Repentance, Qada Salah and the Excellence of Durud Sharif

Make up for Missed Salah

Make sure you perform your Salah, fast in Ramadan and firmly determine not to miss a single Fard deed in the future. If Hajj is Fard, you must not delay it, if you have missed any Salah, you must make up for them. An easy method of qada Salah is written in my book "The Method of Qada Salah" which can be bought from any branch of Maktaba-tul-Madina. A Hadith states, "The one who misses a Salah deliberately, his name is written on the gate of Hell through which he will enter".

(Kanzul Ummal, Hadith 19086, V7, P132, Dar-ul-Kutubul Ilmiyyah Beirut)

Another narration says, "If anyone misses or breaks even one fast in Ramadan without a valid reason or sickness then even the fasting of the whole world will not compensate for it (the same excellence will not be achieved)."

(Sunan Tirmizi, V2, P175, Hadith 723, Dar-ul-Fikr Beirut)

Fire in the Eyes

My Dear Islamic Brothers! Repent today from listening to music and watching films and dramas because a narration says, "If anyone fills his eyes with Harām, they will be filled with fire on the day of judgement."

(Mukashifa-tul-Quloob, P10, Dar-ul-Kutubul Ilmiyyah Beirut)

Nails Hammered into Eyes and Ears

On the night of ascension, the Beloved of Allah صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم saw people with nails hammered into their eyes and ears, on asking what they had done, he was told, "They watched what you did not watch and listened which you did not listen to".

(Sharhus Sudoor, P171, Dar-ul-Kutubul Ilmiyyah Beirut)

Have you heard the consequences of those who watch and listen to Harām? Nails had been hammered into their eyes and ears.

Imitating Jews

Attention those people who shave their beards; shaving and reducing the beard to less than a fist length are both Harām. As mentioned in a Hadith, "Trim your moustaches and let your beards grow, do not imitate the Jews". (Tahawi Sharhu Ma'anil Athar, V4, P28, Hadith 6424, Dar-ul-Kutubul Ilmiyyah Beirut) Shaving ones beard is declared an act of the Jews by the blessed Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم; this is a point to ponder for Muslims. The integrity and love of Muslims have been challenged here. Day in day out, our leaders plead that Muslims boycott Jewish products, but they seem to neglect the fact that the faces of most Muslims including these leaders themselves are imitations of the Jews, so then why only boycott products? I plead to Muslim leaders and the public in general to boycott imitating the faces of Islam's enemies and make a firm intention to display the sign of your Beloved Prophet's صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم love on your faces.

Punishment of Impermissible Fashion

My Dear Islamic brothers! You must avoid wearing indecent clothes and prohibited fashion because the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, "I saw people with their tongues being cut with scissors of fire, on asking what they had done, I was told, 'They used prohibited means for fashion'. I also heard screaming from within a ditch that was giving off an extremely foul smell, on asking who those people were, I was told, 'Women who used prohibited means to make themselves look beautiful.'"

(Sharhus Sudoor lis-Suyuti, P168, Beirut)

Oh Lord of Mustafa صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم! Save us from the actions of Satan especially cruelty, dishonesty, treachery and jealousy

اٰمِيْن بِجَاهِ النَّبِيِّ الْاَمِيْن صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم

Sayings of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم regarding Durūd Sharīf

1.     Whoever recites Durūd Sharīf upon me once, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ sends ten mercies upon him.

(Sahih Muslim, V1, P166, Qadeemi Kutub Khaana, Karachi)

2.     The closest to me on the Day of judgement will be the one who recited the most Durūd Sharīf upon me in the world.

(Jamia Tirmizi, V1, P64, Maktaba Dar-ul-Qur'an wal-Hadith, Multan)

3.     Whoever recites Durūd Sharīf upon me once; Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ sends upon him ten mercies and writes ten good deeds in his book of deeds.

(Jamia Tirmizi, V1, P64, Maktaba Dar-ul-Quran wal-Hadith, Multan)

4.     When a Muslim recites Durūd Sharīf upon me the Angels continuously send mercies upon him. It is the person's choice whether he recites less or more.

(Sunan ibn'e Maja, P65, Qadeemi Qutub Khaana, Karachi)

5.     (The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم) said to the one praising Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and reciting Durūd Sharīf after offering salah "Supplicate, (your prayer) will be answered. Ask for something, it will be granted."

(Sunan An'nisa'e, V1, P189, Qadeemi Qutub Khaana, Baa-bul-Madina Karachi)

6.     Jibra'eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام said to me that Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ says, "Oh Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم! Are you not happy that when one of your followers sends salaam upon you once I send salaam upon him a hundred times".

(Sunan An'nisa'e, V1, P191, Qadeemi Qutub Khaana Baa-bul-Madina Karachi)

صَلُّوا عَلَى الْحَبِيْب صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَى مُحَمَّد

This passage reminds us that every Muslim should take their religious obligations seriously and sincerely repent for past mistakes. Missed Salah and fasts should be made up, while one should firmly resolve not to neglect obligatory worship in the future. We are also warned against sins involving the eyes, ears, appearance, and prohibited fashions, as these actions can have severe consequences in the Hereafter. The teachings encourage us to avoid imitating practices contrary to Islamic guidance and to protect ourselves from Satan’s harmful influences, including cruelty, dishonesty, treachery, and jealousy. Most importantly, the virtues of reciting Durūd Sharīf upon the Beloved Prophet ﷺ are emphasized. Reciting Durūd brings Allah’s mercy, rewards, blessings, and closeness to the Prophet ﷺ on the Day of Judgement. Therefore, we should repent sincerely, fulfil our obligations, avoid sins, follow the Sunnah, and make abundant Durūd Sharīf a regular part of our daily lives. 

17 Effective Cures for Jealousy: Humility, Repentance and Protection from the Evils of Kahins and Jinn

What is a Kahin?

A kahin (fortune-teller) is the one who asks jinns about the unseen and then tells others. The Holy Qur’an has clearly said that jinns do not possess knowledge of the unseen. People who capture jinns and ask them reasons of diseases and things of the unseen must repent. People who think that bodies can be possessed by the spirits of pious saints are severely mistaken, they are actually possessed by jinns that falsely claim to be saints and use a few words of wisdom to draw attention towards them. Their true purpose is not to spread goodness but to have fun by gathering men and women. Areas and families where ignorance prevails are usually full of such jinn jokes.

Jinn Friends

A’la Hazrat رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه says that Sayyidunā Shaikh Muhiyuddeen ibn Arabi رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه says, “The least amount of harm that is caused by making a jinn your friend is that it makes you arrogant. An arrogant man is a fool. He seriously believes that arrogance will earn him respect, which is a serious mistake because humbleness makes a man great. Flowers only blossom on soil that is soft and humble.

Humility Leads to Greatness

A Hadith states, “The one who adopts humility for the pleasure of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, will be raised to the level of the illiyyeen and the one who is arrogant in the affairs of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ his level will be reduced untill he reaches the lowest level”.

(Musnad Imam Ahmad, Hadith 11724, V4, P152)

17 Cures for Jealousy

My Dear Islamic Brothers! Jealousy is Harām, which means to cure ones self of it is Fard. Here is a list of 17 ways to cure jealousy:

1.     Plead in the court of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ for relief from this disease.

2.     One should constantly remind himself of the harms of jealousy.

3.     Tell yourself, “What will happen to me, if Allah and His Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم become displeased with me and jealousy leads me to Hell forever.”

4.     One should think of death abundantly. The Musnad of Imam Ahmad mentions this statement of Sayyidunā Abu Darda رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْه, “The one who remembers his death in abundance, his jealousy and joys will decrease.”

(Ittihaf-us-Sadah, V14, P29)

5.     Thinking about people better than ones self usually results in a lack of self confidence, which in turn creates jealousy. This Hadith of the blessed Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم mentioned by Ibn-e-Maja should always be kept in mind by every single Muslim, “Look at the people who are inferior to you and do not look at those who are superior to more, if you do this you will not look down at any thing that Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ has granted you.”

(Sunan Ibn-e-Maja, Hadith 4142, V4, P443, Dar-ul-Ma’rifah Beirut)

6.     A hasid begins to hate the mahsood, so he should think of ways to start liking him.

7.     Be the first to say Salaam when you meet him.

8.     Show enthusiasm when you meet him.

9.     If possible give gifts.

10. Pray for blessing in whatever he possess that has caused you to be jealous.

11. Avoid speaking ill of him and if someone else speaks ill of him avoid listening.

12. Visit and consolidate him in times of sickness and troubles.

13. Provide help when he needs it.

14. Praise him (without lying) in abundance in the presence of other people.

15. If someone else praises him, show happiness.

16. Benefit the mahsood as much as possible.

At least do this

My Dear Islamic Brothers! Hujja-tul-Islam Sayyidunā Imam Muhammad Ghazali رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه says in Ihya-ul-Uloom (Volume 3), “If one prevents himself from outwardly displaying jealousy, and despises the presence of it internally, and despises the desire to see others in loss, and feels angry at himself for being jealous then he has done what was humanly possible for him. Despite such efforts, if any feeling of jealousy remains in ones heart he will not be blamed for it”. For a detailed discussion on the cures of jealousy, please refer to the chapter concerning this topic in the third volume of Imam Muhammad Ghazali’s Ihya-ul-Uloom. For curing jealousy and other internal diseases, regularly travel in the Madanī Qafilas of Dawat-e-Islami and to gain steadfastness in the avoidance of sins, act upon the Madanī In’aamaat and fill your Madanī In’aamaat card every night by doing Fikr-e-Madina and hand it in to the Islamic brother in charge of your local area every month. اِنْ شَآءَاللّٰه عَزَّوَجَلَّ you will see its blessings for yourself.

Repent Instantly

My Dear Islamic brothers! Soon we are going to die, leave this world and rest in our graves. We will face a severe test on the day of judgement, when the sun will be blazing at us from a distance of one and a quarter miles, the earth will be made of burning copper, none of us knows whether he will enter Heaven or Hell. So fear Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and repent instantly.

O Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ we repent from every minor and major sin, O Lord of Mustafa صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم forgive us.

اٰمِيْن بِجَاهِ النَّبِيِّ الْاَمِيْن صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم

Trust Allah's عَزَّوَجَلَّ mercy, repent of your past sins with shame, اِنْ شَآءَاللّٰه عَزَّوَجَلَّ your repentance will be accepted. A Hadith states: ‘The one who repents of the sin is like the one who has not committed the sin at all.’

(Ibn-e-Maja, V4, P491, Hadith 4250, Dar-ul-Ma'rifah Beirut)

Apart from repenting, seek forgiveness from all those people whom you have caused trouble to. The more a person comes into contact with people, the more chances there are for the violation of rights. I myself come into contact with a huge number of people, and rights are probably violated too. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims are listening to me at this moment in this 1422 A.H. international 3 day gathering of Dawat-e-Islami. Seizing this opportunity, I request you to grant me forgiveness for the sake of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and His beloved صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم if I have ever caused you grief. If I owe anything to anyone and have not yet returned it please ask for it instantly, if I have borrowed anything and not yet returned it, please take it off me instantly or else forgive me. I myself have forgiven every Muslim my rights in advance, even if I am martyred, the killer is forgiven on behalf of myself, if this does happen I do not want anyone staging any sort of riot or protest on my behalf. Strikes, in which Muslims are forced to shut their shops, people fight amongst themselves, and vehicles are burnt, are Harām and will lead to Hell.

The Dangers of Jealousy, Show-Off and Love of Fame: Islamic Teachings on Sincerity and Leadership

Humiliation for the Show-off

Indeed there is no good in doing actions to show off. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has said, “The show off will be called on the day of judgement: Oh deceiver! Oh show off! Your actions have gone to waste and you will receive no reward. Get your reward from that person who you used to perform that action for.

(Dar-ul-Mansoor, V1, P30)

In another Hadith, it is mentioned that Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will say (regarding the show off), “This person did not do his actions to please me. Throw him in the fire of Hell.’

(Kitabuz Zahd war Qaiq, P153, Hadith 452)

Definition of Ghibtah (Envy)

To desire one's voice to be as good as another’s is not jealousy, rather it is called ghibtah (envy) and is permissible because in this case one does not desire the loss of the other person whereas, in Jealousy, the desire for the loss and deprivation of the other person is found and it is, therefore, not permissible.

Destruction of Jealousy

The definition of jealousy has already been mentioned, “Desiring the loss of the possession of the mahsood and attainment of it for ones self” (Lisan-ul-Arab, V3, P166). Narrations mention that a jealous person is not satisfied with the distribution of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ (Arabaeen of Imam Nawawi, P50), it is as if he is complaining, “Why has Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ given him this”. A Hadith states, “Jealousy eats away at good deeds as fire eats away at wood”.

(Ibn-e-Majah, V4, P472, Hadith 4210, Dar-ul-Ma’rifah Beirut)

Jealousy and Elections

In the days of elections, jealousy is commonly observed among the candidates of different political parties. If a candidate is unlikely to win the election, he not only desires but also makes every possible effort to degrade and disgrace his rival to get the ministry in the place of his rival. He seems prepared to commit this misdeed even by blackmailing, lying, spreading rumours, false accusations, paying voters, or using force etc. Satan will use this candidate and make him commit every minor and major sin, he does not bother about disobeying Allah and his Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم and neither does he bother about the affairs of the after life, neglecting the pains of death, fear of the grave, the troubles of the day of judgement and the flames of hell, all he worries about is a temporary authority. This foolish person does not even stop to think that even if he does hurt the feelings of people, pay voters, and use all illegal means to win, how long will he maintain his position for?

Crying due to the Burden of Leadership

Listen carefully! People who are concerned about the after life regard the worldly rule as a burden. The book “Tarikhul Khulafa” mentions that the wife of Amir-ul-Mo’mineen Sayyidunā Umar bin Abdul Aziz رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه says that the day he became caliph he came home, sat on his prayer mat and began to weep until his blessed beard was soaked with tears, she asked, “Ya Ameer-ul-Mumineen, why are you crying?” He رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه replied, “The burden of the whole ummah has been placed upon my shoulders, I am pondering over my responsibilities of looking after the hungry beggars, dying patients, the naked, the hungry, the oppressed prisoners, the weak old travellers, children, and all other troubled people. How will I be able to answer if held accountable? Worry about this huge burden is making me cry”.

(Tarikhul Khulafa, Urdu, P472)

Death is much more painful than being cut into pieces, boiled in a cauldron, and having the skin torn off alive; it is chasing us constantly and will certainly capture us. Remember! Death will soon lift us up from our cosy bed of our splendid home and put us into a dark grave where we will have to sleep on a bed of soil. No status will help us, no authority will save us. Ponder over the helplessness of that condition!

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ عَزَّوَجَلَّ! The message of the International Non Political Propagational movement of Qur’an and Sunnah Dawat-e-Islami has reached approximately 51 countries of the world. The Madanī Qafilas of Dawat-e-Islami are spreading the blossoming message of the Sunnah everywhere. We are not part of the politics of any country and neither are we greedy for political status. Our destination is not worldly governments, in fact it is the pleasure of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ that we seek. We do not want leadership, we are seekers of slavery of the Supreme Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, we want the crown of dignity of the slavery of Blessed Madina, this great wealth will never vanish. By Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, one who is a slave of Madina has rulers and leaders of the world at his feet.

Love of Self-Respect

May Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, for the sake of His Supreme Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, save us from the respect and fame gained by prohibited means. By Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ! Greed for fame is a great calamity. The Blessed Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has warned, “Two hungry wolves let loose amongst a herd of sheep do not cause as much harm as the greed of wealth and fame causes harm to a man’s religion.”

(Musnad Imam Ahmad, V5, P350, Hadith 15784, Dar-ul-Fikr Beirut)

Entrance into Hell without Accountability

Sayyidunā Abdullah bin Umar رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا reports that the Blessed Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has said, “Six types of people will be put into Hell without accountability.” He was asked, “O Prophet of Allah صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم who are they?” He replied, “(1) Leaders, due to their cruelty, (2) Arabs, due to their prejudice, (3) Tribe leaders, due to their arrogance, (4) Traders, due to fraud, (5) Villagers, due to their ignorance, (6) And scholars due to their jealousy.”

(Ittihaf-us-Sada-tul-Muttaqeen, V9, P486, Dar-ul-Kutubul Ilmiyyah Beirut)

He also warned, “A hasid, tale-teller and Kahin (fortune-teller) are not of me and I am not of them.”

(Majma’uzzawaid, V8, P173, Hadith 13126, Dar-ul-Fikr Beirut)

The Dangers of Jealousy and Ostentation: Protecting Sincerity in Worship

The Fourth Piece of Merchandise: Jealousy

The fourth piece of merchandise that Satan sells is jealousy and he said himself, he sells this to scholars.

Definition of Jealousy

The one who is jealous of anyone is called a hasid while the one to whom anyone has jealousy is called the mahsood. The definition of jealousy as is stated in volume 3 of "Lisan-ul-Arab" (Page 166) is, 'To be jealous is to desire the loss of something possessed by the mahsood and to gain its possession for oneself.'

Definition of Jealousy in Simple Words

My Dear Islamic Brothers! We learnt from the above-mentioned definition that the desire for the loss of someone's boon (possession, ability, quality etc.) and acquisition of the same boon for oneself is jealousy. For example the desire for the loss of someone's fame and respect due to hatred and acquisition of his fame and respect for oneself. Similarly, desiring the loss of a rich man's wealth and wishing the acquisition of wealth for oneself in place of that rich man.

Children's Teaching Us a Lesson

Remember! Jealousy is an extremely evil vice and only foolish fall prey to it. Sometimes, the children in our homes draw our attention towards this very important issue but we fail to understand. I feel that children often teach us a great deal through their immature actions. If you have children you will probably have seen that when one child is picked up, the other begins to cry and hit him, in other words he protests; "Why have you picked him up? Put him down and pick me up". This is an obvious example of jealousy. The child that was picked up was obviously favoured and the second child was crying because he wanted to gain the favour for himself with the first being deprived of it. The sins of minors are not written and they do such things due to their immaturity but we should regard them as little Madanī Mubalighs. In other words, they peach us "O elders! We are children and immature and we are practically showing you mature elders what jealousy is; since we are childern, jealousy will not harm us at all, but if you commit this sin, you will be severely harmed in both the worlds!"

صَلُّوا عَلَى الْحَبِيب صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَى مُحَمَّد

Jealousy of Naat Reciters

Jealousy is found in all types of people, a lot of pious-looking people are also a prey to it and because they do not have a Madanī frame of mind they remain unaware and continue sinning. Take for example, Naat reciters these days. If one has a very good voice, the other whose voice is not so good will probably fall jealous of him and because people don’t pay much attention to him, he might say to himself, “I wish he has a problem with his voice and I gain fame instead, my name as a great Naat reciter should be published in newspapers and on posters, people should make me sit on the stage, and make me wear garlands and shower money at me”. Ask yourselves, is this not jealousy?” Qur’an and Naat reciters cannot save themselves from Satan, especially in contests, despite the fact that these contests do have a concept of encouragement but each person deeply desires to defeat every one else and prove to be the best reciter.

If someone finds himself in second position he will most certainly feel upset and crave for the first position, doesn’t he feel, “Why has this Muslim brother come first? I wish he’d mess up and I get first position.” Is this jealousy or not? I leave you to decide the answer. The same happens in Madrassas when some students gain top positions and others fall jealous of them wishing they had been in their place. This usually results in suspicions, backbiting, and accusations (“I spent hours in preparation, I’m sure the examiner didn’t check it properly” etc.)

Disasters of Ostentation

In the contest of Naat or Recitation, if one comes second, he becomes jealous of the first position holder or if he comes third he becomes jealous of the first two position holders because he believes that the quality of his own recitation was brilliant (out of pride) so he accuses the judges of injustice, and falls prey to accusations, backbiting, suspicions etc. and there is a possible danger of ostentation as well. This is if he recites a Naat not for the pleasure of Allah and His blessed Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم but for a trophy instead or a reward and to have his photo published in the newspapers and people praising him and giving him gifts. In case of these evil intentions, he will not get any reward, instead, he deserves to be punished. These contests are permissible but the participants should reflect upon their intentions.

Please let me read two verses to gain blessing

If there is large gathering somewhere, almost everyone wants to demonstrate their talent on the stage, if the recitations have been recorded on cassette, one looks for his own recitation (and ignores the other) and if it has not been recorded he will be disappointed, why? And if a Qari or Naat reciter wants his recordings to be sold in shops then how sincere is he? Was the recitation for Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ or for the recording? If there is an echo sound system, there will be people asking for permission to read ‘a few lines to gain blessing’! My advice is that if you really want blessings, sit alone in your house, have the imagination of the blessed green dome, and then recite as many Naats as you want, اِنْ شَآءَاللّٰه عَزَّوَجَلَّ this will save you from ostentation and there will be a great deal of blessings, and your record of deeds will also be filled with good deeds: A hint is enough for the wise. May Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ grant us sincerity.

70 Times More Reward for a Hidden Deed

My Dear Islamic Brothers! We should weigh our actions with sincerity. It is mentioned in Hadith that hidden actions are 70 times better than actions done publicly.

(Kanzul Ummal, V1, P447, Hadith 1929)

The Dangers of Treachery and Deception: Islamic Teachings on Honesty and Good Character

A Rule to Remember

My Dear Islamic Brothers! Remember! it is important to decide a salary where deciding is expected, for instance labour, rent for a house, shop or car, but if a price is already fixed and the people involved already know then deciding again is not needed, for instance when sitting in a hotel there are menus with the prices and the customer is aware of them, or if the prices of food are known buy the customer without having to ask anyone or look at a menu, this also includes bus fares. My Dear Islamic brothers! Unfortunately, most of us are unaware of such rulings and to know them is absolutely vital otherwise one will commit treachery without even realising what he has done. To develop the desire to learn these things, make a habit of travelling in the Sunnah-inspiring Qafilas of Dawat-e-Islami punctually and to gain steadfastness, act upon the Madanī In'aamaat and fill in the Madanī In'aamaat card doing Fikr-e-Madina and hand it in to your local responsible Islamic brother at the end of every month, اِنْ شَاءَ الله عَزَّوَجَلَّ you will see the blessings of this for your self.

صَلُّوا عَلَى الْحَبِيب صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَى مُحَمَّد

The Third Piece of Merchandise: Treachery

One of Satan's pieces of merchandise is treachery which he sells to women. This does not mean that men are not treacherous. Deceiving people is a sin whether men do it or women. Deceiving Muslims is a major sin, Harām and leads to Hell.

The Deceiver is cursed

Ameer-ul-Mumineen, Sayyidunā Abu Bakr Siddiq رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ narrates that the Blessed Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم said, "One who harms a Muslim or deceives him is cursed". (Jami' Tirmizi, Hadith 1948, V3, P378, Dar-ul-Fikr Beirut) Another narration mentions this saying of the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم, "One who harms anyone will be harmed by Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and one who causes difficulties to anyone will be put in difficulty by Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ."

(Ibn-e-Majah, V3, P107, Hadith 2342, Beirut)

صَلُّوا عَلَى الْحَبِيب صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَى مُحَمَّد

No Entry into Heaven

Our Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم has warned, "The one who deceives us is not amongst us, treachery and cheating is of hell". (Tabarani Kabeer, Hadith 10234, V10, P138, Dar Ihyaitturathil Arabiy Beirut) In another Hadith, he صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم said, "There are three types of people who will not enter paradise; (1) Cheaters (2) Those who remind people of favours (3) Stingy people.

(Tirmizi, V3, P388, Hadith 1970, Dar-ul-Fikr Beirut)

Reminding People of Favours is Harmful

My Dear Islamic Brothers! These days, like treachery, the illness of reminding people of favours is very common amongst Muslims. Remember! Reminding people of favours ruins the virtue done by doing that favour. For example, in front of others Zaid says to Bakr, "You should thank me for getting you have a job, you should be grateful to me for teaching you how to perform wudu", in this way Satan ruins his virtues, in fact teasing hurts a Muslim's emotions. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُبْطِلُوا صَدَقَاتِكُم بِالْمَنِّ وَالْأَذَىٰ

TRANSLATION FROM KANZ-UL-IMAN

O you who believe! Do not make your Almsgiving vain by reproach and injury.

(Part 3 Surah Al Baqarah verse 264)

Styles of Giving Money

Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Naeemi عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللهِ says in "Noor-ul-Irfan", this tells us that if giving sadaqah to a poor person publicly humiliates him it should be given secretly without others knowing because giving sadaqah publicly in this case would cause him grief". So when giving money to a scholar or Imam, the envelope should be given secretly. Some people place the money in the Imam's hand and close it in a manner revealing that he is being given money; some people give a note for Dua in a manner implying it is money! This manner of giving a note could hurt the feelings of a dignified Muslim.

Shaikh Shibli's عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللهِ hatred for Treachery

My Dear Islamic Brothers! Treachery is a big problem. Our pious saints رَحِمَهُمُ اللهُ تَعَالَى hated treachery. Sayyidunā Shaikh Abu Bakr Shibli رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ went to a sheikh to learn the science of nahw (Arabic etymology). The teacher said, "Daraba Zaidun Amran" (Zaid hit Amr) He asked his teacher, "Did Zaid really hit Amr?" He replied, "No, it is only an example". The shaikh said, "I do not want to learn the thing based on lies".

(Nuzha-tul-Majalis, Baab-uz-Zakaat, P199, Dar-ul-Kutubul Ilmiya)

My Dear Islamic Brothers! Did you see how much Sayyidunā Abu Bakr Shibli رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ hated treachery? This is an example of his great piety, despite the fact that there was no harm in giving such an example.

Imam Bukhari عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللهِ and the Man who was deceiving a Horse

The most authentic book after the Holy Qur'an is "Sahih Bukhari". Sayyidunā sheikh Muhammad bin Ismail Bukhari رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ has done a huge favour upon the Muslim Ummah by collecting these Ahadith. Here is an example of his piety and scrupulous character. He once went to see a man in order to hear a Hadith. The man's horse had run away from him and stood at a distance. To make the horse walk towards him he lifted his shirt and acted as if he had barley inside it and began to tempt the animal, this made the animal come back to him allowing the man to catch it. Sayyidunā Imam Bukhari رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُasked the man if he really did have barley in his shirt, to which the reply was, "No, I only did it to bring the horse back". The Imam said, "How can I take a blessed hadith of The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم from a man who lies to animals!"

(Nuzha-tul-Majalis, Baab-uz-Zakaat, P199, Dar-ul-Kutubul Ilmiya)

My Dear Islamic Brothers! Our pious saints had Madanī frame of mind; our minds do not have access to where their minds reached. May Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ protect us from the disasters of treachery.

أَمِينَ بِجَاهِ النَّبِيِّ الْأَمِين صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم