Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Thursday, 20 September 2007
Dua at the time of Iftar
“And when My servants ask you about Me, of course, I am near. I respond to the call of one when he prays to Me; so they should respond to Me, and have faith in Me so that they may be on the right path”. (2:186)
The previous verses mentioned the merits and injunctions concerning fasting and Ramadan. This strain continues even after the present verse. In between, this brief verse has been introduced to persuade servants of Allah to pray before Allah.
Ibn Kathir has pointed out that this verse appearing in the middle of injunctions of fasting is a hint that prayer (dua) made at the completion of a fast is accepted, therefore, one should be very particular about making dua at that time. In a Hadith it has been mentioned,
The previous verses mentioned the merits and injunctions concerning fasting and Ramadan. This strain continues even after the present verse. In between, this brief verse has been introduced to persuade servants of Allah to pray before Allah.
Ibn Kathir has pointed out that this verse appearing in the middle of injunctions of fasting is a hint that prayer (dua) made at the completion of a fast is accepted, therefore, one should be very particular about making dua at that time. In a Hadith it has been mentioned,
للصائم عند فطره دعوة مستجابة
“ The prayer made by one who is fasting at the time of his iftar is accepted".
This is why the blessed Companion, Abdullah ibn Umar would assemble his family members around him at the time of iftar and would make dua.
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
The Human Self (Nafs)
Within our body there is our Nafs (self). Allamah Alusee (ra) mentions regarding Nafs: “the nafs (self) by its nature is very inclined to passions (shahwaat)”.
There is well known story of Abu Yazid Bustami (ra). When he saw Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala in a dream, he asked Him: “How can I find the way to you?” Allah said: “Abandon yourself and come!” Thus all good lies in waging total war against the Nafs (self) under all circumstances.
The Qur’an also tells us about the inclinations of human soul that have direct bearing on the levels of development.
One is the inclination towards doing wrong and evil deeds, termed as Nafs-i-Ammarah (12:53).
The other is towards realization and repentance i.e. to realize immediately if one does something wrong, that what he has done is termed as Nafs-i-Lowwamah (75:2).
The third is towards doing good and righteous deeds, termed as Nafs-i-Mutmainnah (89:27)
In a Hadith in which the Holy Prophet Sallalahu Alaihe Wasallam has been reported to have asked the Sahahbah Radiallahu Anhum: What do you think about a companion who, if you treat him nicely, feed him, clothe him, still he would throw you in all sorts of troubles, and if you insult him, and keep him hungry and naked, he would do what is good for you? The Sahabah said: Ya Rasulullah, there just cannot be a companion worse than him in this whole world! He said: By Him in whose hands rest my life, your self inside you is such a companion. (al-Qurtubi) and it appears in another Hadith: Your greatest enemy is your own self which not only disgraces you by getting you involved in evil deeds, but also makes you run into all sorts of troubles.
However, the aforementioned Verses and Ahadith narrations tells us, that human self does usually demand the taming of what is bad from us.
To explain, it can be said that the human self when on its own does incite to evil deeds is called Ammarah (it directs its owner towards every wrong action). But, when one does not follow its passions because of the fear of Allah, his or her self becomes Lawwamah (the self, which is conscious of its own imperfections and blames its own wrong doings and evil deeds, and repents from them and seeks forgiveness). When someone keeps striving hard against passions of his or her self, and brings it to a state where the very urge to commit evil deeds does not remain there anymore, then, that self becomes what is called Mutma’innah (the self at peace). Righteous people can be at this state through spiritual strivings.
Hadhrat Shaykh Maulana Anver Shah Saheb writes: “the self of a human is first absorbed in passions and futile things, never inclining to virtue or good deeds, such self is called Ammarah. Then, somewhat it come to senses and understood good and bad, and so desisted; sometimes in heedlessness ran on his or her original habit where after sense touched him or her and began to rebuke him or her self, such a self is called reproachful- Lawwamah. Then when it completely becomes purified and the inclination of self, remains on virtue, it starts to flee from absurd action by itself, and feel pain at the very thought of committing evil, this self becomes peaceful – Mutmainnah”.
In order to attain the desirable level of development, Nafs lawwamah and Nafs Mutmainnah have to be activated and Nafs Ammarah has to be suppressed or controlled to a desirable extent if not to be completely suppressed.
There is well known story of Abu Yazid Bustami (ra). When he saw Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala in a dream, he asked Him: “How can I find the way to you?” Allah said: “Abandon yourself and come!” Thus all good lies in waging total war against the Nafs (self) under all circumstances.
The Qur’an also tells us about the inclinations of human soul that have direct bearing on the levels of development.
One is the inclination towards doing wrong and evil deeds, termed as Nafs-i-Ammarah (12:53).
The other is towards realization and repentance i.e. to realize immediately if one does something wrong, that what he has done is termed as Nafs-i-Lowwamah (75:2).
The third is towards doing good and righteous deeds, termed as Nafs-i-Mutmainnah (89:27)
In a Hadith in which the Holy Prophet Sallalahu Alaihe Wasallam has been reported to have asked the Sahahbah Radiallahu Anhum: What do you think about a companion who, if you treat him nicely, feed him, clothe him, still he would throw you in all sorts of troubles, and if you insult him, and keep him hungry and naked, he would do what is good for you? The Sahabah said: Ya Rasulullah, there just cannot be a companion worse than him in this whole world! He said: By Him in whose hands rest my life, your self inside you is such a companion. (al-Qurtubi) and it appears in another Hadith: Your greatest enemy is your own self which not only disgraces you by getting you involved in evil deeds, but also makes you run into all sorts of troubles.
However, the aforementioned Verses and Ahadith narrations tells us, that human self does usually demand the taming of what is bad from us.
To explain, it can be said that the human self when on its own does incite to evil deeds is called Ammarah (it directs its owner towards every wrong action). But, when one does not follow its passions because of the fear of Allah, his or her self becomes Lawwamah (the self, which is conscious of its own imperfections and blames its own wrong doings and evil deeds, and repents from them and seeks forgiveness). When someone keeps striving hard against passions of his or her self, and brings it to a state where the very urge to commit evil deeds does not remain there anymore, then, that self becomes what is called Mutma’innah (the self at peace). Righteous people can be at this state through spiritual strivings.
Hadhrat Shaykh Maulana Anver Shah Saheb writes: “the self of a human is first absorbed in passions and futile things, never inclining to virtue or good deeds, such self is called Ammarah. Then, somewhat it come to senses and understood good and bad, and so desisted; sometimes in heedlessness ran on his or her original habit where after sense touched him or her and began to rebuke him or her self, such a self is called reproachful- Lawwamah. Then when it completely becomes purified and the inclination of self, remains on virtue, it starts to flee from absurd action by itself, and feel pain at the very thought of committing evil, this self becomes peaceful – Mutmainnah”.
In order to attain the desirable level of development, Nafs lawwamah and Nafs Mutmainnah have to be activated and Nafs Ammarah has to be suppressed or controlled to a desirable extent if not to be completely suppressed.
A person would repent over whatever wrong he does and vow not to do any wrong again only when his Nafs Lawwamah is activated and Nafs Ammarah is suppressed or controlled.
Repentance in this context involves two things. One is the activation of Nafs Lawwamah because the person realizes his fault or mistake and rebukes him or her self for it. The other is the suppression of Nafs Ammarah because repentance involves not merely the expression of regret over the wrong done but also firm determination of not doing any wrong again which implies nothing but suppression of Nafs Ammarah. Repentance without solemnly undertaking not to repeat any wrong cannot be treated as repentance. Likewise, a person is impelled to do righteous deeds only when his Nafs Mutmainnah is activated.
In other words, Nafs Ammarah has to be controlled to avoid the commission of major sins at least if it is not possible to avoid the commission of all the sins. The Qur’an treats the persons avoiding the worst of sins, if not all the sins, as being rightly guided (42:37).
Repentance in this context involves two things. One is the activation of Nafs Lawwamah because the person realizes his fault or mistake and rebukes him or her self for it. The other is the suppression of Nafs Ammarah because repentance involves not merely the expression of regret over the wrong done but also firm determination of not doing any wrong again which implies nothing but suppression of Nafs Ammarah. Repentance without solemnly undertaking not to repeat any wrong cannot be treated as repentance. Likewise, a person is impelled to do righteous deeds only when his Nafs Mutmainnah is activated.
In other words, Nafs Ammarah has to be controlled to avoid the commission of major sins at least if it is not possible to avoid the commission of all the sins. The Qur’an treats the persons avoiding the worst of sins, if not all the sins, as being rightly guided (42:37).
The use of appropriate method coupled with guidance and the fear of Allah on the one hand and firm faith in the Mercy and Magnanimity of Allah, on the other, could be of great help in activating Nafs Lawwamah and Nafs Mutmainnah. (Insha-Allah)
With will, fire becomes sweet water;
and without will, even water becomes fire. (Mathnawi)
By: my respected teacher hafezahullah.......
With will, fire becomes sweet water;
and without will, even water becomes fire. (Mathnawi)
By: my respected teacher hafezahullah.......
A company of the pious
A Musalee (one who goes to a Mosque) wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to Mosque. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 Lectures. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the Imams are wasting theirs by giving Lectures at all." This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher, I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to Mosque for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today.
By: my respected teacher hafezahullah.......
Thursday, 13 September 2007
Week 4 and 5
HADITH:
"Moderation in spending is half of one's sustenance, friendliness towards people is half of one's intelligence, and asking good questions is half of one's knowledge" (Bayhaqi, Shu'ab al-Iman)
DID YOU KNOW:
There were ten companions promised Paradise by the prophet Muhammed 9sallahu alaihi wassalam) during their lifetimes. These were: Abu bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Talha, Az-Zubayr, Abdur-Rahman bin Awf, Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqas, Sa'id bin Zayd and Abu Ubayda Ibn al-Jarrah.
TARGET:
Try to enjoin the good in people.
"Moderation in spending is half of one's sustenance, friendliness towards people is half of one's intelligence, and asking good questions is half of one's knowledge" (Bayhaqi, Shu'ab al-Iman)
DID YOU KNOW:
There were ten companions promised Paradise by the prophet Muhammed 9sallahu alaihi wassalam) during their lifetimes. These were: Abu bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Talha, Az-Zubayr, Abdur-Rahman bin Awf, Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqas, Sa'id bin Zayd and Abu Ubayda Ibn al-Jarrah.
TARGET:
Try to enjoin the good in people.
Poetry
COME, BEGGARS
Come, beggars
sit with open hands
at the gate
of nothingness
God will bring bread
without the mdium
of bread
sweetness
without honey or bee
when past and future
dissolve
there is only you
senseless as a lute
upon the breast of God
Come, beggars
sit with open hands
at the gate
of nothingness
God will bring bread
without the mdium
of bread
sweetness
without honey or bee
when past and future
dissolve
there is only you
senseless as a lute
upon the breast of God
(Rumi)
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Seeker of Knowledge...Mehnat(EFFORT)
We should put in full concentration and work extremely hard to acquire this ILM. Remember we did not come here by ourselves, but Allah has chosen us and brought us here. So to be accepted he looks at, how much effort we put in, how hard we try, how much we sacrifice and according to that we will be rewarded.
Three points to bring into practice:
*Motala (going over the next day's lesson)
*Sabak (to learn what was taught on that day)
*Iyadah (To go over and revise the previous day's lesson)
"Work-hard day and night, surely you will gain success"
Week 3
HADITH:
One who repents from sin is like one who has no sin (ibn Maja, Tabarani, Al-Mujam al kabir)
DID YOU KNOW:
The "Pliny of the Arabs" Al-Masudi (d 957 A.D) described an earthquake, and the first windmill in his celebrated work "The Meadows of Gold".
TARGET:
Constantly ask for forgiveness Inshallah it will be beneficial.
One who repents from sin is like one who has no sin (ibn Maja, Tabarani, Al-Mujam al kabir)
DID YOU KNOW:
The "Pliny of the Arabs" Al-Masudi (d 957 A.D) described an earthquake, and the first windmill in his celebrated work "The Meadows of Gold".
TARGET:
Constantly ask for forgiveness Inshallah it will be beneficial.
Sunday, 19 August 2007
Week 2
HADITH:
"The Quran will either be evidence for you or against you" (Muslim)
DID YOU KNOW:
The first observatory in Europe, Giralda or "The Tower of Seville", was built in 1190 C.E, in the Spanish town of Seville under the supervision of the celebrated Mathematician, Jabir Ibn Afiah.
TARGET:
Start reciting a few verses of the Glorious Quran and gradually increase it. Insh'Allah it will benefit us.
"The Quran will either be evidence for you or against you" (Muslim)
DID YOU KNOW:
The first observatory in Europe, Giralda or "The Tower of Seville", was built in 1190 C.E, in the Spanish town of Seville under the supervision of the celebrated Mathematician, Jabir Ibn Afiah.
TARGET:
Start reciting a few verses of the Glorious Quran and gradually increase it. Insh'Allah it will benefit us.
Seeker of Knowledge...Ikhlaas (Sincerity)
Talib-e-Ilm what is our aim?
Whilst we are studing this Ilm we must always ponder over our intentions and rectify them.
We are not here to gain worldly pleasure,
Whilst we are studing this Ilm we must always ponder over our intentions and rectify them.
We are not here to gain worldly pleasure,
We are here to gain:
1. Marifat (Recognition of Allah)
2. Islah (Rectification of ourselves)
3. To convey the true message.
Remember:
"If you run after the world the world will run away from you, If you run towards Allah the world will come running towards you"
Tuesday, 14 August 2007
Week 1
HADITH:
"Backbiting is worse than unlawful intercourse" (bayhaqi, Shu'ab al-iman)
DID YOU KNOW:
In the year 980 Abu'l Wafa al Buzjani (a.k.a Abu'l Wefa) [940, d. Baghdad (iraq), July 15,998] introduces the tangent ratio to Arabic mathematics and further develops spherical trigonometry.
TARGET:
Stay away for back-biting, and from those who back-bite. Insha'Allah
"Backbiting is worse than unlawful intercourse" (bayhaqi, Shu'ab al-iman)
DID YOU KNOW:
In the year 980 Abu'l Wafa al Buzjani (a.k.a Abu'l Wefa) [940, d. Baghdad (iraq), July 15,998] introduces the tangent ratio to Arabic mathematics and further develops spherical trigonometry.
TARGET:
Stay away for back-biting, and from those who back-bite. Insha'Allah
Hadith/Target/Did you know
"When asked what deeds were the most beloved by Allah, the prophet Muhammed sallahu alaihi wassalam replied, "The most regular, constant deeds even though they may be a few". He added, "Take upon yourselves only those deeds which are within your ability." (bukhari)
As most of us may be aware what this hadith is saying. That those deeds, which are regular are most beloved to Allah. We all tried to act upon this hadith, with the help of a weekly hadith, target and did you know. I hope and pray that we all tried our utmost best to bring those hadiths in our lives and act upon them persistently.
Also as you can see the 2nd part of the hadith which mentions, only try to act upon those deeds that you are capable of. It can get difficult improving ourselves in deen, whilst we work and study. So insha'Allah for those that work, go university, college and even those seekers of knowledge (talib-e-ilm), i will carry on quoting a weekly Hadith, Target and a Did you know. In this method insha'Allah, we can put a new target and hadith into practice every week and increase our knowledge whether it be just a little amount, as long as we keep it persistent.
May Allah accept our efforts.
As most of us may be aware what this hadith is saying. That those deeds, which are regular are most beloved to Allah. We all tried to act upon this hadith, with the help of a weekly hadith, target and did you know. I hope and pray that we all tried our utmost best to bring those hadiths in our lives and act upon them persistently.
Also as you can see the 2nd part of the hadith which mentions, only try to act upon those deeds that you are capable of. It can get difficult improving ourselves in deen, whilst we work and study. So insha'Allah for those that work, go university, college and even those seekers of knowledge (talib-e-ilm), i will carry on quoting a weekly Hadith, Target and a Did you know. In this method insha'Allah, we can put a new target and hadith into practice every week and increase our knowledge whether it be just a little amount, as long as we keep it persistent.
May Allah accept our efforts.
Friday, 15 June 2007
June Week 20
HADITH:
"The Miswaak(a natural tooth-brush from the twigs of an Arak tree) purifies the mouth and pleases the Lord" (Bukhari without a chain [Ta'liqan]. Nasa'i. Darami).
DID YOU KNOW:
Wednesday is the day in which light was created and it is a day injurious to the ways of the disbeliever, though it is a providential day for the believer.
TARGET:
InshAllah start using the mis-waak try and make it a habit.
"The Miswaak(a natural tooth-brush from the twigs of an Arak tree) purifies the mouth and pleases the Lord" (Bukhari without a chain [Ta'liqan]. Nasa'i. Darami).
DID YOU KNOW:
Wednesday is the day in which light was created and it is a day injurious to the ways of the disbeliever, though it is a providential day for the believer.
TARGET:
InshAllah start using the mis-waak try and make it a habit.
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
Wudhu (Ablution)
On the previous Wednesday my respected teacher elaborated on the topic wudhu and mentioned three prayers essential whilst making wudhu (ablution):
To take the name of Allah subhana watala before doing any action.
It is sunnat to Pray "bismillah" before washing each part (a'adha) of the body in wudhu.
To take the name of Allah subhana watala before doing any action.
"Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem"
1. An action done without Allah subhana watala's glorious name is incomplete, even though it may seem to be complete, it will not have the barakah in it. There are certain things that become haram, if done without taking Allah's name e.g slaughtering an animal. It is not permissible for a Muslim to eat the meat of an animal, which has not been slaughtered with Allah's name.
It is sunnat to Pray "bismillah" before washing each part (a'adha) of the body in wudhu.
2. AFTER WUDHU
"Ashadu-laa-ilaa-ha-ilal-laahu-wahdahu-laashareeka-lahu wa-ashhadu-anna-muhammadan-abduhu-warasoo-luhu"
I testify that there is no god (worthy of worship) but Allah. He is one by himself. There is no partner in Him and i testify that Muhammad (Sallahu alaihi wassalam) is his servant and his messenger.
After that recite the following prayer:
"Allahuma-ajalanee-minat-tawaa-beena-waja-al-nee-minal-muta-tahireen"
O Allah, make me of those who turn to you and repent much and make me of those who stay very clean and very pure.
In this prayer, firstly we ask Allah subhana watala to make us, from those who ask for forgiveness. This will purify our inner self and then we ask to be from those who keep themselves clean and pure from the outside. This dua also shows that it is giving priority to our inner-self and to be pure from the inside is extremely important.
May Allah give us the ability to act upon these prayers Ameen.
Week 19
HADITH:
"The one who initiates the salaam is free of pride" (Bayhaqi, Shu'ab al iman)
DID YOU KNOW:
Al-Amide (d. 1314 C.E) a Syrian who was blind from childhood, developed a tactile system of reading by hand later developed by and popularised by Louis Braille, 500 years earlier.
TARGET:
InshAllah- try and make salaam to very Muslim you go past.
"The one who initiates the salaam is free of pride" (Bayhaqi, Shu'ab al iman)
DID YOU KNOW:
Al-Amide (d. 1314 C.E) a Syrian who was blind from childhood, developed a tactile system of reading by hand later developed by and popularised by Louis Braille, 500 years earlier.
TARGET:
InshAllah- try and make salaam to very Muslim you go past.
Tuesday, 1 May 2007
Seeker of knowledge ...(ILM)
ILM
(Knowledge)
(It maybe divided into two categories)
(Knowledge)
(It maybe divided into two categories)
1. NUR-e- NABUWAT (light of Islam)
2. ILM-e- NABUWAT (knowledge of Islam)
NUR-e-NABUWAT:
This will only be attained if one has complete, Love and obedience towards the 'Ilm, teachers, books, equipment used for gaining the Islamic Sciences. One who acts upon, what he/she has learnt will be blessed with Nur-e-Nabuwat. By gaining this one has achieved the true meaning of knowledge and Allah سبحانه و تعالى will surely elevate him/her.
ILM-e-NABUWAT:
Remember, a person who is talented can gain the knowledge (ilm-e-nabuwat) but lack the Nur (divine light) of the knowledge because he/she did not have love for the knowledge and did not act upon it, nor he had respect of it. This 'Ilm will be useless to him/her and it may be detrimental for him/her.
Therefore we need to acquire both, ILM-e-NABUWAT which is attained by effort, and NUR-e-NABUWAT is gained by sitting in the company of the pious scholars.
Appreciation
Respected teacher reminds us a few points regarding appreciation, It is essential in one's life to be thankful to Allah سبحانه و تعالى as this will increase that blessing for us.
*The most valuable gift is to have Imaan, we must do Shukr (be thankful) to Allah سبحانه و تعالى for giving us this amazing gift.
*One of the greatest ways of appreciating and being thankful about the gift of Imaan, is to act upon all the good deeds. By undertaking this Allah سبحانه و تعالى will increase us in our IMAAN... InshaAllah.
*Most honoured teacher always mentions, that Shaytaan's mission is to penetrate in one's heart and he will do anything to do so, but remember keeping "our lips and tongue wet" by uttering the Glorious names of Allah will save us from shaytaan's evil thoughts.
"Allah is the friend of the believers, he takes them out from the darkenesses to light"
*The most valuable gift is to have Imaan, we must do Shukr (be thankful) to Allah سبحانه و تعالى for giving us this amazing gift.
*One of the greatest ways of appreciating and being thankful about the gift of Imaan, is to act upon all the good deeds. By undertaking this Allah سبحانه و تعالى will increase us in our IMAAN... InshaAllah.
*Most honoured teacher always mentions, that Shaytaan's mission is to penetrate in one's heart and he will do anything to do so, but remember keeping "our lips and tongue wet" by uttering the Glorious names of Allah will save us from shaytaan's evil thoughts.
"Allah is the friend of the believers, he takes them out from the darkenesses to light"
(quran 2:257)
Respected teacher says:
"It's up to you, to keep the friendship of Allah or to break it."
May Allah give me the Tawfique to act upon what has been said by respected and us all. Any mistakes are truly made unintentionally.
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