..:: Who is Imaam Ahmad Raza Khan? ::..
Imam Ahmed Rida Khan [d. 1340h/1921 CE] was a champion of the Sunni World in the twentieth century as he defended the belief system of Sunni Muslims and rejected the false and deviant ways head on with support from the greatest Ulama worldwide.He restored the deen to its original state in India when falsehood was being mixed with the truth and people were confused about Sunni beliefs and practises. Such a person is known as a “Mujaddid”.
Hadrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said:
“There will always be in my Ummah a group who safeguard the truth until Qiyamah comes” [Hakim’s Mustadrak]
Hadrat Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Noble Prophet (upon him peace and blessings) said:
“Allah shall send for this Ummah at the head of every hundred years a person who shall revive their Deen for them”.
Studies & Discipleship
Imam Ahmed Rida studied twenty one traditional Islamic sciences under his father, and mastered over fifty traditional sciences most of which were poured into his heart from Allah Almighty as he mentioned in al-Ijaazat al-Mateenah.He wrote his first ever fatwa on 14th Sha’ban 1286h on an issue of fostering (when he was only 13 years, 10 months and 4 days old!)Imam Ahmed Rida took his spiritual pledge (bay’ah/ahd) and received khilafah in various Sufi pathways from his spiritual teacher , Sayyid Shah Aal-e-Rasul Ahmadi from Maarharah, India, in 1296H.
Travels to Hajj
First Hajj: In 1295h (1878 CE), at the age of 22, the great Imam travelled to perform Hajj with his father where he received Ijazahs (licenses to teach) in the traditional sciences from the great scholars of Makkah such as Sayyid Ahmad Zayni Dahlan and Mufti Abdullah Saaj.Event: It is narrated that Imam Ahmed Rida was near Maqam Ibrahim after Maghrib salah one evening that the Shafi’I Imam of Masjid al-Haraam Shaykh Salih Jamal al-Layl Makki (d.1320h/1884) greeted him and said: “I swear by Allah, I can see the light of Allah shine in your forehead” and presented Ijazahs to him.Second Hajj: In 1323h (1950 CE), Imam Ahmed Rida travelled to the Two Holy sanctuaries for the second time in company of his brother, Mawlana Hassan Raza Khan and son, Mawlana Hamid Raza Khan.Event: He wrote a book called “Al-Dawlah al-Makkiyyah” in Arabic in this journey in just over eight hours without using any books on a question proposed to him by the Sharif of Makkah on the Noble Prophet ‘s (may Allah give him peace and blessings) knowledge of the unseen (ilm al-gayb). This work received a tremendous acceptance in its recital gathering in the presence of the Sharif which was attended by the prominent scholars of the time.In the same journey, he had numerous meetings of knowledge and circles with the great Ulama who were either teaching, living or travelling in Hijaz. He produced a number of books in Arabic due to these sittings and circles, among them are:Hussam al-Haramayn (Sword of the Two Holy Sanctuaries on the throat of disbelief and falsehood) – his famous work in defence of the Sunni beliefs and refutation of deviant groups that had blasphemed Allah and His Messenger.Al-Ijaazat al-Mateenah – His licenses to the scholars of Makkah and Madinah and letters to themKiflul Faqih – Fatwa on the legal status of the bank note in Islamic lawAll three of the above mentioned books made Imam Ahmed Rida very popular in the holy lands of Hijaz, Syria and Yemen.
What his contemporary Arab scholars said about Him?
Major scholars of Makkah and Madinah praised him lavishly for his knowledge and piety. He was called:
“The absolute Shaykh of all teachers” by Shaykh Ismail Makki, Libarian of Makkah Haram Library“The encyclopaedia of all sciences” by Shaykh ‘Ali bin Hassan Maliki, Mufti of Makkah city“A giant Imam and well learned man who is an expert in the sciences” by Shaykh Yusuf Nabhani, Mujaddid of Sham & Mufti of Lebanon.[See: Al-Dawlah al-Makkiyyah & Hussamul Haramayn for more]
His Principles (Manhaj)1. Love of Allah and His Messenger is before anything & everything He said “If my heart was ever divided into two parts, one of them would have written on it “laa ilaaha illAllah” and on the other “Muhammadur Rasulullah”!!2. Defending the Honour of the Noble Messenger (upon him peace & blessings) He did not tolerate blasphemy (disrespect) of the Noble Messenger or of the pious companions or Awliya and stood strongly against the corrupted groups of his time for this reason.3. Education and transmission of authentic knowledge
He was a dedicated teacher and some of the greatest Ulama of India were his students, among them are:
- His two sons, Hujjatul Islam (Proof of Islam) Hamid Rida Khan & Mufti-e-Azam Hind (the grand Mufti of India), Mustafa Rida Khan
- Sadrus Shariah (Front line scholar of Islamic Law): Amjad Ali al-A’zami
- Malik al-Ulema (King of the Ulama): Zafaruddin Bihari
- Sayyid Muhammad Muhadith-e-Kachouchwi
- Qutb-e-Madina: Ziya’uddin Ahmad al-Madani & others
4. Self-Purification He followed the spiritual path (tariqa) of Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani and loved all the Sufiya (Awliya). He made thousands repent from sins in his gatehrings and his entire life was spent purifying hearts and summoning people to Allah Almighty5. Praise of the Messenger through writing and poems His Durood-o-Salam is recited all over the world after Jum’ua and at the ends of religious events in mosques and homes like the Qasidah Burdah. His most famous book of Na’ats is called “Hada’iq-e-Bakshish” containing some of the finest praises of Allah and of His chosen people.6. Following the Sunnah of the Messenger (upon him peace & blessings) to the smallest detail The character of the Noble Messenger (upon him peace & blessings) was imprinted in Imam Ahmed Rida’s life. He staunchly practised the Sunnah and so did his disciples and students.7. Uncompromising defence of the Ahlus-Sunnah beliefs and practises
He authored more than two hundred books on the teachings of the Ahlus-Sunnah and their defence.
His BooksImam Ahmed Rida wrote more than a thousand books and commentaries in more than 55 sciences. A list of about 600 books is available titled “al-Mujmal al Mu’addid”. A bulky 12 volume Hanafi fatwa collection: “Fataawa-e-Ridwiyyah” in Urdu/Arabic was recently published in Lahore (Pakistan) with an index in 33 volumes! His Fataawa are an ocean of knowledge and wisdom.The Sunni Muslims of the sub-continent (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan) remember the great Imam for his service to the Ahlus-Sunnah and consider him a saviour when the Sunni-way was at threat.
His Demise and Burial
Imam Ahmed Rida passed away on 28th October 1921 CE (25th Safar 1340h) at the age of 65, in his home at Jumu’ah time when the mu’adhin was saying “come to success” leaving behind two sons, Mowlana Hamid Raza and Mufti Mustafa Raza, and five daughters.People from all over the world visit his blessed shrine in Bareilly Shareef every year on 25th Safar and attend the annual khatam (Blessed URS).The great grandson who takes care of the affairs of the school of Imam Ahmed Rida in Bareilly is Mufti Akhtar Rida Khan, a fine scholar and graduate of al-Azhar University in Egypt. He is now visually impaired yet still teaches and dictates translations to books in Arabic and English, with good knowledge of English. May Allah preserve him and grant health.
92 Pearls of Wisdom by AlaHadrat (AalA Hazrat)
92 Pearls of Wisdom by AlaHadraton his 92nd URS Anniversary
- The first and foremost factor of Imān is respect for the RasūlAllāh şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam.
- Imān is to accept every word of Sayyidunā RasūlAllāh şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam as absolute and nothing else but the truth and to testify wholeheartedly to the reality and truth of Sayyidunā RasūlAllāh şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam.
- May that faithless person’s mouth burn who ever says that the Prophet’s clothes are dirty! If Allah Almighty gives him the tawfīq to have the right etiquettes why does he not say ‘the dust has taken refuge in the Prophet’s şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam clothes/cloak’?
- The practice of Qiyām is good and recommendable because it is honour and respect to the Beloved Nabī şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam. And indeed, this is a practice of the great ‘Úlamā and we follow them.
- (Only) that individual who is a master of sciences, he who knows the pitfalls the nuances of argument, and he who has all the force and he who has all the weaponry with him should venture into refuting the heretics. Even then, where is the need for such a man to go in a forest full of jackals?
- The beloved Messenger of Allah śallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam has two personal names. He is known as Aḥmad in the past scriptures and Muḥammad in the Holy Qur’ân, şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam. There are countless attributive names of Sayyidunā Rasulullah şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam, He is known by a distinct name in different areas. Every area (skies, earth, oceans, mountains, etc) knows him by a special name and he is addressed accordingly, şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam.
- If you desire my life, I will sacrifice it. If you desire my wealth I will give it. However, there is one thing that I will never sacrifice, and that is, the love and reverence for the beloved Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam.
- Alhamdulillah! I have never loved my children or belongings for any other reason besides for the love and pleasure of Allah Almighty. My attachment with anything was solely for the pleasure of Allah Almighty. Hence, affection for my children is due to kindness for creation and this is a virtuous act (šawāb). My children are for me the means of doing good deeds and this is not in my control, but my nature, (characteristic or Fitrat).
- By Allah! Were my heart was split into two; one part will have inscribed lā ilāha illAllāh (لا اله إلا الله) and the other part Muḥammadur Rasūlullāh (محمد رسول الله).
- Sayyidunā RasūlAllāh şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam Almighty is immaculate and unique in all his qualities. Allah Almighty has created nothing like unto him. He is matchless in every aspect. The essence of his beauty is indivisible. No creation received or will receive a share of or a similarity of his unique beauty.
- For Īmān to be real, two things must be present: reverence for the Prophet Almighty and making the love for the Prophet Almighty.
- It is preferable to keep the child’s name ‘Muḥammad’ alone and not to add any name to it because the excellence of the sacred name alone has been mentioned in the blessed Aḥadīth.
- It is a highest degree of compulsion on every Muslim to love and revere all the beloved servants of Allah Almighty and hate all His enemies. This is pristine Īmān.
- A Mu’min’s conduct and style must always be in conformation with the conduct and commands of Sayyidunā RasūlAllāh şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam. Any contradictions to His command, is indeed, direct opposition and disobedience to Almighty Allah.
- Musical instruments are prohibited (ḥarām) and shall always remain ḥarām. If ḥarām is adjudged ḥalāl only due to the factor that the masses are extremely involved in this action, then dissolving the Sharī’á will become a pipit in the hands of transgressors and wrongdoers.
- Musical instruments are ḥarām and have no space in the Sharī’á, however to sing without music on the occasion of khatnāh is permissible, provided that it will not create any fitnah.
- In regards to the beginning and ending of a date there are four different methods. The Christian method is that the date is counted from midnight to midnight. The second method is that of the Hindus, from sunrise to sunrise. The Greek philosophers count it from midday to midday. The fourth is the method of the Muslims, which is from sunset to sunset, and this is logical that there is darkness before light.
- When you awaken from sleep you should recite, Kalima Tayyiba thrice. The blessings of this beginning of the day will continue throughout the day.
- The major [kabā’ir] sins are seven hundred. Whatever constitutes to the disobedience of Allah Almighty is a major sin. whatever sin you consider light, is a great one.
- Do not curse yourself, friends, family and wealth as one never knows whether it is time of acceptance of that curse and if it does come true then it will cause a great deal of sorrow to you.
- Do not leave your homes without an acceptable reason late at night when all are asleep and the streets are quiet. It is stated in many authentic Aḥadīth that at this time bad-omen (bala) travels very freely in the atmosphere.
- Do not go to sleep without washing your hands after meals, as the Shaytān licks them.
- Ignorance is a sin in itself. There is no excuse for not offering prayer due to ignorance.
- If Major and minor (Sins) are separately counted then people will do it considering them light, they will be worse than major sins.
- The sacred Ziyārah of Madina Munawwarah is necessary with every Ḥajj performed.
- A person who does not love and respect the exalted Nabī şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam, even though that person worships all his life, his worship is fruitless and rejected.
- There are many ‘Abd-Allah’s in this world, but the true and sincere ‘Abd-Allah is he, who is ‘Abd-e Mustafa [servant of the Beloved Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam]. If it is not so, then he is surely an ‘Abd-e Shaytān.
- One must always be aware of one’s condition and not exceed the limit of one’s understanding.
- One must not be proud when praised and accept one’s faults when corrected.
- All the misled were destroyed when they tried to use their limited knowledge to wrongfully interpret the verses of the Holy Qur’ân. They could not fully understand the Ayahs so they used their own interpretation and misinterpreted them. Such people’s brains are worse than that of monkeys.
- Concerning music, there is no question of eligibility or qualification; nor is it allowed for anybody to listen to music. Except for the mesmerised, the enthralled [majdhūb] those who have lost their mental faculties and are hence not held liable by the Divine Law.
- It is impermissible and forbidden to call Madina Tayyiba as Yathrib. It is a sin and the one who says it a sinner.
- To visit RasūlAllāh şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam is near to being Wajib. Many people dressed in the guise of friends scare one by saying there is danger on the way, there is illness. Beware! Do not listen to anyone and never return deprived. Your life has to end one day anyway. What could be better than losing your life in his way? And it is has been seen that whosoever clings to the Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam, he keeps them in his protection. WalHamdulillah.
- To convey the reward of anything to Allah Ta’āla is ignorance as He is free from this need. He is Ghanī al-MuTlaq. To say, ‘Thawāb Bakhshna’ (give reward) is disrespectful to the Prophets or the Awliya as ‘bakhshna’ is used to mean a bigger person giving to a smaller one. He should say “Nazr karna” (dedicate) or ‘Hadya karna’ (present) as this is free from disrespect.
- We know that eyes are impermanent and the impermanent cannot see the eternal. Hence, it is unique to the dear Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam to see Allah in this world.
- Whichever issue was not dealt with by Imām Abū Ḥanifā, it will remain perplexing until the day of judgement. When Imām Abū Yūsuf became confused regarding certain issues , he would say: “When there is no ruling from our teacher; then this is our state”.
- The Doomsday is near – Good people are leaving the world. Whoever leaves does not leave behind his deputy. When Imam Bukhârī died he left behind ninety thousand disciples and scholars of Ḥadīth (Muḥaddith). Sayyidunā Imām- al-Aázam rađiyAllāhu ánhu on his death left behind one thousand Mujtaĥids who were his disciples. And these days thousands die but leave behind nobody.
- To be a Muḥaddith is the first step on the ladder of knowledge (‘Ilm) and to be a Mujtaĥid is the last destination.
- Mild fever, cold, pain and other light diseases, once in a while, are a blessing for the body not a problem. On the contrary absence of mild diseases is a problem.
- Concentrating on Allah Almighty after drifting in thoughts is Jiĥad al-Nafs (Striving in the way of Allah Almighty) and Jiĥad against the lower self is great Jiĥad.
- If food and sweets are given to the ascetics (fuqra), it is sadqah (charity). If given to the near ones, then it is Compassion, and if give to friends, then it is, repast. All these three acts invite Mercy and Expel hardships and difficulties.
- People and things which are close to Allah should be respected. Because of their nearness to Allah their respect is the veneration of Allah.
- Had the Imāms not been then Ḥadīth (Prophetic Tradition) would not been understood, if the Ḥadīths would have not been understood then the Book of Allah Almighty would not had been understood, and if the Book of Allah had not existed then there would not have been Allah Almighty’s order.
- The construction of the Pyramids of Egypt took place some 5750 years before the creation of Nabī Adam ‘álayhis salâm. Nabī Adam ‘álayhis salâm appeared on earth more than 7000 years ago. This construction was certainly the work of the Jinns who had already inhabited the earth 60000 years before the physical appearance of Nabī Adam ‘álayhis salâm.
- If someone has made confirmed decision that he will not take rest until offer all his remaining prayers (salat) and suppose that in this condition that person dies after a month or after a day then Allah out of His mercy will reward all his Prayers.
- O Muslims! O those who sincerely follow the Sharī’á of Rasūlullāh şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam! Know and certainly know that Sajdah for any other than Allah the Almighty and All-Powerful is absolutely not permitted. To make Sajdah Ibadah to anyone other than Allah Almighty is undoubtedly and certainly Shirk and open Kufr. Sajdah Ta’zīmī is ḥarām and there is also a controversy among some ‘Úlamā whether such a person who performs Sajda Ta’zīmī is a Kāfir or not. Such prostration for one’s spiritual shaykh or Mazār of a Walī is not permitted, but is a grievous sin and also ḥarām.
- Salvation depends on the fact that every single belief of the Ahl as-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah be so firm that one will remain firm even if the sky and the earth vanishes.
- Concerning this fact of the black mark that appears on the forehead due to performing Sajdah, it is established that if this has been done intentionally for the sake of show, then it is ḥarām and a grave sin. If the mark appeared due to excessive and sincere Sajdah for the Pleasure of Allah ALmighty and the person felt very happy and proud about it, then it is an act of Riya’ (Hypocrisy). That mark for him becomes a sin and if the mark appears and that person does not bother about it then it is Maḥmūd (Beneficial, Excellent).
- Never sit or associate yourselves with oppressors, sinners, transgressors, heretics and faithless people for there is a great chance of being influenced, if not so, then accused or being blamed.
- O Group of ‘Úlamâ! If you put yourself in Mubāhat (Permissible) leaving Mustaḥabāt (Desirables), People will fall into Makrūhāt (detested). If you commit Makrūh, people will get into ḥarām (Explicitly prohibited). If you carry out ḥarām, people will indulge in Kufr (Infidelity).
- A spiritual shaykh who does not respect and follow the Sharī’á is himself in darkness and totally incapable of illuminating (rating someone else’s path or guiding them). Such people are disciples of Shaytān and the enemies of Islam.
- To follow any path other than that of the Sharī’á is the path of the Cursed Shaytān.
- The evil jesters who mock the ‘Úlamâ and jeer at the teachings of the Sharī’á, they (falsely) claim that the ‘Úlamâ and the Fuqara have always been at odds with each other. These ignorant idiots cast doubts over the most eminent ‘Úlamâ and question their integrity.
- True love is when all actions are within the framework of the Sharī’á. Any action outside this is not regarded as love for Allah Almighty and His Beloved Rasūl şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam.
- When an ignorant person worships or tries to tread on the path of Sūfism, the Shaytān makes him dance on his finger tips by putting his reins in his mouth, the bridle in the nose and drags him to wherever he desires.
- The Beloved Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam is the king of the universe and reflects the majesty and grandeur of the Real King. His order prevails in the whole universe. All are His subjects and servants. Whatever he desires, Allah makes it possible.
- The people of unbelief should be told to come into the circle of Islam first and prove that they are true Muslims and then other issues can be discussed.
- True Muslims (Ahl-e Qibla) are those who have firm faith on all essentials of the faith.
- The belief in Allah Ta’āla along with all the essentials of religion and affirmation of faith is important because the denial of anyone of them is the denial of Allah.
- All the ordinances of the Sharī’á — body, soul and heart — and the sayings and knowledge of the saints and learned are essential for the believers.
- Those whose faith is in doubt should be treated mildly for they may reform themselves.
- The definition of the learned (‘ālim) is that he should be aware of the dogmas and is able to locate all his necessities from the Book without any help.
- The victims of the great flood (of Nūh’s time) did not have any descendants. Only the progeny of Sayyidunā Nūh ‘álayhis salâm lives on this earth.
- Those who visit the graves the spirits see them clearly; listens and understands their words. After death the power of the spirit increases manifold whether it is a Muslim or an unbeliever.
- The Caliphate of the Righteous caliphs was inspired by the Prophetic tradition such as that of ‘Umar bin ‘Abdul ‘Azīz rađiyAllāhu ánhu. And now in my view such Khilâfah will be established by Imām Maĥdī rađiyAllāhu ánhu in future.
- The private knowledge is particular to the Lord (Subhanuhu wa ta’ala) and is not possible for anyone else. And who ever proves even the smallest amount of it to be for anyone else in all the worlds commits without doubt the denial of Allah and polytheism.
- Both legally and rationally it is impossible for anyone among the creatures to encompass Allah Ta’āla’s information so far as its full details are concerned. Even if knowledge of all creatures from the first to the last is summed up it would never in comparison be equal to that of the knowledge of Allah Ta’āla, even so much as one part out of one million parts of a drop is in comparison with one million seas.
- The Personal-Absolute, All- inclusive and Exhaustive knowledge is particular to Allah Ta’āla, and men cannot have the absolute knowledge but through the Divine Bestowal.
- The worst are of two types: (i) The worst by word who burble orally (ii) The worst by act who keep silent by the tongue but keep at their wickedness and malevolence. The Waĥābiyya are both of these.
- The meaning of ‘Ilm is that one be fully equipped with the ‘Aqayed (beliefs) of Islam and this knowledge must be constantly fresh in the mind at all times. One must also have the capability of solving any question on Deen from books without the assistance of any person.
- Sitting in the company of the learned and the pious also develops ‘Ilm. Their company, talks and advice have a great bearing in obtaining knowledge.
- Sound knowledge is that which has a good understanding of Fiqah.
- The existence of the Sublime Being of the Almighty SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala is compulsory for Him and whatever else exists, is the manifestation of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala. Thus, in reality, there is only one single existence (i.e. Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala)
- Human desires are acceptable as long as there are no Islamic restrictions found in them.
- Whatever the four Imams say is all in accordance to the Sharī’á. If they disagreed with the Sharī’á, then why were they called Imams? It is the duty of every Muslim to obey and follow the Imams.
- There is no Salât al-Janāzah (Funeral Prayer) for a Waĥābī, Râfdī, Qādiyānī and all heretics. Salât al-Janāzah is for a Muslim who holds Islamic beliefs and not for the Kuffār or Apostate. After knowing this fact and still reading Salât al-Janāzah for such a person is Kufr.
- Waĥābīs (Deobandīs), Ahl-e Ḥadīth, Qādiyānī etc. want that principles be ignored and discussion should take place on non-essentials. They should not be given any opportunity.
- To shave off completely or trim the beard very short once is a minor sin and to habitually do so is a major sin. This continuous act will make you a Fāsiq Mua’llin and the Court of Sharī’á will reject one as a valid witness. To perform Salâh with Jama’ah behind such a person is forbidden and if Salâh performed, it will be incumbent to repeat that Salâh. If one does not do so, then one will be a great sinner.
- Whatever offensive Waĥābīs say to me does not the least bother me. Some of these shameless hypocrites send anonymous letters full of vulgar language to me. I do not receive one or two, but Allah Almighty knows how many such obscene letters are sent to me all the time. These things do not affect or bother me. In fact, I make Shukr that Almighty Allah has made me a shield of Islam. The amount of time they spend sending abuses on me, at least those moments of the Waĥābī go empty in insulting Almighty Allah and His Beloved Rasūl şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam. It does not even cross my mind to reply to these obscene letters nor do I feel bad about them. This is so, because my honour is meant to be sacrificed on the honour of Sayyidunā Rasūlullāh şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam.
- Islam itself will never be subjugated, but a Muslim will be. The humiliation of a Muslim does not humiliate Islam in any way.
- A Muslim may experience great hardship in his lifetime in this Dunyya, but if he is given a little breeze of Jannah and asked, “What hardship did you experience in the world?” he will reply, “By Allah! Nothing at all.” On the contrary, if a Kāfir is given the life of a King for a thousand years in this world and never experience any hardship whatsoever, not even the heat of the sunshine, but when a slight gush of air from the Fire of Hell will be released on him in his grave and then Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala will asks him about the pleasures of Dunya, he will say, “I did not experience any pleasures and peace in the Dunya!”
- Only one lacking Hidāyah will regard the pleasures of this world as true pleasures and its hardship as hardship, while in reality, it is the opposite.
- There are three things necessary in this world, a little food for survival, a piece of cloth to cover the body and a hole (shelter) to sit in. There is enough ḥalāl money to acquire these basic things. When the Nafs becomes weak, the soul and heart becomes powerful. When this happens, sit in a hole without food for eight days and no harm will come to you. This is so because spirituality will control the physical body. The Divine Mercy of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala nourishes the soul which supports the physical body.
- Sometimes to disregard a minor sins may lead to Kufr if the sin relates to the necessities of Deen (dharūriyāt-e Deen). The ‘Úlamā state that if someone commits a sin and people ask him to repent and if he says, “What wrong did I do that you ask me to make Tawba?”, this is Kufr. There are many minor sins (Saghīra) that are from the necessities of Deen and if one regards them as ḥalāl, and then one will become a Kāfir. Similarly, if anyone regards a minor sin as insignificant, it becomes Kabīra (major). The pious Awliya-Allah state that one sin links to another. One must not see whether a sin is minor or major, but observe whose Divine Laws you are breaking. If one realizes that one is a criminal in the Court of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala, one will not differentiate between minor and major sins. One will not sin at all.
- In this world, īmān is absolute excellence and Kufr is absolute evil. Besides these two, there is nothing good or evil.
- If leaving out a Mubah leads to the disgrace of a Muslim then that Mubah becomes Wājib because it is ḥarām to disgrace or humiliate a Muslim. Likewise, it is also Waajib to omit a Mubah that leads to the humiliation of a Muslim.
- We respect the scholar because we look upon him as a heir to the belobed Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam. The lawful heir to the Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam is an individual who is on the right path. An insolent person, who is on the wrong path, is a heir to Satan rather than the Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam.
- A Muslim should not love his brother or his friend or anything else in this world more than Allah Almighty and His Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam.
- Those who are disrespectful towards the Prophet Muḥammad şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam, they should lose their respect and love in your hearts at once. You should leave them and throw them out like a fly thrown out of the milk. You should hate them. Don’t take your relationships and your friendships into consideration. Don’t feel impressed by their religious leadership and scholarship. Their cloaks and turbans should not impress you.
- Dear Brothers! You are credulous sheep of the beloved Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam. Wolves are all around you and they yearn to misguide you and plunge you into the tumult (fitnah) and take you with them to the Hell-Fire. Run far away from them!!
- By the Grace of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala! I find myself in that state which the great Fuqaha have stated, that is, the performance of Sunnah Salâh is exempted for a person who is totally engrossed in the khidmah (service) of Deen. Alhamdulillah! Though I am in this category but I have never missed any of my Sunnah Salâh.
- The miracle of a Walī is his complete compliance to the teachings of the beloved Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam. The steadfast adherence to the Sharī’á is the best of karāmahs. A true Saint is righteous and follows the path laid down by the beloved Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa âlihi wa sahbihī wa sallam.
Poem Of The End
It was early in the morning at four,
When death knocked upon a bedroom door,
Who is there? the sleeping one cried.
I’m Azrael, let me inside.
At once, the man began to shiver,
As one sweating in deadly fever,
He shouted to his sleeping wife,
Don’t let him take away my life.
Please go away, O Angel of Death!
Leave me alone, I’m not ready yet.
My family on me depends,
Give me a chance, O please prepense!
The angel knocked again and again,
Friend! I’ll take your life without a pain,
Tis your soul Allah requires,
I come not with my own desire.
Bewildered, the man began to cry,
O Angel I’m so afraid to die,
I’ll give you gold and be your slave,
Don’t send me to the unlit grave.
Let me in, O Friend! The Angel said,
Open the door, get up from your bed,
If you do not allow me in,
I will walk through it, like a jinn.
The man held a gun in his right hand,
Ready to defy the Angel’s stand.
I’ll point my gun, towards your head,
You dare come in, I’ll shoot you dead.
By now the Angel was in the room,
Saying, O Friend! prepare for you doom.
Foolish man, Angels never die,
Put down your gun and do not sigh.
Why are you afraid! Tell me O man,
To die according to Allah’s plan?
Come smile at me, do not be grim,
Be Happy to return to Him.
O Angel! I bow my head in shame,
I had no time to take Allah’s Name.
From morning till dusk,I made my wealth,
Not even caring for my health.
Allah’s command I never obeyed,
Nor five times a day I ever prayed.
A Ramadan came and a Ramadan went,
But no time had I to repent.
The Hajj was already FARD on me,
But I would not part with my money.
All charities I did ignore,
Taking usury more and more.
Sometimes I sipped my favourite wine,
With flirting women I sat to dine.
O Angel! I appeal to you,
Spare my life for a year or two.
The Laws of Quran I will obey,
I’ll begin SALAT this very day.
My Fast and Hajj, I will complete,
And keep away from self conceit.
I will refrain from usury,
And give all my wealth to charity,
Wine and wenches I will detest,
Allah’s oneness I will attest.
We Angels do what Allah demands,
We cannot go against His commands.
Death is ordained for everyone,
Father, mother, daughter or son.
I’m afraid this moment is your last,
Now be reminded, of your past,
I do understand your fears,
But it is now too late for tears.
You lived in this world, two score and more,
Never did you, your people adore.
Your parents, you did not obey,
Hungry beggars, you turned away.
Your two ill-gotten, female offspring,
In night-clubs, for livelihood they sing.
Instead of making more Muslims,
You made your children non-Muslims.
You ignored the Mua’dhin Adhaan,
Nor did you read the Holy Quran.
Breaking promises all your life,
Backbiting friends, and causing strife.
From hoarded goods, great profits you made,
And your poor workers, you underpaid.
Horses and cards were your leisure,
Money-making was your pleasure.
You ate vitamins and grew more fat,
With the very sick, you never sat.
A pint of blood you never gave,
Which could a little baby save.
O Human, you have done enough wrong,
You bought good properties for a song.
When the farmers appealed to you,
You did not have mercy, tis true.
Paradise for you? I cannot tell,
Undoubtedly you will dwell in hell.
There is no time for you to repent,
I’ll take your soul for which I am sent.
The ending however, is very sad,
Eventually the man became mad
With a cry, he jumped out of bed,
And suddenly, he fell down dead.
O Reader! Take moral from here,
you never know, your end may be near
change your living and make amends
For heaven, on your deeds depends.
If this poem inspires you,
it can help someone too.
