Skip to main content

A pious mother's letter to her son (Letter of Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi’s mother while he was in Madrasa):

Letter of Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi’s (RA) mother to her son:

My beloved Son, Ali Assalamualaikum,
Our duas are with you. I have not received a single letter from you as yet. Daily I await your letter. (Since you have not written) I am forced to write to you. Please inform me of your conditions as soon as possible.

Abdul Ali’s arrival has definitely put me at ease but a letter from you would have surely given me more peace of mind. Abdul Ali had mentioned that you fell ill once again. He mentioned that you are not concerned about your health and that you utilize your free time also for studying. I asked him why did not prevented you and he replied that he mentioned this to you but you are not bothered about looking after yourself. I am very concerned about this. Initially it was your disregard and naivete and now your inappropriately-timed hard work. This is very distressing to me.

I had always hoped that you would not pursue English (Secular Education) education but contrary to my hope you have also pursued this path and now you have to work extra hard to accomodate this as well. Nonetheless, we hope everything turns out for the best. This is also the wisdom of Allah Taala provided it is coupled with your istikhara in this matter.

I have no inclination whatsover towards English (secular) education. Infact I have an aversion towards it. However I accept whatever makes you happy. Ali, the conditions of the world are frightening. People pursuing Islamic education are floundering in their beleifs, so you can very well imagine the conditions of those pursuing secular education. Ali, people are of the opinion that students of secular knowledge are acquiring some status or the other. They feel that they can become a deputy, a judge or atleast an attorney or barrister. However I am totally opposed to this. I regard people who pursue secular education as ignorant and the knowledge itself as useless. Especially in these times, do you know what type of knowledge is required? Perhaps there was a need of secular education in the past.

Everyone can achieve status. Who is deprived of some status or the other? You should acquire that which is presently rare and is not pursued by everyone. You should pursue that knowledge for which tears flow in aspiration, for which the ears stand up in longing and knowledge that the heart yearns for. Such knowledge should be pursued but this is very rare.
Alas, we are living in such times. Ali, dont be fooled by anyone. If you want acquire the pleasure of Allah and you really want to fulfill my rights, look at those who have passed their entire lives in the pursuit of religious knowledge. What status did they enjoy? Look at the status of Shah Waliyullah and look at you own seniors like Khajah Ahmad Sahib and Maulana Muhammad Amin Sahib Marhum whose lives and deaths were something to be envied. What status did they enjoy in this world and with what grandeur did they leave this world.

How can you achieve this status? There are so many in your own family and there will be in the future also, those who have gained name and fame through secular education but not the status of aforementioned saints. These saints had no inclination towards secular education. As far as secular education is concerned, they were ignorant. How and why did they achieve such a high rank?

Ali, if I had a hundred children, I would have issued each one of them with the same instructions. Now you are the only child left. May Allah Taala grant me the blessings of this sincere intention by making me acheive the virtues of one hundred children through you alone. And may He make me successful in both the worlds and a woman of reputable character and a woman with many virtuous children. Amin.

May Allah Taala elevate you to the same status as that of these pious people as well and may He keep you steadfast. Amin. I do not have any other desire. I will offer just one more word of advice provided you take heed. Make extensive use of the books of your seniors. Be very cautious. If you do not have any book, purchase it with the advice of Abdul Ali. The books that you have are also quite sufficient. These books will expose your good fortune and the books also will not be in vain. This will also be very pleasing to your seniors. I am very desirious of you attaining this good fortune in that you make good use of these books. Whatever you spend, spend it only where necessary or you may buy something to eat.
Do not ever resort to debt. If you have it spend it otherwise exercise patience. Students of deen acquire knowledge in this very manner. Your seniors of the past suffered great many hardships in the pursuit of knowledge. Consider your present difficulties as a source of pride and honour. If you require anything, write to me and let me know. I will try to meet your requirements, as Allah Taala is the Provider. However avoid debt, as debt is destructive. If you are able to pay it when due, there is no problem. The Sahabah also incurred debt but they paid their dues promptly. Who are we, Ali? It will also be your good fortune to take heed of my advices.

The halwa is not ready yet. Inshallah the moment I get an oppurtunity. I will prepare and send it over to you.
Write to me and inform me of your conditions as soon as possible. If you delay, I will consider the delay as an indication that you found my advice unpalatable. Inshallah in Ramadan I will make you deliver a lecture (here in Lucknow). May Allah Taala grant you the guidance to speak well beyond my expectations and may He make your speech impressive and a source of attaining His pleasure.
Amin.

Everything else is fine. Be prepared with the mercy of Allah Taala and remember you have promised me about this as well.
Your Mother.

Source: Recieved as WhatsApp message. Republished in blog.

Popular posts from this blog

Discipline is not oppression, it is love in action:

 - *The Perils of Pampering: Raising Disciplined, God-Conscious Children*   In a world that glorifies instant gratification, indulgence, and materialism, we risk raising a generation that lacks resilience, respect, and responsibility. The saying, *"A pampered child becomes a spoiled adult,"* holds profound truth. If we fail to discipline our children today, we may find ourselves helplessly watching them struggle tomorrow or worse, witnessing them turn into entitled, inconsiderate adults.   *Discipline is not oppression, it is love in action*. It is the framework that shapes a child’s character, teaching them that life does not always bend to their will. If we refuse to instill these values at home, the world will teach them often in ways we would never approve of.   Islam places immense emphasis on disciplined upbringing. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:   > *"Command your children to pray at the age of seven, and discipline them for it at t...
Read more

A beautiful dua which covers many aspects of our needs of here and hereafter:

*Brilliant du'a.* *I BEG OF YOU IN THE NAME OF ALLAH TO DEVOTE A FEW MINUTES AND READ AND CONTEMPLATE ON THIS LENGTHY DU'A TO THE END.* *Have you forgotten anything?* These are d a few things you may want to ask for in this blessed month of Ramadhan. "Ya Rahman, Ya Raheem, Ya Rabb al Alameen, I call upon You and I ask You by every Name that You have named Yourself with, revealed in Your Book, taught any one of Your creation or kept unto Yourself in the knowledge of the unseen that is with You, Allahumma salli wa sallim 'alaa nabiyyinaa Muhammad. Ya Rabb, make me sincere in this dua. Please grant me a death with the shahadah on my tongue. Grant me Husn al Dhan billah (good expectations from Allah) Expand my grave for me and illuminate it with light. Preserve my record in Illiyeen. Lighten for me the questioning of the grave. Grant me death in a state of Ibadah, that is most pleasing to You and resurrect me in the same state. Keep me free from fear, anxiety a...
Read more

کیا آپ کا بچہ کند ذہن ہے؟ جانیے لرننگ سٹائلز کے بارے میں!

کیا آپ کا بچہ کند ذہن ہے؟ جانیے لرننگ سٹائلز کے بارے میں! بچوں کے کم یا زیادہ ذہین ہونے کا تعلق ان کے والدین کی تعلیمی قابلیت یا ان کی پیدائش سے بالکل نہیں ہے جب تک بچہ پیدائشی طور پر کسی ایسی بیماری کا شکار نہ ہو جس کی وجہ سے سیکھنے کے عمل پر منفی اثر پڑ سکتا ہو۔ پھر کچھ بچے تدریسی عمل کے دوران کیوں جلدی سیکھ جاتے ہیں جبکہ کچھ کو وہی سبق سیکھنے یا یاد کرنے میں مشکلات کا سامنا کرنا پڑتا ہے؟  اس سوال کا تعلق تعلیمی نفسیات سے ہے جو ایک باقاعدہ سائنس ہے اور اساتذہ کے ہر تعلیمی اور تربیتی نصاب میں اس پر باقاعدہ بات ہوتی ہے۔ تعلیمی نفسیات کے مطابق بر بچے کا لرننگ اسٹائل دوسرے سے مختلف ہوتا ہے۔ ہمارے تعلیمی نظام کا ایک مسلہ یہ بھی ہے کہ اساتذہ ان الگ الگ لرننگ اسٹائلز سے واقف نہ ہونے یا دوران تدریس ان کا خیال نہ رکھنے کی وجہ سے سب بچوں کو ایک ہی طریقے سے پڑھانا شروع کر دیتے ہیں۔ جس کی وجہ سے کچھ بچوں کو بات سمجھ میں آجاتی ہے جبکہ کچھ اسے سمجھنے سے قاصر رہتے ہیں۔ اس طرح بچوں کو ذہین یا کند ذہن لیبل کر دیا جاتا ہے۔ اصل صورت حال اس سے بہت مختلف ہے۔ اس کے لیے یہ سمجھنا ہوگا کہ لرننگ اسٹائلز ...
Read more

About Hell, Hell fire- Jahannam ki tafseel :

 July 30 - 2021. Today's learning: (The original speech was in urdu, after that it is translated into English text by Mohsin sir) Surath Al -Kahf.Chapter 18- verse:29.  *Hell explanation: (Jahannam ki tafseel):*  By Islamic interpreters.(Mufassireen e Islam).  *Brief description of the verse:*  When the truth is revealed then it is upon the people whether to accept it or reject it.If they accept it then it's good for them and if they reject it then there's a torment of blazing fire for them.  *Inference:* Here the humans who had being given the free will(ikhtiyaar) act according to their own whims and desires.Angels don't have this kind of choice with them only the jinns(one of the creation of Allah with fire) and the humans have this free will option.  *Consequences of the free will:*  Allah has revealed all the ways of guidance in his final book.Those who don't accept and practice they would be sent to the hell. Seven names of hell are as follow...
Read more

You're either a slave of your desires or a slave of Allāh.

*I post this with tears in my eyes.* This is a Khutbah which was Given by one Ustaz from Osogbo, osun  (Nigeria) What a touching KHUTUBAH please if time allows you  read it. It's worth a Reminder; Published as received. "Every human is a slave. You're either a  slave of your desires or a slave of Allāh. You either live life by your rules or the rule of Allāh. How can the heart travel to God if it's chained by its desires? O' son of Adam! Sell this World for the hereafter and you win both, sell the hereafter for this world & you lose both. #DeenOverDunya Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyah Islam is not a buffet where you pick and choose what suits you. Don't obey your desires. Obey Allaah. "Imprisoned is he, whose heart is imprisoned from Allāh. Captured is he, who is captured by his desires." Fudayl Ibn Iyad was asked "What do you find the strangest of all things?" He said: The heart that knows Allāh, yet still disobeys Him 😢 ...
Read more

Why Pork (pig meat) is Haram in Islam? Some scientific observations:

Why Pork is Haram in Islam ~ In the Qur'an Allah has forbidden pork. Do you know that pork is forbidden by Jews, and its forbidden in Bible too. 15 Things You Should Know About Pigs: 1) A pig is a real garbage gut. It will eat anything including urine, excrement, dirt, decaying animal flesh, maggots, or decaying vegetables. They will even eat the cancerous growths off other pigs or animals. 2) The meat and fat of a pig absorbs toxins like a sponge. Their meat can be 30 times more toxic than beef or venison. 3) When eating beef or venison, it takes 8 to 9 hours to digest the meat so what little toxins are in the meat are slowly put into our system and can be filtered by the liver. But when pork is eaten, it takes only 4 hours to digest the meat. We thus get a much higher level of toxins within a shorter time. 4) Unlike other mammals, a pig does not sweat or perspire. Perspiration is a means by which toxins are removed from the body. Since a pig does not sweat, the toxins re...
Read more

Eid Mubarak: Beyond the Festivities, Towards a Lifetime of Reflection:

 - ##  Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones! As the crescent moon graces the sky, marking the end of Ramadan, we are filled with joy, gratitude, and a sense of spiritual renewal. The month of fasting, prayer, and reflection has drawn to a close, leaving behind a beautiful tapestry of shared experiences and strengthened faith. This Eid, as we gather with family and friends, exchanging warm greetings and savoring delicious treats, let's also take a moment to reflect on the profound lessons Ramadan has imparted. We've nurtured patience, empathy, and a deeper connection with our spiritual selves. We've learned the power of self-discipline and the beauty of giving. However, the true essence of Ramadan lies not just in the month itself, but in the lasting impact it has on our lives. The spirit of generosity, the commitment to prayer, the dedication to self-improvement – these are not fleeting practices to be abandoned once Eid arrives. This Eid, let's make a conscious effor...
Read more

The Doctor, Medicine and Muslims past 1000 years:

 - Muslim science  par excellence  was the study of medicine. Interest in medicine goes back to the very earliest times. The Prophet himself stated that there was a remedy for every illness, and was aware that some diseases were contagious. The great contribution of the Arabs was to put the study of medicine on a scientific footing and eliminate superstition and harmful folk-practices. Medicine was considered a highly technical calling, and one which required long study and training. Elaborate codes were formulated to regulate the professional conduct of doctors. It was not enough to have a mastery of one’s subject in order to practice medicine. Certain moral qualities were mandatory.  Ibn Hazm  said that a doctor should be kind, understanding, friendly, good, able to endure insults and adverse criticism; he must keep his hair short, and his fingernails as well; he must wear clean, white clothes and behave with dignity. Before doctors could practice, they had to...
Read more

Kya gehri baat hai:

1. Galti neem ki nahi ke wo kadwi hai... Khudgarz to zubaan hai jise sirf meetha pasand hai... Jhoot ka bhi ajeeb zaiqa hai, Khud bolo to meetha lagta hai, aur koi dusra bole to kadwa lagta hai...! Yeh Duniya Bhi Kitni Ajeeb Hai, Be’haya Ko Khoobsurat, Dhoke Baaz Ko Aqalmand Aur Imaandar Ko Bewaqoof Samajhti Hai"  2. 💐🍁Jis tarah Musalmaan janaze ko kaandha dena sawab samajhte hain....... Kaash !! Usi tarah Zinda Musalman ko sahara dena sawab samajhne lage to puri Qaum ki zindagi aasaan hojaegi... 💐🍁💐🍁 3. ❧ Apni Aawaz ko buland karne         ke bajaye Apni daleel Ko                   buland karo, ❧ Phool Barish ke barasne se          Khilte hai, Baadalo ke               Garazne se ...
Read more

*Allama Iqbal ke Naseehat Aamoz Ashaar*

منزل سے آگے بڑھ کر منزل تلاش کر Manzil Se Aage Badh Kar Manzil Talaash Kar مل جائے تجھکو دریا تو سمندر تلاش کر Mil Jaaye Tujhko Dariya To Samandar Talaash Kar ہر شیشہ ٹوٹ جاتا ہے پتھر کی چوٹ سے Har Sheesha Toot Jaata Hai Patthar Ki Chot Se پتھر ہی ٹوٹ جائے وہ شیشہ تلاش کر Patthar Hi Toot Jaaye Woh Sheesha Talaash Kar سجدوں سے ...
Read more