Maulana Bilalishah Zuhoori speech on Tamilan T.V
Published in Muslim Murasu, October 2011
The shop that is widely accepted by customers will do good business. If your amal (good deeds) are accepted by God then your position and rank will improve. The moment your amal are approved by God, they will increase and improve.
Any injury to eyes will cause them to become red. It does not mean there is good blood flow and they are in healthy condition. It indicates of impairment and injury. Some people are obese. We cannot think they are physically strong. They have unwanted fat and cholesterol.
People who do lot of amal are not necessarily noble in the eyes of God. Shaitan was leader in amal and he prayed everywhere in paradise, earth and sky. There is no place where he did not do Sajda.
Ilm, knowledge that imparts nobility and piety is important. Once people asked Prophet which is good deed. Prophet told the knowledge that finds Allah. They asked about deed. But Prophet repeatedly answered the same.
Amal won’t be helpful if the perspective is not proper and pious. I am not suggesting to leave amal. Do amal round the clock. Namaz is for remembering God. Remember God even when Namaz is over, praise Him in all postures and in all circumstances.
Zohar Namaz comprises four rakaath. This is common for Prophet, His Companions, people of this era, Imam, Auliya, Kuthubul Aktab, and Jaahil. No one has the permission for fifth rakaath. But the way each of them get near to God is different in these four rakaath. Deed is same but result is different for Prophet, Imam, Aalim and plebeian.
Ilm, right knowledge will make you loftier. Even if it means to travel far, pursue and attain knowledge. Don’t back down in this pursuit.
When wife is sick, husband admits her in the hospital. Then he comes home and relaxes. Hardships in hospital are not very huge. But turmoils in grave (Kabr) are unimaginable. You are burying your relative and sleeping peacefully. Can you imagine the pains there? How can you sleep with those thoughts. A loving son or a husband won’t sleep indifferently. You have cheated your family, you have betrayed them.
You acted like a friend, a son or a dear one. You faked intimate relation. That’s how you are able to sleep without care.
If you are a good person, you will feel restless even if they are having good life there. You will cry all night and pray for their well being. You are a caring person if you show your love even after they are in grave. Otherwise you are a fake person.
Prophet said, “My Ummath (people) go through terrible punishments in their graves”. I see their pain. I hear them cry. If you see what they go through you will not bury anyone. You will fear the result and leave the body to rot and cause disrespect to them. Prophet seldom laughed in his life. He will only smile. How can he laugh after seeing what is happening in grave. He prayed in the nights. He will stand and pray till his legs get swollen. Even when he was in deathbed, he prayed Allah relentlessly to make death less painful for his ummath.
Even when he was harassed and stones were hurled at him in Taif, he restrained from praying for their destruction. He hoped their children will embrace Islam. Even those who were ready to get him killed for just 100 camels later became his dear friends. I don’t mind the way these people harass and torture me. I am crying for the punishments they will meet in their graves for not accepting Tawheed (God’s Oneness). I am not concerned that they beat me.
When we go to graveyard, we will be reminded of these thoughts. It will turn our attention to cruelty in death.
October 27, 2011
October 25, 2011
Nihmath, God's Favor - Explanation
Maulana Syed Muhammad Razaulhaq Aleemisha Aamiri speech
Muslim Murasu, October 2011
I am wearing a ten gram gold ring in my finger. It is not the weight of the ring. The weight belongs only to the gold. Ring does not have any weight on its own. But we will tell as ten gram ring.
“Va akeemul vazna bil kisthi valaa thukhsirul meezaan” – Surah Rahman, 55th Surah, verse 9.
Weight belongs to the original material. It does not denote the appearance. Pay proper regard to originality and appearance. Give correct value to the gold and to the ring. Don’t mistake one for the other.
When a human being helps another person, he will share or part away what he owns. This is the ehsaan (help) that a man can do. We can help with education, dress and food. When Allah helps a man, He gives from Himself. He has scattered His Divinity in this world that is pleasing and appealing to us and from within us, He creates desires and needs to consume them. And so God questions us – “Which of the favors of your Lord that you will deny?”.
It is man’s ignorance that he calls some materials as worthier than others. Materials of significance and insignificance, these are opportunistic terminologies. Truth is, gold is a favor from God and so is mud. God’s blessing that is found in gold is found also in mud to the same extent. We thank God if we get gold. Wife, bungalow, children and money, these are not the only blessings on earth. It is the same One who created gold and mud. To our eyes some things are glittering and attractive while others are uninteresting. But in God’s view, everything has a value. His blessing pervades everything. You don’t have any right to debase any of His favor.
“He created man from sounding clay”- verse 14. Jinns were created out of fire. It has the property to go upward. Proudful, arrogant behavior is inherent. Shaitan displayed proud and arrogant behavior. True servants of God won’t be arrogant or feel proud. One day someone will wash your body and you will lie helpless. Have that in your mind.
“Lord of the two easts and Lord of the two wests”. Sun rises in the east and sets in the west. But here ain (two) is referred. People know one east and one west. But Quran points out to two easts and two wests.
“He has let free the two bodies of flowing water, meeting together” – verse 19. Bahrain – two seas. They don’t just meet. They flow together. Meeting is different, traveling together is different. Two seas – one is God and another is man. Yanthakhiyan. Man meets God and God meets man. Between them is a barrier which they do not transgress. They don’t cross their boundaries. God won’t become man and man can’t become God.
Pearls and Coral come from both the seas. Zaath, Sifath, Afwaal, Asaar, both God and human beings possess these four qualities. Everything on earth will perish (faani).
One who prays is Musalli, one who is dead is Mayyath, one who rejects is Kaafir, one who has faith is Moomin. These words do not point to future. Only God’s presence will last for ever. “Kullu man alaiha faani”. Everything on it will perish. Here faani does not refer to future. They are already uncertain and destructible. What is eternal is only God’s Presence, His Majesty, His Favors. “Vajhu Rabbika”. God’s Mercy is eternal.
One should not give discourse without attaining a certain haal (state of mind). It will be a sin. Prophet has said that Quran has an outward facet and an inner facet. It is Rahman (Most Gracious) who has taught Quran. Seek Rahman inside Quran. Strive to know and understand Quran.
Muslim Murasu, October 2011
I am wearing a ten gram gold ring in my finger. It is not the weight of the ring. The weight belongs only to the gold. Ring does not have any weight on its own. But we will tell as ten gram ring.
“Va akeemul vazna bil kisthi valaa thukhsirul meezaan” – Surah Rahman, 55th Surah, verse 9.
Weight belongs to the original material. It does not denote the appearance. Pay proper regard to originality and appearance. Give correct value to the gold and to the ring. Don’t mistake one for the other.
When a human being helps another person, he will share or part away what he owns. This is the ehsaan (help) that a man can do. We can help with education, dress and food. When Allah helps a man, He gives from Himself. He has scattered His Divinity in this world that is pleasing and appealing to us and from within us, He creates desires and needs to consume them. And so God questions us – “Which of the favors of your Lord that you will deny?”.
It is man’s ignorance that he calls some materials as worthier than others. Materials of significance and insignificance, these are opportunistic terminologies. Truth is, gold is a favor from God and so is mud. God’s blessing that is found in gold is found also in mud to the same extent. We thank God if we get gold. Wife, bungalow, children and money, these are not the only blessings on earth. It is the same One who created gold and mud. To our eyes some things are glittering and attractive while others are uninteresting. But in God’s view, everything has a value. His blessing pervades everything. You don’t have any right to debase any of His favor.
“He created man from sounding clay”- verse 14. Jinns were created out of fire. It has the property to go upward. Proudful, arrogant behavior is inherent. Shaitan displayed proud and arrogant behavior. True servants of God won’t be arrogant or feel proud. One day someone will wash your body and you will lie helpless. Have that in your mind.
“Lord of the two easts and Lord of the two wests”. Sun rises in the east and sets in the west. But here ain (two) is referred. People know one east and one west. But Quran points out to two easts and two wests.
“He has let free the two bodies of flowing water, meeting together” – verse 19. Bahrain – two seas. They don’t just meet. They flow together. Meeting is different, traveling together is different. Two seas – one is God and another is man. Yanthakhiyan. Man meets God and God meets man. Between them is a barrier which they do not transgress. They don’t cross their boundaries. God won’t become man and man can’t become God.
Pearls and Coral come from both the seas. Zaath, Sifath, Afwaal, Asaar, both God and human beings possess these four qualities. Everything on earth will perish (faani).
One who prays is Musalli, one who is dead is Mayyath, one who rejects is Kaafir, one who has faith is Moomin. These words do not point to future. Only God’s presence will last for ever. “Kullu man alaiha faani”. Everything on it will perish. Here faani does not refer to future. They are already uncertain and destructible. What is eternal is only God’s Presence, His Majesty, His Favors. “Vajhu Rabbika”. God’s Mercy is eternal.
One should not give discourse without attaining a certain haal (state of mind). It will be a sin. Prophet has said that Quran has an outward facet and an inner facet. It is Rahman (Most Gracious) who has taught Quran. Seek Rahman inside Quran. Strive to know and understand Quran.
October 21, 2011
English Translation Of Muslim Murasu Articles
(From left: Vadapalani Imam Darwesh Rashadi, Author Rasool Mohideen, Kaazi, Advocate Ameer Jawahar, Maulavi Sadhakathullah Manbayi)A book "The Best Speeches" was released during a function at Kodambakkam Powerhouse Community Hall, Chennai.
This book contains translations of Quran discourses by Maulana Rizwan Pasha Quadri, speeches by Maulana Muhammad Mustafa Shareef Naqshbandhi on 'God is the protector' and 'Quran for all', interview with Muhammad Fareedudding Jeelani, offspring of Noorishah (rah), titled 'Increasing demand for spirituality', Economist Dr. Ameerullah Khan speech, Honorable Salman Khursheed speech at Teynampet JBAS Muslim Women's College, speeches by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, Quran class by Dr. Abdulazeez Abdulraheem, spiritual discourses by Maulana Syed Aleemi Shah Amiri in Chennai Royapettah and BilaliShah Zuhoori, and Maulana Fazlur Rahman speech in Hyderabad Tolichowki. This English book was distributed freely to all the participants. Five page appendix to this book contains phone numbers of writers in Tamilnadu.
October 19, 2011
State Government's Benevolence
Muslim Murasu, October 2011
People go to government with their pleas to solve their various livelihood issues. But government employees are going to courts against government for various problems in the system. Government employees themselves are facing countless issues. People lose hope about their pleas.
The government that is apathetic to the cries of the employees that are under its authority is never going to give justice to people. Government will become useless and funds will be wasted.
Employee gets victimised by boastful, superiority, authoritative attitude of senior officials, their cowardly indecisiveness and cheap behavior. He goes to high court without any other go. He is forced to wage legal battle against his employer.
An exemplary government should first address the grievances of its employees. Litigation against government in high court that are pending for many months and years should be finalised within a set timeframe.
The present state government in Tamilnadu is functioning with courage and absolute majority. The government that seeks to be kind-hearted to the people should first set its house in order.
The number of cases against the government that are filed in high court can be frankly declared to the public. Today, state government offices look like go-downs of files and rules written by British.
Every day rules are changed and laws get amended. Honest employees and public-spirited officers have been impacted.
Wrong legal interpretations are hampering work. Going to audit has become akin to going to gallows. It is impossible to manage auditor without bribing.
Employees and officials do not show enough interest and involvement in many government projects owing to threat by auditors. It results in delays in spending state funds. Auditor traumatises employee with God-like powers. Eight officers with authority are signing a file. But only one employee or officer gets punished. Flash raids can be administered in the houses of auditors. It will bring out misappropriated government fund and open up a mine of black money.
This is the opportune moment for the Chief Minister to function with courage. Legal battles between government and employees that are going on for more than five years should be urgently brought to an end within a month.
Employees who are hurt and feel victimised are not going to provide effective administration. Curses from good hearts will impact administrators.
People go to government with their pleas to solve their various livelihood issues. But government employees are going to courts against government for various problems in the system. Government employees themselves are facing countless issues. People lose hope about their pleas.
The government that is apathetic to the cries of the employees that are under its authority is never going to give justice to people. Government will become useless and funds will be wasted.
Employee gets victimised by boastful, superiority, authoritative attitude of senior officials, their cowardly indecisiveness and cheap behavior. He goes to high court without any other go. He is forced to wage legal battle against his employer.
An exemplary government should first address the grievances of its employees. Litigation against government in high court that are pending for many months and years should be finalised within a set timeframe.
The present state government in Tamilnadu is functioning with courage and absolute majority. The government that seeks to be kind-hearted to the people should first set its house in order.
The number of cases against the government that are filed in high court can be frankly declared to the public. Today, state government offices look like go-downs of files and rules written by British.
Every day rules are changed and laws get amended. Honest employees and public-spirited officers have been impacted.
Wrong legal interpretations are hampering work. Going to audit has become akin to going to gallows. It is impossible to manage auditor without bribing.
Employees and officials do not show enough interest and involvement in many government projects owing to threat by auditors. It results in delays in spending state funds. Auditor traumatises employee with God-like powers. Eight officers with authority are signing a file. But only one employee or officer gets punished. Flash raids can be administered in the houses of auditors. It will bring out misappropriated government fund and open up a mine of black money.
This is the opportune moment for the Chief Minister to function with courage. Legal battles between government and employees that are going on for more than five years should be urgently brought to an end within a month.
Employees who are hurt and feel victimised are not going to provide effective administration. Curses from good hearts will impact administrators.
October 16, 2011
Leave Hatred To Understand Quran
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan speech
Published in Muslim Murasu, October 2011
I have been reading Quran since my childhood days. I used to read a magazine ‘Nizame Quran’ in those days. I did not know Arabic at that time. But I used to read even without understanding. How does the modern community approach Quran? The arguments that Quran is the final book, complete book, lofty book, book that has God’s commands, are not appealing for them. Suicide bombings began to be done in the name of Quran. World got confused about the message of Quran.
To my mind, Quran is a book that explains the creation plan of God. When I said this to a new convert in London, he readily accepted. People are readily taking to this idea.
One of the main complaints by rationalists about God is that if God is all powerful then why is there so much crimes and atrocities in this world. A historian is of the opinion that history of mankind is little more than history of crimes.
God created man and gave him freedom. What you see as sins and atrocities are actually misuse of this freedom by man.
One of my friends used to distribute Quran to whoever he gets in touch with. People gave him the label ‘Quran Man’. Prophet did this same job. Teaching Quran was his main responsibility. Before Hijrath, Prophet sent two Sahabas (companions) to Madinah to understand what will be the response and reaction he would receive when he comes to Madinah. These two companions reached Madinah. When they see crowd anywhere they will go there and start reciting verses from Quran. Inhabitants there understood Arabic. People of Madinah gave the title ‘Mukri’, people who recite, to these two companions. History is repeating. There are Mukris even today. Intention is to spread Quran.
People will be standing in groups on the judgement day. There will be a group of Mukri, people who preached Quran. God will reward them.
But it does not seem to me that people have shown enough interest in spreading Quran over these thousand years. There have been thousands of books written on Quran. But essence, core and spirit of Quran, its internal meanings, remain uncaptured in these books.
There is a group among Hindus called Barnamis. They live in Delhi. Kulthum Shareef is their holy book written by their leader. He had understanding of Quran. There is a line in that book, “Bikar rahi Quran”. It means Quran has remained a bachelor. This is baffling. His choice of words is striking.
“Layamassuhu illal muthaharrun”. Verse 79 in Surah 56, Surah Waqia. It means, none shall touch this but those who are clean.
Some have interpreted this as bodily cleanliness, we should not touch Quran without Ozhu. I have seen people touching Quran with glouse. Some others interpret it as only angels can touch Quran. Only people with clean character can touch it. These are different interpretations about taharrat – cleanliness.
Different people broke away from me for taking soft stand during Gujarat riots, Kashmir problem, Babri Masjid demolition, Israel atrocities etc. Each had different opinion and broke contact with me.
These people have no understanding of Quran. Quran delivers only constructive thoughts. People with antagonistic, counterproductive ideas cannot reach the inner meaning of Quran. Leave hatred, you will understand Quran. Allah is the author of Quran. In His view, all humanity is the same. Allah does not preach hatred among men.
“Alqalq aalullah” – mankind is part of God’s family. We should not forsake constructive ideas, come what may. Prophet faced countless hardships and troubles in Meccah. People there kept the huge dirty intestine of camel on his head while he was prostrating in prayer. They called him Muzammam (condemned) and insulted him.
Those who have negative thoughts won’t understand Quran. But today negative ideas have spread invariably from America to Gulf to India. Each Muslim without any exception is toying with one or the other adverse thought. Come out from destructive mentality. Read this book in the place of its Author. Then you will understand it.
Allah is hundred percent for development, He does not like destruction. People are using cars, constructing villas and flying in planes. They do not remember or thank God. Some have gone to the limit of writing book ‘God is Dead’. Muslims are boiling even before seeing cartoon. They were rioting based on hearsay. Internet displays thousands of books against God. Even if Allah has one percent negative thought, He would have destroyed the world. But He does not do so.
Published in Muslim Murasu, October 2011
I have been reading Quran since my childhood days. I used to read a magazine ‘Nizame Quran’ in those days. I did not know Arabic at that time. But I used to read even without understanding. How does the modern community approach Quran? The arguments that Quran is the final book, complete book, lofty book, book that has God’s commands, are not appealing for them. Suicide bombings began to be done in the name of Quran. World got confused about the message of Quran.
To my mind, Quran is a book that explains the creation plan of God. When I said this to a new convert in London, he readily accepted. People are readily taking to this idea.
One of the main complaints by rationalists about God is that if God is all powerful then why is there so much crimes and atrocities in this world. A historian is of the opinion that history of mankind is little more than history of crimes.
God created man and gave him freedom. What you see as sins and atrocities are actually misuse of this freedom by man.
One of my friends used to distribute Quran to whoever he gets in touch with. People gave him the label ‘Quran Man’. Prophet did this same job. Teaching Quran was his main responsibility. Before Hijrath, Prophet sent two Sahabas (companions) to Madinah to understand what will be the response and reaction he would receive when he comes to Madinah. These two companions reached Madinah. When they see crowd anywhere they will go there and start reciting verses from Quran. Inhabitants there understood Arabic. People of Madinah gave the title ‘Mukri’, people who recite, to these two companions. History is repeating. There are Mukris even today. Intention is to spread Quran.
People will be standing in groups on the judgement day. There will be a group of Mukri, people who preached Quran. God will reward them.
But it does not seem to me that people have shown enough interest in spreading Quran over these thousand years. There have been thousands of books written on Quran. But essence, core and spirit of Quran, its internal meanings, remain uncaptured in these books.
There is a group among Hindus called Barnamis. They live in Delhi. Kulthum Shareef is their holy book written by their leader. He had understanding of Quran. There is a line in that book, “Bikar rahi Quran”. It means Quran has remained a bachelor. This is baffling. His choice of words is striking.
“Layamassuhu illal muthaharrun”. Verse 79 in Surah 56, Surah Waqia. It means, none shall touch this but those who are clean.
Some have interpreted this as bodily cleanliness, we should not touch Quran without Ozhu. I have seen people touching Quran with glouse. Some others interpret it as only angels can touch Quran. Only people with clean character can touch it. These are different interpretations about taharrat – cleanliness.
Different people broke away from me for taking soft stand during Gujarat riots, Kashmir problem, Babri Masjid demolition, Israel atrocities etc. Each had different opinion and broke contact with me.
These people have no understanding of Quran. Quran delivers only constructive thoughts. People with antagonistic, counterproductive ideas cannot reach the inner meaning of Quran. Leave hatred, you will understand Quran. Allah is the author of Quran. In His view, all humanity is the same. Allah does not preach hatred among men.
“Alqalq aalullah” – mankind is part of God’s family. We should not forsake constructive ideas, come what may. Prophet faced countless hardships and troubles in Meccah. People there kept the huge dirty intestine of camel on his head while he was prostrating in prayer. They called him Muzammam (condemned) and insulted him.
Those who have negative thoughts won’t understand Quran. But today negative ideas have spread invariably from America to Gulf to India. Each Muslim without any exception is toying with one or the other adverse thought. Come out from destructive mentality. Read this book in the place of its Author. Then you will understand it.
Allah is hundred percent for development, He does not like destruction. People are using cars, constructing villas and flying in planes. They do not remember or thank God. Some have gone to the limit of writing book ‘God is Dead’. Muslims are boiling even before seeing cartoon. They were rioting based on hearsay. Internet displays thousands of books against God. Even if Allah has one percent negative thought, He would have destroyed the world. But He does not do so.
October 15, 2011
Four Dimensions To Quran Contact
Dr. Abdulazeez Abdulraheem on www.understandquran.com
Published in Muslim Murasu, October 2011
Surah 38, Saad, verse 29. “Anjalnahu ilaika mubarakun li yadabbaru aayaathihi va liyazakkara ulul albaab”.
‘Kitab’,’Kutuba’, these words referring to book have come around 400 times in Quran.
Anjalna – we sent down, hu – that, ilaika – unto you, mubarakun – full of barakath, blessings. Verse does not end here. It continues with the reason.
Thadhabbur – for analysis, pondering over
Thazakkur – to receive noble thoughts
We understand ‘barakath’ in a very limited, ignorant way. Earning 100 rupees, limiting expenses within 90 rupees, saving 10 rupees, staying safe from untoward incidents, we think this is the meaning of ‘barakath’.
Allah desires to open the doors of all blessings and prosperity under the sky and above the sky through this book Quran.
He teaches us the way towards it. Li – for, yadabbar – them to think and pay attention. Aayath can mean verse or evidence. Aayaath is plural of aayath. Aayaathihi – its verses, va – and, yathazakkara – they receive guidance, ulul albaab – those who think, who have sense.
Quran’s contact with us has four angles to it - direct, personal, planned and relevant.
Mostly author of a book won’t be available in front of the reader. Author will be beyond some wall or a far distance. They won’t know if we read their books. But in case of Quran, its author is Allah. This is Quran’s significance. Each word in Quran is alive. Allah directly communicates with the reader while reading Quran. Allah sees what kind of lessons and inspirations His servant receives while reciting Quran. Allah helps us understand and supports our quest.
Each verse in Quran is for everyone. “valil vaalidhaini ehsaana” – be gentle to your parents. This verse is not for someone else. This command is for me. Here is a personal message for me.
Each grain bears the name of who will eat it. Each verse in Quran bears names of people who will recite, hear and listen to it. It has been planned even before you were born that I will read this verse and you will hear it. At this point of time, this person will read it and this person will hear it. You may hear through Imaam or a preacher. But it is well planned and decided. “Kullu nafsun zaikathul mauth” – each one will taste death. When you read or hear this, you should carefully consider and think about death.
A verse about parents was recited. Examination has started for you on this count. Are you behaving with your parents in a right way. Each verse will be relevant in time. A verse about death was recited. This should bring truth about uncertainty to your attention.
You will receive the target of this verse, analysis and guidance, when you approach Quran with four attributes – thavajju (attention), faham, tasavvur (imagination) and ehsaas(realize).
You have to pay attention with eyes, ears, whole body, heart and brain. You have to carefully grasp each word and letter. Repent if you don’t understand. I have become this much older, still I do not understand. Have this worry and prayer in your heart.
Imagine the scenes illustrated in Quran. When you read about paradise, you should have the desire. Instances of hell should inspire terror. Mention of Nihmath, blessings, should make you yearn for it.
Each Quran verse is to follow and practice. Command can be for Imaan, Namaaz or an exercise for the heart. Each verse should be obeyed and followed.
When can we ask Dua? When your son does not read, do not attend examination and if you pray for his success in examination, it is not going to work. This does not make any sense. Think about what you did past week, past year and plan for what you are going to do tomorrow, next week and next year. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Get ready for failure. If you do not have any plan to understand Quran, then you have plan for not understanding Quran. “Balligu anni valav aayaa” – if you know one thing from me, tell it to others.
Published in Muslim Murasu, October 2011
Surah 38, Saad, verse 29. “Anjalnahu ilaika mubarakun li yadabbaru aayaathihi va liyazakkara ulul albaab”.
‘Kitab’,’Kutuba’, these words referring to book have come around 400 times in Quran.
Anjalna – we sent down, hu – that, ilaika – unto you, mubarakun – full of barakath, blessings. Verse does not end here. It continues with the reason.
Thadhabbur – for analysis, pondering over
Thazakkur – to receive noble thoughts
We understand ‘barakath’ in a very limited, ignorant way. Earning 100 rupees, limiting expenses within 90 rupees, saving 10 rupees, staying safe from untoward incidents, we think this is the meaning of ‘barakath’.
Allah desires to open the doors of all blessings and prosperity under the sky and above the sky through this book Quran.
He teaches us the way towards it. Li – for, yadabbar – them to think and pay attention. Aayath can mean verse or evidence. Aayaath is plural of aayath. Aayaathihi – its verses, va – and, yathazakkara – they receive guidance, ulul albaab – those who think, who have sense.
Quran’s contact with us has four angles to it - direct, personal, planned and relevant.
Mostly author of a book won’t be available in front of the reader. Author will be beyond some wall or a far distance. They won’t know if we read their books. But in case of Quran, its author is Allah. This is Quran’s significance. Each word in Quran is alive. Allah directly communicates with the reader while reading Quran. Allah sees what kind of lessons and inspirations His servant receives while reciting Quran. Allah helps us understand and supports our quest.
Each verse in Quran is for everyone. “valil vaalidhaini ehsaana” – be gentle to your parents. This verse is not for someone else. This command is for me. Here is a personal message for me.
Each grain bears the name of who will eat it. Each verse in Quran bears names of people who will recite, hear and listen to it. It has been planned even before you were born that I will read this verse and you will hear it. At this point of time, this person will read it and this person will hear it. You may hear through Imaam or a preacher. But it is well planned and decided. “Kullu nafsun zaikathul mauth” – each one will taste death. When you read or hear this, you should carefully consider and think about death.
A verse about parents was recited. Examination has started for you on this count. Are you behaving with your parents in a right way. Each verse will be relevant in time. A verse about death was recited. This should bring truth about uncertainty to your attention.
You will receive the target of this verse, analysis and guidance, when you approach Quran with four attributes – thavajju (attention), faham, tasavvur (imagination) and ehsaas(realize).
You have to pay attention with eyes, ears, whole body, heart and brain. You have to carefully grasp each word and letter. Repent if you don’t understand. I have become this much older, still I do not understand. Have this worry and prayer in your heart.
Imagine the scenes illustrated in Quran. When you read about paradise, you should have the desire. Instances of hell should inspire terror. Mention of Nihmath, blessings, should make you yearn for it.
Each Quran verse is to follow and practice. Command can be for Imaan, Namaaz or an exercise for the heart. Each verse should be obeyed and followed.
When can we ask Dua? When your son does not read, do not attend examination and if you pray for his success in examination, it is not going to work. This does not make any sense. Think about what you did past week, past year and plan for what you are going to do tomorrow, next week and next year. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Get ready for failure. If you do not have any plan to understand Quran, then you have plan for not understanding Quran. “Balligu anni valav aayaa” – if you know one thing from me, tell it to others.
October 13, 2011
Do Not Hate Hindus
Dars-e-Quran by Maulana Rizwan Pasha Quadri at Masjid-e-Shujath, Tolichowki, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, October 2011
Surah 3, Ala Imran, verse 28. “Let not the beleivers take for friends unbelievers”. In another verse it comes as “Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends. They are friends to each other”.
The message of this verse is not to hate followers of other religions. In India, we stay in close touch with Hindus for business, occupation and other personal reasons. Friendship is different, leaving hatred is different.
We should not subscribe to false beliefs, irrational traditions and superstitious customs of other religions. We should not harbor hatred towards human beings. We need cordial relation and support of Hindus. But we should steer clear of the mindless traditions that are prevalent in the society.
Islam does not preach hatred towards Kafirs (unbelievers). This will close doors of Dawah, inviting others to Islam. First condition to invite someone to our house is to love and care for them from our hearts. Do not abuse or insult Hindus. Then they will start hating Islam and Muslims.
Some Muslims, particularly those working in IT industry, are marrying Hindu girls. There is a limit to friendship. We can take part in festival celebrations of Hindus. We can invite them to our homes and host them.
You can carefully consider your situation and experience and follow this verse in good spirit.
Verse continues. If your life or property is in danger, then you have permission. For Allah, it is enough that you have Imaan (faith) in your heart. If you are forced to commit Kufr (blasphemy), you won’t be held accountable for it.
“Whether ye hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, God knows it all”. Allah knows all too well about those who loathe religion. Imaan is to acknowledge God both in heart and express it through tongue. But God knows the currents in your heart. Nothing is hidden from him. No leaf falls from any tree without His permission. He is the One who answers every prayer and fulfills every aspiration. He listens to the calls by animals also. He understands them as well.
Prophet tells us that each Amal (deed) will be given form and shape on the Judgement day. For those who recite Quran, Quran will come in human form and plead for their forgiveness. For those who deny Jakath (stipulated charity), their unlawful wealth will come in serpent form and traumatise them. The shapes of good deeds will be pleasing and heartening. Bad deeds will take terrorising shapes that the owners of those deeds will wish there were a great distance between them and their evil.
Verse continues. Allah cautions men with His Nafs (Himself). Allah warns with His anger and grip. But extreme fear of God is not needed. “God is full of kindness to those who serve Him”. Rauf – Kind.
Imaan is the center point between fear and hope. Both Kauf (fear) and Ummeed (hope) are necessary. Umar (rali) explained this as – If there is announcement that everyone will enter paradise, one will go to hell, I will fear if that person is me. If there is announcement that everyone will go to hell, one will enter paradise, I will hope it is me. This is how Umar (rali) reconciled fear of God and faith in God’s mercy. Kamil Imaan (complete faith) is to establish these two feelings simultaneously in heart. Scholars are of the opinion that one should have more fear in young days. And one should have more hope in the elderly days. Otherwise too much fear can cause diseases like heart attack and blood pressure.
Next verse illustrates exemplary character of the Prophet. People loving God should follow the Prophet. ‘Ithiba’ means to emulate someone completely out of love without caring for loss or gain. Companions of our Prophet were herding cattle and were neck deep in ignorance and folly. But when they followed the Prophet, all success, power and respect on earth greeted them.
There is only one way to success. Follow Prophet as it is without asking for explanations and reasons. Do not search lame excuses for not doing so. You will keep getting hundreds of excuses.
God not only loves Prophet. God loves everything that reflects or resembles Prophet. Allah does not care about the caste, clan, economy, nation, race or language of those following our Prophet. Those who follow Prophet’s footsteps will receive high respect and honor. All those who have reached great heights in this world will be people emulating Prophet.
Muhaideen Abdul Khader Jilani is very venerated noble Auliyah. A person stayed with him for forty days and then decided to take his leave. His complaint was that he did not see any Karamath (miracle). Ghousul Azam Dasthageer explained, “I follow each Sunnath of Prophet. This is my greatest Karamath”.
Quran does not command ‘Ithiba’ to God. We can follow only whom we can see. Allah is pure from eating, earning or sleeping. We cannot follow Allah. If we sleep like Prophet, we get rest and we will get Sawab (reward) as well. People practicing Prophet’s Sunnath are goind down in number these days. A person practicing one Sunnath will get reward equivalent to 100 Shaheed (martyr).
Intention should not be to reap benefits in this world. Let us rise above this and love Prophet. Verse continues, as “God will forgive your sins”.
Ithiba can be for three reasons – desire, fear and love. If we desire paradise, we will follow until paradise is in front of your eyes. Once paradise is out of focus, we will wobble and stagger. If we follow because of fear, it will be problem once fear wanes.
We should follow Prophet out of boundless love for his noble character and lofty ideals. When we follow Prophet out of love, we will seek him more and attain good qualities.
A person tells us to drink water. Another person drinks water in front of us. ‘IthaAth’ is to follow what is commanded. ‘Ithiba’ is to follow what we see. IthaAth pertains to commands. Ithiba is related to love and affection. Quran preaches both.
Some Muslims are not following Sunnath owing to situation, circumstance. But some consider following Sunnath as disgrace and argue that they are not suitable. Verse 32 categorises them as Kafirs.
Published in Muslim Murasu, October 2011
Surah 3, Ala Imran, verse 28. “Let not the beleivers take for friends unbelievers”. In another verse it comes as “Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends. They are friends to each other”.
The message of this verse is not to hate followers of other religions. In India, we stay in close touch with Hindus for business, occupation and other personal reasons. Friendship is different, leaving hatred is different.
We should not subscribe to false beliefs, irrational traditions and superstitious customs of other religions. We should not harbor hatred towards human beings. We need cordial relation and support of Hindus. But we should steer clear of the mindless traditions that are prevalent in the society.
Islam does not preach hatred towards Kafirs (unbelievers). This will close doors of Dawah, inviting others to Islam. First condition to invite someone to our house is to love and care for them from our hearts. Do not abuse or insult Hindus. Then they will start hating Islam and Muslims.
Some Muslims, particularly those working in IT industry, are marrying Hindu girls. There is a limit to friendship. We can take part in festival celebrations of Hindus. We can invite them to our homes and host them.
You can carefully consider your situation and experience and follow this verse in good spirit.
Verse continues. If your life or property is in danger, then you have permission. For Allah, it is enough that you have Imaan (faith) in your heart. If you are forced to commit Kufr (blasphemy), you won’t be held accountable for it.
“Whether ye hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, God knows it all”. Allah knows all too well about those who loathe religion. Imaan is to acknowledge God both in heart and express it through tongue. But God knows the currents in your heart. Nothing is hidden from him. No leaf falls from any tree without His permission. He is the One who answers every prayer and fulfills every aspiration. He listens to the calls by animals also. He understands them as well.
Prophet tells us that each Amal (deed) will be given form and shape on the Judgement day. For those who recite Quran, Quran will come in human form and plead for their forgiveness. For those who deny Jakath (stipulated charity), their unlawful wealth will come in serpent form and traumatise them. The shapes of good deeds will be pleasing and heartening. Bad deeds will take terrorising shapes that the owners of those deeds will wish there were a great distance between them and their evil.
Verse continues. Allah cautions men with His Nafs (Himself). Allah warns with His anger and grip. But extreme fear of God is not needed. “God is full of kindness to those who serve Him”. Rauf – Kind.
Imaan is the center point between fear and hope. Both Kauf (fear) and Ummeed (hope) are necessary. Umar (rali) explained this as – If there is announcement that everyone will enter paradise, one will go to hell, I will fear if that person is me. If there is announcement that everyone will go to hell, one will enter paradise, I will hope it is me. This is how Umar (rali) reconciled fear of God and faith in God’s mercy. Kamil Imaan (complete faith) is to establish these two feelings simultaneously in heart. Scholars are of the opinion that one should have more fear in young days. And one should have more hope in the elderly days. Otherwise too much fear can cause diseases like heart attack and blood pressure.
Next verse illustrates exemplary character of the Prophet. People loving God should follow the Prophet. ‘Ithiba’ means to emulate someone completely out of love without caring for loss or gain. Companions of our Prophet were herding cattle and were neck deep in ignorance and folly. But when they followed the Prophet, all success, power and respect on earth greeted them.
There is only one way to success. Follow Prophet as it is without asking for explanations and reasons. Do not search lame excuses for not doing so. You will keep getting hundreds of excuses.
God not only loves Prophet. God loves everything that reflects or resembles Prophet. Allah does not care about the caste, clan, economy, nation, race or language of those following our Prophet. Those who follow Prophet’s footsteps will receive high respect and honor. All those who have reached great heights in this world will be people emulating Prophet.
Muhaideen Abdul Khader Jilani is very venerated noble Auliyah. A person stayed with him for forty days and then decided to take his leave. His complaint was that he did not see any Karamath (miracle). Ghousul Azam Dasthageer explained, “I follow each Sunnath of Prophet. This is my greatest Karamath”.
Quran does not command ‘Ithiba’ to God. We can follow only whom we can see. Allah is pure from eating, earning or sleeping. We cannot follow Allah. If we sleep like Prophet, we get rest and we will get Sawab (reward) as well. People practicing Prophet’s Sunnath are goind down in number these days. A person practicing one Sunnath will get reward equivalent to 100 Shaheed (martyr).
Intention should not be to reap benefits in this world. Let us rise above this and love Prophet. Verse continues, as “God will forgive your sins”.
Ithiba can be for three reasons – desire, fear and love. If we desire paradise, we will follow until paradise is in front of your eyes. Once paradise is out of focus, we will wobble and stagger. If we follow because of fear, it will be problem once fear wanes.
We should follow Prophet out of boundless love for his noble character and lofty ideals. When we follow Prophet out of love, we will seek him more and attain good qualities.
A person tells us to drink water. Another person drinks water in front of us. ‘IthaAth’ is to follow what is commanded. ‘Ithiba’ is to follow what we see. IthaAth pertains to commands. Ithiba is related to love and affection. Quran preaches both.
Some Muslims are not following Sunnath owing to situation, circumstance. But some consider following Sunnath as disgrace and argue that they are not suitable. Verse 32 categorises them as Kafirs.
October 10, 2011
Disgraced Community
Dr. Syed Aleem Ashraf Jaisi speech on 'Purification of Heart' at Masab tank, Khaja mansion hall, Banjara Hills in an event organized by Quran Foundation.
Published in Muslim Murasu, October 2011
You have assembled here, this shows that your Imaan is in good health. You have the quest and interest in good things. Moomin, who believes in God, always pursues knowledge. Ali (rali) tells thus - A person is Aalim (scholar) until he seeks knowledge. Once he feels that he is done, that he has gained enough knowledge, his ignorance and folly starts from there.
We have gathered here to pay attention to purify our hearts. It is one of Islam’s basic tenets to strengthen soul and to purify Nafs. All of God’s commands revolve around purifying soul. If dress is clean, but body is dirty, then dress will soon become dirty. Its cleanliness will vanish.
There is no use in having clean body but impure heart. Purifying heart is more important than bodily cleanliness.
Heart, Rooh, and Nafs, these three pertain to same subject. A hadees that deals with one of these can aptly apply to all of them. They have distinct characteristics and features, but in essence they are same. Prophet tells about Qalb (heart) in one hadees – “There is a piece of flesh in your body. If it is good, whole body will be good. If it is corrupted, whole body will be corrupted. That is heart.”
Pure heart is paramount in Islam. We give more importance to look and appearance. This corrupt attitude has imbued in all aspects of our life and society. This has infiltrated religious realm also. Exhibit, cosmetic things have become more important while essence and core is losing its significance.
Rituals and other deeds are not going to be helpful unless we purify our hearts. Many verses in Quran deal with Tajkiyah Nafs, purification of heart. “He sent among them an Apostle from among themselves, rehearsing unto them the Signs of God, sanctifying them, and instructing them Scripture and Wisdom” 3:164 (Surah AlaImran, verse 164).
Prophet is entrusted with three responsibilities. To bring the Book, to teach God’s Book and Wisdom and to sanctify Nafs, heart. Purifying heart is not some esoteric subject to be dealt by some small group, Jamath or only for Sufi fraternity. All the Prophets have been sent with this sole purpose.
Man is made of physical body, intellect and Rooh (soul). Each one of these has different attributes and needs. All three should be in harmony for a person to be in proper shape. A person will be successful and receive God’s grace when all these three function correctly. Mentally impaired people are restricted in mental asylums. Although they have healthy physical bodies, society isolates them. All three components should be in synergy for a person to become member in Islamic society. Purification of Nafs is essential to qualify to enter paradise. Else they will be isolated and removed. We are not paying adequate attention to the third component.
Jibreel came and sat in front of the Prophet with his knees against Prophet's knees. Jibreel questioned about Imaan, Islam and Ehsaan. Prophet answered him. Later Prophet explained to his companions that Jibreel came to teach their Deen (religion) to them.
We are aware of the first two. But we don’t conduct enough discussions, clarifications and books on the third subject. We do not show interest in it. Syllabus and applications are different for primary education, medium education and higher education. Hidayath is different for each of the three. Imaan is for brain, Islam is for body and Ehsaan is for soul. If we accept one and reject another, Deen will be incomplete. We should be alive to the needs of all three. It is Prophet’s important duty to teach Ehsaan.
Each verse in Quran is significant. But God takes vows on some subjects to illustrate their comparatively additional importance. Some places He has taken two vows, three vows etc. But on one particular matter He has taken thirteen vows. That is Tajkiyah Nafs, purification of heart. See Surah 91, Shams, verses 1 to 10. “Truly he succeeds that purifies soul”.
Nafs commands sinful deeds. It is our biggest enemy. If we purify it, the same Nafs will lead us to goodness. Nafs is very cunning. It can turn our Ibadath (prayer) against us and lead us to hell. After doing Ibadath, we will feel proud. Then our prayer will become a sin.
Prophet tells in a hadees – A Muslim starts for prayer. He is distracted by his child crying. He proceeds further. He remembers customers in his shop. He ignores and reaches mosque and finishes prayer. Now Nafs fires the last weapon. “No one can pray as good as you”. He gets this proud feeling. Not only is his prayer wasted, but his status has gone worse than his previous status. Instead of taking him closer to God, this prayer has increased the distance.
Nafs is root of all evils. We have to purify it to succeed. The process for this is Mujahida. Jihad should be first against Nafs and Shaitan. Later it should be against others. We have three enemies. First enemy is Nafs. We are oblivious to the enemy at home and waging battle against others. We have forsaken fight against Nafs. Instead of fighting against Nafs, we are fighting under its command. This has brought great calamities for us. Instead of giving Sawab (rewards), Jihad is creating problems for our community. When I was young, I used to frequently travel between Lucknow and Allahabad in trains. I used to see that when a woman boards the train, she would look in the bogey for a Muslim and go and sit next to him. They felt a sense of security in sitting with Muslims. This was some 35 years ago. After all Jihad, now the situation is that even men are scared to sit with Muslims. This is because we changed the order.
First we had to fight against Nafs. But we gave third priority to this. Nafs did not change at all, it has become worser and worser. Once when Prophet was returning from a battle, he advised that this is small battle, big battle is that waged against one’s self. Now Mujahids are embroiled in personal and gang fights. First they fight in favor of a nation, and when situation changes, they fight against that same nation. They are unnecessarily involving whole Islamic community in their personal liking and disliking. This is bringing loss to the whole community.
Ulamas (Islamic scholars) are of the opinion that there are four entities that are hurdles to God’s path. They are Nafs, Shaitan, Maqlooq (creations) and Duniya (materialism). Maqlooq is a hurdle because we do many things and stay away from many things just to impress others. We are not giving merit to goodness. This will bring God’s wrath. We need not forsake Duniya. But we should not indulge too much and sink in it.
Nafs is our enemy. Purifying it involves purifying it externally and internally. External cleaning is easier as always. Mouth, eyes, ears, hands, legs, sex organ and stomach, these are seven servants of Nafs. But they can be helpful in doing good deeds also. Abusing others, telling lies and backbiting are done by mouth under the command of Nafs. Sufis advice us to control our tongue. Talk little, think and then talk. While talking, think whether you are pleasing your Nafs or pleasing God. Internal sins are like faking goodness, pretentious attitude and feeling proud. Let us get rid of both external and internal sins. That is Tajkiyah Nafs.
Published in Muslim Murasu, October 2011
You have assembled here, this shows that your Imaan is in good health. You have the quest and interest in good things. Moomin, who believes in God, always pursues knowledge. Ali (rali) tells thus - A person is Aalim (scholar) until he seeks knowledge. Once he feels that he is done, that he has gained enough knowledge, his ignorance and folly starts from there.
We have gathered here to pay attention to purify our hearts. It is one of Islam’s basic tenets to strengthen soul and to purify Nafs. All of God’s commands revolve around purifying soul. If dress is clean, but body is dirty, then dress will soon become dirty. Its cleanliness will vanish.
There is no use in having clean body but impure heart. Purifying heart is more important than bodily cleanliness.
Heart, Rooh, and Nafs, these three pertain to same subject. A hadees that deals with one of these can aptly apply to all of them. They have distinct characteristics and features, but in essence they are same. Prophet tells about Qalb (heart) in one hadees – “There is a piece of flesh in your body. If it is good, whole body will be good. If it is corrupted, whole body will be corrupted. That is heart.”
Pure heart is paramount in Islam. We give more importance to look and appearance. This corrupt attitude has imbued in all aspects of our life and society. This has infiltrated religious realm also. Exhibit, cosmetic things have become more important while essence and core is losing its significance.
Rituals and other deeds are not going to be helpful unless we purify our hearts. Many verses in Quran deal with Tajkiyah Nafs, purification of heart. “He sent among them an Apostle from among themselves, rehearsing unto them the Signs of God, sanctifying them, and instructing them Scripture and Wisdom” 3:164 (Surah AlaImran, verse 164).
Prophet is entrusted with three responsibilities. To bring the Book, to teach God’s Book and Wisdom and to sanctify Nafs, heart. Purifying heart is not some esoteric subject to be dealt by some small group, Jamath or only for Sufi fraternity. All the Prophets have been sent with this sole purpose.
Man is made of physical body, intellect and Rooh (soul). Each one of these has different attributes and needs. All three should be in harmony for a person to be in proper shape. A person will be successful and receive God’s grace when all these three function correctly. Mentally impaired people are restricted in mental asylums. Although they have healthy physical bodies, society isolates them. All three components should be in synergy for a person to become member in Islamic society. Purification of Nafs is essential to qualify to enter paradise. Else they will be isolated and removed. We are not paying adequate attention to the third component.
Jibreel came and sat in front of the Prophet with his knees against Prophet's knees. Jibreel questioned about Imaan, Islam and Ehsaan. Prophet answered him. Later Prophet explained to his companions that Jibreel came to teach their Deen (religion) to them.
We are aware of the first two. But we don’t conduct enough discussions, clarifications and books on the third subject. We do not show interest in it. Syllabus and applications are different for primary education, medium education and higher education. Hidayath is different for each of the three. Imaan is for brain, Islam is for body and Ehsaan is for soul. If we accept one and reject another, Deen will be incomplete. We should be alive to the needs of all three. It is Prophet’s important duty to teach Ehsaan.
Each verse in Quran is significant. But God takes vows on some subjects to illustrate their comparatively additional importance. Some places He has taken two vows, three vows etc. But on one particular matter He has taken thirteen vows. That is Tajkiyah Nafs, purification of heart. See Surah 91, Shams, verses 1 to 10. “Truly he succeeds that purifies soul”.
Nafs commands sinful deeds. It is our biggest enemy. If we purify it, the same Nafs will lead us to goodness. Nafs is very cunning. It can turn our Ibadath (prayer) against us and lead us to hell. After doing Ibadath, we will feel proud. Then our prayer will become a sin.
Prophet tells in a hadees – A Muslim starts for prayer. He is distracted by his child crying. He proceeds further. He remembers customers in his shop. He ignores and reaches mosque and finishes prayer. Now Nafs fires the last weapon. “No one can pray as good as you”. He gets this proud feeling. Not only is his prayer wasted, but his status has gone worse than his previous status. Instead of taking him closer to God, this prayer has increased the distance.
Nafs is root of all evils. We have to purify it to succeed. The process for this is Mujahida. Jihad should be first against Nafs and Shaitan. Later it should be against others. We have three enemies. First enemy is Nafs. We are oblivious to the enemy at home and waging battle against others. We have forsaken fight against Nafs. Instead of fighting against Nafs, we are fighting under its command. This has brought great calamities for us. Instead of giving Sawab (rewards), Jihad is creating problems for our community. When I was young, I used to frequently travel between Lucknow and Allahabad in trains. I used to see that when a woman boards the train, she would look in the bogey for a Muslim and go and sit next to him. They felt a sense of security in sitting with Muslims. This was some 35 years ago. After all Jihad, now the situation is that even men are scared to sit with Muslims. This is because we changed the order.
First we had to fight against Nafs. But we gave third priority to this. Nafs did not change at all, it has become worser and worser. Once when Prophet was returning from a battle, he advised that this is small battle, big battle is that waged against one’s self. Now Mujahids are embroiled in personal and gang fights. First they fight in favor of a nation, and when situation changes, they fight against that same nation. They are unnecessarily involving whole Islamic community in their personal liking and disliking. This is bringing loss to the whole community.
Ulamas (Islamic scholars) are of the opinion that there are four entities that are hurdles to God’s path. They are Nafs, Shaitan, Maqlooq (creations) and Duniya (materialism). Maqlooq is a hurdle because we do many things and stay away from many things just to impress others. We are not giving merit to goodness. This will bring God’s wrath. We need not forsake Duniya. But we should not indulge too much and sink in it.
Nafs is our enemy. Purifying it involves purifying it externally and internally. External cleaning is easier as always. Mouth, eyes, ears, hands, legs, sex organ and stomach, these are seven servants of Nafs. But they can be helpful in doing good deeds also. Abusing others, telling lies and backbiting are done by mouth under the command of Nafs. Sufis advice us to control our tongue. Talk little, think and then talk. While talking, think whether you are pleasing your Nafs or pleasing God. Internal sins are like faking goodness, pretentious attitude and feeling proud. Let us get rid of both external and internal sins. That is Tajkiyah Nafs.
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