To Allah...

In praise do the seas bow down their waves

In humility do the fields lay down their grass

In fear do the trees tremble their leaves

In submission when will men lay down their heads?

Eed Saeed!

"What do the People Know?"

Yesterday night my grandfather mentioned something that hit very true.

He was rather confused, then he turned to me and began talking about the people in the masjid (he was thinking the house was the masjid). 

He then said in Urdu, "Jante hain lekin maante naheen" meaning "(People) know but they do not accept".

So I asked him in English, "What do the people know?"

He looked at me, as if the answer should have been obvious, and replied. "How to be successful!"

I was struck at how true that statement was. We know how to be successful. This life is a test, but it is an open book one where Allah Ta'aala has given us all the answers so that we may succeed and enter Jannah. However, even after knowing this, we still go against Allah Ta'aala's orders and expect to ace the test! How foolish we are. I am reminded of the following aayah from Surah Mulk.

أَفَمَنْ يَمْشِي مُكِبًّا عَلَىٰ وَجْهِهِ أَهْدَىٰ أَمَّنْ يَمْشِي سَوِيًّا عَلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ

Is then one who walks headlong, with his face grovelling, better guided,- or one who walks evenly on a Straight Way?

How You Live Your Life...

How you live your life influences your thoughts, even when you yourself are not aware.

My grandfather has been living in my house for the last 2.5 weeks. As I mentioned before on this blog, he has Alzheimer's, so most of the time he is not really in the same 'world' as us.

He is either in the masjid in tableeghi jama'aat, at Hajj, or in terminals at the airport, waiting to go for Hajj. The house is the masjid, and we (ie the rest of us in the house) are all the 'jamaat'. Sometimes the house becomes 'Madinah' as well, which is, of course, an honour for us.

How is it though, that he is constantly in this frame of mind? It was not an overnight thing. The way you live your life is what will dictate your thoughts. Alhamdu Lillah my grandfather spent a good period of his life in the service of the masjid as an imam and qadhi, helping people in need, going to Hajj as a guide and going in Tableeghi Jama'at. Before he became sick, the phone in his house was constantly busy with people seeking his assistance. 

Alhamdu Lillah I am blessed to have such a grandfather. May Allah Ta'aala aid us all in spending our lives in such a way that reflect the love for Allah and His Deen.

Something Amazing!

The other night I heard something amazing. My mother mentioned about the author of Noorani Qa'idah, and how much thawabul jaariyah he must be receiving.

For a while I could only think, open mouthed, how much he really must be getting, since so many around the world use this Qa'idah to learn to read the Qur'aan.

Then one can also wonder... how much thawaabul jaariyah must all the first teachers be receiving?

It's Something Amazing!!!

A Good Place for a Lesson

Yesterday night my whole family went to the hospital to visit my grandfather. He was still in the emergency section, but in the observation ward rather than the main emergency. The ward was filled, beds all over with people lying down, some sleeping, some just looking here and there, others eyes open but staring at nothing.

Alhamdu Lillah my dada was sleeping peacefully, pulse and breathing normal. Around me I could hear much sign of other people's discomfort. One person was vomiting and retching very painfully. Another lady right across from us seemed to have wet her bed. The nurses had to come and changed all the sheets. The lady was in much pain and was continuously making sounds of pain. Just next to her was an old man who was lying in a curled position, pulse 57 beats per minute. For a moment his pulse had stopped completely; it came back fast enough, Alhamdu Lillah.

It was then I realized how helpless these poor people were and how they were so dependent on the help of the nurses and doctors. That's when I truly realized two great blessings of Allah. 

1. Health- Only when you see someone who is ill or become ill yourself do you realize what a great bounty health is.

2. Loved Ones- When you are helpless and in need, you really find out who among your friends and family really do care about you. While some people have no one at all, Alhamdu Lillah my grandfather has had someone by his side the whole time he was there.

May Allah Ta'aala keep us all in good health, physically and spiritually. Ameen.

Sporadic Posting Again

It has been a while since I posted regularly on my blog, and I must apologize for that. It has been quite a busy time since I moved since I have begun teaching. Alhamdu Lillah though, teaching has taught me I still have a lot to learn.

I request du'aa for my grandfather. He had to be taken to the hospital in emergency yesterday by the ambulance. For a moment before we called 911, I thought perhaps he had gone on. It was quite a frightful situation.

I also want to say Jazak Allahu Khairan to the person who made the new banner of my blog. I have no idea myself but am incredibly touched.

Insha Allah I will be trying my hardest to keep posting at least once a week. Request for du'aas.

Your Suffering is Nought

Bismihi Ta'ala

1.) The Ambiyaa (AS), including Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) faced the worst of tests and trials. Thereafter the Sahabah – e- Kiraam (RA) and accordingly many others who were close and beloved to Allah Ta'ala.

Their lives offer us consolation and comfort that what we go through is small in comparison.

Their tests were not ‘small’. Their tests were great. ...Our tests are small in comparison.

No one has placed you on hot, burning desert sand, and demanded that you renounce Islam – and that too, repeatedly, day in and day out.

No one is branding your head with a hot iron rod.

No one is dragging your body over smouldering charcoal.

- as was done to the Companions (RA).

2.) The Sahabah (RA) sacrificed their lives for the Deen of Islam – for Islam to reach us. They wrote the history of Islam with their blood. Their whole life was proof of deep love, sincere commitment and humble submission. 

We cannot even sacrifice our sins. And we engage in those sins using the bounties of sight, hearing, health, strength, money – all of which is from Allah Ta’ala. 

There is just no comparison. 

Taken from this post on Sunniforum.

Reminders of Death

Muraqabah (meditation/remembrance) of death is quite easy over here in the masjid. Every week there is at least two janazah salaah that take place. Two days ago was the janazah salaah of an old lady who was here on vacation. Today was the janazah salaah of two twin baby girls, Fatimah and Khadijah. May Allah Ta'aala make the two babies intercessors for their parents on the Day of Judgment, Ameen.

Edit: There was another janazah as well today.

Dr. Nader saheb said...

My father mentioned a quote he heard from Dr. Nader saheb, who was quoting from Imam Ghazaali Rahmatullahi 'Alayh, something to the effect that,

"There are four branches of deen: 

Da'wah and Tableegh (calling towards Islam and propagating Islam)

Dars and Tadrees (teaching and learning)

Tasneef and Ta'leef (writing and publication)

Tazkiyatun Nafs (Cleansing of the heart)

They are all laazim and malzoom ie they must co exist. Without Da'wah and Tableegh, the rest of the three are lifeless. 

Without the supervision of the rest, Da'wah and Tableegh is fitnah."

The above was said by Dr. Nader saheb with the wagging of a finger, and the adding of "Fitnah hai, fitnah!" ie "Fitnah, it is a fitnah!"

Sharing in Caring!

We hear the saying 'sharing is caring' quite often, mostly parents/elders to children.

The other day one student`s mother told me that her daughter checks out my blog and gets to find many other good sites do to the links in the blogroll and good sites section. 

So many wrong sites get shared everyday. If we find something good, we should share it so that other`s can benefit as well, whether they are related to us in any way or not.

That is caring!

Qur'aan School

I am in a school now, as teacher, not student... although I would love to be a student once more; having been both I can easily say it is much easier to learn than to teach.

The school is run by my father, and focuses mainly on correct recitation of the Qur'aan ie recitation with tajweed. From 9 am in the morning until 12:30 the focus is on Qur'aan. After Zuhr is the academic part. The boys  study in the masjid while the girls study in the women section. Boys nine and older are not allowed to come where the girls are.

Before the actual learning starts, we have an assembly. Assembly is basically where the teacher recites Surah Faatihah and the last ten surahs verse by verse, the students repeating, and then a small du'aa. Today a student led the assembly. Masha Allah, his tajweed and recitation was beautiful.

At 3:30 the morning school finishes and we the teachers have 1.5 hour break. 5 pm until 7:30 is the evening Qur'aan classes. By the time we reach home, it is around 8:30 pm. Quite a long day and tiring!

Alhamdu Lillah though, unlike many, many people in the world, our day is spent listening to children reciting the Qur'aan. I honestly cannot think of a more barkat filled day!

This is the online school for anyone who wants to learn tajweed online. All you need is a headset and a microphone!

Haqeeqat- by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel (RA)

Were we to analyse the eras when Muslims throughout the world were dominant, then we will find that they had the haqeeqat (reality) of Islam in their lives; they were living Islam – happily, willingly and enthusiastically. They understood their purpose in this world. They understood that they had higher and nobler objectives to aspire for, because they looked beyond this life.

Before them was their return to their Creator, to Allah Ta’ala; before them was Aakhirah (the Hereafter); before them was Jannah … and so they exerted themselves in the direction of obedience to Allah Ta’ala and securing His Pleasure.

Allah Ta’ala put into the hearts of people, love for these sincere and obedient servants and granted them success. There was a dynamic effect when people met with these Muslims because they not only had the ‘soorat’ (outer form), they had the Haqeeqat as well. People changed their religion, their culture, their dress and their language because they were seeing the beauty and blessing of Islam.

In the early days of Islam, we see how a small number grew to 500, then 700 and thereafter 1500 - which was something of a great and wonderful accomplishment, considering the odds against the Muslims at that time…

Today, we are plus one billion – but what a difference between the early Muslims and us!

In the 1950s, as a young boy, I recall visiting the museum. There were different animals – wild animals, omnivores, carnivores and so forth… but they were all stuffed with sawdust. And there were signs near the animals, which read : ‘PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH.’

Now would we find such a sign in the Kruger National Park when we go on a safari, wanting to see the Big Five…?

When does the king of the jungle require a sign such as : Please do not touch?

Yet, in the museum, this sign was placed next to the lion because there was no life in that lion. There was no haqeeqat (reality). Even if it was the king of the jungle – he was now stuffed with sawdust. Rats too could nibble without fear because there was no life, there was no worry of even a roar.

Looking at the present scenario of the Muslim Ummah – globally, and we see our likeness to those stuffed creatures. …We have lost that power and supremacy which is otherwise reserved for the Believers.

The majority of Muslims today have no reality. …We have ‘stuffed’ our hearts with the love of dunya and therefore our great weakness and overwhelming incapacity – a prophecy which is so clearly manifest today.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam) said: "The People will soon summon one another to attack you as people, when eating, invite others to share their food."

Someone asked, "Will that be because of our small numbers at that time?"

He replied, "No, you will be numerous at that time: but you will be froth and scum like that carried down by a torrent (of water), and Allah will take the fear of you from the breasts (hearts) of your enemy and cast al-wahn into your hearts."

Someone asked, "O Messenger of Allah, what is al-wahn?" He replied, "Love of the world and dislike of death."

[Abu Dawud and Ahmad]

One billion in number, but how shameful, humiliating and dishonourable that we are subservient to the minority. …Who is influencing the political and economic climate? Who is manipulating global dynamics? … Certainly not the Muslims.

The early Muslims had the reality and spirit of Islam. As such, success and victory was theirs for the taking. On the other hand, we want to conquer the world with soorat (form) or with talks and literature.

Dominance, Supremacy, Power and Authority do not come with soorat. In fact, the majority cannot even be recognized as Muslims – so even soorat seems to fall by the way side.

In one of my trips to Pakistan, I visited someone at his home. There was a bowl of plastic fruit which looked so real – but it was “good for looking”, not good for eating.

Many of us Muslims today are not even good for looking. The plastic fruit was a good imitation - but in our soorat, there is no imitation also… very much like the munafiqeen: neither here nor there.

Success and supremacy come with engendering sincere piety in the heart and living Islam … not selecting what we like and leaving off what our nafs does not incline to.

Allah Ta’ala wants us completely IN Islam.

"O you who Believe!  Enter into the Fold of Islam completely. … "

[Surah Baqarah 2: 208]

This is the recipe of success. But we will have to bring together the correct ingredients to make that “flop-proof” success.

Ya Hayyu, Ya Qayyum

Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, Bi Rahmatika (n)Astagheeth

Oh Ever Living and Protector, I beseech through Your mercy Your aid.

My grandfather, who has Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease tells us to recite this du'aa every day whenever we remember.

No Children as of Yet

To get married is in one’s control but having children is not in one’s control. While adopting the means is within our control, seeing the fruits of the means is out of our control. Allah Ta’ala alone controls everything. A person of Imaan will never get angry nor blame someone for something which is not in that person’s control. The doctor can only explain to the couple the possible reasons for them not having children. Thereafter he may prescribe various medical treatments. His expertise ends at this point. He cannot guarantee the couple that they will have a child. At times we get so engrossed in adopting the various means, that we unconsciously completely forget our Allah Ta’ala, the sole creator and controller of everything.

LINK

More about Signs

Sometimes the most simple signs of Allah can strike you.

For example, I was awestruck yesterday at how two places on the same earth can be so different in fauna and flora.

Flying over South Africa, you see patches of green; flying over Canada, you see the same patches of green. When you get down though, the greens morph into trees that may have looked the same from above but are completely different from leaves to even the bark of the trunk. Acacias stand almost everywhere trees grow in South Africa, yet you will be hard pressed to find one over in Canada. You can find raccoon almost everywhere in Canada, yet will probably not see a single one in South Africa.

And yet another sign that is as amazing is that no matter how different the climates of these two countries are, you will find them abundant in other creations like pigeons and sparrows, grass and dandelions, to name a few.

It's something to think about. No wonder some guides ask their followers to ponder over nature. There are so many signs of Allah in the tiniest of creations if we only take the time to look and think.

'Eed Mubaarak!

Acquiring the love of Allah Ta'ala and His Rasul (Salla Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam)

Summary of Hadhrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Saheb's after Asr majlis on the 26th of Ramadhaan 1433 

The whole effort is to infuse the love of Allah Ta'ala into the heart. Once the love is there, the person moves automatically. The love should be so intense that a person is not prepared to make any compromise with regards the laws of Deen. Five things should be done to acquire the love of Allah Ta'ala and his Rasul (sallallahu alaihi wasallam):

1. Ask Allah Ta'ala to sustain one with his love and the love of his Rasul (sallallahu alaihi wasallam).
2. Follow the ways of Rasulullah (sallallahu alahi wasallam) in the minutest of things.
3. Sit in the company of the lovers (the pious servants of Allah Ta'ala).
4. When doing any action, make the intention that I am doing it for the love of Allah Ta'ala.
5. Ponder over the favours of Allah Ta'ala and his Rasul (sallallahu alaihi wasallam).

 download -> 26th_Ramadhaan_Asr.mp3

Shaheed in Ramadhaan

Subhaan Allah!

We have those who spend time debating the sunnah of the beard...

And then we have those who die to defend the beard!

May Allah ta'aala grant brother Mohammed Fayaaz Kazi Jannatul Firdaws and the reward of Badr for dying to defend a sunnah.

'Moulana Shabbeir Saloojee, the principal of Darul Uloom Zakarriyah, one of South Africa’s leading Islamic seminaries described the death of Fayaaz as that of a shaheed or martyr. “We know that it is very important for us to uphold every sunnat (practice) of Muhammad (peace be upon him) and unfortunately sometimes we meet different challenges in upholding it.”

He added, “Tonight we have the mayyit (funeral) of this shaheed in this blessed month of Ramadan for the sake of the beard of Rasullulah (peace be upon him)…The Noble Quran also tells us with regards to the martyrs that, Bal Ahyah, they are alive in the court of Allah Ta’ala and this this is just a crossing from this world into the next world.” '

LINK 

New Site

Firstly, belated Ramadhaan Mubarak.

May Allah Ta'aala bless everyone this Ramadhaan and give us the ability to make good use of this blessed month. Ameen.

Secondly...

Masha Allah, there is a new site for our beloved community masjid which I thought to share. Please check it out and share.

Musjid us Saliheen

Moments

Moments that have been whittled from my life

Never again will that time be gifted to me

Moments of now and what is still to come

In His servitude let these moments be

Moments of negligence, do remove your shackles

Remembrance of my Creator, do set me free

Only After

Picture taken at Isipingo Beach

Goodbye to Depression

Every second person complains of stress, anxiety and depression. There are three main causes for this:

1. We have shifted our focus from Allah Ta`ala towards our abilities and resources, and towards people around us. Thus, when everything around us fails us, we lose hope in life and sink into a state of  depression. We have forgotten that our Allah Ta`ala alone has placed us in that condition and our Allah Ta`ala alone will remove us from that condition. Our attention and focus should constantly be directed towards the unlimited treasures of Allah Ta`ala and not towards our endless weakness.

 2. We worry and concern ourselves over such things that are beyond our reach, and neither are they in our control. We become overwhelmed thinking about matters that have already been decided by our Allah Ta`ala. Mortal man, however, fails to accept that he has absolutely no say in such issues. Hence we become so involved in matters and things that are beyond our control that we end up neglecting what is in our control. The end result is disorder and helplessness which leads to depression.

3. Sins also lead to depression. It is impossible to be happy if Allah Ta`ala is unhappy with us. Our evil actions are the fuel to the fire of destruction and depression. Righteous actions will fill the heart with happiness.

Taken from  Al-Haadi

Smile

Smile as the red sun rises

Another day has come forth

A chance for cleansed slates

Before Him in His court

My Waves of Pain are not Without Support ~ by Hazrat Hakeem Akhtar saheb

 

Siwa Tere koi sahara naheen hai
Siwa Tere koi hamara naheen hai

There is no reliance except You
There is no one for me except You

Samandar ka sahil, paharon ka daman
Bajuz "Aah!" ke kuch sahara naheen hai

The shores of the sea, the foothills of the mountains
There is no support except for the sigh "Aah!"*

Naheen khatm hoti hai mojain musalsal
Mere bahr-e-gham ka kinara naheen hai

The continuity of the waves come not to an end
My sea of pain** has no shore

Koi kashti-e-gham ka hai nakhuda bhi
Mere moj-e-gham be sahara naheen hai

Even a ship of pain has a captain
My waves of pain are not without support

Ye Akhtar ussi ka hai jo Aap ka hai
Naheen Aap ka jo hamara naheen hai

Akhtar belongs to he who belongs to You
He does not belong to You who does not belong to me

~Hazrat Moulana Hakeem Akhtar Saheb Daamat Barakaatuhum

*"Aah" symbolizes the sigh of love and longing by the seeker for Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala.
** Pain here is referred to as the pain one feels when one is deeply in love yet separated from the lover.

Signs

It has been a while since this blog has been updated, and I must apologize for this. I will not dwell on the reasons, though there are indeed some.

Moving along...

On everyone's favourite forum, there was a thread that I really appreciated. -> Signs of Allah (SWT)

It is amazing to me that nature in all its forms can be the cause of a person turning to Allah and unfortunately turning away from Him as well.

A Muslim who would have visited the Galapagos Island in Darwin's stead would have had a completely different view of things. The Muslim would see the different finches, the flightless cormorant, the marine iguana and realize the Greatness of Allah Ta'aala's power. He would realize that wherever there is a creation of Allah, there is the provision for it as well as the right tool to procure it, even in such an inhabitable place like the island.

A Muslim who watches birds will look in awe when he realizes that Allah gifted every bird a certain beak which is perfect for the kind of food it eats. Take fishing birds for example. There are about 7 different types of beaks a bird that fishes can have, yet you will not see a pelican with a kingfisher's beak and vice versa. You will not see the beak of a flamingo on an avocet. And so on.

How is it that certain animals who eat poisonous leaves will know exactly what sort of clay will counter that poison? How is it certain monkeys know that the leaves of a certain plant will keep the insects from biting them? How is it that certain animals will know exactly where to go to lay their eggs when they have only been there for a few short moments after their birth?

How is it that a baby will instantly recognize its own mother without having seen her?

It is all from Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala. 

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

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).

Link

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

LINK

* 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 

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!

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.

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

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.

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).

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)