Muharram

By Hazrat Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani sahab db

Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar Hijrah Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which the Holy Quran says, "The number of the months according to Allah is twelve (mentioned) in the Book of Allah on the day He created heavens and the earth. Among these (twelve months) there are four sanctified."

These four months, according to the authentic traditions, are Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. All the commentators of the Holy Quran are unanimous on this point, because the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, in his sermon on the occasion of his last Hajj, declared: "One year consists of twelve months, of which four are sanctified months, three of them are in sequence; Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab."

The specific mention of these four months does not mean that any other month has no sanctity, because the month of Ramadan is admittedly the most sanctified month in the year. But these four months were specifically termed as sanctified months for the simple reason that their sanctity was accepted even by the pagans of Makkah.

In fact, every month, out of the twelve, is originally equal to the other, and there is no inherent sanctity that may be attributed to one of them in comparison to the other months. When Allah Almighty chooses a particular time for His special blessings, the same acquires sanctity out of His grace.

Thus, the sanctity of these four months was recognized right from the days of Sayyidina Ibrahim, alayhi salam. Since the Pagans of Makkah attributed themselves to Sayyidina Ibrahim, alayhi salam, they observed the sanctity of these four months and despite their frequent tribal battles, they held it unlawful to fight in these months.

In the Shariah of our Noble Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, the sanctity of these months was upheld and the Holy Quran referred to them as the "sanctified months".

Muharram has certain other characteristics special to it, which are specified below.

Fasting During the Month

The Noble Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said: 'The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram."

Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty. The Hadith cited above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are most rewardable ones among the Nafl or voluntary fasts.

The Hadith does not mean that the award promised for fasts of Muharram can be achieved only by fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit. Therefore, one should avail of this opportunity as much as he can.

The Day of 'Ashurah'

Although Muharram is a sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named 'Ashurah'. According to the Holy Companion Ibn 'Abbas, Radi-Allahu anhu. The Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, when migrated to Madinah, found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa (Moses), alayhis salam, and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, said, "We are more closely rotated to Musa, alayhi salam, than you," and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of 'Ashura'. (Abu Dawood)

It is also reported in a number of authentic traditions that in the beginning, fasting on the day of 'Ashura' was obligatory for the Muslims. It was later that the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory and the fast on the day of 'Ashura' was made optional. Sayyidina 'Aisha, Radi-Allahu anha, has said:

"When the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, came to Madinah, he fasted on the day of 'Ashura' and directed the people to fast. But when the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory, the obligation of fasting was confined to Ramadan and the obligatory nature of the fast of 'Ashura' was abandoned. Whoever so desires should fast on it and any other who so likes can avoid fasting on it." (Sunan Abu Dawud)

However, the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to fast on the day of 'Ashura' even after the fasting in Ramadan was made obligatory. Abdullah ibn Musa, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports that the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, preferred the fast of 'Ashura' on the fasts of other days and preferred the fasts of Ramadhaan on the fast of 'Ashura'. (Bukhari and Muslim)

In short, it is established through a number of authentic ahadith that fasting on the day of 'Ashura' is Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and makes one entitled to a great reward.

According to another Hadith, it is more advisable that the fast of 'Ashura' should either be preceded or followed by another fast. It means that one should fast two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th. The reason of this additional fast as mentioned by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is that the Jews used to fast on the day of'Ashura alone, and the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, wanted to distinguish the Muslim way of fasting from that of Jews. Therefore, he advised the Muslims to add another fast to that of 'Ashura'.

Some traditions signify another feature of the day of 'Ashura. According to these traditions, one should be more generous to his family by providing more food to them on this day as compared to other days. These traditions are not very authentic according to the science of Hadith. Yet, some Scholars like Baihaqi and Ibn Hibban have accepted them as reliable.

What is mentioned above is all that is supported through authentic sources about Ashura.

Misconceptions and Baseless Traditions

However, there are some legends and misconceptions with regard to 'Ashura' that have managed to find their way into the minds of the ignorant, but have no support of authentic Islamic sources, some very common of them are these: This is the day on which Adam, alayhi salam, was created. This is the day when Ibrahim, alayhi salam, was born. This is the day when Allah accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Adam, alayhi salam. This is the day when Qiyaamah (doomsday) will take place. Whoever takes bath on the day of 'Ashura' will never get ill.

All these and other similar whims and fancies are totally baseless and the traditions referred to in this respect are not worthy of any credit.

Some people take it as Sunnah to prepare a particular type of meal on the day of 'Ashura'. This practice, too, has no basis in the authentic Islamic sources.

Some other people attribute the sanctity of 'Ashura' to the martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, during his battle with the Syrian army. No doubt, the martyrdom of Sayyidina Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, is one of the most tragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of 'Ashura' cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of 'Ashura' was established during the days of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, much earlier than the birth of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu.

On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, that his martyrdom took place on the day of 'Ashura'.

Another misconception about the month of Muharram is that it is an evil or unlucky month, for Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, was killed in it. It is for this misconception that people avoid holding marriage ceremonies in the month of Muharram. This is again a baseless concept, which is contrary to the express teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. If the death of an eminent person on a particular day renders that day unlucky for all times to come, one can hardly find a day of the year free from this bad luck because every day is associated with the demise of some eminent person. The Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, have liberated us from such superstitious beliefs.

Lamentations and Mourning

Another wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mouming ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu. As mentioned earlier, the event of Karbala is one of the most tragic events of our history, but the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of jahiliyyah (ignorance) used to mourn over their deceased through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests. The Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, stopped the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying "Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji'oon". A number of authentic Ahaadith are available on the subject. To quote only one of them:

"He is not from our group who slaps his checks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah." (Sahih Bukhari)

All the authentic jurists are unanimous on the point that the mourning of this type is impermissible. Even Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, shortly before his demise, had advised his beloved sister Sayyidah Zainab, Radi-Allahu anha, at not to mourn over his death in this manner. He said, "My dear sister! I swear upon you that in case I die you shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face, nor curse anyone for me or pray for your death." (Al-Kamil, ibn al-Athir vol. 4 pg. 24)

It is evident from this advice of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, that this type of mourning is condemned even by the blessed person for the memory of whom these mourning ceremonies are held. Every Muslim should avoid this practice and abide by the teachings of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and his beloved grand child Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu.

source:albalagh

By: Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (db)

By Hazrat Mawlana Mohammad Azhar sahab db

taken from the virtues of jehad

jahad aur dehshatgardi

bayan by Hazrat Mawlana Mohammad Masood Azhar sahab db

الہدا انٹرنیشنل کیا ہے

Naseehat of Hazrat Mawlana Ashraf Ali thanvi ra

Naseehat of Hazrat Thanvi
Acquire knowledge of Deen according to your needs; either by asking the Ulama or by reading a book.
Abstain from all sins.
If you commit any sin, repent immediately.
Do not hold back in fulfilling anyone's right.
Do not cause anyone physical or verbal harm.
Do not speak ill of anyone.
Do not have any love for wealth ,nor any desire for name and fame.
Do not concern yourself with extravagant food and clothing.
If someone rebukes you for your mistake or error, do not try to justify your action.
Do not laugh excessively nor talk excessively.
Do not go about repeating or mentioning an argument that may have taken place between two persons.
Always be mindful of the rules of Shariah in everything you do.
Do not display laziness in executing any act of Ibaadah.
Try and spend most of your time in seclusion.
If you have to meet and converse with others, meet them with humility and do not display your greatness.
Associate very little with rulers and those who hold high positions.


Source:khanqah

Sunnat Of Miswaak

1. It is sunnat to use the Miswaak at the time of every Wudhu. (Abu Dawood, Vol. 1, pg 8 (at. Targheeb wat Tarheeb)

2. The sunnat method of holding the Miswaak according to what Hazrat Abdullah Ibne Mas’ood 

() has narrated is as follows:
Place the small finger of the right hand below the Miswaak. Place the thumb below the head of the Miswaak. The remaining three fingers will be placed above. (Shami-  Vol. 1, pg 85)

Source: Beautiful Sunnah of Beloved Nabi  | Urdu: Pyare Nabi  ki pyari sunnatain

taken from blog.khanqah

Source: Pyare nabi ()  ki pyari sunnatain

Source: zarb-e-momin

A Few Important Teachings Of Deen

Whomsoever has obeyed Rasulullah () has (in reality) obeyed Allah Ta’ala. ( Para-5, Ruku.8 )

1. Rasulullah  ()  is reported to have said:
“The one who does not show mercy to our young and does not respect our old, nor does he advise people to do good and prevent them from doing evil is not from amongst us.” (Tirmidhi)

2. “Anyone who causes harm to wealth or body or any Muslim brother or decieves him is accursed.” (Tirmidhi)

3. “Live in the world like a traveler.” (Bukhari Sharief)

4. “A true Muslim is one whom other Muslims are safe from the harm of his tongue and hand.” (Bukhari)

5. “The punishment for the disobedience towards parents afflicts one in this world as well.”(Mishkaat Sharief)

6. “Appreciate five things before five.” (Tirmidhi)

a. Youth before old age.
b. Good health before sickness.
c. Prosperity before poverty.
d. Free time before becoming pre-occupied.
e. Life before death.

Source: Beautiful Sunnah of Beloved Nabi (saw) By Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Sahab (db)

taken from khanqah.org

An Evil End Due to Persistence in Sins

Shaytan misleads many people into indulgence in sins by making them think, “Enjoy yourself while you’re still young! Then make taubah later….You’ve got plenty of time!” Those who have this dreadful misconception should read the following story and take heed.

Hazratwala (daamat barakaatuhum) says: “One horrible consequence of persisting in sins which has been witnessed, may Allah Ta`ala protect us all, is that Allah Ta`ala takes away the tawfeeq to repent.

In Nazimabad, a section of Karachi Pakistan, there used to be a man who would commit evil deeds day and night. When he was on his deathbed a friend advised him, “Brother, you are on the brink of death now, at least make tawbah for the sins you’ve committed.”

So that man uttered a terribly frightening statement which is a lesson for all of us. He said, “I can utter any word you want right now. Tell me to say, doctor… or medicine… or tea…or biscuits…any of these words you ask me, I can say it. But that specific word that you are asking me to say, is just not coming out of my mouth.”

Tell me, how much admonition is in this story?! Why is it that a person can utter any word except for tawbah? What is so difficult about uttering these four letters, (ت، و، ب ، ه ( ?

Also, this is not a story from a long time ago. This is an incident that I have witnessed with my own eyes. So repent before that day comes wherein the ability to repent gets snatched away from you. Audacity in committing sins, shamelessness, and immodesty must have some limit!Have you completely lost all sense of shame and modesty?

It is for this reason that after the command اتقوا الله (Fear Allah…) Allah Ta`ala has commanded us to :

كونوا مع الصادقين (Be with the truthful ones…) In other words, those who are true and sincere in their piety and fear of Allah. Because it is through the company of these sincere people who are always fearful of Allah Ta`ala, that Allah Ta`ala will grant us the tawfeeq to make sincere repentance.

(Irshadat-e-Dard-e-Dil; Pg. 243 )

Source: khanqah.org

Lazzat e zikr aur lutf e tark e gunah

By  Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (db)

رمضان کے بعد زندگی میں انقلاب لائیے

رمضان کے بعد زندگی میں انقلاب لائیے

by Hazrat Maulana Mufti Mohammad taqi usmani sahib (db)

Source: zarb-e-momin

Ending Ramadan with Shukur & Istighfar

Arif billah Hazrat Dr Abdul Hayy ra said;
Once I led a prayer jamah. After finishing I said aloud, “Alhumdulillah“.
A person from the audience enquired, “is it appropriate to be thankful on a worship filled with deficiencies?”

“Yes! Indeed”, I told him. “Look at the tawfeeq from Allah SWT and thank for it. It is a special favor and gift. There are many Muslim among us who even lack this.
As far as deficiencies are concerned I acknowledge their existence and make istagfar(repentance) for them but being a ‘abd (slave) whatever I do and how much I try to excel in it, they will remain full of defects and deficiencies.
It is the perfection of slavehood (‘abdiyat) to be aware of your deficient state.

Utilizing these precious moments of life then why shouldn’t I contemplate on Allah SWT’sbenevolence and be thankful?”

Just a reminder for all of us to be thankful to Allah SWT for the gift of Ramadan, ability to fast, pray, make dua and charity etc.. Also a reminder for istigfar/repentance for all our short comings.

Source: Ashrafiya

Aulad say sulook

Source: Zarb-e-momin

Badnazri kay 14 nuqsanat

Badnazri kay 14 nuqsanat 

By: Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (db)

Tameer-e-Watan e Akhirat

Tameer e Watan e Akhirat 

By: Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (db)

Tazkiah-e-Nafs aur Ramazan ka talazum

                     Bayan by Hazrat MUFTI MOHAMMAD TAQI USMANI(db)
                             "Tazkiah-e-Nafs aur Ramazan ka talazum"

Complete deen!

‘Arif-billahDr. Abdul Hayy ‘Arifi (Allah have mercy on him) said,

‘These days major (kabair) and outrageous sins have become prevalent in our society. We consider them to be a form of entertainment. These major sins will never be forgiven until we leave them and repent. Television is being watched in each and every home. Listening music, songs, watching explicit programmes and movies are common day activities.’ 1

‘Brothers! The matter of here-after (akhira) is of extreme magnitude.

It is inappropriate to be at ease by being  ignorant of its details.

There will be enquiry about each and every thing, including your financial dealings, social etiquette and moral character.

Remember that until all of these components of deen are correct your salah, fasting, pilgrimage and zakah(all worhip, etc) will be devoid of soul and true meanings.’2

Ramadhan ul Mubarak: hidayat wa tambihat via Ahmiyet e Ramadhan, page 1:26, 2:28

Source: Ashrafiya

Major sins (kabair)

Shaykh Abu Taleb Makki (Allah have mercy on him) said that I complied the Prophetic sayings related to major sins and found out that there are 17 mentioned explicitly. They include,
Four related to heart,
1. Associating partners with Allah (shirk)
2. Intention of persisting on a sin
3. Being hopeless of Allah’s mercy
4. Being heedless of Allah’s wrath

Four related to tongue,
1. Bearing false witness
2. Allegation of adultery on innocent
3. Swearing falsely
4. Doing magic

Three related to stomach,
1. Drinking alcoholic beverages
2. Consuming the wealth of orphans
3. Taking unlawful tax/rent for agricultural land

Two related to genitalia,
1. Illicit sexual relations
2. Homosexuality

Two related to hands,
1. Killing someone unjustly
2. Stealing

One related to feet,
1. Fleeing from the battlefield in jihad

One related to the whole body,
1. Being disobedient to the parents

May Allah save us from all of these by His mercy. Amin!

Adab e Shaykh wal murid, page 16

Source: Ashrafiya

Ramazan Main Rasoolullah(صلى الله عليه وسلم)Kay Mamoolat

Ramazan Main Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) Kay Mamoolat

By Hazrat Maulana Pir Zulfiqar Naqshbandi

Islamic Month Ramadhan Kareem

By MUFTI MoHAMMAD TAQI USMANI sahib(DB)

Every Sin is a sign of Stupidity

Hazrat Hakeemul Ummat Thanwi (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) said:

“Every sin is a sign of stupidity and foolishness.“

Anyone who commits sin, then this is a sign that there is some deficiency in his intellect. He is disobeying such a Being in whose hands is our life and death, our health and sickness, peace and comfort, good and evil end. If his intellect was sound he would never commit sin. 

Source: Khanqah Imdadiya Ashrafiya

Ramadan is for actions!

Arif-billahDr Abdul Hayy ‘Arifi (Allah have mercy on him) said,

‘There are eleven months to acquire knowledge. However, the blessed month of Ramadan is for actions alone.’

Ramadhan ul Mubarak: hidayat wa tambihat via Ahmiyet e Ramadhan, page 24 

Source: Ashrafiya

Mawlana Gangohi’s Following The Sunnah

Hakim al-Ummah Mawlana Ashraf ‘Ali Thanawi (may Allah shower His mercy upon him) wrote: 

‘‘One fine, excellent quality that I found in Mawlana [Rashid Ahmad Gangohi], may Allah sanctify his secret, is that he was never heard laughing, nor was he seen to be laughing heartily.  

Similarly, he was never found to be overwhelmed by anger. These two qualities indicated that following the sunnah had permeated his nature. 

We witnessed the similitude of the Noble Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) conduct with Bedouins, as indicated in hadith, in [the practise of] Mawlana Gangohi, may Allah sanctify his secret.” 

Shi‘r al-Firaq, p. 34 (Lahore: Sayyid Ahmad Shahid Academy) compiled by Sayyid Nafis al-Husayni (may Allah sanctify his secret).

Source: Pearls of the elders

source:al-islam

رمضان کے فضائل و مسائل

رمضان کے فضائل و مسائل

Ramzan kis tarah guzaray