Spiritual Elevation: Three Stages

In life, many people seek to rise in rank. Some wish to be promoted at work; some long for respect in society; others hope to live a comfortable life. But do people also think about rising in rank with Allah? That is to say, attaining a higher place in Paradise, in the life to come? This is not merely a dream; it is a very real possibility. However, it requires effort, sincerity in action, and consistency in behaviour.

 

In Surah Al-Mujadila, Chapter 58, Verse 12, Allah says: “Allah elevates in degrees those among you who have believed and those who have been given knowledge.”

 

This verse is clear: it is Allah alone Who raises people in rank, and He grants this to those who have faith and seek knowledge. So, it is not just a matter of doing many deeds; those deeds must also be carried out with conviction and understanding.

Anti-Muslim Wars, and Our Duahs

A Call towards Allah and the Unity of Muslims

Today, for my Jalsa Salana speech, I return to a very important subject: the unity of Muslims, and the need to distance ourselves from things that hold no real value, so that we may be guided towards the vast blessings Allah has promised to those who follow His path – in the right way, and with Taqwa (i.e. with the consciousness of the presence of Allah and having an awe-inspiring reverence for Him).

Today, my call is not only to you, my dear followers, but to the entire Ummah of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), and to humanity as a whole.

Major Sins in Islam- 2

On Hypocrisy, Deceit, Murder, & Addictions

 

In the light of Islam, there are certain prohibitions that not only prevent us from doing wrong, but also guide us towards divine mercy and eternal salvation. Allah has warned us against hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is a spiritual illness of the heart; it is an inner corruption that destroys sincerity and disrupts the healthy functioning of community life.

 

The Quran describes hypocrites as follows: “The hypocrites, men and women, are alike. They encourage what is evil, forbid what is good, and are miserly. They have forgotten Allah, so Allah has forgotten them.” (At-Tauba 9: 67)

 

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) defined the signs of a hypocrite: “When he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he does not keep it; and when he is entrusted with something, he betrays that trust.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

 

These are the signs of a hypocrite. The Prophet (pbuh) also said: “Four traits make a person a complete hypocrite: betrayal, lying, breaking promises, and concealing the truth during disputes.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

 

Social hypocrisy is also condemned. Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “There is nothing more serious than a person with two faces.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Major Sins in Islam- 1

 

Idolatry and Anger 

 

Islam, as a Deen (a way of life and a revealed religion), offers a path – a series of wise instructions and divine commands – so that a believer may build their life upon justice, compassion and uprightness. Among the core teachings of Islam are clear prohibitions, designed to preserve the moral and social balance of human society. These prohibitions are not merely rules; they are spiritual guidance meant to protect the soul of mankind from corruption and to promote a harmonious society. I will now present some major prohibitions in the light of the Quran and Hadiths:

 

1. Polytheism and Idolatry

 

We must keep in mind that the gravest sin in the sight of Allah is Shirk, i.e., associating any other (false) deity with Allah. The Oneness of Allah is the central pillar of Islam. Therefore, if someone attributes partners to Allah – partners He never had – this is considered the most serious sin in Islam. Allah says in the Quran: “Allah does not forgive that anything be associated with Him, but He forgives whatever is less than that for whom He wills. Whoever sets up partners with Allah has indeed gone far astray.” (An-Nisa 4: 117)

The Next Life

  

In the Islamic view of life, nothing is more important than success in the eternal life; the life after death. This success isn’t measured by wealth or comfort, but by entering Paradise after receiving Allah’s forgiveness. That is the true triumph: when a person rises above the limits of this worldly life and reaches an everlasting life filled with endless joy. In His infinite wisdom, Allah has set clear signs to guide us towards this noble destination. 

A Muslim is invited to seek Allah’s pleasure and stay away from anything that brings His anger. This doesn’t just mean avoiding sins; it means living a life that reflects divine values and principles, with the hope that Allah will welcome us with His mercy – not only when we leave this world, but also on the Day of Judgement. Allah says in Surah Al-Imran (3: 32): “Say: If you truly love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins. Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”

 

This verse reminds us that Allah’s love comes through obedience to the Prophet – whether it’s the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), or any prophet sent in different times to revive Islam in the hearts of those who had forgotten it. We must remember that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the perfect example for all humanity, even for the prophets who came and who will continue to come after him. These prophets are called to uphold his honour, the honour of Allah –our Creator, and to restore the true value of the Qur’an. The life of the Prophet is a model of virtue for all of us. Whoever follows his path will receive Allah’s forgiveness and love – two essential gifts for entering Paradise.

'Celebrate, Don't Show Off'

Birthdays & Celebrations: To What Extent

All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. We thank Him for blessing us with Islam – the complete way of life – and for sending us the most noble and perfect of all prophets, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). May peace and blessings be upon the Holy Prophet of Islam, the light of Allah who guided a world lost in darkness and showed the path back to its Creator. May Allah bless him, the Mercy to all creation, and bless his companions and all those who follow his teachings – the divine guidance found in his Sunnah and Hadith.

 

My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, and all sincere seekers in this age of Divine Manifestation, today we reflect on a sensitive but important subject: the celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), known as Mawlid.

 

As sincere Muslims, it is our duty to distinguish between what is truly Islamic and what comes from customs which are foreign to our faith. Islam is a complete and perfect religion, preserved by Allah. It does not need additions or innovations.

Gaza: 'Does God See Us?'

 

"Perhaps those outside Gaza are in greater torment, cut off from the spiritual outpouring and mercy that rains down in Gaza."

I attempt to process this vast devastation. I look out at these destroyed homes, the grieving women, widows, orphans, the oppressed, the displaced, the homeless, the hungry, the thirsty, those overpowered by their circumstances, and I ask myself: Does God see them?

I look at the bombed houses, the demolished schools, the burned hospitals, the bulldozed streets, and I ask: Does God see them?

I look at the children trapped under the rubble, while the civil defense men stand helpless before extracting them, as they suffocate and die, and I ask: Does God see them?

I look at those who cannot find their daily bread, those who sleep hungry and wake up hungry; I look at the forcibly displaced, whose bones ache from sleeping on the ground, whose skin has cracked under the burning sun, the bites of mosquitoes, whose muscles are torn from carrying firewood and water buckets, and I ask: Does God see them?

I look at the wounded groaning in pain, without medicine; at those whose limbs have been amputated without anesthesia, unable to move, crying out for medical referrals to restore their hope, and I ask: Does God see them?

The truth is: Yes. God sees all of this.

The Road to Allah

Islam and Imaan

The central pillar of Islam is the worship of Allah, the One, never associating anything or anyone with Him. Any form of worship dedicated to anyone other than Allah is unjust and futile, because He alone holds all powers to grant our wishes and accept our requests and prayers (duahs). This fundamental truth is encapsulated in the core declaration of faith, the Shahada: Laa Ilaaha Illallah (There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah).

To guide humanity towards His pleasure and satisfaction, and thereby towards the path of righteousness, Allah has sent prophets to every people. These Messengers and Prophets of Allah preached, just as their predecessors did, the oneness of Allah. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the best among men, the most pious and exemplary of his time. As Muslims, it is our duty to love him and follow his path (Sunnah, his practices), for he was sent by Allah as a mercy to the universe. Allah chose him to receive the final revelation of the law (the Quran), which is intended to guide humanity towards righteousness and eternal happiness.

Duahs for Palestine

 

The holy month of Ramadan is a time of special signififcance for devout Muslims around the world. During this august spiritual occasion, they observe pious acts of Faith in remembrance of Divine commands, and engage in worshipful prayers seeking Divine mercy and grace for personal and social benefits, and for peace and justice in the world, for the welfare of the Muslim Ummah and global humanity. This year, on 28 March 2025~27 Ramadan 1446 AH, on the blessed occassion of the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, the living servant of Islam and holy founder of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International, Hazrat Imam Al Mahdi Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius, delivered a spiritually- illuminating Friday Sermon on the highway to God, explaining the profound meaning of Islam and Imaan. 

Being Muslim entails a commitment to justice and fairness; a rejection of oppression and persecution; resistance to disorder and domineering through lawful means and methods; and invocation of soulful prayers for change of fortunes in favour of the oppressed peoples. Reproduced below are extracts from the aforesaid Friday Sermon containing fervent supplications to the Almighty Allah by this humble servant and elect of God Almighty seeking erasure of a genocidal order in Israel and the emancipation of the oppressed in Palestine:

'When you look at what is happening outside, especially in Palestine, small children – little ones – are sacrificing and keeping fasts with just a sip of water. They have nothing to break their fast with, nothing to eat for Sehri/ Suhur; what kind of hardship they are going through. Some have lost their parents; some have lost their wives, some have lost their husbands, some have lost their children – all because of the oppression that these tyrants are committing. So, this month of Ramadan is a month for us to perform Jihad against these people. Our Jihad is not to throw bombs, not to take swords in our hands, not to kill. Our Jihad is to turn towards the One Who holds all power, that is, Allah; and it is Allah Who can bring an end to them for the kind of oppression they have committed. 

The Life of the Holy Prophet

 

The life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is an ocean of wisdom, mercy, and divine guidance. Today, we will not speak in depth about the great battles he fought or the miracles he performed, but rather we will focus on the moments of tenderness, reflection, silent sorrow, and discreet greatness that reveal the depth of his character.

In the Qur’an, Allah says regarding His beloved Prophet (pbuh):  “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” (Al-Qalam 68: 5). This character, this level of excellent morality, is manifested in the small anecdotes of his life – anecdotes that may seem insignificant but are in truth deeply meaningful and powerful.

 

For example, when he was still a child, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) was entrusted to a wet nurse from among the Bedouins named Halima Saadia. This choice was not made in vain or without significance – No! In ancient times, the Arabs believed that children raised in the desert would develop a pure Arabic tongue and a strong character. Halima Saadia was a grateful woman. When she was given the responsibility of caring for Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), although he was fatherless, this did not prevent her from taking care of this extraordinary baby. From the moment Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) entered her life, Allah’s blessings entered her home and her life as a whole. She and her husband, Al-Harith, witnessed miracles: their animals began producing more milk, and their lands became more fertile. This shows that even before Allah officially raised Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) as His Prophet, his very arrival into this world was a Barakah (blessing).

Trials, Patience & Faith- 2

 

In this temporary world, every soul must go through certain trials. Pains, losses, illnesses, uncertainties, and injustices are not things out of the ordinary, but rather elements that form part of life on earth. Allah has informed us that this worldly life is a field of trials, destined to reveal the sincerity of our faith and the depth of our submission. A true believer will not be content merely seeking the comfort of Paradise, but will make every effort to draw closer to Allah Himself, Who is the Master of Paradise. In the Qur’an, Allah says:

“We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. But give good tidings to the patient.” (Al-Baqara 2: 156)

 

To be a Muslim means to submit oneself entirely to the will of Allah. It is not merely a religious affiliation, but a posture that one must adopt in daily life, in all intentions and actions – this submission must permeate one’s entire life. One must become like the soul that recognises it belongs to Allah, its Creator, and that everything – whether happiness or hardship – comes from Him.

 

“Say: Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.” (Al-Anam 6: 163)

Trials, Patience & Faith- 1

 

All people, at one moment or another, go through trials and difficulties in different forms – whether when their health deteriorates or old age comes – and they face many physical and morale problems. No one can say they’ve never known a health issue, a loss, a fear, or a disappointment. These trials walk hand in hand with the condition of human beings. And they do not affect only the poor, but also the rich. Everyone goes through trials – sometimes very hard, sometimes less so – but a trial nonetheless. Whether a person is young or old, all go through difficulties that they must overcome. These trials are manifestations of divine wisdom, tests that Allah sends to try our faith, our patience, our ability to endure these trials, and they are also tests that examine our trust in Allah.

 

Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “And We tested them with good and evil so that they might return (to Us in repentance).” (Al-Araf 7: 169)

One Ummah, One Leader- 3

Every Muslim must keep in mind that Allah’s promise to preserve the Qur’an until the Day of Judgement is a true promise. Reflect well that Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) came as the Qur’an in flesh and blood – that is to say, he was a perfect representation of the Noble Qur’an.

Therefore, the Muslim world and all seekers of truth must realise that the truth of Islam cannot be erased! No matter how many conspirators try to destroy Islam, seeking at all costs to divide Muslims, place obstacles between our unity, and create wars so that we fight amongst ourselves – there always comes a point when Allah overturns their plans and removes the blindness from the eyes of Muslims, guiding them back to the straight path.

One Ummah, One Leader- 2

 

Like I was telling you last Friday, the greatest challenge the Ummah has been facing for centuries is unity around a single Leader – not just any leader or Caliph, but a leader based on the precepts of our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). Many people have come and proclaimed that they are the ones who have come to bring reform to the Ummah. It is true that many Mujaddids (reformers) have come, but after guidance, people have become divided again and that too, sub-divided, to the point that no one truly knows where the truth lies.

 

Each of the sects, the Jamaats (communities) of Islam, is seeking the Khilafat for itself, to lead the Ummah, but this Khilafat – let me tell you – is chosen by Allah! When man deviates from the path of Allah and abandons the spiritual heritage of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), of Islam – an Islam that all the prophets have preached since the creation of man – then Allah sees the need to raise His own Khalifa (Caliph/ Representative) to bring about that unity. This Khalifa of Allah does all he can, through the divine revelation he receives, to revive the Qur’an and Islam in the hearts of people across the world; not just Muslims, but also people of other faiths who have long lost the right path.

 

So, if we look closely, who truly deserves the Khilafat? When we analyse the sects of Islam that have deviated from the right path, we see how many have already lost true guidance; therefore, each Muslim must reflect on whether he is truly following the “Siratwal Mustaqeem” (the straight path), and where it is truly leading him: towards Allah and His pleasure, or towards divine anger and punishment?

 

A Khilafat that is based on the footsteps and works of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) – when the time comes, it will appear, and continue to appear, after people have lost the compass of Islam – that is, when they lose the direction that leads to true Islam.

One Ummah, One Leader - 1

 

The greatest challenge facing the Muslim world, in their perception, is that there must be the establishment of a single authority known as the Khilafat – where all Muslims must unite under one leader. Once the Khilafat is established, it would represent a sign of majesty and omnipotence of Islam, and on the other hand, the Muslim nation would then deserve Divine guidance.

 

The intention to establish a single Khilafat is a noble vision, but unfortunately Muslims are not agreeing. This disagreement is based on who deserves the Khilafat, considering that there have been so many divisions and groups (Jamaat) in Islam. Thus, Islam is torn internally like this, and externally too, there are cunning schemes and wickedness from others of different faiths and beliefs who seek to eradicate Islam so their ideology may dominate the world.

 

Amidst the internal disagreement Muslims have faced, where the body of Islam was torn apart by conflicts, where the unity of Muslims disappeared, Allah found it necessary to send His own Khalifa (Caliph), whom He Himself elected and granted revelation in order to revive the teachings of Islam within global society.

The Gift of Islam

 

Praise be to Allah, Lord of all the worlds, Who created the heavens and the earth with wisdom, and Who honoured us with Islam, the path of truth and peace.

 

My dear brothers, sisters, and followers, this message is not addressed only to Muslims, but to all humanity. It is a sincere call to all of you to recognize the One Creator, Allah, and thus walk the path of righteousness, justice, and inner peace.

 

Allah says in the Holy Quran: “Say: This is my path. I invite people, myself and those who follow me, to Allah, with clear proof. Glory be to Allah! I do not associate anything with Him.” (Yusuf, 12: 109)

The Gift of Quran

 

The Holy Quran is not only a sacred book, but the eternal word of Allah, a direct link between the Creator (Allah) and His servants. It was revealed as a blessing for all humanity (all the worlds), as a warning and glad tidings, but it is more for the one who has fear of Allah and who submits to His will. As Allah tells us in the Quran itself: “This is the Book; there is no doubt in it. It is guidance for the righteous (those who fear Allah and want to follow His path)” (Al-Baqara 2: 3). For every sincere Muslim, their relationship with the Quran must deeply shape their faith, their spirituality, and their destiny.

 

Hazrat Ibn Masud (ra) said: “Whoever wants to know whether he truly loves Allah and His Prophet, then he should observe his relationship with the Quran. If he loves the Quran, then he truly loves Allah and His Prophet.” (Tabarani)

Death in Islam

 

“Kullu nafsin zaa-iqatul-mawt, summa ilayna turjaʿuun.”

“Every soul shall taste death. Then, to Us shall they be returned.”

(Al-Ankabut, 29: 58)

 

Death is a reality that cannot be avoided for every person, whether they are a believer or a non-believer. Islam teaches that every soul is responsible for its own actions, and that no one will carry the burden of another. In the Qur’an, Allah says: “No soul shall bear the burden of another.” (Al-An’am, 6: 165)

This fundamental principle of divine justice is reaffirmed multiple times in the Noble Qur’an. Allah says that everyone will be judged according to their own actions, without the faults or sins or even the merits of one person being transferred to another soul.

'Abu Lahab' and His Wife

 

‘May the hands of Abu Lahab be ruined!

May he be ruined too!

Neither his wealth nor his gains will help him:

he will burn in the Flaming Fire–– and so will his wife,

the firewood-carrier, with a palm-fibre rope around her neck.’

                             --- ( Holy Qur'an, Surah Al Masad, 111: 2-6 )

 

In the times of Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa), his uncle Abu Lahab was one of the wealthiest and influential Qurayshi leaders who most opposed the Prophet and persecuted the early Muslims. Material wealth and worldly rule intoxicated him with a fiery temperament. Raging impatience characterized this ‘Flame Man’. Abu Lahab’s wife Umm Jamil bint Harb was a scheming woman, known to support her husband in his excesses- even indulged in mocking the Prophet when he was ill. The Holy Qur’an makes an illustration out of the mindset of ‘Abu Lahabs’; the Book of God  roundly condemns such arrogance and hubris: ‘may his (hands) power perish and all that he possesses’.

'Duah': A Prayer

 

O Lord of all the worlds!

It is beyond me to offer You gratitude for all Your favours.

You are most Merciful and Compassionate,

and the bounties that You have conferred upon me are countless.

 

Forgive me my sins, lest I am ruined.

Fill my heart with sincere love for You,

so that I may receive life.

Make the Good Choice!

  

Human beings, as Allah created them, are driven by a desire that constantly urges them to move forward, make progress, rise higher on the social ladder, and acquire worldly and material wealth. Whether in abundance or in need – poverty – they always desire to have more.

 

Those who enjoy financial ease (be they at the top of the ladder or among the middle class) always wish to gain more; they aspire to become millionaires, even billionaires. Those who suffer in poverty dream of a comfortable home and sufficient means to meet the needs of their household and close family with dignity. Even those in the middle class long for a better life, especially to ensure a stable future for their families; so they aim not only for the immediate comfort of their household, but also make provision for their future.

Islam & Health

  

In Islam, health is an invaluable blessing – a favour from Allah for which believers must remain constantly grateful. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “There are two blessings which many people fail to make the most of: good health and free time.” (Bukhari)

Health encompasses the body, the mind, and the soul. It forms the essential foundation of worship, because without it, practices such as fasting (Roza), prayer (Salat), and other virtuous acts become difficult to perform. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “Do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands.” (Al-Baqara 2: 196)

 

This verse establishes a fundamental principle: safeguarding one’s health is not only a personal responsibility but also a spiritual obligation.

Man & His Path

  

The journey of man begins with a miracle in his creation, guided by the wisdom of Allah. The Holy Qur’an says:

 

“And indeed We created man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a drop of sperm in a firm resting place. Then We fashioned the drop into a clinging clot, and We fashioned the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We fashioned the lump into bones; then We clothed the bones with flesh. Then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the Best of Creators.” (Al-Mu’minun, 23: 13-15)

 

Man receives life when he is formed in his mother’s womb, and he is sent to Earth with a gift from Allah called the soul, which grants him an eternal connection with his Creator. The Holy Qur’an says:

 

“Then He (Allah) proportioned him and breathed into him of His spirit; and He gave you (humans) hearing and sight and hearts. Little are you grateful!” (As-Sajda 32: 10)

'Eid Ul Adha' at Mathra Masjid

 

Alhamdulillah, Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Kerala celebrated the Eid Ul Adha festival at the Noor’ul Islam Masjid – Mathra with a spiritual retreat of its members on 05-08 June 2025. Summa Alhamdulillah, most members of the Jamaat made it convenient to reach the Masjid venue ahead of time, and participated wholeheartedly in the pure celebration of spiritual blessings over the four days of the Eid.  

 

In this era, a spiritual gathering of disciples and followers of a Divinely-raised reformer assumes importance. In an era in which truth and falsehood has become mixed and blurred; the lawful has become unlawful, and the unlawful has become lawful; and the religion of prophets has become a plaything at the hands of power-hungry politicians; restoration of spirituality is impossible without Divine manifestation: the advent of a heavenly- raised messenger is a great blessing on troubled humanity. Indeed, only a Divinely-imbued soul can reclaim the spirit of Faith among the believers through the practice of virtue and the preaching of holy wisdom in these complicated times, Insha-Allah, Aameen.   

 

Just like God Almighty raised spiritually-inspired souls as prophets and messengers and reformers and spiritual leaders in other turbulent eras for the guidance of the people, it should not be and it is not a matter of wonder when God Almighty turns in mercy to mankind and invokes His perennial practice – Sunnat Allah- of raising an Elect among them for their own sake. Indeed, we believe that Allah (swt) has sent His special Elect as the Muhyiuddin and Khalifatullah of this era in the person of  Hazrat Imam Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius for the spiritual guidance of humankind, Subhaan Allah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar!   

Hajj & 'Eid Ul Adha'

 

Assalamoualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakaatuhu. 

Eid Mubarak!

 

When we speak of Hajj, we commemorate the immense sacrifice of two prophets in human history who attained the highest level of love for Allah. These prophets are Ibrahim (as) and Isma’il (as).

 

The sacrifice of our forefather Hazrat Ibrahim (as) and his only son at the time – Hazrat Isma’il (as) – [before the birth of Ishaq (as)] is a central event in Islamic history. It is remembered every year during Eid-ul-Adha. Allah tested Ibrahim’s faith and devotion by commanding him in a dream to sacrifice his son Isma’il (as). This event is mentioned in the Holy Quran:

 

“Then when (the child) reached the age to walk with him, (Ibrahim) said, ‘O my son, I have seen in a dream that I am sacrificing you. See then what you think.’ He replied, ‘O my dear father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, among the steadfast.’” (As-Saffat, 37: 103)