Category Archives: H. Whispering & random thoughts

wasawis and khatrat

Desired good company

 

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Hakim al-Ummah Mawlana Ashraf `Ali Thanawi (may Allah have mercy on him) writes:

“Allah Most High has put this quality in humans that they are quickly and substantially affected by the thoughts and conditions of others.

[This occurs even] without any specific effort, and happens whether it is good or bad company.

Good company is an element of immense benefit; in the same way, bad company is an element of tremendous harm.

Good company is of such a person who, based on the need, has a grasp on the issues of Deen, and one has good faith in him. He abstains from Shirk, innovation, and worldly affairs. His actions are good, and he is firm and constant in his Salah, fasting, and other necessary acts of worship. His dealings are good and his transactions are clean. He is careful about issues of Halal and Haram. His outward behavior is also excellent. He has a humble disposition and he does not harm anyone without reason. He does not consider the poor and needy to be inferior. His inner qualities are also pleasing. He keeps the love and fear of Allah Most High in his heart. He does not keep much greed for the world in his heart. [When in] conflict with the Deen, he does not care for wealth, comfort, or disgrace. He keeps the Hereafter in front of him, and does not keep this world dear to him. He is patient and thankful in every circumstance.

If someone is found with these qualities, his company is an elixir.

If someone cannot fully recognize these qualities, for him (assistance in) recognition is to seek the pious people of his time, those who are considered by most Muslims to be pious. They should speak well (of him).  And after remaining in his company several times, the heart should shy away from blameworthy traits and turn towards praiseworthy morals.  Consider such a person to be pious and adopt his company.”

Hayat al-Muslimeen, p. 27 (Multan: Idara Ta’lifaat Ashrafiya)

By Brother I. Khan

Husn-e-dhan

 

Mawlānā Shabbīr Ahmad `Uthmānī رحمه الله تعالي mentions:

Those scholars who have used harsh words against Imām Abū Hanīfah رحمه الله تعالي , we should only think good regarding them as a believer is jealous (ghayyūr) and sincere in his intentions. When he is informed of something which seems to be contradicting the sunnah and destroying dīn (even though in reality it is not so) then his jealousy for dīn overtakes him causing him to get angry for the pleasure of Allāh Ta`ālā. Thus, resulting in him using harsh words in defence of the dīn.

An example of this is Imām Muslim رحمه الله تعالي using strong words against Imām Bukhārī رحمه الله تعالي in his muqaddimah. Most commentators have preferred the view of Imām Bukhārī رحمه الله تعالي but they did not criticise Imām Muslim رحمه الله تعالي for using harsh words. (Fathul Mulhim 1/73)

Extracted from Ask Imam fatwa #18609

A lesson and reminder for us.

Our scholars and mashaykh do the same regarding those who reviled their akabir. Even those who went to the extent of making corrupt allegation of kufr against them.

Example of husun e khuluq!

A solidier  slapped Shaykh Ibrahim ibne Adham (Allah have mercy on him) mistakenly.  On recognizing his error he returned to apologize.

Shaykh Ibne Adham (Allah have mercy on him) told him that when you slapped me I supplicated to Allah to grant you paradise (jannah).  The shocked soldier requested an explanation for this extraordinary behaviour.

Shaykh explained that I was certain that I will be rewarded (by Allah) for this slapping and it made me uncomfortable that you cause me reward and good and in return you get sin and punishment (in here-after). Therefore I supplicated for you.

Ahzab tahzib un nafus,  Munajat e maqbool, ((zamimajat, Saeedi)) page 305

Jihad al-Akbar

There is a consensus among all the well established Sufi masters that the foundation stone of Tasawwuf and spiritual path (sulook) is to cleanse the nafs (lower self) of the blame worthy moral traits (razail).

This is achieved by the aspirant using his determination (himmat) to act against the desires of his nafs.

This acting against the nafs is called the spiritual struggle (mujahidah), endeavor (riyadah) and jihad al-akbar.

Neither excessive remembrance (dhikr), offering supererogatory salah, recitation of litanies and Holy Quran nor even the observance of the essentials (faraiz) disciplines the nafs. This is because the role of these things in removal of blame worthy characteristics is that of secondary assistance and not primary treatment. The individual will receive their reward and merits respectively. However, it is against the norms set by Allah that  the nafs be disciplined without meticulous  spiritual struggle (mujahidah).

This is the reason we observe that most of the religious individuals are inflicted with blame worthy moral characteristics in spite of their extra worship.

Ahzab tahzib un nafus,  Munajat e maqbool, (zamimajat, Saeedi) page 301

What is husun al-khuluq?

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In summary excellent conduct (husun al-khuluq) is that,

1. In reply to  harm and incitement by others one  makes supplication (dua) for them or acts in an exemplary good manner.

2. Not to pay attention to the misconduct of others in the first place (i.e Ignore it).

3. Not being selfish.

4. Being very cautious not to become angry.

5. Be extremely careful not to be arrogant.

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Ahzab tahzib un nafus,  Munajat e maqbool, ((zamimajat, Saeedi)) page 306

Vienna airport

Self delusion

Recently it was mentioned that in Tasawwuf error and misguidance is most of the time because of a delusional state  resulting from lay public admiration and following.

Hakim al-Umma Shaykh Ashraf ‘Ali Thanawi (Allah have mercy on him) elaborated this very nicely in an anecdote.

There was an individual who owned a horse. This horse was of no use to him. It was a huge, lazy, stubborn and stolid creature. He ate a lot , defecated and farted much. And was totally unproductive.  Involving him in any chore led to more trouble than ease in effort of the work.  The owner tried everything possible to make him useful. However, neither reward nor punishment worked. He even resorted to amulets and wazifas. All in vain. Exasperated by this irritating creature the owner decided to get rid of him.

He went to the local market to sell this horse. He was approached by a shrewd professional agent who offered his services for selling in return for a decent commission. They agreed on it after some haggling.

The agent brought the animal on the exhibition stall and proceeded with his introduction to draw in customers. In his smart and domineering style he spoke about the noble ancestry of this Arabian stallion. He elaborated on the physical beauty of the animal. Stressing that this steed was worth a fortune. An appropriate gift for a prince. Exalting his enormous strength and stamina. Exaggerating enormously that how economically he ate and how well trained and sharp he was. A life time bargain for sale at a nominal price. He started the bidding.

The horse owner stood mesmerized at the agent’s artful speech. Before anyone else could utter a bidding price he rushed towards the agent and told him that he had changed his mind. He did not want to sell such a magnificent horse with so many qualities. He felt honored to own it.

Similar is my condition. I am well aware of my shortcomings, sins and gross transgression of Shariah,however, the kind comments, praise and admiration of others lead me to believe that there must be something special about me.

This is the self delusion.

It is very common in the religious elite.

A complete antithesis to the teachings of Tasawwuf!

The Prophetic advice

 

إذا قمت في صلواتك فصل صلاة مودع 

 ولا تتكلم بكلام تعتذر منه

 واجمع الإياس مما في أيدي الناس

An individual approached Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) and requested for some concise advice.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

At the time of offering salat, pray as if this is your last prayer.

And

Do not speak anything for which you will have to apologize later.

And

Do not have any desire for what other people possess.

Ahamd via Jawahar al-Hikam, page 23

The reason for our poor state

 

Shaykh Mohammad Badr ‘Alam (Allah have mercy on him) [died 1385H, buried in Baqi, Medina al-munawwarah] said,

‘The main reason for our current degradation  (as a Muslim nation) in my opinion is that in our hearts the characteristic of being at ease, love, forgiveness, forbearance and having a good opinion (of other fellow individuals) have been replaced by envy, animosity, having a bad opinion and quarrelling without a reason.

Therefore, it is vital that I clarify this reality that as per Islamic teachings the characteristics of being at ease and having mutual love is not only for fellow Muslims alone. It is  a fundamental requirement for all the fellow human beings.’

Jawaher al-Hikam, page 21