hadith

NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER
Vol. 3 No. 5 Rajab/Shabaan 1419
November/December 1998
THE SEEKERS OF SPIRITUALITY ARE GETTING ABUSED BY THE MATERIALISTIC SPIRITUALISTS. TRUE SPIRITUALISM CANNOT BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT HAVING CORRECT BELIEFS, PROPER KNOWLEDGE AND ABSOLUTE LOVE FOR THE ALMIGHTY.
In this modern age, the thirst for spirituality is found almost everywhere. With this, the grip of materialism on the younger generation is placing such a heavy burden upon them that they have become tired of this materialism. They, in turn, search for peace and comfort. In such an atmosphere of uncertainly and doubt, there is a good possibility for Islamic leaders to offer the youth retreat under the shadow of true Islamic Spirituality (Sufism).
But, unfortunately, sincere and selfless persons who are qualified in the field of spirituality and with no hidden motives prefer to be secluded. People who are greedy for wealth, power and prestige are seizing their place. Such people, who are not even learned in Islamic Shari'ah and it's values and who lack the qualities of sincerity and selflessness, are causing a great commotion or turmoil for Islam and for the Muslim Ummah throughout the world.
If one looks at history and the rise and fall of nations, one would find that Spiritualism and the spirit of Jihad always worked concurrently. On one hand Spiritualism was fighting against the evil forces (Nafs), linking humanity to the Almighty Allah, and teaching humanity to renounce the world and love Allah. Side by side with this reformation process, the spirit of Jihad was making Muslims confront and physically take up arms against the enemies of Islam. So, in reality, Islam was being protected throughout history by such personalities who were also Mujahideen of Islam.
The western anti-Islamic powers, overwhelmed by the tide of Islamic resurgence, stumbled upon this secret of success of the Muslims. In order to stop this tide of Islamic progress they secretly conspired to topple the Sufi movements. Using their skills of diplomacy, political manoeuvring and financial resources, they infiltrated the real Sufi movements and tried to make them empty of the true spirit of Jihad, of piety, and of selflessness. They filled such movements with the love for the material life of this world, thus making the goals of the Hereafter secondary. Today, the Muslim Ummah is only practising the Sufi terms rather than the essence and values of real Spiritualism.
Look at some of our past history. Turkey today has lost it's deep foundations of true Islamic beliefs, customs, heritage and spiritualism. The result of this great loss was through the efforts of Zionism and Jewish intrigue. Afghanistan is being targeted through the Saudi-Wahabi regime who wish to spread their false Wahabi beliefs. All the former Russian states were dominated by 100 percent Sunni Muslims who were deeply rooted in the Sufi Tariqas and very militant as well for the cause of Islam. The Naqshabandi Silsila (Sufi Order) had a very permanent influence in these states. The Naqshabandi Mashaa'ikhs fought for many years against the Communist Russians. In the year 1813, when the Russian troops declared protection for Christians in Khurjistan and then formal annexation of the region, including Daghestan, the Naqshabandi Mashaa'ikh fought against the Russians. The leader of this movement was Ghazi Muhammad Shahid. Al-Ghazi recruited hundreds and thousands of soldiers from his Naqshabandi dervishes and fought until he was martyred in 1832. His successor, Imam Shamil Daghestani, fought for a further 27 years freeing Daghestan from the unbelievers. The history of countries such as Somalia, Northern Algeria, Egypt, Guinea, Senegal, Mali, Northern Mauritania, Morocco, etc. are filled with examples of Sufi movements who aided Islam with sword as well as pen.
In South Africa, especially in the Cape and in Natal, there was a strong connection with very pious and sincere personalities who came here from Indonesia and from the Indian sub-Continent. In these times, we Muslims of South Africa should continue that link and follow the teachings of the Ulama from these places. They were the pious souls who introduced Islam in our country and worked with absolute sincerity for the spiritual and academic upliftment of the Muslim community and of humanity. It is the result of their struggle and selfless service that the banner of Islam is flying proudly in South Africa.
While we contemplate on the past, Muslims will have to be ever watchful of new ideas, some already infiltrated into the community and new ones being imported in Islam in the guise of Islamic Da'wah or Sufism. The time has arrived for Muslims to recognise Haqq (Truth) from Baatil (Falsehood). Keep yourself informed and try to find out who is who before following any personality! Don't look at their beautiful garbs and accomplishments! See how firm they are on the Shari'ah and how closely they are following the Sunnah of Muhammad Mustapha (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). May Almighty Allah grant us the ability and courage to remain on the right path and safeguard our Imaan and think about the Hereafter. Aameen.
THE KHUTBA OF SHEIKH HUZAIFI COMES TOO LATE
Recently, the "Historical Khutba" (as it is called) of Sheikh Huzaifi, the Imam of Masjid-un Nabawi, has been published in many languages and widely publicised in the Muslim Community. It is also available on the Internet as well. Alhamdulillah, the truth about the Wahabi government of Saudi Arabia has finally emerged from the lips of their very own appointed Imam whom they regarded in high esteem. In fact, many years ago, when the Ulama of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah openly announced and published the false beliefs of the Wahabi government and exposed them for their co-operation with the enemies of Islam, this very same government, in order to create a false perception about themselves and to hide their true "false" beliefs, financed many Deobandi aligned organisations locally and abroad to promote the aims and objectives of the Wahabi government and to also hide their strong association with the enemies of Islam, the Jews and Christians.
Sheikh Huzaifi's "historical" Khutba has definitely raised a "storm in the tea cup." Now, the very same Deobandi Ulama and organisations who used to vehemently rejected the bold stance made by the Sunni Bareilwi Ulema and it's leaders and blindly defended the Wahabi movement, are now making an issue of Sheikh Huzaifi's Khutba and applauding him for attacking the un-Islamic Saudi-Wahabi regime and their masters, the Jews and Christians. Well, it is rather too late!
It is also worth noting and indeed surprising that now that the funding of many local Deobandi aligned organisations is diminishing, these organisations are "secretly" smearing the name of the Saudi-Wahabi government after observing years of deafening silence, while the Sunni Bareilwi Ulama took up the struggle of exposing the Wahabi government and their false beliefs. Unfortunately, this voice of Haqq was suppressed by the wealth and power of the Saudi government.
The Sunni world is watching very closely the next step of the Wahabi government and we will not be surprised to see Deobandi aligned organisations and their Ulama changing their stance after the Saudi-Wahabi government brandishes it's petro-dollars once again! If they are on Haqq, which they repeatedly claim, they must openly condemn the Saudi-Wahabi government and their false beliefs! This would truly be historical!
SIGNIFICANT ISLAMIC DATES
RAJAB
2 Urs Hazrat Soofie Saheb - Riverside - Durban 4 Wisaal Hazrat Imam Shafi'ee 6 Urs Hazrat Kwaja Gharibun Nawaaz - Ajmer Shareef 11 Giyarwee Shareef - Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani 11 Urs Sayyidi Abul Hussain Muhammad Noori - Mahrerah Shareef 11 Sayed Shah Ali Hussain Ashrafi - Kichaucha Shareef 13 Wisaal Sayed Musa Jilani - Baghdad Shareef 14 Urs Hazrat Sipaah Salaar Salana Masood Ghazi 22 Hazrat Kazi Ziauddeen - Newtini - Lucknow 25 Imam Moosa Kazim - Baghdad Shareef 26 Laylatul Me'raj 27 Hazrat Shaikh Junaid Baghdadi - Baghdad Shareef 27 Shaikh Abu Saleh Nasar - Baghdad Shareef (radi Allahu anhum ajma'in)
SHABAAN
1 Moulana Sardaar Ahmed - Pakistan 2 Wisaal Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa 3 Hazrat Meer Sayed Ahmed - Kalpi Shareef 3 Hazrat Shaikh Abul Farah Tartoosi - Baghdad Shareef 11 Giyarwee Shareef - Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani 14 Urs Hazrat Sayed Muhammad Khalid Shah Chisti Saberee 15 Shabbe Baraat 25 Meer Sayed Muhammad- Kalpi Shareef 27 Shaikh Abus Saeed Makhzoomi - Baghdad Shareef (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in)
TEACHINGS OF ISLAM
ALMIGHTY ALLAH SAYS:
The piling of more wealth has kept you heedless. Till you visit the graves. Yes, soon you will come to know. Again, yes, soon you will come to know. Yes, if you would have known with knowledge of certainty, you would not have loved wealth. Undoubtedly, you shall necessarily, see Hell. Then again, undoubtedly, you shall necessarily see it with the eye of certainty.
Then, undoubtedly, you shall surely be asked about the favours. (Surah Takathur: Kanzul Imaan)
PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) SAID:
On the Day of Qiyamah there will be a group of people around the Fountain of Kauther whom I will recognise as those who used to read the Durood Shareef in abundance. (Shifa Shareef)
He who speaks good about Abu Bakr, his religion is well established; he who speaks good about Umar, his religious path has been well grounded. He who speaks good about Uthman is enlightened with the Noor of Almighty Allah, and he who speaks good about Ali holds on to a bond that never breaks. They who speak well of my Sahaba (Companions) are truly Mu'mins. (Shawaa'hidul Haqq)
A person who is overwhelmed by anxiety and worry should increase the reading of the Durood Shareef. Durood Shareef eradicates anxiety, worry and distress. It also increase sustenance and satisfies the needs. (Nuzhatun Naazireen)
THE PIOUS SAID:
Always abstain from the company of five people:- 1. A liar who always keeps you in doubt, 2. An idiot who will try and do good for you that will turn out to be disastrous, 3. A miser who, for his personal insignificant gain, will put you into great problems, 4. A coward who will leave you in the lurch at the time of crisis, and 5. An evil-doer or sinner who will betray you for a morsel and accept a much less reward. (Hazrat Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq - radi Allahu anhu)
ARABIC BOOK EXPOSES "SHEIKH" NAAZIM QIBRISI
The Raza Academy has received a 68 page Arabic book titled, "Kashful Dalaalat Naazim al-Qibrisi", written by Sheikh Sameer al-Qaazi and published by Darul Mashaa'ri (Beirut). The subject matter of this book is about Naazim Qibrisi who regards himself as a Naqshabandi Sheikh. Sheikh Sameer Qaazi, a Scholar of Lebanon, quotes extensively from the books of Naazim Qibrisi showing Naazim Qibrisi's corrupted beliefs, how he has deviated from the true path of Islam, and how Naazim Qibrisi is misguiding the Muslim Ummah. Some of "Sheikh" Naazim's writings and beliefs that are discussed are: 1. The worshippers of Allah are part of Him, 2. The greatness of Naazim Qibrisi and his teacher, Abdullah Daghestani, upon the Prophet's of Allah, 3. The Believers of Islam and the non-Believers are all equal, 4. Refusing of the Punishment of the Kuffar in Jahannam, 5. Denying of Punishment of the Hereafter, 6. Denying of the Obligations of the Salaah, 7. Haraam meat is Halaal, etc.
Incidently, we wish to point out that Sheikh Hisham Kabbani, who recently toured South Africa, is a mureed of Naazim Qibrisi. The Imam Ahmed Raza Academy in conjunction with Sunni Ulama Council (Durban) is researching this issue and have asked the Ulama for a Fatwa that would assist in protecting the Imaan of Muslims.
GEMS FROM AL-MALFOOZAAT SHAREEF by A'la Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza Bareilvi (radi Allahu anhu)
QUESTION: What is the meaning of "enlisted to enter Jannah"? ANSWER: Jannah is a very vast place. All seven skies and earth can fit in it's width. Only Allah and His Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) know the extent of Jannah. Firstly, all those who qualify will be sent into it. There are those pure souls who were absolutely obedient to Almighty Allah, and due to their sincere devotion, qualified for Jannah. This qualification is for reasons and personal desires. Allah gives his subjects the Toufeeq to do good, then creates in them the power to do so. Thereafter, through His Mercy, accepts their good deeds and, by His Ultimate Mercy, recompensates them with Jannah. All these are nothing but the mere Mercy and Grace of the Compassionate Lord. When all these pious souls will enter Jannah and reside in their respected palaces, Paradise will look empty because of it's vastness. Thereafter, all those disobedient Muslims who did not qualify for Jannah, will be in Jahannam. They will be re-released by the Mercy of Allah and put into Jannah. This is known as "enlisted to enter Jannah". After this transfer of people, Jannah will still be empty. Then, finally, Allah will order all those souls who were not sent to the Duniya to be given bodies and sent to Jannah to occupy the remaining palaces. These pure souls did not see the face of Duniya, did not taste death nor did they perform any good deeds. All they had was Imaan of Allah and His Rasool. They will now live in Jannah eternally.
QUESTION: A husband dies and the wife takes all his money and donates it to the building of a musjid. She does not give anything to the brother and sister of the deceased. Is it legal for the wife to do such a thing? ANSWER: If the money that left is less than or equivalent to the wife's Mahr, she may dispose of it as she desires. If she disposes more than her stipulated Mahr, then she has transgressed the Law of Shari'ah.
QUESTION: If a Mureed (disciple) has stronger and closer relation to his Murshid than the other Mureeds, should the other Mureeds be annoyed with him? ANSWER: This is jealousy that leads one to the Fire of Jahannam. Almighty Allah blessed Nabi Adam (alaihis salaam) with great status and ordered all the Angels to make Sajdah to him. The Shaitaan became envious and thus ended up in Jahannum. If one sees another person progressing materialistically in this Duniya, then one should thank Allah for not engrossing you in non-beneficial things. Note that if someone is more respected and revered than you are, never be envious because this means that you are questioning the Authority and Integrity of Allah Who granted him more dignity and granted you less.
QUESTION: Is suspicion and mistrust Haraam? ANSWER: Undoubtedly! Allah states in the Holy Quran, "O Believers! Safeguard yourself from many suspicions, for some suspicions are a sin." It is also recorded in a Sahih Hadith Shareef, "Keep far from suspicion because suspicion is the biggest lie."
Once Imaam Jafar As-Saadiq (radi Allahu anhu) departed from Madina Munawarrah for Makkah Mukarramah. He was dressed in a tattered and torn garb and carried only an empty wooden mug. Sheikh Shafeeq Balkhi (radi Allahu anhu) who was on the same journey saw this young person. He did not know who Sayyiduna Jafar Saadiq (radi Allahu anhu) was. Sheikh Shafeeq Balkhi (radi Allahu anhu) thought in his heart - look at this young man, he intends to burden the fellow travellers. This Waswasa (Whispers of the Shaitaan) came to his mind because the young Imaam, who he saw, looked like a poor person and carried no provisions besides his wooden cup. As soon as this Waswasa came to mind, the young Imaam turned towards him and said, "Shafeeq! Safeguard yourself from many suspicions, for suspiciousness are sins." Sheikh Shafeeq (radi Allahu anhu) was astonished when he heard this remark. Firstly, he was addressed by his name although he had not met him before, and secondly, for seeing that the person knew the intentions of his heart. At once the Sheikh developed great love and respect for the Imaam in his heart although he did not know who he was. Nevertheless, he immediately joined the company of the Imaam for the remainder of the journey.
They then stopped at a dusty hillock. The Imaam pick up some sand, put it in his container, shook it and drank it. He then offered some to Sheikh Shafeeq (radi Allahu anhu) who had no reason to refuse. When the Sheikh drank from the cup he was absolutely amazed. He had not tasted anything more fragrant and tastier in his entire life.
One day Sheikh Shafeeq (radi Allahu anhu) saw the very same person (Imaam Jafar - radi Allahu anhu) in the Musjid-ul-Haramain dressed in very expensive clothes conducting Dars (classes). The Sheikh enquired from people as to who the pious person was. He was told, "Ibn Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) Jafar Saadiq." When the classes were dismissed, the Sheikh asked the Imaam, "Why is it that on the journey I saw you dressed in a simple garb and now I see you clad in this very beautiful and expensive clothing?" When the Imaam heard this he picked up his robe and underneath became visible the very same old clothes. He then said, "This disguise is for you, and the old simple dress is for my Creator."
QUESTION: In which finger should a ring be worn? ANSWER: There are reports (in the Hadith) of a ring that is worn either in the right hand and the left hands. But it is recommended (to be worn) in the Binsar finger (next to small finger) of the right hand.
QUESTION: May you enter a toiled with a ring that has your name engraved on it (in Arabic inscriptions)? ANSWER: If the name is not very exalted, then too, one must respect the alphabets. If the name is an excellent and revered one, then remove it or place the ring in the pocket or else it is not allowed. (Note: Exalted names refer to any of Allah's Names, His Prophets or Dignitaries)
QUESTION: What did the Sacred Garb (Payrahan) of the Nabi consist of? ANSWER: Generally, most of the times, it consisted of a Mantle (Rida), a cloth worn around the waist to the feet (Tahband or Lungi) and a turban (amamah). Some times there was a Qamees (long shirt-like garb), a kurta till below the knees and a hat (topee). Once, a loose trouser (pyjama) was brought but there is no proof of wearing it. The lady folk also wore Tahband. Once Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was travelling and one of the ladies feet slipped. The Prophet of Allah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) turned his face away. The Sahabah remarked, "Ya Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), she is wearing a trouser." It seems as if the trouser was not a very loose one because if it was baggy then there was great chances of it opening up like the Tahband.
EMPLOYMENT WANTED
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"RAZA" is published once every two months by the Imam Ahmed Raza Academy, 3rd Floor, 20-22 Lorne Street, Durban, 4001, South Africa Postal Address: P.O. Box 5325. Durban. 4000. South Africa Phone: (031) 309-3642 or 309-3707 * Telefax: (031) 309-3707 Office Hours: Mon. - Fri.: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Closed for Jummah bet. 12 and 2 p.m.
LOCAL NEWS
HABIBI DARUL IFTA: The Habibi Darul Ifta established by Mufti Naseem Ashraf Habibi has published a book called "Azharul Fatawa" which contains a number of Fatawa in the English language which were written by Taajush Shari'ah, Hazrat Allama Mufti Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan Qadiri Azhari of Bareilly Shareef, India. For a copy of this book you may phone (031) 400-6231/507-2742.
URS SHAREEF OF HAZRAT KHWAJA GHAREEB NAWAAZ AND HAZRAT SOOFIE SAHEB CELEBRATED AT THE SOOFIE SAHEB DARBAR: The 104th Urs Shareef of Hazrat Khwaja Mo'inudeen Chisti and of Hazrat Soofie Saheb (radi Allahu anhuma) was observed with great dignity and respect by the Soofie family at the Soofie Saheb Darbar Riverside. The 786 Ajmer Urs was also observed. The programme was held over seven days from 22nd Oct. to 1st Nov. 1998. The programme began on the first day with the Doosri Shareef, Khatme Khwajegaan, and terminated on the last day with Khatmul Quran, Naaths, Wiaz, Salaams and Du'a. Large crowds attended these programmes.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Please note that the Imam Ahmed Raza Academy is no more issuing Letters of Recommendation to other organisations to collect funds during the Month of Ramadaan or in any other month.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATIONS NAATH SHAREEFS: The Imam Ahmed Raza Academy has made English transliterations of some fifty (50) of the famous Naath Shareefs, Manqabats, Salaamis & Du'as. These are now available to the public. The price of this book is R15.00. You may buy the book directly from our offices at 3rd Floor, 20-22 Lorne Street, Durban or phone and we will post the book to you. A further R3 will be charged for postage.
ISLAMIC AQEEDA CLASSES: Classes are held every Wednesday, after Esha Salaah, at the Flower Road Masjid in Clairwood, for males of all ages. The classes are conducted by Moulana Abdul Hadi Al-Qaderi. Sections from the famous "Al Malfooz" of A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) are discussed. This is followed by a question and answer session on the related topic and on Fiqh. For further information, phone (031) 3093642 o/h.
URDU LANGUAGE PACKAGE: The organisation, Khaanah-e-Adab (Cape Town), which published the book, "How to say it in Urdu", has produced two audio cassettes to complement this popular book which teaches you important Urdu words and phrases to be used in day-to-day situations. If you require these cassettes with the booklet to help you learn Urdu, contact Yunus at (031) 3093642.
THIRD PRINT OF DUROOD BOOK: Due to public demand, the book, "The Excellence in Reciting the Durood Shareef upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)" has been re-printed for the third time which makes it a total of 4 000 copies. This 96 page book contains more than 30 Durood Shareefs with an explanation of their benefits, history of compilation, respect that should be displayed, and facts about Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). For copies of the book, phone (031) 3093642/3093707. Limited copies available!
AL HAAJ ZUBEIR MAKKI: The Sunni Ulema Council and the Imam Ahmed Raza Academy jointly hosted the programmes for the world famous Naath reciter from Pakistan, Al Haaj Zubeir Makki, who came to South Africa for a short visit. Naath Mehfils were held at the following masaajids in Durban: Lodge Grove - Overport (21-08-98), Aleemia -Phoenix (22-08), Township Masjid - Chatsworth (23-08), Flower Road - Clairwood (24-08) and Soofie Darbar - Riverside (25-08). As Zubeir Makki read most of the Kalaams of A'la Hazrat, Mufti-e-Azaam Hind, Moulana Hassan Raza (radi Allahu anhum), Allama Akhtar Raza and Moulana Hasnain Mia, Sunnis were overwhelmed with the love for Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and of Bareilly and Mahrerah Shareef.
THE LAW CONCERNING EXPORTED MEAT
It is an accepted fact that Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries are at the forefront in welcoming such meat (exported meat) into their countries. Just as they research all other products entering their country, it was the essential duty of these governments and their religious authorities to first research the permissibility of this meat before it entered their country. Actually, they should have been even more responsible in this issue, since it dealt with the eating of Halaal and Haraam products.
Instead of looking into this matter in the light of the Shari'ah, they established an improper proceedure which stated that if such meat was purchased from Muslim stores and possessed a Halaal label, then the product was certified as Halaal. Thus, it caused all doubts to be removed from the minds of the people regarding from where and how the Muslim shopkeeper had imported the products.
I (Allama Sahib) would like to say that when the authorities and Muslim religious leaders are well aware of the fact that meat is being imported into their countries, then is it not their responsibility to make sure that the meat is Halaal without any doubt? How is it that they have certified such meat as permissible for Muslim consumption? In reality, these so-called Muslim governments have become the slaves of Europe and the followers of the European nation. Such slavery has blinded them to such an extent that they do not see right from wrong. It is obvious that they have no intent of keeping the pristine Islamic principles alive. Thus, they feel that whatever they do is proper.
With regards to the present situation, I feel it necessary to briefly explain the forbidden factors involved in imported and exported meat, so that those person who wish to consume only Halaal meat will abstain from imported meat that is doubtful. Such people never step back in clarifying that which is Haraam.
REASONS FOR EXPORTED MEAT BEING HARAAM
1. In exported meat, the method of mechanical slaughter as being Haraam is foremost. 2. Most of the meat being imported is from Europe, America, Australia, etc. and most of those controlling abattoirs and the exporters of the meat are Christians and the Zabiha of today's Christians is Haraam. 3. Exported meat enters Customs where it is immediately hidden from the sight of a Muslim and the exporter. This meat, which is stored on Cargo Carriers, is also hidden from the sight of a Muslim. The majority of the Custom officials and the sailors on the ships from these countries are either Mushriks, Mulhids or Christians of the present day. The Shari'ah has stated that if the meat is hidden from the sight of a Muslim for even one moment, then the meat is Haraam. If the exported meat is the Zabiha of a Muslim, and is sent by a Muslim, such meat is still accepted as Haraam. 4. Abattoirs which export meat also place labels of "HALAAL" on the meat of animals which die through other bodily injuries during Zibah. By I'jma, such meat is regarded as Haraam.
While in Saudi Arabia, I discovered the difference in price of imported and locally slaughtered meat and I found that imported meat was sold at six to seven Riyals per kilogram, whereas locally slaughtered meat was sold at twenty five to thirty Riyals per kilogram. It is for this reason, that in most Hotels, Restaurants and Hajj Tour Agencies, imported meat is served to Hujaaj. The pious people of Saudi Arabia abstain from this meat. I have seen many conscious Hujaaj, who for the same reason, abstain from consuming meat in Saudi Arabia.
One should remember that the consumption of Haraam sustenance causes wretchedness in a person. It is also due to this that Du'a is not accepted. How then will the Ibaadah and the Ziyaarah of the Haajis be accepted? Therefore, it is extremely important for the Hujaaj, when in the court of Allah and His Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) to be more particular in what they eat. Even if it means not eating meat for a few days, it will not cause any difference in one's physical condition and health. (Reference: THE LAW OF SHARI'AH REGARDING MECHANICAL SLAUGHTER by Muhaddith-e-Kabeer, Hazrat Allama Zia-ul-Mustapha Al-Qaderi Razvi Amjadi)
ISLAMIC STUDIES ON THE INTERNET
The Internet offers numerous Islamic web-sites that are easily accessible to a Muslim and especially to the youth who are searching for information from other sources throughout the world. However, while this system of retrieving information and learning has its rewards, it can be damaging, confusing and misleading in many ways to those youth who are very gullible and have little knowledge about Islam.
While many Islamic web-sites caters for those learned Muslims who are busy in research, to use the sites to study and learn about Islam without the assistance of a teacher or instructor can be very damaging to one's Imaan. Further, now that many false sets, such as the Qadiani, Shi'as, Wahabis, Ghair Muqallids, etc. are on the Internet propagating their false beliefs under beautifully designed logos, this danger of being misled is even more amplified.
The best way to Islamic Studies is the old way, and that is, through authentic books and through the guidance of a learned Uztaaz. The very presence and interaction of students with a learned Uztaaz has a great spiritual and reformative advantage with todays computer science and the Internet fails to offer.
OVERSEAS NEWS
786th URS SHAREEF OF HAZRAT KHWAJA GHARIB NAWAAZ: The seventh hundred and eighty sixth Urs Shareef of this great Saint was held from the 1st of Rajab 1419 to the 6th of Rajab (22-230th Oct. 1998) in Ajmer Shareef, India. It is estimated that two and a half million devotees from all parts of the world attended this blessed function. Many also visited other Mazaaraats in India, including the famous Bareilly Shareef and Mahrerah Shareef.
MUFTI MOHAMMED HUSEIN SAKR: This famous Scholar of Islam and reciter and commentator of Qasida Burda Shareef has taken ill in Pakistan. Sunni Muslims are requested to make Du'a for his speedy recovery. May Allah Ta'ala grant him Shafaa'at. Aameen.
CHECHNIYA SUNNI MUSLIMS UNDER ATTACK: Some local Wahabi movements in that country are involved in oppressing and torturing Sunni Muslims. (Manarul Huda, Lebanon)
FORMATION OF PAKISTAN: Dr. Iqbal Ahmad Akhtar-ul-Qadri has written a book titled "Words Not Mine! Words of the Time" to acknowledge the role of A'la Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu) in the formation of Pakistan. This book was published this year by the Islamic Education Trust, Mustafa Colony, 5-B-2, Gulshan-e-Ahmad Raza, North Karachi, Pakistan.
ISLAMIC LIBRARY IN TAIWAN: A massive Islamic Library has been established at the Grand Mosque in Taipei. It contains a large number of Islamic books in English and Chinese languages. (The Minaret)
I'LM-I-GHAYB OF THE HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)
The Knowledge of the Unseen (I'lm-i-Ghayb) was bestowed upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). This I'lm-i-Ghayb was, in essence, the most surpassing miracle given to the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
This miracle surpassed all miracles given to other Prophets taken together. More or less 124 000 Ambiya were raised at different periods of time with some specific knowledge of the hidden realm, i.e. I'lm-i-Ghayb. But the Knowledge of the Unseen bestowed upon the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was limitless in scope and magnitude. This is to say that each and every miracle in the nature of I'lm-i-Ghayb given to different Prophets was also given to the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
Relating to this bestowment of knowledge and observation upon the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), the Holy Quran says: "Allah has sent down to you O Prophet! the Book and Wisdom and taught what you knew not. Great is the Grace of Allah upon you." (Surah Nisa: Verse 113) In this virtuous essence the Quranic verse asserts that after bestowment of this everlasting treasure of knowledge now there remains no realm of knowledge and enlightenment which is not in the grip of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). This is what the Holy Quran describes as the "Fazl-i-Azim" (The Great Grace) - whatever the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was taught by way of knowledge was taught by Allah the Almighty. (Surah Aala: Verse 6)
If the teacher says to the pupil: I have taught you to read and you knew nothing before this, then he is justified to make this claim and there is nothing derogatory on his part to make such a claim; it cannot be termed as insolence to degrade the student. But if the student says to his teacher, you knew nothing and it was your teacher who gave you knowledge, then though, this logic cannot be denied. Nonetheless, it demonstrates that the student is guilty of insolence and misbehaviour towards his teacher. Such an example can hardly be traced in the annals of civilised behaviour.
Whatever the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) knew was through the knowledge bestowed upon him by Allah the Almighty. This being the fact, if before imparting the knowledge through the Holy Quran, Almighty Allah mentioned the state of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), "You knew nothing of the Book nor of the Faith (Imaan)" (Surah Nur: Verse 63), it is in consonance with the Almighty state of Divine Grandeur. It does not at all behove mortals like us to utter such words in respect of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). This would be downright degrading and insulting the high virtuous status of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
The uncontroversial fact remains that Allah the Almighty granted the I'lm-i-Ghayb to the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and if anyone denies and suspects the veracity of this Divine Truth, he is surely guilty of falsehood and diminishing the eminence of Divine Favour. If there be such a one, he ought to be condemned as a blasphemer, worthy of being expelled from the rank and file of Muslimhood. The quality of a true Muslim is that he accepts and believes as true each and every command of Almighty Allah and acts upon it ungrudgingly and unreservedly and induces others to do so.
The Darbar (seat of pre-eminences) of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is a grand Darbar surpassing the grandeur of worldly kings and monarchs. It is an act of misbehaviour and misdemeanour even to utter loud words in his august presence; such an act causes the loss of other virtuous deeds of a Believer, forfeiting the Divine Grace. There is a stern warning against those who slip away slyly from his assembly without seeking his permission, this amounts to misbehaviour. For them there is stern foreboding of dire punishment on the day of Judgement. It is said, "Deem not the summons of one Apostle among yourselves, like the summons of one of you to another. Allah doth knows those of you who slip away under shelter of some excuse; then those of you who slip away under shelter of some excuse; then beware those who withstand the Apostle's orders, lest some trial befell them or a grievous penalty be inflicted on them." (Surah Shura: Verse 52)
The companions of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) used to sit in his presence in due respect holding their breaths and not making any gestures to disturb the dignity of the assembly. They would only utter respectful words like, "O Prophet of Allah! May my parents be sacrificed at the alter of your dignity." To every question put to them, their reply used to be, "Allah and his Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) know better." (Reference: I'lm-e-Ghayb by Prof. Dr. Masud Ahmed)