PURIFICATION OF THEHEART, MIND AND SOUL

(TAZKIYAH-E-NAFS)

Prepared by Dawah Department

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION.................................................3GUIDELINES TO THE TEACHERS:................5STAGES OF RELATION WITH ALLAH:........6LIKE IT, LOVE IT, GOTTA HAVE IT.............6

ERASE THE BLACK DOT: WAYS OF REPENTANCE......................................................7PERFECTING OUR SALAH...............................8POISONS OF THE HEART...............................11

1.Thinking bad of People (Suu-az-zann)...........112. Backbiting......................................................123. I got an attitude!.............................................134. Heart breakers ...............................................165. Turning away from pointless talk..................16

Time to Clean Up! (Infaaq).................................18ANGER MANAGEMENT..................................21WHY BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE?.............................................................22SURAHS AND AYAHS RELATED TO TAZKIYAH...........................................................24DUAS RELATED TO TAZKIYAH...................24

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INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this course is to cover those aspects of Islam which leads to purification of heart, mind and soul as Allah says in the Quran,

He who purifies it will prosper (Surah Shams: 9)

"Allah certainly favored the faithful when He raised up among them a Prophet from among themselves to recite to them His signs and to purify them, and to teach them the Book and wisdom; although earlier they had been in manifest error." (Surah Al-e-Imran: 164)

It is evident in this ayah that the emphasis is on self-purification, without which human societies will never achieve real prosperity in life and salvation in afterlife. 

Thus, in order to purify human beings and prepare conditions for their perfection and sublimity, God has sent a series of messengers to communicate His words of wisdom in order to save them from moral collapse and destruction

In other words, the Prophet has been sent to purify the thoughts, minds, hearts, souls, and spirits of human beings, so as to help them achieve real progress, since without self-purification and moral perfection, wealth, power, economy, science, technology, etc, have not only no meaning but could bring deviation and eventually self-destruction.

Moral purification precedes science, wealth and all other materialistic aspects of life, because the only knowledge

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that is useful is the one which springs from a pure source.

Self-building and purification should be in accordance with divine teachings, for any effort that is not based on divine teachings, is in fact deviation. It is time consuming as it needs extensive dedication, wisdom and patience.

The major aspects that lead to self purification are

Relation with Allah

Ibadah

Charity

Moral Conduct

Keeping these aspects in mind the topics in this course have been designed.

GUIDELINES TO THE TEACHERS:

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Do extensive research while preparing your lecture

Use PowerPoint presentations, short video clips etc whenever possible

Try to involve audience through interactive sessions, giving them projects, quiz etc

Do not indulge in fiqh discussion with the audience. If any questions do come up politely say “I am not authorized to talk about issues related to fiqh as it is the duty of the shuyooq”

Only discuss the fard aspects of any ibadah

Always use references when quoting Quran and hadith.

STAGES OF RELATION WITH ALLAH:LIKE IT, LOVE IT, GOTTA HAVE IT

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Dua of the Prophet (pbuh) ‘Allahumma inni asaluka hubbaka...’(Tirmidhi) (essence of loving Allah SWT and seeking His love)

Why do we need to have a relationship with Allah SWT

State of the conscience- Nafs-e-Ammara, nafse-e-lawwama, Nafs-e-Mutmainna

Explanation of Islam, Iman, Ihsan (ref: Surah Hujrat for the definition of Islam and Iman)

Ashab-is-shimal (those on the left hand), ashab-ul-maimana (those on the right hand), wassabiqoon-as-sabiqqon (those foremost in the race)! (Surah Waqiah)

Ways to get closer to Allah( swt) and reach the state of Ihsan

ERASE THE BLACK DOT: WAYS OF REPENTANCE

The hadith regarding the heart:

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o “When a slave (a person) commits a sin (an evil deed) a black dot is dotted on his heart. Then if that person gives up that evil deed (sin), begs Allah to forgive him, and repents, then his heart is cleared (from that heart covering dot); but if he repeats the evil deed (sin), then that covering is increased till his heart is completely covered with it. (At-Tirmidhi, Vol 5 , Hadith No: 3334 )

o “Nay! but on their hearts is the Ar-Ran (covering of evil deeds and sins) which they used to earn” (Surah Al-Mutaffifin: 14)”

Everybody is born on Fitra Tawbah: Root word of Tawbah, Meaning and

Explanation,  Surah Baqarah 37 It’s not the end of the world! (building hope)

Surah Zumar:52-53, Surah Hud 3 Advantages and blessings of Tawbah (Surah

Anfal:33, Surah Hud : 52) Nawba-tun-Nasooh( sincere repentance) -Surah

Tahreem : 8 Ahadith on Astaghfar Ways to return to Allah

o Dua of Adam( AS) - Surah Ara’f : 23o Dua of Yunus( AS) - Surah Ambiya : 87

PERFECTING OUR SALAH

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(This course has been designed keeping the young/new Muslims in mind. It covers each aspect of the salah-its purpose and its meaning Depending on the audience (age group, knowledge level) assign appropriate time to each sub-topicNote for murrabeen: This course is not meant to cover the fiqh of salah (i.e the physical aspects etc), focus more on building khushu and concentration in salah) Part 1: 

Purpose of salah and purpose of ibadah in general. 

Broader perspective of salah, importance of jamaah, unity in the ummah, leadership, God-consciousness, sense of responsibility 

Salah is our way of interacting with Allah- difference between momin and munafiq is salah  

Salah prevents from al-fahsha and al-munkar( Surah Ankaboot: 45)

Part 2: Detailed study of each ritual of salah.   Adhaan: its meaning and its purpose (reminder

of the Muslim belief – leave every worldly act and stand for prayer – manage our schedule around the prayer times) 

Ablution( wudu):  fard and sunnah of wudu –proper way of making wudu – things that nullify wudu – complete ghusl 

Niyah: (Surah Al-Ana’am: 79) and (Surah Al-Ana’am:162) – word by word meaning of the niyah – it has very strong meaning –declaration of Allah’s oneness and our declaration that we turn towards him in complete concentration 

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Qiyam( standing position) o dua istiftah( sana) o Surah Fatiha 

Ruku and Sujood: explanation of  subhana-rabbial-azeem, subhana-rabial-ala, allahuakbar

o Ruku brings out the humility in a person—humbleness is required to bow in front of someone 

o Extreme closeness to Allah (swt) during sujood. “The closest that a servant is to his Lord is when he is in prostration” (Muslim) 

Sitting Position:  o Tashahhud (attahiyat): its word for

word meaning o Dua-e-ibraheem: detailed meaning 

Tasleem (salam): saying salam turning towards each shoulder --at the end of salah we should feel at peace

After salah: astaghfar and  dua o Ayah Kursi (Surah Baqarah:255)

Part 3:   Punishment of missing prayer or not praying –

(Surah Al-Muddaththir: 42,43)  Allah makes easy for us as much as possible --

include qasar, tayamum, qad'a--options Allah has given us so we can be saved from the punishments of missing salah 

Additional References:  http://www.suhaibwebb.com/personaldvlpt/how-to-taste-the-sweetness-of-prayer/:  

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Let us be Muslims (chapter on salah) by Syed Abul Ala’ Maududi

POISONS OF THE HEART

1. Thinking bad of People (Suu-az-zann) “O you who believe! Avoid most suspicion,

for surely suspicion in some cases is a sin.”(Surah Hujurat: 12)

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Types of having 'Zann' or perception of somebody

o Recommended: Having a good opinion of someone, where there is no reason to think negatively about that person

o Where one has to build an opinion of somebody negative or positive: like in courts, official issues, in teams etc. In these situations we can't do without having an opinion

o Suu-az-Zann- where one forms negative opinion of somebody where one should have considered giving benefit of the doubt

o Worst type of Zann- having a bad perception of Allah or His Messenger-why did Allah do this to me? Why Muhammad (pbuh) did commanded us to do that.” I am the way my slave perceives me to be'' ( Bukhari Kitab-ut-tawheed, Chapter Qaalullah )

Pessimism- Negative effects on personality Ways to get out of it

o Be grateful & do excessive Zikr o having the belief that Allah (swt)

loves uso this dunya is temporary

2. Backbiting Definition of backbiting and slandering- two

of the major sins.

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o Surah Humaza and Surah Hujraat: 12

o Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) said: Do you know what backbiting is?” They said, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He then said, “It is to say something about your brother that he would dislike.” Someone asked him, “But what if what I say is true?” The Messenger of Allah said, “If what you say about him is true, you are backbiting him, but if it is not true then you have slandered him." (muslim)

Gravity of the Sin Ways to avoid backbiting References: http://www.islamawareness.net/Backbiting/ http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Books/

Q_LP/

3. I got an attitude! {Arrogance, Haughtiness; Pride & Boastfulness}

Pride (Kibr): is a devastating moral ailment. All our good deeds will be nullified by pride.

o Surah Saad : 76

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o Arrogance is exclusive attribute of himself (Surah Al-e-Imran:26-27, Surah Luqman :18)

o Prophet (pbuh) said: No one will be admitted into Paradise who has even a tiny grain of pride in his heart, A man asked but what if he likes to dress well and put on good sandals? He replied truly Allah is beautiful and he loves beauty pride is to disdain the truth and to belittle and despise other people.(Muslim)

o Additional ref: The Faith and Practice of Al-Ghazali Translated by Wontgomery Watt

The different degrees and types of arrogance:

o The most evil kind of arrogance is rejection of the truth and not following it

Surah Ghafer:76 Surah Al-A’raaf:146

o Hell Fire is the abode of the arrogant people.

This is emphasized in the hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) that is reported by Imam Muslim, "Paradise and Hell Fire have argued. Hell fire said: Inside me are the merciless and the arrogant people....and Allah has judged between them: You

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(Hell Fire) are my torture, with you I torture whom I will…."

o The most severe arrogance is being arrogant against Allah (swt) and rejecting submission and worshipping Him.

Surah Ghafer:60o Being arrogant against the

messengers and rejecting their message and not following them just because they are human.

Surahs Al-Mu’minoon:47, Ibraheem:10 ,Az-Zukhruf:31

Example: story of Iblees ( Suraht Al-A’raaf:12)

 Allah does not like the one who is conceited and arrogant.

o The Prophet (pbuh) said what was reported by Imams Bukhari and Muslim, "While a man was showing off in his garment, he looked proudly to himself, all of a sudden, Allah immediately crumbled the earth underneath him, and he is still dropping with struggle through it till the Day of Judgment."

After we have heard all these verses and ahadith about the dangers of arrogance and how bad the consequences are, we should be cautioned and get away from it and from its effects and its characteristics. So we should teach ourselves to follow the truth when we

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know it, and humble ourselves in front of others

o The Prophet (pbuh) is the best example of humility in his life

o Imams Bukhari and Muslim reported that "The Prophet used to pass by children and give salaam to them (greet them)." Imam Bukhari reported that, "A female slave from Madinah use to take the Prophet’s sleeve and take him wherever she wants." Imam Bukhari also reported, "That the Prophet used to be at the service of his family."

Activity: Self Evaluation form to be distributed in the halaqa. Form can include general things on which we get arrogant (wealth, lifestyle, education, achievements of our kids)

references: o http://islam1.org/khutub/

Arrogance_Prohibited.htmo http://www.missionislam.com/

knowledge/arrogantpractising.htmAbove is the link of an article which encourages us to be arrogant and proud (in a positive way). We should be proud to be Muslims.

4. Heart breakers  Apart from the spiritual side of Islam, there is a huge side which teaches us about human conduct.  

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Holding ones tongue( silence is the best remedy—think twice before you speak) 

o "A Muslim is the one from whose hands and tongue other Muslims are safe." [Tirmidhi].  

Breaking parents heart (It’s become common to make fun/talk back to parents these days) 

Negative criticism (spouse, family, friends, children)

Calling others by nicknames (Surah  Hujurt: 11) 

Speaking evil of others publicly (Surah Nisa:148) 

Breaking trusts-not keeping secrets Repent and say sorry   It is a special characteristic of muslim to be

lenient (Surah Al-e-Imran :59)

 5. Turning away from pointless talk Allah Most High has said: Successful are the

believers, who are humble in their prayers, and who turn away from pointless talk, [Surah Al-Mominoon: 1-3] and Those who do not bear witness to what is false, but when they pass by pointless talk, pass by with dignity, [Surah Al-Furqan: 72] and When they hear pointless talk, they turn away from it. [Surah Al-Qasas:55]

There's going to be no laghv talk in Jannah (Surah Gashiah:11, Surah Waqiah:25)

"Pointless talk" (laghv) is speech which is futile and irrelevant, and bears no relation to any true purpose. It brings no benefit to the one who

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utters it, and may well bring him misfortune instead.

Prophet (pbuh) said " Do not talk excessively without the remembrance of Allah, because such excessive talk without the mention of Allah causes the heart to harden and the person furthest from Allah is a person with a hard heart''

Ali (ra) related that the Prophet (pbuh) said, "It is part of a man's sound practice of Islam that he leaves alone that which is of no concern to him." [At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah]

http://www.kalamullah.com/Books/PurificationOfTheSoul.pdf .This book has a beautiful chapter on ''Four poisons of the heart'' make sure to go through ''unnecessary talking'' page 23-27.

Note: We can include more things in ‘poisons of the heart’ here related to etiquettes or morals according to the need of halaqa. Make sure to give practical solutions to avoid these bad etiquettes.

TIME TO CLEAN UP! (Infaaq)

Root word of Infaaq and its meaning Explaination of Ayah Birr (Surah

Baqarah:177)

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o (ref: http://www.turntoislam.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17989 by DrMuzammil Siddiqui )

o Charity is the best way to invest in akhirah( Surah Baqarah: 261-274)

o Surah Al-e-Imran: 92o Surah Muminoon: 4 - this describes

one of the qualities of a person who will inherit paradise is the one who will give charity. (Charity is the most difficult act to do because we have to give up hard earned money that is why it is considered very important and righteous) 

o Purpose of charity - everybody is not born rich, some are rich some are poor, wealth is in itself a test from Allah, he gives and tests, takes and tests

o Allah does not need our charity (Surah Mohammed: 38)

Charity should be only for Allah - recognition of it in this world should not come in our minds nor should it be our aim 

Importance of wealth in the life of a Muslim:  purpose of gaining wealth (through halal means) should be to spend it in the way of Allah-- wealth is not an end rather means to an end( which is serving humanity and pleasing Allah)  

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o Eg: AbuBakr Siddique, Osman Bin Affan, Abdullah Bin Awf ( May Allah be pleased with them) 

o No wealth (of a servant of Allah) is decreased because of charity." (Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2247). 

Charity increases humbleness in us: Charity helps us appreciate the good lifestyle Allah has given us and gives us an understanding of the troubles the humanity faces. Giving charity helps us in cleaning our hearts and being thankful to Allah. 

Everybody should do charity:  It is not the quantity or quality that is important but the niyyah with which we give. 

o Abu Musa narrated that the Prophet (pbuh.)  said, “Every Muslim has to give sadaqah  (charity).” The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (pbuh)! If someone has nothing to give, what will he do?” He said, “He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns).” The people further asked, “If he cannot do even that?” He replied, “Then he should help the needy who appeal for help.” Then the people asked, “If he cannot do that?” He replied, “Then he should perform all that is good and keep away from all that is evil and this will be regarded as charitable deeds.” (Bukhari Vol.  2, Hadith 524) 

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Note: All murabbeen are requested to read Surah Hadid before delivering this course

Fieldwork: visit to women shelter, soup kitchen, volunteering in any ICNARelief activity  

ANGER MANAGEMENT Surah Al-e-Imran: 134 Meaning of Anger

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Psychology of an angered person  Effects of getting angry – we say what we don’t

intend to, effects health, destroys relationships  Anger is a direct ticket to hellfire  What made Prophet (pbuh) angry and how did

he handle it o Include situations where Muslims

should get angry, for example: if we see injustice, and how to handle it

How to tame our anger

[This course can include a lecture from a psychiatrist /psychologist] 

WHY BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE?

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Purpose of creation / purpose of life (when we realize the purpose of life only then we can understand the tests in our life.)

o Surah Mulk:2, Surah Dhariyat: 56, Surah Bani Israel: 20, Surah Hadeed: 23, Surah Baqarah :20-25,30

Tests in this Life: o Reason of why Allah tests people o Purpose of being tested (nobody is

tested more than he can bear) o Compare who was given the test the

most? Prophets, Saliheen, Shuhada,

Ulamaa higher the rank harder the tests. Commitment to tawheed will be tested

Surah Baqarah: 155. o Examples of the Prophets:

Prophet Musa and how his people were with him.

Noah lived for 950 years, invited his people for 900 years patiently while they mocked him.

Prophet Yusuf was tested through his brothers and then from his master’s wife.

Prophet Isa and his mother Maryam were put through the trials no one had gone through.

Prophet Ibrahim’s whole life was one test after another and

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climax was when he had to slaughter his son

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did not see his dad and was only 6 when his mom passed away, after becoming Prophet the situation became even harder for him to live.

Our concept will change after we realize that there is a purpose to this life.

Reference: This is a very well designed and explained article. Please take help from it: http://www.welcome-back.org/topic/trials.shtm

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SURAHS AND AYAHS RELATED TO TAZKIYAH

Surah Ad-Duha Surah Shams Surah Al-Inshirah Surah Furqaan-Qualities of Ibaad-ur-

Rehman Surah Mominoon (1-10 ) Surah Baqarah (151, 284-286) Kursi (Surah Baqarah: 255) Surah Fussilat( hamim sajda): 30-36

DUAS RELATED TO TAZKIYAH

Dua 1:من لنا وهب هديتنا إذ بعد قلوبنا تزغ ال نا رب

رحمة لدنكالوهاب أنت ك  ﴾3:8﴿ إن

They pray to Allah: 'Our Lord! Do not let our hearts swerve towards crookedness after You have guided us to the right way, and. bestow upon us Your mercy. Surely You, only You, are the Munificent Giver!

Dua 2:وترحمنا ‘ لنا تغفر لم وإن أنفسنا ظلمنا نا رب

الخاسرين من  ﴾7:23﴿ لنكونن

'Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and do not have mercy on us, we shall surely be among the losers.' 

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Dua 3:

"Allahumma tahir qalbi minan nifaq wa amali minar riyai' wa lisani minal kizbi wa aini minal khiyanati fa innaka ta'alamu khainatal a'yuni wa ma tukhfis sudoor."

O Allah! Purify our souls from hypocrisy, deeds from any kind of Ria (boasting), our tongues from lying and our eyes from treachery. You know the treacherous eyes and what is buried in the hearts

Dua 4:

ALLAHUMMA INNI AS'ALUKAL HUDA WATTUQA WAL AFAFA WAL GHINA

O ALLAH! Indeed I, I ask of You, guidance, piety and chastity and to be free of depending upon anyone (except You) [Muslim]

Dua 5:

رزقا , و نافعا علما أسألك إني اللهممتقبل , عمال و طيبا ا

O Allah! I ask You for Knowledge that is of benefit, a good provision and deeds that will be accepted. (Ibn Majah)

Dua 6:

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وحب ك حب ي من حب و ك حب اسئلك ى ان هم اللحب الى ب قر ي عمل

O Allah! I ask You for Your love and the love of those who love You, and for the love of every action which will bring me closer to Your love (Tirmidhi)

Dua 7:

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: Abu Bakr As-Siddiq said to the Prophet (saws), "Teach me an invocation with which I may invoke (Allah) in my prayer." The Prophet said(saws), "Say: Allahumma inni zalamtu nafsizulman kathiran wala yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa anta, Faghfirli maghfiratan min indika war-hamni, innakaantalGhafur-Rahim." 

Translation: O Allah, indeed I have wronged myself greatly, and there is none who forgives sins besides You. So grant me forgiveness from You and have mercy on me, for you are the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful 

Dua 8:

من   خير انت وزكها تقواها نفسي ات اللهموموالها وليها انت  زكاها

 ‘O Allah give my heart its piety. And purify it, for you are the best who can purify it. You are its protector and guardian’.

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