Reality of 'Eid

ليس العيد لمن لبس الجديد

انما العيد لمن امن من الوعيد

"Eid is not for the one who has worn new garments

Eid in reality is for the one who has gained safety from the warnings (of punishment)"

ليس العيد لمن ركب المطايا

انما العيد لمن ترك الخطايا

"Eid is not for the one who rides a smart conveyance

Eid is for the one who has left out sins"

ليس العيد لمن تبختر بالعود

انما العيد للتائب الذى لايعود

"Eid is not for the one who is perfumed with Oud (itr)

Eid is for the one who repents and does not return to sin"

Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jeelani Rahmatullahi 'Alayh

Eid Mubarak!

The Night Before Eid

 Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has said; The night of Eidul Fitr, the night that is called Laylatul Jaa’izah (The night of prize giving), comes along. On the morning of Eid, Allah Ta’ala sends down the Malaaikah, to all the lands of the earth, where they stand at the entrance of roads, calling out with a voice that is heard by all except man and jinn: “O Ummah of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), come out of your houses towards a Lord that is noble and gracious, who grants much and pardons the big sins.”

When they go towards the places for their Eid Salaah, Allah Ta’ala says to the Malaaikah: “What is the reward of that worker who has completed his work?” The Malaaikah reply: “O Lord and master, it is only right that he should receive his reward in full.” Allah Ta’ala then says:

“I call you to witness, O My Malaaikah, that for their having fasted during the month of Ramadhaan, and for their having stood before Me in prayer by night, I have granted to them as reward My pleasure and have granted them forgiveness. O My servants ask now of Me, for I swear by My honour and My greatness, that whatsoever you shall beg of Me this day in this gathering of yours for the needs of the Hereafter, I shall grant you, and whatsoever you shall ask for your worldly needs, I shall grant it. I swear by My honour that, as long as you shall obey My com­mands, I shall cover up your faults. By My Honour and My Greatness do I swear that I shall never disgrace you together with the sinful people and disbelievers. Go now from here, you are forgiven. You have pleased Me and I am pleased with you.”

The Malaaikah on seeing this great reward given by Allah Ta’ala upon the ummah of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) on the day of Eidul Fitr become greatly pleased and happy. (As reported in Targheeb.)

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"...eliminating the sickness..." - From the Malfoozat of Hazrat Moulana Ashraf 'Ali Thanwi saheb Rahmatullahi 'Alayh

"People search for comfort (and pleasure) in the worlds of the Deen. While such comfort does occur, it is only after accomplishment of the work. But people desire to attain this comfort first. Their similitude is that of a sick man who complains of his ill-health. While he wishes for good health, he abstains from medicine.

Health without eliminating the sickness is not possible. The elimination of sickness cannot be effected without medical treatment. However in the affairs of the Deen the intelligence of people has become deranged (because they are reluctant or refuse to adopt correct methods for spiritual reformation and benefit)."

Taken from Malfoozat (Statements and Anecdotes), page 52
Compiled by Mujlisul Ulama of South Africa

Adherence to Sunnah

Shaikh-ul-Hind Moulana Mahmood Hasan (Rahmatullahi Alayh) is the khaleefah of Moulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi (Rahmatullahi Alayh). He was the head ustaad of Darul Uloom Deoband. He spent his whole life teaching Hadeeth Shareef. He made an appearance in the political arena to liberate India. He was apprehended and imprisoned in Malta for many years. He was harshly tortured but he remained firm and steadfast. The torture left scars on his chest and sides. When he returned from Malta, the news spread about how he spent his time in jail. When he would get up for Tahajjud in very cold conditions, he would make wudhu with water from a lota (jug) which Moulana Husain Ahmad Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayh) had kept against his stomach (for hours) so that the coldness of the freezing water could be reduced. (Moulana Husain Ahmed Sahib was also incarcerated at Malta at that time.)

The English sentries would pierce Hadhrat Shaikh-ul-Hind (Rahmatullahi Alayh) with a special stick, the edge of which was as sharp as a knife on his chest and sides whilst he read Tahajjud Salaah. The officer in charge was also an Englishman. He said, “What in the heavens are you doing? This man is such that if you have to kill and burn him, then from his blood and ashes the words, ‘Haq, Haq’ would be emitted.”

When the day of Jumu'ah arrived, Hadhrat would wash his clothes and make ghusal in preparation of Jumu'ah. Then he would go as far as the gate and find the gate to be locked. He would shed a few tears there and return to his place to perform Zuhr Salaah. Hence, he would do everything within his capacity to prepare for Jumu'ah (and he used to say, “I did what was in my capacity”).

(Maslak-e-Ulama-e-Deoband aur Hubbe Rasul [Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam])

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Your Name

Oh Allah

Your name so beautiful, sweet and resonating

How it fills my heart and sets fire within

How it causes my eyes to flow twin rivers

How it brings forth an ache in my throat

Oh Allah

Engrave Your name onto my heart

So my heart beats only to Your name

Let my tongue be moist with Your name

So each breath is glorifying You

Oh Allah

Change my heart

And forgive my sins

And make me into Yours

For there is nothing for me without You

Oh Allah

Itikaaf 1432 / 2011 with Mufti Ebrahim Desai

 

Listen to the Itikaaf programmes from the following link

Itikaaf 1432 / 2011 with Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Despair?

"I can take no more." "I am totally frustrated." "I have lost hope." "Would there ever be an end to my problems?"

Such statements and cries of despair are heard almost daily. Due to many difficulties such as illness, financial problems, domestic disputes, family conflict, crime, disasters, etc., people sometimes slip into misery, hopelessness and depression. It is in such circumstances that a person often asks in utter desperation: "What must I do?"

Before dealing with what one can do, it is important to bear in mind a fundamental reality of life. Life in this world is never a place of absolute bliss, nor a place of only difficulty. Absolute bliss is only in Jannah. Likewise, no matter how severe one's condition may be, it cannot be compared to a fraction of the torments of Jahannum. In this world there is a combination of pleasure and pain. After all, it is a place of test. Hence, every person will experience some difficulties and hardships in some form or another. In fact this is a promise of Allah Ta'ala in the Qur'an that "We will certainly test you with some fear, hunger and loss in wealth, lives and crops. And give glad tidings to those who are patient" (S2: V: 155). Thus, difficulties will come. Nevertheless one can adopt any permissible means to remove one's problems.

 "CRACK OF THE WHIP"

While hardship and difficulties do come as a test, they also come as a punishment for sins. In our sinful state, we should unhesitatingly acknowledge our transgressions and regard what befalls us as a very small "crack of the whip" from Allah Ta'ala as a reminder for us to return to His total obedience. Often we exclaim: "What sin have I committed to deserve this?" Consider that Allah Ta'ala alone is our Creator, Sustainer and Nourisher. He alone has granted us all our limbs and faculties. He alone has showered upon us countless bounties. In the light of the above, the slightest disobedience of our Creator deserves the severest punishment. In actual fact, if we were given what we really deserve, Allah forbid, we would have been completely destroyed. Allah Ta`ala declares: "And if Allah were to take the people to task for their actions (by giving them the full punishment of their actions) no creature would remain on earth (all would be destroyed)." (S:35, V:45)

Therefore, we must acknowledge that we are guilty. Having accepted our guilt, we should now make amends.

MAKE AMENDS

In order to make amends, the first step is taubah (sincere repentance). The taubah must be sincere, not just a taubah of convenience like that of the mushrikeen (idolaters) of Makkah Mukarramah. Allah Ta`ala says regarding them: "And when a wave engulfs them like a canopy (and they fear that their ships will sink and they will drown) they call unto Allah . . . . . and they commit shirk." (S:31, V:32)

Thus our taubah should not be merely "to get to the shore". It must be for all times. Sincere taubah and istighfaar (seeking forgiveness) brings down the mercy of Allah Ta`ala. Hazrat Nooh (A.S.) said to his people: "Seek forgiveness from your Rabb (Lord), then repent unto him. Verily He is the most forgiving. He will shower abundant rains upon you and assist you with wealth and children." (S:71, V:10-13)

The month of Ramadhaan especially is a month to continuously make sincere taubah and to turn earnestly to Allah Ta`ala. Hence, this mubarak month must be dedicated towards sincere taubah. This is the first step towards solving one's problems and difficulties. 

ADOPTING SABR

The second aspect is adopting sabr (patience) and engaging in dua. Just as one patiently undertakes hardship for the sake of worldly gain, adopt sabr over any difficult conditions with the full hope of great reward in the Hereafter. Have the firm conviction that Allah Ta'ala is most aware of what is best for us. This conviction will make it easier to adopt sabr and to be pleased with the decree of Allah Ta'ala.

 Adopting sabr upon any difficulty earns one limitless rewards. Allah Ta`ala declares regarding His true servants: "Verily the patient ones will be given their limitless rewards" (S:39, V:10). Allah Ta'ala is with the patient ones. Thus never despair. A Mu'min always has complete hope in Allah Ta'ala.

MOST EXCELLENT WORSHIP

Also, engage in earnest dua. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: "Nothing changes fate except dua." Dua is the weapon of a believer. One should never tire of begging from Allah Ta`ala. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: "Ask Allah for His favours and mercy for verily Allah loves to be asked. And the most excellent worship is to (patiently) wait for relief (from distress and anxiety) (Tirmizi)."

Nevertheless, one should bear in mind that while the dua will bring the help of Allah Ta`ala, one should not create a barrier of sins which will prevent the mercy from reaching one. 

MASHWARAH

The third aspect to firmly adhere to in any problematic situation is mashwarah (consultation). One should never take arbitrary decisions in any situation, especially when there is a problem. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: "He who performs istikhara will not fail and he who consults will not regret." One should therefore adopt an experienced Aalim or a muttaqi (Allah-fearing), righteous and able person as a guide. Thereafter, refer to him for advice in all situations. Insha Allah there will be tremendous barakah in the consultation and, Allah willing, one will find a solution to one's problems.

May Allah Ta`ala protect one and all from the difficulties of both worlds. Aameen

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Recitation of Quran

In the month of Ramadhaan, the recitation of the Qur’an Shareef has a very special position. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would also revise the entire Qur’an with Jibra’eel (A.S.) in the month of Ramadhaan. Thus one should try to recite the entire Qur’an as many times as possible during this mubaarak month.

Tilaawat (recitation) of the Qur’an Shareef is a great Ibaadah in itself. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has greatly exhorted us to recite the Qur’an Shareef. Numerous virtues have been promised for this ibaadah. Hazrat Aishah (R.A.) says that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Recitation of the Qur’an in Salaah is more rewarding than the recitation outside Salaah. Recitation outside Salaah is preferable to tasbeeh and takbir (repeating the words of praise for Allah). Tasbih is superior to sadaqah, sadaqah to fasting and fasting is protection against the fire” (Bayhaqi).

In another narration it is reported that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Reciting the Qur’an from memory carries one thousand degrees of thawaab while reading Qur’an from the book increases it upto two thousand degrees.”

THE REVEALED WORD

It must nevertheless be clearly understood that the reward for recitation will only be received for reciting the Qur’an Shareef — the original revealed word in the Arabic language. These rewards cannot be attained by reading a translation. Reciting the Qur’an Shareef and understanding its meaning from authentic commentaries are two distinct aspects. The rewards of tilaawat will be attained only by reciting the actual words that were revealed — even if one does not understand Arabic. To believe that there is no benefit in reciting the Qur’an Shareef if one does not understand Arabic is indeed a severe deprivation.

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The Greatest Return

There are many great “returns” that people experience in their lives. The returning of a missing child, finding a very valuable lost item or a close family member returning home after spending many years overseas are some instances of a great return. These are moments of immense joy and happiness. The greatest “Return,” however, is when a sinful servant who had abandoned Allah Ta'ala and fallen into sin makes sincere taubah (which literally means “to return”) and returns to his Creator. There can never be a happier moment for such a person. 

Retuning to Allah Ta'ala in sincere repentance brings down the showers of the Mercy of Allah Ta'ala. Due to his repentance, the one who was previously known in the court of Allah Ta'ala as a faasiq (sinner) earns the title of Habibullah (the beloved of Allah). His crying and sobbing while begging for forgiveness is more beloved to Allah Ta'ala than the recitation of tasbeeh of those who are busy glorifying Allah Ta'ala. Can there be a greater return?

YARDSTICK OF PIETY

The object of the auspicious month of Ramadhaan is to truly return to Allah Ta'ala by repenting from all sin and adopting piety. The Qur'an-al-Kareem declares: “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you, just as it was pescribed upon those before you, so that you may acquire taqwa (piety)” (S2:183). Taqwa, in simple terms, refers to giving up every sin. The one who forsakes all sin is the greatest worshipper and the most pious person, even though he may not be performing nafil (optional) Haj and Umrah every year, giving thousands in charity or standing the entire night in tahajjud salaah. Indeed, these great acts of worship should be performed as much as possible. However, the yardstick of piety is taqwa – abstaining from sin. Taqwa cannot be acquired without first making sincere taubah. It thus follows that the one who does not make taubah has to a degree defeated the purpose of Ramadhaan, even though he may have performed many other good deeds in the blessed month.

MENTAL NOTE

It is thus evident that in order to acquire the object of Ramadhaan, one must start with sincere taubah (repentance). One should sit in solitude and list down, or make a mental note, of all the laws of one's beloved Master and Creator which are being disobeyed. Think: Have I performed all my Salaah, Zakaah, Qurbaani, etc? Have I taken anyone's property wrongfully? Did I lie, backbite, slander? Do I have pride, harbour jealousy and do actions for name and fame? What about the laws of hijaab? Am I obeying my most beloved Rabb in this regard or do I disobey Him? Am I involved in any illicit relationship? Have I sinned with my eyes, ears, tongue and heart? Have I fulfilled the rights of my neighbours and relatives? Do I take intoxicants? Am I shaving or trimming my beard to less than a fist length? … After having carefully taken note of all the sins in one's life, sincerely repent from each one. Beg Allah Ta'ala’s forgiveness. For one's taubah to be accepted, the following pre-conditions apply:

* Give up the sin immediately.
* Regret having sinned. Feel the pain in your heart, just as you would be pained if you lost a million rands.
* Resolve never to commit the sin again.
* The unfulfilled rights of Allah Ta'ala (salaah, zakaah, etc.) and the rights of people (debts, etc.) must be discharged.

NO TAUBAH

Often many people stop committing various sins in Ramadhaan. Gambling comes to a hault. The T.V. is switched off. Intoxicants are given up. Lying, vulgar languages, zina and a host of other evils are forsaken. Similarly, many actions that were previously neglected are performed in Ramadhaan. Salaah is performed regularly. The Musjid is full even for Fajr Salaah. Many other good deeds are performed. It is indeed a great gift from Allah Ta'ala that one respects the month of Ramadhaan by refraining from sins and engaging in good deeds. However, the tragedy is that as soon as Ramadhaan leaves, it is as if Deen has left. The day after Eid the Musjid is crying out for those who were regularly there for the entire month. The gambling dens are once again frequented by those who were frequenting the Musjid. Numerous other evils which were given up during Ramadhaan are once again perpetrated. One of the fundamental reasons for this speedy slide into a life of disobedience is that, while we respected Ramadhaan, we did not sincerely return to Allah Ta'ala and repent from our sins. Thus this is our need of the moment: To undertake the Greatest Return.

Having repented sincerely, one should also closely link oneself to a pious personality who one feels comfortable with. Take his guidance in all aspects and one will be saved from the many hazards, Insha Allah.

ENCOURAGE

Furthermore, actively encourage others to undertake the Greatest Return. While your encouragement will insha Allah benefit them, it will also greatly help you to remain steadfast.

May Allah Ta'ala grant s the ability to repent incerely, forgive us and nable us to refrain from very sin in future. ameen.

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"...Creator of hearts..." - A Quote of Hazrat Moulana Yunus Patel Saheb Rahmatullahi 'Alayh

 "The weakness of all those who are drowning in the ocean of illicit love is that they have given their hearts to bodies which are going to turn to dust. Instead of giving their hearts to the Creator of hearts, they have given their hearts to faces; the beauty of which will inevitably be lost with the passage of time or with illness.

Many are the lovers who run off like mules when age snatches away the beauty of the faces of their beloved ones ? Those who give their hearts to Allah Ta’ala enjoy unending happiness, because Allah Ta’ala’s beauty neither decreases nor perishes."

Taken from this link

 

Elevation of Status

Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said,

"When a position (of proximity to Allah) has been destined for a servant of Allah Ta`ala but, he is unable to reach that position through his own deeds, then Allah Ta`ala besets him with calamities to his body, wealth, or children. Allah then enables him to adopt sabr (be patient) until he reaches that position which has been determined for him.” 

(Abu Dawood, Ahmad)

Humility

I heard this hadeeth more than once this week, so decided to post it.

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مَنْ تَوَاضَعَ لِلَّهِ رَفَعَهُ اللهُ

Whomsoever adopts humility for the sake of Allah, Allah shall raise his status.

A laden tree will bow down in humility, whilst one with no fruit shall stand upright with arrogance

Pop Star Plays in Masjid

An international pop star was allowed to play his music in a musjid. Though he was only given approximately a minute, the pop star got immediately on the act and used his minute to the full. His complete band played along while he sang some lines from his latest release. There was a mixed response from those present. While most of the congregation were enraged, some did not seem too bothered. After all, they also had pop bands playing …on their CELLPHONES.

This is unfortunately the tragic situation in most musjids. Pop bands have played in the houses of Allah. In fact, as unthinkable as it may have been previously, music is often played around the Ka'ba Shareef and right in front of the Rowdah Mubaruk (mausoleum) of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) , albeit from a cellphone. 

Indeed, we lament the hardships and calamities that constantly befall us. Yet, we directly draw down the wrath of Allah Ta'ala upon ourselves. In a lengthy Hadith Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) warned: "If my Ummah becomes involved in fifteen aspects, calamities and hardships will befall them." Among the fifteen aspects mentioned is when music and musical instruments will become rife in the Ummah. Therefore when even the Musjids – and the Haramain Sharifain – have not been spared from blaring music, what doubt can there be that this is a significant contributing factor in drawing down calamities? It is therefore imperative that for the sake of Allah Ta'ala we switch off all musical tones.

NA'THS

Al-hamdulillah many people have avoided musical ringing tones but have downloaded Qur'anic recitations, na'ths and nazams as ringing tones. While listening to the recitation of the Qur'an or to listen to the praises of Allah Ta'ala and His beloved Rasul (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) are very meritorious, using these recitations as ringtones is highly inappropriate for many reasons: 

- The phone would invariably ring in places where it is not permissible to recite the Qur'an or any na'th, such as in the toilet. Even if one generally takes care to switch off the phone, one is at times likely to forget to do so. Thus one would be responsible of taking the name of Allah Ta'ala in the toilet — an act of gross disrespect.

- When the phone rings one would answer it as soon as one's hand reaches it. The recitation of the Qur'an or the name of Allah that is being recited will stop immediately. Sometimes, as a result of the sudden stop, the name of Allah Ta'ala or the name of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) which is being recited at that moment will be cut in half. This is also disrespectful.

- The most important reason is of the misuse of the Qur'an or the name of Allah Ta'ala and Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam) and reducing it to merely a sound to attract one's attention to a telephone call! The purpose of listening to the Qur'an being recited is to acquire the reward of ibadah and to increase one's Imaan. Likewise the purpose of listening to the recitation of na'ths is to imbibe the love of Allah Ta'ala and His beloved Rasul (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) into one's heart. These forms of ibadah should not be reduced to merely a ringing tone.

     

Therefore one should simply adopt a plain non-musical ringing tone. May Allah Ta'ala save us from actions that draw His wrath and from all forms of disrespect.  Aameen. 

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Another Light

The darkness in which the seeker had dwelled
With the light of the guide, it was truly quelled
And the lantern that has long ago died
No longer was dark, but bright by his side

How fearful the seeker was on that day
When at last the guide had to go away
Distressed he was as his lantern grew dark
Was his life once more to be grim and stark?

To and fro he looked, amongst the darkened lane
Walk forward he did, though his heart still felt pain
And then he saw that which was his next his goal
A light in the distance, a balm for his soul

So stumble he did over roots and grass
And fell into puddles that shone like glass
And at last he reached the light that he saw
With fear and hope he looked up in awe

Behind the petals that flew by with a sigh
Shone a beautiful flame up against the sky
Its warm flickering light, a soothing sight
In the grim darkness of the forlorn night

And then it was that the seeker was to know
That though he had no choice but to go
The guide had made sure that he would not be forsaken
Another light would shine, a path would be taken

Guidance through Respect

There was once a fire-worshipper who noticed his son eating during the month of Ramadhaan in the presence of the Muslims. He was infuriated and reprimanded his son, “How could you destroy the sanctity of the Muslims during the month of Ramadhaan?”

After his death, a scholar from the neighbourhood saw him in a dream enjoying from the bounties of Jannat. He was quite surprised and asked: “Were you not a fire-worshipper?”

 

The man replied: “Yes, I was. However, as I was about to pass away Allah Ta`ala granted me the good fortune of accepting Islam due to the respect I showed for the month of Ramadhaan.” (Nuzhat-ul-Majaalis, p. 201) 

Lesson: Respect for the distinguishing features and symbols of Islam draws Allah Ta`ala’s special mercy and guidance.

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Taken from HERE

Why?

Article taken from HERE

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The human brain is indeed a wonderful organ. It is a reflection of the great qudrah (power) of Allah Ta'ala and the perfection of his creation. The progress man has made through his intellect is phenomenal. However, despite the progress man has made, and despite the capabilities of the human intellect, there is a point where man’s intelligence ceases. In fact scientists to this day and age confess of their inability to completely unravel the mysteries of the brain itself. As the Wikipedia Encyclopedia states, “Despite rapid scientific progress, much about how brains work remains a mystery”.

This in itself is a manifestation of the fact that man’s intelligence is limited, just as man’s strength, sight, etc. are limited. Thus, there are certain things that are definitely beyond the comprehension of man. On the other hand, the knowledge of Allah Ta'ala is perfect and complete. There is absolutely no comparison between His knowledge and the knowledge of His creation. To bring it closer to our understanding, comparing our knowledge to His, is far, far worse than a day old baby comparing his knowledge against the knowledge of the greatest thinker of all time. When this is our condition, it follows that we cannot completely fathom the reasons behind the decisions and commands of Allah Ta'ala. At times, we may ‘guess’ the possible underlying wisdom of His perfect command. But the real knowledge lies with Allah Ta'ala alone.

Furthermore, we belong to Allah Ta'ala and are His creation. He is our master, owner and creator. Every person has the right to utilise his possessions in whichever manner he deems correct. An owner can instruct his slave to do whatever work he wishes. Likewise, our most Compassionate and Kind Allah Ta'ala is our owner and we are His servants. We cannot ever question the reasons behind His commandments. Furthermore, His commands are NOT subject to our understanding and reasoning. Islam means ‘total submission’ - total submission to the commands of Allah Ta`ala and His Rasul (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). Consider the case of a person who is in love. Without questioning the ‘benefit’ of giving a bunch of roses which will dry and wither away in a matter of days, and will eventually find its final abode in the trash, a person happily buys the roses for his wife. On the other hand, when Allah Ta'ala who has showered us with countless blessings since our birth, nay even prior to our birth, commands us with any command, then should we subject it to our feeble, weak understanding? Likewise, it is not our duty to understand the reason behind every command of Shari`ah. Rather, our duty is to learn the commands of Allah Ta`ala and fulfil them.

May Allah Ta`ala bless us all with His true love and bestow us with the ability to fulfil His every command. Aameen.

The Wolves Within

Read this story online, decided to share it.

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An old Grandfather, whose grandson came to him with anger at a schoolmate who had done him an injustice, said, "Let me tell you a story. I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times."

He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way."

"But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eye and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?"

The Grandfather solemnly said, "The one I feed."

"...enamored by supernatural displays..." - From the Malfoozat of Hazrat Moulana Ashraf 'Ali Thanwi saheb Rahmatullahi 'Alayh

"People who are much enamored by supernatural displays, will be with Dajjal in greater numbers. I have heard this from my seniors. I have also heard that Dajjal will have the appearance of a majzoob. (A majzoob is a saint whose mind appears to be deranged as a result of his total engrossment with Allah's remembrance and love.)

This indicates that haal (a spiritual state) is not sufficient. The vital need (for rectitude) is obedience to the sunnah. those people who's attention is focused only on spiritual/supernatural states while not accepting deen as a requisite for tasawwuf, will find it very difficult to be saved from the traps of Dajjal. Dajjal will do everything, but he will not be able to act in accordance with the sunnah. Only the followers of the sunnah will be safe from Dajjal's trap."

Taken from Malfoozat (Statements and Anecdotes), page 52
Compiled by Mujlisul Ulama of South Africa

Sins & Good Intentions? - From the Malfoozat of Hazrat Moulana Ashraf 'Ali Thanwi saheb Rahmatullahi 'Alayh

"The hadeeth 'Verily actions are according to intentions' pertains to permissible acts and worship. It does not apply to sins. The hadeeth means that good deeds accompanied by good intentions are acceptable. It does not mean that sins accompanied by good intentions are transformed into virtuous deeds."

Taken from Malfoozat (Statements and Anecdotes), page 48
Compiled by Mujlisul Ulama of South Africa

The Taqwa of Maryam Alayhas Salaam - An Extract from Aashiq-e-Sawdiq by Hazrat Moulana Yunus Patel saheb Rahmatullahi 'Alayh

Hazrat Maryam (‘Alaihas Salaam) was a young and lovely woman, pure and chaste, who had secluded herself from her people. Whilst in seclusion, Hazrat Jibra`eel (‘Alaihis Salaam) appeared before her in the form of a most handsome young man.

Allah Ta’ala narrates the incident as follows :

“…Then We sent to her our Ruh (Hazrat Jibra`eel A.S.), 

and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects.”

According to some Tafseer, Jibra`eel (‘Alaihis Salaam), who appeared before her in such a handsome form, could have been a test for her. (She did not know, at the time, that he was an angel).

As piety would direct, her immediate reaction was :

“…Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah.”
[Surah Maryam 19 : 17/18]

Hazrat Maryam (‘Alaihas Salaam) was also a human being, with the disposition, nature and sentiments of a young woman.

However, due to her piety, nobility and chastity, she sought protection in Allah and said : ‘…if you do fear Allah… then do not come near to me’.  In other words, she did not want to engage in anything Haraam because it would displease Allah Ta’ala.

Hazrat Maryam (‘Alaihas Salaam) has set an exemplary pattern for our women.

"...that became halal... that became haram!" - A Quote from Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Daamat Barakaatuhum

"One doctor came to see me, I think it was a Wednesday. So, he says he had to go to some meeting, --------* somewhere, whatever it was. So, there was a director of a bank, so-called Islamic. Now, he's entertaining them and all that.

So he says, "No, life insurance is permissible. And really, the interest in the bank is not so bad as people make it to be". Right..

And then, the topic went on to some Moulana Menk, who got married for the second time. There, he took that Moulana left, right and center. "How can he do such a thing?! What he thinks of himself?! What must be the condition of his wife, the first wife?!"

What is haram, what is explicit... The Qur'aan is saying

... أَحَلَّ اللَّهُ الْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ الرِّبَا...

...that became halal. And this, what the Qur'aan shareef is saying is halal and permissible, now, that became haram!

See, this is what the Qur'aan shareef is saying

... يَتَخَبَّطُهُ الشَّيْطَانُ... "

 

taken from Majlis, Saturday February 5th, 2011.

Download from this link

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The complete aayat Mufti saheb quotes is below:

الَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ الرِّبَا لَا يَقُومُونَ إِلَّا كَمَا يَقُومُ الَّذِي يَتَخَبَّطُهُ الشَّيْطَانُ مِنَ الْمَسِّ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا إِنَّمَا الْبَيْعُ مِثْلُ الرِّبَا وَأَحَلَّ اللَّهُ الْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ الرِّبَا فَمَنْ جَاءَهُ مَوْعِظَةٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِ فَانْتَهَىٰ فَلَهُ مَا 

 سَلَفَ وَأَمْرُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَمَنْ عَادَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا 

 خَالِدُونَ

 Those who consume usury shall not rise up except like him whom the Shaytaan has driven mad by his touch. This is because they say, “Trade is just like usury!” Allaah has permitted trade and forbidden usury. He unto whom the admonition had come from his Rabb and he refrained, then for him is that which has passed, and his affair rests with Allaah. Those who shall return are indeed the dwellers of the Fire wherein they shall abide forever. 

(Suratul Baqarah, aayah 275)

*Name of place changed to hyphens.
   

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

"People say that humility creates disgrace. This is wrong. On the contrary, humility brings about respect. It comes in a hadith, "Whoever adopts humility for the sake of Allah, Allah elevates him"."

Taken from Malfoozat (Statements and Anecdotes), page28

Compiled by Mujlisul Ulama of South Africa

"Where's Your Yaqeen?" - A Quote from Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Daamat Barakaatuhum

"Many a times we think about Jannat and all that, and Na'oozubillah, we think about it as a dream. Na'oozubillah. But a dream, we think of it as a Wahi. That hadeeth comes- that is a dream, "Ohh, one of those things". But the dream came, the dream became like a Wahi!

"Where's your yaqeen*? Yaqeen is on what Rasulullah Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam says, sees, or on what you've seen?

"You know, it's a thing to reflect about."

  

taken from Majlis, Saturday February 19th, 2011.

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Mufti saheb further mentions the story of Maariyah Qibtiyyah Radhiya Allahu 'Anha, who felt grief when her child passed away, as her milk was still flowing as the child had not yet been weaned. To console her, Rasulullah Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam told her that if she wanted, he could show her where her son was in Jannah, being taken care of  by wet-nurses. She declined, saying the words of Rasulullah Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam was enough; she trusted in his words more than she trusted her sight.

*belief 

Ayaaz and the Priceless Pearl - An Extract from Tafweez by Hazrat Moulana Yunus Patel saheb Rahmatullahi 'Alayh

Maulana Jalaluddeen Rumi (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) mentions in his Mathnavi, a story of Sultan Mahmood : One day the Sultan decided to test his ministers and ordered them to crush the most prized pearl of his treasury. One by one, each of 65 ministers declined, stating that the pearl was far too valuable to be destroyed. 

The King then summoned his closest and trusted courtier, Ayaaz, and ordered him to crush the pearl. Without any delay or hesitation, Ayaaz crushed the pearl into fragments. When the ministers expressed disbelief and shock at such audacity, the King asked Ayaaz to inform them as to the reason for him having broken the pearl.

In response, Ayaaz asked these ministers : “ Which is more important, the Royal Decree or the pearl ? ”

The question we pose to ourselves is : “ Which is more important, the command of my Allah or the desire of my heart ?”

The desires of the heart are akin to pearls, which appear to be quite beautiful but we should not fulfil these desires at the cost of breaking the decrees of Allah Ta’ala.

Break your fast a few minutes early? by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb Rahmatullahi 'Alayhi

For many years, without fail, I have been giving an example in the month of Ramadaan, that at the end of a very, very hot and long day of Summer, a person is sitting at the dastarkhaan (table cloth), close to the time of Iftaar, waiting patiently to open his fast. There is just 3 minutes left for the setting of the sun when he is told: "Eat! .. , What difference will it make if you break your fast now? What is another 2 or 3 minutes? ... You have already stayed away from food and drink for almost 15 -~ 16 hours."

 

Even if this happens to be the weakest Muslim, in respect to obeying Allah Ta'ala, he will respond: "It is the ruling of the Qur'aan and the Ahadith that I break my fast after the setting of the sun and not before that time. It is the command of Allah Ta'ala and I cannot disobey Him."

 

The weakest person's Imaan becomes so strong at this stage of his fast, that he will not break his fast. He will refuse to break his fast, even if the world's great personalities have to say so.

So we should question ourselves and also answer truthfully: Is it not the Hukm, the Command of that same Allah, to perform Salaah five times a day and for the men, in the Musijd, in Jamaat as far as possible? Is it not the Command of that same Allah to correctly discharge our Zakaah, perform Haj, treat our parents with love and respect, be faithful to our wives and treat them with compassion and vice versa for the wives, be honest in our business dealings and be kind and just to those under our authority? 

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Taken from here

A New Month, An Old Goal

I had thought in July that every day I would update my blog. I was slightly behind from the start, but was determined to make it so that I had 31 entries in July. 

I guess Allah Ta'aala had different plans though. It seemed that when my Shaykh Rahmatullahi 'Alayhi departed from this world, my inspiration and zeal went into hiding. Though the skies outside may have been clear, the world of the heart was covered with rain clouds. The excitement I had for this Ramadhaan came crashing down. No longer I could listen to my Shaykh live, no longer would I receive his letters, no longer would I receive his du'aas. Finally I could truly understand the Marsia-e-Thanwi of Khwaja Majzoob Rahmatullahi 'Alayh, especially these verses

"Ye reh reh ke uff kis ki yaad aa rahi hai

Ye kyoon dil mein teesay hai uff is balaa ki"

although I still cannot translate them too well.

But the clouds are moving as time goes by, albeit rather slowly. And Insha Allah this month of Ramadhaan/August, my goal is to post something everyday. After all, the blog was not really started as a place to type out my inspirations and epiphanies, rather to post advices of my Shaykh Rahmatullahi 'Alayhi as well as other Lovers of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala.

Seeking once again for a new guide is a hard task, and especially a burden on a still healing heart. Yet the seeker must have faith and strive. For, if Allah guided him once, then will Allah not guide him again?

I request for du'aas from all the readers.