The Shops of Ma’rifat
A person generally purchases material commodities from a shop. Groceries are purchased from a supermarket, clothing from a clothing store, jewellery from a jewellery shop and so forth. To obtain these material commodities, the buyer will have to give a certain amount of money in return for his goods. This is a transaction which is most common in the business world. There is also a transaction in the spiritual world where special commodities may be purchased: The commodities of the Ma’rifat (Recognition of Allah Ta’ala), ‘Ishq (Love for Allah Ta’ala), Qurb (Nearness to Allah Ta’ala), Nisbat (Connection with Allah) and so forth are generously available, for all. However, these special commodities of the ‘Ma’rifat’ (recognition) and Ishq of Allah Ta’ala are such that they cannot be purchased with the coins and notes or the gold and silver of this world. They are to be purchased in this world and are found in what I term the ‘shops’ of Ma’rifat, which are found throughout the world. These ‘shops of ‘Ma’rifat’ are the Ahlullah (People of Allah). They stock the merchandise of Allah Ta’ala. However, these Ahlullah do not accept cash, cheques, cards, gold or silver in their transactions. They accept a different kind of currency, which is far more precious than money. The payment for the merchandise of Allah Ta’ala is the Qurbani (sacrifice) of our evil desires. To become ‘Aarif Billah’, we have to pay for these spiritual treasures with the sacrifice of our base desires. The ‘asking price’ is the sacrifice of our evil desires – whether it is the evil desire to cast lustful gazes, commit fornication/adultery, gamble, take drugs, backbite, listen to music or commit any action which is Haram. Added to this, the more money a person possesses, the greater the commodity that can be purchased. Five Rand cannot buy a person a 22ct gold bangle. You require a lot of money for big commodities. Similarly, the more the Qurbani, the more the Ma’rifat of Allah Ta’ala; the greater the sacrifice, the greater the recognition of Allah Ta’ala. Take the example of a person who goes to the Jeweller, and he has with him R100 000. On the one hand, he wants to purchase jewellery, and on the other hand, he does not want to part with his money. He is attached to one and drawn to the other. He wants both. But he will have to part with that money in exchange for the jewels that he desires. Many of us want to please Allah Ta’ala, and we also want to keep our Nafs happy. This cannot be. No one can gain the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and secure His love while pandering to the whims and fancies of the Nafs and Shaytan. Just as the person will get gems, pearls, or gold and silver in return for his money, so too, if the Salik (Seeker of Allah Ta’ala) is prepared to sacrifice his evil desires and passions, then he will be given the pearls and jewels of Ma’rifat from the shops of Ma’rifat. The Ahlullah have a priceless treasure within their hearts. They are very generous in sharing because sharing increases their Treasure. And if we are able to secure the same, then we will understand the insignificance of the Dunya (This material world). “O Allah, You have explained Your Value, being both worlds. If by giving both worlds, You are attained, Both worlds are nothing in exchange for Your Love and Friendship. Even if a person should sacrifice his life for You, Then too, the full price has not been paid. To become martyred for the sake of Your Love, Is better than a thousand lives, And many are the Kingdoms to be sacrificed for Your servitude.” Once Shah Waliyyullah (rahmatullah ‘alayh) addressed the Moghul Emporers, saying: Waliyyullah has a heart that is beautified with the gems and pearls of the Love of Allah Ta’ala. If there is anyone wealthier, then come forward. When you die, you will be beneath the ground, wrapped in a few sheets, while your power and position, your wealth and Treasure will be left behind, above the ground. The gems and pearls of the ‘Ishq and Ma’rifat of Allah Ta’ala are dependent on how much Qurbani is made. “O, Friend! Treasures are generally buried in places of destruction. Hence destroy the evil desires and attain the Treasure.” Until we do not turn our hearts red with the blood of our evil desires, there is no way that we can secure the ‘Ishq, Ma’rifat and Qurb of Allah Ta’ala. There is no Wali (Friend of Allah Ta’ala) who has become a Wali by fulfilling the evil desires of his heart. The condition of the sincere ones is : Say, “My prayer, my offering, my life and my death are for Allah, the Lord of all the worlds…” [Surah An-An’am 6:162]
NO, it’s Not ON!
NO, it’s Not ON! by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Once, whilst walking on the pavement, I saw the word “ON” engraved on the cement. A pedestrian would read “ON” walking in one direction and would read “NO” walking in the opposite direction. This made me think of the never-ending efforts of Shaytan and Nafs in enticing and persuading us to engage in sins. When it comes to sins, Shaytan and Nafs are quick in glorifying disobedience, saying to us, “It’s ON!” This is a common catchphrase, often used to confirm some get-together or meeting, whether at the rave club, cinema, casino, or an illicit affair —meaning, ‘It’s the thing to do, It will bring enjoyment and gratification. You will be ‘with it.’ However, when a true Muslim is faced with such an invitation to sin or is tempted to disobey Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), then he boldly and assertively responds: “NO, it’s not On!” He addresses his nafs: “Agreed, there is a little stolen pleasure in sin, But what great rebellion is this against the Sustainer (Allah Ta’ala (That you use His bounties to disobey Him) A little while of pleasure and everlasting regret; What stupidity it is to bury the Janaza of respect and honour.” Click here to download and listen to the above couplet recited by Hazrat Maulana: “Yeh Mana Ma’siyat me…”
The Thoughts of Sinning
The Thoughts of Sinning by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Many people are anxious and troubled when the thought of sinning comes to their minds. Whilst Shaytan whispers such thoughts, inviting and tempting towards sins, we should not entertain them. I often present the analogy that our minds can be likened to a national highway. Whilst travelling on the highway, we find different kinds of vehicles and conveyances – luxury cars, old cars, trucks, bicycles, motorbikes, etc. Many times, animals are seen being transported – horses, cows and even pigs. If we find ourselves driving behind a truck transporting pigs, even though it disgusts us, we don’t have to leave the highway. All we have to do is, indicate, accelerate, overtake and continue driving. Similarly, our mind is like that national highway, and all kinds of thoughts begin travelling through the mind – good and bad. When evil thoughts visit our minds, we should pass them. We should not intentionally bring them into the mind or entertain them when they come to mind. Simply ignore them. Despite the thought being bad, no sin is recorded. In fact, Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentioned that Nabi (sallallahu’ alayhi wa sallam) had said that if a servant has an inclination towards some evil but does not act upon it, one good is written of good deeds.[1] The following is another analogy which I have also presented ad an explanation: If during the blessed month of Ramadan, whilst sitting at the Dastarkhan (tablecloth), waiting for Iftar, many delicious foods are placed before a person, and the thought comes to his mind to eat this or partake of that, then there is no sin concerning those thoughts. As long as the person does not eat anything, his fast will not break, and there will be no sin at the mere thought of eating the different delicacies coming to his mind. Click here to download or read the book “Combating the Whisperings of Shaytan” on this website. [1] Sahih Al-Bukhari
Getting up for Fajr Salah
Getting up for Fajr Salah by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) The following is the prescription that has been given regarding getting punctual with Fajr. In summer, when Fajr Salah[1] is very early, many complain about their inability to get up for Fajr Salah. In winter, when Fajr is relatively late, many complain about their inability to get up due to the cold. As the phrase goes: ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way.’ If one is sincere in wanting to perform the Fajr Salah (or any Salah), then come any season, weather, condition or circumstance, the person will do all that which is within his capacity to fulfil the rights of Allah Ta’ala. Due to the weakness being so common, the following are prescriptions to remedy the problem of missing the Fajr Salah: >> An alarm clock should be kept a distance away from the bed. Instead of switching it off and going back to sleep, you will have to get out of bed to switch it off. >> If you are a deep sleeper, then use two alarm clocks with loud alarms. Place one on either side of you – and at a distance. >> If your hearing is good in one ear and weak in the other, then place the clock on that side, where you will hear it loud and clear. >> Sincerely make Du’a before sleeping: ‘O Allah, I want to get up for Fajr Salah. Please give me the Taufeeq (ability) to do so.’ >> Tell those at home who also awaken for the Fajr Salah to get you up, even if it means shaking you up. >> Request a friend to give you a few rings in the morning – 20 or 30 minutes before Fajr. It will not cost him any money since you know that he is ringing you for Fajr Salah, and you won’t answer the call. >> Do not stay awake till two o’clock in the morning – involved in entertainment or pastimes: watching television, surfing the Internet, reading novels, etc. or in any activity, even ‘Mubah’ (permissible), which would then make it difficult to get up for Fajr. In such cases, go to bed early and begin the day early. >> Shaytan makes a person feel lazy at Fajr. On awakening, read the Masnun dua: ‘All praise is due to Allah who has given us life after death (i.e. sleep). And to Him will we be raised and returned.’ Then read: ‘La haula wa la quwwata illa billah’ and Ta’awwuz: ‘I seek protection in Allah from Shaytan, the accursed.’ Even though these are suggested prescriptions, the condition of a Mu’min (Believer in Allah Ta’ala) is that he or she is also ‘Ashiq’ (a sincere lover) of Allah Ta’ala. Since when is an Ashiq Ghafil (negligent) in pleasing his or her Beloved? If those who say they cannot get up for the Fajr Salah[2] have to read an advertisement in a newspaper by a gold coin company that all customers who arrive between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. at their premises will receive a Kruger Rand (gold coin), free. Will they then sleep or camp there the night? Whereas a gold coin has no worth in comparison to the value of a Salah. If a concerted and sincere effort was made to get up for the Fajr Salah after having adopted the prescriptions mentioned above, and still the person was unable to make it for Fajr with Jamat, then insha Allah, he will not be questioned on the Day of Qiyamah. [1] Fajr: Prayer performed after true dawn and before sunrise. It is mentioned in a Hadith: ‘One who performs the Salat at Fajr comes under the security of Allah…’ Sahih Muslim [2] Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu’ alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘There isn’t any Salah which is (heavier) more difficult on the Munafiqein (hypocrites) than Fajr and Esha Salah.’ Sahih Al-Bukhari
Keeping the Spirit of Ramadan Alive
Keeping the Spirit of Ramadan Alive by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) In a world that has become rather strange and peculiar, we find in the quest for peace that nations of the world are waging wars of devastation and destruction against each other. World governments look towards war as the solution for peace. Greed and selfishness are considered the key to the success of man. In the clamour for justice, injustice towers over and above, in all its ugliness. Instead of peace, freedom, success and justice, man finds himself shackled under the yoke of more and more tribulations. Despite the billions of dollars spent on sophisticated technology to establish law and order and eliminate crimes of theft, murder, bribery, corruption, rape, fraud, hijackings and so forth, crime has not been eradicated nor reduced by any percentage. Instead, there has been, and there is, a daily escalation in all criminal offences. Frequent get-togethers of the so-called masterminds of the world, summit conferences and high-level discussions have all failed to provide a solution to man’s economic, political, cultural and social problems. Man is a created being, and only Divine guidance can solve his problems. The reality is clear: The heavy arm of the law on its own, just legislation, the imposition of fines and jail sentences, cannot and will not solve problems that face mankind. The only sure deterrent to crimes of all kinds is firm conviction and belief in our Creator, a life hereafter and a day of judgement, where complete justice will be meted out. These are long-term solutions and solutions that were proven to give the best results and create the best societies on the face of the earth. The obligation of fasting in the month of Ramadan for the Believers —men and women, who are sane and healthy, is a clear message to mankind that unrestricted indulgence in fulfilling the desires of one’s base or animal self has to be curbed for some time to give an upliftment to one’s spiritual self. The object of fasting, as described in the Holy Qur’an is: “O you who believe, the fasts have been enjoined upon you as they were enjoined upon those before you, so that you may be God-fearing.” [ Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183] During the auspicious month of Ramadan, a fasting person abstains from food, drink and sexual relations from dawn until sunset in obedience to the command of his Creator. The month is a training whereby the Believer’s trait of being God-conscious is nurtured. Even though he may be in place of total privacy and seclusion on the hottest day of the year, he does not submit to the temptation of sipping even a few drops of water because he is convinced that he cannot evade the sight of the All-Observing Almighty. If the spirit of fasting were to become a reality in the society of Muslims who have observed the fasts of Ramadan, and it has advanced our piety, then mankind would see a society in which every person becomes the guardian of respect, honour, a society in which the needy, poor, destitute, and the under-privileged are taken cared for. A society in which honesty, chastity, nobility, kindness, compassion, mercy and forgiveness shine forth like the midday sun; a society in which no harm is caused to any human or animal without a just reason; and a society in which material progress does not bring about a moral collapse. Eidul Fitr signifies the end of this fasting period and is a day of joy and thanksgiving. Still, despite being a day of celebration, the day commences with an additional prayer after sunrise, reminding the believers that the object of fasting must be entirely borne in mind even after Ramadan. A believer must be aware that he was made to observe the fast to become God-conscious, pious and self-restraining. His natural inclinations to eating, drinking and fulfilling his sexual passions were curbed for a month from dawn to sunset – the willpower to abstain from all evil and submit himself to the will of the Creator should now be easy for the months to follow. Ramadan was a golden opportunity for the Muslim community to bring about a total transformation in all spheres of their lives. Eid and the days to follow are opportunities to demonstrate the moral upliftment and spiritual elevation gained through fasting by showing compassion, mercy and kindness towards the creation of the Almighty. Whilst conveying to the Muslim community best wishes for a Happy Eid, I make a humble appeal to every Muslim brother and sister to keep the spirit of fasting alive – Let obedience of Allah Ta’ala shine forth from this day forward. Let the rest of mankind observe the effect that fasting has in changing the outlook of a believing Muslim. Let the world observe a community free from all sins, crime and vice and let us be an example which is worthy of emulation and of others accepting Islam.
How to Attain Concentration in Salah
A common complaint of many who seek reformation is their lack of concentration in Salah and finding themselves wanting in the spirit of Salah. They write or ask for some prescription to bring in that spirit and that love of Allah Ta’ala through Salah. The following guidelines will, insha Allah, assist in improving the quality of one’s Salah: Men should try and reach the Musjid before the Azan so that they may read the Sunnah Salah with etiquette and ease – and this should take them about 5 minutes. In the remaining few minutes before the Fardh, make Istighfar, Taubah, Zikrullah, or think of the Aakhirah (the Hereafter), accountability and presentation of one’s deeds in the Court of Allah Ta’ala. Reflect on one’s life: What if my death has to come now? Try and cut off from the business and worldly activities as much as possible through this little meditation and Zikr. Now comes the Fardh Salah: insha Allah, by this time, much of one’s heart will be in that Salah. Insha Allah, with a little effort and perseverance, there will be full attention and concentration. Ladies should try and read Salah in its early time, thus giving themselves the opportunity to prepare Salah without any haste. They, too, should make a little zikr before commencing with Salah to get into the right frame of mind. Moreover, if we prioritise fulfilling the Rights of Allah Ta’ala, He will assist us in fulfilling our tasks. He will grant Barakah in time to complete our undertakings, insha Allah. Condition the mind, address yourself – I am standing before the King of Kings. SubhanAllah. I have been chosen, from millions, to converse with ‘Rabbul ‘Aalamin’, and I am being afforded the greatest honour and privilege (above millions of others) to make sujud to Allah Ta’ala… to be nearest to Allah Ta’ala. [ …If we could truly fathom the greatness of the gift, this ultimate honour, this good fortune – we would never want to leave the position of sujood.] And whilst reading the Qur’an Sharif in Salah (and even outside Salah), then think: This is the Kalam (speech) of my Allah – of my Beloved. By contemplating the meaning of the verses that you are reading, think: I am listening to the speech of Allah Ta’ala. And since you are reading His Speech, He is also listening to you. Therefore learn the meaning of the Surahs we usually recite in Salah. It will not take long to do so if a little is learnt every day. And think: In this Salah, Tilawah, Zikr, or Hamd – I have the special attention of Allah Ta’ala. I have exclusive attention because this is my ‘Mi’raj’; this is my conversation and communication with the Master of the Worlds. What a compounded bounty – SubhanAllah! So many gifts in the gift packaged as Salah. How can any sane-thinking Muslim ever refuse such a gift? In contemplating this, we will experience the beauty and sweetness and pleasure of Salah. We will understand the Hadith in which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) says that the coolness of his eyes is in Salah. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the reality. Listen to the Majlis Programme “Guaranteed Success” – (27/03/2006), which is an elaboration of the above prescription
Giving up Sins: An Easy Prescription
Giving up Sins: An Easy Prescription by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) There are many Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world who, due to various negative influences and bad elements, find themselves ‘de-railed’ from Deen. Many others sit on the fence, wanting to enjoy or benefit from both sides of the fence – engaging in sins as well as being practical on specific teachings of Deen. However, deep in their hearts is the desire to get back on track and once again become good, practical Muslims, to jump off the fence and enjoy the green pastures of Islam. So they write, e-mail, phone, and fax, seeking guidance and direction. The main weakness is indulgence in sins; sometimes, excessive indulgence in those sins. A standard prescription that I give as a reply is as follows. Alhamdulillah, many who followed through with the prescription have found a new life – of peace, happiness, blessings and mercy. On tasting the sweetness that comes with obedience, there is no desire to return to any form of disobedience. The bes is to abstain from sins out of Love for Allah Ta’ala. He has granted us so much – He has given us everything, and it is the nature of human beings that we love the person that is kind and generous to us. Then what of Allah Ta’ala, who has provided us with plentiful – with everything? Our sight, hearing, speech, organs that are functioning in such an amazing manner, the limbs – all in our service – for eating, drinking, walking, sitting, etc. The gifts of wealth: clothing, shelter, transport, food, drink, and so many other comforts. We use them all, but do we keep in mind the Generous Benefactor? Do we give thanks for these bounties or show any appreciation to the Giver? Developing the conscious awareness that Allah Ta’ala is with us: He is watching us, He is hearing us, He knows all and everything about us; We cannot hide from Him; We cannot conceal our actions from Him. Then should we not feel ashamed that we are disobeying Him in His Presence? Are we not showing ingratitude to the Benefactor when engaging in sins in His Presence? Keep in mind that the angels, too, are witnesses to all our actions; the earth is recording our behaviour, and all of it is also noted in our books of deeds – and we are accountable to Allah Ta’ala on the Day of Judgement. Added to this, our actions are also presented to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), so we should consider whether our actions are a source of joy or grief to him. In this manner, we will develop that shame and modesty, which will make it easy to restrain from Haram. Muraqabah is meditating on our actions during the day: We should reflect on our deeds for the day, seek forgiveness for shortcomings, and resolve not to return to those bad deeds. We should also express gratitude for good deeds and make Dua for an increase in them. Ponder over the fact that the Angel of Death does not give respite. It must not be that whilst obeying the Nafs in sinful pleasure, the Angel of death visits, and our departure is in disgrace, and our return to Allah Ta’ala is at a time when He is angry. Our death will be an embarrassment to us, our family and the community who will find out that death came in sin. May Allah Ta’ala protect us from death in a state of transgression, but this is very much a reality. Death visits – more often, very unexpectedly, and no true Muslim would want to be seized by the Angel of death when Allah Ta’ala is displeased. I often say: We now have instant tea, instant coffee, instant cereal and instant pudding and so many other things on the market are instant – we are also living in times when death is just as instant. So any sin is too much of a risk in the face of the reality of death. The Hadith is explicit: We will be resurrected on the day of Judgement as we have died[1]. Would any Muslim want to rise on the Day of Judgement in sin for all of humanity to witness what kind of life he led? Ponder over the fact that Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with the gift of sight, hearing, health, wealth, and so much else – and has also granted us the gift of respect. However, what He gives, He can also take away. He explicitly stated that ingratitude for His Gifts would draw severe punishment. So is sinning not abuse and ingratitude for the gifts of sight, heart, mind, and limbs? A little contemplation on the consequences of such behaviour and a little Mujahada (effort) – which entails ‘not doing’ and Alhamdulillah, the sicknesses are cured. Together with this: Attend the talks of the learned Scholars of Islam whenever possible or listen to recordings of their lectures and read their books to gain the benefit of the pious, righteous company. Join and participate in the Deeni activities with those who follow the Qur’an and Sunnah. Insha Allah, there will be a great improvement in one’s condition by keeping the right company. Make an effort to read Salah punctually. Men should make every effort to read their Salah in Jamat (congregation). Read good Islamic literature. Abstain from magazines or books that have filthy and indecent contents and pictures. Give up television viewing. 0% of the content is Haram. If a person offers a full glass of clean and pure water and mentions that there is just one drop of urine, would any sensible person drink it? When the major content of television is Haram, what would we then say? When the gaze, heart and mind are consuming and digesting so much of Haram viewing, what else would be the result
Haram Fantasizing
Haram Fantasizing There is no shortage of complaints regarding giving up sins and the struggle between a person, his Nafs and Shaytan. This battle is ongoing, till our dying day. There is no way out except to show the courage and bravery that every Muslim does have when it comes to pleasing Allah Ta’ala. Sadly, another widespread weakness is that of Haram fantasizing. Young and old, married and unmarried – thousands upon thousands, succumb to their runaway imagination when it comes to fantasy, which leads to even graver sins. Allah Ta’ala granted us the power of imagination for a beautiful purpose, but most people today utilize this imagination for entertaining filthy thoughts. The following is a prescription I have given to many who complained of the weakness of Haram fantasizing. Alhamdulillah, it has been a means of cure for many. May Allah Ta’ala make it a means of cure for all who have this ailment, Aameen. Haram fantasizing is a spiritual ailment. It is an abuse of the great, wonderful and amazing gift of imagination. Why did Allah Ta’ala give us this gift of imagination? The imagination has been given to us so that it may be used to ponder over the Qur`an Shareef, which entails stories of past nations and verses upon verses of Jannah (Paradise) and its beautiful bounties, as well as Jahannum (Hellfire) , and accountability. This imagination was to be used to take lessons and strengthen our Iman. It was to be used as a catalyst for undertaking good deeds. The imagination was certainly not given to us so we could indulge our Nafs in evil, filthy thoughts —Allah Ta’ala forbid. One of the main reasons why both men and women have this problem plaguing them is due to casting lustful gazes. After having cast evil gazes at Ghair-Maharim[1], watching porn movies, paging through porn magazines, or reading romance novels, there is a desire and craving for more. Since ‘more’ is generally not possible because the person may be married, or the object of their desire is a film star, supermodel or a Miss or Mr Universe, and there is zero chance of meeting the person or inviting the same kind of interest or inclination, the person tries to satisfy these Shahawat (base desires) by fantasizing. But fantasizing will not satisfy the desire; it will only increase it. The person’s sickness will increase. His physical health will inevitably also suffer. When the desire to engage in Haram fantasizing comes into the heart, take the imagination to the Day of Judgment; stand before Allah Ta’ala’s seat of Judgment and begin accounting for all your actions in this world. Think of how you will have to account for and what you will say to Allah Ta’ala when all these filthy thoughts are presented to you – if you continue in this sin. Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur`an Sharif : “…and when the scrolls (of deeds) will be unrolled,” [Surah At-Takwir 81:10] “This is Our book that speaks against you with truth. We used to get recorded all that you used to do.” [Surah Al-Jathiya 45:29] Even though Allah Ta’ala is All-Knowing and well aware of all our actions, He has established a system whereby every action and every detail of every action is recorded and will be presented to us on the Day of Reckoning —it will either be in favour of us or a witness against us. Otherwise, take your imagination for Hajj: Picture yourself at the Multazam, making Tawaf, making Sa’ee; picture yourself at the Raudha Mubarak, conveying Salam to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), or take your imagination to your Qabr[5] and the events which unfold in the grave after death. Insha Allah, this will be a means of defeating Nafs and Shaytan, as well as obliterating a filthy habit. If you find yourself still weak against the demands of Nafs and the whisperings of Shaytan, then immediately occupy yourself with that which is ‘Mubah’ (permissible). Begin a conversation with your parents, brothers and sisters, phone a good, pious friend, or listen to some Qira’at or Deeni talk. Occupy yourself in Halal and Mubah; otherwise, nafs will ravage your heart, destroy your peace of mind, and lead you to even suicidal tendencies. Consider filthy thoughts as pigs. Just as we show aversion and absolute disgust on seeing a pig, so should we be disgusted with dirty thoughts —which are also Haram (forbidden). Furthermore, Haram fantasizing leads to the evil habit of self-gratification (masturbation) because the person does not find a Halal avenue to satisfy his desires immediately. This is a rather disastrous weakness among the youth, and one should ponder the various harms, which are too many, which are spiritual, physical and psychological. Satisfying one’s desires by masturbating is not permissible, even if a person does not have the means to marry. Allah Ta’ala mentions in the Qur’an Sharif that those who do not find the means to marry should remain chaste. “And those who do not find the means to marry should remain chaste until Allah gives them resources by His Grace.” [Surah An-Nur 24:33] Remaining chaste is thus a Divine command which is compulsory to comply with – therefore, we find the Ahadith presenting prescriptions to remain chaste – for example, lowering the gaze, fasting, etc. As a prescription, the following harms should be read and re-read until it is understood that long-term harms are not worth the gratification that comes with the sin. SPIRITUAL HARMS: 1) Taufeeq of doing good deeds is taken away. The person is deprived of Tahajjud, Tilawah of the Qur`an Sharif, associating with the pious, etc. 2) The person deprives the Ruh (soul) of spiritual knowledge and finds an aversion to people. 3) The most dangerous harm is that the person will not be able to remain steadfast on Deen. (Allah Ta’ala protect). 4) Besides this, a person who satisfies his evil desires in this manner is cursed, according to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Sincere Taubah and Istighfar
The Green Leaf and The Juicy Grape
The Green Leaf and The Juicy Grape by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (rahmatullah’ alayh)[1] has mentioned a story in his Mathnavi Sharif of a worm that was told: “You will find a delicious, juicy grape on the grapevine.” Hearing this, the worm began its journey up the grapevine. It soon came across a green leaf and thinking it to be the delicious grape; it whiled away its entire life eating off that leaf until it made its ‘Qabr’ (grave) on that same green leaf. Had the worm gone just a little further, it would have come across the delicious grape and enjoyed its sweetness. It would not have spent all its life on a green leaf. The anecdote illustrates our similarity with that worm. Like that worm which landed on the green leaf, many have landed in front of some filthy television programmes, or landed in Interest transactions -enriching themselves with Haram; or landed in fraud and theft, illicit relationships, or in some casinos and rave clubs. Some are even engaged in homosexuality, indecent and obscene novels and magazines, some porn websites on the Internet, or Haram video games, and a multitude of other sins and illusions – and they ignorantly think that this is the sweet grape. These were the leaves before the juicy grape or the thorns before the petals of the fragrant rose flower. They had set out for the juicy grape of Iman but have been trapped by Shatyan[2] and Nafs[3] in Haram[4] pleasures, which they whiled away and wasted the very precious time of life. There are just two steps to take to taste this delicious grape. The first step is on the Nafs, and the second step is on Shaytan. With these two steps, we will enjoy such sweetness of Iman, that we would never want to return to the temporary and sinful pleasures of this world. Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (rahmatullah ‘alayh) had said that, in reality, the step is just one, and that step is the suppression of the evil desires of the Nafs. Shaytan became Shaytan because of his nafs. It will not be denied that there is some temporary enjoyment in consenting to the evil demands of the nafs. However, ‘pleasure’, which is so short-lived, should be weighed against the anguish and punishment that awaits one in the Hereafter for having earned the displeasure and wrath of Allah Ta’ala. This punishment is not reserved for only the Hereafter. It descends and pursues a person, even in this world, in the form of restlessness, anxiety, fear, humiliation, disgrace, etc. and sometimes, everlasting regret. Hazrat Maulana Hakim Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Damat Barakatuhu) states in his poetry: “Agreed, there is a little stolen pleasure in sin, But what great rebellion is this against the Sustainer (Allah Ta’ala, and that you use His bounties to disobey Him) A little while of pleasure and everlasting regret; What stupidity it is to bury the Janazah of respect and honour.” Even though opposing the dictates of our evil Nafs may incur some difficulty in this life, the consequence in the Hereafter is an eternal pleasure. In this world as well, the person enjoys tranquillity and satisfaction. And when there are so many forms of Halal (lawful) pleasures that one could enjoy, why foolishly go toward Haram? __________________________________________________________________ [1] Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (rahmatullah’ alayh) was a great ‘Aalim, Shaykh and Sufi who compiled a masterpiece on Tasawwuf entitled ‘The Mathnavi’. [2] Shaytan: Satan / the Devil [3] Nafs: The Soul [4] Haram: Unlawful/forbidden according to Shariah
Will You Break Your Fast a Few Minutes Early?
For many years without fail, I have been giving an example in the month of Ramadan, that at the end of a very hot and long day of Summer, a person is sitting at the Dastarkhan (table cloth), close to the time of Iftar, and waiting patiently to open his fast. There are just 3 minutes left for the setting of the sun when he is told: “Eat! What difference will it make if you break your fast now? What is another 2 or 3 minutes? You have already stayed away from food and drink for almost 15-16 hours.” Even if this happens to be the weakest Muslim in respect to obeying Allah Ta’ala, he will respond: “It is the ruling of the Qur’an and Ahadith that I break my fast after the setting of the sun, and not before that time. It is the command of Allah Ta’ala, and I cannot disobey Him.” The weakest person’s Iman becomes so strong at this stage that he will not break his fast. He will refuse to break his fast, even if the world’s great personalities have to say so. So we should question ourselves and answer truthfully: Is it not the Hukm (command) of that same Allah that we perform our Salah five times a day, and for the men, in the Musjid —in Jamat (congregation) as far as possible? Is it not the Command of that same Allah to correctly discharge our Zakah, perform Haj, treat our parents with love and respect, be faithful to our wives and treat them with compassion and vice versa for the wives, be honest in our business dealings and be kind and just to those under our authority?