Summary of Letter:

 Bismihi Ta’ala

Respected Mufti Saheb

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh

[The letter was not published. The writer apparently complained of a great lack of enthusiasm with regard to I’badat and other aspects of Deen. He also apparently mentioned that his ma’moolat (daily zikr and other practices) were not being completed.]

 Summary of Reply:

Bismihi Ta’ala

Respected Brother / Sister

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh

I was perturbed to read about your predicament. The issue of the ma’moolat being missed was also disturbing. Such conditions occur as a result of two aspects — casting lustful glances and consuming anything doubtful. You should ponder deeply as to which of these two aspects applies to you. Whichever it may be, immediately make amends and make every effort to refrain from it in future.

Casting lustful glances is very destructive and more severe than many other spiritual maladies. Initially it results in one being deprived of pleasure in aa’maal (good actions). Thereafter it gradually becomes a means of leaving out the aa’maal altogether.

DOUBTFUL INCOME

Consuming anything doubtful also has a similar effect (as described above). You should carefully consider whether you have acquired any doubtful income. Perhaps something may have reached you without the owner’s permission.

Once Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was fed meat from an animal which was slaughtered by a woman without her husband’s permission. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) chewed on the morsel but could not swallow it. He then removed it and exclaimed that it seems that the animal was slaughtered without the owner’s permission (hence he could not swallow it). This incident is recorded in detail in Abu Dawood Shareef.

I pray that Allah Ta’aala may forgive me and you and grant us the ability to repent sincerely.

[Maktoobat Faqihul Ummah vol. 4 p.29 — this answer was taken from a reply by Sheikhul Hadith Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya Saheb (R.A).]