>>> Stories of the Pious <<<<

[Useless_Slave_Of_Allah]

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad the Final Messenger of Allah (swt), his Family and his Companions.

Assalamoualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh

I hope to Inshallah start a thread dedicated to episodes extracted from a book called "Orchards of Love", which contains various episodes from the lives of some very pious Muslims. This book is available online alongside many other books at >>>>> http://books.themajlis.net/node/165

My intention is to try and Inshallah help create love for Allah (swt) in the hearts of Muslims AND non-Muslims (including myself), by reading and taking lessons from various episodes of the lives of the Auliyaa-Allah (Friends of Allah) who were strict on the Sunnah of Rasulullah (saw) and Shari’ah, and then to Inshallah try to implement on any knowledge that we gain, and to guide us and the
non-Muslims, Inshallah.
Episodes of such a nature are only for those who are truly seeking Divine Guidance from Allah (swt) and are truly seeking the pleasure of Allah (swt).

My aim is to also try and make us realise the amount of Taqwa (God consciousness) the Auliyaa-Allah had, how much dislike for the life of this world, and how much love for the hereafter these saints had, the kind of lives they lived, how close they were to Allah (swt), how they performed various miracles through the will of Allah (swt), the hardships they went through to attain the love of Allah (swt) and how He (swt) makes it easy for a person who's objective is sincere to gain His love, how they gained pleasure in not sinning and the amount of enjoyment they received in taking the name of Allah (swt).

All this is beyond our imagination, we think of these things as hocus-pocus and laugh at them, whereas even if black-hearted, sinful people like us (no offence), were to follow in the footsteps of these Auliyaa-Allah by adhering to the Sunnah of Rasulullah (saw) and following the laws of Shari'ah, then we shall also Inshallah soon enough gain closeness to Allah (swt) and live a life free from sin and liberate ourselves from the slavery of our Nafs (carnal desires) and the accursed Shaitaan.
Only when it is tried and tested with the guidance of the right people, only then will we come to know that such episodes of the Auliyaa-Allah were true.


* If anyone doesn’t understanding any use of wording then please refer to the footnotes of each episode.

* Any sensible comments are welcome.

* Be advised that before making any negative comments about the Auliyaa-Allah, and mocking them in any way, may cause the wrath of Allah (swt) to descend upon you and may also land you into the depths of Jahannam.

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) said: Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war with him....
(part of a lengthy hadith)

Maulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi (Rahmatullah Alayh) has narrated a Hadith-e-Qudsi from Tafseer-e-Mazhari, in which Allah says: "I will become angry upon the insulting and degrading of my pious slaves, like how a lion becomes furious when its cubs are harassed."

May Allah (swt) guide and save us all.

Anyone wanting to debate on anything regarding the content of this thread is sincerely advised to PLEASE start a new thread. If anyone has any queries regarding the sources of any statements or Ahadith mentioned and wants to verify these statements then please contact webmaster@themajlis.net - Jazaak-Allah.

*CAUTION* (Just in case) : If you tend to develop any amount of love for any particular Auliyaa-Allah mentioned or any other person otherwise, then please refrain from making that person(s) an icon of worship. If you want to show your true love for the Auliyaa-Allah, then follow in their footsteps by adhering to the Sunnah of Rasulullah (saw) and follow the laws of Shari'ah.

* May I also request that this thread not be abused by anyone posting any other episodes whatsoever.


May Allah (swt) accept this little effort of mine (and all those involved in the making of the book etc.), and make it a means of guidance for us all. Ameen.
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[Useless_Slave_Of_Allah]

1. THE EFFECT OF WA'AZ (Lecture)

Shaikh Saalih Aarif-e-Kabeer Abu Sulaimaan Daaraani (rahmatullahi alayh) narrated: “I attended a wa’az(1). The talk of the lecturer had an effect on my heart. However, the effect disappeared as soon as the lecture ended. I attended his wa’az a second time. The effect of his talk lingered with me even on the road, but disappeared when I reached home. After attending his wa`az a third time, the effect endured even after I had reached home. I then destroyed all objects of sin I had and took to the Path of Allah.”


Comments >> One should repeatedly sit in the company of the pious. The advice of the Shaikh(2) will ultimately establish a lasting effect, provided that one is a sincere seeker of the Haqq (Truth).

Footnotes:
(1) Lecture
(2) A title of respect generally given to someone that is learned or elderly.


2. THE MOST INTELLIGENT

Baraa Bin Aazib (radhiallahu anhu) narrated that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that Allah Ta`ala will award the highest places in Jannat to certain of His servants who were the most intelligent. The Sahaabah enquired: “How did they become the most intelligent?” Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:

“Their whole attention and all their efforts are directed towards Allah Ta`ala. The objective of all their efforts is Allah’s Pleasure. They have completely lost interest in the world, in its futility, in its pleasures and comforts. The world is contemptible to them. They choose to bear the temporary hardships of the world, hence they will gain the everlasting comfort (of the Aakhirah).”

The criterion of intelligence by Allah is Taqwa.


3. DIVINE LOVE
Hadhrat Sheikh Abu Bakr Kitaani (rahmatullah alayh) narrates:
“I was once in Makkah Muazzamah in the company of a group of Sufiyaa Kiraam who were discussing the question of Allah’s Love. The youngest of the group was Hadhrat Junaid Baghdaadi (rahmatullah alayh). The Sufi’s urged him to speak on this question.

Hadhrat Junaid (rahmatullah alayh) lowered his head and shed tears profusely. Then he said: “A lover is such a servant whose ego has been eliminated. He is absorbed in the thikr of Allah. He fulfils the rights of Allah. He looks with his heart towards Allah. The rays of Divine Fear have consumed his heart. The cup of Wine of Divine Love is for him. From behind the unseen veils Allah has become manifest to him. When he speaks, he speaks with Allah. When he moves, he does so with Allah’s command. When he rests, he rests with Allah. He is constantly with Allah he exists with Allah and he is in Allah’s companionship.”

All the Mashaa-ikh shed tears in abundance and said: Can anyone say anything more superb? O Taajul Aarifin (crown of the Auliyaa)! May Allah increase your intelligence and wisdom.”
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[VeiledOne]

for starting this thread. I used the same book for posting many of the stories on this thread.

[Useless_Slave_Of_Allah]

4. A TRUE LOVER OF ALLAH

Hadhrat Zunnun Misri (rahmatullahi alayh) said: "I was informed of a Yemeni buzrug (pious person) who was unique in humility and fear of Allah Ta`ala. After I had completed Hajj, I decided to visit him so that I may derive the benefits of his naseehat (advice). Several people accompanied me on the journey to Yemen. Among them was a youth of exceptional piety. All the signs and bearings of the Sulahaa (pious) exuded from his countenance, which glittered with Khauf-e-Ilaahi (Fear of Allah). Without any physical ailment, his face had become pale. Without any calamity, tears flowed from his eyes. Solitude was his companion. He loved to be alone. Looking at him, one would think a great calamity had just befallen him.

We rebuked him for his extreme austerity and penances, but he remained silent. He would not reply. Day by day his penances and efforts would increase. This youth journeyed with us until we reached the home of the Yemeni buzrug. After knocking on his door, the buzrug appeared. He looked like a man who had just emerged from the grave. The youth was the first to greet and speak. Addressing the buzrug, the youth said: ‘Allah Ta`ala has made you and other Auliyaa (Friends of Allah ) like you, the physicians of the heart. There is a wound in my heart. I will be greatly indebted to you if you would kindly provide me some balm for my wound.’

The Sheikh said: ‘Ask what you wish to.’
The youth said: ‘Hadhrat, what is the sign of Khauf-e-Ilaahi?’
Sheikh: ‘When the bandah(person) is blessed with Khauf-e-Ilaahi, he becomes fearless of all other fears and Allah’s fear becomes grounded in his heart.’
Hearing this, the youth shuddered and fell down unconscious. On regaining consciousness, he asked: ‘Hadhrat, when is a man certain that he has Khauf-e-Ilaahi?’
Sheikh: ‘He abandons pleasures in the same way as a sick man abstains from delicious food because of the fear of the illness deteriorating, and he tolerates bitter medicine. Similarly, the one who has Khauf-e-Ilaahi abstains from worldly pleasures.’
On hearing this, the youth let out such a shriek which led us to think that his soul had departed from his physical body. After a while he became conscious and asked: ‘What is the sign of Divine Love?’
Sheikh: ‘Friend! The stage of Divine Love is extremely lofty.’
Youth: ‘Please say something!’
Sheikh: ‘The veils are lifted from their hearts and they perceive the splendour and grandeur of their True Beloved with the anwaar (rays of Divine light) of their hearts. Their souls are always connected to the lofty spiritual realm. The barriers are removed from their hearts. Their intelligence is heavenly. They dwell in the assembly of the Malaa-ikah (Angels). They perceive all this with their eyes. Their whole effort is expended for the ibaadat (worship) of Allah Ta`ala. The purpose of their ibaadat is neither desire for Jannat(Heaven) nor fear for Jahannum(Hell).’
When the youth heard this discourse, he let out a spine-chilling screech and fell down dead. The Sheikh kissed him and sobbed. He then commented: ‘Look at the fear and humility of those who fear and love Allah Ta`ala. This is their elevated rank.’"

[The veils of Divine Love was lifted. Its splendour claimed his life.]


5. NOOR OF THE HEART

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that when noor(Divine light) enters the heart, the (spiritual) breast of man expands. When the Sahaabah asked for a sign of this noor, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Such a person flees from this abode of deception. He turns his attention to the abode of the Aakhirah(hereafter) and he makes preparations for it before the arrival of maut (death)."

Thus, a man who has lost interest and desire in this world, has acquired this noor.


6. DISSOCIATION

A man asked a buzrug(pious person) to teach him something which will benefit him. The buzrug said: “Flee from people and dissociate from them. You will then meet Allah Ta`ala. Your union with Him will then be perfect.”

The man asked for more naseehat(advice). The buzrug said: “Take hold of Sidq (truth) and Taqwa (piety); abandon ujub (pride) and riyaa (show); be dominant over the nafs and its desires. You will then reach your goal.”



7. THE REASONS FOR IBAADAT

Hadhrat Zainul Aabideen (rahmatullahi alayh) said: “Some people worship Allah because of fear. This is the ibaadat(worship) of slaves. Some worship Him because of their desire for thawaab(reward). This is the ibaadat of traders. Some worship Him in gratitude for His bounties. This is the ibaadat of freed slaves.”


8. THE SERPENT OF EVIL

When the grave was dug for an evil man who had died, a large black serpent was found coiled up in the grave. A second grave was dug and there too appeared a serpent. A third and a fourth grave were dug. In each grave a serpent was found. After having dug 30 graves, the people realised that there was no escape from Allah Ta'ala's punishment. Finally the man was buried along with the serpent inside his grave.

It was assumed that this serpent was the form of the evil deeds the man had done. May Allah Ta`ala save us all.


9. THE QUR'AN IS NOOR IN THE GRAVE

After a pious lady had died, her friend saw her in a dream. She saw the deceased lady seated on a throne. Below the throne was a utensil of Noor (Divine Light) which was covered. She asked her deceased friend about the covered utensil. The deceased replied:
“In it is the gift of my husband, which he sent for me last night.”

The next day the woman related her dream to the deceased’s husband. He said: “I had recited the Qur`aan Shareef and bestowed the thawaab(reward) of it to her.”


10. CONSEQUENCES OF GIVING LESS IN WEIGHT

A man who used to weigh goods incorrectly (giving less in weight) was dying. A Buzrug(pious person) who happened to be present made talqeen(1) of the Kalimah(2), but the man could not recite it. He said: “I cannot recite the Kalimah. The needle of the scale penetrates my tongue (i.e. when he attempts to recite).”


Footnotes:
(1) Talqeen is to remind and encourage the dying person to recite the Kalima
(2) The Kailima/Shahaadat is when somebody testifies "There is no god but Allah (swt), and Muhammad (saw) is His Messenger"


11. THE FRUIT OF TAWAKKUL (Trust in Allah (swt))

While travelling towards Makkah, Hadhrat Sheikh Abu Hamzah Khuraasani (rahmatullah alayh) fell into a disused well. He resolved not to call on anyone besides Allah Ta`ala. As he was ruminating, two men passed by the well. The one said to the other: “Let us close up this well so that no one falls in it.” They then closed the mouth of the well with a huge boulder. In fact, they obliterated every sign of the well.

Hadhrat Abu Hamzah says: “I intended to call to them, but decided against it. I said: ‘By Allah! I will never call to them. I will call only Him who is nearer to me than them.’ After an hour I observed the mouth of the well opening and a leg hanging down towards me. I heard a humming sound which appeared to me to mean: ‘Cling to me.’

I grabbed the leg and was hauled out of the well. Only then I saw it was a huge beast. A Voice proclaimed: ‘We saved you from destruction by means of something which destroys.’”


12. A LAD’S TRUST IN ALLAH (SWT)

A Buzrug narrates:

“Along the road to Makkah Muazzamah, I saw a lad walking with great delight as if he was walking in the yard of his home. I said: ‘O lad! What is the reason for this delightful style of walking?’ The lad said: ‘This is the style of the youthful servants of Allah, The Merciful One.’

I asked: ‘Where is your mount and food?’ He stared at me with disgust and said: ‘O man! If a weak slave who resolves to go to the house of his gracious master takes along food to his home, will the master not be offended? My Friend is the Being of Power and Grandeur. Since He has called me, He provides for me.’

The lad then disappeared. I never again saw him.”


13. THE CURSE OF A WALI

A Buzrug said: “We were discussing the special favours Allah Ta`ala bestows to His Auliyaa. A blind man who used to listen silently to our talks once said:

‘I derive satisfaction from your talks. One day I went to gather wood near to Baqi. I saw a youth clad in expensive attire and holding some pearls in his hand. I thought that this was an opportunity to gain some wealth easily. I ordered him to remove his garments. He said: ‘Leave in the protection of Allah.’ I repeated my demand three times. The youth said: ‘Are you determined to take my clothes?’ When I said ‘Yes’, He made a sign towards me with his two fingers. Both my eyes popped out and fell to the ground. In sheer panic, I shrieked: ‘Who are you?’ He said: ‘Ibraheem Khawwaas.’

[Hadhrat Ibraheem Khawwaas - rahmatullah alayh- was one of the great Auliyaa of former times].


14. FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH (SWT)

Sheikh Abu Ja’far Haddad (rahmatullah alayh), the Ustaadh of Hadhrat Junaid Baghdaadi had taken up residence in Makkah Muazzamah. Once his hair was overgrown. However, he had no money for a haircut. He went to a pious looking barber and said: “For Allah’s Sake cut my hair.”

The barber who was engaged in cutting the hair of a worldly man said: “With much pleasure I am at your service.” The barber left the man and began cutting the hair of Sheikh Haddad. After the haircut, the barber gave him a few dirhams and said: “Use this for your other needs.” Sheikh Haddad resolved to give to the barber whatever wealth he first obtains. When he went to the Musjid he met a man who said: “Your brother in Basrah has sent this bag containing 300 dinars (gold coins).”

Taking the bag, Sheikh Haddad went to the barber and said: “Accept these 300 dinars and use them for your needs and for spending in Allah’s path.” The barber responded: “O Sheikh! Have you no shame? You asked me to cut your hair for Allah’s Sake. How can I now accept remuneration? You take it. May Allah forgive you.”
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[Useless_Slave_Of_Allah]

15. THE CONVERSION OF A FAMILY OF FIRE-WORSHIPPERS

A former Majusi (Fire-worshipper) narrated the following story to a Buzrug.

“I had purchased a slave girl. I paid a huge sum for her on account of her intelligence , beauty and piety. She devoted herself to the worship of our god (the fire). I was enamored and in love with her.

One day a man of your religion (i.e. a Muslim) came to our home and recited something from your Scripture (Qur`aan). When the slave girl heard the recitation, she shrieked loudly. Her loud shriek instilled fear in us. She lapsed into a state of bewilderment. She would not answer when we spoke to her. She abandoned us and our god. She abstained from our food. During the night she would face the Qiblah and pray like you.

I sternly prohibited her, but she ignored all my warnings. The glitter of her beauty faded and her entire condition underwent a complete change. No longer did we derive any benefit from her, nor did we succeed in bringing any change in her.

One day when I came home, I saw the slave girl sitting on a chair and lecturing on the dhikr(rememberance) and unity of Allah, and warning my family against fire-worship. She was praising Jannat(Heaven.) I was shocked to see her reviling our religion. I consulted with a friend who advised me to give a bag with some money to her for safe-keeping. I should then remove the bag from her custody without her knowledge. When she will obviously be unable to produce the bag on demand, I will then have a valid reason for beating her. He advised me to give her a thorough beating.

I followed the advice of my friend. When she had become engrossed in Salaat(Prayer) as had become her practice, I surreptitiously removed the bag. She was completely unaware. I then appeared and demanded the bag. She quickly went to the place where she had put the bag and brought it to me. I was dumb-founded. I could not believe it as I, myself, had taken away the bag. I now realized the truth of her religion. I had no doubt that the Deity she worshipped was indeed Almighty. We all- my friend, my family and I- embraced Islam.

We set the slave girl free in fulfillment of her desire. She spent her days in concealment absorbed in the love and worship of Allah Ta`ala.”


16. THE EVIL OF BACK-BITING

Sheikh Abul Qaasim Junaid (rahmatullah alayh) was sitting in the Musjid. He saw a healthy faqeer(poor person) begging from people. He said to himself: “It would be better for him if he worked and earned his living instead of asking from others.”

When Sheikh Junaid returned to his home, he found himself extremely agitated. He had no rest in his heart. With difficulty did he engage in ibaadat. He fell asleep in this state of turmoil. He dreamt that the body of that faqeer was placed in front of him and he was ordered to eat it. “You have made gheebat of him,” said someone. I said: “I did not make gheebat of him. However, I said something about him to myself.” It was said to me: “You are not amongst those who indulge in such contemptible things. Go and ask the faqeer to forgive you.”

In the morning Hadhrat Junaid set out in search of the faqeer. He saw the faqeer picking some vegetable leaves from water in which people had washed their vegetables. After Hadhrat Junaid greeted, the faqeer said: “O Abul Qaasim! Will you search for the faults of the servants of Allah? May Allah forgive you and me.”


17. A JEW EMBRACES ISLAM

Hadhrat Abul Abbas Bin Masruq (rahmatullah alayh) narrates:
“An old man of cheerful deposition used to visit us. He would talk to us and ask many questions. He also told us to unhesitatingly inform him of any opinions we held of him.

One day it came to my mind that the old man was a Jew (pretending to be a Muslim). When I mentioned this to my companion Jareeri, he exclaimed in surprise: ‘Allahu Akbar!’. However, I resolved to voice my opinion to the old man.

When he came, I said: ‘You had told us to inform you of any thoughts we had of you. I am of the opinion that you are a Yahudi(Jew).’ The old man lowered his head and after reflecting, said:
‘Undoubtedly, you have spoken the truth. But now I am saying:
I have examined all religions and I had concluded that if there was any truth in any people, it would be among Muslims. I therefore came to test you. I am now convinced of your truth.’”


18. A CHRISTIAN EMBRACES ISLAM

The Christian slave of a bigoted Christian came to Hadhrat Abul Qaasim Junaid Baghdaadi (rahmatullah alayh). Pretending to be a Muslim, the slave said:
“O Sheikh! What is the meaning of Rasulullah’s saying:
‘Beware of the insight of the Mu`min, for verily, he looks with the noor of Allah.’”

Hadhrat Junaid lowered his head for a few moments. Then, raising his head, he said; “The time for you to become a Muslim has arrived. Accept Islam.”

The slave immediately embraced Islam. He broke the crucifix which he had with him and threw it away.


19. THE DUA OF THE AHLULLAH FOR A CHRISTIAN

One day Hadhrat Shibli (rahmatullah alayh) left the city with 40 of his mureeds(disciple). Addressing them on the outskirts of the city, Sheikh Shibli said:

“Allah Ta`ala has undertaken the responsibility of providing rizq(sustenance) to His servants. Therefore, all of you, have trust in Allah. Do not focus your attention on anyone.”

Sheikh Shibli left them and disappeared for 3 days. Nothing of the spiritual mysteries was revealed to them during this interval. After 3 days when Sheikh Shibli returned, he said: “Allah Ta`ala has given His servants permission to search for their rizq. Therefore, send a truthful one from among you on this errand.” They chose one and sent him off to the city.

In the city, he did not succeed in obtaining any means for the acquisition of food. Finally, overcome by extreme hunger and weakness, he sat down outside the surgery of a Nasara(Christian) physician who was being visited by numerous patients. When the doctor observed the faqeer(poor person), he asked: “What sickness ails you?”

The faqeer did not think it honourable to speak about food to the doctor. He simply stretched his hand like a patient who wants his pulse checked. After checking the pulse, the doctor said: “I have diagnosed your sickness and I know the medicine for it. Sit comfortably.”

The physician sent his servant to buy some food. When the food was brought, the doctor presenting it to the faqeer, said: “In my opinion the medicine for your sickness is only this.” The faqeer said: “If you are true in your profession, then know that there are 40 persons with this same illness.” The doctor ordered his servant to hasten to the market-place to buy food for 40 persons. When the food arrived, the doctor presented it to the faqeer and sent a porter with him to carry the food. The doctor followed at a discreet distance to verify the claim of the faqeer.

When they reached the place where the group of Sufis was, the doctor remained concealed. He looked through the opening. He saw that when the food was placed in front of the mureeds, they called Sheikh Shibli. The Sheikh, without touching the food, said: “There is a wonderful mystery in this food.” He instructed the faqeer to narrate the episode of the food. After the faqeer had narrated the whole story, Hadhrat Shibli said: “Are you pleased to eat the food of a Nasara who has been kind to you while you have not yet compensated him?”

The Mureeds said: “O Sayyid! We are poor and mendicants. How can we compensate him?” Hadhrat Shibli said: “Before eating, make dua of Hidaayat(Guidance) for him.”

Meanwhile, the doctor was observing the whole scene. When he saw that in spite of their extreme hunger, they had not eaten, he knocked at the door. When the door was opened, he went to them, broke his crucifix and recited the Kalimah. He entered into the circle of Hadhrat Shibli’s Mureeds.


20. THE PHYSICIAN WAS THE PATIENT

Once Hadhrat Shibli became very ill. The king sent a very experienced physician to treat Hadhrat Shibli (rahmatullah alayh). However, the doctor was a Christian. Inspite of all his efforts, the condition of Hadhrat Shibli did not improve. In desperation, the doctor said: “If the cure of your illness requires that I cut off any part of my body, I will assuredly do so without hesitation.”

Hadhrat Shibli said: “My cure is simple, throw away the cross you are wearing and accept Islam.” The physician immediately embraced Islam and recited the Kalimah. Hadhrat Shibli (rahmatullah alayh) recovered from his sickness.

When the king heard this amazing story, he cried much and commented:
“We thought that we had sent a physician to a patient. But in reality we had sent a patient to a physician.”


21. THE TEACHING OF A SLAVE

A Buzrug narrates: “After I purchased a slave I asked his name. He replied: “My name is whatever you call me.” I said: “What work will you do?” He said: “Whatever task you impose on me.”

I said: “What food do you prefer?”

He said: “Whatever you feed me.”

I said: “What does your heart wish for?”

He said: “What can a slave wish for in the presence of his master?” ( i.e. His master is everything for him.)

I broke down crying. I reflected and thought of the relationship I should have with my Master, Allah Ta`ala. I said to the slave: ‘O my friend! You have imparted adab (respect) to me.’”

Comments >> SubhaanAllah - What beautiful act of obedience, this is a true slave. Then you get "Muslims" like us who are disobedient to THE Master, night and day. May Allah (swt) forgive us, and give us the ability to become true slaves. Ameen.


22. TALQEEN TO THE LIVING

(Talqeen is a practice of instructing the deceased person in the grave the lessons of Imaan. The Talqeen should be read at the grave of the deceased after everyone has left. Talqeen is recited to assist the deceased in the grave to answer the questions of the grave when facing Munkar and Nakeer the two Angels of the grave).

Once in Makkah Muazzamah, Sheikh Najmuddin Isfahaani (rahmatullahi alayh) attended the Janaaza(funeral) of a Buzrug. After the burial when the people sat at the grave-side and engaged in reciting the Talqeen, Sheikh Isfahaani, contrary to his habit, laughed. He never used to laugh. When someone asked him the reason for laughing, he sharply reprimanded the enquirer. Thereafter, on some other occasion, he explained: “On that day I had laughed because when the people were engaged in Talqeen, the dead Buzrug from inside the grave said: ‘People! It is surprising that you are reciting Talqeen to one who is alive.’”


23. THE INCENTIVE OF SHAUQ (Yearning)

Hadhrat Shaqeeq Balkhi (rahmatullahi alayh) narrates that along the road to Makkah he saw a frail weak man crawling on his knees. Hadhrat Shaqeeq said to him: “From where do you come?”

Lame man: “From Samarqand.”

Hadhrat Shaqeeq: “How long are you journeying along the road?”

Lame man: “Ten years.”

When Hadhrat Shaqeeq stared at him in surprise, he asked: “O Shaqeeq! Why are you staring at me in surprise? My journey may be arduous and long, but shauq (yearning for Allah) is drawing me near. Certainly I am weak in body, but my Master is sustaining it and carrying it aloft. O Shaqeeq! There is no surprise when the Kind Benefactor is taking along the weak servant.”


24. THE YAQEEN OF A YOUNG LAD

Sheikh Fatah Musali (rahmatullahi alayh) narrates: “I saw a minor boy walking in the wilderness. His lips were moving. I made Salaam and he responded. I asked: ‘Son! Where are you off to?’ He said: ‘I am proceeding to Baitullah (House of Allah).’”

Sheikh: “With which words are you moving your lips?”

Lad: “With the Qur`aan.”

Sheikh: “You are yet a minor. The laws are not yet incumbent on you.”

Lad: “I am observing that Maut(Death) is claiming even those younger than me.”

Sheikh: “Your feet are still small and the road difficult and long.”

Lad: “It is Allah’s responsibility to enable me to reach the destination.”

Sheikh: “Where are your provisions and mount?”

Lad: “Yaqeen(Confidence) is my provision and my feet are my mount.”

Sheikh: “I am asking about your food and water.”

Lad: “O Uncle! If a person invites you to his home, is it proper to take food along to his house?”

Sheikh: “No!”

Lad: “My King is calling His servants to His House. The weakness of their Yaqeen constrains them to take along food, while I believe this to be highly disrespectful. Do you think that He will allow me to be destroyed?”

Sheikh: “Never!”

Sheikh Fatah continues: “The lad then disappeared from my sight. I saw him again in Makkah. When our eyes met, he said: ‘O Sheikh! You are still dwelling in weakness as far as Yaqeen is concerned.’”


25. SUPPLICATION OF A DIVINE LOVER

A woman clasping the cloth of the Kaabah, supplicated: “O Thou Beloved of all hearts! Besides You, who is there for me? Have mercy on me. I have today come to visit You. I no longer have the strength to bear (this separation from You). My yearning for You has increased. My heart rejects every other love. You Alone are my desire and goal. When will I meet You? The bounties of Jannat are not my objective. I desire Jannat for Your Vision.”
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