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)

---

[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)

Midlands Safr | This Week

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

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The Month of Safar

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

EXTRACT

Previously, people regarded this month of Safar as an unlucky month. Rasulullah ﷺ established the Dien of Islam and put an end to such incorrect beliefs.

Unfortunately, this belief still lingers with many people. Undoubtedly, there are many days and months that are regarded as blessed in Islam, such as Jumu`ah, Ramadaan and various other occasions. However, we do not have an unlucky occasion in our Deen. It is against the grain of Imaan to believe in superstition, which is tantamount to Shirk.

For example: There are many people who are outwardly involved in various forms of Ibaadat yet they believe that if a cat meows at night, then news of someone’s death will reach them.

Life and death is totally in the hands of Allah Ta’ala. This is mentioned in various parts of the Qur’aan Sharief and Hadith. Allah Ta’ala is the Giver and Taker of life.

If a person believes in Tawheed and knows the pure teachings of the Qur’aan Sharief and Rasulullah ﷺ, then how can he entertain the slightest belief that the meowing of a cat is connected to death?

Similarly, there are people that believe in certain numbers being a source of bad luck, such as the number thirteen. Having such beliefs reflect towards the weakness of our Imaan. There is a need to rectify these incorrect beliefs…

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Expenditure and Wastage

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

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

Islam is a beautiful, perfect way of life which does not stifle worldly progress and success. If making money was prohibited and off-limits and man was expected to just live for the day, we would not have the beautiful system of Zakaah or the laws of inheritance.

Whilst Islam allows the individual to make use and enjoy worldly amenities and comforts, we are required to curb our attachment, love and greed for Dunya. And there is no doubt that man has love for Dunya because the Creator of man – Allah Ta’ala - mentions this very clearly:

وَإِنَّهٗ لِحُبِّ الْخَيْرِ لَشَدِيْدٌ ۚ

“And indeed he (man) is intense in his love of wealth.”

[Surah Al-Aadiyaat 100 : 8]

This Ayat refers to the test man has been put through in respect to his wealth.

Amongst the beautiful teachings of Dien, Islam also teaches and instils discipline and moderation. So as a person improves in his finances and he earns more - then by all means, he can improve his home and upgrade his belongings and live well - but it should not be that he lives wastefully and extravagantly, spending heedlessly and uncontrollably because he has money.

Comfort is acceptable. Some luxury is permissible. However, extravagance, wastefulness and lavishness – are sinful. Allah Ta’ala states:

“Surely, squanderers are brothers of shaytaan, and shaytaan is very ungrateful to his Lord.”

Whilst Shari’ah allows for us to upgrade our standard of living, but as Muslims – we have to also have concern for Aakhirah and accountability and keep before us the wellbeing and welfare of others. We should also use our excess wealth for those around us who are poor and destitute - and upgrade their lives and improve their conditions as well.

Rasulullah ﷺ said: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself”[1]

Together with this, we should spend what is surplus in noble causes which will benefit the Ummah at large and which will contribute to progress in the different works of Dien – and which will contribute to our salvation and success in the Hereafter, Insha-Allah.

THE SAHABA (Radhiyallahu ‘Anhum) – SETTING A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE

Hadhrat Uthman (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Hadhrat AbdurRahman Ibn Auf (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and many Sahabah (Radhiyallahu anhum) were extremely wealthy. Look towards how they lived their lives despite the abundance of wealth they possessed; how they earned and how they spent their wealth.

Despite great, great wealth, they chose simplicity and a modest, humble lifestyle – sparing themselves the concerns, stress and the waste of time that comes with accumulating the embellishments of Dunya.

Hadhrat Uthman (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had said so aptly:  “Concern of this world is darkness in the heart, but concern with the hereafter is light in the heart.”

Hadhrat Uthman (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is well known for his generosity and spending in the causes of Dien. He purchased the well of Raumah for 10 000 Dirhams solely for the free usage of the Muslims. He would purchase slaves every Jumu`ah with the intention of freeing them for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.

When it came to responding to the call of Tabuk, he provided 1000 fully equipped camels and horses and 10 000 Dinars, and similarly, he would provide generously for all battles and expeditions. Time and again, he would purchase the properties of people to facilitate the expansion of Masjidun Nabawi ﷺ and would provide liberally to the poor, needy and widows.

Hadhrat AbdurRahman Ibn Auf (Radhiyallallahu ‘anhu), who also belongs in the category of the Ashara Mubashara [the ten Sahabah (Radhiyallallahu ‘anhum) who were given the glad tidings of Jannah] was an extremely successful trader and a man of immense wealth. Despite being blessed with so much, he was not heedless of the trust and responsibility of money nor did he allow his riches to distract him.

His good fortune in business and trade left him so amazed, to the extent of saying: “If I lift a stone, I find beneath it, gold and silver!" …This was the ease with which Allah Ta’ala facilitated his sustenance. 


There was no greed that motivated Hadhrat  AbdurRahman Ibn Auf (Radhiyallallahu ‘anhu) – greed which takes so many of us away from Salaah, from Zakaah, from maintaining family ties and other good and greed which even takes towards Haraam – interest, gambling, fraud, etc.

Hadhrat Uthmaan Ibn `Affaan (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had said: "AbdurRahman`s money is Halaal and pure. Its food gives health and blessing."

He earned only to spend on the poor and needy and where the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala would be obtained. It has been said that one third of his wealth was for Sadaqah and strengthening the ties of kinship, one third was for loans which he would not ask for, and another third was to pay the debts of others. He would say: “The people of Madinah are partners of Ibn `Auf in his wealth.”

On one occasion, he sold a piece of land for 40 000 Dinars and distributed the entire amount. It is also related that in his lifetime, he freed 30 000 families of slaves. After the demise of Rasulullah ﷺ Hadhrat AbdurRahman Ibn Auf (Radhiyallallahu ‘anhu) generously supported the Azwaajul Mutahharaat (Radhiyallahu ‘anhunna).

Similarly, other Sahabah (Radhiyallallahu ‘anhum) and many from amongst our Aslaaf (pious predecessors), would spend – seeking the Pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and Jannah. It was never with the purpose of living it up for themselves.

Many Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallallahu ‘anhu) later became governors and held high positions in different lands – but those high positions did not change their modest, simple way of living and did not curtail their generosity – rather it increased their kindness upon the creation.

Today, our brothers and our sisters and our children in Syria, in Palestine, in Burma, in Central Africa are in dire, desperate need of our assistance. Even in our own country, thousands are living in very miserable, pitiable conditions.

And where there is poverty and ignorance, we will find the Christian missionaries working very, very hard – by providing food and other material needs in their invitation to Christianity. This is their way of winning people over to Christianity. They offer what is false of religion whereas we have what is true – but very sadly, we fail in our responsibility to those who are suffering and poverty stricken. ...We should make a concerted effort and see to the needs of the poor and destitute. 

In these times, there is no shortage of avenues whereby our money can be usefully spent. So take the cue from the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and seek the Pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and seek the Aakhirah with the wealth Allah Ta’ala has granted.

Imbibe the spirit of the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallallahu ‘anhu). Live the quality of moderation for oneself and the quality of generosity with others. …May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq.

HEEDLESSNESS AND NEGLIGENCE

Unfortunately and very sadly, we find today that for many, living is about personal comfort, ease, relaxation and happiness. There is no differentiation between what we need and what we want. And human weakness is that what we see – we want; even when there is no need. We take great pride in having the best of Dunya but little attention is given to having the best of Deen.

Not only have women become compulsive shoppers but many men have become just as uncontrolled in their expenditure. We have so much of clothing, so many shoes and so many other material items that we require more cupboard space, more storage space and even more rooms. Sometimes, there is so much of food that a person requires two or three fridges as well as deep-freezers.

Each season comes with new colour schemes and new designs for homes, kitchens, clothing, shoes, bags, cell phones, etc. and we get so carried away. Our gullibility and foolishness become evident because our energies, our time and our money are directed to the mundane and insignificant instead of on Dien and elevating the Dien of Allah Ta’ala. We have fallen deep into Ghaflat (negligence) and lost focus of the purpose of our time in this world.

Not only does a person lose spiritual focus, but often one’s sense of humanity is lost. There is little thought about the poor and needy and the suffering humanity across the globe – because we perceive a need for more and more material possessions – for ourselves. 

...And it is this that contributes to the huge chasm and division between rich and poor and which also breeds bitterness and enmity.

Hubbud Dunya (Love for the world) gives rise to the parasites of greed and selfishness – which cause great harm – especially to a person’s Dien.

Rasulullah ﷺ said: “Two hungry wolves let loose on a flock of sheep cannot cause as much destruction to the flock than the damage inflicted to one’s Dien by one’s greed for wealth and fame.”^[2]

We spend exorbitant amounts of money for branded clothing and accessories – and in doing so offer those fashion houses free advertising and promotion from our side, by displaying their names on ourselves.

Nowadays, we find even the Kurtas, Burqahs, Niqaabs, Jilbaabs, etc. are designer and branded. Why do we want these names all over our clothes and accessories? If it to show off or out of pride, then we should keep in mind the Hadith wherein Nabi ﷺ said: “Whoever wears garments for fame, Allah will clothe him with the garment of disgrace.”[3]

…Moreover, we are paying these companies so much and then do them a free service by advertising their brand and increasing their profit margins. We do not even recognise that we are being exploited to increase their sales.

Amongst different noble attributes, Allah Ta’ala describes His Special Servants as having the beautiful quality of moderation:

وَالَّذِيْنَ إِذَآ أَنْفَقُوْا لَمْ يُسْرِفُوْا وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوْا وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذٰلِكَ قَوَامًا ◌

‘And those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor miserly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes).’

[Surah Al-Furqaan 67:2]

THE PULL OF DUNYA

Dunya is like quick-sand. It pulls a person in, drawing a person away from Dien; devouring his time, exhausting his wealth and depleting his energy. Dunya deprives us of opportunities of earning our Aakhirah.

On one occasion, a brother, who had Ta’alluq with our Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) and would attend the programmes at the Khanqah, said to Hadhrat (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) that he intended to open a third factory. Hadhrat (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) responded: “You already have two factories. A third one will take you away from me, take you away from attending the programmes and your time in Dien will be reduced because of a something of Dunya – which is not even a need.”

Alhamdulillah, this advice was sufficient for the brother to change his mind. 

Hadhrat Hasan Basri (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) said: “Beware of the diversions of this world, which are many. If a man opens a door of diversion, then that door may open ten other doors.”

Let us ask ourselves: In the last 24 hours, have we devoted more time to Dien or to Dunya? Have we spent more money for Dien and for earning our Aakhirah or have we spent more of our money on Dunya’s luxuries? 

REALITY

Dunya is Darul Ghuroor – a place of deception. We give our time to and spend so much on something we have to leave behind and something that has no value in the Sight of Allah Ta’ala. 

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ’alayhi wasallam) said: “If this world was worth the wing of a mosquito in the sight of Allah, He would not have given a disbeliever a single gulp/ sip of water.”^[4]

Once Hadhrat ‘Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) passed by a garbage dump and stopped there, and his companions were uncomfortable due to the bad smell. He said: ‘This is the world of yours which you are so eager for and you weep over.’

This weakness of pursuing Dunya leads to rivalry, competition, jealousy and many other problems. A Muslim competes for the Aakhirah and understands that accumulating more of this Dunya slows him down in the race for Jannah!

Hadhrat Umme Darda' (Radiyallahu 'anha) narrated that she once asked Hadhrat Abu Darda (Radiyallahu ‘anhu): ‘What is the matter with you? Why don’t you also earn (abundant) sustenance just as so and so does?’

So he replied: “I heard Rasulullah ﷺ say: ‘Verily, before you lies a very steep incline, the heavily burdened will not cross through it with ease, so I desire to keep myself light for that incline.’”[5]

Were we to adopt some simplicity in life – which is Sunnah – life will become pleasant and easy. Otherwise Dunya comes with great stress and endless worry.

Imam Shafi’ee (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had said aptly: "Were this world to be sold on the market, I would not buy it for a loaf of bread, for all the troubles it contains." 

REFLECTION

Rasulullah ﷺ say: “By Allah, I do not fear poverty for you, but I fear that the world would be abundant for you as it has been for those before you, so you compete for it as they have competed for it, and it destroys you as it has destroyed them.”[6]

                                                         

Millions of Rands, Dollars, Pounds, Riyaals, etc. are literally squandered for this excessiveness, entertainment, sports, weddings, etc. with no thought: If I spend less – without even compromising on my comfort – I can spend the extra money on some homeless person or family. I can maintain a poor family for many years with these millions which I don’t waste on myself.

In these times especially, when the Ummah across the globe is going through very, very trying conditions and great suffering and grief, it is a truly an indictment upon us if we choose to splash out and spend wastefully without care and concern for our brothers and sisters who have no homes, no food, no clothing, no water, no electricity … and are in abject poverty, subjected to oppression, suppression and persecution.

We should also keep in mind that our ways and our traits pass over to our children. Our children are accustomed to luxury and know nothing much about poverty – so there is sometimes very little appreciation of Allah Ta’ala’s Ni’mats (bounties). Many of our children cannot relate to the poor and needy – and sometimes they only know that whatever they wish for is to be granted.

We find today that children will demand the latest fashion and technology. Thousands are wasted in this manner. They understand ‘taking’ but sometimes have no concept of ‘giving’. Again, what is imprudently nurtured is selfishness and greed.

There is a need to teach them simplicity because we just don’t know when conditions could change. And we are living in a country where the situation is very volatile.

Hadhrat Abu Dharr reported Rasulullah ﷺ said: “My close friend (i.e. Rasulullah ﷺ) ordered me with seven things:

1.)    To love the poor and to be close to them,

2.)    To look to those who are less than me and not to those who are above me,

3.)    To maintain the ties of kinship even if they break them off,

4.)    To not ask anyone for anything (i.e. to abstain from begging),

5.)    To say the truth even if it is unpleasant,

6.)    To not fear the censure of the critics, and

7.)    To increase in saying: ‘There is no might nor power except with Allah,’ as it is from the treasures that are underneath the Throne.”[7]

As one our ‘Ulama had explained – the message of which is: When Allah Ta’ala blesses with Dunya – with an increase in wealth, with prosperity and affluence – then instead of us just improving and upgrading our own standard of living, we should raise and improve our standard of giving.

May Allah Ta’ala purify us of Hubbud Dunya, greed, selfishness and other base qualities, and instil within us the qualities of selflessness, generosity and the noble quality of the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘Anhum), whom Allah Ta’ala describes as:

وَيُؤْثِرُوْنَ عَلٰۤى أَنْفُسِهِمْ

“…They prefer others above themselves…”

 [Surah Hashr 59 : 9]

Let us live by the words of Rasulullah ﷺ, who would impress upon his beloved companions the reality of this life – its transitory nature and the perishable nature of its commodities:

 “O Allah! There is no true life except the life of the Hereafter.”[8]

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[1] Sahih Bukhari

[2] Tirmidhi 2482

[3] Abu Dawood

[4] Tirmidhi

[5] Tabarani 
[6] Sahih Bukhari, hadith: 3158 and Sahih Muslim.

[7] Musnad Ahmad, vol. 5 pg. 15

[8] Sahih Bukhari