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
