How can a Muslim thankhis Lord for His many blessings?

What are the best ways amuslim can thank Allah for all the blessings
HE has bestowed on us.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Thanks or gratitude means reciprocating kindness and giving praise to
the one who has done good and kind things. The one who is most
deserving of thanks and praise from people is Allaah, may He be
glorified and exalted,because of the great favours and blessings that
He has bestowed upon His slaves in both spiritual and worldly terms.
Allaah has commanded us to give thanks to Him for those blessings, and
not to deny them. He says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying). I will remember you,
and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be
ungrateful to Me"
[al-Baqarah 2:152]
Secondly:
The greatest ones who obeyed this command, and gave thanks to their
Lord until they deserved to be described as shaakir and shakoor
(thankful) are the Prophets and Messengers (blessings and peace of
Allaah be upon him).
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Verily, Ibraaheem (Abraham) was an Ummah (a leader having all the
good righteous qualities), or a nation, obedient to Allaah, Haneef
(i.e. to worship none but Allaah), and he was not one of those who
were Al-Mushrikoon (polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the
Oneness of Allaah, and those who joined partners with Allaah).
121. (He was) thankful for His (Allaah's) Favours.He (Allaah) chose
him (asan intimate friend) and guided him to a Straight Path (Islamic
Monotheism -- neither Judaism nor Christianity)"
[al-Nahl 16:120, 121]
"O offspring of those whom We carried (in theship) with Nûh (Noah)!
Verily, he was a grateful slave"
[al-Isra' 17:3]
Thirdly:
Allaah has mentioned some of the blessings that He has bestowed upon
His slaves, and has commanded them to be grateful for them, and has
told us that few of His slaves give thanks to Him:
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
1.
"O you who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah -- Islamic Monotheism)!
Eatof the lawful things that We have provided you with, and be
grateful to Allaah, if it is indeed He Whom you worship"
[al-Baqarah 2:172]
2.
"And surely, We gave you authority on the earth and appointed for you
therein provisions (for your life). Little thanks do you give"
[al-A'raaf 7:10]
3.
"And among His Signs is this, that He sends the winds as glad tidings,
giving you a taste of His Mercy (i.e. rain), and thatthe ships may
sail at His Command, and that you may seek of His Bounty, in order
that you may bethankful"
[al-Room 31:46]
4.
Among spiritual blessings, He mentions (interpretation of the meaning):
"O you who believe! When you intend to offer As-Salaah (the prayer),
wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, rub (by
passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to the
ankles. If you are in a state of Janaaba (i.e. after a sexual
discharge), purify yourselves (bathe your whole body). But if you are
ill or on a journey, orany of you comes after answering the call of
nature, or you have been in contact with women (i.e. sexual
intercourse), and you find no water, then perform Tayammum with clean
earth and rubtherewith your faces and hands. Allaah does not want to
place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you, and to complete
His Favour to you that you may be thankful"
[al-Maa'idah 5:6]
and there are many other blessings. We haveonly mentioned some of
these blessings here; listing all of them is impossible, as Allaah
says(interpretation of the meaning):
"And He gave you of all that you asked for, and if you count the
Blessings of Allaah, neverwill you be able to countthem. Verily, man
is indeed an extreme wrongdoer, a disbeliever (an extreme ingrate who
denies Allaah's Blessings by disbelief, and by worshipping others
besides Allaah, and by disobeying Allaah and His Prophet Muhammad صلى
الله عليه وسلم)"
[Ibraaheem 14:34]
Then Allaah blessed us and forgave us our shortcomings in giving
thanks for these blessings. He says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And if you would count the Favours of Allaah, never could you be able
to count them. Truly, Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful"
[al-Nahl 16:18]
The Muslim is always asking his Lord to help him to give thanks to
Him, because were it notfor Allaah's helping His slave, he would not
be able to give thanks. Hence it is prescribed in the saheeh Sunnah to
ask for help from Allaah to give thanks to Him.
It was narrated from Mu'aadh ibn Jabal that the Messenger of Allaah
(blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) took his hand and said: "O
Mu'aadh, by Allaah I love you, by Allaah I love you." Then he said, "I
advise you, O Mu'aadh, do not fail following every prayer to say: O
Allaah help me to remember You, thank You and worship You properly."
Narrated by Abu Dawood (1522) and al-Nasaa'i (1303); classedas saheeh
by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.
Gratitude for blessings isa cause of them being increased, as Allaah
says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: 'Ifyou give thanks (by
accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allaah), I will give you more
(of My Blessings); but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers),
verily, My punishment is indeedsevere'"
[Ibraaheem 14:7]
Fourthly:
How can a person thank his Lord for His great blessings? His gratitude
should fulfil all the necessary conditions, which are gratitude of the
heart, gratitude of the tongue and gratitude of the physical
faculties.
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
Gratitude may be in the heart, in submission and humility; on the
tongue, in praise and acknowledgement; and in the physical faculties,
by means of obedience and submission.
Madaarij al-Saalikeen (2/246)
The details of that:
1.
Gratitude of the heart: what is meant is that theheart senses the
value ofthe blessings that Allaah has bestowed upon His slave, and
fully acknowledges that the one who has bestowed these great blessings
is Allaah alone, with no partner or associate. Allaah says
(interpretation of the meaning):
"And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allaah"
[al-Nahl 16:53].
This acknowledgement is not mustahabb, ratherit is obligatory.
Whoeverattributes these blessings to anyone other than Allaah has
disbelieved.
Shaykh 'Abd al-Rahmaanal-Sa'di (may Allaah havemercy on him) said:
What man should do is attribute blessings to Allaah and acknowledge
them fully. Thus he will attain complete Tawheed. Whoever denies the
blessings of Allaah in his heart or on his tongue, is a kaafir and has
nothing to do with Islam.
Whoever affirms in his heart that all blessings come from Allaah
alone, but verbally he sometimes attributes them to Allaah and
sometimes attributes them to himself, or his actions, or the efforts
of someone else -- as happens on the lips of many people -- this is
something that the person must repent from, and he should not
attribute blessings to anyone except their Creator, and he must strive
to make himself do that, because faith and Tawheed cannot be attained
except by attributing blessings to Allaah.
The gratitude which is the head of faith is based on three pillars:
acknowledgement of the heart of all the blessings that Allaah has
bestowed upon him, andupon others, and talkingabout them; praising
Allaah for them; and using them to obey the One Who bestowed the
blessings and to worshipHim.
Al-Qawl al-Sadeed fi Maqaasid al-Tawheed (p.140)
Allaah says, describing the situation of one whodenies attribution of
blessings to Allaah (interpretation of the meaning):
"They recognise the Grace of Allaah, yet they deny it (by worshipping
others besides Allaah) and most of them are disbelievers (deny the
Prophethood of Muhammad صلىالله عليه وسلم)"
[al-Nahl 16:83].
Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
i.e., they acknowledge that Allaah is the one who grants them that,
and He is the one who bestows that favour upon them, yet despite that
they deny it, and worship others alongside Him, and attribute victory
and provision to someone other than Him.
Tafseer Ibn Katheer (4/592).
2.
As for gratitude of the tongue, it means acknowledging verbally -
after believing in the heart- that the one who grants blessing is
indeedAllaah, and keeping the tongue busy with praise of Allaah, may
He be glorified and exalted.
Allaah says, explaining His blessings to His slave Muhammad (blessings
and peace of Allaah be upon him): "And He found you poor and made you
rich (self-sufficient with self-contentment)?" [al-Duha 93:8]. Then He
reminded him in return for that: "And proclaim the Grace of your Lord
(i.e. the Prophethood and all other Graces)" [al-Duha 93:11].
Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
i.e., as you were poor and in need, then Allaah made you rich and
independent of means: then speak of the blessing of Allaah bestowed
upon you.
Tafseer Ibn Katheer (8/427).
It was narrated that Anasibn Maalik said: the Messenger of Allaah
(blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) said: "Allaah is pleased
with a person who eats some food and then praises Him for it, or who
drinks some drink and then praises Him for it."
Narrated by Muslim (2734).
Abu'l-'Abbaas al-Qurtubi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
Praise here means gratitude, and we have seen above that praise may
take the place of gratitude but gratitude may not take the place of
praise. This indicates that gratitude for blessings -- even if they
are few -- is a means of attaining the pleasure ofAllaah, may He be
exalted, which is the noblest situation of the people of Paradise.
When the people of Paradise say, "You have given to us what You have
not given to anyone among Your creation," Allaah will say to them: "
Shall I not give you something better than that?" They will say, "What
is it? Have You not brightenedour faces, and admitted us to Paradise
and savedus from Hell?" He will say, " I bestow My pleasure upon you,
and Iwill never be angry with you after that."
Gratitude is a means of attaining that great honour because it implies
acknowledgement of the Bestower of blessings and acknowledging Him
alone as the Creator of that blessing and the One Who caused it to
reach the recipient of the blessing, as an honour and favour from the
Bestower, and that the recipient of the blessing is poor and is inneed
of that blessing, and cannot do without it. So this is an
acknowledgement of the rights and bounty of Allaah, and the duty and
need of the slave. So Allaah has caused the reward for that
acknowledgement to be this great honour.
Al-Mufhim lima ashkala min Talkhees Kitaab Muslim (7/60, 61).
Hence some of the salaf said: Whoever conceals ablessing has denied
it, but whoever manifests itand spreads it has given thanks for it.
Ibn al-Qayyim said, commenting on that:
This is based on the words: "When Allaah bestows a blessing upon a
person, He loves the effect of His blessing to be seen on His slave."
Madaarij al-Saalikeen (2/246).
It was narrated from 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-'Azeez (may Allaah have mercy
on him) that he said: Remind one another of blessings, for mentioning
them is gratitude.
3.
Gratitude of the physical faculties means using one's physical
faculties in obedience of Allaah and keeping them from committing sins
and actsof disobedience that Allaah has forbidden.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
" 'Work you, O family of Dawood (David), with thanks!""
[Saba' 34:13]
It was narrated that 'Aa'ishah said: When the Messenger of Allaah
(blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) prayed, he would stand for
so long that his feet became swollen. 'Aa'ishah said: O Messenger of
Allaah, are you doing this when Allaah has forgiven your past and
future sins? He said: "O 'Aa'ishah, shouldI not be a thankful slave?"
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (4557) and Muslim (2820).
Ibn Battaal (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
Al-Tabari said: the correct view concerning that is that the person's
gratitude is affirming that this is from Allaah and no one else, and
affirmation of this fact isaction, and it is confirmed by action. As
for the affirmation which is contradicted by action, the one who does
that does not deserve to be called grateful at all. But it maybe
called gratitude of the tongue. The evidence that this is trueis the
words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning): " 'Work you, Ofamily
of Dawood (David), with thanks!'"[Saba' 34:13]. It is well known that
He did not order them, when He said that to them, to affirm His
blessings, because they did not deny that this was a favour from Him
to them. Rather He commanded them to give thanks for His blessings by
obeying Him in their actions. Similarly, the Prophet (blessings and
peace of Allaah be upon him), when his feet swelled upas he was
praying at night, said: "Should I notbe a thankful slave?"
Sharh Saheeh al-Bukhaari (10/183, 184).
Abu Haroon said: I entered upon Abu Haazim, and said to him: May
Allaah have mercy on you, what is the gratitude of the eyes? Hesaid:
If you see something good with them, you mention it, and if you see
something bad with them, you conceal it. I said: What is the gratitude
of the ears? Hesaid: If you hear something good with them, you
remember it, and if you hear something bad with them, you forget it.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
Gratitude is of two degrees, one of which is obligatory, which is
doing obligatory actionsand avoiding haraam things. This is essential
and is sufficient as gratitude for these blessings.
Hence one of the salaf said:
Gratitude means giving up sin.
And one of them said: Gratitude means not using any blessing to help
one to disobey Him.
Abu Haazim al-Zaahid mentioned gratitude of all the physical
faculties: (It means) refraining from sin, and using themto help one
to do acts of obedience. Then he said:As for the one who givesthanks
with his tongue but does not give thankswith all of his physical
faculties, his likeness is that of a man who has a cloak and takes
hold of the edge of it, but does not put it on, so it is of no benefit
to him against cold or heat or snow or rain.
The second degree of gratitude is that which ismustahabb, which is
when, after doing obligatory actions and avoiding haraam things, a
person does supererogatory acts of worship. This is the degree of
those who have gone ahead and closer to Allaah.
Jaami' al-'Uloom wa'l-Hukam (p. 245, 246)
Summary:
In order to be grateful toyour Lord for the blessings that He has
bestowed upon you, youmust acknowledge in your heart that the giverof
these blessings and the bestower is Allaah, may He be exalted, so you
venerate Him, attribute it to Him, and you acknowledge that with your
tongue, so you give thanks to Him after waking from sleep for having
given new life, and after eating anddrinking for having provided you
with them and bestowed them upon you, and so on with every blessing
that you see in your life.
You give thanks with your physical faculties bynot letting them see or
hear any sin or evil, suchas singing or gossip; youdo not walk with
your feet to haraam places; you do not use your hands to commit evil,
such as haraam writing in a relationship with non-mahram women, or
writing haraam contracts, or making or doing anything haraam. Giving
thanks with the physical faculties for blessings also includes using
them to obey Allaah, by reading Qur'aan and books of knowledge,
listening to beneficial and useful things, and so on with all the
faculties which you should use in various kinds of obedience and
worship.
Remember that gratitude for blessings isa blessing which needs to be
given thanks for, so that one will continueto enjoy the blessings of
his Lord, thanking his Lord for those blessings and praising Him for
helping him to be among those who give thanks.
We ask Allaah, may He beexalted, to help us and you to do that which
He loves and which pleases Him.
And Allaah knows best.

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

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Muslims – What does the Qur’an say about Isa (Jesus)?

Over 1400 years ago, Muhammad (Mohammed)was born in Arabia. His father
Abdullah was of the tribe of Qureyshi, anddied before Muhammad was
born.
As a lad, Muhammad traveled to Syria with his uncle on merchant
caravans. Years later, he made the same journey while working for a
wealthy widow named Khadijah. He later married her and, even though he
was 15 years younger than she was, they had a good marriage.
Muhammad soon gained rank among the notables of Mecca. The Meccans
claimed to be descendants of Abraham (Ibrahim).
As one who abhorred evil, Muhammad detestedthose who disobeyed
theScriptures. He was familiar with the teachings of the Jewish and
Christian holy book the Bible (perhaps in reading it himself, if he
was literate, or in learning of it through oral means via
storytelling). He was very upset with the hypocrisy among the people:
the idol worship, and anything dishonoring to God was very revolting
toHim. He believed that Allah had revealed the Torah and the gospels
(the Injil).
"ALLAH is HE besides Whom there is none worthy of worship, the Living,
the Self-Subsistingand All-Sustaining. HE hassent down to thee the
Book containing the truth and fulfilling that which precedes it; and
HEhas sent down the Torah (Law of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus)
before this, as a guidance to the people; and HE has sent down the
Discrimination (judgement between right and wrong)."—Qur'an, Surah
3:3-4
One who was greatly respected by Muhammad was Abraham (Ibrahim), whom
he called an upright and righteous man.
"Abraham was indeed a paragon of virtue, obedient to ALLAH, ever
inclined to HIM, and he was not of those who set up equals with ALLAH;
Ever grateful for HIS favours: HE chose him and guided him to a
straight path. And WE bestowed on him good in this world, and in the
Hereafter he will surely be among the righteous. And now WE have sent
revelation to thee, enjoining, 'Follow the way of Abraham who was ever
inclined to ALLAH and was not of those who set up equals to
HIM.'"—Qur'an, Surah 16:121-124
Abraham was also lookedupon as one who fulfilledGod's commands:
"And remember when hisLord tried Abraham with certain commandments
which he fulfilled, HE said, 'I will make thee a leader of men.'
Abraham asked, 'And from among my offspring?' God said, 'MY covenant
does not embrace the transgressors.'"—Qur'an, Surah 2:125
Muhammad also had great understanding of the scriptures and faith in
the angels who told Zechariah he would havea son (as in Luke 1:18,
57-60).
"So her Lord accepted her with gracious acceptance and caused her to
grow an excellent growth and made Zachariah her guardian. Whenever
Zachariah visited her in the chamber, he found with her provisions. He
said, 'OMary whence hast thou this ?' She replied, 'It is from ALLAH.'
Surely ALLAH gives to whomsoever HE pleases without measure.
Then and there did Zachariah pray to his Lord, saying, 'My Lord grant
me from Thyself pure offspring; surely thou art the Hearer of Prayer.'
And the angels called to him as he stood praying in the chamber,
'ALLAH gives thee glad tidings ofYahya, who shall testify to the truth
of a word from ALLAH – noble and chaste and a Prophet, from among the
righteous.
He said 'My Lord, how shall I have a son, when old age has overtaken
me already, and my wife is barren?' He answered, 'Such is the way of
ALLAH;HE does what HE pleases,'
He said 'My Lord, give me a commandment.' He replied, 'The commandment
for thee isthat thou shalt not speak to men for three days except by
signs.
And remember thy Lord much and glorify HIM in the evening and in the
early morning.' And remember when the angels said, 'ALLAH has chosen
thee and purified thee and chosen thee above all women of the time.
'O Mary, be obedient to thy Lord and prostrate thyself and worship the
one God with those who worship HIM.'
This is of the tidings of things unseen which WE reveal to thee. And
thou was not with them when they cast their arrows, as to which of
them should be the guardian of Mary, nor was thou with them when they
disputed with one another.
When the angels said, 'O Mary, ALLAH gives thee glad tidings of a son
through a word from HIM; his name shall be theMessiah, Jesus, son of
Mary, honoured in this world and in the next, and of those who are
granted nearness to God;
'And he shall speak to thepeople in the cradle, and when of middle
age, and he shall be of the righteous.
She said, 'My Lord, how shall I have a son, when no man has touched
me? He said, 'Such is the way of ALLAH. HE creates what HE pleases.
When HE decrees a thing HE says toit 'Be,' and it is;"—Qur'an,Surah
3:38-48
Muhammad also speaks of the resurrection of Jesus :
"Thereupon she pointed to him. They said, 'How can we talk to one who
isa child in the cradle?' Jesus said, 'I am a servantof ALLAH. HE has
given methe Book, and has made me a Prophet; 'And HE hasmade me
blessed wheresoever I may be, and has enjoined upon me Prayer and
almsgiving so long as I live; 'And HE has made medutiful towards my
mother, and has not made me arrogant and graceless; 'And peace wason
me the day I was born, and peace will be on me the day I shall die,
and the day I shall be raised up to life again.' That was Jesus, son
of Mary. This is a statement of the truth concerning which they
entertain doubt."—Qur'an, Surah 19:30-35
In calling Jesus a messenger, Muhammad was also correct. He did not
mean that Jesus was not the Messiah. Muhammad knew that one could be a
messenger and not be a Messiah… but as The Messiah, one is also a
messenger.
Jesus was both a messenger and The Messiah that Allah had promised!
What is a Messiah? A Messiah is always known as "a Saviour… a
liberator and a deliverer." God had promised to send one (Messiah) to
pay the debt of sin for all mankind.
The Messiah!… God's gift to sinful man… The Saviour… The Liberator…
Our Redeemer. The prophets of the Torah foretold of His coming.
Muhammad and his Disciples revered Him… the Qur'an and the Bible
reveal Him! The Messiah…The Saviour of the world!Neither the Qur'an
nor the Bible speak of any other as being the Messiah!!!
Dear friend, that is the most profound truth! Andit is truth that
cannot be denied. Jesus is the one and only Messiah. He is the
Saviour. He is the Messiah of the Muslims, the Jews, and the Gentiles.
Millions throughout the world of every nation and creed accept Him as
Saviour.
Many have followed falseMessiahs and had their lives ended in death.
They were sincere, but they were sincerely wrong. Had they only
accepted the indisputable claim that Jesus is the Messiah, they would
have found the peace that they were looking for, and the eternal life
that God has promised to all who will accept Jesus as Messiah… the
Saviour of the world. Yes, Isah Al Masih loves you! The Messiah that
Muhammad wrote about… to forgive you and to be your Saviour… your
Liberator… your Deliverer from sin. History tells us that He was
crucified and died on a cross. History tells us that three days later
there was an empty tomb. History, and hundreds of eye witnesses, tell
us that He rose from the dead. But sadly many also reject thelove and
forgiveness God has offered in Jesus.
Allah has given you a freewill. YOU must make a choice. You cannot be neutral.
Don't take this writer's word for it. Investigate for yourself the
claims of Muhammad, the prophecies in the Torah, and the life of Jesus
written in the Bible. The prophecies that were fulfilled by His birth,
life, death and resurrection.
Check out the reasons why Paul, the greatest persecutor of Jesus'
followers, became such a strong believer in Jesus as the Messiah… and
why he became the world's greatest missionary.
If you are not already a follower of Isah (Jesus), you must make a
choice 1) to believe that Jesus is the Messiah OR 2) to reject Him as
Saviour. Youcan choose to believe theMessiah, Jesus, who said He
would, and did, rise from the dead. Allah gaveJesus, born miraculously
through Mary (Maryam, Sura 3:45) as Muhammed agreed, to the world… for
you.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life."—John 3:16
("Son of God" does not mean that God had physical relations with Mary,
but rather that Godwilled it supernaturally that Mary would become the
earthly mother of Jesus even as a virgin. See Surah 3:47-48)
Allah loves you. How could anyone want to reject such a wonderful
love… reject Allah's forgiveness… His promises of eternal life? The
Bible teaches how we can know where we will spend eternity.
Explore what the Scripture teaches…
How can I be assured of spending eternity with Allah (God) in Paradise? Answer
Learn more about Jesus Christ. Who was he? Whatdid he claim? Was he
resurrected from the dead? Go…
The Messiah – Was Jesus really him?
Fulfilled prophecies about Jesus
Was Christ's body stolen?
Did Jesus really die?
Were the witnesses hallucinating?
What's so important about all this?
Resurrection – Did Christ really rise from the dead?
What does the Islam teach about the crucifixion of Isa (Jesus)?
Is the resurrection a myth?
What about all those Biblical contradictions?
How do we know the Bible is true?
Hasn't Evolution proved the Bible is wrong?
How can the Bible be infallible if it was writtenby fallible humans?
Divinity – Is Jesus Christ really God?
Do Christians worship three gods?
Muslims are seeking the truth by the thousands. Visit
www.IsaalMasih.net and learn about Hazrat Isa, dreams and visions
ofthe "Man in White", the holy message of the Al-Kitab, and more…

* What’s the Difference Between Shia and Sunni Muslims?

Answer: Both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the most fundamental
Islamicbeliefs and articles of faith . The differences between these
two main sub-groups within Islam initially stemmed not from spiritual
differences, but political ones. Over the centuries, however, these
political differences have spawned a number of varying practices and
positions which have come to carry a spiritual significance.
Origins – A Question of Leadership
The division between Shia and Sunni dates back to the death of the
Prophet Muhammad, andthe question of who was to take over the
leadership of the Muslim nation. Sunni Muslims agree with the position
taken by many of the Prophet's companions, that the new leader should
be elected from among those capable of the job. This is what was done,
and the Prophet Muhammad's close friendand advisor, Abu Bakr, became
the first Caliph ofthe Islamic nation. The word "Sunni" in Arabic
comes from a word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the
Prophet."
On the other hand, some Muslims share the belief that leadership
should have stayed within the Prophet's own family, among those
specifically appointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God
Himself.
The Shia Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death,
leadership should have passed directly to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali
bin Abu Talib . Throughout history, Shia Muslims have not recognized
the authority of elected Muslim leaders,choosing instead to follow a
line of Imams which they believe have been appointed by the Prophet
Muhammad or God Himself. The word "Shia" in Arabic means a group or
supportive party of people. The commonly-known term isshortened from
the historical "Shia-t-Ali," or "the Party of Ali." They are also
known as followers of "Ahl-al-Bayt"or "People of the Household" (of
the Prophet).
Distribution
Sunni Muslims make up the majority (85%) of Muslims all over the
world. Significant populations of Shia Muslims can be found in Iran
and Iraq, and large minority communities in Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, and
Lebanon.
Differences in Religious Practice
From this initial question of political leadership, some aspects of
spiritual life have been affected and now differ between the two
groups of Muslims.
It is important to remember that despite these differences in opinion
and practice, Shia and Sunni Muslims share the main articles ofIslamic
belief and are considered by most to be brethren in faith. In fact,
most Muslims do not distinguish themselves byclaiming membership in
any particular group, but prefer to call themselves simply, "Muslims."
Religious Leadership
Shia Muslims believe that the Imam is sinless by nature, and that his
authority is infallible as itcomes directly from God. Therefore, Shia
Muslims often venerate the Imamsas saints and perform pilgrimages to
their tombs and shrines in the hopes of divine intercession.
Sunni Muslims counter that there is no basis in Islam for a hereditary
privileged class of spiritual leaders, and certainly no basis for the
veneration or intercession of saints. Sunni Muslims contend that
leadership of the community is not a birthright, but a trust that is
earned and which may be given or taken away by the people themselves.
Religious Texts and Practices
Shia Muslims also feel animosity towards some of the companions of the
Prophet Muhammad, based on their positions and actions during the
early years of discord about leadership in the community. Many of
these companions ( Abu Bakr , Umar ibn Al Khattab , Aisha, etc.) have
narrated traditions aboutthe Prophet's life and spiritual practice.
Shia Muslims reject these traditions ( hadith ) and do not base any of
their religious practices on thetestimony of these individuals. This
naturallygives rise to some differences in religious practice between
the two groups. These differences touch all detailed aspects of
religious life: prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, etc.

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

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Hadrat Syed Ghulam Haider Shah (R.A) - Sufism Biographies

The teachings of Islam are so simple, straight forward and convincing
that during the life time of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)
andhis Caliphs the light of Islam reached as far as Azerbaijan and to
the fareastern parts of Asia, despite the slow means of
communications. The reason of wide acceptance is truthfulness,
simplicity, practicability and universality of Islam. Thepolitical
dominance may help to propagate any ideology and some historian
allegedly attribute the spread of Islam as the foot step of Muslim
forces. This is notcorrect, because one canwitness that the deeper
parts of Africa and far eastern parts of Asia, where Muslim army did
no march and yet Islam spread into these areas.
In South Asia, Islam penetrated because of the glories teachings of
Islam on all aspects of life that provide a comprehensive solution to
a better individual and communal life. The other significant
contributory was the impact and preaching ofMuslim saints and Sufis,
who modeled their lives according to principles of Islam. Their
helping attitude, flawless personality, respect for human beings,
straight forwardness and fair dealings with the local population,
influenced and encouraged as largenumber to embrace Islam. Hazrat Syed
Ghulam Haider Shah (1838-1908), a renowned religious figure and sufi,
contributed a lot to the spread of Islam and to develop a through and
deep belief on its teachings. Al-though century has passed yet his
principles, teachings and attitude towards lifeis providing guidance
to large number of his followers, all over the world. His impressive
religious personality has turned jalalpur Shareef into a symbol of
light and inspiration. He belonged to Chishtiya order of Sufism. Malik
Muhammad Din, a writer, truly claims in hisbook: "Ziker-e-Habib" that
India has been a kingdom of Chishties, from Ras-Kumari to Nanga
Parbat, and Hazrat Syed Ghulam Haider Shah has been a ruler of the
spiritual world and has been ruling the hearts of people.
Hazrat Syed Ghulam Haider Shah was born in a beautiful hilly town,
Jalapur Shareef, situatedon the western bank of River Jehlum, near
Kahwera saltmines in district Jehlum. The grand father (Syed
SakhiShah) and father (Syed Juma Shah) of Syed Ghulam Haider Shah have
been renowned fortheir steadfastness and trustworthiness in the
region.
His mother, from a Syed family of Khewah (Gujrat), had been very
pious, a resolute lady and very considerate towards poor and
needyones. The alms were never turned down to beggars, visiting her
doorstep. Since his childhood Syed Ghulam Haider Shah had decent
habits, clear thinking and complete faith and confidence in the
supremacy and authorityof Allah. He learned Holy Quran from Mian Khan
and his uncle Syed ImamShah. Among other teachers were Mian Mohammad
Kamil and Mufti Ghulam Mohaiuddin, who were distinguished scholars
inthe region at that time.
As he reached his youth, Allah blessed him with strong and healthy
built.He had fair wheatish complexion and attractive black eyes,
fullof confidence and conviction. His father used to impress upon him
to lead a life with chastity. He honoured father's advice and through
out his life, avoided even mnor touch with anyna-mahram lady. He got
married at the age of sixteen. After two years he had to witness the
bereavement of his father, who was at the same time a spiritual tutor
and with whom hewas deeply attached. Before the demise, his father
instructed and advised him, "Lead simple, chaste and respectable life.
Always remember the Supreme Authority, Allah and Sunnah (practice and
preaching of holy prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) should be the
conduct oflife. Be-caring and considerate to relatives and also
towards needy and poor. Be respectful to elders and loving and caring
towards younger.Most visit every day, the shrine of Syed Miran Shakir
fro spiritual guidance and strength".Syed Miran Shakir, whose shrine
is about three miles up-hills from Jallalpur Shareef, is the eldest
sonof well known Syed Shah Muhammad Ghaus, who is buried in Lahore
between Akbari and DilliGate).
The obedient son acted according to the will of his father. He led
simple, contented and devout life according to the guide lines set by
Quraanand Sunnah. He strived to gain know ledge and be beneficial for
people. Because of his generosity he is remembered as Gharib-Nawaz
(generous to poor). Despite his own early moderate economic
conditions, he used to gi8ve alms to any beggar visiting his doorstep
and helped thetravelers and needy ones, irrespective of their religion
or creed.
His non-discriminating attitude was according to the teaching of
Islam. As every Muslim in his five prayers repeats nearly twenty
times, every day: (Assalam-o-Alaina wa ala ibad Allah-is-saleheen),
for the salamti (safety and survival) of himself and saleh (good)
human beings, irrespective of their religion or creed.
Syed Ghulam Haider Shah mostly used to spend evenings and occasionally
nights at Hazrat Miran Shakir's shine that used to be deserted at
nights. One night the heard a voice, instructing him to see Syed
Ghulam Shah of a nearby town Haranpur for silsilah-e-bait (spiritual
link). When he met Syed Ghulam Shah Haranpuri, he said," Yourbait is
not easy for me, I will lead you to Khawajah Shamsuddin Sialvi (a
well-known Sufiand religious scholar of his times)".
As both of them reached Sial Shareef, a town in district Jhang, Syed
Ghulam Shah Haranpuri introduced him to Khawajah Shamsuddin Sialvi,
"He is a Syed from Jalalpur and is desirous of bait".Khawajah
Shamsuddin Sialvi, as if waiting for such a pious,devout and capable
figure, welcomed him and entered him to silsilah-e-bait. This bait
resulted in his spiritual growth and uplift. Gharib Nawaz developedtoo
much attachment and attraction for his Murshid (Spiritual
guide)Khawajah shamsuddin Sialvi and used to visit toSial Shareef, he
was awarded Khilafat and permission to accept hait from any follower.
He also studied books of Sufism, e.g., Muraqa Shareef Kashkaol, etc.
from his Murshid.
The virtues, purity and piousness of Syed Ghulam Haider Shah earned
great respect form Khwajah Silavi, who used to instruct a number of
salikeen and mureedain to go and seek bait of Syed GhulamHaider Shah,
Jalalpuri instead of his own. He used in his bait and that of Syed
Jalalpuri's bait.
Gharib-Nawaz Syed Ghulam Haider Shah, used to spend most of his time
remembering Allah, offering prayers, even not missing nowafils
(Non-obligatory worship), acquiring knowledge, study of sufiliterature
and guiding and helping visitors. At the same time he was very
attentive towards the welfare and betterment of his family,followers
and other matters of daily life. He maintained Langar (free meals for
followers, travelers and needy ones). He used to keep himself abreast
of political situation of the country and about the international
affairs. He was very perturbed overthe deteriorating political
conditions of Muslims in general and riots of 1907 in Bengal and
Punjab. In Islam there is no Rehbaniyat (Monkey or Participationboth
in religious as well as in worldly activities. Every worldly deed
becomes a religious activity when it is performed according to guide
lines and teachings of Islam and remembering and fearing Almighty
Allah allthe times.
Gharib-Nawaz Syed Ghulam Haider Shah led simple, clean and graceful
life. He was verygenerous and consistent in his commitments. He used
to preach and practice love for Allah, His Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be
Upon Him), Murshid and mankind and regarded it as a partof faith. He
desired his family and followers to be pious, cooperative, knowledge
and prolific. He hardly used to become angry with any one. He was
always a well wisher and never wished bad for anyone. Almighty Allah,
the Merciful, mostly rewarded whenever he prayed for the betterment of
any one, who visited him and requested for pray. Syed Mehr Ali Shah
Golarvi was peer-bhai (brother in spiritual order) and contemporary of
Syed Ghulam Haider Shah. Both had great respect and regard for each
other and worked jointly for the cause of Islam.
In 1905, Syed Ghulam Haider Shah, handed over Khilafat to his Younger
ason Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah and advised to help and guide people,
continue Langar Shareef and contribute in construction of facilities
for the visitors and followers. On afternoon of 5th July 1908 (5th
Jamadi-us-Sani, 1326 Hijra), following minor temperature he expired.
Malik Muhammad Din had written the biography, "Ziker-e-Habib" of Syed
GhulamHaider Shah. Many scholars and learned people expressed sorrow
and grief by written articles, poems and verses. Dr Allama Muhammad
Iqbal, also wrote quatrain indicating his high stature and date of
expiry in Persian.
It translates as, "Every one who visits the grave of peer Haider Shah,
described it as the glory of Koh-e-Toor (where Allah manifested His
glory to Prophet Moses).
An angel descended, from heaven and kissed hi grave, when asked about
his year to expiry, the angle replied, Maghfoor, (meaning pardoned and
exonerated one; the digit sum of the letters of Maghfoor is 1326, the
year according to the lunar calendar). The follower and devotees from
all around the world will gather to commemorate the 100thanniversary
of Syed Ghulam Haider Shah at Jallalpur Shareef, districtJehlum in
Second week of July.
After Syed Muzaffar Shah, his son, Hazrat Abdul Barkat Syed Muhammad
Fazal Shah, graced dargah Jallalpur Shareef. He was a great spiritual
as well as a religious leader and activity participated in the
movements for independence of Pakistan and Kashmir. The volunteers of
his Jamaat Hizbullah, foughtand struggled to liberateAzad jamun
Kashmir from Indian atrocities.
These days Hazrat Syed Anis Haider, the grand son of Syed Muhammad
Fazal Shah, is the spiritual leader and Sal adah Nasheen of Jallahpur
Shareef. He is highly qualified and has worked abroad for a long tiem.
He worked in UNO as Country Director for Afghan Affair. On account of
commitmentsand responsibilities entrusted upon him after the sad
demise of his father Syed Barket Ahmed (ex Joint Secretary,
Government. of Pakistan and Senator)he resigned from UNO in 2002. The
mile-stones of his mission are Education, Unity among Muslims and
Welfare andDevelopment of the followers, Pakistan and Muslims in
general. He is paying special attention towards grooming and education
of male and female students of Dar-ul-uloom Jamia Haideriah at
Jallalpur Shareef. He strongly desires that the education and
knowledge acquisition of Quran and Sunnah must proceed hand in hand
with scientific and technical education. Out of his busy schedule he
takes out time for spiritual guidance of thefollowers and also for
developmental and social activities.
His brother Hazrat Syed Tanveer Haider is also foreign qualified. He
hadbeen working in the Computer field at GHQ but left job, while
availing an opportunity to stay in Masjid-e-Nabvi,Madina Shareef.
Both brothers have high spiritual standings and are providing
inspiration and guidance to the followers. Both are looking after all
the affairs of Jallalpur Shareef jointly. May Allahbe merciful and
beneficent to them and all Muslims and give us strength to follow the
straight path indicated and followed by His Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be
Upon Him) andHis pious and good people who have been rewarded by Him.

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

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