Islam: An Incomparable Gift

 

Islam is a gift that Allah has given to humanity at its birth; and it is a more honourable gift for anyone who is born Muslim and who grows up in the Islamic environment. A child’s upbringing in this honourable environment means that the parents also have a very great responsibility to guide them and maintain them in this Islamic, pure environment until these children become sufficiently mature, especially after the age of puberty, to know the difference between good and evil and to choose with full awareness to follow the path of truth, the path of Islam; and to make effort themselves to remain attached to the straight path, and to do everything possible to gain the pleasure of Allah, and to become a true Muslim, not by birth or by the Islamic environment in which they grew up, but by choice; a choice that is personal, that is pure, where a child, an adolescent, or even an adult – whether a young adult or even one in middle age – all have a choice to make. After the parental education they have received, where their parents guided them towards Allah, towards His Deen, towards good practice that will lead them to Paradise, will they follow this path or follow a path led astray by the influence of bad companions, bad guides who exist in the world and whose primary work is to divert them from the straight path?

'Patience is a Light'

Patience (Sabr) is a light in Islam. When a person adopts patience, he gains an inner clarity which illuminates his path. This protects his heart against the darkness of despair and gives him strength to pass through trials without panic. Without patience, life becomes like a house without light; but with patience, every difficulty becomes an opportunity to come closer to Allah.

 

Allah has said in the Qur’an:

 

“O believers! Seek help through patience and prayer; truly Allah is with those who are patient.” (Al-Baqara 2: 154)

 

This verse shows that patience is not merely a moral quality, but a spiritual means of attaining closeness to Allah. When a Muslim practises patience, he feels that Allah is with him, he gains divine support, and he gains courage to continue despite adversities.

Battles of the Heart

The Struggle between Divine Will & Ego’s Wish 

In daily life, every person finds themselves confronted by an inner struggle; a battle not visible to the naked eye, yet very real within the heart and mind. It is not a war fought with swords or guns, but a silent conflict – a battle between good and evil; between light and darkness. It is a clash between divine guidance and personal desires; between what Allah has commanded and what the Nafs (the passionate soul) yearns to do. This struggle does not begin in the streets or in society; it begins within the heart itself. It is a constant battle; it starts from childhood and lasts until death. Whoever triumphs in this struggle achieves true success.

 

The Holy Qur’an describes the Nafs in various ways. There is the Nafs that inclines towards evil, known as “an-nafs al-ammarah bis-su’,” as mentioned in Surah Yusuf, Verse 54: “Indeed, the soul commands evil, except for the one upon whom my Lord has mercy.” This state is dangerous, for it normalises sin; it justifies disobedience; it turns what is forbidden into pleasure. Yet Allah, in His mercy, grants the opportunity to purify this Nafs, to transform it into a tranquil soul (an-nafs al-mutma’innah), as mentioned in Surah Al-Fajr: “O soul at peace, return to your Lord, pleased and pleasing.”

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.

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)

Follow 'Sunnah', Avoid 'Shirk'

 

Ashhadu alla ilaha illallahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.

I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (pbuh) is His servant and Messenger. 

In our proclamation of faith, as Allah says in Surah Al-Baqara, Chapter 2, Verse 286: “The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and so do the believers. All of them have faith in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. [And they say] ‘We make no distinction between any of His Messengers.’ And they also say: ‘We hear and we obey. Forgive us, our Lord, for to You is the final return.’”

 

When a Messenger of Allah comes, especially a Messenger and Prophet who comes after the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), his role is to hold firmly to the Quran and ensures that he guides people to the commandments of this best Book. The Quran is special because it represents the total sum of laws that Allah has ordained for humanity. It is not applicable only to a particular era but applies at all times, as long as there are people on earth. People have been given a perfect guide in the person of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), whom Allah made a representation of the Quran on earth.

The riches of 'Sabr'

  

Alhamdulillah, on the blessed occasion of the 8^th Jalsa Salana of Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam- Tamil Nadu (India), International Sadr of the Siraj Makin [- the women’s wing of the Jamaat] Hazrat Ummul Mu’mineen Fazli Amena Varsally Saheba of Mauritius addressed the spiritual gathering at the historic Sirajum Munir Masjid through a special message on 29 December 2024. For the benefit of our readers, we reproduce below the Text of the Speech:

 

‘My dear Spiritual Children,

 

Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakaatuhu.

 

You all need to bear in mind the riches of Sabr (Patience). Life on earth is a temporary abode which only the Sabereen (those endowed with patience) know how to tread upon and live it.

 

Allah says in the Holy Quran: 'And be patient, for indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.' (Surah Hud,  11, Verse 116)

 

A true believer makes countless efforts to remain on the right path. The right path is not an easy path. It is filled with all kinds of turns and obstacles and trials, but it is only those who persevere and remain true and sincere to Allah and strive through steadfastness and trust in Allah to continue on their way shall be victorious.

'Forgive People, Accept Yourself'

 

If you want to see the truth

You must be brave enough to look.

 

**********

 

Relationships are like birds:

If you hold tightly, they die;

If you hold loosely, they fly.

                                      But, if you hold with care,

They remain with you forever.

 

************

Tarbiyyat Lessons- 20

 

 

Nothing lasts forever,

So be patient.

Darkness is only temporary,

and you will find the light again.

**************

 

‘Heart is not a basket

for keeping tension and sadness.

It is a golden box

for keeping roses of happiness

and sweet memories.’

*********

 

Life is too short for constant stress.

The only person you can control is you.

So, count your blessings,

value the people who love you,

make the most of each day,

and let go of the stress.

************

Tarbiyyat Lessons-19

 

Life is yours...

So you have to choose

whom you want to in your life.

 

Surround yourself with

People who know your worth

 

You don't need

too many in your life:

Just the real ones

who appreciate you

for exactly who you are

***********

 

If you want good results,

Then meet with good people

Good people always give you

Positive vibration and real happiness.

*****************

The Sheikh on Life Lessons- 2

'Allah it hurts; it hurts a lot. 

I know You see me struggle day in and day out.

No love is greater than Your love. 

I shall be patient for Your sake. 

Fix my heart, comfort my soul, Ya Rab...! 

‘O my Rab,

from the bottom of my heart,

I want to thank You for loving me,

forgiving me, healing me,

and never leaving me’.

 

When Allah likes a person, then the condition of His liking is that He puts a lot of trials on that person. Allah tests that person again and again, because Allah wants to be close to him; Allah just wants to see how much patience and faith His servant has in his Rab.   

God's plan is always the best. Sometimes the Process is painful and hard. But don't forget that when God is silent, He's doing something for you.

When someone speaks against you, speak well of them. When you are mistreated, treat them well. Repay Evil with Good, and God will fight your battles, Insha Allah.

Financial Sacrifice- 2

  

In his Friday Sermon of 15 September 2023~29 Safar 1445 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius gives an exposition on the larger theme of financial sacrifice in the Divine Way. Continuing on the theme from previous week, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) underscores that true believers only seek God’s approval and pleasure in obeying His prescriptions and prohibitions and it is they who inherit Paradise as a reward for their goodness in this world. Just as the rich are on trial on how they conduct with the possessions they have been entrusted with, the needy also have obligations of patience and goodness in the Divine Law of life.

Elaborating on the theme of a Qur’anic verse identified at the beginning of the sermon (13:23), Hazrat Saheb (aba) notes that the true believers perform their social obligations and do all the services that they render only for the sake of God’s countenance: they do not do charity or other good deeds for selfish reasons, or out of pride or religious ostentation. Needy believers endure hardships caused by restricted means of livelihood, or other emotional deprivations, and yet they do not incline to evil and bad deeds, remaining steadfast in faith, in goodness and in fact, they also race to do good in their own way. Diligent in the performance of devotional prayer at prescribed times; disciplining the self and its inclinations in this temporary world; being mindful of the reckoning before the Lord on the Day of Judgement, true believers are hopeful of the enduring rewards of God’s pleasure and blessings in the Hereafter.  

Patience and Hope in God

  

"O you who believe! be patient and excel in patience and remain steadfast, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, that you may be successful." (The Holy Qur'an, 3:201)

 

Life is a strain to which every believer is called to deal with a lot of patience. God commands the believer repeatedly in the Holy Quran to persevere in patience and constancy in the face of disasters and hardships of life. In that patience lies the happiness of the hereafter.

 

"If Allah gives you His help, none can overcome you. If He forsakes you, who is there then that can assist you after Him? In Allah the believers must put their trust." (3:161)

 

Misfortunes and calamities that visit the believer from God, such as, impatience and frustration cannot eliminate them. The believer must put absolute and clear trust in Allah to be spared from all harm because no one else can help him except God. Anything that affects the Muslim, be it exhaustion, disease, sorrow, pain, suffering or distress, "surely, God is with those who are patient." (2:154)

Patience and Prayer

 

The Holy Qur’an is a depository of perennial wisdom; through its prescient guidance, the holy Book seeks to raise the human soul from the depths of darkness into light. Through explicit verses of clear commands as well as subtle hints of allusive wisdom, the Book of God defines what is right and what is prudent in exigent circumstances of everyday life. Indeed, the Qur’an is an appeal to the human heart and higher consciousness: to realize and recognize the station of the Divine in our human settings; to be grateful for His favours and blessings; to seek His guidance, protection and help under all circumstances; to plead forgiveness and repentance for all our sins in the quest for salvation, and the gardens of Divine pleasure in the life to come. Those who critically examine their own public conduct as well as private counsel; those who are true to their own inner voices; they will find much merit in the Qur’anic commands and exhortations.

Consider the Qur’anic advice on the effectiveness of patience and prayer. In numerous verses, the Holy Book defines and describes in detail fine qualities of the true believers, the truly good in the eyes of God. The distinguishing characteristics; the profound attributes of a true servant of God invariably point to his or her pure beliefs, righteous deeds and patience and steadfastness under difficult circumstances. The Book of God states:    

‘Goodness does not consist in turning your face towards East or West. The truly good are those who believe in God and the Last Day, in the angels, the Scripture, and the prophets; who give away some of their wealth, however much they cherish it, to their relatives, to orphans, the needy, travellers and beggars, and to liberate those in bondage; those who keep up the prayer and pay the prescribed alms; who keep pledges whenever they make them; who are steadfast in misfortune, adversity, and times of danger. These are the ones who are true, and it is they who are aware of God.’ (2:178)

'Eid-ul-Adha' Sermon 2019

The Prayer of Hazrat Ibrahim (as)

“Rabbi hablii minas-saalihiin. Fabash-sharnaahu bi-gulaamin haliim.”

The verses of the Holy Quran which I have just recited before you today are found in Chapter 37, Surah As-Saffat, Verses 101-102. It is a duah (invocation/ prayer) which Hazrat Ibrahim (as) addressed to Allah.

The duah is as follows: “Rabbi hablii minas-saalihiin.” (O my Lord, grant me a righteous (offspring)). After addressing this duah to Allah (swt), God Almighty accepted it and granted him his request: “Fabash-sharnaahu bi-gulaamin haliim.” (So We gave him good tidings of a forbearing son).

So, these verses show the acceptance of Ibrahim’s (as) duah and how the promise of Allah (swt) came to manifest when Allah announced to him the birth of a gentle, and forbearing son. When the child reached the age when he could travel with his father, the latter (i.e. Hazrat Ibrahim) told him: ‘My son, I have seen myself sacrificing [slaughtering] you in a dream. What do you think?’ He said, ‘Father, do as you are commanded and, God willing, you will find me steadfast (among those or like those who show [exemplary] patience).’

In this verse, Allah (swt) has mentioned patience; those who forebear, those who are steadfast. It is the same kind of patience [an exemplary patience] that the son of Hazrat Ibrahim (as) has shown when the time came for him to be sacrificed. That is why the boy, Hazrat Ismail (as) said that: Insha-Allah, you shall find me steadfast (among those or like those who show [exemplary] patience).

So, the subject matter of sacrifice in the path of Allah has a profound connection/ bond with patience, for without patience, then the sacrifice in itself is also vain. Had Hazrat Ismail (as) not said what he declared on that day with complete sincerity, i.e. Insha-Allah, you shall find me steadfast, then on that day itself the real meaning of sacrifice would have been lost, annihilated. And therefore the world would have been deprived from the reality [true meaning] of sacrifice.

'Live A True Ramadan'

Ramadan's Identity

We are living the days and nights of an exceptional month; a blessed month that has a lot of benefits and an opportunity for every Muslim. In order to enjoy it fully, it is important to know what this month symbolizes and what we can draw from it so that we can acquire the divine love and salvation, and hope to enter paradise one day. Insha-Allah.

Our beloved prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said, “There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month, which Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has enjoined you to fast.” (Nasai).

For some Muslims, the arrival of the month of Ramadan is not welcomed because they will have to deprive themselves of food and drink and a lot of pleasures that they used to do. However, for a true believer, Ramadan is synonymous with Allah’s favour because this month is:

(1) The Month of Victory

Ramadan is a symbol of the victory of Islam and the Muslims because it was during this month that the first great battle took place at Badr on the 17^th day of Ramadan in year 2 of the Hegira (AH) between the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – accompanied by his 313 companions / believers – and the infidels of Mecca and it was the Muslims who came out victorious. It is during this month that Allah chains our worst enemy, Satan, so that each individual can be victorious over him.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “When the first night of the month of Ramadan comes, the devils and rebellious jinn are chained up and the gates of Hell are closed, and not one gate of it is opened. The gates of Paradise are opened and not one gate of it is closed…” (Tirmidhi).

It is an undeniable truth that our life on earth is marked by a perpetual fight against Satan. He swore to deviate us from our Creator and to enslave us through his many attractions. He desires at all costs to separate us from the Master of the Worlds [Allah] and to make us become his own slaves; like puppets moving at his command. This makes Ramadan an opportunity to free ourselves from Satan’s slavery and avoid his traps. If a person cannot get the upper hand on Satan during the holy month of Ramadan, when does he think he can do it? That is why Allah and His Messenger (pbuh) taught us that through the prohibitions imposed during the holy month of Ramadan, and through our attachment to Allah and spirituality (Islam), we need to abandon Satan and prevent him from attacking us.

So who will succeed in this initiative? They are the true believers! It is for them that the gates of paradise will remain open and the gates of hell will remain closed. Allah gives each of us an opportunity to reform, to take the right path and to keep treading on it. It is for those who will take into consideration these divine counsels and commands that the demon will not succeed in influencing.

'Future Belongs to the Truly Humble'

Poverty, Silence and Faith

There are people who have higher status in the sight of Allah, those who are VVIPs (i.e. Very Very Important Persons). They love Allah and Allah loves them. They are people who are oppressed by men and are (crushed) under the domination of others. We must always treat these people well. 

This was the advice of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) to his representative, Mu’az bin Jabal (ra), as the governor of Yemen. It is reported that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) took the reins of Mu’az’s (ra) horse and gave him some advices. He (pbuh) urged him to beware of the curse of the oppressed! For there is no veil between this invocation and Allah. (Bukhari & Muslim)

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “The supplication of the oppressed is answered, even if he is wicked for his wickedness is only against himself.” (Ahmad)

It is reported by Ibn Hibaan that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah (swt) will call the poor on the Day of Judgement and bring them into Paradise first without accountability. As for the rich and the chiefs, they will have to wait and then account (for their deeds). Our Holy Prophet (pbuh) said, “The poor will enter paradise five hundred years before the rich.” (Tirmidhi)

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said, “Seek me among the poor and the weak. Truly, you are given victory and provided for on account of the poor and weak among you.” (Abu Dawud)

Hold patience: Avoid vain disputes 

Allah Ta’ala defends those who do not defend themselves. Self-defence is permitted, but the nobility of Islam teaches us to withdraw from discussions (vain discussions/ disputes) in silence. He who shows such nobility of soul, then Allah Ta’ala Himself defends himself.

Allah Ta’ala took the defence of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) with pigeon eggs and spider webs in the Cave of Thaur. Allah Ta’ala gave patience to the people of Moses. Allah says in the Holy Quran:

“And We caused the people who had been oppressed to inherit the eastern regions of the land and the western ones, which We had blessed. And the good word of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of what they had patiently endured.” (Surah Al-Arraf, 7: 138)

Patience in Adversity

Patience, Perseverance and Endurance

To succeed in establishing in his soul beautiful qualities, such as patience, perseverance, endurance, the Muslim must absolutely resort to various verses of the Holy Quran and explicit Hadiths on the subject. Certainly the Holy Quran gives us clear examples that make us think, to boost us to take this path and succeed. Without patience, perseverance and endurance, the believer will not succeed in opening himself spiritually to the understanding of religion - in this case, Islam - and the essence of faith in itself.

Our Lord, Allah (swt) tells us in the Holy Qur’an:

“Give good tidings to the patient, those who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.’ Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.” (Al-Baqara 2 : 156-158).

“O you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah; that you may prosper.” (Al-Imran 3 : 201).

“We will surely give those who were patient their reward according to the best of what they used to do.” (An-Nahl, 16 : 97).

“Be patient, your patience is not but from Allah.” (An-Nahl 16 : 128).

“Bear anything that happens to you steadfastly, for this is firmness (of purpose) in (the conduct of) affairs.” (Luqman, 31 : 18).

“And We made from among them leaders guiding by Our command when they were patient and [when] they were certain of Our signs.” (Al-Sajda 32 : 25).

“The patient will be given their reward without account.” (Az-Zumar, 39 : 11).

These are some blessed verses from the Holy Qur’an that God the Exalted has sent down to humanity for all times. They show that where patience and endurance prevail, success is a sure cure. To these two elements forming the character of man, we must certainly add faith and piety as a whole. It is then that the divine blessing falls. For Allah (swt) reminds the Ummah through the Qur’anic verses of the value of patience and endurance.

Indeed, among the virtues that constitute the adornment of a Muslim, there is patience and endurance. These two elements, adopted with conviction help to combat the harm of others for the sake of Allah. Patience is simply the constraint of the soul to accept what is repugnant to it and to endure with impassivity, with constancy the evil that reaches it.

In times of trials, Muslims and especially my disciples of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam must restrain themselves and persevere in the accomplishment of good deeds and become models of virtues. You must not be alarmed or irritated or angry. On the contrary, you must have complete trust in Allah. Remember that the difficulties you are experiencing are only trials that you must overcome for the sake of Allah. These are tests, exams that God makes you undergo to bring out your true value and your true faith.