Knowledge without actions is not useful

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Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammed Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve & protect him) said, “Knowledge on its own does not benefit. My father Mufti Muḥammad Shafīʿ [Allah have mercy on him, d. 1396/1976] would say, ‘if knowledge was the criterion for a person’s virtue, then Satan was the most knowledgeable, however, his knowledge did not benefit him, because he disobeyed Allah.’

Therefore, knowledge alone is not in itself the primary objective. The primary objective is the obedience of Allah and his Messengers (i.e. acting as the knowledge states).

Source: Seven Days in Bukhara and Samarqand

Recitation of Holy Quran & experiencing pleasures

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A student asks regarding the lack of experiencing ḥalāwat (sweetness) when reciting the Qurʾān.

Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammed Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve & protect him) advises to continue with the recitation, as experiencing sweetness is in itself not an objective, the objective is to please Allah Almighty. If sweetness is experienced then it is welcome, otherwise, it should not deter a person from continuing to recite.

Source: Seven Days in Bukhara and Samarkand

Tabarrukh

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Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammed Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve & protect him) addressed the question of tabarruk (taking blessings from the pious or things associated with them) explaining that there are two extremes in this regard. Some people reject it altogether and suggest it is shirk. This is wrong because there are several ḥadīths that affirm tabarruk. On the other hand, some people have total reliance on tabarruk and do not perform good deeds. Citing the example of the hypocrite ʿAbdullāh ibn Ubayy ibn Salūl (d. 9/631), he emphasises that tabarruk is of no benefit to he who performs no good deeds.

Source

Rights of Shaykh

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Hakim al Umma Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Allah have mercy on him) once mentioned:

When a person takes someone as his Shaykh or religious guide, then in order for him to benefit from the Shaykh, he will have to fulfil three essential requirements. These three requirements are among the rights which he owes to the Shaykh and should be borne in mind at all times. These requirements are:

  • He should have faith (I’tiqaad) in him i.e. he should have love and respect for him and accept him to be a pious, rightly guided person who follows the sunnah.
  • He should have trust (I’timaad) in him i.e. he should have confidence in the guidance and knowledge he imparts and regard him capable of guiding him correctly in Deeni matters.
  • He should submit (Inqiyaad) to him i.e. he should follow the advices and teachings of the Shaykh diligently with complete commitment and dedication.

(Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 23/77)

Source:ihyaauddeen.co.za

ECCMID2019, Amsterdam, NL

The Essential Migration

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A seeker inquired regarding migrating to the blessed city of Makkah from India.

Leader of the Pious, Haji Imdadullah mohajir Makki (Allah sanctify his secret) replied,

May Allah bless this intention. However, it is sad and disheartening to see the conditions of those who have migrated here. In majority of them there is significant decrease in their capabilities and religiosity ‘here’ as compared to when they were in India. This is especially so in acts of worship and remembrance of Allah. Their only concern is to earn money and reproduce.

My dear! The first migration must be from blameworthy morals to praiseworthy morals. Like reliance on Allah, being content, accepting and submitting to the decrees of Allah, etc. These are perpetual obligations. They are essential for the physical migration to be effective. Without this migration the other is not beneficial.

So in this delicate issue this lowly writer does not recommend anything, neither do I discourage you nor do I give you permission. Most appropriate thing will be to do istekhara.

Marqumat e Imdadia, p 23-4

Dealing with Wife

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A close seeker arranged for a dinner without prior consultation and invited Hakim al Umma Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Allah have mercy on him).

Hakim al Umma reprimanded him for acting against the principles (for inviting a guest) by doing all the arrangements without approval. Moreover, he excused himself for the following reason.

The Shaykh said,

My household situation is (now) delicate (after the second marriage). This week it is the turn to eat at my other wife’s place. So far due to travels and invitations I have not been able to eat there even once. Today I had the intention to explain this situation to her (and try to get a approval) ,however, I was afraid that this might be attributed to neglect. As I expected, before I could say something she complained that all the travelings and eating invitations happens only during her turn.

The Shaykh added, These are the ways females (usually) act. I have made a intention to listen to whatever is said (and not reply). I do not want to respond back according to rules  and regulations. I desire not to break anyone’s heart or cause them anguish.

Husn Al Aziz, vol 2, p 91-2 (paraphrased)

 

 

 

 

Instructions for the Seeker 4

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Hakim al Umma Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Allah have mercy on him) instructed,

‘Neither have conviction about, nor associate with a person who appears to be a Sufi but contravenes Sharia (laws). This is irrespective of his having unveiling (kashaf) or miraculous incidents (karamat).

However, do not criticize anyone without a genuine reason.’

Ta’leem ut Talib, #9, p23

Instructions for the Seeker 3

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Hakim al Umma Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Allah have mercy on him) instructed,

‘Following the pious elders is the safest path.

Holding self-opinions (khud–raiy) is dangerous.

Hence, in outward matters it is most appropriate for a scholar to follow the Hanafi fiqh. A common person should follow a Hanafi scholar.

And in internal (batini) matters follow a perfect Shaykh. Do not do anything new worldly or religious without his permission. However, if a scholar or Sufi-Shaykh instructs explicitly contrary to Sharia then do not follow him .’

Ta’leem ut Talib, #6, p23

Instructions for the Seeker 2

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Hakim al Umma Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Allah have mercy on him) instructed,

‘If Satan creates a doubt in any of the beliefs (aqaid) recite لا حول ولا قوہ الا باللہ and push it away. Do not pursue it excessively.

If it does not go away then mention it to a Sufi-scholar. Even if his reply doesn’t provide any relief then tell yourself that I accept it without any proof. By doing so Satan becomes completely incapable (of misleading) and runs away.’

Ta’leem ut Talib, #5, p22-3

Instructions for the Seeker 1

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Hakim al Umma Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Allah have mercy on him) instructed,

‘In writings or sayings of some pious sages there appear to be things that are contrary to the teachings of Sharia. Keep your beliefs (aqida) as per Sharia. However, do not consider those pious sages to be wrongful. Presume that I cannot understand its (true) meanings.’

Ta’leem ut Talib, #4, p22

My standing

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Shaikh Mahfouz (Allah have mercy on him) said,

‘Do not weigh people on your scale.

Weigh yourself in the scale of the pious selected travelers (on the path).

By doing so you will see the blessings bestowed on them and your own destituteness.’

Masalik-us-salikeen, pg 2

Order of actions in islah

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  1. The correct intention and determination to follow the path as described in the book Qas-us-sabeel

2. Repentance from all previous sinful activities

3. Completion of repentance. That is, compensating (qaza) the lapsed essential (fardh) and recommendable (wajibaat).

4. Steadfastness in essential (fardh), recommendable (wajibaat) and Sunna action from now onwards

5. Abandonment of all that is useless and sinful

6. Adopting a daily routine of extra good actions (wird) as instructed by the Shaikh. They include,

a. Excessive remembrance of Allah (dhikr)

b. Muraqaba and/ashgal

c. Tilawet

d. Dua

7. Rectifying the blameworthy morals traits by consulting the Shaikh regularly

It is essential to follow this order.

Haphazard activities usually results in waste of time and effort.

May Allah facilitate it for all of us. Ameen!