Islam, Imaan, Ihsaan

Speech given in a seminar at Noori Maskan, Hyderabad by Maulana Hafiz Dr. Syed Shah Badiuddin, Professor at Osmania University
Published in Muslim Murasu, April 2013

If both Islam and Imaan are mentioned in a Quran verse or Hadees, then they have different meanings. Islam means to accept outwardly and Imaan is to have faith in heart. This is clearly expressed in the Hadees of Jibreel (alai). Islam pertains to outward actions and Imaan pertains to heart.
But if a verse mentions only Islam or Imaan, then they will have comprehensive meaning. Surah Ala Imran, 3, verse 19 – ‘inna deena indallahil islam’. Islam is the only religion accepted by God. Here Islam encompasses faith and action. Surah Hadeed, 57, verse 19 – ‘wallazina aamanu billahi wa rasoolihi ulaika humu siddiqoon’. Here Imaan refers to both faith and deeds.
Surah Hujurat, 49, verse 14 – ‘qaalatil a’raabu amanna qul lam tu’minu walakin qulu aslamna’. In this verse, Islam and Imaan have different meanings, because both are referred. Some tribes surrounding Medina like Usaina, Zuhaina, Aslam accepted Islam only to protect their life and property. They did not accept Islam in heart.
Tirmidi Hadees – ‘every thing has a Zaahir (exterior) and Baatin (quintessence)’. Everybody knows what Islam means outwardly. Islam, in essence, is to sacrifice everything. It includes devoting property, money, offspring and life. It means to completely submit to God.
Surah Baqara, 2, verse 131 – ‘izqaala lahu rabbuhu aslim qaala aslamtu lirabbil aalameen’. Prophet Ibrahim (alai) completely submitted to God. He sacrificed everything.
‘al moominu miratul moomin’. Moomin is mirror for Moomin.
Sheykh Abdul Qader Jeelani explains that one Moomin in this Hadees refers to God. Moomin is one of Asmaul Husna. Another Moomin refers to the believer. Religion is composite of Islam, Imaan and Ihsaan. Ihsaan came to be known as Tasawwuf in later times.
The goal of Tasawwuf is to learn complete servitude to God, regardless of whether in the prayer or involved in other activities. Ali (rali) says, “I did not worship God without seeing Him”. Umar (rali) says, “ I see God in my heart with His Noor”.

Warning About Wasteful Spending In 25 Verses

Juma Speech at Chennai Periamet Masjid
Published in Muslim Murasu, August 2012

Quran uses two words, ‘Tabzeer’ and ‘Israaf’. Most scholars construe both these words to mean excessive spending. Some scholars interpret subtle difference between these words. ‘Tabzeer’ means spending in sinful or prohibited things. For example, paying for cable TV connection. ‘Israaf’ means spending beyond limits even in permissible things. One can display Allah’s blessings; there is nothing wrong in it. Eating good food and wearing elegant dresses are allowed. But food should not be put in dustbin.
Surah 17, Bani Israel, verse 26 – ‘va aati zalkurba hakkahu valmiskina vabnasabeel valatubazzir tabzeera’. Give due rights to kindred, poor and wayfarer, but don’t squander like a spendthrift. ‘innal mubazzirina kanu ikwana shayatin’. Spendthrifts are brothers of Shaitan. Surah 40, Al Mumin, verse 28 – ‘innallaha layahdi manhuwa musrifun kazzabun’. Allah won’t guide spendthrifts and liars. Allah warns about excessive spending in around 25 verses in 18 Surahs in Quran. Surah 7, Ahraf, verse 31 – ‘vaqulu vashrabu vala tusrifu’. Eat, drink, but don’t exceed bounds.
‘innahu layuhibbul musrifin’. Allah loveth not the wasters. Mugira ibn Shaiba (rali) was a Sahabi. Amirul Muminin Muawiya (rali) sent a letter to him asking him to advice about some commands given by Prophet. Mugira replied him with a list of six things that Prophet had prohibited. Israaf was one of them.
This Ummat shall tread the middle path. Extreme stand is not advisable in any matter. Parsimony, wastage, both should be avoided. Balanced approach should be taken. Even water should not be wasted during Ozhu (ablution). Islam prohibits excessive spending to protect the wealth. Excessive spending is done in marriages, that bride’s family end up selling their home. People without richness are spending this much. Rich people waste even more staggering amounts. We have to answer to Allah for everything we possess. We will be held accountable about how we earned and how we spent. One type of beggars beg in the precincts of mosques and another type graduate as engineers and doctors and beg for cars and bungalows. Wealth belongs to Allah who gave it in the first place. Spend it for religion.

Sky Will Come Within The Reach

Dr. Syed Aleem Ashraf Jaisi speech on Mehraj
Published in Muslim Murasu, August 2012

‘Isra’ literally means walking. Allah’s Majesty is illustrated. Allah uses this word to refer the journey of Prophet from Masjide Haram to Masjide Aksa. Second part of this journey is towards sky.
‘Asra bi abdihi lailan minal masjidil haraami ilal masjidil aksa’ – Surah 17, Bani Israel, verse 1. He took his servant on walking from Masjide Haram to Masjide Aksa in a part of a night.
Surah Najm gives details on Mehraj. No one can deny this journey. This journey includes both body and soul. This did not happen while sleeping or in a dream. This happened in Prophet’s full awareness. When Prophet told about this journey, some weak Muslims renounced Islam. There was a huge debate in Mecca. A journey of soul wouldn’t have caused such a stir.
Subhanallaji – Allah is Pure. He has no limitations. He is capable of everything. Abd, servant, denotes body and soul comprehensively. Night is referred. Night and day does not apply for soul. They apply only for physical body.
‘Abdihi’ – His servant. We are Allah’s servants. Allah calls Prophet as His servant. Allah completely approves and accepts Prophet. Abdihi illustrates this. Rasoolullah’s Abdiyat is loftier than his Risalat. Allah has not used words Rasool or Nabi in this verse. He uses the word ‘Abd’. Risalat means descending downwards from God towards creations. ‘I sent’ will be used in such context. ‘Arsala Rasool’ – He sent his Messenger. Abdiyat refers journey upwards towards God. The word ‘Abdiyat’, for Prophet, explains his exalted status.
Masjide Aksa was a distant mosque. Arabs in those days used to travel till Yaman or Shaam. That was the end of the world that they knew. It was very far. ‘allaji barakna hawlahu’ – This mosque and its surroundings are blessed. It is a verdant, fertile land. Another interpretation is that graves of many Prophets lie around this mosque. Many Prophets have worked in this land.
Many Arabs did not believe Mehraj when it was revealed. Materialistic Muslims today do not believe Mehraj. Their sight is set on creations. They do not turn towards Creator. They know Physics. But there are many unknown laws. Time shrinks for an object traveling at high velocity. This is Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. A rocket traveling at a velocity nearly that of light would have spent a few hours, but meanwhile, many centuries would have passed on earth. Physics laws are different for angels and Jinns. Our laws won’t apply on them. ‘Burak’ is used for the vehicle in Mehraj. This refers light. Mehraj is possible even if we think rationally. Light travels at a much higher speed.
First lesson of Mehraj is that Believers will always have their faith and trust in God. Such servants of God will have relief after distress. Mehraj happened when Prophet was going through a situation of toughest trials and struggles. Kathija (ral) and Abu Talib had passed away. Nonbelievers in Mecca were happy that there is no one left to protect Prophet. Situation in Mecca was treacherous. Rasoolullah looked for some respite in Taif. But experience there was much bitter. Prophet once reminisced that Taif day was the toughest day of his life. This is the message. Don’t get bogged down by tribulations in life. All creations in earth and sky are with you. Some people in Mecca and Taif may rebel against you. But don’t despair. Moomin will always hold Allah’s Will with high respect. Second message is that Mehraj happened a little ahead of Hijrat. Only strong, resolute Muslims can take up Hijrat. That was a tough journey. Prophet had to sift weak Muslims. Mehraj helped in this purification. Prophet’s nephew suggested to him not to tell about Mehraj in public. People won’t believe it. She was a Moomin, believer. But still she gave this suggestion. Prophet listened to her suggestion, but went ahead and told about Mehraj openly. Nonbelievers took this opportunity to mock him and ask questions. Jibrael (alai) laid Masjide Aksa in front of Prophet’s eyes so that he can answer all the questions like number of doors and lights. Some people were impressed by this that they later accepted Islam. Qureishis knew Baithul Mukaddas. There was a need for proof. Otherwise, Prophet could have directly gone to sky, and witnessed heaven, hell and Arsh (God’s throne). Another reason to go to Baithul Mukaddas was to declare that Islam has arrived. This is final religion. It was an open declaration that all other religions have come to end. Baithul Mukaddas was center for Jews and Christians. Hereafter, Islam will be the religion for Baithul Aksa and Baithul Haram.
Salaat (prayer) is the only precept that was gifted in sky. All other duties were ordained on earth. Salaat is Mehraj for Believers. Imaan of those who don’t pray regularly is questionable. Salaat is sacred gift from Mehraj. We have to respect the gift, the One who gave the gift and the one who brought the gift to us. We should try to pray with Jamaat. Salaat has peace for eyes. Moosa (alai) helped and reduced the number of mandatory prayers from 50 to 5. This is Saheeh Hadees. People who have died can help. Moosa (alai) has helped our full Ummat. Jibrael (alai) offered milk and wine. Prophet took milk. “You have chosen nature”. Islam is a natural religion. It does not enforce anything that is not in consonance with nature.
Mehraj is a declaration. World is entering a new era. Sun, moon and stars won’t remain objects of worship anymore. Man will use them scientifically. Man will leave earth and set his foot on sky. Sky will come within the reach. This is Mehraj declaration.

Walk With Humility

Dr. Syed Aleem Ashraf Jaisi speech at The Quran Foundation venue
Published in Muslim Murasu, July 2012

Purpose of Quran is to make human beings better. Science and technology cannot do this. They will teach us to fly better than birds and swim better than fishes. They can give submarines and supersonic planes. But only Quran and Sunnath will teach us to live like humans. Zenith of humanity is not in flying or swimming. Man’s nobility lies in living a life as servant of Allah.
Surah 25, Furqan, verse 63 – ‘wa ibadur rahman illazeena yamshuna alal arli hawnan wa iza katabuhumul jahiluna qalu salama’. This verse refers to special kind of servants. Allah connects them to Himself. ‘ibadur rahman’. People walking with humility are noble. They won’t walk with their chest puffed out. They won’t look arrogant or egotistic. They will lower their gazes and have their heads low. Nowadays people go in motorcycles often. They can follow this verse by leaving pedestrians their way. Horns should not be sounded in silent zones. Dirty water should not be splashed on wayfarers. Even if you sit in airplanes, sit with humility and piety. Humility is noble quality of Allah’s servants. Some people run companies, but they don’t know how to behave with fellowmen. Learn first to stand, sit and walk properly.
Verse continues. If Jahil (ignorant) address them, they will say ‘Salaam’ and stay clear of them. They will avoid trivial fights and discussions. When someone seeks truth, it is appropriate to explain to him. But if you discuss with Jahil, it will only make his heart more rigid. Your time will be wasted. Jahil here refers intolerant people. Usually people who are debating will be learned ones. But the person involving in frivolous debates is a Jahil, fool, in Allah’s view. Even if they start the discussion, you say ‘Salaam’ and avoid them.
Mumin should strive to learn and guide others. But debates are unnecessary. Nafs (ego) will seek debates. They won’t talk to please Allah. Intention will be to defeat opponent. Ego thrives by defeating others. Neither will gain. Shaitan will rejoice. Debates only benefits him. Shaitan will stoke debates. If you pray for show-off, Shaitan will push you towards mosque. But he will stop some people from entering mosque. Shaitan always pushes men towards greater sin. Some people celebrate Milad for self-publicity. Celebrating Milad is not a mandatory duty. But if one celebrates for fame, he is doing a sin. Shaitan sometimes involves us in bad deeds in the name of religion. Some people will do backbiting in the name of speaking truth.
Heart is the bridegroom. Body is only decoration. Allah sees the heart. We are concerning ourselves with unimportant things. More discussions are held about appearances and cosmetic things. Pyjama length has become centre of debate. Allah does not see your appearance. We should be more concerned about our hearts and thoughts.
This verse says, ‘they will walk in humility’. Humility is not only in appearance, but also in heart. Those who seek to learn engineering should look for appropriate training, books and college. We have to prepare ourselves and inculcate qualities that will make us Kalipha, Allah’s vicegerent, in this world. We have to work on five aspects to become Allah’s Kalipha – Aqeeda, Ibadat, Mamulat, Aqlaq and Adab.
Foundation is needed for any building. Life is based on Aqeeda, creed, core principle. Aqeeda of Muslims is different from other religions. This creed is very strong. Sky-high buildings can be constructed on this. We have to believe in Allah, Prophets, Akhirat, Angels and Taqdeer. Each have their requisites.
We should have faith in Allah’s Wahdaniyat (Oneness), Rububiyat (Cherisher), Uluhiyat (Godliness). ‘laisa kamislihi shaiya’. No one is like Allah. Allah does not need residence. Arsh is not required for him. To say Allah stays in some place is against Tawheed. ‘Arrahman alal arshistava’. Rahman is established on Arsh (throne). This Ayath is Mutashabihat. We cannot understand this.
Khadir (Capable), Aleem (Wise), Murid (Wishes), these are His attributes. ‘fa’alu lima yasha’. He fulfills His wishes. We have to accept Allah, His attributes, and this should reflect in our lives. We can’t taste sweetness just by saying sugar. Just reciting Kalima is not beneficial. We cannot become Muslims just by saying ‘amantu billahi’. We have to accept Allah’s Khudrat (power) and Taqdeer (fate). We are trying to solve all our demands by our own efforts. We are buying one house when the first child is born, second house for the second child and so on. We have more faith in insurance policies. One who believes in fate won’t count much on insurance schemes. Taking efforts is good. But believing entirely in our efforts is not good. You have to accept fate.

Can Vasvasa Be Stopped

Juma speech at Jambazar mosque, Royapettah, Chennai 
Muslim Murasu, June 2012

Sinful thoughts rise in mind. Accountability and punishment starts when one acts on those thoughts. Seek Allah’s protection if you get evil thoughts.
Yusuf (alai) got some Vasvasa (erroneous thoughts) once. He was going through a period of tribulation at that time. Yusuf(alai) prayed. Surah 12, Yusuf, verse 33 – “wa illa tasrif anni kaidahunna asbu ilaihinna wa akun minal jahilin”. “Unless You turn away their snare from me, I should feel inclined towards them and join the ranks of the ignorant”.
Evil thoughts do occur to man. Protection should be sought from Allah. Commitment should be made not to step on wrong path. You won’t be at any loss just because of thoughts.
While in Namaz, one may get distracted by job and money related thoughts. Man has no control over them. This is beyond his powers. He won’t be punished for this. Turn your attention towards prayer. Correct your Niyyath while starting Takbir. You will get control from practice. Don’t feel disappointed. Namaz is Allah’s gift. Be thankful to Allah. Don’t feel dejected that there is no soul in your prayer. Getting distracted is not a sin. There is no punishment for this.
Imam Gazzali (rah) used to conduct Namaz. His brother declined to accept his Imamath and pray behind him. Complaint went to their mother. “Imam Gazzali is often thinking about Masa’il during his prayer”. Mother said, “Gazzali is thinking about Fiqh and Masa’il. You are thinking about Gazzali in prayer”. It is not wrong to think about Quran, its meaning, explanation, during Namaz. Let thoughts not wander towards other things. Thoughts related to Ibadat are not mistakes. But worldly thoughts should be avoided.
If the thoughts become very perfect during Namaz, then one may feel proud. They may claim that they are receiving ‘wahi’. That is the reason all don’t get perfect control over thoughts during prayer. This is Allah’s wisdom. This is Allah’s arrangement. Some may feel proud and claim they are Mahadi.
Some people get recurring thoughts to do some bad deed. But they control themselves everytime. They will be rewarded for this. On the other hand, even thinking about doing good will fetch rewards. This is Allah’s Mercy.
Once a Sahabi asked Prophet about vasvasa related to Kufr, Shirk and Fisk. Prophet told that this is Alamath (sign) of Imaan. Don’t be scared.
Robber will target only wealthy houses. Shaitan will attack only good hearts. Shaitan will try to steal Imaan. Prophet told in one Hadees, ‘Thanks to God. Shaitan’s evil methods are restricted to vasvasa’. This won’t cause huge damage. A person is asked by king to meet him. He sets off to meet the king. Many people interfere him in his way for trivial matters. An intelligent person will ignore them and give priority to meet the king.

Descent In Discourse

Muslim Murasu, June 2012

Quran is an Arabic book. Lengthy training, expertise in grammar, knowledge of timelines and history and grasp over contemporary needs are needed to give discourse on Quran. No religious institution can impart such training within few years. It is important that learner has deep interest. One person can give sermon. It is better that all others stay silent and listen. However, speaker should relentlessly look for successors, next generation candidates. In the time given for him, speaker can invite promising candidates to don the dais for few minutes. Their mistakes can be corrected and their skills honed. Once the training is complete, they can be blessed and sent to new Mohalla to give discourse there. Producing ten candidates from each Mohalla will remove the paucity in discourses in Tamilnadu. It is the responsibility of the people of the Mohalla to make sure that the preacher has no unmet personal needs or issues. Preacher should be given a permanent residence, electricity expenditures, necessary rations, dresses and marriage needs should be addressed. People seeking to learn religion shall learn Quran completely. Ignoring Quran and getting attached to some other books won’t help any Mohalla.
In spite of a long term veteran giving Quran discourse in Chennai Ice House, which inhabits a lakh Muslims, hardly 30 Muslims assemble. Audience are left in the lurch because of discourses not conducted regularly. Haj is a duty to be undertaken once in a lifetime. Because some philanthropist donates money and friendship, preachers rush to Haj and Umra pilgrimage. Weekly Quran discourse in the Mohalla is left to suffer. Sometimes absence is due to visit to native place. Death of a relative, wedding occasions and illness sometimes become impediments to weekly discourses. Listeners who wait and feel disappointed prepare themselves to ignore the session altogether in future. Preacher’s job does not end with giving sermon. He should knock each door in the Mohalla and invite everyone personally. The fact that the elder has come to their home will weigh on their mind and force even a lazy person into Quran circle. Preacher, after earning some fame, money and influence, jump to next bigger Mohalla. Gathering crowd should not be the intention. Thrusting the message is important. Quran discourses organized by organizations, trusts and movements have failed miserably. Rather than attracting servants of God, target shifts to enrolling cadres for the organization. Everyone should analyze the reasons of the descent in Quran discourse.

World Will Suffer For Our Actions

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

Allah is for the entire world. Prophet is for the entire world. This Ummath, you and I, are also for whole humanity. “ukrijath linnaas”. You have been raised for the benefit of entire humanity. We have gathered here in the concern of a peaceful and prosperous world. We are deliberating here for peace, tranquility, forbearing mindset, human rights, good qualities and faith in God for mankind. Arms are being sold in the name of peace. Good character will bring peace; weapons won’t give peace. Allah has taught us the methods for this.
We and our children are responsible for the entire world. Allah has made success in both the worlds, this world and the next, dependent on following Deen (religion). Tranquility of entire Muhalla rests on Deen. Sahabas were wallowing in the depths of ignorance. Murder and robbery were common. Religion transformed their lives. They used to wage war when one camel drank water out of turn. In Yarmuk battle, three Sahabas passed water to the next one when they themselves were dying. This is not a story. Their hearts changed. We have to think about this. This is the message of the religion.
Every situation arising in this world is tied to our actions. If we reform our activities, Allah will change the situation in the world for the better. If our activities are bad, world situation will deteriorate.
Surah 30, Rum, verse 41 – ‘jaharal fasaadu fil barri wal bahri bima kasabath aidinnaas’. Troubles have spread in land and ocean because of what men did. Here Muslims are referred. When a Muslim does something, first impact is on his heart and then the whole world tastes the consequence. When a bad deed is committed, a stain is laid on the heart. It will grow till the whole heart becomes dark. When good things are done, heart will glow. If Jakath is stopped, rain will stop. There will be paucity of water. When indecency becomes common in Ummath, new diseases with strange names will spread. These diseases are not due to pollution. Our actions will have consequences on this world. Allah has given us such a position. Our works are at locality level. But our concern should be for the world at large. We sit at family level or locality level for teachings and learning. But entire world will taste the benefit.
Prophet’s hard work brought good character, discipline, sacrificial mentality, loyalty, integrity and obedience in the lives of Sahabas. We are striving to bring these qualities in our lives through Dawath (missionary work). Our elders have analyzed Quran and Hadees and zeroed in on six qualities for focus. Intention is to follow Quran and Hadees in entirety.
First quality to focus is Kaamil Imaan, complete faith in God. We have faith. But it is not up to mark. A person can just be alive and spend his days on bed with others helping him while other person can be truly alive and live to the fullest. There is difference in being alive. There is a standard of Imaan that is expected and the one we possess. There is a huge gap. Allah expects complete faith from us. A person asks water to quench his thirst and you provide water in spoon. Our faith is very weak. This won’t fulfill our needs. This Imaan won’t give us strength to act upright. First focus should be to restore perfect Imaan in Ummath.
Creations can’t do you any harm or favor. All powers rest with Allah. All creatures are dependent on Him. The ways of Yahudis, Nasaras and Mushriks will give failure. This is next part of Imaan. Prophet’s commands will give us complete success. There is a palm’s gap between lip and heart. But rarely our words descend from lips into our hearts. Dawath is to speak Allah’s praise always. We should constantly talk about the reality of Deen, Akhirat and Allah’s powers at all places we go, be it school or college or office. Imaan will become complete when we openly talk about it. We get our food, health and air from Allah’s treasure. Surah 40, Mumin, verse 13 – ‘ va yunazzilulakum minas samayi rizkan’. He sends you sustenance from the sky. Allah is graceful. He has stored food for us for our lifetime in sky. He has it protected for us. Talk to Muslims about Imaan. Explain them the importance to follow Sunnath. We will be raised with the community that we follow in this world. A Hadees narrates that we will be with those in the Qayamath whom we loved in this world. Sahabas rejoiced after hearing this. Because they loved Prophet more than anything else. Man will follow whom he loves. Kaamil Imaan is to wish for our brother what we would wish for ourselves. We desire to escape from hell, from punishment and pain. Protect your family members, relatives, neighbors from the fire of hell. Surah 66, Tahreem, verse 6 – ‘ya ayyuhallazeena amanu ku anfusakum wa ahlikum naaran’. Save yourselves and your families from the fire. Do teachings and remembrance in your families. Involve your family members in Islamic works.
Second focus is on Namaz. It is not just to practice Namaz. We have to make it perfect. First question in Qayamat is about Namaz. Tajweed, Tasbeeh, Athiyat, Durood, all should be pronounced properly. You are talking with God. Talk correctly. Appearance and pronunciation should be correct. Abdullah ibn Zubair (rali) would stand erect like a pole while in Namaz. He learned Namaz from his grandfather Abubakkar (rali). He learned from Prophet. Once a person was toying with his beard while in prayer. If his heart was in correct place, his body would have been at peace.
Surah 23, Muminoon, verse 1-2 – ‘qad aflahal muminunallazeena hum fi salathihim gashioon’. “The believers must win through; those who humble themselves in prayer”. Gushu means to have heart focused and delighted in prayer. It is not proper to scratch during prayer. If heart is focused, they will become inheritors of paradise. They will enter Jannathul Firdous, loftiest heaven.
Namaz will be accepted only if income is Halaal. Even one handful of Haraam food will make our prayers rejected for 40 days. Allah says in one Hadees Qudsi. “If you stop enjoining good and forbidding evil, I won’t fulfill your prayers. I won’t protect you from your enemies”. Your Dua will be rejected if you stop doing Dawath. Now Dawath is lagging in our Ummath.
Third quality is Ilm and Zikr. Ilm is to know Allah’s likings. Zikr is to implement them. Purpose of Ilm is to motivate us to do good. Shaitan won’t like knowledge. Knowledge and details can be learned from books and scholars. Mashirat Ilm is to know day to day things like dress, food, culture, sleeping and marrying. Mashiyat Ilm is about income. One should know what income is permitted and what is prohibited. Income from Haraam means or business is Haraam. Adulteration, perjury, lying, cheating in weight balance are all Haraam. Truthful business will bring Barakath. One who bribes and receives bribe will go to hell. Maamulath Ilm is about exchanges. Business is Halaal. Usury is Haraam.
Elders should be respected and youngsters should be shown kindness. We should share our peace with others. We should honor rights of others and forgive if there are transgressions on our rights.
Fifth quality is Iqlaas. Anything should be done with sole intention of pleasing Allah. We should not expect rewards from others. Even service to others should be done for God. This will save us from getting tired.
Last quality is Dawath. It is to accept Allah’s commands and preach them to others.

Fire In Hell Is Fiercer

Darse Quran by Dr. Muhammad Mustafa Shareef Naqshbandhi
Published in Muslim Murasu, June 2012

The battle of Tabuk contains Ruhani (spiritual), Irfani (enlightening) and Imaani (faith) lessons for us. Hypocrites are exposed. Surah 9 Tauba, verse 81 – “farihal mukallafun”. Those who stayed behind are rejoicing. Prophet had set off for war. It was long distance, army was less in number and climate was extremely hot.  But soldiers of Allah were not dissuaded by these challenges. They did not fear the might of Roman force. Hypocrites who stayed behind in Medina felt happy. They spun arguments that it is abject folly to fight Roman army in this heat. Opponent force had soldiers in excess of one lakh. Muslim army had 30000 warriors.
Hypocrites said lame excuses to Prophet and stayed behind. They did not rebel against Allah. They rebelled against Prophet. They detested Jihad. They found sacrificing life as a loss. They spoke bad about it.
Khalid bin Valid (rali) used to bring victory in all the battles he participated. He was a skilled warrior. He had battle-scars all over his body. He regretted while on his death bed that he should have died in a battle. He felt bad about dying like a hypocrite in a bed. We consider this world as delightful. Ali (rali) was attacked cruelly when he was conducting Namaz. He told that he has succeeded. He was happy that he got the death that he desired. Ibn Muljim was the attacker. Ali (rali) asked for water. He offered water to the offender Ibn Muljim. But Ibn Muljim declined to drink that water. Ali (rali) said, “If you had taken this water from me, I would have given you water from Howzul Kawzer in the next world. You are adamant in your mistake”. Ali (rali) forgave his attacker.
Hypocrites cited heat as the reason for not taking part in the battle. It was season of dates harvest. Allah replied them. “kul naaru jahannama ashaddu harraa”. Fire of hell is fiercer in heat. Your belongings, dear ones and luxuries cannot save you there. It is narrated in a Hadees that the fire we see in this world is what has remained after dipping the fire of hell seventy times in water. Akhirat fire will be terrible. Pain will be unrelenting. People dying from burns will know the pain.
Verse 82 – “fal yalhaku kaleelan valyabku kasheeran”. Let them laugh a little; much they will weep. Joy in this world will last at the maximum for seventy years. Thousands of years of torment awaits them. If the heat and pain in this world is tolerated for good cause, cool and pleasant heaven will be gifted in the next life.
Verse continues – “jazaan bimaa kaanu yaksibun”. This is their recompense. This world is a place for cause and effect. If you throw a ball against the wall, it will come back to you. If you sit next to a stove, soot will stick to your dress. You will get cold if you go out in frigid climate. You will receive fragrance if you are near perfume. Hanging out with scholars will impart you knowledge. Roaming with fools will make you ignorant. Every action has a reaction. You will get rewards for the deeds you send up. You will reap what you sow. Good things cannot be expected in return for bad deeds.
Allah will be merciful to this Ummath. If you pray two Rakaath in the night, you will get reward like you spent the whole night in prayer. If you pray Ishaa with Jamaath and then Fajr with Jamaath, you will be rewarded like spending the whole night in worship. You need to make small efforts. You will reap huge rewards. Don’t sleep for whole night. Don’t rest too much. People around thirty can sleep for seven hours maximum. People in elder years can limit their sleep to five yours. Don’t sleep without limits. You will spoil your health and Deen. Tahajjut is the time to make your demands to God. You are not asked to spend full night in prayer. But at least the last part of the night, 30 minutes before Fajr, spend in prayer. Spend atleast some time in Ibadath.
Verse 83 - “fa in rajaakallahu ila taifathin minhum fastahzanuka lilkurooj”. They will ask your permission to fight with you in future. Prophet replied to hypocrites, “Never shall ye come out with me”. You stayed behind during Tabuk. You stay behind in future too. This is a punishment from Allah. They were removed from Jihad.
Abdullah ibn Ubay was a hypocrite. He had thousand people with him. He fell ill. He requested Prophet to bless him with Prophet’s garment. Umar (rali) advised Prophet against giving his garment. But Prophet gave him garment. Prophet told Umar that this won’t benefit disbeliever. But he won’t be able to mislead anyone hereafter. Followers of Abdullah ibn Ubay understood their folly and accepted Prophet. Abdullay ibn Ubay passed away. His son came to Prophet and asked him to conduct Janaza prayer. Prophet slipped by asking him to find someone else. But he insisted that Prophet should come. Prophet relented and got ready for Janaza prayer. Verse 84 was sent at this occasion. “valaa tusalli alaa ahadin minhum maata Abadan valaa takum alaa kabrihi”. Don’t pray for them, nor stand at their graves. It is not proper to stand at the graves of hypocrites. But Ziyarat, visiting graves in general is accepted in Hadees. One Sahaba was walking in a graveyard with his slippers. Prophet told him to remove his slippers. Kabrastan is not a place for playing cards or chit-chat. We should be standing while burying the body. This is not a place for time-pass or bantering. One day you will be brought here. One should deeply think and pray. Eyes should take lessons and hearts should fear.
Hypocrites were not against Allah. They had deep understanding of Tawheed. But they were against Prophet. Allah took this as a rebellion against Him. People saying ‘la ilaha illallah’ are dying in Kufr. Requirement of Kalima is ‘Muhammadur rasoolullah’. Rejecting Prophet is rejecting Allah.
Verse 85 – “valaa tuhjibka amwaaluhum va awladuhum”. Let not their wealth or sons dazzle thee. Allah is addressing Prophet. Message is for Sahabas. Allah will give them wealth and sons and trap them in that. Allah’s desire is that they should die with their hearts deep in Kufr. We can pray for wealth. But we should not sink in it. Allah will test some people by giving them facilities. If it is Allah’s Will, He will give sons. If it is His Will, He will give daughters. For some people, He won’t give any child. It should not be construed as Allah’s wrath. Many elders in Islam had no children. Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi died in the state of Ihtikaaf, while reciting Kahf Surah in Juma Namaz. He did not have offspring. It is Allah’s Will. Many scholars in Hyderabad don’t have children. But one can pray to God. Dua can change fate. Ibrahim (alai), Jakariya (alai) persistently prayed to God. They got children in their older years. One should pray with hope. If prayer is not fulfilled, it should be considered as good. Allah’s verdicts should be accepted. We should not challenge or argue about it. It is upto Allah to give or decline. No one can question Him. But pray with confidence. “Our hands will beg only to You. Our heads will bow only to You”. Sometimes, Allah delays to retain you in His nearness. This will improve the status of the person. If Allah enables you to ask Dua, He has opened the doors of His Grace for you. “Ija kalaithum fazkurullaha”. Remember Him more once you finish your worship. Pray to Him. Don’t run after Namaz. Dua is Ibadath. ‘addua huwal ibada’. Namaz is a formal form of Dua. Allah likes his servants pleading to Him.

Avoid Useless Talks

Quran Dars by Peerzada Allama Syed Mohammed Razaul Haq Aleemi Shah Aamiri
Published in Muslim Murasu, June 2012

Mishkath Hadees – Prophet said, “Umru ummathi minasitheena ilas sabaeen”. Life span of my community is between 60 and 70. It is by God’s grace that a person lives after 60. “va akalluhum maiyajud zalik” – Few will live after 70. Age of some people is 75. They desire to live another 75 years. They argue, “My grandma lived till 110”. Don’t go by what your grandparents told you. It is important to understand the reality taught in religion.
Live this small, temporary life according to Allah’s Will. Allah will please you in the eternal, permanent life that has no decline or decay. Please Allah in this ephemeral life and you will be happy in the eternal life. It is foolishness to live this life as per whims and fancies. You are prisoners in Allah’s prison. Melt in this cauldron. Don’t indulge in pleasures. Avoid sins. Seek Allah’s protection from which He has detested. This life is for two days. You won’t get an amazing life here even if you ignore Allah. Corrupt people are more entrenched in problems and crises than righteous ones. They have more diseases, tension and restlessness. Our boldness to live according to our desires is wrong. This world is a prison for Believers. Palaces cannot be raised inside prisons. It is a madman’s job to have liking for prison. It is abject folly. This world is a place for problems and dangers. It is by God’s grace that we get to live some happy moments.
Surah 41, Hamim, verse 31 – “va lakum fiha ma tashtahi anfusukum valakum fiha ma tadhavun”. There you will get whatever you desire and whatever you ask. It is Allah’s mercy that He has ordained to live this short life according to His Will and He has given eternal life to our pleasure. We are not interested in learning this. We say this as Shariath. People of Tarikath should learn matters of Shariath. The word ‘Nafs’ is used in this verse.
You will get what your Nafs desires. You can choose the fruits and meat of birds that you like. “va fakihathin yathakayyarun valahmi taiyrin mimma yashtahun” – Surah 56, Waqia, verses 20, 21. “Hoorun een”. They will appear like women with big eyes. But they are not human beings. They are not children of Adam and Eve. Hoors are created out of Zafran in heaven.
Haura – singular; lady with fair complexion, Hoor – plural
Einau – singular; lady with big eyes, Een – plural
Women who had done good deeds will look more gorgeous than Hoor. Hoor did not do deeds. But women have lived a virtuous life here. They served their parents, in-laws and husband. They respected Allah and Rasoolullah. So they will look more beautiful. This is their reward.
There won’t be vain talks in heaven. “la yasmauna fiha lagvan vala tahsheema” – verse 25. Prophet said, “Ar reebathu ashadu minazina”. Backbiting is worse than prostitution. A person following fruitful principle will forsake useless talks. If you avoid useless talks, it means you are following true religion. Avoid talks that have no use in this world or the next. There won’t be any sinful talks. “illa keelan salaman salama” – verse 26. They will only hear Salaam.
You will die the way you lived. You will be risen the same way. If you had lived doing good deeds, you will face death in an amicable way. People who whiled away their time playing cards and gambling will die the same way. Backbiting people, liars, those who get usury, will die in such situations. Death will reflect the way you lived. “tamuthuna kama tahyavun”.
There won’t be any sins in heaven. Only righteous actions will exist. Intention, inclination, to do bad things will be removed. There won’t be any thought for backbiting or illicit sex. There will be liking only for good actions. In this world, there will be thoughts for evil. You have to avoid them and consciously choose and do good things. There won’t be Shirk or Kufr in heaven. If you live a life free of sins, you will be blessed with same life in heaven. Won’t sinners get heaven? They may get. But usually heaven is only for righteous ones. This is Allah’s Sunnath, His method. Sometimes He will exhibit His Kudrath, His Majesty. Some people say that we will stay in hell only for a short span and then we will be forgiven and sent to heaven. You cannot endure a fraction of the heat in hell. A moment in hell in incomprehensible.
There won’t be ‘Panja’ in heaven. It is sin to even see something that is sin. Panja is not accepted in Islam. This is not Sunnath. Panja has nothing to do with Ali(ral), Husain (rali) or Sunnathul Jamath. Fire trench is practice of other community. Muslims have borrowed this. Islam has no place for Pattan Ka Panja, Theen Bol ka Panja, Bol Theen Ka Panja. People of Ahle Sunnath should not participate in Panja. Offspring of Panja title should renounce their title. You won’t incur any loss by this. Some elders do not talk or criticize about Panja. They don’t participate in it either. Panja should be stopped. Only most ignorant and foolish among Muslims practice Panja. They even invite me to recite Fatiha in Panja. Allah will forgive childhood sins. But ignorance should not continue.
A life free of sins is heavenly life. Islamic life is heavenly life. Materialistic, sinful life is life of hell. Shadow in heaven is completely different from shadow in this world. We store fruits in refrigerators. All fruits will be available in all seasons in heaven without measure.

Commentary Problem

Muslim Murasu, May 2012

Quran commentary saw new developments in 1980s. Youngsters showed interest in new premises in Tamilnadu. Islamic movement was on the rise. Intentions of the organizations were thrust in the name of divine message. New organizations ruled the roost. Ideology caused formation of new organizations. Import of money and lifestyle from Arab world divided Tamil Muslim society into two. Traditional Tamil Muslims, their lifestyle, were being successfully trampled. Same verse was given two different meanings. This is Mecca period; we should be patient. This was one preaching. Not possible; not at all; this is Medina period; we should prepare for fight. Fanatic, poisonous ideas, half-baked commentaries made Tamil Muslims frantic. Chaos and deceptions were the norm. Quran explanations were no exceptions. One preaching was pro-government, pro-establishment. Another group was completely antagonistic to government. The government that was bystander until then started to lunge, seize and gnaw. Result was imprisonment, court hassles, pursuance  by police and banning of movements.
This gave a rude jolt. Islamic movement became dull. Youngsters withdrew. Western, modern elites used the opportunity well and propagated lewdness. Materialistic rage surged. Parents were not respected. Love affairs, flash marriages, sexual aggression, increasing divorces, swelling widow population, parsimony and extravagance, Quran teachings have become more important in this situation. Gradually weekly Quran discourses are being introduced in Muhallas. Preacher should have the background in his mind. Tamil Muslims have been kept aloof from Quran for the past forty years. Story narration, dwelling on incidents, self propaganda, Dravidian terminologies, these have become core elements of sermons in Tamilnadu. These absurdities have no place in Quran discourses. People with Arabic knowledge, devotion to Guru and faith in God should come to field. They shall guide and direct the society. Strong heart is needed. Only four or five men may attend in the initial days. But the preacher should come with the preparation of facing a crowd of one lakh. If the weekly sermons continue without break, Insha Allah, very soon Badr Sahabas can be identified. Offspring of Khulafaye Rashideen will become visible. Ashabu Sufaa will emerge. Preacher shall march ahead.

Karooniyath

Weekly Speech at Tableeghi Markaz, Tolichowki, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, May 2012

Man distances himself from God when he commits sins. He comes near God by doing good deeds. Taking mistakes lightly can create serious problems. Prophet said, “Reduce sins; death will be easy. Avoid loans and live an easy life”.
Any activity should be done according to commands of God. Otherwise it is not religion, neither will the person taste success in this world or the next. If merchandise is done bearing in mind the commands of God, it means being religious. Karoon also was a merchant. He did not earn any good reward. Ruling, parenting, everything when done according to Will of God will earn us good rewards.
Singular purpose in life is to please God. God will be pleased with man when man is pleased with God. We should be satisfied both during good health and illness. We should be calm even under distressful situations. We should find contentment in palaces and huts alike.
Allah says about Sahabas in Quran. ‘raliyallahu anhum va ralu anhu’. God was pleased with them because they were pleased with God.
Man is subservient to the favors he receive. But he is not subservient to the One who gives him all favors. He is not obedient to God who gives him good health. He does not pleases God by maintaining calm during distress.
Once Abdul Khadir Jeelani (rah) was ill. He prayed to God, “Give me love for this sickness”. Prophet has told, “He has got the pleasure of Imaan; he is content that Allah is his Rab”. Allah trains you in palaces and hut houses. He tests you in good positions and in unemployment. One who has neared God through his illness has achieved success. Healthy people are not the only successful people. Hadees continues, “He is content that Islam is his religion; he is content that Muhammad (sal) is his Prophet”. Following Sunnath after this will become easy. Life will be filled with love for Imaan.
Imaan will alleviate jealousy. Jealousy is a fire that harms health and goodness. An animal was creating problems in a city. King told to show a mirror in front of the animal. Animal died from the shock of its own reflection.
‘nahnu kasamna baynahum maishathan’ - ‘We have distributed provisions among them”. We cannot understand God’s wisdom from our limited knowledge. This faith will render humility. A person will think about God’s inquiry before spending even a penny.
This is not my money. This is not my children. These are given by God to me. ‘My’, ‘mine’ concepts are dangerous. What is Karooniyath? It is not just fighting with Moosa (alai). It is claiming ownership over God’s favors. ‘innama uthithuhu alaa ilmin indhi’ - ‘I earned it through my knowledge’. Surah 28, Kasas, verse 78. Quran has mentioned one Karoon. There are many Karoons in each period. They don’t accept Allah’s share in each Nihmath.
Once Umar Bin Abdul Ajees (rah) said: We won’t be misers. We won’t spend extravagantly. We will spend according to the need.
Punishment is there for Haraam. Inquiry is there for Halaal.
Imaan will stop us from parsimony and extravagance. An Imaam says that frugality in four matters can bring poverty in the world to an end: vehicle, house, garments and marriage. Prophet told Ayisha (rali), “Love objects only as much as a traveler will do; don’t consider a dress as old until it gets torn; don’t sit with rich people”. Ayisha (rali) used to donate thousands of Dinars, but she won’t have anything to eat for Iftaar.
You have to be grateful when you have money. Helping poor is the appropriate gratitude for this. When you have good health, you have to help sick ones. Way to show gratitude differs according to the favor you enjoy. Dimensions will change according to money, health and youth. Youngsters should help weak ones.
Egypt scholar, Muhammad Marosi (rah) says, “My annual expenditure is 200 Dirham”. He will think twice before spending for personal needs. Personal expenditures can be reduced. Once government raised his salary to 20000 Dirhram. But his lifestyle did not change. He spent only 200 Dirham for personal needs. He used to donate to students and widows. Don’t increase your expenditure above your income. This is the advice from Auliyas.
Taste for tongue will remain for one hour. New dress will be joyous for one day. New home can be enjoyed for a year. Don’t fall into loans and interests for these perishable pleasures. Don’t waste your life. Some have reached older age paying interests and not paying Jakath. Now also they are not worried or feared about returning and facing God.
A shop owner asked his Sheikh, guru, to sit in this bill counter and pray. His Hajrath told, “Even if Jibreel (alai) sits here and prays and all the angels say Ameen, there won’t be Barakath in your shop; you are running this money out of usury money. You are declaring war”.
When Nijamudin Auliya is offered to eat something during Iftar, he will say, “There are many famished people in Delhi. How can I eat to full stomach”. Sheikh Fareedudin Shakarkanj (rah) was guru of Nijamudin Auliya (rah). Once Nijamudin gave some fruits to him. Fruits were tasteless. Some salt was given. Fareedudin said that this food reeks of extravagance. Nijamudin told that he borrowed salt. Guru warned him, “A person borrowing for pleasure cannot be God’s beloved”.
Prophet never had two gravies while eating. Once Abdulla Ibn Umar brought two gravies. Umar (rali) said, “How can I face Rasoolullah. My lifestyle has grown above his lifestyle”.
We should love Prophet. We should love his language, style, social system and his Ummath. We have to love what he loved and hate what he hated.
Amar Bin Aas (rali) once chided a companion who was speaking in Persian language. He asked him not to use the language of fire worshipers. Umar (rali) once wrote a letter. “Learn Arabic. That is the language of your religion”. Rasoolullah said, “Don’t talk like Ajam. That will bring hypocrisy in your hearts”.
Sahabas used to talk other languages. But they will convert the language according to tenets of Islam. They will not accept a language with its ancient superstitious ways. Proverbs, examples and metaphors will be refined and then they will use that language. Sahabas never accepted backward cultures and habits.
Rasoolullah used to exhibit Mojisa. Once he was speaking to a Negro child in Habashi language. “Haja Sana”. It means beautiful in Habashi language. Once his companion was having pain in stomach. Prophet inquired about his health in Persian language.
Sahabas used other languages to spread Islam. Isha was called as ‘Athama’ in rural areas. Prophet asked them to call as Isha. Forefinger was called ‘sabbaba’, cursing finger. Prophet told that to be called as ‘sabbaha’, ‘finger for tasbeeh’. Prophet told not to say ‘raina’, but say ‘unzurna’. Once a companion was greeting a newly wed couple in ignorant way. Prophet correct him and told him to greet as, ‘let Allah bring Barakath in your lives’.
You cannot inculcate religion in your life without good personal contacts. Religiosity will not come without good relations. It has never happened and will never happen. Religiosity means tenderness, good character, proper mind, internal and external aspects, religion in solitude and in crowd, controlling anger and praying for others.
This cannot be learnt from CDs or books. I am not underestimating value of pen. This Ummath writes more books. Allah will weigh ink of scholars along with blood of martyrs. Allah has made scholars of this Ummath write huge books.
Jews took their Holy Scripture with fervor and dared to kill their Prophets. They ventured to understand books without help of Aalims. They got entangled in deceptions. They were commanded not to fish in Saturdays. They laid nets on Fridays and retrieved them on Sundays as workaround. They rejected God’s command. Fat from camel was forbidden. They extracted oil from it. They made Haraam as Halaal.
Downside of Christians was that they celebrated their priests and ignored Holy Book. They took priests as Gods. Priests can make anything as forbidden or permissible.
Merit of Muslim Ummath is that they know the importance of both the Book and the Prophet who brought the Book. They learnt Deen through peers. Religion is not available only in books. Friendship will impart religion.
Allah has sent many Prophets without books. But He has never sent a book without Prophet.
Deen cannot be understood without proper contacts. Jibreel (alai) personally taught first part of Namaaz to Prophet. Next day he came and illustrated final part of Namaaz. There is no alternative to personal contact.

Tauba Is A Gift

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

Mecca came under Muslim control. People were embracing Islam in groups and droves. This was a victory without bloodshed. Fear about Muslims settled in the hearts of opponents. Muslims were expected to act more resolutely. But inhabitants of Hunain challenged Muslims for a fight. Rasoolullah (sal) prepared for the battle. He along with Sahabas headed towards Hunain. Sahabas were proud in the aftermath of victory of Mecca. They were strong in number and were over confident. Muslims were far outnumbered in the battle of Badr. They had their complete faith in Allah then. But Hunain situation was different. Allah’s help stopped because they believed more in their strength. Sahabas realized their mistake. Victory goes to the side which Allah supports. They corrected their ideas. ‘Tasawwuf’ means to correct the thinking. There should be strong and constant contact with Allah. Faith should not be put in children, wealth and property.
“Allah helped you in many battlefields. Surah 9, Tauba, verse 25 - ‘lakadh nasrakumullahu fi mavathina kasheerathin’. Allah had helped in Badr, Uhud and Kandaq. Mecca was conquered without bloodshed. ‘va yawma hunain’. You had lost in Hunain. Then victory was gifted to you. Allah’s servants should constantly ask for His help. Some people change their attitude once they see some money. Rasoolullah has told that he is not afraid that his Ummath will go towards Shirk or Kufr; but when the world is opened in front of them, they may lose sight of the main purpose.
Parents are not guiding their children nowadays. TV has taken their role. Children believe the scenes in TV as reality. They jump from terraces believing that superman will save them. We have to select lesser of the two evils. Parents should take remote in their control. House won’t change without making TV as Muslim. Preaching is not sufficient; deeds should follow. Society will change when individual families change. When you implement what you know, new unknown things will be revealed to you. You will receive Ilham. TV is terrible evil. You have to start acting now.
There were many advantages in Hunain. But Allah’s help was not sought. ‘falam thugni ankum shaiya’. Your count did not help you. ‘valaakath alaikumul arlu’. Ground started shrinking under your feet. ‘bima rahubath’. You were losing when actually you should have been winning. Reason was over confidence in number. ‘shumma vallaithum mudbireen’. You started running from the field. But Rasoolullah stood firmly. Sahabas like Abubakr, Umar, Ali used to come under protection of Prophet during battles. Prophet will lead from the front and Sahabas used to follow him. Some Sahabas ran away in Hunain. But some others were standing around Prophet and giving calls for others. Then all Sahabas regrouped and came together. Allah should be remembered more during battles. Battle is not for rule or kingdom. It is for the sake of truth. Jihad is an Ibadath. Sahabas used to pray and worship during battles.
‘Shumma anzalallahu sakeenathahu alaa rasoolihi va alal moomineen’. God poured His calm on Prophet and believers. ‘va anzala junoodan lam tharavha’. Allah sent down an army of angels which were invisible. This is special privilege for Rasoolullah. Angels came for battle instead of doing Tasbeeh. No other Prophet had this privilege. ‘va azzaballazeena kafaroo va zalika jazaul kaafireen’. He punished unbelievers. Thus Allah penalises unbelievers.
Man will receive Allah’s mercy when he repents for his mistakes. Adam (alai) did a mistake. He regretted and repented. Shaitan, on the contrary, did not accept his mistake. ‘fabimaa agvaithani’ 7:16 - 'You misled me'. He did not regret, instead argued. Man can make mistakes. But he should hold firm onto ‘asthagfirullah’. His sins will be forgiven.
‘rabbana lalamnaa anfusanaa va inlam thagfirlana va tharhamna lanakoonanna minal kasireen’. Surah 7, Ahraf, verse 23. ‘Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls. If You do not forgive us and bestow Your mercy, we will be lost’. Man should not be adamant in his mistakes.
One who has learnt to repent has received Allah’s love. All make mistakes. Only few are fortunate to feel remorse. Tauba is not a little matter. One should not make light of his mistakes. Shaitan will do sugar coating and obstruct us from repenting. Door of Tauba is door of success.
9:27 - ‘Shumma yathoobullah min baadi zalika alaa main yashaullahu gafoorun raheem’. Allah turned in mercy towards them and forgave them. Allah is most forgiving. Once sky was decorated. Angels asked about the occasion. Allah said, “One of my servants who had gone away from Me has returned back”.
Now the declaration comes. ‘ya ayyuhallazeena aamanu innamal mushrikeena najasun’. Pagans are unclean. They should not enter Baithullah after this year. ‘falaa yakrabul masjidal haraam baada aamihim haza’. There were 360 idols in Kaba during victory of Mecca. This happened in Hijri 8. Every job needs discretion. 13 years of preaching in Mecca, Badr, Uhud battles, Udaibiya agreement and later Mecca victory. Kaba was purified after this. One should not act callously or in haste. Patience, discretion and proper judgement are needed. There was Gautam Budha statue in Afghanistan. They demolished it. Every country came waging war on them.
Some people are holding the view that Kaba was a temple. Truth is that Kaba  initially did not have idols. Idolators penetrated and planted idols there. Kaba did not have idols when Prophets constructed it initially. Some people entered our house and kept idols.
Mushrik were not allowed to enter Kaba after success of Mecca. They have not entered there till this date. The purity referred in this verse is not about dress or body. It is about hearts. We are not against any community. We are against evils in their hearts. Do not hate them. Love them. Invite them to your houses and show hospitality. Your good behavior may make them accept Islam.
Mushriks were big merchants. There was a fear that economy can come down if they are expelled. Verse 28 - ‘va in kifthum alylathan fasaufa yugneekumullahu min fazlihi insha’a innallaha aleemun hakeem’. ‘If you fear poverty, soon God will enrich you if He wills, out of His bounty’. Now Mecca is the most prosperous place in the world. There is no fruit that is not available there. New technologies and cars are introduced there. People from all over the world buy products from Mecca and take to their homes for Barakath. Allah has instilled love for Mecca and Medina in the hearts of Muslims. Some people do Haj repeatedly. This shows that their first Haj is approved. Muslims all over the world will develop if Arabs are strong. There won’t be weakness. We pray for safety and peace in Mecca and Medina in our Jumaa prayers. Harmony there means harmony everywhere. When an Aalim steps out of his house, angels spread their wings above him and fishes in the seas pray for him till he returns home. His safety means safety for everyone. Similarly, peace in Mecca and Medina means peace for the entire world.

Pay Attention To Friends Circle

Muslim Murasu, May 2012

Purpose of friendship is to root out influence of other cultures. Friendship will render all aspects of religion like transforming heart, character, external facets, internal necessities, discipline and following commands.
One cannot become religious without partnering with a person who is already devoted to God. One cannot become religious from sitting in home. It is imperative to do sacrifice in the path of God. This will bring the habit of starting early in the  morning. Friendship will make difficult things easy. A Nawab was asked about how he lost his rule. He answered that he used to drink in nights and sleep in mornings.
A mother was forcing her infant to walk with her. Her hope was that child will soon learn to walk on religious path. Discipline and values can be learnt through relations. Life improves through relations. Respect is earned from forgiving, not by taking revenge. Man’s success cannot be measured from his vehicles and homes. See his contacts and loyalties.
Tremendous efforts are needed to purify mind and character. Mother has to cry, father has to be concerned. Children will then get good nature. Parents have to feel concerned about their children. “Make me write what you like”. A writer prayed to God. We should pray for knowledge that was bestowed on people whom God loved.
Mother of an Auliya advised him. Learn to do your works on your own. Do not involve servants. That will give you cruel mentality and a mindset to disrespect others. Fulfill your needs on your own. Learning from lap of mother makes a saint.
Umme Ruman (rali) was mother of Ayisha (rali). Ayisha was wrongly accused. She was in distress for a month. Then Quran verse was sent down declaring her virtue. Ayisha (rali) was pleasantly surprised. Usual mother-in-law would have fought with son-in-law. But Ayisha’s mother told her to go to Prophet, thank him and declare her allegiance to him. Prophet told, “If you want to see a lady fit for paradise, see Umme Ruman”.
Mother-in-law should have good nature. It is not enough to have silver hair. Character should shine. Tender heart is needed. Honor is in covering and forgiving mistakes of young ones. Service is to be given, not to be taken. Youngsters should not be insulted when people are around. They should not be cursed. Prayers should be done for them in solitudes. Mother-in-law, father-in-law, husband and wife, each one should understand his or her duty.
Rasoolullah had married daughter of Abu Sufyan. He had troubled Prophet during many battles like Uhud and Kandaq. But Prophet never mentioned his name in his house. One can get such noble character only through prolonged efforts, good contacts, prayers and sacrifices.
Tarbiyath cannot be imparted in one lecture. Short temper cannot be brought under control through the course of a speech. Tenderness cannot be injected through pills. There are no readymade medicines or utilities to avoid Haraam. Allah has made this world as ‘Alame asbaab’. One has to wait for the crop after sowing. It will take ten months for a fetus to grow. Every growth is gradual and methodical. That is the rule here.
Rain will grow flowers in some soil and thorns on other soil. Hearts of thousands are transformed through Dawath works. Muhalla is uplifted. Allah bestows the power to transform a region, the whole world, in the hands of a person. Those coming to Dawath works should come with the objective to learn Tarbiyath (discipline and values). Only then Allah will give Tarbiyath to them. No one can learn it without seeking it.
The speed of Tarbiyath will be surprising. Everyday man will turn his gaze towards his own shortcomings. He will respect his critics. “They helped me realize my mistake”. A writer was thankful to his critics. They are helping me correct my book. Otherwise, I would have to spend a lot to find mistakes and correct them. Critics are your helpers. People seeking self-refinement will appreciate their critics. They won’t fight with them. They won’t feel content about their self. Angels keep calling you towards goodness round the clock and Shaitan invites you to evil deeds round the clock. This is permanent battle in heart. Worship till death. You can feel content after saying Kalima before dying. “Muthmayinna”. Those who feel content about their self has fallen into Shaitan’s trap. Decline has started for them in this world and the next. There won’t be any development.
Life is not a matter of bread and butter. Faith is important. People become restless when their income dwindles. Rewards are being delayed when you strive honestly. What goodness will you receive when you take to wrongful means. If Allah is delaying, it is for some good reason. Prophet has told us not to take to sins when our incomes are delayed. Allah will give only good things from His reserves. Graduation, posting and income are not big things. Faith is the biggest asset. One drop of Marifath, awakening, has no match. Engineers and millionaires should not forget God. Allah has been taught to you when you were in your mother’s lap.
Parents should send their children in the path of God. People leading those children also should have soft heart. They are fortunate to lead these children and pray for them. God will do wonders with those whom they train.
Surah 25, Furqan, verses 27 – 28. ‘wa yawma ya’allu llaalimu ala yadaihi yakulu yalaithani athakazthu mahar rasooli sabeelan’ – the day that the wrongdoer will bite at his hands. He will say, ‘oh! Would that I had taken a straight path with the messenger’.
‘yavailatha laithani lam athakiz fulaanan kaleela’ – ‘Ah! Woe is me! Would that I had never taken such a one for a friend’.
Background of this verse. Uqba invited people of Mecca to a feast. Prophet insisted that Uqba should accept his invitation, then he will accept Uqba’s invitation. Uqba embraced Islam. Abu Jahl sternly told Uqba to renounce Islam, only then he will take part in the feast. Uqba reneged from Kalima. Allah refers to those who went astray owing to their friendship. This verse is about them whose Imaan got corrupted by their contacts.
Some are running away. But missionary workers of Allah keep pursuing them in office, house and market and give them good message. It takes a lot to get selected for a company. One has to pay attention to his dress, language, education, appearance and diction. It is no mean task to get selected for Allah’s work. Traveling abroad to Australia and America is easy. But an opportunity to preach goodness to a person in your neighborhood is a great Blessing. Introspection and repentance are the needed qualities here.

Death Is Speed Breaker In Life

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan speech
Published in Muslim Murasu, May 2012

There are two forces in this world. They are not two creators. They are two creations. There were two creations in this world when God created man; Jinns and angels.
Shaitan belongs to Jinn community. -'kaana minal jinni’ – Surah 18, Kahf, verse 50.
The dominion of earth was given to man. ‘inni jayilun fil arli kaleefa’ – Surah 2, Baqara, verse 30. Man is not owner of earth. He is being tested here. Dawood (alai) says that I have been given kingdom as a test whether I am being grateful. World is examination hall. All materials and facilities given to man are test papers. ‘innama amwalakum wa awladukum fitna’. Here ‘fitna’ means test. This will continue till death. Man has to live his life between two forces, Jinns and angels.
Angels are sources of goodness. Shaitan is source of evil. Men have both the qualities. Nafs lavvaamaa – conscience; Nafs ammaaraa – ego. Ego is entry point for Shaitan. Conscience is entry point for angels. Once you come under the effect of ego, Shaitan will take full control. Shaitan seeks to lead people astray.
Once a person was harshly arguing with and scolding Abubakr (rali). Prophet was silently standing. Prophet left that place as soon as Abubakr started giving reply. Prophet later explained. When you were silent, angels were speaking on your behalf. When you started giving reply, angels left the place and I left too.
Conscience of the opponent was alive as long as Abubakr stayed calm. “You are troubling a quiet person”. But ego reared its head high when Abubakr also started scolding. It is on you whether you invoke ‘lavvaamaa’ or ‘ammaaraa’. You will face hatred and vengeance when you invoke ego. You will get love and affection when you invoke conscience.
Every person you meet, in your house and outside, has these two qualities. You can make a person your friend or your foe. Man, woman, children, blacks, whites, poor and rich, everyone has these two qualities. Human beings are an exemplary creation. Heaven is the only fitting abode for them.  But Shaitan keeps pushing them towards trivial things. These are not man’s inventions. God has created and given to man these two qualities. Both are creations of God. Anything will have a positive side and a negative side. Ego is source of assertion, determination, courage and power. It enables you to face challenges in life. Anger, vengeance, constitute its downside. There will be hatred towards others when ego is corrupt. One should try to harness its positive energy. But one should be careful not to trigger next person’s ego by any disrespectful way. God has created man for success. He should avoid failure. We are living, dwelling, in the world created by God. Let us first understand the divine laws at play here. Then life will become easy.
Man will not lose control once he understands this. Death cannot be avoided, regardless of how huge you earn. This is speed breaker in life. One Hadees advices us to remind death often, it will kill your desires. Another Hadees says that, every disease has medicine, but death doesn’t.

Parents Come Immediately After Allah

Darse Quran by Maulana Syed Rizwan Pasha Quadri
Published in Muslim Murasu, April 2012

Surah Nisa, verse 36. Worship Allah. Do not attribute anything equal to Him. “He has powers like Allah. Allah certainly has to pay heed to his words”. Such assertions have no place in Islam. No one is equal to Allah. There is no match to His attributes and qualities. He is alone. He has no partner. Allah commands to worship Him alone. Immediately after this, Allah commands kindness towards parents.
After Allah, it is your parents most deserving of your services. They are the most important in this world next to Allah. Some question about importance of Prophet. Accepting Allah is accepting Prophet and vice-verse.
Prophet has told that your mothers are heaven for you. You make her happy, you attain heaven. Your fathers are your heaven. You make him happy, you will get heaven. All your worships and rituals are wasted if your parents are unhappy. Allah has no need for your prayers. Parents need your love. No person can fully compensate for the sacrifices of parents.
A companion came to Prophet and said that he carried his mother over his shoulders and did Haj from Medina to Mecca. He inquired whether he has compensated for her sacrifice. Prophet replied that he has not compensated for a small part of the pain that his mother endured during his birth.
Quran says, ‘ani shukurni valilvalidayn’. Be thankful to God and be thankful to parents. Those who are ungrateful to parents are ungrateful to God. Sometimes parents do annoy us. Short temper naturally comes with old age. They may have physical illness or they might have lost their life mate. This may cause depression and they may express anger. But do not say a word of inconvenience to them. This is God’s command. Allah will honor those who honor their parents.
In the period of Imam Thirmidi (rah), his companions set out to Basra for education. He could not join them because his mother was old and alone. Books were not available in those days. There won’t be copies of books. His friends returned after learning. Imam Thirmidi asked them to say some Hadees that they learned. When they start to tell any Hadees, Imam will tell them the remaining Hadees with complete details. His friends were surprised about how he knew this much when he had not traveled with them. Imam Thirmidi answered that Allah showed mercy on him and sent Khizr (alai) everyday to teach him. Khizr (alai) is from the time of Moosa (alai). Allah will give good rewards to those who are respectful to parents.
‘vakullahuma kawlan kareema’. Quran command is to use pleasant words to parents. Whatever be your tension, don’t speak harsh words to them if you want to protect your Imaan. Lower your shoulders to them. Don’t show arrogance. Surah 17, Bani Israel, verses 23-24.
Parents are huge blessing to children. If your parents are no more, be good to their relatives. If this makes your parents happy, all your sins will be forgiven. Show love for mother and respect to father. This is the opinion of Quran commentators. If both of them ask for water at the same time, first give to mother and then to father.
Prophet explained with a hypothetical example. My parents are alive. Ikamath has been said for prayer. I am standing for prayer. Now if my mother calls me, ‘Ya Muhammad’, then I will leave prayer and rush to answer her call. Prayer can be delayed but I cannot ignore my mother’s call.
A companion of Prophet sought his permission to migrate from Mecca to Medina. Prophet replied, “You have aged mother. Take good care of her. You will receive same grace that you will receive if you see me in person”.
Father’s Dua for his children will be accepted. Dua by Messengers for their society will be accepted. Same way, father’s Dua for his children will be answered.
Verse 36 continues with importance of relatives. Set aside sometime in your life for your relatives. Nowadays people are not visiting their relatives even on festivals. Rightful earning and good relation with relatives are very essential. ‘zil kurba’- close relatives. Next, be benevolent to orphans, care for poor people and show kindness to your neighbors. Sometimes exchange curries with your neighbors on left, sometime exchange gifts with your neighbors on right. Elite section is becoming more and more careless about their neighbors. You may be educated, but commands of Quran won't change. Guards are employed for security. No one is going their neighbor houses. Muslim should be friendly in his neighborhood, no matter what their religion is. One should be protection to another.
Neighbor of Imam Abu Hanifa (rah) was a drunkard. He will shout all night. Once he was taken in police custody. Imam went to station and bailed him out. He seated that person in the camel and he himself sat behind him. The neighbor felt remorse and renounced drinking.
You should not move your balcony in the premises of your neighbor. Don’t park cars in front of their houses. Don’t trouble them in any way. Don’t push your walls into their area. Forty houses constitute neighbors; forty to the right, forty to the left, forty in front and forty back. This is Prophet’s suggestion. You have to visit them if they are ill. Some are raising eyebrows. Is this possible these days? You know how many houses politicians visit for ballots. You have to care for your neighbors for your Akhirat.
Orphans are young kids and their desires will be little. If you cannot take entire ownership for them, you can certainly fulfill their small wishes. You can spend 2000 rupees for them. Atleast spend 50 rupees.
Don’t abuse or curse poor people. Don’t give them lectures. Verse 36 says, be good to companions. Some interpret this to mean wives. Be good to your friends. Behave well with wayfarers. Lodges and hotels are not needed. Don’t start interrogating. Give money to travelers and remove their distress. Don’t be skeptical. Relatives may sometimes come to our house. Don’t show unpleasant attitude. Be kind to your servants and assistants. Maids should not be ill-treated. Servants are not inferiors. They are also children of Adam (alai). Wages should be given before their sweat evaporates. Don’t get curses from your servants and assistants. Receive their Dua. Allah has given you good position. Don’t be arrogant to your assistants, whether they are Hindu or Muslim. Allah does not like arrogant, boastful people. Allah does not care about your position, status or wealth.
Leader should be a serving person. Society will naturally elevate those who serve them as leaders.
Parents – validayn
Relatives – zil kurba
Orphans – yathama
Poor – masaakeen
Neighbors – zarijil kurba
Companions – sahibi bil janbi
Wayfarers – vabnas sabeel
Servants – maa malakath aymaanukum
Do good – ihsaana

Don't Eat Heavily

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

A person met me after Juma Namaz and sought my suggestion over a matter. There is a vacant land near a mosque. It belongs to a Hindu. He is willing to give it for free. Is it appropriate. Surah 9, Tauba, verse 17 – “no when they witness against their own souls to infidelity – ma kaana lil mushrikeena inyahmaroona masajidallah”. If that person insists to give it for free, he could rather receive the money from Muslims and donate it to poor people.
People of Meccah had 40 years to recognize Prophet. Even before Nubuwath, plants and trees used to say Salaam to Prophet. He did not become Prophet all of a sudden. It was only a matter of declaration. Allah gave ample opportunity to inhabitants of Meccah to know and acknowledge Prophet. Only few accepted. They were exiled to Medinah where they established political rule.
Idolators in Meccah claimed, “We are caretakers of Kaba. We give water to pilgrims. We keep Kaba neat and clean”. They had no faith in God. They did not believe in Prophet or Akhirat. Maintaining Kaba is of no use to them. Allah did not ask their service. The responsibility and privilege of maintaining Kaba belongs to Muslims.
It is the job of Muslims to glorify mosques. There are many mosques in Hyderabad that have been built from Mehr amount. Many have individually donated amounts like 5 lakhs and ten lakhs. Once a mosque is built, it will remain a mosque till Qiyamath (last day). All the mosques will merge with Kaba on that day. If a person even removes a waste or dirt from mosque, a tree will be planted in heaven for him. Heaven is a barren place. Onus is on you to decorate it with your good deeds.
The question was about Kaba. But the decree sent by God applies to every mosque. Money from unbelievers should not be used for mosques. Jakath (alms) money is also prohibited for mosques. Jakath belongs to poor people. It should not be used for mosques. A person receiving alms should pray to God to change his lot. His position will improve. Upper hand is better than the lower hand. You should pray to God to make your hand as donating hand. Dua (supplication) is essential. Allah is angry with those who don’t ask Dua. Surah 25, Furqan, verse 77 – ‘maa yahfau bikum rabbi lavlaa duaukum’. Allah does not care if you don’t ask Him. Allah likes His servants to plead and surrender. Prophets reached exalted position after traveling through difficult situations. They had to cry and plead to God even though they had exalted status. Allah’s Blessing will not go towards proud and arrogant people. No benefit can come until heart melts and humbles itself. Namaz is first step to humility. Dua should follow it. First ‘iyyaka nahbudu’, later ‘iyyaka nastaeen’.
You won’t get up early in the morning for prayer if you eat heavy dinner before going to bed. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a poor. Sleeping less is a sign of noble men. Wise men talk less, eat less and sleep less. ‘akeemu salatha’ – Establish prayers. This means to regularly pray five times a day. In addition, you should stay in the state of Namaz throughout the day. You should be filled with the belief that God is constantly watching you.

Dawath Lessons

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

Maulana Yusuf (rah) asserts that Tableegh mission is very special, precious and priceless. Sulaiman(alai) prays to God: “habli mulkan la yanbaki li ahadin mimbahdi”. Surah 38, Saad, verse 35. “Grant me a kingdom that no one after me will have”. Allah did not take any time to grant his wish. Men, Jinns, birds, animals, winds and oceans were brought under his control and given to his rule. Involving in Dawath (missionary) work is greater than the kingdom of Sulaiman (alai).
Moosa (alai) is another revered Prophet. “I have an impediment in my tongue. Give me my brother Haroon to assist me.” Surah 20, Taha, verse 30: “haroona akhi”. Moosa did not ask anything staggering. He realized his weakness and prayed for his brother to assist him. Allah started listing the favors that He bestowed on Moosa (alai) from day one; verses 37 to 40. I have already favored you a lot. This will be in addition to that. One person being donated for Dawath work is not to be taken lightly. Maulana Yusuf weighed these two incidents and concluded that Dawath setup is greater than the kingdom of Sulaiman (alai).
Some argue that they are sinners and so they cannot come for missionary works. Do Dawath to remove your sins. Every person should understand the necessity of Dawath. Some do limited missionary works while some others take great part in this. But no one should spend life without taking any part in this. This is the purpose of life.
Allah has granted full Ummath (society) to our Prophet for Dawath work. Moosa (alai) asked for one person and Allah listed all favors blessed on him. But all men and women in Prophet’s ummath have been assigned for this work. Nubuwwath has not been given to any woman. Maryam (alai) received wahi. But she was not Messenger. But even women in Prophet’s ummath have been entrusted with Dawath work. Enjoining goodness and forbidding evil has become duty for every man and woman in this ummath. Allah has showered mercy on full ummath.
Prophet has said, “I was Prophet when Adam was between water and sand”. Rank was given in the beginning. But the actual work started when he was 40. Prophet was deeply concerned about the community. Liquor, murder, prostitution had become norm of the day. Prophet was in worship and meditation in the cave of Hira. The direction of Hira is towards Kaba. When interspersing buildings were not there, one could see Kaba from Hira. Prophet used to stay 10 or 15 days in a stretch. A person came. When his legs are on earth, his head will be in sky. His two hands can completely cover east and west. His voice will be resounding. He is archangel Jibreel who used to bring wahi for each Messenger of Allah. He said, “Iqra”. Prophet replied with calm and composure, “ma ana bikari”. Jibreel(alai) hugged Prophet tightly. Prophet felt like his life is being squeezed out. Receiving wahi is a difficult task. One has to rise from his position and receive wahi. Prophet’s weight will increase while receiving wahi. Once he was laying his head on the lap of Ayisah (rali) when wahi came to him. She felt like her lap is going to break. It is no easy task to receive Allah’s words. Prophet went through severe pain to receive God’s words and he suffered even more to convey them to people. His life was full of struggle and labor.
Prophet was unperturbed after seeing Jibreel, but once he received God’s commands, he started shivering. This is like taking oath to office. Kathija (rali) had some knowledge of wahi and nubuwwath. Waraqa bin Awfal was an established religious scholar of that time. The merit of Kathija(rali) is that she accepted Imaan before she was given a call to accept.
We will not disturb when our dear ones are lying on bed. Prophet is very dear to God. But religion is so dear to God that he commanded His beloved Prophet to rise. “Ya ayyuhal mudashir”; first seven verses of Surah 74. Call to faith was first given to inmates of home and then to friends. Abubakr (rali) accepted faith without least bit of hesitation. Banu Hashim numbered 39 and they were Prophet’s clan. Then call was given to people of Ummul Qura, that is, inhabitants of Meccah. Then call was given to entire humanity. “Ya ayyuhannaas inni rasoolullahi ilaikum jameea”.

Expand Your Hearts

Maulana Mujibur Rahman Bakavi speech at Vadapalani Vijayaragavapuran Masjid
Published in Muslim Murasu, March 2012

People are living in small circles. Disunity and differences are causing fissures in heart. Qad aflaha man thazakaahaa. He succeeds whose hearts harbors Allah’s fear. Everyone should have soulful relation with God. A person will succeed if his heart is filled with God. You will not succeed if your small heart is populated only with wife, parents, kids, relations and native people. Hearts should not become seats of dirt, rage, vengeance or violence.
The name ‘Allah’ will render my life, relations, wealth and luxuries as valueless. Human sacrifices are believed to bring fortunes. We read in newspapers about neighbor kids being sacrificed. People offer sacrifices believing the words of astrologers who themselves are struggling for a better life. There are people who offer human sacrifices solely for selfish motives.
Knife did not cut. But the love for kid vanished. Ibrahim (alai) did not have a child until 90. Some scholars place this age at 98. Anyone will be happy to have a kid at 98. They will show all their love for this kid. “I will offer my life for Allah. I will offer the life of my kid that I got at the age of 98 if that pleases Allah”. Islam has withstood all these times and survives to this day by the sacrifice.
Today, sacrifice has given way to narrow life for relations. Some go even further and are trapped in a life of 'my home, my wife, my kid'. Universal brotherhood has shrunken to a minimum life for family. Muslims should come out of these small rings. Muslims all over the world worship one God. Other communities also should get this opportunity. When will this happen. Bal thuhfiroonal hayatha duniya val akhiratu khairun va abka. This world will perish. The next world is eternal. Family should be prepared for eternal life. Universal outlook, love for all communities, affection and broad-mindedness will bring floods of happiness in your homes. Allah will gift His forgiveness when soul departs body. Family members should remember kalima when they are in their death beds. That is real success. Let us expand our hearts and thoughts.

Those Who Follow Deen Will Succeed

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

Critical questions were raised in the period of Maulana Ilyas (rah) concerning his mission and intention. “My intention is not to form a Jamaath or group. My intention is to take Ummath back to where Prophet left them before he departed”. Today we have assembled here with the same desire. We seek to uphold laws of God. Allah’s rule is same for all times. “Those who follow this religion will succeed”. Those who deviate from this will fail. All the incidents mentioned in Quran hold valuable lessons for us. They are not stories. They have guidance in them. No one likes to take names of kings and wealthy men, whom God have put to ignominy, as names for their children. Allah gave victory to some people. They will remain as archetype for success till the last day of this world. They did not possess technological power or economic or political might.
Deen is blissful life that embodies commands of Allah and teachings of Prophet. Deen should be practiced every second in our life. Each second, our success or failure is determined. Time is a sharp sickle. Either you slice it or it will slice you. Prophet has told that you will die the same way as you live, then you will be raised from death the same way and your next life will be same. Do what you have to do, lest you will be forced to do things that you should avoid. You will find yourself in such a situation.
Deen will come in life only through hard work. You have to put some efforts even to get some salt. First thing that connects Deen to a person is faith, strong belief. This was Prophet’s first call. Arab community was wallowing in abhorable depths in each facet of life. They had separate idol for each day, their prayers were filled with nakedness and they did not hesitate to bury an infant alive. Prophet’s first attention was towards Imaan. Imam Gazzali (rah) declared that growth of Ummath is tied to faith; their decline started when their faith diminished. Sahabas attained faith through severe sacrifices. Ali (rali) explained that his faith would not increase or decrease a bit even if heaven and hell are kept in front of his eyes. Imaan is two fold; believing God’s presence and believing success lies only in following Prophet. Sahabas first learned Imaan. Then they learned Quran. The result was that they were able to follow Allah’s commands as and when they came. They completely renounced liquor and usury.
Circumstances are created from actions. Actions are a result of faith. Good efforts will render faith. Prophet witnessed in Mihraj journey that actions from humans are ascending towards heaven and Allah’s judgements were racing towards earth.

Crowd Of Angels

Mufti Jameel Ahmedkhan Quadri, Balrampur, UP
Speech at Walaja mosque, Chennai in function organized by Markaz Milad Committee
Published in Muslim Murasu, March 2012

It has become difficult to sit for half an hour on the floor. Filling the entire place with chairs has become a necessity. Gathering should be intimate. People should sit closer. No one likes to sit on the floor when chairs are arranged. It seems uneasy. Health problems and weaknesses are also playing spoilsport. But it is Allah’s grace that we have assembled here. All of those have come here whom Prophet wanted to be here. You can plan thousand times over, but this is God’s mercy.
There is a popular hadees in Bukhari Shareef. It is appropriate to remember here that Allah’s praise and Prophet’s life are not different things. “Angels flock the place where people talk about Allah”.
Allah has created some “Sayyaaheen” angels. Sahabas asked about these Sayyaaheen angels and their purpose. They are numerous in number and constantly survey the earth. They will go in each direction and to each corner. They will spread out and look in solitudes, in mosques, in seminaries and in all other possible places. Companions of Prophet inquired about what are they searching for. “They are looking for zikr (God’s remembrance) gathering”. When they find a zikr place, they spread out their wings as ceilings and stay there gracefully. They will call out for their companion angels and announce that they have found what they came for. Prophet further illustrates that all angels will come pouring in and flock so tightly without leaving any place and will fill all space from earth to sky. Meetings like this are gatherings of elders and angels. Prophet said that such gatherings would be graced by the presence of angels. Then angels will return to Allah. Allah will inquire them. Inquiries are of two types. Allah is well aware of the felicitous visit of angels. Questions are asked in examinations to test the understanding. Questions will be asked in graves also. Allah inquires to proclaim His Glory. “They were saying ‘Allah, Allah’ and asking for forgiveness. They remembered You and prayed for heaven. They praised You and their speeches were filled with Your Glory”. Allah will ask whether they had seen Him. Angels will reply that those men have not seen Allah. Nevertheless they were gushing His Praise. Allah will ask, “What would they have done if they had seen Me”. Angels will reply that they would have shed their lives. “You will be witnesses. I have forgiven all their sins and mistakes.” Angels will tell that some had not come with intent, but just had come accidentally. Allah will reply that He has forgiven them as well.