Gems (11-15)

Bi Ismihi Ta’ala

Selected and concise advices / sayings of 

Hazrat Maulana Abdul Hamid Is`haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)

11.

Durood Sharief is a capsule which containes three forms of Ibaadat:

Shukr (appreciation), Hamd (praise) and Dua (supplication).

12.

When making Taubah and Istighfaar, begging Allah (Jalla Jalaaluhu) 

for blanket amnesty, is safest. 

13.

The Saalik who attributes his achievements to his Mujahada and Khidmat, is in deception. 

All achievements are favours of Allah Ta’ala.

14.

Once there is love and trust in the Shaykh, the path to Allah Ta’ala becomes easy.

15.

Anyone who finds Allah Ta’ala becomes disinclined to Dunya.

Book | Patience & Gratitude

Bi Ismihi Ta’ala

About the Book 

In Bukhari Shareef, there is a narration wherein it is mentioned that on one occasion, Nabi (Sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) drew a square (as an illustration), then a line in the middle transcending the square, then short lines on both sides of the middle line. Nabi (Sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) then explained the illustration:

The square is the life-span of man. The sides of the square, surrounding him is death, which cannot be escaped. The middle line represents him, living his life (till the end of the square). The line continues beyond the square (his death), representing his hopes and desires, which transcend his life-span. 

Man constantly faces problems in his worldly sojourn. The little lines on either side of the middle line, represents those problems, misfortunes, hazards and dangers.

To overcome them Allah Jalla Jalaaluhu has given us all, protection in dealing with these tests. Amongst these are Sabr (patience) and Shukr (gratitude). If we adopt these two qualities in dealing with life’s challenges, we will pass through the worldly life with ease, Insha-Allah.

This book is a transcript of a talk, by our respected Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Abdul Hamid Is`haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum).

Read the book here

At the Waterfalls of Mercy

By Hazrat Maulana Abdul Hamid Is`haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)

Our Sheikh, Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakim Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum) has taught us that one of the ways to make one's Ziyarat of Nabi (Sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) more valuable, is to meditate that Allah (Jalla Jalaaluhu)'s mercy is pouring down upon Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam).

Meditating on this, make Dua:  ‘O Allah, let a few drops fall on me as well.’

In fact, this is one of the meanings of Allah (Jalla Jalaaluhu) sending Durood on Nabi (Sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam).

When a person is at the Victoria Falls or Niagara Falls, he has to wear a raincoat so that his clothes do not get wet with the splashes from the falls. Even though the falls are at a distance from him, the spray of water from the falls is far-reaching.

Allah (Jalla Jalaaluhu)'s Special Mercies are cascading down upon Nabi (Sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) more than all the waterfalls of the world together. And Allah Ta’ala has afforded us that great bounty of being so close to the Roudha-e-Mubaarak, whereby we can drench our hearts and souls with that torrential downpour of Rahmat and Noor.

At the Roudha-e-Mubarak and at Baitullah, we do not wear raincoats; rather we have to remove the raincoat – the raincoat of our sins! If we are wearing a raincoat of sins, we will not benefit from that splendid and boundless waterfall of the Mercy of Allah (Jalla Jalaaluhu). 

All that is required, to remove this raincoat, which deprives us of this special mercy, is sincere Taubah from all our sins.

Another very important aspect is: If we place an upside down bucket, under the Niagara or Victoria falls, not a single drop of water will come into it.

If, however, we place a tumbler, the right side up, under a tap, where just a drop of water drips every hour, the tumbler will eventually fill up.

Similarly, if the vessel of the heart is kept upside down, we can spend ages at the Roudha-e-Mubaarak, but we will not draw and imbibe the great benefits and bounties that are found there.

If the vessel of the heart is the right side up, in a single Hudhoori (presence), the heart will not only fill up, it will overflow with Noor!

It is for this reason that we need to go to the Ahlullah and Mashaa`ik, and spend time in their company. They will turn the spiritual heart, the right side up and guide us as how to remove the raincoat of sins, that we may then benefit from every good deed, especially our presence at the Roudha-e-Mubaarak!


Alhamdulillah, we see so many return with their hearts ‘full’ - great changes are witnessed in their outward appearances, and they themselves mention the great changes experienced within their hearts.

And we also find that there are others who go to the Mubarak lands, but sadly, return without change. Where one would expect spiritual regeneration, there is spiritual degeneration. For example: There was no punctuality on Namaaz, no Sunnat libaas (dressing), no beard; or for the ladies, there was no hijaab, and the person returns, still neglectful and heedless, sometimes, even more so.

May Allah (Jalla Jalaaluhu) protect us all, and grant us hearts which will absorb the Anwaar and Rahmat and Barakaat found in the Haramayn Shareefayn, which will be a means of improvement in our Deen and in our relationship with Allah Ta’ala and our Beloved Rasool (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Aamien.

Recognising, Acknowledging and being Thankful

By Hazrat Maulana Abdul Hamid Is`haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)

 Bismihi Ta’ala

The ni`mats (bounties) of Allah (Jalla Jalaaluhu) upon us are innumerable. Countless reach us, without any effort or exertion from our side. …And whilst we see, with our physical eye, different bounties, there are billions and billions more which are not even known to us.

The oxygen we breath, the water we have on tap, our ability to see, hear, speak, and move are bounties we use all the time, but without thought or even appreciation – until the bounty is no more (Allah Ta’ala protect us). It is a fact, that generally when a bounty is lost, it is then recognized as a bounty.

On the highest level, our Imaan and Islam are the greatest gifts.

So we find Allah Ta’ala’s bounties are all around us, in every way. As Believers in Allah Ta’ala, there are certain requirements in fulfilling the Shukr of Allah Ta’ala. These are :

1.)   MA`RIFAT (RECOGNITION): To recognize these bounties as bounties and  not take them for granted, heedlessly.

For example: To recognize that our homes, which offer us protection from rain and cold, which offer us privacy, comfort and so much else, are great bounties – even if that home is not a palace or not located in the upper-crust areas of society.

Many complain about their homes, yet they do not look at the thousands living in shacks, on the streets or in refugee camps, and recognize and understand that that one bedroom flat or that little cottage is, in fact, a great, great bounty.  

2.)    I'TIRAAF/IQRAAR  (ACKNOWLEDGEMENT): 

There are two sides to recognition and acknowledgement:

a.)   To consciously acknowledge Allah Ta’ala’s favours.

As an example:  We will not just say: ‘What wonderful weather today!’

We would say: ‘Ma'shaAllah, Allah Jalla Jalaaluhu has blessed us with this wonderful weather.’  

We bring Allah Jalla Jalaalu consciously into the equation! We must know the source of bounties and attribute it rightfully to Allah Jalla Jalaaluhu.

b.)    To recognize and acknowledge that we were not deserving of these bounties.

Our Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (DB) has taught us that Allah Ta’ala’s sifat of Kareem, alludes to The One Who Gives without the recipient deserving. So bounties are not given based on us deserving them. Bounties are given out of Allah Ta’ala’s Infinite Generosity and Kindness.

3.)   SHUKR (APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE):  This is the condition of that heart which has recognized and acknowledged. The tongue then automatically expresses that appreciation.

The person will then say, for example: ‘Alhamdulillah, Allah Ta’ala has granted me cure from this ailment.’

Or: ‘Alhamdulillah, Allah Ta’ala has blessed me with a pious spouse.’

4.)    AML (ACTION): To use the bounties of Allah Ta’ala to earn His Pleasure, utilizing them in His Obedience.

For example: We will utilize our faculty of speech in noble deeds, such as Tilawat (Recitation of Qur`aan Shareef), Zikrullah, Enjoining good and forbidding evil, speaking to others amicably and politely.

We will not utilize this priceless bounty of speech in sinful deeds, such as engaging in nonsensical or shameless talk, swearing, speaking lies, gossiping about others, taking false oaths or spreading mischief.

Even in this effort to render Shukr and to fulfil the Right of Allah Ta’ala, a person will not be able to do so adequately and completely.

Despite this shortcoming, we do as is within our capacity.

Allah Ta’ala’s Sifat is ‘Shakoor’ – The One who Appreciates the efforts and good deeds of His Servants - efforts and deeds, which we acknowledge are full of weakness and deficiency. Yet, we fail to be ‘shaakir’ (appreciative and grateful) to Allah Ta’ala for His Bounties which have no weakness and deficiency.

…Just ponder on the contrast between the two and we would realize how empty and void we are of shukr. Yes, from our side, complaints are all too common.   

When we imbibe these aspects in expressing gratitude to Allah Ta’ala, the noble quality of humility will be nurtured within our hearts and souls. We will become humble. And the Hadeeth makes mention :

“WHOEVER HUMBLES HIMSELF FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH, 

ALLAH ELEVATES HIM.”

The one who recognises His Creator, recognises himself; the one who recognises the favours and greatness of Allah Jalla Jalaaluhu, recognises his lowliness and humbleness. He who humbles himself, Allah Jalla Jalaaluhu elevates him. Whom Allah Jalla Jalaaluhu elevates, Allah also protects.

Humility is the crown of Abdiyyat (servitude) which then becomes the means by which the person becomes beloved to Allah Ta’ala.

May Allah Ta’ala imbibe within us, these beautiful qualities of true Shukr, humility and Abdiyyat. 

Istighnaa

By Hazrat Maulana Abdul Hamid Is`haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)

Istighnaa is a condition of the heart, where the heart does not incline to the creation. There is independence from creation, with the focus of the heart entirely on Allah Ta’ala, the Doer, the Provider.

Istighnaa is such a noble attribute that it is free of any hidden expectations (Ishraaf).  It is a great quality to possess and a quality that is found in our Auliya-e-Kiraam and Ulama-e-Rabbaniyyeen – those who give practical expression to their knowledge and who have the Ma`rifat (recognition) of Allah Ta’ala. May Allah (Jalla Jalaaluhu) bless us all with it as well.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), in fact, took Bay`ah from the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (RA) particularly on this quality; the effect of which was such, that if a Sahaabi (RA) was mounted on his conveyance and his whip fell down, he would not ask anyone for it; rather he would dismount and pick it up himself.

Of course, if something is offered and given, with no conditions, no strings attached, with respect and honour, especially for the recipient, and it being a hadiya (gift), then it would not at all be contrary to Istighnaa, to accept. Declining is declining the ni`mat (bounty) of Allah (Jalla Jalaaluhu) which He has sent for you.

In fact, a gift is amongst the most superior types of sustenance, with the others being, the booty of war and inheritance.

There must be conviction at heart that it is only Allah (Jalla Jalaaluhu) who is the Giver and Helper, and if someone does offer some assistance also, it is due to Allah (Jalla Jalaaluhu) putting it into the heart to do so. However, there is no trust on the creation; full trust remains in Allah Ta’ala. 

We thus find the quality of Tawakkul is attached to Istighnaa – that is the person has complete trust, dependence and reliance on Allah Ta’ala.

A point to note is that Istighnaa has two sides to it:  If Istighnaa is due to Tawakkul, it is mahmood (praiseworthy). If it is due to pride, it is madhmoom (evil).