A person was once infuriated when he noticed people worshipping a tree. He grabbed an axe and proceeded to chop it down. En route he met the accursed Iblees, who asked him where he was headed. He informed Iblees that he intended to chop the tree. Iblees bade him to leave the tree alone and let the worshippers suffer the consequences. An argument ensued and the two eventually wrestled thrice, Iblees being defeated each time. When Iblees finally realized that he will never defeat the person, he adopted another approach. He told the person that if he left the tree to be, he would find four dirhams beneath his bed every morning. When the person hesitated, Iblees solemnly promised this for him. The person accepted the proposal and returned home. As promised, he found the four dirhams on the promised place each morning for several mornings. However, when he did not find anything for two consecutive mornings, he grabbed his axe in a fit of anger and again proceeded to the tree. Again he met the accursed Iblees on the road. When Iblees asked him where he was going, he replied that he was on his way to cut down the tree that people were worshipping. Iblees then told him to back off because he would not allow Him to proceed. Iblees said, "On the first occasion you wanted to cut the tree down for Allaah's pleasure and I would never been able to stop you despite my hardest efforts. Now you intend to chop it up on account of four dirhams. If you just take another step I will sever your head from your body!" The person was thus obliged to return home.
This shows that when actions are done for Allah's pleaures, Shaitaan is humbled. When actions are done for worldly benefit, even shaitaan gets bold.
Taken from Admonition For The Neglectful
Friday, 31 July 2009
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
The "Dua" Against Musa Alayhis Salaam
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas Radiyallahu-Anhum narrates that Bal’am bin Baura was an Aalim of standing and status. He lived in Jerusalem nearby Kan’aan. Some narrations attribute him to the Bani Israeel. After the destruction of Firaun (Pharaoh) and the conquest of Egypt, Allah Rabbul-Izzat commanded the Bani Israeel to take up arms against the Jabbaareen (a tyrant nation).
The Jabbaareen, fully aware that Bal’am had been granted the knowledge of the wonderful and most-powerful “Ismi-a ‘azam” (the great name of Allah Rabbul-Izzat that causes any dua to be instantly accepted), resorted to him for assistance against the Bani Israeel through the Ismi-a-’azam. Initially he resisted this request, explaining that Nabi Moosa Alayhimus-Salaam was on the side of the Bani Israeel and hence it would be impossible for him to use the Ismi-a-’azam against the Nabi of Allah.
When they grew persistent in their entreaties, he promised to resort to Istikharah in this matter. He was informed via the Istikharah never to yield to their request as this would result in certain destruction for him. Failing in this ploy, the Jabbaareen attempted another strategy.
They showered Bal’am with various “gifts” and “tokens”, which he readily accepted. In essence this was clear-cut bribery. His wife was manipulated to pressurize him into accepting their request. Blinded by the love of wife and wealth, he finally surrendered to their whims and set out on his sinister errand. At this stage, the Majestic Power of Allah Rabbul-Izzat came into operation and all the curses he began uttering against Hazrat Moosa Alayhimus-Salaam and the Bani lsraeel, turned into curses for the Jabbaareen. The Jabbaareen panicked at this dramatic event and were soon destroyed by the, “...doings of their own hands...”
[Maulana Muhammad added that whenever Bal'am would make a dua against Musa Alayhis salaam then Allah would make the words, "Jabbaareen" come in place of Musa Alayhis salaam and Bani Israeel. So whenever Bal'am would make or try to make dua against Musa Alayhis salaam in reality he would make dua against his own people. When Bal'am went to make his duas he went to the top of a hill. Whilst making his way to the top he was riding on a donkey, and that donkey was given the power of speech. The donkey warned Bal'am of his actions and then the donkey refused to move. After Bal'am made his duas, Allah Ta'ala punished him by making his tongue longer so that it would reach his chest. This prevented him from speaking and hence the following ayat was revealed due to Bal'am's similar appearance to that of a dog who has it's tongue constantly hanging out of its mouth.]
The punishment that was meted out to Bal’am has been recorded in the Qur’an Majeed; “Thus his (Bal’am) likeness is as the likeness of a dog.” (7:176)
Before his gruesome end, he gathered the people and explained to them that he had destroyed himself but would show them an effective strategy to overcome the Bani Israeel. He advised them to dress their beautiful maiden girls in eye-catching and revealing apparel; then dispatch them into the army of Bani Israeel. Since the soldiers were away from home over a long period of time, they would easily succumb to this temptation and ultimately bring upon themselves the wrath of Allah Rabbul-Izzat and resultant defeat, due to their transgression. This plan was executed, and as predicated, the soldiers succumbed despite much reprisal and warnings from Hazrat Moosa Alayhimus-Salaam.
The result was a severe plague upon the Bani lsraeel, wherein 70,000 of them perished. The culprits were then publicly executed and left to hang on the gallows as a gruesome reminder to the entire nation. Only when all had sincerely repented, was the punishment withdrawn from them.
Taken from Shifa-ul-qulub. This story can also be heard in greater detail and explanation at Miftahul Jannah by Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Saheb
The Jabbaareen, fully aware that Bal’am had been granted the knowledge of the wonderful and most-powerful “Ismi-a ‘azam” (the great name of Allah Rabbul-Izzat that causes any dua to be instantly accepted), resorted to him for assistance against the Bani Israeel through the Ismi-a-’azam. Initially he resisted this request, explaining that Nabi Moosa Alayhimus-Salaam was on the side of the Bani Israeel and hence it would be impossible for him to use the Ismi-a-’azam against the Nabi of Allah.
When they grew persistent in their entreaties, he promised to resort to Istikharah in this matter. He was informed via the Istikharah never to yield to their request as this would result in certain destruction for him. Failing in this ploy, the Jabbaareen attempted another strategy.
They showered Bal’am with various “gifts” and “tokens”, which he readily accepted. In essence this was clear-cut bribery. His wife was manipulated to pressurize him into accepting their request. Blinded by the love of wife and wealth, he finally surrendered to their whims and set out on his sinister errand. At this stage, the Majestic Power of Allah Rabbul-Izzat came into operation and all the curses he began uttering against Hazrat Moosa Alayhimus-Salaam and the Bani lsraeel, turned into curses for the Jabbaareen. The Jabbaareen panicked at this dramatic event and were soon destroyed by the, “...doings of their own hands...”
[Maulana Muhammad added that whenever Bal'am would make a dua against Musa Alayhis salaam then Allah would make the words, "Jabbaareen" come in place of Musa Alayhis salaam and Bani Israeel. So whenever Bal'am would make or try to make dua against Musa Alayhis salaam in reality he would make dua against his own people. When Bal'am went to make his duas he went to the top of a hill. Whilst making his way to the top he was riding on a donkey, and that donkey was given the power of speech. The donkey warned Bal'am of his actions and then the donkey refused to move. After Bal'am made his duas, Allah Ta'ala punished him by making his tongue longer so that it would reach his chest. This prevented him from speaking and hence the following ayat was revealed due to Bal'am's similar appearance to that of a dog who has it's tongue constantly hanging out of its mouth.]
The punishment that was meted out to Bal’am has been recorded in the Qur’an Majeed; “Thus his (Bal’am) likeness is as the likeness of a dog.” (7:176)
Before his gruesome end, he gathered the people and explained to them that he had destroyed himself but would show them an effective strategy to overcome the Bani Israeel. He advised them to dress their beautiful maiden girls in eye-catching and revealing apparel; then dispatch them into the army of Bani Israeel. Since the soldiers were away from home over a long period of time, they would easily succumb to this temptation and ultimately bring upon themselves the wrath of Allah Rabbul-Izzat and resultant defeat, due to their transgression. This plan was executed, and as predicated, the soldiers succumbed despite much reprisal and warnings from Hazrat Moosa Alayhimus-Salaam.
The result was a severe plague upon the Bani lsraeel, wherein 70,000 of them perished. The culprits were then publicly executed and left to hang on the gallows as a gruesome reminder to the entire nation. Only when all had sincerely repented, was the punishment withdrawn from them.
Taken from Shifa-ul-qulub. This story can also be heard in greater detail and explanation at Miftahul Jannah by Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Saheb
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Reality Check!
Days are going by, weeks are going by and months are going by. Day in and day out the same things happen, the sun rises in the morning, and the sun sets in the evening. At the same time our years are passing by and our lives are getting shorter.
After my first year of college I remember countless times the conversation amongst us would be along the lines, "...maaan college is missions, I wish we could go back to the kelmscott days (secondary school)." It's funny when we say such statements even though we know there's no chance of us going back, but we just have false hopes of returning to those years because it was a lot more easier than the years we are in at the moment.
When a person leaves primary school, after doing his SATs, he then moves on to secondary school and he knows there's no chance of going back. When a person leaves secondary school and heads to college with his GCSEs, he knows there's no chance of going back to change the results he received. When a person receives his results for his A-levels he heads to university for whatever course is available for him and he realises there's no chance of him going back to that same college to re-do those same years he done there. Similarly the examples can go on and on of the doors that open and close in life. We enter through one door and then soon after we leave through another door and then that door is sealed shut behind us. One door which we all entered together, was the door of being in this world. And just like one day we left primary school then secondary school and then college and we knew there was no chance of going back to change the results that we got, is the same way that when you leave this world it's like closing a door behind you which has no handle for you to pull open again. Whatever results you receive on that day when you die, is what you will have to make do with and then there will be no chance of going back. It's a fact that today in the year 2009 we are all here alive and well, alhamdulilah, but that might not be the case in 2100. The world will carry on, wars will still be occuring but for you and I, we won't even be able to move a muscle. If you think about this deeply then a certain reality will hit you.
When a person dies, then he's closed one door behind him and that door will be locked shut. You won't have no choice but you will obey the will of your Lord, and you will enter the door of the grave. In here is another reality, because you will be on your own with your deeds around you and your eyes will see things they've never seen before. Again, you will have a set time in the grave then that door of the grave will close too. This time you and the entire creation of Allah Ta'ala will be destroyed by the sound of the horn of the angel Israfeel alayhis salaam and then even he Israfeel alayhis salaam will be destroyed. For an approximate period of 40 years or more, Allah will be the only Being in existence and nothing else. Allah is the Real Power and the Real Might. Allah is the Eternal One, and the One to whom we will return to. This is all the truth of reality. All of these events will come to pass and that's when we will finally be resurrected and given the greatest exam of our life. On that Day Allah himself will say, "Whose is the Kingdom this Day?" (Allah Himself will reply to His Question); "It is Allah's, the One, the Irresistible!" (Surah Ghafir, verse 16).
This life is a series of doors that open and close which will carry on even when you die. The last of doors which we will enter, will be the doors of Jannah, InshAllah. And when those doors are closed then you wouldn't even want to go back!
It is the desire of every human to obtain success. Nobody wants to be a failure in life. Different people have different views of success. Some view success as being wealthy and rich. Some view success as having fast cars and making the most of this life that they were given. Whatever the views are of people the ultimate success which nobody can doubt is obtaining entry into Jannah without any punishment of this world or the hereafter. To achieve this, is where your efforts will come in handy. The same way those who will receive grade A's in their A-levels, generally put alot of effort into getting those grades over the last 2 years they spent in college, is the same way that those who put effort and the word is, "effort", into practising the Deen of Allah, will surely receive the good grades of Jannah before them. No effort for the Deen of Allah will go to waste in the Sight of Allah, and that's a fact.
The following is a qoute I made when writing this piece, not that it's anything special.
"I'm alive today and I'll die tommorow, I'm not alive tomorrow because I died today. "
After my first year of college I remember countless times the conversation amongst us would be along the lines, "...maaan college is missions, I wish we could go back to the kelmscott days (secondary school)." It's funny when we say such statements even though we know there's no chance of us going back, but we just have false hopes of returning to those years because it was a lot more easier than the years we are in at the moment.
When a person leaves primary school, after doing his SATs, he then moves on to secondary school and he knows there's no chance of going back. When a person leaves secondary school and heads to college with his GCSEs, he knows there's no chance of going back to change the results he received. When a person receives his results for his A-levels he heads to university for whatever course is available for him and he realises there's no chance of him going back to that same college to re-do those same years he done there. Similarly the examples can go on and on of the doors that open and close in life. We enter through one door and then soon after we leave through another door and then that door is sealed shut behind us. One door which we all entered together, was the door of being in this world. And just like one day we left primary school then secondary school and then college and we knew there was no chance of going back to change the results that we got, is the same way that when you leave this world it's like closing a door behind you which has no handle for you to pull open again. Whatever results you receive on that day when you die, is what you will have to make do with and then there will be no chance of going back. It's a fact that today in the year 2009 we are all here alive and well, alhamdulilah, but that might not be the case in 2100. The world will carry on, wars will still be occuring but for you and I, we won't even be able to move a muscle. If you think about this deeply then a certain reality will hit you.
When a person dies, then he's closed one door behind him and that door will be locked shut. You won't have no choice but you will obey the will of your Lord, and you will enter the door of the grave. In here is another reality, because you will be on your own with your deeds around you and your eyes will see things they've never seen before. Again, you will have a set time in the grave then that door of the grave will close too. This time you and the entire creation of Allah Ta'ala will be destroyed by the sound of the horn of the angel Israfeel alayhis salaam and then even he Israfeel alayhis salaam will be destroyed. For an approximate period of 40 years or more, Allah will be the only Being in existence and nothing else. Allah is the Real Power and the Real Might. Allah is the Eternal One, and the One to whom we will return to. This is all the truth of reality. All of these events will come to pass and that's when we will finally be resurrected and given the greatest exam of our life. On that Day Allah himself will say, "Whose is the Kingdom this Day?" (Allah Himself will reply to His Question); "It is Allah's, the One, the Irresistible!" (Surah Ghafir, verse 16).
This life is a series of doors that open and close which will carry on even when you die. The last of doors which we will enter, will be the doors of Jannah, InshAllah. And when those doors are closed then you wouldn't even want to go back!
It is the desire of every human to obtain success. Nobody wants to be a failure in life. Different people have different views of success. Some view success as being wealthy and rich. Some view success as having fast cars and making the most of this life that they were given. Whatever the views are of people the ultimate success which nobody can doubt is obtaining entry into Jannah without any punishment of this world or the hereafter. To achieve this, is where your efforts will come in handy. The same way those who will receive grade A's in their A-levels, generally put alot of effort into getting those grades over the last 2 years they spent in college, is the same way that those who put effort and the word is, "effort", into practising the Deen of Allah, will surely receive the good grades of Jannah before them. No effort for the Deen of Allah will go to waste in the Sight of Allah, and that's a fact.
The following is a qoute I made when writing this piece, not that it's anything special.
"I'm alive today and I'll die tommorow, I'm not alive tomorrow because I died today. "
Monday, 20 July 2009
Parents
One of the most gravest sins ever is disobedience to our parents, therefore, as difficult it may seem at times, young Muslims should take time out to help our mothers and fathers out first, before we help our friends and most certainly ourselves. In many ahadith the value of the mother is given and I will be discussing them further below. Allah has created us through our parents and we must remember that one day, most of us will too have children and become good Muslim fathers and mothers.
This ayah of the Qur'an shows us that with worshipping Allah, you have to be "dutiful" or help to your parents. The Qur'an then gives us a direct order on how to address them when they are old, and how much we should show respect for them once they are old. Youth and I include myself, sometimes forget the pain of parenthood and childbirth, but we cannot payback our parents for countless sleepless nights, one of the few ways we can show appreciation is through helping them when they are old and fragile.
" And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years — give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination" Surah Luqmaan, verse 14
Allah poses another direct order to us and again reminds the Mu'mineen about the suffering caused by our mothers during the whole period of her looking after us. Allah then goes on to say how we should give thanks to him, but then as importantly give thanks and appreciation to the parents.
Parents in light of the Qur'an.
"And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour. " Surah Isra, verse 23.
This ayah of the Qur'an shows us that with worshipping Allah, you have to be "dutiful" or help to your parents. The Qur'an then gives us a direct order on how to address them when they are old, and how much we should show respect for them once they are old. Youth and I include myself, sometimes forget the pain of parenthood and childbirth, but we cannot payback our parents for countless sleepless nights, one of the few ways we can show appreciation is through helping them when they are old and fragile.
" And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years — give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination" Surah Luqmaan, verse 14
Allah poses another direct order to us and again reminds the Mu'mineen about the suffering caused by our mothers during the whole period of her looking after us. Allah then goes on to say how we should give thanks to him, but then as importantly give thanks and appreciation to the parents.
Parents in light of the Hadith
Paradise lies under the feet of your mother.
It not a coincidence that the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) said this, to think that a mother has to go through much grief during pregnancy, childbirth and tarbiyah that there must be a reward for him. Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) realised with guidance from Allah that Jannah is a place where all the hardships of the world come to an end and a life of blissful happiness begins, a place where everyone shall be rewarded by their actions, and what is more beloved by Allah then to see one creation (a mother/father) raising a child up in a good, respected and a Muslim way.
It not a coincidence that the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) said this, to think that a mother has to go through much grief during pregnancy, childbirth and tarbiyah that there must be a reward for him. Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) realised with guidance from Allah that Jannah is a place where all the hardships of the world come to an end and a life of blissful happiness begins, a place where everyone shall be rewarded by their actions, and what is more beloved by Allah then to see one creation (a mother/father) raising a child up in a good, respected and a Muslim way.
A man came to the Prophet and said, ‘O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship? The Prophet said: Your mother. The man said, ‘Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man further asked, ‘Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man asked again, ‘Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your father. (Bukhari, Muslim).
The Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) recognises that the mother is probably the single most important figurehead in a family. The importance they have of being the first teacher a child ever has, for example, teaching a child to walk, we are not born knowing how to walk, we are taught it and most of us by our mothers, that could mean everytime we do a little or major act, it is simply down to them, when you go to the fridge if it wasnt for your mother teaching you, some people would not even be able to do that. The reply of "your mother" was done three times so we must remember the importance they have in our lives and the father was too mentioned, showing we should give both parents respect and our whole hearts to them.
Let us not find ourselves in the rising culture where most youths disregard what our parents say and we should remind ourselves the rights they have over us. One day when we are mothers and fathers we dont want to be in a position that we remember how bad we treated our parents but rather how we should them love, respect and honour they fully deserve. By us being good to our parents inshaAllah we too will have children who will look after us with the same love we had.
May Allah guide us all and protect us, and help us show kindness to our parents.
Ameen
Sunday, 19 July 2009
Connection With Allah
Summer time is here, so it's best to make sure we make the most of the free time we have before it's gone and we are back to college or uni. When exam time came, we had the ability to read through hundreds of notes in a couple of days, so I humbly ask that you read some if not all of this short yet superb book. Jazakallah.
http://www.khanqah.org/books/show/connection-with-Allah
http://www.khanqah.org/books/show/connection-with-Allah
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Hafiz Saab and the Big, Bad Jinn
My respected Sheikh, Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Sahib (DB) mentioned to me a very funny story about the virtues of Surah Baqarah. The story can also be found in Ibn Batutta's 'Safarana'.
There was once a Hafiz Saab who had gone to the Maldives to do the work of Da'wat and calling people to Islam. As he was progressing through the land, he went in to a house to meet a family who were in deep sorrow and anguish. He asked them,
"What is the matter?! Why are you crying so much?"
They told Hafiz Saab that there is a river that flows in the village and every month it stops. On the night of its stoppage, the people of the village summon beautiful, young, virgin girls and embellish them with jewellery and make up and then place them in this river. They all leave and come back in the morning to find the girl dead. And so, the river continues to flow until the next month. The family informed Hafiz Saab of this and told him,
"We are sad because today is the day our daughter is put in to the river."
When Hafiz Saab was informed of all of this, he instantly knew that there was some 'ghar bhar' (something dodgy) about this. Putting his full trust in Allah Ta'ala, Hafiz Saab consoled the family and told them,
"No need to worry. Tonight, dress me up as your daughter and cover me. I will go in to this river and see what the problem is!"
Hafiz Saab had to trick the people of the village into making them think that he was a woman but at the same time he could not wear make up etc. So he covered his face with a burkah and was taken to the river by the menfolk. Hafiz Saab sat in the middle of this river and was left in the darkness of the night by the people who returned home in sadness at the prospect of another death.
"Come to me woman!"
Hafiz Saab ripped his burkah off and shouted,
"I'm not no woman!
There was once a Hafiz Saab who had gone to the Maldives to do the work of Da'wat and calling people to Islam. As he was progressing through the land, he went in to a house to meet a family who were in deep sorrow and anguish. He asked them,
"What is the matter?! Why are you crying so much?"
They told Hafiz Saab that there is a river that flows in the village and every month it stops. On the night of its stoppage, the people of the village summon beautiful, young, virgin girls and embellish them with jewellery and make up and then place them in this river. They all leave and come back in the morning to find the girl dead. And so, the river continues to flow until the next month. The family informed Hafiz Saab of this and told him,
"We are sad because today is the day our daughter is put in to the river."
When Hafiz Saab was informed of all of this, he instantly knew that there was some 'ghar bhar' (something dodgy) about this. Putting his full trust in Allah Ta'ala, Hafiz Saab consoled the family and told them,
"No need to worry. Tonight, dress me up as your daughter and cover me. I will go in to this river and see what the problem is!"
Hafiz Saab had to trick the people of the village into making them think that he was a woman but at the same time he could not wear make up etc. So he covered his face with a burkah and was taken to the river by the menfolk. Hafiz Saab sat in the middle of this river and was left in the darkness of the night by the people who returned home in sadness at the prospect of another death.
Hafiz Saab was on red alert! His eyes kept scanning the area to spot anything dodgy. After a while, a huge, evil Jinn was approaching him from the distance. He realised that this Jinn would rape and then murder the young women and leave, then, when his desires had been worked up, he would stop the waterflow to the town until they placed for him another young woman to savage! So this big, bad Jinn began to approach what he thought was a young, beautiful woman and began to call her saying,
"Come to me woman!"
Hafiz Saab ripped his burkah off and shouted,
"I'm not no woman!
ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلۡحَىُّ ٱلۡقَيُّومُۚ "
He then began to read Ayyatul Khursi and verses from Surah Baqarah! The Jinn, despite his power could not come near Hafiz Saab! He tried coming from all sides but was unable to due to the sheer power of the Qur'an. Eventually, out of fear and hurt, the Jinn ran away with the water flowing naturally. In the morning, the people of the village came to see what had happened. They saw Hafiz Saab who informed them of his doings last night. They became elated and dumbstruck at the power of the Qur'an. They then all accepted Islam on account of this amazing scene and from then on, the Jinn never returned.
Sunday, 12 July 2009
Chosen Souls - Valuable Chapters From Splendid Lives
Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah Ta'ala, our respected Sheikh, Maulana Irfan Sidyot Sahib (DB) has compiled a book with regards to the sacrifices of the pious predecessors. It is an excellent book for those who wish for a quick read as well as those who are talaba as many of the people mentioned are narrators of ahadith and great luminaries. 'Chosen Souls' is a short compilation of factual stories and events related to some of the most distinguished personalities ever to have stepped foot on the face of the the Earth. The work reflects the unwavering resolve of Allah Most High's chosen servants in pleasing their Creator. Accounts of worship, truthfulness, justice, steadfastness and other qualities make 'Chosen Souls' an enlightening read for all ages. It is priced at just £3.50 and is available widely. (Pages 73). Click here to order
Similarly, I would also like to divert your attention to Maulana's first kitaab that he wrote in praise of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. 'The Prodigy of Creation' is a poem for English speaking audience which takes readers through the blessed life of Rasulullah salallah alayhi wa salam in an eloquent manner. The poem is also complete with a commentary on its every meaning. This too is a brief and short read. It is priced at £3.30 at Azhar Academy and more details are available on the sidebar. Click here to order.
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Sadaqah
By Sheikh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat Saheb
Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam, said : Sadaqah does not decrease wealth. (Muslim)
We learn from this hadith that no one will ever suffer financial loss due to spending in the path of Allah Ta'ala. Financial experts and economists may not agree, but the words of the Rasul of Allah salallahu alayhi wa salam can never be wrong. The misinformed intellect says that spending, whether in sadaqah or for wordly matters decreases one's wealth. It calculates that someone with £1000, who spends £100 on helping the yateem (orphans) or building a mosque will be left with £900, therefore spending decreases wealth. However, sadaqah does not decrease wealth and this thought comes from Shaytaan, and is in direct contradiction with the teachings of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam.
Shaytaan's Promise
This deception that Shaytaan has created is described in the Qur'an:
Shaytaan promises you poverty, and commands you to indecency...(2.268)
When dealing with people who are not particularly religious, Shaytaan scares them with the threat of poverty and tries to persuade them not to spend fisabilillah (in the path of Allah) at all. The approach he takes with religious people is to persuade them to spend only on what is obligatory; arguing anything beyond will lead to poverty. He asserts that zakah, which is Fardh, is already a drain on resources so giving voluntary sadaqah will only incur a further decrease in wealth.
The cursed Shaytaan will exert his energies to stop a person spending a mere £5 towards a masjid, yet will allow the same person to spend £50 in the market, he encourages people to indulge in israf - being extravagant and wasteful with money - as it bring the displeasure of Allah.
Allah's promise
...And Allah promises you forgiveness from himself and Abundance, and Allah is All - Embracing, All - Knowing (2.268)
While Shaytaan promises poverty, Allah promises two things, forgiveness and an increase in wealth. The former is a blessing that secures success in the hereafter, and the latter brings ease in the dunya - world.
If £1 is spent fisabilillah, the minimum He will receive to the giver is £10, a tenfold increase. Thereafter, Allah increases the return by whatever multiple he wishes, up to seven hundred times and beyond, depending on the level of sincerity with which Sadaqah is given and the difficulties borne by the giver.
Allah uses a beautiful example to illustrate the reward for spending in his path:
The example of those who spend in the way of Allah is just like a grain that produced seven ears, each ear having a hundred grains; and Allah multiplies [ the reward further ] for whom he wills. Allah is All Embracing, All Knowing. (2.261)
Allah repays a person by giving a reward in the akhira equal to having spent seven hundred times the amount that was actually spent. And that is not all: Allah gives even more when He wills.
May Allah grant us all the ability to spend in His path and earn the vast rewards He had promised in both worlds. Amin.
Episodes from the life of Khalid bin Walid radiallahu anhu
Here are some episodes from the life of Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu):
Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) is known as the sword of ALLAH. The Prophet Muhammad(Sallallahu alayhi wa salam) said to Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) that "You are one of the swords of ALLAH and ALLAH has drawn you out for battle against the enemies of ALLAH."
Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) was one of the strongest and bravest men ever to walk on this earth. He was scared of nobody as the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wa salam) made a special dua so that Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) would not to be scared of anyone. And so the Sword of ALLAH said, "Since the day that the Prophet Muhammad(Sallallahu alayhi wa salam) made that dua, I was not scared of any person."
When Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) died, Umar (radiallahu anhu) said, "Women won't be able to bear the like of Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) again."
Once in a battle Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) went to the general of the opposing army and gave three options. He (radiallahu anhu) told the opposing general, "Accept Islam. If you do not accept islam then you will have to pay the jizya (tax) and if you refuse these two options then I have a group of people with me that love DEATH the way you love life." One of the biggest strengths of Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) was this that he was able to demoralise armies.
Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anh) broke 8 swords in the battle of Yarmuk. These were the swords belonging to Khalid (radiallahu anhu). As for Khalid (radiallahu anhu) he could never have been broken as he was the Sword of ALLAH. On his death bed, Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) was talking to his friend and he told him, "Do you see a size of a hand span on my body where there is not a wound?" His freind looked and said, "No." And then Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) said, "I fought numerous battle and now you see me dying on my bed, I wanted to die as a shahid(martyr) but now I am dying on my bed." Then his friend said to him, "You could never have died in the battle field." And then Khalid (radiallahu anhu) asked as to why, then his friend told him, "When the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wa salam) named you the sword of ALLAH, you are the sword of Allah and if you died in the battle field then people would say that an unbeliever has broken the sword of Allah, and this could never have happened."
When the sword of ALLAH passed away, people were crying and Umar (radiallahu anhu) had strict orders that no one should cry when a believer dies as they are destined for Jannah anyway. A man went to Umar (radiallahu anhu) and told him "O Amir ul Mumineen! People are crying over the death of Khalid!" Then Umar told him, "May your mother loose you for on the like of Khalid bin WALID (radiallahu anhu), those who cry should be allowed to cry." This shows the importance that this great sahabi had in Islam.
Khalid bin WALID (radiallahu anhu) mothers said on the death of her son, "You are better than a million as long as men fall infront of of you on their faces, and you are braver than a tiger and as for your generousity - you are more generous than that stream which comes down from a mountain." And Umar (radiallahu anhu) said, "The mother of KHALID BIN WALID (radiallahu anhu) has spoken the truth."
Khalid bin walid (radiallahu anhu) was truly better that a million. He was that general that never lost a battle and he was that man that would not rest and would not allowed those around him to rest. We can see how brave this mujahid was, there will not be anyone like him again. May Allah Ta'ala make us all the protectors of His deen. Ameen.
Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) is known as the sword of ALLAH. The Prophet Muhammad(Sallallahu alayhi wa salam) said to Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) that "You are one of the swords of ALLAH and ALLAH has drawn you out for battle against the enemies of ALLAH."
Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) was one of the strongest and bravest men ever to walk on this earth. He was scared of nobody as the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wa salam) made a special dua so that Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) would not to be scared of anyone. And so the Sword of ALLAH said, "Since the day that the Prophet Muhammad(Sallallahu alayhi wa salam) made that dua, I was not scared of any person."
When Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) died, Umar (radiallahu anhu) said, "Women won't be able to bear the like of Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) again."
Once in a battle Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) went to the general of the opposing army and gave three options. He (radiallahu anhu) told the opposing general, "Accept Islam. If you do not accept islam then you will have to pay the jizya (tax) and if you refuse these two options then I have a group of people with me that love DEATH the way you love life." One of the biggest strengths of Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) was this that he was able to demoralise armies.
Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anh) broke 8 swords in the battle of Yarmuk. These were the swords belonging to Khalid (radiallahu anhu). As for Khalid (radiallahu anhu) he could never have been broken as he was the Sword of ALLAH. On his death bed, Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) was talking to his friend and he told him, "Do you see a size of a hand span on my body where there is not a wound?" His freind looked and said, "No." And then Khalid bin Walid (radiallahu anhu) said, "I fought numerous battle and now you see me dying on my bed, I wanted to die as a shahid(martyr) but now I am dying on my bed." Then his friend said to him, "You could never have died in the battle field." And then Khalid (radiallahu anhu) asked as to why, then his friend told him, "When the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wa salam) named you the sword of ALLAH, you are the sword of Allah and if you died in the battle field then people would say that an unbeliever has broken the sword of Allah, and this could never have happened."
When the sword of ALLAH passed away, people were crying and Umar (radiallahu anhu) had strict orders that no one should cry when a believer dies as they are destined for Jannah anyway. A man went to Umar (radiallahu anhu) and told him "O Amir ul Mumineen! People are crying over the death of Khalid!" Then Umar told him, "May your mother loose you for on the like of Khalid bin WALID (radiallahu anhu), those who cry should be allowed to cry." This shows the importance that this great sahabi had in Islam.
Khalid bin WALID (radiallahu anhu) mothers said on the death of her son, "You are better than a million as long as men fall infront of of you on their faces, and you are braver than a tiger and as for your generousity - you are more generous than that stream which comes down from a mountain." And Umar (radiallahu anhu) said, "The mother of KHALID BIN WALID (radiallahu anhu) has spoken the truth."
Khalid bin walid (radiallahu anhu) was truly better that a million. He was that general that never lost a battle and he was that man that would not rest and would not allowed those around him to rest. We can see how brave this mujahid was, there will not be anyone like him again. May Allah Ta'ala make us all the protectors of His deen. Ameen.
Monday, 6 July 2009
Event: Annual Jalsah 2009
Event Alert: Jamia Siraj ul Uloom Annual Jalsah 2009 Sunday 12th July 2009 1.30pm after Zohar Guest Speaker: Hazrat Maulana Saleem Dhorat Sahib
Dars e Hadith: First Lesson of Mishkat al Masabih.
Shaykh Hassan Ali
Food will be served after the event.
Venue: Jamia Siraj ul Uloom, 30-36 Lindley Road, Leyton, London, E10 6QT.
Men only (event will be recorded inshallah)
Please do circulate this on your own websites or on email. Jzk
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
Love, Lust & The Heart
In recent time it appears as though the entire concept of cherishing someone has been eradicated from the religion of Muhammad salalallahu alayhi wa salam. Many people consider the concept of ‘Love’ and ‘Lust’ as something that Islam forbids in its entirety, whether it be felt inside or outside of wedlock. As Muslims have begun to adopt non Muslim customs in their weddings and marriage, we find a great loss in the etiquette of treasuring a partner as if he or she were the most prized possession in the world. However, there are narrations of the Prophet salalallahu alayhi wa salam showing an intimate and compassionate side to his wives for a reason. These narrations could have been left hidden by Allah Ta’ala but in the Prophet salalallahu alayhi wa salam there is a man of exalted examples and in the various transmissions that are slightly private, we discover the most perfect morals and etiquettes to treat our partners with.
The feeling of love and lust is not one that is unknown to Islam. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an,
وَمِنۡ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦۤ أَنۡ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنۡ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَزۡوَٲجً۬ا لِّتَسۡكُنُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيۡنَڪُم مَّوَدَّةً۬ وَرَحۡمَةًۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّقَوۡمٍ۬ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
“And it is among His signs that He has created for you wives from among yourselves, so that you may find tranquillity in them, and He has created love and kindness between you. Surely in this there are signs for a people who reflect.”
Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Shafi rahimahullah mentions in his commentary to this verse mentions:
“The wisdom behind the creation of this particular sex (women) is said to be لِّتَسۡكُنُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهَا (so that you may find tranquillity in them). If one ponders, it becomes evident that all the requirements of men from women end up in drawing peace of mind, tranquillity and comfort.”
In this verse of the Qur’an, Allah refers to the relationship which emits from the relationship of marriage as something that brings love and tranquillity. On the contrary, a person who leaves the Shariah aspect of love and opts for lust finds his heart very heavy and tainted. By living like animals may provide some minor pleasure for a short period of time but it will not provide the solace and harmony created through marriage. The very foundation of fruitful love rests on a lawful marriage and without the bond of marriage; one will surely find life to be free from serenity. Cherry Norton writes as the Social Affairs Editor of ‘The Independent’ newspaper in 2000,
“Feeling guilty about indulging in life's pleasures can damage your health - so if you want to stay in peak condition you should adopt a more hedonistic approach, psychologists said yesterday.Research presented at the British Psychological Society's annual conference in Winchester showed that those who feel guilty about eating, drinking, smoking, watching television or having sex - suffered from a poorer immune system, making them more vulnerable to colds and flu. The findings also suggested that women felt more guilty about their indulgences and were more likely to fall ill than men."
Islam does not negate the feelings of the heart, rather it negates the feelings which lead one into rebellion and that which causes huge problems. There is no ban on having fun as long as it coincides with the restrictions placed by the Shariat. It is perfectly fine for a person to play football with his friends or go to the gym. However this becomes problematic when Prayer is missed for the sake of a football match. Likewise, to love somebody from deep within your heart is emphasised on as long as the two lovers are permitted to love each other (i.e. through matrimony).
The heart itself is a very important part of the Muslim’s body. From this heart emits the feelings of love, anger, joy and many other emotions. However these feelings are determined Halal or Haraam by the actions that emanate from them. For example, a person can be angry but in his anger he has hit his Muslim brother, thus his actions have rendered his anger Haraam. If he had suppressed his anger and recited Tawwuz he would be from among those people whom Allah Ta’ala loves. In the same way, love is not wrong if it is for Allah or for family etc. But this love becomes Haraam when it targeted at a boyfriend or girlfriend, a partner outside wedlock, a ‘fling’ with no repercussions. This is why the Prophet salalallahu alayhi wa salam has mentioned,
“Surely, in the body there is a lump of flesh which when it is sound the whole body is sound and when it is corrupt the whole body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.”
Similarly it is mentioned in the Musnad of Imam Ahmad on the authority of Anas radiallahu anhu that the Prophet salalallahu alayhi wa salam said,
“The belief of a slave will not be straight until his heart is straight.”
What is meant here is that the bodily actions will not be in accordance with Islam until the heart is. For whatever becomes a bodily action is the output of the heart. Therefore, if the heart is in accordance with Islam, ones belief and bodily actions will be too and a core which is filled with affection for Allah Ta’ala will always want to obey Him and never disobey Him.
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal rahimahullah mentions,
“If his heart is sound and there is nothing in it but love of Allah Ta’ala and love of what Allah loves and fear of Allah Ta’ala and fear of falling into that which He dislikes, then all of the actions of the limbs will be right, and there will arise from that his avoidance of all forbidden things and his guarding himself against ambiguities in case he should fall into things which are forbidden. If the heart is corrupt and it is overcome by following desires and his seeking what he loves even if Allah Ta’ala dislikes it, then all of the limbs; movements will be corrupt and will give rise to every act of disobedience and (engagement in every) ambiguous matter according to the extent of his following the hearts’ desire... For this reason it is said that the heart is the king of the limbs and organs and the other limbs and organs are its troops.”
It is for this reason the Prophet salalallahu alayhi wa salam would say in his supplication,
“O Allah, I ask You for a sound heart.”
This is why it is imperative for us as Muslims to fight our desires in the various societies we enter. Many of us in the Western world are working in places which are of mixed genders and we find that we have to interact with the other sex on regular basis. This is not just for people who work but this also applies to students who go to colleges and universities. Society has advocated that we find ourselves partners to become intimate with, every popular soap encourages having companions in order to celebrate the theme of love. This type of ideology has found its way into the lives of young and old Muslims alike and now we find many Muslims engaged in relationships from young ages. Recent culture has subconsciously given people an incentive to imitate the sweet, romantic relationships that they see on their televisions in their own lives. Through this influence, the lives of many Muslims are being corrupted.
It is imperative that we protect ourselves and our children from the huge rush to gather boyfriends and girlfriends. Many of these relationships happen in secret to prevent parents from finding out but at the same time there is guilt which settles in the heart and after a few months, a God conscious Muslim will realise that it is time to give up the Haram and will do it despite the sadness and the ‘emotional rollercoaster’.
The feeling of love and lust is not one that is unknown to Islam. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an,
وَمِنۡ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦۤ أَنۡ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنۡ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَزۡوَٲجً۬ا لِّتَسۡكُنُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيۡنَڪُم مَّوَدَّةً۬ وَرَحۡمَةًۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّقَوۡمٍ۬ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
“And it is among His signs that He has created for you wives from among yourselves, so that you may find tranquillity in them, and He has created love and kindness between you. Surely in this there are signs for a people who reflect.”
Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Shafi rahimahullah mentions in his commentary to this verse mentions:
“The wisdom behind the creation of this particular sex (women) is said to be لِّتَسۡكُنُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهَا (so that you may find tranquillity in them). If one ponders, it becomes evident that all the requirements of men from women end up in drawing peace of mind, tranquillity and comfort.”
In this verse of the Qur’an, Allah refers to the relationship which emits from the relationship of marriage as something that brings love and tranquillity. On the contrary, a person who leaves the Shariah aspect of love and opts for lust finds his heart very heavy and tainted. By living like animals may provide some minor pleasure for a short period of time but it will not provide the solace and harmony created through marriage. The very foundation of fruitful love rests on a lawful marriage and without the bond of marriage; one will surely find life to be free from serenity. Cherry Norton writes as the Social Affairs Editor of ‘The Independent’ newspaper in 2000,
“Feeling guilty about indulging in life's pleasures can damage your health - so if you want to stay in peak condition you should adopt a more hedonistic approach, psychologists said yesterday.Research presented at the British Psychological Society's annual conference in Winchester showed that those who feel guilty about eating, drinking, smoking, watching television or having sex - suffered from a poorer immune system, making them more vulnerable to colds and flu. The findings also suggested that women felt more guilty about their indulgences and were more likely to fall ill than men."
Islam does not negate the feelings of the heart, rather it negates the feelings which lead one into rebellion and that which causes huge problems. There is no ban on having fun as long as it coincides with the restrictions placed by the Shariat. It is perfectly fine for a person to play football with his friends or go to the gym. However this becomes problematic when Prayer is missed for the sake of a football match. Likewise, to love somebody from deep within your heart is emphasised on as long as the two lovers are permitted to love each other (i.e. through matrimony).
The heart itself is a very important part of the Muslim’s body. From this heart emits the feelings of love, anger, joy and many other emotions. However these feelings are determined Halal or Haraam by the actions that emanate from them. For example, a person can be angry but in his anger he has hit his Muslim brother, thus his actions have rendered his anger Haraam. If he had suppressed his anger and recited Tawwuz he would be from among those people whom Allah Ta’ala loves. In the same way, love is not wrong if it is for Allah or for family etc. But this love becomes Haraam when it targeted at a boyfriend or girlfriend, a partner outside wedlock, a ‘fling’ with no repercussions. This is why the Prophet salalallahu alayhi wa salam has mentioned,
“Surely, in the body there is a lump of flesh which when it is sound the whole body is sound and when it is corrupt the whole body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.”
Similarly it is mentioned in the Musnad of Imam Ahmad on the authority of Anas radiallahu anhu that the Prophet salalallahu alayhi wa salam said,
“The belief of a slave will not be straight until his heart is straight.”
What is meant here is that the bodily actions will not be in accordance with Islam until the heart is. For whatever becomes a bodily action is the output of the heart. Therefore, if the heart is in accordance with Islam, ones belief and bodily actions will be too and a core which is filled with affection for Allah Ta’ala will always want to obey Him and never disobey Him.
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal rahimahullah mentions,
“If his heart is sound and there is nothing in it but love of Allah Ta’ala and love of what Allah loves and fear of Allah Ta’ala and fear of falling into that which He dislikes, then all of the actions of the limbs will be right, and there will arise from that his avoidance of all forbidden things and his guarding himself against ambiguities in case he should fall into things which are forbidden. If the heart is corrupt and it is overcome by following desires and his seeking what he loves even if Allah Ta’ala dislikes it, then all of the limbs; movements will be corrupt and will give rise to every act of disobedience and (engagement in every) ambiguous matter according to the extent of his following the hearts’ desire... For this reason it is said that the heart is the king of the limbs and organs and the other limbs and organs are its troops.”
It is for this reason the Prophet salalallahu alayhi wa salam would say in his supplication,
“O Allah, I ask You for a sound heart.”
This is why it is imperative for us as Muslims to fight our desires in the various societies we enter. Many of us in the Western world are working in places which are of mixed genders and we find that we have to interact with the other sex on regular basis. This is not just for people who work but this also applies to students who go to colleges and universities. Society has advocated that we find ourselves partners to become intimate with, every popular soap encourages having companions in order to celebrate the theme of love. This type of ideology has found its way into the lives of young and old Muslims alike and now we find many Muslims engaged in relationships from young ages. Recent culture has subconsciously given people an incentive to imitate the sweet, romantic relationships that they see on their televisions in their own lives. Through this influence, the lives of many Muslims are being corrupted.
It is imperative that we protect ourselves and our children from the huge rush to gather boyfriends and girlfriends. Many of these relationships happen in secret to prevent parents from finding out but at the same time there is guilt which settles in the heart and after a few months, a God conscious Muslim will realise that it is time to give up the Haram and will do it despite the sadness and the ‘emotional rollercoaster’.
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