Khanqah Akhtari | Ramadaan 1438 Programme

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Darul Uloom Azaadville Annual Jalsa 1438

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

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Laylatul Bara'ah | 15th of Sha`baan

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Hazrat Aayesha (Radhiyallahu ‘Anha) said:

"One night Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) woke up and performed Salaah. He prolonged the Sajdah to such an extent that I wondered whether he had passed away. Seeing this, I got up and shook his foot. Perceiving movement, I felt at ease.

When Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) lifted his head from Sajdah and completed his Salaah, he said: "O Humairah (RA)! Did you think that the Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had deceived you?"

I replied in the negative and said: "I swear in the name of Allah, due to the length of your Sajdah I thought that you had passed away. "

Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: "Do you know what night this is?"

I said: "Allah and his Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) know best."

He said: "This is the fifteenth night of Sha'baan, Allah looks at His servants in this night and forgives those who seek forgiveness, shows mercy upon those who seek mercy and delays the decision of those who harbour feelings of hatred for others”

(Baihaqi)

It is also mentioned in this narration that Hazrat Aisha (Radhiyallahu 'Anah) heard Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) reading this Dua in his Sajdah:

I'tikaaf Invitation | Ramadaan 1438

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Tarjuma of the Qur`aan Sharief, from the Juz of the previous night’s Taraweeh.

Ta’leem and lessons in Tajweed

Anwaarus Salaah | Improving one’s Salaah

Yaseen Sharief Khatam, Salaat and Salaam, Du’aa

Discourses on spiritual nurturing and upliftment.

Kitaab reading

Zikr Majlis

Muraqabah-e-Maut (Remembrance of Death)

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The Priority of Qadha Salaah

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)

It is well known to all of us that Salaah is Fardh-e-Ain (compulsory upon every sane, adult, Muslim) and it is Fardh, five times a day. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) described Salaah as, “the coolness of my eyes”. In Arabic, this is an expression of immense joy and deep love. This would naturally be the case when a true lover understands that Salaah is that treasured meeting and cherished conversation with his true Beloved – Allah Ta’ala. It is that prized opportunity of enjoying extreme closeness to Allah Ta’ala. This beautiful description reveals that Salaah offers joy, happiness, tranquility, ease and calm, as well as safety, rejuvenation and revitalisation.  

Various Ahadith expound numerous benefits, merits and rewards that follow on establishing Salaah – in this world and the next. Success is enjoyed here, in our worldly lives, as well as in the Aakhirah. Every single day, the Azaan is called out and we are invited to this GUARANTEED success, with the words “Hayya ‘alas Salaah (Come to Prayer), Hayya ‘alal Falaah (Come to Success!).” … When Allah Ta’ala makes a promise, He most certainly fulfils His Promise!

Sadly, the love and appreciation for Salaah has become lost to the majority of us. Perhaps 80% or more of the Ummah are negligent in establishing Salaah. Many of us read a few Salaah, or perhaps attend the Jumu’ah Salaah once a week; if not, then we may, perhaps, make it for the Eid Salaah, just twice a year. …The majority of us are neglectful and careless in respect to establishing Salaah, as it should be established.

However, on realising our failing, and understanding the importance of Salaah, some of us begin to perform Salaah, until it becomes a habit and part of our daily lives. Alhamdulillah. ...Although, this is a great milestone and great progress has been made in the direction of fulfilling Allah Ta’ala’s Command of Salaah, we sometimes do not consider the need to fulfil those obligatory Salaah that were not performed in the past … that is, the Salaah that are Qadha.

We generally love to read the Nafl Salaah – whether it is Ishraaq, Salaatud Dhuha (Chaasht), Salaatul Awwabeen and Tahajjud Salaah. There is a lot of diligence when it comes to the Nawaafil. Much time is given to these Nafl Salaah, whilst the Qadha Salaah remains unfulfilled. Qadha Salaah is obligatory whereas Nafl is optional. Let us understand the difference: One is obligatory and necessary; the other is optional or voluntary. Qadha Salaah thus takes priority over the Nafl.

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallahu ‘Anhu) said: “We heard Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) saying: “The first among the doings of a person to be reckoned for on the Day of Judgement shall be his Salaah. A person will succeed and attain his goal if his Salaah is accepted, and he will fail and lose badly if it is rejected.” …We will be questioned about the Fardh Salaah that were not performed, but we will not be questioned about the Nafl Salaah which were not performed. Of course, the Nafl Salaah, should not be left out completely, since these Salaah too will be a means of immense goodness, where there is a deficiency in the compulsory Salaah. The Hadith continues: “If any deficiency is found in his Fardh Salaah, Allah will say (to the Angels): “Look for any Nafl Salaah in his account.’ Then the deficiency in his Fardh Salaah will be made good with his Nafl Salaah. The rest of his religious practices (Fasts, Zakaat, etc.) will then be reckoned for in the same manner.”[1]

Sheikhul Hadith, Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Zakariyyah (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had mentioned in the Fazaa’il-e-Sadaqaat: “Allamah Suyuti (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had written in his book, Mirqaatus Su’ood: ‘Seventy Nafl acts of virtue are equal in merit to one corresponding obligatory (Fardh) act of virtue.’ …For example, seventy Rakaats of Nafl Salaah are equal in merit to one Rakaat of Fardh Salaah.”  

Imam Nawawi (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) has stated that the grand scholar of the Shafi’i Madh-hab; Imamul Haramain Al-Juwaini (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) to have quoted from certain ‘Ulama that the reward of a Fardh act is actually equal to 70 Nafl (voluntary) deeds![2]

…It is the Qadha Salaah that is due to Allah Ta’ala and this is what needs to be fulfilled, but we deceive ourselves of being pious, based on the amount of Nafl Salaah we read. We are happy to read the Nawaafil but lazy in fulfilling the Qadha. Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallahu ‘Anhu) had related a Hadith, wherein Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said that Allah Ta’ala said: “My slave draws near to Me with nothing more beloved to me than that which I have made OBLIGATORY upon him. And My slave continues to draw nearer to Me with optional acts of devotion (Nawaafil) until I love him. …”[3]

The performance of the Faraa’idh (obligatory acts) are the most beloved of deeds in the Sight of Allah Ta’ala. One who carries out his compulsory duties to Allah Ta’ala will draw nearer to Allah Ta’ala with his optional deeds. However, the Faraa'idh are a must.

One of our noble Aslaaf (pious predecessors) had very aptly said: “Whoever is too busy with his obligations to do what is optional has an excuse; while he who is too busy with what is optional to do what is obligatory is beguiled and led astray.”

Our similarity is like a person who borrows R100 000 from a friend. This is a loan and has to be paid back, but the person delays and delays, and does not make any payment. He, however, considers himself very kind-hearted, magnanimous and noble ... because whenever he visits his friend, who had loaned him the R100 000, he hands out sweets to his friend’s children. The sweets are distributed generously - and the person feels very pleased with himself and is happy over his kind gesture - but there is no talk and no mention of the R100 000 that needs to be paid, and no effort made to pay. In a similar way, we are pleased with our Nawaafil but make no effort to fulfil what is due to Allah Ta'ala.

Generally, our performance of the Nawaafil leads us to believe that we are pious, whereas, we are owing Allah Ta’ala, hundreds, if not thousands of obligatory Salaah… Of course, no matter how many years of Salaah are outstanding, one should not consider it an impossibility to complete, or become discouraged or disheartened. Thousands of people, sincerely undertook discharging their Qadha and completed years of Qadha in due time. Alhamdulillah. ...They persevered and saw its completion, with Allah Ta’ala’s Fadhl.

An easy recourse to fulfilling one’s Qadha Salaah, is to read one Qadha Salaah with each of the five daily Salaah. In this manner, 5 Qadha Salaah will be discharged every day. If a person has the time, like when out in Jamaat, during Ramadhaan, Umrah, etc. more Qadha Salaah could be fulfilled in a day … as long as the effort is being made.

For those who require encouragement to establish Salaah in their lives and make up the outstanding Salaah, a reading of the Fazaa’il-e-Salaah (Virtues of Salaah) by Sheikhul Hadith, Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Zakariyyah (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) will be found to be extremely beneficial and inspirational. 

Like Qadha Salaah needs to be fulfilled, Zakaat, Saum, Qurbani, Sadaqatul Fitr, Kaffaarah have to also be fulfilled – if these duties were not discharged when obligatory. Refer to a reliable Aalim or Mufti and find out the necessary details on how to fulfil these outstanding dues.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to fulfil all dues before we leave this world.

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[1] Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 860, Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 413 and Musnad Ahmad, Vol.2 Pg.425.

[2] Sharh Sahih Muslim, Vol.1 Pg.324

[3] Sahih Al-Bukhari

The First Night of Rajab

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

The Company of As-Sawdiq ﷺ

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

ALLAH TA'ALA has commanded us:

 “O You who Believe, Fear Allah and join the company of the Truthful ones (the pious, the Auliya Allah).”

[Surah At-Taubah 9 : 119]

Our Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had explained that the highest rank among the Auliya Allah (Friends of Allah Ta’ala) is that of the Sawdiqeen or Siddiqeen. Hadhrat Moulana (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had also presented a beautiful definition of a Siddique: Siddique is a mirror reflection of Nubuwwah. Subhanallah!

Allah Ta’ala instructs us to keep the company of the Sawdiqeen, the Truthful ones … because these are people who are truthful in their piety. They have the reality of piety. Their piety is not just an act or performance of piety. There is no pretence in what they say or do. Allah Ta’ala revealed the plural, ‘Sawdiqeen’, making known to us that there will always be such sincere servants of Allah Ta’ala, until the end of time. And it is through the blessings of the noble company of the Siddiqeen, that we will nurture the quality of Taqwa.

When Allah Ta’ala grants His Taufeeq, Fadhl and Rahmah, and man makes an effort, he can develop his relationship to a level of Sidq, where he is counted amongst the Siddiqeen. …The Ambiyaa (Alaihimus Salaam) were selected by Allah Ta’ala to convey His Message to mankind; so this quality of Sidq would naturally be inherent and characteristic in all of the Ambiyaa (Alaihimus Salaam), to a more exalted and lofty level. We find in the Qur’aan Sharief, that Hadhrat Yusuf (Alaihis Salaam) is described by the honourable title, “Siddique”:

“(He said:) Yusuf! O Truthful one!...”

[Surah Yusuf 12 : 46]

And again, by Zulaikah:

“…and indeed, he is of the truthful (Sawdiqeen).”

[Surah Yusuf 12 : 51]

Allah Ta’ala mentions Hadhrat Ibraheem (Alaihis Salaam) as Siddique:

“And mention in the Book (the Qur’aan) Ibraheem. Verily! He was a man of truth (Siddique), a Nabi.”

[Surah Maryam 19 : 41]

Allah Ta’ala also mentions Hadhrat Idris (Alaihis Salaam) as Siddique:

“And mention in the Book (the Qur’aan) Idris. Verily! He was a man of truth (Siddique), (and) a Nabi.”

[Surah Maryam 19 : 56]

Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam was the embodiment of Sidq and was given the noble title of "As-Sawdiq" (The Truthful One). ...When Allah Ta’ala highlights the virtue and merit of the company of the Auliya Allah, how much more meritorious must it be to spend time in the company of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), from whom the Siddiqeen have acquired this Sidq!

Alhamdulillah, we are most fortunate in that we have certainty as to where our Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is buried, and we have the honour of visiting him – with much ease. When visiting Nabi (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam), we should also make the intention of benefiting directly from the Mubarak company of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam). Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) is alive in his grave, and from whom we can draw immense benefit. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “The Ambiyaa are alive in their graves and they pray.”[1]

Hadhrat Sheikh Abdul-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehlawi (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had explained that the Messengers of Allah Ta’ala are alive in their graves, just as they were alive in the world. For them, life (in the grave) is a real, physical life, like they had in this world.

When we keep company with the pious, we hope to acquire, within our own hearts, their virtuous qualities. Whilst we are at the Raudha Mubarak, we should intend to imbibe and absorb the noble, beautiful qualities of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) – for there is no person ever who can match the perfection that Allah Ta'ala had blessed His Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) with. His beauty, his character, his speech, his actions and his interaction with people surpasses and transcends all.

 “And you are surely on an excellent standard of character.”

 [Surah Al-Qalam 68 :4]

This opportunity of being in the company of our Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is a most exclusive and prized gift and tremendous favour for any Ummati and should be cherished and deeply appreciated. Do not let the stay in Madinatul Munawwarah go to waste – by being heedless and negligent of this unique opportunity of directly drawing the Anwaaraat and Barakaat that are found at the Raudha Mubarak, in the Suhbat of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).

When in Masjidun Nabawi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), we should try and find a place near the Raudha Mubarak. Convey Salaat and Salaam with Adab and respect. Make Dua to Allah Ta’ala: O Allah, let me benefit from the Fuyoodh, Barakah, Tawajjuh and Duas of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam.


Of course, to truly take benefit from our Ziyarah, we need to develop the love for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam). This, we can easily acquire from one who has sincere love, whose entire life is in conformity with the beautiful Sunnah and who will also teach us the etiquettes and demands of love, that we are able to present ourselves with humility and respect, value and cherish the opportunity, and take maximum benefit when in Madinah Sharief. We will draw these qualities from the hearts of the Ahlullah, the Lovers of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and should thus avail ourselves of their noble company.

On another note:

The very honourable companions, Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddique (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Hadhrat Umar Farouq (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) were blessed with very lofty and exceptional qualities. It is a well-known fact that Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was given the title of “Siddique” by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) because he did not hesitate in regard to anything that was conveyed by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), and he maintained firm faith at all times. This honourable title is testimony of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu)’s high status amongst the Sawdiqeen. No Ummati can match Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu). After the Ambiya (Alaihimus Salaam), the highest in rank is Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) had said, regarding Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu): “Indeed, Allah has placed truth upon Umar`s tongue and heart.”[2] And in another Hadith: “If there were a Nabi after me, it would be Umar, son of Khattaab.”[3] Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was given the title “Al-Farouq” – the one who distinguishes, between Haq (Truth) and Baatil (Falsehood). These Ahadith clearly establish Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu)’s exceedingly high level of Sidq.  

Allah Ta’ala accepted them to be buried beside Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn 'Abbas (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had said: “Every person will be buried in the soil from which he was created.”[4] …SubhanAllah! How extremely special Hadhrat Abu Bakr and Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) are, to have been created from the earth, which houses them with the Beloved of Allah Ta’ala (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi sallam)! Indeed, they were the closest to him in life and are closest after their demise. In this, Allah Ta’ala also perpetuated for them, the bounty of Suhbat and nearness to Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). SubhanAllah! What great honour and acceptance!

When we reflect over all of this, we feel a sense of deep shame that despite our unworthiness – and we are indeed undeserving of this bounty – Allah Ta’ala allows us such close proximity to these great personalities. This is only Allah Ta’ala’s Karam. At the same time, we should hope that when Allah Ta’ala has accommodated us with such a visit, that we leave, having taken benefit from their blessed company.

Hadhrat Hajee Farouk Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had presented, very beautifully, the manner of meeting and greeting Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and his two companions (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum). Hadhrat Hajee Farouk Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) related the Hadith in praise of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu): “The most merciful of my Ummah upon my Ummah is Abu Bakr!”

Hadhrat (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) advised that while we are there, close to Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu), we should make Dua to Allah Ta’ala to grant us the mercy, soft-heartedness and other beloved qualities of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

In respect to Hadhrat 'Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “The firmest, regarding the commandments of Allah, is Umar.” …So we should make Dua to Allah Ta’ala to also grant us firmness and Istiqaamah on Dien – which was one of the many outstanding qualities of Hadhrat 'Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

May Allah Ta’ala grant us life and death in the company of His lovers! Indeed, this is honour in both worlds!

By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)

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[1] Baihaqi

[2] Tirmidhi

[3] Tirmidhi

[4] Musannaf ‘Abdur Razzaq, Hadith: 6531