Created by - Imam Hasan Raza
· There is no Tawfeeq to attain any of these except with Allah, so Du’a is very important to show Allah our humility and inability to achieve them except by His will. · All of these matters become easier when one struggles for them along others on the same journey. Thus, Suhbat-us-Saliheen should be sought in order to avoid laziness and regress. · All of these 5 matters are purifiers of the heart from its heedlessness and sicknesses. The more diligent a person is in regards to them, the healthier his heart will be. And the more negligent he is of them, the more vulnerable his heart will be to sicknesses and disease.· These subjects purify the soul and rid it of the rust of sins and heedlessness. And they prepare the soul for more complicated subjects such as Fiqh, which is the most important practical subject that a Muslim needs in his life. · Ghaflah will make achieving these harder. However, these very five are the cure to their Ghaflah. · Tazkiyah, spiritual cleansing is something that is needed so much in the times that we live, wherein we are constantly being bombarded by so many elements that are acting upon our minds and hearts negatively. From social media to phones to the amount of time that we spend idle to the extravagance of our speech and hearing and sight usage on unbeneficial matters, all has an impact on our soul. · We should fear from the possibility of dying in a state of blindness from the reality of this life and the purpose for which Allah created us. If we allow ourselves to remain hypnotized by the glamour of this life and intoxicated by the joy and instant gratification from its material gains, then we must be afraid that death may catch up to us, while we are unprepared to meet our Lord.وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَن ذِكْرِي فَإِنَّ لَهُ مَعِيشَةً ضَنكًا وَنَحْشُرُهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَعْمَىٰقَالَ رَبِّ لِمَ حَشَرْتَنِي أَعْمَىٰ وَقَدْ كُنتُ بَصِيرًاقَالَ كَذَٰلِكَ أَتَتْكَ آيَاتُنَا فَنَسِيتَهَا ۖ وَكَذَٰلِكَ الْيَوْمَ تُنسَىٰAnd whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.He will say, My Lord, why have you raised me blind while I was [once] seeing?Allah will say, Thus did Our signs come to you, and you forgot them; and thus will you this Day be forgotten.وَمَن كَانَ فِي هَٰذِهِ أَعْمَىٰ فَهُوَ فِي الْآخِرَةِ أَعْمَىٰ وَأَضَلُّ سَبِيلًاAnd whoever is blind in this [life] will be blind in the Hereafter and more astray in way.· Depression, stress, anxiety, fear of poverty and death has increased in our times even though, it is our times that are marked by freedom, comfort, luxury, wealth, fun. This is because we have been deluded from the very source of peace, happiness and success of the heart.Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.
More detailsPublished - Tue, 21 Mar 2023
Created by - Imam Hasan Raza
5. The fifth is greatest purifier and the hardest of all. Thus, very few of Allah’s slaves have this quality. It is Tahajjud. It is a gift of Allah to his special slaves.a. It is the quality of the Muttaqeen and Muhsineen. It is a gift of Allah and a special and private affair between Allah and His slave.إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي جَنَّاتٍ وَعُيُونٍ * آخِذِينَ مَا آتَاهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُواقَبْلَ ذَلِكَ مُحْسِنِينَ * كَانُوا قَلِيلا مِنَ اللَّيْلِ مَا يَهْجَعُونَIndeed, the people of Taqwa will be among gardens and springs,Accepting what their Lord has given them. Indeed, they were before that people of Ihsan.They used to sleep but little of the night, And in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness.b. The prophet referred to this as the habit of the righteous. It was their go to matter for everything.عَلَيْكُمْ بِقِيَامِ اللَّيْلِ ، فَإِنَّهُ دَأْبُ الصَّالِحِينَ قَبْلَكُمْ ،وَهُوَ قُرْبَةٌ إِلَى رَبِّكُمْ ، وَمَكْفَرَةٌ لِلسَّيِّئَاتِ ، وَمَنْهَاةٌ لِلإِثْمِI prescribe for you the night prayer, for it was the habit of the righteous before you, it is a source of closeness to your Lord, it expiates your evil deeds, and prevents you from sinning.يَنْزِلُ رَبُّنَا تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا حِينَ يَبْقَى ثُلُثُ اللَّيْلِ الآخِرُ يَقُولُ مَنْ يَدْعُونِي فَأَسْتَجِيبَ لَهُ مَنْ يَسْأَلُنِي فَأُعْطِيَهُ مَنْ يَسْتَغْفِرُنِي فَأَغْفِرَ لَهُOur Lord Almighty descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of every night, saying: Who is calling upon Me that I may answer him? Who is asking from Me that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness that I may forgive him?c. Allah sent Jibreel to the prophet to tell him that highest honor of the believer is night prayer.واعلم أن شرف المؤمن قيامه بالليل وعزه استغناؤه عن الناسKnow that the honor of the believer in in him praying at night.And his prestige is self-sufficiency.
More detailsPublished - Tue, 21 Mar 2023
Created by - Imam Hasan Raza
1. Level 1 - Start with reminders and lectures on social media. This is easiest to do because many people have a habit to be on social media. So instead of killing time by viewing that does not benefit, the person should watch some videos of Islamic reminders or lectures. It is important to remember that much of what wee consume on social media contains harmful elements to our eyes, mind and heart, consequently weakening our spiritual health.2. Level 2 – Once the person develops interest in learning his Deen, he should commit a public lecture at the local Masjid. Being in the Masjid around people who have gathered to learn Allah’s Deen brings many blessings around them because they are surrounded by the angels of Allah who are constantly invoking Allah’s blessings and forgiveness upon them.Going to the Masjid is necessary also because it will anchor him to a person of knowledge (i.e Imam). Having a coach in this journey is just as important as in school or sports.3. Level 3 – Then, the person will develop interest in increasing his knowledge. So he may start reading an Islamic book such as the Seerah of the prophet. If he has any question or inquiry, he should always refer to the Imam.4. Level 4 – This will then open door for him to commit to formal Islamic learning. Note: If you find yourself struggling at any given level, then seek Allah’s aid through perseverance and Du’aa, while reassuring yourself that there is no cure other than this.Also, it is not necessary that this order be followed. Different people may find it easier to do one thing over another. The goal is to improve and get closer to our Lord.
More detailsPublished - Tue, 21 Mar 2023
Created by - Imam Hasan Raza
4. Ilm. The next purifier is harder and even less people commit to it. It is seeking Islamic knowledge. It has the power to change the hearts like nothing else.a. It is the inheritance left by the prophet.إن العلماءَ ورثة الأنبياء، إن الأنبياء لم يورِّثوا دينارًا ولا درهمًا،إنما ورثوا العلم، فمن أخذ به أخذ بحظ وافرThe scholars are the inheritors of the prophets. Verily, the prophets do not bequeath gold and silver, but rather they only bequeath knowledge. So whoever acquires it has actually taken abundant forune.b. Allah never asked the prophet to ask in increase of anything except knowledge.وَقُلْ رَبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًاAnd say, O my Lord, increase me in knowledge.c. It is the path to Jannah, and everyone and everything in universe honors him and seeks forgiveness for him.مَن سلك طريقًا يطلب فيه علمًا، سلك الله به طريقًا إلى الجنة،وإن الملائكة لتضع أجنحتها رضًا لطالب العلم، وإنه ليستغفرللعالم مَن في السموات والأرض، حتى الحيتان في الماء،وفضل العالم على العابد كفضلِ القمر على سائر الكواكبWhoever treads a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will facilitate for him a path to Paradise.Indeed, the angels lower their wings for the seeker of knowledge, honoring him for what he seeks.Verily, the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth, even the fish in the water, ask forgiveness from Allah for the scholar.The superiority of a scholar over a devout worshiper is like the superiority of the moon over the rest of the stars.
More detailsPublished - Tue, 21 Mar 2023
Created by - Imam Hasan Raza
1. Level 1 - Start with Bismillah. This is the easiest Zhikr that every Muslim can accustom themselves to. The name of Allah is blessed, and thus the prophet taught us to begin all tasks by His name. Through the name of Allah, we attain the His blessings, shun away the Shaytan and seek Allah’s aid in successfully completing our tasks. Furthermore, the prophet said that any matter that is not initiated by Allah’s name is cut off (from blessings).2. Level 2 - Learn the practical Azhkar. This requires a little more effort, and it is the right thing to do next. This includes various Azhkar that are associated with our daily actions and tasks such as eating, entering or leaving spaces etc. So before I eat, after eating, while entering my home, while leaving, when entering a car, bus, train and so on, the prophet taught us all of the words of remembrance. 3. Level 3 - Learn the Azhkar after prayer. This requires a little more effort because these Azhkar can take up to 10 minutes due to the many Azhkar the prophet taught after the prayers. However, the person should start with one Zhikr at a time and build himself up.4. Level 4 - Learn the morning, then evening, then bedtime Azhkar. Just like the Azhkar after the prayers, the person will start small and make his way up ensuring consistency. This step requires perseverance. And with sincere intention and seeking aid in Allah, it will become easy.5. Level 5 – When the person reaches this level, he is very close to Allah. And no one reaches this level except the one who loves to remember his Lord. At this moment, he may assign new Wird to his daily routine such as Istighfar or Salawat upon the prophet or whatever else that he is able to commit. Note: If you find yourself struggling at any given level, then seek Allah’s aid through perseverance and Du’aa, while reassuring yourself that there is no cure other than this.Also, it is not necessary that this order be followed. Different people may find it easier to do one thing over another. The goal is to improve and get closer to our Lord.
More detailsPublished - Tue, 21 Mar 2023
Created by - Imam Hasan Raza
3. Azhkar. This is the next greatest purifier of the hearts. It is harder than the Quran and Salah, and lesser people engage in regular remembrance of Allah. a. Remembering Allah is the greatest thing we can do, and it is better than spending gold and silver in Allah’s path.ألا أخبركم بخير أعمالكم، وأزكاها عند مليككم، وأرفعها في درجاتكم،وخير لكم من إنفاق الذهب والورق، وخير لكم من أن تلقوا عدوكمفيضربوا أعناقكم وتضربوا أعناقهم"، قالوا: بلى يا رسول الله، قال: "ذكر الله تعالىShall I not inform you of the best of your deeds which are the most praiseworthy in the sight of your Lord, and the most elevating in your ranks, and better for you than spending gold and silver in charity, and better for you than encountering your enemies in battle so they strike your necks and you strike theirs? They said: Certainly. He said: Remembrance of Allah, the Exalted.b. Through it comes ease after difficulty, a way out of every hardship, joy after sadness, relief after stress. When the prophet would be in tough situation, he would remember Allah.دعوة ذي النون: لا إله إلا أنت سبحانك إني كنت من الظالمين، ما دعا بها مكروب إلا فرَّج الله كربهThe Du’a of Zhun Noon (Yunus), None has the right of worship except You, Your are most pure. It was indeed me, who was the wrong doer. None calls by it in extreme physical and mental pain except that Allah will relieve him.c. Anything that does not connect one to Allah’s remembrance is cursed.ألَا إن الدنيا ملعونة، ملعونٌ ما فيها، إلا ذكر الله وما والاه، وعالم أو متعلِّمVerily, this world is cursed, and everything in it is cursed, except the remembrance of Allah an all what is relevant to it; a scholar and a seeker of knowledge.
More detailsPublished - Tue, 21 Mar 2023
Created by - Imam Hasan Raza
· There is no Tawfeeq to attain any of these except with Allah, so Du’a is very important to show Allah our humility and inability to achieve them except by His will. · All of these matters become easier when one struggles for them along others on the same journey. Thus, Suhbat-us-Saliheen should be sought in order to avoid laziness and regress. · All of these 5 matters are purifiers of the heart from its heedlessness and sicknesses. The more diligent a person is in regards to them, the healthier his heart will be. And the more negligent he is of them, the more vulnerable his heart will be to sicknesses and disease.· These subjects purify the soul and rid it of the rust of sins and heedlessness. And they prepare the soul for more complicated subjects such as Fiqh, which is the most important practical subject that a Muslim needs in his life. · Ghaflah will make achieving these harder. However, these very five are the cure to their Ghaflah. · Tazkiyah, spiritual cleansing is something that is needed so much in the times that we live, wherein we are constantly being bombarded by so many elements that are acting upon our minds and hearts negatively. From social media to phones to the amount of time that we spend idle to the extravagance of our speech and hearing and sight usage on unbeneficial matters, all has an impact on our soul. · We should fear from the possibility of dying in a state of blindness from the reality of this life and the purpose for which Allah created us. If we allow ourselves to remain hypnotized by the glamour of this life and intoxicated by the joy and instant gratification from its material gains, then we must be afraid that death may catch up to us, while we are unprepared to meet our Lord.وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَن ذِكْرِي فَإِنَّ لَهُ مَعِيشَةً ضَنكًا وَنَحْشُرُهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَعْمَىٰقَالَ رَبِّ لِمَ حَشَرْتَنِي أَعْمَىٰ وَقَدْ كُنتُ بَصِيرًاقَالَ كَذَٰلِكَ أَتَتْكَ آيَاتُنَا فَنَسِيتَهَا ۖ وَكَذَٰلِكَ الْيَوْمَ تُنسَىٰAnd whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.He will say, My Lord, why have you raised me blind while I was [once] seeing?Allah will say, Thus did Our signs come to you, and you forgot them; and thus will you this Day be forgotten.وَمَن كَانَ فِي هَٰذِهِ أَعْمَىٰ فَهُوَ فِي الْآخِرَةِ أَعْمَىٰ وَأَضَلُّ سَبِيلًاAnd whoever is blind in this [life] will be blind in the Hereafter and more astray in way.· Depression, stress, anxiety, fear of poverty and death has increased in our times even though, it is our times that are marked by freedom, comfort, luxury, wealth, fun. This is because we have been deluded from the very source of peace, happiness and success of the heart.Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.
More detailsPublished - Tue, 21 Mar 2023
Created by - Imam Hasan Raza
5. The fifth is greatest purifier and the hardest of all. Thus, very few of Allah’s slaves have this quality. It is Tahajjud. It is a gift of Allah to his special slaves.a. It is the quality of the Muttaqeen and Muhsineen. It is a gift of Allah and a special and private affair between Allah and His slave.إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي جَنَّاتٍ وَعُيُونٍ * آخِذِينَ مَا آتَاهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُواقَبْلَ ذَلِكَ مُحْسِنِينَ * كَانُوا قَلِيلا مِنَ اللَّيْلِ مَا يَهْجَعُونَIndeed, the people of Taqwa will be among gardens and springs,Accepting what their Lord has given them. Indeed, they were before that people of Ihsan.They used to sleep but little of the night, And in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness.b. The prophet referred to this as the habit of the righteous. It was their go to matter for everything.عَلَيْكُمْ بِقِيَامِ اللَّيْلِ ، فَإِنَّهُ دَأْبُ الصَّالِحِينَ قَبْلَكُمْ ،وَهُوَ قُرْبَةٌ إِلَى رَبِّكُمْ ، وَمَكْفَرَةٌ لِلسَّيِّئَاتِ ، وَمَنْهَاةٌ لِلإِثْمِI prescribe for you the night prayer, for it was the habit of the righteous before you, it is a source of closeness to your Lord, it expiates your evil deeds, and prevents you from sinning.يَنْزِلُ رَبُّنَا تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا حِينَ يَبْقَى ثُلُثُ اللَّيْلِ الآخِرُ يَقُولُ مَنْ يَدْعُونِي فَأَسْتَجِيبَ لَهُ مَنْ يَسْأَلُنِي فَأُعْطِيَهُ مَنْ يَسْتَغْفِرُنِي فَأَغْفِرَ لَهُOur Lord Almighty descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of every night, saying: Who is calling upon Me that I may answer him? Who is asking from Me that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness that I may forgive him?c. Allah sent Jibreel to the prophet to tell him that highest honor of the believer is night prayer.واعلم أن شرف المؤمن قيامه بالليل وعزه استغناؤه عن الناسKnow that the honor of the believer in in him praying at night.And his prestige is self-sufficiency.
More detailsPublished - Tue, 21 Mar 2023
Created by - Imam Hasan Raza
1. Level 1 - Start with reminders and lectures on social media. This is easiest to do because many people have a habit to be on social media. So instead of killing time by viewing that does not benefit, the person should watch some videos of Islamic reminders or lectures. It is important to remember that much of what wee consume on social media contains harmful elements to our eyes, mind and heart, consequently weakening our spiritual health.2. Level 2 – Once the person develops interest in learning his Deen, he should commit a public lecture at the local Masjid. Being in the Masjid around people who have gathered to learn Allah’s Deen brings many blessings around them because they are surrounded by the angels of Allah who are constantly invoking Allah’s blessings and forgiveness upon them.Going to the Masjid is necessary also because it will anchor him to a person of knowledge (i.e Imam). Having a coach in this journey is just as important as in school or sports.3. Level 3 – Then, the person will develop interest in increasing his knowledge. So he may start reading an Islamic book such as the Seerah of the prophet. If he has any question or inquiry, he should always refer to the Imam.4. Level 4 – This will then open door for him to commit to formal Islamic learning. Note: If you find yourself struggling at any given level, then seek Allah’s aid through perseverance and Du’aa, while reassuring yourself that there is no cure other than this.Also, it is not necessary that this order be followed. Different people may find it easier to do one thing over another. The goal is to improve and get closer to our Lord.
More detailsPublished - Tue, 21 Mar 2023
Created by - Imam Hasan Raza
4. Ilm. The next purifier is harder and even less people commit to it. It is seeking Islamic knowledge. It has the power to change the hearts like nothing else.a. It is the inheritance left by the prophet.إن العلماءَ ورثة الأنبياء، إن الأنبياء لم يورِّثوا دينارًا ولا درهمًا،إنما ورثوا العلم، فمن أخذ به أخذ بحظ وافرThe scholars are the inheritors of the prophets. Verily, the prophets do not bequeath gold and silver, but rather they only bequeath knowledge. So whoever acquires it has actually taken abundant forune.b. Allah never asked the prophet to ask in increase of anything except knowledge.وَقُلْ رَبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًاAnd say, O my Lord, increase me in knowledge.c. It is the path to Jannah, and everyone and everything in universe honors him and seeks forgiveness for him.مَن سلك طريقًا يطلب فيه علمًا، سلك الله به طريقًا إلى الجنة،وإن الملائكة لتضع أجنحتها رضًا لطالب العلم، وإنه ليستغفرللعالم مَن في السموات والأرض، حتى الحيتان في الماء،وفضل العالم على العابد كفضلِ القمر على سائر الكواكبWhoever treads a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will facilitate for him a path to Paradise.Indeed, the angels lower their wings for the seeker of knowledge, honoring him for what he seeks.Verily, the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth, even the fish in the water, ask forgiveness from Allah for the scholar.The superiority of a scholar over a devout worshiper is like the superiority of the moon over the rest of the stars.
More detailsPublished - Tue, 21 Mar 2023
Created by - Imam Hasan Raza
1. Level 1 - Start with Bismillah. This is the easiest Zhikr that every Muslim can accustom themselves to. The name of Allah is blessed, and thus the prophet taught us to begin all tasks by His name. Through the name of Allah, we attain the His blessings, shun away the Shaytan and seek Allah’s aid in successfully completing our tasks. Furthermore, the prophet said that any matter that is not initiated by Allah’s name is cut off (from blessings).2. Level 2 - Learn the practical Azhkar. This requires a little more effort, and it is the right thing to do next. This includes various Azhkar that are associated with our daily actions and tasks such as eating, entering or leaving spaces etc. So before I eat, after eating, while entering my home, while leaving, when entering a car, bus, train and so on, the prophet taught us all of the words of remembrance. 3. Level 3 - Learn the Azhkar after prayer. This requires a little more effort because these Azhkar can take up to 10 minutes due to the many Azhkar the prophet taught after the prayers. However, the person should start with one Zhikr at a time and build himself up.4. Level 4 - Learn the morning, then evening, then bedtime Azhkar. Just like the Azhkar after the prayers, the person will start small and make his way up ensuring consistency. This step requires perseverance. And with sincere intention and seeking aid in Allah, it will become easy.5. Level 5 – When the person reaches this level, he is very close to Allah. And no one reaches this level except the one who loves to remember his Lord. At this moment, he may assign new Wird to his daily routine such as Istighfar or Salawat upon the prophet or whatever else that he is able to commit. Note: If you find yourself struggling at any given level, then seek Allah’s aid through perseverance and Du’aa, while reassuring yourself that there is no cure other than this.Also, it is not necessary that this order be followed. Different people may find it easier to do one thing over another. The goal is to improve and get closer to our Lord.
More detailsPublished - Tue, 21 Mar 2023
Created by - Imam Hasan Raza
3. Azhkar. This is the next greatest purifier of the hearts. It is harder than the Quran and Salah, and lesser people engage in regular remembrance of Allah. a. Remembering Allah is the greatest thing we can do, and it is better than spending gold and silver in Allah’s path.ألا أخبركم بخير أعمالكم، وأزكاها عند مليككم، وأرفعها في درجاتكم،وخير لكم من إنفاق الذهب والورق، وخير لكم من أن تلقوا عدوكمفيضربوا أعناقكم وتضربوا أعناقهم"، قالوا: بلى يا رسول الله، قال: "ذكر الله تعالىShall I not inform you of the best of your deeds which are the most praiseworthy in the sight of your Lord, and the most elevating in your ranks, and better for you than spending gold and silver in charity, and better for you than encountering your enemies in battle so they strike your necks and you strike theirs? They said: Certainly. He said: Remembrance of Allah, the Exalted.b. Through it comes ease after difficulty, a way out of every hardship, joy after sadness, relief after stress. When the prophet would be in tough situation, he would remember Allah.دعوة ذي النون: لا إله إلا أنت سبحانك إني كنت من الظالمين، ما دعا بها مكروب إلا فرَّج الله كربهThe Du’a of Zhun Noon (Yunus), None has the right of worship except You, Your are most pure. It was indeed me, who was the wrong doer. None calls by it in extreme physical and mental pain except that Allah will relieve him.c. Anything that does not connect one to Allah’s remembrance is cursed.ألَا إن الدنيا ملعونة، ملعونٌ ما فيها، إلا ذكر الله وما والاه، وعالم أو متعلِّمVerily, this world is cursed, and everything in it is cursed, except the remembrance of Allah an all what is relevant to it; a scholar and a seeker of knowledge.
More detailsPublished - Tue, 21 Mar 2023
Tue, 21 Mar 2023
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