Zikr e Ilahi

ZIKR-E-ILAHI
REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH TAALA by Hazrat Maseehullah Khan Saheb(R.A.)
ZIKR-E-ILAHI or Remembrance of Allah is one of the many

lectures of Maseehul Ummat Hadhrat Maulana Shah Muhammad
Maseehullah Khan Sherwani (May Allah Taala maintain his shadow
of barkat over us for many more years). In this lecture Hadhrat
Maseehullah Saheb diagnoses the spiritual degeneration in which the
Ummah is caught up today. Not only does he diagnose the malady.
but he provides the cure for this spiritual affliction of ours.
Organizations and movements, luminaries and dignitaries of the

world, time and again, come up with their self-invented theories for
the solution of the ills with which mankind is suffering. All such theories and solutions
offered by modern man fail -and will always fail- -to solve the miserable condition of
moral and spiritual degeneration in which the Ummah is floundering today. They all fail
for the simple reason that they have hopelessly failed in pin-pointing the malady. Their
diagnosis is far off the mark and their prescriptions have no Divine flavour.
The prescription offered by Hadhrat Maseehullah Saheb is the prescription enshrined in

the Quran Shareef -the prescription of Allah Taala- the only sure remedy for the
elimination of our degeneration. This booklet will, therefore, serve the purpose of the
earnest and sincere seeker of the Truth in his journey towards Allah Taala.
MAJLISUL ULAMA
November, 1980
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BISMILLA HIR RAHMANIR RAHEEM
(0 Believers) Do not become like those who became forgetful about Allah (by abstaining
from practicing in accordance with the Law of Allah they opposed the commands of
Allah and indulged in His prohibitions.) In consequence Allah caused them to become
neglectful of their own souls (in such a way that they could not discern what is truly
beneficial for themselves). Indeed these are the transgressors (who will suffer the
chastisement of transgression). (Bayanul Quran)
Source: http://books.themajlis.net/book/print/272
This is a short ayat at the end of Surah Hashr. In this ayat, like in other ayat, is contained
a very important topic.
1.THE IMPORTANCE OF MUSTAHABBAT
Every part of the Quran Shareef is of the greatest importance. No part of it is redundant
or of no value. Those verses which do not discuss Fara-idh and Wajibat (compulsory
laws) but mention only the Mustahab aspects are also of tremendous significance.
Nowadays Mustahabat are not regarded as of any importance. It is correct that in so far as
practice is concerned, Mustahabat are not on the same level as Fara-idh and Wajibat,
however, to be educated in the Mustahabat is essential for two reasons:
(1) Knowledge will rectify any misconception regarding the category which Mustahab
practices occupy in the Shariah. By being educated in the Mustahabat one will not regard
such practices as unlawful, fardh or wajib. This knowledge is of utmost importance in
regard to the rectification of itiqad (belief).
(2) The barakaat (spiritual lustre and effulgence) and beneficial results are innumerable.
Ignorance of these many benefits and significances of Mustahab practices will not
engender in one any inclination towards these valuable practices.
Knowledge of the many and great benefits which can be obtained from such Mustahab
acts which are regarded as, most insignificant, will create in one the realization of the
great loss which is suffered by abstaining, from such valuable acts which in reality are
priceless jewels. The need of Mustahabat is for the perfection of deeds. Righteous deeds
attain their full perfection and efficiency by means of the Mustahab etiquettes linked to
them. Thus, the mention of Mustahabat in the Quran Shareef is not unnecessary. Such
practices have been mentioned because of tremendous importance and significance
attached to them. If one possesses love for Allah, one will value and honour these
Mustahabat. The Ashiqe Sadiq (true lover of Allah) possesses an unique temperament. He
constantly searches for every aspect which will please the Mahboob (beloved Allah
Taala). When the true ashiq realizes that the Beloved is pleased with a certain thing then
he hastens towards it and endeavours to fulfill it, ever striving to please Him by not
omitting anything which is pleasing to Him. If our temperament becomes imbued with
love, then we will realise the value of Mustahabat, and will regard its narration as the
Rahmat of Allah and the Shafqat (affection) of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
This realization will dawn upon one when one discovers the detailed explanation of these
rules and importance accorded them by Allah Taala.
2.MUSTAHABBAT THE PEACE AND TRANQUILITY OF THE ASHIQ
If in the Shariah was only the order for Fara-idh and Wajibat, the ashiq of Allah would
have been overtaken by great distress and restlessness because the ashiq is not satisfied
by only that which is necessary, for that which is necessary is regarded by the ashiq as a
mere duty and obligation. Besides duty, the ashiqs quest is for that which will direct the
attention of the Mahboob to him, more and more.
We entertain the misconception that our relationship with Allah Taala is merely
constitutional, i.e. we are legally obliged to obey Him. It is because of this misconception
that we regard as sufficient the discharge of Fara-idh and Wajibat, and neglect the
Mustahabat, regarding them as unimportant, If our link with Allah Taala was a bond of
Muhabbat (love) and devotion, then we would never have obtained contentment from
only the Fara-idh and the Wajibat, but would have been in the constant search of
Mustahabat. We would then have hastened to everything which Allah Taala loves and
which is pleasing to Him. And, on the other hand we would have remained miles away
from acts which are displeasing to Him. If our relationship with Allah Taala was a bond
of love and devotion we would not have investigated whether an act is detestable in a
higher or lower degree (as people are in the habit of asking is such an act haraam or only
makrooh?, the motive underlying the enquiry being the desire to indulge in it if it is
makrooh a lesser detestation than haraam). For the ashiq it suffices that he knows the
things and acts which displease his Mahboob. This knowledge is sufficient as a deterrent
against the commission of acts displeasing to Allah Taala. The ashiq does not probe the
degree of displeasure, i.e. whether an act is greatly displeasing or slightly displeasing. His
disposition is to refrain totally from all factors of displeasure, be these slight or great. To
the ashiq all cases of displeasure are grave regardless of whether such displeasure results
in slight annoyance or severe punishment.
3.OUR BOND WITH ALLAH TAALA HAS SLACKENED
Our condition now has degenerated to the degree of indifference where we enquire into
the nature of the sin in view to practice it. Once it is known that a certain act is sinful, we
pose the question: is it a kabeerah sin or a sagheerah sin?, This attitude is a clear
indication that our relationship with Allah Taala has weakened considerably, although not
totally, for even this question (viz.. probing the degree of gravity of a sin) is proof of the
bond with Allah Taala. At least that much connection with Allah Taala remains that the
perpetrator of the sin is not prepared to court the greater displeasure of Allah. If even this
(weakened) bond was non-existent, then this question would not have occurred... the
question of minor and major sin. It is therefore plain that there is yet fear for the major
sins in view of considerable Divine displeasure ensuing in the wake of its commission.
However, because of the weakness of our bond with Allah Taala, displeasure of a lesser
degree is countenanced and agreeable.
The question: Is this a major or a minor sin?, is evidence of the bond with Allah Taala as
well as evidence of the weakness of that bond. Those who are in this habit of posing this
question will be delighted from the aforegoing explanation that their relationship with
Allah Taala has been accorded a firm footing. To a degree this delight is justified.
HERE RELATIONSHIP IS NOT SUFFICIENT- -PERFECT RELATIONSHIP IS

THE GOAL
One should understand, reflect and remember that one should not be satisfied with mere
relationship. Social ties exist among ourselves, but we do not content ourselves with the
mere existence of such ties. On the contrary, the desire is there to perfect each bond or
relationship. Thus, it will be realised that the mere concept of relationship with the wife is
extremely weak. It is given force by only two statements (of ijab and qubool proposal and
acceptance), and the same bond of marriage is rent asunder by a single word, viz., talaq.
Notwithstanding this, no man contents himself with the mere relationship he has with the
wife. Every man desires that his relationship with his wife attains perfection. Precisely
for this reason no one stops at only the discharge of the obligatory rights, but in order to
strengthen the bond and gain the pleasure of the wife, the husband by far exceeds the
obligatory demands and rights of the wife and provides a variety of comforts and luxuries
out of his own free will and accord. This attitude of the husband is clearly motivated to
strengthen and perfect the bond which exists between the wife and himself. Should the
husband regard his wife with a constitutional (or legal) attitude and provide nothing more
than her obligatory rights, then inspite of the existence of the legal bond between them,
the relationship will be devoid of pleasure and love. In fact, in this attitude lies the danger
of renting asunder the relationship.
A relationship will endure only if ways and teens are devised to strengthen and perfect it.
Although the marriage bond (i.e. the mere legal connection) is extremely weak, every
man finds unbearable and peace shattering its severance. Great pains are undertaken and
many a scheme is devised to maintain the endurance of this marriage relationship. When
this is the attitude towards a weak relationship, then indeed, it is most astonishing that we
remain satisfied with the mere relationship which we have with Allah Taala. The bond
with Allah Taala is the strongest of all relationships. No relationship is comparable with
mans relationship with Allah Taala. What then is the reason for our indifference? Why do
we have no fikr (concern and desire) to strengthen that greatest of all bonds? Why are we
contented with the mere relationship? And, why do we not regard the perpetuation of this
bond to be based upon strengthening it like we do in regard to our mundane
relationships? The mere existence of a relationship is not sufficient for its perpetual
endurance. In fact the danger of destroying and eliminating this bond is ever present. Is
the elimination of the Divine bond existing between man and his Rabb bearable to
anyone?
Never ! Why then is no concern shown in the direction of strengthening and perfecting
this bond? Maulana Rumi (rahmatullah alayhi) says:
0 you who are perpetually engaged in pleasing the wife and
children! How is it possible that you never have time to please your
greatest Benefactor and Creator?
And, again he says:
In developing this contemptible world you have no moment to spare.
But, how unconcerned are you of the pleasure of that Creator Who
has arranged and assembled all these bounties?
Alas! In worldly affairs we cannot bear nor countenance the slightest indifference and
imperfection. We are unable to bear the slackening of weak and despicable ties. but in
weakening our bond with Allah Taala we do not feel the slightest pang of regret and pain
of heart. Although even the mere relationship with Allah Taala is a great favour,
nevertheless to be contented with a weak bond is a grave injustice. Certain people are
even satisfied with the non-existence of relationship with. Allah Taala. But they are the
kuffaar who are not our audience on this occasion. Some others again are contented with
a weak relationship with Allah Taala. This group is represented by us, Muslims of today.
The effect of this is that we do not value the Mustahabat. Once Hadhrat Thanvi
(rahmatullah alayhi) observed:
In childhood I was in the habit of performing Nafl Salaat in abundance. Upon studying
Muniyatull Musalli I learnt that non-observance of Mustahabat is not sinful. Upon
realising this, discontinued the performance of Nafl. At that time I did not realise what I
was doing. But, now I have realised that evil condition, for it implied the desire to
maintain only a legal relationship with Allah Taala, hence the attitude to only discharge
the compulsory duties and neglect those factors which are pleasing to Allah Taala.
4.OMISSION OF MUSTAHAB ON SHARI GROUNDS
It is entirely a different issue to omit a Mustahab on Shari grounds. For example:

Omitting the Mustahab in order to indicate to others that the act is not Wajib
(compulsory); in a journey to omit the performance of Nafl Salaat in consideration of
ones travelling companions; or because of any difficulty occurring in some essential
work; or due to much tiredness, the Mustahabs are omitted. Such omission of Mustahabat
is not reprimandable. Even the hadith says:
Verily, your soul too has a right over you.
But the hadith orders us to seek protection against abstention from Mustahabat due to
indolence.
0 Allah! Verily, I seek refuge with You from weakness and indolence.
(Hadith)
It should be well remembered that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) exhorted us to

seek comfort and in its pursuit, he (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) exhorted certain Sahaba to
abstain from even some Mustahabat and reduce the performance of Nafl Salaat. On the
contrary he exhorted the seeking of protection from indolence. There is a difference in
these two occasions of abstention from Mustahabat. The quest for comfort is after one has
made full effort and laboured fully in accordance with ones capability, When one has
done so, the Shari command is that one should not labour and toil more than could be
borne by ones ability and strength. The order is then to take rest and comfort. If, on the
other hand, one labours a bit and not to ones full capacity, and then refrains from the
work, then it will be said that the cause is indolence. It is of such indolence that
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) ordered the seeking of protection.
5.THE BARKATS OF MUSTAHABBAT
Since our relationship with Allah. Taala is solemn, great and vital, the execution of
Mustahabat too is vital. This discussion was initiated by the assertion that every part of
the Quran at Allah Taala is of importance. It was said in this regard that in the Quran
Kareem is the mention of Mustahabat, but inspite of this, these Mustahabat are
considered to be unimportant; it is necessary to educate and instruct in these; their
benefits and significance are innumerable. One such benefit is that at times Mustahabat
act as a prevention against sin. One who is constant in Tahajjud, Ishraq, Chasht and Aw-
wabeen will abstain from sin to a greater degree than one who performs only the five
Fardh Salaat. Furthermore, a regular performer of Tahajjud, etc. is considered a pious
person by others. This consideration in itself acts as an impediment to sin since such a
person ,will feel ashamed to perpetrate sins.
Another benefit of Mustahabat is that sometimes Allah Taala is pleased so much with a
certain Mustahab act that najaat (salvation) is obtained by virtue of it.
An interesting episode is related here to indicate this importance. Someone saw in a

dream, Seebaway, the expert of Arabic grammar, and enquired of him as to how he fared
by Allah. Seebaway by belief belonged
to the Mutazili sect. he replied: Allah forgave me. When asked: On what basis did Allah
forgive you? he replied: On the basis of a question in grammar. He outlined the question
as follows:
The experts of grammar have differed in regard to the question of Marifah (proper noun).
Among the Dhama-ir (pronouns which are a class of Marifah) which Dhameer is Araful
Ma-arif? Some said that Ariful Maarif is the Dhemeer of the Mutekellim (1st person the
speaker); others said the Mukhktab (second person the one who is
being addressed.) And I said that the word Allah is Ariful Maarif; that there is no Marifah
superior to it, because the word Allah refers to the Being of Allah exclusively, there being
no other possibility. This was pleasing to Allah Taala Who said:
You have honoured MY NAME well. Go you are forgiven.
Thus it will be realized that the forgiveness and salvation of this grammarian were
attained on something which he said without even having had the intention of gaining
reward, but he obtained victory on its basis.
CHAPTER 1
Episode NO. 2
A saint was walking once at night time in severe cold. In the dark he saw a kitten
shivering in the cold. He took pity on the kitten and brought it home where it was
warmed. After the saint died, Allah Taala asked him:
What have you brought for me?
He ruminated: My deeds are not worthy of presentation, but by grace of Allah, I
possess the treasure of Iman in which there could not have been any trait of
ostentation (riyal). I should present this to Allah Taala.
He then stated: I have brought Tauheed.
He was then reminded: Do you remember the night of the milk? The night when
you drank milk and attributed the ensuing stomach-pain to the milk, saying that:
the milk caused the pain. Whet! Is this Tauheed? You overlooked Me and
attributed the act to the milk whereas I am the true Cause.
Upon this revelation, the saint trembled in fear. Allah Taala exclaimed: You have
now realized the reality of your claim? Now, l will forgive you because of an act
which you never dreamt would be the medium of salvation. One night you took
pity on a kitten shivering in the cold end gave it succour. You were merciful to My
creature. It is a greater requirement that I be merciful to you. Go, you have been
forgiven.
Such is the grace, barakaat and favour of Mustahabat. The ahadith are replete with
such instances such insignificant occurrences which countenanced salvation.
EPISODE NO. 3
Another illustration is the episode of a prostitute, which has been narrated in the
hadith. Once she saw a dog in the intense heat licking the ground due to thirst.
She took pity on the dog. Nearby was a well, but there was no rope and bucket
with which to draw the water. She used her scarf as a rope and her leather sock as
a container. With these she managed to draw sufficient water to quench the thirst
of the almost dying dog. After a while this woman died. Rasulullah (sallallahu
alayhi wasallam) said that she was forgiven and attained salvation because of this
merciful act shown to the dog, It has been well said:
The Rahmat of Allah is in search of some excuse so as to forgive (people their

sins). It does not search for any price.
My friends! Never regard any good act as insignificant or despicable. It is not

known which act appeals to Allah Taala. Nowadays there are people who are
disposed to abstain from practicing righteous deeds upon hearing episodes of
Allahs boundless mercy.
6.THE EFFECT OF NARRATIVES
The similitude of these episodes is like the rain. Not only these episodes, but even
Nusoos (Quranic verses and Ahadith) bear the same similitude. Rain in itself is
highly beneficial and life-giving. However, its effect on different substrata varies.
If the ground is fertile, the beneficial effect is manifested in the luxurious growth.
If the ground is arid and barren, then the more the rainfall, the more thorn-trees,
brambles and shrubbery. Shaikh Sadi (rahmatullah alayhi) says:
there is no doubt in the beneficial effect of rain. If it rains in a garden, tulips grow;
if it rains in arid ground, thorns and brambles glow.
Similar is the effect of episodes of Rahmat on different persons. People of

different dispositions are affected differently by these stories of mercy. Those of a
sick disposition and unhealthy temperament interpret these incidents of mercy in a
grossly distorted manner. They say if Allah Taala forgives on the basis of such
trivial acts, then there is no real need for righteous deeds. On the other hand, those
of a healthy disposition and who are straight-thinking, upon hearing such
incidents of Rahmat increase their acts of obedience. In fact, at times, if
forgiveness is obtained without punishment, those whose hearts are imbued with
Divine Recognition are smitten with shame far greater than the shame which they
would have suffered if they had received some punishment. Only those who have
suffered this state know its reality.
7.THE EXAMPLE OF THE INCIDENT OF UHUD
Whoever has understood this condition (of extreme shame for obtaining
forgiveness without being punished) will understand without the slightest
difficulty the tafsir of the ayat:
Thus, (Allah Taala) awarded you with grief as a recompense for grief
so that you may not (again) grieve.
The reference in this verse is to an incident, which occurred during the battle of
Uhud. Prior to the commencing of the battle, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi
wasallam) posted fifty Sahaba to guard the mountain pass to thwart any attack
from the rear. They were instructed not to leave their posts without Rasulullahs
(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) permission, no matter what the condition of the main
army may be. After this arrangement Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)
ordered the Muslims to attack. By the fadhl of Allah the Muslims gained victory
within a very short while. The kuffaar were decisively routed. Abu Sufyan Ibn
Harb who at that time was the commander of the kuffaar army, fled with his army.
The flag, which he was holding, fell down. The Muslims pursued the fleeing
enemy. On observing this total route of the kuffaar, a difference arose among the
Muslims guarding the mountain-pass. Some were of the opinion that since victory
has been achieved there no longer remained the need to guard the pass, as the
purpose for this duty no longer existed. In their opinion they would not be
disobeying the order of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) if they now left
¿their position. They argued that thus far they had not actively participated
in the battle and they now felt the need to join in the pursuit of the kuffaar.
However, some others opposed this view, saying that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi
wasallam) issued strict instructions not to leave the post under any circumstances
and without his express consent. But, the first group rejected this advice and forty
men left the position, which they were guarding, and became engaged in the
gathering of booty. This was an error of judgement on their part.
Khalid Bin Walid who at that stage had not yet embraced Islam and who was in
the army of the kuffaar observed this move. He had left some spies at the
mountain to keep him informed of the position at the mountain-pass.
While he was on the run with the army of the kuffaar his spies informed him that
the fortification at the mountain was abandoned. Khalid Bin Walid who was well-
experienced in military tactics and a seasoned officer immediately retrenched his
steps with five hundred soldiers and soon reached the post now guarded by only
eleven Sahaba. The Sahaba defended valiantly but were overwhelmed and
martyred. Khalid Bin Waleed then commenced his attack on the Muslims from the
rear. Seeing the tables being turned, the rest of the kuffaar army joined in the
attack on the Muslims who were now encircled. The danger which caused
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to fortify the mountain-pass now
materialised. Seventy Muslims were martyred in the ensuing engagement.
Hearing the false cry of the shaitaan that Muhammad is slain, the feet of many
Sahaba were uprooted and the tables were completely turned on the Muslims.
Inspite of this severe setback the Muslims were not defeated. Sayyiduna
Muhammadur Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) with a handful of devotees
held their ground, never turning their backs. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi
wasallam) ordered the Sahaabi to regroup. With one call all the Muslims
regrouped.
Allah Taala attributes the calamity upon the Muslims to the error in judgement,
which they made when they abandoned their position without the permission of
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
The Quraan, therefore says:
And, you disobeyed (the order of Rasulullah) after He (Allah) showed you that
which you loved (i.e. the victory of the Muslims.
Allah Taala then reprimands them:
Thus He awarded you with grief as a recompense for the grief (which you caused
Rasulullah by departing from his command) so that you may not grieve over that
which has slipped by you.
The wisdom underlying this retribution is stated:
So that you do not grieve over that which has slipped by you.
This digression was necessitated by the assertion that some persons of noble
disposition undergo greater shame and regret if no retribution is taken, hence the
purport of the ayat (mentioned above) is:
We recompensed you with a little hardship so that you may not grieve
Much, if forgiven without retribution having being taken.
The Sahaba were the beloved devotees of Allah and Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi
wasallam). If their error was forgiven without any recompense being meted out,
they would not have been able to raise their heads all their life because of regret
and shame. Thus they were given a slight punishment so as to save them from
great grief. It will now be realised that punishment is not always to inflict grief.
On the contrary, it is meted out sometimes to reduce grief.
8.AUDACITY- A SIGN OF AN UNHEALTHY DISPOSITION
This explanation was necessary because some people upon hearing narratives of
Rahmat become audacious and neglect righteousness. In this regard one should
reflect: Will one who remains restless if not punished for error, become audacious
in the commission of sin upon hearing narratives of mercy Certainly, those who
possess a healthy disposition and have a bond of love with Allah Taala, will
increase their obedience upon hearing episodes of Allahs Rahmat. the slave whose
folly is overlooked without punishment and inspite of this, he becomes audacious
in his disobedience is indeed a person of great degeneration.
The slave who, inspite of being forgiven his folly without being punished and is
audacious in disobeying his master, is of the lowest calibre and most
contemptible. A noble man is he who observing a favour of his master submits
himself life-long. It is for this reason that it was said that those who become
audacious in neglecting good acts upon hearing narratives of Rahmat are people
of an unhealthy disposition. They should be concerned with the rectification of
their condition and endeavour to create a bond of lave with Allah Taala. The
method of attaining this goal is for a while to remain in the company of the pious
saints. They will then not misconstrue the narratives of Rahmat and will acquire
the true benefits of the Mustahab acts. Thus a life-time of misfortune will be
obliterated. Indeed instructing us in the Mustahabat is a great favour and mercy of
Allah Taala upon us.
9.REVERTING TO THE MAIN TOPIC
It will now be realised that every part of the Quran Kareem is of importance, and
the Mustahabat in so far as instruction and education are concerned too are of
great importance. Regarding amal (righteous deeds) Mustahabat are of great
efficiency in producing results. The claim that every statement of Allah and
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is essential, is therefore correct. It is also
correct to claim that in the Ayat under discussion is a very important subject
similar in importance to subjects of other ayat. In this ayat Allah Taala informs us
of a very simple remedy for our evil plight and condition. There is no doubt in the
fact that our plight is evil. No one is free from this vile condition. However,
although the evil condition is common in us all, there exist differences in the
degree of degeneration. In some the degeneration and destruction are of a greater
degree and in others, of a lesser degree.
10.DISTRESSED IS HE WHOSE DEGENERATION IS OF A LESSER

DEGREE
The one whose condition is of a lesser degree of degeneration wali be more

distressed than those whose condition is degenerated to a much higher degree.
This discussion, therefore, is applicable to people of all degrees of degeneration.
In fact, those whose degeneration is of a lesser degree stand in greater need of this
discussion because they are overtaken by distress. This could be better understood
by means of an analogy. It has been observed that those who are in great debt are
worried to a lesser degree than those who have lesser debt. The reason for this
being that the one with great debt has already become addicted to debt and feel
the strain much fess than the one who is not in the habit of accruing debt. The one
who is not habituated to debt suffers much although he has hope of liquidating his
debt. He remains restless all night, and he wonders at those who can sleep
peacefully in spite of being drowned in debt.
11.CONCERN OVER HARDSHIPS
When there is hope of overcoming the difficulty then there is concern and worry
about it. When this hope vanishes then concern too disappears. One then ceases to
be worried about the difficulty since it assumes ones second nature. One becomes
like a permanent invalid. Likewise, those who do not sin much, remain worried
and full of regret, and those who commit sin in abundance. are not concerned
much. Constant commission of sin has desensitized them, At times abundance of
sin induces in one the condition of hopelessness, i.e. one loses all hope in the
mercy of Allah Taala, labouring under the impression that forgiveness is no longer
possible. When this state of degeneration is reached, man sins and derives full
pleasure. He now opens his heart and sins most audaciously until when maut
arrives, then too, he does not incline towards Istigfar and Taubah. Should he be
instructed at this stage to resort to Istigfar and Taubah, he will vehemently refuse.
In this regard Imam Ibn Kayyim (rahmatullah alayhi) said:
While a man was dying those present instructed him to recite the
Kalimah, but he refused saying: Of what benefit is a single
statement? My sins are so numerous that a thousand Kalimah too
will not be able to obliterate them.
This was the state of hopelessness which had been reached. This state of
hopelessness is kufr. May Allah Taala protect every Muslim, Ameen.
12.AT TIMES EVEN OBEDIENCE HAVE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS
The detrimental effects of abundant sin are manifest. It is astonishing that at times
such harmful effects flow in the wake of obedience as well. This could not have
been understood by anyone other than Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)
who was educated by Allah Taala, Himself.
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
My Rabb educated me; He gave me the best of education, My Rabb
schooled me in etiquette: He gave me the best of etiquette.
Since, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was taught in this gracious
manner by Allah Taala, his far-sightedness and insight can never be over-
emphasised. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) explained that at times even
obedience produces harmful results. His far-sightedness could be guaged from
this instruction. Superficially it seems that obedience in any amount is
meritorious. The more the obedience the better, hence there should not be limits
prescribed for obedience. But Rasulullah (sallallahu
alayhi wasallam) understood this mystery well. He therefore explained that

obedience too has a limit. A sick person requires medicine, but inspite of the
medicine being beneficial, it has prescribed limits. If given in excess, the harmful
result will be understandable. The same applies to obedience.
Although in itself, obedience is meritorious and beneficial, but the physicians of

the Rooh, the Ambiya (alaihimus salam) and their heirs have informed us that
obedience too is like a remedy, which has prescribed limits.
Khauf (Fear) of Allah Taala is a state of great obedience. The Quran and Ahadith,
over and over, instruct us to inculcate this Khauf. But, Rasulullah (sallallahu
alayhi wasallam) prescribed a limit for this Fear. Hence, in one dua he says:
0 Allah! Verily, I ask You that amount of Your Fear which will act as
a barrier between us and disobeying You.
In this dua it has been shown that fear without any limit is not the goal.
That much of fear is desired which will prevent us from disobedience.
13.THE WISDOM OF PRESCRIBING LIMITS TO OBEDIENCE
Experience has proven that an excess of innate fear is harmful. A person afflicted
with excess fear perpetually fixes his gaze on the Wrath of Allah Taala. He does
not consider any evil act worthy of forgiveness nor does he consider any of his
deeds worthy of acceptance in the Court of Grandeur of Allah Taala. Thus he does
not entertain the hope of salvation. The end result will be that such a person will
lose all hope in the mercy of Allah Taala, and such hopelessness is kufr. Who
other than Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) could prescribe that excess of
obedience too could be detrimental?
Allah Taala says:
Verily, none loses hope in the mercy of Allah, but a nation of unbelievers.
Precisely for this reason did Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) say:
so much fear which will act as a barrier between us and
disobeying You (i.e. sin).
14.THE PHILOSOPHERS AND THE AMBIYA (alaihimus salaam)
The ancient philosophers on observing the eternal truths propounded by the Ambit
(alaihimus salam) were stunned. In their books they were constrained to attest to
the reality of Nubuwwat. In this regard they claimed that it is possible that from
the First Cause of Grace (a crude reference to the Creator the philosophers had no
clear conception of the All-Powerful Allah Azza wa Jal -translator) knowledge
could be transmitted directly to certain persons. Because of this view, no
philosopher denied the Nubuwwat of any Nabi during his time. They even went to
the extent of saying that the lofty knowledge possessed by the Ambiya cannot be
gained by means of spiritual exercises. Inspite of this acknowledgement, the
philosophers committed the fatal blunder of claiming that the Ambiya (alaihimus
salam) were sent for the masses for the ignorant and the illiterate. They, therefore,
did not feel obliged to follow the Ambiya (alaihimus salam), claiming that they
could purify their own souls by means of knowledge and spiritual exercises.
Hence, in their opinion they stood in no need of a spiritual guide. Certain
Mufassirin have said that in regard to such philosophers Allah Taala says in the
Quran Kareem:
And, when the Rasul (Ambiya) came to them (philosophers) with
clear signs, they became boastful because of the (worldly J knowledge
they possessed. And, they were hemmed in by that which they
mocked.
They regarded this mundane life as the goal and were proud with the ability they
possessed in this regard. They rejected the Aakhirah, dubbed the quest for the
Aakhirah insanity and treated the warnings for rejection with mockery. Allahs
azaab (punishment) finally overtook them.
The attitude of these philosophers was the same as that of those Jews who while
acknowledging the Nubuwwat of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that
Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was indeed a Nabi, but a Nabi for only
the Arabs. They denied that he was a Nabi for them since they asserted that they
possessed a Scripture. The folly of their thinking is manifest. They acknowledged
that he was a Nabi. A requisite of a Nabi is that he is truthful. That very person
whom they acknowledged as a Nabi, albeit for only the Arabs, declared:
I am the Nabi unto all mankind. Obedience to me is obligatory. There
is no salvation without following me.
Their rejection of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is, therefore, in terms of

their own claims and understanding, illogical and irrational.
15.SO-CALLED PHILOSOPHERS OF TODAY
The ancient philosophers were unlike the so-called philosophers and scientists of
today. These so-called philosophers of today reject the very reality of Nubuwwat.
In fact those of today are not philosophers. On the contrary they are technologists.
Technology will remain beneficial as long as it is not misused. But technology
does not qualify one as a wise man. Hikmat (wisdom) is acquired through
spiritual and metaphysical knowledge.
But, the so-called philosophers (the scientists, theosophists, evolutionist, etc.) are
absolutely devoid of any spiritual knowledge. It is because of the total lack of this
form of knowledge that they reject outrightly Nubuwwat.
16.REVERSION TO THE ORIGINAL TOPIC
This digression followed in explanation of the assertion that at times harmful

effects ensue in the wake of righteousness as well. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi
wasallam) made this abundantly clear. And, this was presented in explaining that
sometimes abundance of sin causes one to lose hope in the mercy of Allah; and
when such a condition is reached, one indulges in sin shamelessly and
audaciously. Sin then ceases to bother or worry such a perpetrator. But one who
has sinned slightly does not lose hope in Magfirat and Rahmat. He always
entertains hope and is concerned with his condition. He strives to abstain from
sin. For this reason was it said earlier that those whose spiritual condition is on a
lesser degree of degeneration, stand in greater need of this discourse.
17.THE CONDITION OF THE KHAWAS IN SIN
Among those of lesser degeneration, the condition of the khawas (special

devotees of Allah Taala) is more acute. Their state is aptly summed up in the
couplet:
If from the garden of the Salik (the devotee journeying in the quest of Allah) a
single blade of grass is reduced, Thousands of pangs of grief smite his heart.
In other words: leave alone sin; if even a slight change undergoes his heart, a
mountain of grief breaks down upon him. If at that juncture of grief a qualified
spiritual guide is at hand, the devotee is consoled and saved from destruction, for
at times the devotee is utterly annihilated by the unbearable grief. (This condition
of extreme grief is called Qabdh in the terminology of Tasawwuf). About this
condition Maulana Rumi (rahmatullah alayhi) says:
When the condition of qabdh appears, contemplate the condition of bast /bast is
the opposite condition of qabdh), remain happy and display no sign of grief.
This is indeed a statement of great wisdom and experience.
18.QABDH ALSO BENEFICIAL
Although it is quite natural to be worried during the condition of qabdh, but to

remain intellectually perturbed even after being consoled and comforted by a
Shaikh Kaamil (a qualified spiritual mentor) is regrettable. This consolation of the
Shaikh Kaamil is based on the benefits, which are given effect by the condition of
qabdh. The state of qabdh is not to be interpreted as the negation of kamal
(perfection).
Leave aside ordinary mortals, even Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) on the
first occasion of Wahi, was overwhelmed by the heaviness of Wahi or by the
grandeur and splendour of Allah Taala, so much so that he was gripped by
uncontrollable shivering. In fear Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) returned
home from the Cave of Hira, wrapped himself in a blanket and went to sleep.
After having rested, Hadhrat Khadeejah (radiallahu anha) went with Rasulullah
(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to Warqah Bin Naufal who was a great Alim of the
Taurah and Injeel. After listening to the episode of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi
wasallam) the incident of Wahi -Warqah gave Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi
wasallam) the glad tidings of Nubuwwat. He then observed:
Alas! One day your community will expel you from Makkah. If I remain alive, I
will aid you wholeheartedly.
After this first incidence of Wahi, the Revelation ceased for a period of three
years. These three years the period of Wahi-cessation -were of unbearable grief to
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The grief and sadness increased to such
an extent that at times Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) climbed the
mountain and decided to throw himself from it ending his misery. What was this
state of extreme grief and sorrow? It was nothing but the state of qabdh. This
condition of qabdh is not a state in contradiction to the Shariah. If it were,
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would not have experienced it. It was the
love for Wahi that brought about this condition of grief in Rasulullah (sallallahu
alayhi wasallam). In this state of extreme restlessness, Jibra-eel (alayhis salam)
would appear and comfort and console Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
He would say:
0 Muhammad! You are the Nabi of this Ummat. Allah Taala has
raised you as the Nabi. Do not fear nor grieve.
If this then was the state of even Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), then
who else can there be who will not be overtaken by grief during the condition of
qabdh? By being conscious of the beneficial effects of qabdh, the heart
experiences pleasure to a certain degree. At times one has an awareness of these
beneficial effects although only in brief. In this regard Maulana Rumi
(rahmatullah alayhi) says:
0 Salik! When qabdh alights upon you then do not be overwhelmed
by grief, for it is the medium of your reformation.
Thus it is clear that qabdh too has its benefits and that it is not an evil condition.
The salek should, therefore, not consider himself to be accursed when this
condition overtakes him. Says Maulana Rumi:
When qabdh alights then contemplate the condition of bast (which is
the opposite of qabdh. Remain cheerful and happy and display no
sign of grief.
Maulana Rumi shows here that there is a strong likelihood of bast following the
condition of qabdh. Like it is said:
After every difficulty is ease. -Quraan (so too, after every qabdh is bast.)
Sometimes one acquires detailed knowledge of the beneficial results of qabdh. In

that case the salek becomes fully consoled and comforted by this awareness.
Sometimes the purpose of qabdh is to eliminate the destructive force of riya
(ostentation) and kibr (pride that had developed in the salik during the state of
bast. Sometimes during the state of qabdh a new condition of spiritual elevation is
awarded to the salek. This results in some
pride which leads the salek to consider himself a great man of piety. If at that
critical juncture Allahs protection is not forthcoming, then the salek will be utterly
destroyed in pride and vanity. Allah Taala protects the salek in a variety of ways
from these maladies and destructive forces. Sometimes Allah Taala produces the
state of qabdh and eliminates the pleasure and delight of the bast which had
produced the harmful effects. The salik then, instead of regarding himself as
superior and with vanity, considers himself to be the most despicable and
contemptible in the whole world. Truly, in that condition of qabdh, the salik sees
no one on earth as contemptible as himself. And, the true purpose of Tasawwuf is
precisely this, that one considers oneself as the meanest and most despicable.
19.TRAVERSING SULUK (TASAWWUF) A REQUISITE FOR

UNDERSTANDING THE STATEMENTS OF THE AHLULLAH (SAINTS
OF ALLAH)
These states of spiritualism described will only be understood if experienced.

Until such experiences have been attained, the words of the Ahle Dil (the People
of the Heart, i.e. the Auliya) cannot be understood. It has been aptly observed:
Someone enquired from me the nature of love I said: When
you become like me you will understand the nature of love.
Hadhrat Mujaddid Alfe Thani (rahmatullah alayhi) said:
One cannot be an arif until one considers oneself more contemptuous than a
kaafir.
If this condition has not passed over one, one will not be able to understand it.
Nevertheless, it may be understood by reflecting on the end of ones life. What
will be my end? Perhaps the end of a kaffir may be better.
(One may possess imam today, but at death kufr manifests itself or a kaffir may
just before death be blessed with the wealth of Iman). Every person should always
think along the line of the final result, and school ones nafs with the lesson: When
I am not aware of my own end, what right do I possess to consider myself
superior or nobler to others? What right have I to regard others as inferior?
Although there is no certainty that one is the most despicable of all, nevertheless
the possibility exists. In the face of this possibility it is not intelligent to consider
one superior to others. The safest course, therefore, is to consider oneself to be the
most contemptible. However, care should be exercised that this feeling does not
degenerate to the level of yes (losing all hope in the mercy of Allah), because this
condition of yes is kufr.
Someone said excellently:
Despair not of the mercy of Allah Taala. At times those drowned in
immorality suddenly reach the destination by a single call.
20.THE WISDOMS OF GABDH
Thus when during the state of bast there results the manifestation of spiritually
elevated experiences, a condition similar to pride sets in. At that stage Allah Taala
produces the condition of qabdh so that the salik beholds in him the impressions
of servitude and insignificance. He then regards himself as the most contemptible.
This in reality is a condition of great Rahmat for the salik, for it has become a
medium of a wonderful blessing. If the state of qabdh did not settle over the salik,
he would have been destroyed in the condition of bast.
Besides this benefit, another advantage of qabdh is the removal of the hijab (veil),
which sometimes is created for the salik by anwaar and tajalliyaat (spiritual
illumination and effulgence). Such spiritual illumination is the result of Zikrullah
(Remembrance of Allah). The salik becomes lost in ecstacy in the resultant
tajalliyaat. His attention is thus diverted from Allah Taala Who is the true Purpose
and Motive for the striving of the spiritual traveller (salik).
Hadhrat Hajee Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (rahmatullah alayhi) said:
there are two types of hijab (spiritual veils or impediments), viz.
Zulmani (of spiritual darkness) and Nurani /of spiritual illumination).
Hijab Zulmani comprises evil whisperings (waswasah) and suspicions
(khatrat). Such factors enter the heart at the time of Zikrullah and they
pertain to mundane affairs. Directing ones attention awards these
factors of spiritual darkness is detrimental. Hijab Nurani is the
revelation of the tajalliyaat and anwaar of Alame Malakut or the realm of
the angels. Since Alame Malakut is also an existence apart from Allah
Taala, the attention should not be focussed on it. Attention on
anything besides Allah is diversion from Allah Taala. Such diversion
has to be shunned.
Hijab Nurani is a graver condition than Hijab Zulmani because it retains the
attention more by virtue of its spiritual effulgence. Another diversionary aspect of
Nurani Hijab is the revelation of new and amazing phenomena. Observing these
super-natural phenomena the salik considers himself spiritually perfect whereas
the truth is that he is as yet involved with ghair-Haqq (that which is besides
Allah). Thus such spiritual illumination constitutes an obstacle for the salik in his
spiritual sojourn towards Allah Taala. Furthermore, the salik experiences a state of
ecstacy during the flow of such spiritual illumination and effulgence, hence, he is
overcome with
immense grief if such illumination ceases. At this juncture Allah Taala overtakes
the salik with the state of qabdh and eliminates the tajalliyaat which were
previously experienced. In this manner the salik is awakened from his ecstacy; his
attention is diverted from ghair-Haqq and riveted to Allah Taala Who is the true
and original Purpose of the salik.
There are other wisdoms and advantages of the state of qabdh. If it was not for
this condition, the saliks attention will be diverted from his true purpose.
Therefore, if any zakir and shaghil (one engaged in the Zikr of Allah and in
spiritual exercises) at any time experiences this condition of qabdh he should not
fear, but should consider it the Rahmat of Allah Taala, In it is betterment. The
salik, himself, on most occasions will discover the wisdoms underlying the state
of qabdh. By being conscious of these benefits and advantages of qabdh, the heart
derives peace and consolation, which results in pleasure. The qabdh in itself is not
something of comfort or consolation. On the contrary it is an aspect of worry and
concern. The consolation is derived by being conscious of the advantages ensuing
in its wake.
21.NATURAL CONCERN DURING QABDH
It is obvious that in worldly set-backs, loss and hardship, the result is grief and
sorrow. Although the loss in itself is something painful and of concern, the heart
could be solaced by thinking about the sawab in the Akhirat resulting from the
loss or by instituting measures of safety to prevent a recurrence of the loss which
was due perhaps to negligence. Inspite of the consoling factors in such cases, one
does not become pleased with the actual loss or hardship. The similitude of qabdh
is the same. It is a spiritual loss which in the analogy is comparable with material
loss occasioning natural grief. Like the mundane loss is not something of
consolation, so too, the qabdh in itself is not a phenomenon of comfort and
consolation. It is a different matter that meditation on the advantages of qabdh
produces consolation. Like in mundane affairs, a new and increased income daily
is a cause of comfort, so too, is the condition of bast which is the actual state of
happiness and comfort. The continuous inspiring of the heart with spiritual
illumination is the actual state of delight, and pleasure. The esoteric-self (batin)
steadily and continuously progresses in such states of Tajalliyaate Haqq.
CHAPTER 2
22.IT IS THE ONE WHO SINS LESS WHO IS CONCERNED
This discussion was initiated upon the assertion that among those who sin less, the
khas (special devotees) are smitten with extreme grief and restlessness by even
the loss of a spiritual state or experience, leave alone the commission of sin. The
grief suffered by the salik by the slightest loss of a spiritual rank is far greater than
the loss which a king suffers by losing his kingdom. It should now be clear that
one who sins less is smitten by greater concern and grief than one who sins much.
His example is like one who has never borrowed from anyone. He always
possessed and gave to others. If at anytime his funds are depleted leave alone
borrowing -he is overtaken with extreme worry. The thought of incurring debt is
repulsive to one who has never borrowed.
23.EVEN THE POSSIBILITY OF SIN CREATES SHIVERS IN THE

AULIYA
Leave alone sinning, the Ahlullah (Saints of Allah) shudder at the mere possibility
and thought of sin. They are terrified by even a reduction in their spiritually
illumined experiences and inspirations, because such a reduction creates the
suspicion or fear of demotion and being distanced from the Proximity of Allah
Taala.
They suffer and grieve more than others in the event of having committed a sin
because they are pained and wounded severely by the spear of sin. On the
contrary those who have been desensitized by abundance of sin do not refrain
from sin even after repenting. It is reported in the Hadith that the commission of a
sin results in a black spot forming on the heart. With each sin a new black spot
forms until finally the whole heart is engulfed by the blackness of abundance of
sin.
The feeling of concern over committing sin is common to all although in various
degrees of perception. Some perceive it more, some less. One who is not at all
pained by sin is indeed on an extremely low ebb of degeneration. His very
condition of indifference is a cause for extreme pity. Firstly, we (as Mumin)
should be reduced to tears by merely gazing on sin, and if this is not our condition
then we should lament and be grieved for not being in the position to shed tears
when gazing on sin. Such a condition of hard-heartedness is indeed lamentable.
My friends! If one cannot shed tears then at least assume the form of shedding
tears. In this regard the Hadith states:
And, if you do not cry then assume the form of crying.
In this Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) substituted tabaki

(assuming the form of crying) for buka (actual crying) because shedding actual
tears is not the motive or purpose. The true purpose is the crying of the heart.
Therefore, although in tabaki actual crying does not occur, the crying of the heart
does take place. The nature and reality of the heart crying is concern and grief,
sorrow and regret. It has been well said:
Noble is the eye which sheds tears in the remembrance of the Beloved (Allah
Taala)
Noble is the heart which is scorched /n the fire of separation (separated from its
Beloved Allah Taala).
Once Hadhrat Isa (alayhis salam) delivered a discourse. The effect of the
talk was so profound that the audience started to tear their clothing.
Hadhrat Isa (alayhis salam) said:
Tear not your garments; tear your hearts.
It should not be inferred from this that those who had torn their garments by being
overwhelmed in grief are to be criticized. The statement merely means that the asl
maqsood (true and actual purpose) is the tearing of the heart. One should
endeavour in this direction and not criticize those who tear their garments in a
state of uncontrollable grief and sorrow. Shaikh Sadi (rahmatullah alayhi) says:
Do not be amazed at the superficial errors of the Saints, for they are
drowned in the ocean of Allahs Love.
In this statement of Shaikh Sadi is counsel for us not to criticize and find fault
with the Auliya. Vindicating the Auliya, Shaikh Sadi (rahmatullah alayhi) says:
In the effort to obtain the Pleasure of Allah Taala they droop their
heads in their garments. When the grief becomes unbearable they
rent their garments.
24.THE KAMIL POSSESSES THE ABILITY TO CONTROL KAIFIYAT
The kamil (a saint who has attained spiritual perfection) superficially seems to be
sakin (dormant) whereas in actual fact he is progressing at an extremely swift
pace. He takes immense strides (in the spiritual realm) in the shortest of time.
However, occasional states of ecstacy, e.g. tearing of garments, unconsciousness
and uncontrollable shedding of tears are not negatory of his kamil (perfection).
Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (radiallahu anhu) once fell into a swoon upon mentioning
the name of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Who could be on a higher
pedestal of spiritual perfection and illumination than the Sahaba Kiraam?
The Sahaba Kiraam were the strongest and possessed the most independent
dispositions. The demise of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was an event
of the greatest and gravest occurrence to the Muslims. However, besides shedding
tears and crying they did nothing else. If they had to wail and tear their garments
as much as they could, all would be slight in the face of this momentous event,
Nevertheless, they all showed superb restraint and control. Some change which
had undergone among certain of the Sahaba was quickly rectified by the wise
counsel of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (radiallahu anhu). Despite their extreme grief and
sorrow, the Sahaba immediately involved themselves in the activities of the Deen.
The ability to exercise control and restraint in conditions of extreme grief and
sorrow was common to ail the Sahaba Kiraam. Their ability of control during
spiritual states and experiences was of such a high degree that they never were
overwhelmed. They neither danced in ecstacy nor tore their garments. They had
full control of themselves during the states of kaifiyat.
Hadhrat Shaikh Abdul Haq Radwali (rahmatullah alayhi) said:
Hadhrat Mansur (rahmatullah alayhi) was an infant/i e. not having
attained perfection in this Path, hence he screamed in a mere drop
(of that Eternal and Divine Love) which overwhelmed him. But here
/referring to, the Sahaba) were men (a reference to their great
courage and capacity to bear themselves during spiritual/ experiences
of elevation). They (were such men) who consumed oceans of Divine
Love without even a sign showing.
The ocean (of Divine Love) of the Sahaba Kiraam did not take the route of wajd
(ecstacy), raqs (spiritual-dances) and shath (statements uttered during ecstacy,
having meanings other than that conveyed by the words), Their ocean took
another direction, viz. benefit and service to Allahs creation. Their enthusiasm and
their clamour were directed and channeled into the service of the seekers of the
Truth. In consequence, thousands of people attained the rank of wilayet
(sainthood). If at times their ocean of love was beyond enduring then it found an
outlet in tears. It is said:
0 Rabb! What kind of fountain is the Fount of Love? I drank a
drop and an ocean of tears flowed.
The shedding of tears when overwhelmed by such grief is not a deficiency.

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) also at times shed tears during Saint, and
a sound like a boiling cauldron would emerge from his breast.
25.THE OVERWHELMED IS EXCUSED
Screaming, tearing garments and spiritual dancing are not acts of kamil
(perfection). These are mere conditions which are neither desirable nor
reprehensible. The desirable conditions are those which bear likeness to the states
of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The greater the resemblance to the
conditions of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), the greater the degree of
perfection. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has, therefore, said that the
true (and desired) crying is the crying of the heart, not mere shedding of tears.
But, assuming the form of crying is not without advantage. In it is obedience to
the order of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Thus, at times when shedding tears
is not forthcoming, then by imitating this advice of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi
wasallam), the desired goal is attained.
26.OUR CONDITION- -IN NEED OF REFORMATION
Indeed, our condition stands in dire need of reformation. Those who are involved
in even less sin should also regret. Those who do not regret should indeed regret
because of their impervious and hard condition. This condition of indifference to
sin -the condition in which there is no regret -is a more dangerous situation. It is
graver if it remains static even after being reminded. Sometimes, one fails to
regret ones deplorable state of degeneration, but upon being reminded. one is
induced to reflect. Such reflection too is an opportunity. Those who have no regret
for their sorrowful state of sin do, however, acknowledge that they are sinful, for
every person is constrained to confess that he is sinful. Thus everyone realises the
malady, but the deficiency is in respect of remedying the disease. There is no
concern shown in this direction. Abstaining from treating the disease is highly
dangerous. This is quite obvious. It is therefore imperative that attention be paid
to treating the spiritual maladies.
27.THE REASON FOR CHOOSING THE AYAT UNDER DISCUSSION
The ayat which I had recited contains the remedy for this common disease. Allah
Taala says:
And, do not become like those who forgot Allah. Thus Allah caused
them to become forgetful of their own souls. Indeed, these are the
transgressors.
Subhanallah! Indeed, Allah Taala has honoured his servants in this ayat by
refraining from saying: Do not become of those people who have forgotten Allah.
Since the ayat is directed to Muslims and it is indeed remote from the dignity of s
Mumin to forget Allah, it has been said:
Do not become like those who have forgotten Allah.
The affection, love and honour in this style of address are manifest. The purport
of this manner of address is:
Forgetting Allah is remote and not expected of your love, but it is
possible that you may become like those who have forgotten. You
should not be like them.
Another implication of this style of address is that one who totally forgets Allah is
a kaffir whereas the audience of the ayat is Muslim, and it is not possible for
Muslims to be kaffir. For this reason it has not been said:
DO NOT BECOME OF THOSE WHO HAVE FORGOTTEN ALLAH. Instead it
has been said: Do not become like those who have forgotten Allah
Hadhrat Maulana Muhammad Yaqoob (rahmatullah alayhi) said that it is not

conceivable that a person who has been a Muslim becoming a renegade. Cases of
certain Muslims having reneged from Islam and adopted some other religion are
not at all surprising, for such people never were Muslims at heart. Their claim to
Islam was confined to lip-service. Their hearts were devoid of Iman. At times the
condition (kaifiyat) of the heart and the statement of the tongue become factors
for the negation of Iman. In such cases where Iman has already been negated
people consider themselves to be Muslims whereas in actual fact their Iman has
been annihilated. By Allah they are not Believers.
28.AN EPISODE OF GREAT ADMONITION
I shall relate an amazing and awful incident in which there is great admonition
and lesson. I have personally heard this incident from Hadhrat Thanvi
(rahmatullah alayhi) who said that Shaikh Dahhan. a senior Alim of Makkah
Muazzamah narrated:
A certain Alim in Makkah Muazzamah passed away and was buried
there. After sometime another man also died there. The heirs of the
deceased desired that he be buried in the same grave as that of the
Alim. In accordance with their wishes the grave of the Alim was
opened. To their utter shock and astonishment they discovered that
instead of the Alim, there laid the body of a beautiful young girl. On
closer examination it was found that the body was of a European girl.
All stood in astonishment Coincidentally, a man from the gathering
recognized the girl since he had previously seen her. He informed the
people that the body was that of a French girl. She was the daughter
of Christian parents, and she had studied Urdu by him. In secrecy she
had embraced Islam and that he had taught her some Deeni books.
The reason for the miraculous transfer of her body after death was
now obvious. She was a Muslim and pious as well, hence the transfer
to holy ground. But, the question remained: What has happened to
the body of the Alim who was buried in that grave. It was then
suggested to the instructor of the girl that upon his return to Europe
after Hajj he should investigate the grave of the girl. The grave should
be opened to see if the body of the Alim was perhaps transferred into
her grave. This was agreed upon. A man who new the Alim well
accompanied the girls teacher to Europe.
On reaching Europe, the girls teacher narrated the episode of the girl
and her grave in Makkah to her parents. They were greatly perturbed
when hearing this astonishing story. They finally agreed to the request
to have her grave in France dug open. When the coffin was opened its
contents were amazing, for it was the body of that Alim who had died
and was buried in Makkah Muazzamah.
This news caused much concern to the people of Makkah Muazzamah. What was
the reason for the transference of this Alims body to a place of kufr? It was
decided to ask his wife for some clue to the mystery. There surely must have been
some vile deed of his which was the cause of this miraculous transfer from an
abode of holiness to a place of kufr. A deputation went to the home of the Alim
and requested his wife: Was there anything contrary to Islam in your husband?
She replied:
He was a constant and conscientious reciter of the Quran,
steadfast on Salaat and performer of Tahajjud.
People asked her to ponder and reply, for his body after burial in Makkah
Muazzamah has been transferred to a place of kufr. There must certainly be
something in him which was in opposition to Islam. His wife then said:
The only thing that I can think of is that after sexual relations when he prepared
for ghusl he would always say:
A nice thing of the Christian religion is that ghusl janaabat is not
Fardh.
It was then said to her:
Indeed this is most assuredly the cause of the transference.
This was then the reason for Allah Taala having dumped his body among the
Nasara whose way he preferred.
This episode will illustrate that although externally this man was a complete and
perfect Muslim, but investigation established that he contained an aspect of kufr,
viz., preference for a custom of the kuffaar. Since preference for kufr is in fact
kufr, it is manifest that this man was not a believer from the very inception. It
should not, however, be interred that in such cases bodies will always be
transferred. Such rare incidents take place by the command of Allah to act as
direction and admonition for us. In this regard, the Quran says about Shaitan:
And, he was of the kaafireen.
In other words, from the very beginning, he was a kaffir. It is not that he was a
believer in the beginning and later became a kaffir. This is an erroneous notion
which people entertain. On the contrary, he was always a kaffir, but his kufr lay
dormant and hidden, and only became manifest with his refusal to make sajdah
for Hadhrat Adam (alayhis salam). Shaitan had already learnt from the Luh
Mahfooz that a being will become kaffir, but because of his external piety he
became unconcerned and negligent of himself. He could not conceive that being
such a great worshipper, he could become kaffir, Shaitan thus was utterly
destroyed by his takabbur (pride) and indifference. On the contrary, all the
Malaaikah were extremely perturbed when they learnt that a being will become a
kaffir. They prayed that this misfortune should not be the lot of any among them.
As a result of their fikr (concern) and tawadhu (humility) they remained in the
Court of Divine Acceptance, and Shaitan was rejected and cursed because he
never was within Divine Acceptance. Once a person is accepted by Allah Taala,
he never is rejected, just like one who has attained buloogh (physical maturity)
never returns to the state of physical immaturity (na-baligh).
Similarly, once a man has accepted Islam with sincerity of heart, he never
becomes kafir.A mature person is one who after having accepted Islam submits
his whims and desires to the Command of Allah. Not only does he submit himself,
he totally annihilates himself in the obedience of the Divine Command. And, an
immature person is one whose lowly desires dominate him. Maulana Rumi
(rahmatullah alayhi) says:
All creation are like children (immature and inexperienced), save the
one who is engrossed with Allah Taala. Only he is mature /and
developed who has obtained freedom from lowly desire.
Truly, once Iman has settled in the heart, its expulsion is not possible even if
attempted. It is recorded in Bukhari Shareef that Hadhrat Sufyan Ibn Harb
(radiallahu anhu) prior to embracing Islam was questioned by the emperor,
Heracleus:
Has anyone after embracing this religion of Islam reneged from it in
detestation (i.e. disliking anything of it?
When Abu Sufyan (radiallahu anhu) replied in the negative, Heracleus exclaimed:
Indeed, such is Iman after having settled in the recesses of the
heart.
Iman is synonymous with love, hence the Quran states:
Those who have accepted Iman are strongest in the love for Allah.
In this ayat, iman is defined as love. If the love is true it will never leave the heart.
This is exactly the case of Iman. It is for this reason that the devotees of Allah (the
Auliya) do not accord place in their heart for even a love which is lawful so that at
the time of maut their attention is not taken towards the love which is transitory
and perishable. At the time of departure from this ephemeral abode they do not
wish to have any love in their hearts besides the love of Allah and His Rasul
(sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Should we (ordinary mortals) not be able to abstain
from excess of lawful love then at least we should abstain from unlawful love.
This is imperative. If we desire a life and death like the chosen ones of Allah, then
we should link up with them. InshaAllah, then one day we too will be bestowed
with this treasure which they possess. Reverting back to our original topic, the
audience of the ayat:
Do not become like those who have forgotten Allah.
cannot be the kuffaar. It applies to only the Believers. Further, the ayat says:
thus, He caused them to become forgetful...
This statement indicates a significant point. However, before understanding this

point it is necessary to explain something. Allah Taala states:
We are closer to man than his jugular vein.
If after knowing this, man still becomes forgetful of Allah Who is closer to him
than his jugular vein, then it is inconceivable that he will remember himself. It
should now be obvious that the one who has forgotten Allah Taala, has, in fact,
forgotten himself. He who remembers Allah Taala, will remember himself, albeit
not directly and independently, but as a creature of Allah. He will remember
himself by virtue of his bond of love with Allah; by virtue of the bounties of Allah
Taala; by virtue of the possessions which he holds as an amaanat (Trust) of Allah
Taala. Such a person remembers and thinks of everything through the Medium of
Allah Taala, just like an ashiq thinks of the things of his beloved. Thinking of
things associated with the beloved is in fact remembering the beloved.
29.THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AHLE DUNYA AND AHLULLAH
The Ahlullah (Auliya of Allah) care for themselves and all their connections and
associates in the manner of a servant. They do not behave like employers. We
(Ahle Dunya the people of the world) eat merely to fill our stomach whereas they
eat to care for the machine awarded by the Owner (Allah Taala). It should now be
simple to understand the wisdom underlying the Divine prohibition of suicide.
Allah Taala states:
Do not kill yourself.
Suicide is forbidden because life does not belong to man. Since it is not mans
property, he is not at liberty to use and misuse it as he pleases. Life too is Allahs
property and He has not permitted us to employ it without His Consent. In the
same way, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
Verily, your body has s right over you; your soul has a right over you;
verily, your eye has a right over you.
Because of the natural rights which all parts of the human body has over man, it is
not permissible for man to sterilize or destroy his sexual ability or to deliberately
eliminate his sight. The Arifeen -the Auliya of Allah thus regard their bodies as
the property of Allah Taala, hence they nourish and care for it with this intention.
In material needs and fulfillment we sometimes consider the Auliya to be like us.
whereas in actual fact there is no resemblance. About the Auliya it has been
wisely said:
the ignorant are unaware of the condition of the Arifeen; it is best,
therefore, to be brief in talk in their regard.
The Ahle Dunya drink cold water for pleasure and to quench thirst. But, the Arif
drinks water so that he fulfils the shukr of Allah on every gulp. Truly speaking,
we do not belong to ourselves. We are the property of Allah Taala. Whoever
remembers Allah, will remember himself. In remembering himself, he will firstly
remember Allah Taala and then himself. Such indirect remembrance of the self is
not tawajju ital ghair (attention on
others besides Allah) which is forbidden. The gaze of the Ahlullah is firstly on
Allah Taala. The gaze of creation is secondary, resulting from the gaze and
attention on Allah because such creation belongs to Allah. On the contrary, our
gaze is firstly on creation and secondly on Allah Taala as the Creator and
Fashioner.
30.ALLAH IS NEAR: NAFS IS FAR
It is established that the gaze of the Ahlullah falls first on Allah Taala and
thereafter upon themselves. Thus, to them Allah Taala is closer than their own
nafs. If Allah Taala was not closer, no persons gaze would be directed firstly to
Him. Hence, whoever forgets Allah Taala has forgotten himself. This is what is
conveyed by the Quranic statement:
... thus, He (Allah] caused them to forget their ownselves.
Such people are then classified by Allah Taala:
Indeed, they are the faasiqoon (transgressors).
This portion of the ayat is presently under discussion since the purpose of the
discussion is to explain the remedy for the degenerate condition stated in the ayat.
The word, ula-ikah in this portion of the ayat is a demonstrative pronoun (Ism
Isharah). It indicates the word, faasiqoon (the transgressors), hence the meaning
of fasiqoon is applicable to ula-ikah. According to the rule of ilme Balaghat
(Rhetoric and Eloquence) the demonstrative pronoun is re-iterated in the ism
Isharah (i.e, the demonstrative pronoun) and the order or conclusion of the
musharun ilayhi is based upon the qualities of the musharun ilayhi stated
previously. It is on the basis of this rule of rhetoric that the Ulama of Tafseer have
said in the tafsir of the verse:
These people (ula-ikah) are on guidance of their Rabb; and these
people (ula-ikah) are the ones who are successful, ,
That the ism Isharah here establishes that the order of guidance and success is
based and dependant upon the qualities stated prior to the ism Isharah, viz. Iman
bil ghaib, Iqamate Salaat, Acceptance of the Divine Books, Spending wealth, etc..
In the same way, here in
these are the people who are the transgressors.,
the quality of nisyan (forgetfulness) is repeated. This quality of nisyan has been
stated previously in:
Those who have forgotten Allah.
Thus the conclusion of fisq (transgression) is based upon this quality of

forgetfulness. The result, therefore, is that transgression is the consequence of
being forgetful of Allah Taala. In actual fact, a faasiq and a transgressor is one
who has forgotten Allah Taala.
31.THE REALITY OF FISQ (TRANSGRESSION)
The meaning of fisq is to transgress commands, and this is the reality of sin in
which we are involved. Alhamdulillah! This ayat quite clearly informs us of the
original cause of the malady. The cause of our degenerate condition is our
forgetting Allah Taala. According to the principle, cure by opposite (al-ilaj bidh-
dhid), the remedy for our forgetfulness should be by its opposite, viz.
remembrance. Since the cause of the degeneration is forgetfulness, the remedy
should be remembrance. Thus the true and proper remedy for sins is the
remembrance of Allah Taala. In other words, the curing of the disease will follow
the elimination of the cause of the disease. Here the cause is nisyan, the
elimination of which is necessary. And. this elimination of nisyan, stands in need
of Zikrullah. Remembrance of Allah will result in the elimination of forgetfulness.
Since these two are opposites, their co-existence is a logical impossibility. In the
same way, the elimination of both is logical impossibility. The conclusion,
therefore is: the cure for sin is remembrance of Allah.
32.HOW TO REMEMBER ALLAH TAALA
How is Allah Taala to be remembered? A variety of mediums of remembering

Allah Taala exists. For example: Remembrance by means of love; remembrance
by means of fear; remembrance by means of shame. These mediums of
remembrance are then divided into different types. Take, for example,
remembrance by means of love. This love for Allah may be motivated by love for
His being (Zaat) or it may be the result of the motive of sawab for good acts.
Similarly is the case of fear. Fear may be for the Being of Allah or it may be
induced by His punishment. Likewise, shame (haya) which may be haya for His
Zaat or for His hasanat (bounties and blessings). With regard to the medium and
form of remembrance, the dispositions of people vary. In some people the
Muhabbat (love) for Zaat is dominant. In other words, their disposition is so much
overwhelmed by the grandeur and splendour of Allah Taala that they are
compelled into the muhabbat of Zaat. They are engrossed in Zikrullah neither for
the acquisition of Jannat nor for salvation from Jahannam. They are motivated in
their Zikr solely by the consideration of pure muhabbat for Allah Taala.
Others again are motivated by the desire to acquire Jannat in their Zikrullah, as
well as the motive of being savers from Jahannam. There is no wrong in this
motive since the actual purpose is Zikrullah, and this motive or medium is lawful
in its attainment. Should one commence ones Zikr even with this intention viz.,
acquisition of Jannat and salvation from Jahannam then, InshaAllah, a day will
dawn when ones Zikr will be by the motive of the higher degree. Ones Zikr will
then be solely as a result of true and pure muhabbat for Allah Taala. On that stage
of Zikr one will be concerned with nothing but the pleasure of Allah Taala.
The motives of Zikrullah could be better understood by means of an analogy.

Consider two students engaged in acquisition of knowledge. One studies solely
for the sake of acquiring knowledge, deriving pleasure out of his studies, and the
other studies for the acquisition of some material gain which will be the ultimate
consequence of him qualifying in his branch of study. Undoubtedly, the condition
of the former student is superior since he has not been motivated by any greed or
base desire. Although the second student is of a lower calibre, nevertheless, no
intelligent person will advise him to discontinue his studies because of his lower
motive. Any such advice will culminate in only being deprived of knowledge.
33.THE OBJECT IS ZIKRULLAH
The actual object is Zikrullah, and not the medium of its attainment. It is therefore
wrong for certain people of shallow insight to criticize those who engage in
Zikrullah because of their desire for Jannat and salvation from Jahannam. Such
criticism is reprehensible since Allah Taala, Himself, encourages us towards
Jannat:
Hasten towards the magfirat (forgiveness) of your Rabb and
towards Jannat, the vastness of which is like the vastness of the
heaven and earth.
Some critics have concluded that the motive of Jannat in Zikrullah is

contemptible. In fact, they are leveling their criticism against Allah Taala, for He,
Himself exhorts this motive for Zikrullah. All means and methods instructed by
Allah Taala are of a superb quality and highly meritorious although one method is
superior to another, nevertheless, all mediums
instructed by Him are magnificent and worthy of acquisition. Zikrullah for the
sake of only Divine Pleasure is the highest degree, but the motivation of Jannat is
also a motive of a high degree. The motive of Jannat in Zikrullah should be that
Jannat is the bounty of Allah Taala; its acquisition will be the consequence of His
Pleasure and that He has commanded us to request it. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi
wasallam) also asked Jannat, hence viewing the motive from his angle, it is
likewise of the highest degree.
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
0 Allah! I ask You for Jannat and such acts and words which draw
towards Jannat.
This Hadith establishes that petitioning for Jannat is not an inferior motive or
method of Zikrullah, If it was not a worthy motive, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi
wasallam) would not have made this dub. It was said earlier that to the ashiq,
everything of the Mahboob is beloved, hence Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi
wasallam) supplicated for Jannat. Further, the Mahboob has instructed to ask of
Him, hence supplicating in obedience to His Command is the cause of His
Pleasure. When Allah Taala, Himself expresses a Desire for us to fulfill, then
contentment and abstinence (qanaat) are to be confounded. The Arif kamil
(perfect saint of Allah) is one who does not display independence from the
slightest blessings of Allah Taala, not to speak of such a lofty nemat as Jannat.
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) requested Jannat also because it
will be the abode where man wilt see the Vision of Allah. Thus in reality,
Rasulullahs (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) request was a supplication for the
Vision of Allah Taala. Someone observed:
Those who are ashiq, desire Jannat because it will be the meeting
place of friends.
For this reason one saint said that since he discovered that friends will meet one
another in Jannat, he became eager for Jannat. Jannat and all factors leading and
encouraging towards it constituting the motive for Zikrullah, are therefore, among
the highest of methods. Another subtle point in the request for Jannat is at times
the request is not motivated by only the Vision of Allah Taala, which will occur in
Jannat, but by the thought that one is not worthy of asking for something as lofty
as the Divine Vision; at least it will be a great blessing if the abode of Vision is
visited. This intention too is worthy of merit. Hadhrat Hajee Imdadullah
(rahmatullah alayhi) said:
Those who wish for the vision of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) are
indeed fortunate. I do not regard myself worthy of even glancing at the green
dome (of Musjid Nabawi).
It has been aptly said:
A hair of your lock is sufficient for me. (0 heart! Yearn not in greed,
for even the fragrance is a blessing.
Sometimes the request for Jannat is the result of tawadhu (humility) becoming
dominant in one. The Ashiq does not consider himself worthy of his Mahboob. He
therefore desires to be at least in an abode of proximity to the Mahboob.
Sometimes, in order to exhibit dependence and need, Jannat is wished for. In
short, different persons have different intentions in asking for Jannat, and effort is
made in its attainment. The purpose of all is to finally obtain the Pleasure of Allah
Taala. The difference is only in the difference of means and methods. It does not
matter if the goal is attained by a direct method or an indirect one; whether we
advance towards Him or He draws us towards Him.
34.THE FORMS OF FEAR (KHAUF)
Like muhabbat has various forms, so too has khauf. Some have the fear of the
Zaat (the Being of Allah, Himself). The fear is induced by the grandeur and
splendour of Allah Taala. Others again have fear of reprimand and punishment in
the Aakhirah. Both these forms are good in their appropriate places. The grandeur
and splendour of Allah Taala do not manifest to some, hence fear of punishment
acts as their protection against sin. Therefore, there is no criticism to be levelled
against those who practice righteousness because of the fear for Divine
Punishment. This condition of fear is not inferior, but on the contrary it is a lofty
status, although the manifestation of Divine Splendour acting as the protection
against sin is superior.
So far the kinds of Divine Remembrance have been explained. There are two such
kinds, viz. through the medium of muhabbat and through the medium of khan
35.A THIRD FORM OF DIVINE REMEMBRANCE
A third form of Divine Remembrance is called remembrance of hays or

remembrance via the agency of shame. This agency is utilized by those in whose
disposition hays (shame) is dominant. They practice righteousness and engage in
Zikrullah as a result of this dominant trait of hays in them. They are ashamed of
being forgetful of their Creator. Khauf and muhabbat are not their motivating
force in the remembrance of Allah Taala. Although such. persons are not devoid
of muhabbat, nevertheless, it (muhabbat) is not a dominant feature in them. Haya
is their dominant disposition, and such haya is sometimes because of Zaat and
sometimes because of Inamat (blessings and bounties).
Thus, in some, muhabbat is dominant, in some, khauf and in some, hays. The
dominant feature in each person is the cause for that persons obedience and
remembrance of Allah.
36.SPECIFIED EFFECT OF ZlKR NOT THE GOAL
It has been seen that there are many forms of Zikr and the purpose of these
various forms is the same, viz., attainment of the goal., which is the Pleasure of
Allah Taala. The one who engages in zikr should. therefore not aspire for the
acquisition of states of ecstacy or some kaifiyat, for these are not attainable by
ones volition. The bandah (servant of Allah) is not required to strive after acts and
affairs beyond the scope of his volition. It is because of the misconception (i.e.
striving to attain states not within ones ability) that regret and frustration set in
when the zakir (one who is engrossed in zikr) after having made zikr for a
considerable time fails to realize any spiritual state or kaifiyat. Yet no one knows
which kaifiyat is beneficial for him, and which is detrimental. Allah Taala brings
about His Recognition sometimes by causing laughter, sometimes by inducing
tears and sometimes by regret and worry, It has been well said:
What have you said to the flower that it is ever laughing and what
have you said to the nightingale that it is ever crying?
What is obtained from the Mahboob, should be regarded as best and one should
be pleased with it. Those who have understood this mystery are happy and
pleased in all states and circumstances. If khauf dominates them, they do not
search for muhabbat; if haya is dominating in them, they do not search for
muhabbat or khauf. In all states they are resigned in pleasure.
37.CAUTION TO THE SALIKEEN
This what has been said is of special benefit to the salikeen because they entertain
great spiritual ambitions. The disease of desiring kaifiyat and lofty ranks is
marked among them. They should know that such ambitions are contrary to the
abdiyet (being a slave.). Abdiyete Kamile (true and perfect state of subjection and
submission to Allah) consists of annihilating all desires and yearnings in the
Desire of Allah Taala. Some zakireen, after having made Zikr, complain that they
experienced no pleasure in the Zikr. Alas! Life has been squandered in the
pleasures of the nafs. When will you turn towards the Mahboob Remember that
the mazhab (the way) of the Ashiq is:
Love is the fire which when it blazes consumes everything besides
the beloved.
It is also said:
When the sword of LA (i.e. La in La ilaha il-lallaho) is brandished in the
annihilation of ghair-Haqq (all that is other than Allah) then see what
remains after La
Once La ilaha il-lallaho has been said, everything besides Allah is negated, thus it
is obvious that after this will remain only illallah (but Allah only), Everything else
besides Him will be annihilated. Such love which devours and destroys
partnership in the Divine Love is to be congratulated. Now do not hanker after
any special kaifiyat or special rank. Remain only in the quest of Allah Taala. Be
pleased even if nothing is obtained. It is accepted that your desire is noble, but
ponder! The desire of your Mahboob is that you remain with desire unfulfilled. Is
your desire then superior to the desire of the Mahboob? If you do not realise your
desires, then too nothing is lost, for you will attain to Him., and once He has been
attained, everything is attained.
38.ZIKR AND FIKR THE GOAL
My brethren! The duty of the servant is only to engage in the zikr of Allah Taala.
He should regard as the aim and object, remembrance of Allah and constant
reflection. The gaze should not be on the attainment of any kaifiyat (spiritual
experience). Allah Taala has addressed us:
Do not become like those who have forgotten Allah. Then, Allah
caused them to forget themselves.
We should not become among those who are guilty of such
forgetfulness, for then the Divine Decree:
Indeed these people are the faasiqoon,
will be applicable to us as well.
The cause of degeneration as pointed out is nisyan (forgetting Allah), and the
remedy for this nisyan is zikr and fikr. There is now a simple method of
eliminating our degenerate condition and abstaining from sin. That simple but
most efficacious method consists of appointing a time for zikrullah in solitude.
The zikr, which is to be carried out in the appointed time of solitude should be by
both tongue and heart, otherwise it will be:
Tasbeeh in hand; taubah on the lips and heart filled with (he taste of sin.
Sins too are ashamed of our taubah
Remembrance by the mere lips produces no quick and effective result.
The remembrance by both tongue and heart brings about the desired effect swiftly.
When sitting in remembrance of Allah, then do not deliberately introduce
thoughts other than Allah into your heart. Stray thoughts which enter the mind
involuntarily will be of no harm. A sentry standing guard will be a criminal if he
deliberately permits unauthorized persons to enter, but if entry is gained by over-
powering the sentry, he will not be considered a criminal. Similar is the case of
thoughts entering the mind during Saint and Zikr. Deliberate introduction of
thoughts is sinful and harmful whereas stray thoughts assaulting the mind are of
no substance. In the twenty four hours of night and day, fix at least one hour for
this .,specific remembrance of Allah. During this hour of solitude engage in the
zikr of either La ilaha il-lallaho or Allahu Allah. This must be a daily practice. I
am showing you a wonderful prescription. By Allah! Constancy in zikr will firstly
divest you of sin. You will not approach sin. Involvement in this spiritual
degeneration will be brought to an end. Then, even if sometimes one is over-
powered by the nafs and shaitaan, the Noor in the heart will immediately react.
Immediately it will seem as if a spear has pierced the heart. Peace of heart will be
utterly shattered. The servant will then hasten towards taubah. You will be
constrained towards taubah. InshaAllah, in this way you wilt be freed from all sin.
Indeed, this is an extremely simple prescription for curing our degeneration and
abstaining from sin.
CONCLUSION
The summary of this waz (lecture) is in the ayat (recited in the beginning), the sentence,
They are indeed the people who are the faasiqoon..
is the effect of forgetting Allah. This establishes that the cause of the degeneration and
transgression is nisyan (forgetfulness). To be cured of this condition Zikrullah is
imperative. This is precisely what Allah Taala indicates to His servants in this ayat. He
addresses the Muslims in loving tones and with love. In other words, Allah Taala is
saying in this ayat: 0 Muslims! You should not be deceived into indifference and
forgetfulness forgetting the remembrance of Allah. You should not behave like the kuffaar
who have forgotten Allah. There is no resemblance between them and you.
0 my brothers! After having heard this Call of Allah, it is essential that we regard the
remembrance of Allah as an obligation of life. We should be constant in making dud for
taufeeq, the inclination and ability to engross ourselves in zikrullah. Finally, we will
come within the purview of the ayat.
Remember me and I shall remember you.
I now conclude with the dua that Allah Taala grants us all the taufeeq of zikr and
obedience.
Ameen.

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ZIKR-E-ILAHI

REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH TAALA by Hazrat Maseehullah Khan Saheb(R.A.)

ZIKR-E-ILAHI or Remembrance of Allah is one of the many

Organizations and movements, luminaries and dignitaries of the

The prescription offered by Hadhrat Maseehullah Saheb is the prescription enshrined in

BISMILLA HIR RAHMANIR RAHEEM

1.THE IMPORTANCE OF MUSTAHABBAT

2.MUSTAHABBAT THE PEACE AND TRANQUILITY OF THE ASHIQ

3.OUR BOND WITH ALLAH TAALA HAS SLACKENED

HERE RELATIONSHIP IS NOT SUFFICIENT- -PERFECT RELATIONSHIP IS

0 you who are perpetually engaged in pleasing the wife and

greatest Benefactor and Creator?

And, again he says:

In developing this contemptible world you have no moment to spare.

has arranged and assembled all these bounties?

It is entirely a different issue to omit a Mustahab on Shari grounds. For example:

Verily, your soul too has a right over you.

It should be well remembered that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) exhorted us to

5.THE BARKATS OF MUSTAHABBAT

An interesting episode is related here to indicate this importance. Someone saw in a

You have honoured MY NAME well. Go you are forgiven.

What have you brought for me?

He then stated: I have brought Tauheed.

The Rahmat of Allah is in search of some excuse so as to forgive (people their

My friends! Never regard any good act as insignificant or despicable. It is not

Similar is the effect of episodes of Rahmat on different persons. People of

7.THE EXAMPLE OF THE INCIDENT OF UHUD

so that you may not (again) grieve.

The Quraan, therefore says:

Allah Taala then reprimands them:

The wisdom underlying this retribution is stated:

Much, if forgiven without retribution having being taken.

8.AUDACITY- A SIGN OF AN UNHEALTHY DISPOSITION

9.REVERTING TO THE MAIN TOPIC

10.DISTRESSED IS HE WHOSE DEGENERATION IS OF A LESSER

The one whose condition is of a lesser degree of degeneration wali be more

11.CONCERN OVER HARDSHIPS

Kalimah, but he refused saying: Of what benefit is a single

statement? My sins are so numerous that a thousand Kalimah too

will not be able to obliterate them.

12.AT TIMES EVEN OBEDIENCE HAVE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:

schooled me in etiquette: He gave me the best of etiquette.

Since, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was taught in this gracious

alayhi wasallam) understood this mystery well. He therefore explained that

Although in itself, obedience is meritorious and beneficial, but the physicians of

a barrier between us and disobeying You.

That much of fear is desired which will prevent us from disobedience.

13.THE WISDOM OF PRESCRIBING LIMITS TO OBEDIENCE

Allah Taala says:

so much fear which will act as a barrier between us and

disobeying You (i.e. sin).

14.THE PHILOSOPHERS AND THE AMBIYA (alaihimus salaam)

And, when the Rasul (Ambiya) came to them (philosophers) with

clear signs, they became boastful because of the (worldly J knowledge

they possessed. And, they were hemmed in by that which they

I am the Nabi unto all mankind. Obedience to me is obligatory. There

is no salvation without following me.

Their rejection of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is, therefore, in terms of