Transcribed from the Islaahi Majlis conducted on 27/07/2023
Imaam Nawawi Rahimahullah has discussed a subject entitled, ‘Chapter of Submission and Humility towards the Commands of Allah Ta’ala’ in his Riyaad-us-Saaliheen. We have no right to object to any of the commands of Allah Ta’ala because we are the slaves of Allah Ta’ala, therefore, when we are commanded to do something, we should submit willingly. Unlike today, where people want to apply logic in matters of Deen, whereas there is no place for logic in Deen. We should therefore, accept the command of Allah Ta’ala without reservation and thereafter, if need be, we can clarify the matter.
Distress of the Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum
When the following verse (from the concluding verses of Surah Baqarah) was revealed,
وان تبدوا ما في أنفسكم او تخفوه يحاسبكم به الله
If you make known whatever is in your hearts or conceal it then Allah will bring you to account for it. [Surah Baqarah Verse 284]
The Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum became distressed that Allah Ta’ala will take them to task for even the thoughts that come to mind. They were always concerned about accountability which made them constantly aware of Aakhirah. After some time, they mustered up the courage and approached Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. They kneeled before Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam displaying utmost humility and said: “O Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam! We have been commanded to perform Salaah which is within our ability, We have been commanded to fast in Ramadhaan, which is also in our ability. We are commanded to spend in charity, which is also in our ability. We are commanded to go out in Jihaad and this is also within our ability. But such a command has been put on us today that is not within our ability. Will we be accountable for the thoughts that go through our mind?”
Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied: “Will you be like the Jews and Christians?” This was in reference to, in previous times, when the Jews and Christians were commanded by Allah Ta’ala, they responded with, “سمعنا و عصينا”, meaning, “We have heard (your command O Allah) and we have disobeyed!”
The Sahaaba Radiallahu Anhum replied: “O Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam! This is not our objective. We are grieved over the involuntary thoughts that come into our minds and we fear that we will be answerable on the Day of Qiyaamah?!” Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam instructed them: ” First say, ‘سمعنا و اطعنا’, ‘We have heard and we have obeyed!’ Then you may seek clarification if you wish.”
It is also possible that one encounters an evil thought and acts on it without thinking of the consequence, thus Allah Ta’ala commands us to seek forgiveness from Him.
” سمعنا و اطعنا غفرانك ربنا و إليك المصير“
It is mentioned that all the Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum exclaimed,
“عنا و اطعنا غفرانك ربنا و إليك المصير “
Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu states that this Dua became constant on the lips of the Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum.
After submitting to the command of Allah Ta’ala, Allah Ta’ala granted them concession,
“لا يكلف الله نفسا إلا وسعها…”
“Allah does not place on a soul a responsibility except what is within its ability (Allah shall therefore not take one to task for involuntary thoughts that enter one’s mind)”
Allah Ta’ala further states:
“لها ما كسبت و عليها ماكتسبت”
“It shall receive to its favour that which it had earned and to its harm shall be what (sins) it had carried out.”
Prescription for involuntary thoughts
A person who carries out a good deed, will benefit from it. Likewise, for the evil that a person commits, he will suffer the consequences of it. As long as a person refrains from acting on impermissible thoughts, he will not be held responsible in the court of Allah Ta’ala. Should a person falter and act on his evil thoughts, Allah Ta’ala prescribes the following Dua:
“ربنا لا تؤاخذنا ان نسينا او اخطانا”
“O Allah! Don’t take us to task if we forget or make mistakes.”
Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam instructed the Sahaabah: “Recite this Dua.” Allah Ta’ala immediately responded to this Dua, “Yes! Yes! You have been forgiven for your errors committed due to forgetfulness and error.”
“ربنا و لا تحمل علينا اصرا كما حملته علي الذين من قبلنا”
“O Allah! Don’t place upon us such burdens/responsibilities the likeness of that which you placed on those before us.”
The Barakah of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam
The previous Ummats were put under great difficulties, but through the Barakah of Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, Allah Ta’ala has protected us from such severity.
In the Ummat of Nabi Moosa Alaihi Salaam, if the clothing became impure, no matter how many times it was washed, it would not be considered as impure. They would have to cut out that piece of cloth and discard it. Yet for the Ummah of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, even if the worst type of impurity falls on the clothing, we can wash it out three times, squeezing it after each time, and then it will then be considered as clean.
Allah Ta’ala mentions with regards to the Ummat of Moosa Alaihis Salaam:
“وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَى لِقَوْمِهِ يَاقَوْمِ إِنَّكُمْ ظَلَمْتُمْ أَنْفُسَكُمْ بِاتِّخَاذِكُمُ الْعِجْلَ فَتُوبُوا إِلَى بَارِئِكُمْ فَاقْتُلُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ ذَلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ عِنْدَ بَارِئِكُمْ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِنَّهُ هُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ”
“When Moosa told (those of) his people (who worshipped the calf), “O my people! You have certainly oppressed (wronged) your souls by worshiping the calf, so turn to your Creator for forgiveness and kill yourselves (let the innocent among you execute the guilty ones). This (execution) is best for you in the sight of your Creator.” Then Allaah accepted your repentance. Indeed, He is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
For the Ummat of Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, if they commit a sin at night and regret enters the heart by the next morning and they seek forgiveness, then Allah Ta’ala will forgive them. If they sin during the day, and at night they regret and seek forgiveness from Allah Ta’ala, they will be forgiven Insha’Allah.
The Assurance of Allah Ta’ala through the following Duas
Furthermore, we are taught to make Dua,
” ربنا و لا تحملنا ما لا طاقة لنا به”
“O our Rabb! Don’t burden us with such things that we don’t have the strength to carry”
Again, Sahaabah made this Dua and it was accepted from Allah Ta’ala.
And in the final verse we seek forgiveness,
“واعف عنا، واغفرلنا، وارحمنا، انت مولانا فانصرنا علي القوم الكافرين”
“Oh Allah! Forgive us, Pardon us, Have Mercy on us, You are our Protector, thus help us against the disbelievers.”
The meaning of “واعف عنا” is and “واغفر لنا” is” Forgive us”, but the difference between the two is recorded by Allamah Aaloosi Baghdadi Rahimahullah in Tafseer Roohul Ma’aani where he states that the meaning of “واعف عنا” is, “Wipe out the effects of our sins.” When the effect of the sin is wiped out, then neither will the angels remember the sins, nor will earth recall the sin, it will be erased from the book of deeds and the limbs of the body will also forget the sin.
The meaning of “واغفر لنا” is to conceal our evil and expose our good. If our sins were to be exposed, what shame would we be put to? Great sinners of the past, Allah Ta’ala forgave them and concealed their wrongdoings to the extent that, today we only speak good of them. Fudhail bin Ayaaz Rahmatullahi Alaihi was a robber yet today we remember him as a Wali of Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala sent great personalities like Ibraheem bin Adham to take Bayah at the hands of Fudhail bin Ayaaz when he was residing in Makkah Mukarramah. Maalik bin Dinaar was a drunkard, but Allah Ta’ala concealed his fault, and today we only speak good of him.
The meaning of “وارحمنا” is, “Favour upon us unlimited bounties in spite of us being worthy of various forms of punishments.”
When we compare this last line or the last verse to the previous verse which Sahaabah were concerned about,
وان تبدوا ما في أنفسكم او تخفوه يحاسبكم به الله
“If you make known whatever is in your hearts or conceal it then Allah will bring you to account for it.” [Surah Baqarah Verse 284]
then there is sort of an assurance that Allah Ta’ala will forgive the involuntary thoughts that a person experienced.
Controlling one’s thoughts
After the revelation of these verses, Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam mentioned,
عن أبي هريرة قال قال النبي – عليه الصلاة والسلام ” إن الله تجاوز لي عن أمتي ما وسوست به صدورها ما لم تعمل أو تكلم (صحيح البخاري)
“Allah Ta’ala has overlooked the thoughts of the bosom from my Ummah as long as they do not act upon it or discuss it.”
One Sahaabi came to Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and said that such thoughts come to his mind that he would rather be turned to ash than to bring it onto his tongue. Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said,
ذاك صريح الايمان
“This is (an indication of) clear Imaan.”
Shaytaan does not trouble a person who is void of Imaan as there is nothing to steal from him. There is something to steal from a believer. If thoughts of committing suicide, gambling, Zinah, etc. enters a person’s mind, then it is not harmful as long as one does not act upon it, or make a firm decision to act upon it.
Haji Imdaadullah Sahib Muhaajir Makki Rahmatullahi Alaihi stated that a thief only goes to steal from a place where there are valuables, but where there is nothing valuable, the thief doesn’t waste his time there. Similarly, Shaytaan does not waste his time with a person without Imaan. Someone mentioned to Mufti Mahmood Sahib that you will always find the
Sunni becoming Shia, but never will a Qadiani become Shia. Hadrat Muftisahib said Qadianis are already Kaafir, so Shaytaan will not waste his time with him. Rather Shaytaan will try to mislead the Sunni who has Imaan.
To conclude, those thoughts that are involuntary, a person will be forgiven for, but thoughts that are brought about voluntarily and acted upon, he will be accountable for it.
The Deceptive Whispers of Shaytaan
Allah Ta’ala mentions in the Quraan Sharif,
انما النجوي من الشيطان ليحزن الذين امنوا وليس بضارّهم شيئا الا باذن الله
The thoughts that come to a person are from Shaytaan, and Shaytaan does this to put the people of Imaan into grief and depression. There are people who, when they relieve themselves, still feel that they are Napaak (impure) even though they have cleansed themselves. It affects them so greatly that they become despondent and don’t want to perform Salaah anymore.
There are people who, when making Wudhu, wash a limb multiple times but are still unsatisfied that they washed it properly. These are all thoughts from Shaytaan. We should shun these thoughts aside, wash each limb three times and continue.
A person had an issue where, people after eating wipe their hands, mouth etc. with tissue (not washing the hands), so he feared coming into contact with that person and becoming Napaak. These are obsessions based on illness.
A person wanted to deliver food to his relative with a non-Muslim driver. He wrapped the food and placed it in a box. Then he wrapped the box and placed it in a secondary box. He remarked that he was fearful of anyone touching the food resulting in it becoming impure.
These are all from Shaytaan to put people into despondency. They become so obsessive that they can’t make perform Salaah with ease, they can’t read Quraan, and constantly feel like they are in a state of impurity.
The categories of evil thoughts
The thoughts that we experience are of two types. The first is referred to as ‘Haajis’ – that thought which comes into the mind and leaves immediately. For this thought there is no accountability.
The second type of thought is referred to as ‘Khaatir.’ This thought comes into the mind, stays for a while, and then disappears. For this thought also, there is no accountability.
The third type of thought is referred to as ‘Hadith-un-Nafs.’ This thought is where one contemplates as whether he should go ahead with the evil or not. If a person does not act upon it, Allah Ta’ala overlooks it.
The fourth type is referred to as ‘Hamm.’ This is a thought where a person wants to act on a wrong. However, if he doesn’t act on it, Allah Ta’ala will overlook it as well. This is the mercy and kindness of Allah Ta’ala.
The fifth category of thought is referred to as ‘Azam,’ where a person makes a firm resolution to act on the evil that comes to mind.
A Hadith mentions two people who will enter into Jahannam- the killer and the one who is killed. The Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum were confused, so they asked Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam: “O Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam! The killer took the life of an innocent person so we can understand why he will enter Jahannam. But what wrong did the one who was killed do?” Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied: ” He had also had a firm intention to kill his brother but the killer got the upper hand and thus he was defeated, otherwise, if he had the upper hand, he would have murdered the murderer.” Therefore, both of them will be entered into Jahnnam. Allah Ta’ala save us! This falls in the category of Azam.
Concern over thoughts during Salaah
Many people complain about suffering from thoughts in their Salaah. An Aalim of Deen, when he starts his Salaah, he should ponder over the meaning of the Qiraat, whereas a non-Aalim should focus on the words of Quraan being recited. This will assist one in maintaining concentration in Salaah. However, as the recitation continues, a person’s mind drifts away gradually. These are unintentional thoughts that come into the mind. The moment he realizes that he has drifted off, he should bring his focus back into Salaah. By doing so, his Salaah will be considered as a Salaah of concentration.
On the other hand, if a person’s mind drifts away and he continues enjoying those thoughts, then his concentration is lost.
There are times when an Aalim of Deen intentionally thinks about a Mas’ala of Deen in his Salaah. Such a thought will not affect the validity of his Salaah nor his concentration, as the Ulama have written that a Mas’ala of Deen is considered as the obedience of Allah Ta’ala.
Imaam Ghazali Rahmatullahi Alaihi had a brother who was a great Sufi Sahib. When Imaam Ghazali would perform Salaah, his brother wouldn’t read behind him but would instead perform his Salaah elsewhere. Someone informed their mother about this action of the Sufi Sahib. The mother enquired from Sufi Sahib about this. Sufi Sahib replied that when Imaam Ghazali commences his Salaah, his mind wanders to different Masaa’il, and sometimes even thinks of those Masaa’il pertaining to Haidh and Nifaas, which makes him feel uncomfortable to read Salaah behind him. The mother responded by saying that Imaam Ghazali is thinking about Masaa’il of Deen whereas Sufi Sahib is entertaining evil thoughts about his brother, which is Haraam.
A person once came to Dr. Abdul Hay Sahib Aarifi Rahmatullahi Alaih and lamented that his Salaah has no value. When he goes into Sajdah then filthy thoughts enter his mind. Dr. Abdul Hay Sahib told the person to make Sajdah to him. The person exclaimed he couldn’t do so as Sajdah is reserved purely for Allah Ta’ala. Dr Abdul Hay Sahib then said that if it is not permissible to make Sajdah to a human being, then make Shukr to Allah Ta’ala for giving us the Taufeeq to put our heads down before him, and make Taubah for the unintentional thoughts that come to your mind.
Hadrat Hakim Akhtar Sahib Rahimahullah used to say, “It is not Fardh for the heart to be fully absolved in Salaah. But to bring the heart into Salaah is Fardh. This is what is required of us.”
Dr Abdul Hay Sahib Aarifi Rahmatullahi Alaihi mentioned that there are two types of people. The first is a retired person who is financially stable and has no worries. The retired person presents himself in the Masjid for Salaah even before Adhaan because he is free. When he enters the Masjid, he makes a proper Wudhu, followed by performing Tahiyyatul Wudhu Salaah with concentration. After Adhaan, he proceeds to perform his Sunnah, Fardh etc. all with concentration. Then he makes Dua with concentration before going home. This is the first type of person.
The second type is like that of a person running a business. He is busy with customers in his shop when suddenly the Adhaan is called out. By the time he reaches the Masjid, the Imaam is about to start the Salaah. He hurriedly makes Wudhu and joins the Jamaat. In his Salaah, his thoughts wander from one thing to another due to his occupation with business. After mentioning these 2 types of people, Hadrat asked, ” Which of these 2 are better? The retired man, or the businessman?” Doctor Sahib then said, “The businessman went through so much Qurbani and Mujaahadah to perform his Salaah, hence the Roohaaniyat of his Salaah supersedes that of the retired person.
Many a time, people become despondent over the thoughts that trouble them in Salaah. Mufti Taqi Sahib D.B. says that a person gets up for Tahajjud Salaah once or twice, and pride enters the heart. Similarly, if a person achieves full concentration in Salaah, it is possible that pride could enter his heart. The moment pride enters, the reward is totally destroyed. Therefore, a person’s despondency is a protection from Allah Ta’ala.
The Mashaaikh have written that when a person performs Salaah, his condition should be like the King is calling him to his Palace. On his way, a person calls him aside, but his urgency is to meet the King, so he bypasses this person. Just like that, in our Salaah we are meeting place with Allah Ta’ala, hence we should push all these thoughts aside and just run to Allah Ta’ala.
Mashaaikh have also written that the thoughts a person experiences out of Salaah is like a dog that is barking at him. If you pay attention to the dog, it will barks more. But if you move away quietly, the dog stops barking. In exactly the same way, if a person doesn’t pay any attention to these thoughts, it will not distract a person. A person should recite:
اعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم
And
لا حولا ولاقوة الابالله
to be in the protection of Allah Ta’ala against Shaytaan. May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the Taufeeq to practice. Ameen!
Experiencing Wasaawis (Part 2)
Transcribed from the Islaahi Majlis conducted on 27/07/2023
Reason for Wasaawis (whisperings of Shaytaan)
Allah Ta’ala mentions in the Quraan Sharif that the thoughts that come to a person are from Shaytaan, and Shaytaan does this to put the people of Imaan into grief and depression.
There are people who, when they relieve themselves, still feel they are Napaak (impure) even though they cleansed themselves after. It affects them so greatly that they become despondent and don’t want to perform Salaah anymore. There are people who when making wudhu, wash an area multiple times but are still unsatisfied that they washed it properly. These are all thoughts from Shaytaan. The Shaytaan that troubles with Wasaawis during Wudhu is known as ‘Walahaan’ and the Shaytaan that causes Wasaawis during Salaha is known as ‘Khinzab.’
Solution to Wasaawis
We should shun these thoughts aside and wash each limb three times during Wudhu and continue. A person had an issue with food, where non-Muslim co-workers wipe their hands, mouth etc. with a tissue after eating but do not wash their hands, so they fear coming into contact with such people. These are obsessions based on illness.
A person wanted to deliver food to his relative with a driver. So he wrapped the food and placed it in a box. Then he wrapped the box and placed it in a secondary box. He remarked that he was still fearful of anyone touching the box with unclean hands. This is all from Shaytaan to put people into despondency. They become so obsessive that they can’t make namaaz, they can’t read Quraan, they constantly feel like they are in a state of impurity.
Different types of thoughts
The thoughts are of two types. The first is Haajis. That thought which comes into the mind and leaves. For this thought there is no accountability.
The second type of thought is referred to as ‘Khaatir.’ This is where the thought enters the mind and leaves after remaining for a while. It does not go beyond this. For this also, there is no accountability.
The third type of thought is Hadeeth-un-Nafs. This thought comes into the mind, and a person doubts whether he should carry out the action or not. As long as a person does not act on it, Allah Ta’ala overlooks it.
The fourth type of thought is referred to as ‘Hamm.’ This is a thought where a person inclines towards the wrong. However, if he doesn’t act on it, Allah Ta’ala will overlook this as well. This is the Rahmah of Allah Ta’ala.
The fifth thought is where a person has a firm determination of acting on the evil that comes to mind.
وَمِنْهَا حَدِيثُ النَّفْسِ لَا يُؤَاخَذُ بِهِ مَا لَمْ تَتَكَلَّمْ، أَوْ تَعْمَلْ بِهِ كَمَا فِي حَدِيثِ مُسْلِمٍ، وَحَاصِلُ مَا قَالُوهُ أَنَّ الَّذِي يَقَعُ فِي النَّفْسِ مِنْ قَصْدِ الْمَعْصِيَةِ، أَوْ الطَّاعَةِ عَلَى خَمْسِ مَرَاتِبَ، الْهَاجِسُ، وَهُوَ مَا يُلْقَى فِيهَا ثُمَّ جَرَيَانُهُ فِيهَا، وَهُوَ الْخَاطِرُ، ثُمَّ حَدِيثُ النَّفْسِ، وَهُوَ مَا يَقَعُ فِيهَا مِنْ التَّرَدُّدِ هَلْ يَفْعَلُ، أَوْ لَا، ثُمَّ الْهَمُّ، وَهُوَ تَرْجِيحُ قَصْدِ الْفِعْلِ، ثُمَّ الْعَزْمُ، وَهُوَ قُوَّةُ ذَلِكَ الْقَصْدِ، وَالْجَزْمُ بِهِ، فَالْهَاجِسُ لَا يُؤَاخَذُ بِهِ إجْمَاعًا؛ لِأَنَّهُ لَيْسَ مِنْ فِعْلِهِ، وَإِنَّمَا هُوَ شَيْءٌ وَرَدَ عَلَيْهِ لَا قُدْرَةَ لَهُ وَلَا صُنْعَ، وَالْخَاطِرُ وَاَلَّذِي بَعْدَهُ كَانَ قَادِرًا عَلَى دَفْعِهِ بِصَرْفِ الْهَاجِسِ أَوَّلَ وُرُودِهِ، وَلَكِنَّهُ هُوَ وَمَا بَعْدَهُ مِنْ حَدِيثِ النَّفْسِ مَرْفُوعَانِ بِالْحَدِيثِ الصَّحِيحِ، وَإِذَا ارْتَفَعَ حَدِيثُ النَّفْسِ ارْتَفَعَ مَا قَبْلَهُ بِالطَّرِيقِ الْأَوْلَى وَهَذِهِ الثَّلَاثُ لَوْ كَانَتْ فِي الْحَسَنَاتِ لَمْ يُكْتَبْ بِهَا أَجْرٌ لِعَدَمِ الْقَصْدِ، وَأَمَّا الْهَمُّ فَقَدْ بُيِّنَ فِي الْحَدِيثِ الصَّحِيحِ أَنَّ الْهَمَّ بِالْحَسَنَةِ يُكْتَبُ حَسَنَةً وَأَنَّ الْهَمَّ بِالسَّيِّئَةِ لَا يُكْتَبُ سَيِّئَةً، وَيُنْظَرُ، فَإِنْ تَرَكَهَا لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى كُتِبَتْ حَسَنَةً، وَإِنْ فَعَلَهَا كُتِبَتْ سَيِّئَةً وَاحِدَةً (الاشباه والنظائر)
The Killer and the Killed enter Jahannam
A Hadith mentions two people who will enter into Jahannam- the killer and the one who is killed. Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum were confused so they asked Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam: “O Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam! The killer took the life of an innocent person so we can understand why he will enter Jahannam. But what wrong did the one who was killed do?” Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied: ” He had also made a firm intention to kill his brother, but the killer got the upper hand and thus he was defeated, otherwise, if he had the upper hand, he would have murdered the murderer.” Therefore, both of them will be entered into Jahnnam. Allah Ta’ala save us!
إِذا تواجه المسلمان بسيفيهما؛ فالقانل والمقتول كِلَاهُمَا فِي النَّار. رَوَاهُ سُوَيْد بن إِبْرَاهِيم: عَن قَتَادَة، عَن الْحسن، عَن أبي بكرَة. وسُويد ضَعِيف. (ذخيرة الحفاظ)
، فعن أبي بكرة قال: قال رسول الله – صلى الله عليه وسلم -: ” إذا تواجه المسلمان بسيفيهما، فالقاتل والمقتول في النار” قال: فقلت، أو قيل: يا رسول الله، هذا القاتل، فما بال المقتول؟ قال: ” إنه كان حريصاً على قتل صاحبه ” (مسلم)
Wasaawis in Salaah
Many people complain about suffering from thoughts in their Salaah. An Aalim of Deen, when he starts his Salaah, he should ponder over the meaning of the verses, whereas a non-Aalim should focus on the words of Quraan Sharif being recited. This will assist in keeping concentration in Salaah. However, as the recitation continues, a person’s mind drifts away gradually. These are unintentional thoughts that come into the mind. The moment he realizes he has drifted away from Salaah, he should bring his focus back into Salaah. This will be considered as Khushoo in Salaah. On the other hand, if a person’s mind drifts away and he continues with those thoughts, then his Khushoo has been broken.
An Alim thinking of a Mas’ala of Deen in Salaah
There are times when an Aalim of Deen intentionally thinks about a Mas’ala of Deen in his Salaah. It will not affect the validity of his Salaah nor his Khushoo. This is also part of Deen and considered as the obedience of Allah Ta’ala.
Imaam Ghazali Rahmatullahi Alaihi had a brother who was a great Sufi Sahib. When Imaam Ghazali Rahimahullah would perform Salaah, his brother wouldn’t read behind him and would instead go somewhere else for Salaah. Someone informed their mother about this action of the Sufi brother. The mother enquired from Sufi Sahib about this. Sufi Sahib replied that when Imaam Ghazali commences his Salaah, his mind wanders to different Masaa’il, and sometimes even those pertaining to Haidh and Nifaas, which makes him feel uncomfortable to read Salaah behind Imaam Ghazali Rahimahullah.
The mother responded by saying that Imaam Ghazali is thinking about Masaa’il of Deen whereas Sufi Sahib is entertaining evil thoughts about his brother, which makes Imaam Ghazali of a higher status than Sufi Sahib. However, it was proven from here that contemplating a Mas’ala of Deen whilst in Salaah will not affect the concentration of one’s Salaah.
Value every Sajdah
A person once came to Dr. Abdul Hay Sahib Aarifi Rahmatullahi Alaih and lamented that his Salaah has no value. When he goes into Sajdah such filthy thoughts enter his mind. Dr. Abdul Hay Sahib told the person to make Sajdah to him. The person exclaimed that he couldn’t do so as Sajdah is reserved for Allah Ta’ala. Dr Abdul Hay Sahib commented that if it is not permissible to make Sajdah to a human being, then make Shukr if Allah Ta’ala is giving you the Taufeeq to your head on the ground in Salaah and make Taubah for the unintentional thoughts that come to mind in Salaah.
Hadrat Hakeem Sahib used to say, “It is not Fardh for the heart to be in Salaah. But if one’s concentration shifts in Salaah, then bring the heart back into Salaah is necessary.” This is what is required of us.
Two types of people
Dr Abdul Hay Sahib Aarifi Rahmatullahi Alaih mentioned that there are two types of people.
The first type is a retired person who is financially stable and has no worries. The retired person presents himself in the Masjid for Salaah even before Adhan because he is free. When he enters the Masjid, he makes a proper Wudhu, followed by Tahiyyatul Wudhu with proper Khushoo. After Adhaan, he proceeds to read his Sunnah, Fardh etc. all with concentration. Then he makes Dua with Khushoo before going home.
The second type is a person running a business. He is busy with customers in his shop when the Adhaan is called out. By the time he reaches the Masjid, the Imaam is about to start the Salaah. He hurriedly makes Wudhu and joins the Jamaat. In his Salaah, his thoughts go from one to another due to his occupation with business. After mentioning these 2 types of people, Hadrat asks, ” Which of these 2 are better? The retired man or the businessman?”
Dr Sahib said that the Businessman went through so much of Qurbani and Mujaahadah to perform his Salaah. The Roohaaniyat (spirituality) of his Salaah superseded that of the retired person.
Protection from pride
Many times, people get despondent over the many thoughts that trouble them in Salaah. Mufti Taqi Utmani Sahib says that if a person wakes up for Tahajjud Salaah twice, then he starts feeling proud. Similarly, if a person achieves full concentration in Salaah, pride will enter his heart. The moment pride enters, the reward is destroyed. Therefore, a person’s despondency is a means of protection from Allah Ta’ala.
King summoning one to his Palace.
The Mashaaikh have written that when a person performs Salaah, his condition should be like that of a King calling him to his Palace. On his way, a person calls him aside, but his urgency is to meet the King, so he bypasses this person. Just like that, our Salaah is to meet with Allah Ta’ala, hence we should push all these thoughts aside and run to Allah Ta’ala.
Mashaaikh have also written that the thoughts a person experiences even out of Salaah, is like a dog that is barking. When you pay attention to the dog, it barks more. But if you move away quietly, the dog stops barking. In exactly the same way, if a person doesn’t pay any attention to these thoughts, it will not distract a person.
A person should recite the following to be protected from the Wasaawis of Shaytaan out of Salaah:
اعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم
and
لا حولا ولاقوة الابالله
May Allah Ta’ala grant us Taufeeq, Ameen.
