Protect the Heart

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)

On return from our recent Safr[1], being very tired, I had a very deep sleep. I dreamt that a person should look after and protect his heart from all alien interferences, particularly the Baatil (false) sects of Shiasm, Qadianiasm, Barewilism, Salafism, etc. 

When I awoke and reflected over this dream, I also understood that protection is not only necessary from Baatil sects, but from every type of evil and sin as well. …As well as ideologies such as Secularism, Dawarnism and the various other 'Isms' being propagated.

When in our houses, especially at night, before retiring to bed, we make sure we read all our Duas, Aayatul Kursi, etc. We also check that all the doors, windows and gates are properly closed and securely locked, and that our alarm systems are operational. We take various measures to protect ourselves, our families and our homes.

When we leave home, we recite all our Duas; we check around for any signs of danger or if there is someone lurking about; we lock the doors of our cars, etc.

Similarly, we should check that the doors of our hearts are firmly locked and all security measures are in place: that no wrong beliefs and no sins and no evil desires can enter the heart. Great care and vigilance must be adopted to protect the heart in these present times, where there is temptation and invitation towards Haraam – where the darkness of great Fitnah is spreading and enveloping the world – and where all kinds of sins are accessible with just a touch of the button.

We need to take all precautions for the protection of our Imaan, A’maal, Akhlaaq and Taqwa, wherever we may be.

Our Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) would encourage us to read the following Dua, in these times, where many people cannot differentiate between Haq and Baatil (Truth and Falsehood) and are easily lead astray:

“O Allah! Show us (enable us to see) the Truth as Truth and give us the ability to follow it. And show us the falsehood as false and give us the ability to refrain from it.”

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and the concern of securing our Imaan and Islam. 

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[1] Safr : (Dieni) Trip

Etiquette In The Haramayn Shareefayn

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is`haq Saheb

(Daamat Barakaatuhum)

When in Madinatul Munawwarah…

We should try and spend as much time as possible in the Masjid and as close as possible to the Roudha-e-Mubaarak, sitting quietly, occupied in the recitation of Durood Sharief. We should think that my Durood is:

1.) Saying Jazakumullah to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) for all his favours.

2.)    Making Dua for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam)

3.)    Praising  Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam)

4.)    And expressing love for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam).

Durood Sharief is a capsule which contains the Ibaadah of Shukr (appreciation), Hamd (praise), Dua (supplication) and Muhabbat (Love).

We should keep in mind that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is not in need of our Durood Sharief. From our side, our Durood Sharief is out of love, as well as seeking the great benefits of Durood Sharief.

When at Roudha-e-Mubaarak, we should also read the Kalimah Shahadah and request Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) to give evidence on our behalf, that we had read the Kalimah.

When in Makkatul Mukarramah…

We should take advantage of the wonderful and cherished opportunity to make Tawaafs. Nowhere else in the world is this Ibaadah possible.

We should try to complete as many Tawaafs as possible, but within our capacity. Keep in mind that Allah Ta’ala does not look at the quantity of our deeds, Allah Ta’ala looks at the quality, the sincerity and the attention we give to our Ibaadah.

Care should be taken not to inconvenience anyone, not even oneself. Tawaaf should be done with humility, dignity and concentration – and should not be done in haste or rushing and dashing through the crowd – as is sometimes seen on the Mataaf.

There should be no worldly activities brought into the Tawaaf or into the Masjid – whether Masjidul Haraam or Masjidun Nabawi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) - for example: making calls on one’s cell-phone, taking photographs, videoing, engaging in idle and unnecessary conversations, etc. This is totally unacceptable behaviour in any Masjid. To a greater degree, it will be reprehensible in the Masjidul Haraam and Masjidun Nabawi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).

Keep well occupied reciting the Qur’aan Sharief – with the aim to complete at least one Khatam during one’s stay. Engage in Dua as much as possible – for almost every place in the Haramayn Shareefayn is a place of acceptance of Dua. One should complete one's prescribed Dhikr and try to also bring in the following Tasbeehaat daily:

100 x Istighfaar

100 x Durood Sharief

100 x 3^rd Kalimah

100 x 4^th Kalimah

100 x 

All of these Tasbeehaat are very greatly loved by Allah Jalla Jalaaluhu and the rewards are consequently also very great.

Together with the various Ibaadaat that are engaged in, while in the Haramayn Shariefayn, we have to preserve and safeguard the Noor accumulating in the heart and guard the rewards which are multiplying in our spiritual bank accounts. It is therefore necessary to abstain from all sins – and special attention needs be given to controlling the gaze - amidst the thousands of strange women and men, who are also present inside and outside the Haram Sharief.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq, as well as appreciation for the time we spend in the Haramayn Shariefayn.