Naqshbandiya Foundation for Islamic Education

The Naqshbandiya Foundation for Islamic Education (NFIE) is a non-profit, tax exempt, religious and educational organization dedicated to serve Islam with a special focus on Tasawwuf(Sufism),

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Shaykh Muhammad Bin Yahya Al Ninowy:Ramadan 1444H Mubarak رمضان مبارك كريم

Ramadan 1444H. رمضان مبارك كريم

Ramadan Mubarak to all of you, and may this month brings out all the blessings, mercies, love and good to all, and may our lower Nafs and shayateen take a break and yield.
Many of you know my view on the moonsighting or the moonfighting. I don't view the sighting (رؤية) limited to the naked eye sighting, as the Qur'an used (ألم تر) and other similar terms for intellectual and heart sighting.
Announcing Ramadan can be through: 1- sighting, 2- completing 30 days of Sha'ban, 3- estimation (التقدير لهلال رمضان).
1- The sighting; one of three means, is disagreed upon, whether its threshold is 1 person's sighting (Ibn Umar's Hadith), 2 people sighting (al-Husayn b. Hurayth's Hadith), or a group of Muslims (like the Hanafi scholars -only if conditions are clear, and they validate 1 person if unclear).
2- Completing 30 days of Sha'ban requires knowledge of the actual beginning of Sha'ban, if we entertain a possibility of two consecutive 30 day lunar months!!. But most people only pay attention to the three months when it comes to the new born moon; Ramadan, Shawwal, and Dhil Hijjah, for obvious practical reasons.
3- Estimation (اقدروا له) as in Bukhari from Ibn Umar. Estimation is disagreed upon among scholars. Those who oppose it, view that naked eye sighting is the only way because the Hadith provides the reason, which is: we are "Ummah Ummiyyah: unlettered community". so the implying is that we should always be?!! or was it for when the Ummah was Ummiyyah as an eased means?
In fact the Prophet, sallallahu Ta'ala alayhi wa aalihi wa sallam, tried his best to bring the Ummah out of its Ummiyyah (the state of being unlettered) all his life. Or is the stated reason (العلة المنصوص عليها) no longer applicable once the Ummah is no longer Ummayah (unlettered)??. Another Usuli day insha'Allah.
Ibn Suraij among other Shafi'i scholars viewed the obligation of fasting upon those who have definitive/more definitive knowledge than just the naked eye sighting. Similarly, our grand Shaykh the Hanafi jurist Mustafa al-Zarqa (Rahimahu Allah).
Ibn Hajar implies that the naked eye sighting is for the point of ease, wallahu A'lam. In his Fat'h al-Bari 4/108-109 he says:
المراد بالحساب هنا حساب النجوم وتسييرها، ولم يكونوا يعرفون من ذلك إلا النزر اليسير. فعلق الحكم بالصوم وغيره بالرؤية، لرفع الحرج عنهم في معاناة التسيير
Which means: (What is meant by calculation here is calculating the span and orbits of the stars (moon), and they did not know much about that, hence the ruling of fasting hinged on the naked eye sight, to make things easy for them).
So, if the easiest and least definitive means is validated, more complex definitive scientific methods are not!!!!
Anyway, all that were variable means to achieve one objective, which is observing the month of Ramadan.
Sighting (as one means) of the moon is not an objective in the Shar'iah, nor was it reported in any authentic Hadith that the Prophet, sallallahu Ta'ala alayhi wa aalihi wa sallam, ever went out to sight the moon of Ramadan or Shawwal, etc. He, sallallahu Ta'ala alayhi wa aalihi wa sallam, told the people: fast for seeing it and break for seeing. Allah Ta'ala told us: (فمن شهد منكم الشهر فليصمه: whoever among you witness the month, shall fast it).
The objective is fasting the month of Ramadan, not seeing the crescent of Ramadan. Witnessing the month is a wasila (tool), and fasting is the (ghayah) objective, with variable means for one fixed objective.
The new moon will be born, in a definitive scientific way, on March 21, at 8:20 PM or so Makkah time later today insha'Allah. It will most likely not be seen. Yet, by the simple birth of the new moon, the time space is no longer the month of the Sha'ban, and the birth of the only moon globally indicates the actual start of the month of Ramadan, whether some people witness it or not. So, those who are in remote areas, away from communities, etc.. and you are convinced that the actual emergence of the new crescent announces the new month/you have witnessed it: you should fast on the next day which is the 22 of March coinciding to be the first of the blessed month of Ramadan 1444.
Heart/intellectual sighting doesn't eliminate the validity of the naked eye sighting added to it as well.
If you are in communities, follow your Jama'ah, and don't cause a Fitnah.
If you want to fast it for yourself without causing a storm even if your community doesn't, then I do not see a harm in that because I don't find any conclusive authentic evidence in the prohibition of fasting the end of Sha'ban-even if it were Sha'ban-, if any, on the contrary, many interpreted Hadith Muslim about fasting the Surar of Sha'ban, as fasting the end of Sha'ban. So fast the full month of Ramadan, as Ramadan is always a full and a complete month, wallahu A'lam.
But don't worry, the Qur'an is so merciful, and Allah Ta'ala said , which means: (whosoever witnessed the month should fast it), and if you didnt witness it, then follow those who witnessed it, and you may be excused. So Ramadan Mubarak to you all, whether you will fasting on Wednesday or Thursday.
So spare yourself and all discussions around this now that Ramadan begun, and allow yourself and others to heal and seek their Lord's pleasure with their entire hearts and devotion.
Please use this great month to purify thoughts, heart, mind, tongue and actions from all evil.
Do not forget your share in the night prayer.., charity giving, smiling, be good to family, neighbors and community....Lots of good in it.
May your Ramadan, its days and its nights , be an absolute blessings for you and all the Ummah, and a mercy to all the creation.



Thursday, December 15, 2022

Salat al-Badriyya Poem by Shaykh Ali Mansur (RA)- Salawat Hub

Salat al-Badriyya is a poem composed by Indonesian scholar and poet Shaykh Ali Mansur Siddiq Bashaiban X (d. 1391/1971) in praise of the Prophet ﷺ and the companions martyred in the Battle of Badr. It is commonly known as Sholawat Badar in Indonesia where it holds a very special status. It is usually referred to as “Salatullah Salamullah” in other parts of the world.

About Salat al-Badriyya

Shaykh Ali Mansur was born in Jember, East Java on 23 March 1921 (4 Ramadan 1340 AH). After his initial Islamic education, he became heavily involved in politics. He was affiliated with Nahdlatul Ulama, an Indonesian socio-religious movement, which has grown to become the largest independent Islamic organisation in the world today.

Shaykh Ali Mansur wrote Salat al-Badriyya during a time of great social and political chaos in Indonesia. As a result of the risk of possible confrontation between various political parties, he grew anxious. During a restless night, it is said that he dreamt of meeting people clad in white and green robes. That same night, his wife dreamt of meeting the Prophet ﷺ. The following day he set out to visit Habib Hadi bin Abdullah Al-Hadar, one of the greatest scholars of the time, in search for an interpretation of this dream. Habib Hadi told him that the people in his dream were the people of Badr.

Following these events and with inspiration from a book entitled Manzumah Ahl al-Badar al-Muhsammah al-Musamma Jaliyyat al-Kadar fi Fadail Ahl al-Badar (Arabic: منظومة اهل بدر المسماة جالية الكدر في فضل اهل بدر) by Imam Ja’far al-Barzanji, Shaykh Ali composed Salat al-Badriyya.

The following day, he was visited by a group of highly respected habaib led by Habib Ali bin Abdurrahman al-Habshi, better known as Habib Ali Kwitang. After a brief conversation about the political situation, Habib Ali asked Shaykh Ali about the poem he had written the previous night. Shaykh Ali was surprised as he hadn’t made mention of the poem. Habib Ali asked him to recite Salat al-Badriyya in front of the group of habaib. The poem moved the group to tears. Habib Ali immediately stood up following the recital and said, “O Ali Mansur! Let us fight the enemies of Islam with Salawat al-Badriyya!” This visit took place on Wednesday, September 26, 1962 at 8 am according to Shaykh Ali Mansur’s diary.

Habib Ali later invited Shaykh Ali Mansur and other respected scholars to his village in Jakarta. Shaykh Ali was asked to recite Salat al-Badriyya in front of a large congregation. Following the event, Habib Ali al-Habshi asked his students to print the prayer and distribute it to the congregation.

The Grave of Shaykh Ali Mansur

From there, the poem’s fame grew rapidly in Indonesia and was used as a reading by Nahdlatul Ulama to rouse spirits against opposing parties. It has since become well-known throughout the world.

Shaykh Ali passed away on March 24, 1971 (26 Muharram 1391) at the age of 50. His grave is located in Maibit village in Tuban Regency, Indonesia. It has been recently renovated and is regularly frequented by the public. A large mural of the poem stands by his grave.

Source: https://salawathub.com/salat-al-badriyya/

PDF: At Salawat Hub Website

YouYube Video- Talib Al Habib : Salat al Badriyya with Arabic & English Subtitles

https://youtu.be/fHRECrgvOI0







Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Historical Sacred Calligraphy, Poetry, Names of Prophet Muhammad (saws) at Masjid Al-Nabawi : 1. Holy Hijaz Website 2. Videos

1.Holy Hijaz : Art, Calligraphy & Special Sights of Masjid al-Nabawi & Masjid al-Haram: 

Website:   https://holyhijaz.wordpress.com/about/

Assalamu alaykum

I started this Blog as i wanted to share my interest and findings on the various art work found in Masjid e Nabwi.

One thing that always bothered me was that i could not understand what was written in both Masjid e Nabwi and in the Holy Haram in Makkah.

I thought to myself why dont i know what it says? Surely everything connected with our Holy Master is elevated due to his connection and proximity, thus i shoud know about His Holy Masjid and especially about the caligraphy, poetry and architecture of the Holy Chamber.

To this end i have consulted many many books, articles, photographs and spent a large amount of time in Riyadh libraries such as the King Abdul Aziz Public Libraries as well as the Library in Masjid e Nabwi.

My work has been helped by the fact that i work in Riyadh and can travel to the Holy Masjid every weekend if I wanted to and I have done quite often.

May Alah Tha’ala accept this deed as an Ithaale Thawab for all the Muslims that have passed away or are yet to pass away until the day of judgment and may the benevelent and gracious sight of our Master Alay hissalam be upon us.

Sajid

2.A - Video- Ziyarah of Rawdhah in Masjid al-Nabawi ( Prophet's Mosque ) - Arabic Text of Poetry with Urdu Translation: https://youtu.be/hmHk5exbVcE 

2.B. -Video - 185 Beautiful Names of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ written on qibla wall of Masjid Nabawi ﷺ : https://youtu.be/-zTQNdCKSNM

Abdullah Zuhdi: Artist of the Prophet's Mosque

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Daniel Abdal Hayy Moore : Sparrow on the Prophet's Tomb (saws)

 

Sparrow on the Prophet's Tomb

O sparrow perched on a corner of the

   Prophet's tomb

cheeping above thousands of bowed heads murmuring,

whose glassy chirps hit high notes of

   purity under the eaves in this

     Mosque of God's Messenger

that resides in two territories of space -

this world seen, the next world

     unseen -

in this shadow existence of his signal presence among us

 visitors from even farther away than

   China pass by to greet him,

and in your little feathered body is the swooping freedom to

  come and go all day to visit him

speeding from a tall beam

  across choruses of hearts

gratefully weeping or tranquil with an ecstatic

     inner moonrise

just to be here.

Sparrow, what is your name? Is it "Constant Devotion?"

Is it "I Want To Be Near?" "Praiseworthy Friend?"

Is your name "Generations To Come?"

You fluff your breast and preen your wing

where men cannot go, you dart into the

dark of the tomb for deeper conversation.

We would all go with you if we could,

squeeze our tiny feathery bodies through the

   gold grille work, past the

     guards in their pea green uniforms,

to sit on a corner of the Prophet's tomb in the

 dark to hear him

return the salutations of

such outpouring awed adorations of men and women,

    each one

passing by that undying presence, trying to

sneak a peak through the golden porthole,

hearts boiling with overwhelming emotions.

You land and sing.

You cock your head.

You watch us from your high perch with a

        cool eye.

Sparrow, you are more than a sparrow.

You are a continent of sparrows.

You are The Minister of Internal Affairs of all

       sparrows.

You are the song that laces the margins of the deep message,

 the message of God's Magnificence, the

thunder of tremendous shock, earthquake and

 heaven crash of the

stark glare of God's Might.

You trill and fly,

your song like a tiny tune from paradise,

  delicate celesta of celestial light.

The mosque in Medina expands

     all the way to the

        ends of the earth.

Forget about walls, where

marble pillars mark

the mosque's original dimensions,

the Prophet's precincts now

     encompass our houses and the

invisible courtyards of our

      love, interconnected by

sparrow-song, perched on a

       Turkish cornice,

singing to Timbuktu,

Medina song bird

     heard around the

         world. 

Daniel Abdal-Hayy Moore is a Muslim poet who has published many poetry books and organized poetry reading festivals. Born in 1940 in Oakland, California his first book of poems was published in 1964. He became a Muslim in 1970 and travelled extensively around Europe and North Africa. Although he stopped writing for ten years he continues writing Islamic and spiritual poetry.

Source: https://www.lastprophet.info/sparrow-on-the-prophet-s-tomb

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Markaz Knowledge City , Calicut, Kerala set to open by the end of October,2022


The grand opening of Markaz Knowledge City, a holistic Edu-city project commissioned ten years ago in 125 acres of land at Kaithappoyil in Calicut, is to be commenced at the end of October. The city has various projects in the fields of education, health, industry, agriculture and housing such as Cultural Center, Markaz Unani Medical College, Markaz Law College, Business School, Advanced Research Centre, Library, Folklore Study Center, Media and Publishing House, Organic Garden, International School, Hospitality and Hotel Management Institute, Digital Education Centre, Special Needs school, Technology and Development Center, Hospital, Business Center, Wellness Center, Life Skill Development School, Living Apartments, Star hotels and Convention Center. 


A diverse set of programs have been planned in association with the grand inauguration ceremony including the participation of various national and international delegates. For organising the events, an extensive reception team has been formed under different sub-committees. Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar presided over the special program held at Karanthur Markaz and elected Sayed Muhammed Thurab Saqafi as General Committee Chairman, Abdul Majeed Kakkad as Convener and Abdul Kareem Haji Chaliyam as Treasurer. The meeting also formed a high-command committee including Kanthapuram A. P. Aboobacker Musliyar, Perod Abdurrahman Saqafi, Sayed Ibrahim Khaleel al-Bukhari, C. Muhammad Faizy, and others.


During the function, C. Muhammad Faizy delivered the introductory speech and Dr Abdul Hakeem Azhari explained the blueprint for the inauguration events. Majeed Kakkad welcomed and Syed Muhammad Turab Saqafi delivered the vote of thanks for the function.

Source: https://www.markazknowledgecity.com/

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Ala Ya Allah Bi Nadhra – Imam Haddad’s Poem at His Wife’s Death

Shaykh Muhammad Ba-Dhib explains Imam Haddad’s famous poem “Ala ya Allah bi Nadhra (ألا يالله بنظرة),” which he composed upon the passing of his wife.

Not only was Imam Haddad a great scholar and Knower of Allah, but he was also a skilled poet and literary author. One of the characteristics of his poetry is a great sense of grief and sadness, and this poem, “Ala ya Allah bi Nadhra,” was composed after his wife’s passing.

He begins by saying,

“O my friend, do not be overburdened with worries.

And submit to God’s decrees so that you can become praiseworthy and rewarded.

And be content with what the Master has decreed, and don’t have any displeasure with the decree of Allah, Lord of the Lofty Throne.”

Although the Imam was experiencing intense pain and grief, he was advising himself and others to not complain or worry too much, so that they can be rewarded and honoured by Allah for having patience.

“And be patient and grateful,

You will become victorious and rewarded (by Allah)

And be from the people of Inward Secrets.

The people of Allah have an illuminated heart that is purified from all dirt, pure, and a purification for others.”

Here he is saying that when one is patient with Allah’s decree, Allah gives one a purified heart. Most people become very distressed or complain when they are tested, but the true believers are patient, having love of Allah and hope for reward from Him.

“And this lowly world, it’s problems are many in every moment, and life within it does not have a value,

And one does not seek this dunya unless their sight is completely blinded. If they had an intellect, they would have been more reflective.

Reflect over the fading of this world.

And on the great difficulties that occur.

And on the low worth of its value.

So blessed, truly blessed, is to the who is careful of it, and who divorced the world and focus themselves towards obedience of their Lord.”

No matter how rich or poor we are, we all need the same things; a little bit of food, something to drink, and clothing and shelter. Whether those are expensive or cheap, our needs are the same, and so is the end result; a grave and a shroud.

We could spend our lives working, but in the end, it will all come to nothing. Therefore, the best person is the one who recognizes this, and uses the world only for his needs, nothing more.

“Oh my eye! Let the tears flow regarding that beloved that used to be with us, 

Who then went on their journey, and my heart and mind after them have become overtaken

But Allah is my Sufficiency,

And the entire affair belongs to Allah,

And no one remains except Allah.”

Here, the Imam is reflecting on the passing of his beloved after years of spending time together and taking care of each other. He consoles himself by reminding himself that he should rely on Allah, and that everything besides Allah will come to an end.

“Upon Bashar have come the clouds of Allah’s mercy, and Allah has given them glad tidings and has blessed them. 

Within it are our Masters, teachers, our family and our loved ones; those who are beloved to my heart are there. 

And those who have taken residence in the deepest depths of my heart.  And in this plain of the graveyard, its dust is more beautiful than musk. 

Because it is the resting place of the best of the Sayyids,

Exemplars for all people,

Loving them is felicity,

Fortunate is the one who visits them with sincerity. By the blessing of visiting them, what they seek from Allah will come.”

Bashar is the name of the graveyard that his wife was buried in. Imam Haddad recalls this fact that gives him comfort; that his wife is surrounded by righteous men and woman who are teachers, family members, and loved ones who are descendants of the Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace. He advises everyone to follow the sunna of visiting graves.

Source: Seekers Guidance: https://seekersguidance.org/articles/video/ala-ya-allah-bi-nadhra-imam-haddads-poem-at-his-wifes-death/

YouTube Video : Seeking Sacred Truth :  Sep 17, 2022 Imam al-Haddad composed this poem after the passing of his wife. I have arranged this video because I was unable to find a YouTube video of this beautiful nasheed with an accompanying english translation.Excellent Arabic Text with English Subtitles

https://youtu.be/cZHXcn2cEbU