ALMISKEENAH

 

 

 

CORRELATIONS….

Between the given and the Giver…

Between hardships and mercy.

We are all part of this rich fabric called life….and some of the woven textured threads are called suffering….suffering we all know, either having experienced, or are experiencing, or will experience or vicariously know those who have, or are, or will be experiencing. Wars, conflict, natural disasters, pain, death, accidents, sorrow, family/social dysfunctions, various forms of loss, separation, along with the difficulties many face seeking marriage, seeking divorce, seeking careers, seeking children, seeking shelter, seeking relief from burdens that seem higher than Mount "NEVEREST" ….seeking Him….

Correlations….between the Giver and the given in this thickly embroidered tapestry….

Between…..

"The dawning of inner light and making destiny’s weight light.

The opening of the door of insight and help in bearing divine decree’s might.

The advent of subtle gifts and bearing affliction’s rifts.

The acknowledgement of how wholesome is God’s choice and empowerment to bear divine decree’s force.

The knowing that God knows our condition and giving us patience with His decision.

The unveiling of God’s divine beauty and ease in facing God’s actions and humane duty.

The knowing that patience leads to contentment and allowing us to bear fate without resentment.

The lifting of veils of alienation and help with enduring divine decrees without agitation.

The granting of the secrets of intimacy and the strength to bear obligations gravity.

The knowing of divine goodness’ subtleties hidden in every difficulty and the giving of patience in high degrees to endure all the divine decrees."

(based on the writings of Ibn ‘Ata’Allah al-Iskandari in The Book of Illumination where he has elucidated these ten sayings based on the same thing, a single variegated facet of understanding God from God. )

He writes:

"You should know that if the true One desires to strengthen people to bear what divine decree comes over them, God clothes them in the illuminations of divine attributes and qualities, enrobing them with divine gifts and blessings. Know that God sends down decrees upon them and at the same time conveys to them illuminations [helping them to bear the decrees]. This ability to bear such decrees is from the Lord, not from within the people themselves! Thus people are strengthened under every hardship and are able to endure every difficulty….

God bestows support to those people who can discern, in confronting divine decrees, the subtle divine concern."

Patiently hold firm under the decree of your Lord, for surely you are under the observance of our gaze.  (52:48)

…whoever entrusts to God their every need, surely God is sufficient for them.  (65:3)

Is not God alone sufficient for God’s worshipful servant?   (39:36)

Ibn ‘Ata’Allah offers an illuminating parable:

GROPING IN THE DARK

Anyone who is anxious despite God’s attentive supervision is a like a child traveling with her father in a long caravan. As night falls, the father keeps watch over his child from a distance, out of compassionate concern for her welfare. Yet the child cannot see her father because of the terrible darkness that has descended between them. The child may be wracked by anxiety about her own concerns; how will she ever secure all her needs by herself? Yet when the moon rises luminous in the night sky, the child can see her father’s actual intimacy. Therefore her anxiety settles and her fears subside, since she can sense her father’s comforting proximity.

In this way, children are enriched by the care they receive from another. They are relieved of needing to care for their own needs by their own means. Those who are anxious for their own concerns despite the concern of God for them only plot anxiously because they are engulfed in the dark night of separation. They do not witness the intimate proximity of God to them. If only the luminous moon of bearing witness to God’s unity (tawhid) or the brilliant sun of experiential knowledge (ma’rifa) of divine presence would rise over them, they would see the intimacy of the true One to them. Then they would be ashamed of plotting or planning in competition with God. They would consider themselves enriched by the divine concern that enriches them and would rise above plotting for their own well-being.

Surely there are secret subtle graces hidden in trials, afflictions and poverty. Facing trials trains your ego to serve…facing trials humbles it and keeps it off guard, preventing it from always claiming its share [in the world] Humbling the ego comes through trials; in turn, through humbling yourself comes divine aid to vanquish otherness from the heart.

It may be that you loathe something that is good for you.  (2:216)

And our Noble Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: Paradise is surrounded by things you loathe, while Hell is surrounded by things you crave.

* 

Sheikh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi addressed this topic, In Need of Allah, reciting the following poem of al-Shushtari

We come to You O Allah, the Rich

The One Who is always Generous

You accustomed us to Your Generosity

We hope it is everlasting.

The Sufis say there is no distance between you and Allah to traverse; there is only your ego. When we journey to Allah, we are going from haram to halal, we are leaving the dunya and going towards the akhirah. Allah is with us wherever we are. We are veiled by our love; our excessive love for our families, children, business, fame, beauty, comfort, luxury, the dunya, it all becomes a distraction. All of these are veils. Sometimes we recognize His bounties, but we don’t recognize Him. Sometimes people look at what is given without looking at the Giver Subhanahu wa ta’ala.

You should come to Allah in a state of poverty. Get rid of your claims. You can have the wealth of the world and still you need Him. You need Allah for every minute, for every second, for every breath.

If your life goes on normally and doesn’t have extremes you don’t feel the Divine Interference. You need to see this Divine Interference in every minute in every occasion. Muslims feel they don’t need Him until they are in difficulty. We are all equal in front of Allah; poverty makes us all equal - fuqara. Make no claims in front of Allah. Come to Him in a state of need.

Ibn ‘Ata’Allah said:  ’If Allah opened the door of dua for you, be sure He will give you’. Just to open your hands and ask is a treasure, and without this we are nothing. Even when we are not given immediately, it doesn’t matter. What matters is He allowed us to make dua, to beseech Him, to cry, to come to Him, to ask Him for help. He is making many others forget, but He picked you up and made you from the elite so that you open your hands and make dua. Never belittle dua. Come to Him with hopes that He will give you. Have Husn al DhanilLah. No one is more generous than Him. When you knock on His Door, have firm belief that He will give you, and you get according to your opinion of Him. Allah looks at hearts not the tongues. Dua is the strongest weapon and the first thing we should turn to. Dua is the means of the most powerful people and the most powerful means.

 Be thankful to Allah when He afflicts a calamity on you. He’s your Lord. Would He let you down? Would He allow you to suffer? For the believer, everything He Gives is sweet because it comes from Him ta’ala. Everything your Beloved does is beloved to you, because you love Him.

* 

And Sheikh Humza Yusuf deals with the same correlations in The Seventeen Benefits of Tribulation.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was someone who went through unparalleled hardship, and yet he never allowed any difficulties to perturb him. Learn of this same wisdom that accompanies our suffering. Not only will this lecture completely transform your outlook on calamities, but it will also leave you in total awe of Allah Ta’ala’s magnanimity and infinite mercy.

* 

In my heart none dwells but my friend.

No one else can enter in the private chamber of a king.

I have a king within the palace of my heart;

If he camped outside, the seas and lands would be too narrow for him….

Mu’in-uddin Chisti

(An aside….related to the three previous posts on Ziyarah: todays article from Arab News related to additional space in Masjid Nabawi for sisters. Maybe there is a correlation between the hardships sisters face in their ardent desire to visit our Beloved Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and Allah Ta’ala’s bounties on us, Insha’Allah. Sincerest gratitude to the glowing sparkles who knowingly and unknowingly have contributed to this post, JazakumuLlahu khairan.)  

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Correlations…….? 

TIME…SPACE….NUMBERS……

Some of the tents or pavilions in Jannah are hollowed out pearls, 60 miles high and 60 miles wide.

Mawriq al-’Ujali narrated that after Salman al-Farisi RadhiAllahu anhu’s death, they searched his house and found no more than a day’s provision for a single person, 1 saddle blanket, a couple of cooking utensils, and no more than 20 dirhams. This is the man who was once commissioned to govern over 30,000 men with a salary of 5,000 dirhams, most of which he distributed in charity.

Whoever prays 12 supererogatory Rak’ahs every day, Allah Ta’ala will build a house for him in Jannah.

In 1 minute you can say "Subhaanallahu wa bi Hamdihi" 100 times. (All praise and glory is due to Allah) Whoever says this everyday will have his/her sins forgiven, even if they are as great as the volume of the foam on the sea.

If 1 drop of Az-Zaqqoom, (a horrible tree in Jahannam) were to land on this world, the people of earth and all their means of sustenance would be destroyed.

Anas RadhiAllahu anhu reported that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "No one asks Allah Ta’ala for Jannah 3 times, but Jannah will say, ‘O Allah, admit him to Jannah.’ And no Muslim asks Allah for protection from Jahannam 3 times, but Jahannam will say, ‘O Allah, save him from me.’"

SubhanAllah 100 times is rewarded as if you have set 100 slaves free. Alhumdulillah 100 is rewarded as if you have presented 100 horses for Jihad. Allahu Akbar 100 times is rewarded as if you sacrifice 100 camels for the sake of Allah Ta’ala. La iLlah illa Allah 100 times the reward of which will fill the whole space between the heaven and the earth.

The distance between the two gate panels, when they are open, of Jannah is that of a 40 year journey walking.

Abdullah ibn Umar RadhiAllahu anhu once bartered land he owned for 200 camels. He then placed 100 of them to immediately serve in the Path of Allah, and he made it conditional upon the new owners not to sell any of them should they have to do so, until they passed the distant valley of Wadi al-Qura in the north.

The distance between the shoulders of the inhabitants of Jahannam will be like 3 days travelling for a fast rider. One molar tooth, or the eye tooth, will be like Mount Uhud and the thickness of skin will be like a journey of 3 days, or 42 cubits thick, and the space he occupies will be as wide as the distance between Makkah and Madinah (about 400 kilometers)

If recited once, a muslim will gain as much deeds (sawab) as if 1000 angels write deeds for 70 days or if 70 angels write deeds for 1000 days, still won’t be able to write them all.

In 1 minute the earth revolves around its axis for a distance of 900 and 50 miles.

Umar ibn al-Khattab RadhiAllahu anhu during his caliphate was delivering a sermon wearing a cloak with 12 patches.

Once, according to Abu Hurairah, RadhiAllahu anhu, a group of Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum, were sitting with the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam when they heard a loud crashing sound. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "Do you know what that was?" Whereupon they replied: "Allah and His Messenger know best." He then explained that it was stone that had been thrown into Jahannam 70 years ago, and it has just reached the bottom of Jahannam now.

In 1 minute you can say Surat Al Fatiha 7 times. The reward for each reading of the Surah: 1420 good deeds! This is on the basis that there are 142 letters in the Surah, with each letter getting you 10 good deeds. So after doing a simple calculation, 7 readings will get you 9940 deeds.

There are 7 gates to Jahannam with 19 Angels guarding them. Fire as we know it is one 70^th part of the fire of Jahannam.

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud RadhiAllahu anhu learned and memorized 70 Surah directly from the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

In 1 minute 1,400 cubic feet of rain falls on the earth.

8 Angels are holding the Throne of Allah Ta’ala. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was given permission to speak to one of the bearers of the Throne. The distance between his earlobes to his shoulders was like that of a bird flying for 700 years.

Abu Darda RadhiAllahu anhu used to say: "To glorify the name of Allah Ta’ala 100 times is dearer to my heart than to give 100 dinar in charity."

Jibreel Alaihis Salaam has 600 hundred wings.

As narrated by Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu, Uthman, RadhiAllahu anhu, bought Jannah 2 times from Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam: Once in a business transaction when he bought the well of Rumah from the disbelievers, making it public property for all Muslims, and secondly when he financed and equipped the Army of Hardship (Jaish al’Usra) Initially Uthman pledged to equip 100 men, but when the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam further invited people to share in this responsibility, Uthman RadhiAllahu anhu made an additional pledge for 100, and the 3^rd time the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam requested more, Uthman again pledged another 100. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then said: "Uthman does no longer need a deed of righteousness (to please Allah Ta’ala) after this."

According to ibn Hisham, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam left Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah on 27 occasions, 9 of them for battle.

Baitul Ma’moor, the Much Frequented House at the Sidratul Muntaha, the Remotest Lote Tree, is visited daily by 70,000 Angels who are never to return for subsequent visits, perpetually followed by another 70,000.

In 1 minute 35,000 tons of fresh water is released into the seas by the rivers.

One recitation of SubhanAllah is as if one has planted a tree in Jannah, the size of which takes the fastest horse, riding at top speed, 100 hundred years to traverse its shadow.

The bridge al-Sirat which every one must cross, is as sharp as a sword and as fine as a hair. The ramps leading to and from it are a 500 year journey, while the crossing is another 500 year journey.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "My Lord promised me that 70,000 of my Ummah will enter Jannah without being called to account or being punished; with each 1,000 there will be 70,000 more, plus 3 handfuls added by Allah."

Abu Yazid Rahmatullah alaihi said: "For 12 years I was the blacksmith of my soul; for 5, the mirror of my heart; for 1 year I observed what was between them, and lo, around my waist I found the girdle of unbelief (zunner) in plain view. So I worked for 5 years at cutting it, seeking a way to dissever it, until at length this was revealed to me and looking at mankind, I saw them as dead and prayed a 4fold Allahu Alkbar over them."

In 1 minute 6,000 luminous meteors fall to the earth and 38 whirlpools appear on the earth.

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu said: "I saw 70 people from Ahlu Suffa in prayers, each of them having a single robe only and no cloak to cover it. Some wore a worn out jubba, others had it a little too big, while some had it so short that it barely covered beneath their knees, and when one of such people would bow in Ruku, he would gather up his garment and hold to it tight in fear that parts of his body may be exposed.

In 1 minute you can say "SallAllahu alaihi wa sallam" 50 times. In return you get 500 blessings from Allah Ta’ala.

Whenever the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam retired for the evening, it was customary that each of the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum would invite one of the dwellers of Suffa to his home to share a meal. Some invited 2, some 3, and perhaps up to 10 people at a time, and so forth, each according to his means, except for Sa’adu ibn’Ubadah, who used to bring his family up to 80 guests at a time to feed them.

Abdullah ibn ‘Amr RadhiAllahu anhu heard Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallm say: "The best ones among my followers in every century are 500, and the deputies 40. Their number does not decrease. Neither the 500 nor the 40 diminish in number. When any one among the 40 deputies dies, Allah Ta’ala replaces him with one of the 500." When asked about their signs, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "They pardon their oppressor, they show kindness to the unjust ones, and they share Allah Ta’ala’s blessing with others."

Every second 2 people are taken back to Allah, and 4 babies are born! Every second 8 million cells die in our body and 8 million new ones replace them!!!!!!!!!!! Every second 2.5 million red blood cells are produced, 83ccm of blood is pumped in the body and the blood is carried 33cm from the heart! 10,000 signals are transmitted from a single nerve fibre!!!! And 16 million tons of rain falls!!! So who are we to be surprised at what the Greatest of Planners does, when He does, how He does, why He does, where He does, to whom He does?

TIME…..SPACE…..NUMBERS……CORRELATIONS?

Insha’Allah, I see you in the comment box. 

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salat; The Key to Jannah.

 

And seek assistance through patience and prayer, and most surely it is a hard thing except for the humble ones. (2:45)

And keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and whatever good you send before for yourselves, you shall find it with Allah; surely Allah sees what you do.  (2:110)

A Salat performed in the Prophet’s Mosque is better than a thousand salats in any other place except Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. (Bukhari and Muslim)

The person, who offers 40 prayers consecutively in my Mosque, without missing a prayer in between, will secure immunity from the fire of Hell and other torments and also from hypocrisy." - reported by Anas ibn Malik RadhiAllahu anhu in Ahmad and Tab’raani collections.

This key to Jannah, Salat, prayer, is the most treasured gift for the believer, the only command brought from Jannah by our Noble Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. The intimate closeness to our Rabb. Our spiritual nourishment, our solace in the face of all hardships, the source of all goodness, the gift of success in this Dunya and the Akhira. "Come to Salat, come to success," reverberating waves of this call palpitating perpetually across the entire globe, a conduit to the beating of hearts, tranquility for the soul. The key to all success, the key to Jannah.

A selection of Ahadith expounding some of the virtues the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam taught about his love for "Salat; the comfort of his eyes."

"Salat was the first and the foremost thing ordained by Allah, and it shall be the first and the foremost thing to be reckoned for on the Day of Judgement."

"Fear Allah in the matter of Salat! "Fear Allah in the matter of Salat! "Fear Allah in the matter of Salat!"

"Salat intervenes between man and Shirk."

"Salat is the mark of Islam, A person who says his Salat at the fixed hours with sincerity and devotion, observing all its regulations including the Mustahabbat, is surely a Mu’min."

"Of all things that have been ordained by Allah, Iman ansd Salat are the most valued. If there were any other thing better than Salat, the Allah would have ordained it for His Angels, some of whom are always in Ruku and Sajdah."

"Salat is the pillar of Islam."

"Salat abases the Shaytan."

"Salat is the light of a Mu’min."

"Salat is the best Jihad."

"Allah keeps relenting towards a person so long as he is engaged in Salat."

"When a calamity befalls us from Jannah, people frequenting the Masjid are spared and saved."

"If some major sins of a Muslim land him in Jahannam, the fire would not burn those parts of his body which have touched the ground while he was in Sajdah during his Salat."

"Fire has been forbidden to touch those parts of the body which touch the ground while performing Sajdah."

"Of all practices, Salat made at fixed hours is most loved by Allah."

"Salat is the key to Jannah."

"When a person stands in Salat the gates of Paradise are let open and all the veils between him and Allah are lifted."

"A person in Salat knocks at the door of the sovereign Lord, and the door is always open for him who knocks."

"The position of Salat in Islam is as the position of the head in a body."

"Salat is the light of the heart. Let those who wish enlighten their hearts (through Salat)"

"If a person wishes to have his sins forgiven by Allah, he should perform Wudhu properly, offer with devotion two or four Rak’aats of Fardh or Nafl and then pray to Allah. Allah will forgive him."

"Any strip of earth, on which Allah is remembered in Salat takes pride over the rest of the Earth."

"Allah accepts the prayers of a person who prays to Him after performing two Rak’aats of Salat. Allah grants him what he prays for, sometimes immediately and sometimes (in his own interest) later."

"Though a man performs the whole Salat, he may get credit for half of it, or a third, a quarter, a fifth, a sixth or a tenth. A man gets credit only for that part of his Salat of which he is conscious."

"Indeed the five prayers remove sins, just as water removes dirt."

"Allah will have no mercy on the Day of Resurrection, for that servant of His who does not straighten his spine between bowing and prostration."

"All praise belongs to God, Who has lavished His favours on His servants, filling their hearts with the light of religion and its duties, sent down from the Throne of Glory to the heaven of this world by the steps of mercy. One mark of His compassion: in contrast to earthly kings, though majesty and might belong to Him Alone, He urges people to bring Him their requests and pleas, saying: "Will anyone call, that I may answer him> Will anyone seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?" Unlike the rulers of this world, He keeps an open door and does not screen Himself away. He allows His servants to converse with Him intimately in their Prayers, under all circumstances, he they in congregation or in isolation. How different are those feeble worldly kings, who grant an audience only when they have received a gift or bribe!

Glory be to Him, therefore, so grand in His sublimity, so Strong in His authority, so Perfect in His graciousness, so All-embracing in His goodness. Blessings and salutations to Muhammad, His chosen prophet and selected friend, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, and to his family and companions, Radhiallahu anhum, those keys of right guidance and lanterns in the dark."

"Islam is the only religion where you will find a King at the door of beggars asking for their prayers."

 
Jazakallahu khairan katheeran abada to young Ismail for his expressive and vibrant drawing of a prayer mat! SubhanAllah! May Allah Ta’ala guide him and all our little Muslimeen to the joy of Salat, and hence the key to Jannah. Ameen.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A weighty, momentous, remarkable, virtuous, beneficial, generous EQUATION from the Most Generous of the Generous, Al-Kareem.

 

May we all take advantage of this special Shawwal offer from the Generous One, whose greatest generosity is His mercy!
His rewards surpass all expectations.

Events which took place in Shawwal:-

1) Hadrat Aa’ishah Siddiqah (Radi Allahu ta’ala anha) was born in Shawwal four years after Prophethood which is nine years before Hijrah.
2) Hadrat Aa’ishah Siddiqah (Radi Allahu ta’ala anha) was married in this month ten years after Prophethood which is three years before Hijrah.
3) The fight between Banu Qaynaqaa took place between the battle of Badr and Uhud (Shawwal 2 A.H. after Hijrah)
4) The battle of Uhud also took place in Shawwal, three years after Hijrah.
5) Hadrat Imam Hussain (Radi Allahu ta’ala anhu) the Beloved Prophet’s (Salla Allahu ta’ala alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam) grandson (son of Hadrat Fatima Radi Allahu ta’ala anha) was born in the month of Shawwal four years after Hijrah.
6) The Beloved Prophet  (Salla Allahu ta’ala alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam) married Hadhrat Umme Salamah (Radi Allahu ta’ala anha) in Shawwal in the fourth year after Hijrah.
7) Hadrat Aa’ishah Siddiqah’s (Radi Allahu ta’ala anha) mother passed away in 5 A.H.
8.) The Beloved Prophet’s (Salla Allahu ta’ala alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam) uncle Abu Talib departed from this world during the middle of Shawwal in the year 5 A.H.
9) Imam Bukhari (Radi Allahu anhu) was born on a Friday of Shawwal in the year 194 A.H.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

 

Unity

And hold fast, to the rope of Allah, everyone, and do not split up. And remember Allah’s favour on you: for you were enemies, and Allah united your hearts, so you became brethren by the grace of Allah. And you were on the brink of a pit of fire, and Allah rescued you from it. Thus does Allah manifest signs of the divine to you, that you may be guided. (3:103)

Walking through the courtyard of Masjid Nabawi after Asr, the sun’s intensity boiling the head, reminding me of the Hadith warning us of the least punishment Allah Ta’ala has prepared for the inhabitants of Jahannam. Audhu BiLlahi. Burning coals placed under the feet will be hot enough to make the brain boil. Ya Allah Ya Lateef, your Grace and Mercy is all that we have to save us from such a fate. Ya Rabb, steer us all on to the Siratul Mustaqeem, the path we seek from you over and over day in and day out. Change our weak, mechanical, distracted hearts to one that knows the depth of being truly on the Straight Path. The True Path, the Righteous Path, that will lead the Ummah unimpeded to You and only You. No diversions, no side alleys, no tangents, no deviations tempting us along the way.

My glance encompasses crowds moving in all directions zigzagging across the courtyard between The Abode of Peace where our Liege-Lord, Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam is and Jannatul Baqi. The majority, in this scorching heat are surging towards, and on, the two ramps leading up to Jannatul Baqi. SubhanAllah this cross section of the Ummah squashed in such a confined space for no other reason than to convey their Salam to the inhabitants of this blessed graveyard. How many languages, how many words ascending to the One every second, how many hands raised, how many searing heads directed to the dear departed deep below bleached earth?

Unity; I hear my heart mumble inwardly, this is unity, one humble speck standing in the midst of hundreds of unknown brothers and sisters, having traveled from every corner of the globe, for the same purpose, united. A gentle sobbing, a constant buzz from words repetitively uttered from parched lips, imploring, supplicating, adoring, beseeching. This diverse sea of humanity, united in the One Allah, the One Book, the One Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, who is simultaneously, attentively listening to a gentle sobbing, a constant buzz of Salutations from men, women and children, young, old, black, white, rich, poor, sick, healthy, illiterate, educated.
United.
A unanimous Salam soaring to the Arsh. May it join the perpetual greetings being made throughout the Seven Heavens. Ameen.
Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu narrates that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, You will not enter Jannah until you become a believer, and you will not be a believer until you love one another. May I not guide you to something by which you will love one another? Spread Salam amongst yourselves.
Unity. The thousands of Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum this untied crowd are now addressing epitomized this quality. Unified in their love and submission to every aspect of the Message conveyed by The Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Attracted as a magnet to the virtues of the Sunnah. Immediately an injunction came from Allah Ta’ala, and then conveyed to them by Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, they took it into their hearts where it was immediately manifested into action. No debates, no discussions, no arguments, no regrets, no excuses, no but but but.  

Leaving this one unified gathering, I proceed to watch another of a totally different composition. I linger by the western courtyard where the work in progress for the next extension is on going. My thinking is suddenly abducted by the word "unity" once again. There are dozens of workmen in this confined area, assigned diverse tasks, all working towards the one plan to execute this new extension. Their appearances, nationalities and backgrounds are as diverse as their duties, but they are united as a team. If they were not working in unison then projected plans of completing such a design successfully would be impossible. 

Huge Mitsubishi drills hover over mountains of rubble, like giant mosquitoes injecting their snouts into the earth. I am reminded of the analogy of how Shaytan sits on our left shoulder, behind our heart, like a mosquito ready to inject his poison the second our heart is turned from DhikruAllah Ta’ala or Durood on our Beloved Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, or the various forms our Ibadah takes. I am transfixed as I watch these massive mechanical creatures transform what was a smooth marble surface into a twisted pile of concrete and steel, the noise smashing the serenity of Haram. A strong simile, the shuddering of the earth beneath my feet shaking my heart to the potential terror a small mosquito can cause in my heart. Ya Rabb! Then the recollection of Allah Ta’ala’s words:

Verily, the cunningness of Shaytan is weak. (4:76) and also referring to Shaytan:

This is a straight path to Me. For you have no authority over devotees of Mine, except those deluded ones who follow you.  (15:41-42)

May we be a united force, committed to be in a state of ever increasing Iman and seeking protection with Allah, The Requitter, causing the cowardly Shaytan to shrink and dwindle, his ugly whisperings melting into nothing. 

Later, looking skyward, following the dazzle of the lit minaret, reaching as a stairway to heaven, sits the majestic moon waxing to her fullest, suspended on velvety black, seemingly ascending upwards.

The crowds now resemble linear formations, converging to a congested point, the doorways to enter Masjid Nabawi for Salat. United in Salat, united in offering our obedience to Allah Ta’ala, united in seeking to accumulate the promised one thousand rewards for praying in congregation here, united so close to our Beloved Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, in his Masjid, united under the banner of Islam, united in our quest for Taqwa, united in our begging for peace throughout the world, united in our concern for all the suffering across the globe, united in attempting to tame our nafs, united in shunning the deafening shouts of Shaytan, united in our desire for Jannah, united in our repulsion of Jahannam, united in our hope for our loved ones, united in our gratitude for being here, united for the gift of Islam, united in our competing for Allah Ta’ala’s favours, united in seeking refuge from His wrath, united for a new zeal in our relationship with The One and His Habib SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, united to be a united Ummah.

Narrated Anas RadhiAllahu anhu: The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "None of you will have faith till he wishes for his brother what he likes for himself."

As for those who believed and acted with integrity, the Benevolent One will give them love. (19:96)

O Allah, The Clement, The Forgiver, The Enricher, O Allah, Lord of Majesty and Bounty make us an Ummah attached to Hablillah, Your rope, Your Book, holding fast to all it’s injunctions with a united strength, in unison giving us stability and impregnability against all foes, whether individual or collective.  Abdullah ibn Masu’d said he heard the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam say, The book of Allah is the rope of Allah, extended from the heavens to the earth.

Insha’Allah, as we all disperse, may the poignancy of being in the sacred precincts remain, with the Ummah fiercly clutching this rope. This hope of unity.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

 

THE GIFT and gifts.

THE GREATEST GIFT is that of Islam from Allah Ta’ala, culminating in the sending of his Most Loved Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam as a gift for humanity!

Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure with His slave is manifest in His bounties and gifts both material and spiritual; and the slave’s pleasure with Allah Ta’ala is manifest by his obedience to Allah Ta’ala’s commands and submission to His Will.

Gifts sent from Allah, whether health or sickness, poverty or wealth, give focus to the slave’s appreciation. By this appreciation, Allah gives more to the slave. Based on the upholding of the commands of Allah under various conditions sent to the slave by Allah, He brings more bounties to the slave. This is explained in the verse

To test you through what He has given you. (6:165)

This is the test of whether the condition and behavior of the slave changes because of gifts or stays the same. One example is Abur Rahman ibn Awf RadhiAllahu anhu. Before Hijrah, he was poor. After Hijrah to Madinah, the gift of wealth was given to him. His behaviour did not change; he continued to be giving the highest priority to the obedience of the command of Allah Ta’ala. On the other hand, Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu was wealthy before Islam. After Islam, he became poor due to spending in the path of Allah. His behaviour continued to be in line with the commands of Allah. Ibn Masud RadhiAllahu anhu was given the gift of a beautiful voice. He used the gift for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, in teaching and reciting Qur’an. He was so poor that his wife was the financial supporter of the household. The gift of poverty did not dissuade him from being obedient to Allah Ta’ala. The Ummah benefited from his situation in that Surah Al Waqiah in honour of him, has the virtue that whoever recites it every night will never be poor. As Imam Ghazali explained, when the person accepts appreciatively whatever comes to him as coming from Allah Ta’ala, Allah Ta’ala gives him gifts whenever and whatever he ask for.

When the slave accepts all the gifts Allah Ta’ala, the Giver of gifts and the Bestower of blessings, has decreed, irrespective of whether they are favourable or unfavourable, and whether they are in the shape His wrath or they are illuminated by the rays of His Beauty, it does not make any difference to the slave because all springs from Allah Almighty and whatever comes from the Beloved is welcome.

Glorious beyond what they describe is Allah, Lord of the Throne! (21:22)

Glorified is Allah above what they describe! (23:91)

The Messenger of Allah, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, said, "Your Lord has gifts in these days of your time, subject yourself to receive them!"

Our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam has said: "He who is satisfied with Allah Ta’ala gets the real taste of Iman."

As with all aspects of our Deen we are given guidance on the etiquette of gifts. It is interesting that the Arabic words for Hidayah (Guidance) and Hadiyah (Gift) come from the same root of Ha, Dal and Ya, with the basic meaning of to lead, on the right way, guide, show, and one of the forms of the verb is to exchange presents.

When gifts were brought to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, he would ask if they were sadaqah or gifts. He would accept the gifts and decline the sadaqah. Yet the gifts did not stay in his hand or his house for very long. He would give them away.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam used not to reject the gifts, especially perfume. He used to accept gifts and used to give something in return.

The invocation of blessings on him SallAllahu alaihi wasallam is a gift. A Hadith tells us that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Who invokes blessings on me from a far off place, that blessing is brought to me. If anyone comes to my grave and offers one salutation and invokes blessings on me then I hear him."

The invocation is a gift of the person that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam receives. So, when it has always been the practice of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to reciprocate a gift, it is hoped that when he receives the gift in the Barzakh he will reciprocate as was his habit. Insha’Allah it will be in the form of a supplication for the person concerned, praying to Allah Ta’ala to grant the person his desires.

I have heard that relaying a Hadith is a great gift to give and of course to be the recipient of the same.

Insha’Allah, love is the criterion of give and take. The one reciprocation which the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam recommended was that the giver may not expect something in return but gives out of love and affection to seek the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Exchange gifts and grow mutual love."

Thus, if anyone gives with this Sunnah, and he has no expectation of receiving anything in return then giving the gift becomes a source of blessing. A gift that is given for the sake of Allah Ta’ala is auspicious for the giver and the receiver. That which is given with ostentatious designs is neither a blessing for the giver or the receiver. How our intention in everything we do is of utmost importance. May we constantly seek Hidayah in all matters related to Hadiyah!

Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam drew the attention of women in particular to the importance of even the smallest gifts, and frequently emphasized the distinction of the neighbour: "O Muslim women, do you think that any gift is too insignificant to give to a neighbour, even if it is only a trotter (sheep’s foot)?

Aishah RadhiAllahu anha said, "O Allah’s Apostle! I have two neighbors! To whom shall I send my gifts?" He said, "To the one whose gate is nearer to you."

Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-’As RadhiAllahu anhu: Mujahid said that Abdullah ibn Amr RadhiAllahu anhu slaughtered a sheep and said: Have you presented a gift from it to my neighbour, the Jew, for I heard the Apostle of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam say: Jibreel alaihis Salam kept on commending the neighbour to me so that I thought he would be an heir? And another similar narration says how the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam told Abu Dharr RadhiAllahu anhu to add more water to a broth he was cooking so he could gift some to his neighbour. SubhanAllah!

The people used to send gifts to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam on the day of Aishah’s RadhiAllahu anha turn. Um Salama RadhiAllahu anha said: "My companions, the other wives of the Prophet gathered and they complained about it. So I informed the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam about it on their behalf, but he remained silent."

Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf RadhiAllahu anhu was one of the richest Sahabah. And even though he had been given the glad tidings of being from the ‘Asharah Mubasharah, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said that he would enter Jannah crawling due to the length of time it would take to settle his account! SubhanAllah! When he was told of this he gave away entire caravan of camels, said to be 700, he had brought laden with goods from Shams. Allah Ta’ala revealed the following verse about his generosity:

Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah and do not follow their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with hurtful words. For them their reward is with their Lord, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve. (2: 262).

The Prophet showed extreme caution as to whether some thing was meant as sadaqah or as a gift. It has been reported that he would be afraid of picking up even one date for fear that it may be part of what was meant for sadaqah.

Narrated Anas ibn Malik RadhiAllahu anhu when on the Day of Hunayn Allah Ta’ala conferred upon His Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam the riches of Hawazin, an expedition without armed encounter, the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam set about distributing to some people of Quraysh one hundred camels. Upon this the young people from the Ansar said: May Allah grant pardon to the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam that he bestowed these camels upon the people of Quraysh, and he ignored us, whereas our swords are still dripping blood. Anas ibn Malik RadhiAllahu anhu said: Their statement was conveyed to the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and he sent someone to the Ansar and gathered them under a tent of leather. When they had assembled, the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam came to them and said: What is this news that has reached me from you? The wise people of the Ansar said: Messenger of Allah, so far as the sagacious amongst us are concerned they have said nothing, but we have amongst us persons of immature age; they said: May Allah grant pardon to the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam that he gave to the Quraysh and ignored us despite the fact that our swords are besmeared with their blood. Upon this the Messenger of Allah said: I give at times material gifts to persons who were quite recently in the state of unbelief, so that I may incline them to truth. Don’t you feel delighted that people go with riches whereas you should go back to your places with the Apostle of Allah? By Allah Ta’ala, that with which you return is better than that with which they return. They said: Yes, Messenger of Allah, we are pleased. The Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said too: You will find marked preference in conferring of the material gifts in future, so you should show patience until you meet Allah Ta’ala and His Messenger where you will be with him at the Hawd Kawthar. They said: We show patience. SubhanAllah, once the Sahabah were told of the wisdom behind the Prophets SallAllahu alaihi wasallam decisions, and realized their Akhirah was to benefit far more than their immediate material desires, how they willingly accepted and understood.

One Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhu wanted to marry but did not have any money, so the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam told him to seek assistance from Uthman RadhiAllahu anhu, who was known to be very wealthy. One evening the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhu set out to follow the advice of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, and as he stood at the door of the house of Uthman RadhiAllahu anhu he overheard him telling his wife to not waste oil and to turn the oil lamp down lower. The Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhu, on hearing this, wondered how Uthman RadhiAllahu anhu could possibly lend him money if he was concerned about the amount of lamp oil they were using, so he walked away. When Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam inquired about his affair, the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhu told him of the incident, whereupon Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam instructed him to go again, as Uthman RadhiAllahu anhu was in the position to gift him some money, it was just that he was extremely cautious about how much he spent on his own household, knowing that he would be facing Allah Ta’ala one day having to explain what he did with his wealth. Uthman RadhiAllahu anhu willingly gifted the money to the needy Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhu, due to his heart comprehending the value of giving with the full reward in his Akhirah.  

Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-’Aus RadhiAllahu anhu: The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: It is not permissible for a woman to present a gift from her husband’s property except with the permission of her husband. 

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam personally bade farewell Muadh RadhiAllahu anhu, to this mission of guidance and light and walked for some distance alongside him as he rode out of the city to Yemen. Finally he said to him: "O Muadh, perhaps you shall not meet me again after this year. Perhaps when you return you shall see only my mosque and my grave." Muadh RadhiAllahu anhu wept. Those with him wept too. A feeling of sadness and desolation overtook him as he parted from his beloved Prophet, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. The Prophet’s premonition was correct. The eyes of Muadh RadhiAllahu anhu never beheld the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam after that moment, as he died before he returned fro Yeman. There is no doubt that Muadh RadhiAllahu anhu wept when he returned to Madinah and found there was no longer the blessed company of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. During the caliphate of Umar RadhiAllahu anhu, Muadh RadhiAllahu anhu was sent to the Banu Kilab to apportion their stipends and to distribute the sadaqah of their richer folk among the poor. When he had done his duty, he returned to his wife with his saddle blanket around his neck, empty handed, and she asked him: "Where are the gifts which commissioners return with for their families?" "I had an alert Supervisor who was checking over me," he replied. "You were a trusted person with the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and with Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu. Then Umar RadhiAllahu anhu came and he sent a supervisor with you to check on you!’ she exclaimed. She went on to talk about this to the women of Umar RadhiAllahu anhu’s household and complained to them about it. The complaint eventually reached Umar RadhiAllahu anhu so he summoned Muadh RadhiAllahu anhu and said: "Did I send a supervisor with you to check on you?" "No, Amir al-Mumineen," he said, "But that was the only reason I could find to give her." Umar RadhiAllahu anhu laughed and then gave him a gift, saying, "I hope this pleases you."

Asmaa RadhiAllahu anha’s  mother, Qutaylah, once came to visit her in Madinah. She was not a Muslim and was divorced from her father in pre-Islamic times. Her mother brought her gifts of raisins, clarified butter and qaraz (pods of a species of sant tree). Asmaa RadhiAllahu anhu at first refused to admit her into her house or accept the gifts. She sent someone to Aishah RadhiAllahu anhu to ask the Prophet, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, about her attitude to her mother and he replied that she should certainly admit her to her house and accept the gifts. On this occasion, the following revelation came to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam:

Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who do not fight you because of your faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them. Allah loves those who are just. Allah only forbids you with regard to those who fight you for your Faith, and drive you from your homes, and support others in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection). Any of you who take them as allies will truly be wrongdoers. (6O: 8-9).

Narrated Abdullah Ibn Umar and Abdullah Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu anhuma: The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: It is not lawful for a man to make a donation or give a gift and then take it back, except a father regarding what he gives his child. One who gives a gift and then takes it back is like a dog which eats and vomits when it is full, then returns to its vomit. 

Where are we in relation to the Creator of things, the Maker and Shaper, the First and the Last, the Outer and the Inner, to whom all hearts belong, the solace of spirits, the resting place of burdens when it comes to giving and receiving gifts both material and spiritual?

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

Truth and Lies.

The awe is overwhelming when looking upon, or contemplating the most virtuous piece of land on the face of the Earth. Or as espoused by some scholars, this Most Blessed Space, selected by Allah Ta’ala to safely guard and embrace His Most Beloved SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, even surpasses the land supporting the Ka’aba and His ‘Arsh. Allahu ‘Alum,

How boundless is Allah Ta’ala’s Generosity when the deep reality of being from the Ummah of His Habib SallAllahu alaihi wasallam fills our heart and hence our life. Our foreheads could never be pressed in prostration long enough to ever display our gratitude. Ya Rabbil ‘Aalameen Ya Rabbil ‘Aalameen Ya Rabbil ‘Aalameen.

We have been distinguished from all previous nations. The supreme qualities of perfection streaming from Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, the Best of all Creations, the Resident of the most Hallowed of Places. Having being sent to teach us the distinctive qualities of love and brotherhood, and to adorn our hearts with affection and good friendship, to uphold the truth and avoid all that reaps no reward. SubhanAllah.

Allah Ta’ala said: The believers are nothing else than brothers. (49:10)

He has conferred His favour upon His slaves in joining their hearts, saying: And remember Allah’s favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together so that by His Grace you became brethren. (3:103)

He it is Who strengthened you with His help and with the believers. And united their hearts; had you spent all that is in the earth, you could not have united their hearts, but Allah united them; surely He is Mighty, Wise. O Prophet! Allah is sufficient for you and (for) such of the believers as follow you. (8:62-64)

SubhanAllah, such crystal clear criteria for us to encompass the Sunnah of the one so loved by our Almighty Maker and avoid all that he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam avoided.

According to a narration by Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu, who heard the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam say: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak what is good or be silent."

He utters not a word but there is by him a watcher at hand. (50:18) And O you who believe, if a troublemaker brings you news, ascertain the truth, in case you harm people out of ignorance; and afterwards, become full of regret for what you have done. (49:6) from Qur’an Majeed.

Truthfulness (Sidq) is one of the attributes of the most cherished residents of this Most Illuminated City; Rasulullah SallahAllah alaihi wasallam. One of his most esteemed companions was known as "Al-Siddiq" because of this attribute. One of his wives was given the title "Al Siddiqa", because of this attribute. Rasulullah SallAllah alaihi wasallam said "Al-Sidq is salvation". When people adopt the way of Rasulullah SallAllah alaihi wasallam into their lives, they also adopt Sidq. Never be tempted to lie to others. The higher level is never lie to yourself.

Narrated ‘Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu: The Prophet said, "Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to Al-Fajur (wickedness, evil-doing), and Al-Fajur leads to the Hell Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before Allah, a liar." 

Thus Jannah is guaranteed for those who do not abuse speech. The tongue can be the best organ, but also the worst. It is the tongue that calls the name of Allah Ta’ala, offers Salawaat and Salam to our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, reciting the Kalimah, reads the Qur’an, invites people towards the approved. On the other hand it is also capable of speaking falsehoods, disbelief, abuses, curses, backbiting, swearing falsely and bears false testimony.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Indeed, the slave of Allah sometimes unconsciously speaks a word that pleases Him so He raises his ranks. And indeed, sometimes the slave of Allah unconsciously speaks a word that displeases Him so he consigns him to Hell." And according to a narration by Baihaqi the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said that a man stumbles and slips more because of his tongue than his feet! And Abu Sa’id Khudri RadhiAllahu anhu has said that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "When a man gets up in the morning all the limbs humble themselves before the tongue and say, ‘Fear Allah for our sake for we are dependent on you. If you are straight, we are straight, but if you are crooked we are crooked." And Sufyan ibn Abdullah Thaqafi RadhiAllahu anhu said that he submitted before the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, "Messenger of Allah, what is it that you fear most for me?" The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam held his tongue and said, "This."

So many traditions emphasizing the importance of being ever so vigilant with our words; spoken, written and even thought of.

Abdullah ibn Umar RadhiAllahu anhu narrated from the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, "When a man speaks a lie, the angel distances himself from him by a mile due to the bad smell of the lie."

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr RadhiAllahu anhu: The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "A Muslim is the one who avoids harming Muslims with his tongue and hands. And a Muhajir is the one who gives up all what Allah has forbidden." 

Abu Musa RadhiAllahu anhu said: Some people asked Allah’s Apostle, "Whose Islam is the best?" He replied, "One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongue and hands."

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu: I did not see anything so resembling minor sins as what Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu said from the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, who said, "Allah has written for the son of Adam his inevitable share of adultery whether he is aware of it or not: The adultery of the eye is the looking (at something which is sinful to look at), and the adultery of the tongue is to utter (what it is unlawful to utter), and the inner self wishes and longs for (adultery) and the private parts turn that into reality or refrain from submitting to the temptation." 

Once Malik related from Zayd ibn Aslam from his father that Umar ibn al-Khattab RadhiAllahu anhu came upon Abu Bakr as-Siddiq RadhiAllahu anhu pulling his tongue. Umar said to him, "Stop, may Allah forgive you!" Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu replied, "This has brought me to dangerous places." And this from the one called The Most Truthful!

Narrated ‘Aishah RadhiAllahu anha: The Prophet said, "While the angels talk amidst the clouds about things that are going to happen on earth, the devils hear a word of what they say and pour it in the ears of a soothsayer as one pours something in a bottle, and they add one hundred lies to that (one word)." And Ibn Abi Malaika said: ‘Aisha used to recite this Verse: ‘Ida taliqunahu bi-alsinatikum’ (24.15) "(As you tell lie with your tongues.)" and used to say "Al-Walaq" means "telling of a lie."She knew this Verse more than anybody else as it was revealed about her. * An excellent detailed account of this incident can be read in Ma’ariful Qur’an by Maulana Mufti Muhammad Shafi.

Imran ibn Hittan said that he went to Abu Dharr RadhiAllahu anhu when he was sitting alone in the Masjid. He asked him, "O Abu Dharr, why this solitude?" He replied, "I have heard the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam say, ‘Solitude is better than a bad companion, and a good companion is better than solitude. It is better to say what is good than to keep alone and it is better to keep quiet than to utter evil words from the tongue. (because silence is not accountable except when an obligatory speech is avoided.)"

Narrated Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu: The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "There are two expressions which are very easy for the tongue to say, but they are very heavy in the balance and are very dear to The Beneficent Allah, and they are, ‘SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi wa ‘SubhanAllah Al-’Azim.’"

Insha’Allah we aspire to incresing the use of our tongue for such worship. 

 

Truth and Lies

 

Lies are horrid, lies are black.

All things pure they attack,

Quickly destroying all good deeds,

Gathering in the hearts like poisonous weeds,

Spreading as an infectious disease,

Polluting the air as they please.

Ugly in shape and so destructive.

Never achieving anything constructive.

Regardless if big or small,

Lies should not be told at all.

 

While truth is golden and brings great reward.

Gaining the pleasure of our Lord.

Allah loves all who are true.

Their hearts sparkle like morning dew.

 

So as we always have the choice

Of what to do with our voice,

Let’s control our wagging tongue,

To guarantee we’ll be among,

Those whom Allah’s praises are sung.

 

So rush to make Istighfar,

To prevent our heart being black as tar.

 

Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar

Astaghfirullah Astaghfirullah Astaghfirullah

 

 

 

Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu: The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam used to supplicate Allah: "My Lord, help me and do not give help against me; grant me victory, and do not grant victory over me; plan on my behalf and do not plan against me; guide me, and make my right guidance easy for me; grant me victory over those who act wrongfully towards me; O Allah, make me grateful to Thee, mindful of Thee, full of fear towards Thee, devoted to Thy obedience, humble before Thee, or penitent. My Lord, accept my repentance, wash away my sin, answer my supplication, clearly establish my evidence, guide my heart, make true my tongue and draw out malice in my breast."

 

May we honour the one who honours us SallAllahu alaihi wasallam; his only concern being "Ummati, Ummati, Ummati," with the same care and devotion to his teachings as he cared for us. May his SallAllahu alaihi wasallam shining, set ablaze every cell of our existence, whereby following him brings us his intercession.

Ameen Ameen Ameen.

 

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.