Main Topic
This lecture expands on the advices of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (Radiyallahu 'Anhu) to Yazid bin Abi Sufyan when sending him as commander to Sham. The discussion emphasizes internal Taqwa, humility, resolving interpersonal/financial conflicts, seeking true spiritual reformation (islah), avoiding traits of pre-Islamic ignorance (Jahiliyyah), and fulfilling the rights of children.
Key Lessons
- Internal and External Taqwa: Allah Ta'ala sees our internal states and motivations just as clearly as He sees our outward acts of worship.
- Humility over Ego: Conflicts and unresolved business or personal debts stem from pride and an unwillingness to humble oneself to make things right.
- True Spiritual Reformation (Islah): Itikaaf is meant for seclusion and worship, whereas islah requires full transparency and submission to a spiritual mentor (Sheikh).
- Avoiding Jahiliyyah: Modern Muslims risk reverting to pre-Islamic traits of ignorance such as arrogance, lawlessness, lack of ethics, and prohibition violations (e.g., alcohol consumption).
- Fulfilling Children's Rights: Parents must dedicate time and give proper nurture (tarbiyat) to their children rather than neglecting them under the guise of work or religious activities.
Quranic/Hadith References
- Surah Ali 'Imran (3:140): Mentioned regarding the alternating fortunes of life—how Allah rotates periods of ease and difficulty among people.
- Hadith on Forgiveness: The Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam) instructed that one should forgive a servant 70 times a day, highlighting the imperative of showing mercy and tolerance to fellow humans.
- Hadith on Rights of Creditors: An incident where a creditor demanded repayment harshly before its due date, and the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam) restrained the Sahaba, stating that the person owed a right has leeway to speak.
Practical Advice
- Address financial debts, mistakes, or interpersonal misunderstandings directly and humbly instead of avoiding the person involved.
- Admit fault readily to family members and spouses to preserve harmony and eliminate pride.
- When seeking self-rectification (islah), be fully transparent about internal spiritual sicknesses like anger, envy, and arrogance.
Hazrat Moulana Dawood Seedat Saheb