The father of Shaykh Taaha from Cape Town went to Darul Uloom Deoband to study. He did not study under Shaykh Hussain رحمه اللّٰه, who was unwell at the time. But he mentioned on incident that occurred during his stay. One day, Shaykh Hussain رحمه اللّٰه went to the post office. On his way, an announcement was made on a few loudspeakers that Shaykh Hussain رحمه اللّٰه has passed away. The father of Shaykh Taaha recalls that immediately, the whole of Deoband came to a standstill. Even the Hindus stood on the streets and cried. When Shaykh Hussain رحمه اللّٰه reached the post office the postmaster, a Hindu man, was sitting in the corner crying. This was the result of his character, both Muslims and non-Muslims alike loved him dearly.
Two months later Shaykh Hussain رحمه اللّٰه really did pass away, leaving behind a vacuum that is yet to be filled. His life, one of devotion and dedication, remains an inspiration for all those who seek and desire nearness to Allah. This is the purpose behind studying the lives of the akaabireen (pious predecessors). Throughout their lives, they all embodied the Sunnah. They showed us by way of example, that the Sunnah is a tried and tested lifestyle that guarantees success in both worlds. No other lifestyle can come close.
The only way a person can live like this, displaying immaculate character at all times, unoffended by insults and unswayed by praises, is if their gaze is on Allah. Never expect from people, otherwise, you are bound to be disappointed. Expect from Allah and He will never disappoint you. Turn to Him first, not as a last resort. Keep your focus on Allah and your undivided attention on earning His pleasure. Only then, will it become possible to treat everyone with love and care because only the acceptance of Allah is being sought, not the acceptance of people. Seek Allah alone, for seekers will always find what they seek. May Allah enable us to live noble lives that lead to noble deaths, aameen.
— Shaykh Dawood Seedat حفظه اللّٰه
Above is an extract from Shaykh’s talk on 8/7/19 in Masjid-ut-Taqwa, Pietermaritzburg. To listen to the full talk, please click here.
