Hazrat Moulana Dawood Seedat Saheb (DB)

Allah says in the Qur’an, “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed to those before you, so that you may develop taqwa”. The goal of fasting is to develop taqwa. Wise is the one who prepares accordingly by reducing sins and increasing his a’maal. Unfortunately, for most of us our goal has become filling our bellies with as many savouries as we can eat. Before Ramadan, our womenfolk are busy worrying about savouries and food in general, spending hours in the kitchen preparing them. During Ramadan we are meant to eat less than we normally do. We tend to do the exact opposite, eating better foods than normal! Our eating habits kill the roohaniyah that was meant to develop from controlling our appetite.

After all the samosas, pakoras, pies and laddus we consume, our bodies become lazy and tired. This makes it difficult to pray Taraweeh and Tahajjud and the essence of Ramadan is lost. This Ramadan put an end to this habit of over indulgence and extravagance. Speak to your wife and kindly tell her that you are not interested in over indulging. This will give her a chance to focus on worship rather than the kitchen. For the women reading this, sit your husband down and speak to him.

If he refuses then do not allow food to lead into an argument. There are already enough marital disputes in our Ummah as it is, so continue as normal with the intention to please Allah. If you have little children, preparing different savouries and desserts may be one way to get them into the spirit of Ramadan. This is fine but remember that our religion is one of moderation. Do what is required but do not overdo it. If you have little time for worship and most of your worries are on food, that is overdoing it. This may fill our bellies with food but it will empty our hearts of the noor of Ramadan which is such a shame and such a waste of reward, considering we may not even live to see the next. May Allah grant us the understanding, strength and willpower required to make this Ramadan a month of change, Aameen.

— Hazrat Ml. Dawood Seedat حفظه الله

A non-Muslim randomly entered the the Masjid a short while ago (Hazrat is speaking of Masjid-ut-Taqwa in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa). After some time, I took him to the side and asked if he was ok? He simply replied, “I just wanted to pray”. He was visibly distressed. I enquired about his situation, and he began to share his worries with me.

He told me that he is a Hindu. His girlfriend is Christian with whom he has one child. After 9 years of dating, he wants to now marry her. However, her parents refuse to accept unless he becomes a Christian too. On one hand, he wanted to remain a Hindu. Yet on the other hand, if he were to do so, she would refuse to marry him and deny him the right to see his child.
Upon hearing this all, I advised him to pray to God. He said to me, “Which God? How do I pray? I have no God in my life.”

This reply really hit me. The fact that we can speak to Allah is such a great blessing that we take for granted. We can always take comfort in the knowledge that He is omnipresent, the hearer of our duas and our unspoken thoughts and the observer of our struggles, both apparent and concealed. But non-Muslims do not have that understanding. We can always knock on His door and He will always open it and accept us into His court of mercy, whereas non-Muslims cannot find the door, let alone knock and seek His shelter.

He then asked me if he could watch us pray our Salaah, so I allowed him to sit inside. After Salaah I offered to drive him home. On the way he said to me that he appreciated watching our Salaah, and that it was peaceful. Once again, I began to wonder, that just seeing the prayer put his heart at ease but he cannot pray due to the lack of Imaan. Allah has gifted us with Imaan which allows us to actually perform Salaah and experience a greater level of peace, yet we leave it out over small reasons. May Allah guide him to Islam and guide us to gratitude. Aameen.

Extract from a Bayaan of  Hazrat Ml. Dawood Seedat حفظه الله

A person once approached Hazrat Ml. Zakariyya رحمة الله عليه to seek his advice. He told Hazrat رحمة الله عليه that for the past two months when I return home from work, I ask my wife, “Is there anything to eat?” The couple were experiencing severe poverty at the time. When she replies that there is nothing, I opt to spend the day fasting. Hazrat رحمة الله عليه replied, “Alhamdulillah. You are acting upon the Sunnah.”

In other words, Just as Nabi ﷺ had fasted during times of poverty, this person would also be emulating Nabiﷺ. Therefore, although the situation is difficult, it is close to the Sunnah and reaps rewards. This was the mindset of Hazrat رحمة الله عليه. Hazrat would notice the Sunnah more than the difficulty. In contrast, our mindset has drifted far away from the Sunnah.

For example, if a man happily announces that he bought a spacious home in a posh suburb with a loan from his bank, what would our response be? Parents would gleefully remark, “Son, you have done well!” His new purchase would become talk of the town. Now his parents would want to purchase items for his new home, like a frame with the Kabah on it. The son would be hailed a success.

Yet in reality, what has the son done by taking an interest loan? He has waged war with Allah (Qur’an, 2:278-279). He has incurred his wrath and anger. Yet we are too drunk and intoxicated in the love of this world to notice or care. Considering him successful for indulging in haram shows that our mindset is more materialistic than Islamic.

Allah tells us in the Qur’an that Jannah is being prepared as we speak for the righteous. Righteousness is the criteria. It is the ticket we need to enter the gardens of Jannah, but what does it mean to be righteous? It means to tread carefully and cautiously on earth thereby avoiding displeasure of Allah as far as possible. This is success. Success is not the indulgence in interest and sins. No matter how common it becomes always remember, a sin is a sin. There is no good outcome for it in the hereafter even if its worldly state appears beautiful in our eyes.

May Allah align our mindset with Islam and save us from sins that tempt us to displease Him, Aameen.

— Hazrat Ml. Dawood Seedat حفظه الله

An electric current flowing through a circuit cannot be seen, but it causes a light to switch on which can be seen. The current of Allah’s love flows through our heart and minds. We may not see it within ourselves or others, but it leads to the obedience of Allah which is a light that can be seen. The sign of a break in an electric current is that the light will not switch on. An electrician needs to be called now, to identify and fix the fault.

The sign of a break in the current of love for Allah, it that a Saalik (a follower of Sufism) will be inclined to disobedience. A Shaikh needs to be called now, to identify and fix the fault. What has caused his love for sin to overpower his love for Allah? Is it Nafs, Shaytaan, or a change in circumstance? The Shaikh is skilled in this regard. He will ask him all the relevant questions, enquiring until the fault is found. Once identified it can be fixed immediately, allowing the current of love to flow smoothly again.

If there is no electric current, the freezer will defrost. If the electrician is quick, he will save the day. However, if it is left broken for too long, the food will rot and emit a foul smell. Now it will take much longer to sort the problem out. Though the fault was small, he left it for long and now it has disastrous consequences. Likewise, when we notice a spiritual weakness, we need to seek help as soon as possible. Otherwise, as time elapses it will worsen leading to disastrous consequences.

May the current of Allah’s love flow through our bodies causing us to live in His obedience and pleasure. Aameen.

— Hazrat Ml. Dawood Seedat حفظه الله

Life is full of choices. At times, we get carried away with our ability to choose between obedience and disobedience. We forget that this choice is a test, not a mark of our authority. In academic exams, those that studied hard would be able to answer correctly, whilst those that did not study would answer incorrectly. Both take the exact same paper, but the former will pass whilst the latter will fail. The exam is taken by all, not just the hardworking students.

Likewise, is life. We are living an exam, those that sin unrepentantly are exercising their choice for which they will soon pay the price. Upon death, this ability will cease to exist. Have you ever seen a deceased man come out of his grave, refusing to be buried? No, because he has no choice. We must not allow it to delude us into thinking we have control over our lives. On the Day of Judgement, our own limbs will speak out against us so what control do we assume, when our own limbs will be out of our control?

When the adhaan calls, you can choose to sleep or wake up for prayer. That is a test. Do not be deceived, your choice will not last for long. When the trumpet is blown, no one will be able to continue sleeping. We will all awaken and march in the same direction, towards an inescapable reckoning.

Therefore, in this worldly life, choose wisely. Those that do not follow Deen, outwardly, it may seem that they are free and in charge of their lives. But in reality, their choices are answers being recorded on this exam of life, for which they will soon pay. Our choice is only given to write this paper. Upon death it will be taken away from all, and gifted back to those who enter Jannah. There in the gardens, their choice will no longer be a test. It will be a blessing via which they will live and do as they please.

May we be amongst them, Aameen.

— Hazrat Ml. Dawood Seedat حفظه الله

I was walking with my children a few days ago and we came across a monkey. A moth flew into his hands and began hopping around until eventually, the monkey caught him in its grip. He was ready to devour the moth but suddenly his grip loosened, and the moth flew away. The moth began soaring high into the sky. The monkey jumped behind trying to catch him, but he was too high to reach. Just then, a bird came flying in that direction. The moth literally flew into the bird’s mouth and thus, the bird had his meal for the day.

From this little incident we can extract many valuable life lessons. In the search for wealth we are often like that monkey. We jump behind many opportunities to make as much money as possible, taking on our shoulders far more than we can bear. Understand no matter how hard you try, if it is not decreed for you, you will never acquire it. Just like the moth that flew right out of the monkey’s grip. So, do not be so hard on yourself.

In contrast, the bird did not exert any effort, yet his food flew right into his mouth. A little while later the monkey searched the bins and found something to eat. Therefore, never become despondent. Your efforts never go in vain. Perhaps Allah has also decreed your sustenance elsewhere. His treasures are unlimited, and He always has something in store for you.

To acquire it, we should not allow ourselves to be humiliated in our jobs. Some of us have bosses who swear and shout whilst we work like slaves for them. This is not what Allah wants from us, He does not expect us to endure humiliation. If you are not respected as a human being where you work, search for work elsewhere. On the other hand, never be the one to humiliate those that work for you. You are not paying them, Allah is paying them via you so be kind.

The second lesson we can learn is on perspective. When the moth was trapped in the hand of the monkey, it appeared that he would be eaten in his hands. Whereas in reality, he was safe there. As soon as he flew out he thought he had acquired freedom. Little did he realise, he was flying to his death. Likewise, we often find ourselves trapped in the hands of difficulty. The measures we take to come out of it must always conform with Shariah. If it does conform, then know that you have pleased Allah and this temporary difficulty of yours will be a means of permanent ease in the hereafter. However, if it does not conform to the Shariah, then no matter how free we may seem death will eventually catch us out.

For example, in a financial problem it is impermissible to take a loan with interest. Those that do may seem to be flying high financially with a stable home and job. Little do they realise; the angel of death is waiting, and this financial freedom will eventually lead to destruction. Therefore, do not fall in love with mere worldly delights. Know that nothing is fool proof in life. Never be too sure of yourself or your means. Understand that life will be full of tests so do not reduce yourself or sacrifice your faith to come out of them. Rather, adopt a dignified means coupled with reliance on the Almighty, and your tests will soon turn into blessings in disguise. May Allah make it so, Aameen.

— Hazrat Ml. Dawood Seedat حفظه الله

Jumuah
4 Zul Qa’dah 1438
28 July 2017

Title: Performance of Hajj cannot be delayed just as Salaah and Fasting cannot be postponed once Fard

Aayah 97 Surah Aal Imran
ولِله عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ
“Hajj is fardh up the people as a duty to Allah for whoever is able to make his way there. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.”

Hajj is a Spiritual journey for believers wherby they go to Makkah, Minaa, Arafah and Muzdalifah. Then every lover of Nabi ﷺ would also want to go to Madeenah Munawwarah. It is a Beautiful and wonderful experience.

Hajj became fardh in 9 A.H. Nabi ﷺ Sent Abu Bakr with a group of sahaaba. Nabi ﷺ was not commanded by Allah Taala to perform Hajj this year. There were still disbelievers present in Makkah who would make tawaaf unclothed, thinking it to be an act of piety, since they thought that it would be wrong to carry out this act of worship in clothes with which they had sinned. This is the harm of being a free thinker, trying to use logic in understanding deen. This can lead a person to think a wrong action to be right.

Ali Radhiallahu anhu was sent with Abu Bakr Radhiallahu anhu to announce :
Aayah 28 Surah Taubah:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّمَا الْمُشْرِكُونَ نَجَسٌ فَلَا يَقْرَبُوا الْمَسْجِدَ الْحَرَامَ بَعْدَ عَامِهِمْ هَٰذَا

“The mushrikeen are impure and they should not come close to Musjid ul Haraam after this year”

9A.H was the last year that non Muslims were allowed after which they were banned right up to this day . One reason for this is that the kufr in their hearts attract the wrath of Allah Taala and these are sacred places where believers perform Hajj. A person feels privileged to make hajj with an Ustaad, Sheikh or Aalim. All the piety of everyone, cannot equal the rank of the lowest sahaabi. All Sahaaba can’t come close to any Nabi, and All ambiyaa cannot equal Nabi ﷺ. Then this very Nabi ﷺ with 124000 sahaaba gathered in Hajj. What a Hajj that must have been.

Hajj is just fardh just like Salaah or Fasting.  Sometimes a person has money, but says I’m not ready. The person feels I’m not ready for change. Not ready to get pious etc. so he procrastinates in performing Hajj. Can we do this for the fast of Ramadhaan? That I will postpone my fasting to another month? Likewise, immaterial of how a person feels, he has to perform his Hajj. Similarly, if a person has sufficient, even for just the days of hajj, then also he has to perform his Hajj. Even if it is just for the last 5 days only with no hotel etc. then too he still has to go if it is possible. Sometimes a person has sufficient for himself to go, but not enough to take his wife with. He cannot say that he will save, then go when there is sufficient for the both of them. It might sound romantic, but if maut comes, he died without fulfilling fardh. Youngsters  who are baaligh and have sufficient wealth, the parents cannot hold them back. If it is is fardh, at least put in the application, and make dua.

Those that are going, they are honoured. We should meet such people and request their duas. They are the ambassadors of the Ummat. They will be going to the royal court of Nabi ﷺ. Request them to also convey our salaam. May Allah Taala accept the Hajj of the Hujjaaj and their duas etc.

Synopsis of Jumuah talk given by Hz. Ml. Dawood Seedat DB