The First Night of Rajab

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

The Company of As-Sawdiq ﷺ

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

ALLAH TA'ALA has commanded us:

 “O You who Believe, Fear Allah and join the company of the Truthful ones (the pious, the Auliya Allah).”

[Surah At-Taubah 9 : 119]

Our Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had explained that the highest rank among the Auliya Allah (Friends of Allah Ta’ala) is that of the Sawdiqeen or Siddiqeen. Hadhrat Moulana (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had also presented a beautiful definition of a Siddique: Siddique is a mirror reflection of Nubuwwah. Subhanallah!

Allah Ta’ala instructs us to keep the company of the Sawdiqeen, the Truthful ones … because these are people who are truthful in their piety. They have the reality of piety. Their piety is not just an act or performance of piety. There is no pretence in what they say or do. Allah Ta’ala revealed the plural, ‘Sawdiqeen’, making known to us that there will always be such sincere servants of Allah Ta’ala, until the end of time. And it is through the blessings of the noble company of the Siddiqeen, that we will nurture the quality of Taqwa.

When Allah Ta’ala grants His Taufeeq, Fadhl and Rahmah, and man makes an effort, he can develop his relationship to a level of Sidq, where he is counted amongst the Siddiqeen. …The Ambiyaa (Alaihimus Salaam) were selected by Allah Ta’ala to convey His Message to mankind; so this quality of Sidq would naturally be inherent and characteristic in all of the Ambiyaa (Alaihimus Salaam), to a more exalted and lofty level. We find in the Qur’aan Sharief, that Hadhrat Yusuf (Alaihis Salaam) is described by the honourable title, “Siddique”:

“(He said:) Yusuf! O Truthful one!...”

[Surah Yusuf 12 : 46]

And again, by Zulaikah:

“…and indeed, he is of the truthful (Sawdiqeen).”

[Surah Yusuf 12 : 51]

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

“And mention in the Book (the Qur’aan) Ibraheem. Verily! He was a man of truth (Siddique), a Nabi.”

[Surah Maryam 19 : 41]

Allah Ta’ala also mentions Hadhrat Idris (Alaihis Salaam) as Siddique:

“And mention in the Book (the Qur’aan) Idris. Verily! He was a man of truth (Siddique), (and) a Nabi.”

[Surah Maryam 19 : 56]

Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam was the embodiment of Sidq and was given the noble title of "As-Sawdiq" (The Truthful One). ...When Allah Ta’ala highlights the virtue and merit of the company of the Auliya Allah, how much more meritorious must it be to spend time in the company of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), from whom the Siddiqeen have acquired this Sidq!

Alhamdulillah, we are most fortunate in that we have certainty as to where our Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is buried, and we have the honour of visiting him – with much ease. When visiting Nabi (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam), we should also make the intention of benefiting directly from the Mubarak company of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam). Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) is alive in his grave, and from whom we can draw immense benefit. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “The Ambiyaa are alive in their graves and they pray.”[1]

Hadhrat Sheikh Abdul-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehlawi (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had explained that the Messengers of Allah Ta’ala are alive in their graves, just as they were alive in the world. For them, life (in the grave) is a real, physical life, like they had in this world.

When we keep company with the pious, we hope to acquire, within our own hearts, their virtuous qualities. Whilst we are at the Raudha Mubarak, we should intend to imbibe and absorb the noble, beautiful qualities of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) – for there is no person ever who can match the perfection that Allah Ta'ala had blessed His Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) with. His beauty, his character, his speech, his actions and his interaction with people surpasses and transcends all.

 “And you are surely on an excellent standard of character.”

 [Surah Al-Qalam 68 :4]

This opportunity of being in the company of our Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is a most exclusive and prized gift and tremendous favour for any Ummati and should be cherished and deeply appreciated. Do not let the stay in Madinatul Munawwarah go to waste – by being heedless and negligent of this unique opportunity of directly drawing the Anwaaraat and Barakaat that are found at the Raudha Mubarak, in the Suhbat of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).

When in Masjidun Nabawi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), we should try and find a place near the Raudha Mubarak. Convey Salaat and Salaam with Adab and respect. Make Dua to Allah Ta’ala: O Allah, let me benefit from the Fuyoodh, Barakah, Tawajjuh and Duas of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam.


Of course, to truly take benefit from our Ziyarah, we need to develop the love for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam). This, we can easily acquire from one who has sincere love, whose entire life is in conformity with the beautiful Sunnah and who will also teach us the etiquettes and demands of love, that we are able to present ourselves with humility and respect, value and cherish the opportunity, and take maximum benefit when in Madinah Sharief. We will draw these qualities from the hearts of the Ahlullah, the Lovers of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and should thus avail ourselves of their noble company.

On another note:

The very honourable companions, Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddique (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Hadhrat Umar Farouq (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) were blessed with very lofty and exceptional qualities. It is a well-known fact that Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was given the title of “Siddique” by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) because he did not hesitate in regard to anything that was conveyed by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), and he maintained firm faith at all times. This honourable title is testimony of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu)’s high status amongst the Sawdiqeen. No Ummati can match Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu). After the Ambiya (Alaihimus Salaam), the highest in rank is Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) had said, regarding Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu): “Indeed, Allah has placed truth upon Umar`s tongue and heart.”[2] And in another Hadith: “If there were a Nabi after me, it would be Umar, son of Khattaab.”[3] Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was given the title “Al-Farouq” – the one who distinguishes, between Haq (Truth) and Baatil (Falsehood). These Ahadith clearly establish Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu)’s exceedingly high level of Sidq.  

Allah Ta’ala accepted them to be buried beside Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn 'Abbas (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had said: “Every person will be buried in the soil from which he was created.”[4] …SubhanAllah! How extremely special Hadhrat Abu Bakr and Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) are, to have been created from the earth, which houses them with the Beloved of Allah Ta’ala (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi sallam)! Indeed, they were the closest to him in life and are closest after their demise. In this, Allah Ta’ala also perpetuated for them, the bounty of Suhbat and nearness to Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). SubhanAllah! What great honour and acceptance!

When we reflect over all of this, we feel a sense of deep shame that despite our unworthiness – and we are indeed undeserving of this bounty – Allah Ta’ala allows us such close proximity to these great personalities. This is only Allah Ta’ala’s Karam. At the same time, we should hope that when Allah Ta’ala has accommodated us with such a visit, that we leave, having taken benefit from their blessed company.

Hadhrat Hajee Farouk Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had presented, very beautifully, the manner of meeting and greeting Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and his two companions (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum). Hadhrat Hajee Farouk Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) related the Hadith in praise of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu): “The most merciful of my Ummah upon my Ummah is Abu Bakr!”

Hadhrat (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) advised that while we are there, close to Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu), we should make Dua to Allah Ta’ala to grant us the mercy, soft-heartedness and other beloved qualities of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

In respect to Hadhrat 'Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “The firmest, regarding the commandments of Allah, is Umar.” …So we should make Dua to Allah Ta’ala to also grant us firmness and Istiqaamah on Dien – which was one of the many outstanding qualities of Hadhrat 'Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

May Allah Ta’ala grant us life and death in the company of His lovers! Indeed, this is honour in both worlds!

By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)

---

[1] Baihaqi

[2] Tirmidhi

[3] Tirmidhi

[4] Musannaf ‘Abdur Razzaq, Hadith: 6531

Annual Islaahi Jalsa

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheen

Insha-Allah

Programmes are subject to change without prior notification

www.ka.org.za

The Sunnah of Visiting Masjid-e-Quba | Taking Lesson

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

WHEN VISITING Madinatul Munawwarah, we usually go for Ziyarah to Mount Uhud, Masjid-e-Qiblatain, Masjid-e-Quba and other historical and blessed places. We have learnt that reading two Rakaats of Salaah in Masjid-e-Quba draws the reward of an ‘Umrah. Rasulullah ﷺ said: “Whoever purifies himself (takes Wudhu') in his house, then comes to Masjid-e-Quba' and prays in it, has the reward like that of Umrah.”^[1]

As we know, Masjid-e-Quba was the first Masjid built in Madina Sharief, on the arrival of Rasulullah ﷺ. The narration of the Hijrah is well known. The Muslims would go to the outskirts of Madinatul Munawwarah to wait for and meet Rasulullah ﷺ. When the day finally arrived and Rasulullah ﷺ reached Madinatul Munawwarah, there was much rejoicing and happiness. Rasulullah ﷺ stopped in Quba and stayed there, amongst the people, for about twelve days. The foundation of Masjid-e-Quba was laid by Rasulullah ﷺ himself.

The virtue of Masjid-e-Quba is mentioned in Qur’aan Sharief:

  

“The mosque that was founded on Taqwa (piety) from the very first day has greater right that you stand in it. In it there are people who like to observe purity; and Allah loves those observing purity.”

 [Surah At-Taubah 9: 108]

It was the habit of Rasulullah ﷺ to go to Masjid-e-Quba every Yaumus Sabt (Saturday), and Rasulullah ﷺ would read two Rakaats of Salaah. Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said: “Rasulullah ﷺ used to go to the Masjid of Quba every Saturday, (sometimes) walking and (sometimes) riding.”^[2]

Alhamdulillah, when I was there, in Masjid-e-Quba, it came to my mind that this noble Sunnah and practice of visiting Masjid-e-Quba teaches us a great lesson: We should not forget our roots. We should not forget those who have been a means of benefit, goodness, kindness and assistance. Nabi ﷺ did not forget the people of Quba – their warm welcome, great hospitality and kind treatment, in accommodating him and his companions, and would visit the Masjid every week.

We find that different people qualify in different fields. Someone may have qualified as an ‘Aalim, Mufassir, Muhaddith, Sheikh and may have other qualifications. Others graduate as doctors, engineers, teachers, etc. Whatever a person achieves and whatever goodness is enjoyed, he should not forget his parents. It is through the Barakah and Duas of one’s parents that a person makes progress and succeeds in life. ...We must also not forget our Asaatiza. From whom did we learn Alif, Baa, Taa? It is through their Duas, their noble efforts and sacrifices that we are are enriched with knowledge and skills. …We should endeavour to fulfil the rights of our parents as well as our Asaatiza. Visit one’s Asaatiza. We should make Dua for all those who have benefitted us in life, who assisted us in our undertakings and in our work.

Rasulullah ﷺ said: “He who does not thank people, does not thank Allah.”[3]

Of course, the greatest gratitude is for Allah Ta’ala. Without Allah Ta’ala’s Grace, blessings and bounties, nothing would be achieved. Allah Ta'ala informs us:

“And you have no good thing but it is from Allah...”

[Surah An-Nahl 16 : 53]

Very fortunate is the person who appreciates.

 “…And whoever is grateful is grateful for (the benefit of) himself. …”

[Surah Luqmaan 31 : 12]

Allah Ta’ala promises an increase in His bounties when a person is grateful:

“…if you are grateful, I will most certainly increase for you (My favours)…”

[surah Ibraheem 14 : 7]

When visiting Masjid-e-Quba, we should reflect over its history, the virtues and merits of the people who built it, and make Dua that Allah Ta’ala also bless us with those same noble qualities of piety and purity and that through these qualities we also become beloved to Allah Ta’ala. 

By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)

                                  

---

[1] An-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah

[2] Sahih Al-Bukhari

[3] Ahmad, Tirmidhi

Midlands Safr | This Week

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheen

www.ka.org.za

The Importance of Taking Dien from our Elders

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

by Hadhrat Moulana AbdulHamid Is`haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)

The Qur’aan Sharief is the Word of Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala revealed it to His Beloved Messenger Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam. The meaning is also from Allah Ta’ala since Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam did not speak of his own desire:

“Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired.”

[Surah An-Najm 53 : 3/4]

So we have to accept the meaning that Allah Ta’ala gave. This is what Nabi Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam explained to the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘Anhum), and they in turn explained it to all of their students, and they, to their students, and up until this day, we will find that same correct meaning of the Qur’aan Sharief. 

We have been warned not to give our own view in the meaning of the Qur’aan Sharief. A person’s own view … even if it is correct, will be incorrect. Rasulullah Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam said: "Whosoever, in interpreting the Qur'aan, says therein, anything of his own opinion, commits a mistake even if he is correct."^[1]

In another Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) said: "Whoso interprets the Qur'aan according to his opinion, let him seek his abode in the Fire."^[2] and: "Whoso interprets the Qur'aan without knowledge, let him seek his abode in the Fire."^[3]

This is where groups and sects like the Salafis diverge from the path of the Ahlus Sunnah wal-Jama’ah, with their independent study, understanding and interpretation of the Qur’aan Sharief and Ahadith. The 'Ulama-e-Haq have adopted their stance against Salafism, because it is deviation, from what has been established. Whilst Salafis promote and uphold themselves as followers of the Qur’aan Shareef, the Sunnah and the Salaf as-Salih (pious predecessors), the true face of Salafism is Fitnah.

Since this point is mentioned, we should understand Salafism and its objectives: 

Salafis encourage separating and dissociating from the Madhaahib-e-Arba'a[4] - that is, that a person should not follow any Madh-hab. There is rejection of Taqleed[5], whereas the four respected and righteous Imams (Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Shafi’ee and Imam Hambal (Rahimahumullah)) either studied under the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum), or they were Tabe-Tabi’een (students of those who were taught by the Sahaba-e-Kiraam). Their respective schools are based entirely and completely on the Qur’aan Sharief and Sunnah.

Salafis have caused a great deal of Fitnah with their efforts to create doubts and misgivings in the minds of Muslims. They deliberately seek to eradicate and undermine the noble status of our respected Imams, by exploiting the differences of opinion amongst the Madhaahib. They unnecessarily and ignorantly argue and create confusion regarding various rulings - whether relating to Taraweeh, Talaaq, the Salaah postures of females, Raf’a Yadain – that is, the raising of the hands when going into Ruku’ and getting up from Ruku’, etc. …All of their mischief has brought about much division and disunity in the Ummah.

Among many underhanded tactics, which are adopted, is that they advocate for the laypeople to be free thinkers and to independently follow the Qur’aan Sharief and Ahadith, as well as to take, as they like, from the Madhaahib - although they do not have the necessary expertise. In doing so, a person then follows his nafs … because he will take from Dien and single out, what suits him, and interpret Dien according to his whims and fancies. Clearly, the dangers are very, very great.

One of our graduates mentioned that he has had many arguments with Salafis but could not get through to them, to make them understand this point: That we have to take our Dien from our elders, like they took it from their elders, until it reaches to Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam. The student said that he then presented them with an example which, Alhamdulillah, I have mentioned on different occasions – with Allah Ta’ala’s Fadhl. Alhamdulillah, on listening to that analogy, they understood very quickly and also accepted.

The example is of a father, who is lying on his bed or he is sitting on a couch in the lounge, and he tells his son: “Abdullah, bring me water.”

In what will the son take the water? …In a glass; a tumbler.

On a Saturday afternoon or a Sunday morning, the father is standing outside, in the yard, near his car. He has got his sleeves rolled up, to wash the car. He says exactly the same words: “Abdullah, bring me water.”

Now, what will Abdullah take water in? …In a bucket.

The words are exactly the same: ‘Abdullah, bring me water.’ …But who will know whether it should be in a glass or bucket? The person who is present; who sees and knows the situation.

The Aayaat of the Qur’aan Sharief were revealed to Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam. The Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu 'anhum) were present and they took that knowledge directly from Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). They would therefore know the correct meaning before all others.

…In fact, becoming an 'Aalim is not to know – but it is to understand this explanation. And the real Sanad (certificate) of an 'Aalim, according to our Islamic terms, is not like a school or university certificate, which confirms that you passed an examination – even though the Darul Ulooms give these certificates as well. The real Sanad is that the person learnt a Kitaab from his Ustaadh and that Ustaadh had learnt it from his Ustaadh – and that Sanad – that chain – goes right to Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam. This is the real Sanad. It is an unbroken chain. The understanding of the Kitaab is what is most important – whether it is Tafsier, whether it is Hadith or any other subject. Just passing an examination is not the merit; it is that you have understood Dien in the correct way. This is what is essential.

Any person who acquires knowledge from only Kitaabs and through his own research – then the person may have some knowledge of Deen … but it will be based on his own understanding. It will not be on the understanding that has passed through generations, from the time of the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu 'Anhum). Those people who work only on proofs and from Kitaabs, then they are likely to go astray due to misunderstanding the knowledge that they acquire.

LIVING THE QUR’AAN SHARIEF

From another perspective: Our Imaan must be complete on every Aayat. We must believe 100% that this is the Command of Allah Ta’ala and this Command will remain till the Day of Qiyamah. Accept that it is practical and acknowledge one’s weakness if there is no practical implementation. Say: I am weak. I am not practising on it. However, do not find excuses or seek to undermine any Command of Allah

The Qur’aan Sharief was lived to the T for centuries. Presently, we may not be practising on everything but when Hadhrat Mahdi (Radhiyallhu ‘Anhu) will come, the whole of Dien will be established, in its original form, as was in the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam); and everyone will practise Dien. There will be justice and harmony. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) had said: “He (Hadhrat Mahdi (RA)) will fill the earth with justice as it is filled injustice and tyranny.” [6]

Of course, there are many places where people endeavour to practise Dien to the best of their ability. It is taking place. Unfortunately, we are slaves of the media and we just follow the media. And the media certainly won’t draw any positive attention to Islam, because those who are in power, do not want to let the laypeople know.

...One Jamaat went to a West African country. When the Jamaat arrived there, the people from the area started pulling at their beards. They asked: “What are you doing? Why are you pulling our beards?”

They said: “It may not be real; it may be a wig.”

When the people there were asked: “Why would you think so?”

They replied: “We have been taught that there are no Muslims left in the world. That we are the only ones who are Muslims, and we are regarded as fools for remaining Muslims.”

So this is that indoctrination and we too fall prey to it.  We too get influenced by the media and what they portray – whereas Allah Ta’ala has given us Islam and it is being lived up until today, and it is being lived, in many parts of the world.

There is an incident related from the time of Hadhrat ‘Umar (Radhiyalluhu ‘Anhu) of a lady who travelled from San’aa, the Capital of Yemen, to Madinatul Munawwarah. For some reason, she had no choice but to travel without a Mahram. Due to circumstance, she was constrained to travel alone – otherwise it is necessary for a woman to have a Mahram accompanying her. She should not travel alone. ...The Ahadith are very clear that a woman must travel with a Mahram. Rasulullah Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam said: “It is not permissible for a woman, who believes in Allah and the Last Day, to travel the distance of one day, except with a Mahram.”[7] 

Hadhrat ‘Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘Anhu) asked her how she found her journey, since she was alone and she was laden with jewellery. She said: “My journey was so peaceful, as though I was walking from one room of my father’s home to another room… with complete safety and no worry of anything. That was my experience.”

Since the teachings of Islam were established, there was such safety that no one attempted to harm or harass her. This becomes the environment and atmosphere when Islam is lived and the laws of Islam are applied and implemented.

In the time of 'Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, a shepherd was grazing his animals, when a wolf suddenly attacked one of the sheep. The shepherd said: “It seems as if Ameerul Mu’mineen has passed away.” …In those days, with their means of communication, it took a few days to verify. However, when it was confirmed, it was indeed that the Ameerul Mu’mineen had passed away, and at exactly that time when the wolf attacked.

The shepherd said: “Ameerul Mu’mineen ruled with such justice; the effects of his justice encompassed the animal kingdom, to the extent that a wolf would not harm a sheep.”

Again, this is when Islam and the teachings of Islam are practised. People will then enjoy a peaceful life. When there will be the justice, fairness and equity of Islam established, there will be peace, safety, security and harmony.


May Allah Ta’ala grant us the correct understanding of Dien and grant us the Taufeeq to acquire knowledge from the ‘Ulama-e-Haq. May Allah Ta’ala grant us sincere appreciation for Islamic teachings and the Taufeeq to practise upon His Commands and the beautiful Sunnah. 

ALSO READ

Following an Imam

---

[1] Abu Dawood

[2] Tirmidhi

[3] Tirmidhi

[4] Madhaahib-e-Arba'a : The four Schools of Fiqh (Jurisprudence) which follow the verdicts of Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Shafi’ee and Imam Hambal (Rahima humullah) respectively.

[5] Taqleed : literally, ‘to follow’. In the context of Shar’iah, Taqleed refers to following one of the four Madh-habs
[6] Abu Dawood
[7] Sahih Muslim