Taking Zakaah beyond Ramadaan
by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh)

Alhamdulillah, we find that with the commencement of Ramadaan, thousands of Muslims begin to contribute to different noble causes – whether these are specific for Ramadaan, such as providing Iftaar, Sehri or hampers for the poor, or whether in respect to the general efforts made to alleviate the plight of those who are suffering in different parts of the world. …So monies begin to pour in by way of Zakaah, Sadaqah and Lillah – Alhamdulillah. May Allah Ta’ala accept the different contributions.

There is, however, one shortfall when it comes to the payment of Zakaah, and that is, that the majority choose to give their Zakaah in the month of Ramadaan, thinking that they are getting a greater reward giving in Ramadaan; whereas for many, their Zakaah was sometimes due months before.

This deliberate delay in payment of Zakaah makes the person a faasiq (an open transgressor). …Even though one is paying later and that too, in the blessed month of Ramadaan, one reaches Ramadaan and one enters Ramadaan, as a flagrant sinner. Allah Ta’ala save us and forgive us.

The setback to this pattern and tendency is that we have an overwhelming amount of Zakaah and charity paid out in the month of Ramadaan. And since Zakaah is something which needs to be distributed and discharged as soon as possible, we find that for the next 11 months, many organisations do not have such funds to continue their assistance to the poor and needy – because of the imbalance created.

If everyone paid his or her Zakaah timeously, when it is due – whether Muharram, Safar, Rabiul Awwal, Rajab, instead of all being given out in the month of Ramadaan – then some equilibrium would be established in the discharge of Zakaah and in the assistance rendered to the poor and needy for the remaining year.

Moreover, this payment of Zakaah in its correct time, should not thereafter make the giver negligent in spending in other avenues at other times. We should increase our generosity in the month of Ramadaan and also spend whenever and wherever there may be a call for assistance – and that spending should be from our wealth. …Because Zakaah is not our wealth. It does not belong to us, that we can keep and use as we wish. It rightfully belongs to the poor. It is their wealth. So we should be giving from our own wealth, over and above Zakaah.

Furthermore, when giving Zakaah or Sadaqah, then it is very important to keep in mind, the dignity of the recipient and to give with respect and consideration.

Many people consider that they are doing a favour to the poor and needy when giving charity, and they do so in a manner which demeans and debases the poor and needy.

Let us understand this point: We are in need of them. The reality is that we are the needy ones, for if there were no poor, needy and destitute people in the world, to whom would we give our Zakaah and discharge that due? To whom would we give our Sadaqaat and draw rewards?

Moreover, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam) described the poor as ‘very rich people’ and directed us to keep contact with them and spend on them because on the Day of Judgment they will be told to lead every such person who favoured them, into Jannah.

Other Ahaadeeth describe how, in the Hereafter, the poor will be the ones who will come to the assistance of those who did them a good turn in the worldly life. The poor will thus become the means of najaat (salvation) for many who may have been very wealthy in this worldly life. They may even be the ones who will hold our hands and take us with them into Jannah.

Thus, we need to be conscious and mindful of the dignity and self-respect of the poor. They too have a right to respect.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us this understanding, grant us the Taufeeq to practice accordingly, grant us sincerity in our spending and accept our Zakaah, Sadaqaat and other humble efforts to please Him.

Bringing Concentration in Salaah
by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh)

A common complaint of many who seek reformation, is their lack of concentration in Salaah, and finding themselves wanting in the spirit of Salaah. They write or ask for some prescription to bring in that spirit and that love of Allah Ta’ala through Salaah.

The following guidelines will, Insha-Allah, assist in improving the quality of one’s Salaah :
• Men should try and reach the Musjid before the Azaan, so that they may with etiquette and ease, read the Sunnat Salaah – and this should take them about 5 minutes.
• In the remaining few minutes before the Fardh, make Istighfaar, Taubah, or Zikrullah, or think of the Aakhirah (the Hereafter) and accountability and presentation of one’s deeds in the Court of Allah Ta’ala. Reflect over one’s life : What if my death has to come now ? …Try and cut off from the business and worldly activities as much as possible through this little meditation and Zikr.
Now comes the Fardh Salaah : Insha-Allah, by this time, much of one’s heart will be in that Salaah. Insha-Allah, with a little effort and perseverance, there will be full attention and concentration.
• Ladies should try and read Salaah in its early time, thus giving themselves the opportunity of making preparation for Salaah, without any haste. They too should make a little zikr before commencing with Salaah, to get into the right frame of mind.

Moreover, if we give priority status to fulfilling the Rights of Allah Ta’ala, then He will assist us in fulfilling our tasks. He will grant Barakah in time so that our undertakings are completed, Insha-Allah.
• Condition the mind; address yourself – I am standing before the King of Kings. SubhanAllah. …I have been chosen, from millions, to converse with ‘Rabbul ‘Aalameen’ and I am being afforded the greatest honour and privilege (above millions of others), to make sujood to Allah Ta’ala… to be nearest to Allah Ta’ala. [ …If we could truly fathom the greatness of the gift, this ultimate honour, this good fortune – we would never want to leave the position of sujood.]
• And whilst reading the Qur`aan Sharif in Salaah (and even outside Salaah) then think : This is the Kalaam (speech) of my Allah – of my Beloved. By contemplating the meaning of the verses that you are reading, think : I am listening to the speech of Allah Ta’ala.

And since you are reading His Speech, He is also listening to you … Therefore learn the meaning of the Surahs we normally recite in Salaah. It will not take long to do so, if a little is learnt every day.
• And think : In this Salaah, in this Tilawat, in this Zikr, in this Hamd – I have the special attention of Allah Ta’ala. I have exclusive attention because this is my ‘Me`raj’; this is my conversation and communication with the Master of the Worlds. ….What a compounded bounty – SubhanAllah : So many gifts in the gift packaged as Salaah. How can any sane thinking Muslim ever refuse such a gift ?
In contemplating this, we will experience the beauty and sweetness and pleasure of Salaah … we will understand the Hadith in which Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) says that the coolness of his eyes is in Salaah. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the reality.

The Tranquility of the Heart

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh)

Like the needle of the compass faces North when at rest, so the heart of the Mu’min faces in the direction of Allah Ta’ala’s obedience and pleasure. In the obedience of Allah Ta’ala do we find our peace, contentment and happiness.

When a compass is moved or shaken, we observe how the needle is disturbed and begins to move restlessly this way and that way – as if agitated. When it is placed down, it continues to move about until finally it finds its rest in the direction of North.

SubhanAllah! We should take lesson from this.

…When the heart of a Mu’min is shaken with sins, with disobedience to Allah Ta’ala, then the heart’s Sukoon is disturbed. The heart is in a state of restlessness and anxiety until the person sincerely repents. On sincere Taubah, the heart settles back in Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure and once again enjoys its Sukoon (tranquility).

Our Sheikh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) would say that Sukoon is an exclusive bounty and gift for the Muslim. It only descends on the heart of a Believer, with the condition that there is obedience to Allah Ta’ala and abstinence from sins.

Not only do sins disturb and disrupt the tranquility of the heart; it blemishes the heart with ugly black marks.

Rasulullah (1) explained: “When a Mu’min (believer) sins, a black dot appears on his heart. If he repents and seeks Allah’s forgiveness, his heart becomes cleansed and polished. If he continues to commit more and more sins (without repenting), the spot continues to spread and ultimately covers all of his heart.”[1]

I have given the following analogy many a time: The person who is wearing a white Kurta and he is always conscious of his cleanliness, will be very uneasy and uncomfortable if a drop of black ink falls onto his Kurta or if food stains his Kurta. He will make haste to wash it off immediately – because the stain of ink spoils the whiteness of his Kurta.

This is the condition of the Mu’min who is obedient to Allah Ta’ala. His heart is like a white garment or a white sheet. The moment he falls into any sin, mistakenly, he senses the dark, black spot of sin on his white heart. He is very uneasy, uncomfortable and unhappy and immediately seeks to clean his heart with sincere Taubah.

We find those who work in garages generally wear dark overalls. This is because they handle oil and grease and their work requires clothing which is practical. Because the clothing is dark, if more oil and more grease soils and stains the overall, the person will not really be aware of it and will not be bothered because his garments are dark in colour anyway. So any amount of oil and grease and dirt may soil his clothing, but it is not really apparent and does not worry him.

Similar is the condition of the person whose heart is already soiled and dirtied with sins for which no Taubah has been made. More sins do not affect him because the heart is already dark and black.

This does not mean that a person sits content with such a heart. It is absolutely necessary that he quickly begins a full scrub and wash of his heart with Taubah and Istighfaar.

Sincere Taubah, Zikrullah and the effort in the direction of obedience to Allah Ta’ala will most certainly remove all the blackness and dirt of sins from that heart. The heart will then be in its original state of whiteness and cleanliness, Insha-Allah.

Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) taught us a Dua that facilitates this washing and purification of the heart:

“O Allah, wash off my sins with the (melted) water of ice and snow, and purify my heart of sins, even as white clothes are cleansed of filth.”

Hazrat Maulana Shah Abdul Ghani Saheb (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) had explained that the quality of ice is its coolness and the outward characteristic of snow is its whiteness. Thus, the whiteness removes the darkness of sins and the coolness eliminates the heat of sins.…SubhanAllah

Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) used the word ‘white’ cloth because black cloth does not make apparent the stains or marks of dirt. White clothes reveal the slightest trace of dirt.

Together with sincere Taubah, it is essential to dissociate oneself from bad company and bad environments and to seek out good and pious companions who will encourage and inspire in the direction of obedience to Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), as well as find and keep to those environments which make easy practising on Deen.

Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddeen Rumi (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) had related an incident of a tanner who was one day passing by some perfume shops. Since most of his time was occupied with tanning animal skins, he was used to strong bad smell. While passing the perfume shops, the pleasant fragrances did not agree with him and he fell down unconscious.

The people around him made every effort to revive him but no one was successful. When his brother was informed, he went to where the tanner lay unconscious and on smelling the fragrances wafting in the air, he understood the cause of his brother’s condition. He immediately went away and returned after a while, bringing in his sleeve, some faeces of a dog. He held his sleeve near his brother who was revived immediately.

All were astounded and bewildered as to what was so effective and so helpful in reviving the tanner, when there were so perfume shops in the vicinity and all sorts of fragrances were used in the effort to revive the tanner.

This is just a story but with great lesson.

That person who spends his life in sins, becomes accustomed to dirty environments and dirty deeds. Good deeds are unfamiliar and foreign to the person. The person can even reach a stage where there is an aversion to good and thus he stays far away from those places and gatherings where the perfume of Allah Ta’ala’s love is distributed and shared.

Our Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had explained that like the tanner, the sinner is unable to appreciate the gardens of Allah Ta’ala’s remembrance. However, if the person is sincere, makes the effort, and begins to spend time in the environments of purity and virtue, then a time will most certainly arrive when the person will acknowledge, and with great regret, that his life was wasted in filth and evil. Now that he is accustomed to and enjoys the fragrance of Allah Ta’ala’s love in these beautiful gatherings, he does not ever want to return to a life of sin.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq of sincere Taubah and enable us to appreciate the opportunities to attend the Majaalis of Deen and enjoying the beautiful gardens of Zikrullah and maximizing on this.

[1] Tirmidhi

Sha’baan and the coming of Ramadaan

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh)
The phrase, ‘It’s in the air’ alludes to the general feeling or expectation of something to happen in the near future or something which is already present or prevailing.

For the Muslim who reaches the months of Rajab and Sha`baan, the presence of Ramadaan is keenly sensed and felt. There is anticipation and expectation. It is near, with each day closing the distance between us and Ramadaan. Its blessings are ‘in the air’ – so to say …just as we have fragrance permeating the atmosphere, infusing the air, whether of flowers or of Itr or other perfume.

…The stronger the perfume, the stronger the Itr, the greater the distance its scent travels – so much so, that even though we may be far, we too get a hint of something special. The same with a braai – we find the aroma being carried by the wind, over a distance.

…Then what of the sweet fragrance of Ramadaan?

It is in the air. Most definitely.

It is just that our “receivers” are not working well. …If there is a transmitter and there is transmission, but our receiver is not working, we will not pick up transmission. Similarly, if our sinuses are clogged, we will not smell the fragrance.

When it comes to the month of Sha`baan – especially from the middle of Sha`baan onwards, the excitement of the Auliya-Allah, the pious and the righteous knows no bounds and limits. They have understood the virtue and significance of Sha`baan because it heralds the coming of Ramadaan, the guest of distinction and greatness.

…They have been waiting for the Mubarak month of Ramadaan, and Sha`baan signifies the final countdown to its arrival. They are enthusiastic and eager just to see and meet the month of Ramadaan, and thus we find the beautiful Masnoon dua : ‘O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’baan and grant us life to see Ramadaan.’

Whilst they enjoy and make the most of the blessings of Sha`baan, it is unfortunate that the majority are neglectful, if not ignorant of its blessings.

Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wassallam) said, “Sha`baan is a month between Rajab and Ramadaan which is neglected by many people. And it is a month in which an account of deeds is presented before the Lord of the Universe, so I wish that my deeds be presented at a time when I am in a state of fasting.” [1]

We also find in this blessed month, the night of Bara`ah : A Favour and Bounty of Allah Ta’ala Who, through this night, makes it easy for us to prepare for Ramadaan.

First, Allah Ta’ala gives us the 15th night of Sha`baan – an exclusive opportunity for Taubah, Rujoo Ilallah, Dua and other Ibaadah… and then He gives us an entire month saturated with opportunities to secure His Pleasure. He gives us Ramadaan. Alhamdulillah.

The following analogy came to my mind : That the Ibaadah of the 15th night of Sha`baan is similar to how a person does a re-paint of his house.

When a person wants to paint his house, what does he do if the old paint is flaking, if the old paint is peeling and falling off? Would he just take the new paint and apply a fresh coat on top of all the old, flaking paint? …No.

The person firsts scrapes off all the old paint. After doing this, he applies the new paint.

The night of Bara`ah is akin to scraping off the “old paint”. Allah Ta’ala gives us this blessed and auspicious night so that we scrape off all the old paint and all the dirt of malice, of greed, of pride, of anger and of other bad and evil traits, which have spoilt the beauty of our hearts and which have worn out the shine of our hearts, and through which we have lost the colour of Divine Love which coated our hearts.

…Thus, if we are not on talking terms with our family members, or have cut off ties with parents or vice versa, or have been disobedient to parents, or if there is anyone taking some kind of intoxicant, or engaging in some form of shirk, or is harbouring malice and jealousy, or engaging in any form of immorality and disobedience – then the opportunity to rid the heart of its evil, to clean it and purify it, to paint it in the dye of Allah Ta’ala’s Love, to beautify it with the Noor of sincere repentance and the Remembrance of Allah Ta’ala is presented to us in the form of the 15th night of Sha`baan.

…Very much like the scraping of the old paint … with a re-coat of fresh ‘paint’ before the month of Ramadaan. We apply the new coat so that it begins to shine in advance of Ramadaan and increases in its shine and beauty with each passing day of Ramadaan.

So Allah Ta’ala gives us this night, in preparation for the coming month of Ramadaan. And most of us are acquainted with the merits of this night : That it is a night for forgiveness of sins, a night in which Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy descends.

From our side, we should maximise on the wonderful bounties found in this night, by engaging ourselves in Ibaadah, in Dua and in Istighfaar.

There is no hard and fast rule as to what to read and how to occupy ourselves in this night. In reality, it is spending the time in diverse Ibaadah; whatever our hearts incline to – some recitation of Qur`aan Shareef and Zikrullah, together with sincere Taubah, abundant Istighfaar, and deep-hearted Dua. Sleep for a little while and try and get up for the Tahajjud Salaah and engage in Dua. …There is no reason to feel disappointed if the person is working the entire day and does not then have the capacity to remain awake for most of the night… to whatever extent, the person makes an effort in this night.

My purpose was just to highlight one or two points – the main point being that irrespective of how far we may have distanced ourselves from Allah Ta’ala, if we turn to Allah Ta’ala, we make “I’tiraaf- e- qusoor” – acknowledge our weakness, our sins…

“O my beloved Allah! Looking at my own weakness, looking at my lack of strength and energy, what else can I take support from except that You are Most Merciful?

My crying before You, my tearing before You, my repentance are what I have to offer. I do not have the kind of strength that the Sahaaba-e-Kiraam (RA) had. I do not have that kind of strength that the Taabi’een and the Tabe Taabi’een had. I do not have that kind of Ibaadah, Zikr and Tilaawah which the righteous and the pious and the Sawliheen had, or they have.

I am of those who are extremely weak. With my “I’tiraaf- e- qusoor”, with my acknowledgement of my sins, and with my tears of repentance, I seek Your Support. Overlook my sins, overlook my shortcomings, overlook my weakness. My life has gone by in so much of disobedience to You and your Rasool (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wassallam). But this night, I am turning towards You…”

Ask Allah Ta’ala for complete forgiveness from all sins, whether major or minor sins, wherever they may have been committed, whether deliberate or unintentional. Whatever it may be, ask Allah Ta’ala for forgiveness of all sins, and sincerely promise and pledge not to return to them.

With this kind of Taubah and Istighfaar, the Light of Imaan will shine in our hearts. Thereafter, it is left to us to then preserve that Light by staying away from those sins in the future.

On the other hand, if the person is going to merely engage in lip-service Istighfaar and Taubah for the night, and continue with the same evils the very next day, how will any Noor remain in the heart? …Then, when Ramadaan does arrive, the person will be empty in his heart, and if he continues in the same direction of sins, he will not be in the right frame of spirituality to fully benefit and draw from the downpour of Noor, Rahmah and Barakah of Ramadaan.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the understanding and the ability to practise on our knowledge with Ikhlaas. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the full blessings of Sha`baan and Ramadaan.

[1] Sunan Nasaaee

Why the Suffering?

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh)

Many ask the question : Why is the Ummah suffering so much, despite millions making dua throughout the world, and millions making dua during Haj and Umrah? Why is there no change?

The answer can be understood by way of an analogy :

A son is disobedient and rebellious towards his father’s instructions, and arrogant in his stance against his father, demanding, swearing, abusing and adopting the bad behaviour as found common in this day and age. The father is deeply hurt, offended and angered and when he has had enough of the insolence and arrogance, he finally resorts to breaking off ties with his son. He cuts off all privileges.

Now, if the entire family, even the entire community, tells that father : “Forgive him. He is your son…”

That father will respond : “I have no problem with forgiving him. All he has to say is, “I’m sorry”, and I will forgive him.”

However, on being encouraged to humble himself and ask for forgiveness, the son retorts with arrogance: ‘Why must I? Why do I need to? I’m independent! I don’t need him!’

Then will that father forgive that son? Will he grant those privileges of money, car, etc.?

Similarly, the Auliya Allah, the Sawliheen (the pious) and so many more are making dua for the Ummah. …In fact, if all the Auliya Allah were to gather on the Day of Arafaat and earnestly pray for the Ummah, Allah Ta’ala will most assuredly be prepared to forgive. However, from our side, there is a step to be taken – and this is what the majority are not prepared to do: They are not prepared to take the step of “CHANGE”.

Allah Ta’ala’s doors are ever-open. Allah wants us to become His. He wants to forgive us and shower His infinite Mercies and Blessings upon us, but we are not prepared to take the step of obedience, the step that will secure His Forgiveness and Pleasure.

Unfortunately, the majority do not want to sincerely repent from their sins, let alone acknowledge their sins. Many justify and reason their sins, even dispute and argue regarding Allah Ta’ala’s Commandments, as if they have some kind of authority over Allah Ta’ala (Na-uzu Billah). So many are brazen in their indulgence in sins, as if challenging Allah Ta’ala, like that arrogant son : “What can You do? I’m not in need of You!” (Na-uzu Billahi min zaalik).

With this kind of behaviour and attitude, can we expect any favours, any privileges or any kind of assistance from Allah Ta’ala? We are living in a fool’s paradise if we think that we can continue sinning and still be recipient of Allah Ta’ala’s bounties and aid.

If we truly want Allah Ta’ala’s assistance, then we have to give up sins.

Many, many are not even fulfilling the Fardh Injunctions – Salaah, Zakaah, Fasting in the month of Ramadaan, etc., and there are others who naively depend on wazeefas to solve their problems, not prepared to give up sins. This is sheer foolishness.Wazeefas and taweezes are no barrier against the azaab of Allah Ta’ala, when there is indulgence and persistence in sins.

Then we have those Muslims who, in the face of natural disasters, war, genocide, etc. begin to question the existence of God or ask as to where is Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy and Compassion, or ask if He is seeing all that is happening. (Na-uzu Billah).

Allah Ta’ala is not blind or deaf. He does not want chaos. Allah Ta’ala wants peace. However we have to fulfill the conditions of the contract. The first condition is that we become Believers who are ‘kaamil’ (perfect). If we implement Deen in our lives, adopt Taqwa and follow the noble example of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam) then the conditions will change.

The Day the Ummah fulfills its duties, across the board – making a total change, then our suffering will be replaced with success, prosperity and happiness and people of other faiths will also accept Islam.

Allah Ta’ala explicitly spells out His conditions and His promises:

“Allah has promised, to those among you who believe and perform righteous deeds, that He will, of surety, grant them in the land, inheritance (of power), as He granted it to those before them; that He will establish in authority their religion – the one which He has chosen for them; and that He will change (their state), after the fear in which they (lived), to one of security and peace: ‘ They will worship Me (Alone) and not associate anyone with Me.’ If any do reject Faith after this, they are rebellious and wicked.”

So establish Salaah (Prayer) and give regular Charity (Zakaah); and obey the Messenger that you may receive mercy. ”
[Surah Nur 24 : 55 / 56]

Thus, we will have to fulfill our pledge by making the effort to obey Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam), to see the fruit of our duas and receive the assistance of Allah Ta’ala – on an individual level, on a national level, and on an international level.

Laylatul Qadr
by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh)

Allah Ta’ala’s love for His Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) is clearly evident and manifest in many Ayaat (verses) of the Qur`aan Shareef. Additionally, whilst other Ambiyaa (Alayhimus Salaam) were gifted with exclusive titles, it was Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) alone, whose title was “Habibullah” (The Beloved of Allah).

Due to this Divine love for Sayyidina Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam), his Ummah is recipient to special mercy, blessings and favours from Allah Ta’ala. It is only due to our connection and association with Nabi-e-Akram (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) that Allah Ta’ala has honoured us above all people.

Amongst many privileges, one Divine Mark of Distinction that has been granted to us, is the great privilege of being “Ummate Marhooma” – The Ummah upon whom Mercy is shown.

The explanation of this noble title, “Ummate Marhooma” is that forgiveness is secured and mercy is attained through our sicknesses, our hardships and other tribulations; through the Eesale Sawaab that people convey to us after our demise, and through blessed days and nights such as are found in Ramadaan, and other special days and nights outside Ramadaan (The first 10 nights and days of Zul Hijjah, the nights of Eid, the 10th of Muharram, etc.), whereby we can easily gain forgiveness.

The most special and most blessed of all nights is the Night of “QADR”. Laylatul Qadr is a night singled out by Allah Ta’ala, who granted it such magnificent virtues and such greatness that surpasses all other nights. The fact that Allah Ta’ala has gifted this Ummah, with this one night – year in and year out – highlights again the Divine mercy that is extended to this Ummah, as well as the Graciousness and Kindness of Allah Ta’ala in giving us opportunities to secure far more in rewards.

It is mentioned in Tafseer that one meaning of the word “Qadr” is “greatness, honour, dignity” and this is what the night of Qadr is – a night of greatness. It is also stated that the night is called so, because a person becomes a person of honour and dignity on account of his (or her) sincere repentance, and the noble deeds, prayers and supplications engaged in during this night. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) said : “Whoever stands in prayer and worship on the night of Qadr, with complete faith and with sincere hope of gaining reward, all his previous sins are forgiven.”

“Qadr” also means “pre-destination” and we find that this is also a night where the destinies of people are assigned to respective Angels in regard to life, death, sustenance, rain, and so forth – all of which will come to pass for the year that will follow.

Drawing from the different narrations, it becomes clear that the Night of Qadr should be sought in the last 10 nights of Ramadaan, specifically the odd nights. Its greatness and merit is described in the Speech of Allah Ta’ala, wherein it is stated that worship in this night surpasses the worship of 1000 months. Worship includes Salaah, Tilawah (recitation) of the Qur`aan Shareef, Zikrullah, Dua, etc.

The night is also a night for sincere repentance as attested by a narration, wherein Hazrat Ayesha (RA) had asked Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) what prayer she should engage in if she finds Laylatul Qadr and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) advised her the following dua: “O Allah, very You are Oft-Pardoning, You love to Pardon, so do pardon me.”

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) said : “A month has verily dawned over you wherein lies a night better than a thousand months. Whoever misses such a night has indeed been deprived of all that is good; and none is deprived of it, except he who is really unfortunate.”

May Allah Ta’ala grant us appreciation of these beautiful opportunities, and grant us the experience and rewards of Laylatul Qadr.

It is not possible to do justice to a discussion of Laylatul Qadr but an excellent and detailed exposition is found in the book “Fazaa`il-e-Ramadaan” by Shaykhul Hadeeth, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya (Rahmatullah ‘alayh), which offers tremendous inspiration, motivation and encouragement.

Children and Toys
by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh)

When a child wants a toy which is of an animate object or a musical instrument, then gently explain to the child that Allah Ta’ala is displeased with such a toy, and that the presence of such toys in our homes deprive us of the presence of the Malaa`ikah (angels) of Rahmah (Mercy).

After having explained this, buy something better, if it is within one’s means, of the ‘mubaah’(permissible) category – without being extravagant and wasteful.

Considering the fact that most children have all kinds of animate, musical and haraam (forbidden) toys, do not let the child feel as if he or she is being deprived of play. …Make the child happy with Halaal so that he or she will grow up loving the beautiful Deen (religion) of Islam.

The same applies to children’s clothing and accessories to be found on the market; many of which have cartoon characters, etc. which would captivate and charm little children; but which the Shariah[1] does not permit.

Muslims today consider these restrictions as trivial and irrelevant whereas there is great wisdom in all the ‘Muharramaat’ (prohibitions) of Islam.

In actual fact, one of the reasons why children have nightmares is due to the photographs that we bring into our homes, the cartoons and other programmes we allow and encourage them to view, or such clothing and toys that are impermissible… Sometimes the room walls are plastered with cartoon characters, huge teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals are all around the room, which result in frightful dreams.

…There are angels that are deputed to look after our children, but these angels do not enter that home where there are pictures of animate objects. This deprives our children of the presence and protection of the angels, who also play with babies.
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said : “Angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or a picture.” (Sahih Muslim)

We claim that we are Believers in Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam). If the claim is true and sincere, then it is not acceptable that as Believers in Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam), we debate, argue or reject what are clear injunctions of Shariah. The person who does so, has clearly strayed from the right path…

“It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Apostle, to have any option about their decision : If anyone disobeys Allah and His Apostle,  he is indeed on a clearly wrong path.”
[Surah Ahzaab 33 : 36]

Allah Ta’ala mentions the response of His sincere servants:

“The answer of the Believers, when summoned to Allah and His Rasul, in order that he may judge between them is not other than this :  They say, ‘We hear and we obey.’ It is such as these who will attain felicity.
It is such as these who obey Allah and His Rasul, and fear Allah and do right, that will win (in the end).”
[Surah Noor 24 : 51 / 52]

[1] Shariah : Code of Islamic Law

Wednesday 21 September 2022 | 24 Safar 1444 AH

Charging the Emergency Lights by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh)

In these times of ‘Load Shedding[1]’, there are so many advertisements which market generators, emergency lights, gas stoves and whatever else that offers an instant or quick solution to power cuts.

When load-shedding became the order of the day, the sales of all these products were so high, that it seemed as if everyone wanted to make some quick money selling anything that would benefit people during times of load shedding. And because we are so dependent on electricity, we were and are prepared to spend money in purchasing any such product, so long as we are not inconvenienced during power failures.

The very many complaints which were verbalized, as well as published in various newspapers indicated to how impatient and intolerant the majority were over the power cuts taking place. It was too much of an inconvenience, loss of working hours and inevitably, loss in business and profit, and everyone was unwilling to accept even a few hours without electricity.

Nevertheless, some very apt lessons came to mind on observing the above, as well as how, at the time of a power failure or power cuts, these emergency lights, automatically take over the responsibility of providing light, and generators take over in providing electricity.

The emergency lights that we purchase have to be plugged into the power point and left to charge, so that when we experience power failure or load shedding, they automatically switch on and provide light. The condition for the benefit is that the emergency light is plugged in for a considerable period of time.

Whilst we do not see anything happening when the light is being charged, we know that something very significant is happening – and the benefit will be evident when there is darkness. We have the re-assurance that the moment there is a power-cut, the emergency light will immediately switch on. …If it was not plugged in and charged, it will not serve its purpose. We will remain in darkness when there is a power cut.

We should take lesson when the lights go off and should utilize the opportunity for a little Muraqabah (meditation):

When the lights of our lives switch off, no surgeon can switch that light on again. When the light of life is gone, no medication will bring it back.

We should ask ourselves : What preparation has been made for the power cut that must inevitably occur to our lives? What will happen when our lives will be switched off permanently and we will have to enter the darkness of the grave?

Here, in this worldly life, we have emergency lights and generators… but the same will not be of any assistance to us in the grave. No one will be taking emergency lights to light up his grave.

So when we cannot tolerate a few hours of darkness, how will we be able to tolerate the darkness of the grave?

When we cannot accept material loss due to load-shedding, how can we accept spiritual loss with the on-going load-shedding in our hearts, due to our excessive indulgence in sins; of which the consequences are extremely detrimental and destructive to our worldly lives and more so, our lives after death?

The lesson which we take is that just as the emergency lights and generators are being charged for a purpose, so too, we need to ‘charge’ ourselves spiritually, with good, righteous deeds. The benefit will be seen when the light of our lives is switched off, once and for all.

Our hearts contain an “Imaani” generator or battery which needs to be plugged into a power point and charged, whilst our ‘emergency lights’ are charged with different kinds of righteous deeds – Salaah, Zakaah, Fasting, Zikrullah, Tilawah, good character and so forth.

After our souls are extracted and we are placed in our graves, our Imaan and our good deeds generate light which automatically light up the darkness of our graves and we experience the comfort of life in the grave – until Qiyaamah. If we have not charged our “Imaani” battery and our ‘emergency’ lights with noble deeds, and if we spend our lives in the darkness of sins, then the grave will be a place of darkness and disgrace. (Allah Ta’ala protect us all).

We know that it is the power plant that makes electricity. And this electricity flows through transmission lines to sub-stations and electric poles; thereafter, via ‘distribution lines’ electricity enters our homes.

Allah Ta’ala blessed us with the Power House of His Love: Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) passed on this love into the hearts of his companions, who in turn passed on that love to those who kept their company – and in this way, Allah Ta’ala established the “transmission lines” of His Love and we find in each era and time, Allah Ta’ala provides the Mashaa`ikh, who then do the work of ‘distributing’ Allah Ta’ala’s love in the hearts of people.

By plugging our hearts to the power points of Allah Ta’ala’s Love – that is by keeping the company of the Ahlullah, whose hearts contain the powerful current of Allah Ta’ala’s Love, we will be able to easily charge ourselves spiritually.

It is through the blessings of this spiritual power that our hearts are charged with Love of Allah Ta’ala and courage for good deeds. They teach us the Love of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) – in fact, they generate that love into our hearts, and they guide us to the best deeds. In other words, they offer us these emergency lights for free.

There is no charge for the knowledge they disseminate or the good deeds they teach us and no charge for the good company they offer us, whereby our Imaan and Love for Allah Ta’ala is nurtured. It is free from their side. It is only for us to take advantage of and appreciate the value of what they generously and willingly share. They give. They don’t take. So we don’t need to worry about loss in wealth; rather their company is an investment with great profits – in both worlds.

Allah Ta’ala also directs us to the same in Surah Taubah, when He says :

“O you who believe, fear allah and remain in the company of the truthful ones.”

That is, we should remain with them, until we become like them – until we too become spiritually charged with Allah Ta’ala’s Love and Ma`rifat, and obedience and submission.

With this effort – whereby we nurture our Imaan and charge ourselves with good deeds, death becomes a “gift” for the Believer as is described in the Hadeeth. There should be no fear for death, because when we die, we take with us the generator of Imaan and Love for Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) as well as the “emergency lights” of good deeds… so we have hope and a re-assurance, that Insha-Allah, our graves will light up brightly when we enter them. Insha-Allah.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and Taufeeq.

[1] Disconnecting or cutting off the electric current on certain lines when the demand becomes greater than the supply.

Passing the examination of life

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh)
If in any school, university, college or institute, questions of an examination are given or there is a paper ‘leak-out’, the examination is cancelled or reset.

Allah Ta’ala has given us the final question paper consisting of three outwardly simple questions. The preparation time has also been given – i.e. our lives. The examiners are also known: Munkar and Nakeer[1]. The consequences too have been spelt out. There is tremendous reward and honour in passing the examination, and there is disgrace and punishment on failure.

Even though it would take just a few seconds to learn such simple questions and answers, such that even 3 and 4 year olds could be taught the same, and can memorize them, it is not as easy as it seems.

Had it been so extremely easy, many more would have led their lives in accordance to the demands and dictates of the nafs …. because the answers are known. However this is not the reality of our final examination.

These answers depend on one’s life and one’s preparations for it.

The 3 questions to be asked, as we know, are :

Who is your Rabb[2] ?

What is your Deen[3] ?

Who is this man ? (i.e. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam)

If we say that Allah Ta’ala is our Rabb (Sustainer), we have to recognize Him as our Creator; as the One who has blessed us with all our spiritual, physical and material gifts. We have to recognize Him through His signs and we have to submit to and obey Him in this worldly life. This recognition is what will bring Ibaadah (worship) into practice.

The second question can only be answered if a person has lived a life of Submission to Allah Ta’ala by following the Shariah which He revealed to His Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).

The third question can only be answered if a person has followed the way of life of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). It won’t be possible for the person who lived the lifestyle of the enemies of Islam to answer this question easily.

Although we claim that we have Imaan and love for Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), our actions contradict our claim. We assert and affirm that the true religion is Islam but we do not practise on its beautiful teachings. …Why?

A person may bribe, lie and cheat just to pass an examination of this world but there is no possibility for the same in the Qabr. To fly through the examination of the Qabr, we need to develop our Imaan in Allah Ta’ala, adorn our hearts with His Love and Ma’rifat (Recognition) and grace our lives with a practical expression of Islam by following the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).

There is no other way to pass this most crucial examination of life. And we should always keep in mind that there is no re-testing and no re-marking. A person either passes or he fails.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding of the greatness of this test, and the effort to work in the direction of preparation for the questioning of the grave, that we may pass without any difficulty and with distinction.

[1] Munkar and Nakeer : Two angels who question a person in his grave, shortly after death.
[2] Rabb : Sustainer, Nourisher
[3] Deen : Religion

Qurbani

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh)

Allah Ta’ala states regarding the lofty act of Qurbani:

“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good.”
[Surah Al-Hajj 22: 37]

Sadly, despite the knowledge disseminated of the merits and virtues of Qurbani and its obligatory nature, there are many who have the ability and means, yet they still present excuses of not having the money to undertake Qurbani. I am not talking about the poor and needy who are exempt from Qurbani. I am talking about those who are sitting with so many luxuries and they still ask if Qurbani is Waajib (obligatory) or not.

…Let us not take this act of Ibaadah so lightly. It is a great and very important Sunnah that has to be upheld, and it is compulsory for those who have the means to do so. Every adult Muslim, male and female, who owns 612.36 grams of silver or its equivalent in money, personal ornaments, stock-in-trade or any other form of wealth which is in excess of the person’s basic personal needs, is obligated to offer Qurbani.

It is also incorrect that we only promote Qurbani as a charitable undertaking – as something to assist the poor and needy – in different parts of the world. This is what is being highlighted in our advertisements and notices: That Qurbani be undertaken to distribute to the suffering Ummah, throughout the world.

Indeed, distributing to the poor is a great benefit of Qurbani. And similarly in all Ibaadaat, we will find that there are great benefits. However, the benefit is not the objective. This is something that should be understood.

The objective of Hajj is not just to meet everyone on Arafat, even though it is a congregation of millions of Muslims from around the world. The objective of fasting is not to lose weight, even though we are eating far less than usual. Similarly, the objective of Qurbani is not just to feed the poor. This is not the purpose.

If a person slaughters his animal or many animals, before the Eid Salaah, and then distributes all of that meat to the poor and needy, then even though that kind of generosity is very noble, every Mufti will say that the Qurbani is not valid, and for the Qurbani to be valid, it has to be done after the Eid Salaah. …In a town, if the Eid Salaah is performed at different venues, then after the first Eid Salaah, Qurbani will be valid.

Added to this, there are other rules, regulations and conditions to be fulfilled and met for Qurbani to be valid. …This shows that the Qurbani animal is different. Therefore Allah Ta’ala says:

“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. ”
[Surah Al-Hajj 22: 37]

So Qurbani is not charity. If Qurbani is only charity, then how can we eat of it? Can we utilize our Zakaat – or a portion of it – for ourselves? No.

Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) ate from his own Qurbani – but he (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would not eat of Sadaqah.

So Qurbani should be done seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.

Sadly, most people opt to give their money to different organisations, so that their Qurbani is discharged without any labour. To give money is very easy but this is not the spirit of Qurbani.

If we just send our money to the neighbouring countries or overseas, then we are depriving ourselves and our children of the spirit of sacrifice.

Yes, send the Nafl Qurbanis to other places – if you wish to – and where the people will benefit. However, at least make one or two at home. Let the children see and take lesson. We ourselves need to see and take lesson.

In enlivening this Sunnah, we take so many beautiful lessons. The heart and the soul are stirred to move in the direction of submission to Allah Ta’ala.

We see how the sheep or goat or other Qurbani animal is made to lie down, and how its gives its life in the name of Allah Ta’ala. And we take lesson that just as that sheep sacrificed its life on the Hukm of Allah Ta’ala, so we, who are the servants of Allah Ta’ala, should be sacrificing our evil desires. In fact, our whole lives should be sacrificed for Allah Ta’ala.

Our respected Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) presented a wonderful analogy. Hazrat asked: “When does the sun rise?”

As we all know, it rises when the horizon turns red.

Hazrat then explained: “Just as the sun rises when the horizon turns red, similarly, the suns of Allah Ta’ala’s Muhabbat and Ma’rifat will rise when the horizons of the heart turn red with the blood of one’s evil desires, which have been sacrificed for Allah Ta’ala.”

Qurbani is the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam) and we must remember that Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam) was not slaughtering a ram or sheep. The knife was placed on his beloved son. That was the test and what a test! After making Dua for a son and being granted a son, the Command is then to slaughter that very beloved son.

Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam) was Khaleelullah – the Friend of Allah Ta’ala, and he proved his love for Allah Ta’ala. It was not just a claim. It was supported by his entire life – which was clear proof of Ishq. And Ishq is something, that when it comes into the heart, it cannot be hidden. It is something which is evident in speech, in action – in everything and in every way.

We find that there was no questioning any of Allah Ta’ala’s Commands. There was immediate submission to every Command. …We should ask ourselves: What have we done to validate our claim of loving Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam)?

Hazrat Isma’eel (Alaihis Salaam) was Zabeehullah. We find that there was no objection on hearing the Command of Allah Ta’aala; only immediate submission.

Imagine that scene: The son willingly and unhesitatingly tells his father to go ahead in fulfilling the Command of Allah Ta’ala.

“(The son) said : ‘O my father! Do as you are commanded: You will find me, if Allah so wills, practising patience and constancy.”
[Surah As-Saffaat 37 : 102]

Both father and son passed their tests with flying colours. And these were very great and difficult tests. … We are not being tested like that. Allah Ta’ala made it easy for us.

Despite the ease, we cannot even put the knife on our Haraam desires … yet, if we sacrifice our Haraam desires, we will benefit. We, ourselves, will be the beneficiaries.

I often say that in the word “Haraam”, there is the word “harm”. The outcome of Haraam will always be harm. And considering the double ‘a’ in the transliteration, we will experience double Harm : Harm in this world and Harm in the next. There is just no goodness. Sins bring restless, anxiety and a host of problems.

What is required is for us to place the knife over the throat of the animal within us. What is required is to place the knife over our anger – our unjustified anger; and place the knife over our greed, evil passions, jealousy and other evils.

Allah Ta’ala commands us to wake up for Fajr, to read our five Salaah, daily, in the Masjid, to fulfil the other rights of Allah Ta’ala and the rights of Creation. And we are commanded to stay clear, to stay far away, from whatever Allah Ta’ala has declared as Haraam. And in this easy way, gain the Muhabbat of Allah Ta’ala and enjoy the best of both worlds.

…There is so much to discuss about the Hajj that will be taking place and everything relating to this Mubarak month: The Farewell Hajj, the unforgettable sermon given by Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), the Qurbani, and the great virtues of these Mubarak days and nights. We must not depend on only the Jumu`ah talk to learn Deen. We should seek to know and understand all these important events in our beautiful history as well as learn the related Masaa`il of the different Ibaadaat we are commanded to do.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us a good, proper understanding and the Taufeeq of striving to earn His Pleasure.