When Spouses Curse
When Spouses Curse by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) A husband complained that he was always angry with his wife, and they continuously argued. There are so many such cases: If it is not the husband complaining of his wife, it is the wife complaining of her husband. In this case, having been informed of the weaknesses of his wife, which are common to other women as well, I said: ‘I agree with you that there are weaknesses in women. However, there are also weaknesses in men. Moreover, your anger is for worldly reasons. You are cursing your wife and inviting that same curse upon yourself…’ I then explained to him:‘When you curse your wife on her defiance, non-compliance, or indifference to your rights, then Allah Ta’ala’s Azab (punishment) descends upon her. When that punishment reaches her, she will not be the only one who will suffer. As her husband, you, too, will suffer. If she is afflicted with illness or has an accident, the burden of expense falls upon you as the husband. You will have to take care of her and; will also find difficulty in that she will not be able to see to you and the children, the maintenance of the home, etc. And if she has to curse you, she too will find herself in a situation of trial and difficulty…’ Some women have the bad habit of cursing their husbands and children, generally due to impatience or frustration. Instead of turning to Allah Ta’ala and making Du’a, they utter such words, which sometimes find acceptance in the heavens, but become a source of great regret. Due to this tendency of cursing and being ungrateful to spouses, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) directed women towards giving charity and seeking forgiveness. Thus, when Allah Ta’ala punishes the husband or the child, the wife or mother is left lamenting her plight. It may be that Allah Ta’ala accepts her curse, and in a fit of anger, the husband divorces the wife. He loses his wife and children, and she is left in dire circumstances as a divorcee, or it may be that Allah Ta’ala accepts the curse, and as such, his entire business collapses. The husband, the wife who cursed, and the children now have to live in poverty. There are so many ways that curses are Divinely accepted. Alhamdulillah, the husband explained the above to his wife, and they both agreed that arguing and cursing was not the solution. Arguments cause great satisfaction and joy to Shaytan, whose great effort is to destroy marriages. Arguments indicate Shaytan’s presence in our homes. It is the stepping stone to enmity between husband and wife and can quickly end up with divorce, a broken home and many other problems. Who does not want a happy marriage? Who does not wish for Sukoon (tranquillity) in marriage? However, to achieve this, some effort has to be made. We have to train ourselves to adopt Hilm (tolerance) and Sabr (patience), and we need to learn to curb the tendency to argue and fight – which is otherwise common even for the pettiest reasons. There would be peace, tranquillity, and many arguments would not even surface if we keep before us the following Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and we have Yaqin and conviction in it: “I guarantee a house in the outskirts of Paradise to the one who forsakes argument even when he is in the right.” [1] [1] Abu Dawud
Business and Salah
Business and Salah by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Once, a person asked me: “I am in my business from the morning; and from the business, I proceed to the Masjid for Zuhr, Asr, and Maghrib. I join the Salah with “Allahu Akbar”, but then it seems as if the whole business comes into that Salah. How do I get concentration?” I replied: “You came out of business and went directly into Salah. At least your complaint is about your business consuming your thoughts while in Salah. Others complain of their Salah being contaminated with television, pornography, sport, video games, etc. They also hear the Azaan, enter into Salah, but their complaint is that the images of filthy women come before them in their Sajdas (Na ‘uzu Billah).” People have written to me at a loss because their minds are picturing Haraam in that Sajda —that Sajda where they are supposed to be closest to Allah Ta’ala.” I explained: “Allah Ta’ala’s Ihsan (favour) is always all-embracing, so He granted the Sunnah Salah to us before the Fardh Salah. It is only Maghrib which is read immediately after the Azaan. Regarding the Salah, we should not wait for the Azaan and proceed to the Masjid or Musallah. If a person has no excuse, he should be in the Masjid by the time the Azaan is completed, preferably having completed his Wudhu. After responding to the Azaan and making a Du’aa (since this is a time of the acceptance of Dua), the Sunnah Salah should be read. Unfortunately, we complete 4 Rakats in one minute ‘flat’. We want to show speed in Salah since we cannot show speed in any marathon. If carried out as Sunnah, the 4 Rakats of Sunnah will take about 5 minutes. After Sunnah Salah, there will still be a few minutes left before the Jamaat Salah commences. During those minutes, make Istighfaar, Taubah, think of Aakhirah and accountability and presentation of deeds on the Day of Qiyaamah. Reflect on one’s life. What if my death has to come now? Like this, you cut off the business and worldly thoughts as much as possible. Now commences the Fardh Salah, by which 80% of the heart will be in that Salah, insha Allah. If the effort continues, the person will experience “Mi’raj” in his Salah.” Alhamdulillah, many, having followed through with this advice, have found a world of difference in their Salah. When the Sahabah (rahiyallahu ‘anhum) entered Salah, how is it that they were able to maintain their Khushu’ (concentration) in Salah -why is it that they were not disturbed by worldly thoughts, like how we are plagued with worldly thoughts? They, too, came into Salah from the business world yet proceeded directly into the Mi’raj of Salah. The Kaifiyyat was different. From the time they commenced preparation for their Salah, making Wudhu, etc., the kaifiyat was different. It was very unlike our condition: We are talking, joking and laughing, and we enter the Masjid in this manner. On the other hand, they truly understood and believed that they would now stand before Allah Ta’ala – as will be on the Day of Qiyamah. The Ayah described their condition: “And as for those who were in awe of standing before their Lord and restrained themselves from (evil) desires…” [Surah Nazi’at 79:40] So why was it that their Salah was not affected, and they were not diverted or distracted by what they were, until then, occupied with? After all, they were also in business and trade, agriculture, and other avenues of earning a living. They were also selling different items and animals, planting crops, moving into foreign lands and engaging in big business. Allah Ta’ala says in Surah Nur: “…men who are not distracted—either by buying or selling—from Allah’s remembrance, or performing prayer, or paying Zakah. They fear a Day when hearts and eyes will tremble,…” [Surah Nur 24:37] Men, whose businesses and transactions, exporting and importing, do not divert them from the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala, do not distract them from the establishment of Salah, and giving Zakah … Allah Ta’ala brought to my heart a beautiful point concerning why the Sahabah (rahiyallahu ‘anhum) were not disturbed in their concentration. And that is that they were men – the true believing men, whose businesses did not prevent them from obedience or divert their attention. Why was their Salah not affected even though they came out of business? Because they came out of one Ibaadah into another. Therefore, from one Ibaadah, they entered into another Ibaadah. They were conscious of Allah Ta’ala’s presence at all times, even in their businesses. Thus, their business was also “Zikrullah”. The same awareness was required for Salah, but this was their condition at all times. In their businesses, they were cautious. Their trade, talking, selling, and purchasing were all carried out as sanctioned by Shari’ah. Their intentions were noble, their efforts were clean, and their earnings were Halaal and pure. They worked not to extend their hands and beg of others. They worked to support their families, contribute to good causes, assist others, give Zakaah, go for Hajj, and so forth. Their intentions were correct, and their businesses were conducted in the manner approved by Allah Ta’ala. That person who has made his business into Ibaadah, then his concentration will remain in Salah. It does not mean that a person is just holding a Tasbih all the time and reading: ‘SubhanAllah, SubhanAllah…’. Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullah ‘alayh) mentioned that if a person is selling – for example, mangoes – and goes on repeating: “Mangoes, Mangoes …”, he will get the reward of Tasbeeh because the person’s effort is to acquire Halaal sustenance. So, the Sahabah (rahiyallahu ‘anhum) were conscious of Allah Ta’ala’s presence and were mindful of all the Ahkaam (Laws) pertaining to trade and business, so they simply moved from one Ibaadah to another. Unlike us, our
Futile Arguments
Futile Arguments by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) It seems as if everyone has something to argue about these days. Arguing is a waste of precious time and a diversion of Shaytan from carrying out good deeds or rendering services to Deen. We do not have to worry about arguing with every other person. We have got no time to argue with people. Only that person who has time will go around arguing with people. He has got time to waste; therefore, he will go around arguing. One person went to the barber and said: “I have black and white hair, so take out all the white hair.” The barber shaved off all his hair, placed it in front of the man and said: “Now you can pick out all the white strands. I do not have the time for that.” The person whose heart is connected with Allah Ta’ala does not have the time for arguments, fights, unnecessary quarrels, or wasting time over useless, futile activities. One person wrote a lengthy letter to me. He mentioned, amongst other things: “Maulana, you and all your blind followers who attend your programmes…” – have got this weakness, this weakness, this weakness.” I replied: “JazakAllah for informing us of some of our weaknesses. There are many more that Allah Ta’ala has concealed. I make Shukr to Allah Ta’ala that He did not reveal all our weaknesses. Please keep me informed when you notice more weaknesses, and make Dua that Allah Ta’ala gives us Hidayat.” That is all! Finished! What am I going to start arguing about? Futile arguing creates restlessness and darkness in the heart. It opens the door to misguidance. It leads a person away from Siratul Mustaqeem (the straight path). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) cautioned us: “No people will go astray after having been guided except that they become argumentative.”[1] Thus, we should not waste time over pettiness. We do not have the time for that. There will always be enemies; there will always be jealousy; there will always be malice. There will be those who cannot see or stomach the progress of certain people and who will want to create unnecessary trouble and impede the person’s progress. This will happen. It happened in the time of Rasullullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) – and will continue. So we should be careful not to get caught up with these wasteful issues. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “I guarantee a house in the outskirts of Paradise to the one who forsakes argument even when he is in the right’… [2] If we keep before us this Hadith and have Yaqin (conviction) on the words of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), many arguments would not even surface. [1] Tirmidhi [2] Abu Dawud
The Barrier between us and Allah Ta’ala
The Barrier between us and Allah Ta’ala by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Unfortunately, one of many weaknesses is that we look at our achievements and successes with an eye of vanity and conceit. Our gaze falls on our efforts —that we are the ones who made an effort. We attribute our success and achievements to our efforts, sacrifice, and hard work. What generally follows is a desire to announce, boast, publicize, and make known. The nafs asserts itself; It wants acknowledgement. It wants to be credited. So many, in their quest for recognition, will exaggerate their achievements —even to the Shaykh. They exaggerate so that they may be distinguished above others, counted as pious and righteous, and become a recipient of praise and applause. Some get carried away by dreams and think that a few good dreams are a surety of their greatness. This condition is not progress; it is a sickness. This is what becomes a barrier between Allah Ta’ala and us. The person’s gaze is on himself, his obedience, attributes, effort, achievements and successes, forgetting The One Who blessed him with ability and capacity. The gaze should be on the Fadhl and Grace of Allah Ta’ala. The person’s good deeds, Khidmat of Deen, and his charity and welfare work become a fitnah for him because he sees his effort and believes that he deserves acknowledgement and praise. As a result, there is no spiritual progress. ‘Ujb is vanity and conceit —The person admires himself and attributes importance to himself. The person considers himself superior. Kibr or pride is looking down upon others, considering them as inferior. Pride and vanity give rise to arrogance and haughtiness, even oppressing or treating people with contempt and disdain. Both ‘Ujb and Kibr cripple a person spiritually. It is truly the Fadhl of Allah Ta’ala if a person increases in humility as his good deeds increase. And this will be so; if the person keeps his gaze on his shortcomings and has such Ma’rifat (Recognition) of Allah Ta’ala, understanding that Taufeeq is from Allah Ta’ala alone. The Ambiya (‘alaihimus salaam) had the highest degree of Ma’rifat, which is evident in their lives. In the words of Shu`aib (عليه السلام): “…And my ability to do things comes from none but Allah…” [Surah Hud 11:88] From another view, we find that the majority seek to display their achievements in this world of fitnah. Their photographs are published; they widely circulate their accomplishments on media platforms, proud of their successes. Everyone wants to be noticed; everyone wants the limelight. Some say in no uncertain words that their success is due to their work, intelligence, and sacrifice. Of course, happiness is different. It is natural. But the desire should be to conceal. Whenever we are talking about ourselves, we must ask ourselves: Why am I behaving in this manner? Why do I talk about my experiences? Is this Shukr and Tahdees-e-Ni’mat, or is it Riyaa which the nafs wraps up in the guise of Shukr? Allah Ta’ala is All-Knowing. If we say and do for advertisement, publicize and broadcast and announce over radio stations and other platforms, then we should remember that Allah Ta’ala is aware of our intentions. “He (Allah) knows the treachery of the eyes and whatever is concealed by hearts.” [Surah Ghafir 40:19] If it is for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, and Allah Ta’ala wants to make it known, He will make it known. All that a person becomes proud of is on account of the blessings from Allah Ta’ala’s side. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an Sharif: “Whatever blessing you have is from Allah…” [Surah an-Nahl 16:53] If He gave, He could also take away. Recognize the one who has given, and do not consider the bounties as your achievement, because every faculty and possession which is a medium of securing any achievement is, in itself, a bounty from Allah Ta’ala —our intelligence, hearing, speech, etc. Keep addressing the nafs: All that I succeed in is due to Allah Ta’ala’s favour. Whilst a person may be doing some meritorious work, much is left to be seen —as to whether such work has been accepted or not. We will only know on the Day of Judgment what has been accepted or not. Whatever work we do and whatever other good deed we do, then make Dua after that that Allah Ta’ala accepts it. Consider the Tawaadhu of Ibrahim and Isma’il (‘alaihimas salam), who, after building the House of Allah Ta’ala, and themselves being so accepted by Allah Ta’ala, still made Dua that Allah Ta’ala accept their efforts… Allah Ta’ala says in Surah Al-Baqarah: “And when Ibrahim was raising up the foundations of the House, along with Ismail: “Our Lord accept from us! Indeed, You – and You alone – are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing!” [Surah An-Nur 24:21] This Dua makes evident that there was no pride or vanity in undertaking and completing such a great task. There was just beautiful humility and deep concern that Allah Ta’ala accepts. If there is spiritual progress in one’s efforts of treading the path to Allah Ta’ala, then we need to keep before us the Ayah: “…And had it not been for the grace of Allah upon you, and His mercy, not a single person from you would have ever attained purity. But Allah purifies whomsoever He wills…” [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:127] Otherwise, the nafs, in its true state, would not gain any good on its own. “…Surely, man’s inner self often incites to evil, unless my Lord shows mercy.…” [Surah Yusuf 12:53] May Allah Ta’ala grant us recognition of our nafs and the courage to strive against it; and may Allah Ta’ala bestow His Mercy upon us so that we may be successful on this path to Him, Aameen.
Prescription for Lustful Gazes
Prescription for Lustful Gazes by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Lustful gazes have become an epidemic with consequences that are so far-reaching, to the point of crippling one’s spirituality, weakening one’s Iman, sometimes even to the extent of losing one’s Iman – for a pretty face or a handsome face. (May Allah Ta’ala protect us all). More and more Muslim brothers and even sisters write, after realizing or experiencing the effects of the ‘bitter-sweet’ poison of evil glancing: They want an antidote; they desperately want to escape their habit –before they self-destruct; because their practice of casting lustful gazes landed them in the gutters of immorality and they have had to then contend with disgrace, humiliation and sometimes a life-long stigma. But they find themselves weak in the face of the demands of their nafs. And the nafs —by nature, enjoy the forbidden and are never satisfied even on fulfilment of its demands. It is like the ocean’s salty water: it increases thirst and does not quench thirst. So, for those who find themselves weak in lowering their gazes from Haraam, they should now use their eyes – the invaluable gift of sight, in carefully reading the following prescription for a cure. Alhamdulillah, if followed, lowering the gaze will become second nature, and a person will reach a stage where he will not even care if Miss Universe is passing in front of him because he will have tasted the sweetness of Iman and will know the lofty experiences that come on pleasing Allah Ta’ala. To cast an evil gaze will then be most indecent and shameful for him. The person will now know better than to disgrace himself, destroy the tranquillity and Sukoon of his heart, and exchange the sweet pleasure of Allah Ta’ala’s love for what will inevitably become dust. My Shaykh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakim Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) said in poetry: “I will not look, I will not look, Never will I look at one, Looking upon whom, Displeases my Rabb (Allah Ta’ala).” Whilst beauty is an attribute that charms and captivates any heart, if it is that which Allah Ta’ala has declared as forbidden, it not only destroys the peace of the heart, but it also lays to waste the very substance of Iman that resides in the heart. Therefore, Allah Ta’ala addresses both the believing men and believing women: “Tell the Believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at that which is Haraam) and to be modest (i.e. To protect themselves from prohibited deeds like adultery and fornication, etc.) That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is aware of what they do.” “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at that which is forbidden) and to be modest (i.e., To protect themselves from prohibited deeds like adultery, fornication, etc.) And not show off their beauty except that which is apparent, and let them wear their head-coverings over their bosoms )” [Surah An – Nur 24: 30/ 31] The absolute wisdom and beauty inherent in these injunctions of Allah Ta’ala, of lowering the gaze, guarding one’s modesty (and adopting the full Hijaab for women), is that a person will remain far from the crime of Zina (adultery/fornication), as well as the steppingstones to Zina. All those actions that lead to the commission of sin are forbidden, like the sin itself. Like Zina is prohibited, so are all those actions that will inevitably lead to Zina. Therefore, Allah Ta’ala says: “And do not go near Zina. Indeed, it is a shameful and evil path”. [Surah Al – Isra 17:32] Evil glancing is the very inception of Zina. By lowering the gaze, we curtail furthering our evil desires. These injunctions of Allah Ta’ala protect from sin and should be appreciated by practical implementation. It is not impossible to lower the gaze from Haraam, as some say. If we have the ability to look up, we also have the ability to look down or turn our gazes away. We open and close our eyes, so why is it difficult to look down or away when we accidentally see a pretty face? More especially when that pretty face will result in: – The heart burning with restlessness, – Darkness filling the heart, – The Noor of the heart and the Noor of the face being lost. – Earning the displeasure of Allah Ta’ala – Inviting the Curses of Allah Ta’ala. All that is required is a little courage. If we are bold enough to displease Allah Ta’ala in His presence, then this proves that we can be brave enough to displease nafs and Shaytaan instead. We need to have courage and re-channel it to earn His Pleasure. Our respected Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakim Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) had mentioned that if a person is a lover of sweets and he is informed that in a certain district, there are many sweet shops, the person naturally feels happy because he will be able to enjoy sweetness any time he so wishes.Allah Ta’ala’s promise on lowering the gaze is the sweetness of Iman. In a Hadeeth-e-Qudsi, Allah Ta’ala says: “Verily evil glancing is an arrow from the poisonous arrows of Shaytaan. Whosoever fears Me (Allah) and refrains from it will receive from Me such Iman, the sweetness of which he will taste (feel) in his heart.”[1] We should consider the occasions when we are in public areas and other venues, where there may be many strange women present, as an opportunity of lowering our gaze and enjoy and savour the sweetness of Iman. Of course, this should not be misconstrued to mean that we visit those places where there is temptation. Where there is mud, even an elephant can slip. At such a time – when the desire is strong to cast that evil gaze, immediately strike a deal with Allah Ta’ala. Say: “O Allah, it is solely for Your Pleasure and out of Love for You
A Means of Protection from Sins
A Means of Protection from Sins In my Dua, I always mention that we inevitably have to depart from this world. Death is a certainty. However, its time is unknown. Since we do not know where, when, and how we will die, how can we be engaged in sin? When making Dua, I say: O Allah, it must not be that the Angel of Death visits anyone of us when we are popping drugs into our mouths, when we have a bottle of liquor in our hands, when we are in a casino or an escort agency, or committing adultery and fornication, or watching some filthy movie or reading a filthy novel or magazine. Alhamdulillah, this Dua has been a means of Hidayah (guidance) and protection for many who found their evil habits difficult to give up. When the thought of death and this Dua flashed before them, someone dashed out of a casino, another distanced himself from an escort agency, and others opted for abstinence and self-restraint. This remembrance of death becomes a barrier between a person and sin. My Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakim Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) often presented the following questions for reflection: 1. Is sin good or bad? – The answer would be ‘Bad’. 2. Should a bad thing be given up or not? – It should be given up. 3. Should it be given up quickly or slowly? – Quickly. 4. Should it be given up before death or after death? – Before death. Who knows when death will pay us its only visit? We know fully well that sins should be given up before death. We also know that the hour of death is unknown, and there is no escape from it. Should sin not then be given up immediately? Is there even any time to think about when to give it up? —The time to give up sin is now. My Shaykh Hazrat Maulana Hakim Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) had composed a couplet that spells out this reality, which we should reflect over: 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.
The Effects of Sins and Repentance
The Effects of Sins and Repentance When a person indulges in sins, in disobedience to Allah Ta’ala, the heart immediately connects with the fire of Hell. As such, one result of sins is heat. The proof of this is drawn from a Masnoon Dua, which was brilliantly and inspirationally explained by Maulana Shah Abdul Ghani Phulpuri (rahmatullah ‘alayh), a great Shaykh of his time. From the Ahadith we learn different Duas for different occasions. One Dua that was taught to us by Nabi (sllallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is: “O Allah, wash off my sins with the (melted) water of ice and snow, and purify my heart of sins, just as white clothes are cleansed of filth.”[1] Let us consider the explanation and meaning of the Dua: Maulana Shah Abdul Ghani Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) related that on one occasion, he had a most respected guest present during his lesson of Bukhari Shareef. The guest was Maulana Dr. Abdul Hay Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) who was a senior Khalifa of Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullah ‘alayh). During this lesson, Dr Abdul Hay Saheb posed a question to Maulana Shah Abdul Ghani (rahmatullah ‘alayh). He asked: “Why did Nabi (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) use the words ‘ice and snow’ in this particular Dua?” Hazrat (rahmatullah ‘alayh) (through Ilham) was inspired with an answer from Allah Ta’ala, who replied: “There are two major effects that follow the commission of sins. 1.) Darkness in the heart.Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam explained: “When a Mu’min (believer) sins, a black dot appears on his heart. If he repents and seeks Allah’s forgiveness, his heart becomes cleansed and polished. If he continues to commit more and more sins (without repenting), the spot continues to spread and ultimately covers all his heart.”[2] 2.) Heat. By means of sins, a person links himself to the fire of Hell. As a result, such a person’s body also produces a kind of heat. My Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) has mentioned that generally, when a person is committing a lot of sin, especially if he is entangled in illicit love, then the effect of his sins is so intense and severe, that even his head becomes heated. Of course, this does not mean that every person whose head is heated is involved in sin. It may be that the person is ill, suffering from high temperature, etc. So consequently, the second quality of sin is that it produces heat. Maulana Shah Abdul Ghani Saheb (Rahmatullah ‘alayh) then explained that the attribute of ice is its coolness, and the apparent characteristic of snow is its whiteness. Thus, the two effects of sins are removed with the two effects of snow and ice. The whiteness eliminates the darkness, and the coolness effaces the heat. SubhanAllah! Moreover, why is ‘white’ cloth used in the Dua?Because a black cloth will not disclose the spots and marks of dirt, even after being washed, a white cloth is sure to reveal the slightest trace of dirt. These are explanations that should be most appreciated by students of Deen as well as Salikin. My Shaykh had also explained that if we are deficient in our Love for Allah Ta’ala, and our hearts have become dark and heated due to the commission of sins, then an easy route to giving up our sins, sincerely repenting, purifying our hearts, and becoming the friends of Allah Ta’ala is to make friends with His Friends. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufiq of Ruju Ilallah and His Friendship, Aameen. [1] Nasai[2] Tirmidhi
Boasting and Claiming Greatness
Pride and greatness are the exclusive attributes of Allah Ta’ala. He is the only one worthy of such qualities. Amongst Allah Ta’ala’s Beautiful Names are: “Al-Mutakkabir” (The Supreme), “Al-Kabir” (The Greatest), “Al-Jalil” (The Majestic), “Al-Qawi” (The Most Strong), and “Al-Qadir” (The All-Powerful). Many more attributes make evident Allah Ta’ala’s greatness and power. The entire Qur’an Sharif is an exposition of Allah Ta’ala’s supremacy and greatness. Man’s helplessness, weakness and vulnerability become manifest when he recognizes his Creator. When there is no recognition of Allah Ta’ala, man considers his own might, strength, power, and force as great. This is the deception of nafs and Shaytaan. When anyone makes the claim that he is great, he inevitably faces humiliation and ruin. Fir`aun uttered the greatest lie, that he is the Lord, Most High, and for all his claims of being so powerful, the waters of the Red Sea overwhelmed him, and he drowned. Allah Ta’ala relates: “And he said: ‘I am your supreme Lord.’” “So Allah seized him and made him an example for this world and the hereafter. [Surah An-Nazi’aat 79: 24 / 25] Then We drowned the others. [Surah Ash-Shu`ara 26: 66] Qarun made a claim of being independent of Allah Ta’ala. This was his pride, due to his great intelligence and the great wealth that he had amassed. He had so much wealth, that the keys to his wealth were too many to count. “…And We had given him such treasures, that even their keys would weigh too heavy for a strong group of people” [Surah Al-Qasas 28: 76] “He said: ‘This is given to me because of the knowledge (I have) with me.” [Surah Al-Qasas 28: 78] What became of him? On his claim of being independent, his pride, arrogance, and rejection of Allah Ta’ala, Allah Ta’ala caused the earth to swallow and digest him and his wealth. “Then We made him and his home sink into the earth…” [Surah Al-Qasas 28: 81] In history, we learnt of the Spanish Armada. It was described as “invincible” —only to find itself being defeated. When the Titanic set off on its maiden voyage, the claim was that it was “unsinkable”. It sank on its first journey. A famous boxer made a huge claim: “I am the greatest.” When he made this claim, he was floored. Alhamdulillah, Allah Ta’ala destined Islam for him and he realized that Allah Ta’ala is the greatest. When diagnosed with sickness, he openly acknowledged: “Allah gave me this illness to remind me that I’m not number one —He is. I’m not the greatest, Allah is.” The claim of superiority and greatness does not befit the slaves and servants of Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala does not like that His creation claims a quality which is solely and exclusively His. Allah Ta’ala wants us to recognize His superiority, greatness and power, and submit ourselves as slaves do, before their master. This submission and humility earn one closeness to Allah Ta’ala and His special Mercy and Favours. Allah Ta’ala describes these servants who will receive His special mercy as: “The servants of Ar-Rahmaan (the All-Merciful) are those who walk on the earth, humbly…” [Surah Al-Furqaan 25] The more the success of a person, the more humility his success should generate. Take a lesson from the tree: When laden with fruit, the branches bend in humility. If they have to show their “greatness” they will snap or break. Similarly, when a slave of Allah Ta’ala tries to show his greatness and independence, he ‘breaks’. Allah Ta’ala said: “Pride is My cloak, and greatness is My garment; so, whoever competes with Me regarding these two will be thrown into the Hellfire”. [1] [2] May Allah Ta’ala purify us of the diseases of Kibr (pride) and Ujub (vanity) and grant us the reality of Abdiyyat (servitude) and Tawaadhu (humility). [1] Abu Dawud [2] The implied meaning is that pride and supremacy belong to Allah Ta’ala Alone
Pornography – A Bait of Shaytan
We all know that fish live in water. They generally cannot survive for long out of water. However, when fish move towards the ocean’s surface, they become an easy catch for fishermen –as we find with the sardine run. People grab, net and catch sardines from the surface of the water. When a fisherman catches a fine fish, he reels it in. He does not throw it back into the sea. Once it is hooked or caught, it is pulled out. Why? Because fish out of water, when scaled and washed, when ‘masalad’[1] and fried, tastes lovely. In my Dua, I usually say: O Allah, make us the fish that swim deep down in the ocean of Your Ma’rifat. Like the fish, the Believer is swimming deep in the safety of Allah Ta’ala’s ocean of love. If he moves towards temptation, he makes an easy and fine catch for Shaytaan. Do we want to become a meal for Shaytaan? —Because this is exactly what happens to the heart of the Believer who dashes for the bait of sins: His Imaan is ‘scaled’, his good deeds are ‘washed away’, his heart and soul are ‘marinated’ in darkness and fried in the fire of restlessness –to the delight of Shaytaan. Allah Ta’ala forbid that this restless soul has to also one day contend with the fire of Hell. Many people write that they are hooked on porn films and magazines. They fall for the bait which Shaytaan tempts them with, get hooked and end up ruining their spiritual, mental and physical health. ♦ Pornography is one of the root causes of insanity. Those who have the habit of viewing pornography generally do so at night. They spend the day working and the night watching filth. They are overcome with restlessness and are deprived of sleep. Sleep deprivation is a one-way ticket to mental instability. In the long term, the brain is badly damaged, and the person loses his sanity. He ends up in an asylum or shoots himself. One young brother contacted me, saying he had a porn addiction. He knew it was Haraam, but said he just could not give up the sin. He would secretly watch pornography late at night after the family went to sleep. And then, one night whilst watching porn there was a tremor. The building began to shake, and everyone got up running down the stairs in their pyjamas, running helter-skelter, fearing the worst, expecting that was their end. He said that at that time, my Dua hit his heart: “O Allah! Do not let the Angel of death find us in any sin, in gambling, drinking, pornography!” He immediately made sincere Taubah. But it took a real-life shake-up to get him to give up the sin. He was fortunate that he was granted the opportunity of repenting, otherwise what would have been the condition, returning to Allah Ta’ala whilst viewing pornography? I generally give the following reply to those who write saying they are addicted to porn: Allah Ta’ala forbid, if some criminal has to put a gun to your head, will you say: “It is difficult for me to stop watching this porn, I am addicted. Please allow me to watch all these filthy pictures first before you blow my head”, or will you start reading Duas for Allah Ta’ala to protect you? Similarly, death is following us all. What if the Angel of Death visits at that time to extract your soul? Would you want your life to end while watching porn –because the Angel of Death will not give you time to switch off the computer and make Taubah? Imagine if you die when viewing pornography. What an embarrassment and disgrace it will be! Thereafter, people will ask –as is common: “How did he die? When? Where? What was he doing?” Would you like people to say: “He died in front of the computer, and he was watching a dirty film.” Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was asked: ‘What is Imaan?’ Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) replied: ‘When your good deeds give you happiness and when your evil deeds cause you grief.’ [2] If reading porn magazines, watching filthy movies, being involved in some illicit relationship, drinking, gambling and indulging in other sins do not create any remorse and sorrow, and instead, we are expressing happiness over sins, where is our Imaan? One situation is that the person engages in some sin but then genuinely regrets it. However, when there is persistence and enjoyment in sins, where is our Imaan? Deriving pleasure in Haraam indicates pollution in the heart. The heart needs to be washed and cleaned with sincere Taubah and needs to be polished with Zikrullah. At least recognize sin as sin, detest it. This is Imaan. The person has Imaan if he is feeling unhappy and grieved when he has displeased Allah Ta’ala. Understand that whatever Allah Ta’ala enjoins upon us and forbids us from, is in our best interests; for our benefit, advantage, well-being and success. Abdullah Ibn Mubarak (rahmatullahi alaihi), who was a great Wali of Allah Ta’ala summed up the consequences of sins by saying: “I see that sins cause death to the heart and becoming addicted to the sins brings about humiliation and disgrace. On the other hand, abandoning sins gives life to the heart. So, it is best for you to disobey the nafs.” May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to give up all sins and purify our hearts and souls, and may Allah Ta’ala grant us death when He is pleased with us. [1] “Masalad”: spiced and marinated [2] Musnad Ahmad
Avoiding the Ash Clouds of Sins
A young friend of mine, a pilot, recently flew to Australia. Due to the ash clouds, they were told they could not take off. They were thus delayed a few days. When he returned, I asked him: “There was still a lot of ash; what did you’ll do?” He said: “They gave us a flight path whereby we could bypass the ash clouds. We took this route, and we avoided the ash.” I asked him: “Did you take any lesson from that?” He, in turn, asked: “What lesson?” I explained : “The lesson is this: When there was a lot of ash, there was a danger that the ash cloud would damage the engine of the Boeing you were flying. Your life and the lives of all the passengers were in danger. If you were caught in such an ash cloud, you could have gone, and the passengers could have gone. They gave you a ’round about’ route to avoid the ash clouds and reach your destination. The lesson we take is that when there is a temptation to sin, or some fitnah is approaching, we must avoid it. We must take a ’round about’ route. If that plane had crashed, the lives would have gone. However, here, if there is a crash – i.e. the person falls into sin – the spiritual life — Iman can go. Some of those crashes take the person’s Iman away. Some pretty face takes away the Iman of a person, or some other temptation or invitation to Haram leads to a spiritual crash. The environment of drugs, pornography, fornication and adultery, gambling, music, etc., is like those ash clouds. The Muslim avoids all areas of sins – whether the cinemas, clubs, theatres or other venues of vice. To whatever extent he can avoid, he avoids. He takes a ’round about’ route to reach his destination safely. And the destination of a Muslim is Jannat. If there is a group of young girls dressed indecently and the gaze falls on them accidentally, then try and avoid an encounter with them. Don’t even look again. Think that the ash clouds are approaching. If the person cannot lower his gaze and quickly walk past, he must move in another direction, cross the street, go over to the other side, or take another route, lest he gets caught in the ash cloud of fitnah and loses his Iman and Aakhirah.” I told this pilot friend: “When flying the plane, you avoid the ash clouds. Avoid those clouds of fitnah as well. There will be encounters with the air hostesses and female passengers on the plane. At that time, guard the gaze. You must be an example; You must show others that I am a Muslim and that you don’t behave as the other pilots behave.” The same applies to all of us. We, too, face different ‘ash-clouds’ of fitnah – whether on the plane or train, at work or in the bazaars and marketplaces, and whether at school or college. How do we respond? Do we adopt Taqwa? Do we fear Allah Ta’ala? Do we take the opportunity to prove our sincere and deep love for Allah Ta’ala? Do we subscribe to “Fafirru Ilallah’ – i.e. we flee to Allah Ta’ala? Or do we recklessly ‘fly’ into the ash clouds of sins, unconcerned that we may be meeting our spiritual death? Undoubtedly, the environment around us is hazardous, dangerous and high-risk for our Iman. Despite the scenario, a Muslim must be courageous. We do have the courage. We need only to make use of that courage. Steer the heart and body away from those ash clouds of fitnah if we want to reach the Hereafter safely, and if we want to enter Jannah without delay, and above this, if we want to earn the Pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. How do we build up this spiritual strength, whereby we avoid sins like how the pilot avoids the ash clouds or how we would avoid the plague? We work on developing the quality of Ihsan. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) explained the quality of Ihsan as: “That you worship Allah as if you are seeing him, and if you cannot see him, then (know) that he sees you.” [1] The understanding and knowledge have to be deeply impressed in the heart and mind: “Wherever I am, my Allah is watching.” My Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakim Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Damat Barakatuhu), says in poetry: “If you hide and commit sins, Someone is watching from above (Allah Ta’ala)….” A Muslim works towards developing the Sifat (attribute) of Ihsan in all aspects of his life. It is not confined to the different forms of Ibadah (worship), like Salah, Fasting, etc.; instead, it is a reality which should be found across the spectrum of our lives. Unfortunately, this quality of Ihsan – this conscious awareness of Allah Ta’ala – is lacking in our lives. As such, we very quickly and easily lose sight of Deen and Shariah; we lose sight of that khauf and Khashiyyat of Allah Ta’ala, or the muhabbat and love of Allah Ta’ala. The moment we are occupied in the mundane activities of life, we incline towards negligence. We forget that Allah Ta’ala is watching. This ‘Ghaflat’ (negligence) is the stepping stone to spoiling the harmony of life. This ‘Ghaflat’ is the hen which lays the eggs of sins. However, if this attribute is cultivated and nurtured in all aspects of life: … “That you worship Allah as if you are seeing Him, and if you cannot see Him, then He sees you (anyway)”, then this will be the opening of doors of success in both worlds. The person who has developed within himself the beautiful state of “Ihsan” will lead a very balanced life. Temptations will come his way, but he will not fall for those temptations. The quality of Ihsan