In the name of Allaah, Most Beneficent and Most Merciful
A Sermon by: Mufti-e-Azam Mufti Rasheed Ahmad Ludhyanvi Sahib
We must steadily strive to resist the temptation of committing sins. We will be offered shelter under the Benevolence of Allah Ta`ala because of this effort. The way to ease this labour is to meditate upon the rewards being promised.
There are seven types of people who will be sheltered by Allah Ta`ala on the day of judgment. The question is why will they be offered this excellent reward i.e. Allah Ta`ala’s shelter on the Resurrection Day? The answer is that all the seven types mentioned in Hadith require rigorous effort. This effort and labour is the common factor among all the seven types of people mentioned in the Hadith.
“The rewards are then in accordance with the efforts made.” (Al-Quraan)
Allah Ta`ala says that the people who worship, and the people who strive to renounce all evils, those who wait patiently for a few days, We help them in their efforts. Consequently they start hating sins. The effort on their parts is required for a few days only. It is not required of them throughout their lives.
“Labour for a few days,
live happily ever after.”
The way to ease this labour is to meditate upon the rewards being promised by Allah Ta`ala.Hazrat Rabi`ah Basariyah was walking along one day when she tripped over a stone. Her foot started bleeding. Hazrat Rabi`ah started laughing softly. Her servant asked in surprise why she was laughing? She answered, “I just thought of the reward in the Hereafter, I will be given in lieu of the pain, and this made me smile.”
We must steadfastly strive to resist the temptation of committing sinful deeds. We must remember that we shall only be offered a shelter under the Benevolence of Allah Ta`ala because of this effort on our part. Think of the rewards you will be offered. This thought will offer you consolation and help you in acquiring patience.
The common factor in all the seven kinds of people mentioned above is intense hardship and labour.
The first is:
“A just ruler”
The second is:
“A young man who is brought up according to the dictates of Allah Ta`ala ….”
This does not mean that he should be continually immersed in reciting the Holy Quraan and offering prayers day and night. On the contrary it is said:
“To avoid sins is the greatest form of obedience”
A person may offer as many Nawafil (additional Salat) as he can; he may offer the Tahajjud (midnight non-obligatory prayers), he may be immersed in reciting the Holy Quraan day and night, but these will not save him from punishment. On the other hand if he resisted all kinds of evil temptations, if he kept on soliciting Allah Ta`ala’s forgiveness, if he truly repented his evil deeds, and with all these he only offered his Faraidh (obligatory prayers) he will certainly be blessed. Resisting evil is the ‘medicine’, while offering Nawafil is the ‘sustenance’.
In curing an illness the prescription of a nutritious diet will not be helpful, if the proper treatment is not also given. On the contrary a rich diet may prove harmful. Renouncing sins is the strong foundation for a solid building. The Nawafil provide the plaster and paint. If the foundation of the building is not strong then the paint and decoration will not save it from any disast er. Repentance and begging forgiveness are the sand-paper in cleansing our hearts from all sins, whereas Nawafil are the polish and paint. A dirty cloth or rusted iron does not easily accept a coat of paint. Such a paint will neither shine nor last long. Painting such things would be an insult to the paint itself. So the rule is that first of all you should earnestly repent your sins thus scraping the rust from your heart, and then experience the manifestations and blessings of Nafil prayers.
Hazrat Roomi (Rahimahullahu Ta`ala) says:
“Your heart mirrors not His love,
Rusty with your sins it is,
Remove this rust and you shall
Perceive how Glorious He is!”
The second type of people mentioned in this Hadith are those young men who avoid transgressions at an early age. Why are these people given such an exalted status? The reason is that when one is young it is very difficult to resist temptation to evils. One is free of responsibilities, the temptation to indulge in carnal pleasures is overpowering, furthermore there are ample opportunities of committing every kind of sin. Moreover the young people are careless of their honour, their minds are usually occupied by thoughts of self-indulgence.
To gain their ends they may employ irreligious and wrong means. At this age it is also difficult to resist casting covetous looks at women. In such circumstances the young man mentioned in the Hadith avoids all such evils. He firmly believes that Allah Ta’ala is all present, all- knowing and this belief saves him from all trespasses. This young man has a firm faith in the fact that:
“Allah Ta’ala is fully aware of what sins are committed by the eyes and what evils are concealed in the heart.” (19:40)
This belief is the basis of this fear of Allah Ta’ala.
Thus as it is so very difficult to avoid sins when one is young, Allah Ta’ala has promised such a great reward. In these times, particularly when it is so easy to transgress from the right path; when depravity is rampant; when there is no restriction on the display of photographs, and on showing pictures on television, VCR. and in and in cinemas; when a person who avoids all these evils is considered to be a pariah by the society, in such circumstances is it not a miracle if a young man abstains from all these evils just because he has the fear of Allah Ta’ala in his heart?
The previous Friday was emphasising this very miracle. To cast our eyes in the presence of temptation, just because you have the fear Allah Ta’ala in your heart is nothing less than a miracle. Allah Ki Qasam (By God), it is a thousand times more of a miracle than walking on the surface of the water without getting the feet wet. There is nothing to compare with the miracle of abstaining from sins when the temptations and means are present. May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the courage to do so.
Hazrat Rabi’ah Basariyah went to Hazrat Hasan Basari to ask him about a religious problem. On arriving at his house she was told that he had gone to the riverside outside the city in order to worship Allah Ta’ala undisturbed. The reason for choosing such a place was that the atmosphere of a city is usually contaminated by the sins of the people and its ground polluted by them. Thus religious people usually choose secluded places wherein to worship their Creator.
(I remember that in the days when the Super Highway had just been completed, I used to go there. I used to experience, strange sensations. Sometimes tears filled my eyes when I beheld the pristine hills and the countryside which had not then been contaminated by the sins of the people).
So to come back to what I was saying, on reaching the riverside, Hazrat Rabi’ah Basriyah saw Hazrat Hasan Basari immersed in prayers with his prayer-mat spread open on the surface of the water. To show him that this was no miracle, she spread her prayer-mat on the air and started praying. Hazrat Hasan Basari took the hint and stepped onto the shore.
Hazrat Rabi’ah Basriyah also stepped down and said:
“Offering prayers while floating on the surface of the water or praying while suspended in the air, thus imitating a fly or a straw is no miracle. What then is a true miracle? It is to obliterate completely the yearnings of your heart for the sake of the approval of your Creator.”
When vulgarity is rampant, there is and excess of sinful gatherings, invitations to sinful deeds abound everywhere, then in the presence of all these if a person maintains the fear of Allah Ta’ala in his heart, then that is a true miracle.
Hazoor-e-Akram sallallahu-alayh i-wa sallam has said that when the Day of Judgement is near, shamelessness will be rampant everywhere. There will be a gathering of people. In front of them will appear a woman. A man amidst the gathering will get up and commit ZINA (adultery) in plain view of the people. Another man will remark that if the adulterer had performed the act behind curtain, it would have been better. Hazoor-e-Akram sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said that this second man will be considered equal in rank to Hazrat Siddique-e-Akbar radhiallahu anhu.
Now, why will he be given such an exalted status? The reason is that in those days it will be a criminal offence to say anything pertaining to religion. It will be an unpardonable crime. In the days to come that person’s rank will be a miracle, what about the present times? Today if a whole family is watching television and thus enjoying themselves, but one person in order to avoid such entertainment, seeks out a corner of the house and hides there then this is nothing less than a miracle.
There was a man who stayed with Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi for ten years. During this long period, he did not observe him perform a single miracle. Disheartened and disappointed, Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi asked him, “During all this time did you even once see me faltering or doing anything contrary to our religion?” The man admitted that he had not. At that, Hazrat Junaid explained to him that “Perseverance and steadfastness in religion are such miracles compared to which there are no other miracles in the world.” It is a miracle too that on the Day of Judgement, Allah Ta`ala will bestow upon such people the shelter of His benevolence.
On such occasions when you are surrounded by invitations of immorality and depravity, it would be beneficial to act upon some of the percepts of the Holy Quraan. Deep mediation upon them will deliver you from temptation and evil.
1.”So when Taloot set out with the army he said, ‘Surely God tries you by a river, so whoso drinks its water he is not of mine, and whoso does not taste it he is certainly of mine, save him who scoops up with his hand’. Then all of them drank its water except a few of them. So when Taloot crossed it and the believers along with him they began to say, ‘We have no power today to fight with Jaloot and his forces’. Said those who thought they would have to meet Allah, ‘How often a small company has overcome a large company by the order of God and Allah is with those who are patient.” (Al-Quraan, 2 : 249)
The event being narrated is about Taloot (Saul), a Muslim King. The Prophet, Hadhrat Shamoeil had made him the King of the country. He warned his people to be on guard as Allah Ta`ala would test their faith. What was the test? Their lips were parched, they were nearly dying of thirst and although they were crossing a river a warning was issued that the person who quenched his thirst from the river will not belong to us. They had already been warned that this was test of their faith. A test usually lasts for a few hours. Those who succeed are amptly rewarded.
The people with Hadhrat Taloot had been asked to bear their thirst a few hours only. Those who succeed are amply rewarded. The people with Hadhrat Taloot had been asked to bear their thirst for a few hours only. In spite it most of them failed. The Interpreters tell us that those who drank from the river, their thirst instead of being assauged, increased manifold. “As the medicine was given , They became sicker and sicker, Instead of better and better.” Later when they confronted the enemy, they found that they lacked the courage to fight. This is one of the wages of sin. Once you commit a sin then later when you have to fight your enemies or the Nafs or the devil etc, then your courage to fight them deserts you completely. On the other hand, as the interpreters tell us those people who waited patiently for a few hours, their thirst vanished miraculously.
Now let us place ourselves in the same situation. Today let us think that we are the companions of Hadhrat Taloot (Saul ). We are surrounded by a veritable storm of sins and immorality. Not a natural river, but a river of forbidden wealth and evil temptations lies in front of us. We feel an intense desire and our heart yearns for them. But Allah Ta`ala admonishes us: “Be patient for a little while.” And remember that: “The one who does not taste it is one of us.”
Like the companions of Taloot we must not drink from this river. The longing and yearning is there in our hearts. If we do not control it, then our thirst for Haram (forbidden) wealth will keep on increasing. This is greed which has no limit. It has no end. How aptly has this been conveyed by Mutanabbi: “The world fulfils no one’s needs, a desire is gained, another is born.”
Hadhrat Busairi Rahimahullahu-Ta`ala says:
“Your Nafs is just like a suckling child. If you do not take the pains to wean him, he will yearn for his mother’s breast even when he’s grown up. Therefore you should not try to satisfy your lust by indulging in sins. This will only increase the desire for more sins. The same is the case with the disease of gluttony. The more a person eats, the more his hunger increases.”
If a patient of cholera does not control his hunger but tries to satisfy it by eating something, then he is preparing his own doom. Keep this in mind and practice self restraint. Think that it is but a test of faith by Allah Ta`ala. Along with it, offer this prayer too:
Ya Allah! Help us to follow the footsteps of those people who controlled their desires and stood firm by Hadhrat Taloot Alaihissalaam.
Ya Allah! Grant us a courage like theirs to fight the temptations to evil and the desire for forbidden deeds.
2. Allah Ta`ala has stated in the Holy Quraan:
“During pilgrimage (in the state of “Ehramm”) We will bring game within your reach. So near will it be that you may touch it not only with your lances but with your hands. But this will be a trial for you. Do not kill the game. You must not even beckon someone else to do so. For, if you do, then you will be called to account. On the other hand, if you exercise self restraint you will be worthy of Our rewards.”
Now let us consider this statement in the light of the modern times. Today at every step we encounter such “game”. Employment in a bank or an insurance company, illegal transactions, bribery, usury etc. beguile us and tempt us at every step. Wherever we go we are faced with obscene pictures and photographs. At every step we are provided with ample means of committing sins and transgressions. A veritable storm of sins surrounds us. Temptations lie in wait for us. We are attacked by evil from all sides. But be careful, Allah Ta`ala is telling you to avoid all forms of transgression. He states that these are but tests of your faith. If you fail then there is nothing but grievous torture for you on the Day of Judgment. You will have to pay a heavy price for all your misdeeds. Satan requested Allah Ta`ala to grant him a life till the Day of Doom. When Allah Ta`ala granted him his wish, he said that I will attack. Your people from every direction, I will entice them to evil. So, what is happening now-a-days? Pictures and photographs abound everywhere. Music and songs assail our ears from every corner. Illegal goods are being offered at every step. Television is being shown in every household. Wherever we go we see indecently clad women. Sins and evil assault us from every side. In the midst of all these we must remember that pursuing these “game” is strictly forbidden. Not only that, but beckoning others towards them is strictly prohibited too.
Allah Ta`ala has Himself forbidden it. As He says:
“If you hunt such game then remember that Allah Ta`ala is Omnipotent, Lord of Retribution.” (Al-Quraan)
3. “And ask them about the township which was at the seashore. When they transgressed the Order of Sabbath – when the fish came to them on Saturday on the water and when it was not Saturday they did not come unto them – thus, We tried them for that they were disobedient.” (Al-Quraan, 7 : 163)
Allah Ta`ala relates how he tested the people of Israel. They were forbidden to fish on the Sabbath day (Saturday). As this practice was usually observed, on the Sabbath day the fish would come and surface with a sense of security at their water channels or pools. This did not happen on other days when fishing was allowed. This proved to be a great temptation to the Israelites who could not resist it. The strategy they used was that they dug pools near the streams. On Sabbath the fish would enter these pools. The next day i.e. on Sunday they would easily catch the fish from the pools. Today we are no better than those people of Israel. If we act upon Sharee`ah, then we are deprived of honour, status and wealth. Just as the Israelites. When they acted upon the Holy orders they were deprived of the fish. So, just like them we cirumvent the orders of Sharee`ah in order to acquire wealth, status and honour. This greed of ours is also the reason why the insurance companies and usurers keep trying to justify their business. By offering different interpretations of the Holy Quraan, they try to convert Haraam (illegal) into Halaal (legal). In order to be worthy of Allah Ta`ala’s Benevolence just keep in mind that we have been put on trial by Allah Ta`ala just like the people of Israel. If today abstain from all that is Haraam, if we do not try to offer excuse for indulging in them, then this indeed Jihaad (Holy war) in the truest sense. On the other hand if we do not succeed in the test, then we should prepared for Allah Ta`ala’s anger. We just might be turned in to apes like the Israelites were!
4. When Zulaykha tried to seduce Hadhrat Ysuf Alayhissalaam, he said:
“Allah Ta`ala has conferred so many blessings upon me. How can I disobey such a great Benefactor?”
Hadhrat Yusuf Alayhisalaam said that, what about us? If someone offers us a single glass of water we thank him a hundred times. Then, unlike Hadhrat Yusuf Alayhisalaam why are we so shamelessly ungrateful to Him ,who has blessed us with this life, with the ability to speak, listen and walk, and countless other blessings?
5. “And (with passion) did she desire him, and he would have desired her, but that he saw evidence of his Lord: Thus (Did We order) that we might turn away from him (All) evil and shameful deeds: For he was one of our servants, sincere and purified.” (Al-Quraan, 24: 12)
Hadhrat Yusuf’s Alayhissalaam spiritual eyes saw something that Zulaykha’s eyes blinded by passion did not see. He meditated upon the Divine power of Allah Ta`ala, and because of this saved him from sin.
6. When Zulaykha, in the midst of a gathering of women, threatened Hadhrat Yusuf Alayhissalaam with imprisonment, he answered:
“He said: O my Lord! The prison is more to my liking than that which they invite me.” (Al-Quraan, 33 : 12)
Hadhrat Yusuf Alayhissalaam said that I can bear the rigours of a prison, for those are easier for me. I cannot bear the thought of displeasing You. I would rather go to prison than accept their invitation and incur Your displeasure.
We should meditate upon this speech of Hadhrat Yusuf Alayhissalaam. We will find it very difficult to desist from listening to music, to abstain from watching films, to give up illegal means of acquiring wealth, to relinquish all sinful deeds. We may also find it very difficult to acquire Islamic manners, to adopt an Islamic appearance and Islamic mode of dress. In overcoming these difficulties if we go through a lot of effort and pain, then this pain should be dear to us, for, this pain is far better than committing sins and incurring the wrath of Allah Ta`ala.
If the infidels in Christian form make fun of your Islamic ways then answer them thus:
“My heart is so deeply immersed in love of my Beloved, that it remains supremely indifferent to the insults of all evil people”
Thus, in following the tenets of Islam even if we foresee torment and pain then we should bear them with fortitude. These suffering’s are but apparent ones only. For, in reality the renouncement of sins does not cause pain but produces a sense of profound tranquillity deep in the heart.
A very pious man once remarked that,
“Our hearts are filled with such ease and contentment that if kings came to know of it they would come with armies to rob us of this wealth.”
When Shah Sanjar wanted to offer the province of Neemroz to Hadhrat Peeran-e-Peer, as a token of his respect, Hadhrat `Abdul Qadir Jeelani Rahmatullahu-alaih said,
“If my heart possesses the least bit of desire for the province of Neemroz, then may my future be as black as the crown of Shah Sanjar. When I have savoured the pleasure of midnight prayers, then the province of Neemroz is not worth even as much as a grain of Barley.”
Hadhrat Wali Ullah says:
“I have a heart which possesses a vast treasury of love and can provide bounties even for kings. Does anyone else in the whole world have a heart like mine?”
This is the reason why I said that not giving up sins just seems like a hardship while in reality it is not. Nevertheless, if you feel daunted by the apparent difficulties then follow the example of Hadhrat Yusuf Alayhissalaam and say, “Ya Allah! The hardships in this prison are more to our liking than the thought of displeasing You. Ya Allah! We do not have the strength to bear your wrath. A prison is more preferable than your anger. It may at least save us from disobeying and displeasing You.”
Thus whenever you are faced with an opportunity to commit a sin, consider it as a test from Allah Ta`ala. Remind yourself that this opportunity is but the river which was used to test the faith of Taloot’s followers; that this is the game which was forbidden in the Holy precincts; this is but the fish forbidden to the Israelites; think that this is but Zulaykha herself. Remind yourself of all these and refrain from committing the evil deed. Be courageous, along with courage, the other important thing is Du`a. Without Du`a courage is of no use and without courage Du`a has no effect at all.
7. “When the armies of Taloot advanced to meet Goliath and his forces, they prayed: Our Lord! Pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm. Help us against those tthat reject faith.” (Al-Quraan, 2:250)
As I said in the beginning, whenever you are surrounded by iinvtations of immorality and depravity meditate upon the Ayaat of the Holy Quraan. Remember the Ayat quoted above and offer the same prayer the followers of Taloot (Saul) did.
8. “How many of the Prophets fought (in Allah’s way) and with them fought large bands of godly men? But they never lost heart if they met with diisaster in Allah’s way, nor did they weaken (iin will) nor giive in. And Allah loves those who are firm and steadfast. All that they said was: Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything we may have done that trangressed our duty; Establish our feet firmly, and help us against those that resist faith.” (Al-Quraan, 3:146)
This means that when the companions of the Prophets of Allah Ta`ala fought along with them against the enemies of Islam, they fought with courage and constancy. They boldly faced every disaster which befell them. At the same time they prayed to Allah Ta`ala to forgive them their sins and to grant them constancy and viictory over their enemies.
On deep reflection and meditation we find that today we ae in direct conflictt with the evl forces of our Nafs and Shaytaan. We are confronting an enviroment devoid of religion and a society evil beyond imagination. We have to fight against all these. This is the Jihaad-Akbar. In fact this is the real and true Jihaad, for , Jihaad means to wage a war against the infidels in order to safeguard our religion. THus you should think yourselves in a perpetual state of war against the forces of Nafs, Shaytaan, and evil enviroment and an equally evil society. Think that you are constantly engaged in a ferocious battle with the armies of evil. You have to safeguard your religion. In order to do so, you must have as firm faith as the soldiers of Taloot Alayhissalaam. You should also possess the courage of the companions of all the Propphets of Allah Ta`ala. Bear with fortitude all hardships which befall you on the patth of rightousness. At ths same ttime, you should continue your pr ayers and ask Allah Ta`ala to forgive you your trespasses.
9. Hadhrat Yusuf Alayhissalaam (Joseph) meditated upon the countless favours conferred upon him by Allah Ta`ala when he was being seduced by Zulaykha. He pionted them out to Zulaykha and preached to her the ways of Allah Ta`ala. Seeing that his words had no effect on her she was bent on seduction, he took hiis courage in his hands and ran towards the door. Regardless of the fact that Zulaykha had already locked all the doors and he could not see any way of escape, he ran towards the door.
“A person may not see a way out, yet he must try his best to escape. He must not be discouraged or give up hope.”
The courage of Hadhrat Yusuf Alayhissalaam attracted the Benevolance of Allah Ta`ala. As he ran towards them, the doors opened. Furthermore an innocent child of Zulaykha’s family bears witness as to the chastity and innocence of Hadhrat Yusuf Alayhissalaam.
The courage of Hadhrat Yusuf Alayhissalaam manifests itself even later on when he smilingly accepts his own imprisonment. Along with this magniificent and unprecedented courage he keeps on praying to Allah Ta`ala.
“O my Lord! If thou helps me nott I will surely be ruined.”
How quickly prayers are answered in times of distress!
What Hadhrat Yusuf Alayhis-Salaam said was:
“So his Lord harkened to him (in his prayer), and turned away from him their snare: verily He heareth and knoweth (all things).” (Al-Quraan, 12:34)
and immediately Allah Ta`ala’s help came to his assistance. In Arabic the 20th letter of the alphabet pronounced ‘Fa’ denotes instantaneous. (The letter mentioned is in two places in the above ayat of the Quraan).
Likewise it was said fot Taloot Alayhis-Salaam and his army:
“Allah Ta`ala came to their help immediately and granted them victory” (Al-Quraan, 2:251)
(The above ayat also contains the letter ‘Fa’ at the beginning denoting instantaneous).
And in the same way, during Jihaad, Allah Ta`ala instantly answered the prayers of the companions of Ambia Alayhis-Salaam (Prophets of Allah Ta`ala):
“And Allah immediately gave them a reward in this world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. For Allah loveth those who do good.” (Al-Quraan, 3:148)
(The above ayat also contains the letter ‘Fa’ at the beginning denoting instantaneous).
Just think, it is less of a miracle when Allah Ta`ala showers His love on some one and then declares it openly as He has done here? So in order to avoid sins reflect upon these incidents I have justt narrated. At the same time be courageuos and keep on praying to Allah Ta`ala. While praying remember the assistance Allah Ta`ala granted to these people and how He granted their prayers immediately. So, while praying supplicate Him for the same assistance and help. Just try this formula then experience His incredible generosity.
“When a sinner laments his transgressions the Heavens of Allah Ta`ala tremble, just as aa mother does when she hears her child cry. Allah Ta`ala at once render shim His divine assistance, holds his hand and blesses him with His nearness and love.” (Translation of a poem in Persain)
Hence, courage and Du`a are the two wheels of the carriage which delivers us from all evils. Both these wheels are essential. The carriage is useless without either one. For acceleration the carriage needs a third thing too and that is, steam. The steam is the company of a pious and holy man. A holy man’s company helps you in gaining more couraage due to the blessings of his association. Allah Ta`ala answers your prayers sooner too.
10. “Nor do I absolve my ownself (of balme): The (human) soul is prone to evil, unless my Lord do bestow His mercy.” (Al-Quraan, 12:53)
Hadhrat Yusuf Alsyhis-Salaam (Joseph) did not consider it his own personal achievment when he succeeded in escaping from Zulaykha. He attributted itt to the graciousness of his Creator. The lesson to be learned from this is that if we succeed in avoiding sins then we must not consider it to be the result of our own personal eforts. We must think of it only as the divine blessing of Allah Ta`ala.
May Allah Ta`ala grant us the power to abstain frrom all evils. Due to the fear of Allah Ta`ala may we forsake all wrong doigs forever. May Allah Ta`ala fil our hearts with so much of His love that we may feel ashamed of even thinking about commiting a sin.
“Ya Allah! Grant us the courage to resist our Nafs and Satan, Grant us the courage to oppose the irreligious enviroment and the evil society around us.”
Ya Allah! We beseech you to grant us the courage which you bestowed upon the soldiers of Taloot Alayhis-salaam upon the companions of Ambia Alayhimus-salaam and the courage with which you blessed Hadhrat Yusuf Alayhis-salaam. Bestow upon us the victory which you granted to these people. Confer upon us the same Divine assistance too.
Ya Allah! We are much more weaker than them. Our enemies greatly exceed their enemies in number and power. Therefore we are in much more need of your help.
Ya Allah! Help us and have mercy upon us too. Ameen!”
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