Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Fading Fast

 Suhail lay on the dirty road, eyes staring up at the dark night sky.

A moment ago he had been walking, on his way to the market to buy yet another item his wife had forgotten to write on the grocery list. It was extremely necessary for her to have that item right now, in her opinion. Not one to fight and argue unnecessarily, he had once again left the house to return to the store he had already been to twice in that evening.

Two bangs had sounded, followed by stinging pain, and he had toppled onto his back.

He barely blinked when he saw three men run in his direction. Two kneeled down beside him; one grabbed his head roughly and pushed it up into the flash light that the other man was shining.

“You fool!” snarled one of the kneeling men after a moment. “He’s the wrong one!”

The other cursed before pulling out a gun, probably the same gun that was used before. “He might tell others,” he muttered.

“Leave him,” said the one who was standing. “You are so hopeless; you'll need all the bullets for our actual target.”

“If I am so bad, why didn’t you shoot? Huh?”

“I am worse,” was the reply with a shrug.

The three men left and Suhail was left in the middle of the road, wondering if anybody would be coming to help him… though he was sure it was too late anyways. The first bullet had hit somewhere around his spleen and the second hit his lungs. At this time of the night, not many walked by, and he felt too weak to move.

Resigned to his fate, he let his mind wander. His wife would be upset in half an hour, wondering why he was late. An hour later she would probably call his mother, thinking he had gone to visit his parents. He hoped they wouldn't argue, at least not tonight.

His children were already asleep. He wondered how they would feel when they found out their Papa was no longer there for them. The older one would cry… the younger one, would thankfully be too young to know Papa was not there.

He could not bear to think about his mother and father.

There were many things he had done that he wished he had not. There were many things he could have done but had not been able to. He wondered if he had ever been, even once in his life, the ideal husband, father and son.

But most importantly, the ideal slave to Allah Ta'aala.

He sighed as he closed his eyes. The time for all that could have been was gone and there was only the now that was fading fast.


I do believe in one Allah, and I do believe Muhammad Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam was His last prophet and messenger…

A smile came to his face as he remembered a verse he would hear often from his teacher.

Even though I am amassed with sins, where else can Your slave go, my Lord?
Your slave has come to Your door with hopes of Your Grace

*

He was found the next morning, cold and stiff, a peaceful smile on his unusually bright face.

~ Bint Mahmood

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

The Purpose of my Life, the Reliance of my Existence ~ by Hazrat Hakeem Akhtar saheb


A friend of mine had asked a while back for the meaning of this poem. I finally, Alhamdu Lillah, managed to translate it. I hope the translation is correct. If anyone notices any mistake, please mention in the comments. Jazakumullahu Khairan!

 
Hai issi tarah se mumkin Teri raah peh  guzarna
Kabhi dil peh sabr karna, kabhi dil se shukr karna


This is the only way to traverse upon Your path
Having patience within the heart, being grateful with the heart

Ye Teri raza mein jeena, ye Teri raza mein marna
Meri 'abdiyat peh Ya Rabb ye hai Tera fazl karna


To live with Your pleasure, to die with Your pleasure
This, my Lord, is Your grace upon my servitude

Yahi 'aashiqon ka shewa, yahi 'aashiqon ki 'aadat
Kabhi girya-o-bukaa hai, kabhi aah-e-sard bharna


This is the way of lovers, this is the habit of lovers
To weep and cry, to take deep sighs (of longing)

Yahi 'isqh ki 'alaamat, yahi 'ishq ki zamaanat
Kabhi zikr ho zubaan se, kabhi dil mein yaad karna


This is the sign of love, this is the security of love
To mention with the tongue, to remember in the heart

Meri zindagi ka haasil, meri zeest ka sahaara
Tere 'aashiqon mein jeena, Tere 'aashiqon mein marna


The purpose of my life, the reliance of my existence
(is) To live by Your lovers, to die by Your lovers

Mujhay kuch khabar naheen thi Tera dard kya hai Ya Rabb
Tere 'aashiqon se seekha Tere sang-e-dar peh marna


I had no idea what Your (pain of) love was, Oh Lord
I have learned from Your lovers how to die at Your doorstep

Yeh Teri ataa hai Ya Rabb, ye hai Tera jazb-e-pinha
Mera nala-e-nadaamat Tere sang-e-dar peh karna


This is Your blessing Oh Lord, this is Your hidden attraction
That my weeping of repentance is at Your doorstep

Mera har khataa peh rona hai yahi meri talaafi
Tere rahmaton ka sadqa mera jurm-o-'afw karna


Crying at my mistakes, this is my only recompense
My sins and their remission is by Your charitable mercy

Teri shaan-e-jazb hai ye, Teri banda parwari hai
Mere jaan-o-dil ka tujh ko hama waqt yaad karna


The glory of Your attraction is such, the cherishing of Your slaves is such
(that) My heart and soul be eternally in Your remembrance

Kissi ahl-e-dil ki suhbat jo milli kissi ko Akhtar
Usse aa gaya hai jeena, usse aa gaya hai marna


Oh Akhtar, know that he who associates with an 'ahl-e-dil'*
He now knows how to live, he now knows how to die

*ahl-e-dil means someone who is a 'person of the heart', meaning a lover of Allah Ta'aala. 

Concern for Acceptance

Once, Shaikhul Hind Moulana Mahmoodul Hasan (rahmatullahi alaih) was seen in deep thought while he was in prison (due to waging jihad against the English). On being asked the reason, he replied, “I don’t know if all of this is accepted or not.”

Despite their great efforts with sincerity, our elders always had their gaze on their hearts as to whether what they are doing is correct or not and whether it would be accepted in the court of Allah Ta’ala or not (Discourse of Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi rahimahullah).

Saturday, May 19, 2012

The Effect of Sincerity

In the 60s when the Arab/North African countries were gaining their independence, Moulana Yusuf Rahmatullahi 'Alayh decided to dispatch various 'ulama to different countries. Moulana Umar Palanpuri saheb Rahmatullahi 'Alayh was sent as well.

Moulana Umar Rahmatullahi 'Alayh gave a talk one day. Out of the many, only a single man stayed behind to listen to the talk. Moulana saheb gave a two hour long talk for this single man.
Ikhlaas ~ Sincerity

However, in the end he realized that this man was deaf! Out of respect, this deaf man had decided to stay back and 'listen' to Moulana saheb's talk. Rather than feeling heart sore, Moulana saheb decided to write down the six points* and give it to this man.

A few years later, Moulana Umar Rahmatullahi 'Alayh travelled to that same place. He came to discover that the very place he had given a two hour talk to a deaf person... that place was now a markaz!

This is the power of Allah Ta'aala. He does not need an army; a single Moulana and a single man who cannot even hear were enough for His work. 

What counts is the sincerity and the belief that Allah Ta'aala is the one one who is in control of all that happens.

*****

Adapted from Saturday Majlis of Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb

* The six points referred to here are mentioned frequently in Tableeghi Jamaat. They refer to six qualities that were possessed by all of the companions of Rasullullah Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam.
They are as follows 
  1. Emaan ie the Kalima La Ilaaha Illa Allah Muhammadur Rasulullah
  2. Salaah
  3. 'Ilm and Zikr ie Knowledge and Remembrance of Allah Ta'aala
  4. Ikraamul Muslimeen ie Helping out ones fellow Muslims
  5. Ikhlaasun Niyyah ie Sincerity of Intention
  6. Da'wah and Tableegh ie Inviting people to Islam 

Thursday, May 17, 2012

The Canary Song

Thought I would share my canary singing. The budgies can be heard in the background. It always amazes me the sounds that can come out of such tiny birds. Subhan Allah!


Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Dunya ke ai Musaafir - Oh Traveller of the World



Dunya ke ai musaafir manzil teri qabr hai
Tey kar raha hai jo tu do din ka yeh safr hai


Oh traveller of the world, your destination is your grave
The passing of this journey is only of two days

Dunya bani hai jab se lakho karoron aaye
Baqi raha na koi, mitti mein sab samaaye
Is baat ko na bhulo, sab ka yahi hashr hai


From when the world came to be, lakhs and crores have come
No one remained, all where confined into the earth
Forget this not; this is the fate of all

Ankhon se tu ne apni kitney janaazay dekhay
Haathon se tu ne apney dafnaaye kitnay murday
Anjaam se tu apney kyoon itna be khabr hai


How many funerals have you seen with your own eyes?
How many bodies have you buried with your own hands?
Why are you so oblivious of your eventual end?

Makhmal peh sonay waley mitti mein so rahe hain
Shaahon, gadaa baraabar, ek saath so rahe hein
Dono huwe baraabar, yahi mawt ka athar hai


Those who slept on velvet are now sleeping upon soil
Kings and beggars are the same, sleeping next to each other
Both have become equal, this is the consequence of death

Ye aali shaan banglay kuch kaam ke naheen hai
Ye unchi, unchi building kuch kaam ki naheen hai
Do guz zameen ka tukra chhota sa tera ghar hai


These magnificent bungalows will be of no use
These high, high buildings will be of no use
Your house is indeed a small two guz piece of land

Mitti ke putlay tujh ko mitti mein hai samaana
Ek din he tu ke ayaa, ek din he tujh ko jana
Rehna naheen hai tujh ko, jaari tera safr hai


Oh puppet of clay! You shall reside in dust
One day you did come, and one day you shall leave
You are not here to stay; your journey is continuous

"This is My Islam!"

"This is a true story of a Niqabi sister in France.

After picking groceries in the supermarket, the Niqabi sister stood in the line to pay. After few minutes, her turn came up at the checkout counter. The checkout girl who was non Hijabi Arab Muslim girl started to scan the items of the Niqabi sister one by one and then she looked at her with arrogance and said, "We have in France many problems, your Niqab is one of them!! We, immigrants, are here for trade and not to show our Deen or history! If you want to practice your Deen and wear Niqab then go back to your Arab country and do whatever you want!!”

The Niqabi sister stopped putting her grocery in the bag and took off her Niqab… The checkout girl was in total shock! The Niqabi girl who was blond with blue eyes told her, ”I am a French girl, not an Arab immigrant! This is my country and THIS IS MY ISLAM!! You born Muslims sold your Deen and we bought it from you. And Allah says:  

'If you turn away, Allaah will replace you by another people, and they will not be like you.' (47:38)"

*****

I read the following at this link and thought to share.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Ya Rajaa'ee (Oh my Hope) by Meshary Al Arada



شاطيء في يديه كفارة للخطايا وشاطيء في يديه كفارة للخطايا ذهبت يوما إليه بأدمعي وشقايا ورحت ألقي عليه تبتلي وهدايا
 
I, alongside my tears and my wretchedness
Went to a seaside that had the expiation of my sins, 
And I proceeded to establish myself being cut off from sins 
And to establish my guidance 
([by saying:] Ya Rajaa'ee, Ya Rajaa'ee...)

ذهبت يوما ونفسي جريحة تتعايا وللمعاصي عواء مدمدم في الحنايا كأنه صوت ذئب تغافلته الحشايا أو نوح ثكلى أهاجت لها القبور خفايا أو صرخة ليتيم تلطفته الرزايا حملتها وكأني حملت هول المنايا وجئت ندمان أسجي إلى المتاب خطايا
 
 I went one day whilst my soul was injured feeling extreme [spiritual] pain 
And my sins were howling so loud that it was dumduming away in the corners [of my soul], 
As if it were a sound of a wolf unnoticed by large slow-moving cattle, 
Or the wailing of a woman whose child died which made the graves speak of their secrets, 
Or the cry of an orphan to which even all other calamities spoke of their consolement [to the orphan]. 
I lifted my soul up as if I had lifted my worst nightmares up, 
And I came to the place of repenting feeling sorry
Pushing my footsteps on, 
 ([and said:] Ya Rajaa'ee, Ya Rajaa'ee...)


رباه عفوك إني للنور مدت يدايا نزعت أسرار قلبي وجئت ألقي أسايا وأشتكي طي صدري يوما سحيق الطعايا به بدأت ولكن لم أدر ما منتهايا لم أدر يأسي فيه ولا عرفت هدايا ولا عرفت ظلامي ولا عرفت ضحايا ولا لغيرك دوى يا رب يوما ندايا
 
My Lord, I seek Your forgiveness. 
My hands have spread for Your light. 
I have pulled out the secrets of my heart and I have come to show my grief. 
I complain to you of my heart being closed from guidance on a day (i.e. my life) that is full of cruelties. 
I started my day, but I don't know how it shall end. 
I don't know of my hopelessness in this day, 
nor do I know whether I am guided. 
I don't even know my night or my day, 
Nor do I know of any call apart from yours, my Lord, the day I am called [for account]. 
([So my Lord, I can only say:] Ya Rajaa'ee, Ya Rajaa'ee...)

إليك أنت صباحي مصفد في مسايا فاسكن ضياءك إني ظمئان ضل صدايا لم أدر من أي نبع أسقي جنين الركايا شط لان فيه أضفي المغافي حشايا رحماك يا ربي اني وزورقي والخطايا في لجة ليس فيها من الضياء بقايا جفت وغابت ولكن مازلت أسجي رجايا
 
Oh Lord! My morning is shackled up in my evening [so I have no light]. 
Place your light, as I am thirsty [of guidance], 
My calls for guidance have gone unanswered. 
I don't know from which waterspout [i.e. how] should I give water [i.e. strength] to a newly-found well [i.e. my desire to find guidance]... [tough words couldn't translate them]... 
I ask of your mercy, my Lord. 
I and my small boat, alongside with my sins, are in tidal waves to which no light can reach. 
We have are nearly been turned over and nearly disappeared into the sea of destruction, 
but I still quietly hope of your mercy. 
 ([So my Lord, I can only say:] Ya Rajaa'ee, Ya Rajaa'ee...)
*****
Translation found online

Repeat Programme- Shariah Compliant Business Campaign


Sunday, May 13, 2012

Friends

If I am a ship then you are the anchor of gold
Keeping the ship in place against storms so bold

If I am a buzzing bee than you are the perfumed flower
Taking from the rose's riches, nourished by His Love and Power

If I am a parched land then you are the spring rain
Watering my dying heart and alleviating my pain

If I am a traveller then you are my companion, my friend
Holding my hand to guide me, all the way til the end

That our souls were to meet was not by mistake
It was decreed by our Creator as ultimate fate

For benefit it has for this seeker's heart
In this world and the next, let us not be apart

***

Another poem dedicated to those who are friends for the sake of Allah Ta'aala.

Truly such friends are a rare and precious commodity that should be valued.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Being Cautious

Received this in email and thought to share. Originally from Al-Haadi.

*****

Moulana Zuhurul Haq Sahib (rahmatullahi alaih) used to be in charge of the kitchen at the madrasah’s annual jalsah. His work kept him in madrasah, but he never ate from the madrasah meals. He sent for food from his home. His degree of caution was such, that he would not even taste the salt of the food during the preparation of the meals. Instead he would call a student to taste it, though this tasting was not for his benefit, rather for the madrasah.

Moulana Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri Sahib (rahmatullahi alaih) was seated on the madrasah cushion which is provided for the asaatizah to use whilst teaching. Someone approached him for some personal mashwara. At once he got up and sat at another spot. When he was asked about the reason for his moving, he replied: “The cushion has been provided by the madrasah for teaching and not for personal mashwaras. Through the caution of our Ulama, there was such barkat in their knowledge and their students, that it brightened up the entire world.

(Discourse of Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi rahimahullah).

Friday, May 4, 2012

Bismillah


Eh Dosto Sab Mil ke Kaho - Oh Friends, All Together Proclaim


Eh dosto sab mil ke kaho, Apney Rab ko yaad karo
Usne Nabi ki ummat se hamein peyda kiya Subhaan Allah

Oh Friends, all together proclaim, remember your Lord
He has blessed us with life in the ummat of Nabi Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam, Subhan Allah

Allah Allah Allah Allah Allah Allah

Gulshan, gulshan mehek uthay, arz o samaa sab chamak uthay
Salli 'Alaa ke taraanon se har su parinday chahak uthay
Kon hai kiski aamad par hai charcha Subhaan Allah

The rose gardens emitted perfume, the earth and the sky began to shine
The chants of Salli 'Alaa drew the chirping of birds from all direction
Who is the one whose arrival has caused all this talk, Subhaan Allah

Allah Allah Allah Allah Allah Allah

Wal Layl siyaahi zulfon ki, chehra Wad Duhaa uska
Saare jahaan ka pyaara hai, Aap muhibb hai Khuda uska
Rab nai banaya jab usko khud Aap ne kaha Subhaan Allah

Hair as black as Wal Layl, face like Wad Duhaa[i]
He is the beloved of the entire world, he is Your beloved too, oh Lord
When the Lord created him, He himself uttered, "Subhaan Allah"

Allah Allah Allah Allah Allah Allah

Jo tera hai wo Mera hai, jo tera naheen wo Mera naheen
Sab teron ko bakhshoonga, kuch ghum na kar mahbub-e-Haseen
Tu chahta kya hai abd Mere zara lab to hila Subhaan Allah

He who is yours is Mine, and he who is not yours is not Mine
I will forgive all who are yours, feel no grief, oh beautiful beloved one
What do you wish oh My slave, just a move of your lips, Subhaan Allah[ii]

Allah Allah Allah Allah Allah Allah

Jesay chaand saja hai taaron se yoon bazm saji tere yaaron se
Siddiq, Umar, Uthman o Ali, mujhay pyaar hai tere pyaaron se
Qur'aan mein Rab ne sahaba ka bara zikr kiya Subhaan Allah

As the moon is decorated by the stars, the universe is decorated with your friends
Siddiq[iii], Umar, Uthman and Ali, I love your beloved ones
The Lord has oft made mention of the Sahaba in the Qur'aan, Subhaan Allah

Allah Allah Allah Allah Allah Allah

Jab Hoz-e-Kawthar par aaqa taqseem karinge khud saagar
Saat unke khaadim bhi hongey, Siddiq, Umar, Uthman, Haider
Farmayenge aaqa ,"Phir Saify, tu naat suna, Subhaan Allah"

When our master will himself distribute water at the Foutain of Kawthar
He will have his helpers with him; Siddiq, Umar, Uthman, Haider[iv]
Our master will order, "Again Saify[v]! Recite the naat[vi], Subhan Allah"

Allah Allah Allah Allah Allah Allah


[i] This verse is referring to the Suratul-Layl and Suratud-Duha. Al-Layl means 'the night' and Ad-Duha means 'the forenoon'
[ii] The dialogue in these verses are Allah Ta’aala speaking to Rasulullah Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam
[iii] Siddiq refers to Abu Bakr As-Siddiq Radhiya Allahu Anhu, the best friend of Rasulullah Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam
[iv] Haider refers to Ali Radhiya Allahu Anhu, the cousin and son inlaw of Rasulullah Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam
[v] Saify refers to the author of this naat
[vi]  Naat refers to praises (especially in regards to Rasulullah Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam)

Call Them

Yesterday there was a talk given by Moulana Mohammad Kaleem Siddiqui in Isipingo Beach. The main theme of the talk was giving da'wah.

One thing Moulana saheb mentioned really struck me, which I shall mentioned below.

Nowadays in many houses we have maids who help out with the work, some even help in the raising of children. Many times these workers are non Muslims.

Moulana mentioned that say a wild stray dog entered a person's house and stepped onto burning coals and burnt its paws. How would that person feel seeing that injured creature. He does not even like dogs, yet seeing the pain the poor creature is going through causes him pain and distress.

Now, if that is the case with a dog, then what is wrong with us that we do not feel the same towards the workers who help us our whole lives, some who even raise us since childhood? How heartless are we that we can watch someone walking towards the eternal fire yet do not try to save that person! The least we can do is warn them and call them towards safety.

May Allah give us all the tawfeeq to give da'wah. Ameen.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

A Mountain of Courage-Hira

‘Oh Allah, You can see me, can’t you? Oh Allah, You can see me, can’t you? Oh Allah, You love Hira, don’t you? You love the Cave of Hira, please also love the Hira who is burning in this hole. If I have your love, I do not need the love of anybody else.’

Read the tear jerking inspirational story of a revert girl named Hira. -> LINK

No Excuse!

There was a time when seeking knowledge meant undertaking year long journeys. There was a time when communicating with a spiritual guide meant travelling and staying with him for as long as the guide wished. There was a time when a woman could seek knowledge only through her husband... so if the husband was not pious, chances were the family would not be as well.

And now there is our time. Technology is booming and all sorts of new paths for seeking have opened. A person no longer needs to travel on months to reach a certain scholar. If he wishes, he may take only a day's long journey and reach the other side of the world. 

But an even more simple way that would not even have the person leaving the house would be to use the internet. Alhamdu Lillah, our time is such that we have many scholars who are accessible via email. Not only that, they have many lectures and books online that we may peruse through and gain insight as to how one may closen oneself to Allah Ta'aalah.

Nowadays, we do not have the excuse of not having a scholar nearby. It is our duty to take hold of the ease Allah Ta'aala has provided in our time and make the most of it. Fitnah is immense now, but so is accessibility to true scholars and correct knowledge.

So do not waste time and be lazy. Afterall, sometimes it is only the simple click of a mouse that will start your path towards Allah.

*****

Below I will put a few links to sites where one may find scholars of truth. For more, check the right side of the blog.

Al-Haadi *
Ask Imam
Darul Fiqh
Mufti Online Australia
Moulana Yunus Patel Rahmatullahi Alayh
QAFILA
Tasawwuf.org

*Al-Haadi has a Black Berry pin that one may add to receive their latest programme updates.  
 Pin- 22825527

Also it has been noticed by many that live streaming does not seem to cost any money. I have noticed this myself as I do not have a cent on my phone yet I was able to listen to the live streaming. Alhamdu Lillah for His Blessings.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

The Car Hooter Sounds Good


Our Deen, Islam, consists of many a’amaal (actions). For a’amaal to come alive in our lives, the requirement is knowledge. Thus if our knowledge is correct, our actions will be correct and ultimately our Islam will be correct. Therefore in essence the knowledge we possess is our Deen. We need to be very cautious about whom and where we acquire our knowledge from. The source must be authentic and the person must be reliable. The Great Tabi’ee Muhammad ibnu Sireen (rahimahullah) said: "This knowledge is your Deen, so be extremely cautious regarding its source, (Saheeh Muslim)."

When we buy a car we do not buy it based on the sound of its hooter - that if the hooter sounds good the car must be good. Rather we check its engine and whether it has quality parts that are well assembled and serviced. In the same way when it comes to our Deen, we need to check if the speaker is a qualified ‘Aalim who studied under the guidance of ‘Ulama. He should not be some self-taught internet/google “scholar” who merely sounds good, so we assume he must be good. One of the greatest fears Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) had for his Ummah was the danger of hypocrites who have great command over the language (ie. They have the gift of the gab), (Majma’uz Zawaaid, vol. 1, pg. 445).

 Let us not be fooled merely by a person’s oratory skills and his ability to quote Arabic phrases. Of absolute importance is his “engine” (his heart), his motivation, his intention, his link with his teachers and above all, his commitment to Deen and the Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) said: "Knowledge should only be acquired from the one who has studied it and acquired it in the company of the “Men of knowledge”, he has understood it, he practices on it and he has piety and the fear of Allah Ta’ala coupled with it." (Adabul Ikhtilaaf, pg. 165).

Taken from Al-Haadi