Giving up Sins: An Easy Prescription
Giving up Sins: An Easy Prescription by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) There are many Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world who, due to various negative influences and bad elements, find themselves ‘de-railed’ from Deen. Many others sit on the fence, wanting to enjoy or benefit from both sides of the fence – engaging in sins as well as being practical on specific teachings of Deen. However, deep in their hearts is the desire to get back on track and once again become good, practical Muslims, to jump off the fence and enjoy the green pastures of Islam. So they write, e-mail, phone, and fax, seeking guidance and direction. The main weakness is indulgence in sins; sometimes, excessive indulgence in those sins. A standard prescription that I give as a reply is as follows. Alhamdulillah, many who followed through with the prescription have found a new life – of peace, happiness, blessings and mercy. On tasting the sweetness that comes with obedience, there is no desire to return to any form of disobedience. The bes is to abstain from sins out of Love for Allah Ta’ala. He has granted us so much – He has given us everything, and it is the nature of human beings that we love the person that is kind and generous to us. Then what of Allah Ta’ala, who has provided us with plentiful – with everything? Our sight, hearing, speech, organs that are functioning in such an amazing manner, the limbs – all in our service – for eating, drinking, walking, sitting, etc. The gifts of wealth: clothing, shelter, transport, food, drink, and so many other comforts. We use them all, but do we keep in mind the Generous Benefactor? Do we give thanks for these bounties or show any appreciation to the Giver? Developing the conscious awareness that Allah Ta’ala is with us: He is watching us, He is hearing us, He knows all and everything about us; We cannot hide from Him; We cannot conceal our actions from Him. Then should we not feel ashamed that we are disobeying Him in His Presence? Are we not showing ingratitude to the Benefactor when engaging in sins in His Presence? Keep in mind that the angels, too, are witnesses to all our actions; the earth is recording our behaviour, and all of it is also noted in our books of deeds – and we are accountable to Allah Ta’ala on the Day of Judgement. Added to this, our actions are also presented to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), so we should consider whether our actions are a source of joy or grief to him. In this manner, we will develop that shame and modesty, which will make it easy to restrain from Haram. Muraqabah is meditating on our actions during the day: We should reflect on our deeds for the day, seek forgiveness for shortcomings, and resolve not to return to those bad deeds. We should also express gratitude for good deeds and make Dua for an increase in them. Ponder over the fact that the Angel of Death does not give respite. It must not be that whilst obeying the Nafs in sinful pleasure, the Angel of death visits, and our departure is in disgrace, and our return to Allah Ta’ala is at a time when He is angry. Our death will be an embarrassment to us, our family and the community who will find out that death came in sin. May Allah Ta’ala protect us from death in a state of transgression, but this is very much a reality. Death visits – more often, very unexpectedly, and no true Muslim would want to be seized by the Angel of death when Allah Ta’ala is displeased. I often say: We now have instant tea, instant coffee, instant cereal and instant pudding and so many other things on the market are instant – we are also living in times when death is just as instant. So any sin is too much of a risk in the face of the reality of death. The Hadith is explicit: We will be resurrected on the day of Judgement as we have died[1]. Would any Muslim want to rise on the Day of Judgement in sin for all of humanity to witness what kind of life he led? Ponder over the fact that Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with the gift of sight, hearing, health, wealth, and so much else – and has also granted us the gift of respect. However, what He gives, He can also take away. He explicitly stated that ingratitude for His Gifts would draw severe punishment. So is sinning not abuse and ingratitude for the gifts of sight, heart, mind, and limbs? A little contemplation on the consequences of such behaviour and a little Mujahada (effort) – which entails ‘not doing’ and Alhamdulillah, the sicknesses are cured. Together with this: Attend the talks of the learned Scholars of Islam whenever possible or listen to recordings of their lectures and read their books to gain the benefit of the pious, righteous company. Join and participate in the Deeni activities with those who follow the Qur’an and Sunnah. Insha Allah, there will be a great improvement in one’s condition by keeping the right company. Make an effort to read Salah punctually. Men should make every effort to read their Salah in Jamat (congregation). Read good Islamic literature. Abstain from magazines or books that have filthy and indecent contents and pictures. Give up television viewing. 0% of the content is Haram. If a person offers a full glass of clean and pure water and mentions that there is just one drop of urine, would any sensible person drink it? When the major content of television is Haram, what would we then say? When the gaze, heart and mind are consuming and digesting so much of Haram viewing, what else would be the result
Submission
Submission by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) When Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was told to submit to Allah Ta’ala, he responded that he had submitted himself to the Rabb (sustainer) of the Worlds. Some Mufassirin (commentators) say that there are approximately 18 000 worlds. Allah Ta’ala mentions this incident: ‘When his Lord said to him, “Submit!” He said, “I submit myself to the Lord of all the worlds.”‘ [ Surah Al-Baqarah 2:131] When Ibrahim (عليه السلام) made this declaration of submission, many trials and tests followed. As a young man, he was faced with opposition from his father, who was an idol worshipper. When he invited his father to the worship of Allah Ta’ala, his father opposed and threatened him: He (the father) said: He said, “Are you averse to my gods O Ibrahim? Should you not stop, I will definitely stone you. And leave me for good” [Surah Maryam 19 :46] Due to Ibrahim’s (عليه السلام) rejection of idol worship and his preaching of the message of Allah Ta’ala, he was thrown into the fire by Namrud and his people: ‘They said, “Build for him a structure, and throw him into the blazing fire.”‘ [Surah Saffat 37:97] They said, “(O people) burn him and help your Gods, if you are to take action.” [Surah Ambiya 21:68 ] It is stated that for an entire month, the people of Namrud collected firewood, which they thereafter lit, fanning it until it became an intense, blazing fire. Using a catapult, they threw Ibrahim (عليه السلام) into the raging fire. However, The One who created fire and gave it the attribute to burn now commanded the fire to become cool and offer safety to Ibrahim (عليه السلام). “We said, “O fire, be cold and safe for Ibrahim.” [Surah Ambiya 21:69] After being delivered from this test, saddened with his people, he left his country (Iraq) and made Hijrah (migration) to a place where he could worship Allah Ta’ala in peace, Syria. Having no children, Ibrahim (عليه السلام) thus made dua for a child: “O my Lord, bless me with a righteous son.” [Surah Saffat 37:100] In his old age, at the age of 86, Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was blessed with a son. “So, We gave him the good news of a forbearing boy.” [Surah Saffat 37:101] When the child came of age, Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was commanded to slaughter his son. What a great test! ‘Thereafter, when he (the boy) reached an age in which he could work with him, he (Ibrahim) said, “O my little son, I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you, so consider, what is your opinion?’” [Surah Saffat 3 :102] What must have gone through his heart? And likewise, the heart of Hazrat Ismail (عليه السلام)? But when Ismail (عليه السلام) was informed, he told his father to do whatever he had been commanded. ‘He said, “O my dear father, do what you have been ordered to do. You will find me, insha Allah, (if Allah wills) one of those who endure patiently.”‘ [Surah Saffat 37:102] Their entire lives were lives of obedience and submission. They were prepared to accept death but not prepared to abandon or reject the Hukm (Order) of Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala mentions the reply of Ismail (عليه السلام). He said: “…Insha-Allah, you will find me of the patient ones.” Look at his humility. He did not say: “I will be patient”; rather: “insha Allah” (if Allah wills). His words indicate the beautiful qualities of humility, etiquette, trust in Allah Ta’ala, patience and endurance. There was no claim whatsoever of pride, boastfulness, superiority, or conceit. Despite facing so many trials and tribulations, none of the Ambiya (‘alayhimus salam) claimed to be perfect. They did not rely on their own ability and capacity; rather, they focused on Allah Ta’ala. They made an effort and trusted Allah Ta’ala. “So when they had both submitted their wills (To Allah)….” [Surah Saffat 37 : 103] The word “Aslamaa” (اَسۡلَمَا) alludes to the brave submission of father and son, without question. The claim of Divine Love was made manifest in this immediate surrender and compliance to Allah Ta’ala’s Command. As is known, despite repeated efforts, the knife would not cut the throat of Ismail (‘alayhis salm). Being by the Will of Allah Ta’ala, Allah Ta’ala then ransomed Ismail (عليه السلام) with a ram from heaven. Allah Ta’ala states: “This is how We reward the good-doers.” [Surah Saffat 37:110] Allah Ta’ala’s rewards encompass the bounties of this world and bounties of the next for that person who surrenders himself to the commands of Allah Ta’ala and sacrifices his desires solely for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. We learn the lessons of SUBMISSION, OBEDIENCE, and SACRIFICE – attributes which are sorely lacking in our own lives. We are commanded to submit ourselves to the Hukm (command) of Allah Ta’ala, whichever one is directed to us. There are different Ahkam (command): sometimes it is the order of Salah, sometimes it is the order not to perform Salah; but at EVERY given moment, the Command of Taqwa (Allah consciousness) is directed to us, and that is we restrain ourselves from that which is Haram. Where is the truthfulness of our claim of Love and Iman if we cannot comply with obedience? We have not been commanded to sacrifice our sons. We are only called to give up sins. Just don’t do the sin. Don’t cast lustful gazes, don’t commit Zina, don’t gamble, don’t backbite, etc. Abstain from sins and get the rewards and friendship of Allah Ta’ala. Nisbat (connection) with Allah Ta’ala is secured only with Taqwa and obedience to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Once we have established a friendship with Allah Ta’ala, no difficulty, hardship, adversity, or suffering becomes impossible to overcome —as is seen in the life of Khalilullah (Friend of Allah), Ibrahim (عليه السلام). We also learn that when we say that we believe, we will be tested on our claim. Allah Ta’ala states:
Why the Suffering?
Many ask the question: Why is the Ummah suffering so much, despite millions making dua throughout the world and millions making dua during Haj and Umrah? Why is there no change? The answer can be understood by way of an analogy: A son is disobedient and rebellious towards his father’s instructions and arrogant in his stance against his father, demanding, swearing, abusing, and adopting bad behaviour as found common in this day and age. The father is deeply hurt, offended and angered, and when he has had enough of the disrespect and arrogance, he finally resorts to breaking off ties with his son and he cuts off all privileges. Now, if the entire family, even the entire community, tells that father: “Forgive him. He is your son…” That father will respond: “I have no problem with forgiving him. All he has to say is, “I’m sorry”, and I will forgive him.” However, on being encouraged to humble himself and ask for forgiveness, the son retorts with arrogance: “Why must I? Why do I need to? I’m independent! I don’t need him!” Will that father forgive that son? Will he grant those privileges of money, car, etc.? Similarly, the Awliya-Allah, the Salihin (the pious), and so many more are making dua for the Ummah. In fact, if all the Auliya Allah were to gather on the Day of Arafat and earnestly pray for the Ummah, Allah Ta’ala would most assuredly be prepared to forgive. However, from our side, there is a step to be taken—and this is what the majority are not ready to do: They are not prepared to take the step of “CHANGE”. Allah Ta’ala’s doors are ever-open. Allah wants us to become His. He wants to forgive us and shower His infinite Mercies and Blessings upon us, but we are not prepared to take the step of obedience —the step that will secure His Forgiveness and Pleasure. Unfortunately, the majority do not even acknowledge their sins, let alone repent. Many justify and reason their sins. Some even dispute and argue regarding Allah Ta’ala’s Commandments as if they have some authority over Allah Ta’ala (Na-uzu billah). So many are brazen in their indulgence as if challenging Allah Ta’ala, like that arrogant son: “What can You do? I do not need You!” (Na-uzu Billah). With this kind of behaviour and attitude, can we expect any favours, privileges or assistance from Allah Ta’ala? We live in a fool’s paradise if we think we can continue sinning and still be a recipient of Allah Ta’ala’s bounties and aid. If we truly want Allah Ta’ala’s assistance, we have to give up our sins. Many are not even fulfilling the Fardh Injunctions – Salah, Zakah, Fasting in the month of Ramadan, etc., and others naively depend on Wazifas to solve their problems; they are just not prepared to give up their sins–this is sheer foolishness. Wazifas and Ta’wiz are no barrier against the Azab of Allah Ta’ala when there is indulgence and persistence in sins. Then we have those Muslims who, in the face of natural disasters, war and genocide, etc., question God’s existence, ask where are Allah Ta’ala’s mercy and compassion, or ask if He is seeing what is happening. (Na-uzu Billah). Allah Ta’ala is not blind or deaf and does not want chaos. Allah Ta’ala wants peace. However, we have to fulfil the conditions of the contract. The first condition is that we become Believers who are ‘Kaamil’ (perfect). If we implement Deen in our lives, adopt Taqwa and follow the noble example of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), then the conditions will change. The Day the Ummah fulfils its duties across the board —making a total change; then our suffering will be replaced with success, prosperity, happiness, and people of other faiths will also accept Islam. Allah Ta’ala explicitly spells out His conditions and His promises: “Allah has promised those of you who believe and do good deeds that He will certainly make them (His) vicegerents in the land, as He made those before them, and will certainly establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them, and will certainly give them peace in place of fear in which they were before; (provided that) they worship Me, ascribing no partner to Me. And those who turn infidel after that are the transgressors.” And Establish Salah and pay Zakah and obey the messenger, so that you may be favoured with mercy. [Surah Nur 24: 55/56] Thus, in order to see the fruit of our duas and receive Allah Ta’ala’s assistance on an individual, national, and international level, we must fulfil our pledge by obeying Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
The Only Superpower
The so-called “Superpowers” of this world prove their weakness because they depend on other powers and forces for assistance. They join forces; they require coalitions, alliances, confederations, leagues and unions —which prove their dependency and need. The Only Superpower is Allah Ta’ala, who is entirely independent of His creation. He is not in need of any of us. All are dependent on Him, and He is Independent of all. He is “As-Samad” (The Independent), “Al-Kabir” (The Greatest), and “Al-Qadir” (All-Powerful). Allah Ta’ala’s armies testify to His Infinite Power and Might. We have witnessed the force and power of earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, gale-force winds, fire and volcanoes. Even rain and snow bring a grinding halt to the running of a country: cars, buses, trains, planes, etc., come to an absolute standstill – and nothing can be done for hours and days. Despite the country being a so-called superpower, its army, navy, airforce, etc., become ineffective in overcoming these forces. What we see of the force and power in nature are signs of the Power and Might of Allah Ta’ala. What we see of the force and power in nature, are signs of the great Power and great Might of Allah Ta’ala. The natural disasters which have become so common and which are increasing throughout the world, are a sign of the nearness of Qiyaamah (the final day), as mentioned by Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘Alayhi WaSallam. These disasters come in the form of punishment and destruction for those who have transgressed all boundaries – indulging in major sins, oppression, extravagance and wastefulness, and they are a warning for those who are heedless and a test and trial for the pious and righteous.
The Knowledge of Allah Ta’ala
Imam Malik (rahmatullah ‘alayh) had great respect and love for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and Madina Munawwarah. He once wanted to perform Nafl Hajj but feared that he might die whilst on his journey for Hajj. It was his deep-hearted desire to die in Madina Sharif. In a dream, he saw Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and told him of his wish to die in Madina Sharif, and he asked Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) as to how long he would live. Rasulullah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) showed his five fingers to Imam Malik (rahmatullah ‘alaihi). Not understanding the meaning of this dream, Imam Malik (rahmatullah ‘alaih) wrote an anonymous letter to Shaykh Ibn Sirin (rahmatullah ‘alayh), who was the renowned and distinguished interpreter of dreams in his time. On reading the dream, Ibn Sirin (rahmatullah ‘alayh) said that only Imam Malik (rahmatullah’ alaih) could have had such a dream. He then gave the interpretation, saying that the dream referred to an Ayah (verse) of the Qur’an Sharif in which five things are mentioned —which are in the exclusive knowledge of Allah Ta’ala alone. Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur’an Sharif: “Indeed, Allah alone has the knowledge of the Hour. He sends down the rain, and knows what is in the wombs. No soul knows what it will earn for tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Surely Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” [Surah Luqman 31:34] To briefly explain these five things as mentioned in this Ayah (verse): THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOUR The exact year and time remain unknown to us. In the famous Hadith-e-Jibrl, where Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was questioned about Islam, Iman and Ihsan, he was also asked: “So inform me about the Hour (i.e. Qiyamah).” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied: “The one being questioned is not more knowledgeable than the one asking the question.” (meaning: neither do I know nor you know.)[1] Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) conveyed many signs indicating the last day’s proximity. These signs have been categorised as minor signs and major signs. All the minor signs have come to pass. Soon to follow are the major signs of Hazrat Mahdi, Dajjal, the descension of Hazrat ‘Isa (عليه السلام), etc. HE SENDS DOWN THE RAIN Weather bureaus predict rainfall. However, this is EXPECTED rainfall. Allah Ta’ala does not talk about expected rain but refers to the absolute and complete details of rain : ♦The exact time when the rainfall will commence. ♦The exact details of the land, city or farm which will receive this rain. ♦How much rain is going to fall, i.e. the exact amount. ♦Whether the rain will be beneficial or destructive. If we had such detailed knowledge, we would be able to prepare ourselves for floods and damage. All the scientific instruments of the world cannot give us such details. AND HE KNOWS THAT WHICH IS IN THE WOMBS Whether that child will be born or whether the mother-to-be will miscarry. The most science can do is inform one as to whether the child will be a boy or a girl, which is not always 100%. Even if they advance to the level of 100 % certainty, then too, they cannot predict details such as : ♦The child’s life span and the sustenance they will receive. ♦ Whether the child will be black or white, whether the child will live a life of health or ill health. Whether the child will be a doctor, Aalim, teacher, etc. ♦ Whether the child will be a blessing for the parents or a curse. NO PERSON KNOWS WHAT HE WILL EARN TOMORROW The detailed knowledge of exactly what a person will be able to do. All we can do is plan. However, we should not trust those plans. Anything can happen, an accident, death, war, revolution, etc., which then changes those plans. All plans are subject to Allah Ta’ala’s confirmation. This part of the Ayah (verse) also refers to wealth, i.e. exactly how much money a person will earn for that day. AND NO PERSON KNOWS IN WHICH LAND HE WILL DIE Sulaiman (عليه السلام) was given the Kingdom of the world and the power to control and rule over everything —even the winds and the animals. A simple man was once in the presence of Sulaiman (عليه السلام) when a stranger came before him. The stranger stared at the person in such a manner that he was overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. He quickly requested Sulaiman (عليه السلام) to send him to a distant land. Sulaiman (عليه السلام) commanded the wind to take the man where he wanted to go. The following day Sulaiman (عليه السلام) met the stranger who was Israil (‘alayhis salam)[2] and asked him why he had created such fear in a Muslim by staring at him. Israil (عليه السلام) replied that he stared at the man in astonishment since Allah Ta’ala had commanded him to take the man’s soul that very day in a certain distant land, and yet, he was in the Court of Sulaiman (عليه السلام). However, he found him where he was meant to die and took his soul at the appointed time. Many people remained all their lives in Madina Sharif or Makkah Sharif. Just before their death, they travel to another land where they pass away and are buried. And many people reside elsewhere, and Allah Ta’ala creates those means whereby they reach Makkah Mukarramah or Madina Munawwarah, pass away and are buried there. May Allah Ta’ala give us the understanding and acceptance of Allah Ta’ala’s Decree. Acceptance will create calm and peace in this journey of life. Otherwise, there is restlessness, apprehension, anxiety and worry about what is beyond a person’s knowledge and capacity. So many people debate and argue about the knowledge of the Hour, whereas it is Allah Ta’ala’s secret. How many non-Muslims have given away all their belongings, etc., believing that the world will come to an end on a