umar bin abdul aziz tayibah...kalimah tayyibah – the wholesome word 3 the justice of a chinese...

KALIMAH TAYYIBAH – THE WHOLESOME WORD

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ContentsKALIMAH TAYYIBAH- THE WHOLESOMEWORD......................................................................... 8

INTRODUCTION..................................................... 10

ISM-E-A’ZAM – ITS QUALIFICATIONS............. 12

THE GRAVE’S ATHAAB – AN EPISODE............ 13

FOLLOWING THE SUNNAH ................................ 15

SIN IS NEVER OLD – SIN IS NEVERFORGOTTEN ........................................................... 16

THE APPOINTMENT OF HADHRAT UMARBIN ABDUL AZEEZ ............................................... 17

THE SUCCESS OF THE WORLD AND THEHEREAFTER............................................................ 21

PROCLAMATION OF THE HAQQ ....................... 21

AN AALIM OF THE HAQQ IS CAST TO ALION ......................................................................... 22

AN EPISODE OF GENEROSITY ........................... 24

THE IMPORTANCE OF RECITING THEQUR'AAN ................................................................. 24


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THE JUSTICE OF A CHINESE KING ................... 26

HADHRAT UMAR BIN ABDUL AZIZ ................. 27

MUZAAHIM THE SLAVE...................................... 29

UMAR BIN ABDUL AZIZ – HUMILITY .............. 30

UMAR BIN ABDUL AZIZ – HIS SERVICES ....... 30

UMAR BIN ABDUL AZIZ – HIS SONS ................ 31

HADHRAT UMAR AND AMR BIL MA'ROOF.... 32

HADHRAT UMAR'S PLACE OF BURIAL ........... 34

HADHRAT ABU HAZIM IN THE COURT OFSULAIMAN IBN ABDUL MALIK......................... 35

'MY NOBLEST PEOPLE' ........................................ 41

MY REFUGE? .......................................................... 43

SERVANTS OF THE AULIYA............................... 44

THE VEIL OF SHAITAAN ..................................... 45

NABI ZAKARIYYAH (ALAYHIS SALAAM)...... 46

THE BID'ATI............................................................ 48

DIVINE MYSTERY................................................. 48

THE WONDERS OF THE KA’BAH SHAREEF.... 50

THE SACRIFICE OF A CHAPERON..................... 51

THE ANGELS OF THE HEAVENS........................ 53

A MURTAD IS PUNISHED .................................... 55


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CALAMITY OF A POLICEMAN ........................... 56

SPEAKING FROM THE CRADLE......................... 57

CONVERSATION AFTER ISHA'........................... 59

WOMAN'S STAGES................................................ 61

THE AALIM OF HAQQ .......................................... 62

SILENCE AND MINGLING OF THE ULAMA..... 62

THE ILLUSTRIOUS IMAAM SARAKHSI(Rahmatullah alayh) .................................................. 63

His Taqwa 64

His Karaamat 65

His Observance of the Sunnah 66

COMMENT: FIQHI TECHNICALITIES 67

BETWEEN FEAR AND HOPE ............................... 68

HARMFUL FRIENDSHIP ....................................... 70

BAYAZID BUSTAAMI’S PENANCE.................... 71

NASOOH’S TAUBAH ............................................. 72

PUNISHMENT FOR ABSTAINING FROMTHIKRULLAH ......................................................... 75

NO DEED IS INSIGNIFICANT .............................. 77

FORLORN GRAVES AND FORGIVENESS ......... 77

TEACHING MASAA-IL.......................................... 78


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THE VALUE OF SURAH IKHLAAS ..................... 79

HADHRAT AMR BIN SA’D’S TAQWA ANDJUSTICE ................................................................... 79

HIS TOLERANCE FOR EVEN A DOG ................. 80

THE EMOTION OF TRUE IMAAN ....................... 81

BEWARE OF THE CURSE OF THEMAZLOOM .............................................................. 82

HADHRAT SUFYAAN THAURI’S CURSE.......... 83

THE CONSEQUENCE OF INSOLENCE ............... 84

AVERSION FOR IMAAM ABU HANIFAH.......... 84

THE CONSEQUENCE OF DISTRESSINGIMAAM ABU HANIFAH ........................................ 85

THE CONSEQUENCE OF SLANDERING ACHASTE WOMAN. ................................................. 86

ADVICE OF HADHRAT LUQMAAN ................... 87

THE TWO FUNDAMENTALS OF WISDOM ....... 87

THE BENEFIT OF EMULATION........................... 88

REFORMATION OF THE ROBBERS.................... 89

THE ATTITUDE FOR HAJJ ................................... 91

WHO ARE HUMAN BEINGS?............................... 99

GRIEF FOR THE SAKE OF A DOG .................... 100

DO NOT REBUFF THE FAQEER ........................ 101


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ABSTENTION FROM SIN.................................... 102

SERVING A BLIND OLD LADY......................... 102

HADHRAT SALMAAN FAARSI’SSIMPLICITY .......................................................... 103

I’TIKAAF OF TEN YEARS .................................. 104

THE VALUE OF SERVICE................................... 106

KHALIFAH MANSUR AND HADHRATJA’FAR SAADIQ ................................................... 106

RESPECT FOR THE NAME OFRASULULLAH ...................................................... 108

TEN DEFENCES.................................................... 109

FOUR FATAL POISONS AND THEIRANTIDOTE............................................................. 110

ABU BAKR’S WISDOM ....................................... 110

THE JUSTICE OF HADHRAT UMAR................. 111

SABR INSPIRED BY DIVINE LOVE .................. 112

THE PIETY OF A KING........................................ 112

THE CLOSENESS OF MAUT............................... 113

AN HONEST, PIOUS SHEPHERD....................... 114

UMAR BIN ABDUL AZIZ’S PERCEPTION OFTHE AAKHIRAT ................................................... 115


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IMPLEMENT PRACTICALLY FIVEAHAADITH............................................................ 116

SAAMIRI ................................................................ 117

MALAKUL MAUT’S GRIEF................................ 118


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KALIMAH TAYYIBAH-THE WHOLESOME WORD

“Do you not see howAllah explains the

example of the Pure(Wholesome) word as a

wholesome tree? Its rootsare firmly grounded andits branches reach into

the sky.(Ibraaheem, Aayat 24)


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It yields its (wholesome)fruit each season by thepermission of its Rabb.Allah cites examples forpeople so that they may

ponder.”(Ibraaheem, Aayat 25)


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INTRODUCTION“Offer naseehat (advice), for Naseehat

benefits the Mu’mineen.”(Thaariyaat, Aayat 55)

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) saidthat the Deen is Naseehat. Offering Naseehatis the incumbent duty of every Mu’min.Naseehat benefits the Mu’mineen. It remindsthem of Allah Ta’ala and the objectives of theAakhirat for which Allah Ta’ala has createdus.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam)said: “The world has been created for you, butyou have been created for the Aakhirat.”

This Kitaab is a treasure of Naseehat whichwill most assuredly benefit the Mu’mineenwho read and reflect with the intention ofgaining moral reformation.

The Wholesome Words of Naseehat of theAuliya narrated in this Kitaab are like the


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Wholesome Tree, the roots of which are firmlyembedded in the ground and its branches reachinto the sky. The words and episodes of theAuliya generate in the hearts of theMu’mineen the yearning for Allah Ta’ala anda disinclination for the world.

In these times, due to the absence of trueSaaliheen, it is of greater importance to dailyread a few pages of their lives and theiradvices. This is the only way to stay on courseof Siraatul Mustaqeem. Without the Suhbat(companionship) of the Saaliheen, attainmentof moral reformation and spiritual elevation isnormally not possible. In the absence of theSaaliheen, their Kitaabs will be an adequatesubstitute for their Suhbat.

The world today is morally and spirituallybarren and bankrupt. The Saaliheen have alldeparted from this world. About themRasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:

“The Saalihoon are departing one after theother (in quick succession). Then there will


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remain only ghuthaa (flotsam/chaff/wastematter) such as the chaff of barley or dates.Allah will have no care whatsoever for them”

We are today in the era of ghuthaa.

ISM-E-A’ZAM – ITSQUALIFICATIONS

ISM-E-A’ZAM (Allah’s Greatest Name) is a secretpossession of some select Auliya. With thisGreatest Name wonderful supernatural feats areaccomplished. Only an extremely few, selectAuliya are qualified to bear this Amaanat (Trust).

Once a Faqeer came to a Shaikh who wasaware of the Ism-e-A’zam. He begged the Shaikhto impart this glorious Name to him. The Shaikhasked: “Do you possess the qualifications for thisName?” The Faqeer said: ‘Yes.’ The Shaikh: “Goto the city gate. Sit there and report back to mewhat has transpired there.”

The Faqeer complied. Soon he saw an old manon a donkey with a load of firewood. A policemangrabbed the pile of wood, whipped the old manand chased him away. The old man meekly wentaway, not saying a word of protest. The Faqeerwitnessing this injustice was greatly grieved. He


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returned to the Shaikh and reported what he hadseen.

The Shaikh asked: “If at that time you wereaware of the Ism-e-A’zam, what would you havedone?” The Faqeer: “I would have supplicatedthrough the medium of that glorious Name thatthe oppressor be destroyed.”

The Shaikh: ‘Know, that the old woodcutter (onthe donkey) had taught me the Ism-e-A’zam. Hereacted with Sabr (patience) and did notsupplicate for the destruction of his oppressor.”

In this manner did the Shaikh convey to theFaqeer that he lacked the qualifications for theTrust of the Ism-e-A’zam.

THE GRAVE’S ATHAAB – ANEPISODE

A BUZRUG narrated the following fearful episodeof Athaab (Punishment) in the Qabr (grave):“A traveller passing through Mount Baitil Maqdiswas the guest of a man who said to him. ‘Comewith me to my neighbour. His brother has recentlydied.’ They found the neighbour grievingexcessively. He was unable to restrain his grief.They said to him: ‘Fear Allah! Know that Maut isthe path which all of us have to tread. It is the


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inescapable reality.’ The neighbour said: ‘I knowthat what you have said will surely happen. But Iam grieved by the plight which my brother issuffering morning and evening.’

They said: ‘Subhaanallaah! Did Allah reveal toyou the unseen?’ The neighbour said: ‘No! Butafter we had just covered my brother with sand, Iheard him groaning. In shock I exclaimed: ‘Mybrother! My brother! And, I madly started to openthe grave, but the people prevented me. After thesand was again filled, I once more heard mybrother groaning. I was beyond myself. I againstarted to open the grave. Again the peopleadmonished me, and the sand was replaced. Thenfor the third time, I heard my brother groaning.Ignoring the protests of the people I dug open thegrave.

Fear and shock overtook me. A fiery ironweight was on my brother’s back and the wholegrave was ablaze. Without thinking I stretched myhand to reach for the fiery iron weight.Instantaneously my fingers burnt off.” Heshowed his hand to the visitors. Four fingers weremissing.

The narrator went to Hadhrat Imaam Auzaai(rahmatullah alayh) and said: ‘O Abu Umar! TheYahood, the Nasaara and all kuffaar die, but such


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signs of punishment have not been observedamong them. On the contrary, this man died in thestate of Tauheed and Islam. Despite this, he isbeing punished so severely.’ Imaam Auzaai(rahmatullah alayh) said: ‘Yes! They (the kuffaar)are confirmed inmates of Jahannum. There istherefore no need to display their condition.Whereas for you, the People of Tauheed, AllahTa’ala reveals such punishment beingadministered so that you derive admonition andlesson.’ ”

FOLLOWING THE SUNNAHONCE HADHRAT Basheer Ibn Haarith(rahmatullah alayh) saw Rasulullah (sallallahualayhi wasallam) in a dream. Nabi (sallallahualayhi wasallam) said: “O Basheer! Do you knowwhy Allah Ta’ala has elevated you above yourcontemporaries?” Basheer said: ‘O Rasulullah! Ido not know.’ Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhiwasallam) said: “Your following my Sunnah,being of service to the Saaliheen, admonishingbrothers and love for my Sahaabah and Familyhave elevated you to the stage of the Abraar.”


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SIN IS NEVER OLD – SIN IS NEVERFORGOTTEN

THAKWAAN was a chief in Basra. He was a manof Taqwa. A Buzrug narrates: “After Thakwaanwas buried and the people departed from thegrave, I fell asleep near to one grave. Suddenly Iobserved an Angel descending from the heaven.He proclaimed: ‘O Inmates of the Graves! Riseand take your rewards.’ The graves split open andall the inmates emerged. Within a short while theyall disappeared back into their graves.

Then they appeared again. This time Thakwaanwas with them. He was exquisitely dressed inheavenly garments and several servants wereescorting him. A Voice proclaimed: ‘This servant(i.e. Thakwaan) is from among the People ofTaqwa. However, on account of one evil gaze acalamity is descending on him. The command ofAllah must be fulfilled.” Thus, he was taken inproximity to Jahannum. Suddenly a massiveserpent emerged from the Fire and bit him on theface. The bitten portion of his face blackened.Then the Voice proclaimed: “O Thakwaan! Not asingle act of yours was concealed from yourRabb. This (punishment) is the compensation for


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that evil gaze. If you had increased on it, We toowould have increased the punishment.”

Suddenly another inmate of a grave protrudedhis head from the Qabr and said: “Wallaah!Ninety years have passed since my death, but thebitterness (pain) of Maut is still in my throat.”From between his eyes, the impression of Sajdahwas conspicuous.” He too was a man of piety.

These fearful episodes of punishment relate toeven men of high Taqwa. Sometimes a sin iscommitted and forgotten. Years pass by withoutTaubah. The pious man or the reformed man islulled into complacency by his Taqwa and heforgets about the sin/s he had committed yearsago. Its retribution is in Barzakh. Sin is never staleand old nor is it ever forgotten by Allah Azza WaJal. Always repent and recite Istighfaar. MayAllah Ta’ala forgive all our sins – the sins werecall and the sins we are unable to remember,Aameen.

THE APPOINTMENT OF HADHRATUMAR BIN ABDUL AZEEZ

THE KHILAAFAT of Hadhrat Umar Bin AbdulAzeez (rahmatullah alayh) was proverbial for itsjustice and piety. He had restored the Khilaafat to


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the mode of the Khilaafat of Hadhrat Umar(radhiyallahu anhu), the Second Khalifah.

The Taqwa (Piety) and Roohaaniyat(Spirituality) of Hadhrat Umar Bin Abdul Azeez(rahmatullah alayh) extended over the entireempire of Islam, including the animals. His briefKhilaafat was surpassed only by the Khulafa-e-Raashideen.

In the year 99 Hijri, Hadhrat Umar Bin AbdulAzeez (rahmatullah alayh) mounted the stage ofKhilaafat in compliance with the wasiyyat(directive) of the Khalifah Abdul Malik BinMarwaan who had passed away.

After burial of Khalifah Abdul Malik BinMarwaan, Hadhrat Umar Abdul Azeez(rahmatullah alayh) set off for the Musjid with abig crowd following. In the Musjid, he mountedthe mimbar. Addressing the gathering he said:

"O Assembly of People! The trust of Khilaafatis a trial imposed on me. I have neither desirenor quest for it. I have been appointed without theconsultation of the Muslims. (He was appointedby a directive of Khalifah Abdul Malik Marwaan).I therefore remove from your necks the burden ofmy appointment. Select another person to be yourKhalifah."


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There was pandemonium. With one voice theentire assembly thundered: "We have selectedyou, O Ameerul Mu'mineen. We are pleased withyour Khilaafat."

When the voices died down and there wassilence, Hadhrat Umar Bin Abdul Azeez(rahmatullah alayh) recited the praises of AllahAzza Wa Jal, and Durood and Salaam on our Nabi(sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Then addressing thepeople, he said:

"I urge you to adopt fear for Allah (Taqwa).Nothing is superior to the Taqwa of Allah.Practise deeds of virtue for adorning your lives inthe Hereafter. Allah Ta'ala suffices for theworldly needs of those whose quest is theAakhirah. Reform your moral life, Allah will thenrectify your mundane life. Whoever is proud of hisancestry, will be apprehended on earth in thepangs of death.

By Allah! I shall not make awards to anyone inillegal ways nor usurp the rights of anyone. I amnot a treasurer (to hoard public wealth). I shallexpend the wealth wherever I am entitled to.

As long as I am obedient to Allah Ta'ala, obeyme. If I abandon obedience to Allah Ta'ala,obeying me no longer remains incumbent on you.I have said what I deemed appropriate for you. I


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seek forgiveness from Allah Ta'ala for myself andfor yourselves."

After he had completed his address, hesuddenly heard a thunderous sound from theground. With surprise, he asked: "What are thesesounds?" The people said: "These are the royalhorses brought to welcome you." Declining thehorses with their accompanying pomp andsplendour, he said: "I have no need for thesehorses. Bring my mule. It is adequate for me."

His Khilaafat was short, a brief two and a halfyears. It is said that with the aid of his slave, hisenemies had him poisoned. During his last illness,he summoned the slave and questioned him. Ittranspired that his enemies had given the slave athousand dinars (gold coins) to poison his master,the Khalifah. Hadhrat Umar Bin Abdul Azeez(rahmatullah alayh) confiscated the 1000 dinarsand had the gold entered into the Baitul Maal.Then he said to the slave: "Flee before the peoplediscover your crime. They will slay you." Thus,he pardoned his murderer. The slave took flight.


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THE SUCCESS OF THE WORLDAND THE HEREAFTER

HADHRAT ALI Bin Abi Taalib (radhiyallahuanhu) said: "Whoever, has achieved four things,has attained the success of the world and theHereafter:

1. Such Taqwa which prevents him from theprohibitions of Allah.

2. A beautiful character for dealing withpeople.

3. Such tolerance with which he wards off theignorance of the jaahil (ignoramus).

4. A pious wife who aids him in his worldlyand Deeni affairs."

PROCLAMATION OF THE HAQQONCE HADHRAT Hasan Basri (rahmatullah alayh)in the presence of Hajjaaj Bin Yusuf, thenotorious blood-shedder, said:

"O enemy of Allah! O perpetrator of fisq andfujoor (evil and immorality)! O lover of sin anddisobedience! Of what benefit will be this worldlypomp and splendour? The inmates of the Heavens


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are cursing and reviling you. The inhabitants ofthe earth have reached their limits of tolerationregarding your tyranny and oppression. They havereached the end of the tether with their wrath andhatred for you."

After administering this stern admonition to thetyrant Hajjaaj, Hadhrat Hasan Basri (rahmatullahalayh) then said: "Verily, Allah has taken a pledgefrom the Ulama that most certainly they shouldproclaim the Haqq to the people." Then heabruptly departed.

AN AALIM OF THE HAQQ IS CASTTO A LION

IN EGYPT during the brutal reign of repressionand tyranny of Ahmad Bin Tuloon, an Aalim ofthe Haqq, Hadhrat Abul Hasan Bunaan BinMuhammad Bin Sa'd (rahmatullah alayh), went toconfront this tyrannical ruler. When heproclaimed the Truth and admonished the ruler forhis cruelty and oppression, Ibn Tuloon becameenraged. He ordered the arrest of Hadhrat AbulHasan who was thrown into a dungeon. ThereafterIbn Tuloon ordered that he be fed to a hungrylion.


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The occasion was announced to the public. Theappointed day arrived. A huge crowd hadgathered in the arena to observe the liondevouring Hadhrat Abul Hasan (rahmatullahalayh). A huge lion was held hungry in captivityfor a few days. Hadhrat Abul Hasan was broughtin chains and pushed into the centre of the arena,and the cage was opened. The lion leaping fromthe cage went straight to the prey. However, whenthe lion reached Hadhrat Abul Hasan, hedisplayed an uncanny timidity and began smellinghim. Then the lion went and stood wagging its tailat a distance.

Spontaneously from the crowd came loud criesof Laailaaha il lallaah Allahu Akbar! Ibn Tuloonwho was present was thus humiliated. He issuedinstructions for Hadhrat Abul Hasan to bereleased with honour and be treated with respect.He had realized that he had no power to thwart theOrder of Allah Azza Wa Jal.

When some of Hadhrat Abul Hasan's closeassociates asked him about his condition at thetime when the lion was running towards him, hesaid: "I was wondering about the mas'alah of thesaliva of wild animals. Is the lion's saliva taahir(pure) or najis (impure)?"


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AN EPISODE OF GENEROSITYASH'AB BIN JUBAIR narrated that once whilewalking in a narrow lane he was met by a manwho asked: "How many children do you have?"After he was informed, the stranger said: "I havebeen instructed to see to all the expenses of yourfamily life-long."Ash'ab: "Who has instructed you?"Stranger: "He does not want to be known."Ash'ab: "It is incumbent on me to thank him forhis generosity."Stranger: "He is not in need of your thanks."

The stranger regularly, without fail, deliveredthe family's provisions. After some years, aperson by the name of Khalid Bin Abdullah BinUmar Bin Uthmaan died. Ash'ab also attended theJanaazah. There he met the stranger. Tearsstreaming down his cheeks, the stranger said: "OAsh'ab! He was your benefactor who used tospend on you."

THE IMPORTANCE OF RECITINGTHE QUR'AAN

A MAN from the tribe of Bani Makhzoom oncecame to Hadhrat Uthmaan (radhiyallahu anhu)


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and complained of his inability to pay his debts.He requested financial assistance. HadhratUthmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) said: “If you aretruly deserving, arrangements will be made tosettle your debts."

The man said: "O Ameerul Mu'mineen! "Whyshould I not be deserving when you are aware ofmy family and tribe."Hadhrat Uthmaan: "Can you recite the Qur'aan?"The Man: 'No.'Hadhrat Uthmaan: "Come near to me."

When the man was close to him, HadhratUthmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) with his spearignominiously stripped the man of his turban.Removing the turban in this manner was topublicly disgrace a man who could not recite theQur'aan Majeed. Then he called one of hiscompanions and instructed: "Take this buffoonand don't allow him to leave you as long as he hasnot learnt to recite the Qur'aan."

Thereafter another person appeared and alsoexplained his inability to pay his debts. HadhratUthmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) asked him to recite10 verses from Surah Anfaal and 10 verses fromSurah Baraa-ah. When he had satisfactorilyrecited these verses, Hadhrat Uthmaan


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(radhiyallahu anhu) commented: "We shall settleyour debts. You are deserving."

THE JUSTICE OF A CHINESE KINGA MAN addressing the Khalifah Abu Ja'farMansoor, the second Khalifah of the BanuAbbaasi dynasty, said: "Ameerul Mu'mineen! Onone of my tours of China, I learnt that the kinghad suddenly lost his hearing. He had becomedeaf. When this happened, the king criedprofusely. When his companions tried to consolehim, he said: 'I am not crying because of thiscalamity which has descended on me. My concernis for the oppressed. I fear that an oppressed maycome and knock on my door while I am unable tohear, and attend to him.' "

Then the king said: "It matters not. I am deafbut not blind. Henceforth no one in my kingdomis allowed to wear red garments except those whoare oppressed. This will enable me to recognizethe oppressed and attend to them".

It was the practice of the king to daily come outof his palace during the evening time onhorseback and look at his subjects. When he sawanyone with a red garment, he immediatelyattended to the oppressed person.


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HADHRAT UMAR BIN ABDUL AZIZTHE KHALIFAH Sulaimaan Bin Abdul Malik hadappointed his nephew, Hadhrat Umar Bin AbdulAziz (rahmatullah alayh) to be the Khalifah afterhim. After the Khalifah's burial, his sealed letterin which he had made the appointment was readout in the Jaami' Musjid.

From the day of his appointment he underwenta massive spiritual transformation. Before hisappointment he was a luxury conscious person.Being a member of the royalty he would changehis garments thrice daily. The sudden change heunderwent was purely the grace of Allah Ta'ala.Upon his appointment he emptied his home of allthe valuables and denuded it of every vestige ofpomp and wealth. He spent the days of theKhilaafat as a true faqeer and zaahid.

The first official duty which he discharged afterbecoming the Khalifah on the very first day wasto dismiss all the oppressive governors whom hispredecessor, Khalifah Sulaiman Abdul Malik hadappointed. He summoned the governor ShareekBin Ardhaa' and said to him: "O you tyrant!Disappear from my sight! I had witnessed thatyou had made people sit in the blazing sun andhad them whipped severely. You kept them


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starving whilst you enjoyed yourself in thecomfort of silken garments."

To another governor, he said: "Get away fromme! By Allah! You are not deserving of being aruler. I have seen you spill the blood of Muslimsfor the sake of Sulaiman Bin Abdul Malik."

In this manner, Hadhrat Umar Bin Abdul Aziz(rahmatullah alayh) castigated every unjust,oppressive governor whom he summoned anddismissed.

Thereafter, the Khalifah dispatched letters tothe senior Ulama of the Islamic empire. Amongthem were Hadhrat Hasan Basri, Mutrif BinAbdullah Bin Shakheer and Saalim Bin AbdullahBin Umar. He exhorted them to counsel him andto admonish him for his errors, and to supplicatethat he faithfully discharges the rights of Allah'sservants, and that at the time when he has to meetAllah Ta'ala, his name will not be in the roll of theoppressors.

In his response, Hadhrat Hasan Basri(rahmatullah alayh) wrote: "O AmeerulMu'mineen, fast every alternate day."

In his response, Hadhrat Saalim Bin AbdullahBin Umar (rahmatullah alayh) stated an eerieprediction. He wrote: "O Ameerul Mu'mineen!You are the last link in the Chain of Khulafa-e-


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Raashideen. Soon you too will die as those beforeyou had died."

Just as Hadhrat Saalim Bin Abdullah hadpredicted, there never again was a Khalifah of hiscalibre. His Khilaafat was a replica of theKhilaafat of Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu),the Second Khalifah of Islam.

MUZAAHIM THE SLAVEAFTER HIS appointment, Hadhrat Umar BinAbdul Aziz (rahmatullah alayh) summoned hisblack slave and said to him: "O Muzaahim! ByAllah! I love you for the sake of Allah. From todayyou are my Wazeer (Prime Minister)." Muzaahimsaid: "O Ameerul Mu'mineen! Why do you appointme?" Hadhrat Umar Bin Abdul Aziz said: "Oneday I saw you alone in the wilderness performingSalaat. I also observed your love for the Qur'aanShareef. Therefore, henceforth you will be withme."


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UMAR BIN ABDUL AZIZ –HUMILITY

ONE NIGHT while some guests were with HadhratUmar Bin Abdul Aziz (rahmatullah alayh) thelamp went out. As he rose to light the lamp, aguest said: "O Ameerul Mu'mineen, you remainseated, I shall light the lamp." Declining the offer,Hadhrat Umar Bin Abdul Aziz went and lit thelamp. On returning, he commented: "Beforelighting the lamp, I was Umar Bin Abdul Aziz,and after lighting the lamp I was still Umar BinAbdul Aziz."

UMAR BIN ABDUL AZIZ – HISSERVICES

DURING HIS nocturnal wandering in the streets, hewould proclaim: "Is there any one sick whom Imay visit? Is there any widow in need of aid? Isthere any hungry one whom I may feed?"

Once Hadhrat Umar Bin Abdul Aziz(rahmatullah alayh) dispatched a governor with aconsiderable amount of Zakaat to distribute to theneedy in Africa. The governor said: "By Allah!


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Along the entire journey I did not find a singleneedy person."

The Khalifah would constantly ensure that thepoor, needy, destitute, the widows and theorphans were well-cared for. He would bestowwealth generously to them every Friday afterJumuah Salaat.

UMAR BIN ABDUL AZIZ – HIS SONSHADHRAT UMAR Bin Abdul Aziz (rahmatullahalayh) had twelve sons. On his death bed, a closerelative lamented that he has left no wealth for hissons. Hadhrat Umar Bin Abdul Aziz (rahmatullahalayh) called all his sons. When they were in hispresence, he looked at them, and tears flowedprofusely from his eyes. Then he said: "By Allah!I have not left for you anything of this world. Ifyou are pious, Allah suffices for you as a Friend.If you are evil, I have no relationship with you."Then every son stepped forward and kissed theirfather.


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HADHRAT UMAR AND AMR BILMA'ROOF

WHILST LEADING the Fajr Salaat, Hadhrat UmarIbn Khattaab, the Second Khalifah of Islam, wasstabbed with a dagger in Ruku' by the accursedMajusi (Fire-Worshipper), Abul Lu'lu. As he wasabout to collapse, He held the hand of HadhratAbdur Rahmaan Bin Auf (radhiyallahu anhu) andbeckoned to him to complete the Salaat.

After the Salaat, Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahuanhu) with blood gushing profusely from hiswounded body was carried to his home. When hewas laid down, a pillow was brought. He refusedthe pillow and instructed that his head be laid onthe sand on the bare ground.

During this final stage of his life, gravelywounded and with blood flowing, he repeatedlyenquired whether he had completed his FajrSalaat. He did not enquire about his family orabout any worldly issue. His primary concern washis Salaat. In that delicate condition, he performedFajr Salaat before the rising of the sun. Thisbrought great satisfaction and peace to him.

After Salaat, he instructed that a few children ofthe Mu'mineen be brought to him. A group ofchildren was ushered into his presence. Hadhrat


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Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) fondly kissed eachchild on the forehead and gently stroked theirheads with his hand.

Thereafter a group of young men entered to paytheir respects. When Hadhrat Umar's gaze fell onone young man he saw that his trousers was belowhis ankles. Immediately he said: "O Son of myBrother! Raise your trousers." It is mostsignificant that whilst Ameerul Mu'mineen is inthe state of sakraat (the pangs of death), bloodprofusely flowing from the gaping wounds,becoming weaker by the moment, he dischargesthe obligation of Amr Bil Ma'roof Nahy AnilMunkar (Commanding righteousness andforbidding sin). In his last moments he instructsthe young man to raise his trousers above hisankles, for it is haraam for males to wear thetrousers on or below the ankles. Discharging hisobligation, Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu)said: "Raise your trousers, for verily in it (inraising it) is greater Taqwa for the sake of yourRabb, and it is cleaner for your garment."


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HADHRAT UMAR'S PLACE OFBURIAL

DURING HIS final moments of life, Hadhrat Umar(radhiyallahu anhu) asked the Sahaabah who werepresent: "Where will you bury me?" TheSahaabah said: "Next to Rasulullah (sallallahualayhi wasallam)." Hadhrat Umar said: "I do notclaim myself to be pure. I am nothing but anordinary man among the Muslimeen. Regardingthis matter (of my burial) seek the permission ofAishah (radhiyallahu anha)."

Even as he was departing from this earthly life,this illustrious Sahaabi, Ameerul Mu'mineen,Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) had the greatest regardfor the wisdom of Hadhrat Aishah (radhiyallahuanha). When the Sahaabah sought her permissionto bury Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu)alongside Nabi-e-Kareem (sallallahu alayhiwasallam), she said: "I had reserved this placefor myself. But, By Allah! I shall give preferenceto Umar over myself. Bury him alongside his twocompanions (Rasulullah – sallallahu alayhiwasallam – and Hadhrat Abu Bakr – radhiyallahuanhu).


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HADHRAT ABU HAZIM IN THECOURT OF SULAIMAN IBN ABDUL

MALIK.IT IS RECORDED in Musnad Daarmi that once theKhalifah Sulaiman Bin Abdul Malik arrived inMadinah Tayyibah and stayed for a few days. Heenquired from the people if there still was amongthem any man who had attained thecompanionship of any Sahaabi. He was informedthat Abu Hazim (rahmatullah alayh) was acompanion of the Sahaabah. Sulaiman sent forhim.

Upon Abu Hazim's arrival, Sulaiman said:“O Abu Hazim! Why this impoliteness andingratitude?”ABU HAZIM: “What impoliteness and

ingratitude have you discerned in me?SULAIMAN: “All the dignitaries and well-

known people of Madinah have come to meetme and pay their respects and homage, but notyou.”

ABU HAZIM: “Ameerul Mu'mineen! I entrustyou into the refuge of Allah before you utter astatement contrary to fact. Before this dayneither you were aware of me nor have


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I ever seen you. The question of coming tomeet you, therefore, does not arise. What thenis the ingratitude?”Upon hearing this reply, Sulaiman glancedaskance to those assembled. Imam Zuhri(rahmatullah alayh) said: "Abu Hazim iscorrect. You have erred".Khalifah Sulaiman then changing his tune of

discussion proceeded to ask some questions.SULAIMAN: “O Abu Hazim! Why do we fear

death?”ABU HAZIM: “Because you have ruined your

Aakhirah and developed your world. Youtherefore do not prefer to go from thedeveloped place to the abode of desolation.”

Acknowledging this, Sulaiman asked:“Tomorrow, how will the attendance in Allah's

presence be?”ABU HAZIM: “The doer of virtue will go into

the presence of Allah Ta'ala like a travellerreturning from his journey reaches his house-folk. On the other hand, the perpetrator of evilwill be ushered into Allah's presence like anabsconded slave who has been apprehended.”

Hearing this, Sulaiman wept and exclaimed:“Would that we knew what Allah Ta'ala has in

store for us?"


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ABU HAZIM: “Examine your actions on thestandard of the Book of Allah and you willdiscover this.”

SULAIMAN: “From which aayat of the Qur’aancould this be discovered?”

ABU HAZIM: “Verily, the pious will be in theluxury of Jannat and the evil in the Fire ofJahannam”.

SULAIMAN: “The Mercy of Allah Ta'ala isindeed limitless. It encompasses even evil-doers.”

ABU HAZIM: “Verily, the Mercy of Allah isnear to the doers of good”.

SULAIMAN: “O Abu Hazim! Among theservants of Allah, who is the mostrespectable?”

ABU HAZIM: “Those who possess culture andcorrect intelligence.”

SULAIMAN: “Which deed is the noblest?”ABU HAZIM: “Discharge of Faraa-idh and

Waajibat and abstention from Haraam.”SULAIMAN: “Which Dua is most readily

acceptable?”ABU HAZIM: “The Dua which a person makes

for his benefactor who has been kind to him.Such a Dua is closest to acceptance.”


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SULAIMAN: “Which Sadaqah (charity) is thenoblest?”

ABU HAZIM: “That given by one in adversityinspite of one’s poverty, and given withoutostentation (riya), and which is not followed bytalking about the favour done.”

SULAIMAN: “Which talk is the noblest?”ABU HAZIM: “To utter the truth in the presence

of one for whom you fear or with whom any ofyour needs or affairs are connected.”

SULAIMAN: “Which Muslim is the most alert?”ABU HAZIM: “He who acted in obedience ofAllah's command and called others towardssuch obedience.”

SULAIMAN: “Among Muslims who is anignoramus?”

ABU HAZIM: “He who assists his brother ininjustice. In so doing, he has destroyed hisDeen (spiritual life) for the betterment ofanother's dunya (worldly life).”

SULAIMAN: “Well said!”SULAIMAN: “What is your opinion about

myself?”ABU HAZIM: “It will be best if you pardon me

from this question.”SULAIMAN: “No! Speak a word of Naseehat

(advice, admonishment).”


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ABU HAZIM: “O Ameeral Mu'mineen! Yourforefathers gained domination over the peopleby the sword and by force established theirreign over them against their wishes. They havekilled many. After perpetrating all this, theyhad to depart from this earthly abode: Oh!Would that you know what they have to saynow after death and what is being spoken ofthem.”

One of the nobleman sitting in attendance,hearing this, straight, hard- hitting talkremarked: “Your statements are vile.”

ABU HAZIM: “You are wrong. I have not spokenwrongly. I have uttered that which we havebeen commanded to speak. Allah Ta'ala hastaken a pledge from the Ulama that they willspeak the truth and conceal it not.”

"That you most certainly declare (the truth)to people and conceal it not".

SULAIMAN: “Well, what is the way of ourcure?”

ABU HAAZIM: “Abstain from pride; inculcateculture and discharge with justice the rights ofpeople.”SULAIMAN: “Is it possible for you to take upresidence with us?”


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ABU HAZIM: “I seek the protection of Allah.”SULAIMAN: “What for?”ABU HAZIM: “I fear that I shall incline towardsyour wealth, pomp and fame, the consequence ofwhich will be athaab (Divine Punishment) forme.”SULAIMAN: “If you have any need, mention itso that it could be fulfilled.”ABU HAZIM: “I have but one need. Save mefrom Jahannum and enter me into Jannat.”SULAIMAN: “That is not within my power.”ABU HAZIM: “I have no other desire of you.”SULAIMAN: “Make dua for me.”ABU HAZIM: “O Allah ! If Sulaiman is yourbeloved, make the success of this world and theHereafter easy for him. If he is your enemy, catchhold of his forelock and direct him towardsactivities of your Pleasure.”SULAIMAN: “Give me some advice.”ABU HAZIM: “In brief: Inculcate the fear anddignity of your Rabb to a degree which will notpermit you to be at a place which He detests norwill you be absent from a place the attendance ofwhich He has commanded”.

After this meeting Sulaiman sent a hundreddinars (gold coins) as a gift to Abu Hazim.


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However, he returned the gift with a coveringletter. In his letter he wrote:"If these 100 dinars are the price of my wordsthen in my opinion blood and the flesh of a pig aresuperior to this price. If the 100 dinars were sentby virtue of any right which I may possess in theBaitul Maal (state treasury) then know that thereare thousands of Ulama like myself engaged inthe service of the Deen. If you have given them allthe sum sent to me then I could accept it. If not,then I have no use for it".

The statement of Abu Hazim viz. blood and pigare superior to the remuneration for his words ofNaseehat – clarifies the question of wages forIbaadat: that according to him it is not lawful.

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:“The noblest Jihad is to proclaim the Truth in thepresence of a tyrannical ruler.”

'MY NOBLEST PEOPLE'RASULULLAH (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:“On the Day of Qiyaamah, Allah Ta'ala willproclaim: 'Where are the noblest people of Mycreation?' The Malaaikah (Angels) will respond:'Who are they, O our Rabb!' Allah Ta'ala willanswer: 'They are the Fuqara (the uprighteous


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poor Muslims) who were contented with whateverI had provided for them, and pleased withwhatever I had decreed for them. Admit them toJannat.' Thus, they will be admitted to Jannat, andwhile they will be enjoying themselves witheating and drinking, the rest of mankind will be inuncertainty with regard to their Hisaab(Reckoning) of deeds.”

This will be the wonderful and lofty rank of thecontented Fuqara on the Day of Qiyaamah whenthey will enter Jannat without Reckoning, whilemankind will be languishing in fear, uncertainty,anxiety and the massive hardships of Qiyaamahwhile they will be awaiting their fate to bedecided by Hisaab (The Divine Reckoning).

Hadhrat Yahya Bin Muadh (rahmatullah alayh)said: "Your love for the Fuqara is among thecharacteristics of the Ambiya (alayhimus salaam).Sitting in the company of the Fuqara is among thesigns of the Auliya. Fleeing from the company ofthe Fuqara is among the signs of the Munaafiqeen(Hypocrites).

Hadhrat Ibn Abbaas (radhiyallahu anhu) said:“Cursed is he who considers affluence to be anhonour and poverty to be a disgrace.”


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MY REFUGE?ONCE ALONG his travels through the wilderness,Hadhrat Nabi Isaa (alayhis salaam) was caught ina fierce storm. It was raining in torrents. Thunderand lightning were striking all around. While NabiIsaa (alayhis salaam) was searching for a place toshelter, he observed a tent in the distance. Onreaching the tent, he saw a woman inside. Heturned and went away.

Soon Nabi Isaa (alayhis salaam) saw a cave.When he reached the cave, he saw a lion inside.Patting the lion on the head, Nabi Isaa (alayhissalaam) supplicated: 'O Allah! You have made aplace of refuge for everything, but for me.' AllahTa'ala sent Wahi (Revelation) to him, saying:"Your refuge is in the abode of my Mercy. On theDay of Qiyaamah, I shall marry you to a hundredHouris (Damsels of Jannat) whom I have createdwith My own Hands. For your waleemah(wedding fest) I shall feed for a period of 4000years. Each day of these years will be theequivalent of the entire life-span of the earth. Ishall order an announcer to proclaim: "Where areall the people of abstinence of the world? Attendthe waleemah of Isaa Ibn Maryam, the illustriousZaahid (abstemious personality) of the world."


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Allah has power over all things. The life of theAakhirah is a never-ending existence. Billions andtrillions of years pale into insignificance andoblivion. The time of the Aakhirah cannot bequantified with regard to limit, for there will be nolimit to that timeless celestial dimension ofexistence, of everlasting pleasure, peace andcomfort.

SERVANTS OF THE AULIYAONCE HADHRAT Sahl Bin Abdullah (rahmatullahalayh) found himself in a lonely, secludedwilderness where he experienced a wonderfulstate of peace and tranquillity. It was time forSalaat. Although he was in the state of wudhu, itwas his permanent practice to renew wudhu forevery Salaat. However, there was no water insight. While he was grieving over the lack ofwater, he suddenly saw a big bear walking on itstwo hind legs approaching him. From a distance,it appeared as a human being. As the bear neared,Hadhrat Sahl saw it holding a green jug full ofwater. The bear placed the jug in front of HadhratSahl and greeted with Salaam.

In surprise Hadhrat Sahl asked: “Where doesthis jug of water come from?” The bear


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responded: “O Sahl! We are wild animals. Todaywe were discussing amongst ourselves about thePeople of Allah (Ahlullah) who have renouncedworldly relationships for the sake of Allah’s love,and have adopted tawakkul. Suddenly we heard aVoice saying: ‘Sahl is searching for water torenew his wudhu.’ Then I took this jug and twoAngels alighted. Whilst in the air, they filled thejug with water.”

Hearing this explanation from the bear, HadhratSahl fell down unconscious. When he regainedconsciousness, the bear had disappeared, but thejug of water was there. Hadhrat Sahl madewudhu. When he was about to drink from thewater, he heard a Voice saying: “O Sahl! It is notyet your time for drinking this water.” Suddenlythe jug moved and disappeared into thin air.

THE VEIL OF SHAITAANRASULULLAH (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:"If it was not for shaitaan's rotation around theheart of man, the celestial realm of the Angelswould have been visible to him (man)."


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NABI ZAKARIYYAH (ALAYHISSALAAM)

HADHRAT IBN ABBAAS (radhiyallahu anhu)narrated:“On the Night of Mi’raaj, Rasulullah (sallallahualayhi wasallam) saw Zakariyya (alayhis salaam)in heaven. After greeting him, Rasulullah(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: ‘O Father ofYahya, tell me about your killing. How and whydid Bani Israaeel kill you?’ Zakariyya (alayhissalaam) said: ‘O Muhammad! Verily, Yahya wasthe noblest of the people of his age. He was themost beautiful and his face was the mosthandsome. He was just as Allah Ta’ala says (inthe Qur’aan): ‘He (Yahya) was a leader andchaste.’

He (Yahya) did not concern himself withwomen. The wife of the king of Bani Israaeel wascaptivated by him (by his beauty). She was animmoral woman. She sent for him, but he spurnedher, and Allah Ta’ala protected him (from her evildesigns). Then she resolved to have Yahya(alayhis salaam) killed.

Bani Israaeel had an annual festival. On thisday it was the practice of the king to fulfil allpromises and not to speak a lie. The king told her


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to ask anything her heart desires, for he wouldfulfil her wish. She said: ‘I want the blood ofYahya the son of Zakariyya.’ The king said: ‘Asksomething else.’ However, her persistenceoverwhelmed the king. The executioner was sentto Yahya. When he arrived, he (Yahya – alayhissalaam) was performing Salaat, and I wasalongside him also performing Salaat. He wasslaughtered and his blood gathered in a container.His head and blood were taken to the woman (thequeen).

Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: ‘Whatwas the state of your Sabr?’ Zakariyya (alayhissalaam) said: ‘I did not turn away from mySalaat.’ (So deeply was he absorbed in Salaat thathe was not even aware of what had happened).

During the evening after the presentation ofYahya’s head to the woman, Allah Ta’ala causedthe king with his family and courtiers to beswallowed by the earth. In the morning, BaniIsraaeel said: ‘Verily, for the sake of Zakariyya,the God of Zakariyya has displayed His Wrath.Come, let us kill Zakariyya for the sake of ourking.’ They set out in search of me so that theycould kill me. A warner came to inform me. I thenfled from them. Iblees was ahead (leading) anddirecting them towards me. When I feared that I


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would not be able to elude them, a (nearby) treecalled to me, and split open for me. As I enteredthe tree, Iblees appeared and grabbed the end ofmy shawl. As the tree closed, a portion of myshawl remained outside. When Bani Israaeelarrived on the scene, Iblees said to them: ‘Do younot see that he has entered this tree by means ofhis sihr (magic)? This is a portion of his shawl.’They exclaimed: ‘We shall burn this tree!’ Ibleessaid: ‘Cut it with a saw from above.’

Then I was cut with the tree with the saw.’Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: ‘Did younot feel any pain?’ He said: ‘No. Allah took myrooh while I was inside the tree.’ ”

THE BID'ATIA BID'ATI is he who persists in sin while hopingfor the mercy of Allah." (Hadhrat Mueenuddin)Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) describedsuch a person as an ignoramus.

DIVINE MYSTERYONCE IN bygone ages a Nabi walking along thesea shore, observed a fisherman. While casting hisnet into the sea, the fisherman recited:


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'Bismillaah! (In the Name of Allah!). When heretrieved his net, there was not a single fish. TheNabi walked on and came by another fishermanwho said: 'In the name of shaitaan!' When he casthis net into the water. Soon he retrieved his netfull of fish. The fisherman had to bend backwardswhile hauling the net due to the weight of the fish.

The Nabi supplicated: "O my Rabb! Everythingis in Your control. Unravel this mystery for me."Allah Ta'ala commanded the Angels: "Reveal toMy servant the abodes of these two fisherman."When the veil of mystery was uplifted and he sawthe lofty and honourable station (in Jannat) of thefirst fisherman, and the abode of humiliation andpunishment (in Jahannum) of the secondfisherman, the Nabi exclaimed: "O my Rabb! Iunderstand. I am satisfied."

Our created minds with their finiteunderstanding are unable to fathom divinemysteries. The Mu'min should therefore neverdoubt in any of the decrees of Allah Azza Wa Jal.Always say: Allah knows best.


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THE WONDERS OF THE KA’BAHSHAREEF

A BUZRUG narrated that he had observed Ambiyaand Malaaikah around the Ka’bah. They usuallyfrequent the Ka’bah Shareef on the nights ofJumuah, Mondays and Thursdays. He sawRasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) with ahuge gathering of Auliya. Hadhrat Ibraahim(alayhis salaam) assembles with his progeny at thedoor of the Ka’bah in line with Maqaam-e-Ibraahim. Hadhrat Nabi Musa (alayhis salaam)and some other Ambiya (alayhimus salaam)assemble between Rukn-e-Yamaani and Rukn-e-Shaami. Hadhrat Nabi Isaa (alayhis salaam) witha group of his followers was seen sitting in theproximity of Hajr-e-Aswad. Rasulullah (sallallahualayhi wasallam) assembles near to Rukn-e-Yamaani with his Family, Sahaabah and seniorAuliya. Hadhrat Ibraahim (alayhis salaam) andHadhrat Isaa (alayhis salaam) appeared to be thehappiest among them all. Besides this, the Buzrugsaid that there are numerous other wonders whichare inexplicable and beyond comprehension.


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THE SACRIFICE OF A CHAPERONA WOMAN HIRED by Fir'oun to be the chaperon ofthe princess (Fir'oun's daughter) had secretlyembraced Islam at the hands of Nabi Musa(alayhis salaam). One day while combing the hairof the princess, the comb slipped from her hand.Saying 'Bismillaah', the chaperon picked up thecomb. Surprised, the princess demanded: "Whatdid you say?" Whose name did you mention?"Chaperon: "It is the Name of the Being Who hascreated your father and who has bestowedkingdom to him."The surprised and shocked princess hastilyreported the incident to Fir'oun. The enragedFir'oun immediately summoned the chaperon toappear in his presence. He severely reprimandedher and threatened her with dire consequence ifshe does not renounce her belief. Allah Ta'ala hadfortified her heart. He had made her His closeWaliah. Such instantaneous production of Auliyais mentioned in the following Qur'aanic aayat:"Allah selects (and draws) to Him whomever Hewishes."

The chaperon fearlessly spoke: "Do as youplease. I shall not abandon my Imaan."


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The cruel Fir'oun had her impaled and nailsknocked into her body. Burning embers wereshowered on her, and thorns were driven into her.But to no avail. She remained firm on her Imaan.Then, her infant child was grabbed and flung intoa blazing fire specially prepared for this torture inthe satanic bid to compel the mother to renounceher Deen. From within the blazing furnace, theinfant miraculously proclaimed: "O my BelovedMother! Hold on firmly to your Imaan. Beware!Never renounce your Imaan."

When all this brutality had no effect, thechaperon was grabbed and flung into the furnace.Thus she offered the supreme sacrifice for thewonderful treasure of Imaan which Allah Ta'alahad bestowed to her."

Herein is a lesson for all of us. In our era, AllahTa'ala does not demand such supreme sacrificesfrom us. The only sacrifice we have to make togain Allah's Proximity and Pleasure is to burn andeliminate the evil of our nafs, adhere to theShariah, inculcate the Sunnah and adorn ourselveswith Taqwa.


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THE ANGELS OF THE HEAVENSIN A LENGTHY Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahualayhi wasallam) narrated by AllaamahJalaaluddin Suyuti (rahmatullah alayhi) thefollowing description of the various classes ofMalaaikah (Angels) inhabiting the different levelsof the Heavens is given:1) The first heaven (Samaa-e-Dunya) has beencreated a powerful solid structure. The inhabitantsoccupying this heaven are powerful beings havingthe form of cattle. Each one has wings. Some havetwo, some three and some four wings. Theirnumber equals the number of the stars. Theyperpetually recite Tasbeeh, Kalimah Tayyibah andTakbeer.

2) The Angels inhabiting the second heaven are asnumerous as raindrops. They are in the form ofscorpions. Neither do they sleep nor pause amoment in their recitation of Tasbeeh.

3) The Angels of the third heaven have humanform and they are as numerous as the grains ofsand. They perpetually seek refuge with AllahTa’ala.4) The Angels inhabiting the fourth heaven are inthe form of Hoor-e-Een (Damsels of Jannat).


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They are as numerous as all the leaves on all thetrees. They stand in rows shoulder to shoulder.Some are in Ruku’ while others are in Sajdah.Noor emanating from the Tasbeehaat which theyrecite permeates the heavens and the earth.

5) The Angels of the fifth heaven are twice thenumber of the entire animal kingdom. They havethe form of eagles. They are engaged in recordingdivine laws. Some are supervisors of others.

6) The Angels occupying the sixth heaven havethe form of beautiful horses. They are calledHizbullaah (The Army of Allah).

7) The inhabitants of the seventh heaven are theMuqarrab Angels. They enjoy a very closerelationship with Allah Ta’ala. Among them arethe Angels who deliver the manuscripts of deeds.Above them are the Angels who bear aloft theDivine Throne.

Above the seventh heaven is another huge,wondrous specimen of creation known as Karubi.There are many levels among them as well.


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A MURTAD IS PUNISHEDDURING THE TIME of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhiwasallam) there was a man who used to write theQur’aan while it was being revealed. He alwaysrecited Surah Baqarah and Surah Aal-e-Imraan.Whoever recited these Surahs regularly wasregarded as a buzrug (saint) by the Sahaabah.

This ‘buzrug’ was overtaken by the calamity ofkufr. He became a murtad and joined the ranks ofthe mushrikeen. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhiwasallam) said: “The earth will not accept him.”Hadhrat Abu Talhah (radhiyallahu anhu) narratedthat he went to the place where this murtad haddied and found his body decomposing on thesurface of the earth. When he made enquiries, hewas informed that this murtad was buried severaltimes. Each time he was buried, the earth expelledhis body. No grave would retain the body of themurtad.

May Allah Ta’ala save us from the calamity ofkufr and irtidaad. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhiwasallam) said: “Imaan is suspended betweenfear and hope.”

Those who interpolate, distort, and mutilate theQur’aan should take particular note of thecalamities which will overtake them at the time of


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Maut, in the Qabr and in Qiyaamah. The Qur’aanis for Tilaawat and to practise its teachings asexplained by the Sahaabah and the AimmahMujtahideen. The Qur’aan is not meant forinterpretation.

CALAMITY OF A POLICEMANWHENEVER A policeman or tax collector or somesecurity officer would pass near to HadhratSufyaan Thauri (rahmatullah alayh), he (HadhratSufyaan) would fall into Sajdah and supplicate:“Shukr unto Allah Ta’ala who has not made me apoliceman or a tax collector.” Then he wouldcomment to his associates: “When you see aperson apprehended by afflictions, and who willbe rewarded by Allah for his patience, then youseek protection from Allah Ta’ala from thehardship in which this person finds himself.However, when you pass by a zaalim (such as apoliceman or tax collector) who will be punishedfor his calamity of sin, then you do not seekaafiyat (protection) from Allah Ta’ala?”

Generally when people see others inunfortunate and difficult circumstances, they askAllah Ta’ala for protection despite the fact thatthe afflicted ones who are saabir (patient) will be


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rewarded abundantly. On the other hand, while anoppressor such as a policeman, tax collector orgovernment official is afflicted with a greatcalamity, viz. the calamity of oppression and sin,for which he will be severely punished, no onesupplicates for protection and safety since they areoblivious of the calamity of sin in which thezaalim is entangled.

SPEAKING FROM THE CRADLERASULULLAH (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:“None but three persons spoke in the cradle.”Only three persons had spoken miraculouslyduring infancy. One was Nabi Isaa (alayhissalaam). The second was an infant of a prostitutewho had falsely accused the Saint, Juraij. Thethird was an infant of a woman, also of BaniIsraaeel.

When Hadhrat Maryam (alayhas salaam) firstappeared to her people cradling her newbornbaby, Nabi Isaa (alayhis salaam), the people wereshocked. When they began interrogating her, shepointed to the baby who then miraculously spokeand said that he was the Nabi of Allah.

Hadhrat Juraij (rahmatullah alayh) was a Saintamong Bani Israaeel. He lived in the wilderness


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on the outskirts of the town having dedicated hislife to the worship of Allah Ta’ala. Once whileengaged in Salaat in his hut, his mother appearedand called him. Juraij was not an Aalim. When heheard his mother’s call, he said to himself:“Should I answer her or continue with theSalaat?” Annoyed at the delay, his mother inanger cursed: “May you see the face of aprostitute.”

Soon thereafter, a prostitute had an illicit affairwith a shepherd. A child was born. When thepeople interrogated her, she said that Juraij wasthe father of the infant boy. The enragedcommunity descended on Juraij, demolished hishut and assaulted him. Juraij made wudhu,performed Salaat, then turned to the infant boyand said: “Who is your father, O boy?” The infantspoke and pointed out the shepherd who waspresent.

The people were full of remorse and vowed torebuild Juraij’s hut with gold, but he declined. Hetold them to rebuild it with mud as it had been.

Once while a woman from Bani Israaeel wasbreast-feeding her baby, a nobleman gaudilyadorned with the best of garments passed by onhorseback. The woman supplicated: “O Allah!Make my son like this man.” The infant


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immediately disengaged from his mother’s breastand supplicated: “O Allah! Don’t make me likehim.” Then he continued drinking. Soon thereaftera slave-girl passed by with people taunting andabusing her. The mother making dua, said: “OAllah! Don’t make my son like her.” Again thebaby stopped drinking and said: “O Allah! Makeme like her.”

In astonishment, the mother said to her baby:“Why do you say so?” The baby responded: “Thehorseman is among the oppressors. The slave girlhas been accused of theft and fornication when inreality she is innocent.”

CONVERSATION AFTER ISHA'"HADHRAT ABU BARZAH Aslami (radhiyallahuanhu) narrated that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhiwasallam) detested sleeping before Isha andspeaking after Isha."

Commenting on this Hadith Mullah Ali Qaarisays:"This discussion deals with such talk which isprohibited after Isha' Salaat. The reference here(in the Hadith) to detestable talk is to suchconversation which is (normally) permissible. Asfar as haraam conversation is concerned, it


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remains haraam at all times, not only after Isha'."(Umdatul Qaari)

It is because of the detestation for conversationafter Isha' that it is Mustahab to delay Isha' Salaatuntil one third of the night has passed.Commenting on this fact, Badaaius Sanaa' states:"If Isha' is performed early during winter, peoplewill generally indulge in futile conversation afterthe Salaat because people usually do not go tosleep before one third of the night has passed onaccount of the long nights (of winter). Thus theywill indulge in futile talk as is their habit, and thisis forbidden. Furthermore, it is best that a person'sBook of Deeds (for the day) closes with worshipthan with sin (such as indulgence in futile talk).

All acts of futility even if permissible at othertimes, are prohibited after Isha' Salaat. TheQur'aan Majeed in several aayaat emphasizes thatAllah Ta'ala has created the night for rest andsleep. The night is not for indulgence in futilityand nonsensical activities. Squandering the timewith friends, fishing, sport and idle conversationare not permissible.

Deeni activity as well as beneficial worldlyactivity are permissible after Isha'. The night isalso the right of the wife and the family.Conversation with the wife and children after


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Isha' is excluded from the prohibition.Commenting on the practice of idle conversationafter Isha', Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thaanvi(rahmatullah alayh) said:

"According to the Hadith conversation afterIsha' is prohibited and Makrooh. This was mybelief even during my student days. However, Idid not at that time understand the harm of thisprohibition. But, now, Alhamdulillah, I havedeveloped such an aversion (for conversation afterIsha') that, in all truth, if someone after Isha'comes and even stands in front of me, angeroverwhelms me so much that I feel like putting abullet through him. This is the effect of the suhbat(companionship) of the illustrious seniors."

WOMAN'S STAGESRASULULLAH (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:"The immorality of a woman is the equivalent ofthe immorality of a thousand immoral men, andpiety of a pious woman is the equivalent of thepiety of seventy Auliya."


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THE AALIM OF HAQQHADHRAT MAULANA Ashraf Ali Thaanvi(Rahmatullah alayh) said:“The Salient Characteristic of an Aalim of theHaqq is that in matters of the Deen he has noconsideration for anyone. He is unconcerned ofanyone’s support or opposition. For the sake ofthe Ridhaa (Pleasure) of Allah, he will kick awaythe entire world. Even if the whole world becomeshis adversary/opponent, then too, he will nottransgress the Shariah regardless of whether thisstance entails honour or disgrace for him.”The Ulama who have an understanding of theDeen should heed and reflect on this Malfooth ofHakimul Ummat.

SILENCE AND MINGLING OF THEULAMA

SOME PEOPLE ARE ostensibly pious, practisingvirtue and abstaining from vice. However, despitetheir piety, they mingle with those who aredisobedient to Allah Ta’ala. They participate inthe misdeeds and sinful acts of the disobedientones. They justify this stance with the argument of


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avoiding discord (disunity) with the family(relatives and friends).

Others again, although not participating, haveno aversion for the evil actions which theyobserve. They live together with such people (thefussaaq and fujjaar) in the manner of dissolvedsugar (as sugar is dissolved in water). They do notabstain from eating and drinking with them. Inbrief, they do not express any aversion in theirrelationship with these (flagrant sinners). For suchpeople (ostensibly pious and learned), their verysilence is sinful. (Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf AliThanvi)

THE ILLUSTRIOUS IMAAMSARAKHSI (Rahmatullah alayh)

Such were our FuqahaIMAAM MUHAMMAD AHMAD Bin Abu Sahl AbuBakr Shamsul Aimmah As-Sarakhsi (Rahmatullahalayh) – died 482 Hijri – was imprisoned by thetyrannical ruler for his (the Imaam’s) Amr BilMa’roof Nahy Anil Munkar. The illustriousImaam was imprisoned in a deep well.

However, students would assemble at themouth of the well, and Imaam Sarakhsi wouldconduct his dars (class) from within the well. His


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students would commit to writing the discourseson Fiqh delivered by the great Imaam. in thismanner 16 volumes were compiled. The Imaamdid not teach from kitaabs. Whatever he impartedwas from his mind and heart. Ilm is a Noor fromAllah. It resides in the purified heart of theMu’min.

His TaqwaOnce when the Imaam from inside the well didnot hear the voice of one student, he enquiredabout his whereabouts. A student respondedsaying that he has gone to make wudhu. At thesame time this student informed the Imaam thatdue to the extreme cold he had not made wudhu.Imaam Sarakhsi (Rahmatullah alayh)reprimandingly commented:

“Do you not have any shame for not being ableto make wudhu in this degree of cold? (In otherwords, the Imaam did not accept the cold to be avalid justification for a student in dars beingwithout wudhu). Once during my student days Iwas afflicted with a severe fever which causeddiarrhoea. I was constrained to relieve myself 40times. Each time I would make wudhu at thewater-channel. On reaching home, the ink in theinkpot had frozen die to the intensity of the cold. I


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would clasp the inkpot to my breast for the ink tomelt with the warmth of my (feverish) body. Whenthe ink melted, I would commence writing.”

His KaraamatWhen Imaam Sarakhsi (Rahmatullah alayh) wasarrested, he was transported in chains to Oozjandfor imprisonment in the well. Along the journeywhen it was time for Salaat, the fetters wouldmiraculously fall from his hands and feet. Hewould make wudhu or tayammum, then proclaimthe Athaan and commence the Salaat.

When the Salaat commenced, the dumbfoundedguards observe a jamaa’t of musallis dressed ingreen performing Salaat behind the Imaam. Thesewere Malaaikah. After completion of the Salaat,he said to the guards: ‘Now tie me.’ The guardsresponded: ‘O Khwaajah! We have seen yourmiracle. We cannot fetter you.’ Imaam Sarakhsisaid: “I am under the command of Allah’s laws. Ihave fulfilled His command so that I may not beput to shame on the Day of Qiyaamah. On theother hand, you are the subordinates of theoppressor. Therefore, obey his order (and tie me)to escape his oppression.


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His Observance of the SunnahOn reaching the city of Oozjhand where he

would be imprisoned in a well, Imaam Sarakhsi(Rahmatullah alayh) went into a Musjid for Salaat(i.e. prior to his confinement inside the well). TheImaam of the Musjid recited Takbeer Tahrimahwith his hands tucked inside his sleeves die to thecold. From the back saff (row) where ImaamSarakhsi was, he called out loudly: “Repeat theTakbeer”.The Imaam repeated the Takbeer again with his

hands inside his sleeves. Imaam Sarakhsi againcalled out loudly for the Takbeer to be repeated.The Imaam repeated the Takbeer. After the thirdoccasion, when Imaam Sarakshi repeated hisinstruction, the Imaam turned around and said:“Perhaps you are the illustrious Imaam Sarakhsi”.When Imaam Sarakhsi confirmed his identity, theImaam asked: “Was there any deficiency in myrecitation of the Takbeer?” Imaam Sarakhsi said:“No! But it is Sunnat for men to keep their handsoutside their sleeves when reciting the Takbeer. Ifind it disgraceful to follow a man who enters theSalaat with the Sunnat of females.”


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COMMENT: FIQHI TECHNICALITIESNews of the illustrious Imaam’s arrival forimprisonment in the city had reached all thepeople. The Imaam was famous for his Amr BilMa’roof and for his fearless and uncompromisingstyle of acquittal, hence the Imaam of the Musjidwas convinced that it can only be Imaam Sarakhsiwho was the person to repeatedly draw hisattention to the discrepancy in this manner.

The meticulous observance of the Sunnah byImaam Sarakhsi is noteworthy. In fact, this wasthe attitude of all the Fuqaha, the staunchest inthis observance being Imaam Abu Hanifah(Rahmatullah alayh). Despite all the Fiqhitechnicalities on which many masaa-il are based,by the Fuqaha, they were Sufiya of the loftiestcalibre, never resorting to the loopholes andlatitude percolating from the technicalities. Thus,we find Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullah alayh)on an extremely hot day, standing in the blazingsun despite the presence of a big house providingshade. He abstained from standing in the shade ofthe wall because the owner of the house was hisdebtor. He justified his stance with the Hadith: “Abenefit from every qardh (loan given) is riba.”

Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullah alayh) didnot seek the latitude of the Fiqhi definition of riba.


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He adopted for his personal practice the spiritualmeaning of ‘benefit’. Every zaahir word of theQur’aan and Hadith has a baatini meaning as well.

We therefore find Imaam Sarakhsi adopting astern method of Amr Bil Ma’roof bereft of thekind of ‘hikmat’ (diplomacy) which the ulama-e-soo’ of our era promote in terms of theirconvoluted concept of ‘hikmat’. A faqeeh who isnot a Sufi is a jaahil who belongs to the fraternityof the ulama-e-soo’.

BETWEEN FEAR AND HOPEONCE A VISITING Buzrug was sitting inconversation with Hadhrat Hasan Basri(Rahmatullah alayh). From the window of thehouse they observed a crowd dragging a headlessbody. Seeing this, Hadhrat Hasan fell downunconscious. After some time when he regainedconsciousness, the Buzrug asked Hadhrat Basri toexplain the episode. Hadhrat Hasan said:

“The slain man was a great, well-known Zaahidand Aabid. (He was known to be a Wali). One daywhen he left his home to go to the Musjid, hiseyes fell on a Christian woman. His nafsoverwhelmed him, and he fell madly in love withher. He passed many days in restlessness.


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When lust overwhelms him, he went to thewoman and proposed marriage. She refused andsaid that she would marry him on condition thathe embraces Christianity. His intellect wasoverwhelmed by lust. After a few days heaccepted Christianity. He went to the home of thewoman, announced his presence and that he hadaccepted Christianity as his religion.

The lady rebuking him said that she will notmarry such a despicable man who had barteredaway his everlasting salvation of the Hereafter forthe miserable temporary pleasure of the world.She informed him that whilst he had become aChristian, she had adopted Islam, the path ofeverlasting salvation.

This man (the former ‘wali’) was executedbecause of his irtidaad. (Islam’s punishment for amurtad is execution). The crowd was dragging hiscorpse to dump it. A murtad does not deserve aburial.

When the people asked the former Christian toexplain her acceptance of Islam, she recited SurahIkhlaas. Astonished, they asked how she hadlearnt this Surah. She said:

“One night in a dream, I saw myself beingtaken to Jahannam. I was smitten with terror. Butbefore I was cast into the Fire, an Angel came,


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took me by the hand and assured me: ‘Have nofear. You have been substituted by this man.” (i.e.the murtad) He will be cast into the Fire in yourplace while you will enter Jannat. I was then takeninto Jannat. As I entered, I saw written on a wallthe aayat: “Allah prevents (from Imaan) whoeverHe will, and He established whomever He wills.By Him is the Grand Record (Ummul Kitaab).”

Then the angel taught me to recite SurahIkhlaas. My eyes opened, and I had memorizedSurah Ikhlaas.”

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:“Imaan is suspended between fear and hope.” Wesupplicate to Allah Ta’ala to keep our Imaanintact until the very last moment when the Roohtakes leave from this earthly body. No one knowshis ultimate fate. It is only on Allah’s Rahmat thatwe depend.

HARMFUL FRIENDSHIPHADHRAT BAAQIR (rahmatullah alayh) said: “Myfather (Hadhrat Zainul Aabideen) instructed me torefrain from befriending four types of people:A faasiq. He will betray you for a morsel of food.

A liar. He will deceive you.


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A stupid person. He will harm you even if hisintention is to benefit you.

A person who severs family ties. In three places,the Qur’aan describes him as mal-oon (one onwhom settles Allah’s curse).

BAYAZID BUSTAAMI’S PENANCEHADHRAT BAAYAZID Bustaami (rahmatullahalayh) narrated the following episode:“One night it was intensely cold. Late in the nightI intended to wake up for Tahajjud Salaat, but mynafs refused to co-operate and I lingered under theblanket. Soon thereafter I was overcome withthirst. I went to drink water. After quenching mythirst, I was overwhelmed with remorse. While Ileft the warmth of the bed for my own need, I wasindolent when I had to discharge my duty to AllahTa’ala. Spontaneously, with this self-reproach, Ivowed not to drink water for a whole year.

I then regretted this rash vow. How was itpossible for me to honour such a vow? However,Allah Ta’ala pervaded my heart with serenity. Aninner voice admonishing me said: ‘O Bayazid!Something may be impossible for you. It may beimpossible for entire creation, but it is notimpossible for the Creator of the universe and of


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all creation. Whenever He intends to dosomething, He says to it: ‘Be!’, and it comes intoreality.”

By the grace of Allah, my Qasam (Oath) wasfulfilled. For a whole year I abstained fromdrinking water. Whenever thirst appeared to beintense, I would reproachfully address my nafs:‘Do not be indolent in the matter of ibaadat. If youfail to co-operate, I shall prevent you fromdrinking water lifelong.”

NASOOH’S TAUBAH“Say: ‘O My servants who have committedexcesses on their souls! Do not despair of therahmat (mercy) of Allah, for verily Allah forgivesall sins.” – Qur’aanONCE THERE WAS a man whose name wasNasooh. Although he was a male, his facialappearance and voice were completely feminine.Nasooh was not a khuntha (hermaphrodite). Allhis male faculties and abilities were fullyfunctional and intact. However, he dressed like afemale. He was engaged by the king as thesupervisor of the bathrooms of the ladies of thepalace. Since he had successfully impersonated asa female, one of his duties was to massage the


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daughters and wives of the king. No one everdreamt that he was a male.

Nasooh derived considerable pleasure from hiswork of massaging and bathing the royal ladies.For a long while he gratified his carnal lusts byderiving pleasure from massaging the females inthe palace. However, occasionally he was smittenby remorse. At times, his villainy overwhelmedhim, and he would sincerely repent. But hisTaubah would not endure. Every time he violatedhis Taubah pledge and continued givingexpression to his lust and carnality.

One day an Aarif Billaah (a Devotee of AllahTa’ala) happened to visit the city. When Nasoohheard of the arrival of the Wali, he was againovercome with remorse. He went to the Buzrugand implored him to make dua for him. The Aarifsupplicated to Allah Ta’ala for Nasooh’smaghfirat (forgiveness). The Aarif departed andNasooh continued with his evil occupation ofmassaging the females of the palace, derivingmuch sexual gratification from his work.

One day an extremely valuable pearl of one ofthe royal ladies was missing. Despite a thoroughsearch, the pearl was not found. The doors of thepalace were ordered to be closed. An order wasissued that every female employee would be


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undressed and searched. Nasooh went into a stateof shock and panic. His secret would now beexposed. He knew the consequences would beimmediate execution for his treachery and thedisgrace to which he had submitted the royalladies.

Nasooh went into a spot of seclusionsomewhere in the palace, fell into Sajdah, andcried out his heart to Allah Ta’ala, pleadingforgiveness and sincerely pledging to abandon hisevil way. He implored Allah Ta’ala to give himone more chance and to save him fromhumiliation and a terrible death which will mostcertainly be the punishment which the king wouldorder. Frantically crying and panicking, Nasoohpleaded with Allah Ta’ala.

Meanwhile all the female employees had beensearched, but the pearl was not found. Then camethe dreadful call: “Nasooh, undress!” Nasoohpromptly fainted. In his state of unconsciousness,Nasooh perceived his soul shrouded by the Mercyof Allah Ta’ala. As he came to his senses, hesuddenly heard another announcement in thepalace: “All relax! The pearl has been found.”

Nasooh’s fear dissipated and his eyesbrightened. The royal ladies came to Nasoohprofusely apologizing for having inconvenienced


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‘her’. They pleaded with ‘her’ for forgiveness forhaving wrongly suspected ‘her’ of having stolenthe pearl. The princess pleaded with ‘her’(Nasooh), to give her a massage. But Nasooh hadalready been accepted in the Divine Presence. Theacceptance of his Taubah and the mercy of AllahTa’ala now made his crime abhorrent and noxiousto him. He could perceive the foul ‘stench’ of hismisdeeds. Nasooh, addressing the princess, said:“O Princess! My hands have become weak and asort of paralysis is creeping into them. I can nolonger render this service.” In this way, Nasoohsaved himself from the sin. Enshrouded with theRahmat of Allah Ta’ala, Nasooh left thedespicable service and devoted himself to AllahTa’ala.The sign of acceptance of Taubah, is abhorrencefor the sin, and a revulsion for it whenever itcomes to mind.

PUNISHMENT FOR ABSTAININGFROM THIKRULLAH

A MAN PRESENTED to Hadhrat Junaid Baghdaadi(rahmatullah alayh) a wild bird which he hadcaught in a net. The bird remained in the cage by


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Hadhrat Junaid for a very long time. One dayHadhrat Junaid opened the cage and the bird flewaway.Someone enquired from him the reason for havingreleased the bird. Hadhrat Junaid (rahmatullahalayh) explained:"Today the bird spoke to me (miraculously).It said: 'O Junaid! You speak to friends and derivesolace while I languish alone in captivity.'Hearing the bird's lament, I released it. As it tookflight, it said: 'O Junaid! As long as an animal isin Thikrullaah, it does not fall in the hunter's trap.The moment it is oblivious of Allah'sremembrance, it is trapped. I was forgetful ofAllah's Thikr just once. In consequence, I wascaught and spent all this time in captivity. Ishudder to think of the fate of those who areoblivious of Thikrullaah for years. How long willthey languish in captivity! O Junaid! I now pledgenever to be forgetful of Allah's remembrance."The bird then flew away. It would occasionallyreturn and eat the crumbs on the dastarkhwaan(food cloth spread on the ground) of HadhratJunaid. When Hadhrat Junaid passed away, thebird arrived. Smitten with grief, it fell on his bodyand died.


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The people buried the bird together with HadhratJunaid. After some time, a mureed saw HadhratJunaid in a dream. The mureed enquired: “Howdid you fare by Allah?” Hadhrat Junaid(rahmatullah alayh) said: "Allah, Rabbul Izzatforgave me, and said: 'You had taken pity on thebird for My Sake. Mercy has therefore beenshown to you.'"

NO DEED IS INSIGNIFICANTRASULULLAH (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) saidthat once there was a man who removed from thepathway a tree-twig with the intention ofprotecting people from its hindrance. Allah Ta’alaforgave all his sins because of this good deed.

FORLORN GRAVES ANDFORGIVENESS

WHEN HADHRAT NABI ISAA (Alayhis salaam)once passed through a Qabrustaan, he saw somenewly made graves. When he went near to thegraves it was revealed to him that the inmateswere being severely punished. He made dua forthem, then proceeded with his journey. On his


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return he saw that the same graves had caved in,unkept and desolate. It was a forlorn sight. Whenhe went near to the graves, it was revealed to himthat all had been forgiven and were in enjoymentin gardens of flowers.

Bewildered and astonished, Nabi Isaa (Alayhissalaam) supplicated: “O Allah! After death theyhad not rendered any good deeds. What is thereason for their forgiveness?” Allah Ta’alarevealed: “When their graves became dilapidatedand desolate, and there was no one to show anyconcern for them, I became merciful on them andforgave them.”

TEACHING MASAA-ILHADHRAT ABU SAEED Shuhhaam (Rahmatullahalayh) narrated:

“Once I saw Hadhrat Sahl after his demise in adream and asked him how had he fared by AllahTa’ala. He replied: ‘Nothing benefited me exceptthe few masaa-il of the Shariah which I used todaily teach to an old lady who would come tolearn.” By virtue of this act, Allah Ta’ala forgaveme.


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THE VALUE OF SURAH IKHLAASONCE WHEN A WALI was passing through aQabrustaan, he saw numerous Amwaat (inmatesof the grave), i.e. in some spiritual form, gatheringsomething. Each one was collecting somethingwhich the Buzrug could not see. He supplicated toAllah Ta’ala to explain the mystery to him. Hereceived Ilhaam (Revelation) in which AllahTa’ala said: “Ask them what they are collecting?”The Buzrug then asked one of the souls. Heexplained: “Last Friday, an Aalim happened topass through this Qabrustaan. He recited SurahIkhlaas thrice for our sake. The thawaab (reward)was so abundant that since last Friday to thisFriday we are still collecting from it.”

HADHRAT AMR BIN SA’D’STAQWA AND JUSTICE

AMONG THE SAHAABAH, Hadhrat Amr Bin Sa’d(Radhiyallahu anhu) was a great Aabid. HadhratUmar (Radhiyallahu anhu) appointed him to bethe governor of the City of Hims. Hadhrat Amraccepted the post on condition that he will notaccept a salary.


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One day a Christian annoyed him. Hadhrat Amrin anger rebuked: “May Allah disgrace you!”Afterwards he reflected: “Did I have the right torebuke him in this manner?” He concluded thathe had no such right and that he had committed aninjustice. He set off immediately for Madinah,presented himself to Hadhrat Umar and said:“Had I not accepted the post, I would not havecommitted the injustice.” Then he resigned.

HIS TOLERANCE FOR EVEN A DOGTHERE WAS A ZAAHID Buzrug who alwayscriticized Hadhrat Muhammad Bin Tirmizi(Rahmatullah alayh). He always targeted HadhratTirmizi for criticism, and it seemed as if thisBuzrug’s occupation was to only criticize HadhratTirmizi.

Hadhrat Tirmizi went on a journey to Hijaaz.On his return he discovered that a dog had givenbirth to a litter of puppies in his hut. However, hedid not entertain the idea of expelling the dog withher puppies. He went out and after a while enteredand looked at the dog, then he left the hut. Herepeated his entry and exit 70 times thinking thatthe dog would leave his hut with her puppies.


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That very night, Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhiwasallam) appearing in a dream to the Zaahidsaid: “You desire to equate yourself to a man whohas tolerated a dog 70 times (i.e. he did not expelthe dog. The dog with her litter left of her ownaccord). If you desire everlasting fortune, go andbe of service to him.”

Henceforth the Zaahid who had an aversion foreven greeting Hadhrat Tirmizi remained lifelongin his service.

THE EMOTION OF TRUE IMAANHADHRAT KHWAAJAH NIZAAMUDDIN Auliyanarrated: “Once Hadhrat Maulana Khateli came tovisit me, I instructed the khaadim (servant) to dishout the food. When the khaadim delayed, I struckhim on his back with a light cane.

As I struck him, Maulana Khateli let out apainful groan as if I had struck him. I asked him:‘What is the matter with you.” He immediatelylifted his kurtah. I was astonished to see the markof the cane on his back. Then Maulanacommented: “Regard these servants to be betterthan yourself. They lack the ability to retaliate.”


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When Imaan has reached the loftiest stages ofroohaaniyat (spirituality), then the Muslim feelsgenuine pain and grief for the suffering of others.

BEWARE OF THE CURSE OF THEMAZLOOM

A WOMAN HAD ACCUSED Hadhrat Sa’d Bin Zaid(Radhiyallahu anhu) of having usurped her plot ofland. This false accusation grieved Hadhrat Sa’dso much that he supplicated to Allah Ta’ala: “OAllah! If this woman is a liar, make her blind andlet her death be in this very land.”

Muhammad (Rahmatullah alayh), the grandsonof Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu) narratedthat he had seen this woman in her old age. Shewas blind. She would feel her way along thealleyways touching the walls. In that land was awell which had no protective fencing around it.One day this old woman whilst walking in theland fell into the well. Therein she died and thatwell became her grave. Her body was notretrieved.


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HADHRAT SUFYAAN THAURI’SCURSE

THE KHALIFAH MANSOOR had a great aversionfor Hadhrat Sufyaan Thauri because of his harshcriticism. Once when the Khalifah was on his wayfor Hajj, he was informed that Hadhrat Sufyaanwas also in Makkah. The Khalifah issuedinstructions for Hadhrat Sufyaan to be arrestedand executed.

When this information reached HadhratSufyaan he was in the Haram Shareef withHadhrat Fudhail Bin Iyaadh (Rahmatullah alayh)and Hadhrat Sufyaan Bin Uyainah (Rahmatullahalayh). Hadhrat Sufyaan went to the Multazamand made Dua: “I take oath by the Rabb of theKa’bah that Mansoor will not be able to enterMakkah.” Precisely at that time, the Khalifah hadreached Jabal Hujoon which is a mountain closeto Makkah. His horse slipped, and he fell toground and died. Hadhrat Sufyaan Thauri(Rahmatullah alayh) was informed. He cameforward and performed the Janaazah Salaat of theKhalifah.


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THE CONSEQUENCE OFINSOLENCE

ONCE DURING THE dars of Bukhaari Shareefconducted by Hadhrat Maulana Abdul JabbaarGhaznawi (Rahmatullah alayh), a studentinsolently remarked: “Imaam Abu Hanifah knewonly 15 Ahaadith. I know more Ahaadith thanhim.” Maulana Abdul Jabbaar’s face lit up withrage. He immediately expelled the student fromthe Madrasah, and commented: “His end will notbe on Imaan.” Only a week had passed when itbecame known that the insolent student hadbecome a murtad. May Allah Ta’ala save us froman evil death.

AVERSION FOR IMAAM ABUHANIFAH

MEER IBRAAHEEM SIYALKOTI narrated: “Oncewhile I was studying some kitaabs with theintention of compiling a treatise against ImaamAbu Hanifah, an aversion for him developed inmy heart. During midday suddenly it becameintensely dark for me. It was darkness piled ondarkness. I was perplexed and became very


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scared. It suddenly dawned on me that this wasthe effect of my aversion for Imaam Abu Hanifah(Rahmatullah alayh). I immediately lapsed intoIstighfaar. The darkness was dispelled and theenvironment then glittered radiantly. Since thattime I became a devotee of Imaam Abu Hanifah(Rahmatullah alayh).”

THE CONSEQUENCE OFDISTRESSING IMAAM ABU

HANIFAHONCE A MAN who had an aversion for Imaam AbuHanifah (Rahmatullah alayh) came to his houseand with audacity said to Imaam Sahib: “I want tomarry your mother.” Imaam Abu Hanifah(Rahmatullah alayh) calmly said to him: Mymother is an adult. I shall convey your proposal toher. If she consents, I shall perform the Nikahotherwise not.” He then went into the house.

After a few minutes when Imaam Abu Hanifahreturned, he found the man dead with his head cutoff. A sword from the Ghaib had appeared andexecuted the man for his insolence. Rasulullah(Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that AllahTa’ala said: “He who distresses My Wali, I give


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him notice of war.” When Imaam Abu Hanifah(Rahmatullah alayh) beheld the scene, he sadlycommented: “My Sabr (patience / toleration) haskilled him.”

THE CONSEQUENCE OFSLANDERING A CHASTE WOMAN.

ONCE IN MADINAH, a very pious lady passedaway. The woman who was giving ghusl to thebody of the lady, placed her hand on the privatepart of the body and remarked: “This organ musthave committed numerous acts of zina.” As shecompleted her slander, her hand stuck to the deadlady’s private part. Despite all efforts, her handcould not be released.

The matter was reported to many Ulama. Allwere helpless in offering a solution for securingthe release of the evil woman. Finally this issuewas taken to Imaam Abu Hanifah. He said that thepenalty of Hadd-e-Qazf (i.e. 80 lashes forslandering a chaste woman) be meted out. Thesentence was carried out. Upon the last lash, thewoman’s hand became released from the vice-likegrip.


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ADVICE OF HADHRAT LUQMAANOFFERING ADVICE TO his son, Hadhrat Luqmaan(Alayhis salaam) said: “O my son? Beforebefriending any one, incite him. If in his state ofanger he acquits himself with justice, befriendhim otherwise stay far from him.”

“Refrain from futile talk and you will be safe.Speak only what is beneficial.”

THE TWO FUNDAMENTALS OFWISDOM

ONCE WHILE HADHRAT LUQMAAN (Alayhissalaam) was giving a discourse to people, a mancame and asked: “Are you not the same personwho had been a goatherd with me tending to goatsin the field?” Hadhrat Luqmaan said: “Yes, I amthat very same person.” The man enquired: “Whatis the reason for your present lofty rank among thepeople? How did you acquire all this wisdomwhich draws people from far and wide to sit inyour discourses? Hadhrat Luqmaan said: “Byalways speaking the truth and abstaining fromfutility.”

According to another narration, HadhratLuqmaan (Alayhis salaam) had also mentioned


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the following requisites for the attainment of theranks of Wisdom:

* Always lower the gaze.

* Control the tongue

* Consume halaal rizq

* Save yourself from immorality (of all kinds).

* Honour promises

* Honour the guest

* Protect your neighbour

* Abandon futile talk and futile acts

* Always proclaim the truth.

THE BENEFIT OF EMULATIONRASULULLAH (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:“Whoever emulates (imitates) a people, is ofthem.” One who emulates evil people becomesevil. On the contrary, one who emulates the piousones, becomes of them.

When the saahireen (magicians of Fir’oun) hadcome to challenge Nabi Musaa (Alayhis salaam)they were dressed with such clothes whichresembled the dress of Hadhrat Musaa (Alayhissalaam). After their defeat at the hands of Nabi


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Musaa (Alayhis salaam), they fell into Sajdahhaving accepted Imaan in Allah Ta’ala. ButFir’oun had intransigently remained a kaafir.

When Nabi Musaa (Alayhis salaam) askedAllah Ta’ala the reason for the magiciansaccepting Imaan and not Fir’oun, Allah Ta’alasaid to him that the magicians with their dresshad the appearance of His beloved one (i.e. NabiMusaa –alayhis salaam), hence Allah Ta’alagave them the hidaayat of Imaan.

REFORMATION OF THE ROBBERSA BAND OF ROBBERS entered a city with theintention of robbing. To avoid detection, theirchief ordered his men to be dressed like theSufiya. They donned the garments of the Sufiyaand everyone held a tasbeeh in his hand. The chiefinstructed them to abstain from all conversationand to only engage in the thikr of Subhaanallaah.

The bogus sufis took up residence in a Musjidengaging in nothing but the recitation ofSubhaanallaah. Soon the word spread far andwide that a group of Auliya had come to the city.Crowds of people from the city flocked to meetthe ‘sufis’ and to request them to make dua forthem.


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The news of the arrival of the group of ‘sufis’reached the king who came with his entourage topay homage to the ‘saints’. The king expressed hisdelight and gratitude to the group for havinggraced the city with their august presence. Heinvited the group for meals at his palace. Aftermeals the king explained that he has only one sonwho is paralysed. All physicians had failed to curehim. He implored the ‘sufis’ to supplicate to AllahTa’ala to cure the prince.

The chief robber with his group raised their hands,and he earnestly supplicated to Allah Ta’ala. Inhis heart he acknowledged that they were bogus,and he implored Allah Ta’ala to save them frombeing exposed. Whilst the group of robbers wasengaging in dua, Allah’s mercy settled on all ofthem. The prince was instantaneously cured.

The chief robber said to his men that despite thembeing bogus and frauds, Allah Ta’ala hadaccepted their dua. How much more would AllahTa’ala not have conferred His bounties if they hadbeen sincere. They resolved to abandon their evilprofession. They henceforth devoted themselvesto Allah Ta’ala. They left the city and set up


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residence far from the city in isolation. Soon theyattained the ranks of Wilaayat.

It should be clear from these episodes thatemulation of the pious people has great beneficialeffects. Conversely, imitating evil people and thekuffaar has disastrous consequences for one’sImaan.

THE ATTITUDE FOR HAJJA MUREED OF Hadhrat Abu Bakr Shibli(Rahmatullah alayh) was questioned by hisShaikh on his return:

Shibli: “When you went for Hajj, did you firmlyresolve to perform Hajj?

Mureed: “Yes, I had made the firm intention ofHajj.”Shibli: “Along with your intention, did youresolve to abandon all intentions of the past whichare in conflict with the ethos of Hajj?”Mureed: “No, I did not make this intention.”Shibli: “In fact you had not pledged to performHajj.”


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Shibli: “At the time of entering into Ihraam, didyou remove your conventional garments?”Mureed: “Yes, I did so.”Shibli: “At that time did you alienate fromyourself everything else besides Allah Ta’ala?Mureed: “No, I did not do so.”Shibli: “In reality, you did not remove yourclothes.” Did you purify yourself with ghusl andwudhu?”Mureed: “Yes, I thoroughly cleansed myself.”Shibli: “At that time, did you attain purificationfrom every type of filth and impurity?”Mureed: “No, I did not do so.”Shibli: “Then you had not achieved purification.Did you recite the Talbiyah?”Mureed: “Yes, I recited Labbaik.”Shibli: “Did you perceive the Divine Response toyour Labbaik?”Mureed: “No, I did not receive any response.”Shibli: “Then you did not proclaim ‘Labbaik’. Didyou enter into the sacred Haram?”Mureed: “Yes, I did enter.”


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Shibli: “At that time did you firmly pledge toabandon every haraam act?”Mureed: “No, I did not make this pledge.”Shibli: “Then you had not entered the sacredHaram. Did you make ziyaarat of Makkah?”Mureed: “Yes, I made ziyaarat of Makkah.”Shibli: “At that time were you blessed with theziyaarat of another realm?”Mureed: “No, I did not experience ziyaarat ofanother realm.”Shibli: “Then, in fact, you did not make ziyaaratof Makkah. Did you enter Musjidul Haraam?

Mureed: “Yes, I entered Musjidul Haraam.”Shibli: “At that time did you experience entry intothe Divine Presence?”Mureed: “I did not experience Divine Proximity.”Shibli: “Then you had not entered MusjidulHaraam. Did you make ziyaarat of the Ka’bahShareef?”Mureed: “Yes, I did make ziyaarat of the Ka’bahShareef.”Shibli: “Did you see the objective for which forwhich the journey to the Ka’bah is undertaken?”


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Mureed: “No, I did not see it.”Shibli: “Then you had not seen the Ka’bahShareef. Did you make ramal in Tawaaf?”Mureed: “Yes, I did make ramal.

Shibli: “In that running did you experience fleeingfrom the dunya in such a manner that youperceived yourself in total isolation from theworld?”Mureed: “I did not perceive it.”Shibli: “Then you did not do the ramal. Did youplace your hands on Hajr-e-Aswad and kissedthem?

Mureed: “Yes, I did so.”Shibli overcome with fear, drew a deep sigh andsaid: “You are ruined. Do you not know thatwhen a person places his hands on Hajr-e-Aswad,it is as if he is shaking hands with Allah Ta’ala.The one with whom Allah Jall-e-Shaanuhu makesmusaafahah (shakes hands), enters into theprecincts of safety from all things. Did youperceive the effects of safety?

Mureed: No, I did not experience the effects ofsafety.”


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Shiblu: “Then you did not place your hands onHajr-e-Aswad. Did you perform two raka’ts Naflat Maqaam-e-Ibraaheem?”Mureed: “Yes, I did so.”Shibli: “Did you fulfil the right of that elevatedstage you had acquired when standing at thatPlace?”Mureed: “I did not do anything.”Shibli: “In fact, you did not perform Salaat atMaqaam-e-Ibrahim. At the time of Sa-ee betweenSafa and Marwah, did you mount on to Safa?”Mureed: “Yes, I did.”Shibli: “What did you do there?”Mureed: “I recited Takbeer 7 times and made duafor my Hajj to be accepted.”Shibli: When you recited Takbeer, did the Angelsjoin you in this recitation, and did you perceivethe reality of your Takbeer?”Mureed: “No, it did not happen.”Shibli: “Then you had in fact not recited theTakbeer. Did you descend from Safa?”Mureed: “Yes, I descended from Safa.”


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Shibli: “At that time was every vestige ofimpurity eliminated from you?”Mureed: “No.”Shibli: “In reality, you did not descend from Safa.Did you run between Safa and Marwa?”Mureed: “Yes, I did run.”Shibli: “Did you flee from everything in the runtowards Allah Ta’ala, then reached Him?”Mureed: “No.”Shibli: “Then in fact you did not run. Did youmount on to Marwah?”Mureed: “Yes, I did.”Shibli: “Did Sakeenah (tranquillity) settle on youover there, and did you acquire a considerableshare of it?”Mureed: “No, this was not perceived.”Shibli: “Then you did not mount onto Marwah.Did you go to Mina?”Mureed: “Yes, I had gone there.”Shibli: “Over there was your condition such thatalong with your hopes in Allah Ta’ala you hadresolved perpetual abstention from sins?”


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Mureed: “I was not able to make this resolution?”Shibli: “In fact, you had not gone to Mina. Didyou enter Musjid-e-Khaif? At that time you musthave been overwhelmed with such fear which youhad never experienced?”Mureed: “No, this was not my condition.”Shibli: “In that case you had not entered Musjid-e-Khaif. Did you reach the Plain of Arafaat?

Mureed: “Yes, I was in Arafaat.”Shibli: “When you were there did you understandwhy you are in this world? And, where are youheading to? And had you understood the thingswhich alert to this?”Mureed: “No, I did not gain this understanding.”Shibli: “Then you had not gone to Arafaat. Didyou go to Muzdalifah?”Mureed: “Yes, I was in Muzdalifah.”Shibli: “Did you engage there in such Thikrullahwhich obliterated everything besides Allah Ta’alafrom your heart?”Mureed: “No, I did not do so.”Shibli: “Then you had not gone to Muzdalifah.Did you make the Qur’baani in Mina?”


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Mireed: “Yes, I did.”Shibli: “At that time did you completely slaughteryour nafs?”Mureed: “No I did not.”Shibli: “Then you did not make the Qur’baani.Did you make the Rami (pelt the shaitaan)?

Mureed: “Yes, I did.”Shibli: “With every pebble did you perceive theeradication of your ignorance and increase inKnowledge?”Mureeed: “No, I did not perceive this.”Shibli: “Then you did not do the Rami. Did youperform Tawaaf-e-Ziyaarat?”Mureed: “Yes, I did.”Shibli: “At that time did you experience therevelation of some transcendental realities andthe Rain of Allah’s hospitality?”Mureed: “Nothing of this was revealed to me.”Shibli: “You had not performed Tawaaf-e-Ziyaarat. Did you become halaal (i.e. releaseyourself from the state of Ihraam)?”Mureed: “Yes, I did.”


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Shibli: “At that time did you resolve to engage inonly halaal earnings for all time?”Mureed: “No, I did not make this resolution.”Shibli: “Then you did not become halaal. Did youperform Tawaaf-e-Widaa’?Mureed: “Yes, I did.”Shibli: “At that time did you bid farewell to yournafs for all time?”Mureed: “I did not do so.”Shibli: “Then you did not perform Tawaaf-e-Widaa’.

Then Hadhrat Shibli (Rahmatullah alayh)instructed his mureed to repeat his Hajj in themanner he had explained.

WHO ARE HUMAN BEINGS?ONE NIGHT HADHRAT JUNAID Baghdaadi(rahmatullah alayh} saw in a dream that Shaitaanwas strutting naked in the market place. HadhratJunaid said to Shaitaan: “O accursed one! Haveyou no shame? You strut about in nude in thepresence of innumerable people.” Shaitaan


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replied: “O Hadhrat! Undoubtedly, I do haveshame for human beings. But these beings are nothuman beings. In fact, they are worse thananimals. Do you not remember the aayat of theQur'aan? ‘They are like animals – in fact they aremore astray (than animals).’ ” – Surah A’raaf,aayat 8.

In surprise, Hadhrat Junaid said: “Who arehuman beings and where are they?" Shaitaanresponded: “Human beings are like the three menwho are at this moment are engrossed in ibaadatin Musjid Shuneeziyah. They are totally absorbedin Divine Love. I had employed a thousand snaresto entice them, but despite all my efforts, failed totrap them. They did not lift an eye to see whichdog is barking.”

GRIEF FOR THE SAKE OF A DOGONCE WHEN MAULANA Jalaluddin Rumi(Rahmatullah alayh) was walking with a group ofhis mureeds, they approached a very narrow lane.At the head of the lane a dog was sleeping andblocking the way. Maulana stopped with hisgroup. After waiting for a long while, a manentered the lane from the opposite side. He chasedthe dog away. This grieved Maulana Rumi. He


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commented: “Without reason he caused distress tothe dog.”

DO NOT REBUFF THE FAQEERA WEALTHY MAN together with his wife wasabout to begin his meal. His wife had prepared aroasted fowl. Someone knocked at the door. Thehusband answered the knock and saw a faqeer(beggar) whom he rebuffed and chased away.

Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’aan Majeed:“These are the days which we rotate among thepeople.” After some time the vicissitudes of lifehad rendered this wealthy man a pauper. He lostall his wealth and assets and ultimately divorcedhis wife. She married another man.

One day the couple (this woman with her newhusband) were having meals. There was a roastedfowl as well. Suddenly there was a knock at thedoor. It was a faqeer begging for food. Thehusband instructed his wife to give the roastedfowl to the faqeer. When she went to the door togive the faqeer the fowl, she was immenselygrieved to see that he was her former husband.She handed him the fowl. Sadness overcame herand she wept.


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When she returned to her husband, he noticedthat she had been crying. He asked her to explain.She narrated the episode. The husband said: “ByAllah! I was that faqeer whom your formerhusband had rebuffed.”

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:“The beggar at your door is Allah’s gift for you.”

ABSTENTION FROM SINHADHRAT ANTAAKI (Rahmatullah alayh) said:“For the acquisition of Allah’s Mercy, abstentionfrom one sin even if it is a Sagheerah sin (minorsin), is better than a thousand raka’ts Nafl Salaat,a thousand Hajj and freeing a thousand slaves.”

SERVING A BLIND OLD LADYON THE OUTSKIRTS of Madinah Munawwarahthere lived a blind old lady. It was during theKhilaafat of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahuanhu) that Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu)would daily tend to the needs of the old blindlady. He would personally fill her containers withwater and see to all her needs. This was his dailyroutine.


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One day when he arrived at her home, hediscovered that someone else had already attendedto her needs. He was very much surprised.Thereafter, whenever he would arrive at the oldlady’s home, he would find all her needs attendedto. The next day, he arrived very early andremained in hiding as he wanted to see who thebenefactor was.

Soon Ameerul Mu’mineen Hadhrat Abu Bakr(Radhiyallahu anhu) arrived and attended to theneeds of the old lady. Hadhrat Umar(Radhiyallahu anhu), taking an oath said:“Besides you who else could it have been?”

HADHRAT SALMAAN FAARSI’SSIMPLICITY

HADHRAT SALMAAN FAARSI (Radhiyallahu anhu)was the oldest among the Sahaabah. He lived for250 years. According to one narration his age was350 years. He led a life of extreme simplicity andausterity. The changing of circumstances did notaffect his life of simplicity.

Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu) hadappointed him the governor of Madaa-in. Oncewhilst walking in the street, a foreign trader whohad a bundle of wares thinking him to be a


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labourer, ordered him to carry the bundle anddeliver it to a certain place. The trader did notknow who Hadhrat Salmaan was. HadhratSalmaan (Radhiyallahu anhu) without saying aword, lifted the bundle, placed it on his head andwalked with the trader alongside.

Along the way, when they passed some people,they informed the trader that the man who wascarrying his bundle was in fact the governor ofMadaa-in. The trader was astonished andembarrassed. He profusely apologized andpleaded with Hadhrat Salmaan to relinquish thebundle. However, he refused. He said that hisintention was to do a virtuous deed, hence he willcomplete the task by delivering it to thedestination.

I’TIKAAF OF TEN YEARSONCE WHILE HADHRAT Abdullah Ibn Abbaas(Radhiyallahu anhu) was in I’tikaaf in Musjid-e-Nabawi, a man entered and sat down. AbdullahIbn Abbaas said to him: “I perceive that you aregrief-stricken.” The man responded: “O Son ofRasulullah’s uncle! Undoubtedly, I am full ofgrief. I am heavily in debt, and I am unable tofulfil my obligation.”


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Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Abbaas (Radhiyallahuanhu) said: “Should I intercede by him (i.e. by thecreditor) on your behalf.” The man agreed.Hadhrat Ibn Abbaas stepped out of the Musjid andput on his shoes. The man reminded him: “Youhave forgotten your I’tikaaf.” Hadhrat Ibn Abbaassaid: “I have not forgotten. However, I heard fromthe Inmate of this Grave (i.e. Rasulullah –sallallahu alayhi wasallam), and it was not verylong ago (then tears fell from his eyes):“Whoever goes for the service of a brother andstrives in it, it is better for him than ten years ofI’tikaaf.”

The importance of service to others is emphasizedin this Hadith, It should not be understood thatHadhrat Ibn Abbaas (Radhiyallahu anhu) hadabandoned his I’tikaaf. He was confronted withtwo good deeds. Hadhrat Ja’far Saadiq(Rahmatullah alayh) said that an intelligent man ishe who is able to choose the greater goodnesswhen confronted by two virtuous deeds but is ableto adopt only one at that particular time. Thus,Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Abbaas (Radhiyallahuanhu) adopted the greater virtue of ten years ofI’tikaaf. After having rendered the service, hemade qadha of the I’tikaaf.


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THE VALUE OF SERVICEHADHRAT KHWAAJAH MUEENUDDIN Chishti(Rahmatullah alayh), emphasizing the importanceof service to others said: “The one who aids thosein need is Allah’s friend. If someone comes witha need whilst one is engaging in wazeefah andauraad, then it is incumbent to abandon thewazeefah and attend to the need of the person, andto make the utmost effort to fulfil his need.

KHALIFAH MANSUR ANDHADHRAT JA’FAR SAADIQ

ONCE THE KHALIFAH Mansur ordered his Wazirto bring Hadhrat Ja’far Saadiq (Rahmatullahalayh) to be executed. The Wazir made everyendeavour to convince the Khalifah of the error ofhis desire. He explained that Hadhrat Ja’farSaadiq (Rahmatullah alayh) was a recluse who didnot dabble in the affairs of the state, so whyunnecessarily kill him? However, Mansur wasadamant and determined to have Hadhrat Ja’farSaadiq put to death.

The Wazir reluctantly obeyed and set off tosummon Hadhrat Ja’far Saadiq (Rahmatullahalayh) to appear in the court of the Khalifah.


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Meanwhile Mansur had instructed his men in thepalace: “When I remove my topi (headgear), thatwill be the sign for you to kill Ja’far Saadiq.”

Soon the Wazir arrived with Hadhrat Ja’farSaadiq (Rahmatullah alayh). On seeing theHadhrat, the Khalifah alighted from his throne,stepped forward and greeted Hadhrat Ja’farSaadiq (Rahmatullah alayh) with great respect andhonour. He seated Hadhrat Ja’far (Rahmatullahalayh) on the throne, then respectfully asked if hehad any needs. Hadhrat Ja’far Saadiq(Rahmatullah alayh) said: “Yes, don’t again callme to come to you.” Then he left. On hisdeparture, the Khalif fell down unconscious andremained unconscious for several hours.

On regaining conscious, the Wazir asked him toexplain what had happened. Khalifah Mansursaid: “When Hadhrat Ja’far Saadiq entered, Isaw a huge serpent entering alongside him withits mouth wide open. I understood that if Idistressed Hadhrat Ja’far in any way, the serpentwould swallow and devour me. That is why Iacted in this manner and became unconscious.”


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RESPECT FOR THE NAME OFRASULULLAH

SULTAN NAASIRUDDIN MAHMOOD (d. 664 Hijri)had a close companion whose name wasMuhammad. The king always addressed him bythis name (Muhammad). One day, Naasiruddincalling his friend, said Taajuddeen, instead ofMuhammad. The companion came and attendedto the request of the king. However, he thereafterstayed away for three days.

The king became concerned by the absence ofhis friend. He sent someone to call him. WhenMuhammad arrived, the Sultan asked the reasonfor his absence. The friend said: “It has alwaysbeen your practice to call me by my name,Muhammad. When instead of my name you said‘Taajuddeen’, I assumed that you were annoyedwith me for some reason. I therefore stayedaway.”

Naasiruddin, taking an oath said: “I was not atall annoyed with you. At that time I was withoutwudhu. I detest mentioning the name‘Muhammad’ when I am without wudhu.”


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TEN DEFENCESALLAAMAH JALAALUDDIN SUYUTI (Rahmatullahalayh) said:

(1)Surah Faatihah saves one from the Wrath ofAllah Ta’ala.

(2)Surah Yaaseen saves from thirst on the Dayof Qiyaamah

(3)Surah Dukhaan saves from the terrors ofthe Day of Qiyaamah

(4)Surah Waaqiah saves from grindingpoverty

(5)Surah Mulk saves one from the torments ofthe grave

(6)Surah Kauthar saves one from theanimosity of enemies

(7)Surah Kaafiroon saves one from kufr at thetime of Maut

(8)Surah Ikhlaas saves one from nifaaq(hypocrisy)

(9)Surah Falaq saves one from the envy of theenvious people

10)Surah Naas saves one from wasaawis(satanic thoughts).


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FOUR FATAL POISONS AND THEIRANTIDOTE

IN KANZUL UMMAAL are mentioned the followingfour poisons and their antidote:(1) The dunya (the world) is a fatal poison, andZuhd (abstinence / renouncing the love of theworld) is its antidote.(2) Wealth is a fatal poison, and Zakaat is itsantidote.(3) Abundant of talk is a fatal poison, andThikrullaah is its antidote.(4) Kingdom / leadership is a fatal poison, andjustice is its antidote.

ABU BAKR’S WISDOMHADHRAT ABDULLAH IBN MAS’OOD(Radhiyallahu anhu) said that the wisdom ofHadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu anhu) isevidenced by his appointment of Hadhrat Umar(Radhiyallahu anhu) as the Khalifah to succeedhim.


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THE JUSTICE OF HADHRAT UMARONCE HADHRAT UMAR (Radhiyallahu anhu) sawan old blind man begging. He asked the man:“Who are you?”The Man: “I am a Yahudi”.Hadhrat Umar: “What has driven you tobegging?”Yahudi: “Payment of Jizyah, the need forfood and old age.”

This grieved Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahuanhu). He took the Yahudi affectionately by thehand and led him to his (Umar’s) home where hepresented to him whatever he had. Then heinstructed the keeper of the Baitul Maal:“Investigate this person and other needy ones ofthis class. By Allah! It is not justice that whilst theZimmis are young, we impose Jizyah on them.But when they are old and infirm, we leave themto beg.”

Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu) orderedthat the Jizyah be waived from poor Zimmis. Hefurther ordered monthly stipends to be paid tothem.


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SABR INSPIRED BY DIVINE LOVEHADHRAT ABDUL WAAHID Bin Zaid (d. 176 Hijri– Rahmatullah alayh) narrated:“One day while I was walking in the marketplace,I came across a leper lying at the side of the road.His body was filled with sores. He was blind andlame. Some street urchins were pelting him withstones. His face was blood-spattered. I noticed hislips moving. I went near to him to listen what hewas saying. I heard him supplicate to AllahTa’ala: “O my Master! You are aware that if Youcut my flesh to pieces with scissors anddismember my bones with a saw, it will onlyincrease my love for You.”

THE PIETY OF A KINGHADHRAT KHWAAJAH QUTBUDDEEN BakhtiyaarKaaki (Rahmatullah) had made wasiyyat (issued adirective) that only such a person should lead hisJanaazah Salaat who:

(1) Is morally pure (i.e. he never committed evenzina of the eyes).

(2) Did not ever miss the four Sunnat raka’ts ofAsr


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(3) Had always performed Salaat with Jamaat,never missing the first Takbeer.

When the Janaazah was ready, this announcementwas made. No one stepped forward althoughinnumerable Ulama and many Auliya werepresent. But no one fulfilled these criteria. Finallywhen no one came forward, the king, SultanShamsuddeen Altamash reluctantly steppedforward. Circumstances had constrained him toreveal that he befitted the description. Thus, heled the Janaazah Salaat. From this the Taqwa ofthe King is quite obvious.

THE CLOSENESS OF MAUTHADHRAT ABDULLAH IBN ABBAAS (Radhiyallahuanhu) narrated that after Rasulullah (Sallallahualayhi wasallam) answered the call of nature, hewould quickly make Tayammum. I queried thereason for this since water was nearby. Rasulullah(Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “I do not knowif I will be able to reach the water.” This was thevivid perception of the imminence and closenessof Maut.


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AN HONEST, PIOUS SHEPHERDONCE ON AN INTENSELY hot day, HadhratAbdullah Bin Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu) was onthe outskirts of Madinah Tayyibah with some ofhis Students. It was time for meals. Thedastrakhwaan was spread. A shepherd with aflock of goats was passing nearby. He madeSalaam. Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Umar(Radhiyallahu anhu) invited him to the meal. Theshepherd said that he was fasting.

Surprised, he said to the shepherd: “You fast onsuch an intensely hot day whilst you are tendingto the goats? The shepherd said: “By Allah! Imake haste to gain a share (of reward) from thesedays.”

Putting him to test, Hadhrat Abdullah BinUmar (Radhiyallahu anhu) said: “Sell me onegoat. Part of the meat will be for you for Iftaar.”Shepherd: “Not a single goat belongs to me. Allthese goats belong to my master.”Hadhrat Ibn Umar, testing him further said: “Yourmaster is not here. He will not miss one goat.”Shepherd, pointing to the sky, said: “What aboutAllah? Where is He?”


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Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu)was profoundly impressed by the honesty andpiety of the shepherd. When he returned toMadinah Tayyibah, he bought the entire flockfrom the owner together with the shepherd (whowas a slave). He then set the shepherd free andmade a gift of all the goats to him.

UMAR BIN ABDUL AZIZ’SPERCEPTION OF THE AAKHIRAT

HADHRAT UMAR BIN ABDUL Azeez(Rahmatullah alayh), was known as Umar theSecond, for having restored the Khilaafat to thestyle of Hadhrat Umar’s Khilaafat. In his housewas a staircase. On one of the steps was a loosebrick. When mounting the steps, one had toexercise caution to avoid slipping. One day aservant repaired the stairs.

When he found the step no longer moving, hesaid: “The movement of the step was a reminderof the Siraat (the Bridge over Jahannam). Whencaution had to be exercised on mounting this step,what will be our condition in Qiyaamah on theSiraat?”


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IMPLEMENT PRACTICALLY FIVEAHAADITH

IMAAM ABU HANIFAH (Rahmatullah alayh),proffering advice to his son, Hammaad, said:“Make amal (practically implement) on fiveAhaadith from the five hundred thousandAhaadith which I have compiled:

(1) “Verily, a’maal (actions) are with intentions.For every person is what he intends.”(2) “Of the beauty of a man’s Islam, is hisshunning of futility.”(3) “One has not believed (i.e. one is not a perfectMu’min) as long as he does not love for a brotherMu’min what he loves for himself.”(4) “Verily, Halaal is clear and Haraam is clear. Inbetween these two are the Mushtabahaat (thatwhich is doubtful). Numerous among the peopleare not aware of this. Therefore, whoever abstainsfrom the doubtful things, has saved his Deen andhis honour. Whoever plunges into Shubahaat (thedoubtful) will plunge into haraam. His similitudeis like a shepherd who grazes his flock close tothe boundary (of a farm). Soon his flock will enterinto the farm (and devour the crop of the owner).


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Know that every king has a border line. Knowthat the boundary line of Allah are Hisprohibitions. Verily, in the body is a lump offlesh. If it is healthy, the whole body is healthy. Ifit is diseased, the whole body is diseased. It (thelump of flesh) is the heart.”(5) A Muslim is he from whose tongue and handsMuslims are safe.”

The Salafi detractors of Hadhrat Imaam AbuHanifah (Rahmatullah alayh) advertise theirignorance with their ludicrous notion that ImaamAbu Hanifah (Rahmatullah alayh) was aware ofonly five Hadith. This greatest of the AimmahMujtahideen was a Haafiz of 500,000 Ahaadith.

SAAMIRISAAMIRI IS THE ONE who had constructed thegolden calf for Bani Israaeel during the absence ofNabi Musaa (Alayhis salaam). His name was alsoMusaa – Musaa Bin Zafar. It was during the timewhen Fir’oun had ordered all male babies of BaniIsraaeel to be slaughtered that his mother hid himin a cave. She left him in a cave on top of amountain.


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Allah Ta’ala ordered Jibraeel (Alayhis salaam)to tend to him. Hadhrat Jibraeel (alayhis salaam)fed him honey, milk and butter. Saamiri grew upand lived in this cave. Finally he became a kaafirand misled Bani Israaeel to worship the calf.Saamiri was of illegitimate birth. Despite beingnurtured by Jibraeel (Alayhis salaam), his evilorigin manifested itself in his kufr. On the otherhand, Hadhrat Musaa (Alayhis salaam) despitebeing under the care of Fir’oun became theRasool and Nabi of Allah Ta’ala.

MALAKUL MAUT’S GRIEFIN THE OCCASION when Malakul Maut hadextracted the soul of the tyrant king Namrood, theMalaaikah asked him if ever he took pity onanyone whose soul he had taken. Malakul Mautthat only on one occasion was he grieved. Apregnant woman was one night walking in a forestwhen Allah Ta’ala ordered that her soul be taken.She had just given birth to the baby in the jungle.The baby was left all alone in that jungle wherewild animals roamed. This scenario had causedconsiderable grief to Malakul Maut. TheMalaaikah then informed him that the greatoppressor, Namrood whose soul he had just taken


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was in fact that same baby who was left strandedin the jungle. In great astonishment, MalakulMaut exclaimed: “O Allah, You are MostMerciful. You do as you will.”

umar bin abdul aziz tayibah...kalimah tayyibah – the wholesome word 3 the justice of a chinese...

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