Personal Story Al Hasan Al Basari

Muslim Commander: ‘Tell me, Khalid, about the ‘Hasan of Basra.’ I think you know him best.’
Khalid: ‘He is a man whose outside is like his inside, whose words are like his actions. When he tells people to do something good, he is the first to do it; and when he advises others not to do something; he is the first to shun it. He has renounced what people have, but they are always in need of him.’

Muslim Commander: ‘Enough have you said, Khalid. No people would go astray while they have a man like him in their midst.’

This short dialogue between a well-known Commander of Muslim armies and a friend of our hero summarized for us in few words the personality of ‘AI-Hasan AI-Basri,’ who is well-known in Islamic history for his truthfulness, authority on matters of religion, words of wisdom, courage and other worldliness.

‘AI-Hasan AI-Basri’ was born in Madinah. His beloved mother was a former bondswoman of ‘Umm-Salama’ the ‘Prophet's’ wife, and his father ‘Yasar’ was a former bondsman to ‘Zaid-Ibn-Thabit,’ one of the scribes of ‘Prophet Muhammad’ (pbuh). His real name was ‘AI-Hasan Ibn-Yasar,’ but he is better known in history by the name ‘AI-Hasan AI-Basri’ (AI-Hasan of Basra). He was indeed a very fortunate child, for though he was born after the death of ‘Prophet Muhammad’ (pbuh), he was literally brought up in the ‘Prophet's’ household, he spent his childhood with his mother mistress ‘Umm-Salama,’ stayed in constant contact with the other widows of the ‘Prophet,’ was educated by their exemplary personalities and conduct and heard first hand reports about the ‘Prophet’ (pbuh). Since Madinah then was still full of the former companions of ‘Prophet Muhammad’ (pbuh) ‘Al-Hassan Al-Basri’ had the golden opportunity to learn about Islam and its teachings directly from those great students and companions of ‘Prophet Muhammad’ (pbuh), including people like 'Uthman-Ibn-Affan’, ‘Abdullah-Ibn-Umar’ and ‘Ali-Bin-Abi-Talib’ (Radhi-Allahu 'Anhum) whose personality and fluency left a special impression on his character.

At the age of fourteen his family moved to Basra in Iraq, where he got the name of AI-Basri. AI-Basra was then one of the major urban centers of culture in the Islamic Empire, and it was full of the former companions of ‘Prophet Muhammad’ (pbuh) who taught the principles and practices of Islam to the thirsty students and masses. ‘AI-Hasan AI-Basri,’ fully utilized the opportunity. Spending all his time in the mosque, learning, especially at the hands of the well-known companion of the ‘Prophet’ (pbuh), 'Abdullah-Ibn-Mas'ood’. Since many people, rulers and masses were greatly influenced by the new wealth and prosperity that followed the expansion of the Muslim State East and Westward, they needed constant reminders of the dangers of overindulgence in worldly affairs and luxury. ‘Al-Hassan Al-Basri’ was one of such reminders. To him, truth had to be said even in the face of tyrants. For a righteous man of Allah like him should have no fear of anyone except his ‘Creator and Master’ (“Allah”). An example of his daring personality is the incident between him and ‘AI-Hajjaj’ who was a notorious tyrannical governor of Iraq. ‘AI-Hajjaj’ built himself a big palace at Wasil, and he invited people to see it (to impress them). The masses crowded the place, full of admiration of the palace.
To ‘Al-Hassan Al-Basri’ this was a golden opportunity to preach to people, warning them of the dangers of tyranny and indulgence in worldly gains. Naturally, AI-Hajjaj was not very happy with his doing. He swore to kill him. So he ordered some of his soldiers to fetch him. Upon entering, he walked with confidence towards ‘AI-Hajjaj’ muttering some prayers. Suddenly, the tyrant was awe-struck and almost unconsciously invited our hero to sit next to him with all humility and respect. Then, he asked about some matters of religion, attentively listening to ‘AI-Hasan's’ answers, while everyone sat in a state of astonishment. Upon leaving the guard of ‘AI-Hajjaj,’ full of surprise at the sudden turn of the events, asked him, "When you entered and saw the sword ready you muttered a few words. What did you say?”

‘AI-Hasan’ answered: "I prayed to Allah: 'O my Master and Protector! Reverse the rage of ‘AI-Hajjaj’ as you changed the fire into coolness and safety for Ibrahim."

Among the many memorable occasions of pious advice offered by ‘Al-Hasan’ to rulers was his encounter with a great governor of Iraq and Persia, 'Umar-Ibn-Hubaira.’ It is reported that ‘Ibn-Hubaira’ used to receive from the Caliph in Damascus orders which smelt of injustice. So he invited two religious scholars, including our hero to seek their opinion and advice. Following are rough translations of our hero's words of advice:
‘Al-Hasan’: ’Ibn-Hubaira!’ “Fear Allah in dealing with Yazeed (the Caliph), and fear not Yazeed in your dealings with Allah. Remember that Allah can protect you from Yazeed, but Yazeed cannot protect you from Allah. A stern angel who never disobeys Allah will come to you taking you from your great and wide palace to the narrow grave, where you will find no Yazeed, but only your wrong actions with which you disobeyed the Lord and Master of Yazeed. ‘Ibn-Hubaira!’ If you are with Allah, He will protect you from the wrath of ‘Yazeed-Ibn-Abdul-Malik’ in this world and in the Hereafter. But if you are with Yazeed in defiance of Allah's commandments, Allah will leave you to the mercy of Yazeed. Remember that one should never obey a creature whoever he might be in disobedience to the Creator."
It was with this type of words of wisdom that he spent his eighty years of pious and ascetic life teaching and preaching, not only to rulers and the masses of his time, but also to all readers of his wise sayings at all times.

Do not kill yourself by grief.

Sa'd was a student  at the university. Once he was absent for a whole week, so when I met him;

I said "I hope everything is fine, Sa'd? "Nothing's wrong at all, I was just a little busy",Sa'd replied. It was, obvious that he was grief stricken. I said to him, "What's the news?"

"How old is he?" I asked."Seventeen years old"he replied.

I said,"I pray to Allah that He cures him and bless his brothers his situation had an impact on me, but I remained firm and said, "Dear Sa'd, in short, do not kill yourself with grief. Nothing will afflict us except what Allah has already written: Then i consoled him and left. Yes, do not kill yourself with grief, for that will not lighten your troubles.

I remember that sometime ago I went to al Madinah al Na­bawiyya and met up with Khalid. He said to me, "What do you say if we visit Dr. 'Abdullah?"

I said, "Why? What's the news? He replied, "For condolences. "

For condolences? I remarked, in surprise.

The Doctor was a righteous man beyond fifty years of age, but never the less, a human being with feelings and emotions. He had a heart in his chest, and two weeping eyes, and of course, a soul that became happy and sad.
When he heard the terrible news, he prayed over them and

He began to wander about his house in bewilderment.He would pass by toys that lay there untouched for days, because the Khulud and Sarah who would play with them had died.

He would return to his bed which hadn't been made because Umm, Salih, his wife, had died.

He would pass by Yasir's bicycle which hadn't moved for days since the one who used to ride it had died. He would enter his eldest daughter's room to see her wedding suitcases arranged and her clothes lying on her bed.She died when she was in the middle of arranging her wedding clothes.

Glory,be to the One who gave him patience and made him strong!

Guests would come to his house and bring coffee along with them,as he didn't have anyone to help him prepare anything for them.What is amazing is that if you were to see the man receiving condolences, you would think that he was the one giving condolences, and that the one enduring this tragedy was some one else!

He would repeatedly say,"To Allah we belong and to Him we return. It belongs to Allah, whatever

He takes or gives.

Everything has an appointed time with Allah. "

I know someone who when ever I see him he is happy. Yet, if you were to consider his situation, you would find that he has a very humble occupation, he lives in very small rented accommodation, his car is very old and he has many children. Despite this, he is always smiling and loving. He loves his life. That's right! Do not kill your self with grief and do not complain frequently until people become tired of you, like a person whose son is disabled, so whenever he sees you he keeps you busy with his complaints, "My son is ill.... I feel for him... poor son of mine..."

You will soon find your self fed up of him and feel like screaming, Enough, dear brother! Enough! l get your point!" Or imagine a woman frequently saying to her husband, Our house is old the car is about to break down my clothes are out of fashion What is the benefit in complaining? It only increases the suffering. You spend your entire life,A poor man, moaning and grieving.

Your remain with your handstand, complaining, Time is If you do not carry the burdens yourself, who will? 
Enlightenment.

He replied,"My son is ill. He has an injured liver, and a few days ago he also contracted blood poisoning.Also, just yesterday I was shocked to hear that the poisoning has now reached the brain.

I said, There is no might or strength except by Allah! Have patience! I pray to Allah that He cures him. And if Allah were to decree anything for him (i. e.  death), I ask Allah to make him your intercessor on the Day of Resurrection.

He replied, Intercessor? Dear Shaykh, my son is not that young

He lowered his head and said,"Dear Shaykh, he has no brothers.I have not been blessed with any more children, and he has been afflicted with this illness as you can see. "

He said, "Yes.His eldest son went to a wedding party with the entire family in a near by city, whilst he remained behind in Madinah due to his commitments at the university.On the way back they were involved in a terrible road accident in which they died all eleven of them! buried them with his own hands, all eleven of them. 

This is the peak of intelligence, for if he did not behave in this manner, he would have died of grief.

Live your life with what you have available, and you will always be happy.

How to Get Close to Allah

Taqawa is all about Love to Allah. Taqawa is only way to get close to Allah. These are the points mentioned by Ibn Qayyim on how to get close to Allah.
Ibn Qayyim said that there are ten things that bring about the love of Allah:

• Recitation of the Qur'an with reflection and with understanding of its meanings.
• Seeking closeness to Allah by performing voluntary deeds after having performed obligatory ones, for that leads one to the highest levels of love.
• Remembering Allah during every situation – with one's time, heart and deeds ... one's share of that love is to the degree of one's share in that remembrance.
• Preferring what He loves to what you love when your desires are strong.
• Allowing your heart to reflect on His Names and Attributes.
• Reflecting on His many favors and blessings, both the apparent ones arid hidden ones, for that leads to His love.
• Having your heart softened as it is worshipping Allah.
• Being alone with Him in worship when He descends during the last third of the night. And this means to invoke Him, to recite His Speech, to stand with all sincerity and with good manners and with good submission, and then to end that with repentance and with seeking His forgiveness.
• Sitting with those who are truthful in their love of Allah.
• Staying away from all that creates barriers between the heart and Allah.

 

Defining Taqawa

Defination of Taqawa for Quran and Ahadith of Prophet (PBUH)

Taqwa is an Arabic word which is explained as a shield against wrongdoing and further expounded as to be “conscious of Allah” or to have “fear of Allah” or to be “cautiously aware of Allah”.
This consciousness and fear of Allah is understood as a protection and a shield against wrongdoing. The abstention of evil through this fear, consciousness and establishing a cautious awareness of Allah, ultimately develops one’s love of Him.

The only basis of superiority and excellence that there is, or can be, between man and man is that of moral excellence. As regards birth, all men arc equal, for their Creator is One, their substance of creation is one, and their way of creation is one, and they are descended from the same parents. Moreover, a person’s is born in a particular country, nation, or clan is just accidental. Therefore, there is no rational ground on account of which one person may be regarded as superior to the other. The real thing that makes one person superior to others is that one should be more God-conscious, a greater avoider of evils, and a follower of the way of piety and righteousness. Such a man. Whether he belongs to any race, any nation and any country, is valuable and worthy on account of his personal merit. And the one who is reverse of him in character is in any case an inferior person whether he is black or white, born in the east or the west. These same truths that have been stated in this beef verse of the Qur'an, have been explained in greater detail by the Holy Prophet in his addresses and traditions. In the speech that he made on the conquest of Makkah, after going round the Ka'bah, he said: 'Thank God Who has removed from you the blemish of ignorance and its arrogance. O people, men are divided into classes: the pious and righteous, who arc honorable in the sight of Allah, and the sinful and vicious, who arc contemptible in the sight of Allah, whereas all men are the children of Adam and Adam had been created by Allah from clay." (Baihaqi, Tirmidhi). 

On the occasion of the Farewell Pilgrimage, in the midst of the Tashriq days, he addressed the people, and said: 'O people, be aware: your God is One. No Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab, and no non-Arab any superiority over an Arab, and no white one has any superiority over a black one, and no black one any superiority over a white one, except on the basis of taqva (piety). The most honorable among you in the sight, of Allah is he who is the most pious and righteous of you. Say if I have conveyed the Message to you?" And the great congregation of the people responded, saying: Yes, you have, O Messenger of Allah." Thereupon the Holy Prophet said: "Then Iet the one who is present convey it to those who are absent," ( Baihaqi) In a Hadith he has said: "You are all the children of Adam, and Adam was created from the dust. Let the people give'up boasting of their ancestors, otherwise they will stand more degraded than a mean insect in the sight of Allah." ( Bazzar) In another Hadith the Holy Prophet said: "Allah will not enquire about your lineage on the Day of Resurrection. The most honourable in the sight of Allah is he who is most pious. "(Ibn Jarir) In still another Hadith he said: "Allah does not see your outward appearances and your possessions, but He sees your hearts and your deeds." (Muslim, lbn Majah). These teachings have not remained confined to words only but Islam has practically established a universal brotherhood of the believers on the basis, which does not allow any distinction on account of color, race, language, country and nationality which is free from every concept of high and low, clean and unclean, mean and respectable, which admits all human beings with equal rights, whether they belong to any race and nation, any land or region.
“It is not taqwa that you turn your faces toward East or West, but it is taqwa to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book and the Messengers, to spend of your substance out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts you have made; to be firm and patient, in pain and adversity. Those are the truthful and those are the muttaqun.” [Qur’an 2:177]
Taqwa in Ahadith
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “The most common thing which leads people to Paradise is taqwa of Allah and good conduct, and the most common thing which leads people to the Hell Fire is the mouth and the private parts.” [Tirmidhi]
Tafseer ibn Kathir mentions that Atiyah As-Sa’di said the Propeht (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “The servant will not acquire the status of those with taqwa until he abandons what is harmless out of fear of falling into that which is harmful.” [Ibn Majah, Tirmizi]
"O ye who believe! Have taqwa of Allah and let every soul look to what provision he has sent forth for the tomorrow." [Al-Hashar, 59:18].

Taqwa (piousness) means, to fear, to refrain and to defend oneself from sins on account of fear of Allah. Muttaqi (pious) is a religious person who lives paying attention to taqwa.The first thought about taqwa is to refrain from harams (forbidden things). Refraining from Makrooh acts (abominable acts) comes after that. Makrooh means a disgraceful and abominable act, talk or behavior. Giving them up is also of taqwa. After that, we confront doubtful things. They have a relationship with harams like as makrooh acts. The suitable behavior in the name of taqwa, when confronting a doubtful, undefined matter, is to think its probability of being haram and to give it up. Then, Mubah (permissible) and Halâl (Lawful) acts and behaviors come. Enjoying them sufficiently and avoiding waste is also of taqwa.Allah’s Messenger (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him), in one of his Hadiths says:” Lawful things are defined, so are unlawful things. However, there are some suspicious things between these two. When a shepherd puts his sheep out to pasture near a forest, there is a possibility that sheep could enter into that forest at any time; similarly, the one who does not refrain from doubtful things could go into harams. “