Ana’niyyah and Fana’iyyah
Ana’niyyah and Fana’iyyah by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) There are two opposing conditions which are found in people. These are: Anaa’niyyah and Fanaa’iyyah. ‘Ananiyyah means everything is about “me” or “I, me and myself”. At all times, life revolves around me —that’s all. The person puts himself first, gives preference, and believes he is important. The person wants to be recognized wherever he goes – that he is somebody. If he is not recognized, he is offended. If he goes to some Majlis and people do not shake his hand and acknowledge his presence, he is upset. The person thinks that I am such a great person and people are not showing any interest. The inner desire is to be recognized and known. Such a condition indicates that the person is in the firm grip of his nafs. This is Ana’niyyah. Everything is ‘Ana’, ‘Ana’, ‘Ana’ (I, I, I). When there is ‘Ananiyyah, Allah Ta’ala destroys. When the sheep is alive, it bleats. It repeatedly says: ‘Meh meh meh”. This is the sheep that comes under the knife for slaughter. When the nafs is alive, and its condition is ‘ana, ana, ana’, then that person comes under the punishment of Allah Ta’ala and is humbled and destroyed. On the other hand, the person who develops Fana’iyyah, i.e., annihilates himself —There is no “me, myself and I”. One girl had a proposal from someone. I am not mentioning any name, and no one knows whom I am talking about. In her e-mail, she mentioned her level of Taqwa. She said: ‘I have a high level of Taqwa. There is someone who is proposing marriage. However, I do not want his level of Taqwa to be lower than mine. He must be able to increase my level of Taqwa.” Part of the reply that was given was: “I have to caution you concerning your claim of your Taqwa being of a very high level. This is very dangerous. All those who are of a high level of Taqwa consider themselves insignificant; they consider themselves the most sinful ones on earth. Allah Ta’ala then places in the hearts of people, Husnus Zann (good opinion) and Thanaa (praise) —that the person is a person of Taqwa. Those who have Taqwa do not make loud and bold claims because they have annihilated themselves.” They have made Fanaa of their nafs. On that Fanaa, Allah Ta’ala gives them “Baqaa”. Allah Ta’ala keeps their names, works, Bayanaat, Uloom and Naseehah alive because they made Fanaa. On the other hand, the one who is always chasing after name, fame, and prominence, then Allah Ta’ala gives them “Fanaa” —Allah Ta’ala destroys. This “Fana” and destruction have a different meaning to Fana of the nafs. Allah Ta’ala dislikes and disapproves that the servant makes a claim and testifies to their own purity and piety. Allah Ta’ala says: “…So do not claim purity for yourselves. He knows best who is God-fearing.” [Surah An-Najm 53: 32] It is most definitely Allah Ta’ala’s Fadhl and Karam upon any person, if the person progresses in this path of Islaah and Tazkiyyah: “…Had it not been for the grace of Allah upon you and His Mercy, not a single person from you would have ever attained purity. But Allah purifies whomsoever He wills. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” [Surah An-Noor 24: 21] The Masha’ikh used to train their Mureeds in many different ways. Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi (rahmatullah ‘alayh) was a Mureed of aji Imadadullah (rahmatullah ‘alayh), and in that Ta-‘alluq, he became very close to his Shaykh. However, consider the training he received from his Shaykh: He was seated at the Dastarkhan with his Shaykh. When the food came from Haji Saheb’s home, one plate contained delicious kofta (kebab). The other plate contained a simple type of gravy. Haji Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) kept the kabab aside and gave Maulana Gangohi (rahmatullah ‘alayh) the simple gravy. As they ate, Hazrat Zamin Shahid (rahmatullah ‘alayh) walked in. On seeing them eating, he addressed Haji Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) and said: “Why do you not pass the kofta also to Rashid Ahmad?” Upon this, Hazrat Haji Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) replied —with the object of testing his Mureed: “He (Maulana Gangohi) should be grateful that I am allowing him to even eat with me. In fact, I had intended to give him a piece of bread in his hand and for him to eat elsewhere!” While he said this, he also watched the reaction of Maulana Gangohi (rahmatullah ‘alayh). Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi (rahmatullah ‘alayh) did not take any offence to this statement, and his facial expression did not change in any way. He himself said: “Alhamdulillah! There was no effect on my heart. I accepted that whatever Haji Saheb had said was the truth. Getting a piece of bread from him was a great favour, regardless of how it was obtained.” When someone is a little upset, it is easy to make out that he is upset. Another person would have said he is being humiliated, disgraced, and shamed, but these were the types of tests they went through in the past. Today, Mureeds would say: “What does this Shaykh think of himself?! Does he think that I can’t have good food at home?”, the person would leave —he would go home. Most Mureeds today don’t have that same capacity or appreciation. The present-day Masha’ikh —understanding the nature of people, adopt a somewhat lenient approach. Of course, there will be discipline, but they understand that the nature of the people is not the same. The objective is the reformation of the Mureed. Some —who are inexperienced, constantly reproach and admonish their Mureeds or students. They reprimand and reprimand. This indicates that there is no correct understanding and no skill in how to make Islaah. Each person is different. Each person’s temperament is different, and the Shaykh has to understand the temperament of each Mureed. Some will take a harsh reprimand,
Bridal and Baby Showers
Bridal and Baby Showers by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) There are many customs and trends which are affiliated with the non-Muslim culture and lifestyle. Due to being afflicted with what appears to be a truly insecure and inferior complex, many Muslims look towards and choose the customs and trends of the non-Muslims over that of the beautiful Sunnah. It seems as if the need is to secure acceptance in a non-Muslim society and blend in with them —so that we are not recognized as Muslims. Bridal and Baby Showers have become synonymous with the Muslim lifestyle as it is with the rest of the non-Muslim lifestyle. Many may ask: What’s wrong with giving gifts, congratulating the bride-to-be or the new mother, or having a get-together with friends? There is nothing wrong with giving the bride or the new mother a gift or congratulating the person. To give a gift and congratulate are from the teachings of Islam, and would draw rewards, but there are conditions to be met in even these noble deeds. What is highly wrong and objectionable is the background to these good deeds. They are not within the parameters of Shari’ah. The picture of a bridal and baby shower is not typical of the Sunnah. It is typical of the non-Muslim way of life. Following suit, we fall into the sin of “Tashabbu bil Kuffaar” (emulating the disbelievers). It is aligning oneself with those who have rejected Allah Ta’ala, who live their lives in immorality and disobedience. Nikah is a great Ibaadah. Pregnancy and the birth of a child also have their requisites in Islam. However, the west has commercialized all these noble occasions and made them into money-making events. The sacredness of these occasions is forgotten. Today, Nikahs have taken on the exact shape of a Hollywood or Bollywood-style wedding —where the bride is dressed to look like a Christian bride or a Bollywood actress, with no sign of Islam on her; and the groom is dressed in a suit and tie, looking like a typical Christian groom. Adding insult to injury is the extravagance and open sin at the time of the wedding and Walimah. One’s mind moves in the direction of the millions suffering from famine and starvation, who have no home, no water, no food, and no clothing —but the Muslim ignores all that suffering just for fleeting attention and praise. Hundreds of thousands of Rands wasted on draping a hall, dressing the chairs, wine glasses, musicians, photography, wedding cards —which are thrown away, etc. is money which could have been the means of alleviating the plight of so many suffering people. One brother handed me an elaborate invitation card for his daughter’s wedding. I enquired about the cost of the wedding card and was told that each card cost R50. Advising him, I told him that almost all people throw away wedding cards, so he should regard that as people throwing away hundreds of his R50 notes. Would he throw R50 notes into a bin? No. However, throwing away those cards is equal to throwing away R50 notes. That same money could have been used in making the Aakhirah. Even those who are known to be religious will waste thousands on halls, on décor, etc., sacrificing the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Those who are meant to set the noble example of the Sunnah —whom we expect are living the Sunnah, knowingly choose to forsake the Sunnah. Simplicity is part of Imaan —a rare sight in these times. ‘Aaisha (radhiyallahu’ anha) narrated that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘Verily, the most blessed Nikah is that which involves the least difficulty (expenditure).’[1] We have a perfect Sunnah —a perfect way of life in the life of our Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and the lives of his companions, men, and women (radhiyallah ‘anhum). We have what is superior to all other cultures, yet we consider everything else. It shows great weakness if we prefer the culture of the Christians, Jews and Idolators over the noble Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). We are exchanging diamonds for stones —what an unprofitable exchange this is! What a great loss! Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever emulates a nation is from amongst them.”[2] In another Hadith, it is stated: “A person is with whom he loves.”[3] Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) also said that we will be raised on the Day of Judgment with those whom we imitate in this worldly life. (May Allah Ta’ala save us from such disgrace and humiliation.) Emulating the non-Muslim culture is one downfall, but there are many more that are found in the Bridal and Baby Showers. The non-Muslims have coined a novel concept of begging – especially amongst the upper class. It seems as if some, from amongst the wealthy, have developed the art of begging. They even have a name for it. In the name of Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, and Registries, people gracefully and politely extend their hands and ask and take from others. The bride-to-be chooses her gifts from exclusive stores that offer a “registry”, or she unashamedly hands out a list of those items she wants gifted to her. In the process, she places pressure, financial difficulty, and sometimes a great burden on others to purchase the gifts she has chosen. At the get-together, these gifts and other gifts are presented to the bride-to-be, who opens them and shows them to all present – and each person can assess the money spent on the gift given. Let us now consider the various wrongs in this act: A person is forced to purchase gifts that the bride has chosen, which may be beyond their budget in spending. A person who gives something simple or inexpensive will feel ashamed and embarrassed, considering the way gifts are being received and shown to others. The Hadith encourages giving gifts because giving gifts creates Muhabbah (love). If Muhabbah is not
Creating a Niche in the Heart for The Awliya Allah
Creating a Niche in the Heart for the Awliya Allah by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) It is said that we should make a niche in the hearts of the Awliya Allah (Friends of Allah Ta’ala) –that is, create a special place in their hearts. One is to say: “Make Dua…” – and the person will make Dua when he thinks of you. When we would request our Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) to make Dua, Alhamdulillah, Hazrat would immediately make Dua. However, that person who makes Khidmah, then Dua comes out from the heart without the person asking. This is the Dua that is extremely special. Khidmah does not mean only serving the Shaykh by assisting him in various tasks and work. That is undoubtedly a kind of Khidmah, and the Ahlullah appreciate that as well because this is a world of means. However, the real Khidmah is for us to become a Sadaqah-e-Jariyah for them. How do we become ‘Sadaqah e Jariyah’? —By practising upon their teachings. A person sits in the company of his Shaykh all his life, but there is no improvement in his Salah, no improvement in his fasting, no improvement in his character and in his speech – he still swears and curses, cheats and deceives. Despite having one body, he has two faces, and his heart is a container of greed and pride, malice, miserliness, etc. Will this person become Sadaqah-e-Jariyah for the Shaykh? What kind of Sadaqah-e-Jariyah will he be? On the other hand, another person came through a “rough life” –as they describe it. He was caught up in various sins. Many come through a rough life, but then they keep the Suhbat of the Shaykh, and they progress at a fast speed. Although this person came from a rough life, his speed is fast —concerning his reformation and change. Now this person will be a Sadaqah-e-Jariyah. The Masha’ikh appreciate most: Seeing their teachings being brought into practice and seeing positive changes and improvements being made. If a person is blessed with both: There is Ittiba’ of the Shaykh, and the person’s A’maal are improving and increasing, and there is also Khidmah, then the Muhabbat increases even more. A place is created in the heart and due to that Muhabbat, the Shaykh makes Dua for the person. Sometimes the Shaykh has thousands of Mureeds. He will not be able to remember the names of all his Mureeds and may not even know who the persons are. In one big gathering – there may be one hundred, two hundred, or five hundred people who became Bay’at. How will you remember every single person? The one who makes positive changes and his Muhabbat is expressed with Ittiba of the Shaykh; he is the one who wins the heart of the Shaykh. We are living in times of corruption, and there are so many bogus peers and even bogus mureeds. Peers have become bogus, and the mureeds have become bogus too. Those Masha’ikh who are on Haq have Istighna and Qana’at. Their gaze is not on Makhlooq and what the creation will do for them. A Shaykh must not have his gaze on the pockets of anyone. His gaze must be fully focused on Allah Ta’ala – that Allah Ta’ala is the Provider, and there is no shortage in the treasures of Allah Ta’ala. When a Mureed is rendering some Khidmah, the Mureed must not think: I’m doing a great favour. He must do Khidmah with Ikhlaas; then there will be a lot of Barakah and benefit in that Bay’at. As said, the greatest Khidmah is to go through the process of Islaah sincerely – rectifying one’s character, correcting one’s relationship with Allah Ta’ala and the creation, and improving in good deeds. That is the Khidmah that is most appreciated. What is the purpose if there are large crowds, and nobody is changing his life? What happiness is there in this? Those who are fraudulent and bogus are happy with large numbers following them and are happy so long as you pay their subscription fees and shower them with material gifts. Those who are concerned about connecting us with Allah Ta’ala and his Nabi (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) will be happy when their Mureeds bring changes into their lives and their Akhlaaq (character). This is the most neglected area, and even if we talk the whole year round on Akhlaaq, it is worthy of being talked about. You will notice in our discussions that we always come back to Akhlaaq. This is what will build Muhabbat. If there is no Akhlaaq, then as I have already mentioned many times, the person who is your friend will become your enemy. If there is Akhlaaq, the enemy also will become your friend. Now it is left to us as to what we want. If there is Akhlaaq, then the wife will become loving and caring. If there is no Akhlaaq, the wife will distance herself from the husband; she will want out of the marriage. Some wives write about their husbands –that they do not wish to have their husbands in Jannah because living with them here in this world is so burdensome. What kind of life is that? The reason for such a wish is that some do not understand that Jannah will not be like the Dunya, and every Jannati will have a beautiful character. Or the children say: “We don’t like to have our parents.”, or the parents say, “We don’t like to have our children.” This happens when there is a deficiency in Akhlaaq from either side or both sides –then there must be problems. If we create magnanimity in our hearts and have big hearts, then we can win over our families. We cannot share our wealth with everybody! Can we share our wealth with everybody? How much wealth can a person share, and that too, with everyone? Even if a
The Dressing of a Muslim
The Dressing of a Muslim It is very common amongst the youth to emulate the dress code and ways of non-Muslims. Following Hollywood, Bollywood, western and eastern fashion, lifestyle, and culture is the pursuit, interest and fixation of many people. I have mentioned to boys, girls, and even adults that the dressing which is according to the Sunnah, greatly benefits in different ways. This dressing of the Kurta, pants above the ankle and Topee/Amamah for the men, and the Hijab and Niqab for the women has Noor. When this Sunnah attire and modest dressing are adopted, this Noor enters the heart and results in piety being nurtured in the heart, character, and speech. There is an immediate effect and improvement in a person’s spirituality. The Sunnah dressing is also extremely modest and simple. As such, modesty and simplicity are also cultivated in the person. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Simplicity is a part of Imaan”[1] and: “Modesty is a branch of Faith.”[2] Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) also said: “Haya (modesty) does not bring anything except good.”[3] Where there is modesty, then virtue, chastity and purity will be found – in actions, speech and thoughts. Another benefit of the dressing of Islam is that it becomes a barrier and protection from sins. It makes it so much easier to stay away from sins. The person in Kurta or the sister in Hijaab and Niqaab will stay far away from committing open sin, going to places such as cinemas, clubs, and other evil venues. There is an understanding that this dress represents piety and that people consider such people pious. Being present in such places is most inappropriate, especially in such attire. I advise and encourage all the brothers, young and old, who are not in the habit of wearing the Sunnah Libaas, to commence by wearing it for the Fardh Salaah. Salaah demands respect. Being in the House of Allah Ta’ala also demands respect and dignity. In answering the call to Salah, also respond to the Command of Allah Ta’ala regarding our dressing to Salaah. “O Children of Aadam! Take your adornment at every prayer …” [Surah Al-A’raf 7:31] Wearing short sleeves, tight-fitting pants, performing the Salaah bareheaded, etc., goes against the grain of respect and is Makruh (extremely disliked). If a person wears this Sunnah Libaas five times a day for the Salaah, he will, insha Allah, see the day when he will cast off the western garb and adopt the Sunnah attire full time, with great love and happiness. He will establish great affinity with the Sunnah and lose interest in the ways of the non-Muslims. Very sadly, so many of our sisters go out ill-clad, wearing immodest, revealing, and modern garb —and then beautify and perfume themselves. They then become targets of filthy, lustful glances and even physical and verbal harassment. In a society where evil and obscenity abound, rape also has a ‘visual’ dimension. Allah Ta’ala revealed the laws of the Hijab in various Aayat (verses) of the Qur’an Shareef. Hijab identifies a woman as a respectable human being, and she is safeguarded from any kind of harassment —which is so common in this day and age. “O Nabi! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e., screen themselves completely). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed….” [Surah Al-Ahzab 33:59] Our sisters should look towards the pure wives and daughters of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the noble Sahabiyaat (radiyallahu ‘anhun) as role models. These are women who earned great honour and success in both worlds, and they are beloved by Allah Ta’ala. Aspire for this! When the dressing of the Kuffar is worn, Zulmat (darkness) falls on the heart, and this darkness then becomes apparent in the person’s character, actions, and speech. An attribute of the dress of the Kuffar is immodesty and indecency. It destroys the inherent modesty and shame of a person. Very quickly, the nature of a person becomes spoiled – inclining towards immodesty and indecency. We see the result of imitating actors, actresses, singers and others: smoking, drugs, alcohol, swearing, illicit relationships, fornication, etc. Darkness spreads in the person’s life. Their culture encourages girls to look like boys and boys to look like girls. Identity is lost, and natural characteristics are ruined. Allah Ta’ala has defined the perfect dress code for men and women. Various Ahadith offer us guidelines and details regarding our dressing. We should acquaint ourselves with this knowledge, implement it practically, and appreciate the bounty of such beautiful, noble attire. The clothing of a Muslim is extremely important. It is our identity. We should not be embarrassed or ashamed to be recognized as Muslims and followers of our Beloved Rasul (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam). We should be desirous of having this resemblance with him (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Moreover, our dress makes us ambassadors, representatives, and flag-bearers of this beautiful Deen without any effort. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the courage and the Taufiq of practising on all of Deen and give us the great benefits and rewards resulting from this, Aameen. [1] Abu Dawud [2] Nasai [3] Sahih Al-Bukhari
Easalus Sawab
Eesalus Sawab Eesalus-Sawb[1] is not only for the deceased but also for the living – and is established from the Sunnah. We should, therefore, also convey the rewards of our optional deeds to the entire Ummah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), including those who are living. Moreover, when the rights of a Muslim have been unintentionally violated, it would be a sign of sincerity that besides asking for forgiveness, the person conveys the reward of some good deed as ‘Eesalus-Sawab’ to the person who was wronged. For example: If the person was party to Ghibah (backbiting) and did not prevent it, then besides asking Allah Ta’ala to forgive, the person could read the ‘Quls’[2] or give something in Sadaqah (charity) and send the reward as Eesaalus Sawab to the person whose right was violated. If the person comes to know of what was said regarding him (or her), then the person’s forgiveness should also be sought. Of course, this does not mean that we violate people’s rights, using this as atonement and compensation. A Muslim is careful not to cause hurt or injury to others. [1] Eesalus Sawab: to convey the reward of a good action or charitable deed to another person, alive or deceased. [2] The recitation of Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas begins with the word ‘Qul’. These are the last 3 Surahs of the Qur’an Sharif.
Forgive Others
Forgive Others We should try and keep in mind the many virtues regarding forgiving those who wrong us. Allah Ta’ala will, insha Allah, reward us in different ways. We will become the beneficiaries of great good: 1.) Allah Ta’ala will forgive us: Allah Ta’ala says: “Let them forgive and overlook, do you not wish that Allah should also forgive you? Indeed, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Surah An-Noor 24: 22] Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) narrated that Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “He who forgives the faults of a Muslim, Allah will forgive his faults on the Day of Resurrection.”[1] 2.) Allah Ta’ala will love us: “Those who control their anger and are forgiving towards people; Allah loves those who do good.” [Surah Aal-Imraan 3: 134] 3.) Allah Ta’ala will grant us honour: Nabi (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Charity does not decrease wealth; no one forgives except that Allah increases his honour, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.”[2] It is much easier on the heart to forgive and let the past remain in the past than to hold onto it, carry it with us, and stay unhappy, depressed and miserable. This burden bogs a person down. Many a time, holding onto the past deprives a person of productivity and being able to live life successfully. [1] Ibn Hibban [2] Sahih Muslim
The Tranquillity of the Heart
Like the needle of the compass faces North when at rest, the heart of the Mu’min[1] faces in the direction of Allah Ta’ala’s obedience and pleasure. In the obedience of Allah Ta’ala do we find our peace, contentment and happiness. When a compass is moved or shaken, we observe how the needle is disturbed and begins to move this way and that way restlessly –as if agitated. When it is placed down, it continues to move about until finally; it finds its rest in the direction of North. SubhanAllah! We should take a lesson from this. When the heart of a Mu’min is shaken with sins and disobedience to Allah Ta’ala, then the heart’s Sukoon (tranquillity) is disturbed. The heart is in a state of restlessness and anxiety until the person sincerely repents. Upon sincere Taubah, the heart settles back in Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure and once again enjoys its Sukoon. Our Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakim Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (rahmatullahi ‘alayh), would say that Sukoon is an exclusive bounty and gift for a Muslim. It only descends on the heart of a Believer, with the condition that there is obedience to Allah Ta’ala and abstinence from sins. Not only do sins disturb and disrupt the tranquillity of the heart, but it also blemishes the heart with ugly black marks. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) explained: “When a Mu’min sins, a black dot appears on his heart. If he repents and seeks Allah’s forgiveness, his heart becomes cleansed and polished. If he continues to commit more and more sins (without repenting), the spot continues to spread and ultimately covers his entire heart.”[2] I have given the following analogy many a time: The person who is wearing a white kurta and is always conscious of his cleanliness will be very uneasy and uncomfortable if a drop of black ink falls onto his kurta or if food stains his kurta. He will haste to wash it off immediately –because the sink stain spoils his kurta’s whiteness. This is the condition of the Mu’min who is obedient to Allah Ta’ala. His heart is like a white garment or a white sheet. The moment he falls into any sin mistakenly, he senses the dark, black spot of sin on his white heart. He is uneasy and unhappy and immediately seeks to clean his heart with sincere Taubah. We find that those who work in garages generally wear dark overalls. This is because they handle oil and grease, and their work requires clothing which is practical. Because the clothing is dark, if more oil and grease soils and stains the overall, the person will not really be aware of it and will not be bothered because his garments are dark in colour anyway. So, any amount of oil, grease and dirt may soil his clothing, but it is not really apparent and does not worry him. Similar is the condition of the person whose heart is already soiled and dirtied with sins for which no Taubah has been made. More sins do not affect him because the heart is already dark and black. This does not mean that a person sits content with such a heart. It is necessary that he quickly begins a total scrub and wash of his heart with Taubah and Istighfaar. Sincere Taubah, Zikrullah and the effort in the direction of obedience to Allah Ta’ala will most certainly remove all the blackness and dirt of sins from the heart. The heart will then be in its original state of whiteness and cleanliness, insha Allah. Nabi (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) taught us a Dua that facilitates this washing and purification of the heart: “O Allah, wash off my sins with the (melted) water of ice and snow, and purify my heart of sins, as white clothes are cleansed of filth.” Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) used the word ‘white’ cloth because black cloth does not make the stains or marks of dirt apparent. White clothes reveal the slightest trace of dirt. Maulana Shah Abdul Ghani Saheb (rahmatullahi ‘alayh) explained that the quality of ice is its coolness, and the outward characteristic of snow is its whiteness. Thus, the whiteness removes the darkness of sins, and the coolness eliminates the heat of sins, SubhanAllah! Together with sincere Taubah, it is essential to dissociate oneself from bad company and environments and to seek out good and pious companions who will encourage and inspire us in the direction of obedience to Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), as well as find and keep to those environments which make easy practising on Deen. Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had related an incident of a tanner who was one day passing by some perfume shops. Since most of his time was occupied with tanning animal skins, he was used to strong bad smells. While passing the perfume shops, the pleasant fragrances did not agree with him, and he fell unconscious. The people around him made every effort to revive him, but no one was successful. When his brother was informed, he went to where the tanner lay unconscious, and on smelling the fragrances wafting in the air, he understood the cause of his brother’s condition. He immediately went away and returned after a while, bringing in his sleeve some faeces of a dog. He held his sleeve near his brother, who was instantly revived. All were astounded and bewildered as to what was so effective and helpful in reviving the tanner when there were so many perfume shops in the vicinity, and all sorts of fragrances were used to revive the tanner. This is just a story but with a great lesson. That person who spends his life in sin becomes accustomed to dirty environments and deeds. Good deeds are unfamiliar and foreign to the person. The person can even reach a stage where there is an aversion to good, and thus, he stays far away from those places and gatherings where the
Who is a Friend?
A friend is one who is concerned about his friend’s goodness, welfare, and health. A friend wishes to see his friend progress in life, be happy, and enjoy respect and success in both worlds. A true and sincere friend is a helper, supporter, and protector of one’s spiritual well-being. He encourages what is good and discourages that which is evil and destructive. On the other hand, an enemy desires the destruction of a person’s life, health, wealth, and respect. So, can the ‘friend’ who encourages you or offers you drugs or alcohol, or takes you to concerts, cinemas, rave clubs, gambling dens, prostitute quarters, or introduces you to music, pornography, etc., be called a friend? Nay, he is your enemy! If you befriend such a person, you will then have Shaytaan, nafs, as well as this ‘friend’ / ‘friends’ as your enemies! Allah Ta’ala mentions the reality and outcome of such ‘friendship’ in the Qur’aan Shareef: “On that day, friends will become enemies to one another, except the God-fearing.” [Surah Az-Zukhruf 43:67] On the day of Qiyamah [1], many a person will be highly remorseful for having befriended a person who encouraged him towards evil and sin. Mufti Muhammad Shafi saheb (rahmatullahi alaihi) in his Tafseer –Ma’ariful Qur’aan, quotes an incident narrated by Ali (radiyallahu anhu) regarding two Muslim friends and two non-Muslim friends, which should make us reflect on the friends that we are and the friends we have. One of the Muslim friends died. When he was given the glad tidings of Jannah, he remembered his friend and supplicated in his favour: “O Allah! That friend of mine would advise me to obey You and Rasulullah (sallahu alaihi wasallam). He would direct me towards virtuous deeds and prevent me from evil deeds. He kept reminding me that one day I would have to meet You. O Allah! Do not misguide him after me so that he may also see the scenes of Jannah as You have shown them to me. Be pleased with him, as You are with me.” In reply, it will be said to him: “Do not worry. If you know what rewards I have stored for your friend, you will weep less and laugh more.” Later, when the friend will also have died, both souls will meet, and Allah Ta’ala will direct them to praise each other. Thereupon, they will say about the other: “He is the best brother, companion, and friend.” On the other hand, when one of the non-Muslim friends will die, and he will be told that he will go to Jahannum, he will recollect his friend and will supplicate thus: “O Allah! That friend of mine would insist that I disobey You and Your Messenger (sallahu alaihi wasallam). He would direct me towards vices, prevent me from doing good deeds, and say that I would never meet You. O Allah! Do not give him guidance after me so that he may also see the scenes of Hell, as You have shown them to me, and be displeased with him, just as You are displeased with me.” Later, when the other friend will also have died, their souls will be brought together, and they will be directed to condemn each other. Each will say about the other: “He is the worst brother, worst companion and worst friend.”[2] Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) cautioned us regarding our choice of friends: “A person is on the Deen (way of life) of his friend, so every one of you should look at whom he befriends.”[3] The most common cause of sins amongst the youth is peer pressure. Almost every person divulges being introduced to sins through ‘friends’. When pressured to commit sins, be firm on Deen and courageous. Say: I do not want to displease my kind and loving Allah Ta’ala. I do not want to walk the path to Jahannum. I do not want to invite the fire of Jahannum into my life. May Allah Ta’ala make us good, righteous friends and grant us such friends who will benefit and assist us in our Deen. [1] Qiyamah: Resurrection [2] Ibn Kathir, as quoted in Ma’ariful Quran [3] Abu Dawood / Tirmidhi
Photography and Picture-Making
Nowadays, we find that photography and videoing have become accepted in all circles, yet Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Those who are involved in picture-making will be subjected to the worst forms of punishment on the day of Qiyamah”.[1] In another Hadith, Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Those who are involved in picture making will be severely punished on the Day of Qiyamah, and Allah Ta’ala will say to them: “Give life to what you have created!”.[2] We also know the fatawa of our respected Imams of Fiqh, and the majority of the past, and present scholars, which prohibit picture making of anything animate. Photography carries within it so much evil, which erupts into so many more sins. Just like how a volcano erupts and spews out rocks, gases, ash, and lava, which causes great harm and destruction, photography has led to an eruption of Fitan, which spews out immodesty, obscenity, and a host of other evils. There is no doubt that photography plays a key role in the destruction of man’s spirituality, modesty, and morality. I received numerous emails and letters, and many people – young and old – are caught up in pornography and other sins, stemming from photography. I have mentioned previously that the porn and filthy film industry is all based on pictures. This gives rise to rape, incest, child porn, and other vices. Islam cuts at the root of the evil by prohibiting picture-making and photography. Whatever we see today of various Fitan, is due to the Shar’i prohibitions being flouted and disregarded. Our Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had said that despite the deep love that the Sahaba (Radhiyallahu ’anhum) had for Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), not one of them drew any image of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). From amongst the Sahaba (Radhiyallahu ’anhum), some could have sketched images of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) when he was at Badr, when he was at Uhud in his armour, when digging the trench at Khandaq, when Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was entering Makkatul Mukarramah at the time of its conquest, when Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was on the plains of Arafah —hands raised, imploring and begging of Allah Ta’ala, so many pictures could have been drawn, to “capture the moment”, to keep those “memories alive” and so that we, the latter of the Ummah, may also see a picture or pictures of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), but not one Sahabi (radhiyallahu ‘Anhum) drew such pictures. Since picture-making in any form, is prohibited, the Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) did not compromise on their obedience to Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Their condition was: “We hear, and we obey.” This is what we must learn to nurture and imbibe within ourselves, that when we hear the command of Allah Ta’ala; or the command of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), we should willingly submit and obey. We are told to follow the Sahaba (Radhiyallahu ’anhum) for guidance. Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “My companions are like the stars; whichever of them you follow, you will be rightly guided.”[3] The Sahaba (radhiyallahu anhum) set a precedent and a beautiful example for us. We need to follow in their noble footsteps. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the concern and grant us obedience to Him and His Rasul (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), and may he grant us Istiqaamah on Siraatul Mustaqeem, Aameen. Also read “THE PROHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHY“ by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) 1. Sahih Al-Bukhari 2. Sahih Muslim 3. Jami’u Bayanil ‘ilmi wa fadhlihi
Prescription for the Huffaz
Here is an easy prescription that I have given to many Huffaz who found it to be a very simple way for Dhor: Before Fajr, read 3 Rukus of the Qur`an Sharif. After Fajr, read the same 3 Rukus. It will take + 5 minutes. Before and after Zuhr, do the same 3 Rukus only. Then before and after Asr, Maghrib and Esha, respectively, read the same 3 Rukus. In a day, you have done the same 3 Rukus + 10 times, allowing for some days when you cannot manage before or after. Take the following 3 Rukus the following day and repeat as above. In six days (average), you will complete a para. On Sunday, make dhor of that para, reading a few Rukus each Salah time. In a month, you will do + 4 paras, and in about 7 months, revision of the complete Qur`an Sharif without much effort. Continue like this for the rest of your life, insha Allah.