In the past two years, Haj has been a very sad affair for the Ummah. Only 1000 Hujjaaj performed Haj in 2020 and 60 000 in 2021. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had about 124 000 Hujjaaj with him in Hajjatul Wadaa. This is perhaps the first time in the history of Islam that we have such few people performing Haj.

South Africa has a quota of 1200 Haajis with a back log of almost 35 000. A person may get a chance to perform his fardh Haj only after 35 years, if he lives till then.

 Haj is a pillar of Islam and Muslims all over the world should endevour to uphold this great pillar of Islam. Previously, millions of people around the world would perform Haj. Allah Ta’ala’s special rahmah and mercy would descend on the Ummah whilst people make sincere taubah to Allah Ta’ala to change their lives.

 It is the duty of every Muslim to cry to Allah Ta’ala to allow us once again to go for Haj. We should try to save up for our fardh Haj and make sincere dua to Allah Ta’ala to accept us to visit Baytullah Shareef and the Raudha Mubaarak of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

 O Allah I beg You through Your Fadhal and Karam to please accept me for Haj. Aameen.

by: Hadhrat Moulana Yusuf Motala Saahib (rahmatullahi alayh).

If you study and ponder over the history of Muslims who came after Nabi [sallallahu alayhi wasallam], you will no doubt find numerous examples and incidents which will clearly testify that this method of ta’leem i.e. establishment of Maktabs, has remained the most vital and effective way of retaining and preserving our Deen in its original pristine purity. This is also the reason why the children of those people who established Makaatib maintained their Islamic identity. A community, who fails to do this, will find it extremely difficult to maintain its Islamic identity.

Article 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 whilst, 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 anhuma) 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. 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’alainforms Izraeel (alayhis salaam), the Angel of Death, about all those who are destined to die during the year.

[Fazaail-e-Sadaqaat Page 653-654]

Valentine’s Day is a celebration called the celebration of love which was started by the Christians. As Muslims we should not participate in any Valentine Celebrations. We should not involve ourselves in anything to do with Valentine’s Day, like sending cards, presents, roses, etc., because we will be imitating the Christians. This is what Shaytaan wants from us. He wants us to behave like the Non-Muslims so that he can rob us of our Imaan.

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has said, “Whoever imitates a nation will be raised amongst them on the Day of Qiyaamah.” What a severe warning for us! We must make sure that we do not celebrate or imitate any aspect of Valentine’s Day.
This is an un-Islamic celebration which unfortunately many Muslims are also participating in. Our children who attend Non-Muslim schools are also encouraged to give gifts and cards to the opposite gender. We should strongly discourage such activities as this will eventually lead to zina.

Allah Ta’ala has given Muslims certain days and occasions to celebrate like the days of Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha. We should celebrate on these days.

May Allah Ta’ala keep us firm on our Deen and may He protect us from imitating the non-Muslims. Aameen.

On Monday 3 January 2022, the community of Reservoir Hills lost a prominent, dedicated Apa at the local Maktab, Apa Bilkis Seedat (rahmatullahi alayha). Apa had taught for over 25 years at the maktab and was extremely dedicated to her work. She focused her special attention on each child and was concerned about every child’s education and upbringing.

Towards the latter years of her life, she was given the post of the principal and ran the madrasah with much enthusiasm and passion.

On Saturday mornings she would conduct classes for ladies which she did as a khidmat from her side.

Passion to learn

She herself was very passionate about learning. She attended every Ta’limi Board workshop and would pay careful attention to the advices that were given by the different Ulama. She would make careful notes and implement the advices given.

Apa was doing hifz up until the last few days of her life. Two weeks before she passed away she had resumed her dhor again, which had stopped due to her illness. A person who passes away without completing the hifz of the Qur-aan is made to complete it in the grave.

Many a times, during a staff meeting at the Madrasah, if a young apa mentioned something that she didn’t know or knew and forgot about it, apa would say aloud, “I didn’t know that.” JazakAllah for teaching me something. This was her deep rooted humility.

Passion to teach

The Maktab was her life. She dedicated all her time and effort for the students of the Madrasah. She had great fikr for the Madrasah and for each student irrespective of his race or colour. Apa would regularly check on their progress, see to their transport and ensure that the needy families have enough groceries at home. Apa would sew purdahs for the baaligh girls, and hem the kurtas above the ankles for the boys. She saw to all the needs of the Madrasah. If the blankets at the Madrasah needed a wash, which is used as musallas, she would take it home and have it washed.

At times Apa would give away her entire salary in charity. Towards the end of her life when she was diagnosed with cancer, she did not accept a salary from the Madrasah even though she continued making fikr for the Madrasah and would spend whatever time she could teaching the children.

Apa had a way with teaching children. During the load shedding period she once asked the children how they felt at night in the dark to which many of them said that they did not like it and were afraid of the dark. Apa would then say to them that the light in the grave will come from the daily recitation of Qur-aan Shareef.

Qualities

Apa Bilkis had very little to no attachment to worldly things. She was a very simple person who lived a simple life in a simple home. Apa would give away new abaayas or any extra items in the home. She gave preference to the poor over herself.

Apa was always smiling, always! Apa was someone who would laugh easily and would often joke with learners. This would make the learners feel very comfortable around her.

Apa was one who would try to support and assist anyone in whatever little way possible. If she heard that a widow or single mother is selling something from home, she would not hesitate to support that person.

She was punctual on Tahajjud Salaah and would always make dua for all the apas, students and families. It was apa’s daily mamulaat to get up for tahujjud and make dua for each one by name.

She was always pleased with the decision of Allah. When Apa was diagnosed with third degree cancer, she mentioned happily, “Allah Ta’ala is so Ghafoorur Raheem. He has still kept me independent from people.” (arta farta ..  as Apa would say in Gujarati).

Apa always showed motherly love to all the students and the Apas which made everyone feel special.

These are only a few aspects of her life.

5 days before she had passed away someone had a dream of her in Makkah Shareef with her  husband. Apa was looking towards the Kabah Shareef and her health seemed perfect. She was very happy and full of smiles. Alhamdulillah.

Apa is survived by her husband, two sons and two daughters.

May Allah Ta’ala fill Apas qabr with noor, grant her maghfirah, and shade under his arsh on the day of Qiyaamah as well as the highest stages of Jannah. Aameen.

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 wasallam) 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 wasallam). 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 wasallam). The desire to meet Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) 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 wasallam) and gave up everything else. With only a coarse cloth covering his body, he headed towards the blessed city of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The excitement and enthusiasm 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 wasallam).

After the Fajr Salaah, Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) called him and asked him who he was and from where he had come. Thereafter Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) 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 wasallam). 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 wasallam) had set out for. During the expedition of Tabuk, Abdullah (radiallahu anhu) asked Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to make dua for him to be blessed with martyrdom. Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) made dua in his favour that he be honoured with martyrdom in such a way that he is protected from the sword of an enemy. Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) 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 muhaajir (one who migrates) for the sake of Allah Ta’ala, A mujaahid (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 wasallam) himself went down into his Qabr. Abu Bakr and Umar (radiallahu anhuma) passed his body to Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) who lowered him with his own Mubaarak hands into the Qabr. Thereafter Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) made the following dua, “Oh Allah, indeed I was pleased with him, so you also 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.

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1. Punctuality: Try and be in the class at least 5 minutes before the class time commences. This will Insha Allah assist the pupils also to be punctual in class. The Ustaad /Apa should leave the class only once the period is over. If for some reason we have to arrive late or stay absent from class, phone your principal or Supervisor and inform him of your absence.
2. Preparation: Prepare thoroughly for the lessons so that maximum time is utilised for the benefit of the students. (Know what you are going to teach).
3. Cell phones should be switched off during class times. At no time should any ustaad /Apa answer his cell phone during the class times. If mistakenly the cell phone rings, immediately switch it off.
4. Try to complete all one’s necessities before class time. E.g. wudhu, istinjaa, etc. so that during class time there is no interruption to the classes.
5. Be alert during class times, and try to extract maximum work from the pupils. Remember this time is an amaanah. At no time should any Ustaad / Apa sleep in the class. There should be a formal atmosphere in the classroom. Do not allow the students to undermine and interrupt the importance of the lesson.
6. Don’t take any personal khidmat (service) from any student.
7. Do not hit / physically abuse any child. ALL FORMS OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT ARE TOTALLY ILLEGAL AND AS SUCH, UNACCEPTABLE!
8. Dressing: Mu’allimahs must dress according to the Shariah. All Mu’allimahs must wear loose fitting, plain cloaks and don the Niqaab as this is a requirement of the Shariah. Please abstain from wearing jeans and tight fitting pants. Mu’allims should also dress appropriately with kurta, trousers above ankles and topee. Please abstain from wearing Jammies under the kurta.
9. Tarbiyyah: Always be concerned about the tarbiyyah of the children. Teach them how to make salaam, say JazakAllah, Alhamdulillah, etc. Boys and girls must be separated from grade 5 upwards. Teach the girls the importance of staying away from boys, and vice versa. Be concerned about their practice on all the sunnats. E.g. drinking with the right hand, trousers above the ankles for boys, wearing their right shoe first. Fazaaile Aamaal: Daily read one section of the Fazaail-e-Aamaal to the children as prescribed.
10. Salaah: It is the duty of the Mu’allim/ah to ensure that all children perform the Zuhr and Asr Salaah in the Madrasah. Encourage them to fill the salaah chart in the diary.

Please take note of the following:

• Always work with Ikhlaas (Sincerity) for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.
• Always be Compassionate and kind to the students.
• Utilise the time of the students constructively in class and out of class.
•  Speak to the students on their level.
• Be a perfect example and role model to the students.
• Daily make dua for the students. The dua of the ustaad /Apa for his/her students is accepted