The Fruits of Fear

Imam Ghazali (ra) says: “Fear rips away desires and muddens luxuries so that cherished sins become reprehensible, just as a honey lover is repelled by it when he learns that it has poison in it. This is how fear burns desires; disciplines the organs; subordinates the heart and gives it tranquility. It also enables the heart to rid itself of pride, hatred, and envy; and it leaves it absorbed in it (fear). Hence, the heart becomes preoccupied with its own worries and looks towards its best interest in the long run. It is then engaged in only matters like meditation, self-analysis and struggle. It cherishes its time and moments.”

Abdullah ibn Mubarak (ra) said about fear: When night befalls, they endure it and see it through bowing in ruku. Fear has released their sleep, so they stand and acquire security in vigilance.

Hasan ibn Hani (ra) composed the following:

Fear Allah and hope for every good thing from Him;
Don’t follow your adamant self, lest you regret it;
Remain in between hope and fear and you will
rejoice with the Pardon of Allah if you submit.

Itikaaf

It is reported from Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu anhu) that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said:

“Whosoever performs an I’tikaaf of ten days in Ramadaan will receive the reward of two Hajj and two Umrah.” (Shu’abul Iemaan)

Imam Tahir Anwar

Imam Tahir Anwar was born in London, England, in 1978, and moved to the San Francisco Bay Area of California in 1983. He completed the initial studies of the Qur’an and the Arabic language under his father, who is also a scholar of the Islamic sciences. In 1991, he traveled to Gujarat, India where he enrolled in a traditional Islamic University named Darul Uloom Falah-e-Darain (The House of Knowledge which is of benefit in both worlds). In recognition of his academic achievements at this institution in 1999, Imam Tahir was given the title of ‘Aalim, which is bestowed upon a person who successfully completes the course in Islamic Theology.

Since 2000, Imam Tahir has been serving as the Imam (religious leader) and Director of Religious Services at the South Bay Islamic Association, located in San Jose, California. He is also the head of the Islamic Studies Department, and an Islamic Studies teacher at Granada Islamic School in nearby Santa Clara. He has also taught Hanafi fiqh at the world-renowned Zaytuna Institute.

Much of Imam Tahir’s passion is in doing outreach work, and he currently sits on the following Boards:

  • Human Relations Commissioner for the County of Santa Clara
  • Zaytuna College’s Management Committee
  • Muslim Chaplain at the Santa Clara County Correctional Facilities
  • Northern California Islamic Council — A peer-to-peer network of advice and support for Islamic non-profit organizations, whose aim is to provide a united Muslim voice to the community at large
  • Muslim Leaders of Tomorrow (MLT) — A group of 300 young dynamic Muslim leaders from around the world who are committed to creating positive social change. The program provides a venue for these Muslim leaders to propose and debate solutions to the problems facing their societies and the global Muslim community

In the past, Imam Tahir has served various panels and commissions, including:

  • Human Rights Commissioner for the City of San Jose (2003-2008)
  • Community Advisory Panel for CPBS (California Public Broadcasting System), a local radio and television channel (2005-2008)
  • The Interfaith Council on Religion, Race, Economic, and Social Justice (2007-2008)

Imam Tahir has also been awarded the following awards due to his work in the community:

  1. February 2009 – Human Relations Award by the County of Santa Clara
  2. May 2008 – Unity in Diversity Award by the County of Santa Clara
  3. May 2005 – Community Service Award, North-American Islamic Shelter for the Abused

He is frequently invited to speak to forums at various universities and religious institutions. Imam Tahir is fluent in English, Urdu, Arabic, Hindi, and Gujarati. He currently resides in San Jose, California with his wife and two sons.

Source: www.imamtahir.com

The Imam’s beneficial lectures and talks can be heard on the Imam Tahir website.

May Allah swt give good health and long life to Imam Tahir Anwar in order that the ummah continue to benefit from his presence, lessons and knowledge. Ameen.

Fast or Feast?

Author unknown
C’mon its time to pray
Magrib time is moving away
Just wait Im almost done
Please just 1 more savory bun

Remember Salaatul Awaabeen
An opportunity for us to strengthen our Deen
Just 6 Rakaats, hardly much pain
And 12 years sawaab to your name
Just wait! My samoosas are running away
Don’t forget I was fasting the whole long day!

Some time for ALLAH’s words wont you spare?
It’s the month of the Qur’aan, don’t you care!
What! These pies I can’t waste!
My favorite I at least have to taste

Some Zikr to enlighten your heart?
A few moments for taleem wont you part?
Not now! A good time it doesn’t seem
I’m just about to tuck in to my delicious haleem

The month is over much too fast
And 1 more Ramadhaan has already passed
Wasn’t it such a spiritual feat?
Oh Definitely! But atleast now I can eat!

Bishr and the People

Abu Ali relates that a man by the name of Bishr passed by a group of people who were talking amongst themselves about his noble qualities. That is he sleeps very little during the night and only makes Iftaar once every three days.

On hearing this Bishr was overwhelmed and reduced to tears and said, “I cannot remember that I have stayed awake one complete night and when I fast I break the fast the very same night it ends. But Allah through His Mercy puts in the hearts of people more than the servant actually worships”.