NO, it’s Not ON!
NO, it’s Not ON! by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Once, whilst walking on the pavement, I saw the word “ON” engraved on the cement. A pedestrian would read “ON” walking in one direction and would read “NO” walking in the opposite direction. This made me think of the never-ending efforts of Shaytan and Nafs in enticing and persuading us to engage in sins. When it comes to sins, Shaytan and Nafs are quick in glorifying disobedience, saying to us, “It’s ON!” This is a common catchphrase, often used to confirm some get-together or meeting, whether at the rave club, cinema, casino, or an illicit affair —meaning, ‘It’s the thing to do, It will bring enjoyment and gratification. You will be ‘with it.’ However, when a true Muslim is faced with such an invitation to sin or is tempted to disobey Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), then he boldly and assertively responds: “NO, it’s not On!” He addresses his nafs: “Agreed, there is a little stolen pleasure in sin, But what great rebellion is this against the Sustainer (Allah Ta’ala (That you use His bounties to disobey Him) A little while of pleasure and everlasting regret; What stupidity it is to bury the Janaza of respect and honour.” Click here to download and listen to the above couplet recited by Hazrat Maulana: “Yeh Mana Ma’siyat me…”
The Thoughts of Sinning
The Thoughts of Sinning by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Many people are anxious and troubled when the thought of sinning comes to their minds. Whilst Shaytan whispers such thoughts, inviting and tempting towards sins, we should not entertain them. I often present the analogy that our minds can be likened to a national highway. Whilst travelling on the highway, we find different kinds of vehicles and conveyances – luxury cars, old cars, trucks, bicycles, motorbikes, etc. Many times, animals are seen being transported – horses, cows and even pigs. If we find ourselves driving behind a truck transporting pigs, even though it disgusts us, we don’t have to leave the highway. All we have to do is, indicate, accelerate, overtake and continue driving. Similarly, our mind is like that national highway, and all kinds of thoughts begin travelling through the mind – good and bad. When evil thoughts visit our minds, we should pass them. We should not intentionally bring them into the mind or entertain them when they come to mind. Simply ignore them. Despite the thought being bad, no sin is recorded. In fact, Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentioned that Nabi (sallallahu’ alayhi wa sallam) had said that if a servant has an inclination towards some evil but does not act upon it, one good is written of good deeds.[1] The following is another analogy which I have also presented ad an explanation: If during the blessed month of Ramadan, whilst sitting at the Dastarkhan (tablecloth), waiting for Iftar, many delicious foods are placed before a person, and the thought comes to his mind to eat this or partake of that, then there is no sin concerning those thoughts. As long as the person does not eat anything, his fast will not break, and there will be no sin at the mere thought of eating the different delicacies coming to his mind. Click here to download or read the book “Combating the Whisperings of Shaytan” on this website. [1] Sahih Al-Bukhari
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
The Green Leaf and The Juicy Grape
The Green Leaf and The Juicy Grape by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (rahmatullah’ alayh)[1] has mentioned a story in his Mathnavi Sharif of a worm that was told: “You will find a delicious, juicy grape on the grapevine.” Hearing this, the worm began its journey up the grapevine. It soon came across a green leaf and thinking it to be the delicious grape; it whiled away its entire life eating off that leaf until it made its ‘Qabr’ (grave) on that same green leaf. Had the worm gone just a little further, it would have come across the delicious grape and enjoyed its sweetness. It would not have spent all its life on a green leaf. The anecdote illustrates our similarity with that worm. Like that worm which landed on the green leaf, many have landed in front of some filthy television programmes, or landed in Interest transactions -enriching themselves with Haram; or landed in fraud and theft, illicit relationships, or in some casinos and rave clubs. Some are even engaged in homosexuality, indecent and obscene novels and magazines, some porn websites on the Internet, or Haram video games, and a multitude of other sins and illusions – and they ignorantly think that this is the sweet grape. These were the leaves before the juicy grape or the thorns before the petals of the fragrant rose flower. They had set out for the juicy grape of Iman but have been trapped by Shatyan[2] and Nafs[3] in Haram[4] pleasures, which they whiled away and wasted the very precious time of life. There are just two steps to take to taste this delicious grape. The first step is on the Nafs, and the second step is on Shaytan. With these two steps, we will enjoy such sweetness of Iman, that we would never want to return to the temporary and sinful pleasures of this world. Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (rahmatullah ‘alayh) had said that, in reality, the step is just one, and that step is the suppression of the evil desires of the Nafs. Shaytan became Shaytan because of his nafs. It will not be denied that there is some temporary enjoyment in consenting to the evil demands of the nafs. However, ‘pleasure’, which is so short-lived, should be weighed against the anguish and punishment that awaits one in the Hereafter for having earned the displeasure and wrath of Allah Ta’ala. This punishment is not reserved for only the Hereafter. It descends and pursues a person, even in this world, in the form of restlessness, anxiety, fear, humiliation, disgrace, etc. and sometimes, everlasting regret. Hazrat Maulana Hakim Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Damat Barakatuhu) states in his poetry: “Agreed, there is a little stolen pleasure in sin, But what great rebellion is this against the Sustainer (Allah Ta’ala, and that you use His bounties to disobey Him) A little while of pleasure and everlasting regret; What stupidity it is to bury the Janazah of respect and honour.” Even though opposing the dictates of our evil Nafs may incur some difficulty in this life, the consequence in the Hereafter is an eternal pleasure. In this world as well, the person enjoys tranquillity and satisfaction. And when there are so many forms of Halal (lawful) pleasures that one could enjoy, why foolishly go toward Haram? __________________________________________________________________ [1] Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (rahmatullah’ alayh) was a great ‘Aalim, Shaykh and Sufi who compiled a masterpiece on Tasawwuf entitled ‘The Mathnavi’. [2] Shaytan: Satan / the Devil [3] Nafs: The Soul [4] Haram: Unlawful/forbidden according to Shariah
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).
Powerful Detergents for the Spiritual Heart
There are many laboratories in the world working and specializing in detergents. Each one is trying to produce the best detergent that would be the easiest to remove stains. Each company claims its detergents are the best, giving you a power-cleaning wash and removing the toughest stains. In the spiritual world, we find that the spiritual heart is a sensitive entity and easily stained. Some stains are easy to remove; others are tough to do away with. Thus, the spiritual heart also requires detergents for the heart to remain ‘whiter than white’, ‘brighter than bright’ or ‘super bright’ – as we read in different advertisements. Those stains of the spiritual heart (i.e. one’s minor sins) are easy to remove and are washed away with the water of Wudhu (ablution), Salah, and many different Ibadat, all of which have the effect of removing the stains of sins, according to the Ahadith. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Whoever performed Wudhu and performed it well (i.e. according to the prescribed rules), all his sins will go out, even from under his nails.’[1] Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Each of the five Salahs expiates the sins committed since the Salah preceding it.’[2] The ‘Ulama mention that Ahadith of this nature refer to minor sins. Major sins require sincere Taubah. Major sins leave ‘tough’ stains, requiring a hard wash with a strong detergent. The power detergents, which remove the big and unsightly blotches and splotches of major sins on the spiritual heart, are sincere taubah and Istighfar. If one wants a bright white spiritual heart, then the ‘bleach’ of Zikrullah should be used – just as we use bleach to whiten garments. Of course, its effect on our hearts depends on our sincerity, abstinence from all sins, and obedience to Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) If the stains of major sins are not removed, the heart not only becomes pitch black, it becomes hard, and at this stage, the person’s Iman is on dangerous ground. Allah Ta’ala mentions in the Qur’an Sharif: “… No! But that which they used to commit has covered their hearts with rust.” [Surah Mutaffifin 83:14] The rust that accumulates with indulgence in sins covers the heart and deprives the person of the ability to distinguish between good and bad, right and wrong, Haq (Truth) and Batil (Falsehood). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) 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 of his heart.”[3] [1] Sahih Muslim [2] Sahih Muslim [3] Tirmidhi
Sha’ban And The Arrival Of Ramadan
The phrase, ‘It’s in the air,’ alludes to the general feeling or expectation of something happening in the near future or something already present or prevailing. For the Muslim who reaches the months of Rajab and Sha’ban, the presence of Ramadan is keenly sensed and felt. There is anticipation and expectation. It is near, with each day closing the distance between Ramadan and us. Its blessings are ‘in the air’ —so to say, just as we have fragrance permeating the atmosphere, infusing the air, whether of flowers, Itr or other perfume. The stronger the perfume or Itr, the greater the distance its scent travels – so much so that even though we may be far, we, too, get a hint of something special. The same with a braai —we find the aroma carried by the wind at a distance. What then of the sweet fragrance of Ramadan? It is in the air. Most definitely. It is just that our “receivers” are not working well. If there is a transmitter and a transmission, but the receiver is not working, you will not pick up the transmission. Similarly, if our sinuses are clogged, we will not smell the fragrance. When it comes to the month of Sha’ban – especially from the middle of Sha’ban onwards, the excitement of the Auliya-Allah, the pious and the righteous know no bounds and limits. They have understood the virtue and significance of Sha’ban because it heralds the coming of Ramadan —the guest of distinction and greatness. They have been waiting for the Mubarak month of Ramadan, and Sha’ban signifies the final countdown to its arrival. They are enthusiastic and eager to see and meet the month of Ramadan, and thus we find the beautiful Masnoon dua: “O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and grant us life to see Ramadan.”[1] Whilst they enjoy and make the most of the blessings of Sha’ban, it is unfortunate that the majority are neglectful, if not ignorant, of its blessings. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Sha’ban is a month between Rajab and Ramadan which many people neglect. And it is a month in which an account of deeds is presented before the Lord of the universe, so I wish that my deeds be presented when I am fasting.”[2] We also find in this blessed month the night of Bara’ah: A favour and bounty of Allah Ta’ala, Who, through this night, makes it easy for us to prepare for Ramadan. First, Allah Ta’ala gives us the 15th night of Sha’ban – an exclusive opportunity for Taubah, Ruju’ Ilallah, Dua and other Ibadah. He gives us an entire month saturated with opportunities to secure His Pleasure. He gives us Ramadan. Alhamdulillah. The following analogy came to my mind: The Ibadah of the 15th night of Sha’ban is similar to how a person does a re-paint of his house. When a person wants to paint his house, what does he do if the old paint is flaking, peeling and falling off? Would he just take the new paint and apply a fresh coat on top of all the old, flaking paint? No. The person first scrapes off all the old paint. After doing this, he applies the new paint. The night of Bara’ah is akin to scraping off the “old paint”. Allah Ta’ala gives us this blessed and auspicious night so that we scrape off all the old paint and the dirt of malice, greed, pride, anger and other bad and evil traits, which have spoilt the beauty of our hearts, worn out the shine of our hearts, and through which we have lost the colour of Divine Love which coated our hearts. Thus, if we are not on talking terms with our family members, cut off ties with parents or vice versa, have been disobedient to parents, or if anyone is taking some kind of intoxicant or engaging in some form of shirk, harbouring malice and jealousy, or engaging in any form of immorality and disobedience – then this is the opportunity to rid the heart of its evil. Clean it and purify it, paint it in the dye of Allah Ta’ala’s love, and beautify it with the Noor of sincere repentance and the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala, which is presented to us in the form of the 15th night of Sha’ban. It is very much like the scraping of the old paint and applying a re-coat of fresh ‘paint’ before the month of Ramadan. We apply the new coat so that it begins to shine in advance of Ramadan and increases in its shine and beauty with each passing day of Ramadan. Allah Ta’ala gives us this night in preparation for the coming month of Ramadan. Most of us are acquainted with the merits of this night: It is a night for the forgiveness of sins, a night in which Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy descends. From our side, we should maximise the wonderful bounties found on this night by engaging ourselves in Ibadah, in Dua and in Istighfar. There is no hard and fast rule as to what to read and how to occupy ourselves on this night. In reality, it is spending time in diverse Ibadah, whatever our hearts incline to – some recitation of Qur’an Sharif and Zikrullah, together with sincere Taubah, abundant Istighfar, and deep-hearted Dua. Sleep for a little while, get up for the Tahajjud Salah and engage in Dua. There is no reason to feel disappointed if the person is working the entire day and cannot remain awake for most of the night; he should try to whatever extent he can make an effort on this night. My purpose was just to highlight one or two points – the main point being that irrespective of how far we may have distanced ourselves from Allah Ta’ala, we need to turn to Allah Ta’ala and make “I’tiraf-e- Qusur” —acknowledge our weakness and sins. “O my beloved Allah! Looking at my own weakness and my lack of
The Wash Cycles for the Heart
The Wash Cycles for the Heart by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Once, on viewing the Mataf from one of the upper levels of Masjidul Haram, the scene of thousands of people engaged in Tawaf brought to my mind the following analogy: Seeing thousands of people moving around the Baitullah reminded me of the wash cycles of the washing machine. Indeed, we find that we can draw parallels between the Tawaf and the work of the washing machine. The purpose of the washing machine is to wash our clothes clean. We place dirty clothes into the drum of the machine, and we add the detergent, bleach and softener. With a press of the Start button, the drum starts to spin, water pours in, and the machine does its work of extracting the dirt repeatedly until the final rinse. Once the drum stops, the clothes are taken out, hung up to dry, and when dry, they are ironed —with the result being well-pressed, crease-free, clean clothing. Tawaf resembles the purpose and work of the washing machine, except that we are not washing dirty clothes; instead, we are washing our hearts —our spiritual hearts Like how dirty clothes are placed into the washing machine, we put our dirty hearts into the Tawaf —hearts which are stained with all kinds of sins, including the ‘tough’ stains of major sins. What is not found in this heart? So much has soiled and spoilt our hearts: Pride, Jealousy, Malice, Vanity, Hubbe Dunya, Hubbe Jah, and the deep, dirty stains of lustful gazes, backbiting, and other such evils have blotted our hearts, smeared and blackened them. Before washing badly stained clothing, a stain remover is used. Accordingly, we apply to our hearts the stain remover of regret and remorse over our sins and earnest intention that what has passed has indeed passed. The Hajre Aswad can be likened to the ‘START’ button. The intention of Tawaf and the raising of the hands with ‘Bismillah Allahu Akbar wa- lillahil Hamd’ signify the commencement of the Tawaf. Simultaneously the washing of the heart commences. The detergents of Istighfar, Durud Sharif, and Zikrullah then contribute to the cleansing of the heart. Just as water gushes into the drum, Allah Ta’ala’s Tajalli, special mercy, and noor cascading onto the Baitullah drench those in Tawaf. These are the ones who are the first to benefit, and they benefit more than all others. Their hearts, too, are soaked with this Noor, similar to how dirty clothes become soaked with water. The detergent of sincere Istighfar and Taubah wash the heart. The amount of detergent a person needs for washing his clothes depends on the load size. So if our hearts are heavily loaded with sins, then naturally, the demand will be of plenty of Taubah and Istighfar. If we want our hearts to be white, the bleach of Zikrullah is added to the Tawaf, just as bleach is used when a person wants his white clothes to be as white as possible. If we want our hearts to be soft, then the softener of Durood Shareef is also released into the washing of our hearts. Each round of the Baitullah is similar to the wash and rinse the dirty clothing goes through for a good wash. Round and round, each cycle is completed with Istighfar and Taubah, Durud Sharif, Dua and Zikrullah. Together with that Tajalli, the dirt of the heart is extracted until the final rinse and —the 7th round. Now the heart is clean and purified. If we enter the Tawaf with total concentration on Allah Ta’ala and complete focus on the great privilege of Tawaf of Baitullah – which is, in reality, Tawaf of Rabbul-Bait, then we will experience that beautiful Noor and that Tajalli. Naturally, for the full benefit of Tawaf, the gaze has to be controlled. If a person has ‘khauf-e-Khuda’ and ‘Azmat’ of Baitullah, he will not raise his glance towards strange women; he will not cast an evil gaze – in the Tawaf and out of Tawaf. If during Tawaf, the person is engaging in lustful gazes and other sins, there will be just an accumulation of darkness and dirt. Once the heart is washed, it is taken out of the Tawaf – clean, bright, and white. After completing the 2 Rakats of Wajib Salah after Tawaf, the person proceeds to the Multazam, where he places his chest against the wall. That pressing of his chest is akin to pressing and ironing the “creases” of his heart, similar to how clothes are ironed, making them ‘crease-free’. The tears shed at the Multazam are like droplets of sweet musk which now fragrance that heart. SubhanAllah, what a sparkling heart, emitting the sweetest of scents. Whilst we will sense it – Insha Allah – we will have to thereafter look after this cleanliness and this sparkle. We have to make sure that we fulfil the rights of Taubah by making amends for our shortcomings in Huququllah (the rights of Allah Ta’ala) and Huququl Ibad (the rights of the servants of Allah Ta’ala). Whatever is outstanding of Salah, Zakah, and fasts will have to be made up for, and whatever is due to people will have to be returned to them, or forgiveness secured from them. May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the Taufiq of making such Tawafs, which only increase our hearts in purity and whiteness and increase that Qurb (proximity) to the Owner of the House, Aameen.
Watering the Root
Watering the Root The main reason for being unable to solve the many problems the Muslim community is presently facing is that we are misdirecting our energies by ‘watering leaves’ when in fact, the ‘root’ is in dire need of water. We are not getting to the root of the problem since we are too preoccupied with watering the leaves of our problems. Take the example of Zina (adultery and fornication), which is the scourge of our society: The consequences are illegitimate children, abortions and various physical and deathly diseases. It is common knowledge that many physical ailments today point to immoral, unrestrained behaviour as the cause. Having moved away from the Nasihah (advice) of Qur’an Sharif and Sunnah, and drawing from the manner in which the non-Muslims try to remedy their problems, many will suggest that a home be built for illegitimate and abandoned children, that more awareness is instilled in the youth on Aids and other transmitted diseases, and more programmes are held, encouraging the youth and others to take more precaution. As we all know, drugs are another major problem among our youth. Our attention to remedying the situation is the building of rehabilitation centres. Whilst these efforts offer some benefit, these are, in reality, short-term measures and are not solutions to the problems. Because we have adopted the Western way of thinking, we consider these as the solutions. The root cause is the heart. Change the heart’s condition, and sins will automatically be given up. The actions will be good if the spiritual heart is in good condition. The actions will be bad if the heart is not in good condition. The person will suffer due to his own evil and mischief, and others will also suffer as a result. The supreme qualities of the heart are Iman and Taqwa, which are lacking in most people. Shariah has laid tremendous emphasis on the purification of the heart. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) lived amongst people who were immersed in sins such as adultery, liquor and gambling. His approach and method in eradicating those major problems in that society was to create the love of Allah Ta’ala, the khauf (fear) of Qiyaamah and accountability, and the awareness that Allah Ta’ala is watching every deed: A person can hide and conceal his sins from people, but there is Someone who is always watching from above. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an Sharif : “Indeed your Lord is Ever–Watchful (over them).” [Surah Al-Fajr 89:14] “…He is with you wherever you are, and Allah is watchful of whatever you do.” [Surah Hadid 57:4] In this manner, so many problems are solved in one capsule – The capsule of the Love and Fear of Allah Ta’ala. This is the real solution: – Change the condition of the heart. – Make the heart conscious of Allah Ta’ala. – Awaken the spiritual heart. Otherwise, funds are being burdened on projects that are only short-term measures and not the solution. The purpose of the Qur’an Sharif is to learn, understand and practice its teachings. It is the Qur’an Sharif that works on the heart: If the person keeps before him the four witnesses who will either testify in his favour or against him on the Day of Qiyaamah, he will undoubtedly opt for abstinence from sins. These four witnesses are : 1. The Earth: “On that Day, the earth will recount everything,” [Surah Zilzal 99:4] 2. The Angels who take note of all our actions: “While (appointed) over you there are watchers, who are noble, writers (of the deeds), (they) know whatever you do.” [Surah Infitar 82:10-12] 3. One’s Book of Deeds: “And the book (of deeds) will be placed (before them), then you will see the guilty people scared of its contents and saying, “Woe to us! What a book is this! It has missed nothing, minor or major, but has taken it into account.” Thus they will find whatever they did present before them, and your Lord will not wrong anyone..” [Surah Kahf 18:49] 4. One’sBody: “On this Day We will seal their mouths, their hands will speak to Us, and their feet will testify to what they used to commit.” [Surah Yasin 36:65] If the root of Imaan, which is in the heart, is watered, then the tree of Imaan will bear the fruit of obedience. The above is the solution to all our problems.
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.