by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
During the months following Ramadān, Muslims the world over remember the life of the great Prophet, the Friend of Allāh ta‘ālā, Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām; a life full of sacrifice and submission to the will of Allāh ta‘ālā.
At a very young age, when in need of the support of his father, Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām was compelled to leave him. Then, during the final stages of his life, when in his old age and in need of the support of his young son, he was commanded by Allāh ta‘ālā to sacrifice him. Without hesitation, he was ready to submit to the Will of his Creator. Allāh ta‘ālā says:
by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
Etiquettes of the Mobile Phone
Islam has never been opposed to advancement. However, certain advancements are such that together with their benefits come much harm. Whilst mobile technology and the mobile phone in particular has revolutionised the way we live, it is important that we utilise such technology appropriately.
Crude Manners
It is important to realise that there are certain etiquettes of speaking on the phone. For example when calling someone, many people do not first ask the person they are calling whether it is convenient for them to speak at that very moment. They simply begin a long conversation without any regard for the inconvenience they cause the person they have called. There are yet others who, whilst in the company of others, answer phone calls and begin to casually converse with whoever has called them. Doing this is akin to turning your face away from those in your company whilst in the middle of a conversation and engaging in conversation with someone else without any explanation or apology to the first. Such behaviour is indeed inappropriate and a reflection of crude manners.
The Sharī‘ah is divided into two parts: external and internal. The department of Sharī‘ah relating to external deeds like salāh and zakāh is called ‘fiqh’, while the one dealing with internal feelings and states of the heart is called ‘tasawwuf’. Both are commands in the Qur’ān. Thus, while commanding salāh and zakāh, the Qur’ān also commands gratefulness and love of Allāh ta‘ālā, and condemns the evil of pride and vanity.
by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
Everyone is aware of the devastation that natural disasters bring with them. Many lose their lives, hundreds of thousands lose relatives, entire communities are wiped out and countless buildings and properties are destroyed. Thousands, even millions are left homeless, having lost everything they once owned, living under open skies with nothing to eat and cover themselves with. Even after the calamity has subsided, the death toll continues to increase with the spread of disease.
When calamities strike, we often think about our roles and responsibilities, as human beings and as Muslims. It is unfortunate that for most of us, it takes such calamities to make us reflect on the Power and lofty Attributes of Allāh ta‘ālā. Rather than expressing shallow sorrow and a momentary shock, there are a few points that we need to reflect and act upon, so that events like these can cause us to become better Muslims for the rest of our lives:
by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Glorious Qur’ān:
Lo! The number of the months with Allāh is twelve months by Allāh’s Ordinance in the day that He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred: that is the right religion. So wrong not yourselves in them...(9:36)
The specification of these four sacred months is stated in a hadīth narrated by Abū Bakrah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu that Rasūlullāh sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said,
By Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
The great tābi‘ī, Hasan al-Basri rahimahullāh once said:
O son of Ādam! You are but (a collection of) days: when a day goes, a part of you goes.
A day that has passed will never return. Every morning at sunrise the day says:
Whoever is able to do some good should do it, for I will never return to you.
Just think! Our childhood days have passed; for many their youth has passed; others have reached old age and are waiting only for death to come. Allāh ta‘ālā says:
by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
A human has two aspects to his life: physical and spiritual. The physical aspect is related to the body and the spiritual aspect is related to the soul. Both aspects are vulnerable to illnesses. Just as the body can suffer from physical ailments such as cancer, TB, fever, headache, etc., the soul can also suffer from spiritual illnesses, such as riyā (ostentation), takabbur (pride and arrogance), hasad (jealousy), lack of sabr (patience), lack of shukr (gratitude), love for fame and wealth, etc. Both aspects are very important for us because just as physical health is important in order to ensure an enjoyable life, similarly, spiritual health is also vital to secure a peaceful mind and a heart full of contentment. In fact, spiritual health is far more important because the everlasting success in the Hereafter depends solely upon it. However, the concern shown towards the two is very different.
When we are afflicted with a physical illness, we will have great concern. However, when it comes to spiritual illnesses, no concern whatsoever is shown. Whereas, in reality, more concern should be shown for our spiritual health for the following reasons:
An account of the 24hr I’tikāf that took place in Jame’ah Masjid Preston on the 25th of December 2010, prepared by Muhammed Ravat, a 2nd year student at Jame‘ah Riyādul ‘Uloom, Islāmic Da’wah Academy, UK.
In order for mankind to remain on the straight path, the practice of Allāh ta‘ālā has been to send a prophet ‘alayhis salām from time to time. However, this chain reached its end with the coming of our beloved Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam. He sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam came with his everlasting miracle - the Glorious Qur’ān, which was to serve as guidance for mankind. Once the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam left this world, the task of guiding mankind was put upon the shoulders of his Ummah. As everyone is not capable of taking on this enormous task, Allāh ta‘ālā has made the ‘Ulamā the leaders of this struggle. In every era, Allāh ta‘ālā sends ‘ulamā according to the requirements of the time. It is the sheer grace and mercy of Allāh ta‘ālā that the city of Leicester has been blessed with one such personality, the world renowned, Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh. Working tirelessly day and night, the Shaykh is the founder of the Islāmic Da’wah Academy (IDA), and the Shaykh-al-Hadīth of Jame‘ah Riyadul ‘Uloom (JRU), the full time boarding institute for those wishing to expand their Islamic knowledge. The Shaykh regularly tours many countries worldwide and nationally.
ڈھونڈتے پھرتے رہوگے بستیاں در بستیاں
روزانہ کب پیدا ہوتی ہے یہ ہستیاں
You can wander from town to town looking for such personalities;
However it is not every day that these personalities are found.
by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
Of the many blessings and gifts of Allāh ta‘ālā is the bounty of special seasons and places, during which and where the rewards of good deeds are multiplied to such extents known only to Allāh ta‘ālā. One such moment is the day of Friday, a day greater in virtue than the ‘Īdayn (two days of ‘Īd). It has been narrated that this day is the leader of all days.
by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
Hajj is an invitation from the Lord of all the Worlds to visit His Sacred House and an opportunity for us to correct the shortcomings and faults we find in our lives. All intending pilgrims should be focused on the great journey that awaits them and prepare for it as best as possible. In addition to the essential task of learning the injunctions of Hajj, there are a number of other points that should be given special attention by all those who are about to become the Guests of Allāh ta‘ālā.
by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
In 1991 Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh had to give up his teaching post at Darul Uloom Bury and move back to Leicester, the city in which he grew up. The reason why the respected Shaykh had to return was the demise of his father, Hāfiz Ibrāhīm Dhorat rahimahullāh.
Hāfiz Dhorat rahimahullāh was an extraordinary individual who was well loved and respected by all who knew him. He was from amongst those who held a lofty status in piety. That such a noble soul could exist in the twentieth century, leading a normal life in an inner city environment is proof of the vibrancy and power of Islām, and an encouraging example to the rest of us of how we too can lead exemplary lives.
Shaykh Muhammad Saleem states, “Whatever I am is the du‘ā and tarbiyyah of my late father.”
There follows the translation of the letter sent by Shaykh Muhammad Saleem to the akābirīn who were aquainted with his respected father, informing them of his demise, requesting their du‘ās and recounting some of his noble qualities, that are usually found in the friends of Allāh ta‘ālā.
By Mawlānā Muhammad ‘Īsā ‘Abdullāh
Many Prophets have been sent by Allāh ta‘ālā to the world
Allāh ta‘ālā has sent many Prophets ‘alayhis salām on this earth for the guidance of humanity. Every Prophet throughout the ages conveyed the message of the Oneness of Allāh ta‘ālā and the existence of the life hereafter. The chain of Prophethood commenced with Prophet Ādam ‘alayhis salām. Some other renowned Prophets ‘alayhis salām include: Nūh ‘alayhis salām, Mūsā ‘alayhis salām, Dāwūd ‘alayhis salām, Sulaymān ‘alayhis salām, Yūsuf ‘alayhis salām, Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām, Zakariyyā ‘alayhis salām and Yahyā ‘alayhis salām.
by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
Once again more than two million believers were honoured to become the ‘Guests of Allāh’ and through Divine Guidance have completed the rituals of Hajj with great love and enthusiasm. How fortunate are these souls who are blessed with the following words from Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam:
Whoever performs Hajj for the Pleasure of Allāh and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it (free from sin) as the day on which his mother gave birth to him. (Bukhāri, Muslim)
Verily there shall be no reward for a Mabrūr Hajj except Jannah. (Bukhāri, Muslim)
by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā relates: “The sun eclipsed during the time of Rasulullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam... The Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, ‘The sun and the moon are signs from the signs of Allāh; they do not eclipse because of anyone’s death or life.’” (Bukhārī)
Abū Bakrah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu relates: “We were with Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam when the sun eclipsed. Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam stood up dragging his cloak till he entered the masjid. We also entered. He sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam led us in a two raka’āt salāh till the eclipse cleared. Then the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, ‘The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of anyone’s death. So whenever you see these (eclipses), perform salāh and make du’ā until the eclipse is cleared.’” (Bukhārī)
WHAT TO DO AT THE TIME OF A SOLAR ECLIPSE
...So whenever you see these (eclipses), offer salāh and make du‘ā till the eclipse has cleared. (Bukhārī)
...So when you see the eclipse, make du’ā to Allāh and say takbīr, perform salāh and give sadaqah... (Bukhārī)
...He (the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) went to the Masjid (on the occasion of solar eclipse) and offered the salāh with the longest qiyām, rukū’ and sujūd that I had ever seen him doing. (Bukhārī)
Engage in:
1) salāh
2) du‘ā
3) rememberance of Allāh ta‘ālā
4) takbīr
5) spend in causes that bring the pleasure of Allāh ta‘ālā.
It is sunnah to perform two raka’āt salāh with congregation which is to be led by the imām of jumu‘ah salāh or any imām of the masjid.
After the salāh the congregation will engage in du’ā which should last until the eclipse clears.
Mas’alah: Adhān or iqāmah will not be called for this salāh. Announcement can be made to gather the people.
Mas’alah: It is sunnah to perform this salāh with qiyām, rukū’ and sujūd that are long.
Mas’alah: If whilst engaged in du’ā the time for a fard salāh commences then du’ā should be concluded and fard salāh should be performed.
Note: During such occasions we must not remain neglectful. Many people are found more keen to witness the eclipse rather than turning to the teachings of our beloved Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam.
May Allāh ta‘ālā grant us the tawfīq to turn to Him during such moments in the light of the teachings of our Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam.
By Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
Having just completed the year 2011, the ‘New Year’ is seen and heard all around us. However, the question remains as to what should be a Muslim’s take on these events.
Upon the passing of a year, the common trend is to celebrate; people have birthday parties, wedding anniversaries etc. However, in certain spheres this is not the case; take the example of a businessman who at the end of the (financial) year will first take stock of the past year. He will meticulously go through the accounts of the past year taking into account every single penny. He will check to see if he made a profit, and if so then how can he make more in the coming year. He will check his expenses: where did he spend his money? Can he make further savings? All of this is done so that he can make the coming year more profitable than the one that has passed.
