Adab and Akhlaaq in the Madrasah

Those students who strive to perfect their adab and akhlaaq, and serve their asaatidha (teachers), Allah will arrange for their progress in this world as well as the next. These students will eventually spread the Deen of Allah resulting in thousands of Allahs servants attaining guidance. They appear as stars on the earth. Their company and influence have such an effect on the hearts of people, that sinners who disobeyed Allah for years, make taubah (repentance) and the noor (light) of the marifah (recognition) of Allah develops in their hearts. With their insight and intelligence, solutions to difficult situations become easy. They become pillars of Deen and are a source of pride and joy in the heavens and the earth. Wherever they place their feet, misguidance is removed and the road to guidance is opened. Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Qaasim said, I stayed for twenty years in the service of Imaam Maalik. I spent eighteen of those years learning adab (etiquette, respect) and akhlaaq (good character) and two years acquiring knowledge." Hadhrat Ibn Wahb used to say, What I attained through respecting Imaam Maalik , I did not attain that much from Ilm (Knowledge). Hadhrat Junaid used to say that Ilm has a price. Without first obtaining that value dont give knowledge to anyone. The people asked: What is that value? He replied, Regard Ilm with respect and esteem and dont destroy it. Teach it only to that person who first acquires these values. The knowledge you acquire, and more importantly the acceptance you receive from Allah of taking great work from you for the Ummahs benefit, is dependent on your adab, akhlaaq, and the respect you hold for your asaatidha (teachers), books, and other means of knowledge.

Behaviour with respect to Asaatidah (teachers)

Asaatidhah (teachers) hold a special rank in Islam. It is a common experience that whatever positions students of Deen have attained, have been a result of their adab, akhlaaq, and khidmat (serving others), and the blessings of their asaatidha (teachers). The honour of a person in Deen and dunya is the fruit of their teachers duas. Never address your ustadh, or refer to him, using just his name. Always add the title at the beginning, and the word Saheb at the end. For example, Maulana Abdullah Saheb. If the Principal Huzur Saheb is mentioned then you must use all three words: Principal Huzur Saheb and you must never refer by name. Always offer to pick up the ustaadhs bags, books, shoes, and any other items the ustaadh may be carrying. Hadhrat Shuba used to say that I am a slave to that person who has taught me even one Hadith. Hadhrat Ali ibn Abi Talib used to say something similar. Imaam Abu Yusuf said: It is waajib (compulsory) for a person to be courteous and polite to his ustaadh. He should tolerate his harshness and severity. If ones ustaadh has to correct him or admonish him for doing something wrong, then it is necessary to thank him for it. If he explains some subtle point to you which you already have the knowledge of, do not make it obvious that you are aware of it.

Pay attention to what your ustaadh is saying, even if he repeats it many times. Try not to be influenced by Shaytan and become bored. It is recorded in Taleemul Mutaallim that if a person hears something for the thousandth time and he does not show the same amount of respect as he showed when he heard it for the first time, then that person is not from among the people of knowledge. That person who has hurt his ustaadh in any way will be deprived of the blessings of Ilm. Despite all his efforts, he will not be able to take benefit from his knowledge. Once, Imaam Ahmad was lying down due to some illness. In the middle of the discussion someone made mention of Hadhrat Ibraheem bin Tahmaan . On listening to this name, Imaam Ahmad immediately sat up. Thereafter he remarked, It is inappropriate that the names of the elders are mentioned, whilst we are sitting and relaxing. It is also necessary for students to respect the children and associates of their asaatidha. In Taleemul Mutaallim there is an incident narrated by the author of Hidaayah about a great Aalim who was among the Imaams of Bukhaara. He says that once whilst delivering a lesson, he suddenly stood up. When asked the reason for doing so, he replied: My ustaadhs son was playing outside with the other children. Whilst playing he came towards the Masjid. I stood up out of respect for him. Imaam Rabee mentioned, I did not have the courage to even drink a sip of water in the presence of my ustaadh, Imaam Shaafiee. Imaam Shaafiee used to say, In the presence of Imaam Maalik, I would turn the pages of the kitaabs silently, so that the sound of the pages turning, would not disturb him. Atika, the sister of Hammaad ibn Salamah the ustaadh of Imaam Abu Haneefa says that Imaam Abu Haneefa used to clean out the seeds from the cotton at her home. He used to buy the milk and vegetables and would do similar chores at her house. Hammaad was the ustaadh of Imaam Abu Haneefa. At that time who would have imagined that the servant in the house of Hammaad would, one day, be regarded as the master of the whole world. The author of Taleemul Mutaallim writes that I had seen Imaam Fakhrud Deen being shown utmost respect by the King of Muroo. Whilst in his company he would mention on several occasions, All this reverence and respect is a result of the service I rendered to my ustaadh. For thirty years, I cooked his meals and never once did I partake of it. Hadhrat Ibn Abbaas (May Allah be pleased with him) says, Most of my knowledge was attained from the Ansaar. I used to wait outside their homes in the afternoon sun. However, if I wanted, I could have merely informed them and they would have come out of their homes immediately. Rather, I took their comfort into consideration. Only when they would emerge from their homes, would I ask them. Always sit in a respectful position. Never sit with your legs stretched out. If you need to stretch your legs out due to a genuine reason, such as an injury, ensure that they never point towards the Qiblah or any ustaadh. Imam Abu Hanifah (May Allah have mercy on him) used to say that whilst in his own home he never even stretched his legs towards the house of his tutor, despite living seven streets away.

Respect for anything connected to Ilm

No Islamic books should be touched without Wudhu, both inside and outside the Madrasah. Students must be in a state of Wudhu all throughout the day during Madrasah.

Shamsul Aimmah,Sarakhsi was such that despite having a wind problem, he never picked up any book without first making wudhu. Once whilst studying, he needed to renew his wudhu approximately seventeen times. Imaam Halwaani used to say that we had attained ilm by virtue of respecting it. He would say, We never even touched a blank piece of paper without wudhu. Never ever place any Islamic books on the floor. The order of placement of books in your bag, or any other place, should be (from the top): Quran, Hadith books, Fiqh books, other Islamic books, secular books. The Quran should never be below any other books in the bag. Do not throw any pen, exercise book, or other items. Always handle everything with care, and when handing over to somebody else, always use the right hand. Never use your feet to move the benches, or let your feet touch any other item used to seek knowledge.

Sacrificing personal comforts and giving preference to others

Students should tolerate any difficulties and hardships that are experienced in their quest for Ilm. This is an invaluable blessing from Allah. They should keep the lives and the examples of the Akaabireen (pious predecessors) in front of them. Those are the real giants, who for the sake of Deen tolerated different kinds of hardships and difficulties. They persisted despite these constraints and impediments. Had they not been so dedicated, it is difficult to comprehend how Deen would have reached us? Whatever barakah (blessings) has reached us, is through the efforts of those who had to bear great difficulties and hardships during their quest for knowledge. Imaam Maalik has stated: It is not possible to acquire this knowledge without tasting the sweetness of poverty and hunger in its quest. He explains the difficulties and the poverty of his ustaadh Rabeeah. He says that Imaam Rabeeah had become so poor that he had to sell the roof of his home. At times his food would be the left over rotten raisins from the stables in Madinah Munawwarah. He would pick them up, clean them and eat them. Once, a person, after noticing the vast knowledge of Imaam Tabraani asked him, How did you acquire so much Ilm (knowledge)? Imaam Saahib replied: Beloved brother, for thirty years my back did not enjoy the comfort of any bed besides a straw mat. There are hundreds of similar incidents of the servants of Allah who, during their student days, tolerated much hardships and difficulties. Eventually, Allah took the service of Deen as well as the effort of Islaah (moral rectification) and reformation from them One should be considerate towards ones fellow students. Do not quarrel with them. Tolerate any kind of weakness or deficiency on their side. As far as possible, assist all those around you. Always keep the incidents of compassion and brotherhood of the Sahaabah (May Allah be pleased with them) and the pious predecessors in mind. In one battle, a Sahaabi was seriously wounded and as a result he collapsed. Another Sahaabi who was the cousin of the wounded Sahaabi went out in search for him. He had found him in the throes of death. In this condition he asked for water. The Sahaabi brought water for him when another companion called out for water. His cousin indicated to give the water to that person who asked for it. He took the water to that person. Then a third person who was also wounded, called out for water. The second person indicated to this Sahaabi to give the water to the third person. When he came to the third person, he had passed away. Quickly he went back to the second person and found that he had also passed away. By the time he came back to his cousin, he found that he too had passed away. This was the level of

compassion and brotherhood the Sahaabah (May Allah be pleased with them) portrayed. They gave their lives in giving preference to others. In the lives of the Sahaabah (May Allah be please with them), we will find many such incidents where they fed others whilst they themselves remained hungry. Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah Khan Sahib (Rahmatullahi Alayh) mentioned: During his final illness, Hadhrat Moulana Thanwi (Rahmatullahi Alayh) suffered from severe bouts of diarrhoea, extreme weakness and thus had to remain in bed. Once, at night Hadhrat had the urge to relieve himself whilst the rest of the household was asleep. Hadhrat could not tolerate affecting the comfort of others, though they would have never minded being disturbed out of their love and affection for Hadhrat especially during his sickness. However, Hadhrat exercised great caution so as not to disturb any person. Hence with great difficulty he proceeded to the toilet by himself. When returning, the weakness increased. Hadhrat barely took a few steps and fell in the courtyard of the house due to dizziness. After regaining consciousness he walked back to his bed and lay down. By now, Hadhrat was feeling extremely weak. He then suddenly realised that when he fell the toilet jug had fallen in the courtyard and was still lying there. If anyone else needed to visit the toilet later during the night they will not find it in its normal place, thus inconveniencing them. This thought left him restless forcing him out of his bed. Notwithstanding his illness and weakness he went back to the courtyard, found the jug in the darkness and returned it to its place. (Fadhl-ul-Baari, p. 97)

Hard Work and Dedication towards studies

In Bustaanul Muhadditheen it is mentioned about Imaam Tahaawi that his uncle Imaam Muzani had found him to be weak minded and took an oath that he will never be able to achieve much. However Imaam Tahaawi sat in the lessons of Abu Jafar bin Imraan Hanafi and learnt with much effort. Subsequently in the field of Fiqh he gained great perfection as a result of his efforts. The world then accepted that seemingly weak mind to be an Imaam in his field. This is the result of hard work and dedication. Hadhrat Imaam Shaafiee says, Once I spent the entire night by Imaam Muhammad . He passed the entire night in such a manner that he would study for some time and then he would lay down. He would then arise and continue his studies. At the time of Fajar he performed his Salaah. From this we understand that he remained in wudhu, awake the entire night. Shaikh Muhaddith Dehlawi , when mentioning his student days, writes that he used to be engaged in mutalaah (forward study and pre-preparation for the coming lessons) till late at night. His father used to feel pity on him and say: How long will you stay awake? Go and rest now. Shaikh says that the moment I used to hear my fathers voice, I would immediately lie down and when he was asleep, I would wake up again and engage in muta-laah. It was this effort that made him one of the greatest Muhaddith and revivers of India. In the biography of Qutbul Aalam, Hadhrat Moulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi Saahib it is recorded that his engrossment in his studies was such that if someone came and collected the food that was kept next to him, he would not even realise it. (Tazkiratur Rasheed). Hadhrat Moulana Numaani Saahib writes, Once when I was studying at Miu, one of the suburbs of Azam Ghar I met such companions who possessed a desire for muta-laah. Often we would remain occupied in studying and discussions till two or three in the morning. Our days also passed in this kind of engrossment in our studies. The author of Dawat and Azeemat writes about Shaikh Sharfud Deen Yahya Muneeri that he left his home town and set out on a journey to study. Whatever letters reached him whilst he was studying, he placed in a bag. He did not read the letters out of fear that they may distract him, thus causing a disturbance in achieving his objectives.

Students should try their utmost to avoid any distractions and potential obstacles to their quest of becoming a great Alim. Television, internet, social networking sites such as Facebook, mobile phones, video games etc.are huge distractions for a student. If a student is unable to sacrifice such distractions, then he will be doing tremendous harm to his prospects, and will be unlikely to become an Alim who can make a significant difference to those around him. Hadhrat Mufti Saeed Ahmad Saahib Muhaddith e Lakhnawi related, After lessons if I could not find any student to make takraar (revision of previous lessons) with, I would sit in front of the wall and then, addressing the wall, I would repeat my lessons. I would imagine that my addressee had not yet understood the lesson, thus I would repeat it. In this manner, I would repeat the lesson several times until I would memorise it. Imam Bukhari endured great difficulty whilst in pursuit of Ilm. From the age of 14. he travelled vast distances away from his home. During those days, journeys were torturous. He had no regard for the dunya at all. At times he would become so poor that he was forced to live on shrubs and plant for many days. It was due to such continuous sacrifices that Allah has granted him such an honour and status in this Ummah. It is narrated from Hadhrat Jabal ibn Qais that once a person walked from Madinah to Damascus to meet Hadhrat Abu Darda (May Allah be pleased with him) and ask him about a certain Hadith. Hadhrat Abu Darda asked him: Did you come here for any other purpose? Were you not thinking of also doing some trade? Have you especially come in search of this Hadith? He replied: Yes, I have come only for this purpose. Thereupon Hadhrat Abu Darda said: If it is really so, then be happy, for verily I have heard from Rasulullah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) that the one who comes out in search of ilm, the angels place down their wings for him and his road to Jannah is made easy. All the creation in the skies and the earth, including the fish in the sea make dua of forgiveness for an Aalim. The virtue of an Aalim over an Aabid (worshipper) is like the fourteenth full moon over the rest of the stars. The Ulama are the inheritors of the Ambiyaa (the Prophets). The Ambiyaa have not left behind dirhams and dinaars (dirhams and dinaars were the money currency used in those times) . They have left behind ilm. He who has obtained ilm has obtained a very valuable fortune.

General behaviour and guidelines in the Madrasah

You must be under the supervision of an ustaadh at all times during the Madrasah. You are not permitted to be in any classroom during breaktimes, if there is no ustaadh present. Always be careful when walking. Whenever any asaatidhah (teachers), parents, or Murabbi (elderly people), are walking, you should take extra care, stop, and let them pass by easily. If there are any doors, open the doors for them. This should also be practised outside Madrasah. Have utmost respect and caution with respect to the possession of others. It is Haraam for you to borrow or use a pen, shoes, etc. of any other student without taking permission. In Bustaanul Muhadditheen there is an incident about Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubaarak. Once, whilst in Syria, he borrowed a pen from someone. He forgot to return it to the owner and returned to his home town, Muru. Only then did he realise his mistake. He travelled all the way back to Syria (about a months journey) just to return the pen. Hadhrat Moulana Khalil Ahmad Sahaaranpuri Saahib would not speak of anything unrelated during class time. If an outsider came and needed to speak to him, he would move away from his place of teaching and speak to him. Thereafter, he would mention that the Madrasah mats must be used only for Madrasah work.

Punctuality, Timekeeping, and Discipline

Always be punctual, and never be absent without a very good reason.

Imaam Salab says that for fifty years continuously he remained in the Majlis (gatherings) of Hadhrat Ibraheem Harbi and was never absent. It is recorded in the biography of Imaam Abu Yusuf that he remained in the service of Imaam Abu Haneefa for a lengthy period. In that time not a day passed where he did not accompany Imaam Abu Haneefa for Fajar Salaah. Immediately after Fajar, Imaam Saahib would commence the lessons. In one place he himself writes that he stayed with Imaam Saahib for many years. Except for those times when he was ill, he never separated from him even on Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. Despite the fact that everyone prefers to be with their close relatives and friends on these days, he preferred to remain busy with his lessons and in the company of his ustaadh. It is narrated in Manaaqib-e-Muwaffiq that Imaam Abu Yusuf mentioned: One of my sons passed away. I could not be present and neither could I take part in the janaazah. I entrusted the responsibility of the kafan and burial to the neighbours and relatives out of apprehension that I may miss out a lesson by Imaam Saahib , the grief of which will never end. Mufti Zaheerul Islaam (rahmatullahi alaih) described Hadhrat Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi Sahibs (rahmatullahi alaih) punctuality, after observing him for five continuous years: Madrasah commenced at 6:30 a.m. daily. Hadhrat (rahmatullahi alaih) would enter the classroom promptly at 6:00 a.m. Never did the changing of the seasons or even any valid excuse affect his routine in any way...He ensured that even on his last day at the Madrasah he completed his time. If Hadhrat was delayed from class for a legitimate reason, or he had to speak to someone during class hours, or someone came to ask amasalah, or someone arrived requesting du`aas, or if someone came to make mashwarah with him, he would calculate the number of minutes utilised in this way and would record it in his diary. It was his habit that whenever he went to receive his salary he would take this diary with him. He would calculate the time in hours and days not used for the madrasah. Thereafter, Hadhrat (rahmatullahi alaih) would repay that amount of his salary back to the madrasah although this directive did not come from the authorities...Zuhr Salaah was at 3:00 p.m. and classes commenced again at 3:15 p.m. Hadhrat (rahmatullahi alaih) would complete his Zuhr sunnats and proceed straight to the classroom. He continued with lessons until someone informed him that salaah was about to commence. Asr was at 5:30 p.m. He would only stop teaching just before this time and join the salaah. He would never leave the classroom to relieve himself during lessons but would make all the necessary preparations beforehand. He would also never leave the class to fulfil any of his personal obligations during the madrasah time. He always advised those asaatizah who were close to him to adhere strictly to the madrasah times and regard every minute as an amaanah. Hadhrat Moulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaih) had once gone for the dastaarbandi jalsah (the graduation ceremony) in Deoband. On account of the large crowd and the multitudes of people greeting Hadhrat, there was a slight delay in Hadhrat coming to the musjid. When Moulana had reached the musjid, the qiraat had already commenced. After the salaah was over it was noticed that Moulana was overcome by extreme grief and remorse. With intense anguish he said: How sad it is, that today I have missed my takbeer-e-ula after twenty-two years.(Tazkirat-ur-Rasheed, vol. 2, p. 16) Moulana Zafar Ahmad Uthmani (rahmatullahi alaih) relates: I remained for six years in the khidmat (service) of Hadhrat Moulana Khaleel Ahmad Saharanpuri (rahmatullahi alaih). Never did I witness Hadhrat missing his takbeer-e-ula. However, there was one occasion when Hadhrats mouth began to bleed continuously whilst making wudhu for Fajr salaah. Hadhrat then sent a message with one of his attendants to the musjid that the jamaat should not be delayed on account of him. This was the only time that I had witnessed Hadhrat missing the takbeer-e-ula, though he managed to get the first rakaat. (Tazkirat-ulKhaleel, p. 345)

Abundant Ibadah and Practice

Practise what you learn immediately. Sheikh Saadi has stated:

No matter how much of knowledge you attain, if there is no amal (good deeds) then this is ignorance. One cannot be a muhaqqiq, (a great scholar or researcher) nor an intelligent person, Rather he is like an animal with books loaded on him. Students should perform abundant salaah and should be particular about their devotion and concentration (khushoo and khuzoo) in salaah. This will assist them in the acquisition of Ilm and will also be a means of attaining barakah (blessings). Hadhrat Shabi used to say that whilst you are obtaining Ilm, engage in much crying. This is because you are not only attaining knowledge but rather you are establishing a very close connection with Allah. Hadith: Do not speak much besides the thikrullah. Verily, abundant speech hardens the heart, and the one with a hard heart is the furthest from Allah Taala

When going to and entering the Madrasah

When leaving home, recite the dua: Bismillahi tawakkaltu 'alallah laa haula walaa quwwata illa billah In the name of Allah, I depend on Allah, there is no power and might except from Allah. As you enter through the doors of the Madrasah/Mosque, recite Bismillah, Durood Sharif, and the dua for entering the Masjid: Allahummaftah lee abwaaba rahmatika. Oh Allah! Open for me the gates of Your mercy. As soon as youve entered, say Assalamualaykum Warahmatullahi, even when there is no one nearby. Sunnah Reminder: Always enter any place starting with the right foot. Exit any place starting with the left foot. The exception is the toilet where you should enter with the left foot and exit with the right foot. Take your shoes off, starting with the left foot first. Sunnah Reminder: When putting on shoes or any other items of clothing, start with the right side first.When taking off shoes or any item of clothing, always start from the left side first. Place shoes carefully and neatly on the shoe shelves. Even if your intention is to come back to wear the shoes in a few seconds time, you should still place the shoes neatly on the shoe shelves. Always move carefully and slowly so as to not to cause any inconvenience to any other student. Sunnah Reminder: Always give priority and way to others. A true believer takes on inconvenience and difficulty on himself so that others may find ease. After putting shoes and bags in their appropriate places, proceed without delay to the assembly hall.

Whenever you meet a ustaadh, or a fellow student, give salsam loud and clearly. If you meet the same person in a different place, then repeat your salaam, even if youve already given salaam to him. It has been narrated by Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) that the companions of the Holy Prophet (May Allah bless him and grant him peace) would walk together and when a tree would come in their way they would separate towards the left and right. Then on meeting each other, one of them would greet the other with salaam.

Entering the Assembly hall

Enter the hall with right foot, reciting the dua: Allahummaftah lee abwaaba rahmatika. Oh Allah! Open for me the gates of Your mercy. After entering, say Assalamualaykum Warahmatullai quietly and sit in the most appropriate place quietly. If youve arrived early to Madrasah, you may get some work out, read some Quran, or engage in some zikr. Do not talk once you are in the hall. Whenever you sit always start in the Tashahhud position. The longer you are able to remain in this position the better. If after a while you feel discomfort, you may adopt any other appropriate sitting posture. Pay full attention to any announcements, speeches, register, and duas. When your name is called out, answer loudly and clearly Labbayk. Ensure that the ustaadh never has to repeat your name during the register. When leaving the hall to go to lessons, the class should move in a straight line with the ustaadh. If the ustaadh is carrying anything, offer to carry it for him. Open any doors for the ustaadh to enter through first.

In the classroom
As soon as you enter your first class, look around and check that the room is tidy and free from litter. If you see any litter, dispose of it in the bin. After placing your bag gently on the floor, sit down in the Tashahhud posture and read Durood Sharif, Aoozubillah, and Bismillah. Take out all the books required for the first lesson. If you need to talk, or do anything else such as sharpening your pencil, you must first seek permission from the ustaadh. To seek permission, put your right hand up and wait patiently until the ustaadh gives you attention. Whilst your hand is up, do not wave your hands or make any noise, trying to catch the Ustadhs attention. In emergencies, stand up, go quietly to the ustadh, sit down in front of him in Tashahhud position, and say whatever is needed quietly. As the ustadh leaves the classroom at the end of the lesson, reply to his salaam. If he does not give salaam, then you should initiate salaam.

Put all the books into the bag respectfully, and take out the books for the next lesson before the new ustaadh arrives. The ustadh should find all students studying without any noise When the ustadh for the next lesson walks in, all students should stand up and say salaam together. Remain standing until the ustadh gives permission to sit down. If any Muslim visitor comes to the class, all the students should stand up and say salaam together. If any non-muslim visitor comes to the class, all the students should stand up and say Good Morning or Good Afternoon together. At the end of the final lesson before a break, tidy up the whole room, pick up any litter, and switch off all lights.

Going to the toilet or wudhu khana

Students must have wudhu before coming to the Madrasah. If your wudhu breaks at any time, then you must do Wudhu immediately. During Madrasah, students must ask permission from the ustaadh responsible before going to the toilet. If there is no ustaadh available (for example between change over of lessons), then you must wait patiently. Before entering the toilet recite: Bismillah Allahumma innii audhu bika minal khubusi wal khabaais. "O Allah. I seek refuge inYou from the male and female evil Shayateen".

Then enter the toilet with your left foot first. It is Makrooh (disliked by Allah subhana wa taala) to stand up while urinating. However, this will be permissible for a valid Shari reason (perhaps due to a serious injury or some other medical reason). Throughout your use of the toilet / wudhu khana, take extreme care with regards to cleanliness. Any carelessness may cause you to be earning sins for the whole day. For example, if you get some filth on your clothes, then it is extremely sinful to carry out Madrasah activities, such as using Islamic books, in such a state. Similarly, if you leave the toilet in a dirty state, you will be earning uncountable sins for all difficulties other people may be going through when using the toilet. Before leaving the toilet, ensure it is in a clean state for others. If there is too much filth which you feel you will not be able to clean properly before leaving, please inform the office. It is an act worthy of immense reward if you go through great difficulty in order to bring ease and convenience to others. Once Hadhrat Shaikhul Hind Moulana Mahmoodul Hasan Saahib received a huge number of guests. There was only one toilet in the house and the visitors stayed for several days. Every night his student, Hadhrat Husain Ahmad Madani, would go to the toilet in order to clean it properly so that the visitors would find it clean the next morning.

Relationship with parents and behaviour outside Madrasah times

Conduct with parents is one of the easiest ways of gaining entry into Jannah. A gaze of genuine love and mercy cast at your parents is the equivalent to an accepted Hajj. Gazing at anger at ones parents is amongst the major sins. The person guilty of disobedience and causing grief to parents will be disgraced. His punishment will begin in this life. This has been proven without exception, that those who cause grief to the parents, will be disgraced and punished in this life. Even if parents are unjust, it is haram to ill-treat, disobey or displease them. Only if they instruct you to do anything unlawful, then you may politely and with respect decline them gently. Never refuse with them rudely or argue with them. Never address them by their name. Always be cheerful in their presence. Do not raise ones voice above their voice. By serving your parents Allah will increase the rizq (provision) allocated for you and he will lengthen your life. While outside Madrasah, you should always wear Sunnah clothes which makes apparent your Islamic identity. As a future Alim or Hafiz,and resemble the Sunnah as closely as possible. If you are invited to any function, do not let shyness prevent you from enquiring about the arrangements for Hijab. If there are no adequate arrangements, then excuse yourself in a polite and humble manner. There is no obedience to anyone whilst disobeying the Creator. One should avoid at all costs, causing any disturbance or inconvenience to others. This includes spitting, burping, talking loudly without consideration to others. When mixing with people, their comfort and wellbeing must be given priority over oneself. Your clothes and mouth should not smell. After eating onions or garlic, avoid meeting people or take extra care in removing the smell. Where it does not cause any inconvenience, always offer both hands for musaafahah when giving salaam. Where a person is occupied with some work, such as talking to others, do not offer your hands for musaafahah. Always take great care with the words you use. Hadith: On occasion a man says an offensive and sinful thing without paying any attention to it, for which he is thrown into hell deeper than the distance between the East and West