ASHRAF ALI THANWI AND EQUALITY BETWEEN WIVES

Hakimul Ummal went to great lengths in maintaining equality between his wives. Even in matters which do not require strict equality, Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali (rahmatullah alayhi) exercised extreme caution so as to maintain the happiness of his wives. The following episode illustrates the great care he would exercise in his relationship with his wives.

One day someone presented a beautiful piece of cloth as a gift to Hadhrat Thaanvi. Hadhrat liked the cloth much. He instructed the servant to go to the bazaar and purchase another piece of cloth of exactly the same kind. This he did because he had two wives. After much searching, the servant returned saying that such a cloth was not available anywhere in the bazaar. Hadhrat Thaanvi took the cloth and divided it into two pieces, sending one piece to each of his wives.

Someone there commented. "Now this cloth is of no 'use to anyone. If the idea was to mete out equality, then you could have sent the cloth to one wife and the price thereof to the other wife"

Hadhrat commented: "Your thinking is not correct. Equality could not have been maintained in this way. Equality is necessary in every aspect so thai there remains no! the slightest doubt of inequality in the heart of any one of them.

When I refuse acceptance of a gift presented to me, I fear despite the valid reason (for refusing) because when I reflect, I discern a doubt of kibr (pride). This creates great fear in me. May Allah Ta'ala forgive me.

It is very difficult to differentiate between istighna (independence) and kibr (pride). Both are so similar.
Sometimes one is deceived (in attempting to differentiate between the two). Sometimes one thinks it to be istighna while in reality it is kibr. Only Allah can protect one (from this deception). In fact our every statement is impregnated with danger. None of our conditions is devoid of danger.

One should not be vain on account of one's acts of ibaadat. Don't think highly of the hour you had spent in thikr. It is not known whether it is accepted by Allah or not.

While I am not issuing a fatwa, I certainly do give mashwarah (advice) that the management of the home affairs should either be in the control of the wife or the husband himself It should not be in the hands of others even if they are one's brother, mother or father. This is very hurting to the wife. Either the husband arranges the finances himself or entrusts this duty to the wife. After all, she is more entitled to this than others. The right of the wife is not restricted to only feeding and clothing her. For the sake of maintaining the happiness of the wife the Fuqaha have decreed it permissible to speak even a lie. From this may be assessed the importance of keeping the wife happy.

Regardless of how beloved a guest may be to me, I never insist that he stays longer than his wish. When he wishes to take leave. I wholeheartedly consent. I do not insist that he eats. I consider such insistance to be very evil. To compel a person who is not hungry to eat is administering poison to him. The disease of forcing guest to eat is widespread.

Generally people are under the impression that the right of Allah Ta'ala is not related to Haqqul Ibad (Right of people) It is thought that only the rights of people are involved. This is erroneous. Allah Ta'ala, in fact, has
commanded the observance of Huqooqul Ibad (Rights of people), e.g aid the oppressed; refrain from gheebat; refrain from hurting others. When these commands are transgressed, it involves violation of the right of people as well as violation of Allah's right since it is He who has decreed these orders. His command was transgressed, hence, obtainal of pardon from people when their rights have been violated, is not sufficient. Taubah and seeking forgiveness from Allah Ta'ala are incumbent. Generally, Allah Ta'ala forgives the violator when the person whose rights have been violated forgives However sometimes when His special and beloved servants (the Auliya) even forgive a person who had violated their rights. Allah Ta'ala does not forgive His right, but apprehends the violator (with His punishment).

Time Zones and the Quran

Seeing as back fourteen centuries ago people probably did not understand much about time zones, the Quran's statements about this subject are considerably surprising. The concept that one family is having breakfast as the sun comes up while another family is enjoying the brisk night air is truly something to be marveled at, even in modern time. Indeed, fourteen centuries ago, a man could not travel more than thirty miles in one day, and thus it took him literally months to travel from India to Morocco, for example. And probably, when he was having supper in Morocco, he thought to himself, "Back home in India they are having supper right now." This is because he did not realize that, in the process of traveling, he moved across a time zone. Yet, because it is the words of Allah, the All-Knowing, the Quran recognizes and acknowledges such a phenomenon.

In an interesting verse it states that when history comes to an end and the Day of Judgement arrives, it will all occur in an instant; and this very instant will catch some people in the daytime and some people at night. This clearly illustrates Allah's divine wisdom and His previous knowledge of the existence of time zones, even though such a discovery was non-existent back fourteen centuries ago. Certainly, this phenomenon is not something which is obvious to one's eyes or a result of one's experience, and this fact, in itself, suffices as proof of the Quran's authenticity.

Merchant Marine

Some years ago, the story came to us in Toronto about a man who was in the merchant marine and made his living on the sea. A Muslim gave him a translation of the Quran to read. The merchant marine knew nothing about the history of Islam but was interested in reading the Quran. When he finished reading it, he brought it back to the Muslim and asked, "This Muhammad, was he a sailor?" He was impressed at how accurately the Quran describes a storm on a sea. When he was told, "No as a matter of fact, Muhammad lived in the desert,"
that was enough for him. He embraced Islam on the spot.

He was so impressed with the Quran's description because he had been in a storm on the sea, and he knew that whoever had written that description had also been in a storm on the sea. The description of "a wave, over it a wave, over it clouds" (Surah Nur, 24:40) was not what someone imagining a storm on a sea to be like would have written; rather, it was written by someone who knew what a storm on the sea was like. This is one example of how the Quran is not tied to certain place and time. Certainly, the scientific ideas expressed in it also do not seem to originate from the desert fourteen centuries ago.

Aijazul Qur'an

All thanks and praises to Almighty Allah Ta'ala Who sent Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam) with the last testament—Al-Qur’an Shareef, which differentiates between right and
wrong.

The Qur’an Shareef—which made the most eloquent ones helpless when they tried to refute it.
The Qur’an Shareef—which made the most rhetoric ones dumb when they tried to speak against it
The Qur’an Shareef—which challenged its opponents and everyone whosoever thought of taking up this challenge, accepted his defeat.
The Qur’an Shareef—which affirmed all the previous books of Allah Ta'ala but revoked their commandments.
The Qur’an Shareef—for which even angels crave as they did not get this treasure.
The Qur’an Shareef—which is like a rope from Allah Ta'ala that leads a believer towards Him.
The Qur’an Shareef—which connects its reader directly with Him.
The Qur’an Shareef—which is the best Mu’jizah (miracle) bestowed to Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) by Allah Ta'ala. All miracles of previous prophets ended with them but this miracle of Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) continues and will remain as an ultimate miracle up to the day of judgment.
The Qur’an Shareef—which moved the hearts of even Jenies when they first heard it.
The Qur’an Shareef—which encloses Nur (Divine light) in its words, which the world could not have otherwise tolerated in unveiled form.
The Qur’an Shareef—which was safe in Loh-e-Mahfooz and whose safety Allah Ta'ala has Himself guaranteed .
The Qur’an Shareef—excellences and meaning of which are such an ocean which has limitless depth.
The ocean—which contains countless hidden precious jewels.
The ocean—which is full of miracles.
The ocean—where no devil or enemy can find way.
The ocean—which protects its believers and sailors in an enviable way.
The ocean—waves of which changed the map of the world and the fate of the nations in a very short span of time.
The ocean—the waves of which raised all the false doctrines to the ground.
The ocean—fragrant cool breezes of which revive the dead hearts, refresh the rotten minds and teach the toddlers to fly high and high.
The ocean—clouds of which bring pleasant rains which soften the barren hard land of heart.
The Qur’an Shareef—which ended the era of darkness and enlightened the mankind.
The Qur’an Shareef—predictions of which came true to the dot, and will always continue to come true.
The Qur’an Shareef—which is the actual word of Allah Ta'ala and not created.
The Qur’an Shareef—with which Allah Ta'ala perfected His Deen.
The Qur’an Shareef—which contains a complete code of life, whether spiritual, intellectual, political, social or economic.
The Qur’an Shareef—which is a code that is beyond the boundaries of time, place or nation.
The Qur’an Shareef—which is not only theoretical but also a practical book, not only moralising but also defining permissible and forbidden.
The Qur’an Shareef—the importance to understand the message of which is undeniable, only its
simple recitation with the intention of seeking Allah Ta'ala’s pleasure and reward is also an act of worship and meritorious in itself.
The Qur’an Shareef—which is complete and comprehensive in all respects.
The Qur’an Shareef—which contains immense food for thought for those who ponder over it.
The Qur’an Shareef—which is full of the bounties of Allah Ta'ala.
The Qur’an Shareef—whose memorisers (Hufaaz) and followers will be told by Allah Ta'ala in Jannah “ Keep on reciting and ascending (towards the ever increasing heights of Jannah)”
The Qur’an Shareef—whose learner will ascend one step at the recitation of each Ayat in Jannat and the distance between each step will be as much as between the sky and the earth.
The Qur’an Shareef—which when presented to skies and earth shivered and could not bear it, and
Allah Ta'ala created the special bearing capacity in human Qalb to carry it. Thus it was only the Qalb of man that could receive it.
The Qur’an Shareef—which will intercede in favour of its reader on the day of judgment.
The Qur’an Shareef—whose reciter never feels bored in spite of reciting it daily for hours together throughout his life period.
The Qur’an Shareef—whose scholars never feel that they have mastered it but always feel that they know very little of it and its immense treasures remains unexplored.
The Qur’an Shareef—which contains complete guidance for mankind in all ages, never seems outdated and will continue to guide the mankind as long as the latter lasts.
The Qur’an Shareef—which not only resisted the onslaught of modern scientific revolution but
also forced the same to prostrate before it and accept its Divine nature, instead modern science continues to take inspirations from it.
The Qur’an Shareef—which is the only thing that gives solace to human heart.
The Qur’an Shareef—whose place of recitation and the one who recites it is surrounded by angels and tranquility.
The Qur’an Shareef—which was sent through the Ameen of skies (Gabriel) to the Ameen of the earth–Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).

The One who refused leadership

Sayyiduna Anas RA relates that Nabi SAWW despatched Sayyiduna Miqdaad RA as a governor to the Mount of Khurmadah.

When he returned, Nabi SAWW enquired from him as to how he had fared in his task.

He replied, "The people elevated and revered me so much that i felt i no longer am Miqdaad. (i,e no longer myselfe)."

Nabi SAWW remarked. "That is how leadership is". Sayyiduna Miqdaad RA replied. "I take an oath upon that being who has sent you with the truth that never again will i accept such a position."

Thereafter whenever people requested him to lead the Salaah (as imam) he refused.

It is reported in Tabraani that Nabi SAWW despatched a certain person upon an expedition and appointed him as ameer. (It most probably was Sayyiduna Miqdaad RA. When he returned, Nabi SAWW enquired from him his experience as ameer.

He replied, "I was a part of the peopel, whenever I turned in any direction, the people did the same and whenever I stopped, they stopped."

Nabi SAWW said, "The leader is at the door of punishment, except he who is saved by ALLAH."

On hearing this the person replied, "By ALLAH, i will never become your governor or anyone else's governor."

Upon this Nabi SAWW smiled so broadly that his noble teeth were seen.

Rafi says, "I accompanied Sayyiduna Abubakr RA on a journey. When it was time for me to leave him i requested him to tender me some advice. He said, "Perform Salaah on its fixed time; Pay Zakaah open heartedly; Observe the fast of Ramadan; Perform Haj, Hijrah and Jihaad are also noble acts (When you may perorm), but never ever accept the position of ameer.

The reckoning upon an ameer will indeed be severe and he will be punished severely. The one who is not an ameer, he will have an easy reckoning.


(Bazzaar, ibnul Mubarak in Kitaabuz Zuhd and Hayatus Sahaba)

Note:  The punishment mentioned above will be for that ameer who was dishonest, unjust, oppressive and uncaring in the execution of his duties.

The smiling of Nabi SAWW upon hearing a report from a raider

Sayyiduna Sahl bin Hanzalah RA relates that "we accompanied Nabi SAWW on the expedition of Hunain. On account of the journey being extremely lengthy we were overtaken by nightfull. When i came to Nabi SAWW to attend the Salaah, i overhead a rider relating the following to him:

"O Nabi of ALLAH, i was riding ahead of your people and i ascended a certain mountain where i spoke to the tribe of Hawazin. They were going in the direction of Hunain with the wealth of their fathers, accompanied by their veiled women, as well as their cattle.

" Upon hearing this, Nabi SAWW smiled and remarked, "InshaALLAH tomorrow all that wealth will be the booty for the Muslims!"

Nabi SAWW thereafter enquired, "who will guard us tonight?"

Anas bin Marthad RA replied "O Rasullulah, i will stand guard."

Nabi SAWW instructed him to mount his horse. He mounted his horse and presented himself before Nabi SAWW who said to him, "Go in the direction of that valley and stand guard at the upper part of it. Dont be deceived by the night (i.e remain there the entire night and do not leave before the night is definitely over)"

When dawn broke, Nabi SAWW came to his place of Salaah and performed 2 rakkats Salaat. HE SAWW then asked the people around him. "have you any information about rider (the guard)?"

The people replied, "Oh Rasullulah SAWW, we have no information about him up to now."

At that moment the takbeer was called out for Salaah. Rasullullah SAWW turned towards the valley and commenced Salaah. After Salaah he remarked, "Glad tidings, your rider has returned to you."

We turned our attention towards the tress and the valley and we soon saw him emerge. He presented himself before Rasullulah SAWW and after greeting him said, "After departing from here i ascended the upper part of the valley in compliance to your instruction and remained there. When morning dawned i looked on both sided of the valley and observed that there was no enemy around."

Rasullulah SAWW asked him "Were you mounted upon the horse the entire night?"

He replied, "No, i dismounted for the purpose of Salaah and for answering the call of nature."

Rasulullah SAWW said, "you have made Jannah compulsory upon yourself. Now you will never suffer any loss, even if you do not perform a single deed."

(Abu Daweed, Baihaqi, Hayatus Sahabah)

someone somewhere

Sometimes in Life we feel so Blue
But someone somewhere is not as Happy as you

Somewhere Far at the Border when a soldier sleeps
Missing his loved ones he silently weeps

Somewhere a Mother painfully sighs
coz Her newborn baby did not open her eyes

Somewhere a poor dad silently cries
when he sees his son begging for a bowl of Rice

Somewhere in an Orphnage a Little girl is Sad
When she misses her mom & dad

So at Times a Reason to smile U may not have any
Just say to yourself that U are happier than Many

Coz life is Beautiful & its not always Blue
and someone somewhere is not as Happy You..