Category: Travelling the Path

Defence Against Tribulation

Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) teaches us that our connection to Allah and His Beloved  ﷺ  are a defence against tribulation. He also helps us to understand some of the divisions among the Companions and the concepts of tawassul and service. 

All credit belongs to the Prophet ﷺ, our guide and teacher. The good works of anyone who reached any rank will be recorded in the Prophet’s book – from the Siddiqun and the greatest of them: Abu Bakr, `Umar, `Uthman and `Ali – to the first of the Muhajirun and the Ansar, to the Ahl al-Bayt, the scholars and callers to Allah. Every mosque and institute of knowledge that Allah accepted will be recorded in his book. Continue reading Defence Against Tribulation

On Intentions for Sport

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

What intentions should we make when we play sports?

You should intend to gain strength to worship Allah and obey His commands and to use it to gently call people to Allah. You should remember Allah while taking part.

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 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