Correspondence of Faqihul Ummah - Hazrat Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi (R.A A selection of letters pertaining to !

arious spiritual maladies and their replies from the pen of Faqihul Ummah General Ad!ice Reasons for "piritual Retrogression "elf-Reformation #o not #espair $rue %o!e of Rasullullah ("allallahu Ala&hi 'assallam Resorting to sin after $a()a %o(ering the Gaze Remed& for illicit lo!e "mo*ing and +hotographs General Advice As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh ,indl& fa!our me (ith some ad!ice Respected )rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh Hereunder is some ad!ice as requested. Regard &ourself as the lo(est of all people (in status and (orse than e!er& Muslim (/n spiritual gratitude . . Constantl& e0press gratitude to Allah $aa1la for his )ounties and fa!ours. . Maintain &our focus to(ards acquiring the pleasure of Allah $aa1la in e!er&thing &ou do. . Refrain from the diso)edience of Allah $aa1la. . ,eep the lo!e of Rasullullah "allallahu Ala&hi 'assallam dominant o!er the lo!e of all the creation.

. Refrain from hurting the feeling of an&one

Ma& Allah $aa1la grant &ou and me the a)ilit& to practice upon his ad!ice. ($ar)i&atut $aali)een-pg.232 Reasons for "piritual Retrogression Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh / do not ha!e the enthusiasm and eagerness to do an& (or* (and to complete m& $as)eehs4 $ilaa(at4 etc. / am fore!er in a state of uneasiness. "haitaani thoughts and inclinations continue to )other me. +lease ad!ise me ho( to o!ercome this situation. Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh Generall& there are three reasons for such a condition o!ercoming a person. /nappropriate compan&- $he condition descri)ed could )e as a result of adopting the compan& of such people (ho themsel!es

are not inclined to(ards 6i*r4 /slaah4 etc.

. Consuming Haraam- 7ften due to a person consuming (hat (as acquiring in a Haraam manner4 he is afflicted (ith this

condition.
. "ins- A person is sometimes o!ercome )& this pro)lem due to ha!ing sinned.

+onder deepl& as to (hat the reason is in &our case. Ha!ing determined the reason4 remed& it immediatel&. $hereafter ta*e a )ath4 perform t(o ra*aats of "alaatut $a()ah and remain on the Musallah for a long time ma*ing /stighfaar and repenting (ith utmost humilit&. 5eseech Allah $aa1la not to depri!e &ou of ta*ing his pure name and to forgi!e &our sins. Ha!ing done this4 commence (ith &our Ma1mulaat (dail& de!otional practises of 6i*r $ilaa(at4 etc . $he da& &ou do not manage to fulfil &our Ma1mulaat on time4 dela& &our meals until &ou complete it. Ma& Allah $aa1la grant &ou the a)ilit& to complete &our Ma1mulaat and grant &ou constanc& as (ell. (Ma*too)at-pg.38

"elf-Reformation Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh +lease e0plain to me the (a& of refraining from all sins. / also (ish to *no( ho( one should de!elop the enthusiasm for performing i)aadat4 rid oneself from all e!ils and )e inclined to do good. / am teaching in a little madrasah. Ma*e dua that / )e granted sincerit&. Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh "it in solitude and perform muraqa)ah (meditate o!er the follo(ing aa&ah- 9 Alam ya'lam bi an nallaha yaraa ($ranslation#oes he not *no( that !eril& Allah is (atching ("urah :8 ;erse 2< . Meditate o!er this as long as possi)le. $here after4 (hile &ou are )us& in &our (or*4 as often as possi)le recite this aa&ah and ponder o!er its meaning. Allah $aa1la (ill grant &ou much )enefit )& means of this meditation. Read a)out the li!es of the pious and narrate them to others as (ell. "it in the compan& of the pious. $ime permitting4 go in =amaat for fort& da&s. 'hen one has a good en!ironment4 ones actions and character also impro!e. Ma& Allah $aa1la grant &ou progress in ser!ing His deen and )less &ou (ith sincerit& and steadfastness. Aameen. (Ma*too)aat > ;ol.24pg.83 #o not #espair Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh / am in a terri)le state. /t seems as if some dar*ness has engulfed m& heart. #ail& / recite the *alimah 2?? times in the morning and e!ening )ut &et / find no effect upon me. / am punctual (ith m& salaah4 )ut it is (ithout an& spirit and soul. / thin* / am the (orst of all people. As a result4 / feel a)solutel& despondent. +lease ma*e dua for me that / should )e granted death on /maan. Respected 5rother

As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh #o not )ecome despondent due to &our present circumstances. /t is the grace of Allah $aa1la that he has opened up the realit& in front of &ou. @ou ha!e not )een left in the misconception that afflicts man& people that the& regard themsel!es as great and as )eing people of high status (hereas in realit& the& are nothing. Ma& Allah $aa1la sa!e us from this malad&. Remem)er (ell that a person (ill onl& gain sal!ation due to the merc& of Allah $aa1la. Ao person (ill gain sal!ation on the )asis of his actions. "ometimes a person does numerous good deeds4 )ut then suddenl& pride de!elops (ithin him. #ue to his numerous good deeds he regards himself as (orth& s =annah. Ho(e!er4 due to the e!il of his pride he )ecomes depri!ed of all the good actions and e!entuall& )ecomes (orth& of punishment. Allah $aa1la has sa!ed &ou from this serious malad&. For that &ou should )e grateful to Him. "ometimes a person (ho has spent B? &ears of his life upon *ufr4 is finall& granted /maan and thus he goes to =annah. /t also happens that a person spends B? &ears of his life on /maan )ut then due to pride he is depri!ed of this great (ealth and ends up in =ahannam. Hence no person can e!er )e proud of his actions and rel& upon them (hile )ecoming totall& unconcerned a)out the punishment of Allah $aa1la. $o the e0tent that one regards himself as lo(l& and (orthless4 to that e0tent (ill one )ecome (orth& of the fogi!eness and merc& to Allah $aa1la. +onder in solitude o!er this that Allah $aa1la has created &ou as a human )eing4 not as a sna*e or scorpion4 etc. He has sa!ed &ou from *ufr and "hir*. He grants &ou the a)ilit& to ta*e His name dail&. He permits &ou to stand in His presence and perform salaah. /nsha-Allah He (ill protect &ou in then Hereafter as (ell. /t is incorrect to despair of His merc&. Ma& Allah $aa1la help &ou. (Ma*too)at-;ol 24+g.3? $rue %o!e of Rasullullah ("allallahu Ala&hi 'assallam Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh Ho( can one generate the true natural lo!e of Rasullullah "allallahu Ala&hi 'assallam (ithin oneselfC Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh

7ne of the companions of Rasullullah "allallahu Ala&hi 'assallam (as Hazrat Anas Radiallaho anho. He (as onl& ten &ears old (hen his mother left him in the ser!ice of Rasullullah "allallahu Ala&hi 'assallam. He ser!ed Rasullullah "allallahu Ala&hi 'assallam for ten &ears. He lo!ed his master dearl& and Rasul "allallahu Ala&hi 'assallam also lo!ed him dearl&. 7nce Rasullullah "allallahu Ala&hi 'assallam said to him- 97 m& )elo!ed sonD /f it is possi)le that &ou could commence the da& or night in such a condition that &our heart is free of malice against an&one4 then do soDE (i.e. &ou should definitel& tr& to acquire this . $hereafter Rasullullah "allallahu Ala&hi 'assallam said- 9$his (,eeping the heart of an& malice is from m& "unnah. $he one (ho lo!es m& "unnah has indeed lo!ed me. $he one (ho lo!es me (ill )e (ith me in =annah.E $his clearl& indicates to us ho( to acquire true lo!e of Rasulluah "allallahu Ala&hi 'assallam. 5& lo!ing the sunnats of Rasullullah "allallahu Ala&hi 'assallam and practising upon them ones lo!e for him (ill increase. (An-Aoor- Ramadhaan 2<28 Resorting to sin after $a()a Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh / performed "alaatut $a()a and sincerel& repented from all m& sins. Ae!ertheless4 (hene!er / ma*e sincere $a()a4 / )ecome conscious of Allah $aa1la for a fe( da&s. $hen suddenl& / find m&self inclined to sin e!en more than pre!ious times. As a result m& $a()a )rea*s (i.e. / resort to the sin . As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh $he fact that &ou )ecame conscious of Allah $aa1la for a fe( da&s after performing "alaatut $a()a is itself a great )ount&. 5e grateful for this. Allah $aa1la declares- 9/f &ou are grateful / (ill increase m& )ounties upon &ou.E After a fe( da&s to once again )ecome inclined to sins is li*e a person (ho fasted for the entire da& and )& the end of the da& he felt e0tremel& thirst&. As a result he gulps do(n some (ater. "ince &ou )ecome conscious of Allah $aa1la for a fe( da&s after "alaatut $a()a4 (ith utmost de!otion perform "alaatut $a()a dail&. Ma& Allah $aa1la assist &ou. ($ar)i&atut $aali)een- pg.2FB %o(ering the Gaze

Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh / am entrapped in the disease of casting lustful glances at (omen. ,indl& gi!e me some ad!ice to remed& this situation. Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh /f the glance falls unintentiall&4 no sin has )een incurred. Ho(e!er4 to continue loo*ing and deri!e pleasure from that glance is an illness (hich requires treatment. $he treatment is to immediatel& close the shutters that Allah $aa1la has created a)o!e an )elo( the e&es. Furthermore4 sit in solitude4 close &our e&es and meditate- 9/f m& Ustad or "hei*h (as present (ill / cast an& lustful glanceC Ae!erD Ho( can / cast lustful glances in the presence of Allah $aa1la > that )eing (ho *no(s the deception of the e&es and (hat the hearts conceal.E Also *eep in mind the (arning that has )een mentioned in the Hadith for casting lustful glances. /t is reported that molten lead (ill )e poured into the e&es of such people. 7ne pious person states- 9'hile ma*ing ta(aaf of the Haram "hareef4 / sa( a person (ho had onl& one e&e. He (as continuousl& ma*ing the follo(ing dua- 97 Allah / see* refuge for this strange dua. He replied- 9For the past t(el!e &ears / had )een in /1ti*aaf in the Haram "hareef. 7ne da& m& glance fell upon a (oman (ho (as ma*ing ta(aaf. / )ecame enchanted )& her )eaut& and loo*ed at her again. From the unseen a hand appeared and slapped me in such a manner that m one e&e fell off. 'hen / screamed in pain4 a !oice aid to me- 9this is the retri)ution for one glance. /f &ou had continued further4 (e too (ould ha!e ta*en further action.E Hence from that da& / continuousl& ma*e this dua- 97 Allah4 / see* refuge in @ou from &ourself.E ($ar)i&atut $ali)een > pg.G23 Remed& for illicit lo!e Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh / ha!e )ecome entrapped in an illicit affair. $his has resulted in much pro)lems for me. ,indl& sho( me a (a& out of this pro)lem. Respected 5rother

As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh 5e a)solutel& certain that nothing is achie!ed (ithout courage. @ou (ill ha!e to pluc* the courage to get out of &our predicament4 irrespecti!e of ho( agonising and difficult it ma&)e on &our nafs (inner-self . /f indeed &ou (ish to come out of this predicament4 firstl& distance &ourself ph&sicall& from the person (hom &ou ha!e fallen in illicit lo!e (ith (there should )e no chance of meeting or seeing one another > translator . /n the last part of the night engage in the zi*r of %a-ilaha-illallah fi!e hundred times. $he method of the zi*r is this- %o(er &our head to(ards &our heart and (hilst sa&ing %a-illaha4 turn the head to(ards the right shoulder (hile imagining that one has ta*en out of the heart all forms of impermissi)le lo!e and thro(n it )ehind one. $hereafter sa& illallah ((hile )ringing the head for(ards to(ards the heart and imagine that the lo!e of Allah $aa1la )eing em)edded in &our heart. After this ma*e zi*r of Allahu one thousand times (ith the thought that the lo!e of Allah $aa1la has no( )een firml& esta)lished in &our heart. /t is e0tremel& important that &ou should disassociate &ourself from the person in such a manner as if &ou ne!er heard or thought of himHher. Ae!er correspond (ith the person in an& (a&. Ma& Allah $aa1la cure &ou from this predicament. (A5- 'ith regard to the zi*r4 one should consult ones o(n "hai*h. #ifferent amounts of zi*r are prescri)ed to different people due to their !ar&ing conditions > translator. ($ar)i&atut $aali)een "mo*ing and +hotographs Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh
. / am tr&ing to gi!e up smo*ing )ut / do not seem to )e a)le to gi!e it upC . +re!iousl& in m& ignorance / had photographs ta*en of m&self. "ome of these are in m& possession (hile some are in the

possession of others. 'hat should / do (ith those photographsC

. / al(a&s o!er-eat. Ho( can / stop thisC

Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh

. $o gi!e up &our smo*ing adapt the follo(ing procedure- /mmediatel& cut do(n the num)er of cigarettes &ou smo*e dail& )& a

quarter. After one (ee* cut it do(n )& another quarter. /n this manner each (ee* reduce it )& quarter. /nsha-Allah &ou (ill then manage to gi!e up this ha)it.
. 5urn the photographs that &ou ha!e in &our possession. Also acquire those photographs (hich are in the possession of others

and )urn them. /f the& refuse to gi!e it to &ou4 )u& it from them and )urn them.
. Fi0 the amount that &ou require to eat )eforehand and eat that much onl&. #o not eat to &our fill. 7ne should stop eating (hen

Iust a little hunger is still left. (Ma*too)at > ;ol.2

#espising 7thers Remed& for +ride Har)ouring ill thoughts Ri&a (7stentation UIu) (;anit& =ealous& 5ac*)iting Critisicm and +raise +rotecting the J&es #espising 7thers 5ismihi $a1ala Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh 'hene!er / notice an&)od& doing something against the shariah4 such as s(earing4 etc.4 / immediatel& )egin despising the person. M& nafs then sa&s to me- 9@ou are much )etter than him. 7thers )esides &ou are all despica)le.E / hum)l& request Hazrat to help me remed& this situation. 5ismihi $a1ala Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh $o despise a person upon o)ser!ing him committing a sin is itself a serious crime (7nl& the sin should )e despised > ne!er despise the person . At such a time one should consider one1s o(n sins. @ou should address &ourself thus- 9there are numerous !ices in me4 (hich / am full& a(are of. Ho( a)solutel& despica)le / ha!e )ecome due to these sins2 on the da& of Ki&amah4 / (ill )e questioned a)out m& o(n sins4 not a)out the !ices of others.E $he KurLan states- 9&ou (7 people are not responsi)le for (hat / (Rasulullah "allallahu Ala&hi 'assallam do and / am not

responsi)le for (hat &ou do.E $o despise an&one is a sin on its o(n > and a !er& serious one too. /t is A7$ a tri!ial matter. Allah $a1ala (ill question me on the da& of Iudgement- 9if m& ser!ants committed an& (rong4 (hat right do &ou ha!e to despise themC ('hat (ill / then ans(erC E +onder o!er the a)o!e regularl&. /nsha-allah4 &ou (ill )enefit from it. (Ma*too)aat- ;ol.24 +g.:8 Remed& for pride $he questioner has apparentl& requested for ad!ice (ith regards to the remed& of pride. Hereunder is the repl& to the question 5ismihi $a1ala Respected )rother Asalaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh $he remed& of pride is to ponder constantl& o!er one1s !arious conditions. +onder o!er the follo(ing- 9(hat (as /4 (hat ha!e / )ecome and (hat (ill / end up asC /nitiall& / (as a drop of impure semen. $hereafter in the (om) of the mother4 the )lood of the menses graduall& too* the shape of lim)s. 'hen life (as infused into this )od&4 the !er& )lood of the menses no( )ecame the nourishment for this )od&. $hereafter4 upon the e0pir& of nine months4 / (as )orn (ith much difficult&. For a length& period after )irth4 / remained helpless and could not do an&thing for m& self. Aeither could / discern the good from the )ad. 'hat e!er that came into m& hand4 (hate!er pure or impure4 / put into m& mouth. /n short4 / ha!e passed trough so man& different stages in m& life. J!entuall& / (ill end up in the gra!e. $here m& )od& (ill )ecome food for (orms.E /t is reported in a Hadith that Allah $a1ala sa&s- 9+ride is m& garment.E An& person (ho adopts pride for himself is in realit& snatching the garment of Allah $a1ala. $he result of this is o)!ious - it (ill lead to the fire of Jahannum. $he one should constantl& ponder o!er these aspects and reflect that4 if this is one1s condition and realit&4 (hat right does one ha!e to )e proudCCC (from original manuscript . Har)ouring ill thoughts 5ismihi $a1ala Respected Mufti "ahe)

As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh / am presentl& in!ol!ed in a spiritual malad&. #ue to some )ad e0periences4 / ha!e no( )ecome e0tremel& s*eptical and untrusful a)out the common people as (ell as the leaned one1s. / ha!e ill thoughts a)out people in general. Hence4 / detest associating (ith people. +lease guide me in this predicament. 5ismihi $a1ala Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh $o har)our ill thoughts a)out people ((hether the& ma& )e from masses or the learned due to their condition4 is an e!il and detesta)le act. 'hene!er an ill thought creeps into &our mind regarding an& person4 )e he a learned person or Iust a common sinner4 &ou should reflect on &our o(n shortcomings and thin*- 9Ho( man& faults and sins / ha!e committed. / am not sinless. Ho(e!er4 / do hope that Allah $a1ala (ill forgi!e me. %i*e(ise4 others could also )e forgi!en. /f / am ta*en to tas* due to har)ouring ill thoughts4 (hat ans(ers (ill / ha!eC /t is possi)le that this person could )e forgi!en due to some splendid action4 (hich is un*no(n to me. Hence4 all his sins (ould then )e replaced (ith re(ards.G Allah $a1ala sa&s- 9the& are the one1s (hom Allah $a1ala (ill grant them re(ards in place of their sins (i.e. the sins (ill )e forgi!en and the& (ill )e replaced )& re(ards. E (Ma*too)aat > !ol.24 +g.3? Ri&a (7stentation UIu) (;anit& 5ismihi $a1ala Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh ,indl& e0plain (hat are 9Ri&aE and 9UIu)E. Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh Ri&a (ostentation means to perform an& act of (orship to sho( others. Allah $a1ala detests Ri&a since it is tantamount to shir*

(ascri)ing partners (ith Allah $a1ala . 7n the da& of Ki&amah Allah $a1ala (ill announce 9/ detest shir*. $herefore4 the one (ho has ascri)ed an& partner (ith me in an& i)aadat4 he should see* the re(ard for the same from the partner that he ascri)ed to me.E $herefore4 one should reflect that4 for instance4 one performs salah to o)tain the grace of Allah $a1ala. He adopts full humanit& and de!otion so that Allah $a1ala ma& )e pleased. Ho(e!er4 if Ri&a creeps into this action and he )egins to perform it for some)od& else4 all his efforts are in !ain. 5esides4 on the da& of Ki&amah it (ill )e announced regarding him that he (as in!ol!ed in Ri&a. $hen he (ill face humiliation and disgrace and he (ill find his )oo* of good deeds to )e empt&. UIu) (!anit& refers to the condition (here a person thin*s good of his actions or his opinions (i.e. he regards himself to )e a !er& (orth& and capa)le person in thought and deeds . 'hen such thoughts come to mind4 one should reflect upon one1s sins and thin*- 9/ ha!e committed so man& sins hence ho( can / )e elated a)out m&self. /f m& sins had to )e e0posed4 ho( despised and disgraced / (ill )e among the people.E "it in solitude and ponder o!er this. /nsha Allah one (ill )e freed from ri&a and uIu). Ma& allah taala cleanse us from these maladies. Ameen. =ealous& 5ismihi $a1ala Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh / am afflicted (ith the e!il of Iealous&. +lease ad!ice me of ho( / can o!ercome this affliction. Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh =ealousl& in realit& is to )e angr& (ith Allah $a1ala. /t is as if &ou are questioning Allah $a1ala as to (h& some )ount& (as gi!en to another person (hereas &ou (ere more deser!ing and (orth& of itD C (Allah for)id $he remed& of this disease is to )esto( gifts to the one o!er (hom &ou are Iealous of4 ma*e salaam to him and sha*e his hands4 in!ite him for meals and constantl& ma*e dua for him. /nsha-Allah &our heart (ill )e cleansed of the Iealous&. 5ac*)iting 5ismihi $a1ala

Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh / ha!e acquired an e0tremel& e!il ha)it of )ac*)iting. / also quic*l& start thin*ing ill of others. ,indl& help me o!ercome this malad&. Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh A person generall& indulges in )ac*)iting others and thin*s ill of them )ecause he regards them as an opposition. Ho(e!er4 in the process he transfers all his good deeds to the one (ho he thought ill of or (ho he had made ghee )at of. Consider (hat utter foolishness this isC $he one (hom one is angr& (ith4 one transfers one1s good deed to the !er& person )& )ac*)iting him. #oes one gi!e such a person ((hom one is anno&ed (ith one1s (ealth and material )elongingsC Ae!er. $hen ho( is one suddenl& prepared to gi!e a(a& one1s good deeds to him on the #a& of Ki&amah and )ecome destituteC +onder o!er this deepl& and repeatedl& until it firml& settles into the recesses of the heart. Ma& Allah $a1ala grant &ou and / the a)ilit& to practice. (Ma*too)aat4 ;ol. 24 +g.2FB Critisicm and +raise 5ismihi $a1ala Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh / am afflicted (ith !arious spiritual maladies. Among them is that if an&one praises me / )ecome elated and m& ego is )oosted. 7n the other hand if some)od& criticizes me or / learn that some)od& has spo*en ill of me4 / )ecome enraged. ,indl& guide me in this matter. 5ismihi $a1ala Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh Generall&4 there are numerous spiritual ailments that affect the heart. /f an effort is not made to 9treatE and rectif& them4 the&

could )ecome much (orse. /f the praise of people causes &our ego to )e )oosted4 immediatel& reflect upon &our shortcomings and thin* thus- 9$his person is not a(are of m& sins4 hence he is praising me. /f he )ecomes a(are of m& sins4 instead of sho(ering praises he (ill )egin to hate and despise me. Ho( greatl& has Allah $a1ala fa!oured me that he has concealed m& faultsC /f Allah $a1ala totall& forgi!es m& sins and sa!es me in future from all transgression4 this (ill indeed )e m& tremendous good fortune (and something to )e elated and trilled a)out .E /f someone criticized &ou or spea*s ill of &ou4 &ou should ponder that one (hose inception is from a drop of dirt& fluid is indeed most impure. 'h& then should such an impure person (l )ecome enraged upon )eing criticizedC Furthermore4 if some)od& has spo*en ill of &ou4 (hereas in realit& Allah $a1ala has sa!ed &ou from that aspect (that (as spo*en a)out?4 and then the person (ho has spo*en ill of &ou has erred. Ho(e!er this is much )etter (that people spea* ill of &ou in error than )eing praised for something (hich one is not (orth& ofD (Ma*too)aat4 ;ol. 24 +g.3? +rotecting the J&es 5ismihi $a1ala Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh / cannot protect m& e&es (from sin . +lease ad!ice me on ho( to o!ercome this malad&. 5ismihi $a1ala Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh Allah $a1ala has created natural means for the e&es from all sin. 'ith e!er& e&e Allah $a1ala has created t(o shutters-one at the top and another at the )ottom. 'hen one1s sight falls in the (rong place4 immediatel& close )oth these shutters. $here is also another means of uprooting this disease (of gazing at ghair mahrams-(omen (ith (hom marriage is permissi)le . "it in solitude4 close &our e&es and recite the follo(ing !erse- 9Alam &a1lam )i an-nallaha &araaE ($rans- #oes he not *no( that !eril& Allah is (atchingC M"urah :84 ;erse 2<N. 'hile reciting this !erse ponder o!er the follo(ing- 9/f / am in the presence of m& father4 Ustaad or spiritual mentor and a strange (oman (ghair mahrams passes4 (ould / loo* at herC Most definitel& notD

Ho( can / then loo* at an& (omen in the presence of Allah (ho is (atching at all times.E +ractice this for ten minutes each da&. 7!er and a)o!e that4 (hene!er the opportunit& arises ponder o!er this until it )ecomes em)edded in the heart. Ma& Allah $a1ala help us. (Ma*too)aat- ;ol.24 pg.<G

$/MJH"HU,R RJM7R"J /A HJAR$ RJMJM5JR/AG +A"$ "/A" MA1MU%AA$ (dail& practises RJC/$A$/7A 7F KURAA AA# #UA #J#/CA$/AG $/MJ F7R /"%AAH MJ#/$A$/AG U+7A #JA$H AAGJR 7;JR HUM/%/A$/7A +R/#J $/MJH"HU,R 5ismihi $a1ala $he (riter requested some ad!ice and duas. Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh Ma& Allah $a1ala ena)le &ou to fulfil all &our o)ligations and responsi)ilities (ith ease. Ma& He also ena)le man& people to )enefit from &ou and assist &ou in e!er& difficult& from unseen sources (ghali) . 'hen &ou departed4 / had ad!ised &ou to )e e0tremel& particular of ho( &our time is )eing spent. 5e !er& !igilant a)out this. 'hate!er time passes in a manner that conditions (ere positi!e4 ma*e shu*r to Allah $a1ala for it. /f an&)od& treats &ou (ith lo!e and respect4 regard it as the Grace of Allah $a1ala that He has placed lo!e and respect for &ou in that person1s heart. 7ther(ise4 it (as possi)le that the same person could ha!e )een an archenem& (ho hates &ou. Hence consider it the Grace of Allah $a1ala that He has concealed &our faults. He forgi!es all sins and conceals the faults of people. #o not place total reliance on an& person4 nor di!ulge all &our secrets to him4 nor ha!e an& enmit& (ith an& person. $reat e!er& person (ith husne a*hlaaq (good character . $he one (ho at present *isses &our hands (ith great lo!e could tomorro( )e

s(earing &ou. $herefore4 al(a&s adopt a moderate approach in &our dealings (ith people and )e careful in this regard. (Ma*too)aat-;ol.2.+g.222 RJM7R"J /A HJAR$ 5ismihi $a1ala Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh M& e0cessi!e sins ha!e o!er(helmed me and / ha!e lost control. / greatl& regret this and sometimes (ish that the earth must split and s(allo( me up. +lease ad!ise me in this regard. 5ismihi $a1ala Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh 'hate!er regret and remorse &ou ha!e e0pressed o!er &our conditions4 ma& the same remorse )e deep do(n in &our heart. /ndeed4 if a person is trul& concerned a)out his islaah (reformation 4 his concern in itself is more effecti!e in )ringing a)out his reformation than an& (azaaif (recitation of !arious zi*r1s4 etc . Ho(e!er4 the concern that is merel& e0pressed (ith the tongue )ut does not e0ist in the heart does not ha!e this effect. Ma& Allah $a1ala assist &ou. RJMJM5JR/AG +A"$ "/A" 5ismihi $a1ala Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh / recall m& pre!ious sins and feel much remorse o!er them. +lease ad!ise me (hether it is in order to recall one1s sins in this

manner. 5ismihi $a1ala Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh /t is not sufficient to merel& remem)er one1s sins in this manner. "ometimes merel& recalling the pre!ious sins !er& su)tl& incites the person to commit the same sin again. Ma& Allah $a1ala sa!e us all. /t is therefore necessar& to instead !isualize the #a& of Ki&amah (hen an account on one1s deeds (ill )e ta*en in front of all man*ind. Ho( utterl& disgraced (ould one )eD J!er& deed committed (ould )e clearl& recorded in one1s )oo* of deeds. /n this (orld (e feel greatl& em)arrassed if (hat (e had done secretl& is e0posed. 7ne should therefore consider ho( terri)l& em)arrassing it (ill )e to read out one1s sins in front of Allah $a1ala. $hus4 if an&one (ants to )e sa!ed from this imagina)le disgrace4 it is essential that the sins are (ashed off the )oo* of deeds. $he tear of regret and remorse in solitude is the (ater that (ashes off the sins from the )oo* of deeds. Ma& Allah $a1ala grant us such tears that (ash off our sins from our )oo* of deeds. Hence merel& recalling one1s sins is not sufficient. 7ne must firml& !isualize the #a& of Qiyamah to gain the desired effect. ($ar)i&atut $aali)een > +g.2GG MA1MU%AA$ (dail& practises 5ismihi $a1ala Respected mufti sahi) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh / am o!ercome )& laziness. 7ften / e!en fall into sin. 'hene!er / commit an& sin4 / sincerel& regret it )ut thereafter / find m&self entrapped in the same sin. As for m& Ma1mulaat (dail& practises such as "alaah4 6i*r4 $ila(aat4 etc. 4 at times / complete them all. 'hile at times for (ee*s on end / Iust do not manage to do an&thing.

5ismihi $a1ala 5elo!ed )rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh $he practise of sometimes completing one1s Ma1mulaat and at other times neglecting them must )e completel& refrained from. 7ne cannot progress in this manner. Constanc& is a)solutel& necessar&. According to the Hadith4 the )est of actions is that upon (hich one is steadfast. 'ithout this constanc& one cannot achie!e the /slaah of one1s Aafs (the purification and reformation of the inner self . As for the sins to(ards (hich one is inclined4 ponder deepl& (ith regards to the harms of such sins in this (orld and the punishment in the hereafter. Contemplate upon the end result of committing such sins. /nsha- Allah4 one (ill )e )lessed (ith the a)ilit& to refrain from them. Also4 read a)out the !irtues a)out good actions such as "alaah4 6i*r4 $ila(aat4 etc. *eep in mind the )enefits one (ill recei!e from these actions4 )oth in this (orld as (ell as in the hearafter. /nsha-Allah4 &ou (ill gain the $a(feeq (a)ilit& of fulfilling these actions. (Ma*too)at- !ol. 24 pg.3 RJC/$A$/7A 7F KURAA AA# #UA 5ismihi $a1ala Respected mufti sahi) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh +lease ad!ise me (ith regards to the follo(ing. Firstl&4 / do not ha!e the true enthusiasm for the recitation of the KurLan. "econdl&4 / am not much inclined $o(ards #ua. 5ismihi $a1ala 5elo!ed )rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh

/t ga!e me great pleasure to *no( that &ou are punctual (ith &our Ma1mulaat. Ma& Allah $a1ala grant &ou further progress. 'hen reciting the KurLan meditate upon the fact that &ou are reciting to Allah. 5e li*e a student (ho is reciting to his Ustaad (hile the a(e of the Ustaad has engulfed him. Hence recite the KurLan (ith the intention that &ou are reciting to Allah $a1ala in such a manner A" /F &ou can see him. ($his (ill create the desire enthusiasm . Also remem)er that #ua is the essence of /)adah. 'hether it is 6i*r4 $ila(aat or "alaah4 the essence of it all is #ua. ,eeping in mind Allah $a1ala fa!ours and His *indness4 engage in #ua (ith much humilit&. +onder that onl& He can accept ones #ua1s and sol!e ones pro)lems. He has commanded us- call unto be, I will accept. (hosoe!er granted the gift of #ua4 unlimited mercies are sho(ered upon him. His #ua passes through se!en hea!ens. Ma& Allah $a1ala help &ou. (Ma*too)at- !ol. 24 pg.B2

#J#/CA$/AG $/MJ F7R /"%AAH 5ismihi $a1ala Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh /t is ten &ears since / ha!e graduated and ha!e )ecome )a&1at (ith &ou. Ho(e!er4 m& spiritual condition is as (ea* as it (as in the initial stages. 5ismihi $a1ala Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh @ou spent appro0imatel& ten &ears to stud&. For the purpose or acquiring *no(ledge &ou left &our home for this long duration of time. @our da&s (ere then spent in lessons and the nights in stud&ing and re!ision. @ou also (or*ed hard and sat for !arious e0aminations and (aste the &ear of that &our progress must not )e hampered. Ao( consider that in contrast to this ho( much of time ha!e &ou dedicated to &our spiritual self-reformationC Ha!e &ou spent at least one &earC Ha!e &ou attempted to curtail &our

other acti!ities in order to acquire proper de!otionC /f not 4 is it then correct to complain that &ou ha!e acquired spiritual selfreformation and that &our spiritual condition is Iust as (ea* as it (as pre!iousl&C ( Tarbiyatut Taalibeen pg.140) MJ#/$A$/AG U+7A #JA$H 5ismihi $a1ala Respected Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh @ou ha!e ad!ised me to meditate upon death. / ha!e not &et understood ho( to do this. +lease e0plain it to me. 5ismihi $a1ala Respected 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh 'hen &ou lie do(n upon &our )ed at night4 imagine it to )e the last moments of &our life. Hence repent and see* forgi!eness for all &our sins. $hereafter imagine that &ou soul is actuall& lea!ing &ou. @ou are then )eing gi!en ghusal and &our )od& is )eing (rapped in the *afn (shroud . $hereafter &our salaatul Ianaazah is )eing performed and &ou are )eing lo(ered into &our gra!e. /n the gra!e &ou are )eing faced (ith the questions on Mun*ar and Aa*eer (the t(o angels (ho question the deceased in the gra!e . /n short4 ponder o!er the aspects that (ill follo( after death until &ou fall asleep. 'hen &ou (a*e up the ne0t morning4 regard it is as an e0tension in &our life that Allah $a1ala has granted &ou. $his e0tension is also to ena)le &ou to prepare for death. $herefore do not perpetrate an& such action (hich &ou (ill find difficult to ans(er for (on the da& of Iudgement . Also during the course of the da& (ith e!er&thing that &ou do4 regard it as the last da& of &our life until it is finall& night. At night repeat the same process. ( a!toobat"#g.$0 A5. /n the Ahadith Rasulullah ("allallahu Alaihi 'assallam has e0horted the Ummah to remem)er death e0cessi!el&. $he a)o!e prescription is to induce that required a(areness of death. 'hile this particular method of de!eloping the a(areness of death can )e practised )& an&)od&4 it is )est if one ta*es ad!ice in this regard from a spiritual guide. Considering one1s personal condition4 the guide ma& prescri)e some other method.

AAGJR 7;JR HUM/%/A$/7A 5ismihi $a1ala Hazrath Mufti "ahe) As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh / am suffering from a (spiritual illness. 'hene!er an&)od& )elittles or humiliates me4 / )ecome enraged. +lease remed& this (ea*ness in me. 5ismihi $a1ala 5elo!ed 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh $he remed& is e0tremel& eas& pro!ided that &ou ha!e the courage. 'hene!er an&)od& )elittles or humiliates &ou4 immediatel& ponder thus- 9/ ha!e committed !arious other sins. M& character is also poor. / carr& much impurit& (ithin m& )od& all the time. Hence if some)od& )elittles or humiliates me4 "7 'HA$C He has not e!en close to the realit& (of m& e!ils . Furthermore4 (hate!er happens in this (orld is first sanctioned from a)o!e ()& Allah $a1ala . 7nl& then does it )ecome apparent here. M& )eing humiliated (as also sanctioned from a)o!e4 hence it has occurred. 'h& then do it )ecome angr&CCC 5esides this4 (hate!er occurrence upsets me ta*es place as a compensation for m& sins. / should therefore )e grateful to the one humiliating me that as a result of this m& sins are )eing forgi!en.E (Ma*too)aat-!ol.24+g.OF +R/#J $he letter (as not pu)lished. Apparentl& it seems that the (riter complained a)out man& disputes )et(een the people he (or*s (ith. $he repl& contains !alua)le ad!ice in this regard. 5ismihi $a1ala 5elo!ed 5rother As "alaamu Alai*um 'arahmatullahi 'a)ara*aatuh

J!er& person should at all times loo* at his o(n shortcomings and ma*e an effort to(ards self-reformation. 5ecome )lind to the shortcomings of others. $he person (ho loo*s to(ards his o(n shortcomings and is )lind to(ards the faults of others has )een praised in the Ahadith. Ho(e!er pride is a great o)stacle in this regard. /t pre!ents one from recognizing one1s faults. +ride al(a&s engages one in loo*ing for the fault of other. Ma& Allah $a1ala sa!e us from this serious malad&. Al(a&s control &our tongue and do not quarrel or dispute (ith an&one. "tud& the (or*s of Hazrath Ha*imul Ummah Moulana Ashraf Ali $han(i (R.A. and stri!e to act upon it. /f &ou mould &our life according to his ad!ice4 /nsha Allah "uccess (ill )e at hand. (Ma*too)at-!ol.24+g.G3