Qurbani
Allah Ta’ala states regarding the lofty act of Qurbani: “Neither their meat nor blood reaches Allah. Rather, it is your piety that reaches Him. This is how He has subjected them to you so that you may proclaim the greatness of Allah for what He has guided you to, and give good news to the good-doers.”[Surah Al-Hajj 22: 37] Sadly, despite the knowledge disseminated of the merits and virtues of Qurbani and its obligatory nature, many have the ability and means, yet they still present excuses for not having the money to undertake Qurbani. I am not talking about the poor and needy who are exempt from Qurbani. I am talking about those sitting with so many luxuries, and they still ask whether or not Qurbani is Wajib (obligatory). Let us not take this act of Ibaadah so lightly. It is a great and very important Sunnah that has to be upheld, and it is compulsory for those with the means to do so. Every adult Muslim, male and female, who owns 612.36 grams of silver or its equivalent in money, personal ornaments, stock-in-trade or any other form of wealth that exceeds the person’s basic needs, is obligated to offer Qurbani. It is also incorrect that we only promote Qurbani as a charitable undertaking to assist the poor and needy in different parts of the world. This is what is being highlighted in our advertisements and notices: Qurbani is undertaken to distribute to the suffering Ummah throughout the world. Indeed, distributing to the poor is a great benefit of Qurbani. And similarly, in all Ibadat, we will find great benefits. However, the benefit is not the objective. This is something that should be understood. The objective of Hajj is not just to meet everyone in Arafat, even though it is a congregation of millions of Muslims from around the world. The objective of fasting is not to lose weight, even though we eat far less than usual. Similarly, the objective of Qurbani is not just to feed the poor. This is not the purpose. If a person slaughters his animal or many animals before the Eid Salah and then distributes all of that meat to the poor and needy, then even though that kind of generosity is very noble, every Mufti will say that the Qurbani is not valid. For the Qurbani to be valid, it has to be done after the Eid Salah. In a town, if the Eid Salah is performed at different venues, then after the first Eid Salah, Qurbani will be valid. There are other rules, regulations and conditions to be fulfilled and met for Qurbani to be valid. This shows that the Qurbani animal is different. Therefore Allah Ta’ala says: “Neither their meat nor blood reaches Allah. Rather, it is your piety that reaches Him.”[Surah Al-Hajj 22:37] So Qurbani is not only a charity. If Qurbani is only charity, then how can we eat of it? Can we utilize our Zakah —or a portion of it for ourselves? No. Nabi (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ate from his own Qurbani —but he (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would not eat of Sadaqah. So Qurbani should be done seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. Sadly, most people opt to give their money to different organizations so that their Qurbani is discharged without any labour. To give money is very easy, but this is not the spirit of Qurbani. If we just send our money to neighbouring countries or overseas, then we are depriving ourselves and our children of the spirit of sacrifice. Yes, send the Nafl Qurbanis to other places —if you wish to, and where the people will benefit. However, at least make one or two at home. Let the children see and take a lesson. We ourselves need to see and take a lesson. In enlivening this Sunnah, we take so many beautiful lessons. The heart and soul are stirred to move in the direction of submission to Allah Ta’ala. We see how the sheep, goat, or other Qurbani animals are made to lie down and how it gives its life in Allah Ta’ala. We also take a lesson that just as that sheep sacrificed its life on the Hukm of Allah Ta’ala, we, who are the servants of Allah Ta’ala, should be sacrificing our evil desires. In fact, our whole lives should be sacrificed for Allah Ta’ala. Our respected Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakim Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh), presented a wonderful analogy. Hazrat asked: “When does the sun rise?” As we all know, it rises when the horizon turns red. Hazrat then explained: “Just as the sun rises when the horizon turns red, similarly, the suns of Allah Ta’ala’s Muhabbat and Ma’rifat will rise when the horizons of the heart turn red with the blood of one’s evil desires, which have been sacrificed for Allah Ta’ala.” Qurbani is the Sunnah of Ibrahim (عليه السلام), and we must remember that Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was not slaughtering a ram or sheep. The knife was placed on his beloved son. That was the test, and what a test! After making Dua for a son and being granted a son, the command is then to slaughter that very beloved son. Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was Khalilullah, the friend of Allah Ta’ala, and he proved his love for Allah Ta’ala. It was not just a claim. It was supported by his entire life —which was clear proof of Ishq. ‘Ishq is something that, when it comes into the heart, it cannot be hidden. It is something which is evident in speech, in action, in everything and in every way. We find that there was no questioning of any of Allah Ta’ala’s Commands. There was immediate submission to every command. We should ask ourselves: What have we done to validate our claim of loving Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)? Isma’il (عليه السلام) was Zabihullah. We find that there was no objection upon hearing the Command of
Zul Hijjah – Opportunities for Great Profits
Allah Ta’ala takes a Qasm (oath) by the first ten nights of Zul Hijjah: وَالۡفَجۡرِۙ وَلَيَالٍ عَشۡرٍۙ“By the dawn, and [by] the ten nights.”[Surah Al-Fajr 89:1-2] When Allah Ta’ala is taking a Qasm on the blessedness and status of these nights, there can be no doubt of the greatness of these nights. Allah Ta’ala is the Creator of the Universe, and Allah Ta’ala has created the days and the nights. Regarding the hours of the days and nights, there is no question of different hours. Each day has a fixed twenty-four hours. We describe certain days of our lives as “memorable” and “enjoyable”, and we describe certain days of our lives as “miserable” and “sad”. This alludes to the actions or the happenings of that day, which made the day memorable or miserable. Certain days become distinguished for us due to the actions that transpired on those days. As far as Shari’ah is concerned, there is no such thing as the day itself having any misfortune. There is no “bad-luck” day —as people may regard some days. Our deeds make a day good or bad. If we engage in good deeds; perform our Salaah, fulfil the rights of Allah Ta’ala and the creation, take care of the poor, fast, engage in Zikrullah, Tilawah, Dua and other righteous deeds, then that day is a good, bright day. If we spend the day in evil deeds —in Zina, watching porn, swearing, stealing, dealing in interest or engaging in other vices, we have made the day a bad, “dark” day. Such a day is not a blessed day for the person because he disobeyed Allah Ta’ala on that day. Allah Ta’ala chose these days and nights of Zul Hijjah for Ibaadah. Furthermore, Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) —who was the most truthful, and received Wahi (revelation), also informed us of the speciality of these days and nights and how to occupy our time, whereby we gain the maximum profits of this period —this peak period for the Ibaadah of Allah Ta’ala. Not only did Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) present to us the greatness of these days and nights, but he also practically demonstrated the actions that should be carried out during this very Mubarak time. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was sinless. No one can engage in more Ibaadah, Zikr, Da’wah, and other good as he did; yet look at how he would stand for hours and hours in Salaah —until his Mubarak feet would swell; look at how he would place his head in Sajdah for so long that his beloved wife, ‘Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) would fear that his soul had departed. Despite all the responsibilities entrusted to him, he would give time exclusively for the Ibaadah of Allah Ta’ala.Whatever he invited to, he practised. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”The people asked: “Not even Jihad for Allah?”He said: “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out, giving himself and his wealth up for the cause (of Allah Ta’ala), and came back with nothing.”[1] Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) also directed us towards how to occupy our time: “No days are as weighty by Allah, and so liked by Him than good deeds which are carried out in the first ten days of Zul Hijjah. So during these days, increasingly read: Subhanallah, La ilaaha illallaah, Alhamdulillah and Allahu Akbar.”[2] Furthermore, Rasulullah (sallallaahu’ alayhi wa sallam) said: “On no days is the worship of Allah desired more than in the first ten days of Zul Hijjah. The fast of each of these days is equal to the fast of a whole year, and the Ibaadah (worship) of each of these nights is equal to the Ibaadah of Laylatul Qadr.”[3] We have to search for Laylatul Qadr in Ramadaan, and here Allah Ta’ala is giving us the rewards of Laylatul Qadr on each of these nights of Zul Hijjah –indicating their blessedness and greatness. Sadly, we have become of those who ask: Is it Fardh? Is it Waajib? We have learnt the definition of the Fiqh terms, such as Fardh, Waajib, and Sunnah, so that whatever is not Fardh, we may leave it out. This is our attitude: If something is Nafl, Mustahab or Ghair Muakkadah – we leave it out. We do not include it in our timetable; if it is there, we strike it off -once we learn that it is optional and can be left out, and there is no sin in not carrying it out. The Sahabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) did not have this weak approach to Deen, this offhand attitude to Deen and this laziness in practising on Deen – as we have. They strived in even those actions which were optional. Their sound intellect and deep understanding were evident in the fact that their entire lives were sacrificed upon the Sunnah. They spent their lives seeking Allah Ta’ala’s Pleasure and Jannah, raising the flag of Islam wherever they went. How different we are! Our condition becomes apparent when we see how our lives are sacrificed for Dunya, for what is temporary and what will be left behind when we depart from this world. Nabi (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The intelligent one is he who suppresses his desires and practises for what is after death, and the foolish one is he who makes his nafs follow its desires and (he) places (baseless) hope on Allah.”[4] In the light of this Hadith, we can gauge which category we fall into. Unfortunately —and very sadly, we look at the bare minimum regarding Ibaadaat. Why do we not settle for the bare minimum regarding our clothing, cars, homes and other material items? Why are we not content with the basic necessities of life, like how we are satisfied with the bare necessities of Deen? Do we require a very luxurious car to get from one place to another?
The Knowledge of Allah Ta’ala
Imam Malik (rahmatullah ‘alayh) had great respect and love for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and Madina Munawwarah. He once wanted to perform Nafl Hajj but feared that he might die whilst on his journey for Hajj. It was his deep-hearted desire to die in Madina Sharif. In a dream, he saw Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and told him of his wish to die in Madina Sharif, and he asked Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) as to how long he would live. Rasulullah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) showed his five fingers to Imam Malik (rahmatullah ‘alaihi). Not understanding the meaning of this dream, Imam Malik (rahmatullah ‘alaih) wrote an anonymous letter to Shaykh Ibn Sirin (rahmatullah ‘alayh), who was the renowned and distinguished interpreter of dreams in his time. On reading the dream, Ibn Sirin (rahmatullah ‘alayh) said that only Imam Malik (rahmatullah’ alaih) could have had such a dream. He then gave the interpretation, saying that the dream referred to an Ayah (verse) of the Qur’an Sharif in which five things are mentioned —which are in the exclusive knowledge of Allah Ta’ala alone. Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur’an Sharif: “Indeed, Allah alone has the knowledge of the Hour. He sends down the rain, and knows what is in the wombs. No soul knows what it will earn for tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Surely Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” [Surah Luqman 31:34] To briefly explain these five things as mentioned in this Ayah (verse): THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOUR The exact year and time remain unknown to us. In the famous Hadith-e-Jibrl, where Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was questioned about Islam, Iman and Ihsan, he was also asked: “So inform me about the Hour (i.e. Qiyamah).” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied: “The one being questioned is not more knowledgeable than the one asking the question.” (meaning: neither do I know nor you know.)[1] Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) conveyed many signs indicating the last day’s proximity. These signs have been categorised as minor signs and major signs. All the minor signs have come to pass. Soon to follow are the major signs of Hazrat Mahdi, Dajjal, the descension of Hazrat ‘Isa (عليه السلام), etc. HE SENDS DOWN THE RAIN Weather bureaus predict rainfall. However, this is EXPECTED rainfall. Allah Ta’ala does not talk about expected rain but refers to the absolute and complete details of rain : ♦The exact time when the rainfall will commence. ♦The exact details of the land, city or farm which will receive this rain. ♦How much rain is going to fall, i.e. the exact amount. ♦Whether the rain will be beneficial or destructive. If we had such detailed knowledge, we would be able to prepare ourselves for floods and damage. All the scientific instruments of the world cannot give us such details. AND HE KNOWS THAT WHICH IS IN THE WOMBS Whether that child will be born or whether the mother-to-be will miscarry. The most science can do is inform one as to whether the child will be a boy or a girl, which is not always 100%. Even if they advance to the level of 100 % certainty, then too, they cannot predict details such as : ♦The child’s life span and the sustenance they will receive. ♦ Whether the child will be black or white, whether the child will live a life of health or ill health. Whether the child will be a doctor, Aalim, teacher, etc. ♦ Whether the child will be a blessing for the parents or a curse. NO PERSON KNOWS WHAT HE WILL EARN TOMORROW The detailed knowledge of exactly what a person will be able to do. All we can do is plan. However, we should not trust those plans. Anything can happen, an accident, death, war, revolution, etc., which then changes those plans. All plans are subject to Allah Ta’ala’s confirmation. This part of the Ayah (verse) also refers to wealth, i.e. exactly how much money a person will earn for that day. AND NO PERSON KNOWS IN WHICH LAND HE WILL DIE Sulaiman (عليه السلام) was given the Kingdom of the world and the power to control and rule over everything —even the winds and the animals. A simple man was once in the presence of Sulaiman (عليه السلام) when a stranger came before him. The stranger stared at the person in such a manner that he was overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. He quickly requested Sulaiman (عليه السلام) to send him to a distant land. Sulaiman (عليه السلام) commanded the wind to take the man where he wanted to go. The following day Sulaiman (عليه السلام) met the stranger who was Israil (‘alayhis salam)[2] and asked him why he had created such fear in a Muslim by staring at him. Israil (عليه السلام) replied that he stared at the man in astonishment since Allah Ta’ala had commanded him to take the man’s soul that very day in a certain distant land, and yet, he was in the Court of Sulaiman (عليه السلام). However, he found him where he was meant to die and took his soul at the appointed time. Many people remained all their lives in Madina Sharif or Makkah Sharif. Just before their death, they travel to another land where they pass away and are buried. And many people reside elsewhere, and Allah Ta’ala creates those means whereby they reach Makkah Mukarramah or Madina Munawwarah, pass away and are buried there. May Allah Ta’ala give us the understanding and acceptance of Allah Ta’ala’s Decree. Acceptance will create calm and peace in this journey of life. Otherwise, there is restlessness, apprehension, anxiety and worry about what is beyond a person’s knowledge and capacity. So many people debate and argue about the knowledge of the Hour, whereas it is Allah Ta’ala’s secret. How many non-Muslims have given away all their belongings, etc., believing that the world will come to an end on a
After Ramadan
The blessed month of Ramadan came like seasonal rain and passed by. This rain did not water the plants and crops – it showered upon the hearts of the Believers. It is sad but true that the hearts of the majority of Muslims were stricken with spiritual drought and spiritual decadence. It was a drought caused by excessive indulgence in un-Islamic activities, immoral behaviour, unjust actions, unfair dealings, etc. Drought caused by lack of rain destroys crops – drought caused by lack of piety, fear of Allah Ta’ala, and lack of Allah-Consciousness destroys the spirituality of the heart. Ramadan’s spiritual rains brought to life the Masajid and other prayer places. Ramadan had fanned the dying spark of charity. Ramadan had awakened the spirit of tolerance, patience and sympathy for the less fortunate. Now that we come to the end of Ramadan, the big question is: What to do? Did we go through all the spiritual exercises in Ramadan so that we may have the freedom to indulge, on Eid day, in all types of immoral, shameless and indecent entertainment and amusement? Did we restrain ourselves from Halal food, drinks and other pleasures from dawn to sunset throughout Ramadan so that we may return with renewed vigour to gambling, drinking, adultery and fornication? Will the spirit of tolerance, mercy, patience, charity, sympathy and the nurtured quality of piety and Allah-Consciousness still be evident, or will these noble qualities be shelved until the dawn of the next Ramadan? Will the Masajid, which were filled on most nights in Ramadan, remain the same, or will they become empty, wondering where the faithful have gone? Our lifestyles after Ramadan will show whether we used the month to bring about a total reformation within ourselves or whether we wasted the valuable opportunity. The National and international position of the Muslim communities is something we are all acquainted with. Muslims are lamenting the loss of lives, destruction of property, oppression, tyranny, injustice and a host of other problems afflicting Muslims all over the world. They are questioning why the promised help of Allah Ta’ala to the Believers is nowhere in sight. However, just one glance into the lifestyles of the overwhelming majority of Muslims is sufficient to answer the question. Millions of Muslims do not have much to their credit besides Muslim names. Allah Ta’ala’s help comes with ‘Amal (action) and true Islamic qualities, not with names or faces – or whether Arab or non-Arab, African or European, Chinese or Indian. On the other hand, every group, organization, society or individual who talks about Islam seems to have got its own brand of Islam. The Islamic teachings which were left behind for us, crystal clear and pristine pure, have become so adulterated with foreign customs, alien practices and un-Islamic ideologies that a new Muslim has to make an effort to search for the Qur’an and Sunnah brand of Islam or remain confused and ignorant. May Allah Ta’ala grant us Hidayah and grant us the ability to make the Qur’an and Sunnah our guiding lights and practise Islam as much as possible. If the non-Muslim inhabitants of our country see Islam in the lives of Muslims, they will not require much persuasion to accept our beautiful Deen, Aameen.
Insulating the Heart
Whilst in the company of one’s Shaykh, or when in good company, or during the month of Ramadan, we find an undeniably positive effect concerning our overall behaviour and our relationship with Allah Ta’ala. It suddenly becomes easy to perform good deeds and abstain from sins. Our hearts become light and happy after being relieved of the terrible burden of sins. Noor and Sakinah permeate the heart, and life becomes pleasant, Alhamdulillah. Then we leave the company of the Shaykh or Ramadan passes, and we find ourselves susceptible and vulnerable to the invitations and temptations of sins. We fall prey to nafs and Shaytaan. We ask: Why? How come? We were slowly but surely improving, and then we started stumbling, faltering, falling, and sometimes we are floored by nafs and even land up in the gutters of sins. May Allah Ta’ala protect us all. We, ourselves, are the reason for our weaknesses and failings. Whilst in the company of the Masha’ikh or during Ramadan, we do not develop sufficient Taqwa to insulate ourselves against sins, nafs and Shaytan. The Suhbah (company) of the pious and righteous and the month of Ramadaan offers special protection. However, we generally visit or keep company with the pious for short periods, and Ramadan visits us once a year. The time certainly comes when we have to face the many challenges outside the company of the pious and outside of Ramadan. Therefore, it is necessary to strongly insulate the heart and soul against the harsh climate of sins. For better understanding, let us take an example: It is a freezing Winter’s day; whilst we are indoors, we keep warm because our homes offer some insulation: the walls and the roof provide protection; the carpets, heater, fireplace add to that protection and also generate warmth. We will enjoy this warmth if we sit near the fireplace or heater. However, when we go outside, we obviously cannot carry the heater with us. We have heard and read of people who climb mountains covered in snow. What do they do? Do they carry heaters with them? —No! They insulate themselves with warm, thermal clothing. If we have to go outdoors, then knowing the extreme temperature outside, we adopt measures to protect ourselves. To keep warm while we are outdoors, we first insulate ourselves by wearing warm clothing, thick jackets, warm hats, socks, gloves, etc. We may even drink some hot soup or any hot drink to warm ourselves from the inside. If we adopt all these means before leaving our homes, we will be shielded against the icy, bitter cold —insha Allah. Similarly, while in the company of the Mashaikh, or during the blessed month of Ramadaan, we must do our best to insulate ourselves with the qualities of Taqwa, Sabr, Shukr, Zuhd, Tawadhu, etc. In the company of the Shaykh, we draw the warmth of the love of Allah Ta’ala—this is what is generated from his heart. This then becomes the insulation and protection against the demands of Nafs and the attacks of Shaytan. It is not possible to be with the Shaykh twenty-four hours a day. He has a life to lead. He will teach at the Madrasah, give talks at the Masjid, travel out in the Khidmat of Deen, etc. What do we do at such times? In the company of the Shaykh, we prepare for ourselves—for the harsh climate of sins and distractions of the outside work. We adopt protection measures just like the person who covers himself with a blanket or wears a heavy jacket before going out. In the Majlis of the Shaykh, we also insulate the heart with the Sifah of Ihsan, with the conscious awareness of Allah Ta’ala –keeping before us that Allah Ta’ala is All-Seeing, All-Hearing, All-Knowing, All-Aware —and that nothing escapes the knowledge of Allah Ta’ala. This quality is what we take with us wherever we go. Even though the Shaykh cannot be with us all the time, Allah Ta’ala is with us at all times: “And He is with you, wherever you are.” [Surah Al-Hadid 57:4] If we maintain a conscious awareness of Allah Ta’ala’s presence at all times, then when we have to go to the bazaar, marketplace, university or college, we will be well-insulated. Therefore, when we sit in those Majalis, we should not think that it is just a bayan, just a talk given. The bayan will take place, and even if there is no bayan, the silence of those who are Kaamil generates a Noor, a light. This enters through the eyes and ears and lights up the heart with the love of Allah Ta’ala. It gives the person strength in his Imaan. After that, when the person goes outside, that spiritual warmth is with him —like the person who wears his jersey and jacket, warm hat and warm socks. May Allah Ta’ala bless us all with well-insulated hearts. Allah Ta’ala has granted us such great means for renewed fortification. Our insulation is also found in our Salaah, which needs to be established five times a day in the Masjid – and that too, with concentration and attention. It should not be a ‘slap-dash’, ‘hit and run’ Salaah, as is so common. (na’uzu billahi min zaalik). Allah Ta’ala says: “…Verily Salaah restrains from shamelessness and evil….” [Surah Ankabut 29:45] We also insulate with our Tilawah, our Zikrullah, and our deep-hearted Dua for protection. My Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakim Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (rahmatullah ‘Alayh), would repeatedly make Dua: ‘O, Allah! Wherever I am – whether on earth or in the skies – my Taqwa must always remain safe.’ Together with these, we also insulate our lives by ridding our homes of all those elements that will nullify the spirituality that we develop in the company of the Shaykh. We throw out the television, give up music, and whatever other Haraam pollutes our homes and lives. The Suhbah of the Shaykh