To Recognise Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله
For one to truly recognise Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله, knowledge is a preliminary requisite whilst fear for Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله is an essential component. The virtuous trait of attaining the fear of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله cannot be acquired without knowledge. However, fear for Allah جل جلاله is not necessarily a definite consequence of knowledge. Knowledge alone does not produce this fear. To attain the fear of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله, there is a need for a separate effort which entails practising upon the knowledge one has gained.
(PRINCIPLES DERIVED FROM THE TEACHINGS OF HAKEEMUL UMMAH HAZRAT MOULANA ASHRAF ALI THAANWI SAHIB رحمه الله)
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Correct Your Deeds If You Want To Correct Your Life
Shaikh Abdur Rahman ibn al-Jawzi رحمه الله has advised that if anyone wants to correct the state of his life, he must then rectify his deeds. Sayyiduna Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم has said in a Hadīth Qudsi that Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله says;
لَوْ أَنَّ عِبَادِي أَطَاعُونِي لأَسْقَيْتُهُمُ الْمَطَرَ بِاللَّيْلِ، وَلأَطْلَعْتُ عَلَيْهِمُ الشَّمْسَ بِالنَّهَارِ، وَلَمَا أَسْمَعْتُهُمْ صَوْتَ الرَّعْدِ.
(مسند أحمد رقم8708)
“If My slaves make it a point to obey me then they will have rain at night and bright sunlight during the day. They will not hear the thunderbolt.”
Sayyiduna Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم has further said; “Never does piety become stale, nor evil remain fresh. He who submits to retaliation is always alive.” Undoubtedly, one will experience the reality of his deeds.
Another vital point we learn from the blessed advice of our Noble Master Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم is the need for Mujaahadah (striving against the evil promptings of Shaitān and the Nafs). In life, there will exist a continuous battle between truth and falsehood. Sins appear to be enjoyable whereas obedience appears burdensome.
Man has to understand that there is cause and effect relationship with regards our deeds. The difference is that we have to focus on our actual destination; ie the Aakhirah and ignore the lure and false glitter of material possessions and desire for fame. Our pious predecessors pitied the one who succumbed to temptation of the world.
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Choose Wisely
Shaikh Abdur Rahman ibn al-Jawzi رحمه الله has shared a profound statement of the saint Shaikh Abu Sulaimān Dārāni رحمه الله where he said; “If anyone keeps his affairs correct then he will be treated correctly. If he practices piety by night, then he will get his return during the day.” The respected saint went to the people and told them that he who desires perpetual security must fear Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله.
Shaikh Fudhail ibn Iyād رحمه الله has said; “I clearly see the effect of my sin in my female servant or my riding beast.” Many complain about the disobedience and obstinacy of those that work for them; have we not considered that the challenges we are experiencing are the consequences of our sins?”
Whenever we find any impediments in our lives; reflect whether we have been neglegent in gratitude or have we slipped into sin? Ingratitude invites difficulties and sudden punishment. Furthermore, we should never use the mercy and forgiveness of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله as an excuse for our laxity and laziness.
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The Consequences Of Our Actions
Shaikh Abdur Rahman ibn al-Jawzi رحمه الله has observed that if anyone disobeys Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله secretly, Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله will make it known, even at a later stage. One will find that people will talk of his sins committed secretly and he will face the subsequent humiliation. This is the punishment for all sins committed secretly.
Understand that Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله rewards or punishes every deed. He is All Knowing, nothing can be hidden from Him.
Similarly, if anyone does a good deed secretly, Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله will cause it to become apparent in the knowledge of the people and they will speak glowingly of him. By virtue of one concealing his good deeds; Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله causes the people to forget his sins. Undoubtedly, Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله makes apparent the reality of our actions.
People will love or detest a person proportionate to his attachment with Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. If one adopts piety, people will love him but if he chooses disobedience, people will abhor him. The hearts of the people are in sole control of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. It is imperative that we fortify our relationship with Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. If we compromise this attachment, those who had initially praised us will start criticising us. This is the reality of our actions, it is therefore our choice whether we desire to be accepted or rejected.