The Deen » Articles http://the-deen.co.uk Spreading the deen, nothing but the true deen Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:10:19 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 The Reliable Road of Loving Allah and Loving the Messenger http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/the-reliable-road-of-loving-allah-and-loving-the-messenger/ http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/the-reliable-road-of-loving-allah-and-loving-the-messenger/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:53:29 +0000 Administrator http://the-deen.co.uk/?p=1422 Hazrat Hakeem ul Ummah Mujaddid ul Millah, Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (RA) has said, “The only reliable method of loving Allah and loving the Messenger is that which is acquired through the Sunnah.” If this love is acquired in a method contrary to the Sunnah, either through drums or music etc, then this love and longing is not reliable. Allah has told His Beloved Messenger to proclaim the following,

“قل ان كنتم تحبون الله فاتبعوني

‘If you claim to love Allah, then follow (obey) me,”

“يحببكم الله”

“Then Allah will love you.”

Hazrat Mawlana Fadhl ur Rahman Ganj Muradabadi would express it in the following manner, “Allah has announced through His Beloved Messenger that if you want to become the beloved of Allah, then walk my walk. Our Beloved Prophet is so lovely that whoever walks his walk will also become beloved to me.” Examine the love of this world like that of father and son. If a father sees a child in the neighborhood who resembles his own child, then the father also becomes beloved to Allah also. What is our situation today? We have forsaken the Sunnah and yet make claims of loving the Prophet! The Sahabah who toed the line in following the Prophet and who had been given the certificate of Allah’s pleasure, their road is the only reliable road. From this we can understand that the claim of love contrary to the method of the Sahabah is unreliable and unauthentic.

مستند رستے وہی مانے گئے

جن سے ہو کر تیرے دیوانے گئے

Only those paths have been accepted as authentic

Upon which your lovers have tread.

-‘Ishq-e- Rasool Ka Saheeh Mafhoom

Source: An-Noor

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]]> http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/the-reliable-road-of-loving-allah-and-loving-the-messenger/feed/ 0 Making the Most of Friday http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/making-the-most-of-friday/ http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/making-the-most-of-friday/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:40:15 +0000 Adminstrator http://the-deen.co.uk/?p=339

by Abu Abdullah Ibne Ismail

On Thursday nights our respected Shaykh usually advises those present to do the following actions in order to gain maximum benefit from the blessed day of Friday.

Salaat and Salaam

“As soon as one completes the Maghrib Salaah on Thursday night he should begin to increase the recitation of Salaat and Salaam upon the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam.

On Friday one should increase the quantity of Salaat and Salaam read. An apt number would be to aim to recite Durood 300 times daily, and increase it to 1000 times on Friday.

Holding a tasbeeh (rosary) constantly will help facilitate one in achieving this target.

Surah Dukhan

One should recite this Surah every Thursday night (i.e. anytime after Maghrib on Thursday). It is mentioned in a hadeeth that

Whosoever recites Surah Dukhan on the night of Jumu’ah, Allah will build a palace in Jannah for him. (Ibn Hibban)

Surah Kahaf

One should also recite this Surah every Friday. It is mentioned in a hadeeth that the one who recites this Surah every Friday will be protected from the trails of the Dajjal.

If one finds the Surah too long or too difficult to recite, then one should start by reciting one page weekly. Once one is able to recite one page fluently then he should increase it to two pages.

Over time the Surah will become easier to recite and one will eventually be able to recite the entire Surah weekly.

Early to the Masjid

One should try to go as early as possible to the Masjid. Along with being the Sunnah of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam going early to the Masjid on a Friday holds great virtue.

Precious Time

This time between the Asar and Maghrib prayers on Friday is very blessed. One should value this time, and if possible, he should spend this entire period in the Masjid.

If this is not possible then he should come early for the Maghrib Salaah and engage himself in worship. The last few minutes before the Maghrib Adhaan is called should ideally be spent in making dua.”

Source: In Shaykh’s Company – Making the Most of Friday

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]]> http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/making-the-most-of-friday/feed/ 0 Acceptance of Du’as http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/acceptance-of-duas/ http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/acceptance-of-duas/#comments Sat, 05 Jun 2010 12:17:47 +0000 Adminstrator http://deenislam.wordpress.com/?p=68 normal ip016 Acceptance of Du’asSource: Acceptance of Du’as

People once asked Hadhrat Ibrahim (RA), “Why does Allah not accept our du’as?” Hadhrat Ibrahim (RA) said:

“You know Allah, but you don’t worship Him. You know His Rasool and the Qur’an, but you do not obey. You eat his bounties, but you are not grateful. You do not make preparations to acquire Jannat nor to abstain from Jahannum. You know Shaitaan is your enemy, but you do not hate him. You know Maut will be coming, but you are not concerned. You bury your parents in their graves, but you derive no lesson. You know that you have defects, yet you search for the faults of others. How then can your du’a be accepted?”

- Mashaaikh e Chist; pgs. 119-120

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]]> http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/acceptance-of-duas/feed/ 1 Preparing for Ramadhan http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/preparing-for-ramadhan/ http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/preparing-for-ramadhan/#comments Thu, 27 May 2010 20:32:00 +0000 Administrator http://the-deen.co.uk/?p=1786 vema 300x198 Preparing for Ramadhan

1. Ask Allah for tawfeeq to benefit from the blessings of Ramadan daily, from now onwards.

2. Make a firm determination to abstain from all sins. Especially those committed by the eyes, ears and tongue.

3. Try to free as much time as possible from work and other commitments for pure worship (ibadah).

4. Reschedule non essential appointments till after or before Ramadan. Finish with all Ramadan and Eid shopping prior to the sighting of the crescent.

5. Make special effort to follow as many as possible Sunna in daily activities.
Learn these and memorize the adiya e masnoon (dua) for particular occasions before hand. The book “Alaikum bi sunnati” by Mawlana Abdul Hakim Sukharwi ra is a good, practical and handy resource for this.

6. Review the essential fiqh (rulings) relating to fasting, taraweeh and other Ramadan related issues from “Behishti Zewar” (Heavenly Ornaments) of Hakim al-Umma Hazrat Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi (may Allah have mercy on him).

7. To get motivated and organized, read the discourses of Hakeem al -Umma regarding Ramadan (Mawaiz-e-Ashrafiya volume : Barakat e Ramadan) and listen to the talks of Sayyidi wa sandi db on how to prepare for the holy month.

8. Practice the actions of the Heart. Do not do any action without a proper intention.Abstain from all the blame worthy morals. No anger, arrogance, belittling caustic remarks, etc. It is strange to abstain from otherwise halal (lawful food) and commit an act which is always haram (forbidden). Try to do most of the praise worthy moral actions. Having patience, humilty, gratitude, sincerity, etc. Keep a tight grip. Do not slip here.

9. Make a practical and doable time table for daily activities.

The point to remember is that in Ramadan acts of primary form of worships (i.e. salah, dhikr, tilawat, etc.) are to be increased. These lead to an increasing direct relationship with Allah SWT (i.e. ta’luq ma’Allah).

The tawfiq is from Allah!

Source: Ashrafiya

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]]> http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/preparing-for-ramadhan/feed/ 0 Dil Badal Dei – Child http://the-deen.co.uk/audio/dil-badal-dei-child/ http://the-deen.co.uk/audio/dil-badal-dei-child/#comments Thu, 27 May 2010 20:25:14 +0000 Administrator http://the-deen.co.uk/?p=1269 dua Dil Badal Dei ChildTitle: Dil Badal Dei

Written by: Shaikh Zulfiqaar Ahmad

Audio: Download

Voice: Child (name unknown)

Words:

Badal de Dil ki duniya dil badal day
Mera Ghaflat mein dooba dil badal day

Hawa-o-Hirs wala dil badal day
Mera Ghaflat mein dooba dil badal day

Badal de Dil ki duniya dil badal day
Khudaya Fazl farmaa dil badal day

Gunah gaari main kab tak Umr kaatoun

Badal day Mera rasta dil badal day

Sunoun Main naam Tera dharkanon Main
Maza aajaye Maula dil badal day

Hataaloun aankh apni Maa-siwa say
Jiyoun Mein Teri khatir dil badal day

Karoun Qurbaan Apni Saari Khushiyaan
Tu apna ghum ata kar dil badal day

Sehal farmaa musalsal yaad apni
Khudaya Reham farmaa dil badal day

Para houn Teray dar par dil shikasta
Rahoun kyu dil shikasta dil badal day

Tera hojaoun itni arzoo hay
Bas itni hay tamanna dil badal day

Meri faryaad sunlay Meray Maula
Banalay apna banda dil badal day

Tera hojaoun itni arzoo hay
Bas itni hay tamanna dil badal day

Meri faryaad sunlay Meray Maula
Banalay apna banda dil badal day

Dilay magmoom ko masroor karday
Dil-e-be noor ko purnoor karday

Faroza dil mein sham-e-toor karday
Yay gosha noor say ma’moor karday

Mera zahir sanwar jaaye Ilaahi
Meray baatin ki zulmat door karday

Hay meri ghaat mein khud nafs mera
Khudaya isko dey maqdoor karday

Mera zahir sanwar jaaye Ilaahi
Meray baatin ki zulmat door karday

Ma-e-wahdat Pila maqmoor karday
Mohabbat k nashay main choor karday

Mera zahir sanwar jaaye Ilaahi
Meray baatin ki zulmat door karday

Video:

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]]> http://the-deen.co.uk/audio/dil-badal-dei-child/feed/ 10 Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Abbaas and his Eyesight http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/hadhrat-abdullah-ibn-abbaas-and-his-eyesight/ http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/hadhrat-abdullah-ibn-abbaas-and-his-eyesight/#comments Thu, 27 May 2010 20:24:01 +0000 Administrator http://the-deen.co.uk/?p=2047 Nowadays we find only 10 people in the masjid when it comes for the jama’ah of Salah. In the time of the Messenger sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, it was the opposite. The Masjid was packed, to the extent that even the Munafiqs (hypocrites) would attend the congregational Salah. A person with imaan (faith) would come with much happiness and excitement to offer the Salah in congregation. A weak and ill person would come to the Masjid whilst leaning on two men,one on each side. The Munafiqs would attend the Masjid so that people would not know that they were munafiqs.

Hadhrat ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbaas radhiyallahu ‘anhu was the cousin of the Messenger sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He is known as the Mufassir e Qur’an (commentator of the Qur’an) because till today, no one has beat him in his commentary (due to the du’a that Nabi sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam made for him). During his last years, he turned blind, hence he kept a ghulam (servant) for one reason only: to take him to the Masjid for Salah and bring him back, nothing else. One day Hadhrat ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbaas radhiyallahu ‘anhu was waiting for his servant to take him to the Masjid. The Adhan was called, but he was still nowhere to be found. Hadhrat ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbaas radhiyallahu ‘anhu rushed back and forth in order to locate his servant so that he could be taken to the congregational prayer. He called out his name many times, still no answer. Hadhrat ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbaas radhiyallahu ‘anhu began to panick. He thought to himself, Adhan has been called, jama’ah is about to commence, the ghulam is nowhere to be found, what am I to do? Thereupon, Hadhrat ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbaas radhiyallahu ‘anhu made du’a to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala saying: O Allah! For a long time I have been blind. I accepted your command [which was for me to be blind] and was satisfied with it. O Allah! Please accept this one request of mine. Adhan has been done and my ghulam is no where to be found. I will be missing the Jama’ah. Please grant me my eyesight back so that I can walk to the masjid, offer my Salah in Jama’ah and then come back home. As soon as I return, you can take my eyesight away.

Upon completion of this du’a, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala cured the eyes of Hadhrat ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbaas radhiyallahu ‘anh, so that he could walk to the Masjid, offer Salah in Jama’ah, and then return home. As soon as he returned, his eyesight would be taken away again. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala did not accept his du’a for this occasion only. From then on, whenever it was time for Salah, Hadhrat ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbaas radhiyallahu ‘anhu’s eyesight would come back, enough for him to walk to the Masjid, offer his Salah, and arrive home. Thereafter he would return to being blind again. If he was to go to the market or to someone’s house, his eyesight would not be returned to him. However, if he was to go to the Masjid to offer Salah in Jama’ah, his blindness would be cured. Hadhrat ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbaas radhiyallahu ‘anhu then let his servant free as he was no longer in need of him, telling him that Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala has managed it. This was the showq of a great Sahabi, and verily for the believers is there a lesson from their blessed lives.

Source: Hadhrat Bilal Bawa bayan summaries

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]]> http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/hadhrat-abdullah-ibn-abbaas-and-his-eyesight/feed/ 0 The works of Shah Waliullah http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/the-works-of-shah-waliullah/ http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/the-works-of-shah-waliullah/#comments Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:09:00 +0000 Adminstrator http://the-deen.co.uk/?p=22 3257108503 f87b226321 The works of Shah WaliullahHazrat Shah Waliullah was born in Delhi on the 21 st of February 1703 A.D. His father, Shah Abdur Rahman was a great scholar and a mystic. He took special pain in the education and the training of his son.

At the special age of 15, Hazrat Shah Waliullah had completed his education and then became a disciple (mureed) of his father who gave him spiritual training. When he was 17, his father died, for 12 years he taught in the fashion of his father. Twice he performed the Hajj pilgrimage. He attained a certificate of Proficiency in Hadith from the famous scholar, Shaikh Abu Tahir Bin Ibrahim of Madina, when he was in Arabia, the marhatta turmoid was at its height and his friends advised Hazrat Shah Waliullah to stay in Arabia. As such he left Arabia in 1145 AH and reached Delhi on 14 Rajab 1145 AH.

On reaching Delhi, he devoted most of his time in writing books and to preaching in public meetings. The teaching activity was limited to the lessons of Hadith. The political and the moral degeneration of the Muslims had tremendous effects on the sensitive thinking mind of Hazrat Shah Waliullah. His famous book ‘Al-Tafheematul llahia’ minutely pen points all the various defects, shortcomings and vices, which had taken roots in various sections of the Muslims. His aim, metaphorically speaking, was to destroy the rotten moral buildings and to reconstruct a new mansion over it. He bluntly wrote in one of his writings ‘I have arrived to destroy every old in region at present.

The most monumental task he performed was to translate the Quran from Arabic to Persian which was the language spoken by the Muslims at that time in India. His aim was that educated Muslims may have access to the Quran without depending on the scholars who had opposed his reformatory measures. The short sighted ullama gathered and wanted to kill him for his sin of translating the Quran from Arabic to Persian but he continued with his task till he completed it. This task was appreciated by Allah so much so that the Quran is translated to many languages.

Apart from the Holy Quran, Shah Waliullah also wrote authentic books on Hadith, the principles of Hadith, Tafseer and on mystical subjects. But the most popular book of ‘Hujatul Baligdh’. This book explains how Islam was found suitable for all races, cultures and people of the world and how successfully it solves social, moral, economic and political problems of human beings. He died in Delhi on the year 1176 AH corresponding to 1762 AD, behind the central jail. There is a vast ground and a graveyard known popularly as ‘Mehindin Kakhitta’ which contains in it the grave of Shah Waliullah and his progeny.

Hazrat Shah Waliullah was fortunate of having children who were great scholars and god-fearing men like himself. His eldest son Shah Abdul Aziz was born in 1159 AH and died in 1238 AH corresponding to 1823 AD. At the age of 17 he had become an accomplished scholar and began teaching like his father. For 60 years, he continued teaching and preaching Islam. The blessing of his knowledge reached every corner of the Indian sub-continent. Because of his versatile genius he was giving the title ‘Ayatullah’, a sign of God.

The second of Shah Waliullah Rafi-uddin. He was born in 1163 AH and died in 1233 AH. His scholarly qualities may well be judged from the fact that when Shah Abdul Aziz had become to teach he passed on his responsibilities to Shah Rafi. Among the work of Shah Rafi his urdu translation of the Holy Quran.

The third son of Shah Sahib was Shah Abdul Qadir who was born in 1162 AH and died in 1230 AH. He was also a big scholar by his nature, he loved solitude, and he spent his whole life in a secluded room of Akbar Badi mosque. He did not much attend to literary writings, however, his urdu translation under the title of ‘Mozih ul Quran’ was his monumental achievement which is recognised by scholarly circles.

His fourth son was Abdul Ghani. He was a saintly person. His son Shah Ismail Shaheed was a unique personality who had combined in himself all virtues of scholarly and mystical personalities.

In short, due to sincere and dedicated efforts of Shah Waliullah and his family the illustrious banner of Islam kept flying over the Indian sub continent despite the decline and fall of the Mughal empire. In Spain, the faith of Islam disappeared with disappearance of the Muslim rule. Many Muslims were killed and many were converted to Christianity. In India however the intention of the British Government did not realize and Muslim India did not convert to the faith of the ruling people despite missionary efforts of the British Government who spent millions of pounds on missionary activities and arranged lectures, debates and seminars to propagate their faith. The failure of the British Government in converting Muslim India was due to the dedicated efforts of Hazrat Shah Waliullah and his noble family.

Source: Inter-Islam

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]]> http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/the-works-of-shah-waliullah/feed/ 0 Appreciating Appreciation http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/appreciating-appreciation/ http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/appreciating-appreciation/#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:23:20 +0000 Administrator http://the-deen.co.uk/?p=1822 Many people do not know how to appreciate appreciation.  If someone were to thank us or express their appreciation, often times we do not know how to take that properly.  Sometimes that gets to our heads and we get caught up in vanity which is an extremely deadly disease of the heart.  The other extreme is we feel distasteful towards those who praise us or appreciate us.

Our mashaaikh teach us to adopt a moderate path.  In one hadith, the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) has instructed us to throw dirt in the face of those who praise us.  Yet in another hadith, we are told that when true believer is praised, they increase in their level of imaan.

The important lesson we must learn is that whatever we do for which appreciation may be due is all by the tawfiq and grace of Allah.  So give credit where credit is due.  Since none of what we do is of our own accord, for the good, well that comes from Allah, and the bad, well that comes from our own selves.  Hence, if we are praised, we should say “Alhamdulillah” and realize that Allah has shown the world one good that He has given us and has hidden our blemishes from people out of His sheer mercy.

One other thing is that we should realize is that whoever thank us or appreciate what we do or have done is a sign of that person having proper gratefulness and shukr.  We have been told that the person who cannot be grateful to mankind can never truly be grateful to Allah.  So that person’s appreciation of us is in reality appreciating the bounties of Allah.

To conclude, we do not do enough to even be appreciated.  If per chance we are, then we should attribute it to Allah.  Kibr and shukr cannot coexist.  So by thanking Allah, we save ourselves from vanity. Also, we must realize that we are deficient and definitely could have done much more and in a better manner.

I pray to Allah that He grants us the ability take appreciation the right way and that we learn to appreciate one another so that we develop proper love for each other for the sake of Allah.

Source: An Noor

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]]> http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/appreciating-appreciation/feed/ 0 Integrating the Love of the Dunya with the Love of Allah http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/integrating-the-love-of-the-dunya-with-the-love-of-allah/ http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/integrating-the-love-of-the-dunya-with-the-love-of-allah/#comments Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:09:29 +0000 Adminstrator http://the-deen.co.uk/?p=3869 Once while I was traveling through the city of Kanpur on my way to visit Mawlana Siddique Sahib, I happened to come upon a particular place where many businessmen of Kanpur had gathered. Mufti Manzoor Sahib of Jami’aatul ‘Uloom was also present as part of that gathering. The businessmen appointed Mufti Sahib as their spokesperson to inquire from me regarding some matter that had been troubling them. They inquired, “It has been stated that individuals need not be very much involved in this world and to set aside worldly affairs. It will then become difficult to go about having sleepless nights in order to take care of the various tasks regarding the businesses, such as to deal with the union, to order the merchandise etc. If no love is involved therein, how do we make our businesses flourish? Businessmen normally keep busy in that regard.” I responded to them stating that Allah Ta’ala does not restrict the legitimate love of one’s spouse, children, parents or even one’s business, in fact, even intense love for them is permissible. All Allah Ta’ala is asking from us is to overcome all the attachments of this world with the .

وَالَّذِینَ اٰمَنُو ٓااَشَدُّ حُبَّالِّلّٰہِ

(Surah Al-Baqarah; Ayah 165; Juz 2)

If the love for one’s mother, father, spouse, children, business and factories etc. is fifty percent, then increase your love for Allah to fifty-one percent. Just increase your love for Allah one more percent and you will become a complete believer. Allah Ta’ala has used the word ‘ashad‘ in the Qur’an. You can ask ‘Ulema regarding the difference between ashad and shadeed.

Ashad and shadeed love will be tested. How does one know if someone is overcome by the or by the love of wealth? It will be examined by the means of a test. For example, there are two candidates running in an election, both of them are your friends. Both of them will come to you to convince you to vote for them. Now how would it become clear that who you love the most? You will vote for the one who you love the most. Similarly, when it comes to the battle between Allah’s Will and ours, then it will be tested through whether you follow the orders of Allah or your own desires. Then it will become apparent whether the is dominant in you or whether it is the love of one’s desires.

This is the reason Prophet (May Allah Bless him and grant him peace) would make the following supplication: “Oh Allah, I ask of Your love, and the love of that person who loves You and of those actions which attract Your love. Oh Allah, make Your love greater to me than the love of myself, my family and of cold water.” Aameen!

By Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Sahab (damat barakatuhum)

Source: Khanqah

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]]> http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/integrating-the-love-of-the-dunya-with-the-love-of-allah/feed/ 0 Spiritual Diseases & Bay’ah http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/spiritual-diseases-bayah/ http://the-deen.co.uk/articles/spiritual-diseases-bayah/#comments Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:57:39 +0000 Administrator http://the-deen.co.uk/?p=1986 Source: An-Noor

Many a time, people who decide to tread the path of sulook and tasawwuf by connecting themselves to a shaikh have the notion that they will magically reach the status of wilayah (friendship and closeness to Allah) merely through their connection and link with their shaikh. This is an absolutely erroneous and misleading notion because the duty of the shaikh is simply to show and be a guide to the path, not to carry the mureed on his back. The mureed must traverse the path to Allah Ta`ala himself and get guidance from the shaikh along the way.

Our beloved Shaikh, Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Sahib (daamat barakaatuhum) has said that there are two main foundations of this path of tasawwuf (derived from the Qur`an):

1.) Suhbat: Adopting the company of the pious:

واصبر نفسك مع الذين يدعون ربهم بالغدوة والعشيِّ يريدون وجهه…

“…And withhold yourself (in the company) of those who remember their Lord, morning and evening desiring His Sublime Being…” (Surah Kahf: 28 )

2.) Mujaahadah: Struggling to Fight the Nafs:

والذين جاهدوا فينا لنهدينهم سبلنا…

“And (as for) those who strive hard (struggle) for Us, We will most certainly guide them to our paths….” (Surah Ankabut: 69)

Thus, the essence of tasawwuf is to struggle to acquire islaah-e-nafs (rectification of the character) through the company of a qualified shaikh.

Rectification of one’s character consists of beautifying oneself with akhlaq-e-Muhammadiyya (the prophetic characteristics and morals), and ridding oneself of akhlaq-e-radhilah (evil, satanic traits).

Thus, if a person wants to acquire the essence and objective of tasawwuf he must endeavor to rectify his character more than anything else. The method for this is to have an islaahi ta`alluq (a reformative connection) with one’s shaikh.

Someone wrote to Hazrat Hakimul Ummah saying, “I do not know the way to rectify myself and acquire “islaah-e-nafs”. I am totally ignorant of this matter. Please, for the sake of Allah, advise me in this matter.”

Hazrat Thanwi’s reply: “The method is that you should write to me your spiritual ailments one by one and ask me for their remedies. I will prescribe the appropriate remedy and after practically implementing that remedy you must inform me of your condition.”

(Tarbiyat us Salik; Vol.2 Pg. 20)

The islaahi-letters are letters which a mureed writes to his shaikh to inform the shaikh of his spiritual state and, in turn, get remedy and advice from the shaikh to rectify his condition.

There are four conditions which Hazrat Hakim ul Ummat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (RA) mentioned that one needs in order to benefit from having a Shaikh, otherwise making an islahi connection is just another custom for the sake of name or show.

And you will hear people proudly boasting, “I’m bay’ah to such and such Shaikh…” or “I have an islahi ta`alluq with so and so..” but when you see their akhlaaq and a’maal and life, there is no special difference in their life in comparison to someone else’s life who is not linked to a Shaikh…The reason for this is that there is no islaahi activity taking place, whether it be suhbat or islaahi letters or mashwara of one’s condition via letters, email, or on the phone, etc.

Those 4 conditions are:

(1) (اطلاع) TO INFORM THE SHAIKH OF YOUR SPIRITUAL CONDITION. This is mainly done through the islaahi letters, etc.

(2) (اتباع) TO FOLLOW THE SHAIKH’S ADVICE.

(3) (اعتماد) TO RELY UPON THE ADVICE AND COUNSEL OF THE SHAIKH.

(4) (انقياد) TO FIRMLY ADHERE AND IMPLEMENT WHATEVER THE SHAIKH ADVISES ONE TO DO FOR ONE’S REFORMATION.

All these points are directly connected with suhbat of the Shaikh and/or the islaahi-letters. Read more…

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