Inspiring Advices•13 Apr 2023•6 min read

Taking Lesson from the Mi’raj – Advice for The leaders of the Ummah

Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel (Rahmatullah Alayh)

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“Taking Lesson from the Mi’raj – Advice for the leaders of the Ummah by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh) In the Seerah of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), we read about the beautiful experience and miraculous journey of the Mi’raj. The journey from Makkah Shareef to Baitul Muqqaddas (Jerusalem) is known as Isra, and the miraculous journey to the seven heavens and beyond is known as the Mi’raj. Whilst every aspect of the Isra and Mi’raj offers great lessons, there is a lesson that comes to mind, considering these times that we live in and the responsibilities and the trust that devolves upon those who have the knowledge of Deen, and who are in a position where they are able to influence the people. Our respected Muhadditheen have quoted Ahadith wherein Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) related that during this journey, he (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was offered wine and milk to drink. Some say that this was at Masjid-al-Aqsa, and others say it was in the heavens, near Sidratul Muntaha. When Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) accepted the milk, Jibreel (alaihis salaam) said: “You have adopted that which is Al-Fitrah [1]. Had you taken the wine, your Ummah would have certainly gone astray.” [2] Allah Ta’ala blessed Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) with a disposition that was pure and unadulterated, and thus he (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) inclined to what is good and pure. Milk is pure and nourishing. Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alayh) explained that like how milk provides nourishment and serves as a food and drink, similarly, the Deen of Islam offers complete spiritual nourishment. Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is Sayyidul Ambiyaa [3], Khaatamun Nabiyyeen [4] and Imamul Muttaqeen [5]. If he (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) had chosen the wine, then Jibreel (alaihis salaam) had said, it would have had such an influence – such a great effect – on the entire Ummah, that the Ummah would have gone astray. ♦ There is a great lesson in this incident for those who are known as scholars, for those who preach, for those who sit on the Mimbars, and for people like myself who give Bayaans, Wa’az and Nasihah. A lot depends on such people. In whichever direction they go, the Ummah will follow. There will be a large following in whichever direction such people go. If a scholar goes in the right direction, there will be a following in that direction, and if he goes in the wrong direction, then too, there will be a following in the wrong direction. Mufti Muhammad Aashiq-e-Ilaahi Bulandshahri (rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had said: “This statement of Jibreel (alaihis Salaam) makes evident that the character and deeds of a leader have a direct impact on his followers.” It is not that everyone in the Ummah will just naturally and instinctively follow the Haq (truth). If that were the case, we would not find so many people in the Ummah of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) following nafs and Shaytaan. Are we not following nafs and Shaytaan in our lives? How often do we place our own desires before the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala? So many engage in sins recklessly – as if sins are the aim and objective of this worldly life (na’uzu billah). Whether Haq or Baatil, there will be followers. Look at Shaytaan! He too has a following! The Scholars are supposed to be the leaders of the Ummah of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). They are assigned with the great trust and immense responsibility of conveying this message of Deen and Haq. They are to show us the direction towards Jannah and lead us in that direction – by practically implementing the commandments of Allah Ta’ala and keeping clear of all the prohibitions of Allah Ta’ala. Now, if the scholars are going to go in the direction of Jahannum, then there will be many people who will follow them and who will say to Allah Ta’ala on the Day of Judgment: “Maulana Saheb, Qari Saheb, Mufti Saheb, Haji Saheb, Tablighi Saheb, Khanqah Saheb – and all these people of Deen, were showing us the direction to Jahannum. They were our leaders and we followed them” —but this will not be an excuse. We, who are categorised as scholars, should keep in mind the Hadith wherein Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Whoever initiates a good practice in Islam and is emulated by others in doing so, will get the reward of it and the reward of all those who act upon it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect. And whosoever initiates an evil practice in Islam and is emulated by others, will bear the sin of it, and the sin of all those who act on it without their burden being diminished in the least.”[6] One of the outstanding qualities of one who has knowledge is his fear of Allah Ta’ala: “…It is only those who have knowledge among his slaves that fear Allah…” [Surah Fatir 35: 28] If a person has much knowledge, but there is no obedience to Allah Ta’ala, and there is an absence of the fear of Allah Ta’ala, he will not be categorised amongst the ‘Ulama or Ahle-Ilm. If the Scholars give leeway with respect to any of the Muharramaat (prohibitions), there is no doubt that the Ummah will very freely move in the direction of sins. And this is what we find happening today. Mufti Rasheed Ahmad Saheb Ludhyaanwi (rahmatullahi Alaih) explained that when the people of learning set a wrong precedent, the consequences are very severe: 1) Accountability before Allah Ta’ala will be harsher. 2) The wrongdoing by the scholars emboldens the masses to engage in sin. 3) The masses will consider sin as permissible. Our Akaabir always considered that their actions must not affect the Deen in any way. They were very particular about their actions. They looked at the bigger picture and did not compromise on Deen. As scholars, there has to be a”

Taking Lesson from the Mi’raj – Advice for the leaders of the Ummah
by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh)

In the Seerah of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), we read about the beautiful experience and miraculous journey of the Mi’raj. The journey from Makkah Shareef to Baitul Muqqaddas (Jerusalem) is known as Isra, and the miraculous journey to the seven heavens and beyond is known as the Mi’raj.
Whilst every aspect of the Isra and Mi’raj offers great lessons, there is a lesson that comes to mind, considering these times that we live in and the responsibilities and the trust that devolves upon those who have the knowledge of Deen, and who are in a position where they are able to influence the people.

Our respected Muhadditheen have quoted Ahadith wherein Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) related that during this journey, he (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was offered wine and milk to drink. Some say that this was at Masjid-al-Aqsa, and others say it was in the heavens, near Sidratul Muntaha. When Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) accepted the milk, Jibreel (alaihis salaam) said:

“You have adopted that which is Al-Fitrah [1]. Had you taken the wine, your Ummah would have certainly gone astray.” [2]

Allah Ta’ala blessed Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) with a disposition that was pure and unadulterated, and thus he (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) inclined to what is good and pure. Milk is pure and nourishing. Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alayh) explained that like how milk provides nourishment and serves as a food and drink, similarly, the Deen of Islam offers complete spiritual nourishment.

Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is Sayyidul Ambiyaa [3], Khaatamun Nabiyyeen [4] and Imamul Muttaqeen [5]. If he (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) had chosen the wine, then Jibreel (alaihis salaam) had said, it would have had such an influence – such a great effect – on the entire Ummah, that the Ummah would have gone astray.

♦ There is a great lesson in this incident for those who are known as scholars, for those who preach, for those who sit on the Mimbars, and for people like myself who give Bayaans, Wa’az and Nasihah. A lot depends on such people. In whichever direction they go, the Ummah will follow. There will be a large following in whichever direction such people go.

If a scholar goes in the right direction, there will be a following in that direction, and if he goes in the wrong direction, then too, there will be a following in the wrong direction. Mufti Muhammad Aashiq-e-Ilaahi Bulandshahri (rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had said: “This statement of Jibreel (alaihis Salaam) makes evident that the character and deeds of a leader have a direct impact on his followers.”

It is not that everyone in the Ummah will just naturally and instinctively follow the Haq (truth). If that were the case, we would not find so many people in the Ummah of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) following nafs and Shaytaan. Are we not following nafs and Shaytaan in our lives? How often do we place our own desires before the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala? So many engage in sins recklessly – as if sins are the aim and objective of this worldly life (na’uzu billah).

Whether Haq or Baatil, there will be followers. Look at Shaytaan! He too has a following!

The Scholars are supposed to be the leaders of the Ummah of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). They are assigned with the great trust and immense responsibility of conveying this message of Deen and Haq. They are to show us the direction towards Jannah and lead us in that direction – by practically implementing the commandments of Allah Ta’ala and keeping clear of all the prohibitions of Allah Ta’ala. Now, if the scholars are going to go in the direction of Jahannum, then there will be many people who will follow them and who will say to Allah Ta’ala on the Day of Judgment: “Maulana Saheb, Qari Saheb, Mufti Saheb, Haji Saheb, Tablighi Saheb, Khanqah Saheb – and all these people of Deen, were showing us the direction to Jahannum. They were our leaders and we followed them” —but this will not be an excuse.

We, who are categorised as scholars, should keep in mind the Hadith wherein Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

“Whoever initiates a good practice in Islam and is emulated by others in doing so, will get the reward of it and the reward of all those who act upon it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect. And whosoever initiates an evil practice in Islam and is emulated by others, will bear the sin of it, and the sin of all those who act on it without their burden being diminished in the least.”[6]

One of the outstanding qualities of one who has knowledge is his fear of Allah Ta’ala:

“…It is only those who have knowledge among his slaves that fear Allah…”
[Surah Fatir 35: 28]

If a person has much knowledge, but there is no obedience to Allah Ta’ala, and there is an absence of the fear of Allah Ta’ala, he will not be categorised amongst the ‘Ulama or Ahle-Ilm.

If the Scholars give leeway with respect to any of the Muharramaat (prohibitions), there is no doubt that the Ummah will very freely move in the direction of sins. And this is what we find happening today. Mufti Rasheed Ahmad Saheb Ludhyaanwi (rahmatullahi Alaih) explained that when the people of learning set a wrong precedent, the consequences are very severe:

1) Accountability before Allah Ta’ala will be harsher.

2) The wrongdoing by the scholars emboldens the masses to engage in sin.

3) The masses will consider sin as permissible.

Our Akaabir always considered that their actions must not affect the Deen in any way. They were very particular about their actions. They looked at the bigger picture and did not compromise on Deen. As scholars, there has to be a concern for the safety of the Ummah and humanity at large. We should think of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam)’s deep concern for the Ummah, his tears for the Ummah, and his repeated Dua for: “Ummati, Ummati”.

The incident of Isra and Mi’raj is very clear: Had Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) adopted that one single action, the Ummah would have gone astray. Those who hold some influence should realise that their actions can ultimately “make” this Ummah or “break” this Ummah.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the concern and grant us Taqwa and Istiqaamah on Siraatul Mustaqeem. May Allah Ta’ala make us true flagbearers of this beautiful Deen, and true representatives of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).

[1] A natural, pure state
[2] Sahih Muslim
[3] Sayyidul Ambiyaa: Master of the Messengers (of Allah Ta’ala)
[4] Khaatamun Nabiyyeen: Seal of the Messengers (of Allah Ta’ala)
[5] Imamul Muttaqeen: The leader of the pious
[6] Sahih Muslim

Du‘a

“May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the Tawfeeq of understanding and sincere practice, and grant Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb the highest stages in Jannatul Firdaus, Aameen.”

Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel

Rahmatullah Alayh (Durban, South Africa)

Khalifa of Hazrat Maulana Hakim Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (RA) and Hazrat Mufti Mahmood-ul-Hasan Gangohi (RA). Lectures, articles, and correspondence dedicated to spiritual rectification and the love of Allah and His Rasool.

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The Shops of Ma’rifat

A person generally purchases material commodities from a shop. Groceries are purchased from a supermarket, clothing from a clothing store, jewellery from a jewellery shop and so forth. To obtain these material commodities, the buyer will have to give a certain amount of money in return for his goods. This is a transaction which is most common in the business world. There is also a transaction in the spiritual world where special commodities may be purchased: The commodities of the Ma’rifat (Recognition of Allah Ta’ala), ‘Ishq (Love for Allah Ta’ala), Qurb (Nearness to Allah Ta’ala), Nisbat (Connection with Allah) and so forth are generously available, for all. However, these special commodities of the ‘Ma’rifat’ (recognition) and Ishq of Allah Ta’ala are such that they cannot be purchased with the coins and notes or the gold and silver of this world. They are to be purchased in this world and are found in what I term the ‘shops’ of Ma’rifat, which are found throughout the world. These ‘shops of ‘Ma’rifat’ are the Ahlullah (People of Allah). They stock the merchandise of Allah Ta’ala. However, these Ahlullah do not accept cash, cheques, cards, gold or silver in their transactions. They accept a different kind of currency, which is far more precious than money. The payment for the merchandise of Allah Ta’ala is the Qurbani (sacrifice) of our evil desires. To become ‘Aarif Billah’, we have to pay for these spiritual treasures with the sacrifice of our base desires. The ‘asking price’ is the sacrifice of our evil desires – whether it is the evil desire to cast lustful gazes, commit fornication/adultery, gamble, take drugs, backbite, listen to music or commit any action which is Haram. Added to this, the more money a person possesses, the greater the commodity that can be purchased. Five Rand cannot buy a person a 22ct gold bangle. You require a lot of money for big commodities. Similarly, the more the Qurbani, the more the Ma’rifat of Allah Ta’ala; the greater the sacrifice, the greater the recognition of Allah Ta’ala. Take the example of a person who goes to the Jeweller, and he has with him R100 000. On the one hand, he wants to purchase jewellery, and on the other hand, he does not want to part with his money. He is attached to one and drawn to the other. He wants both. But he will have to part with that money in exchange for the jewels that he desires. Many of us want to please Allah Ta’ala, and we also want to keep our Nafs happy. This cannot be. No one can gain the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and secure His love while pandering to the whims and fancies of the Nafs and Shaytan. Just as the person will get gems, pearls, or gold and silver in return for his money, so too, if the Salik (Seeker of Allah Ta’ala) is prepared to sacrifice his evil desires and passions, then he will be given the pearls and jewels of Ma’rifat from the shops of Ma’rifat. The Ahlullah have a priceless treasure within their hearts. They are very generous in sharing because sharing increases their Treasure. And if we are able to secure the same, then we will understand the insignificance of the Dunya (This material world). “O Allah, You have explained Your Value, being both worlds. If by giving both worlds, You are attained, Both worlds are nothing in exchange for Your Love and Friendship. Even if a person should sacrifice his life for You, Then too, the full price has not been paid. To become martyred for the sake of Your Love, Is better than a thousand lives, And many are the Kingdoms to be sacrificed for Your servitude.” Once Shah Waliyyullah (rahmatullah ‘alayh) addressed the Moghul Emporers, saying: Waliyyullah has a heart that is beautified with the gems and pearls of the Love of Allah Ta’ala. If there is anyone wealthier, then come forward. When you die, you will be beneath the ground, wrapped in a few sheets, while your power and position, your wealth and Treasure will be left behind, above the ground. The gems and pearls of the ‘Ishq and Ma’rifat of Allah Ta’ala are dependent on how much Qurbani is made. “O, Friend! Treasures are generally buried in places of destruction. Hence destroy the evil desires and attain the Treasure.” Until we do not turn our hearts red with the blood of our evil desires, there is no way that we can secure the ‘Ishq, Ma’rifat and Qurb of Allah Ta’ala. There is no Wali (Friend of Allah Ta’ala) who has become a Wali by fulfilling the evil desires of his heart. The condition of the sincere ones is : Say, “My prayer, my offering, my life and my death are for Allah, the Lord of all the worlds…” [Surah An-An’am 6:162]

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Inspiring Advices

Inspiring Advices•28 Nov 2022

NO, it’s Not ON!

NO, it’s Not ON! by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Once, whilst walking on the pavement, I saw the word “ON” engraved on the cement. A pedestrian would read “ON” walking in one direction and would read “NO” walking in the opposite direction. This made me think of the never-ending efforts of Shaytan and Nafs in enticing and persuading us to engage in sins. When it comes to sins, Shaytan and Nafs are quick in glorifying disobedience, saying to us, “It’s ON!” This is a common catchphrase, often used to confirm some get-together or meeting, whether at the rave club, cinema, casino, or an illicit affair —meaning, ‘It’s the thing to do, It will bring enjoyment and gratification. You will be ‘with it.’ However, when a true Muslim is faced with such an invitation to sin or is tempted to disobey Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), then he boldly and assertively responds: “NO, it’s not On!” He addresses his nafs: “Agreed, there is a little stolen pleasure in sin, But what great rebellion is this against the Sustainer (Allah Ta’ala (That you use His bounties to disobey Him) A little while of pleasure and everlasting regret; What stupidity it is to bury the Janaza of respect and honour.” Click here to download and listen to the above couplet recited by Hazrat Maulana: “Yeh Mana Ma’siyat me…”

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Inspiring Advices

Inspiring Advices•15 Nov 2022

Mirror Reflections

Mirror Reflections by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) It is said: ” The room in which there is no mirror is worse than a prison cell for a woman”. Of course, the same can be said about many men who spend hours in front of the mirror for the sole purpose of beautification. This statement gives us an idea of how often a person looks into the mirror, so much so that one will say that the mirror is indispensable. To look into a mirror, comb one’s hair, etc., is not Haram (forbidden). To do so is the Sunnah of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). We will also find amongst the duas of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) the dua when looking into a mirror: “O Allah, You have beautified my features, so beautify my character as well.”[1] Even so, the mirror must not become an obsession. The efforts in beautifying the face and maintaining the physical body in good shape have turned into a multi-billion dollar industry. The interest and concern are directed towards something that will inevitably turn to dust, whereas we have not been created for just the beautification of the face and body -that from the morning until the night, the person is fixated on nothing but his physical appearance. Be that as it may, we find that there are various kinds of mirrors: There are those mirrors that give a true and correct reflection. There are mirrors that magnify the person’s features. There are even mirrors that reflect a distorted or twisted image. The face may be the same, but the reflection varies depending on the type of mirror used. Then again, there are times when a person’s beauty is affected by other factors. When we travelled by train in India, we travelled in third-class coaches and sometimes long distances. Due to some of the windows of the carriage being left open, or the windows being broken, dust would cover the carriage. We would be covered with dust from head to toe. Anyone seeing us would see a different appearance. Accordingly, certain factors, like sickness, sleep, travel, etc., affect a person’s appearance. Similarly, the same can be said about our physical as well as our spiritual hearts. The spiritual heart is also not always in the same condition. The heart is called ‘Qalb’ in the Arabic language because it is perpetually in a state of change. It has been narrated regarding the heart: ‘The heart (Qalb) takes its name from its constant changes (Taqallub). The likeness of the heart is that of a feather at the base of a tree, being turned over and over by the wind.’ [2] ‘The heart of the son of Aadam changes more quickly than a pan of rapidly boiling water.’ Just as we are conscious of maintaining the beauty of our appearance and physique, there has to be a sense of consciousness, more so, in maintaining the beauty of the spiritual heart. As a poet aptly says: We looked into the mirror for blemishes on our faces, But we did not look at all the blemishes of the heart. The mirrors for the spiritual heart are the Quran Sharif, Ahadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and the advice of the Ahlullah (People of Allah). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has also informed us: ‘A Believer is the mirror for a Believer.’[3] Whilst a mirror discloses any defect in our physique, these mirrors disclose to us the neglect and weakness of our spiritual hearts. We are thus able to gauge our spiritual condition, and we are able to see the blemishes of our hearts in these mirrors. As I have said, some mirrors give a magnified and enlarged reflection or a distorted, twisted or skewed image –which is not a true and honest reflection of the person standing in front of that mirror. Similarly, some Muslims do not give a true reflection: If a Muslim is of bad character, and his actions are “twisted” and “distorted” due to his indulgence in sins, he will not offer a proper reflection. Just as we appreciate the mirror that gives us a true reflection or draws our attention to that part of our face or body that requires cleaning or improvement, we should be grateful for these spiritual mirrors. These spiritual mirrors are the mirrors of the Quran Sharif, Ahadith, wise teachings of the learned, and the advice of righteous and sincere Muslims —by which we can clean, improve, and beautify our spiritual hearts. If we assume the role of the mirror, we should keep in mind that a good mirror only discloses weakness or defect. A good mirror does not criticise, exaggerate and advertise to all and sundry another person’s weakness. Being a “mirror” to another could also mean that a person should become righteous so that whoever sees him will be encouraged to do good deeds, like a person who looks into a mirror and then tries to perfect his appearance. For example, A Muslim who wears the Sunnah dress will insha Allah, be a means of guidance and encouragement to those who see him and are not dressed accordingly. They will be more conscious of their Muslim identity, and will, insha Allah, adopt the correct attire. The same would follow regarding good actions, behaviour, dealings etc. If we are concerned about the beautification of our Iman, we will make every effort to remove any trace of ‘unsightliness’ (i.e. pride, show, vanity, jealousy, malice, etc.) or even sins such as lying, cursing, casting evil gazes, interest, fraud and so forth. In the beauty industry, we will find all kinds of products and innumerable beauticians and consultants offering various treatments and packages. There are so many kinds of washes, scrubs, lotions and creams advertised for facial and body beauty —detoxifying wash, day cream, night cream, nourishing cream, replenishing cream, moisturising cream, etc. —so too,

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