Month: January 2015

Salawat with Allah’s Beautiful Names: Ya Hayy (the Living)

Sayyidi Habib Umar (may Allah preserve him and benefit us by him), asks Allah, the Living, through His Beloved ﷺ to bless us with the station of the martyrs, those who are alive in the presence of their Lord. 

This prayer is taken from Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz’s collection of prayers using Allah’s beautiful names in which he calls upon Allah by His beautiful names and then asks Him to bestow prayers upon His Beloved by those names. Finally, he asks Allah for a portion of those attributes which belong to Allah and which He has bestowed upon His Messenger ﷺ. Continue reading Salawat with Allah’s Beautiful Names: Ya Hayy (the Living)

On Bestowing Abundant Prayers Upon the Prophet ﷺ

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

We have been instructed to bestow abundant prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ. How many prayers would be regarded as being abundant? Is it better to repeat a short formula so as to bestow more prayers or should I also read some longer prayers?

Some scholars say 300 prayers would be regarded as ‘abundant’. Others say 700. So try to read either number according to your ability. You should choose a prayer that you can repeat easily while also reading some other prayers even if they are long.

 

On the Best Response to Attacks Upon the Prophet ﷺ

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

What is the best response to attacks upon the Prophet ﷺ like the French cartoons?

The best response is to educate people about the Prophet ﷺ through public talks, conferences and social media. The perpetrators wish to divert the Muslims from doing that which benefits them, so we should ignore them and show the falsehood of the cartoons without mentioning the cartoons and those who drew them. The fact that people pay attention to the cartoons helps them to spread. Continue reading On the Best Response to Attacks Upon the Prophet ﷺ

On Killing and Oppression Occurring in Blessed Lands

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).

How can killing and oppression take place in lands where there are numerous pious people? Do the pious not protect such areas from these tribulations?

Does not the existence of these pious people make it incumbent upon the habitants of those lands to realise their sanctity and follow their example? Continue reading On Killing and Oppression Occurring in Blessed Lands

On Going into Business and Relying Upon Allah

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

If someone is able to start a business should they do so? Is there a contradiction between going into business and relying upon Allah (tawakkul)?

The one who is able to do business and has lawful means should do so with a good intention but this should not distract him from doing something which is more important. In his business, he should intend to benefit others. A believer must rely upon Allah whether he is in business or not. This entails that he repels any fear of poverty or concern about his provision. Most people take the means to earn their provision whereas others do not. Regardless of the state that has been facilitated for them they should rely upon Allah and proceed with a tranquil heart.

On Staying Awake After Fajr

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

How can I stay awake after fajr until sunrise?

You can do this by reflecting upon the reward and benefits of doing so and by keeping this time alive with Allah’s remembrance with a group of people. If this is not possible you can drive sleep away by walking around in the place where you prayed. If you pray fajr with a small group of people you can delay the prayer so that there is not too long to wait until sunrise.