A PART OF THE TRANSLATED SPIRIT OF GOOD MORALS
Bismi-llahir Rahmanir Raheem
In the name of God, The Beneficent, The Merciful
The following pages are from the book "Spirit of Good Morals" written by Shaykh ul Islam Al Hajj Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse. Copies of the book are sold out at the moment.
Insha-llah, we are now trying to put the whole book in this space so it can be read online, but the pages may not be the same size as the book that is being sold.
The English translation and commentary will be first, followed by verses of the Arabic poem, the Appendix, and its matching Arabic text.
The complete Original Arabic Text of the Poem "Ruh ul Adab" (Spirit of Good Morals) follows the English translation and commentary that was written by his grandson Shaykh Hassan Aliyyu Cisse.
Al Hamdu li-llah, We ask our readers to please buy the book when it is printed again or donate money to help continue in this work.
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SPIRIT OF GOOD MORALS
By
Shaykh of Islam
Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse
Translation and Commentary
By
CHIEF IMAM OF MEDINA KAOLACK SENEGAL
Shaykh Hassan Cisse
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This book originated in the year 1920 as a one hundred and twenty one verse poem written in the Arabic language, in praise of Allah (God), Glorified is He, and in commemoration of His Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), named "Spirit of Good Morals". It was written by Shaykh of Islam Al-Hajj Ibrahim ibn Al-Hajj Abdullah Niasse, as advice to the "People of Tariqa", the Tijaniyya Brotherhood in particular, and to humanity at large.
Since that time it has been translated into English by his grandson Shaykh Hassan ‘Aliyyu Cisse, the Chief Imam of Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse Mosque (pictured on the front). Most recently, Shaykh Hassan Cisse has added verses from Al-Quran, narrations of the Prophet (SAWS), and his own commentary which relate to the poetic verses of the advice. May Allah accept.
"Sufism is a spiritual clinic with doctors who have knowledge of attending to ailments of the soul. For a sick patient who requires cure and doses of medicine from the clinic, there is the need for him to make declaration of his sickness and acceptance of patient hood.
In taking Tariqa, one should be aware that Tariqa is a commitment and the beginning of an endless journey. Shaykh Ibrahim here advises that for one to profit in this journey, he should at all times seek righteousness."
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SPIRIT OF GOOD MORALS
By
Shaykh of Islam
Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse
Translation and Commentary
By
CHIEF IMAM OF MEDINA KAOLACK SENEGAL
Shaykh Hassan Cisse
Second Edition
Compiled & Edited
By
Alh. Abdul Hakim Halim
Published by
THE AFRICAN AMERICAN ISLAMIC INSTITUTE
Shaykh Hassan Cisse,
Founder and Chairman,
P.O. Box 411 Medina-Kaolack,
SENEGAL
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Second Printing 2001
Copyright (c) 1998 by
Abdul Hakim Halim
All rights reserved
ISBN # 0-9677956-0-5 (Hardcover)
ISBN # 0-9677956-1-3 (Paperback)
For a copy of this book,
please write to:
A. A. I. I., Inc.
B.P. 411
Medina-Kaolack, Senegal
Africa
A. A. I. I., Inc.
Michigan Chapter
P.O. Box 02075
Detroit, MI 48202
U.S.A.
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Table of Contents
Preface.......................................i
Al-Hajj Abdullahi.............................1
Essence of Basmillah..........................4
Tariqa Tijaniyya.............................5
Taking Tariqa................................14
Conditions of taking Tariqa Tijaniyya........17
Discipline during Wird.......................19
Good Manners (piety).........................19
The Mind.....................................22
Seeking for a Shaykh.........................23
Righteous Leader or Shaykh...................23
Complete Submission..........................25
Personal Opinion.............................27
Universe and its Content.....................28
Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani.......................29
Generosity with owned Possessions............31
Shedding Tears...............................33
Time Planning and Usage......................33
Test of Time.................................35
Satisfaction with Predestination.............38
Consideration and Moderation.................41
Knowledge as a basic requirement.............45
Kinds of Knowledge...........................46
Ma`arifa.....................................47
Shari`at.....................................49
Haal.........................................50
Good Conduct.................................54
Jealousy or Envy.............................57
Sincerity of Worship.........................60
Attaining Purity.............................64
Litanies of Tariqa...........................67
Real Knowledge and Worship...................70
Maintenance and Increasing Faith....... ...73
Repentance...................................73
Night Vigil..................................76
Friendship and Companionship.................78
The Hereafter................................79
Salatul Fatih................................82
Other forms of worship that Wipe Sins........91
Conclusion...................................97
Appendix.....................................101
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Preface
The subject of this discussion, Shaykh al-Islam Al-Hajj Ibrahim Niasse, was a knowledgeable and talented individual and the possessor of many gifts from Allah, the Almighty. But, if we were limited to describing the Shaykh in one word, we would definitely say that the Shaykh was a Muslim throughout his life, in every time, place, and situation. Most assuredly, he was a Muslim doing his best to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. He mentioned in one of his poems,
"If I am asked what is your Madhhab, and who is your beloved, I will definitely answer that the Prophet (SAWS) is."
Early in his life, Sh. Ibrahim joined the Tariqa Tijaniyya which is a tariqa based purely on the Qur`an and Hadith. And if we are herein to describe the Tariqa in one word, again we will say that it is simply to rule oneself according to the teaching of Qur`an and the teaching of the Prophet (SAWS). The Tariqa Tijaniyya was founded by Shaykh Ahmad Al-Tijani, may Allah be pleased with him, who lived from 1737 to 1815.
The Tariqa was passed on to Sh. Al-Tijani directly from the Prophet (SAWS). It should be noted that to see the Prophet after his death is not impossible. Up to this day, virtuous Muslims are still seeing him and meeting him. In a hadith reported in Bukhari, the Prophet (SAWS) said,
"Whoever sees me in a dream has seen me in reality because Shaytan cannot take my form."
And in another report he said,
"Whoever sees me in a dream will see me".
Therefore, we should know that to see the Prophet (SAWS) today is not impossible, that Allah provided this gift for His beloved and righteous servants.
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Since Sh. Al-Tijani passed, many of the Ulama of the Tariqa have come and performed their duty in propagating Islam and expanding the Tariqa, such as Sh. Umaru Futi, Sh. Muhammad Al-Hafiz Al-Tijani, a Mauritanian Shaykh who brought the Tariqa to West Africa for the first time, Sh. Al-Hajj Abdullahi Niasse, the father of Sh. Ibrahim, and Sh. Al-Hajj Malik Sy. People who were contemporaries of these great leaders respected them as eminent Ulama and whoever met them or read their writings also considered them to be highly knowledgeable.
In time, the responsibility of leadership passed to the hand of Sh. Ibrahim Niasse who was to play an even greater role in spreading Islam and the Tariqa in that area of the world. Indeed, he has achieved accomplishments in this field that have no parallel in the history of West Africa. To this day, contemporaries bear witness to his achievements, whether they were with him or against him.
The Tariqa Tijaniyya was a major motivating force in the life of Sh. Ibrahim. As was mentioned earlier, it is based on Qur`an and Hadith, and the well-known hadith which appears translated below best capsules the intent, substance, and developmental thrust of the Tariqa Tijaniyya:
On the authority of `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: "One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of journeying were to be seen on him and none of us knew him. He walked up and sat down by the Prophet (SAWS). Resting his knees against his and placing the palms of his hands on his thighs, he said: 'O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.' The Messenger of Allah
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(SAWS) said: 'Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to perform the Prayers, to pay the Zakat, to fast in Ramadan, and to make the Pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so'. He said: 'You have spoken rightly.' He said: 'Tell me about Iman.' He said: 'It is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in Divine Destiny, both the good and the evil thereof.' He said: 'You have spoken rightly.' He said: 'Tell me about Ihsan.' He said: 'It is to worship Allah as though you are seeing Him, and while you see Him not yet truly He sees you.' He said: 'Then tell me about the Hour.' He said: 'The one 'Then tell me about its signs.' He said: 'That the slave girl will give birth to her mistress and you will see the barefooted, naked, destitute herdsmen competing in constructing lofty buildings.' Then he took himself off and I stayed for a time. Then he said: 'O `Umar, do you know who the questioner was?' I said: 'Allah and His Messenger know best.' He said: 'It was Gabriel (AS), who came to teach you your religion.'" It was related by Muslim.
It should be obvious from this Hadith that a human being has greater needs than an animal. In the same way he needs food for his body, he also needs to feed his spirit; and the best food for the spirit is the Remembrance of Allah. Zikr provides the direct link between the servant and Allah. Surely there is wise counsel in the saying: "The Remembrance of Allah is the means to acquire Sainthood, to be one of the Awliyya."
The Tariqa Tijaniyya is based on three principles:
(1) Asking Allah for forgiveness. (It is really unconscionable for a Muslim to stop his brother in Islam from saying
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astaghfirullah. None of us are infallible. The same way we do something right today, we may do it wrong tomorrow. Consequently, the Prophet (SAWS) has directed us by saying, "Your sickness is your sin and the remedy of your sickness is to say astaghfirullah." In addition, there are many verses in the Qur`an ordering us and advising the community to say astaghfirullah. Just to mention one, in Sura Hadid (57), v. 21, we are told,
"Be ye foremost (in seeking) forgiveness from your Lord..."
And, then, there is the example of our most excellent guide, the Prophet (SAWS). In spite of the infallibility of his station, and that Allah has stated clearly in Sura Fath (4
, v. 2, that He has forgiven all his sins, the previous and the latest, the Prophet (SAWS) used to ask Allah forgiveness and repentance on every day more than one hundred times. If that is the case with him, what should be the case with those of us who live in this corrupt time when disbelief and sinfulness pervade the world.)
(2.) The second principle is to say La ilaha illa-llah. (In the Hadith, the Prophet (SAWS) said, "The best word I have ever said together with the previous Prophets is the word La ilaha illa-llah." And, again, in the Qur`an Sura Baqara (2), v. 152,
"Then do you remember Me; I will remember you."
And in Sura Imran (3), v. 191,
"Men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, lying down on their sides..."
And, again, in Sura Jumu`a (62), v. 10,
"...and celebrate the Praises of Allah often (and without stint): that ye may prosper."
Surely, when Allah, with His unlimited wealth says often, this wording is not to be taken lightly. When Allah, the Possessor and Dispenser of all wealth, suggests that something be done often, we must remember that the perspective of the wealthy is not like the perspective of the poor. And Almighty Allah, He has everything. You cannot even say Allah is the richest
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because everything is under His control.)
(3) And the third point is Salatal `ala Nabi, the offering of prayers upon the Prophet (SAWS). Allah ordered the community, the believers, to offer prayers upon the Prophet after He has himself done this together with His angels, (Sura Ahzab (33), v. 56). Moreover, the Prophet (SAWS) said in the Hadith, "Whoever offers one prayer upon me, Allah will offer ten upon him." In another report, "Whoever offers one prayer on me, Allah will offer ten on him; if he makes it ten, Allah will make it one hundred for him; if he makes it one hundred, Allah will make it one thousand for him; if he makes it a thousand, he will enter Paradise shoulder-to-shoulder together with me."
So these are the principles and some of the bases of support for the Zikr of the Tariqa Tijaniyya. It is solely derived from Qur`an and Hadith. In the final analysis, we are Muslims looking for the Truth, and wherever we see the Truth, we shall follow.
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Bismi-llahir Rahmanir Raheem
"Ye have indeed In the Apostle of Allah an excellent
pattern (of conduct). For any one whose hope is in Allah
and the Final Day, And who engages much In the praise
of Allah." (Q. 33: 21)
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1. Says Ibrahim the son
of Al-Hajj Abdullahi,
our glowing moon. C.1
C.1 Al-Hajj Abdullahi
Al-Hajj Abdullahi is the father of the author. He was a great and celebrated scholar of his time. Eminent scholars have written a lot of biography about him. The following is a comprehensive account of what was written by the great historian Muhammad Abdullah Al-Alawi Al-Tashitee in his biography of "Al-Hajj Abdullahi the son of Muhammad and father of Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse". He related that: "Al-Hajj Abdullahi from his youth has an excellent pattern of life not common among youth. As a boy he had very good manners that encompassed humility, patience, quietness and intelligence. He is reported to have committed to memory at first sight his entire portion of the Qur`an written on the slate for him, and later on, anything that he read he committed to memory at first sight. Al-Hajj Abdullahi was said to have always clinged to his father so as not to miss any lessons, particularly the commentary of the Qur`an. On the orders of his father, he later traveled to neighboring countries to study, even after some of his teachers humbled themselves to become his students, quoting that Imam Malik used to be accepted by his teachers as superior in knowledge."
In the year 1309 Hijra, Al-Hajj Abdullahi performed the pilgrimage to Mecca and returned through Egypt and the renowned University of Azhar. He was so highly regarded
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that on his return, he was too much of a force to be left for granted. He continuously devoted his time to revive the traditions of the Noble Prophet (SAWS) and fight against innovations both in his home town Tabai, and his country Senegal. This led the colonial masters to make life difficult for him. They insisted that he restrict his preaching and surrender his children for western education. To this Al-Hajj Abdullahi vehemently objected, describing it as an evil plot against Islam. He therefore migrated to Gambia with his family where he remained for ten years. Within this period, tens of thousands of students migrated to him. In the tenth year of his hijra, he traveled to Fez in Morocco to visit the tomb of Shaykh Ahmad Tijani, the renowned and celebrated leader of all Saints of Allah. During this journey, he received recognition from the great Sufis of Fez. From them he obtained certifications and rare collections of Islamic books, including the original copy of the Jawharat-ul-Ma`ani that was in the custody of Shaykh Ahmad Tijani for at least sixteen years and later on with his descendants. On his return he passed through his country, where he was so well received that the colonial government requested him to settle in Kaolack. He agreed to this request but with conditions that he shall be allowed to preach and teach the Qur`an, build mosques, and carryout his farming activities. The colonial masters agreed to these conditions, which led to his staying in Kaolack. The first thing he did in Kaolack was to build a mosque, then a living house. This mosque was the first mosque in the whole of Kaolack. There are today over fifty mosques.
Al-Hajj Abdullahi remained in Kaolack. There he received students and scholars from all over the world seeking knowledge of the Qur`an, Islamic knowledge, and
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the Sufi way of life. He spent days and nights continuously (except the times of salat) teaching, preaching, and writing.
He taught the commentaries of the Qur`an over a hundred times and wrote commentaries on the Qur`an, Hadith, and innumerable texts of prominent Islamic books. Al-Hajj Abdullahi left this world in the year 1340 A.H., equivalent to the year 1920. On this several poets have written, among whom is Muhammad Abdullahi Al-Alawi who wrote thus:
(In the year of the sun was the sun Eclipsed,
The sun of piety, knowledge and divinity.)
(The establisher of the path of Tijaniyya,
The reviver of the traditions of the
Choicest of Adnan.)
(The Servant of Allah, the Imam of the Maliki law,
And Affairs are for Allah for He is the Possessor.)
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2. Having started with
the Name of Allah and
Praise, All of it to Allah
the Possessor of great
Blessings and Glory. C.2
3. An advice from me to
my brothers, adhere to
the path of Tijaniyya.
4. A path of pure grace
and satisfaction, founded
and established upon the
path of the Prophet
SAWS) and the Qur`an. C.3
C.2 Essence of Basmillah
In a sound tradition, the Prophet (SAWS) said: "Any work not started with Bismillah is devoid of blessing." He also said similarly for Al Hamdu li-llah. While Bismillah signifies that everything can only begin and occur with the will of Allah, Al Hamdu li-llah recognizes that all praises as a result of any work goes back to the Creator Allah. However, there are four kinds of praises:
(i) The praise with which Allah glorifies himself as in the Qur`an 23:14,
"Indeed Blessed be Allah, the best of all Creators"
(ii) The second form is the praise with which Allah glorifies His servant as with the case of Prophet
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Sulaiman (AS) where Allah said in the Qur`an 38:30
"What an excellent servant, he was always
returning (to us in obedience)"
(iii) The third form is the praise with which servants of Allah praise Allah as related by Allah in the Qur`an 7:43
"And they say: Praise be to Allah that has guided us to this (path), never could we have been guided if not that Allah guided us"
(iv) The last form of praise is the praise with which a servant of Allah praises another servant of Allah. An example is as directed by Allah regarding parents. Qur`an 31:14
"And show gratitude to Me and your parents, but to Me is the final journey"
C.3 Tariqa Tijaniyya
This means the call to the path of the Prophet (SAWS) by Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA). This call enjoins the Muslims to hearken to the path of the Prophet (SAWS) by holding strongly to three articles, without which the Islamic practices can never be properly established. These three articles are:
(i) Seeking forgiveness from (of) Allah from our sins (Astaghfiru-llah)
(ii) Offering prayers (salat) upon our beloved Prophet (SAWS)
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(iii) Remembering Allah (SWT) - ZIKR, - LA ILAHA ILLA-LLAH. - There is no deity besides ALLAH.
The practice of these three articles have been emphasized in the Qur`an and Hadith as explained below:
(i) ISTIGHFAR: Seeking forgiveness of Allah. In the Qur`an 110:3, Allah commands:
"And seek for His forgiveness for He is always forgiving"
Concerning the above command, the Mother of the Faithful Ayesha (RA) said, the Prophet (SAWS) never offered prayer after this verse was revealed except, he says: "My Lord, I glorify and praise you, Oh Allah forgive me." Allah also said in the Qur`an 3:135
"And those who, when they commit shameful acts and wrong their souls, and then remember Allah quickly seek forgiveness from their sins - And who can forgive sins except Allah? And after this they don't obstinately persist in the act knowingly."
Allah (SWT) gave glad tidings to the Prophet (SAWS) in the Qur`an 48:1-2 when He said:
"Verily We have granted you (Oh Prophet) a manifest victory, that Allah may forgive your past and future sins..."
The above statement of Allah is enough to put the Prophet (SAWS) in no need of forgiveness. The Prophet (SAWS) has declared: "I seek forgiveness from Allah seventy times a day" and in another narration one hundred times.
The Prophet (SAWS) has also said: "Your sickness is your sin and its remedy is to always seek for forgiveness."
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Allah has said in the Qur`an 8:33
"And it is not for Allah to punish them as long as you are within them Nor will Allah punish them as long as they continuously seek forgiveness."
The above verse shows that the Muslim community has assurance of safety from the wrath of Allah in two ways. One is if the Prophet (SAWS) is in their midst and the second is if they continuously seek forgiveness. If we then look carefully, only the second option is open to the Muslim community in the present circumstance. In a Divine Hadith that is pure, Allah says:
"All of you commit sins always, but I forgive all sins,"
Since none are infallible but Allah (SWT) and His Apostle (SAWS), the first act enjoined by Shaykh Ahmad Tijani as he calls to the path of the Prophet (SAWS) is that the Muslim should return to Allah by realizing his wrong doings and saying the forgiveness formula "Astaghfiru-llah." This is the first thing enjoined by the Tijaniyya tariqa on his disciples.
ii) SALAT-`ALA-NABIYY: This is the second article of the tariqa and it means, to offer prayers on the beloved Prophet (SAWS). Anyone who exercises his thinking faculty very well knows that the Prophet (SAWS) does not need our prayers, not even in the least. For Allah, Glorious is His Name, has completed His blessings and favors upon him and made him a Mercy to the universe. Allah says in the Qur`an 93:5
"And soon shall you be given by your Lord (favors of such magnitude) that you will be pleased"
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and in Qur`an 48:2 Allah says:
"And He shall complete His favors on you and guide you on the straight path".
And Allah said in Qur`an 5:4
"Today have I perfected for you, your religion and completed my favor upon you and pleased to have Islam as your chosen religion."
Besides these, the Prophet (SAWS) himself said: "I am the distributor while Allah is the One that Gives".
Contemplating on the above verse, we find that not only has the Prophet (SAWS) acquired all favors from Allah, but any other favor that is due to any other creation passes through him for distribution. What can then the creation ask, for he who distributes? If so.. Why then do we offer prayers on the Prophet (SAWS)? We do this only to multiply our expectations from Allah. It is just like a pauper who visits the king with a gift of a small piece of bread so as to attract the sympathy and love of the king, thereby multiplying his expectations. The king's gift in return is always far better than the pauper's worthless gift. The Prophet (SAWS) said: "Anyone who makes one salat (prayer) on me, Allah (SWT) makes ten for him. When he makes ten for me, Allah (SWT) makes a hundred for him. When he makes a hundred for me, Allah (SWT) makes a thousand for him and if he makes a thousand for me, he shall be shoulder to shoulder with me at the gate of the paradise."
In another narration: "It will be written for him - safety from hypocrisy, safety from hell-fire, and safety from punishment."
Who knows the value of one salat of Allah, not to mention ten or a hundred or even one thousand!! To attempt to value this is to value the work of Allah and
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its reward as compared to that of His servant. Indeed glory be to Allah Who differs from His creatures in every respect, essence, nature or work. Here therefore lies the secret and cornerstone of making salat (prayer) on the Prophet (SAWS). One salat of Allah is more than enough to turn the hell-fire into a frozen ice.
SALAT ON THE PROPHET (SAWS)? What a beautiful profession, that Allah (SWT) and His angels partake alongside the faithful servants male and female. Allah says in the Qur`an 33:56
"Verily Allah and His angels are sending blessings on the Prophet, Oh you believers, send salats on him and salutations with all respect."
The second article of the Tariqa Tijaniyya is therefore a work in which Allah (SWT) and His angels are participating, and for a poor servant of Allah this makes it a finished affair.
(iii) ZIKR: LA ILAHA ILLA-LLAH; The third article with which Shaykh Ahmad Tijani uses in calling people to the path of Allah is Zikr. This means remembering Allah and His absolute existence day and night by saying: "La ilaha illa-llah." Allah says in the Qur`an 2:152
"Remember Me, I will remember you, Be grateful to me and don't deny (faith)".
Zikr is the only form of worship that is neither limited by amount, place or time. For example, fasting is forbidden on Eid days. Prayers are forbidden during sunrise and sunset and during menstrual periods. Recitations of Qur`an are not normally permitted in salats during bowing and prostrations. Likewise, Zakat and Hajj are limited to an amount and time of the year respectively. As for Zikr, Allah says in the Qur`an 62:10
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"...And remember Allah a lot so that you shall be prosperous".
In the above, Allah (SWT) ordained us to make a lot of Zikr. What a lot is in the eyes of the poor is certainly little for the rich. What then do we understand when Allah the Greatest and Self-Sufficient says a lot. Thus, the minimum we can do to at least come close to "A Lot" in the sight of Allah (SWT) is to remember Him day and night, all day long and throughout our entire life. That is why Allah the Most High describes people of intellect in the Qur`an 3:191 as:
"...Those who constantly remember Allah (ZIKR) in all their standing, sitting and lying positions..."
The Best of All of the Faithful, and Mankind has exemplified this act, as was reported by his beloved wife in a hadith: "Such was the Prophet (SAWS) who used to remember Allah (Zikr) at all his entire time."
The Prophet (SAWS) has declared in a good hadith reported by Anas (RA) "For me to remember Allah by making Zikr with a group of people after the early morning prayer (Fajr) until the sunrise is more lovable to me than the whole world and its content. And for me to remember Allah by making Zikr with a group of people after the latenoon prayer (Asr) until sunset is more lovable to me than the whole world and what it contains."
Allah has also warned that we should not be among those that forget Allah, as in the Qur`an 59:19,
"And do not be like those who forget Allah and He made them forget their own souls. Those are indeed the transgressors."
Thus only the hypocrite and transgressor forgets Allah, and in this case Allah also forgets them. Because of their forgetfulness, it is doom after doom for them, day-in and
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day-out in this world. In the Hereafter, their rightful place shall be hell. May Allah (SWT) save us from this (Ameen).
But if you remember Allah, Allah remembers you. Which means He will help you, assist you, and give you victory in both your spiritual and mundane affairs.
There are many ways of remembering Allah, but the best way is what Shaykh Ahmad Tijani has enjoined in calling Muslims to the path of the Prophet (SAWS). The Prophet (SAWS) himself has said: "The best that has been said by myself and the previous Prophets before me, is 'La ilaha illa-llah' there is no deity besides Allah".
In a Holy Hadith, Allah (SWT) told the Prophet (SAWS) "La ilaha illa-llah is my fortress (protection), whoever enters my fortress is saved from my punishment".
It is therefore abhorrent and disgusting for any Muslim to advise a fellow Muslim not to say La ilaha illa-llah. Thus the tariqa that advises Muslims to practice this is simply putting them on the path of the Prophet (SAWS) and towards obedience of Allah (SWT).
The Tariqa Tijaniyya is an ocean of jewels and a treasure spot of satisfaction that puts Muslims on the path of the Prophet (SAWS). First by cleansing them of their faulty deeds using ISTIGHFAR, then by acquiring for them love with the Creator by the salat on the Prophet (SAWS), and finally entering them into paradise by the Zikr of La ilaha illa-llah. The Prophet (SAWS) has said in a hadith of Ibn Hanbal: "The word La ilaha illa-llah does not leave any sin, nor is any work better than it."
In a healthy hadith reported by Al-Baraz from Abu Sa`eed: "Whoever says La ilaha illa-llah sincerely has entered Paradise." Note that in the above hadith 'entering' is in the past tense, meaning that the person is already in
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Paradise. What more of (for) a disciple of Tariqa Tijaniyya that says this for at least three hundred times a day?
The above three articles are what make up the litanies (Wird (*1), or essential zikr) of Tijaniyya. But enemies of Islam have claimed that the Tariqa Tijaniyya mentions names of their leaders in their litanies or make Salatil Fatihi (*2) on other persons other than the Prophet (SAWS). These are calculated-lies and evil-plan against Islam and its revivers. For there is no Sufi order in which names of the Shaykhs are used in litanies. Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA) in particular is a very pious Islamic reviver and grandson of the Prophet (SAWS) who called Muslims to the path of the Prophet (SAWS) by enjoining them on the aforementioned articles of the tariqa. This effort of Shaykh is to save the Islamic community from the gloom of evil plundering, a product of forgetfulness. Those who hearken to this call, otherwise his students, became known and called Tijaniyya like other Sufi orders. The Qadiriyya for example is after Imam Abdul Qadir Jilani and the Shaziliyya after Imam Hassan Shazili, all of whom are grandsons of the Prophet (SAWS).
The tariqas are neither sects nor madhhabs. If the above articles are the basis for calling the Tariqa Tijaniyya a sect, then a sect of what? One should ask. If it is a sect of seeking forgiveness from Allah, making prayers (salat) upon the Prophet (SAWS) and proclaiming the kalima La ilaha illa-llah, then one wonders what sect the critics are of and it becomes puzzling what Islam is other than these.
Shaykh Ahmad Tijani himself was once asked, will false statements be attributed to you after you? He replied, "yes" and to this reply he was asked, what is the way out? He then remarked thus: "If you hear anything attributed to me,
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then weigh it with the scale of Shari`at. If it conforms to the Shari`at accept it, otherwise reject it."
Unfortunately, people making judgment about the Tijaniyya these days neither have a scale to weigh nor have the knowledge of weighing. They therefore make conclusions based on their whims and caprices rather than the Qur`an and the Shari`at. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur`an 28:50
"Who is more lost than the one that follows wishful (heart) desires without any guidance from Allah (SWT)."
In a similar respect, the excellent student of Shaykh Ahmad Tijani, in person of the author, Shaykh Ibrahim Abdullahi Niasse of Kaolack re-echoes this call and advises his followers to uphold the Shari`at and the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAWS). The doing of all that has been enjoined by the tariqa is ordered by Allah (SWT). Thus the tariqa is based on the Qur`an and the Sunnah. The people of the TARIQA are true followers of the Qur`an and the Sunnah.
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5. Continuously say the
Wird (Litanies) obli-
gatory to this tariqa, By
this benefits are achieved
without doubt.
6. You will not profit by
taking this tariqa, Ex-
cept you continuously
seek righteousness. C.4
C.4 Taking Tariqa
The question people usually ask is that, if tariqa is based on the Qur`an and the Sunnah, why is there then the need for initiation?
Tariqa or Sufism is the last stage of worship, which is the position of seeking righteousness, or IHSAN. Any important position of dignity is normally assumed by initiation. Presidents of nations assume their seats with initiation of swearing to pacts that they must uphold. The Prophet (SAWS) became prophet by initiation and he only started to call to Islam after being duly permitted by Allah (SWT). Qur`an 33:45,46 says:
"Oh Prophet, we have sent you as a witness, a bearer of glad tidings, a Warner and one who invites to Allah by His permission and (We have sent you) as a lamp of spreading light."
Those who accept the call of the Prophet (SAWS) become Muslims by initiation. They have to pronounce the Kalimatu Shahadah (The witness word) by saying: "Ashhadu an la ilaha illa-llah, wa ash hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluhu," meaning, I bear
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witness that there is no deity (or none worthy of worship) besides Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad (SAWS) is His servant and messenger. This initiation is normally done at the hand of a Muslim. Since Islam is in stages, then the process of moving from one stage to another must be by initiation.
Other notable actions of the Prophet (SAWS) like Hijra (migration from Mecca) were by permission from Allah (SWT). The decision to defend the Muslim community by waging of war was only after Allah had given permission, as in the Qur`an 8:65
"Oh Prophet, stir up the faithful to fight."
Sufism is a spiritual clinic with doctors who have knowledge of attending to ailments of the soul. For a sick patient who requires cure and doses of medicine from the clinic, there is the need for him to make declaration of his sickness and acceptance of patienthood.
In taking Tariqa, one should be aware that Tariqa is a commitment and the beginning of an endless journey. Shaykh Ibrahim here advises that for one to profit in this journey, he should at all times seek RIGHTEOUSNESS. A man once came to Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse and said: "Oh Shaykh, from today I am going to do whatever I like." The Shaykh asked him, "Based on what?" He replied: "Based on the fact that on the Day of Judgment, I know you will not enter the Paradise and leave me behind." To this Shaykh asked him: "Who told you that I am going to Paradise?" The man said: "I know it myself, for you are learned, teach people with your knowledge, help the sick and feed the poor. Above all these, you are using your entire life and effort to see to the upliftment of the religion of Allah. There is therefore no doubt that Paradise is yours."
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Shaykh said: "Get away from here for you are Shaytan"!!!
Islam is not a religion of lazy people, but a faith professed by the heart that must be exemplified by the limbs. The more a believer practices Islam, the more he fears Allah (SWT) and the more he becomes a better person that is honored and respected in the society.
One day in London, two Senegalese Muslims were interviewed by a Jewish person for employment. He started by asking them of their religion. The second one declared that he was a practicing Muslim who says his prayers promptly. The employer remarked: "It is you that prays that I shall offer employment to, for one who does not pray can never respect any accord between me and him, if he can disrespect the accord between him and his Creator."
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7. Fulfilling all
prescribed conditions,
Exemplifying its ethical
code. C.5
8. Exalting all its people,
particularly the special
ones: to them be
obedient.
C.5 Conditions of Taking Tariqa Tijaniyya
The first and most important of the conditions is that one must commit himself to it until death. Allah says in the Qur`an 15:99
"And worship your Lord until there comes to you the hour of certainty."
The Prophet (SAWS) says in a Hadith: "And indeed, a little that is continuous is better than a lot that is intermittent." In another hadith the Prophet (SAWS) said: "The best of worship is the constant one even if it is little."
The second of the conditions is that one must not combine this tariqa with another. There are about three hundred and thirteen (313) tariqas in Islam, each of which is linked through the Companions of the Battle of Badr to the Prophet (SAWS). While any of these tariqas will guide one to the Prophet's (SAWS) path, the principles of all of them are combined in the Tariqa of Tijaniyya, in the same way that all principles of the past religions (of the Book) are combined in Islam. Allah is One. The final and overall Prophethood is one, and the guiding Shaykh of the last tariqa must certainly be one.
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The third of the conditions is that a person who has taken the Tariqa (i.e. Tijaniyya) should not pay homage (seek spiritual guidance) to any other Wali (Saint) that is not a Tijaniyya for the purpose of any spiritual gain. He must however, respect all the Waliys (Saints) of Allah. The reason for this is that Tijaniyya, being the fountain-head of all the tariqas, is their summation and therefore nothing is in any other tariqa that is not found within the Tijaniyya. Why then will one go out to beg for what he has in excess in his house?
The fourth of the conditions is that one must at all times establish the five daily prayers in congregation, except for excusable reasons. It has been related from the Prophet (SAWS) that prayers offered in congregation are twenty seven times better than those said singularly. In another narration, twenty five times better. Ibn Abbas (RA) also narrated from the Prophet (SAWS) that: "There are no prayers for the neighbors of the mosque, except they offer the prayers in the mosque." When the Prophet (SAWS) was asked who is considered neighbors of the mosque, he replied "forty neighbors away from the mosque."
The fifth and the final condition is that a disciple must respect his parents to the utmost possible. Allah always brings together the command to worship with dutifulness to parents. Allah says in the Qur`an 2:83
"...Don't worship other than Allah, and with parents be nice"
Qur`an 4:36 "And worship Allah without joining Him with anything.
And with parents be nice...."
Qur`an 31:14 "And We enjoined man concerning his parents, he was carried by his mother (during pregnancy) in toil upon toil and weaned him in two years.
That he should be thankful to Me and your parents, to Me is the final return."
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Anyone who accepts these conditions is accepted and initiated into the Tijaniyyahood!!
9. When you start to
perform this wird, Always
discipline yourself as
much as possible. C.6
10. Be of good manners
openly and secretly, With
it does one climb unto
high positions. C.7
C.6 Discipline During Wird
One reciting the wird is sitting with Allah (SWT) and should therefore be as disciplined as possible. In a Holy Hadith, Allah (SWT) said:
"I am the sitting companion of one who is mentioning Me (i.e. remembering Me)."
Sitting in the court of any minister or president today deserves a lot of discipline from the subject, what more of sitting with Allah (SWT) and His Prophet (SAWS) including the angels and pious servants!
C.7 Good Manners (Piety)
For a disciple to reach great heights, he must maintain good manners at all times by fearing Allah (SWT) both openly and secretly. Shaykh Ibrahim has said in another place that all the big Saints of the past achieved their
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positions by two acts. Thes (two) are; by fear of Allah (SWT), and by being always in the watch-out that Allah (SWT) is observing all of their acts. He further describes piety, or fear of Allah (Taqwa) as carrying out all of the duties Allah (SWT) has enjoined and distancing oneself from all that has been forbidden by Allah (SWT), whether in public or alone. Zikr therefore desires to implant in the murid or disciple the remembrance and hence fear of Allah (SWT) at all times and in all situations. Allah (SWT) has shown in the magnificent Qur`an that all needs can be acquired through fear of Allah (SWT).
If you are seeking knowledge, Allah says: Qur`an 2:282
"And fear Allah and you shall be taught by Allah and Allah knows everything."
If you seek prosperity in this world and in the hereafter, Allah says in the Qur`an 2:189
"And fear Allah that ye may prosper."
If you seek to attain virtue, Allah says: Qur`an 2:189
"It is virtue if ye fear (Allah)"
If you want to be among the Saints (Waliys) of Allah, Allah says in the Qur`an 10:62
"Oh yes, indeed on the Friends (Waliys) of Allah, there shall be no fear nor will they
grieve. They are those who believe and have always feared Allah"
If you love to be with Allah at all times, Allah says, Qur`an 16:128
"Surely Allah is with those who restrain themselves (for fear of Him)
and those who do good."
If however, you have erred and desire forgiveness and then reward, Allah says: Qur`an 65:5
"Whoever fears Allah, He will wipe from him his evil doings and magnify for him in rewards."
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If one is seeking a way out of distress, Allah says: Qur`an 65:2
"And whosoever fears Allah, He makes for him a way out (of distress)."
If ones affairs become difficult and one seeks for an easy path,
Allah says: Qur`an 65:4
"And whoever fears Allah, He creates easiness for him in his affairs."
Finally, in addition to all above, the one that fears Allah is always provided with sustenance and wealth from even places unimaginable. Allah says: Qur`an 65:3
"Whoever fears Allah, He provides for him an opening (from his distress). And He provides him with sustenance and wealth from sources he never imagined."
The above is why the excellent Shaykh's advice, at the time of reciting the litanies (wird) of the tariqa, is to be (self) disciplined and in constant fear of Allah at all times. However, these two things are very difficult to acquire, and that is why in the next verses he goes ahead to explain how these can be acquired.
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11. And picture in your
mind, the Shaykh that
brought you up, likewise
his Shaykh without doubt.
12. Always maintain
concentration and
calmness, likewise
seclusion helps in drawing
near (to Allah). C.8
13. Seek for a know-
ledgeable and experienced
teacher C.9 with sound
advice, Complete in
knowledge of Divine Lord
(and of course) a
righteous leader. C.10
C.8 The Mind
This is the classroom where the disciple learns discipline and fear of Allah. The teacher in this classroom should be your Shaykh. Shaykh Ibrahim therefore advises that one should always concentrate and focus his attention on the teacher during the Zikr. To do this he must free his mind from every other thing other than Allah, and make it quiet, tranquil, and calm. This will enable him to reap the benefit of the lesson-Zikr. Allah says in the Qur`an 18:24
"And remember your Lord whenever you have forgotten (everything except Allah)"
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C.9 Seeking for a Shaykh
From the above, it is imperative that a murid seeks a Shaykh (teacher) whom he will concentrate his attention on, to attain the benefits of zikr. If so, what kind of teacher? Shaykh Ibrahim now advises on the kind of teacher to be sought and the behavior that should transpire between this student and his acquired teacher.
C.10 Righteous Leader or Shaykh
The murid or disciple in reality seeks the countenance of Allah. This countenance of Allah has a gate which is the Prophet (SAWS), the countenance of the Prophet (SAWS) also has a gate which is the Shaykh. Allah says in the Qur`an 3:31
"If you really love (to have the countenance of) Allah, follow me and Allah shall love you"
and in the Qur`an 31:15
"And follow the path of one that has turned towards Me."
Thus if you love Allah and wish for His countenance you must start your journey by seeking a complete Shaykh. A complete Shaykh is one whom on one hand knows and observes the law (Shari`at) and on the other hand knows and observes the reality (Haqiqat). The Shari`at and the Haqiqat represent the two sides of the coin. In the words of Imam Malik:
"He who practices Sufism without understanding and observing the Fiqh (sacred) corrupts his faith, while he who understands and observes the Fiqh without practicing Sufism corrupts himself. But he who combines the two has indeed proven to be true."
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Great men of history who have made landmarks both in knowledge and JIHAD were Sufis. Most of the books we read today were all written by people of the tariqa. Examples of great authors are: Imam Ghazzali, Yusuf Al Nabhani, Imam Nawawi, Jalal al-Deen Suyuti, Imam Abu Hanifa among others. Among great Jihadist of Islam are: Shaykh Uthman bin Fodio of the tariqa Qadiriyya who led the Northern Nigeria Jihad from 1804-1808, Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Jaza-iri of Algeria who fought against the French colonialist from 1832-1847, Shaykh Alhaji Umar Tal Al-Futi of the tariqa Tijaniyya who fought against paganism, colonialism and innovations in the Islamic Jihad in the West African countries of Senegal, Guinea and up to Mali from 1852-1864. Other notable names include Sayyid Muhammad Abdullahi of tariqa Salihiyya who fought the British and Italians in Somalia from 1899-1920 and Shaykh Ma`al Aynayn al-Qalqami, who fought against the French in Northern Mauritania and Southern Morocco from 1905-1909.
All these were known to be righteous Sufi Shaykhs who fought to establish the sacred law (Shari`at) with the power of their complete attachment to Allah, attained through the reality (Haqiqat). The so-called jurists of today that criticize Sufism need to go back to pages of history and study them properly. Shari`at and Haqiqat form the two wings of the bird that flies the disciple to high stations.
When Prophet of Allah Musa (AS) desired the knowledge of the 'Higher Truth', Allah (SWT) appointed for him a teacher, Khidr (RA) to guide him. Allah relates as in the Qur`an 18:65,66
"So they found one of our servants on whom We have bestowed 'mercy from Us' and taught him 'knowledge from Our presence.' Moses said to him, 'May I follow you on the understanding that you teach me something out of what you have been taught of guidance (to higher truth)'?"
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14. Submit yourself
completely to him and
don't experiment (on your
efforts), Be like a dead
person before its washer
and you shall be
informed. C.11
C.11 Complete Submission
Complete Submission is very important in Islam. Allah says in the Qur`an 2:208
"Oh you believers, enter into Islam completely (i.e. whole-heartedly)."
In another place Allah says, Qur`an (4:59)
"Obey Allah and obey the Prophet and the leaders among you."
Obedience must therefore be 100%, not 50/50 or 70/30 as done by many today.
A Mauritanian student once sold all his cattle and belongings and gave the money to his Shaykh for Allah's sake. People accused him of stupidity and foolishness. But he replied: "Now I have nothing of wealth or cattle, but I am in a better position than you. This is because I now have none and nothing to rely on other than Allah, thereby making my trust in Allah complete. As for you people, when you have problems especially concerning finance, the first thing you think about is your cattle, and bank reserves."
[^Page 25^]
In submitting yourself to a Shaykh, sincerity is of utmost importance. Thus some people have asked concerning a situation where one finds himself in the hands of a false Shaykh who is camouflaged and a mischief doer. The answer is that as long as the disciple is sincere in his followership, Allah shall guide him as He promised in the Qur`an 29:69
"And those that strive in Us (sincerely), We shall surely guide to Our paths."
There was a story of a man called Abdul Al who sought for a particular Shaykh to attain guidance. Unfortunately for him, he was directed to a false Shaykh who happened to be a namesake of the intended Shaykh. On arrival he met the false Shaykh with alcohols and women. Despite this the man submitted himself to the false Shaykh altogether, then the Shaykh consequently ordered him to his farm to serve him there. This he obeyed and diligently carried out for years. When the Qutub of that time died and it came to choosing a successor, Allah chose this man serving the false Shaykh because of his sincerity in seeking the countenance of Allah.
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15. Don't oppose him
even if it seems wrong
(his opinion), be always a
follower.
16. For the teachers
mistake could be more
upright and proper, Than
students opinion among
people of intellect. C.12
17. Do not turn to other
than him in the universe,
And be with him as if
there is no universe. C.13
C.12 Personal Opinion
Exercising Personal Opinion or Ijtihad in Islam on issues not obtainable directly from the Qur`an and the Hadith is permissible but with conditions of proper knowledge and sincerity. For this reason, Ijtihad is left specifically to scholars. The Prophet (SAWS) has promised that: "for a correct Ijtihad made (fulfilling those conditions) two rewards are given, while for an incorrect Ijtihad made (fulfilling these conditions) there is a reward." But when an ignorant person makes an Ijtihad, he is given a sin, whether correct or incorrect. This is why the Sufis say: "Whoever emulates a scholar meets Allah safely."
Besides knowledge, the Shaykh is pious and hardworking, thereby enjoining guidance from Allah. The Shaykh is also experienced and thereby able to properly judge affairs before making pronouncement about an issue.
[^Page 27^]
As a result, what might seem a wrong decision in our perception might indeed be very correct. That is why the safest thing for a disciple is following at all times.
C.13 Universe and its Content
The disciple should consider the universe and its content as dead, and concentrate only on the direction of his Shaykh. Indeed he should offer the prayer of four takbeer normally offered to the dead on the whole of the universe, except his Shaykh. Otherwise there is the tendency for him to continuously gaze here and there and before he realizes, his Shaykh is gone and he will then be lost.
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18. For there is nothing
for the student other than
this Saint (Shaykh
Ahmad Tijani), C.14
Alongside with the
Prophet (SAWS) and
surely his Lord, the Most
High.
19. As long as there is
other than him in a heart
it will not attain, The
knowledge of the Master
(Allah), This I say with all
certainty.
C.14 Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani
Shaykh Ahmad Al-Tijani is the Seal and the Head of all Waliys (Saints), and therefore the closest door to the Prophet (SAWS). The disciple who takes the tariqa is guided by his local Shaykh from one position to another like a traveler that passes from one tollgate to another. If the murid is steadfast, he passes these gates until he meets this excellent and magnificent Shaykh (Shaykh Ahmad Tijani) who then takes him through a final journey to the Prophet (SAWS). When he gets to the Prophet (SAWS), he has gotten to Allah, and his Shaykh will then say to him, "Here you are and this is your Lord." He then is opened to the reality of things. Indeed Allah is Great, there is none save ALLAH.
For, complete submission of oneself to the Shaykh implies also submitting to him your important affairs
[^Page 29^]
whether it is happiness, fear or grief. Just as Allah punishes a community for the wrong done by a few of them, so does He pour His Mercy on a community for the sake of the righteous servants, for whom he promised neither fear nor grief. That is why in Jawharat ul Ma`ani, Shaykh advises the student or disciple thus: "And run to him (your Shaykh) in important affairs for indeed you shall meet with success at that immediate time."
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20. Be at all times with
the Shaykh to profit, Be
at all times tenderly in
love to prosper.
21. In proportion to your
love for him you receive,
His spiritual providence,
the people (Sufis) have
said this repeatedly.
22. Spend out of your
new and old possessions
in seeking, His satis-
faction, and be prompt to
his signals, then you will
get it right. C.15
C.15 Generosity with owned Possessions
Allah the Most Magnificent and Magnanimous, blesses His servants in different capacities to test each and everyone with what he has been blessed. Even though you love these possessions (that) Allah blesses you with, it is important that you are generous with them for the sake of Allah. Allah says in the Qur`an 3:92
"Never shall you attain righteousness until you give (generously) out of what you love (of possessions). What you do give of anything, Allah is fully aware."
In any community, Allah will bless some with riches to test their modesty, humility and generosity, while others He makes poor to test their patience, restraint and persevering. So does Allah make some knowledgeable, strong, young,
[^Page 31^]
healthy, and beautiful while some others may be ignorant, weak, old, sick and ugly. He creates all to test them. But the Shaykh as a leader is a head to all of them and hence the Balancing Pendulum that everyone runs to, to receive blessings or be relieved of their distress. This is why a disciple should give freely out of his possessions of either money, strength, or health, to the Shaykh who redistributes these to the poor, weak and sick. Allah commands the Prophet (SAWS) in the Qur`an thus: 9:103
"Take from their wealth charity with which you purify and sanctify them. And furthermore pray on their behalf, for indeed your prayer is a source of peace for them, and Allah is hearing and knowing."
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23. And satisfy your
Shaykh even if he makes
you weep, Because it is to
goodness, he guides you.
C.16
24. Be covetous of your
time with such greed, Be
warned you shall be
afflicted with test of
decline. C.17
25. When you see mani-
festation of opulence, Do
not exceed limits, be con-
tent with the mani-
festation of dispossession. C.18
C.16 Shedding Tears
Painful steps that will cause distress and sometimes tears, are sometimes necessary in the purification of souls. A doctor that tears open the stomach of his patient during an operation wishes him recovery. A goldsmith that puts gold into the fire wishes to purify it. So, even though harshness and wickedness is manifested, intelligence knows that, it is desirable to obtain a good result.
C.17 Time Planning and Usage
Shaykh now goes ahead to warn that one's time must be well planned and properly used. He advises that just as one should not be full of himself when in the advantageous
[^Page 33^]
position of life and religion, he should also not be frustrated when at a disadvantageous stage of life and religious duties. On the proper planning of time, the Prophet (SAWS) has said in meaning; "I have divided my time into three equal parts; one part for worship, one for my family affairs, and the last part I have further divided into two, one for social engagements and one for rest."
The above puts the four general activities of the Prophet (SAWS), proportioned in a ratio of 8:8:4:4. The author himself has been reported to never sleep for more than two hours a day since the age of thirty, except once when under anesthesia, he slept for three hours. On good use of time, the Prophet (SAWS) has said in a Hadith; "Indeed this world has set to return, and for sure the next world has set to come, and for each of them is a community. Be among the children of the hereafter and do not belong to the children of this world. For today is work without accounting while tomorrow is for accounting without work".
Therefore it is important to plan one's time so as to get at the right place at the right time and for the right period, with the right people. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is only a hope, the reality is now and must be used well. The Arabs have a proverb that says: "Time is like a sword. If you don't cut with it, it cuts you". Therefore one who desires to leave evil or do good should do it now for tomorrow may be too late, and had I known is the losers formula. The Prophet (SAWS) said: "Never will the good be rotten, nor the sin forgotten. Nor will the One that pays goodness and punishes evil ever die. Do therefore what you wish. As you lend, so shall you get paid."
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C.18 Test of Time
The author warns that one must be steadfast with Allah at all times, no matter the state of a servant. Part of Allah's test is to make His servant undergo different situations. Allah says in the Qur`an 2:155 - 157
"We shall indeed test you with situations of fear, hunger and reduction in wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient ones. Those who when afflicted say 'We are for Allah and to Him shall we return'. On those descend blessings of their Lord and Mercy, and they are the guided".
Generally there are four situations in which a person could find himself:
The first is where he finds himself surrounded with favors of Allah like goodness of health, living, and wealth. In this case, he should praise Allah by saying "Al Hamdu li-llah" (Praise be to Allah).
The second is when he is surrounded with afflictions, like difficulties of death, sickness, poverty, etc. In this case, he should return back to Allah by saying: "To Allah do we belong and to Him shall we return".
The third situation is when he finds himself in full devotion to Allah and in total worship. In this case, he should thank and praise Allah like those surrounded with favors.
The fourth situation is when he finds himself committing evil and wronging his soul. In this situation, he should return back to Allah by seeking His forgiveness.
While the first and third situations are Allah's manifestation of beauty, the second and fourth situations are His manifestations of splendor. Therefore a Muslim should not boast or despair in whatever of the situations, but rather he should be pleased and content with Allah at all times.
[Page 35]
26. For all of these
(manifestations) are
affairs of Allah's un-
foldings, Glorious is He to
be blamed for what He
Destines. C.19
27. Do not be anguished
when you are afflicted
with mischiefs of His
creations, for that you
were created. (i.e. to meet
such realities of life).
28. Mischief is made to
flow from them so that
you don't rely, On them -
but on Allah should you
solely rely.
29. When tested with
difficulties and afflictions,
Persevere patiently, for
thereafter shall come
relief and happiness.
30. For after every night
comes the day, And after
every hardship comes the
ease.
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31. Rather, after every
hardship comes double
ease, As related from
Ahmad (SAWS) the
Legendary Adnan.
32. If you know that, then
you shall always be
satisfied, (With) Allah's
decision which at all times
must prevail.
33. Whenever you seek a
request that is lacking,
The dangers of it He
knows and you don't.
34. He deters what is
dangerous (from you) out
of His tenderness,
therefore don't, Accuse
our Lord otherwise you
shall be abandoned.
35. Were man to know
Who the Merciful (Allah)
is, He would have been
facing afflictions, a
smiling man.
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C.19 Satisfaction with Predestination
While Shaykh advises on accepting tests of time with contentment, he went on further to explain the need to be satisfied and actually be pleased with predestination. For Allah, out of His Mercy, refuses a request where it is harmful to the individual concerned. Whatever happens has already been predestined. The Prophet (SAWS) said in a sound Hadith: "What touches you couldn't have missed you, and what missed you couldn't have touched you. Then pen has been lifted and the ink has dried". Allah's decision is best in all circumstances, Allah said in the Qur`an 21:23
"He (Allah) is not questionable about His actions, but they (the creatures) will be questioned."
Not only has Allah set up a measure for everything, but He has knowledge of everything past, present or future. Allah says in the Qur`an 65:3
"Indeed for everything has Allah set a limit"
and in the Qur`an 65:12
"For sure, Allah encompasses everything in knowledge".
And also in Qur`an 2:216
"Allah knows while you do not know".
If one also studies the loved ones or Prophets of Allah, they are the most afflicted with sufferings and enmity, and most often from their tribes and relatives. Out of wisdom, Allah allows this to happen to them so that the Prophets could concentrate their love for Allah alone. It also serves as a lesson for others. The Shaykh also reminded that Allah has promised that every difficulty is followed by plenty of easiness. Allah says in the Qur`an 94:5-6
"For sure, with every difficulty is relief, and indeed with every difficulty is relief".
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In the above verse, while the word difficulty (Al-Usr) was made definitive and repeated, the word relief (Yusr) was made indefinite and repeated. The meaning of this in Arabic is that the difficulty repeated is definite and once, while the ease or relief promised is indefinite and twice.
Finally, it should be known that Allah has made a promise of answering our prayers, but we shall only see the answer to what He has decreed for us at the time He has decreed. It will not occur at the time we choose. If we ask for what Allah has not decreed for us, He will answer but delay it until the day of judgment or exchange it for another favor that He sees is better for us. The Prophet (SAWS) said: "Were people to realize what options they will receive in the hereafter, they would wish that the answers to their request be delayed until the hereafter".
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36. Don't seek exaltation
from the creation without,
Being exalted by the
Creator, no, never.
37. Don't be glad with
favors you are bestowed
with, Be glad with the
Bestower (Allah) if
you reason.
38. For every favor will
vanish except the
Bestower, For that is the
Everlasting all time.
39. Don't despise any
Muslim and don't
mention, people's faults,
for the faults from you
are likely to be seen.
40. Maybe were the one
in two tatters of dusty
garments, To invoke by
the Master (Allah), he will
be honored as has been
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