Self Reformation

Advice of Hadhrat Mufti Mahmood Hassan Gangohi (Rahmatullahi Alayh)

Question:

Respected Mufti Sahib,

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh

Please explain to me the way of refraining from all sins. I also wish to know how one should develop the enthusiasm for performing ibaadat, rid oneself from all evils and be inclined to do good.

I am teaching in a little madrasah. Make dua that I be granted sincerity.

Answer:

Respected Brother,

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh

Sit in solitude and perform muraqabah (meditate) over the following ayah:

أَلَمْ يَعْلَم بِأَنَّ اللَّهَ يَرَىٰ

Does he not know that verily Allah is watching.[1]

Meditate over this as long as possible. Thereafter, while you are busy in your work, as often as possible recite this ayah and ponder over its meaning. Allah Ta‘ala will grant you much benefit by it. Read about the lives of the pious and narrate them to others as well. Sit in the company of the pious. Time permitting, go in jamaat for forty days. When one has a good environment, one’s actions and character also improve.

May Allah Ta‘ala grant you progress in serving His Deen and bless you with sincerity and steadfastness. Aameen.[2]


[1] Surat Al-`Alaq , Verse 14

[2] (Hadhrat Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi raḥimahullāh His life and works, Publsh. Ta’limi Board, KZN, Pg 244,245)