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)