On one occasion, Hadhrat Hajee Farouk Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh), one of the senior Khulafa of Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh), visited us in Azaadville. During the time that he spent with us, he presented the value of Tasbeeh-e-Fatimi in a very unique manner.
Hadhrat
(Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) explained that if a person enjoys gardening and appreciates
the diversity of plants and trees, and if he travels in the world and comes
across a beautiful, exotic tree or plant, he desires for it to be in his
garden. He wants to enjoy its beauty and its fruit, in his own garden. However,
to take it back to his country, will require special arrangements to be made. Governments
have strict regulations in respect to importing and exporting, and these will
have to be fulfilled. Moreover, he will have to consider whether the
environment and climate of his country will be conducive and suitable. It may
be that the plant is taken back home, but it does not survive due to the climate
or due to other factors.
If
sustainable and feasible, he goes about making preparations to purchase it and
bring it back to his country. Since the plant will be imported, he will have to
abide by the regulations and protocol of the country, to import such plants. If
he acquires the permit or licence, he will have to make arrangements for it to
be transported and delivered in a suitable manner – because plants are
sensitive and can easily wither away and die, if they are not packaged
properly and not cared for.
When
he does receive it, he will have to plant it and look after
it – according to its specifications. He will have to water it, add fertilizer
to it, and will have to take care that it is not damaged or destroyed. The
seasons bring different weather conditions, so more care is required. He will be cautious that children do not
damage the plant while they play, and animals and insects don’t harm or destroy
the plant. …So much of effort is made for one plant or tree of this world. …Furthermore,
each tree takes time to grow and bear its fruit – years pass in the growth of a tree. In the process, the person may leave this world and not see it thrive and
produce fruit. Even if he lives to enjoy the shade, the flowers and the fruit,
it will only be a period of time.
THE
TREES OF JANNAH
The
Hadith speaks of trees in Jannah which surpass the trees of this world, in
every way. Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu’anhu) reported that Rasulullah
(Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “…Say:
Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaaha illallaah or Allahu Akbar, one tree will
be planted for you in Jannah, for each of these.”[1]
For
each glorification of Allah Ta’ala, a tree is immediately planted in Jannah. There
are no regulations, no costs, no transport arrangements required, etc. And
these trees will not die. They are permanent … and we too will be living
eternally in Jannah, Insha-Allah. May Allah Ta’ala make it such that we enter Jannah and also enjoy
the beauty of the trees of Jannah.
In
reading the Tasbeeh-e-Fatima, which comprises of 33 times Subhanallah, 33 times
Alhamdulillah and 34 times Allahu Akbar, we will be planting 100 trees. The effort to recite is small; the returns
are very big.
Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) described a tree of Jannah: "There is a
tree in Jannah (that is so big and huge) that if a rider travels in its shade
for one hundred years, he would not be able to cross it."[2]
In another Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “There is no tree in Jannah that does not have a trunk of gold.”[3]
Hadhrat
‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (Radiyallahu’anhu) reported that Rasulullah (Sallallahu
‘alayhi wasallam) said: “I met Nabi Ibraheem (‘alaihis salaam) when I was taken
on Mi’raj (ascension to the heavens) and he told me: “O Muhammad, convey my Salaam (greetings) to your Ummah and tell them
that Jannah has good soil and sweet water, but it is barren. The plantation of
Jannah is (the recitation of) Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaaha illallaah
and Allahu Akbar.”[4]
Alhamdulillah,
for many, it is a practice to read Tasbeeh-e-Fatimi and engage in Zikrullah
after the Fajr and Asr Salaah. These are Mubarak (blessed) times. These are also
the times when people enjoy sitting or working in their gardens – so, in that same time,
prepare for the real gardens of Aakhirah!
Hadhrat Shaikhul Hadith, Maulana Muhammad Zakariyyah (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) had said that we should be conscious in undertaking all our A’maaal; thinking over the rewards, profits and the ‘harvest’ that will follow in Jannah. In this instance, we should think that we have planted one hundred magnificent trees in Jannah.
Hadhrat Shaikhul Hadith, Maulana Muhammad Zakariyyah (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) had said that we should be conscious in undertaking all our A’maaal; thinking over the rewards, profits and the ‘harvest’ that will follow in Jannah. In this instance, we should think that we have planted one hundred magnificent trees in Jannah.
Daily,
we should contemplate over what we have earned and acquired of Aakhirah, by way
of our actions. If a businessman pulls off a big deal and he secures prime
property, etc. then in his opinion, this is a great accomplishment; this is
success. He is extremely happy. However, all is ‘Faani’ – all is perishable.
Nothing of Dunya is made to last. Whereas, the Zikr of Allah Ta’ala is acquiring
and building our Jannah, which is forever… which is made to last. Of course,
the Niyyah must be right, the Amal must be right and we should ask Allah Ta’ala
to accept from us. The same focus and motivation should be brought in, when
practising upon the various Sunnats. We should consider that each Sunnah brings
the reward of 100 martyrs. Who does not want to multiply his honour by living
his entire life according to the beautiful Sunnah? …Where there are people
trying to demolish the Sunnah, we should revive it, appreciate it, cherish it
and live it.
BUILDING
YAQEEN
There
is an incident of a Muslim woman who visited her friend. Whilst they were
talking, her 3 year old child came and began to tug at the mother’s garment,
saying: “Mummy, we have not built our palace in Jannah today!” Thereafter, her
other young children, came to her and they too began to say the same – that
they had not built their palaces in Jannah. The sister, who was visiting, expressed
her surprise and asked what was meant by the children’s statements. So, the
mother sat with her children and they recited Surah Al-Ikhlaas ten times and she
explained to her friend, that the Hadith states that the recitation of Surah
Al-Ikhlaas 10 times secures a palace in Jannah. The children then
expressed their desire to fill up their Jannah with treasures, and they began
to recite ‘La Haula wala Quwwata Illah Billah’ … since the Hadith mentions that
this is a treasure of Jannah. When the mother asked the children what should be
read if they want a drink of Kauthar from Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam),
they all eagerly began to recite Durood Sharief. …Allahu Akbar. How enviable,
when contemplating the vastness and loftiness of such a Jannah, which is being upgraded daily from such early years.
This
intelligent mother was fostering Yaqeen (conviction) in the Aakhirah, within
the hearts and minds of her little children. We cannot truly imagine what would
be achieved and what success will be enjoyed by these children, when their focus
and effort is on Aakhirah, Jannah and preparing for Jannah. Allah Ta’ala grant
us that kind of enthusiasm as well. Aameen.
THE
LAND OF DUNYA AND THE LAND OF JANNAH
When
we purchase a plot of land in this world; it is a fixed area in hectares or
acres or square metres. By building a house and adding other amenities, the land
does not expand or increase; it remains the same. The land of Jannah is such,
that the more Zikrullah we engage in, the more good we do, the more the land
increases and the more the land is developed by way of magnificent trees,
palaces, rivers and so forth.
As
mentioned, Jannah is barren land, and it through our A’maal, that these
bounties of Jannah are achieved and our plot of Jannah increases and expands.
If a person recites the Tasbeeh-e-Fatimi after Fajr and Asr and before
sleeping, so he has increased his Jannah with 300 more trees. And if he recites
it after every Salaah and before he sleeps, so he has increased his plot of
Jannah with 600 trees. If he does so daily, then for every passing week, he has
increased his plot of Jannah by 4200 trees!
Alhamdulillah,
this was discussed in Westville, KZN, on one of our visits, and thereafter a
friend mentioned that he approached a brother after Salaah, and he indicated
that he should wait a little. After a short time, he explained that he was busy
planting his trees in Jannah, with the recitation of Tasbeeh-e-Fatimi, and he had
wanted to complete that first. Alhamdulillah. Allah Ta’ala’s Grace.
HADHRAT
FATIMA (RADHIYALLAHU ‘ANHA)
Hadhrat
Fatima (Radhiyallahu ‘anha) is described as the queen of the women of Jannah.
Despite her lofty rank, she would carry out all the household chores by herself.
She would draw water from the well to carry it home and grind the barley in
the millstone. Due to these tasks, she developed blisters on her hand. On one
occasion, Hadhrat ‘Ali (Radhiyallahu anhu) informed her that some slaves have
arrived from the spoils of war and she should request a maid slave from her
father, to assist her in the household chores. She thus went to Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) but such was her shame, that she could not ask
her own father, and went back home.
Rasulullah
(Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was informed of Hadhrat Faatima’s (Radhiyallahu
‘anha) visit and went to her home to find out the reason. …From here, we learn
the kind of relationship that should be found between parents and children, and
the concern parents should have for their children. Unfortunately, today there
is widespread neglect and we leave our children in the ‘care’ of the
television, i-pad, X-box, PS4, etc. We are clueless to what is happening in
their lives, and they don’t disclose anything to us because they find us too
busy to give them any special time.
Nevertheless,
Hadhrat Fatima presented her request to her father. Rasulullah (Sallallahu
alayhi wasallam) replied: “Shall I not
show you something better than what you asked for? When you retire to your bed,
recite Subhanallah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times and Allahu-Akbar 34 times.
This is better for you than a servant.”[5]
This
is what is known as Tasbeeh-e-Faatimi. Who does not want better? If someone
offers us better than what we want or have, how keen we would be.
Whilst
it is permissible to have a maid to help at home, our reasons today are
generally because our womenfolk want to go gyming, want to socialise, etc. However,
by doing one’s own chores at home, a woman will, InshaAllah, maintain her fitness levels.
We
learn from this Hadith that our physical strength also comes from Zikrullah
and other Azkaar, such as Durood Shareef and Istighfaar. Zikrullah gives us
energy and strength. …We buy all kinds of energy-boosters, but this is an
energy-booster which is unparalleled in its benefits. Similarly, the Qaylulah
gives the physical body rest and rejuvenation.
…Nowadays, we say that we are exhausted and fatigued and need to go to a
resort to rest, whereas the solutions to our problems are to be found in the Qur'aan Shareef, the beautiful
Sunnah and in the Zikr of Allah Ta’ala.
MEANING
AND BENEFIT
We
should not rush when engaged in any Zikr. Keep in mind, the meaning and benefit.
“Subhanallah” means that Allah
Ta’ala is Pure. When a person says: “Subhanallah”, the person is acknowledging
and proclaiming Allah Ta’ala’s Purity; that Allah Ta’ala is free from any
blemish or defect. In this, there is also an acknowledgement, that we are
impure. We have so many weaknesses and defects.
Hazrat
Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) had said that when we glorify Allah Ta’ala thus, Allah Ta’ala, in return, will purify us. …Many
Mashaa’ikh instruct that females read 300 times "SubhanAllah". Just on this
Tasbeeh, a person will achieve Tazkiyah (purification). Allah Ta’ala will
purify, and when Allah Ta’ala purifies, what will be the condition of such a
heart!
“Alhamdulillah” means that all
praises belong to Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala is not in need of our praises. All
praises are for Allah Ta’ala whether we praise Allah Ta’ala or not. Allah
Ta’ala is the only one worthy of praise. In the Hamd of Allah Ta’ala, the heart
is fully accepting Allah Ta’ala as He is. We should think and believe that only
Allah Ta’ala is Owner of all the qualities of praise. We, ourselves are useless
and have nothing.
From
Allah Ta’ala’s Side, and out of His Ihsaan and Karam, when a person praises Him,
Allah Ta’ala creates circumstances whereby people praise the person in return.
“Allahu-Akbar” means Allah
Ta’ala is the greatest. Allah Ta’ala has all the qualities of greatness. Greatness
is exclusive to Allah Ta’ala. When a person recognises and acknowledges Allah
Ta’ala’s Greatness, Allah Ta’ala places honour into the hearts of the creation
for the person who honours Him.
Hazrat
Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) had explained that this
honour is not based on the desire of the nafs, but in the light of the Masnoon
Dua:
“O Allah, make me
small (insignificant) in my own eyes, and make me great (significant) in the
eyes of the people.”
In
our own hearts, we should see ourselves as insignificant and unimportant, but
we ask Allah Ta’ala to grant respect and honour in the hearts of people. What
outwardly seems to be pride, has its antidote and cure in the first part of the
Dua: O Allah, make me small (insignificant) in my own eyes.
Respect
is necessary to establish order, peace and stability. If there is no respect,
there will be complete upheaval in our homes, schools, Masaajid, etc. If no
respect is shown to the parents, Ustaadh, Imaam and other seniors, then there
will be disorder, turmoil and chaos. And this is what we do see, in these
times. Due to a lack of respect and Adab, there is disturbance and disruption in
every system.
Going
back a few decades, cleaning floors or cars, required washing, polishing and
shining. Different products would be used. Nowadays, products are formulated
which do all three in one. These products are marketed as 3-in-1, 5-in-1, etc. Similarly, the Zikr of Allah Ta’ala has
multiple benefits: Cleaning, polishing, and shining the heart. From the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu
‘alayhi wasallam), we have had a 3-in-1 solution to the maintenance of the
spiritual heart. "Subhanallah" cleans the heart; "Alhamdulillah" polishes the
heart and "Allahu Akbar" shines the heart. Similarly, different Azkaar that are
drawn from Ahadith do the same: clean, polish and shine.
From
another angle: Certain medicines require a prescription. They cannot be
purchased over the counter. Allah Ta’ala has made His Zikr for the whole Ummah.
No one requires permission to make Tasbeeh – to glorify and praise Allah Ta’ala.
This opportunity is available for all. Despite the value being so great, we are
found wanting in appreciation and in Amal. Allah Ta’ala has made His Zikr so
easy. The Tasbeeh-e-Fatimi takes about a minute and requires no physical
exertion or monetary expense.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to practice.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Azmat of Deen – Azmat for every aspect of Deen.
Ameen!
By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)
[1] Sunan
Ibn Majah, Hadith: 3807
[2]
Sahih Bukhari
[3]
Sahih Muslim
[4] Sunan
Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3462
[5]
Sahih Al-Bukhari
