It is always said that time is money and life has only one chance. These sayings imply that as human beings we have no choice but to organise ourselves and manage the little time we have properly for our own good. This is equally atested to in the holy book Quraan. The fact that life has only one chance can be expounded by ones death. If someone dies he would not get another chance to live. The Surah Ambiya Chapter 21 which is one of the Quraanic verses that talk about the Islamic view of time management points out this. This verse reminds mankind that this life is only one opportunity.

The current life expectancy of any man born day is very short and therefore there are a myriad of deadlines top beat by this man. We can live as those who live in the Quraanic times such as Nuh did (950yars). The average life of the current generation man is 60 years. Although the life span is very short, the current man has a vast opportunity to make the best. This purely is dependent on several factors such as what one does and how he does it and what he lives behind.

Since the life span is very short, things that we can do should not be left undone. Activities such as environmental conservation to enhance sustainable development of our water resources, assisting the needy in the society, worshipping Allah among others are basic things that we can do. Things that we also believe that are very difficult to achieve should not be left unattempted since we may eventually have a break through trials. It is possible to obtain a permanent cure for HIV AIDS just like vaccines for diseases such as small pox were found through trials.

If thorough mathematical evaluation is done it is clear that we live very few years of the 60 years. If one subtracts 15years of boyhood and 15 years of sleeping (assuming one sleeps 8 hours a day), 2.5 years spent in watching the TV (assuming one takes approximately 2.hours on the TV). This would mean that we would have 27.5 years and this call for proper planning of how to manage this time.

Time wastage should be minimized at all cost. There is need to make a list of activities that waste your time and it is also prudent to make a list of the activities that remain undone and have the potential to become a problem if they are not given immediate attention. This is spelt out in Verse 59:18 of the Quraan.

In line with Islamic teachings there is needed to engage in productive actions. Some of the actions include performance of Isha and Fajr salaah in the congregation and reception of the award of praying the whole night, doing ibadaah in the last odd nights of Ramadhan and eventual earning or reward for praying for 1000 months and keeping aside 1 hour daily for self development among others.

It is necessary to engage in productive Islamic activities such as: teaching a new believer any aspect of Islam, talking to a non-believer on Islam as a good religion, being a volunteer in social activities to assist people in the society, intercession for good cause and have a good share in it among others. These are very important for proper time management. The need to properly manage the little time available is emphasized in the Quraan and is therefore a call to all mankind across the globe as depicted in the holy Quraan.

 

The Islamic Shariah laws are the rules and regulations, the moral and ethical codes by which all Muslims are asked to lead their lives. The question whether Islamic Shariah law is above democracy or not has been the subject of heated arguments for many years. However, today many Islamic countries and analysts show how the two can go hand in hand. While many people, including Muslims, believe that democracy is the way to go, the Islamic Shariah still controls the legal code of majority of the Muslim states. Even though extreme strictness and cruel punishments such as stoning and amputation exist in this law, the idea of the Shariah existing parallel to democracy, secularism and modernity is a growing one.

Various analysts throughout the world agree that democracy has its foundation in Islam and the Koran, as the Koran clearly states that mutual discussion is required among the people.  The implementation of complete Shariah law, for many Muslims, is the last hope left for them to be united under one banner, to be free of autocratic corruption and to be treated with Justice and the rule of the law. On the other hand many favor the democratic or secular system in which the Muslims will be able to follow their religion out of their own spiritual needs and not due to the pressure put on them by the law obligating them to perform their religious duties.

Due to the mixed opinions of the Muslims all around the globe, the democratic law and the Islamic law have been incorporated together in three different ways, all in the hope of creating a balance between the two. The first system is known as the Dual Legal System which is practiced in majority of the Muslim countries. In this system Shariah courts are allowed to exist under a secular government and the citizens are permitted to take their family and financial issues to the Shariah courts. Many western democracies are considering the establishment of small level Shariah courts to tackle disputes regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance etc among the Muslims of their country.

The second system is known as the Government under God. This system is practiced in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Bahrain, Kuwait etc. Under this system, Islam is considered the religion of the state and the laws and constitution is derived from the Shariah Law. The third system is the completely secular one, in which Islamist groups influence the local traditions however in the constitution there is no influence from the Shariah. Such a system is practiced in countries like Azerbaijan, Chad, and Somalia etc.

Even in secular Islamic states, the Islamist political parties affect the way of life reducing the crack between the state and the religion. Hence there is no denying that the Shariah Law makes it way up the system and has a control over the way the Islamic countries are run.

by Muhammad Nâsir ad-Dîn al-Albânî

From that which has been established in the Sharee’ah (prescribed law) is that mankind was – in the beginning – a single nation upon true Tawheed, then Shirk (directing any part or form of worship, or anything else that is solely the right of Allah, to other than Allah) gradually overcame them. The basis for this is the saying of Allah – the Most Blessed, the Most High:

كَانَ النَّاسُ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً فَبَعَثَ اللَّـهُ النَّبِيِّينَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ

 

“Mankind was one Ummah, then Allah sent prophets bringing good news and warnings.” [Al-Baqarah 2 :213]

Transliteration: Kana alnnasu ommatan wahidatan fabaAAatha Allahu alnnabiyyeena mubashshireena wamunthireena
Ibn ‘Abbaas – radiallaahu ‘anhu – said:

“Between Nooh (Noah) and Adam were ten generations, all of them were upon Sharee’ah (law) of the truth, then they differed. So Allah sent prophets as bringers of good news and as warners.” [2]

Ibn ‘Urwah al-Hanbalee (d.837 H) said:

“This saying refutes those historians from the People of the Book who claim that Qaabil (Cain) and his sons were fire-worshippers.” [3]

I say: In it is also a refutation of some of the philosophers and atheists who claim that the (natural) basis of man is Shirk, and that Tawheed evolved in man! The preceeding aayah (verse) falsifies this claim, as do the two following authentic hadith:

Firstly: His (the prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying that he related from his Lord (Allah)

إني خلقت عبادي كلهم حنفاء وإنهم أتتهم الشياطين فاجتالتهم عن دينهم وحرمت عليهم ما أحللت لهم وأمرتهم أن يشركوا بي ما لم أنزل به سلطانا

 

I created all my servants upon the true Religion (upon Tawheed, free from Shirk). Then the devils came to them and led them astray from their true Religion. They made unlawful to people that which I had made lawful for them, and they commanded them to associate in worship with Me, that which I had sent down no authority. [Related by Muslim (8/159) and Ahmad (4/162) from 'Iyaadh ibn Himaar al-Mujaashi'ee radiallaahu 'anhu]

Secondly: He (the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said

ما من مولود إلا يولد على الفطرة فأبواه يهودانه وينصرانه ويمجسانه كما تنتج البهيمة بهيمة جمعاء هل تحسون فيها من جدعاء ثم يقول أبو هريرة واقرءوا إن شئتم فطرة الله التي فطر الناس عليها لا تبديل لخلق الله

 

Every child is born upon the Fitrah [4] but his parents make him a Jew or a Christian or a Magian. It is like the way an animal gives birth to a natural offspring. Have you noticed any born mutilated, before you mutilate them? Abu Hurayrah said: Recite if you wish: “Allaah’s fitrah with which He created mankind. There is to be no change to the creation (Religion) of Allah.” [Ar-Rum 30 :30] [Related by Al-Bukhaaree (11/418) and Muslim (18/52)]

After this clear explanation, it is of the upmost importance for the Muslim to know how Shirk spread amongst the believers, after they were muwahhideen (people upon Tawheed). Concerning the saying of Allah – the most perfect – about the people of Nooh:

وَقَالُوا لَا تَذَرُنَّ آلِهَتَكُمْ وَلَا تَذَرُنَّ وَدًّا وَلَا سُوَاعًا وَلَا يَغُوثَ وَيَعُوقَ وَنَسْرًا

 

“And they have said : You shall not forsake your gods, nor shall you forsake Wadd, nor Suwaa’, nor Yaghooth, nor Ya’ooq, nor Nasr.” [Nooh 71: 23]

Transliteration: Waqaloo la tatharunna alihatakum wala tatharunna waddan wala suwaAAan wala yaghootha wayaAAooqa wanasran
It has been related by a group from the Salaf (Pious Predecessors), in many narrations, that these five deities were righteous worshippers. However, when they died, Shaytaan (Satan) whispered into their people to retreat and sit at their graves. Then Shaytaan whispered to those who came after them that they should take them as idols, beautifying to them the idea that you will be reminded of them and thereby follow them in righteous conduct. Then Shaytaan suggested to the third generation that they should worship these idols besides Allah – the most high – and he whispered to them that this is what their forefathers used to do!!!

So Allah sent to them Nooh alayhis-salaam, commanding them to worship Allah alone. However none responded to his call except a few. Allah – the mighty and majestic – related this whole incident in Soorah Nooh Ibn ‘Abbas relates:

عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما:….أسماء رجال صالحين من قوم نوح، فلما هلكوا أوحى الشيطان إلى قومهم: أن انصبوا إلى مجالسهم التي كانوا يجلسون أنصابا وسموها بأسمائهم، ففعلوا، فلم تعبد، حتى إذا هلك أولئك، وتنسخ العلم عبدت

 

Indeed these five names of righteous men from the people of Nooh. When they died Shataan whispered to their people to make statues of them and to place these statues in their places of gathering as a reminder of them, so they did this. However, none from amongst them worshipped these statues, until when they died and the purpose of the statues was forgotten. Then (the next generation) began to worship them. [Related by al-Bukhaaree (8/534)]

The likes of this has also been related by Ibn Jareer at-Tabaree and others, from a number of the salaf (Pious Predecessors) – radiallaahu ‘anhum. In ad-Durral-Manthoor (6/269): ‘Abdullaah ibn Humaid relates from Abu Muttahar, who said:

Yazeed ibn al-Muhallab was mentioned to Abu Ja’far al-Baaqir (d.11H), so he said: He was killed at the place where another besides Allah was first worshipped. Then he mentioned Wadd and said: “Wadd was a Muslim man who was loved by his people. When he died, the people began to gather around his grave in the land of Baabil (Babel), lamenting and mourning. So when Iblees (Satan) saw them mourning and lamenting over him, he took the form of a man and came to them, saying : I see that you are mourning and lamenting over him. So why don’t you make a picture of him (i.e. a statue) and place it in your places of gatherings so that you maybe reminded of him. So they said: Yes, and they made a picture of him and put in their place of gathering; which reminded them of him. When Iblees saw how they were (excessively) remembering him, he said : “Why doesn’t every man amongst you make a similar picture to keep in your own houses, so that you can be (constantly) reminded of him.” So they all said “yes”. So each household made a picture of him, which they adored and venerated and which constantly reminded them of him. Abu Ja’far said: “Those from the later generation saw what the (pevious generation) had done and considered that……..to the extent that they took him as an ilah (diety) to be worshipped besides Allah. He then said : «This was the first idol worshipped other than Allah, and they called this idol Wadd» [5]

Thus the wisdom of Allah – the Blessed, the Most High – was fulfilled, when he sent Muhammed sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam as the final prophet and made his Sharee’ah the completion of all divinely Prescribed Laws, in that He prohibited all means and avenues by which people may fall into Shirk – which is the greatest of sins. For this reason, building shrines over graves and intending to specifically travel to them, taking them as places of festivity and gathering and swearing an oath by the inmate of a grave; have all been prohibited. All of these lead to excessiveness and lead to the worship of other than Allah – the Most High.

This being the case even more so in an age in which knowledge is diminishing, ignorance is increasing, there are few sincere advisors (to the truth) and Shaytaan is co-operating with men and jinn to misguide mankind and to take them away from the worship of Allah alone – the Blessed, the Most High.

FOOTNOTES:
1. Tahdheerus-Saajid min Ittikhaadhil-Quboori Masaajid (pp.101-106)
2. Related by Ibn Jareer at-Tabaree in his tafseer (4/275) and al-Haakim (2/546) who said: “It is authentic according to the criterion of al-Bukhari.” Adh-Dhahabee also agreed.
3. Al-Khawaakibud-Duraaree fee Tarteeb Musnadul-Imaam Ahmad’alaa Abwaabil-Bukhaaree (6/212/1), still in manuscript form.
4. [From the Editors] Ibn-al-Atheer said in an-Nihaayah (3/457): “Al-Fitr: means to begin and create, and al-Fitrah is the condition resulting from it. The meaning is that mankind were born upona disposition and a nature which is ready to accept the true Religion. So if he were to be left upon this, then he would continue upon it. However, those who deviate from this do so due to following human weaknesses and blind following of others…..” Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajar said in Al-Fath (3/248): “The people differ concerning what is meant by al-Fitrah and the most famous saying is that it means Islaam. Ibn ‘abdul-Barr said: That is what was well known with most of the salaf (pious predecessors), and the scholars of tafseer are agreed that what is meant by the saying of Allaah – the Most High – “Allaah’s fitrah wiht which He created mankind.” is Islaam
5. Related by Ibn Abee Haatim also, as is in al-Kawaakibud-Duraaree (6/112/2) of Ibn ‘Urwah al-Hanbalee, along with an isnaad which is Hasan, up to Abu Muttahar. However, no biography could be found for him, neither in ad-Dawlaabee’s al-Kunaa wal-Asmaa, nor Muslim’s al-Kunaa, nor any one elses. And the hidden defect here is that he is from the Shee’ah, but his biography is not included in at-Toosee’s al-Kunaa — from the index of Shee’ah narrators.

Allah’s messenger told the Muslims “He who innovates something in this matter of ours (Islam) that is not of it will have it rejected” Bukhari & Muslim

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan RAH and other religious scholars have discussed about many different schools of thoughts that consider Shaitaan as their guide or Murshid. Muslims should only consult and follow true religion based on Quran and Sunnah. Following the cults will definitely direct Muslims in the wrong directions that will cause the rage of Allah. Followers of cults are the slaves of darkness and illiteracy.

The wicked deceivers criticize the teachings of Ulema. They jeer, mock and spread misconceptions such as Ulema and Fuqraa differ from each other and they have lots of differences in their thoughts and preaching.  These evil jesters question on the most educated and qualified Ulema and cast doubts about their veracity.  They criticize them, declare them as “pundits”, and claim that they should show off their spiritual powers and show evidence in the form of miracles like Prophets of Bani Israel.

Heretics that are self pro-claimed saints Walis and Dervaishs say that following Shari’ah is only essential as long as a person has not found the true path.  Once the person stops searching and have adopted Sufism to become closer to Allah, it is not required. He can stop following Shari’ah once he has done Ba’ait and reached his destination as per his disillusion and ill faith.

So-called Peers is another group of people that is very active in creating misconceptions in the hearts of the innocent Muslims. These are uneducated, uncultured and uncultivated so called Peer’s or Murshids who read various books and claim that they have real knowledge or Ilm e Laduni. In fact, these people only have information collected from various sources. Half truth is more lethal than the whole lie. Moreover, they deny the position of prestigious religious scholars or Iyema karaam and present them as learned and competent faculty in various fields of Shari’ah and Fiqah.

Part 2

Rashaadites or Submitters believe that Rashaad Khalifa is messenger of Allah SWT (Naozbillah). This cult is misguiding Muslims by preaching to emphasize only upon Quran and ignore the sayings our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAAS. They have rejected two of the verses of Holy Quran and have changed the method of ablution and prayers as well.

Habashi or Al Ahbash: are the followers of Abdullah Al-Harawi Al-Habashi also known as Sheikh Al-Fitnah. He was known to have strange characteristics that matched with those of the Jews and invented many innovations.

Ismaili religious group is another cult that is not following the Quran and Sunah. The Ismailis follow Agha Khan who declared him as mazhar of manifest of Allah SWT on earth (Naozbillah).

Believers in Ahmadiyyia or more popular Qadiani Movement in the subcontinent have the most erroneous beliefs. Ahmadi or Qadiani follow the false prophet Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. They have rejected not only Holy Quran but jihad also and believe in the incarnation like the Hindus.

Nation of Islam is another cult that is based on blasphemies and they are definitely not in the circle of Islam with their so-called beliefs. One of the famous Nation of Islam followers was Malcom X who converted from Christian to so-called Muslim. Later on, he embraced Sunni Islam and performed pilgrimage.

The real Islam is the same described by the Holy Quran and Sunah. There is no need of bringing any innovations in Islam but yes, we need to check on our beliefs if they are the same as of the true believers or not.

I woke up to the harsh reality of being alone in this entire world. All my fellow passengers were no more with me. And, I could find no trace of any being near me. I walked for miles and kept on walking on the trodden trails until I reached a spring. I sat on a large rock and put my legs in the freezing water. The icy water was giving me refreshing feelings and let go of the heat escaping through my eyes, hair and from the back of my neck. It was relaxing. I closed my eyes and felt like drowning in the serene numbness. It was reaction of the cold mountain water. My mind was no longer attentive to the pains and the aches. Everything was fading away.

I was losing memories of what had happened to me all these times while I was in the journey. My pains were leaving my body as it turned cold and numb. At last, I am where I meant to be – relaxed – not aware of my surroundings – tired but still keeping little hope inside me. I was near to my destination. Yes, I am finally there.

I had forgotten my path. I was astray but now I feel I am there. The fountain oozing out of the mountainous grounds will take me directly to where I need to belong. I need to belong to those valleys of love where springs and lakes give birth to idyllic banks. I need to belong to those high wild mountains where flowers in vivacious colors bloom at dawn. Where I can touch the clouds and feel the wind beneath my arms, caressing the sides of my body as I spread my arms – I am ready to embrace the realities – no more give me pain – I am ready to jump in the ocean of rainbow colors –  I am absorbing all the energies like a sponge in water. I am flying and flying and flying again.

When a person wakes up after long sleep, he finds out that all he saw or did was in his dream. A long dream that sometimes looks so real. Waking up also means getting rid of false ego – false notions – false truths. The world with its so much charm is nothing more than but beautiful illusion. No one can live in his or her dreams forever. So, one day every being or nafs wakes up to find him all alone in the jungle. He is left alone because all those who were with him left behind, as they could not break the spell. Like that, story where the people were warned not to look back and if they did they would be turned into stones. Same way if the person cannot give up the thoughts of what he left behind he can lose his track and concentration – turn into a stone.

That trodden path or trail is the same track many people before him had walked on. It is full of dangers and risks. It is not easy but every person who wanted to reach the destination had to be on it. Perhaps, the right path is the most difficult thing to follow but those who wanted to reach the fountains of real knowledge or ilm had never left their heart. The springs of Noor or Divine Light ooze out of the illuminated heart. Those who had given up on their Nafs or Ego are the owners of such illuminated hearts. From their heart comes out the wisdom – the true words – the real love and blessed are those who reach to them for the connection of their heart to them.

When the seeker finds the true healer of hearts or Murshid he knows he has come to his final destination. His worldly lust will now leave him forever and he will find peace in the feet of his master or Murshid. The search for Murshid keeps him perturbed and he remains anxious after the awakening begins.  His curiosity never subsides until he drowns him in the waters of spring. He feels calm and relaxed and wants to start from scratch. Knowing only this time he is going to find a way to please Him SWT at last. His quest begins in the dark corners of his heart and ends in the bright circle of Noor. After finding the Murshid he has done him a great big favor and now he can find some time to relax.

The true Murshid will intoxicate him with the true love and let him drown in the ocean of Noor. The real Murshid can adorn his heart with wisdom – let him recognize the true path to reach Falah or the higher level of tranquility and peace. The one who is sent by Allah SWT will release the heart of the seeker of all doubts, fears, and illusions and inform him of the unseen and hidden qualities, attributes and capabilities. He shall remove the veils of darkness and falsehood and at the same time prepare him for the eternal realities.

The seeker will now feel no more lonely and alone. He will find more like him and they are his true relations made by heart. Every seeking heart for truth shall connect the other heart beseeching Divine. The one who has the questions in his or her heart to know the reality of his or her being, presence on earth and the true spirit of Deen should find them true masters to keep them safe. Satanic interventions are stronger in the heart of true seeker so he or she may refrain from all those activities that bring him or her in a problematic situation.

Get in touch with your real healer of heart and get cured by his words, his intentions and prayers. To seek the true healer, Murshid, or teacher there is a way. First of all, Ask Allah ji SWT for the trace of real Murshid for you and then search the person who is following Quran and Sunah in the highest manner and who is soft spoken, well versed with Fiqa, Tafseer and Shira, equipped with latest scientific knowledge, psychology, philosophy, social sciences. The real Murshid will have all the qualities to be superior to others and he will be the true successor of Aqa Kareem our Beloved Prophet Sallalaho alay hi wasalam.