The Sanctuary of the Muslim

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

 

 

By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq Sahib (DB)

 

One of the greatest Ni’mats bestowed upon us are the Masaajid … the Houses of Allah Ta’ala …which sadly, we took for granted and did not appreciate.  The Masjid is also home to the righteous and pious. Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “The Masjid is the home of every righteous person. Allah Almighty has guaranteed those who have their home in the Masaajid with the spirit, mercy, and safe passage over the bridge of Hell unto the pleasure of Allah Almighty.”[1] May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq of recognising this great bounty, appreciating it and of frequenting the Masjid.

 

The first ni’mat before Salaah is the great Ni’mat of the Azaan. It is Da’wat-e-Tamaa and Da’wat-e-Saadiqa, which Allah Ta’ala has granted to us. Shaytaan flees from the place where the Azaan is called. Presently, such fear has been created that we flee from the Masjid, whereas the Masjid is the sanctuary of the Muslim. It is a refuge for the Believers. We are Allah Ta’ala’s guests when we are in the Masjid.

 

GUEST OF ALLAH TA’ALA

 

Hadhrat Salmaan (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) narrated that Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Whoever performs Wudhu (ablution) well in his home and thereafter comes to the Masjid, he is the guest of Allah and it is a duty upon the host to honour his guest.”[2]

 

Our beautiful, perfect Dien emphasises so much on honouring our guests and providing them hospitality and comfort. How can we think that Allah Ta’ala, who is hosting us in His House, will do otherwise? Where is Husne-Zann of Allah Ta’ala? …Does a host invite his guest to cause him harm? To cause him trouble? To inflict difficulty upon his guest? How is it that we entertain negative thoughts that Allah Ta’ala has made the Masjid, which is His Pure House, a super-spreader of sickness and harm, for His guests?

 

In another Hadith, it is mentioned that Allah Ta’ala is delighted upon a Believer coming to the Masjid. Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) narrated that Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “A Muslim man does not settle into the Masjid for Salaah and the remembrance of Allah, but that Allah is delighted for him, just as a family is delighted when their absent return to them.”[3]

 

WUDHU

 

The merits of Wudhu are so many, that would require a lengthy discussion. However, Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam informed us that for every step taken towards the Masjid, in the state of Wudhu, one sin is forgiven, one reward accrued and one stage is elevated in the hereafter.[4]

 

Subhanallah, we see how the status and rank of the Believer is continuously increasing. A Believer’s life is one which is occupied with good deeds. Allah Ta’ala is Ash-Shakoor – The One who Appreciates. Such is Allah Ta’ala’s appreciation, that rewards are given for every step taken towards good.

 

Another Hadith states that one who performs Wudhu at home, then proceeds to the Masjid for a Fardh Salaah secures the reward of a Haaji in the state of Ihraam.[5] …When the person is a going for Hajj, he too is a guest of Allah Ta’ala. We see that Allah Ta’ala is showering His great rewards, mercy and blessings upon the person visiting the Masjid.

 

Further, the Malaa’ikah (angels) ask Allah Ta’ala to forgive and have mercy on the one who remains after the Salaah, with Wudhu, in the Masjid until the Wudhu is broken.[6]

 

It is a common habit that when we have problems, we ask people to make Dua for us. We call or travel to meet with pious people, just to request their Duas. Here, Allah Ta’ala is honouring us with the Duas of the Malaa’ikah. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq of staying a few minutes more in the Masjid and gain these precious Duas of the Malaa’ikah. Duas, in the Masjid, are readily accepted.

 

The spirit of the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and Sawliheen was and is to go early to the Masjid and be the last to leave. It should not be that we are the last to reach the Masjid and the first to leave. …Someone asked Allamah Yusuf Binnori (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh): “You are always early in the Masjid and spend more time in the Masjid.”

 

He was a great academic and could have been busy with his studies and Deeni work. He replied: “While I sit here, I am receiving the Duas of the Malaa’ikah, of forgiveness and mercy.”

 

May Allah Ta’ala grant us this conviction and Istihzaar; reflecting on the rewards when doing the action. Hadhrat Malik bin Dinar (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had said: “A Believer in the Masjid is like a fish in the water and a hypocrite in the Masjid is like a bird in the cage (just wanting to get out).” Fortunate is that person whose heart is attached to the Masjid. For him, there is a promise of the Shade of the Arsh of Allah Ta’ala. …May Allah Ta’ala make our hearts strongly attached to the Masjid.

 

On the Day of Qiyamah, Allah Ta’ala will announce: “Where are my neighbours? Where are my neighbours?”

 

The angels will say: “Our Rabb, who is befitting to be Your neighbour?”

 

Allah Ta’ala will say: “Where are those who filled the Masaajid?”[7]

 

SAFETY AND SOLUTION

 

In other Ahadith, it is clearly stated that safety is guaranteed by Allah Ta’ala for the one who visits the Masjid.

 

Hadhrat Mu’adh ibn Jabal (Radiyallahu ‘anhu) related that Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Whoever strives in the way of Allah, his safety is assured by Allah. Whoever visits a sick person, his safety is assured by Allah. Whoever visits the Masjid in the morning or evening, his safety is assured by Allah. Whoever enters upon a leader to honour him/assist him, his safety is assured by Allah. Whoever sits in his house and does not backbite any human being, his safety is assured by Allah.”

 

Whilst the Masaajid are most definitely sanctuaries and safe havens, we must understand that when Allah Ta’ala’s absolute Decree comes to pass then anything can happen, even in the Masaajid, as it is recorded in history. However, in the conditions we are facing presently, we, the Ummah, desperately need to make Rujoo I’lallaah. We need to return to Allah Ta’ala, return to the Dien and return to the Masjid. In this is our solution and salvation. This is why we have to stress and emphasise the great importance and numerous virtues of coming to the Masaajid.

 

RAHMAH AND FADHL

 

When entering the Masjid, we read the Masnoon Dua:

 

“O Allah, open the doors of Your Mercy for me.”

 

Whilst in the Masjid, we are in the Rahmah of Allah Ta’ala and Allah Ta’ala’s Rahmah is all-encompassing. The English language does not do justice to the word Rahmah. Allah Ta’ala’s Rahmah upon His creation is far more than a mother for her child. The mother’s love and compassion are proverbial. A mother does not want any harm or hurt to reach her child. Allah Ta’ala’s Love and Mercy for His Creation transcend that of a mother, since Allah Ta’ala has placed those qualities within her.

 

Thus, Allah Ta’ala’s protection is also included in His Mercy. It is from His Mercy that He protects us from various calamities.

 

When we leave the Masjid, we make Dua:

 

“O Allah, I ask of You from Your bounty.”

 

The Fadhl of Allah Ta’ala signifies towards the bounty, goodness, grace and favour which Allah Ta’ala bestows upon us.

 

It is unfortunate that people have specifically targeted the Masjid and described the Masaajid as epi-centres and super-spreaders of the virus. This thinking is upside down. This is a wrong notion. We should not support or promote such a view which cancels the Masaajid yet which allows people to go everywhere else. When we cancel the Masjid, we cancel our unity. The Masjid is a place of complete mercy, purity and Hifazat (protection). …Allah Ta’ala has made His House the epi-centre and super-spreader of mercy.

 

Never in the history of Islam was the Masjid closed or the Jamaat Salaah suspended. It is really our weakness and failing that we abandoned the Masjid, we barred the Jamaat Salaah and even Jumu’ah Salaah. As Muslims, our priority is our Dien. Our Yaqeen is on the Word of Allah Ta’ala and not on man-made regulations which are prone to error. It is for us to conform and comply with the Shari’ah. 

 

It is a sad state of affairs that we are seeking to make Shari’ah conform and comply with government protocol. It is a great betrayal that we are prepared to make amendments in our Dien, which Allah Ta'ala has already declared as perfect. He has perfected His Dien and established the Sunnah of His Beloved Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, as the path of Divine Pleasure. The Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) also had to contend with plagues, but they remained committed and devoted to the Masjid.

 

Whilst we see this virus as a great calamity, the real calamity is losing our our Imaan, A’maal, Akhlaaq, Mu’asharaat and Mu’amaalaat. If these are lost, then we are in great calamity and tragedy.

 

HASTENING TO THE MASJID

 

If we look at the Sunnah, the Masjid was always the focal point for the Believers. In every worrying or fearful condition, Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam and his noble Companions would turn their direction to the Masjid. They would hasten to the Masjid. If the wind blew strongly, they would go to the Masjid, perform Salaah and seek Allah Ta’ala’s protection. If they were overcome by hunger … and sometimes it was extreme hunger … they went to the Masjid to make Dua to Allah Ta’ala. Even if there was a domestic problem at home, they went to the Masjid. We may go to therapists and counsellers but in reality, Allah Ta’ala is best in resolving our problems. Their Ibaadah in the Masjid offered them relief in difficulty. The Masjid offered them solutions to their problems. …The different narrations and incidents of the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu 'anhum) taking recourse to the Masjid, clearly indicates that there is safety and comfort for the Believer in the Masjid! They made the Masjid their homes.

 

Allah Ta’ala give us the Yaqeen and the mindset and understanding to hasten to the Masaajid and make our Duas. The Masjid is the place we have to go to; not run away from. The Masjid is not a place that offers problems; rather the Masjid is a place of solutions. Instead of encouraging towards the solution, we are discouraging the solution. We must get our perspectives and priorities in order.

 

Our condition is appropriately expressed by Shaykhul Hadith, Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Zakariyyah (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh). Hadhrat (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) mentioned of people who regard poison as cure and medicine as poison. If someone considers poison to be his cure, he will take it eagerly and readily but will destroy himself. If he considers his medication as poison, he will avoid it at all cost and bring more harm to himself. …Today, we regard the Masaajid as places of sicknesses and we regard all the other worldly places as green-light zones. …It is ironic that we have restricted the pandemic to the Masaajid and Madaaris, but not the supermarkets, shopping centres, our work places, public transport, etc. – that is, those places where we spend time at. 

 

THE MOST BELOVED;

THE MOST HATED

 

Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “The most beloved places to Allah are the Masaajid, and the most hated places to Allah are the souks (market places/shopping malls).”[8]

 

Allah Ta’ala loves the Masjid. What is disliked are the market places and shopping malls. Unfortunately, there our hearts are 100% inclined. Most of us favour the shopping malls. The present conditions have not stopped us from patronising the market places and shopping centres; even though many people there don’t social distance or wear masks. ...We are so quick to photograph, video and report our own Muslim brothers who are going to the Masjid for Salaah but not the thousands who don’t abide by the government bans and restrictions, who will be found smoking, drinking and congregating, in large numbers, for other purposes. The police inform us that Muslims are reporting Muslims. They have said: "Your own kind reports on you."

 

Allah Ta’ala’s special Tajjalliyaat descend in the Masjid. The Malaa’ikah are present in the Masjid and the shayateen are present in the malls. The Masjid is the place of the pious … who are engaged in Ibaadaat. We are also blessed with their company when we attend the Masjid. In the Masjid, our hearts turn to Allah Ta’ala; in the shopping malls, our hearts turn to Dunya. The environment of the outside world, with all the present day Fitan, has its effect on the heart. Darkness falls onto the heart. The heart gets spiritually dirty. On the other hand, going to the Masjid, is where the heart gets spiritually clean.

 

AADAAB OF THE MASJID

 

The Masaajid are the places of purity and sanctity, therefore the instruction is to keep the Masaajid clean, which are generally well-maintained throughout the world.  Even noise pollution is curbed with the command that we not engage in loud talks, arguments or anything that would disturb. A person who has bad odour such as the smell of garlic, cigarette or anything offensive is prohibited from the Masjid, until the smell diminishes. So much of attention is given to maintaining the pure atmosphere of the Masjid. This level of purity will not be found anywhere else, yet we entertain doubts about the Masjid.

 

UPHOLDING THE LAW

 

People say: “Uphold the law.” … but they restrict this to the Masjid. When it comes to our driving, do we uphold the law of the country? Do we keep to the speed limits and rules of the road? Do we uphold the law when it comes to our tax payments? With other matters, we bend the rules of the government, to suit our whim and fancy. However, when it comes to our Dien, we want to bend the rules of Dien and place regulations which even the government has not enforced upon us. Instead of upholding the laws of Allah Ta’ala, we are opposing them. Allah Ta’ala promises us great rewards for upholding His Commands, whereas the government will not be giving any rewards and is known for its empty promises.

 

We find fault with one who is particular about establishing the law of Allah Ta’ala and congratulate the one who changes the law of Allah Ta’ala. Our complaint is to Allah. …Allah Ta’ala help us and guide us.

 

One person wrote from Tanzania, saying that their solution was Qunoot-e-Naazilah, which they read every day. The president of Tanzania is Christian but he, himself, instructed that the churches and all houses of worship be kept open. Imagine! A Non-Muslim has Yaqeen on his faith and we have doubts on our Dien, which is Haq!

 

Our protection is in the A’maal which Allah Ta’ala has commanded us to. We need to come back to the Masaajid and come back to the Sunnah. Whoever leaves the Sunnah of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam will find himself astray. Whoever follows the Sunnah, will find Divine protection, Divine Assistance and success in both worlds.

 

A SIGN OF IMAAN

 

Hadhrat Abu Sa’eed (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) related that Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “If you see a man committed to the Masjid, bear witness to his faith. Verily, Allah Almighty said: The Masaajid are only maintained by those who have faith in Allah and the Last Day, establish prayer and give charity.”[9]

 

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq of Amal and bless us with the correct mindset of a Muslim and make us of those committed to the Masjid.

 

---

[1] Shu’ab al-Imān

[2] al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr

[3] Sunan Ibn Mājah

[4] Sahih Al-Bukhari / Sahih Muslim

[5] Sunan Abi Dawud

[6] Sahih Al-Bukhari / Sahih Muslim

[7] Musnad al-Ḥārith 126

[8] Sahih Muslim

[9] Sunan al-Tirmidhī

Fear & Hope

 

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

 

By 

Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq Sahib 

(Daamat Barakaatuhum)

 

In different ways, shaytaan strives to place us in difficulty, despair, despondency and fear. He encourages us to commit sins, with the reasoning: Make Taubah, Allah is Ghafur Raheem. When the sin is committed, he frightens us and creates despair, whispering: With your sins, there is no hope in gaining the Forgiveness of Allah Ta’ala. He plagues people with various whisperings and doubts, regarding their Imaan, Taharah and Ibaadaah … and this leads to unnecessary worry, anxiety and fear.

 

Allah Ta’ala also mentions that shaytaan frightens us with poverty, to hold us back from spending our wealth in what pleases Allah Ta’ala, whereas Allah Ta’ala promises His forgiveness and Fadhl (bounty). So we find that shaytaan is always thrusting fear and despondency in us; yet from Allah Ta’ala’s Side, Allah Ta’ala offers us hope.

 

In this present time, great panic is generated with the pandemic that has spread across the world. It is shaytaan who is working behind the scenes – so to say - using others to cause this fear. And he is our enemy. Through various mediums and people, he is spreading fear and panic. Governments, different authorities and organisations, people, media and other means have been used to breed great fear in the people. In fact, there is more fear created by our own Muslims; such fear that led to the closure of the Masaajid and suspension of Salaah in Jamaat – whereas the Masaajid are places of safety.

 

The minute there is fear in a person, he cannot think right, he cannot reason properly and everything goes wrong, because the mind and heart are in a state of fear.  Fear and panic weaken the immune system and adversely affect our heart, brain and other organs. Headaches, difficulty in breathing, increase in blood pressure and heart rate, impaired thinking and ability to make decisions, disrupted sleep and other ailments stem from fear. ...When asked about dealing with pandemics, one of the early Muslim physicians, Ibn al-Nafees, said: “Fearful delusions are half the sickness, remaining calm is half the medicine and having confidence in Allah is the first step to the cure.”

 

Commonly, today, in gatherings, meetings, on social media or when on the phone, the discussions revolve around all those issues that create fear, for example: this virus, the new world order, vaccines, the one-world religion and so forth. …Yes, we must be alert. We must not remain in the dark; we must be informed, but we should not be overtaken and swept up by the schemes of shaytaan and the Kuffaar. Our duty is to hold firm to the Shari’ah and Sunnah. We need to speak about Allah Ta’ala and give people hope in Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala loves those who give others hope. We should not unwittingly become instruments of shaytaan by increasing fear within ourselves and within others.

 

Unfortunately, we are not speaking about Allah Ta’ala’s Qudrat (Power) and Greatness, which is above all of these challenges and Fitan. What is the new world order in front of Allah Ta’ala’s Power? Nothing! …Don’t we hear Allah Ta’ala’s message:

 

“And they planned and Allah (also) planned, and Allah is the best of planners.”

[Surah Aal-Imraan 3 : 54]

 

In the annals of history, we read of the King Akbar who sought to bring about religious unity and universal peace by promoting ‘Deen-i-Ilaahi’. More than 400 years have passed and Islam is safe. Islam prevails over all other religions. Allah Ta’ala is the Protector of Islam.

 

“He it is Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the True Religion, that He may cause it to prevail over all religions (and systems of life), even though the idolaters may detest it.”

[Surah At-Taubah 9 : 33]

 

Alhamdulillah, through the passage of centuries and various attacks, Islam is alive and thriving. The real reason why the Kuffaar are increasing their assaults on Islam is because of the spread of Islam … in Europe, in the Americas, in Africa and other places; even in India, where the Muslims endure so much of oppression. Prominent people and even religious leaders are accepting Islam. We cannot expect to hear it in the mainstream media. The media suppresses the truth and makes every effort to contain Islam … but is not possible to inhibit Islam.

 

“They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it.”

[Surah Saff 61 : 8]

 

TAKING LESSON

 

During the time of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, different battles were fought. Shaytaan tried to instil fear and terror in the Sahabah (Radhiyallauh ‘anhum); that great numbers have gathered and they will be completely destroyed.

 

Just after the battle of Uhud, the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were told that the Quraish were going to invade Madinah Munawwarah with a bigger force and vanquish them all. This was said to frighten them. However, their immediate response was “Hasbunallahu wa-ni’mal wakeel” (Allah is sufficient for us and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)). Their attention went to Allah Ta’ala, the All-Powerful.

 

“Those (i.e. Believers), unto whom the people said, "Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them." But it (only) increased them in Faith, and they said: "Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)."

[Surah Aal-Imraan 3 : 173]

 

Though the information, which reached the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum), was to frighten and intimidate them, they became stronger, keeping their faith and trust in Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala, in turn, placed awe and fear in the hearts of the disbelievers. Allah Ta’ala also informed them that this news was from none other but shaytaan, whose effort was to threaten the Muslims by presenting the might and strength of his friends, the disbelievers.

 

“It is none but shaytaan who frightens (you) of his friends. So, do not fear them; but fear Me, if you are Believers.”

[Surah Aal-Imraan 3 : 175]

 

These incidents, in our history, are lessons for us. As Believers, we take the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) as noble examples, whom we are instructed to follow. When we encounter fear and danger, we too should turn our attention to Allah Ta’ala. Say: “Hasbunallahu wa-ni’mal wakeel”. Say it with Yaqeen (conviction).

 

Read the Ayah:

 

Wa ufawwidu amri illallaah

“…and I entrust my affair to Allah.”

[Surah Ghafir 40 : 44]

 

Hand our matters to Allah Ta’ala. Refresh our Imaan with these beautiful prescriptions from the Qur’aan Shareef.

 

Allah Ta’ala’s system is such, that when people alarm and frighten us, and misdirect us, and we turn to Allah Ta’ala, Allah Ta’ala will strengthen our hearts and remove our fears. Allah Ta’ala will also change the outward conditions.

 

Together with reciting these Qur’aanic Ayaah, it is necessary that Taqwa be adopted so that we are recipient of the Help of Allah Ta’ala. And Taqwa is to give up our sins … something we don’t want to do. As long as we don’t give up our sins, we will be keeping ourselves aloof of the Help of Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala’s Help is there, but we are cutting ourselves off from that help, by our brazen disobedience.

 

AHZAAB

 

The battle of Ahzaab - or as is commonly known as the Battle of Khandaq - drew different groups of disbelievers, who joined together, as one massive army, to eradicate and destroy the Muslims. Outwardly, the conditions did not seem favourable for the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum). Allah Ta’ala describes the outward conditions of fear which were experienced:

 

“(Remember) when they came at you from above you and from below you, and when eyes shifted (in fear), and hearts reached the throats, and you assumed about Allah (various) assumptions.

There, the Believers were tested and shaken with a severe shaking.”

[Surah Al-Ahzaab 33 : 10/11]

 

Here too, the response from Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam was: Hasbunallahu wa-ni’mal wakeel.

 

Allah Ta’ala’s Help was then witnessed in various ways.

 

“O you who believe, remember Allah’s favour to you, when the forces (of the infidels) came upon you, and We sent upon them a wind, and the forces (of angels) you did not see. Allah is watchful of whatever you do.”

[Surah Al-Ahzaab 33 : 9]

 

The lesson to take is the response in the face of adversity and fear; the response from Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum), the previous Ambiyaa (Alaihimus Salaam) and the pious who followed them thereafter. All went through different conditions, but no matter what difficulty was faced, they did not waver in their Dien; rather, they became firmer in their covenant to Allah Ta’ala. The Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) also had to experience plagues and great loss of lives, but they remained steadfast. Their relationship with Allah Ta’ala became stronger, not weaker.

 

THE PLAGUE OF AMWAAS

 

When we read of the plague of Amwaas, we read of the strong and resilient character of the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum); their encouragement and support to the people. Hadhrat Abu Ubaidah Al-Jarrah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) personally assisted the people, and gave them hope and re-assurance, saying: “O People! This disease is a mercy for all of you, the prophecy of your Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), and the passing of the righteous ones before you.”

 

Hadhrat Mu’az ibn Jabal (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) upheld the same noble spirit as well as guided all to turn to Allah Ta’ala, saying: “O people, repent to Allah for your sins, for there is no servant who returns to Allah in the state of repentance, except Allah forgives him. Whoever has any debt, should settle it. Verily a servant is tied with his debt. Whoever of you has separated from his brother should reconcile.”

 

The same advice and guidance apply to us: We also need to turn to Allah Ta’ala, sincerely repent over our sins, settle our affairs with the creation and reconcile with whomever we have severed ties with – that is, without any valid Shar’i reason.

 

Alhamdulillah, as Muslims, we have Yaqeen on the words of Allah Ta’ala. Why must we worry about what the Kuffaar are saying? We pay so much of attention to what they say, giving precedence to their regulations over our Dieni obligations. One is being forced but we voluntary choose to do whatever they tell us to, blindly accepting, without thought. We don’t want to even take note of what Islam has to say. May Allah Ta’ala protect our Imaan. Many of us actually see and think that the opposite of Dien is correct and now have doubts about the teachings of Islam and Sunnah. Many of us are opting to give up practising on Dien and follow the way of the Kuffaar.

 

Allah Ta’ala is All-Powerful. Allah Ta’ala is in Control of everything. This is Imaan. …La Ilaaha Illallah.  There is no one – no Ilaah - except Allah Ta’ala.  He is the Doer of everything.  If we have this in our hearts, then we become strong. On the other hand, if we allow these fears to overcome us, we become weak - spiritually, mentally and emotionally.

 

WHAT TO DO;

WHAT NOT TO DO.

 

Focus on Allah Ta’ala. Listen and take heed of Allah Ta’ala’s Message. Have Ta’leem daily, at home. It will increase us in our Imaan. Adopt the correct Asbaab, as directed in our Dien. Make sincere Taubah, establish Salaah, pay Zakaat, fulfil all obligations, make Dua, follow the Sunnah and stay away from Haraam. 

 

Don’t engage in talks which will engender fear and panic. Don’t make the media, the hub and focal point of seeking information, because the media is misleading. The best way; the correct attitude is to be positive. Negativity brings harm. When a person is positive, he will see things brighter and a Mu’min is positive. He looks at Allah’s Power and Mercy. He believes Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy is unlimited. It is there for those who want it.  It is there for us to take. … If we are taking from shaytaan and the forces of shaytaan, and accepting all the panic that shaytaan is dishing out, we are harming ourselves.

 

Even if the enemies are amplifying the fear, we must not add to it. Instead of talking about the planning of the Kuffaar, how they control, how they watch us, how they know everything about us, through the cell-phone, etc., speak of the Qudrat and Mercy of Allah Ta’ala. There is no Thawaab in the former. It is a waste of time when all our energies and time are directed to such discussions where shaytaan is being glorified.

 

These discussions take the attention and focus away from the greatness of Allah Ta’ala and misleads people into thinking that shaytaan is very powerful and all the forces of shaytaan are in control and we are in danger. This is not the talk of a Mu’min. The Thawaab is in speaking about Allah Ta’ala. In this way, we build our Imaan and our contact with Allah Ta’ala. It will be comfort and re-assurance for the heart. This is what is needed.

 

We don’t realise that in all the negativity we are spreading, little children too are becoming afraid. We want our sons to be like Salahuddin al-Ayyubi and Muhammad bin Qaasim but we are building up fears within our children. If we talk about the qualities of Imaan and the qualities of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam and the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum), then we will inspire the spirit of Islam within them; otherwise they will become frightened and timid individuals.

 

Hadhrat Moulana Umar Palanpuri (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) mentioned that his mother talked so much about Imaan, that as a little boy, his thoughts were always with Allah Ta’ala. Subhanallah.  …Unfortunately, we either bring up our children with fears or we bring them up in futility - in amusement and entertainment. They then only want the comforts and ease of this worldly life and have no real strength of character and courage to stand up as flag-bearers of Dien. We need to create an Islamic and Imaani environment within our homes to raise true, spirited Muslims.

 

OUR OPINION OF ALLAH TA’ALA

 

Furthermore, it is mentioned in a Hadith-e-Qudsi: ‘I am as My servant thinks (expects) I am.

 

Allah Ta’ala is as to us, as our opinion is of Him. Allah Ta’ala treats us as our thoughts are of Allah Ta’ala. If we think that shaytaan is ruling, the Kuffaar are ruling and that their plans will override Allah Ta’ala’s system, then this is pessimism and negativity and will impact on us.

 

Our effort is to turn to Allah Ta’ala, trust in Allah Ta’ala and Hope in Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala will deal with us accordingly and save us from all these conspiracies.

 

Allah Ta’ala tells us:

“Do not lose hope in the Mercy of Allah…”

 

To lose hope in Allah Ta’ala’s unlimited Mercy is Kufr. In the words of Hadhrat Ya’quub (Alaihis Salaam):

 

“…Certainly no one despairs of Allah’s Mercy, except the people who disbelieve.”

[Surah Yusuf 12 : 87]

 

Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Ghani (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) explained in a very encouraging way: “Every Muslim is afraid of Kufr; knowing that it is the worst sin to fall into. We have meter readings and gauges. Sometimes the arrow or needle moves fully into the red zone, indicating danger. Keep the needle of the heart within the green range. There must be a balance. There should be no losing hope in Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy. Imaan is between hope and fear.”

 

TAQDEER

 

As Muslims, we believe that whatever Allah Ta’ala has written, will be. Nothing will befall us except what Allah Ta’ala destines for us. Yes, we make use of the means and take precautions where necessary, but our trust in Allah Ta’ala must not waver. Hadhrat Moulana Masehullah (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had beautifully explained that for a Believer, in all conditions, Allah Ta’ala deals with him, with His Fadhl. What is outwardly difficult is also with hidden blessings and Allah Ta’ala’s Grace.

 

Let us change our mindset and develop our Imaan and Tawakkul in Allah Ta’ala. We have to return to Him. Even if we do not die due to the virus, we still have to die … so let us work towards our meeting with Allah Ta’ala and look forward to it.

 

Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Whoever loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him...”[1]

 

 

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[1] Ibn Majah