The following question was sent in by a Muslim brother:
“My shop is situated in a high risk area. Burglaries are quite rife in this area. Am I allowed to insure my business?”
We will discuss the Islamic legal ruling on insurance in a separate article. Here we would like to focus on the spiritual aspect of the matter. We cannot ignore the fact that insurance of property is fraught with many spiritual dangers. Regardless of whether insurance is lawful or haraam, the harm this causes to the heart and soul of a Believer is serious enough to demand complete abstention from this act.
The Roohani Dangers of Insurance
1. TRUST
When property is insured the owner sees no need to place his trust in Allah. There is no urgency to do so because he is content in the knowledge that should the property suffer damage, he will be compensated. He thus feels satisfied that in the event of loss, he has compensation to fall back on. The loss is therefore no loss in reality.
On the other hand, one who has no monetary support to fall back on will be forced to rely solely on Allah Ta’ala. His support is Allah, and his insurance against loss is his trust in Allah. He depends entirely on Allah Ta’ala. This is the great quality of Tawakkul, which to a certain degree is Wajib (obligatory) on every Muslim. In many places in the Qur’aan-e-Kareem Allah Ta’ala speaks of Tawakkul and commands the Believers to adopt this important spiritual characteristic.
One who indulges in insurance is sadly deprived of this quality. Such a person will not have the faintest idea of what it means to repose trust in Allah.
2. DUA
The second harm that Muslims suffer through insurance is discontinuance of dua. When one is assured of compensation for loss, then he or she will not make dua to Allah Ta’ala for protection of the asset. One who has no insurance lives in constant fear of losing the asset without any compensation, so he is constrained to make regular dua to Allah Ta’ala for protection against loss. In other words, dua is his form of insurance against loss or theft.
Though lack of dua is not deliberate, it is a necessary result of insurance. Naturally one who has secured assets through insurance will feel no need or urgency to ask Allah Ta’ala for its protection. Only the one who fears will turn to Allah in dua. Neglect of dua in turn leads to diminished communication with Allah Ta’ala. For a Mumin (Believer) this is unbearable.
3. SABR
The third spiritual loss in insurance is deprivation from sabr. Since the loss is not really a loss, one will never experience true sabr for this is only experienced on the occasion of a loss. Hence one who sustains loss or damage to an insured asset will not feel the loss because of the knowledge that such loss will be compensated for through insurance. When this is the case, there is no question of sabr. The need for sabr is only perceived when one has suffered total loss of property.
Consequently, such a person remains deprived of the tremendous reward of sabr that has been promised for losses in this world.
4. ABSTINENCE
Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “Abstinence in this world is that you do not have more trust in what you possess than in that which is in the Possession of Allah.” (Ibn Majah, Tirmizhi) Zuhd is an important spiritual quality which was very prominent in the life of Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. It thus becomes a sunnah to adopt this characteristic. This hadith speaks of abstinence or zuhd in worldly possessions. A person who has insurance can never achieve the true feeling of abstinence, for he has placed more trust in his insurance than in the Possessions of Allah.
5. LOSS OF BARAKAAT
Payment of premiums in the hope of gaining compensation when a loss occurs is akin to gambling. The punter pays a sum of money in the hope that he will realize a larger sum of money in return. Insurance is thus a refined form of gambling. There is, therefore, no barkaat in money spent or earned in such a manner.
It is time Muslims focused only on Allah Ta’ala in all their financial dealings. Develop conviction that Allah is the Sole Provider, Protector, and Compensator. To achieve this, the Auliyaa advise that one should meditate a lot on the Power and Might of Allah Azza Wa Jall.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Spiritual Harms of Insurance
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Today's Sport and its Effects
SPORT PLAYS A MAJOR role in the lives of people today. What once started off as a mere pastime and enjoyment activity has developed into a fully fledged profession and a huge money raking venture. Sport was initially designed for exercise and relaxation, but has since become an occupation of such intensity that it exhausts the energies of even the spectators, let alone the players. Sport stadiums are now referred to as ‘arenas of combat’ reminiscent of the days of Roman gladiators; players endure mental fatigue and emotional strain to the extent that they need professional and scientific help. Spectators become emotionally drained after watching an ‘exciting’ match, and in worst cases, become psychologically affected when their team loses. Cases of such people committing suicide or injuring others have also been reported.
Sport has also become a huge money spinner for sponsors and advertisers. So it’s not only the players who rake in millions, there are also the sponsors who earn huge sums in advertising liquor, cigarettes, soft-drinks and a host of other commodities. It is clear that what was formerly a means of entertainment has become an end in itself. When this happens, then surely people have their priorities hopelessly wrong.
ILL EFFECTS
At this juncture we wish to focus on the effects sports has on people, especially the youth.
Among these, one is Identifying certain players and developing admiration for them. This is followed by the obsession to emulate them in dress, action, and style. Then follows behaviour acceptance. The fan unwittingly accepts any form of behaviour of his hero, no matter how immoral, be it in language, appearance, attitude, or morality. Love for the sport being watched is also another socially and morally debilitating factor. Hours of quality time get squandered in watching sports.
Children become mesmerised with the imaginary skills being displayed by sportsmen, to the extent that these sports activists are glorified and idolised. Women nowadays feature prominently in many types of sports. This is an added spiritual harm, for the viewer (live or on TV) is exposed to a scantily dressed female, producing antics that articulate body parts akin to a ballet-dancer . There is hardly any difference between this sportswoman and the woman who dances on a stage.
Schools introduce sports activities to learners from a very young age. Today our Muslim children have developed ambitions of becoming sports stars and representing their country on the international scene. This has become such a riveting objective that young learners will sacrifice madresa classes for the sake of sports training. The developing and formative years of Muslim children are being wasted on participation in a sport, thus depriving that individual of crucial Islamic and spiritual education.
ISLAMIC SPORTS
It might come as a surprise to many to hear that Islam also encourages sport to a certain extent. However, Islamic sports differ vastly in nature and purpose to Western forms of sports. The hadith of Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam defined an important principle: A sport must have a real benefit that accrues to one’s spiritual or worldly life’. In Islam sport is not a past-time. In one hadith Rasoolullah r said: “The lahw (sport) of a Believer is futile except for three types: Horse-riding; archery; and amusing oneself with the wife.” Among these, the first two are of great benefit when it comes to Jihad or self-defence, whilst the third is purely a worldly benefit but extremely effective in creating love between husband and wife.
Ulema state that the scope of this hadith does not end with the abovementioned three acts. Instead, any sporting activity that provides valid benefit to one’s religion or mundane life, is permissible. It is established from several ahadeeth that Rasoolullah r raced with his wives, and swam. So the sports of racing and swimming also become lawful activites. The Sahaaba wrestled with each other in training for jihad, so wrestling becomes a valid sport in Islam. Sword fighting can also be added to this list because that too, is a valid practice.
Based on the above Muslim Jurists have given permission for any sport from which one derives benefit to Deen of dunya. However, the condition is that such play must not entail violation of other Islamic injunctions, such as intermingling of males and females (as in stadiums and sports meetings), exposing of one’s satar (as in the dress-code of most sports), the accompaniment of music (as in stadiums and gyms), betting and gambling, (as in horse-racing and other sports matches), advertising of haraam products (such as wine and beer).
In view of the above readers will clearly understand that a Muslim will not be able to adapt to the sports codes and styles that are prevalent among non-Muslims today. A Muslim just cannot fit into their culture of sport and amusement, for every feature of non-Muslim sport conflicts with Islamic morality and teaching. In Islam sport is not entertainment that becomes a spectacle; it is rather a means of acquiring physical strength and benefit. A Muslim’s true relaxation comes through the thikr of Allah.
Our Hedge Against Economic Recession
RECENT MEDIA REPORTS have painted a grim and gloomy picture of this country’s economic future. Speculation of an economic downslide is being fuelled almost daily by further hikes in petrol prices and other basic food stuffs. To make matters worse, a few months ago the country was caught in the grip of xenophobic violence that perpetuated our financial woes even further on the international scene.
RAY OF HOPE
Amidst all this economic mayhem, we Muslims still have, not only a ray of hope, but a bright guiding light instead; something that augurs well for our future. This light is our ability to turn to Allah and call upon him in moments of need. And surely, this is one such moment. This article is ntended to explain the connection between pleasing Allah Ta’ala, and hedging against rising prices and inflation.
Every Muslim should understand an elementary Islamic teaching, one that has been articulated in the Holy Quran time and again. We quote the verses where this basic belief is mentioned and urge our brothers and sisters to read and ponder its meanings:
~ Surah Zhaariyaat (Chapter 51), verse 22: “And in the heavens is your rizq and whatever you are promised.”
~ Surah Zhaariyaat, verses 56 to 58: “And I have not created Jinn and Man but for the purpose of worshipping Me. I do not want rizq (sustenance) from them, nor do I desire that they feed Me. Surely it is Allah Who is The Supreme Sustainer, The Powerful, The Mighty.”
~ Surah Taa-Haa (Chapter 20), verse 132: “And command your family to offer salaah, and be steadfast on it yourself; We do not ask you for rizq, instead We will provide for you;”
~ Surah Hãd (Chapter 11) verse 6: “And there is not a creature on earth but its rizq is the responsibility of Allah;”
~ Surah Faatir (Chapter 35) verse 3: “O Mankind! Remember the favours of Allah upon you. Is there any (other) creator besides Allah who gives you sustenance from the heavens and the earth? There is no god besides Him! ”
~ Surah Naml (chapter 27), verse 64: “Is That Being not greater Who starts the creation and then reproduces it, and Who grants you rizq from the heavens and the earth? Is there another god with Allah?
~ Surah Mulk (Chapter 67), verse 21: “Who else is there to provide (rizq) for you if He withholds his sustenance?”
REAL CAUSE OF RIZQ
In the above verses Allah Ta’~la commands, asks rhetoric questions, compares His Power to the rest, and provokes our thinking minds all in an effort to make us understand the concept of rizq: The Sole and Supreme Provider is Allah Azza Wa Jall. The real cause of rizq is not our jobs, profession, skills, or craftsmanship. All these worldly causes are temporary and perfunctory, whereas the Main Cause is Allah The Almighty Allah. It is for this reason that we find hundreds of thousands of Allah’s creation who enjoy His bounties without a profession or a job. We find unskilled people earning more than those who possess skills and craftsmanship. There are ordinary business people who rake in thousands more than professionals, and there are ignorant people who enjoy far more than the learned. Peasants from villages and settlements have moved into the high-income bracket, while elite have to make do with far less. Rasolullah r predicted that before Qiyaamat ‘shepherds, naked and bare-footed will vie with each other in tall buildings’, a reference to how unpredictable is the wealth of this world. Indeed, distribution of rizq by Allah does not conform to the law of the world but is rather subject to the Decree and Will of Allah.
It is not uncommon to find people who had not even passed grade three in school are today multi-millionaires. Had it been man’s skill and learning, or artisanship and ability that brought rizq then we would not witness such widespread disparity in wealth distribution. Almighty Allah explains the reason for this in Surah Israa (Chapter 17) verse 30: “Verily Allah grants lavish rizq for whom He wishes, and He restricts (rizq for whom He wishes);
“This is the Bounty of Allah which He grants to whomever He wishes’ (Surah Jumu’ah)
The Quran thus proves that rizq or sustenance comes from Allah and He grants it according to His Desire. Allah is the Controller of rizq. It is He who creates supply and demand. He holds sole monopoly over the resources of this world, not any nation or army. The hadith provides us with further proof of this fact.
FIXING PRICES
Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that once people complained to the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam about high prices and requested him to fix the price of grain. Rasoolullah r replied: “The fixer of prices is Allah! He withholds rizq, He grants abundant rizq. He is the Sole Provider.” (Narrated by Imam Ahmad and Tirmizhi) Subsequently the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam declined the request to fix prices, in spite of this being in the interests of the public. Some Jurists have ruled that a Muslim state is allowed to fix the price of basic and staple foods if prices rise so exorbitantly that poor people suffer. Though Nabi-e-Kareem sallallahu alaihi wa sallam refused to fix the price of wheat, on another occasion he prohibited the monopolization of food stuffs, since this causes harm to people, especially the poor. (Raddul-Muhtaar)
We learn from the above that even the rising of prices is from Allah Ta’ala. In a verse mentioned earlier, it was stated that Allah Ta’ala expands and restricts rizq. One way that He does this is to increase or decrease the cash flow of a person. Another way is to increase the supply of goods, thus bringing prices down and allowing even poor to have more. The rizq of people thus expands. At times Allah Ta’ala shortens the supply of certain goods, thus causing prices to rise and restricting its availability. Economists will confirm that one of the reasons for high prices is short supply and high demand of a commodity. These economics are actually controlled by Allah Ta’ala, not man. When Allah Ta’ala causes prices to rise, the resultant inability to purchase goods leads to restriction of rizq.
Having understood this, we now realize that alleviation of our financial difficulties is achieved by turning to Allah Ta’ala. For expansion in rizq we need to establish a continuous link with Our Creator. The primary purpose of the verses quoted above is to instil into man the realisation that there is no alternative but to seek sustenance from the Creator and not from the creation.
The Quran time and again emphasizes the fact that Allah the Almighty Alone is the Provider of all worldly needs, and exhorts the Believers to seek the fulfilment of rizq from Allah. In this injunction there is an underlying wisdom which highlights the Love Almighty Allah shows towards His servants. The Quran declares: “Undoubtedly, those whom you worship besides Allah do not possess (the ability to provide) your rizq, so seek rizq by Allah, and worship Him and make shukr. Unto Him shall you return.” Surah Ankaboot (29), verse 17).
In this aayat we are clearly commanded to seek rizq from Allah. There are three commandments issued to us by Our Creator: a) Seek rizq by Allah; b) Worship Him; c) Offer shukr (thanksgiving) unto Allah. In asking, nay commanding His servants to seek their rizq by Him, Allah Ta’ala has in fact created an excuse for His servants to communicate with him. Besides actually asking Allah for our rizq, we are also instructed to offer continuous worship and thanks to Him. So we have dua, ibaadat, and shuk, and amazingly, all three are such actions that take one closer to Allah. For the excuse of rizq Allah Ta’ala has created a channel of communication. If this is not Absolute Mercy for His creation, then what else can one call it? In the course of seeking mundane sustenance, Almighty Allah has paved the way for man to accumulate the riches of spiritual sustenance and nearness to Him. Closeness to Allah is the ultimate aim and objective of every Believer, as alluded to a hadith of Bukhari.
TURNING TO ALLAH
We have also discovered the method of turning to Allah for rizq. Firstly, we make dua and beg Him for His Bounties, secondly, we continue worshipping Him and improving the state of our worship, and thirdly, we thank Him profusely for His Favours. In another verse He has promised to increase His favours upon those who make shukr. (Surah 14, verse 7)
In addition to the above, it is imperative that we cut out sin from our lives, for sin is the chief cause of diminishing rizq. One major sin is the breaking of family ties. Maintaining family ties is the cause of long life and abundant, halaal, rizq. (Saheehul-Bukhari). It is ironical that a Muslim will severe ties with his brother, sister, and even parents, over money, yet the poor soul fails to realize that the severance of family ties will prevent the very rizq that he hankers after, and over which he had broken ties.
Lets us revisit the hadith regarding price-fixing mentioned earlier. In another version of this hadith narrated by Hazrat Au Sa’eed Khudri t, he states that once the Muslims in Madina were going through a diffcult phase of hunger and soaring prices. This forced them to approach the Messenger of Allah r seeking his help in lowering prices. In response to this, Rasoolullah r mounted the mimbar (after salaah) and delivered a sermon. In this sermon he brought up the issue of price fixing, and then said: “I shall not meet Allah with the stigma of having taken the wealth of someone against his wishes (by setting a price that he is not happy). Sale is a mutual act (and should not be restricted). However, there are certain (evil) traits in your dealings, which I shall now mention: Do not bear hatred, jealousy, or malice for each other! If one person is busy negotiating a deal, the other should not interfere (until the former has concluded or cancelled the deal). Let not the farmer sell his goods to a middle-man (thus allowing the latter to set high prices). And live together as brothers!” (Narrated by Imam Ibni Hibban in his Saheeh)
SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS
This hadith warns of six important factors that form the nucleus of successful business.
Businessmen should never bear malice of hatred for each other.
They should not be jealous of each other, regardless of how successful others become.
One party should not interfere in a business deal between two parties whilst negotiations are in progress. Often we find a third person coming along and quoting a higher price for an item whilst the buyer and seller are busy negotiating their deal. This is wholly unjust and callous. In such a case it will be immoral for the seller to suddenly cancel the deal with the prospective buyer and accept the higher offer from the third party. It is such practices that have expelled the blessings (barakaat) from our businesses and generated animosity among Muslims. Note that selling goods on an auction is excluded from this and is totally permissible. In an auction there is no private deal between two parties. Instead, the matter is open to any prospective buyer. The auction procedure is mentioned in the hadith.
Businessmen should not create a cartel or a monopoly over goods, especially basic necessities, for this causes severe strain on the finances of the poor and lower income groups. One hadith states that the one who supplies goods freely to a community is blessed by Allah, whilst the one who monopolizes goods is cursed.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
A Legacy of Roohaniyat
Born: 28 Zul Qadah 1384 (1 April 1965)
Passed away: 3 Safar 1428 (22 February 2007)
Compiled by: Hafiz Cassim Paruk sahib (khalifa of Hazrat Haji
Muhammad Farouq sahib RA)
GLIMPSES INTO THE LIFE OF HAZRAT DR MUHAMMAD SAABIR SAHEB Rahmatullahi alaihi
INTRODUCTION
Time has witnessed the passing away of great personalities and our hearts are grieved at the demise of Hazrat Dr Muhammad Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi; may Allah Ta’ala elevate his soul and grant him worthy recompense for the selfless manner in which he showed concern for the Ummah, Aameen! Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi would always reflect on the sublime manner adopted by our spiritual mentor Shafeequl Ummah Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Farooq Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi. The essence of the ta’leemaat (teachings) of Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi was:
Perfect moderation in behaviour and action.
Obedience to the Sunnah
Imparting the teachings of Deen through absolute compassion
Extreme humility.
Undoubtedly, the manner of Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb’s (rahmatullahi alayhi) spiritual instruction was as compassionate as that of Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi. When we discuss the life of Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi, we invariably compare and discuss the life of Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi; the similarities in approach leave us astonished at the unique bond that existed between Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi and our Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi.
LOVE FOR THE SHEIKH
One of the most outstanding features of the life of our Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi was the intense and immense love for our Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi. He reminded himself and others of this great bounty of guidance for the Ummah to the extent that he attributed every part of his teaching to the blessings of our Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi. It was mentioned time and again that even Hazrat him self was amazed at the fine points being discussed and with tears in his eyes; he always said: “This is all the barkat of Hazratwala rahmatullahi alayhi”. Another point worthy of mention is the importance he attached to meeting with the associates of Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alayhi, whom he would respectfully visit, offer hope and encouragement and seek advice on numerous matters.
We have witnessed the close bond he had with Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi where, by merely sitting with him, the lessons were revived. Also, we were astounded that immediately after the sad demise of Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi, Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi took on the responsibility in such a manner that he mended our broken hearts and gave us courage and direction. No doubt, this was the perfection of sincerity of Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi.
LOVE OF ALLAH TA’ALA
Amongst the major themes of his life was to guide the saalik to the love of Allah Ta’ala and ensure that we not be misled by the deviate opinions of our base desires (nafs). A beautiful incident he shared with us in Sukkur, where the joy was so apparent on his noble countenance, about Hazrat Thaanwi rahmatullahi alaihi. Hazrat Thaanwi rahmatullahi alaihi went to a village to give a talk and after the lecture, a clean shaven person immaculately dressed, with many followers, comes and congratulates Hazrat on the amazing discourse. Hazrat Thaanwi rahmatullahi alaihi is further shocked when this person requests that he opens his mouth; Hazrat assessed that this person looks refined and would not spit into my mouth. This clean shaven person puts a piece of mithai in Hazrat’s mouth. Upon exchanging formalities, it transpired that he was the mureed of Hazrat Haaji Imdaadullah Makki rahmatullahi alaihi and he spoke glowingly and lovingly of his Sheikh. Hazrat Thaanwi rahmatullahi alaihi assessed that this person has been misled due to working on his opinions rather than emulating the teachings of Hazrat Haaji Imdaadullah rahmatullahi alaihi. At this juncture, Hazrat Thaanwi rahmatullahi alaihi remained silent.
After some time, Hazrat Thaanwi rahmatullahi alaihi was invited to the same locality and this clean shaven “sufi” is once again present with the garland of flowers proudly saying that they were blessed at the grave of Hazrat Moulana Abdul Quddoos Gangohi rahmatullahi alaihi. Hazrat Thaanwi rahmatullahi alaihi does not put on the garland of flowers but holds it in his hand; addresses the clean shaven “sufi” as to who he is spiritually linked to. Very elegantly he mentions the name of Hazrat Haaji Imdaadullah rahmatullahi alaihi. Hazrat Thaanwi rahmatullahi alaihi then leads him on and asks that if a person is used to adorning himself with exquisite fragrances and he then is offered something lowly; what would his reaction be? The clean shaven “sufi” responded that not only is this unacceptable but if the cheap fragrance is applied, this will give him a headache. Hazrat Thaanwi rahmatullahi alaihi then said: “My dear friend, Hazrat Moulana Abdul Quddoos Gangohi rahmatullahi alaihi presently perceives the beautiful fragrances of Jannah and you offer a lowly fragrance in the form of this garland; are you not then inconveniencing the blessed inmate of the grave?
This struck a responsive chord and respectfully, this clean shaven “sufi” departed with a startling lesson in respect and recognition. A few months later, Hazrat Thaanwi rahmatullahi alaihi visits the same village and notices a person with an immaculate countenance dressed according to the Shariah. This pious servant of Allah Ta’ala asked Hazrat Thaanwi rahmatullahi alaihi whether he recognises him to which Hazrat responds in the negative. Hazrat Thaanwi rahmatullahi alaihi is then reminded of the previous meetings and his subsequent reformation. The main point, however, is that this person told Hazrat Thaanwi rahmatullahi alaihi that his method of islaah captured his heart. We can safely say that our beloved Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi encapsulated the teachings of our elders in general and our Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi in particular, imparted the temperament of islaah so compassionately that a person’s reformation was being made and he was not aware of the filth and evil being expelled from within.
ROAD TO ATTAINMENT
Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi said that two factors: love (for Allah) and the corresponding actions, are vital factors for success. He explained that we have some lands full of weeds; either we take out each weed individually, then prepare the soil, thereafter plant the seeds and anticipate the growth of the crops. This will take a lifetime. The easier option is that we light a fire which will result in all the weeds being eradicated in minutes. Also, we do not require fertiliser because the burnt out weeds and debris that remain act as fertiliser. The seeds are then put in the ground and the crops are realised within a short space of time. In a similar manner, the road to Allah Ta’ala is attainable very easily by putting fire to everything (of the world) besides Allah. Once that happens, our hearts will become fertile to guidance and the corresponding actions of obedience will follow. Subhanallah! What a beautiful and easy prescription! Another point worthy of mention is that our Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi always reminded us to take the easier option to reach Allah Ta’ala. The object is primarily to rid ourselves of frustration.
ASPECT OF RESPECT
Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi left behind a legacy of respect which was unparalleled amongst his contemporaries. Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi once, before relieving himself, took out his pen and gave it to his servant and said that mention of the pen is found in the Qur’aan; our Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi never took his pen to the toilet because of respect and I am but emulating this act so that I too can attain respect.
To many, this may seem trivial and inconsequential but, because of the sheer awareness of Allah Ta’ala, this heightened from of respect consumed these personalities and propelled them towards greater dimensions. May Allah Ta’ala bless us with some part of the respect shown by our beloved Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alayhi – aameen.
Another beautiful incident related by Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi and re-emphasised by our Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi was when Hazrat Moulana Rasool Khan Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi, a Khaleefa of Hazrat Thaanwi rahmatullahi alaihi, intended making hijrat to Pakistan. Hazrat Moulana Rasool Khan Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi had a very old clay urn which was worn out but he respectfully put it amongst his possessions. He was told that this urn is very old and can be replaced in Pakistan. Hazrat Moulana rahmatullahi alaihi replied that this urn has been made with the blessed soil of Deoband; so he will take it with him at all costs. With great care he looked after it and after a period of time the urn broke and Hazrat Moulana rahmatullahi alaihi cried excessively because of the nisbat (link) is had with Deoband. Hazrat Moulana rahmatullahi alaihi thereafter accumulated all the pieces and put them into a new urn so that the blessings of Deoband remained!
We have witnessed on many occasions that Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi, whenever the name of Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi was written in any kitaab, he would lovingly kiss the name of his Sheikh, put the name of his Sheikh to his eyes, onto his head and thereafter clasp the kitaab close to his chest. Tears would flow from the eyes giving testimony to the pangs of separation. On numerous occasions, Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi mentioned that when he is given the taufeeq of making dua for our elders, his Imaan becomes fortified. Need we say more!
FEAR OF ALLAH TA’ALA
Always discussed frequently in his discourses, Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi explained that the lack of fear is generally attributed to the love of the world and heedlessness. A beautiful example we learnt was of Hazrat Zaahir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi who was a Khaleefah of Hazrat Thaanwi rahmatullahi alayhi. This gentleman was an engineer in Pakistan. Once an arms manufacturing company tried to sell to the Pakistani army a fleet of ships that were defective. They offered him a bribe to pass the deal. Hazrat Zaahir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi responded that he is being watched. Numerous attempts were made to lure him to accept the bribe but he always responded that he is being watched. The director of the company then called him personally to his office and told him that nobody is here watching us and presented a suitcase full of dollars. Hazrat Zaahir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi once again replied that he is being watched. The director in frustration tells him that with the exception of us, nobody is here – what is the meaning of this? Hazrat Zaahir Engineer Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi said: My Allah Ta’ala is watching each and every action of mine.
To attain the fear of Allah Ta’ala, we need to meditate on His anger and the subsequent result of our actions. Hazrat explained that just as a robber will abstain from stealing because of the fear of being caught, the child fears being rebuked and stays away from mischief, the driver abstains from driving fast and recklessly because he is wary that he may be fined for his negligence; in exactly the same manner, everybody requires to instil the awareness of Allah Ta’ala in their personalities so that the fear of accountability severs the root of all evil and one is propelled towards the obedience of Allah Ta’ala.
This was the concept instilled into our hearts by our Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alayhi. We make duaa to Allah Ta’ala that we too, are blessed with a similar type of awareness and concern, Aameen.
WINNING YOUTHS’ HEARTS
Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi shared his experience with this servant on his visit to the United Kingdom where there was a youngster who was not only disrespectful but downright rebellious. The means of communication was closed and the distance between the father and son was growing. Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi asked to meet the youngster who abruptly responded that he does not wish to meet him. Hazrat adopted a strategy of humility and went to the youngster and told him: “What’s wrong? I have done you no wrong? Why don’t you want to meet me?. This baffled the youngster and slowly, he came for short periods just to assess our Hazrat Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi. After a few hours, he came and started discussing the issue of football and ascertained the sentiments of Hazrat rahmatullahi alaihi regarding the sport. Hazrat rahmatullahi alaihi told him that instead of watching the game, rather become involved and achieve fitness which will benefit the health. Furthermore, the youngster made Hazrat rahmatullahi alaihi make duaa for his football team! Thereafter, it transpired that this youngster was 17 para Haafiz but he was being deprived of Deen due to a lack of concern and love. Hazrat rahmatullahi alaihi mentioned that this youngster read Quran very immaculately. The last day, with tears in his eyes, the youngster tells Hazrat rahmatullahi alaihi that he loves him. Hazrat rahmatullahi alaihi responded likewise. Understand the tolerance of Hazrat rahmatullahi alaihi when the youngster then asked as to how Hazrat rahmatullahi alaihi will remember him. They agreed that they would sign their names on their respective arms so that the love can grow greater. The manner of approach of Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi left one astounded. Again he shared this with this servant that Allah Ta’ala had inspired him to work according to this plan.
GOOD THOUGHTS
A destructive trait in the path of sulook is the entertaining of evil thoughts with regard to others. Our Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi stressed that not only is it not permissible to talk ill of a fellow Muslim, it is sinful to talk ill of a kaafir, it is also sinful to talk ill of the next man’s possessions or his means of conveyance. Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi had on numerous occasions mentioned that this is such a destructive trait that it destroys a person’s good deeds. Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi further advised that if you cannot talk good of another, it is best that you remain silent instead of becoming a pauper.
DETESTING EXCESSIVE LAUGHTER
We had been rebuked on many occasions with regard to excessive laughter by our Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi who warned us that our hearts become hard and blocked towards hidayat. Furthermore, this vile habit destroys the concern for the Hereafter. Once, on journey, we went swimming and Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi heard us joking and laughing. He commented that whilst Islam does not forbid relaxation but our Deen despises laxity and negligence of Allah Ta’ala. He added that by the tone of your voices, we detected a barrier and warned that we should always be on guard. Needless to say that this lesson had become embedded in the hearts of those that were present.
LOOKING AFTER THE HEARTS OF LADIES
It was always the noble habit of Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi to personally express his gratitude to the ladies for their services for the spiritual family of our Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi. He always reminded us that the blessings of the visitors sustain itself for 40 days.
HALAAL SUSTENANCE
Hazrat Aarifi (Dr Abdul Hayy) rahmatullahi alaihi would, before taking any morsel, contemplate that he is eating the food to attain strength in his ibaadat. A thought-provoking incident was related by Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb (rahmatullahi alayhi) about a young man, recently married, who complained of the grief caused by his wife. Hazrat (rahmatullahi alayhi) made duaa but the problem increased to the extent that there was direct confrontation with Shariah Hazrat (rahmatullahi alayhi) asked as to which family the wife came from and, after investigation, it transpired that her father was involved in interest. Hazrat (rahmatullahi alayhi) advised the young man that, because his wife was nurtured through haraam, she would never be able to think straight.
Our Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi always warned that if sustenance is attained in a lawful manner, Allah Ta’ala will give a person the good fortune of spending it in halaal avenues, whereas if sustenance was attained unlawfully, the avenues of expenditure will also be haraam.
TILAAWAT OF QUR’AAN
We noticed that upon awakening, Hazrat Dr Saabir Saheb rahmatullahi alaihi seldom engaged in any discussion prior to him finishing the tilaawat of the Qur’aan. This was a great lesson for all of us in that he showed by example that we require to give our spiritual rooh sustenance. We also learnt from Hazrat rahmatullahi alaihi that the punctuality on tilaawat ensures the safety of a person’s Imaan. Our Hazrat Shafeequl Ummah rahmatullahi alaihi advised us that due to the duties towards the creation of Allah Ta’ala, our Akaabir could not fulfil completely their ma’moolaat. However, in three things there was no compromise:
Tahajud Salaah
Tilaawat of the Qur’aan
Excessive Darood Shareef
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Child Custody Issues
We make a special appeal to all husbands and ex-wives embroiled in a custody battle to consider the following:
Allah Ta’ala advises us in Surah Baqarah: "The mother shall not be hurt through her child, nor shall the further be hurt through his child." Nowadays our couples-at-war are perpetrating the exact opposite of what Our Allah has commanded. We are using kids as pawns in a war of attrition, to get back at the other.
These innocent flowers of Jannah are turned into vicious instruments of hell, when inconsiderate parents give vent to their spite, malice, and craving for vengeance. Mothers will run to the court for maintenance, but deny the father visitation rights. Their ill-considered behaviour results in court cases that cost thousand of rands. Don’t they realise that should they co-operate with the ex-husband, such money could come the way of the children, instead of lining the lawyer’s pockets? Husbands in turn, shirk their duty of maintenance for children. Either they pay too less or nothing at all. While at the same time, ex wives should not extract exorbitant maintenance amounts from the fathers, and then use this money to go on shopping splurges. This is abuse of trust. In short, in custody battles and maintenance there is much abuse of Shariah going on. For Allah’s sake, we call upon all parties to bring this to a halt immediately. Let sanity and Islamic morality prevail.
Oral Sex: Unnatural Love-making
A very immoral act inherited from the West and practiced today in Muslim homes between husband and wife, is the oral manipulation of sexual organs. This is not permissible in Islam, as is stated in the famous Fatwaa Kitab, Al-Hindiyya. It must also be remembered that the prohibition in this act applies both ways: whether the husband does it to the wife or vice-versa, both acts are haraam.
PROHIBITION
The reasons for the prohibition of this lurid practice are:
1) Bringing the mouth, which is not the normal organ for sex, into contact with an organ of najaasat. This is the very reason why sexual intercourse during menstruation and anal sex are haraam; because of the impurity in those two areas.
2) Secondly, there will always be some discharge of mazi (the sticky, transparent liquid that emerges during an erection and prior to ejaculation). This liquid is impure, and it is not permissible to bring the mouth into contact with impurity.
3) Thirdly, sometimes this indecent act is maintained till ejaculation, which is worse than the above, for then there is full contact with najaasat. Even if it is not delayed for so long, there is always the danger of emission of semen and subsequent contamination of the mouth. Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) commanded: Verily, your mouths are the pathways of the Quran, so cleanse it... (Faizul-Qadeer and Kanzul-Ummal) Contamination of the mouth in this vile way conflicts with this hadeeth shareef. It is most despicable for a Muslim, who uses his/her mouth to recite the Pure, Holy, and Revered Words of Allah, to bring that same mouth into contact, in a most unnatural way, with the private part of another. The mouth and tongue were created by Allah for the utterance of good words, zikrullah, recitation of the Quran and general noble speech. On the contrary the private organ was created to expel impurity, and it is an object in which impurity always remains. It, therefore, constitutes an abuse of this natural system of Allah. Shaytaan had promised: I shall assuredly command mankind and they shall certainly alter the (natural) creation of Allah” (Surah Nisaa, verse 119)
4) Fourthly, if semen is swallowed in this lewd manner, the sin will be compounded, for it is haraam to ingest najaasat.
5) Fifthly, this obscene act is clearly an imitation of Western kuffar. This method of love-making has come only from the kuffar; there is no trace of this in the Pure Shariah of Islam. Even if some contraption is used to avoid contact with najaasah, this one factor alone is enough for hurmat (prohibition). Consider the quotations from Islamic Scripture in the following paragraphs.
TASHABBUH OR IMITATION
Tashabbuh is an Arabic word meaning to imitate or emulate. The act of imitation or emulation which the Shariah has prohibited, applies to the emulating of fashions, trends, salient features, and religious practices of non-Muslims or evil-doers. There are several verses of the Holy Quran and ahadeeth of Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) which prohibit the imitation and adoption of ways and fashions of evil people. We mention hereunder a few examples.
1) Almighty Allah states in Surah Hashr, verse 19:
And do not become like those people whom have forgotten Allah, so He caused them to become neglectful of themselves. Such people are evil transgressors.
2) In Surah Jaathiyah, verse 18, Allah states:
Then we established you on a Shariah of Deeni affairs, so follow it, and do not follow the desires of the ignorant ones.
3) In Surah Aala Imraan, verse 156, Almighty Allah commands:
O people of Iemaan! Do not become like the kuffaar......
a) Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar radhiyallahu anhu narrates that Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) prohibited the imitation of people foreign to Islam, and he said:
Whoever imitates a nation, is (like) one of them. (Abu Dawood)
b) Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:
He who practices on the customs of outsiders, is not of us. (Daylami)
c) Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) also said:
He who imitates others is not of us. Do not imitate the Jews and the Christians....
(Miskhkatul Masaabeeh)
These and many more Quranic verses and sayings of Nabi Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) warn us of the threat to our Iemaan in imitating and following practices, customs and styles foreign to Islam. Remember, Islam does not prohibit us from utilizing inventions of the kuffaar which are beneficial or necessary to our deeni or worldly life, such as means of transport, methods of communication and correspondence, modern-day technology such as telephones, computers, tape-recorders, etc. What Islam forbids is imitating their ways of dressing, eating, and sleeping, their styles and fashions, their laws and policies which conflict with Islam, and general un-Islamic behaviour. This is impermissible. Similarly, emulating practices which have religious or cultural significance among the kuffaar is completely haraam. Utilizing any invention which is the direct cause of us violating Allah’s Law is also haraam.
ALTERNATIVE
Also note that to adopt a practice of the kuffaar when there does exist an alternate Islamic practice is also imitation that is forbidden. Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) taught us methods of dressing, combing and looking after hair, caring for the physical appearance of the body. To follow or emulate the non-Muslims in these areas of living means displacing the mubarak teachings of Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), which is intolerable to any believer.
For this reason, when Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) saw a Sahaabi (radhiallahu anhu) carrying a bow made by the Persians, he instructed him to use a bow of Arab origin. Since there was an alternative, the Muslim had to adopt it and shun the method or product of the kuffaar.
Today, there are no alternatives to most of the modern-day inventions of the kuffaar, inventions which we need to utilize for the function of our day-to-day lives and our income. So Islam allows us to use these, but under certain restrictions. This, however, is not the case with our physical appearance or dress. In this aspect, no one has power over our bodies and the way we dress. We are under no compulsion to adopt the dress and styles of the kuffar. We can easily don garb which is free from ostentation and fashions, and which preserves our modesty and honour.
KUFFAR AND FUSSAQ: THE TREND-SETTERS
The current fashions in dress and appearance that abound today have all been designed and invented by people who have neither iemaan, nor any conscience with regards to morality. This is not surprising. What really surprises, though, is that our Muslim brothers and sisters, especially the youth, are so quick to latch onto these fashions and adopt the same. Singers, actresses, TV and movie stars, sports stars, have become celebrities, whose every style and nuance are savored by their misguided fans, and not far behind are the Muslims. It is indeed a crying shame.
Here the discussion is not one of mere imitation. Instead, what we observe here, to our horror, is total obsession with the culture and trends of the enemies of Allah. We need some serious soul-searching to check the slide towards this abyss of spiritual destruction.
The Ahadith mentioned earlier implies, because of its general application, that imitating sinners will make one a sinner. Copying the acts of evil-doers means becoming like them, too. It is therefore also haraam to imitate or mimic the styles or habits of people who break the laws of Allah, even if they are Muslims. Our youth today have become so fascinated by evil actors and actresses, singers and entertainers, whom they see either on television or in live performances that they begin to imitate the styles and practices of these evil shaytaans. Let us free our bedrooms from this curse. May Allah save us and our youth!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Guidelines on Janaza of Babies
1. A baby that died inside the mothers womb before being born (i.e. a stillborn baby) should be given a proper, sunnat ghusl, but not a full kafan. Instead it should be wrapped in one piece of cloth and buried. There is no janaaza salah for such a baby, but it will be given a name before burial.
2. When a mother suffers a miscarriage and no limbs of the fetus have developed then there is no ghusl, kafan, or janaaza salah, nor will it be given any name. The fetus will be wrapped in a piece of linen and buried in a hole.
3. If the fetus in a miscarriage has developed a limb, such as hands, or feet, or head, etc. then it will be treated like a stillborn baby, and the rules mentioned in number 1 above will apply.
4. A baby that is born alive but dies after birth will be treated as an adult. Ghusl and kafan will be given as normal, it will be named, and janaaza salah will be read. Burial will be normal.
5. The grave for babies needn’t be the size of an adult. Children's graves will be dug according to the size of the child.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Youth: Our Most Valuable Asset
Rasoolullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “The purest food a man can ever eat is what he has earned with his own hands, and his children are the earnings of his own hands.” In this hadith the Messenger of Allah described children as the product of man’s own earnings.
It is natural for a human being to treasure something that he has worked hard for. The conclusion that follows from the combination of these two premises is that our kids are priceless gifts which need to be treasured, prized, and protected. Another inference from the above hadith is that children represent the investment of man. Indeed, this investment is both spiritual and mundane. Rasoolullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “A man’s ranks will be elevated in the hereafter, yet he will not possess many good deeds. He will ask: ‘O My Rabb! How did I achieve these high stages?’ Allah will reply: “Because of the istighfaar your child made for you in this world.” A child groomed in Deen will be an asset to people even in worldly matters, as experienced has proven.
REGULATION
Out of concern for the future of our youth, we present these guidelines on how to regulate the lives of our children. Children are naïve and inexperienced, so they need the guidance of elders to take them through the pitfalls of life.
CELL PHONES
A habit that is very rife among our youth nowadays is the use of cell-phones. A phenomenal amount of money is spent on the phones itself, and even more on airtime. As a matter of extreme importance, we advise parents not to buy mobile phones for their sons and/or daughters, nor allow them to use the phones of the elders. Youngsters go to bed with their cell-phones, and remain awake till the early hours of the morning exchanging messages and “chatting” with friends of both sexes.
There is a program called ‘Mixit’ which allows chatting through text messages for a few cents. They spend hours sending messages to each other. Once a child gets his or her own cellular phone, there is just no way parents can control its use. The only option is not to give them their own phone or to dispossess them if they have one. It is definitely an effort that is required from parents to assert their authority, and you will encounter stiff opposition from the kids, but soon they will give in and abide by the rules you as parents set down.
BOARDWALK
It is surprising indeed to hear of Muslim youth who study at Islamic institutes visiting the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is a place where you will find cinemas, gambling, dancing, wine-drinking, music, young girls dressed immodestly, these same girls meeting up with their boyfriends, etc. The Quran prohibits us from even going to a place where these evils occur, even if the person going there does not take part in all these evils.
Our Noble Messenger (May peace be upon him) said that one who is present at a place where evil happens and does not stop that evil, is just like those who commit the evil. When the Punishment of Allah comes down onto such places, all those who are present there will suffer.
Furthermore, places like the Boardwalk are very fertile grounds for drug merchants to sell their evil drugs and get innocent youngsters hooked onto these substances. How many parents can vouch that their son or daughter is not on drugs or has not tried it already, after going to the Boardwalk a few times? We have learnt that young girls are paid to start up relationships with innocent boys. These girls are either taking drugs or selling it for their bosses. Once they trap a boy with their charm and guile, they soon entice him to try out their drugs. Boys get easily attracted by girls who make themselves appear smarter than what they really are. Once he becomes hooked onto girls, followed by drugs, that young man is on the road towards destruction, physically and spiritually. By no means can we allow our innocent Muslim children to be abused and exploited by these cruel people who don’t care how many lives they destroy in their mad and devilish pursuit of money.
You as a parent or guardian have a sacred duty unto Allah Ta’la to take charge of the lives of your children. We ask you to do so now, for the sake of Allah. Don’t be intimidated by the tantrums and remonstrations of your children. Assert your authority for the sake of Allah. The youth will get upset and angry, but will later come to terms with the rules. But you should remain firm, don’t relent, and don’t give in. Remember, you are doing this for the Sake of Allah Ta’ala, so He will assist you.
SHOPPING MALLS & GAME CENTRES
Another place our children frequent is the shopping mall. Boys attend the cinemas there with their girlfriends, totally unseen, and no one besides Allah knows what evil they get up to. Money and time are wasted on the games at these shopping centres, and both money and time are gifts from Allah which are haraam to waste.
Here again the danger of drugs is present. The boys meet friends who are bad company and who befriend them only for their money. Girls and boys mix freely, and many an illicit boy/girl relation begins at the shopping centres and game centres. You have a sacred duty to refuse your son money and permission to go to these places. Be firm and make dua to Allah Ta’ala to keep you firm in this resolve.
TELEVISION
I don’t need to emphasize the effect TV has on our children. It is disastrous to say the least. Today the evil that goes on around us is largely due to the evil that is shown on TV. Children learn foul language, their morals become corrupt, and they lose their shame in the sense that relationship with the opposite sex is considered the norm.
VIDEO GAMES/FILMS/DVDs
Some people don’t have TV in their homes, but they have the equivalent in the form of computers which have screens and a DVD player. The children can then watch a movie inside their own bedrooms. Even though they are prohibited from watching TV, they can watch a film on the DVD inside their computer. DVD films are easily available or they can get it from a friend. So this aspect also needs monitoring. The games shown on TV screens and computer monitors are bad for the eyes and dulls the thinking power of the child. He or she then becomes a poor learner.
CIGARETTES/OKKA PIPE
Another problem with our kids is the smoking of cigarettes. Experience has proven that nowadays when children get into smoking cigarettes they eventually end up smoking something stronger. Allah save us. Likewise we should ban the Okka pipe because it has come to light that sometimes drugs are added to the Okka pipe and smoked right in front of parents!
INTERNET
Kids who have access to the internet are in extreme danger. Parents should monitor this and set up strict restrictions on the computer to filter the good from the bad and prevent children from downloading evil sites. In this regard, kids should be prohibited from visiting internet cafes since there is no control over the sites they visit there.
MODERN LIVING
These are the seven great dangers of today. All these are produced by modern technology. It goes to show that modern living is not always good for us and our youth. In fact, some of these modern inventions are a curse for the Ummat.
The question that must surely be on the minds of all parents is: ‘If I don’t allow my kids to do the above things, then it means there is nothing for them to do in their free time! They become bored and frustrated.’ Well, firstly a frustrated or bored child is far better than one lying in the gutters outside a night-club, stoned out of his or her wits! Secondly, there are many activities which we can introduce to our kids to fill in their free time. We mention a few guidelines in this regard.
ALTERNATIVES
You decide when you want to go out, then take your children with you. Take them along; don’t allow them go on their own, nor leave them behind alone at home. Even while on a shopping trip, let them be with you, helping you, and never let them out of your sight.
Take them when you go for a drive or to the beach. This will also create a good relationship between you and your children.
Find chores for the child to do at home and join him by helping him and showing him how to do things. Let him learn odd jobs at home and teach him these day-to-day tasks, such as household repairs, washing the car, watering the garden, trimming the lawn, fixing up broken items, etc. That will keep him occupied.
Inculcate the habit of reading books so that time can be spent at home on this. When a child gets into the habit of reading good literature, he will spend hours in this activity.
Take out time to visit relatives so that the child comes to know who his relatives are and learns how to respect them.
Take out time to visit the sick at hospitals or at their homes. Take your kids along with you so that they learn how to care for others.
Do some social work over the weekends, either in your own capacity or for some welfare organization. Let your kids join you and let them learn how to serve their fellow human beings. Our institute runs a social and welfare outfit, so parents could contact us for volunteer work.
If some kids are weak in certain school subjects, arrange for some special tuition over the weekend, but make sure the teacher is an adult, not one of the other learners at school.
Instead of letting the child do sports training during the week (for those who go to school), use the weekend for this training. But it’s very important that the parent also attend this training for a short while to see: a) whether the boy is really there and has not run off somewhere else, and b) which type of elements are at this venue and with whom does your child associate. This is crucially important.
For girls, the weekend is an excellent time to teach them household skills like cooking, knitting, sewing etc., or to increase their literary skills. For girls there is just no question of going out except in the company of the father. (We do not encourage girls to go out with even mehrams nowadays).
Some boys find weekend jobs. This is good but make sure they are in a good work environment and not exposed to the evils mentioned.
We urge fathers to take their sons into the company of Ulema, even for a social visit, just for a few minutes, or to attend a Deeni program. This is the most valuable source of spiritual guidance.
Another good idea is to allow the boys to go in jamaat over weekends, but with good and strict supervision by adults. If no such supervision is arranged then they should not be allowed to go.
Where madresa classes are held on weekends, make sure your child attends these classes.
Successful parenting comes down to good parent/child relationship. It is imperative that you build up a good relationship with your child. Otherwise he/she will seek this friendship elsewhere. This requires a major sacrifice from the parents, especially time. But, I swear by Allah, your sons and daughters are your greatest asset. Should you sacrifice your time and effort for their sake, you will never regret it. The result will only be good, and such children will be of assistance throughout the parent’s life, insha Allah. Such kids will make you proud and will be an asset to their communities.
These are a few guidelines on how to keep your kids busy and thus prevent them from getting involved in the seven dangers mentioned above. There may be numerous other activities which will come to mind the moment you start making an effort in this direction. Finally, make earnest dua daily for your children. One day, when you are no longer alive, they will be making dua for you.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Haidh or the Monthly Menses
We enlist a few important rules about the monthly menstruation experienced by females. Sadly, most of our sisters are not fully acquainted with the relevant haidh laws. It is fardh upon them to learn at least the basic rules of haidh.
1. Firstly, it is wajib (compulsory) upon a woman to keep a written record and track of her monthly periods. Failing to do so results in many complications, and makes it difficult for the Mufti to provide her with clear answers to her problems.
2. It is makrooh for a woman to use a tampon during haidh, since the Jurists have prohibited the insertion of anything into the vagina. (Ibni Aabideen). She should rather use the normal pad.
3. It is mustahab (meritorious) to apply perfume or any pleasant smelling substance to the pad, so as to neutralise the strong odour of the menses.
4. If the haidh began while performing a faradh salah, the salah will break, but she does not need to offer the qadha for that salah.
5. If haidh began during a sunnat or nafl salah then she should make the qadha of that sunnat or nafl after becoming clean.
6. If haidh began after half a day of fasting had passed, be it fardh, sunnat, or nafl fast, then the fast breaks and she must observe the qadhaa when she becomes paak (clean).
7. If the haidh began right at the very end of the salah time, and she had not yet offered her salah, then that salah is also waived. She does not need to perform its qadha.
8. The maximum number of days for haidh is 10. Any flow above this will not be considered as haidh, but istihaaza. The minimum number of days for haidh is 3, and any flow that lasts for less than three days is also istihaaza, not haidh.
9. During the state of haidh sexual relations with the husband is not permissible. However. If the wife’s haidh ended after exactly 10 days, then sexual relations with the husband will be permitted even before she had taken a bath.
If, however, the haidh ended any time before 10 days, then until the wife takes a ghusl (bath), sexual relations with the husband will not be permissible.
Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi Rahimahullah
Hakimul Ummat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi was born on 5 Rabiuth-Thaani 1280 A.H. in the village of Thana Bowan, situated in the North of India, between Delhi and Saharanpur. He lost his mother at a tender age and was brought up by his father in a fairly affluent background. His father took great pains in teaching Moulana and his younger brother discipline and good character. From a young age he had a great desire for namaaz. Even whilst playing he used to imitate the namaazis; e.g. he gathered all his friends shoes, placed them in a line, put one shoe in front of the line and expressed his happiness that the shoes were performing namaaz.
He also had a great desire to give lectures. On his way to the shops he used to enter any masjid, ascend the mimbar and deliver a khutbah. At the age of 12 he began performing tahajjud and other nafl salaats and wazifahs. His desire for Deen was initiated by his initial ustaad Hazrat Moulana Fateh Muhammed Saheb (rahmatullahi alayh)
After learning the basic kitaabs by his uncle and Moulana Fateh Muhammed he proceeded to Deoband to complete his studies and qualified at the tender age of 19 or 20 years. From his student days he became famous for his intelligence and sharp wittedness. He never wasted his time in futile play and amusement. He had such a burning desire to obtain knowledge that he learnt certain kitaabs which he could not study during class times, from his ustaads while they were performing wudhu.
Moulana Thanwi’s ustaads were all great luminaries of their time. The most important amongst them was Hazrat Moulana Muhammed Yaqub Saheb from whom he achieved the greatest amount of knowledge and spiritual benefit.
He learnt qiraat from the well-known Qari Muhammed Abdullah Saheb Muhajir Makki and mastered it to such an extent that it became difficult for the listener to distinguish between the recitation of the student and the teacher.
After qualifying, he spent 14 years in Kanpur teaching, writing and propagating to the people. During this period thousands of students quenched their thirst at this “ocean of knowledge”. Although Moulana was still very young, the people of Kanpur respected and honoured him tremendously, and it was during this period that he became famous. His discourses were greatly appreciated and were being printed in the form of booklets. Very few scholars in the history of Islam have had so many of their discourses reproduced in print.
During his student days in Deoband he desired to take bay’at at the hands of Moulana Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi. The latter refused, saying that this would be harmful to his studies. Moulana Thanwi then wrote a letter to Hajee Imdadullah in Makkah urging him to make Moulana Gangohi accept the pledge of bay’at. Hajee Imdadullah instead, by means of a letter, himself accepted bay’at from Moulana Thanwi nad made him his mureed (disciple). When Moulana Thanwi accompanied his father for haj one year after qualifying, he renewed his pledge at the hands of Hajee Imdadullah. After his return from Hijaz, he continued teaching and propagating while his desire for zikr intensified. He used to deliver lectures while standing for five to six hours, continuously.
In 1315 A.H. he left Kanpur and on the advice of his spiritual mentor Hajee Imadadullah, returned to Thana Bowan. This was all part of the divine plan of the Creator so that the Khanqah of Hajee Imdadullah would once again be populated. This was the termination of the first phase of his life, which was devoted more to Deeni education. The second phase, which began with his return to Thana Bowan, was devoted more to imparting spiritual benefits to the masses. Moulana has written books in every field of knowledge, such as, tafseer, tasawwuf, fiqh, hadith, and tajweed. All his works total more than a thousand. The voluminous work on hadith titled I’laa-us-Sunan (Elevation of the Sunnah) was written under his guidance. Regarding this kitaab (I’laa-us-Sunan), he said that if this madresa had accomplished no other work besides the writing of this book, that in itself would have been be a magnificent achievement, for it is such a unique work. Few homes are without the Bahisti Zewar and Munajaat e Maqbool, two of Moulana Thanwi’s more famous books. His tafseer Bayanul-Quraan is unparalleled in its style. The erudite Moulana Anwar Shah Kashmiri (RA), used to say that after reading Bayanul-Quraan I developed a desire to read Urdu books. (Bayanul-Quran was written in Urdu) Although Moulana wrote such a large number of books, yet he did not earn a cent from them. All his work was solely for the pleasure of Allah. He gave open permission to anyone to re-print his books. Some of his works have been through hundreds of editions.
On 20 Jamadul Awwal 1346 AH whilst performing Fajr Salaat he was inspired with the effects of certain a’maal. It dawned upon him that if Muslims practiced these acts, their calamities could be overcome. Consequently Moulana gathered 25 principles and had them printed in a booklet he named Hayatul-Muslimeen— The life of Muslims (which is also available in English). Although Moulana had written over 1000 books, yet he said: “I never considered any of my books as being a means of salvation for me. However, with regards to Hayatul-Muslimeen, I have a strong feeling it will be a means of my salvation. I regard it as the earning and capital of my entire life.”
Due to his outstanding service for Deen, Hazrat Thanwi was given the titles Hakimul Ummat (The Sage of The Ummat) and Mujaddid-e-Millat (Reformer of the Islamic Nation). He passed away on 16 Rajab 1362 A.H. (20 July 1943) and was buried in Thana Bowan.