Our master Ali ibn al-Husayn (Allah be pleased with him) said,
‘If you are aware of any of your actions, that is a proof that it has not been accepted (by Allah). For that which is accepted is elevated and hidden from you; your not noticing it is the sign of its acceptance.’
The stumbling of those aspiring, page 136
In Ramadan sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve & protect him) follows the Sunna of giving financial gifts to the deserving individuals. It is like a blowing breeze. Masha-Allah. Computerized lists of recipients are made. There are separate categories for the zakat, sadaqat and hadiya. Many individuals visit or send letters requesting aid. Inqueries are made actively to acertain zakat recipients.
This Ramadan a letter from a student was presented. He requested for a laptop. However, he made it clear that he could not be a recipient of Zakat.
Sayyidi wa sanadi replied,
‘Please, let me know if it is permissible for you to make such a request.’
Ramadan 1436, darul uloom Karachi office
Shah Wasiullah Allahabadi writes in the preface of ‘Tarbiyet us Salik‘ of Hakim al Umma Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Allah have mercy on them) ,
‘The task of being a Shaykh is a lofty responsibility.
This is, because calling people towards Allah is the Prophetic job and the Shaykh is delegated to do it. Therefore, there can not be any doubt in its immense significance.
It is for this reason the quote of pious predecessors is famous,
الشيخ فى قومه كاالنبى فى أمته
A Shaykh in a community is like a Prophet in his Ummah.
Respected (poet) Hafiz Shirazi (Allah have mercy on him) pointed towards this in,
(Not anyone with a glowing face knows how to flirt
Not anyone who makes a mirror act like Alexander
There are thousands of points thinner than a hair in this way
Not anyone who shaves his head can be a qalander)
ٖFrom the essentials of performing this task are two things that differentiate between a righteous and charlatan Shaykh.
First is his expertise in recognizing the aptitude and specific characteristics of the seeker’s temperament.
Secondly, his technique of instruction and training (the seekers accordingly) is at its most perfect level.
The greatness of the (Sufi) Masters is determined by their exceptional level of instruction and training. And this is the cause of their popularity in the (religious) elite.
In an era the Shaykh who is superior to all the contemporary Shuyukh in this field is known as ‘Qutub ul Irshad‘. Like Leader of the group Junaid al Baghdadi and Shaykh Ghuas e azam (Abdul Qadit al Jilani, may Allah sanctify their secret) etc. etc..
To be contd.
Tarbiyet us Salik, volume 1, page 2
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah protect and preserve him) was obviously upset. He scolded the compiler of a book: Islahi waqiyat, (extracts from his discourses) sternly,
‘I reviewed your book. There is gross exaggeration in honorifics (used with the name of sayyidi), like mujadid al millat, shaikhul Islam and other titles. This is inappropriate and unacceptable. Remove them all in the next edition.’
Outside Bab Fatima radhiAllah anha, Masjid Darul Uloom Karachi, 23 Shawwal 1436/9 August 2015
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve and protect him) accepted a seeker’s request for baiyah. This individual has a islahi relationship with one of the mojazeen of sayyidi for the previous few and was proceeding for Hajj this year.
Prior to the ceremony sayyidi wa sanadi clarified,
‘There are two types of baiyah. First is that in which an individual pledges to do his islah (under the supervision of this specific Shaykh). It is baiyah as sulook. The other is for barakah and blessing (of being included into the Sufi silsila/order). It is baiyah tabarruk. This is the one we are doing.’
After the spiritual ceremony sayyidi instructed,
‘Continue with the recitations (ma’moolat) as recommended by your mentor. However, it must be clear that the main task is rectification of morals (islah ikhlaq). Read about them and ask your mentor whenever there is a suspicion.’
Baiyet e Kaiser, Study, Residence, Darul uloom Karachi, 23 Shawwal 1436/9 August 2015
Shaikh Wahba al Zuhayli (Allah have mercy on him) a senior Syrian scholar and one of the best friends of sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah protect and preserve him) recently passed away. May Allah forgive him, raise his status manifolds in hereafter and give sabr e jameel to all his admirers. Amin!
Shaikh Zuhayli (Allah have mercy on him) clarified:
“There are two types of Sufism: praiseworthy Sufism and blameworthy Sufism.
The praised is that which is in agreement with the Qur’an and sunnah. It means the healing of the soul and excellence in directing oneself to God as well as connecting with God which cannot happen without litanies based in the Qur’an and the example of the Prophet Muhammad.
The blamed is that which is in excess of this with its formalities and exaggerations such as the drum and the horn – which fall under deviant innovations. This is what (classical) Islamic legal scholars such as al-Qurtubi stated and it is also my position.
With deep regret, drums and horns have entered into our mosques during mawlid ceremonies, and this is what many scholars had called deviant and without sound foundation (in Islamic law), and this is my position. I love the people of Sufism who are moderate, those who are committed to the Qur’an and sunnah; and I hate (the Sufism) of heretical innovations and that which is alien to Islam, this is my methodology.”
Fatwa on Sufism via Wikipedia
During the last ten days of Ramadan a senior scholar and a salik presented a letter informing about his daily schedule. He had come to stay for 3-4 days.
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah protect and preserve him) asked him to tell it verbally as they walked towards home.
He informed in detail about his daily recitations, etc. They included reading of Dalail al Khayarat.
After he was done Sayyidi instructed,
‘Include recitation al Hizb al Adham, at least for the length of stay here.’
And what about reading books?’
He informed that he had read parts of Islahi Khutbaat.
Sayyidi instructed, ‘Start reading Islahi majalis now regularly.’
Ramadan 1436/July 2015 Darul Uloom Karachi
——————————————————————-
This high lights the importance of regular reading of text recommended by the Shaykh.
This is essential for a seeker. It increases his knowledge, provides motivation and insight into his/her own deficiencies. All of these facilitate his progress.
The current technology has facilitated the sharing of information. Spiritual discourses of Shuyukh can be heard live online or saved for later use very easily.
However, islah (self betterment/reformation) does not happen just by passive listening to these lectures.
Islah requires active effort.
These lectures provide the general guidelines. Application of these in one’s daily life requires consultation with a spiritual mentor (Shaykh).
After attending a series of lectures on arrogance a seeker wrote that he for sure has arrogance and has started its treatment. Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah protect and preserve him) replied,
‘Based on what you made this diagnosis? Write in detail the incident and behavior that made you suspicious of this.’
(Islahi khatoot)
This shows the indispensability of a Shaykh for islah. He makes the diagnosis and prescribes a treatment plan.
Moreover, individuals listen to many different Shuyukhs’ lectures. This indeed increases their information. However, it has to be acknowledged that every Shaykh has a different style in approach and application of Deen. This may sometimes appear conflicting and result in confusion.
It is for these reasons it is recommended that a seeker of islah limits himself to the lectures of his/her Shaykh. This is especially so in the initial phase. Later he may ask for permission to listen to someone in particular.
Islah is not about having vast knowledge and information is. It is about application of the essential knowledge and information actively in our morals and daily life.
May Allah facilitate this for us. Amin!
A foreign visitor inquired regarding admission to dars e nizami at Darul Uloom Karachi. He appeared matured beyond the youthful student days.
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve and protect him) replied,
‘They will start in Shawwal.
How old are you?’
He replied that he was in his mid thirties.
Sayyidi added,
‘Then it will not be possible to get admission here. There are age restrictions in our admission policies.
Moreover, it is not necessary for all to do dars e nizami and become a scholar (a’lim). The essential knowledge for a Muslim is that what makes him/her follow deen correctly in everyday life. For this there is 3 years curriculum taught here. You may do that.’
Ramadan 1436/July2015, Office, Darul Uloom Karachi.
This is one of the common distractions these days. Every individual who becomes religious either wants to become a scholar, hafidh e Quran or master in Arabic language.
It must be clear that having knowledge is not synonymous with observance and following of what that knowledge commands.
The requirement from us is to follow these commands effectively. Effort is required to overcome the obstacles posed by nafs & Shaytan in doing so. This require tarbiyah/training and spiritual struggle.
When are we going to allocate time for this?
On the day of Eid Al Fitr 1436 Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve and protect him) instructed,
‘Appreciate the blessings of Allah and be thankful excessively.
When I contemplate on the blessings of Allah that are being bestowed on me, it feels like like a torrential rainfall. Sometimes I fear that this might be istedraj. (May Allah save us all from it.)
Recite abundantly (with contemplation of meanings)
اللهم اجعلنا شاكرين لنعمك مثنين بها قابليها وأتمها علينا
O Lord! make us thankful for the blessings You have bestowed on us, allowing us to appreciate them, making us competent of (utilizing) them (appropriately) and making them perfect for us.
Allah will bestow more blessings and facilitate further progress.’
Residence, Dar ul Uloom Karachi, 18/7/2015
In the last ten days of Ramadan Darul Uloom becomes a khanqah.
Seekers from abroad and different cities of Pakistan come to stay and be in the company of their spiritual mentors.
The environment is spiritually charged.
Addressing the seekers gathered in his office sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah protect and preserve him) instructed,
‘Each of you staying here should write the details of your daily routine (ma’moolat) and give it to me after taraweeh salah. I will review it (make necessary changes as needed) and return it back after fajr salah.’
Office, Darul Uloom Karachi, 23 Ramadan 1436/ 11 July 2015
In reply to an old seeker sayyidi wrote,
‘Alhamdulillah all mamoolat are good May Allah accept all. Taqi’
A seeker approached to bid farewell. He was traveling abroad for a long duration without his wife.
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Taqi Usmani (Allah protect and preserve him) inquired,
‘What’s the plan for your wife?’
The seeker replied that she will be staying with her parents and in-laws here in Karachi.
Sayyidi further inquired,
‘Does she wholeheartedly and explicitly agrees for this?’
The seeker said that she was aware of this plan upfront.
Sayyidi instructed,
‘Mere awareness is not enough.
Fuqha have clearly mentioned that wife’s wholehearted and explicit permission is essential for the husband to travel abroad for more than four months. Otherwise it is impermissible for the husband to travel.
Make sure that this is clearly understood (and followed).’
Office, Darul uloom Karachi 29 Ramadan 1436/17 July 2015
A seeker inquired,
If in Ramadan I change my daily schedule of recitations and dhikr to include excessive recitation of Quran e Kareem everything becomes messed up. So I usually follow my daily schedule of recitations etc and after its completion I try to read excessively from Quran. Is this okay?
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Taqi Usmani (Allah protect him & allow us to benefit from him excessively) replied,
‘Yes. First you have to complete your regular daily recitations and then do the extra good deeds.’
Office, after zuhar. Sunday 10 Ramadan 1436/28 June 2015
A seeker living in USA for his training wrote,
I do not prefer socializing with others. I want to spend my free time at home. Moreover, in socializing caution has to be taken to make sure that we share the same concepts, are careful with diet (halal) and observe the segregation of the sexes. For all these reasons our social circle is very limited. This is not a problem for me. However, my wife feels isolated and this issue becomes a source of contention between us. Her suggestion is that we should be more flexible.
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah protect and preserve him) replied,
‘I mention some principles in this regards. Keep them in mind.
1. Avoid making your self excessively dry (khushek). And with an intention to please your spouse do whatever is within the limits of being permissible.
2. Do not be pressurized by anyone for things that are overtly impermissible.
3. Be vigilant in finding individuals who relatively share the same thoughts. Socializing with them will decrease the feeling of isolation.
4. Keep the environment at home pleasant. Allocate some time for general talking, laughter and entertainment.
If even after following all of the above issues diligently your spouse remains upset than handle it with wisdom. Do not do anything impermissible. However, instead of being upset yourself put off the issue lightheartedly. Except in cases where showing your being upset is absolutely necessary.’
Islahi Khatoot