The Importance and Benefits of Zakah in Islam.

 Zakah is one of the five pillars of Islam. It has been mentioned, along with daily Prayers (Salaah), seventy times in the Qur’an. Allah’s Word commanding “…and establlsh regular Salaah and give regular Zakah” are referred to in many parts of the Qur’an. From this we can conclude that after Salaah, Zakah is the most important act in Islam.

The following are some verses from the Holy Qur’an and some Ahadith showing the importance and benefits of Zakah.

[Baqarah 2:43] And keep the (obligatory) prayer established, and pay the charity, and bow your heads with those who bow (in prayer).

[Baqarah 2:261] The example of those who spend their wealth in Allah’s way is similar to that of a grain which has sprouted seven stalks and in each stalk are a hundred grains; and Allah may increase it still more than this, for whomever He wills; and Allah is Most Capable, All Knowing.

[Baqarah 2:264] O People who Believe! Do not invalidate your charity by

Ameer al Momineen Sayyiduna Ali al Murtuda Radi Allahu Ta ala Anhu

HIS BIRTH: Ameer al Momineen Sayyiduna Ali al-Murtuda Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu was born on a Friday. Some narrations quote the date as the 13th of Muharram and others state the 13th of Rajab. His birth occurred 30 years after the incident of Feel. He was born inside the Holy Kaa’ba, and none has been blessed with this excellence before him. [Noor al-Absaar].

BLESSED NAME: His name is Ali and is known as Abu al-Hassan and Abu Turab and his titles are Murtuda, Asadullah and Haidar-e-Karraar.

HIS BRAVERY: Hadrat Imam Muhammed Ghazzali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu write in Ihyaa al-Uloom that on the night of Hijrat, when Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu was asleep in the blessed bed of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Almighty Allah sent wahi to Hadrat Jibraeel and Hadrat Mikaeel (alaihimus salaam) that,

Excellence & Sayings of Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam Ali al Murtuda KaramAllahu Wajhul Kareem

Excerpts from Hilyat Al Awliyah Wa Tabaqat Al Asfiya by Shaykh Abu Nuaym Ahmad al-Isfahani (Alayhir Rahmah). 

Excellence of Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam Ali al-Murtuda (KaramAllahu Wajhul Kareem)

The fourth sire of the people, is the beloved of Allah Almighty and of His faithful creation, the gate of the city of knowledge, the commanding orator, the master of reason and intellect, the explainer of allegories, the pure blessing, the moral authority, the instinct of certitude, the fathomer of truth, the dean of piety, the beauty of knowledge, the truthful explainer whose heart is full of wisdom, whose tongue is most inquisitive, and whose ears are most conscious; the chieftain of the pious ones, the mirror of sages, the righteous judge, the most forbearing sire and the righteous caliph, ‘Ali bin Abi Talib, Allah bless his countenance.

Sa’ad narrated that Allah’s messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said to ‘Ali, Allah bless his countenance: “You are unto me what Aaron was to Moses.”

Sa’ad also narrated that Allah’s messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم once said to ‘Ali, Allah bless his countenance:

Advice of Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam Ali al Murtuda KaramAllahu Wajhul Kareem to Kamil bin Ziyad Radi Allahu anhu

 ‘Abdu-Rahman bin Jandab narrated that Kamil bin Ziyad told him: ” ‘Ali held my hand once, and he walked with me in the direction of the cemetery. When we reached the open desert, he soughed a deep breath before he said to me, ‘O Kamil son of Ziyad, hearts are like vessels, the best are exceptionally conscious and vast. Learn from what I am going to tell you. knowledge is better than wealth. Knowledge guards you but you are guarding wealth. Knowledge dispenses justice, while wealth seeks justice. Wealth decreases with expense while knowledge increase with expense. He said: A learned man is better than one who prays and fights in the way of Almighty Allah. When a learned man dies, such a calamity befalls on Islam which cannot be removed except by his successor.

‘Ali, (Allah bless his countenance), said in poem:

Glory is due to none other than to the learned.

Guided are they and proofs to the seekers of guidance.

Everybody is honoured proportionate to his knowledge, But the illiterate are disgraced, as enemies of the learned.

Acquire knowledge, you will be immortal. All men are dead, only the learned are alive.

— — —
Excerpts from
Ihya E Uloom Ad Din Vol.1 by Imam Mohammed Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali(Radi Allahu Anhu)

Asl E Nasl E Safaa Wajhe Wasle Khuda
Baab E Fasle Wilayat Pe Laakho(n) Salaam

Murtuda Shere Haq Ashja-Ul Ashjae
Saaqi E Sheero Sharbat Pe Laakho(n) Salaam

~ AlaHadrat, Imam Ahmad Rida Khan عليه الرحمة

SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam wa ‘Ala Alihi wa Sahbihi Wa Baraka Wa karam

Utterances of Shaykh Abdal Qadir Al-Jilani radi Allahu anhu (Malfuzat Sharif) Part 1

Sayings, Sufi Quotes, Islamic Quotes by Shaykh Abdal Qadir Al-Jilani radi Allahu anhu (Malfuzat Sharif)

There is nothing worth talking about, until you have been hatched out of the egg of your wordly existence [wujud] and embraced by the wing of the sacred law [shariah].

When the heart puts the Quran and the Sunnah into practice, it draws near to Allah exalted is He.

Make praying for forgiveness [istighfar] the regular practice of your tongue, grateful acknowledgment [ [itiraf] the regular practice of your heart, and quiet calm [sukun] the regular practice of your innermost being [sirr].

Let others eat their fill, while you go hungry.

Let others enjoy respect, while you remain humble.

Let others become rich, while you remain poor.

Those who may experience sadness and affliction in Paradise

Sayyidi Abd’Al Aziz Al-Dabbagh (rehmatullahi ta ala alayh) presented as proof-God be pleased with him-for the general existence of affliction in Paradise.

When all the inhabitants of Paradise enter Paradise, the light of praise shines on their tongues and that light is commensurate with their knowledge of their Lord in the House of the world. Then when they enter, they acquire further knowledge of their Lord in accordance with what they knew in the House of the world-more than can be reckoned! They feel remorse in the extreme for their inadequacy with regard to their Lord’s rightful claim, and how they served Him and worshipped Him.’ He said-God be pleased with him: ‘Now this is a matter that occurs in the hereafter. And it’s the truth without any doubt and disagreement. ‘

I, al-Lamati, would add that authoritative text has been transmitted for this. The Hafiz al-Suyuti-God the Sublime have mercy on him-says in al-Budur al-safira in the chapter Tahassur ahl al janna ala tark al-dhikr: ‘AI-Tabarani and al-Bayhaqi published with a good chain of transmission from Muadh b. Jabal-God be pleased with him-that the latter reported: “The Apostle of God-God’s blessings and peace be upon him-said: ‘The only affliction the inhabitants of Paradise experience is because of the moment they spent without recollecting God.’ ”

Likewise, Ahmad [Ibn Hanbal], al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban and al Hakim published and classified as authentic (sahih) from Abu Hurayra-God be pleased with him-that he reported: “The Apostle of God-God’s blessings and peace be upon him-said: ‘No group of people sits down somewhere and omits to recollect God and doesn’t invoke blessings on the Prophet-God’s blessings and peace be upon him-without experiencing sorrow on the Day of Resurrection, even if they enter Paradise as a reward. ”

And al-Bayhaqi and Ibn Abi’l-Dunya published from Aisha-God be pleased with her-that she reported: “The Apostle of God-God’s blessings and peace be upon him-said:  ‘If there’s any moment spent by a human being in which he doesn’t recollect God favorably, he’ll be afflicted for it on the Day of Resurrection.””This is what the Hafiz al-Suyuti cites in the above-mentioned chapter.

– Al-Ibriz min Kalam Sayyidi Abd al-Aziz al-Dabbagh (Pure Gold from the Words of Sayyidi Abd al-Aziz al-Dabbagh rehmatullahi ta ala alayh)

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ATTRIBUTES OF SUFIS INNER AND OUTER SELF

   Among the attributes of the Sufis were their refrainment from all hypocrisy. In simple terms, their inner selves were in complete concordance with their outer self.

It is said that Sayyiduna Omar bin Abdul Aziz (radi Allahu anhu) asked Sayyiduna Khidr (alaihis salaam) to give him some advise when they both found themselves in Medina Shareef, Sayyiduna Khidr (alaihis assalaam) replied, “O Omar! Save yourself from this state, wherein, outwardly you are the friend of Allah, yet, inwardly you are His enemy. Those whose inner self is not in concordance with their outer self are hypocrites and for them will be extreme punishment”.

Sayyiduna Abdul Wahid bin Yaazid (radi Allahu anhu) has expressed, “Sayyiduna Hasan Basri (radi Allahu anhu) has reached a lofty position in Tassawaf simply because whenever he advised any person to perform any action he firstly did so himself. Whenever he prohibited a person, he always firstly refrained himself. I have therefore, never seen a person whose inner self is precisely as his outer self”.

Sayyiduna Mu’awwiya bin Qurra (radi Allahu anhu) has stated, “Whenever I heard a person being praised, I had always found him less then his tribute, except for Sayyiduna Wakee’ah (radi Allahu anhu). I have always found him to be even more superior then his acclaim”.

Sayyiduna Abdullah Antaaki (radi Allahu anhu) states, “To refrain from internal sins is the most superior of acts”. When he was asked the reasons, he replied, “Simply because he who refrains from internal sins will have a better chance of refraining from external sins. Therefore, he whose internal self is better then his external self, this indeed is the Mercy of Allah. While he whose both selves are equal, this indeed is equality. He on the other hand he whose external self is better then his internal self, he indeed is an oppressor”.

It is because of this that the great Sufis hide their worship. They state that

DISEASES OF THE SOUL

Various diseases affect the soul. A perfect Murshid can only treat them. We should study ourselves and upon finding ourselves affected by any of these ailments, seek a remedy from a perfect Murshid.

The diseases of the soul are: (1) Showing off (2) expirty (3) jealousy (4) hate (5) pride (6) love of praise (7) love of status (8) love of showing off (9) love of fame (10) reverence of the rich (11) disrespect of the poor (12) following desires (13) flattery (14) ingratitude (15) greed (16) stinginess (17) desire too much (18) thinking ill (19) hostility against truth (20) persistence in falsehood (21) convenience (22) rationalizing laziness (23) breach of trust (24) laziness (25) hard heartedness (26) greed (27) reliance on creation (28) forgetting the Creator (29) forgetfulness of death (30) committing sins openly and not fearing Allah (31) hypocrisy (32) obeying Shaitaan (33) self worship (34) inclination to idle matter (35) sloth (36) lack of fear of Allah (37) impatience (38) lack of humility (39) self – wrath in which case the anger could be used in the Path of Allah (40) being lax in Allah’s commands and prohibitions, etc. (Fatawa Afriqa by A’la Hazrat, pg. 129)

TYPES OF BAI’AT

There are two types of Bai’at – Bai’atul Barakah and Bai’atul Iraadah:

Bai’atul Barakah (Allegiance of Blessing):

One pledges Bai’atul Barakah by joining a Sisilah (spiritual order) for attaining Barakah (spiritual grace). Bai’atul Barakah is more widely pledged. However, one must be absolutely sincere in pledging to this Bai’ah. For the Bai’atul Barakah to be complete, it is necessary that the four conditions of a Sheikhul Itisaal be met. (The four conditions has been explained). This Bai’ah is also very auspicious. To be amongst those who are loved by Allah Ta’ala and linking to their spiritual order is an honour itself.

Bai’atul Iraadah (Allegiance of Devotion)

In Bai’atul Iraadah one pledges to detach oneself completely from one’s self-will wholly, and unconditionally place oneself in the hands of the Murshid such that one may be moulded through the ways of Tariqah (the path to Allah through spiritual training). No action or decision may be taken without the consent and approval of the Sheikh. This Bai’ah is pledged and carried out by the Saalikeen (Travelers on the path of Tasawwuf), hence it is also called Bai’atus Saalikeen. It is also the purpose of the Mashaa’ikh and a conveyance to Allah Ta’ala. The Holy Prophet Muhammed (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) took this Bai’ah from the Noble Sahabah (radi Allahu anhum).

The Noble Companion, Abaada Ibnu Saamit Al Ansaari (radi Allahu anhu), narrates: “We pledged Bai’ah to the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in all our matters of good and misfortunes, in all trials and tribulations. We pledged to consult the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in all our matters and to unflinchingly follow his orders and not to query his commands”. (Fatawa Afriqa by A’la Hazrat, pg.135)

From this discussion one can deduce that Bai’ah should be done on the hands of such a person who is worthy and meets with the criteria of a Murshid.

MEANING OF BAI’AT (PLEDGING ALLEGIANCE)

“Bai’at” means “to be sold”. When one becomes Mureed of a Murshid, he sells his heart, life and wealth to his Murshid. After this sale he no longer has a say in these matters nor can he do as he pleases.

A’la Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) writes that it is mentioned in “Suba Sanabil” that a person was sentenced to death by an Emperor. As the executioner unsheathed a sword to behead the person, the person faced the grave of his Murshid. The executioner said, ” At times like this you should face the Qiblah.” The person answered: “Do your duty, I have faced the Qiblah. It is true that the Kaaba is the Qibla of the body, and the Qibla of the heart and soul is the Murshid.” This is real Iraadah (to become a disciple). If one persists with one’s Sheikh with this kind of sincere devotion then benefits will definitely be received.

If the Sheikh is lacking, the Sheikh’s Sheikh may not be inadequate. Otherwise, Ghausul A’zam (radi Allahu anhu), who is the source of spiritual grace and fountain of lights, will provide you with grace as long as the Silsilah (spiritual chain) is authentic. (Malfoozaat A’la Hazrat, pg.189)

A’la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) has mentioned that people regard Bai’at as a custom and do not really comprehend it’s meaning. A good example of Baiat is that of a certain Mureed of Sheikh Yahya Munayri (radi Allahu anhu). This Mureed was about to drown when Khizr (alaihis salaam) appeared to him and said, ” Give me your hand so that I can rescue you”. The Mureed replied, “I have already given this hand to Sheikh Yahya Munayri. Now I will not give it to anyone else”. Khizr (alaihis salaam) disappeared and Sheikh Yahya Munayri (radi Allahu anhu) appeared and rescued him from drowning. (Malfoozat A’la Hazrat, pg.164)