Pride
THE JUMU’AH KHUTBAH: Pride
Bismillahir –Rahmaanir-Raheem
(This khutbah is a continuation of the previous one. In it mention was made that Shaytaan became Shaytaan because he considered himself beyond the commands of Allah Ta’ala. We continue with this episode)
Says Allah Ta’ala in the Holy Qur’aan: “And verily, He does not love those who have pride.”
Rasulullah Salallahu alayhi wasallam said that whosoever has in his heart, even an atom of pride, will not enter Jannat.
Shaytaan who was known as Azaazeel deliberately disobeyed Allah. His disobedience was premeditated. His disobedience was prompted by an “I know more” attitude. It was reflected in a “No one tells me what to do” approach to Allah Rabbul Izzah.
Despite Allah, the Most Merciful, explaining kindly that “Why do you not make Sajdah to that which I have created with My Hands?” Shaytaan remained not only obstinate; he CHALLENGED Allah Ta’aala with words the fury which even the oceans could not extinguish.
Such three words he uttered which caused the Arsh of Allah to shudder. Such three words he said with a puffed up chest that made the angels tremble with fear. Such three words he blurted which was concealed all along deep in the most secret cavity of his heart. So secret it was that only Allah Ta`ala knew about it.
And these words, respected brothers and sisters in Islam are the words that everyone should fear constantly. These are the words which Shaytaan inspires our hearts with in order to make us follow him. Shaytaan said:
“Ana Khayrum minh” – I AM BETTER THAN HE (Aadam alayhis Salaam).
Inna lillahi wa Inna ilayhi rajioen! What Shaytaan was telling Allah Ta’ala is not only that he was better than Aadam alayhis salaam; nay ; he was inferring that he was better than Allah as well. Did Allah not instruct him? Did Allah not command him? Did he not challenge Allah’s command? Did he not find fault with Allah’s command? Did he not defy Allah? And last but not least did he not seek to undermine Allah?
Three words! Only three words! So awful were these words that it washed away thousands of years of Ibaadah. So poisonous were these three words that it destroyed thousands of years of worship. So evil were these three words that it uprooted all the honour he enjoyed in the eyes of the Angels. So accursed were these three words that it caused him to tumble from the dizzying heights of Mustajaabud Da’wah (one whose duas were always accepted) to being a MARDUD (Rejected one). With these few words filled with spite and hate, Shaytaan sealed his fate and invited doom upon himself.
And ejected he was from Jannah, for Jannah is not for the proud ones. The air of Jannah is filled with humility and Thikr. It is filled with the moisture of humbleness and modesty.
Jahannam is more befitting the mighty and the arrogant, the proud and the pompous. It is the fire of Jahannam which Allah created and the horrendous punishment of Jahannam that will bring the mightiest of the mighty to their knees and make them cry out meekly and make them forget their pride.
May Allah save us all from pride. (Ameen)
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Bismillahir –Rahmaanir-Raheem
THE JUMU’AH KHUTBAH: Pride
Says Allah Ta’ala in the Holy Qur’aan: “And verily, He does not love those who have pride.”
Rasulullah Salallahu alayhi wasallam said that whosoever has in his heart, even an atom of pride, will not enter Jannat.
Prior to being called Shaytaan, he was known as Azaa-ziel. He was highly respected and considered to be extremely pious. There was not a single piece of land upon this earth whereupon he did not make Sajdah. In the seven skies he was known by different titles – all of them denoting his sheer piety and lofty goodness. He stood in Ruku, praising Allah, for hundreds of years. Such was Azaazeel’s appetite for Ibaadah!
Other than being a worshipper par excellence, he was a brave warrior. Azaazeel waged Jihaad against the rebellious Jinn. He killed many in the path of Allah. He stomped out their rebellion and crashed them with a fierce determination.
Allah Ta’aala always rewards those who do good. That’s a promise made and that’s always a promise kept. And such it was with Azaazeel’s splendid deeds.
Allah Ta’ala made Azaazeel the focus of all the angels. Millions of them attended his lectures and looked at him with awe. Azaazeel was held in high esteem. His fame was wider than the skies.
There is a stage conferred by Allah Ta`ala to certain special servants of His creation. This is a stage that whatever a person asks for, is readily given by Allah Ta’aala. Came that glorious moment when Allah Rabbul Izzah announced that Azaazeel was granted the Maqaam (stage) of Mustajaabud-Da’waat! This increased Azaazeel’s prestige even further! What more could anyone wish for? Lift you hands and just ask Allah and your wishes are granted immediately!
O how did Azaazeel soar not! He strutted around filled with self esteem! His vanity and self love overflowed! He considered himself to be so superior to all of Allah’s Creation! Was he not engrossed ‘day and night’ in Allah’s Worship? Was he not risking his life in the path of Allah when waging Jihaad against the Jinn? Was he not showering the angels with lectures upon lectures? He certainly, in his opinion, was deserving not only of what Allah Blessed him with but with even more!
Allah then created Hadhrat Aadam alayhi Salaam. The angels were apprehensive. This creature was going to cause havoc and shed blood. This creature was going to be a source of misery and grief. The angels informed Allah of their concerns.
Allah Ta`ala granted Hadhrat Aadam alayhis Salaam knowledge. Allah tested him about the knowledge which he was granted. Whereas the angels could not reply to Allah’s questions, Hadhrat Aadam alayhi Salaam readily responded.
Allah Ta’ala wished to honour Aadam alayhi Salaam. He ordered all the angels and Jinn to do so by instructing them to make a Sajdaah to Aadam Alayhi Salaam. Such an honour was viewed with horror by Azaazeel. Was all the honour not supposed to be for him and him alone?
All the angels complied with Allah’s command. Only Azaazeel remained standing. No, he did not misunderstand Allah’s Command. No, he did not misinterpret Allah’s Command. No, he did not make any mistake in his disobedience to Allah. Most High.
He simply did not like the Command. And so he challenged it:
‘I am better then he (Aadam alayhi Salaam)’ he raved and ranted.
His pride blinded his heart. His pride mutilated his intelligence. His pride poisoned his tongue. His pride caused him to become angry – so angry that he promised Allah Ta`ala that he would show Allah a point! (May Allah save us all – Ameen).
To be continued, Insha-Allah.
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Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
THE JUMA’H KHUTBAH: The Choice
Says Allah, Most High, “And today I have perfected my Deen for you; and bestowed My Ni’mat (Blessing) upon you, and am pleased with Islam as a religion for you.”
The above Seal on the Message of Islam was placed not in some palace of a King, but in the dry, arid Arabian Desert.
Our Islam is a simple religion; free from encumbrances and unnecessary pageantry. Our Islam is not as much focused upon ostentation and flashiness than upon plainness and simplicity. Our Islam is not complicated in its Message to both its adherents and to mankind at large.
Says Allah: “And it is He who has Created you; than from amongst you are those who choose Kufr and those who choose Imaan.” ALLAH TA`ALA HAS GIVEN US A CHOICE!
The first choice: The choice of Imaan
Man has a clear choice – either he rejects or accepts Imaan. Allah has aided man in that He has guided him by displaying numerous Signs of His Exalted Existence. The sun, moon, stars, clouds, rain, rivers, roads, mountains, camels, skies, earth, nay – in fact in man himself there are Signs of His existence. “And in yourself; can you not see?”
Man either chooses to turn a blind eye towards the Signs of Allah’s existence or either he wholeheartedly accepts it. He is free; Allah is not going to force him for Allah’s Existence is not dependent on man’s acceptance or rejection. “And Allah is Independent, Worthy of Praise”.
The second choice: The choice of obedience
After accepting the Divine Existence of Allah, Man has a choice to either obey Him or to disobey Him. Allah has Created all of Mankind. HE knows mankind better than what mankind could ever know itself. Says Allah: “It is He who knows you when He created you from the Earth and when you were in the womb of your mothers…”
Allahu Akbar: How clear is Allah not! Allah does not only inform us about the Knowledge He had about our as yet unborn existence, He also informs us about how weak we are.
‘And man has been created weak’
‘And man is ungrateful’
‘And man is oppressive, ignorant’
Islam means submission. Imaan means peace. When man chooses to submit and obey Allah, he will then only find peace. Allah did not leave the Man to his own devices and systems to plot and plan the path of life. The Creator Knows Best.
Thus Allah formulated the System of the Shariah.
This is the Shariah that was perfected over fourteen centuries ago.
This is the Shariah which Allah termed to be a Blessing.
This is the Shariah which Allah says He is Pleased with.
This is the Shariah which is a Nur (Light) from Allah.
This is the Sharaih which the disbelievers are displeased with.
This is the Shariah which they – the disbelievers – wish to extinguish.
This is the Shariah which Allah has promised to Protect though the disbelievers may dislike it.
This is the Shariah which is a fort wherein Muslims seek safety in from the snares of Shaytaan and his armies.
This is the Shariah which guides us in every facet of our lives. Birth, death, marriage, worship, divorces, trade, commerce, crime, poverty, social responsibilities, development of character – the Shariah addresses all our needs. The Shariah is for all of mankind. It is meant for the poor, the rich, the sick, the healthy, the traveler, the elderly, man, women, the king and the populace.
Allah is Ghayoor (SELF-RESPECTING). He does not force or compel anyone to accept His Shariah.
“Shall we compel you whereas you dislike it?”
As we sow, so do we reap. Allah Ta`ala has left the choice with us.
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Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah: The Glorious Thikrullah
Says Allah Ta’ala: “And remember Allah in abundance so that you may be successful.”
Nabi Sallallalhu alayhi wasallam instructed us: “Let your tongue be continuously moist with the Thikr of Allah.”
So many worries, so few solutions!
So many broken hearts, so little comfort!
So many restless nights, so few comfortable beds!
So much delicious foods, so little taste!
Such huge a mansion, so little space!
So much wealth, so little peace!
Why? Where are we going wrong? After all, there is no shortage of Masaajid or Madaaris or Ulama or Islamic schools or lectures or Islamic literature. Perhaps we are not paying enough attention to really start thinking, feeling and remembering Allah Ta’ala.
So near is Allah, yet so absent and far, far away are we from Him in our hearts! Reflect: even whilst in Salaah, we forget Him even as we bow in Ruk’u and Sajdah. Is there a limit to our state of negligence?
Yet, every sight, every sound, every touch, every breeze, every drop, every pain, every joy – contains a message from Allah Ta’ala: ‘Remember Me in abundance. I am there for you. Your success is ONLY possible if you remember Me.’
Sadly mankind chooses to remember himself more than Allah.
Laments Allah Most High: “O men, what is it that have caused you to forget me.” (Surah Infitaar)
“And be not like those who forget Allah and thus Allah has forgotten them.”
And because we have chosen to forget Allah, we know no inner peace. Because we have preferred to chain our minds and glue our hearts to ghayrullah, (things other than Allah), we fail to think of Him and fail to feel His Divine Presence. Years have passed but we remain where we are. In fact, even as His bounties continuously shower upon us, we seem to drift further away from Him. There is no progress in our Roohaniyat, our Imaan. Some of us are like dead corpses – killed, if not by the love of the World and then the love of ourselves.
Peace of mind; true peace of mind is only obtained by remembering Allah. By Allah! It is only in His Blessed Name and Remembrance that genuine peace is found. Everything else is but fluff and bluff.
Everything is but make belief and temporary. Everything else is self-serving and motivated by our interests. With Allah Ta’ala it is so very different. Who will ever tell one that ‘if you take my name once, I will take your name twice?’ No one, but Allah! Who will ever tell one that “if you take my name, I will place my ears at your lips,” out of love and appreciation, only Allah Ta’ala does this.
Effective Thikrullah (and not just mere lip-service) starts by thinking, not just thinking superficially, but by thinking hard and deep. Open the files of Allah’s Ni’mats of health in the mind and do a checklist. Open the files of Allah’s Ni’mats of wealth and do a checklist. Open the file of Imaan and do a checklist. All of mankind cannot give sight to a blind man, all of mankind cannot benefit you with a rand, all of mankind cannot place the treasure of Imaan in your heart, though they may cut it apart.
Everything is from Allah: lock, stock and barrel. We own nothing, not even the next breath.
The effect of this conference and reflection is that Allah’s Blessed name, found in such simple words as “Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, Astaghfirullah, Laa-ilaha-Illallah” should flow from our tongues. It should flow so much that even if the tongue is busy with other speech, the heart should keep on beating with His praises. But sadly what do we do: forget our Benefactor. Indulge in remembering Shaytaan through evil deeds. Spend time watching T.V and videos instead of going to the Masjid?
The contentment of the heart is that the heart remembers Allah with Sabr when there are difficulties, with Shukr when there is happiness, with Tawakkul (trust) when there is a need. The Thikr of Allah brings great contentment to the heart.
Story of Musa alayhi Salaam:
When Musa alayhi Salaam was sent by Allah Ta’ala to confront Firaun, Allah Ta’ala granted him miracles. If he threw his staff, it turned into a serpent. If he touched the serpent it returned to a staff. Despite this awesome power given to him, Musa alayhi Salaam was advised not to be negligent of remembering Allah. For Allah’s remembrance, would aid and fortify him even more.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the taufeeq to seek successes in both the worlds through Thikrullah
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Bismillahir Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah: Speech
Says Allah Ta’ala: “And tell My servants (O Muhammed) to speak in a most beautiful manner.” (Surah Isra)
Nabi Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “Whosoever has faith upon Allah and the Day of Qiyamah, should utter good (speech) or remain silent.”
Speech mirrors a person’s heart. Speech is a barometer of character. Speech is the shadow of personalities.
Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah Rahmatullahi alayh said that good character is soft speech and kind words.
And good character is that which Nabi Salallahu alyhi wasallam was sent to perfect.
In the Holy Qur’aan, Allah has not only promised to make Islaah (reform) of the deeds of those who speak correctly, He has also promised them forgiveness. From this we deduce that speech is the first step in Islaah (reformation).
Speech consists of uttered words. One word is sufficient to change the direction of one’s life. Do we not see how the groom, by merely saying “Nakahtuha” (I have married her), is bound by the immense lifelong responsibilities of taking on a wife.
Just as all deeds are meticulously recorded by angels, so too is every word we utter documented by them. Thus we should exercise great caution when speaking.
Here follow some guidelines:
1) Avoid ambiguous speech: The absence of clear speech is the source of many problems. A person may tell someone that “I will meet you tonight.” Tonight may mean anytime after dark. Because of the ambiguity, confusion may arise which could result in bitterness. Similarly, the wife may tell her husband to buy something without explaining the urgency for the item. The husband assumes that he should buy it at his convenience. Result: Big fight! Big problem!…………. Avoidable? Yes, if she had but just used the word urgently! Do we now understand why Allah Ta’ala warned us in the Holy Qur’aan to speak beautifully. Do we now understand how Shyataan uses ambiguous speech to sow seeds of discord and disharmony?
2) Avoid hurtful speech: There is an Arabic adage: “For the wound caused by the arrow there is a salve; for the wound caused by the tongue there is no salve”.
Words can cause tremendous hurt. Words pierce the heart more than a dagger. Words remain etched in the mind long, long after they are spoken. Words linger in the ocean of memories and remain afar from the shores of forgetfulness. Be careful of speaking hurtful words especially to the pious Auliya. Though they forgive readily, Allah does not forget the hurt of His pious servants. History has shown that such mindlessness leads to wretchedness in both this world and in the Hereafter.
3) Do not speak about that which we have no knowledge about: It is not obligatory to have an opinion on everything. One may appear to be stupid if one says he has no opinion on an issue. In fact, making it clear that one has no opinion is a much safer course – at least for those who fear accountability in the Hereafter. Rather appear to be stupid with humility than appear to be clever with pride.
4) Speak kindly: Soak the tongue in the syrup of sweet speech. Flavour it with kind words. Wrap it with the fragrance of soft tones. When Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah Rahmatullahi alayh would say “Assalamu-alaykum” it would feel as if had showered roses upon one. Such was the ecstatic joy of his Salaam.
5) Firmness and anger in speech for the Pleasure of Allah is also part of good speech. Did Nuh alayhi Salaam not implore to Allah Ta`ala saying: “And do not leave any house of the Kuffaar intact on earth!” Did Nabi Salallahu alayhi wasallam not warn people about the horrors of Jahannam? From this we understand that kind speech is not only reserved to good news.
Story
Once, whilst Moulana Thanvi Rahmatullahi alayh was discussing a certain Buzrugh, he said: “He is ALSO a pious person.”
Hadhrat suddenly stopped and exclaimed worriedly: “What did I say? I said he is ALSO a pious person. By using the word ALSO, it is clear that I consider myself to be pious. Innalillahi wa Inna ilayhi Ra-jeoen! May Allah save me from the evil of my nafs.”
Only a person who has his sight CONTINUOUSLY focused firmly upon Allah’s Divine Pleasure and the inherent nature of his own evil Nafs, will he be blessed with such insight into his soul.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to speak for His Pleasure. (Ameen)
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Bismillahr-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah: Friendship in Islam
Says Allah Ta’ala: “All friends will be on that Day enemies unto one another accept the Muttaqeen.”
Nabi Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam made the following Du’aa: “O our Rabb, I ask you for Your Love and the Love of those who Love You…”
From the Holy Qur’aan and the Noble teachings of Nabi Salallahu alayhi wasallam, we learn that friendship in an invaluable tool for enriching our temporary worldly existence and in assisting us in securing our everlasting Aakhirah.
Like with all other aspects of life, The Shariah has guided and enlightened us on how to choose friends and what their obligations are.
There are three types of friends:
A Muttaqi friend: This is a friend who one chooses as a travelling companion towards Allah. Such a friend will be one who fears Allah Ta’ala. He will inspire one to do good deeds and to shun evil. He will remind one of Allah’s Commands and motivate one to adopt the Sunnah of Sayyadina Muhammed (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He will be more enthusiastic in discussing the Aakhirah than the World. A friend who is loyal to Allah and His Beloved Rasul alayhi salaam will indeed be loyal to one.
In the Aakhirah such a friend will be a great boon. In a Hadith it is narrated that those who loved one another for Allah’s Pleasure and met one another for Allah’s Pleasure, will be under the shade of Allah’s Arsh on the Day of Qiyamah. On that fearful Day when people will be hysterically running helter skelter in absolute panic and utter fear under a scorching sun that will cause people to sweat profusely, the angels will grandly usher such friends to sit under the shade of Allah’s Throne.
And why not? Did they not call one another towards Allah’s Path? Did they not make Amr-bil-Ma’roof to one another for Allah’s Pleasure? Did they not discourage and prevent one another from being disobedient unto Allah? Did they not travel and meet one another in order to Please Allah? Did they not visit each other and share each other’s grief and celebrate each other’s joy for Allah’s Pleasure? And so from a Rabb who is Most Gracious, their worldly friendship is celebrated under the Divine Throne. There it is that with abandoned laughter they will recline on couches with arms around one another’s shoulders.
The evil friend: This type of a friend is one from whom Nabi Salallahu alayhi wasallam sought protection from. In a Hadith he is termed as “Saahib-e-soo” (an evil companion). Not much good lies in such a friend. He is the one that causes us to forget Allah and remember Shaytaan. He is the one leading us determinedly on the path of Shaytaan. He propagated the values of Shaytaan. Indecency and immodesty were the foundation of his friendship. He is the one that passed on the cell number of girls and beautified the road of Zina. He is the one that made us see plenty of profits in Riba. He is the one that made us taste ‘sweetness’ in Haraam. He or she is the one that made us feel that our beauty will matter to Allah and save us from Jahannam if we abandon the Hijaab. That friend is the one that made us forget Maut and remember our mindless fishing trips that brought so much unnecessary agony to the innocent fish. That friend is the one whose vision was limited to the worldly life.
O what hatred will not pour forth on the Day of Qiyamah between such friends: “You took me to the movies. You instigated me to buy the dvd’s. You encouraged me to go to the World Cup. I abandoned my Jum’ah Salaah in the Masjied due to you. You made me do this and you made me do that” O what curses will they not heap upon one another! O what blame and guilt will they not futilely pass onto one another in order to save themselves from Allah’s Anger. O what
a tragedy, what a calamity to have such a miserable friend! In the worldly life he was as lively as a volcano, full of sparks and glow. In the Aakhirah it is the fiery lava of hatred that flows from him which laid bare into ash the reality of the Shaytaanic friendship.
The Munaafiq friend: Nabi Salallahu alayhi wasallam made Dua: “O Allah, I ask you for protection from that friend whose eyes look at me with affection but his heart tears me apart. If he sees any goodness in me then he buries it and if he sees any fault in me then he propagates it.”
For a Nabi to ask Allah’s protection is indicative of the immense danger of such a hypocritical friend. Hadhrat Moulana Maseehulah Rahmatullahi alayh used to say that if in the company of Nabi Salallahu alayhi wasallam there were such people then it should be expected that they would be in the company of the others as well. Their purpose is not friendship – rather it is to seek information in order to cause harm. They never speak of the goodness which they see. In fact, they fear others seeing such goodness. And perchance if they do see any wrong, they will be the first to propagate and publicise it. In this they resemble the trait of a khinzeer (pig) who searches for excretion in even the rosiest of gardens. May Allah save us all from such a devious ‘friend’.
Story:
An old wise man observed his young son coming late home at night. His reprimanding his son had no effect. One night when the son came home late, the father asked him more about why he comes home so late.
“I have a friend who loves me dearly. He is prepared to give his life for me. I spend my time with him” said the son.
“Let me see him for myself,” replied the father.
“With the greatest of pleasure,” retorted the son.
And so both set off at that very late hour of the night. When they arrived at the house, the son knocked but no one answered. After some long hard knocking came a voice:
“Whoever you are get lost. I am tired and am not interested in your problems.”
The son gaped at his old father. The father whispered:
“Now come with me to my friend.”
And they walked along until they came to a half depleted house. The old man knocked once and a voice was heard:
“Who is it?”
The old man gave his name.
“Aha it is you. Wait I am coming.”
A long time went by. The son with a smirk on his face told his father:
“Father, your friend went back to sleep. It appears he has forgotten us here.”
The father replied: “Be patient.”
Just then the door opened and a man came out with a basket, a stick and a bag in his hand. The father inquired from him as to why he took so long. The man replied:
“When I heard that my friend was at my door at such a late hour, I quickly thought that he must either be hungry. I thus prepared some food which I have in this basket. Then I thought he may need some money. I gathered what I had in this bag. Then I thought that maybe he is involved in a fight. I am old, no doubt but I can still land a couple of solid blows. I have my fighting stick with me. What is the problem you have, my friend?”
The old man smiled and said that I just wanted to show my young son what friendship is all about. Jazakallah, I have no problems.”
Amongst Muslims there are those whose friendship leads to Allah’s Friendship. May Allah be our Friend, for a Greater Friend one cannot find.
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Bismillahr-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah: Living for Allah, Dying for Allah
Allah Ta’ala instructed Nabi Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam: “Say: Verily my Salaah, my sacrifices, my living and my dying is for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.”
Nabi Salallahu alayhi Wasallam made Du’a: “O Allah, become mine and make me Yours.”
The above Ayah drips with information for the sincere seekers of Allah’s Friendship.
The first quality mentioned in the above Ayah is Salaah.
There are two, three and four Rak’aat Salaahs mandated by the Shariah. There are Salaahs to be performed at dawn and dusk. There are Salaahs to be performed at mid-day and in the dead of the night. There are Salaahs to be performed at times of joy, fear and storms.
Other than the five times daily Fardh Salaah, a Muslim has been given open access to Allah’s Court. He is free to directly engage with Allah. If he requires something he will perform Salaatul-Haajaat; if he is in need of advice, he will resort to Salaatul-Istikhaarah. If he has sinned, he will make Salaatut-Taubah and if he wishes to really have a good spiritual scrub, he will hasten to Salaatut-Tasbeeh. If he has an urge to fill his account with the Thawaab of a Haj and an Umrah, he will perform Ishraaq Salaah. To ward of sicknesses he will give Sadqah on behalf of every joint in his body by performing Chasht Salaah. To offset the disadvantage of the very, very limited span of this life, he will accumulate twenty years of Thawaab by performing Awwabeen Salaah. If he seeks to enter into Jannah without any reckoning then he will be punctual with his Tahajud Salaah. Sometimes, a Muslim is so flooded and overpowered with gratitude for his good fortune that he simply has to bow to His True Benefactor and what does he do besides perform two Rak’aats Salaatus-Shukr.
As a community we turn to Salaah-ul-Istisqa when we affected with is a severe drought. When we fear and observe Allah’s immense Power at the time of a solar or lunar eclipse then we are expected to perform Salaatul-Kusoof or Salaatul-Khusoof. When we celebrate Eid, then we perform Eid Salaah and when we are in the midst of a Jihaad then we perform Salaatul-Khuaf. And then there is that last “Salaah”, after which there is no other “Salaah”. This is called “Salaatul-Janaazah”!
A Muslim goes for Me’raj on the “Buraaq” of his Musallah as often as he wants to. What a Ni’mat is Salaah not for a Muslim. What a gift is Salaah not from Allah, Most High.
The second part of the Aayah refers to sacrifices. A Muslim – a true Muslim is constantly sacrificing for the Pleasure of Allah. Sometimes he sacrifices his anger when unjustly provoked. Sometimes comfort is sacrificed in order to assist another human or a fellow Muslim. At other times a true Muslim sacrifices his innocence and takes the life of an animal. A true Muslim happily stays hungry and sacrifices his food by fasting. Upon hunger he dines. A true Muslim sacrifices his wealth by going for Hajj and bears the separation from his children with a bleeding heart. A true Muslim sacrifices his sleep: Does he not wake up for Sehri and does he not stand for Taraaweeh? Does he not toss and turn in bed with the restless anticipation of Fajr Salaah? Sacrificing for a true Muslim to please his Beloved brings him more joy than cool water on a hot summer’s day. To a Muslim, castigation and criticism in the Path of Allah, Thikr for his soul. Taunts and mockery merely strengthen his Love for Allah. Sacrificing for his Allah is what gives a Muslim comfort.
The third part of the Aayah makes mention of “living”. Animals live. Non-Muslims live. Animals sleep and eat. Non-Muslims sleep and eat. A Muslim does all of this but he does it differently. His living is for Allah and Allah alone. In order to show him how to live, Allah Ta’ala sent Nabi Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam as an example. Did Allah not inform us: “Verily in the Messenger of Allah, there is an excellent example for those who yearn for Allah and the Day of Qiyamah and who remembers Allah in abundance.”
From Nabi Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam he learns how to laugh and love, how to grieve and celebrate, how to give and take, how to be brave and how to be beautiful. He learns how to avoid pride and malice, how to detest jealousy and the World. From Nabi Salallahu alayhi Wasallam a Muslim learns on what to focus upon when living. For after the soul has been separated from the body, all that exists is a corpse and a memory.
People who don’t truly yearn for Allah or people who don’t truly look forward to Qiyamah do not find in Allah’s Messenger an example. They unfortunately are not only careless as to how what they eat – they are careless of even how they eat. They unfortunately are not only careless of what they wear and the colours they choose – they boast about their choices. Sadly, they thus miss out on the pure joy and pleasure which runs in the veins of those who live for Allah.
The last part of the Ayah makes mention of “dying” for Allah. Who else is there worth dying for besides Allah? But we will only wish to die for Allah if we lived for Him. We will only wish to meet Allah if we strived to please Him. We will only embrace death if we embraced Allah’s teachings when we lived.
Story:
Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah Rahmatullahi alayh narrated the following story:
A person set out on journey. Came the time for Asr Salaah, he found himself in want of water. He searched frantically around until he found a well. With a thumping heart, he lowered the bucket to draw water. When he hauled up the bucket, he found it filled with silver coins.
“O Allah, I do not require silver. I require water for Wudhu. Please do not test me”, he said.
He emptied the bucket in the well and lowered it again. This time when he hauled it, it contained gold coins.
“O Allah. I do not require gold. O Allah please give me water. Salaah time will soon expire. Please, please give me water. Please do not trial me,” he cried.
So frantic was he, so desperate was he that he did not even think of keeping some of the gold coins for himself. He emptied the entire bucket into the well in panic.
When he hauled up the bucket the third time, he saw that it contained …water.
The man sank to his knees and sobbed:
“O Allah I thank you, I thank you.”
He performed his Wudhu and his Salaah.
Such love for Salaah! Such love for Allah. Silver mattered not; nor the glitter of gold. What mattered was his Allah’s Pleasure. This here is a treasure more precious than all the silver and gold of the World.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to truly turn unto Him. May our Salaah and our sacrifices and our living be for Allah so that dying may also be for Him. (Ameen)
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Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah: The Eyes
All praises are due unto Allah and Allah alone. Salutations and Peace be upon Nabi Sallallahu alayhi Wasallam.
Says Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala: “And (O Muhammed Sallallahu alayhi Wasallam) say to the believers that they should lower their gaze and guard their chastity.” (C23. V.125)
Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: “The first (unintentional) gaze is forgiven.”
The eyes are one of the greatest Ni’mats which Allah Ta’ala bestowed upon a human being. When one opens the eyes, a switch is thrown open to the soul, which illuminates things around one. The pupil of the eyes measures a mere two to eight millimetres. Despite its smallness in size, Allah Ta’ala granted it the ability to absorb huge mountains, massive oceans, the wide skies and the rolling earth.
The eyes absorb myriads of colours and shapes without undergoing any drastic change in appearances or size. Whilst people have different shade of eye colours such as green, blue, brown, black etc., everyone sees the same thing. From the very eyes which shed tears of grief; tears of happiness flow. The very eyes which behold fire, beholds water. The very eyes which can be used to please Allah, can be used to displease Allah. The faculties of speech and hearing are used when someone is around; the eyes are used even when no one is around.
The eyes, if abused, can cause immense damage. No one looks directly at the sun. No one wants to damage the eyes. No one wants to live in a world of such darkness which the sun cannot brighten.
Much more worse than physical blindness is spiritual blindness, because being physically blind entails no sin. Spiritual blindness is caused by sinning with the physical eyes. Thus Allah Ta’ala has instructed both males and females in His Holy Kalaam to lower their gazes. Thus Allah Ta’ala has informed us in the Holy Qur’aan: “Allah knows the FRAUD OF THE EYES and what the heart conceals” (c40 v19). Thus Allah Ta’ala has warned us that “Indeed questioning shall take place with regards to the ears, the eyes and the heart.” (c17. V36).
In both the above verses, Allah Ta’ala has made a clear connection between the eyes and the heart. The eyes see and the heart feels. The eyes absorb and the heart is affected. The heart thereafter causes a person to be influenced by what it has witnessed and to act accordingly, sometimes with tragic consequences.
Do we know why an ever increasing amount of divorces is taking place in the Muslim community? Shaytaan whispers to a person to look at some filthy pornography. The person plays around with the idea. He does not have to make much of an effort. He is already sitting by the computer. It’s just a matter of a click. The Nafs overpowers the person. With his eyes he now views pornography in “secret”. He pleases Shaytaan. He displeases Allah. He forgets: “Indeed questioning shall take place with regards to the ears, the eyes and the heart”.
This person’s heart is now affected. His heart is corrupted. His mind is in turmoil. And so he demands from his Muslim wife that she enact the Haraam which he had witnessed. Being a true Muslimah, she refuses to abide by his devilish whims and wishes. He is angry and threatens her. She fears Allah and refuses. He gives an ultimatum: Do what I say or else I will divorce you. She fears Allah and replies:. I am a Muslim. I recite Allah’s Kalaam. I am prepared to live and bring up my children alone, but I will never succumb myself to Haraam. You can divorce me a thousand times over but I will never behave like a cheap Kaafir prostitute”.
No problem for the Allah Fearing Wife. Big problem for the husband. Where did his problem start? With the abuse of the eyes!
Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah Rahmatullahi alayh gave a wonderful prescription of how to overcome Shaytaan’s deception. He said:
“When one’s gaze falls upon a beautiful woman, the attraction felt is a natural attraction. Do not allow Shaytan to confuse you. This feeling of being attracted is not a sin. The reason is that after Allah Ta’ala created Hawa alayhi salaam from the rib of Adam alayhi salaam, he, seeing her beauty, spontaneously and instinctively stretched his hands towards her. From this we learn that men it is natural for a man to be drawn towards beauty. Shaytaan confuses many people with this initial natural attraction which they experience. They wrongfully attribute it to an intention to commit wrong. They thus start a Haraam relationship.”
Respected brothers, this bit of golden advice is for those many sincere people who seek to take refuge from Shaytaan’s deceptions and who wish to Please Allah.
Whenever the eyes unintentionally fall on a beautiful woman – whether be at work, in a shop, whilst driving etc – do not allow Shaytaan to overpower us. Simply think that “my feelings of being attracted are natural. Her looks are attractive but her heart may be wicked, shameless and evil. O Allah, help my heart turn away from her for my heart is only for You.”
Moulana Rumi Rahmatullahi alayh said that whosever seals three things will light up the Love of Allah in his heart. The three things are the ears, the tongue and the eyes.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Hidayat to protect our eyes from sin. Ameen.
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Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah: A Rebirth
All praises are due unto Allah and Allah alone. Salutations and Peace be upon Nabi Salallahu alayhi Wasallam.
Says Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala: “Verily your Rabb is appreciative and knowing”
Said Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam: “The person who made Hajj for Allah, (in the condition that he) had not uttered any evil or lewd word and saved himself from sin (whilst on Hajj), returns like the day his mother gave birth to him (i.e. sinless and pure).”
Any birth is a miracle. From nothingness, existence is realized. From absence, presence is experienced. From silence, sounds are produced. From void, reality takes shape. The awesome gift of sacred life is parcelled in the magnificence of a birth. The Qudrat of Allah manifests itself in an unwrapped innocent soul.
The ebb and flow in the rough seas of life are difficult to navigate. How weak is the ship of our Imaan not? How feeble is the keel of our knowledge of Islam not? How meagre are our provisions of good deeds not? How frail is our search for the shores of Allah’s Pleasure not? In order to escape problems and seek refuge from difficulties, in order to de-stress and in order to forget responsibilities, we turn to the drink of sin. Our subsequent intoxication batters our Imaan, shatters our inner peace and soils our souls.
Merciful indeed is Allah that He has structured in The Shariah deeds which purify us. Did Nabi Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam not given us the glad tidings that when we make Salaam and shake hands with a Muslim, all minor sins are forgiven? Did he not inform us that when we make Wudhu our sins are washed from our every limb? A true Muslim is constantly in search for Allah’s Pleasure. A true Muslim is besotted with achieving his objective. To “see” Allah and to “find” Allah we need clarity in vision. Sin obscures that vision. A true Muslim seeks to cleanse his vision as a result of the impurity of sin. At times, no price is too huge to pay. Did a Sahaabah Radiallahu anhu not acknowledge his sin of Zina and in order to obtain purity did he not accept to be stoned to death?
Our sins pile up and multiply. They increase and proliferate. An excellent method of cleansing ourselves is to perform Hajj. When a Haji returns home, he is purified from sin. He returns as clean as the day he was born. He returns as innocent as a new born baby. When he left home, he was soiled and dirty. He reeked despite perfuming himself. From every pore of his body the stench of sin emanated. His eyes were black with the filth of Zina. His ears were clogged with the filth of listening to evil. His mind was dull with the sin of fantasizing. His tongue was swollen with the sin of slandering. His heart was blackened with the sins of pride and jealousy etc.
The Hajj purified the Haji. The air of Arafah, the plains of Mina, the night of Muzdalifa – all played a huge role in expunging the Haji’s sins. The donning of the Ihraam cleansed him from his imaginary status in life. It amplified simplicity and etched it into the Haji’s heart. He shall never boast about his appearance nor look at himself with vanity and self-admiration.
The sobbing scrubbed him from his past carelessness in obeying Allah’s commands. The crying washed away his past negligence towards the Aakhirah. The empty hands reached out high towards the skies with hearts filled with remorse and regret.
The Haji was obedient, O so, obedient unto His Allah. He read his Asr Salah in the time of Zohr. He delayed his Maghrieb Salaah until the darkness of Esha had enveloped him. No, he was not doing it for some personal comfort. The Creator of Salaah had commanded him and obedient he was going to be even if it made no sense to him. Why, the Haji in obedience to his Allah, even discarded his topi. Like a “mad” man, he was roaming and running between the pillars of Safa and Marwa. He rushed to make his Tawaaf only to find that he could barely crawl through the huge crowds. His feet was stomped upon, his toes squashed, who cares, as long as he was in the obedience of his Allah! Who cares as long as he was submitting himself to his Allah! Who cares as long as he was honouring His Allah’s Divine Laws!
The Haji learnt Brotherhood. Brotherhood was not an abstract lesson. Brotherhood was not a lip service sermon. Brotherhood was to give space in the heart. The Haji had to respect the rights of others. So what if you are a millionaire; first come first served. So what if you are in a hurry; everyone is. So what if you require to use the toilet urgently, you shall be made to wait even if your bladder burst. And the Haji somehow made that Sabr. His Sabr was one of the most enormous gifts from Allah with which he returned. And what a valuable gift it is.
For, patience breeds respect. Respect breeds brotherhood. Brotherhood breeds unity. And unity is the cry of the hour. Unity is not a slogan. Unity is humility. Unity is obedience to Allah. All the Hujaaj – their hearts were united in Allah’s obedience even though their colours differed, their languages differed and their cultures differed. In the sea of humanity the Haji understood that he is less than a drop of water in Allah’s creation.
The Haji cleansed himself from all delusions and illusions. He is a Musaafir in life. Part of the Haji’s journey was to visit Nabi Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam.
There he stood in front of his beloved Nabi, head bowed and with a heart beating between awe and admiration. Here was his hero. Here was his solace. Here was his hope for intercession. Here was his teacher of Tauheed. Here was his instructor in Ibaadah. Here was he who taught him how to be a human being. Here was he who delighted him with information of Jannah. Here was he who desperately warned him of Jahannam. Here was he who loved him and made Du’a for him. So much Du’a he made in Salaah until his blessed feet swelled. Here was he whom Allah Himself had confirmed that that which grieved his Ummah, grieved him. Restless he would be for the salvation of his Ummah on the Day of Qiyamah. O Allah, shower Salaams and Durood upon him in as much as it pleases him and you. (Ameen)
When the Haji returns he is like a newborn. The compass of his life has drastically shifted away from everything and pointed towards Allah and His Rasul Salallalu alayhi Wasallam.
For, after Arafah, Mina, Muzdalifah, the Jamaraats, Tawaaf, Halaq, Muslim brotherhood and Madina Shareef, what else is there to live for… except Islam!
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Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah: Maut (Death)
Allah Ta’ala has sent this message: “And every soul shall taste death.”
Our Nabi Sallallahu alayhi Wasallam gave us the following glad tidings: “Maut is a gift to a Mu’min.”
This feuding mankind is united on one issue: Death is inevitable. It is inescapable. It is unavoidable. It is one of the certainties of life.
Fueding mankind is also unanimous on one thing: One does not have much choice in this matter. All the riches in the world cannot bribe death; all the power and might in the world cannot threaten death; all the status and rank in the world cannot influence death. On this there is no difference amongst all of humankind. It is what happens after death in where different views are held.
The difference between Islam and other religions is a reflection of which religion is true and worthy of being followed. Without fear of contradiction, we can safely state that Islam’s concept of what happens after death, is so vividly explained, so clearly defined that it almost appears that death is but another form of the continuation of life. Whereas others view death and afterlife as a somewhat mysterious and baffling event, Islam has elucidated death and clarified in detail what happens after death. You see, in Islam there are no “blind spots”, no secrets, no puzzles in a fundamental subject such as death. The same Allah that clearly defined the mission of the temporary life of a Muslim, that same Allah did not leave His believers confused with regards to death and the permanent life of the Hereafter. There is consistency in Islam’s approach to every facet of mankind’s existence.
Confusion is turmoil. Clarity is peace. Islam is peace. Muslims are very, very clear and peaceful about death. Let’s discuss the approach to Maut of a true Muslim.
Our Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said that death is a gift to a Mu’min. It is a bridge which links the lover to his Beloved. A Muslim is secure in the knowledge that death is a gift from His Beloved, Allah. A Muslim understands that death is not a punishment. For others it may be a tragedy but for himself it is a boon.
Gifts don’t have to make immediate sense. A father opens an account for the benefit of his child’s education. That child does not understand the value of the father’s gift. That child is weak and would rather prefer the cash to enjoy life right now.
Weakness in Imaan makes us prefer to avoid the gift of death so that we may enjoy life right now. A strong Imaan dictates otherwise. A strong Imaan says that your pleasure in this temporary abode is very, very restricted and limited. Here, in this world you are constantly a target of fear and anxiety. Here in the world you are relentlessly hounded by restlessness and worries. Here in the world you are a continuous target for sicknesses and ailments. In short, here in the world you lead an existence filled with more misery rather than joy, an existence filled more with responsibilities than carefree, cheery, abundant overflowing freedom. And this is the freedom which the human soul is constantly in search of. And this is the freedom which comes only from the gift of death.
A true Muslim does not mind death. It is a gift from freedom of want and destruction. It is a gift from freedom of perplexity and pain. It is a gift from freedom of toil and turmoil. It is a gift from freedom of injustices and oppression. It is a gift from freedom of disappointments and depressions.
For with death a Muslim is unbuckled and freed to soar to a celestial existence wherein His soul resides in peace. For with death a person enters into Allah’s Compassion. For with death Death a person is where he belongs: By Allah.
Upon death does a Muslim not say: “Unto Allah do we belong and unto Him do we return”?
Does the Holy Qur’an not inform us that at the time of death, an announcement is made by the angels to a true Muslim:
“O contented soul, Return happily to you Lord who is pleased with you.” (c89, v 27)
Just as the child appreciates his father’s gift of education after he becomes an adult, so too, does a Muslim fully fathom the great gift of death after death.
Story:
Once Moulana Thanvi Rahmatullahi alayh whilst walking was jestingly playing with a small child. Suddenly the child said: “Bar-e Abba Allah kare tum mar ja-e. (Grandfather, may Allah Ta’ala make it that you die). Moulana was taken aback and highly disturbed. However, after pondering deeply about the incident, he said to his friends: “At first I felt offended at the small child’s words. But then I realized that he had given me a valuable Du’a. He had asked Allah to grant me the gift of death so that I may leave this world which is a prison for a Muslim”.
Some time after this incident a certain pious traveller fell asleep in a Masjied. He dreamt that Hadhrat Moulana Thanvi Rahmatullahi Alayh was laughing merrily and heartily. When he woke up, he thought to himself that it is wrong to laugh in such a carefree manner and that this type of laughter was not in the nature of Moulana Thanvi Rahmatullahi alayh. The only explanation for such ecstatic and unbridled joy was that Hadhrat Moulana had passed away. And truly, a few hours thereafter came the news that Moulana had left this temporary world that night.
Out he was of this worldly jail and into the Rahmat of Allah he had, Insha-Allah, entered. The gift from Allah brought laughter and joy to him. Death was the bridge. He led his life as a true loyal friend and he abided by the wishes and commands of his Friend. The time had come for an eager friend to meet his even more eager Companion – Allah.
May Allah grant us all the Taufeeq to accept death as a gift. (Ameen)
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Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah: Qurbani
Says Allah, Most High: “And it is not the flesh, nor the blood, which reaches Allah but the Taqwa that reaches Him from you.”
The morning of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah is a very special morning. It is a morning unlike any other morning of the whole year. It is a morning of astronomical proportions. It is a morning which should instil awe into the heart of a Muslim. For this is a morning when a Muslim will sacrifice the life of another creation of Allah for Allah.
Life is sacred. All forms of it. Souls differ. The soul of a human is different to that of animals. That is why a human is not expected to behave like an animal. The souls of human also differ from one another. That is why a man is not expected to behave like a woman. Despite the differences some things are common. Like sanctity.
Sanctity also differs. An animal slaughtered on other days does not enjoy the same sanctity as an animal slaughtered for Qurbani. The animal slaughtered for Qurbani is a treasure of Taqwa to the soul of a Muslim.
Taqwa consists of five things:
1) Taqwa in intention: Allah’s Command shall be carried out with joy and enthusiasm! Nay, Allah’s command, even before being carried out, is received with ecstasy and jubilation. Qurbani days are here! A Muslim bows happily to Allah’s Will. His intention is filled with humility and hope. A Muslim Loves his Allah. A Muslim knows his Allah. A Muslim adores his Allah. Is that not the purpose of his life?
And why not? Has Allah not blessed him with Imaan? Has Allah Ta’ala not honoured him with Imaan? Now his Allah calls. Now his Allah commands: “Slaughter and take a life for My Pleasure. Do it for Me.” Do it with love. Do it with fear. Do it with humility. It’s not the flesh that counts. It’s not the blood that counts. It’s your heart that counts. It’s Taqwa that counts. And the roots of Taqwa lie in an environment of Taqwa.
2) Taqwa in the environment: A corrupt environment breeds a corrupt mentality. A corrupt environment fosters evil habits. A corrupt environment is Shaytaan’s playground. A corrupt environment increases the evil power of the Nafs.
The environment for Qurbani should be filled with holiness and piety. It should be devoid of intermingling between males and females. Qurbani is not an occasion like the Spanish “bull run” or a festival like “the July Handicap.” There are no fun features in Qurbaani. There is no spectatorship value. Qurbani is not a fashion parade for women. Qurbani is not macho-time for men. Qurbani is Taqwa; just as Taqwa is Qurbani. Let the environment be free from immodesty, raucous laughter, flirting, videoing, music, bragging and boasting. The occasion is solemn – a life is going to be sacrificed – not for the sake of meat or a meal but for Allah’s Pleasure. And just as Allah Ta`ala listens to the intention in the hearts for whispers of Taqwa, just as Allah watches the environment for scenes of Taqwa, He watches if the animal is what He wants.
3) Taqwa with regards to the animal: Allah Ta’ala watches if the animal is worthy of His Choice. There are specifications to the type of animals. There are age restrictions. Allah’s chosen animal should not be blind, or deaf or paralysed. Allah’s chosen animal should be comforted and not be frightened. Allah’s chosen animal should be treated with compassion and kindness. Allah’s chosen animal should not be brutalised and stunned Sanha-style. Allah’s animal should be made to face the direction of the House of Allah and not the direction of convenience chosen by Kuffaar companies. The Qibla – on the compass of millions of restless Muslim hearts, how could it ever be ignored?
In a certain way, animals know Allah much better than humans. Deep down, that animal knows it is to be sacrificed. And if it we could hear it’s last speech, we would understand that its last wish is to take its last breath facing the City of Allah, facing the House of Allah. And why not, after all, is it not going to be slaughtered in Allah’s Name?
4) Taqwa in slaughtering: The slaughterer’s Taqwa commenced maybe some months ago when he started saving for his Qurbani. His Taqwa was given practical expression when he searched for his animal. His appearance re-enforced his Taqwa when he stopped pairing his nails and stopped cutting his hair. His appearance is shabby perhaps to the creation, but in the Sight of Allah, he is most handsome and adorable.
He steps forward with sleeves rolled-up and with a heart beating. In front of him for a fleeting moment flashes a scene from another time. A time when a man was commanded to slaughter his only one son. A time when a man took a sharp knife in his hands and stepped forth to this blindfolded son. A time when a man firmly took hold of the throat of this only son. A time when a man with a firm heart and a firm belief and with all the strength of a Nabi’s blessed powerful Taqwa filled hands abided to His Friend – Allah’s – Commands. O Ebrahim alayhi Salaam! May Allah have Mercy and forever send His peace upon you. What a worthy and spiritual grandfather you were to us! Worthy you are indeed of your name to be taken in every two rakaat Salaah four times by every Muslim in every corner of the world!
The slaughterer not only slaughters the animal. The slaughterer seeks the innocence of that animal. He does so by slaughtering his Nafs. The blood gushes forth from the animal, purifying it. The Nafsaani evil “gushes” forth from the slaughterer’s Nafs. He is also, according to his intention, purified. His was a Qurbani of Taqwa. He has passed a test. Ibrahim alayhi Salaam was rewarded. This simple bondsman will also be rewarded.
5) The rewards of passing the test: Know well, O friends that with every good act, virtuous feat and deed of Ibaadah, comes both material and spiritual rewards. Know well too, that the material rewards are not restricted to the worldly life. When we sin, we pay if there is no remorse or regret. When we are obedient, we reap reams of Allah’s Mercy in the form of peace of mind and tranquillity.
Qurbani was made. The meat is Halaal. Eat and enjoy this Ni’mat of Allah. Qurbani was made and the soul soars to a higher level where it will now dwell and enjoy the Divine Presence. Spiritually a person is fortified to meet the challenges of Shaytaan and the Nafs.
As for rewards in the hereafter, for every hair or fibre of wool a reward, Insha-Allah is assured. The hooves shall be weighed by the Scales; the horns shall be weighed by the Scales. What joy will there not be at the dipping Scales and what radiance will there not be glowing from the face!
Even as the slaughterer casts a last glance at his shuddering dying Qurbani animal, he leaves it with hope in his heart. For he knows as only a Muslim can know that it is not the last time he has seen this animal. There remains one final meeting; a meeting of tremendous significance and great importance.
In order to enter Jannah, a Muslim has to cross a Bridge which spans Jahannam. The journey across this Bridge will take fifteen thousand years. This Bridge is thinner than a hair and sharper than a blade.
It is at this decisive Bridge where a Muslim will see his Qurbani animal awaiting him. How great will his joy not be when he mounts his Qurbani animal which will speed over Jahannam and deposit him at the Gates of Jannah!
May Allah accept the Qurbani of the entire Ummah and may our Qurbaani be a means of Taqwa. (Ameen)
The above may appear to be like fairy tales to those with weak imaan, consult with your local Ulama and Insha-Allah they will also inform you what Islam teaches us.
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Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah: Zina and Taqwa
Allah Ta’ala, says to us: “Allah suffices as the Knower of His servants’ sins” (c25 v58)
One may well turn around and say: “Who ever will court the Divine anger of Allah by committing sin?”
The answer is simple: Sin is addictive just as dagga and drugs are addictive. Take the sin of committing Zina.
It starts with the eyes. The eyes roam and absorb. The mind deciphers and analyses the person whom the eyes have seen. Never mind if she is not real but has just been seen on T.V. or on the website. “Aaah, she is smart. She has blue or green or brown eyes. She is tall and trim. Her complexion is bewitching.”
And it’s not only the eyes. Did Nabi Salallahu alayhi Wasallam not inform us that the ears also commit Zina. How must she be, the one that sounds so intelligent, witty, charming and kind on the radio, the Nafs must prompt and Shaytaan must whisper. Her voice plays tricks on the mind. The heart pumps and it is attracted and it is fascinated. What sweet and beautiful Nazams does she not sing!
The Shaytaan instigates the careless person to be starry eyed. Now Shaytaan lights a fire in the Nafs. Never mind that she is a married person. Never mind even if she is a Kaafirah.
The desire is now there. The desire now is to reach out and touch her. And this desire is not entirely unavoidable.
Every person has a choice.
He either immediately stands up like a true man, a true friend of Allah and a true Muslim.
He reminds himself, that this secretary, this receptionist, this colleague, his neighbour, his class mate is Haraam for him. Allah had made her Haraam. She does not become Halaal because she is pretty or sounds pretty. She is my Muslim brother’s sister. Her honour is my honour. She is my friend’s wife. His honour is my honour.
She is the daughter of Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi Wasallam. How do I face my Nabi and what answer do I have if he asks me on the Day of Qiyaamah: “Why did you dishonour my Ummati – my daughter?”
A person thinks: “Allah is watching me. Allah is Kind to me. Allah is Protecting me and my family. Allah is providing for me. How can I risk all these Ni’mats of Allah. If Allah snatches what I have who can ever return it?”
He thinks, “By listening to my arch enemy Shaytaan, I am deceiving my innocent wife. I am betraying my Ma’soom children. I will disgrace my parents.”
He pleads in his heart: “O Allah! Help me, help me. I cannot stand the sight of a snake, where will I ever withstand the punishment of those huge monstrous poisonous snakes coiling around my body and repeatedly sinking their sharp fangs into my throat and neck in the grave and in Jahannam. Where will I bear that fire which Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam saw during Me’raaj burning those who committed Zina.”
And what Nabi Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam saw was and is true and what he warned us about is true.
The other choice is this:
A person gives in to Shaytaan. He flirts with the lady. He contacts her. He sends her gifts. He chats her up. No one will know, he thinks. He forgets Allah is watching. He schemes secretly as if Allah is unaware of secrets. He whispers sweet words to her as if Allah is a statue, an idol who cannot listen to hushed whispers.
What shall he sms her with, he thinks deeply and “smartly”. Something romantic, something witty which will amuse her endlessly, he stretches his mind as if Allah does not know his thoughts.
In the beginning the sin is careless fun and exciting adventure. It progresses to being deliberate and calculated. Thereafter the sin is propagated to others. If caught out it is defended to death. And all that is left is the debris of lives.
Had the person but chosen Allah’s way and fought back, he would have been rewarded spectacularly for his Taqwa. Taqwa increases Rizq, Taqwa opens closed doors, Taqwa invites Allah’s SPECIAL Love.
Story:
Moulana Maseehullah Rahmatullahi alayh narrated the following story:
In the village of Thanabhowan, a wealthy person’s daughter was getting married. The day of the wedding, riots erupted. Everyone was running helter-skelter. People were hysteric.
The parents of the girl were worried about her safety. They decided to take her to a room close to the Musjid. There was a young person staying in the room who was studying to become an Aalim. The parents entrusted the girl in his care and hurried off.
It was night time. The young student was studying his Kitaab in the candle light. The girl was sitting alone in a corner silently, awaiting her parents. Suddenly the student placed his palm on the flame. After a little while, he grimaced with pain. He removed his palm. This carried on doing this throughout the night.
Came the morning, the parents arrived and thanked him for looking after the daughter.
Just as they were leaving, the daughter said to her father: “O father, I want you to inquire from him why he was putting his hand on the candle.”
When the student was asked he replied: “Shaytaan came to me and instigated me to commit Zina with her. He told me no one will know and I can always make Taubah.”
I told myself that if I can bear the flame of the candle, then fine. If not, then how will I ever bear the fire of Jahannam. I thus placed my hand on the candle and kept on reminding myself to fear Allah.”
So impressed was this girl with the fear of Allah which the young student had, that she insisted to her father:
“O my respected father. I wish to marry this person. He who fears Allah so much, will never betray me, will never hurt me, will never deceive me, will never oppress me.”
The father was hesitant. She was adamant.
The groom-in-waiting was informed that the girl was unhappy to get married to him.
He accepted her wishes and she got married to the student. She was from a wealthy family and he was poor.
He earned both his Dunya and Aakhirah with his act of Taqwa.
“Verily Allah loves those who observe Taqwa”
How True is Allah not! We tried everything in life, to be really happy. If we have not succeeded it is because we have not tried Taqwa. Try it. It works! That is Allah’s Promise.
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Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah: Shaytaan
Says Allah Ta’ala: “Verily Shaytaan is an open enemy unto mankind.”
Enemy. Now that’s a word that sends shivers down the spine of any human being.
Enemy. The word is enough to deprive one of comfort, enjoying luxuries and pleasures such as sleep and delicious food.
We are alert. We are careful. We inconvenience ourselves. The enemy seeks to inflict harm. Our lives are in danger. Our family is in danger. Our wealth is in danger. Our honour is in danger. The enemy is around. He is outside the house. He is determined.
Safety first is the rule. We take the necessary precautions. We get information about our enemies through friends and well wishers. Sometimes the information is right; at other times it is wrong.
But Allah is always right. He never errs and has no self-interest or ulterior motives when He informs us of an enemy. And this enemy is unlike any other enemy.
Other enemies may get caught. This one no one catches him. Other enemies are visible. This one is invisible. Other enemies can take pity. This one knows no pity whatsoever. Other enemies move on to other targets. This one continuously targets us until Maut. Other enemies may reform and repent. Reform? Repent? What a joke, laughs Maut.
We glorify Allah, Most High. We praise Him with every breath. We shall, Insha-Allah, proclaim his Greatness whilst we are in our Kafns and Qabrs.
Actually, there at first was no enemy and no problem. All Sovereignty belongs to Allah; but Shaytaan was unhappy with this. He wanted a share in The Greatness of Allah. He wanted to be made a partner. Thus he refused to comply to Allah’s commands. Did he not imagine himself to be unworthy of Allah’s Command. Did he not question Allah’s Wisdom in issuing The Command? And when he was expelled from The Mercy of Allah, did he not spitefully with vengeance vow to be mankind’s enemy?
Let it not be said on the Day of Qiyamah that Allah did not warn us about the habits, the weapons and aims and objectives of Shaytaan. Let Allah not be blamed.
For Allah and The Shariah has warned and informed us about the tricks, plots and schemes of Shaytaan.
1) Shaytaan loves strife and anarchy. He loves to see people are arguing and fighting. Did he not influence the brothers of Yasuf alayhi Salaam to hurt and harm and to throw him in the well? Better than brothers to Shaytaan is when he causes couples to fight. That makes him dizzy with delight. It’s just a matter of time before his plot will lead to divorce. That in turn opens dozens of doors for further mischief.
2) Shaytaan has a special circle of inner friends. The Holy Qur’aan informs us: “Shall I not tell you about those upon whom the Shayaateen descend? They descend upon every liar and sinful person”.
3) Shaytaan’s objective is to prevent us from performing Salaah. The Athaan sends him fleeing. O, how he hates Salaah. He cannot stand seeing someone in Sajdah. He gets angry – very, very angry and tries his utmost to stop a person from performing his Salaah. If he is unsuccessful, well a delay is better than nothing. Let him miss a Rak’aat today, tomorrow he will be riper for the picking.
4) Shaytaan’s objective is to stop us remembering Allah. The auspicious Name should not upon anyone’s tongue. No one must even whisper the Word “Allah”. Allah must be totally erased from the minds and hearts of people. Not a single act of obedience should be displayed to Allah. No one must accept Allah’s Authority. Question and question and question The Divine Commands – this is a tried and tested manner in which he has first class experience.
5) Sweet talk. Wild promises. Lengthy hopes. “And Shaytaan beautified for them their deeds” – thus has Allah warned us.
6) Shaytaan has plenty of patience. He is a “wise” investor. Some people are trapped after many years.
7) Shaytaan’s throne is the careless negligent heart which forgets Allah. In Hadith it comes that when a person forgets Allah, then Shaytaan sits on his heart.
8) Shaytaan works in stages. Once Moulana Maseehullah Rahmatullahi alayh took hold of a persons ginger tip. He then said: “Shaytaan does this first. When you don’t fight back, then Shaytaan gets emboldened and grabs you by the wrist.” (Hadhrat then grabbed the wrist of the person). When you still don’t resist, then he grabs you by your elbow. (Hadhrat then grabbed the person by his elbow). Then you are a goner.
Against such a cunning and sly enemy, who can protect us but Allah? Allah Ta’ala created the Shariah. This is our fort. It secures us from Shaytaan’s assaults and attacks.
Story:
Shaytaan approached a pious person and asked him what the reason was that he is blamed for all the evils and wrongs in the world. He pleaded that he be not accused.
He informed the pious person that he (Shaytaan) was prepared to prove his innocence. Accordingly he requested the pious person to accompany him to the Bazaar.
Shaytaan went to the shop of a sweetmeat seller. He took a drop of syrup and put in on the wall.
“Did I do anything wrong? He asked the pious person.
“Nothing much,” replied the pious person.
“Now sit and watch the fun,” said Shaytaan.
A fly came and sat on the syrup. A lizard watched the fly from a corner of the roof. “There’s my lunch” – it thought to itself.
The shopkeeper had a beautiful cat. It happened that the cat spotted the lizard. “My. My, I have not tasted a lizard for some time now” – it thought.
A policeman came to purchased some sweetmeat. He has his beloved dog with him. When the dog saw the juicy fat cat, its tongue dripped with delight.
Just then the fly decided to move. The lizard dashed towards it. The cat, sensing that its meal was slipping away lunged at the lizard. The police dog lapped at the cat and got hold of its leg. The cat screamed its head off. The shopkeeper took a stick and beat the dog. The policeman became angry and smacked the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper cried out for help. Other shopkeepers ran and beat up the policeman. Just before passing out the policeman managed radioing headquarters for help. The riot squad arrived. Stones were flying. Guns were drawn. The sound of bullets and gun shots rang out. People were screaming. Women and children came running. Someone was wounded. Others were dying.
Only one was smiling. Shaytaan!
Said he to the pious person: “What is my crime of putting a little syrup on the wall compared to what you humans are doing? Look at how many orphans, how many widows, you have produced. Look at how many court cases, how much bitterness and how much revenge is now going to be planned. You humans are a strange, merciless lot. And then you have the nerve to blame me.!”
Lesson: Shaytaan will take any and every opportunity to put a “little syrup” on the wall. Sometimes it is in the form of anger, sometimes greed, sometimes jealousy.
Learn to recognise this, make Du’a and Insha-Allah, we will be saved.
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Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah: Anger for Allah’s Pleasure
All praises are due unto Allah Ta`ala alone. Durood and Salaams be upon Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam
Says Allah Ta’ala: “And they (the Mu’mineen) love Allah and Allah loves them.”
Rasulullah Salallahu alayhi wasallam informed us that Allah Ta’ala loves us seventy times more than what our parents love us.
There are two types of love:
One superficial and shallow, the other genuine and true. The one is self- flattering, the other is sincere. The one is self-serving, the other is to serve the beloved. The one is to give pleasure to oneself, the other is to please the beloved.
True love is what everyone claims they have for Allah Ta`ala. But just how authentic is this claim?
One of the vital signs of true love is that they will get angry when their Beloved is disobeyed, His Orders flouted and His Authority challenged.
If a son disobeys his father and comes home late, hangs around with loafers and hooligans, then the mother, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends will all get angry at this son. Why? Because they love the father and cannot see him being disobeyed and treated unimportantly. The love they have for the father is reflected in the proportion to the anger. The deeper the love, the greater the anger. If no anger is felt at the disgraceful behaviour of brother, then it is a sign that no true love existed for the father.
The auliya get angry, very, very angry when Allah Ta`ala is disobeyed. They may not display the anger always, but deep down they hurt. They fume. They seethe and they rage.
And Allah Loves them even more for this. Did Allah not instruct every Mu’min, every Muslim to pledge him or herself every night to distance himself from those who disobey Him with the words of Du’a-e-Qunoot: ‘Wa nat ruku may-yaf juruk?’ (And O Allah, we leave aside those who disobey you).
Did Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam not rage with anger at those who did not attend Salaah in the Masjid? Did he not express his desire to BURN their homes? Why? Because they treated Allah’s commands so very casually, that’s why!
Did Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam not make it clear that he would have cut of the hand of Fatima his own beloved daughter had she violated the law by stealing! What love for Allah! What anger for Allah!
Did Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam not force his beloved grandson to spit out a date which was Haraam for him? “Allah made it Haraam for us”, he said. It did not matter that it was but just a small boy and that it was just a date. Allah cannot be and will not be disobeyed. The date could not be consumed.
Allah is important. Allah is Significant. Allah’s commands are important. Allah’s commands are significant.
By not getting angry at sin, vice, evil, Haraam, scantily dressed Muslims, the wanton abandonment of Salaah and the abandonment of the Sunnah, we are fooling ourselves that we Love Allah.
Says the great scholar Ibn al-Qayyim in “A’alaam al-Muwaqqi’een”, volume 2, page 176:
“Indeed, what kind of piety is there in a person who witnesses Allah’s sanctities being violated, his religion abandoned, the Sunnah of His Messenger shunned, and yet remains still with a cold heart and a shut mouth? Such a person is like a dumb Shaitaan!”
These people, besides deserving the anger of Allah, are afflicted with the greatest calamity without even knowing it.
They have dead hearts. Indeed, the more alive a person’s heart is, the stronger its anger for the sake of Allah and the more complete his support to Islam and Muslims.
Yes, there is no reason to be apologetic when the need arises to use words such as “Faasiq, Faajir, Murtad, Munaafiq or Zindeeq.” This is the vocabulary of the Shariah, found in the Holy Qur’an and Ahaadeeth and in the terminology of the Fuqaha and Auliya. These are words that portray a deep Love for Allah.
Story:
A person came to Hadhrat Thanvi Rahmatullahi alayh to discuss his intentions of becoming a Christian. Moulana Thanvi tried to dissuade him. This person refused to heed the advice and threatened to leave Islam.
Moulana Thanvi stood up and slapped him and told him to get out. “Islam does not need you! Don’t wait until tomorrow, go and become a Christian today if you wish to!”
A few years thereafter a person visited Moulana Thanvi Rahmatullahi and introduced himself. He asked Moulana Thanvi Rahmatullah alayh if he did not recognise him. Hadhrat replied in the negative. He then said:
“I am the same person whose one smack of yours cleared my mind of all the thoughts of becoming a Christian. I came to thank you for safeguarding my Imaan.”
The Auliya’s anger has Rahmat.
Important Note: It is Haraam to sell firecrackers and partake of the Hindu Shirk celebrations in any manner. The heart should feel hurt and angry at the shirk which is being committed against Allah Rabbul Izzah. That is the demand of true Love for Allah Ta’ala.
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Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah: Humility (Tawadhu)
All praises are due unto Allah alone. Durood and Salaams be upon Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam
Says Allah Ta’ala: “O mankind, you are paupers in the Eyes of Allah.”
Rasulullah Salalahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “He who humbles himself for Allah’s Pleasure, Allah will raise him in rank.”
The opposite of humility is pride. A person who is not proud is a humble person.
The only person whom Allah loves is a humble person. A proud person is despicable and detestable in the Eyes of Allah Rabbul-Izzah.
And why should he not be loathed by Allah? What right has he got to lay claims to greatness? What right has he got to boast and brag over his achievements? What right has he got to expect his praises to be sung and his name to be glorified? What right has he got to attribute his blessings – blessings bestowed upon his by Allah – to his intelligence and knowledge?
By Allah! Man’s pathetic bankruptcy defies imagination. He is so weak that an ant crawling up his leg is enough to distract him. A buzzing mosquito is sufficient to destroy his sleep. A missed meal is enough to cause him to panic and complain. And when he happens to skip a night’s sleep, he is reduced to a zombie. Why, man cannot even protect himself against a virus.
Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah Rahmatullahi Alayh narrated the following incident:
Once a youngster was walking as if he wished to touch the skies with his head. This youngster was shaking his shoulders as if the east and the west belonged to him. This youngster was hopping along as if the earth belonged to him. In this intoxicated state of unbridled pride, he stumbled into an old pious man who was on his way to bow to Allah in the Musjid.
“Do you know who I am?” screamed the youngster in rage and anger.
The pious person calmly replied: “Yes, I know who you are. You are the same one who was born from a drop of impure sperm. That was your beginning. You are the same one whom the worms will feed on in the Qabr. That is your ending. And in between this you are walking with a pile of excretion in your stomach which is enough to make people flee from if you had to discharge it.”
O respected brothers and sisters in Islam, by Allah we possess nothing accept His Kindness.
How many are the wealthy who lost all their wealth! Just yesterday they were employers, today they are employees. Yesterday they gave Zakaat. Today they are recipients of Zakaat.
How many are the knowledgeable that wrote and tutored and gave speeches and possessed degrees. Today they are in such old age that they cannot even remember the names of their own children.
How many were those who were as strong as oxen. Today they need to be spoon fed in their old age.
How many were those whose beauty shaded the moon and brought blushes
to the roses. Today they are wrinkled beyond recognition.
And then, were there not those who were so pious that angels held in them in high esteem? Does history not record that they fell from grace so that even Shaytaan shakes his head in amazement.
What youth, what wealth, what knowledge, what strength, what beauty, what piety – we are indeed all paupers in the Eyes of Allah.
Saved is only that one, who humbles himself with all of his heart; with his sinew and the marrow of his bones; with each drop of his blood. No matter who we are; what status we may enjoy; how much we may be worth – may our minds and our very soul always lay prostrating in humility at the Throne of Allah Jalla Sha’nahu.
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Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah: The Siraatal-Mustaqeem
All praises are due unto Allah alone. Durood and Salaams be upon Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam
Allah Ta’ala advises the believers to make the following dua: “And guide us to the straight path…”
The auspicious word “Siraat” means path or road.
The auspicious word “Mustaqeem” means “straight” and “righteous”.
The Siraatal-Mustaqeem is what a Muslim has been instructed to make dua for daily. Not just make Du’a but to do so in Salaah. Not just once, but in every Rak’aat of the 48 Shar’i stipulated daily Rak’aats.
O, how much don’t we just require Allah Ta’ala to guide us throughout the day! Decisions have to made, plans formulated, emotions have to be controlled, negligence has to be avoided, carelessness has to be abandoned and the Nafs has to be combated. To top it all Shaytaan and his devious and mischievous schemes have to be negotiated.
Shaytaan made the following declaration to Allah Ta`ala: “I SWEAR that because You have sent me astray I will definitely waylay them from Your Siraatal-Mustaqeem.” (c7. v 16)
And thus is he forever plotting and planning on how to waylay Allah’s simple servants.
Leave alone whose marriage he could destroy today, he is simply satisfied if he could just cause a little disharmony between couples. Never mind couples, a little animosity between friends is also an achievement.
When a child is born, parents celebrate. Shaytaan has no time for celebrations. In Hadith we are informed that he immediately touches that child. He seeks to establish his stamp of authority. He is on a mission – a mission to sit on the Siraatul-Mustaqeem in order to waylay that child.
A long nine months before the birth of that innocence personified, did the the Shariah already advice us to seek protection from Shaytaan when approaching one’s wife. So we were careless. So we made Shaytaan’s work easier for him to waylay that child.
In a Hadith we are informed that at the time of death, Shaytaan appears in order to waylay and snatch the Imaan of a Muslim. This is where he makes his final grand stand.
Between birth and death, this avowed enemy, Shaytaan, is continuously active in confusing and misleading us. Shaytaan is immensely cunning. He operates is sweet subtle ways. He is endlessly patient. He is extremely intelligent. He is well versed with the art of holiness. As for knowledge, he rips apart the “learned” ones without even as much as a frown on his forehead.
When the Shariah demands haste is Salaah and good deeds, it is Shaytaan that whispers “tomorrow you will change”. And mind you, this false promise has been whispered for who knows how many years. And keeping on whispering it, he will, until death.
When the Shariah demands obedience to Allah and His Rasul Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam it is Shaytaan that waylays us with false ideologies of gender equality and appeasement to the kuffaar system.
When the Shariah demands anger and aggression, it is Shaytaan that will whisper “brotherhood and unity”. Indeed sweeter than honey, yet more dangerous than a snake.
And so to whom does one turn and what does Allah’s innocent creation do in the face of such an astute and evil avowed enemy?
Turn unto Allah and do what He has told us to do. Allah, Rahmaan and Raheem has taught us a Du’a.
“Ih- dinas-Siraatal-Mustaqeem”.
Say it over and over. Whisper it desperately. Listen attentively to the Imaam saying it.
Say it at dawn. Say it at mid-day. Say it before sunset. Say it at dusk. Say it at night.
Don’t let’s just say it. Let’s ask for it. We need it – the Siraatal-Mustaqeem.
Story: A pious Muslim was on the verge of death. At this critical time he was speaking and screaming what seemed to be a lot of “nonsense”. After a little while came to his senses. Qaari Tayab Saheb Rahmatullahi alayh was called to the house. When it was inquired as to why he was behaving in such a hysterical manner, the pious Muslim replied:
“Hadhrat, please request my family to ignore what I am saying. Shaytaan is coming to me and mocking at me. I have never missed a Salaah in my entire life. Shaytaan is saying:
‘What hope can a person like you have for Allah’s Mercy. You have not read your last seventeen Salaahs in the Masjid. Jahannam is awaiting you.’
Hadhrat, I am frantic with worry.”
Qaari Saheb advised him:
“Tell Shaytaan that I am performing my Salaah at home because the Shariah permitted me to so do.”
Hardly had Qaari Saheb left, that suddenly the pious shouted:
“Get away Shaytaan. Get away you accursed one. My Allah gave me permission to read my Salaah at home because I am unwell. Allah, help, Allah..Allah.”
And upon his lips was the Blessed Name of Allah even as Malakal-Maut made Salaam to him and took his soul to Allah.
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Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah: Du’a
All praises are due unto Allah alone. Durood and Salaams be upon Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam
Allah Ta`ala declares in the Qur`aan Majeed:“And your Rabb said: Call upon Me (ask me for anything). I will respond to your call. Verily, those who scorn Me (by not believing and asking of Me) and do not worship Me, they will surely enter Jahannum in humiliation.”
Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “Du’a is the core of Ibaadah.”
Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah Rahmatullahi said: “One who makes Du’a is never deprived.”
There is no more a self-serving simple Ibaadah than Du’a in the entire Shariah.
If any other Ibaadah is made with the intention of acquiring the Dunya, it would be rejected.
Du’a is the only Ibadah that if made with the intention for worldly prosperity. etc. one would be rewarded!
Du’a is made when a person is endowed with the knowledge that after all his strenuous efforts in acquiring what he aches for, he is at the end of the day, totally impotent and helpless. How often has it not been that everything just seemed fine at first– only for things to fall apart later without any real cause.
We apply for a job, propose for a marriage, wish to venture into a business, take medication, study hard for an examination, apply for a post. We are absolutely confident of success. And then, against all expectations, we are denied and feel deprived. Did we not perhaps forget to make such heartfelt Du’a which blinded us to our efforts? Did we not perhaps forget to look with humility at our palms and did our hearts not focus on the Lord of the skies in whose Power everything lies?
Allah Ta’ala absolutely loves it when we make Du’a and call unto Him. This weak and feeble servant and slave of His, knows that nothing will be ever achieved without Allah’s Will.
“Ya Allah! I am in need, I am dependant, I can only try and cry. You are the One that has the Power to fulfil my wishes.”
This type of heartfelt dua will most certainly be responded to according to Nabi (sallallahu
alaihi wasallam). However the response is not always in accordance to what we aspire for – Just like if a son cries and begs to his father to buy him a car, the father feels attracted and even more attached to his child: ‘My son understands that I am the one who he turns towards for whatever he needs. However the car is not appropriate for him at this moment.’ But the father at a later stage in life makes an intention that he will purchase a car for his son. Similarly, Allah at the time of a person making a dua for something, knows at the time that particular request is not appropriate for spiritual development. Allah Ta`ala reserves that which we asked for at a later stage in life. Alternatively, Allah Ta`ala will give us something else which we require, something we did not ask for, or we will see the reward of what we did not receive here in this world, in the Aakahirah.
In a Hadith it is stated that another form of acceptance of duas is that Allah Ta`ala wards off a calamity. And respected Readers, we are surrounded by calamities, many are such that we do not even think of or seek protection from.
Another method in which duas are accepted is that the rewards are reserved in the hereafter. It is there where a servant of Allah Ta`ala will enquire in astonishment: “Ya Rabb! I did not qualify for this high stages and yet you have blessed me with it. Allah will reply: “O my servant, did you not ask for such and such? It was not appropriate to give it you at that time, not because you lack esteem in Our Sight, but we kept it for you in the hereafter.”
At that point in time, everyone will wish that not a single dua of theirs was accepted in this world, so that they could enjoy this perpetual everlasting blessing in the hereafter in lieu of these duas.
Seniors should also ask juniors for duas. It is mentioned in a Hadith that an angel is appointed to make dua for the one making dua for others that May Allah grant one the same that was asked for.
Dua for others is that which sustains us, inspires us, secures us, guides us and protects us. For, we on our own cannot say one Subhanallah on our own efforts.
Dua is that ibaadat which requires no wudhu and can be made at any time. When making dua, one should envisage in the eye of the mind that one is standing at Kaabah Door. Our doors close, but Allah Ta`ala’s Doors are forever open.
May Allah grant us the Yaqeen and Taufeeq to make dua – short as well as long – in the Musjid or in our beds, in Arafaat or in our shops – call upon The Only One worth calling unto, to ask from The Only One who is worth asking from, to beseech The One who never disappoints or turns one away empty handed.
Story:
Once during the Khilaafat of Hadhrat Umar (radhiallahu anhu), Hadhrat Umar was walking through an alley, when he saw a man walking with a bottle in his hand. Hadhrat Umar (radhiallahu anhu) called unto the man. This man had wine in the bottle and when he heard Hadhrat Umar (radhiallahu anhu) calling him, he realised that he would be caught red-handed. He immediately made Taubah to Allah Ta`ala and reached a firm resolution that he will never consume alcohol ever again. This dua and conviction of his was so sincere and beloved to Allah Ta`ala that the wine in the bottle was changed to vinegar.
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Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jumu’ah Khutbah: The Objectives
All praises are due unto Allah alone and Durood and Salaams upon Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam.
“Recite the Qur’aan which has been revealed to you and establish Salaah. Verily Salaah prevents immoral behaviour and evil. Without doubt the Thikr of Allah is greatest. And Allah knows what you do.” (Surah 29, Aayat 45)
Amidst all the ongoing debates and discussions, amidst all the disputes and deliberations, we somehow seem to have lost sight of the objectives of our relationship with Allah Ta’ala.
Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi Rahmatullahi alayh cites the above Ayat as a barometer whereby we can measure our relationship with Allah Azza Wajal.
Three issues have been mentioned in the Aayah:
1) Recitation of the Holy Qur’aan: Recitation of the Qur’aan is, according to Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah Rahmatullahi alayh, a means of conversing with Allah Ta’ala. In a Hadith it is mentioned that the recitation of the Holy Qur’aan is a means of purifying the heart of rust. Our spiritual hearts are constantly exposed to the evils and vices around us. From the morning until night time, our feeble hearts are continiously bombarded by Fisq (sin) and Fujoor (evil). Around every corner shamelessness and greed accosts us. Our eyes and ears inadvertently absorb, in various degrees, the evil. Being created from clay, the heart is impressed if not with all the filth and pollution, then at least with the residue of it. Allah Ta’ala, in His infinite Mercy blessed us with His Holy Speech. Once Imaam Ahmed bin Hambal Rahmatullahi alayh asked Allah Ta’ala in a dream as to how he could obtain greater proximity. It was told to him to recite the Holy Qur’aan irrespective of whether it was with or without understanding.
2) Establishing Salaah: This is the second criteria mentioned in the Aayah. Without establishing Salaah, a person has no Deen. He may be a freedom fighter, he may be an intellectual, he may be an author but he certainly has no truck with Islam. Accountability of Salaah is the very first issue which everyone will be faced with in the Court of Allah Ta’ala. Salaah will be one of the deciding factors of whose companionship one will share on the Day of Qiyamah. Those who destroyed and those who never fulfilled this command of Allah, will be ushered into the circle of the arch enemies of Allah such as Firaun and Haaman. (May Allah save us).
The Shariah has allowed a space wider than the skies and deeper than the oceans for us to extend and to develop our relationship with Allah Ta’aala. The more Salaah one reads, the stronger one’s bond with Allah T’aala becomes.
Ishraaq and Chasht, Awwabeen and Tahajjud, Salaatul – Wudhu and Salaatul – Masjied, Salaatul-Tasbeeh and Salaatul Haajaat, Salaatut-Taubah and Salaatul- Istighaarah, Salaatush-Shukr – all of these beckon and call us before Salaatul Janaazah is performed upon us. May it be that before we meet Allah Azza Wajal, that we hasten to Mer’aj, the Me’raj which is called Salaah.
3) The third criteria in our relationship with Allah Ta’ala is Dhikr. In a Hadith it is mentioned that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam used to remember Allah Ta’ala at every moment. One thinks and speaks much about the one he loves. The various masnoon Du’aas from the time we awaken until we go and sleep have been ordained by the Shairah as a form of remembering Allah Ta’ala. Read Subhanallah, read Alhamdulillah, read Allahu-Akbar, read Astagfirullah, read Durood Sharief. These “Dhikrs” are infinitely better than listening endlessly to talk radio stations.
A tramp was going around town and telling everyone about his impending marriage to the princess. Everyone was highly bemused. The tramp assured them that half the marriage was already agreed upon. He was interested in the marriage; about her he does not yet know! Thus did the tramp lead his life in self-deception and thus did he foolishly console himself.
If there is no Tilaawat, no Salaah, no Dhikr – we are simply deceiving ourselves if we assume that we have a relationship with Allah Ta’ala.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us Taufeeq. (Ameen)
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Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
The Jumuah Khutbah: Tafweedh (Handing our affairs over to Allah)
Allah Ta’aala narrates the words of a person who had secretly brought Imaan:
“And I hand over my affairs unto Allah…”
Daily we are confronted with difficulties and fears. How much can we do to comfort ourselves? There comes a point where we simply have to throw up our hands and say: “I can’t do anything more.”
Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam taught us to tie our camel as well as to make Du’a.
Nabi Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam use to recite Hasbiyallah (Allah suffices for me) frequently. When the Sahaabah Radiallahu anhum were threatened by the numerical superiority of the Kuffaar, instead of being cowed down, they simply found their chests swelling with the power of Imaan. They fearlessly proclaimed
“Allah is sufficient for us!”
In Hadith we find the following “Hasbiyallah’s” of Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam:
1. Hasbiyallahu li-Deeni (Allah suffices for my Deen)
2. Hasbiyallahu li-Dunyaa-ya (Allah suffices for my Dunya)
3. Hasbuyallahu lima ahammani (Allah is sufficient for that which is important to me)
4. Hasbiyallahu Limam bagha alay-ya (Allah is sufficient for me against those who oppress me)
5. Hasbiyallahu liman hasada-ni (Allah is sufficient for me against those who harbour jealousy against me)
6. Hasbiyallahu liman kaadani-bi-soo (Allah is sufficient for against those who conspire against me)
7. Hasbiyallahu fil qabri (Allah is sufficient for me in my Qabr)
8. Hasbiyallahu indal-maut (Allah is sufficient for me at the time of death)
9. Hasbiyallahu indas-seeraat (Allah is sufficient for me at the time of crossing the bridge of Seeraat)
10. Hasbiyallahu indal-Hesaab (Allah is sufficient for me at the time of accountability)
(The above has been compiled from Munaajaate-Maqbul)
From the above we can understand just how much reliance Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam placed on Allah Ta’ala.
For every conceivable type of concern, he turned unto Allah. Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam taught us to bond ourselves and forge our relationship with Allah Ta’aala. When in difficulty, a Muslim looks at the skies for assistance. He looks at the palms of his hands with humility.
We, by nature, fear our enemies and their schemes. We fear the evil of a jealous person’s gaze, words and intentions. Our worldly affairs are largely in disarray, our Deeni affairs are filled with uncertainties and confusion. The pangs of Maut we have to face alone and the dark lonely Qabr terrifies us. The accountability may be severe and the crossing of the Pul Seerat (the Bridge which spans Jahannam and which is thinner than a hair and sharper than a blade) is certain.
Who but upon Allah can we depend?
Who but Allah can assist us?
Who but Allah can we place our absolute trust in?
Who but Allah can be worthy of our trust?
Who but Allah is capable of assisting us?
Who but Allah never tires in protecting us?
Who but Allah is our companion?
Who but Allah is sufficient for us?
A story
Never tire, O friend, in asking from Allah. A pious person states that he made continuous Du’a for a need for twenty years before his Du’a was answered.
There was once a person who was the lone survivor of a ship wreck on an abandoned island.
He cried and made Du’a unto Allah to help him. His Du’as appeared to be unheard. He felt despondent.
After a few days, he built a small shelter with some wood of the wrecked ship to protect himself against the wind, rain and hot sun.
One day, whilst out searching for some food, he suddenly observed smoke coming from the direction of his humble dwelling. He rushed back only to find that his entire hut had burned out.
“O Allah, even this little that I have has been snatched away from me” – he moaned with a broken shattered heart.
Just then he saw a ship coming closer to the shore. His delight knew no bounds. He was going to be rescued. He was going to go home!
After he boarded the ship, the captain informed him that the smoke signals he made caused him to divert his ship to the island.
“But I made no signals” said the man.
Then he realized that the smoke that was seen was in reality the smoke from the burning hut.
Allah caused his hut to burn in order to attract the attention of the captain! And he was so foolish as to complain to Allah! He felt ashamed of himself.
The lesson we take is that Allah is always sufficient for us. May Allah grant us the Taufeeq to make the correct effort in all spheres of life and thereafter to surrender ourselves to His Wise decisions and to accept them with full trust. (Ameen)
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Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah : Raja (Hope in Allah’s Mercy)
All praises are due unto Allah alone. Durood and Salaams be upon Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam.
Says Allah, Most High: “Do not despair of the Rahmat of Allah…”
Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “If even the Kaafir realises the extent of Allah’s Rahmat (mercy), he too will not lose hope of Jannat.”After much toil and sacrifice during the month of Ramadaan, after depriving oneself of sleep and food, the heart becomes fertile for reaching out to the bounties of Allah.
The soil has been tilled; the seeds now need to be planted.
The spiritual heart’s tranquillity makes it extremely productive to expand and yearn for the Divine Bounties of Allah Ta’ala.
The first bounty of Allah is Maghfirat (forgiveness). Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam displayed his utmost annoyance at that person who at the end of Ramadaan does not succeed in obtaining Allah’s forgiveness. That heart that tried and cried, that heart that bled and wept with Allah’s obedience – that heart perceived the Greatness of Allah even as it was shamed by its sin, that heart will enjoy the announcement made by the Angels after the Salaah of Eid.
“You have laboured and your reward is due. Go forth, you are forgiven on the oath of Allah’s Grandeur and Splendour!”
Such is the Royal Decree! Such is the announcement made on the Order of Rahmaan!
The second bounty is Rahmat (mercy). Forgiveness means that Jahannam has been made Haraam. Far, far away a person will be kept from Jahannam. But Jannah, that is another matter. The key to the doors of Jannah is Allah’s Rahmat (mercy). In a Hadith, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has informed us that ultimately everyone will enter into Jannah solely and purely through the Mercy of Allah.
Surely, no one can produce a single deed worthy of acceptance in the Divine Court.
STORY:
Moulana Maseehullah Rahmatullahi alyah narrated the following story:
Once there was a drought in a certain village. An old lady told her son to attend the king’s birthday and gift him with the precious container of water which she had stored away for some time.
The son accordingly set of to the capital which was a far away. After several days of travelling, he arrives at the palace and awaits his turn to greet the king. When eventually his chance arrives, he joyously informs the king that he had brought a precious gift. The king was amazed and inquired what the gift was. The youngster replied that since there is a drought he had brought a container of water.
The container of water was opened which had a putrid smell and slimy water! What the youngster and his mother were unaware about is that there was no drought in the capital.
The king took aside an aide and told him to empty the container and fill it with precious stones such as diamonds and rubies. He also instructed the aide to escort the youngster pass all the canals and rivers in the city.
This was done. The youngster was overcome with shame and regret.
He reached home with the heavy container and a heavier heart. He told his mother that there was no drought where the king lived and that they had shown extreme disrespect by gifting a container filled with old slimy water. He wailed with regret at the huge blunder they had made.
The mother consoled him and told him not to worry. The king was a gracious person, filled with compassion and understanding. Surely he would not focus on the container but being wise, would rather look at their intentions. Surely, he would not spurn her sincere gift.
She instructed her son to open the heavy container. Lo and behold! Splendorous gems worth many years of toil glittered! The king had rewarded them splendidly for their supreme display of love.
O, brothers and sisters in Islam!
How imperfect and impatient were we not with our fasts? How restless and fidgety were we during Taraweeh time? How haphazard was our recitation of His Kalaam?
But, by Allah! Much more benevolent and gracious than that king is Allah Jalla Shaanuhu. He saw and witnessed our broken efforts. He observed our feeble and weak actions. He is aware of our half hearted deeds and our wayward thoughts. But, He is Rahmaan and He is Raheem. He is Ghafoor and He is Ghaffaar. He is Kareem (One who gives without someone deserving) and He is Shakoor (One who displays appreciation).
“And verily this here is your reward, and your efforts were indeed appreciated” (Surah Dahr)
And, by Allah! He will return all our smelly, slimy deeds in containers filled with Rahm and with gifts which, “No eye had seen, no ears had heard and the thought which had not passed any heart.”
And, by Allah! For that is why we Love Him, for that we adore Him, for that we respect Him and for that we Worship Him…even though the Mushrikeen and the Kaafireen may be displeased with us.
O Allah, we implore You to be pleased with us, forgive us, and have Mercy upon us. We thank You and You alone for assisting us to be obedient unto Your Divine Command. You gave us the strength to fast. You gave us the strength to stand. You gave us the strength to be strong. Please keep on guiding us on the Path of Your Pleasure, O our Rabb. There is no other Pleasure worthy besides Yours. Unto You do we belong and unto You is our return.
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Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah: Sabr (Patience)
All praises are due unto Allah alone. Durood and Salaams be upon Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam.
Allah Ta’aala says: “O people of Imaan, adopt Sabr (patience).”
Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “Sabr is half of Imaan.”
Today, with the Fadl of Allah Ta’ala we reflect on the subject of Sabr.
Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has informed us that Ramadaan is the month of Sabr.
Before understanding Sabr, we need to understand ourselves a bit better.
Men is a creature intelligent enough to discover the secrets of space. He has scoured the bottoms of the deepest oceans. He has scaled the highest of mountains. He has invented and found solutions to myriads of difficulties and problems. Despite all this and more, man is pathetically vulnerable and utterly weak. The Holy Qur’aan has mentioned no less than the following fifteen deficiencies in men:
Men is a weakling who has been created from a drop of sperm, he despairs easily when confronted, he is quarrelsome when he does not get his way, he is impatient when provoked, he is a miser when he needs to spend, he is ignorant of simple things, he is forgetful (though he has invented a memory chip), he is ungrateful for what he has, he is arrogant due to his imaginary strength, he is heedless of the constant dangers surrounding him, he is oppressive against the weak, he is hasty when delayed, he is greedy though he possesses in abundance, he is proud even though he is dependent on others and he is almost always in toil – searching and searching for more riches and fame and striving to fulfil other desires until deaths suddenly snatches him.
A constant target of crime, sicknesses, poverty, hunger, danger, fear, enemies and death – such is the lot of the creature who stretches his neck as if to reach the skies and walks as if seeking to split the earth, who dresses as if no Kafn is awaiting him and who lives as if no Qabr is calling unto him.
Having understood ourselves a bit better, we now will, Insha-Allah, try and understand what Sabr is all about. Sabr means to have patience. Had Allah Ta’ala not afflicted man with difficulties and hardships, man would have laid claim to Divinity. Firaun, when asked why he proclaimed himself to be the highest Lord, answered that he never experienced a headache for more than four hundred years and that he thus must be a Lord.
For a Muslim , every set back, every hardship, every disappointment, every sorrow, is a spiritual boon and a treasure in the Hereafter.
In Hadith it is narrated that on the Day of Qiyamah, when people witness the rewards for those who observed Sabr in the world, they will wish that their skins were cut to pieces with scissors, so that they could attain the ranks of those who made Sabr.
There are three types of Sabr:
1) Sabr alal Museebah (Patience upon calamities): This means to have patience when we are afflicted by calamities, difficulties, hardships, sicknesses, a drop in earnings, death etc. Sabr here means to accept the Divine decree of Allah Azza Wajal. Even as the heart aches and cries, bleeds and weeps, it accepts its lot.
2) Sabr alat Taa’ah (Patience upon obedience): In man there are two conflicting forces. One drives him towards goodness and the other towards evil. Asserting the force of good over the force of evil requires immense patience. All acts of worship such as Salaah and Saum require Sabr. The more Sabr one has, the more acts of Worship one does. Upon entering Jannah, men will be congratulated for making Sabr: “Peace be upon you for the Sabr you made…”
3) Sabr anil Ma’seeyat (Patience from indulging in sin and evil): This form of Sabr is the most difficult. To abstain from sin and evil towards which the Nafs is attracted to at every moment needs, monumental patience. To live one’s life in accordance to the Shariah and the Sacred Sunnah requires such massive Sabr which would crush the mountains and swallow the oceans. To have Istiqaamat (steadfastness), breath after breath, day after day, week after week, month after month and year after year, is only possible with the Fadl of Allah Rabbul Izzah. One does not have much choice other than to make Sabr upon a Museebah. Sabr upon obedience is generally observed and a person is lauded and praised. But Sabr from sin is seldom praised. In fact, a person is often reviled for not attending Haraam weddings, for not socialising with females, for not following the Western culture of eating, etc.
What is to be found in Sabr? Allah and Allah alone!
Says Allah Ta’ala: “And Allah is with those who make Sabr.”
Says Allah: “And make Sabr (O Muhammed), and your Sabr is only with Allah…”
If I’tikaaf is the abode wherein solitude is observed with Allah, then Sabr is the vehicle of Allah’s Companionship. Sabr is that grief of the heart which can only be understood and consoled by Allah and no human. Sabr is that hurt of the heart which can only be cured and healed by Allah.
On what is Sabr made? On anything and everything which disappoints one or causes one hurt and pain.
In a Hadith we are informed that even if a thorn pricks a Muslim (provided he makes Sabr and does not curse), he will be rewarded.
Story:
A pious person passed away. Someone sees him in a dream and he appears happy. However, he suddenly becomes sombre. When asked the reason for this, he replied:
“When the angels were calculating my rank, one of them remarked that give him some Thawaab for the death of his cat. However, another angel said that he does not qualify for any reward as he did not say ‘Inna lillah wa inna ilayhi Ra-je-oen.’
Had I said the above few words I would have received a reward for the passing away of my cat as well.”
Ramadaan teaches us how to make Sabr.
We made, with the Fadl of Allah, Sabr by depriving ourselves from delicious food.
We made, again with the Fadl of Allah, Sabr from comfort and sleep by standing for Taraweeh and waking up for Sehri.
Thus Ramadaan taught our souls to make Sabr from what we love and desire. It taught us to be meticulous to the point of seconds in making Sabr. Did we not adhere precisely to time when making Sehri and breaking our fasts?
It is vitally important to act within the ambit of the Shariah when making Sabr otherwise that difficulty is an Athaab from Allah. Instead of drawing closer to Allah, we will drift further away from Him.
When Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah’s (Rahmatullahi alayh) wife passed away, he was very heart broken. His grief was so intense that he could not eat. After the third day of her demise, he saw his adult children crying and wailing with sorrow. He immediately reprimanded them and said:
“The Shariah has only permitted three days of public grief. You are free to cry in private but not in public.”
The grief of the death did not cause Hadhrat to forget Allah’s Commands. Such is the Sabr of a Muslim!
(Sadly, nowadays some Muslims have forgotten the limits of the Shariah. Thus, six months after the demise of a person, they find it necessary to visit the deceased family on the “First Eid”. Worse still, on the Day of Eid, scores of women visit the graveyard despite it being forbidden in Islam. This is indeed lamentable. Unto Allah is our complaint.)
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Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
All praises are due unto Allah alone. Durood and Salaams upon Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam.
The Jum’ah Khutbah: Tauba (Repentance)
Allah Ta’aala says: “O Believers! Make Tauba unto Allah; a pure Taubah.”
Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: “O people! Make Taubah unto Allah.”We have been informed in the Hadith that the second ten days of Ramadaan are the days of Maghfirat (Forgivenss). These are the days wherein Allah Ta’aala opens His “Arms” and accepts the pleas of those seeking forgiveness and hears the cries of those who repent. These are the days when Allah Ta’aala looks with pity and compassion at the sad hearts of those who are regretting their sins. These are the days when Allah Ta’aala appreciates and accepts the resolve of those who firmly decide to shun past sins and who pledge that they will abstain from the sins in future by controlling their Nafs and combating Shaytaan.
Sins; respected brothers and sisters in Islam, are poison. Nay, worse than poison. Poison only destroys the transitory body, whereas sins destroy the permanent soul. Another point to reflect upon is that poison is something which people generally are cautious and careful about. With sins it is so very different: People are attracted to it because of the very nature of it. The poison of sin is camouflaged with the sweetness of Nafsaani pleasure. It is addictive. It is ‘delicious’. Did Jibra’eel Alayhi Salaam not see Jahannam covered with Haraam pleasures and delight? And despite the awful horrors of Jahannam, did Allah Ta’aala not inform him that many people would enter into Jahannam?
Since we lack Yaqeen and are ignorant of Jahannam’s terrible horrors, we treat Taubah lightly.
How many of us are prepared for even a moment to seriously accept the idea of snakes coiling around our throats for discarding Salaah, tongues being pulled with pliers of fire for speaking lies, eyes gorged out with iron rods for committing Zina with the eyes or molten lead poured into our ears for listening to music? How many of us are prepared to acknowledge that we are serious contenders for Jahannam’s awesome fire which will melt our skins only for it to be replaced immediately? Parched throats that will be quenched with puss and blood, intense hunger that will be satiated with thorns – this, we feel, is not for us. The dead bodies – kidneys, livers, hearts and limbs that we will be made to chew for the act of Gheebah is not going to apply to me.
After all, I am holy! I am the Imaam, I am a Sheikh, I am a khalifa, I am a Mufti, I am a Moulana, I am a Qari, I am a Mutawalli, I contribute thousands of rands…
By Allah! The fear for Jahnnam will make Ambiya call and cry out: ‘Nafsi, Nafsi…’
By Allah! The fear for Jahannam caused Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam to seek protection from it seven times every morning and seven times every evening.
By Allah! Umar Radiallahu anhu cried out of fear until two permanent black lines were etched on his cheeks due to the constant stream of tears flowing.
By Allah! Jahannam itself will rage and call out unto its Rabb: “Are there more, are there more…?”
Allah Rabbul Izzah has given us an opportunity to make Taubah and turn towards Him. The last ten days of Ramadaan are the days of freedom from Jahannam. We should hasten to put in our “applications” to obtain that freedom.
The difference between Taubah and Istighfaar is that Istighfaar is an acknowledgement with remorse and shame of a sin committed with a resolve not to commit it in future. Taubaah is to turn unto Allah and to reform that evil act.
An example is when a person gets angry at this wife and vents his frustration on her without any real reason. The wife cries. After calming down, he realizes he has erred.
He realizes just how kind she is. Despite being hungry, she fries all the spring rolls and samoosas. Despite being tired she wakes up for Sehri and prepares meals for the family. Despite having to perform twenty Rak’aats tarweeh, she cleans out the whole kitchen. In addition to this she is concerned about his ways and habits. She stresses and wakes him up. She tends to his children.
She is his cook, she is the nanny of his children, she is his counsellor, she is his receptionist, she is the minder of his Aakhirah, she is his comforter in times of distress, she is his friend with whom he shares, she is a barrier for him committing Zina. Any half decent husband would be ashamed. The husband is remorseful and embarrassed at making her cry.
He says “sorry” to her. He has made ‘Istighjfaar’. He decided to reform his ways and learns how to control his anger and be pleasant even when frustrated and annoyed. This effort is known as ‘Taubaah’.
When a person turns and makes Taubah unto Allah, Allah turns towards him even more. Some of the greatest Saints in Islam were at one stage the greatest of sinners.
Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah Rahmatullahi Alayh narrated the following story:
Hadhrat Fudhail bin Ayaad was the leader of a gang of robbers who instilled fear in everyone. No one was saved from his clutches. People were scared to even travel in the vicinity where he operated. Children were threatened with his name if they misbehaved.
One day, whilst his band was out on a robbing spree, a traveller approached Hadhrat Fudhail in the mountains. He did not recognise Hadhrat Fudhail and requested place to perform some Salaah. In Salaah, the traveller recited the following Aayat:
“Has the time not arrived for the Mu’mineen that their hearts bow to Allah…”
Upon hearing this, Hadhrat Fudhail could not contain himself. How many years had passed by in sin? How much longer did he want to continue with his old ways? Instead of bowing to Allah, he had spent his life ‘bowing’ to Shaytaan. The burden of his sins caught up with him. He was an evil human being. He was a burden upon the earth. The Ayat jolted him.
“O RABB, THE TIME HAS COME, THE TIME HAS COME, HE CRIED OUT”
Hadhrat Fudhail made sincere Taubaah. He repaid and asked forgiveness from all those people whom he had robbed. He cleared his accounts in this world. He was fearful of Jahannam. He was not brave enough to withstand its torments. He proceeded to reform his life under a great Sheikh called Hadhrat Abdul Waahid Rahmatullahi Alayh.
Such was the Taubaah of Hadhrat Fudhail that he eventually was invited to join the circle of Hadhrat Imaam Abu Hanifa’s (Rahmatullahi alayh) council of Ulama. This, despite him not being an Aalim.
Someone inquired from Imaam Abu Hanifa Rahmatullahi Alayh as to why he was included amongst the circle of esteemed Ulama. Imaam Saheb replied:
“Such is the strength of the Taqwa of Hadhrat Fudhail that he will not permit any unwanted laxity in the Shariah.”
The heart of the chief robber of the times had made Taubah! The heart of the chief robber of the times had bowed to Allah!
When will we make a firm Taubah if not in this Ramadaan? When will we turn our hearts towards Allah if not in this Ramadaan?
When will we exchange once and for all the poison of sins for the Pleasure of Allah if not in this Ramadaan?
Allah calls, has the time not come for us to respond? Allah calls not once but five times daily. For how much longer shall we ignore His Call?
Let’s start off with pledging ourselves that we will not miss a single Salaah. No matter where we are, no matter what we will be doing, no matter with whom we are, we shall perform our Salaah, Insha-Allah.
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The Jumu’ah Khutbah (Part Seven)
Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
All praises are due unto Allah alone. Durood and Salaams be upon Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam.
Muhabbat (Love for Allah)
Allah Ta’aala says: “He (Allah)loves them and they (the Muslims) love Him.”
Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “He who loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him. He who detests meeting Allah, Allah detests meeting him.”
Love is when the heart inclines towards that which gives it pleasure.
Three qualities induce Love:
1) Ihsaan: When someone favours us or is kind towards us, our hearts are drawn towards that person. The greater the favour is, the more the love is.
Allah Ta’ala favoured us with this holy month of Ramadhaan. Not only has He given us the Taufeeq and ability and the inclination to fast, but He has even promised us wonderful rewards for fasting.
Allah Himself will distribute the rewards for a fasting person. He himself will appropriate and gift the palaces and the lofty stages for a fasting person. Someone asked Hadhrat Moulana Yaqub Rahmatullahi alayh:
“Hadhrat, what are we going to do with all the palaces?”
Moulana replied: “What does a shack dweller know about the joys of owning many homes!”
Indeed our Nafs in this Dunya is very seldom satisfied. One luxury car is not enough. The Nafs wants another one. One house is fine, but would it not be wonderful if we could own a beach cottage? One delicious meal has hardly been eaten and we are already planning the next one!
In the Aakhirah even the Nufoos (plural of Nafs) of the Auliya will cry out for more, more and more. In a Hadith it is mentioned that the Auliya in Jannah will regret being deprived of higher stages due to those moments which they wasted in the world.
The Ihsaan (favours) of Allah will not be only reserved to Him handing and dishing out rewards.
We all know what a great role doors play in our lives. Doors secure us. Doors protect us from the elements. Doors provide privacy to us. Doors offer closure.
Special people are received through special private entrances. No one and no one else is allowed to enter through those doors. In this World we observe how dignitaries have their own special lifts which lead to the doors of their private offices. In Jannah the fasting person will be admitted through a very private door called “Baabur-Rayaan”. O Allah, O Allah we plead unto You to enter us with Dignity through such a door, not because we are deserving but because of your Kindness and Compassion and your Ihsaan.
The second quality which induces Love is the quality of Jamaal (beauty). In Hadith it is mentioned that Allah is Beautiful and He Loves beauty.
Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Look around us and see the beautiful handiwork of Allah. Look at the myriad of colours which our eyes enjoy. Look at the blue skies and the brown trees and the white clouds. Look at the green grass and the red sunset and the silvery moon. Look at the shapes of objects around us: Square books and round rotis, short shadows and massively huge mountains, rectangular windows and crazy couches, laughing faces of little children and tears of pain.
And the eyes for absorbing and seeing all this are but the same eyes. No lenses to be changed for viewing different things.
Look at our tongues. The same tongue speaks different languages. Arabic or English, Memon or Gujrati, Zulu or Afrikaans: no need to change the font of the tongue. It is the same tongue that simply twists and twirls in a different manner.
And then the tongue is capable of tasting different things. Sweet and sour, spicy and salty – mild, medium and strong, the same tongue mixes and sorts out each morsel. Liquids will cause the tongue to react differently from solids. Hot from cold. At the time of Iftaar may we reflect for a moment on the Beauty of Allah by studying the colour of the various foods and the ability to enjoy it. To top it all, the in Ramadhaan, even as we deny ourselves food, our Rizq is increased.
Truly only Allah is Beautiful in every sense of the Word. Truly only He is worthy of unquestionable Love and immaculate obedience. Truly it is Him whom every Muslim yearns to meet and truly He yearns to meet us more than what we could ever yearn to meet Him.
The third quality which induces Love is Kamaal (perfection). Allah is Perfect in every Quality. His Planning is perfect. His Decisions are Perfect. He Creates everything in its perfect form. His timing is Perfect.
A pious person once exclaimed “What an excellent time for it to rain.”
Immediately he was reprimanded with a strong voice in his heart: “When did We ever cause it to rain at an inappropriate time?” The pious person immediately made Taubah.
Allah’s Rahmat is Perfect. His Independence is Perfect. Like a parent’s kindness is “perfect”, Allah’s Kindness is more Perfect. It is we, who through our disobedience and transgressions invite His Displeasure.
Story: A pious person saw in a dream a “Hindu” who had passed away, strolling in Jannah. The pious person exclaimed: “What are you doing in Jannah? After all you passed away as a Hindu.”
The “Hindu” replied: “Yes, according to everyone I passed away as a Hindu. But in reality I passed way as a Muslim. Allah inspired my heart to accept Islam on my deathbed. The reason for this bounty was that I had severely reprimanded my son for eating amongst the Muslims during the month of Ramadhaan. Because of this respect for Allah’s month, Allah Blessed me with Imaan. I was so weak that I could not proclaim my Imaan. After my demise I was granted a noble entry into Jannah.”
May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the abilty to ponder deeply over His Favours, Beauty and Perfection so that our hearts may increase in His Love. May we respect His Month so that we may win His favours. (Ameen)
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The Jum’ah Khutbah (Part Six)
Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
All praises are due unto Allah Alone. Durood and Salaams be upon Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam.
Says Allah Ta’ala: “And whoever respects the things which Allah had made sacred, then this (respect) will be best for him with his Rabb.”
Said Sayedina Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasalam: “No one has given anything better to his children than adab” (Respect).
Claimed the Auliya: “Baa-adab, baa-naseeb – be-adab, be-naseeb” (The respectful are fortunate, the disrespectful are unfortunate).
Today with the Fadl of Allah Ta’ala we discuss the most important aspect of respect. May we seriously attempt to understand this subject well as all progress and prosperity is dependent upon it.
Respect is a relative word. That which is respectful to one, may be disrespectful to another. An easy manner to distinguish between the two is to safeguard oneself from giving Takleef (inconvenience/trouble/difficulty) to others. It is a sign of respecting others when precautionary measures are taken not to unnecessary inconvenience them.
Respect is not only for people. It is also for places, time and things.
Respect for people: The golden Usool (principle) to follow is that one should respect one’s ownself and one’s own position and role. This means one has to recognise oneself.
First a person has to recognise and thereafter respect himself as an Insaan (human being). If we don’t respect ourselves as human beings, then we will most certainly not be treated like humans. Take the example of a person who walks on the streets without clothing. Since he is behaving like an animal people are disgusted with him. In fact an animal is given more respect than such a person. The only common factor between such a person and an animal is that both have eyes, ears, limbs, hearts, etc.
Secondly, a person has to respect the role Allah has blessed himself/herself with. A husband has to respect his position if he wishes to obtain the respect of his wife. If he behaves like a woman and does not protect his wife from the oppression of her in-laws, she will have no respect for him. If he expects her to pay the house rental she will have no respect for him. If he spends more time with his friends on sporting and fishing trips, she will have no respect for him.
Likewise the wife has to respect herself as a wife. If she gives preference to her family, then the husband will not respect her. If she does not beautify herself as a wife should, then the husband will not respect her. If she does not show care and concern for his welfare and console him, then the husband will not respect her.
In every relationship, first one needs to understand the role which Allah has carved out for one and thereafter to respect that role.
Parents, children, Ulama, Doctors, employers, employees…no matter who it is – unless we do not recognise and respect our roles, we will be unable to fulfil our responsibilities effectively.
Moulana Maseehullah Rahmatuillahi Alayh said: “Buzrugh banna Aasaan, lekin aadmi banna Mushkil.” (To become a saint is easy but to become a human being is difficult)
If we all think along this lines, many of our social problems will be avoided.
A Muslim husband is not just a husband…he is a Muslim husband and thus overflowing with the Sunnah compassion of Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam when his wife needles him or upsets him.
A Muslim wife is not just as a wife…she is a Muslim wife. She fully understands and comprehends and respects the fact that obedience to her husband within the Shariah confines is her ticket to Jannah.
A Muslim employer is not just an employer…he is a Muslim employer who is sensitive to his workers. He understands that the One who has blessed him today, has the Power to deny him tomorrow.
A Muslim employee is not just an employee…he is a Muslim employee. He understands that the work entrusted to him is an Amaanah. He understands that the telephone and stationary etc. of the shop/company is an Amaanat and not to be used for personal gain.
A Muslim child is not just a child…he is a Muslim child. He understands that service to his elderly parents is an honour. He does not dump his parents in an old age home.
A story: A Muslim brother named Ebrahim once returned a huge sum of money to a non-Muslim businessman who made a colossal error in a transaction. When the non-Muslim asked Ebrahim him why he returned the amount, our brother simply replied: “Because I am a Muslim”
A few days thereafter the non-Muslim left as an amaanat (trust) a million rands by brother Ebrahim who jokingly informed the non-Muslim that “I have not given you any receipt.”
To this the non-Muslim replied: “Ebrahim, you told me you a Muslim. That is my receipt in my dealings with you.”
Allahu –Akbar. This is the result of Tazkiyah and self – purification. Ebrahim not only recognised that he was a Muslim, he respected himself as one. What a wonderful, powerful manner of Tableegh he made in this era of Islamophobia. May Allah Ta’aala grant us the Taufeeq to recognise our roles and respect that role.
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The Jum’ah Khutbah (Part Five)
Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
All praises are due unto Allah alone. Durood and Salaams be upon Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam.
Says Allah: “Be grateful to me”
Says Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam: “If happiness reaches him he is grateful.”
Shukr or gratitude is a sure magnet for Allah’s Mercy. It is the foundation of happiness and contentment. Moulana Maseehullah Rahmatullahi alayh said that Shukr is the sugar of life. There is not a single soul who does not have reason to make Shukr.
1) Shukr upon being Insaan: Make Shukr Allah Ta’ala created us as human beings and not animals. On one occasion Hadhrat saw a panting and puffing buffalo pulling its load with great difficulty. Hadhrat with tears in his eyes, immediately said to us: “Make Shukr, Allah Ta’ala has made us Insaan.”
2) Shukr upon Imaan: The overwhelming majority of us were born with the Ni’mat of Imaan. We did not struggle nor stive nor were we persecuted in order to be blessed with Imaan.
3) Shukr for being an Ummati: Great Ambiya were prepared to forego the Ni’mat of the office of Nabuwwat in return for being in the Ummah of Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam. Allah Ta’ala granted us such an immense and irreplaceable Ni’mat without us making a single Du’a for it. Allahu-Akbar!
4) Shukr upon health: Many of us were born without any physical defects. Look at the blind, look at the paralysed, look at the deformed and let’s ask ourselves: Who and what am I to deserve such a wonderful healthy normal body? I see and I walk, I eat and I talk. I am independent of assistance and help. There are people in the world who are selling kidneys for hundreds of thousands of rands. This Allah-given machine called the body is itself worth millions of rands.
5) Shukr upon wealth: Wealth in the Holy Qur’an is termed as “Khair”(goodness). That slice of bread, that bowl of curry, that towel in the bathroom, that hot water, that roof, that pair of socks, each and everything is due to the wealth which Allah blessed us with. Most of us are employed and have businesses.
6) Shukr upon food: Our freezers are stocked already though we have not even commenced one fast. How many a person did not eat supper yesterday? How many a person was fed soup for lunch? He was fantastically wealthy but alas he did not have the health to enjoy his lunch. How many a person could not partake of a desert because of being diabetic? He could only look eat with his eyes.
7) Shukr upon good A’maal: Sadly, we found wanting in this. We never appreciate the great hidayat to perform Salaah. Such a great Ni’mat is simply taken for granted. Do we really believe that we perform Salaah without the Taufeeq from Allah? By Allah, if Allah does not assist us we will not even perform Jum’ah Salaah at all? To have that Taufeeq to close our businesses, take the trouble to find a parking, make a Wudhu and bow and prostrate in front of Allah is a Ni’mat worth more than all the wealth of the World.
8) Shukr from abstaining from sin: So we think that we are staying away from gambling and adultery? So we imagine that we refrain from stealing and liquor? By Allah, if it is not His Fadl that accompanied our intentions, we would be worse than animals. It is His Fadl that He grants us the Tuafeeq and the strength to abstain from evil.
9) Shukr for time: How many are there not who are lying silent in the graveyards. Not a single Sajdah will they make, nor a single fast will they keep, nor will they celebrate the birth or the marriage of their loved one’s. Shukr upon every breath that we enjoy.
10) Shukr upon freedom: Aaah, freedom – what a Ni’mat! No? Go to the jails and ask those inmates just what they are prepared to pay for their freedom. Freedom to do what they want to, when they want to, how they want to, wear what they want to. Ask those who perhaps may have been innocently imprisoned what they have lost and Insha-Allah, we will understand what we have gained through the Ni’mat of Freedom.
11) Multiple Shukr: Not only has the above mentioned Ni’mats been bestowed upon us as individuals, it has been bestowed upon our wives and children as well and upon our friends and families. Everynight just tell Allah Ta’ala you love Him and thank Him for all His Ni’mats. Do not forget to tell Him that we are unworthy and undeserving of it.
12) Shukr upon the Taufeeq to make Shukr: This is incumbent upon the One who understands that the True Benefactor is Allah. He feeds me, He clothes me, He guides me, He guards me, He consoles me, He blesses me.
Upon Shukr has Allah promised everything to us: He has promised in the Holy Qur’an that He will Most certainly increase those who are grateful to him. He has promised that He will reward those who make Shukr. He has promised His Divine Love for those who make Shukr.
A story: Hadhrat Musa Alayhi Salaam was once on his way to converse with Allah Ta’aala. Along the way he met a person who was extremely wealthy. This person grabbed the garment of Hadrat Musa Alayhi Salaam and said to him that ask Allah Ta’aala to lessen His blessings upon me. I have so much that I do not know what to do with my wealth. Thereafter Musa Alayhi Salaam met a poor man who only had a shawl. This man asked Musa alayhi Salaam to ask Allah Ta’ala to increase him as he owned nothing. When Musa Alaihis Salaam returned from his journey, he met the wealthy person and told him that Allah Ta’alaa said that he should make less Shukr and His blessings will decrease. The men cried and said that it is impossible for him not to make Shukr. Allah Ta’ala revealed to Musa Alayhis Salaam that tell him that I keep My promise. I will increase him. Thereafter Musa Alayhi Salaam met the poor man and told him that Allah Ta’ala said that he should make Shukr for what he has. The poor man got angry and said what do I have in life besides this shawl? Just then the wind blew and his shawl flew away!
The Auliya have stated: True Shukr is at the time of Sabr that no matter how difficult things are there is always a lot to be grateful for. May Allah Ta’aala grant us the Taufeeq to be amongst His Shakireen. (Ameen)
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The Jum’ah Khutbah (Part Four)
Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
All praises are due unto Allah alone. Durood and Salaams be upon Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam.
Today, Insha-Allah, we will discuss a very important aspect of Deen. Due to lack of knowledge many people spend an entire lifetime searching and focusing on wrong objectives. We do not say that they are insincere.
Similarly, in Deen, one must understand what the objectives and what the impediments in reaching those objectives are.
In a nutshell, Deen consists of a Zaahiri (external) dimension and a Baatin (spiritual) dimension. The external dimension is known as The Shariah and the spiritual dimension is known as Tasawwuf or Tazkiya.
Both these fields – The Shariah and Tazkiyah – consist of two fundamental principles:
1) Ma’mur bihi (that which Allah Ta’aala commanded us to do)
2) Manhi anha (that which has been prohibited)
The following table will Insha-Allah make it easy for us to understand the above:
| Objective | The Shariah |
Tazkiyah |
|
| Ma’mur bihi
(The commanded) |
Example
Salaah |
Example
To make Shukr |
|
| Manhi anha
(The prohibited) |
Example
Gambling |
Example
Pride |
|
Knowledge of The Shariah is obtained from the Ulama.
Knowledge of Tazkiyah is obtained from the Mashaa-ikh of Tasawwuf.
A few of impediments in achieving both these objectives are hereunder mentioned:
1) Dreams: People worry more about dreams than reality. Moulana Thanvi Rahmatullahi alayh said that if a person recites the entire Qur’aan in his dream, he does not get a single Thawaab. Similarly if a person dreams that he is drinking liquor, he does not get a single sin. Dreams should never be the focus or the platform of one’s existence. Dreams come and go. What matters most is deeds.
2) Emotions: Forget the “highs and lows”, just get on with the job of doing what Allah Ta’ala instructed us to do. Forget whether “I feel” or “I don’t feel” like doing it.
We don’t worship Allah Ta’ala because of our whimsical and unpredictable feelings which we hardly have much control over. How often is it not heard that “What is the sense of performing Salaah if I don’t feel like doing so?” This is Shaytaan’s whispering. Does anyone ever say: ‘What is the sense of opening my shop since I don’t feel like doing so because of the cold weather?” Not at all!
3) Sensationalism:
The following sms was circulated on 25/07/10:
“At 3.25 am the moon will do tawaf around the Khana kaba. This only comes around every “1million years”. And at this time whatever wish/ prayer you make will come true. And at that time the light of the moon will go blue.”
We Muslims have really lost the plot.
So much time and resources are utilised to send such a nonsensical sms’s to others. We have become so pathetically lame; mentally and spiritually barren that any nonsense that comes our way, excites us. Islam, brothers and sisters, is a dignified and respectable Deen. Let us cut out all the fluff and rather concentrate on the objectives of life.
When Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah Rahmatullahi alayh was departing from Lahore Airport in 1987, scores of people went to see him off. Just before entering the aircraft, his companion brought to his notice the thousands of people waving at him from the airport balcony.
Hadhrat looked up towards them once and waved back with both his hands.
He thereafter, in a most humble voice remarked:
“Nothing is achieved by this hue and cry. The main objective is to follow the Shariah immaculately and with steadfastness”
Allahu-Akbar! What a fantastic statement. Crowds, sounds and fury are of no use if there is no obedience unto Allah and His beloved Rasul Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam.
Over and over Allah Ta’ala reminds us in the Qur’aan Majeed:
“And follow Allah and follow His Rasul so that you may be successful.”
“And follow Allah and follow His Rasul so that Mercy may be shown upon you.”
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to understand our Deen. With understanding, practice becomes very easy with the Fadl of Allah.
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The Jum’ah Khutbah (Part Three)
Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
All praises are due unto Allah alone. Durood and Salaams be upon Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam.
Today, with the Fadl of Allah Ta’ala, we will discuss the vital subject of Ikhlaas (sincerity of intention) which plays a pivotal role in Tazkiyah. (Self-Purification)
Allah Ta’ala says: “They have not been commanded, but to render ibaadat unto Allah sincerely, establishing the Deen for him and turning away from all others.”In the above Aayah, three things are mentioned:
1) All ibaadah such as Salaah and Saum, Zakaat and Sadaqah etc. should only be rendered unto Allah sincerely.
2) Establishing the Deen, whether in one’s own self or in any other manner, should similarly be motivated by sincerity. All Deeni activities – writing, teaching, learning, Tabligh, assisting the poor etc. should be established and conducted with sincerity.
3) One should turn away from all others. Neither fear of criticism, nor favour of the creation should be a motivating factor in intentions, actions, deeds and speech. The gaze and focus of the heart should only be upon Allah Ta’ala.
Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said:
“Verily Allah does not look at your external forms and your wealth, but he looks at your intentions and actions.”
In another Hadith, mention has been made of a person who will have mountains of deeds on the Day of Qiyamah. However, he will not receive a single reward. Instead, it will be told to him to seek his reward from those whom he sought to impress and please in the World. Another person will come with just a few deeds. However, he will be rewarded with mountains of Thawaab due to his sincerity.
Ikhlaas means that in one’s intention which find expression in actions, one only seeks Allah’s proximity.
Question: Is it against Ikhlaas to feel pleased when many people attend one’s Bayaans or people look up towards one?
Answer: Moulana Thanvi Rahmatullah alayh has mentioned that the Usool of Ikhtiyari and ghair-ikhtiyari solves many complications.
Ikhtiyari means to do think or do something voluntary, intentionally and deliberately.
Ghair Ikhtiyari means to do something involuntary, unintentionally and inadvertently.
Lifting your leg up. This is voluntary. This is Ikhtiyari.
The other leg will now bear the weight of the whole body and will be wobbly and unsteady. This unsteadiness is ghair-Ikhtiyari.
Back to the question: Feeling pleased when people are drawn towards one is not against Ikhlaas. It is something which is out of a person’s control. Just as sitting by a heater will warm one, so is this natural feeling of happiness which one experiences when doing good.
Yes, to deliberately do something in order to attract crowds and to be displeased when ignored is most certainly against Ikhlaas. This displeasure means that a person wishes to show off and become famous.
Understand well that in every evil trait such as greed, malice, pride etc. an element of ghair-Ikhtiyari will exist. Isolate that element in the mind, act contrary to its demands, and Insha-Allah, the heart will be graced with Divine proximity .
A story:
A person went to meet a pious Haji. The Haji Saheb, after greeting the visitor, called out to his servant:
“Bring some Zam-Zam in the glass which I bought from Makkah when I went for my fourth Hajj.”
The visitor immediately told the Haji:
“Hadhrat, what could the reason be for you specifying the fourth Hajj other than to impress me. Never mind the fourth Hajj, in my humble opinion your first Hajj has also not been accepted and should be repeated.”
Tears welled the eyes of the Haji. He thanked his friend profusely for alerting him to the sickness of boasting and showing off.
In those days, true wealth was learning about one’s shortcomings and a true friend was one who pointed out the shortcomings.
Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah Rahmatullahi Alayh was once returning home at night. A few students were accompanying him. They passed by an old man who was groaning with pain.
Hadhrat stopped and offered to massage the old man. The old man declined the offer.
Later that night, Hadhrat alone went and found the old man sleeping alone on his bed which was in the veranda.
Gently Hadhrat started massaging his legs. After a little while the old man opened his eyes and saw Hadhrat. He sat up startled.
Hadhrat said: “When I offered to massage you earlier on, you declined my offer. Perhaps you did so because the students were around. Now it is only me and you. Relax.”
As the pious have mentioned:
“Ikhlaas is more difficult than running with a full glass of water without spilling a drop of it.”
Shaytaan let out a secret of his when he confronted Allah Ta’ala. Whilst raging and ranting, he said that only those will be saved from his guile that are sincere.
Sincerity is the Seeraatal-Mustaqeem which we make Du’a for in ever Rak’aat of our Salaah.
May Allah Ta’ala endow us with the Taufeeq to pursue His Pleasure in all our activities.
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The Jum’ah Khutbah (Part Two)
Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
All praises are due unto Allah alone. Durood and Salaams be upon Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam.
Success is often equated with happiness. From individuals to Governments, everyone searches and craves success.
The businessman strives to be successful.
Students yearn to be successful.
Couples wish their marriage to be successful.
Parents want their children to be successful.
Employees expect their workers to be successful.
Ulama, Doctors, Lawyers, Housewives – there simply is no soul that does not desire or crave success!
It would be fair to conclude that the wheels of the World rotate around the axle of success.
Just as there is a false dawn and a true dawn, so is with success.
There is false “feeling” of being successful and there is true success.
So what is true success? Let’s ask Allah the Creator this question: ‘O Allah, who is truly successful”?
The answer appears in the Holy Qur’aan:
“Verily those who make Tazkiyah “(purify themselves) are successful”
Without Tazkiyah there is no success!
Wealth, status, power and knowledge is not the sole criteria for success.
Without Tazkiayah the above will not necessarily bring peace of mind.
The criteria, the benchmark is nothing and nothing but Tazkiyah.
Let’s take the following incident:
A person presented to Hadhrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jialani Rahmatullahi Alayh an exquisitely mirror. So beautiful and fabulous was the mirror that everyone was enthralled and spellbound. Hadhrat himself spontaneously exclaimed “Alahamdulillah!”
He thereafter instructed his servant to store the mirror in his room. As the servant picked up the mirror, he slipped. The mirror fell and broke. Everyone besides Hadhrat was shocked and dismayed. Hadhrat, after a brief moment, again exclaimed: ‘Alhamdulillah!” People were surprised and inquired: “Hadhrat we do understand the ‘Alhamdulillah’ when the mirror was presented to you. However, we do not understand the reason for the ‘Alhmdulillah’ when the mirror broke.”
Hadhrat replied: “When I was presented with the mirror, I saw in its creation the Greatness of Allah. My heart was fasinated with His Qudrat. Thus I praised Allah.
(Note: The Auliya do not praise Allah for His Blessings solely because the Blessings bring joy and pleasure to their Nafs. They praise Allah because they “see” his Qudrat and immense Power in the Ni’mat.)
When the mirror broke, I immediately checked me heart. Was it affected? Was it angry? Was it disturbed? I found my heart to be contented with Allah’s Will! For this blessing of conferring contentment upon my heart, I praised Allah”
Allahu-Akbar! Dear brothers and sisters. This is a man who not only knows what success is but whose every moment if life is filled with success.
This is because he was involved in Tazkiyah. He had purified his heart from greed whilst simultaneously having trained it to be receptive of Allah’s Blessings.
Another incident comes to mind:
A wealthy person presented a huge amount of gold coins as a gift to a Buzrugh. Just before departing he requested the buzrugh to make Du’aa for him that he becomes wealthy. The buzrugh smiled, handed back the gold coins to the wealthy person and said:
“You need this more than me.”
This is called success! This is called freedom!
This is achieved by curbing the animalistic instinct of greed which is inherent in ever human.
Earn with the hands but keep the heart free of want. Think: “I am but a custodian of whatever I have for someone else.”
May Allah Ta’aala assist us all in keeping our hearts free for Him. (Ameen)
Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem 25th Rajab 1431
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The Jum’ah Khutbah
Part One: At-Tazkiyah (Self-Purification)
All praises are due unto Allah and Allah alone. Peace and salutations be upon Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam.
The Amaanah of life is an exhilarating experience to every human soul. Whereas the purpose of a non-Muslim is to squeeze and wring every drop of pleasure, fun, comfort and amusement from life; a Muslim, to the best of his ability uses every experience; nay every breath of his to draw closer to Allah Ta’aala.
A non-Muslim drinks himself drunk when he celebrates his prosperity and joy; a Muslim drinks from the Cup of Shukr thereby submitting his unworthy sinful self to Allah’s Love.
A non-Muslim drinks himself drunk when he is confronted with difficulty and adversity; a Muslim drinks from the Cup of Sabr thereby submitting to Allah’s Infinite Wisdom.
A non-Muslim depends on his plans and schemes to achieve his goals, a Muslim only makes the arrangements but depends on Allah Ta’aala.
In this manner, life for a Muslim is a continuous journey of discovering Allah Ta’aala. Hadhrat Mirza Jan Jana Rahmatullahi Alayh was a great saint. The Shia’s had threatened to assassinate him and their evil plan was about to be hatched. When the dawn broke, Hadhrat was weeping and crying not out of grief but out of sheer joy of anticipating meeting Allah Ta’aala!
That is how a Muslim lives; that is how a Muslim passes away!
The question arises as to how one reaches this stage? There can be a no more difficult trial than death. How is it at all possible for tears of joy to freely flow in the face of the “difficulty” called death? Is it possible for us to reach such a stage?
Insha-Allah, with the Fadl of Allah and the Barakah of our Sheikh Moulana Maseehullah Rahmatullahi Alayh, we will share that branch of our beautiful Deen.
Once weekly, we will, Insha-Allah, impart from the teachings of our seniors, that method of living which brings true happiness and contentment to the heart.
May Allah Ta’aala accept our efforts and grant Barakah.
Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Jum’ah Khutbah: Qurbani
Says Allah, Most High
“And it is not the flesh, nor the blood, which reaches Allah but the Taqwa that reaches Him from you.”
The morning of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah is a very special morning. It is a morning unlike any other morning of the whole year. It is a morning of astronomical proportions. It is a morning which should instil awe into the heart of a Muslim. For this is a morning when a Muslim will sacrifice the life of another creation of Allah for Allah.
Life is sacred. All forms of it. Souls differ. The soul of a human is different to that of animals. That is why a human is not expected to behave like an animal. The souls of human also differ from one another. That is why a man is not expected to behave like a woman. Despite the differences some things are common. Like sanctity.
Sanctity also differs. An animal slaughtered on other days does not enjoy the same sanctity as an animal slaughtered for Qurbani. The animal slaughtered for Qurbani is a treasure of Taqwa to the soul of a Muslim.
Taqwa consists of five things:
1) Taqwa in intention: Allah’s Command shall be carried out with joy and enthusiasm! Nay, Allah’s command, even before being carried out, is received with ecstasy and jubilation. Qurbani days are here! A Muslim bows happily to Allah’s Will. His intention is filled with humility and hope. A Muslim Loves his Allah. A Muslim knows his Allah. A Muslim adores his Allah. Is that not the purpose of his life?
And why not? Has Allah not blessed him with Imaan? Has Allah Ta’ala not honoured him with Imaan? Now his Allah calls. Now his Allah commands: “Slaughter and take a life for My Pleasure. Do it for Me.” Do it with love. Do it with fear. Do it with humility. It’s not the flesh that counts. It’s not the blood that counts. It’s your heart that counts. It’s Taqwa that counts. And the roots of Taqwa lie in an environment of Taqwa.
2) Taqwa in the environment: A corrupt environment breeds a corrupt mentality. A corrupt environment fosters evil habits. A corrupt environment is Shaytaan’s playground. A corrupt environment increases the evil power of the Nafs.
The environment for Qurbani should be filled with holiness and piety. It should be devoid of intermingling between males and females. Qurbani is not an occasion like the Spanish “bull run” or a festival like “the July Handicap.” There are no fun features in Qurbaani. There is no spectatorship value. Qurbani is not a fashion parade for women. Qurbani is not macho-time for men. Qurbani is Taqwa; just as Taqwa is Qurbani. Let the environment be free from immodesty, raucous laughter, flirting, videoing, music, bragging and boasting. The occasion is solemn – a life is going to be sacrificed – not for the sake of meat or a meal but for Allah’s Pleasure. And just as Allah Ta`ala listens to the intention in the hearts for whispers of Taqwa, just as Allah watches the environment for scenes of Taqwa, He watches if the animal is what He wants.
3) Taqwa with regards to the animal: Allah Ta’ala watches if the animal is worthy of His Choice. There are specifications to the type of animals. There are age restrictions. Allah’s chosen animal should not be blind, or deaf or paralysed. Allah’s chosen animal should be comforted and not be frightened. Allah’s chosen animal should be treated with compassion and kindness. Allah’s chosen animal should not be brutalised and stunned Sanha-style. Allah’s animal should be made to face the direction of the House of Allah and not the direction of convenience chosen by Kuffaar companies. The Qibla – on the compass of millions of restless Muslim hearts, how could it ever be ignored?
In a certain way, animals know Allah much better than humans. Deep down, that animal knows it is to be sacrificed. And if it we could hear it’s last speech, we would understand that its last wish is to take its last breath facing the City of Allah, facing the House of Allah. And why not, after all, is it not going to be slaughtered in Allah’s Name?
4) Taqwa in slaughtering: The slaughterer’s Taqwa commenced maybe some months ago when he started saving for his Qurbani. His Taqwa was given practical expression when he searched for his animal. His appearance re-enforced his Taqwa when he stopped pairing his nails and stopped cutting his hair. His appearance is shabby perhaps to the creation, but in the Sight of Allah, he is most handsome and adorable.
He steps forward with sleeves rolled-up and with a heart beating. In front of him for a fleeting moment flashes a scene from another time. A time when a man was commanded to slaughter his only one son. A time when a man took a sharp knife in his hands and stepped forth to this blindfolded son. A time when a man firmly took hold of the throat of this only son. A time when a man with a firm heart and a firm belief and with all the strength of a Nabi’s blessed powerful Taqwa filled hands abided to His Friend – Allah’s – Commands. O Ebrahim alayhi Salaam! May Allah have Mercy and forever send His peace upon you. What a worthy and spiritual grandfather you were to us! Worthy you are indeed of your name to be taken in every two rakaat Salaah four times by every Muslim in every corner of the world!
The slaughterer not only slaughters the animal. The slaughterer seeks the innocence of that animal. He does so by slaughtering his Nafs. The blood gushes forth from the animal, purifying it. The Nafsaani evil “gushes” forth from the slaughterer’s Nafs. He is also, according to his intention, purified. His was a Qurbani of Taqwa. He has passed a test. Ibrahim alayhi Salaam was rewarded. This simple bondsman will also be rewarded.
5) The rewards of passing the test: Know well, O friends that with every good act, virtuous feat and deed of Ibaadah, comes both material and spiritual rewards. Know well too, that the material rewards are not restricted to the worldly life. When we sin, we pay if there is no remorse or regret. When we are obedient, we reap reams of Allah’s Mercy in the form of peace of mind and tranquillity.
Qurbani was made. The meat is Halaal. Eat and enjoy this Ni’mat of Allah. Qurbani was made and the soul soars to a higher level where it will now dwell and enjoy the Divine Presence. Spiritually a person is fortified to meet the challenges of Shaytaan and the Nafs.
As for rewards in the hereafter, for every hair or fibre of wool a reward, Insha-Allah is assured. The hooves shall be weighed by the Scales; the horns shall be weighed by the Scales. What joy will there not be at the dipping Scales and what radiance will there not be glowing from the face!
Even as the slaughterer casts a last glance at his shuddering dying Qurbani animal, he leaves it with hope in his heart. For he knows as only a Muslim can know that it is not the last time he has seen this animal. There remains one final meeting; a meeting of tremendous significance and great importance.
In order to enter Jannah, a Muslim has to cross a Bridge which spans Jahannam. The journey across this Bridge will take fifteen thousand years. This Bridge is thinner than a hair and sharper than a blade.
It is at this decisive Bridge where a Muslim will see his Qurbani animal awaiting him. How great will his joy not be when he mounts his Qurbani animal which will speed over Jahannam and deposit him at the Gates of Jannah!
May Allah accept the Qurbani of the entire Ummah and may our Qurbaani be a means of Taqwa. (Ameen)
The above may appear to be like fairy tales to those with weak imaan, consult with your local Ulama and Insha-Allah they will also inform you what Islam teaches us.
