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.”

READ THE BOOK HERE

Two Easy Deeds

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

There are two very easy deeds by which Allah Ta’ala draws His servant to Him, makes his complete Tarbiyah and Tazkiyah, remedies his weaknesses, assists him in good deeds and makes easy his affairs of Dunya and Aakhirah.

…Our Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had related many times, an incident of a beggar who was elevated to the highest position in the land; becoming a king.

In a certain land, a king had passed away. The ministers and court officials could not decide on a new king and finally agreed that the first person to come to the gate of the palace in the morning be accepted as the king.

Allah Ta’ala destined that the first person to come to the palace was a beggar – and such a beggar whose predecessors of seven generations were all beggars.

Nonetheless, the decision had been made and the beggar was crowned king. In their first assembly and consultation, various matters were discussed regarding the country – and the new king made decisions and gave instructions which left the ministers and nobles amazed. The king's decrees were in conformity with excellent administration.

The new king also carried himself with the grace of a king and followed royal etiquette as if he was born and brought up in royalty. On completing the day’s consultations, he instructed for two servants to take him to his room.

One of the nobles enquired of the king: “O King, we happily accept you as our King but please explain to us this astonishing ability and proficiency you have now, as a king, when you come from a family where seven generations were beggars?”

The new King replied: “That Allah who gave me crown, throne and kingdom has the power to also grant me the ability to fulfil my responsibility.”

…Everything is in the control and power of Allah Ta’ala.

In Surah Al-Anfaal, Allah Ta’ala discusses the battle of Badr and how Allah Ta’ala responded to the Dua of Rasulullah ﷺ.

“When you were calling your Lord for help, so He responded to you (saying) : “I am going to support you with one thousand of the angels, one following the other.”

[Surah Al-Anfaal 8 : 9/10]

We read that the Malaa’ikah descended from the heavens and fought on the side of the Muslims, assisting them against the disbelievers.

The Malaa’ikah are made of Noor. They are not like human beings. They do not have fights. They have no nafs and are sinless. However, on Allah Ta’ala’s Instruction, they descended to fight on the side of Rasulullah ﷺ and the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum).

“When your Lord revealed to the Angels: I am with you. So, make firm the feet of those who believe. I shall cast awe into the hearts of those who disbelieve. So, strike at the necks, and strike at every finger-joint of theirs.”

[Surah Al-Anfaal 8 : 12]

By the angels striking the enemies on their necks, they would not be able to defend themselves; and by striking at their hands, they would not be able to hold their swords. In this way, they would not be able to do anything - neither attack nor defend themselves.


According to the narrations, Allah Ta’ala sent down one thousand angels, then three thousand angels and finally five thousand angels to assist the Muslims.

A Sahabi (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had related: “On the day of Badr, those slain by humans could easily be distinguished from those killed by the angels. The slain of the angels had dark fire-scars on their necks and finger tips.”[1]

These are two examples of how Allah Ta’ala bestows specific qualities as and when they are required. Similarly, adopting certain qualities, become a means for great spiritual progress and success. 


Whilst there are many qualities, two qualities came into my heart to discuss. If a person adopts these two easy qualities, Allah Ta’ala will grant all the requisite qualities to make the person His Wali (Friend).

FIRST QUALITY | SHUKR

Allah Ta’ala states :

لَئِنْ شَكَرْتُمْ  لَأَزِيْدَنَّكُمْ وَ لَئِنْ كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِىْ لَشَدِيْدٌ ◌

“…if you are grateful, I will most certainly increase for you (My favours) but if you show ingratitude, verily! My punishment is indeed severe.”

[surah Ibraheem 14 : 7]

Shukr is to be thankful of Allah Ta’ala’s Ni’mats (bounties) and to utilise them in His obedience and to seek His pleasure.

…Presently, we are complaining about the lack of rain. Indeed, the water shortage is a cause for great concern. We are desperately in need of water. We are humans; we are weak; we are in need. However, we lose focus of the other great, great bounties. This is sadly our reality. In our conversations, we usually present our complaints and grievances… but overlook the innumberable bounties being showered upon us 24/7. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive and are recipient to so many blessings and bounties.

The water shortage that we are experiencing is due to our own actions. Non-payment of Zakaat as well as various other sins result in drought conditions. This is what we learn from the Ahadith.

It is for us to change our ways; engage in sincere Taubah and Istighfaar.  

SINCERE TAUBAH

People ask: “How is it that Allah Ta’ala is not sending rain – when He is the Most Merciful and Most Compassionate?”

Our Mufassireen and 'Ulama have given an example of the head of the family - the father: 

A father brings up his son with love and care. When he reaches a certain age, he brings him into the business, delegates certain responsibilities to him and tells him that if he works hard, he will reward him handsomely: give him a good salary, provide a car, provide him with everything and see to everything. The condition is that he must play his part and work. 


Instead of working, the son even denies that his father is his father.  He says: “You are not my father! Why should I work?”

One can imagine how angry the father would be: “You don’t even accept me as your father?!!”

Our condition is no different; in fact, it is worse. We may not say it with our tongues, but our actions speak very loudly. In our actions, we do not sincerely and genuinely accept Allah Ta’ala's Commandments! ...If we look at the Ummah at large then we find that we do not make any effort to obey and please Allah Ta'ala.

As our Creator and Sustainer, Allah Ta'ala very lovingly nurtures us and takes us through all the phases of our lives. Allah Ta’ala also gives us a job description. We are not here for play and amusement. We have work to do. On doing our work and fulfilling our duties, we will be rewarded handsomely - in Dunya and Aakhirah. 

...Today, we believe in scientific research, in the weather reports, in global warming – but we do not care to know what Allah Ta’ala says.

And Allah Ta’ala informs us:

“And whatever affliction befalls you, it is on account of what your hands have wrought, and (yet) He pardons most (of your faults).”

[Surah As-Shuraa 42 : 30]

“Corruption has appeared in the land and the sea on account of what the hands of men have wrought, that He may make them taste a part of that which they have done, so that they may return.”

[Surah Ar-Rum 30 : 41]

Hadhrat Mufti Muhammad Shafi (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had quoted from the author of Ruhul Ma’ani, in respect to the second Ayah, that 'Fasaad' indicates to all kinds of calamities: famine, drought, earthquakes, floods, epidemic diseases, lack of blessings, losses in businesses …and we can say, all the disasters and catastrophes that we witness today.  

The cause is our sins.

We also learn that these forms of punishment are only in respect to a few sins. If we were to be punished for all our sins, there would be nothing left of mankind.

Allah Ta’ala forgives and loves to forgive and loves to bestow His Blessings also. These afflictions are a means of returning to Allah Ta’ala’s obedience. So these hardships are a Rahmah (Mercy) if only we would take understanding.

We should keep in mind that it is due to our sins that even the animals, birds, fish and other creation suffer.

THE REWARDS OF SHUKR

In respect to Shukr, if we are grateful, Allah Ta'ala will increase His Bounties. Allah Ta'ala highlights this noble quality and its rewards in the Qur'aan Sharief. 


Allah Ta’ala mentions the immense reward in the form of Hikmah (Wisdom) which was given to Hadhrat Luqman (‘Alaihis Salaam), on his noble quality of being grateful:

"And certainly We gave wisdom to Luqman, saying: Be grateful to Allah. And whoever is grateful, he is only grateful for his own soul; and whoever is ungrateful, then surely Allah is Self-sufficient, Praised."

[Surah Luqmaan 31 : 12]

According to some Mufassireen, Hadhrat Luqmaan (‘Alaihis Salaam) was given the command to be grateful, which he fulfilled. This gratitude is the greatest wisdom. Because of this noble quality of Shukr, Hadhrat Luqmaan (‘Alaihis Salaam) was raised to a very high position.

Allah Ta’ala’s Sifah of “As-Shakoor” (Appreciating) is also evident in that a Surah is named after Luqman and his story is related in Allah Ta’ala’s Kalaam.

Allah Ta’ala mentions Hadhrat Ibraheem (‘Alaihis Salaam):

“Verily, Ibraheem was an Ummah (a leader having all the good righteous qualities), devoutly obedient to Allah, (and) true in Faith and he was not of those who associate others with Allah. (He was) grateful for His favors. He (Allah Ta’ala) chose him and guided him to a straight path.”

[Surah An-Nahl 16 : 120/121]

Allah Ta’ala mentions Hadhrat Nuh (‘Alaihis Salaam):

“…Indeed, he was a grateful servant.”

[Surah Al-Isra 17 : 3]

Allah Ta’ala mentions Hadhrat Dawood (‘Alaihis Salaam) and Hadhrat Sulaiman (‘Alaihis Salaam); His great and unique bounties upon them and the Command for Shukr.

“…(We said), 'Work, O family of David, in gratitude.'

And few of My servants are grateful.”

[Surah Saba 34 : 13]

It is mentioned in Tafseer, Ma’ariful Qur’aan, that when this verse was revealed, Rasulullah ﷺ recited this verse and said: “There are three actions; whoever accomplishes them would achieve the same excellence as was bestowed on the family of Dawood.”

The Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) asked: “O Rasulullah ﷺ. What are these three actions?”

He ﷺ said: “Staying firm on justice in both states of pleasure and displeasure; taking the path of moderation in both states of prosperity and adversity, and fearing Allah, both in private and in public.”

SECOND QUALITY | TAWAADHU

Allah Ta’ala states :

“And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those 
who walk on the earth in humility…”

[Surah Al-Furqaan 25 : 63]

Rasulullah ﷺ said: “Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah elevates him.”^[2]

On humility, Allah Ta’ala will make the person, high. But he has to make himself low or humble for Allah Ta’ala – and not for elevation.

In the Duas of Rasulullah ﷺ, we learn:

اَللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِيْ فِيْ عَيْنِيْ صَغِيْرًا وَ فِيْ اَعْيُنِ النَّاسِ كَبِيْرًا

“O Allah, make me small (insignificant) in my own eyes, and make me great (significant) in the eyes of the people.”

Haaji Bhai Paadia (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) would say very beautifully: “Be a Mr Nobody and do the work of Mr Everybody.”

When we recognise that we are truly underserving of all these bounties, Tawaadhu will be cultivated. If not, pride will be nurtured in the heart. And the Hadith makes mention that a person, who has a tiny grain (or an atom) of pride in his heart, will not be admitted into Jannah.[3]

If a person dies with pride in his heart, not having made Taubah for such a major sin, and if Allah Jalla Jalaaluhu does not forgive him, it will have to be burnt out in the fire of Jahannum. May Allah Ta'ala protect us all.

In these days, we find so much of pride. Arguments between husbands and wives, fights, breaking off of family ties, etc. all stem from this malady of pride. Bring humbleness into the heart.

On these beautiful, easy qualities of Shukr and Tawaadhu, Allah Ta’ala will grant us all good qualities and make us His Friends.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq of Amal.

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

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[1] Seeratul Mustafa (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) by Hadhrat Moulana Muhammd Idreees Khandlawi (RA)

[2] Al Mu’jamul Awsat Lit Tabarani 8307

[3] Sahih Muslim. Hadith related by Abdullah Ibn Mas`ud (Radiyallaahu anhu)