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 continue […]

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 maintainin […]

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 […]

On the 06 April 1780, a prince by the name of Imaam Abdullah ibnul Qadhi, famously known as Tuan Guru was brought to the Cape of Good Hope as a prisoner of the Dutch. He was imprisoned at Robbin Island for fighting against the Dutch Rule in Indonesia. He hailed from Tidore in the Ternate Islands of Indonesia. His lineage traces up to Sayyidinah Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

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The first month in the Islamic Year is the month of Muharram and the last month is the month of Zul Hijjah. The Islamic year has approximately 355 days. The Islamic calendar is based on the movement of the moon in the sky. When the new crescent is sighted, this means that the new month has commenced.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “After the fasts of Ramadhaan, the best fasts are during the month of Muharram.” It […]

Aamaal-e-Saalihah (Good Deeds) most beloved to Allah

عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيْهِنَّ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللّٰهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأَيَّامِ الْعَشَرَةِ قَالُوْا يَا رَسُوْلَ اللّٰهِ وَلَا الْجِهَادُ فِيْ سَبِيْلِ اللّٰهِ؟ قَالَ وَلَا الْجِهَادُ فِيْ سَبِيْلِ اللّٰهِ إِلَّا رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ ف […]

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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. Ever […]

Question: What does a maktab Apa need to know in order for her to qualify to teach children in a maktab?

Answer: A maktab Apa does not need to be a qualified Aalimah.

However, she will require to at least have the basic Deeni knowledge which is as follows:

1. How to recite the Qur-aan Shareef fluently with Tajweed.

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Download: Advice for Haj and Umrah […]

Introduction
I have noted down a few points and ideas which I have implemented and used over the years of teaching which alhamdulillah has worked very well for me and I have achieved the desired results. I teach the grades 6, 7 and 8 girls. I hope Insha Allah these notes can be of benefit for other Apas as well.

Qur-aan […]

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 almos […]

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 […]

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 decre […]

VIRTUES OF THIS NIGHT

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ صَلَّي اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ هٰذِهِ لَيْلَةُ النِّصْفِ مِنْ شَعْبَانَ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يَطَّلِعُ عَلٰى عِبَادِهِ فِيْ لَيْلَةِ النِّصْفِ مِنْ شَعْبَانَ فَيَغْفِرُ لِلْمُسْتَغْفِرِيْنَ وَيَرْحَمُ الْمُسْتَرْحِمِيْنَ وَيُؤَخِّرُ اَهْلَ الْحِقْدِ كَمَا هُمْ (الترغيب للمنذري # 1549)

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has said, ‘This is the middle ni […]

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.

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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 l […]

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 […]

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 […]
   

Azaan is one of the outstanding signs of Islam. The words of the Azaan denote the oneness and greatness of Allah Ta’ala. The Muazzin calls out the Azaan five times a day inviting the Muslims to perform their salaah with jamaat in the house of Allah. The call of the Muazzin in actual fact is the call of Allah Ta’ala. When the Sahaabah (radiyallahu anhum) heard the Muazzin, they would respond immediately to his call and leave whatever they were doing. Instantly they […]

Presently, many are living in fear. People are scared of;

1. The Virus and
2. The Violence

Hadhrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Saahib (daamat barkaatuhu) has given the following advice in this regard;

1. Always stay in the state of wudhu, as wudhu is a protection for us.
2. Recite […]
   

By: Hadhrat Mufti Muhammad Shafi Saahib (RA)

For Muslims there are lessons to learn in the face of every calamity. Despite having faith in the absolute power of Allah Ta’ala, we are still not focused enough to remember Allah Ta’ala in the face of trials. All our attention is focused only towards material support which we hope will get us out of trouble. We do not take idols, icons and images as our saviours, but tragically the material support system […]

O Allah the wise, the bestower of wisdom
Help me to remember that I work with the most precious of all your creation, an innocent child.
Help me always to remember that I am leaving my mark on him, which time will not erase.
Grant me sabr and patience with those who are slow to learn and tolerance with those who refuse to learn.
When I have to chastise them help me to do so with firmn […]

Intention is a magical prescription that can turn sand into gold. The Hadith says “Verily actions depend upon their intentions.”

It is sometimes interpreted to mean that good intentions justify bad deeds and makes sins meritorious. This is completely wrong. Sin is always a sin no matter how noble the intention may be. For instance if someone breaks into a house to steal with the intention of giving charity then whatever he woul […]

Introduction

Allah Ta’ala has afforded His servants certain selected opportunities whereby they may reap His infinite mercy and forgiveness. Some examples of these occasions are the month of Ramadhaan and Laylatul Qadr. The night of the 15^th of Sha’baan is also one such opportunity.

Several Ahaadith explain the tremendous merit of this occasion. Amongst them is the fact that countless people are […]

Respected Parent / Guardian

Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu

All praise is to Allah Ta’ala who has blessed us with Islaam and Imaan. May peace and salutations be in abundance upon our beloved Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

Allah Ta’ala declares in the Holy Qur’aan: ”O You who believe! Save yourself and your family from the fire of Jahann […]

The Key Feature in a Teacher

Attendance and punctuality are the key features in any teacher, more so a teacher of the Qur-aan and Hadith. In order to produce excellent results in the classroom, a teacher has to imbibe the attribute of punctuality in his/her life. In fact, punctuality is the stepping stone towards success in any field.

Coming late to class regularly is a sign […]

1. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY
2. Attendance and punctuality is of utmost importance as absenteeism and late coming seriously retard the pupil’s progress as lessons cannot be repeated for one child due to limited time.
3. If due to serious illness or unforeseen circumstances your child does not attend Madrasah, please provide a doctor’s certificate or a signed note w […]
   

by: Hadhrat Moulana Siddeeq Ahmad Baandwi Saahib (RA) 

There is a definite need to establish makaatib in every village and every district. Together with the makaatib we have to also establish a madrasah for higher education (Darul Ulooms). However keep in mind that it is better to have the Darul Ulooms in the villages instead of the towns. One may experience some difficulty (being away from the town) but one will be sa […]

Written by Hadhrat Moulana Idrees Kaandhlawi (RA)

Bismihi Ta’ala

When Tubb‘a, the emperor of Yemen, happened to pass by the land of Madinah, four hundred ‘Ulama of the Tauraat were also with him. They requested the king to allow them to settle down in this area. When he enquired the reason, they replied: “We find in the manuscripts of the Prophets that towards the end of time, a Prophet by the name of Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam will appear. This region is re […]

Bismihi Ta’ala

Before explaining this story to the children, first as them the following two questions;

1. Who controls everything?
2. With whose command does everything happens?

Now tell them the following story:
Moulana In’aam was always worried about the Imaan of his Maktab children. One afternoon, before sending the children home, he decided to re […]

On the 10^th of Shawwaal 1441 (3rd June 2020), when the news of the tragic demise of Hazrat Moulana Haroon Abasoomar Saheb (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) spread throughout the country and the world, it seemed as if a huge floodlight was suddenly switched off and countless people were left in grief. Like other great ‘Ulama and Mashaayikh who have passed on, Hazrat Moulana’s (rahmatullahi ‘alaihi) demise also has left a void in the world in general, and for us in […]

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,

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by Hadhrat Shaikh Zakariyya (RA)

This Hadith was mentioned 1400 years by Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam. SubhanAllah! How apt are his mubaarak words that in this day and age it is so applicable to us all.

Hadhrat Ibne Abbaas (radhiyallahu anhuma) says: “One day, I was riding with Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) when he said to me, ‘My dear son, I will give you a few words of advice and, (I […]

by Shaikhul Hadeeth, Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (RA)

Allah Ta’ala says: “When my slave puts his trust in Me, I will find a way out for him, even if the skies and the earth were to join together against him.” Ibnu Abbaas I says, “Allah Ta’ala sent wahi (revelation) to Isa (alayhis salaam), ‘Put absolute trust in Me, for I shall take upon Myself the responsibility to fulfil all your needs. Choose no on […]

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 S […]

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 […]

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 mobil […]

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.

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Virtues

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has said: “Friday is the best of days. It was on this day that Hadhrat Aadam (alayhis salaam) was created, it was on this day that he was granted entry into Jannah, it was on this day that he was removed from Jannah (which became the cause for man’s existence in this universe, and which is a great blessing), and the day of Qiyaamah will also take place on this day.”

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said: “Friday is the “mother” […]

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 ac […]

Bismihi Ta’ala
At the beginning of the academic year, after the long vacation, a parent brought her child to a maktab on the first day of Madrasah and requested to meet her child’s Apa. After chatting a while with the Apa, she mentioned to her, “I don’t know what you have done to my child. We come from a fairly affluent background. My husband and I are both professionals and work late almost every day. In December, […]

Hadhrat Moulana Abdur Rahmaan Pani Patti (RA) used to teach at Madrasah Arabia in Pani Patt continuously from Fajr to Asr and at times right up to Maghrib. Occasionally he would get a chance to rest in the afternoon. He was an expert in every field of Deeni knowledge. Offers with higher salaries had come to him from various quarters but he never left ‘Madrasah Arabia. He passed his entire life selflessly earning only twenty five rupees a month. […]

Hadhrat Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi (RA) performed his first Haj in the year 1944. His luggage for Haj consisted of one pillowcase holding two sets of clothing, one lungi, two pieces of Ihraam and one lota. In one hand he held the pillowcase and in the other hand an umbrella. In this manner, he left for Haj. On the way, he met some people who asked him where he was going to. Hadhrat (RA) picked up his umbrella and pointed towards the Qiblah saying, “I’m going to […]

Hadhrat Moulana Siddeeq Baandwi Saahib (RA) says, “My journey for Haj was very unique. I remember performing haj with just 1 300 Rupees. At that time I did not have sufficient money but had a domesticated ox which I sold to make the necessary arrangements. Thereafter, I commenced my preparations for haj. The news of my going for haj spread like wildfire amongst the people. Many people began preparing to join me hoping that the haj would be performed correctly if […]

Bismihi Ta’ala

The day of Jumu’ah is a very special and mubaarak day for a Muslim. Allah Ta’ala showers His special Blessings and Mercy upon us on this great day. Every Muslim should take special care to reap the great rewards that Allah Ta’ala has promised us for Jumu’ah. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wasallam has mentioned, “Certainly Friday is the leader of all days. It is a day greater and more honoured by Allah Ta’ […]

Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) was once proceeding to a certain place for some task when he passed by a grave. On looking at the grave, Allah Ta‘ala showed him that angels of punishment were torturing the inmate of the grave.

Sometime later, when Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) had completed his task and was returning, he again passed by the grave. However, Allah Ta‘ala now showed him that instead of angels of punishment, there were a […]

For a person to become a perfect believer, he has to have Taqwa (i.e. piety).

Taqwa is gained when a person is purified from spiritual maladies like pride, malice, etc. This is achieved by making zikr, reciting lots of Durood Shareef daily, and protecting the seven parts of the body from sin:

The seven parts of the body are as follows;

1. […]
   

Bismihi Ta’ala

In this day and age, teaching little children in a primary makatb is not amongst the easiest of tasks. Teachers are faced with major challenges in the classroom. Often the Apa goes back home at the end of the day tired and dejected. The question that keeps on ringing in her mind is, “Are we winning?”

Each day brings about new challenges for the maktab Apa. The […]

The Lifeblood of the Community………… It is an indisputable fact that the Ummah is currently passing through a phase of Jaahiliyyah (ignorance). The global onslaught upon the Ummah is on many fronts. However, the most dangerous and unfortunately the most effective is the silent battle that is waged on the hearts and minds of our innocent children. The battle is waged with smiling faces, alluring fashions, deceptive articles and even “exciting” toys which leav […]

By the break of the day. By the ten nights [S:89 V:1-2]

Commentary:
The Mufassireen (commentators of the Qur-aan-e-Kareem) are of the opinion that the ten nights upon which Allah Ta’ala has taken an oath in this Surah refer to the first ten days of Zul Hijjah. These ten days, after the month of Ramadhaan, are regarded to be amongst the most significant days in the Islamic calendar. The following Ahaadith of Rasulullah […]