On Permission to Read and Study Religious Texts

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

Do I need permission to read and study religious texts?

There is great benefit in the explanation of the scholars. Furthermore if you have permission (ijazah) from them to read or study a specific text it is more likely to be beneficial and your understanding will be deeper. However, every Muslim who studies these books will benefit, especially if one studies them with love, yearning and desire to travel the path.

Advice for Students of Knowledge

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

What advice do you have for students of knowledge?

The most important thing is that they have exaltation for the Sacred Law and sacred knowledge. They should also bring to heart the greatness of seeking knowledge in the sight of Allah and how beneficial it will be to them in the next world.

On How to Remain Joyful while Organising a Mawlid

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

I am responsible for organising a mawlid. Sometimes I am so busy with the organisation that I am not actually joyful during the mawlid. What should I do?

You should make the preparations for the mawlid while in a state of joy and at the same time following the Sunnah. The preparations should not be excessive and there should not be any ostentation. While organising you should have love for the Prophet ﷺ in your heart and be conscious that you are following him. While busy with the organisation you should be bestowing prayers upon him.

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Translator’s Note: these principles can be applied to anyone involved in organising or serving gatherings of knowledge or remembrance.

On Attending a Mawlid With Sincerity

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

How can we attend mawlid gatherings sincerely for the sake of Allah?

We should attend seeking the pleasure of the Creator through loving and venerating His Prophet ﷺ and mentioning his attributes. We should then think about how we can act upon what we hear, and improve our following of the Prophet and making a firm resolve to attain the attributes that we hear mentioned. If we do this in every mawlid we attend we will be connected to the spirit and aims of the mawlid.