Dua for Protection against Diseases

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

 

 

Types of Kufr (2)

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

 

From the Tafseer Lessons of 

Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq Sahib (DB)

 

 

3.)   KUFR-E-I'RAADH (Turning away)

This is a type of Kufr where a person turns away from the truth; he ignores it or avoids the truth and shows no interest in learning the truth. The majority on the face of the earth have not accepted Imaan and Islam. They have turned their faces away from Islam. This is Kufr.

Islam is recognised by all. Islam and Muslims are often the focus in the media. And although the media portrays and propagates tremendous negativity of Islam, many non-Muslims then choose to research and find out more. They purchase the English copies of the Qur’aan Shareef, seeking to know more and many then accept Islam. Moreover, the Azaan is called throughout the world, five times a day. Whether they like it or not, it is an invitation to Islam. The dressing of the Muslim man and woman is seen all over.  This is a means of Da’wah without any speech.

The Child

A person may ask: “When a child is born in a Christian home, or a Jewish home or Hindu home, the child Is innocent. What wrong did he do?”

The Hadith mentions that every child is born on Fitrah, that is with a natural inclination to Islam. Although the parents may bring him up in another religion, what is required is for him or her to seek out the truth.

We find with our little children of 3 and 4 years of age; they don’t stop asking questions. Everything is, “Why this?”, “Why that?” “Why…?”

If we have to ask them: “Why did you do this?”

They reply: “Because…”  They have no answer but they want answers all the time. This shows us that it is a natural quality of a human being… to ask. It is the natural learning process.

In fact, the child is like a blank slate and when he asks, we have the perfect opportunity to embed in his heart and mind, Imaan and Islam; the love of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam. We should take advantage of this time in their lives because they are like sponges which will absorb anything… let it be that they absorb Deen and only good.

We too should be asking. Asking shows our interest and will lead us to the Ma’rifat of Allah Ta’ala.  …Who took out the sun today? Who created me? Who created the beautiful colours of the flowers, etc.?  Who created the fruit and vegetables? …Everything points to a Creator. If behind the cell-phone, car, etc. we all acknowledge that there is a manufacturer, then behind this entire universe, there must be a Creator!

In Islam, ignorance is no excuse. It is a punishable crime in Islam. Allah Ta’ala tells us that if we don’t know, ask the people who know; ask the Ulama-e-Haq.

A Revert

Recently, we met a person who accepted Islam. He was a staunch, practising Christian who believed in the trinity. It was then brought to his attention that Isa (Alaihis Salaam), whom they call Jesus Christ, is not the son of God and cannot be worshipped. He thought to himself: Over a billion people are following Christianity and worshipping Jesus Christ. How can so many be doing something wrong? If we are wrong, why doesn’t God send a reformer?

This brother then had a dream in which he saw a vision of Allah Ta’ala and he also saw Hazrat Isa (Alaihis Salaam). However, Hazrat Isa (Alaihis Salaam) turned away from him (because of his wrong beliefs). He then asks Allah Ta’ala: “We were born as Christians. If our worship of Jesus Christ is wrong, then why don’t you make it known to us, so that we follow the right way.”

In the dream, Allah Ta’ala replied: “There is enough proof in the world of Tauheed[1]. It is up to you to look for it.”

He discussed this with a friend, who informed him that the Muslims believe that Isa (Alaihis Salaam) is not the son of God and he is not to be worshipped and these are the Islamic teachings and beliefs. Alhamdulillah, this became a means of his coming into Islam.

Allah Ta’ala has granted us Aql (Intelligence). The onus is on the individual to seek the truth. We too should look for the Truth and not wait for it to come to us. It is our duty to look for it – like how we look for a treatment for an illness, or how we seek our sustenance. Far more important than seeking a cure or seeking sustenance, is seeking Allah Ta’ala - knowing Allah Ta’ala, knowing His Commandments and practising upon them.

…One brother from America requested an ‘Aalim to attend his Hifz graduation. He is 90 years old. At this age, he has completed the memorisation of the Qur’aan Shareef. Another brother qualified as an 'Aalim at the age of 72 and he has now commenced his Hifz. They have the interest, but what about us? We have so many small excuses not to learn; not to find out. We are unmindful … yet Allah Ta’ala has established the means everywhere. There are Madaaris and other Deeni Institutions and Deeni works whereby we can easily learn and improve.

From another angle, Allah Ta’ala’s Bounties are unlimited but we turn away from them; we do not acknowledge them and show appreciation to Allah Ta’ala. This is also a kind of ‘I'raadh’ which we are guilty of. We don’t pay attention to the bounties of Allah Ta’ala. One is Imaan which is inherited – but because of our lack of appreciation, there is weakness in our Imaan. Another person appreciates and he works and builds on his Imaan. Similarly, we are showered with bounties in every form, at all times, but we are oblivious and don’t think of expressing gratitude. Allah Ta’ala mentions:

“…And few of My servants are grateful.”

[Surah Saba 34 : 13]

4.)   KUFR-E-SHAK (DOUBT)

There is either doubt or surety and conviction (Yaqeen). Wasaawis (whisperings) from shaytaan is something different and does not fall in this category. It is easy to expel these thoughts or whisperings of shaytaan, by turning to Allah Ta’ala and seeking His protection.

However, in Islam, there is no room for doubt.  Allah Ta’ala mentions:

“…who are certain (in their faith)”

This Yaqeen is not only strong on the Aakhirah but on all matters of Deen.

In these times, we find that many non-Muslims influence us, by telling us that if there is a God, then why are there wars in this world; why the starvation, why are thousands becoming orphans, etc.? This then leads to some questioning and doubting and even giving up Islam. May Allah Ta’ala protect us.

To doubt: Is there Allah? Is there Jannah? Is there Jahannum? – indicates that there is no Yaqeen; no Imaan.

Where can we understand the work of Allah Ta’ala? …He knows His work and why He does what He does. Of course, Allah Ta’ala has explained so much to us in the Qur’aan Shareef, which makes clear His Infinite Wisdom and Decisions. However, we cannot be questioning Allah Ta’ala. Sometimes, we behave as if we are the chief-advisors of Allah Ta’ala; when we express our opinions and say that certain things should not have happened or should have happened, etc.

Taqdeer is one of the basic beliefs of a Muslim. We believe that whatever came our way, was meant to be. There should be no ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’. What was written, will happen. …It is another issue when someone knowingly does the wrong thing and he thereafter blames Taqdeer.

We must know Allah Ta’ala as He is. Our Yaqeen is more than what we see. To develop this Yaqeen, we require the Suhbat (company) of those who have it. Allah Ta’ala instructs us to keep the company of His friends. It is in their company that our Imaan will develop to Yaqeen and we will Insha-Allah, attain that noble stage of Ihsaan – being conscious of Allah Ta’ala at all times. For Imaan, a continuous effort has to be made.

From another perspective, in these times, many of us have our Yaqeen in university degrees, in our jobs, etc. We think that without this, we won’t survive. Yet, so many who have degrees, don’t have jobs. And many who have no schooling and education are multi-millionaires. …Allah Ta’ala is the Giver of sustenance.

5.)   KUFR OF NIFAAQ (Hypocrisy)

This form of Kufr is when a person lives like a Muslim but does not believe in Islam.

Allah Ta’ala mentions regarding the Munafiqeen:

“When the hypocrites come to you, [O Muhammad Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam], they say, "We testify that you are the Messenger of Allah." And Allah knows that you are His Messenger, and Allah testifies that the hypocrites are liars.”

They would bear witness but they did not believe. What they said with their tongues was not in their hearts. They are the most dangerous group amongst us … Like snakes in the grass; hidden amongst us.

In this day and age as well, we have Munafiqeen; those who proclaim to be champions of Islam but are not. Many excel in their outward practices of Islam, but they are not Muslims. Shias, Qadianis and other deviant groups also practise Islam, but it is null and void in the Court of Allah Ta’ala because their beliefs are Kufr.

Our Shaykh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Sahib (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) once mentioned to us: “In the United Kingdom, there are people who are so particular on the practices of Islam, that they get up for Tahajjud; they engage in Zikrullah and other Ibaadaat…”  

Listening, to Hadhrat, I said: “SubhanAllah.”

Hadhrat said: “Do you know who they are? …These people are Christian missionaries who are well trained in Islamic teachings and practices, for no other reason but to go and destroy the Imaan of the Muslims – in the third world countries, where poverty and ignorance is rife, etc.”

Although their A’maal seemed very enviable but there is Kufr at heart.

One sister accepted Islam. She was a Christian missionary worker and explained that they were trained in Islam – to learn the Kalima and other aspects of Deen; to work amongst the Muslims and win them over to Christianity. Allah Ta’ala made that a means of guidance and she accepted Islam.

Sultan Nuruddin (RA)

There is a famous incident of Sultan Nuruddin (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh). He was a very just and pious ruler. One night, after performing the Tahajjud Salaah, he fell off to sleep and he dreamt of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, who pointed towards two people of squint-eye, and said: “Protect me from these two.”

The Sultan had the same dream three times, consecutively, and was naturally very concerned and disturbed. He, with a group of men, travelled speedily to Madina Munawwarah. As the story goes, after inviting all of the people of Madina Munawwarah to a feast, he searched for those two men whom he had seen in the dream. When he was informed that there were two men who are great worshippers and great ascetics, who resided near Jannatul Baqi, he called for them. After some questioning them, he ordered that they be kept in custody whilst their residence was inspected. Finally, the truth was exposed, that they were not Muslims. They submitted that they were actually Christians who had come to Madina Munawwarah, disguised as Hajis. A Christian King promised them great wealth if they steal the Mubarak body of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam. And this is what they were working towards whilst in Madina Munawwarah, digging a tunnel to the Mubarak grave for that same purpose.

They were Christians, but the people of Madinah Munawwarah described them as people who fasted by day, spent generously on the poor and needy, and who stood in prayer at night. There were A’maal but there was no Imaan in the heart; rather enmity.

Ibnu Abi Mulayka (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh), who was a Tabi’e, said: “I met no less than thirty Sahabah (Radiyallaahu ‘anhum) and each of them feared Nifaaq (hypocrisy) within themselves.”

Hadhrat Hasan Basri (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) would say in respect to Nifaaq: “No one fears it but a Believer and no one feels safe from it but a hypocrite."

May Allah Ta’ala reward Hadhrat Maulana Idris Kandehlawi  (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh). I benefited a lot and Insha-Allah, it benefits all. 

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[1] Tauheed: The Oneness of Allah Ta’ala

Types of Kufr (1)

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

From the Tafseer Lessons of 

Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq Sahib (DB)

The Arabic word ‘Kufr’ refers to covering up and concealing something. In the terminology of Shari’ah this means concealing the truth by not believing in Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam. Kufr is the opposite of Imaan – which is to believe in Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam.

Hadhrat Maulana Idris Kandehlawi (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had given a very detailed and beneficial explanation of the different types of Kufr; taken from the teachings of Imam Ghazali (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) and Imam Raazi (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh).

Five types of Kufr were discussed by Hadhrat Maulana Idris Kandehlawi (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh), which leave us with much to introspect regarding the spiritual condition of our own hearts. Each one of us needs to reflect where we stand, correct ourselves and make Dua for the protection of our Imaan; otherwise it is very easy to lose one’s Imaan. The Hadith mentions that a time will come when a person who was a Believer in the morning will become a non-believer by the evening, or he who was a Believer in the evening would become a non-believer by the morning.^[1]

We should understand that in the Qabr there is only Imaan and Kufr. If a person leaves this world with Imaan, he has secured everything, and if he leaves with Kufr, then the consequences are most severe.

1.)   KUFR-E-TAKZEEB (Rejection)

This Kufr is where a person falsifies and disbelieves in the essentials of Deen. Imaan-e-Mufassal covers all the essentials; seven fundamental beliefs:

Belief in

a.)    Allah Ta’ala

b.)    His Angels

c.)    His Books

d.)    His Messengers

e.)    The Last Day

f.)     Taqdeer (Predestination)

g.)    Resurrection after death.

If a person disbelieves in any one of these, he has committed Kufr. Very sadly, there are those who makes Salaah but they say that certain beliefs do not make sense to them and they cannot accept it … This too is Kufr. Our Imaan is on everything that Rasulullah Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam conveyed to us.

Imam Raazi (Rahmatullah ‘alayh) had given a comprehensive definition of Imaan; that it entails both acceptance with the heart and to attest with the tongue (i.e. Tasdeeq bil Qalb wa Iqraar bil lisaan). A person should make known that he is a Muslim. ...Of course, if the person is dumb, this will not be possible, but he could acknowledge in writing or in some other way. A person may also be under persecution and forced to say words of Kufr. He will be regarded a Believer so long as his heart is firm on Imaan.

When a person is interested in accepting Islam, we should explain to him Imaan-e-Mujmal and Mufassal. If the person accepts these beliefs, we should not delay in having him recite the Kalima. He should be made to say the Shahada immediately.

2.)   KUFR OF ISTIKBAAR (Pride)

This is the Kufr of pride which shaytaan is guilty of. It is disbelief stemming from pride and arrogance even though the truth is known.

Shaytaan believed in Allah Ta’ala, saw Allah Ta’ala; lived amidst the angels, lived in Jannah and saw what is ‘ghaib’ (the unseen world). His Yaqeen is greater than ours but his Kufr is his pride. He refused to fulfil the Command of Allah Ta’ala to prostrate to Hazrat Aadam (Alaihis Salaam). This rejection was because of his pride. He even argued his stance, saying that he was better that Hazrat Aadam (Alaihis Salaam).

...The Sajdah, which was required from him, was not in the worship of Hadhrat Aadam (Alaihis Salaam); it was the fulfillment of Allah Ta’ala Command.

Then there were the Jews of Madina Munawwarah. They recognised Nabi Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam as they would recognise their own sons. They, in fact, made Hijrah to Madina Munawwarah and settled there because they were expecting the arrival of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam. However, because he was not of the Jewish progeny and because he was of the Arab progeny; their pride prevented them from accepting. Not only did they reject, they were the cause of a great mischief. Allah Ta'ala mentions:

“…When there came to them that which they recognized, they disbelieved in it…”

[Surah Al-Baqarah 2 : 89]

“…Those to whom We gave the Scripture know him as they know their own sons…”

[Surah Al-Baqarah 2 : 146]

The same pride was evident in the Mushrikeen of Makkah Mukarramah. They too rejected the message of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, although they gave him the noble titles of Al-Ameen and As-Sawdiq. 

…We learn that pride is such a dangerous quality that it does not allow a person to accept what is the truth.

In our times, there are many who, due to their pride, say: “Why must I listen to the Ulama?”/ “Who are they to tell me what to do?”  … Our pride prevents us from listening to the truth and accepting it.

If any Aalim is saying and doing the wrong thing, then indeed, one should not listen. However, there are the Ulama-e-Haq who are teaching Deen correctly; teaching what is Qur’aan Shareef and Ahadith. If on this basis, we say: “Why must I listen?” then this is indirectly saying: “Why must I listen to the message of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam?” …How dangerous a statement!

If we belittle and mock the Ulama due to our pride and thinking of ourselves as superior, because of worldly wealth or worldly and secular education, then we should keep in mind that this was condition of the Munafiqeen (hypocrites), who considered themselves superior, and regarded the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu 'anhum) as foolish, and belittled them – Na’uzu Billah.

“They said: ‘Should we believe as the foolish have believed?’”

[Surah Al-Baqarah 2 : 13]

They considered the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu 'anhum) as people who were simple and with little knowledge; they saw them as gullible and just going along with whatever they were told. These Munafiqeen saw themselves as knowing more. Allah Ta’ala responded:

“Unquestionably, it is they (the Munafiqeen) who are the foolish, but they know [it] not.”

[Surah Al-Baqarah 2 : 13]

Not only did Allah Ta’ala label the Munafiqeen as fools, but also stated they were ignorant. 

...May Allah Ta’ala save us from pride and arrogance.

 To be continued, Insha-Allah.

[1] Sahih Muslim