December 27, 2012

Tafseer That Was Revealed In Dream

Maulana Muhammad Ilyas (rah) Malfuzat compiled by Maulana Muhammad Manzoor Nuhmani (rah)
Published in Muslim Murasu, December 2012

Few minutes before Namaz (prayer) can be spent to concentrate and meditate (Muraqaba) about prayer. Prayer without mental preparation won’t have strength and grip. Sunnat, Nafl Namaz and Iqamat are in a way a preparation for Farz. We are not preparing for prayer. Consequently our Farz prayer has also become lax. Dua – ‘Allahumma inni asaluka tamaman ozhu watamamas salaati watamama rizwanika’.
In the initial days, Prophet himself went to people and proclaimed the message. He did not expect them to invite him. He sent his Sahabas to some places. Let us continue our Tableeg (missionary) work the same way. Let us voluntarily reach out to those who are away from religion and those who take the religion casually.
Maulana started panting. His health deteriorated and became weak. He said, “You have come to me late. I am unable to speak at length. Continue your works as instructed”. After every prayer, say Tasbeehe Fatima, third Kalima, say Durood Shareef seventy times in mornings and evenings, Istagfaar, Quran Kiraat and Tilawat, Tahajjud, have companionship with Ahle Zikr. Zikr without Ilm is Fitna and Ilm without Zikr is gloom.
Dream is fortieth part in Nubuwat. Some people will receive more progress through dream than by Riyazat (tough worship). Ilka will be received in dream. Tableeg method was revealed to me in dream. I understood Tafseer for the verse ‘kuntum khaira ummati ukrijat linnaas’ in dream.
It is job of prophets to enjoin goodness and forbid evil. ‘tuhminuna billah’. This will strengthen Imaan (faith). Condition is to enjoin goodness and forbid evil. That is the way to develop Imaan. Care for your own guidance more than you care for others. Muballig (preacher) will receive his rewards when he preaches, it is immaterial whether his audience accepted his message or not.

December 25, 2012

Friend Will Not Give Trouble

Maulana Syed Muhammad Raza'ul Haq Aleemi Shah Aamiri speech
Published in Muslim Murasu, December 2012

Some people don’t come for prayers. Truth is that Allah does not want them to pray. Allah’s Will has to be there for a man to do good deeds. This is precondition. Allah accepts the deed even before it comes into action. Goodness starts from His acceptance. Deed follows Allah’s approval. First comes His approval, later comes Ibadat.
It is man’s nature to appreciate after seeing. We appreciate a speaker after hearing the speech. We praise a cook after having a delicious meal.
‘aleemun bi zaatis sudoor’. Allah knows what is in the hearts. He sees the future. A good deed occurring is in itself an evidence that Allah has accepted it. Good deeds are done with God’s blessing.
Surah Tauba, 9, verse 46 – ‘walaakin karihallahu nbiaashahum fashabbatahum’. Allah despised them coming out and made them stay back.
Hypocrites said lame excuses to avoid participating in the war. They did not show interest. Trial is not being in the company of Prophet. But hypocrites did not like Prophet’s company. Verse 49 – ‘waminhum manyakoolu ihzanli walaa taftinee alaa fil fitnati sakatoo’. ‘Grant me exception, don’t put us in trouble’. Actual trouble is in staying away from Prophet. That is the real turmoil. Prophet’s company is the best of all blessings. There is no life out of his company.
Verse 51 – ‘qul lanyuseebanaa illa maakataballahulanaa’. We will only get those troubles that Allah has decreed for us. They are predetermined. Sickness and death will come as ordained. ‘huwa maulana’. Allah is our Friend, Master, Guardian, Overseer. Allah gave us Wajood, Hayaat, Samaat, Basaarat, Kalaam, Islam, Imaan, love for Prophet and guidance. He has blessed us with thousands of favors. He won’t give us trouble. Troubles are blessings in disguise. They are for our learning. That which is sent by friend cannot be a trouble. Don’t take it as turmoil. Don’t see the problem; see the One who sent it.
Everyone has troubles. Allah says Prophet to tell this message to afflicted people. Prophet considers everyone’s problem as his own. ‘I feel the pain if one of you is injured by a thorn’. Prophet is among us. ‘wahlamoo anna feekum rasoolallah’. Your trials cause him grief. Verse 128 – ‘azeezun alaihi maa anitum’.

December 22, 2012

Allah Will Hold Us

Weekly speech at Tableeghi Markaz Masjide Amina, Tolichowki, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, December 2012

Purpose of the religion is to turn our attention away from creations and set it fixated on the Creator. Our primary concern should be Akhirat, afterlife, rather than this material world. We should give importance not to wealth, but to good deeds. Such high goals can be achieved only with serious efforts.
We should completely ignore outwardly things and develop absolute faith in unseen things. When our attention turns away from outwardly world, the parallel, unseen universe will come into action. Zaahir – outwardly, superficial. Gaibi – unseen, intrinsic.
Surah Ala Imran, 3, verse 95 – ‘qul sadaqallahu fattabiyu millata ibraheema haneefa’. Follow the path of Ibrahim, the righteous one. Surah Mumtahina, 60, verse 4 – ‘qad kaanatlakum uswathun hasanathun fi ibraheema wallazeena ma’ahu’. There is for you an excellent example in Ibrahim and those with him.
Ibrahim (alai) was not concerned about the situation. He was mindful only about the commands. Allah will make the situation favorable if we follow His commands. This is the way for us.  We should be conscious only about Allah’s commands. That is the reality. Outwardly world will then fall in line.
Surah Baqarah, 2, verse 124 – ‘wa izibtalaa ibraheema rabbhuhu bikalimaathin fa atammahunna’. Allah tested Ibrahim (alai) with His commands and he fulfilled them.
Trials are for our advancement. We will be elevated when we overcome trials. We can move from one stage to another. Surah Ankhabut, 29, verse 2 – ‘ahasibannaasu anyutraku anyakoolu aamannaa wahum laa yuftanoon’. People who believe will be tested. Our full life is a test for us.
Announcement of his success came when he fulfilled each test. Verse 124 – ‘ linnaasi imaama’. He was declared as leader for the humanity. Ibrahim (alai) will be Imaam till the last day. Trials will be at all levels including life, wealth, wife and children. He completely turned his attention away from all the creations when he was thrown in fire. Angels came for his help.
It is a huge blessing to feel satisfied in Allah’s judgments. We should feel comfortable both during good health and sickness. It is Sunnath to take treatment. A Hadees says that each disease has a medicine. One should not panic when affected by illness. Maintain calm. Take medicine but be determined that Allah will cure you. Avail means and expect result from Allah’s mercy. Cure and relief are from Allah. You can marry but it is Allah’s Power that can give you children. You can buy products, but only Allah can give you peace.
It is man’s huge misfortune that he forgets to pray God for goodness. Do Istikhaaraa. Pray for goodness. Sahabas say that Prophet taught them Istikhaaraa supplications the same way he taught them Quran. It is also unfortunate to be displeased with Allah’s judgments. ‘Hasbunallahu nihmal wakeel’. Allah helps you best.
Allah gave direct help to Ibrahim (alai). Surah Anbiya, 21, verse 69 – ‘kulnaa yaa kooni bardan wa salaama alaa ibraheem’. ‘O Fire! Be cool and safe for Ibrahim’. When attention is fully fixed on Allah, direct help will come from Him. This is the model for us. We should only bear Allah’s commands in our minds.
Religion asks us to be loving to wife and children. But leaving them when Allah’s command comes is also part of the religion. No safety measures were taken and the situation looked dangerous. Haajira asked if it is Allah’s command to leave them in the desert. Ibrahim (alai) nodded. Haajira asserted her determination that Allah won’t spoil them.
Surah Talaaq, 65, verse 3 – ‘waman yatawakkal alallahi fahuwa hasbuhu’. Allah is adequate for those who put their trust in Him. Allah will bring goodness out of a seemingly treacherous situation. But this won’t happen in a moment. Allah will test your determination. He will measure you. Haajira ran between Safaa and Marwa but her faith was in Allah. Allah did not send down a dining table from heaven. This has to be an example for people of all times to come. Be patient. Dining table won’t come from sky. Change will come in the situation.
The formula for Allah’s help is that when man has exhausted all his patience, Allah’s help will then reach him. Surah Baqarah, 2, verse 214 – ‘mataa nasrullah’. When will Allah’s help come. ‘alaa inna nasrallahi kareeb’. Allah’s help is certainly near.
 Prophets and those with them were tested till they were so shaken and trembled. But Allah will hold man before he falls. Zamzam water will be given. Trials will come when you work for the religion. Journey should continue. Trials will increase with increase in wealth. Success in life depends on how much you practice the religion.
Allah, Prophet and working for religious cause are the most deserving of our love. ‘wallazeena aamanu ashaddu hubbalillah’. Love on Prophet should be more than anyone else. We should be prepared to leave our properties, offspring and relatives when Allah’s command comes. Don’t say lame excuses that your kid or grandchild will cry. Religion preaches love. But there is a limit.
We are connected to the whole world. We have two duties. 1. Kurooj – to come out 2. Karch – to spend. We should not use religion for earning. Earnings should be spent for the growth of religion.

December 19, 2012

Farsightedness Of The Chief Minister

Muslim Murasu, December 2012

15 lakh crore rupees is needed to build infrastructure in Tamilnadu. Target is to make Tamilnadu the number one state in the next eleven years.
Tamilnadu has received foreign investment of around 1.75 lakh crore rupees in the past 18 months. National GDP growth is 5.8 percent. Tamilnadu Chief Minster targets a growth of 11 percent for the state. It is a laudable long term objective. Financial Times has asserted Tamilnadu as a successful state. It is number one in automobiles and electronics industry. 10 lakh crore rupees has been the foreign investment.
It is a matter of pride that global players have confidence in Tamilnadu and investing here. Current per capita income in the state is 73,278 rupees. Target is to take it to four and a half lakh rupees in the next eleven years. People are divided; some say it can be done, some say it is not possible and some say it is not at all possible. First type is made of constructive thinkers. Second ones are habitual naysayers. Third type is useless category. They are compulsive pessimists. They see only failures.
It is the foremost duty of Tamilians to support the vision of the Chief Minister. Tamil society, especially politicians and social activists should prepare themselves to shoulder big responsibilities.
Investments from overseas corporations will retain Tamilnadu as a peaceful region. No one will come forward to invest in an environment of violence, riots, strikes, shutdowns, plundering, extortion or land scams. Industrial investments bear witness to peaceful, conducive lifestyle in Tamilnadu. It is a boon and a promise.
Profits can be divided into three parts. First share belongs to the company. Second part should be invested for the welfare of the Tamil society. Quality educational institutions and internationally benchmarked hospitals for poor should be opened. Money shall be spent for the wellbeing of the people. Third share should be used for company expansion, employee salary, welfare funds, permit expenses, kickbacks, pension funds and industry security. If this formula is implemented, clouds will gather and shower rain. The message that the Chief Minister gave on the occasion of Bakrid is a throwback to the period of Holy Books. This will fit in current industrial era as well. Faithful, religious people will support to make Chief Minister’s zeal and vision a success.

TV Channels And Shallow Debates

Muslim Murasu, December 2012

Tamilians have developed a taste for thoughts, debates and discussions. Domination of heavyweight politicians is on the wane in Tamilnadu. Media owners have made a calculated rush to take advantage of the situation.
The common narrative preached now is that recently TV channels are transforming the lives of the people. They have played no part to fight corruption, rapes, untouchability, caste based violence, black money or inflation. Only arguments and counter arguments are staged.
Debates are staged as an act in the never ending show of entertainment. It is a ploy to retain elites, selfish families and shallow pundits. There is no interest showed towards development of the state or nation. Each debate is brought to an end with the promise that they will come with a new debate the next day.
Panelists are allowed to do superficial examination of the issues. They should not expose their true identities. Legal arm may come into action. Political strongmen and brokers are watching. Be careful!
Only one condition, show should be warm and tantalizing. One panelist can lunge on another. They can sing their slogans. It is not wrong. All means can be employed to pass the scheduled time. Viewers can be taken for granted and assumed to be gullible. It is an art. They should appear like disclosing some new information. But it should only be appearance. It should look like they are discussing. But there should not be any analysis per se. Only word games are played. Each player takes a point and the game should end in draw. They shall spend their full efforts in producing shallow intellectuals groomed for debates. Government shall be readily insulted. But rulers should not feel hurt. Escape artists are welcome in such TV debates. We remind you again! Discuss the problem, but problem should remain unsolved. Neither ruling party nor opposition should feel hurt. Come, a new problem is ready! Poke your noses, exhibit your skills!

December 15, 2012

Avoiding Truth Will Leave You Astray

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan speech
Published in Muslim Murasu, December 2012

The concept of atheism gained currency during the sixteenth century. Some thinkers converted it into a movement in the next two centuries and it became a lifestyle. The likes of David Hume, John Stuart Mill, Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud propagated atheism.
Science did not directly deal with the subject of God. Yet scientists started expressing their opinions on this. Most scientists have been believers in God. Very few have professed atheism. Newton, Copernicus and Sir Arthur Eddington are among the believers.
In 1954, Einstein wrote a letter to an Israeli philosopher. He said there is no God, God is only an imagination out of human weaknesses. This letter recently was auctioned for three million dollars.
God has always been debated throughout the entire human history. Reason is that we are confronted by a vast, massive universe in front of our eyes. It is human nature to question and search for answers.
Einstein died at an age of 76. He spent his last thirty years researching about something called Unified Field Theory. It is an attempt to explain the entire universe with a single theory. He had a deep quest in him that came out of countless things observed through microscope and telescope. He couldn’t find a convincing answer and died in frustration.
Now scientists are pursuing the same in the name of Theory of Everything. They have spent hundred million dollar but mystery still remains. Human body is found to contain more than ten trillion cells. There is no conclusive answer. Observatories set in space are only increasing our surprise and amazement many times. New galaxies are being discovered.
A perfect order is evident in the universe. It appears well controlled and harmonious. Famous scientist Fred Hoyle opines that there is a sharp intelligence behind the functioning of the universe. He explains this in his book Intelligent Universe.
Matter was considered the building block of the universe during the time of Newton. Energy became focal point during Einstein’s period. Now during the period of Fred Hoyle, intelligence is supposed to be the main driving force. Problem still remains unsolved. Science is taking us from atheism towards Oneness of God.
Surah Yunus, 10, verse 32 – ‘fa maazaa bahdal haqqi illal Lalaal’. Apart from the truth, only error remains.

December 14, 2012

Final Days Of Chisthi Auliya

Translated from Dr. Shujawudeen Farooqi article in 'Ahle Sunnat Ki Awaz'
Published in Muslim Murasu, December 2012

Mureeds (disciples) of Auliyas (saints) have maintained the practice of compiling and printing the sayings and insights of Auliyas for a long time. These compilations are called as ‘Malfuzat’. They use to speak less. So explanations and commentaries have been added wherever the disciples deemed as necessary.
These compilations and works have been vital for spreading Islam in a significant way in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Missionary works of Auliyas cannot be overlooked. Khwaja Mohinudeen Chisthi (rah) have played a pivotal role in this context. The network he created eight hundred years earlier is still at work.
Usman Harooni (rah) started the mission. Khwaja Mohinudeen took it to its zenith. Later Khwaja Qutbudeen Khaki (rah) maintained same standards. Thereafter Baba Faridudeen Ganj Shakar, Nijamudeen Auliya, Khwaja Naseerudeen Chirag Dehlvi, Khwaja Bande Nawaaz took the mantle forward.
Everything is subject to change. Only God is beyond any change. There have been times when the likes of above mentioned Auliyas did not arise. These have  been sluggish days. Surah Rahman, 55, verse 27 – ‘wa yabkaa wajhu rabbika’. ‘God’s Face will remain forever’.
Sayings of Usman Harooni was compiled by his disciple Khwaja Mohinudeen under the title ‘Unneesul Arwah’. Khwaja Qutbudeen Bakhtiyar Khaaki compiled speeches of Khwaja Mohinudeen Chisti and named it ‘Daleelul Aarifeen’. Bakhtiyaar Khaki’s speeches were collected by Baba Faridudeen and the book name is ‘Fawayidus Saalikeen’. Nijamudeen Auliya collected Baba Faridudeen’s speeches in the name ‘Raahatal Quloob’. Another compilation of his speeches was done by Khwaja Badr Ishaak in the name ‘Asraarul Auliya’. Hazrat Nijamudeen’s speeches were compiled by Ameer Khusrao as two volumes – ‘Afzalul Fawaayid’ and ‘Raahatul Muhibeen’.
Hazrat Khwaja Mohinudeen Chisthi (rah) dwelt on various subjects for twelve days before his death. He once said, “I did not rest for eight years and spent my days and nights assisting and serving my Sheykh (spiritual guide). I accompanied him in travel and served him. He gave me countless blessings on account of this. Mureed should seriously follow the commands of his Sheykh. He has to exactly follow the various instructions about prayers and worship. Sheykh will make Mureed complete”.
First day he spoke on importance of Salaat and Sunnat. Second day he elucidated requirements of Janaabat bathing. Third day he warned about losses due to delaying Salaat. On the fourth day, he instructed about Gashiyate Ilaahi (fearing God) and the necessity to live a sober life. He told not to harm Muslims. Those who harm creations will perish. He also instructed us about tenderness. He explained Gunaahe Kabeera (big sins) and mentioned about hypocrites. On the fifth day, he spoke on importance of parents, Quran, scholars, Kaaba and importance of Sheykh. He explained about Allah’s Power on the sixth day. On the seventh day, he told about importance of Surah Fatiha, eighth day about Awraad. On the ninth day, he told about Sulook (spiritual methodology) and explained about 100 levels in it. Tenth day he told about Suhbath (companionship). Eleventh day, he told about Tawakkal (trust in God) and on the final twelfth day, he told about Malakul Mauth (angel of death).

December 13, 2012

Hidden Provisions

Darse Quran by Maulana Muhammad Mustafa Shareef Naqshbandhi
Published in Muslim Murasu, December 2012

Some people do good deeds in hopes of receiving prosperity in business or benefits in the matter of children. Some expect honor and respect in return. Some people offer donations for the sake of Barakath. Some people even help Madrasas with similar materialistic intentions. Their example is that of unbelievers. Unbelievers also take care of parents and help the destitute. But they don’t expect anything in afterlife. All they seek is prosperity in this life.
A believer will do good deeds with two objectives: 1. To please God and Prophet 2. To attain peaceful, prosperous life.
It has become our usual mindset that all rewards are reserved for the afterlife. No, good deeds will be rewarded in this world as well. Surah Tauba, 9, verse 120 – ‘innallaha laa yuleehu ajral muhsineen’. God will not waste good deeds.
Those who work for afterlife will get good rewards in this life too. Those who work for well-being in this world will achieve that. ‘Hal Jazaul Ihsaan illal Ihsaan’. (Surah Rahman, verse 60). Reward for favor is favor. Allah will favor you if you help His creations. But those who don’t believe in afterlife won’t get anything there. They will get everything they deserve in this world.
Muslim will do everything solely to please God. This is the meaning of ‘Iqlaas’. Surah Ahraaf, 7, verse 196 – ‘huwa yatawallas saaliheen’. ‘He will take care of the righteous’. There is a Hadees narrated in Abu Dawud. Migdad (rali) once went into a forest. He saw a rat bringing Dinars one by one from a burrow and placing them in front of him. A pile of currency got accumulated. He took them and brought to Prophet and narrated the incident. Prophet reassured him that it is his money. Allah will reward righteous ones in such mystical ways. He will open provisions for them from out of sight.
Surah Talaaq, 65, verses 2 and 3 – ‘wamanyattaqillaha yajallahu makhrajaa wa yarzukhu min hayshu laa yahtasibu’. ‘Allah prepares way out for him who fears Him and provides for him from sources he could never imagine’. ‘wa manyatawakkal allallahi fahuwa hasbuhu’. ‘Allah is enough for anyone who puts his trust in Him’. ‘innallaha baaligu amrihi qad jaalallahu li kulli shaiyin qadraa’. ‘Allah will surely accomplish His purpose’. Recite these verses thrice during Fajr and Magrib times. Allah will help you like He helped Migdad (rali). He will provide you from many ways, not just one. He will get you out of your troubles. You have to abstain from sins and do good deeds. You have to follow Prophet. ‘man ata’a rasool faqad ata allah’. Following Prophet is in reality following Allah.
Allah will open unseen ways for those who overcome their desires and fully surrender to His Will. He will resurrect them, bring them out of their situations. He will make men and even animals help them. They won’t have to plead to others. Let us pray to Allah. 'We bow only before You. Help us and not make us beg others'. If you pray, other creations will come to you for help. Otherwise you will have to search for help. You have to pray for your situation to change. Surah Raad, 13, verse 11 – ‘innallaha laa yugayiru mabiqaumin hatta yugayiru maa bianfusihim’. ‘Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change it themselves’. This applies to individuals as well. Pray to make your hands as donating hands. If you wish to get more Jakaath, that is what will happen. This year I received form four parties, next year six parties should donate. Then that will be the situation.
‘Yatawalla’ has many meanings – sponsor, friend, aid. Condition is to abstain from sins. Fear Allah in privacy, when no one is seeing. Allah ordered Dawood (alai), Surah Saba, 34, verse 13 – ‘ihmalu aala dawooda shukra’. Allah gave them control over iron and blessed them with kingdom. Allah commanded Dawood and his offspring to be grateful. To abstain from sins and to worship is the proper way of thanking Him. Fear Allah when you are alone. This is a way of being grateful. Surah Ibrahim, 14, verse 7 – ‘ la inshakartum la azeedannakum’. He will add favors if we are grateful.

December 11, 2012

Retail Merchandise Decay

Muslim Murasu, December 2012

Swadeshi sentiment in India has for long remained a hollow rhetoric. The term ‘foreign’ is defined in a callous, whimsical way.
Commerce will flourish when it exhibits quality and honesty. Native people, our people, our folk, foreigner, migrant, outsider, these titles are defined differently at various times. A person can do commerce anywhere on the earth, under the sky. Hard work, correct measurement and quality goods will improve trade.
Strike on a single day in Tamilnadu has brought a loss of 25000 crore rupees. An office-bearer of a traders body asserts proudly in a TV. Adulteration will impact retailing. Small merchants serve the people. They sell goods in the vicinity. They establish intimacy with people in the street. Human life is undergoing rapid changes under the influence of urbanization and economic development.
Some people see dignity in purchasing in a lavish mall worth fifty crore rupees. Swarming flash lights, multi-storeyed, automated, air-conditioned atmosphere gives them mental comfort. Accurate measurement, competitive pricing and transparency in operations determine growth in trade. Locals and foreigners divide is needless.
In 1992, Honorable Indian Prime Minister Narasimha Rao announced globalization. All politicians supported it. Foreign cinema, technology, media, legal expert groups, news agency and merchandise cannot be avoided.
Tamil Muslim society has aptitude and skill for individual trading. They have gained international experience from Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Gulf and other global regions. They are internationalists.
Indians have willingly accepted foreign language, dress, music, education and culture. They have no reason to fear foreign merchandise. ‘Yaadum oore yaavarum kelir’. (Every place is my home, all are relatives). Let us prove this ancient Tamil wisdom. Foreign entry won’t harm us. Let us brush aside political noise.