Weight of Faith

Excerpt from Yunus Jaunpuri (rah)’s commentary and notes.

Reflecting on the following hadith:

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As that the Messenger of Allah (rah) said: “Indeed Allah will distinguish a man from my Ummah before all creation on the Day of Judgement. Ninety-nine scrolls will be laid out for him, each scroll is as far as the eye can see, then He will say: ‘Do you deny any of this? Have those who recorded this wronged you?’ He will say: ‘No, O Lord!’ He will say: Do you have an excuse?’ He will say: ‘No, O Lord!’ So He will say: ‘Rather you have a good deed with us, so you shall not be wronged today.” Then He will bring out a card (Bitaqah); on it will be: “I testify to La Ilaha Illallah, and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.” He will say: ‘Bring your scales.’ He will say: ‘O Lord! What good is this card next to these scrolls?’ He will say: ‘You shall not be wronged.’ He said: ‘The scrolls will be put on a pan (of the scale), and the card on (the other) pan: the scrolls will be light, and the card will be heavy, nothing is heavier than the Name of Allah.'”

(Tirmidhi 2639)

A question arises: how can a simple card outweigh ninety-nine scrolls when each scroll is so large as far as the eye can see?

The answer to this is on the day of Judgement, the weight of the soul and its actions will far outweigh the body. The following examples allude to this.

(1) Many people with satiated bodies without faith will enter hell.

Salman (rad) said: “‘…I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say: The people who most eat their fill in this world will be the most hungry on the Day of Resurrection.’”

(Majah 3351)

(2) On the other hand, we have the skinny short Abdullah bin Masood (rad) whose shins will be heavier than the mountain of Uhud on the day of judgment.

Ibn Mas’ud reported that he was harvesting tooth sticks from an Arak tree and he had tiny shins. The wind blew and made him fall over, so people laughed at him. Prophet (saw), said, “What are you laughing at?” They said, “O Prophet of Allah, he has tiny shins.” The Prophet said, “By the one in whose hand is my soul, they will both be heavier on the Scale than the mountain of Uhud.”

(Ahmad 3991)

Thus on the Day of Judgement, the soul and its actions will far outweigh the body. The ninety scrolls contain bad actions of the body. The body and its actions are transient. In comparison on the card is the belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid), His attribute which is eternal, everlasting.  What is eternal will last while what is transient will perish.

Therefore, the soul’s belief in the eternal will far outweigh the transient actions of the body.

Importance of forbearance (need to edit)

Excerpt from Tariq Jameel’s speeches.

Our Prophet (saw) has given us example of beautiful life. He has shown how homes will flourish. Whoever accepts that method, that home will be recipient of ‘happiness’. To summarize the method is one word, forbearance.

Here comes the husband, ‘I want things my way’. Here comes the wife, ‘I want things my way’. You have lighted a fire that won’t be put out. Relationships only work when there is compromise. Relationships don’t thrive when someone is trying to dominate the other. You need to compromise. You need to tolerate. Whoever learns forbearance, I take oath by Allah that their life will be beautiful.

Not comfortable raising stepchildren

Excerpt from Tariq Masood’s speeches.

I was about to propose to this woman. She already had two children from a prior relationship. I felt uncomfortable in accepting the responsibility of raising those two children. I already had children of my own. Now I have to take on additional responsibility. This was something I was not comfortable with.

I consulted with a colleague who is also a scholar. He teaches at an institution.  I asked him if there was anything in the Quran and Sunnah encouraging one to marry someone with children. Then I will be inclined.

He recited the verse from the Quran:

“…your stepdaughters under your guardianship (hujurikum)…” (4:23)

I got the hint. Let me explain.

Allah says:

“Prohibited for you are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your paternal aunts, your maternal aunts, daughters of brother, daughters of sister, your mothers who suckled you, your sisters through suckling, mothers of your wives and your step-daughters under your care who are born of your women with whom you have had intercourse,-though if you have not had intercourse with them, there is no sin on you,-and the wives of your sons from your loins, and that you combine two sisters (in wedlock), except what has passed…” (4:23)

The Quran in this verse mentions those women whom one is forbidden to marry. It begins with the mother. daughters.

It doesn’t specify in the verse those mothers who ‘raised you’.
It doesn’t specify in the verse those daughters under your ‘guardianship’. 
It doesn’t specify in the verse those sisters that you ‘grew up together with’.

After mentioning paternal aunts, maternal aunts, and several relationships, it mentions stepdaughters. But here it specifies those stepdaughters ‘under your care/guardianship’ (hujurikum).

Scholars mention that a stepdaughter in any condition whether she is under your care/guardianship or not. It’s prohibited to marry her. Suppose you got married to a woman, even if divorce happens still, you are not permitted to marry the stepdaughter.

Why then is there a need to mention “…under your care/guardianship…” (4:23)?

The purpose here is not to make it a condition per se. Because a stepdaughter whether she is under your guardianship or not is prohibited.

Scholars mention the Quran does not make it a condition but highlights this custom in the society of that time. Companions of Prophet (saw) when they marry a woman, they would take responsibility for the stepdaughter or children.

The practice of a mother raising children. This is a common custom irrespective of all cultures and societies. This is why Quran doesn’t specify a mother that ‘raised you’. Even Non-Muslims do this.

Allah knew that a time would come among Muslims when a woman would be rejected for marriage for the sole reason that someone would have to take responsibility for raising her children.

Allah highlighted this custom and practice of the Companions of the Prophet (saw) those ‘stepdaughters that are under your care/guardianship’. So that whenever the Muslim reads this verse he knows the Companions of the Prophet (saw) would raise and take care of the stepdaughters.

So that whoever is following the Companions of the Prophet (saw) in marrying a woman with children should not feel embarrassed in doing so.

After reading that verse, I didn’t care for anyone’s opinion. I didn’t factor in what society had to say. I proposed and got married to that woman.

Little knowledge of Soul

Excerpt from Tashrihat Bukhari.

Narrated Ibn Mas`ud: …So a man from among them stood up and said, ‘O Abal-Qasim! What is the spirit?”

The Prophet (saw) kept quiet and I knew that he was being divinely inspired. Then he said:

“They ask you concerning the Soul, Say: The Soul; its knowledge is with my Lord. And of knowledge, you (mankind) have been given only a little”. (17:85)

(Bukhari 7462)

About the ‘soul’.

Allah said, “…you (mankind) have been given only a little”. (17:85)

Other religions may claim that they know the ‘soul’. But they are conjectures void of benefit.

Ml Hussain Ahmed Madani (rah) commented on the lesson here whatever knowledge one is given, one shouldn’t be arrogant due to it.

This is because one’s ignorance will always be greater than one’s knowledge.

Ml Zakariyya Kandhlawi (rah) commented on the lesson here one shouldn’t deceive oneself into thinking one is a person of vast knowledge or a great scholar.

Rather whatever knowledge they possess, one should attribute it to Allah through humility.

Place of human being

Excerpt from Yusuf Kandhlawi (rah)’s speeches and notes.

A human being looks with curiosity to every matter. His sight, perspective, and understanding are focused on objects around him.

What’s in the land? What’s in the moon? What’s in the sun? What’s in the mountains? What’s in the stone? What’s in the gold? What’s in the trees? He is looking into every matter. He is occupied with researching it.

In doing so, he has forgotten to reflect on his being.

“Did they not reflect in their own selves?” (30:8)

He doesn’t question. What will lead to his advancement? What will lead to his decline?

Today the human being’s sight is on every object other than himself.

However, all his conditions are not dependent on other objects. All conditions, whether they be with a person or a nation, peace, tranquility, disorder, and enmity have to do with this very human being.

Conditions of ministry have nothing to do with the ministry itself but the minister. Conditions of state are not to do with the state itself but the governor. Conditions in the land, farming, businesses all avenues in the world are connected to the actions of this very human being.

“Whatever hardship befalls you is because of what your own hands have committed” (42:30)

Until this human being doesn’t reflect on himself, his being. What has Allah placed in this human being?
A human being blind to guidance from Allah. His striving and efforts in misguided paths will lead him to be a victim of his undoing.

However, if he treads the path of guidance, he will be blessed. He will fulfill his privileged rank among the creation.

His efforts and striving for the right path will protect him from ruin. Allah will make him a means of protection for other human beings.

Supplications, hard and black heart

Excerpt from Ibrahim Dewla’s speeches and notes.

Allah wants us to supplicate and ask from Him. Why? Our asking will lead to His pleasure. In narration when a slave raises his arms to supplicate, Allah is too shy to turn them empty-handed. Allah is generous.

Salman Al-Farsi narrated that the Prophet (saw) said: “Indeed, Allah, is conscientious and generous, when a man raises his hands to Him, He feels too shy to return them to him empty and rejected”. (Tirmidhi 3556)

Since we lack strong faith and conviction, we don’t make supplications. Due to heedlessness, the heart is not attentive in supplications.

(1) Hard heart:

A person earns and eats far more than necessary. Frequently indulging in blessings. What will this lead to? Hearts become hardened.

Aisha (rad) said, “…For when people fill their stomachs, their bodies are fattened, their hearts are hardened, and their desires are uncontrollable”. (al Juli Ibn Abi Dunya 22)

Without any effort on faith and good actions, hearts become hardened through indulgences.

(2) Blackheart:

And sins blacken the heart.

Abu Hurairah narrated that: Prophet (saw) said: “Verily, when the slave (of Allah) commits a sin, a black spot appears on his heart. When he refrains from it, seeks forgiveness and repents, his heart is polished clean. But if he returns, it increases until it covers his entire heart…”
(Tirmidhi 3334)

 If we are consistent in litanies and worship, our hearts will soften. Then hearts will be drawn towards supplications. Then hearts will find joy in supplications.

Strive for excellence

Excerpt from Ibrahim Dewla’s speeches.

People love things in this world. So they make things of the highest quality. They will purchase and bring home the thing of the highest quality. Why? Because this is for our needs, our comfort.

This religion is there for our success. We should strive to bring this religion in its highest form.

“…and do good deeds (with excellence), for Allah certainly loves the good doers”. (2:195)

Sh. Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rah) commented on this verse  “strive for excellence in (good actions) as Allah loves those who strive for excellence “. (Bayan Ul Quran)

What a great saying! Allah has invited us to this. This instruction has descended from the heavens.

This is why any action of religion shouldn’t be done casually. Why? Because whatever action one does, result will be infront. If done poorly, it will be a poor result. If done with excellence, it will be an excellent result.

A high quality seed planted in ground will yield high quality crop. A low quality seed planted in ground will yield low quality crop.

Famous Arabic saying:
“Do this well, you are not doing anyone a favor, the benefit of your actions will inevitably come to you”.
(Judd wa la tamnun finnal faidah ilayka aaidah)

You are not doing anyone a favor, you are doing this for yourself.

Two views on causes

Excerpt from Yusuf Kandhlawi (rah)’s speeches.

Whatever is happening in this world, there are two views.

(1) One view is to see that things are coming into place due to other things. We can observe the qualities and characteristics of things.

For example we see grain sprout from soil, this becomes sustenance for a human being, this in turn becomes blood, this blood turns to fluid, through conception this turns to clot of blood, then a lump of flesh from where limbs and face comes into being.

Being human being, anyone can observe this.

(2) Second view is whatever happening is not due to things but per Allah’s command and limitless power. This is not visible to human being. This knowledge is revealed to Prophets who are sent to explain to humanity.

Prophets say whatever apparent things that you see are not the cause but Allah’s power is.

Allah is Independent . Allah can create something without any means.

Allah is (most) Capable. Allah can use the same thing to bring about any effect He chooses. Allah can choose to use water to drown, destroy a person. Allah can use same water to pull a person to shore providing him safety. 

Allah can use fire to burn. Allah can use same fire not to burn. (Incident of  Prophet Ibrahim)

Allah can grant life to person where conditions of death are prevalent. Allah can give death where conditions of life are prevalent.

Miracles of Prophets demonstrate this i.e. things in and off themselves are powerless. Allah alone is All Powerful and bring about anything He wills.

Self Loathing & Hating oneself

Abdullah bin Amr narrated: The Prophet (saw) said, “A Muslim is the one who avoids harming Muslims with his tongue and hands…” (Bukhari 10)

Scholar Hakeem Akhtar (rah) commented on this hadith:

“To cause inconvenience to any Muslim or to bother any way is prohibited.

Are we not Muslims?

Just as its forbidden to cause pain or harm to any Muslim, its likewise forbidden to cause pain to oneself”.

When a person ruminates on hating oneself due to things and conditions not in their control for example, one’s physical characteristics, ethnicity, family etc. They are harming themselves.

While seeking marriage, they will lack confidence. Their search will be from a place of insecurity.

In marriage, Allah says:

“And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them”.

 (30:21)

How will a husband be source of comfort to wife if he is constantly anxious, hates himself? Eventually he will harm his marriage.

How will a wife be source of comfort to husband if she is constantly anxious, hates herself? Eventually she will harm her marriage.

Thus, striving against self loathing so one is empowered to not only benefit themselves but others as well.

Speak according to situation

Excerpt from Ibrahim Dewla’s speeches and notes.

Abdullah bin Masood (rad) when describing companions of Prophet (saw) “…their knowledge was deep..”

(Mishkat al-Masabih)

They would strive to gain a ‘deep’ understanding of religion when learning knowledge. They would strive to impart a ‘deep’ understanding of religion when spreading it. When acting on knowledge, they were scrupulous.

When they would spread knowledge, they would speak per situation. They would be deliberate in their speech.

Its not that irrespective of who was in front, they would quote a narration. They would consider, will the person listening even understand or grasp what is being said.

Abdullah bin Masood (rad) said: “It is the case that you do not relate to the people a narration which their minds cannot grasp except that it becomes a trial (fitnah) for some of them”. (Muslim 14)

Its a narration! But still should not be narrated if people listening to it don’t understand its context. They will not understand it’s rights and boundaries.

This is why its a principle:

“Speak to people according to their level of understanding”. (Kallimin naas ‘alaa qadri ‘uqulihim)

If people don’t understand, they will imitate  and repeat something incorrectly. Rather, people should imitate and repeat something on condition they fully understand.