In order to establish a connection with ALLAH Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala, Islaah (purification of the nafs) is essential. This is enabled by keeping the company of the pious, listening to majaalis about sulook, abstinence from sin and suppression of the ego, all for the sake of ALLAH Rabbul Izzat.
The Sahaaba-e-Kiraam did everything with Ikhlaas (sincerity) and maintained a constant consciousness of ALLAH Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala. They always remained concerned about the acceptance of their deeds.
We are constantly reminded by our Mashaa’ikh that we should be alive to the fact that ‘ALLAH IS ALWAYS WATCHING US’.
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An Explanation of Some Selected Malfoozaat of Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi (RA) :
1- The essence of a noble character is ‘not to give takleef’ to the creation of Allah, ie not to trouble, annoy or hinder anyone. One should never hurt or harm any makhlooq of ALLAH Ta’aala.
2- When somebody asks something, never ignore the person or keep him waiting for an answer unnecessarily. This is disrespectful.
3- Refrain from sin. Develop courage and make a conscious and sincere effort to abstain from sin.
[‘Islaah bila Mujaahadah’ (reformation without effort) is impossible. However, when a slave of ALLAH takes even a few steps toward HIM, ALLAH Rabbul Izzat comes running toward him. ALLAH appreciates the little effort of HIS servant.]
Courage is cultivated by being in the company of a Kaamil Shaykh.
4- The effect of sincere Tauba over sins, even if one has comitted sins that fill the entire World, is like dynamites that blow and destroy huge mountains…
5- The Greater Jihad (Jihad-e-Akbar) is the overpowering of the Nafs (base desires). Remember Shaytaan did not have another Shaytaan leading him astray… It was his nafs!
6- True contentment is based on ones relationship with the Deen and ALLAH Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala. You will find that he who has Deen and a little Dunya is content and has a pleasant life.
Many are those who have Dunya but no Deen, and live an empty and unpleasant life.
Sometimes the observer of such people is fooled into thinking otherwise, because of the external luxuries, or because the observer himself does not know the reality of genuine happiness.
Real happiness and comfort (Rahat) should not be confused with the means of happiness and comfort (Asbaab-e-Rahat).
7- There are two qualities which are more vigorous (prominent) in females viz the fervour to make khidmat (serve) others;and chastity.
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