Supplication for Anxiety and Grief

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

Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas'ud said:

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

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

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

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

The du'a is:

اَللّهُمَّ إنِّيْ عَبْدُكَ وَابْنُ عَبْدِكَ وَابْنُ أمَتِكَ نَاصِيَتِيْ بِيَدِكَ مَاضٍ فِيَّ

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

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

عِلْمِ الْغَيْبِ عِنْدَكَ أنْ تَجْعَلَ الْقُرْآنَ رَبِيْعَ قَلْبِيْ وَنُوْرَ صَدْرِيْ

وَجِلَاءَ حُزْنِيْ وَذَهَابَ هَمِّيْ

Translation:

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

Spirometry Dhikr

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May Allah give us to remember Him abundantly.

What is That?

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

Allah says:

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

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

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

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

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

Please find the attached clip which denotes this story

Dua for life threatening illnesses

Once my respected teacher, Shaykh Imran Ibn Adam mentioned:

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

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

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

‏

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

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

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

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

Remembering the Beloved sallallahu alayhi wa sallam

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

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem,

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

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

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

1 - Jamal (beauty)

2 - Kamal (excellence)

3 - Nawal (generosity)

Jamal

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

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

Kamal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The lover obeys the one who he loves

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

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

The fourth duty is to honour him and respect him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Event

YOU DO THE MATHS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guarding The Tongue!

Lesson by Shaykh Imran bin Adam on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Someone once said:

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

Is that not very applicable to each of us?!

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

Appreciate!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

...And remember:

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

So thank Him.

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

Importance of Halal, by Shaykh Imran bin Adam

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

Below is one verse amongst many with its interpretation.

Verse 1

يا ايها الرسل كلوا من الطيبت واعملواصلحا اني بما تعملون عليم

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

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

يا ايها الرسل
O Messengers!

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

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

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam once said:

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

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

Allah also says:

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

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


كلوا من الطيبت
Eat of the good things.

‘Tayyibat’ literally means clean and pure.

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

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

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

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

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

واعملواصلحا
And work righteous deeds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TAZKIYAH by Shaykh Muhammad Imran

TAZKIYAH

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

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

Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Qur'an:

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

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

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

Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Qur'an

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

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

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

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

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

Spiritual Retreat - Leicester

PEARLS OF WISDOM

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

Whoever follows patience, success will follow him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Programme

Spiritual Halaqah / Radio Programme

My respected teacher gave a talk

CONDEMNATION OF PRIDE AND ARROGANCE

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

Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala states:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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