Sufism The Soul of Islam

03/01/2025

The Science of Al-Biruni
Al-Biruni was so far ahead of his time that his most brilliant discoveries seemed incomprehensible to most of the scholars of his days...
George Sarton, the founder of the History of Science discipline, defined al-Biruni as “one of the very greatest scientists of Islam, and, all considered, one of the greatest of all times”. A universal genius that lived in the Central Asia a thousand of years ago, al-Biruni “was so far ahead of his time that his most brilliant discoveries seemed incomprehensible to most of the scholars of his days”, so wrote Bobojan Gafurov in his article on the Unesco Courier.

Abū al-Rayhān Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Bīrūnī (973–1048), was born in Kath, Khwarezm[4]. Khwarezm, also known as Chorasmia, is a large oasis region in western Central Asia, bordered by Aral Sea and deserts. It was the country of the Khwarezmian civilization and of several kingdoms. Today, it is fractioned and belongs to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Leaving his homeland, al-Biruni wandered in Persia and Uzbekistan. Then, after Mahmud of Ghazni conquered the emirate of Bukhara, Al-Biruni moved in Ghazni. This town, which is in modern Afghanistan, was at that time the capital of Ghaznavid dynasty. In 1017, al-Biruni travelled to the Indian subcontinent, studying the Indian science and conveying it to the Islamic world .

Αl-Biruni was an astronomer, mathematician and philosopher, studying physics and natural sciences too. He was the first able to obtain a simple formula for measuring the Earth’s radius. Moreover, he thought possible the Earth to revolve around the Sun and developed the idea the geological eras succeed one another [3]. In fact, in his scientific body of work he addresses almost all the sciences . He had excellent knowledge of ancient Greek and studied several works by ancient Greek scientists in their original forms; among them there were the Aristotle’s Physics, Metaphysics, De Caelo, and Meteorology, the works of Euclid and Archimedes, the Almagest of the mathematician and astronomer Ptolemy .. “When religious fanaticism swept medieval Europe… al-Biruni, as a forerunner of the Renaissance, was far in advance of the scientific thought then obtaining in Europe” [ After a short discussion on his life, let us review some experimental methods and instruments this outstanding man proposed and used.
2.Life and Works
As previously told, al-Biruni was born in Kath, a district of Khwarezm. In fact, the word “Biruni” means “from an outer district”, in Persian, and so he was known as “the Birunian”, with the Latinised name “Alberonius” . In his early youth, fortune brought al-Biruni in contact with an educated Greek who was his first teacher . His foster father, Mansur, was a member of the royal family and a distinguished mathematician and astronomer. He introduced al-Biruni to Euclidean Geometry and Ptolemaic astronomy . Then, al-Biruni spent his first twenty-five years in Khwarezm where he studied the body of Islamic law, theology, grammar, mathematics, astronomy and other sciences. In the time, Khwarezm had long been famed for its advance culture. Its cities had magnificent palaces and religious colleges, and the sciences were esteemed and highly developed.
3. Earth, Heaven and Astronomy
Al-Biruni dealt with Earth in many of his works . He proposed a method to measure its radius, using trigonometric calculations. Let us see how he did. First of all, he measured the high of a hill by measuring the angles subtended by the hill at two points a known distance apart. Then he climbed the hill and measured the angle of the dip of the horizon .. In the Figure 1, it is shown the method as discussed in Using an Arabic mile equal to 1.225947 English miles, al-Biruni value of the radius was equal to 3928.77 English miles, which compares favourably, being different of 2%, with the mean radius of curvature of the reference ellipsoid at the latitude of measurement; this mean radius is of 3847.80 miles . He did this when he was at the Fort of Nandana in Punjab . Since the al-Biruni’s self-constructed instrument could have measure angles up to 10’ of the arc, the key to the precision of the measurement is a precise sine value, which he seems to have obtained from various Indian sources .

Figure (b). A 1973 USSR stamp depicting Al-Biruni
https://muslimheritage.com/the-science-of-al-biruni/

16/12/2024

Never lie to someone who trusts you, for trust is a fragile bond that, once broken, is nearly impossible to mend. Honesty is the foundation of any meaningful relationship, and when you betray that trust, you shatter the very essence of what holds you together.

And never trust someone who lies to you, because a lie, no matter how small, erodes the integrity of the connection you share. Trust is a sacred gift; treat it with the respect and care it deserves, for once lost, it’s a long, winding road to regain.

16/12/2024

03/11/2024

What Are the Qualities and Recognition of a Perfect Spiritual Guide (Murshid-e-Kamil)?

It is essential to recognize the qualities of a Murshid-e-Kamil (Perfect Spiritual Guide),
as there are some characteristics that reflect their excellence.

1. Complete Avoidance of Doubtful Matters:
A Murshid-e-Kamil avoids anything doubtful or disliked in Islam. Piety means refraining from both actions and words that have any doubt.
Hazrat Shibli describes three types of piety:

Piety of the Tongue:
This is staying silent from useless talk.

Piety of Actions:
Avoiding doubtful thoughts and suspicions.

Piety of the Heart:
Letting go of corrupt thoughts, anger, and any conflicting feelings.

A Murshid-e-Kamil stays away from any food or drink acquired through wrongful means and, if they fast, they do so in the best manner.

2. Avoiding Useless Actions:
They do not engage in purposeless activities and focus on Islamic virtues instead of things that have no inner benefit.

3. Wise and Morally Upright:
They are wise, cheerful, and avoid major sins such as adultery, drinking, or theft. They stay far from these sins, as Allah ﷻ says: ❝If you avoid major sins that you have been forbidden, We will remove your minor sins and admit you to a noble place (Paradise).❞
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:31)

4. Good Character:
They possess noble qualities, managing their anger, and forgiving others. True character is shown when one controls their anger and forgives, as Allah ﷻ says:
❝Those who control their anger and forgive people.❞
(Surah Al-Imran, 3:134)

5. Covering Others’ Faults:
They conceal others' faults and forgive their mistakes. If a disciple shows disrespect, they overlook it and show kindness, as Allah ﷻ loves those who do good:
❝Allah loves those who do good.❞
(Surah Al-Imran, 3:134)

A Murshid-e-Kamil practices gentleness, is forgiving, and treats both the learned and ignorant with respect and kindness, avoiding punishment and anger.

30/10/2024

Bismillahi r Rahmani r Rahim

Al Ghazali's Path to Sufim
His Deliverence From Error 1

Discussion of the Ways of the Sufis

When I had finished with all those kinds of lore,I brought my mind to bear on the way of the Sufis.I knew that their particular way (Tariqah) is consummated (realised) only by knowledge and by activity (by the union of theory and practice).

The aim of their knowledge is to lop off the obstacles present in the soul and rid oneself of its reprehensible habits and vicious qualities, in order to attain thereby a heart empty of all save Allah Most High and adorned with the constant remembrance of Allah Almighty.

Theory was easier for me than practice.
Therefore I began to learn their lore from the perusal of their books,such as the
"The Flood of Hearts" by Abu Talib al Makiki (QS) and the writings of al Harith al Muhasibi (QS) and the writings of al Junayd al Shibli and Bayazid al Bistami may Allah Almighty sanctify their secrets.

As a result I came to know the core of their theoretical aims and I learned all that could be learned of their way by study and hearing.
Then it became clear to me that their most distinctive characteristic is something that cannot be attained by studying theory but rather by fruitional experience,the state of ecstacy the exchange of qualities and the progress of one station to the next.

How great a difference there is between your knowing the definitions and causes and conditions of health and saitey and your being healthy and sated!

Similarly too,there is a difference between your knowing the true nature and conditions and cause of asceticism and personally shunning the things of this world.

I knew with certainty that the Sufis were masters of states,not purveyors of words,and that I had learned all I could by way of theory.

There remained then only what was attainable,
not by hearing and study,but by fruitional experience and actual engaging in the way.

From the sciences which I had practiced and the methods which I had followed in my inquiry into two kinds of knowledge,revealed and rational,I had already acquired a sure and certain faith in Allah Most High,in the Prophetic mediation of revelation,and in the Last Day....

These three fundamentals of faith had become deeply rooted in my soul,not because of any specific precisely formulated proofs,but because of reasons and circumstances and experiences.

It had already become clear to me that my only hope of attaining beatitude in the after life lay in piety and restraining my soul from passion.The beginning of all that,I knew was to sever my heart's attachment to the world by withdrawing from this abode of delusion and turning to the mansion of immortality and devoting myself with total ador to Allah Most High.That I knew could only be achieved only by shunning fame and fortune and fleeing from my preoccupations and attachments.

Imam Al Ghazali qs

30/10/2024

Majzoob Sufi Bahlool Dana r a...♦️

It is said that a certain man decided to do Hajj. Since he had little children, he went to the judge and, in front of the court officials, gave 1,000 Dinars to the judge for his children. He said, “If I die during this journey, then you are my successor. What you yourself want, give to my children, and if I safely return, then I will take back this deposit.”

He departed from the judge's office for Hajj; Allah willed for him to die on the way. When his sons became of age and understanding, they asked for their deposit which was trusted with the judge.

The judge said, “Your father willed in front of the people that I give to you whatever I wanted. In this respect, I can give you only 100 Dinars.”

They started yelling and screaming. The judge called the witnesses and asked, “Do you people testify that that day these children's father gave me 1,000 Dinars and said, 'If I die on the way, then give my sons whatever you want.'“

All the people testified that yes, he said this.

Therefore the judge said, “Now I won't give you more than 100 dinars.”

Those poor sons were perturbed and asked everyone for help. The people couldn't change this lawful trick. Gradually, Bahlool heard about it. He took the children with him to the judge and said, “Why don't you give these orphans their right?”

The judge said, “Their father willed that I give them whatever I wish, and I won't give them more than 100 dinars.”

“O Judge! What you want is 900 dinars, and according to your words, that deceased willed that whatever you yourself want, give to my sons; therefore, give that late person's children the 900 dinars that you yourself want. That is their right.”

The judge became helpless at Bahlool's answer and was compelled to give the orphans the 900 dinars.

19/04/2024

𝗔 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲, 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.

Chachnama (7 or 8th Century), a Sindhi book, tells the story of Muhammad bin Qasim, a Muslim commander captured and sent to Damascus after Raja Dahar's death. The Caliph, Waleed Bin Abdul Malik, fell in love with Suryadevi's beauty and ordered her sister to be taken away. Suryadevi accused the Caliph of disgrace and jealousy for keeping her sisters with him for three days. The Caliph ordered Muhammad Bin Qasim to wear raw leather and return to Damascus, where he claimed to have crusaded in Sindh. The Caliph called on Dahar's daughters to witness his men's obedience, but Bin Qasim's actions led to the ruin of the kings of Hind and Sind, desolation of their kingdoms, and slavery. The author argues that if Bin Qasim had not lost his senses in obedience, he could have made the journey normally.

13/04/2024

These are members of the Banu Shayba family. The Banu Shayba are the guardians of the keys to the Ka'bah and the caretakers. The family is in charge of opening, closing, and washing the Ka'bah. They have been entrusted with this job since the time of Rasulallah ﷺ.

Banu Shayba are descendants of the Companion, 'Uthman ibn Talha. On the Day of Conquest, Rasulallah ﷺ gave him the keys to the Ka'bah and said, 'Take it, O family of Talha until the Day of Resurrection...'

13/04/2024

This is the resting place of the great Companion of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ - Sayyiduna Salman al-Farisi. He originated from Persia and his family were fire-worshippers. He travelled all the way from Persia, to Syria - until he finally reached Madinah enslaved because he was told by a Christian priest that a final Prophet ﷺ was going to emerge from the Arabs.

He loved the Messenger of Allah ﷺ so much that the Prophet ﷺ said about him, 'Salman is from my Household.' Sayyiduna Salman should be a perfect example for every non-Arab. Rasulallah ﷺ doesn't look at the language you speak, the complexion of your skin, your accents, the family you descend from, or your wealth. He looks at your hearts ﷺ. You can't speak Arabic? Speak to Rasulallah ﷺ with your tears. You don't have wealth? Make the adab of Sayyiduna Muhammad ﷺ your greatest treasure. You are disregarded by people? Connect yourself to the Beloved with humility, respect, and honour and you will be from those who are mentioned amongst the angels. Why do we remember the blessed Sahaba today? It's because they sacrificed their bodies for him, they dedicated their lives to him, and gave up the world for him, so Allah spread their love and remembrance across the cosmos.

We are living in times of fancy clothing, expensive tasbihs and when information about this deen is widespread, but wallahi, we see in the earlier generation and amongst our forefathers - people who couldn't read or write. An agricultural people who didn't have a formal education. They lived in complete simplicity and went days without food, yet when the name 'Muhammad ﷺ' was mentioned to the old and the young - their hearts filled with sincere love and it increased them in their purity. They were willing to give up everything for him, including their lives. It is because of this sincerity that we are Muslim today and it is why Islam reached us. The goal for each of us - me and you - before we leave this world is, 'O Allah, make Rasulallah ﷺ more Beloved to me and my offspring than our parents, our children, our spouses, our wealth, and our souls.' That's the highest goal and that is the purpose of this deen, this knowledge, this inheritance, and this light that reached us. As Allama Iqbal said - Allah has given everything in this world and the hereafter to the one who is loyal to Sayyiduna Muhammad ﷺ.

Madain Iraq