Value of Ramadhan

Alhamdulillah, we have been fortunate once again to be present in the month of Ramadhan.

The value of Ramadhan can be truly understood by those who have a connection with Almighty Allah; and due to this connection they are able to feel the effect of their good deeds on their connection with Allah.

The month of Ramadhan is a month of economic boom. Each deed is multiplied in great quantities to give the believers benefit in every sense.

In regards to the month of Ramadhan my respected teacher, Maulana Imran Sahib, mentioned an example which gives us an implication of the value of this month:

The value of Ramadhan is like that of a thirty blank cheques; priceless. The value of this cheque is dependent on the individual who fills the cheque. If the person filling the cheque has any idea as to the value of the cheque then he will surely fill out a great amount.

In the same manner, we have been given a blank cheque which we have been told to fill in on a daily basis. Each day our actions will determine what amount the cheque is to be made of. The greater efforts we make, the greater the amount of the cheque.

In the same manner, my honourable Shaykh, Hadhrat Maulana Adam Sahib mentioned the importance of keeping our actions fruitful by not rendering them void through sinful acts.

Even the smallest of sin can deem our efforts and deeds void. The example of which Hadhrat gave of that person who cooks Biryani (an Indian dish) with great efforts. He puts in all the spices and prepares all the ingredients and mixed everything correctly. However, at the end of all his efforts he places a drop of poison in the food.

This food has now become, despite all of his efforts, useless. It is of no value and benefit to him and can in fact harm him.

We can also look at this theory along with the first example of a blank cheque where a person makes all the efforts and a large sum is entered on the cheque. However, due to his neglect he makes an error on the cheque which now needs countersigning and deems the cheque void.

Therefore, it is of utmost importance that a person takes maximum benefit of this Holy month as to be rewarded with immense generosity. Yet at the same time it is fundamental that sins are avoided so that our efforts are not destroyed.

May Allah give us all the inclination and ability to reap the benefits of this month and may He give us the strength and will power to refrain from sins. Aameen.

The Shadow and the Boat

During a recent conversation I recalled one of the many sayings of my honourable Shaykh, Hadhrat Maulana Adam Sahib حفظه الله.

During our lessons and during many of his Islahi Duroos (lectures of self-rectification) he would highlight the desires of the human and also the true reality of this world.

The world is like a shadow

Hadhrat, on many occasions, has given the example of the world being like a person's shadow which is behind him.

Whilst we walk our shadow follows us, wherever we go, whatever we do that shadow continues to remain behind us. If we decided to run, that shadow would, with the same speed, remain with us also.

In the same manner, if we were to turn around and make the shadow in front of us, wherever we would walk it would remain in front of us, away from our reach. The shadow remains at the same distance away from us; if we run in order to obtain it, the shadow will also move away from us at the same speed.

Hadhrat explains the shadow as being the example of the world; if we run away from it then it will follow us and try to catch up with us but if we were to try and acquire it and attain it then we will forever be in efforts of obtaining it for it will run away from us.

Hadhrat also explained that this is specially the case for the 'Ulamaa as it has been clearly seen in their lives that the world has been brought to their feet while their aim has been to seclude themselves from the world.

The boat in the see like the love for the world

On many occasions Hadhrat has also mentioned the example of the love of this world and its true place within the life of a person.

As long as the water remains outside the boat then its passengers and the boat remain saved. In actual fact, it helps and aids the boat to reach its destination. However, if that same boat was to enter the boat then it would destroy the boat by sinking it.

The example of the world is the same, as long as it remains outside the heart then the person remains safe. In actual fact, the world is a means for a man's success in the hereafter. However, if the love of the world enters the heart then it destroys the person's life in this world and the Hereafter.


May Allah سبحانه و تعالى give us all the guidance and understanding on His religion so that we are able to make the Hereafter our primary aim and the world a measns to acquire this. Aameen.

Make your Food Salaah

Whilst is Darul Uloom we came across a Hadith which stated along the lines that if Salaah time due and a person was hungry then he should eat first and the same for a person who needed to relieve himself from the call of nature.

The Hadith was explained in some detail whilst the conclusion was that you should not make your Salaah your food.

Meaning that a hungry person who is offering Salaah would make his Salaah his food by constantly thinking of eating and awaiting the end of the Salaah so he could fulfil his need to eat. Therefore, his entire Salaah would primarily be without concentration and his attention would have been on food.

However, some after graduating, whilst in the company of my respected teacher, Maulana Imran Sahib, this Hadith was brought up and Maulana Imran Sahib gave me an explanation, whilst quoting someone, which shows another perspective and the true purpose of this Hadith.

He said:

'Do not make your Salaah food but instead make your food Salaah'

This was in response to those people who take this Hadith to avoid offering Salaah whilst they are hungry and hence giving food preference and priority.

Indeed our Salaah should not be an opportunity to think of our meal and need to eat but at the same time when we are asked to eat it should be such that our food should become Salaah...

With every morsel that we take our attention and concern should be of Salaah and therefore our food becomes Salaah.

This Hadith has been stated for those people who are extremely hungry and cannot wait any longer, or that waiting will cause distractions within their Salaah. However, whilst resolving to eat first, one should eat enough to suffice him to offer Salaah.

Therefore, in such cases one's food should become his Salaah and not vice versa.

Be Distinguised and Unique

Yesterday my honourable Shaykh, Hadhrat Maulana Adam Sahib حفظه الله. called all the 'graduates' to impart some advice to us.

These meetings are at times frequent and they are nothing but an honour for me as they provide me with not just mere guidance but an insight of my honourable Shaykh's spirituality, mercy and consideration for his students and those who wish to benefit from him.

On this occasion the meeting was short as there was a period of thirty minutes before the Adhan of Eisha Salaah.

Amongst many advices, which were directed and particular for the 'graduates' there was one important advice, which despite being general, is one that can completely change the life of an individual with knowledge.

My honourable Shaykh Hadhrat Maulana Adam Sahib حفظه الله. reiterated the following phrase on several occasions to highlight its importance:

تمہاری ‍زندگی ایک ممتاز ‍زندگی ہوني چاہۓ

Your lifestyle should be a distinguished and unique lifestyle

This sentence seems to be very self explanatory, especially when it is being directed to 'Ulamaa and graduates. It indicates that those for have graduated as 'Ulamaa should have a lifestyle which is not that of the ordinary layman. It should be a lifestyle which in itself sets an example for others to follow.

However, if we ponder of these words and think of it on a wider scale then we can implement this advice on each individual.

Primarily, those with Islamic knowledge end education should stand out from those who are less privileged in this area. The knowledge of this group of people should be reflected in their action and therefore be a cause of encouragement for others to follow in these steps and also implement these in their own lives.

On an even wider scale, those who have accepted Islam should have a distinguished lifestyle from those who have not accepted this Islam. Our religion should be highlighted and taught primarily through our actions and thereafter supplemented with our words.

Our actions, habits, manners and etiquettes should be the primary form of invitation to Islam, its knowledge and its adoption within our lifestyles.

I can recall during our days at the Darul Uloom, Hadhrat حفظه الله would ask us to implement the knowledge we taught at the time we acquired it. He would warn us that the knowledge we acquired was a gift from Allah سبحانه و تعالى and should not be taken for granted.

At the same time, a parent who has sent his child to the Darul Uloom should be able to distinguish and compare the etiquettes of one son who is in the Darul Uloom against another who has taken the path towards secular education. If there is no difference between the two then there is a fault within our implementation and understanding of this 'knowledge'.

In conclusion, it is vital for each person to be an example to the onlooker. Our actions should be the cause of someone's guidance and not their misguidance. In the same manner, those are in a position of leadership or high status they should implement actions which guide and encourage others towards the right path and not be a deterrent to bring the servants of Allah onto His chosen Path.

May Allah سبحانه و تعالى give us all the guidance and understanding on His religion so that we are able to primarily implement it within our lifestyles and thereafter, by doing so, making it a means of others being guided to the chosen Path of Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Aameen.

4th Ramadhan 1429

Hadith 2
كَانَ النَّبيُّ صَلّى اللهُ عليه و سلم يُعْجِبُهُ الْحَلْوَاءُ و الْعَسَلُ

Hadhrat Aishah رضي الله عنها mentions this Hadith which means:

‘The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم was fond of sweet dishes and honey'

Imam Bukhari رحمه الله has a specific chapter in his Sahih, al-Bukhari, by the name of باب الدواء بالعسل (chapter of seeking medication with honey). And as is the case of all the chapters, he begins the chapter with a relevant verse from the Qur’an:

فِيهِ شِفَاءٌ لِلنَّاسِ

'Within it (honey) is a cure for mankind'

[Surah Nahl:69]

This is just a part of the sixty-ninth verse of the Surah. The name of the Surah is Nahl which means a bee. In the previous verse Allah states:

وَأَوْحَى رَبُّكَ إِلَى النَّحْلِ

'And your Lord inspired the bee'

[Surah Nahl:68]

The verse states the word وحي which is used for revelation as well as to inspire and many other meanings. It is as though the bee also talks and converses with Allah سبحانه و تعالى.

Insha Allah we will continue from here tomorrow as it is Thursday and there is also the collection for the Masjid to take place.

These are just a few words we mentioned as an excuse to present to Allah in order to beg from Him. You may have seen in third world countries such as India and Pakistan that there are beggars on the street doing many different things to attract the attention of the passersby. Some take glasses in the hand and clank them together whilst reciting some poetry; in reality they are not poets and neither is their poetry of any value. However, this is just an excuse to get present from the passerby, after which they say, for the sake of Allah give us something.

In the same manner we are also beggars who say a few words in front of Allah to acquire His attention and after which we beg Allah to accept a few words and forgive us. If the people of the world will give to a beggar then won’t Allah سبحانه و تعالى grant these beggars anything? Of course He will through His infinite mercy.

I end my talk with this and advice everyone to increase their recitation of Durood, especially tonight as it is the night of Thursday and this has been encouraged. A very beautiful Durood that we should include is:

اللّهُمَّ صَلِّي عَلَى نَبِيِّ الرَّحْمَة

'O Allah, send salutations and blessings upon the Prophet of mercy'

May Allah accept all that has been said and heard. Aameen.

3rd Ramadhan 1429

Hadith 1
مَا أنْزَلَ الله دَاءً إلاَّ أنْزَلَ لَهُ شِفَاءً

For the past couple of days we have been discussing the above Hadith in which our Nabi صلى الله عليه و سلم clearly states that there is no illness without a cure. I have explained various different issues on this Hadith during the past couple of days.

This Hadith and many of its kind make it known to us that seeking treatment for any disease is not opposing the idea of Tawakkul (concrete trust in Allah). Some people become extreme in Sufism (spiritualism) and have a make-up belief that seeking treatment denotes that a man does not have trust in Allah and therefore had to resort to medication. This is a completely wrong notion and should be avoided.

It is necessary to always remain in the boundaries of Shari’ah; and to seek medication in within the boundaries of Shari’ah as well as Tawakkul. Even within the seeking of treatment there is the element of Tawakkul; if Allah wishes then this treatment will benefit and cure me and if Allah does not wish it then there is no possibility of recovery from any ailment.

Another simple example to explain Tawakkul is the matter of eating and drinking; when we feel hungry we eat and when we feel thirst we drink; neither of these activities defies or contradicts our trust in Allah. These are just means which even our beloved صلى الله عليه و سلم took aid of.

These means were used by our Nabi صلى الله عليه و سلم in order to educate the Ummah. On the occasion of Hijrah (migration) our Nabi صلى الله عليه و سلم took refuge in the cave whilst hiding from the enemies; this was also a means of safety which the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم took aid of.

The same applies to working; a person struggles to earn a Halal (permissible) livelihood to sustain himself and his family. This is not only a means but is also a necessity upon each person.

The scholars have stated that to seek treatment from minor and major illnesses and Mustahab (encourage) and Mandoob (recommended). The person who seeks treatment for any illness or disease, with the right intention, will be rewarded.

Imam Shafi’ee and Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal رحمهم الله have declared the seeking of treatment as Wajib (obligatory) for the simple reason that this body and soul is the property and Amaanah (belonging) of Allah; and no individual has the right to mistreat or neglect his body or soul. It is for this reason that suicide has also been made Haraam (forbidden) and its punishment is so severe that the person will continue to injure himself in the manner which he committed suicide. So if a person was to kill him self by drinking poison then he will continue to drink poison until the day of judgement and if a person was to commit suicide by stabbing himself then he will continue to, and experience the pain of, stabbing himself until he is resurrected. May Allah save us all. Aameen.

Therefore, true Tawakkul is to place your trust in Allah after having made all the arrangements and effort from your own self.

On the topic of Tawakkul I recall an incident which took place; a scholar once came to a town and gave a speech on Tawakkul to such an extent that one of the listeners was inspired by his speech. He therefore went into seclusion to submit himself to Allah whilst having complete trust in Him. However, his trust was flawed from the beginning as he chose to seclude himself in such an area where there was a well and shade of trees; a place where people would frequent and have picnics. Nevertheless, he sat there began his ‘Tawakkul’. After some time a person came and took out his lunch; seeing the person staring at him he was irritated and therefore took his food and walked away. After some while another person came who did the same thing; seeing that this man was staring at him he quickly ate his food and went away.

Now it was starting to get late and another person came have his food where this person had decided to sit. When this third person sat down to eat the man who was observing Tawakkul decided to do something as he knew there was no possibility of someone coming after this; therefore he started coughing and clearing his throat. The person who was eating saw this said, come and eat if you must but stop coughing, to which the person jumped at the chance.

After this incident, the person went back to the scholar and told him, ‘the talk you did on Tawakkul was very inspiring, but you forgot one thing, it should be توكل مع تنحنح (Trust in Allah with the aid of coughing).

As a poet rightfully says:

لَيْسَ لِلإنْسَانِ إِلا مَا سَعَى كو ياد ركہ
كر توّكل پهر تيري تدبير ہي تيري تقدير ہے

'And remember the verse, for man is only that for which he strives,
then striving will be your regarded as your fate'

So my respected brothers, this is not the name of Tawakkul and its reality is far from this. We should therefore take aid from the words of the Qur’an and treat ourselves with it. In fact, if there is no fear of Fitnah (sinning and immorality) and we cannot find a person of the same gender to treat us then we can acquire treatment from the opposite gender. But this is if there is no fear of Fitnah, which is usually the case as a person is worried about his health, life and treatment. This is for the sole reason that the aim is to save your life.

In summary, it should be understood that there is no harm in seeking treatment for any disease. Moreover, the treatment should be commenced early and from the beginning of the treatment we should have hope in Allah keep our attention towards him by continuously reciting Tasbeeh, the first Kalimah etc.

Furthermore, if there is a bodily pain or illness then our Nabi صلى الله عليه و سلم has also given us a method and Du’a to recite:

1. First of all the right hand should be taken and placed on the area where there is pain.

2. Thereafter, بسم الله (Bismillah) should be recited three times.

It should be only بسم الله and not the complete بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم. It should be remembered that whatever words our Nabi صلى الله عليه و سلم has used it is those words we must also use. On one occasion our Nabi صلى الله عليه و سلم taught a Sahabi رضي الله عنه a Du’a in which the Sahabi رضي الله عنه replaced the word نبي with رسول, which is not a major change as our Nabi صلى الله عليه و سلم has both of these statuses. However, our Nabi صلى الله عليه و سلم refused the Sahabi رضي الله عنه from doing this and to use his exact words.

Therefore, the amount should be the same and also the words should be that as instructed.

3. Then finally the following Du’a should be recited seven times:

أعُوْذُ بِعِزَّةِ اللهِ وَ قُدْرَتِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا أجِدُ وَ حَاضِرُ

“I seek refuge in the status of Allah and in His power from that evil which I am experiencing and that which is present”

Whilst reciting this Du’a one should keep a count with his right hand which he has placed over the concerned area.

It should be noted that this Du’a should be commenced from the day one fears an illness or feels a pain. This is what turning our attention to Allah means. Thereafter, let the x-rays and operations take place but remember to pray this Du’a continuously. Insha Allah it will be of great benefit.

May Allah give us all Shifaa (cure from diseases). Aameen.

Some may say, ‘why are you scared?’ We all have to return to Allah one day or another and the pious one is he who awaits the meeting of Allah. But it should be remembered that this eagerness to meet Allah is created by Allah alone; and a servant is granted this eagerness prior to his death, either hours before, days before or months before. But it is not something that is granted to a servant a long time before his death.

May Allah give us all the understanding. Aameen.

2nd Ramadhan 1429

Hadith 1
مَا أنْزَلَ الله دَاءً إلاَّ أنْزَلَ لَهُ شِفَاءً

Continuing with yesterday’s Hadith, it is important to note what the Muhadditheen say in regards to this Hadith. The scholars have clearly mentioned that, like all other things in this world, it is necessary to search for this cure and شفاء in order to acquire it. It is a different matter that some a blessed with a cure whilst others are note. We have seen this on many occasions where two people have the same disease and take the same medication; whilst one is cured the other remains uncured, this is the wisdom of Allah.

May Allah save us all from the trials and difficulties of illnesses and diseases and may He give us Sabr (perseverance) if any illness is written for us. Aameen.

It has come in other Ahadeeth to the meaning that the seeking of a cure and remedy for one’s disease and illness is Mustahab and even Sunnah. Therefore, one should not remain negligent in seeking a remedy for his illness.

Hafidh Ibn Hajar states in his famous commentary of Saheeh Bukhari, Fathul Bari, that undertaking medication does not necessitate that the person becomes healthy regardless of whether the remedy was stated by our beloved Nabi صلى الله عليه و سلم; only what Allah سبحانه و تعالى has decreed will take place.

Hadhat Jabir رضي الله عنه has also known to have a narration with the words باذن الله (with the will of Allah) stated within the Hadeeth. Therefore, the ailment will be cured only through the will of Allah.

This is similar to that statement of Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رحمه الله when he said قم باذن الله.

The episode takes place when a child enrols at the Madrasah of the Shaikh and an old women comes to visit him. She sees the child eating Daal (curry) and dried Roti (chapatti) and saw that he has become thin. She then approaches the Shaikh only to see that he is eating barbequed chicken.

I mentioned this term barbeque; this term did not exist in the earlier errors but its reality and existence is even in the Qur’an. In the twelfth Juz Allah states whilst relating the story of Hadhrat Ibrahim عليه السلام:

وَ لَقَدْ جَآءَتْ رُسُلُنَآ اِبْرَاهِيْمَ بِالْبُشْرِے قَالُوْا سَلاَمًا.
قَالَ سَلمٌ فَمَا لَبِثَ اَنْ جَآءَ بِعِجْلٍ حَنِيْذٍ

“And indeed Our Messengers (angels) came to Ibrahim (عليه السلام) with the glad tidings; they said, Peace! He replied, Peace; and made no delay in bringing a roasted calf.”

[هود - 11:69]

When the angels refused to eat Hadhrat Ibrahim عليه السلام became worried, as in those days if a stranger cam to cause you harm he would not eat from your house; in today’s time people continue eating from you and causing you harm. Nevertheless, the angels informed Ibrahim عليه السلام not to fear them as they did not eat due to being angels.

To continue from where we left; the old women upon seeing the two contrasting situations she asks the Shaikh of when her child would be able to eat chicken like the Shaikh as he has become weak. Upon hearing this statement the Shaikh said قم باذن الله, stand with the will of Allah, to the remains of the chicken. It was at that very moment, with the will of Allah, the remains of the chicken reconstructed and became a chicken once more. The Shaikh then continued by saying, when your son is able to reach this rank then he shall have his fair share of chicken; upon seeing this the old women left.

Time is coming to an end, let me finish by saying that when the King keeps you in his service then don’t boast about being in service to the King; instead show gratitude towards the King for keeping you in his service. The same is with Allah, if we are in His service let us show gratitude towards Him.

May Allah accept our efforts and the time we have spent listening (reading) His words. Aameen