Monday, 25 December 2017

Saturday, 7 October 2017

Recommended Duas at the End of a Deed


Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem


Alhamdulillah, Allah Ta’ala grants us the Taufeeq of carrying out different Ibaadaat. Really, it is His Kindness and Grace if we are able to do any good. We should keep in mind the words of Hadhrat Shu`aib عَليْهِ السَّلام:


“…And my ability to do things comes from none except Allah…”
[Surah Hud 11 : 88]


When a Nabi of Allah Ta’ala is acknowledging that the ability to do is from Allah Ta’ala, then we too should acknowledge and recognise Allah Ta’ala’s favours upon us. In another Aayah, Allah Ta’ala informs us:


“And whatever blessing you have is from Allah...”
[Surah an-Nahl 16 : 53]


If a person has established Salaah in his life, and he also makes Dua, recites the Qur’aan Sharief, keeps occupied in Zikrullah, fasts in the month of Ramadaan, sits in I’tikaaf; pays Zakaat and even gives over and above in Sadaqah; fulfils his Qurbaani; goes for ‘Umrah and Hajj and gets the opportunity to render some Khidmat of Dien, or serves the creation in some way, or does some other good deeds, then this is Taufeeq from Allah Ta’ala, for which a person should be grateful and humble.

For the culmination and fruition of our efforts, we should try to see our actions through, with the following recommended Duas. Of course, we should formulate noble intentions; the most important being that we are seeking the Pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. We should commence any work or good deed with the name of Allah Ta’ala (Bismillah / Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem). This invites the wonderful blessings of Allah Ta’ala and facilitates great goodness. We should also establish our deeds upon the Sunnah. 

At the completion of our work or of any good deed, we should try to read the following five Duas:


        1.)     
‘Our Lord, accept (this) from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.’”
[Surah Al-Baqarah 2: 127]


This is the Dua of Hadhrat Ibraheem (Alaihis Salaam) when he built the Ka’bah Shareef. …Who can bring more Ikhlaas (sincerity) than a Nabi of Allah Ta’ala? Who can bring a more pure intention? What a great undertaking, yet look at his humility in asking Allah Ta’ala to accept from him. We should take lesson, do likewise and adopt the same humility. Often, our intentions are tainted by nafs and shaytaan … and we find that Riyaa (ostentation) or Ujub (conceit) or Takabbur (pride) steals into our hearts. So together with repeatedly correcting our intentions – before the Amal, during the Amal and at the end of the Amal – we should read this Dua as well.


“Taqabbal” actually means and signifies that whatever we did is not worthy of acceptance. We ask Allah Ta’ala, that He, out of His Kindness, accepts it, despite our failings and shortcomings.


2.)    The Dua which is mentioned in Surah Al-Kahf:  

“Maa-Sha’Allah Laa Quwwata illah Billah”

(That which Allah wills! There is no power but with Allah)


Hadhrat Anas (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had related that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “When Allah blesses someone with a bounty, be it with regard to his family, wealth or children and he says ‘Masha-Allahu la Quwwata illa Billah‘, no harm (including the evil eye) will come to it except death.”[1]


Hadhrat Moulana Idris Kāndhlawī (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had explained that on whatever Ni’mat this is read (that is, Masha-Allahu la Quwwata illa Billah), that Ni’mat will, Insha-Allah, not be taken away.


Hafez Ibn Katheer (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had said: “Some of our Aslaaf (pious predecessors) had taught: When one is amazed at his condition, wealth or children, he should recite: Masha-Allah la Quwwata illa Billah.” …And thereafter said that this is derived from the verse in Surah Al-Kahf (verse: 39).


Allah Ta’ala has given us so many gifts: spiritual, physical and material. Our Imaan and Ibaadaat are priceless gifts and bounties; our health, wealth; our families, children, business and so forth are all bounties from Allah Ta’ala – all of which pleases us. So we should read this Dua. Allah Ta’ala will preserve them, Insha-Allah. Of course, for safety and preservation of Allah Ta’ala’s bounties, we have to also stay away from sins. Sins deprive us of Barakah and invites tremendous loss.


In saying: “La Quwwata illa Billah” which means: “There is no power and strength but with the help of Allah,” there is admission and affirmation that on our own, we are unable to do or achieve anything. We are 100% fully dependent on Allah Ta’ala. This is Abdiyyah (servitude), which Allah Ta’ala loves from His servant.


3.)    We should also  read:

Alhamdulillahil-lazee bi ni’matihi tatimmus Sawlihaat

(Translation: All praise and thanks are only for Allah, the One who, by His blessing and favour, perfected goodness/good works are accomplished.)


By reading this Dua, we are acknowledging that whatever is accomplished is from Allah Ta’ala. It includes the Shukr and Praise of Allah Ta’ala, which will earn us the pleasure to Allah Ta’ala. These noble qualities signify one’s Abdiyyah before Allah Ta’ala - that we recognise the Giver; praise Him and increase in submission to Him. ...A person can achieve great things and the world can praise him, but with the Barakah of this Dua, pride will not enter his heart. He will be protected from pride and conceit because there is the understanding that whatever good has been done is from Allah Ta’ala, on His Taufeeq.


Hadhrat Ayesha (Radiyallahu anha) had said: “When Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) saw something that pleased him, he would say: ‘Alhamdulillahil- lazee bi ni’matihi tatimmus Sawlihaat’, and when he saw something that displeased him, he would say: ‘Alhamdulillah ‘alaa kulli haal’ (All praise and thanks are only for Allah in all circumstances).”[2]

4.)     

(Translation: “O Allah, You are pure; all praise is for You and I testify that there is none worthy of worship besides You. I seek forgiveness and pardon from You.”)


Towards the end of his life, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would supplicate before leaving a gathering: “SubhaanakAllahumma wa bihamdika, ash-hadu allaa ilaaha illaa Anta, astaghfiruka wa atoobu ilayka.” A man once said to him: “O Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam)! You have spoken such words as you have never uttered before.” He (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “It is an expiation of that which goes on in the assembly.”[3]


This was to teach us how to seek forgiveness for our lapses, which are unintentionally committed during a gathering or conversation. There was no scope for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) engaging in anything futile, useless or vain. By contrast, we find constant mistakes and shortcomings in our speech and actions. So if we read this after our good deeds as well, Insha-Allah, Allah Ta’ala will forgive us our mistakes and wrongs in that good deed or during that gathering.


Hadhrat Ayesha (Radiyallahu anha) had said that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) did not sit in any gathering, did not recite the Qur’aan Shareef and did not perform Salaah without concluding by saying:


Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) explained that if the gathering was of good, this Dua seals it and if the gathering was other than good it is a means of atonement and expiation; this Dua will recompense for it.


Allah Ta’ala takes the good deed or gathering as a pure Amal and places a seal on it… a Khatam (seal) on it; and the reward is for the individual. To understand: Take the example of a person who writes a Kitaab or an article. He then hands it to his Ustaadh, for him to check and correct for any mistakes. Similarly, by reading this Dua, whatever errors were in there, are corrected.

...It is mentioned that the person who sincerely recites the Qur’aan Shareef and struggles in its recitation, Allah Ta’ala appoints an angel to make his recitation correct and then bring it to Him. Of course, we must try and improve in our recitation of the Qur’aan Shareef and not be complacent. However, this is Allah Ta’ala’s kindness that He mends our broken efforts; corrects our errors and instead of our defective and spoiled deeds, Allah Ta’ala converts it to something complete and whole so that we can secure the rewards. Allahu Akbar! 


5.)    Another Dua to end our work or Amal is:

 “Glory to your Lord, The Lord of Honour. (He is free) from what they ascribe (to Him). And peace on the Apostles. And Praise to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. ”
[Surah As-Saffaat 37 : 180/ 181/ 182]


Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) used to recite these Aayaat after the completion of Salaah. It has been mentioned that the person who reads this, three times after Salaah, will obtain the full reward of his Salaah.[4] In the Tafseer, Ma’ariful Qur’aan, Hadhrat Mufti Muhammad Shafi (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) related that Hadhrat Ali (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had said: “Whoever wishes to have the best of return, filled to the brim, on the Day of Judgment, should recite this at the end of every sitting attended.”


The reward of the Amal will be magnified and increased immensely.  Insha-Allah, we will, through the blessings of these Aayaat, secure a greater measure of rewards. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq of good deeds with Ikhlaas, accept from us and forgive us our shortcomings.


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





[1] Al Mu’jamus Saghir, Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Majma’uz Zawaid
[2] Sunan Ibn Maajah
[3] Abu Daawod
[4] Tirmidhi


Thursday, 5 October 2017

Tuesday, 19 September 2017

Dua When The New Year Begins

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Hadhrat ‘Abdullah ibn Hisham (Radiyallahu ‘Anhu) reported that the Sahabah 
(Radiyallahu ‘Anhum) would learn the following Dua for when the new month or 
new year would begin:

"O Allah, bring this (month or year) upon us with security and faith, safety and Islam, and Your pleasure, and protection from shaytaan."

(Al-Mu’jamul Awsat of Tabarani, Hadith: 6237)

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Monday, 11 September 2017

Fitnah, In the Guise of Dien

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem


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


Allah Ta’ala has informed us that everything that was taught to us or instructed by Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam was Divinely inspired:


“Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired.”
[Surah An-Najm 53 : 3/4]

Allah Ta’ala commands us:


“…And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.”
[Surah Ahzaab  59:7]


Whatever Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam directs us towards, brings goodness and whatever he prohibits is prohibited due to the corruption that is inherent in it, and the harms that accrue with it.


In these times, we are faced with many challenges. We find Fitan engulfing us from every side. In the name of Islam, there are various seminars, workshops, fairs, programmes, contests, etc. that are being hosted. However, often these are devoid of the spirit and reality of Islam. There is compromise and even flouting, of many Islamic teachings. It may be Islam in name, but not in essence. Very sadly, we find that in recent years, the vogue and movement is towards entertainment and amusement, even in matters of Dien.


We should take lesson from the marriage seminar that was held recently in South Africa, and many other similar programmes hosted world-wide. It is an eye opener for us. Like many other events, this too was promoted and was advertised in the name of Islam …but in such a way that should have made us question the seriousness and the spirituality of the programme. Speakers were given titles such as ‘love doctor’, ‘love guru’, ‘love specialist’, ‘love artist’, etc. Together with this, there was the drawcard of a variety of entertainment – each of which, offered us warning signals, so that we don’t move in that direction and don’t attend:


·    A shopping “extravaganza” where families can shop and enjoy. This plainly promoted mixing of males and females;
·     An arts festival to give recognition to Nasheed artists, comedians and others.
·    An expo to assist in planning a wedding; catering, trousseau, etc. – encouraging a lavish and extravagant kind of wedding, which goes against the Sunnah, since the Hadith is clear: “Verily, the most blessed Nikah is that which involves the least difficulty (expenditure).”[1]
·      Encouragement to the guests, to take selfies, etc.
·      and then the promise that, “No topic is off limits”.

The stage was set for the people to come and enjoy … a liberal Islam; where men and women could integrate and be entertained. The event was photographed and videoed and most unfortunately, Scholars were brought into the picture to certify the entire event as "Islamic" and they lent their support to the event. Of course, that does not make the wrong, right. The wrong will remain wrong, no matter who is participating.


A platform was provided for anything and everything because the licence was given that “no topic is off limits” … and that opened wide the door of mockery of Dien and mockery of the Sunnah and mockery of a Sahabi (Radhiyallahu ‘Anhu). The culmination of all these Fitan was that the marriage of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam was mocked at and vilified. …Any mockery of Islam … of the Sha’aair (symbols) of Dien … of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam … is something that throws a person out of the fold of Islam. This is what follows when we do not refrain from what Allah Ta’ala’s Beloved Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) prohibited us from. This is the outcome when we do not imbibe within ourselves the Command of Allah Ta’ala, to adopt Taqwa. This is what happens when we disregard the Qur’aan Shareef and Ahadith, in pursuit of the whims and fancies of nafs. This is what materialises when we seek to modernise Islam.


The seriousness, gravity and repercussions of what happened there were lost to the people because those involved quickly sought to absolve themselves and they distanced themselves from the show … yet they were the ones who made the arrangements; they were the participants; they were the advocates and promoters and sponsors for the programme. They endorsed everything that was advertised. Prior to the event, the comedian said, himself: “I enjoy cracking jokes about Islam. I enjoy pushing the boundary because you can't take everything at face value. You have to ask and push the boundaries.” This, itself, was reason for the organisers and the Scholars to cancel and put a stop to the programme....The content of comedy shows is generally vulgar and immoral, and often religion is ridiculed and satirized. It is not permissible for us to attend. There is, no doubt, that these shows greatly harm our Imaan. 


Although there was an apology for the one grave wrong, the repercussions of that were not addressed by those involved. Joking about Dien or the signs of Dien, (the Qur’aan Sharief, the Ambiyaa (Alaihimus Salaam), etc) leads to Kufr. Listening to such jokes and condoning and approving them are equally dangerous. Though the organisers and participants absolved themselves from the statements of Kufr, there was no concern regarding all the other sins that were prevalent. …If we are going in the direction of liberal Islam … free thinking Islam … then this is the just the tip of the iceberg.


The person said, in mockery, that he cannot understand how the noble, respected Sahabi, Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radiyallahu ‘anhu) learnt so many Ahadith in a short period of time and belittled the marriage of Hazrat Ayesha (Radhiyallahu ‘anha). Those inflammatory and insulting statements are on record. The programme was videoed and is circulating widely. The situation is aggravated because the green light has been given for photography and videoing. Yet, the Ahadith are clear as daylight regarding picture-making and animate images. ...Now, those statements undermine the Sunnah and a great Sahabi (Radhiyallahu ‘Anhu). Whilst the comedian said that he has repented and is regretful, thousands of people, who are unaware … who have no knowledge of Dien … will be left in doubt after watching and listening to that obscenity.


If we were to do some research, we will find that our Aslaaf had written volumes in Tafsier. We find Tafsier that was compiled in 100 volumes. We will find 30 volumes on Surah Fatihah alone … yet in those times, there was no computer, no ballpoint pen, no fountain point … just the reed. The reed was used as their pen and those great ‘Ulama wrote by hand. They wrote volumes and volumes that leave us amazed. Allah Ta’ala blessed their lives; their time; their efforts. Even in our times, we have heard of people memorising the entire Qur’aan Sharief in a matter of a few months and many also memorise thousands of Ahadith, in short periods of time … so what difficulty is there in understanding and accepting that a Sahabi of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) memorised thousands of Ahadith?


Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radiyallahu ‘anhu) had explained: “People wonder how I report so many Ahadith. The fact is that while my Muhaajir brothers were busy in business and my Ansaar brothers were occupied with their farming, I was always with Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). I was among the people of Suffah. I never cared to earn my living. I was happy with the little food that Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) gave me. I would be with Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) at times when no one else was there. I once complained to Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) about my memory. He said, 'Spread your shawl!' I did so. He (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) made some signs on the shawl and said, 'Now wrap this shawl around you.' I wrapped it around my chest. Since then, I have never forgotten anything.”


Many people make a mockery of different aspects of Dien … whether the Hijaab, Niqaab, the beard, polygamy, etc. Many people deny life of the Qabr and deny the Mi’raj. Perhaps someone has already, or someone will come along, and make a comedy of these aspects also. In fact, in the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), the Kuffaar of Makkatul Mukarramah also mocked the belief of Qabr; of life after death. 


We need to understand that Dien is not for fun and amusement. Allah Ta’ala states:


“Indeed, the Qur'aan is a decisive statement (distinguishing good from evil), And it is not a thing for amusement (joking).”
[Surah Taariq 86 : 13/14]


A Believer reveres and honours whatever is associated to Islam.

“And whoever honours the symbols of Allah, does so out of the Taqwa in the heart.”
[Surah Al-Hajj 22: 32]

…We have to be very alert. These are crucial times. See which direction needs to be taken. Due to these Fitnahs, which are encircling us, a secure means for our Imaan and Islam is to maintain contact with those ‘Ulama-e-Haq and Mashaa’ikh, who will teach us the original, true, pristine Dien; those who will not compromise on Qur’aan and Sunnah; those who do not concede to a “free-thinking” and “modern-day” version of Islam. Nowadays, we have scholars that adopt a modern and liberal approach to Dien and to teaching Dien[2]. We have to be very careful whom we follow. See if their semblance is with the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum), since we are told, by Allah Ta'ala, to believe like how they believed, and Rasulullah Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam directed us: “My Companions are like the stars, whichever of them you follow you will be rightly guided.”


…Our Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) would say that if any of those, whom he had given Khilafat to, were to participate or lend their support to photography, videoing or any kind of Fitnah, the Khilafat is cancelled; is null and void, because this Khilafat is an Amaanat.


Shaytaan and the agents of shaytaan work in different ways to destroy our Aakhirah. People … even the learned ones … become puppets to further the agenda of the enemies of Islam, to destroy the Muslims. As an analogy: When people are involved in selling drugs, they obviously want to trap people into the addiction, so that they can make big money. As such, they give out free drugs, or they ‘spike’ drinks or lace food with some drug. Once the person is addicted, he will make sure, he gets the drug in whichever way he can … and in many instances, this continues until the person destroys himself. The enemies of Islam work far more shrewdly. We are offered the drug of Dunya in the guise of Dien. We are offered the drug of Kufr in the guise of Imaan. We are offered the drug of Fisq and Fujur in the guise of Islam. We become so addicted that we lose our spiritual senses. Spiritual “rehabilitation” is possible when there is acknowledgement of our weakness, when there is remorse and regret. However, when there is denial and justification, we will not be able to overcome our spiritual sicknesses. The need is sincere Taubah, rectifying our affairs, and coming back to what is pure Imaan and Islam, and staying away from whatever is displeasing to Allah Ta'ala.


Really, this worldly life is nothing compared to the Hereafter. When death visits, and the person returns to Allah Ta’ala, without Imaan, the person realises that he was here for such a short while… and destroyed himself. 


On the Day of Qiyamah, people will play the blame game. Allah Ta’ala describes that day as the Day of mutual loss and gain, and mutual blaming. People will blame their leaders, blame shaytaan, blame their idols and blame everyone else … except themselves. However, those leaders will absolve themselves; shaytaan too will absolve himself. Each one is for himself and carries his own burden. We are responsible for our actions. 


Not only do we have to exercise great caution in respect to our own Imaan and Islam, we have to also take responsibility regarding our children. Allah Ta'ala commands us:

“O People of Imaan! Save yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is men and stones…”


What are they being taught at pre-primary, primary, secondary and tertiary levels? They are exposed to so much of Haraam and Kufr … but most parents are clueless. Added to these woes, almost everyone has his or her own cell-phone, tablet, etc. … and as parents, we are generally unaware as to what they have access to and what they may be influenced by. Social media and the Internet offer a platter of vices, at the touch of a button … which often destroys Hayaa and sometimes Imaan. This is a time for Dua, concern and a concerted effort. ...Just like how we would not like to be touched by the fire of this world, and we would not like the same for our children, then to a greater extent we should seek to protect ourselves and our children from a fire which is much more intense than the worldly fire.


May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and the concern, and the Taufeeq to give strive to protect this valuable bounty of Imaan. May Allah Ta’ala grant us death on Imaan.


[1] Al-Baihaqi / Mishkaat
[2] Refer to Hadhrat Moulana’s Kitaab, “The Scholars & Social Media”