The Blessed Month

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

Allah has created the entire universe and each segment functions according to the laws that He has prescribed for them.  For example He says;

Each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to Law).  (36:40)

Allah is above all laws.  He is the One Who created the laws for the functioning of His creatures and those laws are not subject to change.  He says;

None can change His words.  (18:27)

Regarding human beings, Allah has given us a special facility and some special concessions.  For example Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said that Allah says; “if the servant draws near to Me a hand span, I draw near to him an arm’s length; and if he draws near to Me an arm’s length, I draw near to him a fathom’s length.  And if he comes to Me walking, I come to him running”. (Bukhari)

Allah has given us the prerogative to choose.  And because we are humans and we do make mistakes Allah, out of His love for us, has created such occasions where we can have our wrong deeds wiped out and have our good deeds increased.  For example He says;

Allah doth blot out or confirm what He pleaseth: with Him is the mother of the Book.  (13:39)

Sometimes we have the notion that whatever goes into our book of deeds remains permanent and everlasting.  However we can have the evil deeds removed if Allah so wills and we make the appropriate effort.  For example there are the traditions concerning the benefits associated with worshiping on the 15^th of Shabaan.  There are also many traditions in which Prophet Muhammad (pboh) makes mention of the benefits and rewards associated with the blessed month of Ramadhan.  One such is a Hadith Qudsi in which Prophet (pboh) reports that Allah says; “all the actions by the son of Adam are for him, except fasting for verily it is for Me and I shall reward him for it”.

We have on the horizon this special month allocated by Allah that contains so many blessings and benefits.  Prophet Muhammad (pboh) used to tell his companions ‘the month is coming’.  

Realistically, keeping the fast is not entirely easy; it has its challenges and in the past my experience was that in Ramadhan I had more responsibilities and work.  Allah wants to test us; because, if He has to wipe out our mistakes and faults there must be a good reason for doing so.  And that reason is keeping the fast sincerely for His sake; and being prepared to undertake the trials, difficulties and the hardships that come along with it.  

This month that is approaching has so much of beauty and blessings that we should cherish the fact that we are alive to observe it, insha Allah.  Ramadhan is the only principle factor of the unification of the hearts of believers all over the world. 

In Trinidad and Tobago we are blessed because the hours of fasting in the day are not too long.  In other countries, the Muslims have to fast for sometimes 19 and 20 hours.  We should thank our Lord for His continued mercies and make the best use it.

One thing that we should try to avoid in this month is not to get upset.  This can spoil our fast and we would all like to achieve the maximum blessings attainable from our fast.  It is sacrifice and challenge but try your best to keep your composure.  We all know the Qur’anic ayat;

O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.  (2:183)

What is restraint?  When situations arise where you can take verbal or physical action; and you do otherwise, because you are reminded that you are fasting.  Try your best to bear with patience the irritable situations you will experience.

Finally, remember that Ramadhan is an institution which can help us to become a beautiful tree that can give shade and delicious fruits.  A tree doesn’t need the shade nor the fruits.  It  instead benefits  others.  Ramadhan can help us to cultivate those beautiful qualities in our personality that will makes us admirable to others. 

My dear friends, this would be our last zikir session and publication until after Ramadhan, insha Allah and I want to sincerely wish each and everyone a peaceful, successful and happy Ramadhan and may Allah bless us to experience something special; that being the visit of those special beings that He will be sending on a special night that will bring peace and tranquillity to the hearts of the true believers. 

Remember, the most effective and beneficial experience you can get is the feeling of peace and tranquillity.  We will have our trials and difficulties; in the past we had them and they are now gone.  We will experience them again maybe in a different form but it is still a trial so be prepared to do your part by showing patience and restraint. 

May Allah bless us, guide us, take care of us and enable us to observe the blessed month of Ramadhan in a manner most pleasing to Him and most beneficial to us. 

Transcript of discourse delivered by

Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed

The video presentation of this discourse can be accessed at

http://www.youtube.com/markazalihsaan

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Believing without reason and logic

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

There are some things in our faith which cannot be explained through reason and logic.  In other words we cannot rationalize some of the things we do.  For example we are supposed to make wudu before salaat.  However if there is no water available or we can’t use water we are supposed to make Tayammum.  Tayammum is in no way comparable to wudu because you are not cleansing all the parts that you normally do when you’re performing wudu.  Then why do it?  This is something that cannot be explained rationally.  We believe and accept because that is what Allah has ordained for us.

So too, there are so many things that we cannot explain through scientific reasoning and logic; and, unfortunately some people, because they cannot find a suitable explanation, reject it totally or condemn it. 

For example according to our school of theology we have an understanding concerning the night of the 15^th of Shabaan.  There are many traditions concerning the sacredness and benefits associated with this night.  One such belief is that a person’s sustenance is written on this night, another is that those who are to be born and those who will die for the following year is also written etc.  How can we explain these things rationally?  We cannot, and that is why we have faith in Allah. 

To become a Muslim the first thing a person says is I testify that there is no God but Allah.  Imagine those pagan Arabs who were idolaters; those who believed that Jesus (as) was God; others who believed that God somehow manifested Himself in an earthly form; and now you’re taught to say no God but Allah; that is something that comes only through faith because you cannot rationally prove the existence of God.

There is this philosophical problem termed ‘cause and effect’.  Every cause has an effect.  So we were created by God but then the problem arises, i.e. who created God?  Concerning this Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said “Satan comes to one of you and says, ‘Who created so-and-so’; till he says, ‘Who has created your Lord?'  So, when he inspires such a question one should seek refuge with Allah and give up such thoughts”.  (Bukhari)

We need to understand that belief is something outside the realm of reason and logic.  Some people try to prove the unseen rationally.  For example have you ever seen an angel?  How can we prove the existence of angels rationally?  It’s difficult, that is why Allah begins the chapter of Baqarah with;

 Who believe in the Ghaib (unseen); (2:3)

 

Another example; how can you prove human beings possess a soul?  Has anyone seen it?  Many things we have to accept whether we can rationally prove it or not.

According to the teachings of Islamic spirituality these matters are outside the realm of reason and logic.  It is called religious experience and this can only be experienced.  It cannot be described.  You cannot tell me how sweet honey is; I have to taste it to really know.  When we say the term ‘I believe’ we are really implying that whether or not we can understand/prove we believe unconditionally.

Islamic spirituality is that realm of knowledge which is outside the references of reason and logic.  It is something that has to be experienced.  That is why a lot of Masha’ikhs do not disclose religious experiences; because of the potential backlash from those who cannot forgo rational thought. 

On the night of the Mir’aj Allah says that Prophet Muhammad (pboh) ascended higher and higher and then He revealed what He wanted to reveal.  What did Allah revealed?  No one knows.  How can the blessed Prophet (pboh) rationally describe such an experience?  The people doubted whether he travelled from Makkah to Jerusalem; what about his experiences in the heavens?

As we go along the path of Islamic spirituality always remember that it is not really permissible to discuss your religious experiences with any person.  You need to discuss it with your teacher or someone who he may refer you to.

For example there was once a great Masha’ikh called Mansur al-Hallaj.  During his time many of the Sufi masters felt that it was inappropriate to share religious experience with the masses, yet Al-Hallaj openly did so in his writings and through his teachings. He thus began to make enemies.  This was exacerbated by occasions when he would fall into trances which he attributed to being in the presence of God.  During one of these trances, he uttered Ana l-Ḥaqq - “I am The Truth”.  The masses could not understand what he truly meant and subsequently murdered him by severing limb from limb.  And when his blood flowed into a nearby river the words Ana l-Ḥaqq were formed.  How can we understand this rationally?

In the battle of Badr when the Muslim army were grossly outnumbered Allah through His Grace and Mercy send the angels to fight with the Muslims; and Companions reported that even before they could strike their blow the enemy was killed.  How can you explain this using scientific reason and logic.

As we go along this path you will hear people levelling the claim ‘bidah and shirk’.  In situations like these always remember the Qur’anic ayat; 

And the servants of (Allah) Most gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, “Peace”!  (25:63)

You will not be able to make an impression on these persons.  In the very beginning of the mission of man Satan confronted God with reason and logic.  He could not have seen that Adam (as) was endued with knowledge which he and the angels did not have.  That is an eye opener for all of us.

We need to go along with faith in Allah and in His Prophet (pboh) and whether we can understand it or not we do what we are expected to do.  Prophet Muhammad (pboh) demonstrated this in every way.  Do you think he knew that reasons for everything that was to happen?  For example when he was given the news that his grandson was to be martyred did he question?  He simply requested that he be brought the soil where his blessed grandson’s blood was to fall.

In Islamic spiritually you can get knowledge from Allah and He can take you closer to Him as He so desires. 

A lot of things people take for granted and they really do not know.  However, never condemn them.   They may be honest and sincere but were never exposed to these teaching and understandings and will thus have reservations.  When you experience this don’t get upset.  Instead be sympathetic and show love because all success lies through love.

If you show overflowing love for your Lord what do you think will happen?  Pursue this path with humility and sincerity and because we are touching on areas that are sensitive you will get comments and remarks; but just carry on with your own mission for success in this life and the next and let Allah take care of the rest.

May Allah bless us, enlighten us and protect us all insha Allah.

Transcript of discourse delivered by

Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed

The video presentation of this discourse can be accessed at

http://www.youtube.com/markazalihsaan

Vision of Allah

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

 

Question: Is it possible to see Allah in this life?

 

Allah says about Himself in Surah Hadeed the following:

 

He is the First (He existed when nothing was created), He is the Last (He will continue to exist when everything will come to an end) He is the Seen, (Manifest) and He is the Hidden. (57:3)

 

If we should take the literal meaning, it means that He could be seen.  Allah also says:

 

Allah testifies to the fact that there is no god but He and the angels testify and those endued with knowledge, standing firm on justice. (3:18)

 

To testify to a fact here means to see Him. Only the selected few will be able to do so.  It is a fact, as the Lord rightly says:

 

No vision can grasp Him, but He is able to see everything. (6:103)

 

It means that except for Prophet Muhammad (pboh) on the night of the Miraj, no other creature will be able to view Him in the physical domain of space and time, with their physical eyes.

 

Out of His Mercies, He has made available a pathway of ascent for human beings. He says about it that He is Zil Ma’arij, (The Possessor of the Ascending Stairways). (70:3)

 

It means that creatures have the power to ascend higher and higher towards Him according to their capacities and because of His Mercies. The angels cannot get very close to Him, because they questioned His decision to appoint Adam as His Khalifah on the earth.  So too, all other Messengers, etc. expressed some form of limitations regarding their understanding of Him and the way He works.

 

It was only Prophet Muhammad (pboh) who was blessed with limitless capacity. This was because Allah says that: Nor does he say anything of his own desire. (53:3).

 

The Prophet (pboh) was totally submissive and never questioned any matter pertaining the working of the Lord; as a result he was able to ascend two bow’s length or even closer to Him. (53:9)

 

Because he had no stains on his qalb, ruh or nafs, he could have ascended very close to his Lord, and get a full view of Him. The same thing will happen to the righteous when they will be stationed in Paradise.

 

The condition of experiencing the Lord is to have: no stains on the qalb.  (83:14); and also to have no smoke around the ruh. (6:82).

 

Anyone who can develop themselves free from such will be able to have a vision of the Lord (Al Zahir) according to the extent of their spiritual development. Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said that: Among my followers there will be those who will be higher in status than the Messengers of Bani Israel. This means that they will be blessed with greater ascent than those Messengers.

 

But is it possible to rationalize such an experience; definitely not; so that the selected few who will be blessed with such an experience, will never let anyone know about what they saw.

 

This issue existed even in the time of the Prophet (pboh) as it is reported that Hazrat Ayesha said that anyone who say that the Prophet (pboh) saw Allah, is not telling the truth. The Prophet (pboh) never commented on it.

 

Those who are blessed with experience of being close to Allah will never speak about it to any, as that is a personal matter; and is not something to advertise.

 

So that you will get differing views about this matter, but only the Lord knows best.

 

 

May Allah bless us.

 

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Waffie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Unique Birth

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

Prophet Jesus (as) was sent in this world in a very unique way.  He did not come through the usual process of conception as a normal human being.  Allah sent the soul of Jesus (as) in Maryam and gradually the body was formed.  That is why he was formed and fashioned without a male agent.

Prophet Muhammad (pboh) also came into this world in a special way, albeit not like Jesus (as).  He came into this world as a normal human being.  Perhaps this is one of the reasons why Allah says;

Say (O Muhammad): “I am a man like you”.  (18:110)

 

However every human being upon conception, the foetus grows and forms, and it is only after four months then Allah unites the soul with the body.  Only then will it be regarded as a perfect human being.  In the interim it is not a human being in the true sense of the word; it is a creature. 

This was not the case with Prophet Muhammad (pboh).  He was a perfect, complete human being from the time of conception because of the special light that was there on the forehead of Abdullah before he got married to Amina, and after marriage, the light went into Amina.

We find evidence of this of when his father, Abdullah was going to marry Aminah.    As the record shows that when the wedding was going to take place a woman by the name of Qutaylah saw him approaching and was struck by the radiance which lit his face and which seemed to her to shine from beyond this world. 

When he was passing by her she said “O Abdullah take me now as thy wife and thou shalt have as many camels as those that were sacrificed in thystead”.  To this Abdullah replied “I am with my father; I cannot act against his wishes, and I cannot leave him”!  The marriage eventually took place at the home of Aminah.  Sometime after, Abdullah went to fetch something from his own house, and again he met Qutaylah.  Her eyes searched his face with such earnestness that he stopped beside her expecting her to speak.  When she remained silent, he asked her why she did not say to him what she had said the day before.  She answered him, saying: “The light hath left thee that was with thee yesterday”.  (Muhammad: his life based on the earliest sources – Martin Lings)

I believe that the light spoken about was the soul of Prophet Muhammad (pboh).  And what we gather is that the soul of Prophet Muhammad (pboh) and his blessed body began growing together.  We can further substantiate this with the fact that while Aminah was carrying the child in her womb she saw a light issue from her which illuminated even the castles of Busra in Syria.  (Life of Muhammad: Translated by Michael Edwards)

And even after his birth and throughout his life the light never separated from him.  For example when he was young and in the care of Halima he went missing one day.  When they searched for him they saw a bright light on a tree, unlike any they ever saw.  Upon further investigation that light was where young Muhammad (pboh) was.

And we know of the popular narrations where his Companions swore that at times his personality was brighter and more beautiful than the full moon.  This can possibly by why the children of Madinah once sung Tala al badru alayna - Oh the full moon has risen over us.

We are very fortunate that this perfect person is our guide and model.  And not only that, part of his job is to share that light with us; Sirajum Munirah – a lamp that gives light.  Perhaps that is why Allah says;

Indeed, there has come to You from Allah a light (Prophet Muhammad) and a plain Book (this Qur'an).  (5:15)

The Prophet’s mission can be identified as two dimensions; one is to invite to Allah and the next is to share the light.  Allah is constantly sending the light on him.  The night of the Mi’aj, which we recently marked, was the occasion when he was invited by his Lord to make that connection.  And from then onwards he is distributing the light that Allah is sending on him.  And if we connect with him we can also share and benefit from it.  

Ask yourself this question; why do we send darood on Prophet (pboh)?  Allah has already blessed him.  He is already Khatamul Nabi; Rahmatul Alameen etc.  When we engage in darood we share in the blessings that Allah is constantly sending on him.  If you want your light to grow connect to him by reciting darood abundantly.

And remember if you are pure and clean you can see Allah.  That’s why one Masheikh once said ‘I saw my Lord in my dream’.  If you purify yourself you can see your Lord.  How you will see Him, Allah knows.

Why say this?  What is my proof?  It is recorded that Prophet Muhammad (pboh) said: “When the people of Paradise enter in Paradise it will be asked of them, ‘Do you need something more’?  They will say ‘have you not whitened our faces? Have you not entered us in Paradise and protected us from Hell’?  Then Allah will remove the veil.  Looking to their Lord will be more lovely to them than anything else given to them.  And then Prophet (pboh) recited this verse: For those who have done good is the best (reward, i.e. Paradise) and even more (i.e. having the honour of glancing at the Countenance of Allah.  (10:26)

The more you purify yourself, the nearer you will get to your Lord.  That is the recipe for ascent.  Remove all the blemishes from your personality and brighten your countenance.  Allah says of those servants some faces that Day will be bright (80:38).

We beg Allah to help us, guide us and give us something of His vision in this life so we will be blessed to get more in the next.  May He take care of us, guide us and take us closer to Him insha Allah.

Transcript of discourse delivered by
Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed 

The video presentation of this discourse can be accessed at
http://www.youtube.com/markazalihsaan

Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed's lecture 'The Ascension of Prophet Muhammad (pboh)'

The expression of ascent

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

Brothers and sisters, as we welcome the auspicious occasion of the Mir’aj we acknowledge, from our point of view, that it is greatest thing that happened since Allah created the Universe and mankind.

In the beginning the Angels and the Jinns thought that it was such an impossibility for a lump of mud (man) to be a true representative of Allah on earth, and an undeserving host of the knowledge Allah was going to bestow upon them.

Only Allah has knowledge of all things and Allah demonstrated there and then, while the Angels and Jinns were having their reservations, why Adam (as) was special as he demonstrated knowledge that they did not have.

Knowledge is so important that Allah says in Surah Imran; There is no god but He: that is the witness of Allah, His angels, and those endued with knowledge, (3:18)

How can the knowledgeable ones bear witness to Allah’s oneness?  One way is to look at the creation.  If you understand anything of the working of nature you’ll see there are no flaws in it and it has to be someone of real great knowledge Who is able to bring into being these things out of nothing.  This is one way, but there is also another special way that is reserved for some human beings.  And that is mir’aj.  Every week when we recite the ayat;

Whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and, in the worship of his Lord, he should ascribe no one as partner.  (18:110)

What does it mean to meet our Lord?  Allah says that He is close to us; that He moves in the chest of man.  What then is He alluding to?  Prophet Muhammad (pboh) met his Lord on the night of the mir’aj and he is a human being.  He had the physical self just like anyone of us, but he had a special dimension.  He was able to refine his personality in such a way that he did not have a problem to ascend and meet his Lord in the Lord’s presence.

For someone to ascend beyond all created things and go right up he is indeed really perfect.  We will be hearing a lot of lectures about the mir’aj over the course of this weekend, but one thing I want to leave with you because of the spiritual environment we encourage on a weekly basis.

It is possible for you, here in this world to ascend beyond the skies and heavens.  You have not yet reached that stage of spiritual realisation but when you have that spiritual experience you will see how beautiful a thing like mir’aj is and how possible it is in a different environment.

Keep striving because it is not easy.  When Prophet Muhammad (pboh) was taken up; if he had any blemishes against his personality Allah had forgiven him.  You cannot meet your Lord with clouds around your heart.  But it will be possible for the believers in the hereafter after they’ve been forgiven.

It is recorded in that Prophet Muhammad (pboh) said: “When the people of Paradise enter in Paradise it will be asked of them, ‘Do you need something more’?  They will say ‘have you not whitened our faces? Have you not entered us in Paradise and protected us from Hell’?  Then Allah will remove the veil.  Looking to their Lord will be more lovely to them than anything else given to them.  And then Prophet (pboh) recited this verse: For those who have done good is the best (reward, i.e. Paradise) and even more (i.e. having the honour of glancing at the Countenance of Allah.  (10:26)

For a few it is possible here in this world.  For those who strive hard and their efforts are accepted by their Lord, He will allow them to ascend nearer to Him.

Do you think Satan will want you to achieve this?  Of course not, he will want to pull you down.  So you have to guard yourself against him.  Mir’aj is the expression of ascent.  Those who try to get close to their Lord know truly what mir’aj is.  One masheikh once said “I saw my Lord in my dream”.

As we have assembled here on this special night on try your best to experience your mir’aj in this life and let Allah take care of the rest.

Insha Alla you will be hearing more about the mir’aj over the course of this weekend and I invite those who can make it to attend the following lectures:

·     Lecture:                  The Ascension of Prophet Muhammad (pboh)

·     Delivered by:         Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed
·     Dates & Venues:    Friday 7^th June at the Princes Town asja Masjid
                                    Saturday 8^th June at the Marabella asja Masjid
                                    Sunday 9^th June at the Tacarigua asja Masjid
                                    (All lectures will commense after Salat Magrib)

 

Transcript of discourse delivered by

Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staying united

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

 

If a limb is cut off from your body it will decay; except if saved and treated, etc.  This is an important eye opener for us because Islam teaches us one brotherhood.  Allah says;

And verily this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: Therefore fear Me (and no other).  (23:52)

Islam came to remove the tribalism, racism and all other segregated mentalities.  There is no question of ‘I am better than you’ as was shown by Satan in the Garden.

Prophet Muhammad (pboh) has informed us of the consequences of trying to be superior or segregate ourselves from others.  For example he says that if there is a flock of sheep and a wolf is to attack them, he won’t go in the middle of the flock, he will take one that is on the outskirt or the one’s that separated from the flock.

These are eye openers to the message that Allah give us in the Holy Qur’an;

And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves.  (3:103)

Islam gives us the recipe, the prescription, the philosophy and the consequences of on one hand staying united and on the other hand the danger of separating.  A lot of people, because of their ego or because of their desire to do good, separate because they are not allowed to contribute, something of their talent to help others.  And later on that separation may grow into a separate entity.  We need to be mindful of at all times the we are  to stay united.

For example when Prophet Muhammad (pboh) and his Companions were constructing the mosque in Madinah, each Companion took one brick at a time.  One Companion took with him two bricks at a time and Prophet (pboh) reprehended him.

We have to be careful at all times.  Our intentions may be good but we must always ask the question: are we causing disunity by doing this or that?

Allah has given us institutions to unite the ummah such as salaat.  When the time for salaat comes we all join in.  That is an indication that we are a united people and an eye opener of what we can really achieve if we work like a unit.

Whenever we are going to do something ask yourself whether you are doing it for the sole sake of Allah and for the love of His Rasool (pboh).  And always try to bring together your Muslim brothers and sisters.  We will have personal difference as no two humans are alike, but these must not lead us to segregating ourselves or excluding others.  Whenever we are working as a group always remember what Allah says and be not divided among yourselves.

One way of staying united is the collective engagement in zikrullah.  This is common to all; remembering Allah and praising Him.

We all have to make a conscious effort to foster and maintain unity.  Don’t allow the ego to prevent you from achieving this.  And whatever little you may do on your own try your best not to create disunity. 

With love, compassion, wisdom and understanding; let us make an effort not to contribute to the division of the ummah.  It takes a real effort but we insha Allah we can all contribute to it.  Always be mindful of the bond that Allah wants us to create.

May Allah enable us to strive for unification in the ummah and may He allow us to always work together.


Transcript of discourse delivered by
Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed

The video presentation of this discourse can be accessed at
http://www.youtube.com/markazalihsaan


 

Good and evil never mix

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

Allah tells us in Surah Muzzammil; And whatever good ye send forth for your souls ye shall find it in Allah’s Presence, - yea, better and greater, in reward and seek ye the Grace of Allah for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.  (73:20)

Good goes to Allah and evil goes down into a dungeon.  Allah says in Surah Infitaar; As for the righteous, they will be In Bliss; and the wicked - they will be in the fire.  (82:13-14)

What we need to understand is that good goes up to Allah and evil goes downwards.  Good and evil do not mix.  They are not even recorded in the same place.  As I’ve said in the past good is recorded in the skies and evil is recorded in a dungeon.

Allah has given us examples in the Holy Qur’an about the end of those who lived a life of wrong and those who lived a life of good.  I would like to reference just two examples.

Firstly, the story of Qarun.  Qarun was a person who lives at the time of Moses (as).  Once he overheard when Angel Jibril explaining to Moses (as) the process for making gold.  So in his past time he used to make gold.  And he became so wealthy that the keys for his treasures were a burden for men.  Allah records this in Surah Qashash;

Qarun was doubtless, of the people of Moses; but he acted insolently towards them: such were the treasures we had bestowed on Him that their very keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men.  (28:76)

When Moses told Qarun to pay his zakaat he schemed up a plan to accuse Moses of adultery in an effort to get rid of him.  And what was his end?

Then We caused the earth to swallow up him and his house; and he had not (the least little) party to help him against Allah, nor could he defend himself.  (28:81)

Allah caused the earth to swallow him along with his wealth.  Evil goes down into the earth!

Next reference; Prophet Jesus (as).  Jesus (as) was a righteous man.  He was brought into this world in an extra ordinary way.  He never depended on anyone for anything.  Jesus (as) lived in the hills and came down to preach to the people.  Allah records of him in the Qur’an;

And Zakariya and John, and Jesus and Elias: all in the ranks of the righteous:  (6:85)

He never wanted anything from him yet they want to kill him.  What did Allah do?  Allah took him up in the skies and he is still there.

Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.  (4:158)

What is the importance of telling you this?  It is to show you the ends of those who did evil and those who did good.  Allah is Dhil-maarij.  Dhil-maarij literally means He is the Owner of the ascending stairways.

Our mission is to ascend and get closer to our Lord.  And those who do will get a greater reward.  On that Day they will have the fastest transport to reach their Lord.  Build your transport here.  The time is now and the preparation is now.

There is nothing wrong in striving for betterment in the world, but don’t make it your Lord and get arrogant of what you’ve achieved.

Understand what Allah has for you, you will get it.  Rumi wrote day and night there is movement of foam on the Sea.  You see the foam, but not the Sea. Amazing!  What he’s alluding to is to drown yourself in your Lord and not in the world.  Be careful of what you are fighting for.  We all have to leave one day.  What are you sending before you and where is it being kept?  Remember what you send in the dungeon won’t help you.  It’ll only lead you in the fire.  What you send upwards is safe and insha Allah the more you send the further and further away you will be from the abyss.

May Allah bless us and guide us and enable us to send plentiful upwards to Him for safekeeping insha Allah.

Transcript of discourse delivered by

Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed

The video presentation of this discourse can be accessed at
http://www.youtube.com/markazalihsaan 

Refining your intention

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

If you go to a market you will see a lot of people and each one of them will concerned with his or her own business.  Each of them would have gone with a purpose that concerns their own affairs.  Like this is the human family.  We were all created by Allah and are placed on this earth for a purpose.  And that is to represent Allah and prepare ourselves to return to, and Him.

Throughout the history of man you will see tribes and nations that deviated.  And when they deviated, Allah sent Messengers to remind them and bring them back.  Bring them back to what?  This is what we need to understand.  To bring them back to the common thread that binds all human beings together.  This common thread has one important strand and that is to believe that Allah is the Creator of the Universe.

The Messengers came to remind the people of this and in spite of their efforts the people remained divided and disunited; each looking after his own material affairs and not thinking of the return to the Lord.  Islam came to remove that kind of thinking and Allah testifies to this is Surah Imran;

and ye were on the brink of the pit of fire, and He saved you from it.  (3:103)

Muslims are supposed to have one common denominator and that is La Ilaha Illallah; this unites all believers together.  There are, however unfortunately some who attest to this but their hearts have not yet joined that human family.  For example in our zikir sessions we are joined by one motive and one intention that makes us all part of this family.  But in society even amongst the believers you don’t have that common purpose and focus.

The reason is because Satan is able to get into the chest of us and is able to effectively whisper in a few to get them to have some sort of selfish motive.  And in spite of the fact that they are believers and they harbour love of the religion of Islam, some of them may have ulterior motives.

A perfect example is the story of Adam (as) and Satan in the Garden of Eden.  Satan, Adam (as), the Angels, the Jinns all lived together in the Garden. There Satan posed to be a good and trusted friend of Adam and look what he did.  He harboured an ulterior motive although he was in the Garden.

This is what Islam came to guard us against.  Be careful with your intention.  Some people profess to be Muslims and in so doing are supposed to submit in totality to Allah and His Rasool (pboh), but they have their own agendas.  Perhaps this is why today we have such turmoil in the Muslim world; because we are not living for the sake of Allah.

We have to try our best to live for the sake of Allah.  Sometimes we may think ‘if I do something like this I can get personal benefit’.  It’s a natural thinking but in so doing we are sacrificing some of the blessings Allah can shower upon us.  Then I am not truly living for the sake of Allah.  This is a little lower category than a truly righteous believer about whom Prophet Muhammad (pboh) said ‘a Muslim in the Hands of Allah is like a dead in the hands of those who wash him’.

True faith is to live for the sake of Allah and understand that whatever is happening to you is coming with Allah’s Permission and Knowledge and He knows why He is doing it.  That is why we recite in our duas;

‘We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Thy forgiveness, Our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys’.  (2:285)

This is applicable to us all, none of us are perfect.  We will at times think of ourselves, however let us all try to grow our Iman and try to think about Allah and His Rasool (pboh) and hope for the best from our Lord.

Moses (as) prayed to Allah: “Our Lord! Thou hast indeed bestowed on Pharaoh and His Chiefs splendour and wealth in the life of the present, and so, Our Lord, they mislead (men) from Thy path. Deface, Our Lord, the features of their wealth, and send hardness to their hearts, so they will not believe until they see the grievous penalty”.

On the other hand Allah says of Prophet Muhammad (pboh)

Thou wouldst only, perchance, fret thyself to death, after them, in grief, if they believe not in this Message.  (18:6)

He was so loving and compassionate that he felt sorrow for the nonbelievers who didn’t listen and were using their God giving gifts to destroy themselves and others.

Let us try to do our little bit for ourselves and for others and let Allah take care of the rest.  This earth belongs to Him, not us.  We can do a little and if you do He will take care of you and whatever you are doing. 

Try to make your intentions more and more refined because we are all humans and it is very possible to get carried away and tempted at times.  However when times like these occur hasten to ask your Lord for forgiveness and turn back to Him in the hope for His blessings and forgiveness.  May Allah always bless us and take care of our affairs.


Transcript of discourse delivered by
Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed

The video presentation of this discourse can be accessed at

http://www.youtube.com/markazalihsaan 

 

The Divine Countenance

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

Allah says in the Ayatul Kursi; His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth; (2:255)

If Allah’s Throne is outside our realm of understanding it also means that His Divine Personality is incomprehensible.  We cannot really figure out or conceive how vast Allah is.

Our mission in life is to try and realise we are always in front of our Lord and He is facing us He is knowledgeable of our thoughts and actions.  Take for example; He says in Surah Baqarah;

To Allah belong the East and the West: Whithersoever ye turn, there is the presence of Allah.  For Allah is all-Pervading, All-Knowing.  (2:115)

Allah, at all time, has His attention on us, therefore we should be conscious that we are in His Divine presence.

What we want in life is to realise that we are standing and facing our Lord and He is facing us; and He is pleased with us as well.  We need to strive to be conscious of this.  To this effect Allah says;

And keep yourself (O Muhammad) patiently with those who call on their Lord in the morning and afternoon, seeking His Face.  (18:28)

The mission is life is not to get as much of the world as you can.  The true success in life is to get the attention of our Lord.  Everything is in His knowledge; He is seeing everything; He is assisting, sustaining, etc. 

But He also says if you remember me I will remember you.  We can assume that it also means ‘if you don’t remember me I won’t have time for you’.  He will allow out of His mercy, those who are disobedient, to go on just as He granted Satan respite.  However the wise creature will try to get His Attention by aspiring to know that they are always in the presence of their Lord.

We want Allah to look at us, to be pleased with us and to love us.  If we are ungrateful and disobedient do you think He would want to look at you? 

At this point one may ask “why do we need to attach ourselves to the Divine Countenance of our Lord?”  Everything is existing in His Divine Knowledge.  But why get close to His Countenance?  He gives us the answer in Surah Qashash;

Everything (that exists) will perish except His Own Face.  (28:88)

If everything in the heaven and earth will be destroyed except His Own Face do you think if you are attach to Him you will be destroyed?  We want to be saved and live on, therefore try to get close to the Divine Countenance of our Lord.  And how do we achieve this?  Allah gives us the answer in Surah Ar Ruum;

So give what is due to kindred, the needy, and the wayfarer.  That is best for those who seek the Countenance, of Allah, and it is they who will prosper.  (30:38)

If you want to be in the presence of the Divine and have Him look at you and consequently take care of you; one way is to be generous to what Allah has given you.

The true believer will give in the way of Allah; without thanks or fame.  They give for the pleasure of Allah with the intention that Allah would be pleased with them as they carry on in His Presence.  And in so doing their personalities would get brighter and brighter.

This isn’t achieved overnight.  You have to work hard for it.  And you have to also preserve with patience because one mistake can be like a black cloud that comes and blocks out the light of the sun.  We don’t want to soil the brightness we are striving to attain, thus we must constantly preserve with patience.  And rest assured that Satan would try to divert you from your mission.

Aspire to get close to the Divine Countenance of your Lord.  We are taught the way of getting close because when we stand for salaat the first thing we say is 'Inni Wajjahtu Wajhiya Lilladhī Faţara As-Samāwāti Wa Al-'Arđa Ĥanīfāan Wa Mā 'Anā Mina Al-Mushrikeen - For me, I have set my face, firmly and truly, towards Him Who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give partners to Allah.

We are not supposed to give attention to anything else but Allah at that moment.  And we speak to Him and glorify Him and beg of Him.  That is realisation which we aspire night and day to experience.  Some may experience it in this world like Prophet Muhammad (pboh) did on the night of the Mir’aj.  He ascended in the Divine presence of the Lord.  And Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said ‘salaat is the mir’aj of the believer’. 

Our mission in life is to aspire with our health, our wealth, our knowledge, with our everything to try to get close to your Lord and to feel yourself in His Divine Presence and He is looking on at you with Love and Compassion.  If this is achieved you would have succeeded in life.

We beg Allah to help us and guide us to control our nafs so it’ll help us to realise we are in the presence of our Lord and to subsequently engage in those actions and thoughts that would lead to Him being well pleased with us insha Allah.

 

Transcript of discourse delivered by

Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed

Audio File: The Divine Countenance.mp3

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

Click to listen/download Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed's discourse
The Divine Countenance.mp3


Proper use of Allah's Blessings

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

One of the blessings of praying to the Merciful Lord to “guide us on the Straight Path” is that we should utilize our material blessings and assets to be of benefit to us in this life as well as in the next. 

How many people waste their lives and the precious material gifts that the Merciful Lord bestowed on them? Many of them became pauper after having much, and they then realized that they wasted their time and resources in things that did not stay with them forever. They then had to continue the journey of life with very little, or in some case with nothing.

Sometimes the thought may come to the minds of the believers and that is,  why is it that Allah is bestowing so much of material things on the “rejecters of His Oneness? Many of them do not only misuse their wealth, but they also cause harm, hardship and suffering to believers who may not agree with what they are doing.

Such a thought once crossed the mind of Prophet Moses when he saw how Pharaoh was using his God-given gifts to torture and torment the Children of Israel. When Moses saw what Pharaoh was doing he prayed to Allah as follows:

Our Lord! You have indeed bestowed of Pharaoh and his chiefs splendor and wealth in the life of this world; that they may lead men astray from Your Path. Our Lord, destroy their wealth, and harden their hearts, so that they will not believe until they see the painful doom……………Allah said: verily the invocation of you both is accepted. So you both keep to the Straight Way, and do not follow the path of those who do not know. (Qur’an:10:88-89)

Prophet Muhammad (pboh) used to feel sorry for those who wasted their wealth, talent and life by staying busy with only the material life, not realizing that one day they will have to die and leave all these things behind them. So sad and depressed he used to be when he saw how these people were wasting their lives that Allah had to console him. This is recorded in the Holy Qur’an in the following verse:

Perhaps you will kill yourself (O Muhammad) with grief, over their footsteps (because they do not accept the message), as they do not believe in this narration, i.e. the Holy Qur’an. (18:6)

Prophet Muhammad (pboh) knew that, out of ignorance, the non-believers are spending all their time trying to acquire as much as they can the wealth of this world and then they will be called back by the Lord and they will die and leave everything behind them. And some of their inheritors may even abuse what they got.

Muslims are taught to manage their precious time and resources properly, so that these things can benefit them while they are alive in this world, and will also benefit on the onward journey and in the next life.

Islam teaches us how to do so.