The Only Superpower
The so-called “Superpowers” of this world prove their weakness because they depend on other powers and forces for assistance. They join forces; they require coalitions, alliances, confederations, leagues and unions —which prove their dependency and need. The Only Superpower is Allah Ta’ala, who is entirely independent of His creation. He is not in need of any of us. All are dependent on Him, and He is Independent of all. He is “As-Samad” (The Independent), “Al-Kabir” (The Greatest), and “Al-Qadir” (All-Powerful). Allah Ta’ala’s armies testify to His Infinite Power and Might. We have witnessed the force and power of earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, gale-force winds, fire and volcanoes. Even rain and snow bring a grinding halt to the running of a country: cars, buses, trains, planes, etc., come to an absolute standstill – and nothing can be done for hours and days. Despite the country being a so-called superpower, its army, navy, airforce, etc., become ineffective in overcoming these forces. What we see of the force and power in nature are signs of the Power and Might of Allah Ta’ala.
Conditions for Spiritual Benefit
Conditions for Spiritual Benefit by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) The ‘Suhbat’ or company of the Auliya Allah (Friends of Allah Ta’ala) is such that even if they remain silent in their Majaalis, those who are present and who had come with sincerity will leave with Noor in their hearts. It is via this Noor that a person makes sincere Taubah, and it is this Noor which is instrumental in creating the keen desire for change in the person’s life. Fragrant roses in a room do not give any speech. Their fragrance imbues the room, enters the nostrils and creates pleasure in the heart. The conditions for benefiting are: The roses must be real and fragrant, not artificial. The people in the room must have their noses open, and their sinuses unclogged. Similarly, the person must be a genuine Wali of Allah Ta’ala and not a fraud. The people sitting in his company must have love and respect for him and sit with an open and unbiased heart, willing to receive. People sitting in the talks of a Wali, harbouring malice against that Wali, will derive no benefit.
Our Signboards
Our Signboards by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Our Muslim names, Islamic dress and prayers are like the sign board found outside a shop, which informs us that sweets, chocolates, biscuits, cakes, fruit, etc., are stocked and sold inside this shop. The person reading the signboard thus expects to find what has been advertised outside, inside that shop. What would be the person’s reaction if they found cow dung, horse manure and cat droppings inside instead of sweets and chocolates? Similarly, our beautiful Muslim names and Islamic garb informs others that inside our hearts, there are specific ‘merchandise’ in the form of firm Imaan in Allah Ta’ala and love for His Beloved Rasul (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). A person expects to find the attributes of trustworthiness, honesty, sincerity, forgiveness, charity, Taqwa (piety), Zuhd (asceticism), Sabr (patience), Shukr (gratitude), etc. These are the qualities and traits a person expects to find in his social dealings with us. The Beard, Kurta, Turban, Tasbih, Cloak, Purdah, etc., are all additional signs that emphasise the person’s virtue and goodness. What would be a person’s reaction when instead of these virtues, they find arrogance, pride, malice, greed, jealousy, etc.?
The Wealth of Time
The Wealth of Time by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) This life is a journey. We are all on a journey and are travelling all the time. Even if the person is a “couch potato”, passing his life in inactivity and idleness, he is also travelling. If the person is sitting, lying down or sleeping, he too is travelling. The person is in a car: The car is moving and covering distance, and simultaneously, the journey of life too is continuing. The person’s life is moving on and on. One breath follows another. And every breath of life is part of that journey. Seconds are ticking away. Minutes slip through the hourglass of time. Days and nights bring a close to weeks, weeks bring a close to months, and months bring a close to the years. Hasan Basri (rahmatullah ‘alayh) had aptly said: “O Son of Adam! You are nothing but a number of days. Whenever a day passes, a part of you has gone.” Every day, week, and month is part of the journey —like how a person travels 10 kms, 100 kms, 500 kms, and 1000 kms. Every passing year of life is like a station which we reach. And no one knows how many stations he has to travel through before he arrives at his destination. For some, there is just one station – and they die at the tender age of one; some stop at ten stations and depart at the age of 10. Others have to travel through 50 stations, 60 stations, or even 100 stations in life before they reach the end of the journey. Most of us have the experience of travelling by flight or train. We stop here and there in transit until we arrive at the destination. The pilot informs the passengers when the plane begins its descent for landing, and when the plane lands and comes to a standstill, the pilot announces that all passengers must disembark. This is the reality of life. All of us have to disembark at some stage. When we reach the end of this worldly life, the command is given that the soul must now disembark. And we have already seen so many disembark: seniors and juniors, rich and poor, kings, presidents, subjects —all have to disembark. Therefore we have to be thrifty with time; we have to be prudent and cautious concerning time. Use it productively and constructively, usefully and efficiently. Time can be likened to the root of a young tree —a sapling. If a person looks after the sapling and waters it, it will grow into a big tree, with its branches and leaves spreading out, providing extensive shelter and a tree which gives a lot of fruit. We will say that the person took care of his life, and the most precious commodity of his life was his time. Now, that time will bear fruit because the person carried out good deeds in the time given to him, engaging himself in Salaah, Zikrullah, Tilawah, spending days in fasting, giving Zakaah and Sadaqat, striving to earn a Halaal sustenance, as well as controlling his gaze when in the shopping centres, markets, universities, colleges, or wherever else, and controlling his heart from the evil desires of nafs and Shaytan. That tree bears fruit, and he will enjoy those delicious fruits in the grave and in the Hereafter. On the Day of Qiyaamah, he will also enjoy the extensive shelter which his good deeds will offer him, insha Allah. Allah Ta’ala also uses the analogy of a tree in the Qur’an Sharif: “Have you not seen how Allah has set forth a parable: A good word is like a good tree, having its root firm and its branches in the sky [Surah Ibrahim 14:24] Here, Allah Ta’ala likens the Believer’s Imaan and deeds to a tree with deeply entrenched roots, a strong and sturdy bark, and branches extending high up. The actual dividends, the real earnings, and the greatest of all enjoyments will be experienced in Jannah when he will behold the beauty of Allah Ta’ala with his own eyes. SubhanAllah! ‘That veil, which was covering Allah Ta’ala’s Countenance will be removed. Now will be the time to smile —for those who took that grief in their hearts, and restrained themselves from all evil’. As for the person who falls for the temptations of nafs and Shaytan, he will have to deal with the consequences of squandering the wealth of life and wasting the fortune of time. His is a bad investment, where the shares drop entirely. He may be left with a meagre 20% or 10 %, or he may end up with nothing. If it was spent in disbelief, the net result is the fire of Jahannum —May Allah Ta’ala save us. If it was spent in sins, then we have been warned of punishment in the grave and in the Hereafter. Allah Ta’ala likens the disbeliever to a bad tree —because his words and deeds are evil. The tree’s roots are not fixed and firmly established and do not stand the test of time. “And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree uprooted from the surface of the earth, having no stability.” [Surah Ibrahim 14:26] The deeds of the disbeliever are described as follows: “The deeds of those who disbelieve their Lord are like ashes blown away by the wind on a stormy day. They will not be able to gain anything out of what they did. That is the wandering away from the path.” [Surah Ibrahim 14:18] Their deeds are wasted due to their disbelief in Allah Ta’ala. Thus, their life was wasted, and no good awaits them in the Hereafter. (May Allah Ta’ala protect us all from such an end). When time is lost, life is lost. Sometimes the Hereafter is lost. What a great loss it is when the person loses the opportunity to make
True Zikrullah
True Zikr is to fulfil the command of Allah Ta’ala, which is directed to us at a particular time—to perform Salaah in its respective time, to pay Zakaah when due, to fast during the month of Ramadaan, to perform Hajj at the time of Hajj (if one has the means), etc. When a person’s parent, wife, child, neighbour, etc., is very ill and requires medication to be brought from the pharmacy as a matter of urgency, then at that time, true Zikr is to postpone all optional Ibadah and attend to the need. Ruqayya (radiyallahu ‘anha), the beloved daughter of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), was very ill when the call for Badr was suddenly made. Since only 313 companions were accompanying Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), there was a definite need for Uthman (radiyallahu ‘anhu), the husband of Ruqayya (radiyallahu ‘anha), to also join the expedition. However, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) left him behind to care for his wife during her severe illness. True Zikrullah is the fulfilment of the commands of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)
In the Service of Deen
In the Service of Deen by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Those involved in some Deeni service should consider their likeness to the guards protecting the King’s Palace. The guards understand that the King does not need their service. The King’s resources are such that he can easily replace any guard with hundreds or thousands more guards. Thus, a guard considers it his good fortune to be accepted by the King and be in his service. Similarly, those involved in the Khidmat of Deen have been selected from millions to serve the Deen of the King of Kings, Allah Ta’ala. They are defending and guarding the Deen of Islam or propagating the Deen. Thus, we should consider ourselves the most fortunate — despite our deficiencies and failings and not deserving such a privilege, Allah Ta’ala is using us for some service. We must understand that this is entirely the Ihsaan of Allah Ta’ala. We should not forget that Allah Ta’ala does not need us and can easily replace each one of us with an entire nation to be in the service of Islam. Allah Ta’ala expresses this independence and sovereignty: “…And if you turn away, He will replace you with some other people, then they will not be like you…” [Surah Muhammad 47:38] We should continuously express appreciation for the great favour of being in the service of Deen, and we should seek forgiveness for our shortcomings and inadequacies. Dua should be made for acceptance in the court of Allah Ta’ala. We should not seek worldly gains because the rewards of Allah Ta’ala encompass the best of both worlds for those who are Mukhlisin (sincere ones).
THE WORLD CUP | SPIRITUAL HARMS
[This article was prepared before the World Cup 2010, which South Africa hosted. This advice applies to all sports events that conflict with Islamic teachings.] The hype and talk presently are the World Cup. Soccer mania has gripped many Muslims’ minds, hearts, speech, time, and money. And these many Muslims argue: “It’s once in a lifetime; we are the host country; it’s the World Cup which cannot be missed at any cost”. And we naively believe that these reasons give us the go-ahead to support, promote and participate. But there is one serious fact that makes us unsuitable and incompatible with what I would describe as an International “upsurge of sins” —we are Muslims. And we are very fortunate that we are Muslims. As such, there is no compatibility between a Muslim and sin. Let us discuss why we, as Muslims, cannot and should not align ourselves with the World Cup and other sporting events. Let us read with an open heart and mind. 1) Salah It is a common observation that many Muslims neglect their Salaah when it comes to International, National, or local sporting events. Even those with some link with the Masaajid will choose to forego Salaah in Jamaat and even the Salaah itself to not miss a moment in watching men run after a ball. Men, running after a ball —Is this intelligent? Let us relate this to real life and the inevitable: How will this benefit us in this world and the hereafter? Will any one of these sports players be able to intercede on our behalf before Allah Ta’ala —when we have to account for our actions, for our indulgence in futile and even Haraam activities? Our Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “ …Do not forgo Salaah intentionally, lest you should get out of the fold of Islam. Do not perpetrate disobedience to Allah, lest you deserve His Wrath…”[1] Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) also said: “The dividing line between Kufr and Imaan is Salah.” [2] Just as we would be grief-stricken at losing our beloved family members and all our wealth, properties, and everything else, should we similarly grieve over losing even one Salaah? Those few who perform Salah at the stadium or grounds —whilst the shouting, screaming, music, drinking and other sins are being engaged in simultaneously, should think for themselves of what a display of hypocrisy they make. Because that is precisely what it is Hypocrisy. 2) Hero-worshipping Allah Ta’ala mentions in the Qur’an Shareef, in Surah Munafiqoon: “But honour belongs to Allah, His Messenger and the Believers…”[Surah Munafiqun 63:8] And in Surah An-Nisa: ‘…To those who take for friends unbelievers rather than Believers: is it honour they seek among them? Nay, – all honour is with Allah.’ To deal honestly and truthfully with disbelievers or to assist the poor and needy amongst them are from the teachings of Islam. However, to integrate with them in such a manner that we lose our Islamic identity or give up on our Islamic culture is prohibited because this is extremely harmful to one’s Imaan. Many have given up Imaan and Islam due to having close friendships and relationships with those who do not believe in Allah Ta’ala, His Final Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and the Day of Judgement. We find people going crazy and wild over soccer players, cricket players and their likes. And one wonders, what is all the clamour and fuss about; when their “outstanding” achievement in life seems to be kicking, throwing or hitting a ball? Does this call for hero worship? Is this our shallow understanding of success as Muslims? Do we not know that the most successful of all people are the Ambiyaa and their followers? Are we even aware of the tremendous successes of the Sahaba (rahiyallahu ‘anhum)? They were men; and Brave men. Their history, feats, and conquests drown out the thousands of insignificant goals scored by soccer players. In fact, there cannot be any comparison and likeness. The lives of the Sahabah (rahiyallahu ‘anhum) were constructive and productive —for their Deen and Aakhirah and those who emulate them. The lives of these players are destructive to their hereafter and those who are obsessed with them and emulate them. We should reflect on our obsession, veneration and craze of the film stars, sport-stars and others who are presently the enemies of Allah Ta’ala. A warning has been sounded, directing us to make sincere Taubah. Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur`aan Shareef: ‘O you who believe, do not take My enemies and your enemies for friends, expressing love with them while they have rejected the Truth that has come to you….’ [Surah Mumtahina 60:1] We seem to very easily forget that we are Muslims and all Muslims have dangerous enemies: So whilst our enemies shrewdly convince us to spend thousands of Rands, waste our energy and time on useless, futile sports such as the World Cup and other sporting events, they gleefully bomb, kill, rape, oppress and harass our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world —but we are so intoxicated with World Cups, cricket and soccer matches, that we don’t even know that our enemies have deceived us! Have we not witnessed enough enmity in Occupied Palestine, Pakistan, Kashmir, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia and other parts of the world? Those who were considered friends and companions were the first to assault, kill, maim, and even rape our Muslim brothers and sisters for no other reason than that they are Believers in Allah Ta’ala. Have we not taken any lessons? Have we not witnessed the blood of the Muslims flowing in Bosnia, like rivers? When we claim to have love for Allah Ta’ala, how can we love these types of sporting events? Allah Ta’ala advises us: ‘0 those who believe, do not take the disbelievers for friends instead of the believers. Do you want to produce before Allah a clear evidence against yourselves?’ [Surah Nisa 4:144] In other words,
Ramadan vs The World Cup
Ramadan vs the World Cup —Which Team Are You In? by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) The Finta of the World Cup and other sporting events We all know that certain snakes and scorpions are extremely dangerous, and when they attack, their venom or sting causes great harm and can even lead to death. Lions, cheetahs, and other wild animals attack, maim and kill. However, their harm is on the physical body —and the physical body must inevitably die. Then we have the snakes, scorpions, and wild animals that attack the person’s soul and Imaan. They sometimes maim and even kill the person’s Imaan and spirituality. There is no doubt that the environment is a jungle of Fitnah and Fasaad: It is extremely dangerous, with its vicious Fitnas. And now we find ourselves in a period where we also have the missiles of Fitnah targeting the Imaan of the Muslims and bombs of Fitnah raining down upon the Muslims. For those who want to restrain themselves and please Allah Ta’ala, these times are a real Jihaad because there are even those who are outwardly Deendar but who advocate, promote, and support these Fitnas. On the outside, there is Deen; there is the garb of the pious —but the person is caught up in the same Fitnas. So many watch on the television or go to those places. Young children or wives have written that the fathers or husbands, who are otherwise so Deendar, forego their Salaah in Jamaat or even forgo their Salaah because they are viewing the World Cup or the Cricket Rugby or any other sport on television. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi ra’jioon. We all know that the World Cup is a tsunami of Fitnahs —It is an international upsurge of sins. What not takes place and happens at these events —and we lend ourselves to all these sins. There is so much of Haraam, which is as clear as daylight —but we still justify our viewing and participation. We should hang our heads in shame if we are projecting the image of piety to the world, but are obeying Shaytan in private. This is what is termed as hypocrisy; Nifaaq. It is the currency of the time. The person has two faces: A public face and a private face. But we cannot hide our true selves from Allah Ta’ala. Regarding the soccer matches, young people will ask: “If we cannot attend and view the World Cup, what do we do?” We have to find alternatives. There’s no other way. We will not say that everyone must sit down in the Masjid, read Qur’an Sharif, read Tasbeeh and do nothing else. What is necessary and crucial is that the person runs from those environments of sins. We have to distance ourselves from venues of sins. We have to run towards Allah Ta’ala: “…So flee to Allah….” [Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:50] No doubt, this is a Jihad for many. But if we have love for Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), then we should make every effort to restrain ourselves from sins, knowing that sins will bring about a destruction of our Imaan will displease Allah Ta’ala and cause hurt and grief to the sensitive heart of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). With this soccer mania and frenzy, the majority are only talking about the different teams and players, the goals they scored, and the condition of this team and that team. It is just soccer, soccer, football, football —all the time. What a waste of precious time. So here is a young person who was, at one time, addicted to the same. He is being encouraged to join them. The person will feel pressured. How is he going to restrain himself? If he is seeking Allah Ta’ala’s Pleasures, he will have to flee from that company because it is a temptation to get caught up in Fitnah. The person will have to make new friends –friends who will take him to the Masjid, talk of good things, and move in the direction of good deeds. So, avoid the soccer company. Talk, eat, drink —just don’t go to any home where people will be viewing those soccer matches. If ten of them are sitting and watching, they will be dominant against one person. They will be screaming and jumping, and they will convince the person to join in watching a group of adult men run after a ball. Is this intelligence? Viewing adult men kicking a ball? Stay away from the soccer supporters and addicts; otherwise, they will pull you in. As that poet said: “Last night, the person went to advise those who were drinking in the bar, but when he came out, he had a wobble in his walk.” Keeping yourself occupied with the permissible and Mubaah company is extremely important. It is for these reasons that Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “A person is on the Deen (way of life) of his friend, so every one of you should look at whom he befriends.”[1] We need to be very careful and cautious regarding whom we mix with and integrate with. If a huge python is approaching us, and we can see it coming closer, will we remain where we are, or will we look for the nearest exit? Will we admire the snake’s skin and go towards it to touch and feel it? In all those venues of sins, where filthy films are screened, or people are dancing and partying, drinking, and committing other sins, if someone suddenly starts screaming: “Fire! Fire!”, then is everyone going to continue with the dance and the party and the sports? Or are they going to dash for the doors and exits? If someone announces that there is a bomb in the area, in the vicinity, and it has been activated, will the person remain there to see whether it is true or not? We are so careful about
A Lesson in Begging
A Lesson in Begging by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) There are signs outside the Haram in Makkah Sharif and Madina Sharif which clearly instruct that there should be no begging. Outside our Masjid also, we have a sign which reads, “No Begging.” But this is outside the Masjid. There is no begging outside the Masjid —and indeed, Shariah discourages begging. The Hadith also tells us: “The upper [giving] hand is superior to the lower [taking] hand.”[1] So on this level, begging is not at all encouraged. It is disliked in Islam unless the person is destitute and in dire need. However, on another level, a Muslim must beg of only Allah Ta’ala. This is something loved by Allah Ta’ala. Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “There is nothing dearer to Allah than a servant making Dua to Him.”[2] Allah Ta’ala’s treasures are unlimited. So, inside the Masjid, we beg of Allah Ta’ala. Furthermore, we find that beggars teach us how to beg of Allah Ta’ala – especially in Makkah Shareef. We see how beggars follow us, and they will insist on asking us, to the extent of even catching the person’s garment. They even cry for something, for anything. They just refuse to leave until they are given something. They have that Yaqeen that the person they are begging from has something and will give if they persist. These beggars outside the Haram Shareef are teaching us a lesson of how to beg of Allah Ta’ala inside the Haram Shareef or whenever we are making Dua. Sadly, we do not consider whom we are asking when making Dua. As such, we make Dua casually, in a relaxed manner: legs are stretched out, leaning against a wall, and no effort is even made to raise the begging bowls of the hands. And we make a Dua in this laid-back, careless manner —and we say we begged of Allah Ta’ala. And we sometimes do not even have the conviction that Allah Ta’ala will give, do, and provide. A far cry from the beggars who beg from human beings. These beggars teach us to keep begging —to persist in asking, and to ask of Allah Ta’ala with full Yaqeen: ‘O Allah, there is no shortage in Your Treasures, You have unlimited treasures. Everything is in Your control; grant us complete forgiveness.’ Nothing is difficult for Allah Ta’ala to do, and Allah Ta’ala will do when we ask sincerely. May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the Taufeeq of raising our hands and asking of Him, with sincerity and with conviction, Aameen. [1] Sahih Bukhari [2] Tirmidhi
Avoiding the Forbidden Handshake
Avoiding the Forbidden Handshake by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) In business, men and women often offer their hands for a handshake. It is a formality and is considered part of good business dealings and interactions. Many brothers enquire as to how to deal with such situations. As Muslims, we keep before us the Command of Allah Ta’ala: That it is Haraam (forbidden) for us to touch, let alone shake the hand of a strange woman (or vice versa). Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “It is better for an iron rod (nail) to be driven into the head of a man, than for him to touch a woman who is not permissible for him.”[1] Moreover, Allah Ta’ala’s Pleasure comes before any form of social etiquette – when it contradicts Shari’ah. In such a circumstance, where a woman extends her hands, then averting the gaze, politely tell her: “It should not be taken as an insult that I do not shake your hand. It is from my religious teachings that Muslim men are not allowed to shake the hands of those females who are not related to them. It is also out of respect for you, and it is out of loyalty to my wife, that I do not touch a strange woman.” Simple! There is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about, nor is there a need to be apologetic. There is also no need for a lengthy speech. It is evident that such a teaching is full of wisdom and protection, and it directs towards modest conduct and respect for others. Similarly, we should lower our gazes and avoid looking at strange women. These are commandments, which if practised, will truly impress and attract those who are non-Muslims. Many have accepted Islam, observing such high levels of respect, modesty, purity and noble character. [1] Al Mu’jamul Kabir