The Wrappings of Gratitude

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allah Most-Compassionate, Most-Merciful

As Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says in the Quran:

مَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ الْعِزَّةَ فَلِلَّهِ الْعِزَّةُ جَمِيعًا إِلَيْهِ يَصْعَدُ الْكَلِمُ الطَّيِّبُ وَالْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ يَرْفَعُهُ وَالَّذِينَ يَمْكُرُونَ السَّيِّئَاتِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَكْرُ أُوْلَئِكَ هُوَ يَبُورُ

“If any do seek for glory and power, to Allah belong all glory and power. To Him mount up (all) Words of Purity: It is He Who exalts each Deed of Righteousness. Those that lay Plots of Evil, for them is a Penalty terrible; and the plotting of such will be void (of result).” (Qur’an, al-Fatir 35:10)

The Power of Meaning

The meaning of this ayah is clear enough and relates to a hadith of the Prophet (s) when he said, “Anyone seeking a hand in this affair will be cut off from it”. ‘Affair’ in this case referred to ‘power’ and ‘authority’. In other words, power should not be sought for its own sake, and thus anyone seeking power for its own sake or through the claim of helping others will be far removed from ever being in such a position. The simple reason for this is that one never knows the motives of the self which can seek to mislead a person though claiming power only to help others. In reality we can know we whether we have spoken the truth in this claim, which doesn’t mean we stop seeking to help people, but on the contrary we do not seek power in order to help others, but rather pray to Allah for whatever is best for our religion. This will ensure there is no possible selfish motive, hidden or manifest, in what we desire. Read the rest of this entry »

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allah Most-Compassionate, Most-Merciful

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala said about His beloved Prophet and Messenger (Sal’Allahu Alayhi Wasallam)

وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلى خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ

“And thou (standest) on an exalted standard of character”
(Qur’an, al-Qalam 68:4)

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala describes the character and nobility of the Prophet (s) as vast, a perfect reflection of the Divine Attributes of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala contained and radiated by the most perfect human being. Of all the reasons the Prophet (s) could have answered with as to the purpose of his message he gave but one reason that strikes at the heart of every action, he said, “I have only come to perfect noble character”. Thus we have known and understood that it is our characters and what our characters contain that either bring us close to Allah or take us away for Him, for Allah loves nobility and humility and hates miserliness and arrogance. As the Prophet (s) said: “What enables people to enter Paradise more than anything is piety and good character”[1] And he also said, “God does not regard your externals or your riches but rather your hearts and your deeds.”[2]

Below I have narrated some of what constitutes good character drawn from the book ‘The Way of Sufi Chivalry’. May it be of benefit to you and me. Ameen

“The one who lowers himself and begs from any other besides Allah, may he be in greater need. A true man gives without being asked; whoever gives when begged from is no man. Allah curses those who bow before such misers. Know that you are lacking in every sense, and do not be pleased with your state. Mansur ibn ‘Abdullah reports that Abu Ya’yub al-Nahrajuri said:, “The sign that someone is well guided by Allah is that he is aware of his lack of sincerity, his heedlessness in his remembrance of God, his lack of loyalty, and he is dissatisfied with his state. His intentions and efforts show that his need for Allah is ever-increasing, until the point where he gives up all desires.”[3]

Ja’far al-Sadiq was once asked, “What is Futuwwah?” He replied: “Futuwwah is not possible with quarrelling and backbiting. Futuwwah is feeding people, giving to them, being pleasant and honourable to them, and not causing them difficulties.” One of the necessities of Futuwwah is to abide with the outer and inner codes of good behaviour. Abul-Husayn al Farisi reports that Abu Muhammad al-Jurayri said: “Religion possess ten treasures – five outer and five inner. The outer treasures are to be truthful in your speech, generous with your property, and humble in your appearance, and to avoid causing difficulties to others, while bearing the difficulties caused by them. The five inner treasures of religion are to fear separation from Him, to wish to be with Him, to regret your wrongdoings, to have conscience, and to feel shame (hayya) before your Lord.”[4]

“To be able to see your own ego, act in opposition to its wishes. A wise man said, “When someone has a question about will and cannot find a guide to answer him, let him watch his ego’s desires and do the opposite. The truth of the matter will be known.”[5]

“To stand in the presence of Allah [qiyam] for Allah’s sake, with Allah’s help, and together with Him, is the goal. The sign of being in the presence of Allah for Allah’s sake is that one’s state is continuous and uninterrupted; one is not distracted even by miracles and higher states that may be granted, nor does one separate one’s attention from Allah and hope for a reward. The sign of standing in the presence of Allah with His help and permission is one’s effort to efface all material things, an effort that appears without one’s own will and decision. The sign of being in the presence of Allah together with Him is the disappearance of everything other than Allah, in such a way that nothing hides Him or prevents one from being with Him”.

“The answer of Abul-Husayn al-Bushanji to a question about Futuwwah is significant. He said, “One of the principles of Futuwwah is to beautify one’s essence with God: to love and want for one’s friends the things that one loves and wants for oneself; in fact, to prefer one’s friends to oneself, because Allah Most-High says:”

وَالَّذِينَ تَبَوَّؤُوا الدَّارَ وَالْإِيمَانَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ يُحِبُّونَ مَنْ هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَا يَجِدُونَ فِي صُدُورِهِمْ حَاجَةً مِّمَّا أُوتُوا وَيُؤْثِرُونَ عَلَى أَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِ فَأُوْلَئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ

“But those who, before them, had homes in [Medina] and had adopted the faith, show their affection to those who came to them for refuge, and do not entertain in their hearts desire for things given to them, but give them preference over themselves, even though poverty was their [own lot]. And those saved from the covetousness of their own souls,- they are the ones that achieve prosperity. “(Qur’an, al-Hashr 59:9)

“And the Prophet (s) said, “Your faith is not complete until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.” Let us then seek to perfect our characters during this blessed month of Ramadan through following the guidance of the Prophet (s) and love for our brothers and sisters what we love for ourselves and even moreso, so that we may be the ones that achieve prosperity. Ameen.

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[1] At-Tirmidi

[2] Muslim

[3] ‘The Way of Sufi Chivalry’ (1991), p62 – Ibn al-Husayn al-Sulami – An interpretation by Tosun Bayrak al-Jerrahi (Published by Inner Traditions International)

[4] Ibid. p64-65

[5] Ibid. p67

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allah Most-Compassionate, Most-Merciful

Here is a story written by a sister who gained an insight into humility from Allah subhanhu wa ta’ala in the blessed environs of Masjid al-Haraam. When I came across it a few years ago it brought tears to my eyes (and still does), no end of guidance, inspiration and a humble lesson in humility. May you also gain great benefit from it as I did. The sister will narrate her story:

A Lesson in Humility

“Rumi said it just right when he said: “Whether you are fast or slow, eventually you will find what you are seeking. Always devote yourself whole heartedly to your search. Even though you may limp or be bent double, do not abandon your search, but drag yourself towards it.” Here insha’Allah you will see why.” Read the rest of this entry »

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allah Most-Compassionate, Most-Merciful

Asceticism, which literally means renouncing worldly pleasures and resisting carnal desires, is defined by Sufis as indifference to worldly appetites, living an austere life, choosing to refrain from sin in fear of God, and despising the world’s carnal and material aspects. Asceticism is also described as renouncing this world’s temporary ease and comfort for the sake of eternal happiness in the Hereafter. The first step in asceticism is the intention to avoid what has been forbidden and to engage only in what has been allowed. The second and final step is being extremely careful even when engaging in what is allowed.

Read the rest of this entry »

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allah Most-Compassionate, Most-Merciful

To see the Prophet Muhammad (s) in a dream is a blessing from the greatest blessings for as Shaykh Yaqoubi says, “To see the Messenger of Allah (s) in a dream is glad tidings for the final day”. Indeed it is a great blessing and honour to see the Prophet (s) and especially the circumstances of the dream, and especially if the Prophet (s) looks at us and especially if he is smiling. These are some of the signs of Allah, below are described some of the great blessings associated with seeing the Prophet (s) taken from Ibn Seerin’s works, who is one of the main authorities in Islam on dreams and dream interpretation.[1]

“One who sees me in dream will see me in his wakefulness, for Satan cannot impersonate me.” He also said, “One who sees me in a dream, it is as if he has truly seen me, for Satan cannot impersonate me.” One who sees me in a dream will not enter the fire of hell.”

Ibn Arabi said, “The essence of seeing God’s Prophet (s) is cognizance of his presence and understanding the reality of his character and example. Thus, recognising the blessed being is as affirmation of the truth, while seeing the physical form represents his example and attributes, for being earthly does not change the essence of prophethood.

If one sees God’s Prophet (s) coming towards him in a dream it means blessings and benefits. If one sees him smiling in a dream, it means that one is truly emulating his traditions. Seeing God’s Prophet (s) in his known and recognised appearance in a dream means that the one seeing the dream is a pious person, that his integrity is inviolable, and that his success is unquestionable. Ibn Abi Jumrah once said, “Seeing Him (s) in a beautiful appearance denotes the good religious standing of the person seeing the dream.

If someone suffering from distress sees the Messenger of Allah in a dream, it means his difficulties will be removed. If one is living at a time economic chaos, and if high prices are exploiting the people of the land, or if injustice is tyrannising everyone, then seeing the Prophet (s) in a dream represents an end to such adversities. Seeing him in his beautiful, radiant and impeccable appearance as best described by his companions means glad tidings of attaining a successful conclusion to one’s life in this world and in the hereafter.

If the Prophet (s) comes towards someone in a dream…..then if the one seeing the dream qualifies for leadership, and if he is a righteous and a just man who commands good and forbids evil, and if he is learned and practices what he know and if he is a pious worshipper and a devout Muslim, he will attain the station and company of the blessed ones.

Seeing the Prophet (s) in a dream also means receiving glad tidings and happy news, or it could signify justice, establishing the truth, fulfilment of a promise, reaching a high rank among the members of one’s family, or perhaps it could mean that one may suffer from their envy and jealousy, or leave his homeland and migrate to another country, or it could mean that he may lose his parents and become an orphan. Seeing him (s) also means facing adversities, bearing patience and suffering from ones enemy. If an orphan sees him (s) it means that he will reach an exalted station.

Seeing the Prophet (s) also means victory over ones enemy or consolidating or paying ones debt’s, or recovering from illness, or attending a pilgrimage to God’s House in Makkah, or triumphing over ones trials, or cessation of one’s adversities. If one is suffering persecution or humiliation in the land, then seeing the Prophet (s) standing in a dream means Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala will grant him victory and make him rise above his enemies. If one is poor, his needs will be satisfied, or if he is unmarried, he will get married.

If one sees him (s) having a black beard with no grey hair in it, it will bring happiness, joy and prosperity to one’s life. To walk behind him in a dream mean following his Sunnah in wakefulness. To see the Prophet (s) delivering a sermon means that he is commanding people to do good and eschew evil.

May we all have the honour and blessing of seeing the Prophet (s) especially in this blessed month. Ameen.

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[1] (Ibn Sereen’s Dictionary of Dreams, Tafsir ul Ahlam, Al-Akili, (2006))