Imam ul Awliya Hazrat Hasan Basri ra said:
An essential requisite for humility is that when an individual steps out of his home, whomever he sees he considers him to be superior to his own self.
Tarikh mashaykh e Chisht page 119
Category Archives: B. Praise worthy morals
Khalwa
Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Wahid bin Zayid ra narrates
a meeting with a Chinese rahib (ascetic) who gave the reason for his seclusion (khalwa) as:
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“I am like a ferocious dog that tears up everyone who comes near!
To prevent myself from tearing others apart with my speech
I have confined my self in this monastery.”
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Imam Yafai’i ra’s Raudhul Rehyaheen/Nuzhatul Basateen page # 320.
An essential reading from Nisab e Tasawwuf
The Real Humility
It was Friday.
Hakeemul Ummat Mawlaan Asharaf Ali Thanavi ra came to deliver the khutba and lead the prayers.
He was dressed in his usual clothes, kurta and pyjama (shirt and pant).
An elderly gentlman, who was a new comer approached Hazrat ra and inquired,
“Hazrat why didn’t you put on a ‘abaya (jubba)!
Hazrat ra replied, “‘abaya is the clothing for higher-ranking people”.
“Aren’t you one of them?” asked the gentleman.
Hakeemul Ummat ra spontaneously replied, “How can I be of the elite people?
Not even one of the khuluq (praise worthy/blame worthy morals characteristic) have I been able to rectify.”
Ma’arfiat e Illahiya page 318
Salik’s First Step
Hazrat Maseehulummat Mawlana Mohammed Maseehullah Khan sahib, Allah SWT have mercy on him, a senior khalifa of Hakeemul Ummat ra, while defining the first step of suluk, stated:
“Consider yourself to be the most inferior (human being).
To the extent that even if you observe another individual indulging in the worst of sins with your own eyes, then even neither despise him, nor consider yourself superior to him.
On the contrary be fearful. Bear in mind that it is possible that the this sinner may resort to sincere tawbah (repentance) and become a person of high piety, while I may be ensnared (Allah SWT save us!) in the deceptions of the nafs (self/ego) & Shaytan and be diverted from Ibadat (worship) and obedience.
We do not have any guarantee regarding our final state before death..
Therefore, there is no basis for looking down on others with contempt.
From (Edited): Glaring into the heart of a Chishti
Also see previously posted: Chisti Asbaq & Real Humility
Etiquettes of being a Civilized Individual
The rulings of Shariah have been broadly classified into five categories. They are:
1. those related to the beliefs (‘aqaid)
2. those pertaining to the forms of worship (‘ibadaat)
3. those related to the mutual financial transactions (ma’amlaat)
4. those associated with manners of civilized living (ma’ashrat) and
5. finally, those dealing with the inner morals (ikhlaq)
It is sad to see that most of us, Muslims, only consider a’qaid and ‘ibadaat to be the components of deen and are completely ignorant of the rest.
Few select practicing ones include ma’amlaat to be deen also.
Ikhlaq, all praise to Allah SWT is practiced by those involved in tasawwuf.
The Shariah ruling regarding how to live a civilized life is abandoned by most of us.
However, it is ironic that we brothers/sister who are involved in discussions of higher & lofty realities of Tasawwuf are disregarding the rights of fellow individuals. The fact remains true that the rights of fellow human beings (haqqul ‘abd) can not be forgiven by repentance alone. It require asking forgiveness from the aggrieved individual. Most of us are totally unaware of the rulings of Shariah pertaining to the etiquettes of civilized living. The extent of this ignorance is so great that enemies of Muslims regard Islam to be incompatible with the civilized world life. Post 9/11 western strategy is to modify Islam to make it civilized.Hakeem ul Ummat Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi ra being the mujaddid high lighted the importance of these rulings in most of his discourses and writings. The most beneficial of these is a concise treatise “Aadab ul Ma’ashrat” (Etiquettes of Civilized living).
The importance of this book is evident by the fact that it is the first reading in the nisab e Tasawwuf (curriculum for salikeen) recommended by Hakeemul Ummat ra.
The basic principle underlying the rulings of civilized living is,
“My words, actions and attitude should not be the source of any discomfort or annoyance for fellow human beings at all.”
InshaAllah, quotes from this book regarding some important and common lapses in our every day (uncivilized) life will be posted here.
Allah SWT give us the tawfeeq. Ameen!
Sidiq more important than Ikhlas
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mawlana Mohammad Taqi Usmani db said the following explaining the difference between the stations (maqam) of sidiq (thruthfulness) and ikhlas (sincerity) ;
“Understand by this example.
A person wants to travel to Lahore from Karachi.
He makes a firm determination that he really has to go there.
He makes the proper arrangements, schedules a day for departure and gets the tickets for the trip.
On the appointed day he picks his belonging and boards the bus.
However, once he is few hundred miles on the road, he finds out this bus is going to Quetta Not Lahore.
If he continues on this bus he will never reach Lahore?
Never!
Why?
Was there any doubt about his firm determination to travel to Lahore?
Had he not prepare well?
Did he not buy the tickets, reach the station on correct time and board the bus?
Yes, indeed.
In other words he had total ikhlas (sincerity) in determination and action.
But he boarded the wrong bus! The one travelling in the other direction.
This correct direction thing is the sidiq of Sufiya.
See Sidiq counts even more than ikhlas.
Sometimes a infidel commits kufur with extreme ikhlas.
Similarly all bida’ats (innovations in matter of religion) are done with total ikhlas. But they completely lack sidiq.
The correct direction/method/way (that is sidiq) is the following of Sunnah in all matters.
May Allah SWT give us the true understanding and following of deen.
Ameen.
The Real Humility
Hakeemul Ummat Hazrat Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi ra,
a Hafiz e Quran, a scholar ( ‘alim, mufassir, muhaddith & mufti)
the author of 1079 publications,
Sheikh to thousands of seekers,
said while addressing a gathering of mureedeen during the month of Ramadhan:
“Believe me!
I am in the state of fasting (i.e to stress the truth of my words).
And I swear to it ( to emphasize my point).
I consider myself neither to be superior to any fellow Muslim right now and as a matter of fact, (i.e. because superiority is for those who are close to Allah SWT. And this is a secret matter.)
nor to any infidel eventually and as an assumption (as he may accept Islam, excel in good deeds and leaving me behind. Whereas I due to my wrong doings fall in to disbelief).”
Where do I stand?
Concentration in Prayers
Many of us are disheartened by the inability to concentrate while praying.
Hakeemul Ummat Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanwi quddus sirrahu explains:
“Reality of khushoo (Concentration/Serenity) is not to have any intentional and purposeful thoughts of any thing in the heart other than Allah swt while performing a good deed.
Literally it means absolute stillness/calmness. In the parlance of Shariah it means stillness of the body parts, (which is self explanatory) and also stillness and calmness of the heart. That is, to end all other thinking activities (and focus on Allah SWT).
What is the method to achieve this?
(i.e. end all other thinking activities and focus on Allah SWT)
It is not possible to stop all other thinking activities at once immediately.
The method is to intentionally focus the attention of the heart towards something desirable. Provided that it does not clash with nature of worship being performed.
For example, in salah (in descending order):
– Focus the attention on Allah SWT (e.g. I am in front of Him and He watches me), if that is difficult then
– Contemplate that one is facing the holy Ka’ba, or
– Concentrate on the words of Quran and other azkar being read or
– Focus on the meaning of Quran and other azkar being read
This is effective because one can not be attentive towards two things at a single moment. By intentionally and purposefully adopting any of these methods other thinking activities can be halted effectively.”
(Basair-e-Hakeemul-Ummat ra 306-7)
However, the guidance from the Sheikh is required in selecting the most effective method for oneself. Also, success or failure in accomplishing it has to be reported to him and based on his feedback one has to achieve the true khushoo required.
Also, nothing is achieved overnight.
It requires constant practice and effort to excel in it.
The tips are to
1. To understand & acknowledge that the required concentration is intentional and achievable. It is not an over whelming rapture or deep coma like condition beyond one’s grasp.
2. To be steadfast, and not to be disappointed by frequent failures initially,
3. To return to the original thinking/focusing process prescribed as soon as one recognizes the derailment (ghaflah).
wa ma taufiqi illa billah
Using Time Appropriately (Part 2)
Hazrat db continued:
“Develop the habit of planning.
That is, plan for future.
If I was to get 5 or 10 minutes break between my tasks how will I spend it?
For example, while commuting to work.
Think and decide in advance.
How I am going to spend these 15 minutes besides doing the driving?
Only if one has thought of these in advance he will be able to utilize this time appropriately.
My father (Grand Mufti of Pakistan, Hazrat Mawala Mohammad Shafi’i ra) used to inform us that, “Even the time I spent in toilet I try to make use of it. If there is nothing else I scrub and clean the water jug (lota) kept in there.”
All praise to Allah SWT, due to his training I also try to enact on this advice. When I come home from my classes I know there will be at least a 5 minute interval before the lunch is served. I have planned in advance the use of this time. Such as, to return someone’s telephone call, etc.
When a person develops this habit of utilizing the time precisely, Allah SWT facilitates immense actions for him and also puts barakh in time. (That is, in short duration a lot is achieved.)
Remember, heedlessness is a bane!”
Continued Part 3
Using Time Appropriately (Part 1)
Yesterday a former student asked Sayyidi for some advice (naseeha). Hazrat db told him:
“Recognize the importance of time.
It is an invaluable wealth.
Spend it very wisely and precisely in virtuous actions.”
Next day Sidi wa sanadi Hazrat Moulana Mohammad Taqi Usmani sahib (Allah SWT preserve him & allow us to benefit from him abundantly. Ameen) was sitting in Masjidil Haraam facing the holy Kab’a (‘s Rukun-e-Yamani). An individual requested some elaboration on this advice: As how to practically incorporate it in to one’s daily life.
Obviously pleased on the question, Hazrat db replied;
“Firstly one has to recognize the importance of time per se.
Secondly, one has to organize one’s schedule to fully maximize the benefit of available time, such that not a single moment is wasted. Being wasted meaning that it is not utilized appropriately even for a worldly purpose, may it be sleeping or moderate lawful entertainment or being busy in helping another fulfill his essential obligations, etc.
Wasting time includes indulging in activities having no benefit for this life or here after (akhira).”
Continued Part 2
Ending Ramadan with Shukur & Istigfar
Arif billah Hazrat Dr Abdul Hayy ra said;
Once I led a prayer jamah. After finishing I said aloud, “Alhumdulillah“.
A person from the audience enquired, “is it appropriate to be thankful on a worship filled with deficiencies?”
“Yes! Indeed”, I told him. “Look at the tawfeeq from Allah SWT and thank for it. It is a special favor and gift. There are many Muslim among us who even lack this.
As far as deficiencies are concerned I acknowledge their existence and make istagfar(repentance) for them but being a ‘abd (slave) whatever I do and how much I try to excel in it, they will remain full of defects and deficiencies.
It is the perfection of slavehood (‘abdiyat) to be aware of your deficient state.
Utilizing these precious moments of life then why shouldn’t I contemplate on Allah SWT’s benevolence and be thankful?”
Just a reminder for all of us to be thankful to Allah SWT for the gift of Ramadan, ability to fast, pray, make dua and charity etc.. Also a reminder for istigfar/repentance for all our short comings.
Misfortunes: Consequence of sins or A Blessing in Disguise
Hakeemul Ummat Hazrat Moulana Shah Ashraf Ali Thanvi ra said:
A misfortune or difficulty resulting in increasing distress and anxiety is a consequence of sins.
Whereas, one which causes an increase in one’s relationship to Allah SWT and a enhancement in one’s submission and acceptance (of the Divine will) is not a trial or tribulation in reality.
Though, it may seem to look like it.
These seemingly trials & misfortunes are sometimes for elevating one’s status (in afterlife) and for testing one’s love.
Maasir e Hakeemul Ummat 390
Filling Station for Allah SWT’s Love
Sayyidi wa sanadi Hazrat Moulana Taqi Usmani saheb (Allah SWT preserve him and allow us to benefit from him abundantly. Ameen!) while delivering a talk on Allah SWT’s love told us the following incident;
“Once Hazrat Hakeemul Ummat ra was talking about this same very topic, that is love of Allah SWT. Such motivating, aspiring and enchanting was the speech that the mureeds in presence felt extreme desire to achieve this blessing.
Hazrat Azizul Hasan Majzoob ra, the most prominent khalifa of Hakeemul Ummat ra could not resist and asked, “Sir, please, for God’s sake pour this love of Allah SWT and fill our hearts.”
Hazrat Hakeemul Ummat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi quddus sirahu immediately replied, “what else have I been doing? It is this love of Allah SWT that that I have been distributing throughout this talk.”
Waaz 24th July 2005, Masjid Darul Uloom, Karachi.
Fanayiat
Sayyidi wa sanadi Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Taqi Usmani sahib (Allah SWT preserve him & allow us to benefit from him abundantly. Ameen) said:
“Do not adopt any attire, attitude or practices that make you distinctive and different from rest of the Muslims. Live like an ordinary person.
This is particularly so in the tareeq (path) of our grand Sheikh Hazrat Haji Imdadullah mohajir Makki qaddas sirrahu. Because, our path is of absolute self-effacement and pure annihilation (fana).
Never ever even think of adopting the attitude of the contemporary (pseudo) Pirs & Sufis.
Consider it to be deadliest poison for the heart!
A person who adopts an individualistic & innovative demeanor in our tareeq has not even sniffed the smell of this tareeq!”
The Islahi Correspondence between Mureed & Sheikh
This islahi/self-reformation correspondence is the vital cornerstone of sulook in our path.
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Mureed writes about his state in regards to observance of Shariah, the wird prescribed, overwhelming thoughts and any questionable moral traits demonstrated in every day life in dealing with self and others. The Sheikh reviews it and diagnoses any ailments, if present and treats as appropriate.
To be definitely effective this has to be at regular intervals, usually once every month or fortnightly.
It is alchemy.
Recognizing its importance, nafs & shaytan try their best to put obstacles for doing it successfully. Mureed becomes lazy & slack, finding numerous excuses for not doing it. Even if he sits down to write a letter, he can not recall anything ‘significant’ to convey.
Once as similar mureed wrote to Sidi wa sandi Hazrat Moulana Mohammad Taqi Usmani sahib (Allah SWT preserve him & allow us to benefit from him a lot. Ameen!) that I can not bring to mind any thing to write in my letter.
Hazrat db replied:
“Writing even this, itself is sufficient.”
This is because; it keeps you in the habit of writing letters to the Sheikh, shows your concern and sincerity for self reformation, is an opportunity to request for dua and informs the Sheikh that at least you are not deteriorating and seeing your effort he makes special dua for you.
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Hazrat db also said;
“For mureed who do not have the opportunity to be in close direct contact with the Sheikh to discuss their states in person regularly, it is essential to have this islahi correspondence. The mureed and even the Sheikh who do not recognize this are committing a fundamental mistake in Tasawwuf (especially our tareeq/path).”