Attari.Rafique

Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “The person who serves his parents according to the best of his abilities in the month of Ramadaan, Allah Ta’ala looks at him with special Mercy and takes the responsibility of forgiving him upon Himself. The wife who remains busy in Ramadaan in pleasing her husband will be granted the companionship of Hazrat Mariam and Hazrat Aasiya (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anhuma) in Paradise.” Once, in the city of Bukhara, the son of a fire worshipper was eating in the market of Muslims during the month of Ramadaan. Upon seeing him, his father slapped him on the face and expressed great disappointment. The son said, “O my Father! You also eat all day long during the month of Ramadaan.” The father replied, “I do not fast at all and do eat but I do it in secret at home. I do not eat in front of the Muslims out of respect for this month.” Sometime later, the fire worshipper died and a pious resident of Bukhara saw in his dream that the fire worshipper was walking in Paradise. He asked him, “You were a fire worshipper, how did you get into Paradise?” The fire worshipper replied, “It is true that I was a fire worshipper but, close to the time of death, Allah Ta’ala granted me the guidance to accept Islam. This is the blessings of respecting the month of Ramadaan that I died as a Muslim and Allah Ta’ala granted me Paradise as a result of respecting Ramadaan and accepting Islam.” [Nuzhatul Majaalis] Subhaanallah! When a fire worshipper who respected the month of Ramadaan was granted faith and Paradise by Allah Ta’ala, if we Muslims respect the month of Ramadaan and do not violate its sanctity, then we will definitely be deserving of the Grace of the Almighty, Insha Allah. On the Day of Judgement, a person will be brought in such a state that the angels will be beating him mercilessly. He will seek support from Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) who will ask the angels, “What is his sin? Why are you beating him so much?” The angels will reply, “He obtained the month of Ramadaan but still continued to disobey Allah Ta’ala.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) will be about to intercede for him when a voice will state, “O My Beloved! The petitioner against him is the month of Ramadaan.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) will say, “I am disgusted with those people whom Ramadaan petitions against.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “The person who safeguards three things is undoubtedly a Friend of Allah Ta’ala, and know that the person who forsakes these three is an enemy of Allah Ta’ala. These three things are fasting, Namaaz and compulsory bathing (Ghusl-e- Janaabat).” The Paradise of Allah Ta’ala longs for four kinds of people: • A person who fasts in the month of Ramadaan. • A person who regularly recites the Holy Qur’an. • A person who safeguards his tongue. • A person who feeds his hungry neighbours. On the Day of Judgement, when Allah Ta’ala orders the people to rise from the graves, He will say to the Angel of Paradise, “O Ridwan! Go and greet my bondsmen who used to fast, and used to go hungry and thirsty for My sake. Go with all the bounties of Paradise and present it to them.” Hazrat Ridwan (Alaihis Salaam) will call out, “O workers of Paradise, bring large serving plates of Paradise, and bring food and drink equivalent to the grains of sand in the world, equal to the drops of rain, and equal to the stars in the sky and leaves on the trees.” This will all be brought and placed in front of the people who used to fast. They will then be told, “Eat as much as you please. This is the reward for the fasts that you observed in the world.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “On the night of Me’raj, I saw an Angel at Sidratul Muntaha that I had never seen before. It is so big in length and breadth that it would take a hundred thousand years to cover its size. It has 70,000 heads and each head has 70,000 faces and each face has 70,000 tongues. On each tongue is 70,000 birds of light and on each bird there is a hundred thousand pearls dangling. Each pearl contains a large river and there are huge fish in the river. The size of each fish is 2 years travel time. On the stomach of each fish is written ‘Laa Ilaaha Illallaah Muhammadur Rasoolullah.’ The angel has one hand on his head and the other hand on his back. When he praises Allah Ta’ala in his sweet voice, the Throne of Allah Ta’ala is overjoyed and sways from side to side in happiness. I asked Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) about this angel and was told that this angel was created 2000 years before Hazrat Adam (Alaihis Salaam) was created. This angel has been ordered by Allah Ta’ala to pray rosaries (Tasbeeh) on behalf of me and all those from my Ummah who fast.” Safeguard Yourself from Sin When looking at the meaning of fasting, most of us think it only entails the apparent conditions of not eating or drinking and not having sexual relations from sunrise to sunset. However, there are certain hidden etiquettes of fasting as well which must be respected and obeyed. The hidden etiquettes are that all parts of the body must be prevented from committing acts that are against the laws of Shariah. Only then can we truly benefit from the blessings of fasting and only then will we be successful in receiving the reward of becoming pious, as Allah Ta’ala says “O Believers! Fasting has been made obligatory upon you as were made obligatory upon those before you, so that you may become pious. [surah 2, Verse 183]” Therefore, let us study the fast of the parts of the body and try to act upon them. · It is essential to safeguard the tongue from committing sin by lying, backbiting, using vulgar language etc. Lying is a grave sin that destroys the reward for fasting. We should always refrain from lying but it is especially critical to stay away from lying in the month of Ramadaan because if we lie whilst we are fasting, then we have defeated the purpose of fasting. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “If a person does not refrain from lying, then Allah Ta’ala has no need for him to give up his food and drink.” [bukhari Shareef ] · Backbiting is a sin that many of us commit daily, often without realizing it. During the time of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), two ladies were fasting but became so thirsty that they feared for their lives. Finally, they asked Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) for permission to break the fast. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) sent a bowl to them and told them to vomit everything that they had eaten into the bowl. They did as they were told and their vomit contained running blood and clots of blood also. The people were astonished at seeing this and Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “These two women ate Sehri with those things that Allah Ta’ala has made lawful, but then broke their fast with something that has been made unlawful by Allah Ta’ala; in other words, they remained busy in backbiting.” Remember, backbiting is such an evil sin that Allah Ta’ala has compared it to ‘eating the meat of your dead brother.’ Allah Ta’ala states in the Holy Qur’an, “…and do not backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would abominate it… [surah 49, Verse 12]” Therefore, we must always, and especially in the month of Ramadaan, attempt to refrain from backbiting or speaking ill of others. · It is essential to safeguard the ears from hearing evil things at all times, but special attention should be paid to ensure this whilst fasting. It is said that there is fasting for every part of the body, and fasting of the ears is that they should be protected from hearing evil and useless things as hearing such things has a great effect on the heart, which turns thoughts towards sinning. It is essential for a fasting person to refrain from listening to backbiting, lies, jokes, film stories, film songs and crude talk. Listen to recitation of the Holy Qur’an and Naaths and Insha Allah, the heart will be illuminated and the spiritual benefits of fasting will be obtained. · It is essential for us to safeguard our eyes, especially whilst we are fasting. We have to safeguard our eyes from looking at na-mahram women, TV, dancing, songs, movies and nude or obscene pictures. Looking at such things turns the mind towards committing sins and that destroys the spirit of fasting. Therefore, we must save our eyes from such things and should rather look at and recite the Holy Qur’an and Insha Allah, we will obtain untold benefits. · The aim and object of fasting is to instil in our hearts the enthusiasm to refrain from all kinds of sins. All sins that are committed by humans are first thought about in the heart before they are carried out. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “There is a piece of meat in the body of humans, if that remains safe then the whole body is safe, and if that becomes corrupted then the whole body is corrupted; that piece of meat is the heart.” Therefore, it is essential for us to safeguard our hearts from false and evil thoughts. · And lastly, one of the major sins that many of us neglect to safeguard ourselves from, is not reading our five times Salaah. Salaah is compulsory and one would never be able to truly benefit from the blessings of fasting by neglecting the Salaah. In fact, one would be committing a grave sin by disobeying the command of Allah Ta’ala in such a sanctified month, which can only lead to the Anger of Allah Ta’ala. After saving every part of one’s body from committing sin, out of fear of Allah Ta’ala and for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, a person has full faith that I obeyed the orders of the Almighty Allah completely and Allah Ta’ala will definitely accept the supplication that I make at this time, just as Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “The supplications of three types of people are never rejected; a fasting person at the time of Iftaar, a just ruler, and an oppressed person.” [Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah] Recitation of the Holy Qur’an The revelation of the Holy Qur’an onto the blessed heart of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) began in this very month, and who can know this relationship better than Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). The relationship between the month of Ramadaan and the Holy Qur’an can also be seen in a Hadith that is narrated by Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) in which Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Fasting and the Qur’an will intercede on behalf of a person. The fast will say “O Almighty Lord! I stopped him from eating and fulfilling his desires during the day, accept my intercession on his behalf.” The Qur’an will say, “I prevented him from sleeping at night, accept my intercession on his behalf.”” Therefore we should make it a habit to recite the Holy Qur’an so that we may thrive on the blessings and excellences thereof. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) narrates that, “If a person desires that he loves Allah Ta’ala and His Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), he should recite the Holy Qur’an.” Many of us claim to love Allah Ta’ala and His Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) but our claims are short-lived without any action. Therefore, if you claim to love Allah Ta’ala and want to be truthful in that claim, then make it your habit to recite the Holy Qur’an and firmly act on its orders. The Holy Qur’an is such a book that looking at it, reciting it, learning it and contemplating its meanings are all forms of worship. Our minds are unable to comprehend the reward that Allah Ta’ala grants for reciting the Holy Qur’an. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “One who recites the Qur’an and then thinks that someone else received more reward than him, such a person has definitely taken lightly, something that has been made very exalted by Allah Ta’ala.” When a heart is drowned in fulfilling its desires and committing various kinds of sins, becomes neglectful of the remembrance of Almighty Allah, and forgets its reason for being alive, the result is that, little by little, it becomes rusted, and this rust is the cause of dissension in the whole body. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Undoubtedly, hearts get rusted just as iron gets rusty when water falls on it.” The Blessed Companions asked, “Ya Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), how is the heart cleaned?” Our Beloved Aaqa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Remembering death often and reciting the Holy Qur’an.” [Mishkaat Shareef ] If any of us are guilty of disobeying the commands of Allah Ta’ala in this blessed month, let us make Taubah (repent) and try to stay away from committing sins. Let us also try to make as much Ibaadat as possible in these last ten days that are left because we do not know if we will see another Ramadaan Shareef. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to always respect the month of Ramadaan, and to always seek His pleasure and the pleasure of His Beloved, our Aaqa Muhammad Mustafa Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, Ameen.

The month of Ramadaan is a blessing for which Muslims await throughout the year. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) referred to this month as “The Month of My Ummah” and it is no doubt a month in which the Ummah can take advantage of the innumerable blessings, both spiritual and worldly. Hereunder is a discussion of some of the excellent qualities of the month of Ramadaan, as told to us by our Beloved Master Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Insha Allah it would inspire us to perform as many good deeds as we can during this sacred month. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) once delivered a sermon on the last day of Shabaan and said the following from his blessed lips: “O people! A mighty month has cast its protective shade to screen you. A blessed month, a month in which there is a night that is better than a thousand months! Allah has made keeping fast therein an obligatory duty and the observance of night vigil therein a voluntary practice. If someone seeks to draw near to Allah therein by setting just one example of good conduct, or performs just one religious obligation, that person will be exactly the same as someone who discharges seventy religious obligations during all the other months of the year. It is the month of patient endurance, the reward of which is paradise. It is the month of charitable sharing and it is the month in which the sustenance of the true believer is increased. So if someone provides a meal for a person who is keeping the fast, this will result in forgiveness for his sins, and in his emancipation from hell. The benefactor will also be granted a reward equivalent to that earned by the recipient of his generosity, without any reward being reduced from the former.” Some of those that were present said that not all of them had the capacity to provide a meal to a fasting person, to which Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied: “Allah will grant this reward to anyone who gives some kind of nourishment to a fasting person, even if it is merely a dried date, a drink of water or a cup of diluted milk. It is a month, the beginning of which is a mercy, the middle of which is forgiveness, and the last part of which is a deliverance from the fire of hell. During the course of this month you must therefore cultivate four practices and repeat them frequently. Two of these are practices by which you will earn Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure, while the other two are practices that you simply cannot afford to do without. As for the two practices that will earn you Almighty Allah’s pleasure, they are testifying that there is no God except Allah (La Ilaaha Illallah) and begging Him for forgiveness. As for the two that you simply cannot afford to do without, they are imploring Allah to grant you the Garden of Paradise and taking refuge with Him from the Fire of Hell. Furthermore, if someone provides a satisfying meal in the course of this month for a fasting person, Allah Ta’ala will grant the benefactor a drink from my Fountain, after which he will never feel thirsty again.” Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) narrates that Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “As soon as Ramadaan comes around, the gates of the Garden of Paradise are flung open, the gates of the Fire of Hell are shut and locked, and the devils (shayateen) are shackled and tied up tight.” Once, the Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “If the servants of Allah only knew what the month of Ramadaan contains, those servants of His would dearly wish that the month of Ramadaan could be a whole year!” On hearing this, someone asked Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) to tell them about this month, to which he responded, by saying: “The Garden of Paradise will surely be adorned for the sake of the month of Ramadaan, from the beginning of the year through the whole of the intervening period. Then, as soon as the first night of the month of Ramadaan has arrived, a wind will blow from beneath the Heavenly Throne (Arsh), causing the leaves of the trees of the Garden of Paradise to be set in a state of commotion. The brides of Paradise, those maidens with such lovely eyes, will regard this as a good omen, so they will say, “O Lord, grant us from among Your male servants in this month, such husbands that our eyes will be soothed by them, and their eyes will be soothed by us.” No servant of Allah Ta’ala, who keeps the fast through the month of Ramadaan, can possibly fail to be married to a wife from among the brides of Paradise, those maidens with such lovely eyes. The wedding will take place inside a pavilion made from a single hollowed pearl. This fits the description given by Allah Ta’ala: “There are houris, (Virgins of Paradise) confined in tents.” [surah 55, Verse 72] Every woman amongst them will be dressed in seventy fine articles of clothing, no item being the same as any other. She will be given seventy kinds of perfume, none with the same fragrance as any other. She will also be given seventy throne-like raised couches, made from red rubies and studded with pearls. Upon each of these couches there will be seventy cushions, the lining of which will consist of thick silk brocade interwoven with gold, and over every cushion there will be seventy canopies. Every woman amongst them will have seventy thousand pageboys to attend to her own needs, as well as seventy thousand maidservants to attend to the needs of her husband. Each of these maidservants will carry a dish made of gold, containing some kind of cooked food, the last morsel of which will be found to have a delicious flavour that went unnoticed in the first bite. Her husband will be given special treats like this, as he reclines upon a couch made from a single red ruby, wearing two bracelets of gold inlaid with sapphires. Such will be the reward for one who has kept the fast through the month of Ramadaan, quite apart from what he might have earned by performing charitable deeds!” Subhaanallah! On another occasion Nabi-e-Kareem (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “The members of my Ummah will not be put to shame, so long as they observe the night vigil during the month of Ramadaan.” On hearing this, someone asked what resulted in their being put to shame, to which Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied: “If someone is guilty, during the month of Ramadaan, of violating a sacred ordinance, of committing an evil deed, of drinking intoxicating liquor, or of committing adultery or fornication, his fasting in Ramadaan will not be accepted of him. Allah Ta’ala and His angels and all those who dwell in the heavens will curse him, and the curse will remain in effect until the same point in time the following year. If he happens to die in the interval before the next Ramadaan comes around, he will die without having even one good deed to his credit in the sight of Allah.” Therefore we must be very careful of committing any sin during this month, as there is a fear that we might be punished by not having our fasting accepted, and by being cursed by Allah Ta’ala and His angels. Furthermore, the shayateen are chained during this month, so we have absolutely no excuse for committing any sin; if we do, we only have our own nafs to blame. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has mentioned many other excellences of the blessed month of Ramadaan in the Ahadith, a few of which are quoted below: • “If someone keeps the fast on the first day of the month of Ramadaan, Allah will forgive him every sin until the last day of Ramadaan, and his fasting will be an expiation until the same point in time. For every day on which he keeps the fast, he will be granted a palatial mansion in Paradise, equipped with a thousand doors made of gold. From early in the morning, seventy thousand angels will beg for forgiveness on his behalf, and for every act of prostration he performs by night or by day, he will be granted a tree in Paradise, a tree in the shade of which a rider can travel for one hundred years without ever passing beyond it.” • “On each and every night of the month of Ramadaan, Allah Ta’ala will say three times, “Does anyone have a request to make, so that I may grant his request? Is there anyone who wishes to repent, so that I may relent towards him and accept his repentance? Is there anyone wishing to seek forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?”” • “On each and every day of the month of Ramadaan, by the time when the fast is duly broken, Allah Ta’ala will have delivered a million of His servants from the Fire of Hell, even though all of them had incurred the penalty of damnation. Moreover, when the night of the Day of Congregation (Jumma) comes around, and on the Day of Jumma itself, it will be during every single hour that Allah Ta’ala delivers a million of His servants from the Fire of Hell, even though all of them had incurred the penalty of damnation. As for what will happen on the last day of the month of Ramadaan, on that day Allah Ta’ala will deliver a number equal to the total of all those he has delivered from the Fire of Hell between the first of the month and the last.” • “Throughout the entire month of Ramadaan, Allah Ta’ala will go on issuing this call, “My servants, men and women alike! Be of good cheer, be patient, and steadily persevere! I am about to grant you relief from your trouble and pain, and you will shortly attain My Mercy and My Generous Favour.”” • “If Allah Ta’ala were ever to allow the heavens and the earth to speak, they would surely greet those who keep the fast of Ramadaan, hailing them with glad tidings of the Garden of Paradise.” • “As soon as the first night of the month of Ramadaan has arrived, the All Majestic One will summon Ridwan, the keeper of the Garden of Paradise. The ever-obedient Ridwan will present himself at once, saying, “I wait intent upon Your service, time and time again, and upon aiding Your cause, time and time again!” Allah Ta’ala will then tell him, “You must refurnish and redecorate My Garden of Paradise for the sake of those members of the community (Ummah) of Ahmad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) who are keeping the fast.” Next, He will summon Malik, the keeper of the Fire of Hell, with the call, “O Malik!” The ever-obedient Malik will present himself at once, saying, “I wait intent upon Your service, time and time again, and upon aiding Your cause, time and time again!” Allah Ta’ala will then tell him, “Shut the doors of the blazing Fire of Hell, so as to lock out those members of the community of Ahmad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) who are keeping the fast. Then do not reopen those doors to them until they have completed their month of fasting.” At this point He will summon Jibra'eel, who will present himself at once, saying, “I wait intent upon Your service, time and time again, and upon aiding Your cause, time and time again!” Allah Ta’ala will then tell him, “You must go down to the earth below, in order to shackle the defiant and rebellious devils, so that they cannot meddle with the community of Ahmad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), and spoil their experience of fasting and breaking fast.”” • “The sleep of one who keeps the fast is an act of worshipful service, his silence is a declaration of the Glory of the Lord, his prayer of supplication is sure to be accepted, and the merit of every good deed he performs is sure to be multiplied.” • “If someone keeps the fast and observes the night in vigil during Ramadaan, as a matter of faith and in anticipation of Allah’s favour in the hereafter, but with no expectation of worldly reward, he will be forgiven his earlier sins, as well as those he committed recently.” • “For every good deed or practice performed by a human being belonging to my Ummah, the merit will be multiplied at least ten times, and up to seven hundred times in some cases. The sole exception is the fast, for Allah Ta’ala has told us, “The fast belongs to Me, and I provide its recompense. When someone keeps the fast he is abstaining from his carnal desire, his eating and drinking, for My sake.” The fast is a suit of armour. Moreover, two occasions of joy are in store for the person who is keeping the fast; joy at the moment of breaking the fast and joy at the moment of meeting his Lord.” Subhaanallah! Just by us being the Ummah of the Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Allah Ta’ala has so much of Mercy on us. Furthermore, Allah Ta’ala loves us so much that He just finds an excuse to shower His Infinite Mercy upon us. Subhaanallah! May we die in the slavery of Allah and His Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). It is narrated by Hazrat Abul Barakaat (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) that if someone, while performing voluntary worship at night during the month of Ramadaan, recites the words addressed by Allah Ta’ala to His Beloved Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) - “Undoubtedly, We have granted you a clear victory” [surah 48, Verse 1] - that person will receive a guarantee of safekeeping for the whole of that year. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq and Hidayat to take full advantage of the innumerable blessings in the blessed month of Ramadaan, to make as much Ibaadat as possible, and to stay away from anything that might lead to His displeasure, Ameen. [Compiled from Ghunyalit Taalibi Tareeqal Haq by Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh]

Hadrat ibn-e-‘Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “Do not commence fasting (Ramadan) till you see the new moon, and do not cease fasting (perform Eid) till you see it. But if the weather is cloudy, or there is a smog in the sky(which prevents sighting of the moon), then complete 30 days of the month.” [sahih Bukhari, Vol 1, Page 256] In another narration, the Messenger of Allah, “The month sometimes is of twenty-nine days, but do not fast till you see the moon. But if the weather is cloudy or there is a smog, then complete thirty days of the month.” Hadrat Sheikh ‘Abd al-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehwli states: According to the Islamic Law (Shari’ah), what the astrologers say or inform is not accepted and is unreliable. Neither the Messenger of Allah, his companions, their followers, nor the pious predecessors followed their utterances, and nor did they act upon them. [Ashi’ah al-Lam’at Hadrat Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “Commence the fast when you see it (the moon) and cease fasting (perform Eid) when you see it. But if the weather is cloudy, complete thirty days of Sha’ban.” [sahih Bukhari, Vol 1, Page 256] Hadrat Ibn ‘Abbas reported that a desert Arab came to the Holy Prophet and said, “I have seen the new moon i.e. the new moon of Ramadhan.” He asked, “do you testify that there is no god but Allah?” he said: yes. He then asked: do you testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Yes.” So, the Messenger of Allah said, “O Bilal, announce to the people that they must fast tomorrow.” [sunan Abi Dawud, Vol 1, Page 320 and Tirmidhi, Vol 1, Page 148] Hadrat Sheikh ‘Abd al-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi states: It has been proven from the Hadith that a person who is mastur-ul-Hal i.e. whose being a fasiq is not apparent, then his report or testimony is accepted for the beginning of the month of Ramadan. Stating the words of “shahadah” (bearing witness) is not a condition. [Ashi’ah al-Lam’at] ..:: Important Notes on Sighting of the Moon ::.. 1. There are a few ways of proving the sighting the moon: A. News of sighting the moon – on the night of the 29th of Sha’ban when the sky is not clear (cloudy), then the news of sighting the moon given by a muslim male or female, equitable or Mastur-ul-Haal (a person who’s inward state is concealed – whose fisq is not apparent) shall prove the beginning of Ramadan. In the case when the sky is clear, it is sufficient for a person who fulfils the above-mentioned criterions to see the moon outside the place where inhabitants are, such as in an open field, or on a high place. Otherwise, there should be such a great number of people, who witness the sighting of the moon with their naked eye. For the rest of the 11 months, in the case of the sky not being clear, then there should be two (2) witnesses who are equitable (‘adil). In the case of the sky being clear, there should be such a great number of people giving witness (bearing testimony for their sighting of the moon) whose unanimity on speaking falsehood is merely impossible rationally. [Radd al-Muhtar – Vol. 2 Pg. 94-95, and in al-Bahr al-Ra’iq – Vol. 2 Pg. 269] B. Shahadat ‘ala al-Shahadah (witness upon witness) - this is when the witnesses have not seen the moon themselves. However, those who did see the moon bore witness in front of them of their sighting, and made them witnesses upon this. So, in this way the sighting of the moon is proven, only on the condition that the people who saw the moon are unable and incapable to be present in order to give their witness directly [to the Qazi or the ‘Alim if there is no Qazi]. The way to give witness in this situation is that each person from the people who saw the moon with their naked eyes, makes 2 persons their witness and ask them to become their witness that, “I saw the moon on the night of such and such a day, and such and such a month of such and such a year.” Then each person from the secondary witnesses testify that, “Such and such a person, the son of such and such a person has made me a witness on their sighting of the moon on the night of such and such day, of such and such a month of such and such a year, and they have asked me to become their witness on this sighting.” [Radd al-Muhtar Vol. 4 Pg. 409 and also in Fatawa al-Hindiyyah (‘Alamgiri) Vol. 3 Pg. 410.] C. Shahadah ‘ala al-Qada’ (giving witness in front of an Islamic Judge) - this means that in another city there came witnesses in front of an Islamic Judge or a Mufti who bore witness of their sighting of the moon, and the Judge or the Mufti has passed a verdict that the moon has been seen, and in the time of giving the witness there were 2 reliable, trustworthy, righteous men present in the Dar-ul-Qada (the Islamic Court) who saw and heard the witnesses giving their witness. These 2 witnesses came to a different city or town and bore witness that, “In such and such a city in front of us and in the presence of the Judge (or the Mufti) there came witnesses who testified that they saw the moon on the night of such and such a day and the Mufti has declared sighting of the moon on such and such a day”, then this shall also be proof of sighting of the moon. [Fatawa al-Imam al-Ghuzza Pg. 6 and Fath al-Qadir Vol. 2 Pg. 243] D. Istifadah (well-circulated reports) – when there is such a Grand-Mufti in an Islamic city to whom the mass majority of people flock towards in order to gain Islamic reluings petaining their everyday issues; and by whose fatwa the verdicts are given as regards to the beginning and the end of Ramadan and ‘Eidain; and in such a city the general public do not start or terminate fasting according to themselves, then if numerous groups of people come from that city to another and bear witness all at once that upon the sighting of the moon on such and such a day, the fasting of Ramadhan has commenced or that Eid was made, then this testimony shall also prove the sighting of the moon. However, if it is only rumours and no one knows who said it or on being asked how they knew the sighting of the moon, they say, “we heard” or “other people have said it”, then there is absolutely no istifadah upon such reports. Also, in a city where there is no Islamic mufti or there is but he is incapabile of issuing a Fatwa or is reliable and trustworthy but the general public in that city decide for themselves when to start and end Ramadan and Eid, (as is quite common nowadays,) then the unanimity or even the tawatur (mass-transmitted reports) from this city in this news can in no way prove the sighting of the moon. [Radd al-Muhtar Vol. 2 Pg. 97 and Fatawa-e-Radawiyyah Vol. 4 Pg. 553] E. Termination of the number of days in a month - when 30 days of a month have passed then the sighting of the moon for the next month is proven. However, if upon the witness of one person the starting of Ramadhan was accepted, and by this calculation 30 days of Ramadhan had passed, but because of the sky not being clear the moon could not be seen, then the termination of the number of days in the month does not suffice, but in fact another fast should be kept. [Radd al-Muhtar Vol. 2 Pg. 97] 2. If the moon has been sighted according to the Shari’ah rules and conditions, then the sighting of people in the west is a certain proof of sighting of the moon for people living in the east. [Fatawa al-Imam al-Ghuzza Pg. 5] 3. A calendar or a timetable does in no way prove the sighting of the moon. [Radd al-Mohtar Vol. 2 Pg. 94] 4. Media reports do not in any way prove the sighting of the moon. Most of the time newspaper reports or reports from TV or the radio are just guesses and no more than rumours here and there. And even if the news is correct, but because of the sighting of the moon not being proven by Shari’ah rules and regulations it cannot be accepted in anyway. [Radd al-Muhtar Vol. 2 Pg. 97] 5. Letters also do not prove sighting of the moon, as one person’s handwriting can be identical to another. Hence there is doubt and it does benefit any knowledge of full certainty. [al-Durr al-Mukhtar and also in al-Hidayah] 6. News given via a telephone (or mobile) telegram or any satellite link is more unreliable than a letter as in a letter the addressee recognises the signature, writing and the stamp of the writer. Also in a letter, there is even a slight indication that the handwriting is of the actual writer, which is not present in the news given by a telephone or another satellite link. Furthermore, when the witness is behind a veil then their witness is not reliable as one voice is identical to another, then how is it possible that the sighting of the moon be reliable or even accepted when this news has reached via telephone, telegram (or similar) technogical equipment?! Plus the fact that in wordly matters and affairs, news received via the telephone is not accepted, nor is it reliable, then how can it be reliable in matters related to the religion; where one has to be extremely careful. [Fatawa-e-‘Alamgiri Vol. 3 Pg. 357] 7. Radio or Television: there are much more complexities and difficulties in receiving the news and accepting its reliability from a radio or a television than to receive it from a telegram or a telephone, as one can ask questions and receive answers via a telephone or a telegram whereas this is not the case on the radio or the television (when the news is given, discussions and debates are a different matter). Conclusively, these new technological equipments can be used to spread news worldwide, but they cannot be accepted in the matters as related to giving shahadah witness. This is why in the court the judge does not give a verdict until the witnesses do not present themselves in the court to give their witness account. Telephone calls or news received from the telegram or radio, television are totally unaccepted. The Messenger of Allah has stated: “But if the weather is cloudy, wait till thirty days of the previous month have passed.” But it is quite a saddening and disappointing fact to see people in these days (most of them being neglectful of their prayers and the obligatory fasts) rise in uproar on receiving the news on the radio or the telephone or the television about the sighting of the moon. May Almighty Allah give them the guidance to act upon the sayings of the Beloved Prophet. 8. In a country where there is no Islamic Ruler, and nor is there any Qadi appointed for the task (of accepting or refusing the witnesses), then the Grand-Mufti of a city who has beliefs in conformity with Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah (Sunni) is the subordinate. Wherever, there is no mufti, then the witness (shahadah) for the sighting of the moon shall be presented in front of the general public (of Muslims). [Fatawa-e-Radwiyyah – V. 4 Pg. 547] It has been stated in “al-Hadiqah al-Nadiyyah Sharh Tariqah al-Muhammadiyyah” - by Imam al-’Allama ‘Abd al-Ghani al-Nablusi al-Dimishqi - that: When an era is without any Islamic Ruler who suffices the Muslims for their affairs which pertain to the religion, then all the Islamic affairs and rulings shall be referred to the scholars of Islam (the ‘ulema), and in every aspect of their life, Muslims are obliged to consult these ulema. These ulema shall be considered the ‘Islamic rulers’ and the ‘Islamic judges’. Then, if it is impossible for the unanimity of the Muslims to appoint one specific scholar, then the people of each and every district or town shall foloow their ‘ulema. Then, if there are innumerable ‘ulema in one district, then amongst them the ‘alim who has the most knowledge as regards the Islamic rulings, he shall be followed, if they are all equal (in knowledge) then a raffle should be taken (as to draw out the name of the ‘alim who shall be appouinted as the vice of the Qadi in that district). 9. The testimony of a fasiq-e-mu’lin (an open transgressor) such as the one who neglects establishing prayer, or prays the salah but frequently neglects praying with the congregation (jama’ah), shaves or trims his beard less than a fist, is not be accepted. Likewise, the evidence of an infidel (non-muslim), bad madhhab (follower of a deviant), an insane or an immature shall not be accepted. 10. On sighting the moon, the supplications as mentioned in the Ahadith should be read. 11. It is makruh (disapproved) to point finger towards the moon even though it may be to indicate to others the location of the moon. [bahar-e-Shari’at Chapter 5 Pg. 685, al-Durr al-Mukhtar and also in Fatawa-e-‘Alamgiri Vol. 1 Pg. 184] 12. It is wajib (necessary) for the Muslims to follow the Islamic dates and years (which are proven by the sighting of the moon). It is not permissible to follow the dates on the calendar, whose dates have been fixed following non-Islamic rules and regulations (such as the Gregorian English calendar). [al-Tafsir al-Kabir V. 4 Pg. 445] Taken from: “Anwaar al-Hadith” by Hadrat Allama Mawlana Mufti Jalal al-Din al-Qadiri al-Amjadi Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, Chapter 6, Page 157 to 162

AssalamualaikumWarahmatullah Wabarakatuh Bismilla Hirrahmannirraheem Allah Ta’ala clearly tells us in the Holy Qur’an about the excellences of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and further warns us about the consequences of referring to Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) as just an ordinary man. Insha Allah hereunder a few practical examples will be presented, which will surely kindle a spark of love and respect in the hearts of those who have love for Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), and will further affirm that no one can ever be like our Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Let us first look at what Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Qur’an. Allah Ta’ala warns mankind to refrain from referring to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) without respect and honour. Allah Ta’ala says “O believers! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Communicator of Unseen (the Prophet) and speak not aloud in presence of him as you speak loud to one another, lest your deeds become in vain while you are unaware.” [surah 49, Verse 2]. This verse was revealed regarding Hazrat Thaabit bin Qais (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) who was hard of hearing and loud in speech. When the verse was revealed that keep your voices low when in the presence and company of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), he began to keep away from Masjid-e-Nabawi. When Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) noticed his absence, he enquired from Hazrat Sa'd (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh), the neighbour of Hazrat Thaabit bin Qais (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh), the reason for his absence. Hazrat Sa'd (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) then asked his neighbour his reason for staying away from the company of the Blessed Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Hazrat Thaabit (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) replied that I have become an inmate of hell because of my loud voice. When Hazrat Sa'd (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) conveyed this to Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), he replied, “Tell Thaabit not to fear, as he is from the inmates of Paradise.” [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan] The purpose of this verse is to inform the believers not to talk in raised voice in the company of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and not to address him like we address each other. Do not address him as our father, brother or an ordinary human being, but rather address him as the Messenger of Allah, the Intercessor of sinners etc. [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan] There are two points to ponder over, regarding this Verse. Firstly, in Shariah, speaking loud is not regarded as an offence and there is no sin for it. Yet look at the respect Allah Ta’ala commands us to have in the presence of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) that even the acceptable actions become unacceptable in his court. And the same acceptable action becomes such a great offence that all of one's good deeds are wiped out. Furthermore, we see from the Tafseer of this Verse that Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) knew that Hazrat Thaabit bin Qais (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) is the inmate of Paradise. Does anyone’s good deeds get wiped out if they talk in a loud voice to us? Do we know who is going to Jannat or Jahannam? How then can we claim to be like Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)?!!! When we speak, the words can be truthful or false. But when Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) speaks, every word he utters is the divine revelation of Allah. The Holy Qur’an confirms this fact clearly in the Verse, “And he speaks not of his own desire. That is not but the revelation that is revealed to him.” [surah 53, Verse 3-4] Let us now look at a few incidents that will give us a glimpse of the status of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Hazrat Umme Saleem (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha), the mother of Hazrat Anas (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) says that she collected the perspiration of the blessed Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) when he was asleep and mixed it into perfume. When he found out and asked her the reason for doing this she said that it smelt better than any perfume on this earth. [bukhari Shareef, Mishkaat Shareef ] Who amongst you is like him?! Our perspiration emits a bad odour whereas Rasoolullah’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) perspiration was bottled as perfume! That is why Qutbul Mauritius Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar Siddiqi Qadri Razvi (Rahmatullah Alaih) says in a Naath Shareef: Mareez Ke Liye Shaafi ‘Aroos Ko Kaafi, Ye Barkate Hain Tane Paak Ke Paseene Ki Cure for the sick, sufficient for the bride, this is the blessings of the perspiration of the blessed body of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) After the conquest of Makkah, Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was once talking with one of his servants somewhere and leaned on the wall of a house belonging to a non-Muslim woman. The woman noticed this from within and immediately closed every window of her house out of hatred for Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), not wanting to hear his voice while inside. Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) then descended and said, “O Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Allah Ta’ala declares, “Even though this woman is a disbeliever, your rank is still elevated, and by you resting your back on her wall, I (Allah) cannot allow her to burn in the Fire of Hell as a result. She may have closed the window to her house, but I have opened the window to her heart, purely from the blessings of your actions.”” As soon as Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) said this, the woman emerged from her house in restlessness, fell to the feet of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and proclaimed the Kalima. [Nuzhatul Majaalis ] Who amongst you is like him?! If we lean on anyone’s wall do they become Jannatis? How truly and severely misguided are those who slander Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). When the time of Rasoolullah’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) departure from this mundane world had neared, Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) descended with the Angel of Death (Alaihis Salaam) to his blessed house and said, “O Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), the Angel of Death is awaiting your permission to enter. He hasn’t taken permission from anyone before, nor will he ever again. If you grant him consent, he will come in and carry out his duty.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Let him in.” Hazrat Isra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) then entered the blessed house and said, “O Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Allah Ta’ala sent me here and ordered that I do whatever you command. If you allow me to take your soul, I will. Otherwise I will return.” Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) then said, “O Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Allah Ta’ala wishes to meet with you.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “You have permission to take my soul.” Hearing this, Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) then concluded, “Now I will never again visit this earth, since you were the only reason I used to come.” The Angel of Death (Alaihis Salaam) then carried out the very work that Allah Ta’ala had created him for. [Mishkaat Shareef; Mawaahibul Laduniya] Who amongst you is like him?! Does the Angel of Death ask permission to enter any of our homes? Does he ask us permission to take our soul? How can any person who has the slightest intellect and even an atom of love for Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), say that he was an ordinary man like us? Nearing the time of Rasoolullah’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) demise, Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) presented himself to him and said, “O Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), today the Heavens are in wait to welcome you. Allah Ta’ala has said to the Keeper of Jahannam, “My Beloved’s soul will pass by today, so extinguish your fires in honour of him!” The Maidens of Jannah have also been ordered to adorn themselves, and every angel has been commanded to stand in rows in your respect. I (Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) too have been ordered to present myself in your service and convey the good news to you that no Ummah will enter Jannat until yours does. Furthermore, on the Day of Judgment, Allah Ta’ala will bestow your Ummah with so much mercy and blessings because of you, that you will ultimately be satisfied with the outcome.” [Madaarijun Nubuwwah] When the time for giving Ghusl to Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had arrived, the Sahaabah were unsure of whether his clothes should be removed like everyone else’s or not and had a discussion amongst themselves regarding what to do about this. Without warning, all were then simultaneously overtaken by a deep sleep, and after lowering their heads onto their chests, they collectively heard a voice say to them, “Do you not know who this person is? Beware! This is the Messenger of Allah. Give him Ghusl with his clothes still on him.” After this, the eyes of every Sahaabi opened, and the Ghusl of our Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was then given to him without anyone removing his clothes from his blessed body. [Mishkaat Shareef; Mawaahibul Laduniya] Not in Ghusl, not in inheritance, not in Salaah, not in anything is the Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) similar to us. He is a human being, yes, but a matchless one at that. It is for this reason that A’la Hazrat Imam Ahle Sunnat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) states: Theri Khulq ko Haqq ne Jameel Kaha Theri Khalq ko Haq ne Azeem Kaha Koyi Thuj sa Huwa he na Hoga Shaha There Khaaliqe Husno Adaa ki Qasam Allah (Haqq) has said your mannerism to be beautiful, Allah has said your creation to be great Oath on Allah, the Creator of your beauty and splendour, There was never, and shall never be anyone equal to you! May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to love and respect Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) the way the Awliya Allah did, Ameen.

AssalamualaikumWarahmatullah Wabarakatuh Bismilla Hirrahmannirraheem Allah Ta’ala clearly tells us in the Holy Qur’an about the excellences of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and further warns us about the consequences of referring to Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) as just an ordinary man. Insha Allah hereunder a few practical examples will be presented, which will surely kindle a spark of love and respect in the hearts of those who have love for Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), and will further affirm that no one can ever be like our Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Let us first look at what Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Qur’an. Allah Ta’ala warns mankind to refrain from referring to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) without respect and honour. Allah Ta’ala says “O believers! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Communicator of Unseen (the Prophet) and speak not aloud in presence of him as you speak loud to one another, lest your deeds become in vain while you are unaware.” [surah 49, Verse 2]. This verse was revealed regarding Hazrat Thaabit bin Qais (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) who was hard of hearing and loud in speech. When the verse was revealed that keep your voices low when in the presence and company of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), he began to keep away from Masjid-e-Nabawi. When Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) noticed his absence, he enquired from Hazrat Sa'd (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh), the neighbour of Hazrat Thaabit bin Qais (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh), the reason for his absence. Hazrat Sa'd (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) then asked his neighbour his reason for staying away from the company of the Blessed Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Hazrat Thaabit (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) replied that I have become an inmate of hell because of my loud voice. When Hazrat Sa'd (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) conveyed this to Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), he replied, “Tell Thaabit not to fear, as he is from the inmates of Paradise.” [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan] The purpose of this verse is to inform the believers not to talk in raised voice in the company of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and not to address him like we address each other. Do not address him as our father, brother or an ordinary human being, but rather address him as the Messenger of Allah, the Intercessor of sinners etc. [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan] There are two points to ponder over, regarding this Verse. Firstly, in Shariah, speaking loud is not regarded as an offence and there is no sin for it. Yet look at the respect Allah Ta’ala commands us to have in the presence of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) that even the acceptable actions become unacceptable in his court. And the same acceptable action becomes such a great offence that all of one's good deeds are wiped out. Furthermore, we see from the Tafseer of this Verse that Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) knew that Hazrat Thaabit bin Qais (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) is the inmate of Paradise. Does anyone’s good deeds get wiped out if they talk in a loud voice to us? Do we know who is going to Jannat or Jahannam? How then can we claim to be like Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)?!!! When we speak, the words can be truthful or false. But when Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) speaks, every word he utters is the divine revelation of Allah. The Holy Qur’an confirms this fact clearly in the Verse, “And he speaks not of his own desire. That is not but the revelation that is revealed to him.” [surah 53, Verse 3-4] Let us now look at a few incidents that will give us a glimpse of the status of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Hazrat Umme Saleem (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha), the mother of Hazrat Anas (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) says that she collected the perspiration of the blessed Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) when he was asleep and mixed it into perfume. When he found out and asked her the reason for doing this she said that it smelt better than any perfume on this earth. [bukhari Shareef, Mishkaat Shareef ] Who amongst you is like him?! Our perspiration emits a bad odour whereas Rasoolullah’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) perspiration was bottled as perfume! That is why Qutbul Mauritius Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar Siddiqi Qadri Razvi (Rahmatullah Alaih) says in a Naath Shareef: Mareez Ke Liye Shaafi ‘Aroos Ko Kaafi, Ye Barkate Hain Tane Paak Ke Paseene Ki Cure for the sick, sufficient for the bride, this is the blessings of the perspiration of the blessed body of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) After the conquest of Makkah, Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was once talking with one of his servants somewhere and leaned on the wall of a house belonging to a non-Muslim woman. The woman noticed this from within and immediately closed every window of her house out of hatred for Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), not wanting to hear his voice while inside. Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) then descended and said, “O Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Allah Ta’ala declares, “Even though this woman is a disbeliever, your rank is still elevated, and by you resting your back on her wall, I (Allah) cannot allow her to burn in the Fire of Hell as a result. She may have closed the window to her house, but I have opened the window to her heart, purely from the blessings of your actions.”” As soon as Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) said this, the woman emerged from her house in restlessness, fell to the feet of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and proclaimed the Kalima. [Nuzhatul Majaalis ] Who amongst you is like him?! If we lean on anyone’s wall do they become Jannatis? How truly and severely misguided are those who slander Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). When the time of Rasoolullah’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) departure from this mundane world had neared, Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) descended with the Angel of Death (Alaihis Salaam) to his blessed house and said, “O Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), the Angel of Death is awaiting your permission to enter. He hasn’t taken permission from anyone before, nor will he ever again. If you grant him consent, he will come in and carry out his duty.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Let him in.” Hazrat Isra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) then entered the blessed house and said, “O Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Allah Ta’ala sent me here and ordered that I do whatever you command. If you allow me to take your soul, I will. Otherwise I will return.” Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) then said, “O Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Allah Ta’ala wishes to meet with you.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “You have permission to take my soul.” Hearing this, Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) then concluded, “Now I will never again visit this earth, since you were the only reason I used to come.” The Angel of Death (Alaihis Salaam) then carried out the very work that Allah Ta’ala had created him for. [Mishkaat Shareef; Mawaahibul Laduniya] Who amongst you is like him?! Does the Angel of Death ask permission to enter any of our homes? Does he ask us permission to take our soul? How can any person who has the slightest intellect and even an atom of love for Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), say that he was an ordinary man like us? Nearing the time of Rasoolullah’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) demise, Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) presented himself to him and said, “O Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), today the Heavens are in wait to welcome you. Allah Ta’ala has said to the Keeper of Jahannam, “My Beloved’s soul will pass by today, so extinguish your fires in honour of him!” The Maidens of Jannah have also been ordered to adorn themselves, and every angel has been commanded to stand in rows in your respect. I (Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) too have been ordered to present myself in your service and convey the good news to you that no Ummah will enter Jannat until yours does. Furthermore, on the Day of Judgment, Allah Ta’ala will bestow your Ummah with so much mercy and blessings because of you, that you will ultimately be satisfied with the outcome.” [Madaarijun Nubuwwah] When the time for giving Ghusl to Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had arrived, the Sahaabah were unsure of whether his clothes should be removed like everyone else’s or not and had a discussion amongst themselves regarding what to do about this. Without warning, all were then simultaneously overtaken by a deep sleep, and after lowering their heads onto their chests, they collectively heard a voice say to them, “Do you not know who this person is? Beware! This is the Messenger of Allah. Give him Ghusl with his clothes still on him.” After this, the eyes of every Sahaabi opened, and the Ghusl of our Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was then given to him without anyone removing his clothes from his blessed body. [Mishkaat Shareef; Mawaahibul Laduniya] Not in Ghusl, not in inheritance, not in Salaah, not in anything is the Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) similar to us. He is a human being, yes, but a matchless one at that. It is for this reason that A’la Hazrat Imam Ahle Sunnat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) states: Theri Khulq ko Haqq ne Jameel Kaha Theri Khalq ko Haq ne Azeem Kaha Koyi Thuj sa Huwa he na Hoga Shaha There Khaaliqe Husno Adaa ki Qasam Allah (Haqq) has said your mannerism to be beautiful, Allah has said your creation to be great Oath on Allah, the Creator of your beauty and splendour, There was never, and shall never be anyone equal to you! May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to love and respect Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) the way the Awliya Allah did, Ameen.

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakatuh Bismilla Hirrahman Nirraheem Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is a matchless personality whose reality only Allah Ta'ala knows. We will never be able to comprehend what his true status and power is. However, we must make sure that we never utter words, which to us might not seem insulting due to our lack of understanding, but in reality would be an insult to Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). The Prophets generally presented themselves as ordinary men so that we may know how to live our lives properly. If they simply acted on their knowledge without explaining anything (the way Hazrat Khidr (Alaihis Salaam) did with Hazrat Moosa (Alaihis Salaam)), what would we have learnt? If Allah Ta'ala were to send an angel instead of a man, then the followers would have legitimate reasons not to follow his example. They could claim that angels are made from divine light and are immune from sins, and therefore using them as a role model is impossible. Hence, Allah ensured that all Prophets and Messengers were men so the disbelievers would have no reason not to follow them. Some misguided people refer to the verse “Say, I am a man like you” to argue that Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was simply “a man just like us”. There is a paramount difference between Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying it and others saying it. Firstly, by using the command “say” it is hinted that in terms of expressing humility only you Oh Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) can call yourself human, no one else has the permission to call you in this way. For example, if a king says to his subjects that I am your servant, he does so out of humility, but if one of his subjects tells him, “you are my servant”, the same words becomes an insult and he becomes worthy of punishment in the court of the king. The same principle applies to referring to Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) as a man. When the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) himself said that he is a man, then this is seen in a virtuous manner. But if someone else calls him a man, it becomes a form of disrespect. Allah Ta'ala states in the Holy Qur’an, “Make not the summoning of the Messenger amongst yourselves, like one calls the other amongst you.” [surah 24, Verse 63] If Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was “just like us” then why did Almighty Allah prohibit us from summoning him like how we summon each other? Secondly, the whole verse has to be read to fully understand what is being said. Allah Ta’ala says, “Say, I am a man like you, I receive revelation that your God is one God, then whosoever hopes to meet his Lord, he should do noble deeds and associate not any one in the worship of his Lord. [surah 18, Verse 110]. Do we receive revelations? No! So how can Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) be like us? Once, Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) started to keep continuous fasts, where he did not eat anything for days. When the companions found out they began to do the same, but due to not eating or drinking at all they became extremely weak after a few days. When Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) heard about this he forbade the Companions from keeping such fasts and asked them, “Ayyukum Misli?” (Who amongst you is like me?) [bukhari Shareef ] From this we firstly learn that if the Sahaabah, who are the highest in status after the Ambiya, cannot be like Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), how can anyone today claim that Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is just like us, and is like our big brother? Ma’azallah! Secondly, let alone being like him, we cannot even fathom the true reality of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). This is why Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) himself said, “O Abu Bakr! Oath on He Who has sent me with the Truth, no one knows my reality besides Allah.” [Mataali’ul Musarraat ] Lastly, our beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) proved in his perpetual fasting that he did not have to eat to survive. But instead of him explaining to us all of the etiquettes of eating, he simply ate himself and provided in this way a detailed, visual example for us to follow. The Holy Qur’an says that the people of Hazrat Nuh (Alaihis Salaam) said to him, “We see you a man like us” [surah 11, Verse 27]. Obviously these people were not complementing but insulting him and soon earned the wrath of Allah when the flood came. This tells us that to call a Prophet an ordinary human being is a root to infidelity and a step towards misguidance. This was the very cause of Shaitaan going astray because he only looked at Hazrat Adam (Alaihis Salaam) as an ordinary human being. It should be remembered that the word 'Bashr' (human being) in respect of the Prophet has either been used by Almighty Allah, the Prophets themselves or the infidels. Thus the one who now refers to Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) as “a man like us” is definitely not Allah, nor is he a Prophet, so he must be an infidel. [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan] The disbeliever’s in the time of Hazrat Saaleh (Alaihis Salaam) remarked “You are indeed a man like us” [surah 26, Verse 154]. Another group of disbeliever’s remarked “He is not but a man like you, he eats of what you eat, and drinks what you drink” [surah 23, Verse 33]. This tells us that to regard the Prophets as humans like us and to assess them on just their eating and drinking without understanding their hidden mystical nature, has been the work of the infidels from earliest times. Abu Jahl did not become a Companion, but Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) did. Although both looked at Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Abu Jahl looked at the human side of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) while Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) saw the light enveloped under human form. [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan] It is important to understand that Allah Ta’ala speaks to His Beloveds the way He wants, and they present themselves in His Court the way they want. Sinners like us have no right to speak about the Prophets in the same way Allah Ta’ala speaks to them, just as how a person would not like his children to speak to him in the same way he is spoken to by his elders. We share our quality of humanity with the Prophets, but within that category, they and we are worlds apart. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is a human unlike any other human, just like how a diamond is a stone unlike any other stone. Even though he said he is a human, he is one of a kind, unmatched and unparalleled, just like how a diamond is a stone, yet its characteristics place it in a league of its own. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to have true love and utmost respect for our Beloved Master, Muhammad Mustafa Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, Ameen.

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullah Wbarakatuh Bismillah Hirrahman Nirraheem Laylatul Baraat--Night of 15th Shaban!!! The 15th night of Shabaan is a very blessed night. According to the Hadith Shareef, the name of this Mubarak night is "Nisf Shabaan" which means 15th night of Shabaan. The reason for this special night to attain its name of Laylatul Baraa'ah, meaning the Night of Salvation, Seeking Freedom from Azaab and Calamity, is that in this night the Barkaat and acceptance of repentance may be accomplished. Laylatul Baraa'ah in Persian, as well as in Urdu, is called Shabbe Baraat. It is the night of seeking pardon and repenting to Almighty Allah, remembering our past sins and sincerely settling the mind that one will never commits sins in the future. All the deeds that are against Shari'ah must be totally avoided so that our Du'a and Istighfaar, hopefully, will be accepted. Muslims should check themselves and A'la Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu) has given a beautiful advise in this regard. This great Imam said: "Verily the auspicious night of Shabbe Baraa'a is drawing near when the deeds of the slave will be presented to the Almighty Allah. I humbly supplicate in the Darbar-e-Aqdas of the Almighty Allah that through the Wasila-e-Uzma of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) He forgives the sins and transgressions of all Muslims. Aameen. "On this occasion, it should be the duty of all Sunni Muslims to forgive one another and to make sure that whatever debts owed to one another is settled. The importance of Huqooq-ul-Ibaad cannot be over-emphasised as this is among the pre-requisites for proper Ibaadat. I pray that all Muslims humbly remember this night and try as much as possible to perform Ibaadat and other pious deeds so that their Record of Deeds be presented in all dignity. "Finally, I pray that the Almighty Allah assists you and I and the Muslim Ummah wherever you may be. Muslims should be aware of sincerity and honesty in all their deeds. May Almighty Allah forgive all of us. Aameen." Faqeer Ahmed Raza Qaaderi (may Allah forgive him) HOW TO WELCOME THIS NIGHT On this auspicious night, you should perform fresh Ghusal and Wudhu and perform the two Rakaat of Tahhiyatul Wudhu. In every Rakaat, after the Suratul Fatiha, you should read Ayatul Kursi once and Surah Ahad three times. Also perform eight Rakaats of Salaah with four Salaams. In each Rakaat after the Surah Fatiha, you should read the Ayatul Kursi (once) and Surah Ahad fifty times. WHAT TO RECITE IMMEDIATELY AFTER SUNSET After sunset, you should recite "La Hawla walaa Quwwata illa Billahil-aliyil Azeem" forty times with three times Durood Shareef before and after. It is mentioned that by reciting this, Almighty Allah will forgive forty years of your sins and forty Hoors will await to serve you in Jannatul Firdous COUNTLESS MERCIES Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has stated: "Verily! Almighty Allah directs His Special Grace on the world on this Night. He forgives my Ummah more than the number of wool that is found on the sheep of the Bani Kalb". We should remember that in those days the Bani Kalb possessed the most number of sheep that any other tribe. How great is the Mercy of Almighty Allah on this night that He forgives millions of Muslims. We also realise from this that these numbers can only pertain to the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah collectively, for the righteous followers of the Hanafi, Shaafi'i, Maaliki and Hambali indeed number millions of Muslims. THE VISITORS OF THIS NIGHT It is narrated that the departed souls (Arwaah) of the Muslims visit the houses of their friends and relatives on this night and proclaim: "O people of the house! You stay in our houses and enjoy the wealth that we have left behind. You use our children and take work from them, please perform our Esaale Sawaab. Verily our deeds have become complete, while your record of deeds is still spread".. If the people of the house perform the Esaale Sawaab and Khatam Shareef on this night, then the Arwaah depart will the Sawaab extremely happy and overjoyed all the time making Du'a for the people VISIT TO THE CEMETERY Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa (radi Allahu anha) reports: "One night, which was the 15th of Shabaan, I did not find the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in the house so I went in search of him. After a long search, I found him in Baqiah (the cemetery of Madinah) offering Du'a for the deceased and praying for their forgiveness".. (Baihaqi) A special point must be made to visit the cemetery during this night and pray for the deceased buried therein, as the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is been reported as having visited the cemetery on this night and spending a long time therein, lamenting, reading and praying for the deceased. TO KEEP FAST According to the Hadith Shareef which is narrated by Ibne Habaan (radi Allahu anhu) that Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said¨ When the night of 15th Shabaan arrives spend the night awake and keep fast the next day".. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) reports that the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said often in his Khutba (sermon): "O people! Lighten and cleanse your bodies by way of fasting during Shabaan, so that it shall be easy and helpful to you for the fast during Ramadaan. Whoso fasts for three days during Shabaan, all his past sins are wiped off".. (Baihaqi) Fasting is also recommended on the 13th, 14th and 15th of Shabaan HOW TO SPEND THE NIGHT On this night, perform Nawaafil, recite the Quran Shareef, recite abundant Durood Shareef, Istighfaar and Kalima Tayyibah. It is also mentioned that if one reads Surah Dukhaan seven times on this night, Almighty Allah will reward you with 70 worldly needs and 70 deeds for the Hereafter. DO NOT BE AMONGST THOSE DEPRIVED OF MERCY Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: Almighty Allah forgives all Muslims on this night, besides the fortune tellers, the magicians, the alcoholics, those who disrespect their parents and those who take part and encourage adultery" In another narration, the following people have also been mentioned: 1. One who deals in usury (Riba), 2. One who wears his trousers below his ankle with pride and arrogance (In Arabia, people displayed their wealth and boasted in this manner), 3. One who creates disunity among two Muslims, 4. The person who unjustly takes away the right and property of another Muslim and has not yet rectified himself. All these persons are not shown Mercy on this auspicious Night. A HUMBLE APPEAL TO SEEK PARDON AND ASK ALLAH'S FORGIVENESS Dear Muslim brothers, the Bountiful Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala in His Infinite Mercy has provided us with such an auspicious night so that we may take advantage of it and repent for our sins, and thus obtain His Grace and Favour. It is for us to take full advantage of it. During this night, offer special prayers and repent sincerely for our past sins and ask for His Forgiveness. Also on this night the Doors of Mercy and Forgiveness are opened wide, and those who sincerely grieve over and repent for their past sins and seek forgiveness from Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala are pardoned and forgiven by the Grace of Allah the Merciful. Each Tasbih or Du'a should begin and terminate with the recital of Durood Shareef and one who wishes for the acceptance of his Du'as should use the Wasila of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Hazrat Ghousul Azam, Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allahu anhu) has mentioned in his famous "Gunyat-ut Taalibeen" that the month of Shabaan according to some narrations is related to Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). So, it is our duty, as the Ummat of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) to love and respect this month more than any other month (besides Ramadaan). We should also offer abundantly salutations (Salaat-o-Salaam) upon the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). While we are praying and asking for ourselves and family, we should also remember in our Du'as the Muslim Ummah facing calamities in many parts of the world, that may Allah Ta'ala grant them the strength and Istiqaamat (steadfastness) in Deen. Those weak Muslims who are under pressure from the West and modernisation, may Allah Ta'ala guide them and show them the right path so that they be in touch with their glorious past. Aameen. May Almighty Allah guide us on the path of the Ambiya and the Awliya. Aameen. NAFIL SALAAH TO BE READ ON SHABBE BARAAT BASHARAT OF JANNAT: Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said that: Allah Ta'ala instructs and assigns 100 angels to the person who performs 100 Nafil Salaahs on this auspicious night - 30 of which will bring the good news of Jannat, 30 angels to protect one from the Azaab (Punishment) of Dozakh (Hell), 30 to remove all misfortunes and miseries of this world and 10 angels to protect one from Shaitaan. THE GUARDING OF IMAAN: After performing Maghrib Salaah, read 2 rakaahs of Nafil. In the first rakaah, after Surah Fatiha, recite Surah Ikhlaas 3 times and Surah Falaq once. In the second rakaah, after Surah Fatiha, recite Surah Ikhlaas 3 times and Surah Naas once. After Salaam, make Du'a and ask Allah to protect your Imaan BARAKAH IN RIZQ: After Maghrib Salaah, read 2 rakaahs of Nafil. Thereafter, read Surah Yasin once, Surah Ikhlaas 21 times and Du'a Nisf Shabaan once. Then, make Du'a for Barakah in Rozi and ask Allah not to make you dependent on anyone LONG LIFE FILLED WITH PIETY: After Maghrib Salaah, read 2 rakaahs of Nafil. Read Surah Yasin once. Then read Du'a Nisf Shabaan once. Thereafter, make Du'a for long life filled with piety and righteousness REWARD FOR TEN THOUSAND GOOD DEEDS: Anyone who performs 20 rakaahs of Nafil after Maghrib in such a way that after Surah Fatiha, recites Surah Ikhlaas 10 times in every rakaah, will be rewarded abundantly by Allah Ta'ala, and ten thousand good deeds will be recorded in his Amal Namaa (Book of Deeds) DEATH WITH COMPLETE FAITH/IMAAN: Anyone who performs 2 rakaahs of Nafil on the last Friday of Shabaan between Maghrib and Esha will die with full faith and Imaan. After Surah Fatiha, one should read Ayatul Kursi once, Surah Ikhlaas 10 times and Surah Falaq and Surah Naas once in both rakaahs. If the person who reads Nafil in such a way dies until the next Shabaan, will die with Imaan, Insha-Allah Do remember me in your preicious dua's...Jazzahkallah!

Bismillahirrahmannirraheem Assalamualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakatuh There are many merits of Shabaan, especially the 15th of Shabaan, which is known as Shab-e- Baraat or Lailatul Baraat, meaning the Night of Absolution. Insha Allah hereunder we will discuss the auspiciousness of Shab-e-Baraat and also a few things that should be read on this night. Just to highlight the significance of Shabaan, Hazrat Anas ibn Malik (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) reports that once when Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked about the most meritorious fasting, he replied, “Fasting in Shabaan in honour of Ramadaan.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would fast for the whole month of Shabaan and has stated that Shabaan is his month. Shab-e-Baraat is a vessel for Mercy, Blessing, Benefit, Pardon and Forgiveness that descends upon the people of the earth. On this great night, Allah Ta’ala descends to the first heaven and proclaims, “Is there anyone who seeks forgiveness so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone who seeks sustenance so that I may grant him sustenance? Is there anyone who seeks freedom from his problems so that I may remove his problems?” This announcement continues until the break of dawn. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “On the night of the middle of Shabaan, Allah Ta’ala descends to the heaven of this lower world and forgives every Muslim, except a mushrik (one who associates partners with Allah Ta’ala), the bearer of malice, the breaker of family ties, the adulterer, the miser, the one who is disobedient to his parents and the one who consumes alcohol. He (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has also stated that during this night Allah Ta’ala opens 300 doors of Mercy unto his servants and that the slaves of Allah Ta’ala are emancipated from the fire of hell, as numerous as the hairs on the flocks of the tribe of Bani Kalb. Allah Ta’ala states in the Holy Qur’an, “Therein all matters of wisdom are sorted out for Decree.” [surah 44, Verse 4]. This Aayat refers to Shab-e-Baraat and it is stated in Tafseer Noorul Irfaan that on this great night, the entire year’s programme of sustenance, death, life, honour and disgrace, in short every affair of man is listed from the Divine Tablet and handed over to the angels of each area on the earth in the form of a book. For example the Angel of Death is given a list of the names of those who would be dying in the coming year. Hazrat Aisha Siddiqa (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) reports that once on Shab-e-Baraat Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) went into prostration for a long time and she watched him until she thought that Allah Ta’ala had taken His Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) from this world. After a long time had elapsed, she got close enough to touch the soles of his feet. He stirred, and she heard him say in his prostration, “I take refuge with Your pardon from Your punishment. I take refuge with Your approval from Your displeasure. I take refuge in You from You. Glory be to You. I cannot fully praise You, as You have praised Yourself.” After this incident Hazrat Aisha Siddiqa (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) asked Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), “O Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), tonight I have heard you utter something during your prostration that I never heard you mention before.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) then asked, “Have you learnt it?” When she said yes, he replied, “Study those words and teach them, for Hazrat Jibra'eel (Alaihis Salaam) instructed me to repeat them during the prostration.” we must try to recite it as much as possible Insha Allah, according to the Sunnah of the Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Transliteration: (Allahumma) A’oozu bi Afwika Min Iqaabika Wa A’oozu Biradaaka Min Sakhatika Wa A’oozu Bika Minka Jalla Wajhuka Laa Uhsi Sanaa’an Alayka Anta Kama Asnaita Ala Nafsik. Hereunder are some other Ibaadaat that may be performed during this night: • After Asr Salaah the following should be recited 70 times: Astagh Firullaha Rabbi Min Kulli Zam Bin Wa A’tubu Elaih • Just before sunset the following should be recited 40 times: Laa Hawla Wala Quwata Illa Billa Hil Aleeyil Azeem • After Maghrib Salaah 6 rakaats of Nafl Salaah should be read as three sets of two rakaats. Before the first 2 rakaats, make Dua to receive a long life through the barkat of those 2 rakaats. For the second set make Dua to be saved from all types of problems and for the third set make Dua for Allah Ta’ala not to make you needy of anyone besides Him. After each set of rakaats, recite Surah Yaseen once, Surah Ikhlaas 21 times and thereafter Duae- Nisfe Shabaan. • One should also try to fast on the 15th of Shabaan as this is the Sunnah of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). It is also better to fast both on the 14th and 15th (if possible) so that one would enter the blessed night of Shab-e-Baraat in a state of fasting. • One should also try to visit the Qabarastan (graveyard) to make Dua of Maghfirat (Forgiveness) for the deceased, as this is the Sunnah of our beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). This is an opportunity that everyone needs to take advantage of. We do not know if our names will be written on the list given to the Angel of Death this year, and whether we will have the opportunity of experiencing this blessed night again. We must make Tauba (repent) for our sins and ask for Allah Ta’ala’s Forgiveness. We are such wretched sinners but the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala is boundless. No matter how sinful we are, it is never too late to fall down in prostration before our Lord and to cry in shame for our insolent behaviour in disobeying His commands. Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy overcomes His anger therefore we should not lose hope in His Mercy, no matter how wretched we might be. Allah Ta’ala just wants an excuse to forgive us but it is we who are too lazy to humble ourselves before Him to ask for His Mercy. On this night when Allah Ta’ala calls out, “Who is there who seeks forgiveness so that I may forgive Him?” the whole night, why can’t we be the ones to respond to that call by crying in the Court of Allah Ta’ala and saying, “Ya Allah, this wretched sinner seeks Your forgiveness. I am present in Your Court and I humble myself in shame before You. Through the Sadaqah and Wasilah of Your Beloved Messenger, Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) please forgive me.” Nothing is stopping us besides our nafs and Shaitaan. Remember that Allah Ta’ala loves those who cry in His Court out of shame and repent for their sins, so do not let this blessed night go by in vain. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to take full advantage of the blessings of Shab-e-Baraat, to repent from our sins and to make as much Ibaadat as possible on this blessed night, Ameen

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakatuh Bismillahirrahmannirrahim Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is unique is his power of miracles. Every miracle is an individual miracle but the Me'raj is not just one single miracle, but it is the comprehensiveness of numerous miracles. This is such a blessed miracle that we cannot decipher how many other miracles are gathered within it. Hereunder a few of these miracles will be discussed. Think for a moment. When we travel from one city to another with our cars, it takes us at least an hour or two, even though we may travel by means of a very fast car. But our Beloved Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) journeyed from the earth into the skies, then from the sky of the earth passed all the skies, then to Sidratul Muntaha, the Arsh, the Kursi and it is unknown where else he went to and this where ever is even free from place and thus cannot be regarded as where ever, and yet he travelled this entire journey in a short space of time and then returned. Allah Ta'ala states in the Holy Qur'an, “Glory be to Him Who carried His bondman by night from the sacred Mosque to the Aqsa Mosque around which We have put blessings that We might show him Our grand signs.” [surah 17, Verse 1] In this verse, the word “Lail” points to the short space of time. The philosophers have refuted it by saying that, “Time is based on the quantity of motion.” They say that if the motion (movement) of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was so vast and great then there should have been a measure (quantity) for that motion. This however was a Mu'jiza (miracle) of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) that from where to where he went in a really short space of time and then still returned while his bed was still warm and his wudhu water was still running. This is why so many people who have no real intelligence and so many who are the slaves of their intellect rejected this great miracle and believed that it was merely a dream. They said that the Me'raj is just one of the dreams of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and it is not the name of a special journey of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Did these people not read the Holy Qur'an and take notice of the fact that Allah Ta'ala says regarding this journey, “Bi Abdihi” ? By using this word it is clear that Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) went with body and soul and not just in a dream, if not it would have been said, “Bi Roohi Abdihi”. Here, “Abd” proves that it was with body and soul as “Abd” is the combination of both. Almighty Allah also uses the words “Asra” which is regarded as a physical journey and the other point is that “Asra” is regarded usually as a night journey and not as a day journey. So here it must be clarified that as long as the Asra is not regarded as a physical journey (meaning with body), it can never be regarded as being correct. Based on this, certain people have raised the objection that it would have been impossible for this to have been a physical journey as the ancient philosophers have mentioned that going up from the surface of the earth, there is such a surface in the atmosphere known as Kura'-e-Zamhareerya (Intensely cold atmospheric region) and adjoining to the surface of the sky, there is a surface that is known as Kura'-e-Naar (Intensely hot atmospheric region). The philosophers believe that if something has to pass through Kura'-e- Zamhareerya then due to its intense cold atmospheric conditions, it will immediately freeze on entering this atmospheric region, and if something has to pass through Kura'-e-Naar then it will completely combust (burn), thus making it impossible to travel beyond both these atmospheric regions. This has been the theory of the ancient philosophers. Anyone who truly believes does not require any proof that Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) transcended such regions; the fact the the Holy Qur'an states that it was a physical journey is sufficient. However some so called intellectual people look at everything from a scientific point of view and say that it is impossible. Such people should ponder over the incident below which provides scientific proof: Once, Hazrat Maulana Hidaayatullah Khan Rampuri (Rahmatullah Alaih), in reply to an objection from someone regarding Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) passing through the Kura'-e- Zamhareerya and Kura'-e-Naar, pulled out a thread (strand of cotton) from his shawl and then passed it through the flame of a burning candle and then brought the thread out again. He asked the audience to witness what he was doing, showing them that the thread which should have burnt, had not burnt, but was still completely intact. He then said, “This is just an ordinary thread from my shawl and the intense heat from the flame has not affected it in anyway, whereas my Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is so exalted that a shawl touched by his blessed hand does not burn when it is thrown into a raging fire, so how then will Kura'-e-Naar be able to burn his blessed body? Listen! It is a theory and intellectual principle that fire causes things to burn but remember that it is also a known theory that for anything to be affected, it requires time. I passed the thread from my shawl with such speed through the flame that the flame and its heat did not have sufficient time to affect the thread and cause it to burn.” Did Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) travel on a crippled horse? No! On the night of Me'raj Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) travelled on that Buraaq whose speed was many times faster than the speed of light. When it leapt, its one foot reached the distance up to where the eye could see. Now, when Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) travelled on such a fast mode of transport, how was it possible for the Kura'-e-Naar and the Kura'-e-Zamhareerya to have any effect on his blessed body? Where was there any time for this to happen? This is a miracle of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) whereby he passed through such regions where no ordinary people can ever pass through. If any ordinary person had to go into these regions then the body would either freeze or completely combust or even disintegrate, due to the immense heat and pressure, but our Beloved Aaqa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) went safe and sound and returned safe and sound. As for the modern day philosophers and scientists, they have actually negated the true existence of the skies. Even though the sky is something that is clearly visible to us, they say that this is merely imaginary and in reality does not exist. They just accept that it is such an atmospheric region that if we pass beyond that surface, then the atmospheric pressure is totally inexistent. They mention that beyond this, the atmospheric pressure totally ends and that even the most powerful body will disintegrate there. We are existing (here on earth) whereby our bodies are pressurised by a certain amount of atmospheric pressure and this allows us to remain within a range of stability. However, if this pressure becomes more than normal, then the human body would not be able to bear it and would disintegrate. It is for this reason that those who travel in rockets are fitted with pressure suits. There is no oxygen there, so they are fitted with oxygen tanks from which they receive oxygen to breathe. Subhaanallah! This is the miracle of our Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) that he passed through all these regions without any pressure suit or oxygen tank, yet he went to where no one will ever go and returned without any harm. Another miracle of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) during this journey is that he travelled by such a fast mode of transport that if an ordinary person has to travel to and fro in such a mode of transport, his heart will never be able to remain in a stable condition. Yet it did not affect the blessed body of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in any way. In fact Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) returned better than ever and even better than better. Why should the going and coming of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) be any reason for objections being raised? Almighty Allah had already set this into practice long before. Hazrat Adam (Alaihis Salaam) came from the heavens and Hazrat Isa (Alaihis Salaam) went from here to the heavens and yet there was no effect on their blessed bodies, so what effect would this have on our Beloved Master (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)? Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) showed us that he (Hazrat Adam Alaihis Salaam) came and he (Hazrat Isa Alaihis Salaam) went, but Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) went there, where none has gone, and came back as well. Subhaanallah! Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has been blessed with such grandeur. May Allah Ta'ala grant us the Taufeeq to believe in the physical Me'raj of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) without any proof, Ameen. [Compiled from Khutbaat-e-Muhadith-e-Kabeer Hazrat Allama Zia-ul-Mustafa Qadri Amjadi ]

assalamualaikum sister plz see in special days section

assalamualaikum sister plz see in special days section

color="#2E8B57"]Assalamualaikum Wararmatullahi Wabarakatuhu Bis[milla Hirrahman Nirrahim O Allah, all praise be to You; You are undoubtedly carefree; Once Moses insisted to see you; here You became anxious to see. All Praise is due to Allah Azzawajal, Salutations upon His most Perfect, unique, and cream of creations, the Intercessor of the Sinners, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam, upon his family, upon his companions and the righteous servants till Doomsday. Some people have misunderstood the reality of the Me'raaj of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) due to their lack of knowledge and research. Their ignorance in this field caused more confusion in their hearts because they failed to understand the unique relation between ALLAH and His Beloved Habeeb (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him). How true is the comment of Sayyidul-Makashifeen Sheikh-e-Akbar Muhiyyudeen Ibne Arabi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) who said that Me'raaj is a secret in a secret. One has to have sound knowledge of the Qudrat of ALLAH and the Station and Status of His August Rasool (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) before commenting on any matter pertaining to them. Due to the lack of this knowledge some people have wrongfully said that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) did not see ALLAH with his naked eye and also did not proceed to the Divine Arsh on the night of Me'raaj. They say that both these things are impossible for any human being to achieve. Indeed the illustrious Ulama and distinguished Imams of Islam have in their authentic books expressed in great details on this subject. All these are based on the Ahadith Shareef. The narrators and presenters are all trustworthy Scholars of Deen. This matter is not something that entertains ones personal opinion. It depends solely on the authenticity of solid proof. Hence, confirmation deplores contradiction. Ignorance does not necessarily reject its reality. If one rejects it, one is in fact a liar and a contradictor of the Deen. Here is proof from Qur'an al Kareem, Ahadith an-Nabawi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam), Sayings of the Noble Sahab and from the writings of great and authentic scholars of Islam that the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam did see ALLAH with his naked eyes and he also did proceed to the Divine Arsh on the night of Me'raj. The Holy Qur'an says: سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلا مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الأقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّه هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ Holy is He who carried His bondman by night from the sacred Mosque to the Aqsa Mosque (Aqsa) around which We have put blessings that We might show him Our grand signs. No doubt, He is the Hearing, the Seeing. [Al Isra:1] Imam al-Ajal Abu Ja'fer Tibri reported in his commentary 'Jami' al-Bayan': أسرى بروحه دون جسده، لأن ذلك لو كان كذلك لم يكن في ذلك ما يوجب أن يكون ذلك دليلا على نبوّته، ولا حجة له على رسالته، ولا كان الذين أنكروا حقيقة ذلك من أهل الشرك، وكانوا يدفعون به عن صدقه فيه، إذ لم يكن منكرا عندهم، ولا عند أحد من ذوي الفطرة الصحيحة من بني آدم أن يرى الرائي منهم في المنام ما على مسيرة سنة، فكيف ما هو على مسيرة شهر أو أقل؟ وبعد، فإن الله إنما أخبر في كتابه أنه أسرى بعبده، ولم يخبرنا أنه أسرى بروح عبده Me'raj was done with both body and soul. If a person says that it was only soul who did the Meraj or it was only a dream then this will be an insignificant charge. 1. If it so then what would be the evidence of prophet hood in it? 2. How one can name it as a miracle of Prophet (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him)? 3. Why the Mushrikeen-e-Makkah refuse to accept it because everything is possible in dream? 4. They actually argue on the possibility of doing a journey of months in little part of night. 5. In the above verse the Almighty said, 'carried His bondman' not 'carried His bondman's soul' 6. 'Abd' is a composite of both body and soul." [Jami al-Bayan, Mo'assasa ar-Risalah, Vol 17, Page 350, Verse 17:1] Sayings of Prophet (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him): 1. Imam Ahmad ibne Hambal (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in his Musnad narrates from Sayyiduna Abdullah ibne Abbaas (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) قال رسول الله صلى الله تعالى عليه وسلم رأيت ربي عزّ و جل Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said, "I saw my Sublime Creator". [Musnaf Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (al Maktab al Islami - Berut), Vol 1, Page 285] Imam Jalaludeen Suyuti (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in his Khasa'is al Kubra and Allama Abdur Raof Munadi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in his Tafseer Shar'ha Jameh Sagheer state that this Hadith Shareef is authentic. a. Tayseer Sharha Jami as-Sagheer (Maktaba Imam Shafa'ee - Riyadh), Vol 2, Page 25 b. al Khasais al Kubra (Markaz Barkate Raza - Gujrat), Vol 1, Page 161 2. Imam Muhaddith Ibne Asakar (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) narrates from Sayyiduna Jaabir bin Abdullah (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) states: لأن الله أعطى موسى الكلام و أعطاني الروية لوجهه و فضلني بالمقام المحمود والحوض المورود Verily, Almighty ALLAH blessed Sayyiduna Moosa, with the privilege of Dialogue and cherished me with his Divine Vision and exalted me with the Crown of Intercession and the Fountain of Kauthar. [Kanz al Ummal (Mo'assasa Risalah - Berut), Vol 14, Page 447, Hadith 9206] 3. Imam Asakar (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) also narrates from Sayyiduna Abdullah ibne Mas'ood (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), who said: قال رسول الله صلى الله تعالى عليه وسلّم قال لي ربي نحلت إبراهيم خلتي و كلمت موسى تكليما و أعطيتك يا محمد كفاحا Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) states, "My Glorious Lord said to me, 'I gave My friendship to Sayyiduna Ibraheem, and spoke to Sayyiduna Moosa, and O Muhammad ! I blessed you with My Meeting (where you saw My Divine Being without any obstacles)'". [Tarikh Damishq al Kabir (Dar al Ihya - Berut), Vol 3, Page 296] In Majma'al Bihaar, the word كفاحا of the above Hadith Shareef is explained as follows: مجمع البحار كفاحا أي مواجهة ليس بينهما حجاب ولا رسول Majma-ul-Bihaar explains the word كفاحا that Almighty ALLAH blessed His Beloved with such a Presence and Vision that there were no veils as barriers and no intervention of an Angel. [Majma' al Bihar (Dar al Iman - Madinah Munawwarah), Vol 4, Page 424] 4. Ibne Marduwiyya (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) narrates from Sayyadah Asma bint Abu Bakr (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anha) that: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم و هو يصف سدرة المنتهى (وذكر الحديث الى ان قالت) فقلت يا رسول الله ما رأيت عندها قال رأيت عندها يعنى ربه Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) was praising the excellence of Sidratul-Muntaha when I inquired from him, "Ya Rasoolullah! What did you see at Sidratul-Muntaha?" He said, "There I saw the Divine Glory (i.e. of Allah)." [Ad-Durr al Manthur (Dar al Ihya - Berut), Vol 5, Page 194, Verse 17:1] Comments of the Noble Sahaba: 1. Tirmidi narrates from Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbaas (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho): اما نحن بنو هاشم فنقول انّ محمد رأى ربه مرتين We, the Bani Haashim (Ahle-Bayt), say that undoubtedly, Sayyiduna Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw ALLAH twice. a. Jami' Tirmidhi (Urdu Bazar - Delhi), Vol 2, Page 161 b. Ash-Shifa Sharif, Vol 1, Page 159 2. Ibne Ishaaq (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) narrates from Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abi-Salma (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) that: ان ابن عمر أرسل الى ابن عبّاس يسأله هل رأى محمد صلى الله تعالى عليه وسلّم ربه ؟ فقال نعم Sayyiduna Abdullah ibne Omar (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) inquired of Sayyiduna Abdullah ibne Abbaas (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) to find out whether Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw ALLAH. He replied, "Yes." [Ad-Durr al Manthur (Dar al Ihya - Berut), Vol 7, Page 570, Verse 18:53] 3. The words of Tabraani state: واللفظ للطبرانى عن ابن عبّاس قال نظر محمد الى ربه قال عكرمة فقلت له نظر محمد الى ربه ؟ قال نعم ! جعل الكلام لموسى والخلة لإبراهيم والنظر لمحمد صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم ( زاد الترمذى ) فقد رأى ربه مرتين The words of Tabraani states that Sayyiduna Abdullah ibne Abbaas (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) said that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw ALLAH. Akrama (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), who was his student, asked him: "Did Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) see Allah?" He replied," Yes, ALLAH blessed Sayyiduna Moosa, with Dialogue, Sayyiduna Ibraheem, with Friendship and Sayyiduna Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) with His Divine Presence". [al Maujam Awsat (Maktaba Ma'arif - Riyadh), Vol 10, Page 181, Hadith 9392] (Words of Tabraani) "And verily, Sayyiduna Muhammad saw ALLAH twice". [Jami' Tirmidhi (Urdu Bazar - Delhi), Vol 2, Page 160] Imam Tirmidi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) states that this Hadith Shareef is Hasan. Imam Nisaa'ee (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), Imam Ibne Khuzayma (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and Haakim (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) all record the following: واللفظ للبيهقى أتعجبون ان تكون الخلّة لإبراهيم والكلام لموسى والروية لمحمد صلى الله تعالى عليه وسلّم Are you surprised at the Dialogue of Sayyiduna Moosa, Friendship of Sayyiduna Ibraheem and Divine Sight of Sayyiduna Muhammad? Haakim has said that this is a Sahih Hadith. [Mawahib al-Ladunniya (Maktaba Islami - Berut), Vol 3, Page 104] Imam Qastalaani and Imam Zarqaani both acknowledge the authenticity of this Hadith Shareef. [sharha Zarqani ala al-Mawahib (Dar al Ma'arifah - Berut), Vol 6, Page 117] 4. It is narrated in Tabraani and Mo'jam Awsat: عن عبد الله بن عبّاس انه كان يقول ان محمدا صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم رأى ربه مرّتين مرّة ببصره و مرّة بفواده Sayyiduna Abdullah ibne Abbaas (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) says that "Verily, Sayyiduna Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw his Lord twice, once with his physical eye and once with the eye of his heart". a. Mawahib al-Ladunniya (Maktaba Islami - Berut), Vol 3, Page 104 b. al Maujam Awsat (Maktaba Ma'arif - Riyadh), Vol 6, Page 352, Hadith 5757 Imam Suyuti (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), Imam Qastalaani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), Allama Shaami (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and Allama Zarqaani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) - all say that there is no doubt in the authenticity of this Hadith Shareef. a. Mawahib al-Ladunniya (Maktaba Islami - Berut), Vol 3, Page 105 b. Sharha Zarqani ala al-Mawahib (Dar al Ma'arifah - Berut), Vol 6, Page 117 5. Imamul A'imma Ibne Khuzayma (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and Imam Bazaaz (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) both narrate from Sayyiduna Anas ibne Maalik (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho): ان محمدا صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم رأى ربّه عزّ و جل "Verily, Sayyiduna Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw his Most Gracious Creator". [Mawahib al-Ladunniya (Maktaba Islami - Berut), Vol 3, Page 105] Imam Ahmad Qastalaani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and Imam Abdul Baaqi Zarqaani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) state that the authenticity of this Hadith Shareef is very strong. a. Mawahib al-Ladunniya (Maktaba Islami - Berut), Vol 3, Page 105 b. Sharha Zarqani ala al-Mawahib (Dar al Ma'arifah - Berut), Vol 6, Page 118 6. Imam Muhammad ibn Ishaaq (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) narrates this Hadith Shareef from Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho): ان مروان سأل ابوهريره رضى الله تعالى عنه هل رأى محمد صلى الله تعالى عليه وسلّم ربه ؟ فقال نعم Marwaan asked Sayyiduna Abu-Hurayra (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) if Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw ALLAH. He replied, "Yes." a. Sharha Zarqani ala al-Mawahib (Dar al Ma'arifah - Berut), Vol 6, Page 118 b. Ash-Shifa Sharif, Vol 1, Page 159 Views of the Tabi'een: 1. Imam Abdur Razzaaq (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), Ustaaz of Imam Bukhari (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), in his famous Musannaf reports from his Ustaaz Imam Mau'mar (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho): عن معمر عن الحسن البصرى انه كان يحلف بالله لقد رأى محمد صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم Imam Mau'mar (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) narrates from Imam Hasan Al-Basri who swore an oath in the Name of ALLAH that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) positively saw his Creator. [Ash-Shifa Sharif, Vol 1, Page 159] 2. Similarly, Imam Ibne Khuzayma (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) narrates from Sayyiduna Orwa bin Zubair (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), who is the cousin of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) and grandson of Sayyiduna Abu-Bakr (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho). He also accepts that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw ALLAH on the night of Me'raj. و انه كان يشتد عليه إنكارها And he used to get very upset if anyone rejected this. [sharha Zarqani ala al-Mawahib (Dar al Ma'arifah - Berut), Vol 1, Page 116] The following Luminaries held similar views: 1. Sayyiduna Kaab Ah'baar (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) who was a great Aalim of the previous Scriptures. 2. Imam Ibne Sha'haab Zahri Qarshi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) 3. Imam Mujaahid Makh'zoomi Makki (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) 4. Imam Akrama bin Abdullah Madani Haashimi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) 5. Imam Ata bin Rabah Qarshi Makki (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) (Ustaaz of Imam Abu-Hanifa) 6. Imam Muslim bin Sabeeh Abud-Duha Kufi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) etc. and all the students of A'limul Quraan Jabrul-Ummah Sayyiduna Abdullah ibne Abbaas (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) confirm the Divine Vision. Opinion of the Illustrious Scholars of Islam: 1. Imam Khallaal (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in Kitaabus-Sin narrates from Imam Ishaaq bin Maroozi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) that Imam Ahmad ibne Hambal (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) accepts this Tradition and confirms this by saying that: قول النبي صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم رأيت ربّي Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said, "I saw my Creator". [Mawahib al-Ladunniya (Maktaba Islami - Berut), Vol 3, Page 107] 2. Imam Naqqaash (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in his Tafseer narrates from Imam Sanadul Anaam (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) that: انه قال أتقول بحديث ابن عبّاس بعينه رأى ربه رآه رآه رآه حتى انقطع نفسه He said, "I accept the Hadith of Ibne Abbas (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw his Creator. with his eyes, he did see, he did see, he did see". He repeated this till his breath lasted. [Ash-Shifa Sharif, Vol 1, Page 159] 3. Imam Ibne Khateeb Misri (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) states in Mawaahib Shareef that: جزم به معمر بن راشد بصري و آخرون و هو قول الأشعر و غالب اتباعه Mau'mar bin Raashid Basri (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and other scholars acknowledged this, and this is the Madhab of the Ahle-Sunnah, Imam Abul-Hasan Ash'ari (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and the majority of his followers. [Mawahib al-Ladunniya (Maktaba Islami - Berut), Vol 3, Page 104] 4. Allama Imam Sha'haab Khafaji (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in his Naseemur-Riyaad, the commentary of Shifa Qaadi Ayaad, states that: الأصح الراجح انه صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم رأى ربه بعين رأسه حين اسرى به كما ذهب إليه اكثر الصحبه The most correct and pure Madhab is that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) on the night of Meh'raaj saw ALLAH with his naked eyes as it is the Madhab and consensus of the illustrious Sahaba fraternity. [Naseem ar-Riyadh (Barakate Raza - Gujrat), Vol 2, Page 303] 5. Imam Nawawi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in Shar'ha Muslim Shareef and Allama Muhammad bin Abdul Baaqi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in Shar'ha Mawaahib states: الراجح عند اكثر علماء انه صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم رأى ربه بعين رأسه ليلة المعراج It is the consensus of the majority Ulama that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw ALLAH with his naked eyes on the night of Me'raj. [sharha Zarqani ala al-Mawahib (Dar al Ma'arifah - Berut), Vol 6, Page 116] 6. Imame-Ajal Sayyidi Muhammad Busairi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) , in his renowned Qasidah Burdah Shareef states: سريت من حرم ليلا الى حرم كما سرى البدر في داج من الظلم The Habeeb of Allah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him), in a short space of time, traveled from Masjid-e-Haraam to Musjid-e-Aqsa. This sacred journey was bright like the brilliance of the full moon. و بت ترقى الى ان نلت منزلة و من قاب قوسين لم تدرك و لم ترم The Beloved (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) traveled in the night of Me'raj until he reached the station of Qaaba Qosain. No creation could reach this height nor possessed the courage to do so. خفضت كل مقام بالاضافة اذ نوديت بالرفع مثل مفرد العلم The noble status of the Nabi (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) left everything below him when he proceeded towards the Divine Heights of the Unique Lord, on the Night of Ascension. فخرت كل فخار غير مشترك و جزت كل مقام غير مزدحم The Beloved (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) enjoyed such excellence that no one can share. He passed such places where no creation set foot. [Qasida al Burda, Chapter 7] Sayyid al Alameen (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) was blessed with exclusive gifts and secrets and passed all the heights without any hindrance. Without doubt, this goes to say that the Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) traveled the secret and timeless regions alone to the Divine Presence and met and saw ALLAH. [Al Kawakib ad-Durriya, Page 44-46] 7. Allama Mulla Ali Qaari (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in his Shar'ha elaborates on Imam Boseri's verses: اى انت دخلت الباب و قطعت الحجاب الى ان لم تترك غاية لساع الى السبق من كمال التقرّب المطلق الى جناب الحق و لا تركت موضع رقى و صعود وقيام وقعود لطالبفعة فى عالم الوجود بل تجاوزت ذالك الى مقام قاب قوسين او ادنى فاوحى اليك ربّك ما اوحى Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) passed all the Secret Curtains and reached the Divine Absolute Presence of the Supreme Creator, as one reaches one's goal leaving everyone behind. There was no step of excellence in the entire universe that the Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) did not surpass. In fact, the Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) transcended above the domain of space and time and entered the Station of Qaaba-Qosain and O'adna. Then, ALLAH the Supreme spoke to the Beloved what He had to Say. [Az-Zubdat al Umda (Jam'iyat Ulama Sikandariya - Kherpur), Page 96] 8. Imam-e-Humaam Abu-Abdullah Sharfudeen Muhammad (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) states in Ummul-Qurra: وترقي به قاب قوسين و تلك السيادة القعساء The Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) advanced till Qaba-Qosain (Divine Presence) and this is indeed the ultimate. رتب تسقط الامانى حسرى دونها ما وراءهنّ وراء These are the Secret Stations where desires and thoughts cannot contemplate because there are no paths that lead to them. [umm al Qura (Hizb al Qadiriya - Lahore), Page 13] 9. Imam Ibne Hajr Makki (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) comments in the Shar'ha of Ummul-Qurra: قال بعض الائمه و المعاريج ليلة الاسراء عشرة سبعة فى السماوات و الثامن الى سدرة المنتهى و التاسع الى المستوى و العاشر الى العرش الخ Some A'imma state that there were ten Me'rajs in the night of Isra. There were seven in the seven skies, the eighth, Sidratul Muntaha, the ninth in the Divine Levels and the Tenth to the Arsh. [AfDal al Qura, Vol 1, Page 404] 10. Sayyidi Allama Arif-e-Billah Abdul Ghani Nablusi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) re-affirms this in Hadiqa-e-Nadiyyah Sharha Tareeqa-e-Muhammadiyyah: حيث قال قال شهاب مكي فى شرح همزيه لبوصيرى عن بعض الائمة ان المعاريج عشرة الى قوله والعاشر الى العرش و الرويه There were ten Me'rajs. The tenth was from the Arsh till the Divine Presence. [Al Hadeeqat al Nadiyyah, Vol 1, Page 272] 11. Imam Ibne Hajr Makki (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) states in Shar'he Hamziyya: لما اعطى سليمان الريح التى غدوها شهر و رواحها شهر اعطى نبينا صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم البراق فحمله من الفرش الى العرش فى لحظة واحدة و اقل مسافة فى ذالك سبعة آلاف سنة و ما فوق العرش الى المستوى و الرفرف لا يعلمه الا الله تعالى When Nabi Sulaymaan, was given the wind, it carried him the distance of one months journey in one day. Our Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) was given the Buraaq which carried him from the earth to the Arsh in a fleeting moment. The shortest portion of this journey (between earth and the seven skies) takes seventeen thousand years. And Allah only knows the distance above the Arsh to the arcane levels with the Rafraf (to the Divine Presence). [AfDal al Qura li Qar'i Umm al Qura] 12. It is also recorded in the same Shar'ha Hamziyya: لما اعطى موسى عليه السلام الكلام و اعطى نبينا صلى الله تعالى عليه و آله و بارك سلّم مثله ليلة الاسراء و زيادة الدنو و الروية بعين البصر و شتان ما بين جبل الطور الذى نوجى به موسى عليه السلام نوجى به نبينا صلى الله تعالى عليه و آله و بارك سلّم Nabi Moosa, was blessed with Dialogue (Kalaam). Similarly, our Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) was blessed on the night of Isra with Divine Presence. He saw Allah from very close range with his naked eye. You cannot compare the experiences of Mount Toor with the experiences of our Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) with ALLAH. [AfDal al Qura li Qar'i Umm al Qura] 13. It is further recorded in the same book: رقيه صلى الله عليه و سلّم ببدنه يقظة ليلة الاسراء الى السمآء ثمّ الى سدرة المنتهى ثمّ الى المستوى ثم ّالى العرش و الرفرف والرويه Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) physically proceeded to the skies on the night of Isra in wakefulness. From there to Sidratul Muntaha, then Divine Levels, then Arsh and Rafraf till he saw the Divine Vision! [AfDal al Qura, Vol 1, Page 116/117] 14. Allama Ahmad bin Muhammad Saawi Maliki Khal'wati (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in a marginal annotation of Ummul-Qura writes: الاسراء به صلى الله تعالى عليه و آله و بارك سلّم على يقظة بالجسد و الروح من المسجد الحرام الى المسجد الاقصى ثم عرج به الى السماوات العلى ثم الى سدرة المنتهى ثم الى المستوى ثم الى العرش و الرفرف The Beloved Habeeb (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) undertook the journey of Meh'raaj in wakefulness with his body and soul. He traveled from Masjid-e-Haraam to Musjid-e-Aqsa. Then up to the skies, then Sidratul Muntaha, then Divine Levels then, Arsh, and then Rafraf. [Ta'leeqat ala Umm al Qura, Page 3] 15. Imam Allama Ahmad Qastalaani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) states in Mawahibul-Ladunniyya and Man'hi-Muhammadiyya, and Allama Muhammad Zarqaani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in its Shar'ha state: (و منها انه راى الله تعالى بعينه) على الراجح(و كلمه الله تعالى فى الرفيع الاعلى) على سائر الامكنة و قد روى ابن عساكر عن انس رضى الله تعالى عنه مرفوعا لما اسرى لى قربنى ربى حتى كان بينى و بينه قاب قوسين او ادنى It was the exclusivity of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) that he saw Almighty ALLAH with his physical eyes in wakefulness and this is the preferable Madhab. ALLAH Spoke to His Beloved (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) in those high Divine regions which was above all possibilities and imaginations. Imam Ibne Asakar narrates from Sayyiduna Anas ibne Maalik that the Prophet of Allah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said, "On the night of Isra my Lord, drew me so close to Him that we were two bows apart, in fact, even closer". a. Mawahib al-Ladunniya (Maktaba Islami - Berut), Vol 2, Page 634 b. Sharha Zarqani ala al-Mawahib (Dar al Ma'arifah - Berut), Vol 5, Page 251/252 16. It is also stated in the same books: قد اختلف العلماء في الاسراء واحداواسراء مرّة بروحه و بدنه يقظة و مرّة مناما او يقظة بروحه وجسده من المسجد الحرام إلى المسجد الاقصى ثمّ مناما من المسجد الاقصى إلى العرش فالحق انه اسراء واحد بروحه و جسده يقظة في القصّة كلها و إلى هذامذهب الجمهور من علماء المحدّثين و الفقهاءو المتكلّمين There was a difference in opinion amongst the Ulama whether there was one Meh'raaj or two, one with the body and soul in wakefulness, and the other in a dream or wakefulness from Musjid-e-Haraam to Musjid-e-Aqsa. Then, from Aqsa in a dream till the Arsh. The truth is that there was one Isra and an entire journey from Musjid-e-Haraam to the Arsh was physical and in wakefulness. This is the Madhab of the majority of Ulama, Muhaditheen, Fuqaha and Mutakallimeen. [Mawahibul-Ladunniyya, Vol 3, Page 7] 17. The same book further states: المعاريج عشرة (إلى قوله) العاشر إلى العرش There were ten Meh'raajs and the tenth was till the Arsh. [Mawahibul-Ladunniyya, Vol 3, Page 17] 18. It is also recorded in the same book: و قد ورد فى الصحيح عن انس رضى الله تعالى عنه قال عرج بى جبرئيل الى سدرة المنتهى و دنا الجبّاررب العزّة فتدلى فكان قاب قوسين او ادنى تدلية على ما فى حديث شريك كان فوق العرش It is reported in Sahih Al-Bukhari by Sayyiduna Anas ibne Maalik that the beloved Rasool of Allah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said, "Jibra'eel proceeded with me till the Sidratul-Muntaha. Then, the Divine Power of the Almighty Lord drew me to a distance of two bows close to Him, in fact, even closer". This closeness was above the Arsh as mentioned in the Hadith-e-Shareef. [Mawahibul-Ladunniyya, Vol 3, Page 88/90] 19. Allama Shi'haab Khafaji (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), in his Naseemur-Riyaad Sharha Shifa Imam Qaadi Ayaad (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), states: ورد في المعراج انه صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم لما بلغ سدرة المنتهى جاءه بالرفرف جبرئيل عليه الصلوة والسلام فتناوله فطار به الى العرش It is reported in the Hadith of Meh'raaj that when the Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) reached Sidratul-Muntaha then, Sayyiduna Jibra'eel presented the Rafraf, which carried him to the Arsh. [Naseem ar-Riyadh, Vol 2, Page 310] 20. It is noted in the same book: عليه يدل صحيح الاحاديث الاحاد الدالة على دخوله صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم الجنة و وصوله الى العرش او طرف العالم كما سياتى كل ذالك بجسده يقظة The units of Sahih Ahadith emphasize that the Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) visited Jannah and the Arsh or the boundaries of that region beyond which lies the extra-terrestrial domain (La-Makaan). This all happened physically and in wakefulness.[Naseem ar-Riyadh, Vol 2, Page 310] 21. Sayyidul-Makashifeen Sheikh-e-Akbar Muhiyyudeen ibne Arabi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), in the 216th chapter of his famous Futuhaat-e-Makkiyya, states: اعلم ان رسول الله صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم لما كان خلقه القرآن و تخلق بالاسمآء و كان الله سبحانه و تعالى ذكر فى كتابه العزيز انه تعالى استوى على العرش على طريق التمدح و الثناء على نفسه اذ كان العرش اعظم الجسام فجعل لنبيّه عليه السلام من هذا الاستواء نسبة على طريق التمدح و الثناء به عليه حيث كان اعلى مقام ينتهى اليه من اسرى به من الرسل عليهم الصلاة والسلام و ذالك يدل على انه اسرى به صلى الله تعالى عليه وسلّم بجسمه و لو كان الاسراء به روياء لما كان الاسراء ولا الوصول الى هذا المقام تمدحا و لا وقع من الاعراب انكار على ذالك The Holy Quraan was the beautiful character of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) and the Unique characteristics of the Divine Names of ALLAH was found in him. In the Holy Quraan, ALLAH Announces through the praise of His Attributive Qualities of His appearance on the Sacred Arsh. Similarly, Allah The Supreme, blessed His Beloved (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) with the reflection of His Divine Appearance of the sacred Arsh and Praised him. The Arsh is that high station where the Isra of Rasools end. This proves that the Isra of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) was physical because if it was a dream then Almighty ALLAH would have not praised his appearance on the Sacred Arsh. Only the unpleasant reject this reality. [Futuhaat al-Makkiyya, Vol 3, Page 61] 22. Imam Allama Arif-e-Billah Abdul Wahhab Sha'raani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), in his Al-Yuwaqeet wal Jawahir, quotes from Sheikh-e-Akbar (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) that: انما قال صلى الله عليه و سلّم على سبيل التمدح حتى ظهرت لمستوى اشاره لما قلنا من ان منتهى السير بالقدم المحسوس العرش Verily, he (Sheikh-e-Akbar) said that the statement of praises of the exalted Habeeb (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) "And until that time when I was elevated to the Divine Levels" reflects to the fact that the termination of the physical feet's journey was at the Sacred Arsh. [Al-Yuwaqeet wal Jawahir, Vol 2, Page 370] 23. Sheikh-e-Muhaqqiq Imam Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlawi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) states in his Madaarijun-Nubuwwah: فرمود صلى الله تعالى عليه و على آله و بارك وسلم بس كسترانيده شد برائى من رفرف سبز كه غالب بود نور او بر نور آفتاب بس درخشيد بآن نور بصر من و نهاده شدم من بران رفرف و برداشته شدم تا برسيدم بعرش Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said, "Then a green Rafraf (Divine Carrier) was laid for me. Its light was even greater than that of the sun. Its brilliance brightened my vision. I was seated on it and taken into the Heavens until I reached the Arsh of ALLAH. [Madaarij an-Nubuwwah, Vol 1, Page 169] 24. He further states: آورده اند كه جون رسيد ان حضرت صلى الله تعالى عليه و على آله و بارك و سلم بعرش دست زدعرش بدامان اجلال وى It is narrated that when Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) reached the Arsh, it respectfully touched his Sacred Garb. [Madaarij an-Nubuwwah, Vol 1, Page 170] 25. He states in Ash'atul-Lam'aat Sharha Mishkaat that: جز حضرت بيغمبر ما صلى الله تعالى عليه و على آله و بارك وسلم بالا تر ازان هيج كس نه رفته و ان حضرت بجائى رفت كه آنجا جانيست No one else besides the Beloved Habeeb (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) reached this Height in the Heavens. This was a timeless and space less transcendental region. برداشت از طبيعت امكان قدم كه آن اسرى بعبده است من المسجد الحرام Me'raaj surpassed the limits of human nature As Allah's special servant was taken from Musjid-e-Haraam. تا عرصه وجوب كه اقصاى عالم است كانجانه جاست نى جهت و نى نشان نه نام He reached the Divine Arcane Zone that cannot be explained. This zone has no place, description, name or direction. [Ash'at al Lam'aat, Vol 4, Page 442] 26. Also Sheikh-e-Muhaqqiq (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) states in the same book, in the third section, under "Divine Vision of Allah", while discussing the Hadith Shareef قد راى ربه مرّتين that: بتحقيق ديد آنحضرت صلى الله تعالى عليه و آله و بارك و سلّم بروردكار خود را جلّ و علا دو بار يكى نزديك سدرة المنتهى بود ، دوم جون بالاى عرش بر آمد Indeed, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw his Sublime Creator twice. First at Sidratul-Muntaha and then at the Arsh. [Ash'at al Lam'aat, Vol 4, Page 442-449] 27. It is recorded in the fourth volume, letter number 283, in the Maktobaat of Hadrat Mujaddid Alfe Thaani Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) that: آن سرور عليه الصلوة و السلام دران شب از دائرهء مكان و زمان نبرون جست و ازتنكى امكان بر آمده ازل و ابد را آن واحد يافت و بدايت و نهايت را در يك نقطه متحده ديد On the night of Meh'raaj, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) did not leave the boundaries of time and space and surpassed the restrictions of human nature. He saw the Secrets from Eternity till Eternity combined in a dot of Unity. [Maktubat Hadrat Mujaddid Alfe Thaani, Vol 4, Page 366] 28. He further states in the letter number 272 that: محمدصلى الله تعالى عليه و آله و بارك و سلّم كه محبوب ربّ العالمين ست و بهترين موجودات اوّلين و آخرين بدولت معراج بدنى مشرّف شد و از عرش و كرسى در كزشت و از مكان و زمان بالا رفت Sayyiduna Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) is the most Beloved of Allah and the most unique in creation. He was the only creation to be blessed with physical Me'raaj. He traveled further than the Arsh, Kursi and limitations of time and space. [Maktubat Hadrat Mujaddid Alfe Thaani, Vol 4, Page 348] Conclusion: A perfect Man is not he who circumfuses the Arsh and whatever it encompasses, namely, the skies, Jannah and Jahannam. But, a perfect Man is he, whose vision surpasses all these dimensions and sees and appreciates the Glory of the Creator, of all these dimensions. [imam Abdul Wahhab Sha'raani Radi ALLAHo Ta'ala Anho] He is the First and the Last; He lives in the Absence and the Presence; His own hidden light went to see His own visible existence. By the Divine Grace of Almighty Allah, this brief but informative answer will suffice to remove doubts from the hearts and minds of the Muslims. (Insha ALLAH Azzawajal) Reference Books: منبه و المنية لوصول الحبيب إلي العرش و الرّوية Syyedi Ala'Hadrat Imam Ahmad Rida Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho Al-Khasais al-Kubra, Vol 1, Page 316-349 Syyedi Abdur Rehman Jalal al-Din Suyooti Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho[/color]

Bismillahirramanirrahim Assalamualaikum Warehmatullahe Wabaraqatuhu Rajab is a month with blessings beyond our imagination and a month in which Duas are sure to be answered. We must respect this month and busy ourselves in as much Ibaadat as is possible within our capacity, so that we may take advantage of the numerous blessings of this month and so that we may attain the Pleasure and Mercy of Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala has stated in the Holy Qur’an: “Undoubtedly, the number of months with Allah is twelve in the Book of Allah since the day He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred. This is the right religion. Therefore, do not wrong yourselves in these months.” [surah 9, Verse 36] The four months referred to as sacred in this verse are Rajab, Dhul-Qa’da, Dhul-Hijja and Muharram. One of these stands in isolation, namely Rajab, while the other three occur in a consecutive sequence in the Islamic calendar. Allah Ta’ala in this verse has applied the prohibition of doing wrong actions and committing sins in these four months specifically, in order to make us clearly understand that they deserve particular respect because of the magnitude of their holiness. In other words, it is in order to emphasize their special importance that Allah Ta’ala mentions them explicitly, rather than any of the other months in connection with the prohibition of wrongdoing, although wrongdoing is actually forbidden during all the months of the year. Hazrat Bayazid Bustami (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) said, “Wrongdoing means the renunciation of obedience to Allah Ta’ala and the perpetration of acts of sinful disobedience against Almighty Allah.” Therefore in accordance with this verse of the Holy Qur’an, much worship should be done during the month of Rajab and every effort should be made to abstain from sins. Our Beloved Master Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has stated, “Rajab is the month of Allah, Shabaan is my month and Ramadaan is the month of my Ummah.” Nabi-e-Kareem (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) also said, “There is no doubt that Rajab is one of the sacred months. It was in this month that Allah Ta’ala put Hazrat Nuh (Alaihis Salaam) aboard the Ark. Hazrat Nuh (Alaihis Salaam) then spent the month fasting aboard the Ark, and he ordered those who accompanied him to keep the same fast, so Allah Ta’ala delivered them and kept them safe from drowning, while He used the flood to purify the earth by ridding it of unbelief and tyranny.” This beautiful and sacred month of Rajab has several names, two of which will be explained here. Once, after the new moon for Rajab had been sighted, Hazrat Uthman Ghani (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) went onto the pulpit during the Jumuah prayer. After he delivered the Khutba he went on to say, “Well now this is the Deaf Month of Allah.” The reason it was called deaf month of Allah (Shahrullah al-Asamm) is because as soon as the new moon was sighted for Rajab, the Arabs, who were perpetually engaged in feuding with each other, would lay down their weapons. As a result the noise of the clashes of arms and spears would not be heard for the duration of the month. A man might have gone out in search of his father’s killer, but if he spotted him during Rajab he would not confront him. He would act as if he could neither see him nor hear him. Another name of Rajab is Shahrullah al-Asabb, which is the Bountiful Month of Allah. It conveys that Divine Mercy (Rahmah) comes pouring down upon His servants during this month and Allah Ta’ala grants them generous favours and rewards the like of which no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and no human heart has ever conceived. [Ghunyalit Taalibi Tareeqal Haq, Vol. 3] Insha Allah some of the blessings of Rajab will be discussed here to give us a glimpse into the Divine Mercy of Allah Ta’ala that comes pouring down upon us during this month. Hazrat Abu Huraira (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) narrates that our Beloved Master Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) never fasted throughout the whole of any month outside of Ramadaan, apart from Rajab and Shabaan. [Ghunyalit Taalibi Tareeqal Haq, Vol. 3] Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said: “If someone has fasted for three days in Rajab, Allah Ta’ala will cause a trench to be dug between him and the fire of hell, a trench so wide that it would take a whole year to travel from one side of it to the other. If someone has fasted for four days in Rajab, he will be immunized against such afflictions as insanity, elephantiasis and leprosy, and also against the mischief of Dajjaal. If someone has fasted for seven days in Rajab, Allah Ta’ala will lock each of the seven gates of hell to make sure he stays out of it, one gate for each of his seven days of fasting. If someone has fasted for eight days in Rajab, Allah Ta’ala will open each of the eight gates of heaven for his benefit, one gate for each of his eight days of fasting. If someone has fasted for ten days in Rajab, Allah Ta’ala will provide him with a mattress on which to rest in comfort at every milestone on the narrow bridge called Pul-Siraat. If someone has fasted for twelve days in Rajab, Allah Ta’ala will clothe him in two garments, and one of these garments alone will be better than this world and all that it contains. If someone has fasted for thirteen days in Rajab, a table will be spread for him on the Day of Resurrection in the shade of the Arsh (Heavenly Throne), so that he can eat from it while most of the people are in dire distress. If someone has fasted for twenty days in Rajab, a crier will call out from heaven, “O servant of Allah, whatever may have happened in the past, Allah Ta’ala has already forgiven you, so make a fresh start on the good work you can do in the time you have left.”” [Ghunyalit Taalibi Tareeqal Haq, Vol. 3] Hazrat Abu Dardah (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh), who was a Sahabah with the title of ‘Sahib-e-Sirr an- Nabi’ due to the secret knowledge imparted to him by Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), was once asked by a person about fasting during the month of Rajab. In reply he told the person the following: “You have asked me about a month that was venerated even by the people of the time of ignorance, in spite of their state of ignorance, and Islam has simply added to the respect and veneration with which it is regarded. If someone has fasted for one day during this month, and if he has done so voluntarily, reckoning on the reward of Allah Ta’ala and motivated by the sincere desire to win Allah Ta’ala’s favour, that fast of his will extinguish the wrath of Allah Almightyand Allah Ta’ala will lock one of the gates by which he might otherwise enter the fire of hell. Even if he were given enough gold to fill the earth, it would not be an adequate recompense for him. Nothing belonging to this world could possibly represent full compensation, which he can only receive on the Day of Judgment. When evening comes (at the time of Iftaar) he is entitled to receive a positive response to each of ten supplications (Duas). He may take this as an opportunity to pray for some immediate worldly benefit, in which case Allah Ta’ala will grant him his request. Otherwise, good things will be held in store for him, and these will be things of the most excellent quality, such as might be prayed for by a supplicant who is among the Saints of Allah Ta’ala (Awliya Allah). If someone has fasted for two days, he will be entitled to receive those very same benefits, but he will also be granted an extra reward. This will be equivalent to the reward earned by ten Siddiqeen in the course of their entire lives, however long they may have lived. He will also be entitled to intercede in cases similar to those in which they are entitled to intercede. He will be counted as a member of their group, so that he will enter Jannat together with them, and he will be regarded as one of their close companions. If someone has fasted for three days, he will be entitled to receive those very same benefits, but as an extra reward Allah Ta’ala will say to him at the moment when he breaks his fast, “This servant of Mine must now receive his proper due. He is now entitled to My Love and My Custodial Friendship. I hereby call upon you to bear witness O My angels, to the fact that I have forgiven him for all his sins.”” Hazrat Abu Dardah (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) goes on to explain the blessings right up to thirty fasts, which is too lengthy to include here. However, after hearing about all the blessings of fasting in Rajab, the man then asked Hazrat Abu Dardah (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) another question: “Supposing that on each of the days when a person is keeping the fast, the amount available to him for Sadaqah (almsgiving) is barely sufficient to provide him with his basic sustenance, should he still give it away in the form of charity?” Hazrat Abu Dardah (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) found this question so utterly absurd that he responded with the following, “Preposterous, preposterous, preposterous! Even if all the creatures of the universe were to pool their resources in an effort to match the reward received by that servant of Allah, they could not produce as much as one tenth of the reward that Allah Ta’ala would bestow upon that servant!” [Ghunyalit Taalibi Tareeqal Haq, vol. 3, pg 18] Subhaanallah! What can we say about the blessings of Rajab other than Subhaanallah! Just from three fasts we see how much Allah Ta’ala loves us and wants to bestow His Mercy and Blessings upon us but it is just that we are too lazy to take advantage of such an opportunity. What more can a person ask for that Allah Ta’ala’s Love and Custodial Friendship? And all it takes is for us to fast for three days in the whole month. We are such disobedient sinners, not even worthy of such a blessing, yet it is the Mercy and Kindness of Allah Ta’ala that He wishes to bestow such blessings upon us, even though we are such worthless and ungrateful servants of His. When are we going to wake up from our heedlessness??? Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Zubair (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh), the cousin of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “If someone relieves a believer of an anxiety during the month of Rajab, Allah Ta’ala will grant him a palace in Jannat extending as far as the eye can see. Yes indeed, you must honour Rajab, for then Allah Ta’ala will honour you with a thousand generous favours!” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has also stated that in the Garden of Paradise there is a river called Rajab, which is whiter than milk and sweeter than honey. If someone has fasted for one day during the month of Rajab, Allah Ta’ala will let him quench his thirst by drinking from that river. Hazrat Anas Ibn Malik (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) reports another Hadith in which Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has stated that in the Garden of Paradise there is a palace that no one may enter, with the exception of someone who makes it a frequent practice of fasting during the month of Rajab. A’la Hazrat Imam Ahle Sunnat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) says that Hazrat Anas (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) has narrated that Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “I was given Prophethood on the 27th of Rajab. Whoever fasts on this day then supplicates at the time of Iftaar it will be the expiation for ten years of his sins.” [Fatawa-e-Razaviya] Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has stated that Rajab contains a very special day and very special night which is the 27th. If someone fasts during that day and keeps vigil throughout that night he will be entitled to a reward like the one that would be earned by a person who fasted for a hundred years, and who kept vigil throughout all the nights of that period. [Ghunyalit Taalibi Tareeqal Haq, Vol. 3] Our Beloved Aaqa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) also encouraged the Sahaabah to perform optional (Nafl) prayers during Rajab as the blessings for this are innumerable. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to wake up from our laziness and heedlessness, to make His Ibaadat and to attain His Pleasure so that we may attain His Infinite Mercy and Blessings during this sacred month, Ameen.

Aauzo Billaahi Minash Shaitaan Nir Rajim Bismillaah Hir Rehman Nir Rahim ; Allah - Beginning With The Name Of - The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful. Sallallaaho Allanabiyil Ummi wa aalehi Sallallahoalaihhewasallam Salato Wa salaaman Alaik Rasool Allah There was a farmer in Africa who was happy and content. He was happy because he was content. He was content because he was happy. One day a wise man came to him and told him about the glory of diamonds and the power that goes along with them. The wise man said, "If you had a diamond the size of your thumb, you could have your own city. If you had a diamond the size of your fist, you could probably own your own country." And then he went away. That night the farmer couldn't sleep. He was unhappy and he was discontent. He was unhappy because he was discontent and discontent because he was unhappy. The next morning he made arrangements to sell off his farm, took care of his family and went in search of diamonds. He looked all over Africa and couldn't find any. He looked all through Europe and couldn't find any. When he got to Spain, he was emotionally, physically and financially broke. He got so disheartened that he threw himself into the Barcelona River and committed suicide. Back home, the person who had bought his farm was watering the camels at a stream that ran through the farm. Across the stream, the rays of the morning sun hit a stone and made it sparkle like a rainbow. He thought it would look good on the mantle piece. He picked up the stone and put it in the living room. That afternoon the wise man came and saw the stone sparkling. He asked, "Is Hafiz back?" The new owner said, "No, why do you ask?" The wise man said, "Because that is a diamond. I recognize one when I see one." The man said, no, that's just a stone I picked up from the stream. Come, I'll show you. There are many more." They went and picked some samples and sent them for analysis. Sure enough, the stones were diamonds. They found that the farm was indeed covered with acres and acres of diamonds.* Moral of the Story: What is the moral of this story? There are five morals: 1. When our attitude is right, we realize that we are a ll walking on acres and acres of diamonds. Opportunity is always under our feet. We don't have to go anywhere. All we need to do is recognize it. 2. The grass on the other side always looks greener. 3. While we are dyeing the grass on the other side, there are others who are dyeing the grass on our side. They would be happy to trade places with us. 4. When people don't know how to recognize opportunity, they complain of noise when it knocks. 5. The same opportunity never knocks twice. The next one may be better or worse, but it is never the same one.

assalamualaikum mufti haneef qureshi sahab ki file upload karni yahan direct upload kar sakte hai ya ki admin sahab ka email id dijiye mai unko send kar deta hu kyunke youtube aap ke yaha block kiya huwa hai

Assalamualaikum Munazire Ahlesunnat Mufti Muhammad Hanif Qureshi's Views On Dawat e Islami And Madni Channel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwlQHs5H5IM&feature=player_embedded /b]

Auzubillahi Minashshaitaa Nirrajeem Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim ; Allah - Beginning With The Name Of - The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful. Swallallaaho Allanabiyil Ummi wa aalehi Swallalaho Alaihi Wassallam Swalato Wa salaaman Alaik Rasool Allah A Baghdadi merchant was sitting in a ship with his slave, and they were going to Basra. Hazrat Bohlool (May Allah's blessings upon him) and some others were also in this ship. The slave started crying because he was afraid of the ship’s turbulent movements. All the travelers became annoyed at this. Hazrat Bohlool (May Allah's blessings upon him) asked the slave’s master permission to quiet him by some advice. The merchant agreed. Bohlool immediately gave the order to throw the slave into the sea. His command was carried out. When the slave was near death, he was rescued. After that experience, the slave quietly sat in a corner of the ship. The travelers asked Hazrat Bohlool (May Allah's blessings upon him) the reason why this act quieted the slave. Hazrat Bohlool (May Allah's blessings upon him) replied, “This slave didn’t know how comfortable this ship was or what greatness and value it held. When he was thrown into the sea, he understood that this ship is a comfortable and relieving place.” Moral: We should not cry for our condition in which we are living but thank God for make our life comfortable.We should not think about more comfortable place thant what we have rather whenever we feel ouselves un-comfortable, we should thin or experience for little span of time in umcomfortable place then we will be able to understand how God has made us to live susch a good life. Today If we see around the Globe there are so many people who don’t even have the food to eat & shelter living but we to whom the Allah the Almight has given best Food, best Shelter, best clothes, best transportation but still we sit & cry that I don’t have this & that………

Assalamualaikum Bismilla Hirrahman Nirrahim Allah Ta'ala relents towards those who repent (make Tawba) and He graciously bestows His Mercy upon those who turn away from sin. Hereunder we will Insha Allah learn about the significance and necessity of repenting for our sins. Hazrat Jaabir ibn Abdullah (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) narrates that Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) delivered a sermon one Friday, in the course of which he said, “O people, repent to Allah before you die. Set about the performance of righteous works without delay, before you are too preoccupied. Reconcile whatever differences you have with your Lord, for then you will prosper.” The Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) also said, “When Iblees was sent down to the earth he said, “By Your Glory and by Your Majesty, I swear that I shall not cease to mislead the human being as long as he has a breath left in his body.” The Lord then said, “By My Glory and by My Majesty, I shall not refuse to accept his repentance, as long as he has not made that gurgling sound with his last breath.”” Hazrat Muhammad ibn Mutrif (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) reports that Allah Ta'ala has said, “Woe unto the son of Adam! He commits a sin, then he begs Me for forgiveness, and so I forgive him. Woe unto him! He promptly repeats the sin, then begs Me for forgiveness, and so I forgive him. Woe unto him! He will not give up his sin, but neither will he despair of My mercy. I call you to bear witness to the fact that I have indeed forgiven him.” Hazrat Anas ibn Malik (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) narrates that after the revelation of the Qur'anic Verse, “And that you ask forgiveness of your Lord then repent to Him [surah 11, Verse 3],” Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and his Blessed Companions would pray for forgiveness a hundred times every day, and they used to say, “We beg forgiveness of Allah, and we return to him in repentance (Nastaghfirullaaha wa natubu ilaih).” Hazrat Anas (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) also reports that a man once came to Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and said, “O Messenger of Allah, I am guilty of a sin.” When Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) told him, “You must ask forgiveness of Allah,” the man said, “I do repent, but then I commit the same sin all over again.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) then said, “However often you sin, you must always repent, so that Shaitaan will be the one who reaches the point of sheer exhaustion.” The man said, “O Prophet of Allah, in that case my sins are likely to be very numerous,” to which the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Allah's readiness to pardon is greater than your sins.” Hazrat Hassan Basri (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) once said, “You must not entertain the wishful expectation of forgiveness without repentance (Tawba), nor of spiritual reward without good work.” As Allah Ta'ala states in the Glorious Qur'an, “And undoubtedly, I am the Most Forgiving to him who repents and believes and does good deeds, then remains on guidance [surah 20, Verse 82]. The ambitious desire for Divine Mercy and the Garden of Paradise, without repentance and without devotion to piety, is therefore nothing short of folly, ignorance and delusion, because repentance and devotion to piety are both stipulated in the above verse of the Holy Qur'an. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “The true believer looks upon his sins as if he were standing at the foot of a mountain, afraid that it might topple down upon him. As for the shameless sinner, he looks upon his sins as if they were merely flies that had settled on his nose, so he assumes that they will buzz off as soon as he tells them to do so.” Once, Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “It may happen that the servant of Allah commits a sin, and that sin enables him to enter the Garden of Paradise.” The Blessed Companions then asked, “Ya Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), how can it possibly enable him to enter the Garden of Paradise?” The Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) then replied, “The sin keeps staring him in the eye, so he begs forgiveness for it. He feels remorse over it, and repents, so it actually enables him to enter the Garden of Paradise!” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) also said, “I have never seen a remedy that is more appropriate, or that takes effect more rapidly than a new good deed applied to an old sin.” As Allah Ta'ala has stated in the Holy Qur'an, “No doubt, good deeds obliterate evil deeds. This is admonition for the persons accepting admonition [surah 11, Verse 114].” The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “When the servant of Allah commits a sin, it takes the form of a black stain inside his heart. Then, if he repents, seeks refuge and begs for forgiveness, his heart will be cleansed of that stain. But if he does not repent, does not resort to humble entreaty and does not beg for forgiveness, sin will be added to sin, and blackness to blackness, until his heart becomes blind and he must die.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has stated, “Remorse is a form of repentance.” He also said, “When someone commits a sin, then feels remorse over it, his remorse becomes his expiation (kaffaarah) for the sin.” Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) has stated, “These words were inscribed around the Heavenly Throne (Arsh) four thousand years before Adam (Alaihis Salaam) was created: “And undoubtedly, I am the Most Forgiving to him who repents and believes and does good deeds, then remains on guidance.” [surah 20, Verse 82]” From this narration we can see the importance and significance of repenting, that the words relating to it are even inscribed on the Arsh of Allah Ta'ala. According to a report transmitted by Hazrat Yunus ibn Ubaidullah (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) once said, “There is not one servant of Allah who does not have two angels watching over him, and the guardian angel of the right side is in command of the guardian angel of the left side. Whenever the servant does a bad deed, the guardian angel of the left side asks his commander, “Shall I write it down?” The guardian angel of the right side responds to this by telling him, “Leave it until he has committed five bad deeds.” Then, when the servant has in fact committed five bad deeds, the guardian angel of the left side will ask again, “Shall I write them down?” This time the other angel will reply, “Leave it until he does a good deed.” Then when the servant has in fact performed a good deed, the guardian angel of the right side will say to his subordinate, “We have been informed that one good deed should be multiplied by ten, so let us proceed to cancel five bad deeds with five good deeds, and then make sure that five of the good deeds are definitely recorded in his favour.” At this point Shaitaan will cry out in dismay, “When shall I ever catch up with the son of Adam?”” This Hadith is in harmony with the words of Allah, “No doubt, good deeds obliterate evil deeds. This is admonition for the persons accepting admonition [surah 11, Verse 114].” In another narration Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “If the servant of Allah does a good deed, the guardian angel of the right side records ten good deeds in his credit column, and if he does a bad deed, the guardian angel of the left side is ready to record it in his debit column, but before he has time to do so, the guardian angel of the right side says, “Don't do that just yet!” He is then obliged to restrain himself for six or seven hours of the day. During that time the servant may beg forgiveness of Allah, in which case the angel will not record anything against him, or he may fail to beg forgiveness, in which case the angel will record one bad deed in his debit column.” Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) reports that Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “When the servant repents, and when Allah relents towards him, Allah causes that servant's angelic custodians to forget the bad deeds he has committed. He also causes his physical limbs and organs to forget the sinful actions they have committed. So when he comes forth on the Day of Resurrection there will be nothing whatsoever to bear witness against him.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has stated, “He who repents his sin is like someone who is guiltless of that sin even if he has repeated it seventy times in a day.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) also said, “What is meant by sincere repentance is that one repents and then does not go back to committing the sin he has repented for.” Hazrat Ibn Mas'ood (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) is reported as having said, “When a person first examines his record book on the Day of Resurrection, he will see his sinful acts of disobedience inscribed in the front part, and his good deeds towards the end. But when he turns back to the early pages of the book, he will see nothing but good deeds recorded there.” This is in keeping with the words of Allah, “But he who repents and believes and does good deeds, then Allah will change the vices of such persons with virtues. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” [surah 25, Verse 70] The recipient of this favour will be the repentant upon whose repentance Allah has set the seal of acceptance. It is mentioned in the Hadith-e-Qudsi that Allah Ta'ala has stated, “O son of Adam, even if you came to meet Me with sins as huge as the earth itself, I would come to meet you with a correspondingly enormous measure of forgiveness.” From this we learn how important repentance is and how ready Allah Ta'ala is to forgive us. Allah Ta'ala is Most Merciful and wants to forgive us. He is so Merciful that he even wants the angels to delay recording our bad deeds so that we may have time to repent. It is we who need to make the effort in turning to Allah Ta'ala and repenting for our sins. Do we not want Allah Ta'ala to bestow His Gracious Mercy upon us? We should take heed of the above narrations and try to at least repent every day before we sleep or after Esha Salaah so that Allah Ta'ala may forgive us and convert our sins into good deeds. Insha Allah with this practice we will start having hatred for sins and will eventually stop committing those sins. May Allah Ta'ala grant us the Taufeeq to continuously repent for our sins to attain the Mercy and Forgiveness of Allah Ta'ala, Ameen. [Compiled from Ghunyalit Taalibi Tareeqal Haqq by Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh]

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabaratuhu Bismillahirrahmanirrahim Hazrat Bilaal (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) was the Abyssinian slave of Umayya ibn Khalaf, one of the most violent of the polytheists. Hazrat Bilaal (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) had a heart of pure light, but Umayya ibn Khalaf was an implacable enemy of Islam and of the Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). The time came when Hazrat Bilaal (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) received the blessing of faith. Umayya ibn Khalaf found out about it, so he started taking his slave out into the desert and subjecting him to appalling tortures in the hope of forcing him to abandon the religion of Islam. He would make Hazrat Bilaal (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) lie down on the blazing hot sand at the time when the sun was at its height, pile heavy stones on top of him and beat him with a spiked club. As if this was not enough, he would not even stop at kicking his feet and beating him to the point of exhaustion, but went on to stick thorns in his blessed body till blood oozed from the wounds. In spite of all this, the only sound uttered by Hazrat Bilaal (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) were the names of his loved ones, “Ya Ahad! Ya Ahmad!” The heart of the venerable Bilaal (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) was so full of their love and affection that the pricking of the thorns and the severity of the beating did nothing to diminish his ardent faith. Quite the contrary, the more diabolical his suffering, the more painful his agony, the greater was his love and affection towards the Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and the stronger his faith became. Despite such monstrous cruelty and torment, Hazrat Bilaal (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) never once yielded to Ibn Khalaf, for he had sworn to sacrifice body and soul in the cause of the Truth and for the sake of the love of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). As for the unbelieving Umayya, every day he would bury Hazrat Bilaal (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) in the sand saying, “You black slave, unless you give up this religion of Islam, I am going to treat you to beatings far worse than this; I'll handle you so roughly that I may end up killing you.” Those cries of, “O One! O Ahmad!” made Umayya ibn Khalaf lose all self-control. But one day those cries of his Beloveds reached the ears of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh), who happened to be passing by. Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) walked closer to where the sound was coming from and saw that Umayya's slave, though worn out by the torture of his heartless master, was consoling himself by persistently pronouncing the noble names of Allah and His Blessed Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Tears sprang to his blessed eyes. This servant of Allah was being cruelly tortured by his master, and all because he was uttering the name of Allah and His Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Not long afterwards, Hazrat Abu Bakr had occasion to pass that way again. The sight of yet another beating session, and the sorrowful groans of “Ya Ahad! Ya Ahmad!” were more than he could bear. He came running to Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and said, “O Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Bilaal is consumed with the fire of your love. The polytheists have tortured him, flayed his bare body with thorny branches and left him bleeding all over. Yet while the treacherous Umayya is beating him, the blessed Bilaal says nothing but “Allah is One; the Messenger is Ahmad”. Submitting to the divine decree, he endures that agony with patience and trust. We must buy Bilaal and pay his master any price he may ask, for we must save him at all costs.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) then said, “O Abu Bakr, act as my agent and pay half the price on my behalf, I shall owe you the money. Go now and purchase Bilaal.” Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) responded at once, “In this matter I shall spend whatever I can.” He went straight to Umayya's house and knocked at his door. As soon as the unbelieving tyrant appeared, the venerable Abu Bakr (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) lashed him with his tongue saying, “You enemy of Allah, why do you inflict such beatings on this innocent man of Allah, Bilaal? You enemy of Allah, what kind of envy and animosity is this? What kind of enmity is this? You are beating a friend of Allah, yet if you had faith, sincerity and respect even for your own religion your conscience would not let you be so cruel to a person true to his beliefs. You would have some compassion for him. But it is well known that you have no loyalty even to your own religion, no faith in your own idols.” The cruel Umayya merely replied, “Since you have so much compassion, would you buy this slave if I offered to sell him to you?” Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) said, “If you will sell me this Sultan you disparagingly call a slave, I shall make numerous prostrations of gratitude to Allah.” Now, Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) had a slave who was very handsome and strong, but whose heart was sour and his disposition mean. He offered Umayya an exchange and brought this slave to show him. It struck Umayya ibn Khalaf as odd that Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) should be so willing to part with this handsome slave, who was obviously a strong worker, so he demanded a sum of money in addition. Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) therefore paid out two hundred pieces of silver along with the handsome slave. Having purchased Hazrat Bilaal (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh), he then emancipated him from slavery for the Pleasure of Allah. As Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) was leaving with Hazrat Bilaal (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh), he heard Umayya laughing behind his back as if he thought he had cheated him. He turned and asked, “What reason have you to laugh like that?” But Umayya went on laughing as he said, “You have swapped this fine fellow for an ugly brute who is not worth two cents in my opinion, and you've paid me cash into the bargain. I've cheated you right down the line, that is why I'm laughing.” To this, Siddiq-e-Akbar (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) replied, “You stupid fool! Just like a child you have swapped a precious jewel for a couple of walnuts. I do not look at his outward appearance. I look at his essence, at the reality of him. You can see only his shape and colour, his external form. But I would gladly give all I possess to ransom Bilaal, for he is in truth a matchless jewel, a priceless gem. His worth and value are known only to Allah and His Beloved Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). In short, no amount of money could represent his true price. When you look at it like that, I got Bilaal from you very cheaply. To Allah be Praise, that this honour should fall to my lot.” Crushed by these words, the unbelieving Umayya sighed, “Alas! What have I done? If only I had asked for more money or goods!” Taking Hazrat Bilaal (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) by the hand, Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) led him joyfully into the presence of the Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Rescued from the prison of pain, Hazrat Bilaal (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) had reached the beauty of Allah Ta'ala's Beloved Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). No words can describe the pure delight in which he was immersed, now that he had attained the radiant presence of the Beloved of Almighty Allah and won the attention of the greatest of creation, the bearer of the Divine Message, our Beloved Master Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) showered Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) with affection because of the service he had performed. “O Abu Bakr,” he said, “As I told you I will owe you the money for Bilaal's ransom.” But Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) replied, “O Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Bilaal and I are slaves at your court. One of your slaves bought another of your slaves and set him, who was longing for your beauty, free. As for this servant of yours, I have no wish whatsoever to be liberated from your service.” Subhaanallah! What love the Blessed Sahaabah had for Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) that they would sacrifice anything for his sake! We learn from this incident that no matter how much calamities we are faced with, if we endure them with patience, we will definitely earn the Pleasure of Allah Ta'ala and His Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), and our reward will be beyond comprehension. We also learn that no matter what we are faced with, we should never compromise our love for Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). May Allah Ta'ala grant us the Taufeeq to follow in the footsteps of Hazrat Bilaal (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) and to endure calamities with patience, and may He in His Infinite Mercy make us the slaves of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Ameen. [Compiled from Irshad: Wisdom of a Sufi Master by Shaikh Muzaffer Al Jerrahi ]

The condition of Muslims today, especially the youth, is due to our ignorance and lack of interest in seeking knowledge. Hereunder Insha Allah we will learn about the importance and excellence Allah Ta'ala and His Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) have placed in knowledge. Hujjatul Islam Hazrat Imam Ghazzali (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) states that knowledge is the foundation of every action and the pivot of religion. The goodness in this world and the hereafter cannot be attained without knowledge, nor can belief (Imaan) be perfected without it. Therefore it is said that an ignorant cannot recognize Allah Ta'ala. It is further stated that there is no path that leads to Allah Ta'ala that is faster than knowledge and the biggest obstacle between you and Almighty Allah is ignorance. [Fadlul-I’lm-wal-Ulama] Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “The destruction of my followers lies in two things; giving up knowledge and amassing wealth.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has also stated that anyone cursed by Allah Ta'ala is removed from knowledge and that there is no bigger poverty than ignorance. [Makashifatul Quloob] Hazrat Imam Isma’il bin Abi Rajaa (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) states that he saw Imam Muhammad (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) in a dream and inquired of his welfare. The Imam (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) said that Allah Ta'ala Pardoned him and Said: “If I had Ordained to punish you then I would not have blessed you with knowledge.” [Durre Mukhtar] Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) further stated, “When Allah Ta'ala Intends to do good to anyone, He makes him knowledgeable in the matters of Deen.” [sahih Bukhari; Tirmidhi] It is recorded that two persons were mentioned in the presence of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), an Aabid (worshipper) and an Aalim (learned). The Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “The merit of an Aalim over an Aabid is like my prominence over an insignificant amongst you.” [Tirmidhi] It is reported that Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Allah is Most Generous and I am the most charitable amongst mankind, and after me the most generous amongst you is he who seeks knowledge and propagates it.” [bayhaqi ] Imam Zahbi (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) reports that Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said that on the Day of Judgment the ink of the Ulama and the blood of the Martyrs will be brought forward and the ink of the Ulama will be superior to the blood of the Martyrs. It is stated that on the Day of Judgment Allah Ta'ala will order the Ulama and the Shuhada to enter Jannat. The Ulama will say, “O Allah, It is we who taught the people to worship You and make Jihad.” Allah Ta'ala will state, “To Me, you are like My angels. Seek pardon for whom you desire and I will accept it.” The Ulama will then intercede for the people and they will be sent to Jannat. [ihya-ul-Uloom] It is stated in the Hadith Shareef that if a person seeks one section of knowledge to educate others, Allah Ta'ala will bless him with the reward of seventy Siddiqeen. [Fadlul-I’lm-wal-Ulama] Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “When a person travels in search of knowledge, the angels spread their wings under his feet, the earth, skies and fish of the ocean make Dua for him.” [Mu’alim Al-Tanzeel ] It is further narrated from Hazrat Abu Darda (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) that Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “If one takes a single step in search of knowledge, then Allah Ta'ala will lead him on one of the paths of Jannah, and verily, the angels spread their wings of mercy for a student. Indeed, all the dwellers of earth, the skies and also the fish of the oceans seek pardon for a scholar of Deen. And verily, the prominence of a scholar over a worshipper is similar to the excellence of the full moon over the stars. Undoubtedly, the Ulama are the successors of the Prophets and they do not leave any wealth behind besides knowledge. Hence, one who has acquired knowledge has indeed achieved a great share of wealth.” [Tirmidhi] It is stated that indeed Allah Ta'ala, His angels, the dwellers of the earth and skies, the ants in their holes and even the fish collectively send blessings on one who seeks knowledge and teaches others. [Tirmidhi] “When a person travels in search of knowledge, then Allah Ta'ala makes his journey easy towards Jannah. And when people leave the Masjid and assemble to recite the Holy Qur'an and teach it, Divine Mercy descends on them and the Rahmah of Almighty Allah enshrouds them. The angels of mercy also surround them while Allah Ta'ala Praises them and tells the angels how pleased He is with them.” [sahih Muslim] Hazrat Abu Zarr (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) narrates that Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “To be present in the Majlis of an Aalim is better than performing a thousand Rakaats of Salaah, visiting a thousand sick people and being present in a thousand Janaazas.” Someone asked, “Ya Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), what about the Tilaawat of the Qur'an?” (Meaning the presence of an Aalim in a Majlis as better than the recitation of the Holy Qur'an?) Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Can one derive the benefits of the Qur'an without knowledge?” [Lisaanul Mizaan] Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) also stated, “A single Faqi (Jurist) is more heavy on the Cursed Shaitaan than a thousand worshippers.” [Lisaanul Mizaan] This is obvious because a worshipper worships to save his own soul while a Faqi educates and saves a nation from the evils of the Shaitaan. Hazrat Ali Al Murtaza (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) states: “An Aalim is more superior than a Mujaahid and one who observes fast and stays awake all night in Ibaadat.” Hazrat Imam Ghazzali (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) reports that a single sight of the face of an Aalim is more virtuous than an entire year’s devotion of Salaah and Fasting. Hazrat Abu Darda (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) states that he regards the learning of a single rule of Islam as more virtuous than staying awake all night in Ibaadat. Hazrat Umar Farooq (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) states that the death of a thousand devotees, who stay awake at night in worship and observe fast in the day, is of no comparison to the Sabr (patience) that a single Aalim exercises on the Haraam and Halaal of Allah Ta'ala. [Fadlul-I’lmwal- Ulama] May Allah Ta'ala grant us the Taufeeq to become seekers of knowledge and to remain as such until our last breath in this world, Ameen.

Assalamualaikum Warehmatullahi Wabarakatuhu Having read the Kalima of Islam does not permit anyone to utter Kufr as much as wanted. The Kalima is not a shield to protect you from becoming a Kaafir (non-believer) through uttering and practicing acts of Kufr. It is to be read, and Imaan is to remain on it at all times. After accepting Islam, to reject any belief of the Deen which is necessary to believe in (such as monotheism of Allah, Prophethood of the Ambiya, Jannat, Jahannam, Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is Khaatamun Nabiyeen etc.) is Irtidaad (one becomes a Murtad) and it is more severe and worse than original Kufr. A Muslim is a Muslim until he utters or makes Kufr and a Kaafir is a Kaafir until he brings Imaan and becomes a Muslim. To deem a Muslim to be a Muslim and a Kaafir to be a Kaafir is also from the necessities of Deen. [bahaare Shariat ] Some people argue that any person who recites the Kalima cannot be called a Kaafir. In response to this, the following indisputable proof from the Holy Qur'an is presented, “Were you mocking at Allah and His Verses and His Messenger? Make no excuses, you have already become infidels after becoming Muslims. [surah 9, Verses 65-66] The hypocrites referred to in this verse are called Kaafirs even though they recited the Kalima, read Namaaz etc. because of them disrespecting Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Therefore it is in accordance with Allah Ta'ala's commands that we believe a person to be an infidel if he commits acts of Kufr such as disrespecting Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), irrespective of whether he recites the Kalima, performs Salaah, Hajj etc. Allah Ta'ala then further states in the Glorious Qur'an regarding the deeds of such a person who becomes an infidel after being a Muslim, “And whoever of you turns back from his faith, and dies while he was a disbeliever, for them their deeds have become worthless in this world and in the hereafter and they are the inmates of the Fire and they will abide therein forever.” [surah 2, Verse 217] From this verse we learn that Irtidaad (apostasy) results in the ruination of all of one's good deeds. Therefore if a pilgrim becomes an apostate and thereafter accepts Islam again, he will have to perform his Hajj again as his first Hajj becomes null and void. Likewise all good deeds performed in the state of apostasy are null and void and not acceptable. However, an original non-believer's good deeds become worthy of reward after he accepts Islam. Furthermore the apostate loses out in this world in that his wife comes out of his Nikah, he is no longer liable to receive inheritance from his relatives, all forms of love relations with Muslims are forbidden for him and no assistance can be rendered to him by a Muslim, and in the hereafter he is beyond redemption and void of any reward. [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan] Will merely reciting the Kalima then blanket a Shia who says that the Holy Qur'an is defective and Hazrat Sayyiduna Ali (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) receives Wahi? Will it shield a Wahaabi who performs his five times Salaah yet he believes that Allah Ta'ala can lie and that Shaitaan has more knowledge than Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)? Indeed not! Thinking rationally also leads a person to conclude that merely reciting the Kalima and performing Salaah is not Islam. If it was the case then the person who reads Salaah once and then prostrates towards idols will remain in the folds of Islam. How can Imaan and Kufr be united? Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radiallahu Ta'ala Anh) narrates that Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “Sometimes a person says something pleasant to Allah and does not concentrate on it (meaning it is not something major in the sight of the person) but through it Allah elevates his rank. Sometimes a person says something unpleasant to Allah and does not think much of it but is thrown into Hell because of it. The area in Jahannam where he is thrown into is more than the distance between the east and the west” [bukhari Shareef ] Many Muslims in this modern day and age utter words of blasphemy without realizing it and unknowingly lose their Imaan. A few statements of Kufr are mentioned below so that we may be careful of what we utter. • Saying “Allah has forgot you” to a person who has become sick or is very old and does not die or “When Allah cannot compete against you, how can I,” to an abusive speaker are both Kufr. [Khulaasatul Fataawa] • To gain the attention of a powerful or rich man or a Haakim some people say, “Allah is above and you below.” This statement is Kufr and should never be said. • Saying “No” angrily when told by another to fear Allah or “What can he do besides sentencing a person to Jahannam” are both statements of Kufr. [Alamghiri ] • A destitute person reflecting on his impoverishment says, “O Allah! Certain person is Your Banda and has been blessed by You with much blessings. I too am Your bondsman but I have been given much hardship by You. Is this fair?” This statement is Kufr. [Alamghiri ] • Using the name of Allah in a diminutive noun is Kufr. [bahrur Raa'iq] • To disrespect the Ambiya (Alaihimus Salaam), or to assert immorality to them is Kufr, e.g. connecting Zina towards Hazrat Yusuf (Alaihis Salaam), Ma'azallah. •The person who rejects Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) to be Khaatamun- Nabiyeen (The Final Prophet), believes that Prophethood can be attained after his time or refutes the meaning of Khaatamun-Nabiyeen in any way is out of the folds of Islam. • To disrespect or defame anything associated with the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) or to regard it to be defective is Kufr, e.g. to say the clothes of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) are dirty, or deeming an action of his to be unmannerly or even to dislike calabash for the mere reason that Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was fond of it, is Kufr. • Being disrespectful, rude or arrogant towards Hazrat Jibra'eel (Alaihis Salaam), Mika'eel (Alaihis Salaam) or any angel is a Kufr. Some ignorant people, on seeing their enemy or a person they dislike say, “The angel of death has come.” This is a statement bordering on Kufr and should never be said. • To call any Aayat of the Holy Qur'an defective, disrespecting or joking about it is Kufr. • The person who says that some Aayat, Surah or even one letter of the Holy Qur'an has been added, taken out or changed, is explicitly a Kaafir. • Uttering any statement that conveys rejection of Namaaz being Fardh or degrading it is Kufr e.g. what benefit is there to read Namaaz, reading or not reading Namaaz is both equal etc. Similarly uttering any statement that conveys rejection of the obligation of fasting in Ramadaan or insulting it is Kufr e.g. When Allah has given us food why should we starve, why should I die starving etc. This is the case of other Fardh Ibaadat as well i.e. Zakaat and Hajj. • Making fun of, or insulting Laa Howla Wa Laa Quwwata, Subhaanallah or Laa Ilaaha Illallah or saying something that negates their importance is Kufr. • Teaching a Muslim male or female to make Kufr is Kufr even if done as a joke or in amusement. • To celebrate Holi, Diwali or Christmas is Kufr as these celebrations are worship of Ghairullah (other than Allah). Similarly to buy goods on the specific day of these celebrations for the mere reason that they are celebrations of Kaafirs or to join them with this reason is Kufr as well. Also, to buy something and send it to the Mushrikeen on the specific day of their celebration as a gift or to congratulate them with the intention of revering their holy day is Kufr. [bahrur Raa'iq; Bahaare Shariat ] We need to live our lives according to the Holy Qur'an and the teachings of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). In this lies our success in this world as well as the hereafter. Muslims should always be conscious of the deception of Shaitaan who always attempts to lead us away from Islam. We should not have trust in our obedience and Amaal, but rather have faith in the protection of Almighty Allah. May Allah Ta'ala grant us the Taufeeq to remain steadfast on the path of Islam and may He in His Infinite Mercy grant us death with Imaan, Ameen.

Hazrat Shaikh Junaid Baghdadi (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) lived two hundred years before Sarkaar-e- Ghaus-e-Azam Hazrat Shaikh Sayyid Abdul Qadir Jilani (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) and foretold his coming in the following manner. Once while he was in a state of spiritual ecstasy, he stated, “His foot is on my shoulders, his foot is on my shoulders.” After he had come out of this spiritual condition, his disciples questioned him concerning these words and he said, “I have been informed that a great saint will be born towards the end of the fifth century. His name shall be Abdul Qadir and his title will be Muhiyyudeen. He will be born in Jilan and he will reside in Baghdad. One day, on the command of Allah, he will say, “My foot is on the shoulders of all the Awliyah Allah.” While in my spiritual condition, I saw his excellence and these words were uttered by me without my control.” BLESSED BIRTH: The birth of Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) was a great blessing to the Ummah. It was the arrival of Sultanul Awliya (King of the Awliya), which had been foretold for centuries before his birth. He was born on the eve of the 1st of Ramadaan 470 Hijri in the city of Jilan and was blessed to his mother at an age when women are usually unable to have children. Sayyida Ummul Khair Fathima (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) was sixty years old when Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) was born. This alone was one of the astonishing incidents related to the birth of the great saint. HIS PARENTS: He is a descendant of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) from both his mother's and father's side. He is Hassani from his father and Hussaini from his mother. His father's name was Sayyid Abu Saleh Moosa (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) and his mother's name was Sayyida Ummul Khair Fathima (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha). MIRACULOUS EVENTS SURROUNDING HIS BLESSED BIRTH: There were various miraculous events which occurred at the birth of Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh). Hazrat Sayyiduna Shahabudeen Suharwardi (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) quoted the following five miracles in his distinguished book, Manaqib-e-Ghausia: (1) On the eve of the birth of Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh), his father, Sayyid Abu Saleh, saw in his dream, the Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) who gave him the following glad tiding, “O Abu Saleh, Almighty Allah has blessed you with a pious son. He is my beloved and the beloved of Almighty Allah and he is the most exalted amongst the Awliya and Aqtaab.” (2) When he was born, he had the impression of the footprint of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) on his shoulder. This alone was the proof of his Wilaayat (Sainthood). (3) Almighty Allah gave glad tidings to his parents in their dream that their son would be the Sultanul Awliyah and those who oppose him would be mislead (Gumrah). (4) On the eve of his birth eleven hundred males were born in Jilan and every one of them became a Wali of Allah. (5) He was born on the eve of Ramadaan. During the entire month of Ramadaan he never drank milk after the time of Sehri and before the time of Iftaar i.e. he kept fast from the day he was born. His blessed mother says that he would never cry for milk the entire day and would only take milk at the time of Iftaar. Subhaanallah! VOICE FROM THE UNSEEN: Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) was not like other children who spent their time playing and fooling around. From a tender age, he spent his time in the remembrance of Almighty Allah. If he at any time intended to join the other children, then from the unseen a voice would be heard saying, “Come towards Me O blessed one.” At first, on hearing this voice, he would become afraid and go to his mother and sit on her lap. As the time passed, he became accustomed to this voice, and instead of going to his mother, he would abandon the thought of playing and occupy himself in the remembrance of Allah. ANGELS AT THE MADRASSAH: When Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) was four and a half years old, his mother enrolled him into a local Madrassah in Jilan. He remained in this Madrassah until the age of ten and during this period an amazing event occurred. Whenever Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) would enter the Madrassah he would see angels walking ahead of him saying, “Give way to the friend of Allah, give way to the friend of Allah.” It was then that he realized that he had been blessed with Wilaayat. DEMISE OF HIS GRANDFATHER: The father of Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) had passed away when he was very small and he was taken under the care of his illustrious grandfather Hazrat Abdullah Sauma’ee (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh). After the demise of his grandfather, the responsibility of his education fell to his blessed mother. With patience, sincerity and dedication, she fulfilled this responsibility that she had been blessed with. Once, while Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) was about eighteen years old, he went out of his house for a stroll. He walked in the streets of Jilan and found an ox in front of him. He walked behind it for some time, then the animal turned around, and in the language of humans said, “You have not been created for this and you have not been commanded to do this.” On hearing this, he immediately returned home and explained this incident to his mother. He then requested permission to journey to Baghdad in order to complete his academic studies and seek more spiritual knowledge. His mother, who was now seventy-eight years old, without a second thought acceded to this noble request. HIS MOTHER'S ADVICE: In those days, people used to travel either by foot or by camel etc. and the roads passed through dense jungles and forests. There was always a danger of travellers being robbed and killed. Knowing all this, she still supported his request and wished him well with her Duas. She then said, “Your marhoom father left eighty dinars, from which I am giving forty dinars to you for your journey and forty dinars I will keep for your younger brother Sayyid Abu Ahmad Abdullah.” She took the forty dinars and sewed them under the arm of his coat. She once again made dua for him and on bidding him farewell gave him the following advice, “O my beloved son, let this advice which I am about to give you be an important part of your life. Always speak the truth and do not even think of lies.” Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) promised to follow this advice and then bid farewell to his blessed mother. He then joined a caravan which was on its way to Baghdad. In those days, people travelled in groups for the sake of safety. However, their journey took them into a vast forest where they were attacked by sixty robbers. The leader of this band was a very notorious bandit called Ahmad Badawi. The travellers did not have the means to defend themselves against the robbers and were forced to surrender their belongings and valuables to them. After looting the travellers, the robbers gathered all the loot and began to distribute it amongst themselves. While all this was happening, Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) was standing very calmly amongst the travellers. Regarding him as just a young boy, none of the robbers approached him, until one of them decided to do so. He went up to Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) and asked if he had anything valuable. Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) replied by saying that he had in his possession forty dinars. On hearing this, the robber laughed and walked away, thinking that he was lying. After some time another of the robbers asked him the same question and received the same answer. He too dismissed this statement of Ghaus-e- Paak (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) as a joke. When the robbers had gathered, then both these robbers began to joke about the young boy who thought he had forty dinars. On hearing their discussion, their leader Ahmed Badawi asked them to bring this boy to him. When the great saint was brought before Ahmed Badawi, the latter asked whether he had any valuables in his possession, and the saint replied in the same way as before. When Ahmed Badawi heard this, he asked for the forty dinars. Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) calmly showed him where the dinars were hidden. On tearing open the coat of Ghaus-e-Paak (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh), they found that there were really forty dinars sewn under the arm of the coat. On seeing this, Ahmed Badawi and his accomplices were taken aback. Ahmed Badawi then asked, “O young man, none of us knew that you had any money. Knowing we are bandits, why did you still tell us where the money was hidden?” The young Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) replied by saying, “When I had left on this journey, I had promised my elderly and pious mother that I would never lie. How then could I break this promise just for the sake of forty dinars?” On hearing this, Ahmed Badawi felt great shame and in tears he said, “O young boy, you are so loyal in your promise to your mother, shame on me, that for years I have been disloyal to my promise with my Creator Almighty Allah.” After saying these words, the bandit cried bitterly and then fell to the feet of Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) and repented for his sins. When his accomplices saw this, then they too did likewise and repented sincerely from all their sins. They then returned all the belongings of the travellers and escorted them out of the jungle. It has been stated that the tauba (repentance) of these bandits was so sincere, that they were blessed with Wilaayat, through the sadqa of Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh). ARRIVAL AT BAGHDAD: By the time Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) arrived at Baghdad Shareef, he had already spent the forty dinars given to him by his mother. He therefore began to spend his days in hunger and poverty. After a few days in Baghdad Shareef he enrolled for academic studies at the Jamia Nizamia. HARDSHIPS FACED DURING STUDIES: Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) faced many extreme hardships during his studies and he said, “When the hardships and difficulties would become unbearable, then I would lie on the road and continuously recite the verse from the Holy Quran, “Therefore, surely there is ease with hardship. Undoubtedly there is ease with hardship [94:5,6].” With the continuous recitation of this verse I used to find great tranquillity and peace.” After adjourning from classes, he used to wander into the jungles and forests of Baghdad where he used to spend the entire night in the Zikr of Almighty Allah. He did this regardless of the weather conditions or season. If he became tired and weak, he would rest for a while making the ground his bed and a boulder his pillow. During these nights of Zikr, he would wear a small turban and a thin cloak. If he became hungry, he used to go towards the river Euphrates and eat whatever vegetables he could find beside the river. He always said that he gained much pleasure in this way of life and it caused him to gain closeness to Almighty Allah. PATIENCE DURING A SEVERE DROUGHT: Once, while he was studying, the city of Baghdad experienced a severe drought. The conditions in Baghdad became so desperate that people became dependant on every grain that they could find. When there was no more grain, people began to eat plants and leaves from trees. During this time, Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) used to also go out in search for food. But when he saw others in search of food, he would return to the city empty-handed, as he did not feel it appropriate to impose by disturbing others whom he thought needed food more than he did. Many days had passed by without him eating. Due to intense hunger, he was compelled to go out in search of food towards a market in Baghdad. As he entered the market, his hunger had made him so weak and tired, that be could not stand anymore. He saw a Masjid nearby and slowly dragged himself towards it. He entered the Masjid and sat against one of the walls of the Masjid to support his now tired and weak body. He sat there for a while. Then he saw a person enter the Masjid. The person sat in one corner and opened a parcel in which there was fried meat and bread, which he then began to eat. Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) says, “The intensity of my hunger was so great that every time the person lifted a morsel of food to his mouth, my mouth would open uncontrollably with his and would wish that I also had something to eat.” When this continued happening, Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) turned to his nafs and said, “Do not be impatient. Have trust and faith in Almighty Allah.” After saying these words he did not feel this way anymore. After a little while, this person came to Huzoor Ghaus-e-Paak (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) uninvited and offered him some food. He kindly declined, but the person insisted. Upon such insistence, Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) joined him in his meal. Whilst eating, the person asked Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) about himself. He explained to the person that he was from Jilan and that he was in Baghdad to attain knowledge. The person then said that he was also from Jilan and asked if he knew a person by the name of Abdul Qadir Jilani? Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) answered by saying, “My name is Abdul Qadir Jilani.” When the man heard this, with tears in his eyes, he stood before Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) and said, “Please forgive me for I have misused that which was given to me in trust.” He then said, “When I was leaving Jilan, I met an old woman, who gave me eight dirhams in trust that I should give it to her son, Abdul Qadir, who is studying in Baghdad. O Abdul Qadir! The food that I was eating was from the eight dirhams that your mother had given for you. I had been searching for you but could not find you and due to this, my stay in Baghdad was extended. This caused my money to run out and out of extreme hunger I used some of your money to purchase this food that we ate. O Abdul Qadir! It is not I that fed you, but it is you that fed me. Please forgive me for abusing that which was given to me in trust.” Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) with great gentleness and affection held the stranger to his heart and praised him for his honesty and his sincerity. He then gave the remainder of the food and a portion of the eight dirhams to the stranger and bid him farewell. This incident indicates in clear terms that Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) was concerned more with the needs of others than with those of his own. Notwithstanding his dire need in the circumstances, he remained sensitive to the plight of this stranger. This act of selflessness alone is a lesson in the behaviour that one should adopt. After all the hardships, Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) qualified from Jamia Nizamia, excelling in every subject that he studied. During this period, there was no Aalim present on the earth who was more knowledgeable and pious than Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh). May Allah Ta’ala grant us true love for Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) and the Taufeeq to follow in his footsteps, Ameen.

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi wabaraqatuhu Every Friday afternoon, after the Juma prayers, the Imam and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out "PATH TO PARADISE" and other Islamic literature. This particular and fortunate Friday afternoon, as the time came for the Imam and his son to go to the streets with their booklets, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring rain. The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, 'OK, dad, I'm ready!' His dad asked, 'Ready for what' 'Dad, it's time we go out and distribute these Islamic books.' Dad responds, 'Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring rain.' The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, 'But Dad, aren't people still going to hell, even though it's raining?' Dad answers, 'Son, I am not going out in this weather.' Despondently, the boy asks, 'Dad, can I go Please' His father hesitated for a moment then said, 'Son, you can go. Here are the booklets. Be careful son.' 'Thanks, Dad!' And with that, he was off and out into the rain. This eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a pamphlet or a booklet. After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST BOOKLET. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a booklet to, but the streets were totally deserted. Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell. He rang the bell, but nobody answered.. He rang it again and again, but still no one answered. He waited but still no answer. Finally, he turned to leave, but something stopped him. Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch! He rang again and this time the door slowly opened. Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady. She softly asked, 'What can I do for you, son?' With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, 'Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that ALLAH REALLY LOVES AND CARES FOR YOU and I came to give you my very last booklet which will tell you all about God, the real purpose of creation, and how to achieve His pleasure.' With that, he handed her his last booklet and turned to leave. She called to him as he departed. 'Thank you, son! And God Bless You!' Next week on Friday afternoon after Juma prayers, the Imam was giving some lectures. As he concludes the lectures, he asked, 'Does anybody have questions or want to say anything?' Slowly, in the back row among the ladies, an elderly lady's voice was heard over the speaker. 'No one in this gathering knows me. I've never been here before. You see, before last Friday I was not a Muslim, and thought I could be. My husband died few years ago, leaving me totally alone in this world.. Last Friday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, I was contemplating suicide as I had no hope left. So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home.. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and broken-hearted. I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away. I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly.... I thought to myself again, 'Who on earth could this be? Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me.' I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder. When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you! The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, 'Ma'am, I just came to tell you that: ALLAH REALLY LOVES AND CARES FOR YOU!' Then he gave me this booklet, Path To Paradise that I now hold in my hand. As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this book. Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more. You see? I am now a Happy Vicegerent of the One True God. Since the address of your congregation was stamped on the back of this booklet, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell.' There was not a dry eye in the mosque. The shouts of TAKBIR..ALLAH AKBAR.. rented the air. Imam-Dad descended from the pulpit to the front row where the little angel was seated.... He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably. Probably no jama'at has had a more glorious moment, and probably this universe has never seen a father that was more filled with love and honor for his son... Except for One. This very one... Blessed are your eyes for reading this message. Don't let this message die, read it again and pass it to others. Heaven is for His people! Remember, God's message CAN make the difference in the life of someone close to you. Please share this wonderful message Spread His Word, help Him and you'll see His hand in everything you do... Q 5:3: This day I've perfected your religion for you, and completed my favor on you, and chose Islam for you as religion....

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu Assalaatu Wassalaamu Alayka Ya Rasoolallah Sallal Laahu Ta'ala Alayhi Wa Sallam Some famous sayings about Imam Hussain Charles Dickens had said the following about Imam Hussain : "If Hussain fought to quench his worldly desires, then I do not understand why his sisters, wives and children accompanied him. It stands to reason therefore that he sacrificed purely for Islam." Thomas Carlyle has relayed this about the Tragedy of Karbala: "The best lesson which we get from the tragedy of Karbala is that Hussain and his companions were the rigid believers of God. They illustrated that numerical superiority does not count when it comes to truth and falsehood. The victory of Hussain despite his minority marvels me!" The famous, Dr. K. Sheldrake on Imam Hussain said this: "Hussain marched with his little company not to glory, not to power or wealth, but to a supreme sacrifice and every member of that gallant band, male and female, knew that the foes were implacable, were not only ready to fight but to kill. Denied even water for the children, they remained parched under a burning sun, amid scorching sands yet no one faltered for a moment and bravely faced the greatest odds without flinching." Brown in his `A Literary History of Persia' writes: As a reminder, the blood-stained field of Karbala' where the grandson of the Apostle of God fell at length, tortured by thirst and surrounded by the bodies of his murdered kinsmen, has been at any time since then sufficient to evoke, even in the most lukewarm and heedless, the deepest emotion, the most frantic grief and the exaltation of spirit before which pain, danger, and death shrink to unconsidered trifles. Yearly, on the tenth day of Muharram, the tragedy is rehearsed in Persia, in India, in Turkey, in Egypt, wherever a Shiite community or colony exists; ... As I write it all comes back; the wailing chant, the sobbing multitudes, the white raiment red with blood from self-inflicted wounds, the intoxication of grief and sympathy. World famous Arab historian al-Fakhri has said this about Imam Hussain's sacrifice: "This is a catastrophe whereof I care not to speak at length, deeming it alike too grievous and too horrible. For verily, it was a catastrophe than that which naught more shameful has happened in Islam...There happened therein such a foul slaughter as to cause man's flesh to creep with horror. And again I have dispersed with my long description because of it's notoriety, for it is the most lamented of catastrophes." Sir Muhammad Iqbal says: Imam Husayn uprooted despotism forever till the Day of Resurrection. He watered the dry garden of freedom with the surging wave of his blood, and indeed he awakened the sleeping Muslim nation. If Imam Husayn had aimed at acquiring a worldly empire, he would not have traveled the way he did (from Medina to Karbala). Husayn weltered in blood and dust for the sake of truth. Verily he, therefore, became the bed-rock (foundation) of the Muslim creed; la ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but Allah). Ronay wala hoon Shaheed-e-Kerbala key gham men main, Kya durey maqsad na dengey Saqiye Kausar mujhey.....!! I am one who weeps at the plight of the Martyr of Kerbala Won't the reward be given to me by the Keeper of Kauser...!! Allama Iqbal in his Baqiyat (in Urdu) KHWAJA MOINUDDIN CHISTI says: He gave his head, but did not put his hand into the hands of Yazid. Verily, Husayn is the foundation of la ilaha illa Allah. Husayn is lord and the lord of lords. Husayn himself is Islam and the shield of Islam. Though he gave his head (for Islam) but never pledged Yazid. Truly Husayn is the founder of "There is no Deity except Allah ." *~Shah hast Hussain, Badshah hast Hussain Deen hast Hussain, Deen Panah hast Hussain Sardad na dad dast, dar dast-e-yazeed, Haqaa key binaey La ila hast Hussain~* *~It's Hussain the Prince, it's Hussain the king, He is Faith, and Faith's Defender most daring, He preferred death to Yazid's allegiance, With his blood, Islam has verily been living~*

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu Assalaatu Wassalaamu Alayka Ya Rasoolallah Sallal Laahu Ta'ala Alayhi Wa Sallam Some famous sayings about Imam Hussain Charles Dickens had said the following about Imam Hussain : "If Hussain fought to quench his worldly desires, then I do not understand why his sisters, wives and children accompanied him. It stands to reason therefore that he sacrificed purely for Islam." Thomas Carlyle has relayed this about the Tragedy of Karbala: "The best lesson which we get from the tragedy of Karbala is that Hussain and his companions were the rigid believers of God. They illustrated that numerical superiority does not count when it comes to truth and falsehood. The victory of Hussain despite his minority marvels me!" The famous, Dr. K. Sheldrake on Imam Hussain said this: "Hussain marched with his little company not to glory, not to power or wealth, but to a supreme sacrifice and every member of that gallant band, male and female, knew that the foes were implacable, were not only ready to fight but to kill. Denied even water for the children, they remained parched under a burning sun, amid scorching sands yet no one faltered for a moment and bravely faced the greatest odds without flinching." Brown in his `A Literary History of Persia' writes: As a reminder, the blood-stained field of Karbala' where the grandson of the Apostle of God fell at length, tortured by thirst and surrounded by the bodies of his murdered kinsmen, has been at any time since then sufficient to evoke, even in the most lukewarm and heedless, the deepest emotion, the most frantic grief and the exaltation of spirit before which pain, danger, and death shrink to unconsidered trifles. Yearly, on the tenth day of Muharram, the tragedy is rehearsed in Persia, in India, in Turkey, in Egypt, wherever a Shiite community or colony exists; ... As I write it all comes back; the wailing chant, the sobbing multitudes, the white raiment red with blood from self-inflicted wounds, the intoxication of grief and sympathy. World famous Arab historian al-Fakhri has said this about Imam Hussain's sacrifice: "This is a catastrophe whereof I care not to speak at length, deeming it alike too grievous and too horrible. For verily, it was a catastrophe than that which naught more shameful has happened in Islam...There happened therein such a foul slaughter as to cause man's flesh to creep with horror. And again I have dispersed with my long description because of it's notoriety, for it is the most lamented of catastrophes." Sir Muhammad Iqbal says: Imam Husayn uprooted despotism forever till the Day of Resurrection. He watered the dry garden of freedom with the surging wave of his blood, and indeed he awakened the sleeping Muslim nation. If Imam Husayn had aimed at acquiring a worldly empire, he would not have traveled the way he did (from Medina to Karbala). Husayn weltered in blood and dust for the sake of truth. Verily he, therefore, became the bed-rock (foundation) of the Muslim creed; la ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but Allah). Ronay wala hoon Shaheed-e-Kerbala key gham men main, Kya durey maqsad na dengey Saqiye Kausar mujhey.....!! I am one who weeps at the plight of the Martyr of Kerbala Won't the reward be given to me by the Keeper of Kauser...!! Allama Iqbal in his Baqiyat (in Urdu) KHWAJA MOINUDDIN CHISTI says: He gave his head, but did not put his hand into the hands of Yazid. Verily, Husayn is the foundation of la ilaha illa Allah. Husayn is lord and the lord of lords. Husayn himself is Islam and the shield of Islam. Though he gave his head (for Islam) but never pledged Yazid. Truly Husayn is the founder of "There is no Deity except Allah ." *~Shah hast Hussain, Badshah hast Hussain Deen hast Hussain, Deen Panah hast Hussain Sardad na dad dast, dar dast-e-yazeed, Haqaa key binaey La ila hast Hussain~* *~It's Hussain the Prince, it's Hussain the king, He is Faith, and Faith's Defender most daring, He preferred death to Yazid's allegiance, With his blood, Islam has verily been living~*