"IF YOU DO GOOD IN SECRET, ALLAH WILL SHOWER HIS GOOD ON YOU IN PUBLIC."
Won’t We Awaken Now ? "Evil has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned, that He may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return." (Ar-Rum: 41) At present, when a wave of discord and unrest runs throughout the world and a situation of uncertainty and disorder prevails everywhere, every individual is naturally disturbed about what he should do in these circumstances. But does the solution to a distressing situation lie in getting distressed? Or do the present conditions demand something else from us? Who should we turn to in these circumstances? Whose help should we seek? Who will guide us? Naturally this can only be done by Someone Who is even more aware than us of our situation, it’s causes and consequences. Who else can that be but Allah Ta’ala — He Who has power and authority over everything, He before Whom everything in the earth and the skies is prostrating and obedient. Let us turn to Him and ask Him for guidance. Hardships And Calamities Are a Warning It is necessary for every heedful eye to learn a lesson from the calamities and disasters occurring in the lives of individuals and nations. To call them a turn of events or merely an accident and move on can prove harmful. Allah Ta’ala says: "And verily we will make them taste of the near torment (in this world) prior to the supreme torment (in the Hereafter) in order that they may return (repent)." (As-Sajdah: 21) The Way to Avert Calamities Was there any town that believed and its faith saved it (from the punishment) except the people of Yunus; when they believed we removed from them the torment of disgrace in the life of the world and permitted them to enjoy for a while (more). " (Yunus:98) Consequently, faith in and obedience to Allah Ta’ala is the only way to success. Turn Back to Your Lord "And turn in repentance and in obedience with true faith to your Lord and submit to Him before the torment comes upon you (and) then you will not be helped." (Az-Zumar: 54) The need of today is to focus on one’s own reformation on an individual and collective level. If we cannot set right the disorder in the world, we can at least correct our own selves. Let us then strive for our own improvement because the hardships that others are facing today may well engulf those tomorrow who are now mere spectators. "And fear the fitnah which affects not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong and know that Allah SWT is severe in punishment." (Al-Anfal: 25) Seek Forgiveness For Sins Confess your sins before Allah SWT and pay special attention to ‘Istighfar’ (seeking forgiveness). Allah Ta’ala says: "And: Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, turn to Him in repentance that He may grant you good enjoyment for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace. But if you turn away, then I fear for you the torment of a Great Day." (Hud: 3) Prophet Hud (AS) also said the same to his people: "And O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him, He will send you abundant rain, and add strength to your strength, so do not turn away as criminals." (Hud: 52) "And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful." (An-Nur: 31) In this situation , we must make a special effort to seek collective repentance. This can be a source of strength in our present state of weakness and helplessness, in this lies the guarantee to success and the solution to our problems. Remeber Allah SWT Abundantly Create peace in your inner world in order to prepare yourself to successfully face external hardships. Allah Ta’ala says: "Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (Ar-Ra’d: 28) And it is also Allah SWT’s promise: "Therefore remember Me. I will remember you and be grateful to Me and never be ungrateful to Me." (Al-Baqarah: 152) Seek Help Through Patience, Prayer and Supplication Allah Ta’ala says: "O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As-Salat (prayer). Truly Allah is with the patient." (Al-Baqarah: 153) Try to offer prayers with more punctuality and more concentration. Extraordinary situations call for some extraordinary ibadah. Offer nawafil (voluntary prayers), Tahajjud and Salat-e-Tauba, etc and specially make the following Quranic supplication in these circumstances: "Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience and set firm our feet and make us victorious over the disbelieving people." (Al-Baqarah: 250) Particularly pray for safety from trials, afflictions and for the protection of your faith. Make excessive supplications for the afflicted people and extend all possible help to stop the oppression and to help the oppressed. Prophet SAW said: "Supplication is beneficial regarding things (calamities) that have happened and things which have not yet happened, so devote yourselves to supplication, O servants of Allah." (Tirmidhi) The Quran is a Way To Salvation Prophet SAW said: "Dissension (fitnah) will surely come. A companion asked him what the way out of it is, to which he replied, "Allah’s Book is the way (out), for it contains information of what has happened before you and news of what will happen after you and a decision regarding matters which occur among you. If anyone seeks guidance elsewhere, Allah will lead him astray. It is Allah’s strong Rope, it is the wise reminder, it is the straight path. He who speaks according to it has spoken the truth, he who acts according to it is rewarded, he who pronounces judgment according to it is just."(Tirmidhi) Allah Ta’ala says: "(This is) a Book which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that they may ponder over its verses and that men of understanding may remember (take heed)." (Sad: 29) Therefore this Book must be read, understood and its message conveyed to others and principles of living determined in the light of its guidance. The Prophet SAW said: "The most superior among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it." (Bukhari) Hasten to do Good Deeds Do not miss any opportunity to do good. No-one knows when the time to act may run out. The Prophet SAW said: "Hasten in doing good deeds (before you are overtaken by) turbulence which would be like a part of the dark night."(Muslim) Pay Special Attention to Fulfillment Of Human Rights Do not delay fulfilling the rights of human beings. Depriving humans of their rights is oppression, the punishment of which is given in this both in this world and the Hereafter. The Prophet SAW said: "Beware of (doing) oppression because on the Day of Judgment, oppression will be a cause for darkness." (Muslim) Make Special Efforts To Give Sadaqah There is nothing greater than sadaqah to ward off calamities and difficulties. The Prophet SAW said: "Hasten to give sadaqaat because calamities cannot precede them." (Mishkat) On another occasion he said: "Sadaqah appeases the Lord’s anger and averts an evil death." (Tirmidhi) Enjoin the Good and Forbid the Evil "You are the best Ummah ever raised up for mankind, you enjoin Al-Maruf (all the good things Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (all the evil that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allah." (Al-Imran: 110) And man cannot avert loss unless he does these four things: "By the time, verily man is in loss. Except those who believe and do righteous good deeds and recommend one another to the truth and recommend one another to patience." (Al-’Asr) The Prophet SAW said: "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, you must enjoin what is good and forbid what is bad, or Allah will certainly soon send down punishment from Himself to you. Then you will make supplications and they will not be accepted. (Tirmidhi) Create Unity Amongst the Muslims A strong connection with Allah and His Book (the Quran) can unite the Muslims. Allah Ta’ala says: "And hold fast all of you together to the rope of Allah (ie the Quran) and be not divided." (Al-Imran: 103) Despite your differences, refrain from prejudices, rashness, bad mannerism and backbiting. Have sincerity, open-heartedness and respect for humanity. Stay clear of baseless talk, useless discussions and arguments. No matter what the circumstances, come war or peace, joy or sorrow, do not allow the pace of your constructive work to slow down . Don’t let the present trouble result in inaction. Do Not Lose Hope, Trust in Allah SWT All gain or loss lies only in Allah SWT’s control. Allah Ta’ala says: "If Allah helps you, none can overcome you, and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him who can help you? And in Allah alone let the believers put their trust." (Al-Imran: 160) Along with taking practical steps and putting in the utmost effort for constructive work and self-improvement, keep complete faith and trust in Allah’s Being and Powers. < TRUE ARE PROMISES>Avoid hopelessness and always remain hopeful of Allah’s help. ’S> "O you who believe! If you help Allah, He will help you and make your foothold firm." (Muhammad: 7) "Verily Allah will help those who help His (Cause). Truly Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty." (Al-Hajj: 40) "So do not become weak, nor be sad, and you will be superior if you are indeed believers." (Al-Imran: 139) But if we abandon Allah’s Way then how should His help come? Not Just Talk but Substantial Work is Required What is actually needed is a change in our behavior. Instead of slogan-chanting, verbosity, and emotionalism we need to work on substantial grounds. Instead of wallowing in regrets and voicing condemnation we must equip ourselves with the armour of knowledge, research and technology. Making research and knowledge our provisions, we must make ourselves stronger in the economic and defense fields and prepare ourselves realistically to meet the challenges in every field. "Verily, Allah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves." (Ar-Ra’d: 11) Like a poet said: Who thinks not of changing its own state Let us Analyze Ourselves: Have I stopped wasting my time? Have I left idleness, laziness and negligence? Has my pace in constructive activities (efforts towards personal reformation, hastening in good deeds) increased? Has there been any change in my routine (recreation, parties, shopping, useless chatting) ? Have I started worrying about fulfilling my obligations, acts of worship and responsibilities? Have I left moral vices such as backbiting, lying, fighting and breaking trusts? What have I sacrificed to serve Allah’s Deen? If death overtakes me today, am I ready to meet Allah Ta’ala? If we cannot change ourselves,how can we expect the conditions in the world to change? http://shahidpages.wordpress.com/2009/07/05/wont-we-awaken-now/ Muáth Ibn Jabal “The beloved of the Beloved” Brotherhood for Allah Most High's sake Muáth Ibn Jabal “The beloved of the Beloved” “By Allah, I love you Muáth.” My beloved Rasool told me. “Oh my Beloved, and I love thee!” “Remembrance Allah after each prayer Muáth, through my love, repeat it three, For your dhikr and shukr and perfect worship oh Allah assist me” “Muáth, the most knowledgeable of the companions in the halal and haram, to Yemen I send you as Qadi.” Farewell it was, today I part my Beloved, his luminous face after this day I may not see. I came to the Masjid’s door where I met my Noor peace and blessings on you Habeeb. He took my hand in his, and lovingly admonished me; Oh Múath I advise you the advice of an affectionate brother, I advise you to have fear of Allah, and to speak the truth, and to fulfill your promises, return what you have been entrusted with, leave treachery, have mercy on the orphan, and protect the neighbor, hold back your anger , and be humble and kind, spread salam, and talk kindly, hold steadfast to your faith, understand and learn the Quran, love the next world, and have fear of the account, have short hope in life and perfect your works, Oh Muáth remember Allah at every stone and plant you pass by, and with every new sin have a new repentance, if it be in secrecy then in secrecy, and if it be openly then openly, often visit the sick, and hasten to the needs of the widows and the needy, and give people their right over you, and say the truth, and don’t let any ones blame affect you. I still recall his last loving words “Make your deen sincere unto Allah and small works will suffice you” Oh beloved of Allah tell me about the most beloved deeds to Allah “Make sure that day and night pass on you while your tongue is moist with the remembrance of Allah” I rode my mount and He Habibi walked beside me, “Oh Mua’th you might not see me again after this year of mine, and you might pass by this Masjid of mine and my grave…” At this, my tears rained heavily… my air, my light, my beloved, Rasooly! He blessings and peace be upon him tried to condole me, “Do not cry Muáth, crying has its due time to come, crying is from satan”. He gave Madeena a glance and said “The most deserving of me are the God-fearing who they were and wherever they were.” With our love for each other in the sake of He Who created this love in our hearts, we parted, with tears, with dúa, with advice… with no hope of reunion in this world. At the 11th year after Hijra I returned to the Hijaz, first to Makkah, for it was hajj season, Omar was appointed by Abu Bakr over the Hajj sermon. Abu Bakr, and Omar the fragrance of the beloved envelopes them, they are the beloved of the Habeeb After we held each other and cried in ones’ arms for long, me and Omar sat and recalled our memories with Rasool Allah. I entered Madeena, I hastened to the Hujra where the Habeeb lies, I gave my salams and remembered his promise as I shed tears. “By Allah ya Rasool Allah I love you” Khabaab (Radiallaho Anho) is one of those fortunate persons who offered themselves for sacrifice and suffering for the cause of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala). He was the sixth or seventh person to embrace Islam and therefore, he suffered long. He was made to put on steel armor and lie in the sun to sweat. Very often he was made to lie flat on burning sand, which caused the flesh on his back to dissolve. He was the slave of a woman. When she came to know that he was visiting Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam), she used to brand his head with a hot iron rod. Umar (Radiallaho Anho) during his Caliph once asked him about the details of his suffering after embracing Islam. He showed him his back, seeing which Umar (Radiallaho Anho) said, “I have never seen such a back before.” He said, “My body was dragged over heaps of burning coal and the blood and fat coming out of my back put out the fire.” When Islam spread and the Muslims conquered all the surrounding territory, he used to weep and say, “Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) seems to be compensating us in this world for all our sufferings and perhaps nothing would be left for us as reward in the Akhirah”. Source: From the Book “Stories of the Sahabah” by Shaikh Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhalvi. Such were the followers of the Prophet (peace be upon him) who were ready to give anything but their faith in Allah. On the other hand, we Muslims today are ready to sell our iman for little material gains! By: George Carlin The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete... Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. An embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. Even though the issue at hand is growing more long-winded, spurred by the necessity of the present discussion, I will narrate a remarkable quote from Imam Bukhãri (may Allah be pleased with him) which will enlighten the reader on the diligence required to become a seeker of hadith, let alone an accomplished shaykh or scholar of hadith (muhaddith). Allama Suyuti relates (through his chain) that Muhammad ibn Ahmad said: “When Abu ‘l-Abbas Walid ibn Ibrahim was deposed as the chief justice of Rayy (formally of the great cities of Persia located a few miles from Tehran) and he came to Bukhãrã, my teacher, Abü Ibrãhim Al-Khatalli took me with him to see Walid. My teacher requested him to narrate those hadiths to me which he had heard from his teachers [mashä’ikh]. He replied, ‘I have not heard anything from them.’ My teacher was quite shocked and remarked, ‘How can you say that you have not heard anything from them whereas you are a deeply-read scholar?’ Walid then related his story saying, ‘When I became a rational and mature adult and I developed a passion toward the science of hadith, I went to Imam Bukhãri (may Allah be pleased with him) and explained my intentions to him. He advised me thus, “Son, before you set out to pursue any field, make sure you are well-grounded with its prerequisites and demands. And remember that a person cannot become a perfect scholar in the science of hadith [muhaddith] until and unless he writes four things with four other things, which are as indispensable as four things, which resemble four other things. (He must write these things) in four times, with four conditions, in four places, upon four things, from four types of people, and for four objectives. All of these four-angled things can only beachieved with another four things coupled with another four. Once all these things are achieved, four things will become insignificant before him and he will be tried with four other things. If he exercises patience in these four trials, Allah will honor him with four things in this world and award him four things in the hereafter.” I said, “May Allah have mercy upon you. Please explain these four-angled things for me.” He said, “Certainly. The four things he has to write are: (1) the statements and commands of Allah’s Messenger (PBUH).(2) the sayings of the Companions and their relative ranks.(3) the sayings of the Followers and their ranks (i.e. who among them are reliable and who are not),and(4) the conditions of all the narrators who narrate hadiths. These (four pieces of information) must be written together with the following four things:(1) the actual names of the narrators,(2) their appellations or titles [kuna],(3) their places of residence, and(4) their dates of birth and death (to determine whether the narrator actually met the people he has narrated from). (These are indispensable to him) just (as four things are necessary with four other things(1) as praises [tahmid] of Allah (are necessary) with the khutba,(2) as salutations [salawat], (are necessary) with mention of the name of Allah’s Messenger (PBUH).(3) as (the recitation of) bismillah (is necessary) with a süra (of the Qur’an), and(4) as the takbir (is necessary) with the salat. These resemble four other things (which are names of four categories of hadith):(1) the musnadat [narrations traceable to the Messenger],(2) the mursalat [narrations transmitted by a Follower from the Messenger directly without a Companion in between],(3) the mawqufat [narrations traceable only to a Companion ], and(4) the maqtu'at [narrations traceable only to a Follower]. (These things must all be written) jn four times:(1) in his childhood,(2) in his age of discernment (i.e. close to maturity),(3) in his youth, and(4) in his old age. (In other words, he must continue acquiring hadiths at all times throughout every stage of his life? They must be written) under four conditions:(1) while his is occupied,(2) while he is free,(3) in his poverty, and(4) in his affluence. (In other words, he must diligently pursue the knowledge of these things no matter what his circumstances may be. This is done) at four places:(1) in mountainous terrain,(2) on the seas,(3) in cities, and(4) in rural areas. (In other words, he must endeavour to acquire this science from the right teacher, no matter where that teacher is located. He writes what he has acquired) upon four things:(1) upon stones,(2) upon shells,(3) upon skins, and(4) upon bones. (In other words, even when be does not find paper he will continue recording it somewhere) until he finds the paper upon which to preserve it. (He acquires it from four different types of people: )(1) from his seniors,(2) from his juniors,(3) from his counterparts, and(4) from the books of his father, provided he has firm conviction that these are his father’s books.(In other words, he endeavours to acquire this science in every way possible without feeling ashamed to obtain it even from his juniors. He has four objectives for doing all of these things: )(1) to acquire (this science) solely for the pleasure of Allah ,(2) to practice upon the hadiths which confirm to the verses of the Holy Qur’an,(3) to propagate (the science) to those who seek it, and(4) to write it out so that it can be a source of guidance to those who will come after him. Thereafter, the aforementioned four things cannot be acquired (unless he has first acquired) four other things that are part of human acquisition:(1) the knowledge of how to read and write,(2) lexicography and vocabulary,(3) morphology, and(4) syntax, Together with four other things that are not of human acquisition, but are bestowed by Allah :(1) sound health,(2) ability,(3) an ardent desire for learning, and(4) a retentive memory. Once all the aforementioned four-angled things are attained by him, then four things will become insignificant before him:(1) His family,(2) His children,(3) His wealth and(4) His motherland. He will then be afflicted with four things:(1) his enemies will rejoice at his distress,(2) his friends will reproach him,(3) the ignorant will taunt him, and(4) the scholars [ulamà] will be jealous of him. Once he exercises patience on these calamities, Allah will honor him with four things in this world:(1) the honor of contentment [qana'a],(2) conviction coupled with awe and dignity,(3) the pleasure of sacred knowledge ['ilm] and(4) eternal life. (On top of that,) Allah will honor him with four things in the hereafter:(1) the honor of intercession on behalf of whomever he pleases,(2) the shade of the throne of Allah on the day when there will be no shade available except the shade of His throne,(3) the privilege to provide water to whomsoever he pleases from the pool of Muhammad [al-Kawthar], and(4) close proximity with the Prophets [anbiya'] in the Highest of the High Places [a’lã ‘illiyyin]. So now, my son, I have told you whatever I have heard from my teachers [mashä’ikh]. Now you have the choice to either pursue this field or to abstain from it.” These are the principles and rules Imam Bukhäri has laid out for every individual who wishes to become a hadith scholar or a student of hadith. We should take heed of Imam Bukhãri’s advice and hold firmly onto it. In actual fact, the science of hadith is even more difficult to attain than Imam Bukhãri (may Allah be pleased with him) describes. Our present times of extreme negligence and laziness, where the maximum extent of education in this science is (normally limited to studying) the six authentic books of hadith [sihah sitta] for one to call himself a hadith scholar, can be likened to “a monkey who has a bit of turmeric powder and wishes to be called a grocer.” The extent to which this group of half-baked molwis [scholars graduating from madrasas] has made a mock of our religion [din] cannot be found in the time of our predecessors, even if we were to search for it. The main cause for this current degeneration among the scholars stems from our confidence in our virtues and our reliance upon our defective andunsound knowledge. In fact, the jurists of the later centuries [muta’akhkhirin] have prohibited us from issuing any religious verdicts [fatawa] based on our own opinions. Instead, they have advised us to transcribe the verdicts from similar religious verdicts of the past. But alas! In these times, even the most intricate of scholastic issues, let alone ordinary concerns, have become subjected to the people’s whims and fancies. To Allah alone do we complain and He alone is the Helper. - This subject is out of our present range of discussion, so I will now return to our previous discussion. In the second era, from among the numerous reasons for the differences of opinions, I have sufficed by mentioning a few reasons. During the times of the Companions [sahaba], Followers [tabi'in], Followers of the Followers [atba' al-tabi’in], mujtahid Imams and the hadith scholars [muhaddithin], the reasons that led to differences of opinion increased. In other words, the further we moved away from the era of Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) , the more the reasons for these differences also increased. This increase is quite rational because (as an Urdu expression goes) “The more the mouths, the more the statements.” “In spite of your sins, do good…in spite of your weaknesses, do good…in spite of your shortcomings, do good…for indeed Allah does not withhold His Mercy and Forgiveness from you until you neglect and give up doing good.” – Ahmad al-Shuqayri The Most Beautiful Faces “Al-Ḥasan al-Baṣri was asked, “How is it that those who observe qiyām’l-layl are among the people with the most beautiful faces?” To this he replied, “Because they commune with the Most Merciful, and He clothes them in light from His light.” How can I start praying qiyām? Ibn ʿAbbās said the Prophet (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Perform qiyām at the night even if it is just one rakʿah.” 1. Intention 2. Determination 3. Repentance. Sufyān al-Thawri said, “Don’t disobey Him during the day and you will be able to worship Him during the night. I was forbidden from praying qiyām’l-layl for six months because of a sin I was committing.” The sins can keep you asleep. 4. Kick the bad habits 5. Sleep early 6. Take a nap sometime in the day (particularly around ẓuhr time) 7. Go easy on the Biryani! If you eat heavy before you sleep, it is harder to wake up. 8. Understand only Allāh wakes you up. Make du‘ā’ to Allāh to wake you up. 9. Read about the merits 10. Set your alarm in a place far away in the room and kill the Shayṭān button (common sense) 11. Get your family involved” |