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The Definition of a Scholar (`Alim)

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

When can someone be said to be an `alim (scholar)?

Linguistically anyone who has even one piece of Islamic knowledge is an `alim (literally someone who knows). Technically speaking there is consensus that an `alim is someone who is qualified to make ijtihad (independent legal reasoning) and issue fatwa (formal legal opinion). Someone who has attained a large amount of knowledge but has not reached this level may also be called an `alim, but there is no consensus on this.

Criteria for Showing People Respect and Veneration

Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) explains the criteria for showing people respect and veneration. 

It is praiseworthy to show respect and veneration to someone to who the Sacred Law commands you to show respect, such as a scholar, an elder or your parents. Kissing someone’s hand and standing up for them when they enter is an expression of that respect and veneration. Continue reading Criteria for Showing People Respect and Veneration

Reflecting on Your Own Self

Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) emphasises the importance of reflection (tafakkur). 

If someone’s reflection is sound and their heart is pure, their reflection increases them in faith, tranquillity, certainty and knowledge of Allah. It leads them to perfect their transaction with Him. They will then receive spiritual assistance (madad) from everything that they gaze at. Continue reading Reflecting on Your Own Self

On Books Containing Deviant Beliefs

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

I have some books which contain deviant beliefs and opinions. What should I do with them?

To remove harm from the path of the believers is one of the branches of faith so you should remove these books from the path of the believers by burning them or disposing of them in any other way that is appropriate. Continue reading On Books Containing Deviant Beliefs

On Maintaining a Good Opinion of Others

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

How do I maintain a good opinion of others?

You do this by ignoring their faults and focusing on their praiseworthy qualities and by remembering that Allah may forgive anyone and give them a good ending. Be certain that the smallest of your sins is far graver than the sins of all other people. Remember that your Creator has commanded you to have a good opinion of others and to have a heart full of love and respect for them.

On Following the Sunnah and Avoiding Ostentation

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

I want to follow the Sunnah but I feel pride and ostentation in my heart when I do so. What should I do?

You should try to remove those blameworthy qualities while continuing to follow the Sunnah. The Devil may try to make you leave the Sunnah by making you fear falling into pride and ostentation. If he succeeds in doing that, he may then succeed in making you leave the prayer.

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See these classes delivered by Habib Ali al-Jifri on ostentation and how to deal with it

 

On Dealing With Parents Arguing

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

My parents are constantly arguing. What should I do?

You should not enter into the argument and you should not take sides but rather you should respect both your parents and treat them well. If you see that one of them has made a mistake and you are able to give them sincere advice then you do so with complete etiquette.

Bidding Farewell to Ramadan

We thank Allah for the blessing of Ramadan and for all that He has enabled us to do and we ask Him to give us the best ending to this blessed month.

The Messenger of Allah  ﷺ said that on the final night of the month everyone would be forgiven. His Companions asked if this night was Laylat al-Qadr.

He replied: “No, do you not see that when workers finish their work they are paid their wages in full?” Continue reading Bidding Farewell to Ramadan