ummtaalib

Did you write it or did you copy it from wlsewher? Brother its important that we source all posts so they can be checked (specially when Qur'anic verses are sited becuase we need to be sure of the translation which is being used. Jazakallah

Assalaamu 'alaykum could you please mention the source of this article? It woulk be appreciated. Jazaakallah

What is pride? Hadrat Abdullah bin Masood (ra) states that Rasulullah (saw) is reported to have said, “A person that possesses an atom of pride in his heart will not enter Jannat.” A person (that was present in the gathering) said, “Verily a man likes good clothing and shoes?” Rasulullah (saw) replied, “Verily Allah is beautiful and loves beauty, Pride is to reject or disregard the truth and belittle people” (Muslim Sharif). Pride generally exists in Deeni matters and worldly matters. A person has pride over material possessions (such as cars, homes, furniture etc.) that one has acquired. An Alim that is serving the Deen of Allah can also be a victim of pride due to the flowery lectures that he delivers and the beautiful manner in which he recites the Quraan-e-Kareem. If an Alim does not attach any value to himself in spite of being a great personality, it is a great achievement. Similarly a person that worships Allah, obeys the commands of Allah yet he regards himself as nothing then such a person is also treading the correct path. The moment a person develops pride, he stoops to the lowest level to such an extent that he will be deprived of the fragrance of Jannat which can be sensed from a distance of five hundred years. The worse form of pride is when a person does not have any reason to have pride, yet he is a proud and boastful. INCEPTION OF THE HUMAN BEING! Allah states in the Quraan sharif, هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِكُمْ إِذْ أَنشَأَكُم مِّنَ الْأَرْضِ وَإِذْ أَنتُمْ أَجِنَّةٌ فِي بُطُونِ أُمَّهَاتِكُمْ Allah was best aware of you when he created you from the earth and when you were foetuses in the wombs of your mother. Whilst the child is in the womb of the mother, its nourishment is the mother’s monthly menstruation cycles. When the child is born it is unable to eat, drink, walk, talk, etc. In another verse of the Quraan Sharif Allah states, وَاللّهُ أَخْرَجَكُم مِّن بُطُونِ أُمَّهَاتِكُمْ لاَ تَعْلَمُونَ شَيْئًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْسَّمْعَ وَالأَبْصَارَ وَالأَفْئِدَةَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ Allah Y had removed you from the wombs of your mother when you knew nothing (as little babies), he blessed you with ears, eyes and hearts so that you may be grateful. When this was the condition of man prior to his existence and immediately after coming into the world, how can a person ever have pride? THE INCIDENT OF AYAAZ Ayaaz was the favourite minister of the mighty king Mahmood Ghaznawi (ra) as a result of the special qualities that he had possessed. Due to the special affection which Mahmmod Ghaznawi (ra) had shown towards Ayaaz, the ministers and courtiers had developed jealously towards Ayaaz. On one occasion the ministers came to the king and informed him that Ayaaz was stealing from the royal treasury. The king immediately responded by saying that it is not possible. The ministers then explained that he opens the safe at two o’ clock in the morning which indicates that he was stealing. The ministers had set a trap and in the latter portion of the night as per routine, Ayaaz opened the safe which contained the royal treasury. The ministers then decided to observe Ayaaz whilst he was in the volts. He had a set of old clothing kept in the volts which he used to wear previously. He would remove the robe that he was wearing, adorn his old clothing and address himself by saying, “Oh Ayaaz! Don’t forget your past.” (Your current position should not cause pride to develop in your heart) THE ADVICE OF A DOG A pious person was once proceeding for the Jumuah Salaah and he had come to a narrow bridge which he had to cross. On the opposite side of the bridge was a dog which had also intended to cross the bridge. The pious person was wearing a clean kurta as he had prepared for the Jumuah Salaah. He indicated to the dog that it should take an alternate route to reach the opposite side as he is unable to take that route as it was muddy and feared that his clothing will be messed. Allah Y had blessed the dog with speech. He addressed the pious person and said, “You should use the alternate route and I will cross over the bridge. By taking the alternate route your clothing may be soiled, which may be washed and cleansed. On the other hand if you cross over the bridge pride will enter your heart which the waters of the seven oceans will be unable to purify and cleanse.” Thereafter the dog told the pious person “I have advised you in this regard as you had shown kindness to my puppies a few days ago when they were shivering in the cold.” From the above incident, it is quite clear that one should not even look down upon a dog. PROBLEMS IN SOCIETY Hadrat Maulana Abdul Hamid Saheb (db) explains that various social problems, domestic problems that exist in our communities are as a result of pride. Due to pride people mock at others, jeer at others look down upon others etc. which result in various problems. In the Hadith Rasulullah (saw) is reported to have said, “Whosoever humbles himself for the pleasure of Allah then Allah will elevate the status of such a person.” (This means that people will respect and honour such person that has humility). On the contrary Allah will humiliate a person that has pride. The Mashaaikh of Tasawwuf have stated that a person should totally annihilate himself. A person should address himself daily by saying, “Currently you are the worst amongst all the Muslims and in regards to future you are worse than the Kuffar and animals as well.” It is possible that a Kaafir may be blessed with Imaan before leaving the world and enters Jannat whereas we could be deprived of Imaan. If one is deprived of Imaan then such a person will be in Jahannam forever yet an animal will be protected from such a punishment, as animals will be turned into dust therefore one should regard himself worse than an animal. Hadrat Maulana Abdul Hamid Saheb (db) advices that every person should repeat these words daily even though the reality of these words have not yet entered the heart. A KAAFIR COULD DIE UPON IMAAN Sheikhul-Hind (ra) narrates an incident that a Hindu had passed away. He had dreamt of the Hindu in Jannat so he asked him, “How did you enter Jannat as you were a Hindu?” The Hindu replied, “I was made to recite that which was previously impermissible for me to recite” (i.e. the Kalimah). Hadrat Thanwi (ra) used to say, “If Allah grants me such a place in Jannat where the dwellers of Jannat place their shoes, I will regard this as a great treasure. Further, Hadrat Thanwi (ra) used to say that I’m not even worthy of this position but may Allah shower his mercy upon me! This was the humility of a great personality who had many Mureeds (disciples), an author of many Kitaabs and a saint of his time. This should serve an example for us to emulate. All our pious predecessors were constantly concerned about themselves that pride should not creep into them. SHEIKH AHMAD RIFAA’EE (R.A) The respected Sheikh went to the blessed grave of Rasulullah r and made Salaam to Rasulullah (saw). Rasulullah (saw) replied to his greeting audibly and thereafter the blessed hands of Rasulullah (saw) emerged. Thus the Sheikh had the honour of touching the blessed hands of Rasulullah (saw). This incident was witnessed by approximately seven thousand people. Immediately thereafter the Sheikh lay flat on the ground allowing all the observers to trample over him, indicating that he was no great person but a humble servant. Hadrat Maulana Abdul Hamid Saheb (db) explains that if we are given an opportunity to see Rasulullah (ra) in our dream, then pride will immediately creep into us and we regard ourselves as people that have reached lofty ranks. If someone has to praise us, we forget all our faults and consider ourselves worthy of such praises. Hadrat Maulana Abdul Hamid Saheb (db) explains this by means of an example. A person had a horse which had caused inconvenience to its owner for twenty years. The owner was extremely frustrated, so he took the animal to the auctioneer. When the auctioneer began praising the animal the owner requested the auctioneer to return his horse as he no longer wished to sell the horse. The auctioneer asked the owner, “Have you forgotten the twenty years of inconvenience due to a few praises?” Similarly, we forget our history and regard ourselves as saints when praised by people. Hadrat Maulana explains that if the praises and criticism of people have an effect on us, then this is a clear indication that we are flag bearers of pride. However, if praises and criticism do not affect us then we are treading the correct path. May Allah purify us from all spiritual maladies, specifically the killer disease of pride. Ameen! KHANQAH ASHRAFIA ISLAMIA

Wa'alaykumus salaam Insha Allah this formula will be useful to help those in difficulties

QUESTION> Can a woman give bay’a (allegiance) in the spiritual way with a male Shaykh/scholar? How? What are the limits? How does the communication take place between the Shaykh and the female murid? My inclination is that communication should be through me. Please could you provide details in the various aspects? <ANSWER> In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, It is perfectly permissible for women to take the oath of allegiance (bay’a) with a shaykh, for this has been explicitly proven in the Qur’an. Allah Most High says: “O Prophet! When believing women come to you to take the oath of allegiance to you, that they will not associate in worship any other thing whatever with Allah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit adultery (or fornication), that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forgoing falsehood and that they will not disobey you in any just matter-then take their allegiance, and pray to Allah for their forgiveness, for Allah is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah al-Mumtahinah, v. 12) However, the following points need to be taken into consideration: 1) The Bay’a must not be carried out with holding the hands of the Shaykh, for that is decisively unlawful (haram). The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) also took the oath of allegiance from women (as mentioned in the above verse), but it was done verbally, and not by holding the hands. Sayyida A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) says with regards to the women giving their Bay’a to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace): “Whosoever (from among the women) agreed to comply with the conditions stipulated in the allegiance, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) would say to her: “Verily I have taken your allegiance” (qad baya’tuki). It was only said verbally, and by Allah, the Messenger of Allah’s hand never touched the hand of any woman whilst taking the oath of allegiance.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 2564) Sayyida A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) also narrates: “A women extended her hand from behind a curtain to hand a piece of paper to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace). The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) pulled his hands back and said: “I am unaware if this is a man’s hand or a women’s hand.” A’isha said that it was a women’s hand. (Sunan Abu Dawud) There are many other narrations of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) indicating that he never held the hands of any women, despite his status as a Prophet. The Bay’a was taken either without holding the hand or with a cloth tied around it. He explicitly informed the women when they extended their hands to him that he did not shake hands with women. (See Muhammad Ibn Sa’d, The Women in Madina, Chapter One: The manner in which the Messenger of Allah received women’s allegiance) 2) The Shaykh with whom one is giving her allegiance must be a genuine Shaykh, in that he must have reached a level of piety and Taqwa, and he himself was trained by a similar Shaykh. This aspect is more important to consider when a woman is giving her allegiance, for at times, not giving this due consideration can bring about horrendous consequences. 3) As far as the interaction with the Shaykh is concerned, this is permissible, for it will be considered to be formal and due to need. A female may seek advice from her Shaykh by speaking to him, wring a letter or any other way provided the rules of Hijab are fully observed. Non observance of the laws of Hijab or being casual is impermissible even with one’s shaykh, for Shaytan is ever ready to launch his attack on the weakest instinct of the human race which is the sexual instinct. If the husband feels that his wife’s communication with her Shaykh should be through him or at least with his knowledge and permission, then this is his right, and the wife should adhere to his wish. At times, this may be more advisable, especially if the Shaykh is relatively young. In conclusion, a female may give her Bay’a to a shaykh provided the shaykh is a genuine shaykh, and the rules and regulations of Hijab are fully observed. And Allah Knows Best [Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam Darul Iftaa Leicester , UK http://www.daruliftaa.com/question.asp? ... q-05185785

PART 4

PART 3

PART 2

Q. I need some advice. I know for a fact that a woman is not allowed to use perfume before going out of her home. But some women use deodorants profusely & claim that it is not the same as perfume. Can you kindly clarify? (Query published as received) A. It is not permissible for a female to emerge from her home with fragrance emanating from her. Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “When a woman emerges from her home to go to the Musjid, she should rid herself of fragrance like how she rids herself of impurities”(Sunan an-Nasai #: 5127) Thus, whether it a deoderant or perfume, she should ensure that no fragrance eminates from her. The deoderant should be used for its intended purpose, to prevent any unpleasant odour. It should not be used to give off a fragrance. And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)

Solely on His Mercy do I depend What else is there as my defence?

“At the start of the year, we need to keep in mind that one more year of our lives has gone. If our actions were evil, and we were treading the path to Jahannam, we have now come one year closer to it. And if we were in search of Jannah then we now have one year less to reach that goal. In brief, the end of the year means the end of a year of our lives. An Arabic poet says, The passing of days please a person, But this passing(in reality) is the passing of his life. We need to always value each and every second of our lives, as we may not be live to see the 1st of Muharram next year; in fact we may not live to see the next moment. This is what Imam Bukhārī rahimahullāh highlighted in the following couplets” Value the reward of Salāh whilst you have the time to do so, For it is possible that your death is sudden. I have seen many healthy people without any form of illness Whose healthy soul departed suddenly. Courtesy of In Shaykh's Company: a blog maintained by the students of Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah www.shaykh.org

An Innocent Girl, An Innocent Dove An innocent girl, like an innocent dove I was, I had never felt even a simple nicotine buzz. A high school girl, friends and homework were my past time, I never thought I would have the substance to write out this rhyme. I had met who I thought was a nice guy and this all started on that day, little I knew that it was my innocence he wanted to slay. He just kept looking at me from afar with a smirk on his face, he kept smiling, this is a past I want to erase. He came over and innocently said "Hi", I was stupid to respond, now how I wish I had just said "Get lost, BYE!" He told me he had never seen another girl as beautiful as me before, he told me he really liked me, I was stupid to believe it but he was just keeping score. "When I get upset, my dear, I just think about you, in my worst times girl its your thoughts that get me through." He told me such things that made me want to melt, if only you could feel now how on that day I had felt. He then touched my hand and said it was an accident, he kept on smiling and giving me compliment after compliment. He was buying and by this time I was totally sold, he asked my number and I gave it, how could I have been so bold? By that evening he had already sent me a text, "Was thinking of you...good night, I need to rest." The next day the text was followed by a phone call, "Hey girl, do you want to come see me play basketball?" I denied his request, but it was just a test, he only wanted to see how easy I was, what happened next though was a mess. What happened next was just a mess because we went crazy with the texts. Day and night, night and day, it was like a cat and mouse game we would play. Shamefully I got so free with him, I told him my body shape because he would joke I was so slim. Naturally we ended up taking the next step by going to watch a movie with Johnny Depp. He bought me popcorn and some tangy candy, gave me a card with some lyrics written on it from a song by Brandy. I thought it was so sweet and romantic, the feelings of marriage, but in reality it was just meaningless antics. And what I truly wanted, I wanted to feel like a wife, I wanted to feel we emotionally bonded. Now he put his arm around me and it was fine, it was okay now because with each other we had spent so much time. Now we were a proper couple, but this only started more trouble. We wanted to go somewhere private, his exact words were, "To change the climate." We planned to get hotel room, I was nervous and hesitant, but he was over the moon. I lied to my rents about my date, I told them my friend was getting married and for a few hours we were going to celebrate. I became such an expert at telling my parents lies, I know I will regret this when I will have to tell them my last goodbyes. We went to the hotel, he picked me up, all seemed fine all was well. As soon as we got in he hugged me up so fast, he was in a rush, I wanted this moment to last. He quickly removed his clothes and wanted me to remove mine, I dont even want to say what happened in the next line. I ran to the bathroom, embarrassed, ashamed, what happened to me? How did I go so far off, I just wanted him gone and to let me be. There was something in my heart that told me not to go on, not to give in anymore, that this was all wrong. I remembered reading a sign, Nikah or Nothing, it was just one line. Now locked in this hotel bathroom that one line made sense, none of these feelings were true, it was all pretense. He was waiting out there for me, like a butcher waiting for the innocent lamb, I wasnt going to be slaughtered, I wasnt going to give in to this terrible man. I got my clothes and let him know, "Listen, this is enough, I have to go." He begged and pleaded and called me a sweet name, I almost gave in, but I knew without nikah it would all be the same. Just fake feelings and distrust, agony, always the doubt he is cheating that I am only the mistress. I couldnt go on, not anymore, knowing that Allah didnt create me for this, He created me for more, I am a Muslim woman, chaste and pure. I had more value to me than what this man used me for, I had more respect than what I was giving myself, and even more. A man should approach my father for my hand, all my life I only knew that to be my marriage plan. A man shouldnt get me to sneak out and talk and do this and that, I shouldnt have to answer him the shameful question about if I am skinny or fat. A man should take me as his responsibility first, he shouldnt be giving me these Bollywood lines rehearsed. I learned my lesson from that day, I thanked Allah that I was saved. After that experience I never gave another guy a chance, I no longer believed in premarital romance. I kept it straight after that, Nikah or Nothing, thats where I am at. I now only believe in Nikah, no eye contact, no smiles, no convos or texts, nothing. Now I am happy I am marrying a pious man, the invitation cards have been sent, I made tawbah from that previous life, from that forbidden relationship I repent. Its Nikah or Nothing, on nikah put your bet, dont do anything premarital, dont do anything you will later in life regret. Allah is watching you always, against His laws dont be a contender, you will die and then answer to Him so just give up now and to His commands yourself surrender.

Let me tell you a sad story, sit down, the story of how my heart broke and I broke down. It was an innocent day in an innocent time when I made eye contact with this pretty little dime, this girl, she was so hot, that she stole my heart right then and there, right on the spot. I swear her eye liner was worse than black magic, what happened to me after was just very tragic. I became a statistic, another caught in the trap and now all I got out of it was this ridiculous rap. But if these few bars can help someone else from stop seeing the stars, the fake illusions of premarital love, save them from having love scars, then its all worth to put it down on this pad, even if it makes me very sad. Her eye liner was worse than black magic, with her red lipstick she wrote all over my heart, but that's nothing compared to what her perfume did to me, and this was just the beginning, only the start. Her red outfit was the cherry on top, she was in high heels I can still hear their "tick tock". I was thrilled over the moon that I got hit with the arrow of cupid, had I only known I was being so stupid. So you know I had to ask her number and take it down and I had to call her right away and ask her to go out on the town. And I definitely had to befriend her on Facebook, how could I deny her when her smile got me so shook? So I told my parents all kinds of ****, that I was going here and there, that I was doing this and that. But in reality I was sneaking out to meet with her, times I now regret and want to forget, times I want to make a blur, So we snuck off to coffee shops and ice cream parlors as on this forbidden love I was spending mad dollars. I dropped 20's and 50's like I was selling crack, I was addicted to that illicit love, what was I thinking where was my mind at? I sent her countless text messages, "Baby I love you", "Hun I love you too" - I wasnt in love, I just simply had the love flu. Going here and there, we were hanging out in seclusion, I had forgotten that death was going to be my conclusion. So here I was kissing up on this girl, she was smelling like a basket of cinnamon cookies with a chocolate swirl. It never occured to me that me and her were never ever alone, and that idea now has my mind blown, that Allah was watching us every time, Allah heard every phone conversation, Allah read every text message line. Allah saw us as we stood in that movie line, Allah was there in the coffee shop every single time, Allah was there at Ihop or wherever we went, Allah knew exactly every penny I spent. So what came to be of this illicit relationship let me tell you friend, my heart broken, her heart broken, from ever meeting each other we both had to repent. From "Sweety I love you" and "Baby I love you too" it went quickly to "Curse my destiny that I ran into you!" It went from, "This is perfect" to "This just randomly happened" because we both were deeply saddened. It went from "You are perfect for me, like hand in glove we gel" to "You are a monster, why dont you die and go to hell!" She was hurt and devastated by the events that went down, her reputation was trashed and ruined all over town. I was hurt heart broken and felt so guilty and cheap inside, I had to move out of town change the place where I reside. If only I took the way of Nikah or Nothing, if only I made this my slogan, none of this would have happened, our piety would have remained, our hearts wouldnt be broken. But we displeased Allah the Creator of Love, so naturally how can any relationship be happy without permission from above? I realized my first mistake was to put my gaze on her, thats what got all this started, thats what got my hormones to stirr. Now when I am at school I keep my gaze down, forbidden pleasures are too much hassle its much easier to keep my eyes locked on the ground. In Nikah or Nothing I am now a firm believer, I wont ever get into an illicit relationship, I wont ever take on that haraam fever. Nikah or Nothing!!!

The Other Doors Our 4 year old son has some fairly serious health problems, so we are "frequent fliers" at the local children's hospital. Two weeks ago, our son was there for several days having surgery. As stressful as that was for us, my visits to that hospital almost always leave me feeling grateful. Why? Because of "the other doors." As I walk the corridors of that hospital, I pass doors leading to many different departments. I pass the department where surgeons reconstruct children's faces. I pass the department where specialists treat children who have been tragically burned. I pass the department where children with cancer spend their childhoods battling a disease that terrifies most adults. Every day, people walk through those doors. I keep walking. Occasionally, I walk through a ward, past the room of a dying child. I look in at the child, unconscious amid a mass of tubes and machines. I see the family, staring blankly into space, grieving for what is to come. I keep walking. On the fourth floor, I pass the "catacombs" where parents with children in ICU watch their days and nights stretch into weeks and months, hoping against hope for good news. I keep walking. It's late one evening, and I walk to the waiting room. Only one family remains, and their doctor arrives from surgery. He begins to tell them about the patient's injuries....a shotgun blast, self-inflicted ....massive facial damage.... a dozen more operations to come....a lifetime of disfigurement...a lifetime of asking "why?" I sit, half-listening, considering the doors, this family will face in the years ahead. I stood up. I walk back to the preschool ward, to the one door I seek. Behind this door, our son is slowly recovering from surgery. And in a strange way, I am grateful for the "situation" that we live with. Because there are a hundred other doors in this place that are far worse. And we could just as easily be in one of those rooms. As you pray for strength to open the doors you face, be sure to thank Allah Ta'ala for the doors he has spared you. islainfo

What is pride? Rasulullah has apprised us of its ingredients namely, non-acceptance of the truth and regarding people as inferior. Some people don’t accept the truth even though they know it is the truth. They say, "We do not accept what the Molvis have to say." This is pride. The second sign of pride is that one regards others as inferior. Rasulullah did not use the word ‘believer’ in the hadith but he said, ‘an-nas’, that is all the people. Thus, even if you regard a kafir as inferior, you have pride. Now you may ask how can we not regard a kafir as inferior. Well remember that it is obligatory to dislike kufr [disbelief] but it is haram to regard a kafir as debased. It is possible that he may recite the kalimah and die with faith. http://www.khanqah.org/books/part/187/what-is-taqw

Shaykh al-Hadith Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi [1315 - 1402 A.H.] He was born in the village of Kandhla (in Uttar Pradesh, India) on Ramadan 10, 1315 ah (February 12, 1898 CE). His full name was Muhammad Zakariyya ibn Muhammad Yahya ibn Muhammad Isma’il, and his lineage continues all the way back to Abu Bakr (R.A.), the great Companion of the Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم). Shaykh Abu l-Hasan Nadwi said about him, ‘Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya was born into a household rooted in knowledge and passion for Islam. His immediate family and his predecessors were distinguished by firm resolve, perseverance, steadfastness, and adherence to religion. His family included many notable scholars and his grandmother memorized the entire Qur�an while nursing her son [shaykh Zakariyya's father].’ His father, Shaykh Muhammad Yahya, was among the great scholars of India in both the Related (manqulat) and Logical sciences (ma’qulat). His primary teacher in hadith was Shaykh Rashid Ahmad Gangohi. Under him he studied Sahih al-Bukhari, Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Maja and others of the six famous authentic books of hadith (Sihah sitta). Shaykh Yahya went on to teach at Madrasa Mazahir Ulum, in the district of Saharanpur, but did not accept any payment for his services. He instead made his living through his own book-publishing business. As a young boy, Shaykh Zakariyya moved with his father to the village of Gangoh, in the district of Saharanpur. Since his father and Shaykh Gangohi had a close relationship, Shaykh Zakariyya quickly earned the affection of his father’s teacher. Growing up in this virtuous environment, he began learning how to read with Hakim Abd al-Rahman of Muzaffarnagar. He memorized the Qur’an with his father and also studied books in Persian and the introductory Arabic books with his uncle Shaykh Muhammad Ilyas (founder of the Tabligh movement). He stayed with his father in the company of Shaykh Gangohi until age eight, when the shaykh passed away. Shaykh Abu al-Hasan Nadwi says, ‘He was brought up in the best of environments in this era; the most adhering to the conduct and the sunna and the furthest from the corruption that had begun to spread in the world.’ At the age of twelve, Shaykh Zakariyya traveled with his father to Mazahir Ulum. Shaykh Muhammad ibn Yahya [his father] bathed and performed two rak’ats of prayer and began teaching Mishkat al-Masabih. He then made a lengthy prayer for himself and his son. From that day on, hadith became the main focus and goal of Shaykh Zakariyya’s life. There, under his father, he advanced his study of Arabic, tackling many classical texts on Arabic morphology, grammar, literature, and also logic. But by the time he was seventeen, hadith became the main focus of his life. He studied five of the six authentic books of hadith with his father, and then he studied Sahih al-Bukhari and Sunan al-Tirmidhi (for a second time) with the honorable Shaykh Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri. Out of his immense respect for h adith, Shaykh Zakariyya was extremely particular about always studying the hadith narrations with wudu. On Dhu l-Qa’da 10, 1334 ah, when Shaykh Zakariyya was just nineteen, his dear father passed away. This event was extremely traumatic for Shaykh Zakariyya, as he lost not only a father but also a teacher and mentor. His deep sorrow remained with him for the rest of his life. Teachers Shaykh Zakariyya was blessed to live and learn in an era considered by many to be one of great achievements in Islamic knowledge by scholars in the Indian subcontinent. He studied with few but select teachers who reached the highest levels of learning, research, authorship, and piety. One of his most influential teachers was his own father, Shaykh Muhammad Yahya, born in 1287 ah. Shaykh Zakariyya memorized the Qur’an at the age of seven, then as per his father’s instruction he would recite the whole Qur’an each morning. In addition to his father and uncle (Shaykh Muhammad Ilyas), he studied under the hadith scholar Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri, author of the Badhl al-Majhud, a commentary on Sunan Abi Dawud. Shaykh Zakariyya acquired a hadith authorization from him and remained his student until Shaykh Khalil’s death in Madina Munawwara in 1346 ah. Before his death, Shaykh Khalil A h mad expressed his desire to write Badhl al-Majhud, and he sought Shaykh Zakariyya’s assistance as his right-hand man. This was the beginning of his good fortune and the route to his excellence. His work earned him a special position with his Shaykh. The shaykh would direct him towards the possible texts and religious sources from which he could take the subject matter. Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya would collect the information and present them to his Shaykh, who would then select from the collection whatever he required. Thereafter he would dictate it to Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya who would write it down. This is how the completion of Badhl al-Majhud fi hall Abi Dawud took place. This experience revealed Shaykh Zakariyya’s gift of penmanship and, furthermore, expanded his insight in the science of hadith. He worked hard on the project, He undertook the task of publishing his shayk’s work in the Indian press and devoted his attention to its correction, publishing it with complete sincerity. He attained the pleasure and trust of his shaykh, He became a successor (khalifa) and representative (na’ib) of his shaykh and was even mentioned by name in the commentary. Shaykh Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri mentions in the introduction of Badhl al-Majhud, ‘I was helped by some of my friends, notable amongst whom is my relative and the coolness of my eyes and heart, Hajj Hafiz Molwi Muhammad Zakariyya ibn Mawlana Hafiz Molwi Muhammad Yahya Kandhlawi (may Allah have mercy on him). I was incapable of writing or pursuing it (without his help), due to the shaking of my hand and due to weakness in mind and vision. I would dictate to him and he would write. He would search for the difficult subject matter from the sources, thus facilitating the dictation for me. I thank Allah for his effort and ask Him to grant him the best reward for whatever he spent of his effort. Allah has gifted him with intrinsic and apparent knowledge, beneficial in this world and in the hereafter, and with accepted, illuminated, good deeds.’ This indeed opened the door to Shaykh Zakariyya’s authoring many literary works and treatises over the course of his life. Teaching Career In Muharram 1335 ah he was appointed as a teacher at Madrasa Mazahir Ulum, where he was assigned to teach books on Arabic grammar, morphology, and literature, as well as a number of primary texts of Islamic jurisprudence. In 1341 ah he was assigned to teach three sections of Sahih al-Bukhari upon the insistence of Shaykh Khalil Ahmad. He also taught Mishkat al-Masabih until 1344 ah. Shaykh Abu al-Hasan Nadwi said, �Although he was one of the youngest teachers at the school, he was selected to teach works generally not assigned to those of his age, nor to anyone in the early stages of his teaching career. Nevertheless, he showed that he was not only an able, but an exceptional teacher. In 1345 ah he traveled to Madina Munawwara, the city of Allah’s Messenger (upon him be peace) where he resided for one year. There he taught Sunan Abi Dawud at Madrasa al-Ulum al-Shar’iyya. While in Madina, he began working on Awjaz al-Masalik ila Muwatta’ Imam Malik, a commentary on Imam Malik‘s Muwatta. He was twenty-nine at the time. When he returned to India, he resumed teaching at Mazahir Ulum. He began teaching Sunan Abi Dawud, Sunan al-Nasa’i, the Muwatta of Imam Muhammad, and the second half of Sahih al-Bukhari. The school’s principle taught the first half of Sahih al-Bukhari, and after his death, Shaykh Zakariyya was given the honor of teaching the entire work. In all, he taught the first half of Sahih al-Bukhari twenty-five times, the complete Sahih al-Bukhari sixteen times, and Sunan Abi Dawud thirty times. He did not just teach hadith as a matter of routine; the work of hadith had become his passion, and he put his heart and soul into it. Shaykh Zakariyya taught until 1388 ah, when he was forced to give up teaching after developing eye cataracts. Sincere Love for Allah and the Prophet Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya inherited piety, honesty, and good character from his father (may Allah be pleased with him). He aspired to follow the Qur’an and Sunna in all matters, big and small, with a passion not found in many scholars. He had extreme love for the Prophet (upon him be peace) and the blessed city of Madina. His students have related that whenever the death of the Messenger (upon him be peace) was mentioned during a lecture on Sunan Abi Dawud or Sahih al-Bukhari, his eyes would well up with tears, his voice would choke up, and he would be overcome with crying. So evocative were his tears that his students could do nothing but weep with raised voices. He was often tested with regard to his sincerity. He was offered many teaching jobs at two or three times the salary that was customarily given at Mazahir Ulum, but he always graciously declined the offers. For most of his teaching career, Shaykh Zakariyya never accepted any money for his services at Mazahir Ulum; he did the work voluntarily, seeking Allah’s pleasure. Although he did accept a small salary at the beginning of his career, he later totaled up the amount and paid it back in its entirety. Daily Routine Shaykh Zakariyya organized his time meticulously. He would rise an hour before dawn and occupy himself in tahajjud and recitation of Qur’an before performing the Fajr prayer in the masjid. After Fajr, he would read his morning supplications and litany until sunrise. Thereafter he would go to meet with some people and drink tea (but never ate anything with it). He would then return to his quarters to read. During this time he would also research and compile his literary works, and, with few exceptions, no one was allowed to visit him at this time. When it was time for lunch he would come out and sit with his guests, who were from all walks of life; he would respect and treat them well, irrespective of who they were. After Zuhr prayer, he would take a siesta and then spend some time listening to his correspondence (which amounted to around forty or fifty letters daily from different places) and dictating replies. He also taught for two hours before Asr. After Asr, he would sit with a large group of people, offering them tea. After performing Maghrib, he would remain devoted in solitude to optional prayer and to supplication. He did not take an evening meal except to entertain an important guest. Death He had always hoped to meet Allah while in the city of the Messenger (upon him be peace); Allah granted his wish. He died there on Monday Sha’ban 1, 1402 ah (May 24, 1982 CE) and was buried in Jannat al-Baqi’, in the company of the Companions and the noble family members of the Messenger (upon him be peace). His funeral procession was followed by a large number of people and he was buried in the Baqi’ graveyard next to his teacher Shaykh Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri. May Allah forgive him, grant mercy, and elevate his status. Amin. The source of this extracted information and more details of Shaykhs works, students, teachers and his status amongst scholars can be found at:Shaykh al-Hadith Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi provided by White Thread Press publications.

MAULANA ASHRAF ALI THANWI [1280 - 1362 A.H.] Hakimul Ummat Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi was born on 5 Rabius Sani 1280 A.H. in the village of Thana Bhawan. He lost his mother at a tender age and was brought up by his father in a fairly affluent background. His father took great pains in teaching Maulana and his younger brother discipline and good character. From a young age he had a great desire for namaaz. Even whilst playing he used to imitate the namaazis eg. he gathered all his friends shoes, placed them in a line, put one shoe in front of the line and expressed his happiness that the shoes were performing namaaz. He also had a great desire to give lectures. On his way to the shops he used to enter any masjid, ascend the mimbar and deliver a khutbah. At the age of 12 he began performing tahajjud and other nafl salaats and wazifahs. His desire for Deen was initiated by his initial ustaad Maulana Fateh Muhammed Sahab(R.A). After learning the basic kitaabs by his uncle and Maulana Fateh Muhammed(R.A) he proceeded to Deoband to complete his studies and qualified at the tender age of 19 or 20 years. From his student days he became famous for his intelligence and sharp wittedness. He never wasted his time in futile play and amusement. He had such a burning desire to obtain knowledge that he learnt certain kitaabs which he could not study during class times, from his ustaads while they were performing wudhu. Maulana’s ustaads were all great luminaries of their time. The most important amongst them was Maulana Muhammed Yaqub Sahab(R.A) from whom he achieved the greatest amount of knowledge and spiritual benefit. He learnt qiraat from the well-known Qari Muhammed Abdullah Saheb Muhajir Makki(R.A) and mastered it to such an extent that it became difficult for the listener to distinguish between the recitation of the student and the teacher. After qualifying he spent 14 years in Kanpur teaching, writing and propagating to the people. During this period thousands of students quenched their thirst at this “ocean of knowledge”. Although Maulana was still very young, the people of Kanpur respected and honoured him tremendously and it was at that time that he became famous. His discourses were greatly appreciated and were being printed in the form of booklets. Very few scholars in the history of Islam have had so many of their discourses printed. During his student days in Deoband he desired to make a pledge on the hands of Maulana Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi(R.A) who refused, saying that it would harm his studies. Maulana then wrote a letter to Hajee Imdadullah(R.A) in Makkah urging him to make Maulana Gangohi accept the pledge. Hajee Imdadullah instead by means of a letter accepted Maulana Thanwi as his disciple. When Maulana Thanwi accompanied his father for haj one year after qualifying he renewed his pledge at the hands of Hajee Imdadullah. After his return from Haj, he continued teaching and propagating while his desire for zikr intensified. He used to deliver lectures while standing 5,6 and sometimes even 7 hours continuously. In 1315 A.H. he left Kanpur and on the advice of his spiritual mentor Hajee Imadadullah returned to Thana Bhawan. This was all part of the divine plan of the Creator so that the Khanqah of Hajee Imdadullah would once again be reinhabited. This was the termination of the first phase of his life which was devoted more to deeni education.The second phase which began with his return to Thana Bhawan was devoted more to imparting sprititual benefits to the masses. Maulana has written books in every field whether it be tafseer or tasawwuf, fiqh or tajweed. All his works total more than a thousand. In the field of hadis he did not write any voluminous work directly because he had many assistants. In this way the voluminous “Ila us Sunan” was written under his guidance. Regarding this kitaab he said that if this madressah does no other work besides the writing of this book, it will be a great achievement because it is a unique work. Perhaps very few Muslim homes do not posses “Behisti Zewar” and “Munajaat e Maqbool”, Two of Maulana’s famous books. His Tafseer “Bayanul Quraan” is unparalleled.” Maulana Anwar Shah Kashmiri well known for his in-depth knowledge used to say that after reading Bayanul Quraan I developed a desire to read Urdu books. Although Maulana wrote such a large number of books, yet he did not earn a cent from them. All his work was solely for the pleasure of Allah. He has granted full permission to anyone who desires to print his books. Some of his works have been through hundreds of editions. Maulana used to say that Alhamdulillah all the necessary work has been done. The path towards deen has been cleared for centuries. Insha-Allah, my books, discourses and advices will be of assistance in deeni matters for future generations. This is all due to the blessings of Hajee Imdadullah. On 20 Jamadul Awwal 1346 A.H. whilst performing Fajr Salaat he was inspired about the effects of certain acts. If the Muslims practised these acts, their calamities could be overcome. Consequently Maulana gathered 25 principles and had them printed in a booklet namely “Hayatul Muslimeen” (now available in English). Although Maulana has written over 1000 books, yet he had this to say: “I never had any thought of any of my books being a means of salvation for me. However, with regards to Hayatul Muslimeen, I have a strong feeling it will be a means of my salvation. I regard it as the earning and capital of my entire life.” Maulana Thanwi spent his entire life serving deen in every field. It is for this reason that he has been given the titles Hakimul Ummat and Mujaddid-e-Millat. After blessing the earth for 83 years with his presence, he passed away on 16 Rajab 1362 A.H. (20 July 1943). Namaze Janazah was performed by Maulana Zafar Ahmad Usmani. Maulana Thanwi was buried in the graveyard – Ishq-Bazaan of Thana Bhawan. source: http://www.alhaadi.org.za/

Shaykh Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum) is one of the greatest gifted scholars of Islam today. His reputation and standing to the Muslims of Asian subcontinent needs no introduction. However, for the benefit of others, Shaykh has been favored by Allah (swt) to have been nurtured by three of the greatest and most renowned Wali's (saints) of his time. Shaykh's inclination towards the Creator, the Almighty Allah (swt) began before he even reached puberty. He dedicated his life from before teens in the service of those pious servants of Allah (swt) whom the world today refers as Ahlullah(saints). From the tender age of 12, he began attending discourses of renowned scholars of the time. At the age of 15, he took bay'at (pledge) to the great Wali (saint) of his time, Shaykh Shah Muhammad Ahmed (ra) and spent three years continuously in his lofty company. Thereafter Shaykh was guided to the company of the famous Wali (saint) Shaykh Shah Abdul Ghani Phoolpuri (ra), with whom he spent 17 years. The Shaykh's service and dedication to his Shaykh is unsurpassable in recent times. During the seventeen years with Shaykh Phoolpuri (ra) the nights were spent in a retreat (jungle) from where no other human sound was audible except for the Shaykh's (Phoolpuri) zikr (remembrance of Allah). It was under the tutelage of Shaykh Phoolpuri for seventeen years that Hazrat mastered the scholarly work of Mathnawi by Shaykh Rumi. Shaykh Phoolpuri (ra) himself was guided by the greatest scholar of recent history, Hakeem ul Ummat Shaykh Ashraf Ali Thanwi (ra), who in turn was taught the Mathnawi by Shaykh Haji Imdadullah (ra). Shaykh's discourses permeate the listeners' heart with Allah's love, Greatness and hope of salvation. Every word he utters brings one closer to the Creator, Almighty Allah (swt). His company impresses upon those around him to converge their mental as well as physical 'being' into living a life to the Creator's criterion. His discourses know no language, color or age barriers and even those alien of Urdu benefit. During Ramadan 1419 (1998/1999) a European from Belgium, who could not speak not understand Urdu, spent Ramadan with Shaykh. He was occasionally seen mesmerized by the Shaykh discourses and tears rolled down his cheeks. When someone asked him what was that kept him with Shaykh's company? He replied, "Shaykh's words touch my heart and my eyes involuntarily weep, thinking of Allah's Greatness". It is because of Shaykh's great appreciation and understanding of Allah's qualities that his Shaykh awarded him the title of Aarif Billah (One who has become acquainted with Allah's qualities). In his discourses and writings he explores profound topics relevant to the ummah (community) at present time. His understanding and explanation of man's spiritual relationship with Allah (swt), the prevalent spiritual and physical maladies and its rectification are topics taken up by other Ulemas (scholars of Islam) throughout the world.

Is this life? The one who becomes free from the limits of Allah has a cursed life. And the one who is pious is actually sold on the hand of the saints. Allah has kept His representatives on earth who ‘buy’ the people and make them reach Allah. An Example of Bay’at If the prime minister wants to send some wheat somewhere, he does not go himself to the farmers. He appoints a commissioner as his representative in every area to contact the farmers, buy the wheat and pay them using official money. Then they must send the commodity to Islamabad, the capital city. Similarly, the Ahlullah are the representatives of Allah. They ‘purchase’ people and ‘send’ them to Allah, that is, they show the path of becoming a saint. By treading this path, one becomes a waliullah. They do not purchase them for themselves. The Ahlullah make bay’at to teach the worship of Allah. The meaning of bay’at is to be sold. He is actually sold to Allah. The hands of the Ahlullah are representatives just as Allah says that those who make bay’at on the hand of Rasulullah ?, that is actually not the hand of Rasulullah ?. It is the hand of Allah. The hand of the Nabi (saw) is a representative. The one who makes bay’at is sold on the hand of Allah. He then joins the group of the Ahlullah and becomes a waliullah. Do not be perturbed by the urge to sin. These urges are steps to your sainthood. The one who does not have these urges becomes a hermaphrodite. He can never attain sainthood. http://www.khanqah.org/books/part/187/what-is-taqw

http://www.islamibayanaat.com/MaarifulHadith.htm download Ma'aariful Hadith (Meaning and messages of the traditions/hadith) by Mawlana Manzoor Nu'mani

What is Tasawwuf? "Verily, he who has purified the heart is successful and he who has despoiled it has lost." Many people have misunderstandings about tasawwuf. Many think that it is something beyond the Qur'an and Sunnah. Errant Sufis as well as the superficial ulema, although on the opposite ends of the spectrum, are together in holding this mistaken notion. Consequently the first group has shunned the Qur'an and Hadith while the second group has shunned tasawwuf. Actually, although the term tasawwuf, like many other religious terms in use today, evolved later, the discipline is very much part of the Shariah. The department of the Shariah relating to external deeds like salat and zakat is called fiqh while the one dealing with the internal feelings and states of the heart is called tasawwuf. Both are commanded in the Qur'an. Thus while commanding Salat and Zakat, the Qur'an also commands gratefulness and love of Allah and condemns the evil of pride and vanity. Similarly, in the books of hadith, along with the chapters on Ibadat, trade and commerce, marriage and divorce, are to be found the chapters on riya' (show off) takabbur, akhlaq, etc. These commands are as much a mandatory requirement as the ones dealing with external deeds. On reflection it will be realized that all the external deeds are designed for the reformation of the heart. That is the basis of success in the hereafter while its despoiling is the cause of total destruction. This is precisely what is known technically as tasawwuf. Its focus is tahzeebe akhlaq or the adornment of character; its motive is the attainment of Divine pleasure; its method is total obedience to the commands of the Shariah. Tasawwuf is the soul of Islam. Its function is to purify the heart from the lowly bestial attributes of lust, calamities of the tongue, anger, malice, jealousy, love of the world, love of fame, niggardliness, greed, ostentation, vanity, deception, etc. At the same time it aims at the adornment of the heart with the lofty attributes of repentance, perseverance, gratefulness, fear of Allah , hope, abstention, tauheed, trust, love, sincerity, truth, contemplation, etc. To diagnose and treat the diseases of the heart normally requires the help of an expert teacher or Shaykh. Here are the qualities of a proper Shaykh. 1. He possesses necessary religious knowledge. 2. His beliefs, habits, and practices are in accordance with the Shariah. 3. He does not harbor greed for the worldly wealth. 4. He has himself spent time learning from a proper Shaykh. 5. The scholars and good mashaikh of his time hold good opinion about him. 6. His admirers are mostly from among the people who have good understanding of religion. 7. Most of his followers follow the Shariah and are not the seekers after this world. 8. He sincerely tries to educate and morally train his followers. If he sees anything wrong in them, he corrects it. 9. In his company one can feel a decrease in the love of this world and an increase in the love for Allah (subhanahu wa ta ala). 10. He himself regularly performs dhikr and spiritual exercises. In searching for a Shaykh, do not look for his ability to perform karamat (miracles) or to foretell the future. A very good Shaykh may not be able to perform any karamat. On the other hand, a person showing karamat does not have to be a pious person --- or even a Muslim. Prominent Sufi Bayazid Bistami says: "Do not be deceived if you see a performer of supernatural feats flying in the air. Measure him on the standard of the Shariah." When you find the right Shaykh and you are satisfied with his ability to provide spiritual guidance, you perform baya or pledge. This is a two-way commitment; the Shaykh pledges to guide you in light of Shariah and you pledge to follow him. Then the Shaykh will give his murid (student) initial instructions. They include the following: 1. Perform repentance for all the past sins and take steps to make amends, e.g. if any salat has been missed so far in the life, you start making up for it. 2. If you have any unmet financial obligations toward another person make plans to discharge them. 3. Guard your eyes, ears and tongue. 4. Perform dhikr regularly. 5. Start a daily session of self-accounting before going to bed. Review all the good and bad deeds performed during the day. Repent for the bad ones and thank Allah (subhanahu wa ta ala for the good ones. 6. Perform muraqaba-maut (meditation over death) every night before going to bed. Just visualize that you have died. Reflect upon the pangs of death, the questioning in the grave, the plain of Resurrection, the Reckoning , the presence in the Court of Allah, subhanahu wa ta ala, etc. This helps bring softness to the heart and break the tendency to commit sins. 7. Develop humility. Even if you observe another individual committing the worst of vices you should not despise him/her, nor should you consider yourself nobler. It is very much possible that the perpetrator of the vice may resort to sincere repentance while the one who despised the sinner become ensnared in the traps of nafs and Shaytan. One has no certainty regarding one's end. One, therefore has no basis for regarding another with contempt. The essential idea of tahzeebe akhlaq is to bring our natural faculties in a state of balance. The three basic faculties are anger, desires, and intelligence. Anger: When in equilibrium it results in valor, forbearance, steadfastness, the ability to restrain anger, and dignity. Excess will result in rashness, boastfulness, pride, inability to restrain anger, and vanity. A deficiency will result in cowardice, disgrace and feelings of inferiority. Desires: Equilibrium here results in chastity, generosity, haya (decency), patience and contentment. Its excess leads to greed and lust. The other extreme results in narrow-mindedness, impotence, etc. Intelligence: Equilibrium here makes man wise, sharp-witted and one with great insights. Excess here makes one deceptive, fraudulent and an impostor. Its lack results in ignorance and stupidity with the consequence that such a person is quickly misled. A person will be considered as having a beautiful character only when these faculties are in the state of balance and equilibrium. Internal beauty varies with people just as external beauty does. The possessor of the most beautiful seerah was Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. The beauty of our seerah is based on its closeness to his seerah. Condensed from the writings of Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi. http://tasawwuf.org/basics/thanwi_tasawwuf.htm

In praise do the seas bow down their waves In humility do the fields lay down their grass In fear do the trees tremble their leaves In submission when will men lay down their heads? http://shawkah.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/to-allah.html

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