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Category Archives: H. Whispering & random thoughts
The veil
Makhdoom Shaikh Sharufuddin al Maneri (Allah have mercy on him) said,
‘Spiritual masters have written about the veils in various books. They mention four; people; the world; Satan and the selfish soul (nafs).
People hinder our devotion to and worship of Allah. This world conceals the world to come. Satan downplays religion. One’s selfish soul acts as a veil with regards to The Lord.
Four veils can be enumerated but if you examine the matter, they all stem from one root, one’s selfish soul.
One gets overly preoccupied with people because of one’s selfish interest. Being immersed in worldly affairs also flows from self-interest. Agreeing to what Satan proposes also stems from selfishness.
Hence it is clear that selfish soul is the root of all these distortions. This is the origin of the adage, ‘The selfish soul is the greatest of all idols’.
In fine, whoever has brought his selfish soul to heel has been liberated from them all.’
Mine of Meaning, page 215
Who is a disciple?
Shaikh Sharafuddin Yahya al Maneri (Allah have mercy on him) said,
‘A disciple is a person who submits himself to his guide in word, deed, heart and body.’
He went on to explain:
” ‘In words’ means that his speech is in conformity with what his guide says regarding the essential principles and derived teaching of religion.
‘In deeds’ means that he does nothing, whether in a religious or worldly matter, contrary to what has been sanctioned by his guide, even if it be an act of devotion!
‘In heart’ means keeping his heart unstained by any blameworthy quality, just as his guide does.
‘In body’ means keeping his senses and bodily members pure and without any stain of sin, just as his guide has done.
When he has conformed himself in all these ways, then he can be called a disciple.”
A Mine of Meaning (Ma’din ul–Ma’ani), page 165
The levels of Relationship with the Sheikh
Sayyidi wa sanadi Shaikh Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) said while explaining the Sheikh-mureed relationship;
“My Shaikh (Allah have mercy on him) used to say that there are three levels of relationship with the Sheikh.
First is the ‘aqidet’ (reverence). That is, being impressed by Shaikh’s reputation of either scholarly knowledge, or piety or association with pious predecessors, or affectionately guiding disciples, a feeling of respect and desire to benefit from him arises. This is the first stage.
Second stage is that of ‘munasbet’ (congeniality). That is, on hearing Shaikh’s advice the aspirant readily accepts it and feels as though the words are pouring directly into his heart. The advice seems to be aimed directly at him. It appears to addresses his own spiritual ailments. Most importantly it does not stir any significant negative thoughts and criticism.
The final stage is that of ‘muhabbet’ (love). That is, being in association with the Shaikh for some time gradually a desire strengthens to benefit from him abundantly, to visit him often, to hear his advice and act accordingly. This is the desired level necessary for benefiting from the Shaikh. It is at this stage taking bayah is most useful. And it is the usual practice in the tareeq of Hakim al Umma Mawlana Asharf Ali Thanawi (Allah have mercy on him) to take bayat at this stage.
Waaz: 9th July 2006, Sunday, Masjid Darul Uloom, Karachi
Summum bonum
Shaikh Ma’ruf al Karkhi (Allah have mercy on him) said,
‘When Allah decides the highest good for an individual the door to performance of virtuous deeds are opened and the doors for argumentation are shut closed for him.’
Manaqib wa Ahwal Shaikh Ma’ruf Karkhi rehmatullah aleh, Ibne Jawzi Ra, page 111
A disobedient Muslim
Mehboob e Ilahi Khawaja Nizam ud din auliya (Allah have mercy on him) said,
‘An individual (Muslim) is obedient even when he is in a sinful state for three reasons,
Firstly, he is aware that whatever (sinful activity) he is doing is impermissible.
Secondly, he knows that Allah is aware and observant (of his activities).
Lastly, he aspires for forgiveness (from Allah).
All these are understanding of obedient individuals.
Moreover, as he does not aspire to remain involved in sinful activities forever, he is not punished.’
Jawahir al Hikam, Selection from Fawaid al Fuad, Dr Ghulam Mohammad Sulemani (Allah have mercy on him)
درد دل
Purpose of islahi majlis
Sayyadi wa sanadi Shaikh Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah bless him with a long, healthy and productive pur-’afiyet life, Amin!) instructed a mojaz about the islahi gatherings (majalis),
‘These gatherings must be conducted regularly.
The primary intention should be one’s own islah (improvement of morals, actions and state).’
Walking from Haram sharif, Makkah al mukkaramah to hotel. After esha, 24th November 2013
The differences
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An individual reported how differently the takbirat in salah are done and how lax religious leaders are regarding keeping a full beard here.
Sayyidi wa sanadi Shaikh Mufti Taqi Usmani (Allah bless him with a long, healthy and productive pur-‘afiyet life, Amin!) replied,
‘These are differences in etiquette (aadaab).
There should be no prohibition (nakeer) on the issues that are differed upon by the Imams (mujtahideen).
An individual inquired that these days in our communities (Pakistan-India) first thing by which we judge an individual’s religious persuasion is their appearance (beard, dress, etc.). Is this correct?
Sayyidi wa sanadi strongly disapproved of it. He said,
‘All things must be kept at their level (fiqh hierarchy).
It is grossly incorrect to judge others. Some issues (that Hanafis consider wajib) are not even makruh e tahrimi according to other Imams.’
Haram sharif, mataf behind Rukun-e-Yamani, Makkah al mukkaramah. After esha, 24th November 2013
#2: Turn to Allah
Sayyidi wa sanadi Shaikh Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah bless him with a long, healthy and productive life, Amin!) continued,
The second thing is to be vigilant in turning to Allah (asking for assistance) all the time. That is, while walking or being busy in something or resting, in short whenever there is any need one should turn towards Allah and ask for assistance. One has to develop this habit.
For example, right now when we depart the masjid we should ask Allah for an appropriate ride. Once in the ride we should ask Allah that we reach our destination safely without any traffic problems. If feeling hot we should ask Allah to alleviate it. If feeling cold we should ask Allah to provide warmth. On entering our home we should ask Allah that we find all the family members safe and sound. In summary we should persist in turning towards Allah asking for assistance in all our activities.
Be vigilant in being thankful to Allah for all the blessings you have, however, small they might be. Repeat it verbally, ‘all praise is for Allah’ (Alhumdulillah).
If one does these things then every moment of his time is accounted as being in the remembrance of Allah.
May Allah facilitate this for all of us by His mercy and benevolence. Amin!
Attending Fiqh Academy session, Riyadh, KSA after Friday prayers, 11/22/2013
Sparing time for islah
In the booklet ‘Manual for those seeking islah‘, sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah grant him a long, healthy and productive life with ‘afiyet, Amin!) wrote,
‘For the above mentioned tasks one will have to spare at least an hour daily, though it may be in multiple sittings. If one feels mentally ready for them and can ensure that insha Allah I will do them then only request should be made to this lowly writer for service (of guidance in islah). Otherwise, please excuse me.’ Page 4
It is common practice nowadays that individuals attend the spiritual discourses of a Shaikh and read his books or those recommended by him.They improve somewhat in their outwardly actions and following of Sunna. They consider themselves seekers (talibeen e islah) and pride themselves to be associated with a particular Shaikh.
However, they rarely ask the Shaikh individualized spiritual advice for betterment of their morals and remembrance of Allah. Even if they do this than it is mostly random, disorganized and poorly abided with. Similarly those who are associated with a Shaikh for years are content with the initial tasbihats for remembrance of Allah. They do not yearn for more. As a result they do not progress spiritually. That is, they lack good moral characteristics, persist with the blame worthy ones and do not achieve the state of perpetual remembrance of Allah.
As instructed above one has to take islah seriously and spare time for it. The above mentioned hour is for a beginner, a novice. So what about the intermediate and advanced salik?
Firmness of determination in giving up sinful
The third component of repentance (taubah) is the firmness of determination to never commit sin again.
This is volitional and can be done all the time. However, will power is needed for all endeavors. Similar is the matter here.
That is, one will have to make a firm determination to,
– bear whatever great difficulties or financial losses or physical hardships or public criticisms that may be encountered in following the commands of Allah and His Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) and
-never to abandon the following of Allah and His messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace).
If one does not have this determination then (it is evident that) he is not a seeker of Allah(‘s pleasure).’
Tahseel qasdus Sabeel, page 16
Sayyidi wa sanadi mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah bless him with a healthy, long and productive life, Amin!) said,
‘I had some confusion about this component of taubah.
How can one guarantee about his own self (nafs) that he will never ever sin again in his future life?
In practical life it had happened that even after sincere repentance one succumbed to the same sinful temptations. Would this mean that the repentance done previously was deficient?
I inquired Shaikh Baba Najam Ahsan khalifa mujaz e suhbet of Hakim al Umma (Allah have mercy on them) about this.
He said,
‘It is at the moment of repentance one should have this conviction.
That is, one has to have firm determination at that moment of repenting never to commit this sinful act ever again.
As for the apprehension regarding the future one should ask Allah to facilitate this for him and try to the best of his ability. Doing this will, insha-Allah, keep him firm.
Slips of the sincere
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah bless him with a long, healthy and productive life, Amin!) spoke briefly about the common problem of the slips of a sincere seeker on this path (sulook).
Below is a discussion on this issue from that discourse and teaching of our pious predecessors,
It is often a case that a sincere salik has been trying his best effort and also making supplications to Allah to keep him firm on pious actions and save him from involvement in sinful. But after weeks or months of being successful a dreadful moment comes and he fails and falls into sinful.
On realization of his mistake he is perplexed and disheartened. Thoughts like, ‘this path is not for me’, ‘I’m a failure’, ‘Divine help did not come’, ‘all the effort and supplications went wasted’, etc. plague his mind.
An individual can be so dejected, especially after multiple such episodes that he abandons all the effort and becomes totally heedless. May Allah save us all from this calamity. Amin!
However, a salik consults his Shaikh. He is instructed to repent, reaffirm his determination and move forwards. Moreover, it is emphasized not to ruminate and go into a root cause analysis of the incident.
A sincere salik must trust his Shaikh. As a result this slip becomes a stepping stone for further progress.
There are many lessons learned from the mistakes of the sincere seekers. They are mentioned below. However, they should not be used for rationalization of sinful activities. This discussion is about those who are sincere in their intention and effort but rarely slip. They include,
- Their remorse is more genuine, intense and sustained and it leads to immediate repentance
- The resulting repentance is more sincere
- It leads to increased connection with Allah
- There is increased reliance on Allah and being His slave (abdiyet)
- They appreciate (shukr) the blessing of Allah in giving them an opportunity to acknowledge their mistake and repent
- They appreciate (shukr) the blessing of Allah in the form of the Shaikh’s guidance who encourages them and pulls them out from depths of despair
- They see the flimsiness of their own effort and actions so they trust in Allah
- They become aware of their true self and are not delusional of self piety (ujub)
- They do not look down upon other fellows or consider themselves to be better (kibr)
- Their reaffirming of determination and enthusiasm to move forwards is much more
- Their effort in doing good actions and avoiding sinful is increased (or at least not decreased than before)
- Their supplications asking Allah for assistance are increased and become more heartfelt leading to further increase in connection with Allah
- They become more aware and experienced of detecting the hidden traps and deception of nafs and Satan and work to avoid them
- They excessively seek refuge (istiaza) in Allah from all that leads to Allah’s displeasure
And many others.
These are the mistakes that sometimes outweigh pious deeds!
(Ramadhan 1434, post-dhuhr talks, paraphrased)
Importance of daily recitations
Shaikh Wasiullah Allahabadi (Allah have mercy on him) said,
‘The pious elders have said, تارك الورد ملعون
It means that the individual who (intentionally) leaves his daily recitations (wird) is accursed.
This is because offering extra (nafil) salah or recitations (awrad) in the beginning (of sulook) is not as detrimental than to initiate and then stop them.
This is extremely bad. Allah’s alienation is for such an individual. This results in the individual becoming absolutely incompetent. He can neither follow the Deen properly nor achieve any worldly success.
Therefore, one should not initiate extra (routine) pious actions, like tahajjud or recitations. If he does initiate them then he should have a firm intention of doing them all his life. Otherwise misfortune will engulf him.
It is mentioned in Tabqat e Kubra (page 142) that on the day the murid leaves his wird the Divine help is cut off from him.’
Wasiyet ul ehsan, Talifat e Musleh al Ummat ra, volume 5, page 56-7
Shara’iah,near Jara’nah, Makkah al mukarramah
Renewal of bayiah
A senior seeker, who had taken bayiah several years ago, requested for its renewal.
Sayyidi wa sanadi Shaikh Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) replied,
‘There is no need of repeating the ritual.
The essential thing to do is to reaffirm the determination (for one’s islah).’
Islahi makateeb
Jeddah, KSA