Dark to Light

 

There was a time

When the world was dark

And the seeker could not see

Though his eyes were quite sharp

Although he wished to hear

And myriad of things he heard

Yet what was his desire

Was never to him assured

Walk the path he tried

But astray he continued to feel

For no guide he had to follow

And his heart had yet to heal

But then came the day

When the seeker was at his lowest

When his tears had long ceased

When his path was the darkest

Mercy from the Most Merciful sent

A guide for the straying traveller

A shepherd for the lost sheep

The paths were to be dark no longer

For with him the guide brought light

That brightens the most daunting trail

No more this seeker is afraid

 For he trusts this guide will not let him fail

Take Out Some Time...

Sometimes something does not appeal to a person. Perhaps due to personal experience, perhaps due to the environment in which the person lives.

However, these factors should not stop a person from taking out some time and thinking over things, perhaps doing some research, and basically be willing to be open minded and  see things through another person's eyes.

In fact, many times this actually helps another person better understand and be tolerant of other people's views. 

Tolerance, by the way, does not mean that you have to compromise in your own views, or you start making halal things haram and vice versa. Where deen is concerned, one must always remain staunch.

Also, always remember, if any time you are finding yourself irritated because someone will not accept your view, know that he/she is probably irritated at you for the same reason. So, once again take out some time to explain things in a nice manner; this will be less stressful for both the one irritated and the one irritating.

 

A Gem, A Jeweller

I read this post on SF today --> Link

Subhan Allah. Hazrat is a gem indeed, but not only that, he is a jeweller. He will take into his hand even the most forgotten and blackened rock and polish it until it sparkles.

May Allah Ta'aala grant him the best of both worlds. Ameen.

Against the Flow

Sometimes it is hard to go against the flow. At that time, one must pause and ask oneself,

"Is my Allah happy with me?"

If the answer is yes, then good for you. Keep struggling against the flow. What you wish is beyond the strong current, but you can get it.

If Allah Ta'aala can give power to

• Fish that can swim up river to spawn
• Baby turtles that struggle three days out of the sand before struggling off the beach to the water
• Birds that fly through waterfalls to reach their nests

Then certainly He has given Ashraful Makhlooqaat the most power to follow His commands, no matter how much pressure there is against that person.

Visual Effect

It is interesting the effect that certain words have on the mind, and the visual effect they show. I like to listen to bayaan of Moulana Yunus Patel saheb and poetry of Hazratwala Daamat Barakaatuhum as well as Khwaja Majzoob Rahmatullahi 'Alayh while on Photoshop. It is very odd that I actually pay more attention to the audios while using photoshop than when I am doing nothing. Things actually stay in my mind and I understand them clearly. It is not background noise as it would be with other audios.

About two weeks ago, I made the following while listening to the audio Sukun-e-Dil (which I've linked to one blog post down).

After this, I was listening to the recital of Hazratwala Daamat Barakaatuhum's poetry being recited by different students of a Madressah in South Africa (I think Madressah Zakariyyah). During this time, I made this.

Nothing great from my side, that I am sure of. This is not tawadhu', by the way. Anything I make without listening to something about Allah Ta'aala and His Gradeur does not end up too interesting looking, or has many flaws.

Individuality is Nice, but to a Limit

It's interesting watching my pets. My eldest cat (almost 7 years) hates male cats with a passion, however with my female kitten she'll run around and make a fool out of herself, playing like a kitten. My budgies are way different. There are two males and two females. The females are pretty aloof of each other, only acknowledging the other with a bite if one come too close. The males aren't choosy with their friends, they'll warble, bobble, and feed whomsoever they please.

The canary is a loner and likes it like that; he sings all day and would at night too, if he wasn't covered. The finches, well they are so inconspicuous you don't really remember they are around. They spend most of the day huddled in one corner or the other.

The pets remind me a lot of human beings. We all have our own ways of doing things, what we like and when we like. There's no imposing on another person that you have to like bright shiny things, or it's wrong that you don't enjoy the taste of muton. Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala has made every person different and we should appreciate that.

However, the major way in which we differ from animals is that there should be no individuality when it comes to Allah and His Rasul Salla Allahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam. In this there is only one way, and that is to follow what Allah Ta'aala and Rasulullah Salla Allahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam tell us. There's no such thing as ones own opinions and likes and dislikes when Allah Ta'aala's orders comes in. Even if there is a dislike, we suppress our nafs and follow the command, because the dislike is due to own failure in understanding Allah Ta'aala's wisdom.

It's like Moulana Yunus Patel saheb Daamat Barakaatuhum says...

"We must be broad minded, but not so broad minded that the brains fall out!"

Dangers of the Rose Garden

Funnily enough, I did not actually like roses much when I was growing up, although that definitely changed. Then there was the time in 2000 when my father went for Hajj and bought me a bottle of rose oil. Masha Allah what beautiful scent. I still have some left. The first (so called) meaningful poem I wrote was a metaphor of a rose...




...Moving along...

Here's a beautiful poem I heard in one of Moulana Yunus Patel saheb talk named Sukun-e-Dil (Tranquility of the Heart). He mentioned that when he returned from India, he went to his uncle's house, who was an artist. He looked at the paintings and saw one with a hand holding a rose. The rose's thorns had injured the hand so it was bleeding. Moulana saheb told his uncle he wanted that painting. His uncle asked why, and Moulana saheb replied that it had great lesson in it.

I thought it was really nice so want to share the poem. It is in Urdu. I will attempt to translate it Insha Allah. (The explanation is basically what Moulana saheb said, in my own words.)

Think not the rose garden possesses no danger

Behind the veil of roses are thorns, hidden

Keep safe your clothes as you pass through

As there is no trusting of the thorns

This life is like a rose garden. There are many beautiful sights, many beautiful places to go and people to meet. However if this life is like a rose garden, then thorns will naturally be there as well. What are the thorns? They are the non mahram faces, the alcohol, the singing, the dancing... all that is haraam.

So while there are many wonderful things in this world, we must take care that no sin comes and taints us, in the same way we will protect our clothes to make sure they do not get snagged on a thorn. Enjoy the halaal, but always be cautious, because Shaytaan is there at every step, waiting for you to make a mistake and injure yourself on a thorn.

Shifaa is from Whom?

Shifaa, is of course, from Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala.

Ibraheem 'Alayhis Salaam beautifully said (in aayah 26:80)

 وَإِذَا مَرِضْتُ فَهُوَ يَشْفِينِ

And when I am ill, it is He Who cures me 

No matter if it is herbal medicine or modern medicine, a psychiatrist or an 'aamil, no one will be able to cure you unless it is the will of Allah Ta'aala. Of course that does not mean that one does not seek a means to cure oneself. This is a world of means, and actions must be taken for consequences.

However always the conviction must be in the heart that the one who cures is not Doctor saheb nor Hakeem saheb nor any saheb.

The heart must have full conviction that cure is from Allah Ta'aala alone. 

Written Exams - From the Malfoozat of Hazrat Moulana Ashraf 'Ali Thanwi saheb Rahmatullahi 'Alayh

'I am opposed to the system of written examinations which is prevalent in the educational institutes. Great strain and stress are imposed on students by this system. The purpose on examinations is to ascertain the ability of the student. It will therefore, suffice to ascertain whether the student has understood the kitab which he has been taught. 

This fact can be ascertained even if the student is tested orally and the kitab is given to him to look at. Memorizing can be accomplished by revision and teaching. In fact, in most cases, the student forgets what he had memorized during his student days. Such futile memorizing  strains the mind unnecessarily. 

It is sufficient to ascertain if the student possesses the ability to solve the problems in the kitabs by means of his own research. More than this is an exercise in futility.'

Posted as promised for a friend in an exam.

Be Grateful, Oh thorn

Be Grateful, oh thorn

For although you are plain

And unknowingly cause pain

He allows you the du'aa of His rose

So that one day you may be saved

About Shukr Again... and Sabr, Of Course

It is interesting how we... or rather... I am not satisfied. 

In summer it was hot, way too hot! Throw away the blanket, turn on the fan full blast, take two showers a day. In winter it is cold, way too cold! Extra blankets please, turn on the heater, cringe as the water takes its sweet time to get hot.

Yet during these same times, while complaining, do I remember those who are shivering outside without any blanket in both the summer and the winter? Those who do not have shoes while I complain for socks? Those who do not have clean water whilst I let the water flow?

Not that I am saying I am going to throw everything away and live outside. No, that would be foolish and misuse of Allah Ta'aala's bounties. Rather, I should make shukr, use the bounties He given with care, and share that which I can with others. And when the times are not too pleasing, make sabr (patience).

I remember one of my teacher explained that although Sulayman 'Alayhis Salaam and Ayyoob 'Alayhis Salaam were in completely different situations, Allah Ta'aala named them both 'Ni'mal 'Abd' ie 'the best of slaves'*. Why? 

Sulayman 'Alayhis Salaam was the king of the world, with everything to his command. However he realized this was all from Allah Ta'aala, so he made shukr.

Ayyoob 'Alayhis Salaam was very sick, and all his children died, he was even thrown into the most vile place in his city, and yet he was patient, only complaining to Allah Ta'aala. (Note: Complaining TO Allah, not OF Allah, as my Shaykh Moulana Yunus Patel saheb always says).

So the key here is to have both shukr and sabr. 

May Allah Ta'aala allow me as well as everyone else to be from the Shaakireen and Saabireen. Ameen.

*I am not completely sure if I translated 'Ni'mal 'Abd' correctly. Will find out and correct or remove asterisk, Insha Allah.

Stats Page Syndrome

I reckon it's something most bloggers have. I for one have tried too many times to ignore the stats, but to no avails.

So whilst trying to break the habit, I always try to keep in mind that no matter who is coming or how many are seeing my blog, it's all for the sake of Allah. And the more people who are seeing the blog, the more pressure there is to make sure one puts up something useful that will Insha Allah call to the love of Allah Ta'aala and His Beloved Rasul Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam.

*****

The above came to me while reading Thus Spake Hazrat Shaikh's latest blog entry. May Allah Ta'aala keep putting barkat in that blog. Ameen

Do Not Look Down Upon Others - A Quote of Hazrat Moulana Yunus Patel Saheb Daamat Barakaatuhum

"We cannot and should not look down upon anyone. Once, a drunkard found a piece of paper with the name of Allah written on it. Although he was half-drunk, he picked it up, cleaned it, put itr (scent) on it and kept it in a safe place.

When he passed away, someone saw him in a dream in which he informed the person that he had gained salvation because of that good deed. This action of his was the means of his forgiveness and salvation.

As Muslims, our Imaan dictates that we disapprove of and hate sins, but not the person indulging in sin. We do not know over which deed or action a person could gain forgiveness. We should neither consider any good deed as insignificant nor should we consider any sin, too trivial or small.

It is mentioned in the Ahadith, that once Nabi Salla Allahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam said to Hazrat Ayesha : “O Ayesha! Take special care to guard yourself against sins that are regarded ‘minor’, for even these will be brought to account by Allah.”

Even though one may abstain from major sins, one should not be indifferent to those sins categorised as minor sins, for it may well be, that one is taken to task for something which one considered ‘trivial’."

Taken from this Link

Oh Grieving Soul

Oh grieving soul, why do you still feel pain

All that you forsook is only for your gain

Pleasure you did feel when engaging therein

But your heart spoke true when it warned you of sin

Oh grieving soul, know this is the devil’s trap

His wish for you to succumb and run the same lap

His calls are always there, inviting to the past

But know the pleasure he promises will never truly last

Oh grieving soul, turn your gaze to the True One

The One who blesses you every day with water, air and sun

Pay no heed to the accursed one, his cunningly spun lie

Allah loves your constant restraint, even your pain filled sigh

Oh grieving soul, let your grief fade with the light

For only now can you say you have gained true sight

Heaven is awaiting you, its occupants eager to say

“At last you have come! How we waited for this day!”

وَقَلِيلٌ مِنَ الْآخِرِينَ (And a Few From Those of Later Times.)

This beautiful aayat is the fourteenth aayat of Suratul Waaqi'ah. It is talking about "the Saabiqoon", those who have gone ahead, those who are the closest to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'aala. There will only be a few in the later times ie our times.

But these Sabiqoon are still there, even if few in number. So search for them, even if it takes your whole life. And once you have found one, grab unto the him and never let go, even for a second, for he is mercy from Allah the Greatest, and He has guided you to one of His lover.

Shukr (Gratefulness)

Today in Tafseer class, my teacher Daamat Barakaatuhum taught the tafseer of Surah Al 'Aadiyaat. One of the main themes of this gratefulness/being thankful which is known as Shukr in 'Arabic.

Shukr is of three kinds:

1. Shukr Lisaani- This is when we are thankful to Allah Ta'aala with our tongue. What this means is obvious. Instead of constantly complaining of that which we do not have, talk about those things that Allah Ta'aala has given us. Has He not given me fingers to type with? Has He not given you eyes to read with? Has He not given us a fully working brain that we can understand what I have written?
2. Shukr Qalbi- This is when we are thankful to Allah Ta'alaa with our hearts. What this means is that we should always keep in mind that Allah Ta'aala is the one who blesses us. The means are taken, but Allah Ta'aala is the One who created those means. We must firmly believe that whatever Allah has willed for us to get, we will definitely get it; and that which He has willed that we do not get, we will certainly not get it.
3. Shukr 'Amali- This is when we are thankful to Allah Ta'aala with our actions. How are we thankful to Allah with actions? This is obvious as well: by following Allah Ta'aala's commands, doing that which He has ordered and abstaining from that which He has deemed Haraam.

We most definitely must at all times make shukr to Allah Ta'aala for all that He has given us. May Allah Ta'aala give us the ability to inculcate within ourselves gratefulness for all we have. Ameen!

When Angry...

When angry... especially at someone you know well eg your spouse, your child, your parent, do not just spout from your mouth that which is in your mind. That is usually the cause of most fights, reckless use of the tongue and not thinking before speaking.

Next time you are angry at someone, pause and reflect.

• Who is this person you are angry at?
• What are all the good qualities in that person?
• What are all the good things this person has done for you?
• Is it worth getting angry and ruining a perfectly good relationship, even for a minute?

Most of the time, there really is no need to continue the quarrel; it is just the nafs of a person that wants some self satisfaction. So sacrifice that and deprive the nafs. What is a moment's triumph is not worth giving up the peace from simply letting another person's mistake go.

Of course, if it is something contradicting shari'ah, then it is a Muslim's duty to correct the mistake. However even that can be done in a polite manner.

A few tips when angry

• Read Ta'aawuz (A'oozu Billahi Minash Shaytaanir Rajeem)
• Drink cold water
• If you are standing, sit
• If you are sitting, lie down
• If you are really that riled up, go into another room until you calm down.

May Allah Ta'aala allow us all to observe patience and keep our anger under control. Ameen.

I wonder why...

Early this morning, around 1 am, I was awaken from my sleep, either by a big BANG or by the electricity suddenly being cut. Anyways, a car siren went off from the parking lot but I was not concerned because one of the apartment building's resident has a car with a very sensitive alarm.

I would have returned to sleep, however my husband looked out of the window, and to my surprised left the room. I thought after a while that it was our car so I got up and went to look for him. He was looking outside of the other bedroom's window. Since our flat is on the second level we have quite a range of view. 

In the street there was a smashed car. By the time I went to see, there was no one in the car, however my husband told me he saw four people get out, very drunk. They all then sat in another car, well squeezed into another car, and that drove off (which lead us to believe the car that got smashed was stolen). In any case by the time I went to see out the window, the car was empty, however there were some people around it looking through things, and generally making a mess, before running off. The police then came to do their job, and the neighbours told their story.

In the morning it turned out that the car had smashed into one of the walls surrounding my flat's complex badly denting one of the cars under the parking shade as well as affecting the electricity pole that was next to the wall, causing the whole complex to have no light. Alhamdu Lillah my car was all the way on the other side so  it took no damage. However it was upsetting. It made me think of all the campaigns against smoking, all the adds they make that make a person feel queasy...

...Yet more lives are affected (and adversely so) by alcohol. Those speeding drunks were driving so fast that not only their (stolen) car crashed into the wall, breaking part of it down, but the car rebounded until it was in the middle of the street. I wonder why they do not ban alcohol... but I reckon it is no use wondering.

Uthman Radhiya Allahu 'Anhu was indeed right when he said the mother of all sins is alcohol. Alhamdu Lillah Allah Ta'aala in His infinite wisdom made impermissible for Muslims to partake from that filthy drink. May Allah Ta'aala keep His servants well away from anything He has ordered haraam. Ameen.

"...Like Fire Consumes Fuel." - A Quote from Hedayatus Saalikeen by Hazrat Moulana Yunus Patel saheb Daamat Barakaatuhum

It mentioned in the Ahadith : “Jealousy consumes virtuous deeds like fire consumes fuel.” Shah Muhammad Ahmad Saheb (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) states in one of his poems :

           

• Why are you burning yourself in the fire of jealousy ?
• Why are walking towards the Fire of Hell ?
• Are you unhappy with the distribution made by Allah, Himself ?
• Why are you rubbing the palms of your hands in deep regret ?

Wealth, intelligence, health, beauty and all other goodness is distributed by Allah Ta’ala. Make use of the Halaal means to acquire what is permissible and possible to acquire, and be satisfied and contented with whatever is achieved.

Don’t burn your heart over someone else’s fortunes and possessions. Allah Ta’ala, in His Wisdom, which we, with our limited God-given intelligence cannot comprehend, has distributed amongst mankind of His bounties.

      

Allah Ta’ala has mentioned in a Hadith-e-Qudsi : “…Some of My slaves are keen to offer special types of (optional) prayers, but I do not let them do so, for it may lead to vanity. Some of them are such, who can have sound faith only when in good health. If I destine sickness for them, they are adversely affected, There are others who can maintain their faith only in sickness, If I order health for them, they may go astray. I give orders befitting the affairs of My slaves, because I know all which is in their minds.”

Sometimes poverty is a test, whilst sometimes it is wealth which is a test. For some, health is a test, whilst for others it is sickness which is a test. For some, freedom is a test, whilst for others captivity and imprisonment for no crime committed is a test. These tests strengthen a person’s Imaan and prove his or her love for Allah Ta’ala and His Beloved Rasool (Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam).

Don’t harbour jealousy. Expel its evil from the heart. Seek goodness from Allah Ta’ala whilst making the correct effort.

Taken from this link

"Yes, I am Here and Listening"

Yesterday at Zikr Majlis, I realized something as I kept listening to the word "Allah" being repeated.

It struck me that if a person keeps calling their friend's name just like that, the friend will become annoyed. If a wife keeps calling her husband, the husband will become angry. Even a mother, most tolerant and loving of people, she too will become irritated sometime or the other if the child will keep calling "Amma, Amma, Amma!"

But Allah is so loving, that every time we call out to Him, "Allah!" He is listening. He will not snub us nor get irritated and angry. He will not ignore us and pretend we are not there. He is the one who is always happy to hear from his slaves. When we call "Allah" He answers us with "Yes, I am here and listening". He wants us to call out to Him. He loves it when His slave calls out to Him, in happiness or grief, in company or solitude.

With these thoughts in my head, Alhamdu Lillah, this time's Zikr Majlis had an even sweeter flavour to it than usual.

True Obedience - From the Malfoozat of Hazrat Moulana Ashraf 'Ali Thanwi saheb Rahmatullahi 'Alayh

'Nowadays the capacity of obedience is no longer to be found among the people. Once Hadhrat Umar (Radhiya Allahu Anhu), while making Tawaaf observed a woman with the disease of leprosy also making Tawaaf. Hadhrat Umar (Radhiya Allahu Anhu) forbade her from making Tawaaf, saying that since her ailment caused inconvenience to others, it was best that she remains at home instead of coming for Tawaaf.

After some days, the lady returned. People informed her of Hadhrat Umar's (Radhiya Allahu Anhu) death and told her not to worry since the one who had forbidden her from Tawaaf was no longer present to debar her. The lady replied: 

"I thought that he was alive, hence I came to plead with him. He is not the type of person one obeys in his presence and disobeys in his absence. He is a man of such caliber that his commands have to be obeyed after his death in the same way as they were obeyed during his lifetime."

So saying, she departed and never again returned to make Tawaaf. Such lofty degree of obedience is no longer found.'

Taken from Malfoozat (Statements and Anecdotes), page 7

Compiled by Mujlisul Ulama of South Africa

Oh Moon!

Verbally Expressable? - From the Malfoozat of Hazrat Moulana Ashraf 'Ali Thanwi saheb Rahmatullahi 'Alayh

'Molvi Muhammad Shafi Saheb contemplated the publication of a newspaper. I advised him that if he publishes a paper, it should be entirely Islamic in character. People should be able to say, "This is indeed an Islamic paper." 

The standard by which this can be achieved is to reflect in the light of Shari'i principles. Before deciding on the publication of any material, ascertain by reflection whether it will be permissible to verbally express what is desired to be published. If it is permissible to verbally express the statements, then it will be permissible to print them. If verbal expression is not permissible, printing too will not be permissible.'

Taken from Malfoozat (Statements and Anecdotes), page 4

Compiled by Mujlisul Ulama of South Africa

"When Does the Sun Rise?" - An Extract from Aashiq-e-Sawdiq by Hazrat Moulana Yunus Patel saheb Daamat Barakaatuhum

My Sheikh presents a wonderful and splendid analogy. He asks: “When does the sun rise?” and then he, himself, gives the reply:  “When the horizon turns red.”

Then he continues to describe the spiritual condition of the heart in the same light : When the heart turns red with the blood of one’s evil desires which have been sacrificed for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, then Allah Ta’ala causes not just one ‘sun’ but many ‘suns’ of His Muhabbat (Love) and Ma’rifat (Recognition) to rise in such a heart.

The sun of this world has restrictions : It neither lights up the entire world at once, nor is its heat always the same. Moreover, whilst it brings light and warmth as it rises; it inevitably sets, leaving behind darkness.

The ‘suns’ of Allah’s love rise within the heart and lights it up. These ‘suns’ do not set unless the person becomes a persistent sinner, without Taubah (repentance). Added to this, the one in whose heart, the ‘suns’ of Allah’s love and ma’rifat have risen, will generate such light that will in turn light up the hearts of people all over the world. 

…The pain endured by the heart brings in its wake, happiness, satisfaction, the noor of Imaan and the sweetness of Imaan. In fact, the sorrow of the heart on this path of Divine Love is the very envy of happiness. Such a person is blessed with the companionship of Allah Ta’ala, for Allah Ta’ala says : ‘I am with those of broken hearts.’

Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) mentions the exceptional stage reached by those who adopt patience in abstaining from fulfilling their evil desires : On subscribing to sabr (patience) and sacrifice, the ‘Ahh’ which continually and invariably issues forth from that ‘bleeding’ heart transports one to the supreme and absolute stage of Wilayat. Maulana Rumi (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) says :

Those who resort to Sabr on the Path of Allah;
Have acquired the Wilayat of the Siddiqeen

Taken from this link

Only Him Only Allah

In the years of ignorance you thought not of Him

However He did not forget you

Fortunate one you were to return to Him

This is a blessing He allowed you

Praise Him always and supplicate only to Him

No one else is there for you

Learn well what your guide tells you of Him

Increase His remembrance in you

Have in your heart fear and hope from Him

For before Him who are you

Love until there is no one left but Him

Be consumed so that there is no you

Only Him

Only Allah

His Friends

I do not know whether I posted this before, but it is alright even if I did, as what I feel this morning cannot be described in better words. (at least not by myself, so far).

*****

So uplifting are the friends of Allah

Their words carry weight that is no burden

Their beings seem of light that does not burn

Their company is more calming than meditating in a forest

How Allah has blessed us with these gems!

They care not for this world

Only the pleasure of Allah is their reward

They do not seek favours from people

Their only joy is being used by Allah to guide others

May Allah Ta’aala keep His friends safe and sound for our sakes

Us thorns amongst these gardens of roses

For without them the time is not far before we are swept away into the abyss

8 Advices of Hakeem Luqman ('Alayhis Salaam)

This week in our tafseer class, we had Respected Mufti Ebrahim Desai Daamat Barakaatuhum come and conduct the class. Alhamdu Lillah. He mentioned about Hakeem Luqman, who is mentioned in the Qur'aan, in fact a surah is named after him.

He was apparently an Abyssinian slave (he did become free in later life). He was short, with thick lips and cracked heels. Although he was a slave, his master loved him dearly. He was very wise (Hakeem) and many people would listen to his advices. The key to his success was:

1. Guarding his tongue
2. Minding his own business

Mufti saheb Damat Barakaatuhum mentioned 8 advices that Luqman 'Alayhis Salaam considered the best. I will briefly type them out, Insha Allah.

1. Guard your tongue
2. Guard your eyes in other people's houses (This was interesting. The reason for this is twofold, one being there may be non-mahram's around, and the other being that you will be inspecting all the things the other person has, which may lead to you asking them questions about things they don't want to answer, and even envy and jealousy.)
3. Guard your heart while reading salaah. (It shouldn't be your body is reading salaah yet your mind is on a worldwide tour, or even in the kitchen)
4. Guard your stomach while eating
5. Don't speak about your favours upon others
6. Don't speak about the injustice others have done upon you
7. Don't ever forget Allah (This does not simply mean say "Allah, Allah" all the time; it means that along with Zikr, one's every action should be according to Allah's will.)
8. Don't ever forget death

Tere Dar Par Tera Banda Ba Ummeede Karam Aya

I loved this shayr of Hazrat Moulana Hakeem Akhtar Saheb Daamat Barakaatuhum. Insha Allah I will try to translate it in the near future.

"Recalculating!"

A nice story I read in an email.

*****

 "Dad, how long will it take us to get there?" shouted Abdul as he jumped into the backseat of the family Camry.

"Twenty three minutes, insha Allah," replied Tariq proudly holding up his new GPS. He continued fidgeting with a few more settings on the device and then ceremoniously attached it to cradle stuck on the windscreen while waiting for the rest the family to get into the car.

"I'm so excited to see the Islamic fair," said Zakiya, the youngest of the family, "I hear Zain Bhikha is going to be there. In person!"

"Dad, Zaks is not buckling up! And she wants to sit in the middle as usual!"

"Don't lie! I am buckling up. Just wanted to see the new GPS thingy dad bought," Zakiya shouted back.

"Ok, ok. Let's just read our dua for travelling and move on," said Tariq calmly, "We all want to get to the show with lots of time to see everything."

He inched the car out of the driveway and waited for the first set of instructions from the GPS.

"Proceed three hundred meters then turn right," came the swift instructions in a heavy British accented voice.

Tariq promptly complied with the instruction.

""I wish you would listen to me like that!" laughed his wifeTaheera, "You don't even know him and you obey him, but I have to ask a hundred times before something is done."

Tariq shot her a quick smile and they both laughed.

"Mum, I hear they're having a cooking show at 2. We should make it for that!" said Zakiya her eyes lighting up with the prospect of learning some new culinary skills.

"Turn right!" said the familiar British voice.

Tariq promptly turned left. Taheera quickly turned to see if he had made a mistake, but Tariq was calm as he continued on his chosen route.

"Recalculating! Drive 2 kilometres and then turn right" said the GPS.

Tariq continued along the route. A smug smile sealed his lips as he continued playing with his greying beard.

"Turn right!" commanded the GPS and Tariq promptly swung the car to the left.

Again the GPS cried "Recalculating!"

With a calm air he continued ignoring the instructions on the GPS for a while saying nothing until Abdul leaned forward in his seat and complained, "Dad, why aren't you following the instructions?" We have already been driving for thirty minutes."

"We gonna miss the cooking show," chorused Zakiya, "And we not going to have too much time to spend at the show."

Tariq continued silently until the GPS said for the umpteenth time, "Recalculating!" You could almost hear the irritation in the British accent as she said, "When possible please make a U-turn."

Taheera fidgeted with the beads on her kaftan for a while, all the time stealing glances at her husband searching for some clue to this strange behaviour. She pulled hard on a bead and it broke off and rolled to the floor.

"Tari," she said softly, trying very hard to hide her irritation, "If you don't trust the new machine then just ask at the garage(gas station) like we used to do!"

"Good idea," replied Tariq still fidgeting with his beard, "There's one just up ahead."

He sailed the car into the forecourt despite the GPS insisting he make a U-turn. The attendant slowly approached the car, a large dark stain covering the front of his T-shirt. Tariq rolled down the window and asked him for directions.

"Easy sir! Just go up the hill then turn right. Then you see de Shell garage you turn right. Right, neh! Then you drive about five kilos then you see de place in front of you." directed the attendant a broad smile filling his face, "Very easy boss, you can't get lost!"

Tariq continued to drive ignoring the instructions from the attendant and paying little attention to the GPS's call to make a U-turn.

Taheera broke off some more beads and then burst out, "Tari what are you up to? We have been driving for an hour and a half. You ignored the GPS directions all the time. You even ignored the attendant's directions. You keep on just driving and driving. Why?"

"Yep dad, we should have been there an hour ago. Why are we just driving?" echoed Abdul.

Tariq remained silent and played with his beard for a while, and then said, "I just wanted to see if I could get there without following the instructions."

"That's so dumb, Tari!" complained Taheera, "I mean just how are you going to get there if you ignore the GPS and other directions. We wasted our time and the kids are irritated. Zaks has even fallen asleep."

"I just wanted to prove something!"

"What could you prove by acting dumb? What could we learn by deliberately getting lost?"

Tariq fiddled with his topee(hat) before answering, "I just wanted to understand that by ignoring all the guidance and instructions we will never get to our destination."

"That's so obvious!" cried Taheera, "Anyone can tell you that! I mean how can we possibly get to where we going if you deliberately ignore the instructions. In fact, you did just the opposite of what you were told."

Taheera's words brought about an air of silence in the car. All were now attentive as Tariq cleared his throat.

 "Well," began Tariq calmly, "If we ignore all the directions given to us by Allah and instructions by His Final Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) then how will we ever reach our destination, Jannah? Allah gave us clear guidelines of what is permissible and what is prohibited yet we do the opposite. He even sent His beloved Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) to show us practically what to do, but we choose to ignore his advice and still hope to reach Jannah?"

He paused waiting for his point to sink home, and then continued, "It can never happen. We will never reach our destination without following the correct directions. Yet it's so simple - turn right, go straight."!!!!

Allah, The Most Wise, has informed us:

"And Verily, it(The Qur'an) is a guide and a mercy to the believers" (Quran-an Naml 27:76-77)"Verily in the Messenger of Allah you have the best example for him who looks unto Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much." [Quran-Al-Ahzab 33:21]