Watching Too Much TV

TV’S HARMFUL EFFECTS

Today the subject of my sermon shall be on the harmful effects of television. TV in itself is a favour for us from Allah (swt). You shall notice that in all good favours that Allah gives man, little by little Satan makes his way in them, leaving his mark, thus spoiling the favours which Allah have enabled us to have, especially in this past era and the actual era in which we are living with the introduction of television. There are programmes on TV which are essential for viewers, to learn from the given information, such as documentaries, news, educative programmes and others.

Now attraction to all the good effects of TV has disappeared, especially among the youths. Are you people now pondering over the arrays of TV Channels which are available today? I recall the past when there was only one television channel in Mauritius and there were interesting programmes, educative ones (such as documentaries etc.) which started around 3.00 pm and ended at 10.00 pm. Even the radio ended early just like for television. It was years later that a second channel was introduced and today there are a whole lot of TV channels besides the basic national TV channels. Now there are TV stations such as CANAL + proposing new programmes and channels and there is also the MY.T which proposes different new channels. Recently MY.T through publicity done have given viewers 3 months (till October 2015) free viewing of all its channels (more than 73 channels), with the hope that this attracts more and more people to subscribe to these usually paid channels. From what I have learnt, all kinds of Hindi and other serials are being broadcast, one after the other.

Now, what one sees is that all people are before the television, morning and evening. And there is even the option now to get to view the missed programmes and films of the past days.

So the believers need to ponder a lot over the harmful effects of television. Nowadays, a TV in a house has become for the people like a dangerous enemy. It has become such an enemy which is destroying your Iman (faith), time and money when you go to have paid subscriptions to get to view such channels which are dirty. At the same time, you are inviting your wives and children to partake of the harmful effects of these immoral movies and as a result, they also get to be negatively affected by these. 

Reform People through Good Morals

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, Allah (swt) has given me the Tawfiq again to continue the second part of my sermon which I started last Friday.

So, I advise all members of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam around the world (countries where the Jamaat has been established) and this is also an advice to all Muslims and Ahmadis also in particular, that when you hear about morality, and topics dealing on excellent behaviour, you must not think that all people will have got (or hear about) the message, and will have made their own reform. On the contrary, there are certain moral values ​​that the Jamaat must absolutely protect. And do not stay indifferent when you see a member of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam do something bad.

There are some people of the Jamaat, who when they talk with other people who do not form part of our Jamaat - especially in my absence - even manage to exceed all limits. They endlessly talk about many things - that are not necessarily based on truth - and this can put the Messenger of Allah in very difficult situations and then these other people come to believe in their words. This is actually a very serious thing and which spreads a bad smell and the smell can spread everywhere, and even manages to come on the Jamaat and the Messenger of Allah without him (this humble self) aware of what these people have spread and then it becomes an uncontrollable rumour that is not based on truth, which gets worse and worse and then pollutes the entire ocean.

Certainly all the prophets have experienced such situations. If you happen to find someone of Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam committing an action that can cause him and his family to be thrown in the fire, therefore if you find this and you do nothing, and you sleep in peace or you show yourself indifferent, then it will mean that there is weakness in your faith (Iman). If it’s like that, then it means that you have not understood the decree of Allah, and why He removed you from the other side (the other Jamaat) and placed you among the first who recognized His Chosen Messenger of this century. 

(Keep in mind) You have not only recognized the Messenger but you form part of the Jamaat of Allah and thus, who is luckier than you who are in the Divine Manifestation? Certainly it will be engraved in the history one day, where our future generations will research about you and you shall be the most honoured before our Creator (Allah) because you recognized His Messenger with whom He has sent a Jamaat and multiple divine manifestations. So it is us whom Allah has honoured with the task to revive the true teachings of Islam that have been violated and trampled under the feet of so-called Mullahs.

Eid-ul-Fitr: A Day of Harvest

A great blessed month has just left us; a month which each of us has no guarantee of seeing next year. All we can still hope is that Allah (twt) answers our prayers and supplications and accepts all our acts of worship (Ibaadat) and sacrifices made throughout the past month and grant us the promised rewards. Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah), the holy month of Ramadan has allowed Muslims to meet together, to converge en masse to the mosques, and besides they have committed themselves to fasting for the sake of Allah. Thus, the mosque found for the space of a month, its life and beauty.

How to explain this phenomenon? What could be the explanation for this behaviour if it is not faith (Iman in Allah) the driving force behind it all! Indeed, who is that Muslim who does not know the grandeur, splendour and importance of this month? The Muslim knows that any negligence would lead to his own loss as the chief of all angels, Hazrat Jibreel (as) has cursed the person who has foregone this opportunity to get divine forgiveness. The head of all prophets (as), the “Amin” (Worthy of Trust) Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said “Ameen” to this curse.

If the faith of the Muslim enables him to have high regard for this month, so where does his Iman (faith) disappear when the new moon of Shawwal appears (for the Eid), and when he deserts the house of Allah? If he knows the blessings of Allah (twt) that are included in the holy month of Ramadan, he must also know the blessings that are included in Salat (Namaz). If he is aware of the serious consequences of his carelessness during Ramadan, he should probably be also aware of the negative consequences resulting from the abandonment of Salat. Why then this carelessness, indifference towards this great Ibaadat which the Namaz is?

Remedies for the Diseases of the Heart

I don’t know how to thank My Creator, for He keeps increasing my knowledge on this subject and today, Alhamdulillah Summa Alhamdulillah I continue my Friday Sermon, on the remedies for the diseases of the heart, and I start first of all with how to guard one’s heart against the attack of the Satan (Shaytan). Shaytan creates doubts in the heart, therefore believing men should distant these doubts with the Zikr (remembrance) of Allah Ta’ala. They should not pay any attention to these doubts and distractions. Doubts and distractions are the talks of the Satan which he instills in the hearts of the believers.

It is reported in a Hadith that Shaytan will come to one of you and say to you: “Who created you?” 

The person will reply “Allah has created me”. Shaytan will then ask:“Who has created Allah?” 

Thus if this question arises in anyone’s heart, he should say:“I have brought faith in Allah and His Messenger (pbuh). This thought will then go away”. (Musnad Ahmad)

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) is reported to have said: “Two causes take effect on the heart. One, the effect by the angels in the form of truth and virtue, this is from Allah Ta’ala. One should thank Allah Ta’ala for such effect. The other is from our enemy in the form of rejecting the truth and avoiding virtuous acts. One who experiences these effects should seek Allah’s protection from the accursed Satan.” The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) then recited the following verse in a way of supporting this Hadith: “Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.” (2: 269).” (Musnad Ahmad)

Spiritual Balm for the Diseases of the Heart

“Oh mankind! There has come unto you an exhortation from your Lord, a balm for that which is in the breasts, a guidance and a mercy for believers.” (10: 58).

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, My Rab (Lord, Allah) has given me this opportunity in my Friday Sermon of today to explain the remedies for diseases of the heart (7^th Part: “The Heart”). 

Note that cure and remedies of the diseased hearts lie only in obedience to the Quran and in pure and perfect Iman (faith); you can analyse and try to understand that Allah the Exalted says in the verse of Chapter Yunus which I have recited in the beginning of my sermon after Surah Al-Fatiha.

The Quran is a cure for that ignorance of the heart. Ignorance is a much more fatal disease to the heart in comparison to sicknesses of the body. Diseases of the heart are bad character, evil beliefs, destructive and ignorant customs, etc. The Quran is a salutary healer of all these diseases, for it embraces, advices, admonishes, gives warnings, encouragement, etc. Thus, the cure and healer for the disease of the heart is the Quran. 

Heart and the Screen of Virtue

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, I continue my Khutba Jummah on the same topic (The Heart). Today is the 5^th week on the same topic, so it is a very important subject in our life, both mundane and spiritual. So everybody must take care of their own hearts.

Since the heart is an axis and centre for the reception of advices and admonition, Muslims are advised that they should take great care and precaution regarding the heart. They should not overburden the heart. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) has also said: “Give some rest to your hearts for they like your other organs also get tired”.

Hearts also become clean or dirty. Their cleanliness is maintained by the worship and obedience of Allah Ta’ala. By “Kufr” and disobedience they become impure and unhealthy.Allah Ta’ala says regarding the Munafiqeen and the non-believers: “Those are they for whom the Will of Allah is that He cleanse not their hearts.” (5: 42); “Who, when you read unto him our revelation, say: “(Mere) fables of the men of yore!” Nay, but that which they have earned is rust upon their hearts.” (83: 14-15).

Hazrat Abu Huraira (ra) reports that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) has said: “When a man commits a sin, there appears a black spot on his heart. If he thereafter repents and refrains from committing that sin, his heart is cleansed. If he commits the sin again there appears another spot on his heart until his heart is fully covered. This is what is meant in the following verse of the Quran: “Nay, but that which they have earned is rust upon their hearts.” (Tirmidhi). This verse means that disobedience and sin has covered their hearts from all angles. 

The attitude men should adopt when addressing women has been described in this verse: “And when you ask of them (the wives of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh)) anything, ask it from them from behind a curtain. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts.” (33: 54). 

Thus those women who have desire to display themselves and who freely mix with men in the markets, office etc. should fear Allah in this regard. Those men who allow and enjoy these actions of their women should also fear Allah. Men are responsible over their women and they will be questioned regarding the actions of their women on the day of Qiyamah.

Allah Ta’ala says in the Quran: “O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire whereof the fuel is men and stones…” (66: 7). These people should realize that through Pardah the society is kept chaste and pure and the non-observance of Pardah, free mixing of sexes, nudity and the desire to display destroys every society and makes it bereft of blessings and virtue.

'Imaan' and Tranquillity of the Heart

Oh Allah, grant me to pay obeisance to You, open my breast to repentance through Your security and grant me knowledge to continue the third part of my sermon on “The Heart” so that the hearts of the pious (Muttaqi) and the seekers of truth – those who are not hypocrites – may obtain from You light coming down from the heavens, penetrating their hearts and giving them the much sought, Tranquillity of the Heart. Ameen. 

Tranquillity and contentment of the heart lies in the remembrance of Allah the Almighty and in the firmness and steadfastness of Iman (faith). Allah the Almighty describes the speech of Hazrat Ibrahim (as) as thus: “My Rab (Lord), show me how you give life to the dead.”

Allah said: “Do you not believe?” 

He (Ibrahim) replied: “Yes, but I ask so that my heart be at ease.” (2: 261) Meaning: O my Rab, my faith will become more firm by witnessing with my eyes the manifestation of Your power. 

Allah the Almighty describes the request of the companions of Hazrat Isa (upon him be peace) that Allah bestow upon them His blessing in the following verse: “We wish to eat thereof that we may satisfy our hearts” (5: 114), meaning that “Our hearts may rest in peace and we become more firm in our faith. If we see the blessing of Allah showered upon us, then with the proofs we will grow richer in belief and acquire peace of heart.”

Animals and Humans: Science and Spirituality

In his Friday Sermon of 06 December 2013 the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius gave an eloquent discourse on what makes us humans with unique responsibilities among all earthly creatures of the animal world. 

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon:   

Man by nature, belongs to the animal kingdom with which he shares some common character traits. However, he is distinguished from animals by an innumerable number of differences which ensure him superiority and make him unequalled (in the animal world).

The essential difference between man and the animal world, which makes the very principle of humanity and gives source to what we call civilization and culture, comes from his vision of the world and the trends with which he is equipped (with Allah’s help), including his thinking capacity as well as various other abilities.

The QURBANI of Hadhrat Ibrahim (as)

People practice different rituals in their quest for Divine satisfaction. Sincere good deeds and personal sacrifices made solely for the purpose of seeking the pleasure of Allah have special resonance at the throne of Allah (twa). In the quest for understanding the spirit of sacrifice in the service of Tawheed, the life of Hadhrat Ibrahim (as) serves as an enduring model and inspiration for all believers. For his experiences in all their complex and varied settings represent an extraordinary saga of submission to the Divine Will. Even under conditions of severe trials, requiring extreme patience in the contingencies of life such as being asked his son, Hadhrat Ibrahim (as) remained sincere, solely devoted to the protective hands of the Divine [Inset: Artistic impression of that great sacrifice).

In his Friday Sermon of 04 October 2013, the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) Mauritius reflected on the purpose of Qurbani, a ritual of faith all devout Muslims observe on the occasion of the performance of Hajj / Eid-ul-Adha in the backdrop of the story of the life of Hadhrat Ibrahim (as).

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon:

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

A 'Khalifatullah' among Ahmadis

In his Friday Sermon of 06 September 2013, Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius provides an illuminating commentary on the continuity of Divine guidance in Islam in the Later Days. 

The great prophecies regarding the Second Manifestation of the Holy Prophet of Islam (sa) appearing among the “Aakhariin” have been fulfilled at one level with the appearance of the Promised Massih/Khalifatullah Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian in the last century. Till the appearance of a Divine Elect as a Khalifatullah who shall speak with the help of the Rooh-ul-Qudus, Ahmadis have been advised by the Promised Massih (as) (in Al Wassiyat) to remain united under an elected leadership and accordingly, the Khilafat-e- Ahmadiyya was established. Now that in the new century of Islam, Allah (twa) has raised His own Khalifa in the person of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius, there is no scope for a man-elected Khalifa to play a spiritual role. Instead of propagating 'Khatame Massih Maoud' to continue with the mundane Khilafat system within and thereby  commanding Allah to do as per their liking, the scholars and members of the Jamaat-e- Ahmadiyya would do well to introspect, show spiritual humility and follow the new Divine Messenger.  

Read the extracts from the Friday Sermon:

“And He will raise him from among others of them who have not yet joined the first (ones). He is the Mighty, the Wise.” (62: 4) 

To add to what has been mentioned in this verse of the Holy Quran on the appearance of a Khalifatullah, the Messiah of the last days, and the one who shall in fact symbolize the Spiritual Second Manifestation of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) among the “Aakhariin” this verse of the Holy Quran is indeed very revealing: He regulates the affair from the heaven to the earth; then it will ascend to Him in a Day, the extent of which is a thousand years of those which you count.” (32: 6)

According to this verse, Islam shall go through a dark period that would last a thousand years, after a first period of progress and prosperity. This first glory would last three hundred years, according to the traditions. Indeed the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “My century is best. Then it will be the century of those who come after my companions (the Tabi’in) then it will be one of those who will come after Tabeïnes (the Tabi-Tabi’in).”

‘A Pious Mother is Priceless’

Commodification of culture has become a rampant phenomenon in our times. It has pervaded almost all of our social institutions including family and religions.  Commercial interests are thus, increasingly driving and shaping the people’s latent cultural consciousness and traditional values and practices by promoting “combo-packages” and “special offers” on ‘festival’ occasions. Thus, it has become a ‘trend’ of our times- to commemorate/ celebrate a particular day in the year for various otherwise worthy causes and events. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Children’s Day, Family Day, etc. are illustrative examples.  In his Friday Sermon of May 24, 2013 Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius took note of these contemporary trends in the context of the recent celebration of “Mother’s Day” in Mauritius and elsewhere. While rejecting such commercially-induced and market (and debt) - driven practices which trivialises our sense of who we are, the Khalifatullah (atba) underscores the importance of parents and especially the mother in the social engineering and nation-building process.  

In an age in which the rights of the elderly parents are being disrespected by their own children and the old people are increasingly staring at a bleak and un-cared future, nation after nation is forced to bring in legislations and other protective, welfare measures to ensure the human and fundamental rights of the elderly. Islam offers an august space and status to the mother and exhorts Muslim children to be grateful for their parents’ selfless sacrifices and redeem the debt they owe when they grow up and their parents need them the most. Islamic teachings and normative expectations are a signpost for Muslims in fulfilling their spiritual and moral responsibilities, points out the Khalifatullah.

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon:

“We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him.” (31:15)

Attributes of a Divine Seeker

How does one traverse the narrow path of spiritual proximity in a mundane world? How does one attain nearness to Allah, the Most High? What are the qualities that transformed common human beings into Divine Messengers and raised them to the elevated status of friends of Allah?

The precepts of faith are to be practiced in an everyday life, beset with troubling choices and complex questions. In the solitude of man, he is often troubled by perceptions of his own capability and material circumstances in shaping the outcomes. Islam theorises that without the command and permission of Allah the Most High, not even a leaf moves where it does. Thus, Islam offers the empowering idea of Divine Help and succour to the believer who offers fervent prayers to Allah, the Most High and does her best. Yet, a linear understanding of this idea, which does not take account of the Divine Will, would be a mistake. In his Friday Sermon of 11 January 2013, the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib of Mauritius (atba) provides illuminating insights onto the difficult and complex questions of Divine proximity.

In the service of religion and humanity, a Divine seeker has purity of heart, sincerity of intention, and selflessness in practical action. Regardless of mundane circumstances, they move ahead with their noble responsibilities, with only faith as their armour. They have the courage to walk alone amidst the storms of life and the grace to grow over individual sufferings and afflictions. They have the capability to stare down the prejudices of the self and display unpretentious humility and lack of arrogance defines them in personal life. These are amongst the qualities of real Divine seekers who attains spiritual proximity and becomes the friends of Allah, says the Khalifatullah (atba). Those who adopt these attributes come under the shadow of Divine Help and communion in the varied circumstances of this present life itself, points out the Messenger of Allah of our times.  

Read the Extracts from the Sermon:

“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.” (7: 24)

‘Restrain from Evil Inclinations’

In his Friday Sermon of 28 December 2012, the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius gave a profound discourse on the hidden pearls of wisdom underlying the Qur’anic teachings on keeping away from evil inclinations and Satanic tendencies. Belivers are those who do good deeds and prefer the welfare of others even over their own personal comforts. They keep away from selfish desires and other evil inclinations and constantly seek to deny giving any corners for Satan to cast his evil whisperings.

“When you, the believers, leave behind the temporary attractions of this world and refuse to follow Satan in his path, and you give Allah preference over all things, it is then that the divine blessings are bestowed upon you; Allah sends down extraordinary blessings, and along with these you reap the good of your good deeds and you get a complete Iman (faith)”, exhorts the Messenger of Allah of our times.

Read the Extracts from the Speech:    

This is enlightenment for mankind and guidance and mercy for a people who are certain (in faith). (45: 21)

In this Quranic verse, Allah says that this Quran and the words therein contain such clear proofs for humanity, that is, when someone studies it with Taqwa (fear of Allah) and in whichever he wants, then he shall certainly see clear proofs (of the truth) in it.

Afterwards Allah says that it is guidance and mercy for the holders of faith, those who have complete faith in it. In the next verse, Allah says: “Or do those who commit evils think We will make them like those who have believed and done righteous deeds– (make them) equal in their life and their death? Evil is that which they judge.” (45: 22)

The Spirit of Financial Sacrifice

The spirit of financial sacrifice in the cause of Allah is central to the growth and progress of the Community. In the times of a Messenger of Allah, there are many who deeply attach themselves to the Divine cause and are unwilling to let go of the opportunity to learn something new and fresh from the Divine Messenger. They prefer an ascetic and humble life, cherishing knowledge and worship. They forgo the possibility of material gains for the sake of preserving the inherited knowledge for posterity and a distant future. Such dignified people might prefer their poverty over begging to people for their survival. It is the duty and responsibility of the Community at large, especially those who can afford to do so, to take care of the needs and requirements of such spiritual souls.

In his Friday Sermon of October 19, 2012 the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius continued with the larger theme of spending in the cause of Allah. Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon:

HIDAYAT and Financial Sacrifice

The Divine Path has so many subtle verities. True guidance or Hidayat comes from Allah the Most High.  He bestows it on whomsoever He pleases. For, the purity of the human heart is only known to Him. The Messengers have only the duty to convey the Divine Message and not to enforce it on an anyone as they do not have ascendancy over the hearts of men. Likewise, in the spiritual path, mere verbal acceptance of faith does not amount to anything. The transformation of the inner world becomes real only when it leads to good deeds and sacrifices in the service of the religion of Allah.

In his Friday Sermon of 12 October 2012, the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius continued the theme of financial sacrifice which was started in the previous Friday. Drawing upon the verses of the Holy Qur’an, the Messenger of Allah points to the sublime promise of Allah: those who do good deeds and spend in the cause of His path and to seek His pleasure will find their reward in this world and the Hereafter and they will not be wronged.

Read the Extracts from the Sermon:

It is not your duty to guide them, but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever good you spend is for yourselves, and you do not spend except seeking the countenance of Allah. And whatever you spend of good, it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged. (Charity is) for the poor who have been restricted for the cause of Allah, unable to move about in the land. The ignorant would think them self-sufficient because of their restraint, but you will know them by their (characteristic) sign. They do not ask people persistently (or at all). And whatever you spend of good, indeed, Allah is aware of it. Those who spend their wealth (in Allah's way) by night and by day, secretly and publicly, they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear shall there be concerning them, nor will they grieve. (2: 273-275)

Muhammad (sa) and the Seal of Prophethood

In his Friday Sermon of 14 September 2012, the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius explained the concept of Prophethood in Islam. By focussing on the Qur’anic title of the Holy Prophet of Islam Muhammad (sa)- Khataman-Nabiyyeen- the Khalifatullah points to the colossal mistakes that have crept into the mainstream belief  through the ebb and flow of centuries and the serious consequences it entailed for the fortunes of the Muslim Ummah. By closing the door of revelation in the Ummah, Muslims have cut at the “root of all spiritual and temporal understanding” and deprived itself of the  great blessing of Divine Guidance, points out the Messenger of Allah of our times.

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon:   

Almighty God appointed the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) the holder of the seal. This degree of excellence was barred to all other prophets since the beginning of time. One, who meticulously follows his footsteps, can be awarded the attributes of prophethood. But the Holy Prophet (sa) is gifted with much more than this. A spiritual and intimate linkage with him can elevate an “Ummati” to the exalted status of a prophet.

It was thus that thousands of the followers of the Holy Prophet were converted by his grace into saints of a high order. But there was to be others among the Ummah who would be wrapped in the silver linings of a prophet. One was the Mahdi and the Promised Messiah of the last century and for this century it refers to this humble self, the Muhyi-ud-din Khalifatullah. We are that person whom the Holy Prophet (sa) had himself described as prophet on four occasions (Sahih Muslim).

'Taqwah': Meaning and Essence

In his special sermon on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr on August 20, 2012 Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim(atba) of Mauritius gave a discourse on the most important quality a Muslim aspires to acquire: TAQWA.

Read the Extracts from the Eid Sermon:

“...When a person does a good deed, he must do so only for the pleasure of Allah. That person must have the Taqwa, that is, piety, righteousness.  Of what essence is that Taqwa? If you ask somebody on the street, what is that piety (Taqwa), he shall be embarrassed to give you an answer. And if you tell him that it means becoming pious, he can open wide his eyes or laugh at you. In his ignorance, when he hears those words, he can laugh it off. Therefore it must be understood that Taqwa is the master of words, a key word in Islam. Taqwa designates a virtue, a quality which is precise and well appreciated by Allah the Almighty.

Body Hygiene: Prophetic Traditions

ISLAM places much emphasize upon cleanliness. Purity of the body, mind and the soul are inextricably intertwined in Islam, for physical cleanliness is central to spiritual purity. In his Friday Sermon of 13 July 2012, Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim (atba) of Mauritius explained the Prophetic traditions on body hygiene and respect for the natural environment in the wider context of leading a healthy and long life in the Islamic way.

Drawing upon his own close study and analysis of the subject, the Khalifatullah observes: “[t]he absence of tobacco and alcohol consumption, consumption of five fruits and vegetables daily, physical exercise half an hour a day can contribute to the prolongation of life. Certainly it is the cleansing of the body, whether of our internal systems and our soul which each contributes to make us human beings capable of living a long life, according to the will of God in good physical, moral and spiritual health...”

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon:

“The human being who lives temporarily on earth will be compensated after his death according to his beliefs, his actions as well as his intentions. In Islam, acts of goodness not only reveal the spiritual and cultural, but they (also) concern different aspects of man’s life.

Islam has taught rules under the name which is now commonly called hygiene. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) said: “Ten things are part of (what the human being does by) natural predisposition: trimming his moustache, keeping the beard, brushing the teeth, rinsing his nostrils, trimming his nails, washing his finger joints, removing the hair of the armpits, shaving the pubic hair, using water after relieving him (after going to the toilet), and (one link in the chain of transmission says he remembers the tenth thing vaguely, that is) rinsing his mouth.” (Reported by Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, An-Nasaa’i)

According to other links in the chain of transmission, the tenth thing is circumcision. In another famous Hadith reported by Muslim, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) considers purification as being half of faith. So we see that Islam has put much emphasis on how Muslims must cultivate a healthy (clean) lifestyle.

The Decline of Muslim Spirituality- I

Early Islam produced men of outstanding ability, extraordinary drive and exemplary personal initiative. They were willing to sacrifice their all for the progress of their deeply held convictions, in the service of their faith. This in turn brought the Muslims victories over victories, successes over successes, grandeur and power which lasted for many centuries altogether. On the contrary, “the deeds of the Muslims (of the present times) have become a big dark spot on the exemplary performance and exceptional exploit of the first and true soldiers of Islam”. The contrasting fortunes of Muslims of the past and of the present have invited considerable scholarly attention in recent times. In his Friday Sermon of March 30, 2012 Hadhrat Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius profoundly reflected upon the lamentable spiritual conditions of the Muslims today and prescribed the spiritual medicines essential for reviving the fortunes of the Community.

Read the Extracts from the Sermon:  

We are nowadays in the Islamic year 1433 After Hijra. When we analyse that when the world was plunged into the darkness of ignorance, sins and immorality, a light of true knowledge and guidance (that is, the Holy Prophet Muhammad-sa) made its appearance in the horizon amidst the rocky mountains, Batha (the name of the small mountains surrounding Mecca). Its rays went beyond all boundaries, be it in the east, west, north and south, and these rays (of that divine light) illumine each corner of the earth. In the limited period of twenty-three years, this light leads the way so that people accede to such elevated honourable stations which had not been reached before. It has brightened the Muslims and created in them the profound desire to follow the true message that should guide them in the future towards success.

When they followed the true path, guided by this light, the Muslims won victories over victories, successes over successes and they reached the highest position of honour in history. For many centuries, they reigned over the world with grandeur and power. No (non-Muslim) leader of their time could have got the courage to face them, and if someone did attempt to do so, they risked leading themselves to their own destruction. [Inset: Mughal Emperor Muhiy-ud-Din Aurangzeb Alamgir (1618-1707).   His empire at its zenith spread over the whole of modern South Asia and Central Asia- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, parts of Iran and Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and one-fourth of the then world population lived under his rule. Historians testify that Emperor Aurangzeb inflicted such fear in the minds of the foreign elements trading in the waters of India that it took the British  more than a century and a half to consolidate their hold over India even after his death]. 

This is a historical truth which nobody can ever erase. But it is sad to see that these days this historical truth has become an old tradition, an “ancient story”, only good to be told (for a short time), and which appears farfetched for modern times, especially in our present times whereby the deeds of the Muslims have become a big dark spot on the exemplary performance and exceptional exploit of the first and true soldiers of Islam.

Spiritual Renewal: One Day Camp in Kerala

By the grace of Allah, the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam of Kerala conducted a one-day spiritual camp at the historic Noorul Islam Masjid at Mathra for the benefit of its members on April 6-7, 2012.

With the arrival of our brothers and sisters at the centre of the Jamaat in the morning, formal registration of delegates began at 10.00 am. At 11.00 a.m. members gathered in the premises of the Masjid for an hour-long Waqar-e-Amal Programme, to clear and clean up the surroundings of the Noorul Islam Masjid.

From 12.30 to 1.45 p.m. Namaz-e-Jum’ah was performed. For the occasion, Amir of the Kerala   Jamaat Mukarram Jamaluddin Sahib chose the latest Khutbah of the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad  Azim Sahib (atba) which was delivered on March 30, 2012 and later led the prayers.

After lunch break, brothers assembled again at the Masjid at 3.00 p.m. the Amir Sahib led an hour-long study session on the importance of Dawa and the necessity and significance of Bai’at. Quoting profusely from the Holy Qur’an and the Ahadith, Amir Sahib made a profound case for standing united under a Divinely-raised Khalifa (Khalifatullah) for the progress of Islam and humanity. He cautioned against the perils of keeping away from Bai’at once Allah sends in His representative with a mission to unite mankind.

After the speech, all brothers had tea and snacks and a general conversation was ensued with the honourable guest, the Soufi Sahib, Shahul Hameed Sahib.

After Maghrib prayer, the Siraj Makin programmed their meeting.

Moreover, Amir Jamaluddin Sahib addressed the gathered members on the importance of the times in the history of the Jamaat - with a Mubahila being signed with Abdul Ghaffar Janbah Sahib of Germany. He underscored the importance of reciting the special prayers taught by Hadhrat Sahib (atba) in this connection and the need to perform Tahajjud prayers on a regular basis invoking special blessings of Allah on the Muhyuiddin and for the Jamaat in general. He also spoke about the importance of carrying on with Dawa activities on a sustained basis.

At 4:30 a.m. members assembled for the Tahajjud Prayers and later, around 5:45 a.m., Namaz-e-Fajr was offered collectively. Amir Sahib led a study session on verses of the Holy Qur’an and some Ahadith on the occasion.

After breakfast at 8:00 a.m., visiting members went back to their respective places. Alhamdulillah, the assembled members left with a feeling of spiritual nourishment and renewal. On this occasion, a video recording was made of the event along with photos.

May Allah enrich the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, Kerala, India branch with outstanding abilities to propagate the word of Truth with the advent of the Hazrat Khalifatullah Muhyiuddin Munir A. Azim (atba). (Ameen)