Summary & Main Points of discourse by Shaykh Abdul Mueed Saheb (Hafizahullah) of Sukkur – Pakistan
Monday, 5 November, 2018 – After Asar Salaah, Masjidus Saliheen, Sherwood, Durban, South Africa
1. Hakimul Ummat Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahimahullah) was regarded as a true reformer of our time who revived the reality and essence of Islam – the path to attain Allah’s love and recognition. There was a time when this essential part of faith was tainted with innovation and tradition. Hadhrat Thanwi (Rahimahullah) has simplified and articulated the concepts of this path in such a manner that in his own words he says, “I have explained the concepts of this path in such a manner that no Shaykh shall be able to deceive his disciple any longer.”
2. The path to true attainment has been condensed it into four parts – Iktiyari, those aspects in which we have ‘choice’ and ghayr ikhtiyari, those things we have ‘no choice’ and maqsood – the ‘objective’ and ghayr maqsood – what is not the objective. Once these 4 aspects are soundly understood, the challenges of life can be navigated more easily and effectively.
3. The method is to pursue that which is attainable with steadfastness and to ignore that which is not in one’s control. Pursue the objective and do not be distracted by that which is not the purpose.
4. The objective is the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and whatever it takes to attain this within the lawful parameters of Islam should be endeavoured.
5. People are generally deterred from good deeds by negative feelings and feel low when unable to do good. This should be remedied by pursuant effort and ignoring the passing whispers of laziness and negligence.
6. Another concern that seekers express is when praised then the ego becomes so inflated that it is difficult to contain the happiness. Whilst it is natural to feel elated on being praised, to become so elated that results in pride and creates a desire to pursue such praise is detrimental. If one lies in wait of praise, it means the focus is on personal achievement and the attribution of such achievement is to the self, not the Giver of that favour, Almighty Allah. Seeking praise and self-attribution is detrimental.
7. If the gaze is on Allah Ta’ala then attribution of good would be to Him, not anyone else.
8. When a good work is achieved and one is praised then immediately ponder upon one’s faults and weaknesses – every person knows himself – reflect that here the person is praising my one good, yet he does not aware of my ‘thousand’ faults. The reality is Allah Ta’ala has covered our faults – if the person praising me comes to know of these faults, will he continue praising me? – this is the cure.
9. The effort of taming the ego (nafs), like everything is difficult at the beginning, but with perseverance, control is acquired and the nafs gradually loses its grip over a person.
10. Khudi ke saat Khuda nahi milta hein – As long as person regards himself to be someone of worth, he will not attain the recognition of Allah Ta’ala.
11. Do not conceal any condition from the Shaykh, especially when it is in need of rectification – today people mention the good condition to the Shaykh, but few make mention of their maladies and weaknesses. Thus we find, despite many having taken ba’yt (pledged allegiance) to a mentor, they do not progress due to their lack of communication with the one who they have submitted to for spiritual care and guidance.
Muslims First 