Lessons from Hadith Shareef ~ Hastening Towards Khayraat (Righteous Deeds)

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veiledgems-khayraat-2016Lessons from Hadith Shareef ~ Hastening Towards Khayraat (Righteous Deeds)

Adapted from a Majlis of Moulana Naeem Motala
23/06/2016 ( After Fajr /Ramadan 1437) Musjid e Noor ~ Durban ~ South Africa

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 قَالَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ : بَادِرُوا بِالْأَعْمَالِ فِتَنًا كَقِطَعِ اللَّيْلِ الْمُظْلِمِ يُصْبِحُ الرَّجُلُ مُؤْمِنًا وَيُمْسِي كَافِرًا أَوْ يُمْسِي مُؤْمِنًا وَيُصْبِحُ كَافِرًا يَبِيعُ دِينَهُ بِعَرَضٍ مِنْ الدُّنْيَا ~ رواه مسلم

Hazrat Abu Hurairah Radhiallahu Anhu reported: Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said, “Hasten with righteous deeds before you are overtaken by trials and tribulations, which would be like huge chunks of a ‘dark night’. A man would be a believer in the morning and turn to disbelief in the evening, or he would be a believer in the evening and turn a disbeliever in the morning. He would sell his Faith for worldly goods.” – [Muslim]

In Arabic, Baadiroo بادروا comes from the word Mubadara  مبادرة  which means to ‘rush’ or ‘hasten’. In this Hadith of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, the Believers are encouraged to ‘rush towards’ and not to procrastinate with righteous deeds. When the inclination to do good deeds comes very strongly in one’s heart, then one should not delay, but should immediately do the good deed that he is prompted towards.

The Hadith further explains that a time will draw closer (before Qiyamah) where abounding trials and tribulations will increase and appear in quick succession (one after another) and it will render righteous deeds that a person had intentions of performing, impossible. One will be overwhelmed and overcome by different types of severe tests and difficulties and will not get the chance, nor the time to pursue one’s virtuous aspirations.

Like a traveller that encounters the pervading and ever-increasing darkness of the evening… similar will be the adversities and hardships of a Believer at this time. Each time he overcomes one darkness (trial), suddenly there is another piece or chunk of darkness (another trial) awaiting him, so in this way, the person will not be able to do the good deeds that he desired.

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Selling One’s Faith

In these times of Fitan, a person will sell his Deen for the sake of Dunya. Layers upon layers of darkness will engulf a persons heart to such an extent that the heart will become extremely hard and completely Ghaafil (heedless and negligent of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala). A person will find it extremely difficult to differentiate between truth and falsehood and right and wrong and this will become the reason for his wretchedness and pitiable condition.

(1) One will have Imaan in the morning but he will sell his Imaan in lieu of a few coins (worldly gain). (2) One will regard the usurping of his brothers rights and wealth as Halaal (permissible). (3) One will regard the prohibition of Riba (interest) to be Halaal and will not be bothered about the command of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala.

When occurrences like these become prevalent, then, a person will not be able to safeguard his Deen and will release his Imaan. This is what Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam refers to as : “A person will be a Believer in the morning and a disbeliever by the evening” …

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Fastabiqul Khayraat ~ Competing in Goodness

Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala (the Most Kind and the Most Merciful) mentions, selected verses in the Quraan Shareef regarding Fastabiqul Khayraat  فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ   which motivate and encourage the Believers to race each other in all things that are good and full of reward  :

فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ
So race to [all that is] good. ~ Surah Al Baqarah 2:148

وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ
Hasten towards the forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden whose width is that of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous ~ Surah Al Imraan 3:133

أُولَٰئِكَ يُسَارِعُونَ فِي الْخَيْرَاتِ وَهُمْ لَهَا سَابِقُونَ
It is those who hasten to good deeds, and they outstrip [others] therein ~ Surah Al Mu’minun 23:61

When Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala says “Hasten towards good deeds”, the person will actually be ‘responding to the call of Allah‘ and in return, Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala will grant the person the Taufeeq (ability) of doing more and more praiseworthy deeds and this will be a Daleel (proof) of his strong Imaan.

The moment Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala grants a person the Taufeeq (ability) to perform A’maal e Sawlihah (righteous deeds), then one must inculcate Istiqaamat (be steadfast) on the deed, and safeguard oneself from the ever increasing and intensifying Fitan. The fruits of hastening towards A’maal e Sawlihah (righteous deeds), is that Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala will become the Beloved of this person and will open and pave the way towards Jannah.

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How Does A Person Hasten Towards Good Deeds?

(1) Aquire knowledge regarding the virtues of good deeds

Ulema explain, that to create within oneself the Shawq (the desire and yearning) to perform A’maal e Sawlihah (righteous deeds), one should acquire knowledge regarding the significance and virtues of the different good deeds (eg : nafl salaah, zikrullah, nafl fasts, giving sadaqah). When one reads the virtues of these good deeds and when the desire is created, then do not delay and immediately plunge into that righteous deed and perform it!

Nafs and Shaytaan have different ways of luring and enticing a person, deceiving him, ie : by causing him to delay and not perform the good deed. A person who is aware of the virtues of Tahajjud Salaah, may wake up at night and have the desire to perform this noble act. However, Nafs and Shaytaan will play games with one’s mind and tell a person, “it’s a bit cold”, “read later”, “lie down for a little while”, “ there’s still time before Fajr”… No! This is the time when a person should make Mubadara (make an initiative and rush towards the good deed).

(2) Giving Da’wah (invite others) towards good deeds

A Believer ought to invite others towards good A’maal (actions). The more a person propagates, teaches and spreads meritorious deeds, then Allah Ta’ala will also accord this person the Taufeeq of doing those A’maal.

(3) Make Dua to Allah Ta’ala

Dua is the weapon of the Believer. Make Dua to Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala with your intentions of performing these good deeds and seek refuge in Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala from all Fitan (trials, tribulations, suffering, calamities, punishment, difficulties, sins, tests).

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Lessons from Hadith Shareef ~ The Meaning of Sunnah and its Importance

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Lessons from Hadith Shareef ~ The Meaning of Sunnah and its Importance

Adapted from a Majlis of Moulana Naeem Motala
(22/06/2016  After Fajr /Ramadan 1437)  Musjid e Noor ~ Durban ~ South Africa

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‎ عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏  ‏”‏كل أمتي يدخلون الجنة إلا من أبى ‏”‏‏

قيل‏:‏ ومن يأبى يا رسول الله قال‏:‏  ‏”‏ من أطاعني دخل الجنة، ومن عصاني فقد أبى‏”‏ ‏‏‏(‏رواه البخاري‏)‏‏‏

Hazrat Abu Hurairah Radhiallahu Anhu reported:  Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said, “Everyone of my Ummah will enter Jannah except those who refuse”. He was asked: “Who will refuse?” Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said, “Whoever obeys me, shall enter Jannah, and whosoever disobeys me, refuses to (enter Jannah)” ~ [Bukhari]

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Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala has indeed favoured mankind by sending them the best of creation and the most perfect example of His message, Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam. To protect, preserve and emulate the Sunnah way of life of such a lofty and distinguished role model, is our pathway to success, in this world and the hereafter. One of the scholars of the past, Imam Malik Rahmatullah Alayh said: “The Sunnah is like the ark of Nuh (Alayhis Salaam). Whoever embarks upon it achieves salvation and whoever rejects it, is drowned”

What is the meaning of Sunnah  سنة ? In Arabic, Sunnah means a ‘pathway’. Be it our Aqeedah (beliefs in Allah), our speech, our actions, our Akhlaaq (character), our Ma’mulaat (daily routines), or our Mu’asharaat (social ethics)’… “As Seerah Wa-Tareeqah” is a complete way of life for every Believer. We should never say : “It is only a Sunnah!”… This way of life of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, is Akmal اکمل (most perfect), Ajmal اجمل (most beautiful) and As-hal اسہل (most easy) …

 Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam gives glad tidings to those who comply with the Sunnah من أحب سنتي فقد أحبني، ومن أحبني، كان معي في الجنة … “Whoever gives life to my Sunnah certainly loves me, and whoever loves me is with me in Paradise.” [Tirmidhi].

Those who reject the Sunnah of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam and oppose him, are warned of Allah Ta’ala’s wrath, disapproval and punishment. Once, a man ate with his left hand in the presence of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, whereupon he (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ” كُلْ بِيَمِينِكَ Eat with your right hand.” The man said: ” لا أسْتَطِيعُ I cannot do that.” Thereupon Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said, ” لا اسْتَطَعْتَ May you not be able to do that (eat with your right hand).” It was Kibr (pride) that held him back from following the Sunnah of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam and he was never then able to raise his right hand to his mouth to partake of food again [Muslim].

The Obedience of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam is the Obedience of Allah Ta’ala

The Sunnah is undoubtedly indivisible from the Qur’aan, and Ulema have mentioned that Allah Ta’ala has commanded the Believers to “Obey Allah and the Messenger” in more than twenty-five Ayaats in the Quraan Shareef. Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala states  :


قُلْ أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُول
Say, “Obey Allah and the Messenger ~ Surah Al Imraan 3:32

قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ
Say, [O Muhammad], “If you should love Allah , then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins ~Surah Al Imraan 3:31
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وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانتَهُو
And whatever the Messenger has given you – take; and what he has forbidden you – refrain from ~Surah Hashr 59:7
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وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُون
And obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy ~ Surah Al Imraan 3:132
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مَّن يُطِعِ الرَّسُولَ فَقَدْ أَطَاعَ اللَّهَ
He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah ; ~Surah An Nisaa 4:80

Therefore, it is compulsory for every believer to obey and follow in the footsteps of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam. The obedience of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam is, in fact, the obedience of Allah Ta’ala. Obedience to Allah Ta’ala and His Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam is an indication of one`s love for Allah. If a person claims he loves Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala, then he must follow the Sunnah way of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, the result of which will be, that a person will (1) gain the Muhabbah (love and recognition) of Allah Ta’ala (2) Allah Ta’ala will forgive his sins (3) Allah Ta’ala will grant him Najaat (salvation) in the Aakhirah (hereafter).

 

Preserving and Protecting the Sunnah of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam

Obeying, respecting and loving Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, in addition to imitating his lifestyle and abiding by his Sunnah, are responsibilities that all Believers must try to fulfill. We should hold onto whatever Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has commanded us to do and bring that particular instruction into action (obey and follow him), and whatever Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has prohibited us from, then we should refrain from those things.

Sahaba Radiallahu Anhum and the Salaf-e-Sauliheen (pious predecessors) would see every Sunnah (action) of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam and they would without hesitation emulate him at every opportunity. When Hazrat Umar bin Khataab Radiallahu Anhu was on Hajj, he came to stand before the Black Stone of the Kaabah and addressed it with these words, “O Al-Hajar Al-Aswad, no doubt, you are but a stone and can neither harm anyone nor benefit anyone … Had I not seen Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam kissing you, I would not have kissed you” [Bukhari]. Apart from kissing this stone from Jannah as an act of worship and an expiation for sins, Hazrat Umar bin Khataab Radiallahu Anhu adopted this act of obedience as an expression of love for the Sunnah of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam. 

Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar Radiallahu Anhu (the son of Hazrat Umar bin Khataab Radiallahu Anhu) was noted for his love and obedience to Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam. No one followed in the footsteps of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam more closely than Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar Radiallahu Anhu. He diligently continued to demonstrate this love for Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam even after his demise. Once, he embarked on a hajj journey, accompanied by a group of people and whilst walking, suddenly lowered his head. There was no branch nor tree but he lowered his head. After sometime, despite not having the urge to urinate, he goes to a specific spot and pretends like he is relieving himself. His travel companions asked him why is he doing such things, to which he replied : “When I travelled with Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam during his lifetime, I observed him coming past this particular tree and there was a branch here and he lowered his head. And similarly, when passing by this particular spot he relieved himself … and so my love for the Messenger of Allah causes me to imitate and follow this example”.

 Hazrat ‘Irbaad bin Saariyah RadhiyAllahu Anhu narrates: Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam preached to us one day after Fajr with utmost eloquence which caused the eyes to tear and the hearts to tremble. A man then said: “Definitely this is the advice of a person bidding farewell, hence what do you command us with O Messenger of Allah?” He (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “I command you with Taqwa (the fear of Allah) and I advise you to obey the Ameer (leader) of your time (even if it were a slave) … for those of you who live after me will see great disagreement. Whosoever reaches that era from amongst you then hold on to my Sunnah (Fa alaykum bi sunnati) and Sunnah of the rightly guided Khulafa (Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique RA / Hazrat Umar Farouk RA / Hazrat Uthmaan Ghani RA / Hazrat Ali Murtadha RA) and save yourself from innovations because every innovation will lead you astray. Bite upon it (the Sunnah) with the molars (i.e. cling on to it)”. [Tirmidhi].

 From these incidents, we can understand that Believers should surrender one’s freedom of opinion and action before Allah and His Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and adopt the Sunnah in one’s daily life. Whether the Sunnah makes any sense to us or not, whether we understand the wisdom behind any particular Sunnah or not, it is the Sunnah of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam and should be revered. The Sunnah is an ultimate guidance that links a person to Allah Ta’ala, but the reality is such, that by us rejecting this divine institution, we have taken ourselves down the slippery road of destruction and misery. 

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Naqshe qadam Nabi ke he Jannat ke raaste ~ Allah se milate he Sunnat ke raste

نقش قدم نبی کے ہیں جنت کے راستے

اللہ سے ملاتے ہیں سنت کے راستے

A person will reach Jannat by following the footsteps of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam,

A person will reach Allah by following the path of Sunnah

 

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The Importance of ‘Adl’ (Justice)

bismillahhThe Importance of ‘Adl’ (Justice)

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَيَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنْكَرِ وَالْبَغْيِ ۚ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ
Innallaha ya’muru bil adli wal-ihsani wa-eeta-i-zil qurba wayanha ‘anil fahsha-i walmunkari walbagh- ya-i-zukum la’allakum tazzakkaroon 
Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition. (Surah An-Nahl 16:90)
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Every Friday (Yaum’ul Jum’muah) before the second Khuthbah terminates we hear this verse (above) being recited. Known as the most comprehensive verse of the Holy Qur’aan, it is condensed with all the teachings of Islam and Shariah. The laws of Islam and Shariah are so beautiful and full of Justice. Islam commands us to be just and fair. Our Nabi Sallallahu~Alaihi~Wasallam and the Sahaba RA were living examples of how to deal with people justly and how one should not be oppressive.

Allah is absolutely ‘Just’. One of His beautiful names is Al A’dl (The Just). Allah Subhanahu~Wa~Ta’ala judges in the best of ways and in the most accurate way … He does not oppress ‘any’ person! Not even that amount which is equivalent to an atom! Allah is fair! Allah has made oppression Haraam upon believers. A person will be in hardship, misery and utter darkness on the day of Qiyamah because of Oppression. Allah Subhanahu~Wa~Ta’ala, bids morals of high value and forbids those things which are immoral and low.

Jumuah Bayaan ~ Musjid e Noor 21~10~16 > An explanation of numerous examples of incidents which outline the laws pertaining to ‘Justice’ in Islam

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