amaturrahmaan

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem A Saalik or a person setting out in search of Allah Ta’ala; in the gaining of His Ma’rifat (Recognition), His Love and the love of His Beloved Nabi, Sayyidina Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) must not only be an Aashiq or lover of ‘sweets’ (i.e. of pleasing conditions), but must be prepared to take bitter medicine also, with a willing heart, as proof of his or her Love for Allah Ta’ala. Pain in the body, poverty in the home, other problems outside or in the family should not affect the tranquillity of the heart. The heart must remain ‘Saabir’ (patient) under adverse conditions and ‘Shaakir’ (grateful) over pleasing conditions. May Allah Ta’ala grant us all these ‘Sifaat’[1] which all Auliya possess, but which we lack to a great degree. [1] Sifaat : attributes / qualities

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is`haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum) Allah Ta’ala says in the opening verses of Surah Ar-Rahmaan: “The Most Merciful, Taught the Qur'an.” One of Allah Ta’ala’s Sifaat and noble names is “Ar-Rahmaan” (The Most Merciful). "Ar-Rahmaan" is the One who treats His Creation with gentleness, compassion and kindness and wishes mercy for all of His creation, everywhere, at all times. His Mercy is unlimited and continuously descends upon His Creation. His Mercy encompasses all and everything: “My Mercy covers everything.” [surah Al-A'raaf 7 : 156] The greatest favour of “Ar-Rahmaan" is teaching the Qur’aan Sharief – because it is through the Qur`aan Sharief that man is guided and directed to righteousness, and ultimately gains salvation (Insha-Allah). Our Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakim Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi 'Alayh) had mentioned a beautiful point in regard to these Ayaat (verses): That we, who are occupied in the service of teaching the Qur`aan Sharief, should take the lesson that in teaching the Qur`aan Sharief, the quality of mercy is to be employed. The quality of mercy and kindness must be dominant! We find, from these Ayaat, that there is a great relationship between Mercy and teaching the Qur’aan Sharief! This should be the method of teaching the Qur’aan Sharief so that the love of Allah Jalla Jalaaluhu is nurtured and developed within the heart of the student. It is related in a Hadith that Allah Ta’ala inscribed above His Arsh (Throne), the words: “My Mercy surpasses My Wrath.”[1] Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “The merciful ones will be given mercy by the All-Merciful. Be merciful to those who are on this earth, and the One in the heavens will have mercy on you.”[2] We commence our recitation with Ta’awwuz and Tasmiyah. In Ta'awwuz, protection from shaytaan is sought. ...In this context, protection is sought from anger and hard-heartedness, which is from shaytaan. In the Tasmiyah, Allah Ta’ala chose His qualities of Mercy: Ar-Rahmaan and Ar-Raheem. So the heart immediately connects to the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala on commencing the recitation of the Qur`aan Sharief. …When Allah Ta’ala’s approach to His Creation is with Mercy, then a teacher should adopt mercy when teaching the Qur`aan Sharief. Sadly, we hear and come across incidents of some teachers, who become angry and are even abusive – verbally or physically, when teaching. …Those who give vent to their anger – in any which way their nafs desires – should understand that harshness, hardness and being physically or verbally abusive is a sure way to destroy one’s relationship with one’s students and to undo the great rewards that accrue in teaching Dien. It also earns Allah Ta’ala’s anger and invites punishment. Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi 'Alayh) had said that it is Haraam to hit children when teaching them Hifz. A student entrusts himself and hands himself over to his teacher, with the objective to learn from him. I usually say that if a teacher then abuses that relationship and he hits the student, then even if that student becomes an excellent Hafiz, the hard attitude of the teacher can easily lead to the student developing a hatred for the Qur’aan Sharief, a hatred for the Ustaad and a hatred for Dien. If the end result is hatred, then we have failed miserably. On the other hand, if the student did not become a Hafiz, but due to the good character – the mercy, kindness and compassion of the teacher - he loves the Qur’aan Sharief, loves Dien and he loves the Ustaadh, then such a teacher is 100% successful! Hadhrat Moulana Masihullah Saheb (Rahmatullahi 'Alayh) had told me, with great attention and emphasis, that to become Hafiz is not Fardh. However to become obedient to Allah Ta’ala, to become pious and righteous is Fardh. …Sometimes, a student tries memorising the Qur`aan Sharief, but struggles in his efforts and is unable to do so. So we should keep in mind that even if he does not become a Hafiz, he should leave us as a friend and Lover of Allah Ta'ala. This will be achieved if we, who are teaching Dien, become friends and lovers of Allah Ta'ala. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) had said in respect to mercy and harshness: “Gentleness beautifies everything. Harshness disfigures.” [3] Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu 'anhu) had narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:"Indeed Allah is gentle and loves gentleness, and gives to gentleness that which He does not give to harshness."[4] In yet another Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: "He who is deprived of gentleness is deprived of good."[5] Allah Ta’ala mentions in Surah Aal-Imraan about Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) : ‘Thus, it is due to mercy from Allah that you deal with them gently. And had you been rough or hard-hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you…’ [surah Aal-Imraan 3 : 159] Mufti Muhammad Shafi Saheb (Rahmatullahi 'Alayh) had explained in his Tafsier, Ma’ariful Qur’aan that harshness, in behaviour or language, is poison for that person who is engaged in the work of Dien or is an Imam entrusted with the duty of conveying the message of Allah Ta’ala to others. Being harsh, severe, rough or even cruel wipes out a good end result and turns an opportunity for achievement into failure. So Allah Ta’ala says in this Ayah that if Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) had been harsh, his companions (Radhiyallaahu 'anhum) would have dispersed – they would have left him. …This much should be sufficient for any Ustaadh to understand that he would lose his students, or they would become distant from him, if his approach is severe and hard. Ultimately, harshness would be detrimental to the person himself because his knowledge will then not benefit others - if people keep away. This reminds me of an incident related by our Sheikh (Rahmatullahi 'Alayh): When Hadhrat Hasan Basri (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) was born, his mother took him to Ameerul Mu’mineen, Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu 'anhu) for Tahneek. …Tahneek is a Sunnah, another special practice in Islam, where a pious person chews a piece of date or anything sweet and places it onto the palate of the child. Together with this, the pious person is requested to make Du‘aa for the child. It is hoped that the effects of the piety of the person will fall upon the child and he will grow up to be pious and righteous. After the Tahneek, Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu 'anhu) made two Duas for Hadhrat Hasan Basri (Rahmatullahi 'Alayh). These were: 1.) O Allah, give him a deep understanding of Dien. Make him an Aalim, a Faqih. 2.) O Allah, make him beloved to the people. [i.e. make him beloved in the eyes of people.] SubhanAllah, what a wonderful, comprehensive Dua! Without having the correct understanding of Dien, there will be deficiency in one’s knowledge. And where there is love, one’s knowledge can benefit the creation. Where there is dislike, resentment, hatred, one’s knowledge does not reach the creation or benefit the creation. So we can gauge the importance of good character - of mercy and kindness, patience and tolerance! Furthermore, Allah Ta’ala describes and gives the title of “Rahmatul-lil-Aalameen” to Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam)], except as a Mercy to the worlds. [surah Al-Ambiyaa 21 : 107] And Allah Ta’ala mentions that one of the duties of Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) – who is this Mercy to the worlds - is teaching the Qur`aan Sharief : هُوَ الَّذِىْ بَعَثَ فِى الْأُمِّيّٖنَ رَسُوْلًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُوْا عَلَيْهِمْ اٰيٰتِهٖ وَيُزَكِّيْهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتٰبَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ ق وَإِنْ كَانُوْا مِنْ قَبْلُ لَفِىْ ضَلٰلٍ مُّبِيْنٍ ۙ “He it is who sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger (Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam)) from among themselves, reciting to them His Verses, purifying them (from the filth of disbelief and polytheism), and teaching them the Book (this Qur`aan, its Laws and Jurisprudence) and Al-Hikmah (The Sunnah). And verily, they had been before in manifest error.” [surah Al-Jumu’ah 62 : 2] SubhanAllah! We see, in so many different ways, that we are being taught that mercy is the key quality for a teacher – especially for that person teaching Dien and even more so, for the person who is teaching the Kalaam of Allah Ta’ala. Of course, there is a need for discipline and correction. There is a need to establish rules. There are times when a teacher has to be firm. However, a good teacher will think before taking any disciplinary measures. He or she will exercise prudence and caution in his relationship with his students and will not just reprimand or punish, off the cuff. In fact, when angry or frustrated, the best course of action is to remain silent. When the anger has subsided, then a decision can be made – otherwise an unjust reprimand or punishment will only bring about harm to oneself. We should also reflect if our anger is due to our nafs or due to a sincere desire that the student progresses. Often it is our nafs and if it is due to our nafs, then that would be Zulm. And Allah Ta’ala does not tolerate Zulm. On one occasion, whilst in Makkah Sharief, Hadhrat Moulana Shah Masihullah Saheb (Rahmatullahi 'Alayh) was asked: “Must we be only soft and let everyone just do what they want to?!” Hadhrat Moulana (RA) replied: “When did I say that you must not put the wrong, right? I say: Don't do so in the state of anger. …Keep four things in mind: 1.) Never take any action in the state of anger. An angry person is like a person who is in under the influence of liquor. In this case one is under the influence of anger. 2.) Never use foul language, or be vulgar or oppressive. 3.) Explain to the person the wrong he has done. …In many cases the person is not even aware that he has done anything wrong. 4.) Explain the solution to the problem, so that it does recur in the future." On one occasion, a great Aalim and Sheikh reprimanded his student, more than was called for. Due to this excess in reprimanding, the Sheikh himself was deprived of reading his Fajr Salaah the next day. He missed reading Fajr, in its time. He was deprived of Fajr Salaah in Jamaat the day thereafter. On realizing his error, he sought forgiveness and made amends. In conformity with the Sunnah, a teacher will be mild in his temperament, yet firm on the Commandments of Allah Ta’ala. There will not be any laxity and disregard when it comes to the Commands of Allah Ta’ala. There will not be compromise in regard to Dien and there will not be any acceptance or allowance where there is some grave wrong being committed. There is the well-known incident of Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaahu 'anhu) reading the Taurah in the presence of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) kept quiet but the colour of his face changed due to anger. …We must understand that the previous scriptures were not kept and preserved in their pristine form and even if they were, they are cancelled by Islam. The people made changes and additions which mislead mankind. Therefore, it is not permissible to just read such books to draw benefit or guidance. When it was brought to the attention of Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaahu 'anhu) and he saw the face of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), he immediately said: “I seek refuge with Allah from the wrath of Allah and the wrath of His Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). We are well pleased with Allah as Rabb, with Islam as religion, and with Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) as the Nabi.” Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) then corrected him, saying: "By the One in Whose Hand is Muhammad's soul! If Musa were to appear before you and you were to follow him and leave me, you would be going astray and leaving the straight path. And if he were alive and heard of my Nubuwwah, he would follow me." Other narrations also disclose those times where Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) expressed his displeasure and corrected the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallaahu 'anhum). A teacher will also smile at his students and be cheerful – so that he is approachable and accessible to his students, that they may feel comfortable to ask him questions and discuss with him. Due to his kindness and compassion, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would speak about matters besides Dien; worldly matters that related to his companions (Radhiyallaahu 'anhu). By accommodating the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallaahu 'anhu) and others, love increased and naturally, where there is love, there is obedience. This was the wonderful understanding Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) had taught us of human psychology. He thus sought to make people feel at ease and comfortable because by doing so, the people would derive maximum benefit. When we study the Seerah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), we find perfect balance and justice in his approach to people and a perfect methodology in teaching. No matter who the person may have been – no matter how uncouth and bad-mannered - Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would not reciprocateexcept with noble character and beautiful speech. All of this made manifest the elevated and great character of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam): وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلٰى خُلُقٍ عَظِيْمٍ ◌ “And you are surely on an excellent standard of character.” [surah Al-Qalam 68 :4] The Ulama are described as the heirs of the Ambiyaa ('Alayhimus Salaam) and should thus introspect whether there is resemblance to the speech and behaviour of the Ambiyaa ('Alayhimus Salaam). Those teachers who are wont to be abusive to their students should reflect over the concern and fear for accountability and the Hereafter, as well as the justice that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) possessed. On one occasion, during Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam)’s last illness, he sat on the mimbar and addressed his Sahabah (Radhiyallaahu 'anhum). After praising Allah Ta’ala, he said: “If I have ever beaten any of you on his back, let him come and avenge himself by beating me on my back. If I ever abused anyone, let him come and abuse me. To dispute is not part of my nature, nor does it appeal to me. The one of you who is dearest to me is the one who has a right against me and claims it. By so doing, he releases me, and I will be able to meet Allah with nothing held against me by any person.” May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding, bless us all with the noble character and demeanour of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and the Taufeeq of following in his footsteps in teaching Dien and interacting with others. [1] Sahih Bukhari [2] Sahih Bukhari [3] Sahih Muslim [4] Ibn Majah [5] Sahih Muslim Link to blog : http://hameediyyah.blogspot.com/

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem In India, one will find certain people who play the flute to charm snakes. …The snake ‘drowns’ in the sweetness of that sound. In this manner, the snake is caught. These snake catchers have learnt the art of catching snakes and they have learnt the skill of removing the poison of the snake. Thereafter, they ‘play’ with that python and cobra – since it is under their control. What one learns from this is that one has to first learn the art of charming snakes; then the biggest snake too will be under one’s control. This world is akin to a snake – a very dangerous one. The Ahlullah are such people who have mastered the art of controlling the snake of ‘Dunya’ . They take out its ‘poison’ from the heart (Hubbud Dunya), and thereafter make use of it. By keeping the company of these Ahlullah, we too will learn how to remove the poisonous effects of the world and how to make use of the world, without giving our hearts to it. Otherwise we will become victim to its fatal poison. The poison of “Hubbud Dunya” will then consume the heart, make the person ‘ghaafil’ (negligent), lead him into sin and can be the means of ruin and destruction, of not only one’s Aakhirah, but even one’s worldly life. Greed, jealousy, rivalry, pride and a host of evils are the offshoots of hubbud Dunya. May Allah Ta’ala purify our hearts, give us the recognition of this fleeting worldly life, and the Taufeeq of attaching ourselves to Allah Ta’ala.

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem The Blessed month of Ramadaan came like seasonal rain and passed by. This rain did not water the plants and crops - it showered upon the hearts of the Believers. …It is sad, but true, that the hearts of the majority of Muslims were stricken with spiritual drought and spiritual decadence. It was a drought caused by excessive indulgence in un-Islamic activities, immoral behaviour, unjust actions, unfair dealings and so forth. …Drought caused by lack of rain destroys crops - drought caused by lack of piety, lack of fear of Allah Ta’ala and lack of Allah Consciousness destroys the SPIRITUALITY of the heart. Ramadaan's spiritual rains brought to life the Masaajid and other prayer places. Ramadaan had fanned the dying spark of charity. Ramadaan had awakened the spirit of tolerance, patience and sympathy for the less fortunate. Now that we come to the end of Ramadaan, the big question is: What to do? Did we go through all the spiritual exercises in Ramadaan in order that we may have the freedom to indulge, on Eid day, in all types of immoral, shameless and indecent entertainment and amusement? Did we restrain ourselves from Halaal food, drinks and other pleasures from dawn to sunset throughout Ramadaan, so that we may return with renewed vigour to gambling, drinking, adultery and fornication? Will the spirit of tolerance, mercy, patience, charity, sympathy and the nurtured quality of piety and Allah-Consciousness be still evident or will these noble qualities be shelved until the dawn of the next Ramadaan? Will the Masaajid which were filled on most nights in Ramadaan remain the same or will they become empty, wondering where the faithful have gone? Our life-styles after Ramadaan will show whether we used the month to bring about a total reformation within ourselves or whether we wasted the valuable opportunity. The National and international position of the Muslim communities is something we are all acquainted with. Muslims are lamenting the loss of lives, destruction of property, oppression, tyranny, injustice and a host of other problems afflicting the Muslims all over the world. They are questioning as to why the promised help of Allah Ta’ala, to the Believers, is nowhere in sight. …However, just one glance into the lifestyles of the overwhelming majority of the Muslims is sufficient to answer the question. Millions of Muslims do not have much to their credit besides Muslim names. Allah Ta’ala's help comes with ‘aml’ (action) and true Islamic qualities; not with names or faces - or whether Arab or non-Arab, African or European, Chinese or Indian. On the other hand every group, organization, society or individual who talks Islam, seems to have got its own brand of Islam. The Islamic teachings which were left behind for us, crystal clear and pristine pure, have become so adulterated with foreign customs, alien practices and un-Islamic ideologies, that a new Muslim has to make an effort to search for the Qur’aan and Sunnah brand of Islam or remain confused and ignorant. May Allah Ta’ala give us the guidance to resolve that we shall make the Qur’aan and Sunnah our guiding lights and practise Islam as much as possible. If the non-Muslim inhabitants of our country see Islam in the lives of Muslims, they will not require much persuasion to accept our beautiful Deen. by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh)

An Inspirational Eid Message of Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi alayh) Bismihi Ta'ala In a world, which has become rather strange and peculiar, we find in the quest for peace, nations of the world are waging wars of devastation and destruction against each other. World governments look towards war as the solution for peace. Greed and selfishness are considered as the key to the success of man. ...In the clamour for justice, injustice towers over and above, in all its ugliness. Instead of peace, freedom, success and justice, man finds himself shackled under the yoke of more and more tribulations. Despite billions of dollars being expended for all types of sophisticated technology to establish law and order, and eliminate crimes of theft, murder, bribery, corruption, rape, fraud, hijackings and so forth, crime has not been eradicated, nor reduced by any percentage; rather there has been and there is a daily escalation in all criminal offences. Frequent get-togethers of the so-called master minds of the world, summit conferences and high level discussions have all failed to provide a solution to the economic, political, cultural and social problems of man. Man is a created being and only Divine guidance can solve his problems. The reality is clear: The heavy arm of the law on its own, just legislation, the imposition of fines and jail sentences, cannot and will not solve problems that face mankind. The only sure deterrent to crimes of all kinds, is firm conviction and belief in our Creator, a life hereafter and a day of judgement, where complete justice will be meted out. These are long term solutions, and solutions that were proven to give the best results and create the best societies on the face of the earth. The obligation of fasting in the month of Ramadaan for the Believers, men and women, who are sane and healthy, is a clear message to mankind that unrestricted indulgence in fulfilling the desires of one's base or animal self has to be curbed for some time, to give an upliftment to one's spiritual self. The object of fasting, as described in the Holy Qur’aan, is “so that you may guard against evil.” During the auspicious month of Ramadan, a fasting person abstains from food, drink and sexual relations from dawn until sunset, in obedience to the command of his creator. The month is a training whereby the Believer's trait of God-conscious is nurtured. Even though he may be in place of total privacy and seclusion, on the hottest day of the year, he does not submit to the temptation of sipping even a few drops of water for he is convinced that he cannot evade the sight of the All-Observing Almighty. If the spirit of fasting were to become a reality in the society of Muslims who have observed the fasts of Ramadaan and has advanced our piety, then mankind would see a society in which every person becomes the guardian of the respect, honour, property and possessions of others; a society in which the needy, the poor, the destitute, and the under-privileged are taken cared for; a society in which honesty, chastity, nobility, kindness, compassion, mercy and forgiveness shine forth like the midday sun; a society in which no harm is caused to any human or animal without a just reason; and a society in which material progress does not bring about a moral collapse. Eidul Fitr signifies the end of this fasting period and is a day of joy and thanksgiving, but despite being a day of celebration, the day commences with an additional prayer after sunrise, reminding the believers that the object of fasting must be fully borne in mind even after Ramadan. A believer must be aware of the fact that he was made to observe the fast to become God-conscious, pious and self-restraining. His natural inclinations to eating, drinking and fulfilling his sexual passions were curbed for a month from dawn to sunset – the willpower to abstain from all evil and totally submit himself to the will of the Creator should now be easy for the months to follow. Ramadaan was a golden opportunity for the Muslim community to bring about a total transformation in all spheres of their lives. Eid and the days to follow are opportunities to demonstrate the moral upliftment and spiritual elevation gained through fasting by showing compassion, mercy and kindness towards the creation of the Almighty. Whilst conveying to the Muslim community best wishes for a happy Eid, I make a humble appeal to every Muslim brother and sister to keep the spirit of fasting alive – Let obedience of Allah Ta'ala shine forth from this day forward. Let the rest of mankind observe the effect that fasting has in changing the outlook of a believing Muslim. Let the world observe a community free from all sins, crime and vice and let us be an example which is worthy of emulation and of others accepting Islam.

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is`haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum) Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur`aan Sharief: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil).” [surah al-Baqarah 2:183] Allah Ta’ala has presented us with the Qur’aan Sharief and it offers us the complete prescription for our Islaah, as well as perfect and easy direction to acquire Taqwa - self-restraint and piety. The month of Ramadaan is presented to us as a lofty medium and a unique and an exceptional prescription by which we obtain this noble quality of Taqwa. The following beautiful analogy came to mind on reading the verses from Surah al-Maa`idah: “Eesa, the son of Maryam, said, ‘O Allah , our Lord, send down to us a dastarkhan [spread with food] from the heaven to be for us a festival for the first of us and the last of us and a sign from You. And provide for us, and You are the best of providers.’” [surah Al-Maa`idah 5 : 114] This is not being presented as a Tafseer of the verse; rather, it came to mind that in this blessed month of Ramadaan, Allah Ta’ala lays out a spiritual dastarkhan (a large tablecloth spread) for the Ummah of His Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Ramadaan offers us a dastarkhan, spread with heavenly and spiritual foods. In this worldly life, we find that it is common – especially amongst the non-Muslims - to have five, seven and nine course meals. …I was surprised to read that in formal dining – amongst the non-Muslims, a full course dinner can consist of 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 16 courses, and, in its extreme form, in previous times, there used to be upto twenty-one courses. And these elaborate and extravagant courses were and are spread over three or four or five hours, which include starters, appetisers, soups, salads, the main meal, desserts, etc. ...The Hadith Sharief confirms that the disbelievers eat far more than the Believers: Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Umar (Radhiyallalu anhu) narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:"The believer eats in one stomach, and the disbeliever eats in seven stomachs."[1] This was said in explanation about a person who used to eat excessively. On accepting Islam, his eating was considerably less than before. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) thus mentioned the difference between the eating of a Believer and Disbeliever. Alhamdulillah, we learn from our Ulama that this Dien of Islam and this quality of Imaan reduces the unwholesome habit of eating excessively; it diminishes gluttony and greed. A true Believer easily suffices on less food – on simple and healthy food – in comparison to the Disbeliever. There is moderation and balance in the eating of the Believer. Also, when a Muslim eats, he follows the Sunnah of commencing with the name of Allah Ta’ala. He says : “Bismillah…”. In so doing, shaytaan, has no share in his food – so his food suffices for him. His food draws blessings from Allah Ta’ala. The disbeliever eats without the name of Allah Ta’ala and shaytaan has his share therein. Thus, his food is never sufficient. Very sadly, we find that many Muslims today, opt to emulate the non-Muslims and have five and seven course meals – which results in extravagance and excessive eating habits and this leads to poor health. Many eat to fill their eyes and not their stomachs. Today, most of our sicknesses stem from bad eating habits and the sin of gluttony. It is a well-known saying amongst the Arabs: “The stomach is the home of disease and restraint is the basis of the remedy.” Be that as it may, with the commencement of the month of Rajab, we all recited the Dua: اَللّٰهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيْ رَجَبَ وَ شَعْبَانَ وَ بَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَانَ “O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’baan and allow us to reach Ramadaan.”[2] Through the blessings of this Masnoon Dua, Alhamdulillah, we enjoyed the blessings of Rajab and Sha’baan. And as we know, Rajab has its connection and association with the Mi’raaj and the gift of Salaah, and it was a reminder to connect to Allah Ta’ala through this most important pillar of Dien. Then Sha’baan visited us and brought with it the great and auspicious night of Bara’ah - A night of Forgiveness and purification and deliverance from Jahannum. With its departure, arrived the honourable guest of Ramadaan. SubhanAllah! In this Masnoon Dua, where we asked for Barakah and we asked for life to see Ramadaan, it was as if we were also requesting and asking of Allah Ta’ala to honour us with the spiritual Dastarkhan that Ramadaan brings with it. And Allah Ta’ala, Generous and Kind, accepted our request and gave us Ramadaan, with all its blessings and bounties. Ramadaan is the guest but this guest brings with it the Dastarkhan of Roohani and spiritual foods. SubhanAllah! …Our Dastarkhan for Iftaar offers us the savouries, the almond milk, desserts and other delicious eats. Here, Allah Ta’ala has given us the delicious “Roohani Dastarkhan”, which accompanies Ramadaan. This wonderful menu is for our soul. This special Menu is exclusive for the Believers and entails a variety of spiritual delicacies together with the main "meals": The main meals of this Roohani menu are: The Fasts The recitation of the Qur`aan Sharief Taraweeh I'tikaaf Together with these, are the other courses of the menu: The Duas whilst fasting, Duas at the time of Iftaar and Duas at the time of Sehri are extra special Duas, readily accepted. Istighfaar and Taubah Zikrullah in abundance Durood Sharief in abundance Charity, Zakaat (i.e. if it is due in Ramadaan. Zakaat should not be delayed so that it is paid in Ramadaan). Every Nafl draws the reward of a Fardh and every Fardh draws seventy times more its reward. All of these extra and optional deeds are the spiritual savouries, desserts, chutneys and so forth, which are spread out on this spiritual dastarkhan. These are all spiritual health foods – which boost the “immune system” of the heart and soul; which detoxes and purifies the heart and mind; which inspires the soul to obedience and which inculcates the spirit of submission in the otherwise unruly and undisciplined nafs. …Insha-Allah, on reaching the end of Ramadaan, the quality of Taqwa will be firmly grounded in the person. He will achieve the goal of fasting – which is Taqwa. And Taqwa is establishing friendship with Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala says: إِنْ أَوْلِيَاۤؤُهٗ إِلَّا الْمُتَّقُوْنَ “…Verily none are the auliya (friends of allah ta’ala) except those who refrain from his disobedience…” [surah al-Anfal 8 : 34] Added to the Roohani foods that have been generously laid out for the Believers, Allah Ta’ala also created the ideal environment for the soul to enjoy this spiritual dastarkhan with comfort and ease. Allah Ta’ala has made the environment pleasant by chaining up the rebellious shayateen. The entire month brings with it, a downpour of Barakaat and Anwaraat – which we all experience and enjoy, Alhamdulillah. Added to this, the Hadith informs us that the doors of Jahannum are closed in Ramadaan. As such the effects of Jahannum are not present. The Doors of Jannah are wide open. As such, the effects of Jannah are present and prevail in our homes and lives. So this is that one month where the soul is feasting, and gaining its strength, with great, great enjoyment. Noorun ‘ala Noor is the condition of that soul which finds itself amongst the lovers of Allah Ta’ala in Ramadaan. Allahu Akbar! Allah Ta’ala has given us the environment of the Khanqah. It is a place where the lovers of Allah Ta’ala meet and they spend time here, with one objective : To complete their Islaah, to achieve Tazkiyyah, to nurture Taqwa, to complete their journey towards Allah Ta’ala. Masha-Allah, we are seeing brothers from all parts of the world gathering here, to spend Ramadaan in an environment that will facilitate their connection with their Beloved Allah Ta’ala. Together, we work with one another and assist each other in achieving our goals. …Our Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) would say: “The Lovers of Allah Ta’ala are one family.” …Therefore, we find excitement and happiness : All have come and are meeting as one big family in the Khanqah. For eleven months, we did not have this kind of opportunity to spend such quality time together! So here we are, sitting at this wonderful Roohani Dastarkhan. Let us not keep our hands back. These spiritual foods have been magnanimously laid out for all. Let us eat to our heart’s content. Of course, we should keep in mind that just as there are Aadaab (etiquettes) to eating food for the physical body, so too are there etiquettes to eating this spiritual food. Etiquettes and aadaab are necessary and we should greatly respect this blessed month. Before eating, we wash our hands, as is Sunnah. Before entering Ramadaan, we were to have washed our hearts during the night of Bara’ah, and obtained Taharah and purification, in preparation for this banquet and feast in Ramadaan. We were also to wash our hands, spiritually. These hands which were given to us for holding the Qur’aan, for lifting in Dua, for spending in the path of Allah Ta’ala, and for good and noble deeds – were used for Haraam. Sometimes the hands are spiritually filthy because they were used for terrible, terrible sins. And now with these same hands, we pick up the Qur`aan Sharief and we touch the pure words of Allah Ta’ala? It is therefore necessary to purify these hands with sincere Taubah and Istighfaar for those sins engaged in, with the hands. …Just as we would not dish out food with an unclean utensil, or a spoon used to dish out food for dogs, so we should keep in mind that the soul requires that it is fed from or with clean spiritual utensils : the hands and tongue must be clean. These are the “utensils” – so to say – in feeding the soul. As we commence eating with Bismillah, so we commence our spiritual feasting with the intention of fasting – seeking the greatest reward : Allah Ta’ala. Sheikhul Hadith, Hadhrat Moulana Zakariyyah (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had related in his “Fazaa`il-e-Ramadaan”, a Hadith, wherein Allah Ta’ala states the reward for the fast of a person: “I, Myself, become his reward.” Allahu Akbar! To eat food, the tongue is utilized. Similarly, to enjoy the spiritual delicacies of Tilawat of Qur’aan Sharief, Zikrullah, Durood Sharief and Istighfaar, we require a spiritually clean tongue. We all know what the tongue has been engaged in : Sometimes it is lying, cheating and deceiving in our business dealings; sometimes it is backbiting, slandering, exaggerating and creating mischief; sometimes it is used in illicit relationships or in other Haraam. Now this same tongue is to be used for Tilawat of the Qur’aan Sharief; it is to be used to take the pure name of Allah Ta’ala. It is most unsuitable that we should use a spiritually dirty tongue to feed our souls. We won’t tolerate it if someone were to give us food from a dog’s bowl – so Allah Ta’ala also requires cleanliness when seated at His Roohani darstarkhan. We should have washed our tongues clean of all its sins and mischief before the month of Ramadaan, so that our spiritual taste-buds appreciate the spiritual feast of Ramadaan and we enjoy all its good and gain maximum benefits. If not, the bad taste of sins will spoil the sweet and enjoyable taste of Ibaadah. …Alhamdulillah, it is not too late. We still have time. We should not delay in washing our tongues now – with sincere Taubah and Istighfaar, and then we ourselves will relish this spread of spiritual food. Together with washing our hands and tongue of its spiritual dirt, we should also adopt Tawaadhu (humility) in our spiritual feasting – like how the Sunnah directs us to eat with humility. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: “I am a servant, so I eat like a servant eats and I sit like a servant sits.”[3] If there is no Tawaadhu in our spiritual feasting of Qur`aan Sharief, Zikrullah and other Ibaadaat, then Takabbur, Riyaa and Ujub will cause our spiritual food to “decay” – and it will not offer any benefit for our souls – just as worldly food decays and cannot be of any good for human consumption and use. May Allah Ta’ala give us the understanding and protect us all. Furthermore, we should eat properly. We should adopt the etiquette for each Ibaadah, be it Salaah, Tilawah, Fasting, Zikrullah and so forth. There are conditions and etiquettes that accompany each deed. …A complete and delicious fast entails fasting with the eyes, ears, tongue, heart and mind – that is, the person restrains himself from casting evil gazes, abstains from listening to Haraam, speaking Haraam, thinking of Haraam and so forth. This is necessary to achieve the objective of fasting – which is Taqwa. If we do not carry out our good deeds with their conditions and etiquettes, then our similarity is like that of little children seated at the dastarkhan and they are making a big mess, by spilling the milk and the chutney, breaking up the savouries and rubbing their fingers everywhere, etc. …We also create a spiritual mess when we commit sins, such as back-biting, casting lustful gazes, harbouring jealousy, etc. Then our spiritual food and its benefits are lost to us and do not benefit us. Every meal is to be ended with expressing Shukr (appreciation and gratitude) to Allah Ta’ala and praising Him for His Ni’mats upon us. So we should end every day and night of Ramadaan, with deep-hearted Shukr for the opportunity and Taufeeq of fasting, of Taraweeh, Tilawat, Dua, Zikrullah and other good deeds. Let us not close the heart to Ramadaan. Receive Ramadaan with an open and a happy heart. 24 / 7 of Ramadaan is spiritual feasting. One month of twelve months is no difficulty for the Believer. In fact the Believer wishes the entire year was Ramadaan, with its Barakaat and Anwaaraat and without the interference and distractions of the rebellious shayateen. Let us not be like the Bani Isra`eel, who despite enjoying the food of Jannah –Manna[4] and Salwa[5] – asked for the earthly foods. They refused Jannat’s menu and preferred Dunya’s menu. This was their ingratitude to Allah Ta’ala’s favour. Where there should have been abundant Shukr for such a privilege, they complained to their Nabi, Hadhrat Musa (‘Alaihis Salaam): “…O Musa! We can never endure one [kind of] food. So call upon your Lord to bring forth for us from the earth its green herbs and its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions.” [surah al-Baqarah 2:61] What were they told in return? “He (Hadhrat Musa (AS)) said: Will you exchange that which is better for that which is worse? [surah al-Baqarah 2:61] This is not a Tafseer of these Ayaat. …However, we should take lesson. ...Let us not be of those who are granted the life, the opportunity, the great favour of Ramadaan, and the wonderful Dastarkhan of the best of spiritual foods, but we are wishing for it to depart, that we may return to the engagements and work of Dunya – Allah Ta’ala forbid. Let us not be of those who asked for Ramadaan, and when Ramadaan came, we did not honour, respect and host it. If a person enjoys the spiritual Dastarkhan that is sent by Allah Ta’ala, then Eid will be a day of true joy and rejoicing. For a true Ummati, his joy is his Islaah – that he has obtained the golden pot of Taqwa; that now, on completion of this spiritual banquet, he can easily stay away from Haraam – despite the temptations and invitations; and can now practise upon the Commands of Allah Ta’ala with extreme ease. Insha-Allah, obedience to Allah Ta’ala will become his nature. The night of Eid is Laylatul Jaa`izah (The night of prize-giving). SubhanAllah! …Let us be amongst the prize winners Insha-Allah. May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the Taufeeq of Aml. [1] Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim [2] Shu’abul Imaan [3] Sahih Bukhari [4] Manna : Whiter than milk and sweeter than honey, which used to rain down on the Children of Israel, just as the snow falls, from dawn until sunrise – as their sustenance. [5] Salwa: A bird of paradise, the size of a sparrow or like a quil. Link to blog : http://hameediyyah.blogspot.com/

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem It is mentioned in the Hadeeth that praise increases the Imaan of the true Believer. The person who is a kaamil[1] Mu`min understands that everything is a gift from Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala conceals sins and weaknesses and puts into the heart ‘Husne zan’ (good opinion). In fact this husne zan or thana-e-khalq[2] is one of the commentaries of the Masnoon Dua ‘Hasana fid dunya’[3]. However what needs to be understood is that the person who is ‘Qaabil’ – efficient and hard-working is not necessarily maqbool (accepted). Maulana Sayyid Sulayman Nadwi (Rahmatullah ‘Alaih) used to say : ‘Whether we live like this Or whether we live like that, What is left to be seen Is how our stay there will be (i.e. the Hereafter).’ So when someone praises us, we must not allow that to inflate our egos. Let it inflate our Imaan.Look at Allah Ta’ala’s Sifat of Sattaar (The One who conceals). Recognize the greatness of His Mercy, that He conceals our many, many weaknesses and sins. This will increase our Imaan and love for Allah Ta’ala because we see how loving, kind and tolerant Allah Ta’ala is. The nature of man is such, that he picks up weaknesses of people to broadcast it. People search for weaknesses in others and hasten to broadcast, circulate and publish. Newspapers, radio stations clamour to broadcast the failings of others. They want the rights to publish. Look at Allah Ta’ala - He conceals. SubhanAllah. When praised, we should thus make Dua, “O Allah, this good opinion of these people, make me like that, even better than their opinion.” [1] Kaamil : perfect [2] Thana-e-Khalq : Praise of creation. [3] ‘Hasana fid Dunya’ : The best of this world.

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is`haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum) In his quest for living a comfortable life, man has invented numerous gadgets of convenience. There is the cell-phone, stove, microwave, iron, kettle, toaster, dishwasher, washing machine, and so much else. Our cars are to take us to places in less time, to give us more time. Planes are to deliver us to distant lands in short periods of time, compared to travel by land or sea. Buses, trains and other conveyances also serve to make easier our traveling, compared to walking from place to place, which is time-consuming if there are a number of kilometres to cover. The dishwasher is to lesson our burden of washing dishes and give us free time; the washing machine is to ease our burden of washing clothes and give us more free time, modern cooking appliances are to lighten our burden and give us even more free time – but alas, despite all the means, we still complain that we don’t have sufficient time! Man sees the need for the washing machine, the dishwasher, the vacuum cleaner, for laundry services, pool services, maintenance of his home, etc. – and he also sees the need for his own outward cleanliness and neatness, as well as for his health and well-being. He has regular check-ups with his doctor, he frequents the gymnasiums and gives time for all kinds of exercises and therapies – all of which is for his physical body. He now even markets organic foods at high prices – for his well-being and good health. Added to this, women – and nowadays even men – spend endless hours at salons and beauticians, wanting to improve their physical beauty. Time and money is spent to look beautiful. So man pays attention to so much relating to his environment and himself, but he neglects the most important part of himself - his soul! ...Sadly, he does not consider the need to wash his heart and to wash his soul! And yet, both need to be washed, and both require constant cleaning and polishing. Both need to be beautified. Both need maintenance, upkeep and care! …Each one of us has a soul (ruh) and an ego (nafs). The stronger one rules. If we feed the nafs by satisfying its evil demands and fulfilling its evil desires, and we starve our souls of obedience to Allah Ta’ala, the nafs becomes strong and tough and lively. The soul naturally becomes weak and feeble and frail. On the other hand, if we feed the soul, by obeying Allah Ta’ala, by working righteousness and suppressing the evil desires of the nafs, the soul will gain in strength and will be able to easily overpower the nafs. If we establish our connection with Allah Ta’ala, then we have Allah Ta’ala’s assistance and help with us, against nafs and its partner in crime, shaytaan. Without Allah Ta’ala’s help, nothing can be achieved. We are entirely dependent on Him. وَمَا تَوْفِيقِىْٓ إِلَّا بِاللّٰهِ “…And my ability to do things comes from none except Allah…” [surah Hud 11 : 88] With Allah Ta’ala on our side, goodness will definitely follow. If we allow nafs and shaytaan to be in control, then the consequences are frightening – to say the least. Like a car out of control, wreaking havoc and devastation, the person will commit the worst of sins, causing spiritual disaster and devastation. May Allah Ta’ala protect us all. For the soul to become dominant, an effort needs to be made on the heart of man. If the heart is sound and the soul is strong, and the actions are corrected, then the journey to the Hereafter will be traversed following the path to Jannah and not those paths that lead away from Jannah. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam) said: “There is a piece of flesh in the body, if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoiled, the whole body gets spoiled – and that is the heart.” ~ Sahih Bukhari The following analogy came to mind, with Allah Ta’ala’s Fadhl, having read an advertisement by a Laundromat, and contemplating how Laundromats have mushroomed all over, and the great demand for out-sourcing dirty clothes and linen… to the extent that companies even collect dirty laundry for people, saving them even more time. Besides the washing of clothing, clothes are dried, ironed and folded and can even be delivered back to one’s home, sometimes on the very same day. Obviously at a cost. Whilst people employ the services of a company to do their laundry, we also find that hospitals, prisons, hotels and other institutions sometimes have their own laundry facility. Everywhere, we find people establishing some kind of system to keep their clothing, linen, uniforms, etc. clean. Alhamdulillah, in Islam, Allah Ta’ala has established a service where hearts are washed and cleaned. And it is a service which is free of charge! One of the duties of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was the purification of the hearts and souls. “It is He who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom - although they were before in clear error.” [surah Al-Jumu`ah 62 : 2] Like the work and Khidmat of teaching the Qur`aan Sharief and the Sunnah continued and will continue, until Qiyaamah, so too will this work of purifying the hearts and souls of people. We have the Darul Ulooms that have become the means and medium for teaching the Qur`aan Sharief and Sunnah, and we have the Makaatib and other works, whereby the knowledge of Dien is also disseminated. Similarly, we have the Khanqahs and this is that facility whereby the heart and soul are purified. Alhamdulillah. The analogy that came to mind was that a Khanqah can be likened to a laundromat, and the Sheikh can be likened to a washer-man or the operator at the laundromat. The Mureeds are like the dirty clothing and linen that comes in, to be washed. When clothing items and linen are sent to a laundromat, then there are different stages that the items go through: The washing, processing and packaging stage. Similarly, there are different stages to go through, for mureeds who enter the Khanqah for the purpose of purification. The general procedure is that the items are collected or they are dropped off at some laundromat. The general procedure to clean the heart is that the mureed makes himself available and gives his time to keeping company with the Sheikh. If he does so with sincerity and he hands himself over for Tazkiyyah and Islaah, he will benefit greatly, Insha-Allah. Laundromats advertise that each order is handled with care. In the Khanqah, each mureed is handled with far more care, because it is his heart and his soul that have been handed over for washing and cleaning – not his clothes. A person will be selective of which Laundromat he will hand his clothes and linen over to, for cleaning. Naturally, a person would consider a Laundromat that is well-established, reliable and offers excellent service – because his clothing costs money and he is spending more money to wash and clean them. A mureed should be more selective of where and to whom he will be handing over his heart, for washing and cleaning. The Sheikh must be known for his piety, learning, and experience. He must be one who is acknowledged by the Ulama-e-Haq. ...Otherwise, there are many who are frauds and out to just make easy money by trapping gullible seekers. So care and caution needs to be exercised in regard to who the heart is entrusted to, for Tazkiyyah. At the Laundromat, the items are sorted out according to their type. Different items require a different programme for washing. Some may be heavily soiled and stained; others may be fine and delicate and others may be large and heavy items such as blankets. As such, the process of sorting out clothes is required. Those clothing items that are heavily soiled – and they may even have blood and faeces and urine, require a longer wash, a more intense programme, and stronger detergents. In a similar vein, those hearts which are heavily soiled with major sins and evil desires and passions, will require more time and a more intense programme for purification. Others come with minor sins and weaknesses and can be washed quickly and easily. Like how Laundromats check pockets for unwanted items and inspect for stains, so the Sheikh analyses his mureed – checking his walk, talk, interaction with others, his Ibaadah, and so forth, so that the process of Tazkiyyah and Islaah, the process of cleaning and reforming can commence and can be carried out properly, and so that the heavy stains on the heart can be treated like how stained clothing and linen is treated with a stain-remover. If the Sheikh is informed of the sins that the mureed is secretly engaging in, or does not want to give up or cannot seem to give up, this makes the cleaning process easier. The Sheikh will choose a suitable spiritual stain remover and detergent, by prescribing Taubah and Istighfaar, some Azkaar, etc. and will also offer guidance in respect to getting out of the habit of sinning. Just as garments are separated and treated differently, depending on the type of fabric, the degree of dirt, etc. so mureeds are treated differently. Each one has a different temperament, different weaknesses and different strengths. The Sheikh takes all these aspects into consideration, before choosing a method of Islaah, or giving a prescription for Islaah. Allah Ta’ala guides the Shaykh to what is suitable for each Mureed. After sorting out the laundry, the laundry goes in for washing. An operator loads the machine and the process of washing commences: The clothing is soaked, and then goes through the programme of wash and rinse, etc. As the washing machine turns, it tosses the clothes so that the dirt can be easily removed; it washes and rinses and subjects the clothing to heavy spins. In following the prescriptions and the advices of the Sheikh, the mureed will find some treatments tough on his nafs and some to be gentle and mild. He will experience the wash and rinse and the spin of his spiritual heart. The mureed who wants to sincerely complete the process and wants a clean heart, will be patient in following through with all that is prescribed. After the washing stage, the clean clothes are dried, then ironed and folded. During the stage of drying, the linen is exposed to heat that evaporates the moisture. Steam-heated rollers are used to also dry the linen and press out wrinkles, like how irons do. The linen is then neatly folded. Together with the cleaning process, the Mureed is subjected to training his nafs and increasing in his good deeds, in improving his Salaah, and other Ibaadaat. The wrinkles of insincerity and other weaknesses are pressed out of the heart. If too much of heat is applied to iron out all creases, the clothing may get burnt. Similarly, in this process of Islaah, the Sheikh-e-Kaamil will not be too hard on his Mureeds. Like the cloth that can be burnt, so the mureed can be destroyed if the Sheikh is harsh and hard and creates disillusionment and despondency in the mureed. After completing the different stages, the mureed will find that ghairullah is removed from his heart, the Love of Allah Ta'ala fills his heart beautifies his heart. We find that some clothing items are even fragranced. ...In the Khanqah, the heart is fragranced with Zikrullah and Durood Sharief. Having gone through the entire process, the linen is packaged and kept for the customer to collect. Some clothing items are packed individually in plastic wrapping, and hung up, waiting to be collected – and these are, as if, ‘show cased’. When the Mureed completes the process of purification, reformation, he becomes worthy of being ‘show-cased’. He becomes a role-model for others. This end result is for those Mureeds who hand themselves over for washing. Those who stay out, who do not get involved practically, and just watch the washing process, won't get cleaned themselves. Just as a laundromat is a facility where people get their laundry done quickly, efficiently and with great convenience, so the khanqah, which is run under the auspices of a Sheikh-e-Kaamil, is a facility where Saalikeen get their hearts washed and cleaned – efficiently and with convenience. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and the Taufeeq of going this route of Tazkiyyah and Islaah, that we may reach the Court of Allah Ta’ala, with clean hearts and are received by Allah Ta’ala, with His Pleasure. Link to blog : http://hameediyyah.blogspot.com/

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem Through the medium of kitaabs (books), we will gain Ilm (knowledge). In the light of this Ilm, we are then able to operate our activities of life in accordance to the Pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. Kitaabs are thus not something that we can dispense of. It is through kitaabs that we gain the priceless knowledge of Nubuwwah (prophethood). However, the Noor[1] of Nubuwwat is drawn from the hearts of the Ahlullah. That Kaifiyyat[2] and Nisbat with Allah Ta’ala and with Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) are realized in the Suhbah (company) of the Ahlullah. Their hearts are reservoirs of Ikhlaas and in their company one will experience a transfer of this Noor. If the Ustaadh (teacher) is Sahib-e-Nisbat[3], his teaching will be Noorun ‘ala Noor: Ilm will be imparted and Noor will be transferred into the hearts of the student, if the student is also sincere. [1] Noor : Spiritual effulgence [2] Kaifiyyat : Feeling of spiritual delight [3] Sahib-e-Nisbat: One who has established a close and special bond with Allah Ta’ala

Bismihi Ta'ala Dealing with various cases every day of our lives, we find something which has become so common is the type of statements that people utter when they are in difficulties, hardships, pain and suffering. …There is just no contemplation, no reflection, no thought – just immediate criticism of Allah Ta’ala’s system and ‘government’ - as we will say. Some question Allah Ta’ala’s wisdom and say: ‘What kind of Allah is this that He has done such injustice to me!’ (Na’uzu Billah) People actually use these kind of words, attributing their difficulties to Allah Ta’ala, accusing Him of injustice (Na’uzu Billah). …Yet who can be more just than Allah Ta’ala? “Indeed, Allah does not do injustice, [even] as much as an atom's weight…” [surah Nisaa 4 : 40] Such people only see the outside. They see what is on the surface. Their ignorance becomes apparent, and sometimes their arrogance becomes evident. In English, there is a proverb: Ignorance is bliss. However, this statement is an ill-considered one. It may be bliss in this world, but when the veils of the Unseen are lifted, then ‘bliss’ comes to an end. Bliss is then replaced with distress. And ignorance is no bliss for the Muslim if it leads him to sins, and if it leads him to such statements which can even throw him out of Islam, and land him in Jahannum. And arrogance is such an evil which leads the person to believe that he is infallible; that nothing can ‘touch’ him – and when something does, then the nafs is provoked and he makes such statements. …As if we have some right to question Allah Ta’ala or criticise His Decisions. Why? …Because there is no recognition of Allah Ta’ala; no knowledge and understanding of the system and the wisdom of Allah Ta’ala. By Allah, this worldly life is not to be taken lightly – as if we are here to just while away our days and do as we like - and when things go wrong, then we get upset and angry, because our boat which was sailing smoothly is suddenly lashed by a storm. We should keep in mind that many a time, the sins that we have committed in our lives – which we do not even remember, let alone consider sins – are probably the cause for the museebat (difficulty). …And this is, indeed, a weakness: we easily forget our injustices. Some great injustice could have been done upon some person. It could have been that many years ago, we were unjust to someone. The person may have been under our authority or may have been at our mercy, and we caused great hurt and great grief to the person. It could have been injustice to parents, or wife, or an employee, a student, a poor person, even a non-Muslim – we least realize that that injustice will catch up at some stage in life. Other sins, Allah Ta’ala forgives. The person makes Taubah from sins and Allah Ta’ala forgives. However, there are certain sins, where justice has to be meted out… unless the person asks those people for forgiveness here. If not, Allah Ta’ala punishes in this world. …Aakhirat is Aakhirat - but even in this lifetime, punishment descends very swiftly on injustice – whether it was injustice upon a Muslim or non-Muslim. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) has related that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: Three types of people’s Duas are not rejected: The fasting person when he breaks fast, The just ruler And the one who is oppressed. Allah Ta’ala raises the Dua of the oppressed above the clouds and the doors of heaven are opened for it and Allah Ta’ala says, “By My Majesty and Honour! I will help and aid you, even though after few days.” [Tirmidhi] So sometimes the difficulty and calamity is the recompense of our own oppression and injustice. And sometimes it is a test. Allah Ta’ala is taking our examination. …If every student says: “Great injustice is being done to me in the Matric examination. I have to work so hard, I have to study so much …I have to burn the midnight oil…” Will we call that injustice? No! The student knows and understands that on that hard work and sacrifice, there will be awards and rewards after he passes his examination. Look at the amount of time spent studying when the person wants to become a doctor, or wants to become an engineer, or a scientist, or whatever else. …Can we say that that hard work and sacrifice is injustice? Others are sleeping early or they are enjoying themselves at the clubs, cinemas and theatres. And this student has to work so hard. The student knows that after the years of study, he will graduate and his qualifications will place him in a high bracket of earning. He knows that once he starts earning, he will be able to afford various material luxuries. Because of what he hopes to earn and what he will be able to afford – whether a beautiful car, home, traveling the world, etc. …which he dreams of, he is prepared to work very hard. No one calls that injustice. Allah Ta’ala informs us : “We will definitely test you with some fear, some hunger and some loss in your wealth, in your health and in the fruits.” [surah Al-Baqarah 2 : 155] Allah Ta’ala tests each one of us – and this is, after all, a world of test – but the test is also within the capacity of the person to bear: “Allah does not obligate anyone beyond his capacity” [surah Baqarah 2 : 286] Whatever the test from Allah Ta’ala, it is definitely within the capacity of the person to bear. Allah Ta’ala’s Ma’iyyat (proximity) is with the person who is being tested. “…Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” [surah Baqarah 2 : 153] Glad-tidings are given to those who patiently persevere and pass such tests : “Give glad-tidings to those who patiently persevere. And when any trial reaches them, they say : ‘Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji-oon (from Allah we have come and to Him is our return).” They are those on whom are the benefactions of their Lord, and receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones.” [surah Al-Baqarah 2 : 155/156/157] If it is an azaab (punishment) from Allah Ta’ala, the person will not enjoy the Ma’iyyat (closeness) of Allah Ta’ala. He will not have the love and muhabbat of Allah Ta’ala in that test because Allah Ta’ala is not on his side. Then that difficulty makes the person’s life restless, miserable, tightened and narrow and the person cannot seem to find a way out. …If he had Taqwa, there would be an exit, a way out of the problem. Allah Ta’ala alleviates and lightens the person’s test. ‘And for those who fear Allah, He (ever) prepares a way out, And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine…” [surah Talaaq 65 : 2/3] Had Taqwa been in his life, had he engendered piety and Allah-fearing in his heart, that same Allah, who sent the test, will find a way out for him. Before making rash statements, we should look into our lives and check if this is a test or an azaab. Do we have Taqwa or are we living a life of negligence and indifference? What is the point of making all kinds of statements, condemning and rejecting everything – when the root cause is our own disobedience or oppression? Where are these statements taking the person? …Certainly not in the direction of solving the problem! Let us not forget that we are servants of Allah Ta’ala. We are not an authority over Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala has said: "He is not questioned of what He does…." [surah Al-Ambiyaa 21 : 23] And: "…Allah knows and you do not know." [surah An-Noor: 24 :19] Let us recognize our reality and let us be humble servants. As has been aptly said: “Allah has created you from dust, Hence O bondsman, Adopt an attitude of meekness and humility like dust!” May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq of sincere Taubah, of recognizing Him, of loving Him and being obedient to Him. By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Bismillahi Rahmaanir Raheem The word “watch” brings to mind “time” and a “timepiece”, since a watch measures time, and we often check it to see the time. On another level, it is a verb and indicates to a person who is viewing something, who is on guard, on the look-out, or who is looking after something. A friend mentioned some lessons to be learnt from each letter of the word, “watch”. Inspired by those lessons, and considering the different meanings attached to the word, “watch”, other lessons and thoughts came to mind as well, with the Fadhl (grace) of Allah Ta’ala. Each letter of the word “watch”, 'W' 'A' 'T' 'C' 'H', directs us to watch and be vigilant on various matters: W WORST ENEMIES We have to watch our worst enemies, lest they get the better off us, harm our Dien and Aakhirah or even worse,destroy our Dien and Aakhirah. We have been told that our worst enemies are shaytaan and nafs. Allah Ta'ala identifies them for us and informs us. إِنَّ الشَّيْطٰنَ لَكُمَا عَدُوٌّ مُّبِيْنٌ ◌ “…Verily shaytaan is an open enemy unto you.” [surah Al-A`raaf 7 : 22] إِنَّ الشَّيْطٰنَ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ فَاتَّخِذُوْهُ عَدُوّاً ط “Surely shaytaan is an enemy to you, so treat him as an enemy…” [surah Fatir 35:6] And Allah Ta’ala directs us to turn to Him, and seek His protection when confronted with the whisperings of shaytaan. وَإِمَّا يَنْزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطٰنِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللّٰهِ ط إِنَّهٗ سَمِيْعٌ عَلِيْمٌ ◌ “And if an evil whisper comes to you from shaytaan then seek refuge with Allah. Verily, He isThe All-Hearer, All Knower.” [surah Al-A’raaf 7 : 200] We are told to read “Ta-awwuz” اَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيْم or “لَا حَوْلَ وَ لَا قُوَّةَ اِلَّا بِاللّٰه ” to overcome the attacks of shaytaan. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Your worst enemy is your nafs which lies between your sides.”[1] Not only are these the worst enemies, they are hidden enemies. Therefore greater precaution needs to be exercised. A ACTIONS We need to watch our actions. They must be in conformity with the Qur’aan Sharief and Ahadith! They must be undertaken with sincere intentions; otherwise they will not be accepted in the Court of Allah Ta’ala. The rewards will be lost and Allah Ta’ala will say: ‘Go to those who you showed off your actions to, in the worldly life, then see if you can find any reward with them!’[2] On accomplishing righteous actions, it must not be that the nafs inclines to vanity, conceit and pride. A sincere Saalik keeps a watch on his nafs and constantly reminds himself that all good actions, all achievements and all spiritual attainments are due to the Grace and Kindness of Allah Ta’ala. From another perspective: Our actions must also not hurt anyone wrongly, nor must they cause an obstruction to anyone, etc. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “The Muslim is he from whose tongue and hands other Muslims are safe” T Thoughts We have to watch our thoughts because thoughts give birth to actions. If thoughts are evil and they are given attention to and entertained in the mind, evil actions are likely to follow. If thoughts are good and pure, we can expect good actions to follow! Tongue We need to watch our tongue! There has to be care and caution when using the tongue. Hadhrat Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said: Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, "When the son of Aadam gets up in the morning, all the limbs humble themselves before the tongue and say: `Fear Allah for our sake because we are with you: (i.e., we will be rewarded or punished as a result of what you do). If you are straight, we will be straight; and if you are crooked, we will become crooked.'''[3] Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) would say that the tongue is small, yet its sin is big. On being asked how salvation can be achieved, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Guard your tongue, let your house be enough for you, and weep for your sins.”[4] On another occasion, when advising the Sahabi, Hadhrat Mu’adh ibn Jabal (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), took out his tongue, held it with his fingers, and said: “Guard this.” – emphasizing by action as well, that we have to carefully watch our words, lest they are a means of punishment and ruin. May Allah Ta'ala protect us all. Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) related that the Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The servant speaks words, the consequences of which he does not realise, and for which he is sent down into the depths of the Fire further than the distance between the east and the west." Time From the letter “t” we take lesson that we need to also watch our time and make use of it constructively and productively, in preparation for the Aakhirah. In the Qur`aan Sharief, Allah Jalla Jalaaluhu takes an oath by time, bringing attention to its importance, greatness and excellence. وَالْعَصْرِ ۙ إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَفِيْ خُسْرٍ ۙ إِلَّا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَعَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ لا وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ ◌ “I swear by the Time. Man is in a state of loss indeed, except those who believed and did righteous deeds, and advised each other with the truth, and advised each other with patience.” Allah Ta’ala is guiding us as to how to capitalize on the bounty of time – with good deeds – which are to be sent ahead of us, for our stay in the Hereafter. C Company We must watch whose company we keep. You are and become, and you are judged by the company you keep. Rasulullah (Salallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) captured the influence and consequences of company in a beautiful analogy, saying: "A good friend and a bad friend are like a perfume-seller and a blacksmith: The perfume-seller might give you some perfume as a gift, or you might buy some from him, or at least you might smell its fragrance. As for the blacksmith, he might singe your clothes, and at the very least, you will breathe in the fumes of the furnace."[5] Allah Ta’ala directs us to the company of the righteous and pious ones; those who are truthful in their relationship to Him: “O You who Believe, Fear Allah and join the company of the Truthful ones (the pious, the Auliya Allah).” [surah Taubah 9 : 119] Moreover, a good friend is he who speaks to you about Allah Ta’ala, and when you are not there, he speaks to Allah Ta’ala about you – that is, he makes Dua for you. We should also ask ourselves, if we offer good company to others – if we are good friends and influence others in a good way, which will profit them in Dien and Aakhirah? We should analyse if we are good companions, in the light of the Hadith where Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was asked: “Which of our companions are best?” He (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) replied: “One whose appearance reminds you of Allah, and whose speech increases you in knowledge, and whose actions remind you of the hereafter.” H Heart We need to keep careful watch over our hearts. Our Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) would say that the heart is like the capital of a country and if it is not well fortified and protected, the enemy will easily infiltrate – and when the enemy, shaytaan, infiltrates – he shows no mercy. When a government is overthrown, the enemy forces invade and capture the capital, to assert their control. Similarly, if the spiritual heart is weak with sins, the person will be vulnerable to the attacks of shaytaan. He will not have the security forces of Taqwa and Allah Ta’ala’s Special Protection that comes on Taqwa, to offer a shield against those attacks. …And if the heart is not guarded, shaytaan easily invades and captures that heart – and sometimes, Dien and Aakhirat is lost. (May Allah Ta’ala protect us all). From another viewpoint, the Muslim is watchful in keeping his heart sound and clean. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “There is a piece of flesh in the body, if it becomes good (reformed), the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoiled, the whole body gets spoiled – and that is the heart.”[6] A true Muslim would never want to deliberately disobey his Kind and Beloved Master, Allah Ta’ala. …However, when any sin is mistakenly committed, he immediately resorts to Taubah and Istighfaar, because he “sees” and feels, the black spot of sin, staining his heart – and he is never at ease with a heart that is dirty. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) explained: “When a Mu’min (believer) sins, a black dot appears on his heart. If he repents and seeks Allah’s forgiveness, his heart becomes cleansed and polished. If he continues to commit more and more sins (without repenting), the spot continues to spread and ultimately covers all of his heart.” May Allah Ta’ala guide us to complete obedience and grant us the Taufeeq of keeping a careful watch with regards to our worst enemies – nafs and shaytaan, with regard to our actions, our thoughts, the usage of our tongues, the valuable gift of time, our company, as well as our hearts – and grant us Najaat and salvation in the Hereafter. By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is`haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum) [1] Kanzul Ummal [2] Musnad Ahmad [3] Tirmidhi [4] Tirmdhi [5] Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim [6] Sahih Bukhari Link to blog : http://hameediyyah.blogspot.com/

"When making the Tarbiyyah of your child, do not forget that you too were a child once. You too made mistakes." "When we switch on the light of Tashakkur (gratitude), the darkness of Takabbur (pride) will disappear." "Every righteous effort of Dien is a tower on its own – be it the Darul Ulooms, Makaatib, Khanqahs, Tabligh, etc. No effort of Dien should be criticized or lowered to prove the greatness of another. All efforts are important and beneficial, and each effort complements the other." "When a person spends his money in the path of Allah Ta’ala, he transfers his money from the account of Dunya to the account of Aakhirah."

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem [This article was prepared before the World Cup 2010, which was hosted by South Africa. The advices relate and apply to all sports events, which are in conflict with Islamic teachings.] The hype and talk presently is the World Cup. Soccer-mania has gripped the mind, the heart, the speech, the time and the money of many, many Muslims. And these many, many Muslims argue: “It’s ONCE IN A LIFETIME…We are the HOST country … It’s the World Cup which cannot be missed at any cost…”. And we naively believe that these reasons give us the go-ahead to support, promote and participate. But there is one serious fact that makes us unsuitable and incompatible for what I would describe as an International “upsurge of sins” – and that reason is: We are Muslims. And we are very fortunate that we are Muslims. As such, there is no compatibility between a Muslim and sin. Let us discuss why we, as Muslims, cannot and should not align ourselves to the World Cup and other such sporting events. Let us read with an open heart and mind. REASONS WHY MUSLIMS SHOULD NOT ATTEND AND NOT SUPPORT THE WORLD CUP: 1.) SALAAH It is a common observance, that many, many Muslims are totally neglectful of Salaah when it comes to International, National or local sporting events. Even those who have some link with the Masaajid, will choose to forego Salaah in Jamaat and even the Salaah itself, so as not to miss a moment in watching men run after a ball. Men, running after a ball – Is this intelligent? Let us relate this to real life and the inevitable: How will this benefit us in this world and the hereafter? Will any one of these sports players be able to intercede on our behalf, before Allah Ta’ala, when we have to account for our actions, for our indulgence in futile and even Haraam activities? Our Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “…Do not forgo Salaah intentionally, lest you should get out of the fold of Islam. Do not perpetrate disobedience to Allah, lest you deserve His Wrath…” Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) also said: “The dividing line between Kufr and Imaan is Salaah.” And : “A person who has missed one Salaah is like one who has lost all his family and wealth.” Just as we would be grief-stricken at the loss of all of our beloved family members and the loss of all of our wealth, properties, and everything else, similarly should we grieve over losing even ONE Salaah? Those few who do perform Salaah at the stadium or grounds, whilst the shouting, screaming, music, drink and other sins are being engaged in simultaneously, should think for themselves of what a display of hypocrisy they make. Because that is exactly what it is: Hypocrisy. 2.) HERO-WORSHIPPING Allah Ta’ala mentions in the Qur`aan Shareef, in Surah Munafiqoon: “But honour belongs to Allah, His Messenger and the Believers...” [surah Munafiqoon 63 : 8] And in Surah An-Nisaa: ‘…To those who take for friends unbelievers rather than Believers: is it honour they seek among them? Nay, - all honour is with Allah.’ To deal honestly and truthfully with disbelievers or to assist the poor and needy amongst them, are from the teachings of Islam. However, to integrate with them in such a manner, that we lose our Islamic identity or give up on our Islamic culture is prohibited because this is extremely harmful to one’s Imaan. Many have given up Imaan and Islam due to very close friendship and relationship with those who do not believe in Allah Ta’ala, His Final Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and the Day of Judgement. …So we find people going absolutely crazy and wild over soccer players, cricket players and their likes. And one wonders, what is all the clamour and fuss about... when their “outstanding” achievement in life seems to be, kicking, throwing or hitting a ball? Does this call for hero-worship? Is this our shallow understanding of success as Muslims? Do we not know that the most successful of all people are the Ambiyaa and their followers? Are we even aware of the tremendous successes of the Sahabah? They were MEN. And Brave Men. Their history, their feats, their conquests drown out the thousands of insignificant goals scored by soccer players. In fact, there cannot be any comparison and likeness. The lives of the Sahabah (رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُمْ) were constructive and productive – for their Deen and Aakhirah, as well as for those who emulate them. The lives of these players are destructive to their hereafter, as well as for those who are obsessed with them and emulate them. We should reflect over our obsession, veneration and craze of film-stars, sport-stars and others who are presently the enemies of Allah Ta’ala. …A warning has been sounded, directing us to make sincere Taubah. Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur`aan Shareef: ‘O People of Imaan! Do not take My enemies and your enemies as friends, inclining towards them with love. Verily, they have rejected the truth which has come to you (from your Rabb)…’ [surah Mumtahina 60 : 1] We seem to very easily forget that we are Muslims and all Muslims have dangerous enemies: So whilst our enemies shrewdly convince us to spend thousands of Rands, waste our energy and time on useless, futile sports such as the World Cup and other sporting events, they gleefully bomb, kill, rape, oppress and harass our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world … but we are so intoxicated with World Cups, cricket and soccer matches, that we don’t even know our enemies have deceived us! Have we not witnessed enough enmity in Occupied Palestine, in Pakistan, Kashmir, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia and other parts of the world? Those who were considered friends and companions were the first to assault, kill, maim and even rape our Muslim brothers and sisters, for no other reason than that they are Believers in Allah Ta’ala. …Have we not taken any lesson? Have we not witnessed the blood of the Muslims flowing in Bosnia, like rivers? When we claim to have love for Allah Ta’ala, how can we love these types of sporting events? Allah Ta’ala advises us: “O you who Believe! Take not for friends unbelievers rather than Believers : do you wish to offer Allah and open proof against yourselves?” …In other words, we should not make the unbelievers our bosom pals. Once again, it does not mean that we should not treat them with kindness, deal honestly and assist when there is need. …However: Will participation and support in the World Cup attract them towards Islam? 3.) MUSIC Almost every venue, event and occasion today seems to demand “music” as part of the entertainment. As Muslims, we know fully well, that music is not the “pleasure” of a true believer because Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) specifically mentioned that one of his objectives was to destroy musical instruments. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “My Rabb has commanded me to destroy all musical instruments…” and also: “Music causes hypocrisy to grow in the heart just as water causes crops to grow.”[1] According to another Hadeeth of Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam): ‘Music is from shaytaan and accommodating it in anyway is Nifaaq (hypocrisy).’ One of our pious elders (رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ) warned about the harms of music: “Beware of music because music reduces modesty and shame, it increases lust and destroys one’s dignity and respect. Its effect is like the effect of alcohol.” Then, would it be morally correct for a MUSLIM to be present at an event where music is ‘a must have’? 4.) ALCOHOL The Ahadith make mention : “Wine is the gatherer of sin.”[2], “Wine is the leader of all indecency and is from among the major sins…” [3] Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) also said : “Abstain from consuming wine, for verily it is the key to all evil.”[4] Every person that is associated to alcohol – be it the manufacturer, the one who transports, the one who sells, buys or serves comes under the curse of Allah Ta’ala.[5] And those who keep company and incline towards the transgressors have to contend with the same consequences, for Allah Ta’ala warns us: “And do not incline towards the wrongdoers, lest the fire should catch you, and you have no supporters other than Allah, then you should not be helped.” [surah Hud 11 : 113] 5.) ZINA (ADULTERY / FORNICATION) Allah Ta’ala says : “And come not near to Zina. Verily it is a shameful and evil path.” [surah Al- Isra 17 : 32] It is a very evident fact that these events promote Zina in abundance. Besides adultery of the eyes which is also categorized as zina and which is very common at these types of venues, with the indecent and revealing attire, there is actual zina that is being promoted and advertised. With the thousands of prostitutes who are visiting our country and the thousands more who are local – what else can be expected, except an escalation in adultery and fornication and a much higher risk of very severe punishment descending... (May Allah Ta’ala protect us from His punishment) The summary and outline of various Ahaadeeth, is that plague, poverty and diseases which were unheard of previously, earthquakes, drought and destruction, birth of illegitimate children, and even escalation of deaths will follow in the wake of adultery and immorality. If a person commits adultery, then the priceless and invaluable commodity of Imaan is removed from his body. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiyalluhu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: ‘Allah Ta’ala removes the Imaan of that person who drinks wine or engages in adultery like how one of you removes his shirt from his head’.[6] Then what will be the condition of the person who dies whilst committing zina? 6.) WASTAGE AND EXTRAVAGANCE Allah Ta’ala states explicitly : “…And do not squander recklessly. Surely, squanderers are brothers to shayateen, and shaytaan is very ungrateful to his Lord.” [surah Bani Israeel 17 : 26/27] Spending R800 or R1000, whether more or less, on one ticket – and we know many are spending much, much more, on many tickets - is money wasted, and wastage and squandering are categorized as sin in Islam – whether on that which is permissible or otherwise. Moreover, the sin is compounded when it is being spent to view something at a place hosting a combination of evils. Besides the tickets for the various matches, much more money will be spent on travel and accommodation – with airfares and rates going through the roof. Consider how many loaves of bread, how many litres of milk or necessities of life, could have been provided forthousands who live below the bread line or thousands more who are in dire need of medical assistance… How can we be so complacent when so many are without food, water, electricity, medicine and other needs? Doesn’t our Imaan and conscience trouble us in the least? Wastage and extravagance are a cause of drought, high cost living and other forms of punishment, as drawn from the Ahadeeth – and it is what we are seeing all around us. 7.) DRESS Islam has gifted us with a dress code, which identifies us as Muslims – which makes us flag-bearers of Islam, representatives of Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and Inviters to Islam. We have been expressly forbidden from adopting any semblance with the cultural or religious dressing style of people of other faiths.. By wearing soccer t-shirts, caps, bags with the 2010 football logos clearly indicates our love and support for the event and the culture. Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “The one who imitates others is not of us.”[7] And:“Whoever imitates a nation is from amongst them.”[8] We are the nation of Islam, and should be rightly proud of our beautiful culture and dress because it is the culture and dress of the greatest after Allah Ta’ala, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). …It is the height of foolishness to exchange diamonds for stones. 8.) MIXED GATHERINGS The disbelievers have no concept of segregation. They advocate mixed gatherings because it facilitates more sins and immorality. It works in their favour because there is easy gratification of sensual desires and sinful pleasures. The Shari’ah instructs us: ‘It is not permissible to be present in a gathering where Allah Ta’ala is being disobeyed.’ THE PURPOSE OF CREATION AND OBJECTIVE OF LIFE Allah Ta’ala mentions in the Qur’aan Shareef: “Do you then think that we created you in jest and that you would not be brought back to us (for an account)?” [surah Mu`minoon 23 :115] Our purpose for being sent to this world is definitely not play and amusement. “We created not the heavens, the earth and all between them, merely in (idle) sport.” [surah Ad-Dukhaan 44:38] However, Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) do not deprive us of enjoyment and entertainment.The Shari’ah and the Sunnah accommodate and give guidance for a Muslim with regards to Halaal, permissible entertainment, humuor, laughter, play and relaxation. However there is certainly no scope for events that feature Haraam indulgences. Moreover, deliberate and planned sins do not feature in a Muslim’s life. The reality of the “World Cup” and other national and International sporting events, is that they are a dangerous fusion of major sins. And when sins increase and multiply then we invite a punishment in proportion to that disobedience. …Haven’t we taken lesson from Tsunamis, Gale-force winds, Hurricanes and Earthquakes that left nothing but devastation in their wake? Are we immune to such disaster? Are we safe from punishment? It is reported that once Amr Ibn Absa (رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُ) asked Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) which Hijrat (migration) is the best and he said: “That you leave what your Lord dislikes.” One of our great Scholars had said very aptly: “It baffles me to see a people who are advised to get their provision and are called upon that the departure time is due, yet they sit down playing.” Our boarding passes were given to us the moment we entered this world … and that boarding pass is for boarding the flight of death. We have been informed and advised of the long journey ahead and the much needed provision for the journey – but how strange, that we choose to while away our time and accumulate nothing for what lies ahead. As has been said: “The knife is being sharpened, and the oven is being heated up, yet the ram is still eating the fodder.” The knife of death has been sharpened, our graves have been selected and are waiting for us to take residence in them. …Despite knowing this, we “graze” complacently in disobedience – unconcerned that that knife is ready to strike us at any time. Allah Ta’ala states : “O People of Imaan! Save yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is men and stones…” [surah At-Tahreem 66 : 6] “Your (real) friends are (no less than) Allah, His Apostle, and the (fellowship of) Believers, - those who establish regular prayers, and regular charity, and they bow down humbly (in worship). As for those who turn (for friendship) to Allah, His Rasul and the (fellowship of) Believers – it is the fellowship of Allah that must certainly triumph.” [surah Maa`idah 5 : 58/ 59] Of course, all that has been stated will not go down well with everyone. It is for those who want to be good ambassadors of Islam, pleasing Allah Ta’ala and His Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). This article is for my own reflection and an invitation to my Muslim brothers and sisters to reflect with an open mind. I make Dua that Allah Ta’ala protects me and the Ummah from all fitnah. ‘Whoever recommends and helps a good cause becomes a partner therein; and whoever recommends and helps an evil cause shares in its burden…’ [surah An-Nisaa 4 : 85] by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) [1] Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Imaan [2] Daylami [3] Al Mu’jamul Kabir of Imam Tabarani (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) [4] Mustadrak Hakim [5] Ibn Majah [6] Mustadrak Hakim, vol.1 pg. 22 [7] Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2695 [8] Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 4027

Bismihi Ta'ala By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) In the past, students of Deen applied themselves fully and completely to their studies. Thereafter, they became bay’ah[1] and traversed the path to Allah Ta’ala (Sulook). All their time was fully occupied with studies. There was no such ‘free’ time to pass. Their studies were their Ibaadah and Mujahadah[2]. In these days, fitnahs are crashing upon the Ummah[3], like an avalanche. Students have more free time. This free time gives shaytaan and nafs the opportunity to lead them into all kinds of sins. Many students of Deen have become toys for nafs and shaytaan: Just the cell phone alone has become the means of trapping them in illicit relationships, pornography and other vices. What then of the other fitnahs that they are exposed to? …Due to the deficiency in ‘tarbiyyah’[4] and the general indifference by students, in respect to practicing on their ilm, the Mashaa`ik of the time accept students for bay’ah. Our students of Deen need to seriously consider submitting themselves to a Shaykh who is “kaamil” and with whom there is “munasabat” (compatibility). They should thereafter keep his company, benefit from his guidance and advice, and strive to complete the process of Islaah (reformation) and Tazkiyyah (purification), under such a Shaykh. This will make them ‘Ulama in the true sense of the word. Otherwise we just have mass production of ‘Ulama, but very little “haqeeqat”[5] of years of knowledge. Titles have become so cheap, that they have become a crying shame and embarrassment for the Ummah. …Emphasis is given to titles, whereas attention should be directed towards Islaah and Tazkiyyah. [1] Bay’ah : Pledging Allegiance [2] Mujahadah : Striving [3] Ummah : Community of Muslims [4] Tarbiyyah : nurturing/ guiding [5] Haqeeqat : reality

Bismihi Ta'ala We want Islamic law to conform to our liking, so much so that we will find some Fatwa (Juristic ruling) to justify our actions. The ordinary laymen, and so too many who are highly qualified in the secular field, read the Qur`aan Shareef and authentic Hadeeth kitaabs[1] such as Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, and find some Ayah (verse) or Hadeeth to justify their actions. Often, the Ayah or Hadeeth is taken out of context and expounded to justify grave and major sins. Each Ayah and Hadeeth has an explanation and commentary. If there was no need for explanations, we would not have had Allama Sayyid Mahmood Baghdadi (Rahmatullah ‘alaih), Ibn Katheer (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) and other Mufassireen (commentators of the Qur`aan Shareef), or Hafez Asqalani (Rahmatullah ‘alaih), Mulla Ali Qaari (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) and other Muhadditheen[2] writing volumes in commentary. Therefore, to just read and present an Ayah from the Qur`aan Shareef or a Hadeeth from a kitaab is not sufficient to justify one’s actions. Despite the fact that there are so many law books and medical journals at the disposal of the layman, not everyone is qualified to understand or explain and interpret these. One has to spend many years in study and research under one already qualified in the field of law, medicine, etc. before one can do so. …If some quack has to give a wrong opinion or an incorrect diagnosis, he would be sued for malpractice. So in the field of Ifta[3], only those qualified in the science of Qur`aan and Hadeeth may issue verdicts. No matter how many certificates, degrees and other qualifications and titles a person may have acquired in the secular field, these do not give him (or her) the license and authority to issue Fatwas in the sphere of Religion. …Then there are so many who have a superficial knowledge of just the Arabic language but consider themselves qualified to interpret the Qur`aan Shareef and Ahaadeeth. The Sahaba-e-Kiraam (RA), who were perfectly acquainted and versant in the language of Arabic, were still required to formally learn the Qur`aan Shareef from Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam). It would therefore be false and arrogant of a person, with a basic study of Arabic, to lay claim to having more knowledge and understanding than the noble Sahabah (RA), by presenting his own commentary of Qur`aan. There are so many who have not studied Shariah under the guidance of Ulama-e-Haq, but who reject the teachings of the Mujtahideen[4] and present their own concocted theories and commentaries; others are quick to quote Ayaah and Ahaadeeth in support of their sinful actions, or misinterpret the same. Such people should seriously heed the warnings of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) in regard to their careless and erroneous statements and ignorant behaviour. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said : “Whosoever, in interpreting the Qur`aan, says therein anything of his own opinion commits a mistake even if he is correct.” In another narration, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) mentioned : “Whoso interprets the Qur`aan without knowledge, let him seek his abode in the Fire.” And: “Whoso interprets the Qur`aan according to his opinion, let him seek his abode in the Fire.” [Tirmizi Sharif] In regard to misquoting Ahaadeeth, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi waSallam) stated explicitly : “Be careful of (narrating) traditions from me except what you know. Whoso imputes falsehood to me intentionally, let him then seek his abode in the fire.” [Tirmizi Sharif] Yes, when it comes to etiquette, character, the stories of the Ambiyaa (‘Alaihimus Salaam) and nations of the past, the causes of rise and decline; paradise and hell, reward and retribution, then read and quote authentic Tafseer or translation; but when it comes to the laws of Shariah, Fatawa (Shar’i rulings), commentary of Qur`aan and Hadeeth, leave it to those who have spent years mastering these sciences and are experts in these fields. Nowadays, the title of ‘Mufti’[5] has also become very cheap. Some spend a few months or a year in a Darul Ifta[6] and become rubber stamp “Mufti so and so”. Before enquiring about matters pertaining to Deen, verify the person’s qualifications, just as we do in worldly matters. …Women have a weakness, that if a woman gives a powerful speech on a subject, having read some Islamic books, she is asked questions on all subjects. The speaker too will reply to all questions even though ignorant. Just giving a good speech is no qualification to answer all questions on the Qur`aan Shareef and Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam). We should be cautious and selective regarding whom we acquire Ilm-e-Deen from. …There is a famous statement of Muhammad bin Sireen (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh): “This knowledge is a matter of Deen, so be careful who you take your Deen from.” We should keep this in mind and we should not lay claim to qualifications we do not possess. [1] kitaabs : books [2] Muhadditheen : Scholars of Hadeeth [3] Ifta : Legal Shar’i injunctions [4] Mujtahideen : Scholars certified as capable to interpret Islamic Law [5] Mufti : Muslim Jurist [6] Darul Ifta : Institution offering a course concentrating on Islamic Law and passing verdicts

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Bismihi Ta’ala There are many people who, despite their claims to Islam, seek to find fault with or disparage its teachings or beliefs, or make a mockery of Islam. In the early days, we use to travel to India by boat. It took us 21 days to reach Bombay. During my third year, when I was travelling back to India, I met a doctor on board the boat. In conversation he said to me: “Maulana, you people talk about the angels; that each person has an angel on his right shoulder and on his left shoulder and these angels record the deeds of a person. If this is the situation, then our shoulders would have been so broad that we would not have found a coat to fit us!” In turn, I questioned him: “You must have attended school?” He replied : “Yes.” I asked: “From class one to matric?” He replied : “Yes.” I said : “You furthered your studies, doing medicine?” Again, he said : “Yes.” I continued: “You attended University, travelled to different countries? I am sure you remember all this?” Again : “ Yes.” I said : “If I were to take you to your hometown, you will remember much. All this knowledge which you acquired during your life, through your studies and travels, where is it? It is stored in the brain. Yet, if the situation is as you say it is, then your head would have been so big that you would not have found a hat to fit it.” Alhamdulillah, Allah Ta’ala put this response in my mind, which Insha-Allah, disproved the person’s crooked mentality and thinking. …Sarcasm or cynicism in regards to Deen is extremely dangerous. It takes one to the threshold of Kufr; sometimes even out of the fold of Islam. If a person says that he believes, it means that he hears and understands and accepts that there are many things which are beyond the human intellect. Imaan is “bil ghayb” (in the unseen). There are many things which we do not see, but which we believe exists. The air that we breath, the different bacteria and germs in the atmosphere, which the eye does not see, but science has informed us of its existence or we see the signs of it. The signs of Allah Ta’ala are all around us; even in us. “On the earth are signs for those of assured Faith, As also in your own selves : Will you not then see?” [surah Zariyat 51 : 20/21] We may not see the angels, or the pulsiraat, or Jannah and Jahannum, but Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was the one who saw the unseen. And our Imaan is in Rasulullah (SallAllaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Just as it is the duty of the blind person to put his hand into the hand of the one who sees – that is, if he wants direction, guidance and wants to reach his destination safely, so too, it is our duty to put our hands into the hand of Rasulullah (SallAllaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) – meaning that we hear, accept and obey. Otherwise, criticizing and mocking any aspect of Deen is indirectly mocking or finding fault with the Creator of the Deen; with grievous consequences. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding, as well as appreciation for the beautiful and perfect Deen of Islam.

Bismihi Ta'ala

Bismillahi Rahmaanir Raheem EASY REMEDY FOR PRIDE AND EASY PRESCRIPTION FOR NURTURING HUMILITY Advice given to Students Amongst the noble characteristics, which comprise Akhlaaq-e-Hameedah (good and praiseworthy character), is the very important quality of Tawaadhu (humility), which we need to develop within ourselves. When a student takes admission into a Madrasah, then generally, he does not know anything in respect to Qur`aan Sharief, Arabic grammar, Urdu, etc., or he knows very little. At that time, he is quite humble and he acknowledges: ‘I don’t know anything.’ …His ignorance humbles him. Very sadly, when it comes to Daura Hadith (the final year), then it is a common weakness, that having gained and acquired so much of knowledge, and now having mastered the Arabic language, and having a command of languages, etc. pride manifests itself; whereas it should have been the opposite: The student should have increased in humility and humbleness. When a student commences learning the Qur`aan Sharief, many a time, he does not even know the very basics i.e. ا ,ب,ت,ث (alif, baa, taa, thaa). When he completes his Hifz, there is pride over the achievement and he considers himself, great. A student does not know anything about Qira’ah; not even knowing that there are seven types of Qira’ah. However, when he completes the course and Allah Ta’ala blesses him with this great bounty, then instead of being more humble before Allah Ta’ala, he becomes proud. He is now a Qaari, and this title and achievement generates a feeling of greatness. Imam Al-Ghazaali (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had said: “People of knowledge are in greater danger of pride and arrogance than anyone else.” Allah Ta’ala expresses His dislike for the one who has pride: “VERILY ALLAH DOES NOT LIKE THE ONE WHO HAS PRIDE AND IS BOASTFUL.” [surah An-Nisaa 4 : 36] Just this alone – that we would be disliked by Allah Ta’ala - should create concern and should exhort us to reform and humble ourselves. This sin of pride, steals into the heart – without the person realising it. Very much like Riyaa (doing actions for show), which creeps into our hearts, unnoticed. …Riyaa comes into a person in such a way that he is totally unaware of it. Nabi (Sallallaahu alayhi wa Sallam) said: "Ash-Shirk-al-Khafi (Riyaa) in the Muslim Ummah is more inconspicuous than the creeping of black ant on black rock in the pitch-darkness of the night." No one can see that ant and no one can hear it – except Allah Ta’ala. More stealthily than that, more secretly than that, does the quality of Riyaa creep into a person. In the same way, Takabbur (pride) also enters the heart of a person, in such a way that a person does not realise it. This sickness is so dangerous that it is narrated in a Hadith that a person, who has a tiny grain (or an atom) of pride in his heart, will not be admitted into Jannat.[1] If a person has got one atom, one iota, one spec of pride, then besides Jannat, he will be deprived of even the fragrance of Jannat – and as had been mentioned, in different narrations, the fragrance of Jannat is such, which will spread to a distance of a journey of hundreds of years out of Jannat. In this day and age, if we consider a journey by plane, to some distant country, then a person will, in all probability, be stopping in different cities, in transit. Such a journey may be twenty hours or even longer. Together with waiting in transit – which itself may be a number of hours, the person may only reach his destination after a few days. Thousands of miles are traversed in a few days. And in the Ahadith, hundreds ofyears of travel are mentioned to describe distances… Not days; but hundreds of years. Allahu Akbar! In one Hadith, we are informed that just the fragrance of Jannah will travel to a distance of five hundred years out of Jannat. …A person who is proud will thus not benefit and enjoy even this. May Allah Ta’ala save us. A sign of whether we have Takabbur, Riyaa, or other spiritual ailments within us, is that we are unconcerned about these maladies. If we are unconcerned, then there is great danger that nafs and shaytaan have the upper-hand over us or have floored us with these sins. As students, as Asaatiza, as Saalikeen, as Mureedeen – as Muslims, we must be concerned about treating our spiritual ailments. Ibnu Abi Mulayka (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh), who was a Tabi’e, said: “I met no less than thirty Sahabah (Radiyallaahu ‘anhum) and each of them feared Nifaaq (hypocrisy) within themselves.”[2] فقد أخرج البخاري - تعليقاً - أن ابن أبي مليكة رحمه الله قال : (أدركت ثلاثين من أصحاب النبي -صلى الله عليه وسلم- كلهم يخاف النفاق على نفسه) They were always afraid; keeping a check on their nafs, and on whether these evil qualities were within them:Do I possess these evil qualities? Am I doing actions for show? Do I have pride within myself? …In contrast, we are very confident that we are perfect believers. We seem to have no fear of any spiritual ailments; not even Nifaaq (hypocrisy). Hadhrat Hasan Basri (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) would say in respect to Nifaaq: “No one fears it but a Believer and no one feels safe from it but a hypocrite." What a difference between us and those great men? They were always concerned, and when they requested one another for Dua, it was Dua regarding these matters; that Allah Ta’ala saves them from name, fame, pride, show, conceit, etc. When they advised each other, it was on these matters. Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Mubarak (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) said: “Sufyaan Thauri (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) advised me: ‘Beware of fame. Everyone I met warned me about fame.’” …SubhanAllah, so much of concern. And there are many other such advices that were sought and that were given; and that were not only appreciated, but were followed through with. We also request others for Dua – but the request is usually for wealth, Barakah, and health – for ourselves, children or others. We also request others for advice, but generally it relates to worldly matters. We do not give attention to our spiritual ailments; we sometimes do not take out even a minute or a few seconds to think of our spiritual weaknesses. Even if we read about them in the kitaabs, then we read it for knowledge-sake, just to know – because we are students of Dien. …Unfortunately and sadly, we do not introspect, reflect, or take heed of whether these sins and weaknesses are within us or not, and we do not look towards a course of action to remedy these weaknesses. It is extremely important that a person becomes more humble as he acquires more knowledge. If he entertains pride, then this will be the cause of his downfall and disgrace. May Allah Ta’ala save us all. As an example: A person is engaged in all types of sins. But his sins make him ashamed and humble him. He is devoid of pride – because he views himself as a miserable sinner. Allah Ta’ala then guides him to Taubah (repentance) and he corrects his life. He then becomes punctual with his Salaah, five times a day, and he even performs Tahajjud. He engages in Tilawat, Zikrullah, sits for Sunnat I’tikaaf and makes Umrah again and again. However, on carrying out all these good deeds, pride now steals into his heart and he begins to think that he is very pious. One of the ways to remedy this is to think of one’s past, one’s history; what one was at one time. We should think: “I was a complete jaahil (ignoramus). Allah Ta’ala, out of His Fadhl (grace) made me a Hafiz and Qaari." …Insha-Allah, by doing this, pride will be extinguished. Our Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) gave a very simple treatment for Takabbur; and that is Tashakkur (expressing gratitude to Allah Ta’ala). A person who is conscious of his Dieni condition will constantly check whether he has pride within himself or not. Whenever he fears or perceives that Takabbur is lurking within his heart, then the easy way to remedy it is to engage in Shukr. Shukr takes a person closer to Allah Ta’ala, whilst Takabbur takes a person further away from Allah Ta’ala. These are two opposites, and the general rule is: Two opposites will not be in one place, at the same time. There cannot be light and darkness at the same time, in one place. There is either light or darkness. …If a person enters a dark room and he switches the light on, the darkness disappears. In a similar vein, Tashakkur (gratitude) and Takabbur (pride) cannot be in the heart at one and the same time.When the person switches the light of Tashakkur on, the darkness of Takabbur will disappear. However, we need to understand that Tashakkur will become a reality, when we learn and implement Shukr in our lives; when we express sincere Shukr to Allah Ta’ala for all the bounties Allah Ta’ala is showering upon us, and true Shukr is utilising all bounties in Allah Ta’ala’s obedience and in seeking His Pleasure. Many of us speak about Tashakkur and we think we have made Shukr, and that we have Shukr in us. …Commonly, in a Madrasah Jalsa, where students are completing their Hifz or the Aalim course, we say: “We make Shukr to Allah Ta’ala for this,” but more often, these are just words uttered. Sometimes, Shukr is evident on the tongue, but Kibr (pride) is hiding in the heart. …Because, within ourselves, we feel that we have achieved this, we made the effort and sacrifice – so it is our accomplishment; whereas real Tashakkur is that a person realises that he has not done anything whatsoever. Everything is purely the Grace, Favour and Generosity of Allah Ta’ala. He gave us the brains, the intelligence, the capacity to understand, the strength, the memory, the opportunity, and created all the means whereby there is someone to tutor us and teach us and assist us to become a Hafiz, Aalim, Mufti, etc. Allah Ta’ala made all the arrangements for us. Together with Tashakkur, we should also recite the following in order to save ourselves from Takabbur. This is a simple Masnoon Dua that we should recite after every good action, and particularly when Allah Ta’ala takes some Khidmat of Dien or some great work from us. ‏الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي بِنِعْمَتِهِ تَتِمُّ الصَّالِحَاتُ “All praise is only due to Allah Ta’ala and it is solely by His grace and kindness that this good work has been completed.”[3] The moment you ascribe your good work and good deed to Allah Ta’ala – who gave the Taufeeq and opportunity – humbleness will be nurtured in the heart. Even if the entire world praises you and even if shaytaan whispers that you are a very great person - that you have done great work - the focus of the heart will be on Allah Ta’ala. The person will keep before him that without Allah Ta’ala’s Kindness and Assistance, nothing would have been achieved. Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had provided a very effective remedy for annihilating the nafs and developing this noble characteristic of humility. And this prescription should be carried out on a daily basis. …It should be done when lying down to sleep. …Many bad thoughts come to a person when he is going to sleep. Therefore, we should read our Kalimas, spend a few minutes in Taubah and Istighfaar, express Shukr to Allah Ta’ala that the day passed well. We should also thank Allah Ta’ala for saving us from so many calamities throughout our lives until now. By engaging in these actions, we will be saved from the evil whisperings of shaytaan. Together with these actions, Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) said that every person should say to himself: حال مے تمام مسلمانوں میں سے تو (نام لےکر) بدتر اور کمتر ہے Presently, I – (take your own name) - am the worst amongst all the Muslims in the world. It is Fardh-e-ain (compulsory) to regard ourselves as the lowest in Allah Ta’ala’s creation. …This is a start in nurturing Tawaadhu and it plants the seed of Fana`iyyat (annihilation). In this manner, Tawaadhu will develop within the person, Insha-Allah. Of course, the result is not obtained by saying this once or twice. We should not deceive ourselves, thinking we said it once or twice and we are now “Mutawaadhi” – (one with a lot of humility). These words are only planting the seed. We will have to water it, fertilise it and take care of it. If the plant is given attention, it will continue to grow and will, Insha-Allah, grow into a tree, and after many years, it will begin to bear fruit also. …However, we don’t know exactly when the tree will bear fruit. A mango tree may bear fruit after three or four years; sometimes later. Trees, which are planted for paper, only gain maturity after twenty or thirty years. …Whilst we don’t know when the tree of humility will bear its fruit, it still needs to be planted and nurtured. No matter how far others are from Dien and how distanced they are from Allah Ta’ala’s obedience, and even though they are caught up in many evils and major sins, we should think that the person may possess some quality in him that Allah Ta’ala loves; whereas we may have some quality in us which Allah Ta’ala dislikes. On this basis, accept wholeheartedly that: “I am the lowest and the worst.” اور مآل کے اعتبار سے تمام جانوروں اور کافروں میں سے تو (نام لےکر) بدتر اور کمتر ہے “With regards to the future, amongst all the animals and non-believers, I – (take your own name) - am the worst of all.” If a person dies without Imaan, then he is worse than an animal. A Kaafir (disbeliever), who is living for ninety nine years in Kufr, can make Taubah, read the Kalima and pass away on Imaan. Many were Muslims but due to their sins, they die on Kufr and lose the Aakhirah (Allah Ta’ala protect us all). …So we do not know what our end result will be. How can we ever think that we are better than others? It is said that Hadhrat Sufyaan Thauri (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) developed a hunched back in his youth. When asked about being bent at such a young age, he replied: "I had three Ustaadhs; one died as a Christian, one died as a Jew and one died a Majoosi (Fire-Worshipper). When I observed this, I recognized Allah Ta’ala’s absolute Independence and the fear of Allah Ta’ala bent my back. Since witnessing this, I always supplicate to Allah Ta’ala for death on Imaan." This is the reality : We don’t know our end result, but we have to continue with Dua and with effort. …This Muraqabah will help tremendously in bringing humility in a person. Another very simple statement, which Hadhrat Moulana Sayyid Sulaiman Nadwi (رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ) would express and which we should say to ourselves as well is: ھم ایسے رھے یا کہ ویسے رھے وہاں دیکھناھے کہ کیسے رھے ‘Whether we live like this or whether we live like that, What is left to be seen is how our stay there will be (i.e. the Hereafter).’ We lived in this world, this way or that way. It does not matter whether people praised us or criticised us. On the day of Qiyaamah, what counts is the report that will be given in our hands. This is what is most important. No person knows, with certainty, whether Allah Ta’ala will be pleased with him on the day of Qiyaamah or not. …Yes, there can be signs, but no person is certain. By following through with this simple prescription Insha-Allah, Allah Ta’ala will purify us of pride and save us from pride. If we do not remedy this ailment, if we do not make that effort of Tazkiyah (purification) and we leave this world with pride, then the fire of Jahannum is the only other way of purifying a person of his sins - unless Allah Ta’ala forgives, which is His prerogative. If not, there will be delayed entry into Jannah – because the purification process that was not carried out in this world, will then be carried out in Jahannum (May Allah Ta’ala protect us all). This matter is extremely serious. Say these few sentences. Follow through with the above-mentioned Muraqabah and make Muhasabah (take account of our actions and behaviour): Do I possess pride? What signs are there? …We all need to be concerned about our spiritual condition. When we suffer from a little headache or a toothache, we become restless and worried, but we don’t care about the cancer of pride which is spreading in our hearts. We don’t pay any attention to our spiritual diseases; whereas we should be more conscious and more concerned about our spiritual condition. This is what determines the end result. May Allah Ta’ala grant us Taufeeq of undertaking our Islaah and grant us complete Islaah and Tazkiyah, with ease. [1] Sahih Muslim. Hadith related by Abdullah Ibn Mas`ud (Radiyallaahu anhu) [2] Sahih Bukhari [3] Ibn Majah, Ibn Sunni and Al Haakim Link to blog : http://hameediyyah.blogspot.com

Bismihi Ta'ala There are many, many people – especially women – who have the suspicion that someone has done some witchcraft on them, on their children and husbands, or that they are being troubled by some Jinn. …There is no doubt that some people may genuinely be afflicted with Sihr or Jinn, who may require some treatment. However, the opinion, assumption and diagnosis that every ailment, difficulty or problem stems from sihr and jinn has become a fixation and an obsession for so many. The solution that many people then resort to is visiting the many Aamils[1]who frequent our shores. Whilst there are some very sincere and pious Aamils, the majority are into it as a business and trade. And it’s big business. Bringing in big money. And it has also become an undercover trade – where women are exploited and in some cases, sexually abused. How many write and phone, wanting some guidance or help, or they want to verify. …One person said that an Aamil told him that he was possessed by 6 Jinn and to catch and tie them all up, will cost him R6000 a jinn. When he asked my opinion, I told him in humour: ‘Six jinns in you would have had you dancing. But you are very calm and relaxed. Tell the Aamil that he must first catch and tie them up, thereafter show them all to you, before payment.’ – I then told him that it is nothing but a con. It is one big fiasco, with thousands being swindled from naïve and gullible Muslims. One brother e-mailed, saying that he moved into a new home, and an Aamil told him that his new house needs to be ‘cleaned’ – and it will cost R1000. He wanted to know what he should do …. One husband related that his wife visited some Aamil. She was put into some trance and was told to remove her clothes … and such, such happenings that leave you totally stunned. How can husbands allow their women to just visit anyone – and be alone with a man – whom they barely know? Trust is a lost entity. And to think that despite all the warnings, people still go back – and they hop from one Aamil to another, to another – and what could have just been a small problem – becomes a traumatising experience. We make mountains out of molehills and then our lives are consumed with visits to Aamils, treatments, taweez[2] and other amaliyat (incantations). …Sometimes the problem is not even solved. This is what happens when we cannot appreciate the simple solutions and prescriptions of Shariah. We are told that if we suspect anything like sihr (witchcraft) or jinn, then Ayatul Kursi[3] and the 3 Quls suffice from all harm and mischief. But it seems we have more trust and confidence in Aamils than in Allah Ta’ala! ( Nauzu Billah) Moreover, most of the time, there are many lies spoken and the person is led to even believe that his mother or sister or someone close is doing some kind of witchcraft. There is mistrust and suspicion which is unwarranted and sinful. And this leads to enmity and even severance of family ties.[4] These weaknesses demand attention and correction because they result in many grave sins. Allah Ta’ala has explicitly instructed: “O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; for some suspicion is a sin.” [surah Hujurat 49.12] Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) said, "Avoid suspicion, indeed expressing suspicions is the worst lie."[5] CLICK HERE FOR PRESCRIPTION FOR SIHR / JINN [1] Aamils : Those who treat people afflicted by witchcraft/ influence of jinn [2] Taweez : amulet [3] Ayatul Kursi : An ayat of protection. Surah 2 : 225 [4] Listen to the talk : “Clearing the misunderstandings about Sihr and Black magic, Taweez and Istikhara”. Download and listen from website: http://YunusPatel.co.za [5] Sahih Bukhari

Bismillahi Rahmaanir Raheem Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) said: “When a person becomes my Mureed, my first worry and concern is not his Islaah (reformation), rather it is creating my love in his heart. Once that is achieved, his Islaah becomes very easy; because in love, a person accepts everything of his beloved and is keen to practise on it.” In these times, so much is plastic or not durable and things break very easily. In a similar vein, Mureeds today are sensitive and are not strong and resilient. So the true Mashaa’ikh, taking into consideration the nature of the people, of their Mureedeen, take it easy with their Mureeds. Even if they scold, it is done in such a way, whereby the Mureed only increases in his Muhabbat for the Sheikh and does not feel disillusioned and despondent, or runs away. For the Sheikh to understand the temperament of people is very important. Therefore, we find that the Sheikh who is Kaamil is generally not harsh or hard and will also not scold much, because he understands that if he adopts harshness, the little benefit that the Mureed is getting, will also be lost. This too is in accordance with the Sunnah and is mentioned by Allah Ta’ala, in regard to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam): ‘Thus, it is due to mercy from Allah that you deal with them gently. And had you been rough or hard-hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you…’ [surah Aal-Imraan 3 : 159] We find the gentleness and mercy of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) apparent in his manner and method of correcting the people. He had the best understanding and perception of human psychology and was thus, the most successful in Islaah and Tazkiyyah. And this success is evident when considering that in a short period of time, a people who were barbaric and uncivilised, engaging in all kinds of major sins, became the best of people, with the noblest characters and actions, by virtue of the company and guidance of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Take the famous incident, narrated by Hadhrat Abu Umamah (Radhiyallahu 'anhu) who mentioned of a young man who came to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and said: “O Messenger of Allah, give me permission of Zina.” Whilst the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu 'anhum) turned to him and started rebuking him, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) invited the young person to come closer and to sit down. And then Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) appealed to his sense of honour, by asking him if he would like the same for his mother, his daughter, his sister and other relatives. Each time, the young man replied in the negative. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would respond that similarly, others would not like that for their women folk. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) then placed his blessed hand on the young man and prayed for him,"O Allah, forgive his sins, purify his heart, and protect his chastity." Hazrat Abu Umamah (Radhiyallahu 'anhu) said that the young man did not pay heed to any temptation or anything Haraam thereafter.[1] We can gauge from such incidents, the positive results of mercy and compassion in making Islaah, over harshness and hardness. The way of Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is perfection, because it was inspired by Allah Ta’ala. Any other way will not invite the same results. …If the Sheikh adopts harshness and severity in dealing with his Mureeds, the hearts of the Mureeds will turn away and they will not have any interest in following through with the Sheikh’s instructions or even keeping his company. Thus, the Sheikh has to be wise, discreet and experienced. There are times where he will reprimand, where he will have to reprimand, but his reprimanding is due to a genuine concern that the Mureed be successful on this path. This kind of reprimand then brings about positive results. Our Sheikh (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) mentioned that his Sheikh would say that the one who has not been subjected to the process of Islaah and has not withstood the scolding of the Sheikh, will not have others endure and tolerate his scolding. ...So these are amongst his distinct qualities and by which he is also recognized as a Sheikh-e-Kaamil[2], together with other noble characteristics also. This experience, skill and ability to treat the spiritual sicknesses of his Mureeds correctly, comes from the Sheikh having spent a considerable time in the company of his own Sheikh, for his own Islaah, undergoing Mujahadah (Striving) in the path to Allah Ta’ala, learning from his Sheikh, the ways and methods of Islaah and becoming acquainted with the territory and its dangers. Being an Aalim is one thing, and to be a Muslih[3] is another. A person has to first undergo the process of Islaah and Tazkiyyah himself to learn the process of Islaah and Tazkiyyah. May Allah Ta’ala guide us towards complete Islaah and Tazkiyyah, with ease, and grant us such guides who are a reflection of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and who guide in the best possible ways. [1] Ahmad [2] Sheikh-e-Kaamil: Accomplished, experienced and pious Sheikh [3] Muslih : One who reforms Link to blog : http://hameediyyah.blogspot.com/

Bismihi Ta'ala One husband complained that he was always angry with his wife, and they continuously argued. …There are so many such cases : If it is not the husband complaining of his wife, it is the wife complaining of her husband. In this case, having been informed of the weaknesses of his wife, which are common to other women as well, I said: ‘I agree with you that there are weaknesses in women. However, there are also weaknesses in men. …Moreover, your anger is for worldly reasons. You are cursing your wife and inviting that same curse upon yourself...’ I then explained to him: ‘When you curse your wife on her defiance, non-compliance or her indifference to your rights, then Allah Ta’ala’s azaab[1] descends upon her. When that punishment reaches her, she will not be the only who will suffer. As her husband, you too suffer. If she is afflicted with illness or meets up with some accident, the burden of expense falls upon you, as the husband. You will have to take care of her, and will also find difficulty in that she will not be able to see to you and the children, and the maintenance of the home, etc. And if she has to curse you, she too will find herself in a situation of trial and difficulty...’ There are those women who have the bad habit of cursing their husbands and children – and generally this is due to impatience or frustration. Instead of turning to Allah Ta’ala and making Du’aa, they utter such words, which sometimes finds acceptance in the heavens, but becomes a source of great regret. It is due to this tendency of cursing and being ungrateful to spouses that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) directed women towards giving charity and seeking forgiveness. Thus, when Allah Ta’ala punishes the husband or the child, then the wife or mother is left lamenting her plight. It may be that Allah Ta’ala accepts her curse, and in a fit of anger the husband divorces the wife. He loses his wife and children and she is left in dire circumstances as a divorcee; or it may be that Allah Ta’ala accepts the curse, and as such his entire business collapses. Then poverty becomes the lot of not just the husband, but also the wife who cursed, and the children. …There are so many ways that curses are Divinely accepted. Alhamdulillah, this husband explained the above to his wife and they both agreed that arguing and cursing was not the solution. Arguments are the cause of great satisfaction and joy to shaytaan, whose great effort is to destroy marriages. Arguments, in fact, indicate to shaytaan’s presence in our homes. It is the stepping stone to enmity between husband and wife, and can easily end up with divorce, a broken home and many other problems. Who does not want a happy marriage? Who does not want Sukoon (tranquility) in marriage? ...However, to achieve this, some effort has to be made. We just have to train ourselves to adopt Hilm (tolerance) and Sabr (patience) at times, and learn to curb the tendency to argue and fight – which is otherwise common even for the most petty reasons. If we can all keep before us the following Hadeeth and have Yaqeen and conviction on the words of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), many arguments would not even surface and there would be peace and tranquility: “I guarantee a house in the outskirts of Paradise to the one who forsakes argument even when he is in the right.’ [1] Azaab : punishment

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem A Mureed asked about accepting gifts, when having made an intention to do something for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, or accepting gifts having taught someone something of Dien. Would it be against Ikhlaas (sincerity) to accept? Would it spoil one’s deed, when the favour or the teaching was meant to be for Allah Ta’ala? I explained that the giving of gifts is actually encouraged in the Hadith. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Give gifts to one another, and you will love one another.”[1] However, it does happen that after doing some good for somebody, like teaching him, etc. the person reciprocates by giving something. Outwardly, it may seem like a kind of payment, though the person says that it is a gift. The person – whether a teacher, Da’ee[2], etc. – may feel hesitant and reluctant to accept, when he considers his intention being for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. However, somebody else's actions or intentions do not spoil or destroy one’s own intentions or actions. If our intention is that we are taking it in return for what was done, then this will be against Ikhlaas. If we accept it as a gift, then this will be acceptable and in order. Our Akaabir have taught and explained to us that there is a test in regard to gifts. Firstly, we should not expect anything, outwardly or inwardly - on doing any favour or teaching someone something. If nothing is given and we are upset or hurt or offended, this will reveal our insincerity. If we are convinced that the person is giving it as a payment, then it would be best not to accept. We should not accept. If the person is giving as an expression of his appreciation and gratitude, and will be hurt if we do not accept - then we should accept. We should keep in mind the condition of not expecting and should reflect and introspect and ask ourselves: If nothing was given, would I have felt hurt or upset? This is the gauge of sincerity in accepting gifts. Also, we find that the Sunnah of gifts was not only accepting gifts. It was also giving gifts. Hadhrat Ayeshah (Radhiyallahu anha) said that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) used to accept gifts and used to give something in return. (Sahih Bukhari) In fact, we find that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would sometimes give more than was received. SubhanAllah. Moreover, in the Hadith, we are directed to respond to the kindness of others in some way: “Whoever does you a favour, respond in kind, and if you cannot find the means of doing so, then keep praying for him until you think that you have responded in kind.”[3] Another way which Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) directed us to, is saying JazakAllah khayran:“Whoever has a favour done for him and says 'JazakAllahu khayran' has done his utmost to thank him.”[4] When a person does not have the means, then this is more than sufficient to reciprocate kindness, because Allah Ta’ala is the only one who can recompense in the best way. It is also permissible; in fact courteous and well-mannered, for the recipient to mention the person’s kindness, so long as his intention is sincere in doing so. Acknowledging a person’s kindness is from amongst the noble qualities of a Believer. Another teaching which we are cautioned of is to give something and then remind the person of our gift or favour. This goes against the grain of Ikhlaas – that a person gives and then reminds the recipient of his gifts and kindness, or he entertains expectations of favours in return, or expects his gift to be announced and publicized. Many have their own agenda in doing favours, giving gifts and rendering assistance. When their own interests are not fulfilled, then they curtail their assistance or sever relationships - because there was no personal gain or their own ends were not achieved. This clearly indicates selfishness and insincerity, as opposed to doing something, seeking only the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala. It may even be that the person gives a gift so that others may see or come to know of it and that he is then acknowledged as generous or good hearted – then this would be Riyaa (showing off). So Ikhlaas is demanded of both the giver and the recipient. Moreover, good character calls for appreciation, whether the gift is big or small, expensive or inexpensive. Unfortunately, if something given is of little value, we do not care to express our thanks; whereas it was the noble habit of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) to accept even humble items which were given to him as gifts. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) never ignored any person’s kindness. Not only did he accept, but he expressed his appreciation and pleasure, thereby putting happiness in the giver’s heart. And to put happiness into the heart of a Believer is greatly rewarding. Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (Radhiyallahu anhu) related that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “If I were invited to a meal of a sheep’s foot I would accept, and if I were given a sheep’s foot as a gift, I would accept.”[5] Hafez Ibn Hajar (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had explained that this Hadith indicates the noble nature and humility of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), together with his desire to make others happy, by responding to an invitation, despite knowing that he would be fed a humble meal or by accepting a humble gift. These words of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) are to encourage us to establish the bonds of brotherhood and friendship. And also directs us to interact with different people, including the poor – who are generally turned away or looked down upon. Alhamdulillah, we see how the Sunnah erases all prejudices and discriminations. We should keep in mind that whatever we receive is from Allah Ta’ala. People are only the asbaab (means) whereby we receive our sustenance. So ingratitude and in-appreciation is indirectly expressed to Allah Ta’ala who is the actual Giver. Looking down upon any gift also reveals a person’s pride. May Allah Ta’ala grant us Ikhlaas in practising on the Sunnah, in our interaction with people, and grant us the Taufeeq to always do for Allah Ta’ala alone, and having our expectation in Him and not on His creation. Aamien. [1] Sahih Bukhari [2] Da’ee : One who invites to Dien [3] Abu Dawood [4] Tirmidhi [5] Sahih Bukhari Link to blog : http://hameediyyah.blogspot.com