Teachings of Hakim al-Umma Mawlana Ashraf 'Ali Thanawi & his spiritual successors, particularly 'Arifbillah Dr 'Abdul Hayy 'Arifi (may Allah bless them) and Sayyidi Mawlana Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) regarding Tasawwuf
What does Islam say about poetry, singing, musical instruments, musicians, and the business of music? How have Muslim societies historically looked at these questions and how have their attitudes changed in the media age? Why have mosques remained music-free while churches have not? What is the truth about the much-publicized “music controversy” in Islam? Why [...]
The very first advice sayyidi wa sanadi Hadhrat Mawlana Mohammad Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) gave to a murid while giving him permission to instruct others,
“Never be negligent of your own self’s reformation (islah) effort.”
Hedayat bara-ay mujazeen
That is, the first and foremost in importance is my own self-reformation. Do not be missed led by [...]
Sayyidi wa sanadi Hadhrat Mawlana Mohammad Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) has instructed on multiple occasions,
“Do not be trapped in the dreamworld of fulfillment of your own desires even in the sphere of religion.
Be the son of the moment (ibn al-waqt). That is, do as each and every moment demands from you. For example, [...]
A wife wrote a letter complaining that in spite of taking very good care of her monetarily and physically her husband’s attitude is dry, rough and non affectionate with her. She cited many examples of his curt, blunt and hurtful replies and behavior.
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mawlana Mohammad Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) had the [...]
Sayyidi wa sanadi Hadhrat Mawlana Mohammad Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) read aloud an excerpt from a letter of a seeker,
‘How is it possible to achieve self annihilation (fana), especially when anger and arrogance is manifested in all daily interactions?’
And then read the answer he had written,
“As per the sayings of the elders this [...]
Hakim al-Umma Hadhrat Mawlana Ashraf ‘Ali Thanawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said,
‘There are two categories of love,
1. The intellectual and
2. The emotional
Of these it is essential to acquire the intellectual one. That is, being obedient in following the commands of the beloved by annihilating one’s desires and determinations by giving priority to none except them.
Whereas [...]
Giving instructions to a newly appointed mujaz Hadhrat Dr. Ismail Memon (may Allah preserve him) said,
‘In the Prophetic sayings ingestion of intoxicating beverages has been pointed out to be the source of all the sins (umm al-khabayis), similar is the status of viewing television and video cassette recordings (VCR and these days DVDs). They are the root cause of most of [...]
نشود نصیب دشمن کہ شود ہلاک تیغیت
سر دوستاں سلامت کہ تو خنجر آزمائی
Sayyidina Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be please with him) says, our Master the Holy Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) said,
“A dead person in the grave is like a drowning person expecting (help in the form of) supplications (du‘aa) from his father, or mother, or son, or friend. When it (du‘aa) reaches him it will [...]
In the instructions posted for those living in his khanqah, Hadhrat Mawlana Wasiullah (may Allah have mercy on him) wrote,
“Everyone is responsible for the protection of his belongings.
If something is stolen, then both the individual who’s stuff it is and the thief will be expelled from the khanqah.
The expulsion of the aggrieved is because a person who [...]
Masih al-Quloob Mawlana MasihUllah Khan (may Allah Have mercy on him) said,
“Wife is most the unpredictable relative. A parent or a child, both of whom are closely related, will draw a line in their attitude and behaviour. But a wife draws no lines. She has no regard for any etiquette. Therefore, no matter what her [...]
Our Master Holy Prophet (Allah’s blessing and peace be on him) said:
“A Muslim male or female who dies on a Friday night or the day of Friday, is safe from the punishment and trials of the grave.
He will meet Allah without giving account of his deeds.
On the day of Judgement (qiyaamah) he will come in [...]
An individual informed of the hardships he was facing. He was afraid of losing his means of sustenance and professional integrity.
‘Arif-billahHadhrat Dr. Abdul Hayy ‘Arifi (may Allah have mercy on him) instructed him to recite the following 200 times daily after ‘eisha salah pre- and post-ceded by salutations (durood) on the Holy Prophet (Allah’s blessing and peace [...]
Instructing us on how to achieve sincerity (ikhlas)sayyidi wa sanadi Hadhrat Mawlana Mohammad Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) said,
“It is imperative for the seeker to renew and reaffirm his intention (niyyah) prior to each and every act he performs.”
Ramadhan 1429, Daul Uloom Karachi, post-dhur dars
