Ihyaaud Deen An Effort to Revive Deen in Totality
Being considerate to others, and ensuring that one does not cause any inconvenience to the creation of Allah Ta‘ala in any way, is among the most important and fundamental teachings of the deen of Islam and is also part of the demands of imaan.
Hence, in the blessed Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “A (complete and perfect) Muslim is one who is such that other Muslims are safe from the harm of his tongue and hand (i.e. people are not inconvenienced through him in any way).” (Saheeh Muslim #41)
Hazratjee (rahimahullah) was an embodiment of this sublime quality and sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). At all times, he ensured that he did not become a means of bringing discomfort to anyone, rather he would go out of his way to bring ease and comfort to others.
Not Disturbing the Sleep of His Attendants
On account of his ill health and weak condition, the doctors had advised Hazratjee (rahimahullah) that he should not sleep alone at night. It was for this reason that he kept certain attendants to share the room with him.
Despite these attendants being there to serve him, Hazratjee (rahimahullah) would try his best not to bring any inconvenience to them. Hence, when he would awaken at the time of tahajjud, he would not wake any of the attendants up to assist him. However, if any of the attendants awoke on his own and came forward to assist, then Hazratjee (rahimahullah) would allow him to assist.
This was despite the fact that Hazratjee (rahimahullah) was so weak and frail at that time that when going to the next room to use the toilet and make wudhu, then he would need to hold onto the wall for support.
Furthermore, in order to avoid disturbing the attendants sleeping nearby, Hazratjee (rahimahullah) would ensure that he stood up and walked out as quietly as possible so that their sleep would not be affected.
The great importance which Hazratjee (rahimahullah) showed to not causing any inconvenience to others can perhaps be gauged by the following statement he made. Hazratjee (rahimahullah) said, “It is insufficient as an excuse for you to say that I did not intend to cause so-and-so inconvenience. Rather, you should intend at all times, as well as make an effort, to save others from your inconvenience, whether through your action or speech.” (Hayaate Maseehul Ummat pg. 251-252)
Not Causing Inconvenience to the Wife and Children
Just as Hazratjee (rahimahullah) would ensure that he did not cause any inconvenience to any person, and he ensured that he fulfilled all people’s rights, he similarly stressed on his mureeds that they should do the same. Hence, when any person came to Jalaalabaad to spend time in the khanqah, then Hazratjee (rahimahullah) would first ensure that the person had made adequate and appropriate arrangements for the wellbeing of his wife and children in his absence.
In this regard, it is mentioned that a mureed once came from Delhi with his bedding to spend a few days in the khanqah. As was Hazratjee’s (rahimahullah) practice, he first asked the man, “What work do you do?” The man replied, “I sell kebaabs.” Hazratjee (rahimahullah) next asked him, “Who will now sell your kebaabs (while you are here, in order to support your family)?” The man replied, “My younger brother will sell the kebaabs.”
Hazratjee (rahimahullah) then asked, “Who will bring groceries to your home?” The man replied, “Hazrat! I have an eleven-year-old son! He will bring the groceries.”
Finally, Hazratjee (rahimahullah) asked, “Which mahram will sleep in your home during the night (in case there is an emergency or any need arises during the night)?” The man said, “Hazrat! My younger brother will spend the night in my home.”
As soon as Hazratjee (rahimahullah) heard this, he said, “He is not a mahram (for your wife). Therefore, you should return to Delhi and first arrange for a mahram to stay the night in your home with your family before coming.” (Hayaate Maseehul Ummat pg. 189-190)
