Category Archives: C. Blame worthy Morals

The bad moral characteristics that have to be removed from within ourselves

Impermissible request

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In Ramadan sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve & protect him) follows the Sunna of giving financial gifts to the deserving individuals. It is like a blowing breeze. Masha-Allah. Computerized lists of recipients are made. There are separate categories for the zakat, sadaqat and hadiya. Many individuals visit or send letters requesting aid. Inqueries are made actively to acertain zakat recipients.

This Ramadan a  letter from a student was presented. He requested for a laptop. However, he made it clear that he could not be a recipient of Zakat. 

Sayyidi wa sanadi replied,

‘Please, let me know if it is permissible for you to make such a request.’

Ramadan 1436, darul uloom Karachi office

Hajj: Common mistakes

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  1. Not having the knowledge about the basic fiqh (rulings) of Hajj.

This leads to confusion and major blunders. Some of them if not corrected via consultation with a qualified scholar may lead to Hajj being void.

2. Not asking qualified scholars (mufti) if a mistake is suspected.

Mobile contact of a pious and reliable mufti who is well aware of the rulings of Hajj is essential.

3. Fear of dum (penalty).

Due to the financial burden individuals are afraid to ask a mufti if a mistake is suspected.

It must be clear that dum is there to rectify the mistake and make Hajj acceptable. Compared to the cost of repeating the Hajj next year its cost is minimal.

4. A very commonly observed gaffe is that individuals label themselves as travelers (musafir) and then leave all the Sunna and nafil worships (‘ibadah).  In fact, in this once a lifetime journey, one should try to reap maximum benefit of the stay in the boundaries of Haram al sharif, where one good action is rewarded hundred thousand times.

This does not mean that if they are technically musafir they are exempted from qasr of fardh salah.

Sheikh Dr Hafeezullah Sukkharwi (Allah have mercy on him) recommended that one performs extra recitations (in addition to his routine wird) and salah tu Tasbih everyday in the five days of Hajj.

5. Wasting time in useless activities.

Some are busy shopping for the gifts for their loved ones back home.

Yuppies are busy posting selfies of each and every movement on twitter or Facebook.

Others are searching for their next door neighbor from back home or close relative.

The religious minded are arguing the issues of following a madhab or not.

Those associated with Tasawwuf & islah are rushing to visit the lectures and halqa e dhikr of each and every sheikh and scholar present.

Verbally we claim presence before Allah,

talbiyah

However, in reality we are absent.

Piri – muridi: The reality of Tasawwuf Part 1

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Shah Wasiullah Allahabadi writes in the preface of ‘Tarbiyet us Salik‘ of Hakim al Umma Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Allah have mercy on them) ,

‘The task of being a Shaykh is a lofty responsibility.

This is, because calling people towards Allah is the Prophetic job and the Shaykh is delegated to do it. Therefore, there can not be any doubt in its immense significance.

It is for this reason the quote of pious predecessors is famous,
الشيخ فى قومه كاالنبى فى أمته

A Shaykh in a community is like a Prophet in his Ummah.

Respected (poet) Hafiz Shirazi (Allah have mercy on him) pointed towards this in,

na har

(Not anyone with a glowing face knows how to flirt

Not anyone who makes a mirror act like Alexander

There are thousands of points thinner than a hair in this way

Not anyone who shaves his head can be a qalander)

ٖFrom the essentials of performing this task are two things that differentiate between a righteous and charlatan Shaykh.

First is his expertise in recognizing the aptitude and specific characteristics of the seeker’s temperament.

Secondly, his technique of instruction and training (the seekers accordingly) is at its most perfect level.

The greatness of the (Sufi) Masters is determined by their exceptional level of instruction and training. And this is the cause of their popularity in the (religious) elite.

In an era the Shaykh who is superior to all the contemporary Shuyukh in this field is known as ‘Qutub ul Irshad‘. Like Leader of the group Junaid al Baghdadi and Shaykh Ghuas e azam (Abdul Qadit al Jilani, may Allah sanctify their secret) etc. etc..

To be contd.

 Tarbiyet us Salik, volume 1, page 2

Baiyah: Types & instruction

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Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve and protect him) accepted a seeker’s request for baiyah. This individual has a islahi relationship with one of the mojazeen of sayyidi for the previous few and was proceeding for Hajj this year.

Prior to the ceremony sayyidi wa sanadi clarified,

‘There are two types of baiyah. First is that in which an individual pledges to do his islah (under the supervision of this specific Shaykh). It is baiyah as sulook. The other is for barakah and blessing (of being included into the Sufi silsila/order). It is baiyah tabarruk. This is the one we are doing.’

After the spiritual ceremony sayyidi instructed,

‘Continue with the recitations (ma’moolat) as recommended by your mentor. However, it must be clear that the main task is rectification of morals (islah ikhlaq). Read about them and ask your mentor whenever there is a suspicion.’

Baiyet e Kaiser,  Study, Residence, Darul uloom Karachi, 23 Shawwal 1436/9 August 2015

Repentance: The first step!

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A sincere reader wrote,

Assalam o alaikum…

My name is XYZ…. I’m a student of college… Basically I am from Town C.

I stumbled upon your site. Thanks for such an outstanding work for us. May Allah bless you and give you what you want in this life and after death.

I think I should come to the main point, Sir, I am only a Muslim by name. I do not say my prayers regularly, don’t recite Kitab ul Allah, although I’m a hafiz. But i think I forgot most of it. I cut my beard. And many things I am not able to say in front of you.

Sir! I’m very much worried about my emaan. I have been lost in this life. Totally forgot my mission in this life for which I have been sent.

Please tell me what can I do now to save my emaan?  How can i come back to a life of Muslim?How can i do what I’m suppose to do…?
Can you please tell me
JazakaALLAH

The reply sent,

Respected brother Hafiz XYZ sahib

as salamu alaykum wrwb

Jazak Allah

It is great to know about you.

Your email is reflective that, masha-Allah, you have importance and azmet of Deen in your heart. May Allah increase it more with ‘afiyet. Amin!

Please, be reminded that we are all humans. Weak in determination and lazy in action. It is in our nature to slip and fall down. However, it is abnormal to slip and not stand up, rub off the dirt, clean our-self and start walking again.

Please, do the same.

At the first opportunity take a bath (ghusul0, wear clean clothes, put some perfume (‘itr) and pray two rakat of salat e tauba. After salam raise hands and make heartfelt dua.

Tell Allah swt everything.

Tell Him that the disobedient slave has returned back to Your mercy.

Please, protect me and save me from my nafs and shaytan.

I am weak.

I repent from all that has been done.

I make firm determination that I will not do it again.

But what am I and what is my determination?

Ya Allah! only Your mercy will save me from committing sins again.

O Merciful have mercy on me. I have no other place to take refuge.

Like this pour out your heart. Take your time doing this.

After this, please, try your best to follow the basics of Islam on-wards. Especially, the 5 daily prayers on time.

Insha Allah gradually other things will be included. But do not rush now.

Remember, old bad habits die with difficulty. So do not expect miracles. There will be a struggle with nafs and shaytan. You have to have determination, high spirits and faith in Allah. Please, keep in contact with this lowly writer whatever your condition is on weekly basis. Insha Allah we will travel together on this path to Allah’s pleasure.

Avoid bad company. This includes friends, internet, books and magazines, etc.

Take care.

Do not worry a lot. Allah is most merciful.

Insha Allah, you will be successful.

muhtaj e dua

Hanif

(Edited for posting)

Progress: The signposts

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The seeker continued,

All praise is for Allah. It is Allah’s beneficence. With your blessed company, instructions and attention I have an idea of the required standard of religiosity and awareness of Allah (taqwa) for a seeker. (Sadly) this lowly writer is devoid of an iota of it.

Allah save me from not being thankful.

Because of you the saying of Hakim al Umma Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Allah have mercy on him) stays afresh in mind that (paraphrased)

We have seen real men. No cattle can fool us by claiming to be human.

I feel ashamed telling others about my relationship with you. This is because that by seeing my poor condition they may form a unbecoming opinion about you and are thus barred from benefiting from you. How insignificant am I and (all of) my opinions! Indeed, the opinion of a sick individual is also a sick- opinion.

Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah protect & preserve him) replied,

‘All of the above are reflective of sound understanding (of the path). Their experiential understanding and tasting is required (in this path). They, insha Allah, are signposts telling us that the path is being covered.’

Islahi Khatoot 

Morals: assessing the achievement 

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A seeker wrote.

(It seems as though that) awareness of Allah (taqwa) and sincerity (ikhlas) have not brushed past me.

Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah protect him) replied,

‘If another individual said this to you would you be offended? Answer truthfully!’

In the next letter seeker wrote,

I am not sure how to answer this vividly. However, I know that if I feel offended it will proof without doubt that awareness of Allah (taqwa) and sincerity (ikhlas) have not touched me.

Sayyidi wa sanadi replied,

‘All praise is for Allah! 

I am pleased by this response. 

May Allah further increase (your) knowledge and understanding. Amin!’

……….

Islahi Khatoot 

Islah: How to begin?

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A seeker wrote,

I am not even aware of the method of seeking islah effectively. 

Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah protect him) replied, 

‘Read about the praise-worthy (fadhail) and blame-worthy (razail) morals from Maasir al Hakim al Ummat or Tabligh-e-Deen (of Imam Ghazali, Allah have mercy on him).  Then do your own analysis (are they present or lacking in my character). Wherever you have suspicion ask about it. This is the effective way of seeking islah.’

Islahi khatoot 

Grudges کینہ

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Our master Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him), said,

“The gates of Paradise are opened every Monday and Thursday. Every slave who has not associated any partner with Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) is forgiven except one who has enmity with his (Muslim) brother. It is said regarding them “Leave them until they make peace with each other”.

Explanation: The meaning of this Hadith is explained by another narration which Imam Mundhiri (rahimahullah) has narrated in Targheeb wa Tarheeb with reference to Awsat Tabrani.  It is stated in that narration that everyone’s deeds are presented (to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala) every Monday and Thursday. Whoever asked for forgiveness is forgiven, and whoever made Tawba, his Tawba is accepted. But the deeds of those who keep a grudge against each other are returned (meaning their istighfar and tawba are not accepted) until they stop having a grudge against each other. There are also some other Hadith regarding this topic. It is learnt from them that if a Muslim has a grudge against his Muslim brother then he does not deserve the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) until he cleans his heart from this grudge.

Source: Hadith # 411, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad by Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) with Urdu translation and explanation by Maulana Muhammad Khalid Sahab Khangarhi

Intekhab e Kaiseri 4

Disgracing an individual

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Shaykh al-Hadeeth Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi (Allah have mercy on him) said,

“I remembered one thing which is very important, and necessary to vigilantly take care of. I especially emphasize it to my friends. Please take care of it. It comes in a Hadith (to the near meaning) that if one disgraces someone for a sin they committed then he will himself be involved in that sin before his death. I have observed this thing many times. And have also experienced it.

I emphatically advise my friends that to disgrace someone for a sin is a very bad thing.

To advise him, to warn him is something else, but to disgrace him, to humiliate him is something else.

Please take all means to save yourself from this.”

Source: Aap Beeti, Volume 1, Page 301

Intekhab e Kaiseri 3

Blame: Handling it correctly

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Umm ad-Darda’ (Allah be pleased with her) reported that a man came to her and said,

“A man has said bad things about you in the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Malik.’ She said, “If we are suspected of something which we did not do, then how often have we been praised for something we did not have!”

Explanation: Hazrat Umm ad-Darda’ (Allah be pleased with her) has mentioned something very useful. That is, if someone says bad things about us and finds faults in us then we should tell our Nafs that if he has said something wrong about me then there are other things as well which are said wrong about me. That is, people have praised me for some knowledge or good deed or act of worship, and have said good things about me when in reality I do not possess many of those good things. If I can tolerate those praises which are based on incorrect assumptions then I should also tolerate the wrong things said about me which are based on incorrect assumptions. It is easy to explain to Nafs: Look! The one who has praised you, he has also lied. So you should tolerate this lie as well.

Source: Hadith # 420, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad by Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) with Urdu translation and explanation by Maulana Muhammad Khalid Sahab Khangarhi

Intekhab e Kaiseri 2

Suspicion: The biggest lie!

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Our master Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him), said,

“Beware of (bad)opinion.

(Bad)opinion is the most lying form of speech.

Do not deceive one another
nor envy one another
nor hate one another
nor compete with one another excessively (for worldly gains)
nor shun (avoid, ignore) one another.

Rather be the slaves of Allah as brothers.”

The things mentioned in this Hadith are those which tarnish relationships by creating hatred and enmity in the hearts.

The Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) first mentioned (the disease of) having (baseless) bad opinion about others. This is a kind of false delusion. The situation of one who is afflicted with this disease is such that if he has the slightest disagreement with someone, he considers all of their actions to be based on evil intentions. Based on this baseless bad opinion about them, he additionally associates other non-existing bad things to them. The natural reaction to this is that his behaviour towards them is also affected by this. Thereafter there is some reaction from others as well. Hearts break apart due to this, and relationships become stained permanently.

The Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) has called bad-gumani (having bad opinion about others) as the most untrue speech. Apparently it means that lying by tongue is known to everyone as a big sin, but people don’t normally consider having (baseless) bad opinion about others as being a grave sin. Rasulullah (sallalahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has informed us that having (baseless) bad opinion about others is the biggest lie, and this sin of the heart is not less grave than the sin of lying by tongue.
Just like the evilness of having (baseless) bad opinion about others has been mentioned in this Hadith, similarly having good opinion of others has been called the best form of worship in another Hadith. It is stated that “Having good opinion of others is a part of good worship).

After bad-gumani (having (baseless) bad opinion about others), among the other things Rasulullah (sallalahu ‘alaihi wasallam) forbade us is not to deceive each other, and if we see someone in a good state we should not wish bad for him. And we should not shun (avoid, ignore) each other. The case with all these is that these things sow the seed of hatred and enmity in hearts. And the love, sympathy, brotherhood and unity that is expected and desired from our Iman-based relationship with other Muslims becomes impossible.

In the end the Hadith says: “Rather be the slaves of Allah as brothers”. There is an indication in these words that only when you keep your hearts clean from the above-mentioned evil qualities can you truly live as brothers.

Source: Baab Al-Shahnaa’, Hadith Number 410, Adab Al-Mufrad of Imam Bukhari (r.a.) with Urdu Translation and Explanation of Maulana Muhammad Khalid Khan Garhi (student of Maulana Ashiq Ilahi Muhajir Madani Rahimahullah)

Intekhab e kaiseri 1

Islah: clarification needed

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An individual send the following email,

Salaams,I find myself in a very dark and low position. I’ve been married for the past 17 years and have 4 children. Last year august I gave my wife a talaq and been living on my own. I have had an “affair” with another woman for the past 7 years and only came to light in the past 2 years.

My wife still want to get back together but I must leave the other woman. The other lady is pregnant and I can’t just leave her and I do love her. This is just my story in short as a lot had happened and I need advice how to go about this all. Please Islamically what am I suppose to do?
Shukran,
was salaam.

The reply sent,

Bismillah

As salamu alaykum wrwb

JazakAllah

It is essential to know what is the purpose of contacting me. Is it the islah of the detrimental morals/ikhlaq that led you to this or it is fiqhi question regarding remarriage with your first wife?

Please, clarify this.

I’m not a mufti or a scholar. I only deal with islahi issues.

Was Salam

Muhtaj e dua