Volume 3 No.1

Vol. 3 1, Muharramul Haraam  1418 Approximately 8^th May 1997 No. 1

BACK TO BASICS

The Account of “Qiyaamah” (The Day of Judgment), Portent

Indeed one day the earth, the skies, the jinns, the human beings and the angels, they all will be destroyed; only Allaah  alone will remain for ever. Before the destruction of the world some signs will appear:

1. Human beings will be thrust into the earth, one in the east, one in the west and the third in the Arabian peninsula.
2. Knowledge will disappear, meaning the ‘Ulamaa (Scholars) will be removed. This does not mean they will be there and the knowledge will be removed from their hearts.
3. Ignorance will prevail.
4. There will be excess of adultery and fornication and it will be done with such shamelessness as displayed by donkeys. There will be no consideration of respect for the elders by the young.
5. Men will be less in numbers than women to such an extent that under the protection of one man, there will be 50 women.
6. In addition to the one big “Dajjaal” (One eyed monster), there will be 30 Dajjaals; and they will all claim prophethood, although prophethood has ended.
7. Some of them have already passed away, such as Musailimah Kazzaab, Taleehah bin Khuwailid, Aswad ‘Ansee, Ghulaam Ahmad Qaadiaanee etc. etc. Others who are to come will surely come.
8. There will be an abundance of riches; the river of profusion of wealth will open up its treasures like mountains of gold.
9. In the country of Arabia there will be abundance of crops, gardens and rivers will be flowing.
10. To be steadfast upon the Deen will be as difficult as holding red hot coal in the hand. This will reach such proportions that a person will visit the graveyard and will wish he were in the grave.
11. There will be no “Barakah” (Blessing) in time; so much so that a whole year will be like a month and a whole month like a week and a whole week like a day and a day as a thing which has caught fire and is suddenly consumed: All this indicates how quickly time will pass.
12. To give Zakaah will become a heavy burden upon people, they will consider it to be a tax.
13. The knowledge of the Deen will be acquired, but not for the Deen.
14. Male will become obedient of his female.
15. He will disobey his parents.
16. He would have cordial and friendly relations with his friends but will separate from his father.
17. People will shout in the masaajid.
18. Singing and musical instruments will become highly prevalent.
19. People will curse those who came before them(ancestors) and call them names.
20. Wild beasts will talk to human beings. Birds feeding on carrion and the shoe lace will speak and tell him what transpired at home when he went to the bazaar, even his thigh will give him the news.
21. People who did not have clothes to cover their bodies or wear shoes, will live in huge palaces with pride.

My beloved readers, jewels of my eyes the above account has been taken from authentic Ahaadeeth Kareemah. One does not have to be a scholar to notice that without a shadow of a doubt, we are indeed passing through these signs of the “Yaum ul Qiyaamah” in our times. I found the description to be accurate beyond description. There is much more to come InshaAllaah in the next issue. May we be given by the Lord of the one  who portended the signs, the ability to wake up from our stupor and get back to the “Siraatal Mustaqeem” Aameen.

VIRTUES OF THE MONTH Muharramul Haraam 

Please refer to Vol. 2 No. 1 for the virtues of this wonderful first month of Islaamic year. Call or write to us if you did not file this issue. May we suggest that you file all your back issues for ready reference as each month has some unbelievable virtues you would not want to miss.

VIRTUES OF EVERY DAY DU’AAS

Du’aa at the time of a calamity

Hadrat Asmaa bint ‘Amees  has narrated that the beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  told her: Should I not teach you some “Kalimaat” (Phrases) which you should recite at the time of a calamity and hardship? They are: 

Transliteration: Allaahu Allaahu Rabbee Laa ushriku bihee shaian.

Translation: Allaah is our Lord, We do not include any one with Him as His partner. (Sunan ibn Maajah)

Du’aa al haajah (Need)

Hadrat ‘Abdullaah bin abee Aufaa  has narrated that the beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  has said: Anyone who has a need from Allaah  or anyone else, they should perform wudoo well and offer two raka’h (Nafl) then mention the (Beautiful) Attributes of Allaah , praise Him, send Durood upon the beloved of Allaah  and say:

Transliteration: Laa ilaaha illallaahul Haleemul Kareem. Subhaanallaahi Rabbil ‘Arshil ‘Azeem. Alhamdu lillaahi Rabbil Aalameen. Asaluka maujibaati Rahmatika wa ‘azaaima maghfiratika wal’ ismata min kulli dhambiun wal ghaneemata min kulli barriun was salaamata min kulli ithm. Laa tad’a lee dhamban illaa ghafartahoo wa laa hamman illaa farrajtahoo wa laa haajatan hiya laka ridan illaa qadaitahaa yaa arhamar Rahimeen.

Translation: There is no god but Allaah The Forbearing,The Generous.Glorified is Allaah, Lord of the great Throne. All praises are for Allaah, The Lord of the Universe. I ask from You the means of Your Mercy and the means of Your forgiveness and protection from every sin and the spirit of appreciation of all goodness and shelter from all sins. Please do not consider any of my sins except to forgive it; please do not consider any of my sadnesses except to alleviate it; please do not consider any of my needs which are according to Your Pleasure, except to fulfill It, O the One Who is more Compassionate then all who are compassionate. (Jami’a Tirmidhee, Tarteeb Shareef pg. 348)

For the one affected by Black Magic

Hadrat Ya’lee bin Marah  narrated that a woman brought her son to the beloved of Allaah, Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  and submitted that her son was afflicted by evil spirits. The Rasoolallaah  spit on his face and recited: 

Transliteration: Bismillaahi Muhammadur Rasoolullaahi ikhsa ‘aduwwallaah

Translation: In the name of Allaah, Muhammad  is the Messenger of Allaah; O enemy of Allaah, leave!

 

VIRTUES OF PURIFICATION (Tazkiatun Nafs) Continued

Dhikrullaah, “Jihaad ul Akbar”

My beloved readers, in our last issue we happily presented to you extracts of great importance to those who have comprehended the immense significance of purification of theNafs ul Ammaaraa (Ego) in attainment of closeness to the Lord of the Universe, extracts from the notable work “Ta’leemuddeen” of our Grand Shaikh, Hadrat Aboo Anees Muhammad Barkat ‘Ali, QuddusAllaahus Sirruhul ‘Azeez. The point was made that the Dhikr ” Laa ilaaha illallaah” is the greatest Dhikr and if done along with inhaling and exhaling perpetually, would take the Dhaakir to the desired destination, InshaAllaah Ta’ alaa. We continue quoting:

“There are two aspects of every object, one is temporal and the other everlasting. The one you see is temporal and with Whose Noor every object exists and subsists, you cannot see. The former is “Laa ilaaha” and the latter “illallaah”; “Laa ilaaha” is negation and ”illallaah” is affirmation; ” Laa ilaaha” is the point of annihilation, “illallaah” the state of eternity. Negate every object with ” La ilaaha” and establish it with” illallaah”. See Allaah in every object; every object is NOT Allaah, in every object there is Allaah.

In the dried stem of grass and in the fragrance of the rose the same Noor (light) is sparkling; in every masterpiece look for The Master Creator, the Creator is hidden in His creation just as sugar is hidden in the sugar cane. Do not look down upon any creation of the Master nor look for any defects; He has created every object with perfection. Nothing in this entire universe exists by itself, the One Who brought every thing into existence is Allaah . ” Laa ilaaha” is the station of nothingness and annihilation and“illallaah” of “being” and subsisting. Seek your “beingness” in “nothingness”. May the kingdom of your heart become the repository of the Lord of your worship and may you remain prostrated in the Presence of your Lord, meaning that in the world of your body and in the world of your heart , the Lord of Peace may reside with all His Resplendence. “Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoom”.

All the time and in every condition be aware: What ever I say, Allaah  hears, every thing I do Allaah  watches and every thing I think, Allaah  knows. Hence your speaking in His Presence is rudeness, your planning is hypocrisy and (thinking) you exist, utter polytheism. Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoom. To be continued, InshaAllaah Ta’alaa.

 

VIRTUES OF ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE OF DEEN UL ISLAAM

and keeping the company of ‘Ulamaa (Scholars) Contd.

Hadrat Anas  has narrated that the beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  said: Under the Throne of Allaah  there is a city made of pure musk, at the door of which, every day an angel calls out: Listen! The one who has seen an ‘Aalim (scholar) has seen the Prophets (of Allaah ) ‘Alaihimus Salaatu was salaam, and the one who has seen the Prophets, ‘Alaihimus Salaatu was salaam has seen his Lord and the one who has seen his Lord, for him is Paradise. Nuzhatul Majaalis.

Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  has said: ”Whoever has seen an ‘Aalim and whoever has shaken hands with an ‘Aalim has shaken my hands. Whoever has acquired the company of an ‘Aalim has acquired my company and whoever has acquired my company in the world, Allaah  will make him my companion on the Day of Judgment”. (Tambeeh ul Ghaafileen)

The beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  has said: ”The superiority of an ‘Aalim over a devout worshipper is like mine over the ordinary among you”. Continuing he  said “Allaah  and His angels and all on the heavens and the earth, even the ants in their nests and the fish in the oceans are the well wishers of the one who teaches good knowledge to people”. (Tirmidhee Shareef)

The beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  has said: “To present oneself in the gathering of knowledge( where knowledge is being taught) is superior to performing 1000 raka’ahs and to visit 1000 sick people and participating in 1000 salaat ul janaaza (funeral salaat)”. The holy companions respectfully inquired “(superior) to reciting the Qur’ aan?” He  replied: “Can recitation of the Qur’aan be of use without knowledge?” Nuzhat ul Majaalis.

The beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  has said: “After being pleased with the work of the seeker of knowledge, the angels spread their wings (over him)”. Nuzhat ul Majaalis.

The beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  has said: “One Faqeeh (an ‘Aalim with knowledge of Fiqh) is tougher with the Shaitaan than 1000 ‘Aabids (devoted worshippers). Tirmidhee Shareef.

The beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  has said: ”Whoever’s arm an ‘Aalim takes the support of, Allaah  will bestow upon him rewards at every step equal to giving freedom to 2000 slaves. Nuzhat ul Majaalis.

Hadrat ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Abbaas  has said “One moment in the night, of studying and teaching is better than worship of the entire night”. Daarimee.

The beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  has said: “The ink of (used by) the ‘Ulamaa will be weighed with the blood of the martyrs and will be heavier”. Bahaare Shari’at

The above is an extract from . . . .

“Faidaan- e- Sunnah” by Hadrat Maulaanaa Muhammad Ilyaas Qaadree, Muddazilluhoo.

 

VIRTUES OF SUNNAH

Sunnah and Aadaab( Etiquette) of walking

My beloved readers, the beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  has taught us his beloved Sunnah in every and I repeat every area of our life, from the most minute to the most significant. Take walking for instance, all humanity walks but does not receive any rewards for it do they ? However if a muslim walks according to the Sunnah of the beloved of Allaah , he receives the Pleasure of his Lord and His rewards. This is because EVERY action and EVERY deed of His beloved  is loved by Lord of the universe. We present this Sunnah to you beloved readers with our Du’aa that we may all receive taufeeq from Allaah  to emulate His beloved  in every blessed Sunnah. Aameen.

Allaah  has ordained in His Holy Qur’aan:

Translation: ” And swell not your cheek (For pride) at men. Nor walk in insolence through the earth: For Allaah  does not love any arrogant boaster. And be moderate in your pace (Of walking), and lower your voice; for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the ass “. Soorah 31 Aayah 18-19.

In Soorah 17 Aayah 37 Allaah ordains:

Translation:“ Nor walk on the earth with insolence: for you cannot rend the earth asunder, nor reach the mountains in height”.

In Soorah 25 Aayah 63 Allaah  ordains:

Translation: “And the servants of The Most Gracious (Allaah  ) are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, “Peace!”

My beloved jewels of my eyes, in the above Aayahs we are being given the Aadaab of walking and talking. We are being commanded not to raise our voices but to talk in low tones, as the braying of an ass is loud and abhorrent. Conversation with fellow human beings should not be with the face turned away in arrogance but by facing the one we are speaking to, in humility. We are also being ordered to walk with a moderate pace, not too fast nor slowly. In the next Aayahs we are warned against walking in arrogance with the chest out in self conceit because neither can one break open the earth with this demeanor nor scale the mountains! In the last of the quoted Aayahs we are taught to walk with humility as becomes the slaves of Allaah . We are also taught not to get into any kind of argument with those who are ignorant about the Deen and its Aadaab, by sayingSalaam. Our ‘Ulamaa are of the opinion that “Qaaloo Salaamaa” does not mean that we should greet them with”Assalaamu ‘Alaikum” but rather to keep one’s peace by distancing oneself. This has been called the “Salaam of Mutaarikah” (Salaam of distancing).

The beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad , according to the narration of Hadrat Aboo Hurairah , has said: “A person wearing two sheets of clothing was walking with insolence and was in a state of pride, (when he) was thrust into the earth. He will continue to be thrust till the Day of Judgment.(Bukhaaree)

Muhallab bin Abee Sufrah was the Commander in Chief of the army of Khaleefah Hajjaaj bin Yoosuf. One day wearing silk clothing, he walked towards a well known elder called Hadrat Sayyidinaa Mutarrif with a walk full of conceit. Hadrat Mutarrif Rahmatullaah ‘Alaih said: O slave of Allaah, the way you walk, Allaah  and His beloved  hate it. Muhallab replied: do you not know who I am? Hadrat Mutarrif Rahmatullaah ‘Alaih said: I know you very well: In the beginning you were a dirty drop of semen and in the end you will be a rotting dead body and whatever filth there is within you, every one knows. Muhallab with a feeling of shame, gave up walking in that manner.Mishkaat -ul- Quloob.

My beloved soul mates, what a valuable lesson there is for all of us in the above story! If we ponder upon our beginning and our end, it would be impossible to act in any way but with humility.

Hadrat Musa’b bin Zubair  has said: “It is very surprising that a human being shows pride although it has come out twice from the place of urination (Once through semen at conception and the second time at birth).

Hadrat Sayyidinaa ‘Umar bin ‘Abdul ‘Azeez, Rahmatullaah ‘Alaih, went to Hajj before he became the Khaleefah. Hadrat Taoos, Rahmatullaah ‘Alaih saw him and his walk was as if he was puffed up with pride. Hadrat Taoos pointed his finger at him and said: This is not the walk of the one who carries in his stomach, fecal matter! Hadrat ‘Umar bin ‘Abdul ‘Azeez apologized saying: Because of your comment upon my walk, I have received such blows upon every organ of my body that I have understood. (Makaashifat-ul-Quloob)

Hadrat Wahb Rahmatullaah ‘Alaih said: When Allaah  created Jannat- ul-’Adan (Where Aadam ‘Alaihis Salaam was kept), He looked at it and said: You are Haraam for every proud person. To be continued, InshaAllaah Ta’alaa.

VIRTUES OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF FIQH AND SHARI’AH (Continued)

Cleansing One’s Body

1. The human body, if defiled by a physical impurity, has to be washed thrice; however, if defiled by thick semen, it should be scraped; if by thin semen, it has to be washed.
2. If the body or hair is dyed in an unclean color, it has to be washed thoroughly, no matter if the color does not go off.
3. If the body is tattooed and some impurity filled in, it has to be washed thrice.
4. If a wound is filled with an impurity, it has to be washed on healing; the impurity need not be removed. If a broken bone is replaced by an impure bone, or a wound stitched with an impure thread, or a tooth adjusted with something impure, the affected part has to be washed thrice on healing up.
5. If the body is massaged with impure oil or greasy matter, it has to be washed thrice, no matter if the grease goes not go off completely.

Six Principles Relating to Tahaarah (cleansing)

1. The Shari’ah as a rule has no intention of putting the people to unnecessary hardships, and so overlooks certain defilements. Instance: It is not possible to completely avoid the impure water splashing from a dead body which is being washed; so the Shari’ah overlooks it.
2. If an impurity generally becomes unavoidable on account of weather or climate or circumstance, the Shari’ah does not mind it. Instance: During the rainy season it becomes almost impossible to avoid the dirty water or slush in the street, and clothes generally get soiled.
3. An unlawful thing that is made lawful only under compulsion because of a necessity will be considered lawful only to the extent of that necessity and circumstance. Instance: Urinating by animals while threshing the corn will not be defile it, but this leniency will not be extended to other occasions.
4. An impurity which according to the Shari’ah is deemed to have been removed, will not relapse. Instance: A cloth from which dried up semen has been scraped, will neither defile itself nor the water into which it falls. Similarly, unclean earth which has become clean on drying up, will not become unclean if it again becomes wet, with a clean liquid.
5. A thing which is regarded as clean with full certainty will not be rendered unclean merely on account of a doubt or suspicion.
6. Human nature and custom will be taken into account when declaring something lawful or unlawful. Instance: The food, drink etc. of the unbeliever will be regarded as clean because human nature abhors impurity in matters of food, unless, however, there is a clear proof to establish its impurity.

Concessions granted by the Shari’ah

The Shari’ah has granted certain necessary concessions in circumstances and situations which make defilement unavoidable eg

1. Grave impurity equal to a dirham (a dirham is a coin of half inch radius, weighing about 3 grams) in area and size is excused: that is, if one has offered prayers with that much of impurity sticking on to one’s body or clothes, one need not repeat the prayer: it is, however, advisable to wash it off if possible.
2. Ordinary impurity equal to one-fourth of a dirham on a garment is excused.
3. Water spray wetting the body and clothes of the washer of a dead body is pardonable.
4. Urinating by animals while threshing the corn will not defile the corn.
5. Soiling of clothes and body by the street water and slush in the rainy season has been overlooked by the Shari’ah.
6. Thin spray of urine or other liquid impurity will not render the body or clothes unclean. Similarly, the urine or dung of domestic cattle amounting even to more than a dirham in area or size is excused.
7. Corn-flour containing a few ground droppings of the mice is not unclean; unground droppings, if cooked in bread, rice, etc., and remain hard and undissolved, do not render the food unclean.
8. Blood-sucking insects like the fly, mosquito, flea, etc., if killed leaving a blood mark on the body or clothes, will not render it unclean.
9. The ash and the smoke of an impurity that has been if burnt are not unclean. Instance: The ash or smoke of burnt dung will not defile the food; the ash can even be used for cleaning purposes.
10. If a person has lain on an unclean ground, floor, mat, wooden dais, etc., with a wet body, or has put a wet foot on an unclean floor, mat, etc., or has perspiration while lying on such a floor, the body will not be rendered unclean unless it bears some effect of the impurity.
11. If while milking an animal, a dropping or two or a little of dung falls into the milk, it should be taken out immediately; the milk will remain clean and usable.
12. A wet cloth spread on an unclean place or object for drying or otherwise, or if somebody with wet clothes sits on an unclean place, the cloth or clothes are not rendered unclean, unless, however, they bear the stain or smell of the impurity.

Extracts from the book “Every Day Fiqh”

by Hadrat Yoosuf Islaahee

ESSENTIAL ADVICE FROM

Hadrat Shaikh Aboo Anees Muhammad Barkat ‘Ali, QuddusAllaahus Sirruhul ‘Azeez

Character (Continued)

• Unity is the cry of the nation. The stories of your historic unity, the world has not forgotten to this day. (Now) Your sectarian strife has shred your nation to pieces. May Allaah make it possible to reunite the muslims once again and may this unity be a universal one.
• Unity is help and help is victory.
• The beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  has stated: All mumineen are like one person(Like the organs of the body of one person).When his eye aches the whole body aches and when the head aches the whole body aches. Muslim.
• Unite and see the Barakah (Blessing) of unity. When there is unity in a home, the entire village feels its force.
• The beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  has said: Protect yourselves from suspicion because suspicion is the worst lie and do not try to investigate conditions of any one and do not spoil anyone’s transaction. Do not practice jealousy among each other . Do not hold rancor. Do not do gheebah(Backbite). All the slaves of Allaah  (muslims) live like brothers. In one narration the words ” Do not practice greed among each other “have been mentioned. Bukhaaree, Muslim.
• Lying, back biting, bemoaning, holding rancor, greed and jealousy are absolutely haraam.
• Is there any one who is free from these?
• Abstain from these evils and abominations for one day, only one day. If by the evening there is no drastic turn around, say whatever you like.
• My Master may my soul be sacrificed for him, is the personification of the finest of Akhlaaq (Manners and etiquette). Adopt any one of his Akhlaaq with perseverance. The model of my Master, may my soul be sacrificed for him, is dependable, trustworthy and a guarantee of success in both the worlds.
• This model should always be in front of your eyes.
• Abandon any of the evil and shameful characteristic and then never go near it again. Adopt any good character trait and never give it up again. To be continued InshaAllaah

VIRTUES OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF “THE MOST BEAUTIFUL NAMES” Asmaa ul Husnaa

With grateful acknowledgment to Baabaa Tosun Bayrak al-Jerrahi al-Halveti

In the “Foreword” of the famous work “The Most Beautiful Names” by Hadrat Tosun Bayrak, Mudda Zilluhoo, Hadrat Syed Ali Ashraf has written the following beautiful words:

When we look at this world we see beauty, grandeur, sublimity, strength, the power of joy or the power of destruction manifested in it. We are attracted or repulsed by these manifestations. We feel drawn into some, absorbed or even annihilated sometimes. We feel threatened by some or inspired by awe. There is an inevitable link between what we see and feel, and ourselves. That link is provided by the attributes of Allaah . Each object manifests some power of Allah . His joy or His anger, His love or His magnificence emanates through these objects. That is why we are attracted or repelled. There is no end to these manifestations so long as the process of creation exists. Allaah’s various powers are described by His Names. That is why we see that the entire creation manifests Allaah’s  Names. The first Man, Adam , peace be on him, was taught all the names of everything (Quraan II, 31)

These are the names of all objects that had come into existence by the time of his creation and all that will come into existence till Doomsday. ‘Teaching the Names’ means making man conscious of the essence of these things. This consciousness implies full knowledge. Full knowledge is impossible without the essence becoming part and parcel of the being. Teaching the names of things therefore implies the implanting of the essences within the being of Adam  and hence the implanting of the Names of Allaah  in Adam’s  self. The attributes of Allaah  that were, are and are going to be manifested in this creation until Doomsday, were planted within the being of Adam . That is why Adam (peace be upon him) could represent Allaah  as his Khalifa and become worthy of receiving the salutation of the angels. That is why Allaah  granted him and through him to Man the mastery of this entire creation: It is He Who made you (His agents) inheritors of the earth. (Qur’aan VI, 165 ) Allaah , therefore, tells us to remember Him and draw near Him by reciting His Names or His Attributes. His Name is His proper name “Allaah” and His Attributes are innumerable.

To be continued Inshaallaah Ta’ala

VIRTUES OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF“ASMAA UN NABIYYIL KAREEM” (continued)

The Blessed Names of the Gracious and Generous Prophet 

*Sayyidinaa Abdzulun Naasu* (The Most benevolent of all human beings)

Hadrat Hassaan bin Talbat  has said “When the charitable become stingy with their treasures, the beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  becomes the river of generosity for the poor”.

(Taareeq ibn Katheer)

Hadrat Jubair bin Mut’am  has narrated that when returning from the Battle of Hunain, there were some other people with him  when the A’raabee (Desert people) started clinging to him  asking for things to such an extent that they took him  under a tree and stripped him  of his sheet of cloth (Outer covering). The beloved of Allaah  stopped and said: return my sheet; if I had with me sheep equal to the number of trees here, I would have divided them among you and you will not find me miserly, or a liar or unmanly. (Saheeh al Bukharee)

Hadrat ‘Abdullaah bin Aboo Bakr  narrates that Hadrat Aboo Aseed  used to say: The beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad would always fulfill whatever was asked of him (in terms of help).

The above has been reproduced from the great work titled “Asmaa un Nabiyyil Kareem” by our most beloved and revered Shaikh, Hadrat Aboo Anees Muhammad Barkat ‘Ali, QuddusAllaahus Sirruhul ‘Azeez.

 

TRANSLATION OF THE HIGHLY ACCLAIMED BOOK IN FIVE VOLUMES “MAKSHOOFAAT MANAAZIL EHSAAN“

(Manifestations of The Stages of Excellence in Worship) —– Continued:-

By Hadrat Shaikh Aboo Anees Muhammad Barkat ‘Ali, QuddusAllaahus Sirruhul ‘Azeez

AL ISTIQAAMAH (Steadfastness)

Ask (from Allaah ) Istiqaamah and do not ask for Karaamah (Supra natural phenomena) (Because) indeed Istiqaamah has superiority over Karaamah.

Istiqaamah fil ‘Amaal means that the slave of Allaah  performs a deed every day and with regularity without missing it. And this is the best Karaamah.

Hadrat ‘Aaishah Siddeeqah  has narrated that the beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  – has said: Adopt from the ‘Amaalthose that you can do, (meaning) those you have the strength to do perpetually, because Allaah  does not become saddened ( in giving rewards) till you become sad (Give up in weariness). (Bukhaaree and Muslim)

Hadrat Aaishah Siddeeqah  has narrated that the beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Sayyidinaa wa Maulaanaa Muhammad  has said: In the eyes of Allaah  the best ‘amal (deed) among all ‘aamaal is the one which is done perpetually, even though it is small. Bukhaaree and Muslim.

Not every slave does his ‘amal every day. There are very few of the slaves in the world who do not ever give up a deed once they commence it , and continue doing it till death overtakes them.

Those who do do it , become peaceful and contented after adopting the deed. They never waver nor do they move around aimlessly. Then that ‘amal on which they have achieved istiqaamah starts to produce its barakaat (Blessings).

The first and a wonderful barakah is that they pick up another righteous deed (Adopt it) and achieve a similar istiqaamah over it.

Istiqaamah upon an ‘amal is like a tree, which when planted was only a hand span tall, insignificant. No one could make any use of it. In 20, 30 years the same tree Maa ShaaAllaah started to provide so many uses! Hundreds of people were resting under its shade. Numerous animals were eating its fruits, and started living upon it . For providing wood, branches as needed could be cut from it. Its leaves are eaten by sheep and other herds. Smaller branches can be dried and used for fire. In other words, a small plant after attaining istiqaamah, can provide so many uses. A person adopts an ‘amal. After a few days or months starts to miss doing it, and then slowly reaches a point when he gives it up. After a period of quietness, starts another ‘amal after either reading a book or asking someone. He repeats the process: after doing it for a few days, gives it up. Then again in a moment of enthusiasm picks up another ‘amal. After a few days abandons this one also. Abandonment of any deed after adopting it, in reality, is the punishment for our actions. And this is an observed(Evident) truth.

Please pay attention, once again:

Nafl I’baadah, in which is included all kinds of I’baadahs (Such as) Nawaafil (Salaah), tilaawah (Recitation), tasbeeh (Subhaanallaah), tahmeed (Alhamdu lillaah), tahleel (Laa ilaaha illallaah), takbeer (Allaahu Akbar), kalimaat tayyibaat and da’waat (D’uaas), in brief all nafl I’baadah is mustahib (Highly recommended); not fard, not waajib(Compulsory).Mustahib means upon ones own will; not made fard or waajib by Allaah .

However

After an ‘amal has once been adopted, it becomes waajib ul adaa (Essential to be performed); it is inappropriate to give up its performance. Allaah has mentioned:

Translation: O you who believe, obey Allaah and obey the Rasool and do not cancel your deeds.

It is not my intention to criticize any one, but to clarify the truth that no one has perpetual istiqaamah upon any ‘amal; neither the Shaikh nor the student ——– I have never seen any one constant and resolute in the arena of istiqaamah. May Allaah  by His Grace and Generosity grant us istiqaamah in both the worlds. Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoom.

A practical model of Istiqaamah as narrated by Bawaa Saaheb Hadrat Fareeduddeen Ganj Shakar Rahmatullaah ‘Alaih -:-

One night I stayed in a jungle. A venerable old person was residing there. I spread my musallaa (Prayer mat) near him. During the night he felt the need to relieve himself (so) he went outside. He came back and had a ghusl (Shower) and performed two raka’h nafl. After a short while, he felt the need again. He went outside, came back and took a ghusland performed two raka’ah nafl. Similarly in one night, he went out 60 times and performed two raka’ah nafl each time. The last time he performed the nafl and did the salaams, he breathed his last. Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilaihi raaji’oon. Congratulations! O mentor of humans, O perfect man, O guide of Tareeqah, you never gave your life to Allaah  till you completed your work; and as long as there was life in you, you continued your work; and this is from among the important events, this is not a child’s play.

Note: from the dust of the feet of my Shaikh, QuddusAllaahus Sirruhul ‘Aeez. It appears that the above mentioned slave of Allaah  would normally perform 120 raka’ahs nafl salaah every night. Obviously, on the auspicious night he did not allow his severe illness to deter him from completing his nightly ‘amal. Marhabaa (congratulations)! Allaah , His Prophet  and my Shaikh, Rahmatullaah ‘Alaih know best.

Model:

Usually this sinful slave is incapable of anything. He does not have istiqaamah over any deed and his condition is like the one referred to above, there is a voluntary solution to the attainment of istiqaamah: Make a commitment in the presence of someone, to perform a deed perpetually. For instance, as an example I would make a commitment in the presence of my followers, that I will adopt certain ‘amaal and then I make a promise to Allaah  that from this auspicious moment until death, inshaAllaah Ta’alaa al ‘Azeez wa maa taufeeqee illaa billaah, I will remain steadfast upon these ‘amaal like the sun and moon, and I will never abandon any ‘amaal whatsoever under any circumstances whatsoever; and will never miss them, to the extent that till the time of my death, I will continue to perform every ‘amal of mine with regularity, by the Mercy and Benevolence of Allaah  and from his taufeeq —— Yaa HayyuYaa Qayyoom

And

I will not turn my attention towards anything else except the performance of these ‘amaal, neither will I consider any other ‘amal more important than these ‘amaal ——— Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoom.

The Conclusion of the Statement is:

That I will adopt these ‘amaal, trusting fully in Allaah , for my entire life and commit myself to perform them just the way I find them written, regularly and perpetually; I will never abandon any ‘amal nor will I miss doing them. Turning myself away from every where and every thing, I will get busy and absorbed in these ‘amaal —— Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoom

May no meeting interfere with the performance of any ‘amal nor any ‘amal be missed because of sitting in any gathering.

Instead of your abandoning any ‘amal to attend a gathering, it should be so that every one would abandon their occupation to join your company ; your company is the company of ‘amal, may the magnificence of your gathering remain upright forever, dominating endlessly —– Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoom

Whoever comes, whoever goes, whether anyone speaks or anyone does not speak, may you have concern with no one, except for the Pleasure of Allaah , and may you have no interest in any affair of any one. Whoever comes to you, may he be rich or poor, a scholar or an unread person, your meeting may only be for Allaah ; may you have no concern about any other reason(To meet) nor may you be concerned with any one’s reason. Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoom,

Roam around every nook and corner of the earth and meet every individual in the entire world, and you may hardly meet anyone who has performed an ‘amal consistently and regularly for 12 years; let alone 12 years, even for a year ——– illaa maashaaAllaah. When this is the condition, how can we complain about our helplessness and how can anyone have the right to lament that he has not received any thing from any one.

The truth is that no one has accepted anyone’s advice nor has any one shown any resoluteness about any matter, illaa maashaaAllaah. Let someone make any deed his own. Let someone accept someone else’s opinion. Although no one has the power to do anything without the Mercy of Allaah  yet the slaves (Of Allaah ) have been ordered to do many things and have been made owners of their deeds.

To be continued InshaAllaah Ta’ala.

Salaatunnabi (Durood) recited by Hadrat Sayyidinaa UWAIS QARNEE

TransliterationAllaahumma Salli ‘alaa Sayyidinaa Muhammadiun Wa Aalihee Wa’itratihee be ‘Adadi Kulli Ma’ loomillaka Astaghfirullaa Halladhi La ilaahaa illaa huwal Hayyul Qayyoomu Wa Atoobu ilaih. Yaa Hayyu Yaa QayyoomTranslation Dear Allaah, bestow Your Choicest Blessings upon our Master Muhammad and upon his extended family and his progeny according to the number of all things known to You. I seek the forgiveness of the One but for whom there is no God, The Truly and Perfectly Alive and The Self Sustained and I turn to Him with repentance. O The Truly and Perfectly Alive O The Self Sustained

This is the Salaatunnabi (Durood) recited by Hadrat Sayyidinaa UWAIS QARNEE, and the inherited Durood Shareef of the Honorable chain of Quadariyyah; Mujaddidiyyah; Ghafooriyyah; Raheemiyyah; Kareemiyyah and Ameeriyyah.

It is highly recommended that those who seek the love and closeness to the Beloved of Allaah, Hadrat Muhammad make it mandatory upon themselves to recite this Durood Shareef according to their capacity and the time they have available. For instance at least 11 times after each Salaat. It should be recited more frequently after Ishaa, Tahajjud and Fajr. 100,300,500 times or even more. Remember though, once the frequency is fixed, be steadfast upon it!