tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89825228878530746492023-11-15T09:12:01.875-08:00Islamic Reality AwarenessArif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-87657905812989532692021-02-07T03:51:00.001-08:002021-02-07T03:51:39.214-08:00THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED - PART TWO<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span> </span>Under the hot midday
sun, the ocean was a glistening glass carpet of rich turquoise so bright and
beautiful, that the eyes could never get satiated, no matter how long they
feasted. As if its surface was plated with an exquisite mixture of sapphire,
jade, and emerald, the magnificent ocean serves as an unambiguous and obvious
indication towards the unimaginable beauty of Allah, and the stunning,
unprecedented colours of Jannah. The indication is obvious, however, only to
those who are willing to look with the eyes of the heart. In the distance, the
soothing and therapeutic rumbling and roaring of massive waves could be heard,
as they crashed onto the rocky shore or into each other. Each wave was trying
to push down the one before it, only to be pushed down by a bigger wave coming
from behind. Eventually all the waves would collapse into snowy foam – bubbles
of nothingness. Such is the condition of man – each one tries to push down the
other so that he can rise, only to be pushed down by someone else. In a few
days, all end up in the nothingness of their graves, empty and hollow, having
failed to fulfil the true purpose of their existence. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cloudless sky was bluer than a field of
forget-me-nots, and the densely green foliage created an ambience of lushness
and vibrant life. Ilyas stared thoughtfully at the vast expanse of water in
front of him, as a gentle breeze lazily wafted towards him and softly caressed
his face with its pleasantly cool fingers. It brought with itself a tantalizing
aroma that was a mixture of salty ocean air and the fragrance of freshly cut
grass. He took a deep breath and filled his lungs with the refreshing air. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The eye-candy
scene drew Ilyas towards pondering over the never-ending shower of Allah’s</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> favours</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. At every moment of our lives, we bask in wave after
wave of Allah’s special gifts, yet we continue to persist in His disobedience. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As he
thought about what Allah had blessed him with in the twenty years that he had
been alive, images, scenes, and memories flashed past in front of his eyes. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Allah had brought his parents to this beautiful place
on the island, and had given them a small, cozy house which was just enough for
them. He had given Musa a small grocery shop very close to where they lived,
which yielded just enough profit to sustain them. They hardly had anything left
over at the end of the month, they didn’t have much, but it was sufficient for
survival. Ilyas recalled a dua which Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam used to
make – “O Allah, make the sustenance of the family of Muhammad Sallallahu
Alaihi Wasallam just enough for survival.” His father’s words of advice rang in
his ears as if he was hearing them being said again – “Contentment is the key
to happiness. When there is contentment, then something will be everything. And
when there is no contentment, then everything will be nothing. Contentment can
only come when there is true humility in the heart – when we understand that we
don’t deserve even the little that we have.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The landlord,
Ahmed, lived next door with his family, and was Musa’s friend from childhood.
His father, now deceased, had been a wealthy man who was the owner of many
prime properties and thriving businesses. It was Ahmed himself who told Musa to
come stay in the empty house next to his, when Musa had been so desperately
searching for a place to live. Safoorah had described the scene and the
conversation to her son in vivid detail, it was a moment that had been etched
into the innermost depths of her heart. Musa and Ahmed were standing outside,
while Safoorah, who was newly pregnant, and Shaakirah, Ahmed’s wife, with her
three-month-old daughter Saabirah in her arms, looked on from inside.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ahmed asked Musa excitedly, “So, do you
like it?” <br />
“It’s beautiful, mashallah,” Musa replied. <br />
“Alhamdulillah! When do you want to move in? I can’t wait to have you as my
neighbour!” Ahmed couldn’t contain his excitement. <br />
Musa hung his head down in embarrassment, staring at the ground. After a few
moments of silence, he said, “Ahmed, the only reason I need to move out from
where I’m staying right now is that I can’t afford the rent. The rent here is
probably double or triple of that, there’s no way I can afford it. My only
means of income is the small snack business we have at home, this house is
totally beyond my budget, I’m sorry.”<br />
Ahmed looked surprised, “When did I say anything about rent? I don’t want you
to pay a cent to me. All I want is for you to live here, that’s all.”<br />
“Oh no, Ahmed, please, I can’t…” Musa stuttered.<br />
Ahmed put his hand on Musa’s shoulder, looked into his eyes, and said, “Musa, is
our friendship so cheap that money can come between us? Is the love that we
have for each other so weak that we can allow something as worthless as money distance
us from each other? Is our almost life-long companionship so valueless that the
paltry, insignificant material things of this ephemeral world can stop us from
helping each other out, and from being there for each other? No Musa, our
friendship goes beyond money, because it is for the sake of Allah, and Allah is
that Being Who grants wealth to whomever He wants, and takes it away from
whomever He wants. Alhamdulillah He has blessed us with a lot, the rent of this
house is beyond our basic needs, so you don’t need to worry at all. Oh, and we
have a small shop just outside on the main road that was vacated recently, you
can set up your business there inshallah.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tears welled up in
Musa’s eyes, and seeing them, Ahmed also started to cry. Inside, their wives
were also shedding tears. Musa embraced Ahmed in a tight hug, and managed to
say amid sobs, “Ahmed, I don’t know what to say, I’m speechless. I still feel
embarrassment and hesitancy in accepting your offer, I don’t deserve it at all,
but at the same time I feel so happy that I would be able to stay next to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I value our closeness
more than anything else in this world, I can give up my life for you. Money is
temporary, it comes and goes, but connections made for the sake of Allah are timeless,
they help us greatly in the Aakhirah, and carry over into Jannah. Remember, Allah
has said in the Quran that all friends will become enemies of each other on the
Day of Qiyamah except those who have Taqwa. We need to strive together to
attain Taqwa so that our friendship can become a means of our salvation.
Alhamdulillah that Allah has blessed me with a friend like you.” Ahmed smiled
as he spoke. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“May Allah grant me
the level of Ikhlaas which you have. I want to do something for you in return,
although I know I will never be able to repay you for all this,” Musa replied.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ahmed’s face lit up, “Oh
yes, there is something I want you to do for me in return – I want you to move
in to this house as soon as possible!”<br />
<br />
“Ilyas, please come, I need some help.” Safoorah’s voice pulled Ilyas out of
his thoughts. He quickly wiped a tear that was doing a balancing act on his cheek,
and rushed into the house to answer his mother. <o:p></o:p></span></p>Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-77036439293071110892021-01-16T04:59:00.001-08:002021-01-16T04:59:32.421-08:00THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED - PART 1<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The eastern
horizon was streaked with heart melting shades of peach swirl and strawberry
ripple, heralding the rising of a gargantuan ball of gas burning at a
temperature of 15 million degrees centigrade – the sun. The perfect system of Allah
runs smoothly, without any delays and flaws. Sure enough, at its appointed
time, the sun peeked above the horizon, as if to check who is awake and who isn’t.
Within minutes the beautiful orange disc came into full view and began its
swift and steady climb in the sky – a climb it would have to continue doing
daily until the command of Allah came for it to rise in the west. Getting
brighter, more powerful, and more splendorous by the second, it sent forth its
warm and comforting rays, illuminating that part of the world which was just a
while ago draped with multiple layers of dense darkness. It was as if it had
sprinkled gold dust over the silvery ocean surface and deep green palm fronds. A
new sunrise means a new day, a new beam of hope, a new beginning, and another
golden opportunity to change. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The peaceful
and tranquil serenity was interrupted by resumed cries of agony. Safoorah was
in the final stages of labour – those moments in which a woman balances
precariously on the thin and delicate barrier separating life and death. Lying
on her bed, drenched in sweat, gasping in pain, she pressed tightly on her
husband Musa’s hand with her right hand, while holding on to the bed post with
her left. The expression on Musa’s face showed a mixture of worry, fear, and
sympathy as he silently begged Allah for ease and well-being for his wife and
baby. Allah, through His immense power and mercy, enabled the miracle of birth
to take place, and the midwife, an old bubbly lady, happily announced, “It’s a
boy, mashallah!” She carefully wrapped the baby in a shawl and placed it in
Musa’s outstretched hands. He lovingly cradled his son in his arms, tears of
relief trickling down his cheeks, as he whispered, “Subhanallah, mashallah,
alhamdulillah.” His eyes took in his bundle of joy with a gaze of marvel, as he
gently touched the soft and tiny hands designed by Allah to the minutest detail
of perfection. “Please bring him closer to me so that I can see him properly
and touch him,” Safoora managed to say in a feeble voice, weak from the
harrowing experience. Musa lowered the baby to her and she looked with
love-filled eyes at the fluffy marshmallow they had been so excitedly waiting
for. “I really want to name him Ilyas, what do you think, Safoorah?” Safoorah
looked up and smiled, “It’s a really beautiful name, mashallah.” Musa replied, “Inshallah
we have seven days to finalize, we can think over it. Let me finish the Adhaan
and Tahneek, you should get some rest.” He gave the Adhaan in the right ear and
the Iqamah in the left, preparing the newly born for the inevitable eventuality
of his Salatul Janazah. Such is the emphasis that is laid in the beautiful
Sunnah with regards to keeping death in focus at all times – begin the
preparations of death immediately after birth. After that, he proceeded to
fulfil the Sunnah of Tahneek. He opened a tin in which lay a date that had been
chewed by a great wali of Allah. The hope from Allah was that through the Barkat
in the date, He would grant the baby the ability to follow in the footsteps of
the Wali. Musa took a tiny piece from the outer layer which had become soft and
paste-like, and gently tried to push it into the baby’s mouth with his index
finger. The baby immediately started sucking on the sweet paste, and a smile
spread across his father’s face. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The happiness
of the moment was violently shattered when the door was flung open and Sheereen,
Musa’s elder sister, strode in. She caught Musa in the motion of trying to make
sure the date was properly inside the delicate mouth. “Oh, the baby is here,
you didn’t even inform me! And just what do you think you are doing by putting
dates in its mouth?” Sheereen exclaimed in a loud, shrill voice. “I haven’t informed
anyone, I wanted to finish the Adhaan and Tahneek first,” Musa replied softly
and hesitatingly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheereen screamed, “Haven’t I told the two of
you not to do any such thing? How can you stuff dates into a new born baby?
Where are your brains?! Don’t you realise what harm that could cause the child?
And to make things worse, you are putting your dirty fingers in as well!
Someone needs to knock some sense into you. I think I should report you to the
authorities for child abuse and mistreatment!!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Musa looked down at the floor and said softly,
with a tremor in his voice due to the fear that his sister always put him in, “Sheereen,
Tahneek is Sunnah, it is something that our beloved Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam
used to do. The example that he left behind for us is perfect, every moment of
his life is perfect, his every action is perfect. It is not possible that there
can ever be any harm in something which he, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, has encouraged
us to do. We cannot give preference to Western, secular teachings and research
over the illuminating words and actions of the Beloved of Allah Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam, who was the epitome of perfection in every way and form.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheereen glared at her brother, “Don’t you dare
lecture me about Deen! I know our Deen very well, I was already performing the
five daily Salaah long before you were even born!” She then turned her
attention towards Safoorah, giving her a piercing, icy stare that made her
cringe. She tried to shrink beneath the covers, desperate to escape the searing
heat waves emanating from Sheereen. “Safoorah! Don’t be a weakling! We’ve all
gone through child birth, don’t pretend like you’ve gone through more, I know
you only want attention and sympathy. Sit up straight!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Safoorah tried to pull herself up and grimaced
in pain. Shireen scoffed at her, continuing her tirade, “Just look at yourself,
you can’t take even a bit of pain! I told you, didn’t I, that you aren’t ready
to become a mother? You don’t have the toughness it takes to become a mother, you
are after all, nothing but an immature kid of nineteen years. And now you are
going to raise up this child with zero parenting skills, I can already see it
coming, you’ve already started by putting dates into the baby’s delicate
stomach. Anyways, it’s your life, destroy it if you want to. I’ve had enough of
you, the toxic people that you are, let me go back to humans who are a bit
normal. I might drop in sometime later to see what new antics you are up to.”
She tossed her head haughtily and marched off, slamming the door behind her.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Physically, mentally, and emotionally drained
and broken, Safoorah collapsed into tears.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-13974728971237443242019-03-17T02:08:00.000-07:002019-03-17T02:08:33.530-07:00HEART, MIND, SOUL, AND NAFS<b>QUESTION</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Assalamu alaykum Moulana<br />
<br />
Is the Qalb (Heart), Aql (Mind) and Nafs (Ego) part of the Ruh (Soul), or is the Ruh a separate entity? Please elaborate on how they are all connected.<br />
<br />
<b>ANSWER</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
وَ عَلَيْكُمُ السَّلاَمُ وَ رَحْمَة ُالَّلهِ وَ بَرَكاتُهُ<br />
<br />
These are all separate entities.<br />
<br />
The Qalb - the spiritual heart - is the control centre and supply centre for the body. It plays the same role spiritually which the physical heart plays physically. Depending on the condition of the heart, it can either supply the body with positive energy (Noor) which will result in the person doing good actions with his body, or it can supply it with negative energy (darkness), which will result in the person doing evil actions with his body. The heart is acted upon by the Nafs and the Rooh.<br />
<br />
The Nafs - carnal desires - refers to a collection of desires which every person has inside himself. These desires in their original form are evil, and pull the person towards sin. Thus the Nafs, in its original untamed and wild form, acts upon the Qalb by polluting it with darkness, the negative energy which the heart then supplies to the rest of the body, resulting in evil actions.<br />
<br />
The Rooh - the soul, which represents the very existence of a person - is made of Noor. It is responsible for illuminating the heart with Noor, so that the heart can pump it into the rest of the body. However, due to the original state of the Nafs being as I described above, it overpowers and weakens the Rooh, and does not allow it to pump Noor into the heart.<br />
<br />
The Aql - a person's intellect and intelligence - in its sound form, plays the role of guiding a person towards understanding the need to strengthen the Rooh and weaken the Nafs, so that the heart can pump positive energy instead of negative.<br />
<br />
Thus the entire effort of Tazkiya - spiritual purification - is based on subduing and taming the Nafs, an effort which will automatically strengthen the Rooh at the same time, so that the heart can be purified, and the darkness that was there due to years of domination by the Nafs, can be replaced by Noor from a now strong Rooh. This is what we have been tasked with in this worldly life, and our success or failure in Aakhirat is based on this.<br />
<br />Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-38089667775188061112018-06-19T00:25:00.000-07:002018-06-19T00:25:36.110-07:00WORLD CUP FEVER - A VIRUS OF SPIRITUAL DESTRUCTIONJust as the blessed, Noor-filled month of Ramadan was about to end in what should have been a sort of a spiritual climax of celestial Divine effulgence, and the special mercies of Allah Ta'aala, a carefully and painstakingly prepared virus was presented before us, disguised in the form of a colourful, delicious lollipop enticingly beckoning us to put it into our mouth. Sadly, the majority of Muslims did put it in, and were immediately afflicted by an intoxicating fever that was designed to rob them off every last drop of Noor and reward that they had gained in Ramadan. This lollipop virus is the World Cup which began on the 14th of June, the 29th day of Ramadan, and it means nothing but spiritual destruction.<br />
<br />
The flagrant disobedience of Allah which accompanies the watching of this event is perhaps hidden to none, but is conveniently ignored due to the intoxicating nature of this fever. Similarly, the glaringly Satanic symbols that are found on everything connected to this fiasco, such as for example, the images in the logo of this world cup, are passed off as insignificant and irrelevant. The start date is also another big indicator - 14/6/2018. Satanism relies heavily on the concept of Numerology - the significance of numbers in affecting good or evil. The number 11 is considered to be very evil. W. Wynn Westcott writes in his book, 'The Occult Power of Numbers,' "So 11 is the essence of all that is sinful, harmful, and imperfect." Looking at the date, if we were to add up 1, 4, and 6, we get 11. Similarly, 2 plus 0 plus 1 plus 8 also totals 11. Important Satanic events such as this one, and many others like 9/11, are done on such dates so as to please Iblees. Unfortunately, even the release of a promotional world cup ball, that had the flag of Saudi Arabia containing the kalimah in Arabic printed on it, wasn't enough to convince passionate fans regarding the sinister nature of this event. Our eyes, our ears, our minds, our hearts, and our full focus is turned towards Russia in pure adoration - the same country that is slaughtering our Muslim brothers and sisters in Syria even as I type this.<br />
<br />
I previously used to believe that the World Cup, The Olympics, and other such major sporting events, which are in reality nothing but Satanic rituals, were held to distract the world from atrocities being committed upon the Muslim world specifically during that time. However, I realised that the atrocities continue unabated even when there is no major international distraction. The reality is that the primary objective of these events is to distract Muslims from Allah, and from Deen, and to link them up to slavery of Shaytan and nafs. It is to make them forget why they came to this world, why they were created, what is required of them in this life, and where they are going. The results of this objective can be clearly seen in the Ummat at this time. We need to rebel against Iblees, we need to stand up to him, and refuse to continue being mere puppets. And that will start by us forgetting about the World Cup. Who wins and who loses will not make an iota of difference to our lives - not to our worldly lives, and not to our lives of Aakhirat.<br />
<br />
This weak one had written a few simple verses just before the calamity of the 2010 World Cup befell South Africa, which are being reproduced below - (please forgive the childish, incoherent, and disjointed nature of the words, as this poem was composed at about 2 am in a state of paralysis, so this haphazard mix was all that could be managed)<br />
<br />
<br />
A CUP FULL OF DECEIT<br />
<br />
O my friends, listen loud and clear,<br />
For what I will say will be very dear<br />
<br />
In making effort for World Cup, we will tire,<br />
But we make no effort to stay far from the fire<br />
<br />
We follow the ball with careful contemplation,<br />
But in our Salaah, we have no concentration<br />
<br />
To learn each players life, it's as if we went to college,<br />
But of our Nabi's (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) life, we have no knowledge<br />
<br />
We rush to the stadium, all evils it does contain,<br />
But to go to the masjid, we grumble and complain<br />
<br />
Live match commentary we listen to with passion,<br />
But commentary of the Quran is out of fashion<br />
<br />
When will we recognise this obvious deception,<br />
When will we come out of this distorted perception?<br />
<br />
May Allah grant hidayat and understanding, to this sinful one firstly and specifically, and to all of us in general. May He save all of us from the traps of Iblees.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-68212764009475334782018-05-12T03:46:00.000-07:002018-05-12T03:46:53.907-07:00CRITERIA FOR A HAFIZ LEADING TARAWEEHWe find ourselves in a time in which rapid spiritual decline is being witnessed even in institutions of Deen. The great Sunnat of Salaatut Taraweeh is no exception. It has indeed become a magnanimously difficult and challenging task to locate a masjid where Taraweeh is taking place in the correct manner, according to the dictates of Shariat. One of the greatest factors, among others, which contributes to this decline, specifically in Taraweeh, is the incompetence of the Haafiz who is leading the salaah. This incompetence is more a spiritual one, than of memorisation, and the reason for it is lack of tarbiyat. Where there is ta'leem, tarbiyat must compulsorily accompany it, otherwise the ta'leem becomes a liability instead of an asset.<br />
<br />
Sadly today, most Huffaz suffice on learning and memorising the words of the Quran, while paying no attention towards trying to become a practical embodiment and a living example of the Speech of Allah. The reality is that a Hafiz of the Quran isn't the one who has just memorised the words of the Quran. Hafiz means protector - the protector of the Quran is he who, having memorised it, protects it in his heart and in his life through amal. A person who has memorised the Quran, but does not have it in his practical life, isn't truly a Hafiz of the Quran. Generally, Masjid committees are wholly unaware of this, and as a result are concerned only with the actual recitation. For this reason, some criteria are being listed below which a Hafiz should ideally meet, before being given the very weighty responsibility of leading the Taraweeh salaah -<br />
<br />
1. He should be upon the way of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa'ah (Deoband), he should not be from the deviated sects (Salafi, Barelvi etc.)<br />
<br />
2. At least outwardly, his life should be upon the commands of Shari'at, especially the following -<br />
<br />
A. He should not trim his beard to less than a fist length (all year round)<br />
B. His garment should always be above his ankles.<br />
C. He should not be involved in the sin of watching TV or movies.<br />
D. He should not be someone who indulges in the sin of photography.<br />
E. He performs all his salaah with jamaat in the masjid all year round.<br />
F. He should not be someone who attends a secular institution, like college and university.<br />
<br />
3. His life should be upon the Sunnat of Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wasallam in every aspect. This will include his clothing - he should be in Sunnat clothing all year round, at no time should he wear jeans and t-shirt, or shirt and trouser.<br />
<br />
4. When he recites in Taraweeh Salaah, he should follow <b>all </b>the rules of tajweed.<br />
<br />
5. He should be aware of all the necessary masaail pertaining to Salaah, and to leading Salaah. He should have learnt these masaail from the Ulama.<br />
<br />
6. He should give enough time for the Muqtadis (those following him in Taraweeh) to recite the Thanaa in the beginning of every two rakaats, and enough time to recite the Durood e Ibrahim at the end of every two rakaats.<br />
<br />
The onus of producing Huffaz who possess all the above qualities lies upon the Madaris of Hifz. May Allah grant us the ability to fulfil the rights of the Quran.<br />
Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-21846267331307806882018-03-15T08:00:00.000-07:002018-03-15T08:00:27.382-07:00THE REAL SOLUTION TO THE PALESTINIAN DILEMMAOn and off, we hear of, and see protests happening around the world with regards to Freedom for Palestine, marches and rallies to show solidarity and support to Palestinians, and at present, the apartheid week all around the world in general in February and March, and specifically in South Africa in this week. Notably, South Africa and the UK are at the forefront in organising such programs, protests and rallies. However, the question that should arise in our minds (sadly, most of the time it doesn't) is that after all these years of marching and rallying and protesting, has the plight of the Palestinians been eased? Has their suffering decreased in it's severity? Any person who has even a vague idea of what is happening there today will emphatically give a negative answer to that question. If anything, their problems have become worse. Why haven't all the marches and protests and programs made any difference? The answer to that lies in our outlook towards the Palestinian struggle. The stark reality which comes to the fore, if one were to ponder a bit, is that today it is considered to be an attack against an ethnicity, an attack on the sovereignty of a nation. It has ceased to be regarded (by the Muslims themselves) as an attack upon Islam, it has ceased to be regarded as a struggle between Haqq and Baatil, and this is as a result of successful propaganda by the media machine, controlled in totality by the Zionists. The proof for this, that this is how we view the issue, is found in these very same protests and programs - flagrant disobedience of Allah, fearless shattering of the commands of Shariat, and in fact, of the very tenets of our Deen. Because we do not see it as a spiritual struggle which the entire Ummat is part of, we have cast aside all the last remaining vestiges of spirituality from our so called efforts of Palestinian freedom. We locked our gazes on the asbaab (outward means), despite their mostly impermissible nature (in this particular case), and forgot The Musabbibul Asbaab (The controller of those means) - we left Allah out of the picture totally. Are we so naive as to labour under the deception that our protests and marches, mixed in with a plethora of violations of Shariat, will force Israel to leave the Palestinians alone, and stop their oppression of Muslims? The truth is that the Zionists know very well what exactly it is that can stop them dead in their tracks, and they are doing everything to keep the Muslim masses away from it. (They have even been bold enough to reveal it a number of times, trusting that the Muslims are too heavily duped by the media drug to make any use of this vital information. They have stated on a number of occassions that when the Masajid will fill up for Fajr like how they fill up for Jumu'ah, then we will surrender ourselves.) And that is why our protests and marches make no difference to them, in fact, they laugh at us when we do such things, laugh at how gullible we are, how easily we are deceived. A spiritual war cannot be fought by making noise on the streets, waving flags and placards, while disobeying Allah. Such actions yield the exact opposite result - they weaken the Ummat further, and act as blockades for the help of Allah. The only way to fight a spiritual war is spiritually - by building and strengthening our relationship with Allah, because it is only this which can bring down the help and mercy of Allah. Every condition in this world is from Allah, and it is only through the rectification of our actions that Allah will change the conditions from negative to favourable and positive. So, instead of creating a mass movement on the streets of crowds yelling out slogans, why don't we create a mass movement towards the Masajid, in which people can, with hushed voices and flowing tears, beg and beseech Allah for help? Instead of having a so called apartheid week, why don't we have a week in Jamaat, or a week in a Khanqah, or a week in a Madrasah? In this way we will have fulfilled our responsibility towards our Palestinian brothers and sisters. (On a side note, Palestine will most probably not be liberated until Hazrat Mahdi Ra comes and begins World War 3.) These are merely my humble observations, may Allah grant us the tawfeeq to understand and make amal.<br />
<br />Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-14107454945045978752017-11-03T09:35:00.000-07:002017-11-03T09:35:44.961-07:00TENSION IN THE AIR - ANY SOLUTION?<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most people are well aware of the fact that tensions in
Kenya are very rapidly escalating, and have turned the country into a pile of
super-dried firewood just waiting to burst into flames. We make dua to Allah
that He brings down upon this firewood drenching rains of peace, even before
any matchstick can get anywhere close to it. However, for this rain to come,
the blockage that is stopping it from showering down upon us must be removed.
Removing this blockage is the only solution for the tension we find ourselves
in. This blockage is our sins, our spiritual sicknesses, our evil actions. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we leave no stone unturned in blaming everything else
and everyone else for what we find ourselves in, but we conveniently forget that
it is we who are to blame – the problem is in us, the problem is in me. Allah
states in Surah Room – “Strife, havoc, and problems have become manifest in the
land and in the sea, due to the (evil) actions of the people, so that Allah can
make them taste some of the consequences of their evil deeds, and so that they
may turn back (to Allah.)” In this deeply beautiful aayat, Allah is telling us
that the problems we face – whether on a domestic level, a national level, or
problems affecting the entire world – are due to the earnings of our own hands
It is we who have brought upon ourselves the dire and grim conditions we are
complaining about. We, the Muslims, who are bound by the commands of Allah, are
very busy in stoking the fire of sins at every chance we get, wherever we are.
We have become bold, open, and fearless in violating the injunctions of Sharia,
and throwing behind our backs the beautiful lifestyle of our beloved Nabi
Sallallahu alaihi wasallam. When grave sins like watching TV and movies,
indulging in animate pictures, free intermingling of sexes, music, women
emerging from their homes uncovered, men cutting or shaving their beards below
a fist length, men letting their garments reach their ankles, unbridled
indulgence in material luxuries are so rampant and rife in our society, then
what peace and mercy are we expecting? We constantly defy Allah, and yet we
expect His help to rain down upon us?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only solution to our difficulties, not just in Kenya,
but all around the world, is for us to make tauba – repent and turn to Allah.
The only way that negative conditions can be changed is if we give ourselves
over to Allah in total humility and subservience. We need to extinguish the
fire of disobedience that we have set alight, with tears of repentance. We need
to become true slaves of Allah for every moment of our remaining lives, till we
breathe our last. Failing this, no security guards, and no CCTV cameras are
going to be of any use. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is my humble, heartfelt plea to all Muslims residing in
Kenya specifically, and all Muslims in the world in general – let us cleanse
and purify our lives from both external and internal sins, before it is too
late, and we are left with nothing but regret in a time when regret will be
futile. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I, the weakest and most sinful of all, repent from all my
sins, open and hidden, and turn to Allah in regret and tauba. May Allah forgive
me and all Muslims. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Servant,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Madrasah Fadhlul Uloom<o:p></o:p></div>
Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-88958201775811353572017-07-17T04:24:00.000-07:002017-07-17T04:24:45.309-07:00FIDGET SPINNERS - THE LATEST DAJJALI TREND <br />
In any other era, if we were to see an adult aimlessly and mindlessly spinning a silly, colourful, childish toy between his fingers, we would perhaps start to doubt the fact that his mental capacities were still functioning according to the Divinely set and apportioned harmonious equilibrium normally found in adults. Or, in simpler terms, we would consider calling the psychiatrist. But not in the era we are living in. This techno-tronic era we find ourselves in is an exaggerated form of The Brave New World of Aldous Huxley, and the 1984 of George Orwell, satirical works written many decades ago about a futuristic world devoid of, well, everything even remotely humane. An era in which Dajjal calls the shots (at least according to his deficient and limited mental scope), and we, the Ummah, obediently follow in utter subservience, choosing to ignore and lay to waste the great gift of intelligence given to us by Allah Ta’aala, and the ability to think for ourselves.<br />
<br />
Fidget spinners, as these new toys are called, have been quite aptly named. It is claimed that they help bring about concentration and calmness, and remove fidgeting. Outwardly it may seem so, but in reality this toy has been cleverly designed to do just quite the opposite – it is nothing but a time-wasting distraction which causes excessive and dangerous fidgeting of the spiritual heart, and the fidgeting it is actually supposed to remove is quite different from anything we may imagine. The saddest and most distressful part is the fact that Muslims have been rushing to buy, and even sell the toy, despite knowing well that Allah has categorically and clearly stated in the Quran, “Beware! It is only and only through the remembrance of Allah that the hearts can attain peace, contentment, tranquillity, happiness.” Concentration and calmness cannot be achieved through fidget spinners when a person is involved in the disobedience of Allah, because to disobey Allah is to forget Him. Peace can only be achieved through staying away from sin, and involving oneself in salaah, dhikr, recitation of the Quran, pondering over the power and beauty of Allah, sitting in the gatherings of the Awliyaa, among numerous other praiseworthy deeds.<br />
<br />
Whoever has seen a fidget spinner will know that they come in various colourful designs and shapes. When spun, the rotation of the designs creates a mesmerising, hypnotic effect similar to what is used in actual hypnosis sessions. Similarly, the spinner comes with an option of LED lights, for spinning in the dark. The effect created by these fast spinning, colourful LED lights is almost the same as the effect of flashing, pulsating, rotating disco lights. Disco lights aren’t how they are without any reason, the lights have been specifically designed to achieve sinister objectives. Disco lights were created to blanket the human mind into a mildly hypnotic stupor, and this is what happens with the LED lights on the fidget spinner. Not everyone goes to the disco, so they simply brought the disco lights home in the form of a seemingly harmless toy. From this we get to know that the spinning of the colourful designs and/or the LED lights exercises a tranquilising, hypnotising effect on the brain, relaxing its natural guards and alarms, so that the mind becomes more willing to accept subliminal messages and suggestions, and becomes more vulnerable and susceptible to subconscious programing. In layman’s terms, fidget spinners have been designed to make our minds more willing to blindly accept, consciously or subconsciously, whatever Dajjal and his cronies want us to believe, without every knowing what we are actually doing. It thus effectively removes the ‘fidgeting’ of the mind, otherwise more commonly known as critical thinking. Not coincidentally, television works according to the same principle of flashes of colourful lights moving with high speed, to achieve a similar objective.<br />
<br />
Fidget spinners are extremely dangerous and harmful toys for adults as well as children, which can destroy our dunya as well as Aakhirat. Let us not become gullible, blind slaves to the fads and crazes being propelled by the West. Let us learn to think for ourselves, and look deeply into matters with the noor of the heart, to be able to see the reality that is not apparent at first glance. May Allah save all of us from the traps of Dajjal.<br />
<br />Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-17920259698807519152016-10-10T05:44:00.000-07:002016-10-10T05:44:36.005-07:00THE REALITY OF MUHARRAM AND AASHOORAHAs with all the other days which hold virtue and significance in Islam, Aashoorah too is a virtuous day regarding which there are many misconceptions and misunderstandings. It is thus necessary for us to clarify and understand what has been established and proven regarding this day and what hasn't. Below in point form, besides a few additions, is a summary of the writings and teachings of my beloved Shaikh Aarif billah Hazrate aqdas Maulana Shah Fazlur Rahman Azmi DB in this regard. <br />
<br />
- Muharram is one of the four sacred months, thus a general increase in ibaadat is encouraged, but even more importantly, an extra effort should be made to stay away from all sins. <br />
The only reason for the significance of Aashoorah is that on this day Allah granted Hazrat Musa AS and the Bani Israel salvation from Firaun. There is no proof for any other historical incident (related to the other Ambiya AS) to have happened on this day. <br />
- It is mustahab to fast on the 9th and 10th, or the 10th and 11th, or the 9th, 10th and 11th. <br />
- It is makrooh e tanzeehi and reprehensible to fast only on the 10th.<br />
<br />
- It is <b>haraam</b> to look down upon anyone who doesn't fast on Aashoorah. Mustahab means we have a choice of not to fast. <br />
<br />
- The incident of the shahadat of Hazrat Husein Ra which happened on this day, has absolutely no connection whatsoever to the significance of Aashoorah. <br />
<br />
- Our great Akabireen have specified that it isn't even permissible to mention or talk about the shahadat of Hazrat Husein Ra in the month of Muharram or the day of Aashoorah, because this is imitation of the shias.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;"> -</span> It is permissible for the head of the family to spend more on his family on this day in terms of food, and the virtue for this is that sustenance will be made easy for him for the entire year. <br />
- This absolutely does not mean that Aashoorah should be a day of exchanging gifts. Do not make it a commercial holiday like Christmas. <br />
<br />
- It is not permissible to cook any specific dish on this day (like kheeraj) and send it to others, nor is it permissible to send any food item to other people in commemoration of this day (as is generally done by the people of innovation.) <br />
<br />
- There is no specific, special ibaadat for the day or night of Aashoorah. <br />
<br />
- The incident of karbala that is normally narrated, and is common among the Sunnis as well is a lie fabricated by the shias, who themselves were the killers of Hazrat Husein Ra. The actual story of what really happened is very different. <br />
<br />
- It is not proven that Qiyamat will occur of the day of Aashoorah. <br />
<br />
- Any virtue of any act that has not been mentioned above is a fabrication.Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-65559424509772584542016-05-17T11:57:00.001-07:002017-05-11T01:42:22.049-07:00THE REALITY OF SHABE BARAA'AT - 15TH SHABAANDear respected brothers and sisters,<br />
<br />
Very soon inshallah, the night of the 15th of Shabaan will be upon us. It is necessary for us to briefly understand the reality of this night, and to differentiate that which is correct and valid from that which is wrong and innovated.<br />
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There are numerous ahadith that have been narrated with regards to the virtue of this night. All of them have a certain degree of weakness in them. However, some are very slightly weak, while others are extremely weak. Putting all these ahadith together, the virtuousness and blessings of this night have been proven to be valid.<br />
<br />
The specialty of this night is the forgiveness of Allah - according to the ahadith, a huge amount of people are forgiven on this night, and Allah casts a special gaze of mercy upon us from the very beginning of the night.<br />
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The salafis, due to their compound ignorance, refuse to accept that this night has any extra virtue over and above any other night, and in thus doing so deprive themselves of benefiting from Allah's forgiveness and mercy. We should be very careful and alert, lest we get deceived by their deviant methods of undermining the virtue of this night.<br />
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There is <b>no special and specific ibaadat</b> to be done in this night. One must strive to increase in all types of ibaadat generally - nafl salaah, recitation of Quran, dhikr, dua, taubah etc. Every hadeeth that is narrated regarding specific ibaadat on this night, or special surahs to be recited is fabricated.<br />
Likewise, there is no exchanging and distributing of food or sweet dishes on the day of the 15th.<br />
<br />
Shabe Baraa'at (or Laylatul Baraa'at) is not indicated towards anywhere in the Quran. It is famous among people that in this night the decisions regarding sustenance and death are made by Allah. This is not substantiated with any evidence, thus it is not correct, the Ulama have specified that such decisions, or any other decisions for that matter, are not made in this night.<br />
<br />
Another misconception prevalent among the masses is that to fast on the 15th of Shabaan is sunnat. <b>Please note that the fast of this day is not sunnat. If someone wishes to fast then he can do so, provided that he doesn't think the fast to be sunnat. To keep this fast thinking it to be sunnat is not permissible. There is no significance and virtue of fasting specifically on this day over and above fasting on any other day. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
In the ahadith there are a number of types of sinners mentioned who will be deprived of forgiveness on this blessed night -<br />
<br />
1. The mushrik<br />
2. The one who harbours hatred, malice, and enmity for others<br />
3. The one who drinks alcohol<br />
4. The one who disobeys his parents<br />
5. The man who lets his lower garment cover his ankles<br />
6. The one who indulges in zinaa<br />
7. The murderer<br />
8. The one who breaks off relations with family and relatives.<br />
<br />
Respected brothers and sisters, it is still not too late, we still have a few days to make tauba from the above mentioned sins and completely purify ourselves from them before this night comes upon us, so that we can also be forgiven. On the contrary, if we will continue to indulge in these sins, then we will not be forgiven on that night, even if we stay up the whole night begging for forgiveness. From the above list, the most common is letting the lower garment touch the ankle - the vast majority of men are involved in this sin, and as a result deprive themselves every year from the blessings and forgiveness that are showered down in this night.<br />
<br />
Let us all make a firm decision to once and for all get rid of these sins from our lives, so that we too can come under the protective blanket of the mercy of Allah.Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-896828197531341662016-05-04T11:02:00.000-07:002018-04-11T09:11:36.763-07:00THE REALITY OF THE 27TH OF RAJAB Dear respected brothers and sisters, As we all know, we are approaching the 27th of Rajab, a night which is celebrated by many as the 'Night of Meraj.' There are a few important things we need to understand before discussing the applicable masaail - 1. To say that meraj took place on the 27th Rajab is wrong. 27th Rajab is one opinion among a myriad of other opinions. Numerous Ulama of the past have actually given preference to dates other than 27th Rajab. Thus, the exact date of meraj is unknown, and in fact even the year in which it took place is subject to a difference of opinion. The reason for this is simple - neither did Nabi sallallahu alaihi wasallam nor the Sahaba RA ever 'celebrate' the night of meraj in the years following the incident, they never gave any significance to the anniversaries of this event. 2. The virtuousness and auspiciousness of specific days or nights isn't dependent upon the opinions, whims and fancies of people. Rather it is something that it is entirely in the control of The Creator of these days and nights. It is Allah who has already chosen for us the days and nights which hold extra significance and virtue. And the only way for us to become aware of this decision of Allah is through the exemplary life of our beloved Nabi sallallahu alaihi wasallam. 3. One big difference between the Sahaba RA and us is that they wouldn't celebrate anniversaries of special events, but the reality of those events would be found firmly embedded in their practical lives. For example, as mentioned above, they never celebrated the anniversary of meraj, but the reality of meraj - salaah and the other deep messages that Nabi sallallahu alaihi wasallam returned with - was a salient feature of their day to day lives. Similarly, they never celebrated the birthday of Nabi sallallahu alaihi wasallam, but they were walking copies of his mubarak lifestyle in totality. On the other hand, we today have relegated our Deen to be merely a collection of customs and celebration of anniversaries and birthdays thinking that this will fulfill the rights of Allah and Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wasallam upon us, while the reality being that our daily lives are empty of any semblance of the profound practical significance that these events hold. We claim to fulfill the haq of meraj by celebrating on a certain night which we stubbornly insist is the very night it happened, while our lives are empty of salaah and it's reality, and filled with the sins the punishments of which were witnessed by Nabi sallallahu alaihi wasallam in this blessed journey. We celebrate the birthday of Nabi sallallahu alaihi wasallam on a day regarding which it has been proven to be impossible that his mubarak birth took place in it, while we proudly display a life that is in every way opposite to the lifestyle he came with. Having understood the above, we will proceed with a few masaail - 1. There is absolutely no special ibaadat to be done in this night. 2. There is no extra virtue and reward for any general ibaadat done in this night. 3. To fast on the 27th is not mustahab - there is no extra reward over and above the reward for fasting on any other day. 4. It is an innovation, and thus not permissible for people to exchange gifts and items of food specifically on this day.<br />
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May Allah grant us the ability to stay away from all such acts which are not part of our beautiful and complete Deen.Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-38716031053746500732016-03-03T08:24:00.000-08:002016-03-03T08:24:04.781-08:00USAGE OF TV AND THE PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES OF PROPAGATING DEEN - PART TWOIn the first part of this article (if you haven't read it then please do read that first, it is the post right before this one, or click here - <a href="http://islamicrealityawareness.blogspot.co.ke/2016/02/usage-of-tv-and-principles-and.html">USAGE OF TV AND THE PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES OF PROPAGATING DEEN - PART ONE</a> ) we discussed in some detail the fact that the forces of Dajjal are using the TV to infiltrate right into our living rooms, and control our domestic lives, so as to stop us from reaching our objective and goal of establishing a firm and unbreakable connection with Allah Ta'ala. This, as we mentioned, serves as an introduction to what we want to discuss in this second part - can this same TV be used for the propagation of Deen?<br />
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Very sadly and disturbingly, there are some contemporary Ulama who not only spread the idea that it is perfectly fine to use a TV for Deen, but they regularly and eagerly come on it themselves. The same TV which had left many Muslim homes due to the continuous efforts of our great and pious Ulama spanning more than half a century, warning about the myriad of sins and dangers that were part and parcel of a TV, was now making a triumphant come back in those very same homes, due to 'some Ulama' claiming its permissibility. And those who continued to watch it and didn't throw it out, but used to do so with a guilty conscience, at least to some extent, now began to view it without any qualms and misgivings, content that what they were doing, far from being a sin, was now acceptable in Islam, and in some cases, even 'rewardable.' The third category, those who watched the TV without any guilt, now (in this new 'fatwa') found a weapon with which they could lash out with fury at any pious soul who dared to advise them to repent from this sin.<br />
<br />
Although this permissibility is said (by the Ulama responsible for it) to be only for 'Deeni TV' or 'Islamic TV' (what a disturbing oxymoron), all are aware that cable network packages don't ever come with just one channel. Thus accompanying the 'Islamic TV' there will be a vast array of various other channels designed to steal the Iman of a Muslim which will exercise their magnetic pull to ensure they don't go unwatched. As a result, this 'fatwa' became a tacit approval for every TV channel imaginable. This is assuming that the 'Islamic TV Channel' is itself permissible, or that something like Islamic TV can actually exist, as is contended by those who were bold enough to throw water over the sacrifices of their pious predecessors. In reality, such channels are haraam, and TV can never become Islamic, in much the same way that we can't have 'Islamic pork.' For ages people have always been listening to bayans, not watching them, and they fared much better than us in their spiritual levels. They benefited tremendously by just listening to talks, and no one felt that hidayat was dependent on watching the gestures and facial expressions of the speaker. Then why suddenly the desperation for visual stimulation in talks of Deen? The truth, which may be shocking for some, is that these TV bayans and video bayans are all part of the carefully woven plot of Dajjal to paralyse us spiritually without us even realising it. They are designed to turn Islam into an entertainment show and give us a shallow and superficial version of Deen to bolster the feeling that we are making great strides forward, while leaving us hollow and empty on the inside. The stark reality that we are facing, and which I have been wanting to point out, is that the fitnah of Dajjal has reached a new level of severity - it is now using the very same weapon of mass destruction (TV) to wreak the same havoc it used to before (if not more), all in the name of Deen, to ensure that no one ever makes taubah, labouring under the false notion that they have achieved lofty ranks of wilayat (sainthood.)<br />
<br />
Allamah Yusuf Binnori Ra, the great and illustrious student of Allamah Kashmiri Ra and the founder of Binnori Town in Karachi, Pakistan, was once requested to deliver a lecture on TV, and he refused to do so. At this same time, the question of whether the TV and videos can be used for Deeni and Tableeghi purposes or not was discussed. What Allamah Yusuf Binnori Ra had to say about this is something worthy of being written in golden ink, an eye-opening discourse filled with incredible wisdom, insight, and foresight, in which he beautifully expounded upon the salient and timeless principles of the propagation of Deen. Hereunder I am relating his words which I have translated into English -<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>"With regards to this, I want to explain a matter of principle - that we have not been made responsible for this from the side of Allah that in whichever way possible, we must make each and every person a pious Muslim. Yes, we are responsible for exerting our full effort by employing every possible permissible means in our control for the propagation of Deen. Whenever Islam has given us the command of propagating Deen, it has also taught us the dignified etiquette and methods of how to go about doing it, and we are responsible for the propagation of Deen within the limits of these methods and etiquette. If within these limits, using only permissible means, we are granted success in our efforts of propagation, then that is an excellent result. However on the other hand, if we do not achieve complete success using the permissible means available to us, then we are not responsible for adopting impermissible means in inviting people towards Deen and throwing the manners and etiquette of propagation behind our backs, making an effort to bring people into our ranks using every permissible and impermissible method. If through permissible means, and with observing the required etiquette of propagation we make one person follow Deen in totality, then our Tableegh is a success, and if, by using impermissible means, we make a hundred people join our group, then such a 'success' has no value in front of Allah (in fact it can't even be termed a success, in reality it is a failure.) The reason for this is that the Tableegh (propagation) in which the commands of Deen are destroyed isn't the propagation of Deen, it is the propagation of something else. TV and video in itself is against the commands of Islam (even if it is deceptively flaunted as 'Islamic'), thus we have not been made responsible for using it in Tableegh. If anyone is ready to accept our invitation towards Deen in which only permissible and dignified methods have been used, then our eyes and heart are spread out for him as a carpet to walk on. However, that person who is not ready to listen to the talk of Deen without seeing a video-filmed bayan (as has become the case today), then we are excused from inviting him using video/TV. If we are not going to stand firmly on this position of ours, then today we will start using video/TV for Tableegh, in consideration for the temperament and likes of the masses, tomorrow we will start using uncovered women for this same objective, and we will hold functions and gatherings of music and singing to try and call people towards Deen. In this way, in the name of Tableegh, we will become guilty of destroying one by one the commands of the very same Deen which we claim to propagate."</i></b></blockquote>
Subhanallah, what in depth wisdom and far reaching foresight is found in these words! What he has mentioned isn't just to do with using TV/video, but with using every such method which is in conflict with Shariah. As a result of his sincere advice going unheeded, we are sadly and painfully seeing his last two sentences above unfolding in front of our eyes today. Everywhere the commands of Allah are being flagrantly broken in the name of Tableegh. How many times haven't we heard about people going to haraam functions, where video filming, music, intermingling of sexes, and many other violations of Shariah are found, and justifying their going with the same rhetoric that has become a blanket permission for anything and everything - 'we are going so that we can bring the people closer to Deen.' Allahu akbar! We expect to bring others closer to Deen by disobeying Allah? When are we going to remove ourselves from this satanic deception of Dajjal? When are we going to open the eyes of our hearts and comprehend the grave reality found in the golden words of Allamah Yusuf Binnori Ra above? When are we going to understand that propagating Deen through impermissible methods, whether TV/video, or something else, isn't furthering the cause of Deen and Islam, but on the contrary is actually abetting and helping the spread of the fitnah of Dajjal? May Allah grant us the ability to open our eyes before it is too late, before we are brought in the court of Allah on the Day of Qiyamah and held responsible for championing the cause of falsehood. Aameen.Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-87340419703584426252016-02-24T23:26:00.000-08:002016-02-24T23:26:50.222-08:00USAGE OF TV AND THE PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES OF PROPAGATING DEEN - PART ONEThe fitnah of Dajjal isn't a futuristic catastrophic clash with a gigantic prehistoric monster sporting a huge eye smack dab in the middle of his forehead who will suddenly emerge 'towards the end of time', as we would like to believe, or perhaps should I say, as we are led to believe. In fact this is how complete the deception of this fitnah is, which earns Dajjal the title of "Grand Master, Artist and Architect of Deceit and Treachery," that while this debilitating and paralyzing fitnah continues to persistently and viciously eat away at the very core of human existence and vicegerency on earth, in our minds we have relegated this greatest test of all times to a mirage of the future, something we can't see even if we craned our necks to look. We eagerly buy into this idea due to it's immense appeal and suitability - the fact that it further enhances and enforces the hollow complacency and indifference that has blanketed the Muslim Ummah today, that we can continue to enjoy the pleasures this worldly life has to offer without our peace and comfort being disrupted in any way. This is a grave mistake we have made, a deadly one which could prove fatal to our Iman, that is if we don't decide fast enough to awaken from our slumber and smell the poisonous coffee of deception that is brewing all around us, even in our very own homes. The stark reality of the matter is that the fitnah of Dajjal isn't merely 'an event that will happen much later and we probably won't see it in our lifetimes so why worry and lose sleep over it,' but it is a trial that is deeply rooted in the past, and in full bloom in the present. It is a fitnah which we are facing at this very moment, a fitnah which is surrounding us from all sides, a fitnah which is affecting and shaping each and every one of our lives, a fitnah from which are busting forth upon us stormy, unrelenting oceans of pitch black darkness, in which we are swimming in, are immersed in, and which threaten to totally engulf us, overwhelm us, and suppress us into spiritual oblivion and extinction. A vivid picture of this era which we are going through, painted by our beloved Nabi sallallahu alaihi wasallam in a famous hadeeth, comes to mind, "Soon there will appear such fitan (trials and tribulations) which will be like pieces of a pitch dark night, in which a Muslim man in the morning will be a kaafir in the evening, and a Muslim man in the evening will be a kaafir in the morning, having sold his Deen for a paltry sum of this Dunya."<br />
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A highly significant thread, and perhaps one of the most important, in this web of deceit that is being continually woven around us is the invention of the television. Indeed, it was with the introduction of the TV into literally every home that Dajjal and his henchmen and minions gained and solidified once and for all complete control over the lives of Muslims physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially, finally forcing that chosen group of humans into complete subservience, which would normally and historically only bow down to The Creator - Allah SWT. This 'all seeing one eye' invaded the privacy of honourable homes, brought in and welcomed eagerly by the Muslims themselves, and given center stage in the sitting room. It exercised it's magnetic pull on every member of the household - young and old, and turned the home which was once an exemplary model of honour, morality, respect, dignity, and humility into a sordid, despicable, and gut wrenching display of violence, murder, foul and filthy language, music, idol worshiping, illicit relationships and immorality, explicit sex and sexual acts, drug addiction, alcoholism, disrespect, and much more.<br />
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As if all this wasn't enough, the TV turned into Dajjal's most effective weapon of psychological warfare. In fact, it was specifically designed to brainwash viewers with subliminal messages that enter deep into the subconscious and shape a person's thinking, views, and beliefs, thus chaining the unsuspecting victim into total mental and ideological slavery. This concept of mind control through TV is very informatively explained in an interesting article I recently came across, which I am including here for the benefit of my esteemed readers -<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Many people may not realize that when they turn on the television in their home, what they see as a constant flow of images is actually flickering. Although we do not see this consciously, the repetitive pattern of flickering images creates a state that is similar to hypnosis in the television viewer.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Studies by researcher Herbert Krugman have shown that within 30 seconds of television viewing, brain waves switch from predominantly beta waves, indicating alert and conscious attention, to predominantly alpha waves, indicating an unfocused, receptive lack of attention.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The brain's left hemisphere, which processes information logically and analytically, tunes out while the person is watching TV, while the right hemisphere of the brain, which processes information emotionally and non-critically, is allowed to function without hindrance. Due to this phenomenon, television transmits information, which is not actively thought about at the time of exposure, much like hypnosis. When viewing television, we do not consciously rationalize the information resonating within our unconscious depths at the time of transmission and the viewer becomes more open and suggestible.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Because of the passive, hypnosis-like viewing of television as well as its predominance in the homes of nearly all Americans, the television is one of the most powerful tools used today. As of 2009, six companies controlled all of the major media outlets in the United States. That is a very small number of people controlling all of the information that streams into millions of homes across America each day through their television sets. In recent years, a number of investigations and exposes have revealed that these giants’ silence independent voices and investigations, discourage journalism that interferes with the agendas of special interests, and eliminate diversity in the information they provide. Because of the control that these companies have over the information that most Americans receive on a daily basis, these criticisms and revelations are never known by most of the American public.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>These media giants work hand and glove with the federal government as well as many multinational corporations to disseminate carefully planned messages. Through the television and other forms of media, they tell you what to think about, what to worry about, what to smile about, and what to be scared of. They have sold the public on the idea of the newscaster being an extension of the family, a trusted figure who encourages the acceptance of the information being presented as true and accurate. In 2008, the pentagon spent more than $2 billion compensating major media outlets for disseminating public relations messages. These messages are delivered to the television viewer as news produced by the television station, not as paid and produced by the pentagon. In the same year, pharmaceutical companies paid television outlets more than $4 billion for advertising, which included Video News Releases (VNR), specially tailored pieces that appear within the nightly news disguised as researched and reported by the local stations.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>And yet while all this has been happening behind the scenes, the American public has been duped into staking all their trust in select major media outlets as they express brand loyalty in television stations, newspapers, and magazines. Many people have been tricked into believing that the mainstream media reports only objective news while any information delivered from outside the mainstream is to always be questioned. Somehow the public has bought into the idea that the TV wouldn't lie to them. Many people will not pay any regard to information that is not covered by the major media; if they did not hear about it on the nightly news then they simply don't care. This is the mindset that the major media moguls want us to have, as we are willfully ignorant and obedient to their every direction. Our unanalytical and loyal viewership is in their best interest.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Major media news networks continually bombard us with the possibility of an endless amount of scenarios, which produce fear and then shape our reactions to real situations. This is predictive programming; it gets us familiar with an idea so that when it happens we expect it and do not react and question.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Although most people refer to television programming as the shows that are aired on television, it can also refer to the programming of the people that occurs on a daily basis. Most people believe they are just simply being entertained, but they never realize that their way of life is being shaped for them and their thoughts are actually being given to them. They are being familiarized with ideas, concepts, and fear so they won't question certain interventions in the future.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>TV gives us what messages must be imprinted in our minds, gives us what button to push in what sequence, and if it's done the right way with the right production and the right propaganda then the public will react and do exactly as they've been programmed to do.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>When one continually controls the information, one controls the people absorbing the information. The manufactured and controlled information on TV can be referred to as the signal and that constant signal is what shapes and guides the masses to their conclusions. In order to take back our minds, we must first learn to "Unplug the Signal."</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>By turning off your TV you will realize the world that you're living in is suddenly very unfamiliar to you. You will see that news of no importance is constantly debated and analyzed, and as you listen to the conversations of people around you, you realize they're talking robots just repeating what they've heard on the news. This is exactly what Zbigniew Brzezinski talked about in his book "Between Two Ages". He said, "Shortly, the public will be unable to reason or think for themselves. They'll only be able to parrot the information they've been given on the previous night's news."</i></blockquote>
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It is for these very clear reasons (besides of course, the fact that a TV displays animate pictures, which are haraam in Shariat) that our Akaabireen - our great Ulama - have unequivocally declared the TV to be outright haraam, with absolutely no exceptions, and have spent more than half a century in trying to warn the Ummah in every way possible of the dangers that lurk in this seemingly harmless entertainment box.<br />
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With this article (Part 1) serving as an important introduction that is crucial for us to understand, we will inshallah continue in Part 2 with the main purpose and objective of our writing this.<br />
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<br />Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-12477719021120415482016-02-20T02:18:00.000-08:002016-11-14T06:49:11.168-08:00WASIYAT (EMPHASIZED ADVICE) TO STUDENTS 1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Always hold fast to the quality of Taqwa, wherever you maybe, whatever time it may be. This simply means that spend the rest of your life very far away from sin and disobedience of Allah. The easiest way to attain this quality is to fill our hearts with love for Allah. These two (Taqwa and love for Allah) are the reason we have been created, and the reason for our acquiring the knowledge of Deen. If we will still sin, we will have failed in our very objective of studying, as well as the objective of our entire life. The easiest and simplest way (and the only way) to attain Taqwa and love for Allah to the highest level is to attach oneself to a spiritual guide and mentor, and seek spiritual treatment under him – the effort which is termed Tazkiyah.<br />
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2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Besides staying away from all sins, major or minor, we should make a special effort to stay away from the following sins which have become common in these days – a.) Music b.) Pictures c.) Be pardagi (not observing the rules of purdah) d.) Gheebat (backbiting) e.) TV<br />
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3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Turn away from imitating the west and adopt the Sunnah in every facet of your lives. Make it your lifestyle and reject everything else. Islam isn’t just restricted to your Salaah or other ibaadat. It covers every second of your life.<br />
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4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Save yourselves and your children from school, college, university like how you would save them from a lion. To send children to such places is tantamount to throwing them into Jahannam with your own hands. Perhaps one out of every hundred thousand will be saved. The environment is very destructive. Don’t sacrifice Aakhirat for a few pennies of this world.<br />
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5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sacrifice your whole life for the effort of spreading Deen, in whichever permissible way possible, after making mashwarah (consultation) with your spiritual guide and Ustadh.<br />
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6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Besides fulfilling all fardh, wajib, and sunnate muakkadah ibaadat, also make sure to do the following daily – one juz recitation of the Quran, three tasbihs of morning and evening, tahajjud, ishraq, chasht, awabeen, Surah Mulk, Yaseen, Kahf, dua. This is the minimum.<br />
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7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Save yourselves from pride. Think of yourselves to be the worst of all. Only then will you see progress towards Allah. The minute you think yourself to be someone all progress will stop and you will move backward.<br />
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8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t ever give takleef (difficulty, pain, harm) to anybody in any way.<br />
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9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Keep going over and revising what you have learnt with the intention of trying to inculcate each and everything in your life. To make amal on your ilm is of utmost importance. Many warnings have been sounded in the hadith of those who know yet don’t act according to their knowledge.<br />
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10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Always uphold the truth, however bitter it may be. Never ever compromise your Deen for anyone or anything, whatever situation you may be in. Remain steadfast even though all the people around you may be against you. Don't ever 'go with the flow.' Remember, there is no obedience to people in the disobedience of Allah. Always keep finding out what is Haq from your spiritual guide and Ustadh in any matter or problem that comes up in your life.<br />
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Give these same advices to your students and children.<br />
I humbly request all of you to keep making dua for me.<br />
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If you will act upon this wasiyat you will benefit, and the people around you will benefit as well. If you choose to ignore it, then I can say nothing more. I can do nothing more.<br />
Ya Allah! Be witness that I have conveyed your message (in my weak and broken ways.)<br />
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Khaadimut Tulabaa<br />
Arif Umar<br />
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Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-22367973123697923752016-02-19T05:06:00.001-08:002016-02-19T05:06:47.465-08:00A GREAT CALLER TO ALLAH - HAFIZ PATEL RA With tearful eyes I write this, in remembrance of Hafiz Patel Saheb Ra - his demise is a great and saddening loss to the Ummat.<br />
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Allah granted this weak one the opportunity to sit in his company numerous times. The one thing about him that left upon me the most lasting impression, something that I can still vividly picture even after many years, is his fikr for Deen - the worry and concern he had for this Ummat. Every word he would utter would be literally soaked in fikr and concern. Such a high level of fikr is difficult to find in the world today.<br />
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His way of speaking, the gestures of his hands while speaking, Allahu akbar, everything about him would be loudly and clearly showing his extreme sadness and worry for the Ummat.<br />
A few hours after his demise, an Aalim from South Africa saw him in a dream smiling, his face shining, and he was already relaxing in Jannat. (He hasn't even been buried yet, at least as of the typing of this post)<br />
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May Allah grant us that same fikr for deen which is so missing in us. It is this fikr which is needed in Kenya specifically, and the whole world in general.<br />
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Below are some of his blessed words which I heard from him and noted down (his words were in Urdu which I have then translated into English) -<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: blue;">"The effort of Deen is more important than eating and the (material) upbringing of children"</span></blockquote>
What this means is that to make an effort of Deen, and to have the worry and concern for Deen is more important than eating and the material upbringing of children, because the former is a means of success in both Dunya and Aakhirat, while the later is restricted to the comfort of Dunya. Unfortunately many times we see parents going all out in giving material comfort to their children - food, clothes, toys, and anything else they may want. However, giving them the true Islamic and Deeni nurturing, according to Shariah is given the back seat, if at all in the picture.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: blue;">"Hazrat Maulana Ilyas Ra said that nothing can be achieved with ease and comfort - neither 'Ilm nor Deen nor the strength of Imaan"</span></blockquote>
Sadly, today we want to reach great heights without making any efforts, without sacrificing in the least bit. Our great Ulama and elders reached the lofty levels we see them on, or read about, after long periods of great difficulties and distress, through which they persevered.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: blue;">"Once the students of Darul Uloom Deoband came to Markaz Nizamuddeen at a time when the health of Maulana Ilyas Ra was down. Through his attendant, Maulana Ilyas Ra gave them three points of advice - 1. 'Ilm is acquired through adab. Adab holds the greatest importance, especially adab of the Ustadhs. 2. Realize your own value! You are more valuable than the wealth of the entire world! 3. In acquiring 'Ilm, your objective should be to act upon the knowledge that you gain." </span></blockquote>
May Allah grant us the tawfeeq to act upon these meaningful and blessed words, and bless us with the ability to walk on the footsteps of our Akaabireen. Aameen. Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-87679421229133980662016-02-18T01:28:00.000-08:002016-02-18T01:28:24.661-08:00GUIDELINES ON HOW TO PROTECT THE UMMAH FROM SHIAISM, SALAFIISM, BID’AH, QADIYANISM, MODERNISM, ETC.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Build a strong and unbreakable connection with Allah Ta’ala, so as to draw from His help at every step and breath, by being steadfast on aamaalus saaliha and keeping away from sins. This will be achieved most effectively by establishing a connection of self reformation with a spiritual guide.<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Learn about the deviant sects, how they work, their wrong thinking, aqaaid and masaail, by reading authentic books, or from the ulama.<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As much as possible, avoid close contact and friendship with them, unless you are in a position to influence, because it’s much easier for you to be influenced by them. A rotten tomato will spoil all the good tomatoes around it. Also, don’t get married into such families.<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Avoid at all costs, seemingly harmless literature authored or published by these deviant sects, because these contain that hidden poison which these people use to brainwash innocent unwary minds. Remember, these people are very passionate about propagating their deviating ideas, and will leave no stone unturned in pursuing this objective, so no literature that comes from them is harmless.<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Create public awareness by organizing lectures, seminars, and madrassah classes in which these sects are explained. Also, creating awareness by helping to write or publish authentic Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah literature in the form of books, articles, newsletters, emails, and websites.<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Create individual awareness by talking and explaining to people about these sects personally, starting with our immediate family, then moving on to extended family, relatives, friends, and every person with whom we have some contact, to try to rid ourselves from the wrong practices and thinking which we have made our own, but which actually belong to these sects who have no share in the true Islam.<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Follow that same path which was treaded by our pious predecessors – the Ulama of Deoband, who sacrificed their entire lives in keeping the flag of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah high, and battling every individual and group that harboured any intention of trying to destroy and distort the true Islam which was brought by the leader of the two worlds, Hadhrat Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. Hold on fast to their teachings because their teachings are the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.<br />
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Dear brothers and sisters, let us realise that the Ummah is in a crisis today, such a critical situation which needs to be rectified. It is our responsibility to take on that worry and concern of how to protect the Ummah from the trials that it is facing today in the form of deviant sects, so as to pave the road to eternal salvation. Every single individual’s effort is needed, only then can we achieve victory.<br />
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<br />Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-88995003215568550912016-02-17T05:24:00.000-08:002016-02-18T05:13:24.966-08:00ANOTHER CHANCEAs I went about my way, one fine, bright and calm sunny day<br />
In my usual never-ending pursuit of short lived pleasures, drowned in a world of amusement and play<br />
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I felt a rumble and roar beneath, I fell to my knees as the earth began to shudder and shake<br />
It tore open with a belching, grating sound that made my ears do a double take<br />
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From the deep, gaping holes it regurgitated all that was in its womb<br />
The verse echoed in my mind, “Wa akhrajatil ardu athqaalaha,” it left not a bone, a body, or a tomb<br />
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A deafening blast above, my head jerked up – the folding sky had turned a deep crimson blood-red<br />
Bare fear, terror, and shock gripped my every nerve, my blood froze, it was as if I had bled till I was dead<br />
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I trembled uncontrollably at the scene around me – stampedes in all directions of confused, horror stricken people with drunken looks<br />
The horrific agony that was unfolding before my eyes was a reality, The Promised Day as described in the greatest of all books<br />
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Pregnant mothers aborting their babies, breast-feeding infants being thrown aside, children turning old with white hair<br />
The realization suddenly sank in deep, there was no turning back, no second chance, and hopelessness turned into despair<br />
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Amidst streams of silent tears of regret, my mind flashed back to all those missed opportunities which Allah gave me, but which I denied<br />
The soft caring words of my mother, full of worry and concern, “Beta, did you go to madrasah?” and my reply, “yes of course,” but I always lied<br />
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Golden chances of seeking knowledge were presented before me, repeatedly I was invited to gatherings of spiritual reformation<br />
But I always preferred to hang out with my friends in dens of vice and sin for some dangerous exploration<br />
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Then abruptly my remorseful thoughts were interrupted as I became engulfed in pitch darkness, yet another scare<br />
I knew the sun was no more, ear-piercing screams and blood curdling shrieks of pure panic filled the air<br />
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Suddenly my eyes flew open, I sat up straight in my bed, clothes soaked with sweat, heart thumping violently against my chest<br />
Disoriented, I looked around with wide, weary eyes and realized it had been a dream, I was still in the test<br />
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Although shaken up, a warm feeling of sweet relief washed over me – it wasn’t too late to do what was right<br />
This was a warning to me from Allah, I vowed that of my true objective in this world I will never lose sight<br />
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How many months of Ramadan, year after year, had passed wasted in my life, to take advantage I never cared<br />
Now once again this blessed month is at our doorstep, a gift-wrapped invitation of Allah’s love, for it now, inshallah, I am fully geared<br />
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I jumped out of bed to hurriedly get ready for salaah and madrasah, there wasn’t a moment to lose<br />
I eagerly set off to start a new life with renewed vigor and zeal, this was another chance, not a time to snooze.<br />
<br />Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-10403895410744235392016-02-16T05:29:00.000-08:002016-02-16T05:29:21.086-08:00PROPAGATION THROUGH THE PENThe importance that the pen has always held in Islam is something that is not hidden to anyone who casts even a cursory glance over our rich history of the past fourteen centuries, and over the history of the very existence of humans on earth. In fact, the pen precedes in existence not only man, but the entire creation of Allah. It was at that time that Allah bestowed upon it an immense honour by entrusting it with a very great and crucial role. Hazrat Ubadah bin Samit Ra narrates that Nabi sallallahu alaihi wasallam said, “The first thing that Allah created was the pen. After creating it, He commanded it to write. The pen asked, ‘what should I write?’ Allah replied, ‘write the taqdeer of Allah.’ Subsequently, the pen wrote all the events and happenings that were to take place till eternity.” (Tirmidhi)<br />
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Allah proffered honour onto the pen in the Quran as well—an entire surah was named after it—Suratul Qalam. The first aayat of this surah is, “(I swear) By the pen and what they write.” As is the general principle, whenever Allah takes an oath of something, it is to show the importance and greatness of that thing. In the very first wahy that Allah sent down upon Nabi sallallahu alaihi wasallam in the cave of Hira, He mentions, “He taught by the pen.” Under these two verses, the commentators of the Quran have stated that the first and foundational method of teaching and imparting knowledge was through the pen. According to one opinion it was Hazrat Adam AS who first used the pen, and according to another it was Hazrat Idrees AS.<br />
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Hazrat Qatada Ra said, “The pen is a very great favour of Allah. If it wasn’t for the pen, then no Deen would remain, and no worldly matters would be able to run.” Hazrat Ali Ra said, “If it wasn’t for the pen then all works of Deen and Dunya would become impaired.<br />
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In the blessed life of Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam we find a precedent for propagation through the pen. He dispatched numerous letters to different kings, leaders, and tribes, conveying to them the message of Allah, and inviting them towards accepting Islam. We mention here, an excerpt from his letter to the Roman emperor-<br />
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“Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem. From Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), the servant and messenger of Allah, to Hercules, the leader of Rome. May peace be upon the one who follows the guidance. Verily I invite you toward the call of Islam (kalimah of tawheed.) Accept Islam, and secure eternal safety. Allah will give you double reward. However, if you turn away, then upon you will be the sin of all those who follow you.” (Bukhari)<br />
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Thus, the pen has always been an indispensable, vital, and fundamental tool for the acquisition and retainment of knowledge, and for the propagation of the pure and pristine Deen.<br />
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It is for this very reason that our Ulama have always emphasized on showing adab - respect - to the pen. They have taught us not to throw it to someone, and not to put it on the floor. When the ink in the pen finishes, then instead of throwing it away in the dustbin, we should respectfully bury it in the ground. Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi Ra never entered the toilet with an ink mark on his hand - he would first wash it off, and then proceed to relieve himself, saying that it is with this ink that we write Quran and Hadeeth, it is highly disrespectful to go into the toilet with it being visible on the hand. Subhanallah, may Allah grant us the adab that our elders had. In today’s times, digital and printed literature in the form of authentic books, magazines, newsletters, and articles is the advanced and progressed form of the pen, and continues to quench the never ending thirst of the Ummah for knowledge, thus remaining a major field for the propagation of the truth. Subsequently, such literature is also deserving of our adab.<br />
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Through the grace of Allah, we have resumed posting on this blog with a more refined and focused outlook, which is also included in the category of 'Propagation Through The Pen. May Allah accept this humble and weak effort although it doesn't deserve acceptance, and may Allah make it a means of hidayat for the entire mankind, ameen.<br />
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Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-39024809615801551062016-02-13T23:44:00.000-08:002016-02-13T23:44:38.485-08:00RISE AND SHINE!!Rise and shine! Time to wake up and smell.....the beautiful fragrance of the love of Allah all around us!<br />
Very sadly, there are many men (and some women too) who sleep in late on Sundays/public holidays, waking up very late in the morning - 9am, 10am, 11am, sometimes even 12am and past that!!<br />
This is something that cannot be expected from a Muslim who has iman on Allah and Qiyamat - a person who knows that in a short while he will have to stand in front of The King of kings and give an account of every second of his life.<br />
As Muslims we have a goal, an objective in life which we are supposed to be desperately trying to rush towards, with the constant fear that the time given to us for it can run out at any moment. A person working on a million dollar contract that needs to be finalised by the morning will gladly stay awake the entire night, and the morning as well, until his job is done and he has pocketed his million. Is Allah lesser in value to us than a million dollars?<br />
According to shariat, and medically as well, a person needs six to eight hours of sleep in a 24 hour period. Anything more than that is a waste of our precious life, and can cost us dearly. It will result in a hardened heart, laziness, unmindfulness of Allah, strengthening of the nafs, and general deprivation in every aspect.<br />
A seeker of Allah (which is what we are all supposed to be) will become restless, regretful, and disturbed at even an extra second in bed, yet today we will spend hours and hours in the morning glued to our beds, unable to pull ourselves out. Where are we heading to?<br />
May Allah open our eyes before it is too late.Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-17269006946499618282013-04-02T11:51:00.002-07:002013-04-02T11:51:57.441-07:00Reflect and Ponder (33) - Relationship ReliefIn today's times, one of the biggest tragedies that we are witnessing is the failing of relationship after relationship. Whether it is husband and wife (this is by far the most abused and broken one from the list) or a brother and sister, or parent and child, or any other relationship, people just can't seem to get along with those around them. <br />
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So, the question is, how do we make it work?? What is the solution??<br />
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Well, frankly speaking, I am no relationship councelor, but open pondering over the calamity at hand, a few points come to mind, which although are quite obvious, but InshaAllah, they will shed a bit of light on the matter from a purely Islamic Shar'ii perspective, and be of benefit to someone.<br />
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1.) The relationship should be built upon a solid foundation of TRUST. Without this main component, a relationship can not last. It is very important for a husband and wife to trust each other, and not entertain any doubts whatsoever about their partner regarding anything. Almost always, these doubts are just the weapons of Shaytaan that he uses to break away trust, and are usually without any proof whatsoever.<br />
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2.) There should be an UNDERSTANDING between the husband and wife, and not a MISUNDERSTANDING. What this simply means is that each one should try and understand the other, know exactly what he/she is trying to say, and what exactly is happening in that person's life, and not be quick to make assumptions. How many relationships are broken because one of the two made an assumption about the other, not bothering to find out the reality, not trying to understand. The basis of this point is actually GOOD COMMUNICATION between the spouses. Relationships fail because the spouses fail to communicate with each other, and bad communication (or no communication) leads to misunderstandings which then destroy the marital bond.<br />
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3.) To be FORGIVING and not to harbour in your heart ill feelings for your spouse. We are humans and humans are very far from being perfect. Let us accept this, and forgive one another just like we would like to be forgiven by them, and just like how we would like Allah to forgive our innumerable sins. One of the main problems is that boys and girls go into marriage with this mentality that our spouse should be perfect and faultless. When, after marriage, they see the reality, they are not ready to accept. We all make mistakes, and thus we should all be tolerant with other people's mistakes, and not react in such a way which will be destructive. However, with FORGIVE there should also be FORGET. Many people forgive the mistakes of others, but they aren't prepared to forget. Many a times, an argument erups between the husband and wife, and old mistakes are dug up anew, which just adds fuel to the fire and makes matters worse. Every night, a husband and wife should sleep with a completely clean heart. <br />
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These three points require quite a bit of detail, but I have chosen to just touch on them briefly, knowing that people don't have time to read long articles, and attention spans are also very short.<br />
May Allah make it a means of benefit, and may Allah bless us with relationships that last forever, ameen.Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-26940577338805971452013-02-13T09:33:00.000-08:002013-02-13T09:33:02.414-08:00Reflect and Ponder (32) - Everlasting SupportOut of His endless mercy and sheer kindness upon His helpless slaves, Allah (swt) creates for us, in the arduous journey of life, pillars of support all around us, people from within our family, from our relatives, our friends, and sometimes, people whom we never knew.<br />
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Allah brings these people into our lives to make our perilous journey a bit easier. These are the ones who are forever at our side, in grief and sorrow, as well as in happiness, always there to offer us their support and encouragement, give us that push that we always need to be able to achieve our best, to give us the will to keep moving forward even when we don't want to, to light up our horizon with beams of hope even when utter hoplessness engulfs us from every direction. <br />
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However, there is a point in life, when Allah, in His eternal wisdom, suddenly takes away these pillars of support. A person feels alone, scared, depressed, confused, not knowing what to do. He feels like he was walking in the night on a path which was illuminated by bright lamps on either side, and suddenly they are extinguished, and he is left stranded in the pitch darkness, unable to even take a step forward. <br />
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Allah does this for a reason. He wants us to realize that our only real support in this life is Him and no one else. Our only source of hope and help, strength and endurance, is only Allah. So long as we have those pillars of support around us, we will keep forgetting this reality. When Allah takes away these pillars, even temporarily, we are forced to turn to Him, to fall into sajdah and shed those tears that are so precious in the sight of Allah. This becomes a means of strengthening our connection with Him, and the fearful person in the darkness will only understand why the lamps were snuffed out, when the sun of Allah's support and help, millions of times brighter than the lamps, rises and generates an everlasting illumination. Thus, a seemingly big setback turns into an even greater bounty.<br />
This is the wisdom of Allah which very few comprehend. Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-5620703759002961842013-01-30T09:12:00.001-08:002013-01-30T09:12:35.802-08:00Reflect and Ponder (31)My dear brothers and sisters,,,, we turn away from the beautiful lifestyle of that Nabi (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) who sacrificed his hometown, his comfort, his family, his sweat, and his blood for us, and we turn towards the lifestyle of those who kill our brothers and sisters all over the world, those people who have open enmity for us, and who are leaving no stone unturned in trying to erase the very existence of Islam from the face of this earth - the west, and the Yahood. Are we doing any justice to our beloved?<br />
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Have we become so blind to reality? <br />
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Please, let us open our eyes before it is too late, we need to stop letting our enemies tell us how to lead our lives, and we have to start living according to the pristine principles set out for us more than fourteen centuries ago. This is the only hope for our salvation and success.Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-24196216658380374392013-01-19T08:31:00.000-08:002013-01-19T08:31:20.214-08:00Reflect and Ponder (30)<br />The more you run after this dunya, the more it will run further away from you, and you will spend your entire life in this fruitless chase, to no avail until suddenly you find yourself at the foot of your grave, ready to enter it, about which, while you were involved in pursuing dunya, you completely forgot that this was what you were really heading towards, your final destination. <br />
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However, if you turn your back towards Dunya, then it will come tamely after you, in disgrace, ready to kiss your feet. <br />
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This is the deception of this dunya, which very few people understand, which is why the majority waste their lives in this same pointless pursuit, and when they do realise, then the grave is already staring them in the face, and time has run out.<br />
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My dear beloved brothers and sisters, don't be from amongst those majority. Let us realize the reality now, while we still have time, before it is too late. Otherwise, there will be nothing but regret, such a regret which will be of absolutely no use.Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-35547182027242692632012-12-30T03:39:00.000-08:002012-12-30T03:39:43.089-08:00Reflect and Ponder (29)<span class="userContent">Life is nothing but a series of hills and mountains - sometimes you are up, and sometimes you are down. We cannot expect to be up all the time, otherwise it wouldn't be possible to move forward. Nor should we loose hope when we are down, thinking that we will stay there forever.</span><span class="userContentSecondary"><span class="fcg"> </span></span><br />
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<span class="userContentSecondary"><span class="fcg">What we also have to always remember is that our journey across these hills and mountains is extremely short. Today we are here, tomorrow we are gone. Nay, today we are here, and today we are gone.</span></span><br />
<span class="userContentSecondary"><span class="fcg"> So let us make sure that these hills and mountains don't cause us an hindrance, or become obstacles for us reaching our final goal towards which we should all be moving towards - ALLAH.</span></span>Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982522887853074649.post-70256013149696722532012-12-12T11:02:00.001-08:002012-12-12T11:02:34.778-08:00Reflect and Ponder (28)Don't ever put your expectations on anyone in this world, no matter how close that person is to you. Eventually, because that person is also human and not perfect, somewhere along the line you will have to suffer let - downs, which will lead to unnecessarily getting hurt, and even breaking of relationships. Someone so rightly said - <br />
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"Expectations lead to deceptions which lead to frustrations."<br />
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People almost never live up to the sometimes very high expectations which are placed upon them, and that causes disappointment.<br />
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Let us put all our expectations on that Being who is perfect, who will never let us down, who will always fulfill our expectations of Him, and go over them too. <br />
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Only Allah is worthy of our expectations, with whom we can rest assured that we will never get disappointed. Arif Umarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07035351151975151358noreply@blogger.com0