ZIKRULLAH [Rememberance of Allah Ta'ala]

for peace of mind and Contentment of Heart

Ml. Hakim Akhtar Saheb

I have just recited two verses of the Holy Quraan. The translation of the first verse is: “Behold! In the Remembrance of Allah, do hearts find satisfaction.”

The essence of the above verse is the contentment of the heart.

Every Person’s Desire

Everyone desires peace and contentment in this world. No person desires misery and wretchedness. Is there any person in this gathering that wants misery? It is a universal desire to have peace. Even a kaafir desires peace. Both the poor and the rich desire it. There cannot be anyone, besides one who is insane, who desires restlessness. The citizens and the ruler, the learned and the ignorant all of them desire peace. Anyone claiming enjoyment in the life of wretchedness will surely be referred to the doctor to have his head examined.

So Allah has informed mankind that there is no being who is more knowledgeable of the ingredients that give satisfaction to the heart than Allah himself, being the maker and the creator of the hearts of the human beings. Just as the manufacturers of “Singer” sewing machines guarantee the customer the efficient performance of their product, as long as the oil manufactured by them is used, but do not guarantee any shortcomings or problems encountered if any other oil besides the stipulated oil is used in a similar vein, Allah Ta’ala has also announced that if mankind pours the oil of His remembrance into their hearts then Allah guarantees them peace. If you forsake Allah and attach your heart to other things e.g. cinema, video, film stars, pop stars, TV etc. and you are disobedient to Allah, then be warned that the starting point of Allah’s disobedience is also the starting point of the wrath of Allah, ie. although he has not yet indulged in the sin, but his mere intention destroys the peace in his heart.

Ah! I’ve just recalled the poem of a very learned Aalim, Hazrat Moulana Mohammed Ahmed, of Allahabad.

“Oh, how gloomy is the world of a sinner, and how bright and illuminated is the world of the righteous.”

The world of the pious! Subahanallah! But who are the righteous? Let me elaborate. Is it those who perform Haj, Umra or read tasbeeh regularly? Who are listed in the register of the pious? Allama Badrudeen Aini (R.A.) has explained in his “Umdatul Qaari” which is the Sharah (Commentary) of Bukhari on page 132 Vol. 1 who the pious are: “Those who don’t even harm the ants.”

Hazrat Hassan Basri (R.A.)

He was a Taabi’ee whose mother served in the house of Nabi (Sallallahu alaihi-wasallam). The commentators of hadith write that she should serve in the house of the wife of Nabi (Sallallahu-alaihi-wasallam) Hazrat Umme Salma (R.A.). When he was born, his mother took him to Hazrat Umar (R.A.) so that his “tahneek” could be performed. After chewing a date, Hazrat Umar (R.A.) placed a part of it into the mouth of Hazrat Hassan Basri (R.A.). This is a Sunnah that “tahneek” must be performed by some pious person or Aalim. Thus Hazrat Umar (R.A.) performed Hazrat Hassan’s “tahneek”.

The Victory of Islam - Hazrat Omar (R.A.) Embracing Islam

The commentators of hadith write that the reason Hassan Basri (R.A.) possessed profound and deep knowledge was the fact that his “tahneek” was performed by a person of such calibre and status as the second Khalifa of the Muslims, Hazrat Umar (R.A.). Upon his embracing Islam, Jibraeel (A.S.) brought down a verse from Allah Ta’ala, and said, “Ya Rasulullah (Sallallahu-alaihi-wasallam), I’ve brought down a verse in celebration of Hazrat Umar’s (R.A.) acceptance of Islam. The verse being”: “Allah is sufficient for you and those believers who follow you.”

The angels in the heavens rejoiced at Hazrat Umar’s (R.A.) entry into the fold of Islam. (Ibn Majah, Vol. 1)

Moulana Thanwi (R.A.) in the tafseer of this ayat poses a question. He asks: “What was the need for mentioning ‘And those Believers who follow you’ in this particular verse, whereas merely mentioning ‘Allah suffices for you’ was quite sufficient?” He explains that there are two types of sufficing. One is an outward sufficing, and the other is sufficing in reality.

In reality, Allah Ta’ala is the only one who suffices, but Hazrat Umar‘s (R.A.) acceptance of Islam became the means of instilling awe into the hearts of the kuffaar. As soon as Hazrat Umar (R.A.) accepted Islam, the kuffaar trembled with fear. He also established the first salaat with the congregation in the Kaaba. In this first salaat 40 Muslims congregated, 20 on either side of the Nabi (Sallallahu-alaihi-wasallam). He stood in the centre holding the lamp of prophethood. When Hazrat Umar (R.A.) accepted Islam, Nabi (Sallallahu-alaihi-wasallam) and the Sahaabas called out the name of Allah aloud in unison so that the sound echoed in the Kaaba. The angels themselves were extremely overjoyed. Hence one can just imagine the status of Hassan Basri (R.A.), whose “tahneek” was done by such a great personality upon whose acceptance of Islam, Rasulullah (Sallallahu-alaihi-wasallam), the Sahaabas, and even the angels rejoiced.

Two Duas

In addition, Hazrat Umar (R.A.) made two duas for Hassan Basri (R.A.). These two duas I am now making for myself, being a Musaafir, and for all of you who are sitting in this auspicious gathering.

1. Fiqh-fid-Deen - “Oh Allah, give him the deep understanding of Deen, make him an Aalim, a Faqih.”

If there is no understanding of Deen, one’s knowledge will be deemed as weak. He hence made dua for the understanding of Deen.

What is Tafaqquh-fid-Deen? The Understanding of Ibn-Masood (R.A.)

After the Khulafa-e-Raashideen, Ibn-Masood (R.A.) enjoys the status of one of the most illustrious of the Sahaabas.

A person once asked him whether Nabi (Sallallahu-alaihi-wasallam) used to stand or sit when rendering the Jumu’a Khutba. He immediately replied: “Do you not recite the ayat: “and they leave you standing (delivering the khutba)“.

Imagine what profound knowledge he had. We too recite the same ayat but are yet unable to deduce anything from it. One requires a considerable amount of knowledge to deduce masaail from the Quraan. One requires the understanding of Deen which is solely acquired, by wholeheartedly serving the pious Walis of Allah.

One acquires a quantity of knowledge from Deeni kitaabs, but gains the reality, sincererity and spirit of God-Consciousness from the Walis (saints) of Allah.

Take for example, the three fardh rakaats of Maghrib Salaat. How must it be performed? With what feeling? With what kind of tearful eyes?

The spirit is only understood through the friends of Allah. This feeling cannot be portrayed on paper. It transcends from heart to heart.

Qaadhi Thana-ullah of Panipat has stated: “O Ulama, whatever you have acquired and learnt from The kitaabs, is the knowledge of Nubuwat, which has an external dimension. If you want to acquire its internal light, that can only be obtained from the hearts of the Walis of Allah.”

Who is saying this? None other than the one who was considered as the “Imaam-e-Baihaqi” of his time, the khalifa of Hazrat Jaana-Jaan, Qaadhi Thana-ullah (R.A.). Shah Abdul Aziz Dehlawi used to refer to him as the “Imaam-e-Baihaqi” of his time.

Loved by the Creation

Continuing from the dua of Hazrat Umar (R.A.) for Hazrat Hassan Basri (R.A.):

1. Tafaqquh-fid-Deen

2. Oh Allah, make him beloved to the people, that is make him beloved in the eyes of the people. A person who is not liked and loved, then the people stay away from him. As a result of this, his knowledge is not carried forward to others.

From this we learn that the Ulama should strive for the attainment of noble character or else their knowledge will not be beneficial to others.

It is therefore mnetioned in the hadith “Attawaddudu ilannaasi nisful aql” to try and gain the love of the people is half of intelligence. One who by extending his love for others wins over their hearts and earns their love. This is half of intelligence.

The word “Tawaddud” in Arabic is on the scale of “Tafa’ul” which conveys the meaning of “Takalluf”, i.e. indulgence in an action despite resentment in the heart, e.g. extending love towards ones own foes and enemies inspite of the unwillingness to do so.

These are words of the hadith which the Ulama understand. Those who have complete and perfect imaan are those of good character.

These days we regard that person of good character, who outwardly welcomes you but after you have parted states: “He was a stupid person. I just made a fool of him.”

Friends, one who is sincere to Allah and His creation, is a friend of Allah.

Today if one claims that he loves a certain person but insults and mocks that person’s children and treats them with contempt, will this person ever befriend him again?

In the same light, when one engages in Allah’s ibaadah, day and night, and looks with contempt and evil eye at Allah’s creation, is Allah not watching him? Will Allah make such a person his friend?

Therefore friends, the level of sincerity which we have for Allah, we should also have to the same degree for His creation.

Keep making dua for the kuffaar that Allah grants them imaan. They are the servants of Allah. “Oh Allah, they are your servants, so please don’t send them to jahannum.”

So friends, these two duas were given to Hazrat Hassan Basri (R.A.)

Who are the Pious?

“Oh, how gloomy is the world of a sinner! And how bright is the world of the pious.”

Who are the pious? Allah has promised Jannah (Paradise) for the pious. Allama Badrudeen (R.A.) has mentioned in “Umdatul-Qaari” the Sharah of Bukhari (Commentary of Bukhari), that Hazrat Hassan Basri (R.A.) mentioned in the tafseer of “Abrar” (pious): “that Abraar are: those who don’t even harm the ants.”

Regarding the Wives

So many people unjustly beat their wives. They fight over petty and trivial issues. Such men should fear the deep-hearted sigh of their wives, since they are also the servants of Allah, on whose behalf Allah has even interceded - “And live with them (wives) with kindness”.

Don’t treat them simply as being just “wives”, rather be soft hearted and loving towards them.

Just as a father-in-law will not show love and affection to a son-in-law, who is ill-treating his daughter, similarly, Allah Ta’ala will not love a husband who ill-treats his wife. In fact, these wives of ours do not only have an “Abba” (father), but a “Rabba” (Allah) as well, who will become angry. A father will become grieved, but Allah will become angry. What then will be the consequence of such a son-in-law?

I have witnessed many cases of cruel men who beat their wives and as a result died of paralysis, cancer, etc. I can elaborate on many other cases that I have witnessed, but I will confine myself to just this example.

On the contrary, those who showed mercy towards their wives, became the friends of Allah very quickly. There are no bounds to this friendship.

Mazhar Jaana Jaan (R.A.)

This Akhtar who is addressing you took bay’at upon the hands of Hazrat Shah Abdul Ghani (R.A.) in his youth and spent fifteen years in his company. Hazrat Shah Abdul Ghani (R.A.) once mentioned that Hazrat Jaana Jaan was of a very sensitive nature. Once on his return from the Jaame Musjid of Delhi, he saw a bed which sagged and had crooked legs. This caused him a severe headache. On another occasion, a king visited him and drank water but did not place the cup in its place. This also caused him a headache. Once he covered himself with an eiderdown but could not sleep, because the threads of the eiderdown were not sewn in line.

A person of such a sensitive nature receives inspiration from Allah Ta’ala. “Oh Mazhar! If you want to attain high stages then marry a certain widow who is punctual with her salaat and good at heart but has a sharp tongue and is intolerant.”

Day and night Hazrat Mazhar was rebuked by this wife and he had to contend with her verbal lashing...

Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (R.A.)

Moulana Thanwi (R.A.) has stated: “Very often people write nasty and abusive letters to me. These letters remove the intoxication (of pride) caused by those people who address me with the title of ‘Hakeemul Ummat Mujaddid-e-Millat’. I regard such derogatory letters as Quinine (a malaria tablet) which honours me with the treasures of ‘Kawnain’ (both the worlds).”

Just as quinine helps to cure malaria, these letters of abuse are a cure from pride.

Good Days

So Allah provides from unseen sources for his special servants.

Hazrat explained: Everything happens with the will of Allah. Whom Allah loves, he becomes His. He who is destined to witness good fortune and a prosperous life, is inspired towards it. When Allah makes a person His, then the voice is heard from every hair of his body. “From the mouth of every hair, He called out to me.”

(As if Allah’s voice of love for him is heard from every hair of his body.)

This blessing is from Allah.

This was the arrangement that Allah Ta’ala made for Hazrat Mazhar Jaana Jaan (R.A.) as day and night he had to contend with abusive criticism.

One Afghaani student from Kabul asked: “Why did you marry such a woman, when you were of such a sensitive nature that you reprimanded the king and rejected the servant that he had offered to you saying to him that if this is your condition, then what would be the condition of your servant?”

He replied: “Listen, it is due to the patience which I exercise upon the nagging of my wife that Allah has bestowed me with such an elevated status, that my name is being drummed and echoed in the entire world”

Such luminaries like Allama Aloosi (R.A,) and Allama Shaami (R.A.) became bay’at upon the hands of Shah Goolam Ali (R.A.) who was the khalifa of Hazrat Mazhar Jaana Jaan (R.A.). Moulana Khalil Khurdi was the khalifa of Moulana Goolam Ali (R.A.). So the authors of monumental kitaabs like Shaami and Roohul Ma’aani are listed in the chain which links to Mazhar Jaana Jaan (R.A.).

Shah Abul Hassan Kharqani’s (R.A.) wife was also very short tempered, but he used to tolerate her temper, just because she was a servant of Allah.

If a handsome son-in-law is fed up with his ugly looking wife, who is also ill-mannered and of weak character, but shows tolerance and treats her well because she is the daughter of his friend. What would the father-in-law’s attitude be towards such a son-in-law? He would say: “My son-in-law is an angel. Let me give him some land or property.”

One should give the same consideration to his wife, on the grounds that she is the servant of Allah Ta’ala and treat her with kindness. InshaAllah he will attain such rewards, which he could not have attained even with a hundred years of Tahajjud Salaat.

So Moulana Roomi (R.A.) states regarding Shah Abul Hassan Kharqani (R.A.) that he was a great Arif-Billah (devotee). He used to tolerate his wife’s nagging and ill temper fearing that if he had to divorce her she would trouble her other husband. “She rather trouble me, but not some brother Muslim of mine. She is Allah’s servant. If my daughter had been like her, I would have desired that my son-in-law treat her affectionately.” So your wives are not only someone’s daughter, but the bondswomen of Allah. I express to you with sincere feelings a message, that the better you treat her, the greater the mercy of Allah will descend upon you.

Forgiveness Due to Adding Extra Salt

Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (R.A.) has related that one person’s wife accidently added extra salt in the curry. The curry became so salty that he could not eat and went to bed hungry. He however struck a deal with Allah. Lifting his eyes towards the heavens he exclaimed: “Oh Allah! This wife of mine is your slave. She added some extra salt in the food. So what! I forgive her solely for your pleasure. So forgive my sins on the Day of Judgement!”

When this person died, a Wali of Allah saw him in a dream and questioned him as to how Allah had treated him. He replied that Allah Ta’ala called him to account and stated that: “You have committed sins for which you deserve the Fire of Hell. But I am forgiving all your sins because of your overlooking the fault of my servant who added extra salt. You showed mercy towards her, therefore I am forgiving you.”

Just as Allah has a relationship or contact with his bondsmen, He also has with his bondswomen. Most of them are far away from their parents and helpless. They are far away from their families and give their entire lives to their husbands. They have been brought up by someone else and benefit is derived from their service by somebody else.

This is the law of Allah from which we have to benefit.

But regarding their shortcomings, Rasulullah (Sallallahu-alaihiwasallam) has said: “Women are created of a crooked rib. If you wish to benefit from her then derive the benefit while it is crooked.”

Are our ribs straight or crooked? Definitely crooked. But does anyone seek admission to a hospital to straighten their ribs? Did anyone request a doctor to do so?

So look at the knowledge of Rasulullah (Sallallahu-alathi-wasallam). What great status is there of his prophethood?

In what a beautiful and explicit style and manner he has explained that you have been born with crooked ribs and hence you should tolerate such a wife with crooked ribs. “If you try to straighten it, you will break it.” (Bukhari)

Breaking it means divorcing her thus destroying two families in the process. The fire of hatred will burn. Little children will cry, “Oh! What has happened to my father? Why did he divorce my mother?”

But if you overlook it, the days will soon pass. Some child born of her may become a Hafiz, Aalim or Qaari, earning for you Jannah in the hereafter. Even your life in this world will be peaceful.

The Lessons Derived from this Hadith

Allama Qastalaani (R.A.) in his commentary of Bukhari states: “In this hadith Rasulullah (Sallallahu-alaihi-wasallam) has directed the Ummah to be kind to their wives and soft and gentle in their dealings with them, and to exercise tolerance of their crookedness, on account of the weakness of their intelligence.”

Although she is declared as having a deficiency in her intelligence, yet Rasulullah (Sallallahu-alaihi-wasallam) states that those who are strangers (gair-mahram) should not look at them because they can take away the intelligence of those who have complete intelligence.

Although she has this deficiency but if “eyes meet eyes” whether it is at the London or France airport, then an intelligent man can lose his intelligence.

Protection of One’s Sight

Regarding sight, Nabi (Sallallahu-alaihi-wasallam) has stated, as reported in Bukhari: “Those who cast evil glances at non-mahrams (strangers) are committing zina of the eyes.”

One is an accidental sight, the other is deliberate viewing and staring. An accidental glance is forgiven, but to continue looking for a second time, and deriving pleasure from it is haraam.

People say, “What harm is there in looking?”. One person wrote to Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (R.A.) that by looking at beautiful women one gains the recognition of Allah. “Oh Allah, what a beautiful mirror you have made. We see the beauty of Allah in them.” Hazrat Thanwi (R.A.) replied, “Yes, they are the mirrors of Allah, but mirrors are of two categories. One made of glass while the other reflects the light through and burns whatever is on the other side. It ignites fire. In the like manner, your imaan will also burn to dust and your health too will be ruined. It can also lead you to insanity.”

Hazrat Shah Abul Hassan Kharqaani (R.A.)

We were discussing Hazrat Shah Abul Hassan Kharqaani (R.A.). One of his disciples travelled hundreds of miles to meet him. He tapped at the door of his house and enquired if Hazrat was in. The wife angrily blurted, “What Hazrat? Hazrat? He lives with me. He is a fake. He is no Hazrat. I know him very well.”

The disciple began to cry, saying to himself, “I have travelled hundreds of miles, and his wife has shattered my faith and confidence in him.”

The people of the village, seeing him depressed, assured him that Shah Saheb was a great Wali who had attained great spiritual heights on account of his wife’s bad manners. “Go to the jungle and you will find him there!"

The mureed proceeded towards the jungle in search of him and suddenly noticed Hazrat (R.A.) returning, riding a lion, with a bundle of wood on its back. When the lion showed any resistance, he whipped it with a snake which was in his hand.

This was a karaamat (miracle). Ordinary people cannot ride lions. Who has stated this incident? None other than Moulana Roomi (R.A.) whom the world acknowledges in his Masnawi.

When my Sheikh Shah Abdul Ghani (R.A.) used to relate this incident, he used to read two lines of the Masnawi, in relation to this incident, in a very inspiring manner. I want you to listen to the two lines just now.

Nevertheless when the ‘Mureed’ reported to Shah Saheb that he had just been to his house and was very disturbed, Shah Saheb replied: “Don’t worry, I know what happened. Listen to me carefully. Tolerating my wife’s abuse, solely for the sake of Allah Ta’ala, I have been blessed with this karamat. I tolerate her because she is Allah’s servant.” Now listen to the couplet:

“Would the lion have become subservient to me if I did not bear with patience my wife (i.e. her ill-temper and nagging). I have received this gift because of my wife.”

Hazrat Moulana Shah Abrarul Haq (M.Z.)
Further to our discussing the righteous servants of Allah. My Shaikh, Moulana Shah Abrarul Haq whilst making wudhu suddenly got up and moved to a second and then to a third place and thereafter completed his wudhu. Someone questioned him: “Hazrat, why did you do this?” He replied: “Wherever I made wudhu Ifound a heap of ants. The splash of water would have caused a disturbance to them and they would have then scattered in all directions. Ants too have some sort of family! It hurt me to cause a breakup in their unity. Ants are also a creation of Allah. I did not want to trouble them (without justification).”

Now listen to Hazrat Hassan Basri’s (R.A.) tafseer regarding “Abraar”. He states: “Abraar are those who don’t even harm the ants.”

“Yes, my ‘Abrar’ is also like that” - meaning Moulana Shah Abrarul Haq (M.Z.). He does not even harm ants. In the light of this tafseer look at the status of my Shaikh.

Dislike of Sin
Continuing the tafseer of “Abrar”, Hassan Basri (R.A.) states: “They do not express pleasure in sin”.

If pleasure came into any heart over haraam, then they make dua to Allah in these words: “Oh Allah! Whatever pleasure we derived from indulging in something displeasing to you, we seek your forgiveness. For it is not befitting of me to displease such a great One as you. It is not worthy of your servants that they should derive pleasure in sin or instill Haraam pleasure in their hearts. Therefore forgive all those sins through which we had derived some pleasure in our hearts.”

Burn those pleasures that come through sin.

Shah Mohammed (R.A.) states: “Willingly, we burnt evil pleasures.”

Everyday make the following Dua: “O Allah grant us such Imaan, that we sacrifice every breath of ours for you and do not displease you even for a second.”

This is the Imaan of the pious and the truthful.

Ask of Allah. He is most generous. He gives us inspite of us being most unworthy and undeserving. Don’t look at what we are worth! Ask for the best. Ask for the status of ‘Siddeeq’, because that is the highest stage one can ever reach.

Three Definitions of “Siddeeq”
Allama Aloosi (R.A.) in Tafseer Roohul Ma’aani has given three definitions of Siddeeq. Abu Bakr Siddeeq (R.A.) was Siddeeq of the highest level, but others also enjoy the status of Siddeeq.

Allah has mentioned “As-Siddeeqeen” the plural form. The three definitions are:
1. He whose actions are not contrary to his preaching.
2. He whose external self does not differ with his inner self. In other words, his Imaan is so strong that whether he travels to Germany, Japan or any other place, he keeps on remembering Allah. He does not become awe struck with any environment.
3. One who sacrifices both the worlds for the sake of Allah’s pleasure. When I gave this Tafseer of Allama Aloosi (R.A.) one Aalim questioned: “I can sacrifice the world for Allah, but how can I sacrifice the Hereafter?”

I replied: “Yes, you can sacrifice both worlds by giving Paradise a secondary status.”

Whatever you do, make this niyyat: “O Allah, You become pleased”. And thereafter ask for Paradise, by saying: “O Allah! I desire Jannah but I am performing salaat and observing fasting solely for your pleasure.

In the same manner, when you abstain from a sin then say to Allah: “O Allah, I am abstaining from sin because it displeases you. I seek protection in you from Jahannum, because I do not have the strength to bear it.”

So you have placed the fire of hell in a second position. This point I deduced from the dua of Rasulullah (Sallallahu-alaihi-wasallam): “Allahuma nas-aluka Ridhaaka wal Jannah” (“O Allah, we seek Your Pleasure and Paradise”)

Nabi (Sallallahu-alaihi-wasallam) has placed Jannah in second position. Whoever attains this position has sacrificed both worlds for Allah’s Pleasure.

Allah is Generous - Ask Allah for great things.

Three types of Janaaza’s

Dear friends, one day we all have to die. Does anyone have a doubt in this? When the Janaaza’s are lowered, they fall into one of three categories. Either they will be listed in the register as:
1. Kuffaar
2. Sinful Muslim
3. Pious Muslim

There is no 4th register.

In which register would you like to be listed? Remember that you are not going to be returned to this world. The world that you are going to leave forever and to which there is no return. How can you give your heart to such a world? Has anybody ever returned from the grave?

Therefore friends, why not become the Wali of Allah and leave this world, since there is only one coming. Why not acquire respect in the hereafter?

Does any person living the life of richness and prosperity when in a foreign country like to live a life of poverty in his own home town. The place wherein we are going to live forever is our ultimate abode.

Someone requested a saintly person for some advice. He presented in two sentences the essence of Deen: “Strive in this world in accordance to your stay here, and strive for the hereafter in accordance to your stay therein.”

Does this not cover the entire Deen? If one does not live a balanced life, but strives all the time in pursuit of worldly gain, then what notion do you have of such a person?

One friend of mine once said: “I want to open another factory.” I replied: “Your increasing your earnings will decrease your coming to me. Your Deen will become weak. Eat that much that will give you a respectful life.”

He who does not balance his life but is in constant pursuit of material gain, then he is not a human being, but a “bel” (ox). He is an ox ruining his health in constructing a building just for temporary use.

Kwaja Majzoob’s Poem
I was travelling through Lucknow with my Sheikh. The streets of Lucknow were decorated and lit to welcome the viceroy. This was during the British rule. Looking at it, Kwaja composed a couplet. “Don’t give your heart to the glitter and glamour (embellishment), This is Autumn which has come in the form of Spring.”

two Categories of Zikr
I was stating where one can find peace. Allah says: “Behold! It is in the remembrance of Allah that the hearts find satisfaction.”

But what does it mean? Does it mean continuing with the Zikr of Allah, although the jamaat salaat has commenced? There are two types of zikr.
1. Positive
2. Negative

Exercising the Commands of Allah
When it is the command of Shariah to perform the salah, or to fast, or to give zakaat, or to perform Haj, then perform that particular Ibaadah. This is what is meant by “Muthbat” - Positive Zikr.

When a strange woman appears in front of you, then it is the time for making “Zikr Manfi” i.e. Don’t look at her or else you will be staring at her and saying “Laahaula-wa-Laaquwwata”. Such “Laahaula” will be reciting “Laahaula” upon us.

Some people, without moving their glance, remark: “See Moulana, how naked this woman is”, while shaitaan is actually hanging him (by getting him to commit this haraam act).

What kind of “Laahaula” is this? Remove the glance from her, then make Dua to Allah. “O Allah, if I have desired an atoms worth of pleasure by looking at her, please forgive me.”

It is necessary to make taubah in such instances.

The Supplication of Isfiraarini (LA.J
The ustaad of Imaam Gazzali (R.A.), after performing seven circuits of Tawaaf made Dua: “O Allah, make me sinless. Don’t let me ever commit any sin.” He made this Dua for 20 years.

Mullah Ali Qaari (R.A.) has written in the Sharah of Mishkaat, that one day whilst performing Tawaaf, a voice came out of the Kaaba: “O Isfiraarini, Ustaad of Gazzali! What do you want? That you commit no sins! I have kept two doors open towards attaining my love.”

The Two Doors of Love
1. I love the pious servants.
2. I love those who repent.

“When I have made these two windows, why are you then seeking only one?”

Do not purposely commit sin. If you do however commit any sin, perform two rakaats of Salaatul-Taubah, and cry. You will gain closeness to Allah.

Engaging in sincere repentance and regret after having committed a sin, gains for the sinner that type of closeness to Allah which even the angels cannot achieve.

The angels gain closeness only by worship, and human beings gain closeness to Allah worship and sincere repentance.

As Moulana Mohammed Ahmed states: “Sometimes it is the happiness of worship and sometimes the acknowledgement of shortcomings! My nearness is that nearness that even the angels don’t know.”

The Rank of the Auliyaa
Ibn Hajar Asqalaani (R.A.) states that the Auliyaa have such a high status that even the angels descend to hear their zikr. They in fact surround them.

The angels leave their own zikr to come and hear the zikr of the sinners. Will someone leave his “Biryani” for the “Daal Roti” of someone else? They regard our zikr to be the “Biryani”, and theirs of a lower quality like “Daal Roti”. Ibn Hajar has mentioned two reasons for this in Fathul Bari.

First Reason
“O Allah, these humans without having seen you engage in Your remembrance while we remember you having seen you.”

Hence the zikr of this world “Aalame-Shahaadah” is more virtuous than the zikr of “Aalame-Ghaib”.

Now to explain, one person remembers someone after seeing him. Another remembers the person even without seeing him. Have we ever seen Allah Ta’ala? Never!


Tell me, don’t we cry sometimes upon remembering Allah? The angels say: “O Allah, what type of creation you have made, who remember you without seeing you! They sacrificed their lives, became martyred, shed tears, performed salaat, etc.”

Second Reason
“Despite so many responsibilities, wife, children, work and other worries, this creation of Allah remembers Allah, whereas we (angels) are free from all types of worry.”

Hence their zikr is more virtuous. It is for this reason that when we make zikr, they envelope and surround us.

Just as zikr is being made at this moment here, the angels have surrounded us. When one is in the environment of the angels, will he then not be affected by it?

The pious Walis have mentioned that one should go to those places where Allah’s zikr is being made and where there is a pious servant of Allah. Insha-Allah you will be spiritually nourished and your character will become like that of the angels.

Hazrat Moulana Asadullah (R.A.) who was in charge of administration in Mazaahirul Uloom, and the ustaad of my Shaikh said: “O Allah! Despite hundreds of engagements day and night, Asad has not become neglectful of you.”


He used to recite one more couplet about protecting one’s eyes. It should be borne in mind, that Moulana himself was very handsome and of a loving nature. Lovers have to undergo a lot of effort “mujaahadah” but the fruits of their striving is also great.

He used to say: “In the love of others besides Allah (dunya, beautiful women, etc.), Asad you are seeking peace and comfort. In the fire of hell you are seeking the peaceful dreams of paradise.” “Hammer on the heart, nails in the brain, What pleasure did you get from illicit love?”

Ninety percent of those who are in the asylum were victims of this very disease i.e. casting of lustful gazes. Allah has exhorted us to make His zikr in order to achieve peace.

An Example of Remembering Allah
Qaadhi Thanaa-Ullah (R.A.) cites an example in Tafseer Mazhari of a fish in the water. Just as the fish feels relaxed and “at home” in the water, similarly should be our condition. We should get pleasure and satisfaction whilst making the zikr of Allah. The fish plunges into the water, glides in it, covered completely by the water.

It never feels relaxation if even a portion of its head is sticking out of the water. Hence the “ba” in “bizikrillah” is the meaning of “in” and not “with”.

In the zikr of Allah one gets complete comfort and satisfaction.

Hence friends, we have to be completely soaked in the zikr of Allah - eyes, ears, etc. If the eyes are looking at evil then it will prevent us attaining Allah’s love and closeness.

The people of Europe and Switzerland manufacture waterproof watches. Water covers it from all sides but not even a single drop gets into it. Similarly, Allah blesses those who make zikr, positive zikr and negative zikr i.e. one who refrains from sins and one who carries out His commands.

The Two Rights of Allah
Some pious saint has mentioned: “The love of Allah demands from us that we worship Him and His Exaltedness demands abstinence from sin.” (Remember this point, don’t say later on you didn’t know.)

We met after a very long time. Ask Moulana Mohammed Ayyub (M.Z.) how many times he invited me to England when he met me in the Baitullah. My intention did not reach the stage of fulfillment. Hence there are two rights:
- The right of love - we fulfil our obligations of salaat, zakaat, Haj, etc.
- The rights of exaltedness - that we don’t displease Allah.

The Company of the Pious
We won’t have the courage and pluck to stay away from the disobedience of Allah and to gain piety, until we don’t spend time in the company of the friends of Allah. This is prescribed by Allah.

To perform ibaadat is very easy but to gain taqwa and to stay away from sin, one has to be in the company of the pious. “Koonoo Ma’as Saadiqeen”

In the tafseer of this ayat Allama Aloosi (R.A.) says that by being in the company of the pious, “zikr-e-manfi” is made i.e. you will gain taqwa. One cannot become a Wali by performing Ibaadat without Taqwa. “His friends are only those who have piety.”

A person can make a thousand Haj, but it will be in vain if it is performed without taqwa. One becomes a Wali not by abundant tasbihaat, but by means of taqwa, and taqwa is acquired through the company of the pious.

For How Long?
How long should one stay in the company of the pious? It is mentioned in Roohul Ma’aani: “Mix with them (be in their company) until you become like them.”

A donkey that falls in a salt mine, after a few days it transforms into salt. Has not this mixing with the salt had any effect?

So even if we are “donkeys in action” but human beings by nature, InshaAllah, in the light of what has been stated in Roohul Ma’aani and also the experiences of the righteous ones, that a few days in the company of the pious elders will, change our “nafs”, not only to a worthy one, but to a “Waliyullah”.

One Condition
However, there is one condition. When does a donkey convert to salt in a salt mine? This happens when it stops breathing and is totally dead. In the same way, a person has to kill his “nafs” or ego, then only can he become a “Waliyullah”. If the donkey keeps breathing, and does not die, it will not become salt. This killing of the “nafs” will only be learnt in the company of the righteous Shaikhs.

The Shaikh has to be Strong
Moulana Shah Abrarul Haq Saheb states that sugar has to be stirred in the tea to dissolve. Will it dissolve if stirred with a feather?

If one stirs it with a candle, then the candle itself will melt in the tea. So the Shaikh has to be spiritually strong. He must be like a metal spoon which stirs the sugar, making “khar”, “khar” (rattling sound), in the cup. He has to reprimand the “mureed” at times. When the sugar has dissolved then the tea tastes delicious and soothing.

Shaikh Abdul Kader Jilani (R.A.) admonishing the Ulama states: “O ye Ulama! Do not ascend the pulpit immediately on completion of madrassah studies. Spend some time in the company of the righteous Shaikhs and learn “ikhlaas” (sincerity). Then Insha-Allah the mimbar will be yours. When you will deliver your talks with eyes shedding tears and a heart full of feeling for Allah Ta’ala’s Creation then you will create a tremor in society. If you do not have a heart aching with Allah Ta’ala’s love, then the congregation will derive no benefit from your talks.”

Poem
“When I have suffered no wound,
what can I show you?
When there is no ecstasy in my heart,
what song can I hymn for you?”

Grief-Proof Heart
One might question as to how is it possible for a person to experience some peace of mind while he is experiencing some difficulties.

My answer to that is, that just as the people of the west, Europe and Switzerland manufacture watches that are waterproof, Allah Ta’ala also creates a “grief-proof” heart for his beloved servants. There may be a thousand griefs, but not one will penetrate into his heart, Insha-Allah. He may shed 400 tears, but Allah’s clouds of mercy will turn his grief into something that will give him joy and delight.

One who is eating hot “Shaami-Kebaab” sheds tears while eating it. Just question him as to why he is still continuing eating the “Shaami-Kebaab” when his eyes are tearing so much. Ask him to hand over the kebaab to you, instead of experiencing so much difficulty. He will reply: “O silly fool! These tears are tears of enjoyment, and not of pain.”

Similarly, if one observes the “Dear Ones” of Allah crying, just enquire of them the feeling that their hearts are experiencing at that particular moment, on account of their submission to Allah’s will.

How Can There be Serenity in Grief?
You might ask as to how there can be peace and serenity while one is experiencing grief. Allama Suleiman Nadvi (R.A.) used to say: “The wealth of grief I received pining for you, will grant me salvation from the grief of both the worlds.”

O Allah! If I can just receive one iota of grief from you, it will free me from the grief of both the worlds (grief meaning longing to meet you).

One iota of the love of Allah is so valuable, that the heavens and the earth, sun and the moon, and the elevated positions of the world, the thrones and crowns of kings cannot pay for it. Is the pain of love of Allah a trivial thing?

Now listen to another example. Some people say, “How can there ever be pleasure in pain?”

Here is another interpretation of this; “The parable of my smiling heart in grief and pain is like the blooming flower amidst a cluster of thorns.”

The bud of a flower suddenly blooms amongst the thorns. The cool breeze of the morning blows onto these buds and causes them to bloom forth. This was the effect of the cool morning winds. Hence when the winds of the mercy of Allah Ta’ala blow upon the hearts of his lovers, will it not cause them to experience joy in the midst of grief and sorrow.

Why Anguish?
Anguish and pain is given so that one does not forget Allah or that one’s pride does not increase. Allah Ta’ala also maintains the balance for his lovers. When one hears much praise of himself, is this balance not endangered? Therefore some grief is put upon him so that the “compass of grief” of the servants of Allah registers little change and the needle does not shift from the 90 degree mark.

Thus his servitude remains balanced. Otherwise, is it not possible that he may become puffed up with pride? This was my interpretation.

Now listen to Moulana Roomi’s (R.A.) interpretation. Moulana Roomi (R.A.) says: “With whomsoever Allah is pleased, and those who keep Allah happy, then Allah guarantees them happiness.”

Why Friends?
If a son keeps his father happy all the time, will the father not see to his happiness to the best of his ability? The father can perhaps become weak, and hence will not be able to do anything for him. This is not the case regarding Allah.

Allah Ta’ala does not decrease in power. So whoever will make Allah happy, will He not guarantee his happiness? Moulana Roomi (R.A.) says: “Listen O People of the world! If Allah wishes He can change the very substance of Grief into Pleasure”

That which seemed to be the shackles upon one’s feet, due to which a person seemed to be in great difficulty, Allah Ta’ala makes those very shackles a means of his freedom.

The Difference between the Grief for Allah and the Grief for the World
Moulana Roomi (R.A.) says: “Look, in the fear of the world, in the fear of police, in the fear of a snake, in fearing a jealous person, or a tyrant or a thief, there is a lot of pain and hardship. However, in the fear of Allah, there is peace and contentment.”

The one who fears Allah, no sooner does this fear enter his heart, then he becomes absolutely at ease. Those who fear Allah, He makes them completely fearless of the entire world.

This is what Moulana Roomi (R.A.) says in the following couplets: “In the fear of Allah, is concealed unlimited peace, serenity and contentment.”

How can there be Peace when there is Fear?
A question arises: Are fear and peace not opposites to each other? How can they be then reconciled?

Moulana Roomi (R.A.) says that he is well aware that many people are looking at him in the manner of raising an objection. Moulana Roomi (R.A.) boldly announced that those who fear Allah, Allah will grant them peace and tranquillity. He will make them fearless of the entire world.

Fear and serenity are two opposites. How can the two be then reconciled? Moulana Roomi (R.A.) says: I have an answer to this philosophical objection that you are posing to me.

The eye with which you are casting your philosophical objection, I will prove my claim using that very eye as evidence. Moulana says: “In the darkness of the black pupil, resides the bright light (power of sight)”

Explanation: In the black pupil of the eye is a treasure of (Nur) light. Is darkness not the opposite of light? Hence when Allah has placed the treasure of “Nur” (light) in the darkness of the pupil, he definitely has the power of granting peace and tranquility to those who fear him.

Where is Peace?

As I was stating that the satisfaction of the hearts lies in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala and no other place. I am a musaafir and in this musjid. I am addressing you. I swear in the Name of Allah Ta’ala that peace and satisfaction is not found in carpets, air-conditioning, biryani, piles of bank notes, seats of governments or crowns of kings. If there is peace then it is in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala.

Kwaja Azizul Hassan (R.A.) states: “When I sit in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala, independent of all others, then I find my humble mat like the throne of Hazrat Suleiman (A.S.). I have heard of people living in air-conditioned homes, people owning millions commit suicide. I have not heard of a single Wali of Allah committing suicide. Is this not sufficient proof that the shadow of the Mercy of Allah remains over the hearts of his friends making their hearts ‘grief proof’

Allama Roomi (R.A.) states: “One person says ‘Allah’, Allah’ on a musjid mat and enjoys the exercise, while another person is sitting in an orchard but crying. Amidst flowers he is feeling the thorns pricking him. If Allah Ta’ala desires he can make a person cry in the midst offlowers and make another smile amidst thorns.”

So friends, there is no peace in the world. If there is peace in anything it is in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala and in pleasing Him. By zikr is meant both types of zikr (pleasing Allah too, and abstaining from displeasing him). Insha-Allah, Allah Ta’ala will give you such a happy life that even the kings cannot imagine. (During the bayaan Hazrat Wa’ala enquired if there was still time. He was informed that there was plenty of time).

Hazrat then said: When the time expires please tell me. When I commence with my speech, what can I say? Such mercy of Allah enshrouds me, when I am presenting the love of Allah, that I become unconscious of my own presence.

I become dumbfounded. I give up all hope in explaining Allah’s Countenance. What great pleasure is there in the name of Allah! Moulana Roomi (R.A.) says: “O People of the world! How foolish are you, begging outside the mitaai (sweetmeat) shop. Pick up the tasbeeh and take Allah’s name. The one who creates sugar, what sweetness will there be in his name. O heart! Is this sugar sweeter or the creator of this sugar? O heart! Are these faces shining like the moon more beautiful, or the creator of the one who bestowed “Layla” with such beauty and made “Majnoon” insane?”

The one who gives all the “Laylas” of the world beauty, when he enters the hearts, he makes it totally unconcerned about all the “Laylas” of the world.

The effulgence of the sun and the moon seem dull to him. The sun and the moon are dependant on the Nur of Allah for their light - when the One who granted the sun and the moon light, comes into the heart of a person, what will be the radiance of such a person’s Nur?

Ask this of Moulana Roomi. He says: “O Allah! If You have to say to the sun and the moon: “You are dull and dark, you have no brightness and light.” If You have to say to Your throne and the heavens: “You are crooked and of no worth.” If You have to say to gold, silver, pearls and diamonds: “You are worthless and useless.” Then You have the right to say so, on account of Your exalted status and greatness. You can cause the sun and the moon to lose their light and Your “Arsh” (throne) to become worthless. All greatness is for You alone.”

Honouring the Name of Allah

Hafiz Shirazi says: “Friends, when I take the name of Allah Ta’ala and become intoxicated in his love, I am not prepared to purchase the kingdoms of the world in exchange of one grain of barley.”

These are our predecessors. Moulana Roomi (R.A.) says when the pleasure of the name of Allah flies from the throne and descends on the earth then the tongue is dumbfounded and cannot express anything. This is the end of todays subject. Now I will explain the commentary of the ayat: “On the day (of Qiyaamah) a person’s entire wealth and children will not be of ay benefit (whatsoever) to him.”

and thereafter we will terminate the talk.

Two Blessed People
Friends, the one that did not attain Allah in this world has not attained anything. When the Janaaza will be lifted, what will go along with it? How much of wealth and gold and silver? How many cars? How many mobile phones will you take along? Will these things go to the grave with you?

Moulana Roomi (R.A.) has congratulated two types of people. He says: “Blessed indeed are those who say ‘Aah’ in the remembrance of Allah.”

Look, he is congratulating the friend of Allah in the words “extremely blessed is that heart that burns and cries in the remembrance of Allah.”

What is a Darul-Uloom?
Moulana Shah Mohammed Ahmed Saheb went to Azamgarh to the Darul-Uloom of Moulana Habibur Rahman Aazami, the great muhaddis who did a commentary of “Mussanaf Abdur Razaak” in Arabic. Moulana said at his madrassah, “Darul Uloom is the beating of the heart. Darul Uloom is the burning of the soul.” That Darul Uloom in which the hearts are not made to throb with the love of Allah Ta’ala, where the love of Allah Ta’ala is not taught - is only a Darul Uloom in the literal sense. The love of Allah Ta’ala is absolutely. It is this steam which causes a person to fly. Without fuel, how can a plane fly? A Shaikh is also required.

How to Become A Wall
In Bombay a person asked me for a prescription to become a Wali. I replied: “The airport is close by. At the airport, I shall show you how to become a Wali.” At the airport I spoke to him thus: “This aeroplane comes from the sky or the earth? All the material is of the Earth. Iron, steel, copper, etc, are all obtained from the earth. But when does a plane take offfrom the ground? It takes off when there is fuel in the plane, and when there is a pilot. Furthermore, it is essential that the fuel tank is not punctured by someone. So do three things and you will become a Wali of Allah Ta’ala living in this world. We too are of the earth. Do three things. Firstly, fill the heart with the steam of Allah Ta’ala’s love. Secondly, have a spiritual mentor (Shaikh), and thirdly, do not puncture the tank and let out the steam. Then the plane will be able to take off”

When we see evil with our eye, the steam is let out. When we hear music, the steam is let out. The eyes, eats, tongue, etc, if not taken care of will let off steam.

Protection Necessary
My Shaykh nd Murshid Moulana Abrarul Haq Saheb was travelling from Jeddah to Mecca Sharif in an air-conditioned car. However, it was extremely hot in the car. The driver of the car informed Hazrat that it appears as if a window has been left open. It was my window that was left open. As soon as I closed the window the car became cool. Hazrat Shah Abrarul Haq (D.B.) commented on this that while the window was slightly open, the benefit of the air-conditioning was not attained. The car remained hot as ever.

Likewise, some people switch on the “air-conditioners” of the Zikr of Allah in their hearts, but leave the window of their eyes and ears open. They also do not protect their senses. The result is that the benefit of the air-conditioning is lost.

The Petrol of the Love of Allah
Listen to another incident. A petrol tanker carrying 20000 gallons of petrol arrived at a garage from Jeddah. At the garage it filled up 5 gallons of petrol in its own tank. Upon this Moulana Abrarul Haq questioned: “This tanker is carrying tens of thousands of gallons of petrol. Why then must it fill up its own tank?” Anwar-ul-Haq, the driver replied: “The petrol is on its back, not in its engine.”

Hazrat smiled and said: “Those Ulama who have loaded their knowledge upon themselves, but do not have the petrol of fear and love of Allah in their hearts, then understand that their knowledge is indeed loaded upon them, but neither will they benefit from it, nor will they benefit the Ummat with it.”

What do you think of my Shaikh Moulana Abrarul Haq’s knowledge?

The Need for a Shaikh

So in the company of the pious and righteous the love and fear of Allah is created in the heart. If this companionship was not necessary then why would Allah order Rasulullah (Sallallahu-alaihi-wasallam): “And restrain yourself (and be content) with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Countenance (pleasure).”

The Object of Prophethood

Spiritual cleansing is one of the aims of prophethood. From the words of Allah: “He rehearses to them His Signs (ayats)” the establishment of the primary madrassahs is deduced, while the words:

“And He teaches them the Book (Quraan)” point towards the establishment of Darul Ulooms:

“And He purifies them” reflects the establishment of khaanqahs.

Provided it is a Khaanqah in reality It must not be just in name. There must not be just a bogus ‘peer’ in the Khaanqah. Those running the Khaanqah should themselves have taken their ‘tarbiyyat’ from righteous shaikhs.

Now I shall explain the meaning of the ayat. Allah Ta’ala mentions that on the day of Qiyaamah, a person’s entire wealth and children will be of no benefit whatsoever to him. In the Arabic construction of the ayat, the words wealth and children are both indefinite, and appear after a negative word, (will not benefit) thus emphasizing that one’s entire wealth and children will be of no avail.

Listen to Moulana Mohammed Ahmed’s (R.A.) two couplets regarding this: “Your wealth and your children are not going to accompany you to the grave. They are not going to emancipate you from the fire of hell. Besides good deeds, no one is going to be your friend in the grave.”

What a tragedy it is, that you are unaware of this reality. The bier of every person says: “Thank you, O you who has placed me in the grave. From this stage of my journey onwards I shall travel alone.” It is as if the deceased says: “Ye have dumped me into the ground without Dua and Salaam. What has happened to the world in such a short space of time. Death came, and made the conscious unconscious, and silenced the hectic activities of life.”

Until a person is living, there is marriage of sons and daughters, building this home and other mundane activities. I am not stopping you from these activities. What I am conveying to you is that upon death all play comes to an end.

Ship Sailing in Water

Fulfilling all the needs of one’s life, one should make Allah Ta’ala’s love dominant. There should be a harmonious mixture of this world and the hereafter. Moulana Roomi (R.A.) has explained how it is possible to create this. He cites the example of a ship on water. As long s the ship remains on water, it will sail but the moment the water enters the ship, it will sink. If the material things of the world remain beneath and the love of Allah and the hereafter remain dominant, then the hereafter will become very pleasant. However, when the water of the love of this world enters the heart, it results in the drowning of a person.

The World is not Condemned in its Entirity
Allama Aloosi (R.A.) states: “The world is not bad in its entirety.”

Some people say: “Kick the world. Kick the world.” If these people do not get food for three days, they won’t have the strength to kick. Allama Aloosi (RA.) explains: That wealth is deemed evil which causes a person to become disobedient to Allah. If however, that wealth is made a means of attaining the hereafter then it is regarded as the best of wealth.

Allah Ta’ala states that whosoever comes in the presence of Allah with a clean and purified heart on the Day of Judgement, Allah will enter him into Paradise without reckoning and punishment.

How can one acquire this “Qalbe Saleem’?
Allama Aloosi Sayad Mahmood Baghdadi (R.A.) has listed five qualities of a person possessing a purified heart.

1) He who spends his wealth in the path of Allah. He firmly believes that he is not merely incurring expenditure, but in fact accumulating the wealth for the Hereafter.

2) The one who guides his children towards the Truth. Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) and Ismail (A.S.) made dua to Allah: “O Allah! Make both of us Muslims.”

The question arises that were they not Muslims? Hakeemul Ummat Moulana Thanwi (R.A.) explains this verse that the dua meant: “O Allah, increase our Imaan. Give us more progress in Islam. Let us achieve the highest stage of Imaan”

Imaan is of two categories. Allah states: “So that they may increase in Imaan (despite having Imaan).” Moulana Thanwi (R.A.) states: That Imaan which has been inherited, rational, deduced by observation, becomes transformed into an Imaan which is second-nature to him, and a reality in his life.

In the same dua, Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) further asks: “And from my progeny, those who will be subservient to You.”

From this we learn that to make dua for one’s child to become righteous and pious and showing concern was always the nature of the Prophet. So a purified heart is one that shows concern for the proper nurturing of the child. It must not be such that the father is always in the musjid making Allah - Allah, while the son is busy watching TV and videos, not concerned at all. Make two rakaats of nafl salaat and pray to Allah and say to the son: “Come let us join the Tableegh Jamaat for 40 days, or take bay’at to some Wali of Allah, who may be in the vicinity, and also request the Wali of Allah to make dua for you.”

If your child is physically ill, don’t you take him to the doctor or for dua to some saint of Allah, but you seem to be indifferent when it comes to the spiritual ailments of the child. You don’t take him to the doctor of spiritual ailments, so that he may get cured from his ailments by inculcating in him the fear of Allah.

3) Purification from False Beliefs

One whose heart is void and free of incorrect beliefs. One should not believe: “The saintly ones have power to bless one with a child.” A poet says: “Allah has stated in the Quraan, the Prophets and the Saints are all dependant on Him.”

What are you seeking from the friends of Allah? What is it that you cannot achieve by asking Allah Ta’ala alone?

If a saint flies in the air but practises against the Sunnah, then he is a shaitaan. A couplet comes to mind: “He is a master who manifests his effulgence (Tajali) wherever he wishes. His effulgence (Tajali) is not restricted to the mountain of Sinai.”

Another couplet, which I cannot help mentioning, although it is not linked to the topic, for it has come to mind all of a sudden: “The eyes of those who drank the wine of Allah from my cup, will shed tears longing for me”

So if a peer performs a miracle, fies in the air but shaves his beard, does not perform salaat, his lifestyle is directly in conflict with the Sunnah, then it is not permissible to consider him as a saintly one. To regard any action of disobedience to Allah as a means of gaining His nearness is kufr.

4) One who is not Overpowered by Evil Desires
He whose heart is free from being overpowered by his evil desires and passions. Passion must remain so that he can fulfil the rights of his wife. He should not take “camphor tablet” and kill his passions, and thereby make himself impotent. Neither should he be so dominated by his passion that he does not spare anyone from his evil gaze. He keeps staring and casting lustful glances at all women. So his heart should be free of evil passions. The heart should dominate the passions, seeing what is halaal, and running away seeking protection in Allah, from haraam.

5) Heart Free of All Things but Allah
One whose heart is void of the love of others besides Allah. In other words, the love of Allah must supercede the love of one’s wife, children, wealth and property.

Jigar Muradaabadi the poet states:
The condition of my love for him,
Oh Jigar is this,
He overshadowed me,
And I overshadowed the world.

Kwaja Azizul Hassan Majzoob (R.A.) used to read this zikr: “My heart must become a field of solitude. There should be none in there except You! Except You! And in my body instead of earth and water, there I should be a yearning heart. My gaze be turned away from everything else. I see only You, wherever I see.”

In every atom of the universe we see only Allah Ta’ala. If the heart becomes full with the love of Allah, then the eyes will also become the same. Abu Jahl’s heart was diseased, therefore he could not recognize the status of Rasulullah (Sallallahu-alaihi-wasallam).

To recognize the Walis of Allah, Allah blesses those whom he loves with spiritual sight. This is my first talk in England. Now let us make sincere Dua asking: for forgiveness for our sins and striving towards the rememb race of Allah Ta’ala and seeking contentment of the heart.