Laylatul Qadr
Allah Ta’ala’s love for His Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) is evident and manifest in many Aayaat (verses) of the Qur`an Sharif. Additionally, whilst other Ambiya (‘alayhimussSalam) were gifted with exclusive titles, it was Rasulullah (sallallahu’ alayhi wa sallam) alone whose title was “Habibullah” (The Beloved of Allah). Due to this Divine love for Sayyidina Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, his Ummah is the recipient of special mercy, blessings and favours from Allah Ta’ala. It is only due to our connection and association with Nabi-e-Akram (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) that Allah Ta’ala has honoured us above all people. Amongst many privileges, one divine mark of distinction that has been granted to us, is the great privilege of being “Ummate Marhuma” —The Ummah upon whom mercy is shown. The explanation of this noble title, “Ummate Marhuma”, is that forgiveness is secured, and mercy is attained through our sicknesses, hardships and other tribulations. Through the Esalus Sawab that people convey to us after our demise, and through blessed days and nights such as are found in Ramadan and other special days and nights outside Ramadan[1], we can easily gain forgiveness. The most special and most blessed of all nights is the Night of “QADR”. Laylatul Qadr is a night singled out by Allah Ta’ala, who granted it such magnificent virtues and greatness that surpasses all other nights. The fact that Allah Ta’ala has gifted this Ummah with this one night – year in and year out – highlights again the Divine mercy that is extended to this Ummah, as well as the graciousness and kindness of Allah Ta’ala in giving us opportunities to secure far more in rewards. It is mentioned in the Tafasir that one meaning of the word “Qadr” is “greatness, honour, dignity”, and this is what the night of Qadr is – a night of greatness. It is also stated that the night is called so because a person becomes a person of honour and dignity on account of his (or her) sincere repentance, noble deeds, prayers and supplications during this night. Rasulullah (sallallahu’ alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever stands in prayer and worship on the night of Qadr, with complete faith and sincere hope of gaining reward, all his previous sins are forgiven.”[2] “Qadr” also means “pre-destination”, and we find that this is also a night where the destinies of people are assigned to respective Angels regarding life, death, sustenance, rain, and so forth – all of which will come to pass for the year that will follow. Drawing from the different narrations, it becomes clear that the Night of Qadr should be sought in the last ten nights of Ramadan, specifically on the odd nights. Its greatness and merit are described in the speech of Allah Ta’ala, wherein it is stated that worship on this night surpasses the worship of 1000 months. Worship includes Salah, Tilawah (recitation) of the Qur’an Sharif, Zikrullah, Dua, etc. The night is also a night for sincere repentance, as attested by a narration, wherein Ayesha (radiyallahu ‘anha) had asked Rasulullah (sallallahu’ alayhi wa sallam) what prayer she should engage in if she finds Laylatul Qadr and Rasulullah (sallallahu’ alayhi wa sallam) ) advised her the following dua: “O Allah, very You are Oft-Pardoning, You love to Pardon, so do pardon me.” Rasulullah (sallahu’ alayhi wa sallam) said: “Verily a month has dawned over you wherein lies a night better than a thousand months. Whoever misses such a night has indeed been deprived of all that is good, and none is deprived of it, except he who is unfortunate.” May Allah Ta’ala grant us the appreciation of these beautiful opportunities and grant us the experience and rewards of Laylatul Qadr. It is impossible to do justice to a discussion of Laylatul Qadr, but an excellent and detailed exposition is found in the book “Faza’il-e-Ramadan” by Shaykhul Hadith, Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullah’ alayh), which offers tremendous inspiration, motivation, and encouragement. [1] The first ten nights and days of Zul Hijjah, the nights of Eid, the 10th of Muharram, etc.) [2] Sahih al-Bukhari
Avoid the Temptation
Avoid the Temptation by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) ‘I recall from my childhood days, someone saying:“…For temptation will lead you into trouble and make you cry” —And indeed, this is exactly what happens when one gives into the temptation to engage in any Haraam. Ask those who have given in to the demands of nafs and Shaytan about the repercussions of their sins. They will say Trouble, Trouble and more Trouble —tears, tears and more tears. Temptations will always be there. If there were no temptation, there would have been no such thing as Taqwa. The demand is to resist, to stay away, to abstain. Not to do sins is so much easier than ‘doing’ sins.’ Haraam Attractions and Distractions In an accident or due to a slip or fall, traction is usually the means adopted in the healing process if the joint of the shoulder or leg is dislocated. The sinful, immoral attractions and distractions which form the entertainment of those who have forgotten Allah Ta’ala are such that they dislocate the joints of Imaan. The traction for indulgence in sins is sincere taubah (repentance), distancing oneself from sins and venues of sins, together with attending good, Deeni programmes and associating with the pious. There are so many, who have gone towards some Haraam (forbidden) attraction, never to return from there: So many have lost their identity as Muslims, and sometimes they have even lost their Imaan and suffer the loss of their Aakhirah. Thousands have died engaging in Haraam entertainment, whether at the casinos, discos, raves, prostitute quarters, massage parlours, and whilst committing adultery. One earthquake, tsunami, gale-force wind, or fire, and death comes upon thousands, many of whom are also engaged in sins. What guarantee do we have that we won’t be singled out this holiday for our return to Allah Ta’ala? So think, And think again! What would be the condition of that person who comes face to face with the Angel of Death whilst engaged in gambling, drinking, dancing, raving, adultery or fornication? Which Muslim wants to return to Allah Ta’ala in a state of sin? Such matters should not be taken lightly. (May Allah Ta’ala protect us all.) This holiday period is a time of great test and trial: Invitation to sins, promotion of sins, temptation to immorality, and enticement and encouragement towards all kinds of Haraam is the order of the day. Beach partying, intermingling and courting, immodest dress, loud music and dance, smoking and drinking and drug-taking become even the programme and timetable for many Muslims. Salaah becomes a forgotten duty for holidaymakers. The Islamic dress and identity are discarded so that there is freedom to engage in more sinful activities. Shaytan’s trump card to Haraam entertainment is even held up by Muslims, who invite to Haraam just as the non-Muslims do. Inna Lillahiwa-innailayhira`ji-oon. Is this what we were created for? Allah Ta’ala says: “Did you then think that We had created you without purpose and that you would never be returned to Us?” [Surah Mu’minun 23:115] The shocking behaviour of our Muslim youth (and even many Muslim adults) leaves us numb, disturbed, distressed and deeply grieved. What shocks does the heart have to contend with!? The Muslim youth are supposed to be tomorrow’s leaders for the Ummah and are expected to be the representatives of Deen, inviting the non-Muslims to Islam with the modesty and purity of thought, speech, dress, and actions which should be characteristic of every Muslim. Deen and Shariah do not stifle us, deprive us of pleasure and enjoyment, and deny us happiness and celebration. Deen and Shariah accommodate leisure and pleasure. Islam is beautiful, most beautiful. Islam is not ‘dry’. It is enjoyable. Allah Ta’ala has only placed certain boundaries through His Divine prohibitions for our own benefit, safety and well-being. So let us make an effort and avoid the temptations towards sins. Let us not walk the route towards sins. Let us keep clear of the venues of sins like how we would if we had fore-knowledge that there would be an earthquake, tsunami or bomb-blast devastating such places. We fear for our lives. The greater need is to fear for our Imaan and our children’s Imaan. Let us not forget that we are Muslims. Let us not forget our relationship with Allah Ta’ala. Let us not forget that death can visit very unexpectedly. Let us not forget that there is accountability. Let us not forget Jannat. Let us not forget Jahannum. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has said: This world is a prison for the Believer and a paradise for the disbeliever.[1] What will be ‘good’ for the disbelievers will not be good for the Believers. If they enjoy Haraam, the Muslims will find HARM in that same Haraam. Every person is given a choice. A person either makes a wise decision or an unwise decision. If we adopt Taqwa, we restrain and abstain from disobeying Allah Ta’ala; then, when we leave this world, we leave behind a prison. When we leave this world, we leave free. When the disbeliever leaves this world, he leaves behind his paradise. When he leaves this world, he enters a prison where there is no release, bail, escape or parole. This worldly life is short. Very short. Understand the reality: Every passing second delivers us closer and closer to the bridge of death. And there is no choice. We have to cross that bridge. My Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh), says in poetry: “Strange is the visa of life; It can be cancelled at any time. The duration of its validity is unknown And its extension, too, is impossible. Time is running out. The journey is long. The life after this is eternal. There is no return to this world. What preparation have you made? What provision have you procured? Nabi (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The intelligent one is he who suppresses his desires and practises for
Taking Lessons from Flowers
Taking Lessons from Flowers by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Whilst taking a walk through Mitchell Park one morning after Fajr, breathing in the fresh morning air, we found the pathway covered with flowers having fallen off the trees. I mentioned to my friends: ‘At one time, these flowers were on the trees, and they were admired. People enjoyed and appreciated their fragrance, inhaling and saying, ‘How beautiful…, ‘ ‘How sweet…’ and ‘How charming.’ However, when the slight breeze touched those flowers, they left the branches of the trees and fell onto the ground. Then we found those people who once admired and enjoyed those pretty flowers trampling over them as they walked. Those pretty, colourful and fragrant flowers became a carpet on the ground and were crushed —as if those visitors were squashing the hearts of those flowers. After some time, the garden service swept those flowers away, and they were thrown into some bins. After that, the bin bags were disposed of at some dump.’ I then explained this as an analogy to my friends. Once upon a time, Muslims were like those flowers on the trees. The fragrance of their Iman and Islam, their beautiful character and charming etiquette, were admired and appreciated by all. Their pleasant character and speech, honesty, sincerity and service to mankind emitted such beautiful fragrances which even non-Muslims benefited from. The beautiful colours of their Ibadah – be it Salah, Zakah, business transactions and social interaction were the means of not only people changing their faith but also changing their culture and language, as we find in the time of the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ’anhum). They spread to all parts of the world, undeniably influencing different nations. People inhaled their fragrance when they were flowers on a tree, and they accepted Islam. When the breeze of temptation and sin blew, then as we find today, many Muslims left the tree; they separated themselves from the strong, sturdy trunk of correct Aqa`id (beliefs) and lost the attachment they had to the branches of Ibadat (worship). They adopted the Western culture, and in turn, they lost their fragrance and their colours as they withered away. Having fallen onto the ground, the Muslim Ummah globally is being ‘crushed’ underfoot by ther[1]. In whichever direction we turn, we find a picture to grieve over: So many amongst our precious youth cannot even be identified as the blossoming flowers of the Ummah. They have preferred to mix with sand and mud and, in so doing, have lost their fragrance and colour. The Hollywood/Bollywood culture, with all its immorality and sins, is that sand and mud —more exactly, it is quicksand, which readily swallows our young Muslim sons and daughters. And then we have the picture of the burdensome yoke of injustice, oppression and suppression. The lives of Muslims have become so cheap that hundreds, if not thousands, are ‘swept’ into mass graves, where genocide has become a play and past time for many enemies of Islam. We have the destruction of Muslim homes, the deliberate killing of Muslim children, the rape of Muslim women, and the theft of Muslim land —oppression compounded. When we turn away from this sad, heart-wrenching sight, we see another picture to cry over: Many Muslims, in positions of authority and rule, are like puppets, and non-Muslim governments pull their strings. Some are treated like animals – they are “broken in” or trained to listen and obey — as we find with some Muslim Governments, and there is no gain in return. This is our reality; from where to where and from what to what. But there is no despairing if only we return to Allah Ta’ala’s obedience and the Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). All that is required is to plant the seeds of Taqwa, and those beautiful, fragrant, colourful flowers will soon be blooming and blossoming once more. [1] Kuffar: Non-believers – those who have not brought Iman (faith) in Allah Ta’ala and the Risalat (Prophethood) of Sayyidina Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
The Wash Cycles for the Heart
The Wash Cycles for the Heart by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Once, on viewing the Mataf from one of the upper levels of Masjidul Haram, the scene of thousands of people engaged in Tawaf brought to my mind the following analogy: Seeing thousands of people moving around the Baitullah reminded me of the wash cycles of the washing machine. Indeed, we find that we can draw parallels between the Tawaf and the work of the washing machine. The purpose of the washing machine is to wash our clothes clean. We place dirty clothes into the drum of the machine, and we add the detergent, bleach and softener. With a press of the Start button, the drum starts to spin, water pours in, and the machine does its work of extracting the dirt repeatedly until the final rinse. Once the drum stops, the clothes are taken out, hung up to dry, and when dry, they are ironed —with the result being well-pressed, crease-free, clean clothing. Tawaf resembles the purpose and work of the washing machine, except that we are not washing dirty clothes; instead, we are washing our hearts —our spiritual hearts Like how dirty clothes are placed into the washing machine, we put our dirty hearts into the Tawaf —hearts which are stained with all kinds of sins, including the ‘tough’ stains of major sins. What is not found in this heart? So much has soiled and spoilt our hearts: Pride, Jealousy, Malice, Vanity, Hubbe Dunya, Hubbe Jah, and the deep, dirty stains of lustful gazes, backbiting, and other such evils have blotted our hearts, smeared and blackened them. Before washing badly stained clothing, a stain remover is used. Accordingly, we apply to our hearts the stain remover of regret and remorse over our sins and earnest intention that what has passed has indeed passed. The Hajre Aswad can be likened to the ‘START’ button. The intention of Tawaf and the raising of the hands with ‘Bismillah Allahu Akbar wa- lillahil Hamd’ signify the commencement of the Tawaf. Simultaneously the washing of the heart commences. The detergents of Istighfar, Durud Sharif, and Zikrullah then contribute to the cleansing of the heart. Just as water gushes into the drum, Allah Ta’ala’s Tajalli, special mercy, and noor cascading onto the Baitullah drench those in Tawaf. These are the ones who are the first to benefit, and they benefit more than all others. Their hearts, too, are soaked with this Noor, similar to how dirty clothes become soaked with water. The detergent of sincere Istighfar and Taubah wash the heart. The amount of detergent a person needs for washing his clothes depends on the load size. So if our hearts are heavily loaded with sins, then naturally, the demand will be of plenty of Taubah and Istighfar. If we want our hearts to be white, the bleach of Zikrullah is added to the Tawaf, just as bleach is used when a person wants his white clothes to be as white as possible. If we want our hearts to be soft, then the softener of Durood Shareef is also released into the washing of our hearts. Each round of the Baitullah is similar to the wash and rinse the dirty clothing goes through for a good wash. Round and round, each cycle is completed with Istighfar and Taubah, Durud Sharif, Dua and Zikrullah. Together with that Tajalli, the dirt of the heart is extracted until the final rinse and —the 7th round. Now the heart is clean and purified. If we enter the Tawaf with total concentration on Allah Ta’ala and complete focus on the great privilege of Tawaf of Baitullah – which is, in reality, Tawaf of Rabbul-Bait, then we will experience that beautiful Noor and that Tajalli. Naturally, for the full benefit of Tawaf, the gaze has to be controlled. If a person has ‘khauf-e-Khuda’ and ‘Azmat’ of Baitullah, he will not raise his glance towards strange women; he will not cast an evil gaze – in the Tawaf and out of Tawaf. If during Tawaf, the person is engaging in lustful gazes and other sins, there will be just an accumulation of darkness and dirt. Once the heart is washed, it is taken out of the Tawaf – clean, bright, and white. After completing the 2 Rakats of Wajib Salah after Tawaf, the person proceeds to the Multazam, where he places his chest against the wall. That pressing of his chest is akin to pressing and ironing the “creases” of his heart, similar to how clothes are ironed, making them ‘crease-free’. The tears shed at the Multazam are like droplets of sweet musk which now fragrance that heart. SubhanAllah, what a sparkling heart, emitting the sweetest of scents. Whilst we will sense it – Insha Allah – we will have to thereafter look after this cleanliness and this sparkle. We have to make sure that we fulfil the rights of Taubah by making amends for our shortcomings in Huququllah (the rights of Allah Ta’ala) and Huququl Ibad (the rights of the servants of Allah Ta’ala). Whatever is outstanding of Salah, Zakah, and fasts will have to be made up for, and whatever is due to people will have to be returned to them, or forgiveness secured from them. May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the Taufiq of making such Tawafs, which only increase our hearts in purity and whiteness and increase that Qurb (proximity) to the Owner of the House, Aameen.
Character
Character by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) As Muslims, our character, morals and etiquette should differentiate us from others. Non-Muslims are not so attentive to our beautiful Salah, Tilawah, Zikr, and other Ibadat as they are to our character and dealings with others. Wherever the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ’anhum) went, their character attracted many people, often becoming the focus of attention and admiration. When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) invited the Quraysh to the worship of ONE Allah, he climbed Mount Safa and called out to his people, calling every family of the Quraysh. When they arrived, he asked them: ‘If I told you that horsemen were advancing to attack you from the valley on the other side of the hill, would you believe me?’ Simultaneously and immediately, they all responded: ‘Yes, we have always found you honest.’ Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) presented his credentials to them: That person who has never spoken a lie for 40 years, do you think he is going to do so now, in his invitation to the worship of One Allah? How many of us can present trustworthiness, honesty and truthfulness as outstanding traits within us, let alone beautiful speech and etiquette in our dealings with people? This is one of the main reasons why many non-Muslims remain aloof from Islam. Our poor character and dealings have become barriers to them entering Islam. It is as if we are standing at the door of Islam, keeping them out or pushing them away. Have we ever given thought as to how we are going to answer for this? Islam is not only Salah, Fasting, Hajj and ‘Umrah. These forms of worship only make up one branch of Shariah. The person may be fulfilling the rights of the Creator (Allah Ta’ala), but he is at the same time displeasing Allah Ta’ala by neglecting and violating the rights of creation (Makhluq). There are five branches of Shariah : ♦ Aqa`id: Beliefs ♦ Ibadat: Worship ♦ Mu’amalat: Business transactions and dealings. ♦ Mu`asharat: Social dealings ♦ Akhlaq: Character Every Muslim has to make an effort to correct allof these branches for the perfection of Islam. It must not be that any one of us returns to Allah Ta’ala with plentiful Ibadat, which subsequently benefits others and is lost to ourselves. Abu Hurairah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) relates that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) once asked his companions: ‘Do you know who is a pauper?’ The Companions replied that a pauper is a person who has no money or property. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) explained and said: ‘A pauper from among my followers (Ummah) is one who will come on the Day of Judgement with a good record of Salah (prayers), Saum (fasting), and Zakah (compulsory charity); but also he had abused somebody, slandered someone or beaten another person. Then all the oppressed persons will receive a part of the aggressor’s good deeds. Should they fall short of his aggression, then the aggrieved persons’ sins and defaults will be transferred from them to him, and he will be thrown into the Fire (Hell).’[1] Abu Hurairah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) also narrated that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever has oppressed another person concerning his reputation or anything else, he should beg him to forgive him before the Day of Resurrection when there will be no Dinars or Dirhams (money to compensate for wrong deeds), but if he has good deeds, those good deeds will be taken from him according to his oppression which he has done, and if he has no good deeds, the sins of the oppressed person will be loaded on him.”[2] I often say: ‘Pay back HERE, to save your back THERE.’ If we want safety and salvation, we have to get our deeds in order and make amends for our shortcomings HERE -in this worldly life. Otherwise, THERE, on the Day of Resurrection, there will be great regret and humiliation. May Allah Ta’ala protect us all, Aameen. [1] Tirmidhi [2] Sahih al-Bukhari
The Reality of Our Islam
The Reality of Our Islam by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) If we had to analyse the eras when Muslims throughout the world were dominant, we would find that they had the Haqiqat (reality) of Islam in their lives; they were living Islam happily, willingly and enthusiastically. They understood their purpose in this world. They understood that they had higher and more noble objectives to aspire for because they looked beyond this life. Before them was their return to their Creator —Allah Ta’ala, Aakhirah (the Hereafter), and Jannah, they exerted themselves in the direction of obedience to Allah Ta’ala and securing His Pleasure. Allah Ta’ala put into people’s hearts love for these sincere and obedient servants and granted them success. There was a dynamic effect when people met with these Muslims because they had both the Haqiqat and the “Surat” (outer form). People changed their religion, culture, dress and language because they saw Islam’s beauty and blessing. In the early days of Islam, we see how a small number grew to 500, then 700 and thereafter 1500 —which was a great and wonderful accomplishment, considering the odds against the Muslims at that time. Today, we are plus one billion —but what a difference between the early Muslims and us! In the 1950s, as a young boy, I recall visiting the museum. There were different animals: wild animals, omnivores, carnivores and so forth, but they were all stuffed with sawdust. And there were signs near the animals which read: ‘PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH.’ Would we find such a sign in the Kruger National Park when we go on a safari, wanting to see the Big Five? When does the king of the jungle require a sign such as: ‘PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH’? Yet, in the museum, this sign was placed next to the lion because there was no life in that lion. There was no Haqiqat (reality). Even if it was the king of the jungle, he was now stuffed with sawdust. Rats, too, could nibble without fear because there was no life, no worry of even a roar. Looking at the present scenario of the Muslim Ummah globally, we see our likeness to those stuffed creatures. We have lost that power and supremacy which is otherwise reserved for the Believers. The majority of Muslims today have no reality. We have ‘stuffed’ our hearts with the love of Dunya and, therefore, our great weakness and overwhelming incapacity —a prophecy that clearly manifests today. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: The people will soon summon one another to attack you, just as people invite others to share their dish when eating. Someone asked: Will that be because of our small numbers at that time? He replied: No, you will be many in number at that time: but you will be scum and rubbish, like that, carried down by a torrent, and Allah will take away the awe and fear of you from the chest of your enemy and cast ‘wahn’ into your hearts. Someone asked: What is Wahn? The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied: Love of the world and dislike of death.[1] One billion in number, but how shameful, humiliating and dishonourable that we are subservient to the minority. Who is influencing the political and economic climate? Who is manipulating global dynamics? Certainly not the Muslims. The early Muslims had the reality and spirit of Islam. As such, success and victory were theirs for the taking. On the other hand, we want to conquer the world with only the Surat (form) of Islam or with talks and literature. Dominance, Supremacy, Power and Authority do not come with Surat. The majority cannot even be recognised as Muslims – So even the surat seems to fall away. On one of my trips to Pakistan, I visited someone at his home. There was a bowl of plastic fruit which looked so real – but it was “good for looking”, not suitable for eating. Many of us Muslims today are not even good for looking. The plastic fruit was a good imitation – but in our Surat, there is no imitation also, very much like the Munafiqeen: neither here nor there. Developing genuine piety in the heart and practising Islam are the keys to success and dominance, not selecting what we like and leaving off what our Nafs do not incline to. Allah Ta’ala wants us to enter into Islam completely. “O you who Believe! Enter into Islam completely…” [Surah Baqarah 2:208] This is the recipe for success. But we will have to bring together the correct ingredients to make that “flop-proof” success. [1] Abu Dawud
The Spiritual Drip
The Spiritual Drip by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh) In a Majlis of my Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakim Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh), Hazrat requested one of his mureeds to recite a verse of his poetry. Each time the verse was rendered, the person was told to read it again. This went on for one solid hour – that is, the repetition of the one verse; but the effect on the hearts was seen in the tears that were shed by those who were present. The verse, translated, is : “If you hide and commit sins, Someone is watching from above (Allah Ta’ala)…” A person not acquainted with the aim and objective would say that listening to the same verse repeatedly for an entire hour would be boring, tiresome, and uninspiring. But not so for those who are sincerely seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. The true believer understands that anything good which is repeated benefits him. “And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the Believer.” [Surah Zariyat 51:55] An analogy came to mind when giving thought to the above experience: The likeness of the repetition of this one verse of poetry and its benefit upon the hearts of all those who were present at the time is like that of a ‘drip’. A person is admitted to the hospital due to various reasons: dehydration, loss of blood, surgery, childbirth, an accident, etc. Many a time, there is a need for the use of a drip. The ‘drip’ is called ‘drip’ because its work is to administer fluid slowly, drop-by-drop, directly into a vein. Thus, one drop at a time enters the person’s system until the drip is empty. This process is slow, sometimes taking a number of hours – yet the drip is described as a very efficient process whereby the entire body quickly receives the supply of medication which it requires. Moreover, a drip chamber controls the process whereby the fluid flows into the vein without air entering the bloodstream. If air is introduced into the bloodstream, this can lead to health complications, which could even be fatal. If it is a blood transfusion, the patient receives healthy blood through a drip. Depending on how much blood is required, the process can run into hours. If it is dehydration, the drip is used to hydrate the patient with a solution of glucose and electrolytes because glucose boosts the energy system once it enters the bloodstream. If it is due to some other ailment, the drip is used to supply the needed medication or nutrients. No sane patient will complain that the process is too long, he is becoming bored, and the drip should be removed because it is a tedious experience. The person knows his health is dependent on the drip. Now, if we have to look at our own condition as Muslims, as an Ummah, we find that we have lost so much spiritual blood or we are so severely dehydrated spiritually. These sessions or Majaalis of the Masha’ikh are like short-term ‘hospitalization’ where we are attached to a drip – the drip being the Suhbah of the Masha’ikh, their advice tawajjuh and duas, by which we hydrate our Imaan which is withering away, or we regain the spiritual blood that we have lost due to our negligence and indulgence in sins. The repetition of Qur’an Sharif, Ahadith, and the poetry of the Ahlullah is the medication or nutrients which are supplied to our souls through this spiritual ‘drip’ and which, in turn, keep us spiritually alive. If we do not take this recourse – of attaching ourselves to a spiritual ‘drip’ – a Shaykh-e-Kaamil, we can find ourselves in a critical and spiritually life-threatening condition. May Allah Ta’ala protect us. These Majaalis of the Masha’ikh are to be appreciated – especially in these times of fitnah, where indulgence in sins has led to severe spiritual dehydration and loss of spiritual blood and a domino effect of corruption and immorality throughout the world. Our weakness is evident at every turn, except for those who continuously supply their soul with the nourishment of Taqwa via these spiritual drips. Allah Ta’ala has confirmed this in the Qur’an Sharif: “O You who Believe, Fear Allah and join the company of the Truthful ones (the pious, the Auliya Allah).” [Surah Taubah 9:119] Maulana Masihullah (rahmatullah ‘alayh) explained very beautifully that this Ayah (verse) draws attention to three important matters: Imaan, Taqwa and Suhbah. Maulana Masihullah (rahmatullah ‘alayh) elaborated, saying that for Imaan’s nourishment, growth, health and preservation, Taqwa is required. Without Taqwa, one’s Imaan will weaken, decline, wilt, and wither away. However, for the nourishment, development, growth and progress of Taqwa, the Suhbah (companionship) of the pious is indispensable. It is absolutely essential. Allah Ta’ala commands us to keep the company of the ‘Siddiqin’, the truthful ones – because they are truthful in their piety. They have the reality of what they project. Another point that we are informed of was that if air is introduced into the bloodstream, this will lead to health complications which can be fatal as well. Similarly, when a person keeps such company and attends such Majalis, but entertains in his heart insincerity or in his good efforts, the person begins to suffer the infection of ‘Ujb or Kibr, or the person becomes jealous of others and allows malice to breed in his heart – then this is that poison which can lead to spiritual death, despite being in the right environment and company. May Allah Ta’ala grant us all Ikhlaas and full benefit in the efforts we make to keep company with His Friends.
Watering the Root
Watering the Root The main reason for being unable to solve the many problems the Muslim community is presently facing is that we are misdirecting our energies by ‘watering leaves’ when in fact, the ‘root’ is in dire need of water. We are not getting to the root of the problem since we are too preoccupied with watering the leaves of our problems. Take the example of Zina (adultery and fornication), which is the scourge of our society: The consequences are illegitimate children, abortions and various physical and deathly diseases. It is common knowledge that many physical ailments today point to immoral, unrestrained behaviour as the cause. Having moved away from the Nasihah (advice) of Qur’an Sharif and Sunnah, and drawing from the manner in which the non-Muslims try to remedy their problems, many will suggest that a home be built for illegitimate and abandoned children, that more awareness is instilled in the youth on Aids and other transmitted diseases, and more programmes are held, encouraging the youth and others to take more precaution. As we all know, drugs are another major problem among our youth. Our attention to remedying the situation is the building of rehabilitation centres. Whilst these efforts offer some benefit, these are, in reality, short-term measures and are not solutions to the problems. Because we have adopted the Western way of thinking, we consider these as the solutions. The root cause is the heart. Change the heart’s condition, and sins will automatically be given up. The actions will be good if the spiritual heart is in good condition. The actions will be bad if the heart is not in good condition. The person will suffer due to his own evil and mischief, and others will also suffer as a result. The supreme qualities of the heart are Iman and Taqwa, which are lacking in most people. Shariah has laid tremendous emphasis on the purification of the heart. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) lived amongst people who were immersed in sins such as adultery, liquor and gambling. His approach and method in eradicating those major problems in that society was to create the love of Allah Ta’ala, the khauf (fear) of Qiyaamah and accountability, and the awareness that Allah Ta’ala is watching every deed: A person can hide and conceal his sins from people, but there is Someone who is always watching from above. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an Sharif : “Indeed your Lord is Ever–Watchful (over them).” [Surah Al-Fajr 89:14] “…He is with you wherever you are, and Allah is watchful of whatever you do.” [Surah Hadid 57:4] In this manner, so many problems are solved in one capsule – The capsule of the Love and Fear of Allah Ta’ala. This is the real solution: – Change the condition of the heart. – Make the heart conscious of Allah Ta’ala. – Awaken the spiritual heart. Otherwise, funds are being burdened on projects that are only short-term measures and not the solution. The purpose of the Qur’an Sharif is to learn, understand and practice its teachings. It is the Qur’an Sharif that works on the heart: If the person keeps before him the four witnesses who will either testify in his favour or against him on the Day of Qiyaamah, he will undoubtedly opt for abstinence from sins. These four witnesses are : 1. The Earth: “On that Day, the earth will recount everything,” [Surah Zilzal 99:4] 2. The Angels who take note of all our actions: “While (appointed) over you there are watchers, who are noble, writers (of the deeds), (they) know whatever you do.” [Surah Infitar 82:10-12] 3. One’s Book of Deeds: “And the book (of deeds) will be placed (before them), then you will see the guilty people scared of its contents and saying, “Woe to us! What a book is this! It has missed nothing, minor or major, but has taken it into account.” Thus they will find whatever they did present before them, and your Lord will not wrong anyone..” [Surah Kahf 18:49] 4. One’sBody: “On this Day We will seal their mouths, their hands will speak to Us, and their feet will testify to what they used to commit.” [Surah Yasin 36:65] If the root of Imaan, which is in the heart, is watered, then the tree of Imaan will bear the fruit of obedience. The above is the solution to all our problems.
Integrity and Honesty
Integrity and Honesty by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) It has been mentioned in a Hadith[1] that a pious person from the Bani Isra’il took a loan of 1000 gold coins and, fixing a date, promised to pay it back at that time. The person giving the loan required witnesses. The pious person said: ‘Allah is sufficient as a witness.’ He was then asked: ‘Who stands surety on your behalf ?’ The pious person replied: ‘Allah is sufficient as a surety.’ The person giving the loan accepted this, saying: ‘You have spoken the truth.’ And without further consideration, handed over to him a thousand gold coins. On the due date, due to a flood, the saintly person could not find a boat to take him across to his creditor to make the payment. This both perplexed him and hurt his conscience. The people of the past had integrity and honesty. They stood by their word. The thought of deliberately breaking their promises or going against their word did not even pass through their minds.[2] Nevertheless, such was this saintly person’s predicament. Having found some wood, he made a hollow in that piece of wood and, in desperation, placed 1000 gold coins and a note therein that it be given to such and such a person. Since this person’s niyyah (intention) was correct, he received Allah Ta’ala’s assistance. Taking the piece of wood to the river, he said: ‘O Allah! You know well that I took a loan of a thousand Dinars from so and so. He demanded a surety from me, but I told him that Allah’s guarantee was sufficient, and he accepted Your guarantee. He then asked for a witness, and I told him that Allah was sufficient as a witness, and he accepted You as a witness. I have tried hard to find a conveyance so that I could pay him his money but could not find one, so I hand over this money to You.’ Saying this, he threw the piece of wood into the river and placed his trust in Allah Ta’ala. On the other side, the creditor was waiting for the arrival of the boat that was to bring his money. He went to the riverbank, and as he paced about, losing hope in his debtor returning, he noticed the log (wherein his money was deposited). He picked it up and took it home to use as firewood. When he struck the axe against the log, and it split open, he found the 1000 gold coins with the note, wherein his debtor had written that since he could not get a boat in due time, he had opted to mete out his payment in this manner, trusting solely in Allah Ta’ala. Upon return, the saintly person was anxious to find out whether his creditor had received the money. Taking another one thousand gold coins with him, he went to the creditor’s home with the intention of making a late payment had the creditor not received his money. After explaining his plight and offering the thousand gold coins, the creditor truthfully told him that Allah Ta’ala had already delivered the money he had sent in the piece of wood, and the saintly person was told to keep the thousand gold coins which he had brought with him. That was their level of honesty and trustworthiness; for that, Allah Ta’ala gave them plenty of barakah (blessings) -a far cry from present-day experiences with even Muslim businessmen and traders. Due to the temptations faced by traders, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) enumerated many great rewards for the honest trader[3]. It is mentioned in a Hadith that an honest and trustworthy merchant shall be with the Ambiya (‘alaihimus salam), the Martyrs and the pious.[4] Allah Ta’ala opens the doors of rizq (sustenance) and barakah (blessings) for the honest and truthful ones. All the same, Allah Ta’ala has presented various laws on loans, which we are instructed to implement in our transactions. This is especially necessary in these times of hypocrisy, cheating and deceit when we cannot even trust some of those who have adopted the garb of the pious and have a connection with the Masjid (mosque) and Deen. Due to fraudulent deals, even family members and friends are not being trusted anymore. In Surah Baqarah, Allah Ta’ala states : ‘O you who believe, when you transact a debt payable at a specified time, put it in writing… – … it is more just in the sight of Allah, More suitable as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves …’ [surah baqarah 2: 282] Allah Ta’ala clearly outlines and establishes various directives for a loan in this ayah (verse), which has more details of importance. The gist of which directs towards a written document to be drafted for such transactions, wherein the names of all parties, the analysis, the exact due date of payment and fine points of the transaction are distinctly and unambiguously stated. The wisdom behind written agreements is that it is a precaution against breach, oversight, misunderstanding or dispute and conflict at a later stage. Allah Ta’ala also calls for witnesses to such transactions since they would verify and resolve any dispute that may arise in future. [1] Bukhari [2] Rasulullah (sallallahu’ alayhi wasallam) has said: “Whoever has the following four (characteristics) will be a pure hypocrite and whoever has one of the following four characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy unless and until he gives it up. Whenever he is entrusted, he betrays. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie. Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous. When he quarrels, he uses foul speech. [3] Mu’amalat is a branch of Shariah dealing with business and trade. It is compulsory (Fardh) for a person involved in business and trade to learn the relevant masa’il (rules). [4] Tirmidhi
Securing Rewards in Marriage
Securing Rewards in Marriage by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) The Sawab (reward) for the sabr (patience) a woman exercises over her difficulties in managing the home of her husband and fulfilling the rights of her husband and children sometimes is such that it makes her ‘reach’ Allah Ta’ala very quickly. This, however, is conditional to her obedience to Allah Ta’ala, fulfilling His Rights, the Rights of His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and the Rights of His Creation. Women who have children, even a temperamental husband, together with many household chores and other responsibilities, sometimes think that they cannot achieve the ranks of the Awliya-Allah[1] because they do not have time for ‘Wazifas’[2] and Nawafil [3] (optional prayers). I tell them that they do not need to worry about too many Wazifas. The most important ‘Wazifa’ is abstinence from all sins. Added to this, they should correct their niyyah or intention in all they do as routine housework. Make the intention of pleasing Allah Ta’ala, then that same housework becomes Ibadah. In this simple way, they will easily secure great rewards and the same spiritual stages, if not higher. Similarly, the Sawab for the sabr a man exercises over his wife’s shortcomings, emotional outbursts or mood swings is a medium by which he too acquires great rewards and reaches Allah Ta’ala very quickly. Many Awliya-Allah reached great spiritual heights and were accepted for tremendous service to Deen on the patience they adopted with their wives and on the love, care, affection, tenderness and generosity they also extended to their wives. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) set the perfect example for husbands. Despite the tremendous responsibilities that he was entrusted with, he gave due attention and time to his wives and treated them with love and generosity. He was never harsh or insensitive towards any single wife. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) also said: “The best amongst the Believers is he is whose character is the best. And the best among you is the one who is best towards his wife.”[4] [1] Awliya-Allah : Friends of Allah Ta’ala [2] Wazifas: additional, optional supplications [3] Nawafil: Optional prayers [4] Tirmidhi