Articles

THE TRUE WEALTH OF MADINA MUNAWWARAH

Formula for Unlimited Blessings

Fragrance of a Rose

Photography and Picture-Making

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Nowadays, we find that photography and videoing have become accepted in all circles, yet Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Those involved in picture-making will be subjected to the worst forms of punishment on the day of Qiyamah.”[1] …In another Hadith, Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Those involved in picture making will be severely punished on the Day of Qiyamah and Allah Ta’ala will say to them, ‘Give life to what you have created!’.”[2] We also know the Fatwa of our respected Imams of Fiqh and the majority of past and present Scholars. They prohibited pictures of anything animate.

Photography carries within it so much of evil and it erupts into so many more sins. …Like a volcano erupts and spews out rocks, gases, ash and lava, which cause great harm and destruction, photography has led to an eruption of Fitan and spews out immodesty, obscenity and a host of other evils. There is no doubt that photography plays a key role in the destruction of man’s spirituality, modesty and morality. I receive so many emails and letters, and from the correspondence, it is clear that many, many people – young and old – are caught up in pornography and other sins, stemming from photography. …I have mentioned previously that the porn- industry and filthy films are all based on pictures. This gives rise to rape, incest, child porn and other vices. Islam cuts at the root of the evil by prohibiting picture-making and photography[3]. …Whatever we see today, of various Fitan, is due to the Shar’i prohibitions being flouted and disregarded.

Our Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had said that despite the deep love that the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘Anhum) had for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), not one of them drew any image of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).

…From amongst the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘Anhum), some could have sketched images of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) … when he was at Badr, at Uhud … in his armour; when digging the trench at Khandaq, when Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was entering Makkatul Mukarramah at the time of its conquest; when Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was on the plains of Arafah, hands raised, imploring and begging of Allah Ta’ala … So many pictures could have been drawn, to “capture the moment”, to keep those “memories alive” and so that we, the latter of the Ummah, may also see a picture or pictures of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), but not one Sahabi (Radhiyallahu ‘Anhum) drew such pictures.

Since picture-making, in any form, is prohibited, they did not compromise on obedience to Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Their condition was: “We hear and we obey.” This is what we have to learn to nurture and imbibe within ourselves: When we hear the Command of Allah Ta’ala; when we hear the Command of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), we should willingly submit and obey.

We are told to follow the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘Anhum) for guidance. Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “My Companions are like the stars, whichever of them you follow you will be rightly guided.”[4] …The Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu anhum) set a precedent and a beautiful example for us. We need to follow in their noble footsteps.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the concern, and grant us obedience to Him and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). May Allah Ta’ala grant us Istiqaamah on Siraatul Mustaqeem.

Exceptional Rewards

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

RASULULLAH ﷺ said: “Whoever holds onto my Sunnah, at the time of corruption (Fasaad) of my Ummah, will get the reward of a hundred martyrs.”^[1]

Sahib-e-Mirqaat, Mullah Ali Qaari^[2] رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ explained Fasaad as: When sins will be very dominant; when there will be violation of the laws of Allah Ta’ala and when it will be difficult to tell others what is Halaal and Haraam. In another explanation, it is explained that Fasaad is when there will be an abundance of Kufr and Shirk.

Fasaad has also been described as a predominance and prevalence of:

1.) Bid’aat (Innovations) …There is no reward in Bid’aat but people will make certain actions compulsory and attribute rewards to them.

2.) Jahalat (Ignorance) … This is also a sign of the nearness of Qiyamah.

3.) Fisq (open sin and transgression)

Were we to consider our present condition, in the light of these commentaries, we will find that we are in the midst of Fasaad. All around us – and sometimes, even within us – there is this Fasaad. If, in these times, we hold fast onto Deen and the noble Sunnah, then the rewards are exceptional; the rewards are very, very great – because the Mujahadah (striving) and effort in practising upon Deen is much more, due to the environment of Fasaad and Fitan.

…For anyone to say that in these days we cannot follow and we cannot practise Islam, is Kufr. Instead of acknowledging our weaknesses in not practising, many place the blame on Shari’ah. By doing so, a person is asserting and claiming that Nabi ﷺ was sent for only a short period of time and that Islam is not practical – نَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰه. This beautiful Deen and the noble Sunnah can be practised in a hut and in a palace, in every era. It is for all people and for all times.

In regard to the Hadīth: “Whoever holds onto my Sunnah, at the time of corruption (Fasaad) of my Ummah, will get the reward of a hundred martyrs.”, Hazrat Shah Wasiyyullah رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had said that we take, following the Sunnah, to mean the Sunnats relating to eating, drinking, sleeping, using the Miswaak, etc. – all of which will draw the promised rewards. However, this also refers to those Sunnats in the Faraa’idh – for example, Salaah. There is a Sunnah method of Salaah. Thana, Ta’awwuz, Tasmia, reading with Khushoo^[3], etc. are Sunnah in Salaah – and usually neglected. We also have the Sunnat-e-Muakkadah Salaah – which many people do not perform. If we bring these Sunnats into Salaah and read the Sunnah Salaah, we will be reviving the Sunnah.

…Similarly, there is a Sunnah method of performing Wudhu, but many people are content with only fulfilling the four Faraa’idh of Wudhu, leaving off the many Sunnats that accompany Wudhu and which carry great rewards. In the same way, there is also a Sunnah way for conducting our Nikahs and our Walimahs … but how many endeavour to bring alive the Sunnah in their Nikahs? …Both Nikah and Walimah are simple and easy, with minimum expense. Unfortunately, we are so carried away by the concept of a fantasy, glamourous, dazzling and fairy-tale wedding that we choose to follow in the way of the disbelievers, and have made our own weddings, extremely costly, lavish and elaborate – far from what is Sunnah and far from what is pleasing to Allah Ta’ala. In the name of the Sunnah, Hollywood and Bollywood weddings are organised. It is Nikah in name but devoid of the Noor, Barakaat, Rahmah and rewards that accompany the Sunnah.

Shaykhul Hadīth, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Zakariyyah رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ would say that Nikah is as easy as performing two Rakaats of Salaah. Hazrat Maulana رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had said that there is no need for the formalities that we have introduced into Nikah. Nikah is an Ibaadah and does not require unnecessary expenses. Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Zakariyyah رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ practically implemented the Sunnah in the marriages of his daughters, maintaining the simplicity as is found in the Nikahs of Rasulullah ﷺ and the Sahaba-e-Kiraam رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُمْ, and setting an excellent example for others to follow.

These days, we rival and compete with each other as to whose wedding is more extravagant, more lavish, more glamourous and costlier. Instead, we should try to outdo each other, as to who can be closest to the Sunnah, who can secure the most rewards and earn the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul ﷺ. Take the wonderful Nikah of Hazrat Faatima رَضِىَ الله عَنْهَا and Hazrat ‘Ali رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُ … there was no fanfare … but their Nikah is a blueprint and model example for a very blessed, successful and happy marriage.

The Walimahs of Rasulullah ﷺ were no different. They were so simple that Rasulullah ﷺ would request his companions to bring whatever food they had … which was very simple as well, like Khajoor (dates), butter, etc. The food items would be spread out on a Dastarkhan^[4] and all would eat. …In comparison, our Nikahs and Walimahs are generally the opposite. Whereas an Ibaadah should be incurring rewards, nowadays, many Nikahs and Walimahs incur Allah Ta’ala’s Wrath, due to the sins that we engage in, which contaminate the pure Sunnah and destroy the rewards.

Hazrat Maulana Abrarul Haq رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had said that every Sunnat is:

اَسْهَلْ (most simple),

اَكْمَلْ (perfect) and

اَجْمَلْ (most beautiful)

Hazrat Maulana ‘Umar Palanpoori رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had mentioned that on practising and living the Sunnah, a person becomes a recipient of Rahmah (Mercy), Barakah (Blessings), Hidayah (Guidance) and Muhabbah (he becomes beloved to Allah Ta’ala and to people).

Imam Maalik رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had said: “The Sunnah is like the Ark of Nooh. Whoever embarks upon it will attain salvation and whoever refuses, will drown.” … The Fasaad and Fitan that we see around us are like floods … like a tsunami. Those who board the ship of the Sunnah will reach safety and attain Najaat (salvation), Insha-Allah.

Our Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had related a Hadīth, which offers additional and wonderful incentive and encouragement for whoever will hold fast onto Deen and do good deeds. Rasulullah ﷺ said: “….For verily ahead of you are such (difficult) days, staying steadfast on Deen will be like holding onto burning cinders. Those who do good deeds, in those days, will receive the reward of fifty people who carry out deeds like you.”

It was asked: “O Rasulullah! Will they receive the reward of fifty people like them or fifty of us?”

Rasulullah ﷺ replied: “Fifty of you!”^[5]

It should go without saying that a person who makes the effort to remain steadfast on the teachings of the Qur’aan Shareef and Sunnah, does not become better or higher in status than the Sahabah-e-Kiraam رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُمْ. It is the reward that is being spoken about. …Not only does one get the reward of one hundred martyrs by practising upon the Sunnah, one also secures the reward of fifty Sahaba-e-Kiraam رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُمْ on doing good actions. These are such rewards that should eagerly be sought.

No matter what the person is labelled and no matter how much the person is criticised, he takes courage and comfort by the fact that he is following in the footsteps of the Beloved Nabi ﷺ earning the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and acquiring great rewards. Allah Ta’ala promises His Love and Forgiveness for the one who follows His Beloved ﷺ:

“Say (O Muhammad ﷺ): 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]

Practising upon the Sunnah invites honour in both worlds! …My Shaykh رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ said very beautifully in poetry form:

“The footprints of the Beloved of Allah,

Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam),

is the road to Jannah;

The Sunnats of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam)

connect one with Allah Ta’ala.”

Glad tidings have been given to the one who maintains steadfastness upon Deen in these times of Fasaad. Rasulullah ﷺ said: “Islam began as something strange and it will return strange as it began, so glad tidings for the strangers.”^[6]

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq of being sincere ambassadors of the Sunnah, that we revive it, in these trying times, for it is a Noor that lights up our lives and it is protection from all forms of Fitnah and Fasaad. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the honourable rewards that accompany the Sunnah, in both worlds, and be pleased with us.

[1] Al-Bayhaqi

[2] The compiler of the Kitaab, Mirqaat, which is the commentary of the Hadith Kitaab, Mishkaat

[3] Khushoo: concentration with full devotion

[4] Dastarkhan: floor mat for eating

[5] Sunan Tirmidhi and Sunan Abi Dawood

[6] Sahih Muslim

Burma: A Lesson for Us

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

WHEN MAULANA SAYYID ABUL HASAN ALI NADWI رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ visited Burma in the early 1960s, he addressed the Muslims, who were living in great wealth, who were extravagant and lavish and were very negligent of Deen and the work of Deen.

The gist of Hazrat Maulana’s رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ speech was: “If I have to see a pregnant woman and say that she will be delivering a child – then I am not making a claim of being a Nabi of Allah Ta’ala. The signs are there and it is evident that she will, Insha-Allah, deliver a baby. If I have to see dark clouds gathering and I say that rain is expected, this is not a prophecy that I am making. The signs are there. …Similarly, looking at your condition, I say: Make an effort on Deen; establish Deen. Allah Ta’ala will assist you and protect you. If you do not change and you do not establish Deen in your life and you do not do the work of Deen, then you will not be able to live in this country; very difficult times will visit and the Azaab (punishment) of Allah Ta’ala will descend upon you.”

The advices given by Hazrat Maulana Sayyid Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ relate to all Muslims, wherever they are in the world. …But how true these words: I met a person in Madina Shareef. He was from Burma. He related his story to me, saying that they were extremely wealthy and lavish. If they had any function, one chicken would be provided for each guest – one entire chicken per person, and then the wastage! When the revolution took place, the soldiers said to them: “We are the owners now. If you wish, you can work for us or take 200 Rupees only and leave the country!”

They were millionaires. They owned big factories and businesses. In one day, all was lost. The brother said that they had to gather all their money – all the notes – take a match and set it alight, and they watched their millions burn. And they had no choice. If they were caught with that kind of money, they would have been imprisoned. …All their hard work and they set fire to their money.

What was the cause? …Negligence in practising Deen, negligence in propagating Deen and negligence in establishing Deen in their country, and then the lavishness and extravagance. …We should not sit content thinking that we are safe, because our extravagance and lavishness exceeds bounds. The consequences could be similar. May Allah Ta’ala protect us!

We are seeing the Kuffaar uniting to destroy the Muslim Ummah. We were warned of this in the Hadīth. The enemy nations will invite each other to pounce upon and attack the Muslim Ummah as hungry people invite one another for food. Our downfall is due to Hubbud Dunya (Love for the world) and dislike for death.

May Allah Ta’ala guide us and grant us the understanding and the Taufeeq of practising upon the teachings of the Qur’aan Shareef and Sunnah. In this lies our protection.

Two Ponds

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had given an analogy of two ponds that are in immediate proximity to each other. In the one pond, there are beautiful, charming, colourful fish swimming around and offering joy to the people who see them. The other pond is empty of fish. However, if the wall of sand, separating the two ponds, is broken down, then the water of both ponds will mix and the fish of the first pond will move into the second pond. The second pond will then also have these beautiful fish in it.

Hazrat رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ explained that when a person sincerely keeps the company of a Shaykh-e-Kaamil[1] and he removes from his heart any prejudices, then like the breaking of the wall between the two ponds and the movement and transfer of the fish from one pond to another, so the barrier between his heart and the Shaykh’s heart is removed and the beautiful qualities of the Shaykh – the qualities of Akhlaaq-e-Hameedah – now move into the heart of the Seeker.

The empty pond of the heart also becomes filled with Taqwa, Tawaadhu, Sabr, Shukr, Tafweez, Zuhd, Hayaa and other beautiful, noble qualities. …The Love and Ma’rifah of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam also transfer to the heart of the sincere Seeker (Saalik).

Allah Ta’ala directs us to the company of His Friends. We should thus keep their company and take full benefit. We should remain with them and become like them.

“O You who Believe, Fear Allah and join the company of the Truthful ones (the pious, the Auliya Allah).”

[Surah At-Taubah 9 : 119]

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and the Taufeeq of practising. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the companionship of His Friends, that we may draw their beautiful qualities and also become Friends of Allah Ta’ala.

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Traveling Without A Mahram

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

IN THE EARLY YEARS, Allah Ta’ala granted us the opportunity of performing Hajj. We departed from Johannesburg for Jeddah. At 6 a.m. an announcement was made that we were landing in Brussels. Where we were supposed to land and where we ended up! …There was some problem due to the sanctions against South Africa because of Apartheid.

We spent one night in Brussels and the next day we flew to Beirut. At that time, Beirut was known as the sin city. Unfortunately, the hotel that we were booked into, by the airline, also had song and dance. The second night was spent in Beirut and the next day we left Beirut only to be taken to Athens. So we reached Athens on the third day. None of these cities were on our itinerary.

There are always lessons derived from travel, and in that trip, there were women who were traveling alone. They had no husband, no father, no brother – no Mahram accompanying them. Being alone, and in that unanticipated situation, moving from one foreign city to another, they experienced a lot of difficulty. There was also no technology as we have in these days, of cell phones, tablets, WiFi, etc., where a person can keep in touch with family and be updated on any situation. As passengers, none of us really knew where we would be taken next and what would happen thereafter.

That experience made me reflect over the Command of Allah Ta’ala, that a woman must travel with a Mahram – that is, if it is the Safr distance.

Alhamdulillah, we find that Islam prioritises the safety, chastity and well-being of women. Allah Ta’ala has established various laws which offer a shield and protection for women – so that they are not exploited, abused, harassed, or left alone and vulnerable. Unfortunately, modernists, feminists and others take these same beautiful laws and present them as prejudiced and biased and as undermining women – نَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰه.

…There is a condition found in certain people called colour blindness. A person who is colour blind has difficulty or inability to distinguish between certain colours; usually between the red and green. This condition arises because of some kind of defect in the eye nerves. Similarly, we have people with the condition of spiritual colour blindness – who cannot see the colour of Truth, due to a weakness or defect in their spiritual hearts. They see the colour of falsehood and thus do not appreciate the beauty and perfection of Islam.

In these times, we read and hear of women who are promised work with high salaries and other perks, in foreign countries. They fall for the bait and travel out on their own, or travel with strangers who give them all kinds of assurances. However, their passports are thereafter taken away from them, and they are then drawn into prostitution, pornography and drugs.

Human trafficking has become the fastest growing criminal operation in the world. An article, which presented statistics regarding human trafficking, stated that the largest group of victims are women and young girls – who are bought and sold like slaves. Besides prostitution, many are used as cheap labour – which also entails very oppressive and abusive treatment. They live in harsh conditions, without any family support or protection. They are not given proper food and clothing and suffer various physical sicknesses and emotional trauma.

We have also read of planes being hijacked and of the distress that passengers have to endure. …Presently, throughout the world, Muslims are being targeted due to Islamophobia. There is so much of aggression against Muslims. Muslim women especially have been harassed, attacked, beaten and even killed. Here, in South Africa, rape and hijackings are everyday occurrences.

Allah Ta’ala is our Creator and knows our vulnerability as well as the evil that is inherent in human beings, which leads to exploitation and injustices. His Laws are to protect us as well as curb the evil within us. We should appreciate His guidance and understand that it is best for us.

…In this day and age, travel is promoted and advertised because it has become a business and a commercial venture. Advertisements seek to create the desire within us to visit other countries and experience different cultures. ‘Globe-trotting’ is a term that has been coined for those who travel often and it is looked upon as something glamourous.

Added to this, nowadays, the means of travel have become so advanced that you just board a plane, and within a matter of hours you can be in a country, thousands of miles away. Similarly, we find so many people traveling locally – because of the ease of flight travel.

Traveling is not Haraam. If it is for a noble purpose – such as acquiring the knowledge of Deen, it is extremely rewarding. If it is to engage in Haraam, then of course, such traveling will not be endorsed by the Shari’ah. Many people now travel with the sole intention of participating in some Haraam entertainment, such as attending concerts and other entertainment places and events.

Sadly, we find that many Muslim women are also carried away by the western culture and they too start “living it up” by working in foreign countries, traveling for business, or for leisure and pleasure, or even to visit family or attend a Nikah or Walimah – and they do so without a Mahram accompanying them. Often, it is plain disregard and disrespect for Allah Ta’ala’s Commandments.

We should consider and deeply reflect over the Ahādīth of Rasulullah 1: “It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel the distance of one day, except with a Mahram.”^[1]

In another Hadīth, Rasulullah 1 said: “No woman should travel except with a Mahram and no man may visit her unless she has a Mahram with her.”^[2]

A woman should be accompanied by her Mahram when traveling. The Mahram too must be of sound and good character. Shari’ah forbids traveling with a Mahram or being alone with him – whether he is one’s father, brother, uncle, nephew or anyone else, if he is of loose morals, corrupt character, and a risk to one’s chastity and modesty. Although he is a Mahram, he is now the danger and threat. Traveling alone with him or being alone with him should be avoided.

The Ahādīth and the clear ruling found in them takes into account all forms of travel. Of course there are exceptions to the rule and this exception would arise when there is some emergency. But generally, in these times, the reasons for traveling without a Mahram are flimsy and carry no weight.

Some women say that they do not have a Mahram for traveling long distances. They should understand that this is Allah Ta’ala’s choice for them – and there is wisdom and great khayr (good) in all His Decisions. We need to nurture the qualities of a true Believer. In this case, the qualities of Tafweez^[3], Sabr, Ridha bil Qadha^[4] and Dua. By doing so, great rewards will be secured.

Allah Ta’ala mentions the response of His sincere servants:

“The only reply of the (true) believers, when they are summoned to Allah and His Messenger, that he (the Messenger) may judge between them, is that they say, ‘We hear and obey.’ Such people are the successful.

Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger and has awe of Him and observes Taqwa for His sake, then such people are the victorious.”

[Surah An-Noor 24 : 51 / 52]

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the concern and the understanding, grant us appreciation and the Taufeeq to practise on the beautiful way of life called Islam.

Seclusion

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

SECLUSION should not be with the intention of protecting ourselves from the mischief and evil of others. Staying away from people should be with the Niyyat (intention) of protecting others from the evil and mischief within ourselves.

Whilst, at times, we are required to seclude ourselves from others, we should be wary that such seclusion does not cause pride and a feeling of superiority in our hearts. This would cause spiritual havoc.

The Beauty and Awe of a Man

THE BEARD IS A GREAT AND DISTINGUISHED SUNNAH, as well as a salient and outstanding sign (Shi’aar) of Islam. It was the practice of all the Ambiyaa عَليْهِمُ السَّلام and was the way of all our Akaabir^[1] and Aslaaf^[2].

In the Malfuzaat^[3] of Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ, Hazrat Maulana رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had encapsulated the distinction and excellence of the beard, saying that it is something so wonderful, which enhances the dignity and handsomeness of a man and makes one’s appearance noble. Unfortunately, this Sunnah is disregarded and looked down upon in these days. …It is belittled and mocked at. Many people make up excuses and reasons to discard this Sunnah.

Alhamdulillah, Allah Ta’ala has blessed our ‘Ulama and Mashaa’ikh with great insight and intellect as well as the ability to negate any disparaging opinions and unfounded arguments.

On one occasion, a person said to Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ: “The beard is unnatural, so it should not be kept. The fact that we were born without beards proves this!”

Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ replied: “If this is your argument, then take out all of your teeth as well. Your teeth should also not be kept, since you were born without teeth!”

Alhamdulillah, Hazrat Maulana رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ furnished a fine response, which was sufficient to silence the man.

THE FACE OF A FATHER

Once, a person, who was highly educated and who had a distinguished post in the society, visited an ‘Aalim, in Bombay. The person had his infant child with him. When the baby saw the ‘Aalim, he started crying. The father, who was clean-shaven, said: “The child got frightened seeing your beard.”

In response, the ‘Aalim said: “There is a reason behind the child’s fear. All along, this child thought that he had two mothers. When he touched your face, it was smooth. When he touched his mother’s face, her face too was smooth. This is the first time the child is seeing the face of a father… therefore there is some fear; otherwise children are not frightened by the beard.”

BE LIKE THE LION

My respected Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ, had presented an apt example regarding the beard. Hazrat رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ said that the beauty and awe of the lion is in its mane. Similarly, the beauty and awe of a man lies in his beard. It symbolises his bravery and manliness.

Stressing the importance of keeping the beard, Hazrat رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ further said, by way of correcting this failing in many men, that the lion does not seek to emulate the lioness because the lion knows that he is a lion, and that his awe and beauty lies in his mane – yet man, who has been blessed with ‘Aql (intelligence) seeks to look like his counterpart – a female – by removing that splendid sign of his awe, strength and handsomeness. Even a lion seems to know better!

Those who shave their beards should keep in mind that Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam cursed those men who emulate or seek to resemble females and vice versa.

The beauty of a man is his beard. There are a group of angels who read the following Tasbeeh^[4]: “Glory be to Allah, who gave beauty to men with their beards and who gave beauty to women with their locks of hair.”^[5] …A Khalifah^[6] of Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ, who also composes poetry, said: “If the beard was going to make a person look ugly, it would not have been the Sunnah of my Beloved Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam.”

COMPULSORY SUNNAH

Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam said: “Lengthen the beards and shorten/remove the moustaches.” ^[7]

To keep the beard one fist length is Waajib (compulsory) and to shave or shorten it less than this is forbidden. Of course, the beard should not be unkempt. The person should maintain the Sunnah length, as well as the neatness of his beard.

In this day and age – more than fourteen centuries later – research confirms that there are health benefits and various advantages for men to keep beards. The same has been proven with many other Sunnats, such as wearing the pants above the ankle, etc. …We do not need to wait for medical proof or scientific research to prove the benefits of the Sunnah. Our belief in the supremacy of the Sunnah and Shari’ah is not dependent on scientific proofs.

On a lighter note, there was a survey that was taken in Europe and the majority of women there said that they would choose a man with a beard over a man without a beard. So this is the “Fatwa” of the European women.

BEAUTIFUL PROOF

There are many Ahadīth which clearly convey the obligatory nature of the beard and the importance of keeping the beard one fist length. Alhamdulillah, there are many detailed articles and even Kitaabs on the subject matter of the beard, with authentic, strong proofs. Our Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had presented a wonderful proof from the Qur’aan Shareef, of the beard being one fist length.

In Surah TaHa, Allah Ta’ala relates the story of Hazrat Musa عَليْهِ السَّلام in great detail. When Hazrat Musa عَليْهِ السَّلام returned to his people from Mount Toor, he found them gone astray in the worship of the gold calf. Angered by their ignorant behavior, he grabbed hold of the beard of his brother, Hazrat Haroon عَليْهِ السَّلام, and asked him regarding the situation of the Bani Isra’eel. In response, Hazrat Haroon عَليْهِ السَّلام said:

“He said: ‘O son of my mother, do not seize (me) by my beard or

by my head…’”

[Surah TaHa 20 : 94]

Hazrat Maulana رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ explained that Hazrat Musa عَليْهِ السَّلام had grabbed hold of the beard of Hazrat Haroon عَليْهِ السَّلام, which clearly indicates that the beard could not have been anything less than one fist length. To grasp or catch hold of someone’s beard, there has to be length in that beard! سُبْحَانَ الله^[8]

Hazrat Maulana رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ would also say that Jannah is the place where men will be beardless. So long as we are in this world, we have to follow the Shari’ah. We should not try to be Jannatis “in advance”. To do so, would place us in the displeasure of Allah Ta’ala.

EXCUSE

Sadly, many Muslims avoid this great Sunnah. If not, then to appease themselves, some keep a short beard – a goatee or a designer beard – as some describe the different look beards.

How many are wont to say: ‘The heart has to be clean.’? …Had there been any thought to this statement, we would find it to be a flimsy excuse and a feeble justification from the nafs. …We should think: Was not the heart of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam or the hearts of his companions, and all the righteous ones who followed them, clean? Are our hearts really so clean, or cleaner than theirs? …If the heart of the eagle is sound, but its wings are clipped, will it ever soar in the skies? …No.

Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had given the example of a plane: If the plane has the best engine but has no wheels, or if one wheel of the plane is punctured, will the plane be able to fly? …No.

No doubt, the beard, itself, is not the only requirement. Both the outer and inner self have to conform to the teachings of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam. To progress in Deen, we require both the Zaahir (external) and the Baatin (internal).

GIVING UP THE SIN OF SHAVING ONE’S BEARD

There are many laws governing Municipal gardens and parks and public areas. No person can cut down, damage, destroy or remove plants, trees or other shrubs. Any person who violates or fails to comply with these laws is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine, if convicted.

The beard is the garden of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam. There are laws that govern this beautiful Sunnah garden. A person cannot remove this garden from his face; cannot disfigure it by shaving off the sides, etc. or by shortening it. The regulation is to keep it one fist length. If a person does not comply with this law of Allah Ta’ala, then the person is guilty of a very serious offence.

The person who is clean-shaven is – as if – announcing: I am not happy with the face of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam. … نَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰهِ. It may not be said in words, but we know that actions speak louder than words!

When a person stands in front of the mirror to shave his beard, then he should say to himself: What a sinful person I am, that I choose to shave off this beautiful garden; this beautiful Sunnah of the beard! This action of mine causes great grief and sorrow to my Nabi Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam… My shaving my beard is shaving the sensitive heart of my Nabi Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam!

Each time the razor is taken to shave one’s face, talk to Allah Ta’ala and acknowledge the wrong. Say: O Allah, I am so foolish by committing this sin. Even worse is that I do this knowingly and I place myself under Your anger 24/7. I am acknowledging my weakness, and I ask for Your assistance to overcome this terrible failing from my side, and to bring alive the Sunnah of Your Beloved Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam, on my face and in my life!

Keep addressing oneself in this manner. Insha-Allah, this will hold one back from shaving one’s beard and will be a quick remedy in giving up a very grave sin. Insha-Allah, this will offer incentive to grow the beard one fist length, to have some resemblance to the Beloved Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam.

If we adorn our faces with the Sunnah of the beard, and we adopt the libaas (dressing) of the Beloved of Allah Ta’ala (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam), at least on the Day of Qiyamah, we can say:

“O Allah, I have come with the outward form of

Your Beloved Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam.

O Allah, You give me the Haqeeqat (reality).

I have come with the outer appearance.”^[9]

…One brother wrote to Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ and said that he was keeping his beard as is Sunnah – one fist length. However, people were laughing and mocking at him. Hazrat Maulana رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ replied: “Let them laugh. At least you will not cry on the Day of Judgment!”

Do not allow the teasing and mocking of people to discourage you from the obedience of Allah Ta’ala. They will be of no assistance to you in the grave or in the Court of Allah Ta’ala, on the Day of Judgment. So be strong and courageous. Make Allah Ta’ala happy. Then you too will enjoy happiness. On the Day of Judgment, you will be laughing and rejoicing.

“(Many) faces on that day shall be bright; laughing, joyous

(at good news).”

[Surah ‘Abasa 80 : 38/39]

TEST OF LOVE

Some incidents really take be us by surprise and sometimes stun us. The level of our Imaan becomes evident in the face of even small tests.

A young person, with a beard, Deeni libaas (attire) and who is a five-time Namaazi requested me for permission to shave his beard. Why? …Due to an application which was made for a visa to a certain country. The person in charge of the department told him that he stands no chance with his beard. So he said: “I just want permission to shave my beard and get the application through. Once I’ve got my papers, I’ll keep my beard again.”

I said: “Bhai, have I made the Shari’ah that I can give you permission to shave your beard? …What about the displeasure of Allah Ta’ala? If you want to shave and displease Allah Ta’ala, why make me a partner in your sin?”

…If there is deficiency in our love for Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam then there will be weakness in being steadfast on Deen. Love is the catalyst to practise on Deen happily and submit to the Commandments of Allah Ta’ala eagerly and sincerely. If there is genuine love, then we won’t waver and weaken in the obedience of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam, rather we will persevere and become stronger, Insha-Allah.

This love for Allah Ta’ala, for Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam and for Deen is most easily obtained from the hearts of those who have the reality of it in their hearts. In their company, we will get that steam of love. Otherwise, shaytaan will easily convince us to indulge in Haraam in spite of our Ibaadaat and work of Deen.

So I asked the brother: “What guarantee do you have that the Angel of death won’t extract your soul while the razor is moving down your face? What guarantee do you have that even if you get those documents, you will live to see a few more months, so that the beard grows one fist length?”

Alhamdulillah, the brother made sincere Taubah and kept his beard.

THE DISPLEASURE OF RASULULLAH Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam

A doctor also mentioned to me that he had made an application, in a certain country, for work purposes. He too was told the same thing: People will not give him much consideration because of his beard and Kurta. He was told that if he shaved his beard and wore a suit, he would get some prominence. So he said that he fell for the temptation. He shaved his beard, wore the suit and went for the interview.

He is a pious doctor, a Namaazi, with concern for Deen and Shari’ah, but he fell for the trap of shaytaan and nafs and shaved his beard. …He related: “I swear Maulana that I am speaking the truth. That same night, I saw Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam in a dream and he stared at my face with anger. I could see the anger on his face. When he walked into the room, in my dream, the room became brightly lit. He then stared at me; his face, red with anger. He then suddenly left and the room went dark. And I got up with a fright.”

He did not know what to do and it worried him greatly. Of course, he made sincere Taubah and grew his beard again.

Naturally, it should go without saying, that Islam is not just the beard. Islamic teachings cover all aspects of life. However, let us understand that the beard is a significant feature in the life of a Muslim and a distinguished Sunnah. …Those of us who have beards should not consider ourselves better or superior. This attitude or pride will certainly bring spiritual destruction.

It is also narrated in the Ahādīth that on one occasion two emissaries came to Madinatul Munawwarah. They were from the court of the Emperor Kisra and were clean shaven and had long moustaches. Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam disliked their appearance very much. He Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam turned his blessed face away from them and asked: “Who ordered you to make your appearance like this?”

They replied: “Our Lord, Kisra, orders us to shave our beards and lengthen our moustaches.”

Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam replied: “My Rabb commanded me to lengthen my beard and clip my moustache.”^[10]

We should reflect over this incident and the dislike and aversion that was evident from Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam, and ask ourselves: On the Day of Judgment, would I want that my Nabi Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam turns his face away from me for having forsaken his Sunnah and adopting the way which he disliked and disapproved so much?

May Allah Ta’ala grant us such Imaan that we are steadfast on Deen. May Allah Ta’ala give to us such intense love for Him, that it becomes extremely easy to do that which is pleasing to Him and stay away from everything that is Haraam and forbidden. May Allah Ta’ala grant us true love and appreciation for the Sunnah of the Beloved Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam.

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

[1] Akaabir: Seniors

[2] Aslaaf: Pious Predecessors

[3] Malfuzaat: Words of wisdom and sterling advices of pious elders.

[4] Tasbeeh : incantation / glorifying Allah Ta’ala

[5] Musnadul Firdous

[6] Khalifah: spiritual appointee

[7] Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim

[8] Glory be to Allah

[9] Composed by Khwaja Azizul Hasan Majzoob رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ

[10] At Tabaqatul Kubra of Ibn Sa’d, Al Bidayah Wan Nihayah

Do Not Justify Sins

BEING HUMAN, we all have weaknesses, flaws and faults. None of us can claim to be perfect. The important thing is to acknowledge our weaknesses, short-comings and failings. We should not make a mockery of this beautiful Deen by justifying our wrong actions or by legalising sins.

There is no doubt that we are living in times of great Fitnah. Fitan^[1] are literally raining down upon us. This is what we were informed would happen. Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam once said (to the people): “Do you see what I see?”

They replied: “No.”

Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “I see Fitan (trials) descending in your homes like the falling rain.”^[2]

This was in respect to the coming generations and what they would experience and would have to contend with. As for the Sahaba-e-Kiraam رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُمْ, they belonged to the first era of what is described as ‘Khairul Quroon’ (the noblest eras of Islam).

Despite the vicious environment of Fitnah and sins today, there can be no justification for disobedience to Allah Ta’ala. Yes, a greater effort needs to be made to protect ourselves from the downpour of Fitan. This is totally possible – if we hold firmly to the beautiful teachings of the Qur’aan Shareef and Sunnah; if we keep to the company of the pious and righteous, and we continuously seek protection in Allah Ta’ala from all tribulations and evils. Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Seek refuge in Allah from trials, whether apparent or hidden.”^[3] And Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam taught us a Dua whereby we seek refuge from all types of Fitan:

“I seek refuge in Allah from apparent and hidden trials.”

Together with this, we should keep making a concerted effort ourselves to abstain from sins as well as from all the venues of sins. …However, to commit sins and justify sins is not the attitude and stance of a true Believer. Unfortunately, we find nowadays, that many take sins very lightly and indifferently. Worse still is that many will find some “reason” or excuse or validation for indulgence in sins – نَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰه.

Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam was once questioned: “What is Imaan (faith)?”

He Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam replied: “When your good deeds give you happiness and when your evil deeds cause you grief.”^[4]

What is our condition then, if instead of feeling grief, we substantiate and endorse sins?

I receive so many letters and many phone-calls from different people and most choose to be anonymous. Some statements are of a nature which makes our hair stand on end – they are so dangerous and jeopardising to a person’s Imaan. Some of them write that if Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam had been present in this time, he Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam too would have permitted this and that – which is Haraam; he too would have integrated with the society by participating in the World Cup and attending the sports matches, he too would have legalised interest, etc. نَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰه.Some say that the laws of inheritance and Talaaq are unfair and unjust, that certain Shar’i laws need some kind of amendment, etc. نَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰه.

We must be very, very careful about the type of statements we make.

We are living in times where many do not value the priceless bounties of Imaan and Islam. In a Hadīth, Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam described this period of time as: “…a man will be a Believer in the morning and a disbeliever by the evening, and a Believer in the evening and a disbeliever in the morning…”^[5]…This will be the condition, due to the statements made and the actions carried out, which nullify Imaan.

Our condition brings to mind a lengthy Hadīth in respect to the deterioration of the Ummah. The outline of the Hadīth is that Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, while addressing the Sahabah رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُمْ: “What will be your condition (that is, of the Ummah) when you will not enjoin good and forbid evil? …What will be your condition when you will take the good deeds as evil, and evil deeds as good? …What will then be your condition when you will order evil, and prohibit from doing good deeds?”^[6]

Amr-bil-Ma’roof and Nahy-anil-Munkar are salient features in the life of a Muslim. Among the major sins that we commit is that we have stopped inviting towards good and we have stopped preventing people from Haraam deeds. Instead, we invite others to Haraam and we prevent them from doing good. We now consider evil deeds as good and we consider good deeds as evil – just as is mentioned in the Hadīth.

…It is as if we do not want to go alone to Jahannum, so we pull others along with us. We invite them to Zina, drugs, drink, music, pornography, to the rave clubs, casinos and other Haraam establishments. May Allah Ta’ala give us the realization that we are paving the way to our destruction and the destruction of others.

My dear brothers, I have great love for you and great compassion and affection for you in my heart and I sincerely make deep-hearted Dua for you, as well as for those who are listening via audio-streaming and via the receivers. …I am warning and cautioning you, and I have given this warning in other talks as well: If a person is committing a sin, then at the least, do not justify it.

We are weak. Therefore, say: O Allah, it is my weakness; it is my failing. …But do not try to justify the wrong.

It is purely Allah Ta’ala’s Kindness, Mercy, Compassion, Forgiveness and Tolerance that He has not taken us to task and not seized us on our disobedience. Allah Ta’ala is All-Powerful. He has shown us His Power in different parts of the world: earthquakes, ash-clouds, tsunamis, hurricanes, fires and other disasters. …He can destroy us too due to our excessive sins. It is just His Tolerance that we are still existing.

Do not engage in sins deliberately. Do not justify sins. Do not invite others to commit sins. A Muslim does not plan sin, does not deliberately move in the direction of disobedience, does not try to substantiate or legalise sins. A Muslim may mistakenly fall into some sin – but a true Muslim is restless and uncomfortable committing any sin and will not be at ease until he sincerely repents.

So we should turn towards Allah Ta’ala, make I’tiraaf-e-qusoor – acknowledge our sins and admit our weaknesses. If we do this, Allah Ta’ala will open the doors of Maghfirah (forgiveness) and grant us Hidayah, Taufeeq and His Protection.

May Allah Ta’ala forgive us all. May Allah Ta’ala make us of those who do good and who guide and call towards Jannah – in our speech and in our actions. May Allah Ta’ala make us keys to righteousness, that we open doors towards virtuous deeds and towards Jannah, and may Allah Ta’ala protect us from being keys to vice – that we open the doors to evil and become locks to goodness.

Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Among the people are those who are keys to goodness and locks to evil. And from among the people are those who are keys to evil and locks to goodness. So glad tidings to the one who Allah puts the key to goodness in his hands, and destruction to the one who Allah puts the key to evil in his hands.”^[7]

This does not mean that Allah Ta’ala compels or forces a person. Allah Ta’ala clearly shows us the path of guidance and good, and the path of misguidance and evil:

“And We have shown him the two ways (good and evil).”

[Surah Al-Balad 90 : 10]

Our actions are our choice. A person’s actions then make him one of the two keys. …If we call towards good, we will gain the rewards of those who follow us in good. On the other hand, if we call to misguidance and sin, then we bear the burden of the sins of those who follow us, as well as our own sins. This is what is mentioned in the Ahadīth.^[8] …So let us be of those who invite towards Jannah.

May Allah Ta’ala have mercy upon us, guide us all and protect our Imaan in these times of great Fitnah.

[1] Fitan: (Plural of Fitnah) Trials

[2] Sahih Al-Bukhari

[3] Sahih Muslim

[4] Musnad Ahmad

[5] Sahih Muslim

[6] Kanzul Ummaal Vol 3 Pg. 688

[7] ‎Sunan Ibn Majah

[8] Sahih Muslim

Islamic Business (Part 2)

To do business is not Haraam. In fact it is very virtuous. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said: “To earn a Halaal (lawful) livelihood is compulsory after the completion of other Faraa’idh (obligatory duties).”

In another Hadith, Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Glad tidings (of Jannah) are for that person whose income is pure (Halaal), his interior and exterior is good and he does not cause any harm to people. Glad tidings (of Jannah) are for that person who practices on his knowledge, spends his excess wealth (on the needy) and does not engage in useless talk.”^[1]

So earning a Halaal livelihood is 100% Deen …but certainly not the way we are doing it at present. …What are we really chasing after? Our Rizq (sustenance) is Muqaddar (predestined) and it is chasing after us. Allah Ta’ala wants to give it to us easily but we want it the hard way; so it comes like that. …And if a person falls into the traps of Haraam and into unlawful and deceptive dealings, the Barakah is all lost and problems prevail.

EMPLOYEES

Nowadays, we work seven days a week, from 7 to 7. If we don’t work like this, then we sometimes make our staff slog in this manner. We have no mercy, no sympathy and no compassion for them – no thought that they have families – parents, wife and children – and they need to spend some quality time with their families, that they too are human and need some rest.

We like to spend time with our families on week-ends. We take a rest and even go on holidays. But when it comes to our staff, then sadly we do not like the same for them. Even if they are sick, they are forced to come to work because we do not allow them sick leave or we will cut their pay. Such injustices and grievances are brought to our attention time and again. …This is due to the greed we have. This is the result of Hubbud-Dunya. Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “The love of the world is the root of all evil.”^[2]

The Hadith Shareef mentions clearly: “Whoever has faith in Allah and the Last Day, then let him meet his end while he treats people the way he would love to be treated.”^[3]

In another Hadith, Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “None of you will believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.”^[4]

Even if you open 24/7 – 365 days a year, only what is destined for you, will reach you. It will not be anything more! It will not be a single cent more than what Allah Ta’ala has already decreed. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding because we have lost all perspective of the Aakhirah (Hereafter) in our pursuit for Dunya. It is an obsession. In the process, we make Zulm on our employees. Often it is the curses of the Mazloom that sometimes tears our lives apart, because Allah Ta’ala promises to assist the oppressed.

In addition to giving other advice, Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam would caution his Companions who were deputed as governors: “Fear the pleading prayer of a wronged one (Mazloom), for there is no veil between it and Allah.”

There is a proverb: “Beware of the sigh of the oppressed when they pray; Divine acceptance readily greets them.”

SUKOON AND BARAKAH

Change the pattern of work. Work in the obedience of Allah Ta’ala and you, yourself, will see how much of Sukoon (tranquility) and Barakah (blessings) you will experience. All the stress, anxiety and depression will disappear. At present, we ourselves are suppressing and oppressing our souls. The physical body has got a soul. The soul wants to rise and wants to connect with Allah Ta’ala and become a true lover of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam. We are suppressing and oppressing that soul. When there is suppression and oppression of the soul, depression will then follow.

All the money of Dunya cannot buy the happiness and peace of the heart and soul. When we give the soul its sustenance and nourishment, which is Taqwa^[5], then Allah Ta’ala gives Sukoon. Even in the midst of problems, we will still have Sukoon – like a rose blooming amidst thorns. Then there will be no evidence needed to see the Sukoon in the person’s life.

LEARN BUSINESS THE ISLAMIC WAY

Hazrat ‘Umar رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُ would not allow a person to engage in any business or trade until he had learnt the rules and regulations which governs business in Islam. Learn the Islamic way of doing trade and business. Make the business Shari’ah compliant.

Look at how the Sahaba-e-Kiraam رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُمْ did business. It was neither a diversion from Allah Ta’ala nor from Deen. Their Tijarah was Ibaadah. Their business and trade brought so much of Barakah. As an example: Hazrat AbdurRahman Ibn Auf رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُ, who is also one of the Asharah Mubasharah^[6], would say, in explaining how successful Allah Ta’ala had made him: “If I lift a stone, I find gold and silver beneath it!”

They did not pursue the Dunya. No. They pursued the Aakhirah and sought the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala in everything they did. So Allah Ta’ala made their sustenance extremely easy and blessed them in their earnings, because their business and trade was in accordance to the demands of Shari’ah.

In any effort to earn Dunya, Deen should never be considered as secondary, or be given the back seat – so to say. Deen should always take precedence and be our main concern. Our work and activities of Dunya must conform to Deen and Shari’ah. Deen is the nucleus, or the heart and soul of our lives.

May Allah Ta’ala inspire our hearts in His Obedience, grant us the understanding of the reality of this worldly life and the realization that we need to pursue the Aakhirah instead of the Dunya – since it is the Aakhirah that is everlasting while the Dunya will be left behind very soon. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq of Amal.

[1] Tabraani

[2] Mishkaat

[3] Al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr 10370

[4] Bukhari & Muslim

[5] Taqwa: Piety / abstinence and restraint from that which is Haraam (forbidden).

[6] The ten (famous) Companions of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, who were given the glad tidings of Paradise in one sitting.

Islamic Business (Part 1) | A First Hand Experience In Running A Business

A PAGE FROM THE LIFE OF HAZRAT MAULANA YUNUS PATEL SAHEB (RAHMATULLAHI ‘ALAYH)

IT WAS AROUND 1971, when my late father-in-law went for Hajj. He was away for four months. In that time I managed his business. Although I had absolutely no experience about business, with the Fadhl (grace) of Allah Ta’ala, I ran the business, during those four months, in a manner that not only benefited my father-in-law, but which became an example for the people of the town also. Alhamdulillah.

The daily routine that was adopted, the set up in the business and the manner of interaction with customers is being outlined and shared, as a lesson. Insha-Allah, that experience will be a means of people, especially businessmen, channelling their efforts towards prioritising Deen over Dunya and giving preference to earning the Aakhirah (Hereafter) over the chase for money and material commodities. The love for Dunya and attaching one’s heart to it inevitably brings destruction to a person’s Deen. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said: “Two hungry wolves let loose on a flock of sheep cannot cause as much destruction to the flock as the damage that one’s greed for wealth and fame can inflict upon one’s Deen.”

The timetable, whilst running the business, was as follows:

After the Fajr Salaah it was my practice to recite Yaseen Shareef and other Azkaar. Thereafter I would proceed to the shop. I used to open the shop at around 8:30 a.m.

BUSINESS AND SALAAH

There is no doubt that during business hours, there is a demand for hard work. You have to buy, sell and keep up with everything else related to the business. You cannot just let things be and expect a business to prosper. For those few hours, you have to make the effort and work hard. However, if the Zuhr Azaan was at 1 p.m., then from 12:30 p.m.we started arranging for the customers to leave the shop, so that by 12:45 or 12:50 the last customers could leave and we could be in the Masjid before the Azaan. Alhamdulillah, the same procedure was adopted for Asr Salaah.

After the Zuhr Salaah, I would go home for lunch, and then return to the shop to continue with business.

On a Friday, I used to travel from Richmond to Pietermaritzburg or Ixopo (approx. 50km) for Jumu’ah. The shop remained closed until my return. Alhamdulillah, this is how we managed and operated the business in those months.

On Saturdays, it was extremely busy in that small town. All the buses and cars, transporting hundreds of people, would stop just outside the shops. The people would just go on buying and buying. Because of my routine with regard to closing for Zuhr Salaah, some of the town’s people commented: “Now we will see what happens. All the shops remain open during Zuhr time on Saturdays – not one closes in this busy time.”

However, I kept up to my routine. I finished off between 12:30 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. and went to the Masjid. Alhamdulillah, when I came back from Salaah, the customers were there, waiting. Alhamdulillah, this set an example for others to also close for Zuhr on a busy day as well.

I have mentioned previously that the non-Muslims also run businesses – and big businesses. They have clear notices at their entrances detailing their business hours and times for the entire week, such as Monday to Friday, Saturday, Sunday, public holidays, etc. Anyone who wants to purchase anything from these stores knows and understands that they will have to get there in those hours only. The customers work around their own activities and responsibilities, and they get there in time, to buy whatever they want to. So … why can we not have our Salaah times also detailed on our notices? Why can we not close for Salaah? Why do we distrust the promise of Allah Ta’ala? If someone wants to purchase something, he will know the hours of business and will come in those hours. This personal experience that I am relating to you proves this.

BUSINESS AND CUSTOMERS

As for the items that were being sold; if there was something in the shop, which in my opinion was not proper to sell, I gave it away or sold it under the cost price. If it was more doubtful than Halaal, then I just gave it away. There were customers who would buy bread, milk, sugar, and other necessities. Some of them were extremely poor. They would tell me what they wanted. However, when they opened their purses, I could see that they did not have enough money. They used to count the coins they had and sometimes they would have to leave out some items due to insufficient money. It was obvious that the person was a very poor person. One could clearly see their poverty. Some would also mention their plight: they were struggling to make ends meet, they had no job and had three or four children to take care of, etc. Their destitution and need was evident. …In this way, I got to know about their lives and the hardships some of them faced.

So I would ask: “How much do you have?”

If the person had R10 – and in that time R10 was a lot of money – I would then look at the total cost for the groceries that had been taken. If it was, for example, R12, I would say: “Take the whole thing and keep your R10 too.”

Upon hearing this, often that old lady or old man would actually start jumping around to express their happiness and appreciation. They would then go and bring more customers and come again. Obviously the situation nowadays is different. I am not saying that you should just give away everything to everyone. What will be left of the business? However, there are still many genuinely poor people. As Muslims, we should show mercy, compassion and leniency towards them. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam gave Dua to such a person: “May Allah have mercy on a man who is lenient when selling, buying, and seeking repayment.”

When my father-in-law returned, the neighbour said to him: “Your son-in-law must have run you bankrupt because the shop was more closed than opened!”

I told my father-in-law: “Don’t worry. Have a rest first, for two or three days.”

When I gave him the books and the money, there was a 25% to 30% increase in business. He even asked in surprise:“How did that happen?”

Alhamdulillah, at least I can say from the Mimbar that it is not just something theoretical. It is something that was practical and it was experienced while being ‘hands-on’ in running a business. People say: “What do the Aalims know about business! They always talk theory. Do this, do that, don’t do this, don’t do that…” Here was a 30% increase in business, in lesser time, and with the Salaah performed on time in the Masjid. Alhamdulillah, there was no lying, no stealing, no cheating and no deceiving anybody. …The staff used to repeatedly say: “We wish you stay in this business full time.”

Alhamdulillah, I make Shukr to Allah Ta’ala for these incidents – since it offered some inspiration and incentive to the businessmen there.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the Taufeeq of doing business in a manner which is most pleasing to Him, and which will be a means of great reward and goodness in this world and the hereafter.

Pornography | A Bait of shaytaan

WE ALL KNOW THAT FISH LIVE IN WATER. They generally cannot survive long out of water. However, when fish move towards the surface of the ocean, they become easy catch for fishermen – like we find with the sardine run. People just grab, net and catch sardines from the surface of the water.

And when a fisherman catches a fine fish, he reels it in. He does not throw it back into the sea. Once it is hooked … once it is caught … it is pulled out. …Why? Because fish out of water, when scaled and washed, when ‘masaalaad^[1]’ and fried, tastes nice.

In my Dua, I normally say: O Allah, make us the fish that swim deep down in the ocean of Your Ma’rifat.

Like the fish, the Believer is swimming deep in the safety of Allah Ta’ala’s ocean of love. If he moves towards temptation, he makes an easy and fine catch for shaytaan.

Do we want to become a meal for shaytaan? …Because this is exactly what happens to the heart of the Believer who dashes for the bait of sins: His Imaan is ‘scaled’, his good deeds are ‘washed away’, his heart and soul are ‘marinated’ in darkness and fried in the fire of restlessness – to the delight of shaytaan. Allah Ta’ala forbid that this restless soul has to also one day contend with the fire of Hell.

Many write that they are hooked onto porn films and porn magazines. They fall for the bait which shaytaan tempts them with, get hooked and end up ruining their spiritual, mental and physical health.

Pornography is one of the root causes of insanity.

Those who have the habit of viewing pornography generally do so at night. They spend the day working and the night watching filth. They are overcome with restlessness and are deprived of sleep. Sleep deprivation is a one way ticket to mental instability. In the long term, the brain is badly damaged, and the person loses his sanity. He ends up in an asylum or shoots himself.

One young brother contacted me saying that he had had a porn addiction. He knew it is Haraam but said he just could not give up the sin. He would secretly watch pornography, late at night, after the family went to sleep. And then, one night, whilst watching porn, there was a tremor.

The building began to shake and everyone got up, running down the stairs in their pyjamas, running helter skelter, fearing the worst, expecting that was their end. He said that at that time, my Dua hit his heart: “O Allah! Do not let the Angel of death find us in any sin, in gambling, drinking, pornography!”

He immediately made sincere Taubah. But it took a real life shake up to get him to give up the sin. He was fortunate that he was granted the opportunity of repenting, otherwise what would have been the condition, returning to Allah Ta’ala whilst viewing pornography?

I generally give the following reply to those who write saying they are addicted to porn:

Allah Ta’ala forbid, if some criminal has to put a gun to your head, will you say: ‘It is difficult for me to stop watching this porn. I am addicted. Please allow me to watch all these filthy pictures first before you blow my head.’ …Or will you start reading Duas for Allah Ta’ala to protect you?

Similarly, death is following us all. What if the Angel of Death visits at that time to extract your soul? Would you want your life to end while watching porn – because the Angel of Death will not give you time to switch off the computer and make Taubah?

Imagine if you die when viewing pornography. What an embarrassment and disgrace! Thereafter, people will ask – as is common: “How did he die? When? Where? What was he doing?” – Would you like that people say: “He died in front of the computer and he was watching a dirty film.”

Rasulullah ﷺ was asked: ‘What is Imaan?’

Rasulullah ﷺ replied: ‘When your good deeds give you happiness and when your evil deeds cause you grief.’^[2]

If reading porn magazines, watching filthy movies, being involved in some illicit relationship, drinking, gambling and indulging in other sins does not create any remorse and sorrow and instead we are expressing happiness over sins, where is our Imaan?

One situation is that the person engages in some sin but then genuinely regrets. However, when there is persistence and enjoyment in sins, where is Imaan?

Deriving pleasure in Haraam indicates to pollution in the heart. The heart needs to be washed and cleaned with sincere Taubah and needs to be polished with Zikrullah.

At least recognize sin as sin. Detest it. This is Imaan. The person has Imaan if he is feeling unhappy and grieved when he has displeased Allah Ta’ala.

Understand that whatever Allah Ta’ala enjoins upon us and forbids us from is in our best interests; for our benefit, advantage, well-being and success.

Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Mubarak رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ, who was a great Wali of Allah Ta’ala, summed up the consequences of sins, saying: “I see that sins cause death to the heart and becoming addicted to the sins brings about humiliation and disgrace. On the other hand, abandoning sins gives life to the heart. So it is best for you to disobey the nafs.”

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to give up all sins and purify our hearts and souls. May Allah Ta’ala grant us death, when He is pleased with us.

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh)

[1] “Masaalaad”: spiced and marinated

[2] Musnad Ahmad

A Muslim’s Ambition

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh)

AFTER BIRDS ARE HATCHED, they raise their heads up – often with their beaks wide open, waiting for their food. As nestlings and fledglings, their gazes are constantly upward. From another angle, their Taqdeer (destiny) is to fly. They were born to fly. So very possibly their gazes are also towards the sky anticipating that they will soon fly high.

When these fledglings have their new feathers, they emerge from their nest so that they can learn to fly. For some, their parents or the other adult birds give them flying lessons, teaching them how to glide in the air, how to land, etc. سُبْحَانَ الله We see Allah Ta’ala’s Qudrat in all of His creation.

On the other hand, we find that animals such as cows, donkeys, mules, horses, zebras and others are created in such a way that they pass most of their lives with their gazes downward, towards the earth. This is their Taqdeer – to remain on the earth; to graze off the earth. They will not be flying.

The Muslim who is desirous of gaining the closeness of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul ﷺ has the gaze of his heart upward, towards the heavens. His thoughts and his aspiration are: I want to reach Allah Ta’ala. I want to reach Jannah.

So his efforts are channeled in the direction of Allah Ta’ala’s obedience, nurturing Allah Ta’ala’s Love in his heart and following the beautiful Sunnah of Rasulullah ﷺ. With the guidance and direction of a Shaykh-e-Kaamil, he learns to fly spiritually. With the wings of Taqwa, he takes flight from any venue of sin, flying far away from everything displeasing to his Beloved Allah Ta’ala! By so doing, he gains Allah Ta’ala’s Qurb (nearness) and Allah Ta’ala’s Pleasure.

As for the one who is only absorbed and infatuated with this material world, his or her gaze and attention is constantly directed downward, towards the commodities of this world – on clothes, shoes, jewellery, cellphones, cars, palatial homes and other material items. All of which have their origin in sand and all of which will return to sand. Nothing of Dunya is made to last.

Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddeen Rumi رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had explained: “Your hearts are attached to the things of the world, which have their origin in sand. The women of the world are created from sand, the homes are of sand and the food is of sand. Everything is of sand. They only appear in different forms and colours. The end result is also sand.”

Anyone who gives his or her heart to this world fills the heart with the ‘sand’ of this world. Sand upon sand! Life is wasted on sand. The mind becomes clouded and blinded by the sand of Dunya and forgetful of the objective of living in this world.

A person who is deceived by the outward glitter and glamour passes through life ‘grazing’ upon the things of Dunya, depriving himself or herself of the wonderful enjoyment of flying high in the obedience of Allah Ta’ala and striving to earn His Pleasure and Jannah.

We should understand that “Dunya” is that which makes a person forget Allah Ta’ala – the Giver of all the unlimited bounties and gifts that we are blessed with. The love of the world (Hubbud-Dunya) makes a person neglect and even reject the Commandments of Allah Ta’ala; makes a person distance himself from his Creator and paves the path to Jahannum. This worldly life was for us to accumulate the provisions for the Hereafter. The worldly life was not to amass the commodities of Dunya and not for us to give our hearts and souls to it.

If the heart turns to Allah Ta’ala, we will find that what is with Allah Ta’ala is best and everlasting!

فَمَآ أُوْتِيْتُمْ مِّنْ شَيْءٍ فَمَتَاعُ الْحَيٰوةِ الدُّنْيَا ^ج وَمَا عِنْدَ اللهِ خَيْرٌ وَّ أَبْقٰى لِلَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَعَلٰى رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُوْنَ ۚ

“Whatever you have been given, is merely a provision for the transitory life of this world,and that which is with Allah is better as well as more lasting. That is for those who have believed and put their trust in their Lord.”

[Surah Ash-Shura 42:36]

بَلْ تُؤْثِرُوْنَ الْحَيٰوةَ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَالْاٰخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ وَّأَبْقٰى ◌

“You prefer the worldly life (to the Hereafter), whereas the hereafter is best and ever-lasting.”

[Surah al-A’la : 16-17]

The bird eats and drinks and with the strength that is gained, it flies high. Similarly, the Muslim who wants to fly, who wants to soar spiritually, eats and drinks and makes use of the material things of this world so that he may fly. He lives in this world and utilizes the worldly means. However, despite his apparent association with the earth, he keeps in mind that he is created for the Aakhirah – which is superior. He understands that this world is not home. Home is Jannah – Insha-Allah.

Rasulullah ﷺ said: ‘Verily, the world has been created for you and you have been created for the Hereafter.^[1]

From amongst the diversity of birds, let us be like the falcon which flies high and flies at great speed. And if we become the royal falcon, we will find a place in the court of the King of kings – Allah Ta’ala. Let us not be like the vulture that scavenges and feasts off carcasses. …And, indeed, the world is even more insignificant to Allah Ta’ala than a carcass is to us.

It has been related that once Rasulullah ﷺ passed by the market place and came across a dead kid goat (i.e. a baby goat) which had very short ears. Rasulullah ﷺ held it by its ears and said: “Who amongst you would like to have this for a Dirham^[2]?”

The Sahabah رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُمْ said: “We would not want it even for less than that! What can we do with it?”

He ﷺ said: “Do you wish to have it for any price?”

They said: “By Allah, even if it were alive it, we would not want it, as it has very short ears, let alone now when it is also dead!”

Rasulullah ﷺ said: “By Allah, this world is more insignificant to Allah than this (dead goat) is to you.”^[3]

In another Hadīth, Rasulullah ﷺ said: “If this world was worth the wing of a mosquito in the sight of Allah, He would not have given a disbeliever a single sip of water.”^[4]

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the reality and insignificance of this worldly life, remove the love of Dunya from our hearts, and fill our hearts with His Pure Love.

[1] Shu’abul Imaan 10581

[2] Dirham : Silver coin

[3] Sahih Muslim

[4] Tirmidhi

Who is a Friend?

A FRIEND IS ONE who is concerned about his friend’s goodness, welfare and health. A friend wishes to see his friend progress in life, be happy, and enjoy respect and success in both worlds.

A true and sincere friend is a helper, supporter and protector of one’s spiritual well-being. He encourages towards what is good and discourages that which is evil and destructive.

An enemy, on the other hand, desires the destruction of a person’s life, health, wealth and respect. So can the ‘friend’ who encourages you or offers you drugs or alcohol, or takes you to the rave clubs, gambling dens, prostitute quarters or introduces you to pornography, be called a friend?

Nay, he is your enemy!

If you befriend such a person, you will then have shaytaan, nafs, as well as this ‘friend’ / ‘friends’ as your enemies!

Allah Ta’ala mentions the reality and outcome of such ‘friendship’ in the Qur`aan Shareef:

اَلْأَخِلَّآءُ يَوْمَئِذٍ^م بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا الْمُتَّقِيْنَ ◌

“Friends, on that day, will become enemies to one another, except the God-fearing.”

[Surah Az-Zukhruf 43 : 67]

On the Day of Qiyamah, many a person will be extremely remorseful for having befriended a person who encouraged him to evil and sin.

One of our respected Scholars, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Shafi (رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ) related in his Tafseer, Ma’ariful Qur’aan, an incident narrated by Hazrat Ali (رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُ) regarding two Muslim friends and two non-Muslim friends – which should make us reflect over the friends we are and the friends we have.

One of the Muslim friends died. When he was given the glad-tidings of Jannah, he remembered his friend and supplicated in his favour: “O Allah! That friend of mine would advise me to obey You and Rasulullah ﷺ. He would direct me towards virtuous deeds and prevent me from evil deeds. He kept reminding me that one day I would have to meet You. So O Allah! Do not misguide him after me, so that he may also see the scenes of Jannah as You have shown to me. Be pleased with him, as You have been with me.”

In reply, it will be said to him: “Do not worry. If you know what reward I have stored for your friend, you will weep less and laugh more.” Later, when the friend will also have died, both the souls will meet and Allah Ta’ala will direct them to praise each other. Thereupon, they will say about the other: “He is the best brother, best companion and best friend.”

As against this, when one of the non-Muslim friends will die, and he will be told that he will go to Jahannum, he will recollect his friend and will supplicate thus: “O Allah! That friend of mine would insist upon me to disobey You and Your Messenger ﷺ. He would direct me towards vices and prevent me from good deeds and would say that I would never meet You. So O Allah! Do not give him guidance after me, so that he may also see the scenes of Hell, as You have shown to me, and be displeased with him, just as You have been displeased with me.”

Later, when the other friend will also have died, their souls will be brought together and they will be directed to condemn each other. Each will say about the other: “He is the worst brother, worst companion, and worst friend.” ^[1]

Rasulullah ﷺ cautioned us regarding our choice of friends: “A person is on the Deen (way of life) of his friend, so every one of you should look at who he befriends.”^[2]

A friend in ‘Deen’ is a friend indeed!

…The most common cause of sins amongst the youth is peer pressure. Almost every person divulges being introduced to sins through ‘friends’.

When pressured to engage in sins, be firm on Deen and be courageous. Say: “I do not want to displease my Kind and Loving Allah Ta’ala. I do not want to walk the path to Jahannum. I do not want invite the fire of Jahannum in my life.”

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the courage and the Taufeeq, and make us good, righteous friends and grant us such friends who will benefit us in our Deen. (Aameen)

[1] Ibn Khatir

[2] Abu Dawood / Tirmidhi

A Fruit-Bearing Tree

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

In a Hadeeth, Rasulullah ﷺ likened the Believer to a date palm, due to its numerous merits and benefits: Its strength, goodness, shade, wholesome fruit and the other benefits derived from its leaves and wood.

A date palm has deeply entrenched roots, a trunk which is strong, sturdy and high; leaves which grow aloft, towards the skies, and fruit which is available throughout the year.

Similarly, bringing Imaan in Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah ﷺ is like the deep roots; maintaining firmness and steadfastness in Deen is like the strong trunk; and practising on the compulsory acts of Deen – Salaah, Zakaah, Fasting and Hajj – are like the leaves.

Bringing the beautiful Sunnah into our lives is akin to the fresh flowers. Inculcating the noble character and conduct of Rasulullah ﷺ – the compassion, generosity, modesty, tolerance, patience, gratefulness, forgiveness, etc. – are like the fruit.

The creation benefits from such character in innumerable ways and the blessings of such character will be enjoyed in this world and to a greater extent, in the Hereafter.

A person can only be a true and sincere believer when he brings all these aspects into his or her life. We need to ensure that our outer selves, as well as our inner selves are in accordance to the commands of Allah Ta’ala and the teachings and Sunnah of our Beloved Nabi ﷺ.

Friendship

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Most of the love and friendship expressed these days is nothing but politics and diplomacy, cheating, deception and hypocrisy. Befriend a person for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and for the sake of Deen. This is true friendship.

A true friend is one who takes no offence when a weakness of his is pointed out. And he too, does not hesitate to point out the friend’s weakness and assist him in rectifying it.

Allah Ta’ala mentions the relationship amongst the Believers as:

“The believers, men and women, are Auliya (helpers/ friends/ supporters/ protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma’ruf (that which Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (that which Islam has forbidden)…”

[Surah Taubah 9: 71]

This friendship, which is not for material benefit, will not only last until death, but will continue into Jannah (Paradise).

Who are our Role Models?

Advice for the Youth

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullah ‘alayh)

TODAY WE LOOK AT CRICKET PLAYERS, soccer players, rugby players, boxers, actors, actresses, musicians, etc. and we take them as our role models.

We want to identify ourselves with batsmen, fast bowlers and others – but most of them are not Believers in Allah Ta’ala. They have rejected Allah Ta’ala. They have no Noor of Imaan, no Noor of Taqwa – nothing. The end results are that those who follow them take on the same bad habits they have – drink, drugs, fornication, etc.

The lives of these players, musicians and others are destructive to their hereafter and destructive to those who are obsessed with them and who emulate them.

As Muslims, we have beautiful role models in our Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), his noble companions (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and the Auliya Allah. …The Ambiyaa[1] (Alaihimus Salaam) and their followers were the most successful of all people. Were we to learn about them, we will draw great inspiration and find them to be the best role-models.

We also need to acquaint ourselves with the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum). They were MEN. And Brave Men. Their history, their feats, their conquests drown the thousands of insignificant and frivolous goals scored by soccer players or runs scored by cricket players or wins scored by others. …How will these benefit in the grave and the Hereafter?

The Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) achieved tremendous success because their lives were constructive and productive – for their Deen, Dunya and Aakhirah, as well as for those who emulate them.

In the effort and endeavour to follow them we gain the Muhabbat of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and we get peace, happiness, contentment and enjoy the success of both worlds.

We should read about the lives of the youth amongst the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum). Their obedience in the prime of youth and their spirit of sacrifice offers great inspiration and incentive for all.

Hazrat Mus’ab Ibn Umair (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a young man, extremely handsome, growing up in the lap of absolute wealth and luxury. For the sake of Islam, and in his love for Allah Ta’ala, he gave up everything. Look at the honour Allah Ta’ala gave him in this life, at the time of death, and until Qiyamah. He will always be remembered for his noble contributions to Islam.

Read the stories of Hazrat Abdullah ibn Mas’ud, Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbaas, Hazrat Abdullah ibn Umar, Hazrat Abdullah ibn Zubair, and so many other young Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) – who spent their youth in the obedience of Allah Ta’ala and what greatness Allah Ta’ala bestowed upon them in this life. In the Hereafter, will be greater honour and high ranks in Jannah.

Our daughters should read the inspirational biographies of the wives, daughters and companions of Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), as well as other pious women. This will be a catalyst towards living a life of piety and great success.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and Taufeeq of Aml.

[1] Ambiyaa : Messengers of Allah Ta’ala

Nets and Webs

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

FISHERMEN CAST THEIR RODS AND AWAIT A CATCH. Others cast nets and trap big shoals. The spider spins its web and catches its prey. Nafs and shaytaan have also cast their rods and nets, and they have also spun their webs.

Huge shoals are being caught on M-Net, East-Net and other nets of shaytaan to be found on television. Added to this, many, many more are captured and entangled in the porn and other filthy websites on the Internet or on social networks.

Health, wealth and the most precious commodities of Imaan and Hayaa^[1] are sacrificed for a few moments of Haraam pleasure.

As a measure of protection, the computer should be kept in a place where there is a lot of activity by family members. This will be a deterrent to the person who finds himself weak before nafs.

Keeping the computer in the family room or where members of the family pass by or spend time, will restrain the person from visiting porn and other immoral and filthy websites, Insha-Allah.

If the person is in his office or elsewhere, where he will be alone when using the computer, he should have a note placed above the screen, with bold writing:

ALLAH IS WATCHING!!! or

‘WHAT IF?’

(i.e. What if the Angel of death visits whilst engaged in Haraam?)

If the cellphone is the temptation to view Haraam, then opt for a cellphone which is simple and does not have those features which offer access to Haraam. Or have the same reminder on your screen.

My Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ), had said in poetry:

“If you hide and commit sins,

Someone is watching from above (Allah Ta’ala)…”

We should keep before us that our every movement, our every word, our every thought and our every feeling are in the Knowledge, Sight and Hearing of Allah Ta’ala.

The Mashaa`ikh have prescribed that we reflect, ponder and keep before us the Aayaat (verses) of the Qur`aan Shareef:

وَهُوَ مَعَكُمْ أَيْنَ مَا كُنْتُمْ ^ط

“He is with you wherever you are…”

[Surah Al-Hadeed 57 : 4 ]

and:

أَلَمْ يَعْلَمْ بِأَنَّ اللّٰهَ يَرٰى ؕ

“Does he not know that Allah is watching (him)?”

[Surah Al ‘Alaq 96 : 14]

Allah Ta’ala says in Surah Qaaf :

وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنْسَانَ وَنَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهٖ نَفْسُهٗ ^جۖ وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ الْوَرِيْدِ ◌

“Indeed We have created man, and We know whatever thoughts

his inner self develops, and We are closer to him than (his)

jugular vein.”

[Surah Qaaf 50 : 16]

May Allah Ta’ala grant us His Special Protection and the Taufeeq of giving up all sins.

[1] Hayaa : Modesty

Three Intoxicants

Extract from ‘Aashiq-e-Sawdiq’ by

Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh)

My spiritual mentor, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) once asked me: “How many kinds of intoxicating drinks are there?”

I replied : “I do not know.”

Hazrat (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) then explained to me that there are three kinds of intoxicants :

The first is the intoxicating wine of ‘Dunya’^[1]. The majority on the face of the earth are intoxicated with something of the earth: gold, silver, property, business, fashion, cars, etc. Yet this ‘Dunya’ is something that is neither ‘Azali’ nor ‘Abadi’ – meaning that it was not existent previously. It has been created. Added to this it will not remain forever. It will one day perish.

The second kind of intoxicant is the intoxication of the Aakhirah (Hereafter). Jannah^[2] is the drink of the Aakhirah. Even though it is not ‘Azali’ (from all times), it is ‘Abadi – meaning that it will not be destroyed. It will exist into eternity. This intoxicant is permissible; in fact it is recommended to seek.

The third kind of intoxicant is the intoxication of ‘HAQ’^[3]. The drink of DIVINE LOVE. This is unique and unparalleled as it is neither created nor will it perish. It was. It is. It will always be.

This drink is exclusive to the Ahlullah^[4]. If we desire ‘the drink of the pure love of our Master, Allah Ta’ala’, we will have to keep company with His lovers. Their generosity is such that they share the same with those who have the thirst.

[1] Dunya : The material world

[2] Jannah : Paradise

[3] Haq : The Truth. This is one of the Attributes of Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala is Existent, from all times and forever.

[4] Ahlullah : The people of Allah Ta’ala

Success or Failure

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Unfortunately, the majority do not see any need for Islaah (reformation) of the nafs and Tazkiyyah (purification) of the Qalb (heart). This is generally ignored – as if superfluous and unnecessary. Yet, how extremely important it is! Success and failure depends on the spiritual condition of a person.

Allah Ta’ala says:

قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَنْ زَكّٰهَا

“Indeed he succeeds who purifies his ownself.”

And:

وَ قَدْ خَابَ مَنْ دَسّٰهَا

“And indeed he fails who corrupts his ownself.”

[Surah Ash-Shams 91 : 9 /10]

Our understanding of success and failure is based on a person’s worldly and material status. Allah Ta’ala gives no consideration to the worldly and material status because His Criteria is Taqwa.

“Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing and All-Acquainted.”

[Surah Al-Hujuraat 49 : 13]

Allah Ta’ala’s gaze is on our hearts.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) 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]

When the heart is neglected, it becomes corrupted. It is corrupted by Ghaflat (heedlessness) and sins. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “There is a piece of flesh in the body, if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good but if it gets corrupted, the whole body gets corrupted – and that is the heart.”[2]

Then this corruption will be found in the eyes – the person will be casting lustful gazes, reading Haraam, viewing Haraam, etc.; it will be found in the tongue – the person will be swearing, lying and deceiving; it will be found in the hands – the person will be stealing and using his hands for other injustices; it will be found in the feet – the person will be using his feet and walking in the direction of the gambling dens, cinemas, rave clubs, prostitute quarters and other evil, filthy places. This corruption will be found in all actions. May Allah Ta’ala purify us all and protect us all.

A corrupted heart makes the person a problem wherever he is.

In his marriage, he will be a disappointment and perhaps even a curse for his wife.

In business, he is a problem for those who deal with him.

If he is a Musalli at a Masjid, he will be a headache for the Imaam; he will be a headache for the Muazzin; he will be a headache for the other Musallees who frequent the Masjid …because of the spiritual diseases in his heart; because there is corruption in the heart.

If he goes for Hajj, he will be a problem on the plane, a problem in Mina and Arafaat. He will trouble and harrass people everywhere.

People will even say: The sooner he departs from this world, the better. …Because the spiritual heart is diseased.

The purification of the heart is something we have totally neglected and this is where effort is most required. Moreover, there are numerous diseases and sicknesses related directly to the spiritual heart.

…The physical heart is not a problem. If a person dies of a heart attack or some other sickness, Allah Ta’ala will not question the person in this regard.

The root cause of all the problems in the society is due to the spiritual diseases of the heart : pride, arrogance, jealousy, malice, greed, evil desires and passions, etc. Each disease requires either some kind of prescription or in the extreme case, an “operation” of the spiritual heart.

My Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) said in one of his poems (the explanation of which is):

“If you are a little sick or physically weak,

you listen to the advice of the doctor.

You do not ask the doctor for ‘Daleel’ (proof) in respect to his prescription.

…You have trust in his advice.

If you are sick, then no matter how bitter the medication,

you will take it, because you want cure.

…You are very concerned when it comes to your body,

which will one day decompose and turn to dust.

Where is the concern for your Deen?

Your heart and soul, the ‘body’ of your Deen, is afflicted with cancer

– the cancer of sins.

Since you do not restrain yourself from Haraam,

the heart and soul have become very weak and sick.

When it comes to the things of the world,

your intelligence seems to have no limits.

When it comes to your Deen, death seems to have

overcome that intelligence.”

You believe in the advice of doctors and specialists, what then of the advice, prescription and ‘medication’ given by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), for the health and well-being of your Deen?

There is the possibility that doctors are inaccurate in their diagnosis. There are no such inaccuracies or mistakes in the advice and teachings of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) – because he did not say anything on his own accord. Everything was an inspiration from Allah Ta’ala.

وَمَا يَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوٰى ؕ إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُّوْحٰى ۙ

“Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired.”

[Surah Najm 53 : 3/4]

Far more than the attention that is given to our physical body, attention needs to be given to the spiritual heart and the soul.

This does not mean that we neglect our physical health. Health is a bounty and trust from Allah Ta’ala, and we should take care of it. This is also an order of Allah Ta’ala.

It is the responsibility of every person to give attention to his spiritual reformation, to the purification of the heart and to treating the sicknesses of the soul for good spiritual health. Just as physician diagnoses and treats physical ailments, so a spiritual doctor – a Shaykh-e-Kaamil – diagnoses and treats spiritual ailments. It is thus necessary to choose a spiritual doctor and follow through with his advice and his treatment.

The choice of the spiritual doctor or Shaykh has to be a careful one – especially considering these times where there are many bogus and money-making people in the guise of peers.

The Shaykh must be learned, pious, practical on Deen, and acknowledged by the people of learning – i.e. those on Haq (Truth), and entrusted by a Shaykh-e-Kaamil to carry out Tazkiyyah^[3] through Khilafah^[4].

The meeting with Allah Ta’ala is inevitable. No one can avoid this meeting. Let it be a meeting where we are pleased to meet Him and He is pleased to meet us! Let it be that we work towards meeting Allah Ta’ala with a sound heart (Qalb-e-Saleem) and a clean heart. This will invite the real and true success of both worlds.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the concern and the Taufeeq of implementing the teachings of Deen and Shari’ah, and of purifying our hearts and souls.

[1] Sahih Muslim

[2] Sahih Bukhari

[3] Tazkiyya : Purification of the soul

[4] Khilafah : approved spiritual representative of the Shaykh

The Tranquility of the Heart

Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Like the needle of the compass faces North when at rest, so the heart of the Mu’min faces in the direction of Allah Ta’ala’s obedience and pleasure. In the obedience of Allah Ta’ala do we find our peace, contentment and happiness.

When a compass is moved or shaken, we observe how the needle is disturbed and begins to move restlessly this way and that way – as if agitated. When it is placed down, it continues to move about until finally it finds its rest in the direction of North.

SubhanAllah! We should take lesson from this.

…When the heart of a Mu’min is shaken with sins, with disobedience to Allah Ta’ala, then the heart’s Sukoon is disturbed. The heart is in a state of restlessness and anxiety until the person sincerely repents. On sincere Taubah, the heart settles back in Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure and once again enjoys its Sukoon (tranquility).

Our Sheikh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) would say that Sukoon is an exclusive bounty and gift for the Muslim. It only descends on the heart of a Believer, with the condition that there is obedience to Allah Ta’ala and abstinence from sins.

Not only do sins disturb and disrupt the tranquility of the heart; it blemishes the heart with ugly black marks.

Rasulullah (1) explained: “When a Mu’min (believer) sins, a black dot appears on his heart. If he repents and seeks Allah’s forgiveness, his heart becomes cleansed and polished. If he continues to commit more and more sins (without repenting), the spot continues to spread and ultimately covers all of his heart.”[1]

I have given the following analogy many a time: The person who is wearing a white Kurta and he is always conscious of his cleanliness, will be very uneasy and uncomfortable if a drop of black ink falls onto his Kurta or if food stains his Kurta. He will make haste to wash it off immediately – because the stain of ink spoils the whiteness of his Kurta.

This is the condition of the Mu’min who is obedient to Allah Ta’ala. His heart is like a white garment or a white sheet. The moment he falls into any sin, mistakenly, he senses the dark, black spot of sin on his white heart. He is very uneasy, uncomfortable and unhappy and immediately seeks to clean his heart with sincere Taubah.

We find those who work in garages generally wear dark overalls. This is because they handle oil and grease and their work requires clothing which is practical. Because the clothing is dark, if more oil and more grease soils and stains the overall, the person will not really be aware of it and will not be bothered because his garments are dark in colour anyway. So any amount of oil and grease and dirt may soil his clothing, but it is not really apparent and does not worry him.

Similar is the condition of the person whose heart is already soiled and dirtied with sins for which no Taubah has been made. More sins do not affect him because the heart is already dark and black.

This does not mean that a person sits content with such a heart. It is absolutely necessary that he quickly begins a full scrub and wash of his heart with Taubah and Istighfaar.

Sincere Taubah, Zikrullah and the effort in the direction of obedience to Allah Ta’ala will most certainly remove all the blackness and dirt of sins from that heart. The heart will then be in its original state of whiteness and cleanliness, Insha-Allah.

Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) taught us a Dua that facilitates this washing and purification of the heart:

“O Allah, wash off my sins with the (melted) water of ice and snow, and purify my heart of sins, even as white clothes are cleansed of filth.”

Hazrat Maulana Shah Abdul Ghani Saheb (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) had explained that the quality of ice is its coolness and the outward characteristic of snow is its whiteness. Thus, the whiteness removes the darkness of sins and the coolness eliminates the heat of sins. …SubhanAllah

Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) used the word ‘white’ cloth because black cloth does not make apparent the stains or marks of dirt. White clothes reveal the slightest trace of dirt.

Together with sincere Taubah, it is essential to dissociate oneself from bad company and bad environments and to seek out good and pious companions who will encourage and inspire in the direction of obedience to Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), as well as find and keep to those environments which make easy practising on Deen.

Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddeen Rumi (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) had related an incident of a tanner who was one day passing by some perfume shops. Since most of his time was occupied with tanning animal skins, he was used to strong bad smell. While passing the perfume shops, the pleasant fragrances did not agree with him and he fell down unconscious.

The people around him made every effort to revive him but no one was successful. When his brother was informed, he went to where the tanner lay unconscious and on smelling the fragrances wafting in the air, he understood the cause of his brother’s condition. He immediately went away and returned after a while, bringing in his sleeve, some faeces of a dog. He held his sleeve near his brother who was revived immediately.

All were astounded and bewildered as to what was so effective and so helpful in reviving the tanner, when there were so many perfume shops in the vicinity and all sorts of fragrances were used in the effort to revive the tanner.

This is just a story but with great lesson.

That person who spends his life in sins, becomes accustomed to dirty environments and dirty deeds. Good deeds are unfamiliar and foreign to the person. The person can even reach a stage where there is an aversion to good and thus he stays far away from those places and gatherings where the perfume of Allah Ta’ala’s love is distributed and shared.

Our Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had explained that like the tanner, the sinner is unable to appreciate the gardens of Allah Ta’ala’s remembrance. However, if the person is sincere, makes the effort, and begins to spend time in the environments of purity and virtue, then a time will most certainly arrive when the person will acknowledge, and with great regret, that his life was wasted in filth and evil. Now that he is accustomed to and enjoys the fragrance of Allah Ta’ala’s love in these beautiful gatherings, he does not ever want to return to a life of sin.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq of sincere Taubah and enable us to appreciate the opportunities to attend the Majaalis of Deen and enjoying the beautiful gardens of Zikrullah and maximizing on this.

[1] Tirmidhi

Boasting and Claiming Greatness

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh)

Pride and greatness are exclusive attributes of Allah Ta’ala. He is the Only One worthy of such qualities.

Amongst Allah Ta’ala’s Beautiful Names are: “Al-Mutakkabir” (The Supreme), “Al-Kabeer” (The Greatest), “Al-Jaleel” (Majestic), “Al-Qawi” (Most Strong), and “Al-Qaadir” (All-Powerful). Many more attributes make evident Allah Ta’ala’s Greatness and Power. The entire Qur`aan Shareef is an exposition of Allah Ta’ala’s Supremacy and Greatness.

Man’s helplessness, weakness and vulnerability becomes manifest when he recognizes his Creator. When there is no recognition, man considers his own might, strength, power and force as great. This is the deception of nafs and shaytaan.

When anyone makes the claim that he is great, he inevitably faces humiliation and ruin.

Fir`aun uttered the greatest lie, that he is the Lord, Most High, and for all his claims of being so powerful, the waters of the Red Sea overwhelmed him and he drowned.

Allah Ta’ala relates:

فَقَالَ أَنَا۫ رَبُّكُمُ الْأَعْلٰى ۖ

“And he said: ‘I am your supreme Lord.’”

فَأَخَذَهُ اللّٰهُ نَكَالَ الْاٰخِرَةِ وَالْأُوْلٰى ؕ

“So, Allah seized him for an exemplary punishment in the Hereafter and the present world.”

[Surah An-Nazi’aat 79 : 24 / 25]

ثُمَّ أَغْرَقْنَا الْاٰخَرِيْنَ ؕ

Then We drowned the others.

[Surah Ash-Shu`ara 26 : 66]

Qa’run made a claim of being independent of Allah Ta’ala. This was his pride due to his great intelligence and due to the great wealth he had amassed. He had so much of wealth that the keys to his wealth were too many to count.

وَاٰتَيْنٰهُ مِنَ الْكُنُوْزِ مَاۤ إِنَّ مَفَاتِحَهٗ لَتَنُوْۤاُ بِالْعُصْبَةِ أُولِى الْقُوَّةِ ^ق

“…And We had given to him such treasures as their keys would weigh too heavy
for a strong group of people…”

[Surah Al-Qasas 28 : 76]

قَالَ إِنَّمَاۤ أُوْتِيْتُهٗ عَلٰى عِلْمٍ عِنْدِيْ ^ط

“He said: ‘This is given to me because of the knowledge (I have) with me.”

[Surah Al-Qasas 28 : 78]

What became of him?

On his claim of being independent, on his pride and arrogance, and his rejection of Allah Ta’ala, Allah Ta’ala caused the earth to swallow and digest him and his wealth.

فَخَسَفْنَا بِهٖ وَبِدَارِهِ الْأَرْضَ ^قف

“Then We made him and his home sink into the earth…”

[Surah Al-Qasas 28 : 81]

In history, we learnt of the Spanish Armada. It was described as “invincible” – only to find itself being defeated.

When the Titanic set off on its maiden voyage, the claim was that it was “unsinkable”. It sank on its first journey.

A famous boxer made a huge claim: “I am the greatest.” When he made this claim, he was floored.

Alhamdulillah, Allah Ta’ala destined Islam for him and he realized that Allah Ta’ala is the greatest. When diagnosed with sickness, he openly acknowledged: “Allah gave me this illness to remind me that I’m not number one – He is. I’m not the greatest, Allah is.”

The claim of superiority and greatness does not befit the slaves and servants of Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala does not like that His Creation claims a quality which is solely and exclusively His.

Allah Ta’ala wants us to recognize His Superiority, Greatness and Power, and submit ourselves as slaves do, before their Master. This submission and humility earns one closeness to Allah Ta’ala and His special Mercy and Favours.

Allah Ta’ala describes these servants who will receive His special Mercy as:

وَعِبَادُ الرَّحْمٰنِ الَّذِيْنَ يَمْشُوْنَ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ هَوْنًا

“The servants of Ar-Rahmaan (The All-Merciful) are those who walk on the earth, humbly…”

[Surah Al-Furqaan 25]

The more the success of a person, the more the humility his success should generate. …Take a lesson from the tree: When laden with fruit, the branches bend in humility. If they have to show their “greatness” they will snap or break.

Similarly, when a slave of Allah Ta’ala tries to show his greatness and independence, he ‘breaks’…

Allah Ta’ala said: “Pride is My cloak and Greatness is My garment; so whoever competes with Me regarding these two will be thrown into the Hellfire.^[1]”^[2]

May Allah Ta’ala purify us of the diseases of Kibr (pride) and Ujub (vanity) and grant us the reality of Abdiyyat (servitude) and Tawaadhu (humility).

[1] Sunan Abu Dawud

[2] The implied meaning is Pride and Supremacy belong to Allah Ta’ala Alone.

The Effects of Sins & Repentance

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

When a person indulges in sins, in disobedience to Allah Ta’ala, then the heart immediately connects with the fire of Hell. As such, one result of sins is heat…

The proof of this is drawn from a Masnoon Dua, which was brilliantly and inspirationally explained by Hazrat Maulana Shah Abdul Ghani Phulpoori (Rahmatullah ‘alaih), a great Shaykh of his time.

From the Ahaadeeth we learn different Duas for different occasions. One Dua that was taught to us by Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is:

“O Allah, wash off my sins with the (melted) water of ice and snow, and purify my heart of sins, just as white clothes are cleansed of filth.”

Let us consider the explanation and meaning of the Dua:

Hazrat Maulana Shah Abdul Ghani Saheb (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) related that on one occasion he had a most respected guest present during his lesson of Bukhari Shareef. The guest was Hazrat Maulana Dr. Abdul Hay Saheb (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) who was a senior Khalifa of Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullah ‘alaih).

During this lesson, Hazrat Dr. Abdul Hay Saheb posed a question to Hazrat Maulana Shah Abdul Ghani (Rahmatullah ‘alaih). He asked: “Why did Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) use the words ‘ice and snow’ in this particular Dua?”

Hazrat (Rahmatullahi ‘alaih), inspired (Ilhaam) with an answer from Allah Ta’ala, replied:

“There are two major effects that follow the commission of sins.

1.) Darkness in the heart.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) explained : “When a Mu’min (believer) sins, a black dot appears on his heart. If he repents and seeks Allah’s forgiveness, his heart becomes cleansed and polished. If he continues to commit more and more sins (without repenting), the spot continues to spread and ultimately covers all of his heart.”

2.) Heat.

By means of sins, a person links himself to the fire of Hell. As a result, such a person’s body also produces a kind of heat.

My Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) has mentioned, that generally, when a person is committing a lot of sin, especially if he is entangled in illicit love, then the effect of his sins is so intense and severe, that even his head becomes heated.

…Of course, this does not mean that every person whose head is heated is involved in sin. It may be that the person is ill, suffering with high temperature, etc.

So consequently, the second quality of sin is that it produces heat.

Hazrat Maulana Shah Abdul Ghani Saheb (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) then explained that the attribute of ice is its coolness and the apparent characteristic of snow is its whiteness.

Thus, the two effects of sins are removed with the two effects of snow and ice. The whiteness removes the darkness and the coolness effaces the heat. …SubhanAllah

Moreover, why is ‘white’ cloth used in the Dua? …Because black cloth will not disclose the spots and marks of dirt, even after having been washed, but white cloth is sure to reveal the slightest trace of dirt.

These are explanations that should be most appreciated by students of Deen as well as Saalikeen.

My Shaykh had also explained that if we are deficient in our Love of Allah Ta’ala, and our hearts have become dark and heated due to the commission of sins, then an easy route to giving up our sins, sincerely repenting, purifying our hearts and becoming the friends of Allah Ta’ala is to make friends with His Friends.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the Taufeeq of Rujoo Ilallaah and becoming His Friends.

Tajalli "Conductor"

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

A person asked me a question regarding a talk wherein I mentioned that Allah Ta’ala’s Tajalli cascades down upon the Baitullah, like a waterfall, and drenches all those who are making Tawaaf and who are near the Ka’bah Sharief.

The person mentioned that when Hazrat Moosa (Alaihis Salaam) requested that Allah Ta’ala manifest Himself to him, Allah Ta’ala responded that Hazrat Moosa (Alaihis Salaam) will not be able to see Him but instead he should look at the mountain. When Allah Ta’ala manifested His Tajalli upon the mountain, the entire mountain crumbled to dust and Hazrat Moosa (Alaihis Salaam) fell unconscious.

Allah Ta’ala mentions this incident is Surah Al-A’raaf:

“And when Musa came at Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said: My Lord! show me (Thyself), so that I may look upon Thee. He said: You cannot (bear to) see Me but look at the mountain, if it remains firm in its place, then will you see Me; but when his Lord manifested His glory to the mountain He made it crumble and Musa fell down in a swoon; then when he recovered, he said: Glory be to Thee, I turn to Thee, and I am the first of the Believers.”

[Surah Al-A’raaf 7 : 143]

His question was: Why does this Tajalli, which is descending upon Baitullah, not render the Ka’bah Sharief and Haram Sharief into fragments like in the case of the mountain? And why is it that we also do not fall unconscious with the Tajalli of Allah Ta’ala descending upon Ka’bah Sharief?

Allah Ta’ala’s Infinite Kindness, that on listening to the question, Allah Ta’ala placed a beautiful answer in my mind. And I replied:

“Lightening is highly destructive and causes great damage. It is known that lightening is attracted to the highest point in any specific area and can destroy tall buildings. Allah Ta’ala inspired man to invent a simple device whereby tall buildings are protected. This device is known as the lightning conductor or lightening rod.

The lightning conductor provides a conducting path and directs the lightning charge down to the earth. This safely discharges the energy into the ground; otherwise the lightening would hit the building and cause damage. The conductor is a means of protection for the building, machines, equipment and the people inside.

So if Allah Ta’ala gave man the intelligence to protect buildings and protect himself from lightening, then what is it difficult for Him to have established a Tajalli “Conductor”, whereby the Baitullah, the entire Haram Sharief and all the people therein are protected – yet they still benefit tremendously from that Tajalli – that special Noor and Mercy pouring down in torrents?”

Alhamdulillah, the brother appreciated the response and may Allah Ta’ala also accept.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq of making the most of the beautiful opportunities whilst being in the Haram Sharief – whether in Tawaaf, watching the Baitullah, engaging in Salaah, Dua, Tilawah, Zikrullah, Istighfaar, Durood Sharief – all of which is compounded in rewards and a means of great Noor and purification.

Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Eesalus-Sawaab

Eesalus-Sawaab^[1] is not only for the deceased; it is also for the living – and is established from the Sunnah as well.

We should therefore also convey the rewards of our optional deeds to the entire Ummah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), which includes those who are living.

Moreover, when the rights of a Muslim have been unintentionally violated, it would be a sign of sincerity, that besides asking for forgiveness, the person conveys the reward of some good deed as ‘Eesalus-Sawaab’ to the person who was wronged.

For example : If the person was party to Gheebah (backbiting) and did not prevent it, then besides asking Allah Ta’ala to forgive, the person could read the ‘Quls’^[2] or give something in Sadaqah (charity) and send the reward as Eesaalus Sawaab to the person whose right was violated.

If the person has come to know of what was said about him (or her), then the person’s forgiveness should be sought as well.

Of course, this does not mean that we violate people’s rights, using this as an atonement and compensation. A Muslim is careful not to cause hurt or injury to others.

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb

(Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh)

[1] Eesalus Sawaab : to convey the reward of a good action or charitable deed to another person, alive or deceased.

[2] The recitation of Surah Al-Ikhlaas, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Naas – which begin with the word ‘Qul’. These are the last 3 Surahs of the Qur`aan Shareef.

Istikharah

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Istikharah is a Sunnah that should be resorted to whenever there is indecision. There is great goodness and great blessings in doing so, and Insha-Allah, Allah Ta’ala will make clear, in some way, what is best.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam): “It is from the good fortune of man that he makes Istikharah (seeks good) from Allah, and it is from his misfortune that he discards Istikharah.” [Mustadrak lil Haakim]

Istikharah builds one’s Tawakkul (Trust) in Allah Ta’ala. The person hands his matter over to Allah Ta’ala, asking for the best and trusting in His Guidance. And who knows us best? And who knows best what is best for us? …Allah Ta’ala!

It also nurtures the noble qualities of Tafweez and Ridha bil Qadha . The person then resigns himself to the decisions of Allah Ta’ala and is pleased with whatever the outcome is. He understands that that is the best for him, since he sought from Allah Ta’ala, what would be to his benefit and goodness.

So we should read Istikhara and draw these blessings.

Many people request others to read Istikharah on their behalf. There is no substantiation in the Ahaadeeth for this. The individual should read Istikharah for himself or herself. This is the Sunnah.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq.

Tafweez : Accepting the Decisions of Allah Ta’ala

Ridha bil Qadha: Being happy with the decisions of Allah Ta’ala

The Love that Occupies the heart

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh

When a person talks about something EXCESSIVELY, then know that the love of that thing has entered his or her heart. The one who talks excessively about fast cars, fashionable clothes and accessories, pretty women, handsome men, multi-storey buildings, palaces, gold and silver and oil wealth, then the love of these things has entered and settled in that heart. Such excessive attachment and love for material things, spoils the heart and darkens the heart.

There is no sin in earning and using wealth to provide for comfort and maintenance. However, the love for material possessions must not enter the hearts. …A Muslim earns a Halaal livelihood not for seeking and just acquiring ‘Dunya’; rather to spend on his family, without being extravagant and lavish, and he earns with noble intentions of going for Hajj and Umrah, assisting the poor and needy, and to channel his money in other Deeni causes.

The toilet is a necessity and some homes have beautiful toilets; some even have gold taps, etc. But what would we think of the person who talks excessively about his toilet? …Just like the toilet, the things of this world are necessities – we, therefore, don’t make the material things of this world objects of reverence and veneration. Just like we would not give our hearts to our toilets, we should not give our hearts to worldly commodities.

The one who talks excessively about Deen, about the Love of Allah Ta’ala and His Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), then their love has entered and settled in that heart. This love beautifies and enlightens the heart and the life of the person.

Of course, during business hours, the businessman will talk mainly about business with his clients and customers, the doctor will talk about medicine and health, and the fruit seller will call upon passers-by to purchase his fruit. All this talk, with the correct intention, causes no harm to the spiritual self.

A Lesson in Begging

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

There are signs outside the Haram in Makkah Shareef and Madina Shareef, which clearly instruct that there should be no begging. Outside our Masjid also, we have a sign that reads, “No Begging.”

But this is outside the Masjid. There is no begging outside the Masjid and, indeed, Shari’ah discourages begging. The Hadeeth also tells us: “The upper [giving] hand is superior to the lower [taking] hand.”[1]

So on this level, begging is not at all encouraged. It is disliked in Islam, unless the person is destitute and in dire need.

However, on another level, a Muslim must beg – but a Muslim must beg of only Allah Ta’ala. This is something beloved to Allah Ta’ala. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “There is nothing dearer to Allah than a servant making Dua to Him.”

Allah Ta’ala’s treasures are unlimited. So, inside the Masjid, we beg of Allah Ta’ala.

Furthermore, we find that beggars teach us how to beg of Allah Ta’ala – we find this especially so in Makkah Shareef. We see how beggars follow us, and they will persist and insist in asking from us, to the extent of even catching the person’s garment. They even cry for something, for anything. …They just refuse to leave until something is given. They have that Yaqeen that the person they are begging from has something and will give if they persist.

These beggars outside the Haram Shareef are teaching us a lesson of how to beg of Allah Ta’ala, inside the Haram Shareef or whenever we are making Dua.

…Sadly, we do not consider who we are asking when we make Dua. As such, we make Dua casually, in a relaxed manner: legs are stretched out, leaning against a wall, and no effort is even made to raise the begging bowls of the hands. And we make a Dua in this laid-back, careless manner – and we say we begged of Allah Ta’ala. And we sometimes do not even have conviction that Allah Ta’ala will give and will do and will provide. …A far cry from the beggars who beg from human beings.

These beggars teach us to keep begging – to persist in asking, and to ask of Allah Ta’ala with full Yaqeen: ‘O Allah, there is no shortage in Your Treasures… You have unlimited treasures. Everything is in Your control… Grant us complete forgiveness…’

Nothing is difficult for Allah Ta’ala to do and Allah Ta’ala will do, when we ask sincerely. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Indeed Allah Ta’ala is extremely Bashful and Generous. If His servant raises his hands to Him (in supplication) He becomes shy to return them empty”[2]

May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the Taufeeq of raising our hands and asking of Him, with sincerity and with conviction.

[1] Sahih Bukhari / Sahih Muslim

[2] Sunan Tirmidhi, hadith: 3556

Insulating the heart

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Whilst in the company of one’s Shaykh, or when in good company, or during the month of Ramadaan, we find an undeniably positive effect in respect to our overall behavior and in our relationship with Allah Ta’ala.

It suddenly becomes easy to perform good deeds and abstain from sins. Our hearts become light and happy, after being relieved of the terrible burden of sins. Noor and Sakeenah permeate the heart and life becomes so pleasant – Alhamdulillah.

…Then we leave the company of the Shaykh or Ramadaan passes, and we find ourselves susceptible and vulnerable to the invitations and temptations of sins, and we fall prey to nafs and shaytaan. We ask: Why? How come? …We were slowly but surely improving, and then we start stumbling, faltering, falling, and sometimes we are floored by nafs, and even land up in the gutters of sins. May Allah Ta’ala protect us all.

We, ourselves, are the reason for our weaknesses and failings.

While in the company of the Mashaa`ik or during Ramadaan, we do not develop sufficient Taqwa to insulate ourselves against sins, against nafs and shaytaan. The Suhbah (company) of the pious and righteous, as well as the month of Ramadaan, offers a special protection. However, we generally visit or keep company with the pious for short periods of time, and Ramadaan visits us once a year.

The time certainly comes when we have to face the many challenges outside the company of the pious and outside of Ramadaan. It is therefore necessary to very strongly insulate the heart and soul against the harsh climate of sins.

For better understanding, let us take an example: It is an extremely cold Winter’s day. Whilst we are indoors, we keep warm because our homes offer some kind of insulation: the walls and the roof provide a protection; the carpets, heater, fireplace, etc. add to that protection and also generate warmth.

If we sit near the fireplace or heater, we will enjoy this warmth. However, when we have to go outside, we obviously cannot carry the heater with us.

…We have heard and read of people who climb mountains, covered in snow. What do they do? Do they carry heaters with them? No! …They insulate themselves with warm, thermal clothing.

If we have to go outdoors, then knowing the extreme temperature outside, we adopt measures to protect ourselves.

In order to keep warm, while we are outdoors, we first insulate ourselves, by wearing warm clothing, thick jackets, warm hats, socks, gloves, and so forth. We may even drink some hot soup or any hot drink to warm ourselves from the inside. …If we adopt all these means prior to leaving our homes, we will be shielded against the icy, bitter cold – Insha-Allah.

Similarly, while in the company of the Mashaa`ik or during the blessed month of Ramadaan, we must do our best to insulate ourselves with the qualities of Taqwa, Sabr, Shukr, Zuhd, Tawaadhu, etc.

In the company of the Shaykh, we draw the warmth of the love of Allah Ta’ala. This is what is generated from his heart. This then becomes insulation and protection against the demands of nafs and the attacks of shaytaan.

It is not possible to be with the Shaykh twenty four hours of every day. He has a life to lead. He will be teaching at the Madrasah, giving talks at the Masjid, traveling out in the Khidmat of Deen, etc. What do we do at such times? In the company of the Shaykh, we prepare for ourselves, for the harsh climate of sins and distractions of the outside work. We adopt the measures of protection just like the person who covers himself with a blanket or wears a heavy jacket, before going out.

In the Majlis of the Shaykh, we also insulate the heart with the Sifah of Ihsaan, with the conscious awareness of Allah Ta’ala – keeping before us that Allah Ta’ala is All-Seeing, All-Hearing, All-Knowing, All-Aware – and that nothing escapes the knowledge of Allah Ta’ala. This quality is what we take with us wherever we go.

…So even though the Shaykh cannot be with us all the time, but Allah Ta’ala is with us at all times:

“And He is with you, wherever you are.”

[Surah Al-Hadid 57 : 4]

If we maintain the conscious awareness of Allah Ta’ala’s presence at all times, then when we have to go to the bazaar, marketplace, university or college, we go well-insulated.

Therefore, when we sit in those Majaalis, we should not think that it is just a bayaan, just a talk given. The bayaan will take place, and even if there is no bayaan, the silence of those who are Kaamil, generates a Noor, a light. This enters through the eyes and ears, and lights up the heart with the love of Allah Ta’ala. It gives the person strength in his Imaan. Thereafter when the person goes outside, that spiritual warmth is with him – like the person who wears his jersey and jacket, warm hat and warm socks. May Allah Ta’ala bless us all with well insulated hearts.

Allah Ta’ala has granted us such great means for renewed fortification. Our insulation is also found in our Salaah, which needs to be established five times a day, in the Masjid – and that too, with concentration and attention. It should not be a ‘slap-dash’, ‘hit and run’ Salaah as is so common. (Na’uzu Billahi min zaalik).

Allah Ta’ala says:

“…Verily Salaah restrains from shamelessness and evil…”

[Surah Ankabut 29 : 45]

We also insulate with our Tilawah, our Zikrullah, and our deep-hearted Dua for protection. My Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (RA) would repeatedly make Dua:

‘O Allah! Wherever I am – whether on earth or in the skies – my Taqwa must always remain safe.’

Together with these, we also insulate our lives by ridding our homes of all those elements that will nullify the spirituality that we develop in the company of the Shaykh. We throw out the television, give up music and whatever other Haraam that pollutes our homes and our lives.

The Suhbah of the Shaykh and the beautiful month of Ramadaan are opportune times to insulate our hearts and souls – since they facilitate ease in practising on Deen.

Thus, when Ramadaan ends or we leave the company of our Mashaa`ik, then despite the harsh climate of sins on the outside and all around us, Allah Ta’ala will protect us and assist us in abstaining from evil because we made a concerted effort to insulate ourselves against the severe and dreadful environment of sins.

Of course, to whatever extent we can, we should try to regularly attend Deeni programmes and maintain some connection through correspondence or even telephoning the Shaykh from time to time. This will be very conducive to one’s progress, Insha-Allah. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq.

Sometimes, some mureeds are content to just wait for their Shaykh to come from Pakistan, India or some other part of the world and they say: “We will make our Islaah when the Shaykh visits.” …The Shaykh may only visit once a year, and he may be in one’s city for seven days, ten days, or just a few days. Then he is gone and the rest of the year passes. What is to be done?

If the person says: “I will not attend the Majlis or programmes of any other Shaykh. I will not accept the Nasihah of any other Shaykh,” then shaytaan will say: “This is a good candidate for me, easy to prey on! This is easy prey because this person has got no Shaykh for the next eleven months.” – Shaytaan will pounce on him.

“Suhbat” is something that has to be on a continuous basis. If for some reason there are not many Majaalis in the area or there are no Akaabir or Mashaai’ik, then take the kitaabs of the Shaykh or other Mashaa`ik, and read them, or listen to the cds or programmes via audio-streaming. Insha-Allah, this will keep a person insulated against nafs and shaytaan – otherwise, the person will become like the lone sheep which is easy prey for the wolf.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and the Taufeeq.

Our Actions | An Analogy

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Our situation is akin to the person enduring the heat of a mid-summer’s day. The heat and humidity is extremely intense, so the person switches on one of those little toy fans that work on a single cell battery – which children are generally found playing with. To benefit from its breeze, it has to be brought extremely close.

So the person sits with this little fan in front of him and on his side, he lights a huge fire. Will that little fan have any effect? …No.

Until the person does not distance himself from that fire or extinguishes that fire, the breeze of that fan will not cool his skin. …The effect of that little fan will be lost due to the intensity and closeness of the fire.

The similitude drawn is that we do a few good deeds; the effect of which is likened to the breeze of the little fan. Together with those few good deeds, we indulge in different types of sins and their effect is comparable to the blazing fire. Until we do not distance ourselves from the venues of sins and give up those sins altogether, how will our Ibaadah cool our hearts?

Only when we will extinguish the fire, which we, ourselves, have kindled, of sins, and we thereafter switch on the air-conditioner of sincere obedience to Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘akayhi wasallam), will we experience coolness in our hearts.

We need to understand that the destination cannot be reached, if the journey is traversed one step forward and then ten steps back.

Debt

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Debts are such a burden that in a Masnoon Dua, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) sought protection in Allah Ta’ala from Kufr and debt.

“O Allah, I seek refuge with You from Kufr and debt.”

One can gauge on what level debts are placed, mentioned alongside Kufr. There are various other Ahaadeeth that clearly signify the seriousness and gravity of incurring debts. …Of course, if a debt is an interest-bearing loan and interest payments are being made, then this is Haraam (forbidden) and a major sin.

There are many who take unnecessary loans and fall into debt. To do so is to shackle oneself. A debt should only be assumed out of genuine necessity – and not as many do, to purchase all kinds of luxuries and live beyond their means.

Sometimes the person becomes lax in the matter of paying off his debts and delays payment. Even though Allah Ta’ala gives sufficient to pay off quickly, and sometimes Allah Ta’ala provides so that the person can pay the full amount at once, the person procrastinates. It is a weighty and grievous sin to delay payment of a debt when the time arrives for its payment.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Delay in repaying debts by a wealthy person is oppression.”

The person who intends to pay off his debt and he makes a sincere effort to do so, will be assisted by Allah Ta’ala. Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “The one who takes people’s wealth intending to pay it back, Allah will pay it back for him, and the one who takes it intending to destroy it, Allah will destroy him.”

The following Dua was taught by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) to a Sahabi (RA) who was entangled in debts. With the Barakah (blessings) of this Dua, Allah Ta’ala settled his debt.

‘O Allah! I seek refuge in You from worry and grief, and I seek refuge in You from helplessness and laziness, and I seek refuge in You from cowardice and miserliness, and I seek refuge in You from overpowering debts and from the subjection of man.

A person, in debt, should also read this Dua; morning and evening. Insha-Allah, his worries will be removed and his debt, settled.

Suicide | No Solution

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Despite severe suffering, persecution and torture, not a single Sahabi (companion) of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) nor a single Wali (friend) of Allah Ta’ala, throughout history, ever committed suicide.

Their trials were borne with patience, perseverance and fortitude, which strengthened their Imaan (faith) in Allah Ta’ala.

The large number of suicides that occur every day in the world is due to disbelief or weak faith in Allah Ta’ala.

Those who commit suicide think that they are going to escape the difficulties, pains and problems of this world, but they will be severely punished for taking their lives. And how will they then escape the pain of the punishment that is meted out for taking their lives?

We should, however, not pass judgment regarding the person who has taken his or her life. Judgment should be left to Allah Ta’ala, for we do not know in what mental state the person was in – for example, severe depression – to have snapped and committed suicide.

Anger Management

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Do not make a decision with regards to any matter when angry. In anger, a person is bound to make a faulty decision, which he will later regret having made, all his life. We find that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) advised us: “If one of you gets angry, he should be quiet.”

Move away, cool down and think seriously before firing the bullets of divorce. Almost every husband has regretted the decision of ‘Talaaq’ made when angry. Many wives have also regretted demanding a divorce, after their anger cooled and they thought of the consequences.

Even parents should be careful of the words they utter and should not beat up their children in anger, for they too could sometimes regret, all their lives, the damage done. Teachers, as well, should not a make a decision of punishment in anger.

Since the expression of anger is from shaytaan, one has to be wary in not succumbing to it. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) guided us towards managing our anger, when he advised a man overcome by anger to recite the Ta’awwuz:

“I seek protection with Allah from shaytaan, the cursed one.”

In another narration, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Anger comes from the shaytaan, shaytaan was created of fire, and fire is extinguished only with water; so when one of you becomes angry, he should perform Wudhu (ablution).”

And Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) further instructed: “When one of you becomes angry while standing, he should sit down. If the anger leaves him, well and good; otherwise he should lie down.”

Anyone following through with these prescriptions given by Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) will certainly find great benefit and goodness.

De-mist the heart

ismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

If there is heavy mist on the windscreens of our cars, we de-mist the windscreen when driving. If we do not do so, we are likely to meet with an accident. Similarly, when our hearts become misted with sins, with evil desires and passions, it becomes necessary to de-mist our hearts with Taubah and Istighfaar.

If we do not de-mist our hearts of evils like malice, greed, pride, jealousy, anger, etc., we will always be causing ‘accidents’ in society.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Everything has a cleaner, and the cleaner of the hearts is the remembrance of Allah.”[1]

From another perspective, we learn that everything rusts according to its nature, and the hearts rust with worldly desires and sins. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) explained that hearts rust like how iron rusts.

When the Sahabah (RA) asked: “What is its polish?” Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) replied, “Abundant remembrance of death and recitation of the Qur’aan.”[2]

Zikrullah thus removes the rust of the spiritual heart – it purifies and cleans the heart.

The easiest way to obtain purification of the heart and soul is to spend time in the company of the Ahlullah (the people of Allah Ta’ala) – those who have already purified their hearts.

[1] Shu’abul Iman. [This has also been recorded as the statement of Hazrat Abu Darda (RA)]

[2] Shu’abul Iman

The Food of the Heart

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Allah Ta’ala has given the human being a heart. The food which nourishes and pleases the heart is love. The food of the eyes is beautiful scenery and beautiful colour. The ears derive pleasure in listening to beautiful sounds. The tongue appreciates tasty and delicious food and drink. …We find the food for everything is different.

The food of the heart, the enjoyment and pleasure of the heart is in love, but the vast majority of people are wasting this precious commodity of love on those things which are transitory and perishable and which will turn to dust.

Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) related in his Mathnavi: “Your hearts are attached to the things of the world which have their origin in sand. The women of the world are created from sand, the homes are of sand, the food is of sand, the children are of sand. EVERYTHING is of sand. They only appear in different forms and colours. The end result is also sand.

Aside from that, you are to be separated from them one day, so why attach yourself to them? Our attachment to these things, which we are to leave behind, should be with a very weak and light adhesive. On the other hand, we are to live with Allah Ta’ala forever. Our attachment to Him should be with a very strong adhesive, i.e. we should create an extremely strong link with Him in our hearts.”

The love of one’s parents, wives, children and property is not prohibited, but it should not exceed the love of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).

This heart is reserved solely for the Love of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).

Hazrat Khwaja Azizul Hasan Majzoob (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) used to say: “The heart is Allah’s house. It is not the house for (worldly) idols.”

[Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)]

True Zikrullah

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

True Zikr is to fulfil the Command of Allah Ta’ala which is directed to us at a particular time – to perform Salaah in its respective time, to pay Zakaah when due, to fast during the month of Ramadaan, to perform Hajj at the time of Hajj (if one has the means), etc.

When a person’s parent, wife, child, neighbour, etc. is very ill and requires medication to be brought from the chemist, as a matter of urgency, then at that time, true Zikr is to postpone all optional Ibaadah and attend to the need.

Hazrat Ruqayya (RA), the beloved daughter of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), was very ill when the call for Badr was suddenly made.

Since there were only 313 companions accompanying Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), there was a definite need for Hazrat Uthman (RA), the husband of Hazrat Ruqayya (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), to also join the expedition. However, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) left him behind to care for his wife during her severe illness.

True Zikrullah is the fulfillment of the Commands of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam)

[By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)]

The Dressing of the Muslim

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

It is very common amongst the youth to emulate the dress code and ways of the non-Muslims. …Following Hollywood, Bollywood, western and eastern fashion, lifestyle and culture is the pursuit, interest and fixation of many people.

I have mentioned to boys and girls and even adults, that the dressing which is according to the Sunnah, greatly benefits in different ways. This dressing of the Kurta, pants above the ankle and Topee/Amamah for the men, and the Hijaab and Niqaab for the women has Noor.

When this Sunnah attire and modest dressing are adopted, then this Noor enters the heart and results in piety being nurtured in the heart, character and speech. There is an immediate effect and improvement in a person’s spirituality.

The Sunnah dressing is also extremely modest and simple. As such, modesty and simplicity are also cultivated in the person.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: “Simplicity is a part of Imaan” ^[1] and: “Modesty is a branch of Faith.”

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also said: “Haya (modesty) does not bring anything except good.”[2]

Where there is modesty, then virtue, chastity and purity will be found – in actions, speech and thoughts.

Another benefit of the dressing of Islam is that it becomes a barrier and a protection from sins. It makes it so much easier to stay away from sins.

The person who is in Kurta or the sister who is in Hijaab and Niqaab will stay far away from committing open sin, going to places such as cinemas, clubs and other evil venues. There is an understanding that this dress represents piety and that people look upon such people as pious. It is most inappropriate to be present in such places, more especially when in such attire.

I advise and encourage all the brothers, young and old, who are not in the habit of wearing the Sunnah Libaas, to commence by wearing it for the Fardh Salaah. Salaah demands respect. Being in the House of Allah Ta’ala also demands respect and dignity.

In answering the call to Salaah, also respond to the Command of Allah Ta’ala regarding our dressing to Salaah.

“O Children of Aadam! Take your adornment at every prayer time…
[Surah Al-A’raaf 7 : 31]

Wearing short sleeves, tight fitting pants, performing the Salaah bare-headed, etc. goes against the grain of respect and is Makruh (extremely disliked).

If a person wears this Sunnah Libaas, five times a day, for the Salaah, he will, Insha-Allah, see the day where he will cast off the western garb and adopt the Sunnah attire full time, with great love and happiness. He will establish great affinity with the Sunnah and will lose interest in the ways of the non-Muslims.

Very sadly, so many of our sisters go out ill-clad – wearing immodest, revealing and modern garb, and they beautify and perfume themselves. They then become targets of filthy, lustful glances and even physical and verbal harassment. In a society wherein evil and obscenity abound, rape has a ‘visual’ dimension as well…

Allah Ta’ala revealed the laws of Hijaab in various Aayaat (verses) of the Qur`aan Shareef. Hijaab identifies a woman as a respectable human being and she is safeguarded from any kind of harassment – which is so common in this day and age.

“O Nabi ! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed….”

[Surah Al-Ahzaab 33 : 59]

Our sisters should look towards the pure wives and daughters of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the noble Sahabiyaat (RA) as role models. These are women who earned great honour and success in both worlds, and whe are beloved to Allah Ta’ala. Aspire for this!

When the dressing of the Kuffaar is worn, there is Zulmat (darkness) that falls on the heart and this darkness then becomes apparent in the person’s character, actions and speech. …An attribute of the dress of the kuffaar is that of immodesty and indecency. It destroys the inherent modesty and shame of a person. Very quickly, the nature of a person becomes spoiled – inclining towards immodesty and indecency.

We see the end result of imitating actors, actresses, singers and others: smoking, drugs, alcohol, swearing, illicit relationships, fornication, etc. Darkness spreads in the person’s life.

Their culture encourages girls to look like boys and boys to look like girls. Identity is lost and natural characteristics are ruined.

Allah Ta’ala has defined the most perfect dress code for men and women. Various Ahadith offer us guidelines and details regarding our dressing. We should acquaint ourselves with this knowledge and implement them practically and also appreciate the bounty of such beautiful, noble attire.

The clothing of the Muslim is extremely important. It is our identity. We should not be embarrassed or ashamed to be recognized as Muslims and as followers of our Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam). We should be desirous of having this resemblance with him (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

Moreover, our dress makes us ambassadors, representatives and flag-bearers of this beautiful Deen, without any effort.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the courage and the Taufeeq of practising on all of Deen, and grant us the great benefits and rewards that follow as a result of this.

~ Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

[1] Abu Dawood

[2] Sahih Bukhari

Creating a Niche in the Heart

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

It is said that we should create a niche in the hearts of the Auliya Allah (The Friends of Allah Ta’ala) – that is, create a special place in their hearts.

One is to say: “Make Dua…” – and the person will make Dua when he thinks of you. …When we would request our Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) to make Dua, Alhamdulillah, Hazrat would immediately make Dua.

However, that person who makes Khidmat, then Dua comes out from the heart, without the person even asking. …Now this is an extra special Dua. This is the Dua that is extremely special.

Khidmat does not mean only serving the Shaykh by assisting him in various tasks and work. No doubt, that is a kind of Khidmat and the Ahlullah appreciate that as well because this is a world of means. However, the real Khidmat is for us to become a Sadaqah-e-Jaariyah for them.

How do we become ‘Sadaqah e jaariyah’? …By practising on their teachings.

A person sits in the company of his Shaykh all his life, but there is no improvement in his Salaah, no improvement in his fasting, no improvement in his character and in his speech – he still swears and curses, cheats and deceives. Despite having one body, he has two faces, and his heart is a container of greed and pride, malice and miserliness, etc. …Will this person become Sadaqah-e-Jaariyah for the Shaykh? What kind of Sadaqah-e-Jaariyah will he be?

On the other hand, another person came through a “rough life” – as they describe it. He was caught up in various sins. There are many who come through a rough life but then they keep the Suhbat of the Shaykh, and they progress with the speed of Ruff-Ruff. …The Ruff-Ruff was a transport used during the Mi’raj, taking Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) from Sidratul Muntaha onwards into the presence of Allah Ta’ala.

So although this person came from a rough life, his speed is fast – in respect to his reformation and change. Now this person will be a Sadaqah-e-Jaariyah. This is what the Mashaa’ik appreciate most: Seeing their teachings being brought into practice and seeing positive changes and improvement being made.

If a person is blessed with both: There is Ittiba of the Shaykh and the person’s A’maal are improving and increasing, and there is also Khidmat, then the Muhabbat increases even more. A place is created in the heart and due to that Muhabbat, the Shaykh makes Dua for the person.

Sometimes the Shaykh has thousands of Mureeds. He will not be able to remember the names of all his Mureeds and may not even know who the persons are. In one big gathering – there may be one hundred people, two hundred people, five hundred people, who became Bay’at. …Who will you remember every single person?

The one who makes positive changes and his Muhabbat is expressed with Ittiba of the Shaykh, he is the one who wins the heart of the Shaykh.

We are living in times of corruption and there are so many bogus peers and even bogus mureeds. Peers have become bogus too and the mureeds have become bogus too.

Those Mashaa’ik, who are on Haq, have Istighnaa and Qana’at. Their gaze is not on Makhlooq and what the creation will do for them. A Shaykh must not have his gaze on the pockets of anyone. His gaze must be fully focused on Allah Ta’ala – that Allah Ta’ala is the Provider and there is no shortage in the treasures of Allah Ta’ala.

When a Mureed is rendering some khidmat, the mureed too must not think: I’m doing a great favour. He must do Khidmat with Ikhlaas; then there will be a lot of Barakah and benefit in that Bay’at.

As said, the greatest Khidmat is to go through the process of Islaah sincerely – rectifying one’s character, correcting one’s relationship with Allah Ta’ala and the creation and improving in good deeds. That is the Khidmat that is most appreciated. What is the purpose if there are large crowds and nobody is changing his life? Then what happiness is there in this?

Those, who are fraudulent and bogus, are happy with large numbers following them, and are happy so long as you pay their subscription fees and you shower them with material gifts.

Those who are concerned about connecting us with Allah Ta’ala and his Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) will be happy when their mureeds bring changes into their lives and into their Akhlaaq. …This is the area that is most neglected and even if we talk the whole year round on Akhlaaq (character), then it is worthy of being talked about.

You will notice in our discussions that we always come back to Akhlaaq. This is what will build Muhabbat. If there is no Akhlaaq, then as I have already mentioned many, many times, the person who is your friend will become your enemy. If there is Akhlaaq then the enemy also will become your friend. Now it is left to us as to what we want.

If there is Akhlaaq, then the wife will become loving and caring. If there is no Akhlaaq then the wife will distance herself from the husband. She will want out of the marriage. Some wives write about their husbands – that they do not want to have their husbands in Jannah also, because it is so burdensome living with them here in this world.

What kind of life is that?

…The reason for such a wish is that some do not understand that Jannah will not be like the Dunya and every Jannati will have beautiful character.

Or the children say: “We don’t like to have our parents.”, or the parents say, “We don’t like to have our children.” …This is what happens when there is deficiency in Akhlaaq from either side or both sides. Then there must be problems. …If we create magnanimity in our hearts, if we have big hearts, then we can win over our own families.

We cannot share wealth with everybody! Can we share wealth with everybody? How much of wealth can a person share and that too, with everyone?

Even if a king has to say: “I will distribute my wealth to every person in the world”, his treasuries will become empty.

Wealth can only be shared with a certain number of people: with one’s wife, children, and some of the poor, needy and destitute; but not with every single person in the world. On the other hand, the wealth of Akhlaaq is something that can continuously be shared and there will be no decrease in that wealth.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding, the concern and the reality of all that is being conveyed.

Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Tug of War

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

ONCE, I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY to join in an outing with some students of a Hifz class. They were having a picnic at a park. …We all require rest, exercise and some entertainment – but of the Halaal kind.

One of the games that these youngsters were playing was ‘Tug of War’.

After their game, I mentioned that in tug of war, there are two parties pulling a rope. Winning is based on the side that pulls stronger. And I mentioned that we should take a lesson from this:

In life, there is always a tug of war. There is the pull of temptation and sins, and there is the pull of Deen and Shari’ah; there is the pull of the nafs and shaytaan, and there is the pull of the Rooh (soul).

From our side, we have to suppress and overcome the pull of temptation towards Haraam. We have to resist the nafs when it demands and commands to anything Haraam.

To be able to come out as the victorious party – as the champions – we will have to strengthen our Imaan, Istiqaamah and Yaqeen in Allah Ta’ala. In this way, we will be the dominant and stronger side.

If we do not give any attention to building our spiritual stamina, strength and prowess, then we will easily be defeated by the other side. Nafs and shaytaan will not have to pull very hard because spiritually, we will be weak.

So, to maintain the upper-hand at all times, we draw our strength – and great spiritual strength will be drawn – establishing Salaah, five times a day. …For us men, this must be performed in the Masjid, in Jamaat (congregation). Together with this, we need to maintain our identity as Muslims and work towards fulfilling the Commands of Allah Ta’ala – especially, staying away from all those actions which are displeasing to Him.

We should also be selective of the company we keep and seek out friends who are concerned about their Deen and are also trying to be obedient to Allah Ta’ala. If not, then a bad ‘friend’ is no friend. He belongs to the opposite party, with nafs and shaytaan – and will pull hard to draw us into sin. Then we will be defeated.

If the friend is a good friend, then he will assist us and will be on our side, in overcoming the opposition.

In the game of “Tug of War”, there are occasions and times when there is a balance or the other side is stronger.

The weaker side gets the upper-hand when there is a slight lapse. In our day to day lives, this is what we term as ‘accidental’ sins: There is a lapse in our hold of the rope of Taqwa. We lose our grip and shaytaan and nafs gain the upper-hand. To regain control, there is a need for plenty of remorse and Taubah. In this way, we redeem our position of being the stronger side.

Of course, we should allow the nafs Halaal pleasure and entertainment. Having a picnic and playing for a little while is important to keep us refreshed, re-energised and happy. However, we should always be on guard that nafs and shaytaan don’t get any leeway and pull us away from Allah Ta’ala and Deen.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq of becoming tough and strong against nafs and shaytaan.

A Means of Protection

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

In my Duas, I always make mention that we inevitably have to depart from this world. Death is a certainty. However, its time is unknown. Since we do not know where and when and how we are going to die, how can we be engaged in sin? So when making Dua, I say: O Allah, It must not be that the Angel of Death visits anyone of us when we are popping drugs into our mouths, or when we have a bottle of liquor in our hands, or when we are in a casino or an escort agency, or in adultery and fornication, or watching some filthy movie or reading a filthy novel or magazine.

Alhamdulillah, this Dua has been a means of Hidayat (guidance) and protection for many who found their evil habits difficult to give up. When the thought of death and this Dua flashed before them, someone dashed out of a casino, another distanced himself from an escort agency, and others opted for abstinence and self-restraint.

This remembrance of death becomes a barrier between a person and sin.

My Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) often presented the following questions for reflection :

Is sin good or bad ?

…The answer would be ‘Bad’.

Should a bad thing be given up or not ?

… It should be given up.

Should it be given up quickly or slowly ?

… Quickly.

Should it be given up before death or after death ?

…Before death.

Who knows when death will pay its only visit ?

We know fully well that sins should be given up before death. We also know that the hour of death is unknown, and there is no escape therefrom. Should sin not then be given up immediately? …Is there even any time to think when to give it up? …The time to give up sin is now.

My Shaykh (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had composed a couplet that spells out this reality, which we should reflect over :

Strange is the visa of life;
It can be cancelled at any time.
The duration of its validity is unknown
And its extension too, impossible.

Artificial Enjoyment

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Holidays are difficult for students. Most of them do not know what to do to pass their time. The boredom they experience leads them to all kinds of sins : music, television, cinema, theatres, clubs, etc. Even casinos and escort agencies are now being frequented by our youth.

When the ‘thrill’ and ‘enjoyment’ of these sins wears off and the boredom and monotony of the ‘same old thing’ sets in, their boredom leads them to drugs – to induce a high, so that they may experience some artificial enjoyment.

After that ‘high’, they take more and more until they are hooked onto the habit. They become complete wrecks and destroy their lives. They then come crashing right down.

A young girl, who may have been under some sort of intoxicant, and who I was later informed, was from the university, dashed into the Madrasa office one day.

She said : “Maulana, I have a question for you.”

I asked : “What is the question ?”

She replied : “Is it Haraam to take drugs ?”

I said : “No.” This reply must have surprised her. …She probably thought that at least she had found a Maulana who has declared drug-taking as Halaal (lawful).

She fired another question : “Is it perfectly acceptable to take drugs?”

I replied : “Yes.” This must have shocked her even more.

I thereafter explained to her that there are many different types of drugs prescribed by doctors, for various ailments and diseases. Within the prescribed limits, these are permissible. But to take drugs so that you may ‘visit’ the planets and the ‘people of outer space’ or that you may ‘fly without wings’ is definitely not permissible. Such drugs ruin a person’s respect and dignity.

Why was she taking drugs? …Perhaps she was experimenting, or trying to impress, or depressed, or rebelling, or just bored.

Those who believe in Allah Ta’ala and have an intense love for Allah, can never suffer boredom. How can you ever become bored in your search for the Beloved?

Islam is so beautiful and practical as a way of life, that included in its teachings are enjoyment, entertainment and pleasures of the Halaal (lawful) kind in order for one to stay refreshed. It is only left for us to appreciate…

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

from the book “KICKING THE HABIT”

Bridal and Baby Showers

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

There are many customs and trends which have their affiliation with the non-Muslim culture and lifestyle. Many Muslims, due to being afflicted with what appears to be a truly insecure and inferior complex, look towards and choose the customs and trends of the non-Muslims over that of the beautiful Sunnah. It seems as if the need is to secure a kind of acceptance in a non-Muslim society and just blend in with them – so that we are not recognized as Muslims.

Bridal Showers and Baby Showers have become synonymous with the Muslim lifestyle as it is with the rest of the non-Muslim lifestyle. Many may ask: What’s wrong with giving gifts, congratulating the bride-to-be or the new mother, or having a get together with friends?

There is nothing wrong with giving the bride or the new mother, a gift, or congratulating the person. To give a gift and congratulate are from the teachings of Islam – and would draw rewards … but there are conditions to be met in even these noble deeds.

What is extremely wrong and objectionable is the background to these good deeds. They are not within the parameters of Shari’ah.

The picture of a typical bridal shower and baby shower is not typical with the Sunnah. It is typical of the non-Muslim way of life. By following suit, we fall into the sin of “Tashabbu bil Kuffaar” (emulating the disbelievers). It is aligning oneself with those who have rejected Allah Ta’ala, who live their lives in immorality and disobedience.

Nikah is a great Ibaadah. Pregnancy and the birth of a child also have their requisites in Islam. However, the west has commercialized all of these noble occasions, and made them into money-making events. The sacredness of these occasions is forgotten.

…Today, Nikahs have taken on a distinct mould of a Hollywood or Bollywood style wedding – where the bride is dressed to look like a Christian bride or a Bollywood actress – with no sign of Islam on her; and the groom is dressed in a suit and tie, looking like a typical Christian groom.

Adding insult to injury is the extravagance and open sin at the time of the wedding and Walimah. One’s mind moves in the direction of the millions and millions who are suffering famine and starvation, who have no home, no water, no food, no clothing – but the Muslim ignores all that suffering just for some fleeting attention and praise.

All those hundreds of thousands of Rands wasted on draping a hall, on dressing the chairs, on wine glasses, on musicians, photography, on wedding cards that are thrown away, etc. is money, which could have been the means of alleviating the plight of so many suffering people.

One brother handed me an elaborate invitation card for his daughter’s wedding. I enquired as to the cost of the wedding card, and was told that each card cost R50. Advising him, I told him that almost all people throw away wedding cards. People generally dispose of them. So he should regard that as people throwing away hundreds of his R50 notes. Would he throw R50 notes into a bin? No. However, the throwing away of those cards is equal to throwing away R50 notes. That same money could have been used in making the Aakhirah.

Even those who are known to be religious will waste thousands on halls, on décor, etc. sacrificing the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Those who were meant to set the noble example of the Sunnah, who we expect are living the Sunnah – knowingly choose to forsake the Sunnah. Simplicity, which is part of Imaan, is a rare sight in these times.

Hazrat ‘Ayesha (Radhiyallahu ‘anha) related that Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: ‘Verily, the most blessed Nikah is that which involves the least difficulty (expenditure).’

We have a perfect Sunnah – a perfect way of life in the life of our Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) and in the lives of his companions, men and women. We have what is superior to all other cultures yet we consider everything else. It shows great weakness if we give preference to the culture of the Christians, Jews and Idolators over the noble Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam). We are exchanging diamonds for stones… and what an unprofitable exchange this is! What a great loss!

Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) said: “Whoever emulates a nation is from amongst them.”

In another Hadith, it is stated: “A person is with whom he loves.”

Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) also said that we will be raised on the Day of Judgment with those whom we imitate in this worldly life. (May Allah Ta’ala save us from such disgrace and humiliation.)

Emulating the non-Muslim culture is one downfall but there are many more that are found in the Bridal and Baby Showers.

The non-Muslims have coined a novel concept of begging – especially amongst the upper-class. It seems as if some, from amongst the wealthy, have developed an art to begging. They even have a name for it. In the name of Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Registries, people gracefully and politely extend their hands, and they ask and take from others.

The bride-to-be chooses her gifts from exclusive stores that offer a “registry” or she unashamedly hands out a list of those items she wants gifted to her. In the process, she places pressure and financial difficulty and sometimes a great burden on others – to purchase those gifts that she has chosen.

At the get-together, these gifts and other gifts are presented to the bride-to-be, who opens them and shows them to all present – and each person can assess the kind of money that was spent on the gift given. Let us now consider the various wrongs in this act:

A person is forced to purchase gifts that the bride has chosen – which may be beyond her budget in spending.

A person who gives something simple or inexpensive will feel ashamed and embarrassed, considering the manner in which gifts are being received and shown to others.

The Hadith encourages giving gifts because giving gifts creates Muhabbah (love). If Muhabbah is not created then this proves that either the giver or receiver in insincere. Sometimes, people give with intentions other than expressing their Muhabbah. However, there are many who request or are desirous of receiving and there is a kind of greed from the receiving side. This request or expectation (Ishraaf) reveals insincerity from the one who is receiving.

A gift must be given happily and willingly – and should be received graciously and thankfully. This is the Sunnah. However, when we ask of people, as in the case of registries, etc. – people will give, but they give unhappily and unwillingly. And if some gift is given, which is not to our liking, then we receive it without any appreciation and thanks. This is our lamentable condition.

Another aspect that has also been brought to attention is the immorality and shamelessness at such gatherings – with indecent talk, shameless dressing by Muslim women, inappropriate games, music, dancing and such filthy entertainment, that we would not want to bring on to our tongues. It is not permissible for a person to attend such gatherings. The Shari’ah instructs us:

“IT IS NOT PERMISSIBLE TO BE PRESENT IN A GATHERING WHERE ALLAH TA’ALA IS BEING DISOBEYED.”

Moreover, a person’s presence is aiding in promoting and glorifying what is not permissible. We are told not to assist each other in sin; rather to assist in what is righteous:

“Help each other in righteousness and piety, and do not help each other in sin and aggression.”
[Surah Al-Maa’idah 5 : 2]

A bride-to-be is known for her modesty and shyness – but all of this is lost in adopting the culture of the non-Muslims. Their dressing and their fashion nurtures immodesty. Added to this, these sins are publicized and photographs are taken and uploaded on social media – for all and sundry to view the level of our degeneration.

The heart bleeds at this miscarriage of the Sunnah. …Nay, this abortion of the Sunnah. How will we meet our Beloved Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) on the Day of Judgment? How will we show our faces to the one whose entire life was sacrificed so that today we be the reciters of the Kalimah?

May Allah Ta’ala have mercy upon us since we stand to lose by adopting this culture. If we continue in this line and direction, we will lose the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and we will lose the great rewards for enlivening and practising the Sunnah.

We also stand to lose the companionship of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayh wasallam) at the fountain of Kauthar on the Day of Judgment and even stand to lose the success of our marriages due to having sacrificed the beautiful, noble Sunnah by means of our emulation of the Hollywood and Bollywood culture.

If our allegiance is to Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), then there should be no delay in repentance and mending our ways and coming back to what is pure and beautiful – Islam and the Sunnah. In this, is the success of both worlds.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding, the concern and the Taufeeq of Aml.

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

When Inviting to Islam

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

When we talk to a non-Muslim, we argue about his ‘book’. This is not the starting point of Da’wah (inviting to Islam).

First talk to the person about Islam: Its beauty, purity and perfection. In this manner, the flaws and loopholes of the other religion becomes evident and manifest.

If the person has an interest, he will ask questions. We should then answer the questions truthfully and with Hikmah (wisdom). There should not be an apologetic attitude when it comes to those aspects of Islam which non-Muslims frown upon, object to, or criticize. Everything of Islam has been established by the One Who is All-Wise and All-Knowing, for the good of man.

Attacking, vilifying and insulting the person’s religion, when inviting him to Islam, will lead to defence and attack from the non-Muslim, especially if he is a staunch adherent of his beliefs. He will also not want to listen further to our discussion, since he will consider anything derogatory to be blasphemous.

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb

(Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh)

Anaa’niyyat and Fanaa’iyyat

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

There are two opposing conditions, which are found in people. These are: Anaa’niyyat and Fanaa’iyyat.

Anaa’niyyat means that everything is about “me”, or about: “I, me and myself”. At all times life revolves around me and myself. That’s all.

The person puts himself first, gives preference to himself and believes that he is important. The person wants to be recognized wherever he goes – that he is somebody. If he is not recognized, he is offended. If he goes to some Majlis and people do not shake his hand and acknowledge his presence, he is upset. The thinking is: I am such a great person and people are not showing any kind of interest.

The inner desire is to be recognized and to be known. Such a condition indicates that the person is in the firm grip of his own nafs.

This is Anaa’niyyat. Everything is ‘ana’, ‘ana’, ‘ana’ (I, I, I).

When there is Anaa’niyyat, Allah Ta’ala destroys.

When the sheep is alive, it bleats. It repeatedly says: ‘Meh meh meh”. This is the sheep that comes under the knife for slaughter. When the nafs is alive, and its condition is ‘ana, ana, ana’, then that person comes under the punishment of Allah Ta’ala and is humbled; is destroyed.

On the other hand, there is the person who develops Fana’iyyat: He annihilates himself. There is no “me, myself and I”.

…One girl had a proposal from someone. I am not mentioning any name and no one knows who I am talking about. In her e-mail, she mentioned her level of Taqwa. She said: ‘I have a high level of Taqwa. There is someone who is proposing marriage. However, I do not want his level of Taqwa to be lower than mine. He must be able to increase my level of Taqwa.”

Part of the reply that was given was: “I have to caution you with regard to your claim of your Taqwa being of a very high level. This is very dangerous. …All those who are of a high level of Taqwa consider themselves to be insignificant; they consider themselves to be the most sinful ones on earth. Allah Ta’ala then places in the hearts of people, Husne Zann (good opinion) and Thanaa (praise) – that the person is a person of Taqwa. Those who have Taqwa do not make loud and bold claims, because they have annihilated themselves.”

They have made Fanaa of their nafs. On that Fanaa, Allah Ta’ala gives them “Baqaa”. Allah Ta’ala keeps their names, keeps their works, keeps their Bayanaat, their Uloom and their Naseehah alive, because they made Fanaa. …Whereas the one who is always chasing after name and fame and prominence, then Allah Ta’ala gives him or her, “Fanaa”. Allah Ta’ala destroys. …This “Fanaa” and destruction has a different meaning to Fanaa of the nafs.

Allah Ta’ala dislikes and disapproves that the servant makes a claim and testifies to his or her own purity and piety. Allah Ta’ala says:

“…So do not claim purity for yourselves. He knows best who is God-fearing.”

[Surah An-Najm 53 : 32]

It is most definitely Allah Ta’ala’s Fadhl and Karam upon any person, if the person progresses in this path of Islaah and Tazkiyyah:

“…Had it not been for the grace of Allah upon you, and His Mercy, not a single person from you would have ever attained purity. But Allah purifies whomsoever He wills. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”

[Surah An-Noor 24 : 21]

The Mashaa’ik used to train their Mureeds in many different ways. Hazrat Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) was a Mureed of Hazrat Haaji Imadadullah (Rahmatullah ‘alayh) and in that Ta-alluq, he became very close to his Shaykh. …However, consider the training he received from his Shaykh:

He was seated at the Dastarkhan with his Shaykh. When the food came from Hazrat Haaji Saheb’s home, one plate contained very delicious kofta (kabaab). The other plate contained a simple type of gravy. Hazrat Haaji Saheb (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) kept the kabaab aside and gave Maulana Gangohi (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) the simple gravy.

As they were eating, Hazrat Zamin Shaheed (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) walked in. On seeing them eating, he addressed Hazrat Haaji Saheb (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) and said: “Why do you not pass the kofta also to Rashid Ahmad?”

Upon this, Hazrat Haaji Saheb (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) replied, with the object of testing his Mureed: “He (Maulana Gangohi) should be grateful that I am allowing him to even eat with me. In fact, I had intended to give him a piece of bread in his hand and for him to eat elsewhere!”

While he said this, he also watched the reaction of Maulana Gangohi (Rahmatullah ‘alaih). Hazrat Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) did not take any offence on this statement and his facial expression also did not change in any way. He himself said: “Alhamdulillah! There was no effect on my heart. I accepted that whatever Haaji Saheb had said, was the truth. In fact, to get a piece of bread from him was a great favour, regardless of the way it was obtained.”

…When someone is a little upset, it is easy to make out that he is upset.

Another person would have said that he is being humiliated and disgraced and shamed. But these were the type of tests they went through in the past.

Today, Mureeds would say: “What does this Shaykh think of himself? Does he think I can’t have good food at home?” …The person would leave. He would go home. Finished.

Most Mureeds today don’t have that same capacity or appreciation. So the present day Mashaa’ik, understanding the nature of people, adopt a somewhat lenient approach. Of course, there will be discipline but they understand the nature of the people is not the same.

The objective is the reformation of the Mureed. Some inexperienced people constantly reproach and admonish their Mureeds or students. They reprimand and reprimand. This indicates that there is no correct understanding and no skill of how to make Islaah. Each person is different. Each person’s temperament is different. And the Shaykh has to understand the temperament of each Mureed. There are some who will take a harsh reprimand but others may just disappear altogether – and then they will lose out on the benefits of the Suhbat and the Ta’leem of the Shaykh.

Even the Shaykh and the Ustaadh need to check why they are reprimanding. Is it motivated by nafs or is it a sincere concern for the Mureed to progress in this path or the student to excel in his studies?

So these are the aspects of Sulook that need to be learnt: To make Fanaa of one’s self!

Once that Azmat of Allah Ta’ala enters the heart, the person will not think anything of himself.

Nabi (Sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) taught us the Dua:

اَللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِيْ فِيْ عَيْنِيْ صَغِيْرًا وَ فِيْ اَعْيُنِ النَّاسِ كَبِيْرًا

“O Allah, make me small (insignificant) in my own eyes, and make me great (significant) in the eyes of the people.”

Meaning, in my heart, I should think of myself as very small, as insignificant, as nobody, but in the hearts of people, Allah Ta’ala places respect and Azmat (honour).

If people are not going to have Azmat in their hearts, who will listen? If a person is addicted to drugs or is known as a womanizer or is a gambler or involved in other major sins, and if the person is told to sit on the Mimbar and give a Bayaan, will anyone listen to his Bayaan, with Azmat? …We know, and the public knows, what sins he is engaging in. …Will people make special requests that he makes Dua for them? … No.

Why?

Because there is no Azmat in the hearts of the people and no Azmat in the sight of the people.

Ask Allah Ta’ala to give us Azmat, but in our own sight, in our own hearts, we must not think of ourselves as people of worth and esteem. There must be Fana’iyyat. However, this is a process. Fana’iyyat is not just saying: ‘I’m nothing!’. Words are very easy to utter, but the reality is something else. The reality requires Islaah, Tazkiyyah and Mujahadah.

My Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had said that sometimes a person tries to project an image of humility and self-effacement; he wants to be known as a very pious and humble man. So he will say: “I’m nothing. I’m absolutely nothing.” …But if a person were to agree with him and say: “Yes, you are nothing.” – then his colour changes and he becomes angry. Why? Because there is no Haqeeqat; no reality.

This Fanaa’iyyat is achieved when the connection with one’s Shaykh is sincere, and the Mureed plays his part as a Mureed should, by informing the Shaykh of his spiritual ailments, accepting and following through with the guidance and direction, with the spiritual medication and prescriptions of the Shaykh. All of this requires humility and surrender – but how many are prepared to humble themselves?

Yet it is in humbling oneself, undertaking this process of Islaah and bringing this reality in us, that Allah Ta’ala will grant elevation and Baqaa.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah elevates him.”

We should not do, seeking elevation and Baqaa. We should do for the sake of Allah Ta’ala.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us complete and correct understanding and the Taufeeq of reforming ourselves. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the qualities of Istighnaa, Qanaa’at, Tawakkul and Yaqeen in Him.

To Forgive Others...

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

We should try and keep in mind the many virtues regarding forgiving those who wrong us. Allah Ta’ala will, Insha-Allah, reward us in different ways. We will become the beneficiaries of great good:

1.) ALLAH TA’ALA WILL FORGIVE US:

Allah Ta’ala says:

“Let them forgive and overlook. Do you not wish that Allah should also forgive you? Indeed Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

[Surah An-Noor 24: 22]

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “He who forgives the faults of a Muslim, Allah will forgive his faults on the Day of Resurrection.”^[1]

2.) ALLAH TA’ALA WILL LOVE US:

“Those who control their anger and are forgiving towards people; Allah loves those who do good.”

[Surah Aal-Imraan 3: 134]

3.) ALLAH TA’ALA WILL GRANT HONOUR :

Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Charity does not decrease wealth; no one forgives except that Allah increases his honour, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.”^[2]

It is much easier on the heart that we forgive and let the past remain in the past, than hold onto it, carry it with us, and remain unhappy, depressed and miserable. This burden bogs a person down. Many a time, holding onto the past deprives a person of productivity and being able to live life, successfully.

[1] Ibn Hibban

[2] Sahih Muslim

Qurbani

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Allah Ta’ala states regarding the lofty act of Qurbani:

لَنْ يَّنَالَ اللّٰهَ لُحُوْمُهَا وَلَا دِمَاۤؤُهَا وَلٰكِنْ يَّنَالُهُ التَّقْوٰﮮ مِنْكُمْ ^ط كَذٰلِكَ سَخَّرَهَا لَكُمْ لِتُكَبِّرُوا اللّٰهَ عَلٰى مَا هَدٰىكُمْ ^ط وَبَشِّرِ الْمُحْسِنِيْنَ ◌

“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good.”

[Surah Al-Hajj 22: 37]

Sadly, despite the knowledge disseminated of the merits and virtues of Qurbani and its obligatory nature, there are many who have the ability and means, yet they still present excuses of not having the money to undertake Qurbani. I am not talking about the poor and needy who are exempt from Qurbani. I am talking about those who are sitting with so many luxuries and they still ask if Qurbani is Waajib (obligatory) or not.

…Let us not take this act of Ibaadah so lightly. It is a great and very important Sunnah that has to be upheld, and it is compulsory for those who have the means to do so. Every adult Muslim, male and female, who owns 612.36 grams of silver or its equivalent in money, personal ornaments, stock-in-trade or any other form of wealth which is in excess of the person’s basic personal needs, is obligated to offer Qurbani.

It is also incorrect that we only promote Qurbani as a charitable undertaking – as something to assist the poor and needy – in different parts of the world. This is what is being highlighted in our advertisements and notices: That Qurbani be undertaken to distribute to the suffering Ummah, throughout the world.

Indeed, distributing to the poor is a great benefit of Qurbani. And similarly in all Ibaadaat, we will find that there are great benefits. However, the benefit is not the objective. This is something that should be understood.

The objective of Hajj is not just to meet everyone on Arafat, even though it is a congregation of millions of Muslims from around the world. The objective of fasting is not to lose weight, even though we are eating far less than usual. Similarly, the objective of Qurbani is not just to feed the poor. This is not the purpose.

If a person slaughters his animal or many animals, before the Eid Salaah, and then distributes all of that meat to the poor and needy, then even though that kind of generosity is very noble, every Mufti will say that the Qurbani is not valid, and for the Qurbani to be valid, it has to be done after the Eid Salaah. …In a town, if the Eid Salaah is performed at different venues, then after the first Eid Salaah, Qurbani will be valid.

Added to this, there are other rules, regulations and conditions to be fulfilled and met for Qurbani to be valid. …This shows that the Qurbani animal is different. Therefore Allah Ta’ala says:

لَنْ يَّنَالَ اللّٰهَ لُحُوْمُهَا وَلَا دِمَاۤؤُهَا وَلٰكِنْ يَّنَالُهُ التَّقْوٰﮮ مِنْكُمْ ^ط

“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. ”

[Surah Al-Hajj 22: 37]

So Qurbani is not charity. If Qurbani is only charity, then how can we eat of it? Can we utilize our Zakaat – or a portion of it – for ourselves? No.

Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) ate from his own Qurbani – but he (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would not eat of Sadaqah.

So Qurbani should be done seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.

Sadly, most people opt to give their money to different organisations, so that their Qurbani is discharged without any labour. To give money is very easy but this is not the spirit of Qurbani.

If we just send our money to the neighbouring countries or overseas, then we are depriving ourselves and our children of the spirit of sacrifice.

Yes, send the Nafl Qurbanis to other places – if you wish to – and where the people will benefit. However, at least make one or two at home. Let the children see and take lesson. We ourselves need to see and take lesson.

In enlivening this Sunnah, we take so many beautiful lessons. The heart and the soul are stirred to move in the direction of submission to Allah Ta’ala.

We see how the sheep or goat or other Qurbani animal is made to lie down, and how its gives its life in the name of Allah Ta’ala. And we take lesson that just as that sheep sacrificed its life on the Hukm of Allah Ta’ala, so we, who are the servants of Allah Ta’ala, should be sacrificing our evil desires. In fact, our whole lives should be sacrificed for Allah Ta’ala.

Our respected Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) presented a wonderful analogy. Hazrat asked: “When does the sun rise?”

As we all know, it rises when the horizon turns red.

Hazrat then explained: “Just as the sun rises when the horizon turns red, similarly, the suns of Allah Ta’ala’s Muhabbat and Ma’rifat will rise when the horizons of the heart turn red with the blood of one’s evil desires, which have been sacrificed for Allah Ta’ala.”

Qurbani is the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam) and we must remember that Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam) was not slaughtering a ram or sheep. The knife was placed on his beloved son. That was the test and what a test! After making Dua for a son and being granted a son, the Command is then to slaughter that very beloved son.

Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam) was Khaleelullah – the Friend of Allah Ta’ala, and he proved his love for Allah Ta’ala. It was not just a claim. It was supported by his entire life – which was clear proof of Ishq. And Ishq is something, that when it comes into the heart, it cannot be hidden. It is something which is evident in speech, in action – in everything and in every way.

We find that there was no questioning any of Allah Ta’ala’s Commands. There was immediate submission to every Command. …We should ask ourselves: What have we done to validate our claim of loving Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam)?

Hazrat Isma’eel (Alaihis Salaam) was Zabeehullah. We find that there was no objection on hearing the Command of Allah Ta’aala; only immediate submission.

Imagine that scene: The son willingly and unhesitatingly tells his father to go ahead in fulfilling the Command of Allah Ta’ala.

قَالَ يٰٓأَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ^ز سَتَجِدُنِىْٓ إِنْ شَآءَ اللّٰهُ مِنَ الصّٰبِرِيْنَ ◌

“(The son) said : ‘O my father! Do as you are commanded: You will find me, if Allah so wills, practising patience and constancy.”

[Surah As-Saffaat 37 : 102]

Both father and son passed their tests with flying colours. And these were very great and difficult tests. … We are not being tested like that. Allah Ta’ala made it easy for us.

Despite the ease, we cannot even put the knife on our Haraam desires … yet, if we sacrifice our Haraam desires, we will benefit. We, ourselves, will be the beneficiaries.

I often say that in the word “Haraam”, there is the word “harm”. The outcome of Haraam will always be harm. And considering the double ‘a’ in the transliteration, we will experience double Harm: Harm in this world and Harm in the next. There is just no goodness. Sins bring restless, anxiety and a host of problems.

What is required is for us to place the knife over the animal within us. What is required is to place the knife over our anger – our unjustified anger; and place the knife over our greed, evil passions, jealousy and other evils.

Allah Ta’ala commands us to wake up for Fajr, to read our five Salaah, daily, in the Masjid, to fulfil the other rights of Allah Ta’ala and the rights of Creation. And we are commanded to stay clear, to stay far away, from whatever Allah Ta’ala has declared as Haraam. And in this easy way, gain the Muhabbat of Allah Ta’ala and enjoy the best of both worlds.

…There is so much to discuss about the Hajj that will be taking place and everything relating to this Mubarak month: The Farewell Hajj, the unforgettable sermon given by Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), the Qurbani, and the great virtues of these Mubarak days and nights. We must not depend on only the Jumu`ah talk to learn Deen. We should seek to know and understand all these important events in our beautiful history as well as learn the related Masaa`il of the different Ibaadaat we are commanded to do.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us a good, proper understanding and the Taufeeq of striving to earn His Pleasure.

Zul Hijjah | Great Opportunities for Great Profits

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Allah Ta’ala takes a Qasm by the first ten nights of Zul Hijjah:

“By the dawn And [by] ten nights.”

[Surah Al-Fajr 89 : 1/2]

When Allah Ta’ala is taking a Qasm on the blessedness and status of these nights, then there can be no doubt of the greatness of these nights.

Allah Ta’ala is the Creator of the Universe, and Allah Ta’ala has created the days and the nights. As far as the hours of the days and nights, there is no question of different hours. Each day has a fixed twenty four hours.

…We describe certain days of our lives as “memorable” and “enjoyable” and we describe certain days of our lives as “miserable” and “sad”. This alludes to the actions or the happenings of that day, which made the day memorable or miserable.

So certain days become distinguished for us due to the actions that transpired on those days.

As far as Shari’ah is concerned, there is no such thing as the day itself having any misfortune. There is no “bad-luck” day – as people may regard some days. Our deeds make a day good or bad. If we engage in good deeds – we perform our Salaah, fulfil the rights of Allah Ta’ala and the creation, take care of the poor, fast, engage in Zikrullah, Tilawah, Dua and other righteous deeds, so that day is a good day; a bright day. If we spend the day in bad deeds – in Zina, in watching porn, swearing, stealing, dealing in interest or engaging in other vices, we have made the day a bad day; a “dark” day. Such a day is not a blessed day for the person, because he disobeyed Allah Ta’ala in that day.

Allah Ta’ala chose these days and nights of Zul Hijjah for Ibaadah. And Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), who was the most truthful and who received Wahi (revelation) also informed us as of the speciality of these days and nights and how to occupy our time, whereby we gain the maximum profits of this period of time – this peak period for the Ibaadah of Allah Ta’ala.

Not only did Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) present to us the greatness of these days and nights, he practically demonstrated the actions that should be carried out during this very Mubarak time.

Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was sinless. No one can engage in more Ibaadah, Zikr, Da’wah, and other good as he did; yet look at how he would stand for hours and hours in Salaah – until his Mubarak feet would swell, and look at how he would place his head in Sajdah for so long that his beloved wife, Hazrat Ayesha (Radhiyallahu anha) would fear his soul had departed. Despite all the responsibilities that were entrusted upon him, he would give exclusive time to the Ibaadah of Allah Ta’ala.

So whatever he invited to, he practised upon.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”

The people asked: “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?”

He said: “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out, giving himself and his wealth up for the cause (of Allah Ta’ala), and came back with nothing.”^[1]

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) also directed us towards how to occupy our time: “No days are as weighty with Allah and so liked by Him for good deeds than the first ten days of Zul Hijjah. So on these days increasingly read: Subhanallah, La ilaaha illallaah, Alhamdulillah and Allahu Akbar.”[2]

And Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “On no days is the worship of Allah desired more than in the first ten days of Zul Hijjah. The fast of each of these days is equal to the fast of a whole year, and the Ibaadah (worship) of each of these nights is equal to the Ibaadah of Laylatul Qadr.”[3]

We have to search for Laylatul Qadr in Ramadaan, and here Allah Ta’ala is giving us the rewards of Laylatul Qadr, on each of these nights of Zul Hijjah – indicating their blessedness and greatness.

Sadly, we have become of those who ask: Is it Fardh? Is it Waajib?

…We have learnt the definition of the Fiqh terms: Fardh, Waajib, Sunnah, and so forth, so that whatever is not Fardh, we may leave it out. This is our attitude: If something is Nafl, Mustahab, Ghair Muakkadah – we just leave it out. We don’t include it in our timetable, and if it is there, we strike it off, once we learn that it is optional and can be left out, and there is no sin in not carrying it out.

The Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu anhum) did not have this weak approach to Deen, this offhand attitude to Deen and this laziness in practising on Deen – as we have. No. …They strived in even those actions which were optional. Their sound intellect and their deep understanding were evident in the fact that their entire lives were sacrificed upon the Sunnah. They spent their lives seeking Allah Ta’ala’s Pleasure and Jannah, and raising the flag of Islam wherever they went.

How different we are! Our condition becomes apparent when we see how our lives are sacrificed for Dunya; for what is temporary and what will be left behind when we depart from this world.

Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) 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.”[4]

In the light of this Hadith, we can gauge which category we fall into.

Unfortunately and very sadly, we look at the bare minimum when it comes to Ibaadaat. …Why is it that we do not settle for the bare minimum when it comes to our clothing, our cars, our homes and other material items? Why are we not content with the bare necessities of life, like how we are content with the bare necessities of Deen?

Do we require a very luxury car to get from one place to another? Is this a necessity? …Yes, it is permissible, if the person has a correct intention and there is no pride, arrogance and boasting. But how unfortunate that we choose the best in material commodities and we do not seek the best in spiritual commodities: Al-Baaqiyatus Saalihaat (the everlasting, enduring good deeds). Allah Ta’ala presents to us what is better – so that we profit tremendously.

“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better

for [one’s] hope.”

[Surah Al-Kahf 18 : 46]

Allah Ta’ala is seeking from us the best of deeds, not the best of material possessions:

“[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.”

[Surah Al-Mulk 67 : 2]

What was the purpose of these virtues which are related in these Ahādith?

Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) loved the Ummah. He wanted for every Ummati to enter Jannah, with the maximum rewards. So these virtues were presented to us that we appreciate and work in achieving all the rewards attached to these days and nights.

We want maximum profits on worldly investments. We appreciate the person who directs us to the right investments – because that will yield great profits, big returns. We value such friendship and welcome such wonderful advice. However, we do not appreciate Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) nor consider his priceless advice and guidance, which will earn for us the vast and immense profits of the Aakhirah (Hereafter).

Ibaadaat yield Sawaab (rewards). This is the currency of the Aakhirah. This is what we need to take with us.

When we travel in the world, we require certain currency. Not every type of currency will be accepted in a country.

If a person takes Zimbabwean Dollars, then that kind of money will be useless and won’t be accepted in any other country. Moreover, we will require a massive suitcase to carry those dollars. …When I went to Zimbabwe, then a few dollars made me a millionaire. At one stage, a hundred-billion-dollar and a hundred-trillion-dollar bill were the currency in Zimbabwe …but that amount could not even purchase a bus ticket[5].

Our condition is that we are traveling towards the Hereafter but we are not accumulating the much needed currency of the Hereafter. We have very little. And we will require a lot of currency. Nothing except good deeds will help us.

If we accumulate only the Rands, Dollars and Pounds of this world, and give no attention to securing that wealth which will make us multi-rich in the next life, we will find ourselves to be paupers – and full of regret and remorse for having wasted the opportunity of becoming rich in the true sense of the word.

These blessed days and nights are a manifestation of Allah Ta’ala’s great love for us. Out of His Infinite Generosity, He gives us these wonderful opportunities whereby we multiply our rewards and gain the bounties of Jannah with ease, Insha-Allah.

Added to this, Allah Ta’ala’s floodgates of Mercy and Forgiveness are wide open – and are not restricted to only the Hujjaaj; rather it is for the entire Ummah.

Of course, these fasts are not in the category of the Ramadaan fasts, which are Fardh. These fasts are Nafl. So if a person has many responsibilities or his health is ailing, and fasting will weaken him or prevent him from fulfilling his duties at work, etc. then the person should not fast. There is no sin.

However, we should be desirous that if we had the ability, we would have kept these fasts – and on just that good intention, the rewards are secured, Insha-Allah. Where we can keep two or three or at least the fast of the 9^th of Zul Hijjah, then let us try and gain the rewards, Insha-Allah.

If a person does not engage in any extra deeds, then the least he should do is abstain from all sins. Don’t spend this Mubarak time displeasing Allah Ta’ala.

Let it not be that our attitude is: We don’t care. We will not give up our sins. We will continue as we like.

How will we then face Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) on the Day of Qiyamah? If he has to hold our garments and say: You claimed to be my Ummatees and you want the drink of Kauthar? – But where did you spend those days and nights? How did your spend those days and nights, despite me informing you of their blessedness?

… How will we answer?

Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jeelani (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had related that Allah Ta’ala rewards a person for honouring and appreciating these ten days and nights. Some of the rewards mentioned are:

1.) Barakah in one’s life: In a little time, Allah Ta’ala grants so much. It may be a short span of life, but the person achieves much in his time. We see this in the lives of our Akaabir, who were able to do great work of Dien in their lives.

2.) Barakah in one’s Rizq : Whether a little or a lot, there will be blessings.

3.) Protection of wealth, property and children.

4.) Forgiveness of sins

5.) The pangs of death become easy.

6.) The scale of good deeds will be weighty

7.) Protection from Hell.

8.) Increase in stages in Jannah

For the Friends of Allah Ta’ala, these days are like another Ramadaan to enjoy. For them, this is another occasion to take from Allah Ta’ala’s treasures and enjoy the abundant Anwaar.

Come, let us join the ranks of Allah Ta’ala’s close and beloved friends by appreciating these great opportunities and enjoying the great profits in both worlds. Let us give up sins and move in the direction of Allah Ta’ala’s obedience and pleasure.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and Taufeeq.

[1] Sahih Bukhari

[2] Musnad Ahmad

[3] Tirmidhi / Ibn Majah

[4] Tirmidhi

[5] This was around 2008 – 2009, when the Zimbabwean currency became very weak.

WHY?

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

A woman called and asked that if Allah Ta’ala is so fair and just, then why do women get half the share of men in the matter of inheritance.

This disease of WHY? has to be cured. It is a disease and a very serious disease. It can lead to Kufr, because this kind of questioning means, that if we do not understand, we will not accept. نَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰهِ مِنْ ذٰلِك

This attitude is extremely dangerous for a person’s Imaan.

Allah Ta’ala prescribes only what is good for us. He is both Haakim (One Who Commands) and Hakeem (The Wise). He Orders and Commands with great wisdom.

Yes, Allah Ta’ala created “AQL” and reason and we make use of these faculties, but this is not the starting point of Shari’ah (Islamic Law). The starting point is the Qur`aan Shareef and Ahaadeeth.

As Muslims, we say that we believe in Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). We say that we believe in the Qur`aan Shareef. We are thus bound to accept every Commandment of Allah Ta’ala.

One reason as to why a man gets twice the share of inheritance in comparison to the female is that Allah Ta’ala did not place any burden or financial responsibility upon women.

As a daughter, her father has to maintain and provide for her. As a wife, her husband is obliged to maintain and provide for her. Her expenditure is nil. On the other hand, the male has to utilize his share of inheritance to also take care of his mother and sisters.

The Qur`aan Shareef and the Ahkaam of Allah Ta’ala are full of Hikmah (wisdom). We need not to question Shari’ah; rather, we need to question our own weaknesses.

We should work on developing our Imaan, in the light of the outstanding attribute of the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahi ‘anhum) which was:

‘…WE HEAR AND WE OBEY…’
[SURAH AN-NOOR 24 : 51]

Overcoming Jealousy

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Allah Ta’ala, in His Infinite Wisdom, which we, with our limited intelligence cannot comprehend, distributes amongst mankind of His bounties. Wealth, intelligence, health, beauty and all other goodness are given by Allah Ta’ala.

There is no need to burn the heart over someone else’s gifts, fortunes and possessions. Harbouring jealousy in the heart only harms the one who is jealous, ruins his peace of mind, torments his heart, and destroys his own good deeds.

It mentioned in a Hadeeth: “Beware of jealousy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood.”^[1]

Hazrat Maulana Shah Muhammad Ahmad Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) aptly conveyed the reality of jealousy in his poetry:

“Why are you burning yourself in the fire of jealousy?

Why are walking towards the Fire of Hell?

Are you unhappy with the distribution made by

Allah, Himself?

Why are you rubbing the palms of your hands in deep regret?”

Expel the evil of jealousy from the heart. Seek goodness from Allah Ta’ala and make the correct effort by making use of the Halaal means to acquire what is permissible to acquire. Be satisfied and content with whatever is achieved.

[1] Abu Dawood

Do not delay Nikah

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

If the proposal has taken place, make the so-called engagement, the Nikah[1], and whatever is to be given to the girl, make that the Mahr[2].

To delay in performing Nikah, which in itself takes only a few minutes, leads to many problems. A person called saying that his daughter who is engaged is already four months pregnant. The question asked: Will the child be regarded as legitimate or illegitimate?

If a child is born before six months of the marriage has passed, it is regarded as illegitimate.

Because of delay in performing the Nikah, a child will now be illegitimate.

One young Muslim girl studying at one of the universities called me and said that she is overcome by the guilt of her sins. She is proposed but her parents said that the Nikah can only be performed after she completes her studies and qualifies. They were not willing to have the Nikah performed before her graduation. She said, herself, that in two years, she had three abortions and now cannot live with the guilt.

These are realities which many parents do not want to consider because of their selfish reasons.

To delay Nikah so that the Nikah will be performed at a certain Ijtima, Jalsa, or that some Buzurg may perform the Nikah are also not valid reasons in delaying Nikah.

In a Hadeeth related by Hazrat ‘Ali (Radhiyallaahu ‘anhu), Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) mentioned three matters wherein there should be no delay:

1.) Salaah when its time arrives,

2.) Offering the Janazah Salaah when the body is brought forth (after the completion of the washing) and

3.) Marriage of a woman whose match is found.[3]

Hazrat Abdur Rahmaan Ibn Auf (Radhiyallaahu ‘anhu) married without even inviting Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), who was present in Madina Munawwarah at the time. That was the simplicity and quickness of their Nikahs.

May Allah Ta’ala give us the understanding and the Taufeeq of setting noble examples, and discarding all the fanfare, with halls, with receptions and with décor – which is extravagance and wastage.

[1] Nikah : Marriage

[2] Mahr : Dowry

[3] Tirmidhi

Which Team are You In?

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

THE FITNAH OF WORLD CUP AND OTHER SPORTING EVENTS

…FLEE TO ALLAH TA’ALA!

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

We all know that there are certain snakes and scorpions which are extremely dangerous, and when they attack, their venom or sting causes great harm and can even lead to death. Lions, cheetahs and other wild animals attack, maim and kill. However, their harm is on the physical body – and the physical body must inevitably die.

Then we have the snakes and scorpions and the wild animals that attack the soul and they attack the Imaan of the person. They sometimes maim and even kill the person’s Imaan and spirituality.

There is no doubt that the environment is a jungle of Fitnah and Fasaad : It is extremely dangerous, with its vicious Fitnahs.

And now we find ourselves in a period of time where we also have the missiles of Fitnah targeting the Imaan of the Muslims and bombs of Fitnah raining down upon the Muslims.

For those who want to restrain themselves and please Allah Ta’ala, these times are a real Jihaad because there are even those who are outwardly Deendaar but who advocate, promote and support these Fitnahs.

On the outside, there is Deen, there is the garb of the pious – but the person is caught up in the same Fitnahs. So many watch on the television or go to those places… Young children have written or wives have written that the fathers or husbands, who are otherwise so Deendaar, forego their Salaah in Jamaat, or even their Salaah, because they are viewing the World Cup or the Cricket or the Rugby or other sport on television. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi ra’jioon.

We all know that the World Cup is a tsunami of Fitnahs – It is an International upsurge of sins. What not takes place and happens at these events – and we lend ourselves to all of these sins. There is so much of Haraam, which is as clear as daylight – but we still justify our viewing and participation.

We should hang our heads in shame if we are projecting the image of piety to the world, but are obeying shaytaan in private. This is what is termed as hypocrisy; Nifaaq. It is the currency of the time. The person has two faces : A public face and a private face.

But we cannot hide our true selves from Allah Ta’ala.

In regard to the soccer matches, the young people will ask: “If we cannot attend and view the World Cup, what do we do?”

We have to find alternatives. There’s no other way.

We will not say that everyone must sit down in the Masjid, read Qur’aan Sharief, read Tasbeeh and do nothing else. …What is necessary and crucial is that the person runs from those environments of sins. We have to distance ourselves from venues of sins. We have to run towards Allah Ta’ala:

“…So flee to Allah…”

[Surah Adh-Dhāriyāt 51 : 50]

No doubt, this is a Jihad for many. But if we have love for Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), then we would make every effort to restrain ourselves from sins, knowing that sins will bring about a destruction of our Imaan and will displease Allah Ta’ala, and cause hurt and grief to the sensitive heart of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).

With this soccer mania and frenzy, where the majority are only talking about the different teams and players and the goals they scored, the condition of this team and that team. It is just soccer, soccer, football, football – all the time. …What a waste of precious time.

So here is a young person, who was, at one time, addicted to the same. He is being encouraged to join them. The person will feel pressurized. How is he going to restrain himself?

If he is seeking Allah Ta’ala’s Pleasures, he will have to flee from that company because it is temptation towards getting caught up in Fitnah. The person will have to make new friends – friends who will take him to the Masjid, who will talk of good things, move in the direction of good deeds.

So avoid the soccer company.

Talk, eat, drink – just don’t go to any home where people will be viewing those soccer matches. If ten of them are sitting and watching …then they will be dominant against one person.

They will be screaming and jumping and they will convince the person to join in … watching a group of adult men run after a ball. Is this intelligence? …Viewing adult men kicking a ball?

Stay away from the soccer supporters and addicts, otherwise they will pull you in.

As that poet said:

“Last night, the person went to advise those who were drinking in the bar,

but when he came out, he had a wobble in his walk.”

Keep yourself occupied with the permissible and Mubaah…

Company is extremely important. It is for these reasons that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “A person is on the Deen (way of life) of his friend, so every one of you should look at who he befriends.”[1]

We need to be very, very careful and very cautious regarding who we mix with and integrate with.

…If a huge python is approaching us, and we can see it coming closer, will we remain where we are, or will we look for the nearest exit? Will we admire skin of the snake and go towards it, to touch and feel it?

In all those venues of sins, where filthy films are screened, or people are dancing and partying, drinking and committing other sins, if someone suddenly starts screaming: “Fire! Fire!”, then is everyone going to continue with the dance and the party and the sports? Or are they going to dash for the doors and exits?

If someone announces that there is a bomb in the area, in the vicinity and it has been activated, will the person remain there to see whether it is true or not?

We are so careful and cautious about our physical health and well-being, and the protection of our lives. There should also be caution and concern for our Imaan – to a far greater extent.

…So in this regard also, there is nothing better than to turn towards Allah Ta’ala and enjoy Sukoon (tranquillity) in life.

In the midst of Fitnah also, the person can enjoy Sukoon. Although so much Haraam is taking place, all around, but the condition of the person will be like the waterproof watch.

If a person dives deep down in the ocean, that watch, which is water-proof, will not be affected by the water, because water cannot enter that watch. Allah Ta’ala will make the person’s heart like that. All the madness and hubbub will not enter that heart, when that heart has been placed in the protection of Allah Ta’ala.

In this same football match, we can take some lesson. If the one side has scored two goals and there is still ten minutes to go till the final whistle, those players won’t relax. They won’t say: “We already have two goals, why must we worry?” They say: “Ten minutes to go – we don’t know what will happen in the ten minutes.”

In the ten minutes, anything can happen. The opposition can score more goals.

If it is a major match, of the kind that will be played in this World Cup – all teams are going to be alert and sharp, and will protect their goal. Even if they have scored two or three goals, but there are ten minutes to go, each team will go all-out until the final whistle is blown.

In a similar vein, the Mu’min has to be alert and sharp. He keeps a check that nafs and shaytaan are not attacking his Imaan, and he continues in the obedience of Allah Ta’ala, until the final whistle is blown – so to say – until death comes.

“And serve you Lord, until there comes unto you the hour that is Certain (i.e. Death).”

[Surah Al-Hijr 15 : 99 ]

Like how those players protect their goal, so the Believer is the goalkeeper of his heart and he protects his heart. He does not allow shaytaan to infiltrate or gain the upper-hand, and this continues life-long.

Just a few days of Mujahada – and really, it is a few days. All these storms will soon pass – the days will fly. Thereafter, everything gets back to routine, and it will be then that people will realise the restlessness, the blunders that they have made, and the other kinds of problems they will then face.

And the government will also realise what it has done, and how much was wasted. The billions and billions that they could have used to build thousands of homes, and done so much else.

So this is my message: Don’t feel that it is an impossible to avoid. Don’t think: It cannot be avoided.

It is not that difficult. We avoid so many other things. Why can we not avoid this?

Look at the restlessness that these events bring – for the whole thirty days or thirty five days. May Allah Ta’ala save me, save you and protect the Ummah at large.

…Don’t look at what people are doing, and don’t argue and fight with others. So many are listing the “benefits” and “virtues” of the World Cup. …Allah Ta’ala’s Shaan is sometimes Jalaali, sometimes Jamaali. We don’t know which Shaan of Allah Ta’ala is focused when. Therefore, we have to be very, very careful and cautious.

Sometimes, a person believes: My Allah is extremely happy with me, because He is giving me plentiful to eat, and drink, and wear, and travel around. I have a good car, good home, and everything.…But it could be Istidraaj – It could be that Allah Ta’ala gives everything, and in the midst of all the Haraam enjoyment, Allah Ta’ala seizes and punishes.

What will we earn of Deen and Aakhirah in all this time spent in these sporting events, in hours and hours, days and days watching men run after a ball – especially those, who will shuttle from this end to that end, this province to that province, and this stadium to that stadium? And after that, the discussions will centre around the same thing – 24 hours of the day – the person will be engaging in absolute futility.

‘Dunya’ is what makes the person forget Allah Ta’ala and in that forgetfulness and heedlessness, he wastes his time and chases after temporary pleasures.

Ghaflat (heedlessness) is the hen that lays the eggs of sins.

Allah Ta’ala has given everybody intellect, intelligence – put it to use.

When anyone is engaged in uselessness and spends his hours and hours in this manner, it is a clear sign that Allah Ta’ala’s gaze of Rahmat has been turned away from this person.

Now can that person then enjoy peace of mind, contentment, satisfaction? Will he experience these blessings? Even plentiful of wealth will bring nothing but restlessness. It will be like the flood waters – which brings Bilharzia with it. Although the waters are plentiful, it carries sickness.

When we talk about the evils, we talk about it in general. We do not point a finger at any particular person, nor do we say or believe that he is going to go to Jahannam, or he will suffer the Azaab of Allah Ta’ala, because of whatever he does. We are not the Judge. Allah Ta’ala is. We have no right to make such deductions. We do not know when that person will make sincere Taubah from his sins, and become a Wali of Allah Ta’ala.

“…Verily Allah loves those who repent…”

[Surah Al-Baqarah 2 : 222]

Yes, we can speak about general conditions and this is what we are doing, and we are doing so to warn and caution and fulfil the duty of Amr bil Ma’roof and Nahy anil Munkar.

In the Ahaadeeth, we find that Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would say: “When people will do this…,” “When people will engage in this…,” “when people will engage in that…” – this will happen, that will happen, that will happen.

Of course, we must look at our weaknesses too. Whilst trying to take care of the spiritual needs of others, we must not forget our own spiritual needs.

So the message is this : Avoid the company that takes you away from Allah Ta’ala; avoid the venues, and avoid the updates in the media and on social networks, which will tempt you to join in. Flee from anything that opens the door to Allah Ta’ala’s displeasure. Keep the company of those who will take you closer to Allah Ta’ala and keep occupied in what is good and Mubaah (permissible).

May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the Taufeeq and understanding, and may Allah Ta’ala bless us with such love for Him that we don’t move in the direction of His Displeasure – and we work towards our meeting with Him.

[1] Abu Dawud / Tirmidhi

World Cup | The Spiritual Harms

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

[This article was prepared before the World Cup 2010,

which was hosted by South Africa. The advices relate and apply to all sports events, which are in conflict with Islamic teachings.]

The hype and talk presently is the World Cup. Soccer-mania has gripped the mind, the heart, the speech, the time and the money of many, many Muslims.

And these many, many Muslims argue: “It’s ONCE IN A LIFETIME…We are the HOST country … It’s the World Cup which cannot be missed at any cost…”.

And we naively believe that these reasons give us the go-ahead to support, promote and participate.

But there is one serious fact that makes us unsuitable and incompatible for what I would describe as an International “upsurge of sins” – and that reason is: We are Muslims. And we are very fortunate that we are Muslims. As such, there is no compatibility between a Muslim and sin.

Let us discuss why we, as Muslims, cannot and should not align ourselves to the World Cup and other such sporting events.

Let us read with an open heart and mind.

REASONS WHY MUSLIMS SHOULD NOT ATTEND AND

NOT SUPPORT THE WORLD CUP:

1.) SALAAH

It is a common observance, that many, many Muslims are totally neglectful of Salaah when it comes to International, National or local sporting events.

Even those who have some link with the Masaajid, will choose to forego Salaah in Jamaat and even the Salaah itself, so as not to miss a moment in watching men run after a ball. Men, running after a ball – Is this intelligent?

Let us relate this to real life and the inevitable: How will this benefit us in this world and the hereafter? Will any one of these sports players be able to intercede on our behalf, before Allah Ta’ala, when we have to account for our actions, for our indulgence in futile and even Haraam activities?

Our Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “…Do not forgo Salaah intentionally, lest you should get out of the fold of Islam. Do not perpetrate disobedience to Allah, lest you deserve His Wrath…”

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) also said: “The dividing line between Kufr and Imaan is Salaah.” And : “A person who has missed one Salaah is like one who has lost all his family and wealth.”

Just as we would be grief-stricken at the loss of all of our beloved family members and the loss of all of our wealth, properties, and everything else, similarly should we grieve over losing even ONE Salaah?

Those few who do perform Salaah at the stadium or grounds, whilst the shouting, screaming, music, drink and other sins are being engaged in simultaneously, should think for themselves of what a display of hypocrisy they make. Because that is exactly what it is: Hypocrisy.

2.) HERO-WORSHIPPING

Allah Ta’ala mentions in the Qur`aan Shareef, in Surah Munafiqoon:

“But honour belongs to Allah, His Messenger and the Believers…”

[Surah Munafiqoon 63 : 8]

And in Surah An-Nisaa:

‘…To those who take for friends unbelievers rather than Believers: is it honour they seek among them? Nay, – all honour is with Allah.’

To deal honestly and truthfully with disbelievers or to assist the poor and needy amongst them, are from the teachings of Islam.

However, to integrate with them in such a manner, that we lose our Islamic identity or give up on our Islamic culture is prohibited because this is extremely harmful to one’s Imaan.

Many have given up Imaan and Islam due to very close friendship and relationship with those who do not believe in Allah Ta’ala, His Final Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and the Day of Judgement.

…So we find people going absolutely crazy and wild over soccer players, cricket players and their likes. And one wonders, what is all the clamour and fuss about… when their “outstanding” achievement in life seems to be, kicking, throwing or hitting a ball? Does this call for hero-worship? Is this our shallow understanding of success as Muslims?

Do we not know that the most successful of all people are the Ambiyaa and their followers? Are we even aware of the tremendous successes of the Sahabah? They were MEN. And Brave Men. Their history, their feats, their conquests drown out the thousands of insignificant goals scored by soccer players.

In fact, there cannot be any comparison and likeness. The lives of the Sahabah (رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُمْ) were constructive and productive – for their Deen and Aakhirah, as well as for those who emulate them. The lives of these players are destructive to their hereafter, as well as for those who are obsessed with them and emulate them.

We should reflect over our obsession, veneration and craze of film-stars, sport-stars and others who are presently the enemies of Allah Ta’ala. …A warning has been sounded, directing us to make sincere Taubah.

Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur`aan Shareef:

‘O People of Imaan! Do not take My enemies and your enemies as friends, inclining towards them with love. Verily, they have rejected the truth which has come to you (from your Rabb)…’

[Surah Mumtahina 60 : 1]

We seem to very easily forget that we are Muslims and all Muslims have dangerous enemies: So whilst our enemies shrewdly convince us to spend thousands of Rands, waste our energy and time on useless, futile sports such as the World Cup and other sporting events, they gleefully bomb, kill, rape, oppress and harass our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world … but we are so intoxicated with World Cups, cricket and soccer matches, that we don’t even know our enemies have deceived us!

Have we not witnessed enough enmity in Occupied Palestine, in Pakistan, Kashmir, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia and other parts of the world? Those who were considered friends and companions were the first to assault, kill, maim and even rape our Muslim brothers and sisters, for no other reason than that they are Believers in Allah Ta’ala. …Have we not taken any lesson? Have we not witnessed the blood of the Muslims flowing in Bosnia, like rivers?

When we claim to have love for Allah Ta’ala, how can we love these types of sporting events?

Allah Ta’ala advises us:

“O you who Believe! Take not for friends unbelievers rather than Believers : do you wish to offer Allah and open proof against yourselves?”

…In other words, we should not make the unbelievers our bosom pals.

Once again, it does not mean that we should not treat them with kindness, deal honestly and assist when there is need. …However: Will participation and support in the World Cup attract them towards Islam?

3.) MUSIC

Almost every venue, event and occasion today seems to demand “music” as part of the entertainment. As Muslims, we know fully well, that music is not the “pleasure” of a true believer because Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) specifically mentioned that one of his objectives was to destroy musical instruments.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “My Rabb has commanded me to destroy all musical instruments…” and also: “Music causes hypocrisy to grow in the heart just as water causes crops to grow.”[1]

According to another Hadeeth of Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam): ‘Music is from shaytaan and accommodating it in anyway is Nifaaq (hypocrisy).’

One of our pious elders (رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ) warned about the harms of music: “Beware of music because music reduces modesty and shame, it increases lust and destroys one’s dignity and respect. Its effect is like the effect of alcohol.”

Then, would it be morally correct for a MUSLIM to be present at an event where music is ‘a must have’?

4.) ALCOHOL

The Ahadith make mention : “Wine is the gatherer of sin.”[2], “Wine is the leader of all indecency and is from among the major sins…” [3]

Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) also said : “Abstain from consuming wine, for verily it is the key to all evil.”[4]

Every person that is associated to alcohol – be it the manufacturer, the one who transports, the one who sells, buys or serves comes under the curse of Allah Ta’ala.[5] And those who keep company and incline towards the transgressors have to contend with the same consequences, for Allah Ta’ala warns us:

“And do not incline towards the wrongdoers, lest the fire should catch you, and you have no supporters other than Allah, then you should not be helped.”

[Surah Hud 11 : 113]

5.) ZINA (ADULTERY / FORNICATION)

Allah Ta’ala says :

“And come not near to Zina. Verily it is a shameful and evil path.”

[Surah Al- Isra 17 : 32]

It is a very evident fact that these events promote Zina in abundance. Besides adultery of the eyes which is also categorized as zina and which is very common at these types of venues, with the indecent and revealing attire, there is actual zina that is being promoted and advertised.

With the thousands of prostitutes who are visiting our country and the thousands more who are local – what else can be expected, except an escalation in adultery and fornication and a much higher risk of very severe punishment descending... (May Allah Ta’ala protect us from His punishment)

The summary and outline of various Ahaadeeth, is that plague, poverty and diseases which were unheard of previously, earthquakes, drought and destruction, birth of illegitimate children, and even escalation of deaths will follow in the wake of adultery and immorality.

If a person commits adultery, then the priceless and invaluable commodity of Imaan is removed from his body. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiyalluhu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: ‘Allah Ta’ala removes the Imaan of that person who drinks wine or engages in adultery like how one of you removes his shirt from his head’.[6]

Then what will be the condition of the person who dies whilst committing zina?

6.) WASTAGE AND EXTRAVAGANCE

Allah Ta’ala states explicitly :

“…And do not squander recklessly. Surely, squanderers are brothers to shayateen, and shaytaan is very ungrateful to his Lord.”

[Surah Bani Israeel 17 : 26/27]

Spending R800 or R1000, whether more or less, on one ticket – and we know many are spending much, much more, on many tickets – is money wasted, and wastage and squandering are categorized as sin in Islam – whether on that which is permissible or otherwise. Moreover, the sin is compounded when it is being spent to view something at a place hosting a combination of evils.

Besides the tickets for the various matches, much more money will be spent on travel and accommodation – with airfares and rates going through the roof.

Consider how many loaves of bread, how many litres of milk or necessities of life, could have been provided for thousands who live below the bread line or thousands more who are in dire need of medical assistance… How can we be so complacent when so many are without food, water, electricity, medicine and other needs?

Doesn’t our Imaan and conscience trouble us in the least?

Wastage and extravagance are a cause of drought, high cost living and other forms of punishment, as drawn from the Ahadeeth – and it is what we are seeing all around us.

7.) DRESS

Islam has gifted us with a dress code, which identifies us as Muslims – which makes us flag-bearers of Islam, representatives of Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and Inviters to Islam. We have been expressly forbidden from adopting any semblance with the cultural or religious dressing style of people of other faiths..

By wearing soccer t-shirts, caps, bags with the 2010 football logos clearly indicates our love and support for the event and the culture. Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “The one who imitates others is not of us.”[7] And: “Whoever imitates a nation is from amongst them.”[8]

We are the nation of Islam, and should be rightly proud of our beautiful culture and dress because it is the culture and dress of the greatest after Allah Ta’ala, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). …It is the height of foolishness to exchange diamonds for stones.

8.) MIXED GATHERINGS

The disbelievers have no concept of segregation. They advocate mixed gatherings because it facilitates more sins and immorality. It works in their favour because there is easy gratification of sensual desires and sinful pleasures.

The Shari’ah instructs us: ‘It is not permissible to be present in a gathering where Allah Ta’ala is being disobeyed.’

THE PURPOSE OF CREATION AND OBJECTIVE OF LIFE

Allah Ta’ala mentions in the Qur’aan Shareef:

“Do you then think that we created you in jest and that you would not be brought back to us (for an account)?”

[Surah Mu`minoon 23 :115]

Our purpose for being sent to this world is definitely not play and amusement.

“We created not the heavens, the earth and all between them, merely in (idle) sport.”

[Surah Ad-Dukhaan 44:38]

However, Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) do not deprive us of enjoyment and entertainment. The Shari’ah and the Sunnah accommodate and give guidance for a Muslim with regards to Halaal, permissible entertainment, humuor, laughter, play and relaxation. However there is certainly no scope for events that feature Haraam indulgences.

Moreover, deliberate and planned sins do not feature in a Muslim’s life.

The reality of the “World Cup” and other national and International sporting events, is that they are a dangerous fusion of major sins.

And when sins increase and multiply then we invite a punishment in proportion to that disobedience. …Haven’t we taken lesson from Tsunamis, Gale-force winds, Hurricanes and Earthquakes that left nothing but devastation in their wake? Are we immune to such disaster? Are we safe from punishment?

It is reported that once Amr Ibn Absa (رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُ) asked Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) which Hijrat (migration) is the best and he said: “That you leave what your Lord dislikes.”

One of our great Scholars had said very aptly: “It baffles me to see a people who are advised to get their provision and are called upon that the departure time is due, yet they sit down playing.”

Our boarding passes were given to us the moment we entered this world … and that boarding pass is for boarding the flight of death. We have been informed and advised of the long journey ahead and the much needed provision for the journey – but how strange, that we choose to while away our time and accumulate nothing for what lies ahead.

As has been said: “The knife is being sharpened, and the oven is being heated up, yet the ram is still eating the fodder.”

The knife of death has been sharpened, our graves have been selected and are waiting for us to take residence in them. …Despite knowing this, we “graze” complacently in disobedience – unconcerned that that knife is ready to strike us at any time.

Allah Ta’ala states :

“O People of Imaan! Save yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is men and stones…”

[Surah At-Tahreem 66 : 6]

“Your (real) friends are (no less than) Allah, His Apostle, and the (fellowship of) Believers, – those who establish regular prayers, and regular charity, and they bow down humbly (in worship).

As for those who turn (for friendship) to Allah, His Rasul and the (fellowship of) Believers – it is the fellowship of Allah that must certainly triumph.”

[Surah Maa`idah 5 : 58/ 59]

Of course, all that has been stated will not go down well with everyone. It is for those who want to be good ambassadors of Islam, pleasing Allah Ta’ala and His Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).

This article is for my own reflection and an invitation to my Muslim brothers and sisters to reflect with an open mind. I make Dua that Allah Ta’ala protects me and the Ummah from all fitnah.

‘Whoever recommends and helps a good cause becomes a partner therein; and whoever recommends and helps an evil cause shares in its burden…’

[Surah An-Nisaa 4 : 85]

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

[1] Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Imaan

[2] Daylami

[3] Al Mu’jamul Kabir of Imam Tabarani (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

[4] Mustadrak Hakim

[5] Ibn Majah

[6] Mustadrak Hakim, vol.1 pg. 22

[7] Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2695

[8] Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 4027

The Sieve

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

In the early days, flour was milled using stone wheels. Flour was then sifted to remove the little stone chips of the millstone and other impurities that got into flour.

The sieve or sifter was used to separate the good from the bad, the wanted commodity from the unwanted commodity: The good flour was, in this way, separated from the stone or dirt particles. The good flour passed through the sieve and settled in a dish or container. The stone particles or dirt particles remained behind in the sieve.

…Today’s flour goes through modern milling equipment, which removes impurities almost entirely. However, considering the initial methods used to sift flour and separate it, the following analogy came to mind.

People like us are engaged in the khidmat of Deen: We give Bayaans, teach in Madrasahs, write books, etc. – and others benefit.

They settle in the obedience of Allah Ta’ala and they settle in a life that is in conformity with the Sunnah – like how the good flour settles, having fallen through a sieve. They establish their Deen and occupy themselves in good and their end result is, Insha-Allah, Jannah.

And we sometimes just remain in the sieve – like the stone particles or impurities. Despite our knowledge and Khidmat of Deen, our A’maal are so weak. …There is negligence and there is laziness. Sometimes there is no Salaah, no effort to abstain from sins, etc., despite being blessed with a great amount of knowledge of Deen and even propagating the same.

Nafs and shaytaan trap us in sins like Takabbur, Riyaa, Ujub, casting lustful gazes, backbiting, etc. and like that sieve holds the unwanted particles back, we are kept back from any progress, spiritually.

However, Allah Ta’ala, in His Infinite Kindness, has given the human being the capacity of changing from bad to good, from being sinful to becoming righteous and pious. …If we repent for our shortcomings, and improve in our A’maal, then we too will not be held back by the sieve of sins, the sieve of nafs and shaytaan. We will be able to move through the sieve, out of that grip of nafs and shaytaan, and settle in the obedience and pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.

This becomes easy for the one who establishes a relationship with a Shaykh-e-Kaamil. …Even if a person is an Aalim or the person is involved in some service of Deen, he should not remain independent of the guidance and expertise of a Shaykh – because knowledge is not sufficient on this path. The person should humble himself and submit himself to the process of Islaah and Tazkiyyah.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq. Aameen.

Avoiding the Forbidden Hand-shake

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

In the business field, men and women are often found offering their hand for a handshake. It is formality and considered part of good business dealings and interaction. Many brothers enquire as to how to deal with such situations.

As Muslims, we keep before us the Command of Allah Ta’ala: That it is Haraam (forbidden) for us to touch, let alone shake the hand of a strange woman (or vice versa).

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “It is better for an iron rod (nail) to be driven into the head of a man, than for him to touch a woman who is not permissible for him.”^[1]

Moreover, Allah Ta’ala’s Pleasure comes before any form of social etiquette – when it contravenes Shari’ah.

In such a circumstance, where a woman extends her hands, then averting the gaze, politely tell her: “It should not be taken as an insult that I do not shake your hand. It is from my religious teachings that Muslim men are not allowed to shake the hands of those females who are not related to him. It is also out of respect for you and it is out of loyalty to my wife, that I do not touch a strange woman.”

Simple. There is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of; nor is there a need to be apologetic. There is also no need for a lengthy speech. It is evident that such a teaching is full of wisdom and protection, and directs towards modest conduct and respect for others.

Similarly, we should lower our gazes and avoid looking at strange women. These are Commandments, which if practiced upon, will truly impress and attract those who are non-Muslims. Many have accepted Islam, observing such high levels of respect, modesty, purity and noble character.

[1] Tabrani

The Barrier between us and Allah Ta’ala

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

Unfortunately, one weakness, from many weaknesses, is that we look at our achievements and successes with an eye of vanity and conceit.

Our gaze falls on our efforts – that we are the ones who made the effort. We attribute our success and our achievements to our efforts, our sacrifice and our hard work. …What generally follows is a desire to announce and to boast – to publicize and make known.

The nafs asserts itself. It wants acknowledgement. It wants to be credited.

So many, in their quest for recognition, will exaggerate their achievements – even to the Shaykh. They exaggerate so that they may be distinguished above others, counted as pious and righteous, and become recipient of praise and applause.

Some get carried away by dreams and think that a few good dreams are a surety of their greatness.

This condition is not progress; it is a sickness.

This is what becomes a Hijaab or a barrier between us and Allah Ta’ala. The person’s gaze is on himself, on his obedience, his attributes, his efforts, his achievements and successes, forgetting The One Who blessed him with ability and capacity.

The gaze should be on the Fadhl and Grace of Allah Ta’ala.

The person’s good deeds, his Khidmat of Deen, his charity and welfare work, become a fitnah for him because he sees his effort and believes that he is deserving of acknowledgement and praise. As a result, there is no spiritual progress.

Ujub is vanity and conceit. The person admires himself and attributes importance to himself. The person considers himself superior.

Kibr or pride is looking down upon others, considering them as inferior.

Pride and vanity give rise to arrogance and haughtiness; even oppressing or treating people with contempt and disdain.

Both Ujub and Kibr cripple a person spiritually.

It is truly the Fadhl of Allah Ta’ala if a person increases in humility as his good deeds increase. And this will be so, if the person keeps his gaze on his shortcomings and he has such Ma`rifat (Recognition) of Allah Ta’ala, understanding that Taufeeq is from Allah Ta’ala alone.

The Ambiya (Alaihimus Salaam) had the highest degree of Ma’rifat, and we see this evident in their lives.

In the words of Hazrat Shu`aib (Alaihis Salaam):

“…And my ability to do things comes from none except Allah…”

[Surah Hud 11 : 88]

From another view, we find in this world of fitnah, that the majority seek to display their achievements. Their photographs are published; they widely circulate their accomplishments on media platforms, proud of their successes. Everyone wants to be noticed; everyone wants the limelight.

Some say in no uncertain words, that their success is due to their work, their intelligence, their sacrifice…

Of course, happiness is different. It is natural. But the desire should be to conceal.

Whenever we are talking about ourselves, we must ask ourselves:

Why am I behaving in this manner?
Why do I talk about my experiences?
Is this Shukr and Tahdees-e-Ni’mat, or is it Riyaa which the nafs wraps up in the guise of Shukr?

Allah Ta’ala is All-Knowing. If we say and do for advertisement; to publicize and broadcast and announce over radio stations and other platforms, then we should remember that Allah Ta’ala is aware of our intentions.

“Allah knows the treachery of the eyes and that which the hearts conceal.”

[Surah Ghafir 40 : 19]

If it is for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, and Allah Ta’ala wants to make it known, He will make it known.

All that a person becomes proud of are on account of the blessings from Allah Ta’ala’s side. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’aan Shareef:

“And you have no good thing but it is from Allah…”

[Surah an-Nahl 16 : 53]

If He gave, He can also take away. Recognize the One who has given and do not consider the bounties as your achievement. … Because every faculty and possession which is a medium of securing any achievement, is in itself, a bounty from Allah Ta’ala – our intelligence, hearing, speech, etc.

Keep addressing the nafs: All that I succeed in is due to Allah Ta’ala’s favour.

Whilst a person may be doing some meritorious work, much is left to be seen – as to whether such work has been accepted or not. …We will only know on the Day of Judgment as to what has been accepted or not.

Whatever work we carry out and whatever other good deed we do, then make Dua thereafter that Allah Ta’ala accepts it. Consider the Tawaadhu of Hazrat Ibraheem (Alaihis Salaam) and Hazrat Isma’eel (Alayhis Salaam), who, after building the House of Allah Ta’ala, and themselves being so accepted by Allah Ta’ala, still made Dua that Allah Ta’ala accept their efforts…

Allah Ta’ala relates in Surah Al-Baqarah (verse 127):

“And (mention) when Ibrahim was raising the foundation of the house and (with him) Isma’eel, (saying):

“Our Lord, accept (this) from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.”

This Dua clearly makes manifest that there was no trace of pride or vanity in undertaking and completing such a great task. There was just beautiful humility and deep concern that Allah Ta’ala accepts.

If there is spiritual progress in one’s efforts in treading the path to Allah Ta’ala, then we need to keep before us the Ayah:

“…And were it not for the Grace and Mercy of Allah on you, not one of you would ever have been pure: But Allah does purify whom He pleases…”

[Surah An-Nur 2 : 21]

Otherwise the nafs, in its true state would not gain in any good, on its own.

“…the nafs is certainly prone to evil, unless my Lord does bestow His Mercy…”

[Surah Yusuf 12 : 53]

May Allah Ta’ala grant us recognition of our nafs and the courage to strive against it, and may Allah Ta’ala bestow His Mercy upon us, that we may be successful on this path to Him.

The Airport

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh)

At the Johannesburg International Airport[1], some brothers requested that I give them some nasihah (advice) before leaving.

I mentioned the following : ‘The Airport itself presents sufficient Ibrat (lesson) for a person’s Islaah (reformation).

Boards are seen, computer screens inform, and announcements are repeatedly heard of Arrivals and Departures.

We should take lesson from this.

We have ‘arrived’. Our scheduled arrival to the destination of this world has come to pass. We have journeyed from Aalame-Arwah[2] to this transitory world. Our next journey is to ‘Aalame-Barzakh’[3].

In this material world, the time of departure is given for the flights that are leaving for various cities and countries. A person can make preparations for travel, accordingly. As is common experience though, flights are generally delayed.

Our departure, to the Aakhirah (Hereafter), is scheduled, but absolutely unknown to us. Moreover, this time of departure will not be delayed or cancelled.

“…At length when death approaches one of you, Our angels take his soul and they Never fail in their duty.”

[Surah An`aam : 6 : 61]

In a couplet that deeply impresses upon the reality of this life, my Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh), states:

Strange is the visa of life;
It can be cancelled at anytime.
The duration of its validity is unknown
And its extension too, impossible

Therefore, we need to be ever ready for the journey to the Hereafter.

Passengers are either seated in the VIP lounge or in the ordinary waiting area. Whether the person intends traveling ‘First Class’, ‘Business Class’ or ‘Economy Class’; all will depart. Each has a boarding pass in hand. It is just a matter of time before departure.

The Azaan in our right ear, and the Iqaamat in our left ear, was already given at the time of our birth. All that is left is the Janaza Salaah at the time of our death. Just as the time between the Iqaamat and Salaah is negligible – so too is the time span of our lives.

As someone has mentioned : Our life is just like the ‘dash’ between the date of birth and the date of passing away, which is inscribed on many tombstones. Though this ‘dash’ of life is so short, it is such a significant stage in our journey, that it either ‘makes’ or ‘breaks’ our Hereafter. This little dash either delivers a person to Jannat or Jahannum. So before someone mentions the date of our departure, we should convert the ‘dash’ of life to time spent securing provisions for the coming journey.

Then I mentioned that now two new boards are to be found :

UNDERGROUND PARKING

and

PRAYER ROOM UPSTAIRS

Our ‘parking’ too is reserved. …What then should we do? Before ‘departure’ and before being ‘parked’ under the ground, we should visit the ‘prayer room’ – meaning, that we should bring the submission and servitude found in prayer or Salaah, into our lives. Submit to the One who gave us this life because very soon will we be returning to Him.

“…And the destination (of all) is to Allah.”

[Surah Ahzaab 35 : 18]

In addition, this world is very much like a time-share. The occupants make full use of all facilities during the week/s or month/s – the lounge, fridge, stove, furniture, air conditioner and the luxuries of the timeshare. However, they know that they will have to move out as soon as their time expires.

Similarly, we should make use of the bounties of Allah Ta’ala in this world but we should not give our hearts to this world. …How can we give our hearts to a world which is so unfaithful? …The home in which there is excitement and celebration of a wedding is suddenly plunged into grief, sorrow and mourning.

We should keep before us the following Hadith of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam): ‘Verily, the world has been created for you and you have been created for the Aakhirah.’

Preparation for the Aakhirah (Hereafter) does not mean that we will be deprived of the good things of this world. Eat, drink, marry, conduct business and do all other activities according to the teachings of Shari’ah and Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam). This is all that is required.

“…(O my Lord) Take You my soul (at death) as one submitting to Your Will (as a Muslim), and unite me with the righteous.”

[Surah Yusuf 12 : 101]

[1] Now known as O R TAMBO International

[2] Aalame-Arwah : The World of Souls

[3] Aalame-Barzakh : The period of life after death until the Resurrection

The Best of Both Worlds

In verse 200 / 201 of Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah Ta’ala states :

“…From amongst people are those who say : “O our Rabb, grant us (Your bounties) in this world.” But they will have no portion in the Hereafter.

And from them are also those who say :

“O our Rabb, grant us good in this world, and good in the hereafter and save us

from the punishment of the fire.”

In the pre-Islamic days, known as the days of Ignorance or Jahiliyyah, people would also perform the Hajj^[1]. They too would proceed to Mina, Arafaat and Muzdalifa^[2]. However, there were many customary actions which were rife, which Allah Ta’ala makes mention of, guiding the Muslims to abandon such ignorant and vain pursuits, more especially during the sacred days of Hajj.

Allah Ta’ala continues the same discussion, by mentioning that some of those Arabs from the period of Jahiliyyah, would, during the days of Hajj, only make dua for worldly needs and wants. They would ask for wealth, property, honour – anything and everything worldly, which they were desirous of. Their duas thus comprised of only requests for material acquisition or worldly success, and such supplications were and are insignificant in comparison to the greater needs of man in respect to the life to come.

Moreover, they asked without care and concern, wanting just satisfaction of their worldly desires – whether it be good and beneficial, or bad and harmful. Their supplication did not include the word ‘hasanah’, which would be the means of goodness in what they ask.

With regards to these people, Allah Ta’ala says : But they will have no portion in the Hereafter, because they only asked for this world. Moreover, they will only get that which was apportioned for them in this world; they will receive only what Allah Ta’ala decreed for them – nothing more, nothing less.

This verse is also a warning to the Muslims who pray for only worldly achievements, whose main objective is success in this worldly life, with no concern for their spiritual needs.

Immediately thereafter, Allah Ta’ala makes mention of another kind of people and the dua that they make:

رَبَّنَاۤ اٰتِنَا فِى الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَّفِى الْاٰخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَّقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

“O Our Sustainer, give us in this world hasanah, and in the hereafter, hasanah, and save us from the punishment of the fire.”

This second group of people would ask for the things of this world, but they asked for it with “hasanah”.

This Dua is a Masnoon dua which Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) recited in abundance. We are also taught to recite this dua between the Ruknul Yamaani^[3] and Hajre Aswad^[4] during Tawaaf^[5]. However, it can be recited after Salaah and on any other occasion.

The question arises as to why must this Dua be recited in abundance?

The reason is, that despite this Dua being concise in words, it is most comprehensive and all-encompassing. It includes every bounty and blessing, of both worlds. The person is not just asking for wealth, honour, etc. per say; rather he is seeking “hasanah” (goodness) with these bounties.

The Mufassireen (Commentators) explain that “فِى الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً” encompasses every need of a person in this world.

It is unfortunate that we do not understand nor value the dua. Our condition is such, that when we request someone for dua, and he says : “May Allah Ta’ala grant you the best of both worlds,” we feel dissatisfied. We desire a lengthy dua wherein various bounties and blessings should be mentioned – yet this dua includes every blessing, every bounty and every kind of good and favourable condition.

We also learn from this dua that Allah Ta’ala does not prevent us from seeking the material things of this world. We are living in a world of means and there are many requirements for our existence. Allah Ta’ala encourages and approves dua wherein a person is seeking his worldly needs. It is as if Allah Ta’ala is telling us, “Make this dua, in which you seek the good of this world also.”

Now what is meant by “فِى الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً” ?

Allaamah Sayyid Mahmood Aaloosi (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had explained in his Tafseer, ‘Ruhul Ma`aani’, the best of this world as:

1.) ‘Al Aafiyatu wal Kafa’ : Well-being and Protection from all forms of trials (fitan) and Sufficiency in Rizq (Sustenance).

2.) ‘Az Zawj us Sawlih’ – A pious, righteous, compatible marriage partner.

3.) ‘Al-Aulaadul Abraar’ – Pious children

4.) ‘Al Maal-us-Sawlih’ – Wealth which is obtained through Halaal sources, full of Barakah (blessings) and free of contamination and impurity.

5.) ‘Thana-ul-Khalq’ – The praise and good opinion of people.

6.) ‘Al-Ilm wal Ibaadah’ – Beneficial knowledge and practice upon it.

7.) ‘Fahm’ – Understanding of Deen.

8.) ‘Suhbat-us-Sawliheen’ – The company of the pious.

9.) ‘An nusratu alal ’adaa’ – Help against all enemies, including the greatest ones – nafs and shaytaan.

Also included is the seeking of the ability to perform righteous deeds. Every action that is done according to the Qur`aan Shareef and Sunnah will fall under righteous deeds. Whether it is Salaah, Zakaah, Fasting, caring for the poor, the needy and the destitute, fulfillment of the rights of one’s spouse, fulfillment of the rights of the children, neighbours, the poor and everybody. All this falls under righteous deeds and it is these actions that will become the protection from the punishment of the fire, as has been brought out in the dua: “… and save us from the punishment of the fire.”

‘Hasanah fil Aakhirah’ includes every need of ours in the Hereafter, whether it be protection from the punishment of the grave, easy reckoning on the Day of Qiyaamah, entry into Jannah and enjoyment of all those bounties which no eye has seen, no ear has heard of and the thought also, has not crossed anyone’s mind, including the greatest bounty of seeing the Countenance of Allah Ta’ala.

So it is a very beautiful, comprehensive dua which has been given to us by Allah Ta’ala and we should include it in our duas after Salaah and on other occasions. However, it must be made with deep hearted meditation, sincerity and conviction.

Extracted and condensed from the 1431 Ramadaan Fajr talks of Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel (RA).

For a detailed explanation, download from the website: YunusPatel.co.za

[1] Hajj : Pilgrimage to Makkah Mukarramah. This is the 5^th pillar of Islam.

[2] Mina, Arafaat, Muzdalifa : Specific places visited during the Pilgrimage

[3] Ruknul Yamaani : One of the blessed corners of the Ka`bah Shareef

[4] Hajre-Aswad : The Black Stone

[5] Tawaaf : Circumambulation of the Ka`bah Shareef

The Spiritual ‘Drip’

In a Majlis of my Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum), Hazrat requested one of his mureeds to recite a verse of his poetry. Each time, the verse was rendered, the person was told to read it again. This went on for one solid hour – that is, the repetition of the one verse; but the effect on the hearts was seen in the tears that were shed by those who were present.

The verse, translated, is :

“If you hide and commit sins,

Someone is watching from above (Allah Ta’ala)…”

A person who in not acquainted with the aim and objective would say that listening to the same verse repeatedly, for an entire hour, would be boring, tiresome, uninspiring … but not so for those who are sincerely seeking the Pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. The true believer understands that anything good repeated benefits him.

“And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the Believer.”

[Surah Zaariyaat 51 : 55]

An analogy came to mind when giving thought to the above experience : The likeness of the repetition of this one verse of poetry and its benefit upon the hearts of all those who were present at the time, is like that of a ‘drip’.

A person is admitted into hospital due to various reasons: dehydration, loss of blood, surgery, childbirth, an accident, etc. Many a time, there is a need for the use of a drip.

The ‘drip’ is called ‘drip’ because its work is to administer fluid slowly, drop-by-drop, directly into a vein. Thus, one drop at a time, enters the person’s system… until the drip is empty. This process is a slow process, taking, sometimes, a number of hours – yet the drip is described as a very efficient process whereby the entire body quickly receives the supply of medication which it requires.

Moreover, a drip chamber controls the process whereby the fluid flows into the vein without air entering the bloodstream because if air is introduced into the bloodstream, this can lead to health complications, which could even be fatal.

If it is a blood transfusion, the patient receives healthy blood through a drip. Depending on how much of blood is required, the process can run into hours. If it is dehydration, then the drip is used to hydrate the patient with a solution of glucose and electrolytes because glucose boosts the energy system once it enters the blood stream. If due to some other ailment, accordingly, the drip is used to supply the medication or nutrients needed.

No sane patient will complain that the process is too long, he is becoming bored, and the drip should be removed because it is a tedious experience… The person knows his health is dependent on the drip.

Now if we have to look at our own condition as Muslims, as an Ummah, we find that we have lost so much of spiritual blood, or we are so severely dehydrated spiritually, that these sessions or Majaalis of the Mashaa`ik are like short term ‘hospitalization’ where we are attached to a drip – the drip being the Suhbah of the Mashaa`ik, their advice and tawajjuh and duas, by which we hydrate our Imaan which is withering away, or we regain the spiritual blood that we have lost due to our own negligence and indulgence in sins.

The repetition of Qur`aan Shareef, Ahaadeeth and the poetry of the Ahlullah are the medication or nutrients which are supplied to our souls through this spiritual ‘drip’ and which, in turn, keep us spiritually alive.

If we do not take this recourse – of attaching ourselves to a spiritual ‘drip’ – a Shaykh-e-Kaamil, we can find ourselves in a critical and spiritually life-threatening condition. May Allah Ta’ala protect us.

These Majaalis of the Mashaa`ik are to be appreciated – more especially in these times of fitnah, where indulgence in sins has led to severe spiritual dehydration, loss of spiritual blood and has led to a domino effect of corruption and immorality throughout the world. Our weakness is evident at every turn, except for those who continuously supply their soul with the nourishment of Taqwa via these spiritual drips.

Allah Ta’ala has confirmed this in the Qur`aan Shareef:

“O You who Believe, Fear Allah and join the company of the Truthful ones (the pious, the Auliya Allah).”
[Surah Taubah 9 : 119]

Hazrat Maulana Maseehullah (RA) had explained very beautifully, that this Ayah (verse) draws attention to three important matters : Imaan, Taqwa and Suhbah. And Hazrat Maulana (RA) elaborated, saying that for the nourishment, growth, health and preservation of Imaan, Taqwa is required. Without Taqwa, one’s Imaan will weaken, will decline … will wilt and wither away. However, for the nourishment, development, growth and progress of Taqwa, the Suhbah (companionship) of the pious is indispensable. It is essential.

Allah Ta’ala commands us to keep the company of the ‘Siddiqeen’, the truthful ones – because they are truthful in their piety. They have the reality of what they project.

Another point that we are informed of was that if air is introduced in the bloodstream, this would lead to health complications which can be fatal as well.

Similarly when a person keeps such company and attends such majaalis, but entertains in his heart insincerity, or in his good efforts, the person begins to suffer the infection of ujub or kibr, or the person becomes jealous of others and allows malice to breed in his heart – then this is that poison which can lead to spiritual death, despite being in the right environment and company.

Allah Ta’ala grant us all Ikhlaas and full benefit in the efforts we make to keep company with His Friends.

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel (RA)

NO, it’s not ON!

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

ONCE, WHILST WALKING ON A PAVEMENT, I saw the word “NO” painted on the cement of the pavement.

A pedestrian would read “ON” walking in the one direction and would read “NO”, walking in the opposite direction.

This made me think of the never-ending efforts of shaytaan and nafs in enticing and persuading us to engage in sins. …Shaytaan and nafs are very quick in glorifying sins, saying to us, “It’s ON!”

This is a common catch-phrase, used to confirm some get-together or meeting, whether at the rave club, cinema, casino, or an illicit meeting. For many this means, it’s the place to be, it’s the thing to do. It will bring enjoyment and gratification. You will be ‘with it.’

When a true Muslim is faced with such an invitation to sin or is tempted to disobey Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), he boldly and assertively responds: “NO, it’s not On!”

He addresses his nafs:

“Agreed, there is a little stolen pleasure in sin

But what great rebellion this is against the Sustainer (Allah Ta’ala)

(That you use His bounties to disobey Him)

A little while of pleasure and everlasting regret;

What stupidity it is to bury

the Janaza of respect and honour.”[1]

“It’s ON!” is also a phrase which confirms a fight to take place or a fight that has started. When a person is challenged to a fight – perhaps after school, university or college – then if the person accepts, he says: “It’s On!” He accepts the challenge with resolve and firmness to win.

…Of course, such fights or scuffles are not condoned and are not permissible. Muslims are not thugs, bullies or hooligans.

However, what is definitely ON – what is confirmed – is the fight and Jihaad against nafs and shaytaan! The person resolves to strive against nafs and shaytaan in his efforts to please Allah Ta’ala – and is determined to win.

So take courage! Allah Ta’ala is on your side. You will have the support and assistance of the One Who is All Powerful and Almighty.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the courage to say no to all invitations and temptations of sins and to strive against our enemies, nafs and shaytaan.

Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

[1] Poetry of Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ

Articles

Durud Shareef

An SMS from Madinah Sharif

THE TRUE WEALTH OF MADINA MUNAWWARAH

A Lesson in Begging

The Wash Cycles for the Heart

Zul Hijjah

Qurbani

Illicit Relationships

Formula for Unlimited Blessings

Burma: A Lesson for Us

The Masjid of Rasulullah

Fragrance of a Rose

Sitemap

Talk to us