Transcribed from the Islaahi Majlis conducted on 07/12/2023
Last week we discussed the Hadith mentioned in Tirmidhi Sharif about a generous person being close to Allah Ta’ala, close to people, close to Jannah and far away from Jahannam, while a miserly person is distant from Allah, distant from Jannah, distant from the people and close to Allah Ta’ala. An ignorant person that is generous is more beloved to Allah than a worshipper that is miserly.
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: «السَّخِيُّ قَرِيبٌ مِنَ اللَّهِ قَرِيبٌ مِنَ الجَنَّةِ قَرِيبٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ بَعِيدٌ مِنَ النَّارِ، وَالبَخِيلُ بَعِيدٌ مِنَ اللَّهِ بَعِيدٌ مِنَ الجَنَّةِ بَعِيدٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ قَرِيبٌ مِنَ النَّارِ، وَالْجَاهِلُ السَّخِيُّ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ مِنْ عَابِدٍ بَخِيلٍ (سنن الترمذي)
Another narration states, “Generosity is a tree in Jannah. A person who is generous has taken a branch of this tree and will not leave him until it enters him into Jannah.”
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «السَّخَاءُ شَجَرَةٌ فِي الْجَنَّةِ، فَمَنْ كَانَ سَخِيًّا أَخَذَ بِغُصْنٍ مِنْهَا، فَلَمْ يَتْرُكْهُ ذَلِكَ الْغُصْنُ حَتَّى يُدْخِلَهُ الْجَنَّةَ. وَالشُّحُّ شَجَرَةٌ فِي النَّارِ، فَمَنْ كَانَ شَحِيحًا أَخَذَ بِغُصْنٍ مِنْهَا، فَلَمْ يَتْرُكْهُ ذَلِكَ الْغُصْنُ حَتَّى يُدْخِلَهُ النَّارَ» (الترغيب لابن شاهين)
The incident of Hadrat Asmaa Radiallahu Anha was also discussed, where she asked Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam if she could give charity from the belongings of her husband, Hadrat Zubair bin Awwaam Radiallahu Anhu. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam allowed her to do so. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam also advised that one shouldn’t be miserly else you will be dealt with miserliness; and one shouldn’t keep counting (his wealth) all the time, or else it will counted and given to him.
عَنِ ابْنِ أَبِي مُلَيْكَةَ، قَالَ: حَدَّثَتْنِي أَسْمَاءُ بِنْتُ أَبِي بَكْرٍ، قَالَتْ: قُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ، وَاللهِ مَا لِي إِلَّا مِمَّا أَدْخَلَ عَلَيَّ الزُّبَيْرُ بَيْتَهُ فَأُعْطِي؟ قَالَ: «لَا تُوكِي فَيُوكَى عَلَيْكِ» (المعجم الكبير للطبراني)
عَنْ أَسْمَاءَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ لَهَا: «لَا تُحْصِي فَيُحْصِيَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْكِ» (مسند إسحاق بن راهويه)
Hadrat Zubair Radiallahu Anhu was a bank
Continuing with Hadrat Zubair bin Awwaam Radiallahu Anhu, he was known as the “bank” in his era. In Shariah, concession has been given for keeping our money in the bank for safety and security purposes, otherwise we are discouraged from transacting with banking institutions. It is not permissible to open an account with the intention of accruing interest.
Hajj accounts
Many people have Hajj accounts with Islamic banks and they ask if it’s permissible to use this money for Hajj. We should remember that every institution is somehow linked to commercial banks. So this money is tainted and then it is used for Hajj. Many of the Islamic Banking facilities have clauses in their banking agreements that are against Shariah, so one must be very careful. Some enforce insurance, whereas insurance is Haraam.
Impermissibility of using an Amaanat
People would keep their money with Hadrat Zubair bin Awwaam Radiallahu Anhu as Amaanah. Hadrat Zubair became concerned with how he would keep account of everyone’s money. It is necessary to have proper records of Amaanat. One institution was collecting Zakaah to distribute on behalf of people and the money was stolen. They failed to keep record of the funds, hence they were unable to trace the owners who were required to discharge their Zakaat again. There is accountability for public funds in the court of Allah Ta’ala.
So Hadrat Zubair requested people to give him the money as Qarz (a loan). In that way, he would be able to use the money. Things given in Amaanah cannot be used. For example, a person leaves his car with you. You cannot use his car as it was left as Amaanah. A landlord takes a deposit from his tenant. This deposit is an Amaanah and cannot be used. Hadrat Zubair would take the money and give it out in the Path of Allah Ta’ala. And when the people would come to ask for it, then somehow, he would raise the money and return it to them.
Three advices of Hadrat Zubair Radiallahu Anhu
When the time of his death drew close, he called his son, Hadrat Abdullah Bin Zubair Radiallahu Anhu, and told him that he had taken monies from people and if any of them come for their funds, then he shouldn’t ask them for any proof but return to them whatever amount they ask for.
Secondly, he instructed him that for three years he should make an announcement in Mina that if anyone is owed any money by Hadrat Zubair Radiallahu Anhu, then they should come to Hadrat Abdullah Bin Zubair Radiallahu Anhu and he will settle the debt. This is also a practice in our times where at the time of Janaazah an announcement is made on behalf of the deceased.
Thirdly, he advised Hadrat Abdullah that if anyone comes and claims a large amount of money that he will not have on hand, he should immediately make two Rakaats of Salaah and make Dua, “O Rabb of Zubair, people are claiming money from Zubair Radiallahu Anhu. I do not have the money, O Allah! You sort the matter out.”
Hadrat Abdullah Bin Zubair Radiallahu Anhu did exactly as his father had instructed him. One person came forward and claimed that he was owed 100 000 by Hadrat Zubair Radiallahu Anhu. Hadrat Abdullah did not have the money, so he entered the house, made 2 Rakaats of Salaah and Dua to Allah Ta’ala as instructed by Hadrat Zubair Radiallahu Anhu. When Hadrat Abdullah went in the house to do this, the creditor thought that he did this out of shyness, so he left. When Hadrat Abdullah completed his Salaah and Dua, he came out and found that the man was gone.
Shortly thereafter, one person came and offered to purchase a piece of land from Hadrat Abdullah Bin Zubair Radiallahu Anhu for 100 000. Look at the result of his Dua. Hadrat Abdullah became happy but the man did not conclude the deal and told him to think over it. However, he added that if anyone comes with a higher offer, he must not accept it without letting him know first. After a little while, another person came on behalf of Hadrat Muawiya Radiallahu Anhu asking to purchase the land. Hadrat Abdullah told him that someone else was interested and offered 100 000. The representative of Hadrat Muawiya made an offer of 200 000. Hadrat Abdullah said he had to inform the first buyer before he could accept his offer. The second buyer also said the same to him i.e. he must not conclude the sale without informing them first. So Hadrat Abdullah told the first buyer and he in turn offered 300 000. Hadrat Abdullah took this information to the second buyer, and he offered 400 000. Like this, the bidding continued until it reached 1 million and the sale concluded at 1 million. It is mentioned that after he performed the 2 Rakaats and made Dua, he received this 1 million which enabled him to settle all outstanding debts of Hadrat Zubair Radiallahu Anhu.
The Blessings of Salaah and Dua
Great lesson can be derived herein. When a person opens his heart, even after he passes away, his family will enjoy the fruits of his generosity. The second lesson is that he made Dua through the Waseelah of his father and Allah Ta’ala accepted it.
Blessings of charity
When Pakistan was newly formed, and India and Pakistan were warring with each other, people were displaced having to leave their homes with whatever they could and resettle elsewhere. There was an arms dealer in Delhi who was expecting delivery of a huge consignment. However, he had to leave Delhi and move to Pakistan. So, he contacted his supplier and requested them to ship the consignment to Pakistan. Pakistan had a newly elected government who needed arms to fight against India. The government bought the entire shipment. As a result, this same family who gave up everything and moved, were now back on their feet due to this sale. They had sufficient funds to start trading. The owner mentioned that his grandfather would pay Zakaah 2.5% annually and on top of that, they would give 5% Sadaqah. Through the generosity of his grandfather, Allah Ta’ala reestablished their business.
Challenges faced by the Australian Muslims
A person sent a letter from Australia stating, “Brothers and Imaams flatly deny that women have to wear Purdah,”. Often we are asked for the proof of wearing Purdah whereas Allah Ta’ala instructs Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam in Quraan:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْ لِأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ (اٰية 59 – سورة الأحزاب)
“O Nabi! Tell your wives, your daughters, and the believing women to don the Jilbaab when they leave their homes.” The Jilbaab was practically demonstrated by Hadrat Abdullah Bin Abbas Radiallahu Anhu where he wrapped a shroud around his body, including his face, leaving only one eye open. When the Quraan Sharif is commanding women to veil themselves, where else do they need to look for proof?
The Quraan Sharif instructs the wives of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, “When you ask Sahaaba for anything, do not come in front of them but ask from behind a veil.”
وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَاسْأَلُوهُنَّ مِنْ وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ ذَلِكُمْ أَطْهَرُ لِقُلُوبِكُمْ وَقُلُوبِهِنَّ (اٰية 53 – سورة الأحزاب)
The wives of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam were the purest women and to marry any of them after the demise of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam was Haraam yet they are instructed to observe Purdah from the Sahaaba.
Condition of the Saudis
Today the West have turned their attention to those practicing upon the Sunnah. They are not concerned about the modern Muslims, but rather with those who will form the army of Hadrat Mahdi. Look at Saudi Arabia today-so westernized and valueless in the eyes of Shariah. Alcohol is consumed publicly, music concerts are hosted, and much more immorality is taking place. The flag which bears the Shahaadah is now coming into question, where there is a call for Laat and Uzza (names of pagan idols) to be included on there. During the Battlr of Uhud, when the Muslims suffered temporary defeat, Abu Sufyan (being a non-Muslim at the time) called out, “Tell the Muslims,
لنا العزي ولا عزي لكم
We have Uzza and there is no Uzza for you!”
Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam told the Sahaaba to respond to him,
الله مولانا ولا مولي لكم
“Allah is our Protecting Friend and there is no Protecting Friend for you!”
There was a time when Non-Muslims had to take a different route in a different direction from Makkah Sharif. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam cleansed the entire Arabian Peninsula from Kufr and Shirk and today they intend undoing all that. The pure land of Makkah and Madinah now have non-Muslims, accompanied by guides, visiting it. There is now a call for Jews to settle in Hijaaz-e-Muqaddas (Arabia).
Importance of the last three Surahs of the Quraan Sharif at the end of time
Mufti Walee Hassan Tongi Sahib Rahimahullah, the Ustaadh of Mufti Radhaa ul Haq Saheb D.B, mentioned that the last three Surahs in Quraan Sharif have been placed at the end of the Quraan Sharif to indicate that, at the end of time, Fitnah will become rife. A person’s protection from that Fitnah lies in these three Surahs.
Analyzing these Surahs, Surah Ikhlaas is the Surah of Tauheed. The Kuffaar had asked Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam to elaborate on the lineage of Allah Ta’ala and thus Surah Ikhlaas was revealed. By reading Surah Ikhlaas, our Imaan will be protected. In the Sunnats of Fajr Salaah and Maghrib Salaah, we read Surah Kaafiroon to negate Kufr and Surah Ikhlaas to establish Tawheed.
A major problem in the Ummah is Sihr. Surah Falaq speaks about the evils of Hasad and Sihr which are worldly related challenges and Surah Naas speaks of the Deeni challenges. The media and social media are the biggest attackers of Deen, so by reading Surahs Falaq and Naas, a person’s Deen and Dunya is protected.
Abdullah Bin Khubaib Radiallahu Anhu mentions that one night they went out in search of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. It was a dark and rainy night. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam commanded them, “Say!” They asked what they should say. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied to read three times every morning and evening, Surah Ikhlaas, Falaq and Naas for our all-round protection.
Females not donning proper Purdah
The letter of the Australian brother goes on to say, “Ladies wear colourful clothing and not proper Purdah (which is a great Fitnah), they attend the Janaazah prayers.” Once upon a time in Saudi, females were not allowed to drive, neither were they permitted to work in the malls etc. Today, they are driving, working, travelling without Mahram. A country which had beneficial restrictions, where are they today? Once, we had to travel from Madinah Sharif at night to catch our flight in Jeddah. We mentioned to the Taxi driver how sad it was to leave Madinah Sharif. The taxi driver responded by saying that the spiritual environment is only around the Haram Sharif. If you go further away from the Haram, Fitnas are rife. This is a lesson for us not to become complacent. Where was Makkah and Madinah Sharif once upon a time in terms of restrictions, and where are they now?
Females should refrain from visiting the graveyard
It came to light of a lady who was visiting the Qabrastaan. She got into an altercation with a person from the burial comittee about it being impermissible for women to visit the graveyard when he stopped her from doing so. When women go to the graveyard, they are unable to control their emotions. They might utter words that could jeopardize their Imaan or they could get involved in Fitnah. When Shariah prohibits us from something, there is great wisdom behind it, hence we should abide by the rulings of Shariah.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding, Aameen!
