...In the name of Allah the Merciful the Beneficent...

New Blog Website

2011-01-25T09:56:00.000Z

Assalaamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

This blog has now moved to: http://www.myrespectedteacher.com

Please visit the site and subscribe.

JazaakAllahu Khayran,

Wasalaam

The Benefits of becoming a Murîd

2011-01-03T17:38:00.001Z

By Shaykh Ashrafali Thanawi (ra)

There are several benefits in becoming a murîd:

1. At times a person errs in the different methods of reforming the heart that were mentioned previously. The shaykh shows the correct path in this regard.

2. At times the effect and benefit that one derives from a book is not as great as that which one would have obtained from the guidance of a shaykh. One gains the barakah of the shaykh. Furthermore, if the murîd displays any shortcoming in carrying out a good act or commits an evil act, he will be ashamed of this in front of the shaykh.

3. The person develops confidence and love for the shaykh. Based on this, he is inclined to follow and emulate the ways of the shaykh.

4. If the shaykh is strict in giving his advice or displays his anger, the person does not feel offended and endeavours to act upon his advice.

There are many other benefits which are acquired by those whom Allah has favoured. These can only be known by acquiring and experiencing them.

Qualities to be found in the Shaykh

If a person wishes to become a murîd, he should first consider the following factors in the shaykh. If the latter does not possess these qualities, do not become his murîd.

1. The shaykh must know the masâ’il of Dîn. He should not be ignorant of the Sharî‘ah.

2. He must not possess any quality that is contrary to the Sharî‘ah. His ‘aqâ’id (beliefs) must be the same as those that have been mentioned in Part One of Bahishti Zewar. He should not possess any quality that is contrary to all the masâ’il and all those things connected to reformation of the heart that have been mentioned in this book.

3. He must not be carrying out this programme (of shaykh and murîd) as a means of sustenance. (That is, he must not be doing it for financial gain).

4. Become the murîd of a person who is regarded as a pious person by the majority of good people.

5. Become the murîd of a person who is spoken highly of by good people.

6. His programme of instruction must be such that one develops a love and inclination for Dîn. This can be gauged by looking at the condition of his murîds. Even if fifty-sixty percent of his murîds are good, consider such a shaykh to be effective. Do not have doubts on him by looking at the condition of a few murîds. You may have heard that the pious persons have a lot of effect. This (looking at the condition of his murîds) is the criterion whereby one gauges the effect and power of a shaykh. Do not gauge the effect and power of a shaykh through other means, such as something occurring exactly as he mentioned it to you, someone getting cured by his mere touch, that a ta‘wîdh worked according to the reason for which he gave it to you or that if he fixes his gaze on a person he becomes completely entranced and at a loss. Never be deluded by these effects and powers.

7. The shaykh must be such that he does not take into consideration the status of his murîds when giving them advice of the Dîn. (That is, he does not favour his murîds when it comes to reprimanding them in matters of the Dîn). He stops them from useless and foolish things.

Once you have found such a shaykh, seek permission from your parents (if you are unmarried) or from your husband (if you are married), and become a murîd of such a shaykh solely for the purpose of putting your Dîn in order. If your parents or husband do not permit you to become a murîd, do not become one as it is not fard to become a murîd. However, it is fard to tread the path of the Dîn. You should therefore continue treading this path even if you are not a murîd of a shaykh.

Rules connected to the shaykh and murîd

1. Be respectful to your shaykh. Remember the name of Allah in exactly the way shown to you by your shaykh. Have the following belief with regard to your shaykh: “The spiritual benefits that I can gain from this shaykh cannot be gained from any other shaykh.”

2. If the murîd’s heart has not been reformed properly as yet and the shaykh passes away, he must become a murîd of another shaykh in whom the above-mentioned qualities are found.

3. When you come across any wazîfah in any book or read about the frugal life of someone, do not act upon it on your own accord. Ask your shaykh about it first. If any good or evil thought enters your heart or you decide to do something, first consult your shaykh.

4.Women should not remove their purdah in the presence of their shaykh. At the time of becoming a murîd, do not shake his hands. It is permissible to take the oath of allegiance (bay’ah) by holding one end of a handkerchief or piece of cloth while he holds the other end. A verbal bay’ah is also sufficient.

5. If you mistakenly become a murîd of a person who acts contrary to the Sharî‘ah, or if he was good in the beginning and later changed, then sever your contact with him and become a murîd of some other pious person. However, if your shaykh commits a sin which could be overlooked, then think to yourself that he is also human and that he is not an angel. He has made a mistake which could be forgiven by his making taubah. Do not allow your conviction in him to dwindle over trivial matters. However, if the shaykh persists on such acts, sever your contact with him.

6. It is a sin to believe that your shaykh has full knowledge of everything you do.

7. Never read books which have stories of the dervishes which appear to be contrary to the Sharî‘ah. Similarly, you should not read poems that are contrary to the Sharî‘ah.

8. Some dervishes say that the path of the Sharî‘ah is different from the path of the dervishes. Such dervishes are astray. It is fard to consider them to be liars.

9. If the shaykh asks you to do anything that is contrary to the Sharî‘ah, it is not permissible to act upon it. If he insists on you to carry it out, sever your contact with him.

10. If, due to the barakah of taking the name of Allah, you experience a good state in your heart, you have a good dream or upon waking up you hear a voice or see some light, then do not mention this to anyone other than your shaykh nor inform anyone of the wazîfahs that you read or the ‘ibâdah that you make, because by doing so, this good fortune will go away.

11. If your shaykh asks you to recite a particular wazîfah or engage in a particular form of dhikr and after some time you still do not experience any delight in this, do not be disheartened, nor should you lose your confidence in your shaykh. Instead, think to yourself that the greatest effect is that your heart is making an intention of remembering Allah and that you are being given the opportunity to do good. Never think that you should be blessed with the opportunity of pious persons appearing in your dreams, that you should begin to have knowledge of things that are still going to occur, that you should be able to cry profusely or that you should become so engrossed in your ‘ibâdah that you are unaware of other things. These things occur at times and at times they do not. If they do, express your gratitude to Allah. If they do not occur, decrease after having occurred frequently or cease to occur altogether, then do not be saddened. However, if, Allah forbid, you display any shortcoming in following the Sharî‘ah or commit any sin, then this is definitely something to be distressed about. You should immediately make an effort to put your condition in order, inform your shaykh about it and act upon his advice.

12. Do not be disrespectful of other shaykhs or other sûfi orders. Nor should you address the murîds of other shaykhs or other sûfi orders by telling them that your shaykh is greater than his or that your sûfi order is greater than his. By engaging in such unnecessary and foolish conversations the heart begins to darken.

13. If your shaykh pays more attention to a fellow murîd, or if a fellow murîd gains more benefit from his wazîfahs and dhikrs, do not be jealous of him.

Guidelines on how a Murîd and every other Muslim should spend his night and day

1. Acquire knowledge of the Dîn according to your needs. You could acquire this knowledge either by reading a book or by asking the ‘ulamâ.

2. Abstain from all sins.

3. If you commit any sin, repent immediately.

4. Do not hold back in fulfilling anyone’s right. Do not cause anyone physical or verbal harm. Do not speak ill of anyone.

5. Do not have any love for wealth nor any desire for name and fame. Do not concern yourself with extravagant food and clothing.

6. If someone rebukes you for your mistake or error, do not try to justify your action. Admit your fault and repent.

7. Do not embark on a journey without any dire necessity. This is because many unconscious and unintended acts are committed while on a journey. Many good deeds are missed out, there is a shortcoming in the different forms of dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and you are unable to accomplish your tasks on time.

8. Do not laugh excessively nor talk excessively. You should take special precaution in not talking with ghayr mahrams (those with whom the observance of purdah is incumbent) in an informal way.

9. Do not go about repeating or mentioning an argument that may have taken place between two persons.

10. Always be mindful of the rules of the Sharî‘ah in everything that you do.

11. Do not display laziness in executing any act of ‘ibâdah.

12. Try and spend most of your time in seclusion.

13. If you have to meet and converse with others, meet them with humility and do not display your greatness.

14. Associate very little with rulers and those who hold high positions.

15. Stay very far from irreligious people.

16. Do not search for the faults of others. Do not have evil thoughts about anyone. Instead, look at your own faults and try to put them in order.

17. You should be very particular in offering your salât in the proper manner, at the proper time and with great concentration.

18. Always occupy yourself in the remembrance of Allah either with your heart or tongue. Do not be neglectful in this regard at any time.

19. If you experience any satisfaction in taking the name of Allah and your heart feels happy over this, then express your gratitude to Allah.

20. Speak in a nice, humble way.

21. Set aside specific times for all your different tasks and abide strictly to these times.

22. Consider whatever regret, sorrow or loss you may experience to be from Allah. Do not be despondent. Instead, think that you will be rewarded for this.

23. Do not think about worldly matters, calculations, profits and losses, etc. all the time. Instead, think about Allah.

24. As far as possible, try to help and benefit others irrespective of whether it be in worldly affairs or Dînî matters.

25. Do not eat and drink too little to the extent that you become weak and fall ill. Nor should you eat and drink too much to the extent that you feel lazy in carrying out the different acts of ‘ibâdah.

26. Do not have any desire or greed for anything from anyone except Allah. Do not allow your mind to wander towards any place thinking that you will be able to gain certain benefit or profit from there.

27. Be restless in your quest for Allah.

28. Be grateful for the favours that are bestowed upon you irrespective of whether they are plenty or few. Do not be depressed with poverty and destitution.

29. Overlook the faults and mistakes of those who are under your control.

30. If you learn of any fault of someone, conceal it. However, if the person plans to cause harm to someone else and you learn of it, then warn the other person beforehand.

31. Be in the service of guests, travellers, strangers, ‘ulamâ, and the pious servants of Allah.

32. Choose the company of the pious.

33. Fear Allah all the time.

34. Remember death.

35. Set aside a certain time daily wherein you should think about all your actions for that day. When you remember any good action, express gratitude. When you remember any evil action, repent.

36. Don’t ever speak a lie.

37. Don’t ever attend gatherings that are contrary to the Sharî‘ah.

38. Live with bashfulness, modesty and forbearance.

39. Do not be conceited by thinking to yourself that “I have such-and-such qualities in me.”

40. Continue making du‘â to Allah to keep you steadfast on the straight path.

Islamic Spiritual Retreat 2010

2010-12-25T17:40:00.002Z

Last 10 Days of Ramadan

2010-08-29T03:46:00.002+01:00

Cleansing and Adorning Oneself in the Month of Ramadan

2010-08-11T02:09:00.001+01:00

A brief insight to the islahi majlis of My Respected Teacher, Shaykh Imran ibn Adam
Sunday 8th August 2010

It is a principle of all things in this world that nothing can become perfect until it is cleared of all defective aspects. For example, no plant will grow perfectly until it's place of growth is cleared of all harmful features. Likewise, paint can not be applied to a car until the rust is cleared off. Like this, we can apply this principle to all areas. In the same way, we must clear our lives of all defective actions and carry out righteous acts which will then build us up to becoming good people.

So, on one hand we have the "munakaraat" i.e. those things that are forbidden, and on the other hand we have the "ma'muraat" i.e. those things that we have been commanded to do. The former are the defective aspects that we must avoid, and the latter are the righteous acts that we must adopt. We must do takhliya (cleansing) of the former and do tahliya (adorning) by means of the latter.

The blessed month of Ramadan contains practice for us for this process. As soon as the moon is sighted for the beginning of Ramadan, twenty cycles (raka'at) of salah is enjoined upon us in which a servant performs forty prostrations (sujud) for his Lord by which he draws near to Allah Most High, as Allah mentions in the Noble Qur'an: "...prostrate and draw closer" (Al-Alaq 19). Furthermore, it has been narrated from Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, "The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is prostrating (i.e. doing sajda)..." (Muslim). In addition, we are encouraged do carry out other good acts in this month, like recitation of the Qur'an, spending in charity etc. So all of this is adornment (tahliya) of oneself.

Thereafter, during the day we are commanded to keep fast and staying away from food and drink is a way of curbing the desires in a person. This is practice to help a person to stay away from the forbidden things because if he can stay away from those things that are usually permissible for him (i.e. food and drink) then of course he should be able to refrain from the forbidden things- and this is the real objective. It is reported from Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: "Whoever does not leave speaking falsehood and acting thereupon, Allah has no need (i.e. does not accept) of him leaving his food and drink" (Bukhari).

This shows clearly that until one does not cleanse himself of evil and vice, righteous acts will not yield the best results.

Hakim al-Umma Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi (Allah have mercy on him) has mentioned that it becomes easier to leave sin during the month of Ramadan. Man has two things urging him to sin; one is Satan and the other is man's nafs (desires). One provocation is locked away: Satan [as mentioned in various ahadith]. What's more, even the second provocation (nafs) is weakened by means of fasting.

In conclusion, the aim of Ramadan is to create taqwa by means of which one will be able to refrain from sin and as a result any virtuous acts one carries out will yield abundant good.

Ramadhan late night gatherings

2010-08-08T17:52:00.002+01:00

Event in Dewsbury

2010-07-21T00:31:00.002+01:00

Completion of Saheeh al Bukhari for sisters - Leicester

2010-06-24T16:04:00.002+01:00

Completion of Saheeh al Bukhari - Leicester

2010-06-24T16:02:00.000+01:00

Spiritual Halaqah - April 2010

2010-04-20T01:52:00.002+01:00

Trust in Allah and Adopting the Means

2010-03-10T23:39:00.000Z

In this week's discourse, my Respected Teacher explained the vital issue of drawing a balance between having reliance in Allah Most High and adopting necessary means in our affairs.

This issue stemmed from the narration of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) in which he advises us not walk in one shoe, and another in which he advises us to extinguish any fires around the home before retiring to bed at night. Amongst the wisdoms of not walking in one shoe is to save oneself from any injuries, and in extinguishing any fires one puts out any apparent risk of catastrophe.

We see here, and in many teachings of the Mercy to the Worlds (Allah bless him and give him peace), that we have been instructed to adopt the necessary means for our affairs. To be totally reliant on the apparent means is a wayward approach, and also, it is not desired that one completely abandons all means in the name of reliance upon Allah Most High.

As always, the middlemost path is the one that is to be sought. Allah guide us thereupon.

spiritual Halaqah - Feb 2010

2010-02-17T00:35:00.000Z

Public Enemy No1

2010-02-09T01:47:00.002Z

Spiritual Halaqah

2010-01-11T00:10:00.000Z

Turn Our Holidays into Holy-Days

2009-12-23T00:31:00.003Z

Seerah Majlis - Leicester

2009-12-23T00:23:00.001Z

Spiritual Retreat 2009

2009-12-23T00:20:00.001Z

Allah's Mercy Seeks an Excuse

2009-11-23T18:44:00.004Z

Here is an insight to what My Respected Teacher mentioned in the Jumu'ah sermon on 20/11/2009:

Allah Most High says in the Noble Qur'an:

'...and man was created weak.' (Qur'an 4:28)

Man is weak in terms of opposing his desires and remaining steadfast upon the obedience of Allah Most High. Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

'The children of Adam are all profuse wrongdoers, but the best of profuse wrongdoers are those who repent.' (Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi)

One wisdom behind man being weak is so that he may invoke the vast mercy of Allah Most High. There is virtually nothing more beloved to Allah Most High than when His servant repents in all sincerity to Him so that He may forgive him. Allah has set out countless 'excuses' to forgive the wrongs of His servants; following are a few examples from the sayings of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace):

'Whoever performs ablution, and perfects the ablution, his sins leave from his body to the extent that even from beneath his nails.' (Bukhari, Muslim)

'The five prayers, jumu'ah to jumu'ah, Ramadan to Ramadan, are expiators for those [sins committed] in between if the enormities are avoided.' (Muslim)

'No strain, illness, worry, grief, pain, afflicts a Muslim, to the extent that even a thorn that pricks him- except that Allah removes his sins as a result of it.' (Bukhari, Muslim)

'Whoever fasts in Ramadan with Faith, anticipating reward, his past sins are forgiven. Whoever stands in prayer in Ramadan with Faith, anticipating reward, his past sins are forgiven. Whoever stands in prayer in Laylat al-Qadr with Faith, anticipating reward, his past sins are forgiven.' (Bukhari, Muslim)

'Whoever performs the pilgrimage for Allah and does not behave obscenely nor commits sin returns [free from sin] like the day his mother gave birth to him.' (Bukhari, Muslim)

These are just a few examples of the mercy of Allah Most High seeking out an excuse. Yes, for the enormities one commits one must repent with remorse to Allah and resolve never to commit that sin again, as well as fulfil any rights of anyone that have been neglected.

The Blessed days of Dhu 'l-Hijjah

These blessed ten days of Dhu 'l-Hijjah are another such occasion of the manifestation of the mercy of Allah Most High. Abu Hurairah (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

'There are no days Allah loves to be worshipped in more than the ten of Dhu 'l-Hijjah; the fasting of each day amounts to the fasting of a year and standing in prayer in each of its nights amounts to standing in prayer in Laylat al-Qadr.' (Tirmidhi)

These days should be spent in:

1) Fasting (See above hadith)

2) Standing in prayer at night (See above hadith)

3) Glorifying Allah (tasbeeh: saying Subhan Allah), expressing the greatness of Allah (takbeer: saying Allahu Akbar), proclaiming His oneness (tahleel: saying La Ilaha Illa Allah), and praising Him (tahmeed: saying Alhamdu lillah).

Sayyiduna Abd Allah ibn Umar reported that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

'There are no days in which actions are more valued or more beloved to Allah than in the ten days [of Dhu 'l-Hijjah]; thus, during these express tasbeeh, tahmeed, tahleel, and takbeer in abundance.' (Tabarani in al-Mu'jam al-Kabeer)

4) Sacrificing an animal (on the Day of Sacrifice)

Sayyidah A'ishah (Allah be pleased with her) reported that Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

'On the Day of Sacrifice, the son of Adam carries out no action more beloved to Allah than shedding the blood [of a sacrificial animal]...' (Tirmidhi)

It has also been reported that a persons sins are forgiven when the first drop of the animal's blood falls to the ground (Bazzaar)

Allah Most High give us the ability to value these days.

Whispers of Shaytan

2009-11-01T22:46:00.000Z

In the monthly Spiritual Gathering on Saturday, 31st October, my Respected Teacher mentioned three things that can aid a person in the fight against satanic whispers (wasawis):

1) To remain in the state of purity (with wudu) as much as possible.

2) To ask Allah Most High for His help. One should recite the following verse:

رَبِّ أعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِيْنِ وَأعُوْذُ بِكَ رَبِّ أن يّحْضُرُوْنِ

3) To avert one's attention towards something positive.

Spiritual Halaqah

2009-10-26T01:57:00.000Z

Hajj Seminar

2009-10-02T01:40:00.000+01:00

Programmes After Ramadhan

2009-09-19T16:50:00.001+01:00

Hold on to Four Things...

2009-09-19T04:00:00.000+01:00

My Respected Teacher left us with four things to hold on to on what was possibly the last night of the blessed month of Ramadan. Four things, which if we hold on to, my Respected Teacher said we would find it easier to stay on the beautiful straight path of Islam, and to stay away from sin and disobedience to our Creator. They are:

   1) Recitation of the Noble Qur'an- even if it be that we only recite FIVE lines, but to ensure that we are steadfast upon it, reciting a small fixed amount EVERYDAY.

   2) Sending Salat ala l'Nabi -salutations upon the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) as often as we can; sitting, standing, lying down, walking- as much as possible.

   3) Contemplation- of the blessings of Allah Most High upon us, of death, of the purpose of our life and creation.

   4) Dhikr - constant rememberance of Allah Most High; to make a habit of saying Bismillah (in the name of Allah) when doing anything, to say Alhamdulillah (all praises are for Allah) after completing anything. Even better, would be to read the ad'iyah (supplications) that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) taught us to read at the time of carrying out any task, or completing a task etc.

Mysteries of the Five Pillars of Islam

2009-09-15T15:29:00.006+01:00

My respected teacher mentioned in his talk on Monday (14/9/2009):

The five pillars of Islam are: Shahadah (testification of faith), Salah (daily prayers), Saum (fasting), Zakah (alms) and Hajj (pilgrimage).

If we look into the realities of each pillar we find that two of the pillars are required to be discreet, two are required to be out in the open, and one should be publicised totally!

As for the two that should be discreet, they are: Saum and Zakah.
When one fasts, it is impossible for an onlooker to recognise that this person is fasting, nor should the one who is fasting inform anyone.
As for the giving of charity, it is required to be done so secretly that the "right hand does not know what the left hand is giving".

As for the two that should be out in the open, they are: Salah and Hajj.
It is preferred that the obligatory prayers are offerred in the mosque, with congregation.
As for the pilgrimage, it is performed in one place, where all pilgrims are required to gather. Thus, for both, there is no command to hide when carrying them out.

As for the one that must be declared even more openly, it is: the Shahadah- that, after one believes in Allah Most High and all the articles of faith, he verbally gives testimony to his faith saying, for example: "I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship besides Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) is His final messenger."

Golden Point to note: The one common factor in the four pillars that are of worship, is that Allah Most High has commanded us to either remain totally silent, or at least keep careful control of our tongues.

In Salah if one speaks, his prayer is nullified. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: "This is salah. Any speech of people does not befit it; it is only [comprised of] glorification, proclaiming Allah's greatness, and the recitation of the Qur'an." (Muslim: 537)

Whilst fasting, if a person speaks vulgarities and obscene language he loses the spiritual effects of the fast as well as the full reward, though the obligation will be lifted. This is learnt from the Prophet's (Allah bless him and give him peace) statement, on the authority of Abu Hurairah (Allah be pleased with him): "Whoever does not leave speaking wrongly and acting accordingly, Allah has no need for him to leave his food and drink." (Bukhari: 1903)

~According to some scholars, ones fast is actually nullified by sinning with the tongue.

As for Zakah, and other forms of charity, Allah Most High gives the following command regarding them: "O you who believe, do not nullify your acts of charity by boasting about (doing people a) favour and by causing (them) hurt..." (Qur'an, 2:264)

As for Hajj, Allah Most High says in the Noble Qur'an: "...So whoever undertakes Hajj in them (i.e. the months of Hajj), there should be no obscenity, no sin, no quarrell in the Hajj..." (Qur'an, 2:197)

The lesson we learn is: "Control your tongue." (Tirmidhi: 2406) "Whoever believes in Allah and the last day should speak good, or remain silent." (Bukhari: 6018)

Special Late Night Gathering

2009-09-09T06:13:00.001+01:00

Value Imaan

2009-09-05T18:17:00.003+01:00

My Respected Teacher began by mentioning the importance of continuosly remembering death in order to create the conciousness to prepare for that inevitable time.

The famous saying: you will be resurrected as you died, and you will die as you lived your life is a reminder of the fact that if a person lives his life as a practicing believer, he will die as a believer and hence, be resurrected as a believer. Whereas, if a person lives his life practicing the ways of the disbelievers, he will die in this poor state and be resurrected in this terrible state. Allah save us!

So, being believers at present we may be fooled into thinking that we are automatically guaranteed death as believers. No, this is not the case. It often happens, that during his lifetime a person is guilty of perpertrating such acts that at the end of his life Allah Most High snatches away this priceless gift: Imaan.

To value this gift is of utmost importance. The value of Imaan can be learnt from those people who were not born as Muslims, but thereafter Allah Most High blessed them with Imaan, after which they practice upon the teachings of Islam.

All that we do throughout our life strengthens and weakens our Imaan. The more a person dettaches himself away from the Religion, the weaker his Imaan becomes, and very easily a day may come when Imaan no longer remains inside him, and he leaves this world to meet Allah Most High in a state of disbelief. Allah save us!

May Allah grant us death upon Imaan.

Peace In Your Life

2009-09-05T03:31:00.006+01:00

The scores of youth gathered at the Jami' Masjid, Leicester, for a night of spiritual upliftment, held by my Respected Teacher Shaykh Muhammad Imran, were addressed this week by his esteemed father, Shaykh Mawlana Adam (Allah preserve them).

The honoured Shaykh spoke for approximately ten minutes. A brief insight to his talk is as follows:

Firstly, he expressed his great joy at seeing such a large gathering of youngsters in the mosque at such a light time of the night. He explained that it was a sign of the love of Allah Most High for those who He had given the ability to attend such a gathering.

Thereafter, he went on to say that the life of this world is one filled with trials and troubles. They come upon everyone and no one can totally escape them. However, if a Believer is obedient to Allah Most High and he strives to follow the teachings of Islam he will find that despite afflictions befalling him, he is content and at ease in his heart.

On the other hand, if a person is negligent of the commands of Allah Most High, he will find himself distressed and in anguish when calamities befall him- though they may be the same as those that an obedient servant is afflicted with.

He gave the following example to explain the above mentioned point: There are two bananas; one real, and one a plastic one. On the face of it, they both look exactly the same. However, the reality is that one is a sweet nutritious fruit and the other is of no use, rather it could be harmful.

Finally, the Shaykh stated that if the youth do not rectify their ways now, their wrong ways will rub off onto their children in future, and their children will become unruly and disobedient- and this will be a cause of great distress for a person in the later years of his life.

May Allah grant us the ability to become obedient servants to Him.

Cure for the Darkened Hearts

2009-08-31T15:56:00.007+01:00

My Respected Teacher mentioned that we hear so many speeches and advises from the scholars and at the time we feel inspired but as soon as we leave their company, our "fizz" goes down. Nothing seems to settle in our hearts. Furthermore, in some people's case, nothing penetrates at all. Allah save us!

This is due to a covering that has settled over the heart. This is the veil created by the darkness caused by continued sinning, without repentance (as we learn from the hadith of Sayyiduna Abu Huraira, recorded by Imam Tirmidhi in his Sunan).

It is reported from Sayyiduna Abd 'Allah ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with them), that Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: "Surely, the hearts rust like iron rusts."
It was asked: "What is its cure?"
So, he replied: "(1)The recitation of the Qur'an, and (2) the rememberance of death."

(This hadith has been mentioned by Imam Ghazali in his Ihya' Ulum al-Deen. Hafizh al-Iraqi has said that Imam Baihaqi has recorded this hadith in his collection, Shu'b al-Imaan, with a weak chain of narration).

My Respected Teacher spoke mainly regarding the first cure in this gathering. He said that the Noble Qur'an is owed three rights:

1) We have utmost respect for it in our hearts, and this is portrayed physically.
2) We recite it- with all the rules of Tajweed (i.e. pronounce all letters correctly etc).
3) We act upon its commands (like, perform Salah, do not backbite, do not spy, etc).

Steps to Success

2009-08-30T14:09:00.007+01:00

(My Respected Teacher holds an inspiring gathering for the youth after 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, and insha' Allah this gathering will be taking place every night in the last ten nights of Ramadan. So far there have been three gatherings, below is a brief summary of each):

Lesson One: We must attach ourselves to the Qur'an; recite it, make an effort to understand it and act upon its teachings. Along with this, we should make utmost effort to bring the sunna into our lives.

Allah Ta'ala says:

"...And whatever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatever he forbids you from, abstain from it..." (Qur'an, 59:7)

Also, we should make a point of supplicating to Allah Ta'ala (Du'a) frequently. We should make it a daily practice to turn to Allah Ta'ala and repent for our sins and beg him for our needs.

It is reported from Sayyiduna Ubada ibn al-Saamit (Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

"There is no servant on earth who makes a supplication to Allah, except that Allah gives him that [which he asks for], or removes some difficulty from him accordingly; as long as he does not ask for the breaking of ties or a sinful thing..." (Tirmidhi)

Lesson Two: We must be dutiful, obedient and respectful to our parents. In return, not only will Allah grant us success in the Hereafter, He will give us ease and comfort in this life.

It is reported from Sayyiduna Abu Bakra (Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

"Allah delays [punishment] of all sins until the Day of Resurrection, except disobedience to parents; for Allah hastens [the punishment for it] upon that person in this life, before his death." (Haakim)

It is reported from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

"The scent of Paradise can be smelt from the distance of five hundred years (i.e. the distance one could travel in five hundred years), but the one who gives reminders of his [good] works, the one who is undutiful to his parents and the alcoholic will not even smell it [let alone enter Paradise!]." (Tabarani in his al-Mu'jam al-Sageer)

Lesson Three: We must choose good company. The company of the pious will automatically have its positive effect on a person, as will the company of the unrighteous. We should keep those friends who bring us towards Allah Ta'ala; the masjid, the gatherings of Islamic talks, etc. And we should keep friends who will be of benefit to us in the Hereafter. We do not want to regret a friendship we keep in this life and be like the one Allah describes in the Qur'an, who will say:

"Woe to me! Would that I had not taken so-and-so as a friend." (Qur'an, 25:28)

On the other hand, the pious friends we keep will be a source of relief and joy in the Hereafter, Allah Ta'ala says:

"Friends, on that day, will become enemies to one another, except the God-fearing." (Qur'an, 43:67)

Thus, Allah Ta'ala says:

"O you who believe, fear Allah, and be in the company of the truthful." (Qur'an, 9:119)

Blank Cheques

2009-08-23T16:05:00.002+01:00

In regards to the month of Ramadhan my respected teacher, Maulana Imran Sahib, mentioned an example which gives us an implication of the value of this month:

The value of Ramadhan is like that of thirty blank cheques; priceless. The value of this cheque is dependent on the individual who fills the cheque. If the person filling the cheque has any idea as to the value of the cheque then he will surely fill out a great amount.

In the same manner, we have been given a blank cheque which we have been told to fill in on a daily basis. Each day our actions will determine what amount the cheque is to be made of. The greater efforts we make, the greater the amount of the cheque.

May Allah give us all the inclination and ability to reap the benefits of this month and may He give us the strength and will power to refrain from sins. Aameen.

SINS AND ITS EFFECTS

2009-08-19T01:35:00.002+01:00

It is important for every Muslim to abstain from all sins.

Every sin has a detrimental effect on the perpetrator.

Sin harms one’s Imaan (faith) and creates weakness in it.

The Holy Qur’an and Ahadith are filled with warnings regarding sins and their injurious and detrimental effects.

Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala states:

“And they disobeyed the messenger of their Lord, so He seized them with an extremely severe seizure.” (Quran, 69:10)

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah Radhiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: "When a Mu'min commits a sin, a black spot forms on his heart. If he repents, the black mark is removed and his heart is purified. If he continues committing sins, the black mark increases. This is the corrosion of the heart spoken of by Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala (in the Holy Qur'an).” (Tirmidhi)

Sayyiduna Mu’adh Radhiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said:

“Guard yourselves against sin because the Wrath of Allah descends in the wake of sin." (Ahmad)

Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik Radhiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said:

"Should I not show you your sickness and its remedy? Your sickness is sinning and your remedy is to seek istighfaar (forgiveness)." (Baihaqi)

Sayyiduna Thawban Radhiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said:

“Indeed a person is deprived of livelihood because of a sin he commits.” (Ibn Majah)

It has been narrated in the book Hilyat al-Awliya' that Sayyiduna Muhammad bin Sirin felt so apprehensive because of an old debt, he said: “I know that the cause of this anxiety is a sin which I had committed forty years ago.”

Therefore, it is of utmost importance for every individual to leave and repent from his sins. Whether, it may be a minor or major, inward or outward sin. It is our duty to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala that we leave all sins.

Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala states:

“Leave outward sin and inward sin. Surely, those who commit sin shall be punished for what they used to commit.” (Quran, 6:120)

Today many people give attention to outward sins and rarely to those sins which are related to the inner self. One must be aware of their existence, of their ailments, and of the deleterious complications and troubles that ensue from them, and recognise that these diseases prevent one from attaining the courtesy of Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala.

Knowledge of the diseases of the heart, their causes and how to remove them is an obligation on every sane adult Muslim.

Importance of Writing Deeni Knowledge

2009-08-10T19:38:00.002+01:00

My respected teacher mentioned the importance of writing deeni knowledge:

Always write down what you have heard regarding deeni matters. The reason is because a person's heart is slightly to the left of the body. When a person writes Arabic, he or she will write from right to left, hence the words go straight to the heart. For this reason, whenever something is written down, it is said that the knowledge will go directly into the heart.

When a person does tawaf of the Ka'bah, they do tawaf anti-clockwise, which means the heart is closest to the Ka'bah. Hence when a person hears deeni knowledge, he / she should write it down as soon as possible as it has an effect on the heart.

Spirituality in Islam

2009-08-08T23:12:00.009+01:00

The following is the audio and transcript of an online event held on Ad-Deen

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem,

قَد أَفلَحَ مَن زَكَّٮٰهَا وَقَد خَابَ مَن دَسَّٮٰهَا

[Surah 91: Verse 9-10]

إِنَّ الله يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ المُتَطَهِّرِينَ

[Surah 2: Verse 222]

Before I go on, there are some aadaab (etiquettes) of listening to these talks because it is not a lecture or any odd lesson, or a dunyawi (worldly) lesson where if you don't want to give attention, you don't. This is a deeni lesson. Insha Allaah if you listen carefully, who knows that Allah swt might make that a source of our salvation.Those people who do not respect, they do not gain anything. Respect is so important:

وَمَن يُعَظِّم شَعَـٰٓٮِٕرَ ٱللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِن تَقوَى القُلُوبِ

Those who respect the sha-aa'ir of Allah swt, then that is the piety of the heart.

[Surah 22: verse 32]

Since the talk of respect has come, I will elaborate: a person who takes a joke out of niqab, salah, a sunnah, those things which are connected with Allah swt, with sharee'ah, disrespecting masjids. Disrespecting Ulama - because they are knowledgeable people, because they have knowledge of the Qur'an and Hadeeth, if one disrespects them, disrespects Qur'an, disrespects sunnah, then that person firstly will face the consequence in this world, then the hereafter.

وَمَن أَعرَضَ عَن ذِكرِى فَإِنَّ لَهۥ مَعِيشَةً۬

[Surah 20: Verse 124]

So one should try to respect these sorts of gatherings. If one is sitting and listening for the sake of pleasure, or talking, then that person will never benefit.

So first and foremost, insha Allaah, we make this firm intention that we have logged into this programme, insha Allaah we will first make our intention clear and insha Allah we will ask Allah swt to guide us & we'll ask Allah swt to give us the tawfeeq to respect this sort of programme and insha Allah we will benefit.

The ayah which I recited, Allah swt says:

إِنَّ الله يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ المُتَطَهِّرِين

Indeed Allah swt loves those who seek spiritual purity and loves those who seek physical purity

[Surah 2: Verse 222]

Tawwab means the one who seeks tawbah, who repents to Allah swt for all sins.

Mutatahhirreen are those who seek physical purity.

Spirituality is essential to our deen. It is attached with everything. Even if one reads Salah. If one does without spirituality, he will not gain that much reward and that much benefit out of it. Just take this ayah:

إِنَّ الله يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ المُتَطَهِّرِينَ

[Surah 2: Verse 222]

Spiritual purity i.e. purity from spiritual diseases. Try to make oneself pure from envy, from enmity, jealousy, hatred, arrogance, all those things.

A person who is impure physically, for example, he is in need of ghusl, he is in need of wudhu', he needs water, and if he doesn't, his salah will not be valid. He will not be called a pure person. Similarly, if one is impure spiritually, imagine, how will his salah be valid? If a person is fasting from dawn until dusk, if he doesn't eat and if he does not fulfill all the fiqhi rules of observing sawm, if you ask a Mufti, he will say your fast is done. But if you go and ask a Awliya, a wali of Allah swt who is into spirituality, if you ask him: Whilst committing sins whilst fasting, is my fast valid? He will say: you might have to keep it again because:

من لم يدع قول الزور والعَمَل به فليس لله حاجة أن يدع طعامه وشرابه

This is the Hadeeth regarding Ramadhan where Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam says:

"Whoever does not leave falsehood, Allah is not in need of him that he should leave his food and his drink."

Just imagine, a person is keeping a fast but at the end of the day, with that fast he is committing major and minor sins, how will his sowm be valid? Obviously, we are not free from sins, we may commit sins, but with that we need to keep in mind that we need to do tawbah immediately. Allah swt says:

إِنَّ الله يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ

Indeed Allah swt loves those who seek spiritual purity

[Surah 2: Verse 222]

For physical purity one needs water and that water should be pure as well. Similarly, for spiritual purity, he needs water and that water should also be pure and that water is called tears from the eyes. Remorse and regret upon his sins, upon his spiritual diseases. Allah swt will forgive those sins and make him pure from those spiritual diseases. One cannot attain that easily. He has to work hard, and if he does work hard:

وَالَّذِينَ جَـاهَدُوا فِينَا

Whoever strives hard in Our path

[Surah 29: Verse 69]

Allah swt says, We will make it easy for them [with help of Allah swt]. We need to turn towards Allah swt.

So I was saying:

إِنَّ الله يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ المُتَطَهِّرِينَ

[Surah 2: Verse 222]

If a person seeks physical purity, Allah loves him, similarly, Allah loves those who seek spiritual purity.

In salah as well, Ulama say, in Salat al-Shar'ee that we read,there is also Salatut Tareeqah, which means tasawwuf salah (the spiritual salah) which is for the ritual prayer (the salah shar'ee). It has been prescribed by Allah swt. As Allah swt says:

حَـافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَٲتِ

Be careful to observe the ritual prayers

Then He says:

وَالصَّلَوةِ الوُسطَىٰ

Especially the middle prayer

[Surah 2: Verse 238]

The ritual prayer consists of postures adopted by the outer members of the body. Similarly, the middle prayer. This means the prayer of the heart, prescribed everlasting by the Qur'anic verse. We have to observe the 5 times salah, as well as the prayer of the heart - constant remembrance of Allah swt and that is also a prayer. Likewise, there is ruku', sujood etc., similarly through our heart we have to bow in front of Allah swt. May Allah swt guide us and give us the tawfeeq. As Allah swt says:

إِنَّ الله يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ المُتَطَهِّرِينَ

Indeed Allah swt loves those who seek spiritual purity

[Surah 2: Verse 222]

Allah swt give us the tawfeeq to seek that spiritual purity. This is the main thing. Today, we listen, we do so much deeni work, we put so much effort into it but at the end of the day, the spirituality is not there. the roohaniyat as we say. The connection, the sincerity (ikhlaas). Insha Allah if we ask from Allah swt, He will give. I am not saying that everyone is like that but we seek that sincerity, we need to find that and we need to ask Allah swt to give us that tawfeeq to have that ikhlaas and to create that spirituality.

There are shuyookh out there who we should do bay'ah to (pledge allegiance) and keep contact with them as Allah swt says:

يَـأَيُّہَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا اتَّقُوا ٱللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّـادِقِينَ

O believers! Fear Allah (swt)

How to fear Allah swt? Allah swt says:

وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّـادِقِينَ

Stay with the saadiqeen.

[Surah 9: Verse 119]

- Meaning ma'iyyat (stay in the company of those who are truthful, with those who are awliya of Allah swt,, those who are close to Allah swt).

Sadiqeen
- Stay with saadiqeen because the Nabis have gone. After nabis are siddeeq, the sadiqeen. And these are the darajaat of awliya e kiram.

May Allah swt give us the tawfeeq to seek purity from all spiritual diseases. For example, pride, arrogance, hatred, jealousy.

Pride
One of the diseases of the heart where Hadhrat Shaykh rahimahullah, he has written a book called Ummul Amraaz. “Mother of all [evil] diseases”. Because through pride, all other diseases come into existence.

Just imagine, Shaytan, regarding him, it has been mentioned that he is from jinn.

كَانَ مِنَ الجِنِّ فَفَسَقَ عَن أَمرِ رَبِّهِ

Shaytan was from jinn. [Allah (swt) says,] he went against His Lord’s hukm (order).

[Surah 19: Verse 50]

When Allah (swt) said that you have to perform sajdah:

أَبَىٰ وَاستَكبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ الكَـٰفِرِينَ

He denied. He had takabbur.He was amongst those who denied

[Surah 2: verse 34]

Regarding him it is mentioned that he performed ibaadah in such a way that he did not leave any single place in the whole universe where he did not do sajdah. And because of that, Allah swt gave him the rank that because of his ibaadah, he was counted as amongst the angels.

When we study the Qur’an by ourselves (DIY) – many people study themselves. There is a hadeeth in which Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam says:

إِنَّمَا العِلمُ بِالتَّعَلُّم

Knowledge is with ta’alluq

- With being a student. If a person is a student, he is gaining from his teacher but if a person is only gaining knowledge from Mufti google only, or some other sources, he will not get any understanding of deen. Directly he just goes to pick a book up, he just picks up the translation of the Qur'an and he reads, now I ask him this question, that Allah swt says:

وَإِذ قُلنَا لِلمَلَاٮِٕكَةِ اسجُدُوا لِأَدَمَ فَسَجَدُوٓا إِلَّآ إِبلِيسَ

Remember the time when We said to the angels: Do sajdah to Adam (as). They all did but Iblees didn't [do sajdah].

[Surah 19: Verse 50]

So from here we can understand that Allaah swt is saying,

وَإِذ قُلنَا لِلمَلَاٮِٕكَةِ

This means that iblees was from amongst the angels. On the other hand, Allah says in surah kahaf:

كَانَ مِنَ الجِنِّ فَفَسَقَ عَن أَمرِ رَبِّهِ

Iblees was from jinnaat, so now it contradicts! But ulama write, that he did so much ibadah that he had the rank of being counted amongst the angels that’s why Allah said:

وَإِذ قُلنَا لِلمَلَاٮِٕكَةِ اسجُدُوا لِأَدَمَ

Because of his 'ibaadah he was counted amongst the angels and When Allah swt asked all the angels, he was also asked to bow, to prostrate in front of Adam (as). But because he had that takabbur (pride), that arrogance, that how dare Adam (as) overcome me. He was created from soil. Logic says this.

In sharee'ah, the mas'alah says that one should wipe upon his leather socks but the logic says that one should wipe underneath the socks but no, we have to submit in front of of Allah swt. Similarly, Shaytan, in him, this takabbur, it came up and it is said:

أَبَىٰ وَاستَكبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ الكَـٰفِرِينَ

He denied and he said

خَلَقتَنِى مِن نَّارٍ۬ وَخَلَقتَهُ ۥ مِن طِينٍ۬

O Allah you created me from fire and you created him from soil, how can I do sajdah?

- Because logically, if you light a fire, its flame goes up and if you throw the soil up, it goes down. I am superior and he is inferior. How can a superior do sajdah in front of an inferior person? Allah swt didn’t like this. Allah swt said:

فَاخرُج

Go away

[Surah 15: verse 34]

Shaytan ruined his life by this.So it is takabbur, he did so much ibaadah but because of one single takabbur, one single moment of this pride came up, Allah swt said, you are away from my presence.

Allah swt says:

Pride is My sheet, whoever tries to snatch it away from Me, I will break his neck.

Here Allah swt is using this word because his head is too high. If his neck is broken, he has nothing to be boasting about. This means that Allah will not literally break his neck. Allah swt says, Allah will make him suffer in such a way that he will have this punishment int his world and int he hereafter. So may Allah swt give us the tawfeeq to seek the purity from all spiritual diseases and give us twfeeq to bring all good spiritual characteristics like shukr, sabr and so forth and may Allah give us tawfeeq to get rid of takabbur (pride), arrogance, envy, enmoty, jeaousy, hatred etc. And may Allah swt give us the understanding of deen. The ayah which I read at the beginning, Allah awt says:

قَد أَفلَحَ مَن زَكَّٮٰهَا

One should be constant behind purifuing himself.. He should ask himself, I am purified or not? I fnit, he should keep trying util he dies.

May Allah swt give us the tawfeeq.

Spirituality in Islam

2009-07-29T16:11:00.006+01:00

Principles of trading

2009-07-19T18:08:00.003+01:00

The Islamic Shariah has vigorously forbidden the consuming of Haram and has strongly encouraged Halal. Also the Shariah has forbidden the use of Haram sources to earn money and then to spend it in good causes. If a person was to make the effort to earn Halal then he will surely be able to earn. To fulfil ones needs, everyone is able to find suitable and Halal earning.

In greed for more wealth, one ends up to find Haram ways to earn a living.

Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas’ud Radiallahu Anhu reports that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam said, “Verily the angel Jibreel has instilled in my heart that a soul will never die until it fully receives its entire livelihood. Fear Allah! In search for your sustenance and choose the best path. (Mishkat)

In another Hadith it is mentioned:

“A person is deprived of livelihood by the sins he commits”. (Ibn Majah)

In another Hadith it is mentioned:

“Livelihood seeks a person out in the same way that his death does”. (Abu Nu’aym)

Trade and business is a means of consuming wealth. The Islamic Shariah has set out guidelines for it. Some people think that there are no rules and guidelines in earning a living.

In the Qur’an it is clearly stated “Allah has allowed trade and has forbidden usury”.

Allah has also forbidden whatever is obtained through gambling. Allah says in the Qur’an “the sin of them (alcohol/gambling) is greater then their benefit”. we learn from this verse that something that may be beneficial may not necessarily be Halal. Many people just look at the benefits and they fail to see if it is Halal or Haram.

Allah states in Surah al-Nisa:

يا ايهاالذين آمنوالا تاكلوا اموالكم بينكم باالباطل إلا أن تكون تجارة عن تراض منكم

O you who believe, do not devour each other’s property by false means, unless it is trade conducted with your mutual consent. (4:29)

In this verse, Allah mentions that do not devour each other’s wealth unlawfully.

The author of Ma’alimat tanzil writes:

باالحرام يعني باالربوا والقمار و الغضب والسرقة و الخيانة ونحوها و قيل هو العقود الفاسدة

“In this verse the word باالباطل (Batil) means usury, gambling, stealing, robbing, deceiving and bribing. Some have said that it means improper transactions which Shariah has forbidden. (Ma’alim Al-Tanzil)

The word ‘Batil’ holds a vast meaning. The best way to explain it would be to say that all the ways which is against the Shariah is batil.

By mentioning the term عن تراض “antraadin” (mutual agreement) is indicating that to obtain wealth through trade whilst both parties are in agreement, is permissible. Otherwise, to take somebody’s property or wealth by force is Haram and impermissible.

Some principles regarding business are mentioned here, these should be kept in mind at all times.

1. The transaction should have no usury involved in it.

2. Whatever Shariah has classified as Haram should not be bought or sold.

3. The items made for the sole purpose of sins should not be bought or sold.

4. The customers must not be lied to and one should not deceit them, nor should they hide the faults of the merchandise. Partners must be honest with one another.

5. Do not sell what you do not own.

6. If a person is forced to sell something do not take advantage of his situation and offer less than the market value.

7. The transaction must only be made by both parties mutual agreement.

Protection from life-threatening illnesses

2009-07-11T01:08:00.003+01:00

Completion of Saheeh al-Bukhari - 2009

2009-07-06T21:01:00.003+01:00

Youth Programme

2009-06-23T17:55:00.003+01:00

2009-05-16T12:20:00.005+01:00

Supplication for Anxiety and Grief

When my respected teacher was ill, in hospital, his honourable father, Shaykh Mawlana Adam (Allah preserve him) advised him to constantly supplicate with the following du'a taught to us by Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace). My respected teacher says that it proved very effective and he felt peace at heart, despite his pains and illness.

Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas'ud said:

'Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

"Any servant [of Allah] who is afflicted with any worry or grief and he says...(the following du'a)...Allah (the Great and Almighty) will remove his worry, and replace his grief with joy."

They (the Companions) asked: "Should we learn these words?"

He replied: "Certainly. Anyone who hears them should learn them."'

The du'a is:

اَللّهُمَّ إنِّيْ عَبْدُكَ وَابْنُ عَبْدِكَ وَابْنُ أمَتِكَ نَاصِيَتِيْ بِيَدِكَ مَاضٍ فِيَّ

حُكْمُكَ عَدْلٌ فِيَّ قَضَاؤُكَ أسْألُكَ بِكُلِّ اسْمٍ هُوَ لَكَ سَمَّيْتَ بِهِ نَفْسَكَ

أوْ أنْزَلْتَهُ فِيْ كِتَابِكَ أوْ عَلَّمْتَهُ أحَدًا مِنْ خَلْقِكَ أوِ اسْتَأْثَرْتَ بِهِ فِيْ

عِلْمِ الْغَيْبِ عِنْدَكَ أنْ تَجْعَلَ الْقُرْآنَ رَبِيْعَ قَلْبِيْ وَنُوْرَ صَدْرِيْ

وَجِلَاءَ حُزْنِيْ وَذَهَابَ هَمِّيْ

Translation:

"O Allah, I am Your slave, son of Your male servant, and son of Your female servant. My forelock is in Your Control. Your command for me prevails. Your judgement concerning me is just. I beseech You through every name of Yours, by which You have called Yourself, or which You have sent down in Your Book, or which You taught to any one of Your creations, or which You preferred to keep among Your guarded secrets, to make the Great Qur'an the springtime of my heart, the light of my eyes, the remedy of my grief, and dispeller of my anxieties." (Ahmad: 4318, rigorously authenticated [Sahih])

Spirometry Dhikr

2009-05-12T00:32:00.002+01:00

My respected teacher was admitted in hospital for his ongoing sickness. May Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala cure him quickly and completely, Ameen.

He was talking about his illness and his stay in hospital. He said that his consultant came to review his condition and told him that he had a low level of oxygen and to increase his oxygen saturations he needed to do the Spirometry exercise.

Advised by the consultant to carry out the breathing exercise used in Spirometry tests, the Shaykh observed that this is a practice found in the teachings of the Sufis.
Spirometry means ‘the measuring of the breath’ and is commonly used to measure lung function.

For strengthening presence of mind and to create constant awareness and remembrance of Allah Ta’ala the Sufis advise the exercise known as Paas Anfaas (Guarding the Breath); its method is as follows:

Take a deep breath and when inhaling concentrate and utter the word Allah. When exhaling concentrate on the syllable hu. Do this continually.

The result of repeatedly carrying out this practice will result in a person’s breathing being so trained that it will become spontaneous, and one will need not strive to do it.

Hence, the Shaykh renamed this exercise as: Spirometry Dhikr.

May Allah give us to remember Him abundantly.

What is That?

2009-05-10T23:52:00.011+01:00

My respected teacher once in his talk mentioned regarding parents rights and said that one should never disobey them and nor shout or yell at them.

Allah says:

Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and do good to parents. If any one of them or both of them reach old age, do not say to them: uff (a word or expression of anger or contempt) and do not scold them, and address them with respectful words, and submit yourself before them in humility out of compassion, and say, “My Lord, be merciful to them as they have brought me up in my childhood.” (Al-Qur’an 17-23/24)

And then he mentioned a story of an old father who was sat in the garden with his son.

Whilst they were sitting a bird flew down in front of them, father then asked what is this? The son replied: it’s a crow! Minutes later the father asks again, what is this? The son replies I told you before that it’s a crow! A few minutes later, father asks the son what’s that? The son got angry and shouted how many times I have to tell you, it’s a crow!

Father took out the note book and asks the son to look and read what’s been written in it.

It said that when was young and ask me many times father what’s that? And each time I replied him with affection that O my son it’s a crow. At this moment the son was ashamed and sought forgiveness for what he had done.

Please find the attached clip which denotes this story

Dua for life threatening illnesses

2009-05-06T17:17:00.005+01:00

Once my respected teacher, Shaykh Imran Ibn Adam mentioned:

Rasullullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam has taught us many Ad’iya (plural of Dua) for all our needs. We need to turn to Allah subhanahu wata’ala when we are sick and even when we are in good health. Today many life threatening diseases have come into existence i.e. swine flu, aids etc.

The following Du'a should be read whenever one can, especially after every Salah. Inshallah, Allah subhanahu wata’ala will protect him or if one is afflicted Allah subhanahu wata’ala will give him Sabr, and even cure.

عن أنس ‏ أن النبي ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏كان يقول ‏ ‏اللهم إني أعوذ بك من الجنون ‏ ‏والجذام ‏ ‏والبرص وسيئ ‏ ‏الأسقام (رواه النسائ) ‏ ‏

‏

Sayyiduna Anas radiallahu anhu narrates that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam used to supplicate: "Allahumma inni a`udhu bika minal-barasi, wal-jununi, wal-judhami, wa sayyi'il-asqami'

(O Allah! I seek refuge in You from leucoderma, insanity, leprosy and evil diseases).'' [Al- Nasa'i].

Leucoderma is a disease which gives rise to the appearance of white spots on the skin of body. Leprosy is a disease which renders one's organs invalid. Madness is mental disorder. All these are very dangerous diseases. Nabi sallallahu alaihe wasallam has sought Allah's Protection against these and other diseases like paralysis, diabetes, facial paralysis, cancer, blindness, etc.

May Allah subhanahu wata’ala save us from all such diseases. Ameen

Remembering the Beloved sallallahu alayhi wa sallam

2009-04-09T10:36:00.016+01:00

The following is the audio and transcript of an online event held on Ad-Deen

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem,

Speaking about the Messenger sallallahu alayhi wa sallam strengthens our imaan. He sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was the noblest of mankind. In a Hadeeth the Messenger sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said:

I am the best descendent of Adam (alayhis salam).

Since he is the most beloved of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala and he is a mercy to all of mankind, he sallallahu alayhi wa sallam had all the best qualities. The ‘Ulama (scholars) have written and summarised all his qualities in three categories:

1 - Jamal (beauty)

2 - Kamal (excellence)

3 - Nawal (generosity)

Jamal

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah radhiyallahu anhu said: I have not seen anything as beautiful as Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. It was as if the sun was shining on his face. When he laughed, it reflected upon the wall.

Sayyiduna Ali radhiyallahu anhu said: Anyone who saw him suddenly was filled with awe of him. Those who kept his company loved him.

Kamal

Sayyidah Asma' bint Abi Bakr radhiyallahu anha said: I bought out a black shirt that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam used to wear. We used to wash it so that people who were sick they could gain cure from that water.

Our first duty to him is that we should believe in him. Since we believe in him and have faith in him, we should love him as well. In a Hadith it is said:

None of you is a complete believer until I am more beloved to him than his father, than his children and the whole of mankind.

May Allah Ta’ala give us the love of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam so much so that we implement his sunnah and his shari’ah in our lives.

Our first duty is to believe in him. The second duty is to love him. If we don’t love him, then there will be a punishment. But there will also be a reward for the one who loves. What is it? Sayyiduna Anas radhiyallahu anhu said that a man came to the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and said: “Ya Rasulallah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam! When will the last hour come?” Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam did not say, that qiyamah will be on this day or that day, but He sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “What have you prepared for it?” He said: “Ya Rasulallah. I have not prepared alot of prayer, fasting or charity for it, but I love Allah and His Messenger sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.” Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “You will be with the one who you love.”

Some people say that if we just love that will be enough. But this is not correct. This Sahabi is saying that I did all of my faraidh and I stay away from all major sins, and with that I love Nabi sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. This is the meaning of the love of Nabi sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

Because of that love, we are here now. We are talking about him. We are listening about him and because of that, on the day of judgement, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala will resurrect us with him insha’Allah, that’s why we have to love him so much.

The third duty is to obey him. Allah Almighty says: “O Nabi! Tell these believers: Obey Allah and His Rasul and if you obey him you will be guided.”

Subhanallah. You should obey him, follow his sunnah. A poet said:

If your love had been true, then you would have obeyed him

The lover obeys the one who he loves

Therefore, we have to think in our lives, how much do we obey Nabi sallalahu ‘alayhi wa sallam? We have to try and implement his sharee’ah in our lives, we have to try and implement his sunnah, we should try and read his shama’il. The shama’il is one part of his seerah, which tells us how he sallallahu alayhi wa sallam talked, how he sallallahu alayhi wa sallam walked, how he sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was eating.

Shaykh Zakariyyah may Allah have mercy on him said: One should try to find Nabi sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s every single sunnah and then try to implement them in his life one by one.

The fourth duty is to honour him and respect him.

The Sahabah radhiyallahu anhum ajma’een respected him. It is necessary to have esteem and respect for Nabi sallallahu ‘alayhi w sallam after his demise as well, as it was in his life. That is to show reverence to Nabi sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s every single thing - his (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s) Hadith, his Sunnah, his name. When his life is mentioned, we respect, we listen carefully and on our lips should be salat upon Nabi sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

Our pious predecessors used to respect him so much. Shaykh Islamul Haq rahmatullahi ‘alayh, who I read Sahih al-Bukhari by, passed away in Madinah Munawwarah. It is amazing how Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala gave him death in Madinah. In Ramadhan, the last ten days, at night, the 27th or 25th night at tahajjud time. Some say he was in tahajjud. When I read Sahih al-Bukhari by him, I saw him with my own eyes, he used to teach with respect whilst he was giving dars.

The Messenger Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said in a Hadith: I met Jibril (alayhis salam) who said: I give you the good news that Allah Almighty has said that whoever has asked for peace for you it is as if he has asked for peace for his own self. Whoever asks for blessings for you, it is as if he has asked for blessings for his own self.

One Shaykh said: If a person grabs hold of two things in his life, Allah Ta’ala will fulfill all his needs of this dunya and aakhirah. Today we go to a Shaykh to fulfill our needs, then another, then another, or turn to Allah in du’a al-Hamdulillah, but this Shaykh says, throughout Ahadeeth and Qur’an, I have come to know that if a person grabs hold of two things, insha’Allah Allah will fulfill all his needs:

1 - Recitation of the Qur’an daily, whether 5 ayahs or 10. And we should make a habit of reading salat on Nabi sallallahu layahi wa sallam. The Shaykh says that in the Ahadeeth I have come to know that it has been mentioned that a person who does not have time reading other things or does not have time making other nawafil and only reciting Qur’an, in return, he does not even have time to do du’a as well, Allah Ta’ala will fulfill all his needs of the dunya and aakhirah.

Sayyiduna Ubay ibn Ka’b radhiyallahu anhu narrates: Once Hadhrat Ka’b ibn Ujrah radhiyallahu anhu said: I asked Nabi sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam: Shall I approach my time doing salat on you? Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam replied: Yes. The Sahabi asked: How should I do it? For a quarter of my time? Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: Yes but if you have time more. Sayyiduna Ka’b radhiyallahu anhu asked: Should I devote half of my time for it? Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam replied: If you do that much that will be better for you but more will be better. At the end he said: I will dedicate my whole time in salat upon you. Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: Then yor needs will be fulfilled by Allah.

The Shaykh carried on to say: We can deduce that if a person holds onto these two things, insha’Allah Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala will fulfill all of his needs of this dunya and aakhairah.

Shaykh Imran ibn Adam ended with advice: Start with 25 salat upon the Prophet, increase it monthly, read 5 Ayahs every day. While you do deeni work, all other things, but don’t forget yourselves.

May Allah Ta’ala give us the tawfeeq to act upon what was said - Ameen.

2009-03-30T13:47:00.000+01:00

2009-03-24T14:44:00.002Z

Event

2009-03-13T15:31:00.003Z

YOU DO THE MATHS

2009-02-22T13:09:00.006Z

Once my Respected teacher informed us regarding the time that is wasted in football and gave us a few points to remember, which I will mention below.

May Allah subhanahu watala give us taufique to implement these points. ameen

In a Hadith recorded by Imam al-Tirmidhi in his Sunan, and others, that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, ‘From the excellence of a man’s Islam is to leave that which does not concern him.’

Mulla Ali al-Qari explains in his Mirqaat al-Mafateeh (8:585-586):

‘That is, to leave that which is not important or befitting of him, whether in speech, actions, or thought. Thus, ‘the excellence of a man’s Islam’ is its perfection, such that one remains steadfast in the submission to the commands and prohibitions of Allah, and surrenders to His rulings in accordance to His destiny and decree (Qadaa Wal Qadr). This is the sign of the heart having been expanded by the light of its Lord, and the descent of tranquilly (Sakinah) into the heart. The reality of ‘that which does not concern him’ is that which is not needed for a worldly or next-worldly necessity, and does not aid in attaining his Lord’s good pleasure, such that it is possible to live without it...’

He then gives reference of Allamah al-Teebi, regarding this very Hadith: ‘...it is allusive to withdrawing from anything which occupies one away from Allah...’

Imam al-Baidawi explained the word “Laghw” as in the verse of the Qur’an, speaking of the qualities of the successful believers: ‘…and who shun all vain things (Laghw),’ (al-Qur’an 23:3) he explains that it is: ‘that which does not concern them of speech and actions.’ (Tafsir al-Baidawi)

Qadi Thana’ullah Panipati explains “Laghw” as ‘anything, which will be of no benefit in the Hereafter.’ (Tafsir Mazhhari)

Supporting a football team, seen by many experts as the new religion, is something that holds no benefit for one’s worldly life or his Hereafter. Can you disagree with that? No, you can’t.

This should suffice as a deterrent, eye-opener, and help people to see the truth. But will it? No, it won’t. Why not? It is because one who is blind can not see, even if is eyes are open, even if there is ample light. Oh no, he can’t see.

No, they are not physically blind. ‘Truly it is not their eyes that are blind, but their hearts which are in their breasts.’ (al-Qur’an 22:46)

What causes this blindness of the heart? What is it that snatches away that priceless ability to be able to see and understand the truth? One answer we find is in the Hadith recorded by Imam Abu Dawud, Imam Ahmad and others, that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: ‘Your love for something blinds and deafens.’

It is the deep-rooted love for football, football teams and their players, which is found in the hearts of their followers, supporters and fanatics.

Why else would one speak of them so frequently? Why else would one follow their states and stats with such passion and fervour?

Is the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala on our minds and tongues as much as these people? Search deep into your conscience.

In a Hadith recorded by Imam Abu Nu’aym and Imam al-Daylami the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) is reported to have said, ‘Whoever loves something he remembers it excessively.’ You do the maths.

In another noble Hadith, recorded by Imam al-Bukhari and others, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘A person shall be with [in the hereafter] whom he loves.’ Who do you want to be with?

The signs of love are blatant. Spending any amount behind something indicates to some sort of value for that thing in our eyes. The general rule is that the more you spend on something, the more it must hold value in your eyes.

How much have you spent behind your team? Not just wealth, but time too. Exactly!

If this, and many other things that we find our societies involved in, was to be looked at from the perspective of time wasting, we know the outcome. Everyone knows it is an utter waste of time.

How is ‘waste of time’ defined? The passing of any period of time in which one has gained no benefit is time wasted.

Allah Ta’ala says: By al-'Asr (the time). Verily! Man is in loss. Except those who believe and do righteous deeds, and recommend one another to the Truth and recommend one another to patience. (al-Qur’an 103:1-3)

The ‘loss’ spoken of in this verse is in the form known in Arabic as Nakirah. This form of the noun gives the meaning of generality, perpetuity and graveness (Tafsir Abi ‘Sa’ood and Tafsir al-Baidawi). Furthermore, this ‘loss’ is explained as ‘wasting one’s life’ (Hashiyat al-Saawi ala Tafsir al-Jalalayn)

So man is in an absolute, recurrent, great loss except the ones who believe in Allah Ta’ala and perform righteous deeds. This indicates to the fact that one will always be in a loss, hence, his spiritual state will be deteriorating constantly...unless one performs good deeds. This is not specifically for our subject of discussion at present, rather it can be applied universally as a warning against any act that is mundane and is classed as a waste of time.

Allamah Shabbir Ahmad Uthmani writes in his renowned commentary of the Qur’an, Tafsir-e-Uthmani, under Surat al-Asr: ‘A man should recognise the value of time and should not pass the precious moments of this life in heedlessness, insolence and in useless games and pastimes.’

What’s more, it comes in a Hadith recorded by Imam al-Tabarani that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: ‘the people of Jannah will not have any remorse [over any moment of their worldly life] except a moment, which passed wherein, they did not remember Allah.’

Commonly people say that, ‘It’s better than listening to music, or fornicating etc. ‘There isn’t much that could be worse than these major sins anyway. However, these sins are undoubtedly forbidden and unlawful. One has no choice but to refrain from them. This statement gives off the impression of one who believes it is his favour upon the Deen that he does not commit such acts. Brother, you can’t do those sins anyway, even if you want to! So it cannot be compared to these sins, or any unlawful act. Now compare it to the things that you can do, that are lawful to do. Compare it to those things that you could be doing in that time which you waste. Now where does it stand? How does the comparison look now?

Let’s not even go in to the Salah that are neglected for football, or the disobedience to parents for the sake of football, or the heedlessness from Allah Ta’ala that envelopes each fanatic when his mind is directed to football. How sad the sight was of the Masajid on nights such as those nights in May 2008, and May 2005 and so on. When Allah extended His daily invite to His house for the Isha Saalah, how many rejected Allah’s invite all together? How many told Allah to wait, because the penalty shoot-out was starting?

Imagine the Ghairah of Allah Ta’ala at such a time. What is the Ghairah of Allah? Imam al-Qushairi explains: ‘Ghairah is to dislike participation of another. When the Ghairah of Allah is discussed, it means that He is not pleased with someone else sharing his due of obedience from His servant to Him.’ (Al-Risalat al-Qushairiyyah)

At this point, the lovers will pipe-up with ‘I prayed though’ or ‘it’s not Fardh to pray in the Masjid,’ and so on. Congratulations upon your knowledge and well-done upon your achievement. But just because you found yourself excluded from one of the points mentioned, does that exclude you from the rest?

As for those who do find that they are the ones spoken of in the above example...well...is there much more that can be said?

Really, become a neutral for a few moments and judge the situation. Especially if you are fortunate enough to be a guest of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) - a student of the greatest knowledge: the Ilm of the Qur’an and Sunnah. After knowing of the vastness of the ocean of knowledge, can one really find time for such pointless entertainment?

How difficult is it to sit and study for an hour? How easy is it to sit and watch a match, which lasts for up to two hours?

How difficult is it to spend £20 on a book of knowledge? How easy is it to spend £40-plus on a football t-shirt or to watch a game?

How difficult is it to remember the names of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them)? Who doesn’t remember the names of not just the players of their favourite team, but of hundreds of others’ too?

Why is this the situation? Do we not see that this is a clever scheme of the devil to divert even the chosen servants of Allah? Like with anything, which diverts one from Allah Ta’ala, it pleases the devil and angers our Creator.

Ponder: if you were to be informed that today was your last day to live would you bother with the scores? Would you watch the match? Would you even allow yourself to think of football? No, you wouldn’t. Why? It is because you, and I, and everyone with sound judgement, know that it is not something, which pleases Allah Ta’ala in the slightest. And He, the Almighty, the Supreme, knows best.

2009-01-10T08:38:00.007Z

Guarding The Tongue!

Lesson by Shaykh Imran bin Adam on

Riyad us-Saliheen of Imam al-Nawawi (May Allah Have Mercy Upon Him)
Chapter 254- The Chapter on the Prohibition of Backbiting and the Command to Safeguard the Tongue.

Allah Ta'ala says: '...and do not backbite one another. Does one of you like that he eats the flesh of his dead brother? You would abhor it. And fear Allah. Surely Allah is the Most-Relenting, Very-Merciful.' [Al-Hujuraat- 12]

And Allah Ta'ala says: '...and do not follow a thing about which you have no knowledge. Surely, the ear, the eye and the heart- each one of them shall be interrogated about.' [Al-Israa'- 36]

And Allah Ta'ala says: 'Not a single word is uttered by one but there is a watcher near him, ready (to record).' [Qaaf- 18]

It is of utmost importance that every person guards his tongue from all speech unless there is genuine good in it.
When something is merely permissible [i.e. not of benefit, nor is it a sin], the sunnah is to avoid that speech, for many a time, permissible speech leads to unlawful and disliked utterings.

Hadith 1: Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (Allah is Pleased With Him) has reported that the Prophet (May Allah Bless Him and Grant Him Peace) said: 'Whoever believes in Allah and the last day should either speak good or remain silent...' (Agreed upon [i.e. by al-Bukhari and Muslim])

The Messenger of Allah (May Allah Bless Him and Grant Him Peace) gives two orders here:
1)either one should speak good, or
2)remain silent.

This indicates that there are only two types of speech:
1)the good, and praiseworthy, and
2)the bad and blameworthy.

The former is encouraged through the first order, "...should...speak good..." and the latter is prohibited through the second order, "...remain silent."

One should think very carefully before his every utterance as it will either be recorded in his favour or against him:

"The intelligent one is the one who thinks, then speaks.
The fool is the one who speaks, then thinks."

Hadith 2: Sayyiduna Abu Musa (Allah is Pleased With Him) reports: 'I said: "O Messenger of Allah, who is the most excellent amongst the Muslims?" He said: "The one from whose tongue and hand Muslims are secure." (Agreed upon)

Note: This Hadith is another example of the eloquence of the Messenger of Allah (May Allah Bless Him and Grant Him Peace). He used the word "tongue" rather than "words", which apparently would be more appropriate. However, by saying "tongue" he includes even the one who takes out his tongue in a scornful and demeaning manner. (Edited from Fat'h al-Bari)

Someone once said:

'I have never regretted anything I have not said, whereas, very often have I regretted something I have said.'

Is that not very applicable to each of us?!

May Allah Ta'ala grant us the ability to safeguard our tongue, for it is a poisonous snake.

Appreciate!

2008-11-30T07:37:00.004Z

At the monthly spiritual gathering that the Shaykh holds, he advised the youngsters present regarding appreciation of the bounties of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.

Take a deep look into yourself...
Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, through his infinite mercy, has blessed us with Iman, of which the value is unimaginable. Furthermore, a person need not look much further than one's own body. The perfect eyes, ears, nose, tongue, hands and we could go on naming every part of the body, which Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has created so impeccably for our benefit. Allah, You blessed us with all of this, how well have we thanked You? How often have we used these very blessings to disobey you?

Take a look around you...
Thereafter, we look around us and we realise further ingratitude on our part. In comparison to so many throughout the world, the luxury that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has allowed us is unmatched maybe. Facilities and amenities that we deem a norm and a simple aspect of our lives, cannot even be dreamt of by many around the world. Electricity, taps of pure water, efficient drainage systems, free schooling, to name a few.

How many are there throughout the world who travel long distances everyday for just a bucket of water? How many are there, who must go in search of wood to use for fires to be used for cooking and lighting? How many are there for whom rain means floods due to poor, or no, drainage system? How many are there for whom a little education is a distant dream? The answer is: at least hundreds of thousands, very easily millions.

Our crime...
It is a great injustice on our part that these very blessings Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has bestowed upon us, we use to disobey Him.

Reward of appreciation...
The reward of appreciation is increase. As Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala informs us in the Qur'an:

"If you are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you; but if you show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed." [14:7]

The increase for gratitude of our bodies would be continued ability to use them in the obedience of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.

The increase for gratitude of our Iman (faith) would be further strength and firmness, as well as the ultimate blessing of death upon Iman.

Advice of the Greatest Imam...
Sayyiduna al-Imam al-A'zham Abu Hanifah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that whoever recites the following supplication of the Qur'an after every salah will die upon Iman, and it is a supplication of thanks and gratitude:

"Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate now after You have guided us, but grant us mercy from Your own Presence; for You are the Grantor of bounties without measure." [3:8]

In good times, and bad...
However, the situation we find ourselves in is that generally, there is much more ungratefulness than gratitude. We have not appreciated our Iman, hence sin is rife. We do not even appreciate the health that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has bestowed us with, whereas we should appreciate any illness that He gives too! However, we constantly complain.

True gratitude requires thanks for health as well as illness; wealth as well as poverty. True appreciation is a sign of strong trust upon Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, which is a sign of true faith.

Finally...
In conclusion, it is an obligation upon each of us to thank Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala verbally, but more so, through our actions. Obedience and submission to His laws is the best show of appreciation.

...And remember:

"When Allah takes something away from your grasp, He is not punishing you, but merely emptying your hands for you to receive something better."

So thank Him.

May Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) give us the ability to be grateful in every way.

Importance of Halal, by Shaykh Imran bin Adam

2008-11-26T16:45:00.010Z

Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala has emphasized in his pure and holy words regarding the importance of Halal sustenance. Similarly, this issue has been emphasized in many blessed Ahadith of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam.

Below is one verse amongst many with its interpretation.

Verse 1

يا ايها الرسل كلوا من الطيبت واعملواصلحا اني بما تعملون عليم

O’ Messengers, eat of the good things and act rightly, I most certainly know what you do. 23:51

In this verse Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala mentions to the Prophets that the way in which We have given you the permission to use Our blessings and ordered you to worship, We have also commanded their nations that you and your Ummah should eat whatever is good and pure and thank Allah by doing righteous deeds. I am aware of what you are doing. I will reward you according to your worship and righteous deeds.

يا ايها الرسل
O Messengers!

When the Messengers of Allah are being addressed in this manner, then this decree holds greater importance for the respective nation of each Messenger. The ultimate aim of this verse is to make sure that the Ummah acts upon it.

In another verse the believers have been clearly ordered to do this. The Prophet of Allah has mentioned this subject matter in a Hadith.

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam once said:

O you people, Allah is good. He only accepts what is good. Allah has issued to the believers the same command that He gave to the Messengers, for He said:

O you Messengers, eat of the good things and do right. I am indeed aware of what you do. (23:51)

Allah also says:

O you who truly believe! Eat of the good things with which we have provided you. (2:172)

The Prophet mentions a man who undertakes a very long journey. He describes him as unkempt and covered in dust. He stretches his hands toward the sky crying ‘O my Lord! O my Lord!’ but his source of food, drink and clothing is unlawful and he sustains himself unlawfully, so how can he expect a response to his appeal? (Muslim / at-Tirmidhi)

كلوا من الطيبت
Eat of the good things.

‘Tayyibat’ literally means clean and pure.

Qadhi Thana’ullah Panipaty writes in his Tafseer al-Mazhari that ‘tayyibat’ clearly means everything that is Halal.

Consuming pure items is an obligatory order. Haram is absolutely not permitted.

Others say ‘tayyibat’ may mean delicious or tasteful. In this case the meaning of the verse is to create ease, show permissibility and forbid asceticism.

Some scholars have written that ‘tayyibat’ means Halal, pure and healthy.

Halal, means disobedience of Allah is not committed.
Pure, means a person will not become ignorant of Allah and does not follow his own egos.
Healthy, means that it keeps him away from his own desires and safeguards his intellect. (Tafseer al-Mazhari)

واعملواصلحا
And work righteous deeds.

In this verse we find that every Messenger in his time was given two advices amongst many; 1) to eat Halal and 2) to do righteous deeds.

By mentioning these two commands after one another, it is an indication that eating Halal has a great affect in being able to do righteous deeds.

When ones sustenance is Halal, it will enable him to do good deeds and when one consumes Haram, it will prevent him from doing righteous deeds even if one intends to.

Righteous deeds means to fulfil the command of Allah in the way it has been ordered solely for the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, Allah has commanded every messenger not to eat anything which is Haram but eat Halal and do righteous deeds.

Allamah Ibn Kathir Rahemahullah writes ‘Verily Halal helps to do good deeds’. In the verse, Allah is not mentioning a certain taste or colour but he is saying eat that which is Halal.

It is narrated in a Sahih Hadith that the Prophet of Allah said, “Every Messenger was a shepherd.” The companions asked, “Even you O’ Prophet of Allah?” The Prophet replied, “Even me, I used to graze the sheep of the people of Makkah in exchange for a few Qiraat.”

This explains that Rasulullah sallalhu alaihe wasallam worked hard for halal earnings.

It is also mentioned in the Hadith that the Prophet Daud Alaihis Salam used to eat from the money he earned whilst working.

At the end of the verse, Allah says ‘do not think even for a moment that we are unaware of what you do because “اني بما تعملون عليم” I most certainly know what you do.

TAZKIYAH by Shaykh Muhammad Imran

2008-11-10T00:11:00.003Z

TAZKIYAH

Tazkiyah is the synonym of Tasawwuf. The literal meaning of Tazkiyah is purification, but in the terminology of the seekers (the Salekin those on the path to spiritual reformation) it means to purify ones soul from all sort of spiritual diseases and maladies, which can lead to displeasure of Allah Subhanahu Wata aala

Tazkiyah is extremely important for those who are in search for the love of Allah Subhanahu Wata aala. The main objective of Tazkiyah and Tasawwuf is to purify the heart before the true love of Allah Taala can penetrates in ones heart, similar to that when one begins to pray one has to purify his body.

Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Qur'an:

Indeed Allah loves those who repent and those who are clean"

For people to clean their physical bodies they need water, whether it is from a tap, well or river. In the same way for a person to clean his inner self (Nafs) he needs the water to flow from his eyes and his heart. The heart plays a great role here. Why? Because for true repentance and spiritual cleansing the tears have to flow from the heart before the tears flow from the eyes.

There is no tap that one can just turn on and expect to find clean water within the heart. Its source lies beneath the rocks of pride, jealousy, hatred, greed, ambition, doubt and so forth. Before the water comes bursting through the rocks, one has to begin the process of slowly but surely lifting away each rock, so that the water can flow through and the rays of the sun can enter those places, which were once covered in darkness by these rocks. If these rocks are removed then there is true spiritual reformation.

Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Qur'an

Indeed he is successful who purifies himself. (Surah as-Shams: 9)

It is only after cleansing the heart and the soul from spiritual diseases one is able to truly become aware of the presence of his Lord.

The Holy Qur'an and Ahadith are filled with warnings regarding specific diseases and their injurious and detrimental effects. Therefore it is essential to diagnose these diseases and find an effective cure in order to find serenity and peace in the hearts.

Allah Ta'ala says in the holy Qur'an:

Indeed whosoever purifies himself shall achieve success
(Surah al-Ghashiyah: 14)

Spiritual Retreat - Leicester

2008-11-02T16:35:00.000Z

PEARLS OF WISDOM

2008-08-24T17:16:00.009+01:00

Be yourself beautiful, and you will find the world full of beauty.

Whoever follows patience, success will follow him.

As there is no darkness in the moonlight. So is Mustafa (Muhammad), the well wisher, bright. - Abu Bakr as-Sideeq (radiAllahu anhu)

Suffering is a gift. In it is hidden mercy. - Jalaluddin al-Rumi

Stingyness has nothing to do with how much money you have. Neither does generosity. Its about how much heart you've got.

The only lasting beauty is the beauty of the heart. - Jalaluddin al-Rumi

Maa ki du'a, jannat ki hawa - (mother's dua, [brings] Jannah's air ) - Urdu proverb

Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.

Programme

2008-06-22T18:16:00.002+01:00

Spiritual Halaqah / Radio Programme

2008-06-15T01:07:00.005+01:00

My respected teacher gave a talk

2008-06-14T18:25:00.001+01:00

CONDEMNATION OF PRIDE AND ARROGANCE

Pride and arrogance are destructive evils and, in fact, enmity to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala. Pride is a great sin opposing the purpose for which Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala created His Creation and revealed His Book in order that complete obedience should be devoted to Him alone. Therefore, He forbade the entry into paradise for those who have the atom weight of pride in their hearts. There are many criticisms for the arrogant in the Holy Qur’an.

Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala states:

I shall keep away from my verses those who show arrogance on the earth with no right to do so. Even if they were to see every sign, they would not believe in it; and if they see the Path of guidance, they do not take it as their way. That is because they have rejected Our signs, and have been neglectful of them... [Qur’an 7:146]

Those people who rage pride confronting Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala and His messengers wrongly and they do not submit because of pride and arrogance, they are deprived of Allah’s help and guidance. Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala recompenses the arrogant ones by turning them away from understanding His Book, His prophets, and His signs placed in the horizons and in one’s self. Such people become unreceptive to the Truth.

In variably, Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal. Surely he does not love the arrogant. [Qur’an 16:23]

It is enough to say about the arrogant that Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala does not love the arrogant, May Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala save us all.

And do not turn your cheek away from people, and do not walk on the earth haughtily. Surely, Allah does not love every arrogant and boasting ones. [Qur’an 13:18]

Boasting is a problematic behaviour that universally evokes objections and considered a spiritual disease, Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala dislikes the one who brags about himself, the person who cannot be in the company of others without speaking about himself or drawing attention to what he has done.

Those who quarrel in Allah’s verses without any authority having reached them. It is terribly hateful with Allah and with those who believe. That is how Allah stamps a seal on the entire heart of an arrogant tyrant. [Qur’an 40:35]

Those who do not bow down before truth out of pride, Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala sets a seal upon their hearts and they become totally unreceptive to the truth.

Enter the gates of Hell to live in it forever. So, how evil is the abode of the arrogant. [Qur’an 40:76]

The abode of the arrogant has been mentioned in this verse, may Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala save us all.

Events..

2008-05-29T16:20:00.003+01:00

spiritual Halaqah

2008-04-26T18:08:00.003+01:00

2008-04-20T16:48:00.002+01:00

Talk

2008-04-03T15:37:00.002+01:00

Wednesday Hadith Lesson.....Recommendations with regard to Women

2008-04-01T10:11:00.001+01:00

الحمد لله و الصلوة و السلام على رسول الله

عن ابي هريره رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلي الله عليه و سلم:

اكمل المؤمنين إيمانا احسنهم خلقا و خياركم خياركم لنسائهم

[ترمذي]

Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه reports that Rasulullah صلى الله عليه و سلم said:

“The most complete of the believers in the faith are those with the best character. And the best of you are those who treat their wives in the best manner.”

Good character is, as shown in the above Hadith, an essential part of faith. Shaykh Mufti Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) has explained that the good character is a condition of the heart. It is not, as commonly believed, to simply put on a smile and ask someone, “how are you?!” It is a lot deeper than this. It is to see all others to be better than oneself. This state will lead to desiring good for others and then the smile one has on the face will be a true reflection of his heart, and not for show.

Rasulullah صلى الله عليه و سلم once said: الدين النصيحة; meaning, “Religion is to desire good.” The Companions رضي الله عنهم asked: “For whom?” He صلى الله عليه و سلم replied: “For Allah, His Messenger, for the leaders of the Muslims and the general Masses.” [البخاري و مسلم]

So with this in mind, we approach the second part of today’s Hadith, that, “The best of you are those who treat their wives in the best manner.” The importance of good treatment to wives could simply not be stressed enough.

One should keep in mind: “What would I like if I were in his/her position?” And after thinking of this, act accordingly. This is a simple, but effective method of ensuring a loving and peaceful environment in the home.

Programme

2008-03-25T15:10:00.004Z

Radio Programme

2008-03-22T16:31:00.001Z

Wednesday Hadith Lesson.....Recommendations with regard to Women

2008-03-20T16:12:00.000Z

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم الحمد لله رب العالمين والصلوة والسلام على سيدنا محمد رسوله الرؤوف الرحيم

قال الله تعالى: ولهن مثل الذي عليهن... (البقرة : ٢٢٨)
“…Women have similar rights to what they are owed…” (Al-Baqarah: 228)

عن معاوية بن حيدة رضي الله عنه قال: قلت: يا رسول الله ما حق زوجة احدنا عليه؟ قال: أن تطعمها إذا طعمت وتكسوها إذا اكتسيت ولاتضرب الوجه ولاتقبح ولاتهجر إلا في البيت. (أبو داوود)

Mu’awiyah ibn Haydah radhiyallahu anhu is reported to have said: "I asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, what is the right of someone's wife over him?' He said, 'That you feed her when you eat and clothe her when you clothe yourself and do not strike in the face. Do not malign her and do not keep apart from her, except in the house.'" [Abu Dawud]

It is a common misconception that the husband in a marriage is owed more rights than he himself owes. This idea is clearly rejected by the Quran in the above mentioned verse, which the great commentator explains thus:

لهن من حقوق الزوجية على الرجال مثل ما للرجال عليهن
“In a marriage, the women have as many rights over the men as the men do over them.”

Ibn Zayd explained it thus:

تتقون الله فيهن كما عليهن أن يتقين الله فيكم
“You [husbands] must fear Allah with regard to their [wives’] rights, just as it is necessary for them to fear Allah with regard to yours.”

It has become widespread that a husband is careless and negligent of his own appearance and state whilst expecting that his wife remains adorned and beautified at all times. This is a selfish attitude which leads to quarrelling and disputes. A common example is that of a smoker who after smoking comes to his wife with the most awful stench coming from his mouth, body and clothes. Naturally, his wife is reluctant to go to him, so he complains that she doesn’t love him and is not attracted to him! And many conflicts happens..

The great sahabi and commentator of the Quran, Sayyiduna Abd ‘Allah ibn Abbas radhiyallahu anhu stated:

إني لأتزين لامرأتي كما تتزين لي؛ وما أحب أن أستنظف كل حقي الذي لي عليها فتستوجب حقها الذي لها علي

“I am keen to adorn myself for my wife just as she adorns herself for me. And I do not wish to simply take all my rights that she owes to me for she deserves her rights that I owe to her.”

Furthermore, as the hadith we mentioned at the beginning states, it is the right of the wife that her husband feeds her, clothes her and is never aggressive and violent towards her.

The hadith also states that a man should not separate from his wife except in the house.

This is in reference to one of the stages of disciplining an extremely disobedient wife where the husband is advised to separate the sleeping arrangements when the wife simply does not leave her wrong ways. So even in this situation, he is ordered to remain at home and not, as some do, leave the wife for many months whilst he is away on holiday! Nor can he stop talking to her; the separation is only in sleeping arrangements.

Even when one’s spouse is troublesome, Islam has placed sanctions on the action one may take, how then would it allow aggression and violence?

Ulama have written that it is a fiqhi mas’alah that husband cannot stay away from his wife more than 4 months without her permission even if it is a sacred journey i.e. hajj, to seek Islamic knowledge or in tabligh

واخر دعوانا ان الحمد لله رب العالمين

Next week (Insha ‘Allah): The Most Complete Believer…

Wednesday Hadith Lesson.....Recommendations with regard to Women

2008-03-13T11:51:00.001Z

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

In continuation from last week’s hadith, wherein the Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, advises a man not to hate his wife; for if he dislikes one of her traits there will definitely be another which will appeal to him.

To treat her well and in an appropriate manner it is important to understand her status that Allah has bestowed her with. When we look into the stages in a life of a woman we find that when she is born Allah places her in the trust of her father and it has been made incumbent upon him to feed her, clothe her and provide her every need. This act of bringing up a daughter holds great virtue in the eyes of Allah. The Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, said in a hadith:

“The one who takes care of two girls (in another narration: one girl), he and I will be like this on the Day of Judgement.”(Indicating to his two fingers closed together). (Muslim)

Thereafter, the next stage in her life is that she becomes someone’s wife. At this point, the husband becomes responsible for taking care of her and providing for her. Allah has given the wife the role of a queen, where she needs not go out to work and earn but her husband must do so and provide her according to his capability. And as we have discussed in previous weeks, the Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, has given great emphasis upon the good treatment of wives.

After becoming a wife, next a woman becomes a mother. What to say about the importance of a child treating his/her mother with the utmost reverence, love, affection and care. It is very well-known that our beloved Master informed us that Jannah lies beneath a mother’s feet. Serving her and pleasing her is the key to the higher levels in Jannah.

So we can see that Islam gives great honour to women and it is an extremely far-fetched notion that Islam would ever give permission, let alone encourage, domestic violence.

Domestic violence and wife-beating is Haraam- Totally Forbidden.

Islam also acknowledges that tense and difficult times sometimes do occur. Even in these situations we are taught how to go about solving our problems. Such as reminding one’s spouse of Allah’s and His Messenger’s teachings and advices for a married couple. Thereafter, if a solution is not reached they should separate their sleeping quarters and wait to see if this brings about the correct awareness. Even after this, one may not hit or beat his wife. The most he should do is tap her sternly, to express displeasure. This should not leave a mark or even pain, that what is meant in Qur’an by saying hit them…

Insha Allah, we will continue next week.

2008-03-12T00:11:00.000Z

Wednesday Hadith Lesson.....Recommendations with regard to Women

2008-03-06T11:11:00.002Z

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم الحمد لله رب العالمين والصلوة والسلام على سيدنا محمد رسوله الرؤوف الرحيم

Abdullah bin Zam`ah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that he heard the Prophet (PBUH) giving a speech when he mentioned the she-camel (of Prophet Salih) and the man who had killed her. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "when the most wicked man among them went forth (to kill the she-camel).' (91:12) signifies that a distinguished, wicked and most powerful chief of the people jumped up to kill the she-camel.'' Then he (PBUH) made mention of women and said, "Some of you beat your wives as if they were slaves, and then lie with them at the end of the day." Then he (PBUH) admonished them against laughing at another's passing of wind, saying, "Why does any of you laugh at another doing what he does himself."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Continuing from last week’s lesson, we come to the next hadith which Imaam al-Nawawi has brought under the chapter headed: "recommendations with regard to women." In this hadith, the narrator has made mention of three things that The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, admonished the people regarding. Our focus is on the second phrase: "Some of you beat your wives as if they were slaves, and then lie with them at the end of the day."

The Messenger of Allah, throughout his blessed life, ordered kindness and compassion with all, whether it is humans or even animals. Hence, the companions once asked: "Shall we be rewarded for showing kindness to the animals also?'' He, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, said, "A reward is given in connection with every living creature."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

This is one of many such examples which show the emphasis he placed upon goodness and kindness to all creatures. Let alone one’s wife!

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, said, "A believer must not hate a believing woman (his wife); if he dislikes one of her characteristics he will be pleased with another".[Muslim].

This is the next hadith in this chapter. In this narration we find a beautiful principle for a happy married life. Here, the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, acknowledges the fact that everyone has shortcomings and if one was to take his wife to task for her every fault; the joy of their married life would almost definitely be short-lived.

It is up to each individual to ensure that he overlooks the minor faults of the other, which will naturally become apparent. One must endure, show patience and forgive the shortcomings and thereafter, as our beloved Master advised, he should look at and concentrate upon the good qualities and favors of the spouse.

Islam acknowledges that a man can not remain in a constant state of happiness. But Islam also teaches ways of handling such situations, for example, walking away from a heated situation and praying to Allah for help, and thereafter returning to one’s spouse with a loving smile.

In such a situation where one comes to know of a fault of the spouse, one should immediately take his attention to her better qualities and he will realize that she possesses many. As the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, said, "People are mines." This is in reference to the different materials that can be extracted from mines, and they are only discovered through searching into them. Hence, if one wants to, he will find many good and pleasing qualities in his spouse. On the other hand, if one expects his spouse to be perfect and always saying and doing only those things which comply with his desires, he is heading for a life of misery and discomfort.
"Even a stopped clock is right twice a day."

Shaykh Ashraf Ali Thanwi mentioned that there was once a pious scholar whose wife passed away. His children tried to persuade him not to wed again, claiming that they would suffice and serve him. However, he knew better, and hence, he married again. Some time later, he fell ill, and no one of his children was there to serve him as his new wife did. She stayed by his side and ran to his every need. One day, when he was back to good health, he was teaching his students when suddenly he received the news that his wife was ill. Immediately, he stood up and rushed to her side, sending his students away. People began taunting him but he would not care and he would say, "What my wife has done for me, no one could ever do."

This is a good example of how our pious predecessors gave importance to their marriages and keeping them in a way that conforms to the teachings of our beloved Messenger.

The husband should have a sense of humour to cheer his wife, sooth her pains and show his noble character because this will strengthen the bonds of love and respect between them.

واخر دعوانا ان الحمد لله رب العالمين وبالله التوفيق والعون فإنه هو الموفق والمعين

Wednesday Hadith Lesson.....Recommendations with regard to Women

2008-02-27T11:00:00.002Z

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Quran:
"و عاشروهن بالمعروف"
Translation: "Consort with them (your women) in kindness"
This lesson is regarding the all-important matter of fulfilling the rights of fellow humans. This is a vital area in the life of every person and it is the make up of three-quarters of Islam. Hence, when you look into the books of Islamic Jurisprudence, for example, the famous Hidaya, in Hanafi Fiqh, you find it in four large volumes. One of the four volumes pertains to Ibaadat (acts of worship), whilst the remaining three relate to what is referred to as Mu’aamalat and Mu’aasharat (dealings and social life).

A Hadith is mentioned by Imam al-Tirmizhi in his Jami’ on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him). He reported a story of an event that took place. The Prophet, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, said to his Companions: "Whom do you consider as a bankrupt?" They said: "The one who does not have a dinar or dirham (money)." The Prophet, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, said: "The real bankrupt is the one who comes with mountains of good deeds but he also comes with many bad deeds that are related to attacking and harming the people." In this case, the bad deeds are not easily omitted because they are related to the rights of human beings. This person may wrong others by slander, backbiting, killing, etc. As a result, his good deeds will be taken from him in the Hereafter as a matter of just. In addition to that, the Prophet, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, says part of the bad deeds of the people whom he has wronged will be added to his record and the result would be that he will be thrown into the Hellfire. (This is a summary of the Hadith)

The importance of fulfilling the rights of fellow (Huqooq al-Ibaad) could never be stressed enough.

Now, let us first understand what we usually find in the Quran: the Quran normally gives a general order, without actually explaining it in detail. This explanation is found in the Ahadith. For example, Allah Ta’ala says:
"وأقيموا الصاوة"
Translation: "Establish prayer…" (Al-Baqarah: 43)

One can not find anywhere in the Quran the details on how to perform Salaah, so we look into the Ahadith and we find in depth explanations. However, when it comes to the matter of the rights of fellow humans, Allah went to great lengths to give a complete understanding. One chapter of the Quran: "al- Hujurat," was revealed totally on this subject.

Furthermore, this topic of "rights" can be sub-headed for the different people we interact with and who are affected by us. The wisdom-filled Quran also makes note of this and shows us that there are certain people whose rights are of utmost importance and neglecting them is a grave sin, leading to eternal failure. In such cases, the Quran gives extra detail and explanation. One such example is the relationship one has with his parents.

Another such example, which is the focus of today’s lesson, is the relationship between husband and wife.

In earlier times, before Islam, in the period known in history as the Era of Ignorance, women’s rights were non-existent. They would be deprived of even the simplest of niceties. They were treated like animals. Then came Islam. Then came the Holy Quran with its practical example, Muhammad, sallallahu alaihi wasallam. The much-needed rights of women followed very soon after.

A point to note here is that Islam introduced rights for women over 1400 years ago; whilst until very recently, British women were very much subdued. For example, in 1918 the British Parliament finally passed a bill allowing women over the age of 30 to vote! This is one of many such examples.

So, the Quran recognises that an essential chapter of life is marriage. Then the Quran stresses the importance of living together without oppression in the least bit. Especially, giving importance to the way a man treats his wife. Hence the verse "consort with them in kindness."
Imam Muhiy al-Din Abu Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi has brought a chapter in his famous "Riyadh al-Saliheen" with the name: "The Chapter of Recommendations with regard to Women."

The opening Hadith of this chapter is: Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: "Take my advice with regard to women: Act kindly towards women, for they were created from a rib, and the most crooked part of a rib is it’s uppermost. If you attempt to straighten it; you will break it, and if you leave it alone it will remain crooked; so act kindly toward women." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

In another narration of Al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: "A woman is like a rib, if you attempt to straighten it, you will break it; and if you benefit from her, you will do so while crookedness remains in her".In another narration of Muslim, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: 'Woman has been created from a rib and will in no way be straightened for you; so if you want to benefit from her, you will benefit from her while crookedness remains in her. If you attempt to straighten her, you will break her, and breaking her is divorcing her". The secret of a pleasant family life lies in this advice of the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam with its emphasis on kind treatment to wives.

The rib is bent. It is obvious that if the rib was not curved, it would not serve its vital purpose and a rib is considered to be a beautiful blessing from Allah Ta’ala, despite being curved. In the very same way, it is not considered a defect in a woman that she is created from the curved rib. Just as we see in the decoration of masaajid, one of the main aesthetics is the curved/domed design of the windows and doors, in exactly the same way, we say that a woman is beautiful and not defected due to her being created from a bent rib.

A good relationship between husband and wife is paramount for the progress of any community. It has been placed in the trust of two people who marry to fulfil each others rights, live together with love and happiness, and consequently bring children into the world who, following the correct example set by their loving parents, will contribute to making a community a better one.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the ability to act as we have taught by the Quran and Sunnah of our beloved master, Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam.
Insha’Allah, this topic will be carried on next week.
واخر دعوانا ان الحمد لله رب العالمين
وبالله التوفيق والعون فإنه هو الموفق والمعين

2008-02-15T16:53:00.002Z

2008-01-26T14:53:00.000Z

Event

2007-12-12T23:51:00.000Z

HAJI

2007-11-10T15:09:00.000Z

Respected teacher mentioned In this week's jummah bayan:

Pehle raaste kach-che hote the

Haaji pak-ke hote the

Aaj raaste pak-ke he

Haaji kache he

Those days it was difficult to get to Makkah but the pilgrims were truly sincere.

These days it is easy to reach Makkah however the pilgrims waste time when they get there.

ADVICE: Be one of those pilgrims that use every second of a minute in the Ibadat of Allah subhana watala. Avoid Wasting time and useless talk.

LEARN HOW TO PERFORM HAJJ

2007-10-30T09:55:00.000Z

My respected teachers talk....

2007-09-25T16:48:00.000+01:00

Dua at the time of Iftar

2007-09-20T01:04:00.000+01:00

“And when My servants ask you about Me, of course, I am near. I respond to the call of one when he prays to Me; so they should respond to Me, and have faith in Me so that they may be on the right path”. (2:186)

The previous verses mentioned the merits and injunctions concerning fasting and Ramadan. This strain continues even after the present verse. In between, this brief verse has been introduced to persuade servants of Allah to pray before Allah.

Ibn Kathir has pointed out that this verse appearing in the middle of injunctions of fasting is a hint that prayer (dua) made at the completion of a fast is accepted, therefore, one should be very particular about making dua at that time. In a Hadith it has been mentioned,

للصائم عند فطره دعوة مستجابة

“ The prayer made by one who is fasting at the time of his iftar is accepted".

This is why the blessed Companion, Abdullah ibn Umar would assemble his family members around him at the time of iftar and would make dua.

The Human Self (Nafs)

2007-09-19T01:28:00.000+01:00

Within our body there is our Nafs (self). Allamah Alusee (ra) mentions regarding Nafs: “the nafs (self) by its nature is very inclined to passions (shahwaat)”.

There is well known story of Abu Yazid Bustami (ra). When he saw Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala in a dream, he asked Him: “How can I find the way to you?” Allah said: “Abandon yourself and come!” Thus all good lies in waging total war against the Nafs (self) under all circumstances.

The Qur’an also tells us about the inclinations of human soul that have direct bearing on the levels of development.

One is the inclination towards doing wrong and evil deeds, termed as Nafs-i-Ammarah (12:53).

The other is towards realization and repentance i.e. to realize immediately if one does something wrong, that what he has done is termed as Nafs-i-Lowwamah (75:2).

The third is towards doing good and righteous deeds, termed as Nafs-i-Mutmainnah (89:27)

In a Hadith in which the Holy Prophet Sallalahu Alaihe Wasallam has been reported to have asked the Sahahbah Radiallahu Anhum: What do you think about a companion who, if you treat him nicely, feed him, clothe him, still he would throw you in all sorts of troubles, and if you insult him, and keep him hungry and naked, he would do what is good for you? The Sahabah said: Ya Rasulullah, there just cannot be a companion worse than him in this whole world! He said: By Him in whose hands rest my life, your self inside you is such a companion. (al-Qurtubi) and it appears in another Hadith: Your greatest enemy is your own self which not only disgraces you by getting you involved in evil deeds, but also makes you run into all sorts of troubles.

However, the aforementioned Verses and Ahadith narrations tells us, that human self does usually demand the taming of what is bad from us.

To explain, it can be said that the human self when on its own does incite to evil deeds is called Ammarah (it directs its owner towards every wrong action). But, when one does not follow its passions because of the fear of Allah, his or her self becomes Lawwamah (the self, which is conscious of its own imperfections and blames its own wrong doings and evil deeds, and repents from them and seeks forgiveness). When someone keeps striving hard against passions of his or her self, and brings it to a state where the very urge to commit evil deeds does not remain there anymore, then, that self becomes what is called Mutma’innah (the self at peace). Righteous people can be at this state through spiritual strivings.

Hadhrat Shaykh Maulana Anver Shah Saheb writes: “the self of a human is first absorbed in passions and futile things, never inclining to virtue or good deeds, such self is called Ammarah. Then, somewhat it come to senses and understood good and bad, and so desisted; sometimes in heedlessness ran on his or her original habit where after sense touched him or her and began to rebuke him or her self, such a self is called reproachful- Lawwamah. Then when it completely becomes purified and the inclination of self, remains on virtue, it starts to flee from absurd action by itself, and feel pain at the very thought of committing evil, this self becomes peaceful – Mutmainnah”.

In order to attain the desirable level of development, Nafs lawwamah and Nafs Mutmainnah have to be activated and Nafs Ammarah has to be suppressed or controlled to a desirable extent if not to be completely suppressed.

A person would repent over whatever wrong he does and vow not to do any wrong again only when his Nafs Lawwamah is activated and Nafs Ammarah is suppressed or controlled.

Repentance in this context involves two things. One is the activation of Nafs Lawwamah because the person realizes his fault or mistake and rebukes him or her self for it. The other is the suppression of Nafs Ammarah because repentance involves not merely the expression of regret over the wrong done but also firm determination of not doing any wrong again which implies nothing but suppression of Nafs Ammarah. Repentance without solemnly undertaking not to repeat any wrong cannot be treated as repentance. Likewise, a person is impelled to do righteous deeds only when his Nafs Mutmainnah is activated.

In other words, Nafs Ammarah has to be controlled to avoid the commission of major sins at least if it is not possible to avoid the commission of all the sins. The Qur’an treats the persons avoiding the worst of sins, if not all the sins, as being rightly guided (42:37).

The use of appropriate method coupled with guidance and the fear of Allah on the one hand and firm faith in the Mercy and Magnanimity of Allah, on the other, could be of great help in activating Nafs Lawwamah and Nafs Mutmainnah. (Insha-Allah)

With will, fire becomes sweet water;
and without will, even water becomes fire. (Mathnawi)

By: my respected teacher hafezahullah.......

A company of the pious

2007-09-19T01:26:00.000+01:00

A Musalee (one who goes to a Mosque) wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to Mosque. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 Lectures. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the Imams are wasting theirs by giving Lectures at all." This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher, I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to Mosque for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today.

By: my respected teacher hafezahullah.......

Week 4 and 5

2007-09-13T13:12:00.000+01:00

HADITH:
"Moderation in spending is half of one's sustenance, friendliness towards people is half of one's intelligence, and asking good questions is half of one's knowledge" (Bayhaqi, Shu'ab al-Iman)

DID YOU KNOW:
There were ten companions promised Paradise by the prophet Muhammed 9sallahu alaihi wassalam) during their lifetimes. These were: Abu bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Talha, Az-Zubayr, Abdur-Rahman bin Awf, Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqas, Sa'id bin Zayd and Abu Ubayda Ibn al-Jarrah.

TARGET:
Try to enjoin the good in people.

Poetry

2007-09-13T12:08:00.000+01:00

COME, BEGGARS

Come, beggars
sit with open hands
at the gate
of nothingness

God will bring bread
without the mdium
of bread

sweetness
without honey or bee

when past and future
dissolve
there is only you

senseless as a lute
upon the breast of God

(Rumi)

Seeker of Knowledge...Mehnat(EFFORT)

2007-08-29T22:29:00.000+01:00

We should put in full concentration and work extremely hard to acquire this ILM. Remember we did not come here by ourselves, but Allah has chosen us and brought us here. So to be accepted he looks at, how much effort we put in, how hard we try, how much we sacrifice and according to that we will be rewarded.

Three points to bring into practice:

*Motala (going over the next day's lesson)

*Sabak (to learn what was taught on that day)

*Iyadah (To go over and revise the previous day's lesson)

"Work-hard day and night, surely you will gain success"

Week 3

2007-08-29T22:19:00.000+01:00

HADITH:
One who repents from sin is like one who has no sin (ibn Maja, Tabarani, Al-Mujam al kabir)

DID YOU KNOW:
The "Pliny of the Arabs" Al-Masudi (d 957 A.D) described an earthquake, and the first windmill in his celebrated work "The Meadows of Gold".

TARGET:
Constantly ask for forgiveness Inshallah it will be beneficial.

Week 2

2007-08-19T20:23:00.000+01:00

HADITH:
"The Quran will either be evidence for you or against you" (Muslim)

DID YOU KNOW:
The first observatory in Europe, Giralda or "The Tower of Seville", was built in 1190 C.E, in the Spanish town of Seville under the supervision of the celebrated Mathematician, Jabir Ibn Afiah.

TARGET:
Start reciting a few verses of the Glorious Quran and gradually increase it. Insh'Allah it will benefit us.

Seeker of Knowledge...Ikhlaas (Sincerity)

2007-08-19T19:54:00.000+01:00

Talib-e-Ilm what is our aim?

Whilst we are studing this Ilm we must always ponder over our intentions and rectify them.
We are not here to gain worldly pleasure,

We are here to gain:

1. Marifat (Recognition of Allah)

2. Islah (Rectification of ourselves)

3. To convey the true message.

Remember:

"If you run after the world the world will run away from you, If you run towards Allah the world will come running towards you"

Week 1

2007-08-14T15:05:00.000+01:00

HADITH:
"Backbiting is worse than unlawful intercourse" (bayhaqi, Shu'ab al-iman)

DID YOU KNOW:
In the year 980 Abu'l Wafa al Buzjani (a.k.a Abu'l Wefa) [940, d. Baghdad (iraq), July 15,998] introduces the tangent ratio to Arabic mathematics and further develops spherical trigonometry.

TARGET:
Stay away for back-biting, and from those who back-bite. Insha'Allah

Hadith/Target/Did you know

2007-08-14T14:35:00.000+01:00

"When asked what deeds were the most beloved by Allah, the prophet Muhammed sallahu alaihi wassalam replied, "The most regular, constant deeds even though they may be a few". He added, "Take upon yourselves only those deeds which are within your ability." (bukhari)

As most of us may be aware what this hadith is saying. That those deeds, which are regular are most beloved to Allah. We all tried to act upon this hadith, with the help of a weekly hadith, target and did you know. I hope and pray that we all tried our utmost best to bring those hadiths in our lives and act upon them persistently.

Also as you can see the 2nd part of the hadith which mentions, only try to act upon those deeds that you are capable of. It can get difficult improving ourselves in deen, whilst we work and study. So insha'Allah for those that work, go university, college and even those seekers of knowledge (talib-e-ilm), i will carry on quoting a weekly Hadith, Target and a Did you know. In this method insha'Allah, we can put a new target and hadith into practice every week and increase our knowledge whether it be just a little amount, as long as we keep it persistent.

May Allah accept our efforts.

NOTE TO READERS

2007-08-14T14:30:00.000+01:00

The site was not updated due to certain circumstances, i do apologise.

SUNDAY 24th JUNE 2007

2007-06-15T13:55:00.000+01:00

23rd June 2007

2007-06-15T13:48:00.000+01:00

June Week 20

2007-06-15T13:20:00.000+01:00

HADITH:
"The Miswaak(a natural tooth-brush from the twigs of an Arak tree) purifies the mouth and pleases the Lord" (Bukhari without a chain [Ta'liqan]. Nasa'i. Darami).

DID YOU KNOW:
Wednesday is the day in which light was created and it is a day injurious to the ways of the disbeliever, though it is a providential day for the believer.

TARGET:
InshAllah start using the mis-waak try and make it a habit.

Wudhu (Ablution)

2007-05-08T20:35:00.000+01:00

On the previous Wednesday my respected teacher elaborated on the topic wudhu and mentioned three prayers essential whilst making wudhu (ablution):

To take the name of Allah subhana watala before doing any action.

"Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem"

1. An action done without Allah subhana watala's glorious name is incomplete, even though it may seem to be complete, it will not have the barakah in it. There are certain things that become haram, if done without taking Allah's name e.g slaughtering an animal. It is not permissible for a Muslim to eat the meat of an animal, which has not been slaughtered with Allah's name.

It is sunnat to Pray "bismillah" before washing each part (a'adha) of the body in wudhu.

2. AFTER WUDHU

"Ashadu-laa-ilaa-ha-ilal-laahu-wahdahu-laashareeka-lahu wa-ashhadu-anna-muhammadan-abduhu-warasoo-luhu"

I testify that there is no god (worthy of worship) but Allah. He is one by himself. There is no partner in Him and i testify that Muhammad (Sallahu alaihi wassalam) is his servant and his messenger.

After that recite the following prayer:

"Allahuma-ajalanee-minat-tawaa-beena-waja-al-nee-minal-muta-tahireen"

O Allah, make me of those who turn to you and repent much and make me of those who stay very clean and very pure.

In this prayer, firstly we ask Allah subhana watala to make us, from those who ask for forgiveness. This will purify our inner self and then we ask to be from those who keep themselves clean and pure from the outside. This dua also shows that it is giving priority to our inner-self and to be pure from the inside is extremely important.

May Allah give us the ability to act upon these prayers Ameen.

Week 19

2007-05-08T20:18:00.000+01:00

HADITH:
"The one who initiates the salaam is free of pride" (Bayhaqi, Shu'ab al iman)

DID YOU KNOW:
Al-Amide (d. 1314 C.E) a Syrian who was blind from childhood, developed a tactile system of reading by hand later developed by and popularised by Louis Braille, 500 years earlier.

TARGET:
InshAllah- try and make salaam to very Muslim you go past.

Seeker of knowledge ...(ILM)

2007-05-01T18:24:00.000+01:00

ILM
(Knowledge)
(It maybe divided into two categories)

1. NUR-e- NABUWAT (light of Islam)
2. ILM-e- NABUWAT (knowledge of Islam)

NUR-e-NABUWAT:
This will only be attained if one has complete, Love and obedience towards the 'Ilm, teachers, books, equipment used for gaining the Islamic Sciences. One who acts upon, what he/she has learnt will be blessed with Nur-e-Nabuwat. By gaining this one has achieved the true meaning of knowledge and Allah سبحانه و تعالى will surely elevate him/her.

ILM-e-NABUWAT:
Remember, a person who is talented can gain the knowledge (ilm-e-nabuwat) but lack the Nur (divine light) of the knowledge because he/she did not have love for the knowledge and did not act upon it, nor he had respect of it. This 'Ilm will be useless to him/her and it may be detrimental for him/her.

Therefore we need to acquire both, ILM-e-NABUWAT which is attained by effort, and NUR-e-NABUWAT is gained by sitting in the company of the pious scholars.

Appreciation

2007-05-01T18:03:00.000+01:00

Respected teacher reminds us a few points regarding appreciation, It is essential in one's life to be thankful to Allah سبحانه و تعالى as this will increase that blessing for us.

*The most valuable gift is to have Imaan, we must do Shukr (be thankful) to Allah سبحانه و تعالى for giving us this amazing gift.

*One of the greatest ways of appreciating and being thankful about the gift of Imaan, is to act upon all the good deeds. By undertaking this Allah سبحانه و تعالى will increase us in our IMAAN... InshaAllah.

*Most honoured teacher always mentions, that Shaytaan's mission is to penetrate in one's heart and he will do anything to do so, but remember keeping "our lips and tongue wet" by uttering the Glorious names of Allah will save us from shaytaan's evil thoughts.

"Allah is the friend of the believers, he takes them out from the darkenesses to light"

(quran 2:257)

Respected teacher says:

"It's up to you, to keep the friendship of Allah or to break it."

May Allah give me the Tawfique to act upon what has been said by respected and us all. Any mistakes are truly made unintentionally.

Seeker of knowledge ....(Value of time)

2007-04-29T19:16:00.000+01:00

A few words of wisdom from respected teacher concerning the use of TIME!

TIME is a Ne'mat (gift) from Allah سبحانه و تعالى. In this time and era we do not use this gift as we should. Remember every minute is valuable and the previous minute will never return.

There are people that are engrossed in dhikr or any other type of worship whilst in their daily routine.

So we should try our utmost best in utilising our time wisely inshAllah it will be greatly beneficial.

An advice was specially given to those who are Hufaaz.

*One must pray 3 Paras a day, and use their time in the correct manner.

week 18

2007-04-29T19:06:00.000+01:00

HADITH:
"The one who eats and is thankful is like the one who fasts and is patient" (Tirmidhi, Darami)

DID YOU KNOW:
Wearing the Ihram, all signs of position and status in society are removed and all men face Allah with their soul laid bare and independent of all worldly distinctions.

TARGET:
Reflect on the conditions for making repentance.

Week 16 and 17

2007-04-23T18:52:00.000+01:00

HADITH:
"Bells are flutes of satan" (muslim)

DID YOU KNOW:
Ibn Al-naphis described pulmonary circulation in the human body 350 years before its attributed discoverer Sir William Harvey.

TARGET:
Reflect on the legitimacy of all earnings and possessions.

NOTICE

2007-04-23T18:49:00.001+01:00

As you all may have known that respected teacher has been very ill, but alhamdulillah through the mercy of Allah he has recovered.. duas are requested...

Prescribed prayers

2007-04-09T15:34:00.000+01:00

While going to the bathroom

"Allah-humma inni a-udhu bika minal khubuthi wal khabaa-ith"

O Allah, i seek refuge with you from the evil satans, the male and the female.

* One must enter with the left foot.

* One musn't spend too long in the bathroom.

* The shayateen like filthy places therefore they live in the bathroom.

BENEFITS OF READING THIS PRAYER:

--> Worldly (dunyawi) benefit is that, your body is protected from them.

--> The benefit for the hereafter (Ukhrawi) is that you are protected from evil thoughts.

When coming out of the bathroom

"Allah-humma gufraanak-Alhamdu-lilahi-ladhee adh-haba a'nil-adha wa a'faani"

O Allah, i seek your forgiveness. Praised is Allah who delivered me from filth and granted relief to me.

* Firstly we are asking for forgiveness as we were not able to be in remembrance of Allah in that room and also because we are not able to thank him the way we should.
* Then we thank him for removing the filth from our body, by praising the almighty.

Or say:

"Al-hamdu lilahi ladhee adhaa-qanee ladha-dha tahu wa abqaa-a'lay-ya qu-watahu-wa da-fa' a'n-nee adhaa-hu"

Praised is Allah who blessed me with the taste of food and let energy from it be absorbed in my body and the filthy part of it be removed from me.

* Firstly we praise him for giving us the ability to taste the food.

* Then for removing the filth from our body.

Week 14 and 15

2007-04-09T15:29:00.000+01:00

HADITH:
"The upper [giving] hand is superior to the lower [taking] hand." (Bukhari, Muslim)

DID YOU KNOW:
The Black Stone came down from paradise, it was white in the beginning but it became black due to the sins of human beings. (tirmidhi)

TARGET:
InshAllah to reflect one's attitude towards prayer (salaah)

THE LUMINOUS LIGHT 1428

2007-03-28T09:44:00.000+01:00

ENLARGE:
www.Khanqah.co.uk