FAREWELL ADVICE

In his farewell and final Naseehat, given a few days before he crossed the frontiers of this transitory abode to enter the next phase of the Journey into Aakhirah, Hadhrat Maulana Masihullah (rahmatullah alayh) said: “I am overwhelmed with weakness and lack the strength to even move my tongue. Although I am speaking with great difficulty, I nevertheless, present a few advices. Listen carefully. With istiqaamat (steadfastness) and permanency execute all acts of virtue along with good character and beautiful speech. Perform Salaat, Saum, the Sunnats and Mustahabbaat with firm adherence as far as the health permits. Be continuous in Thikr and Tilaawat as time and ease permit .

Be diligent with muta-la-ah (i.e. the study of reliable Deeni books). This is essential. Shariat & Tariqat of Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi and Tableeghuddeen of Imaam Ghazaali should be studied. Hadhratwaala (i.e: Hadhrat Thaanvi) would prescribe Tableeghuddeen for even great Ulama. He would teach it to them with great care. He would stress that this kitaab be studied.

Also study Hadhratwaala's Tafseer Bayanul Qur'aan. Abstain from all evil acts and even mushtabahaat (doubtful acts). It is said in Bukhaari Shareef: "Halaal is clear and haraam is clear. Between these two are the mushtabahaat...... Therefore, abstain from the mushtabahaat (doubtful things)."(Hadith)

This is Taqwa. Acquire Akhlaaq-e-Hamidah with enthusiasm and eliminate Akhlaaq-e-Razeelah by means of abhorrence. (The former are the noble qualities and the latter, the evil and corrupt attributes). The effect of this action (of eliminating the evil qualities and adopting the noble qualities) will be the acquisition of a noble character and beautiful speech.

The meaning of a beautiful speech is: Cultured statements spoken in a tender voice. The meaning of a beautiful character is: To behave with noble restraint . When something which offends one happens, overlook it with a beautiful speech and with restraint. This is reflected in the Qur'aanic verse: “When they (Mu’mineen) hear  futility, they divert (themselves) from it.....”  

Whenever something annoying occurs, overlook it and turn away from  it. Do not join such company where such things of annoyance transpire. Don't do such things which create suspicion. The Hadith instructs:

"Stay away from places of suspicion."

My Murshid, Hakim ul Ummat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (rahmatullah alayh)always mentioned two words: Attentiveness and Concern.The meaning of attentiveness is to be attentive of Allah Ta’ala in all cicumstances. Concern means to be concerned at all times about one’s spiritual and moral reformation.  Both these statements are wonderful.  Always practice according to these words. 

Don’t interfere in the affairs of others.  Remain aloof from their affairs.  Engage in abundance of Thikr to the extent that the tongue is perpetually in Thikr and the heart is grateful for the taufeeq of Thikr and obedience.

Keep your dealings clear.  These are the words which  I present as my wasiyyat (Last advice).”  (The following morning after Fajr Namaaz, Hadhrat reiterated part of this Naseehat, and added the following: 

“A beautifull  character is a great thing. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:‘Should I show you something which is superior to passing the entire night in Ibaadat for  a year and fasting the whole year?’

The Sahaabah asked: “O Rasulullah! What is that?”

Rasulullah: “A beautiful character. This is something very great.  Should I show you something superior to even this?"

The Sahaabah thought: “What could be Superior?” They then enquired. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: Showing a beautiful character to the wife. This is because one is constantly confronted with things which cause much inconvenience and annoyance. Similarly, show a good character to relatives and friends and even towards enemies. 

CONCLUSION: With good character and beautiful speech be constant in virtuous deeds with enthusiasm.  Abstain with abhorrence from evil deeds.  Maintain the tongue in thikr and the heart in shukr (gratitude to Allah).  Concern for self-purification and  self-reformation, and the rememberence of Allah are the essence of Tasawwuf.  Always be diligent in these. This is the noble command of my noble Shaikh, Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (rahmatullah alayh).

“And, upon us is only to deliver (the Message of Haqq).”     (Qur’aan)