Do You Need Flowing Water?

Darse Quran by Maulana Muhammad Mustafa Shareef Naqshbandhi
Published in Muslim Murasu, July 2013

Surah Raad, 13, verse 15 – this is a Sajda verse. It is difficult to prostrate in a gathering. It is enough to say ‘Allahu Akbar’ now. Later Sajda should be done. It is a sin not to prostrate after Sajda verse.
There is no Sajda between  Asar and Magrib. But it is mandatory to offer Sajda even during that time if Sajda verse is recited. Prostration is not allowed only during exact time of sunset.
There are fourteen such verses in the Quran. It is good to prostrate immediately after reciting them. Some people think that they will prostrate in one go after finishing full Quran. This is wrong  because we don’t know when we will die. According to Shaafi tradition, there are fifteen such verses. Ablution is needed.
Verse 14 – ‘lahu da’watul haq’. Allah is the One who listens to prayers, supplications and calls. Prayers should be submitted only to Him.
Surah Dhuhaa, 93, verse 10 – ‘wa ammas saayila falaa tanhar’. Don’t repulse the petitioner. It is Allah’s command. Allah will not repulse those asking His help.
Some people confine the meaning of ‘Saayil’ to alms seekers. It includes spiritual quest too. Prophet (s.a.w.s) can make anyone as Auliya, Qutb or king. He will not return anyone empty handed. It is wrong to shoo away anyone coming for help.
Allah will fulfill prayers before the praying hands come down. He will give better than that asked for or He will make it easy for us during tough time. Man desires all his prayers to be fulfilled. But unfulfilled prayers will come on Judgment Day as huge rewards. That will save us from ruin.
Surah Baqara, 2, verse 186 – ‘wa izaa sa’alaka ibadi anni fainni qareeb’. God is close to His servants. ‘ujeebu da’watad daaye izaa da’aani’. Allah answers the prayers. It is not needed to shout and pray. We speak to distant people over telephone. We are not listening to God’s answers.
Surah Qaaf, 50, verse 16 – ‘wa nahnu aqrabu ilaihi min hablil wareed’. Allah is nearer to us than our jugular vein. Surah Hadeed, 57, verse 4 – ‘wahuwa ma’akum ainamaa kuntum’. He is with you in all places.
Everyone does not get same level of belief in this verse. Zenith of faith is to trust God’s presence. Ihsaan means to realize that God is seeing us. Surah Rahman, 55, verse 60 – ‘hal jazaaul ihsaan illal ihsaan’. Ihsaan is the reward for Ihsaan.
Unmeritorious people can’t speak with Prime Minister. There will be dedicated line, hot line. Ajmeer Khwaja says that man speaks with Allah while doing Salaat. A connection of Noor is established from his head to the sky. Those who have tasted the sweetness of Sajda will not fall for anything else.
Success is not promised to every Naamazi (worshipper). Surah Moominoon, 23, verse 2 – ‘hum fi salaatihim khaashioon’. Those who humble themselves in prayers will succeed. Guarantee is not given for all worshippers. Surah Maaoon, 107, verses 4,5 – ‘fa wailun lil musalleen allazeena hum an salaatihim saahoon’. Warning is given to those who are neglectful in their prayers. Prayer is mandatory even during a battle.
The houses where Prophet lived were simple and austere. Floor and ceiling were very humble. A Surah in Quran ‘Hujuraat (rooms)’ has been named in their honor. Our life and lives of Sahabas are completely different. A Sahaba constructed his house tall. Prophet stopped saying Salaam to him. He came to know of Prophet’s displeasure and brought down his house. This is real Sunnat.
If we meditate about our life, we will realize that God has given us more than we asked for. Condition for acceptance of Dua is Halaal food and honesty. If we go to men for help, we will lose respect, but we will not receive help. They will think bad of us and look down upon us. Pleading to Allah will improve our status and honor.
Surah Raad, verse 14 – ‘wallazeena yad'oona min doonihi laa yastajeeboona lahum shaiyin’. If you submit your prayers to anyone other than Allah, no one will listen them. ‘illaa kabaasiti kaffaihi ilal maai liyabluga faahu wamaa huwa bibaalighihi’. It is like stretching hands and expecting water to reach their mouths. Prayer of unbelievers will lead them to wandering.
Now we are struggling for water. Surah Nooh, 71, verse 10 – ‘fa qultustagfiroo rabbakum innahu kaana gaffaaraa’. God will forgive you if you ask His forgiveness. ‘yursilis samaa’a alaikum midraaraa wa yumdidkum biamwaalin wabaneena wayaj’al lakum jannatin wa yaj’al lakum anhaaraa’. He will send you rain, help you with wealth and children and make for you gardens and rivers.
God’s commands were transgressed in the period of Nooh (alai). Rain stopped, women became barren, rivers dried up. Society started hating Nooh (alai). Prophet Nooh said, “I am blessing for you. You should repent for your sins”.
Surah Zaariyaat, 51, verse 18 – ‘wabil as'haari hum yastagfiroon’. They will pray for forgiveness in the hours of early dawn. Say ‘astagfirullah’ hundred times before Fajr prayer. Sleep less in  nights.
Surah Sajda, 32, verse 16 – ‘tatajaafaa junoobuhum anil madaaji'i’. They will not sleep in comfortable position in bed. Abstain at least a little from the world. That will raise you. Work in day and worship in night.
Surah Muzzammil, 73, verse 8 – ‘wazkurisma rabbika watabattal ilaihi tabteelaa’. ‘Keep in remembrance the Name of your Lord and devote yourself completely to Him’.
Surah Alam Nashrah, 94, verse 7 – ‘faizaa faragta fansab’. Labor hard when you are free. Involve yourself in worship and God’s praise. Do your works in day and connect with God in night.
Surah Raad, verse 15 – ‘walillahi yasjudu man fissamaawaati walardi’. Every creation in sky and earth prostrate before Allah. Every creature praises Allah in its tongue. Trees are in Qiyaam position, animals are in Rukoo, some in Sajda and some in Qaayidaa. Only man has the privilege to worship in all positions. Shadows of trees prostrate in the mornings and evenings.
Verse 16 – ‘qul man rabbussamaawaati wal ardi qulillahu’. Allah is the Lord of the heavens and the earth.
‘qul hal yastawel a’maa wal abseer’. Can the blind be equal to one who sees. It is the comparison of the Creator and the created.

Glorious Surah Fatiha

Article by Allama Syed Shahid Ali Rizwi Hasani Barakati, Al Jaamiatul Islamiya, Ganjkadeem, Rampur in Ahle Sunnat ki Aawaaz
Translation published in Muslim Murasu, July 2013

Prophet (s.a.w.s) said that there is no chapter in Injeel, Tawraat or Zaboor similar to Surah Fatiha.
I have received two Noor – Surah Fatiha and final verses in Surah Baqara. This Hadith is recorded in Muslim and Nasai.
This Surah has cure for all sicknesses. This account given by Zaafar (rali) is written in the book Kanzul Amal. Another Riwayath says that Surah Fatiha came from the treasure of Arsh.
Tafseer Kabeer gives following account. Allah sent down 104 Books and Suhoof. Wisdom of hundred Books is contained in four Books and Surah Fatiha contains the wisdom of those four Books. A person who learned Surah Fatiha has learned all Holy Books.
Bukhari and Abu Dawood gives following account. This is the best Surah in the Quran. Sab’a Mashaani – oft repeated seven verses. It is also called as ‘Quran Azeem’.
Tafseer Roohul Bayaan says that seventy thousand angels accompanied Jibrael (alai) when he brought Surah Fatiha. Commentators of Quran consider this Surah as introductory text to the Quran. Ali (rali) said that it is possible to write commentary on this Surah and load seventy camels with it.
Jibrael (alai) said to Prophet (s.a.w.s). “Allah says. I have sent a Surah in the Book given to you. If that Surah was present in Tawraat, no one in Prophet Moosa’s Ummat would have become a Jew. If it was given in Injeel, none of the followers of Isaa (alai) would have gone to idol worship. If it was given in Zaboor, none of the followers of Dawood (alai) would have gone astray. The purpose this Surah is given to your Ummat is that they receive help from Allah. They should be free from hell. That is Surah Fatiha. Its glory cannot be completed even if all angels and scholars come together and write it”. The speech by Khwaja Mohinudin Chisti (rah) on Surah Fatiha is recorded in the book Daleelul Aarifeen.

Recite Verse In Times Of Panic

Darse Quran by Maulana Muhammad Mustafa Shareef Naqshbandhi
Published in Muslim Murasu, June 2013

Forgiving offenders, in spite of possessing strength to avenge, is real forgiving. Forgiving a stronger enemy won’t count. Ten brothers of Prophet Yusuf (alai) had severely harmed him. They stripped him and threw him in a well. He was taken to another country. His brother Binyamin was falsely accused as a thief and humiliated.
Prophet Yusuf did not find his family. Forty years passed in this. Now he had become the ruler. Power was at his disposal. He could have taken revenge. He could have sent them to prison or given them death sentence.
He forgave his offenders. Surah Yusuf, 12, verse 92 – ‘qaala laa tashreeba alaikumul yawma’. He said, ‘this day let no reproach be cast on you’.
Only a prophet can say this. Famine had gripped Cannaan region. Brothers of Prophet Yusuf had migrated out in search of provision. He could have enslaved them. But he remained patient.
Verse continues – ‘yagfirullahu lakum wahuwa arhamur raahimeen’. ‘God will forgive you and He is the Most Merciful’.
Mere recitation is not enough. These principles should be implemented in life. Wife should be forgiven. We have become used to hearing speeches.
A Hadith was read after Fajr prayer. Anas bin Maalik (rali) was the Raawi. Whoever waits after Fajr prayer and prays Ishraq prayer will earn reward of accepted Haj and Umra. Everyone left once Hadith was completed. No one waited in the mosque. Ishraq prayer will cost extra electricity bill. Locking the mosque is also a problem. No one followed the Hadith. Interest was shown in locking the mosque.
Gaining more knowledge is not important. Acquired knowledge should be properly honored. Surah Anaam, 6, verse 125 – ‘fa manyuridillahu anyahdiyahu yashrah sadrahu lil islaam’. Those whom God wishes to guide, He expands their heart for Islam.
Hadith – ‘manyuridillahu bihi khairan yufaqqihu fiddeen’. When Allah wishes good for a person, he will have desire to understand the religion. He will enjoy doing good deeds. It is indicative that God’s Grace is on him.
Life of prophets should be listened with the intent to follow. There will be ups and downs in life. Examples set by prophets should be emulated in each situation.
A lawyer well versed in legal sections, nuances and interpretations can succeed. He can convince the judge. We should read the Quran repeatedly. For every situation, relevant verse, explanation and solution should appear in our mind. Then it will be possible to follow it.
Prophet Yusuf told to cast his shirt on his father’s face. That will bring back his lost vision. This shirt was given to him by Jibreel (alai) when he was thrown in the well. Verse 93 – ‘izhabu biqameesi haazaa falqoohu alaa wajha abee ya’ti baseeran’. Protection was given with the shirt.
Misr (Egypt) was prosperous in those days. Prophet Yusuf asked his family to come out of their famine-stricken land. Verse continues – ‘wa’tunee biahlikum ajmaeen’.
Prophet Yakoob was far from Prophet Yusuf. In spite of that, he was able to feel his scent. Verse 94 – ‘walamma fasalattil eeru qaala aboohum inni la ajidu reeha yusufa’. When our Prophet (s.a.w.s) passes by a street, his fragrance will linger even after he has gone. His companions will come to know of his visit from his fragrance.
Some brothers told Prophet Yakoob that he is talking out of old love. ‘qaalu tallahi innaka lafi dalaalikal qadeem’. You are in old wandering mind. Caravan from Egypt reached them. Royal guard came. Bearer of good news came. Shirt was cast on his face. Prophet Yakoob got back his sight. ‘falamma anjaa’al basheeru alqaahu alaa wajhihee fartadda baseera’. ‘Basheer’ means bearer of good news.
Allah can make anything happen if we put our faith in Him. Surah Ala Imran, 3, verse 26 – ‘watuizzu man tashaau watuzillu man tashaau’. Honor and humiliation are in His Hand. Brothers asked for forgiveness. Prophet Yakoob said he will pray for them. Verse continues – ‘qaala sawfa astagfiru lakum rabbi’. I will pray to my Lord for your forgiveness.
There is appointed time for acceptance of supplication. Prophets have followed it. Sahar time is for supplications.
Prophet Yusuf came to the border of the city and welcomed Prophet Yakoob. ‘waqaaladkuloo misra inshaa allahu aamineen’. You can enter and stay in Egypt with safety.
There is relief after distress. We will panic when receiving a grief. The life of Prophet Yusuf should be remembered. There is relief and honor after trouble.
My two-wheeler got lost. I remembered the verse. Surah Taariq, 86, verse 8 – ‘innahu alaa rajihi la qaadir’. Allah is capable of bringing it back. The vehicle stood abandoned in the next street. Vehicle was found. But more importantly, verse came to mind at the right time. We have been preaching for twenty years. We got a chance to follow it.
We say innaalillahi when we hear of death. It should be recited even for minor inconvenience. Surah Baqara, 2, verse 156 – innaa lillahi wa inna ilaihi raajioon’. We should say it as soon as hearing a shocking news. That is Sabrun Jameel, beautiful patience. Prophet Yakoob’s history is the example. Surah Yusuf, verse 18 – ‘fa sabrun jameel’.
Prophet Yakoob heard the shocking news. He heard that a wolf devoured Yusuf. He was shown a blood stained shirt. Prophet Yakoob did not lose control. He maintained composure. He tolerated.
Saying Bismillah often will make our prayers accepted. We should stand with such people.
Allah will test with fear. Panicking means failure. Saying innaalillahi is success criteria. Regaining patience after two days is not the point. Verse should come to mind the next moment. Quran discourses are conducted in many places in the city. Followers are less.
Reciting ‘innahu alaa raj’ihi la qaadir’ will bring us back the lost object or Allah will replace it with a better one. Our faith will improve through practical situations. Once my bicycle was lost in Chennai. I recited the verse from Surah Taariq. I got the cycle two days later. Allah will talk to you through troubles.
Prophet Yusuf made his parents sit on throne. His brothers were overwhelmed with guilt and fell down in prostration. ‘wa rafa’a abawaihi alal arshi wa kharroo lahu sujjadan’. They prostrated to show their respect.
Prophet Yusuf said this was the realization of his dream. God has been gracious to me. He brought me out of prison. You came from desert. This is God’s huge grace. Verse 100 – ‘inna rabbi lateefun limaa yashaau’. My God will easily achieve what He wishes.

No Rising Without Sacrifice

Darse Quran by Maulana Muhammad Mustafa Shareef Naqshbandhi
Published in Muslim Murasu, April 2013

Sulaika was queen. She was attracted to Prophet Yusuf (alai) who was a slave. This news spread in the entire Egypt. She was severely ridiculed and criticized.
Surah Yusuf, 12, verse 31 – ‘falamma sami’at bi makrihinna’. She heard their malicious talks. ‘arsalat ilaihinna’. She sent them an invitation. A high-class, luxurious feast was arranged. ‘wa a’tadat lahunna muttaka’an’. Arrangement was five-star. Women who participated in the feast were from high-class, royal families.
‘wa aatat kulla waahidatin minhunna sikkeenan’. Each one of them was handed a knife. Perhaps a fruit was given as a starter. Prophet Yusuf was told to pass by them.
‘wa qaalatikruj alaihinna falammaa ra’ainahu akbarnahu wa katta’na aidiyahunna’. They lost themselves. They cut their hands. They did not even realize that the fruit had slipped and they have taken a serious injury. It was not a slight cut. It was deep incision.
When man dies in the path of Allah, Allah appears before him without veil. There won’t be pain of death. Martyr will relish and revel in the sight. When he reaches heaven, the only desire he will have will be to go back to earth and again get cut in the path of Allah. He will want to be slain again and again. There is nothing like it. Those who are in love of Allah are better than those who desire this world or the heaven.
Friday is important day in heaven. Some will get Allah’s Deedar (sight) once in a week. For some it is once in a month, for some once in a year. Some will see Him every day and for some it is every moment. Every time their face will become more glowing and more endearing.
Prophet Moosa (alai) got Allah’s Deedar. He had to always keep his eyes lower afterwards. A person will die if he sees Moosa (alai) eye to eye. Such was the power of his sight. This was the position of Moosa (alai).
Status of our Prophet (s.a.w.s) is higher than this. Surah Najm, 53, verse 9 – ‘fa kaana kaaba kawsaini aw adnaa’. They were close like two ends of a bow or even nearer. ‘fa awhaa ilaa abdihi maa awhaa’. He conveyed whatever He wanted. Three gifts were given: Salaat, verse of Aamade Rasool, good news that those who believe in Oneness of God will enter heaven.
Ayisha (rali) says: They saw Prophet Yusuf and cut their hands. They would have cut their throats had they seen our Prophet.
Shahaadat (martyrdom) is not easy to attain. One has to pray for it. Surah Fatiha says ‘siraatallazina an’amta alaihim’. Path of those on whom You have favored. Surah Nisa, 4, verse 69 gives more explanation. Allah has bestowed His favor on four kinds of people: 1. Nabi 2. Siddeeq 3. Shuhadaa 4. Saaliheen. ‘anamallahu alaihim minannabiyeena wassiddeekeena wasshuhadaayi wassaaliheen’.
Grown-ups cannot be satisfied with chocolates. Martyrs will find joy only in the sight of Allah. In the hereafter, one group will go to hell and one group will go to heaven. There will be a third group who will be adamant to get Deedar of Allah. They will be told to go to heaven which is the place for Allah’s Deedar.
Prophet Yusuf had two miracles. He was extremely beautiful and he can interpret dreams. Miracles of our Prophet cannot be counted. Ayisha (rali) says that she can find a lost needle in the light of his smile.
Prophet’s Deedar is also not an easy thing. Even if he appears, he will appear only in human form. He will appear in his original Noor on the Judgment Day. People drenched in his love say that the whole purpose of judgment day is to establish the status of Prophet in front of everyone. Everyone will know his position. We will be inquired about our life and accounted for once we enter the grave after death.
Surah Bani Israel, 17, verse 79 – ‘asaa anyab’ashaka rabbuka makaaman mahmoodaa’. Prophet will be granted the place of ‘Mahmooda’. It is the station of praise and glory.
Sulaika erred in ignorance. Later she accepted Imaan. Our love for offspring, family and parents are a training. This love won’t help us. Our love for Allah and Prophet will be always helpful. There are two opinions about Sulaika among scholars. Some say Prophet Yusuf and Sulaika did not marry. My Sheykh told they married. Prophet Sulaiman was able to hear what an ant spoke from a distance of three miles. It is not important whether that ant was red or black. The message of the Quran is important. Women were given apple in that feast. Let us not get into dispute about the fruit.
Verse 31 continues – ‘wakulna haasha lillahi maa haazaa basharan’. By Allah, this person is not a man. ‘in haazaa illa malakun kareem’. This is a great angel.
Verse 32. ‘wala inlam yaf’al maa aamuruhu layusjananna walayakoonan minas saagireen’. I will certainly imprison him and let him humiliated if he does not follow my wishes. But Prophet Yusuf guarded himself. He declined to comply to her desires and instead chose to be imprisoned.
Verse 33 – ‘qaala rabbi sijnu ahabbu ilaiyya mimmaa yadwuunanee ilaihi’. Prophet Yusuf restrained himself. In return, he got Sulaika, kingdom, joined his family and received all honor. If you desist from bad habits, you will be given good family, wealth and a honorable life in the hereafter.
Worst epidemic in this age is sinful gazing. This will bring all good deeds to naught. This is flagrant transgression of Allah’s command. Young ones and old ones indulge in this. Everyone sees TV. It will blind our hearts and blunt our vision. We prey on other’s dignity. This will invite Allah’s wrath. Things that enter through eyes, ears and tongue will pollute our hearts. We should shut doors on sins. We should protect eyes, ears, tongue and heart.
Surah Bani Israel, 17, verse 36 – ‘inna sam’a wal basara walfuwaada kullu ulaika kaana anhu mas’oolaa’. What we see, hear and feel will be questioned. Intelligence is to fear Allah.
One has to share company with murderers, thieves and rowdies in prison. It is a life without luxuries or assistance by maids. Prophet Yusuf embraced it. Great heights can’t be scaled without sacrifices. ‘fastajaaba lahu rabbuhu’. Allah accepted his prayer.

Bounties From God Are Overlooked

Muslim Murasu, March 2013

Surah Yunus, 10, verse 24 : The likeness of the present life is as the rain which We send down from the skies. By its mingling arises the produce of the earth, which provides food for men and animals. It grows till the earth is clad with its golden ornaments and is decked out. The people to whom it belongs think they have all powers of disposal over it. There reaches it Our command by night or by day, and We make it like a harvest clean-mown, as if it had not flourished only the day before.

Allah has given us knowledge, health, capacity, guidance and wealth. They won’t stay with you forever. They will disappear if penalty is sent on you. Allah has no necessity to give punishment only after death. Allah is able to punish in this world too. Allah’s torment comes down on this world. We are not realizing it. We are in the thought that punishment is reserved for the hereafter. This is fallacy. Many people suffer torment. It happens in front of our eyes.
Today we are listening to Tafseer. BP, sugar levels are normal. No one is fainting. 75 year old person is sitting like a 25 year old youngster. Death can come the next second. Troubles, illnesses don’t come after announcing. They won’t give arrival dates in advance.
‘innama yagshallaha min ibadihil ulama’. Knowledgeable people will fear Allah. Allah has bestowed many fortunes on us. We are oblivious to them. We fail to accept them. They have been given for a time period. After it, they can be stopped or continued. Both are possible. Rahmat (blessing) is raining. Kahhaar (wrath) is also raining. If we do good deeds, we will be lashed with the rain of blessings. If we do bad deeds, we will find ourselves in the pouring of wrath. Prophet (s.a.w.s) feared Allah more than anyone else.
Allah calls us towards heaven. ‘wallahu yadwu ilaa daaris salaam’. Good people have heaven for them. ‘lillazina ahsanu al husna wa zyada’. ‘zyada’ hear refers to seeing Allah, Allah’s Deedar. ‘Al Husna’ means heaven. Heaven is the reward for your good deeds and efforts. Allah’s Deedar is on top of it, a bonus for you. This is reward for Ihsaan. Practitioners of Tasawwuf can teach you Ihsaan. Heaven is the reward for your Amal (deeds). Doing Amal with Ihsaan will earn you Deedar.
‘wallazina kasabu sayyiaati Jazaau sayyiatin bimishlihaa’. Evil is the reward for evil. Punishment will be in proportion to the deed. Darkness will engulf them. There won’t be any protectors. Many layers of darkness will be slapped on their faces.

Direct Contact With God

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

Surah 10, Yunus, last Rukoo, verse 104; Allah addresses every human being, ‘Ya ayyuhannaas’. Christians, Jews or idolaters cannot say that they did not receive the message. This applies to every human being coming till the last day. Allah will use affectionate words ‘Ya ayyuhallazina aamanu’ when He explains any Shariat related matter. ‘Ya ayyuhannaas’ will be used to address everyone while explaining Tawheed or core principle. I use to tell Quran verses while discussing with other educationists. They will express their pleasure and surprise and ask if Quran deals with such things.
But Shaitan hinders men from approaching Quran. Even Muslims mostly don’t read Quran. Seeing Quran will earn good rewards. Reading it will create light and brilliance in heart. My Hazrat often used to say, “Angels will do Tawaaf (circumambulate) around your grave like they do in Kaaba. Keep reading Quran regularly”. Such honor will be given after death. Benefits are even more while alive. The day, month, Prophet, angel, Ummat on which Quran descended are exalted than other days, months, Prophets, angels and Ummats. Connection with Quran brings such exalted status. Atleast quarter Para of Quran should be read everyday after Fajr prayer. This is a duty on you towards Quran.
Verse 104 continues – ‘in kuntum fi shakkin min deeni falaa ahbudullazina tahbuduna min doonillah’. ‘If you are in doubt as to my religion, I don't worship what you worship other than God’.
People of other religions worship everything. They will go on pilgrimage and offer sacrifices. But they won’t worship God. Principle of Islam is that every activity including sacrifice, prayer, life and death are only for God. Surah 6, Anaam, verse 162 – ‘qul inna salaati wanusuki wamahyaya wamamaati lillahi rabbil alameen’.
Even during joyous Eid celebrations, we start with offering prayer to God and thanking Him for granting us the opportunity to fast. Every activity of Muslims is directly attached to God. Going to a Allahwala (saint) is to make it easy. He can teach you in ten minutes what otherwise you may take ten years to learn. A candle will kindle another candle. You can cover the distance on your own but it may take long and hard efforts.
Rasoolullah’s Waseela is enough to approach Allah. A Murshid or Peer (spiritual guide) is enough to reach Prophet. Those who have already seen Shaitan’s ploys, and having experience and knowledge of destination and journey will be helpful to you. “Praise me, prostrate before me, give me donations”. Selfish person cannot be Peer. His job is to lead followers to God. His job ends there.
We prostrate before Allah. One who does not surrender to God will have to surrender to everyone else. Prophet says that Allah will raise the person who surrenders to Him. Beard, skullcap, Kurta, simple dress will give humble appearance. Expensive Sherwani should not be worn as a show of pride. Climate conditions are different in Russia. We can’t wear these dresses there. Islam does not specify or endorse a particular dress. There are three requirements prescribed; conceal and cover body parts, protect from weather and look nice. Scanty, tight, revealing dresses are bad. They should be avoided.
Verse 104 continues – ‘walaakin ahbudullahallazi yatawaffakum’. ‘I worship God who will cause you death’. Science has brought many things under control. Death still remains elusive. No drug has been invented to prevent it. Funds are being spent in America to give life to dead people. These researches have not benefited and will not benefit. Allah has retained some activities in His direct control.
Death can shatter man’s disbelief in God. It humbles him. Prophet said to remember death often, because it will shatter your desires and greed. It is not suggested to recite, ‘death, death’. What is important is to bring those scenes before your eyes. Your body is being washed, people are standing around and witnessing, Sandooq (coffin) is ready. The thought of death will control impulses. A Sufi showed a graveyard and said this is the habitation here. More people are assembling and rushing towards here. This is the place with maximum population density.
Read Malfuzat (conversations) by saints. Readership is dwindling. It is important to read Prophet’s life and history of Auliyas. Interest to find and read good books is not there. This the reason adverse ideas and philosophies are spreading.
Verse continues – ‘wa umirtu an akuna minal mumineen’. ‘I have been commanded to be one of the believers’. ‘wa an akim wajhaka liddeeni hanifa’. ‘Set your face towards religion with true piety’. ‘walaa takunanna minal mushrikeen’. ‘and never become one of the unbelievers’. It is addressed to Prophet but message is to full Ummat. ‘walaa tadwu mindoonillahi maalaa yanfauka walaa yazurruka’. ‘Nor call on any other than God, such will neither profit you nor hurt you’. Call Allah, pledge allegiance only to Him and ask only His help. Some people are using the word ‘Shirk’ indiscriminately. Ask only Allah. Take Rasoolullah and Auliya as Waseela. But don’t ask directly to Rasoolullah or Auliya.
‘fain faalta fainnaka izan minazzaalimeen’. People asking others are unjust. Idolaters had separate idols for everything like rain, prosperity in business, education etc. They will go to Allah only for important things.
Every demand should be submitted to Allah alone. You may get tired of asking. Allah won’t get tired of giving. Allah dislikes those who don’t ask Him. He is pleased with those who plead to him. You will have to run here and there for help if you don’t ask Allah’s help. It is arrogance not to ask Allah’s help. You have succeeded if you pray to Allah. Allah will create means and situations if you pray. ‘wain yamsaskallahu bizurrin falaa kaashifa lahu illa huwa’. No one can stop a loss if Allah desires so. No Musibat (trouble) comes without Allah’s command. ‘Musibat’ means that which arrives. Return to Allah for all your troubles. ‘wain yuridka bikairin falaa raadda lifazlihi’. No one can stop Allah’s favor when He desires. ‘yusibu bihi manyashau min ibadihi wahuwal gafooru raheem’. Allah gives to whoever He pleases. ‘qul ya ayyuhannaas kadjaakumul haq’. Truth has come to you. Truth here refers to Rasoolullah, Quran and Islam.

Wise Men Will Fear God

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

God urges those who turn away from truth and deny the Hereafter to observe the signs in nature. He exhorts them with kindness. But if they persist in their rebellious attitude, He instructs Prophet to ignore and leave them. “Your job is only to tell them”. Imaan, Faith, is Allah’s gift. Bilal (rali) came from Habasha. Salman (rali) was from Persia and Suhaib (rali) was from Rome. They accepted Imaan. But Prophet’s uncle Abulahab did not accept Imaan. Imaan is a tremendous wealth. We have been bestowed with it. Abujahl, Utba, Shoiba used to stealthily listen Quran. But Shaitan had control over them. ‘Katamallahu alaa quloobihim’. Surah 2, Baqarah, verse 7. Allah has sealed their hearts. This verse is not for everyone. Otherwise, nonbelievers will never be able to embrace Imaan. Imaan is spreading in western countries. Many are embracing it. Dr. Hameedullah was a scholar from Hyderabad. He settled in France and lived there for 55 years. Everyday atleast five persons will come to him and embrace Islam. Saudi government was not fond of him. But his French translation of Quran is kept in Haram Shareef. Maurice Bucaille was a medical practitioner in France. He was impressed by elaborate mention about fetus formation in Quran and embraced Islam. He wrote the book ‘Bible Quran and Science’. Let us take Quran to the people.
First Shariat was given to Moosa (alai). It did not have features like Ozhu and Miswak. Complete Shariat has been given to us. Allah has chosen us for Quran. Earlier Ummats did not have Juma. They had to leave the meat of animals slaughtered for sacrifice in hilltops. We have been permitted to eat them. Purpose of Ramzan is to relieve us from fetish for food and turn us towards Allah. It is inappropriate to loudly laugh in this month. This month should be respectfully called as ‘Ramzan Shareef’, like we call ‘Quran Majeed’. Knowledge has ten parts; nine out of them are respect. Only one part is knowledge. Shaitan had vast knowledge. But he did not know discipline, so he was expelled. Surah Yunus, 10, verse 59 – ‘kul ara aitum maa anzalallahu lakum min rizkin’. ‘Did you see what God has sent down for your sustenance’. Some food are Halaal (permitted) while others are Haraam (forbidden). In cloth materials, some are permitted and some are forbidden. Pagans in Mecca whimsically gave decrees about Haraam and Halaal. Some animals can be used only for transport while there are other animals that can be used for milk, meat and other purposes.
‘innallaha lazu fazlin alannaas’. God is full of Bounty to mankind. Halaal and Haraam distinctions are for the wellbeing of human society. Blood will collect and feed germs if animals are killed by hitting with machines. Haraam are those things that can cause spiritual or material loss to man. Taqwa means to stay away from Haraam. ‘innama yagshallaha min ibadihil ulama’. Surah Fatir, 35, verse 28. Those with knowledge will fear Allah. General practitioner is considered more significant when compared to a veterinary doctor. People having knowledge of Creator are better compared to those learned in material knowledge. They will have better clarity of thought. Those who know Allah are intelligent people. Fear will increase with knowledge. ‘la allakum tattakun’. ‘You may become God fearing’. Everyone will not become virtuous. Many people turn away from mosque and Quran once Ramzan is over.
Verse 61 – ‘wala tahmaluna min amalin illa kunna alaikum shuhuda’. ‘We witness all your activities’. ‘wala azgara min zalika wala akbara illa fi kitabin mubin’. All things, small and big, are recorded in a book. Atoms are made of proton and electron. They are made of light, Noor. Allah knows the use and purpose of every atom and every creature. Auliya (friends of God) are those without any regrets about the past or any fear about the future. Verse 62 – ‘alaa inna auliya allahi la kaufun alaihim valahum yahzanun’. They don’t regret for any loss, nor do they fear about inquiry by angels. They won’t fall into anguish or sorrow. Auliyas immerse themselves in God’s remembrance. We disturb them. Pray two Rakaath Nafl before going to Auliya for Ziyarat.
Verse 63 – ‘allazina aamanu wakaanu yattakun’. They will have Faith and be pious. They will do good deeds, they won’t be idle. ‘lahumul bushra fil hayaatiduniya wafil akhirati’. They have glad tidings in this life and in the Hereafter. Auliyas and those who follow them are people selected by God.
Verse 65 – ‘wala yahzunka kawluhum’. ‘Let their speech not grieve you’. ‘innal izzata lillahi jamia’. Honor belongs to God. In Surah Munafikin, 63, verse 8, it comes as ‘lillahil izzatu wali rasoolihi walil muminin’. Honor belongs to God and His Prophet and to Believers. It is a privilege to be a Faithful person. Allah will honor in this world and in the next. We are feeling shy about skullcap, beard and Miswak. Muslims are disgraced because of their bad character. We will get honor if we follow Islamic character. Verse continues – ‘inna lillahi man fisamawathi wa manfil arli’. All things in earth and skies belong to God. What they follow other than God is only their fanciful imagination. Creations are being worshiped in other religions.
‘huwallazi jaalakamul laila li taskunu fihi’. Allah has arranged nights to take rest. It proves refreshing and relieving after a wearisome hard labor in the day. Sleep is a blessing. There are signs in sleep. (Surah Zumar, 39, verse 42). Some people are able to sleep only after taking sleeping pills. ‘wannahaara mubsira’. Day is made bright for work. Quran encourages us to think and understand. ‘afalaa yanluruna ilal ibili kaifa kulikat’. Surah Gashiya, 88, verse 17. Contemplate about camel, sky, earth and mountain. They have been around for millions of years, but they don’t become old. Meditating a minute about creations of God is better than many Nafl prayers. This will awaken us about Allah and motivate us to do good deeds.
Verse 68 – ‘kalu takazallahu valada subhanahu’. Allah has not begotten any son. Allah will not become old or senile. He has no need for wife or relations. Earth and sky belongs to Him. ‘mataun fiduniya’. Enjoyment in this world is only little’.

Waseela - Exalted Status

Darse Quran by Maulavi Kasim Ansari Bopali
Published in Muslim Murasu, August 2012

Surah 5, Maida, verse 35 – ‘ya ayyuhallazina amanu takullaha vabtagu ilaihil waseela va jahidu fi sabilihi la allakum tuflihun’. Allah commands three things. Taqwa, waseela and jihad.
Fear Allah. Stay away from sins. Allah likes those who avoid sins. ‘innallaha yuhibbul muttakin’. Allah likes those who fear Him. Only they will inherit heaven. Everyone will have to cross over hell before reaching heaven. This is God’s decree. Those who feared Him will fulfill this journey. Others will slip and fall in hell. Surah 19, Maryam, verse 71, 72 – ‘va inminkum illa variduha kaana ala rabbika hatman makliyyaa shumma nunajjillazina ttaqaw va nazaru llalimeena fiha jishyaa’. People with Imaan and Taqwa will pass over it in a blink of an eye. Others will fall in hell.
Seek Waseela to approach Allah. Earn His closeness. Follow His commands and worship Him to get near to Him. Waseela is Allah’s nearness. This is exalted status. Allah will grant this position to Rasoolullah. We pray after Azaan (prayer call). ‘aati syedina muhammadinil waseela val fazeela’. ‘Grant our Prophet exalted position’. There is no higher status than this. Hazrat Ahmad Razaa explains it. Approach Allah by Ibadat and Ita’at. Other Prophets have invoked Rasoolullah’s Waseela.
Also strive hard. Don’t be complacent that someone’s Waseela will help you. Every effort should be put in Allah’s cause. Don’t waste life without Amal, deeds.
No wealth or treasure can be offered as ransom to escape punishment in the Hereafter. ‘maa tu qubbila minhum valahum azaabun aleem’. Man won’t even have loincloth at that time. He will be assembled, like when he was born, without anything. No wealth or savings can help him. Surah 18, Kahf, verse 48 – ‘lakad jihtumuna kama kalaknakum’. You will return like you were created first. Ayisha (rali) asked, will everyone be naked. Prophet told, ‘No one will stare at others. Everyone will be overwhelmed with guilt and fear’.
Man will be desperate to escape torment. He will offer his children, in his place, to be put in hell. He will ask to take his wife, siblings and everyone else in the world. He will plead to be let free. Surah 70, Maarij, verse 11-14 – ‘bi banihi vasahibihi va akihi vafasilatihillati tuvihi vaminfil arli jamia’. They will be desperate to escape. But they can’t. ‘yuriduna ayyakruju minannar vamaahum bi karijina minha valahum azabun mukeem’. They will be put in hell.

Cultivated Hearts Will Do Good Deeds

Weekly Speech at Tablighi Markaz, Masjide Amina, Tolichowki, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, August 2012

Allah has fixed the rule for success and failure for all men to come till Qiyamat. Allah’s commands and Prophet’s methods will be honored in the life of a successful person. Loser is one whose life will be bereft of the values and principles of the religion. This criteria applies both for this world and the Hereafter.
Surah 16, Nahl, verse 97 – ‘man amila salihan min zakarin av unsha vahuva muminun falanuhyiyannahu hayaatan tayyiba’. ‘We will give a good and pure life to men and women who have faith and work righteousness’. First good news is about this world. Allah stresses twice – certainly, definitely. Pure life is that which is peaceful, placid and balanced. Mind and heart will be in good health in all situations. They won’t panic. Peace of heart is a huge blessing in this world. If a person has all luxuries, but is mentally stressed, then his life can’t be deemed as a success. But if a person has less means and materials, but has peace of mind, then Allah has done him a huge favor.
Inculcating the values and principles of religion in life is the condition for peaceful life. There should be complete faith in God and His Attributes. Allah gives profit and loss, He gives honor and disgrace, He is the one who employs and feeds us. One should act right with this strong faith.
‘vala najziyannahum ajrahum biahsani makanu yahmalun’. Second good news is about the Hereafter. Whatever is promised, much more will be given. It will be better than this world.
Lord of both the worlds is promising. We can’t imagine how much good the reward will be. There is a Hadees Qudsi – ‘We have prepared such rewards for Our servants that no eye has seen, no ear has heard or no mind has ever imagined’. No one can imagine these rewards.
Surah 20, Taha, verse 124 – ‘va man ahrala an zikri fa innalahu maishatan lanka vanahshuruhu yawmal qiyamati ahma’. Whoever turns away from the message will have a difficult life and he will be raised as blind on the day of judgment. They may have bank balances and luxuries, but their life will be troublesome and difficult. Understand the importance of good deeds. Man will say – ‘qala rabbi lima hashartani ahma’. ‘Why am I raised blind’. He will be replied, ‘You disregarded Our message. Now We have disregarded you’.
Our concern is singular. We have to inculcate the principles of religion in our lives. This is our worry. We have to bring religion alive in our families, Mohallas and in the entire world. Each person in Rasoolullah’s Ummat should be saved from hell.
There is a certain method for this. We have to make our faith complete. We have to protect the faith we have and strengthen it and while dying, we should die with faith. We will be able to do good things only if there is Imaan in our hearts. That will propel us. A person is passing by mosque, call is given to prayer. He listens, but does not enter the mosque. He has knowledge. But because of lack of Imaan, he is unable to do Amal. His heart is not reacting to ‘hayyaalas salaat’.
There is a part in human body. If that is good, entire body will be healthy. That is Qalb, heart. Heart is man's king. It controls him. All his organs act to please his heart. All Prophets considered hearts as their working ground. It is the field to be worked on. Prophets made the hearts grasp the message. They etched Attributes of Allah in human hearts. Good deeds will emanate from cultivated hearts. This will earn us heaven. A bad heart will only earn Allah’s wrath. It won’t do any good. Imaan decides hell and heaven.
You have not come to earth on your wish. You cannot leave earth as you wish. Don’t seek to live life as you like. Live according to Allah’s wish. You will get the life you desire in the Hereafter. Arabs rejected Kalima. Reciting it is not important. They knew Arabic. But they realized that they have to change their lives completely if they accept Kalima. So they rejected. Reciting is not sufficient. We have to align our lives towards Kalima. Allah will not accept any deed that is in contravention to Sunnat. Sunnat is base for Imaan. It is not enough to follow few commands. We have to go back to the place where Prophet left this Ummat. We have to redeem ourselves.
We see standard and quality in every matter in this world. We have to be conscious of standard when it comes to Imaan too. Whatever good deed we do, we should consider it low and yearn to do more. In material affairs, we should see people below us and in religious matters, we should see people better than us. In the time of Prophet, even hypocrites used to do Amal. They will pray with Jamaat. You can imagine the status of Sahabas. ‘Aminu kama amanannaas’. Have Imaan like Sahabas. Imaan of Sahabas is made the standard of Imaan. They acquired this faith after tough situations, struggles and sacrifices. ‘man ahabba sunnati fakad ahabbani man ahabbani kana mahiya fil janna’. Prophet said, ‘Whoever likes my Sunnat, likes me and he will be with me in heaven’. We have to follow Sunnat to make our Imaan perfect. Allah will give us what we work for. If we work for Imaan, He will grant us Imaan. Surah 92, Lail, verse 7 – ‘fasanuyassiruhu lil yusra’. ‘We will make smooth for him the path to Bliss’. If we work for worldly matters, it will be made easy for us. Verse 10 – ‘fasanuyassiruhu lil usra’. ‘We will make smooth for him the path to misery’. Allah has showed us the way. Onus is on us to walk on it. Surah 91, Shams, verse 8-10. ‘fa alhamahaa fujurahaa vatakwahaa kad aflaha man zakkaahaa va kad kaaba man dassaahaa’. Allah has showed us two ways. One way is good that leads to heaven. Second way is evil that leads to hell. Good way will be made easy for those treading that path. Evil will be made easy for those walking down the wrong path. Intelligent person will choose the right path. That is Sirathal Mustakeem. Good deeds should be protected with good character. Our big deeds can get ruined if we hurt others. Iqlaas will bring glitter to our deeds.

Car And Bungalow Won't Give Peace

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

The main focus of today’s Quran discourse is faith in Akhirat. All evils in the society emerge due to the lack of understanding of the Hereafter. This world will perish. We have to vacate this place one day. This is not just a story or philosophy. We are burying our parents, forefathers and relatives with our own hands. We see people come and go. Earth is a guest house. It is prison for Believers. We will be raised after death. There were doubts on Akhirat when Quran was sent. Such suspicions are raised even today. Christians and Jews are spreading enjoy-now-and-here mentality. Eat as you like, drink as you like and live as you like. There is no world after this. This is the argument of materialistic people. We were totally non-existent. Allah gave us bone, flesh and life. Non-believers questioned Prophet about how can we be brought back to life after we disintegrate to bones and decompose. Surah Yasin, 36, verse 79 – ‘qul yuhyi hallazi ansha’aha awwala marra va huva bikulli kalkin aleem’. ‘He who created them for the first time will give them life again’. Allah answered their doubt. This is a rational explanation. Everything is possible for Allah. He gives explanation so as to make us understand.
Man has come to earth to leave it one day. Day is sure to come after night. There will be relief after distress. Surah 94, Inshirah, verses 5-6. ‘fa innama’al usri yusra inna ma’al usri yusra’. Relief will be granted for distress. Reprieve will be given if we remain patient. Everyone has problems. One should not take every problem upon himself. Don’t take God’s job. Desserts are distributed if male child is born and mere sugar is served if the child is girl. Girls have brought blessings in many families. Girls are Barakath. Prophet’s family spread through Fatima (rali).
Surah Bakara, 2, verse 216 – ‘va asaa an takrahu shaiya vahuva khairunlakum va asaa an tuhibbu shaiya vahuva sharrunlakum’. You may detest something that is good for you and you may desire something but that may be bad for you. Men should go out and earn and women should stay in house. Life will go haywire if you reverse this. Don’t be sad if a girl is born. Bird should not remain in its nest. It will die out of hunger. Go out and work. You use the means and Allah will provide sustenance. Allah will shower his blessings. Use the wings and Allah will feed you. Allah will feed some people even if they don’t go out. But that is a different status. One has to climb up Ruhani ladder for that. One has to work hard, put all efforts and sacrifice everything. He has to become Fana, annihilate himself. Rule for commoners is to use means and materials.
Work hard but leave the result to God. Don’t take the result upon yourself. That will bring many problems. Some people are working day and night, but their problems are not solved. Have Tawakkal, trust, in Allah. Volvo bus drivers are very skilled. But recently 30 people died in an accident. Passengers had trust in bus and driver. Now they are scared to see a Volvo bus. Problems won’t come if you have your trust in God. A believer will board  the bus with the prayer, ‘Ya Allah! You subjected this vehicle for our use. We don’t have power’. This will get God’s protection. Praise Allah. If you praise technology and driver, you may get into trouble.
Put your efforts. But be happy even if results are not fruitful. I tried hard to become a fitter or a typist. But now I have risen to a position of director of an institution. I got a Peer, guru, like that. He made me to ascend to a good position. Now I am giving Quran discourse. This is not my skill. This is Allah’s grace.
Everyone will go through tough phase in life. Surah Baqara, 2, verse 155 – ‘vala nabluvannakum bishaiyin minal kauf wal jui wanaksin minal amwal wal anfusi wassamarati vabashiri sabirin’. Allah will test you with fear and hunger and loss in wealth, life and production. Some people have all luxuries. But they don’t have peace. Surah Raad, 13, verse 28 – ‘alaa bi zikrillahi tatmainul qulub’. Allah’s remembrance gives peace to heart. Peace of mind is not in car and bungalows. All evils will enter in the society if faith on Akhirat is removed. Moomin will shun sins because of fear of God. Surah Rahman, 55, verse 46 – ‘valiman kaafa maqaama rabbihi jannataan’. People having God’s fear will get two heavens; not just one. Fear of God is Mehraj of intellect. People who don’t have Faith are worse than animals.
Non-believers asked Prophet about when Qiyamat will come. Prophet told that it won’t come as and when they wish, but when it comes, it cannot be delayed even a bit. Allah has appointed time for everything. Earlier communities have perished mocking God’s punishment. General, complete disaster won’t come for Rasoolullah’s Ummat. But local penalties will come. Prophet is human form of Allah’s Grace.
Surah 10, Yunus, verse 42 – ‘va minhum maiyastamioona ilaik’. They pretend like listening. They don’t come to learn, but to find fault. ‘afa anta tusmiu summa’. Can you make deaf people listen. ‘valau kanu la yahkilun’. They don’t have proper mind. ‘vamin hum mainyanluru ilaik’. There are those who see among them. People like Abu Jahl, Abu Lahb saw Prophet. AbuJahl told that Prophet’s face is not good. But Abubakr (rali) rejoiced seeing Prophet’s face. Rasoolullah said – I am a mirror; they see their own faces. There is a Hadith, ’a believer is mirror for another believer’. Seeing Prophet’s face was Ibadath. Seeing Kaba is Ibadath, seeing Ali (rali) face is Ibadat.
‘afa anta tahdil umya valav kanu la yubsirun’. You cannot guide blind people. They continuously plotted against Prophet. They became like blind and deaf. Their hearts were sealed. Nothing good can enter their hearts nor come out of them. This verse is about Non-believers of that day. Those of today will be forgiven if they repent. Utba, Shoiba, Abujahl, Abulahb did not have Faith even after seeing miracles.
Verse continues. ‘innallaha la yajlimunnasa shaiya’. Allah does not harm men in any way. ‘vala kinnannasa anfusahum yajlimun’. People harm themselves. Intelligent people don’t need miracles. Every drop of water and every leaf in the world are wonders of God. They will learn faith from nature. But they won’t know about Amal, deeds. Prophet and Book are sent for this, to explain everything to them.
The whole life in this world will appear like just an hour when compared to the day of Qiyamat. Verse 45 – ‘va yauma yahshuruhum ka anlam yalbashu illa sa’athan minannahari’. When they are assembled, it will appear like they tarried only an hour. Men of earlier communities have lived like 500 years. We go to graves in the end , but we will be raised early. Living long may lead to committing many sins. We should pray for a life of serving Deen. We have many special days like Shabe Baraat, Lailatul Qadr, Juma, Ramzan, Eid-ein to ask for forgiveness. We will have Quran, discourses, Rasoolullah, infants for our Sifaat, recommendation. Even a fetus that got disintegrated after four months will ask for forgiveness for its parents. Non-believers won’t have anyone to help them. They will only have grief. Verse 45 – ‘ yata aarufuna bainahm’. Non-believers will recognize each other. ‘kad kasirallazina kazzabu bi likaillah’. Those who lied about meeting their God have lost. Allah is Raheem for Believers. Prophet is Raheem for Believers. Rahmat is for everyone. All the Mercy that is in this world is just one percent of God’s Raheemiyat. God will bestow His full Mercy on believers on the day of judgment. This will only be for those who believed in meeting God.
Rajab is the month of sowing. Shabaan is month of growth. Ramzan is when fruits will come. If you do good deeds in these three months, entire year will go peaceful. Shabaan is Rasoolullah’s month. We should recite more Durood in this month. Rajab is Allah’s month. Ramzan is month for believers. You will get huge rewards if you do good deeds in these months. Punishment will be severe if you do sins in these months.

I Am Your Well Wisher

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan speech
Published in Muslim Murasu, August 2012

Ruh, soul, is formless. It is the essence. If it departs, body will be buried. Islam also has a soul, a base, a quintessential spirit. Over time, it has disappeared. The main focus was on Quran during the time of Prophet, Sahabas and Tabayeens. They continued with Quran recitation, understanding Quran and preaching its message. Sahabas were called as Muqris – reciters. Quran does not mention formats and details of worship. Quran emphasizes on ideology and fundamentals. Quran will give Taqwa, Hamd, Kashiyat, Muhabbate Ilahi, Tadabbur, Tawassum. Format of worship, fasting and Haj are not given in Quran. Deviation occurred in later times. These became subject of discussion during Abbasiya period through Fuqahas. Sufis laid stress on Islam’s spirit and fundamentals. They gave importance to purifying heart.

Surah 12, Yusuf, verse 86 – ‘innama ashku basshi va huzni ilallah’. I complain my anguish and sorrow to God.

British conquered India. Distressed Ulamas (scholars) went for help to Afghanistan, Turkey and Germany. One lakh Ulamas were killed. Format remained and the ideology was lost.

Abubakr (rali) expressed his fear to Prophet when they were in the cave. Surah 9, Tauba, verse 40 – ‘la tahzan innallaha ma ana’. Don’t fear, God is with us. Prophet allayed Abubakr’s fear. British were apt candidates for Dawath. Message could have been presented to them. But missionary work was not carried. They brought communication, transport and mobility opportunities. But Muslims did not avail them for missionary works. They abandoned missionary work and took aggressive stand. It used to take two weeks to reach Calcutta from London. English men used this time to learn Urdu, thereby mitigating language gap. Muslims did not use this opportunity.

Tataris were atrocious once Abbasi period came to an end. Only thing that helped Muslims of that time was preaching. British, Tatari, both were mighty people. Both the situations were similar. Tataris took Muslims as slaves. There was conversation between the two. Tataris embraced Islam within fifty years and then they lifted Islamic flag high. Ulamas during British time did not learn from Tatari history. They did not learn from Quran either. Hatred for British became standard of Islamic faith.

Quran says, ‘inni lakum naseh’. I am your well wisher. Every Prophet proclaimed this. Muslim Ummat lost trust in Allah. This is the missing link. Muslims today say ‘Alhamdulillah’ for silly things. They say Alhamdulillah when their son passes in an exam. ‘Praise to my Lord’. They think only about their selfish wellbeing. The condition for ‘Alhamd’ is ‘Rabbil alamin’. Muslims started ignoring universal wellbeing and prioritized their individual welfare. They lost the capacity to care and pay attention for the universal welfare. The reason they lost interest in universal welfare is that they lost proper understanding of God. They lost ‘hubbe shadid’. They did not have unrestrained love for God. They don’t care for the world. Then they can’t set sight on God of the universe. We should care for others. When one feels the responsibility to look after the world, one will truly start to fear God. All your fears are about your family. Now, there is no Muslim Ummat. There is only Muslim Qaum. Muslims have become a social group rather than an ideological group. Come for preaching if you have love for human race. A funeral procession of a Jew passed by. Prophet stood in respect. ‘alaisa nafsan’. ‘He is also a person’. You can come for Dawath if you have this unconditional love for others. Otherwise it is not Dawath. Don’t give Kafir, Munafiq titles to others. If that person is honest, the abuse will return back to you. Muslims will be large in number, but they will be weak like lather. One Muslim’s wealth, blood and respect are Haraam for another Muslim. Abuses are heaped on me. Let us work with the true spirit of Islam.

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.

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.

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.

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.