Honour
Honour by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Allah Ta’ala has mentioned in the Qur’an Sharif, in Surah Munafiqun: “…And to Allah belongs the honour, and to His Messenger, and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know.” [Surah Munafiqoon 63:8] and ‘… those who take the disbelievers for friends rather than the believers. Are they seeking honour in their company? But, indeed, all honour belongs to Allah,. [Surah An-Nisaa 4:139] Recently, a brother expressed deep admiration and praise for a world-renowned celebrity. I brought it to his attention and explained that it is not appropriate for us Muslims to exalt and revere non-Muslims, those who have rejected Allah Ta’ala. Sadly, this is a weakness common to most Muslims today – who are swept away by glamour, name, fame, power, sporting excellence, etc. Often we hear Muslims glorifying actors, actresses, sportsmen and sportswomen, politicians and others. There is even a term which has been coined: Hero-worship. Let us understand Islam’s view on this matter: Allah Ta’ala sometimes gives those Kuffar (disbelievers) and Fussaaq (evil-doers) who are famous – whether actors, actresses, musicians, models, politicians, sports stars, etc. – name, fame, popularity, wealth and worldly power as a reward for some good deeds done. Many publicize their contributions to charitable causes, their voluntary and humanitarian work, their adoption of children from war-torn countries, their efforts to save the planet, protect endangered species, and so forth. The compensation for good deeds will be given only in this world to the non-believers[1]. In the Hereafter, eternal punishment awaits those who commit the great crime and the high treason of rejecting belief in Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and they die in that condition. Mullah’ Ali Qari (rahmatullah’ alayh) [2] states that the Muslim who respects and honours those who have Kufr and Shirk in their hearts is in grave danger of losing his Imaan; of becoming a Murtadd (apostate), because this Azmat (respect/honour) is for someone who has no Azmat for Allah Ta’ala. Reflect on this statement of a great Scholar: The person who respects and honours those who have Kufr and Shirk in their hearts is in grave danger of losing his Imaan. It is a fact that people have died in such conditions – uttering the names of their heroes and not having the ability even to take the name of Allah Ta’ala, read the Kalima, or utter words of Taubah (repentance). This was due to their veneration and ‘hero-worship’ of someone who stands as a rebel to Allah Ta’ala. We should reflect on our obsession, reverence and craze – or that of our children – of film stars, sports stars and others who have rejected belief in Allah Ta’ala. Sometimes, there are posters of such celebrities in our homes, their photographs on our cell phones, and there are huge amounts of money spent to meet them, take a picture with them, and get a signature from them. Fans dress like them, cut their hair like theirs, and try to emulate them in everything they do. Our daughters go crazy over these sportsmen and actors – Na’ uzu Billah. Consider the consequence of our behaviour in the light of the teachings of Mullah’ Ali Qari (rahmatullah’ alayh), who was a great Muhaddith of his time. A warning has been sounded, directing us to make sincere Taubah. Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur’an Sharif : “O you who believe, do not take My enemies and your enemies for friends, expressing love with them, while they have rejected the Truth that has come to you…” [Surah Mumtahina 60:1] Have we not witnessed enough enmity in Bosnia, Kosova, Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world? Those who were considered friends and companions were the first to assault, kill, maim, and even rape our Muslim brothers and sisters for no other reason than that they were and are Believers in Allah Ta’ala. Have we not still taken any lessons? Are we so blind in recognizing our enemies? Signs of enmity and hatred are manifest at every turn. Allah Ta’ala, in His Kindness for us, has made this known to us so that we can adopt protection measures. Forewarned is forearmed. But no, we do not want to take understanding. “O those who believe, do not take anyone as confidants but from your own selves. They would spare no effort to do you mischief. They want you to be in trouble. Malice has come out of their mouths while what is concealed in their hearts is far worse. We have made the signs clear to you, provided that you understand.” [Surah Aal-Imraan 3:118] Regarding business, one’s neighbours and other related matters, it is permissible to have outward respect for such persons, but there must be no respect and love in the heart.[3] When we claim to love Allah Ta’ala, how can we love those who have rejected Him? [1]Non-Believers: Those who do not believe in Allah Ta’ala and His Final Messenger Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). [2] Mullah Ali Qari (rahmatullah’ alayh) was a great and learned Muhaddith, the author of ‘Mirqaat’ -a commentary of the famous Hadith Kitaab, ‘Mishkaat’ He is buried in Jannatul Mu’allah, Makkah Mukarramah. [3] Hazrat Mufti Shafi Saheb (rahmatullah’ alayh) had given a detailed explanation regarding Muslim – Non-Muslim relations, which effectively clarifies the issue.
Islamic Law
Islamic Law by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) We want Islamic law to conform to our liking, so much so that we will find some Fatwa (Islamic ruling) to justify our actions. The ordinary laymen, and so too, many who are highly qualified in the secular field, read the Qur’an Sharif and authentic Hadith kitabs [1] such as Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim and find some Ayah (verse) or Hadeeth to justify their actions. The Ayah or Hadith is often taken out of context and expounded to justify grave and major sins. Each Ayah and Hadith has an explanation and commentary. If there was no need for explanations, we would not have had Allama Sayyid Mahmud Baghdadi (rahmatullah ‘alayh), Ibn Kathir (rahmatullah alayh) and other Mufassirin (commentators of the Qur`an Sharif), or Hafez Asqalani(rahmatullah ‘alayh), Mulla Ali Qari (rahmatullah ‘alayh) and other Muhaddithin [2] writing volumes in commentary. Therefore, just reading and presenting an Ayah from the Qur’an Shareef or a Hadeeth from a kitaab is insufficient to justify one’s actions. Although there are so many law books and medical journals at the disposal of the layman, not everyone is qualified to understand, explain, and interpret these. One has to spend many years studying and researching under one already qualified in law, medicine, etc. before one can do so. If some quack has to give a wrong opinion or an incorrect diagnosis, he would be sued for malpractice. In the field of Ifta [3], only those qualified in the science of Qur’an and Hadith may issue verdicts. No matter how many certificates, degrees and other qualifications and titles a person may have acquired in the secular field, these do not give him (or her) the license and authority to issue Fatwas (rulings) in the sphere of religion. Then there are so many who have a superficial knowledge of just the Arabic language, but they consider themselves qualified to interpret the Qur’an Sharif and Ahadith. The Sahabah (radiyallahu’ anhum), who were perfectly acquainted and well-versed in the Arabic language, were still required to formally learn the Qur’an Sharif from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). It would therefore be false and arrogant of a person with a basic study of Arabic to lay claim to having more knowledge and understanding than the noble Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) by presenting his own commentary of the Qur’an. So many who have not studied Shariah under the guidance of Ulama-e-Haq, reject the teachings of the Mujtahidin[4] and present their own concocted theories and commentaries. Others are quick to quote Ayat and Ahadith in support of their sinful actions or misinterpret the same. Such people should seriously heed the warnings of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) regarding their careless and erroneous statements and ignorant behaviour. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whosoever, in interpreting the Qur’an, says therein anything of his own opinion commits a mistake even if he is correct.”[5] In another narration, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) mentioned: “Whosoever interprets the Qur’an without knowledge, let him seek his abode in the Fire.” [6] And: “Whoso interprets the Qur’an according to his opinion, let him seek his abode in the Fire.” [7] Regarding misquoting Ahadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu’ alayhi wasallam) stated explicitly: “Be careful of (narrating) traditions from me except what you know. Whoso imputes falsehood to me intentionally, let him then seek his abode in the fire.”[8] Yes, when it comes to etiquette, character, the stories of the Ambiya (‘alayhimus salam) and nations of the past, the causes of rise and decline; paradise and hell, reward and retribution, then read and quote authentic Tafsir or translation. However, when it comes to the laws of Shariah, Fatawa (Islamic rulings), and commentary of the Qur’an and Hadith, leave it to those who have spent years mastering these sciences and are experts in these fields. Nowadays, the title of ‘Mufti’[9] has also become very cheap. Some spend a few months or a year in a Darul Ifta [10] and become rubber stamp “Mufti so and so”.Before enquiring about matters of Deen, verify the person’s qualifications, just as we do in worldly matters. Women have a weakness; if a woman gives a powerful speech on a subject, having read some Islamic books, she is asked questions on all subjects. The speaker, too, will sometimes reply to all questions, even though unaware or ignorant. Just giving a good speech is no qualification to answer all questions on the Qur’an Sharif and Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam). We should be cautious and selective regarding whom we acquire Ilm-e-Deen [11]. There is a famous statement by Muhammad bin Sirin (rahmatullah ‘alayh): “This knowledge is a matter of Deen, so be careful whom you take your Deen from.” We should keep these points in mind, and we should also not lay claim to qualifications we do not possess. [1] kitaabs: Books [2] Muhaddithin: Scholars of Hadith [3] Ifta: Legal Shar’i injunctions [4] Mujtahideen: Scholars certified to interpret Islamic Law [5] Tirmidhi [6] Tirmidhi [7] Tirmidhi [8] Tirmidhi [9] Mufti : Muslim Jurist [10] Darul Ifta: Institution offering a course concentrating on Islamic Law and passing verdicts. [11] Ilm-e-Deen : knowledge of religion/Islam
Mockery of Deen
Mockery of Deen by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) There are many people who, despite their claims to Islam, seek to find fault with, disparage its teachings or beliefs, or make a mockery of Islam. In the early days, we used to travel to India by boat. It took us 21 days to reach Bombay. During my third year, when I was travelling back to India, I met a doctor on board the boat. In conversation, he said to me: “Maulana, you people talk about the angels; each person has an angel on his right shoulder and his left shoulder, and these angels record a person’s deeds. If this were the situation, our shoulders would have been so broad that we would not have found a coat to fit us!” I questioned him: “You must have attended school?” He replied: “Yes.” I asked: “From class one to matric?” He replied: “Yes.” I said: “You furthered your studies, doing medicine?” Again, he said: “Yes.” I continued: “You attended University and travelled to different countries? I am sure you remember all this?” I said: “If I were to take you to your hometown, you would remember much. Where is all this knowledge you acquired during your life, through your studies and travels? It is stored in your brain. Yet, if the situation is as you say it is, your head would have been so big that you would not have found a hat to fit it.” Alhamdulillah, Allah Ta’ala put this response in my mind, which, Insha Allah, disproved the person’s crooked mentality and thinking. Sarcasm concerning Deen is extremely dangerous. It takes one to the threshold of Kufr, sometimes even out of the fold of Islam. If a person says that he believes, it means that he hears, understands and accepts that many things are beyond the human intellect. Iman is “Bil Ghayb” (in the unseen). We do not see many things, but they exist; the air we breathe, the different bacteria and germs in the atmosphere -which the eye does not see. Science has informed us of its existence, or we see the signs of it. The signs of Allah Ta’ala are all around us, even in us. “In the earth, there are signs for those who (seek truth to) believe and in your own selves! So, do you not perceive?” [Surah Zariyat 51:20/21] We may not see the angels, or the pulsirat, or Jannah and Jahannum, but Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was the one who saw the unseen. Our Iman is in Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Just as the blind person must put his hand into the hand of the one who sees —that is, if he wants direction and guidance and wants to reach his destination safely, so too, it is our duty to put our hands into the hand of Rasulullah (sallallahu’ alayhi wa sallam) —meaning that we hear, accept and obey. Criticising and mocking any aspect of Deen is indirectly mocking or finding fault with the Creator of the Deen, and it has grievous consequences. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the correct understanding and appreciation for the beautiful and perfect Deen of Islam, Aameen.
Passing the Examination of Life
Passing the Examination of Life by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) If in any school, university, college or institute, questions of an examination are given, or there is a paper ‘leak-out’, the examination is cancelled or reset. Allah Ta’ala has given us the final question paper consisting of three outwardly simple questions. The preparation time has also been given – i.e. our lives. The examiners are also known: Munkar and Nakir[1]. The consequences, too, have been spelt out. There are tremendous rewards and honour in passing the examination, and there is disgrace and punishment upon failure. Even though it would take just a few seconds to learn such simple questions and answers, such that even three and four-year-olds could be taught the same and memorize them, it is not as easy as it seems. Had it been so easy, many more would have led their lives according to the demands and dictates of the nafs because the answers are known. However, this is not the reality of our final examination. These answers depend on one’s life and one’s preparations for it. The three questions to be asked, as we know, are : Who is your Rabb[2]? What is your Deen[3]? Who is this man? (i.e. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) If we say that Allah Ta’ala is our Rabb (Sustainer), we have to recognize Him as our Creator, the One who has blessed us with all our spiritual, physical and material gifts. We have to recognize Him through His signs and submit to and obey Him in this worldly life. This recognition is what will bring Ibadah (worship) into practice. The second question can only be answered if a person has lived a life of submission to Allah Ta’ala by following the Shariah which He revealed to His Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). The third question can only be answered if a person has followed the way of life of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). It won’t be possible for the person who lived the lifestyle of the enemies of Islam to answer this question easily. Although we claim that we have Imaan and love for Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), our actions contradict our claim. We assert and affirm that the true religion is Islam, but we do not practise its beautiful teachings.—Why? A person may bribe, lie and cheat to pass an examination of this world, but there is no possibility of the same in the Qabr. To fly through the examination of the Qabr, we need to develop our Imaan in Allah Ta’ala, adorn our hearts with His Love and Ma’rifat (recognition) and grace our lives with a practical expression of Islam by following the Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). There is no other way to pass this most crucial examination of life. And we should always keep in mind that there is no re-testing and no re-marking. A person either passes or fails. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the ability to understand the greatness of this test and the ability to prepare for the questioning of the grave; so that we may, pass without any difficulty and with distinction, Aameen. [1] Munkar and Nakir: The two angels who question a person in his grave shortly after death. [2] Rabb: Sustainer, Nourisher [3] Deen: Religion
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
Weakness of Faith
Weakness of Faith by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) In dealing with various cases every day, we find something that has become so common, and that is the type of statements people utter when they are in difficulties, hardships, pain and suffering. There is no contemplation, reflection, or thought, just immediate criticism of Allah Ta’ala’s system and ‘government’ —as we will say. Some question Allah Ta’ala’s wisdom and say: ‘What kind of Allah is this that He has done such injustice to me!’ (Na’uzu Billah) People actually use these kinds of words, attributing their difficulties to Allah Ta’ala, accusing Him of injustice (Na’uzu Billah). Yet who can be more just than Allah Ta’ala? “Indeed, Allah does not do injustice, [even] as much as an atom’s weight….” [Surah Nisaa 4:40] Such people only see the outside. They see what is on the surface. Their ignorance becomes apparent, and sometimes their arrogance becomes evident. In English, there is a proverb: ‘Ignorance is bliss.’ However, this statement is an ill-considered one. It may be bliss in this world, but when the veils of the unseen are lifted, then ‘bliss’ comes to an end. The bliss is then replaced with distress. Ignorance is no bliss for the Muslim if it leads him to sins and if it leads him to such statements, which can even throw him out of Islam and land him in Jahannum. Arrogance is such an evil which leads the person to believe that he is infallible; that nothing can ‘touch’ him. When something does ‘touch him’, then the nafs is provoked, and he makes such statements as if we have some right to question Allah Ta’ala or criticise His Decisions. Why? —Because there is no recognition of Allah Ta’ala and no knowledge and understanding of the system and the wisdom of Allah Ta’ala. By Allah, this worldly life is not to be taken lightly, as if we are here to just while away our days and do as we like – and when things go wrong, we get upset and angry because a storm suddenly hits our boat, which was sailing smoothly. We should remember that many a time, the sins we have committed in our lives – which we do not even remember, let alone consider sins – are probably the cause of the Musibat (difficulty). This is, indeed, a weakness: we easily forget our injustices. We could have done some great injustice to a person. It could have been that we were unjust to someone many years ago. The person may have been under our authority or at our mercy, and we caused great hurt and great grief to the person. It could have been an injustice to one’s parents, wife, employee, student, poor person, or even a non-Muslim —we do not realise that that injustice will catch up at some stage in life. Other sins, Allah Ta’ala forgives. The person makes Taubah from sins, and Allah Ta’ala forgives. However, there are certain sins where justice has to be meted out; unless the person asks those people for forgiveness. If not, Allah Ta’ala punishes in this world. Aakhirat is Aakhirat —but even in this lifetime, punishment descends very swiftly on injustice —whether it was injustice upon a Muslim or non-Muslim. Abu Hurairah (rahiyallahu’ anhu) has narrated that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: There are three types of people whose duas are not rejected: 1) The fasting person -when he breaks fast, 2) The just ruler, 3) And the one who is oppressed. Allah Ta’ala raises the Dua of the oppressed one above the clouds, and the doors of heaven are opened for it, and Allah Ta’ala says, “By My Majesty and Honour! I will help and aid you, even though it may be after a few days.”[1] So sometimes, the difficulty and calamity is the recompense of our own oppression and injustice, and sometimes it is a test. Allah Ta’ala is taking our examination. If every student says: “Great injustice is being done to me in the Matric examination. I have to work so hard; I have to study so much, and I have to burn the midnight oil.” Will we call that injustice? —No! Even the student knows and understands that there will be awards and rewards after he passes his examination for that hard work and sacrifice. Look at the amount of time spent studying when the person wants to become a doctor, engineer, scientist, or whatever else. Can we say that hard work and sacrifice are injustice? Others are sleeping early, or they are enjoying themselves at the clubs, cinemas and theatres. And this student has to work so hard. The student knows that after his studies, he will graduate, and his qualifications will place him in a high bracket of earnings. He knows that once he starts earning, he will be able to afford various material luxuries. Because of what he hopes to earn and what he will be able to afford — whether a beautiful car, home, travelling the world, etc., which he dreams of, he is prepared to work very hard. No one calls that injustice. Allah Ta’ala informs us : “We will definitely test you with some fear, hunger loss in your wealth, health and fruits.” [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:155] Allah Ta’ala tests each one of us – and this is, after all, a world of test – but the test is also within the capacity of the person to bear: “Allah does not obligate anyone beyond his capacity” [Surah Baqarah 2:286] Whatever the test from Allah Ta’ala is, it is definitely within the person’s capacity to bear. Allah Ta’ala’s Ma’iyyat (proximity) is with the person who is being tested. “…Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.” [Surah Baqarah 2:153] Glad tidings are given to those who patiently persevere and pass such tests : “Give good tidings to those who are patient
Recognising Truth and Falsehood
Recognising Truth and Falsehood by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was the teacher of Haq, and through him, we received our Iman and Islam. From him, we learnt how to differentiate between Haq and Batil (Truth and Falsehood). We also learn how to preserve, nourish and strengthen our Imaan, love Allah Ta’ala and establish a beautiful friendship with him, such that we return to and meet Him in a condition that He is pleased to meet us, and we are happy to meet Him. Amongst thousands of beautiful Masnun Duas, the following Dua has also been taught by our Beloved Rasul (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), whereby we ask Allah Ta’ala to make apparent to us, what is Haq and Baatil, and grant us the Taufeeq and ability to follow what is Haq and stay away and refrain from whatever is Batil. The Dua is as follows: O Allah! Enable us to see the Truth as Truth and give us the ability to follow it. And show us the falsehood as false and give us the ability to refrain from it. There was no question of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) considering Haq as Baatil or Baatil as Haq. Everything said and done by Rasulullah (sallallahu’ alayhi wasallam) was inspiration from Allah Ta’ala: “And he does not speak out of (his own) desire. It is only a revelation sent down to him)” [Surah An-Najm 53:3-4] This Dua was made as a lesson for the Ummah. It was to teach the Ummah –especially people like us, living in these times of great Fitnah, where for many, Baatil is no longer regarded as Baatil and Haq is no longer regarded as Haq. Looking at these times, we see people from all walks of life research Islam and come to conclusions that conflict with what Islam truly is. We see Muslims who speak about the need for Haraam to be Halaal, such as the giving and taking of interest. We see Muslims, influenced by the different “isms”, misinterpret Islam, and clamour for changes in Shariah or call for a modern approach, living in modern times —Na ‘uzu billahi min zalik. There is such an onslaught of Batil, and so many are caught up in that assault, in that ambush. Placed in this present day and age, living in these times, we now truly appreciate this Dua. We see that in whatever Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) taught us, cautioned us about, or informed us of — every statement of that is true to the letter. We learn that knowing Haq is not sufficient because many know Haq but do not practice it. Who does not know that pornography is Haraam? Who does not know that adultery is Haraam? That to gamble, take or give interest, miss Salaah, speak lies, commit fraud, etc., is Haraam? Generally, Muslims are acquainted with Halaal and Haraam. However, despite knowing, many of us do not practice. No Salaah, Zakaah, Fasting and other Deeni obligations are being fulfilled. Accordingly, the Dua continues, asking for the Taufiq of Ittiba – the ability to practise on it; because Amal (practice) is necessary. After that, the Dua is: And show us the falsehood as false and give us the ability to refrain from it. We are asking Allah Ta’ala that He make known to us, apparent to us, clear to us, whatever is Haraam, sinful, detested and disliked by Him. Often, a person sees the Haq as Baatil and vice versa. So Dua is made so that we know what Haq is and what Baatil is, without any confusion and uncertainty, that we can easily differentiate between the two. Like a tsunami, sin and falsehood are sweeping through the Muslim Ummah. All around us, we find that Batil is widespread. It has become the norm; it is in vogue, and the majority accepts it and engages in it. It is not even considered Haraam. Take the example of photography – the good and the bad, the ignorant and even the even learned ones are caught up in this vice. No one speaks out against it; if a person does, he is labelled as orthodox and outdated. The same with television —If someone has to advise against viewing television, not only will people argue, they will present the “Fazaa’il” (virtues) of television – despite 80% of those programmes being immoral and Haraam. Nafs and Shaytan blind the person to the great harms of Haraam, and the person sees only benefit. The sad conditions and plight of the Ummah are gauged when we see the extent of Baatil in our personal lives, and we see how the culture and customs of the Kuffaar have become dominant and have replaced the practical implementation of Islam —and everyone is quite content and comfortable living with that. When the Sahaba (rahiyallahu ‘anhum) accepted Islam, despite most of them coming out of Kufr and Shirk, there was no sign of Kufr in their lives after that. We were born and brought up in Islam. We have Islam, but the culture of the Kuffaar is found in all dimensions of our lives —our homes, businesses, Nikahs and Walimas, and our dressing. Sometimes there is no trace of Islam. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’oon. In this Dua, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used the word “warzuqna”. My respected Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakim Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (rahmatullah’ alayh) beautifully explained that just as we search for our Rizq, we look forward to it, we enjoy it —so too, Haq should become like our Rizq. Like how we seek sustenance, in the same way, we should seek good deeds —with eagerness and enthusiasm. From the early hours of the morning, millions of people are on the move, travelling by car, bus, train, and plane – active in the effort of sustenance, and there seems to be no satisfaction when it comes
The Concern of a Muslim
The Concern of a Muslim by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) When you go to Delhi, Bombay or Calcutta and such places in India, you find many ‘shoeshine boys’ on the streets who will shine your shoes. The interest and sole concern of these shoeshine boys are the person’s shoes, whether the person walking by is the president, a lawyer, an ‘Aalim[1] or a Mufti[2]. The shoes of anyone who crosses their paths draw the attention of these shoe-shine boys. If the shoes are dirty or they are not in a ‘tip-top’ and shining condition, then these shoeshine boys invite you to have your shoes cleaned and polished. Their interest in shoes does not mean that they do not eat, drink, marry, etc., although it does seem that their only objective and purpose in life is shining shoes. The following came to my mind having observed this when I was in India: This is the concern, concentration, and single-mindedness of these boys —in earning a living. Similarly, the sole concern and attention of the Muslim should be the Deen[3] of Allah Ta’ala: How can it be brought into my life? How can it remain in my life? Deen takes priority because our lives, salvation and success depend on it. As such, we will do everything according to Deen – and Deen is such that it encompasses every aspect of life. Our priority and focus are then conforming to Qur’an and Sunnah. We work on bringing our character, business dealings, social dealings, family life, etc., in line with the teachings of Shariah and Sunnah[4]. We work towards establishing balance and harmony in fulfilling both the rights of Allah Ta’ala and the rights of creation. Earning the Pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and earning Jannah in the Hereafter is the concern, concentration, and single-mindedness of the Muslim. Moreover, there is also a deep-hearted concern that others become practising on Deen, and effort is made to invite others to Islam. [1] ‘Aalim: Scholar of Islam [2] Mufti: An expert in Islamic Law and Jurisprudence [3] Deen: Religion [4] Sunnah: Practices of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and his noble Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ’anhum).
Protection from Afflictions
Protection from Afflictions by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) We have been taught by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) that on seeing a sick person, we should read a specific Dua, the blessings of which are such that we will be protected from that same sickness. So when we see a line of patients outside a hospital or we visit the sick, we quietly read the Dua: “All praise is due to Allah who has saved me from that which He afflicted with you and gave me excellence over most of whom He created.”[1] When we see a line of people cueing up in front of a cinema or engaging in sins, these people are spiritually sick. We should read the same Dua, and we should also express gratitude to Allah Ta’ala for protecting us; otherwise, we could be in those same sins. Added to this, make sincere Dua that Allah Ta’ala grants Hidayah (guidacne) to these people who are spiritually sick. Just as we do not look down upon a person who is physically sick, we should not look down upon one indulging in sins. He is spiritually sick and in greater need of treatment and medication than the patient with physical ailments. [1] This Dua should not be read aloud, such that the person hears, since it could hurt his feelings.
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