Saturday 7 April 2018

The Wonderful Rewards of Tasbeeh-e-Fatimi



Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

On one occasion, Hadhrat Hajee Farouk Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh), one of the senior Khulafa of Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh), visited us in Azaadville. During the time that he spent with us, he presented the value of Tasbeeh-e-Fatimi in a very unique manner.


Hadhrat (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) explained that if a person enjoys gardening and appreciates the diversity of plants and trees, and if he travels in the world and comes across a beautiful, exotic tree or plant, he desires for it to be in his garden. He wants to enjoy its beauty and its fruit, in his own garden. However, to take it back to his country, will require special arrangements to be made. Governments have strict regulations in respect to importing and exporting, and these will have to be fulfilled. Moreover, he will have to consider whether the environment and climate of his country will be conducive and suitable. It may be that the plant is taken back home, but it does not survive due to the climate or due to other factors. 

If sustainable and feasible, he goes about making preparations to purchase it and bring it back to his country. Since the plant will be imported, he will have to abide by the regulations and protocol of the country, to import such plants. If he acquires the permit or licence, he will have to make arrangements for it to be transported and delivered in a suitable manner – because plants are sensitive and can easily wither away and die, if they are not packaged properly and not cared for.


When he does receive it, he will have to plant it and look after it – according to its specifications. He will have to water it, add fertilizer to it, and will have to take care that it is not damaged or destroyed. The seasons bring different weather conditions, so more care is required.  He will be cautious that children do not damage the plant while they play, and animals and insects don’t harm or destroy the plant. …So much of effort is made for one plant or tree of this world. …Furthermore, each tree takes time to grow and bear its fruit – years pass in the growth of a tree. In the process, the person may leave this world and not see it thrive and produce fruit. Even if he lives to enjoy the shade, the flowers and the fruit, it will only be a period of time.


THE TREES OF JANNAH

The Hadith speaks of trees in Jannah which surpass the trees of this world, in every way. Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu’anhu) reported that Rasulullah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “…Say: Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaaha illallaah or Allahu Akbar, one tree will be planted for you in Jannah, for each of these.”[1]

For each glorification of Allah Ta’ala, a tree is immediately planted in Jannah. There are no regulations, no costs, no transport arrangements required, etc. And these trees will not die. They are permanent … and we too will be living eternally in Jannah, Insha-Allah. May Allah Ta’ala make it such that we enter Jannah and also enjoy the beauty of the trees of Jannah.

In reading the Tasbeeh-e-Fatima, which comprises of 33 times Subhanallah, 33 times Alhamdulillah and 34 times Allahu Akbar, we will be planting 100 trees. The effort to recite is small; the returns are very big.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) described a tree of Jannah: "There is a tree in Jannah (that is so big and huge) that if a rider travels in its shade for one hundred years, he would not be able to cross it."[2] In another Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “There is no tree in Jannah that does not have a trunk of gold.”[3]

Hadhrat ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (Radiyallahu’anhu) reported that Rasulullah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “I met Nabi Ibraheem (‘alaihis salaam) when I was taken on Mi’raj (ascension to the heavens) and he told me: “O Muhammad, convey my Salaam (greetings) to your Ummah and tell them that Jannah has good soil and sweet water, but it is barren. The plantation of Jannah is (the recitation of) Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaaha illallaah and Allahu Akbar.[4]

Alhamdulillah, for many, it is a practice to read Tasbeeh-e-Fatimi and engage in Zikrullah after the Fajr and Asr Salaah. These are Mubarak (blessed) times. These are also the times when people enjoy sitting or working in their gardens – so, in that same time, prepare for the real gardens of Aakhirah! 

Hadhrat Shaikhul Hadith, Maulana Muhammad Zakariyyah (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) had said that we should be conscious in undertaking all our A’maaal; thinking over the rewards, profits and the ‘harvest’ that will follow in Jannah. In this instance, we should think that we have planted one hundred magnificent trees in Jannah.

Daily, we should contemplate over what we have earned and acquired of Aakhirah, by way of our actions. If a businessman pulls off a big deal and he secures prime property, etc. then in his opinion, this is a great accomplishment; this is success. He is extremely happy. However, all is ‘Faani’ – all is perishable. Nothing of Dunya is made to last. Whereas, the Zikr of Allah Ta’ala is acquiring and building our Jannah, which is forever… which is made to last. Of course, the Niyyah must be right, the Amal must be right and we should ask Allah Ta’ala to accept from us. The same focus and motivation should be brought in, when practising upon the various Sunnats. We should consider that each Sunnah brings the reward of 100 martyrs. Who does not want to multiply his honour by living his entire life according to the beautiful Sunnah? …Where there are people trying to demolish the Sunnah, we should revive it, appreciate it, cherish it and live it.


BUILDING YAQEEN

There is an incident of a Muslim woman who visited her friend. Whilst they were talking, her 3 year old child came and began to tug at the mother’s garment, saying: “Mummy, we have not built our palace in Jannah today!” Thereafter, her other young children, came to her and they too began to say the same – that they had not built their palaces in Jannah. The sister, who was visiting, expressed her surprise and asked what was meant by the children’s statements. So, the mother sat with her children and they recited Surah Al-Ikhlaas ten times and she explained to her friend, that the Hadith states that the recitation of Surah Al-Ikhlaas 10 times secures a palace in Jannah. The children then expressed their desire to fill up their Jannah with treasures, and they began to recite ‘La Haula wala Quwwata Illah Billah’ … since the Hadith mentions that this is a treasure of Jannah. When the mother asked the children what should be read if they want a drink of Kauthar from Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), they all eagerly began to recite Durood Sharief. …Allahu Akbar. How enviable, when contemplating the vastness and loftiness of such a Jannah, which is being upgraded daily from such early years.

This intelligent mother was fostering Yaqeen (conviction) in the Aakhirah, within the hearts and minds of her little children. We cannot truly imagine what would be achieved and what success will be enjoyed by these children, when their focus and effort is on Aakhirah, Jannah and preparing for Jannah. Allah Ta’ala grant us that kind of enthusiasm as well. Aameen.


THE LAND OF DUNYA AND THE LAND OF JANNAH

When we purchase a plot of land in this world; it is a fixed area in hectares or acres or square metres. By building a house and adding other amenities, the land does not expand or increase; it remains the same. The land of Jannah is such, that the more Zikrullah we engage in, the more good we do, the more the land increases and the more the land is developed by way of magnificent trees, palaces, rivers and so forth.  
 
As mentioned, Jannah is barren land, and it through our A’maal, that these bounties of Jannah are achieved and our plot of Jannah increases and expands. If a person recites the Tasbeeh-e-Fatimi after Fajr and Asr and before sleeping, so he has increased his Jannah with 300 more trees. And if he recites it after every Salaah and before he sleeps, so he has increased his plot of Jannah with 600 trees. If he does so daily, then for every passing week, he has increased his plot of Jannah by 4200 trees!

Alhamdulillah, this was discussed in Westville, KZN, on one of our visits, and thereafter a friend mentioned that he approached a brother after Salaah, and he indicated that he should wait a little. After a short time, he explained that he was busy planting his trees in Jannah, with the recitation of Tasbeeh-e-Fatimi, and he had wanted to complete that first. Alhamdulillah. Allah Ta’ala’s Grace.


HADHRAT FATIMA (RADHIYALLAHU ‘ANHA)

Hadhrat Fatima (Radhiyallahu ‘anha) is described as the queen of the women of Jannah. Despite her lofty rank, she would carry out all the household chores by herself. She would draw water from the well to carry it home and grind the barley in the millstone. Due to these tasks, she developed blisters on her hand. On one occasion, Hadhrat ‘Ali (Radhiyallahu anhu) informed her that some slaves have arrived from the spoils of war and she should request a maid slave from her father, to assist her in the household chores. She thus went to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) but such was her shame, that she could not ask her own father, and went back home.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was informed of Hadhrat Faatima’s (Radhiyallahu ‘anha) visit and went to her home to find out the reason. …From here, we learn the kind of relationship that should be found between parents and children, and the concern parents should have for their children. Unfortunately, today there is widespread neglect and we leave our children in the ‘care’ of the television, i-pad, X-box, PS4, etc. We are clueless to what is happening in their lives, and they don’t disclose anything to us because they find us too busy to give them any special time.

Nevertheless, Hadhrat Fatima presented her request to her father. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied: “Shall I not show you something better than what you asked for? When you retire to your bed, recite Subhanallah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times and Allahu-Akbar 34 times. This is better for you than a servant.”[5]

This is what is known as Tasbeeh-e-Faatimi. Who does not want better? If someone offers us better than what we want or have, how keen we would be.

Whilst it is permissible to have a maid to help at home, our reasons today are generally because our womenfolk want to go gyming, want to socialise, etc. However, by doing one’s own chores at home, a woman will, InshaAllah, maintain her fitness levels.

We learn from this Hadith that our physical strength also comes from Zikrullah and other Azkaar, such as Durood Shareef and Istighfaar. Zikrullah gives us energy and strength. …We buy all kinds of energy-boosters, but this is an energy-booster which is unparalleled in its benefits. Similarly, the Qaylulah gives the physical body rest and rejuvenation.  …Nowadays, we say that we are exhausted and fatigued and need to go to a resort to rest, whereas the solutions to our problems are to be found in the Qur'aan Shareef, the beautiful Sunnah and in the Zikr of Allah Ta’ala.


MEANING AND BENEFIT

We should not rush when engaged in any Zikr. Keep in mind, the meaning and benefit.

“Subhanallah” means that Allah Ta’ala is Pure. When a person says: “Subhanallah”, the person is acknowledging and proclaiming Allah Ta’ala’s Purity; that Allah Ta’ala is free from any blemish or defect. In this, there is also an acknowledgement, that we are impure. We have so many weaknesses and defects.

Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) had said that when we glorify Allah Ta’ala thus, Allah Ta’ala, in return, will purify us. …Many Mashaa’ikh instruct that females read 300 times "SubhanAllah". Just on this Tasbeeh, a person will achieve Tazkiyah (purification). Allah Ta’ala will purify, and when Allah Ta’ala purifies, what will be the condition of such a heart!

“Alhamdulillah” means that all praises belong to Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala is not in need of our praises. All praises are for Allah Ta’ala whether we praise Allah Ta’ala or not. Allah Ta’ala is the only one worthy of praise. In the Hamd of Allah Ta’ala, the heart is fully accepting Allah Ta’ala as He is. We should think and believe that only Allah Ta’ala is Owner of all the qualities of praise. We, ourselves are useless and have nothing.

From Allah Ta’ala’s Side, and out of His Ihsaan and Karam, when a person praises Him, Allah Ta’ala creates circumstances whereby people praise the person in return.

“Allahu-Akbar” means Allah Ta’ala is the greatest. Allah Ta’ala has all the qualities of greatness. Greatness is exclusive to Allah Ta’ala. When a person recognises and acknowledges Allah Ta’ala’s Greatness, Allah Ta’ala places honour into the hearts of the creation for the person who honours Him.

Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) had explained that this honour is not based on the desire of the nafs, but in the light of the Masnoon Dua:

“O Allah, make me small (insignificant) in my own eyes, and make me great (significant) in the eyes of the people.”

In our own hearts, we should see ourselves as insignificant and unimportant, but we ask Allah Ta’ala to grant respect and honour in the hearts of people. What outwardly seems to be pride, has its antidote and cure in the first part of the Dua: O Allah, make me small (insignificant) in my own eyes.

Respect is necessary to establish order, peace and stability. If there is no respect, there will be complete upheaval in our homes, schools, Masaajid, etc. If no respect is shown to the parents, Ustaadh, Imaam and other seniors, then there will be disorder, turmoil and chaos. And this is what we do see, in these times. Due to a lack of respect and Adab, there is disturbance and disruption in every system.

Going back a few decades, cleaning floors or cars, required washing, polishing and shining. Different products would be used. Nowadays, products are formulated which do all three in one. These products are marketed as 3-in-1, 5-in-1, etc. Similarly, the Zikr of Allah Ta’ala has multiple benefits: Cleaning, polishing, and shining the heart.  From the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), we have had a 3-in-1 solution to the maintenance of the spiritual heart. "Subhanallah" cleans the heart; "Alhamdulillah" polishes the heart and "Allahu Akbar" shines the heart. Similarly, different Azkaar that are drawn from Ahadith do the same: clean, polish and shine.

From another angle: Certain medicines require a prescription. They cannot be purchased over the counter. Allah Ta’ala has made His Zikr for the whole Ummah. No one requires permission to make Tasbeeh – to glorify and praise Allah Ta’ala. This opportunity is available for all. Despite the value being so great, we are found wanting in appreciation and in Amal. Allah Ta’ala has made His Zikr so easy. The Tasbeeh-e-Fatimi takes about a minute and requires no physical exertion or monetary expense.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to practice. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Azmat of Deen – Azmat for every aspect of Deen. Ameen!


 By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)


[1] Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 3807
[2] Sahih Bukhari
[3] Sahih Muslim
[4] Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3462
[5] Sahih Al-Bukhari