(Mother of Mufti Ebrahim Salejee [daamat barakaatuhum] – Part Three)
Makkiyyah Aapa (rahimahallah) was always concerned regarding her Deeni progress. On one occasion, she mentioned to one of her sons that when her mother passed away, then more than the grief she experienced over the loss of a mother was the grief she felt over the loss of the person who would point out her faults, correct her and guide her.
Likewise, she always strove to attain perfection in every aspect of her Deen. Hence, when carrying out any ‘ibaadah or any action, she would often enquire as to whether she was carrying it out in the correct manner.
She was very particular regarding salaah. Thus, she would prepare for salaah before the time could set in, and would also encourage others to do the same. She was also particular about performing salaah in the “Awwal Waqt” (i.e. the earliest time when the salaah can be performed). She would not allow her salaah to be delayed and would remind others to also read their salaah early.
She was very punctual on performing Tahajjud Salaah. She would awaken in the early hours of the morning (at least one hour before the time of Fajr sets in) and engage in salaah, du‘aa and zikr. This remained her habit until the end of her life, even when she reached old age and became weak.
She had an excellent habit of making special du‘aa, every day, for all her children and grandchildren. Furthermore, on a daily basis, she would perform two rakaats of salaah and then make special du‘aa for her son, Mufti Ebrahim Saheb (daamat barakaatuhum).
She was an ardent lover of the Quraan Majeed and ensured that she engaged in tilaawah (recitation) every day. Her Quraan Majeed always remained covered and was kept in a ghilaaf (cloth) with great honour and respect.
Another outstanding quality was her commitment to her daily ma’moolaat (daily nafl ‘ibaadah). She was bay‘at to Moulana Badr-e-‘Aalam (rahimahullah) of Madeenah Munawwarah (i.e. she would refer to him for guidance in matters pertaining to her spiritual progress). He had prescribed certain ma’moolaat (devotional practices) to her, and she remained very punctual on all her ma’moolaat until the last days of her life.
Among the ma’moolaat that he had prescribed was the daily reading of the Al-Hizbul Aa’zam (a kitaab containing sunnah du‘aas). She would ponder over the meanings of these du‘aas, and if she needed any clarification, she would not hesitate to ask. When she wished to memorize a certain du‘aa, she would write it on a piece of paper. She would then place the paper in a place where she would see it frequently (e.g. in her spectacles case) so that she would remember to learn it.
At times, while reciting the Al-Hizbul Aa’zam and forty Durood and Salaam, she would feel tired and doze off for a short while. Her sons would tell her to rest and complete her reading later on, but she would refuse saying, “If you don’t complete your ma’moolaat in their prescribed time, you will not do it later on.”
From the Al-Hizbul Aa’zam, she would make a point of daily reciting the du‘aa containing the nine ‘Hasbiyallah” (this du‘aa appears under the Thursday portion – no. 34). This du‘aa is very comprehensive and seeks Allah Ta‘ala’s assistance for every aspect of a person’s life. Hence, she would say, “Which part of our life is not included in this du‘aa?” She would also encourage her granddaughters to memorize and recite this du‘aa every day.
She was always seen with a tasbeeh in her hand and her tongue would always be engaged in the zikr of Allah Ta’ala. By looking at her, one would be reminded of the hadeeth in which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) gave the advice that one’s tongue should remain moist with the remembrance of Allah Ta‘ala.
She would never visit malls and shopping centres. Her habit was to remain at home, as per the command of Allah Ta‘ala.
Despite her high levels of piety, she was extremely humble. Thus, if anyone praised her, she would recite the following du‘aa softly:
اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ مَا لَا يَعْلَمُوْنَ ، وَلَا تُؤَاخِذْنِيْ بِـمَا يَقُوْلُوْنَ ، وَاجْعَلْنِيْ مُوَافِقَ ظَنِّهِمْ
O Allah! Forgive me for that which they do not know (regarding my weaknesses), and do not take me to task for that which they are speaking (their praises in my regard), and make me according to their (high) opinion (of me).
She would always advise people to make du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala to bless them with death upon imaan and to save them from suffering disgrace and humiliation.
Lessons:
1. For a person to exert himself in ‘ibaadah for a few days, or for a short period of time, is generally easy. The true test of a person’s loyalty is that they are always committed to their ‘ibaadah. Hence, throughout her life, even when she was advanced in age, Makkiyyah Aapa (rahimahallah) remained punctual and steadfast on her daily ‘ibaadah.
2. Salaah is the first command after imaan. Hence, for a person to progress in Deen, they must be particular regarding their salaah. Makkiyyah Aapa (rahimahallah) showed such importance to salaah that she would perform her salaah as soon as the time set in, and would not allow the salaah to be delayed and performed later.
3. When a person wishes to progress, they will always seek guidance and try to improve themselves. Hence, Makkiyyah Aapa (rahimahallah) always asked whether she was fulfilling her ‘ibaadaat correctly. Conversely, if a person has no desire to progress, he will fulfil his ‘ibaadaat incorrectly and will be content to continue doing so.