Where is the Mercy?

I was looking out of the window today and saw my cat, who was approaching somebody. Said person picked up a stone and threw it at her. She winced and came to the door; I let her in. There was a rather ugly and sad feeling in my heart and I felt like crying.

Why is it that we are without mercy towards the creatures of Allah Ta'aala? Where has the mercy fled to? Have we forgotten the following Hadeeth from Musnad Ahmad?

“Show mercy so that you may be shown mercy, forgive and Allah will forgive you.”

The Favours of your Lord

I received a rose as a gift yesterday from a friend I never met, via another friend I only met twice.

Alhamdu Lillah for the favour of friends whose friendship is based on mutual love for the sake of Allah Ta'aala.

Alhamdu Lillah for the favour of the beautiful sight and scent of the red rose and the prickly thorns that accompany it everywhere.

And not to forgot tasting a fruit I had never eaten before, the jamun.

فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

Align Yourself Correctly

A few points from today's After Fajr Tafseer by Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Daamat Barakaatuhum.

- People look to align themselves with those they consider honourable. This so called honour may be based on their wealth, name, fame etc. However, seeking to align oneself with such a person and thinking one will gain honour through this is naivety. Worldly things like wealth and fame will disintegrate to nothing, if not sooner, then later. If one seeks honour, one should seek it from Allah Ta'aala, as He is the one who dispenses honour upon whom He wishes. One should align oneself with Allah, His Rasool Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam and the believers, and then he shall truly be honoured.

Stay away; it may look pretty but is harmful

- If there are people who are ridiculing and mocking the verses of the Qur'aan, desist from sitting with them until and unless they completely change the subject. If one stays with such people, then that person will also be counted among those who are mocking the Qur'aan. An example would be if someone insulted ones parents. Would a person continue to sit happily among such people? No. A person will do his best to defend his parents, and if such insult continues he will leave that place.

- The same thumb rule is for sitting with those who interpret the Qur'aan in ways that do not conform with the interpretations of the Sahabah Radhiya Allahu Anhum. They may use all the flowery language or scientific terms they wish; however if their words do not conform to those interpretations of the Sahabah, one should desist from sitting with them and keeping their company.

- A person will be raised on the Day of Judgement with who he aligned with in this life. The munafiqeen will be raised together with the kuffar and judged thus as well. On that day all will truly see who has triumphed and who has honour.

May Allah Ta'aala give us tawfeeq.

Adapted from today's after Fajr Tafseer of Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb (27/3/2012)

For Live Streaming, click HERE

Boundless

 Ya Rabb mere gunah ki go intihaa naheen
Lekin Tere karam ki bhi to intihaa naheen

Oh Lord, though my sins are boundless
Your Grace, as well, is indeed boundless

~Hazrat Hakeem Akhtar Saheb Daamat Barakaatuhum 

Dil ko Agar Chamkana ho - If You Wish to Illuminate Your Heart

 

Dil ko agar chamkana ho to kar lo zikr-e-Illa Allah, Illa Allah,  Illa Allah*
If you wish to illuminate your heart then do the zikr of Illa Allah, Illa Allah,  Illa Allah 

La Ilaaha Illa Allah, Muhammadur Rasulullah
There is no one worthy of worship except Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah

Koi batae daryaaon ko aysi rawani kis ne di?
Pray tell, who made the rivers flow this way?

Kis ne chamakta din bakhsha hai, raat suhaani kis ne di?
Who bestowed the shining day, who granted the pleasant night?

Nanna munnay paudon ko gulshan mein jawaani kis ne di?
Who matured the seedlings into a rose garden?

Wo yaktah, qudrat bhi yaktah, yaktah hai mera Allah!
He is unique, His power is unique, my Allah is unique!

Socho zara Fir'awn ke ghar mein Moosa ko paala kis ne?
Think for a moment, who nurtured Moosa in the palace of the Pharaoh?

Ghaur karo machhli ki shikam mein Yunus ko rakha kis ne?
Ponder over this, who kept Yunus inside the belly of a fish?

Pehle aag mein daala aur phir aag ko phool kiya kis ne?
Who first put him in the fire and then changed the fire into flowers?

Uske naam ke gun gaate hain Ebrahim Khaleelullah
The praises of His Name are sung by Ebrahim Khaleelullah (the friend of Allah)

Jin ko aana tha sab aa gayen, sirf Qiyaamat Baqi hai
Those who had to come have come, only Qiyaamat is left

Suraj ke sholaykehte hain "Hashr ki shiddat baaqi hai."
The rays of the sun proclaim, "The intensity of Hashr (day of Judgement) remains."

Mawt jisay kehti hai dunya wo bhi haqeeqat baaqi hai
That truth which is known as death by the world still remains

Ab to nikaalo yaaro apney dil se khiyaal-e-Ghayrullah
At least now, do remove from your heart thoughts other than Allah, oh Friends!

Sura-e-Rahmaan parh kar kar lo apne dil ko noorani
Enlighten your heart with the recitation of Surah Rahmaan

Roshan roshan qalb-o-jigar ho, jagmag jagmag peyshani
Let the heart and soul be illuminated and let the forehead shine

Dil mein khuda ka naam basaa lo, baat karo tum Qur'aani
Cultivate the name of Allah in your heart and speak only in the light of the Qur'aan

Chamkalo kirdaar ko aisa log kahe "Masha Allah!"
Polish your character to such an extent that people say, "Masha Allah!"

*Illa Allah- Except/Only Allah

40 Durood

This was recited in Musjid-us-Saaliheen last year in a Zikr Majlis by Mufti Muhammad Rawat Daamat Barakaatuhum.

Moulana Yunus Patel saheb would encourage us to use our imagination in good thoughts. So, imagine standing before Nabi Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam and reciting these 40 durood for him.

SubhaanAllah. May Allah Ta'aala give us all the tawfeeq to love His Beloved as he deserves to be loved. Ameen.

Hayaa

Munzir bin Zubair (R.A.) once sent a very fine, superior quality cloth as a gift to Hazrath Asma (R.A.), the daughter of Hazrath Abu Bakr (R.A.). She had lost her sight, hence she took the fabric in her hand and felt it carefully. 

Then with disappointment she said: “Return his gift to him.” 

When the cloth was returned to Munzir (R.A.), he was hurt at this. He came to Hazrath Asma (R.A.) and said to her: “O my Mother, the cloth is not transparent! (hence it is fine if you wear it).” 

Hazrath Asma (R.A.) replied: “If it is not transparent, it will still reveal the shape of the body (due to being very thin).” 

 (Hayatus Sahaabiyaat, v.3, pg. 169)

Taken from Al-Haadi Newsletter

Vol 19 n02

A Seeker's Plea

Oh Allah, listen to my plea
As tears of repentance stream from my eyes
Let the blood of slain sins drench my blackened heart
Let the sword of taqwa cut deep within my soul
Let the fire of love consume me and grant new life
And let me solely be Yours
And You become mine

Eh Mere Datta

This is a poem by Hazrat Khwaja Majzoob Rahmatullahi 'Alayh. It is known as Eh Mere Datta.

This recitation is by Moulana Yunus Patel Rahmatullahi 'Alayh. He recited some verses from this poem in his last Zikr Majlis in Durban before leaving for the Haramain and eventually staying there forever, as decreed by the Most Merciful Allah.

May Allah Ta'aala grant all of our pious predecessors Jannatul Firdaws, Ameen.

On Judging and Migrating

A few points from today's after Fajr Tafseer by Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb.

- A person is judged by his outer conduct and behaviour. If a person outwardly seems like a Muslim, we will term him as a believer. However if a person outwardly commits clear acts of disbelief like worshiping an idol or wearing a cross, we will term him as a disbeliever.  We will not say 'we do do not know what is in his heart'. We are not tasked to find out what is inside a person's heart; that is left to Allah Ta'aala. We must go on the obvious.

- There are two classes of believers

1. Those who strives in the path of Allah Ta'aala
2.  Those who are obedient servants but do not strive like the first class.

Allah Ta'aala has promised both these classes great reward, so one should not despise the other. However one should keep in mind that striving in the path of Allah as well as other duties are compulsory according to need. This is known as Fard al Kifaayah. For example, teaching and imparting knowledge of deen, calling people towards Islam, fighting for the cause of Islam, etc. If these are groups that is seeing to these duties, then these obligations no longer fall upon the rest of the Muslims. If the case is not so, then it is the duty of the Muslim community to ensure that these duties are being accomplished.

- If a person cannot practice deen where they are currently living, it is obligatory for them to leave their homes and migrate. The land of Allah Ta'aala is very vast. If it was obligatory on one to migrate and one did not do so when he had the means to, his abode in the Hereafter is a very evil abode.

- The exception to the above are those people who are very weak and downtrodden; they do not have the means to travel nor do they know which path to take. For these people there is hope that Allah Ta'aala will forgive them; Allah Ta'aala removes all sins and He forgives again and again.

- Whoever leaves his home for the sake of Allah Ta'aala, he will find a lot of refuge, spacious and wide. Whoever leaves his home for the sake of Allah Ta'aala and death comes to him as he is migrating, his reward is promised to him.

Adapted from today's after Fajr Tafseer of Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb (19/3/2012)

For Live Streaming, click HERE

Peace

"Not with world, and neither with wealth nor household,
The heart begets peace only with remembrance of Allah.
What tranquility is associated with Your name?
Sleep comes even on a bed of thorns."

Taken from Wisdom for the Seeker

by Shaykh Zulfiqar Ahmad Naqshbandi

 

Jaam o Meena ki Hai Farawani

I have decided that I will Insha Allah upload audios on my blog that I really like.

The following poem is written by Hazrat Hakeem Akhtar saheb, Jaam o Meena ki hai Farawaani. It is one of my favourites.

It is sung by a former student of (if I am not mistaken) Madressah Zakariyyah, South Africa. This took place while Hazrat Hakeem Akhtar Saheb was visiting the Madressah in the 90s.

Without the Order of the Lord

Sukun-e-dil utarta hai falak se ahle-taqwa par
Bidun hukm-e-Khuda sciencedaan phir kayse paajata

Peace of the heart decends from the skies upon the upholders of taqwa
Without the order of the Lord how can a scientist attain it?

This couplet is from Hazrat Hakeem Akhtar saheb's poem Sukun-e-Dil, which I have mentioned more than once on my blog.

The reason this verse came to me today was because my husband had been reading on Albert Einstein. While Einstein's theories are all well accepted and he has all the fame in the world, there was still something lacking in his life. Taqwa. And due to lack of taqwa, he indulged in many things which were obviously wrong.

Others were the same. Though their names were high and they had fame, there was lack of fidelity, lack of honouring fellow man, dishononesty, distrust, etc; they had no peace and neither did the ones who suffered due to them. The reason for this is simple; they believed their abilities were from their own selves, and not from Allah Ta'aala. And when Allah Ta'aala is (na'oozu Billah) taken out of the equation, then a person will do whatever he/she feels is rights, irrespective of the consequences to oneself and/or others.

This is not exclusive to scientists only. A person can be the most respected 'Aalim in the world, he can be the dean of the most prestigious Islamic University. However, if he too lacks taqwa, then there is no way he will attain peace of the heart. Taqwa and peace of the heart are partners; you cannot attain one without the other.

May Allah Ta'aala grant us all taqwa and peace of the heart. Ameen.

Faqihul Ummah: Family Ties

Summary of Letter

Bismihi Ta’ala

Respected Mufti Saheb

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu

 My mother is always very angry with me and bears enmity towards me. Therefore I have severed all ties with her and my brothers. Please advise me what I should do.

Summary of Reply

Bismihi Ta’ala

Respected Brother

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu

To respect and honour your mother is of fundamental importance. To stop talking and severing ties with her is a means of great deprivation. Likewise it is an extremely detestable act to cut off ties with your brothers. In the Hadith it is stated: “Join ties with the one that cuts ties off from you, forgive the one that has oppressed you and extend good treatment to the one who has illtreated you.” Never keep your focus towards the ill-conduct of people and towards how they have hurt you. Instead focus towards what your response should be (that you should respond with good character and excellent conduct). You may have read the following saying of Sheikh Saadi (Rahmatullahi Alayh):

 

“To return evil with evil is very easy. If you are brave and courageous, then return the ill-treatment of others with kindness.” (Tarbiyatut Taalibeen, pg. 208)

Taken from Al-Haadi Newsletter,

vol 19, #02

Assalaamu Alaikum- the Greeting of Muslims

This is the greeting that Allah Ta'aala has blessed Muslims with. It was initiated from the time of Adam Alayhis Salaam and will continue in Jannat. This is also the greeting that the angels use.

One should try to understand the excellent virtues and merits of 'Assalaamu Alaikum'. When a person greets another with "Assalaamu Alaikum," it is not simply a token of love, rather it is a reminder of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala.

How? The word As-Salaam is actually the name of Allah Ta'aala given in the Qur'aan. When you are greeting another Muslim, you are also remembering Allah Ta'aala. In a gathering when a person remembers Allah, he is the best person. So in effect, this is why the person who greets first will be the better of the two people who are greeting. This is not only a rememberance of Allah by the one greeting, but it is also a reminder of Allah Ta'aala to the one he is greeting.

'Assalaamu Alaikum' is not only a greeting; in fact it is also a du'aa. 'Assalaamu Alaikum' means 'May peace be upon you'. This means you are making a du'aa that this person is taken care of and protected by Allah.

One may also add the words 'Wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh' to 'Assalaamu Alaikum'. This would be extending the du'aa; along with Allah's protection, you are asking Allah Ta'aala to send His mercy and blessing upon the one you are greeting.

After having understood all that is implied when greeting someone with 'Assalaamu Alaikum' or 'Assalaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh' it is impossible for the one greeting to have enemity for the one he is greeting.

May Allah Ta'aala give us tawfeeq to follow upon the beautiful sunnah of greeting fellow Muslims with 'Assalaamu Alaikum'. Ameen.

Adapted from today's after Fajr Tafseer of Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb (16/3/2012)

For Live Streaming, click HERE

Reflect Some More

Reflect some more and asked yourself, "What is my purpose in life?"

Is it to eat? An elephant can eat more than 100 kg per day. Can I eat more than that?

Is it to sleep? A polar bear sleeps the whole winter through. Can I manage that?

Is it to be athletic and acrobatic? A monkey and cheetah are more fit than I.

Is it to be beautiful? A tiger's coat is more beautiful than my skin.

So then what?

Thankfully, Alhamdu Lillah, Our Lord Most Merciful has clearly defined the purpose of our lives. 

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنْسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ

I have only created Jinns and men, that they may serve Me. 

Reflect

Yesterday's after Asr majlis was very inspiring. I thought to share some of the wisdom of Hazrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb.

Unfortunately, nowadays all ibaadat have become a ritual; there is no life when following the diffent ibaadat one does throughout the day. How can we bring life into our actions? By reflecting, contemplating.

Take the example of ghusl (taking bath/shower) on Jumu'ah.

• When you remove your clothes, imagine that someone is removing the clothes off your dead body.
• When you wash your body, imagine that someone is washing your dead body.
• When you wear your clothes, imagine someone is clothing your dead body with a shroud.
• When you are driving to the masjid, imagine someone is driving your dead body to the masjid for your salaatul-janaza (funeral prayer).

Take also the example of the nature around you, say the sky. How big is the sun, yet how small does it look to us? Look at the night sky. How many stars and galaxies are there for us to look at? How many stars are there that dwarf the sun Allah has chosen as our light and heat source? How big exactly is this universe that Allah has created? If the universe is so huge and awe inspiring, then how great must the Creator be?

When you reflect in such a manner, you realize how small you are and how great Allah Ta'aala is. When such a realization comes forth, then the end result can only be asking Allah Ta'aala for forgiveness and a good end where Allah is pleased with you. 

Thus, as your understanding grows and your emaan becomes stronger and brighter, it will be impossible not to keep away from sins and increase in good deeds.

May Allah Ta'aala give us all tawfeeq, Ameen.

The Rejected Dog

Mullah Ali Qaari  (Rahmatullah ‘alaih), in his commentary of Mishkaat Sharief, which is entitled  Mirqaat, states that Shaytaan is like a dog, outside at the door, having been chased out by its owner. 

My Sheikh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum), had explained in one of his talks that some people who own palatial homes, keep huge dogs from foreign countries. 

What are these dogs kept for? …To bark at people when they come. In doing so, these people are kept at bay and are thus unable to enter that house. 

What would happen if a person, wanting to enter the house, begins to fight that dog? When that dog barks viciously and threateningly, the person challenges the dog :  “I’m going to fight you.”. The dog barks, so he also barks at the dog … and the bark of some dogs is like the roar of a lion. 

If this person engages the dog in a barking contest, he is not going to enter that house. All he has to simply do is ring the bell. The master of the dog will come out and he will address the dog in some code language. The dog will then drop its tail and sit down, or it will then move away. Is not this the sensible thing to do? …Just summon the master of the dog.

Turn towards Allah

Therefore, when this Shaytaan barks  (whispers), then don’t argue with him. Don’t bark back. His knowledge is  extensive . He has got the knowledge of all the Shariats. At such times, read ‘Ta’awwuz’… “A’oozu billahi minash shaytaanir rajeem.”  Seek protection in Allah Ta’ala from the mischief  of this rejected dog, Shaytaan. Allah Ta’ala did not direct us to challenge and fight Shaytaan. He did not also say that we punch, kick, boot and shoot him. Allah Ta’ala says : ‘You turn towards Me.’

It is mentioned in the Qur`aan Sharief :  “And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaytaan then seek refuge with Allah. Verily, He is All-Hearer, All Knower.” (Surah Al-A’raf  7 : 200)

This Shaytaan is the dog of Allah Ta’ala that does not want the believer, in fact, all of mankind to come to Allah Ta’ala. Shaytaan knows that if a person has to establish ‘nisbat’ (a connection) with Allah Ta’ala and enjoy the sweet taste of obedience to Allah Ta’ala, he will then never go towards anything sinful. 

Since Shaytaan does not want any of us to receive Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy and enjoy the bounties of His Eternal pleasure, he will then surely bark.

Don’t waste time and energy fighting a rejected dog; turn towards Allah Ta’ala and He will grant protection.  

Taken from Combatting the Whispers of Shaytan pg 18-20

by Moulana Yunus Patel Rahmatullahi Alayh

LINK

 *****

I highly recommend those who suffer from doubts and troublesome thoughts to read this book. This has indeed helped many people.

Believe in His Will

A few points from today's after Fajr Tafseer:

1. Those who exchange the lives of this world for the lives of the Hereafter are the receivers of great reward, whether they are seen as the victors in this world or the losers.

2. The kuffar measure victory and defeat according to wordly affairs. They do not believe in taqdeer, ie that whatever Allah Ta'aala has destined is what will happen. 

3. One should always have strong trust and belief in Allah Ta'aala and His will. We must always keep in mind that whatever happens is according to His wisdom. Yes, we adopt means; however, the results are left in the hands Allah Ta'aala.

4. Shaytaan and his tricks are weak and feeble before Allah Ta'aala.

Point 4 reminds me of something I read in a book of Moulana Yunus Patel Rahmatullahi Alayh which Insha Allah I shall post in my next blog entry.

Adapted from today's after Fajr Tafseer of Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb (11/3/2012)

For Live Streaming, click HERE

The Lion of Allah

Born as a soldier, raised as a warrior, hunter by nature and a lion by signature.  He is hailed as one of the greatest men of this nation. His name struck terror in the hearts of his adversaries whilst it induced strength and pride in the souls of his comrades. The pages with his name are known as the golden pages of Islamic History.  This soldier was none other than the uncle of the Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam, Asadullah Abu ῾Umārah Hamzah ibn Abd al-Muttalib (radiallahu anhu).

Read the rest here

True Sufi

I saw a holy man on the seashore wounded by a tiger.
No medicine could relieve his pain; He suffered much,
But he nevertheless constantly thanked God, the most high, saying,
"Praise be to Allah that I have fallen into a calamity and not into sin".

*****

Taken from tasawwuf.org

At Fajr

There are two houses that turn on a light in a room at Fajr.

The light in the first house is in a room which contains a musalla (prayer mat) amongst other things.

The light in the second house shines in a room in which there is a picture of Sai Baba.

The first room is used to worship Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, the Master of all creations.

The second room is used to worship a man who was made of flesh and blood and eventually succumbed to death.

All Praise be to the Most Merciful Allah who chose His slave in the first house to be guided to Him.

Who to Follow?

A few points from today's after Fajr Tafseer by Hazrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb

1. There are two different categories of commands in the Qur'aan. 

a) Clear commands- These are those commands that have no ambiguity in them. When one reads such a command in the Qur'aan, one knows immediately what is required and will need no further explanation eg. salaah, fasting.

b) Unclear commands- These are those commands that have a degree of ambiguity in them. It is unclear what one in required to do in such a situation. This is when one must refer to those who are in charge of the Islamic affairs and Muslims as they have better understanding as they have sacrificed their whole lives for this purpose, like the Khulafa-ur-Raashideen (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali Radhiya Allahu Ta'aala Anhum Ajma'een).

2. If there are disputes in the carrying out of commands, first refer to Allah Ta'aala and His Rasul Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam. If there is no clear injunction as what to do, refer to those who are in charge. They will see into the essense of Shari'ah and tell us what to do. An example of this would be women going to the masjid for salaah. During the time of Umar Radhiya Allahu Anhu, both he and Aisha Radhiya Allahu Anha agreed that if Rasulullah Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam was alive at that time, he would not have permitted women to come to the masjid.

3. If one believes in Allah Ta'aala and the Last day, follow the teachings of Nabi Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam and those in charge of Islamic affairs ie the Khulafa-ur-Raashideen.

4. It may be that one feels his opinion is more worthy of being followed, but one should realize that the safest route is to follow the teachings of Allah's Nabi Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam, the Khulafa-ur-Rashideen, the Taabi'een and the four great Imaams, Imam Abu Haneefah, Imam Maalik, Imam Shafi'ee and Imam Hanbal Rahimahumu Allahu Ta'aala Ajma'een.

Adapted from today's after Fajr Tafseer of Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb (8/3/2012)

For Live Streaming, click HERE

Keeping One's Heart Focused

Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi saheb mentions a method so that one's heart remains focused whilst reciting Qur'aan.

Before one begins recitation, one should think,'If my close family and friends were to ask me to recite Qur'aan before them and I begin reciting Qur'aan so that they may listen, how exactly would I recite? Would I make a big show and recite with tarteel*, or would I recite in any way without paying much attention?'

After this one should ponder, 'Allah Ta'aala has ordered me to recite the Qur'aan and He is listening to me; His pleasure is more necessary than the pleasure of my close ones'.

With this thought, one should begin recitation. If in the midst of recitation one has forgotten this thought, discontinue recitation and refresh the thought in ones mind.

Insha Allah in a few days this feeling shall remain intact.

Adapted from Malfoozat Hakeemul Ummat

vol 12, pg 123

*Tarteel is to recite the Qur'aan in a slow, measured tone.

Note: Jazakumullahu Khairan to those who helped me in translating some Urdu words. Baaraka Allah.

Follow the First Man

Something interesting I heard yesterday in Mufti Ebrahim Salejee's after Asr Majlis, which I thought to repeat in my own words.

Mufti saheb was mentioning that one should always be humble. When one is humble, this brings forth the favour and blessings of Allah Ta'aala. On the other hand, when one becomes arrogant, this displeases Allah Ta'aala.

An example of each would be as follows:

-Iblees the accursed disobeyed Allah Ta'aala. When he was taken to task for this, instead of humbling himself, he became arrogant and further questioned Allah Ta'aala.

-Adam Alayhis Salaam made a mistake of eating from the forbidden tree. He and his wife Hawwa Alayhas Salaam where sent down to the earth for this disobedience to Allah. Instead of becoming arrogant, they humbled themselves and turned to Allah Taa'ala with grief and repentance. Allah Taa'ala accepted this humility from His two slaves and honoured and favoured them.

May Allah Ta'aala give us tawfeeq to follow the first man, our father Adam Alayhis Salaam and instill humility and humbleness within ourselves. Ameen.

Balance Sheet

The end of the financial year brings along a flurry of activity in the business world. Stocktaking, preparing of financials and other related aspects aregiven top priority. The crucial question at the end of the exercise is: “What am I worth?” If the balance sheet indicates huge assets and little or no liabilities, one is elated. Otherwise there is gloom and sadness. Indeed Halaal wealth in the possession of a pious person is a great blessing. Besides being a means of comfort and ease for him in this world, he will use this gift from Allah Ta’ala to earn the Hereafter. His wealth will not be wasted on sinful or futile things. Instead the orphans, widows and destitute will benefit from it. He will also spend it in the many avenues of uplifting Deen . Thus the wealth will become valuable when spent in the correct manner. However wealth itself does not contribute to how much a Muslim is “worth”. His real worth is based on the wealth within him – not on what is outside. If the angel of death arrives NOW to take one away from this temporary abode, the millions on the balance sheet will be of no avail. It is the inner-wealth reflected on the balance sheet of one’s book of deeds that will show how much one is really worth.

Capital

The capital in the real balance sheet is the wealth of Imaan. How wealthy a person is in terms of Imaan is reflected in his obedience to the commands of his creator and refraining from sin. Thereafter the qualities of the heart and the values of a person will determine how much he is worth. Foremost among the qualities that make a person extremely “wealthy” is akhlaaq (good character). The worth of the one with good akhlaaq has been explained in many Ahadith. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said: “The believer with most perfect Imaan is the one with the best akhlaaq (Tirmizi).” In another narration it is reported that the one with good character will be among the most beloved to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasal lam) and will be among the closest to him on the day of Qiyamah (Tirmizi). Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) also declared that on the day of Judgement nothing will be more weighty on the scales of good deeds than good akhlaaq (Tirmizi).” The details of good character have been explained in various Ahadith, the crux of which is the following: To join ties with those who sever relationship, to forgive those who oppress, to return ill-treatment with kindness, to talk with kind words, to be humble, not to harbour malice, etc. Such a person is worth very much. He will have a very impressive balance sheet on the day of Judgement.

Prosperity of Heart

Another great wealth is contentment. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has declared: “Owning much possessions does not make one wealthy. Indeed real wealth is the prosperity of the heart (i.e. having contentment) (Bukhari).” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) is also reported to have said: “Indeed he is successful — the one who accepts Islam, is granted sufficient sustenance and Allah Ta’ala has blessed him with contentment upon that which he has been given.” Therefore a Mu’min’s balance sheet will reflect great contentment among the fixed assets. Among the aspects that increase one’s true worth are:

* Taqwa: The person of Taqwa is the most noble in the sight of Allah Ta’ala. Taqwa is achieved by refraining from all sin.

* Humility: The one who humbles himself for the sake of Allah Ta’ala, Allah Ta’ala will elevate him.

* Striving to uplift Deen: Such a person is among the most beloved to Allah Ta’ala.

* Generosity: Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: “A generous person is close to Allah Ta’ala, close to Jannah, close to people and distant from hell (Tirmizi).”

Other major assests of inner-wealth are sincerity, hayaa (modesty and shame), respect, patience, love, tolerance, simplicity, etc.

Love and Care

While the abovementioned qualities will be the only wealth that will count on the day of Judgement, even in this world people are loved and appreciated due to such values and qualities. Wealth is not everything. For instance many elderly people are showered with money and gifts by their children and others. Yet they are heartbroken. While they appreciate the gifts, what they need most is the inner-wealth – love. They need some really wealthy child or person — one whose heart is filled with the wealth of love and compassion — to care for them, spend time with them and show them true affection and love. Such a person with the wealth of love and compassion is worth more than all the billionaires of the world combined. While taking stock and drawing up the balance sheet to ascertain one’s material wealth, let us take time to take stock and reflect on how much of inner-wealth we have acquired. If not, our real balance sheet will only reflect liabilities on the day when it will be too late to remedy the situation. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the true wealth and make us successful when our “stock” will be taken on the day of Judgement. Aameen.

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Taken from Al-Haadi Newsletter

vol 19, #2

Do not be Jealous!

A few points of today's tafseer by Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb

1. What is jealousy? Jealousy is when you hope and long that a favour another has been blessed with be removed from them and granted to you.

2. Jealousy was the first crime which caused the downfall of Shaytaan. Due to jealousy he disobeyed Allah Ta'aala, and hence became accursed.

3. The Jews were jealous that the last Prophet did not come from Bani Israil, rather Rasulullah Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam came from Bani Ismail. This jealousy was what stopped them from following the truth even though they knew it to be the truth. What made this jealousy of the Jews even more foolish was that both Bani Israil and Bani Ismail came from Ebrahim Alayhis Salaam.

4. There is a hadeeth something to the effect that jealousy eats away our good deeds like fire eats away at wood. There is another hadeeth something to effect that jealousy and malice are deeds that shave away ones good deeds.

5. Jealousy, in effect, is stupidity; this can be well understood by reading the above point. However another point to consider is that we are all brothers and sisters in Islam. Allah Ta'aala is the one who grants favours upon us. One should not become jealous and turn away from another person upon whom Allah Ta'aala has favoured. That person is your brother/sister in Islam, and hence a favour upon him is like a favour upon you. We should be happy when another is favoured by Allah Ta'aala. We must also realize that Allah Ta'aala has favoured us in countless ways as well. So, rather than always looking at what others have, we should look at how blessed we are.

May Allah Ta'aala grant us tawfeeq to keep away from jealousy. Ameen

Adapted from today's after Fajr Tafseer of Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb (5/3/2012)

For Live Streaming, click HERE

Be Careful- About Knowledge and Curses

A couple of points from today's tafseer by Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb

1. Simply having knowledge of Islam is not sufficient for a person's salvation. There were jewish men like Ka'b ibn Ashraf who were learned in their religion, yet that did not avail them when they were under pressure and forsook that which they believed in. 

Along with knowledge, a person must have taqwa and he must supress his nafs until suppresing the nafs becomes second nature. Likewise, a person's relationship with Allah Ta'aala should stop being formal and become natural. 

2. La'nah (ie curse of Allah) is when a person is thrown away from the mercy of Allah Ta'aala. This is the reason why a Muslim should not curse anyone specifically, even a non Muslim. The only persons one is permitted to curse is those whom Allah Ta'aala has cursed. For example

• Those Allah Ta'aala has cursed in the Qur'aan, like Abu Lahab, the Dhaalimeen (oppresors), the Kaazibeen (the liars) etc
• Those involved in interest
• Those involved in alcohol
• Homosexuals
• Men who dress like women and women who dress like men
• Those who tattoo themselves
• Those who pluck their eyebrows

When a person sends a curse on a specific person, the curse goes up to the heavens. The heavens closes its doors on it, not allowing it through. The curse then returns to the earth; however the earth as well refuses to accept it. The curse then goes to the one who was cursed. If the person is found deserving, then the curse will be upon him. However, if the person is not found deserving, the curse returns to the one who sent it out and afflicts him. Hence, one should be extremely careful in these matters and not take cursing another person lightly.

May Allah Ta'aala grant us all taqwa and keep us away from those actions which bring down His curse.Ameen

Adapted from today's after Fajr Tafseer of Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb (3/3/2012)

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What a Sweet Name!

Allah Allah een che sheerin ast naam
Sheer o shakkar mee shawad janam tamam

Allah Allah what a sweet name!

The whole of my life has become like sweetened milk

Three Types of Shirk

There are three types of Shirk

1. Shirk in the sifaat of Allah Ta'aala
This is when a person thinks that another has the qualities that Allah Ta'aala has. For example, thinking someone to have knowledge of the unseen.

2. Shirk in the tasarruf of Allah Ta'aala
This is when a person thinks that another has the power and control over creation as Allah Ta'aala does.

3. Shirk in ibaadat of Allah Ta'aala
This is the most common known type of shirk. This is when a person believes another to be worthy of worship besides or alongside Allah Ta'aala.

 

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Adapted from today's after Fajr Tafseer of Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb (2/3/2012)

For Live Streaming, click HERE