The Mindset of the One Engaging in Du‘aa - Dua'a Series Part Two

 Allah Ta‘ala has created this world as a place of systems. If any person wishes to acquire or achieve something, he adopts the means, follows the system, trusts in Allah Ta‘ala, and then if the outcome was destined for him by Allah Ta‘ala, he will be successful in attaining it. Thus, we find that when a person wants a child, there is a system of nikaah that is followed, after which a child may be born, nine months later. Likewise, if a person wants money, there is a system of working and earning that is in place.

In the very same way, it is the system of Allah Ta‘ala that the more one follows the sunnah in his life, and the more adab (respect and etiquette) one adopts, the more blessings and acceptance one will enjoy. This applies to all departments of life such as nikaah, acquiring the knowledge of Deen, engaging in ‘ibaadah, etc. Hence, this important principle applies when making du‘aa as well.

Thus, when we wish to place our needs before Allah Ta‘ala in du‘aa, we should adhere to the sunnahs and etiquettes of du‘aa. By doing so, it is more likely that our du‘aa will be answered.

Among the first etiquettes of du‘aa is that at the time of making du‘aa, we must express our helplessness, desperation and weakness before Allah Ta‘ala. Allah Ta‘ala instructs in the Quraan Majeed, “Make du‘aa to your Rabb with humility…” (Surah Aa’raaf v55)

When we view the wording of the du‘aa that Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) made to Allah Ta‘ala, despite him being a great Nabi of Allah Ta‘ala, yet we find it filled with expressions of weakness. Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) addressed Allah Ta‘ala saying, “O my Rabb! Indeed, my bones have become weak and my head has filled with white hair…” (Surah Maryam v4)

Likewise, when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) made du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala after being persecuted in Taa-if, though he was the closest to Allah Ta‘ala and the greatest of all His creation, he also expressed his weakness before Allah Ta‘ala. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) addressed Allah Ta‘ala saying, “O Allah! To You alone do I complain of the feebleness of my strength, and the scarcity of my resources, and my insignificance in the eyes of people!” (Ad Du‘aa lit Tabraani #1036)

Nevertheless, together with expressing our weakness and absolute dependence on Allah Ta‘ala, we must also remain hopeful in the mercy of Allah Ta‘ala and should have conviction that Allah Ta‘ala will accept our du‘aa. Hence, after expressing his weakness, Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) addressed Allah Ta‘ala with hope saying, “And O my Rabb, I never remained unanswered in my du‘aa to You.” (Surah Maryam v4)

In one hadeeth, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Make du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala with the conviction that your du‘aa will be accepted.” (Sunan Tirmizi #3479) Similarly, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned in another hadeeth that a person will continue to have his du‘aa accepted, so long as he is not hasty. Being hasty is where the one making du‘aa says “I made du‘aa but my du‘aa was not answered.” (Saheeh Bukhaari #6340)

Thus, we should continue to make du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala and should never lose hope. Furthermore, we should not only turn to Him in times of difficulty and hardship, but should make du‘aa to Him in times of prosperity, ease and comfort as well. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The one who desires that his du‘aas be answered at the time of difficulties and hardships should make abundant du‘aa at the time of ease.” (Sunan Tirmizi #3382)

Finally, when making du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala, we must bear in mind that we are conversing with Him. We are speaking to Him and appealing to Him for help and assistance, and He is listening to our every word. Allah Ta‘ala mentions in the Quraan Majeed, “When My servants ask you about Me, then (tell them that) I am near. I respond to the call of one when he prays to Me.” (Surah Baqarah v186)

Thus, when making du‘aa, we must remain attentive and focused. We must not lose concentration and allow our minds to drift, or begin to fidget and look around, etc. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned, “Know that Allah Ta‘ala does not accept the du‘aa which is made with an inattentive, unfocused heart.” (Sunan Tirmizi #3479)

Insha-Allah, in the next part, the sunnah method of making du‘aa will be discussed.

Guaranteed Results - Dua'a Series Part One

 

Allah Ta‘ala has created this world as a place of systems. If any person wishes to acquire or achieve something, he adopts the means, follows the system, trusts in Allah Ta‘ala, and then if the outcome was destined for him by Allah Ta‘ala, he will be successful in attaining it. Thus, we find that when a person wants a child, there is a system of nikaah that is followed, after which a child may be born, nine months later. Likewise, if a person wants money, there is a system of working and earning that is in place.

In the very same way, it is the system of Allah Ta‘ala that the more one follows the sunnah in his life, and the more adab (respect and etiquette) one adopts, the more blessings and acceptance one will enjoy. This applies to all departments of life such as nikaah, acquiring the knowledge of Deen, engaging in ‘ibaadah, etc. Hence, this important principle applies when making du‘aa as well.

Thus, when we wish to place our needs before Allah Ta‘ala in du‘aa, we should adhere to the sunnahs and etiquettes of du‘aa. By doing so, it is more likely that our du‘aa will be answered.

Among the first etiquettes of du‘aa is that at the time of making du‘aa, we must express our helplessness, desperation and weakness before Allah Ta‘ala. Allah Ta‘ala instructs in the Quraan Majeed, “Make du‘aa to your Rabb with humility…” (Surah Aa’raaf v55)

When we view the wording of the du‘aa that Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) made to Allah Ta‘ala, despite him being a great Nabi of Allah Ta‘ala, yet we find it filled with expressions of weakness. Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) addressed Allah Ta‘ala saying, “O my Rabb! Indeed, my bones have become weak and my head has filled with white hair…” (Surah Maryam v4)

Likewise, when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) made du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala after being persecuted in Taa-if, though he was the closest to Allah Ta‘ala and the greatest of all His creation, he also expressed his weakness before Allah Ta‘ala. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) addressed Allah Ta‘ala saying, “O Allah! To You alone do I complain of the feebleness of my strength, and the scarcity of my resources, and my insignificance in the eyes of people!” (Ad Du‘aa lit Tabraani #1036)

Nevertheless, together with expressing our weakness and absolute dependence on Allah Ta‘ala, we must also remain hopeful in the mercy of Allah Ta‘ala and should have conviction that Allah Ta‘ala will accept our du‘aa. Hence, after expressing his weakness, Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) addressed Allah Ta‘ala with hope saying, “And O my Rabb, I never remained unanswered in my du‘aa to You.” (Surah Maryam v4)

In one hadeeth, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Make du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala with the conviction that your du‘aa will be accepted.” (Sunan Tirmizi #3479) Similarly, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned in another hadeeth that a person will continue to have his du‘aa accepted, so long as he is not hasty. Being hasty is where the one making du‘aa says “I made du‘aa but my du‘aa was not answered.” (Saheeh Bukhaari #6340)

Thus, we should continue to make du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala and should never lose hope. Furthermore, we should not only turn to Him in times of difficulty and hardship, but should make du‘aa to Him in times of prosperity, ease and comfort as well. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The one who desires that his du‘aas be answered at the time of difficulties and hardships should make abundant du‘aa at the time of ease.” (Sunan Tirmizi #3382)

Finally, when making du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala, we must bear in mind that we are conversing with Him. We are speaking to Him and appealing to Him for help and assistance, and He is listening to our every word. Allah Ta‘ala mentions in the Quraan Majeed, “When My servants ask you about Me, then (tell them that) I am near. I respond to the call of one when he prays to Me.” (Surah Baqarah v186)

Thus, when making du‘aa, we must remain attentive and focused. We must not lose concentration and allow our minds to drift, or begin to fidget and look around, etc. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned, “Know that Allah Ta‘ala does not accept the du‘aa which is made with an inattentive, unfocused heart.” (Sunan Tirmizi #3479)

Insha-Allah, in the next part, the sunnah method of making du‘aa will be discussed.

Ramadaan Series 1442

 

A Compassionate Mother to All

(Mother of Mufti Ebrahim Salejee [daamat barakaatuhum] – Part One)

Makkiyyah Aapa (rahimahallah) would show great affection to young children and was always concerned about their wellbeing and progress. Hence, she would show deep consideration for children and would continuously monitor them, guiding and correcting them with love. She would even share valuable parenting tips with the parents. Furthermore, she was blessed with a sense of humour due to which children would feel comfortable in her company.

The extent of consideration which she showed to young children can perhaps be gauged by the fact that during the annual jalsah of Madrasah Ta’leemuddeen (for which the ladies are hosted at her home), she would ensure that fruit would be cut and served during the programme. She knew that the jalsah program is lengthy and realized that children become hungry very quickly. Hence, she did this to ensure that the children would be comfortable and would not be inconvenienced.

Allah Ta‘ala had blessed her with a good understanding of ‘child psychology’ (i.e. the temperament of a child and the manner in which a child thinks, etc.). It was in light of this that she would caution mothers against continuously reproaching and scolding their children. She would explain to them that doing so causes the children to become more obstinate, stubborn and rebellious. Likewise, she would advise that when conducting ta’leem at home with the children, then more focus should be on Jannah and reward than on Jahannum and punishment, as children become easily scared and despondent.

She also stressed upon the importance of instilling hayaa and the qualities of imaan into children right from their childhood. Hence, in regard to clothing, she disliked children wearing branded clothing, especially when it had writing, logos, etc. on it. Likewise, she disliked boys wearing red or shiny clothing. She would advise the mothers to get kurtas sewn for the boys using cool, dark-coloured, cotton fabric, and loose-fitting, modest dresses for girls. She abhorred tight-fitting, body-hugging clothing, and insisted that all women dress modestly with long flowing garments.

In fact, if she saw anyone in the family wearing incorrect clothing such as short sleeves or short dresses, she would immediately reprimand them and ask them to go and change their clothing. She would also instruct the females to wear a long and broad scarf so that their chests would not become exposed. Furthermore, she did not like young girls to ride bicycles, and would emphasize upon young children covering their heads while eating.

It was due to this very same concern of hers (i.e. that the upbringing of the children should not be spoiled and they should not be exposed to unsuitable influences) that she would discourage that children be sent on holidays without their parents – even to family homes. Rather, she would explain that the parents must remain with their children.

Through her experience and foresight, she understood the future needs of a young girl in making a home and marriage. With this in mind, she would encourage those mothers who had daughters of marriageable age to entrust all the domestic duties to them (the cooking, cleaning of the house, etc.). This was to train them to run their own home. It was in light of this that she would say, “If a woman is proficient in two things, cooking and sewing, then she will be a queen in her home.”

There were two further aspects that she would encourage regarding children. The first was that mothers awaken their young children (seven years and older) for Fajr Salaah. She would explain that when this is the best part of the day and it contains abundant blessings, then children should not be deprived of these blessings. The second was the importance of children becoming fluent in speaking their mother-tongue. She would explain that there is no need to teach them to speak English as they will automatically learn English through interacting with others.

Lessons:

1. A person’s childhood is the period in which one is moulded for life. Understanding this, Makkiyyah Aapa (rahimahallah) was very particular regarding the upbringing of children. She remained vigilant at all times and constantly corrected the children when they erred. However, she did not continuously scold the children, but rather corrected them with compassion.

2. Parents are cautioned to always keep their children under their watchful gaze, as a kidnapping can occur in mere seconds. Similarly, the kidnapping of the imaan can also take place in mere seconds, through exposure to unsuitable influences, and this is why she was concerned about the children being under the constant supervision of their parents.

3. Every person is born with the quality of hayaa i.e. it is intrinsic and instinctive in each person. However, due to upbringing, many people are sadly stripped of their hayaa and are taught to behave in an immodest manner. Hence, Makkiyyah Aapa (rahimahallah) ensured that the hayaa of the children was safeguarded from their infancy, as it is very difficult to instil hayaa into the child when he/she is older. For example, if the girl grew up wearing short-sleeve t-shirts, she may find it difficult to leave this type of clothing later on.

4. The wise parent is that parent who equips their child for all that he/she will require in life. Hence, Makkiyyah Aapa (rahimahallah) placed emphasis on young girls gaining proficiency in running a home, as this will be her primary responsibility after marriage.

Ramdaan Series 1442

 Sayyiduna Hakeem bin Hizaam [radhiyallahu ‘anhu] 

Abu Haazim (rahimahullah) mentions, “We did not hear of any person in the blessed city of Madeenah Munawwarah who would sponsor more animals to serve as conveyances in the path of Allah Ta‘ala than Sayyiduna Hakeem bin Hizaam (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).”

Abu Haazim (rahimahullah) then narrated the following incident:

On one occasion, two Bedouins came to Madeenah Munawwarah, seeking a person who would provide them with conveyances to go out in the path of Allah Ta‘ala. On enquiry, they were directed to Sayyiduna Hakeem bin Hizaam (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

When they came to his home and presented their need to him, he said to them, “Do not hurry, I will come out shortly.” He then picked up his stick and came out with two of his slaves.

He then proceeded to walk with them, and whenever he passed by a pile of dirt or a heap of rubbish, and saw a strip of cloth that could be used in preparing the saddle and other equipment of the camels that were used as conveyances in the path of Allah Ta‘ala, he would use the tip of his staff to pick it up. He would then shake the strip of cloth (in order to remove the dust and dirt from it), after which he would give it to his two slaves, instructing them to keep it with the other possessions in their equipment.

Observing this, one Bedouin said to the other, “By Allah, (how can this man help us when it seems that he is so poor that) he only possesses the strips of old material that he finds and picks up!” However, his companion said to him, “Do not be hasty (in jumping to conclusions)! Let us see what transpires.”

They continued to the market where Sayyiduna Hakeem (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) saw two large, fat, pregnant she-camels that were for sale. He purchased the two camels together with their saddles and equipment. He then said to his two slaves, “Use those strips of cloth to repair any portion of the equipment that requires mending.” Thereafter, he loaded the two animals with food, wheat and fat, after which he handed the two camels to the two Bedouins, together with money for their expenses.

On seeing the generosity of Sayyiduna Hakeem (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), the two Bedouins were amazed. One said to the other, “By Allah! Never have I seen a man who picks up discarded strips of cloth who is better than the one I saw today (i.e. despite him picking up discarded strips of cloth, which is normally the quality of one who is very poor and unable to help others, he is wealthy and spends abundantly upon others)!”

(Tabraani - Majma‘uz Zawaaid #16017)

Lessons:

1. When a person acquires abundant wealth, then generally, one of the first concerns he has is to invest it, thus ensuring that it remains secure and also increases. In this regard, the best ‘investment’ is the investment of the Hereafter through spending in the path of Allah Ta‘ala to support works of righteousness. This investment will never depreciate and lose value, and will always remain safe and secure. Furthermore, this investment will assist us on the Day of Qiyaamah when our wealth of the world will have no value whatsoever.

2. Sayyiduna Hakeem (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was extremely wealthy, and he was very generous as well. Perhaps the reason for him being blessed with so much of wealth by Allah Ta‘ala was that he valued every bounty of Allah Ta‘ala – to the extent that he even valued the strips of material that others had discarded and tried to find use for them. If we value and appreciate the ‘small’ bounties of Allah Ta‘ala, then He will bless us with more bounties and greater bounties. Thus, we should ensure that we clean our plates and utensils after eating, eat the crumbs that fall on the dastarkhaan, etc. Likewise, instead of discarding the 10c coin we receive as change, we should keep it or at least give it to someone else who will benefit from it.

Ramadaan Series 1442

Du‘aa Series – Part One

As we traverse the journey of life, we find that the entire road is not scenic and picturesque. Rather, the road is intermittently dotted with various hurdles and challenges. In these moments of difficulty, each person looks around him, imploring assistance and seeking a helping hand.

When we ask any person for help, then it always has disadvantages. He may assist us, but it may be done grudgingly. If he assists us happily and wholeheartedly, then he may be prepared to render assistance once, twice or maybe thrice. If we thereafter implore him for further assistance, he may become irritated, or may even lack the means and resources to help us further. At times, we wish to ask a person for help, but the person is inaccessible and cannot be contacted. Often, a person renders assistance, but thereafter reminds you of his favour and regards you to be indebted to him. Sometimes, we mention our problems to a person, hoping to garner sympathy, but instead receive harsh criticism and a stern rebuke.

There is only One whom we can continue to ask, and the more we ask Him, the happier He becomes. He rewards us for asking Him, and also fulfils our requests. He can be ‘contacted’ 24/7, from any portion of the earth, sky or even from space. Even a person who is totally helpless can reach out to Him for assistance. His treasures are never depleted and He is always prepared to shower His blessings on us. Never does He give grudgingly and never does He become irritated by us begging Him for help. When we ‘offload’ our problems and burdens by speaking to Him, He fills our hearts with solace and peace that cannot be described. That Most-Generous and Most-Kind Being is Allah Ta‘ala, and it is through du‘aa that we turn to Him and beg Him for help.

Du‘aa has been described in the hadeeth as being the weapon of a believer, as through turning to Allah Ta‘ala in du‘aa and securing His divine assistance, one is able to overcome any obstacle, hurdle or difficulty. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once said to the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), “Shall I not show you something that will save you from your enemies and increase your sustenance? Make du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala day and night, for indeed du‘aa is the weapon of a believer.” (Majma‘uz Zawaaid #17153)

As an Ummah, many of us have lost the habit of engaging in du‘aa. If we understood the powerful effect of du‘aa, the dynamic results it produces and the immense rewards we receive for it, we would strive to engage in du‘aa at every available opportunity.

Such is the blessing of du‘aa that it costs us nothing and our ‘connection’ to Allah Ta‘ala is instant. Furthermore, the results of the du‘aa are GUARANTEED to never disappoint.

In one hadeeth, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) explained that when a person makes du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala, then it is not necessary that Allah Ta‘ala will grant him exactly what he asked for. However, this does not mean that his du‘aa went unanswered. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned that on making du‘aa, Allah Ta‘ala will grant a person one of three things. The first is that Allah Ta‘ala will grant him what he had asked for quickly. The second is that Allah Ta‘ala will (not grant him what he requested, but will) instead keep the reward of the du‘aa for him in the Aakhirah. The third is that Allah Ta‘ala (will not grant him what he wished for, but) will avert from him a calamity (that was otherwise meant to afflict him) equal to what he had asked for. (Musnad Ahmad #11133)

Hence, though it may outwardly appear that the du‘aa has not been answered, the reality is that Allah Ta‘ala knows what is best for us and thus deals with us with more love and compassion than even parents shows their beloved child.

The month of Ramadaan is the ideal time for us to reconnect with Allah Ta‘ala through the blessing of du‘aa. The du‘aa of a fasting person is accepted, the du‘aa at the time of sehri is accepted and the du‘aa at the time of iftaar is accepted. Likewise, the du‘aa made after the fardh salaah is accepted. We should thus avail of these golden moments and stretch our hands forth, begging Allah Ta‘ala and placing all our needs before Him – needs of this world and the next. We should call our young children, make them sit beside us and teach them to make du‘aa as well. In this way, the habit of turning to Allah Ta‘ala in du‘aa will insha-Allah become firmly entrenched in their hearts.

Insha-Allah, in the weeks to come, we will discuss various aspects relating to du‘aa, so that we can inculcate within ourselves the noble habit of constantly turning to Allah Ta‘ala in the correct manner.

A Recent-Day Role Model (Pious Women) ~ Part One

 

(Mother of Mufti Ebrahim Salejee [daamat barakaatuhum] – Introduction)

On Sunday 2nd Jumaadas Saani 1441, 29th December 2019, during the early hours of the morning, the respected mother of Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (daamat barakaatuhum) (principal of Madrasah Ta’leemuddeen, Isipingo Beach) passed away in her sleep at the age of 86.

She was born in Makkah Mukarramah while her parents were on the journey of hajj. Due to being born in the holy city of Makkah Mukarramah, her parents gave her the name Makkiyyah (which means ‘woman of Makkah’). As an infant, when her parents wished to perform tawaaf of the Ka‘bah, they would take her and place her in the Hateem. In this manner, Allah Ta‘ala blessed her, in her infancy, to acquire the blessings of the Haramain and the Ka’bah Shareef.

Makkiyyah Aapa (rahimahallah) (as she was commonly known) was indeed a woman of taqwa and piety and was an inspiration to one and all. She left many children and grandchildren who are Huffaaz and ‘Ulama. Two of her sons, Mufti Ebrahim and Moulana Husain (daamat barakaatuhuma), are senior ustaazs in Madrasah Ta’leemuddeen. 

May Allah Ta‘ala fill her grave with noor and grant her the highest stages in Jannatul Firdaus, aameen.

Insha-Allah, in the parts to come, we will discuss various aspects from the life of this saintly personality so that we may all benefit from the example she set, Aameen