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.