Removing dirt from the Musjid

Friday, 03 February 2012 00:00

Muhammad bin Mansoor narrates: We were once seated with Imam Bukhari (Rahmatullahi Alayh) in the musjid. One of those present noticed a speck of dirt on his own beard, so he dusted it off resulting in it falling onto the floor of the musjid. I noticed Imam Bukhari (Rahmatullahi Alayh) carefully watching that little speck of dirt as well as simultaneously watching the people, waiting for an opportune moment to pick it up without being noticed. Once he gauged that the people's sight had turned away, he discretely picked it up and put it into his pocket. On leaving the musjid he removed it and discarded it outside. (Risalatul – Mustarshideen, pg. 155)

Lesson: Honouring and showing respect to the sailiant symbols of Islam results in the person himself being honoured. It was such acts of respect that added to the respect and honour of Imam Bukhari (Rahmatullahi Alayh).

Insulting a Muslim

Wednesday, 01 February 2012 00:00

Hadhrat Mufti Muhammad Shafee` Sahib (rahmatullahi alaih) and the Darul Uloom property

Saturday, 28 January 2012 00:00

The Darul Uloom (Darul Uloom Karachi) was originally situated in Nanak Warah housed in a small building. When the workload increased and the place became constrained a dire need arose for a larger place. Hence, Allah Ta`ala provided the means and a large tract of land was allotted by the government for the madrasah. Presently the Islamia College is situated on that land. Apart from the land being situated on a very prime location the grave of Allamah Shabbeer Ahmad Uthmani (rahmatullahi alaih) is also adjacent to the property. Hence, it was an ideal spot for the Darul Uloom.

The legal procedures were followed and papers for the land were procured. Control was gained and a room was built on the land which had a telephone line. An official foundation laying jalsah was announced and leading ulama from various parts of Pakistan graced the occasion. It was on this occasion that some individuals laid claim to the land stating that the land did not belong to the Darul Uloom. Coincidentally the claimants had engaged certain reputable personalities who were also revered by Mufti Shafee` Sahib (the respected widow of Allamah Shabbeer Ahmad Uthmani [rahmatullahi alaih]). Initially, he attempted to defuse the dispute but to no avail. Hence, he thought to himself that what kind ofbarkat will there be in a Madrasah whose foundation is laid on a dispute. Subsequently, he announced that he was relinquishing his right and abandoning the property.

Read more: Hadhrat Mufti Muhammad Shafee` Sahib (rahmatullahi alaih) and the Darul Uloom property

A Lofty Palace in Jannah

Thursday, 26 January 2012 00:00

Hazrat Maroof Khakhi (Rahmatullahi Alayh) was extremely remorseful for being unable to attend the janazah salaah of Imam Yusuf (Rahmatullahi Alayh). On being asked the reason for this he replied: “Last night I saw a dream. It was as though I entered Jannat wherein I caught sight of a huge palace. I asked: “Who does this masterpiece belong to?” I was told: “This is exclusively reserved for the illustrious Imaam Abu Yusuf (Rahmatullahi Alayh).” I responded: “Subhanallah, in lieu of what deed has he become entitled to such a magnificent reward?” I received the following reply: “It is due to teaching the people and patiently enduring the difficulties they imposed on him.”

(Aslaaf Ki Taalibe Ilmana Zindagee.Pg. 27)

Lesson: Tolerating difficulties is the tool for success in every facet of our lives.

Appreciating the Bounties of Allah

Thursday, 19 January 2012 00:00

A renowned scholar of recent times was Hazrat Moulana Maseehullah Khan Saheb (Rahmatullahi Alayh). Hazrat Moulana paid special attention to aspects related to ettiquette and good mannerisms.

On one occasion a tailor approached Moulana and requested him for measurements in order that he may sew him a waistcoat. Moulana was seated at the time and experienced difficulty in standing up due to old age and physical ill health. Nevertheless Moulana stood up in order to hand over to the tailor the waistcoat he had on, to serve as a sample. But as he stood up he noticed his handkerchief in his waistcoat pocket. Instead of just throwing or dropping it down from that standing position, he chose to rather sit down again, remove that hankie, put it in its place and thereafter stood up and gave the tailor his waistcoat. He endured all this difficulty inspite of his extreme weakness only out of respect for the handkerchief which, though it may seem insignificant, it is nevertheless also the gift of Allah.

(Hayate  Maseehul Ummat Rahmatullahi Alayh, pg. 152)

Lesson: Every bounty is from Allah Ta’ala and therefore deserves special appreciation and respect, no matter how insignificant it may seem. To throw the handkerchief onto the floor also appears as if one is “throwing away” the bounty of Allah Ta’ala. Therefore this is to be totally avoided.