Love for the Holy Prophet

  

Islam preaches belief in all the Prophets of Allah and calls for love and respect among all of us (prophets). Yet for a true believer in Islam, it is necessary to love the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) more than one’s own family. This love is essential, for it teaches the believer the value of obedience to Allah and obedience to His Prophet; and the Prophet who has been granted the highest rank before Allah is indeed Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). Thus, naturally and contextually in Islam, respect and love for the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) must be elevated. Allah commanded His Prophet to say: “If you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Al-Imran 3: 32)

The Sacrifice behind Eid-ul-Adha

 

Eid-ul-Adha (Bakr Eid) remains a profoundly sacred moment – the greatest Eid – which recalls an extraordinary story: that of the Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (as) and his son Hazrat Isma’il (as). Allah commanded Hazrat Ibrahim (as) through a vision to sacrifice his son, Hazrat Isma’il (as). Hazrat Isma’il (as) had not yet reached the age of puberty, yet at this tender age he accepted with complete submission that his father should sacrifice him by Allah’s command; Hazrat Isma’il (as) displayed unparalleled courage and faith. The Qur’an honours him in these words, where his sacrifice was immortalised: “When they both submitted (to Allah’s command) and Ibrahim laid him down upon his forehead, We called out to him: ‘O Ibrahim, you have indeed fulfilled the vision.’ Thus do We reward those who do good. Surely this was a clear test.” (As-Saffat 37: 104-107).

The gifts of Islam

 

Reproduced below is a section from the writings of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian [1835-1908], the Muslim saintly figure who claimed under Divine inspiration that he is the promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi of the Later Days. Hazrat Ahmad (as) explains here the transformative potential of Islamic beliefs and practices upon the spiritual fortunes of a human soul striving steadfastly and sincerely in the pure path of the Prophets, seeking the Face of God: attain true humility and Taqwah; gain Holy Communion- be blessed with Divine converse and dialogue, and thereby partake of lofty discourse and deep guidance; indeed, become a true heir to the cognition of God in their times.

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?

Trust in Islam

  

Trust – a real trust that is sincere, honest, and based upon Taqwa (the fear of Allah) – is a fundamental pillar in the life of a Muslim. In Islam, it is not a mere inner sentiment, but a spiritual path that connects the heart of the believer with Allah, and which gives him moral and social strength in his daily life. A believer is commanded to live with trust in himself, trust in his family and companions, and above all, absolute trust in his Creator – Allah, the One Who controls everything. Allah says in the Qur’an: “And whoever places his trust in Allah, He is sufficient for him.” (At-Talaq 65: 4). This verse clearly shows that trust in Allah is not an empty word, but a divine guarantee that opens the door to tranquillity and success.

 

Self-confidence, that is, when a believer believes in his own abilities, remains a necessary condition to progress in life. Without self-confidence, a person remains paralysed by fear and uncertainty. But Islam teaches that self-confidence must always be accompanied by the awareness that all strength and success come only by Allah’s permission. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “The strong one is not the one who overcomes others by his strength, but the strong one is the one who controls himself when he is angry.” (Bukhari, Muslim). This shows that true self-confidence is not found in physical strength, but in self-control, inner discipline, and in entrusting ourselves – all of us – entirely to Allah.

 

Trust in parents and in one’s surroundings also has great value. That environment must be worthy of trust. A society rests upon mutual trust; without trust, there is neither stability nor respect. In Islam, respect and trust towards parents remain a sacred obligation. Allah says in the Qur’an: “And We have enjoined upon man to treat his parents well.” (Al-Ankabut 29: 9).

 

But human trust, despite its importance, remains limited; absolute trust, the one that never disappoints, is trust in Allah.

Laylatul Qadr & Duahs

  

Like Allah and His beloved Messenger Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) have taught us, Laylatul Qadr is that night so filled with blessings that it is worth a thousand months of blessings, which is approximately equal to 83 years of a person’s life if Allah grants him a long life. Therefore, if a Muslim attains the reward of this blessed night, he receives a reward equivalent to a thousand months of devotion. But to deserve this favour, one must have discipline, sincerity, and good morality. Allah says in the Qur’an:

 

“When My servants ask you (the Prophet) about Me; I am near. I answer the call of the one who calls upon Me when he calls upon Me.” (Al-Baqara 2: 187)

 

This verse shows Allah’s closeness to the one who seeks Him and His help in all circumstances of life. Allah loves when His servants invoke Him and ask Him for all that they need. Here, in this verse, He answers His believing servants directly. Thus, Allah loves when His believing servants invoke Him alone, seek His help, and especially when they thank Him. Allah loves those who are grateful. Therefore, the Duahs (invocations) of a person must be sincere, and these Duahs must be invoked with certainty (Yaqeen) and trust (Tawwakul) in Allah that He will answer their invocations.

The Shahada- 2

  

Shahada, that is, the testimony: Laa Ilaaha illallaahu Muhammadur-Rasullullah, is not merely a formula of faith; it is a complete commitment that Allah demands from a believer, so that he establishes only Allah alone in his heart as his Lord, his God, and that he does not worship any other things, or people, or animals, or claim that these are gods alongside Allah. This person must be conscious that when he pronounces these words, that Allah alone is worthy of worship, not others, and NOT EVEN THE PROPHETS whom Allah sent upon the earth.

 

That is why Shahada is in two phases: first, to believe in Allah and worship Him alone, and second, to believe in Muhammad (pbuh), His Prophet, His Messenger. Here, what is important to retain is that Allah makes it clear: Beware! I alone am worthy of worship – you must pray to Me alone. My Messenger Muhammad (pbuh), just like all the prophets and messengers before him and even those who will come after him, are only human beings who come from Me to show you the path that will lead you to Me.

The Shahada- 1

  

The Shahada, that is, the testimony of faith, is a simple yet profound declaration which forms the heart of a believer in Islam. When a believer says: Ash-hadu alla ilaaha illallahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadar-Rasullullah (I bear witness that there is no other god except Allah and that Muhammad (pbuh) is [simply] His Messenger), it is not merely a phrase upon the lips and tongue; it is a spiritual commitment, a promise that this believer is making before Allah, for this phrase which appears very simple is in fact the key that opens the door of faith.

 

(The first part of the Shahada i.e.) “Laa Ilaaha Illallah” is beyond what people can describe, beyond what they can comprehend; it separates the believers from the disbelievers, those who are blessed and in peace and happiness from those who are far from Allah’s blessings and who make their lives bitter through their own faults; thus this Shahada (Laa Ilaaha Ilallahu Muhammadur Rasullullah) represents the very foundation of Islam. Whoever holds firmly to this word, this key, attains eternal life; whoever neglects it falls into perdition.

Tawwakul: Trust in Allah

 

In the life of a Muslim, there is a fundamental principle that permeates every aspect of existence: it is trust in Allah, known as Tawakkul. This concept is not merely an abstract idea or a fleeting emotion; it is a way of life, a direction of the heart, a discipline of the soul. When a person truly understands Tawakkul in its depth, they begin to live with a peace that does not depend on external circumstances, but on an intimate connection with the Creator.

In the Holy Qur’an, Allah repeatedly emphasises the importance of placing trust in Him. For example, in Surah At-Talaq, Verse 4, He says: “And whoever places his trust in Allah, then Allah is sufficient for him.” This statement is filled with promise and comfort. It clearly conveys that if a person truly turns to Allah with trust, then they need not rely on anyone else. Allah is sufficient for that person; He knows all their needs, all their fears, all their desires, and He can satisfy their heart even when the entire world turns its back on them.

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 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)

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)

Divine Union in Islam

Union with Allah 

The experience of union with Allah, as I have already mentioned in my previous sermon, is profoundly spiritual and transcends human understanding, to the extent that it cannot even be described in words. A person who experiences a connection with Allah will find that the words they (i.e. he or she) use (uses) to describe this experience do not truly capture the depth of what they have lived through spiritually. It is something that the person – the believer – feels and experiences personally, yet cannot fully explain. Only those who have personally gone through this deep connection can truly understand it, and even they struggle to convey the essence of this extraordinary experience to others.

Gazing God in Heaven

The Vision of Allah in the Afterlife

 

Every true believer wishes to see Allah one day, whether they are believers from among the various peoples of the earth, or especially the chosen ones of Allah – the prophets. Allah states in the Quran:

 

“Glory be to Him (Allah)! His greatness surpasses all that they (meaning the people – the disbelievers, the idolaters) describe. He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth from nothing. How then could He have a child when He does not have a spouse? He has created everything and knows all. That is Allah, your Lord. There is no deity besides Him. He is the Creator of all things; therefore, worship Him. He is in charge of everything. The eyes cannot perceive Him, yet He perceives all eyes. He is kind to us and fully aware of everything.” (Al-Anam, 6: 102-105)

 

The human mind’s conception and perception of Allah are very limited. The intellect cannot fathom the true nature of His existence. Allah is Omniscient, and Omnipresent, meaning He is everywhere, and He hears and knows everything. Nothing escapes His knowledge. One may attempt to conceal oneself, but no one can ever hide from Allah.

Al-Fatiha: A Commentary

 

The Quran is an ocean of knowledge and guidance for humanity. It’s very first chapter, an ardent invocation to Allah, embodies the essence of the Quran and the connection between man and his Creator. Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening of the Quran, is also referred to as Ummul-Quran (the Mother of the Quran). Indeed, Surah Al-Fatiha is so significant that without its recitation in every Rakah (cycle) of our prayers (Salat), those prayers are considered incomplete.

 

Therefore, Surah Al-Fatiha can be seen as a chapter enclosing the entire Quran, with the remaining chapters serving as commentaries on this exalted Surah. We must always bear in mind the profound importance of this Surah, as it holds the key, the solution, and the remedy to many seemingly insurmountable challenges, hardships, problems, and ailments. Reflect also on how, in Surah Al-Baqara, Allah declares: This is a perfect Book, containing no doubt, and it is guidance only for the “Muttaqi” (those who are pious, fear Allah and are conscious of Him).

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.

'Follow the Prophetic Model'

 

The Duahs of the Holy Prophet ^(sa) & The Promise of Allah- Part 6

'The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and so do the believers. They believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His messengers. (They proclaim) “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord! And to You (alone) is the final return.” (Al-Baqara 2: 286)

 

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, I am continuing with the sixth part of my Friday sermon, explaining the verse I have just read to you, which has a close connection with the promise Allah made to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the Muslims. It serves as a guide on how we can achieve this promise.

God's Prophets

 

'The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and so do the believers. They believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His messengers. (They proclaim) “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord! And to You (alone) is the final return.” (Al-Baqara 2: 286)

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, Allah has done a great favour to mankind, and in the past to every nation of the world, whereby sometimes He sends one, two or sometimes even four prophets at the same time with the same message, i.e., to preach: “Laa Ilaaha Illallah” (There is no one to worship but Allah).

 

Even today, Allah continues to pour down His favours and has chosen you, in this century to witness the advent of one of His Elects and Messengers, this humble servant to show and guide you to Allah, and to manifest such positives changes in you to enable you to see the divine light.