Words of Wisdom from the Pious of the Past

Rasulullah PBUH is reported to have said: 'Fear the intelligence of a Mu'min, for verily he sees with the noor of Allah Ta'ala' (Tirmizi). The 'Mu'min' referred to in the above Hadith is a true Mu'min - one who is obedient to his Rabb and has recognised his Creator and Sustainer, he is a person of true knowledge and taqwa, he has adorned himself with the akhlaaq of Rasulullah PBUH and his entire life is an embodiment of the Sunnah and, in short, he sincerely fulfils the rights of Allah Ta'ala as well as the servants of Allah Ta'ala. Personalities blessed with the above-mentioned qualities see with the noor of Allah Ta'ala and also speak with the tawfeeq (ability) from Allah Ta'ala. While they are not infallible, their words and statements are almost all the time a reflection of the lessons of the Qur'aan and Hadith and their actions are a practical demonstration and application of the Shari'ah and Sunnah. Thus their statements illuminate the heart and provide guidance. Among the greatest benefits of sincerely reading about their lives and studying their works and statements is that one is imbued with great himmat (courage). Stony hearts are melted and weak hearts are strengthened. Laziness gradually dissipates and the zeal for engaging in ibaadah and refraining from every sin is instilled. One is propelled towards emulating them in their sacrifices for Deen and in becoming the true flag-bearers of Islam. Their lives and words inspire one to strive for improvement and betterment in every facet of life, including ibaadaat, mu'aamalaat (monetary dealings), mu'aasharaat (social life) or akhlaaq (character). There were numerous personalities of this calibre in every era. Among the giants of the recent past were Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas Kandhelwi RA, Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi RA and Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya RA. The legacies of these personalities speak for themselves. A short biography of each of these personalities is included in this booklet, which gives a slight glimpse of their status as well as their works and achievements. May Allah Ta'ala accept this great effort and make it a means of tremendous benefit for the Ummah. Aameen. Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyas Patel