amaturrahmaan

Bismihi Ta'ala After a Believer is buried, we should not have the opinion that he or she is suffering the ‘azaab’ (punishment) of ‘Qabr’[1], even if he or she was involved in sin. We should hold a good opinion of the dead. Imam Abu Dawood (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said : “Make mention of the virtues of your dead, and refrain from (mentioning) their evils.” It may well be that he (or she) has already secured Divine Forgiveness. We do not know which action of the deceased, during his lifetime, earned him the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and gained him, najaat (salvation) and Jannah[2]. Moreover, the deceased has already traversed where we still have to journey. What do we know of the conditions to meet us at the time of death and after? Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said : ‘Forgiveness was granted to a prostitute. She came upon a dog at the mouth of a well, that was panting, and about to die of thirst. She took off her leather sock, tied it with her headscarf, and drew some water from the well for the dog. It was for this act of kindness that she was forgiven her sins.’ When Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was asked, ‘Are we rewarded even for good we do to animals?’ Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) replied : ‘Reward is given for good done to any living creature.’ Reading such incidents does not mean that we just look for some thirsty dog, give it some water and then be confident of our forgiveness. Every Hadeeth Shareef must be understood in its proper context and perspective. …Does a person steal a day before the President’s birthday because he heard that the president of the country gives amnesty and releases many prisoners on his birthday? Even though Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy and Forgiveness searches for opportunities, do not be fooled and misled by shaytaan to commit sins based on this fact. Whilst there is no doubt that Allah Ta’ala is Most Forgiving and Most Merciful, Allah Ta’ala also punishes those who are persistent in sins and negligent in obedience. Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur`aan Shareef : ‘…But verily your Lord is full of forgiveness for mankind for their wrong-doing. And verily your Lord is (also) strict in punishment.’ [surah Ra’d 13 : 6] [1] Qabr : literally means, grave. (Also refers to that period after death till the Day of Resurrection.) [2] Jannah : Paradise

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Bismihi Ta'ala There are many people who are very anxious and troubled when the thought of sinning comes into their minds. Whilst shaytaan whispers such thoughts, inviting and tempting towards sins, we should not entertain them. I often present the analogy that our minds can be likened to a national highway. Whilst traveling on the highway, we find different kinds of vehicles and conveyances – luxury cars, old cars, trucks, bicycles, motorbikes, etc. Many a time, animals are seen being transported : horses, cows and even pigs. If we find ourselves driving behind a truck transporting pigs, then even though it is something that disgusts us, we do not leave off traveling that highway. All that we have to do is indicate, accelerate, overtake and continue driving. Similarly, our mind is like that national highway and all kinds of thoughts travel the mind – good and bad. When evil thoughts visit our minds, we should just pass them. We should not intentionally bring them into the mind or entertain them when they do come to mind. Simply ignore them. Despite the thought being bad, no sin is recorded against. In fact Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallahu anhu) mentioned that Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had said that if a servant has an inclination towards some evil but does not act upon it, one good is written of good deeds. Another analogy which I have also presented in explanation is : If during the blessed month of Ramadaan, whilst sitting at the dastarkhaan, waiting for Iftaar, many delicious foods are placed before a person, and the thought comes to his mind, to eat this or partake of that, then there is no sin in regard to those thoughts. As long as the person does not eat anything, his fast will not break and there will be no sin on the mere thought of eating the different delicacies coming to his mind. Read more from the book, “Combating the Whisperings of shaytaan”

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem In nursery school or pre-school, little children are given pictures to colour in. If a child is given a picture of a lion, the child is not going to be afraid by the picture of the lion. …In fact, the little child may take a pair of scissors and poke the lion in its eye, cut off its tail or head – and may even squash or tear the picture of the lion – because it is just paper. …This is only being presented as an analogy. It is not offering any concession for animate pictures, which we are forbidden to draw or take pictures of. A picture of a lion does not create any fear or disturbance to the heart, because it is understood that that is just a picture. Then we have the lion which is kept caged in the zoo. The authorities of the zoo keep a sign on the outside of the cage: “DO NOT INTERFERE WITH THE LION.” This is because the lion is real, and if provoked, can become very aggressive and violent. However, despite the lion being a real, living lion, there is not much fear because the lion is caged and cannot do anything much. Children are also not scared of such a lion. In fact, some children will even throw stones at the lion and say: ‘See, I’m so brave!’ …It matters little to them if the lion is annoyed, because the lion is behind bars, and locked up. And then we have the lion who reigns as king of the jungle. The lion is known as the king of the jungle because he overpowers all other animals. …This lion moves freely, creating fear in animals and humans. His supremacy is accepted by all – uncontested and unchallenged. …No one dares to interfere or provoke this lion for fear of being the next meal of the lion! Considering this example, we can draw similarities to what we Muslims have become today. Today, we are “picture Muslims”: Take a glance at the condition of the Ummah. The land of Muslims is dyed with the blood of the Muslims. The land of the Muslims carries the severe burden of the torture and suffering of the Muslims. The tears of the Muslims have drenched their own land, whilst hundreds of thousands of slain Muslims lie in the belly of the earth. The Muslim land has become a mass burial ground for the Muslims themselves – whether in Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Burma, Africa or elsewhere. …Lives are shattered and hearts weigh heavy with grief. The enemies fearlessly persecute and imprison our brothers, rape our sisters, and merrily kill our innocent children – without care, concern or any conscience. There is oppression, repression and injustice which just increases and intensifies – and we are so helpless in the face of all these trials. …There is no escaping the sight of the suffering Ummah. We are living in a world filled with injustice and oppression. However, this scenario which we are witnessing throughout the Muslim world is the consequence of our own actions. We are to be blamed. We moved away from Dien and we moved away from the Sunnah of our Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). There is no reality of Dien in our lives; rather there is just the pursuit of Dunya at the expense of Dien and Aakhirah. Hubbud Dunya (love of the world) has consumed us – has made us ghaafil (negligent) and has brought disgrace upon us. …Today, we are a feast for the enemies of Islam. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: "The People will soon summon one another to attack you as people, when eating, invite others to share their food." Someone asked, "Will that be because of our small numbers at that time?" He replied, "No, you will be numerous at that time: but you will be froth and scum like that carried down by a torrent (of water), and Allah will take the fear of you out from the hearts of your enemy and cast al-wahn into your hearts." Someone asked, "O Messenger of Allah, what is al-wahn?" He replied, "Love of the world and dislike of death."[1] Being a “picture Muslim” will not help us - because there is no reality. In fact, so many cannot even be recognized as “picture Muslims”. Many have forsaken the way of Islam and have adopted the culture of the non-Muslims: The culture of Hollywood and Bollywood. The affinity and resemblance is with our own enemies – but we don’t recognize our enemies. And if a person does not recognize his enemy, then what precaution will he take? …None. Yet Allah Ta’ala has warned us, cautioned us and identified our enemies for us. ‘Fore-warned is fore-armed’. But our folly is that we see the mask of friendship, the guise of comradeship and we think these are friends. We will not be able escape the stranglehold of the disbeliever’s oppression until we submit to Allah Ta’ala, until we conform to the teachings of Islam and we follow the way of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). This is the solution. There is no other solution. We need the reality of Islam in our lives if we want positive change. We need to become real Muslims - in the real sense of the word. …How often we read of our Muslim brothers and even sisters who are imprisoned? They are like the real lions that are caged. … So long as they are in captivity, they cannot wield the strength that they have been blessed with – that is, if they are obedient to Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Whilst our brothers languish in the prisons of this world, many of us languish in the prison of nafs and shaytaan – and the prisoner of nafs and shaytaan, is more helpless than the one who is imprisoned by the enemies of Islam. The Muslim prisoners of Guantanamo Bay and other places are Mazloom (oppressed) – so they have Allah Ta’ala on their side, despite their outward helplessness. The one who is a prisoner of nafs and shaytaan, due to his sins, is deprived of Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy and assistance, until he makes sincere Taubah. …By Allah, we can go and stand before the United Nations – over a billion Muslims - pleading and crying for help. Help will not come. …In fact, the United Nations is no comrade and no well-wisher of the Muslims. We can turn to the governments of the world for assistance and aid, but they cannot do anything to alleviate our plight. In fact, they desire the destruction of the Muslim Ummah even though they show a face of friendship and offer some superficial humanitarian aid. …We have enemies on the outside, we have enemies on the inside, and we have ourselves – and we cause more harm to ourselves than others. The need is for us – the Muslim Ummah at large - to go and stand in the Court of Allah Ta’ala and plead to Him, cry before him and sincerely repent for all our sins. This will invite the mercy of Allah Ta’ala. We have to turn to the government of Allah Ta’ala for aid and support - by becoming faithful and loyal to His Government. It will only be then, that the Muslims will find the support of Allah Ta’ala and will have with them, the force and the power and the might of Allah Ta’ala on their side. With such assistance, the Muslim Ummah will then be able to overcome all its enemies. But we don’t want to change. We don’t want to mend our ways. We don’t want to submit. …And so as long as we remain aloof of Allah Ta’ala, Allah Ta’ala will remain aloof of us. Then we have the real, living Muslim – free from the clutches of the Kuffaar, free from the prison of nafs and shaytaan, free from the prison of the love of this world. His connection is with the Creator of the universe – Allah Ta’ala! He is the vicegerent of Allah Ta’ala on earth – a king without a throne and without a crown – living and breathing in the obedience of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). He moves in the protection of Allah Ta’ala, and he is assisted and supported by Allah Ta’ala – because he is the friend of Allah Ta’ala. Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) related a Hadith-e-Qudsi, wherein Allah Ta’ala states: “…And the most beloved things with which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawaafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, so I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My protection (Refuge), I will protect him; (i.e. give him My Refuge) …."[2] The enemies of Islam fear him because they know that he wields a power that lays waste to their efforts to destroy the Muslims – in fact, their efforts to destroy mankind. He wields a power that subjugates hearts to Allah Ta’ala. He is a king of hearts, and wherever he goes, wherever he travels, the hearts of the creation connect with Allah Ta’ala. He walks with the light of Allah Ta’ala and brightens the hearts of the creation with the light that burns brightly in his heart – the light of Tauheed (Oneness of Allah Ta’ala). Like moths drawn to a flame, hearts are drawn to the fire of Allah Ta’ala’s Love which burns strongly in his heart, and hearts are ignited with Divine Love. The enemies fear him, whilst others love him. He benefits the creation and he guides them. He carries with him a key of unique composition – The key of Ma’rifat (recognition of Allah Ta’ala) and Ishq (Intense Love) - given by Allah Ta’ala – which unlocks the hearts, and which releases us from the prison of nafs and shaytaan, and makes us like the free, living lions in the jungles … On a different level, if the real Muslim engages the enemy in battle, he comes forth fearless of death – seeking death. This is a lion. How many of us have this kind of spirit? How many of us have the lion's courage? …Look at the Mujahideen: Allahu Akbar! They seek the honour of martyrdom, because they understand the reality of this worldly life. They have certainty of the Aakhirah and they seek it. We run away; we shy away – we want to escape because we are not real Muslims; rather we have become cowards. May Allah Ta’ala have mercy upon us and forgive us and guide us and make us true, real Muslims. History bears testimony to such men who walked on the earth, free, and supported by Allah Ta’ala in every way: Hadhrat Hamza (Radiyallahu’anhu) was “Asadullah” (The lion of Allah Ta’ala), Hadhrat Khalid bin Waleed (Radiyallahu’anhu) was “Saifullah” (The Sword of Allah Ta’ala), Hadhrat Umar (Radiyallahu’anhu) was such a unique personality that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “O Ibn Khattaab, by the Divine Being in whose hand is my life, if shaytaan sees you walking on any road, he will leave that road and walk on another road.” It is narrated that on one occasion, the emperor Heraclius addressed a delegation of Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radiallahu’anhum) and asked them for a description of the character of the ruling Khalifah, Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu). A Sahabi – illiterate, simple in dress and demeanour, replied: “He neither deceives nor can he be deceived.” SubhanAllah! …In one, single statement he presented the character of the Khalifah in the most befitting manner. The emperor was left awestruck upon this reply. The emperor then addressed his courtiers and noblemen and said: “These two qualities in their leader have established his authority on the land: The entire world cannot oppose a man in whom these two qualities exist. That he does not deceive clearly indicates that he is a man of exceptional piety and piety is the crown of kingship. That he cannot be deceived clearly indicates that he is a man of great intelligence. A man blessed with such piety and intelligence will dominate and rule over all.” Similarly, all the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radiallahu ’anhum) were like the lions who are free and they were people, whom Allah Ta’ala established as His vicegerents on earth. …Allah Ta’ala’s assistance was with the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radiallahu ’anhum) wherever they went – because they were obedient to Allah Ta’ala and His Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) If the Ummah strives to be like the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radiallahu ’anhum), there would be a revolution in this world, success will follow the Muslims wherever they go, and the forces of Kufr will be subjugated for good. However, we need to start with ourselves. We need to make this effort on ourselves – to free ourselves from the shackles of nafs and shaytaan, and this will only be so when we give up sins and strive in the obedience of Allah Ta’ala and bring alive, in our lives, the beautiful Sunnah. …And it is by virtue of the Suhbat of the Friends of Allah Ta’ala, that we will be successful in this endeavour. We too will find freedom and we too will become the friends of Allah Ta’ala. We will become real Muslims. We will be a force to be reckoned with, Insha-Allah. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding, inspire us in His love, such that we give up all sins and we eagerly seek His pleasure, in His obedience. [1] Abu Dawud and Ahmad [2] Sahih Bukhari Link to blog : http://hameediyyah.blogspot.com/

Bismihi Ta'ala The sawaab (reward) for the sabr (patience) a woman exercises over her difficulties in managing the home of her husband and fulfilling the rights of her husband and children sometimes is such, which makes her ‘reach’ Allah Ta’ala very quickly. This, however, is conditional to her obedience to Allah Ta’ala; fulfilling His Rights, the Rights of His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam), as well as the Rights of His Creation. Women who have a number of children, sometimes even a temperamental husband, together with many household chores and other responsibilities sometimes think that they cannot achieve the ranks of the Auliya Allah[1] because they do not have time for ‘wazeefas’[2] and Nawaafil (optional prayers). I tell them that they need not worry about too many wazeefas. The most important ‘wazeefa’ is abstinence from all sins. Added to this they should just correct their niyyah or intention in all that they are doing as routine housework. Make the intention of pleasing Allah Ta’ala, then that same housework becomes Ibaadah. In this simple way, they will easily secure great rewards and the same spiritual stages, if not higher. Similarly, the sawaab for the sabr (patience) a man exercises over his wife’s shortcomings, emotional outbursts or mood swings is a medium by which he too acquires great rewards and reaches Allah Ta’ala very, very quickly. Many Auliyaa Allah reached great spiritual heights, and were accepted for tremendous service to Deen on the patience they adopted with their wives, and on the love, care, affection, tenderness and generosity they also extended to their wives. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam) set the perfect example for husbands. Despite the tremendous responsibilities that he was entrusted with, he gave due attention and time to his wives and treated them with love and generosity. He was never harsh or insensitive towards any single wife. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam) also said: “The best amongst the Believers is he is whose character is the best. And the best among you is the one who is best towards his wife.” [1] Auliya Allah : Friends of Allah Ta’ala [2] Wazeefas : additional, optional supplications

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem Ziyarat of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam) is a right of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam)over his Ummah. Whosoever is blessed with this good fortune by Allah Ta’ala should consider this, one of the best and greatest bounties to be recipient of. According to our respected Mashaa`ik and our Sufiya-e-Kiraam, visiting Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) greatly facilitates strengthening our Imaan, and increasing our Ishq (love) of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam). Being in the presence of Nabi-e-Kareem (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is greatly enjoyable, and is an avenue of great spiritual progress. At present, Madinatul Munawwarah is superior to Jannat, because at this moment, Madinatul Munawwarah has our Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam). Jannat does not have Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam) presently. The sand that is touching the Kafan of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam), which is shrouding the Mubarak (blessed) body of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam), is more blessed than the Ka’bah Sharief and the Arsh of Allah Jalla Jalaaluhu! سُبْحَانَ اللهِ From our side, we should consider ourselves totally ineligible and unfit for the great honour, entering the Court of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), as well as being so close to him. We should recognize the reality:That it is only through the grace, the kindness and favour of Allah Ta’ala. My Sheikh-e-Awwal, Hadhrat Sheikhul Hadith, Moulana Muhammad Zakariyyah (RA) would say: Kahan me aur kahan ye nikhat e gul - nasiem e subah; terie meherbaani. Where am I (next to) this perfumed rose?! This fragrant breeze – It’s only Your kindness! Despite being so underserving, we have been granted this great occasion to be in the presence Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and to speak to him. Kahan me aur kahan Tere Nabi kaa Roudha – Me Khaab dekh rahaa hun Ya Rab; ya jaag rahaa Hun?! “Where am I (to deserve being) at the Roudha of Your Nabi! Am I dreaming, O Allah! Or am I awake?!” …Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is alive in his Qabr (grave), and listens to us. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “The Ambiyaa are alive in their graves and they pray.”[1] Hadhrat Sheikh Abdul-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehlawi (RA) had explained that the Ambiyaa (As) are alive in their graves, just as they were alive in the world. Their life (in their graves) is a real, physical life, like they had in this world. Sayyidina Anas (RA) narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said : “Whoever invokes blessings on me at my grave, I hear him, and whoever invokes blessings on me from afar, I am informed about it.”[2] …No other people have a blessing of this nature, knowing with certainty where their Nabi is buried, and then the honour of visiting him – as we have. Neither the Christians, nor the Jews, nor other religious groups have such a blessing made accessible to them. Allah Ta’ala has blessed only the Muslims with this honour – for which we should express tremendous Shukr (gratitude and appreciation). Thus, during our stay in Madinatul Munawwarah – as well as our stay in Makkatul Mukarramah, we should exercise great caution in regard to our behaviour, actions and speech. We should not allow our attention to be diverted from the purpose and objective going to Madinatul Munawwarah, or going for Umrah or Hajj. We should make a very concerted effort in abstaining from all forms of disobedience. This is no ordinary Safar (journey). Many feel it is a journey just to Madinatul Munawwarah. This is a Safar of Mi’raj : The visitor to Madinatul Munawwarah actually goes to Jannah. There is no doubt in this, in the light of the Hadith: “The area between my house and my mimbar is one of the gardens of Paradise.” Our Sheikh, Hadhrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) taught us two particular Duas when we enter Roudhatul Jannah. The first Dua that we should make is: “O Allah, you have entered me into Jannah, and it is Your promise that You do not remove anyone from Jannah, who has entered Jannah. Therefore, O Allah, though I am returning home, keep me in the A’maal (Deeds) of Jannah and grant me Jannah in the Hereafter.” The second Dua that we should make is: “O Allah, You have given me access into Jannah today. I am presently a Jannati, and Your announcement for the Jannaties is that whatever is asked, is granted.” Thereafter, we should make Dua for whatever we desire, keeping in mind that Allah Ta’ala has promised to give us whatever we ask. Knowing that Roudhatul Jannah is generally crowded to capacity, it is not possible to find a place easily for Salaah and then for Dua – over an extended period, and as we would desire. Therefore, we should engage in Dua whilst walking through Roudhatul Jannah, even though we are unable to practise on the Aadaab of Dua – facing the Qiblah, with hands raised, etc. A very important and beneficial aspect for Islaah (reformation) and Tazkiyyah (purification), is Khalwat (solitude). Whilst in the Haramayn Shareefayn, being in solitude is not possible with the crowds and crowds of visitors pouring in, day in and day out. However, within those crowds, we can train ourselves to keep our connection with Allah Ta’ala. When the heart is focussed on its objective, then despite the surroundings, the people and the activities all around, the person can still enjoy Khalwat. “Whilst occupied in the world, he is still with Allah. And in spite of being with everyone, he is still away from everyone.” The person who maintains this connection, will not give much attention to the surroundings, or to who is sitting beside him – whether the person is from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, England, etc. He will not be engaging unnecessarily in conversations with people because his objective is the company of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). His conversation is with Allah Ta’ala and when at the Roudha Mubarak, with Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). There is nothing wrong in establishing acquaintances or friendships with others, considering the Islamic Ukhuwwat (brotherhood). However, if we have this purpose and intention to connect with Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wsallam), there would be little time for even this type of meeting. …If we have to consider the beautiful Qira’at (recitation) of the Imaams in Masjidun Nabawi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam): Their beautiful recitation deeply impacts our hearts and each passage of the Qur`aan Sharief chosen during Salaah, makes each Salaah, a Bayaan (discourse). Allahu Akbar! The entire Qur`aan Shareef offers us advices, counsel and guidance, in the most eloquent and inspiring manner. …There are thousands of renowned lecturers and orators in the world – but none can compare to the greater lecturer, the Qur’aan Sharief. Moreover, we listen to this recitation where the Qur’aan Sharief was revealed. Added to this, upon whom it was revealed, is also present in the Masjid. …Nurun ‘ala Nur! It is the general experience that on arrival, we feel that we have much time – seven or eight or nine days. However, at the end of our stay, we find that the time was short and we regret not maximising on the opportunity of spending more time in Ibaadah, or at the Roudha Mubarak. Irrespective of how long our stay is in Makkatul Mukarramah and in Madinatul Munawwarah – even if it is one month or six weeks, we feel the time was not enough and we wish to stay longer. If we develop this Khalwat in the proper sense, we will, Insha-Allah, establish that Nisbat (connection) with Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). …In the Khanqah of Jalalabad, Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah Khan Saheb (RA)’s instruction was that Mureeds should not talk to each other. In the Khanqah of Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (RA), two people would share the same room for forty days and would not know each other’s names, or from where they had come – because their purpose was to connect with Allah Ta’ala. ...What better place to connect with Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) than in the sacred lands of Madinatul Munawwarah and Makkatul Mukarramah? Hadhrat Moulana Abrarul Haq Saheb (Ra) says that when one is departing from Madinatul Munawwarah, one should, among other things, say to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam): “Ya Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), I would love to remain in Madinatul Munawwarah, to be near to you always, but I am leaving this blessed place to do your work.” May Allah Ta’ala grant us the great Ni`mat of appreciating Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and practising on the beautiful Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), and the opportunity of Ziyarah. Aamien. [1] Baihaqi [2] Baihaqi Link to blog : http://hameediyyah.blogspot.com/

Bismihi Ta'ala One person asked me: “I am in my businesses from the morning, and from the business I proceed to the Masjid, for Zuhr, then Asr and Maghrib. I join the Salaah with “Allahu Akbar”, but then it seems as if the whole business comes into that Salaah. How do I get concentration?” I replied: “You came out of business and went directly into Salaah. At least your complaint is about your business which is consuming your thoughts while in Salaah. Others complain of their Salaah being contaminated with television, pornography, sport, video games, etc. They too hear the Azaan, enter into Salaah, but their complaint is that the images of filthy women come before them, in their Sajdas… (Na uzu Billah).” People have written to me, at a loss, because their minds are picturing Haraam in that Sajda … that Sajda where they are supposed to be closest to Allah Ta’ala.” I then explained: “Allah Ta’ala’s Ihsaan (Favour) is always all-embracing, so He granted to us the Sunnah Salaah before the Fardh Salaah. It is only Maghrib which is read immediately after the Azaan. When it comes to the Salaah, we should not wait for the Azaan and thereafter proceed to the Masjid or Musallah. If a person has no excuse, he should be in the Masjid, by the time the Azaan is completed, preferably having completed his Wudhu. After responding to the Azaan and making a Du’aa (since this is a time of the acceptance of Dua), the Sunnah Salaah should be read. Unfortunately we complete 4 Rakaats in one minute ‘flat’. We want to show speed in Salaah, since we cannot show speed in any marathon. If carried out as is Sunnah, the 4 Rakaats of Sunnah will take about 5 minutes. After that Sunnah Salaah, there will still be a few minutes left before the Jamaat Salaah commences. During those minutes, make Istighfaar, Taubah, think of Aakhirah and accountability and presentation of deeds on the Day of Qiyaamah. Reflect on one’s life. What if my death has to come now? Like this, you cut off from the business and from worldly thoughts as much as possible. Now commences the Fardh Salaah, by which time 80% of the heart will be in that Salaah, Insha-Allah. If the effort continues, the person will experience “Mi`raj” in his Salaah.” Alhamdulillah, many, having followed through with this advice, have found a world of difference in their Salaah. When the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (RA) entered Salaah, how is it that they were able to maintain their Khushoo in Salaah, why is it that they were not disturbed by worldly thoughts – like how we are plagued with worldly thoughts? They too came into Salaah from the business world, yet proceeded directly into the Mi`raj of Salaah. The Kaifiyyat was different. From the time they commenced preparation for their Salaah, making Wudhu, etc. the kaifiyat was different. It was very unlike our condition: We are talking, joking and laughing, and enter the Masjid in this manner. They, on the other hand, truly understood and believed that they are now going to stand before Allah Ta’ala – as will be on the Day of Qiyamah. Theirs was the condition as described in the Ayah: “The person who feared standing before Allah (on the Day of Qiyamah) and restrained himself from evil desires…” So then why was it that their Salaah was not affected, and they were not diverted or distracted by what they were, until then, occupied with? After all, they too were in business and trade, they too were in agriculture and other avenues of earning a living. They were also selling different items, selling animals, planting crops, moving into foreign lands and engaging in big business. Allah Ta’ala says in Surah Noor: "Men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah and performance of Salaah (prayer) and giving of Zakaah (charity). They fear a Day in which the hearts and eyes will (fearfully) turn about..." [surah Noor 24 : 37] Men, whose businesses and transactions, exporting and importing, do not divert them from the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala, do not distract them from the establishment of Salaah, and giving Zakaah … One very beautiful point which Allah Ta’ala brought to my heart in respect to why the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (RA) were not disturbed in their concentration was the fact that they are the men – the true believing men, whose businesses did not prevent them from obedience or divert their attention. Why was their Salaah not affected even though they came out of business? ...Because they came out of one Ibaadah into another. Therefore, from one Ibaadah, they simply entered into another Ibaadah. They were conscious of Allah Ta’ala’s presence at all times, even in their businesses. Thus, their business was also “Zikrullah”. The same awareness was required for Salaah but this was their condition at all times. In their businesses, they were cautious. In their trade, their talking, selling, purchasing were all carried out in the manner sanctioned by Shari’ah. Their intentions were noble, their efforts were clean and their earnings, Halaal and pure. They worked so as not to have to extend their hands and beg of others, they worked to support their families, to contribute to good causes, to assist others, to give Zakaah, to go for Hajj and so forth. Their intentions were correct and their businesses were conducted in the manner approved by Allah Ta’ala. That person who has made his business into Ibaadah, then his concentration will remain in Salaah. … It does not mean that a person is just holding a Tasbeeh all the time, and reading: ‘SubhanAllah, SubhanAllah…’. Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (RA) mentioned, that if a person is selling – for example, mangoes - and goes on repeating : “Mangoes, Mangoes …”, he will get the reward of Tasbeeh, because the person’s effort is to acquire Halaal sustenance. So the Sahabah (RA) were conscious of Allah Ta’ala’s presence and were mindful of all the Ahkaam (Laws) pertaining to trade and business, so they simply moved from one Ibaadah to another. Unlike us, our businesses are not Ibaadah. How many can say that their business is Ibaadah? When does the business become Ibaadah? When we apply the laws of Shari’ah in that business, that is, in the transactions, deals, importing, exporting, there is that conscious realization and understanding that we are slaves of Allah Ta’ala and He is the one that sends Rizq (sustenance); He is sending customers as means of our livelihood. As an example: A person hands over a parcel or gift and pays the post office or courier service to deliver it. The parcel is thus delivered. Whether the postman or the courier, do we thank him for the parcel? We thank him for the delivery, but we understand that the postman was the means of us receiving the parcel. The giver was someone else. We understand that. So we do not forget the giver. Similarly, Allah Ta’ala is the Provider. He uses people to deliver our Rizq – in different ways. If we apply the laws of Shari’ah: We do not deal in Haraam, we are honest and truthful, we do not hide defects, we do not cheat, deceive and so forth, then that Tijarah becomes Ibaadah - and from that Ibaadah, we enter the Ibaadah of Salaah. If we engage in Haraam, in interest and cheat, our dealings are not straight, our employees are strange women, dressed scantily, there is music playing, and we promote Christmas, Valentines, Diwali – then this is definitely and most certainly not Ibaadah. In fact, this will invite Allah Ta’ala’s Anger and Curse and deprive the person of Barakah (blessings) in his business and earnings. Haraam indicates that there is no conscious awareness of Allah Ta’ala. The person’s concentration in Salaah will be seriously affected. It is left to us to turn business into Ibaadah. It is not impossible. It is something that will always, always be workable and viable – in any time and age. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq of being Rijaal – true believing men - who are not distracted by commerce or sale, from the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala, who perform Salaah, give Zakaah willingly and happily and who fear Allah Ta’ala in their business undertakings.

Bismillahi Rahmaanir Raheem 1.) THE NEED FOR A SHEIKH In this journey to Allah Ta’ala, the Saalik (the one seeking Allah Ta’ala) will not be able to traverse the various stages of Sulook on his own, even though he may have a wealth of knowledge, and may even be an Aalim or even a Sheikh in his own right. It is extremely important and greatly beneficial to attach oneself to a Kaamil Sheikh; a living Sheikh - someone with whom Mashwarah can be made. No sincere Saalik can remain independent of the guidance and direction of a spiritual guide and mentor. Without a Sheikh, the blessings of this path are not easily attained. _____________________ 2.) SIMPLE EXPLANATION OF BAY`AT Bay'at is from the Mureed's side, and this word comes from the root words araada/yureedu - meaning to intend. So a person really becomes a Mureed on his/her intention. Once a person has made an intention to become a Mureed, he is already one. The Sheikh accepts officially (with Bay'at), for the Barakah of fulfilling the Sunnah. _____________________ 3.) COMPATIBILITY AND APPRECIATION To have compatibility (Munasabat) and agreement with one's Sheikh is a great ni’mat by which ifaadha andistifadha are attained, i.e. to benefit others and to derive benefit. To appreciate, then to express that appreciation, is also a great ni’mat that will take a Saalik very far and high in this path of Sulook! To regard the Nasihah (Advice) of the Sheikh to be particularly for oneself, is only to the benefit of the Mureed. To inform the Sheikh of one's weaknesses, accept and follow through with his advices and prescriptions, will facilitate great success - as mentioned in the Qur`aan Sharief: "Indeed he succeeds who purifies himself." - Surah Ash-Shams (91 : 9) _____________________ 4.) WALKING THE PATH Our good friend, Maulana Abdul Qadir, very nicely encapsulated Ba`yat and Sulook, saying: This path, this road is called Sulook. Sulook is to follow (a path), to set foot (on), to walk. The one who has become Bay’at – and enters this path – is called a Saalik, the Walker. And if the Walker does not walk; he sits down and does nothing, how will he ever reach his destination? We have to walk this path. And it is the Sheikh who will guide on this path and assist us in overcoming the tests and encounters of the path. _____________________ 5.) THE SHEIKH’S SACRIFICE We learnt from our Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhamamd Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullah ‘alayh) that a Mureed is he who is sincere, who sacrifices and gives his everything for his Sheikh. But Hadhrat (RA) said, quoting particularly Haji Imdaadullah (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh), that when a Sheikh discerns the eagerness and keen desire in a Mureed, to learn the love of Allah Jalla Jalaaluhu, and the Sheikh recognizes the capacity in the Mureed to progress, then the Sheikh sacrifices for the Mureed and wants to give his everything for the Mureed! To try and guide someone to Allah Jalla Jalaaluhu and make the Tarbiyah of someone who is keen and has got the capacity is better than the world and what it contains.

Bismihi Ta'ala Destroy the reminders and evidence of sin and evil. They are stepping-stones to returning to the same sins. Reminders include photographs of those places where sins were committed; even if the pictures are not animate. …When a person will see the photograph of the hotel, tourist resort, etc. where he committed zina (adultery), shaytaan will take him down memory lane and give him the Haraam enjoyment of his past sin. This in turn could lead to the sin itself. If some gift was given by an illicit beloved, destroy it or give it away. One should also not diarise sins as is the habit of so many. Many girls keep diaries, with even locks and keys. …If these diaries are opened by others, pages of sins indulged in, of fancies and fantasies are revealed, and the person suffers humiliation and disgrace. The same with smses which are saved on cell-phones, e-mails saved on computer, or letters and faxes which are stored away. All can be implicating evidence against a person and can lead to not only disgrace, but distrust and even the dissolution of friendship and marriage. There have been incidents of families that have met up with accidents, hijackings or robberies, wherein all members were killed. In sorting out their estates, other members of the family, find amongst their belongings and possessions, porn videos and dvds, porn magazines and so forth. This is not just imaginary or a tall story concocted. One person contacted me, saying that an entire family was killed in an accident – husband, wife and children. As such, other members of the family had to enter the home to sort out the estate. On opening the one cupboard in the main bedroom, they were shocked to find porn magazines, films, etc. whereas they knew the husband to be an upright Muslim, a namaazi, etc. …Is this not embarrassment and disgrace? There is no guarantee that the wife will survive the husband to conceal his secret sins, or the husband will survive the wife, to conceal her sins. …Someone is going to enter that home and all will be exposed. May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the realization that death can visit at any time and that evidence of sins opens doors of problems and disgrace.

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem We know that a bubble is a thin liquid film containing air. It is amazingly fragile. …And it does not last long. It bursts very soon and is then nothing. So it has no value. ...Despite this, its different colours captivate children and we see how they enjoy blowing bubbles, running after them and they even try to catch them. Even as adults, we, ourselves, are fascinated seeing the beautiful, shimmering colours of bubbles – the yellow, blue, crimson, green and other colours. In everything, there is some lesson, and we find even in a bubble, a Muslim can take beautiful lesson. Alhamdulillah. When a person considers a bubble, then a similarity and resemblance can be drawn to the worldly life. Dunya is an Arabic word which literally means lower or inferior. ...In comparison to the real and everlasting life of the Hereafter, this world is inferior, superficial and contemptible. And Allah Ta’ala describes the worldly life as an illusion and deception: “…The life of this world is nothing but an illusion.” [surah Al-Hadeed 57 : 20] …Like a bubble, dunya has no value. On the outside, there is colour, there is glitter and glamour – and we are charmed by it. The gold and silver, the palatial homes, the luxury cars, and other commodities of Dunya look beautiful and striking. It not only appeals to us; it captivates us. It sometimes steals our hearts. Allah Ta’ala informs us: “Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.” [surah Aal-Imraan 3 : 14] When Hubbud dunya (love for the world) settles in the heart, it diverts the attention away from Allah Ta’ala, away from the objective of this worldly life – which is to recognize Allah Ta’ala, love Allah Ta’ala and worship Allah Ta’ala, in the footsteps of our Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Unfortunately, we become so enamoured, we forget there is another life which is yet to come, and which we have to prepare for. We become obsessed with all the artificial and superficial enjoyments of this world. However, the enjoyment is short lived - and like bubbles, the things of Dunya also dissipate and disappear. Like little children who try to catch the colourful bubbles - to no avail, we run after material commodities, trying to acquire them – but for how long do we enjoy them? …The bubble of Dunya is fragile and temporal like a soap bubble and it too, inevitably bursts and is no more. We become so blinded by our love for material things that we, ourselves, end up living in bubbles. Sometimes the bubble bursts in our lifetime, right before our eyes: The wife or husband is involved in an extra-marital relationship, gambling or other vices which inevitably cause the bubble to burst. Or the son is caught up in drugs or drink, or the daughter eloped with some disreputable character, etc. …May Allah Ta’ala protect us all; but these are frequent incidents and happenings. …In English, a very well-known idiom is used: ‘(I don’t want to) burst your bubble.’ – that is to say that like how quickly a bubble bursts, so too, our enjoyments can abruptly come to an end, our hopes can suddenly be dashed and our “dreams” and plans can be shattered. This is sometimes the consequences of our own heedlessness and even indulgences in sins. If not, then the bubble bursts in the form of death and a person realises at this point that this world was just a dream. The world has disappeared like a bubble which is no more. It was there and now it is not. We were in the world, but now there is no world. We have entered into the realm of the Aakhirah. This reminds me of a verse of poetry by our Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi 'alayh): "The world appeared to be so glamorous. Its reality dawned upon me only when I went to the grave; That what I had seen all along was but a dream, What I had heard all along was but a tale." How beautifully Allah Ta’ala reminds and cautions us: “You prefer the worldly life (to the Hereafter), whereas the hereafter is best and ever-lasting.” [surah al-A'la : 16-17] “O mankind, indeed the promise of Allah is truth, so let not the worldly life delude you and be not deceived about Allah by the Deceiver.” [surah Faatir 35 :5] The easiest way to remedy the heart of the sickness of “Hubbud-Dunya” and the Ghaflat which follows hubbud-Dunya is to keep the company of the Ahlullah. Their hearts have been purified of the vestiges of this lowly world and it is only the Love of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) which occupy their hearts. Their connection is with the heavens, even though they are on earth. Their condition has been beautifully encapsulated in the following words: "In this World they resided - yet devoid of worldly ties. In its Oceans they have been submerged - yet no wetness touched their clothes." It is in their Suhbat, that our connection with Dunya will wane and our connection with Aakhirah will be established, Insha-Allah. We will then understand the beautiful Hadith of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam): “Verily, the world has been created for you and you have been created for the Hereafter.” We will then make use of the worldly commodities, but will not give our hearts to them; rather we will use them to acquire the best of the Hereafter. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding of this worldly life and the Taufeeq of preparing for the Hereafter. Link to blog : http://hameediyyah.blogspot.com/

Bismihi Ta'ala When a child wants a toy which is of an animate object or a musical instrument, then gently explain to the child that Allah Ta’ala is displeased with such a toy, and that the presence of such toys in our homes deprive us of the presence of the Malaa`ikah (angels) of Rahmah (Mercy). After having explained this, buy something better, if it is within one’s means, of the ‘mubaah’ (permissible) category – without being extravagant and wasteful. My Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum) had said that considering the fact that most children have all kinds of animate, musical and haraam (forbidden) toys, do not let the child feel as if he or she is being deprived of play. …Make the child happy with Halaal so that he or she will grow up loving the beautiful Deen (religion) of Islam. The same applies to children’s clothing and accessories to be found on the market; many of which have cartoon characters, etc. which would captivate and charm little children; but which the Shariah[1] does not permit. Muslims today consider these restrictions as trivial and irrelevant whereas there is great wisdom in all the ‘Muharramaat’ (prohibitions) of Islam. In actual fact, one of the reasons why children have nightmares is due to the photographs that we bring into our homes, the cartoons and other programmes we allow and encourage them to view, or such clothing and toys that are impermissible… Sometimes the room walls are plastered with cartoon characters, huge teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals are all around the room, which result in frightful dreams. …There are angels that are deputed to look after our children, but these angels do not enter that home where there are pictures of animate objects. This deprives our children of the presence and protection of the angels, who also play with babies. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam) said : “Angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or a picture.”[2] We claim that we are Believers in Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam). If the claim is true and sincere, then it is not acceptable that as Believers in Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam), we debate, argue or reject what are clear injunctions of Shariah. The person who does so, has clearly strayed from the right path… “It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Apostle, to have any option about their decision : If anyone disobeys Allah and His Apostle, he is indeed on a clearly wrong path.” [surah Ahzaab 33 : 36] Allah Ta’ala mentions the response of His sincere servants: “The answer of the Believers, when summoned to Allah and His Rasul, in order that he may judge between them is not other than this : They say, ‘We hear and we obey.’ It is such as these who will attain felicity. It is such as obey Allah and His Rasul, and fear Allah and do right, that will win (in the end).” [surah Noor 24 : 51 / 52] __________________________________________ [1] Shariah : Code of Islamic Law [2] Sahih Muslim

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem Alhamdulillahi munshi'il khalqi min adami All praise is due to Allah Who has created the creation from nothing; Thummas salaatu ‘alal mukhtaari fil qidami. Then Salaat on the Chosen one since ever. Moulaa ya salli wa sallim daaiman abadan alaa Habibika, ‘alaa Rasulika khairil khalqi kullihimi O Allah, send Durood and Salaam for ever and ever on Your Beloved, on Your Rasul, the best of all the creation. Ya Rabbi salli wa sallim daaiman abadan alaa basheerin nazeerin Muhammada O Allah send Durood and Salaam for ever and ever on the Giver of glad tidings (of Jannah) and Warner (of the Fire of Jahannum): Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). Moulaaya salli wa sallim daaiman abadan alaa Taahaa Sayyidil Mursalien O Allah send Durood and Salaam for ever and ever on TaaHaa, The Master of all Messengers. Balligh Salaami Raudhatan fihan Nabiul Muhtaram Convey my salaams to the Roudha in which rests the Honourable Nabi. [A Bedouin came to Madina Munawwarah and recited these couplets at the Roudha-e-Mubarak, which are now engraved on the frame of the Roudha-e-Mubarak] Ya khaira man dufinat bilqaa’i a'zhumuhu O You, The Best, whose (blessed) body has been buried in this plain(sand)… 'Fa Taaba min teebihinna al qaa'u wal akamu Due to the fragrance of the blessed body of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) – the surrounding sand (touching his kafan) and the hillocks have become fragrant. Nafsil fidhaa li qabrin anta saakinuhu My soul is sacrificed for the mausoleum you are in. feehil afaafu wa feehil judu wal karamu In it is purity, generosity and compassion. __________________ Huwal Habibullazhi turjaa shafaa'atuhu li kulli hawlin minal ahwaali muqtahimi He is that beloved whose intercession we hope for; from all problems and difficulties of the future (of the day of Qiyaamah). Ya Rabbi balligh bil Mustapha maqaasidanaa, waghfir lanaa ma madhaa Ya Wasi'al Karami O Allah grant us our objectives by the Wasiela of The Chosen One, and forgive us all our previous sins, O Most Generous. Link to blog : http://hameediyyah.blogspot.com/

Bismihi Ta'ala One of the greatest calamities of our times is the abuse of the camera. In this day and age, with the easy availability of cell-phones, digital cameras, camcorders, etc. everyone seems to be in possession of a tool which has created an upheaval in mischief. …How many have had their names dragged through the mud or have been black-mailed, slandered or left humiliated and disgraced due to photographs taken and then circulated? Photography is an evil which has been entirely misjudged and under-estimated. Just recently, a brother related a dream to me, requesting an interpretation. I interpreted his dream saying: ‘It seems as if movies are being viewed in the Masjid.’ Within a matter of days, the interpretation was made apparent. We had a visiting ‘Aalim give a talk in our Masjid. I was sitting on a chair, near the front, when I observed three young boys very absorbed with their cell phones. I requested a friend to go to the back of the Masjid and see what they were up to. He observed that they were viewing some film with dirty, indecent pictures. (Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji`oon). We give our children high-technology at the expense of hayaa (modesty), Deen and Imaan. One is to have no shame and commit sins in the presence of Allah Ta’ala, but increasing in shamelessness is when one is brazen enough to commit sins in the presence of Allah Ta’ala, whilst in the Masjid, the House of Allah Ta’ala. The same shamelessness is found en-masse in the Masjid of all Masaajid, Masjidul Haraam in Makkah Shareef. The objective of the majority visiting these days, is taking photographs and video recording, instead of engaging in Ibaadah. Complaints - and it is even our experience - of flashes and clicks of the camera, seen or heard, whilst Salaah is in progress or whilst in Tawaaf. There is a very dire need to explain that this is a grave and serious crime in the sight of Allah Ta’ala. What needs to be understood is that photography of anything animate is a clear prohibition. It is Haraam. It has been narrated from Hazrat Jabir (RA) that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) forbade pictures in the house and he forbade making them. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) said: “Verily, of the most grievously tormented people on the Day of Resurrection are picture-makers.”[1] There are, in fact, many other Ahaadeeth, which clearly prove this prohibition. Why did Allah Ta’ala prohibit photography? One reason is quite clear; that it was the origin of Shirk (polytheism): Going down the passage of history, we find that mankind was introduced to idol worship due to shaytaan’s efforts in leading mankind astray. So due to his whispering encouragement, people began to draw and sketch their pious predecessors, thinking that their faces and images will be a source of inspiration; an incentive to also follow in their footsteps of piety. However, it was the means by which many began to worship those pictures, and thereafter carved such idols; and idol worship came into vogue. Whilst this would have been more than sufficient for the Believer, it is no longer considered a worthy reason by Muslims who want to engage in the sin. Many say that there is no way that they would worship a photograph or even a sketch, let alone an idol. My Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum) explains that one reason behind the prohibition is so that Allah Ta’ala may protect the respect and dignity of His servants. Many a time, a person who was engaged in various evils is granted hidayah (guidance). Sometimes, this hidayah is such that he attains a high stage of Wilayah. The person becomes a great Wali (Friend) of Allah Ta’ala and even a Shaykh, and thousands of people throng to his gatherings. Now at such a time, if someone were to dig up pictures of his past … what embarrassment would he have to endure? From Allah Ta’ala’s side, there is forgiveness of sins, on sincere taubah, to the extent, that all evidence is ‘deleted’ and Insha-Allah, the person will not have to render an account for those sins. However, if photographs were taken, then this is evidence which the person has produced against himself, and which cannot always be destroyed – especially if it is in the hands of others who wish to bring disgrace to the person. My Shaykh mentioned the above reason, during an election in Pakistan, where a woman was a candidate in the election. She was blackmailed with photographs of herself in a compromising situation, so that she withdraws. Further to this reason, we find that the porn industry and filthy films are all based on pictures. Islam nips the problem in the bud by prohibiting photography. If everyone practiced upon this teaching, we would not have pornography, woman abuse and exploitation, child pornography, and the evil consequences of rape, insanity, suicide, incest, etc., much of which has shattered and devastated the marriages and homes of many Muslims. Now thinking over all these harms, we should appreciate the prohibition all the more and show that appreciation by abstaining. There is nothing but great wisdom in the prohibitions of Allah Ta’ala, with nothing but good for His servants. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ [1] Sahih Bukhari

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem As with the journeys in this world, the journey to the Aakhirah (Hereafter) also requires provisions. We know that death opens the door to a never-ending life. And this life will be pleasant and enjoyable if we take with us, the passport of Imaan and if we send ahead of us, the ‘material’ required to build our Jannah, Insha-Allah. Having had the opportunity to travel by train on many occasions, the following analogy came to mind – with Allah Ta’ala’s Fadhl. Our birth and arrival into this world signals the start of a journey. Like how a train is set on the railway tracks, so that it may move towards a destination, our lives seem to be like train engines, set on life’s tracks, with a course set out for us – and a destination awaiting each of us. …Life in this world initiates our journey to the Aakhirah, and our life-span is like a moving train. Each year of our life signifies a coach. The coaches of life are unique in that each one has twelve compartments (twelve months) and each compartment has 24 divisions (hours), and each division has 60 sections (minutes) and each section has got a further 60 sections (seconds). Extraordinary and amazing as it is, this is our train of life, which we are given by Allah Ta’ala, to load the provisions for the Hereafter, Insha-Allah. In fact, just pondering over these aspects of time: the seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, years, decades – and one sees the amazing and great power of Allah Ta’ala, who established time in this manner, in this division and segmentation. Allahu Akbar! So we should imagine ourselves on the platform of the station of this world (Dunya). Our train is moving along towards the Hereafter, and we are filling the various compartments or coaches with deeds. We are packing and stacking each coach with good deeds or bad deeds – or with both good and bad deeds – or with nothing. If we waste time on the station platform and we do nothing, then different sections or compartments of the coach are left empty. And doing nothing in the time given to us to acquire our provisions will ultimately result in regret. If we are filling and heaping our coaches with worldly goods – and we are engrossed in accumulating more money, more homes and cars, more gold and silver, more and more of the world, then plenty may be acquired but nothing accompanies us when we have to leave. Let us understand that when we reach the station of the Qabr, all these worldly goods will be offloaded. The train of life disposes and drops the burden of worldly goods before we enter our graves. Allah Ta'ala says: “…and he will come to Us all alone.” [surah Maryam 19 : 80] Nothing will be taken from this world, except the sheets which comprise our Kafan (shroud), to cover us; and our deeds which were carried out in the time of life. How sad it is when a person builds up his Dunya and leaves his Aakhirah barren. He invests in Dunya which he is to leave behind and he makes no investments in the Aakhirah where he will reside forever. We exert ourselves and sacrifice our lives for a world which we are leaving behind… And indeed, this is a great loss and cause of great remorse. If we pass time in bad deeds, we are only loading onto our train, the punishments of the Qabr and Jahannam – we are loading snakes and scorpions and fire to punish us when we reach the destination. This will then be awaiting us. May Allah Ta’ala protect us all. If our seconds and minutes and hours, our nights and days are spent in accumulating good deeds and we are continuously loading Zikrullah, Salaah, Zakaah and Sadaqah, Fasting and other good deeds onto our train, then these will take on the form of the beautiful Ni'mats (bounties) of Jannah: the gardens, streams, castles and palaces, etc. We are living in times, where everything is high-tech, high-speed. Even modern day trains are breaking records in speed. Man is trying to keep pace with time, but cannot catch up with time. And the Hadith tells us as well, that a time will arrive where a year will be a like a month, a month like a day, a day like an hour, and an hour like a flicker of a candle. ...So the train of life is an express train; traveling at an extremely high speed - delivering us to our graves fast. Whether we are awake or we are sleeping, whether we are engaged in work or we are whiling away time, the train of life is continuously moving. Take the example of sleep: If we make the intention of sleeping to gain rest, to gain strength and energy to continue in actions that will be pleasing to Allah Ta'ala, and if we sleep according to the Sunnah : Sleeping in a state of Wudhu, sleeping on the right side, with the right hand beneath the cheek, reading the respective Masnoon Duas - then despite being in a state of sleep and inactivity, we have loaded the compartments of those hours of sleep with great rewards and tremendous good. If a person goes out to earn his living, and for eight or nine hours, he will be occupied in business and trade, then many hours are passing him by. However, if he intends that he is seeking Halaal sustenance, and with that Halaal sustenance, he will maintain his wife, children, spend on his parents, contribute for the poor and needy, he will expend in Deeni causes and he will utilise such earnings for Hajj and Umrah, then though he is occupied in the worldly activities, he is filling up the train of his life with great goodness and virtue. Finally, after loading up the compartments and coaches of life, we will jump on the last coach and that is the end of the worldly life. What is ahead of us, in the form of good deeds or bad deeds, will be made evident in our graves and in the Hereafter. Allah Ta’ala informs us that all these deeds will be waiting for us on the Day of Qiyaamah: “The Day every soul will find what it has done of good present [before it] and what it has done of evil; it will wish that between itself and that [evil] was a great distance…” [surah Aal Imraan 3 : 30] When loading our train with the goods of our deeds, there are two very important points to be kept in mind: Intention and Concentration. Loading good deeds which are contaminated with Riyaa (show and ostentation) is like filling up a coach with lifeless bodies – which will not earn us any rewards; in fact, it can be the cause of punishment. If there is no sincerity and devotion and there is no concentration, then there is the form of a good deed, but there is no weight to that good deed – like loading and packing empty cartons into the carriages of life. There may be quantity but there is no quality. The inner qualities are absent or non-existent – and we just do for the sake of doing. So our coaches are full with big boxes and cartons, but they are empty. Let us introspect and see if we are filling up with good or with evil, or we are letting coaches go by without anything, or we are piling up empty cartons in each compartment. Where the Sahaba (RA) and our Akaabir valued each and every passing moment, looking towards filling the seconds and minutes and hours and days and nights in good deeds, in serving mankind, in seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala, in seeking salvation, in seeking Jannah - let us reflect and ask ourselves: With what do we fill our seconds, minutes, hours - the days and nights of our lives? Let us contemplate over this reality of life and time – which is slipping past so quickly, so quickly. If we keep in mind the Amaanat (trust) of this life, we will utilize our time constructively, Insha-Allah.Our lives will become valuable and we will be the beneficiaries of good time management when time is spent in Allah Ta’ala’s Pleasure. Each one of us has a set number of coaches – but we do not know how many. It could be 20 or 50 or 70 coaches. Whilst we do not know how many, we work with each day we have, each minute we have at hand. There may not be another minute or another day. Let us work towards loading the carriages of our lives with noble, good deeds – so that we can enjoy the bounties of Jannah. “For the like of this let the workers [on earth] work.” [surah As-Saffaat 37 : 61] May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding, the concern and the Taufeeq to occupy ourselves in loading virtuous deeds in the carriages of the train of life and protect us from piling sins or empty actions in our lives. (Aamien) Link to blog : http://hameediyyah.blogspot.com/

"To the extent that our Salaah will be correct, our Dien will be correct. To the extent that our Dien will be correct, our Dunya and Aakhirat will also be correct." "Fortunate is the one who appreciates the bounties of Allah Ta'ala and expresses his appreciation – both verbally and in deed, i.e. he uses Allah Ta'ala's bounties in His obedience. Whoever is sincerely grateful, Allah Ta'ala promises an increase of His bounties." "Choosing the temporary enjoyments of sins, can result in losing the eternal enjoyments of Jannah! Whilst there is life and opportunity, we should give up sins and secure the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and the everlasting pleasures of Jannah" "The lovers of Allah Ta’ala have love for each other irrespective of where they reside in the world. Our Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) would say that the Lovers of Allah Ta’ala are one family."

Bismihi Ta'ala Giving up Sins : An Easy Prescription There are many, many Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world, who due to various negative influences and bad elements, find themselves ‘de-railed’ from Deen. Many others sit on the fence, wanting to enjoy or benefit from both sides of the fence – engaging in sins as well as being practical on certain teachings of Deen. However, deep in their hearts is the desire to get back on track, and once again become good, practical Muslims; to jump off that fence and enjoy the green pastures of Islam. So they write, e-mail, phone and fax, seeking guidance and direction. The main weakness is indulgence in sins; sometimes many sins and excessive indulgence in those sins. I give a standard prescription as a reply. Alhamdulillah, many who followed through with the prescription have found a whole new life – of peace, happiness, blessings and mercy. On tasting the sweetness that comes with obedience, there is no desire to return to any form of disobedience. The following is what is presented to them: The ideal is that we abstain from sins, out of love for Allah Ta’ala. It is the nature of human beings that we love the one who is kind and generous to us. Then what of Allah Ta’ala who has provided us with plentiful – with everything? Who has blessed us with sight, hearing, speech, with organs that are functioning in such an amazing manner, and with limbs - all in our service – for eating, drinking, walking, sitting, etc. Who has showered upon us the bounties of clothing, shelter, transport, and so many other material comforts. Who is providing the food and drink that provides strength? …Allah Ta’ala. And now that strength is used to disobey that Gracious and Generous Master. Who created the means for us to be born in Muslim homes, to grow up with spiritual bounties of Imaan and Islam? Or who has guided us to Islam? …Allah Ta’ala. Should we not then love Allah Ta’ala unconditionally, keeping in mind that the heart too is from Him, and was given to us for His Love? Should we not be ever-willing to earn His Pleasure? Should we not be avoiding all those actions which earn His Displeasure? … Since He is our Beloved. Developing the conscious awareness that Allah Ta’ala is with us : He is watching us, He is hearing us, He knows all and everything about us; We cannot hide from Him; We cannot conceal our actions from Him. Then should we not feel ashamed that in His Presence, we are disobeying Him? Is it not shameless that we engage in sins in His very Presence? My Respected Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum) says very aptly in poetry: “If you hide and commit sins, Someone is watching from above (Allah Ta’ala)…” Keep in mind that the angels are witness to all our actions; that the earth is recording our behaviour and that all of our actions are being noted in our books of deeds – and that we are inevitably accountable to Allah Ta’ala on the Day of Judgement. …In this manner, we will develop that shame and modesty which will make it easy to restrain from Haraam. Added to this, our actions are also presented to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). We should give thought to whether our actions are a source of joy or grief to him (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). …Contemplating just this should make us think a hundred times before moving in the direction of sin. Muhasabah is taking an account of one’s actions : We should reflect over our deeds for the day and seek forgiveness for shortcomings and resolve not to return to those bad deeds. We should also express gratitude on good deeds and make Dua for an increase in them. Ponder over the fact that the Angel of Death does not give respite. It must not be that whilst obeying the nafs in sinful pleasure, the Angel of death visits; and departure is in disgrace, and return to Allah Ta’ala is at a time when He is angry, and that death is an embarrassment to the person, the family and community who find out that death came in sin. May Allah Ta’ala protect us all from death in a state of transgression …which has become very common these days. Whereas in the past, we heard of Muslims dying in sujood, in a state of fasting, while occupied in recitation of Qur`aan Shareef, in other noble actions, today, we hear and read of Muslims dying in prostitute quarters, in rave clubs, while viewing pornography, or due to drugs and other intoxicants, etc. …Death visits – more often, very unexpectedly, and no true Muslim would want to be seized by the Angel of death when Allah Ta’ala is displeased. I often say : We now have instant tea, and instant coffee, and instant cereal and instant pudding and so many other things on the market are instant – we are also living in times when death is instant. So any sin is too much of a risk in the face of the reality of death. …As is commonly said: “Your resurrection will be how you have died, and you will die in the manner you have lived.” …Would any Muslim want to rise up on the Day of Judgement in sin, for all of mankind to witness what kind of life he led? Ponder over the fact that Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with the gift of sight, hearing, health, wealth, and so much else – and has also granted us the gift of respect. However, what Allah Ta’ala gives, He can also take away. He has clearly stated that ingratitude for His Gifts will draw very severe punishment. So is sin not abuse and ingratitude for the gifts of sight, of heart, of mind, of limbs? Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur`aan Shareef : “…If you are grateful, I will most certainly increase for you (My favours) but if you show ingratitude, verily! My Punishment is indeed severe.” [surah Ibraheem 14 : 7] A little contemplation on the consequences of such behaviour and a little bit of mujahada (striving) – which entails ‘not doing’ and Alhamdulillah, the sicknesses are cured. Together with the above : Attend the talks of the learned Scholars of Islam whenever possible, or listen to recordings of their talks and read their books to gain benefit of pious, righteous company. Join and participate in the Deeni activities with those who follow the Qur`aan and Sunnah. One will, Insha-Allah, find a great improvement in one’s condition by keeping the right company. Make the effort to read Salaah punctually. Men should make every effort to read their Salaah in Jamaah (congregation). Read good, Islamic literature. Abstain from magazines or books that have filthy and indecent contents and pictures. Give up television viewing. …95% of the content is Haraam. As an example : If a person offers a full glass of clean and pure water, and mentions that there is just one drop of urine, would any sensible person, drink it? …When the gaze, heart and mind are consuming and digesting so much of Haraam viewing, what else would be the end result except indulgence in the same Haraam. Then when the major content of television is Haraam, what should we be doing as Muslims? Lower the gaze from the opposite sex. Dress as a Muslim should : Men have to wear the pants above the ankle and keep the beard, one fist in length. These actions must not be considered as insignificant. These are teachings of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) which he has greatly emphasized on. Although it is permissible to wear the shirt and pants, the dressing of the righteous (i.e. the kurta) has a speciality which benefits in different ways. A person with this appearance will think a hundred times before engaging in an open sin, when he is being recognized as someone who must be very pious. So this attire and appearance will offer a protection, Insha-Allah. Women too should dress modestly as is prescribed by Shariah. The Hijaab offers protection from various sins and is a protection from harassment, which has become normal behaviour for the majority. By doing these few things, you have won more than half the battle. And it is not as difficult as shaytaan and nafs will whisper. A little courage, a little effort and a little sacrifice are all that is required. Of course, these are just basic aspects of Deen, which everyone can implement immediately and easily. There is a need to fulfill the Obligatory Injunctions such as Salaah, Zakaat, Fasting in the month of Ramadaan, etc. and to fulfill the rights of parents, spouse, children, family, neighbours and others. There is a need to read the Qur`aan Shareef regularly, together with some authentic commentary – a little at a time; as well as giving time to studying some book on Islamic Jurisprudence and reading the life and teachings of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), etc. A reading of the books of virtues of actions such as Salaah, Fasting, Haj, Sadaqaat, Zikr, etc. by Shaikh Zakariyyah Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) will create enthusiasm in the heart for practising. May Allah Ta’ala grant us His Love and the Love of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), such that it becomes easy to give up all sins and submit to His Obedience. May He protect us all from the mischief of nafs and shaytaan. May He fill our hearts with Love for this beautiful Deen and inspire us in being practical and good Muslims and true role-models to our community.

Bismihi Ta’ala Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Confer Salaah (Durood) upon me excessively each Friday; the one who confers the most Salaah will be closest to me.” (Baihaqi) “Confer Salaah (Durood) increasingly upon me, during the day of Jumu`ah and during the eve of Jumu`ah. Whosoever does so, I will be his witness or I will intercede for him on the Day of Qiyaamah.” (Baihaqi) “The one who confers 1000 Durood upon me in one day, he will not die until he is given the glad-tidings of Jannah.” (Kanzul Ummaal)

"Write your life for Allah Ta’ala – like how the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (RA) wrote their lives. ...They wrote their lives with their blood, with love, obedience, sacrifice, sincere commitment to Islam and adherence to the Sunnah. Their life story was a love story which ascended the confines of this temporary world – because their love relationship had its connection in the heavens, with the Creator of the Universe. They wrote their lives for Allah Ta'ala and Allah Ta'ala 'wrote' their honour in His Kalaam, the Qur`aan Shareef, for all times; and presented their lives for all of mankind to take lesson from and draw inspiration from, until Qiyaamah."

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur`aan Sharief: And do not be among the heedless. [surah Al-A'raaf 7:205] Living in this world, it is not proper for any person to be unmindful and negligent of his purpose in this world. Allah Ta’ala informs us of the objective of our existence : “And I created not the jinn and mankind except they should worship Me.” [surah Zariat 51 : 56] And Allah Ta’ala reminds us: “Did you think that We created you for nothing, and that you will not be brought back to Us?” [surah Mu`minoon 23 : 115] Ghaflat is heedlessness, negligence, being unaware. It is diversion. It is thinking or doing something when one should have been thinking or doing something else. Being distracted in any work is ghaflat, and ghaflat is extremely dangerous. I usually give the example that if a family is receiving special guests, then, as is the general scenario - the ladies of the house are busy in their preparations. If the ladies decide to serve hot, hot samoosas, they keep the frying pan on the stove with the hot oil in it, ready for frying. When they hear the visitors arrive and the exchange of Salaam, etc. and are about to put the samoosas into the hot oil, a two year old child, playing nearby, pulls down the handle of the frying pan and all that hot, hot oil falls onto the child. (May Allah Ta’ala protect all). What was the cause of this terrible accident? …It was a little unmindfulness, a moment of Ghaflat, a moment of distraction. …The ghaflat of not being watchful of the child and leaving the handle easy for reach, leads to such a frightening situation and such extensive harm! A person is driving and speaking on his cellphone. He is distracted. This is Ghaflat, which can result in a terrible accident. In worldly matters, we find that negligence and inattentiveness have resulted in great loss, harm, damage and regret. However, the un-mindfulness in Dien is worse than the un-mindfulness of Dunya. Ghaflat in Dien has worse consequences by far. Unfortunately it is widespread and a weakness which needs to be remedied. We pass through our lives, spending days and nights, unmindful and heedless of Allah Ta’ala, of our purpose in this world, of death, of Aakhirah and of accountability, and this results in sins, in extravagance, in futility. …Many wander through life, aimlessly. No thought is given as to why we are here. “… and verily, many among mankind are heedless of our signs.” [surah Yunus 10:92] No effort is made to accumulate the provision for the journey ahead – the journey to the Hereafter. We find the repercussions of our heedlessness have been most severe and grave. Our heedlessness has led us far away from Dien and practising on Dien, far away from Allah Ta’ala’s Pleasure and far away from Jannah, with all its never-ending bounties. Our negligence has made us the friends of shaitaan, occupying us in those actions which satisfy the nafs and displease Allah Ta’ala, and has taken us to the doorstep of Jahannum. Ghaflat makes us forget Allah Ta’ala. And Allah Ta’ala says in regard to those who forget Him: “And be not like those who forgot Allah; and He made them forget their own souls; such are the transgressors.” [surah Hashr 59 : 19] Ghaflat erases a person’s intelligence and places him in the category of the foolish. Nabi (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: “The intelligent one is he who suppresses his desires and practises for what is after death, and the foolish one is he who makes his nafs follow its desires and (he) places (baseless) hope on Allah.”[1] Ghaflat diverts us from our Ibaadah – Whilst engaged in Salaah, we are pre-occupied with everything besides Salaah. We are careless, inattentive and just read for the sake of reading. We fulfil the postures of Salaah without thought that we are standing in the Court of Allah Ta’ala, before Allah Ta’ala, communicating with Allah Ta’ala and we give no attention to the required etiquettes. There is no concentration and no humility. …Allah Ta’ala describes this kind of Salaah as the Salaah of the Munafiqeen. "So woe to those performers of Salaah, who are heedless of their Salaah…” [surah Ma`un 107 : 4 / 5] Very, very sadly, the Ummah at large has fallen deep into this misfortune and catastrophe of Ghaflat, and the consequences are seen today, throughout the world – in the form of oppression, suppression and destruction of the Ummah. Allah Ta’ala mentions Ghaflat and those who are Ghaafil at different places in the Qur`aan Shareef – but never in a favourable way. Indeed, there is nothing but loss and regret for those who are heedless. May Allah Ta’ala protect us all. From amongst the remedies for the sickness of heedlessness, is keeping before us, our death – our return to Allah Ta’ala, as well as consciously remembering Allah Ta’ala. Unfortunately, we are so consumed in our worldly issues, we forget that we are going to die, and we pass our days ‘care-free’, even in the disobedience of Allah Ta’ala. “The reckoning of the people has drawn near to them, while they are in negligence, turning away.” [surah Al-Ambiya 21:1] If death is brought into the equation, the chain of thoughts that will come to mind whenever nafs and shaitaan divert us from obedience or tempt towards Haraam will be: What if I have to die in this action? What will happen in my grave? What will happen on the Day of Qiyamah? …This chain of thoughts will protect us from committing sin. This train of thoughts will persuade us towards righteousness. How long is the enjoyment of this world? A few days and it is all over. Yet, we are so immersed and involved in Dunya that we do not even think about our Maut and Aakhirah. “Whoever comes into this world, death says to him: ‘I am following you closely.’” We are distracted and side-tracked by the toys of the world – whether they are in the forms of our homes, businesses, cars, cellphones, etc. – all of which we will have to leave behind very soon. Allah Ta’ala mentions those who have sound knowledge and skill when it comes to the affairs of the world, when it comes to business and trade, etc. but do not consider beyond this temporary world and thus do not prepare for their return to Allah Ta’ala nor acquire their provisions for their journey to the Hereafter. “They know what is apparent of the worldly life, and of the Hereafter they are Ghafiloon (heedless).” [surah Ar-Room 30:7] Despite their worldly acumen and expertise, they are heedless in preparing for the life to come, and in so doing, they bring ruin to themselves. Let us not be counted as one of them. Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziya (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) has encapsulated these spiritual weaknesses and their remedies, saying: "The heart is tarnished by two things: heedlessness and sin. It is polished by two things: remembrance and asking forgiveness." Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: “Frequently remember the destroyer of life’s pleasures; death.” [An-Nasaa’i] Allah Ta’ala instructs us : And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect. [surah Al-Kahf 18:28] This Ayat directs us to the company of those who are engaged in Allah Ta’ala’s remembrance and who are seeking Him. Indeed, it is by virtue of such company that we too will become conscious of Allah Ta’ala, of Aakhirah and we will move in the direction of obedience and good deeds, Insha-Allah. “And remember your Lord within yourself with humility and fear, and without speaking loudly, in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless." [surah Al-A’raaf 7:205] And Allah Ta’ala informs us that it is this remembrance which brings success: "And remember Allah much, that you may be successful.'' [surah Al Jumu`ah 62:10] May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and the concern. May Allah Ta’ala cure us of all our spiritual ailments, awaken our sleeping hearts and grant us the Taufeeq of spending our lives, constructively occupied in noble deeds, which will earn us His Pleasure and Najaat. [1] Tirmidhi Link to blog : http://hameediyyah.blogspot.com/

Bismihi Ta'ala Allah Ta’ala has stated in the Qur`aan Shareef : “Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you...” . [surah Hujurat 49 : 13] Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) also said : “Verily Allah does not look towards your physical appearances, or towards your riches; but He sees (the sincerity of) your hearts, and (the nature of) your deeds.”[1] Allah Ta’ala does not look at our bank balances, our properties, our beauty, the colour of our skin, our physique, our lineage, our language, our gender, or the chain of degrees we may have obtained. Allah Ta’ala looks at the heart. The discrimination is only on Taqwa[2]. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said : “Nearest and dearest to me are those who possess the virtue of piety (no matter what colour, race or nationality).”[3] Hazrat Abu Zarr (RA) narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) had said to him: “Verily you are not better than a fair-skinned person or a dark-skinned person except that you excel him by Taqwa (piety and fear of Allah).”[4] …There are so many of us who very foolishly and ignorantly pride ourselves over our wealth, family name, beauty – sometimes even our knowledge of Deen or the services we are rendering of Deen; considering these as the criteria for establishing our superiority over others. Whenever the nafs asserts itself with : ‘I am better… than him (or her)’, we should understand that we are on the same footing as shaytaan. When Allah Ta’ala commanded the angels to bow down to Hazrat Aadam (AS), shaytaan refused to do so. When asked as to why, he asserted : ‘I am better than he. You created me from fire, and him from clay.’ [surah A’raaf 7 :12] This opinion of : ‘I am better…’ is reason enough for serious concern, since this attitude is what is termed as pride (takabbur), arrogance and conceit (ujub), the cancer of the spiritual heart. This is such an ailment which also leads to the evil of boasting. Allah Ta’ala states : “Verily Allah does not like the one who has pride and is boastful.” [surah An-Nisaa 4 : 36] “And swell not your cheek (for pride) at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth; for Allah loves not any arrogant boaster.” [surah Luqman 31 : 18] Allah Ta’ala makes evident His abhorrence by humiliating and abasing such a person and reducing the person’s esteem in the eyes of people. It has been related from Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam): “…he who is proud will be abased by Allah, for though he considers himself great, he is lowly in the eyes of men to such an extent that he is of less value in their estimation than a dog or a pig.”[5] To cure and purify the heart of these diseases one will have to submit to the scalpel of the surgeon of the spiritual heart - a Muhaqqiq[6] Shaykh. Tazkiyah (purification) of the heart and Islaah (reformation) of the nafs is not achieved by just the reading of kitaabs. Furthermore, no matter by what titles people may address us in this world, we still have to await the Day of Qiyaamah to know our worth by Allah. It will only be on the Day of Qiyaamah that we will find out as to who was Afdhal (most virtuous). Maulana Sayyid Sulayman Nadvi (RA) used to say: Whether we live like this or live like that, What is left to be seen is how our stay there will be (i.e. the Hereafter). [1] Muslim [2] Taqwa : piety / abstention from all sins. [3] Ahmad [4] Ahmad [5] Abu Dawood [6] Muhaqqiq : meticulous

Bismihi Ta'ala A Warning from the Ahaadeeth Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam) said : “Whoever taunts a brother (Muslim) with a sin (which the Muslim had committed), will not die until he (the taunter) commits the same sin.” (Tirmizi Shareef) This Hadeeth warns us of a very grave and serious consequence of looking down upon and mocking those who have repented of their sins. This is one reason (amongst others) why so many find themselves involved in major sins. …When a person derides, scoffs and scorns at another person for his past sins, adopting an attitude of mock holiness, such a person is paving his way to the ditches of sins, and ends up falling into the very same sins. These words of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam) should not be taken lightly. …If a person mocks at or deliberately reminds another of his past sins – which the person had sincerely repented of, thus causing him or her grief and hurt, then as is mentioned in the Hadeeth, such a person should expect to find himself or herself in the same gutter of evil. (May Allah Ta’ala protect us all.) How grave the situation would be if we mocked, jeered at, or disgraced a person who had sincerely repented of zina, or ribaa[1], or gambling, or drugs and alcohol ? Would we like the disgrace and stigma of that same sin in our lives ? No, we would not. …We should therefore carefully reflect over this reality and curb any evil, foul tendency of the nafs to disgrace another person over sins already given up… If not, we will inevitably disgrace ourselves. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam) also said : “Whoever conceals the wrong-doings of a brother Muslim, Allah will conceal his wrong-doings on the Day of Judgment, and whoever will publicize the wrong-doings of a brother Muslim, Allah will disclose his wrong-doings to the people, so much so that he will be disgraced sitting in his own house.”[2] Allah Ta’ala has mentioned in the Qur’aan Shareef regarding those who make Taubah: إِنَّ اللّٰهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوّٰبِينَ “…Verily Allah loves those who repent…” [surah Baqarah 2 : 222] When Allah Ta’ala, Himself, is stating that the one who has made sincere Taubah has become beloved to Him, who are we to criticize and condemn? His sin has been Divinely forgiven, and he has become a beloved of Allah Ta’ala. Of course, if a person is indulging in sins – whether flagrantly or secretly, and one is aware, then in an approachable manner, with tact and wisdom, the duty of ‘Amr bil Maroof and Nahy anil Munkar’ should be carried out – encourage towards good, and forbid the evil. We should keep in mind the Hadeeth : ‘ A sincere repenter of sins is like one who has not committed sins.’ [1] Ribaa : usury [2] Ibn Majah

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem Allah Ta’ala informs us in the Qur`aan Sharief, that each and every one of us is poor: “O mankind! You are all poor to Allah, but Allah is Rich, Worthy of all praise!” [surah Fatir 35:15] All of mankind are registered by Allah Ta’ala as fuqarah (poor). No matter who the person is and what his potential is, no matter the intellect and the resources of the person – whether a millionaire, billionaire, Mufti, Wali, president, doctor, scientist, engineer - each and every one is registered as ‘faqeer’. …Even if all of mankind pools their resources, potential and their wealth, all will remain fuqarah. Allah Ta’ala has listed us and recorded us as poor, and there is no way that we can deregister. Allah Ta’ala announces thereafter that He is the One who is Rich, Self Sufficient and Independent. Thus the ones who are poor are dependent and reliant on the favours and generosity and benevolence of the One Who is Rich. Allah Ta’ala, having registered us as poor, favoured us with the utensil that beggars generally possess - a bowl, to beg of Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala makes us conscious of our poverty, by attaching our begging bowls to our physical bodies. Our Shaykh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) explained that thisfaqeer is not a professional beggar, who works from 9 to 5, counts his earnings of the day and places his bowl on a shelf at night. The registered faqeer has his bowl with him, 24 / 7. He cannot put his bowl away. It is part of him. Whenever he has a need - even if it is the middle of the night – the faqeer has his precious bowl with him, to beg of Allah Ta’ala, Al-Ghaniyy. Our bowl is our two beautiful hands, which we bring together – to make our unique begging bowl. The rich, the poor, the ruler, the subject – all have begging bowls. Hadhrat Maulana (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had also explained that one reason behind the punishment and Hadd of cutting off the hand for the one who steals, is that these same hands – the begging bowl which Allah Ta’ala so graciously gave to us, was meant to ask and supplicate of Allah Ta’ala, and draw from His Halaal Treasures. Instead, it is used to steal and take in a Haraam manner. …What humiliation there is for that king who is caught stealing two potatoes from a street vendor who sells vegetables on a street corner - when treasures are at the king’s disposal? Similarly, when a person has easy access and can take from the unlimited treasures of Allah Ta’ala, without any difficulty, he engages in the Haraam action of stealing and gets a paltry amount in comparison. Theft is misuse and ingratitude for the bounty of the wonderful, precious begging bowl bestowed to us. This begging bowl which was given, to use and take from the vast treasures of Allah Ta’ala was not appreciated, so it is taken back. Allah Ta’ala punishes on this misuse, taking back half of it – that is, first, only one hand is cut. …Of course, there are many conditions to be met before the Hadd or penalty of cutting the hand is implemented. It is not applicable in every situation of theft. The correct etiquette when making Dua is as follows: · To keep the hands in front of the chest. …When we perform Salaah, it is a condition that our chests face the Qiblah. When we beg of Allah Ta’ala, then our begging bowl should face the Arsh of Allah Ta’ala. This is its Qiblah. This is from where, acceptance descends. SubhanAllah. · There should be a little gap between our hands. …This begging bowl is a broken bowl, to remind us, how poor we really are! Allah Ta’ala who is Al-Ghaniyy (The One Who is Rich, Independent and Self-Sufficient) and who is Al-Mughni (The Enricher, The Bestower of Wealth – spiritual and material) does not give a little, which will slip through or fall through our broken bowl. Allah Ta’ala gives generously and abundantly, to fill up our bowls. An Allah Waala poet says so aptly: “My hands are so small and limited; Your gifts are so great and unlimited.” · After Dua, we should use these same hands and wipe our faces. …Wiping our faces, we are saying : “I have received what I have asked for.” (wajadnaa maa talabnaa). This is to show our conviction that we have received what we asked for. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur`aan Sharief: وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِىْٓ أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ ط “And your Lord says : Call on Me; I will answer your (du’aa)…” [surah Mu`min 40 : 60] If our child begs for something, or begs for some money to buy something, and before we can say no or refuse, the child says: “JazakAllah Abba…” – the father will naturally be compelled to give it. And he gives it. Allah Ta’ala is Akramul Akrameen (The Most Generous of those who show generosity), Arhamur Raahimeen (The Most Merciful of the merciful) – He gives when we ask. …Of course, we need to understand that His answering our Duas is also in different ways. Sometimes, Allah Ta’ala gives some other good in place of what was asked. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Any Muslim who makes a Dua and his Dua does not contain a request for anything sinful or anything regarding the severance of family ties, Allah grants him one of three things most assuredly; namely, 1.) What he has asked is granted immediately, or 2.) What he has asked is saved for him as a treasure in the Aakhirah, or 3.) Allah wards away some calamity from him in lieu of the object asked for.” This face is ‘ashraf’ (the most honourable, noble and distinguished part of the human being). Passing our hands over our faces after Dua is also our expression of thanking Allah Ta’ala. Added to this, these begging bowls hold beautiful reminders to us all. Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur`aan Shareef: “We will show Our signs in the universe and within their own beings until it will become manifest to them that it is the truth….” [surah Fussilaat 41 : 53] And further: وَفِى الْأَرْضِ اٰيٰتٌ لِّلْمُوْقِنِيْنَ◌ وَفِىْٓ أَنْفُسِكُمْ ط أَفَلَا تُبْصِرُوْنَ◌ “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] If we look at our palms, we will see lines which form Arabic numerals : Eighty one in the left palm and eighteen in the right palm. Adding these numbers and we get a total of ninety nine. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Allah has 99 Names, i.e. one hundred minus one, and whoever learns (memorizes) them will go to paradise.”[1] These lines in our palms are signs from the signs of Allah Ta’ala – alluding to His ninety nine names, which Allah Ta’ala instructs us to call upon Him by. …SubhanAllah, Allah Ta’ala has given us this reminder in our hands. وَلِلّٰهِ الْأَسْمَآءُ الْحُسْنٰى فَادْعُوْهُ بِهَا ص “The Most Beautiful names belong to Allah: So call on Him by them…” [surah Al A’raaf 7 : 180] قُلِ ادْعُوا اللّٰهَ أَوِ ادْعُوا الرَّحْمٰنَ ط أَيًّا مَّا تَدْعُوْا فَلَهُ الْأَسْمَآءُ الْحُسْنٰى ج “Say: ‘Call upon Allah, or call upon Rahmaan : By whatever Name you call upon Him, (it is well): For to Him belong The Most Beautiful Names …” [surah Al-Israa 17 : 110] A computer keyboard has keys or buttons. When a key is pressed, it produces a letter, a number or a character on screen. Keys can also execute certain actions or commands. Similarly, we have different switches and buttons, which, when we press, a light comes on, an air-conditioner starts producing cold air, a stove-plate becomes hot, a heater starts warming the environment around, a washing machine or dishwasher begins washing and cleaning, etc. Our Shaykh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had explained that the Arabic numerals on our hands offer us a reminder of Allah Ta’ala’s 99 beautiful names. And for every need we have or any condition we may face, Allah Ta’ala has a Name by which His Servants may call Him by. Like how we press on a key or button and there is some outcome, when we call upon Allah Ta’ala by His Attributes, that attribute of Allah Ta’ala is focussed on the one who is asking; that Tajalli manifests itself on the person. If a person calls Allah Ta’ala, with His Beautiful Names: 'Ya Ghaffaar, Ya Ghafoor, Ya Afuww, Ya Tawwaab', he becomes beneficiary to Allah Ta’ala’s extensive forgiveness. If a person takes the name “Ya Batino” (The Hidden One), he becomes concealed. If he takes the name “Ya Razzaaqu” (The Sustainer), he will become recipient to sustenance from Allah Ta’ala’s Side. If he takes the name “Ya Salaamu”, Allah Ta’ala will shower him with Salamati (peace). If he calls upon Allah Ta’ala, with His Name, “Ya Shaafi”, Allah Ta’ala grants him shifa. It is left to us to appreciate these wonderful blessings and opportunities and to maximise on them. They are accessible to all. Furthermore, if we look at the numbers in our palms and we subtract eighteen from eighty one, we will get sixty three. Sixty three was the age of our Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) when he passed away. As someone beautifully brought to our attention: Our palms also become a reminder for us to convey Durood Shareef upon Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), especially when engaged in Dua. …The reminder is in the hands we raise for Dua. Indeed, it is by virtue of Durood Shareef that our Duas are granted acceptance. Hadhrat Anas (RA) said: ‘Every Dua is prevented from reaching the Court of Allah until the person making Dua conveys Durood upon Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and upon the family of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Then it reaches the Court of Allah and is accepted.’ Hadhrat ‘Umar (RA) said: ‘Dua remains suspended between the heavens and earth. It does not ascend and is not accepted until you send Salawaat upon Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).’ We also take lesson that we need to bring that noble lifestyle, that noble Sunnah, into our own lives. Then, when we ask of Allah Ta’ala, we ask as lovers of Allah Ta’ala, as beloveds of Allah Ta’ala – and Allah Ta’ala surely gives much more to those who are beloved to Him. قُلْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِىْ يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللّٰهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ط وَاللّٰهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ◌ “ Say (O Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)) : If you do love Allah, follow me. Allah shall love you and forgive you your sins; And Allah is Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful.” [surah Aal-Imraan 3 : 31] Our ten fingers have got each three parts. We could say that this indicates to the thirty days of the month. Every day of every month should pass on this way of the Sunnah. Day and night should conform to the beautiful Sunnah. Allah Ta’ala will grant us the success of both worlds. And if we are sincere to Allah Ta'ala, we will experience Jannah in this life of Dunya as well. Our begging bowls are a means of great goodness and success. Let us use it. Let us ask of Allah Ta’ala. Let us take from Allah Ta’ala’s Treasures. May Allah Ta'ala grant us all the Taufeeq of lifting our begging bowls and asking of Allah Ta’ala, The Generous. Aameen. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ [1] Sahih Bukhari Link to blog : http://hameediyyah.blogspot.com/

Bismihi Ta'ala Taking a Qasm (Oath) in the name of Allah Ta’ala has become all too common in these days. Qasms are taken for almost anything and everything, and often, over trivial matters – so much so that many take a Qasm and lie – (Na`uzu Billahi min zaalik)[1] What has happened, is that we have ‘reduced’ the greatness of taking a Qasm in the name of Allah Ta’ala. A Qasm[2] should only be taken if necessary. Taking a Qasm is not to be treated in the light hearted manner that we do, or as a joke – that any little thing or on petty and silly issues, a person utters some oath, and sometimes many, many times in a day. It becomes a mockery of the name of Allah Ta’ala. If a person has to break an oath or do something contrary to his oath, then he will have to give ‘kaffarah’. [3] § Kaffarah comprises of feeding 10 persons with two meals each. Alternatively, he could give some dry groceries to each poor person. § He also has the option of giving some clothing to 10 poor persons. The clothing must be such that it can cover a major portion of the poor person’s body. § If a person is poor and is unable to fulfill the requirements of Kaffarah, he will have to fast for 3 days consecutively. [1] Na-oozu Billahi min zaalik : We seek Allah’s protection from that. [2] It is a major sin to take an oath in the name of anyone other than Allah Ta’ala. [3] There are many more masaa`il (rules) relating to Oaths, Vows and Kaffarah. Refer to the Beheshti Zewar or a reliable kitaab of Jurisprudence or find out details from an Aalim

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem The December period is the peak season for the businessmen. Many step up their security to protect their earnings and profits – especially here in South Africa, where hijackings, robberies and other crimes become the order of the day. (May Allah Ta’ala protect us all). The holiday season becomes the peak season for criminals, who work to steal the hard earned money and valuables of others. We find, perhaps, an even greater concern and effort to step up security when it comes to our homes, since our wives and children are our main concern. Naturally, we also want to secure our belongings and valuables, which many work so hard for. Besides installing burglar guard and gates, many people step up security by contracting a security company, as well as adding CCTVs, automated gates and electric fencing. Some even go further with laser beams, security guards, etc. A great amount of money is spent for all of this additional protection and safety, but the objective is to safeguard what is so valuable in our homes – our families, our earnings, our valuables. The Muslim’s heart is home to the most valuable commodity on the face of the earth, and that is his Imaan in Allah Ta’ala. In the home of the heart are the treasures of Ishq of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). The heart is also the storehouse of the Anwaar of his virtuous deeds and thus requires great security and strong fortification from the enemies, nafs and shaitaan. These times of great, great Fitnah are the peak seasons for our enemies, nafs and shaitaan. They work to steal all the wealth accumulated in our hearts. Our treasure of Imaan and whatever is earned by way of good deeds needs to also be safeguarded. …To a greater extent, we should step up the security of our heart, otherwise nafs and shaitaan will steal into the heart – and they are skilled and accomplished in clearing all the goods and stocks of the heart in seconds. …If the security guard is negligent, robbers easily overcome him and enter the home. We are our own security guards. If we are ‘ghaafil’ (negligent), nafs and shaitaan will floor us, and will enter the home of the heart and ravage it of its wealth. (May Allah Ta’ala protect us all). Nafs and shaitaan come into the heart through different sins – lustful gazes, music, gossip, lies, gambling, adultery, drugs, alcohol, and so forth. And they also come into the heart through Riyaa (show), Ujub (vanity/conceit), Takabbur (pride), Hirs (greed), Hasad (jealousy) and other such sins. Taqwa is the security of the spiritual heart, and keeping the company of the pious, offers protection to one’s Taqwa. Allah Ta’ala guides us to the security system of the heart and guides us to the security company of the heart: “O You who Believe, Fear Allah and join the company of the Truthful ones (the pious, the Auliya Allah).” [surah Taubah 9 : 119] These spiritual "security companies" are the Suhbat of the Ahlullah. Their company is not like the ones we contract for our businesses and homes, where the employees and personnel of the security company are sometimes found to be accomplices to the crimes of the businesses and homes they are paid to protect. The Ahlullah are the special servants for Allah Ta'ala - His Friends, who are blessed with His Special Protection. Those who keep their company will also experience this protection, Insha-Allah. The Muslim improves and steps up the security of his heart by guarding the gaze, hearing, speech and limbs at all times. If these areas are secure, the home of the heart will be secure. The treasure of Imaan, the wealth of Anwaar and the Sukoon which descends in the heart, will remain well-fortified. Our Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) would make Dua, and we too should make the same Dua: ‘O Allah, wherever I am, whether on earth or in the skies, my Taqwa must always remain safe.’ May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and Taufeeq. Link to blog : http://hameediyyah.blogspot.com/

"There is no Barakah, in fact, fear of harm in going against the Shaykh's advice." "Ilm cannot be of help without aml, and aml cannot be of help without Ikhlaas. Unfortunately, we cannot build up our Ikhlaas because we have Makhlooq (creation) before us." "As much as our Nisbat with the Akhlaaq of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), so will our value be in the sight of Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala will give honour, respect and dignity." "The medication for the ailments of the spiritual heart is found with the Ahlullah." "Always make Dua that the Ilm that you acquire becomes beneficial. Just increase in Knowledge is the goal of most people these days.."