Shaikh Zarruq (Allah have mercy on him) said,
‘Tasawwuf has been defined and explained in multiple ways. They number approximately two thousand.
(However) All of them refer to a single objective.
(That is,)
True, sincere and absolute attention towards Allah.
This is the objective in all the paths (turuq).
And Allah knows best.’
Eqaz al Himam, Urdu, page 29
Hadhrat Ubaadah bin Saamit (Radi Allahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) used to teach the Sahaabah (Radi Allahu Anhum) the following Dua at the approach of the Month of Ramadhaan:
اَللَّهُمَّ سَلِّمْنِيْ لِرَمَضَانَ وَسَلِّمْ رَمَضَانَ لِيْ وَسَلِّمْهُ لِيْ مُتَقَبَّلاً
Allahumma Sallimnee Liramadaana Wa Sallim Ramadaana Lee Wa Sallimhu li Mutaqabbila
“O Allah! Safeguard me for the Month of Ramadhaan (by making me see the Month of Ramadhaan healthy and fit so that I can take maximum benefit from it), and safeguard the Month of Ramadhaan for me (by making the conditions in it such that I can take maximum benefit from it) and accept it from me.” (Kanz-ul-ummal, Vol.8, Pg. 584 Hadith 24277)
Every Muslim should endeavor to memorize this dua and recite it in abundance in these few days before Ramadhaan.
Darul Ifta
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) said,
‘There is going to be a downpour of Allah’s mercy (in Ramadan).
Preparation is needed in advance to derive real benefit from each and every moment of Ramadan.
Because an individual may start this month in a state of heedlessness (ghaflah) and (virtuous) activities are then postponed from one day to another.
Therefore, it is essential to prepare for Ramadan in advance.’
Khutbaat e Ramadan, page 54
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) said,
‘In this month (Ramadan) the learned and lay Muslims should spare some time trying to understand from a reliable translation and exegesis (tafsir) of the blessed Quran. This is in addition to its recitation.
This is because, Quran is such a (phenomenal) thing that reading it in an appropriate manner becomes a source of special relationship and increasing proximity with Allah. ‘
Khutbaat e Ramadan, page 49
Comment: “I have been regular with tilawat, monjat e maqbool and other tasbeehat but was not doing the dwazdah tasbihat. When missed during the day, I try to recite a few of that tasbihat but not complete. In this regard please advise if I miss dwazdah tasbihat, should I impose a penalty on myself as now it is almost making a habit?”
Response: “If this happens regularly then look for the reason. Reschedule it at a different time. If that does not work then fix a penalty, like no internet use for personal use that day.”
Meraj us Salikeen: Islahi makateeb #8
An individual wrote,’ I recite Munajat e Mabool*. However, I have not taken permission (ijaza) from you for this recital. Therefore, please, grant me the permission and inform me of the (specific) procedure of its recital.’
Hakim al Umma Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Allah have mercy on him) replied,
‘If the permission is sought with the belief that without (explicit) permission it will not be effective than this belief is wrong.
However, if the permission is asked as per the principles of the Path (tariqat) that is, is it appropriate according to my (specific) condition (to be included in my routine recitations) then the instructor has to utilize his insight (according to his knowledge of your individual condition). Therefore, write to me in detail your condition and routine practices, subsequently I will counsel you as would be appropriate.’
Tarbiyet us Salik, volume via Ahkam amaliyat wa tawizat, page 67
*A collection of over 200 du’as from the Qur’an and Hadith. Divided into seven parts to facilitate daily recital. Adapted from Mulla Ali Qari’s (Allah have mercy on him) Hizb al Azam.
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) said,
‘It has to be acknowledged here that the required khushu‘ (reverence, serenity and presence of mind) has multiple levels.
The first level is essential (fardh). That is, at least at the moment of opening takbeer (tehrimah) an individual brings to his mind (actively) that he/she is praying. Absence of this will make the salah void.
The best and highest level (of khushu‘) is that during the entire salah nothing transpires except the thought of Allah. (As is mentioned in the Prophetic saying)
The middle level (in between these two) is the one each Individual must strive to attain. That is, one should be aware and attentive of the words that are being recited during salah.
One should be cognizant of what is being recited. On reciting الحمد لله رب العالمين he should have knowledge that he said الحمد لله رب العالمين. On saying الرحمن الرحيم he should know he recited الرحمن الرحيم. One should strive for this level of khushu.
Salah should not be (offered) like switching on a machine (that runs on its own) and comes to culmination (automatically). (That is without attention and awareness.)
Even if some involuntarily thoughts come during salah they will in-sha-Allah be forgiven provided that on becoming aware of this derailment one returns to being attentive of the words being recited.
Initially one has to be be attentive towards the words being recited, than gradually the attention will turn towards Allah.’
Inam ul Bari, volume 3, page 472
A seeker, who was studying medicine said, ‘I do not feel like studying (medicine) and my heart desires to do remembrance (dhikr) of Allah.’
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) replied,
‘If acquired with correct intention your study (of medicine) is also (a form of ) remembrance of Allah.’
Kibriyet e Ahmer, malfuzat (#24) complied by Dr Syed Abdul Qadir Ahmer sahib, page 4
A seeker wrote, ‘For the previous few days I am unable to complete my daily routine recitations (wird)’.
Hakim al Umma Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Allah have mercy on him) replied,
‘If there is a genuine excuse (for missing them) then it is not a problem. However, if there is no excuse then use your determination to over come this (laziness).’
Tarbiyet us Salik, volume 2, page 870
This is a common complain from seekers.
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) has repeatedly mentioned that this laziness is due to the lack of importance of the daily wird. There is no supplication, amulet, charm or medicine that can make a seeker diligent regarding this. One has to use his will power and over come the laziness. This is the mujahiddah: the spiritual struggle of the path.