Below is a collection of words of advice from Maulana Ibrahim Dewla.
Allah’s Sustenance
“(Although) all of them are irrigated with the same water, We make some of them better than others in taste.” (13:4)
Allah poured water on the land, the effect of which produced different types of grains and fruits. It’s the same water but look at each fruit, its taste, smell, shape, and how it looks. Each fruit is unique in its way. Prophets remind people of Allah’s bounties and blessings. So one is compelled to turn to Allah. My Allah is giving me all this. Allah poured water, and this grew and was brought to life.
Sustenance doesn’t just mean for people to eat. People who need to eat will eat, people who need to trade will trade, and people who need to labor will labor. In different ways, sustenance is provided. One garden of mangos:
Not just the owner of the garden will receive sustenance.
How many birds will eat from there?
Laborers on the field will also receive sustenance.
Truck drivers of mangos will earn.
Whoever rents to the mango trader, will also earn.
Who knows how many people’s sustenance has Allah created in one mango?
Allah created sustenance for slaves near to Him, far from Him, believers, and disbelievers. Whoever it is, eat! This is Allah’s generosity.
Markets are Allah’s sustenance for His servants. Food, clothing, drink, medicine all of this is ‘sustenance’. Whenever I stroll through the market, I recollect this verse. If you walk through the market, reflect on this.
“As a provision to the slaves (of Allah).” (50:11)
Appreciating not opposing other efforts/activities of religion
And whatever other causes/efforts of the religion happening in the world we should value them. We shouldn’t censure them. Why? Because that work is also an objective and is something to be done. That’s not something we leave. It’s their favor that people are doing other work or else we would be responsible for doing it. So we should appreciate their work.
“MashAllah, these services you are performing for the religion, this is great.”
We should pray for them. We should assist them.
They are serving the other works of the religion. Because whatever efforts are on truth, cooperation is necessary. We should assist one another, help one another, and value one another. We shouldn’t reproach one another. Why? Because their work is also necessary.
In the body, nails and hair are both necessary. If all hair is removed and nails are cut? Every hair and nail is not useless. They are needed. Similar to how every part of the body is necessary to serve, whatever efforts of the religion, small or big, in group or individual, if they are efforts of the religion then they are needed at their place. And the people doing it are worthy of high regard. We should cooperate with them. We should pray for them so their work increase.
In Hadith (Tirmidhi 2487), Muhajireen came to the Prophet (saw) and said “Ansar have earned all the good. What have they left us?”
How so?
“They help us, feed us, provide us homes, and land and when they proceed in Allah’s path, the martyrs on their side are greater. In all of this, they are ahead. What is going to be left for us? They have taken all the good.”
Prophet (saw) “This is not so, you can also obtain this on two conditions:
(1) Whatever work they are doing, appreciate them for it.”
When someone makes more effort than us, there comes about either one of two states.
(a) Sometimes, the state is of Envy. “Why is he doing this?” They shouldn’t be allowed. This is when envy is impermissible.
(b) Other state is compassion.
Envy and Compassion are at opposing ends. A man doesn’t hold envy but compassion for his child. He has compassion for his child. My child! My child! And he envies his neighbor. Doesn’t this happen usually?
We are commanded to cultivate compassion.
So Prophet (saw) said whatever Ansar will receive. If you the Muhajireen want the same rewards, first condition is you should value them. The work we couldn’t do they are doing. It’s not that they should become envious of them.
(2) The second condition is Prophet (saw) said: “pray for them”.
O Allah, they are doing this, recompense them for this. Grant them sincerity. The Companions used to pray for each other.
Haji Abdul Wahab (rah) would provide this advice “Pray for one another”. Praying for the other is a sign of compassion. It’s a sign of wanting good for the other.
One’s abilities, Hardship, and Allah’s wisdom
Allah will not place that responsibility that exceeds one’s abilities. They don’t possess this ability Allah will not task them. As abilities diminish, there is ease (in religion). One cannot make wudhu then you can make tayammum (dry ritual purification); in the instance that using water will harm the individual, there is no water, and obtaining water is difficult. In these unusual circumstances, there is ease.
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship” (2:185)
Allah does not intend hardship. So then that ‘hardship’ that we see what is that? That is Allah’s wisdom. There is wisdom which is why this hardship came about. We have to attest our belief in Allah’s wisdom. Why? Because Allah is wise (Hakeem). Whatever is done by Allah is done according to His wisdom. Just like a doctor asks someone to abstain from such and such. “Don’t eat this, don’t exert yourself physically, etc”. This restrain is due to wisdom. Wisdom (hikmat) is an attribute of Allah (swt).
Allah (swt) sees a shortcoming in his slave or the objective (of difficulty) is elevation then this is a manifestation of wisdom. That’s why it’s said if due to wisdom there is deterrence, there is hardship no one should despair. This act of Allah is by His wisdom, this barrier will be opened through Allah’s power.
“If Allah per His wisdom closes one door, don’t be alarmed.
Allah per His wisdom will open another door for you.” (couplet)
Similar to how a mother stops producing milk, this doesn’t result in the child dying. Rather after the mother stops producing milk, many other doors of eating and drinking open up. One door closed and how many doors were opened!
This is a commandment (to have hope). Prophet (saw) would mention to his Companions.
Jabir bin ‘Abdullah (rad) reported: I heard the Prophet (saw) saying three days before his death: “Let none of you die unless he has good expectations from Allah”. (Riyad as Salihin 441)
Allah’s Compassion/Excerpt from Ml Ibrahim Dewla’s speeches
Reflect on Allah’s blessings. Who went to petition from Him? Who made an application for them? How many of His blessings have been given, without us asking? That I have received this and that.
“Remember Allah’s favors upon you” (2:231)
Allah is providing through his generosity. Eyes, ears, heart, brain, parents, relatives, wealth, possessions of this world. Allah continues to provide. Whether someone is disobedient or obedient, Allah continues to provide. Allah provides first before taking someone into account. A pious man said:
It is Allah! Sole King of heavens and earth
Who on account of (your) sin, never ceased (your) sustenance
(Persian couplet)
This individual has sinned. Now this individual shouldn’t receive sustenance, keep him hungry. No, this doesn’t happen. Allah continues to provide, it is His compassion.
Two drops, Allah’s Limitless Power
Prophets would call people to Allah through two methods:
1. Remind people of Allah’s blessings to them cause if one reflects, they will become humble and submit.
2. Explain Allah’s limitless power
Allah’s power is His attribute. Everything happens through His power. Allah is not dependent on anything while everything is dependent on Him. Allah can make the weak powerful, powerful weak, death to living, and give life to the dead. How did Allah create you? From a dirty drop of fluid.
“Did We not create you from a worthless fluid?” (77:20)
Allah’s power is amazing. The origin of humans is dirty fluid but when this human comes to this world, there is no creation like him. Such beautiful form, face, intelligence, and understanding, in every way.
The way of Prophets is to call people to reflect on Allah’s blessings and power. Sheikh Saadi (rah) scholar of the past, mentions Allah’s power:
Did you see Allah’s power? Two drops
One raindrop fell into the sea, and it became a dazzling pearl
One (seminal) drop fell into the womb, and it became a beautiful human being
Is there anyone (other than Allah) who can fashion in water? Show us!
(Couplet)
That raindrop when it fell into the sea, became a valuable pearl. Businesses, an industry are formed from it. As for humans, when a baby enters this world, he comes with a beautiful face. When his mother bathes him, brings him outside. Allah has created such a face; everyone who sees it shows affection.
Why is this considered Allah’s great power? It’s not possible to create a form or shape in water. You can make it on paper, wood, or the wall. But you won’t be able to do so in water. Allah has created the shape of a pearl and a human in water. This is Allah’s power, an invitation to turn to Him.
3 levels & Muslims should tip well
About wealth, there are 3 levels of good.
1. Insaaf (justice):
What should be done with wealth? If acquired wealth, live among each other with justice. Whoever has right over you, fulfill that right. Recognize who has right over you.
Insaaf (Justice) is obligatory. Without justice, the right will not be fulfilled. What you like for yourself, you like for others as well. What you don’t like for yourself, you don’t like for others as well. This is what is commanded to us by Allah. This is so that rights be fulfilled.
2. Ihsaan (excellence):
What is greater than fulfilling right? It’s Ihsaan (excellence). This is also commanded. Right is something you have to fulfill. There is no questioning it, it’s his right! There is no way out of it or else you would be an oppressor.
What is the next stage? Not only did you fulfill the right but you fulfilled the right in a beautiful/excellent way.
Ml Ilyas (rah) since there were no cars during his time used horses and carriages. He used to use them for traveling. So one driver would pick and take him places, charge him 12 anna. During the time of the British when they ruled India, 16 anna would equal one rupee. The driver had agreed to 12 anna as payment for his services. Ml Ilyas (rah) used to give him a complete rupee. Why?
-12 Anna is the driver’s right.
-4 Anna was a gift to the driver. This is ihsaan or fulfilling right beautifully.
“Allah enjoins to do justice and to adopt good (ihsaan) behavior” (16:90)
This is a lesson from the Quran for Muslims.
3. Isaar (altruism):
In the life of the Prophet (saw) the 3rd level was higher.
Isaar (altruism) was in the Prophet’s (saw) life, this was present among the Ansar, present among the Companions of the Prophet (saw). After justice, fulfilled it beautifully, and on top of which comes ‘Isaar’. The person overlooked his right in pursuit of fulfilling the other person’s right.
He remained hungry and fed others. (Corroborated by the incident of Ansari feeding guests “..and give preference (to immigrants) over themselves” (59:9))
He remained thirsty himself but wanted the thirst of others to be quenched first. (Corroborated by the Battle of Yarmook incident where Companions preferred others over themselves when they were thirsty and, in the process died)
Because wealth has been provided (by Allah). This is teaching to fulfill the rights of wealth.
(1) Do justice,
(2) in beautiful manner
(3) if Allah gives you the ability then do ‘Isaar’/be selfless.
The 3rd stage requires a lot of courage that one remain hungry and feed someone else, remain thirsty and offer drinks to others, and give preference to other people’s needs over your own. This (3rd) stage requires a lot of effort & one to have very strong faith. Even to this day, some people do this.
Allah’s bounties, His giving without asking/Excerpt from Ml Ibrahim Dewla’s speeches
Whether someone asks or doesn’t ask, Allah grants far more than what’s asked of Him. If a child enters this world incognizant of his needs as he doesn’t possess complete knowledge, how will he ask? But Allah sustains this child through His arrangements. Allah has perfect knowledge of what are His servant’s needs, comforts, and constraints. Allah knows our needs more than us.
Per his wisdom, Allah directs his bounties towards his servants. For example, Allah says:
“Did We not make for him two eyes? And a tongue and two lips” (90:8-9)
Did this man ever beseech Allah for eyes? That I need eyes in this world. He wouldn’t even have the awareness that he will be needing eyes. Yet, they were provided to him without asking.
Shah (rah) says five blessings were mentioned in verse because the child is dependent on them as soon as he is born:
1. He needs eyes to see his mother and her chest.
2. He needs lips to draw milk. Without lips, it would be cause for worry, how would he draw milk? Recently, a child was born in our locality without the upper lip. He had to go through surgery.
3. He needs his tongue to savor the food. Is it bitter, sweet, edible? One can only determine this if they have a tongue.
These are examples of how Allah unceasingly directs his bounties day and night to his servants.
Children are a trust/Excerpt from Ml Ibrahim Dewla’s speeches.
Allah has invited us to be in a state of submission till death.
“O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him]”. (3:102)
Keep obeying and die in obedience. Till death, everything is a trust. After death, there is accountability. Life, eyes, ears, wealth everything is a trust.
Per Imam Ghazali (rah), children are also a trust. The child Allah has given you is a trust. They are guided so they are on the right path not lost. So they don’t cause you misfortune.
Or else children would be tribulation and wealth would be punishment. What will wealth be? It will be punishment and children will be an affliction. Prophet (saw) prayed:
“Oh Allah, I seek refuge in you from every wealth that will be a punishment and from every child that will be harmful”.
(Allahuma inni Aadhubiki min kuli maalin ya kunu alaiya adhaba wa min kuli waladin ya kono alaiya wabala)
[Tabarani 1339]
Wealth and children are great blessings. But they can be tribulation and punishment as well.
How to Attain Love/Excerpt from Ml Ibrahim Dewla’s speeches.
Allah commands everyone to follow practice of the Prophet (saw), On following Prophet (saw), Allah promises two rewards:
1. You will become beloved by Allah
2. Your sins will be forgiven.
“..follow me Allah shall love you and forgive your sins…” (3:31)
Allah will love that person. On receiving Allah’s love, what does one receive? In the hadith:
Abu Hurairah (rad) reported the Prophet (saw) said, “When Allah loves a slave, calls out Jibril and says: ‘I love so-and-so; so love him’. Then Jibril loves him. After that he (Jibril) announces to the inhabitants of heavens that Allah loves so-and-so; so love him; and the inhabitants of the heavens (the angels) also love him and then make people on earth love him”.
(Riyad as-Salihin 387)
For example, when Musa (as) was born, Pharaoh ordered in his kingdom that any child of Bani Israel born should be immediately killed. During this adversarial time, Musa (as) is born. Allah inspired his mother to place Musa (as) in a basket and cast him into the river. The basket flowed into the hands of Pharaoh’s soldiers. While there is an order to kill children, they open the basket found a baby boy. What does Allah say?
“…And I had cast love on you from Myself (so that you might be favorite of all)..” (20:39)
This is the power of Allah and His assistance. He is going into the enemy’s hands, Allah placed love for him in their hearts. No weapon, strategy, or other method was used. Whoever saw Musa (as), loved him. After seeing him, Pharaoh’s wife started to love him. She exclaimed no one will hurt this baby. Why? Allah has placed love in their hearts. The enmity children of Bani Israel are to be killed is gone. Love is amazing. Love is such a thing!
“Love is such a thing, dead become alive
Love is such a thing, the king becomes a slave” (Persian couplet)
Just as Allah placed love for Musa (as) in a hostile environment, Musa (as) became beloved. Allah is saying when you follow the Prophet (saw)’s way, Allah will place your love so you will become beloved.
A Believer Loves/Excerpt from Ml Ibrahim Dewla’s speeches and notes
Mu’adh bin Jabal (rad) is a famous companion. He is among the scholars, knowledgeable about the permissible and the impermissible. He is among the Ansar.
It was narrated that Mu’adh bin Jabal said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) took my hand and said: ‘I love you, O Mu’adh!’ I said: ‘And I love you, O Messenger of Allah (saw).’ (Nasa’i 1303)
Love is a great thing; specifically love based on faith. It’s due to faith there is love not because of wealth and things (possessions). That is self-interest, not love.
Sahl bin Saad (rad) reported Prophet (saw) said “The believer loves and is loved; and there is no good in whom that doesn’t love and is not loved.” (Musnad Ahmad, Albani’s Silsilat Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheeha)
It is of the blessings of faith when demands of faith are fulfilled and they will practice what is asked of them. Allah will then place love in their hearts.
“Surely, those who believe and do the righteous deeds, for them the Rahman (All-Merciful) will create love.” (19:96)
For those people who will bring faith, and perform good actions, Allah will bring about love in their lives. The ones in the sky will love them, the ones on earth will love them. Angels will love them and creation will love them. This is a big thing.
Pursuit of Excellence & Quran/Excerpt from Ml Ibrahim Dewla’s speeches
Uthman bin Affan reported: The Prophet (saw) be upon him, said, “The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.” (Bukhari)
Sulami was among the Tabiun (followers of Companions of Muhammad(saw)) and was present in the company of Uthman (rad) when he heard this hadith. Sulami said ‘ever since I have heard this hadith from Uthman (rad) I decided to be of service to the Quran. It has been 70 years since I have been of this service. I teach slaves of Allah, I learn, teach then learn (continuously learn & teach). Ever since I have heard this hadith I have been occupied in this.’
“..and follow the best of it” (39:18)
They pursue excellence in their actions. When it comes to their good actions, they beautify it. 70 years he (Sulami) served the Quran. Why? Because he heard one hadith (one was sufficient to compel him to action).
Chasing Fame/Excerpt from Ml Ibrahim Dewla’s speeches and notes
Its becoming common the desire to become famous, not necessarily to perform good deeds. We are not in need of becoming famous rather we are in need of steadfastness in performing good deeds.
One person he does it for fame, you all know what he will get? Allah will say on day of judgement ‘you did it for fame so people say you are really good. So what are you going to get here?’
In front of Allah, there is no value for fame rather there is punishment.
Narrated Abu Huraira: Prophet (saw) said:
The first of men (whose case) will be decided on the Day of Judgment will be a man who died as a martyr. He shall be brought (before the Judgment Seat). Allah will make him recount His blessings (i. e. the blessings which He had bestowed upon him) and he will recount them (and admit having enjoyed them in his life). (Then) will Allah say: What did you do (to requite these blessings)? He will say: I fought for Thee until I died as a martyr. Allah will say: You have told a lie. You fought that you might be called a” brave warrior”. And you were called so. (Then) orders will be passed against him and he will be dragged with his face downward and cast into Hell.
Then will be brought forward a man who acquired knowledge and imparted it (to others) and recited the Qur’an. He will be brought And Allah will make him recount His blessings and he will recount them (and admit having enjoyed them in his lifetime). Then will Allah ask: What did you do (to requite these blessings)? He will say: I acquired knowledge and disseminated it and recited the Qur’an seeking Thy pleasure. Allah will say: You have told a lie. You acquired knowledge so that you might be called” a scholar,” and you recited the Qur’an so that it might be said:” He is a Qari” and such has been said. Then orders will be passed against him and he shall be dragged with his face downward and cast into the Fire.
Then will be brought a man whom Allah had made abundantly rich and had granted every kind of wealth. He will be brought and Allah will make him recount His blessings and he will recount them and (admit having enjoyed them in his lifetime). Allah will (then) ask: What have you done (to requite these blessings)? He will say: I spent money in every cause in which Thou wished that it should be spent. Allah will say: You are lying. You did (so) that it might be said about (You):” He is a generous fellow” and so it was said. Then will Allah pass orders and he will be dragged with his face downward and thrown into Hell.
(Muslim 1905a)
Means are Empty Vessels/Excerpt from Ml Ibrahim Dewla’s speeches
We should consciously strive to have correct relationship with Allah. What is considered guidance? That we utilize our lives and wealth correctly. If not, this would result in corruption and ruin in people’s lives. When Allah will be displeased, conditions will become unfavorable.
Remember! conditions are not associated with having things or means. People attempt to make their conditions favorable and better by increasing their means. However conditions are always associated with Allah’s will.
Similitude of anything of means is like an ’empty vessel’. For example there is vessel for tea, milk, sugar etc. Will an empty vessel by itself produce sugar? Bring about milk? Rather someone has to place milk in it first then only it will pour milk. If someone places sugar in it first, then only one can take out sugar. If someone makes tea in it, it will pour forth tea.
Similarly the means inherently cannot benefit or harm rather Allah places conditions in our means that will determine the outcome. Allah made conditions of the business favorable, now it will produce profit. If Allah were to make conditions unfavorable, will our business produce any profit? No, Allah willed there to be a loss; it will never result in profit.
One of names of Allah is The Benefactor (An-Nafi). If Allah intends to benefit then only there would be benefit. If Allah doesn’t intend to benefit then there wouldn’t be any benefit. These are how lands, factories, governments, everything are. Because for Allah everything is like an ’empty vessel’. Whatever outcome Allah wants it to manifest, that will happen.
All the keys are in hands of Allah.
“To Him belong the keys to the heavens and the earth.” (39:63)
Allah’s giving & wisdom/Excerpt from Ml Ibrahim Dewla’s speeches.
To despair from Allah is disbelief. A disbeliever doesn’t have any hope from Allah. Rather his hopes are tied to his possessions, position, business, and wealth. Our hopes should be tied to Allah. Whoever despairs from Allah has nothing else they can rely on. Hence, no one should despair. Allah utilizes both wisdom and power in his doing.
Through his power Allah has created heavens and earth. In fostering human being, Allah utilizes both wisdom and power. Wisdom is a secret that is beyond grasp of human being. This is why we become frightened ‘why did this happen?’ Due to which Allah sends messengers so they can explain both Allah’s wisdom & Allah’s power. Allah does through his power yet wisdom precedes it.
Once Musa (as) was going somewhere there was poor man stuck in mud. He requested Musa “Allah’s Prophet see I have no clothes, no food, trying to hide myself in mud so body is not revealed, have mercy on me, pray for my condition!” This is common among people even today.
Musa (as) then prayed for him and went his way.
There came a time Musa (as) came back & saw crowd of people. He asked, “what happened?”
Reply came that a man got drunk then ended up killing someone. In consequence he is now being sentenced to death. Musa (as) saw this was the same man that was stuck in mud.
Allah wanted to show Musa (as) there was wisdom why that man was in that condition. When opulence came, money came, he went out of control. His being poor was due to wisdom; not because Allah doesn’t have power to make him wealthy rather Allah can make this man wealthy.
This was written by Sheikh Saadi. After narrating story of Musa (as) he quoted
“And if Allah had extended [excessively] provision for His servants, they would have committed tyranny throughout the earth.” (42:27 Quran)
This is why people have conditions, someone is poor, someone is sick etc. There are different wisdom behind it sometimes to nurture/raise stature of human being, sometimes for his wellness.
People are unaware & complain. Rather we should have faith in Allah’s wisdom.
Broken Circumstances/Excerpt from Ml Ibrahim Dewla’s speeches
Whatever undesirable circumstance, it’s not there to degrade a human being. Rather an undesirable circumstance is test from Allah.
Allah will place an undesirable circumstance to see how much patience one will exhibit & steadfast one will be.
Thus, don’t be frightened that my circumstances have become difficult. Because the devil comes in these circumstances & makes a human hopeless. “Your circumstances never improved despite how long you have been practicing. How long you have been supplicating, praying, (its inconsequential) nothing has happened.” to make human despair from Allah.
In our faith hopelessness is disbelief. Not in any circumstance should a human being not be hopeful of Allah. Sometimes Allah delays what you are seeking. Allah’s name/attribute is ‘Jabbar’. Jabbar means almighty. Jabbar also means someone who rehabilitates broken bones. Allah is rehabilitator of broken circumstances.
Allah possesses both names and ability. What is unique about Allah is not only does he possesses names/attributes but Allah is also able. False deities/partners (to Allah) have many names/attributes but they are unable/powerless. They are only namesake.
Our Allah has name, is able with his greatness. Through work of Prophets Allah reveals his greatness. This is why circumstances of Prophets are trying. Then Allah rectifies those circumstances. So that they know the rectifier is Allah.
Reflect on this! Prophet (saw) ‘s parents died. From onset, circumstances were difficult he (saw) never seen his father. Because before his (saw) birth father departed. He (saw) saw his mother only for 6 years. On return trip from Madinah mother passed away. Grandfather was present who loved Prophet (saw) dearly. When he (saw) age was 8 yrs old he passed away. Prophet (saw) said that he was 8 yrs old while he walking underneath funeral procession of his grandfather.
Then his uncle raised him. Uncle was not affluent. In terms of wealth the family was modest. So Prophet (saw) said he worked as shepherd for wages. Qirat was currency during that time in Makkah. He (saw) said: “Even me I used to tend the sheep of the people of Makkah for a few Qirats.” ( Sunan Ibn Majah 2149)
Since very beginning circumstances were difficult. Upon Prophethood further difficulties came. And in all those circumstances Allah protected Prophet (saw). These are lives of Prophets. Their circumstances were broken but they were steadfast on their mission. Then Allah rectified their circumstances. So the Prophet (saw)’s life is an example for people.
Excessive Love in Friendship, Hate in Enmity/Excerpt from Ml Ibrahim Dewla’s speeches
Disagreements gives rise to enmity. Despite being enemies our dealings should be just.
“..and let not hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah” (5:8)
Enmity with anyone should not make one exceed boundaries. In lives of Companions of Prophet (saw) even with enemies they wouldn’t betray or break promises. There should be moderation in both enmity and friendship. Every thing has its limits and rights.
Abu Huraira reported: Prophet (saw) said, “Love whom you love mildly, perhaps he will become hateful to you someday. Hate whom you hate mildly, perhaps he will become your beloved someday.”(Tirmidhi)
This is teaching given to us.
Be moderate in love and friendship. Being friend of yours he knows everything about you and your secrets. It could be that the conditions of enmity arise, he may choose to dishonor you.
Be moderate in enmity and opposition. It shouldn’t be that once someone is an enemy you keep placing that forward when dealing with him. Perhaps today they are your enemy tomorrow they can be your friend. Then it would be regret, in my enmity towards this individual I exceeded limits, caused so & so harm.
Conditions are under control of Allah and they keep altering. For example after the stage of being child, the stage of youth comes then old age. There is always change in conditions so will there be change in our relations.
What should one then do? Be just. We usually hear this in sermon at Friday prayers.
“Allah enjoins to do justice and to adopt good behavior” (16:90)
This is with both Allah’s rights and rights of His servants. The life Prophet (saw) brought for us is ‘mercy’. Because it contains fulfillment of rights, balance, middle way. Then our dealings will build the right environment.
I am better/Excerpt from Ml Ibrahim Dewla’s speeches
Have good opinion of Muslims. This is how one should act in society. Thoughts of one another should be good. When one has good opinion of someone, then their good attributes will be revealed. Whereas if one has ill opinion of someone, one can only see their ill traits.
Devil shows to us our virtues and other people’s ill traits. About himself the devil said
“I am better than him” (38:76)
He is better than Adam (as). But Allah had shown favor and chosen Adam in creation. He was exclusively selected. (But) the devil thought that he is better and Adam ought to prostrate to him rather than he prostrate to Adam. He (devil) is seeing his own virtue. He was blind to the virtues that Adam (as) had. This is his work.
Every human’s ego (nafs) and his own devil, present one’s own virtues. And they would present the bad characteristics of others. This brings about ‘negative assumptions’. Scholars have mentioned that most ‘negative assumptions’ the devil brings is among the religious. ‘He must have done this, done that’. But in reality nothing like that ever happened. Its an evil presumption. In Islam, we are commanded to hold good opinion.
Look at the good attributes of Muslims. Every human being has a virtue. Become familiar with this. This is person who remembers Allah a lot, this is person serves others, this person performs lots of prayer, this person is very active (in propagating faith). Every human being is unique. Our five fingers they are not the same (each of them have benefit and role to play). There is good in every one of them.
Beauty, Adornment is Test/Excerpt from Ml Ibrahim Dewla’s speeches
In everything of this world, there is need (zaroorat) and beauty (zinat).
(1) ‘Zaroorat’ is not just benefit rather if deprived will result in harm.
Its rooted in arabic word ‘zarar’ meaning damage. For example if one is thirsty and doesn’t drink, they will die. As they are needs, there is little to no accountability in hereafter.
(2) ‘Zinat’ is beauty, adornment that is attractive to man. And there will be accountability for it in hereafter. Desiring of beauty, wanting to exercise perfect choice has no limit. Allah has made beauty, a test for his servants.
“We have indeed made whatever is on earth as an adornment (zinatan) for it, in order to test which of them is best in deeds.” (18:7)
Who will strive for beauty? Who will strive for obedience? That is the test. If attainment of beauty is made the objective, this will lure man away from Allah, his responsibilities and potential in serving religion.
For example, you drink in clay cup, thirst would be quenched. That is need. But is it necessary to drink in an expensive beautiful cup? There is no difference as the objective of drinking is one’s thirst needs to be quenched.
Another time I saw slippers for eight hundred dollars. Irrespective whether they are eight hundred or eight thousand, the benefit of slippers is to protect feet from heat and dirt. That benefit is the need. To spend eight hundred that’s beauty and not necessary.
Thus, striving for beauty in everything should not be one’s objective. Pious predecessors would say
“Whoever wants hereafter, let them not focus on beauty (of this world)”.
‘Zinat’ beauty is permissable but its a test. That’s why priority be given to obedience over beauty.
