Category: Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

Making the Sunnah a Part of Life: a Three Point Plan

By Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

Importance of Sunnah

Allāh ta‘ālā has commanded us to follow and emulate the life of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam in the Glorious Qur’ān:

Say (O Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam): If you really love Allāh, then follow me, and Allāh shall love you and forgive you your sins. Allāh is Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful. (3:31)

Similarly this has been emphasised by Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam in numerous ahādīth:

Hold fast to Kitābullāh and my Sunnah… (Al-Hākim)

Indeed adopting the ways of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam is the key to our success in both worlds. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has stated: 

Whoever loves my sunnah, loves me, and whoever loves me will be with me in Jannah. (Mishkāt) 

Regarding the importance of the Sunnah, Imām Mālik rahimahullāh has commented,“The Sunnah is like the Ark of Nūh ‘alayhis salām; whoever boards it will gain salvation and whoever stays aloof from it will drown.” (Tarīkh Dimashq)

Making Sunnah an Objective

In order to emulate the beautiful way of our beloved Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam in every aspect of our lives, first and foremost we must make this a conscious objective. Without making this an objective, the goal will only remain on our tongues. When a person aspires to achieve something, he can only succeed when his aspiration becomes an objective, which he is passionate and determined to fulfil. Merely wishing and dreaming without any effort does not bring any progress or success.

Learn the Sunnah

After this objective becomes embedded in our hearts and minds, it is inevitable that we will want to strive to attain this. In this regard, it is essential that we first learn about the Sunnah. There are many good and authentic books from which we can learn about the ways of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam. A few are listed hereunder:

  • Ash-Shamāil At-Tirmidhī authored by Imām At-Tirmidhī rahimahullāh, with commentary by Shaykh-ul-Hadīth Mawlānā Muhammad Zakariyyā rahimahullāh;
  • The Sublime Conduct of Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam, a translation of Shamāile Kubrā authored by Muftī Muhammad Irshād Qāsmī hafizahullāh.
  • Uswae Rasūle Akram sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam, authored by Hadrat Dr. Abdul Hayy ‘Ārifī rahimahullāh.

One effective method of learning is to allocate a time of the day wherein we will learn the Sunnah. Fixing a time will ensure that we do not fall into the trap of deferring this important task. For example, allocate a time to study after supper or before going to sleep. If we can also involve our family and study the Sunnah together that will be far better, as not only will the Sunnah become a part of our lives, it will also come into the lives of our family. We do not need to allocate a lengthy period of time; if we merely aim to learn one Sunnah a day with the intention of practicing upon it, inshā’allāh, very soon we will begin to emulate the life of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam. Therefore, start immediately to learn and practice one new Sunnah a day.

Bringing into Practice

After learning the Sunnah, make a concerted effort to bring this Sunnah into our lives. The following three points will assist in bringing the Sunnah into practice:

a. Increase the love for Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam by reading and contemplating about his features and excellences. Ponder over his efforts, sacrifices and favours upon the Ummah.

b. Associate with and sit in the company of those whose lives are in accordance with the Sunnah, as this will have a positive effect on our lives.

c. Make du‘ā to Allāh ta‘ālā to assist and grant us the ability to practice. If we are struggling to bring a particular Sunnah into practice, turn to Allāh saying that you are weak and feeble and unable to make that genuine effort needed, however, He is all powerful and He is able to change this.

By making an effort in this manner it will surely bear fruit inshā’allāh and very soon we will be able to see a transformation in our lives. 

May Allāh ta‘ālā grant us all the ability to practice. Āmīn.

© Riyādul Jannah (Volume 24, Issue 9)

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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

After Hajj…

Once again more than two million believers were honoured to become the ‘Guests of Allah’ and through Divine Guidance have completed the rituals of Hajj with great love and enthusiasm. How fortunate are these souls who are blessed with the following words from Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam:

Whoever performs Hajj for the Pleasure of Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it (free from sin) as the day on which his mother gave birth to him. Bukhaari, Muslim

Verily there shall be no reward for a Mabroor Hajj except Jannah. Bukhaari, Muslim

It is hoped that all the pilgrims were sincere in their intentions and had travelled thousands of miles only to secure the Pleasure of Allah by fulfilling the obligation laid down upon them. May Allah the Almighty grant all the pilgrims acceptance and grant them opportunity again and again to visit the Sacred Land. Aameen.

Nevertheless, I wish to draw the attention of the pilgrims towards certain points which are necessary and of utmost importance to observe about which many pilgrims seem to attach no importance.

Firstly, the sincerity of intention should remain even after the performance of Hajj. There should be no pomp or show. One should not wish to be called or recognised as a Haajji. Many people adopt the habit of talking frequently about their journey in order that people may come to know of their Hajj. They talk about the expenses incurred in the Way of Allah, their charity amongst the poor and needy, their devotion and worship, their assisting the weak and old, etc.; and all this is mentioned with the intention of gaining fame. This is a deceit from Shaytaan who ruins the ‘ibaadat of the person who is unaware of it. It is therefore of great importance that the pilgrim does not talk about his Hajj without necessity as it may lead to riyaa (show, insincerity). However, if necessity arises and one must talk about his Hajj then he is at liberty to do so. But, he must not indulge in this type of conversation unnecessarily.

Secondly, it is noted through experience, that many pilgrims return with nothing but the sad memories to reflect upon and this darkness filters through their tongues to the extent that they talk only about the hardships they have encountered during Hajj. The pilgrims should strictly refrain from this. On the contrary, they should talk about the greatness of the sacred places, the spiritual gains, the enjoyment in devotions of Haramayn ö Umrah, Tawaaf, Salaam on the Sacred Grave, Salaat in Masjidul Haraam and Masjidun Nabawi etc. If one looks at his journey of Hajj carefully he will find that the spiritual benefits far outweighs the physical hardships. Every second spent in these sacred places is incomparable with anything in the world. The journey of Hajj is a long journey; one has to travel by air, pass the immigrations, go through the customs, encounter people who speak foreign languages, etc. In these circumstances, difficulties are certain to arise. When we travel in our country, do we always travel with comfort and ease? Do we never encounter difficulty? Do we not find ourselves held up in traffic for hours on a Motorway? Considering the fact that 2-3 million pilgrims perform the rituals of Hajj at one time, in one place and that they all come from different countries and backgrounds and that many of them have never before used or seen the facilities available to them, I think the difficulties encountered are insignificant. Moreover, the pilgrims are rewarded abundantly by Allah ta‘aalaa upon every difficulty encountered in their journey whereas the same is not the case whilst we undertake other journeys.

Those people who engage in these types of conversation become the cause of discouragement to others who have not yet had the opportunity to perform Hajj. These unfortunate pilgrims fall into the category

…. and who stop (men) from the way of Allah, and from the Sacred Masjid, …

mentioned in Soorah Hajj in the Qur’aan. They should take heed that if people are discouraged by their conversation and postpone their Hajj then those who have discouraged them will be equally responsible.

Thirdly, the sign of a ‘Mabroor Hajj’ or ‘accepted Hajj’ is that upon one’s return, his life changes from worst to good. He becomes totally punctual in fulfilling the Commands of Allah ta‘aalaa. His love and inclination towards the Hereafter increases and love for the worldly pleasures decline. Therefore, it is essential that the pilgrim is watchful over his actions and conversations and should try his utmost to instil in himself good characters and refrain from all types of evil. He should endeavour to fulfill the obligations laid down by Allah and avoid all the things forbidden by Him.

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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

Islamic Wedding

By Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah

islamic wedding

Wedding of Fātimah radiyallahu anha

Fātimah radiyallahu anha is the youngest daughter of our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Out of all the children, she was the most beloved to him. He said, ‘The queen of the ladies in Jannah is Fātimah.’ He also said, ‘Fātimah is part of my body. Whoever grieves her, grieves me.’

When Fātimah radiyallahu anha reached the age of fifteen, proposals for her marriage began to come from high and responsible families. But the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam remained irresponsive.

‘Ali radiyallahu anhu, who was 21 at the time, says:

‘It occurred to me that I should go and make a formal proposal, but then I thought, “How could this be accomplished, for I possess nothing.” At last, encouraged by the Prophet’s kindness, I went to him and expressed my intention to marry Fātimah radiyallahu anha. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam was extremely pleased and asked, “Ali! Do you possess anything to give her in mahr?” I replied, “Apart from a horse and an armour I possess nothing.”

The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “A soldier must, of course, have his horse. Go and sell away your armour.”’

So, ‘Ali radiyallahu anhu went and sold his armour to Uthmān radiyallahu anhu for 480 Dirham and presented it to Rasūlullāh sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Bilāl radiyallahu anhu was ordered by the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam to bring some perfume and a few other things and Anas radiyallahu anhu was sent to call Abū Bakr, Uthmān, Talhah and Zubayr with some companions from the Ansār radiyallahu anhum.

When these men arrived and had taken their seats, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam recited the khutbah (sermon) of nikāh and gave Fātimah radiyallahu anha in marriage to ‘Ali radiyallahu anhu. He announced, ‘Bear you all witness that I have given my daughter Fātimah in marriage to ‘Ali for 400 mithqāl of silver and ‘Ali has accepted.’ He then raised his head and made du‘ā saying, ‘O Allāh, create love and harmony between these two. Bless them and bestow upon them good children.’ After the nikāh, dates were distributed.

When the time came for Fātimah radiyallahu anha to go to ‘Ali’s radiyallahu anhu house, she was sent without any clamour, hue and cry accompanied by Umm Ayman radiyallahu anha. After the ‘Ishā Salāh, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam went to their house, took permission and entered. He asked for a basin of water, put his blessed hands into it and sprinkled it on both ‘Ali and Fātimah y and made du‘ā for them.

The sovereign of both worlds gave his beloved daughter a silver bracelet, two Yemeni sheets, four mattresses, one blanket, one pillow, one cup, one hand-grinding mill, one bedstead, a small water skin and a leather pitcher.

In this simple fashion, the wedding of the daughter of the leader of both the worlds was solemnized. In following this sunnah method, a wedding becomes very simple and easy to fulfill.

Some Points Derived from the Above Mentioned Marriage

1. The many customs as regards engagement are contrary to sunnah. In fact, many are against the Shari‘ah and are regarded sins. A verbal proposal and answer is sufficient.

2. To unnecessarily delay nikāh of both the boy and the girl after having reached the age of marriage is incorrect.

3. There is nothing wrong in inviting one’s close associates for the occasion of nikāh. However, no special pains should be taken in gathering the people from far off places.

4. It is appropriate that the bridegroom be a few years older than the bride.

5. If the father of the girl is an ‘ālim or pious and capable of performing nikāh, then he should himself solemnize the marriage.

6. It is better to give the Mahr Fātimi and one should endeavour to do so. But if one does not have the means then there is nothing wrong in giving less.

7. It is totally un-Islāmic for those, who do not possess the means, to incur debts in order to have grandiose weddings.

8. It is fallacy to think that one’s respect will be lost if one does not hold an extravagant wedding and invite many people. What is our respect compared to that of Rasūlullāh sallallahu alayhi wasallam?

9. The present day practice of the intermingling of sexes is an act of sin and totally against Shari‘ah.

10. There is nothing such as engagement parties and mendhi parties in Islām.

11. Great care must be taken as regards to salāh on occasions of marriage by all – the bride, the bridegroom and all the participants.

12. It is un-Islamic to display the bride on stage.

13. The unnecessary expenses incurred by the bride’s family in holding a feast has no basis in Shari‘ah.

14. For the engaged couple to meet at a public gathering where the boy holds the girl’s hand and slips a ring on her finger is a violation of the Qur’ānic law of hijāb.

15. It is un-Islamic for the engaged couple to meet each other and also go out together.

16. Three things should be borne in mind when giving one’s daughter gifts and presents at the time of nikāh:

i) Presents should be given within one’s means (it is not permissible to take loans, on interest, for such presents);

ii) To give necessary items;

iii) A show should not be made of whatever is given.

17. It is Sunnah for the bridegroom’s family to make walimah.

NOTE: In walimah, whatever is easily available should be fed to the people and care should be taken that there is no extravagance, show and that no debts are incurred in the process.

18. To delay nikāh after the engagement is un-Islamic. Some Customs In following modern day trends, we have adopted many cutoms that are unislamic and contrary to the sunnah. Some examples are:

i    Displaying the bride on stage;

ii   Inviting guests for the wedding from far-off places;

iii  Receiving guests in the hall;

iv  The bride’s people incurring unnecessary expenses by holding a feast which has no basis in Shari‘ah. We should remember that walimah is the feast arranged by the bridegroom after the marriage is consummated;

v    It is contrary to sunnah (and the practice of some non-Muslim tribes in India) to wish, hope for or demand presents and gifts for the bridegroom, from the bride’s people. We should always remember that our Rasūl sallallahu alayhi wasallam did not give ‘Ali radiyallahu anhu anything except du‘ā.

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Ruqya Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

Cure From Black Magic, Jinn & Illness

By Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah

In recent times, people distressed with ailments – internal and external – have resorted to people who cure through ta’weez and, in some cases, through the agency of jinn (or mu’akkal as some call it). I do not intend to go into the depth of the evils that lie within this institution, but would sincerely request readers to take note of the following points with a fair mind and without being biased so that we may be saved from the deceit of Shaytan which is hidden in the form of pious saintly people who claim to have supernatural powers to cure illnesses and solve problems.

1. Illnesses, problems, calamities, and quarrels are natural for humans, and one should look for remedies and solutions through lawful means. One should not, without any endeavour, assume the problem or illness to be through black magic or an outside effect. Refer to the doctors and have it treated.

2. If one is suffering from anxiety and depression, and cannot find peace of mind, then he/she should check his/her life and see where the Commands of Allah and His Rasool sallallahu alayhi wasallam are being violated. Come nearer to Allah through His Remembrance, for that is where the contentment of heart and peace of mind lies. “In the Remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction” (Al Qur’an 13:28).

3. The knowledge of the unseen is an Attribute of Allah the Almighty Only. None in the heavens and on earth knows the unseen except Allah. Many of these “so-called” healers claim to know many things of the unseen and to believe such people could lead one to kufr. Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said, “One who resorts to an arraf (fortune-teller) and asks him about anything, Salah will not be accepted from him for forty days.” (Muslim) Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has also said, “One who resorts to a kahin (soothsayer/claimant to the knowledge of the unseen) and believes him in what he says, has rejected that which has been sent down to Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam.”

4. Those who violate the law of Allah cannot be pious. A Walee (Friend) of Allah is one who abstains from disobedience to Allah. Those who touch women, who treat women without any veil or partition, who sit with women in solitude i.e. without a male mahram, how can they possibly be the Friends of Allah. Do not be deceived, friends.

5. In case of doubt, contact your local ulama or those who have been known to you for years for their taqwa, piety and reliability. In sha’ Allah, their guidance will save you from going into the wrong hands.

NOW TO SAFEGUARD YOURSELF FROM BLACK-MAGIC

Allah ta’ala, through his Infinite Mercy, has taught His Servants such du’a and recitation which does not only cure, but saves them from the evil effects of black-magic, jinn, etc.:

1. After completing fardh Salah, recite the masnoon waza’if and thereafter ayatul kursi.

Note: Ayatul kursi is a verse from Surah Baqarah starting Allahu laa’ilaaha illaa huwal… (Al Qur’an 2:255)

2. Before going to Sleep, read Ayatul kursi. Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said, “Whoever recites Ayatul kursi at night, a protector (angel) from Allah continually safeguards him and Shaytaan will not come near him until morning.”(Bukhari)

3. Read Surah lkhlas, Surah Falaq and Surah Naas after every fardh Salaah. (Read them thrice after the Fajr and Maghrib Salah).

4. Before going to sleep, read the last two verses of Surah Baqarah. Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said, “Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Al Baqarah at night, they will be sufficient for him. “ (They will save him from Shaytaan and other misfortunes). (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmizi, Aboo Dawood, Nasaee, Ibne Majah)

5. Read the following du’a in abundance:

A’oozu bikalimaatil’laahit taam’maati min shar’ri maa khalaq

Translation: I seek refuge in all the Perfect Words Of Allah from the mischief of His Creations. (Muslim, Tirmizi, Ibne Majah)

6. Read the following du’a at the beginning of the day and night:

Bismil’laahil lazi laa yadhur’ru ma’a ismihi shay’un fil ardhi walaa fis samaa’i wahuwas samee’ul ‘aleem

Translation: In the Name of Allah with Whose Name nothing can cause harm in the earth and the heaven. And He is All Hearing, All Knowing. (Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Ibne Maiah, Hakim)

The above-mentioned prayers will, in Sha Allah, prevent the evil effects of black-magic and other outside effects. These are measures derived directly from the teaching of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam and, if recited regularly, with sincerity, yaqeen and Trust in Allah, then one will never complain of evil-effects.

REMEDY FOR ILLNESSES

Regular recitation of the above-mentioned is also effective in removing evil effects. Along with these azkar, turn to Allah, repent sincerely and beseech Him. After all, it is He Only that brings cure to every illness and solution to every problem. The following du’a are also effective for cure:

Allaahumma rabban naas, azhibil ba’s, ishfi antas shaafi, laa shifaa’a illaa shifaa’uk, shifaa’an laa yughaadiru suqman

Translation: 0 Allah 0 the Lord Of the people! Remove the pain. Grant cure, You are the Curer. There is no cure except Your Cure. Grant such a cure that leaves no sickness. (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmizi, ibne Majah)

Bismillaahi arqeeka, min kulli shay’in yu’zeeka, wa min sharri kulli nafsin aw ‘aynin haasidin, allaahu yashfeeka, bismillaahi arqeeka.

Translation: In The Name of Allah I make damm (blow) upon you from everything which harms you and from the evil of every person or jealous eye. May Allah grant you cure. In The Name of Allah I make damm (blow) on you. (Muslim, Ibne Majah)

Once again, remember that those people who violate the laws of Allah, cannot be saintly persons. Seek guidance from ulama who are known to you. In sha’Allah, you will not go wrong. May Allah safeguard all Muslims from calamities; may He safeguard their Deen; may He give them the correct understanding of Deen; may He keep them away from every action which is contrary to the teachings of Islam and which brings the Displeasure of Allah.

Ameen.

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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

‘Īd – An Occasion of Happiness

By Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

Allāh ta‘ālā, through His sheer Grace and Mercy only, grants us many moments and days of happiness throughout our lives. When we hear of engagements and weddings, or of the birth of a child, or anticipate the day of ‘Īd, we experience joy in our hearts. Despite all our shortcomings, disobedience and subsequent unworthiness, He does not deprive us of such occasions of happiness. These occasions are unique in the sense that each individual, no matter what condition he is in, experiences happiness to some degree at the mere thought of their arrival. This happiness is from Allāh ta‘ālā alone, as He is the one in whose control lies joy and sorrow. 

One such occasion of happiness is the day of ‘Īd. However, when we entertain the thoughts of happiness that surround ‘Īd, many disobediences run through our minds. As far as the Dīnī aspects surrounding ‘Īd are concerned, only a handful are thought of, and even those, as mere rituals. At most, people will think of certain sunan of ‘Īd and ‘Īd salāh, and on ‘Īd-ul-Adhā the udhiyah (qurbānī). Thereafter, Zuhr, ‘Asr and the remaining salāhs of the day are almost unheard of. Even the Fajr salāh is missed by many especially when the days of ‘Īd fall in the summer months in the UK, because it is too early for them to make an effort to perform it. To perform the five times daily salāh is fard (compulsory) upon each and every believer, whilst the ‘Īd salāh is at most wājib, which, although of great importance, is albeit of a lower degree than fard. Therefore, being punctual in fulfilling a wājib whilst leaving aside a fard, is not the way a Muslim behaves, especially on an occasion of happiness. 

The happiness surrounding ‘Īd-ul-Adhā is based upon the great life of Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām, in which he was tested numerous times by Allāh ta‘ālā, but never once did he waver or falter in his obedience to Him. He was tested during his youth; he was exiled by his father when he had no resources and was in need of his father’s support. But for Allāh ta‘ālā, he left him. Then again he was tested during his old age, when he was commanded to sacrifice his son Ismā‘īl ‘alayhis salām, when he needed him the most. Allāh ta‘ālā says,

“When his Lord put Ibrāhīm to a test with certain Words, and he fulfilled them…” (2:124)

It is this great life that we remember on the days of ‘Īd-ul-Adhā, and we are made to understand by Allāh ta‘ālā that just as My Khalīl Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām, who gave all sacrifices in order to carry out My commands, is being remembered throughout the world by millions of people, year in, year out, and will be remembered in the Hereafter, if you also live your lives according to My commands, I will also grant you honour and dignity both in this world and the Hereafter. 

‘Īd in no way means that we enjoy ourselves as we like, disobeying Allāh ta‘ālā by watching movies, intermingling freely with the opposite gender, consuming harām and generally neglecting our duties as Muslims. We should at all times, especially on this happy day of ‘Īd, purify our hearts from harbouring grudges, jealousy, hatred and ill-feelings towards our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters, which is against the spirit of the way of our beloved Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam.

In contrast, we should have a greater sense of remembering Allāh ta‘ālā: the one who granted us this day of happiness. On the occasion of ‘Īd-ul-Fitr, Imām Abū Hanīfah rahimahullāh would complete the recitation of the entire Qur’ān during the night, and another during the day, after having already completed its recitation 61 times over the month of Ramadān. Our salaf as-sālihīn (pious predecessors) would spend their days of ‘Īd in the obedience of Allāh ta‘ālā and in His remembrance, whereas we spend ours in His disobedience.

We should learn our lesson from the blessed sīrah of Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām not to disobey Allāh ta‘ālā in the slightest, and submit totally to His command at every juncture in our lives, just like he ‘alayhis salām did. If we do this, then we will acquire the proximity of Allāh ta‘ālā and every day of our lives will be a day of ‘Īd; a day of happiness and ecstasy. A person who gains the proximity of Allāh ta‘ālā through obedience to Him experiences such happiness and ecstasy during every moment of his life, that in comparison to it the pleasures of the whole world amount to nothing. Moreover, the truth is that the pleasures we search for in the displeasure of Allāh ta‘ālā are superficial, fake, and hollow. They are nothing but illusions. True pleasure lies in the connection and strength of relationship with Allāh ta‘ālā, in love for the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam, and in following his teachings in all aspects of life. 

It is this pleasure that our pious predecessors would experience. If that wasn’t the case, why would Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām have gone through so much for the sake of Allāh ta‘ālā? Why would Imām Abū Hanīfah rahimahullāh have recited the Qur’ān so much, even on the day of ‘Īd? One of our great predecessors, Mawlānā Fadl-ur-Rahmān Ganjmurādābādī rahimahullāh used to say that whenever he would go into prostration, he would not wish to raise his head again. Such was the feeling of ecstasy in worship and obedience. 

Ibrāhīm ibn Adham rahimahullāh would say, “By Allāh! If the kings were to know the pleasure we are in, they would fight us with swords [to snatch it away from us].”

Abū Sulaymān Ad-Dārānī rahimahullāh would say, “The worshippers of the night in their worship experience more pleasure than those who engage in futility.” 

This was the feeling of ecstasy and pleasure that compelled Bilāl radhiyallāhu ‘anhu to say, “Ahad, ahad (Allāh is One, Allāh is One)” despite being brutally tortured.

This lesson that we learn at the occasion of ‘Īd-ul-Adhā, should be revised each time Allāh ta‘ālā grants us any kind of happiness. At occasions of happiness we should not forget our Compassionate Creator who has granted us the happiness. May Allāh ta‘ālā grant us all the pleasure of His obedience, and keep us steadfast on the creed of Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām and his immense will of submission. Āmīn.

© Riyādul Jannah (Volume 21, Issue 11)

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‘Īd-ul-Adhā

By Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

Ibn ‘Abbās radhiyallāhu ‘anhumā relates that the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said:

“Good deeds performed on other days are not superior to those performed on these (first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).” The companions radhiyallāhu ‘anhum inquired: “Not even jihād?” He replied: “Not even jihād, except for that person who goes out putting himself and his wealth in danger and does not return with anything.” (Al-Bukhārī)

Night of ‘Īd

The nights of both ‘Īds are described in the hadīth as amongst the great and sacred nights in the Muslim calendar. To remain awake on the nights of ‘Īd and perform ‘ibādah is a source of great virtue and reward.

Mu’ādh ibn Jabal radhiyallāhu ‘anhu relates that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said:

“Jannah is wājib (incumbent) for those who stay awake with the intention of making ‘ibādah on the following nights: 8th & 9th, the night of ‘Īd-ul-Adhā (10th of Dhul Hijjah), the night of ‘Īd-ul-Fitr and the night of the 15th of Sha’bān.” (At-Targhīb)

Udhiyah (Qurbānī)

Udhiyah is a practice commanded by Allāh ta‘ālā:

“….so turn in prayer towards your Lord and sacrifice (animals).” (108:2)

‘Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā said:

“There is nothing more dearer to Allāh during the days of Udhiyah than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgement with its horns, hair and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allāh before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open heart.” (At-Tirmidhī, Ibn Mājāh)

Sunnahs on the day of ‘Īd-ul-Adhā

1. To rise early.

2. To clean the teeth with miswāk.

3. To have a masnūn bath.

4. To dress in one’s best garments in an Islāmic manner.

5. To use ‘itr.

6. To avoid eating before ‘Īd salāh.

7. To go early for ‘Īd salāh.

8. To go walking for ‘Īd salāh.

9. To read the Takbīrāt of Tashrīq in a loud voice while going for ‘Īd salāh.

Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Lā ilāha illallāhu wallāhu Akbar,
Allāhu Akbar, Walil lāhil hamd.

10.To use different routes to and from the place of ‘Īd salāh.

11.To eat the meat of Udhiyah (sacrifice) of one’s own offering, after the ‘Īd-ul-Adhā salāh.

Mas’alah: It is harām to fast on the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th Dhul Hijjah, (i.e. ‘Īd day and three days after) and the day of ‘Īd-ul-Fitr.

The Method of ‘Īd Salāh 

1. Make niyyah of performing two raka’āt wājib of ‘Īd-ul-Adhā behind the imām with six wājib takbīr.

2. The first takbīr in the first raka’at is the takbīr tahrīmah which is followed by three wājib takbīr. Raise your hands to the ears in all four takbīr (saying the takbīr). However, after the first takbīr fold the hands under the naval and read thanā (subhānakallāhumma…). Thereafter, in the following two takbīr raise the hands up to the ears and drop them on the sides and after the fourth takbīr fold again.

3. The imām will recite the Sūrah Al-Fātihah and another sūrah and go into rukū‘ and sajdah etc. as usual.

4. In the second rak‘at, after the recitation and before rukū‘ another three takbīr will be called. In all three takbīr raise the hands to the ears and drop them on the sides and go into rukū‘ when the fourth takbīr is called.

Note: Four takbīr are said together in each rak‘at; at the beginning of the first rak‘at and before going into rukū‘ in the second rak‘at. The easy method of remembering when to drop the hands and when to fold is mentioned hereunder:

(a) Remember the following words: fold, drop, drop, fold, for the first rak‘at; drop, drop, drop, rukū‘, for the second rak‘at.

(b) or keep the following general rule in mind: when there is something to be recited after a takbīr, the hands should be folded and when nothing is to be recited the hands are to be dropped to the sides.

Mas’alah: it is makrūh to offer any salāh, in the masjid where the ‘Īd salāh is to be performed, before or after the ‘Īd salāh. Hence, we should not perform nafl salāh such as Ishrāq on ‘Īd day.

Mas’alah: It is also makrūh to perform any salāh at home before the ‘Īd salāh, but it is not makrūh after salāh.

Mas’alah: If anyone missed the ‘Īd salāh then he cannot offer it individually.

Mas’alah: Khutbah after the ‘Īd salāh is sunnah. However, the listening of the khutbah is wājib.

Mas’alah: It is wājib to say the Takbīr of Tashrīq after the ‘Īd-ul-Adhā salāh, according to some ‘ulamā; therefore one should recite it after the salāh.

Mas’alah: If anyone joins the ‘Īd salāh after the imām has said the three takbīr in the first rak‘at he should say his three takbīr immediately. If he joins while the imām is in rukū‘, then if he feels and has strong hope that he will say three takbīr and join the imām in rukū‘ then he should complete the takbīr before going into rukū‘. Otherwise he should join the imām in rukū‘ and say the three takbīr instead of the tasbīh of rukū‘.

Note: Whilst saying the takbīr in rukū‘, he should not raise his hands.

Note: If the imām rises from rukū‘ before his takbīr are completed, he should also rise with the imām and his takbīr will be remitted for him.

Mas’alah: If anyone missed the first rak‘at and joined the imām in the second rak‘at he should say the three takbīr of the the first rak‘at after the recitation when he gets up to complete the missed rak‘at.

Mas’alah: If anyone joined the imām in the second rak‘at after rukū‘, then he should perform two raka‘āt as mentioned above.

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Solar Eclipse 2015


27th Jumādal Ulā 1436 AH ~ Tuesday 17th March 2015 

SOLAR ECLIPSE

by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

Abū Bakrah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu relates: “We were with Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam when the sun eclipsed. The Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam stood up dragging his cloak1 till he entered the masjid. We also entered. He sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam led us in a two raka’āt salāh till the eclipse cleared. Then the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, ‘The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of anyone’s death.2 So whenever you see these (eclipses), perform salāh and make du’ā until the eclipse is cleared.’” (Al-Bukhārī)

1 This indicated urgency.

2  Prior to the advent of Islām, it was a widely held belief in Arab society that eclipse would occur upon the death of a great personality. The Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam had a son named Ibrāhīm radhiyallāhu ‘anhu who passed away in infancy, on the same day as a solar eclipse. The Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam dispelled this false notion.

WHAT TO DO AT THE TIME OF SOLAR ECLIPSE

…So whenever you see these (eclipses), offer salāh and make du‘ā till the eclipse has cleared. (Al-Bukhārī)

…So when you see the eclipse, make du’ā to Allāh and say takbīr, perform salāh and give sadaqah… (Al-Bukhārī)

…He (the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) went to the Masjid (on the occasion of solar eclipse) and offered the salāh with the longest qiyām, rukū‘ and sujūd that I had ever seen him doing. (Al-Bukhārī)

From the ahādīth above we learn that we should engage in:

1) salāh;         

2) du‘ā;           

3) rememberance of Allāh ta‘ālā; and

4) spend in causes that bring the Pleasure of Allāh ta‘ālā.

It is sunnah to perform two raka’āt salāh with congregation which is to be led by the imām of jumu‘ah salāh or any imām of the masjid. It is sunnah to perform this salāh with qiyām, rukū‘ and sujūd that are long.

After the salāh the congregation should engage in du‘ā which should last until the eclipse clears.

Mas’alah: Adhān or iqāmah will not be called for this salāh. Announcements can be made to gather the people.

Mas’alah: If whilst engaged in du‘ā the time for a fard salāh commences, then du‘ā should be concluded and fard salāh should be performed.

During such occasions we must not remain neglectful. Many people are more keen to witness the eclipse, rather than following the teachings of our beloved Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam. 

May Allāh ta‘ālā grant us the tawfīq to turn to Him during such moments in light of the teachings of our Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam.  


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Annual Youth Conference 2015 – Synopsis

بِسْم الله الرحمن الرحيم

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All praise is due to Allah, the all-knowing, the all-seeing and we beseech Allah to send His noblest blessings on the Seal of the Prophets, Our Master and Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaho Alayhi Wasallam).

Dear respected Brothers and Sisters,

Please see below a synopsis of the conference I attended, Sunday 8 March 2015. Alhumdu Lillah, there were hundreds, rather thousands of brothers who attended from all across the country. Nice to see so many brothers under one roof, seeking knowledge of Deen. Amazingly organised and orchestrated by each and every volunteer at the Islamic Da’wah Academy, once again – Ma Sha Allah!

A reminder for those who attended.

A backup for those who missed it.
Mawlānā Yasir Saheb, AlRahma Academy, Chorley.

Mawlana started by saying how Islam has taught us everything, from going to the toilet to running a government. Islam has the answers. He narrated the story of how a Jewish man once sarcastically asked Salman Farsi (Radhi Allahu Anho), “Is it true your Prophet teaches you how to go to the toilet?” He replied, “Yes, our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has taught us everything. Even how to relieve ourselves. Not to use our right hand. Not to use bones to clean ourselves.” Islam covers all aspects of life.

The religion of Allah is being portrayed as barbaric and violent. A religion of terror! Whereas the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) was most-compassionate & gentle & merciful. The most blessed person to walk on the face of the earth.

But who is to blame?

The inflammatory media?

For how they portray Islam, magnifying certain individuals and groups. And tarnishing all Muslims with same brush. But the Muslims themselves are also to blame, for their conduct, for their ill-character. We really are not presenting Islam the way it should be presented.

Allah says, “It is due to the mercy from Allah you (O Muhammad) were gentle with them. Had you been harsh or hard-hearted they would have disperse from your company.” (Surah Ale Imran) If we want to attract people to Islam, we need to adopt the same characteristics and values; being gentle and merciful. Look at our Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam), how each of his companions (Radhi Allahu Anhum) felt the most closest to him. Simply because he treated  each one equally and fairly. How do we treat people?

The Prophet’s (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) mercy was not constricted to the Muslims or one nation: “We have sent you as a mercy to the worlds.”

Tufayl ibn Amr alDawsi (Radhi Allahu Anhu) was sent to the tribe of alDaws, to teach them and invite them to Islam. They ignored the message. He returned to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and said, “Pray against them, for they have ignored the message!” The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) raised his hands, “O Allah guide alDaws. And bring them to us.”

Similarly in Uhud, the Prophet’s (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) face was bleeding. If there were a time when He (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)  would have made Dua against anyone, it would have been in the battle of Uhud. But despite all of this, He (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) raised his hands, “O Allah forgive my people, for they do not know.”

We need to adopt this example of mercy and compassion. We must be conservative of how we deal with people. Allah on the Day of Judgement will be very lenient in His rights, but strict in the rights of others.

Mawlana then continued with a story of a man, who reached his death. When angel of death came to him, he asked him if he had done any good actions. He said I have nothing! The angel said think carefully, think of anything. He said actually there is one thing, I used to be a tradesman. If people came to me and they wanted more time, I would grant it to them. This man was forgiven for this one deed.

Allah grant us love, mercy and compassion to deal with his creation. Ameen.
Mawlānā Farhan Saheb, London

There are many reasons for the corruption and destruction of the Ummah: Allah says, “Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness].” (30:41) Every time we sin, we are disobeying Allah collectively. We are placing a black dot on our hearts, and for every sin our hearts are getting darker and darker. The more we sin, we are distancing ourselves from Allah.

Let us look into ourselves, you look into your life and I will look into mine. We will find some of us have become so immodest, we sin in the open; in school, or college or at work. We sin in front of our parents, friends, colleagues and even your local Imam! Then there are some of us who wear Islamic attire, have a religious look, but we sin when nobody is around. When everyone is away, when we are alone, we think nobody is watching, we sin. But, Allah is watching – He always is. We need to inculcate Taqwa (fear of Allah) in our hearts.

If we do not fear Allah, let us look at how Allah dealt with previous nations:

“So each We seized for his sin; and among them were those upon whom We sent a storm of stones, and among them were those who were seized by the blast [from the sky], and among them were those whom We caused the earth to swallow, and among them were those whom We drowned. And Allah would not have wronged them, but it was they who were wronging themselves.” (29:40)

Once the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) heard that his companions have become relaxed and enjoying themselves a bit too much. He informed them, “Informed them if you knew what I knew, you would laugh little and cry more often.”

Mawlana then recited:

“O mankind, fear your Lord. Indeed, the convulsion of the [final] Hour is a terrible thing. On the Day you see it every nursing mother will be distracted from that [child] she was nursing, and every pregnant woman will abort her pregnancy, and you will see the people [appearing] intoxicated while they are not intoxicated; but the punishment of Allah is severe.” (22:1-2)

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “We will sweat so much, 70 yards we will drown in our own sweat.” He (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) also said, “The man with the least amount of punishment on Qiyamah will be a man, who has two pieces of coal from Jahannam from under his feet. This will cause his brain to boil. He will think nobody has punishment worse than him.”

Do we feel safe and secure from Allah’s wrath despite sinning abundantly? “Do the people of the city feel that the punishment of Allah will not come on them at night whilst they are sleeping.” Surah Anfal

Les us stop sinning! If we are fornicating with someone’s sister, tomorrow someone will fornicate with your sister. If we are messing around with someone’s daughter, someone will do the same to your daughter. If you steal from someone, someone will steal from you.
Don’t think Allah is unaware. Hadith informs us: “Allah gives respite to a Dhalim. But when he grips him/her they won’t be let off!” Shaytan encourages us to continue sinning, and shows us there is no harm in sinning.

Mawlana ended saying how youngsters look of to Umar ibn al-Khattab (Radhi Allaho Anho). Because of his dynamic and charismatic character. Even youngsters who are not on the deen, look up to Umar (Radhi Allaho Anho).

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) told us if there were to be a Prophet after him it would have been Umar RA. From the sayings of Umar (Radhi Allaho Anho) is: “If Allah sends everyone to Hell on Qiyamah, except one person, I fear it will be me!”

Hadhrat Shaykh Mawlana Muhammad Saleem Dhorat Saheb (Hafidhahu Allah) 

Allah Ta’ala through his grace and mercy has granted us all the opportunity once again to participate in this 22nd Annual Youth Conference. Allah grant us acceptance, make it a means of hidayah and soul purification, and everlasting salvation in the hereafter. Ameen.

Rasoolullah (Sallallhu Alayhi Wasallam) gives 3 very important instructions:

1. Tie the bond of kinship with those who break this tie.
2. Forgive those who oppress us
3. Be good to those who are bad to us.

Be good to those relative/kin who don’t behave correctly with you.
Good to near and distance relatives – very important command of Shariah.

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “The one who does not stay in good terms with his relatives will not enter Jannah.” (Even if he departs with Iman) he will not enter Jannah, without going into the fire of Jahannam first)

When The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) received first revelation. He came to Khadija (Radhi Allahu Anha). He didn’t doubt that he was made a Prophet, but he was very humble so he felt that there was a possibility that he would not be able to carry out the responsibility.
He (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “I fear over myself. I might not be able to fulfil the responsibility.” So if a person can’t fulfil responsibility then the mission is a failure and results in disgrace.

Khadijah (Radhi Allahu Anha) said, “Allah will Never disgrace you!”

Why?
Because you have 5 qualities.
Whoever has these will not be disgraced.

1. You tie the bond of kinship. (Your are kind to them. Look after their well being).
2. Take the responsibility of those people who are burdensome. (Mentally/physically handicapped. Those who are seen as burdensome by the community and even their own families).
3. You look after and help the poor.
4. Hospitable to guest.
5. Anyone you see suffering you are ready to help them.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) remained silent. His remaining silent is affirmation that whoever has these 5 qualities he will not be disgraced.

Nowadays friends are more important than relatives. Those people are important to us who’s company we enjoy. Friend circle keeps changing.
Why?
Because where ever we realise he is more fun than him we change friends. So we have no friends and no-one is our friend. We are selfish. We are looking for enjoyment.

Those people who are friends for real, their friendship stays until death, Qiyaamah and in Jannat.

Friends will become the enemy of a friend in the court of Allah Ta’ala except for those friends whose friendship was based on Taqwa,

– For the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.
– Friendship based on deen.

–  Friendship for character

It is not WHAT you do, it is WHY you do it!

So, if you love someone it should be for his knowledge, his character, his morals and his deen. And if you hate someone, it should be because he is a dhalim or disunites the community.

Hadeeth: One who loves for the please of Allah and hates for the pleasure of Allah who gives for the pleasure of Allah and who prevents for the pleasure of Allah then his Iman is complete. Those people who love each other for the sake of Allah Ta’ala will be granted the shade of the throne of Allah Ta’ala.

Allah Ta’ala will announce: “Where are those who use to love each other for my sake?”

Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
From the people of the past. A person left his town (from Banu Israeel) to visit his friend in another town. Allah Ta’ala sent and angel to ask this person. Where are you going?
I am going to visit my friend.
Are you visiting him because you are in need?
No
Are you visiting him because he done you a favour?
No
So why?
Only because I love him for the sake of Allah Ta’ala.

The Angel said, I have a message from Allah Ta’ala. I love you just as you love that person .

Let us not look at colour, race, background, wealth but let us love for the sake of Allah Ta’ala.

In the time of Umar Radhiyallahu Anhu. He was sitting in a room. First Abu Sufyan (Radhi Allaho Anho) entered – Father-in-law of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam), who was the leader of the Quraysh after Abu Jahl. Umar (Radhi Allaho Anho) looked up and carried on what he was doing.
Next Umar (Radhi Allaho Anho) looked up, Bilal (Radhi Allaho Anho) entered. No status as family lineage, non-Arab but Umar (Radhi Allaho Anho) said make way for Bilal.
He used to say I have 2 masters, Abu Bakr (Radhi Allaho Anho) our master – who freed our master Bilal (Radhi Allaho Anho).

Equality and Justice is a teaching of our religion.

Let us look at the Conquest of Makkah. After 8 years of exile. In this day of glory who is sitting on his camel. Entering Makkah as a liberator. head lowered. He had with him 10-14,000 companions (Radhi Allaho Anhum) he was constantly praising Allah:

“There is no God but Allah – the Alone, He has no partner.”

“It is only Him, who helped His slaves.”

“It is only Him, who fulfilled the promise.”

“It is only Him, who defeated the coalition.”

What was amazing, was the person sat on the camel, behind him; not Abu Bakr (Radhi Allaho Anho), nor Umar (Radhi Allaho Anho), nor Hasan (Radhi Allaho Anho) or Husayn (Radhi Allaho Anho), it was Usamah son of Zaid (Radhi Allaho Anho) (freed slave). He (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said, “O Usamah! You are one of the most beloved to me and your father was one of the most beloved ones to me.”

The first Salah after the conquest of Makkah. “Where is Bilal? Climb the Kabah and call out the first Adhan after conquest of Makkah.”

One of the people of Makkah said, “My father is lucky to have died to not see this dark day. One said could Muhammad not find a better person that this black crow.”

Jibraeel came with wahy:
“O people, we have created you from one male and female, and we have made you into tribes and different families so that you are able to recognise each other. The most honourable amongst you is the one who has the most Taqwa.” Surah Hujurat

It is not your beauty or your wealth that counts, it is the Taqwa in your heart. Bilal (Radhi Allaho Anho) had this Taqwa – so it elevated him.

The one who does good to those who are good and doesn’t do good those to those who are not good is not a reconciler. The one who when his relatives misbehave with him he does good to them is the real reconciler.

Tie the bond of kinship even if your not at fault for the sake of Allah Ta’ala.
• Salaam
• Send gifts
• Help them

The closest of kin are parents, above relatives. What does everyone want in life?  Long life and lot of money.  One who desires he has a long life and a lot of wealth he should tie kinship.

2nd command.
Forgive that person who wrongs you –  This is a very courageous action.

“The person who practices patience (when trouble when innocent) and also forgives, this is a action that requires a lot of courage.”

What did (Yusuf Alayhis Salam) say to his brothers?
“There’s is no blame upon you. May Allah forgive you.” ( He also made dua for them)

When he met his father he made an excuse for his brothers. “Allah has united us after shaytaan put enmity between us.”

Conquest of Makkah- He (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam forgave Abu sufyan (Radhiy Allahu Anho) but also honoured him. “Who ever enters the house of Abu Sufyan is forgiven.”

PRINCIPLE:
‘We should never do anything that we have say sorry to Allah or his creation, and if we do make a mistake don’t hesitate in asking for forgiveness’.

Saying sorry is not enough, until the person hasn’t forgiven us. If anyone from the creation makes a mistake then without him asking we should forgive him.
“And forgive, do you not wish that Allah Ta’ala forgives you?”

Who ever swallows his anger when he has the ability to punish the wrong doer. Allah Ta’ala  will call him in the stage of the whole audience and say from all these hūrs choose which you desire.

A person does not swallow something which is more beloved in the eyes of Allah Ta’ala, than the swallow of anger.

Moosa (Alayhis Salam) Asked: “O Allah! Who is the most honourable in your eyes?”

“The one who forgives when he has the upper hand.”

Conquest of Makkah Rasoolullah (Sallalahu Alayhi wa sallam) asked: What do you expect from me? They said you are a noble brother and the son of a noble brother. Rasoolullah Sallalahu alayhi wasallam said what Yusuf Alayhi Salam said. “There is no blame on you, may Allah Ta’ala forgive you.”

Nowadays we hear people say: I will never forgive you! I will see you in the day of judgement.
We should think do we not make mistakes? Will people not ask from us on Qiyamah?

There is a saying in Arabic:
ان قلت لى واحدة  تسمع مني عشرة
The basic translation of which is, of you say one (bad) thing to me. You will get ten in return. Shaykh Saheb said, we should be such if we hear 10 bad things from someone. We don’t say ONE in reply!

Be good to the person who is bad to you. Shaykh Shibli some people opposed him, he went out for a walk. He was in a state of anxiety and fatigue. Reclined against a date-palm, Allah gave him a miracle – karamah. The date-palm spoke to him,  “O Shibli! Become like me, people throw stones at me and I throw fruit at them.”

Conclusion:
1. Tie the bond of kinship
2. Forgive those who oppress us
(Forgive everyone even without them asking)
3. Be good to those who are bad to us.
If you do this your heart will be at rest In Sha Allah.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the ability to practise on this.
Ameen.

May Allah grant Shaykh Saleem Saheb a long life, accept his efforts, grant him perseverance and may we all benefit from such luminaries. Ameen Ya Rabb!

Further info/talks/lit: http://idauk.org/

Ismail Ibn Nazir Satia

23 Jumadal Awwal 1436

 
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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

Why Earthquakes Occur

Having just experienced an earthquake last night in the East Midlands and with similar tremors occurring in other parts of the world recently, we would like to share with you an editorial of the respected Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh which appeared in the monthly journal ‘Riyādul Jannah’ after the earthquake that occurred in February 2008 in the UK.

Why Earthquakes Occur
by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

At 12:56am on 27th February the UK was shaken by an earthquake of a significant enough magnitude to make the headlines. Buildings shuddered, furniture shook, and people were woken from their sleep. By morning, everyone was talking about it.

The largest earthquake to strike the UK in over 25 years was regarded by most people as no more than an exciting incident. Their curiosity was satisfied by scientific explanations, and there their interest ended. They did not see the shaking of the earth beneath their feet as an opportunity to learn valuable lessons.

The question we need to ask is: ‘Why do earthquakes occur?’

We can learn a lot about the world around us by using the ‘aql (intellect) that Allāh ta‘ālā has given us. ‘Aql, however, has its inherent limitations, and as believers we should not remain content with the often incomplete picture of events that it can present. Where ‘aql reaches its limits, wahy (Revelation) takes over. As Muslims, we should turn to the teachings of our beloved Nabī Muhammad sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam to understand the significance of the recent earthquake.

Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has declared the cause of earthquakes to be disobedience to Allāh ta‘ālā exceeding limits. Whatever the scientific explanation may be – and there is no need to reject or ignore scientific explanations – Allāh ta‘ālā made the earth shake. Allāh ta‘ālā uses physical agencies to bring about physical events in the universe, e.g. a child is born as a result of the union of its parents, yet Allāh ta‘ālā is the Originator; He gives children via the agency of the parents. Allāh ta‘ālā may cause an earthquake to occur through the means of huge stresses building up at fault lines in the earth’s crust or, if he wishes, without it. But, in either case, it is Allāh ta‘ālā Who causes earthquakes.

Allāh ta‘ālā first causes small earthquakes, like the 5.2 quake felt in the UK, which do not result in any major harm. They do, however, affect the hearts of people, causing a moment of fear, awe and a sense of one’s mortality. These minor earthquakes can be described as wake-up calls from Allāh ta‘ālā, inviting His servants to take stock of their lives and turn to Him in repentance. In this way, they are a mercy from Him. It is reported that on the occasion of an earthquake occurring in the time of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam he turned to the Sahābah radhiyallāhu ‘anhum and said: ‘Your Rabb wants you to turn to Him in repentance, so repent.’

Allāh ta‘ālā states in the Glorious Qur’ān:
Calamities have appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned, that Allāh may make them taste a part of what they have done, in order that they may turn back. (30:41)

When people do not heed these warnings and continue to disobey Allāh ta‘ālā, He may repeat the wake-up calls of magnitude 4 or 5 before suddenly unleashing a magnitude 8 quake, resulting in Qiyāmah-like scenes. Whole localities are razed to the ground, as if they had never existed. And these things are not hypothetical, they are happening now, in our lifetime.

Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam foretold that as Qiyāmah nears, earthquakes will become more frequent, a prediction we are seeing come true with our very eyes. The reason for the increase in earthquakes foretold by Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam is an increase in disobedience to Allāh ta‘ālā.

When, as a result of excessive disobedience, a large earthquake occurs anywhere, the Qur’ānic principle is that everyone, good and bad, is afflicted.
And beware of a scourge that will not afflict the wrongdoers among you only… (8:25)
Everyone suffers: people die or suffer bereavement, injury, fear, financial loss, anxiety and depression etc. The victims of a catastrophic earthquake can be divided into four groups:

1. Good people who die. They are classified as shuhadā (martyrs) and will enter Jannah. Their suffering will be a means of elevating their status in Jannah.

2. Bad people who die. Due to their disobedient and unrepentant ways they will be destined for Jahannam. Their suffering will be a punishment.

3. Good people who survive. The calamity is a test for them. By remaining patient and content with taqdīr and the Will of Allāh ta‘ālā they will be rewarded with closeness to Him.

4. Bad people who survive. The calamity is a warning and admonition for them to repent and change their ways.
What we need to do

1. Accept that the earthquake was a result of disobedience to Allāh ta‘ālā. Each individual should think: ‘Out of all the disobedient people, I am top of the list. It was because of me that the earthquake struck.’

2. Thereafter, make tawbah and istighfār with sincerity.

3. When the earth quakes, so does the heart. Treat it as an opportunity to rectify your life. Make use of the fear that developed in your heart. Think: ‘I commit many sins; what if the earth had split and swallowed me up? Allāh ta‘ālā has saved me. O Allāh, forgive me.’

4. Give sadaqah. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said:
‘Truly, sadaqah extinguishes the anger of the Rabb and prevents an evil death.’ (At-Tirmidhī)

5. Having experienced the disturbing effects of a small earthquake, try to imagine Qiyāmah. What will the mighty earthquakes of Qiyāmah and the Resurrection be like?
It is very serious that the land we live on shook; it means that so much disobedience is taking place on it that Allāh ta‘ālā is displeased. We must turn to Allāh ta‘ālā and do tawbah, istighfār and rectify our lives. We should also have concern in this regard for those around us. May Allāh ta‘ālā make this earthquake a mercy for us and may it prompt us to change our lives for the better. Āmīn.
© Riyādul Jannah

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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

Du’a – A Great Gift

by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

As believers, we all have a deep yearning to attach ourselves to our Merciful and Gracious Creator. Even the sinful aspire to do something that will please their Master and bring them closer to Him. Out of His sheer Grace and Mercy, Allāh ta‘ālā has created many ways for us to acquire this closeness. One of these is du‘ā.
Du‘ā holds special significance among the many important and spiritually uplifting forms of worship we have been bestowed with. It is an act extremely liked by Allāh ta‘ālā as it represents the height of humbleness and submission to the Creator. It is for this reason it has been termed the “essence of ‘ibādah” and even simply “ ‘ibādah”. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam states:

Du‘ā is the essence of ‘ibādah. (At-Tirmidhī)

Du‘ā is ‘ibādah. (At-Tirmidhī)

Du‘ā is so important that Allāh ta‘ālā becomes displeased when His bondsman neglects it. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam states:

Allāh becomes angry with the person who does not ask from Him. (At-Tirmidhī)

By making du‘ā, we create a special connection with Allāh ta‘ālā whereby love for Him increases, faith in Him strengthens and the doors of boundless mercy are opened for us. If we do not ask from our Creator, we will never be able to create that special relationship.

Take the example of two people, one who is poor and needy and the other who is wealthy and eager to find opportunities to assist the needy. If the poor man were never to ask the rich man for assistance, he would never develop any relationship with him. However, by asking for assistance, a degree of recognition is created. If, at every time of need, he asked the rich person for help, and the rich person gave, then this would surely create love for the rich man in the poor man’s heart. Similarly, witnessing the helplessness and neediness of the poor man, mercy would increase in the heart of the rich man, and he would regard this needy person instrumental in gaining the Pleasure of the Creator. He would advise the poor man not to be hesitant in asking him for help whenever the need arises. Soon the relationship would become such that the rich man would not wait for the poor man to ask, but would bestow his generosity upon him even before that. This is just an example of how mere mortals would behave; the Mercy and Grace of Allāh ta‘ālā are beyond imagination!

Remember, du‘ā is the weapon of the believer. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said:

Verily, du‘ā is beneficial against that (affliction) which has descended as well as that which has not [yet] descended; so hold fast, O bondsmen of Allāh, to du‘ā. (At-Tirmidhī)

So we should always remain steadfast with du‘ā. Holding fast to the following points will inshā’allāh help in this regard:

1. We need to create a habit of asking Allāh ta‘ālā for all our needs in every situation. Whether a matter is big or small, difficult or easy, we should turn to Allāh ta‘ālā. Our attitude should be that even in circumstances where we are fully confident of success, du‘ā is still our first step. Even for trivial everyday needs we need to adopt the habit of turning to Allāh ta‘ālā. Our first recourse should be du‘ā and thereafter asbāb (means). Unfortunately, our approach is to turn to asbāb first and then to du‘ā, or more precisely, when the asbāb do not deliver the desired result we turn to du‘ā. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has advised us that even if the strap of a sandal breaks, we should ask Allāh ta‘ālā first before going about getting it repaired. (At-Tirmidhī)

2. Make it a practice to say a short du‘ā after every good deed, whether you are in need or not. In reality we are always in need, but sometimes we get the impression that we have no needs. Our circumstances all look favourable; we are healthy, we have sufficient finances, we have security, our children are obedient, etc. The question is: Can we be sure that these circumstances will remain same? We also need to think a little deeper: is my death on Īmān guaranteed? What about the stages of the grave? How will I fare on the Day of Resurrection? In reality, we are always in need and so should always adopt the habit of making du‘ā, even for a short while, after every good deed. If we are short of time, then there are some very concise yet comprehensive supplications which we can make at such moments, e.g.

3. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has taught us many beautiful supplications for various occasions that are amazing in their precision, conciseness, depth of meaning and appropriateness to the occasion. Contemplating their meanings increases one’s faith and love for Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam. This is such a great favour of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam upon us that we can never repay even if we were to spend our entire lives sending salutations upon him.

Prior to my recent operation, I thought it opportune to request my akābir (elders) to make du‘ā for me. Amongst those who are especially affectionate to me is my respected Shaykh, Hadrat Mawlānā Qamaruz-Zamān sāhib hafizahullāh. During our conversation, only moments before the operation, Hadrat advised me to recite one of the supplications of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam that Hadrat Shāh Wasīyullāh sahib rahimahumallāh used to frequently read.

O Allāh, I ask You for a pure life and a peaceful death and a return that is neither disgraceful nor dishonourable.

Although, this supplication is of a general nature and not stipulated for this particular situation, however, whilst pondering over the meaning of this du‘ā, I felt as if it was especially devised for the very situation I was in. All supplications of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam are priceless gems, if only we were to value them. We should learn them and make them part of our daily lives. This will also help us maintain the remembrance of Allāh ta‘ālā throughout the day.

4. There are also many supplications of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam that are not specific to any occasion. Our mashāyikh have gone to great lengths to compile these in book form so that we can benefit from them. We should make it a practice to read these compilations so that we can reap their benefits in both worlds.

Two famous compilations are Al-Hizb Al-A‘zam and Munājāt-e-Maqbūl. It is best if we can read both daily, otherwise at least one. If this is also difficult then at the least the abridged version of Al-Hizb Al-A‘zam should be read. Similarly, Allāh ta‘ālā granted me the tawfīq to compile those supplications in which Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam sought refuge from certain things. This compilation, called Al-Mu‘awwadhāt, will also bring great benefit if included in one’s daily practices. Istighfār is also a form du‘ā. I was also granted the tawfīq to compile the phrases of istighfār from the Qur’ān in a small booklet, and this will also be of great benefit as part of one’s daily practices.

Let us hold fast to du‘ā. It is a priceless gift and powerful tool granted to us by Allāh ta‘ālā and we should recognise it as such. We should not regard the great gift of du‘ā as a burdensome ritual carried out without any real interest or understanding of its importance.

Courtesy Riyādul Jannah