Wednesday 24 December 2014

Stepping up our Security

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem


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


The December period is the peak season for the businessmen. Many step up their security to protect their earnings and profits – especially here in South Africa, where hijackings, robberies and other crimes become the order of the day. (May Allah Ta’ala protect us all). The holiday season becomes the peak season for criminals, who work to steal the hard earned money and valuables of others.


We find, perhaps, an even greater concern and effort to step up security when it comes to our homes, since our wives and children are our main concern. Naturally, we also want to secure our belongings and valuables, which many work so hard for.


Besides installing burglar guard and gates, many people step up security by contracting a security company, as well as adding CCTVs, automated gates and electric fencing. Some even go further with laser beams, security guards, etc.


A great amount of money is spent for all of this additional protection and safety, but the objective is to safeguard what is so valuable in our homes – our families, our earnings, our valuables.


The Muslim’s heart is home to the most valuable commodity on the face of the earth, and that is his Imaan in Allah Ta’ala.


In the home of the heart are the treasures of Ishq of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). The heart is also the storehouse of the Anwaar of his virtuous deeds and thus requires great security and strong fortification from the enemies, nafs and shaitaan.


These times of great, great Fitnah are the peak seasons for our enemies, nafs and shaitaan. They work to steal all the wealth accumulated in our hearts.


Our treasure of Imaan and whatever is earned by way of good deeds needs to also be safeguarded.  


…To a greater extent, we should step up the security of our heart, otherwise nafs and shaitaan will steal into the heart – and they are skilled and accomplished in clearing all the goods and stocks of the heart in seconds.


…If the security guard is negligent, robbers easily overcome him and enter the home. We are our own security guards. If we are ‘ghaafil’ (negligent), nafs and shaitaan will floor us, and will enter the home of the heart and ravage it of its wealth.  (May Allah Ta’ala protect us all).


Nafs and shaitaan come into the heart through different sins – lustful gazes, music, gossip, lies, gambling, adultery, drugs, alcohol, and so forth. And they also come into the heart through Riyaa (show), Ujub (vanity/conceit), Takabbur (pride), Hirs (greed), Hasad (jealousy) and other such sins. 


Taqwa is the security of the spiritual heart, and keeping the company of the pious, offers protection to one’s Taqwa.


Allah Ta’ala guides us to the security system of the heart and guides us to the security company of the heart:

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

[Surah Taubah 9 : 119]


These spiritual "security companies" are the Suhbat of the Ahlullah. Their company is not like the ones we contract for our businesses and homes, where the employees and personnel of the security company are sometimes found to be accomplices to the crimes of the businesses and homes they are paid to protect.


The Ahlullah are the special servants for Allah Ta'ala - His Friends, who are blessed with His Special Protection. Those who keep their company will also experience this protection, Insha-Allah.


The Muslim improves and steps up the security of his heart by guarding the gaze, hearing, speech and limbs at all times. If these areas are secure, the home of the heart will be secure. The treasure of Imaan, the wealth of Anwaar and the Sukoon which descends in the heart, will remain well-fortified.


Our Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) would make Dua, and we too should make the same Dua:


‘O Allah, wherever I am, whether on earth or in the skies, my Taqwa must always remain safe.’


May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and Taufeeq.