DoI BloG

Sheikh Saadi (R.A.) relates that once in the course of his travels he went to the Maghrib country. There in a mosque he saw a school master who was sour faced, of uncouth speech, ill humoured, and of an irritating and niggardly nature. He behaved tyrannically with his pupils. He would strike them mercilessly, and would put their legs into the stocks. His behaviour became notorious and he was expelled from the school.

Isabella (based on a true story) by Muhammad Saeed Dehlvi A Unique book of its kind for Comparative study of Islam and Christianity.

A rewritten and expanded telling of M. Saeed Dehlvi’s classic tale of a young girl who finds Islam- and danger – amidst the harrowing religious conflicts of medieval Muslim Spain.

The birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was an event of the greatest magnitude in human history. "Allama Shibil Nu'mani of India (d. Nov 1914 C.E.) has described it in poetic prose that seems to flow from the very depths of a devoted soul. To do justice to the author I venture to render it into English that follows the original as closely and as faithfully as possible.... Translator.

By Mufti Mahmood Hasan Sahib Gangohi (rahmatullah alayh)

The question often arises, why is it necessary to follow one Imam only? What is wrong if one masala is taken from one Imam and another from another Imam, as was done in the times of [he Sahaaba (radhiallahu Anhum) and Tabe'ien (radhiallahu Anhum)?

The sacred function of the Ulama is to safeguard the Deen. The Aqaaid (Beliefs) and the A'maal (Practices) of Islam have to be protected from the contamination of bid" ah, kufr and shirk. This is the prime duty of the Ulama who are the Heirs and Representatives of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). As long as the Ulama faithfully discharge the duty of Amir Bil Ma" roof Nahy Anil Munkar, they will remain the stars of Hidaayah for the Ummah. But, corruption in the ranks of the Ulama destroys not only themselves, but the Ummah as well.

The practice of delaying the burial of the mayyit is viewed as an abomination by the Shairah. According to the Sunnah of Rasullulah (saws), the deceased should be buried as soon as possible. Unnecessary delays are not permissible.

Nowadays, it has become fashionable, for Muslims to delay the dafan (burial) for many hours and someitmes even a day or so. A delay even in anticipation of a bigger jamaat for the janaazah salaat is not permissible.

Hadhrat Hasan Basri (rah) said, "never be in solitude with a woman even if she happens to be the rank of Rabiah (the renowned female saint of Basrah) and even if you had taught her the knowledge of the Kitaab of Allah".

Rasullulah (saws) said that when a man and woman are alone, the third one present is shaitaan. He will most surely succeed in casting them into imorality.

Hadhrat Ali(Ra) said:

"O ulama! Act in accordance with your knowledge. Only he who practises on the knowledge he has acquired is an Aalim, and in whose knowledge and practice there is no conflict.

Soon there will arise such people who will have knowledge, but their knowledge will not descend lower than their throats. There will be conflict between their baatin (inner self) and zaahir (apparent). Their deeds will be the opposite of their knowledge.

The obvious question is: With whom is the talibul 'ilm making jihad?

The answer is: With his nafs.

The mufassirin (authentic commentators of the Quran Sharif) have written lengthy commentaries on this hadith sharif. You are advised to read them.

Let us summarize their findings:

What are the trials facing the mujahidin?

One: I'la'e Deen, also called I'la'e Kalimatullah-to uphold the Deen (or Kalimah of Allah Ta'ala). Jihad is not territorial gain and aggrandizement. Jihad is for the sake of Deen-the purpose is to enable those who have the Deen to practise Deen properly by removing the obstacles that others had placed in their path, also, to stop the torment that others are inflicting on them. This is the first point in jihad-I'la'e Deen.

Incidentally, this amazing feat of Shaitan is not termed a karamat (miracle) but istidraj (deception). Any feat that appears to be supernatural or wondrous, shown by one not following the shariat, cannot be termed as karamat. It is istidraj and a trap for the unwary-a trick to lead them astray. Shaitan, as we all know, is the head of the kuffar-his kufr is the greatest-yet he has the capability of manifesting this amazing feat of setting his takht on the sea and gathering all his fellow shayatin on it. Despite being weighty, the takht does not sink into the sea. This is istidraj, which Allah Ta'ala sets forth as a test. This is mentioned by the way, to warn the unwary not to be hoodwinked by those disobedient to Allah Ta'ala.