Performing Salah in the Masjid - Audio
Here is a talk delivered by my beloved father, Shaykhul Hadith, Moulana Haroon Abasoomar (rahimahullah) on this crucial practice of ensuring that we attend the Masjid for all our Salah.
Download here
21/06/2020
The amazing value of supporting Islamic knowledge
The value of supporting Sincere Scholars and sponsoring Islamic Knowledge
Knowledge is the heart beat of Islam. Its like the blood that flows through the veins of a human body; when that stops, the body dies.
Preservation of the ‘Ulama is imperative to preserving Dinul Islam in its pure form.
The Institutions of knowledge are the fountainheads. Every Muslim household should be connected to an institution of Islamic knowledge (madrasah/Darul Uloom etc) via their children’s attendance, du’as and support.
A Great lesson from Imam ‘Abdullah Ibnul Mubarak (rahimahullah)
Imam ‘Abdullah ibnul Mubarak (rahimahullah) was an unparalleled stalwart of his time, who was all rounded, and excelled in many branches of knowledge and practice.
As he was known for his generosity, someone once rebuked his expenditure on people of knowledge in other towns outside his home town of Marw.
عُوتِبَ ابْنُ المُبَارَكِ فِيْمَا يُفَرِّقُ مِنَ المَالِ فِي البُلْدَانِ دُوْنَ بَلَدِهِ،
His response was the following:
قَالَ: إِنِّيْ أَعْرِفُ مَكَانَ قَوْمٍ لَهُم فَضْلٌ وَصِدْقٌ، طَلَبُوا الحَدِيْثَ، فَأَحْسَنُوا طَلَبَهُ لِحَاجَةِ النَّاسِ إِلَيْهِم، احْتَاجُوا، فَإِنْ تَرَكْنَاهُم، ضَاعَ عِلْمُهُم، وَإِنْ أَعَنَّاهُم، بَثُّوا العِلْمَ لأُمَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ -صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ- لاَ أَعْلَمُ بَعْدَ النُّبُوَّةِ أَفْضَلَ مِنْ بَثِّ العِلْمِ
‘I know of several good, reliable people who sought Hadith [knowledge of Islam] in the best of ways, and whose knowledge the people are in need of. These individuals have now become needy [for their livelihood]. If we abandon them, their knowledge will get wasted, but if we assist them [with their livelihood] they will continue to propagate knowledge to the Ummah of Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam).
After the rank of Prophethood, I don’t know of anything better than the spreading of knowledge.’
(Siyar A’lamin Nubala, vol.8 pg.387)
These are great words, from a great man.
May Allah Ta’ala inspires us all.
Don’t wait to be asked for your support. Rather make it your duty to search for such avenues yourself.
See other similar posts here and here.
12/06/2020
Rush to do good deeds - Audio
Nabi (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) said in an authentic Hadith:
بادروا بالأعمال فتنا كقطع الليل المظلم
'Rush towards good deeds before a time comes wherein there will be such fitnahs that will be like the portions of a dark night.' (Sahih Muslim)
Here is a talk that I delivered expounding on this Hadith, listen here
Iman and Yaqin - Audio
Here is a talk delivered by my beloved father, Shaykhul Hadith, Moulana Haroon Abasoomar (rahimahullah) on this important topic.
Download here
Eulogy of Moulana Haroon Abasoomar (rahimahullah)
Attached, is a eulogy of my Beloved Father, The Ameer and founder of Darul Hadith; Hazrat Moulana Haroon Abasoomar (rahimahullah).
If deemed suitable, you may put it on your local notice board.
جَزاكمُ الله خَيرًا وَبارَكَ فِيكُمْ
08/06/20
The Challenge after Ramadan - Audio
Here is a talk delivered by my beloved father, Shaykhul Hadith, Moulana Haroon Abasoomar (rahimahullah) on the real challenge of maintaining what was achieved during Ramadan.
Download here
Tadribur Rawi - Shaykh Muhammad 'Awwamah
This valuable handbook in the field of Hadith sciences by 'Allamah Suyuti (rahimahullah) was afforded its rightful extent of research by My Honourable Teacher; Al-'Allamatul Muhaddith, Shaykh Muhammad 'Awwamah (hafizahullah) in his edition of the book.
Shaykh (rahimahullah) completed this book after spending approximately sixty years in the field of Hadith sciences.
The exceptional value of this work can be gauged from the fact that this is a summary of his sixty year effort in the field.
Download here
Inculcating the quality of Taqwa - Audio
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ
'O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims.'
(Surah Aalu 'Imran, verse: 102)
وَمَن يَرْغَبُ عَن مِّلَّةِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِلَّا مَن سَفِهَ نَفْسَهُ ۚ وَلَقَدِ اصْطَفَيْنَاهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَإِنَّهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ لَمِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
'And who would be averse to the religion of Ebrahim ('alayhis salam) except one who makes a fool of himself. And We had chosen him in this world and indeed he, in the Hereafter, will be among the righteous.'
(Surah Baqarah, verse: 130)
Here is a talk delivered by my beloved father, Shaykhul Hadith, Moulana Haroon Abasoomar (rahimahullah) explaining the duty of adopting Taqwa. Download here
Completing the Quran in two rak’ahs of Salah
Moulana Qari Muhammad Rafiq, explaining an incident of Shaykh Binnory’s (rahimahullah) deep love of the Quran Sharif, writes:
Shaykh Binnory (rahimahullah), expressing his shukr (gratitude) to Allah Ta’ala, says:
“One day a Qari, who was my friend, came to meet me. This was in the last few days of Ramadan. He used to read Quran very beautifully. I said to him: “Instead of wasting time, let us read nafl Salah.” Accordingly, the Qari made niyyah of nafl Salah and I followed behind him. Then what more can I say? He started reciting and I derived enjoyment and pleasure. He continued like an express train passing though stations of Surahs and before the time of sehri, he completed the entire Quran in two rak’ahs.”
(Jamal e Yusuf, Pg. 103)
Reciting & listening to the Quran in Ramadan
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu 'anhuma) narrates that:
‘Rasulullah (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) was the most generous of all the people, and he would peak in generosity during Ramadan when Jibril ('alayhis salam) use to meet him. Jibril ('alayhis salam) would meet him every night in Ramadan to revise the Quran. [During those days] Rasulullah (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) was even more generous than the fair winds.’
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 6)
Commentary
This Hadith shows that Quran recital is the best ‘ibadah in Ramadan.
(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 6)
Revising the Quran refers to each one reciting to the other the entire Quran [that was revealed up to that particular Ramadan].
Some Sunnats of Ramadan
The above Hadith illustrates a few additional Sunnahs of Ramadan:
1. Increased generosity. This is in keeping with practice of our Creator Allah Ta'ala as He himself also increases His mercies and generosity in this month. (Lataiful Ma’arif)
2. To complete an entire recital of the Holy Quran like Rasululllah (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) would recite to Jibril ('alayhis salam).
3. To listen to an entire recital of the Holy Quran, as Rasulullah (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) would listen to the entire recital from Jibril ('alayhis salam).
During Tarawih, we have an opportunity to listen to the entire Quran. To physically recite it is our onus.
You are in charge and accountable
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu 'anhuma) narrates that he heard Rasulullah (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) saying:
‘Everyone of you is a guardian and is responsible for his charge; the ruler is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects, the man is a guardian of his family and responsible for his charges, a woman is a guardian of her husband's house and responsible for her charges, and the servant is a guardian of his master's property and is responsible for his charge. Everyone of you is a guardian and responsible for his charges.’
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 2558)
Commentary
- During the current state of lockdown in many cities around the world, one should focus on creating/maintaining a healthy Islamic environment inside the home. That’s our first responsibility, before we focus on anything outside.
- Use this spare time to ‘reconstruct’ your home and homely manners.
- Focus on what was lacking and make efforts to improve on it.
- Spend additional time in dhikr, du’a, tilawah etc in collective gatherings with one’s wife and kids. In addition to drawing Allah’s mercy, this will bond the family immensely.
- Passing time on television and the Internet could cause more devastation than the pandemic itself.
- One should dedicate time daily for Quran recital throughout Ramadan as well as during the lockdown period. The Quran is a cure for all problems. It’s recital also protects one’s mental state from deteriorating.
May Allah Ta’ala grant ‘afiyah to the entire Ummah.
‘Allamah Binnory’s (rahimahullah) Ramadan
One of ‘Allamah Binnory’s students writes:
In the Mubarak month of Ramadan Moulana Muhammad Yusuf Binnory (rahimahullah) used to become the embodiment of worship. He would keep fast with a lot of fervor and would pass a major portion of the night in Salah and recitation of Quran. Despite pain in the knees he would listen to five juz in Tarawih Salah. When he was in the Haramayn Sharifayn, he would do ‘ibadah with such eagerness and delight that onlookers would become envious. He would barely rest for two to three hours, spending the rest of the time in various ibadah. I can never forget the time when he was in i’tikaf in Masjidun Nabawi (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) in the last ten days of Ramadan. Everyone knew of his difficulty due to knee-aches.
Coincidentally, there was an expert specialist of this ailment most probably from Lyallpur (Faisalabad) who had arrived in Madinah Munawwarah. Someone mentioned Moulana’s ailment to him so he came to Moulana’s section of i’tikaf and requested: “Shaykh, I treat it by giving a special injection to the knees. I also want to give you the injection.” Moulana replied: “Very well”. The specialist gave the injection with a lot of effort and requested that it is necessary for him to perform Salah sitting for one or two days. By standing and performing Salah the benefit will be lost. Moulana kept quiet but when the ‘Isha Salah was commencing, Moulana also stood up. This was not only for the Fard Salah, but also for the Tarawih Salah which followed in which a few juz were recited. Then he stood in Tahajjud, where three juz were recited, from the beginning to the end. He stood and performed all his Salah whether it was fard or nafl.
We requested: “Shaykh, despite the specialist preventing you, still you performed Salah standing for the entire night. How is this?”
He replied: “The truth is that through the injection of the specialist, I was relieved of the pain. Therefore the thought crossed my heart that why spiritual benefit cannot be derived during this relief. This is the last ten of the mubarak nights of Ramadan and we won’t always get this opportunity to be in Masjidun Nabawi (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam). How can I can I be deprived of spiritual benefit and barakah despite my physical relief.
During his stay in Makkah Mukarramah, Moulana, despite his continuous knee-aches, would continuously make tawaf again and again. Despite his condition, he would make his way to the first saff. When he would sit with his friends in the Haram Sharif, he would fix a spot for himself in front of the Mizab e Rahmah. Moulana would always sit here and engage in dhikr, fikr and deliver lectures and advice.
(Khususi Number, Pg. 793)
27/04/2020
What to avoid whilst fasting during Ramadan - Audio
Listen to a two series talk delivered by my beloved father, Shaykhul Hadith, Moulana Haroon Abasoomar (rahimahullah) on the topic of actions to avoid during the fasts.
Tarawih; 20 Rak'ahs and no less!
Tarawih Salah is Sunnah Muakkadah (an emphasised Sunnah). One who discards it deliberately and repeatedly becomes sinful.
Tarawih in Ramadan was established by Rasulullah (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) himself.
Thereafter, it was Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu 'anhu) who had unified the Ummah upon the performance of twenty Rak’ahs of Tarawih behind an Imam. His decision was met with unanimous approval of all the Sahabah (radiyallahu 'anhum) and Tabi'un of that era. From that time till today, this remained the uninterrupted practice of the entire Ummah.
In one Hadith Nabi (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) said: “Hold on firmly to my Sunnah and that of the rightly guided Khulafa.” (i.e, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, Sayyiduna ‘Umar, Sayyiduna ‘Uthman and Sayyiduna ‘Ali -radiyallahu 'anhum-).
(Sunan Abi Dawud)
Furthermore Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu 'anhuma) reported that, “Rasulullah (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) used to perform twenty Rak’ahs and the Witr Salah in Ramadan.”
(Musannaf ibn Abi Shaybah)
For more, refer to Tarhut Tathrib, Rak’at-e-Tarawih of ‘Allamah Habibur Rahman A’zami (rahimahullah) and Tuhfatul Akhyar of Moulana ‘Abdul Hayy Laknawi (rahimahullah).
Common sense
Ramadan is a golden opportunity that arrives once in a year. Why would one compromise his reward by being neglectful and lazy? Ramadan is the time to train ourselves to overcome these lowly tendencies and strive for the Hereafter. Further, Ramadan is a season for spiritual training. Being constant on the full 20 rak’ahs of Tarawih will have lasting good effects. If in Ramadan one cannot practice on the ideal, when will he ever...?
Note: There are two separate duties of Tarawih; One is to listen to the entire Quran. The other is to perform the Tarawih every night. Hence, after the Quran completion, the Tarawih is not waved for the remaining nights.
24/04/2020
The Rights afforded to Women in Islam
This is a transcript of a lecture given by my beloved father, Shaykhul Hadith, Moulana Haroon Abasoomar (rahimahullah) on the topic of The Rights afforded to Women in Islam.
The transcript was checked by Darul Hadith, before publishing.
Download the eBook here
‘Allamah Binnory’s Weeping and Crying
Moulana Muhammad Yusuf Binnory (rahimahullah) was the proof of the true meaning of the verse:
وَإِذَا سَمِعُوا مَا أُنزِلَ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ تَرَىٰ أَعْيُنَهُمْ تَفِيضُ مِنَ الدَّمْعِ مِمَّا عَرَفُوا مِنَ الْحَقِّ
‘When they hear what has been revealed to the Rasul (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam), you see their eyes flow with tears because they recognize the truth.’ (Surah 5, Verse 83)
When Moulana would listen to Quran his eyes would start flowing spontaneously like fountains. He would weep like this excessively in the Tarawih also. Sometimes this feeling would remain even after the salam and he would say: ‘This Quran is a great favour.’ At that time, if his gaze fell on a Qari or Hafiz, who perhaps came to him to pay their respects, then he would definitely make them recite Quran and would not become satiated. Rather he would make the Imams recite Quran also and tears would be continuously flowing. “Crying at night in the remembrance of the beloved is our work, to become engrossed in the thought of Allah Ta’ala is our sleep.”
(Jamal e Yusuf, Page 104)
Live like a guest in this world - Audio
Live in this world like a guest is one of the advices which Nabi (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) gave to Sayyiduna Hakam ibn 'Umayr (radiyallahu 'anhu).
Listen to the talk delivered by my beloved father, Shaykhul Hadith, Moulana Haroon Abasoomar (rahimahullah) on this advice of Nabi (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam).
Download here
The coming of Ramadan - Audio
There are several Hadiths that illustrate the importance and significance of the month of Ramadan.
Here is a talk by my beloved father, Shaykhul Hadith, Moulana Haroon Abasoomar (rahimahullah) on the topic of preparation for the month of Ramadan.
Download here
Naming and Praising your Teacher
In the writings and lessons of the scholars of the past, one finds abundant citations from their respective teachers. They would not hold back in:
- Naming their source and teachers, in addition to:
- Praising them duly.
In fact, they would name their source even if it was someone junior to them. There are a host of books written on the topic of:
رواية الأكابر عن الأصاغر
Those seniors who reported from/cited their juniors.
Imam ibn Salah (rahimahullah) (643 A.H.) writes:
ويحسن بالمحدث الثناء على شيخه في حالة الرواية عنه بما هو أهل له، فقد فعل ذلك غير واحد من السلف والعلماء
‘It is recommended when one takes the name of his teacher, to praise him for what he is worthy, as many of the preceding scholars did so.
(Muqaddimah ibn Salah)
In fact, Khatib Baghdadi (rahimahullah) (463 A.H.) has a chapter dedicated to the topic:
من روى عن شيخ فأثنى عليه ومدحه وعظمه
‘Those who reported from their teachers and praised, lauded and respected them.’
(Al-Jami’u li Akhlaqir rawi)
The present state
Implementing the topic under discussion here with moderation, is actually in keeping with academic honesty. As a matter of fact, it illustrates the value that one has for his teacher/source.
Sadly however, currently there are two methods used by speakers, writers etc;
- Those who over applaud their source to an extent that isn’t acceptable.
- Those who are on the other extreme; and do not even cite their source or even their own teachers for that matter.
وكلا طرفي قصد الأمور ذميم
Both sides of moderation are reprehensible.
The attached article expounds more on this topic.
Read the full article here.
P.S. It should be noted that this article does not address those individuals who have ulterior motives in naming or praising their teachers, nor those who seek fame through their claim of scholarship under a senior teacher!
25/03/20
A passage from a manuscript of Sunan Tirmidhi dated 558 A.H
The following is a passage I recently came across in a manuscript of Sunan Tirmidhi. This manuscript dates back to the year 558 A.H.
In this passage, the student of Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) relates from Imam Tirmidhi himself some interesting information about one of Imam Tirmidhi's favourite teachers; Imam Hannad ibn Sariy, who was also the teacher of all the other authors of the six famous Hadith books (the sihah sittah). He was also well respected by even his own teachers. (namely Imam Waki').
Imam Tirmidhi met the Shaykh towards the latter part of the Shaykh’s life (he lived till over 90!) and attended his lessons for ten months.
He later reported from him the fourth most Hadiths in his book; Sunan Tirmidhi. May Allah be pleased with them all.
(One word in the script was unclear and is left blank in the passage below)
سمعت أبا عيسى يقول اختلفت إلى هناد بن السري نحوا من عشرة أشهر فما رايته تكلم في شيئ من أمر الدنيا ولا انبسط إلى أحد من أهل المجلس في الكلام أو كما ....[؟] إلا أني رأيته يوما رآى قوما من أصحاب الحديث قد انكب بعضهم على بعض في السماع فقال ما شان هؤلاء؟
فقيل له يا أبا السري فني ما عندهم فهم يسمعون في كتاب فقال وما عليهم لو استمعوا ولم ينظروا في الكتاب؟ فقيل له لا يعدونه سماعا إذا لم ينظروا في الكتاب،
فقال هناد كان من قبلكم أشد ورعا منكم وأسهل في السماع منكم، وأنتم أشد في السماع منهم وأقل ورعا منهم.
قال وكان له أربع وتسعون سنة وقالوا ما تزوج قط.
قال أبو عيسى وأخبرني بعض أصحابنا عن ابن أخته أنه قال: هناد يختم القران منذ سبعين سنة في يوم وليلة: مرة! وكان يسرد الصوم وكان متعبده المسجد.
I heard Abu ʿIsa (Imam Tirmidhi) say that I frequently visited Hannad ibn Sariy for about ten months. I never saw Hannad speak about any worldly matter nor speak freely/casually with anyone....[?]
However, I saw him on one occasion commenting about a group of students of Hadith, who were crowded over each other whilst in the lesson. When Hannad enquired: “What is the matter with them?” Someone replied: “Oh Abu Sariy, that which they had is now gone [they do not have sufficient copies of the book they were studying/acquiring], therefore they are sharing a book in the lesson (fis sama'). Hannad replied, “Why don’t they just listen and not look into the book? The reply was: “They do not consider it to be legitimate, if they do not look into the book itself [while hearing the Hadiths]. Hannad then said, “Those before you had more piety than you, but they were more lenient regarding the conditions of sama' (acquisition). You lot are stricter on the conditions of sama' (acquisition) but less pious than them!”
He (Imam Tirmidhi) said, "He was ninety-four years old, and they said he never married.
Abu ʿIsa (Imam Tirmidhi) said: “Some of my companions have informed me that Hannad’s nephew said: 'Hannad completed the entire Quran every day for the past seventy years. Moreover, he would fast consecutively, and his place of worship was the Masjid.'
-end of passage.
See the PDF of the passage here
May Allah Ta'ala fill his grave with mercy.
Comment
Imam Hannad (rahimahullah) was well known for his 'ibadah, and was labelled: The greatest worshipper of Kufah' (راهب الكوفة).
Refer to Siyar A'lamin Nubala, vol.11 pg.465 for more on his biography.
It should be noted that I haven't seen the above passage in the available books that have the biography of Imam Hannad (rahimahullah) - which makes it more valuable.
Upon seeing this passage in the manuscript, My Honourable Teacher; Al-'Allamatul Muhaddith, Shaykh Muhammad 'Awwamah (hafizahullah) commented: 'This is a rare find which should be cherished.'
Lessons to be derived from the above
The following are among the many lessons to be derived from the above passage:
1. Imam Tirmidhi spent ten months in the company of this Shaykh (rahimahumallah). Ten months of the life of a senior at that ripe age is invaluable. This coupled with the retentive capacity of a master-student like Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) actually equates several years of companionship today!
2. Imam Hannad's dedication to 'ibadah is remarkable. Despite his specialisation being the noble field of Hadith, he was an embodiment of 'amal (practice) too.
3. Sometimes, when being over-particular about formalities, we tend to lose focus of the realities...
4. One should spend more time in the masjid engaging in individual worship, over and above the congregational prayers.
5. One very important lesson from the above, is the habit of praising one's seniors for what they deserve. Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) did not shy away from saying the above about his Shaykh (rahimahumallah).
19.3.2020
The life lines from Allah Ta'ala - Audio
From time to time Allah Ta'ala gives us 'life-lines.' These are the occasions wherein Allah Ta'ala dispenses additional mercies upon his creation.
Here is a talk that I delivered on this topic.
Download here