This is the second of six classes on Imam al-Ghazali’s Disciplining the Soul taught by Habib Umar bin Hafiz in Denmark in 2010 Continue reading Disciplining the Soul (Class 2)
Month: June 2013
On Raising Our Aspirations
Advice from Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).
We all need immense aspiration (himmah). Do not believe for a moment that Allah’s treasure troves have decreased in any way or that His gifts have stopped coming. To believe that constitutes a rejection of Allah’s blessings. Continue reading On Raising Our Aspirations
On Improving Relations with Relatives
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).
How can we improve our relations with our relatives?
You can do this by sincerely wanting the best for them and using wisdom and gentleness in your dealings with them. Continue reading On Improving Relations with Relatives
Disciplining the Soul (Class 1)
This is the first of six classes on Imam al-Ghazali’s Disciplining the Soul taught by Habib Umar bin Hafiz in Denmark in 2010 Continue reading Disciplining the Soul (Class 1)
Reacting to Anti-Muslim Hostility
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
Acts of terror often result in a backlash against Muslims living in the West. How should they react in these situations?
This is a test for Muslims. If they wish to pass the test, they must respond in the best way. Muslims need to clarify the truth and absolve themselves from acts that contravene the Sacred Law. They should be patient in the face of hostility. As Allah says: When the ignorant address them, say: “Peace” (25:63). If Muslims continue to clarify the truth with their words and their deeds, the reality of Islam will become manifest and those who hate Islam and those who are biased against it will not have any ground to stand on. It will become clear that a religion cannot be held responsible for the actions of a few individuals unless the religion itself condones those actions. Continue reading Reacting to Anti-Muslim Hostility
Actions on the Night of the Isra and Mi’raj
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).
What should we do on the night of the Isra and Mi’raj?
Nothing specific is prescribed on that night. However, if you hold a gathering, you should talk about the Prophet ﷺ and the Mi’raj and pray for the Ummah in abundance. Fasting on the following day (27th Rajab) is also good. Rewards for doing so are mentioned in some narrations. Although these narrations are weak, fasting is generally recommended in the sacred months, of which Rajab is one.
On How to Benefit from the Dowra
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
We are planning to attend the Dowra in Tarim this year. How can we prepare to attain the biggest of openings?
Attend the Dowra with truthfulness, sincerity, humility and veneration. Broaden your perspective on everything you experience, have a present heart, maintain a good opinion and be keen to benefit. May Allah grant us all success. Continue reading On How to Benefit from the Dowra
On Working in a Bank
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).
What is the ruling on working in a bank which deals with interest? Continue reading On Working in a Bank
On Delaying Hajj
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).
What is the ruling on spending money on other things if someone has enough money to perform Hajj?
It is permissible to spend money on anything that is permissible. However, if someone has the financial means to perform Hajj in a given year but does not do so, then this person is negligent, even though many of the scholars say that if someone anticipates being able to perform Hajj in future years, the obligation is not immediate. There is no harm in spending money on those in dire need or spending it on travelling to seek obligatory knowledge (instead of spending it on performing Hajj).