Watch live streaming video from zikr_online at livestream.com
Salaams
Inshallah everyone had a good Juma yesterday.
The Juma Khutbah was recorded above from Sheikh Nazim's Dergah at St.Anne's Rd, London N15.
Salaams
'mwl'
Sufi Zikr
Friday, 25 December 2009
Juma Khutbah - Fri 25 December 2009 - Sheikh Nazim's Dergah, London
Salaams
Inshallah everyone had a good Juma yesterday.
The Juma Khutbah was recorded above from Sheikh Nazim's Dergah at St.Anne's Rd, London N15.
Salaams
'mwl'
Sufi Zikr
10th of Muharram - Fasting and Practices
Alhamdulillah, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) has blessed us to see another year. The first month of this year, 1431AH, is Muharram. In this month the day of ‘Ashura—which falls on the 10th of Muharram, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) recommended that we fast on this day, by his Sunnah. He also indicated how we should observe the fast of ‘Ashura.
And Allah Almighty created the Pen (al-Qalam) on that day and the Heavens and Earth on that day . That was a Friday – not a Saturday or Sunday.
Hakam ibn Al-Arat (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates: I went to Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh)… I said to him: Tell me about fasting on ‘Ashura. He said, "When you seen the new moon of Muharram count the (days) and (begin to) observe fast on the 9th." I said to him: "Is it how the Holy Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) observed the fast?" He said, "Yes." [Sahih Muslim]
Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates that when the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) said: "If I survive till next year, I will definitely observe fast on the 9th of Muharram (as well)." [Sahih Muslim]
(Note: What the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) meant was that he would also fast on the 9th as well as the 10th to which he was accustomed. We also should try fasting on the 9th and the 10th of Muharram. According to varying calendars, the 10th Muharram is Saturday 26/Sunday 27 December 2009)
Fasting is recommended on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. If it is not possible to fast on both days, then every effort should be made to fast on the 10th day of Muharram, as there is great reward for this fast. (Muslim).
It is also acceptable to fast on the 10th and 11th of Muharram if the 9th and 10th Muharram is not possible according to Sheikh Nazim'sadvice.
Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh) reports that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) arrived in Madinah and found the Jews observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura… They said: "It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Hazrat Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his people and drowned Pharoah and his people, and Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) observed fast out of gratitude. And we also observe it." The Holy Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) responded: "We have more right, and we have closer connection with Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) than you have"; so Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) observed fast (on the day of ‘Ashura) and gave us orders to observe it. [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]
‘Ashura is a day of great historical significance. On this day: Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Adam ('Alaihis-Salaam) after his exile from Paradise; Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) saved Sayyidina Nuh ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his companions in the ark by landing on Mount Judi; Allah extinguished the fire in which Sayyidina Ibrahim ('Alaihis-Salaam) was thrown by Nimrod; And Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) spoke directly to Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and gave him the Commandments.
On this same 10th of Muharram, Sayyidina Ayyub ('Alaihis-Salaam) was restored to health (from leprosy); Sayyidina Yusuf ('Alaihis-Salaam) was reunited with his father Ya’qub ('Alaihis-Salaam); Sayyidina Yunus ('Alaihis-Salaam) was taken out from the belly of the fish; and the sea was divided as the nation of israel was delivered from captivity and Pharoah’s army was destroyed. ‘Ashura is also the day when Sayyidina Dawud ('Alaihis-Salaam) was forgiven; the Kingdom of Sayyidina Sulaiman ('Alaihis-Salaam) was restored; Sayyidina Isa ('Alaihis-Salaam) was raised to Jannah; the Holy Prophet’s (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) sins were forgiven; and Sayyidina al-Husayn (Radiyallahu 'anh) (the Holy Prophet’s, Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam, grandson) achieved the honor of Martyrdom.
Worship Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) as much as you can on ‘Ashura. Whoever fasts on this day is like one who fasts all his life. Whoever clothes a naked person Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) will release him from a painful punishment. He who visits a sick person, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) will grant him a reward that will not be decreased. Whoever places his hand on an orphan’s head, or feeds a hungry person or gives water to a thirsty man, Allah will feed him a feast from Paradise and will quench his thirst with Salsabil (a wine that does not intoxicate).
And who ever takes a Ghusl on this day will enjoy excellent health and freedom from sickness and indolence. Whoever provides generously for his family on this day, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) will be generous to him throughout this year. And whoever applies Kuhl to his eyes will never suffer from eye-sore again, inSha’Allah al-Azi.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (Radi Allah Anhu), a Companion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) reports the following saying of the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala, "Whosoever prepares ample food and drink for his family on this sacred day and delights in feeding them generously, Allah Ta’ala will increase His provisions for that year and place much blessings and good therein."
And on the day of Ashura the Seal of messengers, on that day, Allah Almighty made Sayyidina Muhammad (SWS) to marry Sayyidata Khadijah (RA) and He also made him to migrate to Madinah on that day.
The Ashura Desert - Celebrated widely in Turkey and neighbouring countries
The day of Ashura is one of the traditional and celebrated days in Turkey. Families traditionally make the desert based upon Prophet Noah's (AS) pudding they made whilst travelling in the Ark. Ashura's ingredients can include water, wheat, chickpeas, rice, raisins, dried apricots, dried figs, apple, salt, sugar and honey. Grated orange and lemon peel, walnuts, hazelnuts, cinnamon and pomegranate seeds are also included as garnish. It is distributed to neighbours, and the dish is eaten with pleasure.
May Allah Almighty Bless us to perform good deeds and gain their reward on ‘Ashura. Make the new year one of unity, peace, forgiveness, mercy, cooperation and success for all believers in this city and around the world. Ameen.
Salaams'mwl'
Sufi Zikr
Thursday, 24 December 2009
Zikr - Naqshbandi Zikr - 24 Dec 2009 - Maida Vale London
Watch live streaming video from zikr_online at livestream.com
Salaams to Everyone
Alhamdulillah we were blessed to make another spiritual zikr journey this evening.
Jazakhallah to Sheikh Mikail for leading the Zikr and to brother Rahil and Auntie for the lovely food, as always. Congratulations from everyone to both baji Saima & brother Rahil on the birth of their son Shamsuddin (Sami). May Allah Almighty grant you all blessings, forgiveness and certainty of faith here and hereafter.
Inshallah, we will be travelling to visit Sheikh Nazim in Cyprus next Thursday but Zikr will continue next week. If anyone wants to ask Sheikh Nazim specifically please can you email me privately by Wednesday 30 Dec 2009.
We will be posting some information about Prophet Jesus (AS) later on today time permitting and wish you
all a happy holiday.
Salaams
'mwl'
Sufi Zikr
Monday, 21 December 2009
Friday, 11 December 2009
Sufi Zikr - Maida Vale, London - 10 Dec 2009
Watch live streaming video from zikr_online at livestream.com
Salaams
Alhamdulillah we had another small but beautiful Zikr lead by Sheikh Mikail in Maida Vale tonight.
Jazakhallah to Rahil bhai & Saima Baji for the delicious food, as always.
Apologies for the lack of sound level at this evening's recording. We will update the microphone for next week Inshallah.
Remember, previous recording can be viewed through http://www.livestream.com/zikr_online and clicking on 'Video On Demand'. There is a list of 20 recordings including 2 talks from Sheikh Nazim himself from last year.
We have 3 people so far for the Dec 30/31 visit to Sheikh Nazim in Cyprus.
Please let me know asap as we will be confirming flights tomorrow or latest Saturday!
Salaams and see you next week!
'mwcl'
Sufi Zikr
Friday, 4 December 2009
Zikr - Naqshbandi Zikr - 3.12.09 - Dedicated to Uncle Amjud & Mrs Halima Sacranie
Salaams
Alhamdulillah we had a beautiful and Divine zikr experience this Thursday evening. Mashallah, a small number of travelling souls attracted towards the Holy presence asking for more will power and His Forgiveness.
Many thanks to brother Rahil and baji Saima for the delicious food and brother Mushtaq for the desert. Not to forget Aslam bhai and Shk Nadeem who lead the zikr this evening.
*** Uncle Amjud Inshallah will be in Ward A9-4th flr (Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Rd W12) as he is now recovering from his heart by-pass operation. May Allah Almighty make his recovery easy and better in both health and spirit.Ameen. ***
Salaams and Inshallah see you next week
'mwl'
Sufi Zikr
Friday, 27 November 2009
Eid Mubarak -Sheikh Nazim's Dergah, London Fri 27 Nov 2009
Eid Mubarak to Everyone & Your Families
May Allah Almighty forgive you and your family and grant his endless favours
here and after.
The above is today's Khutbah from Sheikn Nazim's Dergah at St.Anne's Priory, London by Sheikh Zumar.
Salaams and see you on Thursday!
'mwl'
Sufi Zikr
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Zikr - Naqshbandi Zikr London -19 November 2009
Watch live streaming video from zikr_online at livestream.com
Salaams
Mashallah a wonderful and penetrating Zikr right to our Souls.
Jazakhallah to Sheikh Mikail for leading the Zikr and to Baji for supplying the delicious food.
Welcome to Jaime for visiting his first Zikr meditation and we hope to see you soon.
Sad to not have Uncle Amjud there but we remembered and prayed for his better health.
Inshallah see you all next week. Eid is on its way!
Salaams
'mwl'
Sufi Zikr
Friday, 6 November 2009
Zikr - Naqshbandi Zikr - 5.11.09 - Dedicated to Mrs Halima Sacranie
Salaams to Everyone
Alhamdulillah we had a beautiful zikr lead by Sheikh Ramadan in honour of Mrs Halima Sacranie, mother of Baji Shehnaz (joint supporter of this Zikr in Maida Vale)and Auntie Farida.
We also had a few new guests and also a few old faces we hadn't seen for a few years.
The Zikr was finished with the start of the Hadra introduction.
Lovely food was prepared as always by Rahil bhai and Auntie Farida and Uncle Amjud.
Inshallah see you all next week.
Salaams
'mwl'
Sufi Zikr
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Sufi Zikr - Saturday 23 October 2009 - Naqshbandi Zikr in Slough
Salaams
It was very nice to visit Sheikh Walid and the brothers in Slough this Saturday.
Alhamdulillah we experienced a lively Zikr and were treated to a Moroccan
Saint's recitation about the Hadra, the sheikh and his mureeds by Sheikh Ramadan.
Inshallah, we will include these type of Hadra recitations after the Naqshbandi Khatm Zikr on alternative Thursdays with translations from Sheikh Ramadan.
This video recording is quite long including Salatul Isha which lasts for approx 25 minutes - please feel free to forward. Unfortunately, we cannot edit out recordings at present.
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
Friday, 23 October 2009
Juma Khutbah - Sheikh Nazim's Dergah London, UK - Fri 23 Oct 2009
Friday, 16 October 2009
Juma Khutbah - Sheikh Nazim's Dergah London - 16 Oct 2009
Friday, 9 October 2009
Sufi Zikr - Thursday 8 October 2009 - Maida Vale
Salaams to Everyone
Alhamdulillah and thanks to everyone that attended the Zikr last night.
It was lovely to see regular and familiar faces and also a few new people - welcome again to you and you are most welcome to attend as you like.
Mashallah for Sheikh Mikail leading the zikr and also support from the 'Slugh crew' (Slough) Sidi Sajad and Sheikh Nadeem.
Jazakhallah to brother Rahil & Auntie for bringing the delicious food - not to forget Uncles's chickpea daal!
We had a mini Hadra circle after Isha prayers lead by Sheikh Ramadan - Inshallah we will expand this for people interested in experiencing this zikr.
We are intending to arrange a Hadra Zikr at a different venue so will be announcing it later next week.
Inshallah see you all next week!
'mwl'
Sufi Zikr
Friday, 2 October 2009
Friday, 25 September 2009
Sunday, 20 September 2009
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Sufi Zikr - Ramadhan 21 Night - 10 September 2009
{Sufi Zikr Maida Vale - 3 Sep 2009}Alhamdulillah we only had eleven people attend but many people felt we were in attendance with many holy souls this evening.
As Shk Mikail said if there is harmony in the Zikr, forgetting our own individual identities even for a moment and losing our selves in the contemplation of the Divine Names, then collectively all our souls benefit with greater reception of blessings and experience endless energies encircling the Zikr through the many hundreds & thousands of angels that channel our Rememberance, (weak in itself -through support of our Sheikh Sheikh Nazim), towards being presented before the Divine Presence.
Alhamdulillah, every Thursday is a spiritual renewal for our soul whether we feel it or not, its this gathering, this communal association which was greatly emphasized by the name bearer of our Sufi Tariqah, Sheikh Muhammad Baha'uddin Shah Naqshband (KS)- [we eat dried nuts and fruits every Thursday in his memory].
Jazakhallah to Shk Mikail for leading the Zikr and for Uncle Amjud for making the delicious bean soup and potatoes and sister Gulnaz for the desert - not forgetting brother Galib's mothers outstanding cooling desert - the name escapes me but everyone enjoyed the deserts.
Inshallah we are intending to see Shk Walid this Saturday (13 Sep 2009-approx 22.00-22.30hrs GMT) to try to do a live webcast again as we have had more than one lost broadcast from Maida Vale. Livestream is currently looking into this.
We will say salaams ending with an important teaching from Sheikh Muhammad Baha'uddin Shah Naqshband (KS):
"One of the most important doors to the Presence of Allah is to eat with Awareness. The food gives the body strength, and to eat with consciousness gives the body purity."
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
laylatul Qadr - The Last Ten Days of Ramadhan
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace & Blessing upon them) said, “Whoever prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and sincerity, shall have all their past sins forgiven.” [Bukhari and Muslim, from Abu Hurayra (RA)]
The Prophet (Peace & Blessing upon them) also said, “Seek it in the last ten days, on the odd nights.” [Bukhari and Muslim from Abu Sa`id al-Khudri (RA)]
The scholars affirm that it is the best of nights, [al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, quoting Mi`raj al-Diraya, 1.216] because of Allah Most High’s words,
“Lo! We revealed it on the Night of Power.
Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Night of Power is!
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
The angels and the Spirit [Jibril/Gabriel (AS)] descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, will all decrees.
(That night is) Peace until the rising of the dawn.”
(Qur’an, Surat al-Qadr: 97)
Imam Nawawi (KS) and others explain that ‘The Night of Power is better than a thousand months,’ means that it is better than a thousand months without it.
Given the immensity of this night, it is recommended to seek this night, and to worship Allah in it, with prayer, supplication (du`a), remembrance (Zikr/dhikr), and other actions. [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar, quoting Mi`raj al-Diraya, and Nawawi, al-Majmu`(KS)]
When is Laylatul Qadr - The Night of Power?
In general, it is agreed that it is most likely to be in the last ten nights of Ramadan, with the odd nights being more likely. Of the odd nights, the night of the 27th (which is the night before the 27th of Ramadan, for the Islamic day starts with nightfall) is most likely. Imam Shafi`i(RA) said that it is most likely to be the 21st, then the 23rd, then the 27th. Imam Nawawi(KS) followed the position of Imam Muzani and Imam Ibn Khuzayma(KS) that it moves around within the last ten nights. [Nawawi, al-Majmu` Sharh al-Muhadhdhab(KS), 6.488]
However, it could be outside the last ten nights within Ramadan. It may even be outside Ramadan according to both early and late scholars. This has been transmitted from many of the Companions of the Prophet (Peace & Blessing upon them), including Ibn Mas`ud (RA). It is one of the reported positions of Imam Abu Hanifa(RA), and also of many of the great knowers of Allah, including Ibn Arabi (whose position is quoted by Ibn Abidin with support), Abu’l Hasan al-Shadhili, Sha`rani(KS), and many others.
May Allah give us the success of following in the footsteps of the inheritors of the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace), outwardly and inwardly, and may He make us of those whom He loves, forgives and supports here and hereafter.
This is one of the many reasons why one should strive to establish the night vigil prayer (Tahajjud), daily.
Salaams
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
Laylatul Qadr - Known as the Night of Power - Talk given by Sheikh Nazim Al-Haqqani
Nights are the time which Allah `azza wa jalla has designated for the attainment of spiritual blessing and power. Allah told His Beloved in the Quran: Rise to pray in the night except a little (73:1)
Allah ordered Prophet (SWS) to spend most of the night in worship in order to prepare his heart for the tremendous revelation of Quran. This night worship was the means for the Prophet (SWS) to ascend and to attain more and more power. His Companions (RA) would join him for the night prayer and would be rising up in station and spirituality:
Surely We will make to descend on you a weighty Word. Surely the rising by night is the firmest way to tread and the best corrective of speech. (73, 1-5) |
Laylat al-Qadr is a holy night. All nights of Ramadan are holy nights but Laylat al-Qadr is the holiest night of this holy month. It is also the holiest night among all other holy nights throughout the entire year. It comes only once a year and Allah Almighty grants to His most praised, most respected and most beloved servant Sayyidina Muhammad (SWS) this holy night, the Night of Power. About this night, God, the Glorious and Exalted said:
In the name of God, the Beneficent the Merciful |
"Night of Power" is a very strange translation for "Laylat al-Qadr" but it attributes to it a good meaning: whoever may attain the blessings of this holy night should attain perfect power in his spiritual life. One can attain perfect power by means of this night because its value is more than one thousand months of worshiping. Every worship performed increases the spiritual power of people and in this night any worship is going to be valued as one thousand months of worshiping on any other night. It is condensed power. God, the Almighty, makes it a mighty night by placing in it such incredible power, making it a much mightier night than other nights. Allah Almighty says it is much more valuable than one thousand months of worshiping. That means Allah Almighty granted such huge power to that night.
It is just such a mighty night which is highly respected and given such a high value by the Lord Almighty. It is so mighty that it is said that it is the most mighty night, that Night of Power. Allah Almighty puts in it power for His servants to come closer to His Divine Presence. In a short time a that great power adorns worshipers in this night and they may be able to penetrate through the entire heavens and reach the Divine Presence.
People on this night are going to be on several different levels. No doubt we are on the lowest level, so we are hoping in this night to attain the honor and illumination granted in it. When we reach a higher level and as it is a holy night in the heavens as well, we will begin to sense something [of the great power being manifested] on this night. Whoever is at the highest spiritual level must be present for this night in the Divine Presence of the Lord.
That appearance will occur in a matter of seconds, perhaps within a single second. Perhaps one second is an enormous unit of time [in comparison] to that moment. It may be more than a second or much less, but it is an instant in time when an appearance from Divine Presence is manifested to creation. When that Divine Appearance manifests (Ar. tajalli), no one will remain standing throughout the heavens and the earth. Everything falls into prostration, throwing themselves down in prostration for that moment. That manifestation of Divine Power--that Divine Light--appears, and whoever is prepared and who has also been invited to attend that appearance sees it and falls in prostration. Everything in that moment falls in prostration (Ar. sajda): all animals--even ants, even elephants, even giraffes, even dogs--on that night they are not sleeping but are hurrying to make prostration on experiencing that divine manifestation. All trees-- even buildings--bow down in prostration and then rise up to their original positions. This is mentioned in Quran:
And unto Allah falleth prostrate whosoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, as do their shadows in the morning and the evening hours. (ar-R`ad, 15) |
and
Hast thou not seen that unto Allah payeth adoration whosoever is in the heavens and whosoever is in the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the hills, and the trees, and the beasts, and many of mankind, while there are many unto whom the doom is justly due. He whom Allah scorneth, there is none to give him honour. Lo! Allah doeth what He will.(al-Hajj, 18) |
May God forgive us because we are sinners. Every few minutes, or even every few seconds we commit so many sins, thus we are in need of our Lord's forgiveness for the honor of His Most Praised Servant Sayyidina Muhammad, peace and blessings of God be upon him. This holiest of nights is granted to him from his Lord Almighty Allah. In it all powers adorn him, all lights illuminate him and all angels come to him. the Archangel Gabriel comes to him, and he is dressed with countless honors on this holy night. The angels ask forgiveness [from Allah for people] for the sake of the master of humanity (Sayyid al Bashar), to the Owner of creation (Rabb al-Ka'inat).
For his honor, may God forgive us and take away our bad states. May Allah change our conditions from bad to good and change everything in us to be for His Sake. May we be good servants, obedient servants, beloved servants, respected servants, praised servants. Try to be servants such as this. For that reason, attend humbly to worship on that night as our Beloved Prophet (SWS) directed us:
"Whosoever offers voluntary prayers during the Night of Power out of belief and expecting from Allah its reward will have his past sins forgiven." [Bukhari and Muslim] |
Now I would like to pray the Prayer of Recollection (salat ul-tasabih) to express a little bit of praising from our side to glorify our Lord Almighty Allah. That glorifying Allah Almighty in salat ul-tasabih consists four cycles of prayer (raka'ats) in which we are glorify our Lord 300 times by saying "Glory be to God, all praise be to God, there is no god but the One God Allah, God is Most Great!" (Ar. "Subhanallahi wal hamdulillahi wa la ilaha illa Allahu wa Allahu Akbar." May Allah Almighty glorify His beloved and most praised servant, Sayyidina Muhammad (S), and may mercy from His endless mercy oceans fall on you, and fall on our descendents, and fall on our ancestors, fall upon east and west, and may its blessing fall upon all from North to South, upon all oceans and upon all continents.
Allah Allah...Karim Allah...Aziz Allah...Subhan Allah...Sultan Allah Oh our Lord You are the only Sultan. Raise up Your Work and bring down the work of destructive disbelief and evil which seeks to harm Your human beings and all other creations by means of a destined appointed and authorized sultan from your Divine Presence.
Bihurmat al habeeb wa bi hurmati al fatiha.
[for the sake of the Beloved, for his sake we recite the Opening Chapter of Quran]
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
Ramadhan -Gates of Mercy -Talk by Sheikh Nazim Al-Haqqani
The Prophet (s) gave good tidings about this holy month. The first third of this Holy Ramadan is the days of mercy for all people, ten days, the second ten days are the days of forgiveness of Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala, and the last one-third, is freedom from Hell for believers--Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala freeing them from Hell. Therefore, believers who try to keep the Lord’s orders during the days of Blessed Ramadan by fasting and during the night by praying Tarawih1 and night prayers (tahajjud), may be rewarded by our Lord giving them immunity, safety (bara`a) from Hell, and they have been given good tidings of Paradise.2 The whole spiritual structure of mankind is built on cleanliness, and it is impossible for a person to improve his spiritual station without first attaining complete cleanliness, physically and spiritually. Fasting is a beginning for spiritual cleanliness. The first step is the common level of fasting: trying to free yourself from your nafs' commands and control. As long as you are under the control of your nafs you remain unclean. Therefore the first level of fasting is to compel our ego so that we may take control from its hands and put control in our own hands--therefore we abstain from eating, drinking and sexual contact in the daytime. The first step is to avoid what is halal (permitted) on every day except during Ramadan. Eating and drinking and having sexual intercourse are halal; but in Ramadan, the permitted thing becomes haram--forbidden--during the daytime. That is the basic level of cleanliness, but it is of a higher purpose to seek even greater cleanliness. To attain greater cleanliness, the second step is to try to be clean from sins: you must guard your eyes, your tongue, your ears, your hands, your feet and all the parts of your body from wrongdoing. You must tell yourself, " O my tongue! Just as you are keeping yourself from tasting food and drink, yet still you must be careful. Don't say anything that is prohibited." That second step--to clean ourselves from all prohibited actions and sins makes us physically and spiritually lighter; we may move toward higher spiritual stations. Yet it is not enough. The third step is for hearts: you must attend to your heart. Allah Almighty is telling us: "your heart belongs to Me." Among the Children of Adam, every part of the body belongs to him but one. "Your heart belongs to Me, not to anyone else," He says, "Therefore I am asking that it be clean, absolutely clean."3 How can it be clean? Everything except Allah Almighty and His Pleasure must be put out of your heart. Every time you are by yourself, you can look into your heart to see if you are with your Lord or with someone or something else. Whenever you examine your heart and find yourself with your Lord, Almighty Allah, you must deem yourself fortunate. At that time divine light will enter your heart, and you may reach the true pleasure of faith. The Prophet (s) said, "The lustful glance is one of the poison arrows of Satan. He who because of pity abstains therefrom will receive from Allah a belief, the sweetness of which will fill his heart." Thus it is important for every believer to control his or her every action. Without guarding our actions we are destined to lose. And every action begins with a thought. Satan is well-aware of the nature of mankind. In every kind of thought he has put some of his tricks. Whoever is able to control his thoughts, may be safe from Satan’s promptings; but whoever is unable to control them will have his mind filled with evil ideas and falsehood. Whoever is under Satan’s control cannot be an obedient servant to his Lord. As Muslims and believers this must be our first concern--to control ourselves. If you find any of Satan’s control affecting yourself, in either actions or thoughts, you must strive to make them clean. When Ramadan comes to an end, we may find ourselves "crying for Ramadan". This month gives so much pleasure to us, through our increased obedience and worship of Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala. These two are the source of all true happiness--obedience and worship. For that reason the Prophet (s) "and the apple of my eyes is prayer--salaat". Allah Almighty sent us His messages through His prophets. The summary of those messages is that people should take control of themselves. Therefore Allah Almighty orders prayers five times a day, plus Sunnah worship as well. There are the five times of prayer which Allah Almighty makes obligatory on His servants, but the Prophet (s) did Sunnah-prayers by day and by night also, so that those times of praying are always putting control on our limbs and on our hearts. Allah Almighty says in a hadith qudsi, "O My servant! If you take one step toward Me, I take ten toward you." Therefore we are in need to be active for His Sake. Make your steps more firm on the Straight Path and more powerful, day by day. It is this holy season of worshipping which will cause you to move toward Allah Almighty. "When Ramadan comes... a caller calls out every night: 'Oh seeker of Good, draw near! Oh seeker of Evil, desist!' " [an-Nasa'i]. Therefore, this month presents a special opportunity: one for increased worship and increased devotion. In it are prescribed tarawih and the night prayers by means of which one may move ever closer to Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala. we have an opportunity during Holy Ramadan more than at any other time. The one who is able to control himself during Ramadan is going to be able, with Allah Almighty’s support, to take control of himself for the other eleven months. Everything begins small and grows, good things and bad things, good habits and bad habits; for each one we have a beginning. And the beginning is difficult, but you must be patient and continue; if you know that something is right, you must continue to keep on that way, even though it may be so difficult. Difficulties may be overcome by a strong faith and strong faith is with those people who are able to control themselves. Therefore make a firm and continuous intention to increased devotion, not only for for this holy month, Ramadan, but make it continuous always. NOTES: 2 "This is a month, the first part of which brings Allah’s Mercy, the middle of which brings Allah’s forgiveness and the last part of which brings emancipation from hellfire." [Bukhari]. 3This is one tafsir of the hadith qudsi: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Allah said: The Fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is a screen (from Hell) and there are two pleasures for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. And the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah's Sight than the smell of musk." [Bukhari]Ramadan - The Gates of Allah’s Mercy
Shaykh Muhammad Nazim Adil al-Haqqani
Increased Worship - A Means of Approaching Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
Khatm for Grand Sheikh Abdullah Ad-Dagestani
786
As Salaam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh
Mashallah & May Allah Almighty bless and reward, here and hereafter, everyone that took part across the world for Grand Sheikh Abdullah Faiz Ad-Dagestani's URS (4th Ramadhan) Khatm.
Mashallah many thanks to brother Sajad who was instrumental in helping getting the word out for this Khatm (and others to come too!).
Khatm Total: Tuesday 25th- August 4.41pm - GMT
1,172,711 -Kalima
893,700 - Salawat
296 - Yasin
1341 - Ikhlaas Shareef
800 - Shahadah
4 - Dalail Khayrat
100s of Surah Fatiha
also many Juz's from Quran -Also other Dhikr of Allah, Bismillah, has also been read too,
We are fortunate to have the opportunity to remember Allah Almighty in this Holy month of Ramadhan and He has given his endless Mercy through His Holy Rememberance to benefit everyone.
We have relayed this message to Cyprus and Inshallah wait for a response.
There will be other Khatms following Inshallah and this will be posted shortly.
Salaams
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
Thursday, 6 August 2009
Khatm for Haji Nefi Adil, Elder brother of Sheikh Nazim Al-Haqqani
Salaams to All
Alhamdulillah Bismillah
Both brother Sajad and us would like to thank everyone that took part in the Khatm of Shaykh Nazim's elder brother's, Haji Nefi (as confirmed was a secret Awliya of Allah), Khatm.
Alhamdulillah - the totals read by 3:11pm 6th Thursday August 2009
381,400 kalima
152,500 salawat
209 yasin
1,000 Ikhlas
1 Dalail khayrat
The numbers and message have been passed on and we hope, Inshallah, to hear back with a message shortly.
====================================================
Urs Khatm for Grandsheikh Shaykh Abdullah Ad-Dagestani (KS)
Passed away September 30th, 1973 CE- which is 4th of Ramadan, 1393 H.
====================================================
The next Khatm will be for Grandsheikh Shaykh Abdullah Ad-Dagestani (KS) & gift for Sheikh Nazim also we intend to target to achieve 1,000,000 Kalima, 250,000 Salawat & 99 Yasin.
Inshallah, with Divine support through all of the Sheikhs of the Golden Chain of the Naqshbandi Order and our good intentions we will collectively reach this for their sake.
Salaam Alaikum
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
15 Shaban - Prayers on this Holy Night - 5 or 6 August 2009
Salaams
According to your Islamic Calendar, 15 Shaban falls on this evening or tomorrow evening.
Here are the Nafl (optional) prayers below for believing men and women to gain forgiveness, blessings and Divine Mercy from God Almighty.
On the Holy Night of 15th Shaban, after Maghrib or Isha prayer it is traditional practice to read Surah Yasin three times, and after each time, read a special du'a with the following intentions:
1st Yasin then 2 rakah Nafil reading the niyyat (intention) for should be for a Long Pious & Righteous Life - Read Dua Nisf-Shaban after each Yasin
2nd Yasin then 2 rakah Nafil reading the niyyat (intention) should be for Protection from Heavenly & Wordly Calamities - Dua Nisf-Shaban as above
3rd Yasin then 2 rakah Nafil Reading the niyyat (intention) should be for not being needy to anyone except Allah - Dua Nisf Shaban as above
It is highly advisable that just as others observe this night, you observe it too. To make an invitation to feed people on that night, to remember Allah (swt) and to remember His Prophet (s), and to fast its day and pray its night, will be rewarded for that night and for whoever observes it.
In order to observe the Night of Bara'ah, one should remain awakened in this night as much as one can. If someone has better opportunities, he should spend the whole night in worship and prayer. However, if one cannot do so, he/she can select a considerable portion of the night, preferably of the second half of it for this purpose and should perform the following acts of worship:
The Prayer of Benefits Salat al-Khair
It is good to spend that night praying Salat ul-Khair, which conists of 100 raka'ts, in each raka't reciting Sura al-Fatiha and 10 Surat Ikhlas. To complete the prayer one recites 1000 Sura Ikhlas.
The Night of Bara'ah is a night in which special blessings are directed towards the Muslims. Therefore, this night should be spent in total submission to Allah Almighty, and one should refrain from all those activities which may displease Allah.
Fast of the 15th Sha'ban On the day immediately following the Night of Bara'ah, i.e. the 15th of Sha'ban, it is mustahabb (advisable) to keep fast. Prophet Muhammad (s), is reported to have recommended this fast emphatically. A large number of the predecessors (salaf) of the Ummah have been observing the fast of the 15th of Sha'ban.
Therefore, it is advisable to fast the 15th of Sha'ban as an optional (nafl) fast. One can also keep a fast of qada on this day and it is hoped that he can also benefit from the merits of this fast.
Abu Huraira (may Allah be well pleased with him) reported the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) as saying: Gabriel (peace be upon him) came to me on the night of mid-Sha'ban and said to me: "O Muhammad, raise your head heavenwards!" I asked him: "What night is this?" and he replied: " This is the night when Allah (Glorified is He) opens three hundred of the gates of mercy, forgiving all who do not make anything His partner . The only exceptions are those who practice sorcery or divination, are addicted to wine, or persist in usury and illicit sex; these He does not forgive until they repent."
At a quarter of the night, Gabriel (peace be upon him) came down and said: "0 Muhammad, raise your head!" So I looked up, to behold the gates of Paradise wide open. At the first gate an angel was calling: "Good news for those who bow in worship this night!" At the second gate an angel was calling: "Good news for those who prostrate themselves in worship this night!" At the third gate an angel was calling: "Good news for those who offer supplication this night!" At the fourth gate an angel was calling: "Good news for those who make remembrance this night!" At the fifth gate an angel was calling: "Good news for those who weep this night from fear of Allah!" At the sixth gate an angel was calling: "Good news for those who submit this night!" At the seventh gate an angel was calling: "Will anyone ask, that his request may be granted?" At the eighth gate an angel was calling: "Will anyone seek forgiveness, that he may be forgiven?"
I said: " O Gabriel, how long will these gates remain open?" He replied: "From the beginning of the night until the break of dawn." Then he said: "0 Muhammad, tonight Allah has as many slaves emancipated from the Fire as the number of woolly hairs on the flocks and herds ofKalb."
Most extracts taken from the Ghawth-Al-A'zam Sayyid Abdul Qadir Gilani-Book al-Ghunya li-Talibi - Complied by Muhammad Sajad Ali Qadiri
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Sufi Meditation (Zikr) - Thursday - 30 July 2009
Salaams All
Alhamdulillah we had our second LIVE webcast through Livestream tonight. Inshallah this will be available every week BUT it doesn't mean you should not and try attend in person! Did the stream break after a while? Can someone let us know when and how long it lasted?
We were nicely surprised to see brother Aslam here and everyone who regularly attends and one or two new faces. Please, please, please ask new people coming to attend for their contact details, especially, email as we can keep everyone update on news and events as they happen.
Unfortunately, we did not see Shk Nadeem or Shk Ramadhan but Inshallah see them next week.
Jazakhallah again to brother Rahil & Auntie who bring the delicious food all the way from Dulwich.
As always, we are keen to hear of your experience of the Zikr and any feedback will be appreciated. We are in process of preparing pamphlets with the Zikr in transliteration and translation so please bear with us on this.
Inshallah see you all, and the ones who could not make it, next Thursday Inshallah!
Salaams
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
Month of Shaban - the month of The Holy Prophet (SWS)
Salaams
Sha`ban is one of the meritorious months for which we find particular instructions in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SWS).
It is reported in authentic Ahadith that Prophet Muhammad (SWS), used to fast most of the month in Sha`ban. These fasts are supererogatory (Nafl) and well deserving of reward, for Sha`ban is the month immediately preceding the month of Ramadan.
The Prophet mentioned in a hadith, "Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha`ban is my month and Ramadan is the month of the Nation". (Imam Bukhari RA)
1. The blessed companion Anas (RA), reports that Prophet Muhammad (SWS), was asked, "Which fast is the most meritorious after the fasts of Ramadan?" He replied, "Fasts of Sha`ban in honor of Ramadan."
2. The blessed companion Usama ibn Zaid (RA), reports that he asked Prophet Muhammad (SWS): "Messenger of Allah, I have seen you fasting in the month of Sha`ban so frequently that I have never seen you fasting in any other month." Prophet Muhammad (SWS), replied: "That (Sha`ban) is a month between Rajab and Ramadan which is neglected by many people. And it is a month in which an account of the deeds (of human beings) is presented before the Lord of the universe, so, I wish that my deeds be presented at a time when I am in a state of fasting."
3. Ummul Mu'mineen `Aishah (RA), says, "Prophet Muhammad (SWS), used to fast the whole of Sha`ban. I said to him, 'Messenger of Allah, is Sha`ban your favorite month for fasting?' He said, 'In this month Allah prescribes the list of the persons dying this year. Therefore, I like that my death comes when I am in a state of fasting.’"
4. In another Tradition Ummul Mu'mineen `Aishah (RA) says, "Prophet Muhammad (SWS), would sometimes begin to fast continuously until we thought he would not stop fasting, and sometimes he used to stop fasting until we thought he would never fast. I never saw the Messenger of Allah (S) fasting a complete month, except the month of Ramadan, and I have never seen him fasting in a month more frequently than he did in Sha`ban."
5. In another Tradition Ummul Mu'mineen `Aishah (RA) says, "I never saw the Messenger of Allah, (SWS), fasting in a month so profusely as he did in the month of Sha`ban. He used to fast in that month leaving only a few days, rather, he used to fast almost the whole of the month."
6. Ummul-Mu'mineen Umm Salamah (RA), says: "I have never seen the Messenger of Allah fasting for two months continuously except in the months of Sha`ban and Ramadan."
These reports indicate that fasting in the month of Sha`ban, though not obligatory, is so meritorious that Prophet Muhammad (SWS) did not like to miss it.
*** The Night of Bara`ah
Another significant feature of the month of Sha`ban is that it consists of a night which is termed in Shari`ah as "Laylatul-Bara`ah" (The night of freedom from Fire). This is the night occurring between 14th and 15th day of Sha`ban. Traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SWS), prove that it is a meritorious night in which the people of the earth are attended by special Divine mercy. We will be posting much more about this blessed night shortly.
*** What should be done in this night?
On the Holy Night of 15th Shaban, after Maghrib and between Isha prayer, it is traditional practice to read Surah Yasin three times, and after each time, read a special Du`a (Du'a Nisf Shaban) with the following intentions:
1st reading of Yaseen with the Niyyat (intention) for should be for Long Life.
2nd reading of Yaseen with the Niyyat (intention) should be for Protection from Calamities.
3rd Reading of Yaseen with the Niyyat (intention) should be for not being needy to anyone except Allah.
It is necessary that just as others observe this night, you observe it. To make an invitation to feed people on that night, to remember Allah (SWT) and to remember His Prophet (SWS) and to fast its day and pray its night will be rewarded for that night and for whoever observes it. In order to observe the Night of Bara`ah one should remain awake in this night as much as possible.
If someone has better opportunities, he should spend the whole night in worship and prayer. However, if you for one reason or another, you can select a considerable portion of the night, preferably of the second half of it for this purpose and should perform the following acts of worship: It is good to spend that night praying Salat al-Khair which conists of 100 raka`ts, in each raka`t reciting Sura al-Fatiha and 10 Surat Ikhlas. To complete the prayer you recite 1000 Sura Ikhlas.
The Night of Bara`ah is a night in which special blessings are directed towards the Muslims. Therefore, this night should be spent in total submission to Allah Almighty, and one should refrain from all those activities which may displease Allah.
*** Fast of the 15th Shaban
On the day immediately following the Night of Bara`ah, i.e. the 15th of Sha`ban, it is mustahabb (advisable) to keep fast. Prophet Muhammad (SWS), is reported to have recommended this fast emphatically. A large number of the predecessors (Salaf) of the Ummah have been observing the fast of the 15th of Sha`ban.
Therefore, it is advisable to fast the 15th of Sha`ban as an optional (Nafl) fast. One can also keep a fast of Qada on this day and it is hoped that he can also benefit from the merits of this fast.
Source: Sayyid Abdul Qadir Gilani (KS) (Ghawth-i `Adham)
Al-Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq
Excellency of 15th Sha'ban
There are some other narrations that inform us about the excellency of the 15th night of Sha'ban. Imam Ibn Majah states:
"It is narrated by Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stated, 'When it is the 15th night of Sha'ban, do qiyam[stand in prayer] in the night, and fast in the morning, and ask for forgiveness because on that night Allah calls:'Is there anyone who is asking for forgiveness so that I can forgive them, who is in distress that I may relieve his distress. Is there anyone who needs provision that I may give it to him.'And this continues till the morning'"
[Ibn Majah, chapter on 'Salat']
Imam at-Tirmidhi writes:
"'A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: 'On this night the Prophet went to Jannat al-Baqi' to make du'a'; I followed him. The Prophet said to me: 'Allah puts His attention towards the first Heaven, and forgives the sins of the people, even if they were equivalent to the hairs of the goats of Bani Qalb [A tribe who at the time had a lot of goats]'"
[At-Tirmidhi, 'Kitab as-Siyam]
Imam al-Bukhari has objected upon one narrator but this is compensated by the fact that Ibn Majah has narrated it with different chains. Allama adh-adh-Dhahabi,and Hafiz Ibn Kathir quote from Hafiz Abu Zur'a that only 30 ahadith in Ibn Majah are weak [adh-Dhahabi, Tadhkirat al-Huffaz; Ta'rikh Ibn Kathir, 'Biography of Ibn Majah']
Some other people have stated that more than 30 ahadith are da'if (weak) but the narrations we have are not amongst those 30, and that is why these ahadith can be used to support the validity of 15th Sha'ban night.
Even Imam at-Tirmidhi's narration is weak but this does not belittle the subject when it concerns its merits and excellence - since weak narrations are still acceptable. However, we would like to ask those people who are so against the observance of 15th of Sha'ban, whether they have even a weak hadith to disprove the prayers on the 15th of Sha'ban? In reality they have no narration against the 15th night of Sha'ban. If there are any they should produce it.
Those who are against the 15th night of Sha'ban usually ask, 'Why do you celebrate the 15th night of Sha'ban?' An appropriate answer might be, 'Why do all of the Saudi Arabian scholars celebrate Laylat al-Qadr on the 27th night of Ramadan in Haramayn (Makka and Madina)? Did the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and his Companions celebrate the Laylat al-Qadr on the 27th night of Ramadan?' The answer is clearly, 'No, they did not.' So if this is permitted then the 15th night of Sha'ban is permitted as well.
Ruling regarding 15th of Sha'ban
The Ahl As-Sunnah say that observing the 15th night od Sha'ban is a permissible act, but it is not a Sunna. There is enough proof that if the majority of the Muslims consider it to be good then it is sufficient.As the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stated: 'The thing that a group of a Muslims says is good, it is accepted by Allah[ Mishkat, chapter on 'Istihsan']
Two great followers of Ibn Taymiyya and Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhab an-Najdi, are Hafiz 'Abdullah Rawpari and Thana'ullah Amritsari, who both state that to worship on the 15th night of Sha'ban is not a bid'a and the person who worships on this night will obtain reward for it. The narrations concerning this night are weak but this does not matter since weak ahadith are acceptable for virtuous actions
[Hafiz Rawpari, Fatawa Ahl al-Hadith; Amritsari, T., Fatawa Thana'iya, chapter on 'Fasting']
Hafiz Ibn Taymiyya writes:
"The excellency regarding the 15th of Sha'ban is an area of dispute between the scholars; some of them say that there is no significance of this night, but Imam Ahmed recognises the excellency of this night, and our other Hanbali scholars also agree with Imam Ahmed.There are ahadith on this night being significant, some of them are from the Sunnan of At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and other books of Ahadith as well"
[Ibn Taymiyya, Iqtida Sirat al-Mustaqim, page 203]
The people who reject the significance of this night argue that the Holy Qur'an was not revealed on this night so that is why there is no significance of this night. It is true that the Holy Qur'an was revealed in Ramadan, but the significance is due to the ahadith that tells us about the reward one will obtain if one worships on the 15th night of Sha'ban.
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
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