Advice of Hadhrat Moulana Ali Mia Nadwi (RA) regrading the importance of the maktab
Moulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi’s (rahmatullahi alayh) address to madrasah graduates
“Please forgive me (for saying this). Presently, I am not so convinced regarding the benefits of having Higher-level Arabic Madrasahs (Darul Ulooms) in every small town and village and that every area must have the final year kitaabs and every Madrasah must complete Bukhaari Shareef. There is a greater need now for makaatib (plural of maktab).
As we are sitting here, India is changing very very fast. Everything is being controlled by the government. Presently, it’s the turn of the Muslim universities (to be under their control). Tomorrow it can be the Madrasahs. Thus, it is for this reason that we have to spread out the net of maktabs and make the masjids the centre of a Muslim’s life.
Eventually, it will be in the masjid, where change shall take place. Thus, make such a place your centre where change will reach with a delay, or by the time any change reaches there, Qiyaamat will arrive. Therefore, make the masjids your centres and establish as many maktabs as you can.
You should not at all be distressed that you were once in a (big) madrasah. You studied this (big kitaab) and studied that (big kitaab). You learnt the different sciences and facts (of Deeni knowledge) and now you are here speaking to villagers and you have to teach little children, thus you have now wasted your knowledge. Don’t ever think like this.
Our goal is the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and the preservation of Islam.”
[paaja suraagh-e-zindagi Page 173/174]
Hadhrat Talha bin Ubaidillah Radiallahu Anhu
Hadhrat Talha bin Ubaidillah radiallahu anhu, along with some experienced traders, had once set off for a trade journey to the land of Syria. When they reached the city of Busra, the traders rushed to the market place and began trading. Although Talha radiallahu anhu was the youngest and most inexperienced amongst them, he was gifted with intelligence and foresight which put him on an equal footing with the others. This trade journey was meant to be a life-changer for Talha radiallahu anhu and he narrates the following about this trade journey himself:
“Whilst at the market place, a Christian scholar called out to the people, “Oh traders, is there anyone here from the land of the Haram (Makkah)?” I was standing close-by so I rushed forward towards him and replied in the affirmative. He asked, “Has Ahmad bin Abdillah bin Abdil Muttalib appeared before you as a prophet? He is the final messenger and this is the month in which he is expected to appear. He will be commissioned as a Prophet in Makkah and thereafter migrate to the city of Madinah. I urge you to hasten towards him young man!”
The scholar’s words left an indelible impression on his heart. He mounted his camel and set-off for Makkah leaving behind his travelling companions. As soon as he reached home, He asked his family if anything unusual had taken place during his absence. They informed him that Muhammad bin Abdillah has claimed Prophethood and Ibnu Quhaafa (Abu Bakr) has become his follower.
Talha radiallahu anhu says, “I knew Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu very well. He was an easy-going lovable person. We were all attracted to him due to his extensive knowledge of the Quraishi tribes and their lineage. Together with this, he was also an honest trader who possessed sublime character. I set-off to meet him and make further enquiries regarding the Deen of Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.”
Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu explained to him the beautiful and pure beliefs of Islam and encouraged him to accept the Deen of Islam. Talha radiallahu anhu then explained to Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu what had transpired in the land of the Shaam and the announcement of the Christian scholar. Together, they proceeded to Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and narrated the incident to him. Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam presented Islam to Talha radiallahu anhu and recited a few verses from the Qur’aan Shareef. Allah Ta’ala opened the heart of Talha radiallahu anhu to Islam and he took the Shahaadat (accepted Islam).
The Islam of Talha radiallahu anhu struck like a bolt of lightning upon his family. The most grieved was his mother. At first his family tried to turn him away from Islam using love and kindness. However this did not deter him in the least. Hence they changed their approach to that of aggression and punishment. Mas’ood bin Kharaash says, “I was once walking between Safa and Marwa when I saw a youngster whose hands were tied to his neck. A large group of people were following him. Some were beating him on his back whilst others were striking him on his head. Behind them was an old woman screaming and swearing at him. Upon enquiry, I was told that this was Talha bin Ubaidillah and the old woman was his mother.”
Talha radiallahu anhu endured all the persecution patiently and his faith in Allah Ta’ala only increased with each passing day. Eventually he made hijrat (migrated) to Madinah Munawwarah on the command of Rasullullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. He participated alongside Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam in the all the battles which took place except the battle of Badr, as he was sent as a spy to check on the caravan of the Quraish. Therefore he was given a share from the spoils of Badr and Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam also gave him the glad-tidings of receiving the reward of those who participated.
He was known to be a mujahid (warrior) par excellence. In the battle of Uhud, he displayed extraordinary sacrifice and bravery whilst protecting the Nabi of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. In the process of defending Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, Talha radiallahu anhu suffered over 70 wounds to his body and one of his fingers became paralysed as well. Therefore Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu used to say that the day of Uhud belonged to Talha. He was also given the honourable title of ‘THE LIVING MATYR’.
On one occasion, Talha radiallahu anhu received 700 000 Dirhams from one of his business transactions. At night, he was restless and could not sleep. His wife sensed this and tried to ascertain the cause of his anxiety. He explained to her that how can he sleep when all this wealth is in his home. The next morning, he distributed all this wealth between the poor Muhajireen and Ansaar. This is just one incident of the many regarding his generosity which earned him the title of Talha Al- Khair (the possessor of goodness).
The most honourable and enviable virtue which Talha radiallahu anhu had was that he was from amongst those Sahaaba radiallahu anhum who were promised Jannah in one sitting by Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. These Sahaaba radiallahu anhum were known as the Ashara Mubashara (the 10 Sahaaba who were given the glad tidings of Jannah in this world). May Allah Ta’ala bless us with their companionship in the hereafter.
The Taraweeh of Hadhrat Moulana Yahya (RA)
Taken from Akaabir ka Ramdhaan of Hadhrat Shaikh Zakariyya (rahmatullahi alayh)
Hadhrat Shaikh Zakariyya (rahmatullahi alayh) has written the following about his father Moulana Yahya (rahmatullahi alayh).
My late father on many occasions mentioned to us the following story, “During the last Ramadhaan of Hadhrat Ml Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi (rahmatullahi alayh), I led the Taraaweeh Salaah for him and his attendants. It so happened that because of some reason or the other, Hadhrat’s son, Hakeem Mas’ood was unable to perform Taraaweeh.” For quite some days before the commencement of Ramadhaan Hadhrat (rahmatullahi alayh) said, “Mas’ood Ahmad is reluctant and not able to lead the Taraaweeh Salaah. Who is going to recite the Qur-aan for us in Taraaweeh?” On every occasion, I wanted to offer my services and declare my readiness, but out of respect, I refrained from doing so. Two days before Ramadhaan Hadhrat (rahmatullahi alayh) said, “Molvi Yahya Saheb! You are also a Haafiz of the Qur-aan?” I replied, “Yes Hadhrat, I am indeed. However, I recite the Quran in a Persian tone. You are used to hearing the recitation of Hakeem Mas’ood Ahmad Saheb, who is indeed a fine Qaari.” Hadhrat (rahmatullahi alayh) replied, “No, I have already heard your recitation. You shall lead us in Taraaweeh.” My father says, “On the first day it was a great burden for me. By way of preparation, I had to recite one and a quarter para of the Qur-aan by looking into the Qur-aan. I had memorised the Qur-aan at the age of seven. Thereafter for six months, I had to look into the Qur-aan Shareef and daily recite one full khatam. Since then I have never looked into the Qur-aan to recite it. The first day, in order to prepare myself properly, I recited one and a quarter para from the Qur-aan, but from the second day onwards the fear, nervousness and anxiety disappeared. Thereafter there was no further need for me to look into the Qur-aan and read.”
My late father (May Allah fill his qabr with noor) was indeed a very good Haafiz with tremendous energy to recite the Qur-aan Shareef by heart. He had a bookshop where he himself made up the parcels to be posted and wrote the addresses himself. While doing that he was all the time reciting the Qur-aan Shareef in an audible fashion without ever becoming confused or struggling over the ‘mutashaabihaat’.
Moulana ‘Aashiq Ilaahi (rahmatullahi alayh) writes about him in Tazkiratul-e-Khaleel, “Once, upon my request he was invited to Meerut to lead the Taraaweeh Salaah and recite the Qur-aan Shareef in Ramadhaan. I saw that wherever he went, he was all the time busy reciting by himself so that he finished a whole khatam daily. When it was time for Iftaar, he was reading, “Qul a’oozu birabbin Naas…” When he arrived by rail at Meerut it was Esha time. Being a man who was continuously in a state of wudhu, he entered the Masjid and immediately proceeded to the musalla to lead the Salaah. In three hours, he recited ten paras clearly without any struggle in the difficult parts as if the Qur-aan Shareef was an open book in front of him. So comfortable was his pace of recitation, that he completed a full khatam of the Qur-aan in three nights and departed. So good a hafiz was he that there was no need to revise his reading beforehand neither was there any need for someone to stand behind him and listen with the intention to correct if needed.”
My father also used to say about this visit to Meerut, “When the word got around in Meerut that a certain man was coming to complete a full khatam of the Qur-aan in Salaah within three days, thirty or forty Huffaaz arrived from far and wide to stand behind him and test him.”
My late father never had trouble with fear in Ramadhaan like myself. On the invitations and insistence of friends, he often went to their places to finish a khatam in two or at the most three nights before returning home. In Masaajid, he generally did it in three nights and in other ibaadat-khanas he generally did so in two or even in one night. Once on the invitation of the late Shah Zaahid Husain he completed a khatam at Shah Saheb’s house in two nights.
I can still remember his recitation in the Nawab-wali Masjid in Delhi. Molvi Naseeruddin was busy performing Taraaweeh in the Hakeem Ishaq Masjid. At that time, my father arrived in Delhi from somewhere. He went to rest a little in the resting place of Hakeem Ishaq attached to the Masjid. It so happened that Molvi Naseeruddin was reciting the 14th para and he was making mistakes. He had to be corrected time and again. My father went into the Masjid and as soon as Molvi Naseeruddin made the next salaam, he asked him to move from the spot, and he himself took over. In the next sixteen rakaats he recited sixteen paras. No doubt, the musallis must have found it tiring and exhausting. However, it is a fact that people are more pleased with finishing the Qur-aan Shareef quickly than they are worried about a bit of hardship. To have been able to finish the Qur-aan on the 12th night made them forget their exhaustion.
I can also remember his recitation of the Qur-aan in the house of Ummi Bi in Kandhla. She is Amatur Rahmaan, the daughter of Moulana Muzaffar Hussain, my father’s Nani (maternal grandmother) who was known as Ummi Bi. In answer to her special request, he remained reciting the Qur-aan Shareef throughout the night in Nafl Salaah. Because of the fact, that according to the Hanafis it is not permissible to have more than four muqtadees in Nafl Salaah, the ladies behind him had to be changed continuously, while my father continued reciting.
My late uncle (Moulana Ilyaas rahmatullahi alayh) also used to visit Kandhla in Ramadhaan because of Ummi Bi. In those days, the Qur-aan khatam used to be completed in a single night. At those times, he performed Esha Salaah in the Masjid and thereafter go to the house of Ummi Bi to perform Taraaweeh there from after Esha until Sehri time, thereby completing fourteen or fifteen paras.
Maulana Raooful Hasan Saheb is the maamoo (maternal uncle) of my late father and the father of my late wife. On the 30th Ramadhaan he recited from Alif Laam Meem until Qul a’oozu bi rabbil falaq… in one single rakaat and in the second rakaat he recited only Surah Naas! Then at Sehri time, he told his mother, Ummi bi, “I have now performed two rakaats, will you now perform the other eighteen?” During that time, his mother listened to the Qur-aan Shareef whilst standing behind him in Salaah!
The Ramadhaan of Hadhrat Moulana Khaleel Ahmad Sahaaranpuri رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ
Taken from Akaabir ka Ramdhaan of Hadhrat Shaikh Zakariyya (rahmatullahi alayh)
Tahajjud
According to different times of the year, Hadhrat (rahmatullahi alayh) used to get up about two or three hours before sehri. He had sehri about half an hour before the time for which he took about fifteen to twenty minutes. Thus, he finished about fifteen minutes before Fajar. It was his habit to recite two paras in Tahajjud Salaah. Sometimes it was a bit more and sometimes a bit less, according to the time available.
After Fajar
Throughout the year after the Fajr Salaah, it was his habit to sit in his place and recite various wazeefaas. In the cold days of winter he did so after entering into the privacy of his own room while during the hot days he sat on a bed in the courtyard of the Madrasah until sunrise. He would sit in deep meditation.
Then from sunrise onwards, he busied himself with his lecturing on Bukhaari Shareef and Tirmzi Shareef. After 1335 Hijri he busied himself at this time with the writing of Bazlul Majhood (a commentary on Abu Dawood Shareef) till one o’clock in the Summer and until 12 o’clock, in the winter. Thereafter he would rest until Zuhr Salaah.
Awwaabeen
There was no difference in the number of rakaats performed as nafl after Maghrib compared to the rest of the year. However, in the manner of his performance there was a definite difference. Generally, he recited one and a quarter paras in Awwaabeen Salaah and during Ramadhaan it was those paras which he was to recite in Taraaweeh later in the evening. After Awwaabeen Salaah, Hadhrat (rahmatullahi alayh) used to return home to have his meal for which he took about twenty to twenty-five minutes, but he ate very little during this meal.
Taraaweeh
Hadhrat (rahmatullahi alayh) himself always led the Taraaweeh Salaah until about two years before he passed away. It was his fixed habit to finish the khatam of the Qur-aan Shareef on the evening of the 29th of Ramadhaan. In the first four nights, he recited one and a quarter paras and thereafter one para per a night.
When Hadhrat (rahmatullahi alayh)’s age went beyond seventy, it became increasingly difficult for him to continue doing so. He used to say, “When I go into ruku’ the thought comes into my mind that perhaps I will not be able to rise up again for the second rakaat. Then I take the courage and with difficulty I come up. In this manner, I finally complete twenty rakaats, fearing in every rakaat that I may collapse and fall down, and feeling all the time that rising up from sajdah to the standing position is tantamount to climbing a mountain.”
Hadhrat Shaikh Zakariyyah (rahmatullahi alayh) writes in Aap Beeti that, “On the boat en route to Hajj, Hadhrat (rahmatullahi alayh) suffered such dizziness that he could hardly lift his head from the pillow. The same was the case with me in spite of my comparatively youthful age. Apart from that there was a considerable amount of vomiting also. The bad smells of the boat, especially when it was being filled with petrol (diesel) caused one to become dizzy, nauseous and induced vomiting.
On the 29th Sha’baan he told me: “Bhai, what is to become of Taraaweeh?” I replied: “Hadhrat, I will perhaps be able to bear the dizziness and the turning of my head, but what will happen if during the Salaah I should start vomiting?” He replied: “That is all right. If you should vomit, then just go and perform wudhu again.” The boat was a small one and used to roll about a lot. In spite of the rolling about, which made standing up quite an ordeal, and in spite of dizziness and extreme weakness and exhaustion, Hadhrat (rahmatullahi alayh) performed Taraaweeh standing.
After Taraaweeh, Hadhrat (rahmatullahi alayh) used to rest for about fifteen to twenty minutes while some attendants massaged his legs. At this time there used to be some general conversation regarding the Qur-aan Shareef.
For example, someone may have mistakenly corrected him from behind or it may be concerning something which might have happened during Taraaweeh. Some minutes used to be spent on this in a light-hearted manner.
After Taraaweeh and after resting for a while, he used to go home, where for fifteen to twenty minutes he talked to his family members. Some of the women of the area also used to arrive at this time, and he used to advise them for a short while. Thereafter he went to sleep for about two and a half to three hours.
Tilaawat of the Qur-aan
During the Mubaarak month of Ramadhaan, Hadhrat Moulana Khaleel Ahmad Sahaaranpuri (rahmatullahi alayh) used to recite Qur-aan Shareef from after Ishraaq until eleven o’clock. After Zuhr Salaah, Hadhrat (rahmatullahi alayh) recited whatever he was to recite in Taraweeh that night to Hafiz Muhammad Hussain Ujrarwy. This was what Hafiz Saheb used to come to Saharanpur for.
Occasionally when for some reason or the other, Haafiz Saheb was absent and during his stay in Madinah Munawwarah, he used to make ‘dor’ with me (Hadhrat Shaikh Zakariyyah rahmatullahi alayh). After my return from Hajj and it was a time when his work on Bazlul Majhood had also been completed, he developed the habit of daily reciting one para to his wife. It was this para, which he was to recite in Awwaabeen Salaah that night and in Taraaweeh.
Hadhrat (rahmatullahi alayh) once said, “If my brain wishes, it may go and give in and if it wishes, it may stay working soundly, but under no circumstances shall the Word of Allah Ta’ala leave me.”
Apart from reading Qur-aan, the tasbeeh was always in his hands and his tongue all the time busy with zikr. If ever any of his mureeds had to ask something, he would reply to them.
I’itikaaf
Except for the last two or three years of his life when he had grown weak and was plagued by illness, I have never seen him not performing I’tikaaf in the last ten days of Ramadhaan.
Hadhrat Uqbah bin Aamir (radiyallahu anhu) A brief biography
Hadhrat Uqbah bin Aamir explains the manner in which he accepted Islam.
He says; “When Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) came to Madinah Munawwarah, I was busy tending to my flock of goats. As soon as I received the news of his coming, I immediately left my flock and hastened to meet him.”
After taking bay’ah (pledge of allegiance) on the hands of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), Hadhrat Uqbah bin Aamir Al-Juhanee (radiyallahu anhu) returned to his flock on the outskirts of Madinah. Not long thereafter, the attraction to learn directly at the feet of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) overpowered him and he gave up tending to goats. He moved into the city of Madinah, living in Masjidun Nabawi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), in order to be close to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
Uqbah (radiyallahu anhu) made a firm resolve to stay close and attach himself to the messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), not knowing that a decade later, he would become one of the great scholars and conquerors of Islam. Uqbah (radiyallahu anhu) had an intense passion for seeking Deeni knowledge and he became a master in all the Islamic sciences. Allah Ta’ala had blessed him with a melodious voice with which he would recite the Qur-aan Shareef, leaving many listeners in tears.
Uqbah (radiyallahu anhu) participated alongside Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in Uhud and all the succeeding battles. He was an extremely skilled archer who showed great courage in the conquest of Damascus. As a reward for his heroic achievements, the Ameer of the Muslim army, Hadhrat Abu Ubaydah bin Jarraah (radiyallahu anhu), gave him the task of conveying the glad-tidings of victory to Ameerul Mu’mineen, Umar bin Khattaab (radiyallahu anhu). He rode non-stop for eight days and nights, from one Friday to the next, until he reached Madinah Munawarah where he passed on the message of victory. He was also one of the generals who conquered Egypt and he governed Egypt for three years under the rule of Hadhrat Muaawiya (radiyallahu anhu). So great was his passion for Jihaad that he memorised all the Ahaadeeth pertaining to Jihaad and he used to recite it to the Muslims as a form of encouragement in the different expeditions. During his free time, he used to practise archery in preparation for battle.
When the time of his death drew near, Hadhrat Uqbah (radiyallahu anhu) called his sons and gave them his final wasiyyat (parting advice) saying, “My beloved sons, I forbid you from three things, so be sure to stay away from them. Never accept any Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) without being sure of its authenticity. Never incur any debts, even if you are dressed in worn-out clothing. Do not compose poetry lest it distracts your hearts from the Qur-aan Majeed.” The only possessions which he left behind were seventy bows, each with a quiver and arrows. He had made a bequest that all of it should be used in the path of Allah.
Hadhrat Abdullah Al-Muzani radiallahu anhu
Hadhrat Abdullah Al-Muzani radiallahu anhu
In the mountain ranges of Warqaan which is located between Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah, there lived a tribe known as Muzainah. A baby boy was born to parents, from this tribe, who were extremely poor. They named him Abdul Uzza. Not long after his birth, his father passed away leaving behind the young child as an orphan. However, this boy had a paternal uncle who was extremely wealthy and had no children of his own. Therefore he took the innocent young child under his care and showered him with love and kindness as though it was his own child. The youngster grew up to be an adult of fine manners and beautiful conduct. These qualities made him even more beloved to his Uncle.
This young man only came to know about Islam when Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam made Hijrat (migrated) to Madinah Munawwarah. He was intrigued by this new Deen (Religion) and the final messenger of Allah Ta’ala. This spurred him on to gain whatever information possible regarding this ‘new Deen’. In a short period of time, Allah Ta’ala opened up his heart towards the beauty and perfection of Islam leading him to accept Islam without even setting his eyes on Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. Initially he concealed his Islam and used to worship Allah Ta’ala in secrecy, away from the gazes of people. He had great hope that his uncle would also be guided to the beautiful Deen of Islam but it was not to be. Eventually, he could not contain himself anymore and openly proclaimed his belief in the Oneness of Allah and the risaalat (prophethood) of Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. The desire to meet Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam had consumed his heart and mind.
The news of his Islam caused his uncle to go into a fit of rage and he immediately threatened to withdraw all the privileges which he had afforded to the young man. This could not deter this fine lad as Imaan had penetrated deep into the recesses of his heart. He opted for the company of Rasullullah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and gave up everything. With only a coarse cloth covering his body, he headed towards the blessed city of Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. The excitement and enthuaism grew within him as he approached Madinah Munawwarah. He reached Madinah Munawwarah at night and spent the evening in the Masjid. At the time of fajr salaah, he finally fulfilled his dream of seeing Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.
After the Fajr salaah, Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam called him and asked him who he was and from where he had come. Thereafter Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam changed his name from Abdul Uzza to Abdullah. Abdullah radiallahu anhu then took up residence in the blessed city of Madinah Munawwarah in the company of Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. The world had called him towards it but he chose to close his ears to its call and turned all his attention to the eternal life of the Aakhirah.
Abdullah radiallahu anhu, after migrating to Madinah, participated in all the battles which Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam had set out for. During the expedition of Tabuk, Abdullah radiallahu anhu asked Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam to make dua for him to blessed with matrydom. Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam made dua in his favour that he be hounoured with matrydom in such a way that he is protected from the sword of an enemy. Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam also explained to him that a person who falls ill and passes away through that illness will be considered a Shaheed (martyr) as well. Within a day after this dua, Abdullah radiallahu anhu developed a fever and passed on into the mercy of Allah Ta’ala.
He passed away as a muhajir (one who migrates) for the sake of Allah Ta’ala, A mujahid (warrior) in the path of Allah, in a strange land far away from his family and friends. The Sahaabah radiallahu anhum dug his Qabr (grave). Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam himself went down into his Qabr. Abu Bakr and Umar radiallahu anhuma passed his body to Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam who lowered him with his own Mubarak hands into the Qabr. Thereafter Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam made the following dua, “Oh Allah, indeed I was pleased with him, so you be pleased with him”
Abdullah bin Mas’ood radiallahu anhu stood by the graveside witnessing this amazing sight and said; “If only I was the inmate of this Qabr. By Allah! I wish I was in his place even though I had accepted Islam 15 years before him.” Allah Ta’ala surely recompensed him in the most beautiful of ways.
Hadhrat ABU AL-DARDA Radiyallahu Anhu
Hadhrat ABU AL-DARDA Radiyallahu Anhu
Uwaymir bin Malik Al-Khazrajee radiyallahu anhu, famously known as Abu Darda, was the last person from his locality to accept Islam. From the moment he accepted Islam, he was filled with remorse for delaying in accepting the truth and therefore he made every effort to catch up in learning, practicing and propagating the beautiful Deen of Islam just like all the other noble companions of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam.
He immersed himself so much in the ibaadat of Allah Ta’ala that he felt business was an impediment in him acquiring the knowledge of Deen. He gave up business and dedicated himself entirely to the service of Islam. Someone once asked him the reason for this to which he responded, “Before accepting Islam, I was a merchant. After accepting Islam, I decided to combine business and worship, but I was unable to fulfil my duties as I would’ve liked. Therefore I left business and focussed on Ibaadat. By the one in who’s hands lies the soul of Abu Darda, I would not wish to have a shop by the door of the masjid where I could earn 300 Dinars daily if it meant me missing a single salaah!” He then turned to the questioner and said, “I’m not saying that Allah Ta’ala has prohibited trade, rather I long to be of those who are not distracted by buying and selling from the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala.” This is the effect of Imaan permeating deep into the recesses of the heart.
Hadhrat Abu Darda radiyallahu anhu did not only leave out trade; he renounced the world and its temptations completely. One bitterly cold night, he entertained some visitors with a simple meal. However, he did not provide them with any form of warm covering. One of them mustered up the courage and entered his room, after seeking permission, only to find that Abu Darda radiyallahu anhu and his wife only had a thin cloth to cover themselves which offered no protection against the cold. The man exclaimed to Abu Darda radiyallahu anhu, “I see that you are planning to spend the night in the same condition as us. Where on earth are your belongings?” Abu Darda radiyallahu anhu calmly replied, “We have another home where we send all the profits and gains as soon as we earn them. Had we kept any belongings in this house, we would have given them to you. There is a long difficult journey ahead towards that home, one who has a little load will be better off than the one who’s load is heavy. Therefore we wish to have an easy journey across. Do you understand?” he replied, “Yes I understand and may Allah Ta’ala recompense you with good.”
On one occasion, a youngster went to him seeking advice. Abu Darda radiyallahu anhu said to him, “O my beloved son, remember Allah in prosperity, He will remember you in adversity. O my beloved son, be a scholar, a teacher or an attentive listener and do not be from the ignorant ones, for you will perish. O my beloved son, let the Masjid be your home, for I have heard Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam say, “The masaajid is the abode for every Allah-fearing man.” Allah has guaranteed mercy and tranquility for those whose homes are the masaajid and the crossing of the siraat (bridge) becomes easy.”
When Abu Darda radiyallahu anhu lay on his deathbed, his companions entered and asked him, “What do you lament?” He replied, “My sins.” They asked, “What do you hope for?” He replied, “The forgiveness of my Rabb.”
Thereafter he continued reciting the Kalimah until he passed away.
عن معاذ بن جبل، قال: قال رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم-: “من كان آخر كلامه لا إله إلا الله دخل الجنة”
Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “The one whose last words are لا إله إلا الله will enter Jannah.”
(Source: Stories from the lives of the Sahabah-Suwarum min hayyatis Sahaabah)
Guidelines for Madrasah Jalsahs
The purpose and object of a jalsahh is to;
- Please Allah Ta’ala
- Motivate the pupils by allowing them to participate and giving them prizes for outstanding achievements.
- Pass on some message of Deen to the parents and others who will be attending the madrasah jalsah.
Below are a few guidelines for those having Jalsahhs
- Jalsahhs should not resemble school concerts and fashion shows. Don’t be extravagant in preparing for the jalsahh. No money must be spent on stage decor, props, costumes and other wasteful aspects. The jalsahh is a platform to give a message of Deen. By wasting money on these items a totally wrong message will be given.
- Jalsah preparations should not impact on Madrasah times. Jalsah preparations should take place on Friday afternoons for 15 minutes and children should be called on Saturday mornings to prepare for the jalsah. Besides these two times, no other madrasah times must be used for jalsah prep.
- Nazams must not have back ground music and resemble the tunes and lyrics of English and Hindi songs. The meanings of the naaths should be checked by some learned aalim that it does not contain any words of shirk or kufr, etc.
- Dialogues maybe prepared which have a good message. No plays and dramas to take place in the jalsah.
- Be very careful about intermingling of sexes. [preferably have a mothers only jalsah]
- Baaligh boys should not be made to participate in the jalsah. They may participate in a jalsah that is especially for fathers.
- Prizes given to pupils should be motivating and educational. Carefully select the prizes for the pupils.
- Pupils should not be made to go out and collect funds for the jalsahs.
NB: The jalsah is not a concert or something to entertain the pupils and parents. A few days before the jalsah get all the children to also join the asaatizah to make dua that the jalsah should be a means of hidaayat for all.
Hadhrat Sa’d bin Muaaz Al-Ansaari radiyallahu anhu
Hadhrat Sa’d bin Muaaz Al-Ansaari radiyallahu anhu is amongst the many stalwarts of Islam, who sacrificed their time, youth, wealth and life for Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam and his noble cause. He hailed from the famous city, Yathrib (Madinah Munawwarah) and was a man of great dignity and honour. He was the leader of the Aws tribe and was well known for his courage, bravery, hospitality and self-sacrifice.
Prior to the coming of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, the Arabs in Madinah Munawwarah like the Makkans worshipped idols and made Sajdah (prostrated) before them. They would carve idols with their own hands and then believed them to be their gods. Centuries had passed in this way and they remained steeped in idol worship. The people of Yathrib (Madinah Munawwarah) heard that a prophet has appeared in Makkah and is propagating a new religion. They were shocked to hear this news. “What new religion is this?” they asked each other.
After some time, Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam sent a young Sahaabi to Madinah by the name of Mus’ab bin Umair radiyallahu anhu. He stayed at the home of As’ad bin Zurarah radiyallahu anhu. Here, he began the work of da’wat and tableegh, inviting people towards Islam. People were attracted to his talks and were wonderstruck by his beautiful recitation of the Qur-aan Shareef. “This is not the words of any man” they exclaimed. Once, a young leader of the Ansaar, Usaid bin Hudair, heard the sermon of Musab bin Umair radiyallahu anhu. He was so affected by the beautiful recitation of the Qur-aan Shareef that he immediately accepted Islam. Upon accepting Islam, he felt it is his obligation to invite others into Islam as well. His eyes were set on his close friend Sa’d bin Muaaz. “If S’ad embraces Islam” he said, “every member of the Aws tribe will accept Islam.”
Usaid bin Hudhair radiyallahu anhu set out to meet his friend Sa’d and related to him all that he had heard from Musab bin Umair radiyallahu anhu. “Why don’t you go and listen to his talks? I did not find anything objectionable in his words” said Usaid. When Sa’d heard this news, he flew into a rage. Wielding his sword, he set out towards the home of As’ad bin Zurarah radiyallahu anhu (the host of Hadhrat Mus’ab radiyallahu anhu). As he reached As’ad’s home S’ad shouted, “If it were not that you are related to me, I would have finished you off with this sword. Have you brought this man here to deceive our people?”
On seeing Sa’d’s fury, Mus’ab radiyallahu anhu retorted, “S’ad! Is it possible for you to sit down and listen to me for a few moments? If you like what you hear you may accept it otherwise you are free to do as you please.” “Okay,” replied S’ad, “That is rather fair.” Saying this, he sat down. Mus‘ab radiyallahu anhu presented the truth of Islam before him and he recited a few verses of the Qur-aan Shareef to him. He barely heard the verses of the Qur-aan Shareef when the colour of his face changed. He immediately pleaded to Musab radiyallahu anhu, “How do I enter into this religion?” Mus‘ab radiyallahu anhu replied: “Firstly, you should cleanse your clothing and take a bath. Recite the Kalimah Shahaadah and perform two Rakaats of Salaah.” Without any delay, S’ad got up, took a bath, recited the Kalimah Shahaadah and performed two Rakaats of Salaah. He now, headed towards his people. As they saw him coming from a distance, they realized that something had happened. There was something different about him. When he reached their gathering, S’ad radiyallahu anhu addressed them saying: “What do you people think of me?” In one voice they all shouted: “You are our leader. As far as your discretion and advice is concerned, you are the best amongst us.” S’ad radiyallahu anhu said: “By Allah! I will never speak to any of you until everyone of you believes in Allah Ta’ala and His Rasool sallallahu alayhi wasallam.” Before nightfall, not a single man or woman of the Banu ‘Abdul-Ashal tribe were left without embracing Islam. This incident was the most memorable event in spreading Islam. There is no Sahaabi that is equal to Sa’d bin Muaaz radiyallahu anhu in this virtue.
After accepting Islam, there was nothing more beloved to Sa’d radiyallahu anhu than Allah Ta’ala and His Rasool sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Islam became so beloved to him that even if his best friends spoke ill of Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam he was prepared to wage war against them.
Umayyah bin Khalaf,[1] the cruel master of Hadhrat Bilal radiyallahu anhu was a close friend of Sa’d bin Muaaz radiyallahu anhu. When Umayyah would travel to Syria on business, he would stay over in Madinah Munawwarah at the residence of S’ad bin Mu’aaz radiyallahu anhu and when S’ad radiyallahu anhu would come to Makkah Mukarramah, he would stay over at Umayyah’s house. On one occasion, after the Hijrah of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, S’ad bin Mu’aaz radiyallahu anhu decided to perform Umrah. He came to Makkah Mukarramah and as was his previous arrangement, stayed over at Umayyah’s place. As he settled down, S’ad bin Mu’aaz radiyallahu anhu requested Umayyah to take him to the Haram Shareef for Tawaaf at a time when the Haram Shareef was quiet. Umayyah took S’ad radiyallahu anhu to the Haram Shareef during the early afternoon. Whilst he was making Tawaaf, Abu Jahal appeared before them demanding: “O Abu Safwaan! (This was the title of Umayyah) Who is this person with you?” “This is S’ad,” replied Umayyah. Abu Jahal snapped: “I see that he is performing Tawaaf with such ease and comfort. Why do you provide assistance and refuge to such irreligious people?” Addressing S’ad bin Mu’aaz radiyallahu anhu, Abu Jahal warned: “S’ad! I swear by Allah, that if Abu Safwaan (Umayyah) was not with you, you would not have returned safely from here.” S’ad radiyallahu anhu retorted: “If you prevent me from performing Tawaaf, by Allah, I will ensure that your access to Syria through Madinah is stopped.” When Umayyah heard this he said to S’ad radiyallahu anhu: “Do not raise your voice before Abul Hakam (Abu Jahal). He is the chief of this valley.” Furiously, S’ad radiyallahu anhu turned to Umayyah and retorted: “Umayyah! Let it be. I have heard Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam predicting that you would be slain at the hands of his companions.” Umayyah began shivering with fright. He anxiously asked: “Will I be killed in Makkah?” S’ad I replied: “I have no idea of the exact location where you will be put to death but this is what Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said about you.” On hearing this, Umayyah was flung into an overwhelming state of panic and anxiety. He hastened to his wife Umm-e-Safwaan and narrated the entire incident to her. Since that day Umayyah was always uneasy and restless. Every moment he feared death. Eventually, he was killed in Badr by the Sahaabah of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam.
Hadhrat Sa’d bin Muaaz radiyallahu anhu spent his entire life in the service of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam. At every occasion he showed his allegiance to Islam and stood up for the protection of Deen. On the occasion of Badr he stood out amongst others and showed his deep love for Rasuluallah sallallahu alayhi wasallam. The Sahaabah (radiyallahu anhum) were not prepared for battle when they left Madinah Munawwarah. They had come out to attack the caravan of Abu Sufyaan which was passing Madinah. One or two days into the journey, Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam was informed about the departure of the Quraysh from Makkah and requested the Sahaabah (radiyallahu anhum) to prepare for imminent battle. The Sahaabah (radiyallahu anhum) were not ready for battle. Some of them were initially hesitant (because they did not leave home with the intention of engaging in hostilities). Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam was very concerned. He called up a mashwarah with the Sahaabah radiyallahu anhum and addressed them saying, “O people! What is your opinion in this regard? Give me your Mashwarah.”
On this occasion Hadhrat S’ad bin Mu’aaz radiyallahu anhu promptly understood what Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam meant. He instantly submitted: “O Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam! Perhaps your speech is directed to the Ansaar?” Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam replied in the affirmative. Upon this, Hadhrat S’ad bin Mu’aaz radiyallahu anhu passionately declared:
“O Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam! We affirmed our Imaan in you, we believe in you, we bear testimony to the fact that whatever you came with is the truth and upon this we had wholeheartedly pledged our absolute submission. O Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam! Perhaps you emerged from Madinah with a specific purpose but Allah Ta’ala has brought about something else. Proceed as you deem fit. You may maintain ties with whom you wish and you may sever ties with whomsoever you wish. You may enter into a peace agreement with whom you wish and you may engage in battle with whom you wish. We are with you all the way. You may take from our wealth whatever you please and you may bestow upon us whatever you please. Whatever you take from our wealth would be dearer to us than what you would leave behind, and whatever you command us to do, we will unquestionably abide by it. If you instruct us to set off for Barkul-Ghamaad with you, we will eagerly accompany you. I swear by the Being Who has sent you with the truth, if you instruct us to leap into the ocean we would eagerly hurl ourselves into it and none of us would be left behind. We do not detest confronting the enemy. Yes, during the heat of battle we are tolerant and we are committed to meet the enemy head-on. We hope Allah Ta’ala will give us the ability to do something that would bring about the coolness of your eyes. So, in the name of Allah, take us along with you.”
Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam was most pleased on hearing the speech of Sa’d bin Muaaz radiyallahu anhu. Upon setting the army in their positions, Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam handed the flag of the Aws to Hadhrat S’ad bin Muaaz radiyallahu anhu. During the preparations for the Battle of Badr, Hadhrat S’ad bin Mu’aaz radiyallahu anhu stood guard at the door of the hut of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, wielding his sword. He spent the entire night outside the hut guarding Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam.
There is another incident mentioned in the books of History that shows the big heartedness of Hadhrat Sad bin Muaaz radiyallahu anhu and the Ansaar of Madinah. When the spoils of war arrived from the Banu Nadheer, Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam decided to distribute the entire share to the Muhaajireen. The reason for this was that the Ansaar were looking after all the needs of the Muhajireen. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam wanted to lessen the burden of the Ansaar and make the Muahjireen independent from the Ansaar. The Ansaar, due to their sincerity and selflessness, did not regard this as a burden but rather as a source of coolness to their eyes. Nonetheless, Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam summoned the Ansaar and formally addressed them. In this address, after praising Allah Ta’ala, he paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Ansaar and their good conduct to their fellow brethren, the Muhaajireen. He then said: “O people of the Ansaar! If you wish, I am prepared to distribute the wealth of the Banu Nadheer equally between you and the Muhaajireen and they will continue sharing your wealth as they did in the past or if you wish, I will distribute it solely amongst the Muhaajireen. They will then leave your homes and sustain themselves.” S’ad bin ‘Ubaadah radiyallahu anhu and S’ad bin Mu’aaz radiyallahu anhu, the leaders of the Ansaar immediately submitted: “O Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam! We would be delighted if you distribute this wealth amongst the Muhaajireen only. They are still at liberty to live in our homes and partake of our meals as they did in the past.”
In the battle of Khandaq, he was struck on his neck with an arrow and as the blood gushed from his wound, he made the following dua:
“O Allah! If this battle with the Quraysh is bound to last (for some time) then allow me to live as I have no yearning greater than to fight those who put Your Messenger through such hardship, falsified him and evicted him from the Haram Shareef. O Allah! If this is the end of the war, make this injury a source of my martyrdom and do not take my life until I am able to cool my eyes with the humiliation of the Banu Qurayzah [2].”
Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam had barely removed his armour after the battle of Khandaq, when Hadhrat Jibraaeel alayis salaam commanded him to head towards the Banu Quraizah. The Aws Tribe were allies of the Banu Qurayzah. They pleaded with Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, “O Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam! Just as you dealt with the people of Banu Nadheer on the request of their allies, the Khazraj, we the Aws, implore you to deal with our allies, the Banu Qurayzah in a like manner.” Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam replied: “Would you not be pleased if a man from amongst yourselves makes a decision in this regard?” “Surely,” they replied, “We would be pleased with the decision made by S’ad bin Mu’aaz radiyallahu anhu.” When Hadhrat S’ad bin Mu’aaz radiyallahu anhu was wounded in the battle of Khandaq (the trench), Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam erected a tent for him in the Masjid so that he could visit him often. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam sent someone to fetch him. He mounted a donkey. As he drew closer, Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said to the Aws tribe: “Stand up in honour of your leader.” When he dismounted, Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: “with regard to the Banu Qurayzah, these people have consigned the decision-making over to you.” S’ad bin Mu’aaz radiyallahu anhu replied: “My decision is as follows: “Their combatants i.e. their men should be executed and their women and children should be taken as slaves. Furthermore, all their wealth and possessions should be distributed amongst the Muslims.” To this, Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam remarked: “Certainly you have passed judgement according to the divine commandment of Allah Ta’ala.”
Thereafter, Hadhrat S’ad radiyallahu anhu made the following dua:
“O Allah! You are well aware that nothing is dearer to me than waging Jihaad against the people who falsified Your Messenger and banished him from the Haram. O Allah! It appears to me that You have now terminated war between us and them. If we are still destined to go to war with the Quraysh, allow me to live and wage Jihaad against them in Your path and if You have decreed to end jihaad against them, then cause this wound to gush forth and make it a source of my martyrdom.”
After this incident Sa’d radiyallahu anhu lived for just a few days. Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam himself had treated his wound in order to stop the bleeding. One day this wound began to ooze. The blood flowed with such force that from the Masjid it reached the Banu Ghifaar tribe. The Sahaabah radiyallahu anhum were extremely worried on being told that the wound of S’ad radiyallahu anhu burst open. Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam was also informed. He hurried to the Masjid. upon reaching the Masjid, He found that S’ad radiyallahu anhu had passed away. Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam placed S’ad radiyallahu anhu on his lap with the blood still flowing from his wound. People gathered around him. From the tent, the wailing of his respected mother was heard. When Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam heard this he said, “Every lady that laments is a liar except for the mother of S’ad radiyallahu anhu”
When his Janazah departed, Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “In this Janaazah 70 000 angels have joined in. “When his janaazah was raised, the hypocrites ridiculed him, saying, “This Janaazah is so light.” (The hypocrites were not pleased with his decision regarding the Banu Quraizah.) Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam retorted, “The lightness of his janaazah is due to the fact that the angels in large number are carrying his janaazah.” After the burial, Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam returned extremely grieved. His Mubaarak face was in his hands and tears were continuously flowing from his mubaarak eyes. The death of Hadhrat S’ad bin Muaaz radiyallahu anhu was a great loss for the Muslims. The services he had rendered to Islam had given him the title of “The Siddiq-e-Akbar of the Ansaar.”
Hadhrat Jaabir radiyallahu anhu narrates that he heard Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam saying: “The throne of Allah Ta’ala shuddered at the death of S’ad bin Mu’aaz.” According to another narration, “All the doors of Jannah were opened for him, and the angels of the skies were delighted with the ascension of his soul”.
An Ansaari composed the following piece of poetry on this occassion:
وَمَا اهْتَزَّ عَرْشُ اللّٰهِ مِنْ مَوْتِ هَالِكٍ سَمِعْنَا بِهِ اِلَّا لِسَعْدٍ اَبِيْ عَمْرٍو
“We have not heard of the throne of Allah shudder upon the death of anyone, except for the death of Abu ‘Amr S’ad bin Mu’aaz.”
His grave would emit the fragrance of musk and Allah Ta’ala knows best. He was laid to rest in Jannatul Baqee, the graveyard of Madinah Munawwarah. Upto this day the grave of Sa’d bin Muaaz radiyallahu anhu is marked in Jannatul Baqee.
Once, somebody sent a silken cloth to Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam. The Sahaabah radiyallahu anhum were surprised at it’s softness. Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “You are impressed by it’s softness, In Jannat, the cloth of S’ad radiyallahu anhu is softer than this.”
These are the noble Sahaabah (radiyallahu anhum), the companions of Rasulaullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam who sacrificed everything they had, including their lives for Allah Ta’ala, Rasulaullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam and His noble Deen. As Muslims, we should love and respect every Sahaabi and try our best to emulate them. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the taufeeq (ability) to be like them.
[1] Umayyah bin Kahalaf was an arch enemy of Islam. He was the person responsible for persecuting Hadhrat Bilal I when he accepted islam.
[2] The Banu Qurayzah was a Jewish tribe who were allies of the Aws. They caused untold difficulties and hardships to Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam.