…how many….
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
…the voice of Paradise said:
O my Lord, bring me what you have promised me!
Too abundant are my rooms, my gold-laced garments,
continued here Israa’ wa Miraaj 1432
…Our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam’s spiritual opening began here from the house of Umm Hani’…
Israa’ was Miraaj 1431, including links back to 1427.
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…almiskeenah, the humble, is almiskeenah the ‘not so chirpy’ these days…and when one does not feel so well, coping with a woeful internet connection really pushes the patience buttons even more, not to mention the heat, Alhumdulillah…please accept my apologies and absences…Insha’Allah your Du’a would be greatly appreciated…
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
“What do you recommend for me if I find Laylatul Qadr?” is what our Noble Lady Aishah RadhiAllahu anha asked of our Beloved Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, whereupon he said:
Allahumma Innaka ‘Affuwan Tuhibbul ‘Afwa Fa’Fu Anni
O Allah, You are the One Who forgives and loves to forgive, so forgive me.
Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala is the Forgiver, the Eliminator of sins.
Al-’Afuw is the opposite of al-Muntaqim, the Avenger. Its meaning is close to that of al-Ghafur, the All-Forgiving One, only it is more intensive. The root for Ghafur means to overlook sins, while the root of the word ‘Afuw means to destroy, eliminate sins. In the first instance the overlooked sins still exist; in the second, the eliminated sins disappear.
Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala loves to forgive, to erase sins. He does not often punish the ones who deny, the ones who revolt. He accepts their recognition of their sins as repentance. He erases their sins. Instead of punishment, He bestows His bounties upon them.
There is a secret in His delaying punishment and forgiving sins. In teaching us that Hellfire is there, He is teaching us that there are ways to salvation. It is like an announcement by a rich, generous, compassionate being, declaring: Our doors are open, our tables set. The one who accepts this invitation is welcome, and we do not reproach those who do not come to feast.
Allah Ta’ala’s bounties in this world, which are temporal, are nothing in comparison to those promised in Paradise. The forgiving of sins is an encouragement to the deniers to change their ways, to come to the Straight Path, to Paradise. Allah Ta’ala’s infinite mercy is certainly more than the sins of His servants. His doors are always open to the ones who choose to enter.
But those who are blind and deaf to the warning that is the compassion, mercy and forgiveness of Allah Ta’ala, who persist in their infidelity and denial, who find justification for their denial in their repeatedly being forgiven, who are spoiled, who take pleasure in sinning, who try to lead others astray-they will finally be punished in this world by drowning in the gold they have accumulated, and in the Hereafter by the Hellfire. That punishment does not negate the attributes of the Forgiving One, the Eliminator of sins, but it is a manifestation of His beautiful name, the Just. Good and Bad are not the same. If it were made to appear so, it might cause confusion in the mind of the good servant.
Allah Ta’ala in His Divine Speech:
Those Angels who carry the ‘Arsh and this who surround it celebrate the praise if their Lord and have faith in Him. They beg forgiveness for the believers: ‘Our Lord, You embrace all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who turn to you and follow Your path...(40:7)
SubhanAllah…Angels begging for our forgiveness…so all the more we should be begging AL-’AFUW, the the Forgiver, the Eliminator of sins to completely eradicate our sins during this
Night of Glory is better than a thousand months (97:3)
Laylatul Qadr is moments away…do we want our sins eliminated, to be totally wiped away? or merely covered up? The excessive repetition of the Du’a our Blessed Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam taught Ummul Mu’mineeen, Aishah RadhiAllah anha during these final nights of this Mubarak month, Insha’Allah will lead to the distribution of priceless prizes.
Laylatul Qadr…better than a thousand months of worshipping Allah Ta’ala! One night from dusk to dawn equivalent to 83 years and four months recorded as worship!
Insha’Allah invest seven minutes watching Ustadh Sulayman Muhammad, from Qibla, give a succinct lesson from Juz 24, illuminating forgiveness and the importance of Laylatul Qadr.
The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam taught people to seek forgiveness on this sacred and blessed occasion. In explaining the wisdom in this Prophetic teaching the Muhaditheen have stated that all through Ramadhan and in particular the last Ashara and Laylatul Qadr, the servants have strived and endeavoured greatly in worship and there was real danger that they may begin to rely on their actions (and believe these were enough) and turn their hope away for Allah Ta’ala’s mercy and grace. However in reality who can undertake deeds worthy of His Court and thank Him for for even one of His blessings? Therefore when the human cannot count all the blessings of Allah Ta’ala how can he show gratitude for them all! The lesson here is that those who have lots of sins should seek Allah Ta’ala’s forgiveness rather than His pleasure.
SubhanAllah…how Allah Ta’ala LOVES to listen to us begging His forgiveness…
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
…a time of unimaginable numbers approaches…
how many Gates of Mercy will be flung open?
how many tears will fall as hearts repent?
how many tongues will be begging for forgiveness?
how many heads will prostrate throughout the night?
how many hands will be raised in gratitude to the Heavens?
how many salutations on our Beloved HabibuLlah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam will reach him in is Abode of Felicity, for it is said that this is when this verse was revealed:
Allah and His Angels bless the Prophet, so, you who believe, bless him too and give him greetings of peace. (33:56)
how many times will Allah Ta’ala multiply these salutations?
how many decrees will be written upon this night?
how many pens will be used by how many Angels to record who is to be taken back and who is to be born throughout the following year?
how many souls will read this Du’a that our Blessed Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam told our Lady Ayesha RadhiAllahu anha to read? and
how many will teach this Du’a to others as Jibreel Alaihis Salam taught it to Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam?
how many will sincerely take refuge and truly submit?
how many will be released from the horrors and torment of Jahannam?
how many eyes will be vigilant reading al-Qur’an al-Majeed?
how many will follow in our our Beloved Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam’s footsteps by visiting graveyards?
how many will lighten and cleanse their body by fasting?
how many recitations of Surah Yasin will be recorded?
how many will feel Allah Ta’ala’s presence as He descends to the lowest heaven from sunset till dawn, saying ”Will anyone ask, that his request may be granted?” ”Will anyone seek forgiveness, that he may be forgiven?”
how many zillions of Du’a will be answered during this time when all is accepted?
how many will be more attracted to following the Commands of Allah Ta’ala and the Sunnah of Al-Mustafa SallAllahu alaihi wasallam in favour of that which does not benefit on this majestic night of Nisf Sha’ban?
Insha’Allah we are all blessed with unimaginable numbers of rewards and increases in our Ajar and a nearness to our Rabb Subhanahu wa Ta’ala and His Habib SallAllahu alaihi wasallam during this Nisf Sha’ban, Ameen.
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A previous Nisf Sha’ban post, another Du’a with transliteration and translation, and comprehensive advice with the virtues of Nisf Sha’ban by Sayyidi Shaykh Muhammad Bin Yahya Al Ninowy, may Allah Ta’ala continue to bless his knowledge and shower him with Barakah, Ameen.
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And as part of your Ramadhan preparations take advantage of SunniPath’s free Living Ramadhan course, Insha’Allah register now for the first session this Saturday.
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JUMA’AH MUBARAK!
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
SubhanAllah a straight line runs from the centre of the Yemeni side of the Ka’abah (the side facing the empty section of the Mataf in this image) directly to the Abode of Peace in Masjid Nabawi to the Dome of the Rock in Al-Quds…the path our Blessed Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam flew on Buraq with Gibril Alaihis Salam, then through all the Heavens to the final destination of being with his Lord beyond the Furthest Lote Tree on the night of the 27th Rajab.
During the Journey Rasulullah
came to a valley in which he breathed a sweet, cool breeze fragrant with musk and he heard a voice. He said: “What is this O Gibril?” He replied: ” This is the voice of Paradise saying:
O my Lord, bring me what you have promised me!
Too abundant are my rooms, my gold-laced garments,
My silk, my brocades, my carpets, my pearls, my corals,
My silver, my gold, my goblets, my bowls, my pitchers,
My couches, my honey, my water, my milk, my wine!
And the Lord says:
You shall have every single Muslim man and woman,
Every believing man and woman,
Everyone who has believed in Me and My Messengers
And did excellent deeds
Without associating a partner with Me
Nor taking helpers without Me!
Anyone who fears Me shall be safe,
And whoever asks of Me, I shall give him,
And whoever loans Me something, I shall replay him,
And whoever relies upon Me, I shall suffice him!
I am Allah beside Whom there is no God.
I never fail in My promise.
Successful indeed are the believers (23:1)
So blessed be Allah, the best of Creators! (23:14)
From a must title to be read annually at this time, Sayyid Muhammad ibn ‘Alawi al-Maliki’s The Prophet’s Night Journey and Heavenly Ascent.
The Greatest Vision from The Subtleties of the Ascension
One of them said: “The Real severed the secret heart of Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam from all changes. he gazed at his Lord with the eye of certainty, and he became realized in the lights of the Real until the eye of certainty returned to him the real-truth of certainty. He summoned up the face-to-face address with His saying, He revealed to His servant what He revealed.
“When He caused him to approach, he descended. He showed him he-ness and eliminated from him his I-ness. He cast down His traces, and He adorned him with His lights. Thus he was able to witness that witnessing. He never saw a created light above His light. It occupied him. For that reason nothing awed him and nothing pleased him after what he had witnessed, which God (be He exalted) recounted in His saying ‘Indeed he saw some of the greatest signs of his Lord.’ (53:18) And ‘his vision did not stray nor was it excessive’ (53:17) out of the exaltedness of His light and the purity of His trace.”
The connection between the vision if the Divinity and Muhammad’s mystical experience serves as the theme of this anonymous saying. The opening sentence signals the idea that Muhammad’s created and contingent nature was left behind when he witnessed and thus partook in the essence of the uncreated and eternal Divinity. The vision moves him to the final stage in what elsewhere in this work is described as a three-stage progression: the knowledge of certainty (‘ ilm yaqin) the eye of certainty (‘ayn al-yaqin) and the real truth of certainty (haqq al-yaqin), the distinction between the divine Real (al-Haqq) and his lover is blurred as the latter becomes realized (tahaqqaqa) in the lights of the Real. This anonymous saying equates this powerful visionary experience with crucial verses from the Surah of the Star.
Initially the saying cites the mysterious verse He revealed to His servant what He revealed (53:10) which highlights the vague language with which the exchange is described while underscoring the dichotomy between master and servant. However turning next to an earlier verse in the same passage, he approached and descended (53:8) the anonymous exegete describes the stripping away of Muhammad’s individual identity as divine qualities replace human qualities. While no actual union is spoken of here, the process of Divine “infusion” or more precisely “investiture” is portrayed as a necessary step that makes possible the visionary experience that follows.
The image of Divine lights appears throughout this saying, both as a garment worn by the visionary and as the content of the vision. To a certain degree, the lights become both the subject and the object of the visionary experience. All created lights pale in comparison with these Divine lights, the anonymous master states, and thus after his experience Muhammad was never impressed by worldly things.
This time last year, including links to six previous posts on Israa wa Miraaj.
Shaykh Faisal Abdur-Razak’s seven part series on Mi’raajun Nabi.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
‘I seek refuge in Your forgiveness from Your punishment, and I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your annoyance, and I seek Your refuge from Yourself. I cannot praise You as fully as You deserve. You are exactly as You have defined Yourself.’
Staring blankly at the faint majestic moon suspended over the golden spire of an umbrella in the courtyard of Masjid Nabawi….
…changing every second. The tones of the soft powder blue sky gradually deepening and thus the moon shine gradually brightening. Sublime contrasts playing. Affecting everything the eye gazes upon. One glance registers the expectant moon as a shimmery organza, minutes later, molten silver, followed by the subtlest shades of blush. Moment upon moment upon precious moment a gift, a stream of endless gifts, SubhanAllah SubhanAllah SubhanAllah!
…almost upon us is the gift of Nisful Sha’ban, the annual time when Du’a is answered. The night Allah Ta’ala descends to the nearest heaven at the beginning of sunset, when the sky is painted with a palette from rubies and pearls and the moon is a burnished orb. Allah Ta’ala says: Is there no one asking forgiveness that I may forgive them? Is there no one asking sustenance that I may grant them sustenance? Is there no one under trial that I may relieve them? Is there not such-and-such, is there not such-and-such, and so forth until until dawn rises.
And everything is apportioned.
And so it was apportioned by Allah Ta’ala that just over one year ago He blessed a very precious soul, with her husband and daughter, to make Hijrah to this Radiant City, just as He apportioned to take her back to him a few days ago.
Inna liLlahi wa inna ilaihi rajeoon.
The vision of her vibrant beauty, the eagerness her heart emitted in her ardent pursuit seeking Deeni knowledge, her devotion to her daughter with special needs, her undying love for the Path Allah Ta’ala had guided her to, all this and more keeps filling my inner gaze. The last time we were together was at a gathering where Shaykh Zulfiqar, may Allah Ta’ala continue to elevate his rank, was talking about the virtues of Madinatun Nabi and said, “to die in Madinah is akin to dying in Jannah”, meaning Insha’Allah that is where she is, Ameen. The family were returning from Makkah having just performed Umrah, so all sins had been cleansed, being taken as a Shaheedah, SubhanAllah.
Blankly staring at the moon as it glides on its set path in one more rotation before announcing the blessed night of Nisful Sha’ban envelopes the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam’s City, it appears as an illuminated circular piece of shroud that this sister is now adorned in. A stark reminder of how we all will be dressed in such a raiment. What deeds will be wrapped therein when it is our turn? What gifts will You hide between the folds? Ya Rabb, take Your loved ones as You have so mercifully taken this loved sister.
The eyes glance around…scanning a courtyard of thousands who have been invited to this most Sacred of Places, and I wonder who is ready for that final inevitable visit? What deeds will be concealed in our shrouds?
Tears well, as I know this needy speck is not ready. This sudden death delivers a sharp reminder, along with the promises Allah Ta’ala makes for us in the coming night. His Mercy is never ending, His endless gifts are in every breath, His love for us eternal…how much do we give in return? Are we prepared?
Maybe the young heavily pregnant Turkish girl in the hot pink dress and floral hijab is ready?
Maybe the wrinkled toothless Sudanese sister, with a smile that beams like the moon above is ready?
Maybe the mother pulling her small daughter up by the hair is ready?
Maybe the sister feeding her toddler a date is ready?
Maybe the patient ones having their bags searched in the crowded doorway are ready?
Maybe the one walking barefoot on the hot marble is ready?
Maybe the young girl pushing a wheelchair is ready?
Or maybe the elderly sister in the wheel chair is ready?
Maybe the friend from Karachi I am sitting with is ready?
Maybe the happy little one pretending to take photos with a yellow plastic camera is ready?
Maybe the sister on duty mopping around the water cooler is ready?
Maybe the beautiful recently engaged Egyptian sister beside me telling me she will marry after Ramadhan is ready?
Maybe….maybe…
Maybe you are ready?
Ya Rabb Ya Rabb Ya Rabb
‘I seek refuge in Your forgiveness from Your punishment, and I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your annoyance, and I seek Your refuge from Yourself. I cannot praise You as fully as You deserve. You are exactly as You have defined Yourself.’
May we be persistent with our begging this Nisful Sha’ban. May hearts be moved to gently mention this beautiful soul Allah Ta’ala has chosen to take back, along with all grieving over her sudden departure, Ameen.
May hearts be open to the endless gifts showering one and all, and may arms be wide open to receive the stream of gifts that Allah Ta’ala is so generously offering on Nisful Sha’ban, Ameen.
Is there no one asking forgiveness that I may forgive them? Is there no one asking forgiveness that I may forgive them? Is there no one asking sustenance that I may grant them sustenance? Is there no one under trial that I may relieve them? Is there not such-and-such, is there not such-and-such, and so forth until until dawn rises.
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Insha’Allah this speck is about to travel to fulfill the Haqq family in Australia have on me. Internet will be sporadic, so posts will be on a when and if basis. The ‘list’ will be a constant companion, with Du’a for one and all being sung wherever the journey leads. Insha’Allah Du’a for a safe return is requested.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
“Musa was desirous to see Allah,
But Allah was desirous to see you.
How can Tur Sinai compare to Miraj?
How can earth compare to the heavens?
How can Yusuf’s beauty compare to yours?
He was the beloved of Zulaikha, you are the beloved of Allah.
Veiled in the secret of humanity is your flawless beauty”
Maulana Muhammad Qasim Nanotwi
from Love for the Messenger by
Shaykh Zulfiqar
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15. The Speech of Musa and Muhammad
Junayd was asked about the saying of God (be He powerful and lofty), “You were not next to Mount Sinai when we called.” He said: “He called to Musa alaihi wasallam because he was behind the veil, and He whispered to Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam because he had torn through the veils. The one who is behind the veil is called to, and the one who crosses the veil is whispered to. As for the one who passes away from these stations, He shelters him and honours him above the realms of being. Do you not see how when Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was asked about the heavenly host debate*, when the lights of His description alighted upon him and He stripped him of of his description, he spoke about all places and reported about them?
*Referring to allah Ta’ala’s Divine Speech:
I had no knowledge of the heavenly host when they were debating (38:69)
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20. Musa and Muhammad
One of then said: “The difference between His speaking to Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and His speaking to Musa Alaihis salam upon Mount Sinai is that Musa Alaihis Salam only saw thunderbolts because of his preoccupation. He did not obtain that power that would bear the indications of the essence. However Muhammad, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was strengthened by the vision of the heavens and the earths…after this he was capable of [bearing] each thing received by his secret-heart from the command of his Lord.
Source: The Subtleties of the Ascension Early Mystical Sayings on Muhammad’s Heavenly Journey.
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Israa wa Miraaj archives: 1427, 1428, 1429, 1430:1, 1430:2 1430:3
Sallallahu ‘alaa Muhammad
Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa Sallim
Yaa Nabi Salaam ‘alaika
Yaa Rasul Salaam ‘alaika
Yaa Habib Salaam ‘alaika
Salawatullah ‘alaika.
SubhanAllah I was blessed to be immersed in the Nur of an intimate and Mubarak gathering of Shaykh Abdul Aziz Ahmad Fredericks, may Allah Ta’ala sanctify his soul and increase him in knowledge, with a group from Scandinavia and the UK, where the Shaykh gave a most illuminating Dars on Israa wa Miraaj. Insha’Allah when time permits I will share the gems he sprinkled our hearts with. Commitments with so many these days prevent this humble speck from updating this space, or attending to emails…Insha’Allah Sabr surrounds us all.
JUMA’AH MUBARAK!
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.