Category Archives: E. States

Haal.

Excessive remembrance of Allah

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Sayyidi wa sanadi Shiakh Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) said,

‘I saw my paternal grand mother and remember her vividly. She was a disciple (muridah) of Shaikh (Rashid Ahmad) Gangohi (Allah have mercy on him). You could clearly hear the dhikr Allah! Allah! coming from her chest with every breath all the time.

This was a feature of Shaikh Gangohi’s teaching of excessive remembrance of Allah for the seekers.’

After tarawih at Hadhrat’s drawing room, Darul Uloom Karachi, 27th Ramadan 1423/28th August 2011

Eid Mubarak: The real Joy!

The Prophet of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said;

“On the day of eid (when people gather to offer eid prayers)
Allah says to the Angels,
‘Have these people fulfilled the obligation (of fasting)
and are now gathered for prayers?

I swear by My pride,
magnificence, majesty,
mercy and
elevated status
that I will fulfill their prayers.

Tell them to return,
I have forgiven them all
and furthermore
I have replaced their sins with virtuous deeds.’

Hence they return completely forgiven.”

(Mishkat/Bahaiqi)

On our eid visit to Sayyidi wa sanadi Mawlana Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) we always found him to be extremely happy and cheerful, repeatedly telling us Arifbillah Dr Abdul Hayy Arifi (Allah have mercy on him)’s saying regarding Eidul fitr,

“We are excessively blessed individuals today!

All our sins have been forgiven.

They have been bartered with good deeds.

We are completely clean and tidy.”

An unimaginable joy!

The condition that the Beloved has placed me in is the best condition for me indeed

A high caliber scholar murid complained about his business commitments that were preventing him from teaching at a Darul Uloom.  Due to the huge debt secondary to the embezzlement of the caretaker (who was also an ‘alim) and unavailability of a responsible individual to run his enterprise he did not have a choice.

Sayyidi wa sanadi Shaikh Mufti Taqi Usmani (Allah grant him long, healthy and productive life. Amin!) replied,

یار جس حال میں رکھے وہی حال اچھا ہے

The condition that the Beloved has placed me in is the best condition for me indeed!

(That is, have complete reliance (tafweez) on Allah. He selects for the moment whatever is the best for His servant.)

Ajyad, Makkah e mukarramah, Friday 22 July 2011, after esha. 

Shaikh’s memoirs: Aap beeti

Sitting in mataf behind rukun-e-yamani sayyidi wa sanadi Shaikh Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah grant him a healthy, productive and long life. Amin!)  confided to Mufti Ahmad Khanpuri (Allah preserve him),

‘After recieivng your last letter asking me to write my memoirs I have started the project. I initiated by writing ten sentences. May Allah facilitate it.’

Mufti Ahmad Khanpuri and those present around were thrilled. Mufti sahib encouraged sayyidi wa sanadi excessively and requested to take this project seriously for the immense potential of benefiting others, especially the scholars.

Sayyidi wa sanadi repeatedly mentioned about the futility of writing about an insignificant creature comparing himself to a fly or a mosquito.

Mufti Ahmad Khanpuri (the top most Mufti of India, stationed at Dhabel & khalifa of Shaikh Mufti Mehmood Hassan al-Gangohi (Allah have mercy on him) was very pleased and said,

‘Now I will make special dua that this project is completed effectively.’

Masjid al-Haraam, Makkah e mukarramah, after ‘esha salah, Friday, 22 July 2011

Preparing for Ramadhan

vema

 

1. Ask Allah for facilitation (tawfeeq) to benefit from the blessings of Ramadan daily, from now onwards.

2. Make a firm determination to abstain from all sins. Especially those committed by the eyes, ears and tongue.

3. Try to free as much time as possible from work and other commitments for pure worship (ibadah).

4. Reschedule non essential appointmentstill after or before Ramadan. Finish with all Ramadan and Eid shopping prior to the sighting of the crescent.

5. Make special effort to follow as many as possible Sunna in daily activities.
Learn these and memorize the adiya e masnoon (dua) for particular occasions before hand. The book “Alaikum bi sunnati”by Mawlana Abdul Hakim Sukharwi ra is a good, practical and handy resource for this.

6. Review the essential fiqh (rulings) relating to fasting, taraweeh and other Ramadan related issues from “Behishti Zewar” (Heavenly Ornaments) of Hakim al-Umma Hazrat Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi (may Allah have mercy on him).

7. To get motivated and organized, read the discourses of Hakeem al -Umma regarding Ramadan (Mawaiz-e-Ashrafiya volume : Barakat e Ramadan) and listen to the talks of Sayyidi wa sandi db on how to prepare for the holy month.

8. Practice the actions of the Heart. Do not do any action without a proper intention.Abstain from all the blame worthy morals. No anger, arrogance, belittling caustic remarks, etc. It is strange to abstain from otherwise halal (lawful food) and commit an act which is always haram (forbidden). Try to do most of the praise worthy moral actions. Having patience, humility, gratitude, sincerity, etc. Keep a tight grip. Do not slip here.

9. Make a practical and doable time table for daily activities.

The point to remember is that in Ramadan acts of primary form of worships (i.e. salah, dhikr, tilawat, etc.) are to be increased. These lead to an increasing direct relationship with Allah  (i.e. ta’luq ma’Allah).

The tawfiq is from Allah!

عبدیت/Servitude-2

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Shah Mohammed Ahl al-Allah (Allah preserve him) a khalifa of Shaikh Masihullah Khan (Allah have mercy on him) explains the signs of servitude,

‘An individual having servitude diligently carries out all the esoteric and exoteric acts of worship considering that they can not be possibly done with his effort alone, unless the Divine help assists him to do so. That is, he attributes (all good works) to Allah (facilitating them for him). Whereas, for any short comings he blames himself.

He tries very diligently not to hurt any other individual, or to cause them any loss or sorrow.

An individual having servitude conscientiously carries out both the exoteric and esoteric acts of worship (especially his wird) irrespective of issues related to health, sickness, hunger, poverty, prosperity, affliction or other non-volitional conditions.

He is diligent in fulfilling the rights of others but does not keep a desire for his own rights.’

Malfozat Shah Mohammed Ahl al-Allah sahib db, page 1,2

عبدیت/Servitude-1

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The beloved Prophet Mohammed (Allah bless him and give him peace) is the absolute personification of humanly perfections. An epitome for all pious individuals (especially the sufiyah). There can be no superior action or state than that held by him (Allah bless him and give him peace). That is, his way (sunna), both in exoteric (dhahiri) and esoteric (batini) spheres of life.

This is a basic fundamental  of our tasawwuf.

The most outstanding characteristic of our beloved Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) is his servitude (عبدیت).

Mentioning one of the supreme gifts bestowed on him; the heavenly journey of al-Isra wal-Me’raj Allah mentions him with this characteristic (bi-‘abdhi):

Glorious is He Who made his servant travel by night from Al-Masjid-ul-Harām to Al-Masjid-ul-AqSā whose environs We have blessed, so that We let him see some of Our signs. Surely, He is the All-Hearing, the All- Seeing. [17:1]

What are the signs and symptoms of servitude?

To be contd…

Nikah

–

An individual who conducted a nikah (marriage contract) for a couple (the first time in his life) in the Prophet’s (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon  him) Mosque in the illuminated city of Madinah stated his feelings,

‘It is amazing how Islam has sanctified this social contract.

Reading of a simple sermon giving advice to be vigilant in fulfilling one’s obligation for Allah’s sake is from the Prophetic example (Sunna). It is not an essential (wajib) part of nikah. The acknowledgment of the bride and groom in front of at least two (adult, sane, Muslims) witnesses with a mutually fixed dowry (mehr) are the only essentials required. Any Muslim can conducted the ritual. No priest or certified individual is required.

The simplicity is awe striking.

Without nikah a similar relationship (i.e. zinna) will be punished by lashings or stoning to death (by a Islamic State), however, this unpretentious ritual works like alchemy. Making the same relationship an act of worship.

May Allah give us the wisdom to understand and appreciate the blessing of Islam. Amin!’

Friday, 1st July 2011, after asr, Bab-Fahad, Masjid e Nabawi, Medinah e munawwarah

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Signs of humility

Shaikh Dhul-Nun al-Misri (Allah have mercy on him) said,

‘There are three signs of humility:

1. Considering one’s self (nafs) to be the lowest of all the creatures. This is in order to find out its faults.

2. For the sanctity of Oneness of Allah (tawhid) respect and serve other people.

3. Accepting the truth and beneficial advice from any one (irrespective of his piety, faith, status, etc.)’

Awarif al-Ma’arif, page 415

Shara’iah, Makkah al-mukarramah

 

Beware before bay’ah!

 

In reply to an aspirant’s request to be accepted as a murid Hakim al-Umma Shaikh Mawalan Ashraf Ali Thanawi (Allah have mercy on him) wrote,

‘1. In this path (tariq) the demeanor of every Shaikh is unique.

2. The essential criteria to benefit is the mutual compatibility with this demeanor (i.e.  between Shaikh & murid).

3. Rushing to select a Shaikh is a (major) contraindication in this path.

4. The demeanor of an individual can only be ascertained by keeping his company for a considerable duration, (…..) or by visiting him repeatedly and corresponding with him for a long period.’

Tarbiyet us Salik, volume 1, page 37

Rusty Heart

Noble Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) said,

“Listen carefully! There is a piece of flesh in man’s body, if it is healthy then the whole being is healthy and if it is corrupted then the whole being is corrupted. Beware! That piece of flesh is the heart (qalb).” (Bukhari)

He also said,

“Just as iron catches rust on contact with water, so are the hearts rusted.”

People asked, “How to remove the rust of the heart?”

The Noble Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) said, “By remembering death and by reciting the Qur’an.” (Baihaqi)

Living a heedless life in an un-Islamic environment makes our heart rusty. Parts of the machinery inside clank, crank and move grudgingly. Acting on Shariah laws seems extremely difficult. The heart mechanic (Shaikh) using the Prophetic medicines removes this rust by prescribing contemplation of death and here-after (muraqaba e maut) and oils it with the of remembrance of Allah. (This is in a systematic and individualized manner. The daily compliance is an essential component for the aspirant’s success.)   Once this rust is removed and the parts well lubricated the machinery of the qalb starts to function properly. Then there are no hardships in observing the laws of Shariah. Actually it becomes an innate calling.

May Allah facilitate this for us. Amin!

Archetype: Our akabir

Hafiz Mohammad Iqbal writes about his Shaikh Mawlana Manzur Nomani (Allah have mercy on him),

‘An overwhelming condition of negating his own self (i.e. good qualities and perfections) and veiling his states permeated his demeanor and spiritual tone. Till the very end of his life he firmly acknowledged himself to be from the juniors and completely deficient. It was for this reason that his spiritual grandeur was recognized by very few individuals.

However, ordinary people like us observed during his whole life the levels of servant-hood (abdiyet)  and slavery (bandegi) that engulfed him.’

Shajraat e Nomaniya, page 5

A good state

 

A spiritual aspirant wrote his condition to Hakim al-Umma Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi (Allah have mercy on him),

‘These days this lowly individual recites ten thousand times ‘istegfar‘ and 24,000 times ‘ism e dhat’ daily.  Occasionally there is deficiency or excess in these amounts secondary to  impromptu demanding circumstances.

However, my condition is that after any virtuous deed I feel extreme degree of shame, similar to that felt on committing sins. The reason for this is that in all the virtuous deed performed I recognise many shortcomings and deficiencies. Moreover, I am cognizant of the multitude of blessings of Allah showering on myself all the time.

If a mistake is committed then the only respite is to cry, repent and beg.  Additionally, it leads to extreme humiliation in front of Allah.  

From few days I feel this condition of aloofness from all that is worldly in my heart. …………….

Hakim al-Umma replied,

‘It extremely delighted my heart. May Allah give multiple folds increase in blessings and progress.  Moreover, by the grace of pious associates (like yourself) may He grant a pleasant end to this invalid writer. I expect this supplication from my friends also.’

Tarbiyat us Salik, volume 1, page 761-3 

Dealing with marital conflicts

Shaikh Mawlana Yusuf Ludhyanawi shaheed (Allah have mercy on him) said,

‘A pious man wrote to his Shaikh the complaints about her wife in detail and requested advice on how to deal with this situation.

The Shaikh replied that, how can an individual who can not be patient on the (mental & emotional) afflictions caused by his wife claim to be superior to her?’

Narrating an incident of a friend Shaikh said,

One day I became fed up of this continuous bickering between my wife and myself and approached Shaikh Arif-billah Dr. Abdul Hayy Arifi (Allah have mercy on him). I told him that I am tired of this situation. I am short tempered and my wife is more short tempered than me. Patience and forbearance is totally lacking in both of us.  Please, guide what should I do?’

Shaikh Arif-billah used to be very succinct in his replies. He avoided lengthy talks. He listened carefully and recommended,

‘Make the traffic one-way.’

That is, let her speak and you remain quiet.

I did as instructed and the situation became better.’#

‘….. In summary in regards to the eccentricities of their spouses men should have forbearance. They should try to improve (islah) them as much as possible and leave the rest to Allah.’*

Momin aurat, # page 43, * 42

Signs of arrogance

The arrogance (kibr) means that an individual considers himself superior to others regarding the excellent (and desired) qualities. 

It is expected that when an individual has such an allusion about his grandeur the nafs bloats up and starts to manifest the signs (of kibr). They include,

1. Trying to be ahead of everyone while walking with others.

2.  Preferring to be seated in a prominent place in a gathering.

3. Looking down on others with despise.

4. Being angry if others do not initiate to greet and welcome.

5. Being upset if others do not respect him/her.

6. Being visibly annoyed if others offer advice (nasiha).

7. Not accepting the truth even after being convinced.

8.  Looking at the general public as though they are donkeys.

Allah save us all from these.(Amin!)

Taharat e qalb, page 165