Miswaak: The natural toothbrush

The Miswaak was known before Islam, but Islam added a religious
perspective to its usage.
The Prophetic guidance:
The Prophet Muhammad recommended Muslims to clean their teeth using a
Miswaak every day; especially upon waking up, when performing
ablution, before prayer, when reciting the Quran, before sleeping,
when entering the house, and when the mouth has a foul odor.
There are many Prophetic narrations thattalk about Miswaak. Following
are some of them:
'Aa'ishah related that the Prophet said: "Ten things are part of one's
natural disposition: Trimming the moustache,growing a beard, (using)
the Miswaak, sniffing water, cutting the nails, washing hands,
plucking armpits, shaving pubic hair, and conserving water." [Muslim]
Furthermore, he highlighted its importance, saying: "If it were not
that it would create hardship for my people, I would have ordered them
to use the Miswaak with every ablution and with every prayer."
[Al-Bukhaari]
Medical discoveries:
The Miswaak is a natural tool for brushing the teeth. It is taken from
theroots and branches of particular desert trees. It differs from one
region to another, but in Arabia and Asia it is taken from the Arak
tree. This is the most famous variety, and is the kind that was used
by the Prophet .
Its scientific name is Salvadora Persica. It is a tree that grows in
hot equatorial countries, especially in desert valleys. It is
widespread in the South of Saudi Arabia , Yemen , Sudan , Egypt , and
elsewhere.
Salvador Persica is an upright evergreen small tree or shrub, seldom
more than one foot in diameter, reaching a maximum height of
threemeters. The leaves are small, oval, thick and succulent with a
strong smell of cress or mustard.
The Miswaak is also obtained from other trees. In Africa, for example,
it is cut from Lime and Orange trees, and in America some are cut from
the Senna tree.
As the Arak tree is so well-known, and as it was the kind that the
Prophet used, it has been scientifically studied. The following
summarize the various discoveries regarding Miswaak.
Health effects of Miswaak :
Physically, the Miswaak isa natural toothbrush. It iscomposed of a
compact group of minute natural fibers that perform exactly the same
functionas a normal toothbrush except that it is made of natural
rather than plastic fibers. For this reason it may be more gentle on
the gums.
Miswaak's natural toothpaste is made up of many substances that
areimportant for cleaning teeth. Many researchers have studied the
Miswaak in depth, and have proven that Miswaak contains over ten
different natural chemical compounds considered essential for good
oral and dental hygiene.
They are: fluoride, silica, tannic acid, resins, alkaloids
(salvadorine), volatile oils (sinigrin), sulfur vitamin C, sodium
bicarbonate, chlorides, calcium, benzylisothiocyanate (BIT), and
others including salicylic acids, sterols, trimethylamine, saponins,
flavenoids.
Some of these components are stain removers and teeth whiteners, some
protect teeth against caries, some are bactericidal and antiseptic,
some helpin healing and to repair tissues, some promote
remineralization (building) of tooth enamel, and some give the
pleasant taste and smell.
Cytotoxicity:
Results of cytotoxictests showed no cytotoxic (celldamaging) effects
from using freshly cut Miswaak. However, the same plant used 24
hoursafter cutting did contain harmful components. Based on these
findings, researchers recommend cutting the used portion of the
Miswaak after it has been used for a day and preparing a fresh part.
Scientific comparison between Miswaak and toothbrushes:
A clinical trial study on Ethiopian schoolchildren,comparing Miswaak
withthe conventional toothbrush, found Miswaak to be as effective as
the toothbrush in removing oral deposits. The study also found
instruction and supervision to be important since the children in the
sample were not familiar with techniques for using Miswaak.
How to use Miswaak:
The method of preparinga Miswaak for use is to cut a branch or root of
the Arak tree into pieces between 10 cm and 20cmin length, and between
4mm and 14mm in diameter. Occasionally some are thicker than this.
Fresh Miswaak is brown in color, with a hot, pleasant taste. People
usually strip off some of the Miswaak's thin bark from one end, then
chewthat end a little to separate the fibers so that they become like
thefibers of a normal toothbrush. They then use it to brush their
teeth.
Length and diameter:
A length of 15cm is recommended, which is convenient to grip, and easy
to manipulate in a confined space. The diameter is normally less than
1 centimeter, which provides a supple stick firm enough to transmit
the pressure of the cleansing action to the teeth without breaking.
Freshness: Miswaak should be freshly cut so that it is supple, easily
chewed, and still rich in active constituents. The root should be
whitish-brown in color; a dark brown color indicates that the Miswaak
is no longer fresh.
If a stick is dry, the end for chewing should initially be soaked in
fresh water for 24 hours. It should be noted that soaking for unduly
long periods causes loss of active constituents and diminishes the
therapeutic properties, although the mechanical effects on the teeth
can still occur.
The end: Before Miswaak is used, the end should be washed with water.
It is then chewed repeatedly until the fibers stand out like the
bristles of a toothbrush. These fibers should be trimmed every 24
hours.
Brushing technique:
The techniques employedfor removing plaque mechanically are similar to
that for the toothbrush and the chewing stick; i.e., vertical and
horizontal brushing. The cleaning movement should alwaysbe directed
away from the gingival margin of the teeth (away from the gums) on
both the buccal(outer cheek) and lingual(inner cheek) surfaces.
Care should be taken to avoid damaging the soft tissues of the mouth.
Satisfactory cleaning can be achieved if this procedure is followed
forfive minutes.
There are two basic holds: Pen-grip (three-finger) or palm-grip (five
finger-grip). In each case the aim is to ensure firm but controlled
movementof the brush end of the Miswaak within the oral cavity, so
that every area of the mouth is reached with relative ease and
convenience.
When to use Miswaak:
In general, the Miswaak should be used a minimum of five times a day
(i.e. before each prayer). However it is recommended to use it all the
time, whenever possible.
Common mistakes in Miswaak use:
1. The end is either too thin or too thick.
2. Keeping it in the mouth while doing otherthings.
3. Not cutting the end every day.
4. Forgetting that teeth have five faces (inner, outer, two sides, and
biting/chewing face), and only using Miswaak to clean the outer faces.


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the Muslim who has entered ihraam for Hajj or ‘Umrah to omit any of their actions, or to do any of the things that are forbidden whilst in ihraam which may detract from his Hajj or ‘umrah

Is it permissible for the pilgrim to appoint someone to stone the
jamaraat on his behalf on the day of Eid or the second day, then go
back to his homeland?.
Praise be to Allaah.
In His Holy Book, Allaah commands us to Hajj and'Umrah properly, as He
says (interpretation of the meaning): "And perform properly (i.e. all
the ceremonies according to the ways ofProphet Muhammad صلى الله عليه
وسلم), the Hajj and 'Umrah (i.e. the pilgrimage to Makkah) for Allaah"
[al-Baqarah 2:196]. Performing them properly cannot be doneunless one
does them sincerely for the sake of Allaah and following the Messenger
of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). So it is not
permissible for the Muslim who has entered ihraam for Hajj or 'Umrah
to omit any of their actions, or to do any of the things that are
forbidden whilst in ihraam which may detract from his Hajj or 'umrah.
The one who appoints someone to stone the jamaraat during the days of
al-Tashreeq or on one ofthe days of al-Tashreeq and leaves on the day
of sacrifice is regarded as one who is mistaken andwho is mocking the
rituals prescribed by Allaah. The one who appoints someone to stone
the jamaraat on his behalf on the eleventh or twelfth during the days
of al-tashreeq and does thefarewell tawaaf so that he can leave
quickly has gone against the teachings of the Messenger of Allaah
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and what he has enjoined
of performing the rituals inthe proper order. He has to repent and
seek forgiveness for that, andthe one who does that has to offer a
sacrifice for not staying overnight in Mina, and a sacrifice for not
stoning the jamaraat for which he appointed a proxy and left, and a
third sacrifice for the farewell tawaaf even if he circumambulated the
Ka'bah when he left, because he did the tawaaf at the wrong time, for
the farewell tawaaf can only be doneafter one has finished stoning the
jamaraat.
And Allaah is the Source of strength. may Allaah send blessings and
peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.

the mountain of ‘Arafaat which is known to the people as Jabal al-Rahmah. It was not his way to climb this mountain during Hajj or to take it as a ritual

Is there any specific reward for climbing up Jabal al-Rahmah on the
day of 'Arafah and praying there?.
Praise be to Allaah.
It is not proven that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be
upon him) encouraged climbing the mountain of 'Arafaat which is known
to the people as Jabal al-Rahmah. It was not his way to climb this
mountain during Hajj or to take it as a ritual. He (blessings and
peace of Allah be upon him) said: "Learn from me your rituals (of
Hajj)." The way of the Rightly Guided Caliphs and all the Sahaabah was
like that of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him),
and the same was true of those who followed in their footsteps. They
did not climb up to this mountain during their Hajj and they did not
take it as a ritual, following the example of the Messenger of
Allah(blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). What is proven is
that he(blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) stoodat the foot of
this mountain at the large rocks and he said: "I have stood here and
all of 'Arafah is the place of standing, and avoid the valley of
'Aranah. Hence many of the scholars, such as Imam al-Nawawi, Shaykh
al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah and Shaykh Siddeeq Khan, said: Climbing this
mountain during Hajj as if it were a ritual is an innovation. The
Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "Whoever does
an action that is not part of this matter of ours will have it
rejected." It was not his practice to offer any naafil prayer in the
standing at 'Arafah; rather he limited it to praying Zuhr and 'Asr in
Masjid Namirah, joining and shortening the prayer. He did not take any
place for prayer in what is called Jabal al-Rahmah in which those who
climb this mountain should offer naafil or obligatory prayers on the
day of 'Arafah. Rather, after praying Zuhr and 'Asr, hebusied himself
with remembering Allah (dhikr), reciting tasbeeh ("Subhaan Allah"),
tahleel (Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah), tahmeed (al-hamdu Lillah), takbeer
(Allahu akbar) and Talbiyah, calling upon his Lord and beseeching Him,
until the sun set. So taking a place on this mountain in which to pray
by those who climb up it is an innovation introduced by the ignorant.
And Allah is the source ofstrength; may Allah send blessings and peace
upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and Companions. End quote.
Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas.
Shaykh Ibraaheem ibn Muhammad Aal al-Shaykh, Shaykh 'Abd al-Razzaaq
'Afeefi, Shaykh 'Abd-Allaah ibn Ghadyaan, Shaykh 'Abd-Allaah ibn
Munayyi'
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa'imah, 11/206-208
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
Climbing up the mountain of 'Arafaat is not something that is
prescribed in Islam; rather if the people take it as an act of worship
it is an innovation; it is notpermissible for people tobelieve that
this is an actof worship or to do it onthe basis that it is an act of
worship. The Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was
the keenest of all people to do good and was the most effective of all
people in conveying the message and he was the most knowledgeable of
all people of the religionof Allah. He did not climbthis mountain or
instructanyone to do so, and he did not approve of anyone climbing it
as faras I know. Based on that,climbing this mountain is not
prescribed; rather the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of
Allah be upon him) said, when he stood behind iton the eastern side:
"I have stood here and all of 'Arafah is the place of standing." It is
as if he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was indicating
that each person should stand in his own spot and not push and shove
in order to reach the place wherethe Messenger (blessingsand peace of
Allah be upon him) stood.

‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) entered uponhis family one day and said: “Do you have anything (i.e., any food)?” They said, “No.” He said, “Then I am fasting.” (Muslim, 1154, 170).

I know of the virtue of fasting the day of 'Ashoora, and that it is
expiation for the year that came before. But because we use the
Gregorian calendar I did not know when 'Ashoora is until the morning
of the day itself. I had not eaten anything, so I intended to fast. Is
my fast valid, and will I get the rewardof this day and receive
expiation for the previous year?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Praise be to Allaah for making you keen to do naafil acts of worship.
We ask Him to make us and you steadfast in doing that.
With regard to your question about forming the intention to fast from
the night before, there is sound evidence from the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) that the intention to observe a
naafil fast formed on themorning of the day itselfis valid, so long as
a person has not ingested anything that breaks thefast after dawn.
'Aa'ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) entered uponhis family one
day and said: "Do you have anything (i.e., any food)?" They said,
"No." He said, "Then I am fasting." (Muslim, 1154, 170). The word
"idhan" (translated here as "then", in the sense of "in that case")
indicates that it is permissible to form the intention of observing a
naafil fast on the day itself. This is unlike the obligatory fasts,
which are not validunless one forms the intention the night before,
because of the hadeeth, "Whoever doesnot form the intention to fast
before dawn, has not fasted." Abu Dawood, 2454; al-Tirmidhi, 726;
classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami', 6535. What is
meant here is obligatory fasts.
Based on this, then your fast is valid. With regard to getting the
reward for fasting, will this be reward for the whole day or from the
time of the intention only? Shaykh al-'Uthaymeen (may Allaah have
mercy on him) said:
There are two scholarly opinions on this matter. The first is that he
will be rewarded from the beginning of the day, because the correct
Islamic fast can only be from the start of the day.
The second view is that he will only be rewardedfrom the time of his
intention, and if he formed the intention at midday then he will be
rewarded for half a day. This is the correct view, because the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, "Actions are but by
intentions, and each person will have but thatwhich he intended."
Thisman only formed the intention during the day, so he will be
rewarded from the time he formed the intention.
Based on the correct opinion, if a fast is connected to a particular
day, such as fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, and fasting on al-ayaam
al-beed (the13th, 14th and 15th of each Hijri month) or fasting three
days each month, and a person forms the intention during the day, he
will not be rewarded for the entire day.
Al-Sharh al-Mumti', 6/373.
The same applies to the case of one who did not intend to fast
'Ashoora until after dawn had come: he will not get thereward for
fasting 'Ashoora', which is the expiation of one year, because his
case is not like that of one fasted the whole day of 'Ashoora', rather
he only fasted part of it, from the moment he first formed the
intention of fasting.
But he will be rewarded in the general sense of the reward for fasting
during the month of Allaah Muharram, which is the best kind of fasting
after Ramadaan (as it says in Saheeh Muslim, 1163).
Perhaps one of the main reasons for your and many people's not knowing
when 'Ashoora is, or al-ayyaam al-beed, until the day has started,is –
as you mention – useof the Gregorian calendar. Perhaps missing out on
these special days will motivate you and others whom Allaah blesses
with guidance, to followthe lunar Hijri calendar which Allaah has
prescribed for His slaves and approved of for His religion, even if
that is only with regard to theirpersonal dealings, so as to revive
this calendar which reminds us of different shar'i occasions, and in
order to be different from the People of the Book whom we are
commanded to differ from and be distinct with regard to their rituals
and unique characteristics, especiallysince the lunar calendar was
followed by the earlier Prophets, as may be understood from the
hadeeth which mentionsthe reason why the Jewsfasted 'Ashoora – which
is a day that is known through the lunar calendar. They said that it
was the day on which Allaah had saved Moosa. This indicates that they
followed a lunar calendar and not the months of the solar European
calendar.
Al-Sharh al-Mumti', 6/471
May Allaah make your missing out on this special reward, and the
missing out of others who are keen like you, lead to a good outcome,
so this will make you strive harder in doing good works and acts of
worship. This may make you more keen than people who do some act of
worship regularly andfeel content with what they are doing, and may
fill them with self-admiration.
We ask Allaah to bless us with His bounty and reward, and help us to
remember Him and give thanks to Him.

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20 Minutes of Tahajjud

Some people say that a person without a job is more busy than a
personwho is working because a jobless person is always going here and
there to look for jobs. Even if this person gets ajob that requires
him to stay up all night will do so as he needs to earn money. This is
the natureof human beings. When he knows the value of something, he
will try to attain it even if it be hard for him.
Allah Ta'ala has granted us the gift of Tahajjud Prayer. Through this
prayer, we can get manyblessings from Allah. Problems such as
sickness, family issues, money, hunger, etc can easily be removed by
praying to Allah at Tahajjud time. However, because we did not
recognize the value of this prayer, it is very difficult for us to
spare only 10-20 minutes of our sleep to get up and pray. On the other
hand, for some money, we are ready to stay up the whole night.

The Locks on the Door

I always lock my doors before going outside. I believe all of us do
the same to protect our valuable properties fromthe thieves. I have
seen people with more than 3locks on the door and some also have a
specialized integrated alarm system against forceful entry! Some
alsohave 24 hours live monitoring systems builtin the house. Then one
day I was thinking, it is quite sad that we use so many locks in order
to safeguard some belongings, but, we have little or no locks at all
in ourselves to safeguard our iman from Shaitan and evils ofthis
world. This iman, which is more precious than any material thing,
needs more protection than our belongings.

Darkness vs. Light

Once I had to go to a cityfor a few days. My plane landed there during
the late night hours. A brother gave me a ride to the place where I
was going to stay. This was the first time I visited this town and was
curious to see what it looked like. However, it was dark at night and
I wasn't able to see many things.
The next day, I went out with the brother and he happened to take the
same road as the previous night. But sinceit was day time, I was able
to see the river, hills, and many other landscapes that was not
properly visible the previous night.
It came to my mind that this is similar to what wego through in our
lives. Allah Ta'ala as told us through the Quran and Prophet Muhammad
(saw) about the many unseen things that are awaiting us in the
hereafter. While we are in this world, it's just likewe are in
darkness. We are not able to see all these things. But as soonas we
die and close our eyes, everything will open up to us like the day
time and we will seewhatever was hidden.

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Humility – A Quality of theIdeal

Allaah The Almighty describes thebelievers in their namesake chapter,
Saying (what means): {Indeed, they who are apprehensive from fear of
their Lord * And they who believe in the signs of their Lord *And they
who do not associate anything with their Lord * And they who give what
they give while their hearts are fearful because they will be
returning to their Lord.} [Quran 23:57-60] One may wonderwhat it is
that those believers fear, even though they hasten to do good deeds
and seek to outdoothers in that respect.
And yet, our amazement would increase when we consider the similar
response of Prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, when their
intercession will be sought. The Prophet related that, on the Day of
Judgment, people "will go to Aadam (Adam) and say, 'O our father, ask
for Paradise to be opened to us.' He will say, 'Did anything get you
out of Paradise other than the sinof your father, Aadam? I am not in a
position to [intercede]; you should go to my son Ibraaheem (Abraham)
the intimate friend of Allaah.' [But, when they will come to him],
Ibraaheem willsay, 'I am not in a position to do that. Verily, I was
but a far friend;you should approach Moosa (Moses) to whom Allaah The
Almighty spoke directly.' They will go to Moosa, but he will say, 'It
is not my place; you should go to Jesus, the Word of Allaah and His
Spirit.' However, Jesus will say, 'I am not in a position todo that.'
Therefore, they will come to [me], Muhammad and [I] will be permitted
[to intercede]." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
This honorable response of the Prophets, may Allaah exalt their
mention, during those momentous circumstances, indicates their
continuous longing to increase in acts of worship and their tireless
efforts to quit minor sins. This stance of theirs marks their keenness
to perfect their servitude to Allaah The Almighty. What a sublime
characteristic for a soul to alwayslong for the loftiest of ranks!
Such souls would never be satisfied with attaining a status lower than
their abilities; that is why Abu Bakr for instance, aimed to enter
Paradise from all its gates.
What is humility?
Being humble is to be aware of one's sins and feel regret for one's
shortcomings, as Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Lest a soul
should say, "Oh [howgreat is] my regret over what I neglected in
regard to Allaah}. [Quran 39: 56] And this characteristic of humility,
increases with knowledge, as Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):
{Only those fear Allaah, from among His servants, who have knowledge}
[Quran 35:28].
To attain humility, one must reproach and endeavor to improve
him/herself; indeed, Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {He has
succeeded who purifies it [soul]} [Quran 91:9] It is such piety and
sincerity that acceptance of good deeds is contingent on, as Allaah
The Almighty Says (what means): {Surely Allaah [graciously]
acceptsonly of the pious.} [Quran 5:28] Also, the Prophet said, "The
[acceptance of] deeds [is] dependent on the intentions, anda person
will bear the consequences of what he [or she]intends…" Without piety
and sincerity, the charity of the charitable, the knowledge of the
reciters of the Quran and the martyrdom of the martyrs would be
fruitless; moreover, those whose deeds lack devotion, will be the
first to enter Hell.
Abu Ayyoob As-Sikhtiyaani used to humbly say, "By Allaah, I cannot
allege that I have a deed that I am certain that I have
donesincerely"; Ath-Thahabi, another pious man, would concur.
Similarly, Sulaymaan ibn Mahraan Al-'A'mash said, "By Allaah, I
believe that I have become blearyeyed, because the devil urinates in
my ears frequently." This refersto the saying of the Prophet who
remarked that a man who sleeps all night long is one in whose ears
Satan has urinated. What is amazing is that Sulaymaan made that
comment, even though he was keen on praying at night.
Being humble is to remember theHereafter often, dislike worldly
pleasures and be keen on attaining salvation. 'Umar used to say, "How
could you forget the Quranic verse in which Allaah The Almighty [tells
us what will be said to those entering Hell] (that means): {You
exhausted your pleasures during your worldly life and enjoyed them}
[Quran 46:20]?" He understood this also from the Prophet who once
asked him, "Are you not pleased with this division that they [i.e.,
the disbelievers] enjoy the luxuries ofthis life, and we reap the
fruits ofthe Hereafter?"
And, it is of humbleness, to be fearful of, more than being hopeful
about, that Day, and be certain of what will happen when {He may
question the truthful about their truth} [Qur'an 33:8], {secrets will
be put on trial} [Qur'an 86:9], and when every treacherous person
would be known by a sign. On that Day, {their excuse will not benefit
the wrongdoers and they will have the curse and the worst home}
[Qur'an 40:52], and, {there will appear to them from Allaah The
Exalted what they had not taken into account.} [Qur'an 39:47].
And,Allaah The Almighty will say to the wrongdoers (what means),
{Remain despised therein [Hell] and do not speak to Me.} [Quran
23:108]
This is the true understanding of religion, because {no one feels
secure from the plan of Allaah except the people of loss.} [Quran7:99]
Thus, Imaam Al-Bukhaari entitled a chapter of his book, Saheeh
Al-Bukhaari, "The believer's fear of having his deedsannulled, while
being unaware".
Ibraaheem At-Taymiyya said, "I never compared my deeds to my words
without fearing that I was a liar." This was in the spirit of the
Companions as Ibn Abi Mulaykah narrates that of the thirty of them
that he had met, each one feared that he might be a hypocrite. None of
them claimed to be as faithful as Jibreel (Gabriel) and Mikaa'eel
(Michael) .
Indeed, that was characteristic ofbelievers, as Al-Hasan said, that
the hypocrites, on the other hand, felt safe from this worry. A Muslim
must guard against insistence on hypocrisy and disobedience without
repentance; Allaah The Almighty admires those, Saying (what means):
{[who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.} [Quran
3:135]
Humility also requires of us to allyourselves with the believers and
be dutiful to them. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):
• {And lower your wing to those who follow you of the believers.} [Quran 26:215]
• {And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their
Lord in the morning and theevening, seeking His countenance. And let
not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly
life.} [Quran 18:28]
The people of Nooh (Noah) foolishly said to him: {We do not see you
but as a man like ourselves, and we do not see you followed except by
those who are the lowest of us [and] at first suggestion.} [Quran
11:27] But, herefuted their allegation, saying: {And I am not one to
drive away those who have believed. Indeed,they will meet their Lord,
but I see that you are a people behaving ignorantly. * And O my
people, who would protect me from Allaah if I drove them away?Then
will you not be reminded? [..] Nor do I say of those upon whom your
eyes look down that Allaah will never grant them any good. Allaah is
most knowing of what is within their souls. Indeed, I would then be
among the wrongdoers.} [Quran 11:29-31]
Further, humility necessitates good manners on the believer's part,
which manifests in his or her overall conduct. The Prophet said,
"Arrogance is denying the truth and the rights of others" ; he also
cautioned, "It is enough sin for a person to despise his Muslim
brother."
Hence, it is a religious obligation upon Muslims to act cordially with
their fellow brothers and sisters in faith, such as by returning their
greetings, assisting them in mounting their ride and meeting them with
a cheerful countenance.
And, because they observed theseetiquettes perfectly, the righteous
predecessors were described by Allaah The Almighty as being "humble
toward the believers" [Qur'an 5:54], and "merciful among themselves"
[Qur'an 48:39]
Humility is also manifest in knowing one's real worth amongscholars
and his or her value, in comparison to them. Shaykh Ali Al-Qaari said,
"These days, [those who know little, but are respected as] scholars
are many, because true knowledge has declined."
Consider that the first ever to embrace Islam, Abu Bakr humbly refused
to lead the people in prayer, saying, "I could not lead the Prophet ."
Also, the son-in-law of the Prophet 'Ali ibn Abi Taalib would say to
his son Muhammad ibn Al-Hanafiyyah, "Your father is just one of the
Muslims."
Similarly, Al-Haafith Abu Al-HajjaajAl-Muzzi professed to ibn
Al-Haadi, when the latter tested his retention of Hadeeth by jumbling
their chains of narrators, "I am not qualified for such a test;
Al-Bukhaari is." Ibn Katheer remarked: "This answer was dearer to us
than matching each Hadeeth to its chain of narrators."
Also, when a man asked Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadi, "Are you Al-Haafith (a
senior scholar ofHadeeth) and Al-Khateeb (the orator)?" He answered,
"I amonly Ahmad ibn 'Ali ibn Thaabit; the last senior scholar of
Hadeethwas Ad-Daaraqutni."
The father of At-Taaj Al-Subky – At-Taqqiyy Al-Subky – who was then
the scholar of Daar Al-Ashrafiyyah, used to perform the night prayers
where Imaam An-Nawawi used to hold his classes. He would humbly wipe
his face in the place where An-Nawawi had stood, as an acknowledgement
of the latter's great role as a scholar.
Furthermore, humility is to show due respect towards Allaah The
Almighty and thank Him for all that He has granted us. Allaah The
Almighty praised His Prophet Ibraaheem as he used to feelremorse for
his sins and acts of disobedience.
A believing man is sharp and wise; he recognizes that he is buta
servant of Allaah The Almighty; his deeds are created by Him, his
success contingent on His decree and his progress is thanks to His
guidance.
Thus, the slogan of the Companions would be: "By Allaah, without
Allaah we would have received no guidance, nor given in charity, nor
prayed." They learned this spirit from the Prophet who said to
'Aa'ishah when she inquired why he stood in prayer for so long that
his feet would swell: "Should I not be a grateful slave of Allaah?"
May Allaah have mercy upon Al-Junayd, who succinctly said, "True
gratitude is to avoid using the blessings of Allaah The Almighty to
disobey Him."

Diligence is the Way to Success

There are norms and laws in the universe that man is not permitted to
contradict. Instead, he should abide by them so as to enjoy a good
life and eternal happiness in the Hereafter. One such norm is that if
one works hard, he will find results; if one exhausts oneself a little
bit, he can enjoy a long rest. Indeed reaping noble benefits depends
on experiencing difficulties. Pleasure and perfect qualities cannot be
gained except with some difficulty. If it were not for difficulties,
all people would be leaders.
A Person who Prefers Comfort has Scarce Potential for Success
Work in the worldly life relies upon diligence. Therefore, man
isrequired to work hard and actively, leaving behind laziness. The
Quran and Sunnah direct us towards this understanding. Allaah The
Almighty Says (what means):
{And say, "Work, for Allaah will see your deeds, and [so, will] His
Messenger and the believers."} [Quran 9:105]
{It is He who made the earth tame for you - so walk among its slopes
and eat of His provision - and to Him is the resurrection.} [Quran
67:15]
The Prophet educated the Ummah (Muslim Nation) in different ways on
how to be diligent. For instance, he urged Muslims to earn a living
and provide from their own work, saying: "Nobody has ever eaten a meal
better than that which he has earned from working with his own hands.
The prophet of Allaah, Daawood [David], would eat from the work of his
own hands." [Al-Bukhaari]
The Prophet also advised us to work hard without giving in tofeelings
of frustration, saying: "Cherish that which gives you benefit [in the
Hereafter], seek help from Allaah and do not lose heart." [Muslim]
He also said: "If the Hour comes while one of you has a shoot that he
is able to plant, he should plant it." [Ahmad, Al-Bukhaari in Al-Adab
Al-Mufrad]
Moreover, the Prophet assured people of the assistance of Allaah The
Almighty, that He further increases the high motivation and ambition
of people according to the sublimityof their ambition, saying: "Help
from Allaah comes to the servant according to his diligence."
[Al-Bazzaar]
Of course hard work is exhausting, but it has great pleasure,
especially when the diligent person reaps the outcome of his work.
Ibn Ul-Qayyim said:
The sages of every nation agree that welfare cannot be obtained
through welfare, that anyone who prefers comfort will miss it, and
that joy and pleasure dependon the level of risks and difficulties
that are experienced when getting them. There is no joy for a person
who has no resolve; no pleasure for a person who lacks patience; no
bliss for a person who endures no hardships; and no comfort for a
person who has no hard work. If a person is exhausted for a short
time, he will relax for longer. If he endures difficulties for a short
while, this will lead him to eternal welfare. People who will receive
eternal delight [the people of Paradise] earned this status due to
their patience in this very short worldly life. Truly, Allaah alone
gives help, and thereis no power except in Him.
The loftier one's self is and the higher his aspirations are, the more
a person's body is exhausted and the less his comfort is. Yahya ibn
Katheer said. "Knowledge cannot be acquired when the body is in
comfort." [Muslim]
"All those who are sensible undoubtedly believe that perfect comfort
depends on the level of exhaustion, and perfect bliss relies on the
level of difficulties that are endured when achieving it. Comfort,
pleasure and bliss arefree of exhaustion only in Paradise, not in this
worldly life. [Quoted from 'Uluww Al-Himmah by Shaykh Muhammad ibn
Ismaa'eel]
A person who takes diligence to be a slogan in life does not depend on
his ancestors or familybackground, nor does he rely on boasting of his
fathers and forefathers. Instead he builds his own glory, adding it to
that of hisforefathers'.
Quotations from Sages and Scholars
Some sages have said, "Utilize your diligence as long as you are in
good health, and take the opportunity to work while you are at
leisure, for time will not bealways on your side, nor will you be able
to restore what you have lost."
A scholar once said, "Work is like an armor that protects a person
against afflictions, and diligence is like a sword that wards off
misfortune."
Another said, "Nothing is better than having a reason that is adorned
with forbearance, a deed that is adorned with knowledge, and
forbearance thatis adorned with truthfulness!"
Some scholars have said, "Could itbe true and logical that crops are
harvested without prior sowing of seeds, fruits are reaped without the
planting of trees, firecomes from two stones without striking them
together, or that money yields without effort?"
It was also said, "There is a causefor every provision and whoever
diligently seeks something, finds it."
Indeed, what a great saying was that of the Commander of Believers,
'Umar ibn Al-Khattaab "Do not stop pursuing livelihood and
supplicating, 'O Allaah, provide for me!' You knowthat the sky does
not rain gold orsilver. Allaah The Almighty provides for people by
virtue of their interaction."
Therefore, work hard and do not be indolent. Your Muslim nation is
waiting for a push from you like that of 'Umar a push thatilluminates
the torch of enthusiasm in its heart, amidst the darkness of this
gloomy stateof obliviousness. It is also waitingfor a cry from you
like that of Salaah Ad-Deen Al-Ayyoobi (Saladin) a cry that plants
hope in the desert of despair. Help from Allaah comes in accordance
with diligence, therefore seek help from Allaah and do not lose heart!

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Tawbah - He is afraid to return themoney to the bank in case he is questioned and put in prison; shouldhe give it in charity?

I took a loan from a bank six years ago, without knowing anything
about what in sharia we call Riba, and Ipaid some instalments. After
few months, I left my job and took my savings, including the loan
money, abroad to get married and buy a property and have not paid
anything to bank ever since. Now, I realised that this is haraam, and
I am willingto return the loan money that I have taken,in order to
clean myself from sins, but I am concerned about going directly to the
bank, as that will complicate things in term of legal liabilities and
debt repayment penalties, and may involve prison term. So, is it
possible to give the money to very poor families instead of giving it
to the bank?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
It is haraam to take a loan on the basis of riba;the one who does that
has to repent to Allah, may He be exalted, but he does not have to
return anything except the capital. As for the interest (riba), he
does not have to pay it and hecan use a trick to avoid paying it so
long as that will not result in harm for him.
Secondly:
You have to return the loan to the bank by any possible means, and it
is not acceptable for you to give the money in charity, because giving
the money in charity is only an option when theowner or the one to
whom it rightfully belongs is not known, orit is not possible to send
it to him, in which case you may give it in charity on the basis that
if you find the rightful owner, you will give himthe choice between
approving of the charity or taking his due.
The bank is the rightful owner in this case, and is known. So you have
toreturn the money to it and you have to look fora means that will let
you avoid questioning and punishment.

Tawbah - He reviled Islam a great deal, and every time he wanted to repent the Shaytaan whispered to him that he was excusedbecause he was angry

I reviled Islam on many occasions, Allah forbid, but when I repent he
says to me: you were angry and you did not do that deliberately. Then
I doubt myself: wasI angry or not? was it deliberate or not? What
should I do?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Reviling Islam is kufr andapostasy from Islam, according to scholarly
consensus. The one who does that has to repent to Allah sincerely, by
regretting what he has done and resolving not to go back to it. If he
repents, Allah will accepthis repentance. Allah, may He be exalted,
says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Say: O 'Ibaadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves
(by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of
Allaah, verily, Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving,
Most Merciful"
[al-Zumar 39:53].
It was narrated from AbuMoosa (may Allah be pleased with him) that the
Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "Allaah holds
out His hand at night to accept the repentance of those who have
sinned during the day, and He holds out his hand by day to accept the
repentance ofthose who have sinned at night - until the sun rises from
its place of setting."
Narrated by Muslim, 2759
You have to repent and do a lot of righteous deeds. With regard to
thinking about whether this was done in a state of anger or not, this
comes under the heading of waswasah (whispers from the Shaytaan), who
wants todivert you from repentance or weaken your fear of Allah and
your efforts to do righteous deeds. If you understand the abhorrent
nature and seriousness of what you did, that impels you to strive to
do good and to instil in your heart humility before Allah; it makes
you pin your hopes on His grace, kindness and pardon. But if your nafs
makes falsehood attractive to you and detracts from the seriousness of
the crime by claiming that it happened in a moment of anger, then this
will weaken you resolve and distract you from turning to Allah.
It should be noted that anger is not an excuse inall cases; rather the
anger that may excuse a person is anger in whichhe loses his ability
of discernment to the extent that he does not know what he is saying.
If this happened once, it does not happen repeatedly. Many of those
who have the problem of reviling Islamcould never revile their fathers
or someone they hold in high esteem or the father of an opponent in an
argument and the like, no matter how angry they become, but they do
revile the religion because their hearts are devoid of faith and they
are lacking in respect towards Allah, His Messenger and His religion.
We ask Allah to keep us safe and sound. If there was any faith in his
heart it would prevent him from reviling religion.
So ignore this waswaas (whisper). You have committed a grave sin, but
you have a Lord Whois Most Merciful, Most Generous, Who accepts
repentance of the one who repents, forgives sins, and replaces evil
deeds with good deeds. So prepare to strive hard, fill your heart
withveneration and respect towards Allah, may He beexalted, and His
religion,read a lot of Qur'aan anddo a lot of righteous deeds.
We ask Allah to accept your repentance and forgive your sin.
And Allah knows best.

Tawbah - He repeatedly reviled Allah, the Messenger andIslam, and waswaas comes to him telling himthat he did not do that deliberately

On one occasion I was riding behind my friend on a motorcycle and he
"popped a wheelie" (lifted the front wheel off the ground), and I
reviled the Lord, Allah forbid. Then I repented from that but waswaas
comes to me telling me that because the incident took me by surprise,
I was not thinking and I will not be brought to account for that.
Similarly, this waswaas comes to me about many occasions on which I
have reviled Allah, Islam and the Prophet, Allah forbid. This has made
me doubt myself: did I do it deliberately or not? Especially since
these incidents happened to me a number of years ago and I do not
remember the details precisely, so I say: O Allah, if I did that
deliberately and with intent, then I repent from it.
Praise be to Allaah.
Reviling Allah or reviling Islam constitutes kufr and apostasy from
Islam,according to scholarly consensus. The one who does that has to
repent sincerely to Allah, by regretting what has happened and
resolving not to go back to it again. If he repents, Allah will accept
his repentance. Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the
meaning):
"Say: O 'Ibaadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves
(by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of
Allaah, verily, Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving,
Most Merciful"
[al-Zumar 39:53].
It was narrated from AbuMoosa (may Allah be pleased with him) that the
Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "Allaah holds
out His hand at night to accept the repentance of those who have
sinned during the day, and He holds out his hand by day to accept the
repentance ofthose who have sinned at night - until the sun rises from
its place of setting."
Narrated by Muslim, 2759.
So you have to repent, turn to Allah and do a lotof righteous deeds.
As for thinking about whether this reviling was done deliberately
ornot, this is whispers from the Shaytaan who wants to distract you
from repenting or weaken your fear of Allah and your efforts to do
righteous deeds. If you understand the abhorrent nature of what you
did, and its grave seriousness, that will make you strive to do good
and will generate in your heart feelings of submission and humility
before Allah; it will make you pin your hopes on His grace, kindness
and forgiveness. But if your nafs makes falsehood appealing to you,
and makes the offence seem less serious by claiming that it was done
in a state of anger, then this will weaken your resolveand lessen your
desire toturn to Allah.
You should understand that the kind of anger that causes a person to
lose his mind, that a person may be excused for, is that which causes
him to lose the ability to distinguish matters to such an extent that
he does not know what he is saying. If this happens once, it does not
happenrepeatedly. Many of those who have the problem of reviling
Islam, or reviling Allah orreviling His Messenger (blessings and peace
of Allah be upon him) would not be able to revile their fathers or a
person whom they hold in high esteem or the father of his opponent and
the like, no matter how intense his anger is,but he can revile Islam
because of the lack of faith in his heart and his lack of respect for
Allah and for His messenger and His religion. We ask Allah to keep us
safe andsound. If there were any faith in the heart of sucha person,
it would prevent him from speaking in this abhorrent manner. Hence we
say: Ignore this waswaas, for you have committed the greatest evil,
but you have a Lord Who is Most Merciful and Most Kind; He accepts the
repentance of the penitent, forgives the sinner, and turns bad deeds
into good. So make your resolve firm, fill your heart with respect for
Allah, may He be exalted, and respect for His religion, and reada
great deal of Qur'aan and do a lot of righteousdeeds.
We ask Allah to accept your repentance and forgive you your sins.
And Allah knows best.

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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stories - I think I am going to die...

Hello,
I want to tell you what happened to me and how this story turned my
life upside down, and I am not the same person any more......
It was during last year's summer. I used to live in a small town near
the capital, I studied and lived there. I had a steadyboyfriend for
almost 2 years; we loved and respected each other. He studied in the
same university I did. We would see each other every day, take a walk
together, we took pleasure in the love that filled us, we were more
than happy, but…as you know all good things come to an end.
Problems started when after my last annual examI decided to go to the
seaside with my friends from the town where my parents live. My
boyfriend didn't come cause he didn't have the opportunity ( he had
work in the town). So one morning my friends and I left for the
seaside. We arrived somewhere around 1 am at night. Wewent to the
hotel to check in, took a quick shower and went to bed, cause we were
all dead tired. On the next morning we went to the beach. The first
thing I noticed was the most amazing man I have ever seen, a handsome
man sitting alone on the beach, obviously waiting for someone. I told
my friends to go and I will catch them later.
I approached him and with some cheek I sat on the sand next to him, I
looked at him and smiled. He immediately gave me his hand as if hehad
been waiting for thisall day long. So we introduced each other and
chatted for over an hour, he told me a lot about himself, and I
basically told him everything. And suddenly, when we both paused
talking and as if we were enjoying one another, he said that obviously
the friend he was waiting for, won't be coming. He invited mefor a
coffee and I accepted, of course. I wasso happy and pleased with him,
it was a long time since I had so much fun. He was treating me (
someone he didn't know)so well, making me laugh, I felt so good….I
didn't want this moment to end. So we went for a coffee and we chatted
for almost 2 hours. He told me how much he loved the sea, and I
supported him fully in this. We liked each other so much, we felt
we've know each other forever.
When I was leaving for the seaside, despite my good mood, I thought I
would not stop thinking of "my man" and would not have good time, but
while I was with Mario ( that was the name of the boy I met at the
beach) I did not think of Steve ( my friend in the town) not even
once. I was so happy and enjoying the moment.......
After that I started going out with Mario, and not with my friends,
day after day. Days would pass and I kept feeling amazing………. but then
the day I had to leave came. I felt terrible. Mariowas from other city
and the distance was so huge…I think I loved him.. He also felt bad
thatwe I had to leave, but that's life. We promised to write and to
see each other next summer.
I left for my home town, and he remained at the sea, we were so far
from each other.........
After a long and boring trip I came back home and when I arrived my
parents called me to see if I was all right. After that Steve called,
my God,I had totally forgotten about him, but fate reminded me where I
was....
A couple of hours after I arrived I met Steve and you know what……my
heart beat faster. SO my "previous love" for him burst out again after
20 days absence??? We spent 2 hours together and he kept asking how
Ispent at the seaside and Iwas forced to think of something, I wasn't
ready to tell him the truth. After all I was cheating on him the whole
time...
Everything was back to normal, but I wasn't the same. In my thoughts
he was " my prince Mario". God, you should hear my heart beating when
I think of him, my heart was filled with love.
A couple of days later Steve and I went to my parents' place. We
thought of spending some time with them. One day as I was sitting and
having lunch with Steve and my parents, I felt sick. My mother said
she would come with me to the doctor. I was told I was pregnant. My
God, I stood shocked, we had sex the previous night with Steve, but it
was notpossible that I got pregnant. I was certain, the child was
Mario's. How would I tell my parents, they would certainly drive me
away, they loved Steve so much.So I kept it all to myself and
everybody was happy. I was most happy cause I would give birth to a
child from my loved one. ..
In the meantime I kept receiving letters from Mario almost every week
and was so happy. One day in one of my letters I shared that I was
pregnant from him; I thought he would be happy and that he wouldwant
to see me, but alas….......after this letter he stopped writing and I
never got an answer from him.
I was tempted to look forhim, to find out what he was doing and
thinking, but I realized he left the address he was living on.
Now, months after this, I am pregnant, married to Steve and unhappy.
Where is the love of my life? So his I- love-you's were all lies?
Maybe I am to blame, cause I cheatedon the man who loved me and was
truthful to me? What is wrong with me? Why do I keep lovingthe one
from the sea who hurt me so much?
I live with my parents with Steve now, he loves me dearly and I
pretend. I don't know how much I would stand this.
My parents want to buy us a house, for me, my husband and the innocent
baby that is going to be born.
How do I live with this lie? The child will remind me of my big,
seaside love…….and it is not guilty, it has the right to live, and I
would need to keep living with Steve and pretend I am happy…What if in
the meantime I die of sadness for my beloved one???

stories - A True Love Story

Many persons mix the other things with the true love, like, if they
are just attracted to anybody or if they hve a girlfrnd or boyfrnd. .
.with whom they go out for fun or a date. . .they think that"Arre yaar
! I love him/her a lot . . Truely. But dats not a true love.
I am a true lover. According to me a true love is like. .. U luv a
person n u can never spare him/her. U cant seeor even imagine that
gal/guy with anyone else. U care for ur luv truely, if ur family is
against ur luver, then also u dont leave him/her. If anybody says
sumthng wrong bout ur luv, u juss stand to take ur luvers side or
sumtimes to fight.
I m Muskaan, 18 years old, a cute n sweet gal who luvs his guy madly n truely.
I met him when i was juss10years old and he was 13. I was in std. 5th
and he was in 8th. He was living in his naani's homefrm his childhood.
One day, when i reached ma tution, i went inside, he was sitting
there. I didnt know him. Ma teacher introduced him to me. Hewas a new
student in ourschool.After the class, we used to play 2gether
everyday. We became gud frnds. He used to cum to ma home daily
forplaying with me.
One day, a group of frndscame to ma home, he was also there. We
started playing a game, the game was like.. Many names are written on
a paper and one persn has to answer that what he wil do with that
persn whos name is there. A frnd of mine started hiding the names, n
he was going on answering, he gave an answr dat i wil Kiss it, wat we
saw ? ma name was there. That was the first time when we felt somethng
for each other. We started luking to each other's eyes.
Everyday was going on very smothly. 1 year passed.
Now i was in std 6th and he was in std 9th. After he passed 9th, he
went. . I didnt know where n why ? He didnt gave evenhis numbr. Cozz
His behaviour was very childish, we were kids at that time, we didnt
knowwat is love . Bt he cud hve told me dat he is going.
After few days, i started missing him a lot. I used to cry daily. He
was juss liking me but he didnt know, i started luving him. I used to
cry n pray daily dat plz god, if i cud see him once. I wasnt having
his numbr or his adress. I told ma problm to one of ma frnd, she
brought me his numbr. I called in dat numbr, a lady told me dat he is
nt here.
One day, i went to search his home with ma sister. Igot it after
wandering 3hours. We met his maama's daughter, she told dat he is in
raipur with his parents, studying there n he wil nt cum here again(for
hisstudies). Its very shockingn unimaginative dat, a 12years gal is
searching the home of a persn to whom she luvs. We went,i was very
sad, i continued crying n praying for 6 months, if i cud see him once.
One day, in the evening, when i was standing out of ma home. Wat i saw
! I was surprised, i saw himmm. I started crying, god accepted my
prayer. He was with his frnds in his bicycle. He went again. Next day
i thoughtdat yesterday was the last day n he wil nt cum again. 1 year
passed. I was in std 7th. It took 1year to forget him.
When i reached std 9th, i changed ma school. One day, when i was in
the school bus, the bus when stopped at his stoppage, can u imagine !
I saw him, i.e. After 2 years he came back. I was surprised, totally
shocked. . I was thinking How can this b possible ? He came inside the
bus. I turnd back to see him, hewas also seeing me. I wasverry happpy.
He dint talk to me, i think he was afraid.
After few days, i started hating him cozz he told everybdy that he
luvs me.The boys started tauntingme with his name. He was a bad
influence on me. He started calling me,following me. Bt i wasnt ready
to talk to him. After6 mnths, i became his frnd. Bt i told dat u wont
tell anybdy that i talk to u. He agreed. After few mnths he proposed
me bti dint answr.
I reached std 10th. I wentto hostel. After passing std10th, when i
came back home, he calld me ntold dat he wasnt able to concentrate on
his studies. One day, we plannd to go out wid frnds as we were gud
frnds. We went out. We enjoyed. Dat was the firstday when we hugged n
kissed.
The very next day, when he calld me at night, i told him dat i luv u
too. He became very happy. I accepted him coz he doesnt drink or
smoke,hecared fr me, he never hurted me, he never complained, he
listened whenever i scolded him, he did everythng as per ma wish, he
waited 2years fr me.
Now , we are together, n i m verrrry lucky coz he luves me very much,
he didnt leave me at the time when his family toldhim to leave me,
when they bet him. He talks to me daily, his family doesnt know dat we
r together now also coz if they'll know dis than they'll take his cell
frm him n then how we'll talk. He is studying so he cant do anything
rite now. After studies, we r going to marry each other.
We r incomplete widout each othr. Isnt it a true love story. . .

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Published by :->
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Abu Anees Barkat Ali (R.A) - Sufism Biographies

The saints and seers of the caliber and stature of Ali Ibn Uthman
Al-Hujiwiri Al-Jullabi (d.107 CE) who founded a tariqa (wufi order),
discharged ta'lim (teaching), initiated murid (disciples or novices),
performed dhikr (remembrance of God), proffered spiritual healing,
conducted islah (reformation) and aboveall had spirituality reigning
most high in his being would not be born every so often. Al-Hujwiri
left the common legacy of his tantalizing and memorable Kashf
Al-Mahjub, the oldest text book par excellence on mystical dimension
ofIslam in Persian laguage,also available in major laguage of the
world especially Professor Nicholson's most readable translation
intoEnglish. He has these days the traditional fivefold role of the
khanqah (convent or lodge), ziyarat (shrine), masjid (mosque)
madrassah (school) and the guest house all adumbrated and imbuedin his
seminary in Lahore.
A man well known as Abu Anees Muhammad Barkat Ali, addressed lovingly
as Babbaji, was born in 1911 in the District of Ludhiana (EastPunjab)
and died on 26th January 1997. He was an embodment of all the
qualities and character-traits of the great sufi masters and the pious
of the past (salf salehim). Once again he revived, practised and
displayed the essential of the Faith,living the while a simple and
meaningful life that his devotees take pride in. As a young army of
ficer in Royal Indian Engineers (Roorkee Cantt) he served for thirteen
years only and was boarded out honorably in 1945 for his hermetic
practices that he had sensed and perceived irretrievably form Makhdum
"Ala-ud-Din "Ali Ahmad As-Sabir (d. 1290 CE) by his regular attendance
at his khanqah in Kalyar onthe bank of a canal , some six miles due
North-East of Roorkee. Having been duly rewarded and blessed
spiritually there, he tookhis ba'iyat (allegiance) atthe hands of a
living Shaikh, Syed Amir Al-Hssan Ambalvi (d. 1955) whom Babaji often
referred to as ShahWalayat (Sultan of Mysticism), reaping and
enhancing further his erudition and knowledge under his tuition and in
his company. Command by his Sahikh, Babaji and his family migrated to
the new homeland in Pakistan in 1947 and after initial wanderings for
a year or so finally settled at Salarwala in District Faisalabad
wherehe founded an institute called Dar-ul-Ehsan and wrote and
published his master pieces:Kitab Al-Amal Bis-Sunnah Al-M'aroof Tartib
Sharif Volumes 1-6; MakshoofatMan azil-I-Ehsan Volumes1-5 ; Asma'
Al-Nabi Al Karaim (PBUH). He completed his saying, Maqalat-I-Hikmat
volumes 1-30, at Camp Dar-ul-Ehsan, an other convent, a prototype of
his mentor Al-Kalyari's , he founded after his still another migration
in 1983 to an open farraland on the bank ofa canal situated some six,
miles away form the City of Faisalabad on Samundri Road.
Some of Abu Anees Muhammad Barkat Ali's monumental works havealready
been translated into English and are published and distributed free of
charge by Dar-ul-Ehsan Publications based in Huddersfield, UK, and
registered as an international religious charity with the Charity
Commission (London). The books in Urdu, Arabic and Persian original
have been scanned on to CDs and DVDs for wider distributions to the
benefit of the Muslim Ummah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in particular
and interestednon-Muslims in general
Even during his life time his publication reached all over the world
and people visited him from far and wide. His scholarship was
acclaimed by leading scholars of his time. Dr Abdul Alim, the Rector
of Al-Azhar University (Cairo) and Professor Hussain Nasr, the
Vice-Chancellor of Tehran University in 1387 AH, later on the Shah of
Iran's roving ambassador on Iranian Culture, and the author of several
voluminous and celebrated books oncontemporary Islam, both visited him
to pay their homage. Babaji wrote and honoured Professor Hussain Nasr
with a stunning spas'name (welcome address) in Persian that was also
published in one of his monthly issuesof Dar-ul-Ehsan. The address
portrayed Babaji's deep devotion to and respect for the descendants of
the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH) on the one hand and appreciation of
the Professor's contribution to Da'wah-o-Tabligh Al –Islam on the
other. One of the couplets of the address reads thus.
"A voice came to me from the quarters unknown;
'Beware! O the dwellers of (Pakistan) the land renown,
The Honorable visitor, the offspring of the Prophets' Crown (PBUH),
Is Hussain Nasr, the Spiritof the Faith, wearing thedan's gown.'"
Professor Sayed Hussain Nasr currently holds the Chair of Cultural
Studies in one of the leading American Universities.
Dr Hakim Ghulam Mu'in-ud-Din Chisti, and American convert to Islam and
Shaikh Al-Chistiyyah of America, has described Babaji's religious
practices in thefollowing words: "He is truly the embodiment of heart
and soul of the Dinof Islam, and all people should strive to emulate
him as he is one who comes so to fulfilling the sunnah of our beloved
Prophet (PBUH). "It was much less to do with his clairvoyance and
miraculous utterance than his magnetic person and charming disposition
that people visited him. His was so captivating a smile that a visitor
said goodbye tohim alright, but left his heart and mind behind with
Babaji, longing to come back for his blessings again and again. When
another American visitor was asked, he replied: "In Babaji's company I
found myself spiritually invigorated and physically elevated in peace
with myself."
The sick were treated free of charge at Babaji'shospitals where he
administered at both Camp and Dar-ul-Ehsan campuses twice a year eye
camps for hundreds of thousands blinds suffering from cataract fand
other eye ailments. The hospitals are carrying out un-stintingly and
continually the selfless and free services to the less privileged,
deprived and disadvantaged members of the public. To this kind of
community developmentspirit, Babaji alludes in his foreword to The
Book of Sufi Healing: "Not even the highest degree of dedication to
worship may earn anybody the claim of divine forgiveness or recompense
in any otherform, yet there is one thing that everybody should make
sure of, which shall not go unrequited under any circumstances by
Allah the Almighty, and that is the selfless service to theailing
humanity.
Babaji set up a madrassah in his sanctuary for the education of the
children of the new converts to Islam. He devised courses and wrote
primers/books of his own which are these in wide use in mosque
schools. For the converts themselves, who were primarily nomads, he
had the houses built with the moneys received from his friends. His
life has been an exemplary model of the fiscal propriety in Islam for
emulation by individual and collective life stances in Pakistan.
These words in his memory are our token of love for him as also
invitation to the readers to delve into his writingsfor the good of
our soulsand welfare of the collective life in the motherland whose
security and prosperity were upper in his mind and embedded deep in
his heart. A couple of years before his demise, he is on record with
the Pakistan TV interview, having prayed passionately for the good of
Pakistan, her integrity, prosperity and glory amongst the comity of
world nations.
For those who had a calling for it, Babaji imparted spiritual
knowledge in some fourteen different mystical Orders, including most
importantly the Mustafwiyyah and Qadariyyah. His scholarship would
have us believe his deep studyand reading of the mystical literature.
For example, the sufi masters in the mystic orders stand divided over
the Nature and Dhat (Being) of Allah the Almighty the one called the
Wujudiyyah (everything is with Him) and the other the shuhudiyyah
(everthing is with Him). Muhiyyid-din Muhammad Ibn Al-Arabi(d. 1240
CE), the Shaik Al-Akbar of Sapin, is the well-known exponent of the
former and Shaikh Badar-ud-Din Ahmad As-Sirhindi (d. 1624 CE),
Mujaddad Alif-Thani, of the latter. Reconciling the two Babaji writes
that it is the same light (nur) of Allah the Almighty that permeates
and pervades the dry blade of grass as it does in a rose referring at
thesame time to the saying of the Holy Messenger (PBUH) 'ponder over
the shuyunat (qualities/attributes) of Allah the Almighty and not His
Dhat). He laid a great deal of stress on character building and strong
moral ethics. In this regard, his Makshoofat Manzal-Ehsan is a dossier
and sum total of Maqaram Al-Akhlaq (the praise worthy morals) and
Makhraj Al-Akhlaq (the desultory or derogatory conduct)
In fulfillment of the fivefold cardinal sufic parameters above the
daily sessions of dhikr ere held uninterruptedlyin his life time and
still are at his seminaries andat the households of some of his
devotees. The dhikr has been commanded by Allah theAlmighty; the Holy
Prophet (PBUH) performed it as it is the cure for the ailments of
physical body and ills of the society. Babaji ate and slept little,
dressed simply and wrote profusely. He gave away by the evening the
daily donations and presents that he received from hisfriends and
devotees, lived like birds with trustin Allah the Almighty. He died on
16th Ramadan Al-Mubarak, the day when his shrine in Camp Dar-ul-Ehsan
is jam packed with thousands of his devotees from throughout Pakistan
andabroad thus paying homage to their dear mentor at the anniversary

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

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