CONTENTS

1. A Glimpse into the life of Hazrat Moulana Yunus Patel Sahib 3 2. Halaal Sustenance 11 3. Gulistane Taiba - Part 2 18 4. Effect of the Company of the Pious 24 5. Naqshe Qadam 28 6. Charging the Emergency Lights 31 7. Living and Dying among those imbued with Allah’s Love 36 8. The Story of Hazrat Bilal - Part 2 39 9. The Influence of Television 43 10. Adaab of Salaam 47 11. Eating with the Best Fork 48 12. Sunnats And Duas Upon Entering And Leaving The Toilet 50 13. Homosexual Inclinations 52

www.khanqah.co.za. • Email: [email protected] A project of Hz Ml Hakeem Muhammed Mazhar Sb (D.B)

- Illustrious son of Khalifa of Muhiyyus Shaykhul Hadith & Hazrat Moulana Shah Sunnah Hz Ml Abrarul Principal of Jamia Hakeem Muhammed Haq Sb (R.A) Ashraful Madaaris Akhtar Sb (R.A)

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Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel (u) received his higher Islamic education at Darul-Uloom Deoband during the period 1962 – 1969. Hazrat Maulana studied the first volume of Sahih al-Bukhari under the tutorship of Hazrat Maulana Fakhruddeen (u) and the second volume under Hazrat Mufti Mahmood ( u).

In Hazrat Maulana’s final year of studies, he would accompany Mufti Mahmood (u), on Thursdays and Fridays, to sit in the company of Shaykhul Hadith, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya (u).

After completing his studies, he was advised by Mufti Mahmood Saheb (u), his Ustaad, to derive benefit from Hazrat Maulana Abrarul Haq Hardoi (u). Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel (u) thus proceeded to Hardoi and stayed there for seven or eight days. Hazrat Maulana Abrarul Haq (u) showed great compassion towards him during his stay.

Hazrat Maulana’s heart was still inclined towards Shaykhul Hadith, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya (u) and he had a deep and strong desire to take bay’at at his hands. Hence, on his return, he took bay’at upon the hands of Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya (u).

After the demise of Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya (u), Maulana expressed his wish to take bay`at to Mufti Mahmood Saheb (u). Mufti Saheb remarked: “There is no need for you to do so immediately. Continue following the advices and teachings of Hazrat Shaykh (u).”

First Meeting and Bay`at with Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (DB)

Hazrat Maulana (u) followed through with Mufti Saheb’s advice, but his burning desire to gain spiritual guidance under a mentor, intensified. First Meeting and Bay`at with Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (DB) Hazrat Maulana (u)’s gaze fell on the blessed face of Aarif Billah Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb for the first

4 VOLUME 3 • RABI UL AWWAL 1436 time in 1994, at the Darul Uloom Azaadville Jalsa.

Without even listening to any of Hazrat’s lectures, Hazrat Maulana (u) felt a strong and intense inclination to take the bay’at at the hands of Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb.

After that particular Jalsa, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb visited Durban and lectured at various places in Durban.

Durban is one of the bigger cities in South Africa. It is where Maulana Yunus Patel (u) resided. He was the Imam of Masjid-e-Noor in the suburb of Asherville. Many lectures by Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (DB) were also held at this Masjid. Just before Hazrat’s departure from South Africa, whilst at the airport, Maulana expressed his desire for bay’at. Hazrat seated the people and with great happiness initiated the bay’at. He thereafter said to Hazrat Maulana (u): ‘You will Insha Allah ‘fly’ (spiritually).’

Khilafat

A few months later, on hearing the news of Mufti Mahmood (u)’s illness, Maulana travelled to Deoband to visit his respected Ustaadh. Maulana also intended spending some time in the company of Hazrat in Karachi during this same trip.

Upon Maulana’s arrival in Deoband, Mufti Sahib remarked: ‘How is it that you come now in Shawwaal and not in Ramadaan?’

Maulana explained that on hearing the news of his illness, he wished to visit him.

Mufti Saheb replied: “Actually it was the desire of my heart that drew you here so that I may give you ijaazat (khilafat).”

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Maulana began to tear and said: ‘I am not worthy of it.’

Mufti Saheb said: ‘This is how you should feel about yourself, but I know who is deserving of it.’

After this visit, Maulana travelled to Karachi and related this incident to Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Saheb, seeking his advice.

Hazrat advised Maulana to treat the Ijaazat of Mufti Saheb as a blessing…

Shortly after Maulana returned home, he received a letter from Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb, wherein Hazrat wrote : “I grant you ijaazat (khilafat).”

In his subsequent visits to South Africa, Hazrat (DB) would stay for a longer time in Durban. Hazrat, his companions and associates stayed at Maulana’s Madrasah. Hazrat was overjoyed on witnessing the arrangements made for him, as well as the enthusiasm of the people.

During Hazrat’s stay, the Madrasah became extraordinarily luminous.

A Tribute to the city of Durban

On one occasion, whilst traveling to Cape Town, Hazrat requested his most special attendant, Hazrat Ishrat Jameel Meer Saheb (DB) to allow Maulana (u) to sit in his place, next to Hazrat, and that he should sit in Maulana’s place.

Meer Saheb did as requested and informed Maulana that Hazrat wanted him to sit next to him. Maulana went and sat next to Hazrat. Hazrat then took a note-book out of his pocket and began writing… and Maulana watched as Hazrat wrote.

Hazrat’s poetry was ‘Ilhaam’ (Divine Inspiration), so there was no

6 VOLUME 3 • RABI UL AWWAL 1436 requirement of pondering over rhyme, verse and stanza. Hazrat was inspired with this poetry aboard the aircraft.

When the poem ‘Dar yaade Durban’ was complete, Hazrat handed it over to Maulana saying: “Show this poetry to Meer Saheb.” Maulana then showed it to Meer Saheb.

In this poem, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (MZ) praises Durban, which is one of the major cities in South Africa :

“We imagined DURBAN to be some wilderness But friends, when we visited it, It turned out to be a garden to be envied. My heart and soul are pleased with my friends there; With the Grace of Allah, Durban brings joy and happiness to our hearts.”

Generally, the pious servants of Allah do not show any attachment to any specific town or area. Their affiliation to any place is solely on the basis of the Deen that flourishes in that particular place and the pious people who reside there. …As was in the case of Majnoon who had no real regard or connection with the town of his beloved Layla. He began to love and revere her home-town solely because she resided there.

Since Hazrat Wala has many esteemed followers in Durban, he made mention of Durban in his poem.

Hazrat explains : Based on our knowledge of the Urdu language, we assumed Durban to be some jungle or wilderness, because the word ‘ban’ (Durban) in Urdu means, “a jungle”. Moreover, the syllables ‘dur’ (Durban) means “fear”. Joined to ‘ban’, the name gave the impression of a wilderness or a lonely uninhabited place. However, when I arrived there, I discovered Durban to be contrary to my expectations. It turned out to be like a beautiful garden that was a source of envy… because there was a

7 AN-NOOR MAGAZINE large group of sincere, devoted people residing there, who had great love and affection for the sake of Allah. Hence, I began to admire these people and a strong bond was established with them.

A Tribute to Hazrat Maulana (RA)

In this poem, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (MZ) praises Hazrat Maulana (u):

“In Durban, is a servant of Deen, Molvi Yunus Who is the means of propagating my cry and pain (of the love of Allah Ta’ala) And who interprets the pain of my heart into English, And then spreads it in the west, as is the demand of Imaan.”

Hazrat further explains : In this beautiful city, resides a very faithful and pious servant of Allah Ta’ala, who serves the Deen with great devotion. He is Maulana Yunus Patel.

Maulana (u) was endowed with the mantle of Khilafat and Ijaazat by Hazrat.

By listening to Maulana (u)’s talks, one realizes that these lines of poetry, composed by an Aarif Billah, are so apt in regards to Maulana.

Maulana Yunus had become the translator and the means of transmitting and spreading the concern, cry and pain that Hazrat has. Maulana had been conveying the knowledge which he had attained from Hazrat in an excellent manner.

Due to the fact that English is one of the most commonly spoken languages in South Africa – as well as the rest of the world, Maulana Yunus, with that same pain and cry, imparted Hazrat’s lectures, advices and sayings in an outstanding, exceptional and impressive manner. Maulana’s tongue

8 VOLUME 3 • RABI UL AWWAL 1436 was the translator of the burning love for Allah Ta’ala that Hazrat Wala possesses. It was as if his heart was talking.

Maulana’s special task was to convey Hazrat Wala’s teachings to the western world, via the means of the internet, radio, or in the written or spoken form. It was regarding this kind of dissemination of Hazrat’s teachings that Hazrat said: This is the demand of faith (Imaan) and the true fulfilment of the relationship towards one’s spiritual mentor.

Maulana Yunus Patel had the honour of accompanying Hazrat on his travels both locally and internationally : Johannesburg, Cape Town, London, Mauritius, and other parts of the world.

When Hazrat was proceeding to Turkey, with the intention of visiting the mausoleum of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi ( u), in the company of many Khulafa, Mureedeen and Khuddaam, Maulana (u) also prepared to accompany him. However, just before the impending trip, Maulana suffered a major heart attack on the 10th of Muharram and could not accompany Hazrat.

During this period of recovery, Maulana saw a dream, which has been recorded in Hazrat’s book “Tarbiyat Aashiqaan-e- Khuda”. The dream, with its interpretation, is reproduced hereunder:

Dear and most honourable mentor,

As-Salaamu ‘alaykum waRahmatullahi waBarakaatuh

I had a dream wherein I see Hazrat residing in some part of England. When I arrived, I met respected Ishrat Jameel Meer Saheb at the door. He said to me, “Hasten, as Hazrat is waiting for you.” I hurried to Hazrat. Smiling at me, Hazrat extended both arms and embraced me. I then requested that Hazrat transfer ‘something’ (some of the burning love for Allah Ta’ala that Hazrat possesses) from his heart to mine.

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Hazrat replied, “I am doing so.” Hazrat then instructed me to align my heart with his. I complied by bringing my heart in line with that of Hazrat’s heart until I could feel Hazrat’s heartbeat in tandem with my heartbeat. The sound of “Allah Allah” was emanating from Hazrat’s heart. Hazrat then began saying “Allah Allah” with his tongue. After a short while “Allah Allah” began emanating from my heart and thereafter, upon my tongue. After a while, thinking that Hazrat must be getting tired, I tried to end the embrace, but Hazrat tightened his grip. …I then awakened from my sleep. When my eyes opened, my heart was racing, and for some time thereafter, “Allah Allah” was resounding from my heart. After this I felt that my body had gained strength. I felt rejuvenated and at total peace. It is my hope that Hazrat will interpret this dream of mine.

Reply from Hazrat Wala:

Respected Maulana Yunus Patel (May your status and your desire for good increase) Wa ‘alaykumus Salaam waRahmatullahi waBarakaatuh, On reading your letter, I was overtaken by a state of ecstasy. The interpretation of this dream is that of acquiring the spiritual rank of “Nisbat Ittihaadiyyah” (The highest form of spiritual connection with one’s Shaykh). Insha’Allah, through you, the flames of the love of Allah Ta’ala will be ignited in the hearts of the servants of Allah. Congratulations! May Allah bless you, your family and all of us as well.

Muhammad Akhtar Turkey, Istanbul - after Fajr Salaah

[Alhamdulillah, work on Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel (u)’s complete biography has commenced. Insha-Allah, this will be published in due time.]

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HALAAL SUSTENANCE

In today’s day and age although many people are neglectful of their ‘ibaadat, there are some people who attach importance to their Islamic obligations, but unfortunately seem to be negligent with regards to consuming halaal food. Nabi (r) has mentioned:

That such a person will not enter Jannah who is nourished with haraam wealth. On another occasion Nabi (r) mentioned:

That to seek a halaal earning after other faraa’idh is fardh. i.e. after namaaz, fasting, Hajj and zakat. i.e. Earning a halaal sustenance is fardh.

Our beloved Nabi (r) taught his Ummat how to live, he taught us how to do trade and also how to die. Nowadays it is distressing that the Ummat has left the teachings of our beloved Nabi (r) and are looking towards the Jews and Christians for progression. We are often eager to discover and use their innovative ideas.

Today majority of our people are taking interest or loans from banks. Despite being aware of the fact that our gaze is supposed to be on Allah (Y) our gazes are fixed on the World Bank and the IMF. So much so, that these new means have become our second god and we assume that we can only progress in life with loans from these banks. The World Bank and the IMF are institutes of the Jews which have been erected for the

11 AN-NOOR MAGAZINE destruction of the Muslims because the Jews are well aware of the fact that Allah (Y) has announced war against those who take and give interest. They use this as an advantage over us and mock us when we become subservient to their haraam systems.

But what is the World Bank? What is IMF? Ponder on the following story and you will soon understand what the World Bank and the I.M.F is!

There was once a man who had seven uncles. This man can be easily compared to the World Bank, IMF or the Visa card. His seven uncles can be compared to ordinary people. This man was very evil, cunning and intelligent. The uncles had a respectable status amongst people and were wealthy, but their nephew was very jealous of them and wished to usurp their wealth and thereby live a luxurious life. He had a master/ mind plan. Firstly he invited his uncles over for a meal. Here he served them delightful food. They were fully satisfied but also curious to know how their nephew was living in so much of luxury. On enquiring from their nephew about his wealth he then took them to his stables. Here he showed them his horse. Before the man’s guests had arrived for the meal, his wife had added gold coins in the horse’s fodder.

The uncles were eager to know this horse’s speciality, so the man confidently explained to them that the horse is his “bank” – and that its droppings are so valuable that one can attain an entire years living from it. He demonstrated this by hitting the horse a few times. Habitually, once a horse is whipped it defecates. So it began to defecate and as expected a few gold coins appeared.

This man’s uncles were absolutely amazed. They immediately requested their nephew for this splendid horse. After numerous attempts to convince their nephew to sell them this horse, the horse was reluctantly sold for One thousand rupees. Once the uncles left, this man was very ecstatic at

12 VOLUME 3 • RABI UL AWWAL 1436 his profit, since he purchased the horse for fifty rupees and sold the horse for One thousand rupees. Knowing very well that his uncles would return after seven days he had a plan in store for them.

Similarly a fool is born every day. Those who are involved in interest bearing transactions live luxurious lives. This often tempts ordinary people to become involved in these transactions. The eldest uncle, absolutely content with life, took the horse home. He boasted to the entire village about his horse and demonstrated its’ marvellous quality. After whipping the horse a few times, a few gold coins appeared. The uncles were now concerned as to why so little gold coins appeared. Eventually after numerous tries to whip the horse by each uncle, the golden coins exhausted and the horse eventually died.

The uncles were furious at their nephew’s deception and immediately decided to confront their nephew.

In the meanwhile the nephew had bought two identical rabbits. One rabbit was kept in his house and he carried the other on the outskirts of town eagerly awaiting his uncles. The uncles immediately began shouting at him. They called him abusive names and demanded an answer for their deception. The nephew was very light on the tongue and subtly convinced his uncles to discuss the matter over a meal. Before his uncles had arrived he told his wife what to cook. In his attempt to misguide his uncles he in full view of his uncles told this rabbit to tell his wife what to cook. He told the rabbit to tell his wife to cook biryani, kofta, shamri kebab, fried fish and shahi tukre. He then let the rabbit go free and it ran away. The uncles were confused and enquired as to why he gave his food requests to the rabbit. The nephew then boldly exclaimed that the rabbit he had let go off was a special rabbit which transferred messages like a cell phone. The uncles then proceeded to the nephew’s house and were astonished to see the same food which their nephew had requested, laying on the dastarkhan. They also saw the rabbit in the house. After eating the uncles insisted on purchasing the rabbit. The man obviously refused but after

13 AN-NOOR MAGAZINE gentle persuasion by his uncles who also cited the deception with regard to the horse, sold the rabbit to them for an amount of One thousand rupees. The nephew was very content with the situation as he had bought the rabbit for only ten rupees.

On returning to their village they gathered all their friends and invited them for a feast. They enquired from the people as to what food they would prefer to eat and told the rabbit. The rabbit was then let loose and all the people were informed about this rabbit’s special ability.

In the evening everyone gathered at the eldest brother’s home for their meal. The eldest brother’s wife was stunned and mentioned that she did not cook for so many people. Her husband reprimanded her and asked her as to why she did not listen to the rabbit. She ridiculed him, and asked him if he was insane to believe that a rabbit could talk. Chaos ensued and this person was consequently disgraced.

The uncles were now determined to humiliate their nephew, so they set out to look for him.

The nephew was soon given the news that his uncles were on their way to his house so he immediately slaughtered three chickens which were in his house and filled the intestines of a cow with its blood and tied it to his wife’s neck. When the uncles had reached their destination, the nephew’s wife tried to shun them away by complaining that they constantly trouble her for food.

Similarly, when people approach the World Bank, they are shunned away and informed that the bank is in problems.

Subsequently, on hearing his wife’s complaints, the nephew appears and reprimands his wife. He explained to her that his guests should be greatly respected and she deserves to be punished for what she did. He removed his knife and pierced at the Intestines filled with blood around her neck. Blood squirted everywhere and the nephew’s wife pretended to die. The

14 VOLUME 3 • RABI UL AWWAL 1436 uncles in turn were horrified and disturbed by his actions. They began accusing the nephew of killing his wife. The nephew unconcerned and confident reassured them by informing them that the knife that hehad used was a very exclusive knife. He explained to them that, that very knife could bring back the dead. The uncles were not convinced so the nephew passed the very same knife over his wife’s neck again, thrice and she rose and very much alive. She was never dead in the first place but the nephew’s uncles were not aware of that.

After viewing this occurrence, the uncles were now convinced and assured that this was a very valuable knife. They insisted to the nephew that they will take the knife. After a heated argument and extensive negotiation the ten rupee knife was sold for One thousand rupees. The uncles arduously and almost hesitantly gathered the money together, retrieved the knife and left with it immediately. The uncles unbeknown to anyone else had decided that they would first use the knives on their wives since they were so troublesome.

Once they returned home, the eldest uncle’s wife immediately began commenting on her husband’s stupidity for getting involved with such a deceitful man. The eldest uncle immediately slaughtered her and after a wait of a little while decided to bring her back to life again however when he passed the knife over her neck thrice as he had seen, being done by his nephew, there was no response. The next uncle decided to try the knife on his wife but she also died. After much testing of the qualities thought possessed by the knife; it came to pass that all seven uncle’s wives were dead.

The seven uncles were now determined to end the life of their nephew who had severely disgraced them but their nephew was cunning and had conceived another plan.

When the uncles arrived at their nephew’s house they found him lying

15 AN-NOOR MAGAZINE inside a tomb. His wife informed them that he had died. (Similarly, banks claim that they are experiencing a “loss”). Thereafter the nephew’s wife informed them that if they had any grievances then they should peep into the tomb and address their grievances to their nephew.

Perhaps the uncles were also grave worshippers, therefore the eldest uncle peeped into the tomb and said, “You wretched, wretched person. Why have you deceived us?” The man within the tomb, being his nephew, drew a knife and cut his uncles nose. The uncle covered his nose and stepped back to join the other uncles waiting outside the tomb. The others enquired from him as to what had occurred? Ashamed of what had happened to him, he asked them to see for themselves. Eventually all seven uncles had their noses cut. Feeling absolutely shamed and useless, the uncles together decided that it was senseless to remain alive. They however were filled with an insatiable sense of revenge and wanted, firstly to punish their nephew, so they struck upon the tomb with their axes. Immediately the man arose. The uncles now realised that that their deceitful wretched nephew was very much alive and in return for all that had been done to them, decided to throw him into an empty well.

The nephew was dumped into a sack and taken away forcefully. En\ route to the well, the uncles stopped to refresh and perform their Zohar Salaat. As their uncles were busy, a shepherd, who was passing by noticed movement and heard noises emanating from the sack. After opening the sack he was astounded to find a person within. The nephew complained that his uncles were taking him to marry a king’s daughter. The man also told the shepherd that he was not willing to marry the princess as he was already married.

The shepherd desirous of a wealthy life offered the nephew a mutual solution - He gave his sheep to the nephew and got into the sack in an aim to marry the princess. Once the uncles had completed their Salaah, they

16 VOLUME 3 • RABI UL AWWAL 1436 recovered the sack and proceeded to the well, in which they threw the sack and returned home.

After a period of time, the uncles decided to visit their nephew’s wife and offer her their condolences. At his home they were rendered speechless at the sight of their nephew smoking a hookah, whilst admiring a flock of sheep. The stunned uncles could not understand how their nephew was alive and so wealthy. They had thrown him into the well with their own hands. This nephew confidently explained to his uncles that the well that they had thrown him into was full of exquisite animals. He then took some sheep and returned home. The uncles believed their nephew for they could find no other explanation for his survival.

All seven uncles then, in their quest to become wealthy, returned to the well and jumped into it thereby ending their existence in this world.

Similarly, the Jews and Christians conspire against us and involve us in their haraam transactions. This eventually destroys us and our future- generations. Nabi (r) said: “If a person has one dirham of his own and one dirham of interest and if he uses that interest then his Salaat of forty days will not be accepted”

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GULISTANE TAIBA- PART 2

Me didaare kumbad se makhmoor hoo(n)gaa

I will be intoxicated (in the love of Rasoolullah (r) when my gaze falls on the Green Dome. I will be intoxicated in the love of Rasoolullah r , when my gaze falls on the green dome. I truly believe, and with Yaqeen and Qasm I can say, that Nabi-Kareem is definitely beneath the green dome. We are shown many Qabrs (graves) of different Ambiyaa (AS) all over the world. It could be possible that these are their Qabrs but we cannot take qasm and say with certainty that these are the qabrs of such Am- biyaa (Alaihimus Salaam). Thousands of years have passed. Nobody knows exactly where their qabrs are. A person can take a billion qasms that this is most certainly the Qabr Mubarak and Rodha Mubarak of Nabi-e-Kareem r . When I am standing there, there is no question of doubt. At many places in the world people have made domes and structures over a qabr, whereas nobody is even buried there. Those people who have made an effort to remove the Body Mubarak of Ra- soolullah have been destroyed. This is mentioned in Fazaail-e-Haj and in other Kitaabs. The Mubarak Body of Nabi-e-Kareem r was pro- tected. We believe in the Hayaat of Rasoolullah r . So when we read “  then we truly believe that Nabi-e-Kareem r is listening to us.

A person either travels from Jeddah coming to Madeena Shareef or a person lands in Madeena Shareef. He now proceeds towards Musjid- e-Nabawi . He will be excited, looking in all directions, searching for a glimpse of Madeena Shareef, excited that he has finally landed in Madeena Shareef. He is looking forward towards going to the Rodha

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Mubarak and in reading Salaat and Salaam upon Rasoolullah r . But long before reaching there, what will he search for?

He will search for the Minaarat and Green Dome. The moment the Green Dome comes in sight and if the person is a true Aashiq of Rasoolullah r then there is nothing more intoxicating than the beautiful view of the Green Dome. This is that Green Dome upon which millions and millions of Ma- laaikah (Angels) are bringing the Durood and Salaat and Salaam to Nabi- e-Kareem r ! Thousands and thousands of Angels visit Nabi-e-Kareem r. This included Hazrat Jibraeel (AS), Hazrat Mikaeel (AS), Hazrat Israfeel (AS) and Hazrat Izraeel (AS). Allah Ta’ala has made the world such that in every second of every minute, somewhere in the world, somebody is reading

Somebody is reading Salaat and Salaam. There are people who are read- ing thousands of Durood Shareef. So from different parts of the world, the Angels are carrying the Durood Shareef to Nabi-e-Kareem r. The Angels are even faster than the speed of light. How can we understand the speed of the Angels which Allah Ta’ala created? Technology has now made it easy for us to understand the speed of our cell phones. We press a few buttons and within seconds a person picks up a cell phone on the other side of the world and says, “Hello!” Now we believe in this. But how unfortunate, that uptill now we were not prepared to believe that Allah Ta’ala has such tech- nology that the Angels carry the Salaat and Salaam immediately to Nabi- e-Kareem r, that so and so, the son of so and so or the daughter of so and so has conveyed Salaam. The Angels are coming from all over the world so it is as if the Haji Sahib or the person in Madeena Shareef or the Zaaireen are protected by ‘air-cover’. Normally air-cover is given in battlefields. In the same manner, the Angels of Allah Ta’ala are covering Madeena Shareef from all angles, be it from the north, south, east or west. Every person in Madeena Shareef is beneath the Angels wings. In our country, we say that when we are in the Musjid or reciting Quraan Shareef then the angels

19 VOLUME 3 • RABI UL AWWAL 1436 come. In Madeena Shareef the Angels are giving you cover 24 hours out of 24 hours. You are in the Suhbat and company of the Angels. Now how can a person commit sins in the Suhbat of the angels? If a person does so then he is to be blamed. How can we imagine what kind of Noor Allah Ta’ala has given the angels? Furthermore they are carrying the Salaat and Salaam which is also Noor. How much more Noor this would be? They are then conveying it to Noorun ala Noor (i.e. Nabi-e-Kareem r) and they are flying all over Madeena Shareef. From whichever angle you look at it, you are under the wings of the Angels. How many thousands of Auliya, Mashaaikh, Muhadditheen and Mufassireen are there to read Salaat and Salaam upon Rasoolullah r .

So this will give me joy, excitement and intoxication just by looking at the green dome. How can one express this feeling in words? This is an experi- ence. May Allah Ta’ala bless us all with this experience! This is an intoxica- tion, but a paak and pure intoxication. People get intoxicated with alco- hol, wine, drugs etc. Some get intoxicated with wealth. Some people get intoxicated with beautiful faces. There are different kinds of intoxications. The intoxication of this world destroys a person’s health, wealth, respect, integrity and honour. My intoxication will be when my gaze falls on the Green Dome. I will be in a different world altogether.

So looking at the Green Dome, the person is getting mentally conditioned that very soon I will arrive at the Rodha Mubarak and I am going to convey my Salaat and Salaam personally. Whatever I may be, whatever the con- dition of my heart is, irrespective of how much I may have sinned, I have come with great hope.

Therefore I have repeatedly said, “Don’t rush to the Rodha Mubarak”. First go one side, cry it out, make Istighfaar, make Tauba, shed some tears of Nadaamat, remorse and regret. Then go and present oneself at the Rodha Mubarak of Rasoolullah r. Then, after conveying Salaat and Salaam stand

20 AN-NOOR MAGAZINE and say, “Allah Ta’ala has stated:

“If they, when they had oppressed themselves, had come to you (O Muhammad r), thus seeking Allah’s forgiveness and (if) the Messenger (r) seeks forgiveness for them, they would most definitely found Allah Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah 4, Aayat 64) The gist of which is, that these people who have sinned, committed errors, made mistakes, had done injustice upon their souls, and if they come to you and they themselves have made Istighfaar and Tauba over their sins, and you, Oh my beloved Rasooolullah r, also make Istighfaar and seek the forgiveness of Allah Ta’ala on their behalf, then you would find Allah Ta’ala Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Sometimes I will be on Noor (Jabal-e-Noor, Cave of Hira), sometimes I will be on Toor (Mount Toor) (i.e. I will be on a high level of ecstasy) Hazrat Moosa (Alaihis Salaam) went onto Mount Toor and there, he was blessed by speaking to Allah Ta’ala. In Madeena Shareef, it is like my go- ing onto Mount Toor. Madeena Shareef is like my Thoor and Noor. (The first few Aayaat of the Quraan Shareef were revealed on Jabal-e-Noor in the cave of Hira). Sometimes I will be on Toor and sometimes I will be on Noor. This is the kind of ‘high’ a person will experience when he is really an Aashiq of Allah Ta’ala and Rasoolullah .

So Madeena Shareef is full of Noor, Musjid-e-Nabawi is full of Noor, the

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Mihraab, Mimbar and Riyadhul Jannah is full of Noor. Every portion of the Musjid is full of Noor, especially when a person is standing in front of the Rodha Mubarak and conveying his Salaat and Salaam. What kind of Noor will be there, where the angels are descending all the time, con- veying the Salaat and Salaam? How fortunate is a person who is standing right there? So there is no shortage of Noor there. The Noor has not de- creased in anyway, infact it has increased. People blame everything, but it is how we wish to spend our time there. The Noor has increased. How many more people have read Quraan Shareef since Musjid-e-Nabawi has been built? Can anybody count? Now multiply this by 50 000. How much of namaaz was performed? How much of Salaat and Salaam was recited? How much of Zikrullah was made? How much of Ahadeeth Shareef lessons were given there? There is Noor upon Noor upon Noor. There is definitely an increase of Noor.

However, if we don’t mentally condition ourselves, we don’t condition our hearts, we don’t shine and polish our hearts and just go, then we could say we returned empty. I have mentioned in practically all the bayaans of Umrah that if a person has entered the Musjid of Nabi-e-Akram r, from the back entrance, then one will notice the tiles are shining in such a manner that the person could see the reflection of the frames, lights and everything in the tiles so clearly. One can even see the reflection of the name Allah, Muhammad and the Kalima

in the tiles. It is as if all those lights have come into those tiles. In fact sometimes while walking we feel uncomfortable, although it is permissi- ble to walk on those tiles. One feels as if he is walking over those frames with the names of Allah, Muhammad r and the Kalima. That is how in- tensely the tiles are shining.

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Due to the shine of those tiles, the reflection has come right inside. So, if man can shine stone to the extent that those lights are reflected. Similarly if man makes a little effort and shines his heart, polishes it, removes all that rust and dirt of: malice, greed, pride, arrogance, envy, jealousy and applies the polish of Shukr, Zuhd, Qanaa’at (Contentment) and Taqwa, then, when he presents himself in front of the Rodha Mubarak of Ra- soolullah r, he will get the reflection of that Noor in his heart. Why can it not come into hearts when it (i.e. the reflection) can come into stones?!

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An extract from a majlis of our beloved Shaikh Hadhrat Moulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullahi alayh) upon his return from Pakistan: EFFECT OF THE COMPANY OF THE PIOUS

It seems as if just the other night I was telling you that all of us need to charge our spiritual batteries. It is not that the pious don’t require it and only the sinful ones are in need of it. In the first place we should never attribute piety to ourselves. We should always regard ourselves to be the most sinful ones. However, I am referring to those who are truly pious. Despite their piety, we still find them at the door of the mashaaikh. They go there with humility, forgetting their piety, knowledge and status. They annihilate themselves and come there for a recharge.

We may argue regarding the need for these pious ones to still go to the mashaaikh? The reality is that in trying to attain the recognition of Allah Ta’ala there is no limit. No one can claim that he has now reached the throne of Allah Ta’ala. Our Nabi (salallahu alayhi wasallam) who was the greatest of human beings said, “Oh Allah we haven’t been able to recognise you as you ought to be recognised.” If he has said that then where are we?

If one who is flying 30 000 feet above sea level and looks down at all those below him, he will think that he has reached the limit. Now if he looks up then there will be someone at 60 000 feet and another at 100 000 feet.

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Someone may be already on the moon and another may be so high that he will reach Mars soon. So we must always look at those flying higher than us when it comes to acts of worship, zikr, love and recognition of Allah Ta’ala etc., then we too will be desirous of reaching higher. If not, then after just a few rakaats of Tahajjud and a little bit of Ibaadat we will think that we have reached the limit. This is why the people go to the mashaaikh.

At the Khanqah of my Shaikh Hadhrat Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Daamat Barakatuhum) so many senior Ulema, who are running large Is- lamic institutes, who have many mureeds of their own, also come to the Khanqah. What are they coming there for? Not for an increase in knowl- edge or to hear some new speech. The reason for their coming is because Allah Ta’ala has made the hearts of the Ahlullah reservoirs of sincerity. Even if they don’t say anything but their hearts generate Noor and Allah Ta’ala has created man such that he steals from the character of others. The quali- ties of the company you keep rubs off on you. So in the company of the Ahlullah the Noor etc. rubs off on those present there.

Apna Dil Kisi Jalte Huwe Dil Ke Qareeb Karde Ye Aag Lagti Nahi Lagaai Jaati He Put Your Heart Close To A Heart Which Is Burning With The Fire Of Love This Fire (Of Love) Doesn’t Ignite On Its Own Rather It Is Set Alight (In The Company Of The Pious Servants Of Allah Ta’ala). If there is a 50 watt bulb and a 1000 watt bulb both burning in one room, can you separate the light emanating from each bulb? No, the light of both bulbs shine as one. In the same way we take our weak hearts to the Ahl- ullah who have a very high voltage of Noor in their hearts and then this Noor transfers into our hearts. If a person goes with Ikhlas then Allah Ta’ala grants such Hidaayah, the effect of which is witnessed in one’s life. Some-

25 VOLUME 3 • RABI UL AWWAL 1436 times just in a matter of a few days a complete change takes place in the person’s life.

Hadhrat Shah Abrarul Haq Saheb (r.a) gave a wonderful example of a petrol tanker which had 20 000 litres on its back but it went to the petrol pump to get a few litres to run its engine. We are exactly like this. Our knowledge is on our backs but nothing is feeding our engines (our hearts). This is why despite our knowledge we are still unable to wake up for fajr. So the Ahl- ullah fill those few litres in our engines and they connect our knowledge to our hearts. Then it becomes easy to do good deeds and abstain from sins. This is the real benefit of staying in their company. The instruction of staying in their company is not something new. It is ordered in the Quraan Shareef “Oh you who believe fear Allah and remain with the Siddeqeen.” This is a system that Allah Ta’ala has put in place from the time of Nabi (salallahu alayhi wasallam). It was the companionship of Nabi (salallahu alayhi wasallam) that made the Sahabah the Sahabah (radiallahu anhum). This is why despite living in Makkah Shareef right at the Ka’bah Shareef, they were still ordered to migrate to Madinah Shareef in order to benefit from the companionship of Nabi (salallahu alayhi wasallam).

Also you cannot quantify it. You cannot calculate the cost etc. incurred in order to attain the company of the Ahlullah, as sometimes Allah Ta’ala may grant a person hidayat in just one day. (Can a price tag be attached to Hidayat?) I met a friend who told me he is going overseas on a business trip. A few days later I saw him in the Musjid and asked him what had happened to his trip. He explained that he had already returned. He had only one days work which he completed. In the business world no one will question this man as to why he incurred such expenses just for a one day trip because our gaze is not on how much he spent but on how much profit he will make out of that trip. In the same way we must not calculate the expenses incurred in going to the Ahlullah as the benefits are much greater.

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Nigaahe Wali Ki Ye Ta’seer Dekhi Badalte Hazaaro Ki Taqdeeer Dekhi In The Gaze Of The Ahlullah, This Effect Has Been Seen That Thousands Of Peoples’ Lives Have Changed.

NOTE: If one is in debt or is not in a good financial position or has no one to take care of his family etc. while he will be away, he must first consult with his Shaikh prior to going. The Shaikh will then advise us as to what should be given priority.

Prepared by Hz Ml Dawood Seedat sb

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"Naqsh-e-qadam Nabi r ke hai Jannat ke raastey, Allah  se milate hai Sunnat ke raastey. The footsteps of Nabi r are the heavenly pathways. The connection with Allah  is through the Sunnah highways." -Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammed Akhtar Saheb

.

: Alhamdulillah we are once again fortunate with the fazal and karam of Allah to continue with the An Noor Magazine and we thank all those who have assisted in making this magazine become a reality.

Allah has granted us a beautiful deen and the best of messengers to guide us to the correct path which is a path that is easy, beautiful and complete. Nabi r also had these qualities of being ashal(easy), ajmal(beautiful) and akmal(perfect).

We should not regard any sunnat as insignificant as some sunnats may seem very small in our sight but those sunnats could be a means of being

28 AN-NOOR MAGAZINE our najaat (salvation).

One of those sunnats is the sunnat of miswaak. It is mentioned in a hadeeth that verily the sunnat of making or using miswaak will make one remember the kalimah shahaadah at the time of his death.

This is a very great action if a person recites the kalimah shahaadat at the time of his death.

Often when a person is in sakaraat his near and dear ones start to recite the kalima so as to remind the person and alhamdulillah the persons lips begin to move. Sometimes he recites it audibly and those around him get satisfied that they have achieved their goal in making him read the kalima.

However, many people meet up in accidents or they are alone without any family or friends when the angel of death comes to visit them. If they are amongst those who are practising the sunnat of miswaak at all times then inshallah they will recite the kalimah before their eyes close . Another hadeeth comes to mind and that is

Using the miswaak regularly is an action that cleanses the mouth and it is extremely pleasing to Allah. One thing we need to understand is that in every sunnat there is a benefit for us ummaties of Nabi r.

We make dua that Allah grant us the tawfeeq(courage) to practice on this sunnat and to love every every sunnat of Nabi e Kareem for verily Nabi r mentioned that a person will be with the one whom he loves.

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Amongst the many ways of acquiring all these actions is to start going out in the path of Allah, to learn deen from the pious people, sit in their company, mix and be with them until one becomes like them.

Allah grant us all tawfeeq to make amal(practice) with ikhlaas(sincerety), istiqaamat(steadfastness) and Allah grant us all maqbooliyat(acceptance). Aameen.

This article will be followed up with a discourse of Hazrat Ml Abdul Hamid Ishaq (db) at the end of the magazine inshallah.

Ahqar Mohahammed Yunus Patel Ibn Hz Ml Yunus Patel (ra).

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CHARGING THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh)

In these times of ‘Load Shedding[1]’, there are so many advertisements which market generators, emergency lights, gas stoves and whatever else that offers an instant or quick solution to power cuts.

When load-shedding became the order of the day, the sales of all these products were so high, that it seemed as if everyone wanted to make some quick money selling anything that would benefit people during times of load shedding. And because we are so dependent on electricity, we were and are prepared to spend money in purchasing any such product, so long as we are not inconvenienced during power failures.

The very many complaints which were verbalized, as well as published in various newspapers indicated to how impatient and intolerant the ma- jority were over the power cuts taking place. It was too much of an in- convenience, loss of working hours and inevitably, loss in business and profit, and everyone was unwilling to accept even a few hours without electricity.

Nevertheless, some very apt lessons came to mind on observing the above, as well as how, at the time of a power failure or power cuts, these emergency lights, automatically take over the responsibility of providing light, and generators take over in providing electricity.

The emergency lights that we purchase have to be plugged into the power point and left to charge, so that when we experience power failure or

31 AN-NOOR MAGAZINE load shedding, they automatically switch on and provide light. The condi- tion for the benefit is that the emergency light is plugged in for a consider- able period of time.

Whilst we do not see anything happening when the light is being charged, we know that something very significant is happening – and the benefit will be evident when there is darkness. We have the re-assurance that the moment there is a power-cut, the emergency light will immediately switch on. …If it was not plugged in and charged, it will not serve its pur- pose. We will remain in darkness when there is a power cut.

We should take lesson when the lights go off and should utilize the op- portunity for a little Muraqabah (meditation):

…When the lights of our lives switch off, no surgeon can switch that light on again. When the light of life is gone, no medication will bring it back. We should ask ourselves : What preparation has been made for the power cut that must inevitably occur to our lives? What will happen when our lives will be switched off permanently and we will have to enter the dark- ness of the grave?

Here, in this worldly life, we have emergency lights and generators… but the same will not be of any assistance to us in the grave. No one will be taking emergency lights to light up his grave.

So when we cannot tolerate a few hours of darkness, how will we be able to tolerate the darkness of the grave?

When we cannot accept material loss due to load-shedding, how can we accept spiritual loss with the on-going load-shedding in our hearts, due to our excessive indulgence in sins; of which the consequences are extremely detrimental and destructive to our worldly lives and more so, our lives after death?

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The lesson which we take is that just as the emergency lights and genera- tors are being charged for a purpose, so too, we need to ‘charge’ our- selves spiritually, with good, righteous deeds. The benefit will be seen when the light of our lives is switched off, once and for all.

Our hearts contain an “Imaani” generator or battery which needs to be plugged into a power point and charged, whilst our ‘emergency lights’ are charged with different kinds of righteous deeds – Salaah, Zakaah, Fasting, Zikrullah, Tilawah, good character and so forth.

After our souls are extracted and we are placed in our graves, our Im- aan and our good deeds generate light which automatically light up the darkness of our graves and we experience the comfort of life in the grave – until Qiyaamah. If we have not charged our “Imaani” battery and our ‘emergency’ lights with noble deeds, and if we spend our lives in the darkness of sins, then the grave will be a place of darkness and disgrace. (Allah Ta’ala protect us all).

We know that it is the power plant that makes electricity. And this elec- tricity flows through transmission lines to sub-stations and electric poles; thereafter, via ‘distribution lines’ electricity enters our homes.

Allah Ta’ala blessed us with the Power House of His Love: Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) passed on this love into the hearts of his companions, who in turn passed on that love to those who kept their company – and in this way, Allah Ta’ala established the “transmission lines” of His Love and we find in each era and time, Allah Ta’ala provides the Mashaa`ikh, who then do the work of ‘distributing’ Allah Ta’ala’s love in the hearts of people.

By plugging our hearts to the power points of Allah Ta’ala’s Love – that is by keeping the company of the Ahlullah, whose hearts contain the powerful current of Allah Ta’ala’s Love, we will be able to easily charge ourselves spiritually.

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It is through the blessings of this spiritual power that our hearts are charged with Love of Allah Ta’ala and courage for good deeds. They teach us the Love of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) - in fact, they generate that love into our hearts, and they guide us to the best deeds. In other words, they offer us these emergency lights for free.

There is no charge for the knowledge they disseminate or the good deeds they teach us and no charge for the good company they offer us, whereby our Imaan and Love for Allah Ta’ala is nurtured. It is free from their side. It is only for us to take advantage of and appreciate the value of what they generously and willingly share. They give. They don’t take. So we don’t need to worry about loss in wealth; rather their company is an investment with great profits – in both worlds.

Allah Ta’ala also directs us to the same in Surah Taubah, when He says : “O you who believe, fear allah and remain in the company Of the truthful ones.”

…That is, we should remain with them, until we become like them – until we too become spiritually charged with Allah Ta’ala’s Love and Ma`rifat, and obedience and submission.

With this effort – whereby we nurture our Imaan and charge ourselves with good deeds, death becomes a “gift” for the Believer as is described in the Hadeeth. There should be no fear for death, because when we die, we take with us the generator of Imaan and Love for Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) as well as the “emergency lights” of good deeds… so we have hope and a re-assurance, that Insha-Allah, our graves will light up brightly when we enter them. Insha-Allah.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and Taufeeq.

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Living and dying among those imbued with Allah’s Love

He isee tarah se mumkin teri raah se guzarnaa – Kabhee dil pe sabr karnaa, kabhee dil se shukr karnaa. This is the only way of passing through the way of Your Love, to forebear (make Sabr) sometime and to be grateful (make shukr) at another time.

Ye teree razaa me jeenaa ye teree razaa me marnaa – Meri abdiyat pe yaa rabb ye he teraa fazl karnaa Being given the taufeeq of living and dying according to Your Pleasure, is a bounty given by You to my humble self.

Yahi aashiqo(n) kaa shewaa yahi aashiqo(n) ki aadat – Kabhee gir-ya-o-bukaa he kabhee aahe sard bharnaa This is the habit of Your Lovers that sometimes they weep and at another time, they draw sighs of distress

Yahi ishq kee alaamat yahi ishq kee zamaanat – Kabhee zikr ho zubaa(n) se kabhi dil me yaad karna This is the true sign of love that the lover sometimes makes zikr with his tongue and other times in his heart (silently).

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Meri Zindagee ka haasil meri zeest kaa sahaara – Tere aashiqo(n) me jeenaa, tere aashiqo(n) me marnaa. My life’s ambition/object/purpose and my life’s support is to live and die among Your Lovers

Mujhe kuch khabar nahee thee tera dard kyaa he yaa Rabb – Tere aashiqo(n) se seekhaa tere sange dar pe marna I knew nothing what it is to love You. I learnt from Your Lovers how to die on your doorstep

Ye teree inaa-yate he ye teree madad ka sadqaa – Meri jaane nqq-tawaa(n) kaa tere gham pe sabr karnaa. It is only by your grace and help that despite my feeble form, I am able to fore- bear the hardships that are coupled with Your Love.

Ye teree ataa he yaa Rabb ye he teraa jazbe pinhaa(n) – Mera naala-e nadaamat tere sange dar pe karnaa This is a gift from You and the result of my being attracted to You that I weep out of remorse for my sins by Your Doorstep.

Mera har khataa pe ronaa yahi he meree talaafee – Teri rahmato(n) ka sadqaa mera jurm affwa karnaa The only way in which I can make amends is to weep for all my sins. By the grace of Your Mercies, do forgive my wrongdoings.

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Teri shaane jazb he ye teri banda parwaree he – Mere jaano dil ka tujh ko hama waqt yaad karnaa This is the result of Your Attribute of Jazb (drawing Your Servants towards You out of sheer love and affection) that I remember You with my heart and soul constantly.

Kisi Ahle Dil ki suhbat jo milee kisi ko Akhtar – U-se aagayaa he jeenaa u-se aagayaa he marnaa. O Akhtar, if anyone has attained for himself the companionship of a true lover of Allah, in reality, such a person has learnt how to live and how to die.

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THE STORY OF PART 2 HAZRAT BILAL t

Maulana Rumi (R.A.) says:

“Sometimes Allah delays in answering the prayers so that one may continue earnestly to call on Him and crying in humility. While it is done, He is aware thereof and He greatly approves thereof”

Hence, this delay in answering their prayers is for the bondsman a means towards His Mercy and not a sign of His rejection or of His considering the duah as being worthless. For a person to be able to speak secretly to Allah in his communion with Him, is indeed a great honour and a favour for the believer.

A person who has attained the love of Allah, will never be able to attain freedom from it. Now at this stage someone may come forth with an objection. It would appear from this that those who are true lovers of Allah are all the time in a great calamity and distress, instead of experiencing Allah’s Mercy. This is the answer to the one who has such a perception. Actually that is how it will-appear from afar. When looking at the outward features, it gives us a bloody appearance.

“From afar love seems like being bloody So that insincere lovers do not tread this path. This bloody appearance is a guard Against insincere and half-baked lovers, not to come this way.”

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On the other hand, when one is endowed with true love, then the following is his description. He says: “0 Beloved, let it not be the good fortune of your enemy, to be destroyed by your sword, May the heads of friends remain safe, for you to try your sword on them. “

Imagine a certain lover who was pining for his beloved from whom he had been separated for ten years. He has turned pale, gone weak and sick. Now suddenly this beloved arrives and in an embrace presses him so hard that his ribs feel like breaking and his eyes appears to be popping out of their sockets. Noticing his discomfort, the beloved says: “If you disapprove of this act of mine, I will discard contact with you and become intimate with someone else”. Now, what answer will that lover give? If he is really a lover, he will answer thus:

“May my breath of life go out of me and fall at your feet. That is the desire of my heart and longing”.

Someone else, looking from afar and from the outside, will get the impression that this lover is experiencing great distress. But question the lover himself and he will explain what joy and pleasure he feels. He will look upon those moments as pleasurable moments and will wish that the time spent in them will be long. When that is the effect of sensual worldly love, then one can just imagine how much greater the ecstasy will be experienced when one has love for the true beloved, i.e. Allah.

From the above example, it should be understood that those people who have fallen prey to Divine Love, although outwardly they would appear to be in great distress and calamities, but inwardly they enjoy nearness to Allah and His Communion, which indeed provides them with great pleasure. Outwardly they may be dressed in tattered clothes, suffering hunger and 40 VOLUME 2 • DHUL QA’DAH 1435 starvation and be pale in the face, but inwardly they experience great peace, comfort and such joy as if it were experienced by . Kings, who would then forget the pleasure of being in possession of a throne or a crown.

Maulana Rumi (R.A.) quotes Allah as saying:

“This distressed one, covered in a quilt is My special bondsman, Among thousands one such is born.”

The main objective of this life for all creatures is to attain the love of Allah. This is the essential aim of life.

So Hazrat Bilal underwent and endured numerous difficulties and hardships because in his sight the reward for bearing them was great.

“For the sake of the love of my Beloved, I am in love with suffering pain and sorrow.”

Hazrat Abu Bakr on numerous occasions, advised Hazrat Bilal but on every occasion when he passed that way, he saw the same picture - the Jew persecuting Bilal who was all the time uttering: “Ahad! Ahad!”. Hazrat Abu Bakrq then went to Rasulullah r and related the story to him. When Rasulullah r heard the story he was filled with sorrow and tears flowed from his eyes. He asked: “0 Siddeeq! What is the solution to this problem? How can we save Bilal from this calamity?”

Hazrat Abu Bakr replied: “Ya Rasulullah r, I shall buy Bilal. Rasulullah r said: “All right! Let my share also be therein”. Allahu Akbar! What good a fortune for Bilal that Rasulullah himself also took part in purchasing him. In that black body of Hazrat Bilal was an enlightened heart, which was filled with Allah’s love. Hazrat Abu Bakr approached the Jew at a time when he 41 AN-NOOR MAGAZINE was again busy beating Bilal. Hazrat Abu Bakr questioned: “Why are you beating this friend of Allah?” The Jew replied: “If you have so much sympathy for him, then bring the money and take him away as yours”. Hazrat Abu Bakr immediately responded: “Take my white-skinned Jewish slave with the black heart and give me this black skinned slave with the enlightened heart from Abyssinia”. Hazrat Abu Bakr took Bilal and went to Rasulullah r. He asked: “Ya Rasulullah r, what kind of transaction did I make? I gave away a white bodied, black hearted one and brought back a black body with an enlightened heart”. Rasulullah replied: “You have made a very good sale, 0 Siddeeq”.

Rasulullah r embraced Bilal and held him to his heart.

Maulana Rumi (R.A.) says: “Mustapha embraced Bilal and held him against his chest. The ecstasy Bilal felt! Who can ever imagine that?”

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The Influence of Television by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh)

One of the many sunnats of the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus Salaam) is that of Hayaa – shame and modesty : a quality which is sorely missing in the lives of the majority of Muslims today and which should otherwise be an outstanding characteristic and feature of all Muslims, whether married or un-married. Television is such an evil that if our society only understood its reality, then they would find no excuse to watch. Its spiritual harm is that it takes away the hayaa and shame of our men, women and children.

The content of most television programmes is nothing but immodesty and indecency, which invites nothing but immodesty and indecency – into our homes, into our lives and the lives of our children.

However, this truth and reality seems to just pass over the understanding of even those Muslims who have some link with Deen. Many are regular with Salaah, they are seen in the Musjid, they are wearing the garb of the pious and yet they will be the ones to present flimsy and feeble excuses to view television programmes.

Let us consider this situation of sin from the following view – which Alhamdulillah, has been a means of many getting rid of the television. • If a person has to knock on your door and tell you : ‘I would like to use your lounge to commit adultery.’ • Or a group of some friends have to request you : ‘We would like to use

43 AN-NOOR MAGAZINE your home to gamble and enjoy our liquor.’ • Or a group of youngsters have to tell you : ‘We have chosen your home as a venue for our partying, dancing, drug-taking and fornicating.’ • Or a Christian family has to request you : ‘We would like to use your home as a venue for our church ceremony : The marriage of our daughter as well as the baptism of our grandchild. We have already obtained the consent of one of our priests.’ • Or some idol-worshippers have to suggest : ‘We would like to carry out some of our religious rites in your home. We would like to bring our idols also. You are more than welcome to observe or participate in our rites. ’

Many Muslims, on hearing such requests, will get very angry; will express disgust – if not swear and curse such suggestions.

However, these very same Muslims who will even resort to swearing and cursing such proposals, invite into their homes all of the above by the switch of the television, by hiring English and Hindi films and DVDs and downloading porn and other films from the Internet. There is so much of adultery, partying and other filth that we seem to just welcome into our homes – least realizing the consequences.

Just to give you one example and this is but the tip of the iceberg – and it is said with the intention of removing the blindfold that most parents wear :

A father of four children mentioned to me that he had got rid of his television and he thereafter explained why. He said that late one night he heard strange noises from his children’s room. On opening the door of their room, he found their television switched on. […This is our concept of modesty : parents must have their own television, to view all kinds of filthy programmes in their privacy, and children must have their own television to view all kinds of indecency in their privacy (Na-uzu Billah).] 44 VOLUME 2 • DHUL QA’DAH 1435

The father mentioned that there were dirty and obscene scenes of naked people on the television screen. He mentioned that it was filthy and that it shocked him; but what had him even more shaken was that his children were all undressed, engaging in the same kind of indecent acts. They were imitating the pornography they were viewing. He said himself, that until then he had not considered the harm of television. It took this kind of incident to wake him up. …This is just one example of so many. Do we wish to face something similar ?

…Do we care to even know what our sons and daughters are doing in the secrecy of their rooms ? The fact that many demand that no one ‘invade’ their space and privacy to the extent of having ‘No Entry’ signs on their doors, should have parents a little more than worried… esp. if they are viewing television and are surfing the net or have free access with cell phones.

Many have written, that after watching certain films or programmes, the desire came strongly into their hearts to take drugs, drink liquor, murder their parents, indulge in homosexuality, engage in adulterous relationships, commit suicide, rape, and so much else – and many of them do so.

Moreover, with sins like television and evil, lustful glancing, Allah Ta’ala removes the love between husband and wife and even ones children become disobedient.

There are many husbands who entertain thoughts of and fantasize of other women when with their wives. And they will when they are watching different actresses and television presenters. Many wives are guilty of the same infidelity having seen or socialized with ghair-mahareem. Many women are so infatuated and obsessed with some soccer player or cricket player that they become dissatisfied with their husbands, and spend their time fantasizing. 45 AN-NOOR MAGAZINE

Had the person not viewed all those ghair-mahareem on the television screen and computer screen, and had lowered his gaze in real life situations, then he would not have desired that which he cannot have, and there would not have been dissatisfaction with his (or her) spouse.

Moreover we complain : There is no barkat in our homes; there is no barkat in our wealth; there is no barkat in our time. Our children are rebellious. The husband is having an extra-marital relationship. The daughter has accepted Christianity. The son is on drugs … and the list of complaints does not end. Then who is to blame except the one who brought all of this Haraam into the home by purchasing the television and exposing the family to so much of sin.

Great ‘Ulama became Bay’at upon the hands of Maulana Hakeem Fakhrudeen (Rahmatullah ‘alaih). He mentioned that there was a time, that with the rising and setting of the sun, he saw nothing but noor in Surat. The atmosphere was one of noor. The day commenced with Salaah, Tilawat, Zikrullah…

After the cinemas and television and videos flooded Surat, there was nothing but ‘zulmat’ – darkness. With the distraction of such entertainment, Ibaadah becomes a forgotten duty.

One Wali of Allah Ta’ala, on visiting a home, mentioned that he perceived the sin of Zina (adultery) from the walls of that home. He was able to recognize this due to the purity of his heart. The residents of that home were not indulging in adultery but they were watching the sin on television.

When fire burns against a white wall, it blackens the wall. The Ahle-Dil, with their purified hearts, see the fire of sins which has burnt and blackened the white hearts of the Muslims. Would that we take lesson and take measures to protect ourselves and our children. 46 VOLUME 2 • DHUL QA’DAH 1435

The Aadaab of Salaam 1. In a gathering where a talk or discussion is taking place, the person entering should not draw attention to himself by making Salaam. He should not become an interference in the talk. He should lower his gaze and silently sit down. When later the opportunity arises, he may make Salaam. 2. Adopt the practice of mutual Salaam. Whenever meeting a Muslim, say : ASSALAMU ALAIKUM. In reply say : WA ALAIKUMUS SALAAM. All other ways are baseless. 3. When a person conveys the Salaam of another to you, reply: ALAYHIM WA ALAIKUM SALAAM. This is best. If someone replies: WA ALAIKUMUS SALAAM, it will also suffice. 4. One person of the group making Salaam will be representative of the whole group. His Salaam will be adequate on behalf of the group. Similarly, if from the gathering one person replied, it will suffice on behalf of the whole gathering. 5. The one who initiates the Salaam obtains greater thawaab. 6. When replying to the Salaam of a person, the Salaam should be made verbally, not by a sign of the hand or a nod of the head. 7. Better repayment for a favour will be when the repayment is somewhat more than the act of favour rendered. Thus, the reply should be more than the Salaam (greeting). If ASSALAMU ALAIKUM was said, the better reply will be WA ALAIKUMUS-SALAAM WARAHMATULLAH. If WA BARAKAATUHU is also added it will be an added merit.

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Eating with the best “fork” By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is`haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)

Bi Ismihi Ta’ala

A scholar from one of the universities visited Darul Uloom Deoband during a trip to India. He was invited for a meal by Hadhrat Moulana Anwar Shah Kashmiri (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh). The scholar asked the respected Moulana (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh): “Why do you not also eat with a fork and spoon (as many others eat).”

Moulana immediately stretched out his hand, drawing attention to four of his fingers, and said: “I am eating with a fork! Just as a fork has got 4 prongs, my hand has got fingers!”

Hadhrat Moulana then said: “My fork is better than your fork in 4 ways… 1. My fork can feel the temperature of the food whilst your fork cannot. 2. My fork can bend and catch hold of the food easily, whilst your fork cannot. I notice how you find difficulty to get hold of your food. 3. If my fork hits against my teeth or gums I do not feel any real pain, whilst your fork causes great pain if it pierces you – as does sometimes happen when eating with a fork.

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4. My fork excretes a fluid after eating which helps with digestion, whilst your fork is unable to do so.

On reading this wonderful response, Allah Ta’ala put in my mind a few more points, which add to the excellence of this Sunnah: My fork is made by Allah Ta’ala whilst your fork is man-made. If it is made of plastic, it is likely to break in its first use. I personally wash my fork before meals (which is Sunnah), whilst your fork is washed by somebody else, if it is washed. The greatest benefit of all is that my fork is Sunnah, whilst your fork is the custom of the non-Muslims. As such, eating with my fork draws a guaranteed reward, whilst eating with your fork carries no reward. And eating with my fork earns the Pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, whilst eating with your fork earns the displeasure of Allah Ta’ala. Alhamdulillah, a sister from Reunion mentioned an additional point: “My fork can clean the plate according to the Sunnah, whilst your fork cannot.” The Sunnah has such benefit, goodness and advantage that the customs and culture of other faiths or societies cannot be compared to the Sunnah, nor can they rival with the Sunnah. The way of life of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is priceless. Everything else is valueless and useless. In fact, any other way of life is null and void in the Court of Allah Ta’ala. For a Muslim, his connection is with Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), and this should be evident with every facet of life conforming to the beautiful and noble Sunnah.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq of appreciating and practising upon the Sunnah entirely, and throwing out from our lives, the culture of the disbelievers.

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Sunnats And Duas Upon Entering And Leaving The Toilet

By: Arif Billah Hazrat-e-Aqdas Maulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Sahab (Rahmatullahi Alayh)

1. For the purpose of istinjah, take along water and lumps of clay. To use three lumps of clay or three stones is mustahab (preferable). If circumstances prevail, then this will be sufficient. Due to (clay lumps), difficulties are experienced in flushing the toilets. Thus, the Ulama have advised that toilet paper should be used so that the flush is not spoilt. 2. It was the practice of Rasulullah  to visit the toilet with his head covered and with his shoes on. (Alaikum besunnati) 3. Before entering the toilet recite this dua: (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Ibne Majah) Trans: O Allah! I seek your protection from the male and female Jinns. Note: Mullah Ali Qari (r.a ) has written in Mirqaat that with the blessings of the recitation of this dua, a veil is cast between the person visiting the toilet and the evil Jinns. Hence they are unable to see one’s private parts. He has also written that the ( ) of the word can be read with either a dhamma (Pesh) or a Saakin (Jazm). (Mirqaat - Vol. 1, pg. 361) 4. When entering the toilet, enter with the left foot. (Alaikum besunnati quoting from Ibne Majah) 5. When removing the undergarment,it is better to lower oneself towards the ground as much as easily possible and thereafter remove the garment. (Tirmidhi,

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Abu Dawood) 6. When coming out from the toilet, step out with the right foot first and then recite this dua: Trans: O Allah! I seek forgiveness from you. All praise is due to Allah who removed from me that which was harmful and granted me safety. 7. Before entering the toilet, remove any ring etc, upon which any Aayat or the name of Rasulullah  is visible (Nasai). If a Ta’weez is covered with a cloth and sewn, it will be permissible to enter the toilet while wearing it 8. When relieving oneself do not face the Qibla nor turn the back towards it. (Mishkaat , Tirmidhi , Ibne Majah) 9. When relieving oneself, do not speak except out of absolute necessity. Also, do not engage in any Zikr whilst in the toilet. (Mishkaat, Abu Dawood - pg. 3) 10. Be extremely careful and ensure that droplets of urine and stool do not splash upon one as most of the punishment of the grave is due to not protecting oneself from urine splashes. (Bukhari, Ibne Maajah) 11. Do not touch the private parts with the right hand during istinjaa. Use the left hand for this purpose. (Bukhari, Abu Dawood) 12. Where a toilet is not available, relieve oneself behind some barrier so that one is not exposed to others. (Abu Dawood, Ibne Majah) 13. Search for soft ground (when relieving oneself in the open) so that the urine does not splash but is rather absorbed into the ground. (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood) 14. Sit and urinate. Do not urinate while standing.(Tirmidhi) 15. After urinating, if one needs to dry himself he should do so behind some barrier (i.e. wall etc.) (Bihishti Gohar) 16. Perform Wudhu according to the Sunnat at home. 17. Perform the Sunnats at home before going to the Masjid. If there is no time for this, the same could be performed in the Masjid. 18. Note: In today’s times, due to Sunnats being neglected, it is preferable to perform them in the Masjid.(Kamaalate Ashrafiya)

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LETTER TWO Homosexual Inclinations QUESTION I am a Muslim male who was very normal in my nature until recently. Having watched a movie which explicitly encouraged homosexuality, I now find myself strongly attracted to other males, to the extent that it is extremely difficult to restrain the desire to engage in Haraam. Evil thoughts constantly plague my mind. I am overcome with remorse and very ashamed of these feelings and also afraid of giving into my desires, knowing that this is a very major sin. Please help.

REPLY

Bismihi Ta’ala

Respected Sister in Islam,

Wa-alaykumus Salaam wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakaatuhu

1.) Being ashamed of one’s sins and wanting to keep them concealed is a sign of Imaan. Of course, this does not mean that a Muslim continues secretly indulging in disobedience to Allah Ta’ala and makes no effort of giving up sins. 2.) Thoughts should be ignored, but if these feelings are being entertained, effort has to be made in diverting the attention. Keep the mind distracted and occupied with some work or activity – either some form of Ibaadah or something permissible. 3.) Often, the cause of boys/men suddenly feeling inclined and attracted to other males is due to watching some film with such content (i.e. of homosexuality).

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The purpose of such films is promotion and encouragement of sin, and the effects of such viewing are such that even an otherwise normal male will begin having evil thoughts and desires in respect to other men.

Others too have written of such experiences, so you are not alone in your anguish. Recently a teacher wrote to me, stating that he was a normal Muslim male – who had a complete aversion to homosexuality. However, after viewing just one film on homosexuality, found himself overcome with lust when it came to his male Students. He too was overcome with fear that he must not fall into the sin. He found himself very weak to the demands of his evil desires, but was also making every effort to curb them. And yet prior to viewing this film, he was sickened at the sin. So it was one movie that triggered off such a volatile situation in his personal and spiritual life. …May Allah Ta’ala save all. 4.) Make the effort of reading 2 Rakaats of Salaatut Taubah and Salaatul Haajah every day, with sincere Dua thereafter that Allah Ta’ala forgive and change your feelings and protect you from the mischief of nafs and shaytaan. 5.) Keep reading : …

“O All Living, Self-Subsistent, there is no deity worthy of being worshipped but Thee, You are above all deficiencies and weaknesses. I am indeed of the wrongdoers”

6.) Continue meditating over the punishment That was meted out to the people of Lut (Q) and the Shar`i Punishments for the person engaging in the act; together with the fact that indulgence in the sin draws the curses of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (r) - and a person under such a curse is deprived altogether of the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala. (May Allah Ta’ala protect us.) 7.) Try and give Sadaqah7 in some form, on a daily basis, with the intention that Allah Ta’ala grant complete change in your feelings and protect you. 8.) If Zam Zam is available, drink it with the intention of cure from your evil,

53 VOLUME 3 • RABI UL AWWAL 1436 base desires – for Zam Zam is a cure for whatever is intended, when drinking it. 9.) Lower your gaze when it comes to such young boys / handsome men, where you fear there will be some kind of attraction. Do not be alone with anyone. 10.) Keep yourself occupied. Even when retiring to bed, try to listen to some Zikr or Naath Shareef until you fall off to sleep.

Was-Salaamu alaykum wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakaatuhu Yunus Patel (Maulana)

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