Ihyaaud Deen An Effort to Revive Deen in Totality
Currently, in all parts of the world, Muslims are undergoing hardships and difficulties. At a national and international level, Muslims are facing many challenges. The plight of the Muslims in Gaza and Sudan, China and Burma, and other parts of the world, is well known to us. Similarly, the xenophobia and Islamophobia in our country is also evident before our eyes.
The question lingering in the heart of each person is “What should Muslims do at this time, and what is the solution to all the problems of the ummah?”
Before understanding the solution, it is imperative for us to understand that Allah Ta‘ala is the Sole Controller of all affairs, and it is the system of Allah Ta‘ala that when man is obedient to Allah Ta‘ala, then Allah Ta‘ala sends down conditions of prosperity and ease. Conversely, when man disobeys Allah Ta‘ala, then Allah Ta‘ala sends down difficulties and hardships in the form of hurricanes and tornados, floods and natural disasters, earthquakes and tsunamis, etc.
Therefore, for us to change the condition of this country and the condition of the world, the only way is to turn back to Allah Ta‘ala and become obedient to Him, as He is the One who is in control of all affairs.
It is reported that Aflatoon (Plato) wished to test Nabi Isa (‘alaihis salaam) to see whether he was a Nabi of Allah Ta‘ala or not, so he decided to ask him the following question. He said to Nabi Isa (‘alaihis salaam), “If the sky became bows firing arrows towards the earth, and each arrow was like a calamity falling on the earth, and the one firing the arrows from the sky is Allah Ta‘ala, then how would one on earth be able to save himself from the arrows striking him?”
Nabi Isa (‘alaihis salaam) immediately responded saying, “Go on the side of the one who is firing the arrows, and you will be safeguarded.” In other words, you go on Allah Ta‘ala’s side, and Allah Ta‘ala will protect you from His calamities and punishments. (Tafseer Mazhari 8/278)
Whenever the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) faced any difficulty, then their immediate response which they learnt from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was to turn to Allah Ta‘ala, for Allah Ta‘ala is the Only Being who can help His servant at the time of difficulty.
Taqwa – the Key to Draw the Special Help of Allah Ta‘ala
In the time of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), there was a Sahaabi by the name of Hazrat Awf bin Maalik Ashja’ee (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Once, he came to Madinah Munawwarah and complained to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that a tribe of the kuffaar had come to their village and looted their wealth, stole his camels and even kidnapped his son.
This Sahaabi was overcome by grief and sadness and he asked Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) for some assistance. He even mentioned to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that his son sent a message to him, informing him that the kuffaar had tied him up in leather straps and were oppressing him.
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said to him that the people of Madinah Munawwarah are also undergoing poverty and starvation. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said to him, “I do not possess anything through which I will be able to assist you, but you and your family should turn to Allah Ta‘ala in dua.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also told him to tell his son to recite the following two aayats in the morning and evening:
لَقَدۡ جَآءَکُمۡ رَسُوۡلٌ مِّنۡ اَنۡفُسِکُمۡ عَزِیۡزٌ عَلَیۡہِ مَا عَنِتُّمۡ حَرِیۡصٌ عَلَیۡکُمۡ بِالۡمُؤۡمِنِیۡنَ رَءُوۡفٌ رَّحِیۡمٌ ﴿۱۲۸﴾ فَاِنۡ تَوَلَّوۡا فَقُلۡ حَسۡبِیَ اللّٰہُ ۫٭ۖ لَاۤ اِلٰہَ اِلَّا ہُوَ ؕ عَلَیۡہِ تَوَکَّلۡتُ وَ ہُوَ رَبُّ الۡعَرۡشِ الۡعَظِیۡمِ ﴿۱۲۹﴾٪
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also told him to tell his son to recite “لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله العلي العظيم” in abundance.
When Hazrat Awf bin Maalik (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) returned home, his wife was eagerly awaiting the response of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). She asked her husband what Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said. Her husband replied, “Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said that he does not have anything to assist us with, as there is poverty in Madinah Munawwarah, but we should turn to Allah Ta‘ala and beg Him for His mercy!”
Hearing this response, his wife said, “He gave you the best advice by asking us to turn to Allah Ta‘ala (in this time of difficulty, as Allah Ta‘ala alone is the Controller of all affairs).”
The Sahaabi then sent the message to his son, telling him to recite the two verses of the Qur’aan Majeed in the morning and evening, and to recite “لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله العلي العظيم” in abundance.
The son did as Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had instructed, and after a few days, when the kuffaar were all asleep, the chains with which the Sahaabi’s son were tied up automatically broke and fell off. At nightfall, he fled and brought back with him his father’s animals, and he also brought with him a lot of animals and wealth of the kuffaar. All this wealth he acquired from the kuffaar as booty which was halaal for him.
When he returned to his parents, he informed them of what had transpired. His parents were overjoyed and delighted, as Allah Ta‘ala had freed him in this miraculous way and also blessed them with wealth and sustenance.
The Sahaabi, Hazrat Awf bin Maalik (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), immediately came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and informed him of what had happened. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) ascended the mimbar and recited the following verses before the Sahaabah which were revealed to him from Allah Ta‘ala on that occasion:
وَ مَنۡ یَّتَّقِ اللّٰہَ یَجۡعَلۡ لَّہٗ مَخۡرَجًا ۙ﴿۲﴾ وَّ یَرۡزُقۡہُ مِنۡ حَیۡثُ لَا یَحۡتَسِبُ ؕ وَ مَنۡ یَّتَوَکَّلۡ عَلَی اللّٰہِ فَہُوَ حَسۡبُہٗ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰہَ بَالِغُ اَمۡرِہٖ ؕ قَدۡ جَعَلَ اللّٰہُ لِکُلِّ شَیۡءٍ قَدۡرًا ﴿۳﴾
The meaning of these verses is that the one who adopts taqwa and piety in his life (and he fears Allah Ta‘ala at all times and refrains from sins) – then Allah Ta‘ala will make an exit for him from every problem, and Allah Ta‘ala will grant him sustenance from avenues least expected, and the one who places his trust on Allah Ta‘ala, Allah Ta‘ala will be sufficient for him. Allah Ta‘ala will complete his plan, and Allah Ta‘ala has a time for everything. (Incident taken from Fazaa’il-e-Sadaqaat 2/383-384)
In other words, how beautifully Allah Ta‘ala is explaining to us, “O My servant! Don’t lose hope! Turn to Me, and I will take care of you – but become obedient to Me!”
How will we become obedient to Allah Ta‘ala? We should perform salaah in the musjid with jamaat. We should treat the servants of Allah Ta‘ala with kindness and compassion. We should refrain from all sins and all types of disobedience, whether it be with the cell phone, internet, watching TV, Youtube videos, etc. We should fulfil the rights we owe to Allah Ta‘ala and the creation. If we are disobeying Allah Ta‘ala all the time, and we are complaining about conditions and are not turning to Him, then how can we expect the mercy of Allah Ta‘ala to fall and rain upon us?
Earthquakes Taking Place in the World
Just recently, there was a major earthquake in the Philippines. A few years ago, there was a major earthquake in Turkey. When an earthquake strikes, lava comes out from the volcano and it erupts, and we know what happens. Sometimes, earthquakes take place in the sea and this causes tsunamis which strike the countries and leave everything in smithereens.
One group of scientists say that the cause of earthquakes are the plates under the ground. When the plates move, you get earthquakes. The second group of scientists say that there are treasures of minerals under the ground. There’s iron, gold, silver and other minerals. When all these minerals are locked in the ground, then there are gases that are produced. These gases have nowhere to vent and go, so when they become too much and have no place to go, then to get released, it causes an earthquake.
This is what the kuffaar say about earthquakes and their cause. However, in the Hadith, we are informed that earthquakes take place because of the sins of insaan. The Hadith mentions that when sins become rife in the ummah, such as drinking wine, listening to music, dancing, people showing disrespect to the house of Allah Ta‘ala, disobeying their parents, the latter people reviling the former pious servants, etc. then Allah Ta‘ala sends down His punishment upon the ummah in the form of earthquakes and other natural calamities. (Sunan Tirmizi #2211)
Once, during the blessed era of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), an earthquake occurred. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) addressed the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and said to them:
إن ربكم يستعتبكم فأعتبوه
“Your Lord wants you all to turn to Him in taubah, so turn to Him and repent for your sins.” (Musannaf Ibnu Abi Shaybah #8420)
Britain thought that they are far from the plates so they will be saved from earthquakes, but when an earthquake struck Britain, Allah Ta‘ala showed them that Allah Ta‘ala is in complete power and control of everything and Allah Ta‘ala causes earthquakes to take place wherever He wishes.
The Assistance of Allah Ta‘ala in the Midst of the Tsunami
In 2004, a tsunami struck Indonesia as well as certain other countries. One jamaat from Indonesia came to South Africa, and one brother in the jamaat was present in Indonesia at the time when the tsunami struck one of the islands of Indonesia.
He says that from the musjid windows, the jamaat saw the tsunami coming towards the musjid, and they were greatly terrified and worried. The ameer of the jamaat told the brothers to engage in Aamaal and dua. Allah Ta‘ala caused the water to go around the musjid, not allowing even one drop to enter the musjid. The hot, boiling water came from the sea through a volcanic eruption in the sea and flattened the whole island. The homes, the people, buildings and everything was destroyed. However, the musjid remained intact and protected.
One brother from the island was also present with the jamaat in the musjid, spending time with the jamaat. When he came out of the musjid and went home, he found that his house was intact. Even the chicken cage outside his house with the chickens and eggs were all intact.
Allah is showing us that Allah Ta‘ala’s help is with deen and the people of deen. Allah Ta‘ala’s help is with the sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), so come onto the sunnah and you will see that the divine help of Allah Ta‘ala will be with you.
The deeni condition of the ummah in most parts of the world is on a decline, and we are not receiving the help of Allah Ta‘ala on account of the ummah being involved in many sins. When the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were tested with various trials and tribulations, they turned to Allah Ta‘ala, and immediately, His divine help came to them because they were loyal and faithful to Allah Ta‘ala. Today, the ummah is not faithful to Allah Ta‘ala, therefore the help of Allah Ta‘ala is not coming down like how it came to the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum).
Therefore, we should make dua for ourselves and for the ummah at large, and make effort to bring deen into our lives. Wherever we are able to assist the ummah financially, then we should do so to the best of our ability.
The Only Solution in the Time of Fitnahs and Trials
The only solution to remove problems is to go back to Allah Ta‘ala as He is the One who sends down conditions on man. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned in his Mubaarak Hadith that the one who recites the following dua every morning (and he lives his life accordingly):
رضيت بالله ربا وبالإسلام دينا وبمحمد نبيا
I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, and I am pleased with Islam as my way of life, and I am pleased with Muhammed (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) as my Nabi (as my guide and as my role model in life).
Then Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:
فأنا الزعيم لآخذن بيده حتى أدخله الجنة
I give him guarantee that I will hold his hand on the Day of Qiyaamah and usher him into Jannah. (Majma’uz Zawaa’id #17005)
The meaning of this dua is that one is saying to Allah Ta‘ala, “Oh Allah! I am pleased with You as my Lord and the One who will take charge of all my affairs, and I am pleased with Islam as my way of life, and I am pleased with Muhammed (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) as my Nabi (to guide me in life).”
In this dunya, when a person encounters a difficult situation, he looks for contacts to solve his problem. In this Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is showing us that the actual “contact” that will get us into Jannah is loyalty to Allah Ta‘ala, loyalty to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and loyalty to Islam. These three things are the pathway to success in this world, in the grave and the Hereafter. In the grave, we will be questioned about these three things – “من ربك ما دينك من هذا الرجل” and in the Hereafter as well, we will be asked about these very same three things.
How the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) Showed Loyalty to Allah Ta‘ala and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) By Holding Onto the Sunnah and Refraining from Sin
(1) Refraining from Attending a Waleemah wherein Sin Takes Place
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was once invited to a waleemah. As he drew close to the gathering, he heard the sound of music being played at the waleemah, and immediately turned away and refrained from attending.
When he was later asked as to why he had returned and did not attend, he said, “I heard Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) saying, ‘The one who adds to the numbers of a people (involved in sin) will be counted from among them (in the sight of Allah Ta‘ala).’” (Ithaaful Khiyarah #3297)
(2) Refraining from Riba Transactions
Hazrat Raafi bin Khadeej (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that at one time, the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were conducting a certain type of business deal and were earning abundant profits. However, the uncle of Hazrat Raafi bin Khadeej (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then came to them with a message from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), informing them that this type of business deal was impermissible as the element of riba was found in it.
The uncle of Hazrat Raafi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) addressed them saying, “Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has prohibited us from a deal that outwardly is beneficial for us, but the obedience of Allah Ta‘ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is better for us and more beneficial.” Hence, on receiving the message, the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) immediately refrained from this business deal. (Saheeh Muslim #1548)
(3) Refraining from Pictures and Photography
On one occasion, while Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was out on a journey, Hazrat Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) hung a curtain with pictures of animate objects on the door. At that time, Hazrat Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) was unaware that pictures of animate objects were prohibited.
When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) arrived at his home and his sight fell on the curtain, he was greatly displeased. Hazrat Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) greeted him, but he did not reply to her greeting and immediately went to the curtain and tore it.
On seeing the reaction of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Hazrat Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) realised that she had committed a serious mistake, on account of which the Rasul of Allah Ta‘ala was displeased with her. With extreme humility and remorse, she exclaimed, “O Rasul of Allah! I turn to Allah Ta‘ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in repentance! Explain to me the sin that I have committed.”
The heart of Hazrat Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) was so filled with the love of Allah Ta‘ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that she could not tolerate their displeasure for a single moment. Hence, even though she did not have knowledge of the sin she had committed, she first hastened towards taubah and thereafter begged Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to explain to her the sin that she committed in order that she does not repeat it in future.
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then explained to her the evil consequence of those involved in the grave sin of picture-making. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “O Aaishah! Indeed, the people who are involved in making pictures of animate objects will be subjected to the worst punishment on the Day of Qiyaamah.” (Saheeh Bukhaari #2105, 5954 & Mustakhraj Abi Awaanah #9187)
The Sign of True Love for Allah Ta‘ala, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and Islam
We all claim to love Allah Ta‘ala, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and Islam, but the question we need to ask ourselves is, “Do we really have the true love of Allah Ta‘ala and His beloved Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and Islam in our hearts? Or are we only claiming so?”
The sign of having true love and loyalty for Allah Ta‘ala, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and Islam is that one will be obedient to Allah Ta‘ala and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) by following Islam correctly in all facets of his life.
- A person should grow the beard and conform to the sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in his dressing and attire.
- He should perform all his salaah in the musjid with jamaat. Just as one regards jumuah salaah to be extremely important and he ensures that he comes to the musjid for jumuah, he should also regard performing every fardh salaah in the musjid with jamaat to be extremely important in his life.
- He should run his business according to the laws of Shari’ah without getting involved in riba and other sins.
- He should fulfil the rights he owes to Allah Ta‘ala, the rights he owes to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and the rights he owes to the servants of Allah Ta‘ala in the manner Shari’ah has prescribed.
- He should discharge his zakaat correctly with a happy heart.
- He should refrain from looking at haraam on the cell phone, watching TV and YouTube videos, etc.
If a person says “I love Allah and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)!” but he is involved night and day in these haraam actions, then what type of love is he claiming to have when he is adopting the ways of the enemies of Allah Ta‘ala and disobeying Allah Ta‘ala and His beloved Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in his life?
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned that the people to be subjected to the worst punishment in the Aakhirah will be the picture makers and anybody involved in photography.
Recently, a student in a madrasah had a dream. He saw that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was on one side, and Dajjaal was on the other side. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was calling everyone towards him, and Dajjaal was also calling everyone towards him. The student then saw people who are involved in YouTube all going towards Dajjaal to join him.
The student was also thinking about going to Dajjaal to join him, but then he thought, “How can I leave Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and go to Dajjaal?” He then went towards Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and began to cry in front of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). This dream clearly indicates that Youtube, the TV, etc. are all tools of Dajjaal and are created to destroy the deen of the ummah. Similarly, we should not refer to AI and Google for our deeni guidance. All these are shaitaani devices which will destroy our deen.
Four Things to do to Save Oneself from the Punishment of Allah Ta‘ala
(1) Firstly, we should turn to Allah Ta‘ala and beg Him for forgiveness for all our sins. In the Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:
من لزم الاستغفار جعل الله له من كل ضيق مخرجا ومن كل هم فرجا ورزقه من حيث لا يحتسب
The one who holds on firmly to istighfaar (i.e. makes istighfaar in abundance), Allah Ta‘ala will make a way out for him from every difficulty, grant him relief from every worry, and bestow him with sustenance from avenues he does not expect. (Sunan Abu Dawood #1518)
(2) Secondly, we should give sadaqah and assist the servants of Allah Ta‘ala who are undergoing difficulties in the world, as sadaqah removes calamities and cools down the anger of Allah Ta‘ala. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned in the Hadith:
إن الصدقة لتطفئ غضب الرب
Certainly, sadaqah cools down the anger of Allah Ta‘ala. (Sunan Tirmizi #664)
(3) Thirdly, we should make dua daily for own hidaayat and hifaazat, and the hidaayat and hifaazat of the ummah. Dua is the weapon of a believer, and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) taught the ummah to turn to Allah Ta‘ala in dua at the time of difficulties. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:
حصنوا أموالكم بالزكاة وداووا مرضاكم بالصدقة واستقبلوا أمواج البلاء بالدعاء والتضرع
Protect your wealth by discharging zakaat, treat your sick by giving sadaqah and combat the waves of calamities by resorting to dua and humility. (Targheeb #1112)
(4) Fourthly, we should reform our lives by leaving out all types of sin. We should bring the Mubaarak Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in our lives and abandon the ways of the kuffaar.
The Mubaarak Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is the thing that is lacking in the lives of the Muslims, and this is the gateway to drawing the mercy of Allah Ta‘ala towards us and the ticket to Jannah.
Once, a certain Aalim told Hazrat Shaikhul Hadith Moulana Muhammed Zakariyya Kaandhelwi (rahimahullah) that the Muslims are suffering hardships in most parts of the world. What is the solution for the crisis of the ummah?
Hazrat Shaikh (rahimahullah) mentioned to him that all this is on account of the sins of the ummah and on account of them leaving the mubaarak sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Hazrat Shaikh (rahimahullah) told him, “If we bring the sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) into our lives, then Allah Ta‘ala will change the condition of the ummah.” (Ma’aarif-e-Shaikh-ul-Hadith pg. 111)
On the occasion of Aashura, this was the heartfelt desire of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) for his ummah, that we should firmly hold onto his mubaarak sunnah in all facets of our lives, and we should leave following the way of the kuffaar. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Oppose the way of the Jews and fast two days (the ninth and tenth, or the tenth and eleventh of Muharram).” This command of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to the ummah is not confined to only fasting, but applies to all departments of our worldly and deeni lives.
