CONTENTS

PREFACE ...... 4

INTRODUCTION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...... 5

POEMS FOR LITTLE CHILDREN ...... 7

O BELOVED OF ALLAH ...... 7 THE SAHABAH LOVED RASULULLAH ...... 8 LOVE RASULULLAH ...... 9 HAMD, NAAT AND SALAAM ...... 10

DUROOD SHAREEF ...... 10 HAMD (YA ALLAHU) ...... 11 HAMD (LA I LA HA ILLAL LAH) ...... 12 URDU NAATH ...... 14 SALAAM (YA NABI) ...... 16 SALAAM (MUSTAFA JAANE REHMAT) ...... 17 STORIES ...... 18

SHEIKH ABD AL-QADIR JILANI (RAHMATULLAH-ALAI) AND THE ROBBERS ...... 18 KHWAJA MUIN UD-DIN CHISTI (RAHMATULLAH-ALAI) AND THE MAGICIAN ...... 19 BABA FARID UD-DIN (RAHMATULLAH-ALAI) AND THE MAN WHO WANTED TO GET CLOSE TO ALLAH...... 19 KHWAJA NIZAM UD-DIN AWLIYA (RAHMATULLAH-ALAI) AND THE GIFT OF DUST...... 20 HAZRATH SABIR ALLAUDDIN'S PATIENCE AND OBEDIENCE ...... 20 HAZRATH ALI (RADIALLAHU ANHU) SPARES THE LIFE OF AN ENEMY IN BATTLE ...... 21 ABU LAHAB'S CONDITION AFTER DEATH ...... 22 THE GREAT SAINT IBRAHIM IBN AD'HAM WEEPS...... 23 ALLAH (ALMIGHTY AND GLORIOUS IS HE) ORDERS MOSES (ON HIM BE PEACE) TO BURY A MAN, THOUGHT TO BE EVIL...... 24 WHEN DO WE ANSWER THE AZAAN GIVEN IN OUR EAR WHEN WE ARE BORN...... 25

1 THE OLD SOCK...... 25 THE ANGEL OF DEATH ...... 28 THE SAINT BAHLUL (RAHMATULLAH-ALAI) AND THE CALIPH ...... 29 UMAR (RADIALLAHU ANHU) REQUESTS BURIAL NEXT TO THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLA' LLAAHU'ALAIHI WA SALLAM) ...... 30 MEMBERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY OF THE BLESSED MESSENGER ...... 32 THE DALAIL UL-KHAIRAAT : HOW IMAM JAZULI (RAHMATULLAH-ALAI) WROTE THIS BOOK...... 33 HOW TO SEE THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLA' LLAAHU'ALAIHI WA SALLAM) IN A DREAM...... 35 HAZRATH UWAYS AL-QARNI (RADIALLAHU ANHU) AND HIS MOTHER. 36 BAHLUL AND THE CALIPHS EID ...... 39 "I (ALLAH) BECOME THEIR FACULTY OF SIGHT…" ...... 41 HAZRATH UMAR (RADIALLAHU ANHU) 'S SPIRITUAL SIGHT ...... 41 SAINTS ARE LIKE MIRRORS ...... 43 BEWARE OF THE WOLF ...... 44 THE ELEPHANT AND THE BLIND MEN ...... 45 FRIDAY PRAYER OBSERVED BY THE ANGELS ...... 45 HAZRATH ABU BAKR (RADIALLAHU ANHU)'S LOVE FOR THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLA'LLAHU'ALAIHI WA SALLAM) ...... 46 ASHAB AS-SUFFAH ...... 48 LOVE AND COMPASSION ...... 48 HAZRATH ZAID (RADIALLAHU ANHU) ...... 49 THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLA' LLAAHU'ALAIHI WA SALLAM)'S REPLY TO OUR SALAAM ...... 50 PROPHETS ...... 53

ALLAH'S PROPHET'S (PEACE BE UPON THEM) ...... 53 FIRST CREATION OF ALLAH (ALMIGHTY AND GLORIOUS IS HE)...... 54 OMNIPRESENT AND OMNISCIENT (HAAZIR-O-NAAZIR) ...... 54 INTERCESSION (SHAFAA'AT) ...... 56 AWLIYA ...... 58

AWLIYA ALLAH - (THE FRIENDS OF ALLAH) ...... 58 STATUS OF AWLIYA AFTER DEATH ...... 59 PROMINENT AWLIYA ALLAH - FRIENDS OF ALLAH ...... 64 AWLIYA IN SOUTH AFRICA ...... 67 HAZRATH SAYYID ABD AL-QADIR AL-JILANI ...... 68 HAZRAT SAYYID KHWAJA MUIN' UD-DEEN HASSAN CHISTI (RAHMATULLAH-ALAI)...... 73 HAZRAT SOOFIE SAHEB (RAHMATULLAH-ALAI) ...... 77

2 BID'AH ...... 81

SPIRITUAL PRACTICES...... 83

MEELAD UN-NABI ...... 83 UR'S ...... 87 FLAG ...... 88 SHAJRAH ...... 89 ZIKR AND KHATME KHWAJAGAAN ...... 89 SAMA OR QAWWALI ...... 90 FATIHAH-DUA...... 91 KHATAM FOR ESAALE SAWAAB ...... 92 SALAT O SALAAM- (SALAAMI) ...... 94 ZIYAARAT ...... 99 AZAAN ...... 102

REPLYING TO THE AZAAN AND IQAMAH ...... 102 DUA AFTER AZAAN ...... 103 KISSING THE NAILS OF THE THUMBS AND RUBBING IT OVER THE EYES ...... 104 MUHARRAM AND KARBALA ...... 106

ASHURA ...... 106 THE BLESSED LIFE AND MARTYRDOM OF IMAM HUSSAIN (RADIALLAHU ANHU) ...... 108 AHL AL BAYT AND PANJATTAN PAAK ...... 113 GLOSSARY ...... 117

BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 120

3 PREFACE

The Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) and many of his near and dear followers prayed, ”O Allah! Give me a heart full of compassion and weeping eyes”. The aim of this publication is to reach sincere seekers of knowledge and love, especially children in the formulate age, who are exposed to syllabi full of laws but lacking in love. The love for the message is expounded but unfortunately the love for the Messenger is neglected.

I received numerous complaints from many concerned parents, from various towns and areas in South Africa where a propaganda campaign is being waged, even at Madrasah level, against the time honored customs, rites, traditions and ceremonies of Islam and Sufism in the name of Shariah and genuine Islam. External scholars dismiss many a Hadith that is cited by Shuyook of Spiritual Orders as being as being weak and not authentic. But the high regards which is due to these Saints demands that we should not consider it unauthentic; for according to Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahmatullah-alai) and Imam Maalik (Rahmatullah-alai) 1, even a Hadith-e-Mursal, if its narrators are reliable, is regarded as true.

I pray that this humble publication serves as a guide for students, parents and teachers and dispels the confusion that may arise. I am sure that the poetry and stories sections will be of great benefit and bring joy, morality and love to many hearts.

All praise is due to Allah and all shortcomings are mine.

1 Shifa al-Aliil The translation in Urdu of Shah Wali Allah‟s work, Qual al-Jami, Nizami Press, Kawnpur 1291A.H. 44-45.

4

INTRODUCTION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Allah, to Him is all praise, the Cherisher, Sustainer, and Nourisher of all creation. Salutations in abundance upon our Master Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) the greatest in Allah‟s creation and the leader of all creation. In an age when Muslims have degraded the following of the Prophet Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) „s, Sunnah to external formalities, with much juristic hair-splitting, creating Islamically-unbalanced religious personalities, there is a need to reintroduce the basic values of Piety, Truth, Justice, Wisdom, Love, Beauty and Selflessness. To shape a personality on that which was the most profound, most perfect and the richest in history is no easy task; hence it was undertaken by or under the guidance of highly spiritualised personalities. I pray for the look of grace from the spiritual masters, may they never leave me to my own devices. Most of the stories in the story section have been adapted from Shaykh Muzzafer Ozak al-Jerrahi (Rahmatullah-alai) 's book Irshad: Wisdom of a Sufi Master. I acknowledge him as one of the great Sufi Masters of this age. I have also been taught much from his Khalifa in South Africa, Hazrath Abd as-Samad al- Jerrahi, my spiritual brother and close friend. Urdu speaking readers especially will appreciate the poetry section, but I am sure the language of love transcends all boundaries. The stories have been carefully penned, to grasp the attention, inculcate morality and mobilize the soul in the quest for God. The other sections deal with an insight into the life of the great Awliya, those who loved Allah and his Rasul (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) and showed the way of love. I have also attempted to

5 cover the often distorted and neglected aspects of Islam that are of a spiritual bearing. I pray that this book will assist those parents who have children in Islamic schools and Madrasah that condemn Spiritual science, psychology and practices that have shaped Muslims for 1400 years. I have attempted to explain many aspects spiritually and scientifically, as has been the practice of Maulana Dr. Fazl ur- Rahman Ansari (Rahmatullah-alai), one of the greatest influences on my life and undoubtedly one of the great scholars and sages of this century. I pray that Allah shower His richest blessings on my grandmother, Sayyida Khatun Bibi Soofie (Rahmatullah-alai) who lit the spark of love in my heart. May He grant long life and sound health to my spiritual guide, Hazrath Ghulam Muhyi‟d-deen Kazi Chisti Nizami Habibi who converted this spark into a blazing fire of love. I also acknowledge the Elders of my family, Shuyook and Ulema whose guidance and encouragement keeps us on the path of Ishq. Irshad Soofi

6 POEMS FOR LITTLE CHILDREN

O Beloved of Allah

O' Prophet of Allah, O' Prophet of peace, O' Beloved of Allah. You taught us ISLAM, You taught us THE QUR'AAN, You taught us TO DO GOOD, You truly, Gave us THE MESSAGE OF ALLAH. SUB HANALLAH SUB HANALLAH.

7 The Sahabah Loved Rasulullah

(Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam)

The Sahabah (Radiallahu anhu) Loved our Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) More than their parents, The Sahabah (Radiallahu anhu) Loved our Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) More than their children, The Sahabah (Radiallahu anhu) Loved our Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) More than their lives, The Sahabah (Radiallahu anhu) Loved our Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) More than their wives, The Sahabah (Radiallahu anhu) Loved our Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) More than themselves, We too, Must love Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) More than our parents, More than our children, More than our lives More than our wives, And more than we love ourselves.

AS SALATU WAS SALAMU ALAIKA YA RASULULLAH.

8 Love Rasulullah

(Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam)

Allah is the most important being in our lives, We pray to Allah only.

Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam), Our Prophet, is the most important human being in our lives.

He was sent as human being for human beings, But he is made of light (nur).

He taught us Islam, and the Qur'aan.

After Allah, We love Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam), More than everything in the world.

9 HAMD, NAAT AND SALAAM

Durood Shareef

ALLAH HUMMA SALLE ALA SAYYIDINA MUHAMMADEW WA ALAA AALI SAYYIDINA MUHAMMADEW WA BAARIK WA SALLIM

AS SALAATU WAS SALAAMU ALAIKA

YA RASULALLAH

10 Hamd (Ya Allahu)

Ya Allahu Ya Allah We are your servants Ya Allah La-ila-ha-illal-laa Mu-ham-ma-dur-ra-su-lul-laa I am first a Mu-sal-maan My code of life is Al-Qur-aan I hear and honour the Azaan Say! I will die a Mu-sal-maan

Begin the day with Allah's name Shun all things that bring you shame Do not depend on worldly fame Practice and preach in Allah's name

Let Allah be your guiding light Be God conscious day and night You'll be precious in His sight If you follow His guiding light

We must follow the Prophet's way Let not satan lead us astray Five times daily we must pray And do good in Allah's way

Ya Allahu Ya Allah Thou art our Rabb Ya Allah We adore you Ya Allah Sub ha nal laah Sub ha nal laah

11 HAMD (La i la ha illal lah)

Hasbi rabbi jal lal lah Mafi qalbi ghairullah Noor e Muhammad sal lal lah

La i la ha illal lah

Awal akhir heh Allah Zahir batin heh Allah Hafiz nasir heh Allah

La i la ha illal lah

Cono makan meh heh Allah Dono jahan meh heh Allah Jism meh jan meh heh Allah

La i la ha illal lah

Kul jaheh dar jannat ke Dosag ki sab aag bhuje Dil se kohee ek baar ka he La i la ha illal lah

12 Naat by Shaykh Saadi Shiraazi (Rahmatullah-alai)

13 Urdu Naath

14 AGAR KAMLIEWALEH KIE REHMATH NA HOTHIE, TOH KISMATH KEH MAARO KA KYA HAAL HOTHA RASOOLEH KUDAH KA SAHARAH NA MILTHA, TOH HUM BESAHAROH KA KYA HAAL HOTHA

WOH AAKA WOH MOULA, WOH DAATHA HAMAREH, KUDA-EE KEH PYAREH, KUDAH KEH DULAREH MUHAMMAD JOH DOEKIYO KEH HAAMIE NA HOTEH, TOH OEN BEKARARO KA KYA HAAL HOTHA

NA YEH PHOOL KHIL THEH, NA KALIYA MEHEKTHEH NA GULZAAR HASTHEH NA GALIYA MEHEKHTEH NABIE KEH PASEENEH KIE KUSHBOO NA MILTHI TOH DILKUSH BAHARO KA KYA HAAL HOTHA

MUHAMMAD KA JALWA HAI JALWA KUDAH KA MUHAMMAD KA PARDA HAI PARDA KUDAH KA AGAR AAP AAJAA-TEH PARDEH SEH BAHAR TOH PHIR CHAND THAARO KA KYA HAAL HOTHA

KISSEH HAALEH DIL APNA ANWAR SOONATHEH KAHA PHIR AMA, EH-LEH THOUHEED PAATHEH AGAR SUBZ GUMBADH KA SAAYA NA MILTHA TOH ULFATH KEH MAARO KA KYA HAAL HOTHA

15 Salaam (Ya Nabi)

Ya Nabi Salaam Alaika Ya Rasul Salaam Alaika Ya Habeeb Salaam Alaika Salawa Tulla Alaika (chorus) Rehmato keh taaj waale Do jahaan keh raaj waale Arsh ki meraaj waale Asion keh laaj waale Chorus Laaye joh imaan tum par Kyu na deh who jaan tum par Mehrabaa rehmaan tum par Khalq sab qurbaan tum par Chorus Hai ye hasrat dar peh aaye Ashk ke daryaa Bahaayeh Daag sine ke dikhaaye Saamne ho kar sunaaye Chorus Jaan kar kaafi sahaara Leh liyaa heh dar tumhara Khalq ke waaris khudara Lo salaam ab toh hamaara Chorus Baadsha-e-ambiya hoh Nur-e-zaat-e-kibriya hoh Haamiye roz-e-jazaa hoh Khalq ke mushkil kusha hoh Chorus Az Muinudeen chisti Behre Qutbudeen Kaaki Az pae zaat-e-Fareedi Chashme rehmat su-e-aasi

16 Salaam (Mustafa Jaane Rehmat)

Mustafa jaane rehmat peh laakho salaam Sham-e-bazme hidayat peh laakho salaam (chorus) Jis suhaani ghari chamka tayba ka chand Us dil afroz saa'at peh laakho salaam Chorus Arsh ta farsh hai jis ki jalwo ki dhoom Us ki shaan us ki shoukat peh laakho salaam Chorus Hum gharibo ke aaqa peh behad durood Hum faqiron ki sarwat peh laakho salaam Chorus Noor ke chashme leh raen darya bahe Ungliyo ki karamat peh laakho salaam Chorus Kaash mehshar me jab oen ki aamad ho aur Bheje sab oen ki showkat peh laakho salaam

17

STORIES

Sheikh Abd al-Qadir Jilani (Rahmatullah-alai) and the Robbers

The Great Saint of Jilan was eighteen years old when he sought his mother's permission to go to study in Baghdad. She permitted him and gave him forty gold coins for his expenses. His mother wept silent tears, when she realized, that she was an old woman and she may not see her son again. She sewed the 40 coins into his coat for safety and took a promise from him not to tell a lie under any condition. He joined a caravan that was going to Baghdad.

Sixty robbers attacked the caravan and robbed it. No one touched Sheikh Abd al-Qadir (Rahmatullah-alai) taking him to be a penniless, religious youth. One robber asked him if he had anything with him. He said he had forty coins sewed into his garment. The robber laughed and went away. Another robber asked him the same question and received the same answer. They reported the incident to the leader of the gang, who ordered that Sheikh Abd al-Qadir Jilani (Rahmatullah-alai) be brought to him.

His coat was cut open and the 40 gold coins were found. The leader asked Sheikh Abd al-Qadir (Rahmatullah-alai) what made him tell the truth. He replied that he had promised his mother that he would not speak a lie under any condition. The robber burst into tears and said," I have been breaking the commands of Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) all my life while this young man is carrying out his promise to his mother, at the expense of losing all he possesses". The leader of the robbers and his gang

18 promised to give up robbery and accepted Sheikh Abd al Qadir Jilani (Rahmatullah-alai) as their teacher.

Khwaja Muin ud-Din Chisti (Rahmatullah-alai) and the Magician

In the year AH.587 Khwaja Muin ud-Din Chisti (Rahmatullah-alai) entered India and thousands of Hindus embraced Islam on his hand. The Hindu ruler of India became very angry and summoned his magician Ajaipal to challenge Khwaja Saheb (Rahmatullah- alai).

The magician came to Khwaja Saheb (Rahmatullah-alai) and asked him what was his status in the spiritual world. The great saint replied, that the magician should first show his status and if Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) willed he would show him his status. The magician sat on a deerskin and flew up into the sky. Khwaja Saheb smiled and ordered his wooden sandal to fly up into the air and bring Ajaipal down. The sandal hit Ajaipal on the head and brought him in front of Khwaja Saheb.

The magician fell on the feet of Khwaja Saheb and begged for forgiveness. He accepted Islam and Khwaja Saheb named him Abdullah.

Baba Farid ud-Din (Rahmatullah-alai) and the man who wanted to get close to Allah.

Baba Farid (Rahmatullah-alai) the great saint of Paakpattan in Pakistan was washing in the river. A man who knew him to be a great saint saw him and went into the river to speak to him.

The man asked him, " O friend of Allah! How can I get close to Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He)?" Baba Saheb (Rahmatullah- alai) held his head, pushed him under the water and held him 19 there. The man began to struggle for air and he started pushing Baba Saheb (Rahmatullah-alai) in order to free himself.

Baba Farid (Rahmatullah-alai) released him and said, "If you want Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He), genuinely, as you wanted air when you were underwater then you will get close to Him."

Khwaja Nizam ud-Din Awliya (Rahmatullah-alai) and the gift of dust

Once a few friends of Delhi in India, out of curiosity and regard for his great reputation, decided to go and visit Khwaja Nizam ud-Din (Rahmatullah-alai).

One of them had no faith in Saints and decided to test the Saints spiritual power. On the way they bought some flowers and fruit as presents for Khwaja Nizam (Rahmatullah-alai), but their faithless friend picked up some dust and wrapped it in a piece of paper.

The friends placed their presents before Khwaja Nizam (Rahmatullah-alai) and his servant came to keep the presents away. Khwaja Nizam (Rahmatullah-alai) pointed to the wrapper of dust and said, "Don‟t take away this wrapper it contains some dust, which I shall use as collyrium (surma) for my eyes." The faithless man fell ashamed and begged for forgiveness. He was forgiven and he became a disciple of Khwaja Nizam (Rahmatullah- alai).

Hazrath Sabir Allauddin's Patience and Obedience

Hazrath Baba Farid ud-din (Rahmatullah-alai) asked his disciple, Hazrath Ali Ahmad Ala ud-din Saabir (Rahmatullah-alai), who was also his sister's son to distribute food (langar) and to take

20 charge of the kitchen (langar khana) at the spiritual center (khanqah).

After a few months Hazrath Saabir (Rahmatullah-alai) 's mother came to visit her son and was shocked to see that her son was gone very thin and weak. She immediately went to her brother Baba Farid (Rahmatullah-alai) and complained as to why he did not feed her son. Hazrath Baba Farid (Rahmatullah-alai) called Hazrath Saabir (Rahmatullah-alai) and asked him, "Dear son, were you not in charge of the kitchen. Why did you not eat anything?" Hazrath Saabir (Rahmatullah-alai) replied," My beloved Hazrath! You asked me to distribute the food, not to eat it, how could I trespass upon your order?"

Hazrath Baba Farid (Rahmatullah-alai) could not resist joy and love on hearing this beautiful reply. He embraced Hazrath Saabir (Rahmatullah-alai) and said that he was a dutiful disciple. It was after this incident that Hazrath Ala ud-din Saabir (Rahmatullah- alai) enjoyed the popular title of Saabir (patience personified).

Hazrath Ali (Radiallahu anhu) spares the Life of an Enemy in Battle

Hazrath Ali (Radiallahu anhu), the "Gate of Knowledge and Lion of Allah." knocked an enemy soldier, to the ground during the Battle of the Trench. He raised his sword to kill the unbeliever who spat on the blessed face of Hazrath Ali (Radiallahu anhu) at that moment. Hazrath Ali (Radiallahu anhu) at once stood still and refrained from killing his enemy. Hardly able to believe his own eyes, the unbeliever asked: "Why have you spared me?"

He replied, " that just a few moments ago, I was on the point of slaying you, but when you spat in my face, my selfish anger was aroused against you. If I had killed you, I would have killed you

21 not for God's sake but for my own selfish reason. When you spat in my face, anger threatened to overwhelm me, so instead of striking you with the sword for my own sake I struck my passion for the sake of Allah, Exalted is He. There you have the reason for your escape."

The unbeliever realized the worth and value of being Muslim and he felt the light of Islam descending into his heart. Tears streamed down from his eyes when he realized that in the space of a few seconds he was being saved from dying as an unbeliever - saved from being an unbeliever at all - and was becoming a Muslim. The behavior of Hazrath Ali (Radiallahu anhu) changed the condition of his heart.

Abu Lahab's Condition after death

It is reported that after the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) 's uncle Abu Lahab who was an enemy of Islam died, his brother Hazrath Abbas (Radiallahu anhu) saw him in a dream. He asked him in what condition he was in. Abu Lahab replied, "Although I was the uncle of such a noble and glorious Prophet, I did not believe in him. So, instead of being honored and receiving dignity in the Hereafter I am in disgrace. However, on account of two acts of kindness I did out of happiness on the night of his birth, my condition is somewhat different from that of the other inhabitants of Hell.

"My first privilege is that when the eve of Monday comes round, my suffering is lightened until the eve of Tuesday. The second is that through the whole of Monday, night and day, a cold liquid comes out between my thumb and middle finger. I stick my fingers in my mouth and cool myself by drinking that liquid. I enjoy this favor because when I received news, on a Monday eve, that Muhammad, on him be peace, my nephew was born I

22 rejoiced. I was so pleased to hear of the Messenger's birth that I freed Thuwayba, my slave girl, from bondage. That is why my torment is eased on that night of the week. I pointed with these fingers and told her to go and suckle the child. I now have the pleasure of drinking the cold juice that comes out of my fingers."

If an unbeliever is rewarded for celebrating the birth of the Beloved of Allah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam), how much more will a believer be rewarded.

The Great Saint Ibrahim Ibn Ad'ham Weeps.

Ibrahim ibn Ad'ham (Rahmatullah-alai) tried to enter the public bath one day. "Hey dervish," said the bath-keeper, "you need money to get into the bath. There is no free entry. Where's your cash?" The venerable saint bowed his head, saying: "I have no money."

The bath-keeper was adamant, "Those without money cannot enter the bath."

Ibrahim ibn Ad'ham gave a great cry and wept so bitterly that people gathered round to comfort him: "Hey dervish," they said, "is it worth destroying yourself because they would not let you into the bath? Come on, do not cry, we shall give you the money to get in."

Ibrahim ibn Ad'ham replied: "It is not because I cannot get into the bath that I'm weeping. My sighing and sobbing is due to a very different cause. The bath-keeper's insistence on the admission fee reminded me of something and that is why I am weeping. If we are not allowed to enter the bath in this world here below, unless we pay the fee, I have no hope of being fit to

23 enter Paradise in the Hereafter. How will it be for me there if they say, 'What good deed have you brought? Show us so that we may let you into Paradise.' Just as they keep you out of the worldly bath if you cannot pay, they will certainly not let you into Paradise in the Hereafter if you have no good deeds to your credit. Who has more reason than I to weep and moan?" These words made the bystanders ponder deeply and brought tears to their eyes.

Allah (Almighty And Glorious Is He) Orders Moses (On Him Be Peace) To Bury A Man, Thought To Be Evil.

In the time of Moses, on him be peace, there lived a very wicked and malicious man. When he died his neighbors had such a low opinion of him that they did not give him a proper funeral. They simply threw him into a hole.

Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) instructed Moses (Alai' his salaam): "Take that man out of the hole. Wash and enshroud him, pray over him and give him a proper burial." Moses (Alai' his salaam) immediately carried out this command, but when he had done so the people asked: "Why did you see fit to treat him like that, when he was such an evil man?"

Moses (on him be peace) told them that he was obeying the command of Allah. Then he went to Mount Sinai and prayed, "0 my Lord, I have carried out Your command, but everybody is complaining that he was a very bad man," Allah replied: "He was indeed a disobedient servant. Nevertheless, I considered him worthy of this treatment, One day, as he was reading the noble Torah, he kissed the verses, which describe My Beloved, Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam), whom I have praised and

24 mentioned in all My scriptures. I love everyone who loves My Beloved." As it is said in the Hadith: "A man is together with those he loves." Let us therefore love the blessed Messenger and his heirs, and be together with them and the Aulia who showed the way to love them.

When Do We Answer The Azaan Given In Our Ear When We Are Born.

A wise man was asked, "Every Call to Prayer is followed by a particular ritual prayer. Is there no prayer to follow the Call recited in our ear when we are born? The wise man smiled and replied, "Of course there is! The prayer that goes with that Call is performed for us at the burial ground."

Seek the forgiveness of Allah before that day of death comes upon you . . . Repent for all the bad things you have done, for all your faults and sins... Promise never to commit them again; shed tears of remorse and resolve to make a fresh start... Allah loves those of His servants who turn away from evil, keeping themselves clean and pure in body and spirit...

The Old Sock.

A wise and saintly rich man, sensing his approaching death, called his son to his side and gave him these instructions: "My son, I shall be leaving you very shortly. On the day when I die, and they have washed my body and come to wrap it in the shroud, I want you to put one of my socks on my foot. This is my final request of you."

Soon after this, the old man did indeed die, leaving behind his goods and property, his children and his dependents. Family, 25 friends, acquaintances and neighbors attended his funeral. The body had been washed and was almost completely wrapped in the shroud, when the son remembered his father's wish. Finding one of his old socks, he handed it to the washer of the dead, saying, "In accordance with my father's last request, please put this sock on his foot."

"That is quite impossible:' Said the man. "Such a thing is utterly impermissible in Islam. I cannot act against the Sacred Law." Despite this valid objection, the son insisted, " That was my father's final request; it must certainly be carried out."

. The washer of the dead was unmoved. "If you won't take my word for it," he said, "go and ask the mufti. He will confirm what I tell you, that it is not permissible." Holding up the funeral, they consulted the mufti, preachers and scholars, all of whom declared that this was not permissible in Islam. Just then, an aged friend of the deceased interrupted the debate with these words to the son: "My boy, your late father entrusted me with a letter which I was to hand over to you after his departure. Here, this letter belongs to you." So saying, he gave him an envelope. Taken by surprise, the boy opened the envelope and read out the contents of his father's

"My son, all this wealth and property I have left to you. Now you see: at the last moment, they won't even let you give me an Old sock to wear. When You yourself come one day to be in my condition they will also refuse to let you keep anything but your shroud. Eight yards of shroud are all you will be able to carry over from this fleeting world into the Hereafter. So pull yourself together and be prepared. Spend the fortune I have left you, not for the satisfaction of vain desires, but in ways pleasing to Allah, that you may achieve honor in both worlds."

26 What beautiful advice and guidance for those who can understand! May the mercy of Allah be upon him.

27 The Angel Of Death

A man was sitting beside Sulaiman (Alai' his salaam) when the Angel of Death came and gave him a look that filled him with fear and dread. When Sulaiman (Alai' his salaam) told him it was the Angel of Death, the man said: "0 Prophet of Allah, I am very much afraid of him. Send me away to China so that I can be as far away from him as possible."

Sulaiman commanded the wind to carry that man away to China. A little later, Israeel (Alai' his salaam). The Angel of Death, came back and Solomon asked him: "Why did you give that man such a took when you came here a while ago?"

The Angel of Death replied: "I was under orders to take that mans soul from him in China, so I was surprised to see him sitting besides you in Jerusalem. Anyway, he asked you to send him to China and you granted his wish. I then went to China myself and there, in compliance with my orders, I took away his soul.

Indeed, we do not know when, where or how we are going to die. Death may catch us committing a sin or performing an act of worship. In any case, we must go to meet the Lord. How would it be for us should we suddenly die without seeking forgiveness? Our blessed Master used to say: - I seek forgiveness a hundred times a day." Do we repent and feel remorse for our sins even once?

28 The Saint Bahlul (Rahmatullah-Alai) And The Caliph

The saint known as Bahlul 'the Wise Fool' (majzoob) was a great spiritual guide, and some say this most holy individual was the brother of Harun al-Rashid, the Abbasid Caliph. This noble person used to disguise his store of wisdom behind a pretense of craziness, just as clever people hide their buried treasure among ruins. His apparent insanity veiled the fact that he was an intellect. He came and went undisturbed in the palace of Harun, who would ask him all kinds of questions, seeking his guidance on affairs of state. He was the informal spiritual guide of the Caliph.

One day, he came into the palace to find the Caliph's throne unoccupied, so he promptly sat down on it. This was a gross impertinence. To sit on the Sultan's throne was an outright act of disobedience. The penalty was very serious, perhaps even death. Seeing Bahlul sit on the throne, the soldiers struck him so violently that his cries of pain brought Harun al-Rashid running to the scene. Bahlul was sobbing loudly. When Harun asked the reason for the uproar, the soldiers told him: "Sir, Bahlul committed an impertinence. He sat on your throne, so we gave him a beating." As he turned to console Bahlul, the Caliph said to the soldiers. "For shame! The poor wretch is crazy. Would any sane man sit on the imperial throne?" Hearing his kind words: "Don't cry! Don't worry. Wipe the tears from your eyes," Bahlul the Wise Fool said, "0 Caliph, it is not their blows that make me weep; it is for your sake I am lamenting." "For my sake?" exclaimed Harun in astonishment. "Why should you weep over me" To this, Bahlul replied: "0 Caliph! I sat on your throne once, and what a beating I got for sitting there for just a few moments. But you, you have occupied this throne for twenty years, What kind of a thrashing will you be in for, I wonder? It is that thought that has me weeping." Harun al-Rashid was dismayed.

29 Now it was his turn to weep. He groaned and tore at his beard and hair. "What can I do," he asked, "in order to escape that beating, that torment in the Hereafter?" "Be just," Bahlul replied. "Administer your kingdom with justice. Govern justly that you may be spared your thrashing in the Hereafter."

Umar (Radiallahu anhu) requests burial next to the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam)

During his Caliphate, Hazrath Umar (Radiallahu anhu) requested to Hazrath Aisha (Radiallahu anha), whether, in the event of his death, she would consent to his being buried beside the Glory of the Universe, her husband Hazrath Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam). The Mother of the Believers replied, "I consent to you being buried there."

The room in which our Master was buried had been Hazrath Aisha's apartment. It was in that very room that he had passed away. They had buried our Master where he lay, in accordance with the noble Tradition: "Prophets are buried where they meet with God (wisaal)."

When Aisha's beloved father, the First Caliph, Abu Bakr (Radiallahu anhu), also went to meet God, she had him buried beside the Messenger of Allah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam). Now the Umar (Radiallahu anhu) wished to be buried there also and had received permission. He nevertheless turned to those with him and said: "Seek Aisha (Radiallahu anha) 's consent to my being buried after my death in the Resting Place of the Messenger."

" 0 Commander of the Believers!" they exclaimed, "You have already received permission!" "Indeed I have:' said he, "but

30 maybe the Mother of the Believers could not bring herself to refuse me to my face. Ask her permission again after my death. If she agrees, take me before the Purified Resting Place and set my bier down in front of the blissful room, saying: "0 Messenger of Allah! We have brought Umar to you." If you receive a sign, you are to bury me in the Prophetic Resting Place, at the feet of the Messenger and to the right. In the absence of a sign, however, you are to bury me in the Garden of the Grove, the cemetery of Madinah the Illuminated."

The day came when Umar left this world, martyred by a Zoroastrian slave. In accordance with his bequest, they again asked permission of Hazrath Aisha (Radiallahu anha).

When she repeated her consent to his burial in the Prophet's room, they took his bier to the Prophets Resting-Place. Imam Ali (Radiallahu anhu) turned to the blessed tomb and cried: "0 Messenger of Allah! We have brought Umar to you." The voice of the Glory of the Universe was heard, saying from within the tomb: "Bring Umar to me".

The room of Hazrath Aisha (Radiallahu anha) is therefore the burial place of our Beloved Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam), the First Caliph, Hazrath Abu Bakr (Radiallahu anhu) and the Second Caliph, Hazrath Umar (Radiallahu anhu) . The ground where the blessed body of Rasul (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) touches is one of the Holiest Places in the universe.

Hazrath Aisha (Radiallahu anha) lies buried in the graveyard of Madinah the Illuminated called Jannat ul-Baqi or The Garden of the Grove. Hazrath Hassan (Radiallahu anhu), the grandson of Rasul (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) is also buried here ensuring that a part of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) is also in Jannat ul-Baqi. Hazrath Hussain (Radiallahu anhu) lies 31 buried in Karbala in Iraq. Hazrath Uthman (Radiallahu anhu), the Third Caliph is also buried in Jannat ul-Baqi.

Hazrath Ali (Radiallahu anhu), the Fourth Caliph, lies buried in Najaf in Iraq, whilst his wife, Hazrath Fatimah (Radiallahu anha), the blessed daughter of Rasul (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) lies buried in Jannat ul-Baqi. Although one account says that she also lies buried in the Blessed Room of her father, the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam).

How To Be Worthy Of Membership In The Community Of The Blessed Messenger (Salla'llahu'alaihi Wa Sallam)

The Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) said: "if a person hears my name mentioned, but does not bless me, that person is fit for Hell. May Allah graciously remove that person from the Fire:'

Those who wish to be safe in the Hereafter should invoke Durood Shareef lovingly whenever they hear our Master's name mentioned. They must love the final Prophet, more than anything, even life itself. They must repent for their sins and avoid falling back into the sewer of disobedience. They must duly make up any prayers they have left undone. If they are rich, they must give the alms-due for Allah's sake and in His cause. They must keep the fast each year in the month of Ramadaan. They must show gratitude to Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) by performing the Pilgrimage once in their lifetime. They must refrain from lies, false oaths and all bad behavior. They must avoid hypocrisy and show. They must guard against arrogance, pride, dishonesty and backbiting. They must not soil their tongues with bad words, but

32 should rather adorn them by performing Zikr and Durood. Allah grant that we all practice such works of righteousness. Amen.

The Dalail Ul-Khairaat : How Imam Jazuli (Rahmatullah-Alai) Wrote This Book.

Sulaiman al-Jazuli (Rahmatullah-alai) was a descendant of Imam Hassan (Radiallahu anhu) , the grandson of Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) and the son of Imam Ali (Radiallahu anhu) and Bibi Fatimah (Radiallahu anha) . He lived first in Muslim Spain, eventually emigrated to North Africa, where he engaged in religious teaching, spiritual guidance and worship.

As he was going about the city one day, he stopped at a well to perform his ablution before prayers. Unable to find a rope and bucket with which to draw water, he stood looking around until he saw a little girl on a wall. He called out: "My child, have you a bucket to lend me that I may draw some water?" The little girl replied: "People are always praising you, talking of your knowledge and miraculous power, yet you cannot draw water from the well without rope and bucket." He asked her if this was possible and she walked over to the well. She looked into the well, read something and the water level rose to the brim of the well wall.

After using the water for his ablutions, Imam Jazuli said: "My girl, for the love of Allah and His Messenger, tell me how you were able to achieve this miracle!" The child explained: " By often sending Durood on Rasul (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) and constantly sending salaam to him". Having witnessed this little girl's miracle, the Imam vowed to recite many noble benedictions himself. He spent sleepless nights, however, wondering which benedictions to invoke. He was still pondering this at midnight, when he was amazed to see his wife get out of bed, put on her finest clothes and leave the house. He became jealous, and

33 curious to know where the lady could be going at that hour, he slipped out into the street after his wife. He was amazed to see a pride of lions accompany his wife to the beach. He followed at a safe distance. His wife went to the water's edge, put her prayer rug on the water and was transported to an island. The lions sat waiting for her at the water's edge. She reached the island, made wudhu and performed the prayer of night vigil (tahajjud), devoutly worshipping and speaking to Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He). She made the return journey walking on the surface of the water.

When she reached dry land, the lions escorted her home. The venerable Sheikh had already gone back to bed, where he was lying awake, waiting. His wife came in, put on her nightdress and went to bed. Curious to know whether the marvel he had witnessed was a unique occurrence the Sheikh spent three more nights awake. Each night he followed his wife and saw the same incident repeated. Then, on the third morning he asked that blessed lady to explain her secret.

"So now you know about it:' said she. "This has been my practice for many years due to Allah's grace"." He asked how she had achieved such grace, and the lady explained: "Because of my love for the esteemed and blessed Prophet, and my constant repetition of the noble benedictions (Durood shareef)." The husband then asked her which Durood she recites. At first the lady would say nothing to this, but when the Imam insisted, she told him: "Tonight I shall submit the request to Allah, then if I receive permission, I shall give you the answer."

Next morning his wife said: "I am not permitted to tell you openly, but collect all the durood recitations you can find and if it is amongst them I will tell you". He sincerely collected duroods from books, Sheiks of the time, those taught by the Holy 34 Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam), companions, scholars and Aulia. He compiled a book and asked his wife to read it. She assured him that it appears in several places in the book.

He named the book Proofs of Goodness and Rays of Light (Dalail ul-Khairaat wa Shawariq al-Anwaar). He then migrated to the coast and taught many students. He lived here for fifteen years and then moved to the city called Quwal. He taught thousands of pupils until his death on 16 Rabbi ul-Awwal 870 AH during the second prostration of the last cycle of the Morning Prayer. He was buried in the Mosque that he had built.

Seventy-five years later the city was conquered by unbelievers and his students decided that they must move his body to a Muslim land. When they opened his grave they found his body fresh and a scent of perfume emanated from it. Those who read his book are assured of the vision of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) in this world and his intercession in the next world.

How To See The Holy Prophet (Salla' Llaahu'alaihi Wa Sallam) In A Dream.

A man desired to see the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) in a dream but he was not able to achieve this desire. He approached a noble Saint, imploring his advice. The Saint an intimate friend of Allah, said: "My son, on Friday evening you must eat a lot of salted fish, then perform your prayer and go to bed without drinking any water. Then you will see."

The man followed this advice. He spent the whole night dreaming that he was drinking from streams, fountains and springs. When morning came, he ran crying to the saint: " O Friend of Allah, did 35 not see the Messenger. I was so thirsty that all I dreamed about was drinking from fountains and springs. I am still thirsty." The saint then told him: "So, eating salted fish gave you such a thirst that you dreamed all night long of nothing but water. Now you must feel such a thirst for Allah's Messenger and you will surely see him!"

Those who lovingly repeat Durood and Salaam will most certainly see the Messenger of Allah. That fortunate person is assured of his intercession.

Hazrath Uways Al-Qarni (Radiallahu Anhu) And His Mother.

The great Saint Uways of Qaran! Was presented the blessed cloak of Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) on the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam)'s instruction. It is preserved in Istanbul, Turkey. He reached his Spiritual status due to obedience to his mother.

Uways (Radiallahu anhu) was from the village of Qaran, in Yemen. He had asked his mother's permission to visit Allah's Messenger, and she said: "You have my permission to go, see him once, and come straight back. If the Messenger is at home, you may meet with him; if not, come straight back here." Uways made a journey of three months on foot, from the Yemen to Madinah the Illuminated. When he reached Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) 's house, he knocked on the door and Hazrath Aisha (Radiallahu anha), wife of the Chosen Prophet and Mother of the Believers opened the door. She told him that Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) was in the Masjid.

36 Uways (Radiallahu anhu) remembered his promise to his mother and replied: "Please convey my salaams to my Beloved Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam). Kindly inform him that Uways came from the Yemen, did not find him at home, and is returning to the Yemen, since he does not have permission from his mother to meet him in the mosque."

When the Rasul (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) came home from the mosque, he found the radiance of Uways in his house. Hazrath Aisha (Radiallahu anha) told him what had happened, and conveyed Uways's salutations. His blessed eyes looked towards Yemen and the blessed Prophet said: "The fragrance of our friend is reaching us." The noble Companions asked: "If Uways is your friend, why did he not stay to see you?" Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) replied: "He complied with a promise given to his mother and he is serving her."

The Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) said "Uways will come back to Madinah the Illuminated, to meet me, but we will not meet physically, for I shall then be united with my Lord "

Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) said that when Uways (Radiallahu anhu) came back to Madinah he was to be given his cloak, and asked to pray for the Community of Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam). He also mentioned that a light was visible on one of Uways's hands. During Hazrath Umar (Radiallahu anhu) 's Caliphate, a number of Yemeni's visited Madinah the Illuminated and Hazrath Ali and Umar (Radiallahu anhu ajmain) approached them and enquired about the Saint, Uways (Radiallahu anhu), from the village of Qaran. The Yemenis said they knew of no such saint, but they did point out that a camelherd from that village, who seldom mixed with other people, preferring to spend his time in worship, alone 37 among the camels. Hazrath Ali and Umar (Radiallahu anhu ajmain) then approached Hazrath Uways (Radiallahu anhu), greeted him, conveyed the greetings of the Messenger, and presented him with his blessed cloak. But he was reluctant to accept. "Surely there is some mistake!" he exclaimed, in his desire to hide himself. Seeing the light upon his hand, however, they cried: "You are the saint described to us by Allah's Messenger, for he told us about the light on your hand." They also reported to him the wish of the blessed Messenger that he should pray for the Community of Muhammad.

Hazrath Uways (Radiallahu anhu) rubbed the blessed cloak over his face and eyes and kissed it. Then he asked to be left alone. When he was alone he held the cloak and began to pray: "0 Allah this cloak is the cloak of Your beloved Messenger. He has presented it to me, but I refuse to wear it unless You pardon the Community of Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) ." He then repeated his prayer in exactly the same words. As he was about to repeat his prayer a third time, Hazrath Ali and Umar (Radiallahu anhu ajmain) came beside him. He cried: "Oh, you came too soon! Upon my first supplication, Allah granted me forgiveness for one third of the Community; on my second, He forgave two-thirds of the Community. In my third request I was pleading for pardon for the entire Community of Muhammad - then you came along!"

As with people in every age, the Yemenis were unaware of the presence in their midst of such a saint, whose prayers were accepted. They imagined him to be an ordinary camelherd. The Friends of Allah, do not seek fame, and as such hide themselves away from other people.

38 Those who serve their mothers with love will be resurrected with Hazrath Uways (Radiallahu anhu). Those who are good to their parents will be happy in this world and the Hereafter.

Bahlul And The Caliphs Eid

It was the Day of Id and the Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid wore his best clothing, mounted his horse and rode into the street. The soldiers cleared the road whilst the people cheered, admiring the Caliphs splendid clothing. Bahlul the Wise Fool stood in front of the Caliphs mount reciting some poetry containing guidance for Harun and, also, for us. The gist of the poem was as follows: Id is not a matter of dressing up in fine new clothes.

Id is celebrated by serving Allah and being aware of Him.

To celebrate the Id is to be ruler of the heart, not ruler of the country.

Rulers of the land are forgotten, but the ruler of the heart is never forgotten.

To celebrate the Id is to be saved from divine punishment at the Resurrection.

Id is not a matter of wearing perfumes, but of being sorry for one's sins, repenting and not committing them again.

Id is not about riding on horseback, but about giving up faults.

Id is not about sitting on the throne, but about crossing the dreadful Bridge, to sit on the thrones of Paradise.

39 Id is celebrated not by boasting of palaces and power, but by bringing light to the darkness of the grave and equipping it through good works.

This brought Harun al-Rashid to tears.

40 "I (Allah) Become Their Faculty Of Sight…"

Uthman ibn Affan (Radiallahu anhu), the third Caliph of Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam), once said to a person who came into his presence. "Go and perform ghusl (full ablution) before you come here again. Do not sit next to me in a state of major ritual impurity!" The man protested, "But I am not in that state, Commander of the Faithful!" "How can you say that?" said Hazrath Uthman (Radiallahu anhu) "On your way here, did you not look at a woman and commit adultery with your eyes?" The man blushed with shame. "Yes," he confessed, "I did gaze with lust at a woman who is not my wife." He then went and performed a complete ablution, after which he was accepted in the Caliph's presence.

Those who are close to Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) have insight like Hazrath Uthman (Radiallahu anhu). In a Sacred Tradition (Hadith Qudsi), Allah, the Knower of the Unseen tells us: "Through the supererogatory acts of worship My servant performs for Me, I draw so close to him that he sees through Me and hears through Me."

Hazrath Umar (Radiallahu Anhu) 's Spiritual Sight

Hazrath Umar ibn al-Khattab (Radiallahu anhu), the second true Caliph, was delivering a lecture one-day in Madinah the Illumined when he suddenly said"0 Sariya! The mountain! 0 Sariya! The mountain!" Thereafter he continued with his lecture.

The Muslim army was fighting a battle with the Persians at Qadisiya at that very time, hundreds of kilometers away. Hazrath Sariya (Radiallahu anhu) was the Commander of the Muslim army. The unit under his command was under heavy 41 pressure from the Persian forces at the time of Hazrath Umar (Radiallahu anhu) 's outburst. Hazrath Sariya (Radiallahu anhu) heard the voice of Hazrath Umar (Radiallahu anhu) saying, "0 Sariya, the mountain!" He instructed his troops to face their backs to the mountain to prevent a rear attack. Madinah and Qadisiya were a distance of three months' marching time apart, yet Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) made Umar (Radiallahu anhu) aware of the state of his army as if that distance meant nothing. The friend of Allah is given a "spiritual radar" and "spiritual microphone". Allah enables them to scan events and transmit their voice to far of distances.

All the Rightly Guided Caliphs were Intimates of Allah and loved by The Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam). Any human being that worships Allah above and beyond the call of duty can attain such high degrees, where the eye sees with God and the ear hears with Him. The Holy Qur'aan tells us of the many miraculous powers possessed by the Prophets of the Children of Israel and the saints who were their heirs.

The Aulia or Saints of Allah are the Heirs of our Beloved Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam). Their presence in towns, cities and countries protect these places from Divine Punishment. Any community that despises the Saints and true Ulema will surely suffer some affliction.

42 Saints Are like Mirrors

A saint once saw the ruler approaching his khanqah to visit him. He got into bed, drew the blanket over his face and instructed his son to receive the king.

The ruler asked the boy where his father was. Receiving the reply: "He is in bed". The king asked whether he was sick and the saint cried out from within. "No, there is nothing wrong with my health. I went to bed and covered my head so as not to see your face, for you are a tyrant. I am trying to escape from you and the Hellfire that will burn those who go near you. To see your face is like seeing the fire of Hell. "

The King paused and then asked, "What has reduced me to this condition?" "You abuse the people's rights and expropriate their wealth," said the saint.

The king acknowledged his faults, restored to the people what he had wrongfully taken from them, brought justice to his kingdom and led his people to peace and prosperity.

Saints and scholars are just like mirrors. Those who look at them see their own faults. Do not smash the mirror because it makes your face look dirty. If you wash your face it will look clean in the mirror.

Throughout history many saints and scholars have been put to death, accused of eating unlawful food. In fact, their accusers and killers were people who ate forbidden food, on which they had been nursed, weaned and raised; in other words, they smashed the mirrors that reflected their own character...

43 Those who eat lawful food become just, honest, mature, beneficent, and their character is apparent. No matter how much mud is thrown at them, perceptive people recognize their fine qualities immediately.

Beware of the Wolf

A wolf looked on as two rams fought. The wolf thought to himself, "Let them fight, when they are too tired to move I shall eat them both."

We Muslims have been fighting one another just like the two rams. When we tire we shall become easy prey for our enemies.

If someone says: "I am a Muslim," we should never say: "No you are not a Muslim." As the Holy Qur'aan tells us: "Do not say to anyone who greets you with 'Peace!' 'You are not a believer!' [4:94]

Every person who recites the Kalimah is a Muslim, provided he affirms with his lips and confirms it with his heart. Hate actions and condemn wrong belief, but do not hate people. In Islam, no attention is paid to differences of nationality, color, race or language. All Muslims are brothers one to another, be they beautiful or ugly, learned or uneducated, rich or poor.

The believers are nothing, if not brothers [49:10]

44 The Elephant and the Blind Men

Several blind people were brought into a large tent, where an elephant was kept. "Now you can find out what an elephant is," they were told. Each blind person felt a different part of the elephant's body. After they had come out of the tent, one of them was asked: "What does the elephant resemble?" From the reply, "The elephant is like a pillar," it was clear that this blind man had felt the animal's leg. "No," said another, "the elephant is more like a wall." A third disagreed, saying: "Like sailcloth," while a fourth cried: "Like a hose." Each of them was right, of course. The one who had felt the elephant's belly compared it to a wall; the one who compared it to sailcloth had felt its ear; the one who said it resembled a hose had felt its trunk... The elephant's body did have all those parts, but they were not the elephant.

Those who wear blinkers in matters of faith and belief are like the blind men describing the elephant. Each is right up to a point, but the whole truth emerges only if they get together and harmonize their conflicting views, instead of criticizing one another and fighting in the dark.

Friday Prayer Observed By The Angels

The Kaaba of the Heavens lies beyond the seventh level of heaven. It has a tall minaret next to it, along with a pulpit (mimbar) and prayer niche (mihraab). Every Friday Jibraeel (Alai' his salaam) gives the Call to Prayer (azaan) from this minaret while Israfeel (Alai' his salaam) climbs the pulpit and delivers a sermon. Mikhaeel (Alai' his salaam) acts as Imam and leads the congregational prayer. The angels of heaven and earth make up the congregation, just as we fill the mosque to perform our

45 Friday prayers. When the prayer is over, Gabriel (Alai' his salaam) makes this supplication: "I donate the reward for the Call to Prayer I recited today to the muezzins who gave the Call to Friday prayer on earth." Israfil (Alai' his salaam) says: "I present the reward for the sermon I delivered to the preachers who delivered sermons on earth." Michael (Alai' his salaam) adds: "My Lord, I offer the reward for the Friday prayers I led to the Imams who lead Friday prayers on earth." Then the angels who performed the Friday prayer say: "Our Lord, we offer the reward for our Friday prayers to the Community of Muhammad that prayed behind the Imam on earth; please accept." Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) announces His good tidings and the manifestation of His All-Mercifulness by saying: "0 My Angels, do you not know how great is My generosity for believers who perform the Friday prayer? For the sake of My might and majesty, I have pardoned the existing sins of those of My servants who perform the Friday prayer in obedience to My command and following the guidance of My beloved Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam)."

The Friday salaah is so important, but it is sad to see how some Muslims fail to behave properly when in the mosque. Islam is respect. Where there is no respect, there is no Islam. Allah guide us all.

Hazrath Abu Bakr (Radiallahu Anhu)'S Love For The Holy Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi Wa Sallam)

One dark night, in the thirteenth year after announcing the Prophethood, Abu Bakr (Radiallahu anhu) and Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) left Makkah the Ennobled to go to Madinah the Illuminated. They wanted to join the other Muslims 46 in Madinah. They walked all night. By morning they came to a cave called Thawr. The disbelievers were searching for them so they decided to hide in the cave. Abu Bakr (Radiallahu anhu) entered the cave first, to check if there was any danger.

The cave was large enough to hide the two men. Abu Bakr (Radiallahu anhu) found many holes in the rocks. Fearing poisonous snakes and insects might come out of the holes at night, he tore up his clothing and used it to block the holes in the rocks. Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) entered the cave and soon fell asleep. Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) was fast asleep, resting his head on Abu Bakr's body. Abu Bakr (Radiallahu anhu) noticed that one more hole was not blocked. He did not want to disturb Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam), so he slowly stretched his leg and blocked the hole with his foot. a snake, inside the hole, bit Hazrath Abu Bakr's toe. He felt severe pain, but did not remove his foot from the hole. Tears rolled down his eyes and fell onto Rasulullah's blessed face. Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) opened his eyes and found Abu Bakr (Radiallahu anhu) in great pain. "What has happened to you, my friend?" asked Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) .

Hazrath Abu Bakr (Radiallahu anhu) told him that a snake or poisonous insect had bitten his toe and it was hurting him. Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) took some saliva from his mouth and put it on the bite. Abu Bakr (Radiallahu anhu) felt immediate relief. The blessed saliva of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) is a healer.

The Companions loved Rasul (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) more than their lives. 47 Ashab As-Suffah

In the Masjid of Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) in Madinah the Illuminated, there is an elevated platform called Suffah. Many Muslims had come to Madinah because of their love for Rasulullah (S) and they used to live on this platform. They were called Ashab as-Suffah (People of the Platform).

They had no families and were very poor. They spent their nights reading the Qur'aan and worshipping Allah. During the day, they studied Islam with Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) and other learned Sahaba (Radiallahu anhu ajmain). They spent part of the day doing odd jobs to earn a living.

Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) loved them. He would not eat until they were fed. He shared whatever he had with them. He taught them about the love of Allah and His religion, Islam.

Their numbers varied from seventy to four -hundred. Even though there was scarcely any food and no comforts, they never complained. Their love for Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) and an opportunity to learn Islam were sufficient to make them forget their hardships.

Love And Compassion

An Arab from the desert once came to visit Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam). He saw him playing with some children and was amazed at how much affection the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) showed them.

48 He asked Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) "Why do you love children so much? I have ten children and I have never hugged or kissed any of them."

Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) was saddened by the Bedouin's words. He said, "If Allah has taken love and compassion away from you, then nothing can be done about it."

Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) taught his Ummah that love and compassion are special gifts from Allah, and we should make use of them. Children are a blessing from Allah and they should be loved. (Al-Bukhari; the Book of Manners; Muslim)

Hazrath Zaid (Radiallahu Anhu)

Hazrath Zaid (Radiallahu anhu) was a young boy, who had been abducted from his tribe by Bedouins and sold in Makkah. Hazrath Khadijah (Radiallahu anha) used to own him. When she married Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) she gave Zaid (Radiallahu anhu) as a wedding gift to Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam). The Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) freed Zaid (Radiallahu anhu) and treated him as a son. Zaid (Radiallahu anhu) soon became known as Zaid ibn Muhammad, Zaid, the son of Muhammad.

After a few years Zaids family traced him to Makkah the Ennobled and they arrived there to claim their son. They came to Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) and asked him to return their son to them.

Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) said "Zaid is no longer a slave, he is free. He may go wherever he wishes. I would be happy if he were united with his family."

49

Zaid (Radiallahu anhu) was delighted to see his parents. He had always wanted to meet them. It was an emotional reunion. They told him that he was free to go with them Zaid (Radiallahu anhu) said, "I love you very much, but I love Muhammad (S) more than anything in the world. I cannot leave him."

Zaid's parents could not persuade him to accompany them, but they were pleased that Zaid (Radiallahu anhu) had found such kind masters in Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) and Khadijah (Radiallahu anha).

Zaid (Radiallahu anhu) was the first freed slave to accept Islam.

The Holy Prophet (Salla' Llaahu'alaihi Wa Sallam)'s Reply To Our Salaam

During the time of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) houses were very simple, made of dried mud. Most houses did not have doors but an open entrance. Some people would hang curtains for privacy but most could not afford them.

Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) taught his Sahaba (Radiallahu anhu ajmain), and gave us an important lesson, to respect the privacy of others. He told them, "Do not look inside the house of another person. Do not enter a house without permission. "

When he visited the house of a Sahaabi, he stood to one side of the entrance, keeping his eyes away so as not to look inside. He then said, "As-salamu 'alaikum." In this way, he sent Allah's blessings on the family. Also, his salaam informed them of his coming.

50 If the family said, "Wa "alaikum as-salaam" and asked his name, he would answer with his name. He would then be invited inside the house.

Once, he visited the house of his Sahaabi Saa'd ibn 'Ubaydah (Radiallahu anhu). As usual, he stood at one side of the entryway and said, "'as-salamu 'alaikum."

Saa'd (Radiallahu anhu) and his young son, whom was inside the house, heard Rasulullah's salaam. Saa'd (Radiallahu anhu) answered very quietly, "Wa 'alaikum as-salaam. " He said it so quietly that no one else heard him.

Saad's young son was very excited to see Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) come to his house and was surprised to see his father's silence. Impatiently, he asked his father, "Don't you want Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) to visit us? "

Saad (Radiallahu anhu) hushed his son, "Be quiet. You see, when Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) sends his salaam on us we receive Barakah (blessings) from Allah. I want him to do it repeatedly to receive this Barakah."

Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) waited for a while and once again he said, "as salamu 'alaikum."

Both Saad (Radiallahu anhu) and his son quietly replied, " Wa "alaikum as-salaam.

Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) did not hear the reply. He waited for a short while. Once again he said, even louder, "As- salamu 'alaikum."

51 Once again Saad (Radiallahu anhu) and his son answered him quietly, "wa 'alaikum as-salaam Ya Rasulullah. "Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) waited for some time and decided to leave.

Saad (Radiallahu anhu) and his son saw Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) leaving. They both ran after him saying, "Wa 'alaikum as-salaam, Ya Rasulullah. You are most welcome, Ya Rasulullah!"

Saad (Radiallahu anhu) told Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) that he had heard him and saw him at the door. He then explained that he wanted Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) to greet them repeatedly so that an abundance of Barakah and peace may descend on their household.

Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) smiled at the love shown by his sahaabi. They knew that it is Barakah, to send and receive salaam from Allah's Messenger (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam). May we also continually send salaam on him. Insha Allah the reply will most surely come.

Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) hugged Saad's young son and stepped with his blessed foot into their home.

52 PROPHETS

Allah's Prophet's (Peace Be Upon Them)

1. The Prophets of Allah are called Ambiya. It is the plural of Nabi. 2. Nabi means, 'one who informs about the unseen'. 3. Ambiya (alayhimus-Salaam) are born as Prophets and are chosen people of Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) 4. Prophets are all innocents (Masoom), which means they are free of sin and always protected by Allah. 5. Our Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) informed us that about 124 thousand Prophets had been sent to the world. 6. As Muslim, we believe in and respect all the Prophets. 7. The first prophet was Adam (Alai' his salaam) 8. The last and final Prophet is our beloved Prophet, Hazrath Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) 9. Prophets guide and show people the straight path, and how to worship Allah. 10. Prophets were sent to guide certain tribes or nations, but our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was sent as a mercy to the entire universe. 11. Prophets showed us how to love Allah and hence we love them all. 12. We love them as the creation of Allah but we only worship Allah. 13. Allah gave special titles to his prophets. E.g. Ibrahim (Alai' his salaam) was called "the friend of Allah" (Khalilullah): Moosa (Alai' his salaam) was called ' the one who speaks to Allah' (Kaleemullah).

53 Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) is ' the beloved of Allah' (Habibullah). 14.Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is the best of Allah's creation, and the leader of all Prophets 15.He is the greatest of all after Allah. 16. One should love the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) the most after Allah.

First Creation of Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He).

1. Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) was alone and there was nothing else. 2. The first thing or being that Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) created was light (nur). 3. This light was the light of Hazrath Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam). 4. Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) said: "Be Muhammad" (Kun Muhammada) and because Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) is light his will is light. 5. The Nur of Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) remained with Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) for a long time. 6. With this light of Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) created the sky, the stars, the heavens, the planets and the whole universe. 7. Everything in the universe is made from the light of Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam).

Omnipresent And Omniscient (Haazir-O-Naazir)

Many people believe that if one believes that the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) is present (haazir) and seeing (naazir) then one is giving him the power of Allah because only Allah can have this power. It is important to note that Allah

54 (Almighty and Glorious is He) possesses this power independently, whilst He gives it to special friends of His.

Hazrath Abu Hurraira (Radiallahu anhu) reported that the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) said: The Almighty Allah said:

Whosoever bears enmity towards a friend of mine, I declare war on him. When My servant loves Me and comes near to me with love by leading a righteous, godly and pious life and beyond that which I have prescribed as obligatory (farz); then he arrives at a stage where I come to love him. When I make him My beloved, I become his ears with which he hears (hearing), his eyes with which he sees (sight), and his hands with which he grasps. I become his feet with which he walks his tongue with which he speaks…2 And Bayhaqi added: I become the mind with which he thinks.

To become a slave of Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) is to be rewarded with superhuman status. Allah is Unique and Indivisible. If Allah says, "I become his eyes" then from such sight nothing would remain hidden. As for Allah becoming the 'ears ' - no sound would remain hidden from such a person. There is no shirk (joining partners to Allah) here- for Allah remains Allah and human remains human. E.g. The magnifying glass (convex lens) has neither light nor heat; it is cold and luminous. Focus it to the sun and a small and a small sun will appear on the palm of your hand and burn your hand. This small sun is created from the image of the real sun. It is bright and has light and heat but it is not self-existent. It is

2 Bukhari, Vol8, No.509

55 dependent on the sun for its power. The miniature sun on the convex lens has heat and light but no heat and light has been subtracted from the sun; therefore no division (shirk) has occurred. As long as it is focussed to the sun it has this power.

The Awliya Allah (friend of God) 's spiritual heart is like a convex lens. Through the love of Allah, the spiritual hearts focus is perfected through Zikr and it acquires radiation from Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) and absorbs it. The Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) has prescribed this:

O my followers absorb the divine qualities and attributes into you.

The model to follow and attain this status is the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam). He who taught this to his followers naturally had this power in him. If a follower of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) can attain this status, what must be the status of the Master, the leader of all creation, Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam)?

Intercession (shafaa'at)

On the Day of Judgement, Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) will intercede on behalf of mankind before Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He). Prophets and Messengers will send their followers to ask the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) 's intercession. He will liberate people who have been condemned to hell and get them put into heaven. The flow of blessings of Allah upon the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) is ceaseless. The word Yusalluna in Yusalluna alan Nabi means that Allah is sending salaam (peace and blessings) on the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) continuously. The word Al Kauther in Inna aataina kal-Kauther besides referring to ' a fount in

56 paradise' literally means ' to be blessed abundantly'. Out of his abundance of blessings the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) will give charity to sinners and transgressors and save them from hell. Once Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) opens the door of intercession, other Prophet's, Angels, Martyrs, Pious Scholars and Saints of Allah will plead on behalf of people linked to them for the sake of Allah. Sura 43, Verse 67:

Friends (acquired through worldly bonds) will become your enemies on the Day of Judgement, except the righteous. (Whom you befriend because of Allah) In this world the attachment of love to our Beloved Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) and the Aulia will benefit us in this world and the hereafter.

57 AWLIYA

Awliya Allah - (The Friends of Allah)

1. A person who strictly follows the commands of Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) and strictly follows the way of life as shown by our beloved leader Hazrath Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) is eventually rewarded with the 'friendship of Allah' (Wilayat). 2. These chosen servants of Allah are on the 'straight path' (siratul mustaqim") and are therefore qualified to guide the people to and on the path. 3. The 'friend of Allah' (wali) is protected by Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) at all times. 4. There are many Awliya-Allah in the world; some have passed away while others are still around us. 5. All the 'companions of Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam)' (Sahaba), are Awliya. 6. We must try and follow in the footsteps of Awliya, respect and love them. 7. It is a great reward to visit the 'blessed graves' (mazaar) of the Awliya Allah, since Allah's mercy (rahmah) and blessings (Barakah) descend on these blessed spots. 8. One must not talk or play inside the Mazaar. One should remember that the wali is alive and one is a visitor here. 9. At the Mazaar, one must recite durood shareef once, Sura Fatihah once, Sura Ikhlaas, three times and, thereafter make sincere dua and send the 'rewards' (sawaab) to the wali. Holy Qur'aan, Tasbih, Naat and Zikr can also be recited. 10. We can ask Allah for our needs using the name of the wali as 'a means of approach' (wasilah).

58 11. The famous teachers among the Awliya have left four famous 'spiritual orders' (silsila) which we can follow to get close to Allah.

They are:  Qaadriyah- founded by Hazrath Shaikh Abd al- Qadir al-Jilani. (Rehmatullah-alai').  Chistiya- founded by Khwaja Abu Ishaq Chisti (Rahmatullah-alai). Established and spread by Khwaja Muinuddin Chisti(Rahmatullah-alai) also called Khwaja Gharib un Nawaaz (Rahmatullah- alai).  Naqhshabandi. - Founded by Hazrath Bahaudin Naqshsband (Rahmatullah-alai)  Suharwardi- founded by Hazrath Sayed Shahabuddin (Rahmatullah-alai) All the orders follow one method (Tariqah). The method of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam). (Tariqate Muhammadiya)

Status of Awliya after Death

What happens after death according to Islam? A sinful person becomes embroiled in the tortures of his own evil deeds. A person who has balanced his life, Goodness and Piety on the one hand and some sins on the other - he is asked to be in a state of Festivity - the Hadith says, “ sleep like the sleep of a bride” The word Ur's is from the word aroos in this Hadith. Take rest like a bride after the nuptial night - be at rest. Those who come under the category of: Sura Nisa V. 69

59

Whosoever obeys Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) and His Messenger becomes the companion of one of those upon whom Allah’s blessings descend…

Who are the recipients of Allah‟s blessings - there are four categories, An - Nabiyin, Was Shuhada, Was Saliheen. The Prophets, The Siddiqs - the embodiment of Truth, The Martyrs and Saliheen or righteous who have attained the status of being Wali Allah. While an ordinary Muslim after death has to wait in the timeless existence of AALAMEH BARZAGH - those people who through their cultivation of love for Allah and through their realisation of the truth - who have entered into the category of being blessed by Allah. About them the Qur'aan says: Sura Nahl 16 V 97

Whoever from among the believers, male or female, leads a life of righteousness - truly and comprehensively and genuinely, then he or she gets two rewards - One reward is that he or she is revived into Functioning Life immediately after death

Because man is superior to the Angels as Kalifatullah and not as a sinful human being, those who become Allah‟s beloved, friends of Allah - they are given the freedom of both the worlds.

60 “ I revive them immediately after death to a new functioning life” which is “extremely healthy and pure and a life of felicity”

“And I will reward them in a most beautiful manner for what they have done”

The reward which is to come on the Day of Judgement that has been mentioned separately from this that Allah says I revive them and what happens is, BECAUSE MAN IS SUPERIOR TO THE ANGELS AND THE ANGELS ARE THE FUNCTIONARIES OF ALLAH IN THIS UNIVERSE, about which the whole Islamic theology stands on proof, THESE PEOPLE ARE JOINED TO THE COMPANY OF ANGELS and are made their leaders. One of the last great thinkers in Islam, Shah Waliullah (ad. 1077/1166) says3:

“When a human being passes away no relation is left between his soul and the world of matter. The souls return to their origin, become like angels, and like them, give inspiration and help to men. They help in the dissemination and strengthening of Allah „s religion. They rush to help those who work for this path. It has been witnessed that they come to help in groups”

These Awliya Allah become the leaders of companies of Angels. Because they are Superior to Angels and they become Functionaries and they have the freedom, and just like the Angels about whom the Qur'aan says, that, Sura Shura 42 V.5

3 Shah Waliyullah Muhaddith Dehlavi Hujjatu 'llahi 'l-Baligha Vol.1p.35

61

“They are all the time seeking forgiveness of Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He), for everyone who is living on the earth.

The angels have an attitude of Goodwill and love which means the Malaika love the human beings so that they pray for the forgiveness of Allah, for all of Allah‟s creation on the earth. At another place the Qur'aan says:

Sura 23 Ahzab, V. 43

The Angels of Allah are all the time assisting the Muslims spiritually to attain greater and greater heights in Godliness.

So what should be the Function of the Saints after Death? Should their attitude be as leaders of groups of angels, Sympathy of Love for all human beings whom they have left

62 behind or should it be one of Indifference? Logically, it should be one of Goodwill and Love for all those who are on earth. Because now they are in the Angelic group and about the Angels the Qur'aan has said, They plead for Allah‟s forgiveness and assist one spiritually. Consequently those who go and pay for their Homage to the Saints Naturally can go only to their Graves. That is the only approach open for them. Of course the Saints are not there in their Graves. It is their body that has been laid down there. But the Graves are the station from where you can contact their Souls or their “Spaceless and Timeless personalities.”

Anybody who there and pays Homage to them, they cannot be so discourteous as not to be in the mood to help them. By Allah‟s grace they have been appointed to help. This is their Prerogative: the special reward that they have earned from Allah. The forty Hadith Shareef collected by Ahmad bin Sulaiman bin Kamal Pasha in AH 934, the eighteenth Hadith says,

"If you are perplexed in your affairs, seek help from those in the graves."

They are not like other Muslims of the ordinary. Type and Consequently Muslims can derive benefits by going there. By offering the fatiha which is the manner of paying homage is remaining within the confines of Shariah. There would undoubtedly be spiritual and other benefits, as Allah would permit. A battery that is flat is charged when it is linked to a charged battery. Similarly a highly spiritualised soul charges those that create a link (ta'alluq) with it.

63

Prominent Awliya Allah - Friends of Allah

A few of the most prominent saints are: Hazrath Ali (Radiallahu anhu) - All the companions of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) are saints but most spiritual orders come from Hazrath Ali (Radiallahu anhu). He is therefore called the 'Father of Tasawwuf '. He died in AH.40. His holy grave (Mazaar) is in Najaf in Iraq.

Khwaja Hassan Basri (Rahmatullah-alai) - He was one of the prominent Spiritual Successors of Hazrath Ali (Radiallahu anhu). He died in AH.110. His Mazaar is in Basra in Iraq.

Rabi'a al-Adawiyya (Rahmatullah-alai) - She is one of the earliest saints of Islam and a companion of Hassan Basri (Rahmatullah-alai). She is also called Rabi'a Basri (Rahmatullah- alai). She was a perfect Sufi who excelled in love for Allah. She died in AH.185. Her holy grave is in Basra, Iraq.

Imam al-Ghazzali (Rahmatullah-alai) He is regarded as one of the greatest scholars and saints of Islam. He wrote many books, the most famous being Ihya al-uluum al-Din (the revival of the Sciences of Religion).

Sheikh Ali Hujweri (Rahmatullah-alai) He is one of the earliest Sufi's who came to India. He was from the Spiritual order of Junaid Baghdadi (Rahmatullah-alai). He wrote a book called Kashf al-Mahjoob, which is regarded as one of the masterpieces in Sufi literature. He is popularly called Data Ganj Baksh (Giver of treasures). His mazaar is in Lahore, Pakistan.

64 Maulana Jalaal ad-Din Rumi (Rahmatullah-alai) - He is one of the most famous Sufi's and one of the greatest poet and philosopher of Islam. His most famous book is the Mathnawi. His poetry is famous throughout the world. His mazaar is in Konya, Turkey.

Sheikh Abd al-Qadir Jilani (Rahmatullah-alai) He is regarded as the leader of all Awliya. He was the greatest Sufi and a great Hanbali Jurist. He wrote many great books. He is popularly called Ghawth al-Azam. His mazaar is in Baghdad, Iraq.

Khwaja Muin ud-Din Chisti (Rahmatullah-alai) - He is one of the great Sufi Masters. He spread Islam in India. Hazrath Khwaja Muinuddin Chisti (Rahmatullah-alai) [b.536 A.H.1141.A.D.d.633 A.H.1236.A.D.] brought the Chisti order to India towards the latter part of the 11th century AD. His disciples spread Islam and the Chisti Order far and wide in India for over 300 years after his death. The most prominent amongst his disciples, who succeeded each other as Khalifah or Spiritual Successors, were Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki (Rahmatullah-alai) [569A.H. /634A.H. 1237A.D.] and Khwaja Farid ud-Din "Ganj Shakar" (Rahmatullah-alai) [569A.H. /661A.H. 1262A.D.]. The latter's two main Khulafa were Khwaja Makhdoom Ali Ahmed Saabir. (Rahmatullah-alai) [592A.H. /690A.H.] And Khwaja Nizam ud-din Aulia (Rahmatullah-alai) [636A.H. /725A.H. The Chisti Silsila now branched out into sub-silsilah namely Nizami Chisti and Saabriyya Chisti.

Hazrath Ahmad Raza Khan (Rahmatullah-alai) He is a great Alim, Sufi, Poet and one of the greatest Islamic Scholars of the 14th Century of Islam. He is regarded as the 'Imam Abu Hanifa of his age'. He is the 'Reformer (Mujaddid) of

65 the 14th Century'. He is popular as Ala Hazrath. His blessed grave is in Bareilly in India.

Sheik Muzaffar Ozak al-Jerrahi (Rahmatullah-alai) He was born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1916. He was educated in all branches of Islam. He served as Muezzin and Imam at many mosques in Istanbul. When he retired as Imam, he continued preaching during the Friday prayers at a Masjid near the famous Istanbul book market, where he owned a shop, specializing in rare and antique books. For twenty years he was the Sheikh of the Halveti-Jerrahi Order. He traveled extensively spreading Islam and love. He went on pilgrimage to Makkah the Ennobled eleven times, throughout the Middle East and to Europe and America. He died in 1985. His beautiful style of writing and teaching continues to inspire people on the path of love.

66 Awliya in South Africa

Hazrath Sheikh Yusuf (Rahmatullah-alai) He is regarded as the founder of South African Muslim Community. He was great Islamic Scholar and Sufi. He was born in Macassar IN 1626. He was banished to the Cape, in South Africa. He was a Sheikh of the Khalwati order. He died in 1699 and his mazaar is in Cape Town. There are other great Awliya buried in the Cape.

Hazrath Sheikh Ahmed (Rahmatullah-alai) He was born in 1820 in Madras, India. He came to South Africa in 1860 on board the S.S.Truro. He foretold the arrival of Hazrath Soofi Saheb (Rahmatullah-alai). He lived in Durban. He is popularly known as Badsha Peer (Rahmatullah-alai). He died in 1894, age 74. His mazaar is in Durban.

Hazrath Ghulam Muhammad Siddiqi (Rahmatullah-alai) He came to South Africa in 1895. He propagated Islam and the Chisti Sufi order. He established 12 Islamic centers in Southern Africa. He is popular as Hazrath Soofi Saheb (Rahmatullah-alai). He died in 1910. His mazaar is in Riverside, Durban.

Hazrath Sayyid Muhammad Khalid Shah (Rahmatullah-alai) He was born in 1935 in Ajmer in India. He is the grandson of the great Chisti Sabri Sheikh, Hazrath Sayyid Jehangir Shah (Rahmatullah-alai). He came to South Africa in 1966. He passed away in 1984. He was a great Sufi of the present age who spread Islam with his magnetic personality. His Mazaar is in Benoni, South Africa.

67 Hazrath Sayyid Muhammad al-Edroos (Rahmatullah-alai). He was from a Sayyid Family from Aden ,Yemen. He was born in 1895 in Surat, India. He was an M.A. Graduate from Aligarh University. He came to South Africa and served as Principal at Zeerust Primary School. He comes from a family of great Awliya belonging to the Qadiria and Chisti Nizami order.. His elder brother, popularly called Hazrath Sayyid Kaale Bawa (Rahmatullah-alai) is buried in Mombassa. Hazrath Chote Bawa passed away in 1957 (2 Shabaan 1378) and his Mazaar is in Zeerust. Another Great Wali of this Spiritual Order, Hajee Ghulam Mustafa Bawa (Rahmatullah-alai) also lies buried in Zeerust.

There are other great Awliya resting in South Africa. May Allah instill their love in our hearts.

Hazrath Sayyid Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani

(Rahmatullah-alai) BIRTH He was born in on the 1st. Ramadaan 470 Hijra in Jilan in Persia (Iran). He was a direct descendant of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) therefore he is called Sayyid. His father Hazrath Abu Saleh (Rahmatullah-alai) was from the family of Imam Hassan (Radiallahu anhu), whilst his mother Hazrath Fatimah (Rahmatullah-alai) was a direct descendant of Imam Hussain (Radiallahu anhu). He was born a 'friend of Allah' (wali).

EARLY LIFE He attended school (Madrasah) and acquired knowledge. He understood that the pursuit of knowledge („Ilm) is an obligatory religious duty (fard) incumbent on every Muslim. He proved to be 68 an outstanding student, who would learn in a day what others took one week to learn. Many of his teachers and saints, who came into contact with him, predicted that he would reach a great spiritual height. He lived in Jilan till he reached the age of eighteen.

STUDIES IN BAGHDAD In A.H. 488, he left Jilan to continue his studies in Baghdad, which was the center of religious studies in the Muslim world. He studied the different branches of knowledge, under the prominent teachers, leading Shuyook, and the scholars of the Islamic community (Ulema al-Ummah), of the age. He also studied under the great Hamnbali teacher Abu Saad Ali al-Mukharrimmi (Rehmatullah-alai), following Imam Hambal (Rehmatullah-alai) in 'Islamic law' (Fiqh).

TASAWWUF He qualified as an Islamic scholar (aalim) but he wanted to further his acquisition “spiritual culture” (tasawwuf). He then met the famous saint Abu‟l Khair ad- Dabbas (Rehmatullah-alai), whom he accepted as his spiritual guide (Murshid). From him he acquired knowledge of the 'spiritual path' (Tariqah). After his basic training, with the instruction of his guide he set out on the spiritual journey. He left the city and spent about twenty-five years in the desert regions of Iraq. He benefited spiritually due to his 'association and companionship' (Suhbah) with many eminent saints.

TEACHER He returned to Baghdad at the age of over 50 years, in A.H. 521. He began to preach in public and teach; thus his fame grew, because the style and content of his lectures affected people. He eventually taught at the Madrasah of his old teacher al- 69 Mukharrimmi. The premises eventually became too small because of the large number of students he attracted. In A.H. 528 his followers built a khanqah (spiritual center), consisting of a house for him and his family, students accommodation and lecture hall.

SPIRITUAL GUIDE A congregation of scholars and righteous gathered in his presence, daily, from all over the Muslim world. They served him and benefited from him. People from far and wide became „spiritual seekers‟ (mureedeen) and he was in charge of their training. Many spiritual guides (Shuyook) and religious scholars („Ulema) affiliated with him and received instruction from him in various branches of knowledge. He emphasized the following of the laws of Allah (Shariah) and the life of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) (Sunnah). He cultivated, in his pupils, intense love (Ishq) for Allah and the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) He was particular about good manners (Adab) and service to mankind (khidmate khalq). He is called Muhyi'd- deen, because he revived the religion of Islam.

IBADA AND SERVICE Shaikh Abd- al-Qadir al-Jilani (Rehmatullah-alai) was the leader (Imam) of his age, and the Cardinal Pole (Qutb), of his era. He was the leader of those Muslims that put their knowledge into practice. He spent his days and nights in teaching and prayer, acquiring closeness to Allah (Qurb). He was punctual in performing his obligatory duties (Faraiz). His worshipful service to Allah (Ibaadat) knew no bounds. It is said that he performed his early morning (fajr) prayer with the ablution (wudhu) of the previous day‟s evening prayer (Isha). He was devoted to the frequent practice of remembrance of Allah (Zikr). He intensely concentrated on the 'inner struggle' (Mujaahada) of opposing the

70 'lower self' (Nafs). He observed voluntary (nafil) fasts and 'voluntary late night prayers' (tahajjud) for years.

REFORMATION OF ISLAM He spoke out against corrupt rulers, irresponsible 'scholars' (Ulema) and the unholy rich. He loved the community (Ummah) and humanity at large, especially the poor whom he found to be God fearing. He wept on seeing the suffering of the destitute and downtrodden. His love and service was for all but especially the poor. He is popularly called 'The great helper of humanity' (al-Ghawth al-Azam).

MIRACLES Al-Ghawth al-Azam (Rehmatullah-alai) performed many extraordinary events or miracles (karaamaat), but his greatest miracle was the revival of Islam at a time when it was on the decline. He gave the people hope, love and morality.

71 DEATH He passed away in the month of Rabbi as-Sani, in the year A.H. 561, at the age of 91. The death of a saint is actually his passing on to the Place of 'Divine Beauty' (getting closer to Allah). His 'death anniversary' (Ur's) is commemorated throughout the Muslim world on the eleventh of Rabbi us-Sani, called the 'Blessed Eleventh' (Gyarahwin Shareef).

QUESTIONS ON HAZRAT SHAIKH ABD AL-QADIR JILANI (Rehmatullah-alai) 1. When and where was he born? 2. What was his mother's name? 3. What was his father's name? 4. Give the meaning of:

5. Complete the sentence: 'The acquisition of knowledge…" 6. What did his teachers and saints who met him predict? 7. At what age did he leave Jilan for Baghdad? 8. Who was Shaikh Ali Mukharrimmi (Rehmatullah-alai)? 9. Who was his spiritual guide? 10. Give the Arabic term for:

11. How many years did he spend in the desert regions of Iraq? 12. At what age did he return to Baghdad? 13. What is a Khanqah? 14. Why were many people drawn towards him? 15. Give the meaning of:

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16. Why was he called Muhyi'd-deen? 17. How did he spend his days and nights? 18. Give the meanings of:

19. Whom did he speak out against? 20. What does al-Ghawth al-Azam mean? 21. What does Gyarhwi Shareef mean?

Hazrat Sayyid Khwaja Muin' Ud-Deen Hassan Chisti (Rahmatullah-Alai)

Islam in India In AH. 93 Islam reached India when Muhammad bin Qaasim a 17 year old young Muslim general conquered the Indian province of Sind. His conquest was mainly commercial and political but people had been introduced to Islam. Their mission cannot be compared with the grand mission of Khwaja Saheb. He did not come to conquer the wealth of India, but to conquer the hearts of the people. He came to 'give Islam to non-Muslims' (Tabligh). When he came to India he had less than 11 followers with him, but in a short period of time millions would accept Islam on his hands.

Birth He was born in the city of Sanjar, in Iran (Persia) in the year AH.536. His father was Hazrath Ghiyas ad-Deen Hassan

73 (Rahmatullah-alai) a descendant of Imam Hussain (Radiallahu anhu) , whilst his mother was Bibi Nur (Rahmatullah-alai) a descendant of Imam Hassan (Radiallahu anhu) . Thus he is a Sayyid. (Descendant of the Holy Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam).

Education He received his early education at home. At the age of nine he qualified as a Hafiz al-Qur'aan (one who memorizes Qur'aan). He also studied at the local school (Madrasah). He lost both his parents at the age of sixteen. He inherited an orchard that served as his means of livelihood. Between the ages of 16-25 he studied in the cities of Bukhara and Samarkand under great Ulema and Sufis (552 - 561 AH.). He loved the company of saints and his meeting with a Sufi Majzoob (spiritually intoxicated saint), Ibrahim Qandoozi (Rahmatullah-alai) was a turning point in his life.

Spiritual training Hazrath Qandoozi gave him something to eat and the light of wisdom and knowledge dawned upon him. He disposed of his belongings and set out to Baghdad, the center of knowledge. He stopped at a place called Hirwan, where he met his spiritual guide (Murshid), Khwaja Uthman Hirwani (Rahmatullah-alai). He was initiated as a Mureed (spiritual seeker) and he spent twenty years in the service of his spiritual teacher. At the age of 46 he was given the Khilafah (qualified as a spiritual teacher) of the order.

Incident at Makkah the Ennobled and Madinah the Illuminated Between AH. 583-585 he traveled to many places including, Makkah the Ennobled and Madinah the Illuminated. At Kaaba, he heard a Divine voice saying, "We are pleased with you ask whatever you want". He said, "O Allah forgive all that are 74 linked to my spiritual order." The answer he received was, "We will forgive all that are linked to your order till the day of Qiyaamah". In Madinah the Illuminated, he saw the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) in a dream and he received the following instruction," O Muinuddin go to India, which is in darkness, settle in Ajmer and spread the light of Islam".

To India On his way to India he stopped at the Mazaar of Hazrath Abdullah Ansari (Rahmatullah-alai) in Afghanistan where he stayed for a long time. In AH.587 he arrived in India and he spent 40 days at the Mazaar of Hazrath Ali Hujweri (Rahmatullah-alai) in Lahore. He continued on his journey, via Delhi, and people coming into contact with him were impressed, due to the beauty of his personality, were embracing Islam. The Hindu rulers felt threatened by his presence and influence, and tried to drive him out of India. Those sent to carry out the orders also became Muslim. On his journey from Delhi to Ajmer 700 families embraced Islam. At the age of 52 he reached Ajmer. He is regarded as the greatest founder and 'propagator of Islam' (Muballigh) in India. There are many miracles attributed to him, but his greatest miracle was how he converted millions of idol worshippers into practicing Muslims. Many Hindu priests accepted Islam on his hands. Many rulers came to the throne due to his blessings. Those who opposed him were eventually conquered. He settled in Ajmer, became the unofficial ruler of India, king and layman alike sat at his feet and Islam spread. He married, had two wives and many children.

Service to humanity Khwaja Saheb served the poor, orphan and oppressed, irrespective of religious affiliation. He never sought the help of kings and rulers. Kings and rulers came to him for blessings. His 75 spiritual centers had an open kitchen and from here people were fed daily.

Death On Monday 6 Rajab AH.626, Khwaja Saheb passed away at the age of 97. On his blessed forehead was written, 'He was a Beloved of Allah and he died in the love of Allah.' Successors His disciples spread Islam and the Chisti order far and wide for 300 years after his death. The most prominent amongst his disciples, who spread the order were:  Khwaja Qutb ud-Din Kaki (Rahmatullah-alai) and his Khalifa  Khwaja Farid ud-Din (Rahmatullah-alai) and his two Khulafa  Khwaja Nizam ud-Din (Rahmatullah-alai) and  Khwaja Sabir Ala ud-Din (Rahmatullah-alai) Questions 1. Where and when was Khwaja Sahib born? 2. What was his father's name? 3. Who was his mother? 4. Why is he called Sayyid? 5. At what age did he qualify as a Hafiz? 6. What was the turning point in his life? 7. Who is his Spiritual Guide? 8. How many years did he spend in the service of his Spiritual Guide? 9. What command did the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) give him in a dream? 10. At which two Mazaars did he stay on his journey to India? 11. What made people who met him accept Islam? 12. What was his greatest miracle? 13. When did he die? 14. What was written on his forehead after his death? 15.Name his successors as head of the Chisti Order? 76 Hazrath Soofie Saheb (Rahmatullah-alai)

Birth Hazrath Ghulam Muhammad Siddiqi (Rahmatullah-alai) was born in 1850 in Kalyan, a small town near Bombay in India. His father was Hazrath Ibrahim Siddiqi (Rahmatullah-alai), a direct descendant of Hazrath Abu Bakr Siddiq (Radiallahu anhu) the companion (Sahaba) of the Holy Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam). His father was the religious leader (Imam) of the community.

Education He studied under his father at the local school (Madrasah). He was an outstanding student. There were other great Islamic scholars in his family, amongst them an Islamic Judge (Qadi), well versed in Islamic Law (Fiqh), therefore he learnt much from them. His father died in 1872 and at the age of 22, he was appointed as Imam and teacher of the community. He held this position for twenty years.

Marriage and children In 1879, aged 29, he married his first wife, Bibi Zainub Qazi (Rahmatullah-alai), who bore him 10 children. She died in 1950. In 1890, aged 40, he married his second wife Bibi Hanifa (Rahmatullah-alai). He had one son from her. She died in 1966.

Hajj In 1892, at the age of 42, he took his mother for Hajj. He could not find suitable transport, so he carried his mother on his back, from Jiddah to Makkah the Ennobled. On his visit to Madinah the Illuminated, he was inspired to acquire 'Spiritual culture' (Tasawwuf).

77 Baghdad On his return from Hajj he left for Baghdad in Iraq to look for a spiritual guide. He visited the Mazaar of Sheikh Abd al-Qadir Jilani (Rahmatullah-alai). Here he met Ghulam Mustafa Efendi (Rahmatullah-alai) a prominent Qadri spiritual guide. He stayed in the service of the Sheikh for about eight months. He proved a devoted pupil and Sheikh Ghulam Mustafa called him Soofi Saheb. This would be the name that he would be known by. The Sheikh told him that his place was in Haydarabad in India. He left immediately for India.

Haydarabad In 1894 he arrived in Haydarabad. Here he met the great Chisti Sheikh Hazrath Habib Ali Shah (Rahmatullah-alai). He became the 'disciple' (Mureed) of Habib Ali Shah (Rahmatullah-alai) and remained in the service of his 'Spiritual Guide' (Murshid), for many months. In 1895 Hazrath Habib Ali Shah (Rahmatullah-alai), was spiritually contacted by Hazrath Nasir ud-Din Chiragh (Rahmatullah-alai), and advised to send Soofi Saheb (Rahmatullah-alai) to South Africa. He immediately left for South Africa.

South Africa In 1895 he arrived in Durban, South Africa. He noticed that the people had deviated from Islam. After a few months he went back to India and returned to South Africa accompanied by his brother-in-law, Hazrath Abd al-Latif Qazi (Rahmatullah-alai) and his second son Hazrath Abd al-Aziz (Rahmatullah-alai). He purchased a land in Riverside, in Durban. Here he established a Spiritual Center (Khanqah), comprising of a Mosque, School (Madrasah), orphanage etc. He now concentrated on teaching and serving the community. In 1900, on a visit to India, he was given 'Spiritual Authority' (Khilafath) to accept people as disciples (Mureed). Many became his disciples and he expanded his 78 services to other parts of South Africa. Until his death in 1911 he established another eleven Spiritual Centers. In 1904, Hazrath Habib Ali Shah (Rahmatullah-alai) died in Haydarabad. Soofi Saheb (Rahmatullah-alai) left for India. After he paid his respects to his Murshid, he went to Baghdad and returned to India, to his hometown in Kalyan. He started a Madrasah project here. He received news that his father-in-law, Qazi Muhammad Yusuf was very ill in South Africa. He had to leave the project incomplete and return to Durban in 1905.

Death He continued his teaching in South Africa and appointed a number of Khulafa (Ordained Spiritual Teachers), to administer the various centers in South Africa. In 1907-8 he had his own Dargah (Building over the grave of a saint), built at Riverside. He died on 2 Rajab AH. I328 (1910) and was buried in the Dargah. His mother who died in 1913 was buried next to him.

Miracles In 1895, on the voyage from Bombay to Durban, an epidemic of dysentery broke out on the ship. The disease was eradicated when people drank water blessed by Soofi Saheb (Rahmatullah- alai) . At Riverside a large python used to instill fear into the local residents. A Hindu priest approached him with a view to get rid of the python. He asked the creature to leave the area and it disappeared. Numerous other miracles have also been reported.

Teachings He preached and practiced simplicity and humility. He always wore a simple and often patched garment, yellow in color. This color was chosen by the Chisti Sufis to represent the soil and to remind the wearer to be simple and humble. 79 He loved children and he built an orphanage to take care of children whom he treated as his own. He was strict on the adherence to Islamic Law (Shariah). He was full of love and taught Islam with love. He paid great importance on educating the illiterate majority. He taught the people Islam, simply, according to their capacity. He only taught the Sufi path to a few from amongst the Ulema and religious leaders of the community.

Questions 1. What was Hazrath Soofie Sahibs full name? 2. Where was he born and in which year? 3. Who was his father and what work did he do? 4. When did his father die? How old was Soofie Sahib at that time? 5. How many children did he have? 6. In which year did Soofie Sahib go for Hajj? 7. Where did Soofie Saheb go to after Hajj in search of a spiritual guide? 8. Who did he meet there and whose mazaar did he visit? 9. Who was Hazrath Soofie Sahibs spiritual guide in Haydarabad? 10. When did Soofie Sahib arrive in South Africa? 11. What did he establish in Riverside? 12.a) In which year did he receive Khilafath? b) What does it mean? 13.How many spiritual centers did he establish? 14.When did he leave this world? 15.Mention some of his teachings?

80 BID'AH

The word, Bid'ah means 'new'. In Islamic Law, Bid'ah means those beliefs or actions which were not present during the physical presence of Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) in this world. This word has been used loosely in this age of doubt, especially by the ignorant wise.

There are many types of Bid'ah. Amongst Bid'ah is Bid'ah-e-Amli (Innovated Actions), which is divided into Bid'ah-al-Hasana (good innovations) and Bid'ah-al-Sayyiah (evil innovations). The Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) has stated:

Every innovation is misguidance and every misguidance is from the fire4.

The Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) has also stated:

Whoever establishes a good practice he receives the reward thereof and the reward for those who act upon it; and whoever establishes an evil act he receives the punishment thereof and the punishment of those who act upon it.5

Bid'ah-e-Hasana is a new action which is not against any Sunnah action. The introduction of these Bid'ah are of benefit to the Ummah. Examples of these are:

1. The collection, compilation and classification of Hadith. 2. Books of Hadith and Fiqh.

4 Mishkat

5 Mishkat

81 3. Printing of the Holy Qur'aan and Islamic literature.

There are other acts that have been classified under Bid'ah-e- Sayyiah, because they go against the Sunnah action or attempt to replace the 'way of the Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) '

Examples are: 1. To read the Friday or Id Khutbas in another language other than Arabic 2. To stand next to the Mukabbir before he says "Hayya alas- Salaah" 3. To grow beards longer than a fist size and to completely shave off the moustache.

There is also many other Bid'ah which are beneficial: 1. The five Kalimah with name and sequence. 2. Khatam and Fatihah for the deceased. 3. 'Eraab'- inserting Zabar, zer and pesh in Arabic written text. 4. Two azaans during Jumua'h 5. The Holy Qur'aan in book form with 30 paras. 6. Hadith in volumes called Bukhari etc. 7. 20 rakaats taraawih in congregation. 8. Giving zakaat in money form. 9. Going for Hajj by airplane and the use of many modern inventions.

May Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) bless all Muslims with sincere love for Allah, His Rasul (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) and His beloved‟s. May He save us from the people who use terms loosely due to defective knowledge.

82 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

There are important events and occurrences in Islamic History, which have a spiritual bearing, and the commemoration and observance of which serves to spiritualize the personality.

Meelad un-Nabi

It is a function in which the birth and advent of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) is remembered and discussed. It is a humble effort by the Ummah (community) to thank Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) for His favor by blessing us with such a Nabi, and to the Nabi for bringing us out of the darkness of ignorance. The Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) gave us Islam, knowledge of Allah, a pattern of life, the Holy Qur'aan, knowledge of angels, heaven, hell etc. Any amount of homage we pay to him will never be sufficient.

Allah has commanded us to remember His favours in Sura 2 Verse 231:

And remember Allah's favours upon you, And the fact that He sent down to you the book and the wisdom for your instruction

And again in Sura 93 Verse 11: And the favors of Allah rehearse and proclaim

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To express ones love for greatest favor of Allah, the sending of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) is in keeping with the commands of the Holy Qur'aan. In the Meelad a lecture is delivered, poetry in praise of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) is recited, Holy Qur'aan is recited etc. All these are accepted Islamic practices.

Abu Lahab, the disbeliever who has been cursed in the Holy Qur'aan was seen in a dream by his brother Sayyiduna Abbas (Radiallahu anhu). He was asked about his state in the hereafter. Abu Lahab said that his punishment in hell is lessened every Monday, because that was the day that he expressed happiness on hearing about the birth of his nephew, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam), by giving freedom to his slave Thuwayba who brought the news to him. If a disbeliever is rewarded for one act of happiness shown at the birth of his Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) how much more will Allah reward a Muslim.

Great Ulema, jurists, Authorities of Hadith and commentators of the Holy Qur'aan have celebrated Meelad. Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (Rahmatullah-alai), who is the Pir-o-murshid of the leaders and founders of the school of Deoband, states: in his book "Faisalah haft Mas'ala"6 The standpoint of this insignificant is that I participate in the gathering of Meelad un Nabi and I regard it as a great spiritual Barakah and I hold it annually and enjoy and receive spiritual benefit from it.

6 Imdadullah, Haji Muhajir Makki. Faisalah Haft Masa'lah. Deoband. Kutub Khana Ashrafiyya. Rashid Company. pp. 2-6

84 The Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) used to fast on a Monday. Hazrath Qatada (Radiallahu anhu) asked him as to why he fasted on a Monday and he replied7 On this day I was born and on this day the Holy Qur'aan was revealed to me.

The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs encouraged people to celebrate Meelad8: 1. Hazrath Abu Bakr (Radiallahu anhu) says: 'Whichever person spends one dirham on the birthday of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam), he will be with me in heaven'. 2. Hazrath Umar (Radiallahu anhu) says: 'Whoever has respected the Meelad Shareef it is as though he has revived the Deen." 3. Hazrath Uthman (Radiallahu anhu) says:' Whosoever spends one Dirham on the Birthday of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) it is as if he was present in the battle of Badr and Hunain.' 4. Hazrath Ali (Radiallahu anhu) says:' Whosoever respects the Meelad and is a means of motivating its celebration, he will take from this world a gift of Iman and he will enter paradise without questioning'

The method or form of celebration was simple when people lived simple lives. In this age of extravagance even the celebration has become extravagant. People of different cultural backgrounds and in different countries celebrate in various ways. One should view the spirit and not the form. All are expressing happiness

7 Sahih Muslim

8 Makki, Allama ibn Hajar. An Ni'matul Kubra alal Aalami fi Mouloodi Sayidi Wulida Adam

85 and love. This expression of love is loved by Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He).

The Celebration of Meelad in Islamic Countries Today

In every Muslim country today, we find people celebrating the Prophet's birthday. This is true of the following: Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, Kuwait, the Emirates, Saudi Arabia (not officially, but in the majority of homes), Sudan, Yemen, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Djibouti, Somalia, Turkey, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaidjan, Uzbekistan, Turkestan, Bosnia (former Yugoslavia), Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and most other Islamic countries. In most Arab countries it is a national holiday. All these countries, O Nation of Islam, are celebrating that event. How is it that today a minority is coming and making up a ruling that it is haram? And who are these scholars who spoke against Meelad, in comparison to the Huffaz (Hadith masters) and scholars of the Community such as Abu Shama, `Asqalani, Suyuti, Sakhawi, Haytami, Shawkani, and al-Qari, all of whom declared Meelad praiseworthy?

In conclusion I say that although we celebrate Meelad over weekends for convenience, we should not neglect the specific night, i.e. the blessed Twelfth Night of Rabbi ul-Awwal. On this night we should illuminate our Masjid, homes and hearts. The entire community should rally together and celebrate on this night.

86 Ur's

An annual function when the followers of a great Wali (friend of Allah), gather, usually at the place where he has been buried, to exchange notes and draw inspiration from his mission. It is an occasion for being joyful and happy, to expressing our happiness to Allah for having bestowed upon us a great blessing in the form of a great godly person.

Qur'aan and Zikrullah is recited and sent as a 'spiritual gift' (Sawaab) to the soul of the wali. The word 'Ur's' is from a Hadith. It means to 'be at rest like a bride'9 (who meets her beloved). When the Awliya leave this world they meet their beloved Allah and the beloved Rasul (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam), therefore it is a day of happiness. The departed soul is the recipient of many blessings on the Ur's day-hence he is in a bountiful mood and in turn bestows favours on the people gathered to remember him.

The Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) and his companions used to visit the graves of the Martyrs of Uhud every year. He used to send blessings (salaams) on them. His four righteous Khulafa continued this practice (Sunnah)10.

There are Mazaars of Awliya throughout the Muslim world and Ur's is celebrated according to the local method (Tariqah). In South Africa the following is normally practiced:  Chaadar and sandal procession. Gilaaf or Chaadar (sheets of material) and aromatic powder (sandal) is carried

9 Mishkat

10 Fatawa Shaami. Tafseere Kabeer. Tafseer Darre Mansoor.

87 with respect and placed on the Walis grave. This is a Sunnah act:11 After the demise of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) a female companion (sahabiyah) came to Hazrath Aisha (Radiallahu anha) and requested that she be shown the grave of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam). Hazrath Aisha (Radiallahu anha) raised a Gilaaf covering the grave and showed her the grave. The sahabiyah became emotional, wept beyond control and passed away.

The Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) loved perfume (itr) so this act of putting aromatic sandal and itr is in keeping with the Sunnah. Just as the Gilaaf put on the Kaaba and Qur'aan distinguishes it from other buildings and books. The Gilaaf on the grave distinguishes it from other graves.

Flag

The Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) had two flags. The first is called al-Liwaa and served as a sign for the leader of the Muslims and for the Islamic State. The second is called ar- Raya and was used by the Muslim army. The Liwaa was a piece of white cloth, whilst the Raya was a piece of black woolen cloth. Both had 'La ilaha illalah Muhammad ur-Rasulullah' written across it. The flag raised at the Ur's of the wali identifies his spiritual order (silsila). This demonstration of love on our behalf for him who loved Allah and His beloved Prophet Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) is in itself an act of piety, because, those who cannot love those who loved Allah cannot love Allah himself. Consequently, it is a duty of every Muslim not only to entertain in his heart love for all those who personified the love of Allah and his Prophet

11 Hadith: Bayhaqi.

88 (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam), but also to demonstrate it actively in order to acquire the love for Allah in the proper manner.

Shajrah

Guidance (Hidayah) is in the "hands" of Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He). This guidance flows according to the Sufi way, from Allah, through the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) and from him, through the chain (silsila) of spiritual luminaries that have been there since his time, up to the present day.

We recite the Shajrah to remain in touch with this chain or channel, which Allah has formed for us. When it is recited we establish our connection with the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) through that chain. Allah is everywhere and His mercy or His actions for His creation in general terms are for every human being. The general blessings come through the channel of angels. On the special path, the special favours flow through the channel of the Shajrah. The constant repetition maintains the contact in our consciousness all the time.

Zikr and Khatme Khwajagaan

Certain spiritual exercises are done collectively because the spiritual condition of some are better than the others and in turn they help others to acquire that spirituality.

The repetition of certain spiritual truths a fixed number of times as prescribed by the spiritual guide has the desired effect of shaping the personality spiritually. This is called the Khatme Khwajagaan. This spiritual exercise is extremely important and acts as a preparatory stage to the exercise of Zikrullah.

89 The Qur'aan says in s13 v 28

With Allah's remembrance, the heart finds its equilibrium.

The person who reads his five daily prayers with concentration, devotion and contemplation acquires spiritual refinement. The prayer said with the spirit of communion with Allah and with vibrant consciousness, becomes a means of acquiring the blessings of Allah. The Zikrullah cleanses and equips the heart that is the receptor to absorb spiritual blessings.

Sama or Qawwali

Sama literally means, "to listen". It is a type of Zikr practiced by the Sufis. The Sufis listen to poetry or prose in praise of Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He), Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and the Aulia Allah. It is specifically intended to induce the love of Allah and His Beloved's in the heart. It is a spiritual exercise, which should be attended with the permission of ones Spiritual Guide. The method of Sama may differ within different cultures and communities.

90

Fatihah-Dua

From the teachings of the Qur'aan and Hadith it has been established that to invoke Allah for blessing and forgiveness (Dua) is a recommended and desirable (Ibaadat). Dua should be made in abundance. There is no fixed time or place for this Ibaadat. The best Dua is Sura Fatihah and one recitation of Sura Ikhlaas is equal to reciting one third of the Holy Qur'aan.

Dua after the Funeral Prayer (Janaaza Namaaz) To make Dua immediately after Janaaza Salaah or after some time is permissible and proven from authentic sources. Hazrath Abu Hamim (Radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) said when you have made Janaaza Salaah for the deceased then you should make sincere Dua for the deceased.12

It has also been narrated that as soon as the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) had performed a Janaaza Salaah, Hazrath Umar (Radiallahu anhu) and some companions arrived and intended to repeat the Janaaza Namaaz. Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) said, 'The salaah cannot be repeated but make Dua and ask forgiveness for them'. This is proof that Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) permitted Dua after Janaaza salaah.

Some people say that the funeral prayer is itself a Dua so why Dua is repeated. But, we make Dua in all salaah and we still make another Dua after salaam. The Dua in the Salaah is a specific Dua whilst the Dua after salaah can accommodate Dua according to

12 Mishkat

91 the individual need. Also it is stated that Dua after Farz salaah is always accepted. The Janaaza salaah is fard-e-kifaaya. Dua thereafter is therefore desirable (Mustahab).

Khatam for Esaale Sawaab

After the corpse is laid in the grave and been questioned by the angels, the soul is taken to the intermediate world (Barzakh). Three days later Allah sends his soul to see the condition of his body in the grave. Again after forty days he is allowed by Allah to go and see the condition of his body. Allah then takes him back to Barzakh never to return. Only when people visit his grave Allah allows him to return. On Monday and Thursday nights his soul is allowed to go to his house to witness those that remember him and those that forgot him.13

Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) made Fatihah after the third, tenth and fortieth day of the martyrdom of Hazrath Ameer Hamza (Radiallahu anhu) and also fed those attending the function.14

On the third day after the death of Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) 's beloved son Hazrath Ibrahim (Radiallahu anhu) Hazrath Abu Zar (Radiallahu anhu) brought some dry dates and milk containing some pieces of bread. Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) recited Sura Fatihah and Sura Ikhlaas thrice and made the following Dua:

13 Irshad. Wisdom of a Sufi Master. Sheikh Muzaffar Ozak AL-Jerrahi Translated by Muhtar Holland

14 Jami ul-Faqi

92 I send this reward for my son Ebrahim. Thereafter Hazrath Abu Zar distributed it amongst the people.

To make Esaale Sawaab Khatam is permissible on any day but the fixing of a particular day is an advantage that many people (friends and relatives) get together and jointly make Dua for the deceased.

The fixing of the third day is because in Islam to mourn for more than three days is not permissible (except for a woman who lost her husband) so, on the third day all friends and relatives get together to mourn and make Esaale Sawaab for the deceased.

The fixing of the fortieth day is because until that day the soul of the deceased remains more attentive to the house it lived in. Esaale sawaab can be held on any day.

93 Salat O Salaam- (Salaami)

Sura 33 Verse 56

'' Allah and His angels shower blessings (continuously) on The Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam). Oh believers! Send your benedictions on him (i.e. ask Allah to bless him) and salute him with a worthy salutation. (I.e. with respect and love)' Sura 33 Verse 56

One hears this verse of the Holy Qur'aan time after time, inside the Masjid, in the homes, in the different assemblies of Meelad Shareef and lectures etc. This verse contains a STATEMENT and a COMMAND. Allah STATES here that He and His angels send salaat and salaam on the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam). Therefore have we ever thought of the uniqueness of the action of sending salaat and salaam on the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam)? When one offers salaah, Allah does not offer salaah with one. When one fasts during Ramadaan or any other time, Allah does not fast with one. When one does any other act of virtue Allah does not participate with one, but when one sends Salat o salaam on the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) then one is a participant with Allah and His angels. This is the only act of virtue in which there is a participation of Allah with His servants. Remember this word 'yusalluna' in 'yusalluna alan nabi' is 'sighah al-istimraar' or 'mudarriya' it stands for a continuos action. An action which never ceases! (Past, perfect, continuous verb) Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) has been sending Salaam on His beloved Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) since time 94 immemorial and will continue to do so until their remains no creation to recite salaat-o- salaam, i.e. this creation ceases to exist. Is this something ordinary that we can ignore or pass by, heedlessly?

Why don't the Muslims give proper thought to why Allah has asked us in the same verse, we His very humble creatures for our benefit and only to obtain blessings for us and not to benefit the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) in anyway. Allah has asked us out of sheer mercy, that we may also participate in this great and noblest of acts and send salaat and Salaam. " Ya.... Tasleema "15 Allah has blessed and will continue to bless His prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) abundantly. The flow of blessings on the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) is continuous and in abundance. Sura.108 Verse. 1.

O Beloved Prophet. We have given you good in abundance And in Sura 93 Verse 5

Your Lord shall bless you until you are pleased

Allah has blessed him abundantly and says He will bless him until he is pleased. The flow of blessings is continuous. The Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) does not need our

15 Holy Qur'aan. Sura. 33 Verse. 56

95 blessings. Allah has asked us to bless him in order to benefit us, and not the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) in any way.

Remember to follow the Qur'aan and Sunnah is an intellectual approach to the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) but, to send durood or Salaam is a spiritual approach which is contained in this Spiritual exercise that Allah commands.

In Sura Jumua'h Verse 3 Allah describes the Holy Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) as the spiritual medium through whom divine grace flows.

He will teach and purify those who will be born later.

" (He will) confer benefit upon those who will come later " Therefore, Zikrullah is to cultivate the intense love for Allah and Salaam is to absorb the divine blessings through the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) 's spiritual personality. Contact with the blessings placed by Allah in the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) 's personality is obtained by following his Sunnah for moral purity and Salaat-us-Salaam for spiritual purity.

Hazrath Abu Bakr (Radiallahu anhu) has been reported to have said16:' Invoking blessing on the Prophet is more

16Arif Billah Maulana Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hai (Khalifa of Maulana A.I. Thanvi)- Uswai Rasool-e-Akram P. 220.

96 effective for washing away sins than cold water is for extinguishing fire. It is the source of illumination and blessings and the key to the doors of all-good fortune and bliss. Many Spiritual Guides who were very particular in this regard have been blessed with high rewards from Allah. Some of these guides have said: When there is no perfect guide (Murshid e Kamil) available to guide him one should make it incumbent on himself to invoke blessings on the Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam). This is the method by which a seeker attains union with Allah. (Waasil ba Haq). This turning to the Prophet and Salat-o- salaam will be the best guide to acquire the noble manners and customs of the Prophet, and attain the highest perfection and nearness to Allah. It will also win him the nearness of the prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam). (Madarrijun Nabuwah.). Whoever invokes blessing on the Prophet extensively is blessed with the Prophets love and association, and will be blessed with the vision of the prophet both in waking and in a dream. (Sheikh Imam Ali Mutaqqi's Dawatul Kabir.)

When one reads Durood one speaks with Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He). Allah forgives ten sins, raises the status ten folds and He gives ten virtues. Therefore, Durood builds status whilst in Salaam one speaks to the Holy Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) and it builds relationship. Salaam is also Sunnat-e-Ilahi (practice of Allah) whilst all Farz ibadaah is Sunnat-e-Rasul (practice of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam).

When one says 'Ya Nabi' one wants to see him to follow the command " Say. My Beloved! If you (Muslims) want to become Allah's beloved then follow me with love"17This is following with

17 Qur'aan

97 seeing. During his physical presence all saw him but one needs a spiritual exercise to see him in his spiritual presence, hence, Salaam is prescribed. Sheikh Abul Abbas Marsi (Rahmatullah-alai), the Sheikh of the compiler of Qasida Burda, Imam Bosiri (Rahmatullah-alai), one of the great Aulia says " Low hujbi anni Rasulullah (salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) tar fattu ainin ma additu nafsi min zumratil muslimeen " " My state is such that if I don't see the Holy Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) even for a blink of the eye I do not consider myself a Muslim. "

Seventy thousand angels come every morning and seventy thousand come every night to the green dome of Madinah to obtain light from the source of all light and a new seventy thousand come daily 18, those who have come already will stand in the queue never to return. Is this something ordinary? The word 'Malai ikatuhu ' stands for all angels in totality in the verse of the Qur'aan, even those that are standing all the time send Salaam so standing is not only respect but a Sunnat of angels.

Sheikh Abd al-Qadir Jilani (Rahmatullah-alai) says19 it is a mark of respect to stand up for a just leader, for ones parents, for pious people and for the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam). It is reported that when the leader of the tribe of Quraiza, Saad (Radiallahu anhu) came riding on a white donkey, the Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) said:' Stand up, all of you, in honour of your chief.'

18 Mishkat.

19 Jilani, Sheikh Abd al-Qadir.Al-Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq. Al-Baz Publishing. Vol. 1.

98 Hazrath Aisha (Radiallahu anha) reports: "Whenever the Prophet went to see his daughter Fatimah (Radiallahu anha), she would stand in respect. Then she would kiss his hand and make him sit on her seat. And whenever she used to visit the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) he would stand up in her honour, kiss her hand and make her sit in his own place." This incident shows that it is a practice of Fatimah (Radiallahu anha) and a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) to stand and show respect.

Ziyaarat

VISIT TO THE ROZA MUBARAK OF RASULULLAH (Salla‟llahu‟alaihi wa sallam) Mullah Ali Qari (Rahmatullah-alai) , the famous Hanafi Imam, Alim and Muhaddith, says that besides a few scholars of no repute, it is the consensus of Muslims that to visit Rasulullah (Salla‟llahu‟alaihi wa sallam) at his blessed grave, is an important act of piety and a desirable form of ibadaah. It is a way of attaining spiritual elevation and a sound reason for an acceptable intercession. Many Ulema have stated that this visit is obligatory (Waajib) on one who has the means. Maaliki Ulema have said that to reside in Madinah is more desirable than residing in Makkah, to attain spiritual elevation. They have also said that one who neglects ziyaarah is careless and negligent.

In view of certain Ahadith, some Ulema have said the intention should be to visit the Masjid, but it is the consensus of Ulema, that it is Mustahab to visit the holy grave. Imam Nawawi (Radiallahu anhu) , a leading Shafeei Imam and Muhaddith, has stated that the niyyah should be

99 for ziyaarah because it is an important act of righteousness and most rewarding.

Every Muslim that sincerely loves Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) yearns to visit the holy grave. This visit makes him feel close to Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) physically. It is a visit through which he can gain intercession of Allah's beloved Rasul (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) on the day of Qiyaamah and a means of spiritual nourishment. Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) said:

1) “The person who goes to Makkah for Hajj, thereafter intends visiting me in my Masjid, the rewards of two Mabroor (accepted) Hajj will be recorded for him.”

2) “The person who visits my grave, my intercession for him becomes Waajib.”

3) “The person who performs Hajj and visits my grave after my death, is as if he has visited me during my lifetime.”

4) “Whoever undertakes a journey specially to visit my grave, will be my neighbor on the day of Qiyaamah

5) "Whoever performs Hajj and does not visit my grave, has ignored me.”

From the above Hadith we will realize visiting the grave of Allah's beloved Rasul (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) is the highest approach in nearness to him, and the climax of obedience. Verily it will be morally wrong, spiritually catastrophic and the height of

100 misfortune for those who willfully omit to visit the sacred grave and pay their respects, despite having the means to do so.

On reaching the Hijaaz, one could either perform the Hajj or Umra first, or if he desires, visit the sacred grave of Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) first. The choice is left entirely to the discretion of the individual.

At the Sacred Chamber one should also send salaam respectfully to the first of the Righteous Caliphs, Hazrath Abu Bakr Siddique (Radiallahu anhu) and the second Righteous Caliph, Hazrath Umar (Radiallahu anhu).

Salaams should also be offered to those buried in the graveyard in Madinah the Illuminated (Jannat ul-Baqi) especially Hazrath Uthman (Radiallahu anhu), the family of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam), and all his companions.

"[The Caliph] Marwan [ibn al-Hakam] one day saw a man placing his face on top of the grave of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam). He said: "Do you know what you are doing?" When he came near him, he realized it was Abu Ayyub al- Ansari (Radiallahu anhu). The latter said: "Yes; I came to the Prophet, not to a stone." This is reported by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih, Ahmad (5:422), Tabarani in his Mu`jam al-kabir (4:189) and his Awsat according to Haythami in al-Zawa'id (5:245), al- Hakim in his Mustadrak (4:515); both the latter and al-Dhahabi said it was Sahih. It is also cited by al-Subki in Shifa' al-siqam (p. 126), Ibn Taymiyya in al-Muntaqa (2:261f.), and Haythami in al-Zawa'id (4:2).

May Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) instill true love into our hearts.

101 AZAAN

Replying to the Azaan and Iqamah

Listen to the Azaan and Iqamah and repeat what the Muezzin or Mukabbir says, but when he says:

As shahdu anna Muhammad ar-Rasulullah The first time the listener must kiss the thumb nails and rub it over

the eyelids and say: Qurratu aynu bika Ya Rasullalah

O Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) the coolness of my eye is through you. The second time the listener must kiss the thumbnails, rub it over the eyelids and reply by saying:

Allahumma mattini bismi wal basr

Then,

102

Dua after Azaan

After listening to the beautiful invitation to salaah one should lift up the hands and make this Dua sincerely:

O Lord of this perfect call and everlasting prayer, grant our Master Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) the waseelah, greatness and very high position. Let him reach the plain of Mahmood that you have promised him and let us receive his intercession on the Day of Qiyaamah, without doubt you never go against a promise.

103

Kissing the Nails of the Thumbs and Rubbing It Over The Eyes

When one hears our Beloved Prophet Hazrath Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam)'s name in the Azaan or Iqaamat, to kiss the nails of the thumbs or the Shahaadat finger (forefinger) and rub it over the eyes is not only permissible but highly recommended (Mustahab). Many Hadith supports the practice.

It is reported in one Hadith that in Jannat, Hazrath Adam (Alai' his salaam) desired to meet our Holy Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) when Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) revealed to him that Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) will be amongst his future descendants. Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) shone the Nur (light) of Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) on the right Shahaadat (forefinger) finger of Hazrath Adam (Alai' his salaam).The Nur praised Allah. Allah now placed that Nur in the nails of the thumbs of Hazrath Adam (Alai' his salaam). Hazrath Adam (Alai' his salaam) kissed his both nails and rubbed them over his eyes. Thereafter this Sunnah spread amongst the offspring of Hazrath, Adam (Alai' his salaam).

In another Hadith reported in a commentary of the Holy Qur'aan called Tafsir Ruh al-Bayaan, that, one day Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) entered the Masjid and set near a pillar close to Hazrath Abu Bakr Siddique (Radiallahu anhu). After a while Hazrath Bilal (Radiallahu anhu) started giving Azaan. When he reached the words "Ashadu ana Muhammad ar- Rasulullah", Hazrath Abu Bakr Siddique (Radiallahu anhu) kissed his both thumb nails and rubbed it over his eyes saying "Qurratu ainu bika ya Rasulullah" (you are the coolness of my eyes 0! Rasullalah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam). After the azaan Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) asked Abu Bakr

104 (Radiallahu anhu) why he did so, he replied, "To attain blessings through your blessed name.". Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) replied, "You did well. He who will do so will never suffer fromn eye disease. "0 Abu Bakr whoever does what you have done Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) will forgive all their sin and I will intercede for them." Practice this beautiful Sunnat of Hazrath Adam (Alai' his salaam) and Hazrath Abu Bakr (Radiallahu anhu).

105

MUHARRAM AND KARBALA

Ashura

Sura 9:Verse 36 The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve months. {Inscribed} in the book of Allah, on the day when He created the heavens and the earth; four of them are sacred.

Muharram is one of the four sacred months, of the Islamic Calendar. (Al-ashur al-muharrama). It includes the Day of Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram. Allah enormously enhances the recompense of those who worship him on that day.

Fasting, caring for the orphans and needy and providing a meal to a fasting person on that day carries great spiritual rewards. Fast should be kept on the ninth and tenth of Muharram. This is a voluntary (nafil) fast.

The Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has enumerated the significance of this day in ahadith. He has stated that Allah created the heavens, mountains, and oceans, pen (qalam) and tablet (lawh) on this day. Hazrath Ibrahim was born, and Allah saved him from the furnace on this day. Pharaoh was drowned, Allah relented towards Adam, Isa was born and Qiyamat will occur on this day.20

20 Al-Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq. Shaik 'abd al-Qadir al-Jilani. 1997. AL BAZ PUBLISHING. V.3 P.279.

106 In another tradition it is stated that, heaven, earth, stars, arsh, (heavenly throne), Kursi (pedestal), tablet and pen were created on this day. Gabriel (Alai' his salaam), all angels and, Adam (Alai' his salaam) were created on Ashura. The first rains and the first gift of mercy (rahmah) descended on this day.

There is a lack of unanimity amongst the scholars as to why the day of Ashura came to be so called. Without going into the various opinions I mention just one. Shaykh Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (Rahmatullah-alai) says that it was also on this day that our Beloved Rasul (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) was born. It is unanimously accepted that the physical birth of Rasul (saw) took place on the twelfth of the blessed Rabbi ul-Awwal. Therefore It has been stated by many Urafa (people of insight) that this could be a reference to the cosmic birth of the 'light of Muhammad' (nur e Muhammadi (saw)). He is the essence of all creation.21

Briefly on this day: 1. Hazrath Adam (Alai' his salaam) was pardoned for his transgression. 2. Hazrath Ibrahim (Alai' his salaam) came out unharmed from the fire of Nimrod. 3. Hazrath Moosa (Alai' his salaam) and his people were rescued from Pharaoh's tyranny. 4. Hazrath Nuh (Alai' his salaam) 's ark stopped at Mount Judi. 5. Hazrath Yunus (Alai' his salaam) was freed from the stomach of the whale that swallowed him. 6. Hazrath Yaquub (Alai' his salaam) regained his eyesight. 7. Hazrath Yusuf (Alai' his salaam) was saved from the well.

21 Destruction or Peace. Hajee Mahboob Kassim. 1971. Chistiya Publications. P132.

107 8. Hazrath Ayuub (Alai' his salaam) was cured from his sickness.

It is therefore evident that the tenth day of Muharram is a special chosen day of God, who effected many events on this particular day. The martyrdom of al-Hussain ibn Ali (Radiallahu anha) and the members of the Ahle Bayt (members of the Prophet's house) on the Day of Ashura in 61 (ah) therefore has a great significance and lesson for the Muslim community.

The Blessed Life and Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (Radiallahu anhu)

Imam Hussain (Radiallahu anhu) was born in Madinah the Pure, on the fifth day of Shabaan in the fourth year of the Hijra. It was about one year after the birth Imam Hassan (Radiallahu anhu). They were the sons of Fatimah (Radiallahu anha), the Blessed daughter of Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) and Hazrath Ali (Radiallahu anhu) the fourth Caliph. Imam Hussain (Radiallahu anhu) was a courageous, pious and learned personality. Both Imam Hussain and Hassan were dearly loved by Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam). The Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) used to kiss Imam Hussain (Radiallahu anhu), saying: "O my Lord, I love this child. May You also love my Hussain and those who love him."

Imam Hussain (Radiallahu anhu), like his brother Imam Hassan (Radiallahu anhu) dutifully served their father Imam 'Ali (Radiallahu anhu). Imam Hussain (Radiallahu anhu) went with him to Kufa. He fought alongside his revered father in all his battles and stood by him constantly until his martyrdom. After that he was with his brother, Imam Hassan (Radiallahu anhu) the fifth Caliph. After the latter resigned from the Caliphate, he returned

108 to Madinah the Illuminated where he stayed until the year 60 of the Hijra, near the fragrant resting place of his noble grandfather, the Beloved of Allah. In the year AH 60, after the death of Hazrath Muawia (Radiallahu anhu) the people of Syria accepted his son, Yazid as the Caliph. Yazid sent men to Madinah the Illuminated to call on the people there to pay homage to him also. Imam Hassan, Ibn 'Umar, and Abdullah bin al-Zubayr, may Allah be pleased with them all, refused to pay allegiance to Yazid.

Abdullah bin al-Zubayr, who moved to Makkah the Ennobled, would neither pay homage to Yazid himself nor call on other people to do so. Imam Hussain, the rightful Caliph, was invited by the people of Kufa to come to their city so that they may pay homage to him. In spite of this the noble Imam neither accepted their invitation nor agreed with the Kufans' line of action. Since homage had been paid to Yazid, he was faced with making a decision either to stay as he was or to respond to the Kufans' invitation. He was finding it impossible to decide where his duty lay. He eventually consulted Ibn Zubayr, who advised him to accept the invitation of the Kufans.

The venerable Ibn 'Abbas (Radiallahu anhu) however saw things differently. He warned Imam Hussain not to trust the Kufans who betrayed Hazrath Ali (Radiallahu anhu) and Imam Hassan (Radiallahu anhu). Imam Hussain (Radiallahu anhu) decided to go to Iraq. He could not abandon the Community of Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) to a unsuitable, immoral and unscrupulous ruler. On the tenth of Dhul-Hijja, he set out from Makkah the Ennobled with his family and supporters and started on the road to Iraq. Several members of the Prophet's household traveled with him. When Yazid the Damned heard of his departure for Iraq, he sent written orders to Ubaydullah ibn Ziyaad, commanding him to 109 stop Imam Hussain (Radiallahu anhu) with military force. On receiving these orders from Yazid, the accursed Ibn Ziyaad dispatched four thousand troops, under the command of 'Umar bin Saa'd, against the Imam.

The people of Kufa deserted Imam Hussain (Radiallahu anhu); they did not even attempt to join him. Some of the Kufans who had invited him to Iraq were actually enrolled among the four thousand troops sent to oppose the venerable Hussain (Radiallahu anhu). Imam Hussain made it known that he was willing to return to Hijaaz in order to save his people from being killed, but he was told that the proper course was either to pay homage to Yazid or else risk battle. He was prepared to give his head but he could not give his hand into the tyrants' hand. They slew and martyred that beloved grandson of the Beloved of Allah, that dear child of Fatimah, the best of women; they cut off his blessed head and brought it in a basin before the accursed Ibn Ziyaad. Surely the curse of Allah falls upon evildoers. [Holy Qur'aan, 11:18]

When Hazrath Imam Hussain (Radiallahu anhu) knew that he would enter the conflict, he gathered his companions and the members of the Prophet's household and delivered this brief sermon: "Praise and thanks Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) and blessings and peace upon the noble Messenger... "O my companions, relatives, friends and fellow members of the Prophet's household (Ahl al-Bayt)! You see the state of affairs we have reached. This world has changed and turned its face from us. Its goodness has retreated and very evil days lie before us. You must surely see that the truth is no longer put into practice. Falsehood is by no means at an end. Let those who are believers desire to meet Allah. For me

110 there is no doubt that death is a blessing. I count it a crime to live in the company of tyrants."

His martyrdom occurred on the day of 'Ashura, the tenth of Muharram of the year 60, at a place in Iraq called Karbala. Martyred with him on that day were twenty-three members of his household. These twenty-three martyrs were of the pure line of the Holy Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam). Among those martyred were cousins of Imam Hussain, children of Imam Hassan and the infant children of our Master the venerable Hussain, except for his son, Zayn al-'Abidin. The inhabitants of the heavens and earth wept at the martyrdom.

On the night when Imam Hussain was martyred, Umm Salama (Radiallahu anha) , the pure wife of Rasulullah (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) saw the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) in her dream looking sorrowful and sad. She asked the reason for his grief and received this reply: "O Umm Salama, they have martyred my Hussain" Ibn 'Abbas (Radiallahu anhu) had a vision in the middle of the day, in which he say our blessed Master holding a bottle full of blood. "What blood is that, O Messenger of Allah?" he asked. The answer came: "This is the blood and tears of my Hussain and the people of my household. I am gathering from the ground the blood and tears they shed this day." The venerable Ibn 'Abbas checked the date and found that his vision had occurred on the day when Imam Hussain (Radiallahu anhu) was martyred.

Ibn Ziyaad sent the blessed head of Imam Hussain to Yazid the Damned, who was in Damascus. Also sent to him were Imam Hussain's sister, Zaynab (Radiallahu anha) and beloved son, Imam Zayn al-'Abidin (Radiallahu anhu). The child and his aunt had been at Karbala that day, but they had been too sick to take part in 111 the fighting and had survived through the grace of Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He).

Yazid gave orders for the blessed head to be exhibited throughout the lands of Islam. Only when he heard of the discontent expressed by all the Muslims when they heard of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (Radiallahu anhu), did he feel compelled to send the Imam's noble relatives back to Madinah in safety. The blessed head of Imam Hussain (Radiallahu anhu) was sent to 'Asqalan, where the local governor had it buried. When the Crusaders captured Ascalon much later, a Fatimid vizier called Salih Tala'i paid a lot of money to buy the blessed head from them. He received it with a great military parade. He bored the blessed head upon his own head, placed it upon an ebony throne and wrapped it in green silk. He had a casket made out of solid gold and lined with musk. The blessed head was placed in this casket and laid to rest in a special mazaar in the Mosque of Hussain, which that vizier had built in Cairo. Despite the inevitable differences of opinion about what did actually become of that blessed head, the great saints and most Sufis maintain that it does indeed rest in Masjid al-Hussain in Cairo, where it is visited every day by the Qutb (Cardinal Saint) of our age.

112

Ahl Al Bayt and Panjattan Paak

The Pure Family Of The Holy Prophet (Salla' Llaahu'alaihi Wa Sallam) And The Blessed Pure Five (33:33)

And stay quietly in your houses and make not a dazzling display, like the times of ignorance, establish regular prayer, give zakaat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you and the members of your family and make you pure and spotless.

This verse of the Holy Qur'aan refers to the Ahl al-Bait {household of the Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) }. This includes the wives of the Holy Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) as well as his daughter Fatimah (Radiallahu anha) , his-son in-law Ali (Radiallahu anhu) and his grandsons, Hassan (Radiallahu anhu) ) and Hussain (Radiallahu anhu) ). 22

The Holy Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) had called many companions, including the Ashab as-Safa, who were not related to him by blood, but had dedicated their lives to achieve purity, piety and humility as his Ahl al-Bait. The Holy Prophet

22 Yusuf Ali -Commentary of the Holy Qur'aan.

113 (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) was asked, "Who are your family (Ahl)?" He replied, "those who are purified (Safa), i.e. the pure of heart, who maintain their words, fulfil their promises, dedicate their lives to fulfil my teachings and have greater love for me than any other human being, and after Allah remember me the most".23 Therefore all that pursue the science of spirituality (tasawwuf) and attain to the status of Aulia Allah (friend of Allah) are also referred to as Ahl al- Bait.

The blood family of the Holy Prophet (as), amongst the Ahl al- Bait; Hazrath Ali (Radiallahu anhu) Hazrath Fatimah (Radiallahu anha), Hazrath Hassan (Radiallahu anhu) and Hazrath Hussain (Radiallahu anhu) are known as the Blessed Pure Five (Panjattan Paak). In the Hadith, an important event symbolizes the spiritual dimension of their relation to the Holy Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam). This is the tradition of the cloak, which the Holy Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) spread over himself and Fatimah his daughter, Ali and their two sons Hassan and Hussain. (Radiallahu anhu ajmain) Umm Salama (Radiallahu anha) , the wife of the Holy Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) reports, that the Holy Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) said to Fatimah (Radiallahu anha) one day: "Bring me your husband and two sons" When they had all come together he spread his cloak over them and he said: "Oh Allah, these are the people of my house! Let therefore your blessings descend upon Muhammad the people of the House of Muhammad (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) "24It is stated that

23 Nuska-e-Sahihah Dalailul Khairaat by Syed Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Muhammad al-Jazuli. A descendant of Imam Hussain.

24 Mishkat Sharif.

114 the verse: Surely Allah wishes to remove all abomination from you, O People of the House, and purify you with a thorough purification, was revealed as a response to this Dua.

The Holy Qur'aan tells us that Adam (Alai' his salaam) received certain words from Allah which earned him forgiveness for his transgression. Sura 2:Verse 37.

Adam received certain words from his Lord, and He turned towards him; for He is relenting, compassionate. Imam Suyuti (Rahmatullah-alai) reports that Hazrath ibn Abbas (Radiallahu anha) , the famous traditionalist and authority on the Qur'aan, asked the Prophet (as) about the words which Adam received. The Prophet replied, 'He prayed saying, "O Allah, for the sake of Muhammad, Ali, Fatimah, Hassan and Hussain, do turn towards me", and He turned towards him'.25 The following Hadith supports this: "The Holy Prophet (Salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) has stated that when Allah created Adam (Alai' his salaam) ' Adam lifted his eyes and looked towards the right side of the Garden of Eden. He saw five shining faces prostrating themselves before Allah. Adam asked Allah who they were and Allah said that they will be from his descendants, but they will not be created of clay. They will be created out of light (nur). "The whole universe has been created by Me for their sake. Their names have been derived from My names; I am Mahmood (The Praised one) and he is Muhammad (The

25 Al-Suyuti Commentary.

115 Praised one); I am Aali (The Supreme) and he is Ali; I am Faatir (creator) and she is Fatimah; I am Ehsaan (Beneficent) and he is Hassan; I am Mohsin (Generous) and he is Hussain. I swear by My Honor that if anybody comes before Me with the least disrespect or hatred for any of them, I shall cast them into hell without any consideration. O Adam! These are my five chosen and blessed and for their sake I will forgive and bless unlimited numbers. If you or your progeny have any difficulties approach Me in the name of the Blessed Five.'

Love for the Prophets family is enjoined by Allah in the Qur'aan. Sura 42:Verse 23.

"Say, 'I ask no other reward of you save love of my next of kin'". Qur'aan commentators are unanimous that ' the next of kin' here intended are Ahl al-Bait.26

The spiritual unity of the Panjattan Paak, is a symbol of the unity of all Muslims. It is for the sake of this unity in faith and commitment to Allah and truth (which is Islam), that Imam Hussain sacrificed his life. He refused a partisan Islam, and leadership devoid of morality (Adab) and love (ishq).

26 See commentaries in al-Zamakhshari, al-Tabari, and al-Suyuti.

116 GLOSSARY

A Aalim/ pl. Ulema - Accomplished Scholar of Islam Adab - manners; Rules of conduct or behavior. Alai' his salaam- Allah ha blessed him with peace. Al-Liwaa- flag of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) Ar- Raya- Flag of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) Awliya (sing. Wali). "Favorites of Allah". Those who have attained nearness to God B Barakah - blessings Barakah- grace, spiritual blessings Bid’ah - innovated practices that violate Islam or promote Islam. C Chaadar- Sheet placed on the grave of a Saint F Fard - obligatory religious duty Fatihah - Opening chapter of Holy Qur'aan. Fiqh- Knowledge of Islam through its laws; science of Islamic Law G Ghawth - within Sufi hierarchy he is the one person who forms the focus of Allah's supervision of the world in every age. Gilaaf- Sheet placed on the grave of a Saint. H Haazir-present Habibullah- The beloved of Allah. Hadith - (pl. ahadith) the verbalized form of a tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (salla'llahu'alaihi wa sallam) constitutive of his sunnah. Hamd - Praise of Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He). Hazrath - His eminence I Ilm - knowledge Imam - Community leader in religious as well as in lay matters Ishq - Intense love for Allah and his Beloved's. K Kaleemullah - The one who speaks to Allah Karaamaat - miracle Khalilullah- The friend of Allah. Khanqah-Sufi spiritual center. Khilafath- Deputy-ship. Award of commission, on spiritual perfection, to guide others 117 Khwaja - master

L Langar- Food served at a Sufi spiritual center. M Madrasah - religious school Majzoob - spiritually intoxicated saint Masoom- innocent Mazaar -building over the grave of the awliya Meelad - Birth celebration Muhyi'd-deen - reviver of the religion. Mujaahada - inner struggle of opposing the lower self Mujaddid - Reformer of religion Mureed- Seeker of God Murshid - spiritual guide Murshid-e-Kamil - Perfect spiritual guide. N Naat - Poetry in praise of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) Naazir-seeing Nabi /. Pl. Ambiya - Prophet - Prophets Nur-light P Pir - Sheikh; spiritual guide Q Qadi - Islamic Judge Qutb - Spiritual pole or axis R Radiallahu anhu/anha/anhum- May Allah be well pleased with him/her/them. Rahmah- Mercy of Allah Rehmatullah-alai- May Allah's mercy be on him. S Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam- Allah has bestowed upon him His Blessings and Peace. Sandal- Aromatic powder Sawaab- spiritual gift granted by Allah Sayyid - descendant of the Holy Prophet (salla' llaahu'alaihi wa sallam) Shafa'ah - intercession with Allah Shajrah - tree- in Sufism the link of spiritual masters Shirk -associating partners to Allah Shuyook- Spiritual Masters. Silsila- Spiritual Order Sufi- traveler on the path to Allah

118 Sufism - The essence of Islam; higher aspects of Islam Suhbah - association and companionship with spiritualized personalities Sunnah- Practice and life example of the prophets T Tabligh - to give the message of Islam to non-Muslims Tariqah - method Tasawwuf - Spiritual culture Tasbih - glorification of Allah U Ur's - Death anniversary of one who rose to the status of Wali of Allah. W Wali- Allah. (Pl. Awliya) - A Muslim saint or Friend of Allah. Wasilah - means of approach Z Zikr- Remembrance (of Allah.)

119 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Saaberie Chisty Research Council, Madressa Syllabus 2. Capt. Wahid Bakhsh Rabbani, Islamic Sufism 3. Baba Kassim Shah Faridi, Islam and Tasawwuf 4. Masjid-e-Soofia, 85th Anniversary Brochure 5. Cape Mazaar Society, Kramats of the Western Cape 6. Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak al-Jerrahi, Irshad 7. Shaikh Muhammad ibn Yahya at-Tafidi, Qalaid al-Jawahir 8. W.D. Begg, The Holy Biography of Khwaja Muinudin Chisti 9. W.D. Begg, The Big Five of India in Sufism 10. Soofie Saheb Darbaar- Riverside, 100TH Anniversary Brochure 11. G.R. Smith, African Studies, 28/4/69, A Muslim Saint in South Africa 12. Shaikh Abd al-Qadir Jilani, Al-Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq, al-Baz Publishing, inc 13. Hafez Muhammad Fuzail Soofie al-Habibi, Seeker of The Beloved 14. Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman Ansari, Islam to the Modern Mind 15. Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman Ansari, The Quranic Foundations 16. Abid'ullah Ghazi, Tasnim K. Ghazi, Stories of The Sirah 17. Pietermaritzburg Chisti Movement, Hamds & Naaths 18. Shifa al-Aliil The translation in Urdu of Shah Wali Allah‟s work, Qual al-Jami, Nizami Press, Kawnpur 1291A.H. 44-45. 19. Imdadullah, Haji Muhajir Makki. Faisalah Haft Masa'lah. Deoband. Kutub Khana Ashrafiyya. Rashid Company. pp. 2-6 20. Makki, Allama ibn Hajar. An Ni'matul Kubra alal Aalami fi Mouloodi Sayidi Wulida Adam 21. Fatawa Shaami. 22.Tafseere Kabeer. 23. Tafseer Darre Mansoor. 24. Arif Billah Maulana Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hai (Khalifa of Maulana A.I. Thanvi)- Uswai Rasool-e-Akram P. 220. 25. Jilani, Sheikh Abd al-Qadir.Al-Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq. Al-Baz Publishing. Vol. 1. 26. Destruction or Peace. Hajee Mahboob Kassim. 1971. Chistiya Publications. P132. 27. Nuska-e-Sahihah Dalailul Khairaat by Syed Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Muhammad al-Jazuli. A descendant of Imam Hussain. 28. Al-Suyuti Qur'an Commentary. 29. Valliuddin Mir. Contemplative Disciplines in Sufism

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