Explaining a Delightful Couplet

Madani Muzakarah

1. Explaining a delightful couplet

Q: Kindly explain the following couplet penned by Imam Ahmad Razā Khān رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه :

Un do ka sadaqah jin ko kaha ‘Mere phool hain’

Kijiye Raza ko Hashr mein khandā misāl-i-gul

For the sake of the two about whom you said, ‘They are my flowers.’

Facilitate for Razā to blossom like a flower in the Hereafter^[1]

A: “The two” as mentioned in the first line of poetry, is a reference to our masters Ḥasan and Ḥusayn رَضِیَ الـلّٰـهُ عَنْهُمَا .

Imam Ahmad Razā Khān رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه make a plea in the Prophet’s court, presenting the intermediary of these two princes, whom the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم himself declared as being his two flowers.^[2] Adding to this, khandā means to smile or to be joyful.

In this couplet, the great Imam beseeches, “Dear Messenger of Allah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم ! For the sake of the two princes Ḥasan and Ḥusayn who you referred to as your flowers, Raza asks you to bless him with such beneficence and grace that will keep him smiling and blooming like a flower on the Day of Judgement.”^[3]

2. Moving home in Safar?

Q: Are we allowed to have work done on our home or move houses during Safar?

A: Since pre-Islamic times, cultures have wrongly considered the month of Safar to carry misfortune or be accursed. Explaining how this month has no misfortune or curse attached to it, the final Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “Safar is nothing.”^[4]

It is not correct for people to say, “You can’t do this or that in Safar.” You can move homes, travel, construct buildings and get married in this blessed month.^[5]

3. Is it a sign of magic if your home or car lights consistently stop working?

Q: If someone’s home or car lights stop working consistently, is this a sign of magic?

A: These things happen; it does not mean they have to be due to magic. It could be a coincidence. The car owner should be asked how many times this has happened. He will probably say only twice!

Exaggeration is commonplace nowadays. If someone says, “Everybody says”, he should be asked as to exactly how many people he means. Sometimes, it might just be one or two. Other times someone may say, “Such and such is the talk of the town!” Ask him, “How many people have you heard saying this?” and he will say he has only heard one or two people. As you can see, exaggeration is commonplace.^[6]

4. Painting homes before the fortieth day remembrance (chehlum)^[7]

Q: Some people paint their homes before conducting a chehlum. Is this allowed?

A: If there is a need, you can paint the home. Some people have the masjid repainted before Ramadan, even if there is no real need, and even though this matter has its own rulings. Others wash the masjid before Ramadan, using excessive amounts of water, when simply wiping down would suffice. Painting and washing can be done if there is a need, otherwise it should be avoided.^[8]

5. A husband who wants his wife to wear a veil

Q: A husband asks his wife to dress in accordance with Islamic guidelines, but she responds, “As you have said it once, your duty is fulfilled. Now leave me alone.” Is her statement correct?

A: It is irresponsible of her to say such things. If the husband fell short in other matters, such as meeting her expenses, she would not react by telling him to leave her alone. Some even make it their mission to object to everything the husband says.

Women who utter such discourteous words should first repent. Secondly, they should be thankful that their husband is encouraging them to live respectfully according to Islamic teachings. They should think about the plethora of women who want to observe hijab but their husbands compel them to remain uncovered. Not covering up as per the dictates of Islamic law is a sin. Husbands should continue to encourage their wives to wear a veil. Without doubt, the one who advises righteousness is a doing a huge favour. Such a person should not be replied to with these kinds of rebellious statements.^[9]

6. Short-tempered wife

Q: If a wife gets angry at the tiniest of things, what should the husband do?

A: If the wife really does have anger problems, the husband should remain patient. If the husband screams, “I’m being patient. Don’t say anything else!” this is not patience but a display of anger which will exacerbate the situation. According to the matter at hand, remain silent or move away from the area. She will not express anger when she’s alone, and a potentially perilous situation will diffuse itself.^[10]

7. The subcontinental tradition of godh bharai and its permissibility in Islam

Q: Godh bharai is a tradition that takes place after a woman becomes married. Is this permissible in Islam?

A: In this tradition, dry fruits are placed in her lap. Before anything else, there is an important foundational rule to remember: if a tradition or custom does not conflict with Islamic teachings, it is permissible. This rite does not contravene any Islamic precept and is therefore permissible as long as it is free of un-Islamic practices such as free-mixing and music. Also note that whatever is placed in the woman’s lap during this tradition will remain halal.^[11]

8. Pencil shavings

Q: What should we do with pencil shavings?

A: Pencils are instruments for writing knowledge. Their shavings should be respected and placed safely somewhere high. Do not throw them away in dustbins.^[12]