On Dealing With Negative Thoughts

What is the origin of negative thoughts and whisperings and how do we deal with them?

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

They may be either be a type of punishment for disobedience or a test from Allah. Either way, they do not harm the person as long as they dislike and ignore them. Of course, if someone has fallen into disobedience, they must make tawbah. These thoughts may also be the work of the Devil, who out of envy attempts to shake that person’s faith and tranquillity of heart. Allah says: Secret conversation is the work of Satan, designed to cause trouble to the believers, though it cannot harm them in the least unless God permits it. Let the believers put their trust in God (58:10). There is a great reward in remaining steadfast and not allowing yourself to be affected by these thoughts, and if someone is truthful, Allah will remove them.

See also:

https://muwasala.org/2013/04/27/on-removing-bad-thoughts/

On Reciting Salawat Compilations

Should I give preference to reading Dala’il al-Khayrat or Habib Ali al-Habashi’s Majma al-Lata’if al-Arshiyyah?

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

The best thing would be to recite a portion of both (or any other similar compilation of salawat) daily but if this is not possible then you should alternate between the two. All these books are filled with light. In addition, you should give priority to any salat that your shaykh has instructed you to recite or any salat which you find especially beneficial in connecting your heart to the Prophet ﷺ.

On Buying Products from Countries in which Muslims are Being Oppressed

I buy and sell products online and I found that most of the products I was buying are produced in countries in which Muslims are being oppressed. Should I continue buying from these countries?

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

Unfortunately Muslims suffer oppression both in non-Muslim countries and in Muslim countries. If you know for certain that your money will be used in acts of disobedience to Allah or that it will benefit individuals or companies known to be engaged in this oppression then these transactions must be avoided. If that is not the case, then you are permitted to buy products from those countries. The Prophet ﷺ allowed some trade with Mecca to continue even though the disbelievers of Quraysh were oppressing the Muslims. When the Companion Thumamah bin Uthal prevented caravans from carrying food to Mecca, the Prophet commanded him to allow them to do so.

 

Bad Decisions and the Lower Self

“Kill Yusuf or banish him to another land, and your father’s attention will be free to turn to you. After that you can be righteous” (12:8).

This was Yusuf’s brothers’ plan but what did they gain? The years passed and they didn’t achieve their goal. Their father was not happy with them. He remained in a state of sadness and their life remained difficult. In fact, they only got what they wanted when they recognised Yusuf’s status and submitted to him decades later. Continue reading Bad Decisions and the Lower Self

No Ordinary Love

“Although we are many, Yusuf and his brother are dearer to our father than we are – our father is clearly in the wrong” (12:8)

We find that the Prophets may love certain individuals more than others. That individual may be a wife or a child or a companion. This is because their love is for Allah’s sake. The more the individual possesses attributes beloved to Allah, the more that prophet will love them. No one would deny that the Prophet ﷺ loved Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali more than other Companions. Continue reading No Ordinary Love

The Good of this World and the Good of the Hereafter

We are all familiar with the well-known Quranic supplication: “Our Lord! Grant us the good of this world and the good of the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire” (2:201). But what is meant by the good of this world and the next? Imam al-Haddad (may Allah benefit us by him) gives three meanings for each.  

The good of this world has three meanings: Continue reading The Good of this World and the Good of the Hereafter

On Permission to Recite Prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ

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

Do we need to request permission before reciting various prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ, such as those contained in the book Dala’il al-Khayrat?

You have general permission to read any prayer upon the Prophet, ﷺ so there is no need to request permission. The main thing is that you recite it with love, longing and veneration witnessing that the Prophet ﷺ is the means for all the good that Allah gives His servants.