Category: Personalities

The Servant of the Greatest (SWT)

Post author By Ismail ibn Nazir Satia
Post date 20 September 2016
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A small tribute to a great boxer – Muhammad Ali RH

THE LOUISVILLE LIP

Cassius Clay Sr. gifted his son a new red-and-white Schwinn in 1954, which was promptly stolen. The 12-year-old, 89-pound Cassius Clay vowed “I’m gonna whup whoever stole my bike!” A policeman, Joe Martin, told young Cassius Clay that he better learn how to fight before he challenged anyone. After 6 months of training with Joe Martin, Cassius won his debut match in a three-round decision. Young Cassius Clay dedicated himself to boxing and training with an unmatched fervor. According to Joe Martin, Clay set himself apart by two things: He was “sassy,” and he outworked all the other boys.

“BOXING WAS JUST A MEANS TO INTRODUCE ME TO THE WORLD”

Muhammad Ali participated in the light-heavyweight class Golden Gloves tournament for novices in 1956. It took him three years, but finally in 1959, Ali was named Golden Gloves Champion and earned the Amateur Athletic Union’s national title in the light-heavyweight division.

Shortly after his high school graduation, 18 year-old Cassius Clay began his journey towards greatness at the 1960 Rome Olympics. His expansive personality and larger-than-life spirit earned him the nickname “The Mayor of Olympic Village.”

The future 3-time Heavyweight World Champion nearly missed the trip to Rome due to his fear of airplane travel; he insisted on bringing a parachute on the plane with him.

On September 5, 1960, “The Greatest” proved his dominance in the Light Heavyweight Boxing Division by beating Zigzy Pietrzykowski of Poland, capturing the Olympic Gold Medal. Sports Illustrated praised Clay’s “supreme confidence” and “intricate dance steps.”

“IT’S A LACK OF FAITH THAT MAKES PEOPLE AFRAID OF MEETING CHALLENGES, AND I BELIEVE IN MYSELF”

— Ali, on beating Foreman in Zaire

When Muhammad Ali refused to enter the Vietnam War draft he was stripped of his championship titles, passport, and boxing licenses. He lost an initial court battle and was facing a 5-year prison term. Muhammad Ali was the first national figure to speak out against the war in Vietnam. During his 3 ½ year layoff, Ali earned a living speaking at colleges. In 1970, with the mood of the country changing, Ali staged his comeback; first against Jerry Quarry in Atlanta, and then Oscar Bonavena at Madison Square Garden. In his next match, billed as “The Fight of the Century”, Ali faced undefeated Champion, Joe Frazier at Madison Square Garden on March 8, 1971.

Ali fought valiantly, but lost. Months later, however, he won one of the biggest fights of his life – the Supreme Court reversed his conviction and upheld his conscientious objector claim. Ali was free of the specter of prison, and once again able to box anywhere in the world.

“THE MORE WE HELP OTHERS, THE MORE WE HELP OURSELVES”
“MY NAME IS MUHAMMAD ALI”

While training for his title bout against the fearsome heavyweight champion, Sonny Liston, Cassius Clay met Malcolm X. Malcolm became young Clay’s mentor and brought him into the Nation of Islam. Despite the 7-1 odds, Clay defeated Sonny Liston in Miami and became Heavyweight Champion of the world in 1964. Shortly after, he announced to the world that he was a member of the NOI and that his name was now Muhammad Ali. Weeks later, Malcolm X left the NOI and their friendship ended. Howard Cosell was one of the few journalists who acknowledged Ali’s name change at the time.

In 1984, Muhammad Ali publicly announced that he had Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative neurological condition. Following his diagnosis, he created and raised funds for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson’s Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.

“HE WHO IS NOT COURAGEOUS ENOUGH TO TAKE RISKS WILL ACCOMPLISH NOTHING IN LIFE”

Tags ali, boxing, cassius, cassius clay, great, louisville, muhammad ali, muhammed ali, the boxer, the great

Personalities

Shaykh Muhammad al-Mukhtar al-Shinqitee (Hafidhahullah)

Post author By Ismail ibn Nazir Satia
Post date 14 August 2016
No Comments on Shaykh Muhammad al-Mukhtar al-Shinqitee (Hafidhahullah)

An extremely beautiful clip from one of the most amazing scholars and worshippers of our time, Sheikh Muhammad Mukhtar Ash-Shinqiti (Hafidhahullah), from the holy city of Madinah. A translated extract from his lecture “Al Hayaat At-Tayyibah” (“The Goodly Life”), in which he discusses the realities of the life of this temporary world and man’s relationship with it, and most importantly his relationship with his Creator.

Translation: The Goodly Life

Transcript

“The Goodly Life”
Sheikh Muhammad Mukhtar Ash-Shinqiti

Life, is either for a person, or against him
It’s hours and seconds, days and years pass him by
Leading him (by his actions) to the Love and Good Pleasure of Allah
until he is amongst the people of Ultimate Success and the Gardens of Paradise
or they are against him, leading him (by his actions) to the Fires of Hell
and to the Anger of the One, the Just Ruler [Allah]

Life, either it will make you laugh & rejoice for an hour
over which you will cry for an eternity (in the Hereafter)
or it will make you cry for an hour
over which you will laugh & rejoice for an eternity (in the Hereafter)

Life, is either a great blessing for a person,
or an adverse affliction against him

This is a life which was lived by the earliest generations
by our fathers and forefathers
and by all those who preceded us
All of them, returned to Allah with what they used to do [their deeds]

“Life” refers to every single moment that is lived within it
and every hour spent within it
And within all of these, we live a life that is either for us or against us

Thus, the successful and happy person
is the one who sees life, and recognises it’s reality and true nature
For by Allah, it is a life that frequently causes some people to weep, their tears never drying
and frequently makes others laugh, their laughs and joys then never to return

My beloved, Allah has made this life as a trial, a test,
an exam, in which is made apparent the true nature of His slaves
Thus happy is the one who is made successful (in this exam) by the Mercy of Allah
while miserable & banished (from salvation) is the one upon whom the Pleasure of Allah becomes forbidden (through this exam)

(Know) for every hour that you live, either Allah is pleased with you in this hour (by your deeds)
or the opposite, we seek refuge in Allah from that
Therefore (by this hour) either you come closer to Allah
or you stray further from Him

Thus it may be, that you live a single moment of love and obedience to Allah (by your actions)
by which are forgiven the inequities of your life
and a lifetime of sins
And it may be that you live a single moment in which you deviate purposely from the Path of Allah
distancing yourself from His obedience
which then becomes a cause of misery & distress, for the rest of your life
We ask Allah for His Safety and Pardoning

In this life there exist two seperate ‘callers’
The first, is anything that calls to the Mercy, the Good Pleasure and the Love of Allah (be they thoughts or actions)
The second type of caller, is anything which invites to the opposite of that
(Such as) a desire or lust that incites one to evil
or a sudden sinful whim that may result in an evil ending (dying in bad or sinful circumstances)

Thus it may be, that a person within a moment of his life, weeps;
a weeping of regret and repentance over his negligence towards his Lord;
and by (these tears) Allah changes his evil deeds into good deeds (on his record)

But how many a people continue to commit sins?
how many a people still indulge in evil?
how many a people continue to distance themselves (from Allah),
frequently travelling away from their Lord (by their actions)?
Thus all of them are distant from the Mercy of Allah
unbeknownst to them, strangers to the Good Pleasure of Allah

Then comes upon them that hour, that exact moment (of penitence),
which is what we are referring to, by “the goodly life”,
in order that they shed tears of regret and remorse,
and that a reason for anguish in the heart may be ignited,

Such that the person realises how long his alienation from Allah has been
and how long his absence from his Lord truly has been
so that he may then say, “Indeed I am turning to my Lord repentant, remorseful,
and in hope of His Mercy and Good Pleasure!”

This time (of penitence) is a person’s key to happiness and contentment,
the time of regret.
It is as the scholars say,
“Indeed man sins a great deal,
but if he is truly sincere in his regret and repentance,
Allah will change his sins into good deeds”
Thus his life too then becomes pure and goodly,
by the purity and truthfulness of that regret and repentance
and by the sincerity in the very distress and pain felt within himself

We ask Allah the Greatest, Lord of the Honourable Throne,
to give life to this blessed caller to His Mercy, within our hearts
and to the pain we should feel when we are neglectful towards Allah and His Commands

My beloved, every single one of us needs to ask themselves a question,
we need to ask ourselves day and night,
How many nights are spent awake in activity?
and how many hours are passed (in this way)?
How many have laughed in this life?
And (most importantly) was Allah Pleased with this laughter?

How much of this time was spent in entertainment and enjoyment in this life?
Was this enjoyment one that Allah was Pleased with?
How many nights were spent awake (in activity)?
Was this staying awake (and what you did in those nights), pleasing to Allah?

And so on and so forth,
(These are) questions that he should be asking within himself
But a person might wonder why he should be asking these questions (i.e. what’s the point)?

Yes! You must ask yourselves these questions
as passes not the instant of a blinking of an eye,
nor a fleeting moment in your life,
except that you are living in and experiencing the Blessings of Allah!

Thus it is from great respect and humility towards Allah
that a person remains constantly aware of the greatness of the Blessings bestowed upon him

From this humility is to truly feel and acknowledge that the food we eat,
belongs to and is provided by Allah

And that we quench our thirst with a drink created by Allah
And that we are shaded and sheltered by a roof provided by Him
And that we walk forth upon a ground provided by Him
And that without doubt we are living in and experiencing His every Bounty and Mercy
So what could we possibly have to offer Him in return?

(So it’s important) a person asks himself these questions.

(For example) doctors say that there exists a substance in a person’s heart,
that if it were to increase or decrease by 1%
he would die instantly…
So (think) in which courtesy and kindness,
which mercy and compassion from Allah does mankind enjoy, experience and live in!

(Even if) a person asks himself about the Mercy of Allah alone,
When he wakes up in the morning,
possessing his hearing
possessing his sight
possessing his physical strength,
who is the one safeguarding his hearing?
Who is the One safeguarding his sight?
Who is the One safeguarding his intellect?
Who is the One safeguarding his very soul?

He must ask himself, who is the One protecting all of these things?
Who is the One who Bestowed him with good health and wellbeing?

(Think of) those who are sick, lying on white beds (in hospital)
those who are sighing and in pain (from illness),
By Allah, through these great blessings Allah conveys His Love for us,
The great blessings of good health, wellbeing, security and safety
All of these are provided purely so that we may live a goodly life

Allah, praised & exalted is He, desires two things from His slave:
The first is that he carry out his obligatory duties (e.g. prayer)
and the second, is the abandonment of all Allah has forbidden and held him back from

As for the one who claims that closeness to Allah
entails a life of suffering or limitations
Then such a person without doubt has erred greatly in how he perceives Allah

For, by Allah, if you do not purify and make good your life by closeness to your Lord,
you will never be able to do so by way of anything else

And if you do not purify and adorn your life by carrying out your obligatory duties to Him,
and abandoning all that He has forbidden,
Then by Allah, you will never be able to so by way of anything else

A person may experience every single pleasure life has to offer
but by Allah, he will never experience anything more pleasurable,
more beautiful than servitude to Allah
by carrying out his obligations to Him
and leaving all that He has forbid him from

(In life) you are subjected to two choices,
whenever you are faced with a matter,
you have the choice to either do it or not do it

If you decide to go forth and do anything in this life,
ask yourself, “Has Allah permitted you to do this thing, or not?”

Since the human being himself is owned by Allah
the hearts are all owned by Allah
and the souls are all owned by Allah

Thus a person should,
whenever he wants to do something or hold back from it,
ask himself, will Allah be pleased with you (by this action)?
If so, then let him proceed
Or, will Allah not be pleased by this action?
If not then he should hold himself back.

For, by Allah, a person does not proceed with an action nor hold back from it,
requesting Allah’s Mercy (and counsel in the decision),
except that he pleases his Lord in the process

Therefore true happiness and a goodly life are only to be found in closeness to Allah

Closeness to who?
To the King of Kings
the Controller of the Heavens & the Earth
To whom belongs the Ultimate Command, all creation
and the perfect arrangement and measure of all that exists

Thus you may find that man is always
in a state of anxiety and weariness
You may find an individual who has everything he desires
But by Allah, you will find most of those who have all they desire
suffer from mental or psychological problems,
from anxiety and depression,
most of them are extremely unhappy and dissatisfied with their lives

Go and look for the wealthiest person
and you’ll most likely find him to be from
the most miserable people in life

And has made the sweetness and savour of life to be found,
in being close to Him

And has placed the key to a pleasurable, amiable life,
in a pleasurable, amiable relationship with Him

(If we look at just) one prayer that a person performs
from the 5 obligatory daily prayers;
at the moment of completing his bowing and prostrating
and completing his servitude to his Lord,
then at leaving the place of prayer,
he feels a great sense of ease and peace within himself!

By Allah, even if he were to spend all the wealth on the earth
(in attempt to buy this feeling)
He would be unable to seek a way to it.

Thus the goodly life is found only in closeness to Allah
A pleasant, comfortable life will only be found by a closeness to Allah
If a person does not purify and make good his life
through this close relationship,
then by who (or what) will he….?

Tags al-shinqitee, depression, despair, goodly life, happy life, hope, shaykh, sheikh muhammad, sheikh muhammad al-mukhtar, sheikh muhammad al-mukhtar al-shinqitee

Personalities

Golden Quotes

A selection of quotes of 119 Hakimul Ummat Hadhrat Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanwi RH

Sincerity and courage are the essence of tasawwuf

For us the reality of Tasawwuf is only knowledge accompanied with actions .

To exceed the limits in grieving is a sin and it is such a sin that is completely without pleasure.

Pay attention to Allah, not to worries, they will disappear.

Neither consider your worship such as to be proud of, nor consider them useless.

If your friends and relatives do not love you, be happy that Allah has removed others from your heart.

When Allah is angry, you see a wrong thing as right and wrong superstition appear as facts.

Patience becomes easy by crying to Allah, as it removes the pressure.

Do Dhikr with the intention of developing love of Allah, it will have its effect.

We are born for worries, it will end in Paradise, so forget its ending now.

Inform the person you have back-bited, after a short while you will stop back-biting.

Do not quote somebody without enquiry or research.

A deceit cannot imitate the Sunnah. The effect of Sunnah is spiritual reality which the deceit can never acquire

Hubbe jah (love for fame) and hubbe mal (love for wealth) are grave spiritual evils. They never leave man in peace.

When angered by someone, leave his presence or have him removed from your presence and drink cold water.

Even if the whole world is covered in sin Taubah wipes it all out Dynamite is small in size but can destroy huge mountains.

Associate very little with rulers and those who hold high positions.

Stay very far from irreligious people.

Do not search for the faults of others.

Do not have evil thoughts about anyone. Instead look at your own faults and try to put them in order.

You should be particular in offering your salaat in the proper manner, at the proper time with concentration.

Always occupy yourself in the remembrance of Allah, either with your heart or tongue.

If you experience any satisfaction in taking the name of Allah, then express your gratitude to Allah.

Speak in a nice, humble way.

Set aside specific times for all your different tasks and abide strictly to these times.

Consider whatever regret, sorrow or loss you may experience to be from Allah.

Do not think about worldly matters, calculations, profits and losses, etc. all the time. Instead think about Allah.

As far as possible, try to help and benefit others irrespective of whether it be in worldly or Deeni matters.

Do not eat and drink too little to the extent that you become weak and fall ill.

You should not eat and drink too much to the extent, you feel lazy in carrying out the different acts of Ibaadah.

Do not have any desire or greed for anything except Allah.

Do not allow your mind to wander towards any place, thinking that you will be able to benefit or profit from there.

The tricks of the nafs are extremely subtle. Man sees deception of his nafs only after great difficulty.

Deeds are rewards themselves, so why do you ask for reward on rewards.

To gain the love of Allah, join the company of the Saints (Ahlullah).

Hidden etiquette is to be with Allah, all your time,events and dealings.

Ask every one to say a word of prayer for you.You do not know on whose tongue is acceptance.

In the company of saints (Ahlullah) atleast you begin to notice your mistakes and sins.

Compensation for past sins is to repent & for the future, fix a fine on the nafs whether it be a bodily fine or a financial

Constancy in Dhkr even without pleasure results in a closeness with Allah and the heart being wholesome.

People who are much fascinated by supernatural displays, will be with Dajjal in greater number

If someone is hurrying along the road, do not stop him for hand-shaking.

When going to meet a person, do not sit with him so long as to inconvenience him.

Once in a dream I saw numerous females and musical instruments with Dajjal, (These will lure people to him)

While eating do not mention such things that nauseates or disgusts others.

Love for someone who is irreligious constitutes a danger to ones own Iman

Nowadays people are terrified by islah (self-reformatiom).

The pillar of noor is the noor of Taqwa which is in the hearts of all the Muttaqeen

Keeping contact with the pious rectifies a persons Deen.

Appreciate,value and remember the Deeni favours which your parents have bestowed to you.

If sometimes parents act unjustly, bear their injustice with patience.

One can only regard oneself to be insignificant if the respect, honor and love of seniors are embedded in the heart.

Disrespect is more harmful than sinning.

Juniors should at all times keep in mind the seniority of elders.Do not regard yourself equal to elders.

Never give a verdict in a dispute after having heard the story of only one side.

Do not raise your voice above the voices of your parents.

The companionship of a pious man will induce piety in you.

Do not in jest point a sharp instrument to anyone.

Be restless in your quest for Allah.

Be grateful for the favors that are bestowed upon you irrespective of whether they are plenty or few.

Do not be depressed with poverty and destitution.

Overlook the faults and mistakes of those who are under your control.

If you learn of any fault of someone, conceal it.

Be in the service of guests, travelers, strangers, Ulama, and pious servants of Allah.

Choose the company of the pious.

Fear Allah all the time.

Remember death.

Set aside a certain time daily, wherein you should think about all your actions for that day.

When you remember any good action done, express gratitude.When you remember any evil action,repent.

Don’t ever speak a lie.

Live with bashfulness, modesty and forbearance.

Do not be conceited by thinking to yourself that “I have such-and-such qualities in me.”

Don’t ever attend gatherings that are contrary to the Shariah.

Continue making Dua to Allah to keep you steadfast on the straight path.

To be proud of a blessing is pride but to consider it a gift from Allah & keep in mind your incompetence is thankfulness.

Pride develops in some Muslims; they pray and hate those who don’t and consider them inferior.

Sins are very dangerous and must be avoided.

Do not merely acquire a Fatwa (ruling) to substantiate one’s own views.

During school holidays, children should be left in the companionship of Ahlullaah (saintly persons).

Do not assume that children will automatically acquire manners when they grow up.

Start early.

When meeting someone with whom you have no informal association, do not ask him personal questions.

Do not crack such jokes which are hurting to others nor speak in a way which embarrasses people.

When a child is obstinate in demanding a thing, do not fulfill its demand.

Do not hesitate if you slip and commit some misdeed, seek forgiveness immediately

Only the followers of the Sunnah will be safe from Dajjal’s trap.

One should not interfere with and oppose the things established by our saintly predecessors. Their methods are all correct

The companionship of an evil man will induce evil in you.

When entering the private room of parents, seek their permission before entering.

If for some reason you are constrained to leave while others are still eating, excuse yourself.

Superstition is a kind of shirk. Abstain from this.

Some people never bother to visit the sick. This is not correct. There is great reward in visiting the sick.

There is greater reward for granting a loan than for giving charity.

The act of postponing a loan repayment when one is by the means to repay is an act of Zulm (injustice).

Do not use the articles of others without their permission.

Safeguard and treat with care an object which you have borrowed.

Do not make promises in haste.

Fulfil a promise made. Do not act in conflict with a promise without any valid reason.

After your parents’ death make it a habit, to make Dua-e-Maghfirat for them.

Do not read the letters of others. If a letter is not intended for you, do not read it.

When your child has wronged someone, do not side with your child especially in his presence.

If any children come to you for education, do not take service from them.

Be watchful of your children’s behavior towards servants and the children of servants.

A gift should not be refused because of its small value or quantity.

A gift tendered with the motive to obtain some benefit in lieu, is in fact bribery. It is not hadyah.

Dua is not sufficient for Islaah (spiritual reformation). One has to adopt the ways and means too.

Do not curse or speak ill of time (the age). Time is blameless.

Where the company consists of three persons, two should not speak by whispering to each other.

Do not waste the time of a busy person by prolonging the conversation by small talk.

Do not use extravagant titles or flattery when writing.

Shariat is Aqaaid (beliefs), A’maal (good deeds) ,Muamalaat (transactions), Akhlaaq (character) & Muasharat (conduct).

Disrespect is the effect of pride and arrogance.

Do not ask a need from such a person who you know feels obligated to comply even though he may not be disposed to assist.

If you have been told to come at a certain time (ie. an appointment), then be there at the appointed time.

Do not express yourself in the presence of the sick or his family, in a manner which makes them lose hope in life.

Acquire knowledge of Deen according to your needs; either by asking the Ulama or by reading a book.

Abstain from all sins.

If you commit any sin, repent immediately.

Do not hold back in fulfilling anyone’s right.

Do not cause anyone physical or verbal harm.

Do not speak ill of anyone.

Do not have any love for wealth, nor any desire for name and fame.

Do not concern yourself with extravagant food and clothing.

If someone rebukes you for your mistake or error, do not try to justify your action.

Do not laugh excessively nor talk excessively.

Do not go about repeating or mentioning an argument that may have taken place between two persons.

Always be mindful of the rules of Shariah in everything you do.

Do not display laziness in executing any act of Ibaadah.

Try and spend most of your time in seclusion.

If you have to meet and converse with others, meet them with humility and do not display your greatness

22 Shawwal 1437

Tags ashraf ali thanwi, ashraf thanvi, hubb, indian, mahabbah, shariah, subcontinent, tasawwuf, thanabawan, zikr

Personalities

An Angel of Mercy

http://productivemuslim.com/inspired-by-abdul-sattar-edhi/?utm_source=getresponse&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ProductiveMuslim+NewsLetter&utm_content=%5B%5Brssitem_title%5D%5D#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=inspired-by-abdul-sattar-edhi

This is a story that carries many life lessons for all of us. The story of Abdul Sattar Edhi, and the legacy he left behind.

‘Edhi’ became a synonym for love, humanitarian service, and selflessness in Pakistan. He commanded respect from Pakistanis and from millions across the world. He won several prominent international prizes for his outstanding humanitarian services. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize several times. He was decorated with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, which is the highest honor given to any civilian in Pakistan for their achievements towards world recognition of Pakistan or an outstanding service to the country.

News of his illness in the last few months made many Pakistanis pray wholeheartedly for his health. His death shocked many in the nation. He was given the state funeral attended by thousands of people, including the President, chiefs of military, navy and air force, a large number of politicians, diplomats, civil servants, businessmen, etc.

He was called an Angel of Mercy. Some thought he was the greatest living humanitarian. We know that the Edhi Foundation runs 330 welfare centers across Pakistan and more than 1500 ambulances. But we do not exactly know the number of people (which could be millions without exaggeration) who have directly and indirectly benefited from Edhi ambulances, food kitchens, rehabilitation homes, shelters for abandoned women and children, and clinics for the mentally handicapped. Edhi Foundation does not just operate in Pakistan, it has carried out relief operations in Africa, Middle East, the Caucasus region, Eastern Europe and the United States. Edhi never differentiated between people, their faith, race or color. He helped everyone who needed help. He humbly requested donations from everyone who could give. He changed the face of welfare work in Pakistan and established an organization which is trusted by everyone, poor and rich, illiterate and educated, Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

The purpose of this article is not to write a biographical account of Edhi’s life. Rather, I want to list some key qualities which made him the person he was. I want every one of us to learn from Edhi. I wish we can peek through his life and emulate some of his qualities and traits so that we can also reach out to the poor and needy in the way he did. I also hope our children would be inspired by his story, and be motivated to follow suit when they grow up.

Practical compassion

Edhi’s compassion drove him to help the helpless, give shelter to the homeless women, give a roof to the street children, feed the hungry, treat the sick and bury the dead… He himself drove an ambulance for 45 years and never drove any other car throughout his life. His heart was always with the needy and deserving and he was constantly thinking about how best to help those most in need. His compassionate heart has a lot to do with serving his own mother. She was paralyzed from a stroke when Edhi was only 11 years old. Looking after his mother and seeing her suffer inspired Edhi to develop services for the aged, immobile people, and physically challenged persons. His mother taught him selflessness also when she used to give him 2 paisas, one for himself and the other for a needy person on the street. This training to be compassionate at an early age had a lot to do with what Edhi became eventually.

Living a life of simplicity

Edhi lived a very simple life. He was known for his ascetic lifestyle. He never owned more than two pairs of simple clothes and shoes. He lived in a simple home with his family. His own office remained a small room with minimum furniture. He never drove any other car except the ambulance. He never took a salary from his foundation. He inculcated this trait in his wife and children who continue to live a life without frills. Edhi remained a focus of local and international media for decades, but this attention never got him distracted or carried away. He kept to his simplicity and true authentic self. This simplicity earned him a lot of respect among the masses.

Upholding a true sense of integrity

Being the largest charitable organization in Pakistan, Edhi Foundation attracted millions of dollars of donations. In its more than five decades of existence, Edhi Foundation never came under scrutiny for misappropriation of funds. Its volunteers, staff, and management are also inspired by Edhi’s own integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness. Edhi realized that maintaining his personal, as well as organizational integrity was central to the success of his humanitarian activities which entirely depended on donations.

Dedication to one’s mission

Edhi was a full-time humanitarian worker, organizer, and mobilizer. He dedicated his whole life to the welfare work. Such was the level of his dedication to the causes he supported that he paid no heed to any kind of threats or obstacles in his way. He was criticized by some fundamentalists for supporting babies born out-of-wedlock. His ambulances were attacked by some interest groups. But nothing could deter him from serving humanity.

Being patriotic

Edhi was a true patriot. He had migrated to Pakistan from India during the partition of 1947. He believed in the country he chose to live in. Such was the level of his patriotism that he chose to be treated only in Pakistan despite offers from many for treatment abroad. He wanted to live and die in the country he loved so much. He never took donations from anyone except Pakistanis. He believed that native people can solve the problems of their country, and he proved it through the work he did that he sought help only from Pakistanis to solve issues of Pakistanis.

Taking the means and being optimistic

Edhi was a true impatient optimist. He knew that several problems of our world can be solved if we start finding solutions. He started his foundation with a second-hand ambulance. He then felt that the aged who had no one to look after needed his support. He built nursing homes for the aged. He found that children born out-of-wedlock were left on the street without any support, so he went on to put baby cradles outside the Edhi Foundation Centers. He then noticed the misery of divorced women, single mothers, and financially challenged women. He built shelters for them. He started supporting the relief work locally, as well as internationally. Edhi kept on discovering social needs and found simple solutions. Lack of formal education never stood in his way. He was able to find solutions to the social problems as he was truly immersed in the communities and was living the experience of the poor every day.

Being trustworthy out-pours the funds

He never thought that scarcity of resources would be a constraint for his foundation which is involved in a range of humanitarian activities. In fact, resources poured in for every cause he touched. He just stood in the streets and people handed him small and big notes. Children gave him their pocket money. Women gave him their jewelry. Poor gave him their savings. Rich gave him their properties. Everyone donated to Edhi and his foundation. His simplicity, integrity, dedication, and patriotism greatly helped him raise funds from the people. More importantly, his foundation delivered results and demonstrated social impact on the ground.

Sincere, calm and efficient leadership

The Edhi Foundation runs some of the most complex emergency and relief operations as its routine business. Edhi ambulances are the first to reach any emergency. Edhi himself was first to be seen on the site of natural disasters. Be it floods, earthquakes, hurricanes or man-made disasters, Edhi Foundation response time is minimum. Thousands of people volunteer for Edhi Foundation in its relief centers, as well as during emergency situations. This requires a huge and sophisticated logistical operation. A simple man that Edhi was, it is inconceivable how he spearheaded this complexity in a completely unnoticeable manner. Edhi single-handedly masterminded it with the will of Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) . He mobilized millions of dollars without sophisticated media, marketing or communication strategy. His branding was his simplicity, honesty, and integrity.

Edhi himself/his foundation never made any big deal out of the massive relief work they accomplished. He received nearly 250 local and international prizes in recognition of his phenomenal work, but he hardly ever mentioned them with pride. All the pride he took was in the work he did. He was nominated for Nobel Prize several times. But people like him are beyond Nobel Prize. No prize can truly acknowledge their services or contribution to the world we live in. He silently led a large foundation which helped millions through helplessness, sickness, and emergency. According to his own words,

“Whatever I’ve done for the poor, the destitute, the orphans and the less fortunate is not for any person or even myself, it’s for Allah . I’ve always aimed to please Allah .”

Edhi was regularly invited to speak on media, but he never appeared to be pretentious or attention seeker. He did not have a charismatic personality, an articulate speech or deep vocabulary. He spoke in a simple manner but spoke his heart. His message for humanity touched every heart and people believed him without hesitation.

A deep concern for humanity

In the early years of Edhi Foundation, Edhi was often criticized by his community for helping others. But it was very clear that he would extend help to every human in need, regardless of religion, race or color. Edhi lived in Karachi, the largest city of Pakistan and one of the largest metropolises of the world. His world vision was also very cosmopolitan. He was of the view that humanity was above everything and he was a true humanitarian for everyone.

Edhi is at peace in his grave, but his eyes continue to see the world as he donated his organs after his death (but due to his poor health, only corneas could be donated). His corneas were transplanted for two blind people who were waiting for an eye donation. This is what he meant to teach each one of us, even after he is no more among us. He is justifiably referred to as ‘the richest poor man’.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVNRmsa3Gu8]

Share with us how this story inspired you to be more productive and in service to all those in need around you?

Tags abdul sattar edhi, ambulances, charity, edhi, edhi foundation, humanity, islam, karachi, Muslim, pakistan

Personalities

Shaykhul Hadeeth Mawlana Islamul Haqq Saheb

Post author By Ismail ibn Nazir Satia
Post date 18 July 2016
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Hadhrat Shaykh’s Teaching

Hadhrat Shaykhul Hadeeth Mawlana Islamul Haq Sahib RH, before his appointment as a Shaykhul Hadeeth of Bukhari Shareef at Darul Uloom, Holcombe, Bury, UK, taught Mishkaat Shareef at Madresa Ameeniya during the reign of Mufti Kifayatullah Sahib and gave lectures on Hadeeth at Darul Uloom, Rampura and Jamiah Hussainiya, Rander. He devoted his last fifteen years teaching Bukhari Shareef at Darul Uloom, Holcombe, Bury, UK. Despite his various illnesses, he participated in many public gatherings and made speeches at important functions. His vacations in the month of Ramadhan-ul-Mubarak were spent in Makkah Mukarrama and Madinah Munawwara (Al Haramayn Sharifayn), places he loved dearly, and many a times upon his return journey would visit Baitul Maqdis and Egypt.

The journey towards the beloved country.

This year (1996), although he was unwell and weak, he had the same determination and desire to take up the long and tiring journey and spend his holidays in the sacred places. Prior to his departure he was often heard saying, “My health is quiet bad and I have hardly any strength.” Nevertheless, on 18th January 1996, three days before Ramadhan-ul-Mubarak, he left his home in Bolton, U.K. and set off for the blessed journey with his youngest son Mawlana Nurul Haq. He spent a couple of days at his daughters house in London and during his stay managed to deliver a short speech at Balham Mosque, being his farewell speech. On Saturday 20th January 1996, after performing the Maghrib Salah and long Nawaafil, he bid farewell to his friends and relatives and left for Heathrow Airport. At the airport he felt very restless and repeatedly enquired about the sighting of the moon. Upon hearing of the sighting it brought him a lot of joy and then he relaxed. During the flight, although he felt tired and weak, he ate something for Sehri and kept the first fast of Ramadhan-ul-Mubarak.

Arriving at Makkah Mukarramah

After arriving at Makkah Mukarramah Hadhrat sahib joined the party from Darul Uloom who were staying at Darus Salaam Hotel. He was always so keen on performing Umrah that during his stay he would perform one a day and two on Fridays. However, on this occasion he could only manage one Umrah after three days when he felt better. He performed his prayers in Haram Sharif if he felt better, otherwise in his room, but the Taraweeh prayers were always performed in Haram Sharif whilst remaining seated.

In Makkah Mukarramah

In Makkah Mukarramah Hazrat sahib’s health deteriorated and he suffered from severe pains in the chest and had a fever. Doctor Shoaib Wajid of Durban, South Africa (May Allah reward him) was called who came immediately and prescribed some medication which gave him some relief. On the 17th of Ramadhan-ul-Mubarak Hadhrat sahib together with the Darul-Uloom party left Makkah Mukarramah and arrived in Madina Munawwarah (may Allah Ta’ala send his salutations and blessings upon its occupier).

The holy city of the Prophet

In Madina Munawwarah despite his ill-health, he performed Maghrib,Isha and Fajr Salah in Masjid-e Nabawi and spent his time between Asr and Maghreb salaah in front of the blessed tomb of Hadhrat Mohammed sending salutations. Again in Madina he suffered from severe pains in the chest which made him restless and was frequently heard saying “May Allah forgive me, Oh my Allah forgive me.” Seeing Hadhrat sahib in this state, the colleagues around him were contemplating to take him to hospital. Overhearing the conversation, Hadhrat sahib grievously and painfully said, “ The hospital staff will only delay my departing time.” It seems as if his instincts had indicated to him that his departure from this world had drawn near.Nevertheless, after the Isha prayer Hadhrat was taken to the hospital for medical check-up. X-rays were taken and after receiving some medicine to stabilize his condition he was discharged.

The last moments of Hadhrat Shaykh RH

The next few days Hadhrat continued his daily routine of going to Masjide Nabawi as and when he could. On the evening of 27th of Ramadhan-ul-Mubarak he returned to the hotel after the Taraweeh prayers and had some light refreshments. He looked fine and with the help of his son (Mawlana Nurul Haq ) packed all the luggage and said, “Nothing now remains to be packed for you except for the clothes that we are to remove on Eid day.” His son offered to massage his head but he refused and said, “ Go and have some rest.” So they both retired to bed at 4:15 a.m. His son immediately fell asleep and was awaken by the telephone call for sehri at 4:45 a.m. He got up, and to his amazement, did not see Hadhrat sahib on his bed. He looked around and saw Hadhrat sahib in the state of prostration (sajdah). He called, “Oh Father! Oh Father!” but to his disbelief he saw no movement nor did he hear any reply. It seems that he felt some pain in the stomach and sat on the floor as one would sit in qa’dah in salaah which was his usual habit. In this state his rooh (soul) was taken away due to which he fell forth in a position which seemed like a sajdah. Hazrat Aqdas Moulana Yusuf Motala Sahib (May Allah Ta’ala lengthen his life) was called who upon seeing Hazrat sahib declared that the blessed soul had departed and he had reached his beloved friend (Allah).

“ Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raajioon.” ( We belong to Allah and to him we return).

It surely belongs to Allah Ta’ala what ever He takes and surely belongs to Allah Ta’ala what ever He gives. According to Him everything has a specified time. O Allah! Reward us in our calamity. We are pleased in turning towards our Creator. O Allah! Forgive him and shower mercy upon him and reside him in Paradise. Make his grave a Garden of Paradise. O Allah! Wash him with water and cleanse him from sins just as a white cloth is cleaned from dirtiness. O Allah! Keep him away from his sins at a distance of east and west. O Allah! Accept his coming to You and widen his entering place (grave) through Your mercy. O the Most Merciful, the Ever-lasting, the Greatest and the Most Honoured through the honour of our leader Muhammad O Allah! Do not lead us astray after him and do not deprive us of his reward and save us from falling in to mischief after him. Ameen. Please accept our prayer through the honour of our leader and Intercessor Muhammad .

The funeral

Hadhrat Shaykhul Hadeeth Mawlana Islamul Haq Saheb departed from this world on the 28th of Ramadhan-ul-Mubarak at sehri time after completing 27 days of fasting. The night he passed away, he prayed salutation to the Prophet Muhammad two times which was against his normal practice of praying once only. His family members, relatives and close friends were notified immediately and within five minutes the news of his death spread like lightening. Special prayers were said, after Fajr Salah, in the mosques in Britain and the rest of the world.

Meanwhile, in Madinah Munawwarah the arrangements for the funeral were being made. Mawlana Nurul Haq, Yunus Bhai, Mawlana Zubair Malik and one of the organizers gave Hadhrat sahib a bath and prepared the body for burial. Just before Dhuhr salah the janazah was brought to Masjid-e-Nabwi and Shaykh ibn Zahim performed Namaze-Janazah after Dhuhr salah. The janazah was then taken to the graveyard (Janatul Baqee) to rest the blessed soul of Hadhrat Shaykhul Hadeeth. His son, Mawlana Nurul Haq stepped in to the grave to lay his body and pay his last respects. In reality Hadhrat rahmatullahi alaihe had much love and affection of both sacred places and a very strong desire to be buried in Janatul Baqee. Allah Ta’ala fulfilled his desire. All praises be to Him for this.

The great loss.

The loss of Hadhrat rahmatullahi alaihe in actual fact is a great calamity for myself, my brothers and sisters, in-laws, friends, relatives and the students and staff of Darul Uloom. We are all deprived of his valuable knowledge, spiritual bounties, beneficial suggestions, supplications, special considerations and not forgetting his limitless kindness. May Allah Ta’ala comfort us with the best of patience and favour us with special reward, as Allah Ta’ala is our real Cherisher and Guardian. My family members and I request all our elders and friends to pray for Hadhrat rahmatullahi alaihe’s increase of status and may Allah Ta’ala give us the divine strength to spread his knowledge, religious and spiritual bounties, Ameen.
By Mawlana Zia ul Haq

Glad tidings

1. The clothes in which Hadhrat died held a special fragrance. It was not Hadhrat’s habit to use Itr (perfume). Also this smell was throughout the whole Qamees which is an indication that it was from the unseen. If Itr had been applied then the fragrance would have been in that one particular spot. The clothes are still available at Hadhrat’s house and can be observed by yourself. I think that this was an honour for Hadhrat and the barakah of teaching Ahadeeth throughout his entire life. The same is narrated regarding Imam Bukhari rahmatullahi alaihe that his grave produced such a strong pleasant fragrance that people started taking the soil away which resulted in the Ulama fencing his grave.

2. Various people have seen Hadhrat rahmatullahi alaihe in their dreams after his death.

Mawlana Yusuf Mamoon states that he saw in a dream that Hadhrat is looking like a young person and he is returning home at a great speed from Masjide Ar-Rahmaan, Bolton with a Tasbeeh in his hand. Mawlana Yusuf Mamoon asked, “Have you not died?” He replied, “No (I am still alive).”

Mawlana Yusuf Motala Saheb (Muddazillahu) gave an interpretation of this dream and stated that the ulama have said that seeing a person alive after his death means that he has achieved the status of martyrdom. The Quran states that,

“The martyrs are alive.” It should be noted that there are different grades of martyrdom as can be understood from the following Hadeeth:

The Prophet once asked the sahaba, “What is your understanding of martyrdom?” They replied, “Being killed in the path of Allah.” The prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Then the martyrs of my ummah shall be very few. Being killed in the Path of Allah is martyrdom, death through illness in the stomach (and its surroundings) is martyrdom, death in fire is martyrdom, drowning is martyrdom, death due to the collapse of a building is martyrdom, death due to Pleurisy, a woman’s death in labour pains is martyrdom. (Nasai Vol.2 P.66).

Tags bury, Bury Darul Uloom, hadhrat shaykh, holcombe, islamul haq, madinah munawwarah, maulana islamul haq, medinah, moulana islamul haqq, rander, shaykh saheb, shaykhul hadith

Personalities

Obituary of Hadhrat Mawlana Ismail Manubari (Rahmatullahi Alayhi)

Post author By Ismail ibn Nazir Satia
Post date 14 July 2016
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10th November 2014 / 17th Muharram 1436 Grave hadhrat mawlana ismail saheb.jpg

“Hold on to your Salah and Uphold Good Character”

The Final Message of Hadhrat Mawlana Ismail Manubari Sahib (RA)

Hadhrat Mawlana Ismail Sahib (RA) was truly a great man who sacrificed much more than most of us will ever know about.

In one way or another, he has touched and positively benefited each of our lives. The Muslim community of United Kingdom and India specifically, and the wider world more generally, will be forever indebted to him.

Hadhrat Mawlana Sahib (RA) departed this world on Monday 10th November 2014 at approximately 9.25am, UK time, and 2.55pm local India time. The world is so much poorer in every sense today – the death of a scholar is a loss to the whole Universe.

Over the last few months, Hadhrat’s health had deteriorated. Last week, he insisted on returning to India. He left the UK on the morning of Sunday 2ndNovember, accompanied by his son Mufti Abdus-Samad Sahib.

He arrived at Darul Uloom Kantharia on Monday 3rd November and spent the final days of his life there. Hadhrat (RA) devoted his life to the Darul Uloom for several decades.

Despite his poor health, on Thursday 6th November he asked to visit Bachchon ka Ghar Amod, Darul Uloom Jambusar and then on to the village of Kavi where Hadhrat has established a Darul Uloom. It was a tradition of Hadhrat Mawlana Sahib (RA) that, whenever he would visit India, his first trip would be to the village of Kavi and then he would undertake all other journeys.

During his final 4 or 5 days, Hadhrat Mawlana (RA) continued to advise visitors and well-wishers with one of the most important objectives of the Prophet’s (saw) mission – to improve and uphold one’s character.

On Friday 7th November, he travelled to Manubar where Mawlana Ismail Bhuta visited him and asked for advice. Hadhrat Mawlana (RA) replied, “Read the Qur’aan – the whole of the Qur’aan is full of advice.” Mawlana Bhuta insisted that he adds something more. To which, Hadhrat Mawlana (RA) replied, “Uphold your character and conditions of the ummah, as a whole, will improve”. Then Hadhrat Mawlana Sahib (RA) gave examples of how those who were not Muslims were convinced of the truthfulness and merits of Islam as a result of the character of the Prophet (SAW) and his Companions (RA).

This was a consistent message that Hadhrat Mawlana Sahib (RA) relayed throughout his final days.

Hadhrat’s (RA) bed was in the guest room of Darul Uloom Kantharia. On Sunday 9th November, he asked for it to be moved in to the office where he spent countless days and nights as Principal.

On the morning of his last day (Monday 10thNovember), Hadhrat’s son Shafi Bhai and grandson Moulana Rizwan arrived from the UK. He raised his hand to acknowledge them.

At the time of Zuhr, Hadhrat (RA) advised his son Khalid bhai, and others gathered around him, to remain steadfast on Salaah. He instructed all of them to go and offer their Zuhr prayers with jama’at, as this was more important and fruitful than sitting in his company.

Hadhrat Umar (RA) would say, “Hold onto your Salah because if you lose that, you lose everything else.”

Mufti Abdus Samad Sahib described Hadhrat’s last moments as similar to the last moments of our beloved Prophet (SAW).

A few minutes before Hadhrat’s (RA) sad demise from this temporary world to his eternal abode; he asked for his limbs to be straightened and then asked his son Hafidh Sanaullah to turn his face towards the Qiblah. 5 minutes later, he departed from this world – (Innaalillaahi Wainnaailaihi Raaji’oon).

Hadhrat’s janaazah took place at Darul Uloom Kantharia after Isha (Monday 10th November 2014) and Hadhrat was placed to rest in Manubar next to his beloved brother and Founder of Darul Uloom Kantharia Hadhrat Mawlana Adam Sahib (RA). Hadhrat Mufti Ahmed Khanpuri Sahib (DB) insisted that Hadhrat’s son Mufti Abdus-Samad Sahib leads the Janaza prayer that was attended by approximately fifty thousand mourners.

How true are the noble words of the Prophet (SAW), ‘You will die as you lived and you will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment as you died’.

Hadhrat was truly a father figure to all. A most humble, dedicated, sincere, kind, loving, passionate, smiling … person. He always used to address even the youngest in a most respectful way. Very particular about practising the sunnahs of our beloved Prophet (SAW). May he remain happy and smiling forever.

In addition to the thousands of students and ‘Ulama who have graced the numerous institutions founded and overseen by Hadhrat (RA) , he leaves behind a wife, eight children and 99 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

May Allah (SWT) reward him and his family, with the highest abode in Jannah. May He grant the family, particularly his loving wife Bibi Apa, who has also sacrificed everything for his mission, sabr jameel, and the whole ummah a ni’malbadal, Ameen.

So, his final message to the Muslim Ummah across the world sums up Hadhrat’s own life so well –remain steadfast on your salaah (fulfil the rights of Allah) and uphold good character (fulfil the rights of his creation). This final advice captures the essence of Islam. It is sufficient to reconnect all of us with our Lord, restore the love and respect for Islam and improve the conditions of humanity across the Globe.

To Allah we belong and to him we shall return.

Written by an Alim who wishes to remain anonymous.

Grave hadhrat mawlana ismail saheb.jpg

Tags death, farewell message, ismail manubari, kantharia, manubar, moulana, moulana ismail manubari, mufti abdus samad, obituary, salah

Personalities Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

My Beloved Teacher – Hadhrat Mawlānā Ismā’īl Wādī sāhib rahimahullāh

Post author By Ismail ibn Nazir Satia
Post date 10 July 2016
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by Hadhrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat Saheb (hafidhahullāh)

Once, ‘Umar radhiyallāhu ‘anhu asked those around him of a hadīth of the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam with regards to the trials and tribulations which were to fall upon the Ummah. Hudhayfah ibn Al-Yamān radhiyallāhu ‘anhu, who knew the hadīth, remarked, “Why do you worry about such a fitnah, O Amīr-al-Mu’minīn, when there is a closed door between it and yourself?” When asked who this ‘door’ was, Hudhayfah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu replied, “Umar radhiyallāhu ‘anhu.”

The existence of pious and righteous servants of Allāh ta‘ālā amongst us is a barrier that stops the torrents of evil from emerging and causing havoc. Upon their demise, the doors to these evils are opened, and the people are tested by trials and tribulations. That is why, as time draws nearer to the Day of Judgement (during which trials and tribulations will increase), the passing away of pious servants of Allāh ta‘ālā become more frequent.

In November 2012, a pious and righteous servant from amongst this category, my most honourable and beloved teacher, Hadhrat Mawlānā Ismā‘īl Wādī sāhib rahimahullāh, of Blackburn, UK, passed away. I had studied the revered subjects of ‘aqīdah, hadīth and fiqh under his tutelage when I was studying at Dār-al-‘Ulūm Bury.

My Last Meeting

Alhamdulillāh, I was fortunate to have visited him the weekend prior to his demise, after having been kept informed of his condition during the week. This was despite the fact that I myself was not in the best of health, but Allāh ta‘ālā favoured me greatly by granting me the courage to undertake this very important journey, accompanied by my dear Mawlānā Ahmad Patel and Muftī Ismail Bhayat.

Upon reaching Blackburn, I was treated as always, with love and respect by the members of the household, and was immediately taken upstairs into the room where Hadhrat Mawlānā rahimahullāh was resting. I was grieved to see him lying unconscious on his bed, which was set so that his face was facing the Qiblah, as is the sunnah for the one in his last moments. I was given the opportunity to sit right next to the bed and I sat, holding his hand, reciting surah Yāsīn, and due to love for Hadhrat Mawlānā rahimahullāh, tears began to roll down my cheeks. After a while, Muftī Saalih sāhib, the son-in-law of Hadhrat Mawlānā rahimahullāh and the Imām of Masjid Noorul Islam Blackburn, who loves me dearly, tried to awaken Hadhrat Mawlānā rahimahullāh by informing him of my arrival, but he did not respond. I was informed that he had been in this condition since the morning, and that the doctors had said that he was in his last moments. All his organs had started failing, but the serenity was apparent on his face. The medical experts were unanimous that they had not seen a patient in this condition, who was without any sign of pain, hence he was not administered with morphine. I stayed in the room for at least half-an-hour, silently reciting surah Yāsīn, salāt and salām, dhikr and making du‘ā when we were all asked to leave the room for a little while so that necessary medical checks could be carried out.

When we went back inside, Muftī Saalih sāhib again attempted to inform Hadhrat Mawlānā rahimahullāh of my presence, and this time to my fortune he opened his eyes. Everyone present became delighted. I greeted him with salām, to which he replied. He was made to sit up, and taking this opportunity I placed his hand on my head and requested him to make du‘ā for me and all, to which he obliged. My happiness knew no bounds. I was sure Allāh ta‘ālā had been extremely merciful to me.

This was the highlight of this journey and I was extremely delighted to have had the honour of greeting him and gaining his du‘ā. Thereafter, I advised Muftī Saalih sāhib that the menfolk should leave the room so that the household womenfolk could have an opportunity to visit Hadhrat Mawlānā rahimahullāh also, whilst he was conscious. We went downstairs and sat with the male family members, discussing the life and salient characteristics of Hadhrat Mawlānā rahimahullāh.

Birth and Childhood

Hadhrat Mawlānā Ismā‘īl Wādī sāhib rahimahullāh was born on 28th Jumādā Al-’Ūlā 1339AH/7th February 1921, in Lājpūr, Gujarat, India. He started his elementary Islamic education at the age of 8, started memorising the Qur’ān at 10, and finished in two years at the age of 12, in his home town.

Higher Education

In Shawwāl 1353AH/January 1935, at the age of thirteen, he enrolled in the renowned madrasah Jāmi‘ah Islāmiyyah in Dabhel, India, where he started his ‘Ālimiyyah course. This is where he completed his studies in Sha‘bān 1364/July 1945, except for a year in between during which he studied in Jāmi‘ah Husayniyyah in Rander, India.

During his time in Dabhel, he was blessed to have great luminaries as his teachers. He studied the Sahīh of Imām Al-Bukhārī under Muftī Shafī‘ Al-‘Uthmānī sāhib rahimahullāh and Mawlānā Shams-al-Haqq Al-Afghānī sāhib rahimahullāh; At-Tirmidhī under Mawlānā Zafar Ahmad At-Thānwī sāhib rahimahullāh; and Mishkāt-al-Masābīh and Jalālayn under Mawlānā Badr-‘Ālam Mīrthī sāhib `rahimahullāh. He then went on to further enhance his education at Dār-al-‘Ulūm Deoband, where he studied Ṣaḥīḥ-al-Bukhārī again under Shaykh-al-Islām Mawlānā Husayn Ahmad Al-Madanī sāhib rahimahullāh. He then went to Lahore in Sha‘bān – Ramadān 1365AH/July 1946, studying tafsīr under Shaykh-at-Tafsīr Mawlānā Ahmad ‘Alī Al-Lāhorī sāhib rahimahullāh.

Religious Service

After finishing his education, he returned to his hometown, Lājpūr, and started as an imam in his local masjid. He then travelled to Madagascar in 1952 and settled there, serving the Dīn of Allāh ta‘ālā for 21 years, until he arrived in the UK in 1973. He served as the Imām in Masjid Noorul Islam in Blackburn until he retired in 1988 due to weakness and old age. He also taught at Dār-al-‘Ulūm Bury from 1978-1988, without any remuneration.

Status in Academics

He was both pious and knowledgeable. His level of knowledge can be gauged from the fact that after his graduation he spent many years without having had the opportunity to teach Higher Islamic sciences. As it is common knowledge that after graduation in any field, if a long span of time was to pass by without practicing in that field, the graduate somewhat loses touch with the sciences learnt. However, Hadhrat Mawlānā Ismā‘īl Wādī sāhib rahimahullāh, despite such a lengthy gap between graduation and the opportunity to teach, taught these difficult subjects and satisfied his students.

Khilāfah

Hadhrat Mawlānā Ismā‘īl Wādī sāhib rahimahullāh was in his nineties at the time of his demise, and Allāh ta‘ālā had blessed him with a life of unimaginable steadfastness and piety. He attained khilāfah (discipleship) from the esteemed late Shaykh Ghulām Habīb sāhib rahimahullāh during hajj in 1974, and from Hadhrat Mawlānā Abrār Ahmad Ad-Dhulyawī sāhib rahimahullāh, who was the khalīfah of Qārī Muḥammad Tayyib sāhib rahimahullāh.

His ‘Ibādah (worship)

He was an embodiment of steadfastness, a true and dedicated Muslim who was always connected to the masjid, had true love for the Qur’ān and for standing in ṣalāh for long durations. He was very punctual in Tahajjud, reciting 10-12 Juz’ daily, which he increased to 15 in the latter stages of his life. This meant that he would complete approximately one recitation of the Qur’ān every day, including the portions he would read in other nawāfil and otherwise.

In winter, he would go to the masjid before Zuhr and return after ‘Ishā! He would remain engaged in ‘ibādah. He would stand in qiyām for hours. I once went to the masjid after Maghrib salāh to meet him, where I found him alone, engaged in salāh. I waited for him for approximately an hour, but there was no sign of him going into rukū‘ and I had to leave without meeting him, because of prior commitments.

Salāh with Jamā‘ah

Whilst he was the Imām at the masjid, he did not miss a single ṣalāh during the fifteen years, and even after retiring in 1988, for a full twenty years before his illness in 2008 did not miss a single takbīr-at-tahrīmah (The first takbīr of salāh).

Once, during the period after 2008, he arrived late into the masjid and missed one rak‘ah. He stood in qiyām of that one rak‘ah for so long that the masjid emptied. When he finished, he was asked regarding his lengthy qiyām, to which he replied that today, I missed one rak‘ah, so recited two and a half juz’, and reprimanded the nafs saying, “Even at this old age, you still cannot arrive on time for salāh?” This was when he was approximately 80 years old.

Adherence to the Sunnah

Hadhrat Mawlānā rahimahullāh was also very particular with regards to sunan, mustahabbāt and ādāb. Once, while in hospital and very weak, he felt the need to relieve himself. With the assistance of his son, he made his way to the toilet, which was at quite a distance. Upon reaching the toilet, he realised that he had forgotten his topī (head gear). He insisted and his son had to make him sit at an appropriate place, retrieve the topī from his bedside and it was only then that he entered the toilet.

Humbleness

Despite such excellent qualities found in his life, he lived a simple life very much unknown by the general public, and would dislike being brought into the limelight.

Hadhrat rahimahullāh and the IDA

He had much love for this humble one, and would always enquire and ask about the Islamic Da‘wah Academy and its progress. Rather, I regard his blessed du‘ā to be one of the main catalysts for the success of the Islamic Da‘wah Academy.

In 1996, a few days after the purchase of the property where the Islāmic Da‘wah Academy is today, we were fortunate that Hadhrat Mawlānā rahimahullāh visited Leicester. Upon my request, he came into the former building and asked for some seating arrangements to be made. As the building had just been purchased, there was no carpet inside, hence a piece of carpet was brought and Hadhrat Mawlānā rahimahullāh, myself, and the rest of those present sat down. Hadhrat Mawlānā rahimahullāh asked someone to recite a portion of the Qur’ān and thereafter gave a few advices. After his short talk ended, he sat looking downwards, deep in thought. He then suddenly looked up and said to me, “Mawlānā! Make an intention to initiate a Dar-al-‘Ulūm here!”

I was taken aback by this instruction, as this area and building had just been bought, for the sole intention of expanding the IDA’s da‘wah activities and to cater for the evening classes which were taking place at the time in the premises of the IDA on 186 Melbourne Road. For this reason, I did not reply, as I felt that it would be incorrect to make such a promise when the intention was not there. However, Hadhrat Mawlānā rahimahullāh continued to insist. At this point, I thought to myself that inshā’allāh, it would be possible to teach three or four years of the ‘Ālimiyyah course in the future, and mentioned accordingly to Hadhrat Mawlānā rahimahullāh. He replied, “No! You must continue until Al-Bukhārī and you must teach [Sahīh-] Al-Bukhārī!” Upon this, I thought that a very pious person is insisting on a pure and good cause, therefore I should follow his instruction, and eventually I made the intention and requested Hadhrat Mawlānā rahimahullāh to make du‘ā. He was so serious regarding this instruction of his that after this, whenever I would meet him, he would ask with regards the progress of the Dār-al-‘Ulūm and further emphasise that I must continue running the madrasah up until the final year wherein Sahīh Al-Bukhārī is taught, and to teach it myself.

Demise and funeral

This very affectionate teacher of mine breathed his last on Monday, the 6th of Muharram, coinciding with the 19th of November 2012, when the adhān of Maghrib salāh was being called out. I was grieved with this sad news. An announcement was made at the IDA for du‘ā and īsāl-ath-thawāb for the respected Hadhrat Mawlānā rahimahullāh, and the following day I, along with approximately eight members from the staff of the IDA arrived before Zuhr ṣalāh at Masjid Noorul Islam. There, in the foyer was my beloved teacher, resting in peace after his hard work of ninety years. Before ‘Asr, the salāh-al-Janāzah was led by Hadhrat Mawlānā rahimahullāh’s son, Shaykh Qasim hafizahullāh, and was attended by hundreds of people, including leading personalities from all over the UK. Finally, he was laid to rest just before Maghrib ṣalāh in Blackburn cemetery.

May Allāh ta‘ālā forgive his shortcomings, fill his grave with nūr and make it a garden from the gardens of Jannah, and elevate his rank in the Hereafter. It is my fervent desire that each associate of mine perform whatever good he/she can and ask Allāh ta‘ālā to write its reward in his book of deeds. May Allāh ta‘ālā grant him all the good of the Hereafter and the company of the Ambiyā, the Siddīqūn, the Shuhadā and the Sālihūn in Jannah-al-Firdaws. Āmīn.

Courtesy: Riyādul Jannah, Vol 22 Issue 1 (January 2013/ Rabī‘ul Awwal 1434)

Tags Bury Darul Uloom, Khalifah, Lajpur, Maulana Ismail Wadi, Mawlana Ismail Wadi, Moulana Ismail Wadiwala, Peer Ghulam Habeeb, Pir Ghulam, qutub, shaykh

Personalities

7 Lessons in Leadership From the Life of Muhammad Ali

Post author By Ismail ibn Nazir Satia
Post date 1 June 2016
No Comments on 7 Lessons in Leadership From the Life of Muhammad Ali

7 Lessons in Leadership From the Life of Muhammad Ali

Whenever a great person passes away, the tremors felt by the world are in proportion to the legacy that that person left behind. In this week’s blog post I reflect on seven lessons in leadership that we can learn from the life of the boxer Muhammad Ali.

Leadership is most valuable during times of crisis

Ali grew up in the ‘Deep South’ of America at a time when black people were still considered inferior human beings to white people. As recently as the 1960s, African Americans were still forced to sit on buses in sections separate to white Americans.

When Ali rose to prominence, the black community in America was suffering from despair, disheartenment and a lack of confidence.

It was in this atmosphere that Ali demonstrated leadership. He realised that wallowing in victimhood restrains a community from growing and moving forward. And so he exhorted his people to do something to change the world around them, rather than sit and cry about it:

“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”

2. Every great leader in history suffered for their beliefs and were reviled before they were revered.

Change is hated by man because people prefer the status quo. No-one likes change, especially those in power.

Once Ali began to encourage his people to believe in themselves, that they did not have to accept the world for what it was, that they could do something to change their lives, he was considered a threat and punished for his beliefs. He was stripped of his title, fined and sentenced to 5 years in prison.

In the eyes of the law, Ali was a convicted criminal. But this did not prevent billions of people around the world venerating him until and after his death.

“I am America. I am the part you won’t recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.”

3. Just like cowardice is contagious, so is bravery

In the Quran, fleeing the battlefield is considered a major sin because of the infectious nature of cowardice. When one person flees the battlefield, he injects seeds of cowardice and fear into the hearts of those around him and causes them to flee too.

But likewise, when one man stands up and takes a brave, principled stance, he encourages others to be brave too.

“To be a great champion, you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend that you are.”

4. Leadership is not just about talking the talk, it is about walking the walk

During my years in prison I saw many people who talked tough out in the world, but crumbled to pieces once inside a prison cell. Some of them even turned into rats. Talk is cheap, but action is costly.

Muhammad Ali did not just openly declare his opposition to going to Vietnam to fight. He declared that he was prepared to go to prison, give up boxing and sacrifice everything that was dear to him, for the sake of holding true to his principles.

And true to his word, he was stripped of his title and could not box for several years.

“I have been warned that to take such a stand would cost me millions of dollars… I have nothing to lose by standing up for my beliefs. So I’ll go to jail, so what? We’ve been in jail for 400 years.”

5. The importance of being on the right side of history

Many of the people lining up to venerate Muhammad Ali today were the same people who demonised him when he was disgraced for refusing to go and fight in Vietnam.

As for the few who supported Ali when he was disgraced, they turned out to be on the right side of history. The rest of the American public soon turned against the Vietnam war and the United States brought its troops home.

Nelson Mandela suffered the same fate. The same people who castigated Mandela as a convicted terrorist later lined up to pay tribute to him once the whole world realised that he changed the world for the better.

“The service you do for others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.”

6. Publicly accepting your errors of judgement is a sign of strength, not weakness

The strong leader does not run away from his mistakes; he acknowledges them and learns from them. Muhammad Ali first joined the black supremacist sect ‘Nation of Islam’ but once he realised what they were about he publicly disassociated himself from their racist message:

“Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn’t matter which color does the hating. It’s just plain wrong.”

7. People respect you more when you stick by your principles, than when you live your life to please people

Many people did not like some of the things that Muhammad Ali said, or the way that he said them. But he never once cared what people thought of him. He was proud of his beliefs, his lineage and his heritage. He realised early on in his life that if he was to spend his life trying to please people, he would waste his life.

“I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.”

Under the witty, fast-talking, charming man was a humble individual who really loved the world and cared about its people. He realised that he was not going to live forever so he spent his days on earth trying to carve a positive legacy that would remain long after he departed.

“Live every day as if it were your last because someday you’re going to be right,”he used to say.

And on Friday 3 June 2016 Muhammad Ali was right. May Allah have mercy on him.

Tags ali, babar ahmad, black islam, boxer, heavyweight champion, leadership, muhammad, muhammad ali, nation of islam, USA

Personalities

Leader, Legend, Loyal and Loved…

Post author By Ismail ibn Nazir Satia
Post date 23 February 2016
No Comments on Leader, Legend, Loyal and Loved…

“Be fearful of a day when you shall be returned to Allah, then every person shall be paid in full what he has earned, and they shall not be wronged.” [1] This is the last verse to be revealed in the Qur’an.

The Eyes Tear,

The Heart is in Pain,

But (with my tongue) I will only say that which is pleasing to Allah,

And we are indeed sad at your departure. [2]

Thursday 18^th February 2016 (9^th Jamadul Oola 1437) will be a day to remember for all. Not just for Muslims in the United Kingdom or European countries, rather for all the Muslims in different parts of the world. This was the day a blessed soul, a chosen soul, a sage, a saint, returned to his Lord SWT. He was a pious man, a devout leader, a renowned legend and a sincere friend to us all. We are all aware of him, his noble attributes and virtuous character.

By now you will have had more than a dozen messages and tributes to Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret) on your phone; all will be expressing their condolences, commiserations and sympathies whilst others talk about Hafidh Saheb’s (Allah sanctify his secret) virtues and merits, along with his biography and obituary. So, in all honesty, there really isn’t a need for me to write much more, In Sha Allah.

I, however, endeavour to write (hopefully), how Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret) left this world with signs he was a good man, a noble man and a righteous man. Many of these signs are obvious to you all. I would even say there are signs he is a man who attained forgiveness and his Lord’s pleasure, thus, inevitably attaining Jannah!

I pray Allah grants me the sincerity and capability of trying to do justice to Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret) and his noble life. Ameen Ya Rabb.

Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him narrated that: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Mention good things about your dead, and refrain from (mentioning) their evil.” [3]

Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret) was known as the Ameer (leader) of the UK and Europe as a whole. The Islamic environment and religiosity we see in the West, particularly in Europe, Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret) had an extensive hand in establishing it. When the world was steeped in darkness and Islam in the West was a dream that had not yet come to fruition, when the Sunnah was covered in a dark shroud and almost buried under the ground, when the Friday prayer (Jumu’ah) was prayed on a Sunday because Muslims did not want to jeopardise their earnings and take a break from their jobs on Fridays, when fundamental Islamic practices like Salah and Zakah were neglected, when Masajid were few and far between, during those hard and difficult times, during those early days of 1950s & 1960s Allah selected Hafidh Sahib (Allah sanctify his secret) for the establishment of Deen in the UK and the Western world.

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever starts a good tradition which is followed, then for him is a reward, and the likes of their rewards of whoever follows him, there being nothing diminished from their rewards.”
The remarks of Hadhrat Mawlana Yusuf sahib Khandalwi (Allah sanctify his secret) were still ringing in his ears, when it was mentioned to him that “The Evil conspirers of the world have set their Evil plans to turn Makkah & Madinah into London & Paris. Oh my Dear Hafidh sahib! You make an effort to turn London & Paris into (the likes of) Makkah & Madinah.”

Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret) was one of the first to arrive in the UK in the 60s.
He very much liked cricket, he was a cricket player and a team leader. He then joined the work of Tableegh. In the beginning, he had to walk to people’s homes in the snow wearing wellingtons.
He would knock on people’s doors and call them to the masjid for Salah. He was appointed the leader of the work and even after Shoora (council) was made, he remained the spiritual leader of the Da’wah work.
He started as an Imam at Saville Grove Masjid, Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret) would teach Madrasah as well. But his main interest was Tableegh. His house was right in front of the Masjid. His wife (Khala) would also do a lot of khidmat of Jamats in the form of cooking food for them and washing clothes etc.

Abdullah Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with them both) relates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The world is a provision and the best provision of the world is a pious wife.”[6]

In 1978 the new Markaz was constructed. Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret) moved close to it. Then in 1985, with the efforts of Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret), a Darul Uloom was also founded along with the Markaz. There was a World Ijtima (gathering) in which Hadhratjee (Allah sanctify his secret) and other Ulama came.

Someone saw in a dream that the hall was full of people, a lecture was taking place, and The Prophet ﷺ was observing everything from the back.

Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret) dedicated his life for Tableegh like no other person. If one was to sit with him for ten minutes, all he would hear would be Jamats leaving, concern of the Ummah, how the Sahabah (Allah be pleased with them all) left their homes for the Deen, sacrifice and efforts for upholding Islam.

He spoke about the Sahabah like they were in front of him. He was infatuated with the love of Rasulullah ﷺ, his effort and his beloved Ummah like nobody you have ever seen! Many of you will find people particular about their Deen, but only a few you will find, particular about ‘reviving the Deen’. He swam against the tide of falsehood and he never EVER rested.

Hafidh Saheb’s (Allah sanctify his secret) dedication for Da’wah and Tableegh was really admirable. When he would deliver lectures on Da’wah it was as if his heart was ripped apart for the pain of why the Ummah does not dedicate themselves for the sake of humanity, to protect them from Jahannam. Allah says to the Prophet, ﷺ “Then perhaps you would kill yourself through grief over them, [O Muhammad], if they do not believe in this message, [and] out of sorrow.” [7]

‘Irbad bin Sariyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: “One day Messenger of Allah delivered us a very eloquent Khutbah on account of which eyes shed tears and hearts were full of tears.” [8]

When he came to England in 1954 when there were only few Muslims, Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret) would work from 8am to 4pm, after work he would walk miles to go to people’s house to give Da’wah.

“And those who strive in Our (cause),- We will certainly guide them to our Paths: For verily Allah is with those who do right.” [9]

He would teach a Hifdh class early in the morning from 4am, after teaching the children he would drop them home and go to work. Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret) very happily said in one talk, “If anyone writes the British history, he has to write that Hafidh Patel was the first person to make someone Hafidh on British soil”.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” [10]
Hafidh Saheb’s (Allah sanctify his secret) devotion in worshiping Allah was unbelievable, his optional Salah, Recitation of the Qur’an and Dhikr used to be very long, he used to spend hours engaged in them. Many times he would spend the entire time between Maghrib and Isha in Nawafil, Tilawah and Dhikr.

A’ishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: “The Messenger of Allah used to remember Allah at all times.” [11]

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Allah, the Most High said: ‘I am as My slave thinks of Me, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me to himself, I remember him to Myself, and if he remembers Me in a gathering, I remember him in a gathering better than that. And if he seeks to draw nearer to Me by a hand span, I draw nearer to him by a forearm’s length, and if he comes to Me by a forearm’s length, I draw nearer to him by an arm’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I come to him quickly.’” [12]

When Shaykhul Hadith Mawlana Muhammad Zakariyya (Allah sanctify his secret) sent Hadhrat Mawlana Yusuf Motala Saheb to England in 1968, he advised him to be in the company of Hafidh Patel Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret). This is because Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret) was not just a Da’ee, rather a great Sufi and Saint.

Narrated Muawiya (Allah be pleased with him): I heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) saying, “If Allah wants to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion.” [13]

Just like Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (Allah sanctify his secret) was only known as ‘Haji Sahib’, but influenced thousands of people. Similarly Hafidh Saheb is only known as ‘Hafidh Saheb’, but, he has influenced thousands of Ulama.

“And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says, “Indeed, I am of the Muslims.” [14]

Through Hafidh Sahib’s (Allah sanctify his secret) efforts the biggest Masjid of Europe ‘Dewsbury Markaz’ was built in 1978 and Darul Uloom in the 1980s where thousands of students studied from all over Europe, America and Africa. He was also behind opening many Masajid, including the first mosque in Blackburn. Today, there are approximately forty Masajid in Blackburn, the reward of which showers upon the blessed grave of Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret).

Ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “He who guides (others) to an act of goodness, will have a reward similar to that of its doer.” [15]

It is quite famous regarding Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret) that he used to be out of the country more than in the country for the purpose of Da’wah and he has visited most of the countries of the world. There are approximately 200 countries in the world, Hafidh Saheb had visited nearly all of them. Ahumdu Lillah, Thumma Alhumdu Lillah, that is an outstanding achievement.

Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “A single endeavour in Allah’s Cause in the afternoon and in the forenoon is better than the world and whatever is in it.” [16]

Hafidh Saheb spent many day and nights weeping for this Ummah, it is seldom we find such men who do so. The one who used to cry for you and me. Will Allah replace him with people who cry and cry, begging for this Ummah?

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “One who weeps out of fear of Allah, will not enter the Hell till milk returns back in the udder; and the dust raised on account of fighting in the path of Allah and the smoke of Hell will never exist together”. [17]

The Prophet ﷺ said, “There is no Muslim who dies on the day of Friday or the night of Friday, but Allah will protect him from the trial (fitnah) of the grave.” [17]

Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret) used to invite everyone on Thursday night for Da’wah work/Shabe Jumu’ah, until his last day of life, when Allah took his beloved soul, on a Thursday night.

Hafidh Saheb (Allah sanctify his secret) passed away on Jumu’ah night and his Janazah was on Friday after Asr Salah, at the time when Du’a are accepted. Thousands of people attended Hafiz Sahib’s (Allah sanctify his secret) Janazah from all over England and abroad, it was definitely one of the largest funerals the UK has seen.

Aishah (Allah be pleased with her) who said: “The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘If a Muslim dies and his funeral prayer is attended by a group of a hundred Muslims, and they all sincerely pray for his forgiveness, he is forgiven’. [18]

Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) reported: “I heard the Prophet SAW saying: ‘If a Muslim dies and a group of forty people, who do not associate any one with Allah, pray for him, their prayer is accepted and he is forgiven’.” [19]

Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When Allah wills good for His slave, He uses him.” They said, “How does He use him?” He said, “He guides him to do good deeds before he dies.” [20]

“Verily, those who say: ‘Our Lord is Allah (Alone),’ and then they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): ‘Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!’” [21]

It is known about Khalid Ibn Waleed (Allah be pleased with him) ‘The Sword of Allah’, he spent his life in Jihad and fighting the enemies of Allah. His days were spent on the battlefield, but he died on his bed. Our respected Hafidh Saheb, also spent his days in the path of Allah. Year after year, month after month, town after town, country after country. But his death came in his hometown, whilst sleeping on his bed. Such was Allah’s will.

“For them who have done good is the best (reward) and extra. No darkness will cover their faces, nor humiliation. Those are the companions of paradise; they will abide therein eternally.” [22]
I will end with the words of advice delivered by Shaykh Mawlana Muhammad Saleem Dhorat at the Islamic Da’wah Academy in regards to the passing of the Ameer of Da’wah and Tableegh; Hadhrat Hafidh Patel Saheb.

“When pious people pass away, we should be grieved upon the loss for the Ummah. We should turn to Allah SWT and earnestly ask Allah to replace the personality with somebody better or somebody equal; because when important people pass away; especially in this day and age, they are irreplaceable and a very big loss comes to the Ummah.
So, we need to turn to Allah SWT and ask Allah SWT to safeguard and grant more acceptance to the effort of Da’wah and Tableegh, and may Allah SWT grant a very good replacement for Hafiz Sahib rahimahullah ta’aala and may Allah SWT safeguard and maintain the ages of all our akaabir and Mashayikh, and all the pious personalities.

May Allah SWT elevate the status of our Hafidh Saheb rahimahullah ta’aala and may Allah reward him on behalf of the whole Ummah and may his legacy remain in this world until the day of Qiyamah and may Allah SWT grant us all the tawfeeq to follow in the footsteps of all the pious personalities and may He resurrect us amongst them on the day of Qiyamah and may He grant us a place in Jannah with such luminaries and pious Mashayikh.
So, make Esaal-e-thawaab for him; of whatever you are able to and as much as you can; especially in the next 24 hours. Also make dua; make dua for Hafidh Saheb, dua for his family, dua for the work of Da’wah and Tableegh, and for the whole Ummah.”

“But as for he who feared the position of his Lord and prevented the soul from [unlawful] inclination,Then indeed, Paradise will be [his] refuge.” [23]

[To the righteous it will be said], “O reassured soul, Return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him], And enter among My [righteous] servants, And enter My Paradise.” [24]

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “When Allah loves a slave, calls out Jibril and says: ‘I love so-and-so; so love him’. Then Jibril loves him. After that he (Jibril) announces to the inhabitants of heavens that Allah loves so- and-so; so love him; and the inhabitants of the heavens (the angels) also love him and then make people on earth love him”. [25]

A final note, rather a reminder, I woud like to say, Hafidh Saheb was an amazing personality. There is no doubt about that. But he also was someone’s son, a husband, a father. And he worked hard to provide for his family. But he left behind a legacy – Alhumdu Lillah, one that will never be forgotten In Sha Allah! For every brother and sister reading this, from the depth of my heart don’t stop here. Make an intention to change your life, mend your ways and follow the work Hafidh Saheb started, ‘reviving the deen’. I have not written this for likes nor follows, nor comments. I have written this for me to change myself, and if one (other) person benefits, through their blessing I will change too. I end with the verse I started with: “Be fearful of a day when you shall be returned to Allah, then every person shall be paid in full what he has earned, and they shall not be wronged.” [1] This is the last verse to be revealed in the Qur’an.

Ask yourself, what will YOU leave behind?

Ismail Ibn Nazir Satia (One who is in dire need of Allah’s Forgiveness, Mercy and Pleasure).

13 Jamadul Awwal 1437

____________________________________________________________

[1] Surah Baqarah, verse 281. Trans ‘The Meanings of the Noble Qur’an’ – Mufti Taqi Uthmani

[2] Bukhari – The Prophet SAW on the death of his son Ibraheem RA

[3] Tirmidhi

[4] Tirmidhi

[5] Qur’an – (26:69) Pickthall

[6] Saheeh Muslim

[7] Surah Kahf, verse, 6. Trans Saheeh International

[8] Abu Dawood

[9] Surah Ankabut, vere 69. Trans Yusuf Ali

[10] Bukhari

[11] Saheeh Muslim

[12] Tirmidhi

[13] Bukhari

[14] Surah Fussilat, verse 33. Trans Saheeh International

[15] Saheeh Muslim

[16] Bukhari

[17] Tirmidhi

[18] Ahmad, Muslim, and Tirmidhi

[19] Ahmad, Muslim, and Abu Dawood

[20] Ahmad, Tirmidhi

[21] Surah Fussilat, verse 30

[22] Surah Yunus, verse 26

[23] Surah Naziaat, verse 40 & 41

[24] Surah Fajr 27 – 30

[25] Bukhari/Muslim

Tags dewsbury, dewsbury markaz, hafiz patel, hafiz patel saheb, jamaat/tabligh

Personalities

The Black Prince of Islam – X

Post author By Ismail ibn Nazir Satia
Post date 13 January 2016
No Comments on The Black Prince of Islam – X

http://www.biography.com/people/malcolm-x-9396195#synopsis

Early Life

Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. Malcolm was the fourth of eight children born to Louise, a homemaker, and Earl Little, a preacher who was also an active member of the local chapter of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and avid supporter of black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey. Due to Earl Little’s civil rights activism, the family faced frequent harassment from white supremacist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and one of its splinter factions, the Black Legion. In fact, Malcolm X had his first encounter with racism before he was even born.

“When my mother was pregnant with me, she told me later, ‘a party of hooded Ku Klux Klan riders galloped up to our home,'” Malcolm later remembered. “Brandishing their shotguns and rifles, they shouted for my father to come out.” The harassment continued; when Malcolm X was four years old, local Klan members smashed all of the family’s windows, causing Earl Little to decide to move the family from Omaha to East Lansing, Michigan.

However, the racism the family encountered in East Lansing proved even greater than in Omaha. Shortly after the Littles moved in, in 1929, a racist mob set their house on fire, and the town’s all-white emergency responders refused to do anything. “The white police and firemen came and stood around watching as the house burned to the ground,” Malcolm X later remembered.

Two years later, in 1931, things got much, much worse. Earl Little’s dead body was discovered laid out on the municipal streetcar tracks. Although Malcolm X’s father was very likely murdered by white supremacists, from whom he had received frequent death threats, the police officially ruled his death a suicide, thereby voiding the large life insurance policy he had purchased in order to provide for his family in the event of his death. Malcolm X’s mother never recovered from the shock and grief of her husband’s death. In 1937, she was committed to a mental institution and Malcolm X left home to live with family friends.

Troubled Youth

Malcolm X attended West Junior High School, where he was the school’s only black student. He excelled academically and was well liked by his classmates, who elected him class president. However, he later said that he felt that his classmates treated him more like the class pet than a human being. The turning point in Malcolm X’s childhood came in 1939, when his English teacher asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up and he answered that he wanted to be a lawyer. His teacher responded, “One of life’s first needs is for us to be realistic … you need to think of something you can be … why don’t you plan on carpentry?” Having thus been told in no uncertain terms that there was no point in a black child pursuing education, Malcolm X dropped out of school the following year, at the age of 15.After quitting school, Malcolm X moved to Boston to live with his older half-sister, Ella, about whom he later recalled, “She was the first really proud black woman I had ever seen in my life. She was plainly proud of her very dark skin. This was unheard of among Negroes in those days.” Ella landed Malcolm a job shining shoes at the Roseland Ballroom. However, out on his own on the streets of Boston, Malcolm X became acquainted with the city’s criminal underground, soon turning to selling drugs. He got another job as kitchen help on the Yankee Clipper train between New York and Boston and fell further into a life of drugs and crime. Sporting flamboyant pinstriped zoot suits, he frequented nightclubs and dance halls and turned more fully to crime to finance his lavish lifestyle. This phase of Malcolm X’s life came to a screeching halt in 1946, when he was arrested on charges of larceny and sentenced to ten years in jail.To pass the time during his incarceration, Malcolm X read constantly, devouring books from the prison library in an attempt make up for the years of education he had missed by dropping out of high school. Also while in prison, he was visited by several siblings who had joined to the Nation of Islam, a small sect of black Muslims who embraced the ideology of black nationalism—the idea that in order to secure freedom, justice and equality, black Americans needed to establish their own state entirely separate from white Americans. Malcolm X converted to the Nation of Islam while in prison, and upon his release in 1952 he abandoned his surname “Little,” which he considered a relic of slavery, in favor of the surname “X”—a tribute to the unknown name of his African ancestors.

Nation of Islam

Now a free man, Malcolm X traveled to Detroit, Michigan, where he worked with the leader of the Nation of Islam, Elijah Muhammad, to expand the movement’s following among black Americans nationwide. Malcolm X became the minister of Temple No. 7 in Harlem and Temple No. 11 in Boston, while also founding new temples in Harford and Philadelphia. In 1960, he established a national newspaper, Muhammad Speaks, in order to further promote the message of the Nation of Islam.

Articulate, passionate and a naturally gifted and inspirational orator, Malcolm X exhorted blacks to cast off the shackles of racism “by any means necessary,” including violence. “You don’t have a peaceful revolution,” he said. “You don’t have a turn-the-cheek revolution. There’s no such thing as a nonviolent revolution.” Such militant proposals—a violent revolution to establish an independent black nation—won Malcolm X large numbers of followers as well as many fierce critics. Due primarily to the efforts of Malcolm X, the Nation of Islam grew from a mere 400 members at the time he was released from prison in 1952, to 40,000 members by 1960.

By the early 1960s, Malcolm X had emerged as a leading voice of a radicalized wing of the Civil Rights Movement, presenting an alternative to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a racially integrated society achieved by peaceful means. Dr. King was highly critical of what he viewed as Malcolm X’s destructive demagoguery. “I feel that Malcolm has done himself and our people a great disservice,” King once said.

Break with Elijah Muhammad

Philosophical differences with King were one thing; a rupture with Elijah Muhammad proved much more traumatic. In 1963, Malcolm X became deeply disillusioned when he learned that his hero and mentor had violated many of his own teachings, most flagrantly by carrying on many extramarital affairs; Muhammad had, in fact, fathered several children out of wedlock. Malcolm’s feelings of betrayal, combined with Muhammad’s anger over Malcolm’s insensitive comments regarding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, led Malcolm X to leave the Nation of Islam in 1964.That same year, Malcolm X embarked on an extended trip through North Africa and the Middle East. The journey proved to be both a political and spiritual turning point in his life. He learned to place the American Civil Rights Movement within the context of a global anti-colonial struggle, embracing socialism and pan-Africanism. Malcolm X also made the Hajj, the traditional Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, during which he converted to traditional Islam and again changed his name, this time to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz.After his epiphany at Mecca, Malcolm X returned to the United States less angry and more optimistic about the prospects for peaceful resolution to America’s race problems. “The true brotherhood I had seen had influenced me to recognize that anger can blind human vision,” he said. “America is the first country … that can actually have a bloodless revolution.” Tragically, just as Malcolm X appeared to be embarking on an ideological transformation with the potential to dramatically alter the course of the Civil Rights Movement, he was assassinated.

Death and Legacy

On the evening of February 21, 1965, at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan, where Malcolm X was about to deliver a speech, three gunmen rushed the stage and shot him 15 times at point blank range. Malcolm X was pronounced dead on arrival at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital shortly thereafter. He was 39 years old. The three men convicted of the assassination of Malcolm X were all members of the Nation of Islam: Talmadge Hayer, Norman 3X Butler and Thomas 15X Johnson.In the immediate aftermath of Malcolm X’s death, commentators largely ignored his recent spiritual and political transformation and criticized him as a violent rabble-rouser. However, Malcolm X’s legacy as a civil rights hero was cemented by the posthumous publication in 1965 of The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley. At once a harrowing chronicle of American racism, an unsparing self-criticism and an inspiring spiritual journey, the book, transcribed by the acclaimed author of Roots, instantly recast Malcolm X as one of the great political and spiritual leaders of modern times. Named byTIME magazine one of 10 “required reading” non-fiction books of all-time,The Autobiography of Malcolm X has truly enshrined Malcolm X as a hero to subsequent generations of radicals and activists.Perhaps Malcolm X’s greatest contribution to society was underscoring the value of a truly free populace by demonstrating the great lengths to which human beings will go to secure their freedom. “Power in defense of freedom is greater than power in behalf of tyranny and oppression,” he stated. “Because power, real power, comes from our conviction which produces action, uncompromising action.”

Personal Life

In 1958, Malcolm X married Betty Sanders, a fellow member of the Nation of Islam. The couple had six children together, all daughters: Attallah (b. 1958), Qubilah (b. 1960), Ilyasah (b. 1963), Gamilah (b. 1964) and twins Malaak and Malikah (b. 1965). Sanders later became known as Betty Shabazz, and she became a prominent civil rights and human rights activist in her own right in the aftermath of her husband’s death.

In May 2013, Malcolm X’s grandson, Malcolm Shabazz—son of the civil rights leader’s second daughter with wife Betty Shabazz, Qubilah Shabazz—was beaten to death in Mexico City, near the Plaza Garibaldi. He was 28 years old. According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, police believe Malcolm Shabazz’s death was the result of a “robbery gone wrong.”

QUOTES:

“Power in defense of freedom is greater than power in behalf of tyranny and oppression because power, real power, comes from our conviction which produces action, uncompromising action.”

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

“America is the first country … that can actually have a bloodless revolution.”

“You don’t have a peaceful revolution. You don’t have a turn-the-cheek revolution. There’s no such thing as a nonviolent revolution.”

“If you are not willing to pay the price for freedom, you don’t deserve freedom.”

“While we did not always see eye to eye on methods to solve the race problem, I always had a deep affection for Malcolm and felt that he had the great ability to put his finger on the existence and root of the problem.”

“We are non-violent only with non-violent people—I’m non-violent as long as somebody else is non-violent—as soon as they get violent they nullify my non-violence.”

“Revolution is like a forest fire. It burns everything in its path. The people who are involved in a revolution don’t become a part of the system—they destroy the system, they change the system.”

“You get freedom by letting your enemy know that you’ll do anything to get your freedom; then you’ll get it. It’s the only way you’ll get it.”

“My father didn’t know his last name. My father got his last name from his grandfather and his grandfather got it from his grandfather who got it from the slavemaster.”

“To have once been a criminal is no disgrace. To remain a criminal is the disgrace. I formerly was a criminal. I formerly was in prison. I’m not ashamed of that.”

“It’s going to be the ballot or the bullet.”

“I would like my children and generations to come to know this most important aspect of Malcolm X, that he was indeed our manhood, you know, our shining black prince who didn’t hesitate to die because he loved us so.”

“If a man puts his arms around me voluntarily, that’s brotherhood, but if you hold a gun on him and make him embrace me and pretend to be friendly or brotherly toward me, then that’s not brotherhood, that’s hypocrisy.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK80Z11dXO8&feature=youtu.be

Tags black, black lives matter, freedom, KKK, Malcolm, malcolm x, nation of islam, racism, racist, white, white supremacy