Questioning the self!

What is the reason we attend Islamic gatherings or listen to Islamic lectures? What motivates us for seeking knowledge?

Do we seek the 'spiritual buzz' which we feel when in the mode? Are we in search of tangible results?

When we go to talks or enrol in courses, what do we want from them? Is it to make us feel good that we are doing something with our time? Or do we wish to be able to apply whatever we learn, in our lives as well as spread the knowledge elsewhere? Whether it be to our family, friends and so on.

Do we have the zeal to discuss the topics with other people? Are we in vigour to go ahead and share what we have just understood? When a person asks what the event was about, does our mind go blank and face become expressionless? Do we feel too lazy to even give another person a little insight and just reply with "it was good Alhamdullilah at the end of it".. With no absolute enthusiasm. Do we voice our opinions and convey what we found interesting, or the detail we had no knowledge of before in awe?

Are we content with ourselves for just acquiring the 'ilm with no intention of carrying it to other people?

Now let us ponder deeply. When we no longer feel the void being filled with the 'spiritual buzz', will we stop all efforts? Do we only carry out actions for that sole reason? If that is the case then we are doomed for failure. The reason is because when we no longer feel the satisfaction of these events, then we will cease to be present. They will neither impact our behaviour.

Moreover, when we find that a specific topic doesn't satisfy our needs, we will have no attachment to those ideas. The contentment for that emotional feeling will dissipate and we will think that those concepts are irrelevant to our lives as we cannot visually see the benefits. It is almost like, we pick and choose what parts of Islam we find interesting to implement. Disregarding other aspects and perceiving them to be unimportant. An example could be the importance of speaking out against tyrant rulers.

Subconsciously, we have already ruled out the things we find insignificant and focus on what we believe seek results. Rather than looking towards the Deen as a comprehensive way of life.

Likewise those who seek [certain fields] of Islamic knowledge (ilm) to benefit themselves but simultaneously turn a blind eye to other ahkam is dangerous. For example a sister may be keen to attend lectures on fiqh of marriage, yet neglects her duties as a child and sibling at home. This is one out of many nit picking habits we unfortunately have among our Ummah.

Ibn al-Qayyim:
"The Shaitan has misled most people by beautifying for them the performance of certain voluntary acts of worship such as voluntary prayers and voluntary fasting while neglecting other obligatory acts of worship such as enjoining the good and eradicating the evil, to the extent that they do not even make the intention of performing them whenever they are able to. Such people are considered by the scholars to be on the bottom of the scale of religion: For the essence of our religion is to perform what Allah ordered us to do. The one who does not perform his obligations is actually worse than the one who performs sins. Anyone having some knowledge about the revelation of Allah, the guidance of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and the life of the companions would conclude that those who are pointed at today as the most pious people are in fact the least pious. Indeed, what kind of piety is there in a person who witnesses Allah's sanctities being violated, his religion abandoned, the Sunnah of His Messenger shunned, and yet remains still with a cold heart and a shut mouth' Such a person is like a dumb Shaitan! In the same way the one who talks falsehood is a speaking Shaitan. Isn't the misfortune of Islam due only to those who whenever their life and food are secure, would not care about what happens to the religion? The best among them would offer a sorry face. But if they were challenged in one of the things their heart is attached to like their money, they would spare no efforts to get it back. These people, besides deserving the anger of Allah, are afflicted with the greatest calamity without even knowing it: They have a dead heart. Indeed the more alive a person's heart is, the stronger its anger for the sake of Allah and the more complete his support to Islam and Muslims."

[(A'alam al-Muwaqqi'in, volume 2, page 176).]

By A.I

Trust

Insaan. The root word naseeya- meaning to forget. That's what we are. Forgetful creatures. It's the nature of each and every one of us. 

There are numerous topics which can be discussed. However, the one I have chosen relates with trust and people. All of us at the beginning have trust. Question is how many value it, treasure it and possess it? 

I'll highlight one ironic thing to you all though. We complain we cannot trust people but then we run our mouth off to others. Is there any logic in that? Either, subconsciously we actually, genuinely, really do not even realise the fact that we blurt things out to people. Completely being unaware of what we've just done, or we just thought that person does not mind, without consulting. The other reason is we do not ponder upon the consequences and do not have a care in the world. 

The fact that we are living in a time where word means nothing. Every spoken word has become extremely light. It is rare to take into consideration the impact of what we utter. Acting and speaking before thinking is the predominant behaviour in this society. 

Even if we specifically state that something is a private matter, someone or other cannot contain it and discusses it amongst themselves.

We need to evaluate and check whether there is a possibility that this is a trait within us. If that is the case, then we should inform that individual who is about to reveal something about themselves, that we are just not the right person to tell because we could be a naturally forgetful person, and just accidentally spill things without the intention of doing so. By doing this, neither person is in jeopardy:

- Betrayal of a trust does not occur

- The individual's secret is protected from being exposed

- Tension will not arise

Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks he lies, when he promises he breaks it, and when entrusted he betrays his trust.” [Sahih Bukhari]

Keeping trust is a vital matter which should not be taken carelessly. If we know we are unable to keep a thing  a secret then we should make it clear. 

There used to be an era where one did not have to be explicit in the conversation to say that it should not be brought up elsewhere. All Muslims could be trusted as we knew they feared accountability. Whereas, now, unfortunately we are at a time where we have to be weary of who and what we speak about to certain people due to the fear of being divulged. 

As I mentioned earlier we are forgetful beings. Thus, sometimes we may babble to the person who revealed information about themselves in the presence of others. Here, there are possibilities that it is unintentional.. Therefore, we must take the necessary precautions to be mindful of our speech at all circumstances and situations. We might think that it is not serious at all. While, on the contrary it could be in another's perspective. 

Another thing to keep in mind, is to be careful in how we act with what we have informed with. Do we indirectly hint things and as result, the company we are in, automatically know there is something going on? 

The Prophet (s) said, "If a person speaks to you and then looks around him, that was an amanah." (Hasan, al-Tirmidhi)

Self Rectification

- "I'm happy the way I am. I don't need to change."
- "My life is going well, I want it to stay like that"
- "If you see something you don't like, get over it"

The mottos of today. Pretty prevalent I must say. It is completely abnormal for an individual to actually contemplate over their life or personality and ponder over what may be a faulty trait within themselves, to try and mould it for the betterment of their characters. Rather, it is believed that it's fine for them to carry on the way they are. Taking into consideration nothing but their own individual whims and desires.

Since so called New Year's Eve has passed us by, many people come out with the "New year, new me" line- however does it really have any impact whatsoever? The same lifestyle is being played out all over again, it's a vicious, never ending cycle. Binging, nightclubbing, dating, lying, backstabbing, slandering..the list could go on.

These idealistic values have seeped it's way into the mind's of Muslims. Whereby, we live life going through the motions. Doing whatever we like, whenever like, however we like. Not really taking into account whether it's beneficial in terms of our character as well as towards the Deen. We're not actually thinking about the tomorrow in a broader sense. "Will I aim to be more pleasant towards my siblings", "am I going to control my temper next time"-  simple thoughts like these are non existent. Instead, picking at others is what we pride in. What's the latest gossip, who's the talk of the day? It's kinda ironic how it's the 'popular' lot that are being swarmed around when the norm is to do everything Islam negates.

Whereas, the true standard of a Muslim, is that part of our daily routine is to constantly rectify our behaviours. We think about how to improve the way we carry out certain actions, deal with situations and circumstances and interact with the people in our lives. We play back the day thoroughly and deeply think about what what we may have done that's not too great to develop a better stance and so on.

Prophet Muhammed Sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam said: 'The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character.' [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 56, Number 759]

Now, it is only natural that many of us find it extremely difficult to remind ourselves to scrutinise the characteristics within ourselves, pin point what could be the reason we feel and act how we do, and attempt to change our own thought process that has caused us to perceive things in a specific way. For the very society we live in contradicts that ideal. What was normal for all Muslims to carry out on a regular basis has become something so irrelevant and unimportant. If it's not effecting me right now, then I don't really need to think about it. That's how most of us have become. We don't look beyond the present, just for the moment in time.

Additionally, if a person advises with true sincerity in their heart they are told to get lost and mind their own business or are known as 'the police'. It is just not in the nature of the western lifestyle. It's all about "me, me, me"- don't like me, turn around and get out of my life".

Thus, self rectification has become as hard as it is to refrain from free mixing in such a 'free, liberal' country. Everything that we are surrounded by reinforces the expressions: "live life to the max", "YOLO".

We think that we are perfect the way we are. When in fact we are far from it. To even have that thought is just so arrogant, egotistical and self conceited. How can we believe that for even a second? It's absolutely ridiculous.

"And indeed We created man (Adam) out of an extract of clay (water and earth)."
[Surat Al-Mu'minun:12]

Striving to become the best of people is a goal that we can continuously work towards for as long as we live. Holding the mentality that we don't need to actively examine ourselves is a fundamental flaw within a Muslim's mind. We need to acknowledge that we are imperfect beings in need of improvement and progression.

The Prophet  Sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam said: “No deed that will be placed on the scale of deeds [on the Day of Judgement] will be heavier than good character. Indeed, a person with good character will attain the rank of those with a good record of voluntary fasts and prayers.” [Sunan At-Tirmidhee: 2003]

By A.I

Emotions

We as Human beings have been created in a fashion which has entailed us to be emotional creatures. However, we have not been left without guidance. Rather, we have been gifted, a manual which has enabled us to channel our emotions and feelings in way ordained for us, and prescribed within the Shari'a rules.

 “and We have revealed the Book to you explaining clearly everything (16:89).

 “ ... a guidance for mankind and clear evidence of guidance and discrimination (between wrong)”. (2:185).

Living under a capitalist regime which reinforces three main values which are:
- Benefit
- Freedom
- individualism

These specific ideas have been imbedded within the minds of people. Therefore, has caused us to not fulfil our emotions in the correct manner taught by sharia compliant regulations. Instead, we have been moulded to respond to situations in an emotional, reactionary way. Thus, we have stopped thinking with our minds, pondering over the consequences; in contrast behaving in a way that is on the level of our emotions. Hence, we act in a rash way which is in most cases irrational and obviously emotional.

Moreover, when individuals are overwhelmed with emotions due to their surroundings, circumstances, and certain incidents which have occurred, it leads them to act in the present, based on the thoughts linked to what they are feeling at that moment in time. So, when these people do not have the mentality, with the Islamic principles they will behave according to what they think shall benefit at that time, not weighing the reasonable pros and cons of that situation. No matter what the costs are, they will carry out that specific behaviour because they perceive it to be most beneficial in that time frame. Regardless of whether their actions put others in harms way or difficult position and so on.

In addition, the concept freedom is ingrained- consequently the actions they may undertake, naturally will be influenced by that idea. Thereupon, the responses that stem from it will not emanate any sense of accountability, fear of Allah, love for Allah or pleasure of Allah since this person believes one is free to do whatever one desires, whenever one desires, however one desires and not conveying the good of humanity.

As for individualism, being individualistic causes one to focus on the self only. Whereby we do not take into consideration anyone else's well being. Here, the emotional reactionary person will act in such a way that it conveys, they do not care who they hurt- purely being selfish of one's own needs and what is befitting for the individual person since the primary importance is of this person only.

Now, as Muslims living in the west we are accustomed to these types of emotional behaviours committed by many. Inevitably, there will be aspects of these nurtured in some of us. Thereof, when something happens we sometimes react immediately and make decisions instantaneously, thus later on regretting how we dealt with the matter.

Other times, we might push our emotions to one side, completely disregarding them; slowly, slowly letting it fester away at us, until it comes to a point where we no longer have any idea why or how things got to how they did in the first place and we break down, our emotions exploding everywhere and we just cannot contain it a second longer. This results from ignoring the issues as if it does not even exist and not dealing with them in an appropriate manner.

When we disregard our feelings, our intention is usually innocent- we think they are petty, pathetic and pointless. However, this is not the case. Everyone one of us is unique and has been made differently. Whatever we are going through has been installed for a specific reason, whether we understand it or not during that period. The effect of paying no attention to them, resolves in the opposite of what we wish. It is also detrimental to us due to the fact of not always being able to control our outbursts.

Linking this back to the main points is that not being aware of our own thoughts, emotions, desires and so on can direct us towards something disastrous. We must at all costs keep ourselves in check and develop our personalities so that we think before we act- emulating true characteristics of a Muslim.

Furthermore, lack of emotions can be another extreme we may fall into. For example when we hear of horrendous atrocities being committed on our fellow brethren day in day out and it doesn't cause us to flinch a single bit or even pain our insides. Even when we see horrific images of our brothers and sisters being mutilated, tortured and laying lifeless with blood splattered. Maybe sometimes it does leave us feeling at unease but it doesn't last for very long. The restlessness disappears as speedily as it appeared and we go about our daily lives forgetting the third world once again. Our thoughts do not wander over to those less fortunate than us because we are so consumed with our own lives that they are left insignificant. So much so that not an ounce of our emotion gives us an agonising, agitation to go out and strive to do an atom's weight of action which might even make a slight difference.

The messenger of Allah SalahAllahu alayhi wasalam said: "Any one of you who wakes up in the morning and does not care for the affairs of the Ummah (The Muslims), is not one of us" [Muslim]

The messenger of Allah SalahAllahu alayhi wasalam said: “The believers, in their mutual mercy, love and compassion, are like a (single) body; if one part of it feels pain, the rest of the body will join it in staying awake and suffering fever.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari)

We must aim to balance all our emotions so that we are in the middle category; not overly emotional where we act without control. Likewise, not being too emotionless where our focus is only for things apparent and near in which we neglect our obligations regarding the Ummah across the globe.

By A.I
Twitter: @1924darkestdays

Relationship with Allah

Relationship with Allah (SWT)

“Whoever draws near to Me among those drawn near by fulfilling what I have made obligatory on them, and a devotee does not cease to draw near to Me with nawafil (additional worship) until I love him. So when I love him, I become his hearing with which he hears, and his eyesight with which he sees, and his tongue with which he talks, and his hand with which he strikes, and his feet with which he walks. (Hadith Qudsi in Sahih al-Bukhari, narrated by Hadrat Abu Hurayra, Rady Allahu 'Anhu)”

What is being conveyed through this hadith is the indication of when we act upon our obligatory duties and nourish our souls through voluntary deeds, to keep alive the heart with the remembrance of Allah (swt) we are aided in every action we accomplish for the pleasure of Allah (swt) with His mercy and love, SubhanAllah. That our sight, our hearing, our touch and our speech has been influenced with the essence of Allah (swt).

The reason as to why I started off with this hadith is because it closely links to what I am about to be discussing, InShaAllah which is the relationship with Allah (swt). It is only when we have a strong bond with Allah (swt) through the understanding of who Allah really is via the attributes that have been revealed to us of Him in the Qur’an and really, truly comprehending these characteristics by contemplating what they mean for us in this Dunya as well as for the Akhirah. Having this knowledge would help us to develop a love, affection, an appreciation, and a deep conviction of His existence as well as fear of what He is capable of doing. Once we have established a close relationship with Allah (swt) we are able to find contentment despite the shackles of life. Moreover, it will enable us to have a strong sense of accountability within our hearts. Consequently, drives us to endeavor what is necessary to partake in, for the way of Allah (swt).

 

A relationship between two people requires certain features and these usually are communication and dedication. A prosperous relationship entitles for both participants to reciprocate mutual feelings. Otherwise, it’ll be a dead acquaintanceship, as it cannot evolve any further. Sooner or later, the person who invests the time and energy towards the individual, he or she will get sick and tired of being the one to demonstrate any positive emotions when the other does not do the same. We wouldn’t be surprised or expect any different would we when the person no longer invests effort? It would be considered absolutely normal. I’m sure all of us would agree that a healthy relationship is that of one where both, regularly display some sort of inclination to one another. Likewise, to have an enriching bond with Allah (swt) we need to be constantly engaging in acts, worthy of befriending the Al- Khaliq, our Creator. In contrast to the relationships with people when we neglect our duty towards Allah (swt), He does not turn aside from us and strip us of our blessings. Neither does he let us fester away, rather this tends to happen when we forget our purpose naturally. However, He is always present when we are in need of Him and when we finally do acknowledge and remember Him, we are never turned away. When we ask for Him for favours, even after not fulfilling what is Allah’s dutiful right. “Your Lord is shy and generous. He is shy to turn away the hands of His slave empty when he raises them” [Ahmad]

We all know that we can have attachments to people, objects and worldly matters. Nevertheless, we should also be aware of how if our relationship with Allah (swt) is faulty then we will realise the attachments for certain people or material objects can be the cause of our destruction, for when they disappear from our lives we are left feeling destroyed. The feelings and thoughts have been effected so much that it inevitably leads to actions against the self and this is haram. This only occurs when we have made people or our possessions to be the source of our fulfillment, meaning our happiness instead of Allah (swt). Letting ourselves be so attached to something allows us to be extremely vulnerable. For when the very thing we are attached to, is ripped away from our hands it will have the capacity to break us. Worldly things have the power to crush us is because one thing they all have in common is that they are of the Dunya. The Dunya was made imperfect and was never created to offer us eternal happiness because then that would be Jannah. Jannah would lose its value and really there would be no purpose for it. So holding onto these worldly attachments is like grasping onto a thin piece of string hanging over a cliff. Therefore, every time these are snatched away or lost never to be returned again, it would lead to despair and disappointment time and time again when we repeatedly latch onto things that we were never supposed to be make into our all, our everything.

In Surah Al- Imran Ayah 3:14, Allah states: “It was made attractive to people, the love of things they crave; women, sons, heaped up heaps of gold and silver, branded horses, cattle and will-tilled land. But this is onluy for the enjoyment of this worldly life, but Allah, with Him is the beautiful homecoming. This ayah exemplifies that man can relish the world’s fortunes but it will never satisfy him. What really quenches man’s needs is Allah (swt). Therefore, when we have the correct bond after every trial, after every adversity that may befall us we will understand that it is part of Allah’s decree to build our characters and mold our personalities for the advancement of our selves to deal with future experiences in life.

They way we perceive things and how it makes us react is all linked to the bond we have with Allah (swt). Everything stems from that connection. Thus, linking the relationship with Allah (swt) back to the dawah is that when we are constantly strengthening the bond with Him it leads us to be more motivated into progressing further as individuals to be better people. At the same time we will have the mindset that we will be striving to reach our true potential when it comes to dealing with our contacts.  It will not be burdensome due to the fact that we apprehend the fact that we are not doing this for our self, the party, anyone else, other than Allah (swt).

To taste the love of Allah and having that strong association with Allah (swt) would mean that we would exert ourselves towards doing all that pleases Him and refrain from that which displeases him. Knowing that we are blessed to have been guided by Al- Hadi, The Ultimate Guide and cherish it in such a manner that we rush towards the people to convey His message and bring them to the Deen and reinforcing the idea that Islam is an ideology, a way of life with a comprehensive system just like us who have been given the opportunity to be part of the call of Khilafah!

“Oh you who believe..Allah has made you love the faith, and made it so beautiful in your hearts, and has made you hate disbelief, immorality and rebelliousness. These are the righteous. This is the grace and bounty, from Allah, as Allah is All Knowledgable and All Wise” [Surah Hujarat 49:8-6]. This ayah clearly links to concept of the heart loving Allah and Islam so deeply that ultimately leads to being agitated to work for Allah’s Law and swipe kuffr from the lands.

And finally, to end this I’ll close with this narration: “A man came to the Prophet (saw) and asked him “Oh Allah’s messenger, tell me something I do to win Allah’s love and people’s love”. The Prophet (saw) answered: “Do not love this world, Allah would not love you and do not have a longing for whatever people have, people would love you” [Ibn Majah].

 

By A.I

Regret

Do not let regret consume you.

- For living in the past will not change a thing.

 Rather,  it will drag and hold you back down. 

Experiences are lessons. Therefore,  take heed from them.

Rekindling the past  does not allow one to move on. 

It stays within the present and  seeps into the future. 

Instead of moving forwards, 10 steps backwards is taken. 

When this occurs, every regret will make you forget any goodness. 

Every pain you felt will hit you right back in the face, 

time and time again &all in vain for not only did it not teach you 

to make the best of situations but keep the negatives for life. 

The self will fester away, 

the heart will turn bitter and the mind will never be in peace. Why? 

Because one has not accepted the decree of Allah and this is a fundamental belief which makes up the creed. 

Thus, it is a dangerous trap to fall into and precautions must be taken to safeguard oneself.

Moreover, to not be steered into this route by Shaytan who ultimately desires to cause our destruction and gains satisfaction from our misery. 

By A.I

Freedom. Freedom. Freedom.

Freedom. Freedom. Freedom.

- That which they seek.

Oh how deluded they are for is that what exists? 

When institutions are put in place to dictate the life of one..

One idea:'Freedom of speech'

- How fanciful it is.

"The true expression of Independence"- that is what is believed.

For how is that so?

When the term is a contradicting one in itself.

The words can pierce the heart-

Freely expressing oneself is emancipation?

How can that be?

Does this notion not hold extreme consequences? 

For there are many examples 

Just one- Racism.

Can discrimination not arise using "Freedom of Speech"?

And dictate what should be believed..

An authoritarian figure holding an 'elevated position'

Real emancipation is found-

Once Allah is in the heart

Desires no longer being the god

Leading us to be free of slavery, From this world

But a true servant of Allah.

-That is liberation. 

And gives us salvation. 

Dictatorship finally disappearing 

Independence is being established.

Man dictating is a disguise

'Twas just another form of enslavement..to the world.

True identity of a Muslimah-

Rejecting the ideas 

And being loyal to The One Allah 

As once stated: "There is no deity but Allah and Muhammad (saw) is His Messenger-

complete submission must be enforced.

By A.I