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» 5th January 2009
KEEP THE FAITH!!!
"And neither lose courage nor grieve, for indeed you are to be elevated (triumphant) if you are (true and sincere) believers."
It is well-known that the Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) was sent as a Messenger amongst the most ignorant and uncivilized of nations. The Arabs of those days were lost in the darkness of ignorance, when came the shining beacon of light in the form of the Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The way of life he invited them to was unheard of an unimaginable for them as the ways of their forefathers were deeply ingrained in them. Despite being taken aback by the miraculous nature of the Book of Allah, the Noble Qur'aan that he brought to them, and his own amazing nature, they refused to budge and deemed it below their dignity to adopt a new way of life. Anyone who chose to follow him risked being cut off from his family and being tortured to a pitiful state. As a result few dared to profess embracing Islam in the beginning stages, but those who did, did so with all their heart, with complete faith in Allah and His Last Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Slowly the number of Muslims grew as the lantern of Islam lit up the hearts of those who were drawn towards it.
The point of my mentioning this is to draw to your attention the sufferings of the Muslims of those days, who were so few in number, with hardly any essential material possessions. They lived on the staple food of dates and camel meat, and dressed in thick canvas. They were under attack from all corners of the world, for nobody liked this new power that had seemed to emerge in the name Islam. All over, people who once drew their swords to kill at the mere sight of each other, united in order to topple Islam. Foes turned in to friends in order to achieve this common objective. The world was at war with the Muslims, who were at the time less than a thousand in number. At such a time the verse quoted above was revealed, assuring the Muslims that they have nothing to fear. They have every reason to keep the faith and expect victory, for as long as they are TRUE BELIEVERS they will be triumphant. They were promised that they will one day conquer the east and the west of the then discovered world that was under the rule of the Persians and the Romans respectively. The non-believers laughed at this prophecy and made a mockery of the Muslims for daring to entertain such thoughts, but the Muslims had one ingredient which ensured that they would achieve the impossible and eventually topple the superpowers of those years. That ingredient was FAITH.
I ask you to ponder for a minute...if Allah had promised victory and power to such a weak, uneducated, uncivilized nation merely on account of their sincere faith, would not the same apply to us? We are far greater in number than the Muslims of those days, yet far behind in spirit. Yet the same Allah who helped them is still there waiting to help us. But we must first want to help ourselves! Unfortunately, there is an ocean of Muslims out there, but without any sign of water! An ocean of Muslims that is just an ocean by name!
Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) prophesied some 1400 years ago (to the effect that)....
"A time will come when the enemies of Islam will invite each other against you as people are invited to partake of a feast!" The Sahaabah questioned, "Will that be because we will be few in number?" He replied, "No, in fact you will be great in number but your worth/strength will be nothing more than like that of the foam of the ocean. And your hearts will be possessed by Al-Wahn." The Sahaabah inquired as to what Al-Wahn is, to which he replied, "love for material possessions and dislike for death."
Dear readers, none of us are blind to the plight of our Muslims brothers and sisters. We should not think of it as THEIR suffering, for indeed it Is not only theirs but OURS too. Where are calls of barbaric behaviour and sheer carnage today? Is the blood of an innocent Palestinian civilian okay to shed just because he is a Muslim?understand that this war is not against Palestine, but against Islam. The so-called superpowers of the world are out to make a morsel of the Muslims for they fear the same thing that was feared by the enemies of Islam in those years. They know that the rise of Islam would leave them with nothing! We have to wake up and realise this before it is too late. We are cursing those who are incurring such warfare in Palestine but we live to follow those very warmongers for they are the trend setters in the west in every aspect of life! We are suffering the consequences of our own actions. The help of Allah is very near indeed, but for it it to manifest itself we have to fulfill one condition:
Islam is a beautiful way of life....embrace it for all its worth and then see what a huge difference we can make!
"Our liberation does not come from liberating our desires (as in the west), but our liberation comes from our enslavement to Allah."
May Allah Ta'aala grant us the all the steadfastness we truly need, and may Allah relieve the Palestinians and all the Muslims suffering across the globe of their plight. Ameen.
Wassalam
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 5th January 2009 - 0 comments
» 25th December 2008
Passive Participation
Would a Muslim participate in any Jewish religious occasion? Would he join the Christians or people of any other faith in a religious ceremony? The obvious answer is “no” since this would compromise one’s faith and belief. One cannot compromise faith, otherwise one will eventually have no faith at all. Indeed on a humanitarian level one must treat every human being with dignity, kindness and compassion, but without transgressing the boundaries of Imaan..
RELIGIOUS CELEBRATIONS
One of the very common ways in which the boundary of belief is compromised is by means of participating in the religious celebrations of other creeds. For instance, Christmas is a Christian religious celebration. This is clearly ascertained from the following: “The Roman Catholic Church chose December 25 as the day for the Feast of the Nativity in order to give Christian meaning to existing pagan rituals. For example, the Church replaced festivities honouring the birth of Mithra, the god of light, with festivities to commemorate the birth of Jesus, whom the Bible calls the light of the world. The Catholic Church hoped to draw pagans into its religion by allowing them to continue their revelry while simultaneously honouring the birthday of Jesus.” (Encarta)
Therefore if one participates in any way in Christmas celebrations, actively or passively, he will in reality be aligning himself with that creed. A Mu’min cannot align himself with any creed other than Islam.
PASSIVE PARTICIPATION
Among the ways of “passive participation” in Christmas celebrations is by means of adopting the Christmas symbols – decorating one’s home or business with Christmas decorations, Christmas trees, wishing people “merry Christmas,” etc. Christmas is a celebration of the faith and creed of Christianity. Included in this is the worship of the so called “son of God”??? Would a Muslim wish a Christian “happy worship of the son …”? It is simply not possible. The same ruling will apply to wishing one “merry Christmas.”
source: www.alhaadi.org.za
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 25th December 2008 - 0 comments
» 17th December 2008
X(not) - Mas
What is this - Christmas?
The word Christmas comes from the words Cristes maesse, or "Christ's Mass." Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus for members of the Christian religion. Most historians peg the first celebration of Christmas to Rome in 336 A.D.
Muslims Celebrating Christmas - Is This Possible?
While you may find this strange, we have received letters asking about the permissibility of allowing Muslim children and adults to join along Christians in celebrating Christmas; giving gifts, decorating their homes, lighting candles, putting up Christmas trees and lights and greeting each other with "Merry Christmas."
No candles? * No Christmas tree * No sleigh? * No reindeer? * No mistletoe? * No bells? * No elves? * No stockings by the chimney? * No Christmas Carols * & NO SANTA CLAUS?
Let us consider some important facts about this occasion and what it really means:
By A Loving Muslim brother
I was a Christian for many years, and I used to get really upset when people took the "Christ" out of Christmas, and I could not imagine why people would let all of this gross commercialism overwhelm the remembrance of the birth of Christ Jesus. So, it came as a great surprise, in my little world, to learn this was from the Solstice celebration, and had been going on for hundreds of years before the time of Jesus. Also, we find no evidence Jesus was even born in the month of December (and in fact, it becomes obvious from close study of the Bilbe he was not even born in the year claimed to be 2,006 years ago.
Let's consider some very important evidence about the event called "Christmas":
No proof for his birth in December - nor for exactly 2006 years ago for that matter. New Testament claims he was born during the reign of King Herod. He was already dead 6 years before.
No proof for Christmas trees - actually, the Bible (Jerimiah 10) forbids the act of cutting down trees or holly or anything and then taking it into the house and decorating it up.
Nothing about Santa Claus except a bishop who attended the Council of Nicea in 325 A. D. named, Saint Nicholas who was generous with money and used it to help a man get his two older daughters married off by throwing a bag of silver into their open window for their dowry (women paid men - the opposite of the dowry system of Islam), thus earning himself the title of St. Nick.
There can be no absolute proof of the particulars and details surrounding all of the many factors coming together in Rome in 325 A.D. (after Christ's birth), in order to establish with certainty, Jesus Christ was born on December 25, as mentioned.
Solstice Celebrations:
From Babylon to Rome, for thousands of years, virtually every culture has had some sort of celebration for the solstice. The winter solstice is the darkest, shortest day of the year, and since it marks the time at which the glorious light returns, the solstice has long been an occasion for great celebration and rejoicing.
On the surface, the solstice celebration is often a rejoicing of the return of the sun with the promise of the greening of the earth and the warming of the days. But on a deeper spiritual level, the solstice celebration honors the birth and rebirth of the glorious Holy Light which guides and sustains all of creation, the One Light that illuminates every heart and promises new growth, the warmth of loving-kindness and the brilliance of illumination to all of mankind.
The sun god Mithra (Mithra in Persian, Mitra in Sanskrit) was highly honored and well known across the entire region from India to Rome. In the ancient Vedic hymns of India, Mitra is often invoked together with Varuna so that the two are combined as 'Mitravaruna' : Varuna is lord of the cosmic rhythm of the celestial spheres, while Mitra brings forth the light at dawn, which was covered by Varuna.
In the Zoroastrian religion, the sun-god Mithra was highly honored as a major deity, and interestingly, the birth of Mithra is celebrated at the eve of the winter solstice called Shab-e Yalda in Farsi (Persian).
The Romans had a great number of temples dedicated to Mithra, and the winter solstice celebration dedicated to the sun god Mithra was indeed a major event in their lives.
In the ancient world, much of the day to day life was centered on a keen awareness of the sun, the stars and the seasons. For thousands of years, the return of the sun at the time of the winter solstice has been a time of good cheer and great celebration, both secular and spiritual.
Early Christians:
The early Christians did not celebrate the birth of Jesus. The early church fathers Origen (d.255), St. Irenaeus (d. 202), and Tertullian (d. 220) do not include Christmas or its date on their lists of feasts and celebrations.
In fact, nobody really knows when Jesus was born. Church father Clement of Alexandria tells us that certain theologians had claimed to have determined not only the year of the Jesus' birth but also the day; that it took place in the 28th year of Augustus and on the 25th day of Pachon (May 20) (Stromata, I, 21). He also added that others said that he was born on the 24th or 25th of Pharmuthi (April 19 or 20). Another piece of evidence is De Paschae Computus of 243, which states that Jesus was born on March 28.
Many modern scholars, using the details given in the bible, suggest that Jesus' birthday was likely before October or after March. So, although we don't know when Jesus was born, it seems quite unlikely that it was on December 25th.
The Church In Rome:
The early church fathers in Rome were perhaps feeling a bit left out by all the celebrations that were going on at the time of the Solstice. It's all too difficult to control people who are busy celebrating for just any old reason.
It was not at all common in those days to celebrate a person's birthday, but something drastic had to be done to get the church into the celebration. So, in order to eclipse the solstice celebration of the sun god Mithra, in the middle of the 4th century after Jesus' death, the newly converted Emperor Constantine declared December 25th to be the official birthday of Jesus.
Within a few years, the altars of the temples of Mithra had been destroyed and the temples were quickly rededicated to the activities of the church of Rome. Just that suddenly, the winter solstice which was perhaps the greatest celebration known to the ancient world, was transformed into a matter of church doctrine.
In later years, the English gave this celebration the name Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ's mass... and from that we have inherited the word Christmas.
Now...
We see clearly, Christmas as it is celebrated today is not something associated with Judaism or Islam in their original teachings. We must ask the question, "If the prophets of Allah and their people did not engage in such acts of pagan worship, then why should we?"
Our prophet, peace be upon him, ordered us to refrain from following in the footsteps of those who had gone astray before us. He also made sure we understood our celebrations are two; namely: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Even though some will join in with others to celebrate the beliefs and and practices of non-Muslim activities, we as believers, must not engage in such offensive acts toward our Lord, Allah. He hates that we involve ourselves in practices of worship not ordained by Him and we must avoid such activities at all costs.
We ask Allah to forgive us for our past mistakes and errors and to guide us to do better in the future and grant us from Him, Mercy, Compassion and Forgiveness, Ameen.
source: Written by Editor: ShareIslam.com
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 17th December 2008 - 1 comment
» 7th December 2008
» 4th December 2008
O' heart of mine...
One day the blessed Prophet was counselling his Companions. As they listened to his sweet words, some of them wept from fear of Allah and some from love of Him. The venerable Usama was the only one not weeping. He lamented his state to the blessed Messenger of Allah, who placed his blessed hands upon his breast and said: 'ukhruj ya iblis (Out, O Satan!)' Now at last Usama began to weep. The blessed Messenger turned to his Companions saying:
'The inability to weep is caused by hardness of heart, hardness of heart is caused by multiplicity of sin, multiplicity of sin is caused by forgetfulness of death, forgetfulness of death is caused by ambitious expectations, ambitious expectations are caused by excessive love of the life in this world.'
The religion of Islam and the Noble Qur'an are censorious of this world. What is this world? It is not wealth, property, status, money, rank, clothes and children. Whatever keeps you from your Lord, that is this world. For instance, a person who owns all this world has to offer, yet does not forget his Lord and serves Him with perfect devotion, that person is no worldly materialist but Allah's beloved servant, a member of our Prophet's Community. A poor person, on the other hand, may deserve to be called materialistic if he becomes a beggar and lets his begging prevent him from worshipping his Lord. He is not acceptable in the sight of Allah and His Messenger.
In short, while your hands are about their work your heart should be with the beloved. Let the whole world belong to you while you belong to Allah. You should work for this world as if you were immortal, while preparing for the Hereafter as if you would die tomorrow. Treat everyone well. Have compassion for every creature. Be just, loyal, honest, hardworking and upright. That is how you must be, for that is how believers are. -Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak al-Jerrahi
Mujhe yeh dar hai ke dil-e-zinda tu na marjaaye
Ke zindagi ibaadat hai tere jeene se
I fear, O' heart of mine that is alive (with Imaan and love of Allah), that you die
For indeed this life of mine is entirely an act of worship only if you are alive
Wassalam
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 4th December 2008 - 0 comments
» 4th December 2008
Become Like Flexible Water...
There are few things as inspiring as a good analogy, don't you think? Here's another one:
Become Like Flexible Water
The following incident took place last year when I was travelling with an elderly Muslim brother. We call him "Brother Wali". We met a Muslim family and the family told brother Wali to give them some advice. Here is what brother Wali told them: A Muslim is like water. Water is so flexible that where ever you place it, it takes the shape of that object. For example, if you put some water in a glass, it takes the shape of the glass. If you run the water through a tangled hose, it will take the shape of that also. The same way, a Muslim should be flexible to the orders of Allah. He should fit into whatever Allah wants. If we put an iron into the glass, then either the glass will break or the iron will break. The same way, if we are not flexible to the orders of Allah and become hard like iron, then either we will break or we will break the orders of Allah.
A hadith states:
"The believers are very obedient (to Allah), gentle, and kind, like an obedient camel which when led, follows and when made to sit, even though on a rock, does so obediently." (Tirmizhi)
source:Qisas.com
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 4th December 2008 - 0 comments
» 3rd December 2008
All fogged up??
An interesting analogy given by my Sheikh Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saahib (db).....
If there is heavy mist on the windscreens of our cars, then we de-mist those windscreens when driving. If we do not do so, then we are liable to meet with an accident. In a like manner, when our hearts become misted with sins, with evil desires and passions, it becomes necessary to de-mist our hearts with Tawbah and Istighfaar (repentance).
According to a Hadith of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) , everything rusts according to its nature, and the hearts rust with worldly desires and sins. Zhikr (Praise of Allah Ta'ala) removes the rust of the (spiritual) heart - it purifies and cleanses the heart.
If we do not de-mist our hearts of evils like malice, greed, pride, jealousy, anger, etc., then we will be always causing ‘accidents’ in society.
The easiest way to obtain purification of the heart and soul is to spend time in the company of the Ahlullah (Friends of Allah Ta'ala) (the people of Allah) - those who have already purified themselves.
- Imaam Ahmad ibn Harb (rahimahullâh)
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 3rd December 2008 - 0 comments
» 2nd December 2008
Without Allah...
Look back and THANK ALLAH.
Look forward and TRUST ALLAH.
Look around and SERVE ALLAH.
Look within and FIND ALLAH!"
source:unknown
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 2nd December 2008 - 2 comments
» 1st December 2008
Here I am
All night, a man called “Allah” Until his lips were bleeding. Then the Devil said, “Hey! Mr Gullible! How comes you’ve been calling all night and never once heard Allah say, “Here, I am"? You call out so earnestly and, in reply, what? I’ll tell you what, Nothing!”
The man suddenly felt empty and abandoned. Depressed , he threw himself on the ground and fell into a deep sleep. In a dream, he met Ibrahim (AS), who asked, "Why are you regretting praising Allah?”
The man said, "I called and called But Allah never replied, “Here I am”."
Ibrahim (AS) explained,
By Rumi
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 1st December 2008 - 0 comments
» 30th November 2008
The first 10 days of Zhul Hijjah: Why They Matter
Zhul Hijjah: The days of Hajj
There are so many virtues in this month, and more specifically the first 10 days, that we should hold on to tightly and practice our Deen with a passion, InshaAllah. Who can guarantee that we will be alive to see next year's Zhul Hijjah?
For those who have been invited to Almighty Allah's House (the Bayt Allah/Ka'bah in Makkah al Mukarramah), may Allah Almighty facilitate your Hajj and make it a means to draw closer unto Him and allow you to return sinless and with a new level of reinvigorated Imaan!
However even for those not performing the pilgrimage, Hajj, the first ten days of this month are considered very sacred and a time for increased reflection, seeking Allah's forgiveness, doing good and various other forms of worship.
Ibn Abbas (radhiyallahu anhu) that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "There is no day wherein any good action is more beloved to Allah Ta'ala than these ten days (the first ten days of Zhul Hijjah)". The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu anhum) enquired: " Not even Striving in the path of Allah ?"
"Not even Striving in the path of Allah," replied Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) , "with the exception of that person who left with his life and wealth (in the path of Allah) and did not return with any of it (i.e. he is martyred)". (Bukhari,
Tabraani)
So sacred are the first ten days of Zhul Hijjah that Allah swears an oath by them when He says in the Quran: "By the dawn; by the ten nights" [al-Fajr 89:1-2]. Swearing an oath by something indicates its importance and great benefit.
What kinds of worship should be performed?
Generally, all good deeds are rewarded highly at this blessed time. These actions include praying, reading Quran, making Dua (supplication), giving in charity and being good to our families.
In addition, seeking Allah's forgiveness at this time is also encouraged. This means more than just a verbal expression of sorrow for past misdeeds. It also requires a firm resolution to avoid making the same mistakes in the future by giving up bad habits and behavior while sincerely turning to Allah.
While any good deed done for the sake of Allah according to the way He approves will be rewarded immensely during the first ten days, InshaAllah, some of the more specific actions mentioned in the Traditions of the Prophet are fasting and verbal Zikr (remembrance) of Allah.
Fasts in the First 10 Days and Spending the Nights of These Days In Prayer and Worship:
The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said, "One fast during these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one night during this period is equal to the worship in the "Lailatul-Qadr".(Tirmidhi)
It is especially recommended to spend some part of each of the nights of these ten days in prayer and worship.
Fast of Day of 'Arafah (9th day of Zhul Hijjah is called Yawmul - 'Arafah):
Abu Qataadah (radhiyallahu anhu) reported that Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: " I have hope in Allah Ta'aala that the fast of Arafaat will be an atonement for the sins of the past and the forthcoming year." (Tirmidhi)
Takbeer-e-Tashreeq:
The verbal remembrance of Allah is another meritorious act during these first ten days of Zhul Hijjah. It is narrated from Ibn Abbaas (radhiyallanhu) that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "No days are as weighty with Allah and so liked by Him for good deeds than the first ten days of Zhul-Hijjah ". Therefore in these days increasingly recite: "La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Al-Hamdu-lillah, Sub-hanallah." (Tabraani)
The Takbeer may also include the words "Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la-ilaha ill-Allah; wa Allahu akbar wa Lillahi'l-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise),". This Takbeer is known as Takbeer-e-Tashreeq. The Takbeer at-Tashreeq is wajib for men to recite, and mustahab for women, at least once after every Fardh prayer from Fajr of the 9th of Zhul Hijjah until Asr time of the 13th of Zhul Hijjah. Men are encouraged to recite these phrases out loud and women quietly.
Ibn 'Umar and Abu Hurayrah, two of the Prophet's Companions, used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Zhul-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer individually when they heard them.
Qurbaani/Udh-hiyyah:
Last but not the least, not to for get forget about the obligation on each of us to offer a qurbani (slaughtering of an animal) during the days of the 10th, 11th, 12th of Zhul Hijjah. This is an obligation on each one of us and it represents the beautiful, complete submission of Prophet Ibrahim (as) when he chose to obey Allah Ta'aala fully and without question when it came to slaughtering his own son, Prophet Ismail (as). Before the knife was able to cut his son's neck, Allah Ta'ala replaced Ismail (as) with a ram from Jannah. Ismail (as) was saved and Ibrahim (as)'s complete submission to God's command was accepted!!
By slaughtering an animal during these days, we commemorate that great sacrifice and we are rewarded abundantly InshaAllah! However along with the sacrifice we should not forget the great lesson we are meant to learn, which is to show total submission to the command of Allah, no matter how unreasonable or difficult it may outwardly seem, for in it lies true success.
May Allah give us success in these blessed days and nights, and in every moment of our lives, to follow the path of the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace), and may He make us of those whom He loves and who love Him. Ameen.
- Shaykh Abd al Qadir al Jalani
Wassalaam
source: edited from an email I received
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 30th November 2008 - 0 comments
» 28th November 2008
Strange is the Visa of Life....
Assalamu Alaikum
I first and foremost apologise to everyone for not updating my blog as regularly as i hoped to. I had promised to elaborate more on the topic of Hayaa in my last post. However, although i have started a new entry on numerous occasion, hours would pass by getting busy with something else and I'd eventually close the window without having typed out anything. InshaAllah that will come soon, but for today I'd like to share with you my thoughts on the recent terror attacks in Bombay, India.
As I was glued to the news all of last night and today, my mind and heart was flooded with a mixture of thoughts and emotions. I felt devastated for all the innocent lives that were taken and more so for the broken families that were left to mourn the sudden death of their loved ones. One of the thoughts that kept haunting me is how sudden death actually is! None of those people who have lost their lives while on a night out, at a family dinner, or business meeting would have ever imagined before leaving their respective homes that there will never return. My Sheikh Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saahib (db) says that today we are living in an era where everything is instant. We get instant tea, instant coffee, instant pudding, instant cakes, and death too is very much instant.
It is sad and very unfortunate indeed how we take life for granted and seem to think that death is something we have to face eventually, but not just yet! Whereas Islam teaches us to remember that death is always hovering above our heads. Infact one of the best presicriptions for living a sin-free life is to always think to yourself when sinning, "What If my soul is destined to be taken at this moment? Would i want to die in this condition?" How dreadful it is that Muslims loose their lives in discos, casinos, night-clubs, brothels, cinemas, etc. The Hadeeth states to the effect that, you will dies in the same manner as you live, and you will be resurrected in the same manner that you die.
I kept imagining myself, had i been holidaying in India at that moment and maybe been at one of the places that were under attack, would I have been ready to die? Even if i would not have been engaged in a sinful act by the grace of Allah, but am I ready to face my Allah??
Another thing that kept running through my mind is the hadeeth of the Prophet (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) that this Ummah is like one body when it comes to their mutual love, compassion, and support. If one part of the body feels pain, the entire body is not at ease. It is a sign of this Ummah and the followers of the prophet to sympathize with all those that have been afflicted by this tragic incident, irrespective of whether or not the victims were Muslims. Islam does not condone unwarranted attacks on innocent civilians. Islam is a religion of peace and harmony. Islam has spread not with the sword but with good character.
Thirdly, I thought to myself how this attack caused such huge commotion all across the globe, and rightly so! The incidents of the past 48 hours in Bombay are nothing but barbaric. However isn't it sad and unfair too that hundreds loose their lives on a daily basis in places where Islam and Muslim are under attack, but it all goes without much mention. I was ashamed when i realised how disturbed I was by the attacks in India, whereas as so many of my own Muslim brothers and sisters are being orphaned and widowed every minute elsewhere, yet i hardly ever think of them apart from the quick mention i make in my duas. But a lot of that has to do with the media. I think if they gave as much coverage of the FACTUAL happenings of those places then most of us would feel much more than we currently do. But that is of course wishful thinking. So inshaAllah I hope that as of today you and I will be more sensitive towards our Muslim brothers and sisters who have been trapped in an endless war!
The greatest lesson we can learn though, is that our time of death could be just as instant....how prepared are we???
- Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saahib (db)
A humble request to all those reading to make a special dua for my Sheikh Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saahib for a speedy and complete recovery. Hazrat Maulana is a heart patient and is not in very good health at the moment. Ulamaa like Hazrat Maulana are the lanterns of guidance that are very much needed. Thousands of people benefit from them wherever they set foot. Without them it would become ever more diffcult to safeguard our Deen and preserve our Imaan.
Wassalaam.
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 28th November 2008 - 0 comments
» 16th October 2008
Hayaa (Modesty) - A path that leads to Jannah
"And do not even draw near to fornication. Indeed it is an indecent act and the worst of ways." (Bani Iraa-eel, 32)
Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu 'anhu) narrates that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "Hayaa (modesty) is a part of faith, And faith leads to Paradise."
Among other verses of the Quraan and Ahaadeeth that highlight the significance of Hayaa in a believer's life:
*"And say to the believing men that they should lower they gazes and safeguard their private parts.....And say to the believing women that they should lower their gazes and safeguard their private parts....And they should reveal their beauty to anyone besides their husbands, their fathers, fathers-in-law, the their sons, their stepsons, their brothers, their nephews, or fellow women....."
(HINT: lowering the gaze is the key to safeguarding one's self from indecency)
*"(And if you men-folk ever need to) ask the women for something then do so from behind a veil, for that is surely more pure for your hearts and theirs."
*(O' Women!) Remain in your homes"
*"When you have lost modesty, then do as you please."
*"Modesty is a branch of Imaan."
*"There is no (true) faith in a person who has no Ghayrah (an Arabic word that refers to an instinct of protectiveness over one's spouse not wanting them to be associated with a non-mahram in any way)."
*"I (the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) am the person with most amount of Ghayrah from all the children of Adam, and Allaah has even more Ghayrah than me."
*Aishah (radhiallaahu 'anha): "I have seen such bashfulness in the blessed eyes of the prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wassallam) that could not even be seen in the eyes of the unmarried young girls of Madeenah."
*A man who refuses a woman who attempts to invite him to herself by saying "I fear Allah" is promised the shade of Allaah's Arsh on the day of Qiyaamah.
From the aforementioned quotes from the Noble Qur'aan and Ahaadeeth al-Mubaarakah it is obvious how important modesty is in Islam. The command to safeguard one's modesty is not there to (Allah forbid) keep us Muslims from going with times and making us seem old-fashioned. But rather it is there for the benefit of each Muslim; In fact for the community at large. Each Muslim should truly believe that restriction that Sharee'ah has placed on us is only because there is harm in it. My Shaykh Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saahib says,
InshaAllaah I will elaborate farther on this topic in my next post. Meanwhile you could read this inspiring article on http://www.classicalislamgroup.com/viewpage.php?page=183
Wassalaam
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 16th October 2008 - 0 comments
» 6th October 2008
The two homes of a woman...
Every woman takes great pride in decorating and taking care of her home in this world; and rightly so. However it is worth considering that when we spend so much time and take great care in beautifying a home that is our abode for an average of 60 to 70 years, how much more time should we then spend in building and decorating the home of the hereafter, which will be our abode for eternity.
Consider the following:
*The home of the world is temporary, whereas the abode of the Hereafter is eternal.
*A woman has to carry out the household chores in the world by herself, where as she will be tended to and all her work will be done for her in the Hereafter.
*In the world, a woman has to often worry about sticking to her budget, and therefore cannot always buy the best of items, whereas in the Aakhirah there will be nothing besides the best.
*In this world a woman is not guaranteed the company of her husband and children for her whole life (they are subject to answering the cal of death at any given moment), whereas in the hereafter there will be no fear of losing either.
*A woman in this world ages, and with age her beauty diminishes, whereas in the hereafter a woman will always be 18 years of age, and with time her beauty will only increase.
*A woman's wardrobe in this world is limited, whereas in the hereafter she will never have to repeat and outfit.
*In the world a woman has to often be wary of not doing anything that might displease her husband, whereas in the hereafter she will be handed the glad-tidings of Allah's eternal pleasure.
*The house of the world is built with bricks and cement, whereas the palaces of Akhirah are built with bricks of gold and silver, and cement of musk.
*In this world most people design their homes once and for all, whereas in the Hereafter the design of the home can be changed daily to suit your wishes.
The Hadeeth states that when a man engages in the remembrance of Allah, or occupies himself with righteous deeds, the angels in Jannah occupy themselves in building a home for him. When the man stops the good deed, the angels stop building. The other angels inquire why they stopped building, to which they reply, "the bricks and the cement has finished."
(edited from a talk given by Shaykh Zulfiqar Naqshbandi Saahib - db)
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 6th October 2008 - 2 comments
» 6th October 2008
The two farewells of a woman...
Every woman is seen off from her home on two occasions. Once when she leaves her parents' home to get married, and the second time when she leaves her home in this world to travel to her abode in the hereafter.
Each girl grows up knowing that her parents, home is not her permanent home and that she will one day have to bid her family farewell to settle in her own home. If only all young girls would wait in anticipation for and dream about their second farewell as much as they do for the first. If only they would prepare for the second one as much as they do for the first. if only each parent would mentally and physically prepare their daughters for the second departure as much as they do for the first. Although the reality is that we should prepare for the second far more than the first, for our eternal fate depends on how well we are received when we reach our final destination.
Consider the following:
*During the first farewell, there is a great anxiety about whether or not the husband-to-be will be happy with her. Whereas for the second journey we have to worry whether or not Allah will be pleased with what He sees.
*Before the first journey the girl will take a long bath to beautify herself, whereas for the second she will be bathed by others.
*During the first journey she takes a grand trousseau with her, whereas the trousseau for the second journey is nothing but righteous deeds.
*She will share her joy with every woman present at her first farewell, whereas during the second one she will be all alone.
*During her first farewell she is dressed in the most expensive of outfits to please her husband, whereas the dress that will beautify and adorn her for the second journey is the the attire of "Taqwa".
*Invitations are handed out to celebrate the auspicious event of her Wedding. here Allah Himself invites her to Jannah. And Allah invites towards the abode of peace." (Al-Quraan)
*For her arrival, her new home in this world is decorated. For her arrival in Jannah Allaah decorates Jannah such that "no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, nor has such beauty ever crossed anyone's imagination" (Hadeeth).
*On the occasion of a wedding, the hosts welcome the guests. Imagine a celebration in Jannah, where the host is Allah and we are the guests! Imagine being welcomed by Allah, while the angels also greet us.
*When we attend a wedding we are given appetizers. When we enter Jannah each person will be given a piece of bread as an appetizer that will encapsulate all the flavours of the world.
*If the husband is happy with her, the first night the woman spends with him is most cherished, and she never ever has nor will enjoy such blissful sleep as she does on the night of her wedding. Similarly, if Allah is happy with us when we journey to Him, the Hadeeth states that the person is told in his/her grave "Sleep in the (peaceful/blissful) manner that a bride does."
*If she is not accepted at her first home in the world, there is always the option of retuning to the sanctuary of her parents' home where she will be taken care of. There could even be a second chance to build a new home. Whereas if we are not accepted in the court of Allah after the second farewell, there is no other place of refuge and no second chance.
Ponder O sister! Which farewell should we concern ourselves with more. If the journey of Marriage is given so much importance, and rightly so, how much more importance should we then give to the journey of the Hereafter!
(edited from a talk given by Shaykh Zulfiqar Naqshbandi Saahib - db)
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 6th October 2008 - 1 comment
» 30th September 2008
As the sun sets....
Assalamu Alaykum...
As i see the sun setting indicating the end of Ramadhaan, i my heart feels constricted and tears flow from my eyes, bidding farewell to a month of abundant goodness! A strong feeling of remorse envelops me over the lost moments of the month in which i could have gained so much. On a much smaller scale you (well women) can compare the feeling to a situation where you are given the opportunity to shop at a very expensive store where your favourite items are on sale, with a time limit of say two hours during which whatever you manage to pick up is paid for...you're so busy looking at the the things that don't fit u or that are of no use to you, that when the time is up, you've only managed to pick up very little! You come home with much regret! Jannah is on sale in Ramadhaan!
But though Ramadhaan is over, we still have the precious moments of our life.
Let us not ruin our efforts in this month by behaving like birds that have been let out of a cage! Let us instead try our best to keep the momentum. My Shaykh Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saahib (db) quotes a lovely parable. He says that the month of Ramadhaan was a means of panel-beating and polishing our dented and damaged hearts just as a car is taken to the panel-beater after an accident. Today our hearts have been returned to us in show-room condition, but we have to now test drive it to see how good the panel-beating was. And not only that, the driver will now be extra careful not to damage his good-as-new car again. Only a fool will go out and bash his car no purpose! So we have to drive our hearts carefully. Although we will face all types of tests; storms, rain, etc., we have ensure that we steer clear of of danger!
Every breath we take is a priceless opportunity to build our Aakhirah...
May we live such that the sunset of our lives brings about the most beautiful dawn. Ameen
Alhamdulillah we were fortunate to have the honourable presence of Hazrat Moulana Zulfiqar Ahmed Naqshbandi Saahib (db) during the last 10 days of Ramadhaan. I enjoyed his daily programs and learned much from it. InshaAllah over the next few posts I will write a summary of all the programs i attended.
The full bayaans can be heard on www.tasawwuf.org
Wassalam.
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 30th September 2008 - 0 comments
» 29th September 2008
Eid Sa'eed!
Assalamu Alaykum...
EID GREETINGS!
When Rasulullah (salallahu alayhi wasallam) emigrated from Makkah Mukarramah to Madinah Munawwarah, he learnt of the two days of festivity which the people had inherited from the time of Jahiliyyah (the pre-Islamic era). These two days of festivals were days of sport and amusement associated with evil and immoral customs. Rasulullah (salallahu alayhi wasallam) then announced to the Muslims, “Allah Ta’ala has most certainly substituted these two days for you with two better ones, Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha.” [Sunan Nasai] Both these days have been reserved as days of festivity and celebration; such festivity and celebration that would be within the limits prescribed for joy by the Shariah. It is for this reason that the Úlama state that, expressing one’s delight and joy on these days is not only meritorious but in fact forms part of the salient features of Islam. [Fathul Bari]
Greeting and congratulating one another with special wordings is another aspect which enhances the joy of this day. This has been the practice of the honorable Sahabah 9radi allahu anhum0, Tabieen as well as those coming thereafter. There are several narrations which support this practice of theirs. A few of these are quoted below:
Sayyiduna Jubayr Ibn Nufayr (radi allahu anhum) states, “When the Sahabah radi allahu anhum of Rasulullah (salallahu alayhi wasallam) met one another on the day of Eid, they would say to each other, ‘May Allah accept (the worship) from us and from you!”
A closer glance at the meaning of the dua will reveal the intense well wishing it contains for one’s fellow Muslim brothers. So instead of us opting for the words ‘Eid Mubarak’ only (which is correct), let us combine it with the very same words which the Sahabah radi allahu anhum as well as those who came thereafter used when they verbally greeted and congratulated one another on these two days, that is, the under mentioned dua:
Taqab-balal-lahu minnaa wa minkum
May Allah accept (the worship) from us and from you!
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 29th September 2008 - 0 comments
» 29th September 2008
Laylat-ul-Jaaizah
Assalamu Alaykum...
TIME UP!!!!....................
BUT WAIT.....When one door closes Allah opens another! With the end of Ramadhan Allah blesses us with the night of Eid-ul-Fitr, also referred to as Lalylat-ul-Jaaiza in the Hadeeth; The night of prize-giving! The Hadeeth states that Allah watches His servants compete with one another in accumulating good deeds during the month of Ramadhan. So naturally at the end of the competition, there has to be a prize-giving ceremony! On the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr Allah rewards his servants for striving to please Him in the blessed month of Ramadhaan.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said to the effect, "Whoever stands (in worship) during the nights preceding the two Eids, expecting rewards from his Lord, then his heart will not die on the day that all hearts will die (referring to the horrifying day of Qiyaamah). (Ibn Majah)
The night of Eid is indeed a very precious night for a believer, a night wherein duas are accepted. Unfortunately it is seen that most people think it is a time to celebrate and much time is wasted in preparing for the next day.
May Allah give us the ability to make the most of each opportunity He bestows for us to turn to Him and draw from His vast treasures. Ameen.
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 29th September 2008 - 1 comment
» 23rd September 2008
Despair not!
Assalamu Alaykum....
7 or 8 precious days to go.....
Since i wrote about making sincere Tawba in my last entry, I thought i should share with you some of the great virtues of sincere Tawba, and highlight to you how much Allah loves a servant who cries over his wrong-doings and sincerely begs for forgiveness.
"Those who are bearing the Throne and those who are around it pronounce the purity of your Lord along with His praise, and believe in Him, and pray for the forgiveness of those who believe: "Our Lord, Your mercy and knowledge comprehends everything, so forgive those who repent and follow Your way, and save them from the punishment of the Fire. And, our Lord, admit them to the eternal gardens of Jannah that You have promised for them, and (admit) those as well who did good from among their fathers and wives and children. You, only You, are the Mighty, the Wise, and save them from evils (of punishment). And whomsoever you save from evils that day, it is surely because you bless him with mercy. And that is the great achievement indeed." (Al-Ghaafir, 7-9)
The Angels who carry the Arsh (throne) of Allah are no small angels. The fact that their life-long duty is to carry the throne is enough to indicate their high status. Besides that, they are also physically massive. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has said that just the distance between the ankle and the heel of each of these angels is the distance of 500 years. Similarly the distance between the neck and shoulder of each angel is the distance of 700 years. These mighty angels make dua for who? The Awliyaa? Those who never sin? Those who remain occupied in 'Ibaadah day and night? Nope. But for those who repent sincerely, and thereafter remain steadfast on the straight path. Not only do the angels who carry the Arsh make dua, but along with them all the angels who make make tawaaf of the Arsh also make dua. How many angels make tawaaf? 70000 angels, each of them leading a group of 70000! Subhaanallah!
What dua do they make? They pray to Allah to forgive them and save them from the punishment of the fire, and grant them entry in to the Jannah that they have been promised. And not only them, but they as Allah to do the same for their fathers, their wives, their children, their near and dear ones, as long as they have Imaan. Subhaanallah. Isn't that exactly what we all want?
Ulamaa write that it is quicker to get close to Allah through Tawba than through normal tasbeeh.
Allah Ta'aala says in a Hadeeth-e-Qudsi, "Verily the cries of the sinful are more beloved to me than the sounds of those making tasbeeh."
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) has been reported to have said, "Every son of Adam (AS) is a sinner, but the best of sinners are those who repent."
Abdullah Ibn Mas'ood (radhiallahu anhu) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said to the effect that any believing servant of Allah who sheds a couple of tears out of the fear of Allah, even if they are as small as the head of a fly, and he feels his face heat up (as the face feels hot when a person cries), Allah will make him Haram on the fire of Jahannam.
Among the seven people who are promised the shade of the throne of Allah on the day of Qiyaamah, when sun will be right above the heads, and the ground will be made of copper, and there will be no other shade besides the shade of Allah, is a person who cries out of the fear of Allah in solitude.
So my dear brothers and sisters in Islam, these are the moments to become close to Allah and make Him ours. Let us not despair. And never for a moment should any person think, "I am just too sinful, Allah will never forgive me!" Tell me my friends, what would u say to a person who stand in front of the ocean, filthy from top to bottom, but he refuses to go inside the ocean to cleanse himself saying, "I am too dirty to be cleansed by the ocean!"? We will most definitely call him a fool! The same goes; Allah's mercy is an endless ocean. Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) taught us a dua, "O Allah your forgiveness is far more vast than my sins, and I have more hope in your mercy than in my own actions."
Imam al-Shafi' in his final sickness said: "When my heart was hardened and my courses constrained I made my hope a stairway to Your forgiveness My sin burdened me heavily, but when I measured it by Your forgiveness Lord, Your forgiveness was the greater."
How many incidents do we know where alcoholics, robbers, fornicators, people who were living a life of utter sin, were forgiven by Allah and later they became great saints of their time.
Let us cry to Allah over our sins, for tears are to the soul what soap is to the body. Let us beg of Allah to make us His beloved friend, for if we have Allah we certainly have everything. As the poet says beautifully:
koi tujhse kuch koi kuch maangta hai
mein tujhse faqat hoon talabgaar tera
koi mujhse poochhe mein kya maangta hoon
main apne khuda se khuda maangta hoon
woh hojaaye mera mein hojaaoon uska
yahi raat din mein dua maangta hoon
May Allah Ta'ala forgive me, forgive you, and forgive the entire Ummah. Ameen
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 23rd September 2008 - 0 comments
» 21st September 2008
The little we have left of Ramadhaan
Assalamu Alaykum...
When we look at the islamic date, 21st Ramadhaan, each of us think of one thing: ALREADY!!!
Allah alone knows where the time has flown. Each one of us look down deep in to our hearts and feel somewhat guilty for not making the most of the precious moments we have been blessed with.
Looking at the Qur'aan Shareef and Ahaadeeth-e-Mubaarakah, we learn that this month was granted to us for us to gain certain things.
*Taqwa
*Forgiveness from our Creator
*Entrance into Jannah
*Emancipation from the Hell-Fire.
Without going into much detail on each of them, I just want to highlight the second one. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said Ameen to the badd-dua of Jibra-eel that a person who finds this month and yet does not attain the forgiveness of Allah deserves nothing but doom and destruction!
We should bear in mind that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was Rahmatul-lil-'Alameen, a mercy unto mankind. His love for his Ummah exceeded all limits. Allah says in the Qur'aan itself, that even the tiniest amount of distress suffered by an Ummati was too difficult for him to tolerate. He did not lift his head from Sajdah for three days, during which he did not even speak to anyone who wished to see him, when he heard that a portion of his Ummah who will commit major sins and die without repenting will enter Jahannam. I would require a lot of time to mention all the various incidents that demonstrate the intense love and compassion that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had for his Ummah, but it being the month of Ramadhaan, time is limited so I'll just share the point of it all with you, which is to understand how wretched and unfortunate such a person must be, who is deprived of forgiveness even in this beautiful month. A month during which Allah's mercy is knows no bounds. If we fail to have our sins forgiven now, then there is little hope for us, as even the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam saw such people as worthy of his badd-dua)
So inshaAllah in the last few days we have, we should strive to ensure that before the end of this month we are sin-free. And we should bear in mind all the conditions that apply for the acceptance of Tawba:
*To refrain from the sin
*To sincerely regret upon committing it in the past
*To make a firm resolution to never do it again
*And if the sin involves the rights of people then to fulfill those rights.
Unfortunately very often it is seen that we are making Tawba, even crying and begging for forgiveness, but inside our pockets the mobile is beeping away, signaling text messages received from illicit beloveds. Or we have every intention to go out with the lads later on for entertainment of Haram nature. May Allah protect us all.
I leave u with a hadeeth i heard from Shaykh Zulfiqaar Ahmed, Naqshbandi (db) last night. The Shaykh was highlighting the importance of honouring Ramadhaan enough to abstain from all forms of sin in this month. He mentioned an incident that will take place on the day of Qiyaamah, where the Prophet (sallaahu alayhi wa sallam) will see a young lad from his Ummah being whipped severely by the angels. He will ask the angels why they are whipping him in this manner, to which they will reply that he did not refrain from sin in Ramadhaan, and then death came to him suddenly. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) will naturally not be able to bear looking at his Ummati being whipped, despite being very angry at him for dishonouring Ramadhaan. He will ask them to spare him, as the boy will be holding on to him for help, but they will not stop. So the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) will go with him to Allah to intercede on his behalf, although he will still be suppressing his anger. Allah will say, he has wronged Ramadhaan by committing sins during the blessed month, so there is nothing I can do. It is between him and Ramadhaan. Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) shall say, "then tell me, where is Ramadhaan?, so that i can intercede to Ramadhaan on the boy's behalf". Allah will reply, "Ramadhaan is gone, neither I nor you, nor anybody knows where Ramadhaan is". The boy will still cling on to the prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) while the angels will continuously lash him until eventually they will pull him free from the prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and fling him into the the fire of Jahannam.
May Allah bless is with the divine ability to honour this month and value it as it is ought to be honoured and valued. Ameen.
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 21st September 2008 - 0 comments
» 20th September 2008
the straight path
‘As-Siraatul-Mustaqeem’ is a straight path with no sign of crookedness. It is the clear path of Islam which is like a highway among hundreds of streets; the creed that is moderate, free of the harms of extremism (exceeding limits) and negligence (disregard of limits).
Nawaas bin Sim’aan narrates that the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “ Allaah quotes a parable (of Islam such): A straight path with walls erected on either side. Both walls have several open doors that have curtains draped over them. At the entrance of the straight path someone calls out, ‘O people! Enter the straight path all together and do not opt for crookedness.’ Above the path, another caller warns every person who advances to open any one of those doors saying, ‘Woe unto you! Do not open it, for if you will open it you will enter it.’ So the straight path is Islam; the walls are the boundaries of Allaah; the open doors are the things that Allaah has forbidden; the caller at the entrance of the path is the Book of Allaah; and the one from above is the adviser Allaah has appointed in the heart of every believer.”
Every path is distinguished from others courtesy of those who follow it. In the Qur'aan, Allah Ta'ala elaborates on the straight path by speaking of it's distinguished followers.
“Whosoever obeys Allaah and the Messenger, then such people are the ones Allaah blesses; namely, the prophets, the siddiqeen (truthful), the martyrs, and the righteous.”
Mufassirul Qur’aan’ Abdullaah bin Abaas (radhiallahu anhu) says, “those who have been blessed with Your obedience and worship; namely, the angels, the prophets, the siddiqeen, the martyrs, and the righteous.”
To understand this better, know that those who are accepted in the court of Allaah are categorized in four ranks.
The first and highest is the rank of the prophets.
The second is the rank of the Siddiqeen; those who have the highest position from amongst the Ummah (nation) of the prophets; who possess spiritual excellence; better knows as Awliyaa (saints).
Third in rank are the martyrs, whose love for their Deen inspires them to even sacrifice their lives for the sake of it.
The fourth is the class of the Sulahaa; those who follow the Shariah (Islamic code of law) in totality; commonly known as the righteous ones.
The path followed by these four categories is the straight path. Attributing the straight path to these people teaches us that although the Qur’aan and books of Ahaadeeth are replete with guidance and knowledge of Deen, it is incumbent that one frequents the gatherings of to such people to learn from them and seek their advice, because guidance cannot be attained by merely reading religious books, or studying a translation of the Qur’aan. It is absolutely essential that one take on such a person as his mentor and guide.
On the other hand, Allah also warns us of the factors that would cause to stray from the straight path. Allah mentions that deprivation from the straight path is caused by one of two reasons.
Some people are deprived of being blessed with the straight path because despite having knowledge of the Shariah, they oppose it purely by reason of their wicked ways or base desires. In other words, they fall short in carrying out the commandments of Allaah , and as a result invite His wrath. They forsake their Religion for the temporary and lowly pleasures of the world.
Others adopt the wrong path due to lack of knowledge. Such people are the deviated ones who are unaware of the limits stipulated by Shariah. Consequently, they fall prey to extremism.
And: This is My path that is straightforward. So, follow it, and do not follow the 'subul' (other ways), lest they should make you deviate from His way. This is what He has enjoined upon you, so that you may be God-fearing.” (Al-An'aam, 153)
Based on a narration from Sayyidna 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (radhiallahu anhu): Allah be pleased with him, there is a report in Musnad of Darimi which says: 'Once the Holy Prophet (aallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) drew a vertical line and said: "This is the path of Allah." Then, he drew other lines on its right and left and said: "These are subul" (that is, the ways following which has been prohibited in this verse) and, then, he said: "Set upon every one of these ways there is a Shaytan who, after enticing people away from the straight path, welcomes them to this" (the ways under the charge of Shaytan, as shown in the drawing). After that, as proof, he recited this verse (153).'
It is said in Tafsir Mazhari that the purpose of sending the Qur'aan and the Prophet of Islam (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) is to make people subordinate their ideas, intentions and proposals to the Qur'an and Sunnah and cast their lives into the blessed model offered by him. But, what is happening is that people are bent on moulding the Qur'aan and Sunnah into the frame of their ideas and proposals. As a result, an Ayah of the Qur'an, or a Hadith of the Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wasalla) which does not meet their fancy, or is found to be contrary to what they would like it to be, would become the target of their so-called interpretation until it fits into the mold of their desires. This is the starting point from where other ways which leade people astray emerge - ways which throw them in doubts and innovations in the established religion (shubhaat and bid'aat). These are the ways from which people have been instructed to stay away in this verse.
In a nutshell, the path of genuine believers consists of knowledge of the true religion coupled with conformity to it. Hence, we should ask Allaah to protects us from the path who those who follow their base desires and are negligent of their Deen; and also from the path of the ignorant and deviated who have exceed the limits specified by Shariah. We should pray that Allaah shows us the path between these two extremes, which is pure of misgivings and erroneous beliefs.
May Alla Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala safeguard us, our families, and the Ummah at large. Ameen
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 20th September 2008 - 0 comments
» 16th September 2008
Hidayah (guidance) analysed!
Assalamu alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh.
Allah Most High says in the Glorious Qur'aan:
*"This is the Guidance of Allah with which He brings to the right path whomsoever He wills. As for the one whom Allah lets go astray, for him there is no one to guide." (Az-Zumar, 23)
*"Surely you (O Muhammad) cannot guide whomsoever you love, but it is Allah who guides whoever He wills."
*"Surely, this Qur’aan guides to something that is most straightforward, and gives glad tidings to the believers who do good deeds that ready for them there is a great reward." (An'aam, 9)
*" In similar way, We have revealed to you a Spirit from Our command. You did not know earlier what was the Book or what was Imaan (true faith), but We have made it (the Qur'aan) a light with which We guide whomsoever We will from among Our servants. And indeed you are guiding (people) to a straight path." (Ash-Shu'araa, 52)
If all the verses of the Noble Qur'aan that discuss Hidayah were to be enlisted, a small booklet would have to be compiled. And if we farther had to explain each of those verses, we'd end up with volumes.
The gist of it all is that Allah has the power to guide whomsoever He wills. And If Allah wished to, he could have guided every single person on to the straight path of Islam. However, in that case there would have been no point in sending us to this world. Allah has made the life of this world a test of our faith in Him. Therefore Allah Ta'aala clearly explained the straight path to us, leaving no room for doubts and confusion. Allah sent messengers and revealed divine scriptures for the guidance of mankind from Adam (AS) till the last man to walk on earth. The last and final Messenger, Muhammad (sallalaahu alayhi wa sallam) was sent with the Qur'aan that serves as a source of guidance till the end of time. The Qur'aan is replete with guidance and is perfect for every era and time, even though it was revealed 1400 years ago. The Last Sharee'ah of the prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alayhi wa sallam) encompasses laws and solutions for every situation in every era.
Now it is every human-being's choice, whether to take full advantage and benefit from the sources guidance at his disposal (The Qur'aan, The Sunnah, and the teachings of the pious predecessors), or to ignore it and forsake it for something else that will be of no avail to him in the hereafter.
Allah has taught us to seek guidance to the straight path from Allah, in every raka'ah of every salaah, when we recite Surah Fatihah. This fact is enough to highlight the importance of holding on to the true guidance of Allah without straying from the straight path. It also goes to show that without the help of Allah none of us can ensure that we do no stray.
"Guide us to the straight path;” (al-Faatihah, 5)
‘Hidaayah’ (guidance) is divided into three categories.
The first is the guidance Allaah gave to everything after creating it so that it functions appropriately and serves the purpose it was created for. As a result, the system of this world runs in a manner that boggles the mind. For example, Allaah guided the sun to give light during the day and secrete itself during the night. Thus, each day it rises at a specific time, and sets at a specific time, and never do we find that it has failed in it is duty. This type of guidance applies to all things, animate and inanimate.
The second is the guidance Allaah sent for Man and Jinn (the creation that is blessed with sense of comprehension) in the form of Divine Scriptures and Prophets. Every individual has the choice to accept or reject it, and his choice will decide his outcome. In this regard, the Noble Qur’aan, and Prophets can be called bearers of guidance.
The third is exclusive to the believing and Allaah-fearing ones from Man and Jinn, and is received directly from Allaah . It is when Allaah grants an internal ability to accept the guidance of the Qur’aan and the Prophet and act accordingly, another name for which is ‘Tawfeeq’. This guidance knows no bounds, for one can never do “enough” when it comes to pleasing Allaah . There is always room for improvement. It increases and decreases according to one’s actions. Even the greatest prophet or saint is desirous of progressing in this field until his last breath.
From this we understand that guidance is something every existing thing has to a certain extent, but at the same time even the most superior of Allaah’s servants is not dispensed from attaining its pinnacle. That is why asking Allaah for guidance has been rendered the most important supplication of the opening chapter of the Qur'aan, int which Allah instructs His bondsmen to ask Him to guide them in every aspect of life, towards the right way which is devoid of any misconception or misconduct, and does not lead to an evil outcome; a path that entails success and salvation. Where there are hundreds of deviated paths, based on self-pleasing innovations or logical explanations, may Allaah always keep us on the highway of Deen. It is possible that despite being on the straight path, one may unknowingly succumb to the deception of the Devil or the ‘self’ (carnal desires), and thus is mislead, and follows his desires under the banner of Islam. He begins to think this is the proper Islam, when in the light of the Qur’aan and Sunnah it is nothing short of deviation. That is why it should be our constant plea to Allaah that He keeps us steadfast on the upright Deen. One cannot achieve success in the world or the hereafter without the straight path.
Even in worldly problems the recitation of this verse has proved to be distinctively effective.
One of the women from the household of the famous cleric Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi was experiencing difficulty in making a middle parting in her hair. Maulana advised her to read this verse before attempting, and when she complied the task was accomplished.
The prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) used to frequently supplicate to Allah saying "O' Allah keep my heart steadfast on Your religion". When the Sahaabah (radhiallahu anhum heard this the inquired, "O' Rasulullah, do you fear (straying away)?" He replied, "Why should I not fear, when the heart is in between two fingers of Ar-Rahmaan, he turns it however he wills. If he wishes to guide it, he guides it, and if he wishes to let it go astray He lets it go astray."
Wassalam
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 16th September 2008 - 0 comments
» 16th September 2008
welcome to the cradle of guidance
Assalamu alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh.
Allah Most High says in the Glorious Qur'aan:
"Certainly the guidance of Allah is true guidance"
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) used supplicate to Allah with the following words:
"O' Allah, guide me, and guide (others) using me, and make me a means of guidance for all those who find guidance"
InshaAllah with this blog i seek to revive the spirit of the true guidance of Islam by sharing my knowledge, thoughts, and experiences with you.
Wassalam.
» posted by Mahd-ul-Huda on 16th September 2008 - 1 comment
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