Categories
Spirituality

Jumu’ah: The Weekly Eid

jumuah

Praise be to Allah.

O Allah! Bestow Your special blessings and peace upon the source of divine providence, the adornment of the Day of Resurrection, the treasure of guidance, the decoration of the outfit, the groom of the kingdom, the tongue of the evidence, the intercessor of the Ummah, the leader of the presence, the prophet of mercy, our master, Muhammad (ﷺ).

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) once clarified concerning the earth’s history:

God created clay on Saturday, mountains on Sunday, trees on Monday, things entailing labour on Tuesday, and light on Wednesday. He caused animals to spread on Thursday and created Adam after Asr on Friday, the last creation at the last hour [of creation]. (Sahih Muslim, # 1300)

There is no doubt that Friday is an “Eid” or “festival” for the Muslims, as it says in the hadeeth narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “This is a day of ‘Eid that Allah has ordained for the Muslims, so whoever comes to Jumu‘ah, let him do ghusl, and if he has any perfume let him put some on, and you should use the miswak.” Narrated by Ibn Majah, 1098. Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said, describing the special virtues of Friday: Thirteen: It is a day of ‘Eid that is repeated every week. Zaad al-Ma‘aad, 1/369

Thus the Muslims have three Eids: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which come once every year, and Jumu‘ah which is repeated once every week. Rasulullah (ﷺ) said: “Friday is the best of days. It was on this day that  Adam alayhis salaam was created, it was on this day that he was granted entry into jannah, it was on this day that he was removed from Jannah (which became the cause for man’s existence in this universe, and which is a great blessing), and the day of resurrection will also take place on this day.” (Sahih Muslim)

In olden times, the roads and alleys used to be extremely busy in the mornings and at Fajr time. All the people used to go so early to the Jaame musjid and there used to be such a large crowd that it used to look like the days of Eid . Later, when this habit was given up, people began saying that this is the first innovation in Islam. After writing this, Imam Ghazali rahmatullahialayh says: “Aren’t the Muslims ashamed of themselves that the Jews and Christians go so early in the morning to their synagogues and churches on Saturdays and Sundays. Those who are businessmen go so early to the bazaars in order to do their buying and selling. Why don’t the Muslims do the same?” The reality of the situation is that the Muslims have totally reduced the value of this blessed day. They do not even know what day this is, and what a high status it has. How sad it is that the day which was more valuable than eid in the eyes of Muslims of the past, which Rasulullah (ﷺ) was proud of and the day which was not granted to the previous nations has become so dishonoured at the hands of Muslims today and it is such a great ingratitude to the favour of Allah Ta’ala that the consequence of all this can be seen with our very eyes.”

Many Ahadeeth have been narrated from the Prophet (ﷺ) which explain the virtues of Jumu’ah prayer. For example:

1 – Muslim (233) narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The five daily prayers, and from one Jumu’ah to the next, are an expiation for whatever sins come in between, so long as one does not commit any major sin.” 

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever does ghusl then comes to Jumu’ah, and prays as much as Allah decrees for him, then listens attentively until the khutbah is over, then prays with him (the imam), will be forgiven for (his sins) between that and the next Jumu’ah and three more days.” Narrated by Muslim, 857

Imam Nawawi RH said: The scholars said that what is meant by his being forgiven between the two Jumu’ahs and three more days is that a good deed is worth ten like it, so he will be rewarded with ten Hasanahs (rewards) for each of the good deeds that he did on Friday. Some of our companions said: what is meant by what is between the two Jumu’ahs is from Jumu’ah prayer and the khutbah until the same time on the following Friday, so that it will be seven days, no more and no less, then three days are added making ten in all.

2 – Coming early to Jumu’ah brings a great reward.

Al-Bukhari (814) and Muslim (850) narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever does ghusl on Friday like ghusl for janabah, then goes to the prayer (in the first hour, i.e., early), it is as if he sacrificed a camel. Whoever goes in the second hour, it is as if he sacrificed a cow; whoever goes in the third hour, it is as if he sacrificed a horned ram; whoever goes in the fourth hour, it is as if he sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour it is as if he offered an egg. When the imam comes out, the angels come to listen to the khutbah.”

3 – If a person walks to Jumu’ah prayer, for every step he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year.

It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws al-Thaqafi that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever does ghusl on Friday and causes (his wife) to do ghusl, and sets out early, and comes close to the imam and listens and keeps quiet, for every step he takes he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year.”  Tirmidhi, 496; Tirmidhi, 410

Ibn al-Qayyim RH said in Zaad al-Ma’aad, 1/285: “Causes (his wife) to do ghusl” means has intercourse with his wife. This is how it was interpreted by Wakee’.

Mawlana Aqil Sahib (Hafidhahullah), who has written the commentary of Abu Dawud (alDurrul Mandhood) states, in all of the books of Hadith, from all of the different virtues (fadhaail), I find the above Hadith easiest to perform and greatest in reward. 

Hafidh ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, after quoting the Ahadeeth which speak of the virtues of Jumu’ah prayer:

What we have quoted, when taken all together, indicates that the expiation of sins from one Friday to the next is subject to all the conditions mentioned above being met, namely doing ghusl, cleaning oneself, putting on perfume, wearing one’s best clothes, walking in a calm and dignified manner, not stepping over people, not pushing between two people, not offending others, praying Nawafil prayers, listening attentively and avoiding idle speech. And Allah knows best.
As Jumu’ah starts after Maghrib on Thursday night, one should take advantage of sending ‏Durood & Salawaat to Rasulullah (SAW) on this night. “On Fridays, send Durood abundantly on me, as it is presented before me.” (Abu Dawud)

Rasulullah (ﷺ) said: “Of all the days, Friday is the most virtuous. It is on this day that the trumpet will be blown. Send abundant durood upon me on Fridays because they are presented to me on that day. ” The Sahabah  radiallahu anhum asked: “O Rasulullah! How will they be presented to you when even your bones will not be present after your death?” Rasulullah (Allah bless him & give him peace) replied: “Allah Ta’ala has made the earth haraam upon the prophets forever . ” (Abu Daud)

Book of Deeds (Nasai and Tibrani) – Imam Mustaghfiri (R.A.) narrates that Rasulullah (ﷺ) said : “Whoever recites 100 times Durood on me daily, 100 of his needs will be fullfilled – 30 worldly needs and 70 pertaining to the Akhirah.”

Tabrani narrates that Rasulullah (ﷺ) said : “My Shafaa’ah ( intercession ) will be for him who recites daily ten times Durood on me during the morning and ten times during the evening.”

Umar Farooq (R.A.) said: “Duas remain suspended between the heaven and the earth. It does not proceed upward as long as Durood on Nabi has not been recited”

FULL ARTICLE ON DUROOD:

The importance of Durood/Salawaat ﷺ

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Anyone of you attending the Friday (prayers) should take a bath.” (Bukhari)

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever recites Ha-Meem (Surah) al-Dukaan on the night before Friday will be forgiven.” 

It was narrated from Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever recites Ha-Meem (Surah) al-Dukhan on the night before Friday or on Friday, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.”  al-Tabarani in al-Mu‘jam al-Kabeer (8/264).

 It was narrated by al-Tirmidhi (2889) The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “He who leaves the Friday prayer (continuously) for three Friday on account of slackness, Allah will print a stamp on his heart.” (Abu Dawud).

It was narrated from ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah that they heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say on the minbar: “Let people stop neglecting Jumu’ah, or Allah will place a seal on their hearts, then they will be among those who are neglectful.” Narrated by Muslim, 865.

“Whoever would like to meet Allah tomorrow as a Muslim, let him regularly attend these five (daily) prayers whenever the call for them is given (that in the mosques), for Allah prescribed for His Prophet the ways of guidance, and they (the prayers) are part of those ways of guidance. I do not think that there is anyone among you who does not have a place where he prays in his house. But if you were to pray in your houses and forsake the Masjids, you would be forsaking the Sunnah of your Prophet (ﷺ), and if you were to forsake the Sunnah of your Prophet you would go astray. There is no Muslim slave who performs Wudu and does it well, then walks to the prayer, but Allah will record one Hasanah (good deed) for each step he takes, or raise’ him one level by it or erase one sin from him. I remember how we used to take short steps, and I remember (a time) when no one stayed behind from the prayer except a hypocrite whose hypocrisy was well known. And I have seen a man coming Supported by two others until he would be made to stand in the row.” (al Nisai)

On this day there is a time when a person’s Lord will answer his du’aa’ – by Allah’s leave. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah mentioned Friday and said: “On this day there is a time when no Muslim stands and prays, asking Allah for something, but Allah will grant him it” – and he gestured with his hands to indicate how short that time is.  Bukhari, 893; Muslim, 852

“Whoever recites Surah kahf on Friday, a Noor will shine for him until the following Friday.” (Nasai, Bayhaqi, Hakim)
This means that Allah will place special light in his/her heart which will guide them towards good throughout the whole week.

Al-Mannaawi RH said: “It is recommended to read it during the day or night of Jumu’ah, as al-Shaafa’i (may Allaah have mercy on him) stated.” (Fayd al-Qadeer, 6/198)

“Whoever recites the opening ten verses of Surah kahf will be protected from the fitnah of Dajjal” (Muslim)

Another Hadith says: “If Dajjal appears before you, recite the last ten verses of Surah kahf, because they will protect you from his fitnah”.

If anyone learns by heart the first ten verses of the Surah al-Kahf, he will be protected from the Dajjal.(Saheeh Muslim)

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever recites three Ayat from the beginning of Al-Kahf he is protected from the turmoil of the Dajjal.” (Tirmidhi).

“If anyone memorizes ten verses from the beginning of Surat al-Kahf, he will be protected from the trial of Dajjal (Antichrist).” Abu Dawud RH said: In this way Hashim al-dastawa’I RH transmitted it from Qatadah RH, but he said: “If anyone memorizes the closing verses of surat al-Kahf.” Shu’bah RH narrated from Qatadah RH the words “from the end of al-Kahf. (Abu Dawud)

Acts to be done:
1: To have Ghusl (Sunnah bath).
2: To use miswaak.
3: To wear clean clothes (preferably white ).
4: To apply Ittar.
5: To proceed early to the masjid.

The earlier a person goes, the more reward he will receive. Rasulullah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “On the day of jumu’ah, the angels stand at the entrance of that musjid in which jumu’ah salaat is to be offered. They write down the name of the person who enters the musjid first, and thereafter the name of the person who follows, and they continue doing this . The person who entered first will receive the reward of sacrificing a camel in the path of Allah, the one who followed him will get the reward of sacrificing a cow, thereafter a chicken, thereafter the reward of giving an egg as charity in the path of Allah. Once the khutbah commences, the angels close the register and begin listening to the khutbah.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

6: To walk to the masjid.
7: To sit near the Imam.
8: Not to walk over the shoulder of people to get to the front.
9: not to indulge in vanities during khutbah.
10: To listen to the khutbah attentively.
11: To recite Durood Shareef abundantly.
12: To recite Surah kahf.
13: To perform Salatul Tasbeeh.
14: To make excessive du’as especially between Asr And Maghrib.

Rasulullah (ﷺ) said: “Friday is the “mother” of all days and the most virtuous in the sight of Allah Ta’ala. In the sight of Allah Ta’ala, it has more greatness than Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. ” (Ibn Majah)

Rasulullah (ﷺ) said: “The Muslim who passes away on the night or during the day of Friday, Allah Ta’ala saves him from the punishment of the grave .” (Tirmidhi)

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

1 Jamadul Akhar 1437

Categories
Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

10 Guidelines for the Day of Jumu’ah

by Hadhrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

Of the many blessings and gifts of Allāh ta‘ālā is the bounty of special seasons and places, during which and where the rewards of good deeds are multiplied to such extents known only to Allāh ta‘ālā. One such moment is the day of Friday, a day greater in virtue than the ‘Īdayn (two days of ‘Īd). It has been narrated that this day is the leader of all days.

Similarly, it is common knowledge that the Noble Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam is the leader of all mankind, hence these two leaders have a great bond, thus on the day of Friday we should pay much attention to the sunnah of the Noble Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam. Keeping this in mind, highlighted below are 10 guidelines that this humble one desires all of his associates to practice, in order to gain maximum benefit from this day:

1)    Send salāt and salām upon the Noble Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam in abundance. On the day of Friday, aim to do so at least 500 times. Thereafter slowly increase this number as you gain steadfastness. Initially, one may recite a short formula of salāt and salām, e.g.

and after becoming steadfast on this, one should gradually begin reciting longer narrations which can be found in the books of salāt and salām.

2)   On the night preceding the day of Friday (Thursday night), recite Sūrah ad-Dhukhān (Sūrah 44, Juz 25). The virtue of its recitation is that a palace is built in Jannah for the reciter.

3)    On the day of Friday, recite Sūrah al-Kahf (Sūrah 18, Juz 15). The virtue being that such a person will be saved from the trials of Dajjāl.  The trial of Dajjāl is the greatest of trials, and if by reciting this Sūrah one is saved from it, then it is hoped that he will most definitely be saved from all other trials which are relatively smaller in comparison to the trial of Dajjāl.

4)    Proceed to the masjid early for the Jumu‘ah salāh. The earlier one reaches the masjid, the more reward has been promised in the ahādīth.

5)    Offer Salah-at-Tasbīh. Its method can be learnt from here.

6)    Before getting up from your place after the ‘Asr salāh, recite 80 times:

7)    Spend the time between ‘Asr and Maghrib salāhs in the masjid, with the intention of Nafl I‘tikāf. It is preferable to spend this time reciting salāt and salām, however there is no harm in engaging in other good deeds, such as reciting the Qur’ān and Dhikr (remembrance of Allāh ta‘ālā).

8)    10-15 minutes before the Maghrib Adhān, engage yourself in du‘ā. It has been narrated that there is a moment every Friday, during which the du‘ā of a believer is certainly accepted. Of the many opinions with regards the specification of this moment, the weightiest opinions are:

a.    It is the period between the Imām sitting on the pulpit and the completion of salāh.

b.    It is the last few moments before sunset.

It has also been the experience of many ‘Ulamā and Mashā’ikh that this moment comes shortly before Maghrib.

9)   On the day of Friday, try to carry out as many good deeds as possible, be they sunnah, nafl or mustahabb.

10)  Totally abstain from all sinful and futile acts. Anything which is neither beneficial in this world nor in the hereafter should be totally abstained from, not only on the day of Friday but rather every day.

Acting upon these ten guidelines, together with acting upon every sunnah, nafl and mustahabb act related to this special day will inshā Allāh help in making our Jumu‘ah a means of great blessings and gaining the love and pleasure of Allāh ta‘ālā. May Allāh ta‘ālā grant us the ability to act upon all the sunnah acts of the Noble Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam.

Categories
Muslim women

Bullying in Islam

bully

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Bullying in Islam

Bullying is against Islam as it entails injustice being done towards an individual by another.  Those that engage in bullying actually have a weak nature and want to compensate for that weakness by trying to be ‘superior’ to others that they deem inferior to themselves.

Bullying is a form of oppression. Islam explicitly forbids all forms of oppression and injustice.  Sayiduna Jabir Bin Abdullah (Radiallahu Anhu( narrates that the Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam) said “Be on your guard against oppression, for oppression is a darkness on the Day of Resurrection.”   (Sahih Muslim)

In a Hadith Qudsi, Allah (SWA) has said: ‘I shall take revenge on the oppressor in this life and the next.  I shall take revenge on someone who saw a person being oppressed and was able to help him but did not help him.’   (Tabraani)

If you are being bullied, especially at school, you should not remain silent but instead inform those who have authority.

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

Islam Says NO to Bullyinghttp://muslimmatters.org/2012/02/24/bullying-islam-everything-in-between/

Noora runs into the house and slams the door behind her.  She bounds up the stairs and her mother hears her bedroom door slam.  She audibly sighs sadly thinking to herself, “She had another bad day at school.  I wish she would talk to me about it.”  Noora curls up on her bed and cries quietly wondering what she did to deserve what she goes through at school everyday.  Sometimes she even finds herself wishing she could just get a physical “beat down” rather than suffer through the daily emotional torment of being teased, ostracized and singled out for abuse.  She feels as though her mother won’t understand what she’s going through and she also doesn’t want to disappoint her by confessing that she just doesn’t know how to handle the bullies.  She feels hopeless and she doesn’t know to whom to turn so she cries quietly in her room, and each day holds in more and more of the torment she faces.

Bullying was once viewed as a necessary rite of passage of childhood, something children simply must endure.  However, bullying is not simply something children will mature out of; rather, bullying can result in serious harm and long-term consequences.  Bullying can take different forms, including[1]:

  • Physical bullying: includes hitting, punching, kicking and other types of physical harm, as well as destruction of a child’s property.
  • Verbal bullying: includes teasing, name-calling, taunting and racial slurs, as well as spreading gossip or malicious rumors.
  • Cyberbullying: includes harassing emails, instant messages and text messages, as well as intimidating or threatening websites, blogs or posts.

Parents often feel completely powerless as they witness their child’s tears day-after-day, as much a part of the afterschool routine as homework.  Bullying has reached a new peak in our society and with tragedies such as the shooting at Columbine, bullying has received a great deal more attention than it used to. With the advent of technology, bullying no longer occurs exclusively within the walls of schools.  Rather, social media has provided another opportunity to bullies who seek to demean others.  Home is no longer a safe haven for victims of bullying; a Facebook status can hurt just as much, if not more, than hearing the typed words spoken aloud.

The Victims of Bullying

Being the victim of bullying can evoke a great deal of shame in children and teens (and in adults as well, since bullying is not an epidemic that exclusively targets children).  Therefore, your child may not confide in you and may go through great pains to hide the fact that s/he is being bullied.  The signs may not be as visible as a black eye; although children are often physically intimidated, bullying can be also be targeted in a way that leaves psychological and emotional bruises.  Some things to keep a lookout for, which may signal that your child is being bullied includes (but is not limited to): damage to personal belongings, unexplained injuries, a decline in academic performance, physical complaints (i.e. stomach aches, headaches, tiredness, etc.), reluctance when going to school or riding the bus, few friends, or a noticeable change in sleeping or eating habits.

There are certain qualities that may make some children more susceptible to bullying.  These include the following characteristics: cautious, sensitive, quiet, withdrawn, shy, anxious, insecure, low self-esteem, unhappy, lack of a close friend, relate better to adults than peers, physically weaker than peers.  Bullying is a cycle, so these characteristics can be just as much a consequence as a partial cause of being victimized.  There is also another subset of people within this bullying cycle who are characterized as bully/victims, who are both bullies and victims of bullying simultaneously.  Bully/victims tend to experience a greater variety of symptomology including both internalized (anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts) and externalized (hyperactivity, rule-breaking) issues[2].

The Bullies

Although the focus of prevention and interventions are often on victims of bullying, it is important to provide support to bullies as well.  As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,  “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is oppressed.” The Prophet was asked: “It is right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” He replied: “By preventing him from oppressing others.” (Ṣahīh Bukhāri, Volume 3, Ḥadīth 624)

From this ḥadīth, we learn the importance of helping those who are oppressed but, even more profoundly, the need to assist oppressors by stopping them from committing this infringement on the rights of others.  Bullies are often misconstrued as people who simply take pleasure in the pain of others.  However, research has found that some are quite complex and somewhat of a mystery.  Many research studies have found that bullies are more likely to exhibit behavioral issues including aggressiveness, hyperactivity, attention deficits and conduct problems.  However, contrary to what is normally considered of bullies, one research study found that they suffer from depression, anxiety, psychosomatic disorders, and eating disorders to the same extent as those who were victimized by their bullying[3].  Some things that may signal that your child is bullying others include: being aggressive with others, gets sent to detention often, has unexplained new belongings or extra money, quickly blames others, refuses to accept responsibility for actions, and has a need to win or be the best at everything.

Verbal, Emotional & Psychological (Nonphysical) Bullying

Interactions between individuals, from an Islamic point of view, are governed by the fundamental right of sanctity of life, honor, and property.  Therefore, anything that compromises these rights should be stopped.  In Sūrat’l- Ḥujurāt (49:10-12), Allah says, “Verily, the believers are brothers…

  •   let not some people mock others, for they may be better than themselves,
  • nor (let) women (mock) women who may be better than themselves.
  • And do not slander yourselves, nor revile by (offensive) nicknames…
  • O you who believe, avoid (indulging in) much suspicion; truly, some suspicion is a sin.
  • And do not spy or backbite one another; would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would abhor that.
  • And be conscious of Allah; indeed, Allah is Relenting, Merciful.” 

These verses emphasize the non-physical face of bullying.  Verbal and emotional bullying can have even greater and longer-lasting negative effects on the victims than physical bullying.  Many of us may have grown up asserting the maxim, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” however, we soon realize that sometimes words can hurt more than anything else.

According to Rachel Simmons’s Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls[4], this type of bullying is particularly common among girls and often goes unnoticed by non-participants (such as teachers and parents).  Due to the expectation of girls to be sweet, nice and caring, direct aggression is deemed unacceptable in them.  However, girls are just as likely as boys to experience anger, a natural human emotion, so they engage one another in nonphysical, alternative forms of aggression.  This includes:

  •  Relational aggression: acts that harm others through damage (or the threat of damage) to relationships or feelings of acceptance, friendship, or group inclusion.
    •  This is seen through behaviors such as ignoring someone to punish them, excluding someone socially for revenge, using negative body language or facial expressions, sabotaging someone’s relationships, etc.
  • Indirect aggression: the bully avoids confrontation using covert behaviors.  In this way, it may seem as though there was no intent to hurt anyone and others may be used as vehicles to cause pain to the targeted person.
    •  This is seen in the spreading of rumors, backbiting, “accidentally” knocking over someone’s books, etc.
  • Social aggression: intent to damage the self-esteem or social status of a targeted individual.
    • This can include rumor spreading, backbiting, and social exclusion.

Rather than using physical intimidation as a weapon, relationships are used for leverage.  What could be worse than the threat of loneliness and social isolation as you wander friendlessly through the halls of school?  Hearing lies spread about you to cause you to lose your friends and fall into a downward spiral of lowering self-esteem?  One of the issues inherent in these forms of alternative aggressions is the fact that they can easily be committed under the radar of others.  Teachers are often caught unaware when their students speak with them about this type of bullying and don’t know how to deal with it since it is not easily spotted.  When engaging in covert aggression, the bullies often seem like the type of people who would never mistreat someone; it’s the perfect disguise for accomplishing as much damage as possible while ensuring their actions are undetectable to others.

Girls in this type of situation often have nowhere to turn; they may feel too ashamed to speak to their parents or teachers about the torment they’re enduring because they may feel as though they have failed at a fundamental rite of passage – making friends.  There is also a great deal of uncertainty regarding these alternative aggressions; girls may question, “Did she just bump into me on purpose?;” “Did she roll her eyes at something I said?;” “Is that note she’s passing about me?” It’s easy to know when someone gives you a black eye, but if you’re uncertain whether others are shutting you out or teasing you behind your back, it becomes much more difficult to discuss it with others.  By the same token, many girls withstand emotional abuse from their close friends in order to maintain the inclusion as a part of a group; they fear that the creation of any conflict (including voicing their concerns) will cause them to lose a relationship.  Due to this, anger continues to simmer and issues pile up and are rarely addressed.

Practical Tips & Possible Solutions

It is incredibly important to arm our children, our students, and ourselves with the proper methods of coping with bullying.  This is not simply a rite of passage that children must endure. Furthermore, the issues brought about by bullying can quickly, and dangerously, spiral out of control.  In the next segment, practical tips and possible solutions will be offered to promote healthy relationships.

[1] Mayo Clinic Staff (2010, August 24). Bullying: Help Your Child Handle a School Bully. Children’s Issues.  Retrieved January 19, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bullying/MH00126

[2] Olweus, D. (1999). Sweden. In P. K. Smith, Y. Morita, J. Junger-Tas, D. Olweus, R. Cata- lano, & P. Slee (Eds.), The nature of school bullying: A cross national perspective (pp. 7–27). London: Routledge.

[3] Kaltiala-Heino, R., Rimpelä, M., Rantanen, P., & Rimpelä, A. (2000). Bullying at school. An indicator of adolescents at risk for mental disorders. Journal of Adolescence, 23, 661–674.

[4] Simmons, Rachel (2002).  Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls.  San Diego, CA: Hartcourt Trade Publishing.

bullying girls

Categories
Current Affairs articles

Stay in your lane!

images
LONG READ..but essential reading:

“The number of Muslims who don’t stay in their lane, speaking about things they are not qualified on, or ready for, is growing fast; it’s like a viral breakout, a disease which has become endemic amongst us.

Social media really has become a fitnah for them. It gave a platform to those who should not be on it.

Perhaps they were saved from clubbing or dating or doing drugs etc, and instead started “practising” only to become addicted to another drug which is even worse: speaking without knowledge, “educating” without being educated, “warning” when ignorant, typing because they simply can, and so on.

Once one is bitten by the bug of fame and attention, it is near impossible to go back. You think you can start talking about usul because of a few classes you take, and you think you can talk about bid’ah because you can pronounce the letter ‘ayn – in fact, they always seem to have a great letter ‘ayn, right? – and you think you can teach when you are wholly ignorant of the Shari’ah, and you think you can try and explain matters when you don’t even know the Arabic language, let alone all the sciences that follow.

Is this status about YOU? Yes it is. I don’t need to mention one name as a flag-bearer of this disease when I aiming this at 50 of you who try and do the same but at varying levels of success. If you’re thinking “it’s me he’s talking about”, then you’d be right. If you’re feeling paranoid right now, you should be. Because I *am* talking about you. Yes I’ve read your statements. Yes I also have a personal account on social media too and see and read what everyone else is talking about on my friends and liked lists. You shouldn’t have gone there in the first place. This is what happens. If you rise like a balloon, full of gas, then expect someone to pop you when you talk nonsense or try to come across as someone you’re not and mislead people. Is that me judging you? Sure thing. Hatin’ on you? Absolutely. Forcing you to only stick to what you’re good at. Correct.

You wanted to give da’wah? Your keeping silent for a good few years will be the best da’wah you will ever give. You want to be an activist? Get off FB and actually get active and help someone. We don’t need any more heroes online. The world doesn’t need you. Believe me, it doesn’t. Your style isn’t so new, and your approach isn’t so unique so as to justify the masses being exposed to an ignoramus. There is a huge difference between sharing content from qualified people and reminding folks that way – a great and encouraged thing – and you trying to do reminding from your own pocket and not knowing what you’re talking about.

And sometimes, you *will* know what you’re talking about, but you should remain silent. Just to learn the system. Just to learn the skill of patience and humility. It will serve you well later when it is time for you to lead.

I studied for nearly seven years – that’s full time, not part time classes, and that’s proper studying, not “practising” and living as a Muslim – before my teacher told me to go public with da’wah. My mouth and my fingers were quiet during that time. I studied for another seven before I had the belief and support from my teachers that I should have an opinion that is worth listening to. It’s taken me another five years to realise that opinion isn’t worth much at all, wa Allahu’l-Musta’an.

Son, just stay in your lane. Please. For your own sake.”

(Shaykh Abu Eesa Niamatullah via his FB page 4/1/2016)

Categories
Marriage

Ten Tips for your Marriage

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Life in a marriage can be tough when you have no idea how to make things work or how to keep your spouse happy. Thankfully there are some relatively easy ways to keep your marriage healthy by simply adopting some ‘non-negotiable’ rules in your home:

#1 Showing respect – Every individual deserves respect – ESPECIALLY your spouse.

#2 Be affectionate –  Love makes people feel valued, so show your spouse you love them and don’t be shy. Hold hands, kiss your spouse goodbye and hold on a little longer when you hug

#3 Always communicate – Your spouse is not a mind reader! Tell your spouse what you need and clearly communicate this to them

#4 Forgive quickly – No one is perfect and a good marriage thrives on forgiving and letting go

#5 Show kindness – A happy marriage takes two people who are kind to one another – always

#6 Appreciate your spouse – There is nothing worse than being taken for granted. A simple thank you is all it takes

#7 Loyalty – You should only ever have eyes for your spouse as if they are the most important person in your whole world

#8 Balance your time – A good marriage has balance between work, friends, family and each other as well as time for yourself

#9 Be honest – The fastest way for your spouse to lose trust in you is when you hide or lie about major things in your home. It simply isn’t worth it

#10 Consult in decision-making – It is from the sunnah to consult with one another in all big decisions – and doing so increases your love and respect for one another

20 Jamadul Awwal 1437

Categories
Spirituality

حضرت شیخ مولانا سليم الله خان زید مجدہ

Rashida Leicester 20170831_231707.jpgحضرت شیخ مولانا سليم الله خان زید مجدہ کي آج بروز جمعرات کے سبق میں طلبائے کرام کو اھم
نصیحت.
(یہ کتاب جو آپکی ختم ہورہی ہے آپ سے صرف ایک بات کہنی ہےاور وہ بات یہ ہے کہ تعلیم کے اس زمانے کے اختتام کے بعد  آپ پر بڑی ذمہ داری عائد ہوجاتی ہے اور اس ذمہ داری کایہ تقاضہ ہوتا ہے.اس ذمہ داری کی وجہ سے آپ پر یہ لازم اور ضروری ہوتا ہے کہ آپ صراط مستقیم پر چلیں.اور صراط مستقیم پر چلنے کے لئے اپنی تمام کوشش اپنی تمام مساعی اسکے لئے استعمال کریں.
اور صراط مستقیم کے لئے سوائے اسکے کوئی راستہ نھیں سوائے اسکے کوئی طریقہ نھیں ہے.کہ حضرات علمائے دیوبند جنکی نسبت پر ہم فخر کیا کرتے ہیں جنکے ساتھ تعلق پر ہمیں خوشی محسوس ہوتی ہے.انھی کے مشرب کو انھی کے مسلک کو انھی کے طریقے کو ہم نھایت مضبوطی کے ساتھ پکڑتے ہیں.
آپکے سامنے بھت چیزیں آئینگی نئی نئی چیزیں آئینگی.
آپکومتاثر کرنے والے لوگ بھت ملینگے لیکن وہ سب دھوکہ ہوگا وہ سب فراڈ ہوگا.آپ ناتجربہ کار ہیں.کوئی تجربہ آپکے پاس موجود نھیں ہے.آپ نے مدارس میں رہ کر تحصیل علم میں اپنا وقت صرف کیا ہے لیکن تجربہ کرنے کے لئے آپ کو موقع نھیں ملا.
اب آگے آپ نکلینگے میدان میں اترینگے جیسا کہ ہم نے عرض کیا کہ بھت بھت چیزیں آپکے سامنے آئینگی بھت نمونے آپ کے سامنے آئینگے بھت چیزیں آپ کو اپنی طرف کھینچینگی اور کئی لوگ آپ کا شکار کرنے کی کوشش کرینگے.یہ ھوگا یہ ھوگا اس سے مفر نھیں ہے.اگر آپ چاھتے ہیں کہ آپ اللہ اور رسول کی مرضی حاصل کریں اگر آپ چاہتے ہیں کہ صراط مستقیم پر آپ چلیں تو میں نے عرض کیا کہ اسکا ایک ہی طریقہ ہے صرف ایک.اور وہ کیا ہے.وہ یہ ہے کہ حضرات علمائے دیوبند جنکو ہم مولانا رشید احمد گنگوھی،مولانا قاسم نانوتوی،مولانا اشرف علی تھانوی،حضرت اقدس مولانا حسین احمد مدنی،مولانا شیخ الحدیث محمد زکریا کاندھلوی یہ نام میں نے آپ کے سامنے لئے ہیں.
ان کے طرز کے علاوہ اگر کوئی آپ کو کسی اور راستے کی طرف راہنمائی کرتا ہے وہ آپ کو ناکام بنانے کی کوشش کرتے ہیں.
آج بھت فتنے ہم پر مسلط ہیں.تجدد کا فتنہ ہے.کئی لوگ آپکو ملینگے دیوبند کی طرف نسبت کرینگے لیکن دیوبند کے مسلک کی جڑیں کاٹنے میں ہمہ وقت مستعد ہونگے.اور تم نھیں پہچانوگے آپ فرق نھیں کرسکیں گے.
اس لئے میں کہتا ہوں کہ سب کو چھوڑو لات مارو فقط جن بزرگوں کا میں نے نام لیا ہے انکے طریقہ پر آپ چلو تو آپ کامیاب ہیں ورنہ آپ نے ب تک جتنا وقت گزارا ہے سب برباد کردیا)

یہ آڈیو کلپ سے سن کر تحریر کیا گیا ہے.
ایڈمن

Categories
Muslim men Muslim women

The Advice of Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz RH for Parents

images (3)The current situation with upbringing our children is truly alarming. If nothing is done soon, one cannot imagine how it will end up. There’s nothing more sad than “loosing” your child.

Tips by Khalifah ‘Umar ibn’Abdil ‘Azeez RH

I feel that Khalifah ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdil ‘Azeez’s (rahimahullah) advice below is very apt and pertinent.

وكتب عمر بن عبد العزيز إلى مؤدب ولده :

” خذهم بالجفاء فهو أمنع لاقدامهم ، وترك الصبحة فان عادتها تكسب الغفلة، وقلة الضحك فان كثرته تميت القلب ، وليكن أول ما يعتقدون من أدبك بغض الملاهي التي بدؤها من الشيطان ، وعاقبتها سخط الرحمن ، فانه بلغني عن الثقات من حملة العلم أن حضور المعازف واستماع الأغاني واللهج بهما ينبت النفاق في القلب كما ينبت العشب بالماء . وليفتتح كل غلام منهم بجزء من القرآن يثبت في قراءته ، فاذا فرغ منه تناول نبله وقوسه  وخرج إلى الغرض حافيا ، فرمى سبعة أرشاق ، ثم انصرف إلى القائلة ، فان ابن مسعود كان يقول : ” يا بني قيلوا ، فان الشياطين لا تقيل”

( ذكره ابن أبي الدنيا في : ” ذم الملاهي” ص: 9 )

Khalifah ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul ‘Aziz (rahimahullah) wrote the following instructions to his children’s mentor

“ Be strict on them for this is more effective in restraining them. Stop them from sleeping after Fajr Salaah, for this causes stupidity / negligence. They should laugh less for a lot of laughing kills the heart / soul. Let the first thing you inculcate in them be the hatred for Music, for I have heard from various People of Knowledge (‘Ulamaa) that Music develops hypocrisy in the heart just as water grows grass.

Each of them should commence the day with the recitation of the Holy Quran in the proper manner. When they complete that, they should take their bows and arrows and proceed barefooted to the range. Each of them should shoot 7 times. Thereafter they should take mid-day sleep  (siesta). For Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (Radiyallahu’anhu) use to say: Oh my children! Take siesta, for verily the devils do not do so.”

(Kitaabu Dhammil Malahi of Hafiz Ibn abi Dunya pg. 9)

Morals

These words of Khalifah ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdil ‘Azeez (rahimahullah) give us the following lessons on upbringing of children:

To commence the day with the recitation of the Quran
Not to sleep after Fajr (until after sunrise at least)
To abstain from music
To laugh less
Engagement in physical activity, like archery
The importance of siesta (qailoolah)
Each of the above are valuable lessons of life, which we as adults can implement and also inculcate in our children.

Quran Recital every morning

Many of us commence our day by reading the news, -which is more depressing than informative- or by catching up on our timeline, or sifting through emails etc.

The recitation of Qur’an, first thing in the morning will bring barakah (blessing) in our affairs throughout the day. Our children should see us reciting the Qur’an after Fajr. This will subconsciously lead them on to the same.

Music; they are never too young to abstain

We often justify out leniency towards out kids’ indulgence in Haram or Makrooh (repulsive) deeds by saying: “They are too young”.

The fact that ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdil ‘Azeez RH detested music even for his under aged children, demonstrates to us how we should view the training of our own.

Don’t allow the seeds of hypocrisy to grow even at that tender age. The computer games that they play should be free of foul language, evil habits and the music should be turned off. Never underestimate the effect that these supposed “games” could have on an innocent mind. It’s sad, how lightly we take the issue of Music that we repeatedly need to be cautioned of our ringtones.

Who is there that can say he has never heard a musical ringtone go off while in Salah in the Masjid?!

Who would have believed it if we were told a decade ago, that a time will come when a muslim will play music -or at least allow it to be played- while in sajdah, the closest posture we could get to Allah Ta’ala?!

Entertainment

Today we all look for how to be best entertained rather than spend our time usefully.

Laughter and jokes have become so common, that at times one will notice people joking even at a janazah!

The rare opportunity we get to ponder about death doesn’t pass with an unnecessary joke or fable being shared.

Even in religious lectures, the crowds are inflated if the speaker can entertain better…

As mentioned earlier, these were ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdil ‘Azeez’s (Rahimahullah) guidelines for the upbringing of children. Alas many of us adults need this lesson too.

Natural physical activity

‘Khalifah ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdil ‘Azeez (Rahimahullah) specifically ordered the mentor to take them outdoors for archery daily. The pagan Arabs also preferred to send their kids to the villages where they could spend their time outdoors, herding goats and learning basic life skills. In fact, until a few decades ago, we too would spend our days outdoors in various activities.

Today’s child may be engaging in very similar activities too, but instead of it being outdoors they do it on a screen! It’s no more physical, it’s actually electronic!

Physical activity has its own benefit in early childhood development that can never be replaced with any electronic device. Parents need to carefully think of ways to keep their children occupied in a manner that won’t just keep them from bothering their parents, but ways that will enhance the child’s mind, body and Iman as well.

May Allah guide us all, and may He inspire us with the correct tact in upbringing our innocent offspring. Ameen .

19 Jamadul Awaal 1437

Categories
Marriage

Intentions for marriage

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1.      I intend to enter into this marriage and take this wife (or husband) for the love of Allah ‘Azza-wa-Jall ’

2.     To have children so that the human race shall continue.

3.     I also intend [to enter this marriage] for the love of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, so that he may take pride in it, as he said: “Marry and  increase in numbers, as I will take pride in you before other nations on the Day of Judgement.”

4.      I have intended in this marriage—and all the actions and words that come from it—to be blessed by the prayer of a pious child; or for his intercession if he dies young before me.

5.      I have intended by this marriage to protect myself from Satan, by breaking the desire, [and thus] breaking the temptations of Satan, to lower the gaze, and reduce the Wiswas (withdrawing whisperer).

6.      I have also intended to protect my private parts from lewdness (illegal intercourse).

7.      I have intended in this marriage the amusement of the self and to bring joy to it through by companionship (with my spouse); looking, and playing freely and to bring comfort to the heart and strengthening it for worship.

8.      I have intended in this marriage the relief of the nafs and cherish it through companionship, the pleasure that comes through gazing at one’s spouse, mutual foreplay, the repose that floods the heart and strengthening it for worshipping.

9.      I have intended by it, the relieving of the heart from the worries of housekeeping, cooking, sweeping, making the bed, cleaning the dishes and taking care of lively duties.

10.  I have intended by this marriage, to struggle with the nafs and to train it ‘through care and guardianship’, to fulfill the rights of the family and to be patient with their characters, to endure the harm that comes from them, to work towards making them good, to guide them to the religious path, to struggle to seek lawful earnings for them, to command them to discipline the children by also asking from Allah for it and success for his sake and to drop between his hands and to show the excessive need towards Him in gaining it. I have intended all the previous for Allah Almighty.

11.  I have intended all the previous and more from whatever I control, say and do in this marriage for Allah Almighty.

12.  I have intended in this marriage whatever Your righteous servants and Your acting scholars have intended.

Allahumma, give us success as you have given them, help us as you have helped them. Overlook our shortcomings, accept [this] from us and do not entrust us to ourselves, even for the blink of an eye. Make good for us, all of the previous, by Your Grace and Generosity in good and in good health.

Allahumma, forgive us and have mercy upon us, be content with us and accept from us. Enter us into paradise and save us from the hell fire and make good all of our affairs. Allahumma, grant me in everything—in this marriage and all of my affairs—Your Help, Blessing and Peace. Protect me from preoccupying myself with other than You and do not put obstacles between me and Your obedience and make this marriage sufficient and virtuous for me. Allahumma, I—my moments of movement and stillness—am entrusted to You, so protect me; wherever I happen to be, take my affairs as You have taken the affairs of Your pious servants.


Remember me in your duas,

 
Alaa Khurdei
18th Jamadal Awwal 1437
Categories
Miscellaneous

Five driving mistakes you don’t even know you’re making

bean

Tim Gibson

 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/road-safety/five-driving-mistakes/

Every driver makes mistakes. Here, experts reveal those faults you may not even know you’re guilty of

If you’ve been driving for years, it can be easy to assume you are the world’s best driver. But with confidence can come complacency – and it’s easy to let skills slip. The truth is, you may not be quite as perfect as you think.

To find out how you rate behind the wheel, take a look at the list below. It outlines common mistakes made by drivers, as identified by road-safety experts. The worrying thing is that most of us don’t even know we’re making them.

Safety first: ignore your phone until you are parked and off the road

1) Getting distracted

It can be tempting to peek at a text message, fiddle with the radio, or turn around to tell the kids off while driving. We only look away from the road for a few seconds, but an awful lot can happen in those precious moments.

“Taking your eye off the road, just for a second, to read an alert or check who a call came from can have potentially fatal results,” says Aviva’s Adam Beckett. “Many people do not realise it is an offence to use a mobile phone even while a vehicle is stationary in a lay-by, traffic jam, traffic lights or at the side of the road, with the engine running. We would encourage all motorists to ignore their phone until they have parked up and can safely use it.”

Planning extraordinaire: organise your route ahead of time and you’ll save precious time

2) Not planning ahead

You may think leaving your route-planning to the last minute is an amusing expression of your seat-of-the-pants approach to life. But Nick Lloyd, road safety manager (England) at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), says it can be a hazardous mistake.

“You need a good idea of where you’re going and how long it is likely to take,” he says. “If not, you’ll end up rushing, and that significantly increases your chances of a crash.”

Signs and signals: let everyone know what you’re doing by using your indicators

3) Poor signalling at roundabouts

Everyone knows the drill at roundabouts. Signal right if your exit is past 12 o’clock, thereby sending a clear message to other road users about your intentions.

But IAM’s Mr Lewis says too many people forget the next part of the sequence: signalling left when they want to turn off. “You should do this midway through the junction before the one you’re taking,” he advises. “That will ensure everyone knows where you’re headed and will clear a path accordingly.”

Mirror, signal, manoeuvre: always remember to look in your mirror for cyclists

4) Insufficient use of mirrors

Remember the rule from your driving-test days: mirror, signal, manoeuvre. Mr Lewis says this is frequently forgotten by seasoned drivers, who don’t even realise their lack of attention to mirrors.

“For example,” he states, “many drivers don’t look in their mirrors when in traffic to see if cyclists or motorcyclists are trying to filter past. That greatly increases the chances of driving into them.”

Stay sharp: keep hydrated and you’ll be more alert behind the wheel.

5) Not drinking enough water

Perhaps the most surprising mistake of all. What on earth have your drinking habits got to do with road safety?

The answer is a great deal. Because as Mr Lewis explains: “A one per cent drop in hydration has a massive impact on concentration levels. Many drivers don’t realise this, and therefore don’t drink nearly enough water to keep them on the ball for the duration of their journey.”

His advice is simple: “Drink plenty. And if it means you have to stop more regularly, that will be a further aid to warding off fatigue”.

road-rage

Categories
Personalities

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.

markazi-masjid-in-dewsbury-united-kingdomThe 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 18th February 2016 (9th 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

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[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