Articles

The 15th Night of Sha’baan (Laylatul Bara’ah)

Introduction

Allah Ta’ala has given us many opportunities to enjoy His special mercy and forgiveness. The 15th night of Sha’baan is also one very special opportunity that comes only once a year.

Many Ahaadith explain the tremendous virtues of this night. Countless number of people are forgiven by Allah Ta’ala during this blessed night. It is due to this reason that it is called ‘The Night of Bara’ah’ (i.e. the night wherein Allah Ta’ala makes a decision to save people from the fire of Jahannam). It is a special night in which Allah Ta’ala looks at the people of the earth with mercy.

Allah Ta’ala blesses us with this opportunity to prepare and cleanse ourselves before the blessed month of Ramadhaan arrives.
Virtues of this night

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has said, ‘This is the middle night of Sha’baan. Allah Ta’ala looks upon His slaves on this night and forgives those who seek forgiveness and bestows His mercy upon those who make dua for mercy but leaves out those who have hatred (against another Muslim) as they were before, (and does not forgive them unless they clean their hearts from malice).

Hadhrat Aaishah (radiyallahu anha) has reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “This is the middle night of Sha’baan. Allah Ta’ala frees a large number of people from the fire on this night, more than the number of the hair growing on the sheep of the tribe of Kalb.”

The tribe of Kalb was a large tribe in Madinah, the members of which owned many sheep. Therefore, the last sentence of the Hadith indicates the large number of people forgiven on this night by Allah Ta’ala.
From the very beginning of this night, Allah Ta’ala turns His special mercy and attention towards the creation and forgives those who repent and seek forgiveness.

Every Muslim should therefore value this night. Turn towards Allah Ta’ala with sincere regret and shame over the sins we have committed and make a promise never to return to sin again. Seek the forgiveness of Allah Ta’ala for oneself and for all Muslims, living and deceased. Have firm hope and determination in one’s heart that Allah Ta’ala will surely show mercy on us and forgive our sins.

Announcements

On this night, Allah Ta’ala descends to the first sky and announces, “Is there anyone seeking forgiveness that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking sustenance that I may grant it to him? Is there anyone in any difficulty that I may relieve him?” These announcements continue till the time of Fajar.

Those who are deprived

It is mentioned in a Hadith that on this night Allah Ta’ala does not cast a glance of mercy at a person who:

Associates partners with Him. (Commits shirk)
Who harbours hatred in his heart (against someone)
Who cuts off family ties
Who leaves his pants hanging below his ankles
Who disobeys his parents
Who commits adultery
Who commits murder
Who has a habit of drinking wine.’
What should be done on this night?

In order to obtain maximum benefit from this great night, one should allocate a specific portion of the night for the ibaadah of Allah Ta’ala. Dua and Istighfaar (repentance) should be our main priority. Make intention of seeking Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure and the reformation of one’s inner self. The following are some of the ibaadaat we can practice on.

1. Salaah: Salaah is one of the most preferable acts to be performed during this night. There is no particular number of rakaats, but preferably it should not be less than eight. It is also advisable that each part of the Salaah like Qiyaam (standing), Ruku and Sajdah should be longer than normal. Also try and recite as much Qiraat (Qur-aan recitation) in salaah as possible. If possible perform Salaatut Tasbeeh.

2. Tilaawah: The recitation of the Qur-aan Shareef is another form of worship that is very beneficial on this night. After performing Salaah, or at any other time, one should recite as much of the Qur-aan Shareef as possible.

3. Zikr: Engage one’s tongue and heart in the zikr of Allah Ta’ala. Zikr can also be recited while walking, lying on the bed and during other hours of work or leisure.

4. Dua: The best benefit one can draw from the blessings of this night is dua. Dua itself is a great form of ibaadat and Allah Ta’ala grants a reward for each dua that a person makes.

5. Durood: One should also recite abundant durood upon Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). If possible, read the 40 Durood and Salaam.

Women who cannot perform Salaah, nor recite the Qur-aan Shareef, should engage in reciting any form of zikr, tasbeeh, durood shareef and dua asking Allah Ta’ala for their needs in whatever language they wish. They can also recite the Arabic Duas mentioned in the Qur-aan Shareef or in the Ahaadith with the intention of dua.

5. Fasting: On the day immediately following the Night of Baraah, i.e. the 15th of Sha’baan, it is mustahab (preferable) to keep a fast.

What happens on Laylatul Bara’ah

By: Shaikhul Hadeeth, Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi (RA)

The Malaaikah are issued instructions for the whole year on this one particular night of the year. They are assigned duties for the year and informed that such and such things have been decreed for such and such person.

Many a man is engrossed in sports and pastimes while, in the heavens above, orders have gone out for his arrest. It has been decreed that he will suffer death and no one can intercede with Allah Ta’ala, or appeal to Him, to change His decree! Nor can the decreed hour of a man’s death be delayed by even a minute! A Hadith reports Ibne Abbaas (radiyallahu anhu) as saying: ‘You will notice that a person is walking about in the bazaars, though his name has been recorded in the list of those who are destined to die in that year.” Abu Nadhrah (radiyallahu anhu) says: “On this night, the angels are assigned their duties for the whole year. Orders are issued about the means of welfare apportioned for the year, about the evils to be suffered, about the sustenance to be provided, about the people destined to die, about the afflictions and about the high or low prices of commodities.”

‘Ikramah (radiyallahu anhu) says, “On the middle night of Sha’ban (Laylatul Bara’ah), all the events decreed for the year are assigned to the angels. The lists of people destined to die, and of those who will perform Hajj during the year are handed over to the angels. No changes can be made to these lists’

According to another Hadith, Rasulullah [sallallahu alayhi wasallam] once said: “(On this night), the angels are given the names of people who are going to die during the year from one Sha’baan to the next, with the specific hours of death destined for each person. Many a man gets married in this world and a child is born to him while, in the heavens above, his name has been recorded in the list of the dead.”

Hadhrat Aaishah (radiyallahu anha) says: “Rasulullah [sallallahu alayhi wasallam] used to fast very frequently during Sha’baan, for it is in this month that a list is prepared of those who are destined to die during the year. And many a man is engaged in getting married while, in the heavens above, his name has been recorded among the dead; or, again, a man is preparing for Hajj while his name has been enlisted among the dead.”

Another Hadith reports that once Hadhrat Aaishah (radiyallahu anha) asked Rasulullah [sallallahu alayhi wasallam] why he fasted more frequently in the month of Sha’baan, to which he replied: “In this month, a record is made of those who are destined to die during the year and I wish that, when my name is recorded in the list of the dead, I should be fasting.”

A Hadith says that, every year, on the middle night of Sha’baan, Allah Ta’ala informs Izraeel (alayhis salaam), the Angel of Death, about all those who are destined to die during the year. [Fazaail-e-Sadaqaat Page 653-654]

Important tips for this mubaarak night

The Mubaarak night starts from Maghrib. Therefore, one should commence whatever Ibaadat you can from the Maghrib Salaah.
Perform the Esha and Fajar Salaah with Jamaat. It is mentioned in a Hadith that one who performs the Esha and Fajar Salaah with Jamaat earns the reward of staying awake the entire night in Ibaadat.

Make as much Ibaadat as possible before going to sleep. Don’t allow shaytaan to deceive you saying that, “Go to sleep and wake up early for Tahajjud.” You may never wake up and the entire night will be lost.

Shaytaan makes one very tired when engaging in Ibaadat. Hence to combat this, keep on changing from one Ibaadat to another. e.g. recite Qur-aan Shareef, thereafter make zikr, then do some kitaab reading, then read durood shareef, etc. and continue your Ibaadat in this manner.

The following are some of the Ibaadaat we can engage in on this mubaarak night;

Recitation of Qur-aan Shareef
Performing of Salaah (Tahajjud, Salaatut Taubah, Salaatush Shukar, Salaatul Hajaat, etc.)
Performing of Salaatut Tasbeeh
Istighfaar (at least 1000 times)
Zikr of First Kalimah, Third Kalimah, etc.
Recitation of Durood Shareef
Reading the Hizbul Azam or Munaajaat-e-Maqbool
Collective ta’leem of Fazaail-e-Ramadhaan
Learn your Qur-aan lessons for tomorrow
Engage in fervent dua
Do some collective ibaadat with the entire family e.g. zikr, durood shareef, ta’leem and dua. You may make the dua and the children in the home can say Aameen to the dua. May Allah Ta’ala bless us all with bara’ah (freedom) from the fire of Jahannam. Aameen.

Dua for Laylatul Bara’ah

Hadhrat Aaishah (radiyallahu anha) says, “I heard Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) reading this dua in sajdah on this night. Thereafter he said to me, ‘Learn this dua and teach it to others. Jibra’eel (alayhis salaam) taught this dua to me.’”

اَعُوْذُ بِعَفْوِكَ مِنْ عِقَابِكَ وَاَعُوْذُ بِرِضَاكَ مِنْ سَخَطِكَ وَاَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْكَ جَلَّ وَجْهُكَ لَااُحْصِىْ ثَنَاءً عَلَيْكَ اَنْتَ كَمَا اَثْنَيْتَ عَلٰى نَفْسِكَ

Aauzu bi’afwika min ‘iqaabika wa ‘aoozu bi ridhaaka min sakhatika wa ‘aoozu minka jalla wajuka laa uhsee sanaa an ‘alayka anta kama asnayta ‘ala nafsik

Translation: I seek protection in Your forgiveness from Your punishment and I seek shelter in Your pleasure from Your displeasure; and I seek safety in You, from You. Glory be to You. I am unable to fully praise You. You are as you have praised Yourself. [Shu’bul Imaan # 3556]

bilal2025-02-10T06:17:22+00:00February 10th, 2025|Categories: Articles|

Maktab Classes for High School Pupils

Re: Maktab Classes for High School Pupils

Question:

Respected Moulana, Assalaamu alaykum warahamtaullahi wabarakaatuhu.

I would please like Moulana’s advice on the following:

It is becoming extremely concerning that our children are not carrying on with Madrasah or any Deeni activity after completing Grade Seven maktab. The conditions at schools are very worrying which warrant our children being in the environment of Deen, especially when they are now older and more understanding.

There aren’t many maktab institutes that accommodate our high school learners that I know off.
I would like to start encouraging our children to attend Madrasah even when they are attending high school.

We don’t have the facilities, or a Moulana or an Apa or even funding for this but I feel that if we do not take the initiative to start it, we are going to lose our children.

What does Moulana feel? Should we start with the classes, even if it be for 1 child for now or should we rather concentrate on maktab and not take on so much?

It is our sincere dua that all maktabs carry on till grade 12.

Please advise
Concerned Teacher
Baitul Ilm, PM Burg

———————————————————–

Answer:

Muhtaram

May Allah Ta’ala reward you for your concern. Indeed, this is a great need right now in the Ummah. Every maktab should endeavour to continue with classes after grade 7. This must be included into our maktab structures.

Hadhrat Moulana Saeed Khan Saahib (RA) used to emphasise on this fact that we are teaching little children who are not mukallaf (the laws of Shariat do not apply to them). What about those who are mukallaf? What have we done for them?
For a start we should try and start off a class for boys and girls even if it is only twice a week. There are always complaints from parents that children have too much of work and cannot manage to come to Madrasah. Hence twice a week from 3:30 to 5:00 maybe easily possible for many pupils.

The focus must be more on tarbiyat and advice. Try to befriend them. Don’t shout them and don’t treat them like little children. Remember that they are doing us a favour by coming to Madrasah. Many students have questions and doubts in their minds that need to be answered. This is an excellent forum for them to ask whatever is in their minds.

Furthermore, it’s a good chance for them to recite some Qur-aan Shareef for the week. Many children don’t read any Qur-aan at all during the week.

Make a poster in the beginning of the year and send it out to the community. Put one copy on the Masjid board as well.
The program or timetable should be as follows;

Qur-aan recitation with emphasis on fluency and tajweed
Revision of Surahs and Duas – Additional Surahs and duas could also be taught
History — Seeratul Mujtaba (The life of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam)
Fiqh — Ta’leemul Haq
Practical wudhu and Salaah
General discussions and Q & A
End of with some Ta’leem of Fazaail-e-Aamaal/Sadaqaat and zikr

On a Saturday, once a month or once in six weeks, the girls could be called in to do some home economics like baking, sewing, etc. The boys can be taken in Jamaat or other youth activities.

General Advice when Teaching High School Pupils
Keep the following points in mind:

High School pupils cannot be treated like maktab children. We should feel like they are doing us a favour by coming to Madrasah. If we are a little harsh or hard with them, they will leave Madrasah and we will end up being the losers.
Show lots of love and Ikraam to these pupils. Hadhrat Moulana Ilyaas Saahib (rahmatullahi alayh) used to say that we have no right to tell a student anything until such a time that he respects our shoes like how he respects bread.
To plant a seed, one has to first prepare the soil. This takes lots of time. If you plant seeds directly in the beach sand, nothing will grow. But if you prepare the soil and then plant the seeds, you will harvest a beautiful crop. This preparing of the soil is called zehn saazi (making the mind of the person) and this takes lots of time. Once the zehn is made, they will listen to anything you say.
Assign them to the care of Allah Ta’ala and make lots of dua for them. Daily the Ustaaz must take out time and make dua for them. Remember that Hadhrat Umar (radiyallahu anhu) was the outcome of the dua of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
Speak to them one on one. i.e. call them separately and speak to them alone. Hadhrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Saahib (DB) says, “Over the years I have found this to be the most effective way of making students understand.”

Remember that your work will not go to waste. Whatever effort you made on these students must show its colours one day.

May Allah accept our broken efforts and crown them with success. Aameen.

Was Salaam,
Ta’limi Board (KZN)

bilal2025-01-27T18:00:45+00:00January 27th, 2025|Categories: Articles, Posts|

Qualities of a Teacher – by: Hadhrat Moulana Yunus Patel Saahib (RA)

Please find attached e-book (qualities of a teacher).

This is a transcript of a bayaan given by Hadhrat Moulana Yunus Patel Saahib (RA) at a Ta’limi Board Workshop.

Madrasah Ishaatul Haq (Albert Falls) has beautifully transcribed Hadhrat’s talk for the benefit of the Ummah.

May Allah grant us all the taufeeq to make amal.

bilal2025-01-20T18:18:12+00:00January 20th, 2025|Categories: Articles, Muzaakarah Workshops, NOTICE BOARD|

Working with Weak Learners

Question:

Assalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh.

In the grade O class there is a student that finds recognising zabr, zer and pesh very difficult. Can Moulana please advise what should be done with him?

In the grade 2 class there is a student that cannot learn anything at all. It takes him very very long to learn and he keeps on forgetting whatever he learns. Can Moulana also advise what should be done with him? Jazakallah khair ahsanal jazaa

Answer:

Muhtaram

Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu.

I make dua that you be well.

Many a times in a maktab you have students of this nature who cannot learn and comprehend for some reason. We should try our best to still teach them even though they may be extremely weak. Their presence in the madrasah is better than being in some other evil environment outside the Madrasah.

These weak children in our makaatib are actually a source of great blessing for us. The Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) says, “Innama tunsaruna wa turzaquna bidufaaikum” Allah Ta’ala’s help and sustenance descends upon us on account of these weak children. Many a times, it is these weak children who later on in life become such stars of Islam that they will make our names shine in this world and the next.

The following are some ways we can adopt that may be beneficial for us to reach the child:

Take out time every day and make special dua for him by taking his name.
Visit his home and request his parents to assist in teaching him at home. If his parents are not in a position to teach him then ask some neighbour or anyone else in the community to help him.
Give out some sadaqah every now and again, even if it’s a small amount, on his behalf requesting Allah Ta’ala to remove any blockages that may be hindering his progress.
Try to allocate some special time out of maktab time to give him special attention. (e.g. a Saturday morning)
Show him lots of love and attention from your heart. This will help to make him open up to you.
After giving him his sabak in class, pair him up with a bright pupil who may help him learn his sabak.
Always use encouraging words to lift his self-esteem. Never ever discourage him.

It is mentioned that Hadhrat Imaam Shafiee (RA) once sat with a student and explained a masalah to him 78 times until eventually he understood it. In this day and age, this is our challenge, to be able to work with such children.

May Allah Ta’ala make your task easy for you and crown your efforts with success. Aameen.

bilal2024-02-26T14:57:29+00:00February 26th, 2024|Categories: Articles, FAQ|

The Importance of the Maktab

THE MAKTAB

The maktab system, throughout the annals of history, has proven to be one of the most vital means of preserving our Deen. Wherever a maktab was established, Deen-e-Islam remained in that area. The basic knowledge of Islam is learnt at this primary Madrasah. Today, whatever Deen we have is mainly because of what we learnt in the maktab. Therefore, we should strive to ensure that this system continues to flourish till the day of Qiyaamah. Every locality should establish a maktab and show the greatest importance, to it for verily this is the foundation of Islam. All other works of Deen will rest on this foundation. It has been noticed, in those areas where no maktab system exists, very quickly Muslims lose their identity and even leave the fold of Islam, Allah forbid.

THE SYLLABUS

To run a maktab efficiently, it is imperative to have a proper syllabi and curriculum in place. This helps in developing the children into good practicing Muslims. Over the years many organisations have developed good, notable kitaabs which has helped children learn the basics of Islam. These books need to be reviewed regularly to ensure that children are adequately equipped to combat the challenges they face in life.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPERVISION

After establishing the maktab, it is necessary that the maktab be supervised by a group of learned Ulama to ensure that a good level of ta’leem is maintained. The supervision team will be able to assist teachers in improving their teaching methods and uplifting the level of ta’leem at the maktab. Internally, the principal of the maktab should also go from class to class inspecting the quality of education imparted. This helps to maintain a high standard of ta’leem at our makaatib.

IMPROVING ON QUR-AAN READING

By and large, the Qur-aan reading in our makaatib need serious attention. We have to try to improve the standard of Tajweed, pronunciation and fluency of Qur-aan reading. Qur-aan sabaks must be repeated several times daily to perfect the reading of the children. Asaatizah should create a passion within themselves to become excellent Qur-aan teachers.

PRACTICALS AND SUNNATS

Islam is a practical way of life. Nabi Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) taught Deen practically to the Sahaabah (radiyallahu anhum). More important than the theory, is the practical method of doing the Ibaadaat. Wudhu, Ghusal, Salaah, Aadaab of the toilet, Aadaab of eating, drinking, wearing clothes, etc. are things that a Muslim does every day of his life. If the pupils perfect these aadaab they will be able to continue their daily lives in accordance to the Sunnah. Asaatizah must take the pupils to the toilet, wudhu khana and the masjid to practically show them the practical method of doing these Ibaadaat.

AQEEDAH

The most important aspect of the maktab is to correct the Aqeedah and beliefs of the pupils. Imaani Mujmal and Imaani Mufassal is taught to them from Grade 0. These aspects have to be ingrained into them with the hope that they will live and die as Muslims. The lessons of tauheed, Risaalat and Ma-aad (belief in the hereafter) should regularly be taught to them. Pupils attending Christian Schools are bombarded with beliefs of Christ and the cross. They come into contact with priests who attempt to snatch away their Imaan. Theories of Evolution and the big bang is part of the school syllabus. Pupils are made to write assignments on this subject. At times one-third of the exam paper discusses questions on evolution compelling pupils to write answers in conflict with our Aqeedah. LGBTQ drives take place in all public schools where pupils are counselled in this regard. Most children feel that there is nothing wrong in being gay or lesbian. At the maktab these beliefs need to be properly taught to the children so that their Imaan is not shattered in any way.

TARBIYAT OF THE PUPILS

Together with ta’leem, tarbiyat is of utmost importance. Asaatizah should always be checking the behaviour and mannerisms of the students. Whatever is taught at the maktab must be implemented in their lives. Always check the dressing of the students, their manners, the way they speak and conduct themselves. It is the duty of the Ustaaz to ensure that the students are performing their five daily salaah and fasting in the month of Ramadhaan. This is part of the tarbiyat of the students.

CLASSES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (BOYS AND GIRLS)

This is extremely necessary. Most children leave maktab after Grade 7. We should try and have a class for them twice a week or at least once a week. Do not make the classes too difficult for them. Have a light program for them with no examinations. As far as possible encourage them to come to the Masjid for Salaah. A similar class should be held for girls. Saturday mornings may be a good idea to have the classes for the high school girls. If the boys cannot attend the maktab, have the class for them on a week day after Maghrib or after Esha depending on the season.

THE PARENTS

Keep regular contact with the parents of the children. This will help tremendously in the ta’leem of our children. The Ulama should conduct house visits and encourage parents to teach their children at home. This will also give us an idea of the home background of these pupils and how we should interact with them at Madrasah. Females can phone the mothers and encourage them to teach their children. The message book or diary could be used to correspond with parents and explain what work needs to be done.

KEEPING IN CONTACT WITH YOUR EX-STUDENTS

The Asaatizah of the Madrasah should try and maintain a ta’lluq with the ex-students of the maktab. Regularly, keep in contact with them. Visit them or at least phone them from time to time. Arrange youth programs with some activities and braai perhaps to draw them back to the madrasah. Once a year have an old boys / old girls program at the maktab and invite all the ex-students. Keep their phone numbers/e-mail addresses and regularly send articles/bayaans/clips to them.

CONCLUSION

The maktab is the life blood of our community. Every effort must be made to raise the standard of our makaatib. The preservation of the maktab system is in actual fact the preservation of Deen. All our Akaabir supported this service of Deen and encouraged that it must be established in every town and village. May Allah Ta’ala accept us all for the service and the khidmat of His Deen and may Allah Ta’ala be pleased with us. Aameen.

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bilal2024-01-06T07:24:07+00:00January 5th, 2024|Categories: Articles|

Good Health

Please find attached article on “Good Health”

These advices have been extracted from Behishti Zewar (part 8) which was written by Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (RA).

Hadhrat was a Hakeem and had great knowledge on good health. That is besides the fact that he was also Hakeemul Ummat.

There are many pertinent advices that Hadhrat gives for maintaining good health.

May Allah Ta’ala bless us all with sihhat and aafiyat. Aameen.

>>>Download<<<

bilal2024-01-15T17:55:20+00:00December 19th, 2023|Categories: Articles|

Holidays

Once again we have come to the end of our Madrasah year and everyone is awaiting the holidays. Children and parents look forward for these holidays to have a break from the busy lifestyles.

Whilst it is permitted in Islam to relax the mind and body, a Muslim shouldn’t become consumed by the holidays and forget Allah Ta’ala. Some people live for the holidays. They work the whole year just to have a holiday at the end of the year. For a Muslim, we understand that this life in the world is only temporary. We live for the hereafter. Our real holiday will be when we will enter into Jannah, Insha Allah.

When the holiday period comes, shaytaan and his agents work very hard to mislead the Muslims and take them away from Allah Ta’ala. Be very careful during this period not to fall into the trap of shaytaan and become unmindful of Allah Ta’ala.

The following are some important aspects to keep in mind during the holiday period:

A Muslim’s identity:

During the holiday period, many people remove their Islamic clothing and copy the dressing of the disbelievers. Ensure that we are all dressed like Muslims. Girls should wear loose clothing and keep their heads covered and boys must keep their pants above their ankles with their topees on their heads. Don’t feel shy to be a Muslim and dress like a Muslim. Remember that you are the Ummati of Nabi Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Don’t let our Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) down.

Be punctual with salaah:

Don’t miss out your salaah. We generally become lazy and end up missing many salaah, especially the Fajr Salaah. A Muslim must never miss out even one salaah.

Qur-aan and Zikr:

Daily make a point of reading some Qur-aan Shareef and some zikr. This will bring noor and barkat in our life.

Immodest and Shameless Behaviour:

Shamelessness and immodesty during the December period is the order of the day. People dress immodestly and parade the beaches and shopping malls. Try your best to avoid such places as the curse of Allah Ta’ala descends on such places. If you have to be in a public place, guard yourself from anything wrong. Always keep your gaze lowered.

Be alert and conscious about eating Halaal:

There are many restaurants nowadays that claim to be halaal. Don’t be fooled by some Arabic sign you see on the outside of a restaurant. Be sure of the halaal status of what you eat.

bilal2023-12-13T06:54:15+00:00December 13th, 2023|Categories: Articles|

When will Imaam Mahdi appear?

Once Moulana Ihtiramul Hasan Kandhlawi (RA) narrated:

Dr Abdul Carrim Saahib and myself were once discussing regarding the appearance of Imaam Mahdi. Doctor Saahib was of the opinion that he is to appear anytime now and I was insisting that there are certain signs mentioned in the Hadith that will appear before the appearance of Imaam Mahdi and those signs have not yet appeared. In order for Imaam Mahdi to make his appearance it is necessary to first witness those signs.

Thus, we went to Hadhrajee Moulana Inaamul Hasan Saahib (RA) to decide our matter. First Doctor Saahib explained his reasoning with proofs. Hadhratjee (RA) immediately broke all his proofs. When I heard this, I couldn’t contain my excitement because I felt that my case will now be strengthened.

But, I was totally dumbfounded when Hadhratjee (RA) broke all my proofs as well.

We both were now sitting silently when Hadhratjee (RA) said to us, “Bhai! Continue with the work you have been appointed to do. When the time is right for Imaam Mahdi to come he will come. What is the benefit in you wasting your valuable time in something that has not been entrusted to you?”

(Da’wat ki Baseerat aur uska fahm wa idraak – Page 187)

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bilal2023-09-25T08:53:16+00:00September 25th, 2023|Categories: Aakaabir, Articles|

Difficulties and Hardships experienced by those involved in the service of Deen

(This is a summary of a few letters written by Hadhratjee Moulana In’aamul Hasan Saahib (RA) to some jamaat saathies who were going through some difficulties and hardships)

My respected brother

May Allah Ta’ala help you, assist you and make things easy for you. Please do not become perturbed. For people of Imaan, these difficult conditions are actually a Rahmah (mercy) although we do experience difficulty. In these trying conditions one should resort to abundant Taubah and Istighfaar and then make fervent dua to Allah Ta’ala. Thereafter, one should also take some steps to relieve oneself from these conditions so long as it is not anything sinful. It is hoped that Allah Ta’ala will transform this museebat (difficulty) into a Rahmat (mercy).

Tests, trials and tribulations are all from Allah Ta’ala and must afflict those involved in the work of Deen. Every person will be tested according to his ability and strength. This is the way of Allah Ta’ala and this is the sunnah of Nabi Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam faced opposition from his own household. Initially in Makkah Mukarramah, Abu Lahab and Abu Jahal opposed him. In Madinah Munawwarah the Jews opposed him. In Khaibar the Jews were then defeated but another opposition reared its ugly head in the form of the Munaafiqeen (hypocrites). This is how it was and this is how it will always be. Sayyed Ahmed Shaheed (rahmatullahi alayh) had to face defeat because his own people let him down. All these conditions will come to those serving Deen. There is only one way to remain firm (in these conditions) and that is tawajjuh ilallah i.e., turn to Allah Ta’ala. If we keep on turning to Allah Ta’ala, He will keep us firm (in all these difficult conditions).

Remember that these difficult conditions do not remain forever. Conditions must change. In Surah Alam Nashrah it is mentioned that with every difficulty there are two conditions of ease. Allah Ta’ala sends down one difficulty so that we can enjoy a double ease. It is like an exam. One has to first write the exam to get the 1^st position. It is for this reason that Allah Ta’ala says;

استعينوا بالصبر والصلاة

Seek (Allah’s help) with Sabr and Salaah

In difficult conditions make sabr and do that which Allah Ta’ala is commanding us to do. This is abdiyat and this is servitude. Jannah is actually the prize for the difficulties one goes through in this world. On the day of Qiyaamah when those who were afflicted with hardships in this world are called up and rewarded for their patience, those who were blessed only with comforts will then envy them. They will wish that their bodies were cut up with scissors so that they could have also obtained such high positions in the hereafter.

(Adapted from the book Da’wat ki Baseerat aur uska fahm wa idraak)

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bilal2023-09-16T09:07:08+00:00September 16th, 2023|Categories: Aakaabir, Articles|

Hadhrat Uthmaan bin Mazh’oon radiallahu anhu

During the time of jaahiliyyah, the Arabs used to consider wine, dine and song to be the ultimate way of life. However there were certain people amongst them who understood and realized that life has a deeper purpose and meaning. Amongst these wise men was a person by the name of Uthman bin Mazh’oon. He had made wine forbidden upon himself and if anyone enquired from him the reason for this, he would respond by saying that why should I consume something which clouds my mind and makes me do shameful actions.

These great qualities which he already possessed were a catalyst which prompted him to accept Islam without any deliberation or hesitation. On one occasion, during the initial years of Islam, Uthman radiallahu anhu was passing by a gathering of Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. He was asked to join to which he obliged. He saw Rasullullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam constantly lifting his Mubarak gaze towards the sky every so often as though he could see something.

Uthman radiallahu anhu was surprised at this strange behavior of Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and enquired from him regarding it. Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam explained to him that he could see Jibreel alayhis salaam coming down with wahy (divine revelation). Rasullullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam then went on to explain to him the beautiful verses which were revealed. Uthman radiallahu anhu says: “I barely heard these glorious words and Imaan already penetrated deep into the recesses of my heart. Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam became more beloved to me than myself and my children.”

During this early period of Islam, the Quraish were relentless in their persecution of the Muslims and they left no stone unturned in causing harm and oppression. The Sahaaba tolerated this difficulty as their belief in Allah Ta’ala was unshakable. Eventually Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam permitted them to migrate to the land of Abyssinia where they could practice Islam freely, having no fear of harm coming their way. Amongst those who made this first Hijrah in Islam was Uthman radiallahu anhu.

After a short period of time in Abyssinia, a false message was sent to the Muslims that the Quraish of Makkah have all accepted Islam and it is now safe to return. Uthman radiallahu anhu was from amongst those who returned only to find out that the conditions were no better. This time he remained and endured the hardships to such an extent that he lost his eye. The kuffaar would taunt him regarding this and he would retort by saying that how wonderful it will be if my other eye was also taken for the sake of Allah Ta’ala.

Uthman radiallahu anhu participated in the battle of Badr with Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and shortly thereafter he fell ill. This was to be his final sickness and he passed away not long after. When Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam received the news of his death, He was full of grief and sorrow as he had a deep affinity with this Sahaabi. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam lifted the sheet which was covering Uthman’s face, he kissed him once, then again and then for a third time! Tears flowed down the Mubarak face of Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and all those around began to cry as well.
(Incidents from the lives of the Sahaabah-Volume 2)

bilal2023-08-14T17:53:55+00:00August 14th, 2023|Categories: Sahaaba|