[Yaadein_Meri] The True Lover of Allah Ta’ala

 

AASHIQ
-ESAWDIQ
The True Lover of Allah Ta'ala
A Discourse
By
Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb
(Daamat Barakaatuhum)
Part One
2
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FOREWORD
All praise is due to Allah Ta'ala, the All Beautiful; Gentle, Delicate (Al-Lateef)
and Loving (Al-Wadood). Salaat and Salaam upon the Beloved of Allah,
Sayyedena Muhammad e, eternally.
This book is a combination of two discourses and covers the most endearing
and beloved subject to Saalikeen : Divine Love. My respected and
honourable Sheikh, Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Daamat
Barakaatuhum) discussed this subject matter at one of his weekly
programmes at the Musjid-e-Noor (Asherville) and at another in
Pietermaritzburg.
As has been said, that the true exposition of Love should be heard from one
who has the reality of it within his heart. Since Hazrat Maulana is, himself, a
great lover of Allah Ta'ala and Rasulullah e, his commentary of Divine
Love added Noor to Noor.
Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (D.B.) is the Khalifa of two great
spiritual personalities : Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb
(his present Sheikh) and Hazrat Mufti Mahmood-ul-Hasan Gangohi (R.A.)
and is, himself, the mentor and preceptor of many, including myself.
Hazrat Maulana is the embodiment of virtue, with a character adorned with
the noblest of attributes and whose knowledge is like an ocean; in depth,
magnitude and vastness. Moreover, Allah Ta'ala has blessed Hazrat Maulana
with a most engaging manner of presenting the story of Divine Love and of
inviting others to the same. Added to this, Hazrat Moulana's blessed
company and words have a very magical effect on the hearts and souls of
listeners, introducing them to the Sublime Beauty and Splendour of Allah's
Love and inspiring them on the path of Divine Love.
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Alhamdulillah, saalikeen, all over the world, are benefiting tremendously from
the talks, books, tapes and Malfoozaat of Hazrat Maulana. Due to the same,
many have undergone a complete spiritual metamorphosis, becoming
themselves ardent lovers of Allah Ta'ala and Rasulullah ?.
This humble servant also added relevant extracts, which would elaborate
more on the discussion, from other Majaalis, Tarbiyyah Lessons at the
Madrasa and poetry which my respected Sheikh is wont to read and
expound on, at various other times.
Due to the increased number of pages, it was decided that the book be
published in two parts, so as to make for lighter reading.
May Allah Ta'ala make this very, very humble effort purely and solely for His
Pleasure. May He accept it and may He grant this sinful, insignificant servant
the reality of everything contained within the pages of this book. May He
make it a means of inspiration to all those who read it and may He make it a
Sadaqa-e-Jaariyah (perpetual reward) for my respected and honourable Sheikh,
as well as for myself.
May Allah Ta'ala grant Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb long life and the
best of health and well being to continue with his exceptional services to
Deen. (Aameen)
a thorn from a rose garden
[November 1999]
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Alhamdulillahi wa-ka-fa wassalaatu wassalaamu
'alaa Sayyidinil Mustafa. Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa'alaa aalihi
wa ashabihi wabaraka wasallama tasleeman kaseeran kaseera.
Qaalallahu Tabaraka wa Ta'ala : A'oozu billahi minash
Shaytaanir Rajeem. Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem :
"…AND THOSE WHO HAVE IMAAN ARE MORE INTENSE IN THEIR
LOVE FOR ALLAH…"
[SURAH BAQARAH 2 : 165]
'Ulama-e-Kiraam, respected brothers and also, sisters at the
Madrasa,
As-Salaamu 'Alaykum wa-Rahmatullah
In Thursday night's programme, I had mentioned that, Insha-
Allah, we will discuss tonight, an incident in the life of Hazrat
Junaid Baghdadi (Rahmatullah 'alaih), a great Wali of Allah.
Sheikh Abu Bakr Kattaani (Rahmatullah 'alaih) had reported that
once, at the occasion of Haj, a group of Sufis gathered…
HAJ
As we know, Haj is an occasion where people of all calibres,
from all walks of life, draw together : the wealthy, the poor, the
businessmen, the industrialists, kings, rulers, highly qualified
Aalims, Muftis, Qaaris and, of course, great Sufis.
Allah Ta'ala has made Haj such an occasion which cuts across
the boundaries of race, colour, language and class, bringing all
kinds of people together. However, despite the apparent unity,
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people generally look for people of like mind, qualification,
character, etc. They seek out those who will discuss issues and
items which are relevant to them or which meet their interests.
The Ulama will seek out those who are discussing Deen, those
who have made a thorough and in-depth study of the Qur`aan
and Sunnah. Kings, Rulers, diplomats and envoys will meet,
discuss and deliberate the political and economic climate of
their countries and other related matters or concerns.
If a person is business orientated then there too he will be found
looking for contacts in the business arena; those who will
introduce him to some very good businessmen in Makkah
Sharief or Madina Sharief, with whom he can establish a
business relationship and association to do some importing,
exporting, etc.
Some businessmen are found occupied in business pursuits
even there. This is neither Haraam (forbidden) nor sinful, but
this should not be the purpose of Haj and Umrah. The purpose
should be to perform Haj for the pleasure of Allah. If by the
way, a person did business, then this is a different issue.
FOR THE PLEASURE OF ALLAH
Unfortunately, our intention for Umrah and Haj is no longer for
the Pleasure of Allah; it is rather for material gain or some
other worldly reason. Rasulullah e had mentioned : "Near the
time of Qiyaamah the rich ones from amongst my Ummah will
perform Haj for the sake of travel and holiday; the middle
class will perform Haj for commercial purposes, thereby
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transporting goods from here to there while bringing
commercial goods from there to here. The Ulama will perform
Haj for the sake of show and fame; the poor will perform Haj
for the purpose of begging."
The reality of this Hadith is quite manifest. Some are allured
with shopping, with the purchase of gold and silver…giving
preference to walking around bazaars and shopping centres
despite having been granted the blessed opportunity of walking
around the Baitullah. Some wile away precious time in other
idle pursuits and even sin…
Many give preference to casting evil glances at every woman
who is unveiled than to the sight of the blessed Ka'bah Sharief.
Others give preference to watching the filth on the Television
screen rather than casting their gaze on the blessed green dome
or conveying Salaam to Rasulullah e at his grave.
Then again, many are the ones who flaunt the number of trips
they have made to the Hijaaz, thus nullifying the reward of
their Ibaadah due to the sin of riyaa (show). Many, who are
themselves wealthy enough to give Zakaat, are found clad in
the garb of the poor and needy … begging and sometimes even
stealing.
People, in general, have forgotten the purpose of Haj and
Umrah. As a result of our defective and insincere intentions, the
spirit, significance and beauty of Haj just passes by without
leaving any impression on our lives.
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However, true and sincere ones are to be found, who have come
as lovers of Allah, seeking the pleasure of their beloved Allah
Ta'ala, the object and goal of their lives.
These are the Sufis, the Auliya Allah, the Ahlullah …whose
presence is a source of multiplied spiritual blessings. They too,
look for those who have, within their hearts, the Muhabbat
(Love) of Allah Ta'ala and who have gathered there for no
other purpose but to give expression to the love they bear for
Him and gain His pleasure.
ALOST TREASURE
The Muhabbat of Allah is the lost treasure of the believers.
Unfortunately, we do not even know as to where to find it, let
alone how to obtain it. In fact, due to our own folly, we are not
even aware as to the tremendous value of this lost treasure. As
a result, we remain indifferent and negligent.
This Love of Allah is the very purpose of our creation. Allah
Ta'ala has mentioned in a Hadith-e-Qudsi : "I was a hidden
treasure. I desired to be known so I created the creation."
We were created for this recognition, this love and this worship
of the One who is truly Most Beautiful, Most Loving and who
is Ever-Living : ALLAH.
Allah Ta'ala mentions in the Qur`aan Sharief :
"AND I CREATED NOT THE JINN AND MANKIND EXCEPT THEY
SHOULD WORSHIP ME."
[SURAH ZARIAT 51 : 56]
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The Mufassireen (Commentators of the Qur`aan Sharief) have
translated the word,'Li-ya'budoon' (i.e. worship Me) as 'Liya'rifoon'
(i.e. recognise Me). If that be the case, we may ask
as to why Allah Ta'ala has then used 'Li-ya'budoon' and not
the word 'Li-ya'rifoon' (recognize Me) in the ayat (verse).
…The answer, thereof, is that the proof of the Ma'rifat
(recognition) of Allah Ta'ala lies in Ibaadah (worship) of Allah
…otherwise anyone can claim to be an Aarif of Allah.
To attain and procure the sublime and elevated stage of the
Ma'rifat of Allah, one will have to climb the ladder of the
Sunnah of Rasulullah e. Since the Sunnah encompasses and
embodies Ibaadah in every mode and manner, there therefore
remains no other direction to realize the goal of Ma'rifat.
Unfortunately, we do not even meditate on the purpose of our
creation and thus waste our lives in absolute futility…
In fact, as a result of the same ignorance and negligence, we do
not project the reality and essence of Imaan and Islam, which is
this Muhabbat of Allah Ta'ala. Thus, non-Muslims see a picture
of only rules, regulations and rituals and not the intimate
relationship and friendship between the servant, as the lover,
and Allah, as the Beloved.
RECOGNITION
Nevertheless, we find that 'like' attracts 'like'. The hearts and
souls of these Auliya Allah are such that they recognise those
who possess the same jewel of Divine Love in their hearts.
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Present in this gathering of Sufis was Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi
(Rahmatullah 'alaih) , the youngest of all.
These Sufis were discussing the love of Allah Ta'ala because
the food and nourishment of their hearts and souls; the object of
their lives and thus the subject of their hearts was the love of
Allah. Since the tongue will only speak of that which pervades
the heart and mind, thus the discussion of Divine Love. Beside
this love of Allah, nothing else could capture the attention and
interest of their hearts.
… The exclusive condition of the Ahlullah is that their hearts are
occupied with His Love and His love alone and their souls are
enjoying His nearness and His nearness alone. As such their life
and death is for their Beloved Allah and His Beloved Rasul e.
Consequently, this discussion revolved and centered, more
especially, on the recognition of the lovers of Allah Ta'ala.
Each Wali gave his own description and opinion as to who the
true lover of Allah is.
Allah Ta'ala, Himself, says in the Qur`aan Sharief :
"…AND THE BELIEVERS ARE MORE INTENSE IN THEIR LOVE
FOR ALLAH..."
[SURAH BAQARAH 2 : 165]
Everything has some sign or quality for its recognition. What
then are the signs, the qualities and the attributes of an Aashiq
(lover) of Allah? How are we to recognize that person who has
the love of Allah Ta'ala ? Who is the one who can really claim:
"I have got the Love of Allah."
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A claim of Love can, after all, be made by anyone. The reality
of love has its proof beyond a verbal declaration…. What then,
is the proof of this love?
THE FALSE CLAIM OF LOVE
Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (Rahmatullah 'alaih) has related a story
in his Mathnavi Sharief : A man glanced at a woman and so
taken was he with her beauty that he told her : "My eyes have
never beheld such beauty. I have fallen so deeply in love with
you that I have eyes for you and for you alone."
The woman told him : "If that be the case, you should see my
sister, who is far more beautiful. She is walking right behind
us."
The person immediately turned his face to see the sister, only to
receive one slap from the former, who said to him : "Just now
you claimed such love for me …that you had eyes for only me.
…Is this the proof of your love?"
This then is the insincerity of the lovers of sensuality.
SENSUAL LOVE
The lovers and admirers of sensuality are masters in the art of
lies and thus very shallow in their sincerity. They claim love
with their tongues – that life will not be life except with their
beloved ones. Would that we knew what Love is … the
genuine thing.
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These fools, who today claim that they have eyes for only their
beloveds and who promise the world as proof of their love
…what becomes of them tomorrow when their eyes behold
another ? What becomes of their ardent love when old age and
ill-health passes over the faces and bodies of their beloveds ?
Whilst sensual love is fickle and superficial, the love of Allah
is for always… It will never wither; it will never die.
My Sheikh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb
(Daamat Barakaatuhum) has, in poetry, most splendidly and
eloquently, presented true love.
If there is any true love, then it is
The eternal love of the Ever-Living Lord,
The love of a perishing beauty is always a temporary one.
O Akhtar ! Do not be deceived by any charms
Of the Universe,
Rather remain in love with (Allah),
The Creator of the Universe
In this temporary world.
The point being made by Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (Rahmatullah
'alaih) is that we too make loud and bold claims of having
sincere love for Allah Ta'ala and Rasulullah e, but the
moment some Haraam temptation is presented to us, we turn
our heart's attention to nafs and Shaytaan and quite simply
forget our 'love' for Allah.
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We then give our hearts to a beautiful face, or we succumb to
the Haraam acquisition of some material object, be it gold,
silver, property, etc. or we trample the laws of Shariah for some
worldly power.
…What becomes then of our ardent love for Allah when we
choose 'ghairullah' (anything other than Allah) above Him ?
"More preferable in my sight is the patient silence
Of my deep love for You;
Than the loud exclamation of Love;
For often indeed the loud claims of a lover,
Emanate from a breast with no effect and no depth."
We should ponder over our insincerity… This realization would
suffice in silencing our false claims.
To revert to the discussion at hand : different opinions were
given and these opinions were given by those who were great
Sufis… true sufis… genuine sufis. Divine lovers were
presenting expositions of Divine Love, from experience.
They were not ordinary Muslims who fulfil the rights of Allah
Ta'ala (be it the performance of Salaah, fasting in the month of
Ramadaan, the payment of Zakaat, recitation of the Qur`aan
Sharief, etc.) with an attitude that such rights are an
'obligation' and 'duty'.
These were true lovers of Allah Ta'ala, whose Ibaadah was
neither motivated by fear of punishment nor the desire for
reward. Their sole intent was to earn His Pleasure. Thus, their
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Ibaadah was a sincere expression of their deep love for Allah.
Therefore, their opinions were valid opinions.
EXPERTISE
I had mentioned in one of my Jum'uah talks that in everything,
we look for or we take the opinion of the person who is highly
qualified or who has the expertise in that particular field.
When it comes to the Medical field then we have neither the
deep knowledge nor the expertise to practise medicine. There
are medical journals and texts available in English which we
too can obtain and read. However, if we were to do so and then
diagnose the sick, then the end results of such malpractice is
that there will be more people in the qabrastan (graveyard)
than outside the qabrastan.
In the same way, in the field of Law, we find that the
constitution is written in English. Despite this, public opinion
cannot dictate to the Constitutional Committee in so far as the
interpretation of the constitution is concerned. However, the
attorney and advocate qualified in the field of Law, does have
the authority and permission to forward his interpretations and
explanations.
In the same way, here, we find the experts in the field of 'Ishq'
(Love) presenting their opinions.
ETIQUETTE
Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (Rahmatullah 'alaih) sat with his head
bowed down and remained quiet, not voicing any opinion. This
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he did out of respect and etiquette. Since he was young and
sitting amongst seniors, he considered it inappropriate and
unbecoming to exhibit and flaunt his knowledge.
This is a lesson to be learnt : Although he had knowledge and
although he also held an opinion, respect demanded that he
listen to the views of his senior ones first. Added to this, he
should not say anything until he is asked to say something.
These are teachings of Islam and Shariah which have long been
forgotten.
Shariah teaches us to consider and respect a person according
to his rank and status, and to approach and address him at his
level, in accordance with that person's intelligence and
understanding.
However, due to our fall from the pedestal of civilization and
humanity to the ebb of ignorance, obscenity and indecency,
everything of the structure of our society is unstable and
disorderly.
ROLE REVERSAL
When children become fathers and fathers behave like children,
then Qiyamat must certainly be near. In fact, one of the signs of
Qiyaamah, as has been mentioned by Rasulullah e, is: "…the
maid servant would give birth to her master or mistress."
Due to the tendency of disrespect and disobedience, children of
later generations (i.e. these times) will not only be defiant but
also assertive and domineering. They will treat their mothers in
the manner a slave-girl is treated.
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These days the children dictate and issue instructions and
orders, and parents are found submissive and compliant to their
children's 'authority'. Parents are found pleading and begging
their children to do such and such. So many parents say that
their children treat them as if they are children and their
children, the parents.
The same 'role reversal' is to be found in schools, Madrasas,
etc. In every department we find that senior ones are no longer
respected. Children, pupils, mureeds, etc. regard themselves as
equal to and on par with their seniors.
AKHLAAQ AND AADAAB
Rasulullah e had himself emphasized akhlaaq and aadaab,
saying : "I have been sent to perfect good morals and
manners." He therefore also said :"Whoever does not honour
our elders is not of us."
If we were to reflect, we would find ourselves lacking in true
and sincere respect, honour and thus obedience.
In a gathering of senior personages, who were also true lovers
of Allah Ta'ala, Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (Rahmatullah 'alaih)
considered it disrespectful to say anything without being asked
to. He is teaching us aadaab (etiquette).
They then asked him to also contribute to their discussion and
present his opinion : "O Iraaqi, you also might as well
elaborate on this issue."
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In response, he did not refuse. He did not say : "You have said
something, therefore I will not say anything."
When there was the demand of etiquette and respect, then at
that time he fulfilled the demand, but on request, he spoke. He
said that which surfaced from the very recesses of his heart and
soul … a beautiful explanation and exposition that stirs the
heart.
THE SPEECH OF THE HEART
He lowered his head and with tears streaming down his face, he
said : "An Aashiq (ardent lover of Allah) is that servant of
Allah who has divorced his mortal self from his carnal
desires…" (i.e. He has annihilated himself).
Having recognised the true nature of his nafs; its inherent evil
and baseness, the true lover of Allah divorces himself and
severs any kind of 'friendly' relationship which he had had
with his nafs. In turn, he establishes his relationship and
friendship with Allah Ta'ala as it should be. He recognises
Allah as his Master and himself as just a slave of Allah.
Rasulullah e has informed us that our deadliest enemy is our
nafs. And the nafs, without having undergone any reformation,
is evil, corrupt and destructive.
However, when hidayat (guidance) and taufeeq (Divine
assistance) knocks at the door of the heart and the heart opens
to sincere submission to Allah Ta'ala, then there follows
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recognition, and progression until the ultimate stage of
annihilation is reached.
THE STAGES OF THE NAFS
In the Qur`aan Sharief, Allah Ta'ala makes mention, in the
words of Hazrat Yusuf ('Alaihis Salaam) :
"…VERILY THE NAFS IS A GREAT COMMANDER OF EVIL…"
[SURAH YUSUF 12 : 53]
Since the inclination and pleasure of the nafs lies in desires and
lusts, it thus invites one to indulge in sin. In fact, the nafs
wallows in self-deception, considering itself worthy of
submission.
In disposition and temperament, the nafs resembles Fir'aun
(who had declared himself to be God) and Shaytaan is
comparable to his right hand, Haamaan (who had encouraged,
supported and endorsed the claims of Fir'aun). Hence, on the
advice and encouragement of Shaytaan, the nafs imposes
demands and expects that we accommodate, oblige and serve it.
Only with mujahada (striving) and Islahun-Nafs (reformation)
does it progress to the nafs which is 'Lawwamah'.
This nafs has also been mentioned by Allah Ta'ala in the
Qur`aan Sharief. Allah Ta'ala states :
"AND I SWEAR BY THE SOUL THAT REPROACHES AT EVIL."
[SURAH QIYAMAH 75 : 2]
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Whilst the nafs which is 'Lawwamah' is inclined to the pleasure
of sins, it is also given to the obedience of Allah. Thus, when a
person succumbs to evil, he is remorseful and regretful and
reproaches himself on his weaknesses. He has a conscience that
troubles him.
However, with a little more effort, [and this too under the
guidance of a Sheikh who is learned, experienced and pious]
the nafs will sooner than later have no option but to relinquish
its illusory 'throne' and 'crown', and its fantasy 'kingdom' and
adopt its rightful garb of a slave.
With the Fadhl (grace) of Allah Ta'ala, such a nafs becomes
'Mutma`innah' – content and satisfied with complete obedience
to the Ahkaam (orders) of Allah.
NAFS-E-MUTMA`INNAH
In Tafseer Mazhari, Qadhi Thanaullah (Rahmatullah 'alaih),
defines this Nafs-e-Mutma`innah as :
v The nafs which enjoys security from the Azaab (punishment)
of Allah Ta'ala.
v The nafs which has recognised Allah Ta'ala and as such
does not enjoy any satisfaction except in the Zikr
(remembrance) of Allah. It does not want to be distanced
from Allah Ta'ala for even a second.
Like the fish that enjoys satisfaction and comfort only deep
down, in the depths of the ocean, so too does this nafs enjoy
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satisfaction only in the depths of the ocean of the Qurb
(proximity) and Muhabbat (Love) of Allah Ta'ala.
Such a nafs will be called upon by Allah Ta'ala at the time of
death as:
"O (YOU) THE ONE IN (COMPLETE) REST AND SATISFACTION!
COME BACK TO YOUR LORD, WELL PLEASED (YOURSELF)AND
WELL PLEASING UNTO HIM! ENTER YOU, THEN, AMONG MY
HONOURED SLAVES, AND ENTER YOU MY PARADISE!"
[SURAH FAJR 89 : 27/28/29/30]
Whilst these are the stages traversed to achieve 'Annihilation',
it should be understood that this is most easily and successfully
obtained with the suhbat (company) and direction of the
Ahlullah.
'ABDIYAT
Thus, the Aashiq of Allah becomes the personification and
embodiment of the Hadith : "Die before you die." when he
annihilates himself (i.e. his nafs) and submits himself in totality
to Allah Ta'ala…when he chooses the hukm (order) of Allah
and the pleasure of Allah over the hukm of his nafs and the
pleasure of his nafs.
He then regards himself as nothing; a non-entity. As such, at
every given moment, there is 'Abdiyat (servitude). This then is
proof of his love for Allah Ta'ala.
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Hazrat Ibraheem bin Adham (Rahmatullah 'alaih), a great Wali of
Allah Ta'ala, once mentioned having learnt the method and
etiquette of servitude from a slave he had purchased.
Hazrat Ibraheem bin Adham (Rahmatullah 'alai h) asked the
slave: "What is your name ?"
The slave replied : "That which you give to me."
He then asked : "What would you like to eat ?"
The slave replied : "Whatever you give me to eat."
He then asked : "What would you like to drink ?"
The slave answered : "Whatever you give me to drink."
He asked : "What would you like to wear ?"
The slave replied : "Whatever you give me to wear."
He then asked : "Don't you have any desire ?"
The slave in turn asked : "What does a slave have to do with
desire ?"
We, as the servants and slaves of Allah, should also take lesson.
This is the reality of servitude.
FANAA
My Sheikh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb
(Daamat Barakaatuhum) mentions in some poetry :
"True 'Abdiyat is to die and to live in
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The pleasure of my Master."
A person once asked Hazrat : "How are you?"
Hazrat replied : "I am living and I am dying …. I am dying and
I am living." – meaning : When any desire which is displeasing
to my Beloved Master, surfaces within my heart, then for the
pleasure of my Beloved Allah, I sacrifice, with pleasure, that
desire. Thus, do I 'die' for Him. On this 'fanaa', He blesses me
with 'life'.
Initially, the Saalik experiences some difficulty in rendering the
sacrifices of his heart, for the pleasure of Allah. His heart is, at
such times, expressive of : "O my Allah, Your pleasure before
my pleasure."
However, on the lofty plane of fanaa, having experienced the
sweet pleasure of the pleasure of Allah, there is happiness with
every decision of Allah Ta'ala, and an ecstasy accompanying
every sacrifice rendered for Allah Ta'ala. The expression of the
heart is then :"O my Beloved Allah, Your pleasure is my
pleasure."
ELEVATION
When such a condition subdues the Aashiq of Allah, he forgets
himself in his Love for Allah Ta'ala.
Until the person does not forget his own self in the Love of
Allah, he is not a lover of Allah. As long as a person maintains
his own position and considers himself to be a person worthy
and deserving of honour, dignity and respect, he has not
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recognized the Greatness of Allah Ta'ala and thus cannot be a
true lover of Allah.
Since he has not annihilated himself, he is in reality a lover of
himself.
When a person does not consider himself one before whom
everyone should stand with respect, shake his hand and kiss his
forehead, and when he adopts humility and humbleness as the
garb of his heart and character, then Allah Ta'ala puts his
respect into the hearts of people. On his sincere servitude to
Allah Ta'ala, others then wish to meet him, shake his hand and
even serve him.
Following annihilation is elevation. Hazrat Umar (j) had
related a Hadith from Rasulullah e : "He who is humble for
Allah's sake will be exalted by Allah, for though he considers
himself lowly, he is great in the eyes of men; but he who is
proud will be abased by Allah, for though he considers
himself great, he is lowly in the eyes of men to such an extent
that he is of less value in their estimation than a dog or a
pig."
The pre-condition is that this humility be for the pleasure of
Allah Ta'ala and not so that one may gain recognition and
honour amongst people. This humility manifests itself when a
person recognizes the Greatness and Grandeur and Absolute
Power and Majesty of Allah Ta'ala.
My Sheikh describes this condition of annihilation very aptly :
When the sun of Allah's Greatness rises within the heart then
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the stars of takabbur (pride), riyaa (show) and ujub (vanity)
wane in its light and become non-existent.
STORY OF THE RAINDROP
Sheikh Saadi (Rahmatullah 'alaih) mentions a beautiful story, in
his Bustaan, of a raindrop which fell from a spring cloud.
Seeing the magnitude and vast expanse of the ocean, it was
ashamed. Reflecting and introspecting, it thought : "Where am
I next to the sea ? Compared with it, I am extinct. I am
nothing."
In its contemplative and pensive mood, it regarded itself with
an eye of disdain. Whilst doing so, an oyster surfaced from the
ocean and took the raindrop within the haven of its care.
Destiny then shaped its course that eventually the raindrop
became a renowned Royal pearl.
For its humility and humbleness, it found itself exalted. Its
annihilation, made it existent.
WHEN ALLAH LOVES …
Allah Ta'ala mentions in the Qur`aan Sharief :
"VERILY THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND WORK DEEDS OF
RIGHTEOUSNESS, THE MOST BENEFICENT (ALLAH) WILL
BESTOW LOVE FOR THEM
(IN THE HEARTS OF THE BELIEVERS)."
[SURAH MARYAM 19 : 96]
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (j) has related the following from
Rasulullah e : "If Allah loves a person, He calls
24
Jibra`eel ('Alaihis Salaam) saying : "Allah loves so and so; O
Jibra`eel love him."
Jibra`eel ('Alaihis Salaam) would love him, and then Jibra`eel
would make an announcement among the residents of the
heavens : 'Allah loves so and so, therefore, you should love him
also.'
So all the residents of the heavens would love him and then he
is granted the pleasure of the people of the earth."
In fact, love for that person spreads on earth to such an extent
that even the animals in the jungles and the fish in the sea love
him and pray for him.
ALOVER'S SINCERITY
Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (Rahmatullah 'alaih) thus says that the
true lover of Allah Ta'ala does not consider anything of
himself, because he is the lover of Allah.
Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (Rahmatullah 'alaih) relates a story in
his Mathnavi Sharief of Laila and the Caliph of Baghdad : The
Caliph once told Laila : "You are so ugly and unsightly, yet
Majnoon is so madly in love with you. You have no special
beauty beyond other beautiful women. Why then is this
Majnoon so enamoured by you?"
Laila replied : "If you possessed the eyes of Majnoon, you too
would be oblivious of all and everything. O Caliph, you are
involved in your vanity and conceit. His love for me has made
him 'Majnoon' - unconscious of himself, and this
25
unconsciousness on the path of Love is praiseworthy and
beneficial whilst consciousness is detrimental."
Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (Rahmatullah 'alaih), in relating
various incidents of Laila and Majnoon is, in no way,
condoning and approving illicit love, rather, Maulana is
expounding, by similitude, the reality of Divine Love. In this
narration, he alludes to the sincerity of a lover : For a lover of
Allah, there is only ALLAH. He sees no one else. He hears no
one else and he knows no one else. Not even himself.
"Someone enquired from me the nature of Love.
I replied : 'When you become like me,
You will understand the nature of Love.'"
Those whose minds conjure up a picture of such ardent and
deep 'love' for film stars, sports 'heros' and the supermodels of
the world, should understand that this is not love. And it
certainly is not love th at Allah Ta'ala has placed in their hearts.
This is Ishq-e-Majaazi (sensual love). Such 'Ishq' (Love) is
'Fisq' (Sin).
ISHQ-E-MAJAAZI
My Sheikh says that that 'Aashiq' who is enamoured and
beguiled by figurative beauty is, in fact, no Aashiq, rather a
faasiq (sinner).
If this beautiful actress or handsome actor has to meet with an
accident and suffer third degree burns, that beauty and good
looks is replaced with deformity and an ugliness which makes
26
all their lovers 'disappear'. An infatuation and an obsession that
is only skin-deep, skin-toned and skin -textured is then inverted
and reduced to rejection, aversion and revulsion. …And yet
millions are drowning in the ocean of such insincere love.
The love that is merely as a result of colour and complexion
Is not love at all.
It is, in fact, evil and its end result is only shame and
disgrace.
For the love of a dying one is not lasting,
Because the dying are not coming to us,
Rather they are leaving us.
…When the beloved passes away and is wrapped in her shroud,
then this 'love' too is wrapped in the same and buried along
with.
This figurative beauty only lasts for a limited number of
days.
It is only for a whisper of time that the conspiracy lasts…
Rasulullah e had said : "Love whomsoever or whatsoever you
wish, but one day you are to separate from him/her/it."
Then again, were we to go, after a few months, and sift the sand
of the graves of those beloveds, we will not find even a trace of
those beautiful faces and those beautiful eyes and those
beautiful locks of hair. The reality of beauty is exposed…that it
was only sand…We were 'in love' with sand… Imagine that.
27
Just reflect over the advice of my Sheikh :
Why attach the heart to that… that which will become…
become a decaying …a decaying, rotting corpse ?
ISHQ-E-ILAAHI
The Aashiq of Allah has given his heart to Allah. He has fallen
intensely in love with He who is 'Lateef': All Gentle and All
Beautiful… Have we ever considered the beauty of He who
creates and bestows beauty? He is 'Wadood' : The Truly
Beloved. He has granted the entity of the heart, which is the
seat of Love, so that His Love Alone may establish its reign
therein.
Remove the remembrance of beauties
From your heart O Majzoob.
The love for idols is not appropriate
In the House of Allah.
Allah Ta'ala is 'Baaqee': The Eternal. His Existence was, is
and will always be…forever and ever and ever. So too, is His
Love never-ending, boundless and unfathomable.
Allah is Everlasting and free from passing away.
His Love is also fresher than a newly formed rosebud.
O Seeker, choose the Love of the Living One,
Who remains forever.
IMPRESSIONS OF LOVE
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Jamaal (Beauty), Kamaal (Perfection) and Ihsaan (Favour) are
three impressions which stir up the bounty of love within
hearts.
Looking at the creation of Allah Ta'ala : the skies, the oceans,
the flora and fauna, we see reflections of beauty and splendour.
If Allah Ta'ala has granted a mere atom of beauty to His
creation, then what of His beauty ?
Ponder over the most perfect Sifats (Attributes) of Allah Ta'ala:
He is Khaliq, the One who creates from absolutely nothing. He
is Baari, creating His creation with excellence in compatibility,
conformity and unity. He is Musawwir; giving His creation
uniqueness and beauty in form and shape.
Just look at the creation of the universe : the perfect harmony of
the day and night; of spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Reflect over the creation of Man : the different stages man has
to pass through…infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood
and old age. Consider the various organs of the body; their
position, purpose and function.
Thus, we recognise the Greatness and Power of Allah Ta'ala in
looking at the perfection in His Creation and in His system.
Then again, we cannot help but love that person who is
generous, kind and who showers us with his favours and gifts.
What then of the infinite generosity and benevolence of Allah
Ta'ala ? He is Wah-haab, The Giver of All and Everything;
Muqeet, The Giver of our sustenance; Kareem, The Most
Generous One and Naafi', The One who bestows gifts.
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Consider the kindness and favour of Allah Ta'ala in creating us
Ashraful Makhlukaat (The best of Creation), without us having
even asked for such honour.
Allah Ta'ala says in Surah Teen :
"VERILY, WE CREATED MAN OF THE BEST STATURE."
[SURAH TEEN 95 : 4]
Added to this, without us deserving, He has blessed us with
Imaan, Islam, and thereafter so many gifts; of sight, hearing,
speech, intelligence, health, wealth, beauty, etc.
Allah Ta'ala states in the Qur`aan Sharief :
"…AND IF YOU COUNT THE BLESSINGS OF ALLAH, YOU WILL
NEVER BE ABLE TO ENUMERATE THEM…"
[SURAH IBRAHEEM 14 : 34]
Thus, we find that these attributes of Jamaal, Kamaal and
Ihsaan are perfect in Allah.
Therefore O Saalik…
Change the Qiblah of your heart
From 'Laila' to Maula.
That heart, whose Qiblah is towards the 'Lailas' of the world,
is easily changed in keeping the company of those who have
not only established the Qiblah of their hearts towards their
Maula, but whose hearts have already made Sajda to their
'Maula' (Master).
30
The cures, the antidotes and the treatments for the poison of
sensual, illicit love are also obtained from these Ahlullah. Their
company is akin to a dispensary and clinic, providing the
curatives to the ailments of the spiritual heart.
Nevertheless and aside from this, the Aashiq of Allah Ta'ala
remains happy and content in whichever condition his Beloved
Allah keeps him.
His concern, however, is that Allah Ta'ala and Rasulullah e
must be pleased with him and that he must not, in any way,
incur their displeasure. …And the Love of Allah cannot be
complete until the person loves Rasulullah e.
THE LOVE OF ALLAH'S BELOVED e
Allah Ta'ala says :
"…AND THOSE WHO HAVE IMAAN ARE MORE INTENSE IN
THEIR LOVE FOR ALLAH…"
[SURAH BAQARAH 2 : 165]
And Rasulullah e had said : "None of you has (perfect)
Imaan until I am more beloved to him than all mankind."
The criterion to perfect Imaan is love for Rasulullah e and this
love is due to him being the beloved of Allah Ta'ala. Since
Allah Ta'ala is the Beloved of the believers, their love for His
beloved is a must.
It is mentioned in another Hadith : "Love Allah because He
nourishes and sustains you; love me because Allah loves me."
31
As has been mentioned, Allah Ta'ala's favours upon us are
boundless and ceaseless, whereof, if we were to count them we
would not be able to. One tremendous bounty from Him, is our
sustenance, which Allah Ta'ala gives most generously and
graciously. This, in itself, would suffice as the starting point of
His Love.
However, in regard to the love of Rasulullah e , Allah Ta'ala
says in Surah Aal-e-Imraan :
"SAY (O MUHAMMAD e) : IF YOU DO LOVE ALLAH, FOLLOW
ME. ALLAH SHALL LOVE YOU AND FORGIVE YOU YOUR SINS;
AND ALLAH IS MOST-FORGIVING, VERY-MERCIFUL."
[SURAH AAL-IMRAAN 3 : 31]
The proof of Divine Love lies in the emulation of Rasulullah e.
The greater the emulation, the greater the expression of Divine
love. Besides Rasulullah e being the beloved of Allah
Ta'ala, he is also the greatest lover of Allah.
If we desire to become beloved to Allah, we will have to follow
and identify with His beloved in character and worship.
MOVING MOUNTAINS
Divine Love is that spiritual steam which will cause our
spiritual 'engines' to move. Unfortunately, we don't seem to
have the required steam to reach our journey's end.
Whilst we are on track and we know the destination we should
be bound for, we start moving and then stop … because the
steam of the love of Allah, in our hearts, is very negligible.
32
When the steam of the Love of Allah will fill our hearts, we
will move mountains.
It reminds me of another incident in the life of Hazrat Ibraheem
bin Adham (Rahmatullah 'alaih). Once he and another buzroog
were sitting on the hill of a mountain, deep in discussion.
During their conversation, Hazrat Ibraheem bin Adham
(Rahmatullah 'alaih) was asked as to the distinction and
perfection of the 'elite' servant of Allah. Narrating an incident,
he replied : "If he were to say to a mountain : 'Move!', it will
move."
No sooner did he say so, a slight movement of the mountain
was experienced. He then addressed the mountain : "I did not
command you to move. I merely cited an example." The
mountain then became still.
…This steam of the heart is such that it makes a person do what
he is otherwise incapable of doing.
STEAM ENGINES
There are various types of spiritual steam 'engines', which are
to be found in the 'train' of the human body. The first, even
though on track, does not have steam (i.e. the steam of the
Muhabbat of Allah Ta'ala and Rasulullah e). It therefore does
not move.
The second kind of steam engine is also on track, but because it
has very little steam, it just trudges along listlessly. Sometimes,
it moves due to external pressure and exertion. …This is in
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regard to those who are forced to make Ibaadah. Their attitude
and approach is one of laziness and indifference.
The third engine has plenty of steam but the train is derailed.
This is in reference to those indulging in anti-Sunnah activities.
They have plenty of love but instead of following the Qur`aan
and Sunnah, they follow their whims and desires.
The fourth one is on track and it has plenty of steam. In fact,
due to the same, it moves at 'express' speed. Insha Allah, it will
reach its destination. This is in relation to the Ahlullah (the
people of Allah).
Once our hearts fill up with the steam of Divine Love, then it
will not be difficult to give up looking at Haraam, listening to
Haraam, speaking Haraam and indulging in Haraam. Due to
this love, everything becomes very, very easy and simple.
So Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (Rahmatullah 'alaih) said that the
first sign of a lover of Allah Ta'ala is that the person has
attained unto the stage of Fanaa.
ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE
A person who has realized this degree of self-annihilation will
also not attribute any achievement to his own hard work and
effort. His worldly as well as spiritual achievements increase
him in submission and humility. Such a person is found even
more submissive to Allah Ta'ala, the Giver of all bounties.
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Wealth, properties, gold and silver, degrees and qualifications
do not create pride and arrogance within him. He does not
think:"I am a great person." due to the same.
THE FADHL OF ALLAH
All achievements are attained through Divine Grace,
And without His Favour nothing is accomplished.
The person thus believes that had it not been for the Fadhl
(Grace) of Allah Ta'ala then he would not have been recipient
to the 'taufeeq' (Divine assistance) for all these achievements.
This knowledge and understanding creates humility and
submission.
Those who are the Ahle-Ilm (People of knowledge) will not
attribute their rank and status to themselves. They too would be
aware as to who has blessed them with this Ilm. Added to this,
our intelligence, in itself, has been given by Allah.
I always cite the example that we regard the computer as a
fantastic invention, a mind-boggling invention and no doubt it
is, but who is the one who gave man the 'chip' in his head to
manufacture such a chip that records billions of pieces of
information ?
Intelligence, knowledge and understanding have been given by
Allah Ta'ala. Their acquisition, is in reality, not within our
power and ability.
35
The person who is making Ibaadat – Zikr, Tilawat, Tuhajjad,
Ta'leem, Tableegh, etc. is also humble because he understands
that this is the 'taufeeq' and Fadhl of Allah. It is the kindness
of Allah Ta'ala that He has granted the opportunity to do so.
…At this moment in time, how many of our brothers and sisters
are at the cinemas, theatres, clubs, casinos, escort agencies,
etc.? It is no doubt the Fadhl of Allah Ta'ala that He has given
us the opportunity to come into His house and remember Him.
APOINT TO UNDERSTAND
Whilst annihilation is a quality which we need to inculcate
within ourselves, I would, however, like to clarify one point :
People ask as to how such humility is possible for a person who
has completed his matric or is a B.A. graduate to then regard
himself or consider himself to be lesser in knowledge than the
child who is in Class 1 or Std.1?
Likewise, how can the person who has got a million think of
himself as having less than the person who has got only R10 ?
… This is obviously impossible.
The person who is a matriculant will certainly think of himself
as having more knowledge than someone in Class 1, and the
person who has a million will definitely regard himself as
having more than someone with R10… This is permissible.
What is meant is that the person does not consider himself
superior to any other. This is something which Allah Ta'ala
will inform us only on the Day of Qiyaamah.
IN THE SIGHT OF ALLAH
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Sometimes, the poor person who lives in a hut is far superior in
the sight of Allah than the one who has millions in his
possession. Sometimes the person who has got millions and
who possesses assets and properties to tremendous value
acquires excellence by Allah.
A person can even be a King, and in the eye of Allah Ta'ala
this person is also His Wali. It may well be that that poor
person, who is living in a hut, is indulging in zina (adultery),
stealing, gambling and other Haraam (forbidden) deeds and
therefore, although poor, he is not a Wali of Allah.
The person who is fulfilling the rights of Allah Ta'ala and the
rights of His creation, spending in the causes of Deen and
earning his livelihood in a Halaal way has much esteem in the
eye of Allah.
Allah Ta'ala states in the Qur`aan Sharief :
"…VERILY THE MOST HONOURED OF YOU IN THE SIGHT OF
ALLAH IS (HE WHO IS) THE MOST RIGHTEOUS OF YOU..." .
[SURAH HUJURAT 49 : 13]
Allah Ta'ala does not base superiority and esteem on the
number of degrees or the amount of wealth or properties a
person may have. Neither does beauty, physique or gender
contribute to a person's esteem in the eye of Allah.
Rasulullah e had said :
37
"VERILY ALLAH DOES NOT LOOK TOWARDS YOUR FACES, OR
TOWARDS YOUR RICHES; BUT HE SEES (THE SINCERITY OF)
YOUR HEARTS, AND THE NATURE OF YOUR DEEDS."
The criterion which Allah Ta'ala goes by is how much of
submission and obedience is to be found in a person's life and
how much of love for Allah and Rasulullah e is to be found in
his heart. The discrimination is based on Taqwa.
It will only be on the Day of Qiyaamah that we will find out as
to who was afdhal (most virtuous).
There will be many people, who in this world were recognized
as pious and righteous but in the eye of Allah, they held no
esteem. Why? Sometimes this is due to insincerity, or perhaps
due to kibr (pride), ujub (vanity) and riyaa (show) or perhaps
the person carried out his duties in an ignorant manner. Due to
this, his actions do not find favour and acceptance with Allah
Ta'ala. (May Allah Ta'ala protect us from all such weaknesses.)
Maulana Sayed Sulaiman Nadvi (Rahmatullah 'alaih) used to say:
Whether we live like this
Or live like that,
What is left to be seen
Is how our stay there will be.
No matter what people call us in this world, we still have to
await the Day of Qiyaamah to know our worth by Allah.
AMISUNDERSTANDING
38
Then again, many people are wont to say that if a person thinks
nothing of himself, then this is adopting a very negative
attitude. Since the outlook and approach is not positive, a
person will not achieve anything in life. This is a
misunderstanding.
Rasulullah e thought absolutely nothing of himself.
Annihilating himself in the Love of Allah Ta'ala, he was the
most humble.
In his every dua, we will find his absolute humility and
dependency, yet after Allah Ta'ala, he is the greatest.
All of the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (j) thought nothing of themselves.
Despite this, not only did they reach spiritual perfection, they
also achieved tremendous success in their worldly lives.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (j) was completely humble and led
a most simple life, yet he is the greatest after the Ambiyaa
('Alaihimus Salaam). He was the first Khalifa to succeed
Rasulullah e and, as has been mentioned, the 8 gates of
Jannat will all call out to him to enter Jannat through them, on
the Day of Qiyaamah. Is success like this, both in this worldly
life as well as the next, not an achievement ?
Hazrat Umar (j) ruled over two thirds of the then known
world during his Khilafat yet we find him sleeping under a tree,
dressed in patched clothing and considering himself to be
utterly insignificant.
39
On one occasion, a thought passed through his mind : "O
Umar, You are great. Ambassadors from huge empires come to
meet you…." What did he do ? He took a water bag, filled it
and began to distribute water. (They did not have taps at that
time).
Someone asked him : "O Umar, why are you distributing water
in this heat ?"
Hazrat Umar (j) explained : "The thought came to my mind
that I am great." …Considering this a spiritual weakness, he
remedied it with humble, menial work. In fact, we will find that
such great personalities did not consider it beneath their dignity
and rank to do humble, domestic work.
Hazrat Uthman (j) was extremely wealthy and is well known
for his generosity and liberal spending in the path of Allah.
Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf, who is one of the Ashara
Mubashara [the ten Sahabah (j) who were given the glad
tidings of Jannat] was also one of the wealthiest Sahabah (j).
He was so wealthy, that it is even mentioned in one narration
that he emancipated 30 000 families of slaves, besides giving
thousands in Sadaqa and in other causes of Deen.
Great, great Auliya Allah thought nothing of themselves, but
they will be remembered till the Day of Qiyamat.
ABU ZARR (j)
Once, whilst Hazrat Jibra`eel ('Alaihis Salaam) was with
Rasulullah e, a Sahabi (j) happened to come by. Hazrat
Jibra`eel ('Alaihis Salaam) said to Nabi e: "This is Abu Zarr."
40
Rasulullah e enquired : "Do you know him ?"
Hazrat Jibra`eel ('Alaihis Salaam) replied : "Abu Zarr is more
famous, amongst us angels in the heavens than he is in
Madina."
On inquiry as to how Hazrat Abu Zarr (j) had achieved such
recognition, Hazrat Jibra`eel ('Alaihis Salaam) explained that due
to two actions, he had become very beloved to Allah.
One was an action of the heart and the other, an action of the
body. The action connected with the heart was that he thought
himself to be most insignificant. As such, he was fulfilling the
right of his being a servant of Allah. This is something which
Allah Ta'ala loves and approves very much of.
The action of his body was that he recited Surah Ikhlaas in
abundance. This, then, earned him such praise and eminence
amongst the angels.
What was the predominant attribute which was the means of
such fame and popularity? It was the same humility.
THE REALITY OF FANAA
The stage of fanaa does not mean that you won't achieve
anything due to a seemingly negative attitude adopted. On the
contrary, you achieve much, much more – far more than those
who think something of themselves. Many a time, people are
quite taken and surprised that in a short span of time, a person
was able to achieve so much, in spite of his unassuming and
unpretentious nature.
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Everything done is very positive. Allah Ta'ala gives an
abundance of barakat (blessings) in the lives of such humble
servants. Added to this, Allah Ta'ala grants such people
honour, dignity and respect.
Rasulullah e had said :
"WHOEVER ADOPTS HUMILITY FOR ALLAH'S SAKE, ALLAH
WILL ELEVATE HIM (OR HER)."
Allah Ta'ala has also mentioned in Surah Furqaan that one of
the most conspicuous traits to be found in His true servants is
that they walk on the earth with humility and humbleness.
"AND THE SLAVES OF THEMOST BENEFICENT (ALLAH) ARE
THOSE WHO WALK ON THE EARTH IN HUMILITY AND
SEDATENESS…"
[SURAH FURQAAN 25 : 63]
However, it must be understood that humility is a condition of
the heart. It this does not infer to a display and performance of
humility and meekness, nor the posture and walk of the weak
and sick when in reality the heart is dominated with arrogance
and pride. There must be an agreement between the body and
heart.
"Allah has created you from dust,
Hence O bondsman,
Adopt an attitude of meekness
and humility like dust."
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Hazrat Junaid (Rahmatullah 'alaih) is, himself, a classical
example of this first sign of an Aashiq of Allah. He not only
thought of himself to be most insignificant, he believed that
everything was through the Qudrat (Power), Mercy and Fadhl
(Grace) of Allah Ta'ala. His achievements were such that till
today we remember him and speak of him.
Thus, this is the first sign of the Lover of Allah Ta'ala : the
person does not have any 'airs' about himself.
THE EXCEPTIONS
Of course in Jihad, a person will display his power, strength
and force and make Jihad in the manner that Jihad is made.
…He will protrude his chest, adopt an attitude of arrogance,
and challenge and fight the enemy.
In fact, Imam Abu Dawood (Rahmatullah 'alaih) mentions the
following Hadith: "…There is pride which Allah hates and
pride which Allah loves. That which Allah loves is a man's
pride when fighting …"
The motive behind this form of pride is to create awe and terror
into the hearts of the enemies and to encourage ones fellow
Mujahideen.
Another example is the Qadhi (Judge) who will be found seated
with much eminence and distinction. This is due to the demand
of the time and place. These are the exceptions. In reality,
humility will still be found in such persons' hearts.
ZIKRULLAH
43
Then Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (Rahmatullah 'alaih) continued :
"…and as a result (the Aashiq of Allah) is constantly
absorbed in the remembrance of Allah; and is forever ready to
fulfill his duties towards Allah…"
The lover of Allah remains engaged in Allah's Zikr with due
regard to all its requirements.
He remains absorbed and engaged in the remembrance of Allah.
His Zikr of Allah emanates from the recesses of his heart. He
says: 'Allah' with depth, sincerity and heart-felt longing.
…And it is this name, "Allah" which keeps the entire universe
in existence.
O Allah, Your remembrance is
the essence of the Universe.
Through Your beautiful, sweet name,
I have acquired all the favours
and bounties of both worlds.
Whilst Zikr, in this sense is extremely praiseworthy and
necessary, it does not infer to just the taking of the name of
Allah. The Zikr of Allah is not restricted to the tongue or
confined to tasbih after tasbih but in reality it covers the entire
spectrum of our lives.
How then does the lover of Allah make Zikr in the required
manner, fulfilling the demands of Zikr ?
DEFINING ZIKR
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Allah Ta'ala states in Surah Baqarah :
"REMEMBER ME, I WILL REMEMBER YOU…"
[SURAH BAQARAH 2 : 152]
The Mufassireen (commentators of the Qur`aan Sharief)
elaborate and explain this verse in an exceptional and most
beautiful manner…
Allah Ta'ala says : "Fazkuruni" (i.e. "Remember Me.")
How should we remember Allah ? How would Allah Ta'ala like
to be remembered?
The Mufassireen explain in the following words : "Fazkuruni
bil Ita'ah" (i.e. "Remember ME with My obedience.")
All those deeds in obedience to Allah Ta'ala and in accordance
to His command falls in the category of Zikrullah.
Allah Ta'ala requites His servant's Zikr with : "Azkurkum"
(i.e. "I will remember you.")
How will Allah Ta'ala remember us ? In which manner will He
reciprocate the Zikr and obedience of His servants ?
The Mufassireen elaborate : "Azkurkum bil Inaayah." (i.e. "I
will remember you with My gifts, My blessings, My mercy and
My favours.")
…Subhanallah. This is also a manifestation of Allah Ta'ala's
sifat (attribute) of 'Shakoor'. He appreciates the obedience of
His servants. In return, He reciprocates by bestowing His gifts,
in various forms, to His Zaakir. And yet, it must be understood
45
that it was Allah Ta'ala who had granted the guidance and
ability and strength to make His Zikr, in whichever form.
The Zaakir of Allah should have the words of Hazrat Shu'aib
('Alaihis Salaam) deeply impressed in his heart and mind :
"…Wa-ma taufeeqi illa Billah…"
"…AND MY GUIDANCE CANNOT COME EXCEPT FROM
ALLAH…"
[SURAH HUD 11 : 88]
TWO TYPES OF ZIKR
As has been mentioned, numerous times, there are two types of
Zikr : Positive Zikr and Negative Zikr.
Positive Zikr entails fulfilling the rights of Allah Ta'ala. Thus,
an Aashiq of Allah Ta'ala performs his Salaah, pays his Zakaat,
fasts in the month of Ramadaan, performs Haj and fulfills the
rights of everyone. Everything done is in perfect obedience to
Allah Ta'ala, with an enthusiasm and an eagerness to please his
Beloved Allah.
The negative aspect of Zikr necessitates abstinence from all
things that are displeasing to Allah Ta'ala; those actions and
deeds which He has declared as Haraam (forbidden).
THE DEMANDS OF LOVE
Ishq or Love has two demands :
1.) To do that which pleases the Beloved.
2.) To refrain from anything and everything that
displeases the Beloved.
46
Allah Ta'ala says :
"…BUT THOSE WHO HAVE IMAAN ARE MORE INTENSE IN
THEIR LOVE FOR ALLAH…"
When we say that we believe in Allah then this is, no doubt, a
great claim of Love.
Allah Ta'ala is thus addressing the Believers : You have
already brought Imaan in Me. You have acknowledged Me as
your Rabb (Sustainer). It should not be difficult for you to do
that which I ask of you and to stay away from that which I
dislike, because you claim to have Imaan. You claim to be My
lovers…
For the beloveds of this world, our tongues are so quick and
accustomed to utter, on any request made, the adage and catch
phrase of love : "For you…a n y t h i n g…". Can the love for
the Creator of all beauty be anything less ?
The hearts of those who have Imaan, those who love Allah
intensely and who have thus understood the demands of Love,
announce and declare : "For You, O Allah…a n y t h i n g…"
We, who are insincere claimants of Allah's Love, should
understand and believe that no one knows better than Allah as
to what is good and what is bad for us.
Thus, the proof of sincere love is the fulfillment of both
demands. This then is the fulfillment of the requirements of
Zikrullah.
47
If we are making Zikr with our tongues but we are not fulfilling
these two requirements then we just get sawaab (reward) for
taking the name of Allah. We cannot, however, make the claim
that we are true and sincere lovers of Allah Ta'ala.
THE BARRIER
Alhamdulillah, presently there is an increase in Positive Zikr :
Majaalis of Waaz, Zikrullah, Tableegh, Da'wat, Haj and
Umrah, Salaat and Salaam on Nabi e, Printing of Islamic
Literature, etc. but at the same time we need to understand that
whilst all these Ibaadaat bring the trucks of Rahmah (Mercy)
from Allah Ta'ala, our sins are a barrier to us receiving the
supply of Rahmat.
To become a Wali of Allah, we will have to distance ourselves
from sin. Our preference for positive Zikr is due to the fact that
we also get some satisfaction and pleasure therein. As such, we
live in an illusion, thinking that a little Zikr is all that is needed
to become Allah's.
Our shortcoming is negative Zikr : We do not want to give up
sin because this entails some difficulty on the nafs and the heart
too experiences pain on such sacrifice. This then is a clear
indication of insincerity. In reality, our concern is ourselves and
our pleasure and therefore not the pleasure of Allah.
If we are sincere in our quest for Allah Ta'ala, then come what
may, we will take the pain on our hearts of giving up that which
48
is Haraam; that which is forbidden; that which is evil.
Otherwise we can never become the friends of Allah.
THE HEART
My Sheikh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb
says that the heart is the King of the body. To employ a King as
a labourer would not suit just anyone's pocket … an exorbitant
salary would be attached to such employment.
When a person restrains himself from indulging in Haraam, in
whichever form : Filthy videos, television programs, immoral
magazines, music, or there's a beautiful woman inviting him to
look at her or she is even offering herself to him, then at that
time this young person says : "I have got health, strength and
wealth but my Allah is watching and I will not displease my
Allah. I will let my heart shatter into a thousand, thousand
fragments. I will take this tremendous pain on my heart and I
will let the blood of my evil desire flow and cover my heart, as
long as my Allah is not displeased."
THE SUNNAT OF YUSUF (A.S.)
The story of Hazrat Yusuf ('Alaihis Salaam) is well known. Allah
Ta'ala mentions in Surah Yusuf, how Zuleikha, enamoured by
the exceptional beauty of Yusuf ('Alaihis Salaam), attempted to
seduce him.
Allah Ta'ala relates in the Qur`aan Sharief :
49
"AND SHE, IN WHOSE HOUSE HE WAS, SOUGHT TO SEDUCE HIM
(TO DO AN EVIL ACT), SHE CLOSED THE DOORS
AND SAID : 'COME ON, O YOU.'"
Despite the circumstances and the advances of Zuleikha, who
was, herself, very beautiful, Hazrat Yusuf ('Alaihis Salaam)
called out : "…MA'AA-ZALLAH…" (I SEEK REFUGE IN
ALLAH…")
[SURAH YUSUF 12 : 23]
Whilst Hazrat Yusuf ('Alaihis Salaam), being a Nabi of Allah
Ta'ala, was free of sin and Divinely protected from committing
any kind of sin, this response of his is a lesson to be learnt. In
fact, it is a 'Sunnat' to be practised upon and a prescription to
be followed. No matter what the temptation to sin; no matter
what the invitation to sin; no matter how demanding the nafs
may be, we should flee to Allah : "fa-fir-roo ilallah…" and
seek His protection.
Self control and abstinence in any given circumstance of evil is
such that it increases reward by Allah Ta'ala. In fact, Hazrat
Abu Hurairah (j) mentioned that Nabi e had said
that if a servant has an inclination towards some evil but does
not act upon it, one good is written of good deeds.
Whilst this is a lesson sufficient for all of us, male and female,
married and unmarried, another incident comes to mind which
is extremely thought provoking, especially for our young sisters
and daughters, many of whom write and call with various
problems which accrue, after having become embroiled and
entangled in illicit relationships.
50
THE TAQWA OF MARYAM (A.S.)
Hazrat Maryam ('Alaihas Salaam) was a young and lovely
woman, pure and chaste, who had secluded herself from her
people. Whilst in seclusion, Hazrat Jibra`eel ('Alaihis Salaam)
appeared before her in the form of a most handsome young
man.
Allah Ta'ala narrates the incident as follows :
"…THEN WE SENT TO HER OUR RUH (HAZRAT JIBRA`EEL A.S.),
AND HE APPEARED BEFORE HER IN THE FORM OF A MAN
IN ALL RESPECTS."
According to some Tafseer, Jibra`eel ('Alaihis Salaam), who
appeared before her in such a handsome form, could have been
a test for her. (She did not know, at the time, that he was an
angel).
As piety would direct, her immediate reaction was :
"…VERILY! I SEEK REFUGE WITH THE MOST BENEFICENT
(ALLAH) FROM YOU, IF YOU DO FEAR ALLAH."
[SURAH MARYAM 19 : 17/18]
Hazrat Maryam ('Alaihas Salaam) was also a human being, with
the disposition, nature and sentiments of a young woman.
However, due to her piety, nobility and chastity, she sought
protection in Allah and said : '…if you do fear Allah… then do
not come near to me'. In other words, she did not want to
51
engage in anything Haraam because it would displease Allah
Ta'ala.
Hazrat Maryam ('Alaihas Salaam) has set an exemplary pattern
for our women.
LESSON 1
The lessons Hazrat Maryam ('Alaihas Salaam) and so too Hazrat
Yusuf ('Alaihis Salaam) convey, to all of us, are : Don't be swept
away with a beautiful or handsome appearance.
Whilst beauty is an attribute that charms and captivates the
heart; if it is that which Allah Ta'ala has declared as forbidden,
it not only destroys the peace of the heart, it lays to waste the
very substance of Imaan which resides in that same heart.
Therefore, Allah Ta'ala, addresses both the believing men and
believing women :
"TELL THE BELIEVING MEN TO LOWER THEIR GAZE
(FROM LOOKING AT THAT WHICH IS HARAAM) AND TO BE
MODEST (I.E. TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM PROHIBITED
DEEDS LIKE ADULTERY AND FORNICATION, ETC.).
THAT IS PURER FOR THEM. VERILY ALLAH IS AWARE
OF WHAT THEY DO."
"AND TELL THE BELIEVING WOMEN TO LOWER THEIR GAZE
(FROM LOOKING AT THAT WHICH IS FORBIDDEN) AND TO
BE MODEST (I.E. TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM PROHIBITED
DEEDS LIKE ADULTERY, FORNICATION, ETC.) AND NOT TO SHOW
OFF THEIR BEAUTY EXCEPT ONLY
52
THAT WHICH IS APPARENT AND TO DRAW THEIR VEILS
ALL OVER JUYUBIHINNA (I.E. THEIR BODIES, FACES,
NECKS AND BOSOMS, ETC.)…"
[SURAH NUR 24 : 29/ 30]
The absolute wisdom and beauty inherent in these injunctions
of Allah Ta'ala of lowering the gaze, guarding ones modesty
and adopting the Hijaab is that a person will remain far
removed from a crime such as zina (adultery / fornication).
All those actions that lead to the commission of sin are, like the
sin, itself, absolutely forbidden. Like zina is forbidden, so too
are all those steps that will inevitably lead to zina. Thus, Allah
Ta'ala says :
"AND COME NOT NEAR TO ZINA. VERILY IT IS A SHAMEFUL
AND EVIL PATH"
[SURAH AL- ISRA 17 : 32]
Evil glancing is the very inception to zina. By lowering the
gaze, we curtail furthering our evil desires.
These injunctions of Allah Ta'ala are a protection from sin and
should be appreciated by practical implementation. Added to
this benefit, one will not just enjoy peace and tranquility in life,
but will taste of the very sweetness of Imaan.
In a Hadith-e-Qudsi, Allah Ta'ala says : "Verily evil glancing
is an arrow from the poisonous arrows of Shaytaan.
Whosoever fears Me (Allah) and refrains from it will receive
from Me such Imaan, the sweetness of which he will taste
(feel) in his heart."
53
In a Hadith mentioned in Mishkaat Sharief, Rasulullah e said :
"When anyone's eyes fall on a pretty girl and he immediately
casts his gaze away from her, Allah grants him the Divine
Guidance towards such Ibaadah, the ecstasy of which he feels
in himself."
Whilst the prize of the sweetness and ecstasy of Imaan is for
the taking, the condition is self -restraint. It is now left to us to
secure it.
…And it is not difficult. As easy as we can find the courage to
stare at strange women, in the presence of Allah Ta'ala, we
can also find the courage to lower our gaze from such
beauties…who are, in reality, compounded particles of sand
who will soon disintegrate to the same.
Of course wives are excluded. Loving ones wife and showing
kindness towards her is Ibaadat, which earns one the pleasure
of Allah Ta'ala.
Nevertheless, if we don't defy our nafs and resort to the
obedience of Allah, then we should brace ourselves for an
entire life spent tarrying in the fire of restlessness.
THE CURSE OF ALLAH
Rasulullah e had said : "Allah curses the one who looks and
the one at whom the gaze is directed (i.e. the one who was
responsible for attracting the attention of a ghair-mahram)."
54
The La`nah (curse) of Allah is no trivial and insignificant
matter to be taken in the light-hearted manner we do. A person
tagged with the label of the 'La`nah' of Allah is denied His
Mercy, deprived of His proximity and severely disgraced, until
he repents thereof and makes every endeavour not to indulge in
such Haraam pleasure.
Added to this, when a person commits the sin of zina (adultery/
fornication) then he compounds his misfortune. The precious
and priceless entity of Imaan is then expelled from his heart.
(May Allah protect us all.)
Hazrat Anas (j) narrated that Rasulullah e had said : "Imaan
is a garb with which Allah clothes whomsoever He wishes. If a
person commits adultery, this garb is snatched away and if he
repents, it is again returned."
This much said, should be more than sufficient for a Mu`min.
LESSON 2
Don't be alone with any ghair-mahram. Rasulullah e had said:
"No man is alone with a strange woman, but Shaytaan is the
third among them."
Rasulullah e had also mentioned : "Do not enter on strange
women (i.e. women not lawful), for verily, Shaytaan moves in
any one of you like the movement of blood (in your veins)."
In fact, Shaytaan, himself, tendered the following advice to
Hazrat Musa ('Alaihis Salaam) : "Beware of sitting with a
woman to whom you are not related. I am her messenger to
you and your messenger to her."
55
Shaytaan whispers and creates suggestions in the mind and
heart. His encouragement could then lead to a greater sin.
The Western norm of employing young, beautiful, attractive
secretaries, receptionists, etc. with whom bosses, managers,
directors, doctors, etc. are in seclusion with, so often in their
offices, has seen large numbers of them involved in illicit
relationships.
Having followed yet another cancerous inclination of the West,
many Muslims have also fallen prey to the same illicit love
affairs in associating with the ghair mahram women they
employ.
If due to circumstances beyond one's control, a person has to
work in such an environment where there is much intermingling
of sexes, then one should exercise greater precaution, lest one
should slip…Where the ground is slippery, even an el ephant
can slip.
LESSON 3
Furthermore, the fear of Allah Ta'ala is the only thing that can
restrain a person from sin. Taqwa and the conscious awareness
of Allah Ta'ala's presence are a protection, security and barrier
from sin.
It brings to mind the beautiful concept of 'hayaa' as defined by
Mullah Ali Qaari (Rahmatullah 'alaih) : 'The 'haqeeqat' of
Hayaa is that your Maula must not find you in that place
56
which He has forbidden." …or indulging in that which He has
forbidden.
The conscious awareness of Allah Ta'ala prevents us from
committing sins.
Otherwise, after a little, temporary 'pleasure' in sin and illicit
love, the heart is then burning with restlessness, anxiety,
depression and the mind is contemplative of suicide.
If we would just make an effort to recognise Allah Ta'ala …His
infinite Kindness, Compassion, Love and Consideration, we
would fall intensely and unconditionally in love with Him.
Whatever He enjoins upon us and forbids us from is in our best
interests; for our benefit, advantage and well being.
Why choose restlessness, anxiety and misery over peace,
comfort and tranquility ?
LESSON 4
Whilst there are numerous lessons to be drawn from the story
of Hazrat Maryam ('Alaihas Salaam), I wish to briefly make
mention of another : Hazrat Jibra`eel ('Alaihis Salaam) informed
her that he was an angel, a messenger of Allah Ta'ala, who had
come to convey the tidings of a son to be borne of her.
Allah Ta'ala mentions in Surah Ambiyaa : "And (remember)
she who guarded her chastity (Maryam), We breathed into
(the sleeve of) her (garment)…". Thus, Hazrat Jibra`eel
('Alaihis Salaam) simply breathed in the sleeve of Maryam's
57
('Alaihas Salaam) garment and she conceived Hazrat
Eesa ('Alaihis Salaam).
After having conceived, she was extremely concerned. This
was, naturally, a frightening experience that brought in its wake
fear upon fear : A chaste woman, secluded in her chamber,
never conversing with any stranger, to conceive a child without
being married. How will she face her people ?
How will she explain her condition ? (At this stage she is
unaware of what is to happen… )
Helpless and alone, and so overcome by her circumstances, she
considered that it would be better to be dead and forgotten than
to contend with a plight so agonizing.
"SHE SAID : 'WOULD THAT I HAD DIED BEFORE THIS, AND
HAD BEEN FORGOTTEN AND OUT OF SIGHT!'"
[SURAH MARYAM 19 : 23]
Whilst Hazrat Maryam ('Alaihas Salaam) had not indulged in
anything remotely displeasing to Allah Ta'ala; she teaches us a
lesson that needs to be understood well : It is better to be under
the surface of the earth than to indulge in such a serious and
grave crime as adultery and fornication. We should not brag,
propagate and advertise our sins, nor invite and encourage
others to the same, which has become the norm of both young
and old.
Modesty and shame dictate that we feel embarrassed on the
thought of sin alone. This is Imaan.
58
Therefore Nabi e said : "Indeed Hayaa (Modesty) and Imaan
are companions. When one of them is lifted, the other leaves
as well."
When the attribute and condition of Hayaa is banished from the
heart of a Muslim, then its counterpart, Imaan, whose
subsistence and nourishment is dependent on Hayaa, follows
very quickly, in pursuit of its 'companion'.
THE OPTION OF YUSUF (A.S.)
Since reference had been made of Hazrat Yusuf ('Alaihis
Salaam), another important point comes to light : When Hazrat
Yusuf ('Alaihis Salaam) refused the proposal and advances of not
only Zuleikha, but also her companions, and was thus
threatened with imprisonment, then he said :
"…'O MY LORD! PRISON IS MORE BELOVED TO ME THAN
THAT WHICH THEY INVITE ME…"
[SURAH YUSUF 12 : 33]
Subhanallah… What must have been the condition of the heart
of Hazrat Yusuf ('Alaihis Salaam) to consider and prefer prison
to such an invitation? 1
The condition of the hearts and souls of the lovers of Allah
Ta'ala have a similar bearing and semblance : Why do they not
prefer casting evil, lustful glances at women or indulging in
illicit relationships ? Why do they not prefer the cinema,
theatre, casino, music and that filth which sinful ones like us
relish and delight in? Why ?
1 This does not mean that we should ask Allah Ta'ala for hardship.
59
Because the hearts of these Ahlullah are so in tune to the beauty
and love of Allah and the pleasure of obedience to Him that in
the path of Divine Love, sacrifice is favoured and preferred
over that which nafs and Shaytaan invites them to. In truth, the
very thought of sin shames them.
To return to the illustration of the condition of the spiritual
heart : When this pain and weight comes onto the heart which is
sacrificing those evil desires, for the Pleasure of Allah, and
when that heart is covered with the blood of sacrifice, then the
King of Kings and the Creator of the heart, will pay the King of
the body.
Allah will grant that heart the sweetness of Imaan, the taste of
which will be experienced therein, and He will imbue that heart
with satisfaction and peace.
WHEN THE SUN RISES
My Sheikh presents a wonderful and splendid analogy. He asks:
"When does the sun rise?" and then he, himself, gives the
reply: "When the horizon turns red."
Then he continues to describe the spiritual condition of the
heart in the same light : When the hear t turns red with the blood
of one's evil desires which have been sacrificed for the pleasure
of Allah Ta'ala, then Allah Ta'ala causes not just one 'sun' but
many 'suns' of His Muhabbat (Love) and Ma'rifat
(Recognition) to rise in such a heart.
60
The sun of this world has restrictions : It neither lights up the
entire world at once, nor is its heat always the same. Moreover,
whilst it brings light and warmth as it rises; it inevitably sets,
leaving behind darkness.
The 'suns' of Allah's love rise within the heart and lights it up.
These 'suns' do not set unless the person becomes a persistent
sinner, without Taubah (repentance). Added to this, the one in
whose heart, the 'suns' of Allah's love and ma'rifat have risen,
will generate such light that will in turn light up the hearts of
people all over the world.
…The pain endured by the heart brings in its wake, happiness,
satisfaction, the noor of Imaan and the sweetness of Imaan. In
fact, the sorrow of the heart on this path of Divine Love is the
very envy of happiness. Such a person is blessed with the
companionship of Allah Ta'ala, for Allah Ta'ala says : 'I am
with those of broken hearts.'
Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (Rahmatullah 'alaih) mentions the
exceptional stage reached by those who adopt patience in
abstaining from fulfilling their evil desires : On subscribing to
sabr (patience) and sacrifice, the 'Ahh' which continually and
invariably issues forth from that 'bleeding' heart transports one
to the supreme and absolute stage of Wilayat. Maulana Rumi
(Rahmatullah 'alaih) says :
Those who resort to Sabr on the Path of Allah;
Have acquired the Wilayat of the Siddiqeen
INCORPORATING IBAADAH
61
Nevertheless, whilst the Zikr of Allah should form part of our
spiritual diet, we must also understand that the verbal Zikr
which we make is not the only way.
Sometimes we take to a certain form of Ibaadah like how a
duck takes to water and then we think that this is the only way.
Tilawat of the Qur`aan Sharief, Dua, Salaah, etc. are all
required but with the most important ingredient of Ikhlaas
(Sincerity).
The Zikr which we make, is an aid and assistance. It is
instrumental in us fulfilling the Ahkaam of Allah Ta'ala.
Added to this, it removes the rust that has accumulated on our
spiritual hearts. It provides the spiritual steam that makes our
'engines' move.
When we take the name of Allah then this results in a
purification of the heart. Thereafter, the Qur`aan Tafseer and
the Ahadith will take immediate effect because our hearts will
be able to receive the same. Otherwise we just listen and listen
and listen and remain at square one.
THE EFFECTS OF ZIKR
Maulana Waseeullah (Rahmatullah 'alaih), a great Sheikh, had
said that he used to give lessons in Tafseer. Such were these
lessons, that they used to create a stir within his heart but he
said that those who attended left as they had come, with no
change in their lives.
62
He then gave lessons in Hadith. Such was the impact of these
lessons on his heart that he said it created an ecstasy within
him. However, there was still no change to be found in the lives
of those who attended his classes.
Whilst meditating the reasons behind this and the remedy for
the same, Allah Ta'ala inspired him to put all those students on
Zikr. After a period of time in Zikrullah, he then began lessons
of Qur`aan and Hadith and said that, thereafter, there was
implementation of the knowledge acquired and thus a
remarkable change.
When the hearts are rusty and hard, then it will not be able to
accept even the naseehat (advice) and direction of the Qur`aan
Sharief or the Ahadith of Rasulullah e. This is the direct result
of sins.
AFIRM PLEDGE
Indulging in sin causes the mind to become clouded and the
heart to become dark, so much so, that all the Ayaah of the
Qur`aan Sharief and the Ahadith of Rasulullah e have no
effect on such a heart.
What we need to do, is sincerely repent, make a firm pledge to
Allah Ta'ala and then inculcate His Zikr within ourselves and
our lives.
As I had mentioned; we attend Jamaat Salaah at the Musjid, and
numerous talks and we participate in so many duas but we both
63
know that despite the Imaam making dua and we also saying :
'Aameen' on that dua and istighfaar, there are so many making
'taubah' but they have 'chips' from a casino or a cinema ticket
in their pockets or a planned program of meeting their fiancée
or illicit beloved.
Even though 'taubah' is being expressed with the tongue, the
intention is still to commit the sin. A person who makes such a
mockery of Taubah is heading for disaster. There is fear of such
a person losing his Imaan. (May Allah Ta'ala protect us all from
incurring His displeasure.)
A sincere lover of Allah is not satisfied with the slightest of
sins. If he mistakenly and unintentionally commits a sin, then
there is a feeling of deep hurt. The heart is afflicted with grief,
sadness and remorse.
And he who repents to Allah
Becomes the Beloved of Allah
Reaching Him,
Cleansed and forgiven.
hghghghghghg
                             
Dua
O Allah, grant to us such intense love for You , that
64
it becomes extremely easy to do that which is pleasing to You
and stay away from everything which is Haraam and
forbidden.
O Allah, make us all of Your true and sincere lovers and out
of Your Infinite Generosity grant to us the Nisbat and
Wilayat of the Siddiqeen.
O Allah, grant to all Muslims, the best of blessings and
goodness in this world and the next.
hghghghghghg
THE CONTINUATION OF THE DISCOURSE FOLLOWS IN
PART 2 OF 'AASHIQ-E-SAWDIQ'.
A WORD OF WARNING REGARDING SENSUAL LOVE.
By Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb
That troublesome curling lock which caused sedition in youth,
Has transformed into the tail of a donkey in this perishable
abode, in old age.
That coquetry glance, whi ch was notorious in shedding the blood
(of lovers),
In old age has become too helpless to have any care for itself.
65
O Heart! Step carefully, in the spring of perishing beauty,
Thousands of love-boats have sunk in the sea of youth.
Falling in love with perishable beauty is our spiritual death,
It is in safeguarding one's heart wherein lies the secret of eternal
youth,
Ah ! That cheek which was the envy of a hundred gardens in
youth,
Now due to old age, it has become a disgrace to a hundred
autumns, in this perishing garden.
Those eyebrows and eyelashes that had become an altar for the
lovers yesterday,
Now due to old age, they are like the eyelashes of an ass, with
flowing matter discharging from them.
That sweetheart of beauty who yesterday ruled the Kings,
Today, due to old age, there is rebellion in her Kingdom.
That glowing countenance which was adorned by a volunteer
love,
Because of its declined beauty, is ashamed of its admiration.
That pride of charm which, until yesterday, was the adornment
of Poetry and Literature,
Why is it, that now, in old age it is subjected to cri ticism ?
Now where is the veil of 'howdah' (of camel) and that deep sigh
of separation?
That idolized doll is being humiliated in the dust of camel
driving.
The charms of a young beauty is the dawn of a rose garden,
But look at the end of this rose garden in the eve of gardening.
That essence of the sweet love of lovers, and that inspiration for
the love-song composition,
66
In old age has been reduced to a withering rose in the spring of
the Poet's meeting.
Thousands of Beauties portraits are buried in tombs
Yet the fools (lovers) are still subjected to vain imagination.
If there is any true love, then it is the eternal love of the Ever-
Living Lord,
The love of a perishing beauty is always a temporary one.
O AKHTAR ! DO NOT BE DECEIIVED BY ANY CHARMSS OF THE
UNIIVERSSE,
RATHER REMAIIN IIN LOVE WIITH (ALLAH) THE CREATOR OF THE
UNIIVERSSE IIN THIISS TEMPORARY WORLD.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
n Hedayatus Saalikeen (Book 1)
n Tafweez – The Cure for Depression
n Combating the Whisperings of
n Shaytaan
67
These books can be accessed from the
following website :
http://www.eastcoast.co.za/talks_ypatel
Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb's (D.B.) talks
can be downloaded from :
http://www.jamiat.org.za
AVAILABLE FREE FROM
MADRASSATUS SAWLEHAAT
30 TARNDALE AVENUE P.O. BOX 70281
ASHERVILLE OVERPORT
4091 4067
SOUTH AFRICA SOUTH AFRICA
+ 27 31 209 7266 (TEL)
+ 27 31 209 7136 (FAX)
MUSJID-E-NOOR LIBRARY
MALLINSON ROAD
ASHERVILLE
4091

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