Effects of Deeds
Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has said that by virtue of a person performing his Salaah, Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله causes his face to become radiant.
The face of a person who does not perform Salaah will lack radiance and his heart will succumb to temptations of sins (due to him not being spiritually fortified through the institution of Salaah).
Performing Salaah produces immense pleasure that cannot be obtained through thousands of delicacies. This joy is sustained by the performance of every Salaah.
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Desist from Arrogance
Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has stated that our knowledge and good deeds are only valuable when they are accepted by Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. We cannot express certainty with regards to the acceptance of our deeds. How then can we be content? Furthermore, only Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله is aware whether we will die upon Īmān or not.
The need therefore is that we express gratitude unto Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله for the Tawfeeq of good deeds.
Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Maseehullah Khan Sahib رحمه الله has advised that our lives should be such that we consume ourselves with the fear of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله and at the same time have hope in His mercy. This simple prescription will help us stay away from disobedience and develop the urge towards virtuous deeds.
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Importance of Knowledge
Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has said that our ability to do good deeds is decreased if we do not have the appropriate knowledge. As an example, we learn of the harms of poison; we do not go near the poison because we are aware of the dangers associated with it. Furthermore, nobody jumps of a high building just to see what happens?
In exactly the same way, had we educated ourselves with regards the harms and consequences of sin, we would never have ventured towards disobedience. We would never have even considered missing our Salaah. Unfortunately, it is due to our deliberate ignorance that we have compromised our lives.
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The Importance of Reflection and Meditation
Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has said that if the Saalik (seeker) becomes terrified upon the remembrance of death, he has the alternative choice of meditating of a better life that will follow after the life in this world.
Reflecting on the temporary life of this world and meditating on the certainty of death is vital; it diminishes high hopes, creates the fear of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله and acts as a barrier against transgression.
Amongst the advices of Hazrat Uwais Qarni رحمه الله, he has said; “Keep death under your pillow when sleeping. When you wake up, don’t cherish hope of life…”
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Perfect Joy?
Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has explained that a Muslim cannot expect perfect joy in any sin because he knows that the act of disobedience will result in Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله becoming angry with him and he will be punished in the Aakhirah.
Just the mere thought of the consequences of transgression will cause the believer to be deprived from experiencing any joy (in sin).
On another occasion, Hazrat Thaanwi رحمه الله has said that a believer experiences states of loneliness; he should thus use these moments to fortify his attachment to Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله and communicate with his Rabb.
My noble Sheikh Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Farooq Sahib رحمه الله had lamented repeatedly that people have forgotten to ‘talk’ to Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. When one ‘bonds’ with Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله, the effect is that his face becomes radiant, he inclines towards obedience and develops an abhorrence towards sin.
May Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله grant us the perfect joy of attaining His pleasure in every aspect of our lives. آمين