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 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).

On Travelling to Allah in a Bad Environment

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

How can I travel the path to Allah when I am in a bad environment which hardens my heart?

You can do this by making sure your heart is continually present with Allah and those in Allah’s presence. Thus although your body is in a bad environment, your heart is in a good one. You can only do this by sincerely turning to Allah and by forcing yourself to be present with Him. One of the best means of softening the heart is bestowing abundant prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ and imagining that you are in the blessed Rawdah in front of him.

On Spreading Good Traits

Advice from Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) on spreading good traits.

The things which you wish for Allah to make a reality in the world – make them a reality among yourselves. According to your perseverance and the degree to which you do this, you have a guarantee that Allah will make them a reality in the world. Continue reading On Spreading Good Traits

Love for and Etiquette with One’s Shaykh

“How do we attain true love for our shaykh?”

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

“By asking for that from Allah and pleading with Him to be given it. We should also study how the Companions were with the Messenger of Allah, and how the seekers of the past were with their shaykhs. We can find this in their biographies.” Continue reading Love for and Etiquette with One’s Shaykh