Orchards of Love – Ihyaaud Deen https://ihyaauddeen.co.za An Effort to Revive Deen in Totality Mon, 25 Dec 2023 14:38:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 The Divine Protection of Allah Ta‘ala for the Qur’aan Majeed – The Orchards of Love – Part Sixty Five https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21377 Sun, 24 Dec 2023 05:45:53 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21377 In the sight of Allah Ta‘ala, the greatest and most valuable thing in the world is deen. The purpose for Allah Ta‘ala creating this entire earth was to send this deen down to humanity so that they can uphold deen in their lives and make it their mission to propagate and preserve deen in the world.

For this most important and great task, Allah Ta‘ala selected the greatest of humanity, the Rasuls and Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam), who were the most pure and chosen of the entire creation.

The medium which Allah Ta‘ala used to send down this deen to the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam) was wahi (divine revelation). Allah Ta‘ala would send the greatest of the angels – Hazrat Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) – to the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam) with wahi. Such was the lofty position and great importance of wahi that at times, Hazrat Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) would be escorted by an entourage of seventy thousand angels surrounding him from all sides in honour of the revelation and for divine protection from any evil influence of the shayaateen.

Just as every medium of honour and respect was afforded to the wahi prior to it coming down to the earth, then after it reached the earth, Allah Ta‘ala had commanded the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam) and their ummats to show it (the heavenly books and scriptures) the greatest level of respect, reverence and honour, as it is the divine word of Allah Ta‘ala and His divine constitution.

Hence, every believer should understand well that deen is the greatest and most valuable bounty he possesses in his life, and he should show it the greatest level of respect, reverence and honour at all times.

While this was the divine system of Allah Ta‘ala for the Ambiyaa and Rasuls (‘alaihimus salaam) in general, in regard to this ummah, Allah Ta‘ala blessed us with an honour higher and greater than the other ummats.

Allah Ta‘ala made our Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) the imaam of all the Ambiyaa and Rasuls (‘alaihimus salaam) of the past, and made His book, the Qur’aan Majeed, the greatest of all divine, heavenly scriptures. Hence, the Qur’aan Majeed is the only book of Allah Ta‘ala that will remain until Qiyaamah and will never be cancelled – compared to the divine scriptures of the other Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam) which remained for a limited period and were then cancelled.

Apart from this, another honour blessed to this ummah is that the Qur’aan Majeed has been granted the special, divine protection of Allah Ta‘ala. Allah Ta‘ala says:

اِنَّا نَحۡنُ نَزَّلۡنَا الذِّکۡرَ  وَ  اِنَّا  لَہٗ  لَحٰفِظُوۡنَ ﴿۹﴾

Certainly, We are the Ones who revealed the Qur’aan and surely, We have taken the responsibility of safeguarding it. (Surah Hijr v. 9)

This special honour which was granted to this ummah was not granted to any other ummah. Therefore, it is witnessed that with the passage of time, distortions, changes and interpolations entered the books of the other nations, whereas more than a thousand years have passed from the blessed era of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), yet the Qur’aan Majeed remains perfectly preserved, without a single letter being changed. It is not only preserved in the pages, but is preserved in the hearts of the ummah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) – the young, the old and even the children have been divinely selected by Allah Ta‘ala to protect the Qur’aan Majeed within their hearts.

Below is an inspiring and thought-provoking incident which illustrates the divine protection of Allah Ta‘ala granted to the Qur’aan Majeed:

Incident of a Jew Embracing Islam Upon Seeing the Divine Protection of Allah Ta‘ala for the Qur’aan Majeed

Yahya bin Aktham (rahimahullah) narrates the following incident:

During the period of his rule, the Abbasid Khalifah, Ma’moon Ar-Rasheed, used to host ilmi seminars wherein Ulama would gather and discuss various academic topics. On one occasion, a Jew slipped into the gathering with the Ulama. The Jew was well dressed, had a handsome face and was fragrant with itr (perfume). Thereafter, when the seminar commenced, he even delivered a presentation, speaking in a most eloquent and impressive manner.

After the seminar ended, and the crowd dispersed, Ma’moon called the Jew as he had reservations regarding him being a Muslim. Ma’moon asked him, “Are you a Jew?” The man replied, “Yes.” Ma’moon next invited him to embrace Islam saying, “Embrace Islam! If you do so, I will honour you and bestow such-and-such favour upon you!” However, the Jew refused saying, “I cannot leave my religion and the religion of my forefathers.”

One year later, the man returned and had now accepted Islam! On this occasion when he joined the seminar, he delivered a presentation on Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence). When the presentation was over, Ma’moon perceived from the way in which he spoke on this occasion that he had now embraced Islam. Ma’moon thus asked him, “Are you not the same Jew who attended this seminar last year?” The man replied in the affirmative and explained that he had now embraced Islam, to which Ma’moon asked, “What caused you to embrace Islam?”

The man responded saying, “After leaving your gathering last year, I decided to embark on a study to test the truthfulness of the various religions. As I am a fine calligrapher, I wrote out three copies of the Towrah in which I added a few words and also deleted a few words. I then went to a synagogue in order to sell the three copies. The people saw the beautiful calligraphy and purchased all three copies from me (without even realizing the mistakes in them).

“I next wrote out three copies of the Injeel in which I added and deleted a few words. I took these three copies to a church and the people also purchased them from me (without even realizing the mistakes in them).

“Finally, I wrote out three copies of the Qur’aan Majeed in which I added a few words and deleted a few words. However, when I presented them to the Muslim booksellers, they insisted on examining them before purchasing them from me.

“On examining them, they immediately noticed the errors, the additions and omissions and thus rejected the copies. I then realized that the Qur’aan Majeed was divinely protected by Allah Ta‘ala. This led me to embrace Islam.”

Yahya bin Aktham (rahimahullah) thereafter mentions: “After this incident transpired, I went to Makkah Mukarramah to perform hajj. While in Makkah Mukarramah, I met Sufyaan bin Uyainah (rahimahullah) to whom I narrated the entire incident. After hearing the incident, Sufyaan (rahimahullah) remarked, ‘This is not something unusual, as the reality of this can be found in the Qur’aan Majeed (of the Qur’aan Majeed being divinely protected, compared to the other heavenly books).’

“I asked him, ‘Where in the Qur’aan can it be found?’ Hazrat Sufyaan (rahimahullah) explained, ‘Allah Ta‘ala mentions in reference to the Towraah and Injeel:

بِمَا اسۡتُحۡفِظُوۡا مِنۡ کِتٰبِ اللّٰہِ

They were entrusted with the protection of Allah’s book… (Surah Maa’idah v. 44)

Allah Ta‘ala entrusted them (i.e. the Jews and Christians) with the task of protecting His divine books and they neglected to protect them. However, in reference to the Qur’aan Majeed, Allah Ta‘ala mentions:

اِنَّا نَحۡنُ نَزَّلۡنَا الذِّکۡرَ  وَ  اِنَّا  لَہٗ  لَحٰفِظُوۡنَ ﴿۹﴾

Certainly, We are the Ones who revealed the Qur’aan, and surely, We have taken the responsibility of safeguarding it. (Surah Hijr v. 9)

When Allah Ta‘ala himself has protected the Qur’aan for us, it will definitely remain protected forever.’” (Tafseer Qurtubi 10/5)

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The Cell Phone – The Double-Edged Sword – The Orchards of Love – Part Sixty Four https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21297 Sun, 26 Nov 2023 09:31:03 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21297

The cell phone is a modern-day invention which most people regard to be a need of life in today’s times. Many people are reliant on the cell phone to communicate with their families, run their businesses, make payments, purchase groceries online and arrange their airfares or taxi fares, etc.

Despite the fact that people’s domestic, social and economic lives are, to a great extent, dependent upon this device, people do not realize the true nature of the cell phone. In reality, the cell phone is a double-edged sword which has the potential to make or break.

When one examines the cell phone, one realizes that there is a lot of benefit that one can acquire through it, but at the same time, it has the potential to create a lot of harm.

The Benefits of the Cell Phone

Among the many benefits and advantages one can acquire through the cell phone are:

(1) A person in the east can instantly communicate with a person in the west with complete ease and comfort.

(2) Volumes of information can easily be accessed in a matter of seconds from websites around the globe.

(3) One is able to find solutions for complex problems, from health to finance or most issues that affect our daily life via this medium through searching the internet, etc.

(4)  At the press of a button, one is able to make immediate purchases of one’s daily or weekly necessities and make business payments, etc.

(5) People are able to remain in contact with their family members, or inform them of important news, despite the distances that may separate them.

The Harms of the Cell Phone

Despite the cell phone having many benefits and playing an important role in fulfilling the abovementioned needs of people, it cannot be denied that it is a double-edged sword that also has the potential to cause colossal harm and immense destruction to a person if used incorrectly.

Among the many harms and problems created through the cell phone are the following:

(1) By the press of a button, one is able to view the worst of sins committed on the face of this earth. Every imaginable influence that can spur up man’s carnal desires and arouse his sexual passions is accessible via this cell phone by all and sundry without any restrictions.

(2) A major portion of the numerous cases of broken homes and shattered marriages are the direct result of the misuse of the cell phone and internet. Illicit relationships are initiated through social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

(3) Through this device, the kuffaar have succeeded in exporting their evils to the furthest corners of the world, and hence people commit sin via this device – even while residing in the holy cities of Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Tayyibah, and even while in the holy musjids.

(4) Such is the inherent and overwhelming filth of the internet that even when pious people view the internet looking for halaal content, haraam pops up involuntarily and unintentionally on the screen.

(5) The evil effects which the TV, internet and the computer produced individually have all been combined in the cell phone and spewed out to man, to such an extent that one will not need to go to Hollywood or Bollywood to produce a movie. This device, in the pocket of each person, has the ability to do the same whenever any person desires or wishes.

In essence, the amount of sin that is taking place world-wide through the cell phone is so much that perhaps, in many centuries, sins have never before taken place on such a wide scale, due to which the degeneration of Islamic morals and values in the Muslim Ummah is now taking place faster than an avalanche on account of these devices.

The crux of the matter is that man has surpassed all limits and has broken all bounds in disobeying Allah Ta‘ala via the cell phone and internet which people regard to be mediums of so called “human advancement and progress”.

Exercising Restraint When Using the Cell Phone

When the cell phone has both benefits and harms associated with it, then how should a believer utilize this device?

The answer to this question is that a believer should utilize this device in such a manner that he does not disobey Allah Ta‘ala, but fulfils his halaal needs via it.

In other words, the cell phone can be resembled to a bank where a person deposits his wealth only for safekeeping purposes. A believer understands that a bank is an interest-based institute and its entire operation revolves around usury and interest. However, since it is extremely difficult for one to run his business without having a bank account, permission has been granted to utilize the services of the bank to the point of halaal need without getting involved in interest and taking any extra benefit from the bank – whether in cash or kind.

In the same way, a person will utilize the cell phone to the point of halaal need e.g. making phone calls, sending messages and emails, etc. As for those features of the phone that can cause one to fall into sin, it is not permissible for one to utilize those features if it will lead one to falling into sin.

Many of our Ulama are of the opinion that since most people are tempted towards sin through this device and subsequently fall into haraam, one should get a basic phone which does not have the features that will cause one to fall into sin.

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Taqwa – the Core Factor to Acquire All Goodness – The Orchards of Love – Part Sixty Three https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21298 Sun, 19 Nov 2023 09:30:44 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21298

In many verses of the Qur’aan Majeed and in many Ahaadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), we are exhorted to adopt taqwa in our lives. Taqwa refers to the fear of Allah Ta‘ala. When one possesses the fear of Allah Ta‘ala, then this will motivate him to fulfil the rights he owes to Allah Ta‘ala and the rights he owes to the creation.

When a person possesses taqwa, he will be particular in regard to fulfilling his salaah, discharging his zakaat, and fulfilling his other deeni obligations. Similarly, he will be particular in regard to obeying his parents, showing kindness to his wife and family, and upholding the rights of every Muslim, whether when interacting with him or dealing with him in monetary affairs e.g. business dealings or matters relating to inheritance. In reality, taqwa is the core factor for a believer acquiring all goodness in his life.

There are many examples of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and our pious predecessors which demonstrate the high level of taqwa which they upheld in their lives. Below are two incidents which illustrate the high level of taqwa which they possessed:

Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) Abstaining from Borrowing Money from the Baytul Maal

After becoming the Khalifah, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) would still occasionally engage in trade. On one occasion, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was preparing a trade caravan to travel to Syria. However, since he required some wealth to finance the caravan, he sent a messenger to Hazrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Awf (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), requesting a loan of four thousand dirhams.

When the messenger placed the request before Hazrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Awf (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), he replied, “Tell Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) that he can take the money from the Baytul Maal (public treasury). Thereafter, when the trade caravan returns and the goods are sold, he can repay that amount to the Baytul Maal.”

The messenger returned to Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and conveyed the response of Hazrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Awf (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to him. On hearing his response, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was displeased. Thereafter, when he met Hazrat Abdur Rahmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), he said to him, “Are you the one who said that I should take the money from the Baytul Maal? If I have to die before the caravan returns with the money, then you people will say, ‘Ameerul Mu’mineen took this amount from the Baytul Maal. Leave it for him (i.e. do not repay it from his estate). In that case, I will be made to account for it on the day of Qiyaamah! I am not prepared to do this! That is why I wished to borrow the money from a man (i.e. yourself) who is particular regarding his monetary affairs, so that in the case of my demise, he will claim the amount from my estate (and I will not be taken to task on the day of Qiyaamah).’”

Hazrat Moulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi (rahimahullah) Returning the Money Donated for the Madrasah

Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahimahullah) mentioned that the lessons of Hadith that were conducted in Gangoh by Hazrat Moulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi (rahimahullah) were done purely for the sake of Allah Ta‘ala.

Hazrat Moulana Gangohi (rahimahullah) ran the madrasah purely on tawakkul (i.e. he placed his reliance totally on Allah Ta‘ala and did not turn to the creation).

At the time when Hazrat Moulana Gangohi (rahimahullah) discontinued the lessons of Hadith and closed down the madrasah due to his eyesight deteriorating, people who were under the impression that the madrasah was still in operation donated large sums of money for the madrasah. Hazrat Moulana Gangohi (rahimahullah) immediately returned the money stating that the madrasah was no longer in operation.

Some people tried to explain to Hazrat Moulana Gangohi (rahimahullah) that the money should not be returned, rather the donor’s permission should be sought, and then the money could be spent in another deeni cause. Upon this, Hazrat Moulana Gangohi (rahimahullah) said, “Why should I go around asking people for permission (to spend their money in deeni causes)? If they wish, they may spend it in any deeni cause they desire.”

Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahimahullah) then explained that asking people permission to spend their money in this manner is a type of begging. However, the correct method is that when the money was not going to be used for the purpose it was donated for, it should immediately be returned. Upon receiving the money, if the donor himself wishes that the money should be used for another deeni cause, he should resend the money with a note stating that he wishes that the money be spent for another deeni cause. (Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 10/277)

 

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Islam Compared to the Religions of the Past – The Orchards of Love – Part Sixty Two https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21237 Mon, 13 Nov 2023 04:23:39 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21237

When we compare the Deen of Islam to the previous religions, we find that Islam did not only declare sinful actions and evil deeds to be haraam, but also declared the pathways that lead to sin and evil as haraam. This has been done in order to protect a person and safeguard him from falling into sin.

Consider the example of purdah. Allah Ta‘ala has commanded that segregation take place and purdah be upheld between non-mahram males and females so that there is no type of contact between them. The reason is that contact, in whatever form it may be (e.g. through the gaze, communicating, interacting, etc.) is the starting point for one falling into zina.

The Seed of Sin Planted Through a Lustful Glance

Hazrat Zun Noon Misri (rahimahullah) was once asked, “What is the starting point for a person to fall into sin?” Hazrat Zun Noon (rahimahullah) explained:

“Sinning commences with a lustful glance which then leads to haraam feelings and thoughts being created in the mind. If one treats and remedies the haraam thoughts by turning to Allah Ta‘ala in repentance, the haraam thoughts will cease and disappear. If not, they will progress until they are accompanied by whispers and insinuations of shaitaan towards evil and sin. This, in turn, gives rise to feelings of lust. All of this transpires internally (in the mind), and until this point, the action of sin and evil has not yet manifested through the action of the limbs.

“If the lust is remedied and addressed (through sincere taubah and reforming oneself, one will be safe,) but if not, then it will progress until it becomes a strong, irresistible urge to commit the sin, and if this urge is not remedied then one’s entire mind will become engulfed in thoughts of haraam and sin (thereafter, the actual sin of zina takes place).” (Hilyatul Awliyaa 8/17)

Incident of a Muazzin Losing His Imaan through a Lustful Glance

Allaamah Ibnul Jowzi (rahimahullah) mentioned the following eye-opening incident in his kitaab, Zammul Hawaa, of how a muazzin lost his imaan through casting a lustful glance at a woman:

It is reported that there was once a muazzin named Saalih in the city of Baghdad. He was known for his piety and was blessed to call out the azaan for forty years! However, it was a single, poisonous glance that destroyed this man and rendered his forty years of calling out the azaan worthless. His lamentable downfall transpired in the following manner:

One day, while Saalih was climbing the minaret to call out the azaan, his gaze fell on the daughter of the Christian neighbour whose home was adjacent to the masjid. As soon as his gaze fell on her, he became infatuated and fell in love with her. He thus came to her house and knocked on the door. The girl called out from inside the home, “Who is there?” He replied, “Saalih, the muazzin.”

When the girl opened the door, he entered the home and embraced her. The Christian girl was shocked and exclaimed, “You people are the ones in whom people trust, so how is it that you are behaving in this deceitful manner?” He replied, “I really want to be with you and marry you, and if you do not agree to marry me, then I will kill you.”

The girl retorted saying, “I am only prepared to marry you if you leave your religion.” There and then, the muazzin left Islam and declared, “I disassociate myself from Islam and from the Deen which Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) brought.”

However, the girl was still not satisfied and said, “You only spoke these words so that you can have your way with me. After you are done with me, you will return to your Deen. To prove that you truly wish to be with me, eat some pork. Without hesitating, Saalih placed the pork into his mouth and consumed it. The girl then requested him to consume wine, and he willingly did so.

Finally, as the wine affected his mind and intoxicated him, he tried to approach her. However, she went into a room and locked the door. She then called out to him and said, “Climb onto the roof of the house and wait for my father to come. When he arrives then he will perform our nikaah.”

Saalih then climbed onto the roof, but due to his intoxicated state, he fell to the ground and died.

The girl came out and concealed his body with a cloth. Later on, when her father arrived and she informed him of what had transpired, they took the body at night and dumped it in the street.

Thereafter, when the people learnt of the fate of the muazzin, and his reneging from Islam, they dumped his body at a rubbish pile. (Zammul Hawaa pg. 344)

From this incident, we understand the sad plight and lamentable outcome of the person who called out the azaan for forty years. When we examine this incident, we find that the point of failure came when he did not observe strict purdah, and perhaps had the evil habit of looking at women. This, in turn, led to him falling in love with the girl and then bringing upon himself the evil consequences which we have seen, the worst of which was him leaving the fold of Islam.

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Islam – The Religion of Inward and Outward Submission – The Orchards of Love – Part Sixty One https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21196 Sun, 05 Nov 2023 04:23:17 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21196

The entire life of a Muslim reflects his loyalty and love for Islam. From the time he wakes up in the morning, and thereafter throughout the day when he eats, drinks, interacts with people, engages in transactions and carries out other actions and activities, until he retires to bed at night – his every moment and movement is guided and governed by the divine Deen of Islam.

Not only does a Muslim adhere to the teachings of Islam in the musjid, in the month of Ramadhaan, or on special, happy occasions such as the days of eid and jumu’ah – but rather he adheres to the life-code and value system of Islam at every moment of his life, both inwardly as well as outwardly.

As for adherence to Islam outwardly, then one understands this department of Deen by outwardly submitting to the command of Allah Ta‘ala in one’s religious actions, dress code and in one’s conduct among people. However, in regard to adherence inwardly, then this refers to a believer fulfilling the command of Allah Ta‘ala with a happy and obedient heart.

Just as adherence to Islam outwardly is important for a believer’s Islam to be accepted by Allah Ta‘ala, adherence to Islam inwardly is equally important and necessary.

In the Qur’aan Majeed, Allah Ta‘ala mentions that in order for one to be a true and perfect believer, then together with him outwardly submitting to the command of Deen, he should also be inwardly pleased with the command of Deen.

Allah Ta‘ala says, “(O Muhammad [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam])! By your Rabb (Lord)! They will not believe, until they make you (O Muhammad [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam]) the judge in all their disputes that arise between them, and thereafter they do not find any reluctance in their hearts in regard to your decision, and they should surrender to it in total submission.” (Surah Nisaa v. 65)

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once said, “None of you will be a true and perfect believer until his inner desires (and his heart) conforms to the Deen which I have brought.” (Sharhus Sunnah #104)

From the abovementioned Aayah and Hadith, we understand that in order for one to be a true believer he will have to practice Islam outwardly and be pleased with Islam inwardly at all times.

If a person practices Islam but loves the way of the kuffaar which is in contradiction to the way of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), then in reality, such a person has not submitted inwardly. This is extremely detrimental, and such a person will not be a true and perfect believer.

Below is the eye-opening incident of the frightful outcome of an aalim who preferred and admired the ways of the kuffaar to the blessed way of Islam:

The Disastrous Fate of the Aalim who Loved the Way of the Christians

Qari Fatah Muhammad (rahimahullah) was the ustaad of Hazrat Thaanwi (rahimahullah). He once mentioned to Hazrat Thaanwi (rahimahullah) that he heard the following incident from Sheikh Dahhaan (rahimahullah) who was a great aalim of Makkah Mukarramah. Sheikh Dahhaan (rahimahullah) mentioned that once, a certain aalim of Makkah Mukarramah passed away. Accordingly, the aalim was given ghusl, the janaazah salaah was performed and he was buried in the cemetery.

A few days later, another person passed away. Since graves in Makkah Mukarramah are often shared, the same grave was reopened so that this person could also be buried inside. However, on opening the grave, Sheikh Dahhaan (rahimahullah) and the other people present were surprised to find that the body of the aalim was not there, and in his place was the body of a young European girl.

Allah Ta‘ala made it such that present at that burial was a Muslim who had come from France. On seeing the young girl’s body, he exclaimed, “I know this girl! She is from France and her parents are Christians! She was learning Urdu from me, and she had embraced Islam in secret. I had also taught her some basic books on Deen. Unexpectedly, she fell ill and passed away, after which I left France and came here.”

Hearing this, the people said, “We can understand why the French girl’s body has been transferred to Makkah Mukarramah. It was brought here on account of her embracing Islam and trying to lead a life of piety.” However, the people said, “If the girl is here, then where is the body of the aalim now?’”

Some people felt that the aalim’s body must have been transferred to France, in place of the girl’s body. Hence, they addressed the Muslim who had come from France and said, “After performing haj, go to France, open the grave of this girl in France and see if it now contains the aalim’s body.” Saying this, they gave the man a description of the aalim who had passed away so that he would be able to recognize his body.

After performing haj, when the man returned to France, and opened the girl’s grave, he found that instead of her body – it was the body of the aalim of Makkah Mukarramah that was in her coffin, matching the description of the aalim that the people in Makkah Mukarramah had given him.

When this man thereafter sent the news to Makkah Mukarramah that the he had found the aalim’s body in the girl’s grave in France, then the people of Makkah Mukarramah said, “This girl’s body being transferred to Makkah Mukarramah is a sign of her being accepted by Allah Ta‘ala. However, the aalim’s body being moved from Makkah Mukarramah to the land of the Kuffaar is a sign that he was not accepted by Allah Ta‘ala. What weakness in his life could have been the cause for this?”

The people then said, “The people who will know one best will be the people of one’s household. Let us ask his wife.” The wife of this aalim was then approached and was asked regarding whether her husband had any weakness in his Deen due to which this had transpired. She replied, “My husband was a good man, but he had one weakness in him which used to affect me and trouble me. His weakness was that after we would have relations, he would say, ‘How nice is the way of the Christians that after relations, ghusl is not obligatory on them, whereas we Muslims have to have a ghusl after having relations!’”

Hence, though he lived in Makkah Mukarramah, he liked the way of the Christians and was not happy with the way of Islam. On the contrary, the Muslim girl in Europe lived Islam, though she lived in difficulty and was forced to keep her Islam a secret. Therefore, Allah Ta‘ala transferred her body to Makkah Mukarramah and transferred the body of the aalim to Europe. (Jawaahir Paare 2/140-143)

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Islam – The Only Religion Accepted by Allah Ta‘ala – The Orchards of Love – Part Sixty https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21163 Sun, 29 Oct 2023 04:47:55 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21163

For thousands of years prior to the advent of Islam, the evil jinn and shayaateen had access to the heavens. They would ascend to the heavens and secretly eavesdrop on the conversations of the angels. Thereafter, on returning to earth, they would go to the soothsayers and fortune-tellers and inform them of what they had heard in the conversations of the angels.

These soothsayers and fortune tellers would add lies to the true information overheard by the shayaateen and tell the people this mixture of lies and truth. In this manner, they would deceive and mislead people.

After the advent of Islam, when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) received nubuwwah, Allah Ta‘ala sealed off the pathway to the heavens, barring the shayaateen from entry. As much as they tried, the shayaateen could no longer gain entry to the heavens and could no longer eavesdrop on the conversations of the angels.

As soon as their pathways to the heavens became sealed, the shayaateen understood that some major event must have transpired on earth due to which their access to the heavens had been blocked. Hence, the shayaateen held a meeting among themselves to discuss this issue.

In this meeting, shaitaan told all the other shayaateen that they should divide themselves into groups and roam throughout the world, investigating the cause for them losing access to the heavens.

Accordingly, the shayaateen formed groups and went out, roaming through the earth. As they roamed, one group of shayaateen came to the land of Nakhlah. Coincidentally, at that time, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were in the land of Nakhlah, en-route to the market of Ukkaaz.

At the time when these shayaateen arrived in Nakhlah, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were performing salaah. As soon as the shayaateen heard the glorious words of the Qur’aan Majeed emanating from the blessed lips of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), they stopped and began to listen attentively.

On hearing the verses recited by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), they knew that this was undoubtedly the divine speech of Allah Ta‘ala, and it was the revelation of this divine speech that caused their access to heavens to be closed.

Nevertheless, the verses of the Qur’aan Majeed had such a profound effect upon them that their hearts immediately changed. They instantly embraced Islam and returned to their people reformed. They were no longer evil shayaateen – but were now Muslim jinn, returning as daa’ees (inviters) to the Deen of Islam.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had been unaware of what had transpired. He could not see the jinn and did not know of their presence while he was performing salaah or their subsequent embracing of Islam.

However, Allah Ta‘ala revealed the opening verses of Surah Jinn to him, informing him of what had occurred. Allah Ta‘ala said: Say (O Muhammad [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam]), “It has been revealed to me that a group of jinn listened attentively (to me reciting the Qur’aan Majeed in salaah), then they said (to their people), ‘Certainly, we have heard an amazing recital (of the Qur’aan Majeed)! It guides to the right way, and we have brought imaan in it, and we will never associate anyone as partner with our Rabb!’” (Surah Jinn v. 1-2)

On receiving these verses from Allah Ta‘ala, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) recited them before the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), and informed them of what had transpired.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is the Greatest of All the Ambiyaa, and His Path is the Only Path to Jannah

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is the greatest of all the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam) and the final Nabi of Allah Ta‘ala sent to the world. He was sent as the seal of all Prophets, and hence the entire series of Ambiyaa ended with him.

Thus, just as all the roads and pathways leading to the heavens were sealed and closed with the nubuwwah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), in the same way, on earth as well, all roads and pathways leading to Jannah have been sealed and closed – with the exception of the path of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Now, the only path and road through which a person can reach Jannah is the Deen of Islam.

In the Qur’aan Majeed, Allah Ta‘ala says:

اِنَّ الدِّیۡنَ عِنۡدَ اللّٰہِ الۡاِسۡلَامُ

Indeed, the (only accepted) religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. (Surah Aal-e-Imran v. 19)

In another verse, Allah Ta‘ala says: Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam – it will never be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter, he will be among the losers. (Surah Aal-e-Imraan v. 85)

From these verses, we understand that the only religion that is accepted by Allah Ta‘ala is the religion of Islam. If a person accepts Islam, but also accepts other religions to be true, then in reality, he has rejected the above verses and cannot be a Muslim.

Abrahamic Accord

At present, many non-Muslims around the world are promoting an ‘agreement’ called the “Abrahamic Accord” which they have named after Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam). This accord claims that since Muslims, Jews and Christians share a common father – Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam), the followers of these three religions viz. Islam, Judaism and Christianity, should respect one another, unite with one another, and even pray together.

However, the reality is that after the coming of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), all religions have been cancelled and the only religion accepted by Allah Ta‘ala is the religion of Islam. Therefore, the Abrahamic Accord is nothing more than a ploy to mislead Muslims and draw them towards kufr.

In the blessed Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “I take an oath by that Being in whose hand lies the life of Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! There is no person from this ummah who hears of me, whether a Jew or a Christian, and thereafter he dies without bringing imaan in that Deen which I have been sent with, except that he will be from the people of the fire of Jahannum.” (Saheeh Muslim #153)

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Hayaa – the Distinguishing Characteristic of Islam – The Orchards of Love – Part Fifty Nine https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21161 Sun, 22 Oct 2023 04:35:36 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21161

From among the core values that Islam encourages Muslims to adopt is the quality of hayaa (shame and respect). Hayaa is the stepping stone to acquiring the true morals, values and ethics of Islam.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has said, “Every religion has a distinguishing characteristic, and the distinguishing characteristic of Islam is hayaa (shame and respect).” (Muwatta Maalik #1610)

Though hayaa relates to all departments of one’s deeni and worldly life, observing hayaa between males and females in their dealings is from among the most important and essential teachings of Islam. Hence, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)’s desire for the males and females of this ummah was for them to observe purdah among themselves, and for them not to have any type of contact with each other.

In the Qur’aan Majeed, Allah F commands women to remain in their homes, and not to leave their homes (unless they have a valid need). This was in order that they remain safeguarded from the gazes of men.

The Best Thing for a Woman

On one occasion, Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was seated by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked, “What is best for a woman?” All the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) remained silent and nobody answered.

Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said, “When I returned home, I informed Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) regarding the question which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) posed before the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), and asked her the same question, ‘What is best for a woman?’

“In answer, she replied, ‘The best thing is that they do not see men nor do men see them.’”

Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then said, “When I mentioned her answer to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he became delighted and pleased and said, ‘Faatimah is part of me.’”

Purdah in the Life of Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas Kaandhelwi (rahimahullah)

Our pious predecessors were extremely cautious in upholding this great injunction of Deen – of observing strict purdah when dealing with non-mahram women. This conduct of theirs was in complete conformity and total compliance with the command of the Qur’aan Majeed and the blessed sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

Below is an incident of Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahimahullah) which sheds light on the great importance he showed to upholding purdah with non-mahram women at all times:

When Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahimahullah) was proceeding for his final Hajj in 1357 A.H, there were two passenger ships in Karachi that were competing with one another in attracting passengers. One of the passenger ships reduced the ticket price to 55 rupees, however the passengers boarding this ship had to take an injection which was being given by a female doctor.

When Hazrat Moulana (rahimahullah) learnt of this, he became angry and said, “People are going to fulfil a great obligation of Deen, and yet they are allowing a female to touch their bodies, thereby committing an impermissible action?! I will not accept an injection from a ghair-mahram female!”

Hazrat Moulana (rahimahullah) was informed that if they do not hasten to board the ship now, after taking the injection from the female doctor, then they might lose this discount and will have to pay 182 rupees instead of 55 rupees.

However, Hazrat Moulana (rahimahullah) responded, “Despite how much discount I may receive, I am not prepared to allow a female to touch my body.” Saying this, Hazrat Moulana (rahimahullah) rejected their suggestion and the entire group remained where they were.

Eventually, when the passenger ship company learnt of what had happened, they made multiple phone calls, seeking a male doctor. Finally, a male doctor arrived, overcome with annoyance and irritation. He asked, “Where is the Peer Sahib who is not willing to take the injection from the female doctor?”

Thereafter, Hazrat Moulana (rahimahullah) and the rest of the group took the injection from the male doctor, and they also received the tickets for the discounted price of 55 rupees.

Hazrat Moulana (rahimahullah) then said, “No ghair-mahram woman has ever touched my body throughout my life. Only once did it happen when I went to see an old lady who was critically ill. As she was in the last moments of her life, she tried to take hold of my hand, but I quickly withdrew my hand and only the tip of my fingers came into contact with her hand.” (Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas aur un ki Deeni Da’wat pg. 267)

From this incident, we see the great caution that Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahimahullah) adopted in regard to observing purdah with non-mahram women. He ensured that at no time he should compromise in his deeni principles. He was prepared to even pay the extra amount rather than to allow a female to touch his body.

However, Allah Ta‘ala deals with His servant in accordance to the servants’ obedience and loyalty to Allah Ta‘ala. Hence, in the end, Allah Ta‘ala made it such that a male doctor administered the injection, and Hazrat Moulana (rahimahullah) and the whole group also received the ticket for the discounted price.

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The Outcome of Showing Disrespect to the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) – The Orchards of Love – Part Fifty Eight https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21056 Sun, 15 Oct 2023 05:15:54 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21056

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is a famous Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). He embraced Islam in the year 7 A.H. and remained with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) till the end of his life. Though he spent only a few years with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Allah Ta‘ala blessed him with the honour of being the Sahaabi who reported the most Ahaadith from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

Among the special virtues of Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) made the following dua for him, “O Allah! Make this servant of yours and his mother beloved to Your believing servants, and make all the believers beloved to them.”

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentions, “(On account of the dua of Rasulullah [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam],) there is no true believer whom Allah Ta‘ala has created (or will create) except that on hearing of me or on seeing me, he will have love for me in his heart.” (Saheeh Muslim #6396 and Musnad Ahmad #8259)

Hence, having love for Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and the Sahaabah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is a sign of one possessing imaan, and having hatred and enmity for Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and the Sahaabah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is a sign of one lacking imaan.

Furthermore, when the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were the beloved companions of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), then expressing love for them is a means of one acquiring the love and happiness of Allah Ta‘ala and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Conversely, showing enmity or hatred for the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) is a means of one attracting the wrath and punishment of Allah Ta‘ala.

Below is an eye-opening incident which explains the dreadful outcome of a person who reviled this great Sahaabi, Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu):

Sheikh Muhammad Dhiyaa-ur-Rahmaan A’zami (rahimahullah) wrote the following incident in a letter on the 16th of Muharram 1420, and permitted the reader of the letter to quote it from him. He wrote:

One day, I was in my office at the Muslim World League in Makkah Mukarramah when Sheikh Abdul Hakeem Hammaadah Misri came to see me. At that time, I was the head of the Department to Combat Christianization and Destructive Doctrines, while he (Sheikh Abdul Hakeem) was appointed as the head of the Department of Memorizing the Qur’aan in the Muslim World League.

I had prepared my Master’s Thesis around the year 1396-1397 A.H, and in this thesis, I had written in defence of the eminent Sahaabi, Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Since Sheikh Abdul Hakeem knew that I had written in defence of this Sahaabi, he came to tell me the following eye-opening incident from his own life:

When Sheikh Abdul Hakeem was in Egypt, he wished to meet a person named Mahmood Abu Rayyah (this was just before Abu Rayyah passed away). Sheikh Abdul Hakeem had heard that Abu Rayyah (who held Shi’ah beliefs) would criticize and speak against the Ahaadeeth of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and when deriding the Hadith, he would target Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) in specific (as he is one of the most prolific narrators of Ahaadeeth from the Sahaabah [radhiyallahu ‘anhum]).

Hoping to meet Abu Rayyah and discuss why he was speaking against the Ahaadeeth of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the great Sahaabi, Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Sheikh Abdul Hakeem decided to go to his home.

Upon reaching the home of Abu Rayyah, Sheikh Abdul Hakeem met his children and explained the reason for his coming. However, the children of Abu Rayyah did not wish to let Sheikh Abdul Hakeem see their father. They explained to him that they would not allow him to see their father as he was sick and did not want to meet anyone.

Nevertheless, despite their refusal, Sheikh Abdul Hakeem persisted, until eventually, they reluctantly allowed him to enter their father’s room.

When Sheikh Abdul Hakeem entered the room, he was confronted by a most frightful and scary sight – he saw that Abu Rayyah’s face had turned black, whereas he was an Egyptian who had fair skin. In fact, his face had become so black that it now resembled a black coal. His eyes were wide open, staring and transfixed, and signs of terror and fright were evident on his face. He was calling out in a raised voice, filled with anguish, “Oh Abu Hurairah! Oh Abu Hurairah! Oh Abu Hurairah!”

Sheikh Abdul Hakeem says, “As he was calling out, his gaze was fixed on the wall across from him. It seemed (Allah Ta‘ala knows best) as though Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had appeared to him on that wall, and Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was extremely displeased and upset with him.”

Sheikh Abdul Hakeem continues, “On seeing that terrifying sight, I hastily left the room as I could not manage to remain in the room with him in that condition for more than a few seconds. I said to myself, ‘This is the frightful outcome, in this world, of those who criticize the Ahaadeeth of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and revile his Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), that Allah Ta‘ala punishes them in this world, and as for the Hereafter, then the punishment which awaits them will be far worse and more disgraceful.’”

After mentioning this incident, Sheikh Muhammad Dhiyaa-ur-Rahmaan A’zami (rahimahullah) said, “I make dua to Allah Ta‘ala to bless us all with the tawfeeq to follow the sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), to honour and respect the Ahaadeeth of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and to show deep love for Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and all the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum).”

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Love and Respect for Deen – The Orchards of Love – Part Fifty Seven https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=20985 Sun, 01 Oct 2023 06:49:07 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=20985

The entire structure of Islam rests upon the foundation of love and respect. Every aspect of Islam gains value when coupled with the quality of love and respect. Hence, at all times, a believer should endeavour to possess the deepest love and respect for Allah Ta‘ala, thereafter for His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and for every aspect associated with the Deen of Islam.

Similarly, together with possessing love and respect within his heart for every aspect of Islam, a believer should express this love and respect through upholding the commands and injunctions of Islam in the manner shown to us by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), as well as opposing the ways of the kuffaar that go against the ways of Islam.

When a person has true love for someone, then it is this love which will guide him and teach him how to uphold the etiquettes of respect in fulfilling the rights of the beloved. At every juncture, he will be extremely careful and cautious not to displease the beloved, but rather he will look for opportunities to serve the beloved and please him to the best of his ability.

When the aspect of love and respect decreases in the life of a believer, then he will not find Islam to be the ideal way of life and will begin to adopt the ways and culture of the kuffaar. At this point, the structure of his Islam will begin to weaken and deteriorate, and if remedial steps are not adopted to rectify the situation, one will fall deeper into the abyss of destruction. Eventually, his Islam will collapse and (may Allah Ta‘ala save!) – he will reach the point where he can even be on the brink of losing his imaan.

The Way to Protect One’s Islam

From the entire ummah, the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) possessed the greatest love and respect for the Qur’aan Majeed, the Sunnah and for Deen. Hence, the benchmark of progress and success for the ummah is to follow the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and emulate them in Deen.

When we view the life of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), we find that he possessed great respect for the Qur’aan Majeed in his heart. Such was his respect that if a person argued with him on any issue and quoted a verse of the Qur’aan Majeed, then out of respect for the words of Allah Ta‘ala, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) would immediately remain silent.

Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) would not respond at that moment, as he regarded responding to be a form of outwardly showing disrespect to the words of Allah Ta‘ala. (Saheeh Bukhaari #4642)

The Respect which the Salaf-e-Saaliheen Showed to Deen

When the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) possessed the highest level of respect for Deen, then the Taabi’een learnt this aspect of respect from them, and the Salaf-e-Saaliheen (pious predecessors) who followed thereafter acquired it from the Taabi’een in turn.

Among the Salaf-e-Saaliheen was the great Imaam – Imaam Abu Yusuf (rahimahullah), one of the leading students of Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) and the head Qadhi (chief justice) appointed by Haaroon Rasheed during his rule.

It is reported that on one occasion, Imaam Abu Yusuf (rahimahullah) quoted the Hadith which mentions that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would love to eat calabash. On hearing the Hadith, one of the people who was present remarked, “As for myself, then I do not like calabash.”

Hearing this remark, Imaam Abu Yusuf (rahimahullah) became extremely angry, unsheathed his sword and addressed the person saying, “Either you renew your imaan (and make taubah by expressing love for what Rasulullah [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam] loved i.e. calabash), or else I will execute you!” (Mirqaat 3/846)

From this incident, we see that the reason for Imaam Abu Yusuf (rahimahullah) becoming extremely angry was that the person showed disregard and disrespect to some aspect relating to the mubaarak life and sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

Disrespecting Deen through the TV and Movies

In today’s times, one of the worst ways in which disrespect is shown to Deen is through viewing deeni content on the TV. The TV is an instrument of such evil that every type of sin and haraam can be seen in it. The first evil of the TV is that it is used to display pictures of animate objects which is haraam in Islam. In regard to photography and video-making, the Hadith clearly warns us that those involved in picture-making will be subjected to the most painful of punishments on the Day of Qiyaamah.

Over and above the evil of displaying pictures of animate objects, the TV plays music, displays kufr and shirk, nudity, zina, gambling, wine and swine, intermingling of men and women, and everything that is abhorred, detested and condemned in Deen.

When the TV is a device that is a conglomeration of every type of evil and filth, then how can it be used as a means to propagate Deen which is pure and pristine in every way? Propagating Deen through this means is like mixing urine in pure milk.

In the Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned, “Indeed, Allah Ta‘ala is Most Pure and He only accepts that which is pure.” (Saheeh Muslim #1015)

Making Movies of the Ambiyaa, Sahaabah and Pious Predecessors

Another fitnah of today’s times is the fitnah of making videos of the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam), the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and the pious predecessors. This is so detrimental that it can take one out of the fold of Islam, as this is a form of mockery to Deen and is an attack on these great luminaries through using them for a haraam purpose. When Allah Ta‘ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had declared photography and video-making to be haraam, then making a film of these personalities will be using them in the production of that which is haraam in Shari’ah.

Apart from this, the Fuqahaa have stated that if people enact a deeni play for entertainment purposes, where one person assumes the position of a great Aalim or Mufti, and people refer deeni issues to him, and laugh at him and make a mockery of him, then on account of showing disrespect to Deen, all the people present will come out of the fold of Islam. When this is the serious consequence in the case where an Aalim or Mufti is portrayed, then one can well imagine how much worse the consequences will be in the case where the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam) or the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) are portrayed!

It is obvious that many of the people who will watch a deeni movie will be doing it for entertainment purposes, and similarly, when seeing certain things in the movie, they will laugh at it. This type of sin, where our great Deen and the great personalities of Deen are reduced to film actors and actresses and are laughed at for the purpose of entertainment, is such an extremely vile, heinous and grave sin in the sight of Allah Ta‘ala that there is a fear that the producers of the movie, the actors who are portraying the Ambiyaa, Sahaabah, pious etc, and those who view the movie will all come out of the fold of Islam.

Therefore, we should exercise extreme caution with every matter relating to our Deen and should not take Deen as an entertainment.

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The Golden Advices of Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah) to the Khalifah, Sulaimaan bin Abdil Malik – The Orchards of Love – Part Fifty Six https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21059 Sun, 24 Sep 2023 05:20:01 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21059

Sulaimaan bin Abdil Malik was one of the Umayyad rulers who ruled over the Muslims from the year 96 AH until his demise in 99 AH. During the period of his rule, he once set out for Makkah Mukarramah. En-route to Makkah Mukarramah, he stopped in Madinah Munawwarah and stayed there for a few days. While in the blessed city, he asked the people, “Is there any person present in Madinah Munawwarah today who had spent time in the company of a Sahaabi?”

On his enquiry, the people responded, “Yes, there is a person by the name of Abu Haazim who spent time in the company of a Sahaabi.” Sulaimaan then sent one of his attendants to summon Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah).

When Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah) arrived, Sulaimaan addressed him and asked, “O Abu Haazim! Why have you showed disregard towards me?” Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah) replied, “O Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen! What do you mean by saying that I have showed disregard towards you?” Sulaimaan replied, “When I arrived here, then the eminent people of Madinah came to meet me. However, you did not come. Thus, you have showed disregard towards me.”

Hearing this, Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah) said, “I ask Allah to protect you from saying that which is untrue. Prior to this day, we both had never met each other. (When we both had never met each other, then we do not have any relationship among ourselves due to which you can regard me to have shown disregard to you).”

When Sulaimaan heard this reply, he turned to Imaam Ibnu Shihaab Zuhri (rahimahullah) to see his response. Imaam Ibnu Shihaab Zuhri (rahimahullah) said to him, “What Abu Haazim has said is correct, and it is you who has erred.”

Sulaimaan thereafter turned to Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah) and asked him certain questions. Thus, the following dialogue ensued:

Sulaimaan: O Abu Haazim! Tell me, why is it that we fear and dislike death?

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): The reason is that you have destroyed and ruined your Aakhirah while developing and preparing your dunya. Hence, you dislike and fear going from that which is developed and prepared to that which is destroyed and ruined.

Sulaimaan: You are correct, O Abu Haazim! Now tell me, how will we come before Allah Ta‘ala tomorrow, on the Day of Qiyaamah?

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): The people who carried out righteous actions will come before Allah Ta‘ala in the manner that a traveller returns home to his family after a long journey while all are eagerly awaiting his arrival. As for the evil doers, then they will be brought before Allah Ta‘ala like a runaway slave who is apprehended and dragged before his master.

Hearing this, Sulaimaan began to weep and exclaimed, “If only we knew the manner in which Allah Ta‘ala will bring us before Him on that day!”

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): If you judge your actions by the Kitaab of Allah (the Qur’aan Majeed), then you will have your answer.

Sulaimaan: Which verse of the Qur’aan Majeed should I view to determine my end?

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): You should view this verse: Indeed, the righteous will be in bliss (and comfort), and indeed, the evil-doers will be in Hell (in agony). (Surah Infitaar v. 13-14)

Sulaimaan: The mercy of Allah Ta‘ala is all-encompassing and just as it is for the pious, it also extends to the sinners as well.

Hearing this, Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah) replied by reciting the following verse of the Qur’aan Majeed:

Indeed, the mercy of Allah is (always) close to the righteous. (Surah A’raaf v. 56)

Sulaimaan: O Abu Haazim! Who is the most honoured from Allah’s servants?

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): The people who possess integrity and intelligence.

Sulaimaan: O Abu Haazim, which actions are the best?

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): To ensure that you fulfil the fardh and waajib obligations, together with refraining from everything that is impermissible.

Sulaimaan: Which dua is the most likely to gain acceptance?

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): The dua of a person for the one who had done some favour to him.

Sulaimaan: Which charity is the best?

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): The sadaqah given to a person in difficulty and the sadaqah given by a poor person despite him being poor.

Sulaimaan: Which speech is the best?

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): The best speech are the words uttered when speaking the haq before one whom you fear, or before the one who you are dependent on his assistance.

Sulaimaan: Who is the most intelligent Muslim?

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): The one who remains obedient to Allah Ta‘ala and encourages others towards the obedience of Allah Ta‘ala.

Sulaimaan: Who is the most foolish Muslim?

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): The one who assists his brother to oppress another person. In doing so, he has destroyed his deen in order to improve the next person’s dunya.

Sulaimaan: What you have said is correct. Now tell me, what is your opinion regarding us (my family who are the ruling class)?

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): It would be better if you excused me from answering this question.

Sulaimaan: No, you are not excused, I desire that you should give me some words of advice and good counsel.

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): O Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen! Your forefathers (the rulers of the Banu Umayyah before you) used the might of the sword to gain control over the people, and enforced their rule over them against their will. In the process, they killed many people and usurped their wealth. After committing all these crimes and sins, they passed away and departed from this world. If only you knew what they are saying now, and what is being said to them (while they are being punished)!

When Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah) said this, then one of Sulaimaan’s guards, who was seated in the gathering, took exception to the criticism of Abu Haazim (rahimahullah) against the family of Sulaimaan and thus blurted out saying, “O Abu Haazim! What a bad statement you have uttered!”

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah) responded, “No! You have spoken a lie! I have not said anything wrong! I only said that which is my responsibility to say! Allah Ta‘ala has taken a pledge from the Ulama that they should clearly explain the truth to people, and they should not hide or conceal the truth.

Sulaimaan: Very well, in that case, how can we rectify ourselves?

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): Give up your arrogance and pride, conduct yourself with integrity, and fulfil rights of people with justice.

Sulaimaan: O Abu Haazim! Can you stay with us so that you may benefit from us, and we may benefit from you?

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): No, Allah forbid!

Sulaimaan: Why do you not wish to stay with us?

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): The reason is that I fear that I will be influenced by you and will become inclined towards your wealth and riches, and pomp and glory. If this has to happen, then Allah Ta‘ala will give me a double punishment in this world, and a double punishment after I die!

Sulaimaan: If you have any needs, then present them to us so that we may fulfil them for you.

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): I have one need – that you should save me from Jahannum and gain me admittance into Jannah.

Sulaimaan: That is beyond my control or ability.

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): Apart from this need, there is no other need that I have.

Sulaimaan: Please make dua for me.

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): O Allah! If Sulaimaan is your friend, then You bestow him with the goodness of this world and the next, and if he is Your enemy, then you seize him by his forelock and pull him towards those actions that are beloved and pleasing to You!

Sulaimaan: You have said enough. Is there anything else that you wish to say?

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): My words were concise, but I said a lot of things. If you have the heart to accept my advice, then well and good. If not, then it will not benefit me to try and fire an arrow from a bow which does not have a string.

Sulaimaan: Give me some parting advice.

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah): I will give you some advice, and I will keep it brief. My advice is that you should show such importance to Your Rabb that He should not see you involved in that which He has prohibited you from, nor should He find you absent from that which He commanded you to come towards and fulfil.

Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah) then departed, after which Sulaimaan sent him one hundred dinars as a gift, with a letter stating, “Use this money to see to your needs, and I have more wealth with me that I wish to give to you.”

However, Hazrat Abu Haazim (rahimahullah) did not accept the wealth and returned it. When returning the wealth to Sulaimaan, he sent him a letter, and the concluding words of the letter were the following, “If this gift of one hundred dinars is in lieu of the words of advice that I had spoken to you, then it would be better for me to consume carrion, blood or pork, in order to save my life when I am starving to death, than for me to accept this wealth. If you have sent this wealth to me on the basis that it is from the Bayt-ul-Maal, and I also have a right in the Bayt-ul-Maal, then just as I have a right in the Bayt-ul-Maal, then there are thousands of other Ulama and people who are serving deen who also have a right in the Bayt-ul-Maal. If you have also sent this amount to all of them, then I may accept it. Otherwise, I have no need to take this wealth.”

(Sunan Daarmi #673)

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Hazrat Moulana Yusuf Binnori (rahimahullah) Grieving Over Missing His Salaah with Jamaat in the Musjid – The Orchards of Love – Part Fifty Five https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21058 Sun, 17 Sep 2023 05:20:00 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21058

Salaah is considered to be the nucleus of the entire Deen, just as the heart is the nucleus of the human body. It is an established fact that improving the quality of the heart leads to the quality of health in the entire body improving. Accordingly, improving the quality of one’s salaah and perfecting it leads to the perfection of one’s entire Deen.

Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The first thing regarding which a person will be questioned on the Day of Qiyaamah will be salaah. If his salaah is found to be in order, then the rest of his deeds (in his entire Deen) will also be in order. If his salaah is deficient, then the rest of his deeds will also be deficient.” (Targheeb #551)

When one takes a cursory glimpse and views the mubaarak life of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and the pious predecessors, he will find that performing salaah in the musjid with jamaat was considered among the most important priorities in their lives.

Imaam Ghazaali (rahimahullah) has mentioned that the salaf (pious predecessors) were such that if they missed the takbeer-e-ula (the first takbeer which commences the salaah), they would console themselves for three days, and if they missed the salaah with jamaat, they would console themselves for seven days. (Ihyaa 1/212)

Below is an incident of Hazrat Moulana Yusuf Binnori (rahimahullah) grieving over missing his salaah with jamaat in the musjid. Hazrat Moulana Yusuf Ludhyaanwi (rahimahullah) writes:

On one occasion, some people had requested Hazrat Moulana Yusuf Binnori (rahimahullah) to come to the opening of their shop after the Jumu’ah Salaah. In response, Hazrat Moulana (rahimahullah) said to them, “On Fridays, I perform Asr Salaah in my musjid. I will come with you for the opening of your shop after the Jumu’ah Salaah, however you should ensure that I do not miss my asr salaah with jamaat in the musjid.” They assured Hazrat Moulana (rahimahullah) that they would make the arrangements for him to make it to the musjid in good time for the jamaat.

Generally, people are eager to take the Buzurgaan-e-Deen to their places (homes, businesses, etc.), as they are concerned of their own worldly interests (of acquiring barakah in their homes and businesses). However, they are inconsiderate regarding the interest of the Buzurgaan-e-Deen and others. Hence, there was a delay in them returning, and by the time they brought Hazrat Moulana (rahimahullah) back to the musjid for the Asr Salaah, Hazrat Moulana (rahimahullah) found that the jamaat was already over. Seeing this, Hazrat Moulana (rahimahullah) began to weep bitterly and cry profusely.

Hazrat Moulana Yusuf Ludhyaanwi (rahimahullah) says, “I was present at that time, and I saw Hazrat Moulana (rahimahullah) crying profusely. Then while lamenting, Hazrat Moulana (rahimahullah) said, “We do not possess the reality of salaah in our lives. All we have is the imitation of salaah. The correct manner of fulfilling the right of salaah is unknown to us. We merely imitate Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) when we perform our salaah. If even this imitation does not remain then what else do we have?” (Tuhfatul Madaaris 1/491)

Hazrat Moulana Binnori (rahimahullah) mentioned this out of his humility, that the only thing that he was holding onto was the salaah of Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and by them causing him to miss his salaah with jamaat in the musjid, he had lost even that.

May Allah Ta‘ala keep us firm upon performing our salaah with jamaat in the musjid at all times.

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Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) Giving His Date Orchard in Sadaqah due to Missing Salaah with Jamaat in the Musjid – The Orchards of Love – Part Fifty Four https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=20943 Mon, 11 Sep 2023 04:38:51 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=20943

Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) Giving His Date Orchard in Sadaqah due to Missing Salaah with Jamaat in the Musjid

In the Qur’aan Majeed, Allah Ta‘ala commands the believers to establish salaah. ‘Establishing salaah’ means that one performs the salaah on the prescribed time, one performs the postures of the salaah correctly, in accordance to the sunnah, and one performs the salaah with jamaat in the musjid. It is only when the salaah is performed in this manner that it will earn one the great rewards promised by Allah Ta‘ala.

Viewing the lives of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and the pious of the past, we see that they firmly held onto this injunction of performing salaah in the musjid with jamaat, and were greatly grieved if they missed their salaah with jamaat in the musjid.

Below is an eye-opening incident which highlights the great importance and significance of this injunction in deen:

It is reported that on one occasion, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) went to his date orchard in order to attend to a certain need. Thereafter, when he returned from his orchard after attending to the need, he found that the people had already completed performing the asr salaah in the musjid, and hence he had missed the jamaat salaah in the musjid.

Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was so affected and his heart was filled with such sorrow that he immediately exclaimed, “Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji’oon! I missed the asr salaah with jamaat in the musjid!”

Thereafter, since the orchard had caused him to miss his salaah with jamaat in the musjid, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) gave the orchard in sadaqah to atone for the salaah that he missed with jamaat. Hence, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) addressed those who were present and said, “I make you all witness that I have given my orchard in sadaqah to the poor!” (Kabaa’ir li-Zahabi pg. 31)

From this incident, we see the extent of Hazrat Umar’s (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) grief for missing the salaah with jamaat in the musjid. This was on account of his understanding the lofty and esteemed position of salaah in deen and the great loss one will incur for not performing the salaah with jamaat in the musjid.

May Allah Ta‘ala keep us firm upon performing our salaah with jamaat in the musjid at all times.

To download the above article in PDF format, click here: Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) Giving His Date Orchard in Sadaqah due to Missing Salaah with Jamaat in the Musjid

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Ikhlaas and Adhering to the Sunnah – The Orchards of Love – Part Fifty Three https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=20942 Mon, 04 Sep 2023 04:38:52 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=20942

Every tree bears fruit according to its capacity and potential. The capacity and potential of the tree to bear fruit is dependent on the tree receiving adequate water, sunlight, air, etc.

In the same way, Allah Ta‘ala blessed each believer with a capacity and potential to carry out good deeds through which he may be able to derive benefit from the deen of Islam as well as pass on this benefit to others.

Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “People are like mines (in their various capacities). Some are like silver mines while others are like gold mines.” (Saheeh Muslim #2638)

However, in order for one to develop the capacity and potential to carry out good deeds and become like a gold or silver mine in benefitting people, among other aspects, two important aspects which one requires are (1) Ikhlaas (2) Adhering to the sunnah in all branches of one’s life.

Ikhlaas (carrying out actions with sincerity solely for the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala) can be resembled to a seed that has the capacity and potential to germinate thousands of fruit bearing trees through the abundant fruit it produces.

Adhering to the sunnah in all facets of one’s life has the potential of engendering love in the hearts of the servants of Allah Ta‘ala and illuminating their lives with the light and beauty of the sunnah.

Both these aspects are vitally important in the life of a believer in order to make him successful and allow him to become a source of mercy for the creation. When these two aspects come together, they have the ability to change a person’s entire outlook to life, reform his character and bring about an entire revolution in his relationship with Allah Ta‘ala and people.

When we examine the lives of our pious predecessors, we find that they personified these two qualities in a unique manner in all facets of their lives.

Below is an incident which will shed light on the need for believers to beautify their lives with these two qualities.

Incident of Nizaam-ul-Mulk (rahimahullah)    

Among the great luminaries of the distant past was an Aalim by the name of Hasan bin Ali, famously known as Nizaam-ul-Mulk Toosi (rahimahullah). He was endowed with deep knowledge of the Qur’aan and Sunnah, and had great love for deen and the Ulama of deen.

He was an advisor of the Seljuk king towards the end of the fifth century of Islam. The king had great confidence in him on account of his honesty, and hence entrusted the affairs of the kingdom to him, giving him full permission to rule as he deemed appropriate.

During the period of his rule, he established many maktabs and madrasahs throughout the length and breadth of the country and spent thousands of Ashrafis (gold coins) on the madrasahs, the Ulama and the students of deen.

On one occasion, he became concerned that the madrasahs which he had established should produce Ulama who are concerned about the Aakhirah, and their primary aim and goal should be to serve deen for the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala.

He understood that if the madrasahs produce Ulama whose sole concern is to please Allah Ta‘ala and to serve deen through upholding and propagating the sunnah, then wherever they go, they will remain firm upon deen and they will be a means of the goodness of deen spreading to the ummah.

On the contrary, if the Ulama qualifying are worldly orientated and materially motivated, then the outcome of their learning will not be the upliftment of deen, but rather they will use deen for worldly motives.

With this concern in his heart, he concealed his identity and came to Madrasah Nizaamiyyah – which was the main madrasah which he founded in Baghdad – to secretly find out the intentions of the students studying in the madrasah.

On coming to the madrasah, he approached one of the students and asked him, “Why are you studying here?” The student replied, “I am studying here as my father is a Qadhi. I am studying so that I can also get the post of a Qadhi and acquire wealth.”

He then approached another student and asked him the same question. This student replied, “My father is a Mufti. I am studying so that I can also get the post of a Mufti and acquire wealth.”

The ruler spoke to other students as well, and on asking them why they were studying in the madrasah, they all gave similar answers, mentioning that they were learning to acquire some post through which they may be able to gain wealth and prominence.

When he heard the responses of the various students studying, he understood that their intention behind studying was for the sake of acquiring the dunya and not for the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala. This made him feel extremely sad and disappointed – as he felt that the thousands of Ashrafis (gold coins) that were being spent were not spent on students who were studying deen for the right reasons. Hence, he immediately decided to close the madrasah.

However, at that time, from all the students, he noticed one student who was seated on his own in the corner, deeply engrossed in studying his kitaabs. The student appeared to be poor, and this student was none other than Imaam Ghazaali (rahimahullah). At that time, he was still a student, and was not yet famous and renowned among the people.

On catching sight of him, Nizaam-ul-Mulk (rahimahullah) approached him and asked, “Tell me – why are you acquiring the knowledge of deen? What is your purpose and intention for studying?” Imaam Ghazaali (rahimahullah) replied, “I have realized that I have a Creator who is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and who has created me. Hence, when He is my Creator, then I should please Him at all times and refrain from displeasing him. Therefore, I have come to study deen (and learn the shari’ah and sunnah of Rasulullah [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam]) so that I will be able to know how to please Allah Ta‘ala and refrain from displeasing Him.”

On hearing this reply, Nizaam-ul-Mulk’s (rahimahullah) heart was filled with joy, and he resolved that he would not close the madrasah. He then revealed his identity to Imaam Ghazaali (rahimahullah) and said to him, “When I saw that the students in this madrasah were acquiring the knowledge of deen for the sake of the dunya, I had decided to close this madrasah. However, for your sake and on account of your sincerity, I will not close it and will allow it to continue.” (Jawaahir Paare 2/76-78)

To download the above article in PDF format, click here: Ikhlaas and Adhering to the Sunnah

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Gaining Forgiveness through Honouring the Sha’aair of Islam – The Orchards of Love – Part Fifty Two https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=20941 Sun, 27 Aug 2023 04:29:00 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=20941

Among the greatest actions in deen is showing respect to the Sha’aair (salient symbols) of Islam. Showing respect to the Sha’aa’ir of Islam is an action that stems from the piety of the heart. Allah Ta‘ala says in the Qur’aan Majeed, “The one who respects (and sanctifies) the salient symbols of Allah, then indeed it (showing respect) is from the piety of the heart.” (Surah Hajj v. 32)

The Sha’aa’ir of Islam refers to the salient symbols of Islam through which Islam is recognized and differentiated from other religions viz. the Qur’aan Majeed, the Mubaarak Ahaadith, the Ka’bah Shareef, the musjid, the azaan, etc.

There are many examples in the annals of history where people gained their forgiveness in the Hereafter on account of them showing honour and respect to the Sha’aair of Islam.  Below is one such incident:

Hazrat Sulaimaan Shaazkuni (rahimahullah) Gaining Forgiveness Due to Respecting the Kitaabs of Hadith

There was a great Muhaddith by the name of Sulaimaan Shaazkuni (rahimahullah). It is reported that on one occasion, he was traveling on the road to Isbahaan while carrying the books of Hadith in his hand. While he was traveling, it began to rain and there was no place where he could take shelter and protect the kitaabs of Hadith from getting wet.

He immediately sat down and crouched in a manner that his body covered and shielded the kitaabs of Hadith from the rain, protecting them from getting wet. It continued to rain throughout the night, and he remained crouching in this manner. In the morning, when the rain subsided, his entire body was drenched with water, but the kitaabs of Hadith remained dry.

After he passed away, he was seen in a dream and was asked how Allah Ta‘ala had dealt with him. He mentioned that it was on account of this action – of showing respect to the kitaabs of Hadith – that Allah Ta‘ala had forgiven him. (Siyar A’laamin Nubalaa 10/682)

May Allah Ta‘ala bless us all with the taufeeq of showing respect and honour to the Sha’aair of Islam and everything that is associated with Islam.

To download the above article in PDF format, click here: Gaining Forgiveness through Honouring the Shaair

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Zubaidah Gaining Forgiveness for Respecting the Azaan – The Orchards of Love – Part Fifty One https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=20860 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 04:53:10 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=20860

Zubaidah Gaining Forgiveness for Respecting the Azaan

The purpose for Allah Ta‘ala creating this world and sending the series of Ambiyaa and Rasuls (‘alaihimus salaam) to the world was so that the shari’ah (divine constitution) of Allah Ta‘ala be established and upheld  in the world.

Just as every government commands that its constitution be respected and upheld in the land, Allah Ta‘ala – the Supreme Lord and Creator of the entire universe – has commanded the creation to uphold and respect His divine constitution in the world.

The difference between the constitutions of the governments of the world and the divine constitution of Allah Ta‘ala is that the worldly constitutions are man-made, deficient, one-sided and partial, only securing the interests of the government or certain segments of society, while disregarding the interests of others.

On the contrary, the constitution of Allah Ta‘ala is divine, holistic, perfect and comprehensively teaches man how to fulfil the rights of Allah Ta‘ala and the  entire creation in the most beautiful and just manner, whereby one will be able to live with dignity, harmony and respect in all spheres of life and will become a source of goodness for all.

The Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam) and pious of the past sacrificed their lives for the shari’ah to be upheld and preserved in the world, as they knew that this is the only thing that is most beloved in the sight of Allah Ta‘ala. Hence, when one shows respect to the shari’ah or any aspect of the shari’ah, then this is the guaranteed method and way for one to secure the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala and gain His forgiveness.

There are many incidents in the annals of history where pious servants of Allah Ta‘ala gained forgiveness through them showing respect to some aspect of deen.  Below is an inspirational incident which illustrates how Zubaidah, the wife of the king, Haaroon Rasheed, gained her forgiveness through showing respect to the azaan:

Zubaidah was the wife of Haroon Rasheed, the renowned Abbasid ruler. During her lifetime, she had instructed that a canal be dug between Wadi Nu’maan and Makkah Mukarramah to provide the people of Makkah Mukarramah and the hujjaaj with water. Similarly, she also improved the road and travelling conditions for the hujjaaj and travellers between Baghdad and Makkah Mukarramah by constructing travellers’ inns, digging wells, providing security for the hujjaaj and travellers etc.

Throughout the centuries, thousands of people continued to benefit from her welfare work and humanitarian aid and contributions.

It is mentioned that on one occasion, Zubaidah was seated with her female attendants and friends, engaged in conversation, when they heard the sound of the azaan being called out from the musjid. As soon as Zubaidah heard the sound of the azaan, she instructed her friends and female attendants to respect the azaan by stopping their conversation and replying to the words of the azaan.

After Zubaidah passed away, a certain person had seen her in a dream. He saw her seated on a magnificent throne with great honour and dignity. He asked her, “How did Allah Ta‘ala deal with you?” She replied, “Allah Ta‘ala forgave me.”

He then asked her, “Were you forgiven on account of the wells and canal that you constructed, the structures and facilities that you built and the other humanitarian services that you provided on the road to Makkah?” She replied, “No, the wealth used for these projects was the wealth of the Bayt-ul-Maal belonging to the general public, hence the reward will go to all those whose wealth was used.”

The man then asked her, “On account of which action were you forgiven?” She answered, “Allah Ta‘ala forgave me on account of the respect which I showed to the azaan when I instructed my friends and female attendants to cease their conversation and reply to the words of the azaan.”

She further said, “After I passed away, Allah Ta‘ala made me stand before Him and then announced to the angels, “O my angels! This is Zubaidah, the one who remembered Me in the midst of her enjoyment. I make you witness that I have forgiven her.” (Mir’aat-uz-Zamaan 14/157 and Al-Ishaaraat fi-Ilmil Ibaaraat pg. 871)

May Allah Ta‘ala bless us all with the taufeeq of showing respect and honour to the azaan and every aspect that is associated with deen.

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The Evil Consequence of Wine, Drugs and Intoxicants – The Orchards of Love – Part Fifty https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=20201 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 06:54:23 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=20201

When we compare the deen of Islam to the previous religions, we find that Islam did not only declare sinful actions and evil deeds to be haraam, but also declared the pathways that lead to sin and evil as haraam. This has been done in order to protect a person and secure him from falling into sin.

Consider the example of wine which was permissible in the previous religions, but has been declared impermissible in Islam. The reason for Islam declaring wine as haraam is that the harms of wine outweigh the benefits, and it is a means which leads one to committing many other sins.

Allah Ta‘ala mentions in the Quraan Majeed:

يَسـَٔلونَكَ عَنِ الخَمرِ وَالمَيسِرِ قُل فيهِما إِثمٌ كَبيرٌ وَمَنٰفِعُ لِلنّاسِ وَإِثمُهُما أَكبَرُ مِن نَفعِهِما

They ask you (O Rasulullah [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam]) regarding wine and gambling. Say, “In them is great sin and some benefit for people, and their sin is greater than their benefit.” (Surah Baqarah: 219)

The Root of All Evils

The Hadith has mentioned that wine is the mother (root) of all sins and evils. Hazrat Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentioned, “Abstain from wine, for it is the mother of all evils and immoralities.” (Sunan Nasaai #5666)

The reason for the Hadith considering wine to be the mother of all sins and evils is that once a person drinks wine, he will become intoxicated, and in the state of intoxication, he will commit the vilest of crimes and most heinous of sins.

Incident of a Man from the Previous Nations

In regard to wine opening the door to all sins and evils, Hazrat Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports the following incident. He says:

There was a man from the nations before you who had devoted himself to worshipping Allah Ta‘ala. However, an unchaste and immoral woman had fallen in love with him.

Hence, one day, she sent her slave girl to him saying, “We request you to come to us so that you may bear testimony to some of our affairs.” The man obliged and thus set out with the slave girl, proceeding to the woman’s home.

On coming to the woman’s home and entering, the slave girl locked the door behind him. Thereafter, he was taken further into the home, and whenever he passed through a door, she locked it behind him.

Finally, he arrived in the presence of the woman and saw that she was beautiful and attractive. He also saw that she had with her a young boy and a utensil filled with wine.

The woman addressed him saying, “By Allah! I did not call you here for the purpose of bearing testimony. Rather, I called you here so that you may commit zina with me, or drink one glass of wine from this utensil, or kill this young boy.”

Forced to choose between these three evils, the man said, “Give me a glass of this wine to drink.” The woman thus gave him a glass to drink.

However, after drinking it, he asked for another glass, and continued drinking in this manner until he (became drunk and intoxicated, and in this state, he) also committed zina with the woman and killed the young boy.

After narrating this incident, Hazrat Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said, “Abstain from wine, for by Allah, if Imaan and the addiction to wine are combined in a person, then one will certainly cause the person to come out from the other (i.e. either Imaan will cause him to leave the wine, or the wine will cause him to leave Imaan).”

Intoxicants – The Destructive Weapon of Iblees

It is reported that Hazrat Abu Moosa Ash’ari (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentioned that every morning, Iblees dispatches his armies throughout the earth. At the time of dispatching them, he announces, “The one who leads a Muslim most astray – I will place a crown upon his head.”

Thereafter, the various shayaateen return to Iblees and report to him their accomplishments for the day. One shaitaan says to him, “I continued to misguide so-and-so, until he eventually divorced his wife.” Hearing this, Iblees is not very impressed and says, “Soon, he will remarry.”

Another shaitaan comes forward and says, “I continued to misguide so-and-so until he became disobedient to his parents.” Hearing this, Iblees merely responds, “Soon, he will begin to obey them once again.”

Yet another shaitaan then comes forward and says, “I continued to mislead so-and-so until he committed zina.” When Iblees hears this, he becomes pleased and says, “You are the one who has accomplished something great!”

A fourth shaitaan then presents himself before Iblees and says, “I continued to make an effort on so-and-so until he began to drink wine.” On hearing this, Iblees becomes extremely happy and says, “You are the one who has really achieved something!”

Finally, a fifth shaitaan comes to Iblees and says, “I continued to lead so-and-so astray until he committed murder.” Hearing this, Iblees is most pleased and exclaims, “You are the one! You are the one who has achieved the greatest accomplishment!” (Makaaid-ush-Shaytaan #36)

From this Hadith, we understand the evil consequence of consuming liquor as well as getting involved in all intoxicants – that it is the root cause for one committing major sins and disobeying Allah Ta‘ala.

In fact, in the Mubaarak Hadith, it is mentioned that the one who consumes wine or liquor, it is as though his Imaan leaves him for that moment.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The one committing zina is not a mu’min at the time when he is committing zina. The one consuming wine is not a mu’min at the time when he is consuming wine. The thief is not a mu’min at the time when he is stealing.” (Saheeh Bukhaari #5578)

May Allah Ta‘ala save the ummah from falling into this destructive sin of consuming wine, drugs and all other intoxicants.

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Incident of the Muazzin who Lost His Imaan due to Not Observing Purdah – The Orchards of Love – Part Forty Nine https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21064 Sun, 20 Nov 2022 05:29:57 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21064

It is reported that there was once a muazzin named Saalih in the city of Baghdad. He was known for his piety and was blessed to call out the azaan for forty years!

However, it was a single, poisonous glance that destroyed this man and rendered his forty years of calling out the azaan worthless. His lamentable downfall transpired in the following manner:

One day, while Saalih was climbing the minaret to call out the azaan, his gaze fell on the daughter of the Christian neighbour whose home was adjacent to the musjid. As soon as his gaze fell on her, he became infatuated and fell in love with her.

He thus came to her house and knocked on the door. The girl called out from inside the home, “Who is there?” he replied, “Saalih, the muazzin.”

When the girl opened the door, he entered the home and embraced her. The Christian girl was shocked and exclaimed, “You people (i.e. the Muslims) are the ones in whom people trust, so how is it that you are behaving in this deceitful manner?”

He replied, “I really want to be with you and marry you, and if you do not agree to marry me, then I will kill you.”

The girl retorted saying, “I am only prepared to marry you if you leave your religion.” There and then, the muazzin left Islam and declared, “I disassociate myself from Islam and from the deen which Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) brought.”

However, the girl was still not satisfied and said, “You only spoke these words so that you can have your way with me. After you are done with me, you will return to your Deen. To prove that you truly wish to be with me, eat some pork.”

Without hesitating, Saalih placed the pork into his mouth and consumed it. The girl then requested him to consume wine, and he willingly did so.

Finally, as the wine affected his mind and intoxicated him, he tried to approach her. However, she went into a room and locked the door. She then called out to him and said, “Climb onto the roof of the house and wait for my father to come. When he arrives then he will perform our nikaah.”

Saalih then climbed onto the roof, but due to his intoxicated state, he fell to the ground and died.

The girl came out and concealed his body with a cloth. Later on, when her father arrived and she informed him of what had transpired, they took the body at night and dumped it in the street.

Thereafter, when the people learnt of the fate of the muazzin, and his reneging from Islam, they dumped his body at a rubbish pile.

From this incident, we understand the sad plight and lamentable outcome of the person who called out the azaan for forty years.

When we examine this incident, we find that the point of failure came when he did not observe strict purdah, and perhaps had the evil habit of looking at women.

This, in turn, led to him falling in love with the girl and then bringing upon himself the evil consequences which we have seen, the worst of which was him leaving the fold of Islam.

The Seed of Sin Planted through the Lustful Glance

Hazrat Zun Noon Misri (rahimahullah) was a great saint of his era and was endowed with great wisdom and knowledge from the side of Allah Ta‘ala.

Once, a certain person asked him, “What is the root cause for a person to fall into sin?” Hazrat Zun Noon (rahimahullah) explained:

“Sinning commences with a lustful glance. The lustful glance leads to (haraam) feelings and thoughts being created in the mind. If one treats and remedies the haraam thoughts by turning to Allah Ta‘ala in repentance, the haraam thoughts will cease and disappear.

“If not, they will progress until they are accompanied by whispers and insinuations of shaitaan towards evil and sin. This, in turn, gives rise to feelings of lust.

“All of this transpires internally (in the mind), and (until this point,) the action of sin and evil has not yet manifested through the action of the limbs.

“If the lust is remedied and addressed (through sincere taubah and reforming oneself, one will be safe,) but if not, then it will progress until it becomes a strong, irresistible urge to commit the sin, and if this urge is not remedied then one’s entire mind will become engulfed in thoughts of haraam and sin (thereafter, the actual sin of zina takes place).”

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Purchasing Jannah for One Dirham – The Orchards of Love – Part Forty Eight https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=20114 Sun, 13 Nov 2022 05:57:33 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=20114

Purchasing Jannah for One Dirham

On one occasion, Imaam Abu Dawood (rahimahullah) was aboard a ship when he heard a person on the shore sneeze and recite the sunnah dua saying, “Alhamdulillah”.

On hearing the person sneeze and recite the sunnah dua “Alhamdulillah”, Imaam Abu Dawood (rahimahullah) immediately hired a small boat, for the fee of one dirham (silver coin), and requested to be taken from the ship to the shore. When he arrived at the shore, he went to the person who had sneezed and replied to his sneeze in the sunnah manner by saying, “Yarhamukallah”, and thereafter returned to the ship.

When Imaam Abu Dawood (rahimahullah) was asked as to why he had underwent the difficulty of leaving the ship and traveling to the shore to reply to the person who had sneezed, he replied, “It is possible that the person who sneezed is one whose du‘aas are readily accepted (and hence, if he replied, then this will be a means for me gaining hidaayat and forgiveness).”

That night, when the people aboard the ship went to sleep, they were told in a dream, “O people aboard the ship! Abu Dawood (rahimahullah) has purchased Jannah from Allah Ta‘ala in exchange of one dirham!” (Fat-hul Baari vol. 10, pg. 610)

Note:

The Sunnah practise is that when one hears someone sneeze and recite Alhamdulillah, then it is compulsory for one to reply to the sneeze by saying “Yarhamukallah”. Thereafter, it is also a sunnah for the person who sneezed to respond by saying “Yahdeekumullah” (may Allah Ta‘ala guide you) and “Yaghfirullahu lana walakum” (may Allah Ta‘ala forgive us and you).

Hence, Imaam Abu Dawood (rahimahullah) desired to practise upon the sunnah by replying to the person who sneezed, and he also desired to acquire the du‘aa of the one who sneezed. The reason is that it is possible that the one who had sneezed may be a pious person whose du‘aas are accepted, and through him replying and making du‘aa by saying “Yahdeekumullah” (may Allah Ta‘ala guide you) and “Yaghfirullahu lana walakum” (may Allah Ta‘ala forgive us and you), Imaam Abu Dawood (rahimahullah) would receive divine guidance in this life and forgiveness in the Hereafter.

Hence, Imaam Abu Dawood (rahimahullah) underwent the difficulty knowing the great reward that he would receive for practising upon the sunnah and becoming the means for the person who sneezed practising upon the sunnah. Similarly, he wished to receive the du‘aa which will assist him in this life by him receiving divine guidance, and assist him in the next life by him gaining forgiveness.

Hence, according to his expectation in the mercy of Allah Ta‘ala, Allah Ta‘ala accepted the du‘aa of the person and made it the means of Imaam Abu Dawood’s (rahimahullah) forgiveness.

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Surah Kahf – The Orchards of Love – Part Forty Seven https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=20034 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 09:06:27 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=20034 Surah Kahf

In the various Ahaadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has encouraged the ummah to recite certain surahs of the Quraan Majeed on a daily basis or weekly, as these surahs contain special benefits for those who recite them. Among these surahs are Surah Yaseen, Surah Mulk, Surah Sajdah, Surah Waaqi’ah and Surah Kahf.

In regard to Surah Kahf, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) encouraged the ummah in his Mubaarak Ahaadith to recite Surah Kahf on the Day of Jumu’ah. Hence, reciting Surah Kahf on the Day of Jumu’ah is among the Sunnah practices that should be carried out on the Day of Jumu’ah.

In one Hadith, it is reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once addressed the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and said, “Shall I not show you a surah which is such that it was accompanied by seventy thousand angels (when it was revealed), its greatness fills the space between the sky and the earth, and the one who recites it receives reward equivalent to that?”

The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) replied, “Certainly inform us of such a surah, O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)!”

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “This surah is the surah of the people of the cave (Surah Kahf). The one who recites this surah on the Day of Jumu’ah, all his (minor) sins will be forgiven until the next Jumu’ah, and for a further three days as well. He will also receive a special noor that will shine to the sky, and he will be divinely protected from the fitnah of Dajjaal.” (Fadhaailul Quraan Libnidharees #203, Tafseer Qurtubi 10/346)

Below are some of the great virtues and benefits that are reported in the Mubaarak Ahaadith regarding the recitation of Surah Kahf:

Receiving Divine Protection from Dajjaal and All Fitnahs

Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The one who recites Surah Kahf on the Day of Jumu’ah will receive divine protection from Allah Ta‘ala for eight days from every type of fitnah. If Dajjaal has to emerge then he will be divinely protected from Dajjaal as well.” (Al-Ahaadithul Mukhtaarah li-Dhiyaa Maqdisi #430)

In another Hadith, Hazrat Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Whoever recites the ten verses from the end of Surah Kahf, he will receive divine protection from Dajjaal.” (Musnad Ahmad #27516)

The Ulama explain that it is better for one to recite the entire surah. However, if one suffices on reciting the first ten verses or last ten verses of Surah Kahf, then one will also receive divine protection from Dajjaal.

Receiving Special Noor

Hazrat Mu’aaz bin Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The one who recites the beginning verses and concluding verses of Surah Kahf, it will become a noor for him from his feet until his head, and the one who recites the entire surah, it will become a noor for him from the earth until the sky.” (Musnad Ahmad #15626)

Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports, “Whoever recites Surah Kahf on the Day of Jumu’ah, a special noor will shine for him from beneath his feet until the clouds in the sky, and this noor will shine for him on the Day of Qiyaamah, and his (minor) sins (committed) between the two Jumu’ahs will be forgiven.”(Tafseer Ibnu Marduyah – At-Targheeb #1097)

Repelling Shaitaan from the Home

Hazrat Abdullah bin Mughaffal (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said that if Surah Kahf is recited in any home, then shaitaan will not be able to enter that home for that night. (Tafseer Ibnu Marduyah – Roohul Ma’aani 8/190)

Assisting One to Awaken for Tahajjud

Hazrat Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said that the one who recites the last five verses of Surah Kahf when retiring to bed, Allah Ta‘ala will assist him to wake up at whatever time he wishes to wake up in the night.” (Tafseer Ibnu Marduyah – As-Siraajul Muneer 2/214)

After quoting this narration, Allaamah Aaloosi (rahimahullah) mentions, “I have tried this many times and found it to be most effective.”

Being Saved from the Punishment in the Grave

It is reported that Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentioned that the one who recites Surah Kahf receives a special noor that shines between the sky and the earth, and through reciting this surah, he is saved and protected from the punishment in the grave. (Tafseer Qurtubi 10/346)

Gaining Entry into Jannah

Hazrat Samurah bin Jundub (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The one who memorizes and recites ten verses of Surah Kahf, the fitnah of Dajjaal will not harm him, and the one who recites the entire surah will enter Jannah.” (Tafseer Qurtubi 10/346)

Incident of a Person Gaining Salvation through the Recitation of Surah Kahf

Allaamah Ibnul Hajar Asqalaani (rahimahullah) has mentioned the following incident which highlights the immense virtue of reciting Surah Kahf. He says that the Qaadhi of Safad, Muhammad bin Abdir Rahmaan Uthmaani, mentions that Saifuddeen Balbaan Husaami narrated the following to him. He said:

One day, I went out to the desert. On coming out, I saw that Ibnu Daqeeq Al-Eid V was present in the cemetery, standing at a certain grave. He was reciting the Quraan Majeed and engaging in dua while weeping.

When I asked him why he was weeping, he said, “The inmate of this grave was one of my students who learnt the Quraan Majeed from me, but then he passed away.

“Last night, I saw him in a dream and asked him regarding his condition. He replied, ‘After I was placed in the grave, on account of my sins, I saw the punishment come towards me in the form of a fierce dog that resembled a predatory animal. I was overcome by fear, and the dog began to frighten and threaten me.

“‘While I was in this state of fear, I suddenly saw a handsome man appear who began to chase the dog away and rescue me from its harm. The man thereafter came to me and gave me comfort and consolation from the harm of the dog.

“‘I asked him, ‘Who are you?’ He replied, ‘I am the Surah Kahf which you used to punctually recite in the world on the Day of Jumu’ah. I have been sent to come and rescue you’’” (Ad-Durar-ul-Kaaminah 5/352)

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The Companion of Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) in Jannah – The Orchards of Love – Part Forty Six https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=19929 Mon, 26 Sep 2022 04:54:40 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=19929

The Companion of Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) in Jannah

In Islam, every good deed and righteous action has the potential to connect one with Allah Ta‘ala and earn him reward in the Hereafter. However, there are certain special actions that hold special significance in the sight of Allah Ta‘ala and can become the means for one acquiring the goodness of the entire deen and the goodness of the dunya together. Among these special actions is the action of showing kindness to the creation and being concerned about their deeni and physical welfare.

There are many incidents in the annals of history which show how Allah Ta‘ala granted people special grace and transformed their lives from evil to goodness on account of them showing compassion to His creation – whether Muslims, disbelievers or even animals.

Below is an incident regarding a person who was outwardly a normal person, but he earned a high rank in the Hereafter on account of serving his parents and fulfilling their rights with love, compassion and mercy. The dua he received from the recesses of his parents’ hearts made him so special in the sight of Allah Ta‘ala that he became the companion of Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) in Jannah.

It is reported that on one occasion, Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) made dua to Allah Ta‘ala saying, “O Allah! Show me my companion in Jannah!” Allah Ta‘ala accepted the dua of Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam), showed him a certain person and said, “O Musa! Go to such-and-such city, for it is there that you will find this person who is your companion in Jannah.”

Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) thus set out and travelled until he came to the city which Allah Ta‘ala had mentioned. On arriving in the city, Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) met a young man who was the person that Allah Ta‘ala had shown him. The young man met Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) and greeted him, but did not know that this was Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam), the prophet of Allah Ta‘ala.

Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) replied to his greeting, and then asked the young man if he could spend the night at his home as his guest.

The young man agreed saying, “I am happy to host you as my guest. If you are happy with whatever I will offer you to eat, then I am pleased to entertain you and honor you.” Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) replied, “I am happy with whatever you offer me.”

The young man was a butcher by trade. Hence, after accepting Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) as his guest, he took him to his butchery and asked him to wait until he had completed his trade for the day. As Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) waited in the young man’s shop, he noticed that whenever the young man came across any piece of fat or any bone marrow, he would set it aside and keep it.

Eventually, when the young man had completed his trade for the day, he took Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) to his home. On entering his home, he took out the fat and marrow that he had kept aside and cooked it.

After the meal was prepared, he went into one of the rooms of his house. Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) noticed that in this room, there were two large baskets suspended near the roof. The young man went to one of the baskets, and with extreme care and gentleness, he lowered it to the ground.

As he lowered the basket, Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) saw that inside it was the young man’s father who was extremely old. The young man took his father out of the basket and washed his face. He then washed his clothing and fragranced it, after which he dressed his father in clean, fragranced clothing.

Thereafter, he took some bread, broke it into small pieces and poured some of the cooked fat and marrow onto it. He then fed it to his father, until he was satiated, and then gave him water to drink until he was satisfied.

After he had served the old man in this manner and fulfilled his needs, the old man made dua for him saying, “O my son! May Allah Ta‘ala not let your effort in caring for me go to waste, and may He make you the companion of Nabi Musa bin Imraan (‘alaihis salaam) in Jannah!”

The young man then brought down the second basket, and Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) noticed that inside it was the young man’s mother who was also extremely old. The young man cared for her just as he had cared for his father.

After serving her and seeing to her needs, she made dua for him saying, “Alhamdulillah! O my son! May Allah Ta‘ala not let your effort in caring for me go to waste, and may He make you the companion of Nabi Musa bin Imraan (‘alaihis salaam) in Jannah!”

When Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) saw the level of compassion and care that the young man showed to his aged parents, he was overcome by sympathy for them. Hence, he began to weep, and in this condition, he left the home of the young man.

Seeing Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) leave, the young man immediately followed him, as he was his guest, and presented him with some of the food that he had prepared. However, Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) said to him, “O my brother! I have no need for your food! The only reason for me coming to you was that I had asked Allah Ta‘ala to show me my companion in Jannah, and Allah Ta‘ala showed me that you are the one who will be my companion in Jannah.”

The young man asked Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam), “May Allah Ta‘ala have mercy on you! Tell me, who are you?” Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) replied, “I am Nabi Musa bin Imraan.” Hearing this, the young man was so astonished that he fell to the ground unconscious.

After he had recovered and regained consciousness, the young man entered his home and gave his parents the glad tidings that Allah Ta‘ala had accepted their dua for him to be the companion of Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) in Jannah. He told them that the man who was with him was none other than Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) himself, and he had conveyed the news to him, from Allah Ta‘ala Himself, that Allah Ta‘ala had accepted their dua.

On hearing this good news, the parents were so overjoyed that they emitted a shriek of happiness and passed away. After the ghusl was performed, Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) performed their janaazah salaah. Thereafter, the young man joined Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) and remained in his company until the end of his life. (Az-Zahrul Faaih Pg. 28)

In this incident, we see that the reason why the young man was blessed to become the companion of Nabi Musa (‘alaihis salaam) in Jannah is that he had earned his parents’ sincere duas on account of serving them, being obedient to them and showing them kindness, love and compassion. If we also serve our parents fulfil their rights and treat them with love, compassion and mercy, then Allah Ta‘ala will also bless us with acceptance.

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The Great Sacrifice of Hijrah Performed by Hazrat Suhaib Roomi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) – The Orchards of Love – Part Forty Five https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=19741 Mon, 29 Aug 2022 05:10:04 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=19741

The Great Sacrifice of Hijrah Performed by Hazrat Suhaib Roomi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)

Hazrat Suhaib bin Sinaan Roomi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was among the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) who brought imaan in the early days of Islam. He was known as Hazrat Suhaib “Roomi” on account of him having lived in the land of Rome (known as Room in Arabic) before coming to Makkah Mukarramah. He was among the first forty Sahaabah to accept Islam and was also among the Sahaabah who were subjected to relentless torture and merciless persecution by the disbelievers of Makkah Mukarramah.

In regard to the lofty status and eminent virtue of Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once mentioned, “I will be the first of the Arabs to enter Jannah, Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) will be the first of the people of Rome to enter Jannah, Bilaal (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) will be the first of the people of Abyssinia to enter Jannah, and Salmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) will the first of the people of Persia to enter Jannah.” (Majma’uz Zawaa’id #14928)

Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was also blessed to carry out the great ibaadah of performing hijrah to Madinah Munawwarah. In regard to the hijrah of Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), it is reported that when he set out on his journey to Madinah Munawwarah, a group of the Quraish came after him in order to prevent him from leaving Makkah Mukarramah.

On seeing the group coming after him, Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) dismounted from his conveyance, took out his bow and drew out all the arrows from his quiver. He then addressed them saying, “O group of the Quraish! You know that I am among the best of archers among you! I take an oath by Allah that none of you will reach me until I have fired every arrow in my quiver! Thereafter, I will draw my sword, and so long as I hold it in my hand, I will continue to fight you.”

Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then said to them, “If you wish, I will show you where I have kept my wealth and clothing in Makkah Mukarramah. I have also left two slave girls in Makkah. You may take my wealth and slave girls in exchange of leaving me and allowing me to perform hijrah.” Hearing this, the group of the Quraish were satisfied and agreed to the proposal. Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thus informed them of the location of his wealth, after which they left him and departed.

Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then continued on his journey. Finally, as he drew close to Madinah Munawwarah, and came to the area known as Harrah, he found Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and a group of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) who had come to receive him. On meeting Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) said to him, “What a magnificent bargain and profitable deal you have struck!”

Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) did not understand what they were referring to and made dua for them saying, “You as well – may Allah Ta‘ala grant you barakah and make you profit in your business transactions, and may He save you from incurring a loss. Nevertheless, why have you said these words to me?”

The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) then told Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) that Allah Ta‘ala had informed Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) of the bargain which Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had struck with the disbelievers, sacrificing his wealth in order to fulfil the great ibaadat and obligation of hijrah. Allah Ta‘ala was so pleased with the sacrifice of Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) that He revealed the following verse of the Qur’aan Majeed in his honour:

وَ مِنَ النَّاسِ مَنۡ یَّشۡرِیۡ نَفۡسَہُ ابۡتِغَآءَ مَرۡضَاتِ اللّٰہِ ؕ وَ اللّٰہُ  رَءُوۡفٌۢ بِالۡعِبَادِ

And among the people is one who sells himself in order to earn the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is Most Kind to His servants. (Surah Baqarah v. 207)

Thereafter, when Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) entered Madinah Munawwarah and met Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) expressed his great happiness with him by exclaiming, “What a magnificent bargain, O Suhaib! What a magnificent bargain, O Suhaib!” (Mustadrak Haakim #5700, Hilyatul Awliyaa 1/151, Tafseer Ibnu Katheer 1/421)

Allah Ta‘ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) were greatly pleased with Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and the Muhaajireen for sacrificing everything they had to fulfil the command of Allah Ta ‘ala in making hijrah to Madinah Munawwarah.

May Allah Ta‘ala bless us with the taufeeq of following in their footsteps and also sacrificing our wealth and lives for the upliftment and preservation of deen.

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Khaleelullah – The Special Friend of Allah Ta‘ala – The Orchards of Love – Part Forty Four https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=19566 Sat, 09 Jul 2022 05:05:02 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=19566

Khaleelullah – The Special Friend of Allah Ta‘ala

Allah Ta‘ala blessed Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) with a very high and esteemed position from the entire galaxy of the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam). In many places of the Qur’aan Majeed, Allah Ta‘ala praises Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) for his unflinching faithfulness and unquestioning submission.

In the Qur’aan Majeed, Allah Ta‘ala mentions, “Indeed, Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) was a comprehensive leader (who possessed all praiseworthy qualities), devoutly obedient to Allah Ta‘ala, completely inclining towards the truth (without any deviation), and he was not among the mushriks. (He was) grateful for His favors (i.e. the favours of Allah Ta‘ala). Allah divinely selected him and guided him to a straight path. We bestowed good upon him in this world, and indeed, in the Hereafter, he will be among the righteous.” (Surah Nahl v. 120-122)

From all the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam), Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) was honoured with the title “Khaleelullah” – the special friend of Allah Ta‘ala. In regard to how Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) received this title of honour, Allaamah Ibnu Katheer (rahimahullah) reports the following incident:

It was the blessed habit of Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) that he would always try to bring people home as his guests to share his meals with him. On one occasion, Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) went out, looking for someone to bring home as his guest. However, he was unable to find anyone to share his meal with him, and thus returned home.

On arriving at his home, he found that a man had entered, in his absence, and was standing inside. Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) asked him, “O servant of Allah! Why have you entered my home without permission?” The man replied, “I was granted permission to enter by the One who is the true owner of your home (i.e. I was given permission by Allah Ta‘ala).”

Hearing this, Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) asked the man, “Who are you?” He responded, “I am the Angel of Death. My Rabb has sent me to one of his servants to give him the glad tidings that Allah Ta‘ala has chosen him to be His ‘Khaleel’ (special friend).”

Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) asked, “Who is this special person? By Allah, if you inform me of his identity, I will ensure that I go to him – even if he lives in the most distant of lands. I will then remain with him until death separates us.”

The Angel of Death then said, “You are that special servant.” Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) was overcome by joy and asked, “Am I really that special person?” When the Angel confirmed that he was, Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) enquired, “Why did Allah Ta‘ala make me His Khaleel?” The Angel answered, “The reason is that you always give others, and you never ask them for anything.” (Tafseer Ibni Katheer 2/375)

When we study this incident, then we find that the aspect in the life of Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam), which was beloved to Allah Ta‘ala, is that he had a heart of compassion and sympathy. He always wished to share with others and assist them without expecting anything in return. In fact, this quality of selflessly sharing with others and assisting them was a salient quality of all the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam).

From all the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam), Allah Ta‘ala had blessed Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) with the greatest generosity and love for humanity. On the occasion of eid, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had encouraged us that we should share our meat with those who are less fortunate. Hazrat Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) mentioned that during the time of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), there were people who were poor and could not afford to carry out qurbaani. Hence, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) encouraged the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) who were carrying out qurbaani to share their meat with those who were poor.

In fact, it is mentioned in the narration of Tirmizi that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) himself had distributed many qurbaani animals to those who were poor so that they could also carry out qurbaani. This was the extent of the compassion and kindness of the greatest of all mankind, the leader of all the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam) – Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

Insha Allah, if we imbibe this spirit of generosity, and share our meat with others, then Allah Ta‘ala will be pleased with us and bless us with acceptance.

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Never Lose Hope in the Mercy of Allah Ta‘ala – The Orchards of Love – Part Forty Three https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=19488 Sun, 19 Jun 2022 07:19:32 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=19488

Never Lose Hope in the Mercy of Allah Ta‘ala

During the Battle of Uhud, one of the painful tragedies suffered by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was the martyrdom of his beloved uncle, Hazrat Hamzah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). The person responsible for killing Hazrat Hamzah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was none other than Hazrat Wahshi bin Harb (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). At that time, he was not a Muslim, but Allah Ta‘ala later on blessed him with Imaan and the honour of becoming a Sahaabi. The incident of his accepting Islam is as follows:

After Allah Ta‘ala blessed Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) with the conquest of Makkah Mukarramah, Hazrat Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) fled to Taa’if, as he feared that the Muslims would seize him and kill him in retaliation for him killing Hazrat Hamzah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

Thereafter, when the people of Taa’if wished to embrace Islam, they sent a delegation to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). At that time, Hazrat Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) also accompanied this delegation and came to Makkah Mukarramah. When he came before Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked him, “Are you Wahshi?” Hazrat Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “Yes, I am Wahshi.”

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then said, “Are you the person who killed Hazrat Hamzah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)?” Hazrat Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) responded, “Yes, the matter (regarding me killing your uncle) is exactly as you have heard (i.e. I am the person who killed your uncle).”

Despite Hazrat Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) killing his uncle, Hazrat Hamzah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) still had great concern for his salvation. This great concern was out of the deep love that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had for every ummati.  Hence, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) immediately invited Hazrat Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to embrace Islam. Hazrat Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) wished to embrace Islam, however he had a few reservations in his heart which was preventing him from embracing Islam, and hence he replied, “O Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! How can I embrace Islam, whereas the Qur’aan Majeed mentions that the one who commits murder, engages in shirk or indulges in zina will not be forgiven and will be sent to Jahannum? Allah Ta‘ala says:

وَ الَّذِیۡنَ لَا یَدۡعُوۡنَ مَعَ اللّٰہِ  اِلٰـہًا اٰخَرَ  وَ لَا یَقۡتُلُوۡنَ النَّفۡسَ الَّتِیۡ حَرَّمَ اللّٰہُ  اِلَّا بِالۡحَقِّ وَ لَا یَزۡنُوۡنَ ۚ وَ مَنۡ یَّفۡعَلۡ  ذٰلِکَ  یَلۡقَ  اَثَامًا ﴿ۙ۶۸﴾ یُّضٰعَفۡ لَہُ  الۡعَذَابُ یَوۡمَ  الۡقِیٰمَۃِ وَ یَخۡلُدۡ   فِیۡہٖ   مُہَانًا

And those who do not call unto any other deity with Allah, and do not kill a person whom Allah has given sanctity, except rightfully, nor do they commit zina; and whoever does this (i.e. commits these sins of shirk, murder and zina), he will meet the punishment (in Jahannum). The punishment (in Jahannum) will be doubled for him on the Day of Qiyaamah and he will remain therein humiliated. (Surah Furqaan v. 68-69)

Hazrat Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then said, “As for myself, then I have committed all these major sins, so do you find any chance for me gaining forgiveness?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) remained silent and did not reply, until Allah Ta‘ala revealed the following verse of the Qur’aan Majeed:

اِلَّا مَنۡ تَابَ وَ اٰمَنَ وَ عَمِلَ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا فَاُولٰٓئِکَ یُبَدِّلُ اللّٰہُ سَیِّاٰتِہِمۡ  حَسَنٰتٍ ؕ وَ کَانَ  اللّٰہُ  غَفُوۡرًا  رَّحِیۡمًا ﴿۷۰﴾

(The one who commits these sins of shirk, murder and zina will not be forgiven and will be punished in Jahannum,) unless he repents, brings imaan, and carries out righteous deeds, for Allah Ta‘ala will transform the evil deeds of such people into good deeds, and Allah Ta‘ala is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah Furqaan v. 70)

On hearing this verse, Hazrat Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “O Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! Though in this verse, Allah Ta‘ala has promised to forgive those people who have committed these sins which I have committed, however their forgiveness is conditional. The condition is that they should repent, bring imaan and carry out righteous deeds in their lives. How do I know whether I will manage to fulfil this condition (and hence gain the forgiveness of Allah Ta‘ala)?”

Allah Ta‘ala then revealed the following verse:

اِنَّ اللّٰہَ لَا یَغۡفِرُ اَنۡ یُّشۡرَکَ بِہٖ وَ یَغۡفِرُ  مَا دُوۡنَ ذٰلِکَ لِمَنۡ یَّشَآءُ

Indeed, Allah Ta‘ala does not forgive that partners be ascribed to Him, but He forgives all other sins for whomsoever He wishes. (Surah Nisaa v. 48)

Hearing this verse, Hazrat Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) responded, “O Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! I see that in this verse, Allah Ta‘ala mentions that He will forgive the sins of those whom He wishes. However, I don’t know whether Allah Ta‘ala will wish to forgive me or not. Is there anything else that you can tell me (that will give me hope in me being forgiven)?”

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) remained silent and did not reply, until Allah Ta‘ala revealed the following verse of the Qur’aan Majeed:

قُلۡ یٰعِبَادِیَ  الَّذِیۡنَ  اَسۡرَفُوۡا عَلٰۤی اَنۡفُسِہِمۡ  لَا تَقۡنَطُوۡا مِنۡ رَّحۡمَۃِ اللّٰہِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰہَ یَغۡفِرُ الذُّنُوۡبَ جَمِیۡعًا ؕ اِنَّہٗ  ہُوَ  الۡغَفُوۡرُ  الرَّحِیۡمُ ﴿۵۳﴾

“O My servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the mercy of Allah Ta‘ala. Allah Ta‘ala forgives all sins, for He is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah Zumar v. 53)

When Hazrat Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) heard this verse, he exclaimed, “Yes! This verse (is the verse which has given me hope of me gaining forgiveness)!” Saying this, he immediately embraced Islam.

The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) then enquired from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! In this verse, Allah Ta‘ala has promised to forgive those who turn to Him in repentance. Does this promise also apply to us?”

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “This promise applies to all the Muslims (who turn to Allah Ta‘ala in repentance).” (Saheeh Bukhaari #4072, Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #11314, Usdul Ghaabah 5/409, Tafseer Qurtubi 15/268)

From this incident, we see the great love that Allah Ta‘ala has for His servants. Allah Ta‘ala loves to forgive His servants. No matter how far a person may be from deen, and how abundant and evil his sins may be, if he turns to Allah Ta‘ala in sincere repentance and makes a firm resolve to reform his condition, then Allah Ta‘ala will definitely forgive him.

It is reported in the Hadith Qudsi that Allah Ta‘ala says, “O son of Aadam (‘alaihis salaam)! So long as you turn unto Me (in repentance) and have hope in My forgiveness, I will forgive your sins, and I do not care (there is no one to question my authority). O son of Aadam (‘alaihis salaam)! Even if your sins reach the clouds of the sky and you then turn to Me, seeking My forgiveness, I will forgive you and I do not care (there is no one to question my authority). O son of Aadam (‘alaihis salaam)! If you come to Me with the whole earth full of sins and you meet Me in a condition that you do not ascribe any partners to Me, I will come to you with the whole earth full of forgiveness.” (Sunan Tirmizi #3540)

Thus, a believer should never become despondent and lose hope in the mercy of Allah Ta‘ala. So long as there is life, there is hope. May Allah Ta‘ala bless us all with the taufeeq of constantly turning to Him in repentance – Aameen.

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The Two Great Bounties of Sabr and Shukr – The Orchards of Love – Part Forty Two https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=19335 Mon, 23 May 2022 05:17:46 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=19335 The Two Great Bounties of Sabr and Shukr

Allah Ta‘ala has created this world as an abode of trial and tribulation. In this earthly abode, a believer will be faced with various situations and conditions. Some situations will be in accordance to his expectation and desire, while others will be against his temperament and nature. At different times during his life, a believer will be tested with health and sickness, wealth and poverty, and prosperity and adversity. Allah Ta‘ala says in the Qur’aan Majeed, “He (Allah Ta‘ala) is the One who created death and life so that He may test you (and see) as to which of you is better in his actions.” (Surah Mulk v. 2)

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The Two Great Bounties of Sabr and Shukr

Allah Ta‘ala has created this world as an abode of trial and tribulation. In this earthly abode, a believer will be faced with various situations and conditions. Some situations will be in accordance to his expectation and desire, while others will be against his temperament and nature. At different times during his life, a believer will be tested with health and sickness, wealth and poverty, and prosperity and adversity. Allah Ta‘ala says in the Qur’aan Majeed, “He (Allah Ta‘ala) is the One who created death and life so that He may test you (and see) as to which of you is better in his actions.” (Surah Mulk v. 2)

In the face of these changing conditions, Allah Ta‘ala wishes to see whether the believer remains loyal and faithful to Allah Ta‘ala, and leads a life of obedience and submission to Him, or he is affected by situations and overcome by changing conditions, thereby causing him to disobey Allah Ta‘ala.

Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “How astonishing is the condition of a believer! There is only good for him in every situation, and this (goodness) is exclusive for a believer. If prosperity and favorable conditions prevail over him, he expresses gratitude, and this is good for him. And if adversity and unfavorable conditions befall him, he adopts sabr (patience), and this is good for him.” (Saheeh Muslim #2999)

Making Shukr in Ease and Exercising Sabr in Adversity

When a servant is blessed with wealth and bounties, then Allah Ta‘ala tests him to see whether he makes shukr and is grateful to Allah Ta‘ala through utilizing these bounties in accordance to the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala. When a servant is tested with difficult conditions in regard to his health or wealth, then Allah Ta‘ala tests him to see whether he makes sabr and is pleased with the decree of Allah Ta‘ala, remaining loyal to Him at all times.

The true test of a servant’s love for Allah Ta‘ala will manifest at the time when Allah Ta‘ala tests His servant with difficulty, and despite finding himself totally helpless and overwhelmed by hardship, he remains loyal to Allah Ta‘ala. Such a servant will pass the test of love.

Generally, people regard wealth and prosperity to be a bounty from Allah Ta‘ala, and they regard tests and difficulties to be a calamity. However, hardships and tests are also a great blessing and bounty from Allah Ta‘ala, as they give the servant the opportunity to exercise sabr through which one will acquire immense rewards and make tremendous progress in the Hereafter.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “When Allah Ta‘ala wishes to bless a servant with a high rank that has been decreed for him (in Jannah), but the servant is unable to reach this high rank through his deeds and efforts, then Allah Ta‘ala brings about tests in his life and body, wealth, or his children. Allah Ta‘ala then blesses him with the taufeeq of sabr and enables him to exercise patience over this test, until Allah Ta‘ala causes him to reach the rank which Allah Ta‘ala had decreed for him.” (Sunan Abu Dawood #3090)

Making Dua for Ease

Nevertheless, though sabr is also a great bounty from Allah Ta‘ala, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has taught us that we should not make dua for sabr, as this is in reality is asking Allah Ta‘ala to test us with difficulties, and it is possible that we will not manage to pass the test of sabr in the face of these hardships. Hence, one should rather make dua to Allah Ta‘ala to bless him with aafiyah (ease and comfort).

It is reported that on one occasion, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) overheard a Sahaabi who was making dua saying, “O Allah! I beseech You to bless me with sabr!” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) corrected the Sahaabi and said, “You are asking Allah Ta‘ala for tests and difficulties! Rather, ask Allah Ta‘ala for aafiyah!” (Sunan Tirmizi #3527)

Those whom Allah Ta‘ala loves the most – He tests them the most in order for them to acquire His greatest proximity and attain the highest ranks in the Hereafter. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Those who will be tested with the greatest of tests will be the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam), then those who are closest to them in rank, then those who follow thereafter.” (Majma’uz Zawaa’id #3740)

Incident of Hazrat Urwah bin Zubair (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)

Below is an incident of a great Taabi’ee, Hazrat Urwah bin Zubair (rahimahullah), which highlights the high level of sabr which he exercised in the face of a great tragedy:

On one occasion, Hazrat Urwah bin Zubair (rahimahullah) was on a journey to meet Waleed bin Abdil Malik when a sore developed on his leg. After some time, the sore spread, leading to his leg becoming infected. When Hazrat Urwah (rahimahullah) eventually reached Waleed, he asked him to have his infected leg amputated. Waleed thus summoned the doctor who instructed Hazrat Urwah (rahimahullah) to take a sedative so that he would be able to amputate the leg while Hazrat Urwah (rahimahullah) was asleep.

However, Hazrat Urwah (rahimahullah) refused to take the sedative saying, “Go ahead and amputate. I cannot imagine how a person can ever consume something which will cause him to be negligent and unaware of Allah Ta‘ala.” The doctor therefore placed the blade on his leg halfway down the shin, and began to cut.

Such was the patience of Hazrat Urwah (rahimahullah) that those who were around him at the time later mentioned that he did not utter even one remark of complaint! Rather, the most they heard from him was an occasional hiss of pain. After the leg of Hazrat Urwah (rahimahullah was amputated and was placed in the tray (to be taken away and buried), he looked it at and expressed gratitude saying, “Only Allah Ta‘ala and I know that I never used this leg to walk towards His disobedience.”

It is also reported that while Hazrat Urwah (rahimahullah) was traveling to visit Waleed, he suffered a second calamity where his son, Muhammed, fell from the roof of the stable and was trampled to death by the animals.

After undergoing these two severe calamities, suffering the loss of his son and his leg, Hazrat Urwah (rahimahullah) addressed Allah Ta‘ala saying, “O Allah! I had seven sons. You took only one son and left me with six sons! O Allah! I had four limbs. You took only one limb and left me with three limbs! I take an oath in Your name! If You take something away from a person, You also leave with him (that which will suffice him), and if You test a person, You also grant him comfort.”

Furthermore, some narrations have mentioned that Hazrat Urwah (rahimahullah), despite undergoing the amputation, did not leave out his recitation of one quarter of the Qur’aan Majeed in tahajjud salaah that night!

After Hazrat Urwah (rahimahullah) returned from the journey, Hazrat Isa bin Talhah (rahimahullah), a great Taabi’ee and Aalim, came to visit him. When he entered, Hazrat Urwah (rahimahullah) instructed one of his sons to lift his kurta so that Hazrat Isa (rahimahullah) may see his amputation. On seeing the amputation, Hazrat Isa (rahimahullah) addressed Hazrat Urwah (rahimahullah) by his kunyah (filial title) saying, “O Abu Abdillah! We do not need you to wrestle or race, (for which you require a leg,) and Allah Ta‘ala has left with you that which we all need from you – your deep understanding and profound knowledge of deen.” Hearing this, Hazrat Urwah (rahimahullah) said to him, “No person has consoled me over the loss of my leg in the manner you have consoled me.” (Tahzeebul Kamaal vol. 20 pg. 19-21 and Taareekhul Islam pg. 427)

How Should a Believer View a Test?

It is reported that Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) once mentioned, “Whenever any calamity afflicted me, I found three great bounties from Allah Ta‘ala contained in it (which were a means for me to thank Allah Ta‘ala). The first bounty (for which I am grateful to Allah Ta‘ala) is that the calamity occurred in my dunya – not in my deen. The second bounty (for which I am grateful to Allah Ta‘ala) is that the calamity could have been far more severe (yet out of His mercy, Allah Ta‘ala did not make it very severe). The third bounty (for which I am grateful to Allah Ta‘ala) is that Allah Ta‘ala has made this an opportunity to bestow me with immense reward in the Hereafter.” (Safwat-us-Tafaaseer 1/95)

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The Day of Judgment – The Day of Regret for Many – The Orchards of Love – Part Forty One https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=19156 Mon, 28 Feb 2022 07:01:02 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=19156

The Day of Judgment – The Day of Regret for Many

In the Qur’aan Majeed, the day of Qiyaamah has been referred to by various names. Some of these names are the “Day of Recompense and Repayment”, the “Day of Gathering”, the “Day of Loss and Gain” (i.e. loss for the disbelievers and gain for the believers), and the “Day of Meeting” (i.e. meeting Allah Ta‘ala). When we examine these names, we find that each name reflects the condition that will prevail on the Day of Qiyaamah.

Among the names of the day of Qiyaamah is also the “Day of Regret”. This day will be a day of immense regret for the disbelievers, as Allah Ta‘ala explains in the Qur’aan Majeed, “(O Muhammad [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam]!) Warn them (the disbelievers) regarding the Day of Regret, when the decision will be passed (i.e. for them to be entered into the fire of Jahannum and dwell therein for eternity).” (Surah Maryam v. 39) From this, we understand that the Day of Qiyaamah will be a day of unimaginable and inconceivable regret for the disbelievers.

However, just as it will be a day of great remorse and regret for the disbelievers, it will also be, to some extent, a day of remorse and regret for certain believers. In regard to the regret of the believers, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “(Prior to entering Jannah,) the only regret which the people of Jannah will have will be the time and moments which passed by (in the world) without them remembering Allah Ta‘ala.” (Majma’uz Zawaa’id #16746)

When Allah Ta‘ala will be granting great and magnificent rewards to His special servants for the time they spent in His remembrance, the other believers will be filled with sorrow and remorse over the valuable time and opportunities they wasted in the world without remembering Allah Ta‘ala. Below is a thought-provoking incident which highlights the great value of imaan and life, and the importance of not procrastinating in carrying out good deeds.

Abdullah bin Waabisah Abasi reports the following incident from his grandfather. This incident had transpired before his grandfather embraced Islam. He mentions:

On one occasion, during the beginning days of Islam, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) came to us while we were in our camp in Mina. At the time when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) came to us, he was riding his conveyance while Hazrat Zaid bin Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was seated behind him. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then spoke to us and invited us to Islam. However, by Allah, we did not accept his invitation, and goodness was not decreed for us at that time. We had heard of him before this and we had also heard him inviting people to Islam during the days of hajj. Now when he stood before us and invited us to Islam, we did not respond and accept his message.

Among our group was a man named Maysarah bin Masrooq Abasi. After hearing the message and invitation of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he explained to his people, “I take an oath by Allah! If we accept the message of this man and we take him with us, until we make him settle in our midst and live among us, then we will be doing that which is wise and beneficial for us! I swear by Allah and I feel that his message will prevail and go far and wide!”

However, the people of his clan said, “Leave us out of this and do not involve us in something that is beyond our ability to manage.” Nevertheless, seeing that he had shown some inclination, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) became hopeful of Maysarah accepting Islam and thus spoke to him further.

After hearing the blessed words and message of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Maysarah responded saying, “How excellent are your words and how they radiate with noor! I wish that I could accept you and help you, but my clan have opposed me, and a man is always in need of his people. If a man’s own clan is not prepared to assist him, then it is even more unlikely that he will be able to acquire assistance from others.” On receiving this response, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) turned and left, and the Banu Abs clan also departed, returning to their families.

On the return journey, Maysarah said to his fellow clansmen, “Let us take a detour through Fadak, as the Jews reside there and we will be able to enquire from them as to whether they have any knowledge regarding this man who has claimed prophethood.” His clansmen agreed, and thus they came to Fadak. On coming to Fadak and placing their enquiry before the Jews, the Jews took out a portion of their holy scripture, the Towraah, and then began to read the description of the final Nabi which was recorded in their scripture. The description they read was:

The final Nabi will be unlettered and will come from the land of Arabia. He will ride the camel as his conveyance and he will suffice on a few pieces of bread as his food. He will be neither excessively tall nor very short (but of medium height). His hair will neither be curly nor straight. His eyes will have a tinge of redness (i.e. the white of his eyes will be tinged with redness).

The Jews then said, “If the man who invited you to his deen fits this description, then accept his message and embrace his deen. As far as we are concerned then we will not follow him as our hearts are filled with jealousy for him. We know that we will fight battles against him in different places as well. From the Arabs, every person will either follow him or fight against him, so ensure that you are among those who follow him.”

When Maysarah heard this, he addressed his clan and said, “O people! This issue, of whether Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is the true Prophet of Allah Ta‘ala, is now absolutely clear!” However, his people procrastinated and said, “When we return for haj next year, we will meet him and embrace Islam.”

They thus returned to their homeland, and the other men of their clan did not accept what they said and did not wish to do as they suggested. In this manner, years passed, until Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) performed hijrah to Madinah Munawwarah. Finally, when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) returned to Makkah Mukarramah to perform the farewell hajj, Maysarah met him and recognised him.

Maysarah came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and said, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! From the day you stopped your conveyance by us and spoke to us, I continued to wish that I could come to you, accept Islam and follow you. However, something always came up, and in this manner, time continued to pass. Hence, as you can see, my embracing Islam has been delayed until now. As for my other clansmen whom you had addressed in Mina, they have all passed away. Tell me, O Nabi of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), where is their abode, in Jannah or Jahannum?”

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “Every person who dies on a deen besides Islam will be in Jahannum.” Hearing this, Maysarah exclaimed, “All praise is due to Allah who saved me from Jahannum!” He thereafter embraced Islam and became a pious, sincere Muslim, to the extent that he was even held in high regard by Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) during the period of his khilaafah. (Hayaat-us-Sahaabah 1/114-116)

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Tears of Repentance – The Orchards of Love – Part Forty https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18982 Mon, 31 Jan 2022 04:45:47 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18982

Tears of Repentance – the Water to Cleanse the Heart

Hazrat Shah Ruknuddeen (rahimahullah) was a great Aalim and saint who lived in Multan. Allah Ta’ala had blessed him with great acceptance among the people. On the Day of Jumu’ah, his musjid would be filled to capacity with people coming from far and wide to benefit from him.

Once, the king, Ghiyaathuddeen Tughluq, turned to his advisor, Moulana Zaheeruddeen, and asked him, “I notice that the karaamaat (miracles) of Shah Ruknuddeen (rahimahullah) are well known among the people. Tell me, which one of his many karaamat do you regard to be the greatest?”

Moulana Zaheeruddeen (rahimahullah) replied, “What can be a greater karaamat than the fact that without him inviting people, they flock to his gathering!”

Moulana Zaheerudden (rahimahullah) mentions: Since the king had posed this question to me, I felt obliged to give him a suitable answer. However, deep down in my heart, I was not convinced regarding the piety of Shah Ruknuddeen (rahimahullah). I felt that perhaps people are not flocking to him on account of his piety. Rather, it is possible that he has some amal (spiritual exercise) through which people are attracted to him.

With this thought in mind, I decided that I should go to Shah Ruknuddeen (rahimahullah) the following day to test him and determine whether he was a true saint or not.

I decided that on meeting him, I would ask him regarding the wisdom behind certain laws of shari’ah. In specific, I intended to ask him regarding the wisdom behind washing the hands, gargling the mouth and inserting water into the nose at the beginning of the wudhu.

After planning this, I went to sleep, and while asleep, I saw in a dream that I had visited Shah Ruknuddeen (rahimahullah). On meeting him, he received me as a guest and presented a sweet dish to me from which I partook. When I awoke the following morning, I was quite surprised regarding the dream I had seen, and was even more surprised to find that I could still taste the sweet dish in my mouth! In fact, the delicious taste remained in my mouth for the entire day!

Despite seeing this dream, my heart was not affected and my opinion regarding Shah Ruknuddeen (rahimahullah) did not change. I thought to myself, “People see dreams all the time, and shaitaan is capable of making a person see a dream like this. Hence, I should not pay any attention to this dream.” Thus, I set out to meet him, with reservations in my heart.

When I reached his khanqah, he greeted me with salaam and made musaafahah (shook hands) with me. Thereafter, he addressed me saying, “Moulana! I am happy that you have come! My heart desired to engage in an ilmi (academic) discussion, and hence I have been looking for an Aalim of deen such as yourself! It is good that you have come!”

After welcoming me in this manner, he commenced the discussion saying, “Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with a deen of extreme purity and cleanliness. Such is the purity and cleanliness of this deen that no person can object to any injunction of the shari’ah.

“Consider the example of wudhu. When making wudhu, Allah Ta’ala instructs us to first wash our hands, then gargle our mouths, and thereafter insert water into our noses. What is the wisdom behind this?”

As Shah Ruknuddeen (rahimahullah) mentioned this, Moulana Zaheeruddeen (rahimahullah) realized that Shah Ruknuddeen (rahimahullah) was discussing the very questions that he had planned to test Shah Ruknuddeen (rahimahullah) with the previous night.

Shah Ruknuddeen (rahimahullah) then continued and said, “If a person is ignorant and lacks the understanding of deen, then he will wonder, ‘What is the wisdom behind these injunctions?’ However, in reality, there is great wisdom behind these injunctions.

“The reason is that shari’ah has made it incumbent upon us to cleanse our bodies using clean water. Clean water is that water which does not have any colour, taste and smell. If we examine the first three actions of wudhu, we will find that they help us to determine whether the water has these three qualities (no colour, taste and smell), thereby qualifying it for wudhu.

“The first quality is the colour of the water. Through taking a handful of water to wash the hands, one will be able to see whether the colour of the water has changed in any way.

“The second quality is taste. Through gargling, one will be able to gauge the taste of the water.

“The third quality is the smell of the water, and through inserting water into the nose, a person will be able to determine whether the smell of the water has changed.

“This is the beauty of our wonderful shari’ah – there are great benefits and wisdoms behind every injunction and command, whether big or small (some of which we comprehend, and some which we don’t). Such is the wisdom behind the laws of shari’ah that a person’s intellect can never object to the shari’ah.”

Shah Ruknuddeen (rahimahullah) then said, “Moulana! This is the injunction of shari’ah regarding a person who does not have wudhu – that he should cleanse certain limbs with water.

“As for the person who is in the state of janaabah, then shari’ah commands him to perform ghusl and wash his entire body. If we examine this injunction, then outwardly, it seems to be strange. A person is intimate with his own wife, yet it causes his entire body to enter the state of janaabah, and it will remain in this state until he performs ghusl. This is well known to all people.

“However, janaabah is merely a physical form of impurity due to which the physical body requires purification. In comparison to this, there is another type of impurity – the impurity of the heart – and this also requires purification. However, what causes the impurity of the heart?

“We have seen that when a person is intimate with his own wife, who is halaal for him, it causes his entire body to become impure. When this is the case, then imagine the effect on a person’s heart when he remains in the company of evil and sinful people, who are engaged in sins, and people who are far from deen and are not committed to the shari’ah? Imagine the great impurity that it creates in his heart!

“Nevertheless, the question is, ‘We know how to purify our bodies through wudhu and ghusl, but the question is, ‘How do we purify our hearts when our hearts become immersed in sins?’”

At this point, Moulana Zaheeruddeen (rahimahullah) could no longer hold back his tears and began to weep. He realized that without him even mentioning his questions, Shah Ruknuddeen (rahimahullah) had begun to discuss them and had addressed all the objections in his mind. He realized that Shah Ruknuddeen (rahimahullah) was indeed a great saint and thus felt remorseful over his conduct and the ill-opinion he had entertained regarding him.

Moulana Zaheeruddeen (rahimahullah) turned to Shah Ruknuddeen (rahimahullah) and exclaimed, “Hazrat! I am completely ignorant in regard to matters of the heart and the purification of the heart. Please, you tell me the answer!”

Shah Ruknuddeen (rahimahullah) replied, “When the body is impure, then clean water is used to cleanse it and purify it. As for the person whose heart is impure, then he also requires ‘water’ to cleanse it.

“However, the ‘water’ which he requires to clean the heart is the ‘water’ of the eyes. When the servant weeps to Allah Ta’ala in repentance and is remorseful over his sins, then through his weeping in regret, Allah Ta’ala purifies his heart.”

(Karamaat-e-Awliyaa pg. 267-272)

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Having the Heart to Forgive – The Orchards of Love – Part Thirty Nine https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18853 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 04:21:10 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18853

Having the Heart to Forgive

Hazrat Waa’il bin Hujr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a famous Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) who hailed from the land of Yemen and was from the progeny of kings. It is reported that when he departed from Yemen to come to Madinah Munawwarah to embrace Islam, then prior to his arrival, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) informed the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) of his imminent arrival.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said to the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), “There is a person who is about to reach Madinah Munawwarah from the land of Hadramowt in Yemen. He is coming with the intention of embracing Islam, and he hails from the progeny of kings. His name is Waa’il bin Hujr.”

On his arrival, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) welcomed him, honored him, and spread out his mubaarak shawl for him to sit on. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) made special dua for him saying, “O Allah! Bless Waa’il with barakah, as well as his children and grandchildren.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then appointed him as his deputy over the people of Yemen.

Before departing from Madinah Munawwarah, he requested Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to give him a land in Yemen. Upon his request, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) allotted to him a plot of land in Yemen, and instructed Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to accompany him to Yemen in order to demarcate the land and hand it over to him.

Accordingly, Hazrat Waa’il (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) set out together from Madinah Munawwarah. Hazrat Waa’il (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was traveling on horseback, while Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was traveling on foot. Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was so poor that he did not have sandals to wear to cover his feet during the journey.

As they traveled through the scorching desert, the hot sand began to burn the feet of Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Eventually, when the pain became difficult for him to bear, he turned to Hazrat Waa’il (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and said, “Please allow me to sit behind you, on your animal, and ride with you, as the sand of the desert is burning my feet”. However, Hazrat Waa’il (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “You are not worthy to be seated with kings on their conveyance.”

Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then requested him to lend him his sandals, but Hazrat Waa’il (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “I cannot lend you my sandals, but if you wish, you may walk in the shadow of my horse.” Hearing this reply, Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) remained silent and continued to walk barefoot.

On returning to Madinah Munawwarah, Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) informed Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) of what had transpired during the journey, and the manner in which Hazrat Waa’il (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had conducted with him. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) responded, “He has just embraced Islam, and hence he still has some of the traits of Jaahiliyyah in him. Overlook what he has done to you and treat him well.”

In other words, since Hazrat Waa’il (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had just embraced Islam and had spent only a few days in the blessed company of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the beautiful qualities of Rasulullah’s (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) Mubaarak Sunnah had not yet permeated his life. Hence, on this occasion, he conducted in this manner. However, later on in his life, he reached great heights in piety and righteousness.

Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), at that time, was leading a life of abject poverty. However, Allah Ta‘ala had decreed that a time would come when he would rule the world. Thereafter, when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) passed away, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) became the Khalifah, followed by Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Hazrat Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and then Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Finally, the time then came when Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was appointed as the Khalifah of the Muslims.

When Hazrat Waa’il (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) learnt of Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) becoming the Khalifah, he set out to visit him and pay his respects to him. On hearing that he was coming, Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) came to the outskirts of the city to honor him and receive him. Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then made him comfortable, honored him by making him sit with him in his own place and presented him with many gifts.

Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then said to him, “Do you remember the day we traveled together?” When Hazrat Waa’il (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) remembered the incident, and he saw the great honor and kindness that Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was now showing him, then he felt great remorse over his past conduct. He expressed his remorse before Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and admitted his mistake saying, “O Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen! At that time, I was a new Muslim who had just come out of kufr and jaahiliyyah! Allah Ta‘ala has now blessed us with Islam. At that time, I did not conduct according to the sublime teachings of Islam!”

Later on, when narrating this incident, Hazrat Waa’il (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentioned, “At that time, I wished that had I only made him sit in front of me on the animal!” (Musnad Ahmed #27239, Sunan Tirmizi #1381, Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah 7/330-331, Taareekh Dimashq 62/386 and 389)

In this incident, we see that despite the treatment which Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) received from Hazrat Waa’il (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), he did not harbor a grudge or any ill feelings in his heart. Rather, he went to the extent of showing him great honor, love and kindness. This was on account of him adhering to the advice of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) for him to overlook the mistake of Hazrat Waa’il (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and still deal with him in a good manner. This was the Mubaarak Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) – that he always overlooked the mistakes of people and forgave those who hurt him and caused him pain.

May Allah Ta‘ala bless us all with the capacity and heart to overlook the faults of people and deal with them in accordance to the sunnah and the blessed character of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

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Never Lose Hope in the Reformation of Any Person – The Orchards of Love – Part Thirty Eight https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18678 Mon, 22 Nov 2021 04:15:37 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18678

Never Lose Hope in the Reformation of Any Person

Abdullah bin Maslamah Qa’nabi (rahimahullah) was among the leading Muhadditheen of his era. He was the ustaad of many eminent Muhadditheen, the likes of Imaam Bukhaari, Imaam Muslim and Imaam Abu Dawood (rahimahumullah).

It is reported that in the beginning of his life, he would associate with wrong company and would consume alcohol. However, after coming into contact with the great Muhaddith and saint, Imaam Shu’bah (rahimahullah), there was a complete transformation that entered his life and he became among the stalwarts of Islam.

Below is the incident that led to his repentance and reformation:

Abdullah bin Maslamah was once seated at the door of his house, waiting for his friends to arrive. While seated, he had seen the great Muhaddith, Imaam Shu’bah (rahimahullah), pass by his home, riding on his donkey. There were many people who were walking besides and behind the donkey of Imaam Shu’bah (rahimahullah), with the intention of drawing benefit from his words and company.

On observing Imaam Shu’bah (rahimahullah) and the large crowd of people around him, Abdullah bin Maslamah asked someone present, “Who is this person?” The man replied, “He is Imaam Shu’bah (rahimahullah).” Abdullah bin Maslamah asked, “What is his occupation?” The man replied, “He is a Muhaddith (a person who narrates the Ahaadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)).”

Hearing this, Abdullah bin Maslamah (rahimahullah), who was wearing a red lungi at that time, stood up and moved to meet Imaam Shu’bah (rahimahullah). Upon reaching Imaam Shu’bah (rahimahullah), he addressed him in an abrupt manner saying to him, “Narrate a Hadith to me.”

Looking at the outer appearance of Abdullah bin Maslamah, Imaam Shu’bah (rahimahullah) realized that this person was a person not committed to deen. Hence, Imaam Shu’bah (rahimahullah) responded, “How can I narrate Ahaadith to you while you are not from the students of Hadith! (i.e. you are not dressed appropriately and you have not adopted the etiquettes of those who wish to study the Mubaarak Ahaadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam))”

When Abdullah bin Maslamah heard this, he became enraged. He drew out his knife and threatened Imaam Shu’bah (rahimahullah) saying, “You either narrate a Hadith to me now or else I will stab you!” Imaam Shu’bah (rahimahullah) thus commenced narrating, “Mansoor narrates from Rib’ee, who reports from Hazrat Abu Mas’ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, ‘If you lack the quality of hayaa (shame), then do as you please (i.e. when one loses his hayaa (shame), then he will have no respect in him and he will be prepared to commit any type of sin).’”

Imaam Shu’bah (rahimahullah) was a personification of the mubaarak sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Hence, when these words emanated from his heart, they had such a profound impact upon the heart of Abdullah bin Maslamah that he was immediately overcome by remorse and sincerely repented for his sins. He threw his knife to the ground, returned home and disposed of all his alcohol.

He thereafter said to his mother, “My friends will soon arrive. When they come then allow them to enter and feed them. Once they have eaten, then inform them that I have changed my life and disposed of all the wine.”

He then set out for Madinah Munawwarah with the intention of changing his life and studying Hadith under the great Imaam of the time, Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah). He remained with Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) until Allah Ta‘ala blessed him with the wealth of deen and he became an Imaam in the science of Hadith. (Tawwaabeen libni Qudaamah pg. 158)

From this incident, we understand that one should never lose hope in the reformation of any person. There were many people who were leading lives of sin, but then turned to Allah Ta‘ala in sincere repentance. They then connected themselves to the special friends of Allah Ta‘ala, and reformed their lives through remaining in their company. Thereafter, Allah Ta‘ala blessed them with such piety and acceptance that they became role models for the ummah to follow.

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The Way to Secure the Mercy and Divine Assistance of Allah Ta‘ala – The Orchards of Love – Part Thirty Seven https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18517 Mon, 18 Oct 2021 04:30:40 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18517 The Way to Secure the Mercy and Divine Assistance of Allah Ta‘ala

Allah Ta‘ala has created Jannah as a place of happiness and comfort, and Jahannum as a place of misery and difficulty. As for this world then Allah Ta‘ala has created it as a combination of both happiness and sadness, and comfort and difficulty.

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The Way to Secure the Mercy and Divine Assistance of Allah Ta‘ala

Allah Ta‘ala has created Jannah as a place of happiness and comfort, and Jahannum as a place of misery and difficulty. As for this world then Allah Ta‘ala has created it as a combination of both happiness and sadness, and comfort and difficulty. There are occasions where a person is happy and enjoys comfort, while there are other occasions where a person is overcome by grief and undergoes difficulty.

In essence, Allah Ta‘ala has created this world as a ‘testing ground’ for man, to determine how man will fare in both situations – the situation of prosperity and happiness, and the situation of adversity and grief.

Many a time, a person is healthy and wealthy and leads a comfortable life. He places his reliance on his health and wealth and feels that no matter what problem he faces in life, he will always be able to solve it. However, he is then afflicted by a severe and acute sickness that causes him to lose his health. In the pursuit of restoring his health, he spends all his wealth taking admission in the best hospitals, employing the best doctors and seeking the best treatments. However, since Allah Ta‘ala does not decree shifaa for him, even the best of hospitals, doctors and treatments do not avail him in any way nor bring him any relief from the ailment and difficulty he suffers. Hence, he ultimately loses both his health and his wealth.

It is only at this point, when a person’s wealth and health fail him and desert him, that his eyes open to reality and he begins to realize that the only thing that can truly help him is the mercy of Allah Ta‘ala.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had taught the ummah that we should be obedient and loyal to Allah Ta‘ala at all times. The one who is obedient and loyal to Allah Ta‘ala, Allah Ta‘ala is there for him and grants him His special grace. Similarly, Allah Ta‘ala makes a way out for him from all difficulties and problems. Even if death is decreed for him, Allah Ta‘ala showers His special mercy upon him and grants him a good death.

It is reported that on one occasion, a Sahaabi by the name of Hazrat Awf bin Maalik (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and said, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! So-and-so clan have attacked us and looted our wealth. They also kidnapped my son and stole all my camels!”

The Sahaabi came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to seek assistance in his predicament. However, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), at that time, did not possess any wealth to assist this Sahaabi, and therefore gave him the following reply: “Indeed the household of Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and many other households in Madinah Munawwarah, are undergoing such poverty that we do not even have one saa of food or even one mudd (i.e. quarter saa) of food to eat. Hence, turn to Allah Ta‘ala in dua and beg Him for your needs.”

On returning home, the wife of Hazrat Awf (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) asked him what response Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had given him when he sought assistance. When Hazrat Awf (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) informed her that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had advised him to turn to Allah Ta‘ala in dua, she remarked, “Certainly, the advice he gave you is the best advice. Hence, we should turn to Allah Ta‘ala.”

They then continued to engage in dua, and not long thereafter, Allah Ta‘ala returned their son to them, together with their camels which were now even fatter than before. Hazrat Awf bin Maalik (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was so overjoyed that he immediately came to inform Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) of what had transpired.

On receiving the glad tidings, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) ascended the mimbar and addressed the people. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) commenced his address by praising Allah Ta‘ala. He then advised the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and showed them the method to secure the mercy and divine assistance of Allah Ta‘ala when they are faced with any problem or difficulty. He told the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) that they should hold onto two things:

  1. The first thing is that they should ensure that they lead a life of taqwa (piety and righteousness) and not disobey Allah Ta‘ala at any time.
  2. The second thing is that they should turn to Allah Ta‘ala in dua and beg of His grace, as it is only Allah Ta‘ala that can remove the difficulty of a servant and bless him with ease.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) recited the following verse in his address:

وَ  مَنۡ یَّتَّقِ اللّٰہَ  یَجۡعَلۡ لَّہٗ  مَخۡرَجًا ۙ﴿۲﴾  وَّ یَرۡزُقۡہُ  مِنۡ حَیۡثُ لَا یَحۡتَسِبُ

The one who adopts taqwa (in his life), Allah makes a way out for him (from all difficulties), and provides for him sustenance from avenues which he least expects. (Surah Talaaq v. 2-3)

(Mujaab-ud-Da’wah #10 and Mustadrak Haakim #1993)

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Hazrat Fudhail bin Iyaaz (rahimahullah) – The Orchards of Love – Part Thirty Six https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18409 Mon, 04 Oct 2021 04:32:40 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18409 The Great Saint - Hazrat Fudhail bin Iyaaz (rahimahullah)

Hazrat Fudhail bin Iyaaz (rahimahullah) was an eminent Muhaddith and great saint of his era. Allah Ta‘ala had blessed him with such a high rank in Hadith that many of the leading Muhadditheen, the likes of Hazrat Abdullah bin Mubaarak, Hazrat Sufyaan bin Uyainah and Imaam Shaafi’ee (rahimahumullah) have narrated Hadith from him.

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The Great Saint – Hazrat Fudhail bin Iyaaz (rahimahullah)

Hazrat Fudhail bin Iyaaz (rahimahullah) was an eminent Muhaddith and great saint of his era. Allah Ta‘ala had blessed him with such a high rank in Hadith that many of the leading Muhadditheen, the likes of Hazrat Abdullah bin Mubaarak, Hazrat Sufyaan bin Uyainah and Imaam Shaafi’ee (rahimahumullah) have narrated Hadith from him.

It is reported that prior to Hazrat Fudhail (rahimahullah) being blessed with the lofty rank of piety, he was known to be a notorious highway robber. However, Allah Ta‘ala blessed him with the taufeeq to repent from his sins and reform his life. Below is the incident of his repentance:

On one occasion, a certain caravan was traveling on the road where Fudhail (rahimahullah) would rob people. Among the people present in the caravan was a Qari who would recite the Qur’aan Majeed in the most beautiful manner. As the caravan passed by Fudhail (rahimahullah), the Qari was reciting the following verse of the Qur’aan Majeed, “Has the time not yet come for the believers’ hearts to be humbled for the remembrance of Allah Ta‘ala..?” (Surah Hadeed v. 16)

On hearing this verse, the heart of Fudhail (rahimahullah) was so affected that he immediately turned to Allah Ta‘ala in repentance and left the life of sin.

Thereafter, Hazrat Fudhail (rahimahullah) exerted himself in ibaadah and acquiring the knowledge of deen, until the time came when even Haaroon Rasheed, the king of the time, began to visit him to benefit from his advice.

It is reported that on one occasion, when Haaroon Rasheed performed hajj, he said to Fadhl bin Rabee, “I perceive a weakness in my heart. Therefore, take me to some pious friend of Allah Ta‘ala so that I may take advice from him and benefit from his company.” Fadhl suggested to him that they go to see Hazrat Sufyaan bin Uyainah (rahimahullah).

When they came to the home of Hazrat Sufyaan (rahimahullah) and knocked on the door, Hazrat Sufyaan (rahimahullah) received him with great honor and respect. Haaroon Rasheed said to him, “The purpose for which I have come is to seek advice from you.” Hazrat Sufyaan (rahimahullah) then gave him some general advice.

Eventually, when Haaroon Rasheed wished to depart, he asked Hazrat Sufyaan (rahimahullah), “Do you have any debts that I can assist you with settling?” Hazrat Sufyaan (rahimahullah) replied in the affirmative, and Haaroon Rasheed instructed Fadhl to settle his debts.

After leaving Hazrat Sufyaan (rahimahullah), Haaroon Rasheed turned to Fadhl and said, “I did not benefit from Hazrat Sufyaan (rahimahullah) in the manner I wished.” (Perhaps Haaroon Rasheed was not satisfied as he felt that Hazrat Sufyaan (rahimahullah) showed him great respect and honor and did not show him any of his weaknesses.) Fadhl thus suggested that they go to visit Imaam Abdur Razzaaq (rahimahullah).

Imaam Abdur Razzaaq (rahimahullah) also received Haaroon Rasheed with great honor and gave him some general advices upon his request. Before departing, Haaroon Rasheed asked him, “Do you have any debts that I can assist you with settling?” When Imaam Abdur Razzaaq (rahimahullah) replied that he did have debts, Haaroon Rasheed instructed Fadhl to settle the debts.

Once again, when they departed, Haaroon Rasheed said to Fadhl, “I did not benefit from Imaam Abdur Razzaaq (rahimahullah) in the manner I wished. Find me the right person who I can refer to.” Fadhl then suggested that they go to visit Hazrat Fudhail bin Iyaaz (rahimahullah).

Upon meeting Hazrat Fudhail (rahimahullah), Haaroon Rasheed requested him to present him with some advice. Hazrat Fudhail (rahimahullah) said to him, “When Hazrat Umar bin Abdil Azeez (rahimahullah) was appointed as the Khalifah, he called Hazrat Saalim bin Abdillah, Hazrat Muhammad bin Ka’b and Hazrat Rajaa bin Haywah (rahimahumullah) and said to them, ‘I have been tested with this trial of rulership, so please advise me.’” Hazrat Fudhail (rahimahullah) then said, “Hazrat Umar bin Abdil Azeez (rahimahullah) was so concerned about the khilaafah that he regarded it to be a trial, whereas you regard it to be a blessing (and do not have the same concern as him).”

Hazrat Fudhail (rahimahullah) warned him that if he did not administrate the affairs of the khilaafah according to the dictates of the Shari‘ah, then he would suffer the punishment of Jahannum. This warning had such an effect on Haaroon Rasheed that he began to weep profusely.

When Haaroon Rasheed wished to depart, he asked Hazrat Fudhail (rahimahullah), “Do you have any debts that I can assist you with settling?” Hazrat Fudhail (rahimahullah) replied, “Yes! I have debts which are the rights that I owe to my Rabb. If you wish to assist me, then you may do so.”

Haaroon Rasheed then presented money to Hazrat Fudhail (rahimahullah) saying, “Here are a thousand dinars. Accept it from me as a gift and spend it upon your dependents.” Hazrat Fudhail (rahimahullah) replied, “Subhaanallah! I have shown you the path to gain salvation, and this is how you repay me? You are giving this wealth to a person who has no need for it. You should rather give it to one who requires it.”

When Haaroon Rasheed and Fadhl thereafter left the home of Hazrat Fudhail (rahimahullah), Haaroon Rasheed said to Fadhl, “O Fadhl! When you wish to take me to a friend of Allah Ta‘ala, then take me to a man like him! He is undoubtedly the leader of all the Muslims!”  (Siyar A’laamin Nubalaa 8/428-431 and Aalami Tareekh 2/358)

Haaroon Rasheed was greatly impressed with Hazrat Fudhail (rahimahullah) on account of the beautiful qualities which he possessed – his fear for accountability in the Hereafter, his high level of piety, his disinterest in the world, his commitment to Shari‘ah and the Sunnah and his sincere advice to the king regarding the manner he should administrate the affairs of the khilaafah. In essence, Haaroon Rasheed bore testimony that Hazrat Fudhail (rahimahullah) was an embodiment of the Sunnah.

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Consulting the Rightly-Guided Ulama – The Orchards of Love – Part Thirty Five https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18368 Mon, 27 Sep 2021 04:44:57 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18368 Consulting the Rightly-Guided Ulama

The principle “refer to the experts of the field” is a principle commonly-quoted and practised in all spheres of life. Consider the example of a person who intends constructing a triple-story mansion. What steps will he follow to fulfil his intention? He will first contact an architect to draw the plans. Thereafter, he will hire the services of an engineer as well as a contractor to put up the project.

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Consulting the Rightly-Guided Ulama

The principle “refer to the experts of the field” is a principle commonly-quoted and practised in all spheres of life. Consider the example of a person who intends constructing a triple-story mansion. What steps will he follow to fulfil his intention? He will first contact an architect to draw the plans. Thereafter, he will hire the services of an engineer as well as a contractor to put up the project.

If he has to independently embark on such a project, without the aid of the architect, engineer and contractor, we can well imagine the devastating outcome that he will cause for himself and others! Without the correct guidance, experience and expertise, it is highly possible that the entire structure will collapse, endangering his life and the lives of others.

Likewise, when faced with a health-related issue, the opinion of expert doctors is sought. Similarly, in managing one’s business, an accountant is consulted, and when faced with a legal challenge, a lawyer is contacted. Thus, we see that in all walks of life, people adhere to this principle by taking guidance and assistance from others whom they recognize to be the experts in their respective fields.

Just as implementing this principle is essential in all spheres of a person’s life, it is also essential in one’s deen. Islam teaches us that when faced with any situation which requires deeni direction and guidance (whether relating to one’s deen or dunya) then one should refer to the rightly-guided Ulama or deeni elders for guidance and assistance.

The reason for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) encouraging the ummah to make mashwarah and consult the rightly-guided Ulama before making a decision is that they possess the knowledge of deen. Through consulting them, one will understand the Shar‘ee perspective and ruling relating to his situation, thereby assisting him to make the correct decision and please Allah Ta‘ala. Hence, taking a decision in any situation, without first acquiring deeni knowledge, is akin to a person walking blindly in the dark.

Even, in regard to the institute of nikaah, Islam advocates that one refers to his elders. More so in regard to a girl, Islam lays great emphasis on her seeking guidance from her parents and family elders in choosing the right partner. It is absolutely reprehensible and against shame for a girl to look for her own suitor and perform her own nikaah. Thus, the Hadith explains that if a girl performs her nikaah without her guardian, then such a nikaah will be devoid of barakah and goodness.

The reason for the Hadith emphasizing the need for a girl to refer to her parents or elders is that generally, pious parents have greater understanding and experience compared to their children. Due to parents having passed through these phases and seen the ups and downs of life, they will be able to guide their children correctly. Hence, it is safer for the girl to follow the experience of her parents rather than trying to experiment this department of life on her own. There are many cases where women put themselves through immense difficulty and complications on account of them independently looking for their suitor and not consulting their parents and elders.

It should be borne in mind that referring to the pious seniors and the learned Ulama is not only a means of acquiring safety in one’s deen and dunya – but it is also the key to acquiring barakah, goodness, prosperity and success in one’s life.

Hence, in the Mubaarak Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Barakah lies with your learned seniors.” (Majma’uz Zawaa’id #12618) In another Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned, “The one who makes mashwarah will not regret.” (Majma’uz Zawaa’id #13157)

Below is a thought-provoking incident which highlights the great importance of ensuring that one always consults his seniors and rightly-guided Ulama before embarking on any decision:

Incident of the granddaughter of Sheikh Ali Tantawi (rahimahullah)

Sheikh Ali Tantawi (rahimahullah) was an Aalim of Syria. His granddaughter mentions that at one point in her life, she and her family were considering migrating to Canada. However, her grandfather, Sheikh Ali Tantawi (rahimahullah), prevented them from doing so and said to them, “Choosing to live in the land of kufr leads to your offspring losing their deen. Even if you are able to protect the deen of your children, you can never guarantee to protect the deen of their children and their grandchildren. Do not carry the responsibility of them losing their deen.”

His granddaughter mentions that at that time, she was skeptical to accept his reasoning and jumped to the assumption that he was too strict and only wanted to control his children’s lives. However, despite her feelings, she and her family decided to accept his advice and listen to him. Many years later, when she saw the large number of people whose children and grandchildren left the fold of Islam after migrating to non-Muslim countries, she realized and appreciated the advice and guidance of her grandfather. She made du‘aa for him saying, “May Allah have mercy on him! Now I fully agree with him, and whenever I come across a story of people whose children have lost their deen in the midst of the busy life in the West, I recall his wise decision.”

From the above, we understand the importance of adhering to the teaching of the Hadith – of always referring to the rightly-guided Ulama or deeni elders. Through doing so, one will ensure that he follows deen correctly and will also save himself and his progeny from the harm of this world and the next.

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Choosing a Life Partner – The Orchards of Love – Part Thirty Four https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18325 Sun, 12 Sep 2021 09:51:55 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18325 Choosing a Life Partner

When choosing a life partner, each person is overcome with certain concerns. The boy has the concern of choosing the right wife, who will be compatible to him in his nature, thereby bringing happiness and joy to his life.

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Choosing a Life Partner

When choosing a life partner, each person is overcome with certain concerns. The boy has the concern of choosing the right wife, who will be compatible to him in his nature, thereby bringing happiness and joy to his life. Likewise, he has the concern of choosing a partner who will be a capable mother for his children, and will be able to fit into his family circle with respect and dignity. The girl is overcome with the concern of choosing a husband who will fulfill her needs and requirements and provide her with financial security.

These are some of the overwhelming concerns which people have at the time of nikaah, as they understand that this is a new journey that they are soon to embark on. This decision could either be the means of adding to the joy and happiness in life, or it could be the source of grief, misery and life-long regret.

Islam teaches us that when choosing a spouse, then among the aspects that one may consider is the person being from a noble family, possessing attractive features or being affluent. However, the primary concern should always be the Deen and piety of the individual.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said that a woman is married for one of four qualities; either for her wealth, for her family status, for her beauty or for her Deen. Therefore, when choosing a wife, one should choose a pious wife so that one may become successful. If one does not marry a woman of piety he may later regret. (Saheeh Bukhaari #5090)

The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and Taabi’een (rahimahumullah) understood the importance of choosing a pious partner for their children. They knew that if the husband is pious, he will fulfill the rights of his wife and treat her with kindness. On the contrary, if he is not pious, then he may not fulfill her rights, and at times, he may even ill-treat or oppress her.

Once, a man came to Hazrat Hasan Basri (rahimahullah) seeking some advice. He said, “I have received many proposals for my daughter. Please advise me as to whose proposal I should accept.” Hazrat Hasan Basri (rahimahullah) replied, “Get your daughter married to a man who fears Allah Ta‘ala.” He then explained the reason saying, “If he likes her then he will honor and appreciate her, and if he dislikes her, then at least he will not oppress her.” (Mirqaat vol. 6, pg. 265)

Below is an inspiring incident regarding Hazrat Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) choosing a pious partner for his daughter:

On one occasion, Yazeed bin Mu’aawiyah proposed for the daughter of Hazrat Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Despite Yazeed being the ruler at that time, Hazrat Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) turned down the proposal. After the proposal of Yazeed was turned down, one of his attendants, who was a pious person, came to him and sought permission to propose for the daughter of Hazrat Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

Yazeed became enraged at his request and said to him, “Get away from here! May you be destroyed!” However, the man pleaded with Yazeed saying, “Please give me permission, may Allah Ta‘ala keep you well!” Eventually, Yazeed relented and gave the man permission.

Thereafter, when the man proposed, Hazrat Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) accepted his proposal and gave him his daughter’s hand in marriage. The news of this then spread through society, as people spoke of how Yazeed’s proposal had been rejected, while the proposal of one of his poor attendants had been accepted.

When Hazrat Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was later asked the reason for him rejecting the proposal of Yazeed, and accepting the proposal of the poor and pious attendant, he said, “I gave careful thought to the future of my daughter, Dardaa, if I had to marry her to Yazeed.” Addressing the people present, he said, “You think, ‘What will be the condition of my daughter, Dardaa, on the first night, when she will enter the palace of Yazeed and will see the numerous servants and attendants, all at her beck and call, as well as the abundant wealth and riches of the palace shining before her eyes?’ Just thinking of the first night of my daughter’s future, where she will become so affected by the dunya, I wondered to myself, ‘What will become of her Deen on that day?’” (Hilyatul Awliyaa 1/286)

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The Sunnah of Having a Deep Concern for the Deeni Progress of Others – The Orchards of Love – Part Thirty Three https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18323 Sun, 29 Aug 2021 09:47:42 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18323 The Sunnah of Having a Deep Concern for the Deeni Progress of Others

Hazrat Shah Waliyullah (rahimahullah) was a renowned Aalim and Muhaddith who hailed from Delhi. Allah Ta‘ala had accepted him and his family for the service of deen and had blessed him with sons who were also saints and illustrious Ulama of their era. Among his sons was Hazrat Shah Abdul Qadir (rahimahullah).

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The Sunnah of Having a Deep Concern for the Deeni Progress of Others

Hazrat Shah Waliyullah (rahimahullah) was a renowned Aalim and Muhaddith who hailed from Delhi. Allah Ta‘ala had accepted him and his family for the service of deen and had blessed him with sons who were also saints and illustrious Ulama of their era. Among his sons was Hazrat Shah Abdul Qadir (rahimahullah).

Hazrat Shah Abdul Qadir (rahimahullah) was blessed by Allah Ta‘ala to write a translation of the Qur’aan Majeed that gained great acceptance among the people of India. From all the translations of the Qur’aan Majeed, one of the special features of this translation was that it was completed in a period of forty years while in i’tikaaf in the musjid of Akbar-Aabaadi.

There are many incidents reported regarding this illustrious personality which reflect the great piety which he possessed. Below is a unique incident of this saintly personality:

On one occasion, while Hazrat Shah Abdul Qadir Saheb (rahimahullah) was delivering a lecture, his gaze fell on a person in the audience whose pants was below his ankles. On noticing this, Hazrat Shah Saheb (rahimahullah) did not immediately correct him, as this would lead to his embarrassment.

However, at the same time, Hazrat Shah Saheb’s (rahimahullah) heart was filled with great concern for this person’s hidaayat. Hence, Hazrat Shah Saheb (rahimahullah) waited for the right opportunity to address the person and correct him.

After Hazrat Shah Saheb (rahimahullah) completed the lecture, he approached the person, and in a loving and polite manner, said to him, “My brother! Please wait for a few moments, as I need to speak to you.”

Once the people had left the musjid, Hazrat Shah Saheb (rahimahullah) addressed the person, and began to explain to him, with gentleness and compassion, saying, “My beloved brother! I have a problem, that at times, due to my old age, my pants falls below my ankles without me realizing it. I am very worried about this as there are severe warnings mentioned in the Hadith for people who let their pants hang below their ankles.”

Hazrat Shah Saheb (rahimahullah) then mentioned some of these Ahaadith to the person. After mentioning the Ahaadith, Hazrat Shah Saheb (rahimahullah) stood and said to the person, “Now please check my pants and tell me as to whether it is below my ankles or not.”

The person immediately realized that Hazrat Shah Saheb (rahimahullah) did not really have this problem in his life. Rather, he had mentioned this as an excuse to bring the person’s weakness to his attention without embarrassing him. Hence, he held onto Hazrat Shah Saheb’s (rahimahullah) feet and said, “Hazrat! This problem is not in you – rather it is in me! Today, I repent from this sin before you, and insha Allah, I will never commit this sin again in my life!”

From this incident, we observe that the pious servants of Allah Ta‘ala are such that they mirror the Mubaarak Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Just as they are concerned for their own deeni progress, they are also concerned about the deeni progress of others. Hence, on seeing any person involved in sin, they are overcome by concern for the person, as this was the blessed way of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Thus, they look for ways to benefit the person and correct him, while adopting an approach of gentleness, love and compassion.

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The Truthfulness of Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jeelani (rahimahullah) – The Orchards of Love – Part Thirty Two https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18191 Mon, 16 Aug 2021 13:29:37 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18191 The Truthfulness of Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jeelani (rahimahullah)

Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jeelani (rahimahullah) was a great Aalim and Wali of Allah Ta‘ala who lived in the sixth century of Islam.

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The Truthfulness of Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jeelani (rahimahullah)

Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jeelani (rahimahullah) was a great Aalim and Wali of Allah Ta‘ala who lived in the sixth century of Islam. Allah Ta‘ala had blessed him with such great acceptance that many people reformed their lives at his hands. One salient quality that stood out in his life was the quality of truthfulness and honesty. Below is an incident that reflects this beautiful quality in his life which attracted the hearts of even the greatest sinners of his time:

When Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jeelaani (rahimahullah) decided to tread the path of knowledge, he sought permission from his mother to travel to Baghdad where he would study under the leading Ulama of the time. His mother permitted him to leave and gave him forty dinars which she sewed into his kurta, beneath his armpit. At the time when she bid him farewell, she advised him to ensure that he always spoke the truth and never spoke lies. Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jeelani (rahimahullah) took his mother’s advice to heart and promised her that he would always be truthful and would always conduct with honesty.

Sheikh Abdul Qaadir (rahimahullah) thereafter joined a caravan of people traveling to Baghdad. During the journey, the caravan was waylaid by sixty robbers who looted the caravan, taking whatever wealth they found. Abdul Qaadir Jeelani (rahimahullah) mentions, “While looting the caravan, one of the robbers came to me, and thinking that I did not have any money, he asked me, ‘O pauper! How much of money do you have with you?’ I remembered the advice of my mother and replied, ‘Forty dinars.’ He then asked me, ‘Where is the money?’ I replied, ‘It is sewn into my kurta beneath my armpit.’ The robber was not convinced and thought that I was joking and therefore left me.

“After a few moments, another robber came to me and asked me the same question, to which I gave the same answer. This robber also thought that I was joking and thus left me. Later on, both robbers went to their leader and informed him of what had transpired and mentioned to him that upon enquiring, I told them that I have forty dinars with me, concealed in my kurta. The leader said to them, ‘Bring him to me.’

“When they brought me to their leader, he asked me, ‘O young lad! How much of wealth do you have with you?’ I replied, ‘I have forty dinars.’ He then asked me, ‘Where is the wealth?’ I replied, ‘It is sewn into my kurta under my armpit.’ He was quite surprised and asked me, ‘What made you speak the truth and confess that you possess this wealth? (In other words, had you not informed us of it, we would have never known of it.)’ I replied, ‘My mother advised me to always be truthful, and I promised her that I will always speak the truth and will never lie. Hence, I did not want to break the promise which I made to my mother by speaking lies when you asked me regarding the wealth.’

“Hearing this answer, the leader was extremely affected and began to weep. He exclaimed, ‘You refuse to break the promise which you made to your mother, whereas I have been breaking my promise to Allah Ta‘ala for so many years by waylaying caravans and committing sins!’”

Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jeelani (rahimahullah) explains, “The leader then repented at my hands and pledged to never return to the sin of robbery and theft. When the other robbers witnessed his repentance, they addressed their leader saying, ‘We made you our leader in crime and robbery and followed you. Now we will make you our leader in repentance and taubah and follow you in this as well.’ They thus repented and returned all the stolen wealth to the caravan.”

In this way, through firmly holding onto the quality of truthfulness and honesty, Sheikh Abdul Qaadir (rahimahullah) became the means for all sixty robbers to repent and change their lives. (Bahjatul Asraar pg. 186 and Qalaa-idul Jawaahir pg. 9)

In the Mubaarak Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has greatly emphasized the importance and virtue of truthfulness and honesty. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Hold firm to truthfulness (and honesty), for truthfulness leads one towards piety, and piety leads one towards Jannah. A person will continue to speak the truth and endeavor to always remain upon truthfulness (at all times), until he will be recorded as a siddeeq (extremely truthful person) by Allah Ta‘ala. Refrain from lies, as lies leads one towards sin, and sin leads one towards the fire of Jahannum. A person will continue to speak lies, and tries to remain upon this habit of speaking lies (at all times), until he will be recorded as a great liar by Allah Ta‘ala.”  (Saheeh Muslim #2607)

It should be borne in mind that truthfulness and honesty is not confined to speech. Rather, it applies to every dimension of one’s deeni and worldly life. When one is truthful, then he will fulfill every obligation and responsibility, whether it relates to his deeni or worldly life. In fact, truthfulness even surpasses the limits of merely fulfilling obligations and includes making an effort to show a higher degree of love and compassion to the creation, in the manner Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had taught the ummah to conduct.

In essence, a true servant of Allah Ta‘ala is one who is loyal to Allah Ta‘ala at all times. He is constantly concerned about pleasing Allah Ta‘ala and taking care of His creation to the best of his ability, thereby exhibiting his loyalty to His Creator. The servant who brings these qualities in his life is honored and blessed with the rank of a siddeeq. The greatest of the Siddeeqeen was Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), whom Allah Ta‘ala had made the best example for the ummah to follow after the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam). His every word and action radiated this sublime quality to the highest level.

In the upbringing of a child, it is extremely important for the parents to instill in the child the quality of being truthful at all times and being honest in his dealings. When this quality is deeply entrenched in the heart of the child, then throughout his life, no matter what situation he will be faced with, he will ensure that he fulfills the rights of Allah Ta‘ala as well as the rights which he owes to the creation. Furthermore, when this quality is enhanced in his life, then at every moment, he will be conscious about leading a pure life, internally and externally, and will be concerned about standing before Allah Ta‘ala and being held accountable for his actions on the Day of Qiyaamah. Therefore, every word that he will utter and every action that he will carry out will be in total harmony and conformity with the high levels of sidq (truthfulness). Hence, wherever he goes, he will be a beacon of light and a source of mercy for the entire creation.

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Parents Leading by Example – The Orchards of Love – Part Thirty One https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18127 Mon, 09 Aug 2021 05:04:29 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=18127

Parents Leading by Example

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was the greatest of Allah Ta‘ala’s creation. Allah Ta‘ala selected him as His final Messenger and blessed him with the greatest Deen – the Deen of Islam which is the most perfect code of life for man to follow. When one examines the blessed personality of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), then one finds that Allah Ta‘ala blessed him with the highest standard of character and nobility so that he could serve as the ultimate example for humanity to emulate until the end of time.

Thus, every dimension of the blessed life of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was exemplary and outstanding. Whether in the home, while conducting as a husband to his wife and father to his children, or whether in the musjid, as the imaam of the congregation, or in the community as the leader of the Muslims, he conducted in the most perfect manner and set the best standard for all people to follow.

Hence, in the upbringing of a child, until and unless the parents do not emulate the blessed lifestyle and character of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), bringing his sunnah into their lives and home, they will not see and achieve the desired results in their child’s upbringing. Merely tutoring the child by giving him Islamic education and verbally advising him regarding good morals and values will not prove effective if the parents’ actions, conduct and lifestyle oppose their words. When one studies the lives of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and the way they tutored their children and steered them towards good morals and values, the glaring aspect that stands out is that they practiced what they preached and their actions were testimony to their words.

Together with the parents leading lives of piety and righteousness, thereby becoming good examples for their children, they should also teach their children to fulfill the rights of Allah Ta‘ala and the rights of the creation. They should guide them regarding oral, physical and spiritual cleanliness, and a great emphasis should be laid on social conduct and etiquette. When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) taught the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) deen, his teachings were comprehensive and covered all dimensions of human living.

Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was the special attendant of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) who was honored with the golden opportunity of serving Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) for ten years until the demise of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). During this period of ten years, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) conducted with him with affection and love and taught him deen. He says, “I served Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) for ten years. During this period, he never hit me, spoke to me harshly, scolded me, or even looked at me sternly.”

Among the golden advices and teachings which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) imparted to him are the following:

Education regarding Fulfilling the Rights of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the Creation

“O my beloved son! Keep my secrets confidential, and you will become a true believer.” Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) says, “After Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) gave me this advice, I never divulged his secrets to anyone, despite my mother and the respected wives of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) enquiring from me (while being unaware that what Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had mentioned to me was confidential).”

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also said, “O my beloved son! If you are able to constantly send durood upon me then do so, as the angels will beg Allah Ta‘ala for your forgiveness.”

Education regarding Physical and Oral Hygiene and the Great Virtue of Cleanliness

“Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also said to me, “O my beloved son! Ensure that you make a complete wudhu. If you do so, then the two angels (who are recording your deeds) will love you and you will be granted barakah in your life. O Anas! When you have a fardh bath, then wash your body thoroughly. Through washing your body, you will be cleansed of all your minor sins.” I then asked Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), “How should I ensure that I have washed my body thoroughly?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) replied, “When bathing, ensure that you wet the roots of your hair and thoroughly rub the skin of your body.” “O my beloved son! Remain in the state of wudhu if you are able to, for the one who passes away in the state of wudhu acquires the rank of a shaheed (a martyr).”

Education regarding Fulfilling the Rights of Allah Ta‘ala by Performing Salaah

“O my beloved son! Try to offer some (nafl) salaah in your home as well. O Anas! When you make ruku, then ensure that you grasp your knees firmly, spread your fingers apart and keep your elbows from your sides. O my beloved son! When you raise your head from ruku, allow all your limbs to settle and be calm (before proceeding into sajdah), as on the Day of Judgement, Allah Ta‘ala will not look with mercy at the one who does not keep his back straight when waking up from ruku. O my beloved son! When you make sajdah, place your head and palms firmly on the ground, and do not make sajdah so rapidly that it is like the pecking of a rooster, and do not place your forearms on the ground in sajdah, resembling the sitting of a dog or fox. Refrain from looking around in salaah, as this action is a means of destroying (the reward of) your salaah.”

Education regarding Social Conduct and Thinking Good of Every Muslim

“O my beloved son! When you come out from your home, then make salaam to every Muslim that you see, for if you do so, you will return home cleansed from your minor sins. O my beloved son! When you enter your home then make salaam to your household members.” In one narration, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “When you leave your home, then on seeing any Muslim, you should feel in your heart that he is better than you.”

Education on Raising Children

Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “On the seventh day after the child is born, the aqeeqah should be performed, he should be given an Islamic name and his head should be shaved. When the child reaches the age of seven, he should be taught Islamic etiquette and manners. When he reaches the age of nine, his bed should be separated from his siblings. When he reaches the age of thirteen, he should be disciplined and hit if he does not perform salaah or fast.  When he reaches the age of sixteen or seventeen, his father should get him married. Thereafter, his father should hold his hand and address him saying, ‘I have taught you Islamic etiquette, I have educated you in deen and I have got you married. I seek refuge in Allah from you becoming a means of fitnah and trial for me in this world and a means of punishment for me in the Hereafter.” (Ithaaf 6/316)

Education regarding Upholding Every Sunnah and the Formula for Gaining Entry into Jannah

“O my beloved son! If you are able to spend your day and night without having malice for anybody in your heart, then do so, as this will make your hisaab (accountability in the court of Allah) easy.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also said, “O my son! This (i.e. keeping your heart clean at all times) is my sunnah. The one who loves my sunnah loves me, and the one who loves me will be with me in Jannah. O my beloved son, if you adhere to these advices of mine then there will be nothing more beloved to you than death.” (Sunan Tirmizi #2678, Majma’uz Zawaa’id #1470 and Ibnu ‘Asaakir 9/253)

From the above, we can understand the great importance of imparting deeni knowledge and understanding to the child, as well as the loving, gentle and compassionate approach Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) adopted when teaching Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). When the child is taught deen with such love and care, he will have enthusiasm and eagerness for deen in his heart, and will thereafter live his life in accordance with the dictates of deen.

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Being Concerned about the Deeni Education of the Child – The Orchards of Love – Part Thirty https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21103 Sun, 01 Aug 2021 06:23:59 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=21103

A nation blessed with deeni knowledge and sound understanding is a progressive and productive nation with a bright and promising future. On the contrary, a nation deprived of deeni knowledge and sound understanding is a nation heading towards destruction and failure.

It is for this reason that when any Nabi would be sent to a nation, then one of the primary duties of the Nabi would be to enrich the people with deeni knowledge and understanding, and instill within them sublime morals and values. Hence, the concern of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was always directed towards teaching the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) good character and showing them how to conduct correctly in various spheres of life.

The importance of imparting deeni knowledge to the child can be understood from the fact that whenever any person accepted Islam, then one of the first concerns of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was to educate him regarding deen. Hence, before the hijrah, when the first group of the Ansaar accepted Islam, then Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) sent Hazrat Mus’ab bin Umair (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to Madinah Munawwarah to teach them deen. (Tabaqaat Ibnu Sa’d 3/87)

Similarly, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) also understood the great importance of imparting deeni education to children. Hence, apart from the general concern that Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) showed for teaching deen to the ummah, he had a specific concern for the deeni education of the young children. Thus, it is reported that Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was the first person who instituted the deeni system of maktab madrasahs. He appointed teachers to educate the children and stipulated an allowance for them from the Baytul Maal. (Al-Fawaakih Ad-Dawaani pg. 50-51)

Likewise, many Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) from the Muhaajireen and Ansaar were concerned regarding the deeni welfare of their children and their receiving the correct deeni education and understanding. Hence, they encouraged their children to pledge allegiance at the blessed hands of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and benefit from him, thereby acquiring the knowledge and understanding of deen from him. Among the young Sahaabah who pledged allegiance were Hazrat Abdullah bin Zubair (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Hazrat Abdullah bin Ja’far (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Hazrat Umar bin Abi Salamah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). At the time of pledging allegiance, Hazrat Abdullah bin Zubair (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was approximately seven or eight years old. (Saheeh Muslim #2146 and Tareekh Dimashq 28/161-162)

Imparting deeni education to one’s child is so important that the Hadith explains that on the Day of Qiyaamah, a person will be taken to task for neglecting to attend to his child’s deeni education. (Shu’abul Imaan #8295) In another Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Instill three qualities in your children. Teach them the love for their Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Teach them the love for the family of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and teach them the recitation of the Qur’aan Majeed, for indeed the bearers of the Qur’aan Majeed will be under the shade of Allah’s throne with the Ambiyaa and chosen ones, on the day in which there will be no other shade.” (Faidhul Qadeer #311)

In regards to the education of the child, there are four important aspects that should be taken into consideration:

Imparting Deeni Education to the Child with Love and Compassion

The first aspect is to impart deeni education to the child with love, compassion and affection. This was the manner in which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) imparted education to the young Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum). Hazrat Umar bin Abi Salamah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) narrates, “On one occasion, when I was a child and was eating with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he said to me, “O young lad! Commence eating by taking the name of Allah Ta‘ala, eat with the right hand, and eat from your side of the plate.”” (Saheeh Bukhaari #5376)

This approach of love that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) showed this young Sahaabi became the means for him loving the sunnah and practicing on it throughout his life. Thus, he says that from that day onwards, he ensured that he always ate in the manner taught to him by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

Explaining to the Child According to His Level of Understanding

The second aspect is to open the heart and mind of the young child by explaining the lesson to him according to his level of understanding and comprehension.

It is reported that on one occasion, a young person came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and sought permission to commit zina. The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) became upset and angered at this, however Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) addressed him saying, “Come close to me.” Thereafter, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked him, “Would you like someone to commit zina with your mother?” He replied, “No, O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). May my life be sacrificed for you!”

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then explained to him, “Just as you do not like it for your mother, others also do not like someone to commit zina with their mothers.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then repeated the same question, asking him whether he would like someone to commit zina with his daughter, sister and aunts. Each time, he replied that he would not like someone to commit zina with his daughters, sisters and aunts. Then, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) explained to him that others would not like that zina be committed with their daughters, sisters and aunts.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then placed his blessed hand on the chest of this Sahaabi and made dua for him saying, “O Allah! Forgive his sins, purify his heart and safeguard his private parts from zina.” The impact of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) explaining to this Sahaabi in this loving manner and making dua for him was such that from that day onwards, he felt great disgust for committing zina. (Shu’abul Imaan #5032)

Adopting Halaal Means in Educating the Child and Exposing him to an Islamic Environment

The third aspect is that halaal means should be adopted to educate the child and the child should be exposed to an Islamic environment. Adopting haraam means in the education of the child or exposing the child to the wrong environment will only bring about the wrong effect and cause the child to grow up with the wrong morals and values. Exposing the child to the co-ed educational system or university system, or leaving the child in the care of people who lack Islamic values, leads to the degeneration of the child’s morals and character.

Spending Quality Time with the Children

The fourth aspect is that the parents should show love and affection to their children and spend quality time with them. During this quality time, if they find that their child has shifted from good character and morals, then they should correct them and guide them. Similarly, in this time, they should bond with them, creating the love of deen and the sunnah within their hearts. Rather than the discussions in the home revolving around worldly achievements and the acquisition of wealth, parents should discuss the achievements of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and the manner in which they upheld the sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in their lives. By doing this, the goals which the Sahaabah lived for and died for – of serving humanity, upholding deen and justice – will then pass onto them and become their goals in life.

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The Importance of the Child Remaining in Good Company – The Orchards of Love – Part Twenty-Nine https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=17946 Mon, 05 Jul 2021 05:12:38 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=17946 The Importance of the Child Remaining in Good Company

In the upbringing of a child, it is of paramount importance for the parents to ensure that their child always remains in pious company and is exposed to a good environment. The good environment and pious association will leave an indelible impression on the heart of the child, which will thereafter shape his thinking and mold his outlook towards life. As a result, the child will grow up with the correct mindset of Islam and his heart will be molded with the true values of Islam.

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The Importance of the Child Remaining in Good Company

In the upbringing of a child, it is of paramount importance for the parents to ensure that their child always remains in pious company and is exposed to a good environment. The good environment and pious association will leave an indelible impression on the heart of the child, which will thereafter shape his thinking and mold his outlook towards life. As a result, the child will grow up with the correct mindset of Islam and his heart will be molded with the true values of Islam.

The Hadith explains that every child is born with a pure disposition. This disposition will enable him to see and understand the truth of Islam as he grows up. However, through the child being in the wrong environment, the child is influenced towards the wrong religion. Hence, the child born in the home of a Jew, Christian, or fire-worshipper adopts the religion of his parents. (Saheeh Bukhaari #1385)

In one Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) compared a pious companion to a person carrying musk, and he compared a bad companion to a person fanning a fire. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) explained that through remaining in the company of the musk-carrier, even if one does not receive some musk as a gift or buy some musk from the musk-carrier, then at the very least, he will benefit from the pleasant fragrance of the musk while remaining in his company. Conversely, through remaining in the company of the person fanning the fire, even if one’s clothing is not burnt by the fire, one will still be affected by the fire through perceiving the unpleasant smell of the smoke. (Saheeh Bukhaari #5534)

In this Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) explained that remaining in good company will never be devoid of benefit, while remaining in bad company will never be devoid of harm.

When we study the lives of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), we find that they understood the profound effect which a person’s company and association have on him. Hence, there are many incidents which reflect the concern which the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) had for their children to always remain in good and pious company. Below are two incidents which show the deep concern which Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) had for their children to remain in pious company and acquire deeni benefit.

Hazrat Ummu Sulaim’s (radhiyallahu ‘anha) Concern for Her Son

It is reported that at the time when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) performed hijrah and came to Madinah Munawwarah, Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a young boy who was just eight years old. After the arrival of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), his mother held his hand and took him to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

When they entered into the blessed presence of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the mother of Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) addressed Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and said, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! There is no man or woman of the Ansaar who has not presented you with a gift. However, I do not have anything to present to you as a gift besides my son. Therefore, please accept him for your service.” (Majma’uz Zawaa’id #1470) Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) accepted him in his service, and he remained in the blessed company of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) for ten years.

The mother of Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Hazrat Ummu Sulaim (radhiyallahu ‘anha), understood the value of good company. Since there can be no company better than the company of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), she wanted her young son to remain in his blessed company.

Hazrat Abbaas’ (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) Concern for His Son

Hazrat ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), the uncle of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), desired that his son, Hazrat Abdullah bin ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma), should acquire special blessings through remaining in the blessed company of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

Hence, it is reported from Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) that when he was a young lad, approximately twelve or thirteen years old, his father, Hazrat Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), instructed him to spend the night at the house of his aunt, Hazrat Maimoonah (radhiyallahu ‘anha), in order to benefit from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and observe his tahajjud salaah. Accordingly, Hazrat Ibnu Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) spent the night at his aunt’s house, observing the tahajjud salaah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and thereafter he conveyed to the ummah the manner in which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) performed his tahajjud salaah.

When people think of company and association, it is generally friends and physical companionship that comes to mind. However, the terms ‘company’ and ‘association’ have a much broader meaning. In essence, every element in the environment which influences one’s thinking, molds one’s mindset and affects one’s behavior and conduct can be regarded as one’s company and association.

Hence, the literature that one reads, the websites that one browses, the social media accounts that one follows, etc. – all these are different forms of company and association that mold the mindset and influence and shape one’s thinking in regards to one’s goals and objectives in life. Thus, just as it is imperative for the parents to be particular and discerning regarding their children’s friends, it is equally vital for them to closely monitor and control the other elements of company to which their children are exposed.

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Introducing the Child to Allah Ta‘ala – The Orchards of Love – Part Twenty-Eight https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=17921 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 12:53:46 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=17921 Introducing the Child to Allah Ta‘ala

The upbringing of a child is extremely important and can be likened to the foundation of a building. If the foundation of a building is firm and strong, then the building will also be firm and strong and will weather all conditions. If the foundation of a building is weak and shaky, then with the slightest tremor, the building will collapse. In the same way, the upbringing of the child is the foundation on which the child’s entire life is based.

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Introducing the Child to Allah Ta‘ala

The upbringing of a child is extremely important and can be likened to the foundation of a building. If the foundation of a building is firm and strong, then the building will also be firm and strong and will weather all conditions. If the foundation of a building is weak and shaky, then with the slightest tremor, the building will collapse. In the same way, the upbringing of the child is the foundation on which the child’s entire life is based. In order for a child to prosper and progress in life, the child requires a sound Islamic upbringing. Thus, if the correct Islamic upbringing is not given to the child, and Islamic values and morals are not instilled within him, then the detriment and harm of this will continue to manifest throughout his life.

The child will experience difficulty in his domestic life when dealing with his wife and children. He will encounter problems in his social life when dealing with family, neighbors and people in general. He will not know how to uphold the sanctity of deen and respect the rights of people. In essence, on account of him not being given the correct Islamic upbringing, he will not progress in deen and his worldly life will also be affected.

Giving the child an Islamic upbringing is the right of the child over the parents. It is reported that the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) once asked Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! We know the rights of the father over the child, but what are the rights of the child over the father?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “The right of the child over the father is that the father gives him a good name and teaches him Islamic etiquette and values.” (Shu’abul Imaan #8291)

It is reported that Hazrat Ibnu Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) once advised a person saying, “Ensure that you give your child a good Islamic upbringing, for you will be questioned regarding this on the Day of Qiyaamah. You will be asked regarding the type of upbringing that you had given him and the type of education that you had imparted to him, while he will also be asked regarding whether he was obedient and submissive to you.” (Shu’abul Imaan #8295)

In the upbringing of a child, the first aspect is introducing the child to Allah Ta‘ala. Hence, we witness that when the child is born, even before the age of understanding, Shari’ah commands that azaan be called out in the right ear of the child and iqaamah in the left ear of the child. All this is done in order to mold the heart of the child towards Imaan and create the oneness and greatness of Allah Ta‘ala in his heart. In other words, after coming into the world, the first thing that the child is introduced to is Allah Ta‘ala.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), through his mubaarak action, taught the ummah that they should teach their children to take the name of Allah Ta‘ala at the time of meals. Hence, the child should understand that the food he is being served is being blessed to him by Allah Ta‘ala. Hazrat Umar bin Abi Salamah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) narrates that on one occasion, when he was a child, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said to him, “Commence eating by taking the name of Allah Ta‘ala, eat with the right hand, and eat from your side of the plate.” (Saheeh Bukhaari #5376)

In this Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had imparted three sunnats to this young child, impressing on him that even when eating, we should be mindful of fulfilling the rights of Allah Ta‘ala. Furthermore, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had advised and taught the young child with such love and compassion that the lesson became firmly entrenched in his heart. Thus, he says that from that day onwards, he ensured that he ate in the manner taught to him by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

As the child grows up, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) taught the ummah that they should impress upon the child to fulfill the rights of Allah Ta‘ala, and from all the rights, the most important right is that of salaah. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Instruct your children to perform salaah when they reach the age of seven, and discipline them for not performing salaah when they reach the age of ten.” (Musnad Ahmed #6689) In other words, although the child is young, and salaah is not yet compulsory upon him, we are instructed to emphasize to the child the importance of fulfilling the great right of Allah Ta‘ala known as salaah.

Likewise, the conviction regarding the infinite greatness and supreme power of Allah Ta‘ala must be instilled in the heart of the child from a young age. The child should grow up understanding that it is only Allah Ta‘ala who is the source for all goodness in his life, and that there is no might and power besides Allah Ta‘ala.

Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that on one occasion, he was travelling with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) addressed him saying, “O young boy! Protect the commands of Allah Ta‘ala, and He will protect you. Protect the commands of Allah Ta‘ala, and you will find Him before you (i.e. He will be with you and take care of your needs). When you beg for your needs, then only beg from Allah Ta‘ala. When you seek assistance, then only seek assistance from Allah Ta‘ala. Understand that if the entire ummah has to unite to try and benefit you, then they will not be able to benefit you except to the extent that Allah Ta‘ala has decreed for you, and if the entire ummah has to unite to try and cause you harm, then they will not be able to do so, except to the extent that Allah Ta‘ala has decreed. The pen (of taqdeer) has been raised and the pages (of taqdeer) have dried (i.e. whatever has been decreed by Allah Ta‘ala will come to pass and there can be no change in the decree of Allah Ta‘ala).” (Sunan Tirmizi #2516) [1]

From this Hadith, we understand the manner in which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) instilled the greatness of Allah Ta‘ala in the child, and the way in which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) connected the child with Allah Ta‘ala.

To be continued


[1] عن ابن عباس، قال: كنت خلف رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يوما، فقال: يا غلام إني أعلمك كلمات، احفظ الله يحفظك، احفظ الله تجده تجاهك، إذا سألت فاسأل الله، وإذا استعنت فاستعن بالله، واعلم أن الأمة لو اجتمعت على أن ينفعوك بشيء لم ينفعوك إلا بشيء قد كتبه الله لك، ولو اجتمعوا على أن يضروك بشيء لم يضروك إلا بشيء قد كتبه الله عليك، رفعت الأقلام وجفت الصحف

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Pious Children – The Orchards of Love – Part Twenty-Seven https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=17837 Mon, 21 Jun 2021 04:56:01 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=17837 Pious Children – An Investment for the Hereafter

Among the invaluable bounties of Allah Ta‘ala upon man is the bounty of children. The bounty of children is among the special favors of Allah Ta‘ala mentioned in the Qur’aan Majeed. Allah Ta‘ala says: “Allah has created spouses for you from among yourselves, and created for you sons and grandsons from your spouses, and granted you pure sustenance.” (Surah Nahl v. 72)

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Pious Children – An Investment for the Hereafter

Among the invaluable bounties of Allah Ta‘ala upon man is the bounty of children. The bounty of children is among the special favors of Allah Ta‘ala mentioned in the Qur’aan Majeed. Allah Ta‘ala says: “Allah has created spouses for you from among yourselves, and created for you sons and grandsons from your spouses, and granted you pure sustenance.” (Surah Nahl v. 72)

Many favors of Allah Ta‘ala are such that their benefits and good are confined to one’s lifetime. However, the benefit of children is such an investment that it does not only accrue goodness for a person during his life, but also continue to benefit him after his demise.

However, this investment will only accrue goodness for a person if he instills deeni values in his children and connects them to Allah Ta‘ala. So long as his children uphold deen in their lives and practice upon the teachings of deen which he had imparted to them, his investment will continue to accrue him goodness and reward, even after his demise.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The best things which a person can leave behind after his demise are three; a pious child who makes dua for him, sadaqah-e-jaariyah (the good and righteous deeds) – the rewards of which continue to reach one after his demise, and the knowledge of deen (which he imparted to people) that people continue to practice after his demise.” (Targheeb #125)

In another Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “No father can give his child a better gift than the gift of good manners.” (Sunan Tirmizi #1952)

In yet another Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned, “Treat your children with honor and dignity, and teach them good morals and values.” (Sunan Ibnu Maajah #3671)

Instilling deeni values within one’s children is such an important duty upon parents that Allah Ta‘ala has commanded them to fulfill this duty in the Qur’aan Majeed. Allah Ta‘ala says: “O you who believe! Save yourselves and your family from the fire of Jahannum…” (Surah Tahreem v. 6)

In other words, you should guide your wives and children towards deen and protect them from treading on the path of misguidance. Hence, on the Day of Qiyaamah, a person will also be questioned regarding this duty and responsibility. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Every one of you is a shepherd, and every one of you will be questioned regarding his flock. The Muslim leader is a shepherd and will be questioned regarding his subjects, and a husband is a shepherd who will be questioned regarding his household, and a wife is a shepherd in her husband’s home and will be questioned regarding her flock…” (Saheeh Bukhaari #893)

On the contrary, if a person neglects to give his children the correct Islamic upbringing, and fails to instill deeni values within them, or is not concerned regarding the company they keep, thereby allowing them to be exposed to the wrong elements, then instead of them being a means of benefit and goodness, they will become a calamity for him in this world and the next.

It is reported that among the duas which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) taught the ummah to make, for protection from rebellious children, is the following dua: “O Allah! I seek protection in You from an evil neighbor, from a spouse who will make my hair become white before old age, and from a child who will dominate me (thereby causing me pain).” (Al-Du‘aa li-Tabraani #1339)

Similarly, it is reported that among the duas that Nabi Dawood (‘alaihis salaam) would make was, “O Allah! I seek Your protection from a child that will be a calamity for me!” (Majma‘uz Zawaa’id #17429)

Through his Mubaarak Ahaadith and sublime conduct, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) taught the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and the ummah the manner in which they should impart good morals and deeni values to their children and instill within them Islamic etiquettes.

There are many dimensions of life that need to be focused on when instilling good values, morals and etiquettes in a child. Some of these dimensions are:

(1) Teaching the child the correct Islamic beliefs and strengthening his imaan

(2) Instilling in the child the importance of fulfilling the rights of Allah Ta‘ala and abstaining from sins

(3) Impressing on the child the importance of fulfilling the rights of the creation

(4) Teaching the child respect, etiquette and good character when dealing with people

(5) Highlighting to the child the importance of external and internal purity

(6) Creating hayaa and the fear of Allah Ta‘ala in the child

(7) Emphasizing on the child the importance of always remaining in good company and abstaining from bad company

(8) Teaching the child the special ways to draw the mercy of Allah Ta‘ala

Insha Allah, in the coming articles, some of these dimensions will be discussed.

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Wishing Well for Others – The Orchards of Love – Part Twenty-Six https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=17779 Mon, 14 Jun 2021 13:50:32 +0000 https://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=17779 Wishing Well for Others

From the entire value-system of Islam, every value which Islam advocates is full of attraction and radiates beauty. Whether it be showing respect to the elderly, or compassion to the young, or fulfilling the rights of parents and one’s kith and kin – all reflect the unique splendor of Islam. However, the soul of all these sublime qualities is contained in one Hadith. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said that Deen is to wish well for one and all.

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Wishing Well for Others

From the entire value-system of Islam, every value which Islam advocates is full of attraction and radiates beauty. Whether it be showing respect to the elderly, or compassion to the young, or fulfilling the rights of parents and one’s kith and kin – all reflect the unique splendor of Islam. However, the soul of all these sublime qualities is contained in one Hadith. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said that Deen is to wish well for one and all.

As Muslims, we are taught that just as we wish well for ourselves – we should also wish well for others. Just as we wish for others to show us kindness and compassion, we should also ensure that we deal with them in the same manner. In another Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Love for others what you love for yourself.” (Sunan Tirmizi #2305)

Wishing well for people and showing them compassion is part of the core values of Imaan. On one occasion, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) addressed the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) saying, “You will never acquire perfect Imaan until you show kindness and mercy to the creation.” The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) responded, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! We all show kindness when dealing among people.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then said, “I am not referring to you showing special kindness and mercy to your close friends or those whom you dearly love. Rather, I wish that you show the same level of special kindness and mercy to the entire creation which you show to your close friends or those whom you dearly love.” (Majma’uz Zawaa’id #12731)

The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) took the advice of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to heart and followed it so passionately that they made this the cornerstone of their lives. Hence, we find that some of them even pledged allegiance at the hands of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to always wish well for others and keep their interest at heart at all times. (Saheeh Bukhaari #57)

Among the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) who pledged allegiance at the hands of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to wish well for the entire ummah and to deal with them in the best manner at all times was Hazrat Jareer bin Abdillah Al-Bajali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

Below are a few incidents of the life of this illustrious Sahaabi which sheds light on this beautiful quality of Islam which was a hallmark in his life and which shone out to the world.

Purchasing a Horse

Hazrat Jareer (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) once went to the market to purchase a horse with his freed slave. When Hazrat Jareer (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) saw a horse that he liked, he sent his freed slave to the owner to purchase it for him. The freed slave thus went to the owner and offered to pay him 300 dirhams, but the owner refused as he felt that the horse was worth more than that. The freed slave then began to bargain with him, and when they could not agree on a price, he brought the owner to speak to Hazrat Jareer (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

On coming to Hazrat Jareer (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), the slave explained that he had offered to purchase the horse for 300 dirhams, but the owner refused to accept the price as he felt that the horse was worth more. The seller then asked Hazrat Jareer (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), “Do you think the horse is worth 300 dirhams?” Hazrat Jareer (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “No, your horse is worth more than that.” Hazrat Jareer (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then asked him how much the horse was worth, after which he agreed to pay him 700 or 800 dirhams for the horse. After the sale was concluded, Hazrat Jareer (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reprimanded his freed slave for trying to purchase the item for less than it was worth, saying, “Why do you bring him to me, complaining about the price you offer, when I had pledged to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that I would wish well for every Muslim?” (Al-Mu’jamul Kabeer #2395)

Giving an Option to the One who Transacted with him

Imaam Abu Zur’ah (rahimahullah), the grandson of Hazrat Jareer (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), narrates the following incident regarding his grandfather, Hazrat Jareer (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), and the importance he showed to the pledge he took at the blessed hands of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), to wish well for every Muslim:

“Whenever Hazrat Jareer (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) would sell something or purchase something, then after concluding the transaction, he would address the person whom he was dealing with and would say, ‘What we have taken from you is better in our sight than what we have given you, hence we give you the option that if you wish to cancel this transaction, then you may do so.” (Sunan Abu Dawood #4945)

Taking part in Jihaad and Remembering the Pledge of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)

During the era of the rule of Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), an army was once dispatched to a certain place. At that time, Hazrat Jareer (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was suffering from ill health. Hence, when dispatching the army, Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) wrote a letter to Hazrat Jareer (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) informing him that he had exempted him and his children from participating in future expeditions of jihaad on account of his ill health.

On receiving the letter, Hazrat Jareer (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) wrote the following reply to Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu): “I pledged at the mubaarak hand of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that I would listen and obey (the leader of the Muslims), and that I would always wish well for all Muslims. Hence, if I recover from my illness and I feel well, then I will personally join the expedition and participate in the jihaad. However, if I am still weak and sick, then I will find someone to join the expedition in my place, and I will personally provide him with the funds, weapons and equipment that he requires to go out in jihaad.” (Musannaf Ibnu Abi Shaybah #19878)

May Allah Ta‘ala grant us the same quality of wishing well for the ummah and showing all people kindness and compassion, in the same manner the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) wished well for all people and showed them kindness and compassion.

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