Category Archives: B. Praise worthy morals

The good moral characteristics that are to be developed within one’s self

Complete deen!

‘Arif-billahDr. Abdul Hayy ‘Arifi (Allah have mercy on him) said,

‘These days major (kabair) and outrageous sins have become prevalent in our society. We consider them to be a form of entertainment. These major sins will never be forgiven until we leave them and repent. Television is being watched in each and every home. Listening music, songs, watching explicit programmes and movies are common day activities.’ 1

‘Brothers! The matter of here-after (akhira) is of extreme magnitude.

It is inappropriate to be at ease by being  ignorant of its details.

There will be enquiry about each and every thing, including your financial dealings, social etiquette and moral character.

Remember that until all of these components of deen are correct your salah, fasting, pilgrimage and zakah(all worhip, etc) will be devoid of soul and true meanings.’2

Ramadhan ul Mubarak: hidayat wa tambihat via Ahmiyet e Ramadhan, page 1:26, 2:28

Being pleased with the decree of Allah!

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مرضی مولا از ہمہ اولی

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It is reported that it was the habit of Dadi sahiba that whenever something happened against her desire she used to repeatedly say loudly,

‘I am pleased with the decree of my Lord!’

She would continue to say this again and again for a while.

To the surprised audience she explained that I am trying to make myself listen this so that my mind and heart believes in it firmly.

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Counting the blessings!

Hadhrat Mawlana Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) said,

“Once my Shaykh Hadhrat Dr. Abdul Hayy ‘Arifi (may Allah have mercy on him) was invited to a dinner. Few of his disciples, including me were accompanying him. After the sumptuous meal Hadhrat addressed us regarding the excessive thankfulness due on each and every blessing.

Hadhrat enumerated that in this single episode how many blessings were incorporated. First blessing was the delicious food itself. Second, the respectful manner in which the host served it to us. Third, our feeling of hunger which made it possible for us to consume it. Fourth, our good general health that allowed us to eat indiscriminately. If we had an aliment we would have to restrict ourselves to specific foods only. Fifth, our being free from overwhelming and disturbing thoughts. If a close family member had been sick it would have been impossible to enjoy the delicious meal. Sixth, the company of friends and pious individuals we had. Rude and irreligious fellows would had made the whole event a miserable experience. So on and so forth the list of blessings will continue. We are aware that it is essential to give thanks for each and every of these blessings. True and real thanks will gush out from the depths of the heart with realization of these things.

Hadhrat Mufti sahib added, the ability to appreciate the blessings in such manner is due to a very close and intimate relationship with Allah (taluq ma’Allah), that is the goal of Tasawwuf.

These are gems to take from Shaykh’s company (suhba). “

Friday 27th July 2007, Masjid Darul Uloom, Karachi. After ‘asr majlis

Salafi advice

The great spiritual master Dhu’n Nun al-Masri (Allah have mercy on him) said:

“The early Muslims (salaf) would counsel each other with three counsels:

First: Whoever rectifies their relationship with Allah, Allah rectifies their relationships with people.

Second: Whoever rectifies their inward, Allah rectifies their outward.

Third: Whoever rectifies their Hereafter, Allah rectifies their worldly life.”

[Sharh al-Hikam al-Ghawthiyya, 111]

Source: Seeker’s Guidance

Objective of attending the majalis

Shaykh Mansur Ali Khan (Allah preserve him) said,

‘Every week we gather here to listen to religious discussion. It is imperative that we have a clear objective regarding these gatherings.

These are not lectures of formal religious education. These are training sessions (tarbiyeti) for the spiritual aspirants (salikeen).

Their objectives are, to

1. Create and nurture love of Allah and His beloved Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) in our hearts.

2. Develop the habit of turning (ruju’) to Allah in all circumstances via supplication (dua).

3. Emulating the Sunna method of doing things in every aspect of life.

4. Becoming cognizant of here-after and accountability for one’s deeds.

It is essential to have these goals in mind. It makes the journey easier by keeping you on the track and retuning to it if you slip.’

Sunday majlis, Jeddah, 3rd July 2010

The most important nasiha!

Giving instructions to a newly appointed mujaz sayyidi wa sanadi Shaykh Mufti Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) said,

The first and most essential thing is,

1. Never to be negligent of one’s own islah.’

Hidayet baraay e mujazeen

This reality has to be realized that islah never ends.

It is an ongoing process.

I’m asleep!

Hakim al-Umma Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi (Allah have mercy on him) used to repeatedly tell the salikeen that if a person gets the idea that he has acquired a praiseworthy trait or state and gotten rid of a blame-worthy one then he should be extremely suspicious of this.

He gave this example to make it easy to understand.

That is, if a person is aware that he is sleeping then his sleep is defective. It is not a  genuine sleep. A sleeping person is completely unaware of his sleep.

Similar is the case of a salik.

He should always rely completely on his Shaykh’s instructions and be suspicious of all his activities considering himself to a novice just initiated.

Min ifadat sayyidi wa sanadi Hazrat murshidi db

How to deal with a difficulty?

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Arif-billah Dr. Abdul-Hayy ‘Arifi (Allah have mercy on him) said:
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“When faced with a difficulty which seems to be either unavoidable or irresolvable, our Hadhrat (Hakim al-Umma) used to advice us not to think and ruminate about it. Start making dua in your heart regarding it. And repeatedly recite اياك نعبد و اياك نستعين.
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By doing so, inshaAllah, the anxiety will vanish, peacefulness will be achieved and the difficult task will be settled with ease.”
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Ma’moolat-e-yoomia 25-6