Obstacles in the Path of Knowledge

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All Praise is due to Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala and Choicest Salutations upon His August Habib Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him.
We are sharing this brief note extracted from "Fadl al-Ilm wa al-Ulama", the Blessed book by Aarife-Billah, ash-Shaykh al-Imam Naqi Ali al-Qadiri Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho on the Excellence of Knowledge and the Ulama. Here we will discuss about some obstacles to the path of seeking knowledge. We humbly pray that this note will enlighten the hearts and encourage my Muslim brothers and sisters to acquire the knowledge of Deen.
Firstly, The strong resistance from the cursed Shaytan.
Be aware that the most hated and dangerous thing to the Cursed Shaytan is the seeking of knowledge. Therefore, he uses all his powers and resources to stop a student from learning. The Shaytan puts the most Waswasa (interference) on a student of Din. No other deed or worship besides the seeking of knowledge experiences such intensified opposition. The methods of combating these interferences are very simple. All the student has to do is remember all the Ayahs and Ahadith pertaining to the excellence of Ilm-e-Din and never pay attention to the obstruction of the evil Shaytan . Surely, an intelligent man will not give preference to the cursed Shaytan over the Bounties of the Merciful Lord SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala.
Secondly, Carnal desires (Nafs) are very demanding.
It hates hardship and loves relaxing. But when one realises that this world (Duniya) is temporary and that the Hereafter (Akhirah) is the everlasting and original abode, then indeed, the hardship of seeking knowledge becomes a pleasure. One must realise that the hardship of seeking knowledge lasts for a very short period and its benefits and pleasures are limitless. As time passes and the student gets the taste of knowledge, he will develop such pleasure that he will never be at peace without reading a book. No matter where he goes or what he does, he will never be relaxed if he does not read a book on Din.
Thirdly, Association with the public.
In the inception, set out some time to study in privacy and as one progress in this field, one will develop the love of knowledge so much so that everything else will have no value.
Fourthly, Worldly fame and honour.
It is obvious that the seeker of worldly fame is never successful and fades away in time to come. Worldly fame and honour is of no comparison to the honour of the Hereafter. How unfortunate are those who seek knowledge for this world and discard the wealth and dignity of the Hereafter? Such people destroy themselves by thinking that they are successful.
On the contrary, those who give preference to Ilm-e-Din over worldly fame, the Merciful Lord SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala certainly blesses them with honour and integrity in both the worlds. Shaykh Abu-Aswad Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho states that there is no merit greater than knowledge. A King rules over the people and the Ulama rules over them. Have you not seen that rulers have no choice but to implement the verdicts of the Ulama when matters are brought to their courts?
Anyone who loves and appreciates knowledge will surely not give preference to the kingdom of the world over it. It is reported that a destitute went to a King for a job. The King said that he was ignorant and not fit to serve him. He left and humbled himself at the feet of Imam Ghazali Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho to study Ilm-e-Din. There, he learnt about the dangers of this world and harms of associating with Kings and the wealthy people. However, Imam Ghazali’s company and tutorship made him an intellectual celebrity. One day, the King called him and assessed his profound knowledge. He was overwhelmed and said: “Now you are worthy of my service. What post would you like to take up?” The 'Aalim replied, “In the past, I was of no use to you and now you are of no use to me. Previously, you did not like me and now I do not like you.”
Fifthly, The greed of wealth.
It is obvious that the perishable wealth of this mundane world cannot be compared to the wealth of knowledge. When a man dies, his wealth does not accompany him to the grave, but the knowledge accompanies him to the grave and always assists him until he enters Jannah. Worldly wealth decreases when it is spent but knowledge increases when it is imparted. The wealthy have to protect his wealth while knowledge protects the Alim. Furthermore, Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala does not leave one a destitute if one gives preference to the seeking of knowledge over business and trade. Imam Ghazali Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho records in his Ihya al-Uloom,
مَن تَفَقَّهُ فيِ دِينِ اللهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ كَفَاهَ اللهُ تَعَالَى مَا اَهَمّه ُ وَ رَزَقَهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لاَ يَحْتَسِبْ
One who develops understanding in Din, Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala protects him from depression and provides sustenance for him from places he cannot imagine of.
Sixthly, The destruction of wealth.
Man gets very worried and depressed when he thinks of his undetermined life span and shortage of time. Hence, he wrongfully deduces that knowledge is an ocean and one’s entire life span is too little to achieve it. This is absolute ignorance. No soul can reach the ultimate peak of perfection in knowledge in one’s lifetime, so much so that Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala Commands His Beloved Rasool Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him
قُلْ رَبِّ زِدْنِيْ عِلْماً
Beloved Rasool, say, “O my Lord! Increase my knowledge”.[Surah Taha : 114]
Taking all this into account, there is still no seeker of knowledge that is deprived of honour and excellence. A sincere student of Ilm-e-Din will not experience embarrassment and failure. All the branches of Ilm-e-Din are certainly profitable no matter how little is acquired. The Hadith Sharif states that if a person dies whilst studying Ilm-e-Din and did not complete his course, he will be raised amongst the Ulama on the Day of Qiyamah. Another narration says that if a student of Din dies while studying, the Angels will complete his studies for him in his grave. Is this a small benefit that Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala Divinely provides for the people of learning (Ulama)?
Seventh, Not to get a compassionate teacher (Ustaz).
This is of paramount importance to a successful student. Surely, one will not be able to achieve anything if the Ustaaz does not teach correctly. Nowadays, there are very few sincere teachers of Din that are dedicated to their students and this has greatly contributed to the dwindling number of good students.
Eighth, The concern for livelihood.
Eight obstruction is the most difficult one and this refers to obtain just enough to carry on with one’s daily needs. Always remember that extra is always extra. The greed for extra is generally found in every human. This greed for extra has destroyed many people. The last two obstructions are serious problems because if one does not get a compassionate teacher what can one benefit from him and if one does not get enough food to eat then how is one to concentrate on studies? Weakness and hunger are serious problems that cannot be controlled by a student. Therefore, it is very important for the wealthy to cater for the student.
Likewise, financial contributions of generous Muslims to Islamic Institutes will certainly remove these problems. There are enormous virtues for the teachers and students of Din and even more so for those who financially keep these Institutes operational. The same will apply to those who encourage people to support such institution. The Hadith Sharif states:
إِنَّ الدَّالَّ عَلَى الْخَيرِ كَفَاعِلِهِ
Indeed, the promoter of virtue is like the virtuous.[Sunnah Tirmidi, Hadith 2739]
Besides the above Hadith Sharif there are numerous other Ahadith Sharif in the Siha-Sitta that speaks of the virtues on this subject. However, be mindful that the Thawab of actions vary according to situations and moments. Therefore, the status of the noble Sahaba Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho are so lofty because they promoted the Din and sacrificed their lives in the most difficult and volatile moments and situations in the history of Islam. Hence, if one promotes Ilm-e-Din in these distraught moments of poverty, one will certainly achieve more Thawab than the wealthy individuals and rich Kings of the past who promoted knowledge. This is so because firstly, the Kings had great resource available and secondly, they lived in the era when Ilm-e-Din was well and alive, progressing day-by-day. The people too, were very honourable and loved to study the Din.
A Sincere Request
Beloved Muslim brethren! Awaken from your dreams of fantasies and seek the knowledge of Din. This is your guide to success in the Hereafter. Why do you waste so much of time in fruitless activities in this temporary abode and pay no heed to the real success and salvation? Spend some time to acquire Ilm-e-Din so that you may distinguish between good and bad. Ignorance is no excuse in the Divine Court of Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala. In fact, it is a sin on its own. This knowledge is helpful in all aspects of this world and the Hereafter. It will save you from embarrassment and humiliation. Spend some money and time to earn this great wealth. Do not wait for the last moment before you think of studying. It will be useless!!

- PUBLISHED by"NajimudeeN_M-INDIA"

Using Radi AllahuAnhu Other Than a Sahabi

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All Praises is due to Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala, Peace and Blessings be upon the most perfect of creations, His Beloved Habeeb, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam his noble Family and the illustrious Sahaba Riwanullahi Ta'ala Alaihim Ajma'een and all the pious servants of Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala.
I have been writing and reciting Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho whenever the name of the Exalted names of Glorious SaHaba and dignified Awliya Allah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhum Ajma'een is mentioned following the practice of highly ranked Ulama (Scholars) and Pious people of Ahl as-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah. And for the same reason, I have been writing Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho with names of Awliya and Ulama in my notes. I found few people, sharing with me their confusion over using Radi Alllah Anhu for other than a SaHabi and I also found few deviants, who were creating cofusions in the minds of our unaware Muslims Brothers and Sisters for which I thought to provide them a note proving it to be permissible and a practice of prominent and pious scholars of Islam.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Use of Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu for other than a companion of the Beloved Prophet Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him is permissible as written in Durr al-Mukhtar:
1. To use Radi Allahu Ta’ala for a companion is Mustahab and for Taba’een and others, raHmatullahi Ta’ala Alaih is recommended and its opposite, that is , rahmatullahi Ta’ala alaih for a companion and Radi Allahu Ta’ala for Taba’een and others is also permissible.[Durr al-Mukhtar , Vol 5, Page 480]
2. Alla’ma al-Khaffaji in his Naseem ar-Riyadh [Sharah al-Shifa of Qadi Ayad Al Mailki] writes : “It is permissible to use Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Masha'ikh and others.”[Naseem ar-Riyadh, Vol 3, Page 509]
3. Shayh Abdul Haq Muhaddith al Dehalwi has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Hadrat Owais al- Qarni, who was not a companion.[Ashi’at-ul-Lama’at, Vol 4, Page 743]
4. Imam Ibn Abideen uses Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Abu Hanifa at many places.[Rad Al-Muhtar, Vol 1, Printed from Deoband, Page 35, 36, 37 and Page 42 , Total Six times]
5. Imam Ibn Abideen has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Shafi’i at seven places.[Page 35, 38, 41, 43]and has also used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Sahl bin Abdullah al –Tustari.[Page 38][Radd al – Muhtar, Vol 1]
6. Imam Haskafi has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Shafi’i and Abdullah bin Mubarak.[Durr al-Mukhtar ,Vol 1 , Page 45]
7. Imam Fakhr al-Din Razi has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Abu Hanifa.[Tafsir al-Kabir, Vol 6, Page 382]
8. Imam Ali Al Qari has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Shafi’i.[Mirqat, Vol 1, Page 3 - Bombay Edition]
9. Sayyid Ahmed Tahtawi has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Abu Hanifa.[Tahtawi ‘ala al-Miraqi, Istanbul Edition, Page 11]
10. Imam Al Ghazali has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Malik and Imam Shafi’i.[Ihya al-Uloom al-Deen , Vol 2, Page 7]
11. Imam Hajar al Asqalani has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Bukhari and Imam Shafi’i.[Muqaddima , Fat’h al-Bari , Page 18 and 21]
12. Imam Nawawi has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Muslim.[Muqaddima, Sharah Muslim , Page 11]
13. Shayh Abdul Haq Muhaddith al Dehalwi has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Shafi’i and Imam Bukhari.[Ashi’at-ul-Lama’at, Vol 1 , Page 9 and 16]
14. Shaykh Al Tibrizi has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Baghawi.[Muqadiima , Mishkat al Masabih]
15. Alla’ma Al-Khaffaji has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Qadi Iyad.[Naseem ar-Riyadh, Page 5, Cairo Edition]
16. Shaykh Abdul Haq Muhaddith al Dehalwi has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Sayyiduna Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani al Hasani al Hussaini at more than fifteen places.[Ashi’at-ul-Lama’at, Vol1 , Page 18 and Akhbar al Akhiyar Page 15,16, 18 21, 22, 23, 24 , 209, 210, 211, 212, 213 and 214]
17. Imam Mulla Ali al Qari has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Abdullah bin Mubarak, Layth bin Sa’ad, Imam Malik bin Anas, Dawud Tai’i, Ibrahim Bin Adham and Fudayl ibn Iyaad.[Mirqat, Vol 1 , Page 27]
18. Allama Al-Sa’avi al Maliki has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Shaykh Suleyman Jamal, Ahmed Dardeer, Salim Hafnawi, Shaykh Ameer, Imam Abul Hasan Sahykh Saeed Adawi , Allama Mohammed bin Badeeri Dimyati, Nuruddin Ali Shabralsi, Allam Halabi, Allama Ali Ajhori, Burhan Alqi, Shamshuddin Alqami , Imam Ziyaadi, Shaykh Ramli, Shaykhul Islam Zakariyya Anasari, Jalaluddin Muhalli and Imam Suyuti.[Tafsir al-Sawi , Vol 1 , Page 3]
19. Imam al Shatnufi in[Bahjat al-Asraar]has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu at many places for other than companions and in Bidaya , Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu has been used for Sahib al-Hidaya by his students at many places. 
I hope my effort will be appreciated and my brothers and sisters in faith will surely remember me in their prayers for peace and prosperity, health and happiness and Allah’s SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala Mercy and Favour. May Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala, through the intercession of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam accept this humble effort; and may He SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala give us the Toufeeq and Hidayah to restore the true rights and respect towards our Ulama and Awliya as dictated by Islam. Aameen!!

- PUBLISHED by"NajimudeeN_M-INDIA"

Women site, - Freedom according to Advocates of Women’s Liberation

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The mistaken concept of "freedom" that arose as a result of being fed on the resentment and revolution against the corrupt social system that ruled European society, resulted in the emergence of the concept of "personal freedom" which is raised by those who call for women's liberation in Islamic countries. They believe freedom to be a release from every kind of restriction, becoming free from every regulation and getting rid of any type of supervision -- even if it springs from the innate sound nature of the person and his own conscience. The advocates of women's liberation would happily demolish all moral curbs and even the conscience if necessary.
In this way, nothing stands in the face of one’s enjoyment of life or spoils the ecstasy of his temporary enjoyment. This means that everyone should be left to do whatever they wish without any restrictions, regulations or supervision. They advocates of "freedom" strive hard so that society acknowledges this right and the government protects it. This is their concept of "freedom".
The West believes that there should be no religion to regulate the lives of people and restrict their excesses; no morals to refine their behavior, awaken the feelings and stir the spirit of chivalry and sense of honor; no ideals or virtues to be a criterion for knowing the difference between good or bad deeds; and no modesty to prevent people from committing excesses or what is openly evil. All these matters should no longer exist because they are considered history. Everything that belongs to the past is considered "an obstacle in the way of progress" and should be demolished.
This was the slogan of those who advocate freedom in the West and the East. Even if the latter could not explicitly say this, their concept of freedom reveals this; its characteristics are diffused from their slogans under the name of freedom. If the current application of freedom in Islamic countries continues in this way, it would definitely lead to the same social and moral chaos that has engulfed the West.
Since the liberation of women is the chief measure and an important element in the overall concept of freedom according to these people, they have directed most of their attention to them and worked on adapting women to the role that they wanted her to play. They encouraged her to leave her home in the name of freedom and liberation. They drove her to various fields of work that contradict her nature. Consequently, they destroyed her femininity, the family and home in the name of "freedom" and "liberation".
They urged and coerced her to forsake her Hijaab )Islamic covering( and display her beauty to quench their sexual desires in the name of "freedom" and "liberation". They took her from her protector and maintainer, her husband, by inciting her to rebel against his right of being in charge so that it becomes easy for them to deceive her and fulfill their goals.
They let her—rather forced her to— mix with non-Mahram )marriageable( men and be in seclusion with them. Consequently, they destroyed her chastity, dignity and modesty in the name of "freedom" and "liberation". They took everything from her in the name of freedom and only gave her very little in return.
Is this real freedom? Does freedom mean giving one’s self full rein without any restrictions? Does freedom mean rebelling against religion, ideals and virtues?
Does life, in this concept, become a sublime human life that conforms to the status accorded to man on earth by Allaah The Almighty, which is inhabiting the earth and being a successor to authority on it?
Freedom in the correct sense is being free of these heinous concepts. A sublime human life does not accept this concept. Rather, true freedom is to be free from everything that the advocates of debauchery erroneously tout as "freedom".

- PUBLISHED by"NajimudeeN_M-INDIA"