Departments of Deen

Bismillahir Rahmaainr Raheem

Each group of “Haq” (Truth), whether engaged in Madrasahs, Darul Ulooms, Khanqahs, Jihad, Tabligh or Welfare, should consider the other as supplementary and complementary, and as an assistance to one another. No group should consider the other as an opposition.

All parts of the aeroplane engine are required to fly the plane. The Defence Force of a country requires military, airforce, navy, foot soldiers, commanders, transport operators, computer attendants, pilots, etc. to fortify and defend the country’s borders.

For the defence and propagation of Islam, people are required to man different departments. We should therefore not insist that everyone does only one type of Deen work. 

What is necessary is that all Deeni workers, in all departments, should work with sincerity and in accordance with the teachings of Allah Ta’ala, our Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and the noble example of the Sahabah (RA), who were the companions of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).


[Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi 'alayh)]

We are Muslims wherever we are

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Wherever you go, the Hukm (Order) of Allah Ta’ala accompanies you.

There are so many who, when in their home-town, will be recognized as ‘Deendaar’, performing 5 times Salaah, daily, in Jamaat and even standing in the first Saff, wearing the dressing of the pious, etc. …However, when traveling on holiday, Salaah is left at home, the dressing of a Muslim is left at home, the Taqwa is also left at home. ...That which offers us protection is left behind. 

The person will be on the plane, watching the films or cartoons, or admiring and even flirting with the air-hostesses. When at the holiday destination, he is sometimes at cinemas, or taking a ‘survey’ of casinos or even trying his luck on slot machines. Adding to all that spiritual harm and damage, the person freely allows his wife and children to dress as they want, go where they want to and do as they want – because they are on holiday. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi ra`jioon.

This is a clear indication of weakness of faith, and hypocrisy of all that we project. We should fear Allah Ta’ala.

Holidays do not mean we throw Islam out of the window. Being on holiday does not give any license to disobey Allah Ta’ala. Islam is for every moment and every breath of life. We are Muslims wherever we are.

 By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)

Honour Belongs To...

Bismihi Ta'ala

Allah Ta’ala has mentioned in the Qur`aan Shareef, in Surah Munafiqoon:

“But Honour belongs to Allah, His Messenger and the Believers...”

[Surah Munafiqoon  63 : 8]

and

 ‘…To those who take for friends Unbelievers rather than Believers: Is it honour they seek among them ? Nay, -  All honour is with Allah.’

[Surah An-Nisaa 4 : 139]

Recently, a brother expressed deep admiration and lauded praises upon a world-renowned celebrity. I brought it to his attention and explained that it is not appropriate for us, as Muslims, to exalt and revere those who are non-Muslims, those who have rejected Allah Ta’ala.

Sadly, this is a weakness common to most of the Muslims today – who are swept away by glamour, name, fame, power, sporting excellence, etc. Often we hear Muslims glorifying actors, actresses, sportsmen and sportswomen, politicians and others. There is even a term which has been coined : Hero-worship.

Let us understand Islam’s view on this matter:

Allah Ta’ala sometimes gives those Kuffaar (disbelievers) and Fussaaq (evil doers) who are famous – whether actors, actresses, musicians, models, politicians, sport stars, etc. – their name, fame, popularity, wealth and worldly power as a reward for some good deeds done.  There are so many of them who publicize their contributions to charitable causes, their voluntary and humanitarian work, their adoption of children from war-torn countries, their efforts to save the planet, save endangered species, and so forth.

Recompense of good deeds will be given in this world only, to those who are non-believers[1]. In the Hereafter there awaits eternal punishment for those who commit the great crime, the high treason, of rejecting belief in Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and they die in that condition.

Mullah ‘Ali Qaari (Rahmatullahi ‘alaih)[2] states that that Muslim who respects and honours those who have Kufr and Shirk in their hearts, is in grave danger of losing his Imaan; of becoming a Murtadd (apostate) ... because this Azmat (respect / honour) is for someone who has no Azmat for Allah Ta’ala.

Reflect on this statement of a great Scholar: The person who respects and honours those who have Kufr and Shirk in their hearts, is in grave danger of losing his Imaan.

It is a fact that people have died in such conditions – uttering the names of their heroes and not having the ability to even take the name of Allah Ta’ala, or read the Kalima, or utter words of Taubah (repentance) - due to their veneration and ‘hero-worship’ of someone who stands as a rebel to Allah Ta’ala.

We should reflect over our obsession, reverence and craze – or that of our children’s - of film-stars, sport-stars and others who have rejected belief in Allah Ta’ala. Sometimes, there are posters of such celebrities in our homes, their photographs on cell-phones, there is huge amounts of money spent to meet them, to take a picture with them, to get a signature from them. Fans dress like them, cut their hair like theirs, and try to emulate them in everything they do. Our daughters go crazy over these sportsmen and actors – Na uzu Billah.

Consider the consequence of our behaviour in the light of the teachings of Mullah ‘Ali Qaari (Rahmatullahi ‘alaih), who was a great Muhaddith of his time. …A warning has been sounded, directing us to make sincere Taubah.

Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur`aan Shareef :

‘O people of Imaan! Do not take My enemies and your enemies as friends, inclining towards them with love. Verily, they have rejected the Truth which has come to you (from your Rabb)…’

[Surah Mumtahina 60 : 1]

Have we not witnessed enough enmity in Bosnia, Kosova, Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world? Those who were considered friends and companions were the first to assault, kill, maim and even rape our Muslim brothers and sisters, for no other reason than that they were and are Believers in Allah Ta’ala. …Have we not still taken any lesson?

Are we so blind in recognizing our enemies? Signs of enmity and hatred are manifest at every turn.

Allah Ta’ala, in His Kindness for us, has made this known to us so that we can adopt measures of protection. Forewarned is forearmed.  …But no, we do not want to take understanding.

“O you who have believed, do not take as intimates those other than yourselves, for they will not spare you [any] ruin. They wish you would have hardship. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater. We have certainly made clear to you the signs, if you will use reason.” 

[Surah Aal-Imraan : 3 : 118]

When it comes to business, one’s neighbours and other related matters, it is permissible to have outward respect for such persons, but there must be no reverence and love in the heart.[3]

When we claim to have love for Allah Ta’ala, how then can we love those who have rejected Him?

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)

---

[1] Non-Believers : Those who do not believe in Allah Ta’ala and His Final Messenger Muhammad (SallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam).

[2]  Mullah Ali Qaari (Rahmatullahi ‘Alaih) was a great and learned Muhaddith who is the author of ‘Mirqaat’, which is the commentary of the famous Hadith Kitaab, ‘Mishkaat’ He is buried in Jannatul Mu`allah, Makkah Mukarramah.

[3] Hazrat Mufti Shafi Saheb (RA) had given a detailed explanation regarding Muslim – Non-Muslim relations which clarifies the issue very effectively.

The Only Super Power

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi 'alayh)

The so-called “Super powers” of this world prove their weakness because they depend on other powers and forces for assistance. They join forces. They require coalitions, alliances, confederations, leagues and unions – which prove their dependency and need.

The Only Super Power is Allah Ta’ala, who is ENTIRELY INDEPENDENT of His Creation. … He is not in need of any of us.

All are dependent on Him and He is Independent of all. He is “As-Samad” (The Independent), “Al-Kabeer” (The Greatest), and “Al-Qadir” (All-Powerful). And Allah Ta’ala’s armies testify to His Infinite Power and Might.

We have witnessed the force and power of earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, gale-force winds, fires and volcanoes. Even rain and snow bring a grinding halt to the running of a country: cars, buses, trains, planes, etc. come to an absolute standstill – and nothing can be done for hours and for days. ...Despite the country being a so called super power, its army, navy, airforce, etc. become ineffective in overcoming the forces of Allah Ta'ala.

What we see of the force and power in nature, are signs of the Power and 

Might of Allah Ta’ala.

In the Knowledge of Allah

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh)

Imam Malik (Rahmatullah ‘alaihi) had great respect and great love for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and Madina Munawwarah. He once wanted to perform Nafl Hajj, but feared that he may die whilst on his journey for Hajj. …It was his deep-hearted desire to die in Madina Shareef.

In a dream, he saw Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and told him of his wish to die in Madina Shareef and he asked Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) as to how long he would live. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) showed his five fingers to Imam Malik (Rahmatullah ‘alaihi).

Not understanding the meaning of this dream, Imam Malik (Rahmatullah ‘alaihi) wrote an anonymous letter to Shaykh Ibn Sireen (Rahmatullah ‘alaihi) who was the renowned and distinguished interpreter of dreams, of the time.

On reading the dream, Shaykh Ibn Sireen (Rahmatullah ‘alaihi) said that only Imam Malik (Rahmatullah ‘alaihi) could have had such a dream and then gave the interpretation, saying that the dream referred to an Ayah (verse) of the Qur`aan Shareef in which five things are mentioned which are in the exclusive knowledge of Allah Ta’ala  alone.

Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur`aan Shareef :

“Verily Allah, with Him (Alone) is the knowledge of the Hour (Qiyaamah), He sends down the rain, and knows that which is in the wombs. No person knows what he will earn tomorrow (the next day), and no person knows in what land he will die. Verily, Allah is All-Knower, All-Aware

(He is acquainted with all things).”

                                                                    [Surah Luqman 31 : 34]

To briefly explain these 5 things as is mentioned in this Ayah (verse): 

THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOUR

Ø  The exact year and time remains unknown to us.

Ø  In the famous Hadeeth-e-Jibraeel, where Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was questioned with regard to Islam, Imaan and Ihsaan, he was also asked : “So inform me about the Hour (i.e. Qiyamah).”

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) replied: “The one who is being questioned is not more knowing than the one asking the question.” (meaning : neither do I know nor do you know.)

Ø  Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) conveyed many signs, which indicate to the proximity of the last day. These signs have been categorized as minor signs and major signs. All the minor signs have come to pass. Soon to follow are the major signs of Hazrat Mahdi, Dajjaal, the descension of Hazrat Eesa (‘alaihis Salaam), etc.

______________

HE SENDS DOWN THE RAIN

Ø  Weather bureaus predict rainfall. However, this is EXPECTED rainfall.

Allah Ta’ala does not talk about expected rain, but refers to the absolute and complete details of rain :

¨      The exact and precise time when the rainfall will commence.

¨      The exact details of the land, city or farm which will receive this rain.

¨      How much of rain is going to fall i.e. the exact amount.

¨    Whether the rain will be beneficial or destructive. …If we had such detailed knowledge, we would be able to prepare ourselves for floods and damage.

Ø  All the scientific instruments of the world cannot give us such details.

______________

AND HE KNOWS THAT WHICH IS IN THE WOMBS

Ø  Whether that child will be born or whether the mother to be will miscarry.

Ø  The most science can do is inform one as to whether the child will be a boy or girl and this too is not always 100%. Even if they advance to the level of 100 % certainty, then too, they cannot predict details such as :

v  The life span of the child and the sustenance that he / she will receive.

v  Whether the child will be black or white, whether the child will live a life of health or a life of ill health. Whether the child will be a doctor, Aalim, teacher, etc.

v  Whether the child will be a blessing for the parents or a curse.

______________

NO PERSON KNOWS WHAT HE WILL EARN TOMORROW

Ø  The detailed knowledge of exactly what a person will be able to do.

Ø  All we can do is plan. However, we should not trust in those plans. Anything can happen: an accident, death, war, revolution, etc. which then changes those plans. …All plans are subject to Allah Ta’ala’s confirmation.

Ø  This part of the Ayah (verse) also refers to wealth, i.e. exactly how much money a person will earn for that day.

______________

AND NO PERSON KNOWS IN WHAT LAND HE WILL DIE

Ø  Hazrat Sulaiman (‘alaihis Salaam) was given the Kingdom of the world and was given the power and control to rule over everything, even the winds and the animals.

A simple man was once in the presence of Hazrat Sulaiman (‘alaihis Salaam), when a stranger came before him. The stranger stared at the person in such a manner that he was overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. He quickly requested Hazrat Sulaiman (‘alaihis Salaam), to send him to a distant land.

Hazrat Sulaiman (‘alaihis Salaam) commanded the wind to take the man where he wanted to go.

The following day Hazrat Sulaiman (‘alaihis Salaam) met the stranger who was Hazrat Izra’eel^[1] (‘alaihis Salaam), and asked him as to why he had created such fear in a Muslim by staring at him. Hazrat Izra’eel (‘alaihis Salaam)  replied that he stared at the man in astonishment since Allah Ta’ala had commanded him to take the man’s soul that very day in a certain distant land and yet, he was in the Court of Hazrat Sulaiman (‘alaihis Salaam). However, when he reached India, he found him there and took his soul at the appointed time.

Ø  Many people remained all their lives in Madina Shareef or Makkah Shareef. Just before their death, they travel to some other land where they pass away and are buried. And many people reside elsewhere, and Allah Ta’ala creates those means whereby they reach Makkah Mukarramah or Madina Munawwarah, pass away and are buried there.

May Allah Ta’ala give us the understanding and acceptance of Allah Ta’ala’s Decree. Acceptance will create calm and peace in this journey of life. Otherwise, there is restlessness, apprehension, anxiety and worry on what is beyond a person’s knowledge and capacity.

So many debate and argue the knowledge of the Hour, whereas it is Allah Ta’ala’s secret. How many non-Muslims have given away all their belongings, etc. believing that the world will come to an end of a certain day, whereas that day came and went, and everything continued on, as usual. 

So many visit fortune tellers and others, seeking predictions of their futures, whether they will marry, have children, become rich, enjoy good health, etc. – Na-uzu Billah[2]. Reading palms, looking into crystal balls, reading tarot cards, etc. are all grave and serious sins and are Haraam. There is no one who can disclose these details to us because this is in the knowledge of Allah Ta’ala.

Others choose a graveyard or cemetery, where they wish to be buried, and they purchase their graves – but it is not necessary that this will be the place of their burial. It may be a foreign land, it may even be the sea, or in some other way, whereby, they may not be a burial at all.

---

[1] Hazrat Izraeel (alaihis Salaam) : The Angel of Death

[2] We seek Allah Ta’ala’s Protection

Futile Arguments

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

FUTILE ARGUMENTS

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullah alayh)

 

It seems as if everyone has something to argue about these days. Arguing is a waste of precious time and a diversion of shaytaan, from carrying out good deeds or rendering services to Deen.

 

We do not have to worry about arguing with every other person. We have got no time to argue with people. Only that person will go around arguing with people who has got the time. …He has got the time to waste, therefore he will go around arguing.

 

One person went to the barber and said : “I have got black and white hair. So just take out all the white hair.” The barber shaved off all his hair, placed it in front of the man and said: “Now you can pick out all the white strands. I do not have the time for that.”

 

The person whose heart is connected with Allah Ta’ala does not have the time for arguments, for fights, for unnecessary quarrels and for wasting time over useless, futile activities.

 

“That person whose eye is on where the orders are coming, will not waste his time going and fighting with everybody.”

 

One person wrote a lengthy letter to me. He mentioned, amongst other things: “Maulana, you and all your blind followers who attend your programmes…” – have got this weakness, this weakness, this weakness.”

 

I gave the reply: “Jazakallah for informing us of some of our weaknesses. There are many more which Allah Ta’ala has concealed. I make Shukr to Allah Ta’ala that He did not reveal all our weaknesses. Please do keep me informed when you notice more weaknesses, and make Dua that Allah Ta’ala gives us Hidayat.”

 

That is all. Finished! …What am I going to start arguing about?

 

Futile arguing creates restlessness and darkness in the heart. It opens the door to misguidance. It leads a person away from Siratul Mustaqeem (the straight path). Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) cautioned us: “No people will go astray after having being guided except that they become argumentative.”[1]

 

We should not waste time over pettiness. We do not have the time for that. There will always be enemies; there will always be jealousy; there will always be malice. …There will be those who cannot see or stomach the progress of certain people and who will want to create unnecessary trouble and impede the person’s progress. There will also be people who argue because they are ignorant and/or because they do not have the humility to accept what is the truth; what is Deen. Their pride and arrogance leads them to futile arguments and to rejection of Haq. Their hearts constrict when the truth is presented to them. In fact, some will deliberately provoke and incite arguments - seeking attention, to rile others, to create discord and mischief, or because they have nothing else to do.

 

These situations occur. They occurred in the time of Rasullullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wassallam), with the Mushrikeen of Makkah Mukarramah, the Jews and the hypocrites – and will continue. We should take our cue from Rasulullah (Sallaahu 'alayhi wasallam); follow his noble example and conduct ourselves as he did. We should be careful not to get caught up with unnecessary arguments.

 

Amongst the noble qualities of Allah Ta'ala's special servants (Ibaadur Rahmaan) are:

"...And when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace..."

[Surah Al-Furqaan - 25 : 63]

 

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “I guarantee a house in the outskirts of Paradise to the one who forsakes argument even when he is in the right."[2]

 

Allah Ta'ala grant us the Taufeeq of Amal.

---

[1] Tirmidhi

[2] Abu Dawood