Fitan | Like an Octopus

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)

 

 

We are living in such times that with each passing day, we see the words of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam manifesting in regard to the end of this world. Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said about the signs of the final day: “Signs following one another like the pieces of a necklace falling, one after the other, when its string is cut.”[1] 

 

All around, we see the manifestation of the signs of Qiyamah. Some – as mentioned in different Ahadith – are: natural disasters will increase, time will pass swiftly, afflictions will appear, massacre, bloodshed and killing will increase, the murderer will not know as to why he has killed and the slain will not know as to why he has been murdered, the widespread prevalence of music and adultery, women will be naked in spite of being dressed, children will be disobedient to their parents, great injustice will fill the earth, etc.

 

There are just waves and waves of darknesses hitting mankind – in the form of various tribulations and trials. And man, himself, is in a state of self-destruction due to his indulgence in sins.

 

Having read an interesting article on the octopus, an analogy came to mind, considering the fitan this Ummah and all of mankind are facing.

 

Like a giant venomous octopus spreading its eight arms, the forces of evil are spreading throughout the world. Via the media, evil spreads speedily and instantly in all directions.

 

It is said that an octopus releases a thick cloud of black ink to confuse its predators. We find that these forces of shaytaan spread darkness to confuse all of mankind.  And shaytaan is man’s open enemy – so when it comes to the destruction of man, there is no mercy.

 

Allah Ta’ala warns and cautions us:

 

“…Verily shaytaan is an open enemy unto you.”

[Surah Al-A`raaf 7 : 22]

 

 “Surely shaytaan is an enemy to you, so treat him as an enemy…”

[Surah Fatir  35:6]

 

 

It is also said that this black cloud of ink released by the octopus has a special substance that dulls senses. Similarly, we find that these fitnan and these “Isms” dull the spiritual senses. …As an example: Today, music is accepted, by perhaps the majority of Muslims, as entertainment and relaxation – whereas, it is Haraam and it only nourishes nifaaq (hypocrisy) in the heart. This is darkness that spreads in the heart. It not only dulls roohaaniyyat (spirituality), it destroys it.

 

Rasulullah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Music causes hypocrisy to grow in the heart just as water causes crops to grow.”[2]

 

Similarly, alcohol, drugs, gambling, interest taking and giving, adultery and every other sin cloud the spiritual vision and judgement and ‘numbs’ the soul.

 

With eight arms the octopus gains a firm grip over its prey. It gives a nasty bite and has poisonous and deadly saliva to subjugate and overpower its prey. It injects its prey in such a way that it paralyses it and then it dismembers and tears it into small pieces with its beak.

 

These fitan, these sins and these false ideologies bite and paralyse Imaan. They poison the spiritual heart; sometimes fully destroying the person’s Imaan, and they dismember and tear apart the person's entire Dien. This is how shaytaan assaults and attacks.

 

As a result, we find that very sadly, the majority of mankind, have become blinded by these darknesses and have even become spiritually dead in the grip of these satanic “Isms”.

 

It is a known fact, that the octopus is not the king or master in the oceans. We have the great white sharks and we have the killer whales and other sea creatures that are known as apex predators. They are, by far, much, much bigger and stronger than the octopus. In fact, the octopus would not attack such powerful predators.

 

Like the octopus, shaytaan’s influence and his power are limited. Even though, his influence is evident, Allah Ta’ala informs us that his conspiracies and schemes are weak.

 

 “Surely the plot of shaytaan is ever feeble.”

[Surah An-Nisaa 4 : 76]

 

When we establish a strong connection with Allah Ta’ala, with obedience and submission to Allah Ta’ala’s Commands and we become the friends of Allah Ta’ala, Allah Ta’ala protects from the mischief of nafs and shaytaan and from the various fitan that abound in the world.

 

 Allah Ta’ala makes this known:

 

“Verily, he (shaytaan) has no power over those who believe and put their trust only in their Lord (Allah Ta’ala).”

[Surah An-Nahl 16 : 99]

 

Allah Ta’ala’s Protection is with those who believe and trust in Him. Allah Ta’ala also grants spiritual strength to overcome and foil the plans and attacks of both nafs and shaytaan.  However, those who follow shaytaan, by engaging in sins and immorality are the ones who become the victims and easy prey of shaytaan:

 

 

‘His power is only over those who obey and follow him (shaytaan).’

[Surah An-Nahl 16 : 100]

 

In these challenging times, we need to guard ourselves against these Fitnahs, by:

·         Equipping ourselves with the correct Aqaa’id (beliefs) and knowledge of Dien, 

·         Fulfilling the Commandments of Allah Ta'ala - especially establishing Salaah, five times a day.

·         Engaging in good deeds, plenty of dua and istighfaar, 

·         Giving sadaqah and 

·         Keeping ourselves attached to the company of the Ulama-e-Haq, Mashaa’ikh and the righteous. 

·         We must carry out the great responsibility and duty of “Amr Bil Ma’roof and Nahy anil Munkar”[3]. 

 

These are measures for our safety and istiqaamah (steadfastness).

 

As Muslims, there is no losing hope. Imaan is the light of the heart and our guiding light. It is our torch as we walk through the darkness of this worldly life.

 

Practising on Dien is our shield and our fortress in these times when there is a great onslaught and ambush against Imaan and Islam. There is no tolerance shown to religion. All the Isms that circulate in the world are with the objective of eradicating belief in Allah Ta’ala. This is the promise of shaytaan:

 

“Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against 

them (human beings) on Your Straight Path.

Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, 

from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of 

them as thankful ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You).”

[Surah Al-A’raaf  7 : 16/17]

 

Holding onto Dien, like how a drowning man holds onto a lifeline, will be our means of salvation, Insha-Allah.

 

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and the concern, that we take measures to protect ourselves and our families in these very dangerous times.

 

 

 

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[1] Tirmidhi

[2] Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Imaan

[3] Amr Bil Ma’roof and Nahy anil Munkar :Commanding the good and forbidding the evil

 

 

 

Spiritual Diamonds

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

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

Diamonds are known to be an extremely prized commodity; something which is sought-after. They are treasured for their rarity and beauty.

In its original form, a diamond is a rough stone and has to undergo a demanding process to create the sparkling diamond, which will then be made available for an exclusive market.

Diamonds are explained as crystals of pure carbon that are formed under intense heat and very high pressure, deep in the earth’s mantle. They are also known as one of the hardest minerals.

Whilst carbon is a very abundant element, not all of it becomes diamonds. Similarly, there are billions of human beings but not all become "diamonds". However, every person has the potential to become a spiritual diamond - if the effort is made.

Just as a diamond is formed deep in the earth, a diamond amongst people is generally formed in the safety and fortification of the Suhbat of the Ahlullah.

...The Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu 'anhum) had become bright, brilliant, glittering stars by virtue of the Suhbat of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam). They have been described as stars, which offer guidance. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) said: “My Companions are like the stars, whichever of them you follow you will be rightly guided”

In this path of Sulook, there are many unique diamonds. They are different individuals, from different walks of life, who become the friends of Allah Ta’ala. In the making of the human ‘diamond’, there is also the heat and pressure of different tests and sacrifices, which brings to the surface the true value and worth of a person.

As a diamond undergoes an intense degree of Mujahadah (Striving), so too does the one who seeks to become a diamond in the Court of Allah Ta’ala! The tests of life and the efforts and striving for the cause and pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, are factors which contribute to the making of the spiritual diamond. 

Through these tests, struggles and sacrifices, the spiritual diamonds amongst mankind are created.

Allah Ta’ala mentions in Surah Al-Mulk

“[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.”

[Surah Al-Mulk 67 : 2]

And in Surah Al-Baqarah:

 وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَىْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوْعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنْفُسِ وَالثَّمَرٰتِ ^قلے

وَبَشِّرِ الصّٰبِرِينَ ۙ الَّذِينَ إِذَآ أَصَابَتْهُمْ مُّصِيْبَةٌ ^لا

 قَالُوْآ إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيْهِ رٰجِعُونَ ◌

 أُولٰٓئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلَوٰتٌ مِّنْ رَّبِّهِمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ ^صلے وَأُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُهْتَدُونَ ◌

“We will definitely test you with some fear, some hunger and some loss in your wealth, in your health and in the fruits. Give glad-tidings to those who patiently persevere. And when any trial reaches them, they say: ‘Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji-oon (from Allah we have come and to Him is our return).” They are those on whom are the benefactions of their Lord, and receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones.”

[Surah Al-Baqarah 2 : 155/156/157]

In his quest to become a spiritual diamond, the Saalik strives against his nafs and shaytaan; and continuously renders the sacrifices of the evil desires of his nafs. He chooses Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure before his own pleasure. No matter what the demand, no matter what the temptation and no matter what great pressure he has to contend with, he remains firm and steadfast in his obedience to Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).

Like carbon becomes a diamond and a very hard mineral under very high pressure, the Saalik becomes a spiritual diamond with his abstinence from sins, and becomes strong, firm and solid in his Imaan in Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam).

When diamonds are discovered, they are not left in their raw form. Th­ere are special techniques adopted to cut and shape a diamond before it is embedded in a ring, in earrings, in a bracelet or in a necklace. Diamond cutters use different techniques:

1.)   Cleaving or sawing – is a technique where the diamond cutter cuts a diamond down to an appropriate size.

2.)    Cutting – is the technique adopted to give the diamond its shape.

3.)    Poli­shing – is the final technique to give the diamond its finished look.

These diamond cutters bring life to rough diamonds and transform them into brilliant, glittering gems. When they are placed on the market, then as we know, they are sold at a high price – depending on their carat, cut, colour and clarity. As such, not everyone can purchase diamonds.

Similarly, when the rough diamonds of mankind are placed in the Suhbat of the Sheikh-e-Kaamil, then like the diamond cutter, the Sheikh-e-Kaamil makes an effort on the Mureed and adopts different techniques to mould him into a true human being and a sincere Aashiq of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).

Sometimes, in the efforts made by the Saalik, in his obedience to Allah Ta’ala and in undertaking good deeds, the Saalik suffers the malady of Ujub (vanity / conceit), Takabbur (pride) or some form of Hubbe Jah or Hubbe Bah. So the Sheikh also uses the technique of ‘cleaving’ and brings the Saalik down to size – down to Abdiyyah (servitude to Allah Ta’ala), whereby the Saalik annihilates his nafs and recognises that he is a slave and servant of Allah Ta’ala.

This Abdiyyah and Fana’iyyah are achieved most easily when there is a spiritual diamond cutter doing the work – that is, the Sheikh-e-Kaamil. On its own, a diamond cannot cut itself or do anything to improve itself. If a diamond does not entrust itself – so to say - to a diamond cutter, it will remain a rough, course diamond. It would not have become the brilliant Kohi-Noor or the Great Star of Africa.

The Sheikh also adopts the technique of giving the Saalik, a beautiful ‘shape’ and form – by guiding him and correcting him in his Aqaa'id (beliefs), in his Ibaadaat (worship), in his character and in his dealings with the creation. The “polishing” of the Mureed is the effort of Zikrullah and the effort of Ikhlaas whereby the Saalik shines brightly in his Love for Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).

Indeed, that person who connects with this perfect Dien and with the beautiful Sunnah becomes the envy of diamonds. …Diamonds fade when compared to the brilliant light, splendid shine, beauty and value of the one who sacrifices himself for Dien and sacrifices himself upon the Sunnah. 

What is the Kohi Noor next to the heart of a Mu’min? Nothing!

The buyer for the spiritual diamond is none other than Allah Ta’ala – who then houses His diamond in the everlasting home of Jannah! Allah Ta’ala says:

إِنَّ اللّٰهَ اشْتَرٰﮮ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ أَنْفُسَهُمْ وَأَمْوَالَهُم بِأَنَّ لَهُمُ الْجَنَّةَ ^ط

 “Allah has purchased from the Believers their lives and their properties; [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise…”

 [Surah At-Taubah 9 : 111]

Whilst the buyers of worldly diamonds consider the carat, cut, colour and clarity, Allah Ta’ala considers the sincerity of our hearts and deeds.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:  “Verily Allah does not look towards your physical appearances, or towards your riches; but He sees (the sincerity of) your hearts, and (the nature of) your deeds.”^[1]

Diamonds are after all stones that have some material value attached to them. Even if a person possesses these diamonds, it is only for the duration of his earthly life. They will be left behind when the person is placed in his grave. They may even be lost to him in his lifetime.

…On the other hand, a diamond amongst mankind appreciates and increases in value – even after his death! His value increases with his Ibaadaat, with his Khidmat of Dien, with his efforts to benefit the creation in various ways, and in other good deeds – and his value increases after death, by virtue of the Sadaqah-e-Jaariyah he leaves behind.   

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious child, who prays for him (for the deceased)”.[2] 

An Aashiq of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) becomes a unique diamond by virtue of the qualities in his heart, which he carries with him wherever he goes and which accompany him to his grave and are a source of tremendous spiritual profit in both worlds.

Our Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi 'Alayh) had said that on one occasion, Shah Waliullah (Rahmatullahi 'Alayh) addressed the Moghul Emporers, saying: “Waliullah has a heart that is adorned with the gems and pearls of the Love of Allah Ta’ala. When you die, you will be beneath the ground, covered in a few sheets, while your wealth and treasure, your power and position will be left behind, above the ground.”

Every person has the ability to become a spiritual diamond. However, it is with the skilled work of the spiritual diamond cutter (the Sheikh-e-Kaamil), that the person acquires spiritual shape, beauty and shine. So we should hand ourselves over to a Sheikh who is Kaamil – and allow him to cleave, saw, cut and polish – that is, allow him to make our Islaah.

…Of course, we should be very wary of those who are fraudulent and bogus peers.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and Taufeeq of Amal and bless us all with the Suhbat of such a Sheikh who will mould us to be diamonds that will fetch a high price in the Court of Allah Ta’ala!

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[1] Sahih Muslim

[2] Sahih Muslim

Seerat of Our Beloved Nabi ﷺ

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

This Kitaab is a basic translation of Hamare Rasul ﷺ 

with a few additions from the Kitaab, Seerat-ul-Mustafa ﷺ 

written by Hadhrat Moulana Idrees Khandelwi 

(Rahmatullahi Alayh).

EXTRACT

The sun of Nubuwwah was born in a city which was the headquarters of idols. ...Like before the rising of the sun, the horizon lights up, similarly, before the birth of Nabi  ﷺ the world lit up with Barakaat!

When Nabi’s ﷺ mother conceived him, she was given the glad tidings, in a dream, “Your child is going to be the leader of this Ummah! When he will be born, make this Dua, ‘I give him in the protection of the One and Only Allah’, and name him Muhammad.” She also said, “After conceiving him I saw a light by which the palaces of Syria were seen.”

The mother of Uthman bin Abul Aas (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Fatima bint-e-Abdullah says, “At the time of childbirth I was near Amina. At that time, I noticed that the entire house was filled with Noor, and the stars are lowering themselves to such an extent that I thought that the stars will fall on me.” (The stars lowering themselves indicated that very soon Kufr, Shirk and darkness will be removed from the world, and the world will be filled with brightness and Hidaayah (guidance).)

On the 7th day after birth, Abdul Muttalib celebrated the Aqeeqah of Nabi ﷺ. Most of the Quraish were invited for the function and the name Muhammad was chosen for Nabi ﷺ. The Quraish said, “O Abdul Haarith (the title of Abdul Muttalib), why did you choose such a name which none from amongst your forefathers have chosen up to this day?” 

Abdul Muttalib replied, “I chose this name, because I hope Allah Ta’ala, in the heavens, and the creation of Allah Ta’ala on the earth, will praise him.”

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