Tuesday 16 August 2016

Islaahi Correspondence | Letter Eighteen | Studying Deen


Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

LETTER EIGHTEEN


Studying Deen

Question

Dearest Hazrat
As-Salaamu alaykum wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakaatuhu

With Hazrat’s duas, Alhamdulillah, the Umrah was a very beautiful and spiritually energizing experience. Please make Dua that Allah Ta’ala accepts. I always remembered to convey Hazrat’s Salaam, when at the Raudha Mubarak.

We experienced a number of setbacks during the safr, with delays, etc., but I considered that there must be khair in Allah Ta’ala’s decisions for us. Alhamdulillah, we returned safely.

I would appreciate some understanding of the Zikr sessions that are held at the Masjid.

Hazrat, this is my final year and I have many concerns. I humbly request special duas and guidance in respect to how to carry myself in this final year, studying Hadeeth.



Reply

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Wa-alaykumus Salaam wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakaatuhu

1.)          Masha-Allah, very happy to read that the Umrah and Ziyarah went so well. May Allah Ta’ala accept all the Duas and Ibaadaat.


2.)          JazakAllah Khayr for remembering me in your Duas and for conveying my Salaam.

3.)          The Hadeeth mentions that safr[1]  is a portion of suffering. So a Musaafir[2] should expect some hiccups or difficulties whilst on travel. Dua should constantly be made for ease and Aafiyah. Sadaqah should also be given out as a measure of protection.



4.)          Yes, there is always khayr in Allah Ta’ala’s decisions. The delay could have been a means of protection from some calamity or some loss.


5.)          The Zikr sessions that are held in the Masjid are carried out by different Mashaa`ikh[3] as a training for their students / Mureeds. Their methods are based on experience, together with the benefits in making Zikr in that particular manner. Whilst not Sunnah or Waajib, there is a lot of benefit derived in their methodology. However, do not consider the method as an integral part of the Zikr.


6.)          May Allah Ta’ala grant the best of both worlds and make your final year a most successful year, wherein you imbibe all the anwaar of Hadeeth.

7.)          Complete Adab[4] is required when learning Deen, moreso with Tafseer and Hadeeth.

Try to remain with Wudhu, use Miswaak, and read plenty of Durood Shareef. Have utmost respect for your Ustaadh, otherwise that knowledge will be lost. Try and make the khidmah[5] of your Asaatidha.

It is imperative to abstain from sins. Make every effort to show your love for Nabi Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam by following the Sunnah. Make the Niyyah of bringing the reality of each Hadeeth into your life.

When writing Hadeeth, write the Arabic “Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam in full. Make Dua for deep understanding of the speech of Rasulullah Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam, acceptance in your endeavours and for Allah Ta’ala to use you in the Khidmah of Hadeeth.

The following advice offers much ‘food for thought’: 

"Seeking out knowledge is not saying: ‘So and so related from so-and-so’; rather, seeking out knowledge is fearing Allah, the Possessor of Might and Majesty." 


[Imam Sufyaan At-Thauree (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)]


“When you have written down (studied) ten Ahaadeeth, check if you notice an improvement in the way you walk, in your level of patience, and in your degree of self-dignity. For if you do not see any such improvement, then know that your knowledge harms you and does not benefit you.”


[Advice given to Imam Sufyaan At-Thauree (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)
by his respected mother]



8.)          May Allah Ta’ala grant the best of both worlds, and accept your learning.

9.)          Also requesting Duas.

Was-Salaamu alaykum wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakaatuhu
Yunus Patel (Maulana)




[1] Safr: travel
[2] Musaafir : traveller
[3] Mashaa’ik : plural of Shaykh
[4] Adab : respect
[5] Khidmah : service