"Why...?"

Something I read almost a year ago and recalled today when I read this.

"On the road I saw a small girl, cold and shivering in a tattered dress, with no home, no family and little hope.

I became angry and said to God: Why did you let this happen? Why don’t you do something?

For a while God said nothing, then that night he quietly replied, ‘I did do something- I made you."

I am not sure who it is by, but it rings true to the fact that those of us who complain also have the ability given by Allah to change things.

Salaams from Allah

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas`ood radhiyallahu anhu said: 


“When Allah Ta`ala intends taking the soul of a mu’min, He commands Malakul-Maut (the angel of death) thus; ‘Convey My salaams to him.’ 


When Malakul-Maut comes to take his soul he says to the person: ‘Your Lord conveys salaam to you.’” 

(Kitaabul-Ahwaal, Sharhus-Sudoor)

Taken from  Al-Haadi Weekly Hadith via email

Blessings on the Menu

On tonight's menu is the following :

It is called 'Tinda' (singular), Tindey (Plural). In English it might be known as Indian Round Gourd, Apple Gourd or Indian Baby Pumpkin.

Anyhow, I thought to just mention, because I found it quite amazing exactly how many types of different gourds, squashes and pumpkins there are. And if there are so many kinds of one type of food, then how many different types of food are there that Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala has provided us with? 

Countless.

And food is just one of Allah Ta'aala's blessings upon us. So how many of Allah Ta'aala's blessings are upon us?

Infinitive.

What Matters

In the eyes of Allah it matters not

What money you possess or how you look

What matters in His Divine court is

The right intentions and actions you took

Strangers

It is normal to feel like a stranger outside of your house.

But it is a little hard and lonely feeling like a stranger in your own house.

But then this comes to mind:

"Islam began as a stranger 

and it shall return to being a stranger as it began

And Tooba* is for the strangers"

So rejoice, oh strangers. Your Lord has something wonderful prepared for you.

*Tooba is a tree in Jannah. It also has another meaning.

Not So Sparse

Well it seemed that my posting this month is not so sparse. My trip seems to be more 'inspirational' than when at home.

Or perhaps it is just a case of realization of all that is indeed inspirational which is only realized when being tested through trying times.

And also an opportunity to be grateful to Allah Ta'aala. Alhamdu Lillah.

In any case, Allah willed more posting, and so there is. We shall Insha Allah see if this continues.

Breath of Fresh Air

As I was hanging a wet towel up on the roof of the house, I could hear the khutbah of Mufti Saheb of the local masjid where my father in law goes for salaah. As soon as I just heard the topic, I sat down on the charpai and listened.

A breath of fresh air in a culture driven place. Mufti Saheb was explaining how we Muslim have become nowadays, how we will follow our families wishes and whims in matters that are contrary to Shari'ah, and yet where the Shari'ah commands us to fulfill the rights of our families, we pay no heed.

He also mentioned that how foolish a person must be, that when Allah Himself in all His glory has told us how to follow the path of salvation, we still choose to go opposite to what He commands and follow the path of destruction!

My concluding thought in this entry is that unless we follow Allah's commands, do good and keep from sins, it is fruitless to wonder why we are being faced by trials and tribulations. What else can we expect when we do not follow the Orders of our Creator, Allah!

Your Door

No refuge I find from the evils of the world

Save from Your guidance and mercy divine

So back I return to Your doorstep, a fugitive 

No safety is better than the shade of Your Door

Pet Peeve

My pet peeve-

Anasheed, Naat, Hamd, etc etc, with the names of Allah and Rasulullah Salla Allahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam accompanied by music. I find it insulting as Rasulullah Salla Allahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam mentioned something to the effect that he was sent to destroy musical instruments. 

Then how can people dare to sing praises of Allah and His Rasul Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam with music?

Mind boggling.

Lost Trust Returned

I was reading this post on everyone's favourite forum : LINK

It reminded me of a time last year when I had completely lost trust in all 'Ulama, because of circumstances in life.

Then I was advised by my husband and friend into seeking guidance from Hazrat Moulana Yunus Patel saheb Rahmatullahi 'Alayh.

Alhamdu Lillah for them. May Allah grant them the best of this world and the next. Trust in 'Ulama was once more returned, if not for all, then for some at least.

May Allah Ta'aala grant Hazrat Moulana Yunus Patel Saheb Rahmatullahi 'Alayh Jannatul Firdaws.

And May Allah Ta'aala grant Hazrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Saheb Daamat Barakaatuhum best of this world, the next, and the highest stage of Jannah.

Ameen

Escape

The world is a prison from which I must escape

For even with all its beauty and treasure

It steals from the seeker his life and soul

Depriving me my Beloved and His pleasure

A Few Points...

There are so many different people in the world, so naturally many different viewpoints. Quite a few times your view point may be the right one, and another's point of view is completely off. At times they will insist they are right, and almost make you feel guilty, even though you are the right one!

At this point, remember these few points.

• Do not argue about it. Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Daamat Barakaatuhum mentioned in one of his majlis that if someone just refuses to understand, then do not engage in a fruitless discussion. If they persist, then leave them rather than loose your cool.
• Be patient. Some people take a longer time to understand things. When years and years have gone by with a person believing something to be right, it will not change overnight due to your eloquent words.
• Make du'aa to Allah Ta'aala. If He showed you the right path, then surely He can guide others to the right path as well.
• Be grateful to Allah Ta'aala. If it was His wish, you could have been the one with the wrong understanding. 

Wind of Azan

Fajr in this land known as Pakistan is beautiful. There occurs something I call 'Wind of Azaan'. Since it is so still, you can hear all the azaan, and so many that it sounds like a wind. This goes on for about 1/2 an hour. Subhaan Allah!

Never Judge Anyone...

(received in an email)

A doctor entered the hospital in hurry after being called for an urgent surgery. He answered the call asap, changed his clothes and went directly to the surgery block. He found the boy's father going and coming in the hall waiting for the doctor. Once seeing him, the dad yelled:
"Why did you take all this time to come? Don't you know that my son's life is in danger? Don't you have the sense of responsibility?"

The doctor smiled and said:
"I am sorry, I wasn't in the hospital and I came the fastest I could after receiving the call...... And now, I wish you calm down for that I can do my work"

"Calm down?! What if your son was in this room right now, would you calm down? If your son dies now what will you do??" said the father angrily

The doctor smiled again and replied: "I will say what Allah said in His Holy Book [Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah , and indeed to Him we will return."] does the believer have anything but this? Doctor cannot prolong lives. Go and make Dua for your son, we will do our best In Shaa Allah"

"Giving advises when we're not concerned is so easy" Murmured the father.

The surgery took some hours after which the doctor went out happy,
"Al-Hamdulillah, your son is saved!" And without waiting the father's reply he carried on his way running "If you have any question, ask the nurse!!"

"Why is he so arrogant? He couldn't wait some minutes for that I ask about my son's state" Commented the father when seeing the nurse minutes after the doctor left.

The nurse answered, tears coming down her face: "His son died yesterday in a road accident, he was in the burial when we called him for your son's surgery. And now that he saved your son's life, he left running to finish his son's burial."

Never judge anyone.....because you never know how their life is & what they're going through !!!

Sparse Posting

This month will probably have sparse posting as I will be traveling internationally, Insha Allah.

Please forgive me and remember me in your du'aas.

Dark & Light

If You Are...

اگر اک تو نہیں میرا تو کوئی شے نہیں میری
جو تو میرا تو سب میرا فلک میرا زمیں میری

If You are not mine then not a thing is mine
If You are mine, then all is mine; 

the sky is mine, the earth is mine

 

Realization

At times something you desire is right within your grasp.

And then in an instant it is gone. 

The pain felt is like a stab in the heart.

But...

There is the realization that all is according to Allah's will and power. 

And there is the realization that as long as you have faith that Allah is always there for you, there is not really anything else you need. 

Nor should there be anything else you want.

Distraction or Attraction?

Clean and pure. That is the ideal society which Islam advocates. It is the society where the honour of every daughter, sister and mother is given the highest degree of respect. Hence even merely looking at a non-mahram woman (except by accident) has also been denounced in Islam. Our beloved Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said that Allah Ta`ala said: “The glance (at a non-mahram) is a poisonous arrow of Shaitaan. The one who will restrain himself from it for My sake, I will grant him such Imaan in reward, the sweetness of which he will taste in his heart.” This is the unparalleled respect and honour that Islam affords women.

In order to maintain the purity of society, segregation of males and females has been strongly emphasised. Women have been commanded to generally remain indoors. If they do venture out for any genuine need, the Qur’aan has forbidden them from displaying themselves and has commanded them to don a jilbaab (a loose outer garment which conceals the body, commonly referred to as the cloak). Since it is human nature that an attraction exists in both males and females for the opposite gender, the jilbaab is meant to serve as a distraction from the glances of men. While the jilbaab (cloak) would completely conceal the beauty or figure of the person wearing it, due to it being completely plain and simple nothing on the jilbaab itself would invite any glance in its direction.

JUST TO SHOW OFF 

Beautiful cloak is defeating the purpose!

Alas, the jilbaab (cloak) which was meant to be a means of concealment and a means of distracting the gaze away from the one wearing it has now become a source of direct attraction. An entire fashion industry has erupted around the cloak. Branded cloaks have become the norm. Any brand name will do, even if it means “No Name” (Bidoun Ism). If you cannot afford the genuine branded item, you may pay a hundred riyaals to have the name “Sharqiyah” embroidered on a cheaper cloak — just to show off. The brand label on the matching scarf must also be clearly displayed. A cloak without Swarovski crystals is not worth being called a cloak in many circles. Often the amount spent on a single “designer” cloak which would be worn on the odd occasion, is enough to feed a starving family for a few months. What was supposed to be a loose outer covering has become a figure revealing garment. The neck, which is part of the satr of a woman, is completely revealed with the V-neck styles. While many women feel very happy wearing such cloaks, the happiest is undoubtedly Shaitaan. His constant effort is to strip people of hayaa (modesty and shame). He would therefore be feeling ecstatic that he has succeeded in transforming the cloak which was meant to turn gazes away from it, into something that attracts glances towards to it.

Keep your beautiful cloak indoors and your plain one for outside!

One crucial question remains: Is it permissible to wear a fancy/designer/attractive cloak? Certainly! There is no harm whatsoever in wearing it – provided that if one goes outdoors due to any genuine need one wears a plain unattractive jilbaab over it!!

Finally, let us sit up and take note of the slide into immodesty and shamelessness and take concrete steps to reverse the tide. May Allah Ta`ala grant us the reality of hayaa. Aameen.

Taken from Al-Haadi Newsletter,

Specializing - A Quote from Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Daamat Barakaatuhum

'You see, this is what happens in this world, in this life. Nobody wants to say, "I'm stupid". "No, I understand, I understand everything."

'We need to understand that understanding one branch of any science doesn't mean that you understand everything. He understands one branch of medicine, understands dentistry, so does it qualify him to become an optician? No. That's one branch you've learned; one branch and you become a master in that. Optician is a different thing completely, right. You've become a very professional optician, but you are not a cardiac specialist. It's a different line now, that's a totally different line, totally different. You will be giving a decision on that, you'll kill the person.

'So that's a different line. So, becoming a specialist and specializing in one branch doesn't necessarily make you a specialist in the next one.'

*****

Taken from Saturday Majlis

Similitude

Yesterday the electricity vanished. Naturally, a candle was lit.

As I stared at the candle I noticed a moth began a frantic flight around the flame until it finally flew right into the fire and perished. I was suddenly reminded of something small I wrote a year or two ago.

Oh Allah!

Let me be the similitude of a moth

Ever entranced by the burning light

Always returning, always coming closer

Until finally consumed by that very light

67:22

أَفَمَنْ يَمْشِي مُكِبًّا عَلَىٰ وَجْهِهِ أَهْدَىٰ

أَمَّنْ يَمْشِي سَوِيًّا عَلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ

Ever since my respected teacher Moulana Hashim saheb Daamat Barakaatuhum taught this verse more than three weeks ago, it continues to pop in my head. Well, this verse, and another one, but I will only write about this verse because the other verse is scarier. Perhaps I may touch upon the other verse at some later time, Insha Allah.

The translation for the above is:

Is he who walks falling on his face better guided 

or he who walks upright on the straight path?

Moulana saheb gave two explanations for this verse:

1. A person keeps walking and falling, and not just falling, but falling on his face. Another person walks with confidence. Who will one trust more to be on the right path? Who would one chose to follow? The one who is walking assuredly or the one who keeps falling? In this verse, the latter is the believer, whilst the former is the misguided.
2. This is a depiction of the Day of Qiyaamat. Those who keep falling are those who will be dragged on their faces rather than walking with their feet. How will this be able to happen, how can they move on their face? The answer is that Allah Ta'aala, who has made it possible for us to walk on our feet, will make it possible for the wrongdoers to be dragged on their faces.

May Allah Ta'aala keep us safe and on the straight path, Ameen.

Suratul Faatihah

Some facts about Suratul Faatihah

• Faatihah means 'Opening'
• One of Suratul Faatihah's name is 'Ummul Qur'aan' which means 'Mother of the Qur'aan'
• Suratul Faatihah was the first complete surah to be revealed.
• There is no surah like Suratul Faatihah in the Injeel, Torah, Suhuf, or even in the Qur'aan.
• Suratul Faatihah is the Surah of Shifaa (cure).

Love

There are 4 different types of love

1. Love between parents and children

2. Love between husband and wife

3. Love between teacher and student

4. Love for everyone else

However there is one love that trumps all the above 4. It is the everlasting love, the love that never diminishes, the love that is eternal, infinite.

It is the love between Allah and His servant.

Salt Water becomes Sweet

A Buzrug narrates: “Journeying on foot, through the wilderness, I saw a faqeer barefooted and bare-headed. The sheets covering his body were worn and tattered. He had no provisions whatsoever with him. I thought: ‘If he had a bucket and rope with him, he could draw water from a well. This would have been better for him.’

Anyhow, I linked up with him.

It was intensely hot. I presented a cloth to him and asked him to shield his head with it from the blazing sun. But he remained silent and continued walking. After an hour, I said to him: ‘You are bare-footed. It will be good if you put on my shoes for a while. We can take turns wearing the shoes.’ He said: ‘I can see that you like to speak much nonsense, have you not heard the Hadith:

‘Of the beauty of a man’s Islam is that he shuns nonsensical things.’

I said: ‘Yes!’ He remained silent and continued walking.

Soon I became very thirsty. Turning to me, he asked: ‘Are you thirsty?’ I said: ‘No!’ We continued walking along the sea-shore for another hour. By this time I was overwhelmed by thirst. Again turning to me, he asked: ‘Are you thirsty?’ I said: ‘Yes! But what can you at this time do to help me?’

Taking my mug, he waded into the sea. After filling my mug, he presented it to me. Never had I drunk clearer and sweeter water than this.”

Taken from the book The Orchards of Love.

Vulgarity

A Mu'min (Believer) is one who displays the highest akhlaq (character). Thus, he will rid himself of all evil qualities. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has highlighted some of these evil qualities when he declared: "A Believer does not taunt others, or curse people, or indulge in vulgar or obscene talk" (Tirmizi). 

A Mu'min's heart, and tongue are both clean. He does not think of vulgar or obscene things nor does he express such things with his tongue. It is therefore tragic that some people take pride in using vulgar language. This is far from the akhlaq of a Believer. We should adopt the akhlaq of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), that most exemplary personality who was never vulgar or obscene.

Link

Transparency

TRANSPARENCY’ is among the current buzz-words. While transparency in some things is laudable, in fact necessary, many people have taken it to another extreme. They have opted for “transparency” in the clothing they wear. Either the fabric of the garment is so thin and transparent that the body itself is visible, or the clothing is tight due to which the contours and shape of the body are discernible. The one who wears such garments has been described in the Hadith as “clothed yet naked” and have been warned that such women “will neither enter Jannah nor smell its fragrance” (Mishkaat). The garments that cover the satr (part of the body compulsory to conceal) must never be transparent. Once Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) received a Syrian cloth (which was slightly transparent) as a gift. He gave it to Usamah (R.A.). When he later learnt that Hazrath Usama (R.A.) had given it to his wife, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) told him to instruct her to wear a thicker cloth under it, so that the shape and figure of her body is not exposed (Musnad Ahmad).

TORN

 

In another narration it is reported that Hazrath Hafsa bint Abdur Rahman (R.A.) came to visit Hazrath Aisha (R.A.). She was wearing a scarf which was a little transparent (the hair was somewhat visible under it). Hazrath Aisha (R.A.) TORE the scarf and gave her a thick, coarse scarf to wear (Mishkaat). Imagine what would have happened if Hazrath Aisha (R.A.) had to be present today? How many scarves (such as the silken scarves that are fashionable nowadays) and how many garments would she have shredded???

WHISPERS

It has been Shaitaan’s effort from day one to strip human beings of their clothing and their shame. Thus it is clear that the desire to expose more of the body, such as exposing the neckline, wearing shorter dresses , wearing clothing that is transparent, adopting clothing that is not loose enough due to which it reveals the shape of the body — all this is clearly from the whispers of Shaitaan. Even cloaks have fallen prey to these whispers and many defeat their purpose. A cloak is meant to do exactly that — it is meant to be a loose wrap that cloaks(covers) the person wearing it. Contrary to this many women wear cloaks that are tight–fitting designer garments sporting Vnecks for more exposure and which attract eyes rather than distract them. We have to face our beloved Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) on the day of Qiyamah. What answer will we have for having cast aside his Mubarak teachings ??? May Allah Ta’ala guide us towards that which will earn His pleasure and save us from the deception of Shaitaan. Aameen.

Taken from Al-Haadi Volume 19 Number 1

Switch it off yourself - Mufti Taqi Usmani saheb Daamat Barakaatuhum

‘Giving up sin seems to be very difficult task. Sometimes the urges are so strong that it appears one will die if he/she does not indulge in sin. But this is not the reality.

Understand it by an analogy. Suppose an individual has a strong desire to see something inappropriate on television (or Internet). In spite of being aware that this is sinful and wrong not following the desire seems to be impossible. It feels that this is beyond his/ her capability to resist. Death may follow if he/she does not do it. Therefore, he makes all the arrangements to indulge in this sinful activity. However, when everything is ready and in place the supply of electricity (or Internet) is shut off (as it happens frequently these days in Pakistan).

What will he/she do now?

Accept the reality even though with grudge and still a strong desire to do otherwise. However, with means beyond his/her control there is no way to do it. It is not done. This denial of indulgence in sinful though involuntarily does not seems to be impossible or result in death.

All of that strong urge, impossibility and imminent doom on denial to act on it were a deception of lower self (nafs) and Satan.

Now take heed from this analogy.

Voluntarily switch off the means of indulgence in sinful activities yourself. There is reward from Allah on doing this. Whereas, if it happens involuntarily there is no such reward.

Take control of the switch in your hand.’

This article was taken from HERE

"Set Jannat Alight... Extinguish the Fire of Jahannam."

It is recorded regarding Hadhrat Rabiah Basriyyah that at times she would go into a frenzy and get up saying that my real beloved (Allah Ta`ala) is displeased with me. There is no message or greeting or a fever or cold from Allah.

Once she got up carrying a bundle of straw and a pitcher of water saying, “I am going to set Jannat alight with this straw. Is Allah Ta`ala worshipped for earning Jannat? His being is totally independent. `ibaadat should be carried out for Him alone. With this pitcher of water I will extinguish the fire of Jahannum. The fear of Jahannum should not prevent us from sinning. Rather, His being is such that we should fear Him alone.”

Link

عىد سعيد

***عىد سعيد***

تقبل الله منا و منكم

Happy `Eed!

May Allah Accept from us and you.

As the blood of sacrificed animals flows and reddens the earth

I pray that the blood of sacrificed sins reddens my blackened heart.

Takbeer-e-Tashreeq

Q: What is the position of Takbeer-e-Tashreeq in Deen?
A: Takbeer-e-Tashreeq is waajib in Deen.

Q: When should the Takbeer-e-Tashreeq be recited?
A: It should be recited after every fardh Salaah, from the Fajr of 9^th (Thursday) of Zul-Hijjah till the Asr of the 13^th (Monday) whether the Salaah was performed individually or in congregation.

Q: How many times should it be recited after every fardh Salaah?
A: It should “only” be recited once.

Q: On whom is Takbeer-e-Tashreeq waajib?
A: It is waajib on both baaligh men and women. However, men should recite it audibly and women should recite it softly.

Q: If one forgets to recite it after Salaah, then what should be done?
A: If the person remembers whilst seated on the musalla and has not yet spoken to anyone, then he should recite the Takbeer-e-Tashreeq. However, if he has spoken or engaged in any worldly activity, then the Takbeer-e-Tashreeq will fall off.

Q: If one intentionally leaves out reciting the Takbeer-e-Tashreeq, will he be sinful?
A: He will be sinful on account of omitting a waajib of Deen.

Q: For how many Salaah will the Takbeer-e-Tashreeq be recited?
A: The Takbeer-e-Tashreeq will be recited for twenty three Salaah commencing from the Fajr of the ninth of Zul Hijjah and terminating on the Asr of the thirteenth of Zul Hijjah.

Q: In the case where one is making qadha for missed Salaah during the days of Tashreeq, should he recite theTakbeer-e-Tashreeq after the qadha Salaah?
A: The Takbeer-e-Tashreeq will only be recited after those qadha Salaah which were missed during the days ofTashreeq of the same year.

Q: Should the Takbeer-e-Tashreeq be recited after the Eid Salaah?
A: It should be recited after the Eid Salaah.

(Refer to Raddul Muhtaar, vol. 2, pg. 177-180)

*****

Taken from alhaadi.org.za

 Note: The following is Takbeer-e-Tashreeq:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,
Lã ilãha illallãhu wallahu Akbar,
Allahu Akbar, Walil lahil hamd.

" Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest.
There is no deity besides Allah and Allah is the Greatest.
Allah is the Greatest and all praises are for Allah only."

Spirit of Qurbani

Shaikhul Hind Hazrat Moulana Mahmood Hasan Deobandi (rahmatullahi `alaih) would tend to his Qurbaani cow for the entire year. He would personally wash and feed the animal. The cow would also become very attached to Hazrat. When he would leave home to teach at Darul Uloom Deoband, it would follow him right to the madrasah gate where it would sit down. When Hazrat would return at noon after lessons, it would follow him back home. When the days of Qurbaani drew near, Hazrat would lessen its normal feed, which was grass and substitute it with bucketfuls of milk and jalebi (sweetmeat). He would also apply mehndi (henna) to it, place flowers on its back and beautify it because Allah Ta'ala commands that one's most beloved wealth should be spent in the path of Allah Ta'ala. Thus, he would begin to love the animal very deeply. After the Eidul Adha Salaah, he would sacrifice it and cry a little as well. Then he would immediately purchase another cow for the following Eid. (Maslak-e-Ulama-e-Deoband aur Hubbe Rasul (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

Hazrat Thanwi (rahmatullahi `alaih) says: Hazrat once kept a cow which he fed the entire year. He would take it to the jungle after Asr and make it run in order to make it healthy. It became so healthy that he received offers of 80 rupees, whereas a healthy cow in those days cost approximately 10 to 15 rupees. But Hazrat did not accept any offer. (Khutubaate Hakimul Ummat, vol. 17, pg. 154).

Since it was his habit to offer a few qurbani every year, he desired to do the same while he was imprisoned at Malta. Though prisoners are not allowed to slaughter, Hazrat nevertheless forwaded the request that an animal must be made available to him and that he should be allowed to slaughter it. Something which comes out from the heart definitely has its effect. Hence, they were affected and sold him a sheep for 7 genies which Hazrat paid very happily. On the 10th of Zul Hijjah, Hazrat offered the qurbani calling out the takbir in a loud voice in that darul kufr where the sunnat of Ibrahim (alaihis salaam) had not been carried out since the fall of the Islamic rule.

(Hayaate Shaikhul Hind- Akaabire Deoband aur `ishke Rasul , pg. 32).

*****

Taken from alhaadi.org.za 's Weekly Advice. 

"...Rained Stones"

This 'unhygienic' thread made me recall these verses of Hazratwala Daamat Barakaatuhum.

بچو گندے عمل سے امردوں سے دور ہو جاؤ
اگر یہ فعل اچھا تھا خدا پتھر نہ برسا تا

Guard yourself from vile deeds, keep away from beardless youth

If this* was a good deed, then the Lord would not have rained stones**

*****

* homosexuality

**Refer to the story of the people of Lut 'Alayhis Salaam, who were homosexuals and punished for their vile deeds in 3 different ways. The last of these punishments was being struck by stones from the sky.

Sacrificed Sins, Martyred Heart

I had thought of posting this for the Sunniforum Competition, but then decided not to, as everyone would probably guess it is from me since I have posted on the subject matter before.

So, specially for the Rose Garden...

Sincere Repentance

For the believer, committing a sin is like caging oneself and losing freedom.

Hazrath Abdullah bin Umar radiyallahu unhu narrates that I heard the following incident from Rasullullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam, not only once or twice, rather more than seven times: “Amongst the Bani Israeel there was a person by the name of Kifl, who was constantly involved in sin. A woman once approached him and he offered her 60 dinars (gold coins) to allow him to commit adultery with her. She acceded to his request but as he was to about to approach her she broke out into tears and began shivering. He asked: “Why are you crying? Did I coerce you into this?” She replied: “No! There was absolutely no coercion but this is such a crime that I haven’t ever come close to it in my entire life. Currently I am going through financial constraints due to which I accepted your request.” On hearing this he moved away immediately and then told her: “You can leave and take those 60 dinars as well. From now onwards Kifl also will not commit any sin.”

Coincidently he passed away that very night. The next morning this statement was divinely inscribed on his door: “Ghafarallahu Lil Kifl” - Allah has forgiven Kifl.

(Musnad Ahmad, vol: 8, pg: 369)

Lesson: The mercy of Allah Ta’ala is beyond any limits. Indeed He truly loves and appreciates the sincere repentance of His servants.

*****

Taken from alhaadi.org.za

Love for Auliyaa

Insulting the rose will do naught to its beauty.

"According to Shaikh Aarif Abu Turaab Bakhshni (Rahmatullahi 'Alayh), when the heart of a man turns away from Allah Ta'ala in consequences of his addictions to disobedience and transgression, he makes the Auliyaa a target for criticism. He denies and ridicules them.  
(This is a sign of Allah's curse on such a person)."

Taken from the book The Orchards of Love

By Mujlisul Ulama of South Africa 

Imaamat by Iqbal

تو نے پوچھی ہے امامت کی حقیقت مجھ سے
حق تجھے میری طرح صاحب اسرار کرے
ہے وہی تیرے زمانے کا امام برحق
جو تجھے حاضر و موجود سے بیزار کرے
موت کے آئینے میں تجھ کو دکھا کر رخ دوست
زندگی تیرے لیے اور بھی دشوار کرے
دے کے احساس زیاں تیرا لہو گرما دے
فقر کی سان چڑھا کر تجھے تلوار کرے
فتنئہ ملت بیضا ہے امامت اس کی
جو مسلماں کو سلاطیں کا پرستار کرے

You ask for the reality of Leadership?
May Lord make us privy to that secret

He is the Leader of present times
Who turns you away from the creation

Pointing you to the face of the beloved in death
Who makes life even more difficult for you

Who makes your blood boil by alerting you about the loss
Making a sword of you, sharpening you by destitution

The Leadership is doom of the Glorious Generation
If it leads to adoration, adulation and worship of Kings 

*****

Jazakumullahu Khairan to the author of these two blogs (Link + Link) for the brilliant translation.

The Tree

Next to my apartment building, on the other side of the fence, there lives a tree.

At first the tree did not seem rather appealing. Its leaves were not some extraordinary shape or colour. Its branches were not very artistic like say an acacia tree; in fact its branches seems rather tangled... like a bad hair day.

Then a month ago I realized that this tree was indeed rather special. It was no ordinary tree, it was a mulberry tree! In the midst of the city, Allah Ta'aala made this tree grow. In the morning it offered its berries to sparrows, mynas, finches, doves, pigeons etc etc. And at night, another flying creature enjoyed this bounty of Allah: bats.

Its amazing how Allah Ta'aala provides for so many with just that one ' unappealing' tree. And indeed it proves not to judge something at first sight.

Fear Harassing the Friends of Allah Ta`ala

A group of shias intended playing a prank on a buzurg*. One of them pretended to be dead and was placed on a bier. The buzurg was then requested to perform the janaazah salaah.

It was planned that after the second or third takbeer this person will spring out and jump onto the buzurg.
 

The buzurg asked them to give ghusl to the dead person. They replied, “We have already given him a ghusl.” He told them, “That ghusl is not valid. Repeat the ghusl.”

Hence, they moved the bier away and took it back to their place. Upon opening the bier they found that he had indeed died. 

It was for this reason that the buzurg had ordered them to repeat the ghusl because the ghusl that is done whilst alive is not valid. The ghusl has to be given after death.

NOTE: These people had intended playing a prank on the buzurg and Allah Ta`ala had taken revenge on behalf of the buzurg. One should always fear harassing and harming the pious because even their actions that seem to be mistakes are actually correct. It appears in a hadeeth-e-qudsi: “I declare war against those who harm My friends.” (Bukhaari) (Malfoozaat of Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi , vol. 1, p. 423)

*saint

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"Yes Indeed, A Warner did Come to Us..."

Yesterday was another tafseer lesson. Alhamdu Lillah.

We started Surah Mulk two weeks ago. I actually had not posted anything on it yet because I thought I'd wait until the surah's tafseer was complete.

However, yesterday we did the following three aayaat which are quite profound and I thought to mention.

... Every time a Group is cast therein, its Keepers will ask, "Did no Warner come to you?"

They will say: "Yes indeed; a Warner did come to us, but we rejected him and said, 'Allah never sent down any (Message): ye are nothing but an egregious delusion!'"

They will further say: "Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we should not (now) be among the Companions of the Blazing Fire!" 

(Surah Mulk- aayaah 8-10)

As my teacher explained the aayaat, the thought also came to me that nowadays we do so many things that are not in accordance to shari'ah, and yet we have a clear book sent to us by Allah, and a perfect example in our beloved Rasulullah Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam. Now, if we persist in sinning and disregarding Allah Ta'aala's orders, then is it far that this ayaah is (Na'oozu Billah!) informing what shall happen to us?

We should take into account all that we do, and we should compare it to what Allah Ta'aala has ordained. Inspect our deeds with the critical eye we would use to inspect a new furnishing for the house. And just like a single fault may cause us to reject an otherwise fine furniture, so too should we reject those deeds of ours that have a fault within them... or at least confess to these faults and try our best to rid ourselves of them.

May Allah save us all from the Fire, Ameen.

Every time... is from Allah

Every time we are still alive after committing a sin is another chance from Allah.

Every time we beg for forgiveness is a favour upon us by Allah.

Every time we do a good deed is a blessing from Allah.

Fear Not

The fear one feels in this wordly life
Cannot compare to the dread of that day
When all shall stand before the one Lord
Sweating and shaking, no words to say

Think not of the jeers you receive today
For jeers too will be heard in the Hereafter
But only for those who disobeyed His will
For the loving slave, there is laughter

Strive forward, oh believer, and stand up tall
Fear not the abuse of the insults they throw
For the time will come, the balance shall show
He who suffered in this world, to Jannah will go

Allah Ta'aala's Knowledge

My teacher narrated a nice story yesterday during our tafseer lesson.

He mentioned how once Moosa Alayhis Salaam and Khidr Alayhis Salaam were on a ship. They noticed a bird drinking water from the sea. 

Khidr Alayhis Salaam then told Moosa Alayhis Salaam something very true, yet something we do not ponder over enough.

He mentioned that if the knowledge of Moosa Alayhis Salaam and the knowledge of Khidr Alayhis Salaam were put together, it would still not equal even the amount the bird drank from the sea, in comparison to vastness of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala's knowledge.

It is something to think over, the next time we wonder why so and so thing has happened, or why Allah is not 'accepting' our du'aas, or why we are going through so many trials and tribulations. Trust in Allah Ta'aala's knowledge, because that is our salvation.

Planting Seeds

I heard a nice analogy by Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb Daamat Barakaatuhum in his after asr majlis today, so thought of sharing.

When a person thinks of planting some seeds so that crops grow, does he just plant some seeds in any land? No. What he does first is fix up the area. He will get rid of the stones and thorns and weeds. He will make sure the land is completely clean. He will also make sure that the soil is good for planting. Once that is done, the nhe will plant the seeds, and take care of it by watering the seeds and weeding the garden... and after a while Insha Allah there will be beautiful crops.

In the same way, our hearts are where we have to plant the seed of Allah's love, but for that we have to clean up our hearts first so that this seed can be properly taken care of and nourished, and so that insha Allah the flowers of Emaan blossom and eventually bear fruit.

Erase the Photo Craze

Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “The people who will receive the severest punishment on the day of judgment are the picture makers (of animate objects).” 

The severity of photography is leaving our muslim community. When a sin becomes widespread, it is taken very lightly. We never imagined that this day will come, when let alone taking photographs, with the cell-phone almost everyone has become a camera-man videoing day to day outings and get togethers.

Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Every picture maker will be in the fire. For every picture that he makes, a living being will be created and will punish him in jahannam.”

As a muslim our firm Imaan will protect us from all forms of photography. Be it on the cell phone, computer screen or our photographs appearing in magazines and newspapers.

Many of us may have stopped taking photographs, let us now complete our repentance by erasing all stored images and by destroying all old albums containing our past photographs. May Allah Ta’ala protect and guide us all. Aameen!

 

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