Junaid Jamshed. May Allah shower mercy on him.

I had no interest in any of Urdu naats until I found Junaid Jamshed. His naats were totally different from the kind I ever heard before. The way he reads is from his heart, hence it has an effect. This one is my favorite. Also Muhammad Ka Roza which was a poem written by Saeed Khan Moualana (rah), Madeena Munawara. He re-wrote it sitting behind Rowdha Shareef.

Ultimately it is all about what one does in life that matters, not how much one lived. _“To live like a lion for a day is far better than to live like a jackal for a hundred years. (Tippu Sultan)_

In the little span he realized the purpose of life, he never wasted anything of it. His sinful past might have made him far a better person. If you look at nature, the vegetables that grow underneath the mud may be the purest inside. Like the potato or an onion, peal of the muddy cover and there inside is the pure layers. As one goes inside, there are purer and purer layers. What happens to some people is that, once they get inside, forget the fact that it was the muddy outer layer that lead to the purity of inner layers. The success of Junaid Jamshed was that he saw the good in others and understood them. Inside of every muddy person, is there a purer self. Which one just need is finding it out before his time is up.

 "Some have found Allah in the depths of their sins.”.. ....Life is all about finding and knowing Him. To know my Rabb is Allah and to worship Him alone, before we are asked 'Who is your Rabb'

There is one person in the Arab world who had the same biography as of Junaid Jamshed whose name was Saeed Al Zayyani. (May Allah have mercy on them). Saeed Zayyani repented and went in the path of Allah when he was at the peak in his music world and much popular in the Arab world. When he came back home from the path of Allah after one year and four months, people used to repent just by looking at him. They could not believe this was the same Sayeed Zayyani. He was a person who was known for great Akhlaq. Even when his old fans would come later and ask, when is his next album. He would say, it will be there after Magrib in the Masjid. He would not abandon them and sing for them Nasheed (like Naat) Talaal Badru Alaina…

He prayed to Allah in Sujood in front of Ka’aba.. Ya Allah make my son a Daee ila Allah. He has a son whose name is Salman who spent 4 months in the path of Allah.

He was active in the works of Da’wa until he passed away in a car accident in 2009 while returning from Saudi Arabia to Abu Dhabi. Arab Islamic channels talked about his death as he was then a media person for the good like Junaid Jamshed.

Reciting below Ayah from Surah Al-Nisa, he would say. Allah has given us the Taufeeq to go out in His path, when will we be blessed with the later portion of this Ayah. Meaning death in the path of Allah.

 وَمَن يُہَاجِرۡ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ يَجِدۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مُرَٲغَمً۬ا كَثِيرً۬ا وَسَعَةً۬‌ۚ وَمَن يَخۡرُجۡ مِنۢ بَيۡتِهِۦ مُهَاجِرًا إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ ثُمَّ يُدۡرِكۡهُ ٱلۡمَوۡتُ فَقَدۡ وَقَعَ أَجۡرُهُ ۥ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورً۬ا رَّحِيمً۬ا
Whoever migrates in the way of Allah shall find on the earth many a place to settle, and a wide dimension (of resources). Whoever leaves his home migrating for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, and death overtakes him, then, his reward is established with Allah. Allah is Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful. (Surah Al Nisa: Ayah No.100)

It comes in Hadeeth of Fazael Madeena, Hazrath Umar (r.a) would make this Dua

" اللَّهُمَّ ارْزُقْنِي شَهَادَةً فِي سَبِيلِكَ ، وَاجْعَلْ مَوْتِي فِي بَلَدِ رَسُولِكَ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ "
“Oh Allah, make me a martyr in your path, and grant me a death in the city of your Prophet. (s.a.w)

It was almost impossible to happen both. As Madeena Munawara was already a safe place for Muslims, martyrdom inside of Madeena was least ever expected. But Allah gives whomsoever He wills as He wills.

May Allah shower mercy on them.

Barakah.....The Blessing!

Hazrath Umar (r.a) saw a man with a big belly, he asked him. What’s that in front of you? He said. Ameerul Mumineen, this is Barakah. Hazrath Umar (r.a) replied ‘This is not Barakah, this is Azaab.

Note: Don’t think anything grown big is Barakah. Someone having tooth pain has his cheeks swollen?  Will anyone call that a Barakah?. So nowadays we have the habit of calling ‘Barakah to anything that’s grown out of proportion. In fact, Barakah from Allah is the productivity in something. It’s the Quality and not the Quantity. When Allah puts His Barakah into something, it happens beyond our calculations. The Productivity is beyond anything we can physically explain. 

The formula for Barakah is. Eemaan + Taqwa = Barakah. If anyone has these two in their lives, Barakah is certain 

 وَلَوۡ أَنَّ أَهۡلَ ٱلۡقُرَىٰٓ ءَامَنُواْ وَٱتَّقَوۡاْ لَفَتَحۡنَا عَلَيۡہِم بَرَكَـٰتٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَـٰكِن كَذَّبُواْ فَأَخَذۡنَـٰهُم بِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَكۡسِبُونَ 

And if the people of the towns had believed ( Eemaan ) and had the Taqwâ (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings ( Barakaath ) from the heaven and the earth, but they denied (the Messengers). So We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn. (Surah Al-Araf: Ayah: 86)

On every seed is written the name of its consumer.

*_Dhane Dhane Pe Lika Hai Khane Wale Ka Naam_*
On every seed is written the name of its consumer.

Yesterday I was at the airport waiting for my luggage to come on the luggage conveyor belts. With me were my fellow hundreds of passengers waiting anxiously for their exact luggage to appear on the belt. It was one bag after another coming from a same source with every luggage well tagged with barcodes that represented the documents of each passenger.


Though people were bit panic and hurry getting their luggage, the system is made in a way that baggage are never missed. There is no chance of missing and those who know it are bit relaxed and don’t rush or panic. The belt goes round and around so if a bag is missed to pick at first time, it will appear in the second or the next round, until the owner of the very luggage picks it. It is as if the luggage itself is seeking for its very owner more than the owner himself. Hence it keep circulating until the very owner is found.


I just then thought how Allah Azzawajal has made the Rizq of each one of us exactly targeted toward us. With our name, place and time tagged on them. It is more accurate than any barcode system that has no any chance of missing. Since man is created in hurry, out of his unawareness about the system, he panics about its missing, though there is no reason for it. Those who are aware of the system of how Allah Azzawajal provides Rizq, don’t rush or panic. It won’t go anywhere and there is no chance for it to go anywhere else. Only one has to be ready with his trolley and move a bit to receive it. This is part of the Sunnah of Allah Azzwajal that he has kept a bit effort behind getting them but to some He delivers even without any efforts. He alone is Al-Raziq and He gives the way He wants, how and how much He wants and what He wants. The Rizq of a person is seeking him as he is seeking for it, in fact as his very death seeks him. What’s to get in life will be got for sure. If it is missed one time, it will come in the other round when time is riper and it won’t go anywhere else. It is tagged, barcoded on the very person’s name by a powerful Provider.


إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلرَّزَّاقُ ذُو ٱلۡقُوَّةِ ٱلۡمَتِينُ

Lo! Allah! He it is that giveth livelihood, the Lord of unbreakable might. (Surah Adh-Dhariyat-Ayah No.58)

*Snake and Ladder- An example*

The journey of life upon the straight path isn’t an easy one. It has its hardships and obstacles and requires continues efforts till the last breath. A little example like that of the Snake and Ladder game. Those whose goal is Allah and are ready to walk on the path, Allah places for them ladders. Whoever reached their goals, reached because Allah guided them. Allah made the path easy when they put their little efforts and started walking towards Him. Those are whom Allah bestowed His favors upon. Sometimes it may be a trial for a believer that takes him to a level which he could never have reached otherwise.

At the same time, the path is thorny and dangerous. Like the Snake in the game, Shaitan is waiting for a chance to bring downward. The higher the level, larger is the snake. The largest snake awaits at 99, this is at the time of _Sakarath_ when Shaitan does his last and final efforts before the very death of a believer.

One may be caught at level 99 by iblees and another may be raised to the highest by Allah from the very bottom. Hence never underestimate or overestimate anyone by their deeds or appearance. End of the game, Allah alone knows.

قَالَ فَبِمَآ أَغۡوَيۡتَنِى لَأَقۡعُدَنَّ لَهُمۡ صِرَٲطَكَ ٱلۡمُسۡتَقِيمَ (١٦) ثُمَّ لَأَتِيَنَّهُم مِّنۢ بَيۡنِ أَيۡدِيہِمۡ وَمِنۡ خَلۡفِهِمۡ وَعَنۡ أَيۡمَـٰنِہِمۡ وَعَن شَمَآٮِٕلِهِمۡ‌ۖ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكۡثَرَهُمۡ شَـٰكِرِينَ (١٧)

(Iblîs) said: "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path (16) Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You)." (SuraAl-Araf: Ayah No.16&17)

Dua of Prophet Musa (a.s)

This is a Dua made by Hazrath Musa (a.s) sitting under the shadow of a tree at the water well of Madyan after serving the two women to get their water.  Here Hazrath Musa (a.s) is asking Allah that any good Allah will send down on him, he is in dire need of it. As he has been travelling for a week in fear and hiding. He would travel at night and rest in the hot day times. He is hungry, he need a shelter and his legs are almost torn as he has walked barefoot. This  is a Dua of desperation from his heart at a time he has nothing in life. With this one Dua Allah opens up for him ways ahead in life. Rest of his ten years, he has the peaceful stay at Madyan, He gets married, Have the company of a great man Shuaib (a.s), gets shelter, food, job .. Also in later years back in Egypt all the Khair that came to his life.

*Another view on this: Allah knows best.*

Hazrath Musa (a.s) has run away from Egypt after mistakenly killing a Man during a fight. Firaun has ordered to kill him on sight. He much regretted his action of killing that man and Asks Allah for forgiveness and Allah forgave him. Psychologically, a good man at heart if done a mistake, wants to compensate with as much good as he can. So after a week of travel, the first good chance to do good with the energetic youth was to do Khidmath to the two weak women who were put behind. He realized that his well-built body and energy of his youth is to serve (Khidmath) others and not to harm anyone. So he is asking Allah for more such chance.

So in this view he is asking Allah, O Allah, whatever the good you send down, I am in need to do more of such good. Meaning how much more good in similar of service I can do, I am still in need. This way it turns to be a dua of gratitude, whatever Allah has given him, he wants to use it for His service more and more.

For rest of his many years, he was at the Khidmath of a great family and serving a nation in later years. Allah was using him for His task.

وَٱصۡطَنَعۡتُكَ لِنَفۡسِى
"And I have prepared you for Myself (for service)"... (Surah Ta-ha,41)

So in one-way Dua is for desperation for the one who is in need, Jobless, want to be married etc. and in the other hand it is a dua of gratitude to do more of good deeds. Like if you got a Taufeeq to serve someone in need, You are asking Allah, I need more of Taufeeq to do such service again.

This is a great Dua for all to be said often and daily. Think who is not a Faqeer towards Allah.

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّاسُ أَنتُمُ ٱلۡفُقَرَآءُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِۖ وَٱللَّهُ هُوَ ٱلۡغَنِىُّ ٱلۡحَمِيدُ

O mankind! it is you who stand in need of Allâh, But Allâh is Rich (Free of all needs), Worthy of all praise. (Surah Fatir:15)

Supplicate to your Lord humbly and secretly

   

A boy in north India would always ask his father to buy a bicycle for him. The father wouldn’t care his request and one day warned him not to ask. Then the boy said ‘O my dear father’ “You are the only father I have. Whom else beside you can I ask for my wish?” This statement was a challenge to the father and one day he bought a bicycle for him.

Note: Allah is our Master who loves to be asked. But there are humble ways of asking Him by which He will surely answer. Ask Him in humility.

ٱدۡعُواْ رَبَّكُمۡ تَضَرُّعً۬ا وَخُفۡيَةً‌ۚ

Supplicate to your Lord humbly and secretly (Surah Al-Araf: Part of Ayah No.55)

There are three kinds of Arabic.

There are three kinds of Arabic.

1) Colloquial – The slang Arabic that we hear in the streets.

2) Formal – The Arabic that is of newspaper, modern literature and that are taught in Schools.

3) Classical or Old Arabic- This is the Arabic of the Quran. 

A reason why Makkans used to send their children to be grown in the deserts was to master this classical refined Arabic. So was our beloved Prophet (s.a.w) in the company of Banu Saad’ tribe (A village that is 70KM east to Taif).  Scholars like Imam Shaf’ee (rah) lived with Tribe of Huzail near Makkah for almost 10 years to master this Classical refined Arabic.  So when he spoke in the Majlis of Masjid Al-Harem, even Beduins would sit listening at the amazing eloquence of his pure Arabic. Nowadays one may find places like Mauritania and some other places preserving this Pure Arabic. 

Al-Asma’i, the famous Arabic scholar narrates a story. He wanted to know the exact meaning of the word متاع   in the Glorious Quran. So he goes to a village where classical Arabic is spoken. He didn’t wanted to ask anyone the word meaning, but he wanted to listen from their mouth this word as their normal use. 

While sitting at a beach, he saw a little girl playing with her toys, like some kinds of utensils and tools.  It happened that a goat took one of her toy and ran away. She was running after the goat  saying  اخذ متاعي  …. So he noted the exact meaning where this word was used for by those who spoke Classical Arabic. 

متاع   is Anything that is useful but has no any enjoyment in it. Like Utensils, Furniture, Screw drivers etc. Which are made for man for his use, his comfort and easiness in life, but not for enjoyment. People don’t enjoy using a screw driver. It’s for a use and benefit. 

Hence Allah Azzawajal in one word explains throughout Quran, whatever He Created in this life of Dunya is for usage and benefit and not for fulfillment or enjoyment of man. This is there in one word of the Quran متاع which is repeated almost 34 times in the Quran.     

وَلَكُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مُسۡتَقَرٌّ۬ وَمَتَـٰعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ۬
On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood for a time (Al-Baqara: Part of Ayah No.36)

مَّتَـٰعً۬ا لَّكُمۡ وَلِأَنۡعَـٰمِكُمۡ
a provision and benefit for you and your cattle.  (Surah Abasa: Ayah No.32)

Allah knows best.

*Something for Muzakara about ilm- Divine Knowledge*

📚The place of ilm was Masjid,  that was our very Madrassa, in the Majalis of Ulama  who carried this light of Divine knowledge. When learning or seeking of this ilm went out of Masjid,   We lost that Noor of ilm. though we have larger books and libraries outside.

📚The place of learning ilm was by sitting humbly on the floor,  when we raised our position to high chairs and desks,  we lost the humility (تواضع)

📚The aim of ilm is the Pleasure of Allah,  when we made that goal to certificates and titles,  we lost the Ikhlas.

What's then left is a bunch of information and not the true knowledge that enlightened the hearts.

Though this cannot be generalised, much of qualities we did lose when we shifted our traditional ways to modern professional ways.

If you are really seeking knowledge,  there still be a scholar somewhere nearby you, who possess that knowledge. They are recognized by the fruits of knowledge in them. As the true beauty is often  covered in nature,  only the seekers of knowledge finds the source of knowledge.

_Knowledge is like a tree. It's very nature is to go upwards.. But when  fruits emerge,  the tree bends down in humility_

A tragic story of a Bayanist

A Bayanist (Speaker) was doing his great bayan with most in the audience numbly listening to him. While no-one was moved, he saw one of the person in the front lane crying and tears flowing through his eyes. Seeing this the speaker got his moral boosted and lengthened his talks. This one person was still sad and crying.

After the Bayan was over, the speaker came to the guy who cried and asked. ‘What is it that made you cry so much’? The guy replied ‘It’s nothing and leave me alone. The speaker again wanted to know ‘Please tell me what topic of my speech made you so emotional… I want to know’ after stressing many times the guy replied.

Actually I had a goat at home whom I loved so dearly. It died two weeks back. When I saw you speaking, your sound and speech reminded of my dear goat. Also my goat had similar beard just like you on the chin. I couldn’t control remembering it. It is so sad.

Lesson: Never do bayan to please someone. They may be crying or laughing for their own reasons

World Quran Competition at Makkah

MashaAllah much of the Huffaz from African countries. Where are the others?,  ‘Deen ‘ belong to Allah. He gives to those whom He loves, to those who value it. Those who miss it  in fact are Mahroom (محروم). 

If we miss a train or bus we will say Khayr, there must be some good in it. But is missing anything of Deen a khayr?. For eg: Missing a Salathul Jamaah with no valid reasons at its time. There is no Khayr in it. This reminds me an old story.

A servant and master was walking through a market place. Suddenly the call of Azan was heard.  Slave said to the master, I want to go for prayer. Master said OK you go, I will wait for you here outside the Masjid. The prayer was over and rest of people started coming out, still the master did not find his slave. He came delayed and the master asked him with a bit anger… Why you were late. The slave replied ‘The One Who called me to the Masjid did not leave me immediately ’. The master asked again astonishingly ‘Who is that one who called you’ The slave replied ’He, the One Who kept you standing out’.  Allah who is your master and my master.

Allah gives thoufeeq to Whom He will. If anyone is given thoufeeq to do good deeds, it’s a sign of His Love and Affection. If we are missing any Amaal at its time with no any valid reasons, don’t think there is some Khyr..but think ‘ Allah kept me away ’

MOBILE AND MAN

Islamic Hijri Calendar

Today is the first of Muharram 1438 of the Hijri Calendar. It was Hazrath Umar (r.a) who made the Islamic Hijri Calender. Beofre this calender, there were no number of year mentioned among the Arabs in their calender. But the 12 months existed as it is now with Muharram being the first month and DulHijja the 12th. They used to remember their years based on Major incidents. For eg:- Beloved Prophet (s.a.w) was born in the Aamul Feel, the year of the elephant. Similarly there are major incidents which signifies the Makkah period. Aamul Huzn (Year of grief), and of Madinan period the last was Year of Al Wada’ (separation)-The 10th year of Hijra.

It was Abu Musa Al Ashari (r.a) who complained to Hazrath Umar (r.a) that the letters sent to him from Ameerul Mumineen (Hzrath Umar (r.a)) contained only name of months and not knowing which year was confusing which letter is first in order for his instructions. Hazrath Umar (r.a) did Mashoora with Sahaba (r.a) and it was Ali (r.a) who suggested Hijra (Migration) to Madeena as the first year of Islamic calendar. Though Hijra happened in the month of Rabiul Awwal, It was Hazrath Usman bin Affan (r.a) who suggested to take Muharram as the first month as it was the first month existing already. So the first year of Hijri accordingly is the first next Muharram after Rasulullah (s.a.w) migrated to Madeena Munawara. The Mashoora happened in the 17th year of Hijra and all previous years of Rasulullah until then were marked by naming a year with a major incident.

Rasulullah (s.a.w) said  'Allah has put the truth upon `Umar's tongue and (in) his heart.

Why Hazrath Umar(r.a) chose Hijra to Madeena Munawara as the turning point is another great point for thought. Though there were opinions in Mashoora, like birth of Prophet (s.a.w), His Prophethood, His death. But the Sahaba (r.a) choose Hijra as the marking point.  Hijra was one of the greatest sacrifice of Rasulullah (s.a.w) and the Sahaba (r.a). Leaving everything they cherished and loved at Makkah and moving to Madeena Munawara for the sake of Allah and His Deen. That was a great moment when every Sahabi (r.a) turned to be either a Muhajir or the Ansar. Let this Ummah remember until Qiyamah that great sacrifice Sahaba (r.a) have done for this Deen. Hence a new Hijri year we have is a fresh reminder of their great sacrifice. Since there were no year number or a New year at time of Rasulullah (s.a.w), there are no Sunnah greetings or  Dua for new year. But there is a Dua for sighting of new moon (new month).

اللَّهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْيُمْنِ وَالْإِيمَانِ وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالْإِسْلَامِ وَالتَّوْفِيقِ لِمَا تُحِبُّ وَتَرْضَى رَبِّي وَرَبُّكَ اللَّهُ
"O Allah, let this moon (month) pass over us with blessings, Iman, safety, and in the belief of Islam. Grant us the ability to act on the actions that You love and Pleases You. 
(O moon) My Lord and Your Lord is Allah".  (_Hisnul Hasin from Ibn Habban_)

Footnote : Now the coming 10th of Muharram (Aashoora) marks another Hijrah. The Hijra of Hazrath Musa (a.s) and the Banu Israel out of Egypt. The day Allah saved Hazrath Musa (a.s) and the Banu Israel by splitting the red sea, making a way for them and drowning Firaun and his  army.
Allah knows best.

Imam's Horse..Funny

An Imam was selling his horse in the market. An interested buyer came to him and requested if he could get a test drive. The Imam told the man that this horse is unique.

In order to make it walk, you have to say Subhanallah.

To make it run, you have to say Alhamdulillah

And to make it stop, you have to say Allahu Akbar

The man sat on the horse and said Subhanallah. The horse started to walk. Then he said Alhamdulillah and it started to run. He kept saying Alhamdulillah and the horse started running faster and faster. Suddenly the man noticed that the horse is running towards the edge of the hill that he was riding on. Being panicked, he forgot how to stop the horse. He kept saying all words out of confusion. When the horse was just near the edge, he remembered Allahu Akbar and said it out loud. The horse stopped just one step away from the edge.

The man took a deep breath, looked up towards the sky and said... Alhamdulillah ..... NEXT was 😢


The moral of this joke is that use the Zikr at proper place to remember Allah and don't misuse. Let zikr be used  to remember Allah from heart as the raider was doing on the cliff and not as ring tones in mobile or for the horse to walk and stop. Use things for proper use and for what they are meant for...🙂.

An example to reflect

Someone asked a football why everyone loves kicking it and even touching it with a hand is counted a _foul_ . Football replied sadly,
*"Because I am empty inside. None would dare touch me if I had any matter inside of me"*

Isn't our inner emptiness a reason for what's happening upon we Muslims? Weren't we strong with the Help of Allah those days when we had our inner qualities?

Value of efforts

Sufyān Al thouri (rah) on his way back from Haj saw a young man so sad and in tears.  He asked him the reason.  The young man replied because he travelled for months and as he reached Makkah,  the Hajj was over.
Sufyan al thouri (rah) then told the young man  *"Give your cry to me and you take my Hajj"*

Those pious people who knew Allah knew that the most valuable thing in the sight of Allah is our *Pursuit and efforts* Result is secondary.

"Behind every pious man is a pious Woman*"

*Moulana Umar Palanpuri* (r.a) grew as an orphan. It was his great pious mother who wanted her  son to be an Aalim. She, though illiterate was too enthusiastic about studies of her son. Whenever Umar as a boy came back from Madrassa she would sit with her son for a while and see what he has learned. She would tell him about Allah and stories of the Prophets. Reminded him time to time  about the questions asked in the grave. This continued long after even when Umar Palanpuri was studying for higher courses of Aalim like Tafsir and Hadith. She would still listen to her son. Sometimes she would say *_"My son, it is me alone who is listening to you now , days will come when you will be heard by millions"_*

In one of Tongi _ijithima_ (Bangladesh) while speaking to millions who are gathered, moulana recalled and told the saying of his mother and broke into tears.

*"Behind every pious man is a pious Woman*"

"What you seek is seeking you" (Rumi)

Sheikh Saleh Al Maghamsi, the Imam and Khateeb of Masjid Al Quba- Madeena Munawara recalls an incident long ago he had in Riyadh. It was that he had to attend a large gathering After Magrib and the weekend traffic being heavy, he took his car through an inner road for short. Suddenly the car in front of him stopped and the driver was seen going to a grocery store. When the driver came back, Shaikh was angry at the person for blocking the small road where only one car could go. For this the man replied in humble words ‘_Magrib Azan is in few minutes, I am fasting_. 

Shaikh Salih al Magamisi said. This made him think ‘ SubhanaAllah’ I myself rushing to attend to speak for a large gathering after Magrib, here is a common taxi driver fasting on a hot day. My prayer on that night was solely for this ‘Man’ through whom Allah taught him so much. 

If your heart is of seeking, Allah will teach you in ways you never knows and that you never knew. May be you were rushing to attend the Bayan after Magrib, but you are stuck in a traffic. Perhaps Allah wants to teach you is ‘*Sabr*’ which you may not be learning in a Majlis but will learn in the traffic. How Allah teaches and through whom, you cannot say. Allah does His plans in His own ways. It may not be a Moulana or Mufthi sahib always. It may be through a common man whom you least expected to be a teacher. Allah’s plan comes through the door that you least expected it to come. If you are humble enough to learn and seek, there are lessons. 

{..*Allah came upon them from where they had not expected* ….. (Surah Al Hashr: Part of Ayah 2)}

Don't judge a book by its cover!

Some people I saw criticizing a well-known Indian Aalim because of some mistakes according to them have found in his books.  I thought of an example in my mind as how our new generations have come up with new criteria for judging our Ulama. The example I have is that of a Medical Doctor. A doctor who after studying many many years and practicing another many years, one of the major task done by any doctor is writing a prescription for their patients.  

A high school student who has good command at English started going through their prescriptions and figured out mistakes in their spellings and writing styles. He even saw some doctors have written even the basic Panadol in a wrong way.

This young person now makes a claim that sounds to be right for other students of his level '_How come one become a doctor without knowing the spelling_. A mistake in prescription means life and death'. Isn't it so serious!!' Those in his level of understanding said 'Yes, very true and very clear' So many followed him and started judging doctors based on their correctness of spellings in their prescriptions. 

As a matter of fact, those who know who a doctor is, knows this is at all not a criteria. Doctors are evaluated by their immense services done to humanity and it is their sincerity, dedications etc that matters. A spelling mistake will never defame their reputation.

Likewise, some of our brothers have come up new criteria for judging our early and current Ulama based on the minute accuracy of their books or their works. Some of them even started correcting their works as well.  Even though our Ulamas were never judged this way throughout Islamic history. 

Some people  said about Bishr al Hafi (rah) that he is not an Aalim. Hearing this Ahmed Bin Hanbal (rah) said, But he has the fruits of knowledge which is  خشية الله 'Fear of Allah'. Also he said about him. "*I know more Sunnah and Hadith than Bishr al-Hafi, but he knows Allah better than I do*."

So don't be confused by the new criteria that have come up judging Ulama of Deen. It's not all about their books and spellings that value.  It's the services that have done to the Deen of Allah for His sake that value. it's the fruits of knowledge that values. It's the wisdom and knowledge they had in their life that values.

الله اعلم

Dua for all.

The mood of Arab brothers in their talks is expressed by the kind of Dua they make during conversation. 

In good mood they have these words 

حياك الله

الله يسلمك

الله يعطيك العافية

بارك الله فيك

Etc. 

When in anger.....they have is a different kind of Dua. 

الله يهديك

الله يرحم والديك

قل لا اله الا الله

صلو على النبي

And so on. 

The positive side is that, in both cases and whatever is their mood, it is a Dua . No blaming and no cursing. 

It is said that, Shaikh Abdul Rahman Sudais as a child was naughty and much restless. One day seeing a mischief, his mother told him in anger 'Go away' May Allah make you Imam of Masjid al Haram' or in other saying 'May Allah make you stand in front of Kaaba for hours'. ( wordings may not be exact, but it's a story that happened)

SubhanaAllah, his mother's Dua was answered. Shaikh Abdul Rahman Sudais became the Imam at Masjid al Haram who stands hours and hours praying before the Ka’ba. Also such a powerful Imam MashaAllah that we Muslims have difference of opinion in much of our matters, The Imamath and Qiraath of Shaikh Sudais is unanimously agreed upon by Ummah and there is no second opinion. (الله يحفظه)

Beloved Prophet (s.a.w) told Aysha (r.a) one day, I know when you are pleased with me and when you are angry with me. Aysha (r.a) asked how. Rasulullah (s.a.w) said ' When you are pleased at me you say. 'لا ورب محمد. if you are angry at me you say 'لا ورب ابراهيم' 

(. For the exact explanation and wording of this Hadeeth that comes in Bukhari, Muslim. please ask an Aalim )

I mean to say, what a good example we all can follow, which is to make Dua weather we are in good mood or in bad mood. 

Don't think Dua only happens when we say in words, raising hand etc. That may be manners of doing it. Dua is the signal of our heart that's transmitted to Allah Azzawajal. With words or without words, it's the voice of the heart that counts. Especially in our emotions, the Dua may come from the heart and may be accepted. الله اعلم

Your Rizq is on it's way

وَإِن مِّن شَيْءٍ إِلاَّ عِندَنَا خَزَائِنُهُ وَمَا نُنَزِّلُهُ إِلاَّ بِقَدَرٍ مَّعْلُومٍ

With Us is the source of everything and We do not send it down except in a known quantity (Al-Hijr:21)

Reciting this Ayah, Moulana Umar Palampuri (rah) said the example of watermelon. If Allah grew all the seeds in the watermelon as plants, the world will be full of watermelons. But He grows that much which is needed by man. That much of which a common man can afford to buy it. That much a farmer gets a value for his efforts and the seller has his share.

If Allah gave us our Rizk all at once, that would be the biggest tension and problem in our life.

Imagine 60 or 70 years of rice, tomatoes, potatoes, bread Etc. all getting at once, we will be in real trouble finding ways to preserve them. More people will die in tension than living or dying in poverty.

Alhamdulillah with His mercy, He gives what's needed in life, the right thing at the ripe time. If we exclude our greediness, He has given us everything we asked for.

Hence say Alhamdulillah for all your yesterdays. Alhamdulillah for today and InshaAllah for the tomorrow.

Don't worry, the One Who gave you yesterday and today has in His hands, your tomorrows as well .

Your worry and tension over what to come by tomorrow will be a waste at the end of the day. What you are going to get in life is going to come for sure. Give time it's time and everything you should get is on its way.

Your tomorrow will be another Alhamdulillah, InshaAllah


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Being Sincere!

🌾Someone invited Sufyan Ath Thawri (rah) for food. The host was saying aloud

to his wife “*Supply the food in the plates that I had brought from Makkah in my 3rd hajj*" Listening to this Sufyan Ath Thowri (rah) said “*How easily you have destroyed your three pilgrimages*"!!!

This mistake may happen to us specially if the mobile phone rang during the act of a good deed. 

"I am in Mataaf right now" 

" I am inside Masjid in Taleem."

"I am in Jamaath. "

"I am reciting Quran" 

And so on. ......

Did the person on the other end of the phone ever ask where we are or what we were doing??? He may have called to say something else!!

For a Haji sitting in Mataaf of Masjid al Haraam, it is more difficult not to mention where he is. To someone in Jamaath, it is more difficult not to mention where he is over the mobile phones. 

Tell them of your goods deeds if there is a reason. See if it is necessary or will it do any good saying out we are in the act of good deeds. Just think, will we say the same in amazement if we are in a market or shop? Then why alone for good deeds, make sure it was not the Shaitan or Nafs that prompted!!!

The motivation that lead you to do the good deed is the true intention behind it. What prompted or motivated us to say or act is the true niyyah.. If it was for a valid and right reason, it may be OK and beneficial, but if it was in amazement or self pride, are these valid reasons?

A man was eating breakfast with his left hand with Hazrath Umar (r.a) from his plate. Hazrath Umar (r.a) told him to eat with his right hand. He replied 'Ameerul Mumineen, my right hand is busy'. Omar (r.a) reminded again and he replied the same. 

Once the food was over, Omar (r.a) called the person to him and asked in private, why you are not eating with your right hand ' The man lifted his sleeves and there was no right hand. He then said his right hand was Shaheed in the battle of Yarmook. 

SubhanaAllah, look at his Ikhlaas, He did not speak out a good deed, a great sacrifice done for the sake of Allah until there was a valid reason to mention it. 

Hence let the good deeds we do be preserved and speak out only if there is a valid reason. See if your mentioning reminds them to do good deeds and benefits others. 

'NOT IN AMAZEMENT.'

☘Allah knows best. ☘

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No time to complain!

Ibrahim bin Ad'ham ( rah) saw a young man passing by with a cotton towel tied around his forehead. He asked him the reason. The young man replied this is because of having headache. 

Ibrahim bin Ad'ham (rah) then advised.  

You see my son.   "Allah (s.w.t) gave you a head ache for one day and you are showing the world complaining of this small pain. Did you display any sign for His numerous blessings other days in similar" 

That’s a moral story where Ibrahim bin Adham (rah)was reminding how complaining we are and how less thanking we show to the blessings of Allah. We often complain about that one thing we miss, while rarely show gratitude for the 99 blessings that Allah has given us. Man by default is a complaint box himself, except few. The complaints we have surpasses our gratitude. Even when we say Alhamdulillah, you see most often we have a BUT in our talks. 

Our normal talks goes like this: 

Alhamdulillah, the business is OK _BUT_ market is bad

Alhamdulillah the Haj journey was fine _BUT_  transport or room was bad. 

Alhamdulillah life is going fine _BUT_ not so good. 

Alhamdulillah Job is fine _BUT_ Salary or Boss is bad. 

In my little understanding what comes after the word _BUT_  is what our heart speaks and Alhamdulillah is just a word we say is a manner of introduction that comes out from the tongue. 

Many of the Arabs when I speak, rarely mixes Alhamdulillah with complaints, They stop with Alhamdulillah without a BUT. I think the reason being they know this is like fire and water. One extinguishes the other. If we are truly the people of Alhamdulillah, we will have no complaints and that’s the truth. 

Hence let’s learn saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ from our hearts without any _BUTs_  and _COMPLAINTS_ 

لَهُ الْحَمْدُ فِي الْأُولَىٰ وَالْآخِرَةِ

🌾A Da'ee (One who calls to Allah) is like the sun 🌅

👉Sun keeps moving from place to place spreading its light …. Likewise a Da'ee moves around people conveying Deen of Allah.

👉Sun gets its source of light from Allah and spreads the whole world…….. Likewise a Da'ee carries the Ilm (Knowledge) from Allah and spreads among all people.

👉Sun don’t have partiality for any community or selfishness in giving its light……..._Likewise a Da'ee don’t differentiate between an Arab, Non-Arab, Black, White, Nationality, groups etc. His goal is the guidance for all_.

👉Sun don’t charge any money for the light it spreads throughout world……..._Likewise a Da'ee don’t expect any reward from anybody. The reward is from Allah alone_.

👉Sun don’t take any rest, no holiday or vacation until Qiyamath..….…._Likewise a Da'ee never rests from his duty until his death_.

👉If the sun gets eclipsed 🌘 someday, the whole world goes dark, in fear and in trouble….…._Likewise if a Da'ee stops his work, the world gets in fitna and in trouble_.

"If history had a tongue, it would speak about Abdul Basith time and again"

Qari Abdul Basith Abdul Samad (May Allah shower mercy on him), the east and the west knows him alike. The Egyptian reciter for whom there is no replacement. He is heard and reheard, numerous times, multiple times, still the heart longs to hear more. Those who heard him knows him. Those who knows him loves him. Those who love him loves because they loved those words that he recited.

Thirty years after his death, his recitations are alive with us and for the generations to come. The beauty of a recitation may not reach you at first sight, as the Glorious Quran is all about repetitions. It's a book whom you befriend it and it shall befriend you. You keep hold it firm and it shall hold back you in firm. You honor it and it shall honor you back. You keep in touch with it often and you reach a level where nothing tastes better. You really feel it inside when some people recites it. You feel entering your heart as the cold water is felt going through when drank after a long thirsty fasting. Abdul Basith Abdul Samad is one of them, whose recitation echoes and touches the very corner of your heart. I would love meeting him if he were alive. If not here, in the eternal abode of bliss InshaAllah. May Allah Azzawajal reward him the best and grant him highest of Jannah.

A Taxi experience.

While getting a Mumbai airport taxi last month, I remembered a joke I heard long ago. 

A Japanese tourist landed at Mumbai airport and took a taxi to his hotel room. He saw everything slow in India on his way, the trains, cars, machines and so on. He asked the taxi driver the reason and the driver replied this is because India is a developing country and still need to progress a lot. When the tourist reached his destination, to his amazement the taxi fair was very high. He asked the driver why. Driver replied 'My taxi fare-meter is ' Made in Japan ' it works faaaast.. 😀

What’s the real problem of man!

A crying baby in the absence of its mother may be given toys and may stop crying for a while but Next you may try giving a chocolate, but will cry again. You may give everything but with nothing of this worldly items the baby will be satisfied.  BUT WHEN ITS MOTHER COMES, THE CHILD’S WORRIES ARE GONE. The absence of mother was the actual problem of the baby. Baby is ready to sacrifice anything for one thing, for its mother.  Even if the baby has everything, but without a mother it’s just like it has nothing. But even if it has nothing but has mother closely it’s like having everything. 
will start crying again.

Now look at our problems. The actual problem of mankind is not the absence of necessities absent in life. Our cries for one toys after another will keep on, until our hearts find Allah.  All the Prophets of Allah (Peace be upon them) knew what the actual problem of man and their efforts were for one thing, to connect man with his Creator. They worked for one solution that made every problems solved. If you try to solve all problems of man but don’t try to solve that one real problem, problems will remain. Our problem is the absence of Allah in our life, which is the real problem. All our cries and complaints are because of our heart misses what it really wants.  

If one has everything but no Allah, it’s like he has nothing. While someone has nothing but has Allah, is like he has everything. 

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TIME IS MONEY, USE IT WISELY

Imam Fakhrudeen Al Razi a great scholar of Islam (_May Allah have mercy on him_) was once passing by a market. He heard a merchant shouting aloud.

‘*Time is for sale*, Time is for sale, Hurry-up, my money and capital is melting away’.

Imam went closer to the merchant in amazement to see what he was selling. He saw many gathered around him. The person was selling ICE


He was true to his words. For the ice merchant each minute was counted and valued. Every minute he loses, his money that's ice was melting away. time is money for him

Our Life and time given to us is like the ice, it’s being melted away every second.

It's up to us how we use it. If we use this ice in a cold drink or for good use, it’s beneficial and worth. But if we left on the street to melt it away with out a purpose, it spoils the path and is a breeding source for mosquitoes and flies.


Hence!


Time is money, use it wisely ........"_Time and Tide waits for no man_"

☘ Our Beloved Prophet ﷺ said: "Charity does not decrease wealth..." [Muslim:2588]🍀

🌾
It’s like drawing water out of a well. The more you take out, the more water springs from its underneath. Though you may see some decrease instantly in the water level, what has been fetched out is returned back after a while from larger source that’s abyss. A miser sees only the little water in his well and don't understand the connection between what he has and the larger reservoir that's beyond his sight.

The word Allah Azzawajal used for spending is نفق NAFQ which literally me

ans a double sided hole. Like a desert lizard having two holes entering from one side and exiting from other. If you were ever in Makkah Mukarrama, read the names of any of numerous Tunnels there, you will see sign boards written in Bold ‘NAFAQ Sulaimaniyya, Nafaq Azeeziyya etc. So the word meaning a tunnel which has two openings (BTW. Munafiq also comes from the same root word because they also have two openings. When they are out of their hole with the Kuffar, they behave like them and when they are with believers, they say we believe)

So Enfaq (translated as spending in the cause of Allah) is in fact transfer of fund from one account into another of ours. A transferring of funds from our Dunya account to Akhirah (hereafter) account. Normally the amount that we deposit for retired income or any provisions for future, we don’t call that a spending. It’s actually Deposit or Transfer of funds from our own account to another account of ours for a future returns. Hence when we are spending (Enfaq fee Sabeelillah), we are transferring our fund from our Dunya account to the very safe and protected account of ours with Allah. Which is more protected than any federal or Swiss bank accounts of Dunya. Which Allah returns multiplied when it is most needed (Akhirah). Hence keep spending and believe in the above promise of beloved Prophet (s.a.w). Don’t wait for the promise to come and act upon. Allah’s promises comes after the actions.

Allah knows best. Jazakallah khair. 🌾

When you give Allah, give Him the BEST (أحسن)

When you give Allah, give Him the BEST (أحسن)

He didn’t ask you for more (أكثر)

He didn’t ask you for perfect (أكمل)

He didn’t ask you for the most virtues. (أفضل)

But He wants to see what the BEST we can offer Him. It’s like a father giving son couple of chocolates and father asking the son to give him one from it. Father wanted to test the son how much he loves him, How much of gratitude son has. Not because father wanted any chocolates!

Everything in life is given to us from Allah. He gave us all what we need for life, gave again and again and keeps giving in abundance every day and always. He wants to see who returns Him in Best of what He has given us.

So give Allah of your quality and what’s best and not just quantities.

He gave you inward and outward wellness. Thank Him in five time prayers for what He gave and perform your best. When you pray, give Him your quality time free from all other chores of life, even it is for a while.

He gave you much of wealth and provisions. Give Him what’s best to those of the poor and the needy. When you give, give the best, even if the count is less.


Don’t underestimate Allah. He don’t want your garbage. He is not in need of anything. All is for a TEST because He wants to give you more in this world and the eternal life to come. So when you give, don’t count or boast of how much you gave. Rather have the gratitude towards Him for accepting more from you. Let what you give of anything to Him be like your salary, a secret between you and your boss. If you are flashing it, you are just not a man. There is a misunderstanding!

Hence offer what’s best in your hands to please Him alone and know that you are offering to the One Who already has given you more and who alone can reward you with more.

Allah knows best, May Allah give us Thaufeeq.

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الَّذِي خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَالْحَيَاةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلاً وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفُورُ

Who has created death and life, that He may test you which of you is BEST in deed. And He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving (Surah Al Mulk: Verse 2)

Prayer and Mathematics.

One of a student today asked me how can I better my prayer. I just told him, just perform as you do a maths test or a maths equation.

One cannot write maths test without concentrating on each line he writes. Not even half mindedness will work out the equation in maths. Concentration has to be given on each line of calculation. Weather it be algebra or trigonometry, maths is maths and same rule applies.


Apply the same for prayer. When you are Saying Allahu Akbar just concentrate on that. When it is Fathiha, let your mind be on it and on each verse and so on. Until the end of prayer. Give your quality time in concentration to it.


Maths is the only subject where the teacher will put mark for whatever line student has tried to answer. Even if the answer is wrong, the steps or attempts has its marks.

You have similar for prayer, How much quality you have performed your prayer, that much is its marks or reward.

_So next time perform your Salah as the maths test and don't take the prayer for your memorized Poem in English subject which can be done in absent mind._

The student understood my example الحمدلله and I hope it's understandable for all.

Tourist attractions in Makkah al Mukarrama.

Some of whom I take for a ride in Makkah Al Mukarrama for site seeing asks the question 'What are the important sites to see here'. I have to pause and tell them a fact 'NOTHING'. Yes, nothing is there in Makkah Al Mukarrama other than the KA'BA as of a tourist attraction. Nothing as of natural attraction. Why is that! , well, Allah in His eternal wisdom wants those who visit His house to be for His sake alone. They have no choice when coming to the holy land other than the sacred house for pilgrimage other than the KAABA. They are not given an alternative, for any pilgrim the first choice is the KA'BA. Second choice is Kaaba. It's only Kaaba and Kaaba alone, first and the last. He has locked your ekhlas (sincerity) without giving you a second option. He is the most wise, most knowing. سبحان الله

Now imagine if Kaaba was in any other place other than that empty barren desert of Makkah al Mukarrama. People may have double intention for their journey. Think of Turkey, Swiss, Malaysia, Kerala or any other place on earth, tourist will visit their with all sorts of intentions.

Hence someone going to Makkah al Mukarrama, know that Makkah is the Ka'ba the ancient house of Allah built by Prophet Ibraheem (P.B.U.H) and deeds associated with it. All the activities done over there is also part of Allah's wisdoms. He loved someone, his family and their sacrifices for their highest sacrifice and sincerity which none could surpass. Allah wanted humanity to follow their steps, the way of our father Ibraheem (a.s). 

Being sincere for Allah alone in a pilgrimage is the most beautiful of all other beauties. *_That's the very tourist attraction in Makkah al Mukarrama, the land of eternal spiritual beauty._* 

Allah knows best.

A Mu'min and a Muslim

My child asked me what's the difference between a Muslim and a Mu'min.

I said 'Do you understand what's the difference between a *'Human Being* and *Being Human*.

Well _This makes sense. _.

Everyone is a human being. But for being human you need certain qualities. Like wise to be a Mu'min you need certain qualities in life that Allah wants in a Muslim.

Death is one breath away

Death is one breath away

On average we take 23000 breaths per day. If one is missed, death is the next.

Allah, He gives us everything needed in life, priceless favors day and night. Then how ungrateful it is to turn unto others for _bread and butter_. The One Who provides the greater things of life does provide the smaller things as well. For a test, he gave us different ways and choices. In truth, every favors comes from Him, those who seek from Him are the most blessed.

*وَمَا بِكُمْ مِنْ نِعْمَةٍ فَمِنَ اللَّهِ : And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allâh - HQ:16:53*

Life is a wheel that keeps rolling on!

Life is a wheel that keeps rolling on

Life is a wheel that money can't buy

If Life was a wheel that money could buy

The rich would live and the poor would die.

The above is a nursery rhyme that I heard long back and I memorized it at first hearing. I share it here before I may lose it. Whoever has written it and whichever the school it is sung, I loved it. I am of the opinion that our kids should be singing meaningful rhymes rather than rhymes that no one understands what they are written or meant for. Like the famous 'Baba Black Sheep, Have you any wool'.

The funny thing is that my kids call me 'Baba' as Arabs call for Dad. Safwan my boy was thinking I am the Black Sheep as he is taught 'Baba Black Sheep' in LKG. How can I convince him when he is taught that way that I am not his Black Sheep with wools on! :)

Safwan my Boy!

Ismail Eliat

Safwan Eliat

If you remember your childhood of city life at Jeddah, I remember mine of my village in southern India.

You were born in a well setup Hospital while I was born at the very village home of my mom where there were no electricity.

You grew seeing Tom and Jerry and Merry cartoons, I grew listening to bedtime stories of my grandmas.

Your plays were with toys and computer games, my toys were the coconut leaves and paper boats.

You went to school in air-conditioned buses, I went to my village school walking through the paddy fields.

You grew up under well-lit lamps of all types, I grew up with smells of kerosene lamps and half lit bulbs.

Your modern days are my later world of my life's journey. Whereas my past has disappeared behind the horizons which you may well read them as 'Once upon a time' or as a 'Fairy tales' in your school books.