On Truthfulness

Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) expounds on some of the meanings of truthfulness.

Truthfulness (sidq) is a station beyond sincerity (ikhlas). Sincerity relates to your intention and your purpose. Truthfulness is comprehensive and incorporates every expression of your approach to Allah, your aims and your mastering and perfecting your actions. One way of differentiating between the two is that the truthful person has no pride in his actions (‘ujb), whereas the sincere person shows no ostentation (riya’). Continue reading On Truthfulness

On Serving Others While Studying

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

How can a student of knowledge be involved in serving others while not being distracted from his studies?

You can give sincere advice (nasihah) and encouragement to your fellow students and you can serve them in things which do not take a lot of time and effort. You can use your knowledge to write articles on beneficial topics.

On Teaching Islam to Prisoners

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

I work as an imam in a prison. What topics should I talk about when I teach the inmates?

This is an important job and allows you to benefit people by calling them to Allah. We are happy that you are doing it. Focus on things which strengthen their iman and trust in Allah. You should remind them of the importance of staying on the Straight Path, which saves them from the prison of this life and the greater prison in the next life. Remind them of the different states of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Remind them of the importance of having sabr (patience and fortitude) and remind them that they will be rewarded if they are patient and it will have a good impact on their time in prison. Continue reading On Teaching Islam to Prisoners

True Intellect

Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) reflects upon the true meaning of intellect.

To truly possess intellect means to understand the truth that Allah revealed to the Messenger of Truth ﷺ. Whoever does not understand this cannot be described as possessing intellect. Such a person may know how to eat and drink, trade, give and take in this worldly life, but Allah guides even animals to some of these things. He is the One who apportions and guides. He guides animals to fulfil their worldly needs:

Continue reading True Intellect

On Dealing With Those Who Backbite Us

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

How do we deal with those who backbite us, particularly if it has negative consequences on our dawah efforts?

You should ask Allah that He allows such people to repent. You should rely upon Allah’s bounty and generosity in attaining success in dawah and do not be concerned by these perceived negative consequences. All the Prophets and Messengers suffered backbiting and mockery but this did not prevent them from being successful in their dawah. The Devil often deceives people into making perceived negative consequences an excuse not to pardon and forgive the person who has wronged them. Rather you should follow the Prophet ﷺ and the pious in swiftly forgiving such people. If you are truthful in this, Allah will aid your dawah efforts.

On Carrying a Staff

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

 Is it a sunnah to carry a staff?

Someone may carry one out of need due to old age or poor health. Other than that, it is a sunnah for the khatib to carry it while delivering the khutbah on Friday and for someone travelling. At the age of forty, Imam al-Shafi`i started to carry a staff. When asked about this (since he was still in good health) he said that it was to remind him that he was travelling, meaning to the next life. There is no harm in anyone carrying one unless it is the custom in a certain area that only people of knowledge and piety or older people carry one. In that case, the custom of that area should be respected. A woman should only use a staff if she needs it due to old age or poor health. Otherwise her modesty should prevent her from doing so.

 

 

On the Intention for Reciting Surat al-Waq’iah

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

With what intention should we recite Surat al-Waq’iah?

We should recite Surat al-Waq’iah with the intention of increasing in certainty and increasing in inward and outward provision. The Surah mentions the states of the hereafter, reflecting upon which is one of the foundations in strengthening one’s certainty. Allah also calls us to strengthen our certainty by looking at the created things around us: Do you see the seed that you sow in the ground? Is it you that cause it to grow or are We the cause? Do you see the water which you drink? Do you bring it down from the clouds or do We?

On the Method of Seclusion (Khalwah)

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

How do I go about secluding myself for the purpose of worship (making khalwah)?

Any time in which you are alone focusing on Allah is a type of khalwah. At that time you should recite the Qur’an or adhkar which have been transmitted. The purpose of khalwah is focusing oneself on Allah, being present with Him and purifying your heart. The most beneficial dhikr for the majority of Muslims and those at the beginning of the path is la ilaha ill’Allah. The utmost benefit in times of seclusion is obtained through the permission and observation of your shaykh and through his giving you adhkar which are appropriate to you.

Differentiating Between Being Proud of One’s Religion and Between Being Arrogant

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

How do we differentiate between being proud of one’s religion and being arrogant?

Being proud of one’s religion is coupled with humility, fear of the return to Him and good action according to the Sacred Law and in veneration of it. At the core of our religion is humility, fear of Allah, being good to people and wisdom. The two greatest signs that point to someone being arrogant are that they look down upon others and do not accept the truth when confronted by it. Arrogant people are certain that they are better than others and do not live in fear of a bad ending.

On Scholars Taking Political Stances

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

Many of the scholars of whom we have a high opinion of have taken political stances in these times of discord. How should we deal with this?

If they have taken political stances we should firmly believe that they have taken these stances on the basis of understanding given to them by Allah. We accept their stances but do not follow them in them and do not publicise those stances. We should follow them in other things.