During one of our lessons my Ustadh, Maulana Anwar Sahib, mentioned an incident which he experienced whilst offering Salaah in the Masjid.
My Ustadh would mention this story on many occasions to inform us and educate in regards to the religion and to show us the importance to understand the teachings of religion to ensure that the individual is actually following the true teachings of the religion and not just his whims and desires.
He mentioned, on one occasion when I was offering Salaah in the Masjid I saw an individual whose back was exposed whilst in Sajdah due to the short top he was wearing. I was offering Salaah behind him and when I completed my Salaah and he had completed his I approached him and told him politely, 'brother, I believe that your Salaah has become invalidated because your back was visible during Sajdah. However, it is best if you seek advise from a learned scholar just to confirm.'
Hearing this the brother became very annoyed and said, 'Dil Saaf Hona Chahye', translated as 'the heart needs to be pure'.
By this statement the individual was implying that these 'small' things don't matter, what actually matters is your intentions and the purity of your heart. If within your heart you have a clean intention then these things are trivial.
My Ustadh would relate this story and then inform us how many people's understanding religion is misplaced and through this misplaced understanding how people's actions become invalidated.
Indeed, one's heart needs to be pure and clean. Yet this does not mean that the teachings of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم can be overlooked and misinterpreted. It is therefore essential that one learns the teachings of Islam in light of the Qur'an and Sunnah; an important lesson for any individual but more so for a student of knowledge.
Showing posts with label Maulana Anwar Sahib. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maulana Anwar Sahib. Show all posts
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Religion is Easy
On many occasions, my Ustadh, Maulana Anwar Sahib, would relate an incident that occurred whilst he was in the company of Hadhrat Yusuf Motala Sahib, in Umrah.
Maulana Anwar Sahib, by narrating this incident, would educate us in many ways and teach us many lessons from this one single episode. I have never forgotten this incident and it remains clear and fresh in my mind as the day it was told to us.
He stated: On one occasion, when we were near the Ka’bah, Hadhrat Yusuf Sahib saw a man taking support on the Mataaf (area near the Ka’bah) whilst doing Tawaf. On seeing this Hadhrat explained to him that this was against the Sunnah and that one should not lean on the Mataaf, especially if he is able.
On hearing this that man replied, “الدين يسر” (religion is simple), to which Hadhrat immediately replied, “اليسر ما ثبت عن اليني صلي الله عليه و سلم” (easiness is in that which has been established from the Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم).
On hearing this reply the man felt ashamed and straight away removed his hand from the Mataaf.
From this incident, my Ustadh, taught us that although religion is simple, easy and compromising as well as lenient, we cannot start doing our own actions and say that religion allows it because easiness lies in what we are doing. Instead, we are taught that whatever the Prophet of Allah صلي الله عليه و سلم has taught is easy and simple to act upon and carry out as he was the Prophet of Mercy.
Another point which my Ustadh pointed out was the love of such saints for the Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم. Their love reached to such an extent that they were unable to see a person go against the Sunnah and they would not remain silent upon it. If this was the case, then we can imagine how punctual and dedicated they must be on their Sunan. Furthermore, if their dedication to the Sunan is as mentioned, then what would be the possibility of them committing a sin due to negligence?
May Allah increase our love for our Beloved Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم and make this love reflect in our actions. May he give us the inclination to adopt all the Sunan and refrain from the Haram.
Maulana Anwar Sahib, by narrating this incident, would educate us in many ways and teach us many lessons from this one single episode. I have never forgotten this incident and it remains clear and fresh in my mind as the day it was told to us.
He stated: On one occasion, when we were near the Ka’bah, Hadhrat Yusuf Sahib saw a man taking support on the Mataaf (area near the Ka’bah) whilst doing Tawaf. On seeing this Hadhrat explained to him that this was against the Sunnah and that one should not lean on the Mataaf, especially if he is able.
On hearing this that man replied, “الدين يسر” (religion is simple), to which Hadhrat immediately replied, “اليسر ما ثبت عن اليني صلي الله عليه و سلم” (easiness is in that which has been established from the Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم).
On hearing this reply the man felt ashamed and straight away removed his hand from the Mataaf.
From this incident, my Ustadh, taught us that although religion is simple, easy and compromising as well as lenient, we cannot start doing our own actions and say that religion allows it because easiness lies in what we are doing. Instead, we are taught that whatever the Prophet of Allah صلي الله عليه و سلم has taught is easy and simple to act upon and carry out as he was the Prophet of Mercy.
Another point which my Ustadh pointed out was the love of such saints for the Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم. Their love reached to such an extent that they were unable to see a person go against the Sunnah and they would not remain silent upon it. If this was the case, then we can imagine how punctual and dedicated they must be on their Sunan. Furthermore, if their dedication to the Sunan is as mentioned, then what would be the possibility of them committing a sin due to negligence?
May Allah increase our love for our Beloved Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم and make this love reflect in our actions. May he give us the inclination to adopt all the Sunan and refrain from the Haram.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Advices on Seeking Knowledge
Whilst I was looking through some of my notes, I came across the notes for my first lesson with Maulana Anwar Narma Sahib for the lesson of Jalaalayn.
He gave us a few advices regarding knowledge and its importance which I would like to share:
1. If you give and dedicate yourself completely to knowledge only then will knowledge give you a little of itself.
2. Knowledge is a great blessing and gift of Allah which is given to only those whom Allah chooses.
3. Knowledge angers Shaytaan and makes his work of deceiving us more difficult.
4. It is such a blessing that all the living creatures on the earth, in the sky or in the sea make supplication for its seeker.Even the angels spread their wings for the seeker of knowledge.
5. Hadhrat Paalanpuri رحمه الله states that students of knowledge resemble the angels as they are constantly in their group; and the effects of being in such a group become apparent.
6. When a person seeks knowledge a fragrance emits from him which draws the angels closer to him; and when a person sins a smell is emitted which distances the angels.
7. Furthermore, he mentioned some advices for students seeking knowledge:
اخلاص نية - Sincere Intention.
It is essential for a student of knowledge to make the correct intention and to ask himself why he is seeking this knowledge; the reason should be none other than to gain the closeness of Allah.
ادب و احترام - Respect and Manners.
The student should of knowledge should feel happiness and joy in seeking knowledge as well as experience a connection and dedication. At the same time optimum respect and manners should be exercised; one should always remain in the state of purity (Wudhu) at all times.
It should be remembered با عدب با نصيب بے عدب بے نصيب - A person with respect will be successful and a person without respect will be unsuccessful. Hadhrat Abdul Qadir Jilani once came running out from the toilet due to finding a spot of ink on his finger. Imam Shafi'ee رحمه الله would turn the pages of his book so slowly so that his teacher would not be discomforted with the noise.
ترك گناه - Refraining from sins.
A student should always refrain from sinning. Imam Shafi'ee once complained to his teacher regarding his bad memory. In return his teacher advised him to refrain from sinning as sins are a darkness and cannot coincide with the Nur (divine light) of knowledge. It is also narrated that sinning results to a dark spot of dirt being placed on the heart, the result if which is that knowledge cannot be absorbed.
شكر - Being Thankful.
One should always be thankful for being chosen for the knowledge of Islam and being a student. Thankfulness increases the mercy and blessings of Allah whilst carelessness and ungratefulness could result to this blessing being taken away.
عمل - Actions.
It is essential that the student acts upon the knowledge he has acquired; for knowledge which not acted upon is in reality a source of Allah's anger and disappointment. Acting on knowledge also ensures the student will remember this knowledge.
زيل اور طلب - Craving and Desire for Knowledge.
A student should have a craving and desire for knowledge and should question regarding those things which he does not understand. There should be a zeal which makes the student search deeper into the knowledge acquired.
May Allah give us all the inclination and zeal to seek knowledge in the correct and advised manner. Aameen.
He gave us a few advices regarding knowledge and its importance which I would like to share:
1. If you give and dedicate yourself completely to knowledge only then will knowledge give you a little of itself.
2. Knowledge is a great blessing and gift of Allah which is given to only those whom Allah chooses.
3. Knowledge angers Shaytaan and makes his work of deceiving us more difficult.
4. It is such a blessing that all the living creatures on the earth, in the sky or in the sea make supplication for its seeker.Even the angels spread their wings for the seeker of knowledge.
5. Hadhrat Paalanpuri رحمه الله states that students of knowledge resemble the angels as they are constantly in their group; and the effects of being in such a group become apparent.
6. When a person seeks knowledge a fragrance emits from him which draws the angels closer to him; and when a person sins a smell is emitted which distances the angels.
7. Furthermore, he mentioned some advices for students seeking knowledge:
اخلاص نية - Sincere Intention.
It is essential for a student of knowledge to make the correct intention and to ask himself why he is seeking this knowledge; the reason should be none other than to gain the closeness of Allah.
ادب و احترام - Respect and Manners.
The student should of knowledge should feel happiness and joy in seeking knowledge as well as experience a connection and dedication. At the same time optimum respect and manners should be exercised; one should always remain in the state of purity (Wudhu) at all times.
It should be remembered با عدب با نصيب بے عدب بے نصيب - A person with respect will be successful and a person without respect will be unsuccessful. Hadhrat Abdul Qadir Jilani once came running out from the toilet due to finding a spot of ink on his finger. Imam Shafi'ee رحمه الله would turn the pages of his book so slowly so that his teacher would not be discomforted with the noise.
ترك گناه - Refraining from sins.
A student should always refrain from sinning. Imam Shafi'ee once complained to his teacher regarding his bad memory. In return his teacher advised him to refrain from sinning as sins are a darkness and cannot coincide with the Nur (divine light) of knowledge. It is also narrated that sinning results to a dark spot of dirt being placed on the heart, the result if which is that knowledge cannot be absorbed.
شكر - Being Thankful.
One should always be thankful for being chosen for the knowledge of Islam and being a student. Thankfulness increases the mercy and blessings of Allah whilst carelessness and ungratefulness could result to this blessing being taken away.
عمل - Actions.
It is essential that the student acts upon the knowledge he has acquired; for knowledge which not acted upon is in reality a source of Allah's anger and disappointment. Acting on knowledge also ensures the student will remember this knowledge.
زيل اور طلب - Craving and Desire for Knowledge.
A student should have a craving and desire for knowledge and should question regarding those things which he does not understand. There should be a zeal which makes the student search deeper into the knowledge acquired.
May Allah give us all the inclination and zeal to seek knowledge in the correct and advised manner. Aameen.
Maulana Anwar Narma Sahib
My teacher for Qur'an Tafseer was Maulana Anwar Narma Sahib. He taught be Jalaalayn and also Sunan Ibn Majah in my final years of the 'Alim course.
There is not much that can be written in his biography as he is a down to earth and humble person and a hidden pearl. His knowledge is vast and his piety even greater. A scholar that is easily approachable and very warm and welcoming.
He also teaches at another Darul Uloom and has, over the years, given me insight to many current issues as well as advices that have helped me after graduating from the 'Alim course.
His episodes and incidents have always inspired us as well as taught us lessons in life and in Islam. He is a scholar who is contact and in the company of the great Ulamaa and saints of today.
His lessons have always been inspiring and his teaching methods have left me with knowledge that is not only available in my books but instilled within our hearts.
May Allah elevate his rank and grant him peace and tranquillity in both the worlds. May his guidance and shadow be a part of my life forever. Aameen.
There is not much that can be written in his biography as he is a down to earth and humble person and a hidden pearl. His knowledge is vast and his piety even greater. A scholar that is easily approachable and very warm and welcoming.
He also teaches at another Darul Uloom and has, over the years, given me insight to many current issues as well as advices that have helped me after graduating from the 'Alim course.
His episodes and incidents have always inspired us as well as taught us lessons in life and in Islam. He is a scholar who is contact and in the company of the great Ulamaa and saints of today.
His lessons have always been inspiring and his teaching methods have left me with knowledge that is not only available in my books but instilled within our hearts.
May Allah elevate his rank and grant him peace and tranquillity in both the worlds. May his guidance and shadow be a part of my life forever. Aameen.
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