Hazrat Moulana Dawood Seedat Saheb (DB)

Verse 19, Surah Mulk:

Nowadays you so commonly hear the statement, “yes Allah (Subhana Wa Tala) does, but according to this zoologist or this researcher, the wings of the bird cuts the air, causing an aerofoil phenomenon, enabling the bird to uplift and the tail of the bird contributes to its stability thus holding the bird up in the air in this way, yet we do not ponder over the weight of this little three lettered word, BUT. Let us analyse what we have actually done to our imaan in this statement of ours, we have totally removed Allah from the equation and attributed the flight of the bird to the means rather than the creator of the means. We have delved so far into creation with the usage of the word ‘but’, that we have forgotten the creator.

Let us consider the following example to put us into perspective.

Two passengers board a plane, one an Aalim, who spent a major portion of his life in a Daarul Uloom and next to him is seated a well-dressed Aeronautical engineer clad in his haughty tuxedo. Puffing out his chest, the engineer starts a discussion of a very educated nature, he approaches the Aalim on the discussion of the engines, with a whim of pride he boasts, “you see these engines, within lies so many different fans and blades, these blades spinning at a speed of 100 000 revolutions per minute creating thrust, and as for these wings they open and close in this way and that way and this is how the plane goes up.” The Aalim is quiet through the engineers educated outburst, the Aalim silently recites his travelling duas, as the plane begins its taxi down the runaway, he ponders over the qudrat of Allah (Subhana Wa Tala). As this plane takes off and starts ascending, the Aalim reads Allahu Akbar! Whilst in mid-air the Aalim glorifies Allah (Subhana Wa Tala). Suddenly, the plane engines seize, the passengers and the plane are momentarily stunned as they are jolted out of their comforts and the plane plunges downward. Both the Aalim and the engineer embarked on a journey from Dubai to Heathrow, yet the Aalim’s final destination is Jannah, whereas the engineer’s ….?

Let us assess the word but, when used in context, it has a very deep connotative meaning. In the aforementioned Aayah of the noble quraan, Allah (Subhana Wa Tala) states, “no one holds up these birds but (except) Allah (Subhana Wa Tala).” This negates everyone and everything. No science nor
does any engineer do anything except with the permission of Allah (Subhana Wa Tala). Laa Ilaaha Illallah, there is no might nor power except Allah (Subhana Wa Tala).

An example is given. A man tells his wife, “my dear, you know I usually dislike Khury Kitchree (an Indian dish), BUT when you make it, it is really tasty. Look at the effect of the word BUT when used appropriately. How happy the wife would be on hearing this? Whereas a man on the other hand tells his wife, “I really like a certain dish, BUT when you prepare it, OH NO!” Now look at the damaging effect this trivial three lettered word can have when misused.

Let us do a small check to see if we are a BUT WHAT IF Muslim.

• When I was starting off in business, I had my business plan and everything ready, the bank was offering a very gracious loan so I said to myself, “yes I know Allah (Subhana Wa Tala) is the provider, but what if I don’t get started, how am I going to start this business, so never mind, I’ll just take this loan, I will make Taubah and Istighfaar and pay it off soon.” On one hand I am saying, yes Allah is the provider, but I am still using the haram Asbaab.
• Then Allah blesses me, my business is thriving. Now the thought comes, I currently am renting so rather let me buy a house. The bank is there, offering a loan, an interest bearing haram loan and I know that delving into interest is haram. I know fully well and also it is a statement on my tongue that Allah (Subhana Wa Tala) is the provider however, I think to myself, BUT what if I don’t get a house like this, how many years have I been waiting, what if I miss this opportunity, so I go and sign on the dotted line knowing full well that I have signed a war with Allah (Subhana Wa Tala).
• Few years down the line, Allah (Subhana Wa Tala) blesses me with children, I have a daughter for example, and she is Baaligha, it is haram for me to send her to school scantily clad with the dress of the kuffar institute, yet I send her. Later on I send her to university, when someone asks me, brother what are you doing sending your daughter to university, I tell them, yes I know fully well that Allah (Subhana Wa Tala) is the provider, but what if when she gets married and something goes wrong, then how is she going to earn. Based only on my but what if suspicion, I made use of the system that the kuffar have thrown have thrown at us.
• Then time came for them to be married, Nabi (Sallalahu alayhi wasallam) has said that when the match is found then Nikah should be hastily done, however we delay and bring forth a justification that, BUT what if this person or that person won’t be happy, so rather we’ll wait, we even at times wait a few months, half year or more, totally disregarding what our Nabi (Sallalahu alayhi wasallam) has said, BUT no problem.
• So many aspects like this, I got my house and my car, I know that Allah (Subhana Wa Tala) is the protector, if someone has to ask me, who protects your house or who protects your car, without flinching I would tell them Allah (Subhana Wa Tala) does, yet I still went and took out Insurance. Now when someone asks us as to why are we delving into Haram Asbaab, I blatantly tell them, BUT what if my house has to burn down or I have to meet in an accident, how am I going to replace my assets. I have made myself in charge of protecting my assets, I have completely removed Allah (Subhana Wa Tala) from the equation.

Now let us look at how we have watered down our Imaan, we blatantly state, “yes Allah (Subhana Wa Tala) does, BUT….” We have completely negated the power of Allah (Subhana Wa Tala) with this one BUT.

May Allah (Subhana Wa Tala) grant us strong Imaan and the Taufeeq to place our trusts and reliance solely and only on our almighty Allah Tala. Ameen.

Our beloved Nabi Sallalahu Alayhi Wasallam said something to the effect that if you place your trust in Allah (Subhana Wa Tala) just as how the birds have placed their total trust and reliance on Allah, then Allah (Subhana Wa Tala) would provide for you as he provides for the birds. They leave their nests in the morning with empty stomachs and return in the evening satiated.

Alhamdulillah Allah Taala out of His fadhl and Karam has made the asbaab for our masaajid to reopen insha Allah.

All of us should read at least 2 rakaats salaatush shukr and thank Allah Taala for this great bounty.

Secondly we should try and give some sadaqah.

Most importantly remember, Allah Taala is giving us another chance. We must now make a firm resolve to really value our masaajid and menfolk should ensure that all salaah are performed with jamaat in the Musjid.

May Allah Taala forgive our shortcomings and take us from strength to strength as an ummah, unite our hearts on Haq and give us the taufeeq to always uphold our deen. Aameen

We are all aware that governments around the world have placed severe restrictions on the movement of their citizens due to the Corona virus pandemic. As a result of the restrictions, places of worship have been placed in the category of those that need to be closed as per the government imposed restrictions. While there is a need for us to follow the law, as responsible citizens, it does not mean that our responsibility as ummati’s of Nabi (S. A. W.) are also locked down. There is no lock down in the system of Allah Taala. The angel of death is not locked down. As responsible ummati’s, we need to turn to Allah Taala and to bring our actions in line so as to attract the mercy of Allah Taala. Many of us will find ourselves at home during this period. We should use it to put our a’maal in order and get a system of ibaadat embedded in our lives and more so with Ramadan right around the corner. An easy way to do this is by making a time table and sticking to it rigidly.

• Make salaah straight after the Adhaan. Do not
procrastinate.
• Read all salaah with Jamaat in your home
• Read all the sunnan and nawaafil for each salaah

After Maghrib
• Minimum 4 rakaats Awabeen salaah
• Recite the evening duas
• Recite Surah Waqiah
• Partake of supper, being mindful of following the
sunnat way of eating.

After Esha
• Recite Surah Sajda and Surah Mulk
• Have some short taaleem, on sleeping in the sunnat
way etc
• Prepare to go to bed. Do not waste time.
• Engage in Muraqaba e Maut. Read 1 or 2 Hadith
from the kitaab Shauq e Watan if one has it, or any
other kitaab pertaining to death.
• Engage in Muhasaba for a few moments
• Sleep.
Rise for Tahajjud salaah. Though it is not Fardh, we must
endeavor to do so. Try to rise about 1.5hrs before Fajr.
• Read the Tahajjud salaah
• Engage in Zikr. (Those who are bay’at with MOULANA DAWOOD SEEDAT should recite baara tasbeeh)
• Method for baara tasbeeh is :
200 x 1st Kalima
400 x Illallah
600 x Allah Allah
100 x Allah slowly
• Make dua

After Fajr
• Recite Surah Yaseen
• Recite morning duas
• Quran Shareef tilaawat
• Read Ishraaq salaah
Assist the wife with household chores and do so with the
intention of practicing on the sunnat.
Don’t fall into a pattern of laziness by sleep the entire
morning.

In the course of the day
• Engage in reciting an abundance of Durood Shareef
and Isthigfaar.
• Recite the Manzil, and blow on the children
• Recite the 40 Durood and Salaam of Sheikh Zakariah
(r.a.)
• Recite the Munajat e Maqbool
At around 11.15 / 11.30am have taaleem.
• Revision of Surahs
• Read the tafseer of 1 or 2 ayaat of Quran Shareef
• Read from Ma’ariful Hadith
• Read a few masaa’il from Behishti Zewar
• Read from any good Seeah kitaab on the life of Nabi (S. A. W.)
Between 12.15 and 12.45pm there may be a seerah
discussion over streaming. Please do not wait for this
program specifically. Continue with your own reading
regardless of whether there is a program being
streamed.

After Zuhr
• Quran Shareef tilaawat
• Isthigfaar
• Qailullah for not longer than 1 hour
For the rest of the afternoon engage with the children.
Play with them. Try to do some physical exercises.
After Asr
• Quran Shareef tilaawat
• Engage in Zikr
• Engage in dua for some time before Maghrib

DON’TS
• Keep your cool. Remember men, you are in your
wife’s domain. She has perfected her own system for
her house. Do not “advise” her or try to change
anything. Remain calm and level headed.
• Keep your character in check at all times.
• Do not get stuck with the phone. Spend the absolute
bear minimum time with the phone.
• Don’t get involved with watching TV and streaming on YouTube etc. In fact now is the time to be getting rid of the TV from the home. This is our duty as responsible ummati’s. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you may be viewing a so called Islamic channel.

At this time, we need to be responsible ummati’s and turn to Allah Taala. Use this time to connect with Allah Taala and bring our lives, and those of our family, in accordance with the law of Allah Taala. Recognize our Allah Taala. Allah Taala has sent an army of invisible germs that has brought the world, together with its super powers, to its knees.
Make thaubah and turn to Allah Taala.

Below is an extract from Hazrat’s talk on 04/09/18. It is an explanation of an article about the book “Modern Egypt.” To listen to the talk, click http://dawoodseedat.co.za/?wpfc_sermon=new-world-order-zikr-majlis. To read the book, click https://archive.org/details/modernegypt00crom.

Colonialism in the Muslim World has repercussions far worse than the occupation of land. It is an insidious, carefully-planned attempt to derail and disintegrate the Muslim Ummah. History bears witness to this. Everlyn Baring who is also known as Lord Cromer, was a British general in occupied Egypt between 1877 and 1907. Egypt was firm upon the laws of Islam. Cromer’s job was to assess the situation and devise a plan of action on how to eradicate Islam. He wrote a book on this strategy called “Modern Egypt.” Listed below are a few of his strategies:

1⃣ *The west will not tolerate an Islamic government (anywhere in the Muslim world).* Here an Islamic government does not refer to a Muslim country, it refers to Shariah law. For there are many Muslim countries, businesses, schools and homes, which are Muslim by name but not necessarily Islamic. Cromer comments that it would be “absurd” to assume that Europe would tolerate a “government based on purely Muhammadan ﷺ principles and obsolete oriental ideas.” (page 565)

2⃣ *Muslims must be forced to adopt the principles of Western civilization.* Though the term “civilization” may not be befitting here, because civilised people do not steal from other countries. In our Muslim countries, we are witnessing these principles being adopted and they are considered better than the principles set by Islam. Ask the Hujjaj, many returned from Hajj shocked. Saudi has become increasingly and quickly westernised in the recent months, they saw some of these changes. As Muslims we don’t notice the effects of westernisation, slowly but surely, it chips our deen away. Our Ulama have this foresight. I recall Hazrat Ml. Yunus Patel رحمة الله عليه would say in his duas, “O Allah we have drifted so far from Deen, we can no longer see the shore.” (page 538)

3⃣ *Westernisation must be introduced under the guise of women’s rights.* Cromer explains, “the position of women” in Muslim countries and her modesty, was a “fatal” obstacle in the introduction of colonial values. And today we see feminism introduced as a concept in Islam. (page 539)

4⃣ *The west must educate young, secular Muslims to become the rulers of Muslim countries.* Cromer hoped these secularists would cause a Muslim to “lose his Islamism”, and to “no longer believe that he is always in the presence of his Creator”, and only hang onto “the least worthy portions of his nominal religion” for the sake of convenience. (page 230)

We see this happening in Saudi Arabia after the young ruler Muhammad bin Salman became crown prince. Even in our communities we have Islamic events and functions that are more western than Islamic. How many of us say Walima is Sunnah, whilst being extravagant in them, playing music and allowing free-mixing? How many of us are guilty of using religion for convenience, picking and choosing when it suits us?

5⃣ *The west must reform Islam.* Cromer said the goal is to “demuslimise Muslims” until people are Muslim by name, but practise as an “agnostic”. He further admits this is because “Islam (itself) cannot be reformed”. (page 228 – 229)

When I read this, an example of Hazrat رحمة الله عليه  again came to mind. Hazrat رحمة الله عليه  said if a shop has a sign outside that indicates it is a clothes shop, or it is named as such, you would expect to find clothes inside. If the sign outside says butcher, you would expect meat. Imagine you walked inside and they were selling clothes, wouldn’t you be confused? Outside the sign says meat yet inside there are clothes, that is contradictory. Hazrat رحمة الله عليه  would say our Islamic names are signs that we are Muslim. Yet our actions are sometimes far from that of a true Muslim, presenting mixed signals to those who cross paths with us.

6⃣ *Muslim reformers would hate Ulama more than the Europeans do.* A westernized Muslim would consider Islamic scholars to be a “social derelict”, use him when it suits him, otherwise, disrespect him. On the other hand, European Christian intellectuals would look at him with sympathy as a “representative of an ancient faith”. This too, we see prevalent in our Muslim countries and communities, to the degree that pious Ulama are jailed for their Islamic views, in so called Islamic countries! (page 299 – 230)

7⃣ *Modernised Muslims will become diests.* They “will cast aside much of the teaching of Muhammad ﷺ”, establishing a different code to hold society together. (page 234)

The writer then concluded his article saying, “We can see therefore that Islamic reform started as a colonial project. A project that has been devilishly designed by European intellectuals to undermine Ulama, introduce secular humanist institutions, and gradually and inconspicuously lead Muslims away from the central tenets of their tradition. They knew that this reformed, liberal Muslim would not be a Muslim at all, but just a Europeanized invertebrate (i.e. a spineless being) who would manoeuvre the religion to his needs (to suit his nafs).

This seven-step process is exactly what is happening to Muslim youth in the West. They volunteer
themselves to Western academia and pop culture, and are led away from a truly Islamic worldview. And while they fool themselves into calling themselves “Muslim reformers”, or “Muslim feminists”, or “moderate Muslims”, or “liberal Muslims”, their puppet masters know that these are all contradictions in terms. Times change, but right remains right, and wrong remains wrong.”

That is the end of the article I received. They demonise us, make us feel apologetic, make us feel like we are the thorns in humanity, causing people and even Ulama to bend the rules of Islam to “fit in” with the very group of people, that are plotting against us. The question we must ask is – how far have these strategies affected us? Let’s look at one hadith to understand this. Nabi ﷺ said, “Do not delay in three things; 1) Salah when its time arrives, 2) Offering the Janazah Salah when the bier is present and 3) Marriage of a woman whose match is found”. (Tirmidhi)

Praying 5 times a day is done by a few in this Ummah rather than the majority or all, if a Nikaah is done in a few days the community would be shocked at the speed as delaying is the norm, and burials are often delayed rather than hastened. Thus, in these matters our actions are opposite to the directives given by Nabi ﷺ! We are supposed to be upholders of the Sunnah but this can only be done through acting upon the Sunnah.

The solution to overcome their attempts and that of Nafs and Shaitaan, is to strengthen our Imaan. Hold onto the Mashaaikh, Akaabireen and Ulama. We must not allow ourselves to get influenced by Music, TV, the fashion industry and western culture. Do not fall into the trap of justifying haram as halaal.

If someone were to make a list of all the harmful creatures that are found in the sea. It may sound dangerous; how will we cross? But the answer is simple – don’t go inside. Likewise, these strategies can only harm us if we allow them to enter inside our hearts, and we intentionally expose ourselves to sins and vices. Then we will have no one to blame but ourselves. But if we turn to Allah, He will be our protecting guardian and there is no strategy that can overpower the protection of Allah. May Allah protect us, guide us and keep us firm, Aameen.

— Hazrat Ml. Dawood Seedat حفظه الله

_Below is an extract taken from Hazrat’s talk. To listen to the full talk, visit http://dawoodseedat.co.za/?wpfc_sermon=4-things-to-be-wary-of-during-qurbani
The night preceeding Eid is known as lailatul Jaaizah (the night of Reward). For those celebrating Eid tomorrow (22/08/18), tonight is lailatul Jaaizah. Nabi ﷺ said, “Whoever spends the night of (Eid) al-Fitr and the night of (Eid) al-Adha in prayer, his heart will not die on the Day when hearts will die.” Meaning, owing to his worship on lailatul Jaaizah he will not be gripped with fear and anxiety on the Day of Judgement.

Any efforts made during this day and our ability to slaughter and sacrifice on Eid Al-Adha, is Allah’s grace upon us and His overriding will. When we do Qurbani, we are absolved of the waajib duty. The extent to which we are rewarded depends on the extent of our sincerity. Ibrahim عليه السلام was the sincerest and just like we copy his actions in slaughtering, our goal is to copy the sincerity of his heart in intentions too. When we do not do that and shamefully reduce this noble deed into bragging on social media, we water down our own rewards and efforts. This can be likened to a person who works hard all month but does not receive a paycheque at the end of the month. What was the point of all that hard work?

A group of Islamic Scholars will be amongst the first to be thrown into the fire. When they enquire why, Allah will respond, “You acquired knowledge so that people might call you a learned (man), and you read the Qur’an so that they might call you a reciter, and they have done so.” Know that a mere few likes, comments and fleeting attention is not worth your good deeds going unrewarded on the day of Judgement.

When cleaning up the blood and mess caused by Qurbani, it is easy to get ratty and irritable. Be careful to avoid this by guarding your tongue against swearing and vulgarity. Do not have fun at the expense of the animal and abstain from causing it excessive pain, otherwise, they will also reduce our hard-earnt rewards.

Lastly, be as modest as possible for “modesty is a branch of Faith”. (Bukhari)

The hadith that Nabi ﷺ called Faatima رضي الله عنها to see her Qurbani animal being slaughtered, cannot be quoted out of context to justify free-mixing. Yes, the incident occurred but in accordance to the laws of modesty. Thus, on Eid Al-Adha guard your eyes from roaming around and gazing at strange women. Have segregated seating at home because your extended family, cousins, and sister in laws/brother in laws, are not your mehrams.

Considering the importance of being modest, sincere and proper, some people question that where is all the fun then? But understand that Qurbani is not about fun. It is about fulfilling an obligation upon us in a manner pleasing to Allah.

— Hazrat Ml. Dawood Seedat حفظه الله

Nabi ﷺ said, “Search for Lailatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.” (Bukhari). Search is an instruction and anything Nabi ﷺ instructed is an act of worship. Worship is any act that leads to reward. Thus, making an attempt to spot Lailatul Qadr (the night of power) is worship and has its own merit, blessings and rewards. Our akaabireen informed us of various signs. If they are found on a specific night, it indicates that it could be Lailatul Qadr. Below are a few:

🔸 It is not too hot or cold outside. The temperature is just right.
🔹 You won’t hear dogs barking excessively.
🔸 The moon looks like half a “jafna” (i.e. half a plate).
🔹The night is calm, serene and peaceful.
🔸 At the end of Ramadan, you may realise that on one particular night, you felt at greater peace/worship on that night felt a little more special.

Signs indicate towards the night but they do not hold a guarantee. Therefore, after searching, exert yourself every odd night with faith, sincerity and humility. Go the extra mile and then a mile further. Once done, have faith and conviction that you have found it. End Ramadan on this positive note, and this will secure you the rewards of this night and the entire Ramadan InshaAllah. Afterall, “Deeds [are rewarded] by their final actions.” (Bukhari)

— Hazrat Ml. Dawood Seedat حفظه الله