed the first time, worldly thoughts were removed from his mind so that his mind and body would be free to accept the revelation. The second and third time were done to ensure this happens.
2) Some have said that the first squeeze was to clear Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam’s thoughts, the second time was to prepare him for what was to be revealed to him and third squeeze was in order to create affection and acceptance for revelation.
3) Some have said that along with intellect, man has been created with three other entities. One is the nafs (carnal desires), tab’ee (inherent disposition i.e. inner characteristics) and shaytan. The objective of the nafs is to incline a being towards his desires. The natural disposition of a person is inclined towards forgetfulness and lethargy and finally, shaytaan beckons a person towards transgression. Thus each squeeze given by Hazrat Jibraeel alayhissalaam was to remove these characteristics if they had existed.
4) Some have said that he was squeezed severely three times in order to prepare him for three calamities he will face in his life. The first squeeze was to prepare him for the disrespect he will suffer from the people after he emerges as a prophet. The very people who called him ‘The Trustworthy’ will disrespect him. The second squeeze was to prepare him for the pain he will have to endure from the very same people who loved him. They will hit him, abuse him and all sorts of harm will be directed towards him. The third squeeze was to prepare him for the pain that he will feel when he is forced out of Makkah. The Makkans had gathered to eventually kill him and he had to leave the city. Whilst looking back, he himself stated that if he was not forced out, he would never leave. I have heard this explanation directly from my own Ustaadh may Allah Ta’ala preserve him.
There are approximately 13 opinions but to list them here would not be warranted due to the (already) lengthy post.
A strange incident is related about Allamah Shabbir Uthmani sahib rahimahullah. He once went for some treatment in a hospital in Hyderabad. The physician had told him that they would use electricity to treat him of his illness and they would pass it through his body. Allamah Shabbir sahib was very frightened at first but the doctor consoled him and told him not to worry. He sat on a chair and the electricity was put into his body. After a while, the doctor told him that there is much electricity in his body and Hazrat Allamah was astonished as he did not feel a thing (it must be noted that this was at a time when such medical treatment was not profound). The doctor told him touch Maulana Yahya sahib who was with him on that occasion and as a result, a spark came out when their skin met which resulted in both parties feeling some pain. However, the current had now passed on to Maulana Yahya sahib and thus they both had this electric current within themselves. Then a third man came and he also experienced the same occurrence!
Hazrat Allamah Shabbir sahib rahimahullah whilst reflecting on the incident stated at that juncture, “A very big masalah (Islamic ruling/question) has been answered today. It has been understood that in some special circumstances, it is completely possible to pass some feature on to another person just by touching them. When Jibraeel alayhissalaam had gripped Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam tightly, light was joined on to light and the angelic characteristics were passed onto Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam who had the ability to withstand its heavy load.”
This is incident is a very key lesson in many ways. Firstly, it shows how an Alim or a student of knowledge should always busy his mind in assessing Islamic rulings etc. Another matter it highlights is that there are many things which we will not be able to understand for years but one day, Allah Ta’ala may create something which gives us the knowledge and understanding need to comprehend a matter. For example, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam ascended to the heavens via a ladder. In previous years, this would be something completely unheard off because Allah Ta’ala didn’t give those generations the particular understanding needed to comprehend the matter. However, this is very easy to comprehend in our times; just think of an enormous escalator!
“‘Read with the name of your Lord who created (everything); He created man from a clot of blood, Read! And your Lord is Most Gracious.’” – Hazrat Jibraeel alayhissalaam read the first five verses of Surah Alaq and Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam also read them. The verses recited are a summary of the entire Qur’an. The Qur’an is divided into three topics. The first topic is in relation to Tawheed (the fact that Allah Ta’ala is one); the second one is in relation to rulings (ahkam) and the third topic is in relation information about the unseen and stories of the past etc.
Thus the revelation of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam had begun and the coming years would change the world forever. We are very fortunate that we are a group of people who have the best Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) and we have the most guidance-filled book. The month of Ramadhan is the month of the Qur’an. It is now upon us to act upon the first verse that was revealed in this Glorious Book – ‘read!’ and this was revealed in the month of Ramadhan.
May Allah Ta’ala give us the ability to fulfil the rights of the Qur’an and spend the month of Ramadhan properly. Ameen.
Inshallah, we will continue with the commentary of the hadith at some point after Ramadhan. There is still a bit more of the actual hadith left.
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