'Darui 'llloom Zakariyya

Box 10786 Lenasia, 1820 Gauteng, South Africa

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TeZ: +27 11 8591912 /8591081

Fax: +27118591138 e-mail: duzak@duzak.org.za

RESPECT THE NAME OF ALLAH TA'AALA

he name of ALLAH TA' AALA, the Creator and Sustainer of everything in existence, is indeed great. In fact, the very existence of this world is dependant on the great name of ALLAH TA' AALA. A Hadith bears testimony to this, wherein our Beloved Nabi ~ has said, "Qiyaamat will not take place (i.e. this world will not be destroyed) as long as there is one person saying ALLAH, ALLAH." (Muslim)

Haaji Imdaadullah (Rahimahu ALLAH) was asked by one of his disciples, "I have been making zikr of ALLAH TA" AALA for a while, but yet I cannot feel any special benefit or change." He replied, "Is it not sufficient as an honour that part of your body (i.e. the tongue) is engaged in His remembrance?" ALLAH TA' AALA dissuades us from expediency in this regard in the verse, "They have not appreciated ALLAH TA'AALA His due right." (AZ,ZUMAR:67) On the other hand, ALLAHTA'AALA persuades us in the following words: "Whoever venerates the distinctive signs of ALLAH TA'AALA, it emanates from the piety of hearts." (AL,HAJJ:32) Maulana Badre Aalam (Rahimahu ALLAH), buried in Medinah Munawwarah , advised the Muslims of South Africa, "As long as you show respect to the name of ALLAH TA' AALA, you will be protected from His wrath." The following incident mentioned in Ibn Qudaamah 's (Rahimahu ALLAH) book, Kitaabut Tawwaabeen, is an ideal illustration of the tremendous benefits one attains because of honouring the beautiful name of ALLAH TA'AALA. Bishr Ibnul Harith (famously known as Bishr Haafi, a great sage) was asked, "You have become extremely famous and accepted in the hearts of people. Tell us the cause of this." Bishr Haafi (Rahimahu ALLAH) replied, "I was leading a life of sin. One day while traveling, I came across a piece of paper lying on the ground. I picked it up and found 'BISMILLAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM' written on it. I wiped the dirt off it, put it into my pocket, later purchased itr (fragrance) and applied it to the paper with the only two Dirhams I possessed at that time. That night, in a dream, I heard a voice addressing me saying, "0 Bishr Ibnul Haar ith! You have picked up my name from the street and beautified it. Now I shall beautify your name in this world and the hereafter." Respecting ALLAH TA' AALA 's name was the main cause of Bishr Haafi (R.A.) changing his life drastically, and becoming one of the great personalities of his time. We should therefore, accord the greatest love and respect to the name of ALLAH TA'AALA. Adorning our cars, homes, businesses, etc. with the name of ALLAH TA'ALA, is indeed a sign of love. However, care should be taken that no form of disrespect occurs. The following precautions should be exercised in relation to artifacts bearing the names of ALLAH TA' AALA, our Beloved Nabi ~ and Qur' aanic verses: They should not be displayed where open sin is committed, such as the same room as a T.V or where music is played. (Note: Because of the ills of T.Y. and music, a Muslim home should not even contain them.) Ensure that they are not hung in places where the satr (private parts) could be exposed, such as a bedroom. Wiping and cleaning of such frames should be done by a Musli~ with the greatest respect. Newspapers, magazines or pamphlets containing such material should be kept respectfully. When not required, these items should be buried. PREPARED BY: DARUL ULOOM ZAKARIYYA TEL: +27II 8591912

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