The Rawha: Daily Guidance for Seekers with Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

As we begin the new Hijri year, Shaykh Faraz reflects on the story of Prophet Muhammad's (peace and blessings be upon him) migration (hijra). He focuses on three glimpses from that story and highlights some valuable and timely lessons. Among the lessons are: (1) how to plan and achieve goals, (2) doing the right thing with the right intention while relying fully on Allah, (3) displaying excellence in character, and (4) making all our choices for the sake of Allah and embracing the example of His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).

The first glimpse Shaykh Faraz recounts of the story of Prophet Muhammad's (peace and blessings be upon him) migration (hijra), is in the phase of preparation. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) had prepared well in advance by purchasing and equipping the camels for migration. He did not know the exact time of the migration, but was ready for it. In this we see the importance of taking the right means to achieve goals. Hope (raja') is a praiseworthy trait. Hope is to wish for something pleasing while taking the right means that will result in the outcomes you wish for. Otherwise it is false hope and blameworthy. We also see in this event that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) refused to take the camel he traveled on for free from Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him). He payed for it in full. We learn from this that one intends and strives to not be dependant.

The second glimpse Shaykh Faraz highlights is whenProphet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) headed out for the migration. Abu Bakr (may Allah be please with him) had deep concern for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and feared for any harm to befall him. So Abu Bakr would walk around theProphet (peace and blessings be upon him) to protect him from all directions. He entered the cave before the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to try to secure it. And when the men from Quraysh caught up with them and stood right outside the cave, he expressed his fear that they may see them. However, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said as is narrated in the Qur'an: "Don't worry, Allah is with us" [Surat al-Tawba, 40]. So when facing any trials and difficulties, remember Allah is with us. If you are doing the right thing with the right intention, even if things don't work out, then you are successful with Allah.

The third glimpse covered by Shaykh Faraz is when theProphet (peace and blessings be upon him) passing by the tent of Umm Ma'bad in the middle of the desert. They were seeking milk to drink and found only a weak goat with her that didn't give milk. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was granted the miracle of the goat producing abundant milk when he rubbed its udder. In this story, Umm Ma'bad recounts the event to her husband when he returns to the tent. She describes the amazing character and excellent character of theProphet (peace and blessings be upon him). She describes the dignity, beauty and virtue in dealing of theProphet (peace and blessings be upon him). Umm Ma'bad and her husband later became Muslims because of what they witnessed of the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) excellent character. As Muslims and followers of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) should display excellence of character. This is how we uphold our connection to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), by connecting to his character. The way to call to Allah starts with character not words.

Finally, Shaykh Faraz narrates the hadith of intentions, which is connected to the story of the migration. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Actions are by their intentions, and each person shall have whatever they intended. So whoever's migration was to Allah and His Messenger,

As we see all the tribulations that have befallen the Muslims and humanity at large, one could be easily overwhelmed. On one extreme one could feel despair, and on another one could choose to ignore all these events. However, the believer's balance and the Sunna of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is to care and have sincere and deep concern. In this Friday khutba, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani tells us how believers should respond to the tribulations happening around us.

This Friday khutba was delivered by Shaykh Faraz at the Bosnian Islamic Association “Gazi Husrev-Beg” (http://www.biaghb.com/) in Toronto, in September 2017.

Checkout all of the SeekersHub podcasts by visiting http://seekershub.org/podcasts/.

In this episode, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani covers the hadiths twenty eight to thirty three of the ninth set of hadiths of Imam Nabahani on the virtues of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). In these hadiths Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) tells us about his special rank and virtues in this life and the next. He tells us that he is the first to be resurrected, and he is the intercessor, and giver of glad tiding, that the honour and keys in the hereafter are with him and he will have the banner of gratitude. He is the master of all humans, the leader of all messengers and the seal of all prophets, Prophet Adam and everyone else are under his banner in the hereafter. He is given a pool which when believers drink from, they will never be thirsty again. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) teaches us about his special rank not out of boasting, far be it from him, but to benefit us. Shaykh Faraz also continues the text, “Letter to a Disciple” by Imam Ghazali, where he relates the story of Imam Hatem al-Asam with his teacher Shaqiq al-Balkhi. Imam Hatem shares the fourth life lessons he learnt from his teacher: honour lies in attaining the quality of taqwa.

The texts will be read in Arabic, translated, and commented upon briefly. This class is of benefit both for committed students of knowledge—particularly given the reading in Arabic—and for those simply seeking daily guidance, reminders, and inspiration in learning to live the light of Prophetic guidance.

Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/

In this episode, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani covers the hadiths twenty eight to thirty three of the ninth set of hadiths of Imam Nabahani on the virtues of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). In these hadiths Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) tells us about his special rank and virtues in this life and the next. He tells us that he is the first to be resurrected, and he is the intercessor, and giver of glad tiding, that the honour and keys in the hereafter are with him and he will have the banner of gratitude. He is the master of all humans, the leader of all messengers and the seal of all prophets, Prophet Adam and everyone else are under his banner in the hereafter. He is given a pool which when believers drink from, they will never be thirsty again. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) teaches us about his special rank not out of boasting, far be it from him, but to benefit us. Shaykh Faraz also continues the text, "Letter to a Disciple" by Imam Ghazali, where he relates the story of Imam Hatem al-Asam with his teacher Shaqiq al-Balkhi. Imam Hatem shares the fourth life lessons he learnt from his teacher: honour lies in attaining the quality of taqwa.

(1)Imam Yusuf al-Nabahani’s beautiful collection of 40 sets of 40 Hadiths of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him); and

(2) Imam Ghazali's "Letter to a Disciple" on his comprehensive advice to the seeker of knowledge.

The texts will be read in Arabic, translated, and commented upon briefly. This class is of benefit both for committed students of knowledge—particularly given the reading in Arabic—and for those simply seeking daily guidance, reminders, and inspiration in learning to live the light of Prophetic guidance.

Checkout all of the SeekersHub podcasts by visiting http://seekershub.org/podcasts/

In this episode, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani covers the hadiths twenty eight to thirty three of the ninth set of hadiths of Imam Nabahani on the virtues of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). In these hadiths Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) tells us about his special rank and virtues in this life and the next. He tells us that he is the first to be resurrected, and he is the intercessor, and giver of glad tiding, that the honour and keys in the hereafter are with him and he will have the banner of gratitude. He is the master of all humans, the leader of all messengers and the seal of all prophets, Prophet Adam and everyone else are under his banner in the hereafter. He is given a pool which when believers drink from, they will never be thirsty again. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) teaches us about his special rank not out of boasting, far be it from him, but to benefit us. Shaykh Faraz also continues the text, "Letter to a Disciple" by Imam Ghazali, where he relates the story of Imam Hatem al-Asam with his teacher Shaqiq al-Balkhi. Imam Hatem shares the fourth life lessons he learnt from his teacher: honour lies in attaining the quality of taqwa.

(1)Imam Yusuf al-Nabahani’s beautiful collection of 40 sets of 40 Hadiths of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him); and

(2) Imam Ghazali's "Letter to a Disciple" on his comprehensive advice to the seeker of knowledge.

The texts will be read in Arabic, translated, and commented upon briefly. This class is of benefit both for committed students of knowledge—particularly given the reading in Arabic—and for those simply seeking daily guidance, reminders, and inspiration in learning to live the light of Prophetic guidance.

Checkout all of the SeekersHub podcasts by visiting http://seekershub.org/podcast/

Why do trials and tribulations happen in our lives? Why does Allah allow earthquakes, floods, and other disasters and destructive events?

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explains two verses of the Qur'an (2.155-156) on the Divine Promise that all people will be tested--with life itself being nothing but a test. Allah Most High promises, "We will certainly test you with some fear and poverty, and loss of property, life, and crops..." [Qur'an, 2.155]

The key to right response to tests is to be steadfastly patient (sabr). Patience is not passiveness, Shaykh Faraz explains, but rather, "Remaining firm on what is pleasing to Allah."

The reality of tests is that they are opportunities to respond with faith and good deeds. As such, tests are opportunities to seek Allah's Pleasure, Love, and Closeness. That is why Allah tells us, "And give glad tidings to the steadfast." [Qur'an, 2.156]

This arises from consciousness that, "Truly we are Allah's, and truly it is to Him that we are returning." [Qur'an, 2.157]

The consequence of such steadfast response to tests is true success: "They are the ones who will receive Allah’s blessings and mercy. And it is they who are truly guided."

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنْفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ

We will certainly test you with some fear and poverty, and loss of property, life, and crops. But give glad tidings to those who remain steadfast —

2:155

الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُمْ مُصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

who, when faced with a disaster, say, “Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will ˹all˺ return.”

2:156

أُولَٰئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلَوَاتٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُهْتَدُونَ

They are the ones who will receive Allah’s blessings and mercy. And it is they who are ˹rightly˺ guided.

2:157

This Friday khutba was delivered at Sayeda Khadija Centre (http://www.skcentre.com/) in Mississauga, in September 2017.

Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/.

 

Cover photo by Julien Parent

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In this episode, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani covers the hadiths twenty six and twenty seven of the ninth set of hadiths of Imam Nabahani on the virtues of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). In these two hadiths we learn about Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) being the beloved of Allah, which is a special station that distinguishes him from the other prophets and the rest of creation. Shaykh Faraz also continues the text, “Letter to a Disciple” by Imam Ghazali, where he narrates a story of Imam Hatem al-Asam with his teacher Shaqiq al-Balkhi. Imam Hatem shares eight life lessons he learnt from his teacher after keeping his company for thirty years.

The texts will be read in Arabic, translated, and commented upon briefly. This class is of benefit both for committed students of knowledge—particularly given the reading in Arabic—and for those simply seeking daily guidance, reminders, and inspiration in learning to live the light of Prophetic guidance.

Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/

In this episode, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani covers the hadiths twenty six and twenty seven of the ninth set of hadiths of Imam Nabahani on the virtues of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). In these two hadiths we learn about Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) being the beloved of Allah, which is a special station that distinguishes him from the other prophets and the rest of creation. Shaykh Faraz also continues the text, "Letter to a Disciple" by Imam Ghazali, where he narrates a story of Imam Hatem al-Asam with his teacher Shaqiq al-Balkhi. Imam Hatem shares eight life lessons he learnt from his teacher after keeping his company for thirty years.

(1)Imam Yusuf al-Nabahani’s beautiful collection of 40 sets of 40 Hadiths of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him); and

(2) Imam Ghazali's "Letter to a Disciple" on his comprehensive advice to the seeker of knowledge.

The texts will be read in Arabic, translated, and commented upon briefly. This class is of benefit both for committed students of knowledge—particularly given the reading in Arabic—and for those simply seeking daily guidance, reminders, and inspiration in learning to live the light of Prophetic guidance.

Checkout all of the SeekersHub podcasts by visiting http://seekershub.org/podcasts/

In this episode, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani covers the hadiths twenty six and twenty seven of the ninth set of hadiths of Imam Nabahani on the virtues of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). In these two hadiths we learn about Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) being the beloved of Allah, which is a special station that distinguishes him from the other prophets and the rest of creation. Shaykh Faraz also continues the text, "Letter to a Disciple" by Imam Ghazali, where he narrates a story of Imam Hatem al-Asam with his teacher Shaqiq al-Balkhi. Imam Hatem shares eight life lessons he learnt from his teacher after keeping his company for thirty years.

(1)Imam Yusuf al-Nabahani’s beautiful collection of 40 sets of 40 Hadiths of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him); and

(2) Imam Ghazali's "Letter to a Disciple" on his comprehensive advice to the seeker of knowledge.

The texts will be read in Arabic, translated, and commented upon briefly. This class is of benefit both for committed students of knowledge—particularly given the reading in Arabic—and for those simply seeking daily guidance, reminders, and inspiration in learning to live the light of Prophetic guidance.

Checkout all of the SeekersHub podcasts by visiting http://seekershub.org/podcast/

In this episode, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani covers the hadiths twenty one to twenty five of the ninth set of hadiths of Imam Nabahani on the virtues of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him). In the twenty first hadith we learn about Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) deep and sincere concern for his people (ummah) and how he wept in seeking forgiveness for them. The twentieth hadith highlights the great merit and reward in sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). In the twenty third hadith, we learn something of the great rank and majesty of Prophet Muhmmad (peace ad blessings be upon him), through his story with the buraq on the event of the night journey. The twenty fourth and twenty fifth hadith showcase the high rank in the hereafter of those who are connected to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Finally, Shaykh Faraz continues the text, “Letter to a Disciple” by Imam Ghazali, where he narrates a story of Imam Shibly, one of the great spiritual masters of the Muslim predecessors. He highlights a comprehensive hadith, which gathers the knowledge of how one should act in this life.

The texts will be read in Arabic, translated, and commented upon briefly. This class is of benefit both for committed students of knowledge—particularly given the reading in Arabic—and for those simply seeking daily guidance, reminders, and inspiration in learning to live the light of Prophetic guidance.

Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/