Yesterday (Friday 23 Sha’baan 1441) an Aalim told me that he saw Hazrat Moulana Yunus Patel Saahib (rahmatullahi alayh) in a dream. Hazrat Moulana said to him, “Tell the people to cry to Allah Ta’ala. I am also crying. Please pass my message to everyone that they should cry to Allah Ta’ala.” [End of dream].

Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur-aan-e-Kareem,

وَ لَقَدْ اَرْسَلۡنَاۤ  اِلٰۤی  اُمَمٍ مِّنۡ قَبْلِکَ فَاَخَذْنٰہُمْ بِالْبَاۡسَآءِ وَ الضَّرَّآءِ لَعَلَّہُمْ یَتَضَرَّعُوۡنَ ﴿۴۲﴾  فَلَوْلَاۤ  اِذْ جَآءَہُمْ بَاۡسُنَا تَضَرَّعُوۡا

“Indeed we have sent messengers to the nations of the past, then we seized them with difficulties and hardships so that they will humble themselves by crying to Allah Ta’ala. Why is it that when our punishment came to them they did not cry (to Allah Ta’ala)?”

Hadhrat Moulana Idrees Kandhlawi (rahmatullahi alayh) writes in the commentary of this verse that when people denied the Ambiyaa (alayhimus salaam), Allah Ta’ala tested them with poverty and SICKNESSES. This was so that they would humble themselves and cry unto Allah Ta’ala by repenting and making taubah to Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala then asks them, “Why is it that you did not humble yourselves and cry unto Allah Ta’ala?” If only they cried unto Allah Ta’ala that calamity would have been removed. This is a time for us all to turn to Allah Ta’ala in taubah and cry unto Him.

We need to cry to Allah Ta’ala for four reasons;

1. To cry over our Sins – be they major or minor, deliberate or mistaken, secret or open.
2. To cry profusely for the opening of the Haramain Shareefain and the Masaajid as this is prime time in the year for the Muslims. i.e. Ramadhaan and Haj.
3. To cry in repentance for indecency, dishonesty and injustice especially to those who are weaker than us as these are the main causes for the wrath of Allah Ta’ala.
4. To cry in repentance for our disregard of righteous people of Deen and important functions of Deen.

We do not know whose sincere tears will reach the compassion of Allah Ta’ala and that will become the catalyst of re-opening the Haramain Shareefain and other Masaajid.

I humbly request one and all to please turn and cry unto Allah Ta’ala at least twice a day, individually and collectively. When making collective dua at home with ones families, please keep your ma’soom children with you as they will draw the special mercy of Allah Ta’ala.

May Allah Ta’ala grant one and all a mubaarak and accepted Ramadhaan with ease, respect and happiness. Aameen.

Hadith No. 1

Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah radiyallahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, “Who do you regard as a shaheed among you?” The Sahaabah (radiyallahu anhum) replied, “One who is killed in the path of Allah Ta’ala is a Shaheed.”

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, “In that case, the Shuhadaa in my ummah will be very few in number.” The Sahaabah (radiyallahu anhum) then asked, “Who are they, O Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam?” Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said,

1. One who is killed in the path of Allah Ta’ala is a shaheed,
2. One who dies in a plague is a shaheed,
3. One who dies due to a stomach ailment is a shaheed,
4. One who drowns is a shaheed,
5. (and in one narration) One who is killed due to a building collapsing on him is a shaheed.” [Muslim #1914]

 WHAT IS THE REWARD OF A SHAHEED?

Hadith No. 2

Hadhrat Abu Darda radiyallahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has said, “A Shaheed will intercede on behalf of 70 people from his household.” [Abu Dawood #2522]

 Hadith No. 3

Hadhrat Miqdaad ibn Ma’di Karib radiyallahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has said, “For a Shaheed, there are six blessings from Allah Ta’ala.

1. He is forgiven immediately.
2. He is shown his abode in Jannah.
3. He is saved from the punishment of the grave.
4. He will be saved from the horrific terror (on the day of Qiyamah).
5. He will be made to wear a crown of honour. One emerald on this crown is worth more than the entire world and its contents.
6. He will be made to marry 72 wives from the hoor-e-een.”                      

[Tirmizi #1663]

 Hadith No. 4

Masrooq (rahmatullahi alayh) says that we asked Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood radiyallahu anhu about the aayah “Do not think that those who have been killed in the path of Allah Ta’ala are dead. Rather they are alive and they are sustained by their Rabb.”

Ibn Mas’ood radiyallahu anhu replied, “We had also asked the same question. Their souls are placed in the bodies of green birds. For them will be chandeliers hanging from the arsh. They will move about in Jannah wherever they wish. Thereafter they will rest on those chandeliers.

Their Rabb will then announce to them, ‘Do you wish for anything?’ They will say, ‘Is there anything more that we can wish for as we move about freely in Jannah.’ Allah Ta’ala will ask them three times. When they will see that Allah Ta’ala will continue asking they will say, ‘O Allah we wish that our souls be returned to our bodies, so that we will be killed in your path another time.’ When Allah Ta’ala will see that they do not have any need, He will leave them.” [Muslim #1887]

 Hadith No. 5

Hadhrat Anas radiyallahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has said, “There is no person who, after he dies and enters into Jannah, will wish to go back into the world, except a Shaheed, even though he has no possessions in this world. He will desire that he is sent back into this world, and is killed 10 times over because of the honour that he received through it.” [Bukhaari # 2817]

Hadith No. 6

Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah radiyallahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, “A Shaheed does not feel the pain of his killing except like one who feels the pain of a mosquito bite.” [Tirmizi # 1668]

 Conclusion:

Hadhrat Sahl ibn Hunaif radiyallahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has said, “Whoever pleads to Allah Ta’ala for martyrdom sincerely, Allah Ta’ala will grant him the rank of Martyrs even though he dies on his bed.” [Muslim #1909]

May Allah Ta’ala crown us all with the honour of martyrdom. Aameen.

Written by: Shaikhul Hadeeth, Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (RA)

Allah Ta’ala loves it tremendously when help is given to people in times of difficulties.  A Hadith says that Allah Ta’ala shows no mercy to those who do not show mercy to others.  Rasulullah H also said, “He who helps women with their problems, or helps the poor, is like that person who is busy in Jihaad.” The narrator says he thinks that Rasulullah H also said, “Like someone who reads Nafl Salaah the whole night without becoming lazy, and he is like someone who is always fasting without a break in between.”

A Hadith says that whoever removes any problem of a Mu’min in this life, Allah Ta’ala will save him from the problems of the Day of Qiyaamah. Allah Ta’ala will give ease both in this life and in the Aakhirah to that person who removes someone’s difficulties. Whoever hides the faults of a Muslim in this life, Allah Ta’ala will hide his faults both in this life and in the Aakhirah.

A Hadith says, “When someone sees to the need of a Muslim brother, his reward will be like that of a person who spent his whole life in the ibaadat of Allah Ta’ala.” Another Hadith says, “If someone explains the need of a Muslim brother to a person in power, he will be helped to cross the ‘Siraat’ (the bridge over Jahannam) when feet will be slipping.”

According to a Hadith, there are many men whom Allah Ta’ala has created for seeing to people’s needs and helping them in difficulties. Those men shall have no worries on the Day of Qiyaamah and will have nothing to fear. Another Hadith says that whoever helps his brother in difficulties, Allah Ta’ala will keep him firm when even the mountains will not be able to stay firm in their place, i.e. on the Day of Qiyaamah.

One Hadith says, “If someone helps a Muslim by saying a few good words about him, or takes a few steps to help him in any way, Allah Ta’ala gives him seventy-three blessings, one of which will be enough for him for his well-being in this life and in the Aakhirah, while the remaining seventy-two will be used for raising his position and status on the Day of Qiyaamah.”

A Hadith says, “Rahmaan (Allah Ta’ala) shows mercy to those who show mercy to others. Be merciful to those on earth, you will have the mercy of those who are in the Heavens, which includes Allah Ta’ala and the Angels.”

Rasulullah H has said, “Whoever in my Ummah helps someone in need to make him happy, he makes me happy and my happiness makes Allah Ta’ala happy, and when Allah Ta’ala is happy, He gives that person entry into Jannah.”

One Hadith says, “When someone helps a person in his problems, he receives seventy-three levels of forgiveness, one of which is enough to save him from Jahannam. The remaining seventy-two will raise his position in the Aakhirah.”

A Hadith says that the entire creation is Allah’s family and from the people He likes most are those who are good towards His family. The Ulama have explained that just as a man is responsible for looking after his family, so does Allah Ta’ala provide for the whole of His creation. That is why they are called the family of Allah Ta’ala. Muslims and non-Muslims are all equal (in being the family of Allah Ta’ala). Even the animals are included in the family of Allah Ta’ala. Whoever treats the whole creation well, will become the beloved of Allah Ta’ala.

[Fazaail-e-Sadaqaat Page 47]

Presently, in this time of lockdown, a Muslim should portray his best akhlaaq and character by showing extra kindness to one and all, Muslim or Non-Muslim.

The following are some ways of showing kindness;

1. Providing basic food items for poor neighbours and family members.
2. Paying full salaries to staff despite them not being able to come to work.
3. Waiving off rentals from tenets for one month.
4. Taking extra care of one’s domestic workers during the lock down period.
5. In these days also if a beggar comes to your door, be kind to him and give him something to eat.
6. Try to help with feeding schemes etc. in informal settlements near you.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the taufeeq to act with kindness to others and in this way we will insha Allah attract the kindness of Allah Ta’ala upon us.

Bismihi Ta’ala

Presently, due to the 21 day lockdown in South Africa, all schools and maktabs are closed. Children are not allowed to leave their homes to attend Madrasah. As a result of this no formal ta’leem is taking place in the maktabs.

Due to such circumstances, many maktabs, by the grace of Allah Ta’ala, are continuing with the daily maktab ta’leem with the usage of the mobile phone.

Daily sabak is prepared by the Ustaaz / Apa and sent out to the parents of the children. e.g.

Qur-aan Sabak  –  Page 8 – Aayat 5-7

Surahs –   Surah Kaafiroon and revision of Surah Naas

Duas – Durood Ebrahim and revision of Kalimah Tayyibah, Shahaadah and Tamjeed

Fiqh – 4 Faraaidh of wudhu

In this way daily sabak is sent out by the Ustaaz / Apa and the parents sit with the children and revise or teach them what is necessary. Once the child learns the sabak for the day, the parent then sends a message to the Ustaaz / Apa saying that the sabak is completed.

In this way, alhamdulillah despite the lockdown, Madrasah work is still continuing.

May Allah Ta’ala accept the dedicated efforts of all teachers and crown it with acceptance. Aameen.

On Sunday 29 December 2019, 02 Jumaadus Saani 1441, the respected mother of our beloved Ustaaz, Hadhrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Saahib (daamat barakaatuhu) passed away in the early hours of the morning whilst she was asleep. May Allah Ta’ala make her maghfirat and grant her the highest stages in Jannatul Firdaus. Aameen.

She was indeed a very pious, righteous, Allah-fearing woman who was an inspiration to one and all.

It was her good fortune that she was born in Makkah Mukarramah whilst her parents were on the journey of Haj. She was thus given the name Makkiyah. As a new born child, her parents would keep her in the Hateem whilst they made tawaaf of the Ka’bah Shareef. She was indeed fortunate to have earned the blessings of the Haramain Shareefain in her infancy.

Hereunder are a few incidents from her noble life which hopefully will serve as an inspiration for us all, Insha Allah.

Ta’leem at home:

She was very particular about the daily ta’leem at home. After Asar Salaah she would gather all the members of the home and make sure ta’leem was read from the books Fazaail-e-Aamaal, Fazaail-e-Sadaqaat as well as the Behishti Zewar of Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi alayh). She would prefer the ta’leem to be done in Urdu. Before the ta’leem would commence, she would ask someone to first recite the 40 Durood and Salaam and after the ta’leem was over everyone must engage in zikr for some time and then a collective dua was made. On one occasion she mentioned to Hadhrat Mufti Saahib (daamat barakaatuhu), “On the day ta’leem is not done in the home, I feel as if something is wrong. I sense some void on that day.” It was her honourable habit to encourage one and all to diligently have ta’leem at home every day. She would make a special point of reading the section on “Upbringing of children” from the Behishti Zewar. If anyone in the family was getting married she would make them read this section over and over again.

Tahajjud:

Till the end of her life she was very punctual with the performance of Tahajjud Salaah. Even-though she was quite old and weak, she would wake up in the early hours of the morning and engage in salaah, dua and zikr. She had an excellent habit of daily making special dua for all her children and grandchildren. It was her practice every day to perform two rakaats of salaah and then make special dua for her son, Hadhrat Mufti Saahib (daamat barakaatuhu).

Salaah:

She was very particular about performing salaah in the “Awwal Waqt” (i.e. the moment the time for salaah sets in). She would not like that salaah be delayed and would encourage others to also read their salaah early. Qur-aan Shareef Tilaawat: She was an ardent lover of the Qur-aan Shareef and would recite the Qur-aan-e-Kareem daily in a large print Qur-aan. Her Qur-aan Shareef always remained covered and kept in a ghilaaf (cloth) with great adab and respect.

Taking care of the weak, poor, old and sick:

One of her many outstanding qualities were that she always showed special care and love for those who were weak or slow. Children who had a natural weakness or disability enjoyed her special favour and kindness. She would go out of her way to care for them and make them happy saying that Allah Ta’ala’s help comes to us because of the weak amongst us. This is actually the words of a Hadith of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wasallam;

انما تنصرون و ترزقون بضعفائكم

“Indeed you are provided with help and rizq because of the weak ones amongst you.”

A young girl from Mpumalanga, who is unable to walk from birth, says that she would love to come and meet Hadhrat Mufti Saahib’s mother because of the special care and love she showed to her. “Whenever I came to meet her, she always made me feel very special,” says the young girl. This is in-fact the feelings experienced by most people who visited her.

She would prefer to do the weekly ladies ta’leem in poorer areas like Malugazi, Isipingo Rail and Lotus Park. She attracted many poor people to Islam in this way. Many reverts to Islam who had no support from their families would say that she was like a mother to them. Towards the end of her life she wouldn’t go out anywhere due to her ill health, but if she heard of the Janaazah of a poor person, she would take the trouble and effort and especially go to attend the funeral or at least visit the family of the deceased. She loved the poor and would always try to be with them.

She would make a point of supporting the people that go house to house selling food items to earn a living. Even if there was no need to purchase anything, she would still make a point of buying it just to support them in some way. On hot days she would provide cold water for these people, as well as the beggars that came to the house.

She would be very particular about treating her domestic workers with care and affection. If any of them gave birth, she would send some clothing to them as a gift showing her special care and affection for them. A domestic worker commented that whenever she went to Hadhrat Mufti Saahib’s mother’s hoاme, she always asked her how she was keeping. This would make her feel very special and comfortable.

Many years ago a lady in Isipingo Beach was widowed. She hailed from India and had no children. Most of her family lived in India. After her husband passed away, she had nowhere to go. Hadhrat Mufti Saahib’s mother happily took her into her home and looked after her like a widowed sister right until she passed away, whereas she was in no way related to her. She would happily entertain this widows visitors without any fuss or complaint. Today, how many of us are able to bring an old person into our home who has no one to take care of them? Our hearts have become so small and constricted that we have no place for even our close family members.

Punctuality on mamoolaat:

Another outstanding quality was her punctuality on her daily mamoolaat. She was bay’at to Hadhrat Moulana Badr-e-Aalam Saahib Madani (rahmatullahi alayh) of Madinah Munawwarah. He had prescribed the daily reading of the Hizbul Azam, etc. Till the last days of her life she was very punctual on all her mamoolaat. At times whilst reciting the Hizbul Azam and 40 Durood and Salaam, she would doze off a little. Her sons would tell her at times to have a rest and read her wazeefahs later on, but she would refuse saying: “If you don’t complete your ma’moolaat on its prescribed time, you will not do it later on.” She was always seen with a tasbeeh in her hand and her tongue would always be busy in the zikr of Allah Ta’ala. By looking at her one would easily understand the meaning of the Hadith

Let your tongue always be moist with the zikr of Allah

Support to Madrasah Taleemuddeen:

When Hadhrat Mufti Saahib (daamat barakaatuhu) completed his studies in Darul Uloom Deoband and had returned home, he intended to start off a Madraasah for Hifz and Aalim students. Some people advised him that he should work half day and teach half day and in this way he would be able to earn an income and also teach Deen. However, his respected mother advised him to spend his entire time for Deen and that they (his parents) will support him. In this way Hadhrat Mufti Saahib (daamat barakaatuhu) was able to dedicate all his time and effort to the Madrasah. Today, the beautiful Darul Uloom that we see in Isipingo Beach, is through the selfless efforts of Hadhrat Mufti Saahib (daamat barakaatuhu) as well as the support and encouragement of his respected parents. May Allah Ta’ala reward them abundantly and fill their qabars with noor. In the early days of the Madrasah there was no kitchen where food was prepared for the students. Alhamdulillah Hadhrat Mufti Saahib’s mother would prepare some meals herself and send it for the Madrasah students. She would have a special place in her heart especially for the foreign students and would at times invite them to her home for meals. She would take care to prepare the meals according to their taste and culture. Often she would order fish, pay for it with her own money and prepare it for the Thailand and Philippine students. She would say, “They have come from so far to learn Deen, we should at least try and make them comfortable and keep them happy.”

Support to the work of Da’wat and Tableegh:

In the initial days of the Tabligh Jamaat, when Hadhrat Haji Bhai Padia Saahib (RA) was trying in earnestness to establish the Jamaat work in South Africa, Hadhrat Mufti Saahib’s mother was in the fore front of the mastooraat (ladies) effort. She would happily and willingly prepare and feed jamaats and Ulama in her home. She would say to the menfolk, “Just let me know in advance how many people are coming for meals and insha Allah I will have the meals ready for them.” This was her habit also in Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah, to feed the Ulama and the Jamaats that had come for Haj or Umrah. No amount of people were too many to feed.

Connection with the Awliyaa:

From a long time, the Salejee family had a close ta’lluq and connection with many of the Awliyaa and Buzrugaan-e-Deen. Many of our Akaabir knew the family personally and many of them would stay over at her home. Amongst the many Awliyaa and Akaabir that came and stayed over at her home or partook of meals were Hadhrat Shaikhul Hadeeth, Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (RA), Hadhrat Moulana Saeed Khan Saahib (RA), Hadhrat Moulana Ina’amul Hasan Saahib (RA), Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Umar Paalanpuri (RA), Hadhrat Moulana Moosa Saamrodhi (RA), Hadhrat Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi (RA), Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah Khan Saahib (RA), Hadhrat Moulana As’ad Madani (RA), Hadhrat Moulana Siddeeq Ahmad Baandwi Saahib (RA), Hadhrat Moulana Abraarul Haq Saahib (RA), Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Akhtar Saahib (RA) and many many other great Ulama and Awliyaa. Hadhrat Moulana Faqeer Muhammad Saahib (RA) who was the khalifah of Hadhrat Moulana Thanwi (RA), and also a resident of Makkah Mukarramah, was also very close to the family. He would in fact make special dua for Hadhrat Mufti Saahib’s mother in particular. In this way, the family enjoyed a strong connection with many Awliyaa-e-Kiraam. Even the Imaams of the Haram Shareef in Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah visited her home and partook of meals at her dastarkhaan by the grace of Allah Ta’ala.

Dressing:

She was very particular about how girls and females dressed. She abhorred tight fitting, body hugging clothing and insisted that all women dress modestly with long flowing garments, as hayaa (modesty) is the hallmark of a believer. If she saw anyone in the family wearing incorrect clothing like short sleeves or short dresses, she would immediately reprimand them and ask them to go and change their clothing. At 9:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, Hadhrat Mufti Saahib (daamat barakaatuhu) led her Janaazah Salaah at Madrasah Ta’leemuddeen. She has left behind many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many of whom are Huffaaz, Ulama and Awliyaa. Two of her sons, Hadhrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Saahib (daamat barakaatuhu) and Moulana Husain Salejee Saahib (daamat barakaatuhu), are senior Ustaads serving Madrasah Taleemuddeen. May Allah Ta’ala fill her qabar with noor and grant her the highest stages in Jannatul Firdaus. Aameen.

Once again we have come to that time of the year, the “SILLY SEASON” where people all over start behaving “SILLY”. Crime is suddenly on the increase, people are celebrating with drugs and drink and one has to be extra careful on the road as there are many drunk drivers especially during this time of the year.

Whilst Christians are in the merry of their year-end celebrations, a Muslim has to be very careful not to participate actively or passively in any of their celebrations.

In Surah Kaafiroon, Allah Ta’ala mentions;

لَكُمْ دِيْنُكُمْ وَلِيَ دِيْن

“For you is your religion (ways and culture) and for me is my religion (ways and culture)”

Allah Ta’ala has given us days of celebration i.e. the Days of Eid, the Day of Aashura, etc. We will celebrate on our days of celebration. We will dress in our best clothing and eat the best food on these days. Why then should we join the disbelievers in their days of celebration?

We should have absolutely no inclination towards their symbols and celebrations. A Muslim must not keep a Christmas tree in his home, or take pictures of his children with Santa Claus or even wish someone using the words “Merry Christmas”. These words and actions are extremely detrimental to our Imaan.

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has said;

مَنْ كَثَّرَ سَوَادَ قَوْمٍ فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ

“Who adds to the splendor of a nation is counted to be from them”

A Businessman must be careful not to advertise a “Christmas” or a “New Years” Sale, or give “Christmas gifts” to his customers, or sell items that are specific to Christianity like “Hot Cross Buns”.

Sometimes our staff may ask for an additional bonus during this time of the year. Make it known to them that we will give them a bonus during our Eid celebrations, not during the Christmas season as we do not align ourselves with these days.

There is no need for a Muslim to stay awake on the 31 December till midnight to see the change of the New Year or to enjoy the fireworks display. People suddenly lose their senses and start fighting with each other, throwing water, eggs, flour and food at one another. This indeed is not the behaviour of a Muslim.

Whilst people of other religions are involved in their celebrations and festivities, a Muslim must be extra careful to take care of his children and family during this time of the year. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has advised us to stay at home. Our Home is our protection.

If we have to go out of the home for some reason, ensure we are clad correctly with our Islamic identity. Control our gaze and if per chance one has to come across any Christian symbol like a Christmas tree etc. recite the following dua;

رَضِيْتُ بِاللّٰهِ رَبًّا وَبِالْاِسْلَامِ دِيْنًا وَبِمُحَمَّدٍ (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ سَلَّمَ)رَسُوْلًاوَّ نَبِيًّا

I am happy with Allah Ta’ala as my Rabb, with Islam as my Deen and with Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam as my Nabi

May Allah Ta’ala protect us all and keep us steadfast on Imaan and bless us with death on Imaan. Aameen.