Mistakes:Past & Present

Hazrat Hakeemul Ummat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi ra said: 

One must forget the mistakes of the past. It is one of the big errors that one speculates about the future based on past happenings. That is, one considers that I will be negligent in future also, as I have been in my life previously. This destroys the determination (to rectify and progress).

Moreover, during the rectification (islah) phase if one slips or commits a mistake it is inappropriate to contemplate (muraqabah) on it for forever. One should repent sincerely by saying “O Allah SWT, forgive me” and proceed forwards. Otherwise this will become a muraqabah of one’s own (faults that leads to decreasing determination as said above.) And the witnessing (mushahida) of Allah SWT(‘s benevolence & mercy, which is the goal and leads to His love) does not take place. 

(Basair-e-Hakeemul-Ummat 539)

صوفی نہ شود صافی تا دُر نہ کشد جامی
بسیار- سفر باید- تا- پختہ شود- خامی
‍‌

Faraz, Wajib, Sunnah and mustaheb

Our understanding of these terms needs to be re-evaluated.
Most of us sort out actions according to these categories and stick to the faraz & wajib only. We consider sunnah & mustaheb to be optional choice reserved for the committed elite.

This is totally against the Ahl-us-Sunnah methodology.

The classification of actions by the fuqaha as Faraz, Wajib, Sunnah and mustaheb is late development in the Islamic history. These terms were not used during the period of Sahaba and the ta’baeen. They just copied the actions as done and reported by the Prophet salalaho alehey wa alehei wasalam (Sunnah).
Kisi ko dekhtey rehna namaz thi meri

However, with passage of time a system evolved to assess the acceptability of actions tainted by omission or negligence. That is, to ascertain either these deficient actions are valid or they have to be repeated again. It is then that the fuqaha developed these categories. They never meant to propagate the bare essential compulsory acts, disregarding & discarding the Sunnah.

We need to correct this concept and correct our actions accordingly.

(This is a synopsis of what I understood from a talk on this topic by Sidi wa sanadi Moulana Mohammed Taqi Usmani sahib db)

خلاصہ تصوف

حضرت شاہ وصی اللہ الہ آبادی رح (خلیفہ حکیم الامت رح) نےفرمایا
تین چیزیں خلاصہ تصوف ہیں؛
۔ ازآلہ غفلت
۔ دفع رزائل اور
۔ حذر خوطر
حالات مصلح الامت رح379

مکتب عشق

جبھی جا- کہ- مکتب- عشق- میں سبق- مقام- فنا- لیا
جو پڑھا لکھا تھا نیاز نے اسے صاف دل سے بھلادیا
حضرت شاہ نیازبریلوی رح

Achieving Khushoo/Serenity

Reality of khushoo 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:
– Focus the attention on Allah SWT, 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

Method to abandon sins!

Sidi wa sanadi Hazrat Moulana Mohammad Taqi Usmani sahib db instructed a mureed:

Whenever the desire to sin arises, ask Allah swt’s refuge and pray for being saved from committing it.

After being successful in it by Allah swt’s tawfeeq(benevolence) be excessively thankful to Allah swt and continue to have firm determination (for abandoing sins). InshaAllah, with time the intensity of these desires will decrease gradually (for the one who is systemically & methodological involved in his islah).

Islahi-khutoot

Taqwa increases wife’s love!

Sidi wa sanadi Hazrat Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani sahib db said explaining a malfooz of Hakeemul Ummat ra,

As an individual’s taqwa (Allah swt’s fear) increases so does his love for his wife enhances.
This is because he is aware of the obligations imposed by Allah swt regarding her rights on him. He realizes that he is bound to undertake them. So with this intention when he fulfils her rights he gets reward (thawab, also).

Islahi-majalis 195/4

کل سلوک

عارف باللہ حضرت ڈاکٹرعبدالحئ عارفی رحمہ اللہ علیہ نے فرمایا؛
ہمارے حضرت والا (حکیم الامت مولانا اشرف علی تھانوی ر ح)
بڑی جامع اورگر کی بات فرماگۓکہ
کسی کو کسی سے تکلیف نہ پہنچے کل سلوک یہی ہے۔
سوانح و تعلیمات حضرت عارفی ر ح 544

Following the Sunnah of Prophet

sallalaho alehey wa a’lehi wasalam

Hazrat Thanwi quddus sirrahu said that in our tareeq (path) the goal is achieved comparatively quickly. The reason being due to the extraordinary emphasis laid on following the Sunnah of Allah’s beloved prophet sallalaho alehey wa alehi wasalam. This makes the achievement of goal by jazb (Divine attraction/pull) rather than sulook (personal effort and toil). As it is said in the holy Quran;
(O Prophet!) Tell (them) that if you want to love Allah (swt), then you should follow me. (By this) Allah swt will love you and forgive all your sins. Indeed! Allah swt is all forgiving and merciful. (3:31)

It is therefore, very important to follow the Sunnah in all daily activities.
The whole life of Allah’s beloved sallalaho alehey wa alehi wasalam is in front of us. His personal appearance, attire and hygiene, activities from morning to dust, relationship with wives, way of worship, social interactions, manners, economic and governmental matters, and every imaginable daily activity is included in this.

It is preserved in texts like “Shamail” by Imam Tirmizi ra (Arabic, Urdu) and “Uswa-e-Rasool e Akram” by Arifbillah Dr Abdul Hayy Arifi ra (Urdu, English) and “A’laikum bisunnati” by Mufti Abdul Hakeem Sukharwi ra (father of Mufti AbdurRaouf Sukharwi dbt) (Urdu).

By following these intentionally, all daily activities become an act of worship. Thus a means of getting closer to Allah swt. It is the same personal, family, social and work life but adopting the Sunnah method changes dust to gold. Alchemy!Nothing is easy.

Every thing needs initiative and may be difficult in the beginning. But with constant practice it becomes easy and a routine. Such is the case here. After acquiring the knowledge of the Sunnah it has to be practiced in every day life thoroughly. If one faces difficulties in doing so, Sheikh needs to be consulted. He with his insight and experience will define a mode of achieving it.

Sab thay kay dehkha keyay unka kharam-e-naz
Hum thay kay unka naqsh-e-qadam choom tay rahay
(Arifi ra)

A’rifbillah Dr. Abdul Hayy quddus sirrahu used to tell his mureed how he did this;

“I practiced this for a very long period of time. That is, whatever I wanted to do, I did not do it instantaneously. I paused for a moment. Brought to my mind this knowledge that observing Sunnah is of utmost importance. Then I made an intention of following the method of Allah swt’s beloved sallalaho alehey wa alehi wasalam and did the act appropriately.For example, when I entered my house, I found one of my children playing. Feeling a rush of fatherly love and affection, I thought of picking her up and kissing her. However, I did not do it right away. I stopped myself for a moment. Brought to my mind the Sunnah of Allah swt’s beloved prophet sallalaho alehey wa alehi wasalam, that he used to love children and showed affection to them. I then made an intention (niyyah) of following him and proceeded to pick her up and kiss her.Similarly, while on dinner table, I did not start eating immediately. I brought this fact to mind that it was Sunnah of prophet sallalaho alehey wa alehi wasalam to eat. Then intending to do so, I began eating using my right hand, after reciting Bismillah and observed the Sunnah table manners throughout the dinner.”

Jigar pani keya hay mudatoon, aay A’rifi, gam ki kasha kash mein
Koiy aasan hay keya khogar e aazar ho jana(Arifi ra)
However, it is important to point out that this is not a play of words. That is, in fact I am eating because I am hungry or a very tasty platter of food is in front of me. I just recite that I eat because it is Sunnah and fulfill my own desire. This is not the message. One has to contemplate the importance of observing Sunnah at that moment and proceed with the intention to do so. Doing it in the correct Sunnah manner. This is the correct sequence of events to make it a true following of prophet sallalaho alehey wa alehi wasalam.

Teray habib ki ya Rabb shabahat lay key aya houn
Haqiqat is ko tu kardey mein sorat ley kay aya houn

اب تو اس دل کو بنانا ہے تیرے قابل مجھے

سیدی و سندی قطب الارشاد حضرت مفتى محمد تقى عثمانى صاحب مدظلهم العالی نے فرمایا؛ 

ہمارے حضرت حضرت ڈاکٹرعبدالحئ صاحب رحمہ اللہ علیہ فرمایا کرتے تھے کہ آدمی ایک مرتبہ یہ ارادہ کر لے کہ
آرزوئیں خون ہوں- یا حسرتیں—پامال- ہوں
اب تو اس دل کو بنانا ہے تیرے قابل مجھے

آدمی یہ عزم کر لے کہ دل میں جتنی خواہشات اللہ تعالی کی مرضی کے خلاف ہو رہی ہیں، ان کو کچلنا ہے اور
پامال کرنا ہے اور پامال کرنے کے نتیجے میں ان پر قابو حاصل کرنا ہے۔-
اور جب بندہ ایک مرتبہ یہ کام کرلیتا ہے اور اپنی خواہشات کو کچلتاہے اس کا نتیجہ یہ ہوتا ہے کہ وہ خواہشات مضمحل ہو جاتی ہیں اور کمزور پڑجاتی ہیں۔ 

یاد رکھو! یہ خواہشات مرتے دم تک ختم نہیں ہوں گی بلکہ باقی رہیں گی،
لیکن ان کے جوش و خروش میں اور ان کی شدّت میں کمی آجاتی ہے۔ اور جب اس دل پر بار بار چوث پڑنے کے نتیجے میں اس کی خواہشات کمزور پڑجاتی ہیں تو اللہ تعالی حلاوت ایمان عطا فرماتے ہیں۔

اور اس حلاوت ایمان اور معرفت کی جو لذ ّت حاصل ہوتی ہے، اس کے مقابلے میں خواہشات کی لذ ّت ھیچ درھیچ ہے۔

اللہ تعالی اپنے فضل سے ہم سب کو حلاوت ایمان اور اپنی معرفت عطا فرما دے۔ آمین۔

اصلاحی مجالس 122 جلد 4

مسجد/گھر/دفتر: عبادت گاہ

عارف باللہ حضرت ڈاکٹرعبدالحئ عارفی رحمہ اللہ علیہ نے فرمایا؛

تمام مسلمانوں کی تین عبادت گاہیں ہیں
ایک عبادت گاہ مسجدہے، جہاں اللہ کے فرائض و واجبات ادا ہوتے ہیں
دوسری عبادت گاہ ہمارا گھر ہے
تیسری عبادت گاہ ہمارے کام کرنے کی جگہ

تو جس طرح پہلی عبادت گاہ مسجد سبق آموز ہے، اس میں ہمارے لیے استقامت کا سبق ہے۔ کبھی کھڑے ہو جاتے ہیں، کبھی جھک جاتے ہیں، کبھی بالکل تواضع کرتے ہوۓ سجدے میں چلے جاتے ہیں۔

اب یہ تینوں چزیں آپ کو گھر کی عبادت گاہ میں ادا کرنی پڑیں گی۔ سب سے پہلے اس میں آپ کو صبر و تحمل اور استقامت سے کام لینا ہوگا۔ اور جس طرح جہاں جھک جانے کا موقع ہوگا وہاں جھکنا پڑے گا۔ کبھی ان (اہلیہ) کی ناگواریوں کو سہہ کر عجز و نیاز کی باتیں کرنی ہوں گی۔ کہیں طبیعت کو نرم کرنا پڑے گا، کبھی لہجہ بدلنا پڑے گا اور ———کسی وقت بےبسی کا عالم ہو تو للہ رب العالمین پڑھتے ہوۓ سجدے میں چلے جاؤ اور کہو یا اللہ یہ معاملہ ایسا ہے جس میں آپ کی مدد کی ضرورت ہے، میں آپ کا بندہ ہوں آپ سے مدد چاہتا ہوں۔

اسی طرح تیسری عبادت گاہ (دفتر) میں ایک ذوق اور جذبہ لے کر بیٹھو۔
وہ جذبہ کیا ہے؟
اخلاص نیت اور جذبہ ایثار۔ کہ اللہ تعالی نے مجھے اس وقت اس کام پر لگایا ہے، مجھے خلوص و ایثار کے ساتھـ کام کرنا چاہیے، شیطان کو قریب نہ آنے دو۔ جہاں کہیں مخلوق سے واسطہ پڑتا ہو تو وہاں انتہاتی تواضع سے کام لو، جھک جاؤ، جذبات کو انتہاتی قابو میں رکھو، اگر جذبات بے قابو ہو جائیں تو اس کی تلافی کر لو۔

ملفوظات عارفی 217

Tips for waking up early!

Hazrat Hakeemul Ummat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi ra recommended following tips for waking up early;

1. Eating less at dinner
2. Eating dinner earlier (ideally before esha)
3. Drinking less water (in evening)
4. Reciting the last 4 veses of surah Kahaf (18:107-110) once (at bed-time).

Basair Hakeemul Ummat page 562

Also, to have a sincere intention for this and make dua (prayer) asking for Allah swt’s help to arise at the specific intended time.

wAllah-ul musta’an

The Real Karamat!

Sidi wa sanadi Hazrat Moulana Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani dbt told us the following regarding his Sheikh Arif-billah Dr Abdul Hayy Arifi ra.

During the 55 years of their married life Dr. Abdul Hayy Arifi ra never ever spoke to his wife with the tone of his voice changing (as to show anger/frustration etc.). This is the real karamat. (That is to have such a high degree of humility, patience and control over your nafs (self) as not to reveal your emotions).

Walking on water and flying in air are considered to be karamat by common people but in reality they are nothing compared to this bay nafasi (selflessness).

وہ تو وہ ہیں تمہیں ہو جائیگی الفت مجھ سے
اک نظر–میرا— محبوب نظر-تو– دیکھو
عارفی رح

Not for a moment be inattentive!

Hazrat Hakeemul Ummat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi ra used to recite this verse often in his discourses؛

یک چشم زدن غافل ازآن شاہ نباشی
شاید کہ نگاہے کند آگاہ نباشیNot even for the duration of eyelid’s flick be inattentive (i.e. commit any sin) of the eternal King (Allah swt),
It is possible that He might be attentive towards you at that time and you being preoccupied will not know this.