Dien and The Efforts of Dien

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

  Allah Ta’ala has commanded us:

“O You Who Have Believed, Enter Into Islam Completely.”

[Surah Al-Baqarah 2 : 208]

 

Islam is submission to Allah Ta’ala and it entails practical implementation by way of Salaah, Fasting, Zakaat, Hajj and fulfilment of all the other Commands of Allah Ta’ala, including staying away from sin and disobedience.  Islam is an entire package and covers our Aqaa’id, Ibaadah, Mu’amalaat, Mu’asharaat and Akhlaaq. This is Dien and it necessitates that we live it. 

 

For many of us, we select from Dien what suits us and we leave off what does not suit us. This is not true Islam. Entering into Islam ‘completely’ means that we do so with our entire person – body, mind, heart and soul. …On the one hand, the Ummah at large is generally negligent and heedless in practising Islam. On the other hand, many of us are fortunate to be involved in serving Dien but we too fall short in living Dien; in practising Dien.

 

It is important to differentiate and understand Dien itself and the effort of Dien; otherwise an entire life passes without fulfilling the objective. Sometimes, in our effort to serve Dien, we forget the objective. The effort is ‘the means to the end’ but it is not the end. As an example: These days, we tend to introduce an Aalim: “Moulana gave his whole life for Dien. Moulana has done ‘this’ and ‘that’ in the khidmat of Dien.” …Yes, Alhamdulillah, Moulana may have spent his entire life serving Dien but the primary and fundamental obligation is Dien itself. How much of Dien is in Moulana’s life?

 

If a very good cook prepares healthy, delicious meals and provides these meals to everyone free of charge, but does not eat himself, he will not gain the health benefits nor the enjoyment of the delicious food. If he does not eat at all, himself, and is only busy feeding others, he will become weak and frail and will not be able to serve and benefit anyone!

 

To talk about Dien, learn, teach, preach and serve Dien is preparing wholesome spiritual meals. However, we should be the first to benefit and gain in spiritual health and also share with others. Our intention should thus be to follow up with practising Dien. As is said: “to walk the talk”. We are meant to live Dien. Dien should be in all aspects and facets of our lives. If a person is living Dien, his entire life becomes Ibaadah. He will be fulfilling his purpose in this world:

 

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنْسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوْن

 

“I did not create the Jinn and Mankind except for the purpose that they should worship Me.”

[Surah Zaariyaat 51 : 56]

 

There is no doubt that the efforts of Dien are extremely great and meritorious, whether Tabligh, Khanqah, Makaatib, Darul Ulooms or Jihad. All these noble efforts are for Dien to come into our lives. Despite their many merits, Dien is the objective and priority.

 

Moulana Ibraheem Dewla (Daamat Barakaatuhu) explained this same point very beautifully. He said that the Azaan is the call to Salaah. In the Dua after Azaan, we read:

 

اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ هَذِهِ الدَّعْوَةِ التَّامَّةِ

 

“O Allah, Rabb of this complete/perfect call…”

 

Azaan is a “complete Da’wah”. …Sometimes, a person may think that it is not a complete da’wah and many more things can be said. But what is our thinking? It is nothing. Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam declared it as a complete call. …Although it is complete, if the Mu’azzin now gives ten Azaans, one after the other instead of performing Salaah in Jamaat, we will question his state of mind and perhaps even take him for a psychological evaluation. If he is only calling out the Azaan and not joining the Jamaat Salaah, he has not fulfilled the objective. Whilst the Azaan was given, the Salaah was not established and Dien was not established.

 

Similarly, a person continuously performs wudhu but this is as much as he does. He does not perform Salaah. He has thus lost sight of the important objective.  

 

Both Azaan and wudhu have great value. Chapters are devoted in the kitaabs of Hadith to the great virtues of Azaan and wudhu. Likewise, every effort of Dien is necessary and in itself is very great and carries immense virtue, merit and rewards. However, compared to Dien, the effort is like a shadow. The culmination of all efforts is for Dien to be established. It is for all of us to actively follow and live out the teachings of Qur’aan Sharief and Sunnah. 

 

To present a few examples: A person did a 3-year Hifz course, thereafter, he completed a 6-year Aalim course and followed it up with the Mufti course. He gets married and the first morning after his Nikah he is not in the Masjid for Fajr Salaah. He may read his Salaah at home or even miss it. The reality of Dien is not in his life. The noble effort was undertaken; many years were given, but Dien itself was not realised.

 

A person goes in Jamaat for 40 days. During that time, he follows the Sunnah, sits on the floor and eats. However, when he returns home, he is back at his breakfast nook, sitting on a chair at the table. He spent 40 days reading Salaah in Jamaat but on return home, he is missing Salaah in Jamaat. Dien has not come into his life fully.

 

Alhamdulillah, so many efforts are made for Dien. Mubarak. We must continue in those efforts. May Allah Ta’ala grant us Ikhlaas and accept. However, let us introspect, analyse and evaluate: How much of Dien is in my life? How much have I improved in my Salaah? Am I giving time for Zikr and Dua? Am I reading Qur’aan Sharief? …This is priority. And above even these a’maal are sifaat (qualities).

 

Sifaat are the qualities of Dien: Imaan, Sabr, Shukr, Tawakkul, Taqwa, Tawaadhu, Ikhlaas and so forth. A’maal are carried out for a duration of time. However, Sifaat are with a person all the time: whilst he is awake or sleeping, in the Masjid, workplace or even in the toilet! All the time; everywhere! We, perhaps give some importance to A’maal, but are often inattentive to Sifaat! In the Qur’aan Sharief, we find that Allah Ta’ala’s often draws attention to Sifaat – those who have Imaan, who adopt Sabr, who have Taqwa, who trust in Him, etc. 

 

Together with our Ibaadah, we need to assess and review the level of our Imaan and develop praiseworthy qualities within us. In these times of fitan, the attacks are on Imaan. Our beliefs must be correct and we should strive to build up our Imaan to yaqeen. We have to also examine our Mu’asharaat, Mu’amalaat and Akhlaaq. Are we fulfilling the rights of the creation as we have been commanded to? Have we developed our character in resemblance to the Sunnah? How do we treat our spouses? How do we engage with our neighbours? How do we deal in business?

 

It is for this reason that we are commanded to keep the company of the Siddiqeen because they have the reality of Dien. They are true in their Imaan and Islam. It is by virtue of their Suhbat, we will learn how to also live Dien correctly.

 

يٰٓأَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللهَ وَكُوْنُوْا مَعَ الصّٰدِقِيْنَ

“O You who Believe, Fear Allah and join the company of the Truthful ones 

(the pious, the Auliya Allah).”

[Surah Taubah 9 : 119]

 

Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) explained very beautifully that in this Ayah, Allah Ta’ala mentions Imaan, Taqwa and Suhbah. For the nourishment and development of Imaan, the requisite is Taqwa. For the sustenance and progress of Taqwa, the requisite is Suhbah of the Auliya Allah.

 

Even if we are deficient in practising Dien, it does not mean we cut out all efforts of Dien. Without the effort, Dien won't come into existence. However, stopping at the effort and not practicing on it is defeating the purpose and objective.

 

May Allah Ta’ala correct our understanding and give us the Taufeeq of living Dien and cultivating noble Sifaat.  

 

 

 

Nasihah 13 - 14

 Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Fifty of you!

 Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq Sahib (Daamat Barakaatuhu)

 

Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “…For verily ahead of you are such (difficult) days, staying steadfast on Dien will be like holding onto burning coal. Those who do good deeds in those days will receive the reward of fifty people who carry out deeds like you.”

 

The Dien referred to is that which was brought by Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam and upon which the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were; that Dien which the enemies of Islam have made us, Muslims, believe and call, ‘stone age Islam’ and ‘camel age Islam’ – Na-uzu Billah. We are living in a time where those who are trying to follow the path of the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) are called orthodox, fanatics and so forth. Here, in this Hadith, Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam mentions that for such people, holding onto Dien would be like holding onto hot, burning coal. However, on their struggle and steadfastness they will receive the reward of fifty people.

 

It was asked: “O Rasulullah! Will they receive the reward of fifty people like them or fifty of us?”

 

Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam replied: “Fifty of you!”^[1]

 

That is, fifty Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum). …Of course, this does not make anyone equal to or better than the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum). The Hadith is alluding to the great and lofty rewards that will be obtained for persevering in Dien at such a difficult time – the reward will be of fifty Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum). These people will be following the true Dien, practising upon the true Dien but they will have to contend with the people opposing and condemning them; criticising and mocking them. When they want to do the right, they are met with conflict and censure.

 

HADITH AL HAUD

 

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) related that Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam came to the graveyard and said: “Peace be upon the abode of believing people; and if Allah wills, we will join you soon. Would that we could see our brothers.”

 

They said: “Are we not your brothers, O Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam)?”

 

He said: “You are my companions. Our brothers are those who have not come yet.”

 

They said: “How will you recognize those of your Ummah who have not come yet, O Rasulullah?”

 

He said: “Do you not see that if a man has horses that have white blazes and white feet among horses that are all black, will he not recognize his horses?”

 

They said: “Of course, O Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).”

 

He said: “They will come to me with bright faces and limbs (like the white markings of a horse) because of the traces of wudhu. I will reach the Haud (the great lake) before them, and men will be driven away from my Haud as stray camels are driven away. I will call out to them, ‘Come here!’ but it will be said: ‘They changed after you were gone.’ And I will say, ‘Away with you! Away with you!’”[2]

 

In another version of the Hadith: Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “I will reach the Haud ahead of you. He who comes to me will drink, and whoever drinks will never thirst again. There will come to me some people whom I will recognize and they will recognize me; then they will be prevented from reaching me. I shall say: ‘They are of me (i.e. my followers),’ but it will be said: ‘You do not know what they introduced after you were gone.’ So I shall say: ‘Away, away with those who changed (the religion) after I was gone.’”[3]

 

Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam will be calling them to come near but the Malaa’ikah will be chasing them away. Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam will be informed that it is because they changed Dien … they brought innovations (Bid'aat) into Dien, modernised Dien, altered and amended Dien.

 

On the Day of Qiyamah, Rahmatul lil- Aalameen, Rasulullah's Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam mercy will be at its height but he will then say: “Away with you; Away with you!” – May Allah Ta’ala safeguard us from that humiliation and being deprived of the drink of al-Haud.

 

The Muhadditheen describe the Hadith as “Hadith al-haud” and there are many versions of the Hadith but the message is the same.

 

On that Day of severe difficulty and relentless heat, the drink of Haud will offer great relief and will quench the thirst of those who were true Believers and true followers of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam. Those who were not Believers, those who were hypocrites, those who were disobedient to Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam and discarded his Sunnah, who followed their whims and fancies and changed the Dien of Allah Ta’ala, will be prevented and deprived.

 

Let us be careful not to bring new features into Dien, or adopt the Dien of the White House of America, or the Kremlin of Russia or of the United Nations. Bring the pure and pristine Dien and Sunnah of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam. Don’t associate with and don’t keep close ties and friendship with those who are promoting a modern Dien and who are advocating the liberal agenda – where there is free mixing of men and women, where Dien is propagated via television and YouTube, where the Masaajid are closed, Interfaith is promoted, where scholars visit churches and temples and participate in the rites of other religions and even support and show solidarity with the abnormal LGBTQ movement. …We cannot be friends with such people let alone follow them. They have moved away from the noble teachings of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam. Their actions are inconsistent with what they declare and their activities are not sanctioned by Shari’ah. Following them would take us far off the Straight Path (Siratul Mustaqeem).

 

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas’ud (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Never was a Nabi sent before me by Allah to his people but he had, among his people, (his) disciples and companions, who followed his ways and obeyed his command. Then there came after them their successors who proclaimed what they did not practise, and practised what they were not commanded to do. And (he) who strove against them with his hand is a Believer; he who strove against them with his heart is a Believer; and he who strove against them with his tongue is a Believer; and beyond that there is no grain of Faith.”[4]

 

If we want the drink of Haud-e-Kauthar and we want the company of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam in the Aakhirah, we will have to be firm on what he brought to us. We will have to practise and live by the true Dien. In this era of great mischief and fitan, let us also strive in the defence of the Truth - with our hand, tongue and heart.

 

Glad tidings are given to the one who maintains steadfastness upon Dien in these times. Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Islam began as something strange and it will return strange as it began, so glad tidings for the strangers.”^[5]

 

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the reality of Dien and let us recognize the Haq as Haq and follow it, and recognize falsehood as falsehood and refrain from it.

 

 

 

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[1] Sunan Tirmidhi and Sunan Abi Dawood

[2] Sahih Muslim

[3] Sahih Al-Bukhari

[4] Sahih Muslim

[5] Sahih Muslim

Nasihah 11 - 12

 Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

 

The Fear of Criticism

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Sahib (Daamat Barakaatuhu)

 

Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi alayh) mentioned that a great malady which has overtaken the people, including the Ulama, is the fear of criticism. No one wants to be criticized. There is the fear: No one must speak ill about me. No one should criticize me. I must remain a favourite of everyone. As such, generally, people don’t want to speak the truth. They keep quiet about the truth.

 

Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) explained that the reason for this is Hubbe Jah (Love for fame). The root cause is pride.

 

Consequently, even Ulama will give talks – and they will give many talks and travel widely to give talks – but very sadly, many will not speak of what is required; what is the pressing priority and need of the hour. Often, the crucial duty of ‘nahy anil munkar’ (prohibiting evil) is avoided. Why? ...People will not be happy. People will not speak well of me. I will lose my following and the favours of the people. …Yes, they will be content to speak of what will please the people and will remind and encourage them to be good and do good, as this meets with approval.

 

Due to this fear of criticism, the Ummah is not being warned of the severe consequences of our disobedience and neglect of Dien nor is the Ummah alerted regarding those who are misinforming and misleading them; who are misrepresenting Dien from a position of authority in Dien.  …Because when a person speaks the truth and people don’t like it, they will be quick to say: “You are creating disunity and are the cause of Iktilaaf”, “You are a very controversial man.”, “You are speaking ill of scholars…” and so forth.

 

These Ulama will not consider the grievous and open wrongdoings of those scholars who are not only going in the wrong direction but are taking people with them.  …By not speaking out; not warning and cautioning the people, and leaving them to go down the path of misguidance, such an Aalim falls into the crime of Mudahanat fid Dien (complacency/dishonesty of Dien) and Khiyaanat fid Dien (breach of trust).

 

When we give a talk, it is not what we want or like to say and what pleases the people. We will have to speak the truth. …As an analogy: There is a pandemic or plague and people are dying in large numbers throughout the world. However, the doctors are averse to treating such patients; instead, they are only treating those who have simple ailments. …Presently, on a global level, the damage to Imaan is colossal. There is the plague and pandemic of Irtidaad which is the terrible consequence of the Kufr which is being promulgated in different ways. There is such an aggressive, intensive and extensive attack on Imaan. We see it with LGBTQ, Interfaith, Ribaa (Usury/Interest), Secularism, Feminism and other isms. However, we don't want to touch on these subjects let alone prevent and prohibit them since a majority welcome a liberal version of Islam and we are seeking a following.

 

To win over the people and be a favourite, we evade matters which will invite censure and prefer to ‘safely’ encourage towards good deeds, good qualities, etiquette and respect - and no doubt, we have to speak about these aspects of Dien. However, we don’t venture near what needs to be urgently addressed though we see that people are dying spiritually and destroying their Aakhirah.

 

It is said that anger is the illegitimate child of pride. Similarly, not speaking the truth is another of the offspring of pride. The silence is so evident.... Never do I tell you: You have made this mistake. Never do you tell me that I am doing something wrong. …I call you Haji Sahib, you call me Molvi Sahib. I don’t take out any faults of yours and you don’t take out any faults of mine. We will just praise each other and live in a ‘bubble’. 

 

This is because the concern is how the people will respond to us and how we can remain prominent and influential and continue to receive their gifts. We don’t seem remotely bothered that we are hurting the heart of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam or that we are trampling on the Commands of Allah Ta’ala and the Sunnah. 

 

…When this is the approach: I must not upset the applecart. I must not rock the boat.  No one should take offence. All must be happy with me and praise me. I must be in everyone’s good books. All must be in my good books. I cannot sacrifice my popularity, I cannot forfeit the first class and business class travel and other material comforts, etc. Allah Ta’ala says that we should wait for His Command to come to pass.

 

 “Say (O Muhammad Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), ‘If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your relatives, wealth which you have obtained, commerce wherein you fear decline, and dwellings with which you are pleased are more beloved to you than Allah and His Messenger and jihad in His cause, then wait until Allah executes His Command. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.’”

[Surah At-Taubah 9 : 24]

 

In the Tafsier, it is explained that people are generally subdued by the love of family and material possessions. If this love dominates and overpowers one’s Dien, then there is the warning of punishment. Just as the love of wealth (hubbe maal) has its severe repercussions on a person’s Dien, the same ramifications follow the love for name and fame (hubbe jah). On the other hand, a clear sign of the Love of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam is that a person will safeguard the Shari’ah and Sunnah and defends it at all cost. The person will not be deterred by the dissatisfaction and criticism of people.

 

We can see what is happening. As long as we can, we should advise and caution. Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Whoever among you sees evil, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot do so, then (let him change it) with his tongue. If he cannot do so, then with his heart, which is the weakest level of faith.”[1]

 

True friendship is that in a polite, suitable way, we advise and correct the person. If, for example, the person’s pants is below his ankle or his beard is not one fist length, explain: “Brother, this is not right. This is displeasing to Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam. Come let us work together in improving our Dien and our connection with Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi Sallam...”

 

Allah Ta’ala describes the relationship among the Believers as:

 

“The believers, men and women, are Auliya (helpers / friends / supporters / protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma’ruf (that which Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (that which Islam has forbidden)…”

[Surah At-Taubah 9 : 71]

 

This is friendship.  …I am not offended when a weakness of mine is pointed out and you don’t take offence when I inform you of any weakness. How many of us adopt this approach when it comes to matters of Dien? …If some food particle is caught in a friend’s beard, we will immediately bring it to his attention or remove it ourselves. However, when it comes to him being caught in a fitnah – in a trial and tribulation - that will destroy his Dien, we are silent. We don’t make an effort to prevent or protect him.

 

As Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi alayh) explained; this fear of criticism is due to Takabbur and Hubbe Jah. …Sadly, the learned are themselves suffering very much from these ailments. If no effort is made to rectify ourselves, these spiritual maladies will bring about humiliation and disgrace. May Allah Ta’ala purify and protect us.

 

In this path of truth, there should be no fear of censure and criticism. …Whoever follows the path of the Ambiyaa (Alaihimus Salaam) will have to also deal with some degree of rejection and reproach from the people, as the Ambiyaa (Alaihimus Salaam) did. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the courage to stand for the truth, promote the truth and be steadfast on the truth.

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[1] Sahih Muslim