Chapter 9: The Aadaab for the Ziyaarat (The Manner of Performing The Ziyaarat)

O Thou whom that very earth became honored; May my life be a sacrifice for that grave? Wherein thou dwellest,

For therein lies virtue and therein lies generosity and goodness.

After this he begged for forgiveness and departed. Muhammad al Atabi says further: thereafter, I fell asleep on that spot and in a vision I saw the Messenger of Allah. He said to me: 'Go and find that person and tell him, that through my intercession Allah has forgiven him.' (shifa-al-Asqam, Mawaahib). The poem above is mentioned by several writers. Hazrat Imaam Nawawi in his book 'Manaasik' added another couplet:

Thou art the intercessor, whose intercession is desired, On that bridge when feet are sure to slip; As for your two companions, them shall I never forget, Salaam to you dear Rasulullah for as long as pens can write.

Chapter 9: The Aadaab for the Ziyaarat (The Manner of Performing The Ziyaarat)

In almost all the booklets printed on the subject of Haj, whether in Urdu, Arabic or Persian, a chapter has been included which deals with the proper manner to perform Ziyaarat. In fact the Ulama have mentioned as one of the main proofs for the need of Ziyaarat, the fact that whenever anyone wrote on Haj he also included at least a chapter on the visit to the tomb of Rasulullah ﷺ .

Is'haaq bin Ibrahim Faqih wrote: "It has always been the custom of the Hajis that when they perform Haj, they also proceed to Madinah so as to visit the tomb of the Rasul ﷺ , to be blessed thereby and visiting the Mosque, the Prophet's Mimbar, his resting place and the places where he dwelt".

Hazrat Mullah Ali Quari Rah, dealing with the above goes on to say. But in all this, the intention (niyyat) to go Madinah should be to visit the Mosque of the Prophet ﷺ and all other places should be considered of somewhat less importance. Who can deny that since the time of the Sahaaba thousands of Hajis visit graves of the companions annually? Very few are those who for some excuse or other perform Haj and do not go to Madinah. It is true that these people go to visit the Mosque and not the Prophet ﷺ 's tomb, then surely at least once tenth of them or one twentieth of them would definitely visit Jerusalem as well, so that they would at least have visited all these Holy cities, all three Holy Mosques, in Makkah, Madinah and the Masjid-ul-Aqsa. In chapter eight we already mentioned the views of all four Imams on the issue of Ziyaarat, from which we could deduce that they are all agreed that Ziyaarat is mustahab. In the Hambali kitaab Dateelut-Taalib it is said that Ziyaarat is sunnat, whereas Salaah in the Mosque of Madinah is considered mustahab.

In mot other books, the manner of Ziyaarat, its proper etiquette, the words to recite have already been noted. In the following lines we intend mentioning only some of the points to bear in mind. This should actually not be necessary, as:

'The love that is borne for him; Itself should teach respectful honor for him."

1) The ulama disagrees as to whether Ziyaarat should precede Haj or vice versa. (See chapter eight, hadith three)

2) When intending to travel to Madinah, what niyyat should be made?

Because of Hadith No.12, in chapter eight, some are of the opinion that one should have the niyyat of visiting the tomb of the Prophet ﷺ as well as the masjid in Madinah. However, Hazrat Shaikh Ibn Humaam Rah, wrote in Fat'hul Qadeer: "In my humble opinion the intention should be only to visit the Rasul ﷺ 's grave, because that indicates honor to Rasulullah ﷺ , and in doing so that Hadith is also acted upon wherein the Holy Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever comes as a visitor to me with nothing else prompting him except to visit me; for him shall I surely be an intercessor."

If however, Allah grants a second visit, then at that time the niyyat should be to visit the grave as well as the Masjid.

Hazrat Maulana Gangohi Rah, also favored this view. In his book 'Zabdatul Manaasik' he wrote: "On intending a visit to Madinah, the niyyat should be solely to visit the Holy Sculpture of the Prophet ﷺ so that obedience will have been shown to the Hadith which includes: with nothing else prompting him except to visit me."

3) No matter which niyyat is made for Madinah, let it be so that this journey should be exclusively for Allah's pleasure. There should not be any glimpse of Riya, no show, no exhibition, no pride, neither should there be any aim of traveling for the sake of touring or sight seeing, and nor should their be any aim of attaining any material benefit. Otherwise there exists the danger of deeds being nullified. One should not go to Madinah merely because of the fear of the taunts of friends and people who may accuse one that he neglected to perform Ziyaarat out of stinginess.

4) Hazrat Mullah Ali Quari Rah wrote in his book Shar'hul Lubaab: "A sign that a person's niyyat is sincere, is the fact that, neither does he discard any of his obligatory duties, nor any of the sunnats. Otherwise on this journey, apart from having spent of his resources and undergone hardships, he gains nothing; and repentance to Allah becomes binding."

In my humble opinion, one should take special precautions on this journey not to neglect any Sunnat action, even though sunnats are normally considered of lesser importance while on a journey. Though being on a journey allows certain sunnat acts to be taken more lightly; one should on this journey to Madinah endeavor to diligently follow the footsteps of Rasulullah ﷺ , whereby this journey is elevated in spirit.

5) A special effort must be made to recite Salawaat (Durood) abundantly, and with complete sincerity and faith. All the learned ulama had greatly emphasized this point. The more Salawaat (Durood) is recited, the better. Besides the compulsory duties and necessities of life most time should be spent in reciting Salawaat (Durood). Hazrat Mullah Ali Quari Rah even goes so far as to say that all time that remains after having seen to necessities of life and obligatory duties, should be utilized for the recitation of Salawaat (Durood), because the more one applies ones-self to any righteous act, the greater is the reward.

Hazrat Hafiz Ibn Hajar Rah writes in his commentary on the Manaasik-ul-Haj of Imaam Nawawi, that on this journey the abundant recitation of Salawaat (Durood) is the most virtuous act. Is it even more virtuous than recitation of the Qur'aan, or is it equal in virtue? The answer lies in the fact that at all those times where Salawaat (Durood) is specially called for, it is more in reward as on the night of Jamu'ah- the eve preceding the day of Friday. Here it is more rewardful. Now similarly on this journey Salawaat (Durood) is special sunnat of the time and thus more virtuous than even tilaawaat of the Qur'aan.

According to the ulama, wherever Zikr in general is mentioned, Tilaawat is better, but wherever any special form of Zikr is called for that special form is more virtuous. In Hisn-e-Haseen, Hazrat Allama Jazari Rah states: "The best form of Zikr is recitation of the Qur'aan except where any other form is stipulated." Commenting on this Hazrat Maulana Abdul Hayy states: "For example; a prescribed Tasbeeh is supposed to be recited in Ruku and Sajdah. If in those two places the Qur'aan is being recited it is considered Makrooh."

6) Travel with great enthusiasm and excitement and increase the yearning, as Madinah becomes nearer.

"As the hour of meeting dawns true to a promise; the fire of longing increases its intensity." In order to intensify that enthusiasm, one should recite poems in praise of the Prophet ﷺ . If a biography of the Prophet ﷺ , is available; read it or have it read for others to listen to, so that in the circles of travelers, the life of Rasulullah ﷺ is discussed and all thoughts are focussed on him, so much so that when the day of entering Madinah is near, then longing should be at its greatest.

7) When along the way you pass any places or mosques about which it is known that Rasulullah ﷺ or his companions had rested or prayed then stop there to pray, offering nafl (voluntary) prayers or keep busy with Salawaat (Durood) or Tilaawat. Similarly when passing any wells, do drink of the waters for the sake of gaining blessings. Some of these wells are mentioned in chapter ten.

In Mu'allimul Hajjaaj and Ziyaaratul Haramain some of these places are mentioned. Do find out where these places are situated. (Read these two books well. They are very beneficial.)

Among these places there is one special one called Muar'ras, which is situated near Zhul-Hulaifa on the outskirts of Madinah. Here one should definitely perform Salaah. According to the Shafis it is Sunnat-ul-Mu'akkdah, i.e. a greatly emphasized sunnat to do so. Some ulama even mention it to be Waajib. (See Manaasikul Haj of Nawawi)

8) When nearing Madinah enthusiasm and excitement should be at its climax. Salawaat (Durood) should be repeatedly recited. If one is on the back of some riding horse or camel, an effort should be made to ride it faster. It is reported that whenever the Rasul Allah ﷺ returned from some journey and approached Madinah he drove his camel faster. (Over the last stretch).

"How great the yearning on that day; as nearer comes the lover, to the beloved's tent."

9) Finally the eyes will fall on the walls of Madinah. Then when the orchard of Madinah comes into sight as happens when passing Bi'r Ali, it is best to descend from your vehicle and to proceed barefoot towards the city while tears flow in unrestrained manner from the eyes, and Salawaat (Durood) comes from the lips.

"And when into sight there appeared; The precincts, of the town of him, Who left not with us; the heart, Nor the mind to realize the same, From our mounts we descended; Proceeding respectfully afoot, For far indeed it be that; From his honor on horse back we approach him"

It used to be the custom of the former kings and rulers that they always used to proceed on foot from Zhul-Hulaifa, which lies at a distance of ten kilometers (six miles), from Madinah. And why not? If from that spot one should proceed with our heads on the ground then too it would not be sufficient in honor of him.

"And though I come to you walking with my eyes, Then too I have not done my duty in proper. And which duty, Sire; Have I indeed performed with diligence?" "And when the resting place of our beloved, we beheld at Tiebah; Our love for him flared beyond bounds; And when the dust of Tiebah to our eyes we applied; Gone was our sickness ne'er again to return." (Allahumma Salli wa Sallam Alaihi)

10) When final entrance to Madinah is imminent together with Salawaat (Durood) this duaa should be recited:

"O Allah, verily this is the bounty of Thy Nabi ﷺ . Let it b e for me a means of refuge from the fire of hell, a refuge from punishment and a refuge against the trials of the reckoning." Pray then for the attainment of the blessings of the Holy City, and for the guidance to uphold the sanctity of Madinah, while also praying for help to avoid any undesirable acts.

11) Before entering the Holy City the visitor should cleanse himself by means of a bath (Ghusl). If however it is not possible, this should be done after entrance, but in any case before visiting the Mosque. When ghusl cannot be preformed, then at least Wudhu should be made.

Having bathed, one's best clothes should be worn, sweet smelling itr should be applied and such should one appear, as is normally the case on the days of Eid. With great humility and the utmost humbleness yet in full-dignified manner should be the procession to the Haram.

It should report that a deputation from the tribe of Abdul Qais once came to visit the Holy Messenger of Allah in Madinah. On entering Madinah, they saw the Rasul ﷺ and at once their joy, pleasure and excitement knew no bounds. They jumped from their camels and ran in his direction to meet him. Among them was their leader Munzir bin Aa'iz who was also called the Shaikh of Abdul Qais, he did not follow them. Instead he led their camels to the resting-place, gathered all their goods ad placed everything under care. Thereafter he bathed himself, put on his new clothes and slowly proceeded in the direction of the Mosque in dignity and humility. First on entering the mosque he performed two rak'ah Tahiyatul Masjid salaah, lifted his hands in prayer to Allah and then presented himself before the Nabi ﷺ . The Nabi ﷺ greatly approved this action of his and said to him: "there are two characteristics in you which are most beloved to Allah; Your Humbleness and your dignity."

12) According to some ulama it has been noted as one of the aadaab to give substance in charity at a time like this; especially before entering the mosque. Hazrat Ibn Hajar Rah says it is sunnat to give sadaqah even though it is a small amount; and the recipients should best be of the poor inhabitants of Madinah. However if there are more needy ones among people who are not Medinites then they should be preferred. In my humble opinion the underlying idea in giving charity at a time like this is most probably due to the Qur'anic verse:

"O You who believe! When you consult the Prophet in private; spend something in charity before your private consultation. That will be best for you, and most conducive to purity. But if you find not, Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful."

Originally this charity was compulsory. Thereafter the compulsory nature of the order was abrogated by the verse following it. Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I was the very first one to act according to this verse. When this verse was revealed I had in my possession one dinaar. I changed it into dirhams. Whenever I conversed with Rasulullah ﷺ , I gave one dirham in charity. Thereafter this command was abrogated."

13) Entering Madinah the visitor should recite the prescribed prayers for this occasion and enter with humbleness and humility. In the heart should be the sorrow of not having been able to visit the Rasul ﷺ before this moment; the sorrow of not having been able to visit him during his worldly life; the hope of meeting him in the hereafter while fearing the worst. The mind should realize that entrance is about to be made to the dignified presence of a very great personality.

His high position, his honor, his exalted eminence should at all times be borne in mind with salawaat flowing from the lips.

14) When the green dome of the mosque comes into sight, remember the Nabi ﷺ rank of honor and exalted position. Let the mind remember that underneath that Dome lies buried he who is more exalted than any other being, the sire among the Prophets; he who is more exalted then even the angels. His grave is more exalted than any part of the earth and the portion adjacent to his Holy body is even more exalted than the Ka'bah itself; more even than the throne (arsh), the kursi; even more than any other place in heaven and on earth. (Lubbab)

15) Having entered the city proceed straight to the mosque. (When you have women with you or good s then it is a different case). The ulama have stated that one should first of all visit the mosque. Infact this was the practice of the Nabi ﷺ himself that whenever he returned from a journey e first descended at the mosque.

16) As for women, when they enter Madinah by day it is best that they wait till the darkness before performing Ziyaarat, because for them it is necessary to follow all those things at all times that are stipulated under Pardah.

17) Enter the mosque with all the aadaab of entering a masjid. Enter fist with the right foot, then the left.

Recite the stipulated duaa. (Allahummah tahli Abwaaba Rahmatik) and make the niyyat of I'tikaaf. If one make s niyyat of I'tikaaf on entering any mosque, reward is granted for the mere presence in the mosque. Therefore one should always do so.

18) It is best to enter through the door called Baab Jibra'il because the Nabi ﷺ

himself always preferred entering through that door. The quarters of his wives were probably situated on that side (Sharh Manaasik of Nawawi). However it is not compulsory that one should enter from this door. Any other may be used. (Sharah Lubaab)

19) Retain all humility and humbleness when inside the mosque. Keep the attention away from all the internal decorations of the mosque itself. Keep the mind away from the architecture, the adornments of the carpets, pillars, chandeliers, etc. proceed with dignity, with eyes cast down and go forward respectfully, while avoiding any disrespectful action and any indifference which may be a cause of great loss.

20) Having now entered the mosque, endeavor to reach the Rowdha-tul Jannat. It is that portion which lies between the Holy Tomb and the Mimbar and is called Rowdah because the Nabi ﷺ is reported to have said: "Between my grave and my mimbar lies one of the gardens of paradise." When one enters from Baab Jibra'il it is best to proceed behind the grave straight to the Rowdha (garden), so that one need not pass in front of the grave without having recited the greetings.

21) Perform salaah of Tahiyyatul Masjid (2 Rak'ahs) in the Rowdha. This is the correct thing to do before reciting the salaam to the Rasul ﷺ . This is a right due to Allah, and comes before the right due to the Rasul ﷺ . Then we already saw under NO. 11 above how Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Qais Rah first recited these before coming to meet the Rasul ﷺ .

Hazrat Jaabir رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports: "I once returned from a journey and came to meet the Nabi ﷺ who was at that time in the mosque. The Nabi ﷺ asked me: "Have you performed Tahiyyatul Masjid prayer?" I replied: "No". The Nabi ﷺ said: "First perform Tahiyyatul Masjid prayers and then come to me."

22) In the first rak'ah of this salaah recite Surat Al Kaafiroon (Qul yaa Ayyuhal Kafiroon) and in the second rak'ah recite Surat Ikhlaas (Qul huwallahu Ahad). In the first Surat we read a complete denial of any form of shirk (associating anything with Allah) and in the second we read a complete affirmation of Allah's oneness."

23) The ulama say it is best to stand for prayer in that part of the Rowdha where the Nabi ﷺ used to stand in prayer. In Zubda this spot is marked in this manner: "With the mimbar in line with your right shoulder and the pillar with the casket in front of you". Hazrat Imaam Ghazaali Rah has also described the spot similarly. Hazrat Ibn Hajar Rah writes in 'Shar'h Manaasik' that the casket was burnt and in its place a mehraab was built. This is the mehraab that is known as Rasulullah ﷺ 's mehraab today. Most of the ulama have mentioned that it is preferable to perform your Tahiyyatul Masjid salaah at this place. During the one-year stay in Madinah Munawwarah the humble writer did not have the courage to stand on this spot once. If it is not possible to perform salaah at this spot then any place in the Rowdha could be chosen.

24) Now having performed this salaah, give thanks to Allah for the great favor granted and beg of Him that He accept the Haj and Ziyaarat. You may perform the Sajdah-Shukr (thanks-giving sujood) or Salaat ash Shukr. Many ulama have said that one should perform the Sajdah-Shukr. (N.B. it is a known fact that according to the Hanafis one does not perform a single sajdah only. When Sajdah-Shukr is mentioned it means nafl salaah in fact. However here the Hanafis too have said it is permissible to perform sujood only. (See Sharh Lubbab). As for the Shafis's, they accept sujood on its own but at a place like this in the Rowdha-they do not call for sujood-shukr. (see shar'h Manaasik)

25) It may happen that Fardh salaah may be about to be performed or in the process of being performed when you enter the mosque. When that happens, do not perform Tahiyyatul Masjid, join the fardh salaah and also make niyyat for the Tahiyyatul Masjid, so that reward for both is attained. Similarly when you enter at a time when it is makrooh to perform any nafl salaah. As for example after Asr, then too no Tahiyyatul Masjid salaah should be performed.

26) After salaah walk towards the grave while keeping the heart and mind clear of evil thought and all thought centered on the exalted personage of the Rasul ﷺ . The ulama inform us that the heart of a person cannot become influenced and affected with the blessings of that Holy Place, when that heart is not free from evil thoughts, desires and passions. On the contrary such hearts which are worldly inclined and disconnected with the hereafter are in dire peril that the anger of the Rasul ﷺ come on them and on the day of Qiyaamah he may turn away from them. May Allah with His mercy save us from that. For this reason it is required that every visitor to the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ at hat moment keep his mind free of any worldly inclinations as much as possible while at the same time keeping alive the great hope for Allah's Infinite and Perfect Grace. Every visitor should cast his attention to the Nabi ﷺ who is the 'Mercy to all' and present himself before the Nabi ﷺ and through his wasselah, beg Allah's mercy and forgiveness (Sharh Lubaab)

27) When visiting any grave, the respectful manner is to approach the grave from the side where the feet rest, so that if Allah should grant the inmate of the grave sight of the visitor, it is easier for him to see the visitor. It is clear that when any person is buried facing the Qibla, lying on his right side his eyes are inevitably cast towards his feet. Thus when anyone approaches him from the side where the head is at rest, he has difficulty in seeing the visitor (Fathul Qadeer)

In view of the above some ulama have stated (see Sharh Manasik) that the visitor to the Holy Grave of Rasulullah ﷺ should approach from the feet end. Mawahib, however, the author is of the opinion that one should approach from the Qibla side facing the front of Rasulullah ﷺ , but it is still better if the approach is from the direction of the feet-end of the grave.

Some other ulama prefers that the approach should be from the head side, because Tahiyyatul Masjid salaah will first have been performed in the Rowdha. The Rowdha is situated at the head-end of the grave and if anyone comes from there, should from the feet end, he will have to go right around the grave on the north side, which will be almost similar to making a tawaaf of the grave, and performing tawaaf around any grave is prohibited.

For this reason, in spite of what has been said above, these ulama prefer the visitor to come from the Rowdha, to the Rasul ﷺ from the head side. However, they too are agreed that under normal circumstances the visitor to the grave should prefer the feet side approach.

28) When facing the grave, stand with the back towards the Qibla, about two paces away from the corner pillar that is on the wall at the head side, turning slightly to the right so that the face is exactly opposite the Holy Countenance of Rasulullah ﷺ (Zubdah)

According to the author of Ithaaf, this pillar now lies inside the brass screen Hazrat Mulla Ali Qari Rah says one should sand facing the silver peg that is in the brass screen. (Sharh Lubaab)

29) Stand about three or four paces away from the screen wall of the enclosure. Respect demands that one should not come nearer, that the eyes be cast down, that one should not look around from side to side, and that one stands still, while bearing in mind that now I stand facing the blessed presence of the Messenger of Allah and the man of the most exalted rank, is aware of my presence. Hazrat Ibn Ameerul Haaj Rah writes in his book 'Madkhal': "With utmost respect and humility more than can ever be written here should one stand in this auspicious spot because there one stands before the only intercessor whose intercession is sure to be accepted by Allah. Whoever intended visiting his home, reaches his desires, aims and whoever had presented himself to the door of his house will not return from there disappointed. Whoever prayed to Allah through his waseelah, has his prayer answered. Whoever asks, receives. These things are proved by the experience of man. For this reason the more respectful and humble one appears in his presence, the better it is for oneself. Indeed one should have the idea in mind that: "Here I stand in his presence as if he is still alive, because as for the knowledge of the position and condition of his Ummat and their intentions are concerned, Rasulullah ﷺ knows of it now in death as he knew about the Ummat in his lifetime." (Madkhal vol.1)

30) Standing there, recite salaam to the Rasul ﷺ . Words for this salaam have been compiled in many Haj-guide books. The former elders of Islam used various combinations of salaam and may had various ways of greeting the Nabi ﷺ , thereby pouring out their hearts to him. So it should be, if love and adoration fills that heart.

"Sire, when in thousands the lips of thousands sing the praise; From thy side one blessed silence answers all." Some others again could only utter a few words of greetings.

"Where my silence can convey the exceeding love that fills this overflowing heart, let silence prevail."

Hazrat Mulla Ali Qari Rah reports that some elders like Hazrat Ibn Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا used to recite only: 'Assalamu Alayka Ay-yuhan Nabi-yu Wa rahmatullahi Wa barakaatuh.' 'Salam to you O Nabi of Allah and on you Allah's Mercies and blessings.'

Others again preferred a much longer form of salutation. If we look at Hadith literature, then there too we find numerous forms of salawaat, in various lengths and styles. This tends to indicate the correctness of the practice of the ulama. Maulana Hazrat Rashid Ahmad Gangohi Rah written the words of salutation to be recited to the Nabi ﷺ , wrote further: "As much as you desire, may you add to these words, bearing in mind that the words should convey respect and honor." (zubdah) Hazrat Imaam Nawawi Rah, who wrote a lengthy salutation, noted thereafter that Hazrat Ibn Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا only used to say:

"Assalamu Alayka Ya Rasulullha." "Assalamu Alayka Ya Abaa Bakr." "Assalamu Alayka Ya Abataah (O my father.)"

In the humble opinion of the author of these lines, when a person understands the meaning of the Arabic salutations he recites ad it flows from his lips with ecstatic pleasure; it is not wrong for him to continue in a lengthy manner.

However, where the translation is not known and no pleasure felt it is perhaps best that one does not continue reading lengthily in parrot fashion. In such cases it would be more appropriate to stand in a dignified manner and a heart filled with ecstatic love, reciting salawaat quietly and slowly "Assalatu Wassalaamu Alayka Ya Rasulullah."

One should continue reciting these words stopping for a few moments before repeating the same. (N.B. In the previous chapter refer to Hadith number 10 about reciting salawaat seventy times.)

31) Let it be noted that every care be taken that at the time of reciting salaam, no noise, shouting and loud voices be heard. The voice should be raised only sufficiently to reach inside the room. Hazrat Mulla Ali Qari Rah says: "The voice should not be unduly raised neither unduly lowered. Choose a tone between these two extremes. Let the heart be mindful of what is being read and be ashamed before the Rasul ﷺ for the wrong acts committed. It is related in a Hadith in the Bukhari Shareef: "Hazrat Saaib رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports that he was in the mosque in Madinah when someone threw a small stone at him. Looking around he saw Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ who indicated him to come to him. He went and Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ said: "Please bring those two people to me-those two talking over there." Hazrat Saaib رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ brought them. Hazrat Umara رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ asked them where they were from and they said: 'From Taif.' Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ said: "You two are conversing with each other in loudly raised voices. If you had been inhabitants of this city, I would have punished you." Muhammad bin Maslama رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "NO one is allowed to raise hi voice in speech in this Mosque." (Sharhi shifa). The story about Sayyidna Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ as just quoted is reported by various writers. In some of the reports Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ is supposed to have added: "I would have beat them with lashes causing immense pain (for conversing loudly)." However, being strangers to the city and being unaware of what is right and wrong, he excused them.

Whenever Hazrat Aa'isha رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ used to hear any noise near the grave, she sent someone to beg them to be quite and to bear in mind the fact that those things disturb the Rasul ﷺ .

Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ required a door to be made for his house. He asked the carpenter to kindly go and construct it at Baqi, so that the noise of constructing it does not reach the Rasul ﷺ .

In Mawahib Hazrat Allama Qastalani Rah writes: "The same respect should be shown to the Rasul ﷺ at this time as would have been shown to him in his lifetime, because he is indeed alive in his grave." (Sharh Mawaahib)

Allah specially instructs in this direction in the Qur'aan when he says in Surah Hujuraat: 'O You who believe, Raise not your voices above the voice of the Nabi, nor speak aloud to him in talk, as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds become vain and you perceive not.'

Hazrat Imaam Bukhari رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ relates regarding this verse that once in the presence of Rasulullah ﷺ a discussion took place between Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ where these two had a difference of opinion. The conversation led to raised voices, whereupon this verse was revealed. When Allah warns the likes of Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ with such stern words, how much should we not fear that punishment? In another Hadith it is said that Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ became so affected by this that thereafter he lowered his voice so much that whenever he spoke he had to be asked to repeat hi words. Hazrat Abu Bakr R.A said: "O Rasulullah ﷺ ! From now I shall address you as if I am talking to you about something secret." It is reported that Hazrat Thabit bin Qais Rah used to have a naturally loud voice. Since the above verse was revealed he became immensely sad and distressed saying: "I shall enter Jahannam for I always speak loudly." Thereafter he confined himself to his house not setting foot from there. A few days later the Nabi ﷺ , on missing him, inquired about him and was informed of what happened. The Nabi ﷺ consoled him and gave him the glad tiding of his being one of the inmates of Jannah. (Durre Mansoor)

So whoever visits the grave of the Rasul ﷺ should take great precaution against making noise there.

32) After greeting the Nabi ﷺ , pray to Allah through the name of the Rasul ﷺ . Beg the intercession of the Rasul ﷺ . Many learned ones consider it prohibited to accept waseelah. But the majority accepts it. In 'Mughni', which is an authentic book of Hambali fiqh, we have the following duaa to be recited together with the salutation at the grave of the Nabi ﷺ :

"O Allah, Your word is the truth, and You did say: 'And O Muhammad when they having been unjust to their ownselves, come to you and seek Allah's forgiveness, and the Rasul begs forgiveness for them, then surely they will find Allah oft Forgiving, Merciful.' And now have I come to you O Rasul seeking forgiveness for my sins, seeking your intercession on my behalf in the presence of Allah; and I ask You O Allah to grant me these, and to grant me forgiveness in a similar manner as You had granted to them who came to the Rasul in his lifetime." The same words are also reported in Sharah Kabeer and in both these books we have the story of Atabi reported in the previous chapter.

Once the Hazrat Khalifa Mansoor رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ asked Hazrat Imaam Malik Rah: "When saying a prayer at the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ should one face the Nabi ﷺ or towards the Qibla?" Imam Malik reported: "How can you possibly turn your face away from him when he is your medium (waseelah) and also the waseelah of your father Hazrat Adam A.S. Turn your face to him and beg his intercession on your behalf because Allah accepts his plea for you."

Hazrat Allama Zurqani Rah says that the story already quoted has been reported by Hazrat Qazi Ayaaz Rah through very authentic sources, which it is wrong to deny. In his Mawaahib Hazrat Allama Qastalani Rah (Shafii) says: "The visitor to the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ should pray a lot to Allah through the waseelah of Rasulullah ﷺ and should beg his intercession because the personality of Rasulullah ﷺ is such that when through him intercession is sought Allah accepts.

The same thoughts as above are mentioned by Hazrat Allama Khalil Maliki Rah as reported by Hazrat Allama Zurqani Rah. In Hazrat Fathul Qadeer Ibn Humaam Rah says: "After salaams to Rasulullah ﷺ make duaa to Allah through the waseelah of Rasulullah ﷺ and beg for his intercession. The words for Shafaa'ah are: "O Rasulullah, I beg your intercession and through you I beg of Allah to let me dies as a Muslim on the religion brought by you and in the practice preached by you."

Imam Nawawi wrote (after mentioning the greeting to hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ ) "Now return to the place where you first stood, make duaa for yourself through the waseelah of Rasulullah ﷺ and it will be best to use those words which had been used by Atabi.

Ibn Hajra Makki (Shafi) says: 'Praying through the waseelah of Rasulullah ﷺ has been the practice of the saintly elders of Islam. Prophets and saints have done the same. Haakim quotes a Hadith, which he says is correct: "When hazrat Adam A.S. ate of the forbidden tree he prayed to Allah for forgiveness through the waseelah of Muhammad ﷺ ."

Allah asked: "O Adam, how did you know Muhammad?" Hazrat Adam A.S. replied: "O Allah when Thou didst create me and blew life into me, I looked up and saw written on the Holy Throne: There is no God save Allah, Muhammad ﷺ is His Messenger.' Then I understood that Thou didst join to Thy name the name of him who is most beloved in Thy sight."

Allah replied: "Indeed is he the most beloved to Me among all beings and since you have asked for pardon through him, I have now forgiven your fault."

Further it is reported by Nasa'ee and Tirmizhi that a blind man came to Nabi ﷺ asking him to pray for the return of his lost sight. The Nabi ﷺ replied: "If you so wish, I shall pray on your behalf, but if you are prepared to suffer patiently it shall be better." The blind man desired that the Nabi ﷺ pray for return of his sight. The Nabi ﷺ said to him: "Perform wudhu properly and then pray to Allah in these words.

"O Allah, I beseech Thee and I turn to Thee through Thy Nabi, the Prophet of Mercy Muhammad ﷺ ; O Muhammed ﷺ through thee do I turn to my Lord for my great need that it may be fulfilled. O Allah do Thou accept the intercession of Muhammad ﷺ on my behalf."

This hadith has been noted as correct (sahih) by both Tirmizhi and Bayhaqi. The latter adds that after this prayer his sight was restored.

Hazrat Imaam Tabrani rah mentions a hadith from very authentic reporters wherein the Nabi ﷺ prayed thus: "O Lord (I beg of You) through the love of Your Nabi and the Nabis before me…"

Hazrat Ibn Hajar Rah further enlightens us on this matter and with regard to the above duaa, a special event (No.33) is quoted in the section dealing with stories about Ziyaarat.

33) It is obvious from the above-mentioned that while beseeching Allah the face should be turned towards Rasulullah ﷺ . Although the general etiquette of duaa if to face the Qiblah, but at this place if that is done then the back will be towards Rasulullah ﷺ which will indeed be disrespectful towards his blessed personality. Therefore duaa should be made facing him.

34) Now having recited the salaam, it may be so that someone else had asked you to convey his greetings to the Rasul ﷺ . Hence convey the message thus: "Salam to you O Messenger of Allah from such and such a person who begs your intercession with Allah on his behalf."

If this becomes difficult to say in Arabic then do so in Urdu or in your own language. Hazrat Imaam Zurqani Rah says: 'If any person had asked you to convey his salaam and you had accepted and promised to do so, it then becomes waajib to convey his message because it becomes like the keeping of a trust which one had accepted. (Amaanat)

Ithaaf states that among the elders it had been the custom since many centuries to send their greetings to Rasulullah ﷺ through the medium of others. In fact some rulers used to dispatch special messengers with the duty to convey salaam to Rasulullah ﷺ as Hazrat Umar Abdul Aziz رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ used to do.

The writer of these lines also begs of the reader that should Allah grant him to be present at the Holy Tomb of Rasulullah ﷺ that the reader remembers to say on my behalf.

'Salaams to you O Rasulullah from Zikariya bin Yahya al Kandhlawi, who begs your intercession with Allah on his behalf.'

And if it becomes difficult to say this then merely convey my salaam to the Rasul Allah in your own language.

35) After the greetings to Rasulullah ﷺ move one step to the right and recite greetings to Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ According to reliable reports the body of Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ lies buried behind that of the Rasul ﷺ in such a manner that the head is in line with the shoulder blades of Rasulullah ﷺ . For this reason the fact of Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ will be about one foot to the right of Rasulullah ﷺ .

36) Thereafter take one more step to the right and recite salaam to Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ because the most reliable report says that Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ lies behind Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ his head being in line with the shoulder blades of Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ

37) If anyone had asked for his greetings to be conveyed then do so in respect of both Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and if you remember this weak and humble writer then convey my heart felt greetings to both. May Allah reward you well?

38) Many ulama have mentioned that after one had recited salaam to both these two Khalifas of Islam individually, one should then take up a position between the two and recite salaam to the two of them together. For this collective salaam the following words are mentioned in Zubda: " Salaam to you both companions lying besides Rasulullah ﷺ who are his companions and assistants. May Allah reward you both well. We have come to you begging your intercession with Rasulullah ﷺ that he may intercede on our behalf with Allah and request Allah to case us to live on his religion and his sunnat and that he lift us on the Day of Resurrection among his special followers and also for all the Muslim peoples."

Regarding this salaam, some have it longer and in some cases it is shorter whereas some others again did not even mention it. Those who left it out felt that having recited salaam separately and individually to both Khalifas it is not necessary to do so collectively. However repeating the salaam here is merely out of respect. The important point is to beg of these two pure souls their intercession with Rasulullah ﷺ .

39) Return now to where you first stood facing Rasulullah ﷺ , lift up the hands and thank Allah for all favors granted. Recite Salawaat once more on Rasulullah ﷺ and make duaa to Allah through the waseelah of Rasulullah ﷺ for yourself, your parents, ustaads, your family members and friends and for all those who had asked you to pray for them. Pray for all the Muslim Nations for all the Muslims who are living and also for those who have died. And if you remember then join the name of this humble author also in your prayers.

40) There are altogether seven reports as to the situation of the blessed resting-places of Rasulullah ﷺ and his two companions. Two of these are very reliable and I now wish to explain them so that readers may understand this more easily.

Firstly the situation is like this: Rasulullah ﷺ Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ Umar RA.

In Wafa-ul-Wafa Allama Samhudi mentions all seven positions and stated that this one is the correct one. Ithaaf agrees with him.

Secondly the situation is like this. Umar RA. Rasulullah ﷺ Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ

This second arrangement is mentioned by Abu Dawood and Haakim considers it to be correct. Hazrat Imaam Zurqani Rah says in Sharah Mawaahib that of the seven mentioned positions of the bodies, two are reliable. The majority of the ulama agree to the first one being correct. Razeen relied on it and hazrat Imaam Nawawi Rah says that it is the best known of all the saying in this regard.

41) Having completed the salaams proceed to the pillar of Abu Lubabah. (Ustuwana of Abu Lubabah).

Perform two rakahs nafl salaah and make duaa. (See Zubdah) See also chapter 10 where detailed accounts are given of all the pillars of this mosque and their significance.

42) Thereafter return once again to the Rowdha for salaah and duaa.

43) Proceed tot the mimbar and make duaa. The ulama have advised that one should place the hands on that part of the mimbar which is know n as the Rummana and make duaa because Rasululllah ﷺ used to place his hands there. (Rummana are round pomegranate shaped spheres that are made on the sides of mimbars). Hazrat Imaam Ghazali Rah writes in the Ihya that it is mustahab for one to place the hands on the lower Rummana because that it is the spot where Rasulullah ﷺ used to place his hands. However hazrat Mulla Ali Qari Rah says that the Rummana does not exist anymore because when the mosque caught fire for the second time the Rummana was destroyed. In the Shifa of Qadhi Ayadh and its commentary by Hazrat Mulla Ali Qari Rah we read that Ibn Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا was seen putting his hands on the place where Rasulullah ﷺ used to sit on the mimbar and then wipe his face with his hands. Hazrat Ibn Qaseet Rah and hazrat Atabi Rah say that the companions, for the sake of blessings, used to place their hands on the Rummana of the mimbar which is on the side of Holy Grave of Rasulullah ﷺ that Rummana on which Rasulullah ﷺ used to put his right hand.

44) Thereafter proceed to the Ustuwana Hannana- The pillar of Yearning and make duaa there. (See under pillars of mosque)

45) Then proceed to all the other famous pillars of the mosque and make duaa.

46) While in Madinah one should try ones utmost not to miss any salaah with the congregation in the Masjidun Nabawi. One should remember that though the stay in Madinah is short, the reward is great and one cannot know whether Allah will grant one another opportunity to visit this Holy place in future. Hence the very best should be made of the opportunity.

47) Endeavor not to touch the walls for that are deemed to be disrespectful. Neither should the walls be kissed for that is only for the Hajar Al Aswad. Nor should tawaaf be made of any object for that is solely for the Ka'bah. The tawaaf of any grave is strictly prohibited. Hazrat Mulla Ali Qari Rah advised: "Never follow the actions of the ignorant once even though they outwardly have the appearance of saints. Do not bend down before the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ and neither kiss the ground there nor face the grave from any direction for the sake of making salaah with the intention that the grave is there." The same author goes on to say that if for the sake of honoring the grave anyone makes his salaah facing the grave then a fatwa of kufr is decreed against such a person. It is however permissible to say ones prayers in that section of the mosque which lies behind the grave if the intention is not to honor the grave. There we have a wall between the musallee and the grave. (Sharh Lubaab) hazrat Mawaffaq bin Qudama Rah writes in Mughni that it is not mustahab to touch the walls of the grave or to kiss it. Hazrat Imaam Ahmad Rah says that it was not known among the companions to touch or kiss these places. However he does mention hazrat Ibn Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا having touched the place where Rasulullah ﷺ sat on the mimbar and then wipe his hands over his face. Hazrat Imaam Nawawi Rah says it is haraam to perform tawaaf around the grave and makrooh to place the stomach or waist against the walls of the grave. It is also makrooh to touch the grave with the hands or to kiss it. The correct manner of showing respect is to stand some distance away in a quiet and respectful manner in the same way as one would have stood in his presence during his lifetime.

Regarding the wrong practice of kissing or touching the grave or the walls around it, all the ulama are agreed and advise that one should not be influenced by the misguided actions of the vast majority of ignorant people. Whoever suggests that touching of the walls etc., brings blessings makes a great mistake out of ignorance, because blessing lies only in the proper execution of deeds sanctioned by Shari'ah. Blessings cannot be attained by acting against the Shari'ah.

48) Where there is not a pressing need for it and except where it is unavoidable, one should on no account ever turn ones back towards the grave not even in salaah nor out of it; (sharh Lubaab). In salaah, try at all times to stand in such a position where neither ones front nor back is towards the grave. Out of salaah there cannot be any possible reason why the back should ever be turned towards the grave.

49) When at any time one has to pass in front of the grave, stand quietly for a while and say salaam before proceeding. Some ulama have said that should one even pass the mosque from the outside one should still read the salaam from there.

It is reported by one companion; hazrat Abu Haazim رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ that a man once came to him saying "Rasulullah ﷺ has appeared to me in my dream saying to me; Go to Abu Haazim and say to him that he has turned away from me, and that he ignores me for when he passes my resting place he does not even stop to greet me." Thereafter Abu Haazim made a special point of stopping to greet Rasulullah ﷺ whenever he passed outside the front of the mosque. (Sharh Lubaab)

50) According to Hazrat Imaam Abu Hanifa Rah, hazrat Imaam Shafi Rah, and Hazrat Imaam Ahmad Rah, it is praiseworthy to visit the grave on numerous occasions. Hence as long as the Haji is in Madinah he should repeatedly go to the graveside to recite salutations. Hazrat Imaam Maalik Rah, however does not approve of it. For this reason some ulama have advised against oft repeated visits; fearing that the keenness of the visitor may decrease.

51) During the stay in Madinah, whenever one is inside the mosque, ones eyes should be fixed on the Hujra Shareef; the Rowdha; wherein lies Rasulullah ﷺ . When one is outside the Masjid then one should time and again gaze at the Green Dome above the grave. Insha Allah this will be a reward act. (Shar'h Lubaab and Shar'h Manaasik of Nawawi). When looking at these two places do so in silence and with due respect.

"More preferable in my sight now is, the patient silence of my deep love for you; Than the loud exclamation of love;)

For often indeed the loud claims of a lover, from a breast with no effect and no depth."

52) Spend as much of your time as is possible inside the Masjid for as long as you are in Madinah. Try to recite at least one Khatam (complete recitation) of the Holy Qur'an. Spend as much time as you can in I'tikaaf there during the day and spend the nights or as much thereof as possible in the worship of Allah. These are blessed times that you may never experience again. (Shar'h Lubaab). In 'Zubda' Qutube Alam Rah wrote: "While in Madinah continue reading the Qur'aan and making Zikr, recite many salawaat, spend the night in prayer and waste not the days."

53) In 'Zubda' we read: "Having visited the Holy grave, try to visit the graves in Jannatul Baqi daily or at least on every Friday for there lie buried Uthman رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , Hazrat Abbas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , Hazrat Hasan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , Hazrat Ibrahim رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , the infant of Rasulullah ﷺ and the wives of Rasulullah ﷺ . The visitor to Madinah should preferably visit the Baqi daily whereas the permanent residents should do so every Friday. (Lubaab)

Hazrat Imaam Nawawi Rah states that to do so daily is mustahab and especially on Fridays, but it should at all times be preceded by greetings at the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ . In the Baqi the graves of other well-known sahaba should also be visited e.g. hazrat Ibrahim رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ Hazrat Zainul Aabideen رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , Hazrat Muhammad Baaqir Bin Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and Hazrat Ja'far bin Muhammad رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , etc. and last but not least Hazrat Safiya رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , the aunt of Rasulullah ﷺ . It should be noted that a visit to the Baqi is a virtuous act and numerous Hadith can be quoted explaining the virtues thereof. Some of the Hadith are mentioned at the end of chapter ten, Hadith number nine.

In the Shar'h of Manaasik, Hazrat Ibn Hajar Rah, writes that in the Baqi one should first of all proceed towards the grave of Hazrat Uthman رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ if however the visitor passes the grave of any of the other Holy ones en route to the resting place of Hazrat Uthman رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ he should merely recite salaam and proceed. Having greeted Hazrat Uthman رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ in the proper manner he may now return to those he had passed. This is because Hazrat Uthman رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , is the most virtuous of all those resting in the Baqi. Thereafter visit the grave of Hazrat Abbas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , uncle of Rasulullah ﷺ .

A very large number of sahaba (companions) are buried in Baqi. Hazrat Imaam Maalik Rah, puts their number at ten thousand; and the ulama advise that duaa and eesal-e-thawaab should be made for all. (Shar'h Manaasik)

Hazrat Imaam Ghazaali Rah writes; "It is mustahab that one should greet Rasulullah ﷺ everyday; and thereafter the inmates of Baqi." In It'haaf a hadith is reported wherein Imaam Muslim relates from hazrat Aa'isha R.A; "On the evening of those days-when Rasulullah ﷺ used to come to me-Rasulullah ﷺ always used to visit the Jannatul Baqi."

Among some ulama there is a difference of opinion as to where one should commence the visit to Baqi. Some say that one should start at the grave of Hazrat Uthman رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ in view of the fact that he is the most virtuous of all buried there, whereas others say that one should visit Hazrat Ibrahim رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , son of Rasulullah ﷺ . Rasulullah ﷺ is reported to have said that: "If Ibrahim had been alive he would have been a Nabi". Some even felt that one should start with Hazrat Abbas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , as he is the uncle of Rasululllah ﷺ . Further more, on entering Baqi, his is the first grave one passes and it would be very inadvisable to pass there without salaam. Then near there we have the grave of Hazrat Hasan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , and other members of the household of Rasulullah ﷺ , and together they are more virtuous than Hazrat Uthman Rah. According to Hazrat Mullah Ali Quari رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ this is very suitable and makes it easy for the visitor because these graves are near the entrance of the Baqi.

54) Hazrat Imaam Ghazaali Rah, writes that it is mustahab for the visitor to Madinah to visit the graves of the Shohada (martyrs) of Ohad on every Thursday. One should perform Fajr salaah in the Masjidun Nabawi and proceed so that one may return before Zuhr so that salaah is made with jamaat in the masjid. Perhaps Thursday is chosen for this visit because it was on that day that this epic battle was fought, or because on this day the people of Madinah have a semi-holiday, or because it was on the morning of this day that Rasulullah ﷺ prayed for blessings on this ummat or gave some good news. (Ithaaf). According to Hazrat Mullah Ali Qari Rah: "The visitor should make two different niyyats (intentions) to visit Mount Ohad because the virtues of Mount Ohad itself too have been expounded in the Hadith. Hence it is most advisable to proceed from Madinah for Ohad because early on a Thursday morning so that one may return by Zuhr salaah time. On arrival there one should first present himself at the grave of the great martyr Hazrat Hamza رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ uncle of Rasulullah ﷺ about whom Rasulullah ﷺ is reported to have said: "The best of my uncles is Hamza." And "on the day of Qiyaamah Hamza shall be the leader of all the Shohada in the way of Allah." There the visitor should stand with humility, humbleness and respect having all regard for his nobility and honor before presenting himself at the graves of the rest of those who fell in the Battle of Ohad for the sake of Allah and Islam.

55) Another noteworthy place of ziyaarat is the Masjid Quba. Hazrat Imaam Nawawi Rah stressed the importance of visiting it saying that it is best for the visitor to Madinah to go there on a Saturday with the niyyat of both visiting the Masjid as well as performing salaat in it. According to an authentic hadith of Tirmizi: "Performing salaah in the Masjid of Quba is equal to performing Umra." Another Hadith states that Rasulullah ﷺ used to visit the Masjid of Qubla on every Saturday.

Hazrat Mullah Ali Qari Rah, writes: "After the Mosque of Makkah, the Mosque of Madinah and Baitul Muqaddas, the Mosque of Quba is next in virtue." In fact a saying of Rasulullah ﷺ says: "For me to perform two rakahs in the Mosque of Quba is more liked than I should travel to Baitul Maqaddas twice." However in spite of that (if we take all other hadith and facts into consideration) Baitul Muqaddas is definitely held in higher esteem. A point to bear in mind here is that when something is held in high esteem it does not mean that it is necessary for it to be preferred above other similar virtuous things.

Rasulullah ﷺ used to prefer visiting Quba on Saturdays. He also went there on a Monday and on the 20th Ramadhan.

56) After these places one should also visit the other blessed places of Madinah. According to Hazrat Imaam Nawawi Rah, there are about thirty such places well known to the people of Madinah. Similarly there are seven famous wells, from the waters of which the visitor should drink. These are the wells from the waters of which Raulullah ﷺ used to perform wudhu and ghusl.

57) Hazrat Imaam Ghazali Rah, also stresses the visits to these wells. He says that one should go to the well of Bir Arees near Masjid Quba, drink of its water and perform wudhu. It is related that Rasulullah ﷺ allowed of the sweetness of his mouth (saliva) to fall into this well. Of similar importance is the well near the Masjidul Fatah in the vicinity of the Knandaq (trench). In any case the visitor should endeavor to visit these blessed places well known to the people of Madinah and drink of these waters with the niyyat and prayer for health and blessing. The names of these wells are mentioned in Ithaaf as follows: Bir-e-Arees, Bir-e-Kha, Bir-e-Rooma, Bir-Aras, Bir-Buda'ah, and Bir-Bassa. These total six. As for the seventh there is a difference of opinion as to which one of the following it is Bir-Suqya, Bir-Ahn, or Bir-Jamal. Ithaaf also mentions ahadith about these wells.

The writer of Lubab points out that there are altogether seventeen wells about which it is reported that Rasulullah ﷺ used of their waters. Not all of these are known today as also is the case of many masjids between Makkah and Madinah where Rasulullah ﷺ is reported to have performed some act. Most of these are mentioned in Ziyaratul Haramayn and should be seen in the Holy Land.

58) During the stay in Madinah give as much sadaqah as possible to the people of Madinah. The author of Lubab writes that the original inhabitants of Madinah or those that have settled in Madinah are more entitled to sadaqah than those residing elsewhere because it is waajib to love the residents of this Holy city. Imaam Nawawi states that as many facts as possible should be kept during the stay in Madinah. Similarly as much charity as possible should be given to those living in the neighborhood of Rasulullah ﷺ for this will be regarded as it you have served him.

Whenever you purchase anything in Madinah do so with the intention of assisting the merchants in their trade. Say to yourself that this is the way of livelihood carries on they will be able to live without want and the visitor having partly being the means to this end.

Bearing these points in mind and buying with these noble thoughts one will not be troubled by the thought of having been extravagant in that more money was spent than was necessary. In actual fact that will then be a form of charity on condition that such was the niyyat. It is even advisable to buy some goods specifically with this in mind. In such cases the trader will be able to benefit thereby for as long as the money remains with him which can be for a long time since his business prospers. As for those who are not traders one should present gifts to them. It is better that the niyyat should not be for sadaqah. Because the people of Madinah are of noble offspring one should rather present gifts to them.

59) Behavior towards the people of Madinah must be in best and noble manner. These are the neighbors of Rasulullah ﷺ . Hazrat Allama Zurqani Rah, says: "Honor the people of Madinah and even though some unpleasantness may be experienced with them or becomes known about them still they are worthy of honor by virtue of being neighbors of Rasulullah ﷺ having enough to be proud of. Even though they commit any unbecoming acts they do not become deprived of being neighbors of Rasulullah ﷺ for as long as they remain there.

Rasulullah ﷺ said: "Hazrat Jibra'il A.S. repeatedly advised me regarding correct behavior towards neighbors." In this Hadith all neighbors are included. The hadith did not only refer to the righteous ones and excluding the unrighteous. It includes the God-fearing one as well as the evildoer. Let it be known that even though one of them accuse another of having discarded the practice of Rasulullah ﷺ (and this is proved to have been true) then too it does not mean that he should be deprived of the honor and respect gained by virtue of being a neighbor of Rasulullah ﷺ . In fact there is great hope that Allah will grant him the ability to return to the path and Insha-Allah die the death of the righteous. Says the poet: "O you people of Madinah Tayyiba; Through the greatly beloved lying in Your midst; You are all to me most beloved."

The writer of the above couplet continued to write numerous verses in praise of the people of Madinah. Once Hazrat Imaam Malik Rah, visited the Hazrat Khalifa Al Mahdi Rah. The khalifa implored of hazrat Imaam Malik Rah to advise him to which the esteemed Imaam said: "I advise you to fear Allah and to be mindful of your duty towards him. Then behave towards the people of Madinah with mercy and gentleness because they are the inhabitants of the city of Rasulullah ﷺ . Regarding his neighbors, the people of Madinah, Rasulullah ﷺ said: "Madinah is the city towards which is my flight (hijrat), there shall be my grave and there shall I be raised up on the Day of Qiyaamah. Its inhabitants are my neighbors. It is the responsibility of my ummat to care for them. Whoever for my sake fulfils their needs, for him shall I act as an intercessor or witness and whoever disregards my advice about my neighbors, him shall Allah cause to drink of Tinatul Khibaal (a most distasteful punishment). According to another hadith Tinatul Khibaal is a drink that consists of blodd, sweat, puss etc. of the inmates of Jahannam.

60) Hazrat Imaam Nawawi Rah, states that among the aadab of Madinah it is also required that the visitor should at all times be mindful of the sanctity of the city and tat this indeed is the place chosen by Allah for the repose of his beloved Rasool after his flight from Makkah. Here then is the place where Rasulullah ﷺ used to tread on.

Hazrat Imaam Ghazali Rah, writes: "When first you set eyes on Madinah let this come into mind that this is the city which Allah had chosen for His messenger and to which he was to flee for safety. This is the city where Allah revealed to him the obligatory duties of a Muslim. He set forth the sunnat of his deen and here is the place from where he had to fight against the enemies. Here is the place where his deen became victorious and here he strove until death overtook him. Here he lies buried and also his two successors. Here at every step one finds the spots where his feet once trod. Proceeding forward step lightly in dignified manner thinking that you are now treading on the soil where surely lie the footprints of Rasulullah ﷺ . Keep in mind the description of his walk and gait as explained in the Hadith. Keep in mind his greatness and his elevated position. He whose name Allah has connected to his own. Fear for yourself that there in those hallowed surroundings you do not commit such acts which are evil and whereby your good deeds are all wiped out.

Regarding this Hazrat Imaam Ghazali actually referred to the verse of Qur'an which says: "O you who believe, raise not your voices above the voice of the prophet nor speak aloud to him as you may speak aloud to one another lest your deeds become vain and you perceive not." (Hujurat 2)

We have already dealt with this verse in detail. (NO. 31) Imaam Ghazali Rah, continues: "Then think about the time when the Hazrat Sahaba Rah used to be with Rasulullah ﷺ looking at him, listening to him and benefiting from him." "When in the garden, on the branches, A beauteous rose did bloom, Thousands were the nightingales around With sweetly voice, When came the day of parting as the Rose ceased to bloom, Long was the cry of lamenting: "Here was the rose."

Thereafter feel sorry that before now you have been deprived of the blessing to have visited Rasulullah ﷺ and the hazrat Sahaba Rah. This is the position here in this world. What will be the state in the hereafter? Will you be allowed to come before Rasulullah ﷺ with all the excitement and exultation or will you be denied this honor and turned away in disgrace? Will evil deeds deprive you of the pleasure of being in his presence?

Rasulullah ﷺ has said: "On the day of Qiyyamah some people will be turned away from me. I shall say: "But these are my people." To which shall be replied: "You are unaware of what they did after you."

Thus dear reader, if you have acted against the commands of Shariat of Muhammad ﷺ then be not unmindful of your position. Do not be at ease thinking that your evil deeds will not come between you and Rasulullah ﷺ .

At the time of entering Madinah have the hope that just as Allah had brought you from far off lands to the door of Rasulullah ﷺ so also is it not too much to hope that Allah in His mercy will not deprive us the hereafter of meeting him.

May Allah grant this meeting to this humble writer through the waseelah of his beloved Nabi Muhammad ﷺ . Ameen.

61) Having completed the visit to the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ and the Holy Places of Madinah, the visitor should first perform two farewell rekaahs in the Masjidun Nabawi, preferably in the Rowdha. Then offer the farewell salaam to Rasulullah ﷺ . Now before leaving Madinah, pray for your needs and for acceptance by Allah of your Haj and ziyaarat. Pray also for a safe return to your home and that this should not be your last presence in the Holy Land.

Let the tears flow at the time of parting. If sincere, these tears can be a sign of acceptance. When tears do not flow then at least imitate those who cry. On departing give charity and read those sunnat prayers normally read on returning from somewhere. Depart now in the sunnat manner.

Due to my own weakness I could not fully write the proper aadaab of the presence at Madinah. However these points should serve as guide and I appeal to readers to overlook shortcomings. In my humble manner have I tried to stress two things while remaining inside the circle of the Shari'ah.

Firstly, honor and respect and secondly keenness and enthusiasm. It is now my intention to end this chapter with some incidents and stories about visitors to the Holy Tomb of Rasulullah ﷺ so that these may serve as examples to intending visitors. The famous story of Hazrat Utbah Rah, and some others have already been mentioned.

Hazrat Uwais Qarni Rah was a famous Taabi'ee who was known as the best of Taabi'een (those who met the Sahaba, companions of Rasulullah ﷺ ). He lived during Rasulullah ﷺ 's lifetime but because he had to serve his mother he could not meet Rasulullah ﷺ . Rasulullah ﷺ himself called him; 'The best of the Taabi'een' and said to him: "If he should take an oath that something should happen then Allah will let that come to pass." And "If anyone should meet him, let him pray for your forgiveness." To hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ Rasulullah ﷺ said: "Let Uwais pray for forgiveness on your behalf."

His virtues are great. He died in the Battle of Siffeen fighting on the side of Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ

When he came to Madinah after Haj he entered the Masjid where someone pointed out to him the resting-place of Raslulullah ﷺ . Beholding it he became so deeply affected that he fell down unconscious. On regaining his senses he exclaimed: "Take me forth from this city for never will I find rest in this place where lies buried the most beloved Rasul of Allah." (Ithaaf)

Once one of the bedouins visited the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ and said: 'O Allah you have commanded that slaves be set free. Here lies your most beloved messenger and here stands your slave at the final resting-place of Your Messenger. I beseech you, set free this humble slave from the fire of Hell. From the unseen came a voice: "For yourself alone did you ask freedom. Why not on behalf of all mankind? We have you free from Hell." (Mawaahib)

Hazrat Asma-ee Rah relates: "Once a bedouin stood in front of the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ saying: "O Allah, here lies Your beloved, I am Your slave and Shaytaan is Your enemy. If You forgive me Your beloved here shall be pleased. Your slave will be successful, and the heart of Your enemy will be in great agitation. My Lord if You do not forgive me the heart of Your beloved shall grieve, your enemy shall be overjoyed and Your slave here will have been vanquished. O Allah it is a custom among the Arabs that whenever a great ruler among them pass away, they used to set free slaves besides his grave. Now Lord here lies the lord among leaders and rulers and here stand I, Your slave. Set me free O Allah from the fire of Hell."

Hazrat Asma-ee Rah says further: "Hearing all that, I said to that person: "O Allah, for that most appropriate question and the manner of asking Allah will surely forgive your sins." (Mawaahib)

Hazrat Hasan al Basri Rah says: "Haatim Asam Balkhy was an ascetic soofi who secluded himself in a vault for thirty years. He did not speak to anyone except when it was of dire necessity. When he visited the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ in Madinah he merely said: "O Allah, we have come to the grave of your beloved. Do not send us away from here with desires unfulfilled." A voice was heard from heaven saying: "Indeed have We only granted you the favor of visiting the grave of My beloved so that your greatest be granted. Go forth now. We have forgiven your and your companions and all those are present here." (See Zurqani on Mawaahib)

In "Qowl Badeeh" it is reported that Shaikh Ibrahim bin Hazrat Shayban Rah said: "When I visited Madinah after performing Haj, I said Assalamo alaykum at the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ and behold I heard a voice in reply from the inside of the room wherein he is buried saying "Waalaykum salaam."

Hazrat Allama Qastalani Rah the famous scholar of Hadith writes in his book Mawaahib Ladunni: "Once I became so severely ill that doctors despaired for my health. For many years I remained thus. then one day on the 28th of Jamadil Ula 893 A.H. while in Makkah I prayed to Allah through the waseelah of Rasulullah ﷺ that Allah heal me of my affliction. While I was asleep I saw a vision in which I saw a man with a piece of paper in his hand on which was written: "Rasulullah ﷺ has commanded that this medicine be given to Ahmad bin Qastalani." When I awoke I discovered that no sign of my illness remained." Hazrat Allama Qastalani Rah further relates: "During the year 885 A.H. another such incident happened to me. On my return from visiting the holy grave of Rasulullah ﷺ my maid-servant seriously hurt in a collision with a deer as a result of which she suffered great pain and discomfort. Seeing this I prayed through the wasselah of Rasulullah ﷺ for her health and soon after I had a dream in which I saw a man by whose side was a Jinn in the form of a deer. It was that deer which had hurt my servant. The man said to me: "Rasulullah ﷺ has sent him to you." I then scolded the Jinn and made him swear never to do such a thing again. Thereafter I awoke and behold. I found that no sign of the maid's affliction remained."

Hazrat Ibrahim Khawaas Rah relates: "Once on a journey I suffered such thirst that while traveling I fell unconscious. While in that state someone threw water on my face. When I regained my senses I beheld a very handsome man on horseback. He gave me water to drink and bade me to join him on his horse. I accepted his offer. Having gone a short distance he turned to me asking: "What place is this?" I replied: "This is the enlightened city of Madinah." He said: Descend now and when you reach the holy grave of Rasulullah ﷺ say to him that your brother Khidr sends his choicest salaams and greetings. (Rowda)

Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Khair al Aqta Rah said: "Once on a visit to Madinah I suffered such hunger that for five days I had absolutely nothing to eat. I could not even find something to taste.

I went to the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ and having greeted the Master and his two companions I said to Rasulullah ﷺ : "O Rasulullah tonight it is my desire to be your guest." Having said that I proceeded towards the mimbar and went to sleep behind it. In my sleep I saw a vision of Rasulullah ﷺ sitting with Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ in front of him. Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ called me and said: "Look, Rasulullah ﷺ has arrived." "I rose and Rasulullah ﷺ gave me a piece of bread in my hand. I ate half of it. I woke up from that sleep I discovered that I still had the other half of that bread in my hand." (Rowd & Wafa) A similar incident of Shaikh Ibn Jalaa is related in Story No. 23.

Once one of the Abdal met Hazrat Khidr A.S and inquired from him whether he had ever met anyone among the saints whom he considered higher in rank than himself. To this he replied: "Yes, I have." I was present once in the Masjid in Madinah where I saw Hazrat Shaikh Abdur Razzak Rah dictating Hadith to his students. On one side was a young man sitting with his head bent on his knees. I went to him and addressed him thus: "do you not see the gathering listening to the words of Rasulullah ﷺ . Why do you not join them?" Without lifting up his head or turning in my direction the youth answered: "Over there you see those who listen to Hadith from the mouth of Abdur Razzak (slave of the sustainer), while over here you see him who listens to hadith directly from the Razzak (Allah)

Hazrat Khidr Rah said: "If what you say is true then you should be able to tell me who I am m who am I?" He lifted up his head and said: "If my intuition does not fail me then you are Khidr Rah." Hazrat Khidr Rah said: "From that I realized that among the saints of Allah there are such who are so exalted in rank that I cannot recognize them."

May Allah be please with them and cause us all to benefit through them -Ameen.

One saintly person relates: "Once in Madinah we were discussing the miracles Allah caused to take place at the hands of those souls who are close to him. Near us a blind person was sitting listening to us, coming towards us he said: "I greatly enjoy your discussion. Listen to this story of mine. I am a person with the responsibility of feeding a family. I used to go in the direction of Baqi to fetch firewood. There on one occasion I saw a young man. Seeing him I thought to myself that perhaps he was mad. I wanted to rob him of his robe and ordered him to take it off. He refused saying: "Go away, go in Allah's care." Three times did I order him to do that and he then said: "Do you seriously want to rob me of my robe?" I replied: "You have no other choice. I shall take it by force." Thereupon he pointed two fingers in the direction of my eyes and immediately both my eyes sprang out of their sockets and fell to the ground. Greatly perplexed and sorry I said: "For Allah's sake tell me who you are? " He replied: "I am Ibrahim Khawas." Here we see one saint cursed the man, which made him blind another saint, hazrat Ibrahim Adham Rah on the other hand made duaa that the soldier who beat him be granted Jannah. The writer of Rowd explains the difference between the manner of retaliation of the two saints. Hazrat Ibrahim Khawas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ realized that his attacker would not repent unless he was punished, whereas Hazrat Ibrahim Adham Rah knew that his attacker would not repent unless he made duaa for him. In these ways both of them we helped unless towards repentance. (When the soldier came to hazrat Ibrahim Adham رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ to seek forgiveness) he was told: "The head that require forgiveness I have left behind in Balkh." (Rowd)

Another saint relates: "While residing in Makkah there once came to me a Yamani friend saying: "I have brought for you a present."

Having said this he told a companion of his: "Tell him your story."

The man then related: "When I left my hometown Sa'faa in order to perform Haj a very large crowd of friends and well-wishers came to bide me farewell. Many came to the outskirts of the village. From among them one person asked me to convey his greetings to Rasulullah ﷺ and the two companions in Madinah. I went to Madinah but there in the Holy City I forgot to convey his salaams. I only remembered when we stopped at the first manzil, Zul Hulaifa, to put on our Ihraam. I said to my companions of the caravan: "Please take care of my camel for I have to return to Madinah as I have forgotten something there. They replied: "It is now time for the caravan to proceed. If you now return to Madinah you will never catch up with us before we reach Makkah." I said: "In that case when you proceed to convey my friend's salaam to Rasulullah ﷺ and the two companions رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ night was already falling when I had done that. Outside the Masjid I met a person who had returned from Zul Hulaifa who informed me that my companions had left the first manzil and were already on route to Makkah. I went back to the masjid hoping that I would join another caravan that may leave for Makkah. Later I fell asleep. During the latter part of the night I saw Rasulullah ﷺ and his two companions رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ in a dream. They were coming towards me.

Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ said: "O Rasulullah, this is the person." Rasulullah ﷺ turned in my direction saying: "O Abul Wafaa!" I replied: "O Rasulullah ﷺ , My name is Abul Abbaas!" Rasulullah ﷺ replied: "No, your name is Abul Wafaa (he who carries out his promise).

Then Rasulullah ﷺ took me by hand and placed me right in to the Masjidul-Haraam in Makkah. I had been there eight full days. When at last my former companions of the caravan arrives." (Rowd)

Hazrat Abu Imaam Waasity Rah narrates: "One day I made up my mind to visit the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ . Having reached the borders of the Haraam on the way to Madinah, I felt such extreme thirst that I feared for my life. Fearing that death was going to overtake me, I sat under a thorn tree. Suddenly there appeared before me a rider on a green horse, with green reins and a green saddle. In his hand he held a green glass in which was a greenish drink. Three times I drank from it but not a drop became less in the glass. Then he asked me where I was going to and I replied: "I was on my way to Madinah to convey my salaam to Rasulullah ﷺ and his two companions رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ "

Then he said: "When you reach Madinah and when you have greeted them then please convey salaams from me to Rasulullah ﷺ and his companions رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ saying that Ridwaan conveys salaams to you three." (Rowd)

(Ridwaan is the name of the angle who is guardian over Jannat.)

Hazrat Sayyed Ahmad Rifa'ee Rah is very well known as one of the foremost saints and mystics of Islaam. In the year 555 A.H. he went for Haj. Thereafter he visited Madinah and standing in front of the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ he recited the following couplets:

"From far off the thee did I send my soul, On my behalf to greet you in your resting place, Here now O Rasulullah ﷺ is my body to greet you, Stretch forth your hand that my lips may kiss you."

Indeed was the hand of Rasulullah ﷺ stretched from the grave and in the presence of an estimated 90 thousand visitors did Sayyed Ahmad kiss it. (See Al Haawee by Suyuti)

It is related that when the father of hazrat Sayyed Nuruddin Ayjee Shareef Afeefuddin Rah visited Madinah he read the salutation in front of the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ . When he said Assalamo alaika Ay-yuhan-nabiyu wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh, he and al those present with him heard a voice from the direction of the grave answering: "Wa alaykum salaam, O my son."

Hazrat Shaikh Nasr Abdul Wahid bin Abdul Malik bin Muhammad bin Abi Saeed Soofi al kar-khi Rah says: "After Haj I went to visit Rasulullah ﷺ in Madinah. Having greeted him I was seated near the grave when shaikh Abu Bakr Diyar Bakri arrived and greeted Rasulullah ﷺ : "Assalamu Alayka ya Rasulullah."

From inside the room of the grave I heard a voice replying: "Wa Alaykumsalaam ya Aba Bakr." All those in the immediate vicinity also heard this reply.

Hazrat Yousuf bin Ali Rah relates: "In Madinah there lived a woman from the Hashimi family whose servants used to ill-treat her. She went with her complaints to Rasulullah ﷺ where she poured out her heart. From the grave was heard this reply:

"Do you not prefer to follow my excellent example. Have patience as I patiently preserved" She said: "After hearing that voice all my grief disappeared and all the servants who used to annoy me passed away."

Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ relates: "Shortly after the burial of Rasulullah ﷺ a bedouin came to the grave and said: "O Rasulullah ﷺ we have indeed heard all that you came to convey and whatever Allah had revealed to you did you preserve and so did we. Indeed in that book, which Allah revealed to you do I find this verse? "And when they were unjust to themselves, they come unto thee and ask Allah's forgiveness; and the Rasul had asked forgiveness for them; they would have found Allah indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah Nisaa-64)

Hazrat Abdullah bin Salaam رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ narrates: "While Hazrat Uthman رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was besieged in his house by his enemies I once went to greet him there. He said to me: "Dear brother it is good that you have come. Through that window I have seen Rasulullah ﷺ in a vision and he said to me: "O Uthman I notice that men have detained you in your home. They have let you suffer thirst without water." I replied: "Yes sire, they have." Rasulullah ﷺ then hung down a pail of water from which I drank- the coolness of which I still feel between my shoulder blades and my breast. Thereafter Rasulullah ﷺ said: "If you so desire then you will be assisted in combat against them, and if you so wish you may come and break fast with us this evening." I then expressed my desire to meet the Holy Rasul."

That same day Hazrat Uthman رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was killed. May Allah be pleased with him.

In Makkah there once lived a man called Hazrat Ibn Thabit Rah. He used to perform Haj every year and thereafter he used to travel to Madinah for ziyaarat. This he did for seventy consecutive years. It so happened that for some reason he once could not go for ziyaarat to Madinah. While sitting in his room one day, lightly asleep, he saw Rasulullah ﷺ saying to him in a vision: "O Ibn Thabit, this year you did not come to meet me, for this reason I have now come to visit you." (Al Haawee)

During the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ Madinah was troubled by great draught and hunger. A certain man presented himself at the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ saying: "O Rasulullah ﷺ your ummat is suffering destruction. Beseech Allah that rain descend from the heaven."

Thereupon he saw Rasulullah ﷺ in a dream in which Rasulullah ﷺ said to him: "Convey my salaams to Umar and tell him rain will come. Tell him also he holds on to intelligence and reason."

The man conveyed the message to hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ when he heard the message hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ wept bitterly and exclaimed: "Allah as much as is in my power I try not to be unmindful." (Wafaul-Wafa)

Hazrat Muhammad bin Munkadir Rah relates: "A man once left eighty gold coins in trust with my father before leaving for Jihaad. He said to him on leaving: "If you should be in need, you may use them. Then I shall reclaim the amount when I return." After that Madinah experienced great need with the result that my father spent the whole amount.

When the man returned and claimed his money, my father promised to return the sum the following day (not knowing where it was going to come from). My father then went to the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ where he made duaa for the whole night, sometimes at the grave and sometimes at the mimbar, begging for a way out of his predicament. In the latter part of the night he heard a voice coming to him from the darkness near the grave saying: "O Abu Muhammad, take this."

My father stretched forth his hand and a bag was given to him. In it were eighty gold coins!" (Wafaa)

Hazrat Abu Bakr bin Al Muqri رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ relates: "Hazrat Imam Tabrani R.A, Hazrat Abu Shaikh رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and I were together in Madinah. We could not find anything to eat. Suffering hunger we used to fast for days on end. In the evening at Esha time I went to the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ and said: "O Rasulullah ﷺ hunger has overtaken us." Returning from there Hazrat Abu Qasim Tabrani رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ said to me: "Sit down. Food shall either come to us or we shall die." Hazrat Ibn Munqadir رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ (Abu Bakr) says: "Abu Shaikh and I waited while Hazrat Imam Tabrani رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ remained seated, in deep thought. Suddenly a man from the Alawi family knocked at the door. We opened the door and found a man with two servants, each one carrying a large basket with many kinds of delicious foods. We all then ate and having filled our stomachs we thought that the leftovers would be eaten by the servants. However the Alawi left all with us and said before leaving: "You have complained about hunger to Rasulullah ﷺ . I have seen Rasulullah ﷺ in a dream and he commanded me to bring food to you. (Wafaa)

Hazrat Ibn Jalaa رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ relates: "While in Madinah I once suffered tremendous hunger. It became so unbearable that I presented myself at the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ and said: "O Rasulullah ﷺ I suffer great hunger. I am now your guest." Thereafter sleep overtook me and in a vision I saw Rasulullah ﷺ gave me a piece of bread. I ate half of it and when I woke up I found myself with the other half of that piece of bread still in my hands." (Wafaa)

(A similar incident of Shaikh Abdul Khair Aqta is related in story No. 8)

Sufi Abu Abdillah Muhammad bin Abi Zar'aa relates: "My father, Abu Abdullah Khafif and I once came to Makkah and in the Holy city we suffered great hunger. In that destitute condition we traveled to Madinah. We slept without any food on empty stomachs. I was then a mere child and repeatedly complained to my father of the hunger that I felt. My father then went to the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ and after having greeted him said: "O Rasulullah ﷺ today I am your guest." Having said that my father sat down in meditation. After sitting like that for a short while he lifted up his head and we saw him first crying and then laughing. Someone asked him the reason for his strange behavior and he replied: "I have seen Rasulullah ﷺ and he gave me a few dirhams. When I opened my hands I found a few dirhams there."

Sufi Abu Abdillah further relates: "Allah blessed us so much that with those dirhams we fulfilled our needs till we reached our hometown of Shiraz."

Hazrat Shaikh Ahmad Muhammad Sufi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "Once I wandered around in the wilderness for about thirteen months suffering such great tribulation that my very skin dried out. In that perplexed condition I reached Madinah. There I first greeted Rasulullah ﷺ and his two companions. Afterwards I fell asleep. In my dream I saw Rasulullah ﷺ . He said to me: "O Ahmad, you have come to me." I replied: "Yes Sir, I have come and I am suffering from hunger. Now I am your guest." Rasulullah ﷺ said: "Open your two hands." I did as I was bid and Rasulullah ﷺ filled them with dirhams. When I awoke both my hands were still filled with money. From there I immediately rose to buy bread and faluda and then returned to the wilderness (desert) (wafaa)

Hazrat Thabit bin Ahmad Abul Qasim Baghdadi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ relates that he once saw a muazzin reciting the azaan for Fair salaah in the Masjid of Madinah. When the muazzin said:

"Assalaato Khairum minan nowm." (Verily salaah is better than sleep).

A servant came along and struck him a hard smack. Crying he exclaimed. "O Rasulullah ﷺ see what is done to me in your esteemed presence!" immediately after the complaint the servant was paralyzed and fell down. People who were nearby picked him up and took his home where after three days he died. (Wafaa)

Hazrat Sayyad Abu Muhammad Abdus Salaam Husainy رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "Once, for three days I could find nothing to eat in Madinah. Then I went to perform two rakaahs near the mimbar. I then turned to the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ and said: "O my grandfather, I am hungry and my heart desired that I eat thareed."

Thereafter I went to sleep. After a short while someone came along and woke me up. He had with him a wooden bowl in which was the most delicious thareed made with oil and meat, and with a very fragrant aroma. This he gave to me. I asked where that came from and he replied: "for three days now my children have been asking me to cook the thareed and only today did I find the means to do so. Then having cooked it I fell asleep and in my sleep Rasulullah ﷺ came to me and said: "One brother of yours has asked of me to feed him with that very food. Feed him now on my behalf." (Wafaa)

Hazrat Shaikh Abdus Salaam bin Abil Qasim Saqali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "a man told me." I was once in Madinah and had become so destitute that I had nothing and as a result I became very weak. At the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ I said: "O you sire of the predecessors and those who come after! I have come from Egypt and for five months now I have been in your presence. I beg of Allah and of you that one such person should take charge of feeding me or that I be made able to depart homewards from here. Thereafter I prayed for further things and went to sit down near the mimbar."

"Presently I noticed a man standing before the grave saying something of which I heard him say:

"O my grandfather, O my grandfather." From there the man came to me. He took me by the hand and said" Rise".

"I arose and went with him. We left the Masjid through Baab-e-Jibra'il and from there past Baqi and entered a tent. In it we found a slave-girl baked bread. While they worked my host kept me busy in conversation. When the bread was ready the girl cut them in halves and placed them before us in two places. Then she brought a container with ghee and poured it over the bread. Then she put before us some of the very best dates. My host did me to eat which I did."

"He again asked me to eat and once more I ate till I was full. When he encouraged me a third time I said: "Sir, for many months now I have not eaten wheat. I cannot eat any more." He took all that was left and place it in a basket and put with it about one Sa'a (about 7 kilograms) of dates. Then he asked me my name, which I told him. Then he said: "By Allah, do not ever complain to my grandfather, Rasulullah ﷺ again. It disturbs him greatly. For as long as you remain here and whenever you have the need for food it shall be sent to you."

Then he said to his slave: "Take this basket and go with our guest to the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ ." I took leave of him and went with the slave towards the grave. When we reached Baqi I said to the slave: "It is alright, for now I know the way. You may return. The slave replied: "By Allah, I have not the right to return without having left you at the grave. Perchance Rasululllah ﷺ will inform my master if I should. So saying he accompanied me right to the grave. For four days did I eat from that basket. When the supply was exhausted and I felt hungry, the same slave came to me again with food and so it went on until a caravan left for Yanbu and I went with them (to return home) (Wafaa)

A blind man, hazrat Abul Abbaas bin Nafes Maqri رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ relates: "While in Madinah I suffered hunger for three days. I then went to the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ and said: "O Rasulullah ﷺ ! I am indeed suffering from hunger. Thereafter as a result of the great weakness in my body, I fell asleep. While asleep a young maiden came to me and shook me by the leg to awaken me and called me to follow her. I did as she requested. She took me to her house and placed before me some bread, ghee and dates. Then she said: "Abul Abbas, eat for my grandfather commanded me to feed you and whenever you feel hungry you are free to come here and partake of our food." This story is also rebated by hazrat Abu Sulayman رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ who goes on to stay that numerous similar stories are related.

It will be noticed that in the majority of cases Rasulullah ﷺ ordered such people who were blood relations belonging to his noble family. This was especially the case when the hungry were in need of food. And so it should be because those who love to give in charity will always take from their own household to assist those who are in need. For this very reason Rasulullah ﷺ preferred to command members of his own family (the sayyads) to feed the needy. (Wafaa)

In his book Tow-theeq Ural-Imaam, Hazrat Imaam Baazri رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports a story on the authority of Hazrat Abu No'maan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ : "A ma from Khurasan used to come for Haj annually. After Haj he used to visit Madinah and among other things always paid his respects to Hazrat Sayyad Tahir Alawi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and presented him with gifts. Once someone from Madinah said to the Khurasani: "whatever you give to Sayyad Tahir Alawi is being wasted by him and in fact is being spent for sinful purposes."

For this reason, when he again came to Madinah, he gave him nothing. When he came the following year he again has him nothing and distributed his presents among the poor of Madinah. Before he left his home for Haj in the third year he saw Rasululllah ﷺ in a dream in which Rasulullah ﷺ said to him: "You have wronged Sayyad Tahir Alawi. You believed the words of his enemy and thereupon stopped your gifts to him. Let that not happen again. Whatever you refused him in the past should be given and continue to do so in the future."

When the Khurasani awoke he was overcome by great fear. He filled a bag with six hundred dinars on which he wrote the name of Sayyad Tahir and took it with him to Madinah. When he arrived at he house of Sayyed Tahir he found a large gathering around him, listening to him. On seeing him the Sayyad said: "O man from Khurasan, if Rasulullah ﷺ did not speak to you, you would not have reached me now. You have believed the words of Allah's enemy and withheld your charitable gifts from me. And only when you were commanded by Rasulullah ﷺ to present the gifts of three years did you come here. Come forward and give me the six hundred dinars."

Hearing this the Khurasani was surprised. He admitted that it was indeed as the Sayyad said. Before handing over the bag he asked: "But how did you come to know of this?" to which Sayyad Tahir replied: 'I know the whole story. When the first year gave me nothing, it affected me greatly because I suffered of want. When the second year you came and wen away without giving anything, and I came to hear of it, it pained me much more and I still suffered. Thereafter I saw Rasulullah ﷺ in a dream in which he said to me: "Be not distressed for I have scolded the Khurasani n a dram and I have exhorted him to present that which he withheld in the past and that as long as it is within his power, never to stop giving you." And I thanked Allah for that dream and vision. So when you appeared before me today I was certain that my dream was true and that you did see a dream.

On hearing this the Khurasani took out the bag with the 600 dinars and gave it to the Sayyad. He kissed his hand and begged forgiveness for his fault in believing the word of his enemy.

Sayyed Samhudi related this story and then explained that hazrat Sayyad Tahir رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was actually the son of Hazrat Yahya رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ son of Hazrat Husain رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ son of Hazrat Jafar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ son of Hazrat Ubaid husain رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ the son of Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ May Allah be pleased with them all. (Rushfa)

A lady came to hazrat Aa'isha رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ begging her to let her see the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ in the room where he is buried. Hazrat Aa'isha رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ pulled away the curtain and when the lady saw the grave she cried so bitterly and continuously that she died there. (shifa)

Abdah the daughter of Khalid bin Hazrat Ma'dan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "Whenever my father used to lie down to sleep at night he used to become very restless and impatient to see Rasulullah ﷺ . Then he used to call out the names of the Hazrat Muhajireen رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ and Hazrat Ansar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ and say: "O Allah these men are my predecessors and indeed does my heart long to meet them and my longing and yearning for them knows no bounds. O Allah let death overtake me quickly that I may meet them. " This he used to say until he fell asleep." (shifa)

Hazrat Uthman bin Haneef رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports: "A certain man came to see Hazrat Uthman رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ on more than one occasion for some need but found that the Khalifa paid no attention to him and neither did he try to assist him in his need. This man then complained to Hazrat Ibn Haneef رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ who advised him thus: "Perform wudhu and go to pray two rakaahs in the mosque of Rasulullah ﷺ . Then recite this duaa:

"O Allah I beseech Thee and I turn to Thee through Our Nabi Muhammad ﷺ , The Prophet of Mercy. O Muhammad, through thee I turn to thy Lord that my need be fulfilled. Then having read this put your need before Allah."

The man did as he was advised. Thereafter he went to Hazrat Uthman رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ when he reached there he was surprised to seethe gate keeper coming out to meet him and guide him into the presence of Hazrat Uthman رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ who met him with great honor and respectfully begged his pardon for not having been able to assist him. Hazrat Uthman رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ then asked him about his needs and very quickly settled and assisted him saying: "And if there is any further need for my help in future then inform me thereof without any hesitation."

The man left and returned to Hazrat Ibn Haneef رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ to thank him for his advice and said: 'Through your intercession and pleading, my problem is settled." Hazrat Ibn Haneef رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ replied: "I never did any pleading on your behalf. The truth of the matter is that I was once in the presence of Rasulullah ﷺ when a blind man came to complain of his blindness. Rasulullah ﷺ said: "If you so wish, then have patience and if you so wish, I shall pray to Allah for your sight." The man said: "O Rasulullah ﷺ , I even have no guide to lead me: and suffer great discomfort." Thereupon Rasulullah ﷺ told him to make wudhu, perform two rak'ahs and then recite this same prayer; thereafter problem to Allah. It was not long afterwards that the same man came along healed of his blindness with no loss of sight at all." (The story of the blind man already passed under number thirty two of 'Adaab of Ziyaart')

Hazrat Abdullah bin Mubaarak رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I heard Imaam Abu Haneefa say: "When Hazrat Ayyub Sakhi'tiyani رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was in Madinah, I also was present and I watched to see how he was gong to pay his respects to Rasulullah ﷺ . I saw him standing facing the grave and with his back to the Qiblah. Standing there without saying any words he just cried and cried." (Wafaa)

Abu Mihammad Ash'baily says: "Once a man from Granada become so seriously ill that doctors gave up al hope for him. The Vazir, Hazrat Abu Abdullah Muhammad رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ wrote a letter addressed to Rasulullah ﷺ , which he gave to the Haajis to be read at the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ . In it he also wrote a few lines of poetry, which are mentioned in 'Wafaa'. In the letter he wrote a prayer asking for the return of good health of the sick one. The caravan reached Madinah where the letter was read before the grave. When the reader returned from Haj and met his former sick brother he was surprised to see him in such excellent health as if he had never been ill at all (Wafaa)

Hazrat Aa'isha رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ relates that when her father, Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ fell ill, he said: "When I pass away bring my body to the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ and inform him that this is Abu Bakr whose heart-felt desire is to be buried next to you, if from the grave permission is granted bury me there: otherwise let me be buried in the Baqi."

Thus when he died his body was taken to the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ and permission was requested, to which a voice from the grave replied: "Let him enter with honor and respect."

Hazrat Ali R.A says: "That when the end came near for hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ he made me sit near him and said: "O Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ when I die, wash me with those same hands with which you washed Rasulullah ﷺ and having put scent over me take my body to the room wherein lies Rasulullah ﷺ . Beg his permission for me to be buried there. If permission is granted, let me be buried there; otherwise let me lie with the Muslims in their graveyard; -Baqi."

Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ continues: "When the body was ready for burial and placed before the grave, I came forward and said: "O Rasulullah ﷺ , this is Abu Bakr who begs permission to be buried next to you." Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I saw wit my own eyes the flap of the door opening and a voice was heard saying: "Bring the friend to his friend."

(In his book Hazrat Khassa'is-e Kubraa Allama Suyuti رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ discussed these reports and considered them both weak and rejected. However that is looking at it from the eyes of a Muhad'dith. The historical aspect is not denied.)

Hazrat Sa'eed bin Musayyib رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ is one of the most noted Taabi'een, about whom many wondrous tales are told regarding his great asceticism, fear of Allah and fearlessly speaking the truth in the face of adversity. For fifty years he did not miss any salaah with jama'ah, and for forty years he heard the Azaan for salaah while already in the Masjid; awaiting salaah at all times. For fifty years he performed Fajr salaah with the same wudhu with which he performed Isha salaah.

In the well-known battle of Harrah in the year 63 A.H. between the forces of Yazid and the people of Madinah, the people of Madinah were so filled with fear that many of them fled and dispersed. Some remained in their homes, while the horses of Yazid 's armies roamed around in the Masjid. It was such a battle wherein 1700 strong Muhaajereen and Ansaar were killed and more than 10,000 civilians lost their lives apart from women and children (see Wafaa)

During that period Hazrat Ibn Musayyib رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ found himself completely alone in the Masjid at times. He says: "For days on end no one else entered the Masjid for all that time; I heard the Azaan and the Iqaamat from the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ . (Khasa'is kubra)

These stories were examples from the lives of those filled with love for Rasulullah ﷺ , ready to sacrifice for his sake. Now, before ending this chapter, I wish to mention three incidents by way of a warning.

During the Khilaafat of Ameer Mu'aawiyah, Marwaan the governor of Madinah, desired to remove the mimbar of Rasulullah ﷺ from the Masjid of Madinah to Syria. It is possible that the intention may have been formed after consultation with Muaawiya or merely for the sake of attaining blessing.

As soon as workmen began to dismantle the mimbar, and eclipse of the sun took place at Madinah, as such darkness descended that the stars became visible. People were filled with fear and ascribed this to the fact that the mimbar was being removed.

Marwaan appeared before the people and in a sermon apologetically explained that the intention was not to remove the mimbar. Ameer Mu'aawiyah had written from Damascus saying that there was the danger of the mimbar being attacked by white ants eating away the bottom steps. For this reason it has been decided to add further steps to the buttom, and thus increase the height. Soon a carpenter was called to add six more steps to the bottom, and on top of that the mimbar was palced. The mimbar then came to have nine steps, whereas previously it had only three steps during the time of Rasulullah ﷺ ; viz, two steps and one for seat on top. (Nuz'hah)

Hazrat Sultan Nuruddin رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was a very just ruler, and a very god-fearing person who spent much of his time in special prayer, meditation and Zikr'ullah. He was a very saintly man whose nights were spent in Iaadah.

After performing salaah of Tahaj'jud one night he went to sleep and in a dream he saw Rasulullah ﷺ ; who pointed out towards two squint-eyed persons and said: "Protect me from these two."

The Sultan awoke in distress. He performed wudhu and said nafl prayers before he went back to bed. He had hardly fallen asleep when he saw exactly the same dream. Once again he woke up, did as before and again fell asleep. He had hardly closed his eyes when he saw the same dream for the third time. This time he rose from his bed and realized that there was no time for sleep. Hastily he summoned his wazir a man called Jamaluddin- who also was a very saintly person. After having told him the story thus far, the wazir said: "Now there is no time to loose, let us hasten to Madinah and let no one be informed of this dream."

Preparations were made in great haste and with twenty chosen men and fast camels loaded with goods they set forth. They traveled speedily by night and day. On the 16th day they arrived in Madinah from Egypt. Outside Madinah they washed themselves and with dues respect and humility came to the Mosque to perform salaah in the Rowdha. There the Sultan remained seated, deep in thought wondering what to do, elsewhere the wazir was making an announcement that the King had come for Ziyaarat and to distribute gifts to the people of Madinah. He also made arrangements for a huge feast to which all people of Madinah were invited. All the people had come for the gifts. While these were distributed the king stood by eagerly scanning the faces of all who came forward, more and more came but he did not seethe two faces, which appeared in the dream.

When at last the king inquired whether all the people of Madinah had come forward, it became known that there were two persons who did not do so. He was informed that there remained two such saintly persons who had come from the west and usually distributed much charity; neither did they take any gifts from anyone; nor did they mix with the people. They appeared to be two ascetic persons.

The king summoned them to his presence and on seeing them immediately recognized them. They were the ones showed to him by Rasulullah ﷺ .

The king asked them: "Who are you?"

They replied: "We are from the west. We have come to perform haj and now have come here for Ziyaarat. We desire to stay here as neighbors of Rasulullah ﷺ and thus we are here."

The king said: "I bid you to tell me the truth."

Again they insisted on what they had said. The king inquired as to where they lived and was informed that they had taken up their residence in a house just outside the mosque opposite the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ . Thereupon the king ordered them to be kept there in custody while he himself went to investigate. He went to inspect their house. There he found numerous goods, wealth and books. Etc. but the investigation brought forward nothing starling, which could be connected with the dream. This left the king greatly troubled and worried. From all sides the people of Madinah came to intercede on their behalf, begging their release, saying: "These are two saintly and ascetic men; they fast b y day and pray all night saying their prayers in the Rowdhatul Jannah, they visit the Baqi daily and every Saturday visit the Masjid of Quba. They never refuse any begger and during the year of drought and famine in Madinah, they had great sympathetic dealing with the Madinites."

When the king heard this, he was even more distressed, worried and amazed. He knew not what to do. Then a sudden thought came to him that he should lift up their prayer mat, which had been spread over the floor. Underneath was hole a which had been dug into the earth and which extended to very near the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ . When the people saw this they were struck dumb. Trembling in anger the king started beating them incessantly and said: "Tell the truth."

At last they came out with their true story that they were Christians and a certain Christian king had given them much wealth and had promised them even more; and the disguise themselves as Hajis; to proceed to Madinah and to remove the body of Rasulullah ﷺ . Hence they came to Madinah. By night they dug a tunnel, took the earth in bags and spread it out at Baqi.

On hearing the true story the king cried bitterly in gratitude. Allah and His Rasul ﷺ had chosen him for this great service. Thereafter he had them both killed. Then he had deep trenches dug all around the grave. It was so deep that the diggers had to dig till they reached water level. Then he had the trenches filled with molten pewter or lead so that none could reach the body of Rasulullah ﷺ from underneath. (Wafaa)

Hazrat shaikh Shamsuddin Sawab رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ who used to be one of the Supervisors of the Haram of Madinah relates: "I once had a close friend who used t frequent the house of the Governor of Madinah. Whenever I requested any special favors from the Governor, I used to acquire it through him. One day he came to me and said:

"A terrible thing happened today. Some people came to the Governor and gave him a substantial bribe in exchange whereof he should assist them in removing the bodies of Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ from where they lie buried, and the Governor has accepted the bribe."

Hazrat shaikh Sawab رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports further: "This news filled me with sorrow and distress and I was lost in sorrow when suddenly the messenger of the Governor arrived at my door to call me to the Governor. I accompanied him and the governor told me: "Tonight some people will come to the Masjid. Do not oppose them. Let them do whatever they wish, and do not try to stop them."

I said: "Very well," and left.

However I could not find ret. Instead remained seated behind the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ crying the rest of the day. Not for a second did my tears stop flowing. And no one knew what I was going through. When later that evening after Isha salaah, all the people had left the Masjid and we closed the doors of the mosque, some people came and made us open Baab as Salaam-the door nearest to the house of the Governor. As they entered I counted them and they were forty men in all. With them they had shovels, baskets for carrying the earth, and many other tools, normally used for digging. They all went towards the room wherein the graves are. I swear by Allah! That they had hardly reached the mimbar when the earth opened up and swallowed them all with their tools. It happened in such a way that not a sign was left of them.

The Governor waited for them in his house for a long time. Then he called me and asked: "O Sawaab, have these people still not reached you? "I replied: "Yes sir, they came."

I explained to him what had happened. This shocked him and he exclaimed: "What did you say? "Did that happen?" I replied: "Yes that is what happened. Come I shall show you the spot." He said: "No, there is no need thereof. Keep this quite, if you tell anybody about this, your head will be cut off." (Wafaa)

May Allah through his mercy and favors guide us to the correct behavior of this sacred place; and save us from the punishment due to misbehavior.

Important: In these stories just related we have come across many cases where Rasulullah ﷺ had been seen in a dream. Now it is my duty to bring to the notice of the readers, something important. It is that whenever Rasulullah ﷺ was seen in a dream, it must be believed that it was the Rasul ﷺ who was seen and no one else. For numerous are the authentic reports wherein is stated the Rasulullah ﷺ said: "Whoever sees me in a dream, has indeed seen none but me, for verily Shaytaan is not allowed to imitate me."

The form in which various people see him differs in many cases. The difference does not lie in the object seen but in him who sees. The eyes belong to the body of the beholder and as much; the instrument (eyes) changes from person to person. For example in the case of a green, red, blue or black spectacles. If one looks at any object with any of these colored spectacles the picture will be according to the color of the spectacles. However the form and shape of the actual object did not change.

Hence when any one sees Rasulullah ﷺ and on him sees anything which does not become one of such exalted rank, it should be borne in mind that the fault lies in the beholder and not in the Rasul ﷺ . Similarly, if the dreamer hears anything from the Rasul ﷺ which goes against Shariah; the fault lies with the hearer and not with Rasulullah ﷺ .

Hazrat Ibn Ameerul Haaj رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ writes in his " Mad'khal": "When having seen a dream or heard a voice form the unseen, one should be careful about inclining towards implementing that order which was seen or heard; when that order is not in accordance with the practice of the elders of Islam of the first century. And so also one should guard against following a practice seen in a dream when the practice is against the Shari'ah. An example of this is those people to whom the Rasul ﷺ in a dream gave some order or prohibited something. They then started to follow that act accordingly without having referred back to the Qur'aan and sunnah.

The Qur'aan says: "And if you differ in anything among yourself, refer it to Allah and His Rasul." (Surah Nisaa: 59)

Referring to him in person during his lifetime and comparing with his sunnah after his death. Note also that even though the saying of Rasulullah ﷺ ; " Whosoever sees me in a dream has indeed seen none but me" is truth, yet, did Allah not command us to follow the injunctions received during dreams nor act in accordance therewith.

In fact Rasulullah ﷺ told us that the pen is lifted from three people; the sleeper till he awakens; the infant and the insane. Further also, one can receive an authentic report only from one who awake, of sound mind and conscious not from him who is asleep. Thus whenever any order reaches us from Rasulullah ﷺ during our sleep, it should be first examined in the light of the Qur'aan and the sunnah. If found according to the Shari'ah; the dream is truth, and so also the words spoken; having come to the dreamer as glad tidings. However if found to be against the Shari'ah, then let it be known that the dream is truth, but as a result of Satanic influence some distortion has taken place in the hearing or seeing instruments (eyes and ears)

Hazrat Imaam Nawawi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ writes at the beginning of his book 'Tahzeebul Asmaa wal Lughaat' about the specialities of Rasulullah ﷺ : "Whoever has seen him in a dream, has indeed seen him; for Shaytaan cannot imitate him. However, if anything is heard about the prescriptions of Sharia'h, it is not possible to follow these; not because of any doubt about the truth of the dream, but because the memory of the dreamer is unreliable."

The same is also explained in greater detail in 'Mad'khal', I have quoted as much as was felt necessary. The same is said by numerous other ulama.

Conclusion - The Farewell Hajj of Rasulullah ﷺ

All the ulama are agreed on this fact that Rasulullah ﷺ only performed Haj once after the hijrat. That was during the 10th year Hijri, which incidentally was the last year of his life. On this Haj journey such things were seen from him as is normally seen from someone who is about to take leave. Hence this Haj has become known as the Hajjatul-Widaa (the Farewell Haj). It was as if the Rasulullah ﷺ was bidding farewell to all his companions present there with him before his final departure to his Lord.

When initially Rasulullah ﷺ announced his intention to proceed for Haj thousands came forward with the same intention of being of those most fortunate ones to accompany him. And whoever heard of it expressed the desire to be with him. A large number of them had gathered in Madinah before the departure date. Many joined on the way. Some awaited him in Makkah and some even traveled directly to Arafaat to join the vast host of Sahaaba there. According to Lam'aat on Abu Dawood their total number reached one hundred and twenty-four thousand.

Rasulullah ﷺ performed Zuhr, salaah in Madinah on the 24th or 25 or 26 of Zil-Qadah and said Asr prayers at Zul Hulaifa. (According to the historians it may have been either on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Those who say the departure was on a Friday seem to be in the wrong because according to the most correct reports, they performed Zuhr four rak'aats before proceeding. So it could not have been on a Friday: In my own humble opinion the Rasul ﷺ and his companions left Madinah on Saturday the 25th of Zil-Qadah.)

At Zul Hulaifa they spent the night and here Rasulullah ﷺ consorted with all his wives who were present. For this reason the ulama say it is mustahab to have sexual relations with one's wife, if she accompanies him, before putting on the ihraam, so that both may remain chaste during the period in ihraam which often can be a long time.

On the next day about the tie of Zuhr, Rasulullah ﷺ performed ghusl for the ihraam. Then he donned the ihraam clothes, preformed salaah in the mosque of Zul Hulaifa and made niyyat for the ihraam of a Qaarin. (The ulama say that this ihraam as from the outset for Qiraan). Here Rasulullah ﷺ also gave the Sahaaba رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ the choice of putting on ihraam for Qiraan, Tamattu or Ifraad. Hazrat Jibra'il A.S. came to him at night and said: "This valley of Aqeeq is a blessed one. Perform salaah here and put on ihraam for Haj and Umrah." Hence Rasulullah ﷺ chose to be a Qaarin.

Having performed salaah the Rasul ﷺ came from the mosque, mounted his she-camel and loudly recited the Labbaik. Many thought that he only started his ihraam at this moment. This is not so because it actually started in the mosque and there only those near to him heard his Talbiya (Labbaik). Sitting on the camel his voice reached further.

From Zul Hulaifa they proceeded and climbed the mountain of Baida near Zul Hulaifa. As we know it is mustahab for the Haji in ihraam to recite the Talbiya aloud at every high place, Rasulullah ﷺ again recited it. From here the voice reached even further. Some Sahaaba رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ were under the misunderstanding that the niyyat for ihraam was made here.

The procession went in the direction of Makkah. Hazrat Jibra'il A.S. appeared and told the Rasul ﷺ to inform the companions that they should recite the Talbiya loudly. This they did. When they reached the valley of Rowhaa they performed salaah there and he said to them: "Seventy Nabis have performed salaah here."

Rasulullah ﷺ luggage and Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ were on the same camel which was given into the care of Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ 's slave. When they reached they valley of Araj they had to wait for a long time for the slave to arrive. After some time of waiting he arrived and explained that the camel and goods had been lost. Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was overtaken by anger and beat the slave. Seeing this Rasulullah ﷺ smiled and said: "Look at what this muhrim is doing now." (See what he does while in ihraam). When the companions came to know that Rasulullah ﷺ goods had been lost, they quickly prepared food and brought it to hi. He called Hazrat Abu Bakr R.A:

"Come, Allah has sent good food."

However, Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was still angered and Rasulullah ﷺ said:

"O Hazrat Abu Bakr, let your anger pass."

Thereafter Hazrat Saad رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and Abu Qais رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ brought their camel laden with goods and bid Rasulullah ﷺ accept theirs but he replied:

"May Allah bless you, with Allah's grace our camel and goods have been found."

At the valley of Asfaan near Makkah. Hazrat Suraqa رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ said to the Rasul ﷺ : "O Rasulullah, teach us the way to perform Haj as if we were born this day (and knew nothing)." The Rasul ﷺ then told him what to do on entering Makkah.

At a place called Sarif, Aa'isha رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ started her menstruation. As a result of this she was greatly troubled and disappointed and started weeping. "Oh, now my whole journey has come to naught: Haj is near and I have become unclean." Rasulullah ﷺ consoled her: "No Aa'isha, this is indeed something that happens to every woman." He then told here what to do in her predicament. Then he told those Sahaaba رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ who had no animals to slaughter with them to enter Makkah, perform umrah and free themselves from the ihraam.

Very near Makkah at the valley of Azraq Rasulullah ﷺ said: "I see before me now that moment when Hazrat Moosa A.S. passed this way for Haj, fingers in the ears, loudly calling out the Labbaik."

At the Zu-Tuwa which is very near Makkah they spent the night. Then in the morning he performed ghusl once more for entrance into Makkah. Thereafter at the time of Dhuhaa on Sunday the 4th of Zil Haj he entered Makkah. (Most historians are more or less agreed on this date. In my opinion Zil Qadah had 29 days. Having left Madinah on a Saturday they entered Makkah on a Sunday, the 9th day of travel).

They went straight o the Masjidul Haraam, kissed the Hajarul Aswad and tawaaf. No Tahiyatul Masjid salaah was performed.

After tawaaf they performed two rak'ah salaah at the Maqaam-e-Ibrahim, reciting therein Surah Al Kaafiroon and Surah Ikhlaas. Kissing the Hajarul Aswad once more, they mounted the hill Safa until they could see the Ka'ba. Standing there, they prayed for a long while, reciting the takbeer and tahmeed. They then walked between Safa and Marwa seven times. When they came to Marwa in the end the Rasul ﷺ commanded those without 'hadee' (animals for slaughter) to free themselves from the ihraam. Then Rasulullah ﷺ (animals for slaughter) to free themselves from the ihraam. Then Rasulullah ﷺ went to his residence and remained in Makkah for four more days.

On the morning of Zil Haj the 8th at the time of Chasht salaah he left for Mina. All the companions had now put on ihraam for Haj and accompanied him to Mina where they performed five salaahs. Surah Murslaat was revealed on the evening of this day. On the next day (Friday) after sunrise they proceeded to Arafaat, where some companions had erected a tent for Rasulullah ﷺ a at the Masjid Namirah. Rasulullah ﷺ stayed in it for a short while and then mounted his camel Qaswa to go in the direction of the valley of Arafaat. There he delivered a long sermon.

Among the things he said were: "O people, perhaps you shall not see me again after this. After this we shall not meet again at this place…….."

After the sermon Hazrat Bilaal رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was commanded to call aloud the Azaan and they performed Zuhr and Asr salaah in the time of Zuhr. After salaah Rasulullah ﷺ went onto the plain of Arafaat on his camel and from then until maghrib made duaa to Allah. During this period Hazrat Um Fazl رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ wanted to find out if he was fasting or not. She sent a cup of milk and the Rasul ﷺ drank it sitting on his camel so that all could see he was not fasting.

During this period also one of the Sahaaba رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ fell from his camel and died. Rasulullah ﷺ commanded that he be wrapped in his ihraam clothes for burial and said that on the day of Qiyaamah he shall be raised up still reciting the Talbiya.

During this period a group from Najd arrived and one of them asked Rasulullah ﷺ : "What is Haj? " The Rasul ﷺ commanded someone to proclaim aloud that Haj means to step over at Arafaat for a time, "Whoever arrives here before day break on the 10th of Zil Haj had performed Haj. (Abu Dawood)

Rasulullah ﷺ prayed until the time of Maghrib for the forgiveness of his ummat with many tears with much humility. Allah promised to forgive all sins except injustice. Then he again begged: "O Allah, thou can forgive that too; and of Thy own accord can Thou right the wrongs done against the unjustly treated ones; and Thou can forgive unjust."

During this period was revealed the verse:

"Today have I perfected you religion for you and have completed my favor for you."

When this verse was revealed, the weight of revelation became so great that the camel could not bear it and had to sit down.

After sunset Rasulullah ﷺ left Arafaat before performing Maghrib salaah. On this part of the journey the camel moved at a very fast pace as if to show exceeding happiness and Rasulullah ﷺ had to hold her back. Whenever they ascended some hill, he held the reins loosely but as soon as level ground appeared he held the reins tight. At times he held the reins so tight that the cake head was pulled so much back that it touched the canopy over the saddle.

Hazrat Asaama bin Zaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ traveled with Rasulullah ﷺ on the same camel on this part of the journey. Near Muzdalifah Rasulullah ﷺ descended from his camel in order to urinate. Afterwards Hazrat Asaama رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ poured the water for him to perform wudhu. Later it became fixed habit for Hazrat Ibn Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا that whenever he reached this place during Haj, he descended to make wudhu, pointing out that Rasulullah ﷺ made wudhu there. Having made wudhu, Hazrat Asaama رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reminded Rasulullah ﷺ about Maghrib salaah but he replied: "Let us proceed and say Magrib prayers at Muzadalifah."

When they reached Muzdalifah, Rasulullah ﷺ once more performed wudhu and said Maghrib and Esha prayers together. After salaah he remained busy with duaa. According to some reports, Allah accepted his plea on behalf of the unjust ones here too. (See previous page)

On this same night he sent the women, children and the aged ones ahead to Mina because he feared that they would find great difficulty in traveling with this vast crowd. With the rest of the companions he remained till the next morning. They said Fajr salaah and left Muzdalifah for Mina before the sun rose. This time Hazrat Asaama رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ had taken his place among those who walked and Hazrat Fadhl bin Abbaas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ sat with Rasulullah ﷺ on the camel. Hazrat Fadhl رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was still a very young man. On route a young girl came to ask Rasulullah ﷺ a question about Haj Badal on behalf of her father. Hazrat Fadhl رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ looked at the girl and Rasulullah ﷺ with his blessed hand turned his face away from her, so that he should not look at this 'strange' woman, and said:

"Today is such a day, that whoever controls his eyes, his ears and his tongue against sin, shall be forgiven." Along the road Hazrat Fadhl R.A picked up the stones Rasulullah ﷺ required. People came to ask numerous questions which were answered. One person asked: "O Rasulullah ﷺ my mother has become very old and weak. Even if we should tie her on the back of a camel, we fear death will overtake her. Can I perform Haj on her behalf?" Rasulullah ﷺ replied: "if your mother had an outstanding debt, would you carry the burden of settling it?"

The man said: "Certainly." Rasulullah ﷺ then went on: "So also should you take Haj." Soon the procession passed Wadi-e-Muhassar. This was the place Allah destroyed Abraha and his forces who came with a mighty and elephants to destroy the Ka'bah. As they passed through this valley Rasulullah ﷺ drove his camel through it with haste, so as to pass quickly through a place where the wrath of Allah had once descended.

On arrival at Mina on the morning of the 10th Zil Haj they proceeded straight to the Jamaratul Aqaba and threw stones at it. The Talbiya that had continued up to this moment from the time ihraam was put on, was now stopped.

Rasulullah ﷺ then went to his tent (where he was to remain for the following two days) and gave another lengthy sermon. In it many things were explained such things were said as is normally said at a time of farewell.

Thereafter Rasulullah ﷺ went to the Man'har where animals are slaughtered and for every year of his 63 years of life he slaughtered a camel. A total of sixty-three camels. O these six or seven came forward of their own accord as if eager to be slaughtered in Allah's way. Apart from these hazrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ slaughtered the rest to complete one hundred camels.

Thereafter an announcement was made that whoever desired could take pieces of meat to eat. Rasulullah ﷺ then commanded Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ to cut a piece of meat from each of the slaughtered animals and boil it together in one pot. This was done and Rasulullah ﷺ ate from this gravy. Rasulullah ﷺ also slaughtered a cow on behalf of the woman of his household.

After this Hazrat Ma'mar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ or Hazrat Kharash رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was called to cut the hair of Rasulullah. The head was shaved, nails trimmed and the hair and nails distributed among the Sahaaba رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ It is said that the hair of Rasulullah ﷺ which are still in the possession of some people to this day were received here at Mina. Having cut his hair Rasulullah ﷺ took off his ihraam clothes, applied scent to himself and put on his usual clothes.

Many people came to ask questions on Haj. On this day four things are to be done viz. Throwing stones at the Jamaratul Uqba, Qurbani, cutting of hair and tawaaf. These are to be performed in the prescribed order. Some Sahaaba رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ made mistakes in not maintaining the correct order. They came to Rasulullah ﷺ and explained. And to almost all of them he said that not having stuck to the correct order was no sin. "Sin is to attack the honor and respect of a Muslim."

At the time of Zuhr Salaah Rasulullah ﷺ left with his procession for Makkah to perform Tawaafuz-Ziyaarah. He performed Zuhr salaah in Makkah after tawaaf and then returned to Mina. He also visited the Bi'r-Zam Zam and drank to his fill with Zam Zam. According to some reports he drew the water himself and according to other reports he is said not to have drawn himself and to have said:

"Had I not feared that people will overcome you in conquest, I would have drawn water myself to drink." What actually could have taken place is that water was drawn many times. At some time wen he was alone Rasulullah ﷺ drew it up by himself and at another time when there was a huge crowd around, he had it drawn for him, Rasulullah ﷺ drank the Zam Zam while standing.

Then Rasulullah ﷺ performed saee between Safa and Marwa. Some reports deny it: the Hanafi accept it. Returning to Mina Rasulullah ﷺ remained there for days and threw stones at the Jamaraat daily after Zawaal. Some reports also say that he went for tawaaf to the Baitullah every night. Many sermons were delivered at Mina. Once again there appeared these kind of farewell words:

"Perhaps I shall not again meet you here in future."

Surah Nasr (Iza Jaa'a Nasrulllahi) was revealed. Some reports say it was already revealed in Madinah before this time. After this revelation the Rasul ﷺ used to say that in this chapter he was given news of his coming death, which was near at hand. On the Tuesday 13th of Zil Haj after having thrown the last Jamaraat they left Mina or Makkah. Outside Makkah at Mahaaab (also called Bat'haa or Khaif bani Kinana) Rasulullah ﷺ 's slave Hazrat Abu Raafi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ had erected a tent and here Rasulullah ﷺ stopped to spend the night. Here he performed Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Esha salaahs. Than he rested for a while. This place was the one where in the 6th year of Islam the Infidels of Makkah had made an agreement among themselves to boycott the Muslims and Banu Haashim and to have no dealings with them whatsoever. No buying, selling, marriage, meeting etc. until such a time that Banu Haashim, the family of Rasulullah ﷺ , delivered him into their hands to deal with him as they saw fit. Their intention was to kill him. At this spot that agreement was written and signed. It is a well-known story and all know what the outcome was. Now Rasulullah ﷺ was sitting at the same place as the conqueror.

After resting for a while Rasulullah ﷺ led his companions for the farewell tawaaf. On this evening too he sent Hazrat Aa'isha رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ with her brother Hazrat Abdur Rahmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ for an umrah to Tan'eem. When they had performed that and returned to Muhasaab, the command was given for the return to Madinah. On another point the ulama are not agreed. Did Rasululllah S ﷺ enter the Ka'bah on this Haj or not. We know definitely that he did enter but some ulama say it was at the time of the Conquest of Makkah. Some ulama say that before leaving for Madinah Rasulullah ﷺ performed Fajr salaah in Makkah, wherein he recited surah Toor and then left Makkah on the morning of Wednesday 14th Zil Haj in the year 10 Hijri. On the 18th Zil Haj Rasulullah ﷺ stopped at Ghadeer-Kham, near Juh'fa and there ascended a lofty place to deliver a sermon. In this sermon he also extolled the virtues of Hazrat Sayidna Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ This is the moment which the Rafihis (the Shias) have mistakenly called Eid of Ghadeer. Hazrat Sayidna Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ used to say: "With regard (to their relationship) to me two groups had gone astray viz. Those who exceed all bounds in their love for me and those whose excessive hatred exceeded all bounds."

(See Tarikh al Khulafa as reported by Haakim; reference here is to the Shias and Kharijis).

The procession spent the night at Zul Hulaifa. After performing Fajr salaah they entered Madinah of Maaras while reading this duaa: "We return, seeking repentance and worshipping Allah while we indeed praise our Lord."

In the year 1342 Hijri I wrote a booklet on the Hajjatul Widaa. (The farewell Haj) in Arabic wherein I complied all the different reports into one complete continuous report of the Haj of Rasulullah ﷺ . Therein I also noted the source of each incident, discussed the fiqh aspects and noted the original source of every Hadith. It is from that book that I have copied this portion concerning the Hajjatul Widaa. (This book has now been printed both in Arabic and in Urdu-Translator)

After Haj Rasulullah ﷺ lived for two more months before he passed away. Hazrat Abi Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ became the first Khalifa.

During his first year of Khilaafat, he himself did not go for Haj but appointed Hazrat Umar R.A as the leader of pilgrims (Ameerul-Haj) to Makkah. The following year he led the Muslims himself for Haj. When Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ passed away he was followed by Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ as the second Khalifa, who in the first year sent Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Owf رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ himself led the Hajis. In fact during the last year of his Khilaafat he went out of his way to take the women folk from the household of Rasulullah ﷺ for Haj. When Hazrat Uthman رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was chosen as the third Khalifa he also did not go for Haj in the first year i.e. 24 Hijri and appointed Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Owf رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ as Ameerul Haj. Then from 25 A.H. to 34 A.H. he led them himself. When he was imprisoned in his house, Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbaas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was appointed Ameerul-Haj.

Although Hazrat Sayidna Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ performed Haj on numerous occasions before his Khilaafat, he was never able to perform Haj afterwards as a result of his pre-occupation with wars, e.g. Battle of Jamal, Battle of Siffeen etc.

And now having come so far ii wish to end this book with a few incidents from the lives and Haj of the saintly elders of Islam that these may be examples and warnings to us all.

Hazrat Zun Noon Misri رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I was once performing tawaaf around the Ka'bah. Everybody's eyes were fixed on the Ka'bah when suddenly a man approached the Ka'bah and prayed:

"O my Lord, I am Your poor servant who is astray from Your court and who has run away from Your door; I beg of You that thing which is nearest to You and I beg of You that I be allowed such worship of You which You love most: O Allah I beg of You through those saintly ones and Your Nabis that You grant me to drink the wine of Your love; O Lord remove from me the ignorance that prevents me from reaching knowledge (Ma'rifat) of You that I may eagerly reach unto You, and converse with You silently in my desire."

Thereafter having said this prayer, he cried bitterly for a long while. He cried so much that his tears fell on the ground. Then suddenly he started laughing and went away. Hazrat Zun Noon Misri رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: " I followed him and thought within myself that this man must either be a perfect sufi or a madman. He went out of the mosque towards the outskirts of the town. He became aware of me and said: "What do you want? Why do you follow me; Please leave me alone."

I said: "May Allah have mercy on you. What is your name?" He replied: "Abdullah (servant of Allah)." I asked: "What is your father's name?" He replied: "Abdullah (Servant of Allah)" I asked: "Everyone is a servant of Allah. But what is your real name." He replied: "My father name me Sa'doon." I asked: "Are you then not he who is know as 'Sa'doon, the mad one?" He replied: "Yes, I am he." I asked: "Who are those saintly ones through whom you prayed to Allah?" He replied: "They are the ones who walk towards Allah in a similar manner as he who walks that has made the attaining of Allah's love their aim in life. And they have separated themselves from this world in the same manner as him whose heart has been snatched away. Then he continued: O Zun Noon, I have heard you say that you would like to know the Asbaabe Ma'rifat." I replied: "Yes, for I want to benefit from your knowledge." Then he recited two couplets in Arabic: The hearts or the Aarifeen are sunk in the remembrance of the Lord at all times; And so does the heart become involved that near Him it makes it home. And I have with such sincerity fallen love with Him; That nothing can now remove from my heart the love I bear for Him. (Rowdh-23)

How much did I not conceal my love, yet it refuses to hide; And now it has openly proclaimed itself aloud. When my yearnings increase, my heart shakes on remembering Him; And when I desire to be near Him, hastily does He oblige by being near me. When He appears I die in Him and for His sake live again;

And indeed does He cares for me tat ecstasy do I feel.

Hazrat Junaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I said to her: "O girl, do you not fear Allah? How can you recite such words in this Holy Place?" She replied: "If I did not fear Allah you would not see me here; for I would then have been lying down fast asleep. Verily did the fear of Allah send me forth and brought; me here from my motherland. His love is with me that flea about and its His love that; has caused me to be confused and sad. Then he asked: "O Junaid, do you perform tawaaf of Allah or tawaaf of Baitullah?" I replied: "I perform tawaaf round the Baitullah." Then she turned her face to the heavens and exclaimed: 'Subhanallah!' How strange you are! A created being like a stone, performing tawaaf round a stone!' Then she recited a further poem: They seek Thy nearness while performing tawaaf round stones; Indeed are their hearts harder than stones. Indeed are they troubled and confused; as they imagine themselves near to Thee. Were they true in their love, they would forget their own attributes; and only concern themselves with attribute of Thy love. Hazrat Junaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "On hearing these words from her, I fell down unconscious and when I woke up she was gone. (Rowdh)

Hazrat Bishr al Haafi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "On the plain of Arafaat I once saw a man weeping uncontrollably and in this state he recited a few lines thus: "How Great is Allah" free from all faults; even though we should express thanks to Him by performing sujood on thorns and heated needles, then too we shall never be able to praise Him for one tenth of His favors. No, not one hundredth of one hundredth thereof."

Then he quoted: "Lord, how often have I not sinned against Thee and never remembered Thee while in my sin; and Thou, O Lord, have ever remembered me in unseen ways. How often, Lord have I not in ignorance removed the veil from myself when I sinned; Yet in Thy grace Thou hast mercy on me and covered my misdeeds. Hazrat Bishr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "Thereafter I lost sight of him I inquired from people as to who he was and was told it was Hazrat Abu Ubaid Khawaas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ one of the great saints." It is said about him that for seventy years he never lifted his face up to the sky and when asked the reason he said: "I am ashamed, how can I lift up this sinful face to such a great Benefactor?" It is something to ponder about that such obedient servants of Allah can be so humble and that in spite of their continuous life in Ibaadat, they can still be so ashamed of themselves before Allah, while the real sinners have no shame. May Allah not deprive us on the day of Qiyaamah from looking at His Holy Countenance and bless us and benefit us through the blessings of His righteous servants. And may Allah cause us to tread in their shadow in this world and to be in the protection of their shadow in the hereafter. (Rowdh)

Hazrat Maalik bin Dinaar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "When I once went for Haj I met a young man walking on foot. With him he had no means of conveyance, no provisions and no water. I greeted him and he replied. Then I asked him: "Young man from where are you?"

He replied:"I come from Him."

I asked: "Whither are you going?" He replied: "I go to Him." I asked: "Where are your provisions for the journey?" He replied: "It is under His guarantee." I said: "This is an arduous journey which cannot be undertaken without food and water for The way. You must surely have something!" He said:"When I started this journey I took with me five letters as food for the way. They Are the Holy words of Allah: Kaaf, Haa, Yaa, Ain, Suaad. I asked: "What do you mean?" He replied: "Kaaf stands for Kaafi, which means He who is sufficient as Sustainer and Maintainer. Haa means Haadi, which means Guide. Yaa stands for Mo'addi, means He who grants refuge. Ain stands for Aalim meaning All-Knower. Suaad stands for Saadiq, which means He who carries out His promise. Hence how can such a person perish whose companion is Kaafi, Guide, Refuge, All-Knower and Truthful. With such companionship, what provisions are needed?"

Hazrat Maalik رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "Hearing him speak like that I intended giving my shirt to him but he refused it and said: "Dear elder, it is better to remain naked than to acquire worldly shirts. For all halaal possessions one shall be called to account and for every haraam possession one shall be punished." When evening came he lifted his face up to heaven in prayer: "O Thou most Holy Lord who is pleased at the obedience of servants and who does not diminish in rank at the sins of others, grant to me that thing which pleases Thee-obedience. And forgive me for that which cause Thee no harm. (sin)"

Later when the Hajis put on ihraam, and the air re-echoed with their 'Labbaik', he remained silent. I asked him: "Why do you not recite the Talbiya?"

He replied: "I fear that on reciting 'Labbaik' a reply from on high may be heard 'Laa Labbaik, Laa Saadaik' Your cry is not heard and we do not turn to you in pleasure."

Thereafter he disappeared from my sight and all along the way I did not see him. At last I saw him again at Mina. There he recited some lines of poetry:

Should that Beloved desire that I shed my blood, then He may shed it inside this haram as well as outside it. By Allah, should my soul realize with whom it is connected?

Then instead of on my feet, on my face I shall gladly stand in His presence.

And blame me not for this love for Him, for if thou knowest the thing I see then surely will you never speak. On the morn of Eid their sheep and goats they offer while my Lord my very life did sacrifice. Their Haj they have made and offer they brought. And I for His sake my life did give.

Then he recited this duaa: "O Lord, people have brought their animals to sacrifice for Thee. Lord, I have nothing except my life, which I offer to Thy door. Do kindly accept it."

Immediately thereafter he uttered a piercing cry and fell down, dead. From the unseen came a voice: "This is Allah's friend and Allah's martyr."

Hazrat Maalik رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says further: "I performed his ghusl and dressed him in his kaf'n and buried him. Throughout the night I was troubled, thinking about him. Then I feel asleep and saw him in a vision, I asked him: "What did Allah do to you?"

He replied: "I have gained a reward like that of the martyrs of the Battle of Badr-nay even more." I asked: "But why more than them?"

He replied: "They died at the swing of the swords of infidels while I died by the sword of Allah's love." (Rowdh)

This does not mean that his rank was higher than the Badr Martyrs. He could have excelled them in only one aspect. Because they were companions of Rasulullah ﷺ which puts them away above this young man.

Hazrat Zun Noon رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ relates: "On one Haj journey I met a young man in the desert who was also going the same way. He was a most handsome youth, shining as the full moon and the love for Allah drove him along.I took him under my care and said. "This is a very long and arduous journey."

In poetic manner he replied:

For them that are lazy and have no urge this journey is arduous; and for them that are filled with Allah's love it is a pleasure not far.

When the famous saint Hazrat Shibli رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ arrived at Arafaat he remained quite and not a word passed his lips. Later he left for Mina and as soon as he passed the borders of the haram, tears started flowing from his eyes and he said: "I depart from here having stamped my heart with the seal of Thy love. That none save Thee may enter if afresh. Oh that I now may close these eyes of mine and till I behold the sight of Thy Countenance Divine; No other sight my eyes refresh; Among friends there are those who are for Thee alone and there are those who have others to share their friendship; But when tears flows down the cheeks then it is obvious who are the ones that are truly crying and who are pretending to cry." (Rowdh)

Perceive deeply, The difference between; An enemy and lover are; Some pretend to be made, And some are truly mad.

When Hazrat Fudhail bin Iyaadh رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was on the plain of Arafaat he too remained silent and only when the sun had set did he say: "O Allah, even though You may have forgiven me, still I bewail the wretched of my condition." (Rowdh)

Hazrat Ibrahim bin Mahlab رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "While making tawaaf, I once saw a young girl hanging onto the Ka'bah's cloth crying out: "O Allah for the sake of Thy love for me, strengthen my heart."

I asked her: "Dear maiden, how do you know that Allah loves you?"

She replied: "I know that by the favors He bestows on me. To bring me to Islam, He sent the Muslim army, on which he spent so much money. He brought me forth from under the yoke of the infidels and converted me to Islam and granted me knowledge of Him, whereas before I did not know of Him. O Ibrahim, is this not His love?"

I asked her: "How much do you love Him?" She replied: "I love Him more than anything else." I asked her: "How is that love?" She replied: "Sweeter than the sweetest wine, more pleasurable than the fragrance of the essence of roses." Then she recited: How can that man knows patience whose heart is filled with restlessness. Whose tear shedding eyes have become useless through weeping constantly? Whose body burnt by the flaming fire of His love now lean and weak does lie? What I the cure for an illness as this? And the end of a love likes this; Can only be hard, especially so when arrows of Mercy He lets loose." (Rowdh)

Hazrat Maalik bin Dinaar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I once saw a young man of very saintly countenance. Tears were continuously flowing from his eyes. I immediately recognized him as one whom I had seen in Basra some time before. Then he was in a wealthy position. Now he seemed destitute and starving. On seeing him tears came to my eyes to think how he was before, and how he was now. He recognized me and we greeted each other. He said to me: "O Maalik; pray for me. Remember me in your most earnest prayers. Perhaps Allah will have mercy on me in my present condition and forgive my sins."

Then he recited the following verses: When the Beloved turns to thee then remembers me to Him;

And tell Him that never this heart is free of His remembrance. Perchance on hearing the mention of my name. He shall inquire about me.

Hazrat Maalik رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ continues: "Having recited these lines he went away. The time of Haj arrived and while sitting in the Holy Haram once I saw a crowd of people around a man, crying uncontrollably. As a result of his hysterical crying people found difficulty in performing tawaaf. I went in that direction and behold it was the same young man. This made me very happy and I said: "Praise be to Allah who has granted you your wish." Thereupon he again recited some lines:

People fearlessly proceeded to Mina and there, their heart felt desires received, They begged to Allah their deepest wish, And true to promise He granted them, And through their sincere repentance did He grant protection against all inequity. The Saqi gave them to drink and when they asked: "who is the Saqi?" he said: "I am Allah, call you on Me, I am your Lord, Mine alone is Glory. Exaltedness the Kingdom and praise." Hazrat Maalik R.A continues: "Tell me what happened to you?" He said: "I have been most fortunate for Allah had called me here and here I am present. Whatever I begged of Him, I received." Then he recited a few lines thus:

When my Beloved called me I called out "Blessed am I?" How great the ecstasy of Thy love. By Thy truth do I swear, Thou art the goal, the object. That I seek; For the sake of fulfilling Thy desires do they blame me. Yet let them blame. For me there is no longing save to be with Thee. And when here in the city I be, I do not remember anyone save Thee. Hazrat Maalik R.A says: "After this he commenced the tawaaf and thereafter I never saw him again, neither do I know what happened to him. (Rowdh)

One saintly person relates: "Once during a very hot season I went for Haj. Somehow, when we had reached the desert of Central Hijaaz I became separated from my caravan and lost my way. I fell asleep and when I awoke I saw a man some distance away. I ran in his direction. It was a very young man whose beard did not even start growing. He was an extremely handsome young man. When I greeted him, he replied: "O Ibrahim, Wa'laykumus Salaam."

On mentioning me by name, I was greatly confused and surprised and asked: "Respected young man, how do you know my name?"

He replied: "Since I received (maarifat) knowledge of Allah, I have not been ignorant and since I have joined with Him I have never left Him."

I asked: "What has brought you here, in this extreme heart of the desert?"

He replied: "O Ibrahim, apart from Him I have no love for anyone else; neither have I made anyone else my friend and companion; now I completely turned to Him alone and Him alone do I consider worthy of worship."

I asked: "Whither comes your food and drink?"

He replied: "By Allah, I fear your destruction under these conditions."

Thereupon his eyes filled with tears which appeared like pearls as they rolled over his cheeks and he said: "Who can frighten me of destruction in desert with All its dangers; when in fact I travel herein towards my love in whom is my faith?

My love for Him has made me restless and my longing drives me forth. And he who loves Allah can never fear another. And when indeed hunger pangs arrive, I fill myself remembering Him; And while His praises I sing no thirst shall touch me ever. And when I weaken, His love will take me from Hijaaz to Khorasaan. So blame me not for my youth for all that has to be, has come." I asked him: "By Allah, what is your correct age?" He answered: "You have indeed sworn by someone, who is indeed great in my sight. My age is twelve years. O Ibrahim why do you have to ask me my age?" |

I answered: "I ask because your words have intrigued and surprised me."

He said: "praise be to Allah Who had bestowed great favors, and through His special favors He has made some higher in rank of virtue than others."

Hazrat Ibrahim رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says further: "The beautiful words of wisdom spoken by this extremely handsome and virtuous boy really filled me with wonder. Thus I said: "Glory be to Allah: What beautiful figures He created." For a time he kept his head bowed. Then he lifted up his face, looked at me intently and read these lines:

"If I enter Hell, then I am destroyed. So of what use will this shine and beauty be. For then shall my outward virtues be the cause of my sojourn in torment and hell.

In woe and wailing will I stay in hell and the Lord shall say: "O thou worse of slaves: against Me have you sinned and Me did you oppose. My Command did you transgress and My Covenant did you forget. And so did you forget your meeting with Me."

He continued: 'O Ibrahim, you will see that day when the faces of the righteous shall shine like the full moon, when Allah shall remove from Himself the Curtain of light; then shall the obedient ones become so dumbstruck in wonder that no favor will afford pleasure like that moment. Then will Allah cover those obedient ones with joy while their faces will shine with pleasure."

Then he said: "Discarded indeed is he who is cut off from friends; and whoever has joined with his Lord has gained indeed."

Thereafter he asked me: "O Ibrahim, have you been left behind after losing your traveling companions?" I replied: "Yes, that is how I was left behind. I beg of you to pray for me; that I may again meet my friends." He lifted his eyes to heaven and softly whispered some words as if in prayer. Immediately, I felt sleepy or some form of unconsciousness overtook me. When I next opened my eyes as I regained consciousness, I found myself sitting on my camel traveling in the midst of my friends with the caravan. I heard my companion on the camel say to me: "Watch out, be careful that you do not fall from your camel." There was no sign of the youth. When we entered Makkah, I saw him hanging onto the cloth of the Ka'bah while reciting these lines:

"I have come to visit this house and ecstatically hold onto the Ka'ba's cloak.

But whatever secrets and deepest words the heart doth hold, only Thus knows.

On foot have I come, without transport, for in spite of my youth I am overcome by love. Since infancy when love I did not yet perceive, have my love for Thee overflowed.

And when they blame me for this love, then let me be an infant in love.

Lord, when my death does overtake me, for sure with Thee shall I be joined.

Then he fell down into sajdah in ecstasy and remained thus for a long time while I looked at him. After some time I went to him, shook his body and found to my consternation that he had died.

Hazrat Ibrahim رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "At his death I felt very sad. I hurried to my place of residence to fetch a cloth for his kafan and took with me two helpers to assist in burying him. When we came to the place where I had left his body, there was nothing. I inquired but no Haji could tell me anything. I thus understood that Allah had hidden his body from the eyes of men. I therefore went home and as I fell asleep, I saw a vision. There I saw him in front of a very large gathering of people. He was so handsome and shone as the full moon."

I asked him: "Did you not pass away?"

He replied: "Yes, indeed I have died." I said: "I have searched for your body, that I may dress the kafan and bury it, but could not find the body." He replied: "O Ibrahim, I was dressed and buried by Him who took me forth from my birth place, made me love Him and separated me from my beloved relatives. And He has not made me in need of anyone's help." I asked: "And what has Allah done to you?" He replied: "Verily did Allah bring me in front of Himself and asked me what I wanted. I replied: 'Lord, Thou art the object of my search. Thou art my goal. Then Allah said: "You are indeed my true servant and nothing shall prevent you from getting all that you desire. Ask: it shall be given to you.' I replied: "O Allah, I desire that Thou accept my intercession on behalf of everyone living at this time.' Allah granted me that." Hazrat Ibrahim رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "Then this body in my dream took leave of me by shaking my hand and I woke up. I completed my Haj but could not get this youth out of my mind. Thinking of him made me extremely restless. In that frame of mind my caravan and companions took the journey homewards. All along the way, my companions used to say to me: "O Ibrahim, we are amazed and surprised at the wonderful smell of scent from your hands."

It is said by the narrator of this story that Hazrat Ibrahim رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ 's hands used to continue to smell so fragrantly until he died. (Rowdh)

Hazrat Ibrahim Khawaas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "Once in the company of a large group, I went for Haj. We were all on foot. Suddenly I found the urge to be alone and travel alone. Thereupon I left my companions and went along a route not generally used. For three days I traveled, not worried about food and drink, nor any other needs. After three days and nights, I happened to reach a most luxuriant area, green and fertile, with delicious fruits. In the center of all this was a fountain. I was so overcome by the beauty of this sight that I thought it must be paradise. As I stood admiring the surroundings, a group of people came along dressed in cloaks and beautifully colored dress. They came and stood around me as they greeted me; then I realized that they were not humans but Jinns. One of them said to me: "We have a certain difference of opinion among ourselves which we would like to have settled. We are of those Jinns who heard Rasulullah ﷺ recite the Holy Word on the eve of the Oath of Aqabah. His voice made us free from all worldly endeavors and Allah has adorned for us this beautiful place."

I asked: "How far is this place from the spot where I separated myself from my fellow travelers?"

Smiling one of them replied: "O Abu Ishaaq! Allah has in wisdom not allowed anyone from your kind to enter this place except one young man who passed away here.

Look! Here is his grave!"

I saw the grave, which was situated, next to a pond. Around it was a beautiful little garden wherein I saw such beautiful flowers as I had never seen before. Then the same Jinn continued:

"Between here and where you left your fellow travelers, is a distance which will take years to travel across." I said: "Kindly tell me about the young man."

One jinn said: "while we were sitting here near this fountain one day, discussing love of Allah, a young man suddenly appeared. He greeted us and we replied. Then we inquire of him:

"Young man where are you from?"

He said: "From Nishapur."

We asked: "How long ago did you leave your home town?"

He replied: "Seven days."

We asked: "For what reason did you leave there?"

He replied: "I have heard the word of Allah which says:

"And return to your Lord and surrender to Him before the punishment overtakes you. Then you shall not be helped."

We asked: "What is the meaning of Inaabat (return) and Azaab (punishment)!"

"He started to explain when suddenly he uttered a loud cry and died. We buried him here."

Hazrat Ibrahim رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ continues his story: "this story filled me with amazement. Then I approached the grave and on the head side of the grave I saw very large (narcissus) flowers; and on the grave I found these words written:

"This is the beloved of Allah killed by his sense of honor."

On the large leaves of the flowers was written the meaning of Inaabat. I read it. The Jinns asked me the meaning thereof and I explained to them. On hearing my explanation they became extremely pleased, and joyfully they stood around. Then they said:

"This is the point regarding which we had a difference of opinion."

Soon afterwards I fell asleep and when next I woke, I found myself near the Mosque of Aa'isha at Tan'eem outside Makkah. On my clothes I found a banquet of flowers. The flowers remained with me for on year without changing or withering in any way. Then suddenly they just disappeared."

A group of merchants once traveled to Makkah for Haj by boat. Along the way the boat broke down. The time for Haj come very near. One of the merchants carried with him goods to the value of 50,000 dirhams, left all his goods on the boat and left his partners enroute to Makkah. His companions advised him against it saying that he could possibly sell some of his goods if he stayed behind but to this he replied:

"By Allah I swear, even though I should receive the whole world, still will I not prefer it above this opportunity of performing Haj. There in Makkah I shall meet the Auliyaa (saintly friends of Allah); and whatever I have already experienced and seen of these people, I can never explain."

His fellow traders asked: "Tell us, what did you see about them."

He explained: "We were en-route to Makkah to perform Haj. Water became very scarce and we all suffered great thirst. At exorbitant prices did we have to buy water. On a certain day almost dying of thirst, we searched the whole caravan for water but found not a drop. At no price could it be bought anywhere. I felt as if I was dying. A short distance away we found a faqir who carried with him a spear and a bowl. He pierced his spear into the earth and water gushed forth from under it. This water ran into a pond. I drank myself to the full from this pond and filled my skin bag. Then I went to inform my companions. They also came, drank and filled their bags. Yet the pond remained as full as ever. Can one stay away from such a place where such people gather?" (Rowdh)

(Hazrat Ibn Arabi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ also mentioned this story his 'Muhaadraat'. He says further that this merchant's goods were worth 50,000 dinars (pounds) of which one pearl alone was worth 4000 dinars.)

Hazrat Abdullah Jowhari رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "During Haj I once fell asleep at Arafaat. I saw two angels in conversation near me.one of them asked:

"How many Hajis are present this year?" The second replied: "Only six" The other replied: "There are six lakhs (six hundred thousand)" The first one asked: "From how many of them did Allah accept his Haj?" Abu Abdallah says: "hearing this I was very much distressed and in grief. I felt like beating myself out of sorrow, and started to cry bitterly for my own wretchedness. Just then the first one asked again: "And what did Allah do to whose Haj had not been accepted?" The second replied: "The Noble Lord had looked at them in Mercy and through every one of these six he had also accepted one hundred thousand. This is indeed Allah's favor which He bestows on whomsoever he pleases."

(A similar story is also related about Hazrat Ali bin Muwaffaq رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ in Chapter I, hadith 6).

Hazrat Ali bin Muwaffaq رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I was once sitting in the Holy Haram in Makkah at such a time that I had already performed Haj sixty times. Through my mind there passed a thought that sixty pilgrimages were quite enough, and that I shall not come again. How much longer shall I continue to cross this vast uninhabitable desert? At that though I suddenly became drowsy and fell asleep. A voice spoke to me:

"O Ibn Muwaffaq, when you invite people to your house, you call such people with whom you are pleased. Blessed indeed are these whom Allah has called and placed in elevated ranks."

Then these lines were recited:

"Those who love Me do I invite to visit Me and no one else;

They have come to my house with honor. So blessed are those noble folk and blessed is He; Who has invited them." (Rowdh)

Hazrat Zun Noon Misri رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "One day I saw a young man performing ruku and sujood at the Ka'bah numerous times. I asked him: "Young man, I see you continually busy with much salaah?"

He answered: "I beg permission of Allah to return home and here await His answered."

Just then I saw a piece of paper falling from above which landed on the ground near him. On it was written: 'This is from Allah, the Mighty the Forgiving to His true and grateful servant. Return homewards while your previous and future sins are forgiven."

Hazrat Sahl bin Abdullah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says that it is humiliation for a saint to mix a lot with people and it is honor to him to remain aloof and in solitude. He says: "I have seen very few saints who do not prefer solitude. There was a saint called Hazrat Abdullah bin Salih رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ to whom Allah had bestowed many favors and granted many gifts. He used to stay away from people and traveled alone from town to town, till at last he came to Makkah. There he stayed for a long while I said to him once; ' I see that you have stayed long in this place.' He replied: "why shall I not stay here long? I have not found any town like this where such countless blessings and mercies descend. Here angels descend by day and by night. I have seen some wonderful things her. In various forms do the angels perform tawaaf of the Baitullah and this never ends. If I should relate all the wonders that I have seen here, then those who have no true faith will not be able to bear it."

I said: "By Allah, tell me some of the wonders that you have witnessed here.'

He said: "Every saint whose saint-hood is correct and complete gather here every Thursday evening (Friday night.). It is to see these people that I remain here. Among them I once saw someone called Hazrat Maalik bin Qasim Jeeli رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ From his hand I got the smell of cooked meat and I said to him: "it seems as if you had just eaten before you came."

He replied: "Nay, (I seek Allah's forgiveness) for one whole week I have not eaten anything. Actually, I have just fed my mother and then come hither in a hurry so that I can perform fajr salaah with this gathering."

Hazrat Abdullah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says further: "The distance between Maalik's home and Makkah is reckoned at 900 farsakh and one farsakh being equal to three miles, it means he traveled 2700 miles to be present here." Hazrat Sahi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says, then Hazrat Abdullah R.A asked me. "Do you believe my story?" and I replied: "Yes, I do." Then he said: "Alhamdulillah, I have found one Mu'min person."

(Some elders have related that they had come across Angels, Nabis and saints while performing tawaaf round the Ka'bah. This happens especially on the night preceding Friday, Monday and Thursday.) (Rowdh)

It is related that Hishaam bin Abdul Malik, before he became the Khalifa once performed tawaaf. Numerous times did he try to kiss the Hajarul Aswad, but because of the vast crowd he could not do so. Then Hazrat Sayidina Aabideen رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ the son of Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ who was the son of Hazrat Imam Husain R.A came along to kiss the Black Stone and all at once everyone moved away so that he could do so in peace and comfort. Someone asked him: "Who is this person, (that is so honored)?"

Hishaam knew who it was but would not say because of the ill feeling borne by Banu Umayya towards the family of Rasulullah ﷺ household. Thus he said: "I do not know."

The famous Arabic poet Farazdaq who was present then stepped forward and said: "I know who he is." Then he read the following poetic verse:

He is the son of the most virtuous of men, This is he, who is God-fearing, holy and a leader, This is he whose footsteps all Makkah knows, Whom the Ka'bah knows, the Hill and the Haram. This is he that when he moves to kiss the Hajar, indeed does the Hajar almost move to receive his hand. Never said he Laa (no) to anyone save in the Kalima, Had it not been for that, never would he say it? When noble Quraish sees his like they exclaim; this is the holder of true nobility. When the saintly assemble, he is their imaam. And when asked the best of them, to him they point. This O Hishaam, is the son of Fatima if you know not. Through his grand father was prophethood sealed. And never be thy denial of him a fault with him, Him who is known amongst Arab and Ajam. In modesty does he cast down his eyes; and in awe of him do men look down before him. And then they speak not save when he smiles.

It is said that when Hishaam heard this praise of Hazrat Sayidina Zainul Aabideen رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , he became so angered that he had Farazdaq imprisoned.

Hazrat Zainul Aabideen رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was indeed a very saintly, noble person. So many are the incidents illustrating his noble qualities that it is difficult to mention them all. He used to perform one thousand nafl salaah daily. When he performed wudhu his face used to turn yellow. And when he stood ready for salaah his whole body started trembling. Someone asked the reason for that and he replied: "Do you not realize in whose presence I stand?"

Once while in sajdah, his house caught fire. He, however continued his salaah as if nothing happened. When he completed his salaah people had already extinguished the fire. Someone asked him about it and he said: "The fear of a much greater fire (jahannam) did not allow me to be distracted."

It was a noble habit of his to disguise himself at night and go secretly to people's houses to help them and many households only subsisted through charitable gifts, while they never knew where it came from and who this person was. It was only after his death that they knew who the generous giver was. Then it was discovered that one hundred households were maintained by him. For this reason Farazdaq did not exaggerate when he recited those lines. (Rowdh)

Hazrat Imaam Malik رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "Of all the people that I have known among the Hashimi family, hazrat Zainul Aabideen رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was the most virtuous.'

Hazrat Saeed bin Mussayyib رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I have not seen anyone more righteous than him."

In spite of all that, when he put on his ihraam for Haj, his face used to turn yellow out of fear, so much so, that he could not utter the Labbaik.

Someone asked: "Why did you not recite the Talbiya?'

He replied: "I fear that when I say it, and answer of Laa Labbaik will be heard."

People insisted that he recite the ward, because it is necessary to recite it, whereupon he obliged. As the words went forth from his lips, he fell down from his animal unconscious. And so it continued until the end of the Haj.

Hazrat Imaam Malik رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ relates: 'When Hazrat Zainul Aabideen رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ intended to recite Labbaik, he fell down from his camel unconscious and broke a bone." (Tahzeeb)

Many words of wisdom are also quoted from him. It is reported that he said:

"Some people worship Allah out of fear. Some worship Him for His great reward. This is the Ibaadah of merchant. The Ibaadah of the free ones is the Ibaadah of those who are grateful."

Hazrat Sayidina Baaqir رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ his son said: "My father, Hazrat Zainul Aabideen رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , advised me not to associate with five types of people, not even to have them as fellow travelers on an journey.

Firstly the evil one who will sell and betray you in exchange for a morsel of food or even less. I asked him what is the meaning of even less and he said: "He will betray you in the hope that he will receive something and in the end receive nothing."

Secondly, the stingy one, who when you are in dire need will avoid you.

Thirdly, the liar, who is like the sand of the desert, from afar it, appears to be water. Things, which are near, he will show to be far and those things, which are far, he will show as near.

Fourthly, the foolish one who although intending to be of benefit causes harm. It is said, the cleaver enemy is better than a stupid friend.

Fifthly, that person who cuts himself off from his family. Stay clear of him because thrice in the Qur'an have I found these people mentioned as cursed." (Rowdh)

When Hazrat Sayidina Imaam Baaqir رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ arrived for Haj and he saw the Ka'bah, he uttered a loud cry and wept loud. People said to him: "Everyone's eyes fall on the Ka'bah and yet you cry so loudly?"

He replied: "Perchance Allah will have mercy on me through this crying and I may succeed thereby on the day of Qiyaamah." Then he performed tawaaf and having done that he performed salaah at the Maqaam-e-Ibrahim. In the sujood he wept so much that the ground under his face became wet with tears. He said to one of his companions: "I am in great grief and my heart is greatly troubled."

They asked: "Why are you grieved?"

He replied: "When Allah's Deen enters into the heart of anyone, it makes the heart free of everything else save Allah. Yet we keep it full of this world. What is this world save this animal on which I ride, these clothes I wear, this my wife that I have met, this food that I eat-Things with which this mind of mine gets occupied. This grieves me." (Rowdh)

Hazrat Laith bin Saa'd R.A says: "in the year 113 A.H; I went to Makkah on foot to perform Haj. One day at the time of Asr salaah I climbed onto Mount Abu Qubais where I saw a man sitting and making duaa. So many times did he utter the words: "Ya Rab" (O Lord) that it took his breath away. Then he stated uttering "Ya Rabbaah" (O, my dear Lord). This too he did until he was out of breath, then he went over to saying: "Ya Hay, Ya Hay" (O, the living One). Then: "Ya Rahmaan" (O, Beneficent One), and then Ya arhamar Raahimeen', (O, most Merciful of all Merciful Ones)."

The he said: "O Allah, I desire to eat grapes; so grant me of that; and my clothes are worn out too."

Laith رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ continues: "I swear by Allah! The words had hardly left his lips when I saw a basket of grapes by his side, and two cloaks. This astonished me; for no-where around were grapes seen growing.

He was about to start eating the grapes when I said to him; 'I have a right to be your partner in eating that' He replied: "how is that?" I said: "when you prayed, I said Aameen Aameen.

He replied: "Very well, come and eat but do not take anything of it with you.

I approached and ate with him. It had such a delicious taste; as I had never tasted before in my life. It was such a wonderful type of grape; without seeds. I ate myself to the full, yet the basket remained as full as ever. Then he said: " take anyone of these two cloaks that you like."

I replied: "that I was not in need of clothing."

Then he asked me to excuse him while he dressed himself, I moved away. He wrapped the one piece of cloth around his lower body; like lun'gi; and the other piece over his upper body. Then being clothed he descended the mountain while I followed him.

When he came between Safaa and Marwa a begger said to him: "O son of Rasulullah ﷺ , give these clothes to me; may Allah grant you a pair from paradise." He gave the clothes to the begger. Hearing the beggars words I asked him; 'who is this generous person? He replied: 'He is Imaam Ja'far as Hazrat Saadiq رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ

Then I turned to listen to some of his words but by then he had gone and was nowhere to be seen. Hazrat Imaam Ja'far رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ is the son of Hazrat Imaam Baaqir رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ about him hazrat Imaam Maalik رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I have visited him on numerous occasions and always found him buy with one of these Ibadaat; salaah, recitation of the Qur'aan or fasting. He never quoted any Hadith except when in the state of wudhu." (Tah'zeebut Tah'zeeb)

Hazrat Sufvaan Thowry رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I heard hazrat Ja'far رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ saying; 'In these days complete safety is difficult to find; and if it is found in anything, then it lies in remaining unknown. And if not in that, than in solitude. However solitude is not as effective as in being unknown: and if it is not in that than in solitude. However solitude is not as effective as in being unknown: and if it is not found in that: then in keeping silent. Yet silence is not equal to solitude. And if not in silence: then in the words of advice from saintly elders. The fortunate one is he who finds solitude in his own self."

Hazrat Ja'far رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reported a Hadith wherein Rasulullah ﷺ said: "Whosoever Allah had bestowed with favours, should thank Him for it; and when he is troubled by lack of means he should make a lot of Istighfaar (ask for forgiveness). And when he is in trouble, he should recite 'La hawla walaa Quwata illa Billah." (There is no force to divert: nor strength to conform; except with the will of Allah.) (Rowdh)

Hazrat Shaqeeq Baikhi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says that he went for Haj in the year 149 A.H. on the way he stooped in Qadisiyyah, where while observing the beauty of the place and people his eyes fell on a handsome young man sitting alone on one said. He thought within himself: "This seems like a sufi type of person, who could possibly be a burden to others way. I shall go to him, and when I came near to him, he saw me and before I could say anything; he said to me:

"O Shaqeeq,' avoid suspicion as much as possible, for suspicion in some cases is sin." (Surat Hujuraat: 12)

This filled me with wonder because, although never having met me; he called me by my first name and knew what I held in my heart. Having said these words he walked away. I realized that this must indeed be a very saintly personality; and that I now had to beg his pardon. Hence I hastily followed him but lost sight of him. When we reached Waqisa, I saw him again where he was performing salaah in such a manner that his whole body way was trembling with tears streaming from his eyes. I waited for him to complete his salaah so that I could beg his forgiveness. When he recited the salaah, I approached. As he became aware of my presence he turned to me before I could utter a words; and said:

"And without doubt, I am also He that forgives again and again, to those that repent and do right, who in faith, are ready to receive true guidance." (Surah Tahaa)

Again, just said these words and departed. Within myself I thought: "This must be one of the 'Abdaal' because twice now has he become aware of my thoughts and intentions."

On reaching Ziyala I saw him again standing next to a well with a cup in his hand. Accidentally the cup fell into the well. He lifted his fact up to heaven and recited a couplet in these lines:

"Thou art my Sustainer when thirst chases me; And Thou art my Maintainer when hunger worries me."

Then he prayed: "O my Lord, my Allah, beside this cup, I possess nothing. Do not leave me deprived of it." Hazrat Shaqeeq رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says; "I swear by Allah: the water of the well was raised up to the mouth of the well. He stretched forth his hand and took out the bowl filled with water. With it he performed wudhu and then performed four rak'ahs salaah, then he gathered sand into the bowl, shook it and ate it. At this moment I approached him and greeted him. He replied, and I said: "Of that which Allah had granted you: kindly give me also to eat." He replied: "O Shaqeeq: The favours of Allah both apparent and hidden are upon us all; so have faith in Allah's goodness."

Then he gave me the bowl from which I ate, and behold; in it I found Sattu as delicious and fragrant as I had never ate in my life. I ate so much that for many days after words I experienced no hunger thirst.

Thereafter till we entered Makkah I never saw him again. At Qubbatush Sharaab I spent the night and there I saw him once more performing salaah in utmost sincerity with tears flowing freely. He prayed for the rest of the night and having performed Fajr salaah, sat down for zikr till sunrise. Then he went to perform tawaaf and came out of the Masjid; while I following him outside the mosque, I was astonished to see him surrounded by slaves and servants who came to honor him; showing him great respect. I asked one of them who this man was and he said to me: "This is Moosa the son of Ja'far as Hazrat Saadiq R.A"

I was surprised and said to myself: "The wonderful things that I have seen could only come from such a Sayyid as he." (Rowdh)

In his Tah'zeeb: Hazrat Ibn Hajar R.A.says that there are numerous stories portraying the great saintliness of Hazrat Moosa Kazim رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ This is not surprising because they are the stars of the most saintly and noble families in whom Allah has placed such a special character that we unfit ones cannot even understand. Even the lowest of those of the Sayyid family have some special characteristic through the blessing of the holy blood that flows through their veins.

Hazrat Abu Saeed Khazaaz رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ relates that when he entered, the Masjidul Haraam once, he saw a fakir with torn clothes begging. He then thought by himself.

"it is men such as these that become a burden and a nuisance to others."

As these thoughts passed through his mind, the fakir looked towards him and recited this verse: "Surely Allah knows that which is in your hearts; so fear Him." (Surah Baqar:20)

He felt ashamed at his thoughts and repented. As he walked away the fakir called after him in this verse: "He accepts the repentance of His servants and forgives al sins." (Surah Shur'aa: 13)

One saint relates that he was once traveling towards Makkah with a caravan. An elderly lady was seen walking in front of the caravan. I thought that she did this for fear that the caravan may move off and leave her. I had a few dir'hams which I intended to give her. I went to her and gave her the money and said; 'Take this; when the caravan stops for the night, then come to me. I shall collect some money among the fellow travelers to pay for your conveyance.'

She raised her hand and grasped something, as she opened her hand it had dir'hams in it. This surprised me as she gave them to me and said: "See! You have taken from your pocket; and I have taken from the unseen." Late again, I saw her where she held onto the cloth of the Ka'bah reciting these lines:

"Besides Thee; O, Beloved of hearts, there is none,

Have mercy on them that visit Thee on this day" "My patience is ending; Any my longing for you grows more, While this heart refuses to love another save Thee". "For Thou art the object, Of all my thoughts an desires; Thou art the goal of my life". "Would that I know the day of meeting Thee. Paradise do I desire, not for its bounties; But because Thy countenance I shall see". (Rowdh)

Hazrat Abdur Rahmaan Khalief R.A says: "While traveling towards Makkah for Haj. I once stopped in Baghdad. At that time I was very deeply inclined towards the mystic way of life had discarded everything from my life except Allah.

For forty days I had not eaten, and neither did I visit Hazrat Junaid Baghdaadi R.A I left Baghdad and walked towards Makkah. On the way I came to a well which was filled right to the top; where I found a small buck drinking water. The buck wen away as I approached. I was very thirsty, but as I cam upon the well; the level of the water fell to the bottom.

Disappointed, I continued on my way and said: "O Allah, am I indeed not the equal of a buck in thy sight?" from behind me came a voice: "We have only tested you and you bore no patience. Return and drink of the water. The buck came without a cup and a rope where as you had both these".

When I returned to the well, I found the water had risen to the top. I filled my cup, drank from it and made wudhu. The water never diminished and only finished when I reached Madinah. After Haj I came to Baghdad again. There as I entered the mosque, Hazrat Junaid R.A saw me from after and said: "If you had patience, water would have flowed from under your feet". (Rowdh)

Another saint relates that while he was traveling in an un-inhabitant area, he met a fakir wandering about bare headed and barefoot. He was dressed in two worn clothes-a lungi and a top covering. He had no food with him. The saint said to himself: "If only he had with him a bowl or a cup and a rope it would have been so much better because when he needed water he could have drawn from a well in order to perform wudhu and for other needs".

The saint says I went with him. It became very hot and I said to the fakir: "If you throw that cloth which hangs over your shoulders on your head it would be better because then you will be protected from the heat of the sun."

He did not reply and continued walking in silence. After a while I said to him: 'It is so hot, yet you walk without shoes. If you will only accept my advice, then put on my shoes to protect yourself. I shall walk barefoot for a while and then you can do so again."

Then he said: "You are indeed very talkative. Did you not study Hadith?" I said: "Yes, I did". He said: "Did you not read that Rasulullah ﷺ said:

"Of the beauties of a person's Islam, is that he leaves aside that which does not concern him."

Having said this, he kept quiet and we walked along in silence. We walked along the sea. In the meantime I felt very thirsty. He turned to me and asked; "Are you thirsty?" I said: "No" and we walked on. Thirst almost killed me. He asked again: "Are you thirsty?" I replied: "Yes, I am thirsty, but what can you do about it?" Thereupon he took a bowl form my hand and walked into the sea. He filled it with water and gave me to drink. It surprised me very much when I drank it to find the water sweeter than the water of the River Nile, and clearer with a little trace of grass in it. To myself I said in my heart: "this must be a great saint. Now I shall say nothing more. When we reached our destination I shall ask him to take me with him." The moments these thoughts passed through my mind, he looked at me and said: "What would you prefer? Will you walk ahead or shall I walk in front." Again I thought: "If he walks ahead it is possible that I may not be able to keep up with him and loose him. Therefore it will be better for me to walk ahead of him. So when I would reach a certain place I can sit down and wait for him. There I shall ask him to make me his traveling companion."

As I thought this he said: "Either you go ahead while I sit here and wait or you sit down while I go ahead. We cannot travel together." Saying this he went away leaving me there.

When I arrived at one of the stopping places I heard that at the house one of my friends someone was sick. I took out my bowl and told them to sprinkle the little water over the sick one. Immediately he was healed. Then I told them about the man I had met. I inquired about him but nobody knew anything about him. (Rowdh)

Hazrat Shaikh Fatah Musaly رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ said: "In the desert I once saw a young boy walking bare feet, while his lips were continually moving. We greeted each other and I asked: "Honored son, where are you going?" he replied: "To the house of Allah in Makkah." I asked: "Why do your lips keep busy". He replied: "I recite the Holy Qur'aan."

I asked: "But you have not even reached the age of puberty." He replied: "Yes, and I have seen death take away others who were so much younger than me." I said: "Your strides are very short and the way to Makkah is very long and arduous."

He said: "It is merely for me to lift up my feet and Allah is the One who causes me to reach the destination. I asked: "Have you no provisions, no means of transport?" he replied: "My provision for the journey is reliance on Allah and my means of transport are my feet."

I said: "I speak about food and water for the way." He replied: "Dear Uncle! If someone calls and invites you to his house, would you take food with you to eat there?" I replied: "NO!"

He said: "My Lord has invited His servants to His House and has given permission for them to visit it. It is only the weakness of their faith in Him that forces them to take food with them. This I resent and I have considered His Honor, so do you think He will allow me to perish?" I replied: "Surely, NO!"

After this the boy left me and I next saw him in Makkah. When he saw me he said: "O Shaikh, are you still so weak in faith?" Then he said the following lines in poetry:

"The Creator of all the worlds, is guarantor of my sustenance:

So why should I trouble Allah's creation for it?" "Before my existence did my Noble announce: That which cause loss to me or benefits; When I am well His Bounties sustain me." And when I am in need, He comforts me." "In as much as my foolishness does not cut off my sustenance; My shrewdness does not increase the same." (Rowdh)

A saintly man says: "For many days I dwelt in the deserts of Hijaaz without food. One day I felt a great urge to eat bread and hot Baaqilla-a kind of famous Arab food. Then I thought; "I am in this vast desert many miles away from Iraq. Where shall I get such food in this wilderness?"

Just then a bedouin called out: "Come and eat bread and hot Baaqilla." I approached him and asked him; "is it hot?" he replied: "yes," and spread a cloth on the ground on which he placed the food saying 'Eat'. When I had eaten he ordered me a second and third time to eat more, and I ate more.

When he asked me fourth time, I asked him: "Tell me, by Allah, who had sent you to me in this wilderness: who are you?" he replied: "I am Khidr." (Rowdh)

He replied: "From Samarkand." I asked: "How long ago did you depart from there?" He replied: "More than ten years." On hearing this I was astonished and looked at him. He asked: "Why do you stare at me like this?" I replied: "I am surprised at you being so weak and handicapped, yet undertaking such a long journey." He said: "The lengthy journey has been made short by my great longing to be there in Makkah; and Allah is the One who bears my weakness." "O Shaqeeq: You are looking at such a weak person whom Allah carries along." Then he read a few lines: "My Lord, it is to visit Thee that I come, The manzils of love are indeed hard: But yearning for Thee, Helps where no wealth can do so, And whoever has fear of death on the road; Can never b a loved of Him; Neither he who stops for fear of hardship."

Hazrat shaikh Najmuddin Asfahaani رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , once attended the funeral of a saint in Makkah. After the people had buried the dead, one of them read the 'talqeen' to him. The shaikh who was not in the habit of laughing, burst out laughing. Thereupon some one asked him the reason for his laugher and he scolded the questioner; and then some days later he said: 'when the reciter read the 'talqeen' I heard the buried person say: "Look, the dead one is busy instructing the living one. (Rowdh)

(Among the Arabs, it is a custom, according to some of the Imaams, that after burial of the dead someone sits at the head of the grave and recites the Kalimah Tayyibah, etc. and then instructs the buried person for the correct answers to the Angels Munkar and Nakeer. This is called Talqeen. The meaning of the words of the dead person in his story is that the one who dies is alive because of his love for Allah and he who read the 'Talqeen' is dead because he not possess that love.)

Hazrat Shaikh Muzani رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "Once while I was living in Makkah, I became filled with great worry and restlessness. For this reason I decided to travel to Madinah. Along the way at Bir Maymoona I found a young man lying down in the last moments of his life. As he was dying I brought my mouth near of his ears and said: Read: 'La ilaha illah-lahu'

When he heard me, he opened his eyes and said: "If I should die, my heart will be filled with Allah's love, and such lovers of Nobility die out of love."

Then he died. I washed him, dressed him in Kaf'n, read his janaaza salaah and buried him. Having done all that I found to my pleasure that the feeling of worry and restlessness was gone and I returned to Makkah.

Another saint says: "A young man lived near where I resided in Makkah. He was always dressed in tattered clothing. He never came to visit us or meet us. Yet I grew to love him very much. It so happened that, from a halaal source, I received two hundred dir'hams. This I took to him and placed on his prayer-mat and said to hi: "From a completely legitimate source I received this. I beg you to use it for your needs."

Looking at me sideward he said: "In order to be in Allah's presence I have forsaken seventy thousand dinars which I had gathered also that much in property which was rented out. Do you now desire to tempt me or deceive me with these dir'hams?"

Then sweeping his musallah with his hands, he stood up straight and walked away with an air of such independence; as I had never yet seen in my life. And as I picked up my dir'hams; I felt so humiliated as I had never felt before in my life. (Rowdh)

Another saintly person says: "While I was in Madinah, I saw a non-Arab person reciting the farewell salaam at the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ . As he left, I followed him. At Zul Hulayfah he performed salaah and donned the Ihraam. When he commenced his salaah I did the same and when he departed from there I again followed him. Later he looked towards me and said: "what is your aim?"

I said: "I wish to accompany you." He refused my wish. I pleaded with all humility. Then he said to me: "If it is your aim to do so, then follow me step by step." I said: "Very well."

He went along an unknown route with me behind him. Having traveled for a small part of the night we saw a lamp shining in the dark. He said to me: 'this is the mosque of Hazrat Aa'isha.R.A at Tan'eem (near Makkah). Now either you shall go ahead or me?"

I replied: "It shall be as you wish."

He went ahead and I slept there. Early in the next morning before fajr I entered Makkah, to perform tawaaf and saee; and then I went to pay my respects to Hazrat Shaikh Abu Bakr Kattani رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ around whom I found many saintly persons.

He asked me: "when did you arrive?" I answered: "I have just arrived." He asked: "From where did you come?" I answered: "From Madinah." He asked: "when did you leave Madinah?" I answered: "Last night." When I said this, the people looked at me in disbelief and surprise. The Shaikh said: "with whom did you travel?" I replied that I had come with a certain saintly person and told the m the story of how I had come walking from Madinah to Makkah in a portion of the night. The Shaikh exclaimed: "That person is Abu Ja'far Hazrat Wamighani رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ Whatever you have said about him shows that it must be him. For him to have come in that short period of time is a common and minor thing. Come, friends, let us go and search for Shaikh Hazrat Wamighani رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ " And to em he said: 'It is not customary for you to arrive in such a short time. Therefore I had to ask in detail. How did the ground feel under you while you were walking? I replied: "It felt like rolling waves of the sea passing through under my feet." (Rowdh)

Hazrat Sufyaan bin Ibrahim R.A says: "Once in Makkah I saw Hazrat Ibrahim bin Adham R.A, sitting and crying bitterly at a place called Mowlidun Nabi (The birth place of Nabi ﷺ ). When he saw me he moved out of the way. I performed salaah and then asked him: "What is the matter? What causes you to cry?" he replied: "I am well".

Twice, thrice I asked him the same question and he gave the same answer. When I persisted he said: "If I disclose to you the reason, will you keep it to yourself or will tell others?"

I answered: "You may go ahead. I will preserve your secret."

Then he said: "for thirty years now I have had the desire and urge to eat sakbaaj (a type of food that has meat, vinegar and fruit in it) but by way of punishing myself (mujahada) I never ate it.

One night while asleep I dreamt and saw a handsome young man with a green bowl in his hand from which steam came and I got the fragrant smell of Sakbaaj. Seeing that my heart desired to partake of it, but I withheld myself therefrom. The young man said to me: "O Ibrahim, take this and eat."

I replied: "No, I shall not; because the thing that I have left aside for Allah's sake, I shall not eat now."

When he said that, I could not reply in any way and I burst out in tears. Then he again said: "May Allah have mercy on you. Eat of this."

I replied: "We have been commanded not to eat anything until such a time that we know for sure what it is made of and from where it is."

He said: "May Allah protect you. Eat this. It was given to me by Ridhwaan, the Keeper of Paradise who said to me: "O Khidhar, take this and feed Ibrahim of it."

I had difficulty in preventing myself from eating. Then he insisted: "O Ibrahim, how is it that Allah feeds you and you still refuse without having asked for something he shall receive nothing at that time when he does ask for it.

Then I said: "If that is the case, the n I am ready to eat even though I have never before broken my agreement (with himself not to eat Sakbaaj)."

Just then another youth appeared and said to Hazrat Khidhar A.S.: "Take the food in your hand and feed him." He then fed me with his own hand and when I awoke, I still tasted the food in my mouth and found the color of saffron on my lips. Then I went to the well of Zamzam and rinsed my mouth but neither did the taste leave my mouth nor did saffron color disappear,

Hazrat Sufyan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "When I looked I still found the signs present as explained.

I prayed to Allah: "O Allah, who feeds such people who curb their desire; O Allah who had made it obligatory for his friends (Awliya) that their hearts remain pure; O Thou who has quenched the thirst of those whose hearts are filled with Thy love; do grant to this servant, Sufyan, the same that Thou had granted to Ibrahim. Then I lifted his hands above his head and said: "O Allah, through the blessings of this hand its master (Ibrahim), through the blessings of the rank which he holds with Thee, grant also Thy favors to Sufyaan who id ever so much in need thereof. O Merciful Lord! Grant this out of Thy Mercy even though I may not be worthy thereof." (Rowdh)

Another story is told about Hazrat Ibrahim bin Adham رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ that when he once performed Haj, he saw a very handsome young man, whose beauty amazed everybody. Hazrat Ibrahim رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ looked at him carefully and then started weeping.

Some people, seeing this thought that Hazrat Ibrahim رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ had fallen in love with the youth and said in consternation: "To Allah do we belong, and to Him is our return."

"Allah forbid, the Shaikh had fallen prey to base desires."

Once of them said to the Shaikh: "O Sire, what kind of look is this accompanied with the crying?"

The Shaikh replied: " I have made a covenant with Allah which I cannot break, otherwise I would have called this youth to me to meet him. He is my own son, the coolness of my eyes. I had left him when he was still a very young child. Now he has become a young man as you yourself see. I feel ashamed before Allah that I should return to that which I had left aside for His sake."

Then the Shaikh read some lines.

"Since the time that I have recognized Allah as my love, I have not seen anyone save Him wherever I look. Indeed am I jealous that my eyes should see anyone but Him, the end of my treasure, the goal of my life. My priceless One, May Thy love abide with me. Till the day I am raised from the dead." Then the Shaikh said to that person: 'Go to that boy and greet him on my behalf. Perhaps that will be a consolation."

The person went and said to the boy after greeting him: "May Allah bless you father."

The boy replied: " Dear Uncle, where is my father now? Since my youth he has left in the path of Allah. If only I can see him once, then I may as well die having met him."

Then the boy wept so bitterly that his breath almost stopped and he repeated: "By Allah, if only I can see him once and then die."

Then he read a few lines.

The person returned and found Hazrat Ibrahim رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ in sujood. He had cried so much that the ground under his face soaked with his tears. After he had lifted up his face, he read two couplets;

"O Allah, for You have I discarded the whole world. And to see You have I made orphans of my children. And if You do not help me in the needs of my love, this heart shall not find peace in any place save with You."

When Hazrat Ibrahim رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was asked to pray for this son of his, he said: "May Allah protect this youth from falling into sin and assist him to walk the path of His pleasure." (Rowdh)

Hazrat Abu Bakr Daqaaq R.A says: "I resided in Makkah for about twenty years. I always felt the urge to drink milk (but never did). When the urge became too great, I left Makkah for Asqalaan. There I stayed as a guest with some people belonging to a certain tribe of Arabs. There I became very much infatuated wit ha beautiful girl, who said to me: "if you were really true, then the urge to drink milk would have left your heart."

Thereupon I returned to Makkah. After performing tawaaf, I saw Hazrat Yousuf A.S in my dream and said to him: "O Nabi of Allah, may Allah keep you happy, You were really fortunate to have been saved from the plans of Zuleikha." He replied: "Indeed are you the fortunate one to have been saved from the girl of Asqalaan."

Then he read: "And for him who fears the day he has to face Allah, there are two Jannats (reward)"

A certain saint once said: "A man cannot save himself from the pitfall of his own desires. It is only Allah who can save him."

"Acquire life of righteous comfort with Allah: do not endeavor to find comfort without Him. And whoever found such comfort with Allah is saved and whoever desires comfort away from him shall perish. To find comfort with Him means to fill the heart with His remembrance; and the desire for comfort without Him means being unmindful and negligent."

Rasulullah ﷺ said: "when anyone's eyes fall on a pretty girl and he immediately casts his eyes away from her Allah grants him the divine guidance towards such Ibaadah, the ecstasy of which he feels in himself." (Mish'kat)

Hazrat Shaikh abu Turaab Bakh'shi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "whenever a person distracts someone who remains busy with Allah's work and worship; Allah's anger soon catches up with him -the distracter."

May Allah save us from His anger and punishment. This is something very important. Many people do not understand the worth of being in Allah's service, busy with His worship etc. hence at all times and places they call upon them, thereby calling them away from their duties in Allah's service. One should especially be careful about this when dealing with saintly people.

A story is told about a certain Walee who set out on a journey to perform Haj. He traveled with a caravan without any relatives as companions, and made this promise to himself that never would he beg for anything from anyone. The time came when for days he had nothing to eat, and he became so weak in body that a thought passed through his mind: "Now I have reached the stage of anxiety I am about to perish and Allah has forbidden that anyone should perish at his own hands or destroy himself. Hence I am now forced to reluctantly beg." But then he drove this thought from his mind and renewed his promise to himself not to beg and not to break his original agreement; even unto death.

Because he was so weak, he stayed behind while the rest of the caravan proceeded onward. There he waited for death to overtake him, lying with his face towards the Qiblah. Someone on horseback approached him and from a jug of water gave him to drink, and further provided his needs. Then the stranger asked: "do you wish to rejoin your caravan?' he replied: "I do not know how far ahead of me they will be; how shall I find them now?'

The stranger said: "Come, rise and follow me." They left and after walking for a short while the stranger said to him; 'Wait here, the caravan will soon arrive to meet you here.' He waited there and soon the caravan caught up with him. (Rowdh)

Hazrat Abu Hasan Siraaj رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I was performing tawaaf once while on Haj; when I saw a very pretty woman, shining in her beauty. I looked at her and said: "By Allah, this beauty and fine complexion must surely be because she never experienced any grief or sorrow."

When I said this she overheard me and said: "Sir, it is that what you think?" by Allah, I am bent down under all the sorrows and grief that have come my way. My heart and mind is filled with so much grief and all along there has been no one can who share these with me."

I asked: "and how is that, lady?"

She replied: "My husband once slaughtered a goat as a Qurbaani offering, while I was breast feeding my infant child. My two young sons were playing around me. When I went to cook the meat, the one son said to the other: "Come, let me show you how father slaughtered the goat.' The other said: "well show me." The first one then made the second once lie down and cut his throat, as his father had slaughtered the goat. When he realized what had happened, he ran away into the mountains; where he was attacked by a wolf and eaten up.

The father went in search for him; searching from place to place until he died of extreme thirst. In the mean time I was at home frantic with worry waiting for news of him. I put down my infant child and went to the door to inquire about anyone who might have news of my husband. The child crawled to the fireplace where a pot was boiling. The child touched it and the boiling pot fell upon the baby, burning it to death in such a ghastly manner that the child's meat became separated from the bones.

When my married daughter heard all this, in the house of her husband, she fell down of shock. Thus I was left alone to bear all that." I asked her: "and how, lady; did you manage all these misfortunes with patience?" she replied: "whoever ponders on the difference between patience and impatience, finds a word of difference between the two. The reward of patience is praiseworthy; whereas for impatience there is nothing." Then she recited some lines of poetry before walking away: "Patience did I exercise, For that was my strongest pillar; And should impatience have helped me, Then I would have tried her" "Such patience did I on have that; Had my trails descended on mountain high, In broken rocks they would have ended." "Indeed did I control my eyes, Those tears not fall; And now within my heart alone, My tears do roll. (Rowdh)

Hazrat Shaikh Ali bin Muwaffaq رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "One year I went for Haj on a camel. On the way I met a group of pilgrims who were walking on foot. I so much liked to be one of them that I descended from my camel and joined them on foot, and allowed someone else to ride my camel.

We traveled along an uncommon route. At one place we stopped for the night and laid down to sleep. In a dream I saw a group of girls approaching with water in golden and silver bowls, with which they washed the feel of all the walking pilgrims except mine. Then one of them said pointing to me: "Here, this one also belongs to them."

The others replied; "No, he is not of them because he has an animal on which to ride." The girl insisted: "No, he belongs to them because he preferred to walk with them." They came and washed my feet too, and as a result all my tiredness vanished. (Rowdh)

Hazrat Ibrahim Khawaas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "While traveling in the wilderness once, I experienced great hardships and many misfortunes. However I patiently persevered and came through. When I entered Makkah a certain feeling of pride came into me and that too while I was performing tawaaf. From behind me an elderly lady called out to me: "O Ibrahim! This servant of Allah was with you in the desert (wilderness), but I did not want to disturb you by talking to you, because I did not want to take your attention from Allah. Take out that vanity which now has entered your heart." (Rowdh)

One saint relates: "I saw Hazrat Shaikh Samnoon رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ once, swinging from side to side in ecstasy while performing tawaaf. I took his hand and asked him: "By the truth that you shall stand before Allah one day, I ask you, how did you reach Allah?"

As soon as he heard the words, "stand before Allah", he fell down unconscious and when later he regained his senses he recited these lines:

"Many a sick patient is there whose body is filled with disease, Whose heart is more sick than any other heart. If they die of Fright and fear, then it is right, for, to stand before Allah is hardship indeed."

Then he said: "As for myself, I have made five things compulsory on myself and have kept them in mind at all times: 'Firstly, the thing in my life which was alive-my base desires, have I killed and that which had been dead-my heart, have I made alive; Secondly: the reality which had always been absent from me-the Hereafter, have I kept before my eyes at all times and that which had been present before me-worldly possessions, have I driven from myself. Thirdly: The thing, which had been diminishing in me- Taqwa-have I retained in me and that which had been accumulating-base desires-have I destroyed. Fourthly: He from whom you all tend to flee, with him have I created a bond of love, and he whom you all love, from him have I fled." Then he recited these lines:

"Lord, my whole soul is turned towards Thee. And though should it perish, still it will not separate. In sorrow and in fear it cries and wails. And I fear that thereby it shall split asunder. So Lord, have mercy on my soul in as much as Thou has granted favors and ever do so." (Rowdh)

Five things have been mentioned above but only four have been detailed. In essence all have the same theme, to control one's base desires. That is why it is said: "By Allah, the path towards Him is not more than two steps." If the first is placed on one's desires, the second is already in the beloved's lane.

Hazrat Shaikh Abu Yakoob Basri R.A says: "Once in the Haram of Makkah I suffered extreme hunger and for ten days could not find anything to eat. Because of this I decided to go outside, perhaps I would find something to eat. The only edible thing that I found was a rotten turnip lying on the ground. I picked it up, but suddenly I did not feel like eating it at all because a thought crossed my mind; "For ten days I have been starving and when you finally find something to eat it turned out to be a rotten turnip." I threw it away and returned to the mosque, where I sat down. Not long after this a stranger came along. In front of me he placed a cloth bag and said to me: "Take that! Inside you will find a small bag wherein there are five hundred gold sovereigns. It is something which I vowed to give you."

I asked him: "But why is it given to me specially?" he replied: "For ten days now we have been lost at sea until our boat came near to sinking. Each of us at that time made a separate vow. I made this vow to Allah that if He saves us I shall give this bag of money to the first person on whom I set eyes from the residents of Makkah. Allah brought us to safety, and you are the first person I have seen in Makkah." I said: "Open the bag."

He opened it and therein I found white sugar candy bread, peeled almond and some sweet-meats: I took some of each and gave him back the rest of the food and said to him: "I accept the gift-offering, but take the food and distribute it among your dependant."

And in my heart I said: "how strange the sustenance is being transported to you over ten days and here you dwell around searching for it." (Rowdh)

Hazrat Shaikh Banaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I came for Haj from Egypt. With me I has sufficient provisions. Along the way I met a lady who said to me; 'O Banaan, it seems that you are also a porter-Hammaal carrying goods. Do you perhaps fear that Allah shall not provide you with sustenance?" hearing her say this I threw my provisions away. Then for three days I could find nothing to eat. Thereafter all I found lying on the ground was an ornament which ladies use as jewelry on their feet. I picked it up with the intention of giving it back to the rightful owner if and when I find him or her. Possibly he may then reward me. Again the lady appeared and said: 'it seems you have set forth as a merchant hoping that in return for the ornament you will be rewarded with something." Then she threw some dir'hams in my direction, saying: "Use that for spending."

I used the money and the money was sufficient for the entire Haj journey and return to Egypt. Says the poet: "Many are the strong ones, shrewd in their trades,

And intelligent, yet sustenance avoids them." "And many are the weak ones; weak in their trades, Yet as the waters of the sea; Rizq flows to them." This indeed shows that; with his creatures Allah has a plan, Secret in nature: "Not divulged to men."

Hazrat Shaikh Abu Bakr Kattaani R.A says: "Once during the Haj in Makkah a discussion took place concerning the ardent love of Allah. Prominent Masha'ikh (expert in spiritualism) elaborated on the subject. Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was also present at this gathering; and was apparently one of the youngest. These Masha'ikh asked of him: "O Iraaqi! You also, might as well elaborate on this issue." In response Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ lowered his head in humbleness and tears began flowing from his eyes. He then said: "An Ashiq (ardent lover of Allah) is that servant of Allah who has divorced his mortal self from his carnal desires and as a result is constantly absorbed in the remembrance of Allah; and is forever ready to fulfill his duties towards Allah; and with the power of his inner self he sees Allah all the time; the illumination of his Master, and Allah's fear has burnt out all other love from his heart; and he has taken a drink of the pure love of his Master; And Allah the Almighty has shed his veil and has become apparent to him; Therefore, if such an Ashiq talks, then it is with Allah alone; and if any word is uttered by him, then it is from Allah; and if he makes any movement then it is by Allah's order; and if he remains still, then it is with Allah that he remains still. So he is at every single moment attached to Allah. He is for Allah and Allah only: he is with Allah only.

At this elucidation, all the Masha'ikh began weeping and saying: "There cannot be a better elaboration." May Allah repair your broken bridges leading to Him, and His love; O king of spiritualists!

Hazrat Dah'haak bin Mazaahim R.A says: "One Thursday evening I decided to visit the Jaam'e Masjid of Kufa and went there. In the courtyard of the Masjid, I saw a young man in Sujood, weeping bitterly. To myself I said that this must be some saintly personality. I went nearer to him so that I could hear what he said and heard him saying:

"On You, Lord of Glory do I rely,

And fortunate are those, whose goal You are;"

"Happy are they who spend the night fearful of You;

And open their hearts: in complaint of their sorrows before You;"

"No other illness troubles them,

Except that they bear love for Him."

"And when at dead of night; they humbly beg of him,

He answers their calls, and grants their plea."

While reading these lines, he repeatedly recited the first one while weeping uncontrollably. I became so affected by his weeping that tears came to my eyes. Then he spoke such words that I perceived that he must be of high spiritual rank, as he heard these lines: "My bondsman! I am present and you are in my care, and I hear the words you spoken and my angels long for your voice." "Indeed we have forgiven your fault."

I greeted him and replied. Then I said: "May Allah bless this night for you and bless you as well. Who are you? He replied that he was Raashid bin Sulayman. Then I recognized him, because I had already heard much about him in the past, and I had the desire to meet him. This war our first meeting. I begged his permission to remain in his service and company, to which he replied; " That is a difficult task, how can he who remains in contact with the Divine Master, have time for social relations with his fellow men? By Allah, if any of the saints of old should pass our people of today, they will say of them: 'These people do not believe in the Hereafter.'

After saying this Raashid disappeared. Allah alone knows whether he flew into the heavens or sank into the earth. Separation from him filled me with grief. I then begged of Allah to grant me another meeting with him before my death.

It so happened that I once went for Haj and there I saw him once more sitting in the shade of the wall of the Ka'bah: a huge crowd had gathered around him reciting Surah An'aam to him. When he saw me he smiled, came towards me and embraced me.

He said: "did you beseech Allah to cause us to meet once more before your death?"

I replied: "Yes, respected sir, I did."

He said: "Praise to Allah."

I said: "May Allah be gracious to you, tell me, what did you see on that night when we last met?"

At this he uttered a frightful cry, which made me, realized that his heart's purdah had been torn aside.

He fell down unconscious and all those around him hurriedly disappeared. When he regained consciousness he said: "Brother, do you not know that the lovers of Allah have a great fear of exposing His secrets."

I asked: "Who were these people sitting around you and reciting the Quraan?"

He replied: "they are Jinns. Because of a long-standing relationship with them, I honor and respect them. They come with me for Haj annually and always recite the Quraan-e-Kareem for me."

Then he bid me farewell with these words: "May Allah cause us to meet again in Jannat, where there shall be no separation, no hardship and no sorrow." Thereafter he again disappeared and I never saw him again." (Rowdh)

It is related there was once one of the saints of the Haram, who daily and every day someone brought him two pieces of bread with which to break his fast.

One day a thought came to him: "How is it that you depend on world?" when the benefactor came with the bread that night he sent him back with the bread. The man left and for the next three days he could find nothing to eat.

That night he earnestly prayed to Allah for help and in a dream he saw himself standing before the Lord. Allah said to him: "Why did you return the bread, which I used to send to you at the hands of one of my servant?

He replied: Lord, I thought that in accepting from him I was depending on other than You for sustenance."

Allah said: "But who was it that sent him to you?"

He replied: " You did Allah."

Allah asked: "In that case take that bread and refuse it not."

After this he again saw the benefactor standing in the same position before Allah.

Allah asked him: "My bondsman, why did you stop giving bread to my servant?

He answered: "My Lord and Master, You know all."

Allah asked: "to whom then did you give the bread?"

He answered: "I used to give it to You.'

Allah said: "Henceforth continue to give the bread as before. You shall receive paradise as your reward." (Rowdh)

Hazrat Ahmed bin Abi Alhalwari رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "Once I accompanied Hazrat Abu sulayman Darani رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ on the way to Makkah. It so happened that my water skin bag fell and was lost. I told Abu Sulayman who prayed thus:

"O Thou who returns the lost goats, return ours too!"

It was not long after this that a man called out: "Whose water skin bag is this?" and when I investigated, I found that it was ours. Hazrat Abu Sulayman رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ turned to me and said: "O Ahmed, did you think Allah would leave us in this desert without water?"

We had not gone very far when it suddenly started getting very cold. We put on our coats. We saw a man dressed in two very old coverings, yet he was sweating. Hazrat Abu Sulayman R.A said to him: "Shall we give you some of our winter clothing to protect you from the cold?" he replied: "Heat and cold are both created by Allah. If He so wishes, they will affect me and if he so desires they shall pass me by. For thirty years I have been roaming in this desert. Neither did I ever tremble from cold, nor did I ever sweat from heat.He covers me with the warmth of His love during winter and in summer He covers me with the coolness of His love. O Darani, is it that you forsake the path of abstinence and depend on clothes (in heat and cold); that the cold now hampers you. Do you cry and wait when heat overtakes you and look for comfort in fans?" hazrat Abu Sulayman رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ said: "Nobody else ever made me aware of my shortcomings spiritually as this man did."

A saintly person says while performing tawaaf, I was a middle-aged man who became weak due to much ibaadat. He used a walking stick to assist him along during the tawaaf. I inquired from him where he was from. He said: "Khurasaan" he then asked me: "How long does it take you from your town to this place?"

I replied: "Two to three months."

He said: "then too you do not perform Haj annually."

I asked: "How many days did it take you to come from your city?"

He said: "Five years."

I remarked: "By Allah! This is indeed Allah's blessing and a proof of your sincere love for Him."

He smiled then read this poem: "The Beloved one must be visited Though great distance may separate; All hardship and trials should not Become obstacles in the path of Your home; This is the reason why the lover Very often visits the Beloved. (Rowdh)

A saintly man says: "On the road to Makkah I saw a young man walking along in such a manner as if he experienced extreme pleasure. I asked: "Why do I see you walking in such ecstasy?" he replied: "this is the walk of those young men who are the servants of the most Beneficent Allah."

Then he read this poem:

For Your sake with pride and pleasure I walked; but when Your remembrance is made from fear I melt. If I had the right to die of my own will, then it would be from yearning for You and in honoring Your rank, most high.

Then I inquired: "You are walking in this desert. Where is your camel and your provision?"

He looked at me closely and then said: "think, dear brother and consider: if a poor and weak slave go to the door of a wealthy master to visit him, and with him he takes his food and drink, will the master command that such a slave be thrown out?

Seeing that my Lord has invited me to His House I depend upon Him to see to my needs." Saying this the young man disappeared. (Rowdh)

Another saintly man says: "I was once resident in Makkah. There I saw a faqir performing tawaaf. Later he took a note from his pocket and read it. On the second day he did the same and so also on the third day. Then on another day he again read the note and having gone but a short distance, he fell down dead. I took the paper from his pocket and on it I found these Qur'aanic words written:

"Now await in patience the command of Your Lord; for verily you are in Our eyes." (Surah Tur-48)

(Originally this verse is addressed to Rasulullah ﷺ in which Allah says: "You wait for these infidel enemies to be punished. But have patience till the coming of Allah's punishment. Do not worry about their chastisement of you and your companions because you are in My care.' In any case although the verse was originally meant as consolation for Rasulullah ﷺ , the general meaning is much wider).

A group of people one-day visited Hazrat Bish'r Haafi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ He asked them: "who are you people?

They replied: "We are from Syria, and are on our way to perform Haj. We have stopped here to greet you." He said: "May Allah reward you well."

They said: "It is our earnest wish that you accompany us so that we may be blessed b y your esteemed presence in our midst."

Bish'r begged to be excused from going with them. When they were persistent in their request he at last said: "I shall come with you on three conditions. Firstly, we shall not take any provisions for the road. Secondly; we shall not beg from anyone on the road, and thirdly; if on the road anyone presents us with anything, we shall not accept."

They replied: "We are prepared to accept the first two conditions that we carry no provisions and refrain from asking begging, but we do not see ourselves having the power to refuse anything if people give us. Bish'r said: "In that case it will mean that you will travel depending on the provisions of others not on Allah. If this third condition is not acceptable; I cannot come with you. Leave me as I am. You may depart." Then he said: "The best of indigent ones are of three kinds. Firstly, those who beg not; and if they are granted without begging they refuse to accept. Those who beg not; but when granted, they accept. For such ones a table is laid in Allah's presence. Thirdly; who are in need, and beg of others and take only as much as they need. Their truthfulness wipes away their fault (Rowdh)

Hazrat Shaikh Abu Ja'far Had'daad رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ the teacher of Hazrat Junaid Baghdaadi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I once stayed in Makkah in such a state that I could find no money with which to have my hair cut. At that time my hair had grown very long. I went to a barber; from his appearance, I took him to be a righteous man. I said to him: "For Allah's sake; I ask you to cut my hair." He replied: "Yes, I shall do it now."

At that time he was busy cutting the hair of a seemingly unrighteous person. He stopped and first dressed my hair. Then he gave me a rolled up peace of paper. Wherein I found a few dir'hams. I accepted it and said to myself; that whenever any money came, I shall give it to the barber.

I went to the Haram, and there met a brother who said me; 'I have bought a bag for you from your brother in Basra; kindly take it. There are three hundred sovereigns in it. He gives it to you for Allah's sake.

I took that bag to the barber and said to him: "Here are three hundred sovereigns. Take it for yourself and spend it for your needs."

He replied: 'Dear Shaikh, are you not ashamed of yourself! In the first place you asked me to dress your hair for Allah's sake, and you come and pay me for it; Go! I have forgiven you."

Hazrat Ibrahim bin Ad'ham رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ said to a man during the tawaaf; 'Remember dear brother, you shall never be counted among the righteous ones until you have crossed six bridges.

Firstly, that you close the door of favors on yourself and open the door of hardship for yourself. Secondly, that you refrain from love of honor and prefer humility. Thirdly, that you refrain from comfort and accept hardship. Fourthly, that you discard love of sleep and enforce on yourself love of remaining awake for ibaadah. Fifthly, that you discard riches and prefer poverty. Sixthly, that you disassociate yourself from hoping and prepare for death." (Rowdh)

Hazrat Muhammad bin Husain Baghdaadi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ relates: "While on Haj, once I was walking through one of the market places of Makkah. There I saw an old man holding a young girl by the hand. The girl was very thin but spiritual shone from her face. The old man shouted; "who is there that will buy this slave girl from me, on condition that I am not responsible for any of her fault. Who is there that will pay me twenty sovereigns for this girl."

I went nearer and asked him what her faults were; to which he replied: 'The girl is mad. She remains in sorrow and grief at all times. She fasts all day and performs salaah all night. She neither eats nor drinks and continuously remains in solitude."

When I heard this I took a liking to the girl, and bought her; and took her home. She continued to cast her eyes to the ground, when finally she lifted her eyes up and asked me:

"My small Master, may Allah bless you, where are you from?"

I replied: "Iraq."

She asked: "where in Iraq; Basra or Kufa?"

I said: "Neither of the two."

She asked: "Are you then from Baghdad?"

I replied: "Yes."

She said: "How fortunate! That is the town of the great saints." This surprised me because what is such a girl supposed to know about the Ascetics and Saints; when she only moves from one room to another.

Then in jest I asked her: "Which of the great saints do you know?"

She replied: "Hazrat 'Maalik bin Dinar R.A, Hazrat Bish'r Haafi R.A, Hazrat Saalih Mar'ee R.A, Hazrat Abu Haatim Sajistaani R.A, Hazrat Ma'roof Karkhi R.A, Hazrat Muhammad bin Husain Baghdadi R.A, Hazrat Ra'biya Adawiya رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , Hazrat Showana and Hazrat Maymoona رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ "

I asked her: "How do you know about them all?"

She replied: "O young man, why should I not know them? By Allah these people are the doctors of hearts. They are the ones leading the lover to the beloved." Then she recited some lines: "They are the ones whose thoughts are locked with Allah; and no thoughts remain to attach to anyone else. Their aim is but to please their Master, how great An aim to communicate with Him. Neither worldly Goods can shake them, nor, pleasure derived from Food; neither lustful ecstasy; nor the love of off. Spring dear; Neither wealth nor riches, None can derive them from His love."

I said: "Dear girl I am Muhammad bin Husain."

She replied: "Praise to Allah; I have prayed to Him that He cause me to meet you, but where is the pleasant voice of yours with which you revive the hearts of followers?"

I replied: "It is still with me."

She said: "By Allah, recite to me from the Holy Qur'aan." As I recited Bismilla hir Rahmanir Raheem; she gave a loud cry and fell down unconscious. I splashed water over her and she was revived; and,

She said: "If on hearing His name, this happens to me; how will it be when I shall recognize and see Him on the day of Qiyaamah? Please continue the recitation."

I recited: "Lo those who seek after evil ways, think that We shall hold them equal with those who believe and do righteous deed. That equal will be their life and their death? Ill is the judgement that they make." (Surah Jaathiyah: 21)

When she heard this she said: "praise and thanks be to Allah I have never worshipped any idols, neither kissed them. Please read further."

I read: "For the wrongdoers We have prepared a fire; Whose-flaming-canopy shall enclose them; and if they cry for water, they shall be relieved with water like the dregs of oil, which will scald their faces; how dreadful the drink and how evil the resting place." (Surah Kah'f:29)

Hearing this she said: "You have made your heart incline towards losing hope in mercy. Let it become directed midway between hope and fear. Recite some more, May Allah have mercy upon you."

"Some faces, that day will be beaming; laughing rejoicing." (Surah Abas: 38)

"Some faces, that day will beam (in beauty); looking towards their Lord." (Surah Qiyaamah: 22, 23)

She exclaimed: "O how I long for that day when He shall shine in all His Glory before His friends. Recite some more. May Allah have mercy upon you."

Then I recited a few verses of Surah Waqi'ah:

"Round about them will (serve) youths of perpetual freshness; with goblets, beakers, and cups filled with clear flowing drinks, their heads shall not ache (by drinking) neither shall their reason be disturbed; and with the fruits from that which they choose; and the flesh of birds of the kind that they shall desire; and (there shall accompany them) fair damsels having large black eyes; like unto pearls hidden; a reward for the deeds of the past (life); Therein they hear no vain or sinful discourse; only the saying, peace! Peace!

And the companions of the right hand; how happy shall the companions of the right hand be; (They will be) among lote trees without thorns; and Mauz trees laden with fruit: and shade long extended; and water ever flowing: And fruit in abundance; Neither ending nor forbidden; and carpets raised; We have created those maidens by a special creation; and have made them virgins; loving, of equal age; for the companions of the right hand."(Surah al Waqi'ah: 17to38)

Then she said: "Perhaps you also have proposed marriage to those damsels of paradise, and surely you must have spent something by way of 'Mahr' to them?"

I asked: "Then tell me, what is their 'Mahr' (Dowry). I am but a poor man."

She asked: "Their 'Mahr' is fasting by day and saying Tahajjud prayers by night, and loving the poor. Then she recited some lines:

"Listen to me, you that proposes marriage to the dark-eyed damsels of paradise, seeking them so high in rank. Exert yourself and be not lazy in your search. Exert your soul towards patient perseverance. For their price is Tahajjud prayers and fasting. And when your eyes shall behold them as they turn to you, like pomegranates their breasts are raised as they walk. Along in company of similar form of splendor. Then indeed shall fly from your mind all the beauty and splendor of this world."

When she came to the end of these liens, she again sank into unconsciousness. Again I had to sprinkle water over her and when I had revived her she recited this poem:

"Do not punish me, O Lord, for I confess to You my faults. And many are the sins I have committed that You have forgiven. Men consider me good, yet if You forgive me not, the worst of man am I. No other weapons have I save my hope in the pardon You grant and my faith in You. Where after she again collapsed and died. Her death filled me with great sorrow. I went to the market place to buy material for her burial but when I returned I found the body already wrapped in two green coverings, fragrantly scented and ready for burial. On the green kafan, which is reminiscent of the dress of paradise, two lines were brightly written. In the line was written:

"There is none worthy of worship save Allah, and Muhammad is his Rasul."

And on the second line was written:

"Verily the friends of Allah shall have no fear and they shall not grieve."

My friend and I picked up the corpse, recited the funeral prayers and buried the body. There we recited Surah Yaseen and with tears of sorrow for her death I returned to my room. After having performed two rak'ahs salaah, I fell asleep. In a dream I saw her walking in paradise, dressed in silk and brocade with a crown of pearls on her head. On her feet she had red ruby covered shoes and from her person exuded the fragrant smell of musk and amber. Her face shone brighter than the moon and the sun. I said to her: "What a while, tell me, why is it that you have received all this honor?"

She replied: "It is as a reward for my having loved the poor and needy, seeking much forgiveness from Allah and for having removed obstacles from the path of the Muslims."

Then she recited these lines: "Blessed is he who spend the nights awake in prayer And in restlessness for Allah's love. And weeps and wails faults committed. And in sorrow and grief for sins admitted. And in fear of Allah's anger stand before Him by night. While on High the Lord's Grace protects them? (Rowdh)

It was a habit of Hazrat Shaikh Ibrahim Khawas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ that whenever he proceeded on a journey, he would just take a water-can with him and not tells anybody.

Hazrat Hamid Aswad R.A relates: "While I was in the mosque once, the Shaikh again just took his water-can walked off. I followed him. At Qadisiyya he asked me:

"To which destination do you intend going O Hamid?"

I replied: "Sir, I only intend to be you companion on a journey."

He said: "I am going to Makkah." I said: "I shall accompany you till there."

We proceeded and after having traveled for three days, another youth joined us. He was with us for a whole day and night without performing one salaah. Then I said to the Shaikh: "How is it that this third person with us does not perform even one salaah." The Shaikh asked him: "Why is it that you do not perform salaah?" He replied: "Salaah is not incumbent upon me."

Shaikh asked: "And why not? Are you not a Muslim?"

He replied: "No, I am a Christian. But even in my religion I rely on Allah.

My heart told me that he was telling the truth and wanted to leave him alone in the desert where there was nothing except Allah. I wanted to test him. The Shaikh said to me: "Do not turn him away. Let him walk with you." We continued on our way until we came to a place called Batn-Mard. There the Shaikh washed his clothes and turned to the young man, saying:

"What is your name?"

He replied: "My name is Abdul Maseeh."

Shaikh said: "O Abdul Maseeh, here we stand now at the border of the Holy Haram near Makkah. Allah has forbidden polytheists from proceeding beyond this point. The Qur'aan says:

"The Mushrikeen are impure so allow them not near the Holy Mosque."

You desire to test yourself and your test is over and you know the answer. Do not enter beyond this point to Makkah, otherwise we shall have to object to your presence."

We left him there and departed for Makkah. When we stopped at Arafaat, we had the surprise of our life when we saw him once more searching the faces of people. When he saw us he was overcome with joy and he embraced the Shaikh who said to him:

"O Abdul Maseeh, tell us your story. What happened?"

He replied: "Do not call me Abdul Maseeh (slave of Messiah) but I am the slave and bondsman of Him who had sent the Messiah. When you left me I waited there and when another group of pilgrims arrived I put on ihram clothes pretending to be a Muslim but when I saw the Ka'bah, all other religions fled from my heart and Islam entered. I washed myself and embraced Islam. From this morning I have been searching for you, and now I have found you."

Thereafter we three traveled together and stayed together until he passed away, among the Sufies as one of them. (Rowdh)

Hazrat Abu Saeed Khazzaz رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I was in Makkah once. While walking past Bab Bani Shaiba I saw the corpse of a young boy. He had a very handsome face. As I stared at his face, he smiled and I heard him say: "O Abu Saeed, do you not know that the devoted lovers of Allah never die even though they may seem to do so. They are in fact alive, as their souls are transported to another world."

Hazrat Shaikh Abu Yaqoob Sanusi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "Once in Makkah one of my mureeds came to me and said: "Respected Sir, I shall die tomorrow at the time of Zuhr. Take this gold sovereign. Use half of it for the diggers of my grave and the other half for my kafan.

The next day at the time of Zuhr, he entered the mosque, performed tawaaf and after a short while he passed away. When he was placed in his grave, his eyes opened and in surprise I said: "Are you alive again after death?" he replied: "I am alive and everyone of the devoted lovers of Allah is alive."

Among out elders, was Hazrat Hafiz Yousuf Saheb رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ the son of Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Zamin Shaheed of Thanabhawan. He was a man of many unexplained miraculous incidents. Many stories are told about him among, which is the following; which I heard from my Uncle Maulana Mahmood Rampuri. One day before death he told Maulana Mahmood: "I am in possession of many secret plans and one day I shall show you one whereby without any effort you will remain seated in your house and still earn two hundred rupees per month. Ask me about it one day I shall show it to you." Maulana replied; Alright, I shall.'

The Maulana continues the story saying: "I thought that one day we have more time then I shall ask about the plan. That same day at Asr salaah time in the mosque, he called me to him and just as salaah was about to begin, he said: "do not forget, you must ask me; because soon I shall go away." This surprised me because that was no time to discuss such a thing. On the next morning he wrote numerous letters to Deoband etc., to his friends and dictated others.

In almost all of them he wrote among other things 'Today I am going on a journey.' We all thought that he meant a journey to Bhopal where he often spent some time. No one else had the courage to ask him the truth of it. That same day after having performed Asr salaah, when we left the masjid; he remained behind, as was his custom. We had not gone far when someone came to call us saying that Hafiz saheb had passed away. In great confusion we returned and there we found him lying facing the Qibla; dressed in his lungi as was his custom and with his Kur'ta (shirt) placed under his head. May Allah have mercy on him. (Rowdh)

Hazrat Sa'eed bin Abi Arubah R.A says: "Hajjaj bin Yusuf Thaqafi; who is supposed to have been one of the most cruel rulers and governors once went for Haj. Along the way he stopped at a certain Manzil (stopping place) where he ordered that breakfast be served.

He sent his assistants to summon one of the local inhabitants to eat with him so that in conversation with him he cold find out the true position there. The assistant went and on a mountain he saw a bedouin lying fast asleep. He struck him and forcibly removed him to the presence of Hajjaj. When they arrived, Hajjaj told him: "Wash your hands and come to eat with me." The bedouin replied: "You invite me to eat, but already before you; that being has invited me who is much higher than you."

Hajjaj asked: "And who is he?"

The bedouin replied: "He is Allah who has invited me to fast; and I am fasting today."

Hajjaj asked: "Are you fasting in such heat?"

The bedouin replied: "Yes, I am fasting in preparation for that day which shall be even hotter than today"

Hajjaj said: "Break your fast and eat today. Tomorrow you may fast another day in its place."

The bedouin replied: "Well if you can guarantee that I shall be alive tomorrow than I shall do as you wish."

Hajjaj answered: "Who can possibly be sure of that?"

The bedouin said: "so why should I change something in cash for such a credit, of which there is no guarantee?"

Hajjaj said: "This food is delicious."

The bedouin said: "You are not the one who made it so delicious, nor is it the work of the cook. In fact it is only delicious because of good health."

'Food does not owe its delicious nature due to the talents of cooks; but the blessing of good health. For if my health is impaired, no tastes good; and if it is well, all food is wealth.'

On another occasion when Hajjaj bin Yousuf went to perform Haj he saw a man in the tawaaf reciting 'Labbaik' loudly. He ordered that the man be brought before him and said to him: "From which people are you?"

He replied: "I belong to the Muslims"

Hajjaj said: "I am not asking about that. From which town are you?" He replied: "I come from Yamen"

Hajjaj asked: "When you left Yamen, how was my brother Muhammad bin Yousuf?"

The man said: "He was nice and fat, wearing many kinds of clothing, roaming about much on horseback, sometimes inside the city and often outside."

Hajjaj said: "I am not asking you about that."

He asked: "what is it then you want to know?"

Hajjaj said: "How are his general habits?"

He retorred: "He is a greatly unjust person, obeying man and not Allah, sinning against Him."

Hajjaj said: "How can you say such bad and harsh thing about him, knowing our relationship?"

He replied: "The relationship between you and him cannot be as my relationship is with Allah. I have come here to visit His House, to affirm belief in His Nabi, to perform my obligation of Haj and to give obedience to His Deen."

"O Allah, to You is my refuge and in You do I seek refuge. Your help is near at hand and Your favors have been with us since time immemorial. Verily Your manner of dealing is best."

A saintly man says: "While performing tawaaf once, I saw girl carrying a very young child on her shoulder. The girl called out loudly: "O Noble Lord great thanks to You for Your great favor to me in times gone by." I asked her: "Pray, tell me what is that great favor that has passed between Allah and yourself?"

She replied: "We were once on a boat at sea, a great storm arose with hurricane winds blowing fiercely. With us there were many traders and as the boat sank they were all drowning except myself, this child and one dark-skinned man was hanging onto another. No one else was saved. We held onto the raft right through the night. When the light of dawn broke, the dark man saw me, and dragged himself through the water towards my raft.

When he came next to em he left his raft and held onto ours next to me. He uttered evil words intending evil acts with me, whereupon I said to Him: "Fear Allah. Do you not realize that terrible danger wherein we find ourselves, from which it is very difficult to be released? How can you think of sin at a moment like this?' he replied determinedly: "Stop to talk. Whatever I intend with you shall be done, no matter what happens." At that moment this child was asleep in my lap. Quietly I pinched him and he cried. Seeing the man's determination I said: 'Just wait a while until I have put this child to sleep. Whatever Allah had predetermined shall happen'. The man took the child from me by force and threw him into the sea. Seeing this I called out:

"O Allah, Who intervenes even between a man and his intentions. O Rab (Lord), do You intervene between this man and myself and save me. You alone have the power to separate and You have power over all things."

I swear by Allah, these words had hardly left my mouth when I saw huge monster raising its head from beneath the water. The monster got hold of him and swallowed him before it again disappeared under the water thus did Allah save me from this man. He alone has power over all and great indeed in His Glory.

Thereafter the waves of the sea pushed me along until I reached an island, where I landed. I said to myself that I would eat grass and drink water there for as long as Allah pleases. For four days I remained there. On the fifth day I saw a big boat passing near the island. I attract their attention. They saw me and three men came in a small boat and took me to the ship.

In the boat I was shocked to see this child also. This child that the dark skinned man had thrown into the sea. This was a great surprise to me and I fell upon the child, kissing him and holding him tightly to my breasts as I exclaimed: 'this is my child, this is my beloved child.' They said: "Are you mad? Are you out of your senses?"

I replied: "I am neither mad nor out of my senses. I have a strange tale to tell." Then I told them the whole story.

When they had heard it they lowered their heads in confusion and disbelief and said: "You have told us an almost unbelievable story. Now we shall tell you a similar unbelievable incident.

We were sailing quite comfortably in this boat with the wind in our favor, when all of a sudden a huge monster came along side us with this child on its back. We heard a voice saying: 'If you do not take this child from the back of the monster, your ship shall be sunk.' One of us lifted off the monster back'. The monster disappeared under the water. Both your story and ours are amazing. And now we all promise that Allah shall not see us again in sin in the future. We repent for all our sins."

The girl continued: "How great is Allah, How Merciful He is, aware of the troubles of His slaves. Numerous are His favors and His servants from all their calamities." (Rowdh)

Hazrat Abu Amr Zujaji R.A says: "After I made the niyyah for Haj, I proceeded on my way to meet Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ He gave me a dir'ham. This I placed inside my waistband and left. I was surprised to find that wherever I went al my needs were seen to be complete without spending anything. This happened throughout the journey. When I returned after Haj I went to meet Hazrat Junaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ again. He stretched forth his hand and said to me: "Give me back my dir'ham." I gave the dir'ham back to him- surprised that he knew that I still possessed it.

Then he asked: "How did you find this coin?" I replied: "Exceedingly good." (Rowdh)

Hazrat Shaikh Yusuf bin Hamdaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I once traveled to Makkah from Basra, together with a group of poor pilgrims. Among these Haajis was a young man who proved to be a very righteous and saintly person; always busy with zikrullah and righteous works. It was a pleasure to be in his company. I became infatuated with him.

When we reached Madinah, he became ill; and we did not see him for a few days. One day we went to visit him. When we saw him, we became worried about his health and among ourselves it was resolved that a doctor should be consulted to diagnose the illness; and to treat him, that some kid of medicine may cure him. He heard us making this decision; and opened his eyes smiling and saying; "Respected brothers, friends; what a bad thing it is that agreement should be followed by disagreement and opposition. Is it not against Allah's will and desire that He choose for us one way; and we on the other hand prefer another?" we heard these words and felt ashamed of ourselves.

He looked at us and said: "If ever medicine is to be found for him; who has the illness of the love for Allah, from such a person; who has already been healed from such love, then seek medicine. Let it be known that these illness we see are in fact ways of attaining purity of body and forgiveness for sins. Illness causes us to remember the Hereafter."

Then he recited three couplets:

"My medicine is only in Allah's hands; He alone knows my disease." "Through having followed my desires; I persecute my soul unjustly." "When for an ailment I drink medicine; my disease only increases." (Rowdh)

One of the saints relates: "I was once in great sorrow and distress. My whole being was overcome with fear. In this distressed state, I took the road to Makkah; with no animal for conveyance, and without food.

For three days I walked thus in the desert. On the fourth day I felt such extreme thirst that death seemed very near. There I was in the desert and nowhere around could a tree be seen where I could sit down in some shade. Feeling the approach of death I sat down in the direction of the Qibla.

As I sat there, sleep overtook me and in a dream I saw a man coming towards me with his hands stretched out to me, saying: "Here take my hand." I stretched my hand and he shook hands with me. Then he spoke: "I have come to give you glad tidings; you shall perform Haj and return safe and sound, and you shall also visit the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ ."

I asked: "Who are you?"

He replied: "I am Khidhar."

I said: "Pray for me."

He replied: "Recite these words three times." "O You who are Most Gracious to His Creatures; O You who knows the condition of His Creation; O You who are Aware of His Creation; Be Gracious to me; O You who are Gracious; You who are All Knower; You who are Aware."

Then Hazrat Khidhar A.S. said: "This is a present to you-a medicine that will always suffice and be of benefit. Whenever you are in any trouble, recite this and your trouble will depart."

Having said this he disappeared. Just then a voice called out to me: "O Shaikh! O Shaikh." When I heard this I woke up and saw someone on a camel. He asked me: "Did you not see a certain young man around here?"

I replied: "No I did not see anyone like that."

He said: "A young man of ours has left home seven days ago. We heard that he went to perform Haj. But where are you going?"

I answered: "I go where Allah takes me."

He made his camel sit. Then he gave me two pieces of bread with sweetmeat in between and some water. That filled me. We traveled for one day and two nights. Then we met a group of people traveling together. When we asked them about the young man we found that he was with them. My companions went to look for him and a short while later he came back with the youth he said to him; "Son, it is through the blessing of this man that I have found you." Then I separated from them and followed the caravan. Not long after this I met the same man who gave me something wrapped in a piece of paper. He kissed my hand and departed. Inside I found five sovereigns with which I hired a camel and ate of it during the pilgrimage. After Haj I also visited Rasulullah ﷺ grave in Madinah and then the grave of Hazrat Ibrahim A.S and whenever I met with any distress or difficulty I recited the duaa taught by hazrat Khidhar A.S. It proved to be very beneficial and for all this I am most grateful to Allah." (Rowdh)

A saint describes a lengthy story of his meeting with the hidden Hazrat Khidhar A.S. wherein Hazrat Khidhar A.S is reported to have said to him; "I perform my Fajr salaah in Makkah and then remain seated in the Hateem of the Ka'bah near Rukn-Shaami until sunrise. Then I perform Zuh'r in Madinah, AS'r salaah in Baytul-Muqad'das, in Jerusalem, Maghrib salaah in Mount Sinai and Esha salaah at the wall of Sikandar (Alexander)." (Rowdh)

Another saint relates this story: "Once I traveled with some friends from Aden. At night something struck me in my foot and then I could not walk further. I therefore sat down there on the shore, while my companions continued on their journey.

Having fasted the whole day I was hungry but had nothing with me to eat. I then decided to sleep. From nowhere two pieces of bread suddenly appeared in front of me and with it; a roasted bird. I took the bread and left the bird aside. As I did that a dark skinned man appeared with an iron rod in his hand saying: "Eat that". I ate the bread and a piece of the bird. The rest I wrapped in a cloth and placed under my head; then I slept. When I woke up I found the cloth as I had placed it, but the bread and the rest of the bird had vanished.

Another man relates: "while in Makkah I sat down one day with a group of righteous people. Among them was a saintly man of Hashimite descent whose appearance was like one in a deep trance. Later when he came out of the trance he asked: "Did you also see what I had just seen?"

We replied: "No, we saw nothing." He continued: "I have just seen a group of angels in Ihraam performing tawaaf." I asked them 'who are you?' and they replied: "We are angels." Thereupon I asked them: "How is your love for Allah?" to which they replied: "Our love is hidden, while yours is exposed." (Rowdh)

Hazrat Shaikh Abu Sulaymaan Daaraani رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports: "I set forth in the direction of Makkah with the intention of performing Haj and Ziyaarat of Rasulullah ﷺ . On the way I met a young man in the prime of hi youth who had the same intentions as mine. He was such a deeply religious person, that as long as our caravan went along, he kept busy reciting the Qur'aan, and whenever we stopped anywhere he performed salaah. And so he continued in salaah throughout the night. During the day he observed fast. This continued until we reached Makkah and there we separated.

At the moment of separation, I asked him: "Young man, tell me what has made you exert yourself so endlessly in Ibaadah?"

He replied: "O Hazrat Abu Sulaymaan R.A; I have seen in a dream one of the mansions of paradise, which like the others was built of bricks of silver and gold. So also is its top story. On top I saw two towers and between these towers I saw a damsel who lives there. She was so beautiful that no eyes had ever seen such beauty and heavenly complexion; with such beautiful locks of hair hanging down in front. When she saw me, she smiled at me and when she smiled the whole of paradise lit up with the shine of her teeth; as she smiled. She said to me: "O young man exert yourself in Ibaadah for Allah's sake, so that I may become yours; and you become mine." At this my eyes opened and I awoke from my dream. This is my story; and now it has become an obsession with me to exert myself in Ibaadah, and whatever you have seen of me is merely my means of acquiring those bounties of paradise."

I asked him to pray for me. This he did and left. After this I thought things over carefully and said to myself: "If such is his exertion and striving in order to acquire one damsel of paradise, how much more should not be ones exertion to acquire the Lord, Master and Creator of those damsels of Paradise." (Rowdh)

Hazrat Zun Noon Misri R.A says: "I was traveling in the desert towards Makkah when I suffered great thirst and went to the tribe of Makhzoon. There I chance to see a very beautiful young girl singing by herself in pleasure. Hearing her and the words she sang filled me with surprise and I said to her: "Are you not ashamed to sing like this?"

She replied: "O Zun Noon, be quiet. Last night I drank a glass full of the wine of divine love in such extreme pleasure, that even now I am drunk with the love of my Lord."

I said to her: "You seem to be a very wise maiden. Give me some advice."

She answered: "O Zun Noon, be silent in this world and take from it for your sustenance only so much as would suffice to keep you alive. In paradise you will have the chance to see that being who never dies." I asked her: "Is there any water here to drink?"

She answered: "Shall I show you the way to water?"

I thought she was going to direct me to a fountain or a well and I said: "yes, do show me!"

She replied: "There shall be four kinds of drinkers of water. The first group will be those who shall be given to drink by the Angels as Allah calls it;

Crystal-white, of a delicious taste to those who drink. (Surah Saffaat-46)

The second group is those whom Radhwaan, the keeper of paradise shall give to drink, as Allah calls it Tasneem:

With it will be a mixture of Tasneem. (Surah Al Mutaffifeen)

And the third group are those whom Allah Himself shall give to drink as he says: "And their Lord will give to them to drink of a wine pure and holy. (Surah Dahr-21)

She continued: "O Zun Noon, do not ever tell your secrets to anyone in this world save Allah. In the Hereafter Allah Himself shall give you to drink."

Note: although four kinds of drinkers were to be mentioned; only three kinds were discussed. Perhaps the fourth group, to whom reference is made, are those who shall be given water by young boys as the Qur'aan says:

"Round about them will (serve) youths of perpetual (freshness) with goblets, beakers and cups filled out of clear flowing fountains. (Surah Waaqiya-17/19) (Rowdh)

(a) Some people once gathered at the house of Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ A slave girl passed and someone remarked that she belonged to him. Thereupon Hazrat Umar R.A replied: "No she does not belong to Umar and she is not permissible for him. She belongs to the public treasure. For me only these things are permissible from the treasury; one set of clothing for summer and one for winter; that which is required to perform Haj or Umrah and such maintenance for daily needs that would suffice for a man not poor and not rich."

(b) Hazrat Aslam R.A, the slave of Hazrat Umar R.A says: "One day we came to know that Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ had a desire to eat fresh fish. Hazrat Yarfa رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , his slave mounted a camel and traveled to the sea to buy fish. On the way back he hurried in order to present the fish in its fresh state to the Khalifa. The camel sweated profusely, so Hazrat Yarfa رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ washed and dried it thoroughly so that no one could see how hard he rode the animal.

When he gave the fish to the Hazrat Khalifa, Umar R.A said: "Come let us see your camel." Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ inspected the animal and saw some sweat behind the one ear. Then he said: "I see you have forgotten to wash behind the ears! In order to satisfy the taste and desire of one man you have tortured this animal. By Allah, Umar shall never taste this fish."

(c) Hazrat Abdullah bin Aamir رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I went on Haj with Hazrat Umar R.A He did not have a tent in which to stay nor a shelter under which to sit. He merely spread out a piece of cloth or a skin under a tree and sat down in its shade. (Taarikhul Khulafa)

Hazrat Fudhail bin Ayaz R.A was a famous saint. It is said about him that when he was on the plain of Arafaat and when every one was busy in communion with Allah and earnestly praying to him, Fudhail was very heart sore and crying bitterly, just as a woman would cry over her small infant child who had died and is burning in fire. Sat the time of sunset he lifted his face up to heaven and said: "O Lord, even though You may have forgiven me, still will I cry over my great ill fortune and my bad condition." (Ihya Uloomud Deen) In his muhadharaat, Hazrat Ibn Arabi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ also mentions this story and added that at Arafaat Hazrat Mutraf رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ used to say: "O Allah, do not deprive them all of Thy mercies, merely for the face that I am with them." Hazrat Bakr bin Abdullah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ said: "what a noble place this Arafaat would be, and what a wonderful place it would be for those present to receive Allah's pleasure, if I was not present here."

Hazrat Rabee bin Sulaymaan R.A says: "I once went for Fajr together with my brother and a group of other pilgrims. On reaching Kufa. I went into the town to buy some of the necessities required for the journey. On the way in a desolate spot I saw a woman dressed like one of the poor, cutting pieces of meat from a dead mule lying on the ground: having a natural death. She placed the meat in a basket.

I saw all this; and it grieved me to think that possibly this woman was taking meat from a dead animal to feed others. Therefore I felt that I could never remain silent having seen such a thing. I followed her in such a manner that she did not know of my presence.

In the town she came to a big house which had a very big door. There she had knocked, and after she had identified herself; four young girls came to open the door. She went inside and placed the basket in front of the children. The girls by this time were crying, and one could see that they were passing through a state of great want and misfortune. While I listened at the door, I heard the mother say: "Take this and cook it for yourself to eat; and thank Allah; Verily Allah is He Who has power over all; and He has power to turn men's hearts."

The girls cut the meat, grilled it and began eating. From where I stood I felt such anguish that I shouted; "O you servants of Allah, do not eat it; for Allah's sake!' she shouted back to me; 'Who are you?' I answered: "I am stranger around here."

She said: "O stranger, what do you desire from us? We, ourselves are in a bad state and imprisoned by our predestined fate. For three years now we have had no helper and no earthly maintainer. What do You want from us?"

I said: "in no religion is it permissible for anyone to eat dead animals; except among some Zoroastrians (fire-worshippers).'

She replied: "we belong to a family of Rasulullah ﷺ . The father of my daughters was a noble Sayyid. It was his great desire to get his daughters married among me of his own class and rank. Unfortunately before he could do this, he passed away. And soon what he left for us was exhausted. We know that it is not possible to eat from the carcass of dead animals, but at a time when circumstances force one to do so; it is permissible. For four days we had nothing to eat.'

When I heard her story I was move to tears and, greatly distressed, I returned from there. When I met my brother again I said to him: "Brother, I have now, no more the intention of proceeding for Haj." Hearing these words from me, my brother did his best to persuade me to carry on. He expounded on the virtues of Haj and told me that a Haji returns as a newborn babe. I told him not to waste more time in trying to make me alter my decision, and took my ihraam clothes and all my goods plus sic hundred dir'hams, and bought with it flour for two hundred dir'hams; and clothes for another hundred; and sent all that to the house of the girls, having first hidden the rest of the money in the flour.

Wen the mother received it she praised Allah greatly and said to me; 'May Allah forgive all your previous and future sins; May Allah give you the reward of a Haj and grant you a high place in paradise; May Allah give you a good return for this which you have given us-a return that will become known to you."

The eldest girl said: "May Allah reward you doubly and forgive your sins." The second one said: 'May Allah grant you so much more than what you have given us.' The third one said: 'May Allah raise you up on the day of Qiyaamah with our grandfather Rasulullah ﷺ . The youngest said: "O Allah the One that has favored us. You favor him abundantly soon; and forgive his previous and future sins.'

Hazrat Rabee رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ continues the story: "the Hajis left and I remained in kufa. When they returned after Haj, I went to welcome them, hoping to let them make duaa for me. Perhaps Allah would accept someone's duaa of my behalf. When a group came into sight I felt a bit of remorse; for having missed Haj; and in this sadness some tears fell from my eyes. When I met them I said; "May Allah accept your Ha and reward you for what you have spent." One of them said to me: "Why do you say that?" what kind of prayer is this?" I replied: "It is the well wishing duaa for one who has been deprived of the blessing of being present at his door." He replied: "What surprising words; how can you now deny having been there?" "Were you not present with us at Arafaat; You were indeed among us as we threw stones at Jamaraat; You performed tawaaf with us" I thought; 'This must be Allah's grace.'

While waiting there the Hajis from my own town arrived, and said to one of them: "May Allah accept your Haj and reward you for your exerting yourself and spending in His way." He too spoke me having been present at Aarafaat, having been at Mina and was surprised now at my denial of that. One of them came forward and said: "Brother, but why do you deny?" You were indeed with us in Makkah and Madinah!" at Madinah when we came through Baab Jibra'il, you gave this bag to me as a result of the great crowd around us. On it was written Whoever deals with us; shall profit." 'Here take your money bag.'

Hazrat Rabee رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "I swear by Allah that I had never seen the money bag in my life. Anyway greatly amazed, I took it home with me. Having performed Esha salaah and the normal nightly wazeefas, I lay awake wandering about this strange story about me having been in pilgrimage while I knew that I had not been there for Haj. At this thought I fell asleep in a dream I saw Rasulullah ﷺ . I greeted him and kissed his hand. With a radiant smile he answered my salaam and said to me;

"O Rabee! How many more witnesses do you require before you believe that you have performed Haj? Yet you believe not.

Listen! When through the kindness of your heart, you postponed your Haj and instead gave charity to a lady from among my children' and when you also gave your provisions to them, I prayed to Allah to grant you a reward which shall be better and more profitable in return. Thereupon Allah caused an angel to appear in your form and commanded the angel to perform haj on your behalf annually and forever; and in the world Allah had granted you a reward of six hundred sovereigns in place of the six hundred dirhams you have spent. Whosoever deals with us; shall profit."

When I woke up from this dream I opened the bag and behold, I found therein six hundred gold sovereigns. (Rush-Fatus Sawee)

Hazrat Sayyid Samhudi R.A tells another story of this type. He says that Hazrat Abdullah bin Mubaarak رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ used to perform Haj one year and go for jihaad the other year. Hazrat Abdullah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ relates:

"One year when it was my year for Haj, I took five hundred dinars and took the road to Makkah. At Kufa I stopped and went to the camel market with the intention of buying a camel. On the other side I saw a dead duck. A woman sitting there. She picked up the duck and started cleaning it by plucking its feathers. Seeing this I approached her ad asked her: "What are you doing dear woman?" she replied: "why do you inquire about such things which do not concern you?" this set me thinking. However I insisted on an answer. Then she said: "Your persistence has forced me to open my heart. I am a lady from among the Sayyids- the family of Rasulullah ﷺ . I have four young daughters whose father passed away. This is now the fourth day that we have not even tasted a thing and in such dire need are we that the eating of dead animals has become permissible. I am taking this dead duck to feed my daughters."

Hazrat Abdullah bin Mubaarak R.A says: "Her story filled me with sorrow. I told her to stretch forth her hand and in it I placed five hundred dinars. She took it and went home, while I postponed my intention for Haj and returned home. After Haj I was so amazed that whenever I met any of the returning Hajis and wished them a 'Haj maqbool' they would wish me the same. Then, when I said anything further, they would remind me about having met me at such and such a place. I could not understand this. That night I saw a dream, wherein Rasulullah ﷺ said to me: "O son of Mubaarak, there is no need to be astonished. You have assisted distressed one from among my children, whereupon I begged Allah to appoint one such angel to perform Haj in your form and on your behalf until Qiyaamah and now you have a choice. You may perform Haj or you may leave it." (Rushfa)

Having now mentioned about stories from the lives and Haj of the righteous saintly ones, I wish to end this chapter. There are many more to relate, and so much more to tell because in these fourteen hundred years of our history so many wonderful things have happened to the truly beloved one's of Allah and so many more are the incidents that happen daily with these sincere ones. I have chosen to stop after quoting seventy incidents only, because in the hadith too the number seventy is described as many.

Let it be known that when reading or listening to such incidents three things are important.

1) In these stories the incidents are mostly based upon mystical love for the Divine Being. The laws, regulations, prescriptions and prohibitions in such cases are different from the general laws to which we all are subject. The expression of such love is not governed by generally accepted principles and cannot be acquired by learning and teaching, but only by falling in such love for 'Love alone teaches the ways of love.' One only has to strive and endeavor to acquire it and thereafter it becomes easy whereby every difficulty disappears. And whatever is easy for the lover is indeed an insurmountable obstacle for others. That which is pleasure for them brings destruction to the un-initiated. Those caught up in this great ocean drive the utmost ecstasy therefrom. For this reason one should look at these stories with the mirror of love prescribed for it to understand the real significance. And as long one has not himself become part and parcel of such an ocean and its people. One should not use these stories as the basis of an argument to prove anything. Neither should the truth of these stories be denied. In his Ihya Imaam Ghazali writes: "Whoever had drunk the cup of love becomes intoxicated and words uttered at such time are open to wider interpretations (Not confined to literal meaning). And when the intoxication is over he realizes that whatever was said; points to the state of ecstasy wherein he was, and is not to be taken literally. These people drive ecstatic pleasure from such conditions and should not rely on such uttering." (Ihya)

2) Secondly, these stories mostly show total reliance on Allah, which is above and beyond us, and can hardly be properly believed or understood by the uninitiated ones. These people have reached the highest point of tawakkul (reliance). Such rank is desirable and everyone should try and reach it or at least hope for it. However, no one should try to enter into the fold of such tawakkul, by forsaking the need for food and worldly means etc, until such time as he has developed and reach such rank. When Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Yahya رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was asked what is tawakkul, he replied: "it means that when you have stretched your hand towards a large serpent and he swallows the whole hand, then still you should fear none save Allah. The questioner says that he went to the house of Hazrat Bayazid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ in order to ask him the same question- the reality of tawakkul. He found the door closed and knocked. From inside Hazrat Bayazid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ shouted (without having heard the question or having seen the questioner): "Are you not satisfied with Abdur Rahman's reply that you now have to ask me the same?"

The questioner said: "Kindly open the door."

Hazrat Bayazid R.A replied: "I shall not open because this time you did not come to visit but merely to ask a question. You have already found your answer." The questioner returned after a year and having knocked at the door was quickly admitted and this time Hazrat Bayazid R.A said: "Now you have come to meet me." (Rowdh)

Hazrat Mulla Ali Quari R.A writes in his commentary on Mishkaat: "It is not contrary to tawakkul to carry means and even when a person discards all means and solely depend on Allah, then too it is not wrong even if that person is steadfast and righteous that he does not become distressed at his lack or absence of means and has trained his mind that none enter it save Allah on whom to rely. Those writers who have condemned the one who discards means and rely solely on tawakkul have done so because people have not been using tawakkul properly, and have thus inconvenienced others, looking to them for help. (Mirqaat vol 3)

Rasulullah ﷺ once said: "If you rely on Allah as you should with all its due rights, He shall grant you sustenance as He grants it to the birds leaving their nests hungry in the morning returning with full stomachs at night."

Rasulullah ﷺ also said: "whoever turns to Allah completely, him shall Allah grant all his needs and grant sustenance from where he never expected." Rasulullah ﷺ also said: "whoever desires to become the most independent of men, should have as much reliance on Allah as he has on the wealth he possesses."

A proper idea of tawakkul can be had from the following two stories which are well known in Hadith. Firstly, when the Battle of Tabook had to be fought and contributions asked for to prepare the army, Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ brought all that he had at home and placed it before Rasulullah ﷺ who accepted all. Rasulullah ﷺ asked: "What have you left at home?" he replied: "For them I left Allah and His Rasul."

Secondly, a man came to Rasulullah ﷺ and brought a piece of gold of the size of an egg and asked: "O Rasul of Allah, I have found this piece of gold and I give it as charity in Allah's path. Apart from this I have nothing." Rasulullah ﷺ turned away from him but the man was persistent and repeated his offer twice, thrice then Rasulullah ﷺ took the gold from him and threw it so hard that had it struck him he would have been hurt. Then Rasulullah ﷺ said: "there are some people, who give all their wealth in Allah's way and then stretch out their hands begging alms from others."

We see that I none case Rasulullah ﷺ accepted all from Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and in the other he was displeased. It shows the degree of tawakkul Rasulullah ﷺ saw in the two; and the difference between men.

In this respect our own elders have set very good examples. Our respected and honored Hazrat Shah Wali'ullah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ has in his book described his vision. He writes; "Once I asked Rasulullah ﷺ a spiritual question as to what is more virtuous; tawakkul- without any means- or its opposite. From Rasulullah ﷺ some spiritual condition emanated towards me and I found my heart turned away from all means, children etc. soon afterwards this feeling passed away and I found myself turned towards this feeling passed away and I found myself turned towards means-asbaab-and my soul turned from all means; depending only on Allah." (Durre Thameen)

Rasulullah ﷺ said: "The real rich man is not he who is rich in wealth; but he who is rich in heart." Hazrat Imaam Ghazali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ writes: "Tawakkul has three degrees. The first degree may be likened to a person having to appear in court. He appoints a clever, experienced lawyer to fight on his behalf and depends on the lawyer to do every thing for him. This type of tawakkul soon passes and does not serve at all times. The second degree is higher in rank than the first. It may be likened to a small child' relationship with his mother. Such a child depends on her for everything, and whenever any problem arises he calls on her.

It was to these two degrees that Hazrat Sah'l رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ referred when he was asked: "What is the lowest degree of tawakkul?" To this he replied: "To do away with all hope," and when the questioner asked for the middle degree, he replied: "To forego your right." When asked what is the highest degree, he replied: "Only such people can understand the third degree who had already attained the second stage."

Hazrat Imaam Ghazaali R.A wrote the highest degree of tawakkul is to become like the corpse under the hands of the person who washes it before burial. Such corpse makes no movement of its own. When ones relationship with Allah reaches this stage, it does not even become necessary to beg anything of Allah because Allah Himself sees to all ones needs without one having to ask: just as the person performing ghusl of the dead sees to the needs for the dead one. (Ih'ya)

At this stage we have an anomaly which is that Rasulullah ﷺ himself always prepared his means (asbaab). The answer to this is that Rasulullah ﷺ chose that himself because he was the exemplar of this ummat. Had he chosen the third and highest degree of tawakkul, it would have been very hard for his ummat to emulate him. We all know that he was always very considerate wishing to make matters as easy as possible for them.

Hazrat Aa'isha رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports: "Rasulullah ﷺ (occasionally) did not perform the dhuhaa (chasht) salaah while I did." It is a fact that very often Rasulullah ﷺ , in spite of his great desire to perform certain righteous deeds, occasionally did not do so for fear that it would become obligatory on the ummat. (Abu Dawood)

So in actual fact Hazrat Aa'isha رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ meant that Rasulullah ﷺ did not perform it so diligently and with such regularity as she did. It does not mean that he never performed dhuhaa salaah because it is reported in so many ahaadith that he did. However if he did perform it with regularity, it wold have become incumbent on the whole ummat. The same is the case with taraweeh salaah. Here Rasulullah ﷺ performed it for a few nights in Ramadhaan. During this time the Companions became tremendously interested and enthusiastic about it joining him in large numbers. Then he stopped it and did not come out to lead them. The Companions were of the opinion that he must have fallen asleep and therefore made certain sounds normally used to awaken someone. He came out to them and said: "I have seen your movements and through Allah's grace I have not been neglectful this night. However, let it be known that nothing prevented me from coming out and leading you in prayer save that I feared it would become fardh upon you. If that happens you will find it difficult to carry out properly." (Mishkaat &Abu Dawood)

And since Rasulullah ﷺ at times intentionally refrained from doing that which is most virtuous and instead preferred that which is only permissible, though second best, it becomes clear that for Rasulullah ﷺ , the action he chose is the one in which lay the most reward for him. So in actual fact the deed which is supposed not to be the best as far as reward is concerned (rukhsat) is the one in which was the most reward for him.

Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar R.A reports that he had heard that when a person performs salaah while sitting down he receives only half the reward for a salaah performed in a standing position. He says: "Once I went to visit Rasulullah ﷺ and fond him performing salaah while sitting down. I sat down with my hand on my head and when Rasulullah ﷺ had finished his salaah, he said to me: "And what is your trouble, O son of Umar?" I replied: "O Rasulullah ﷺ , I have heard that the reward for performing salaah while sitting is only half of that of a salaah while standing; and here I have seen you performing salaah sitting down." Rasulullah ﷺ said: "What you have heard is indeed true, but note that I am not like you people,"-al Hadith-The meaning of Rasulullah ﷺ 's reply is that it would be half reward for you: but not for me. In other words Rasulullah ﷺ receives the full reward. This difference between persons does not only exist between the Rasul ﷺ and this ummat.

We see a similar difference between the ulama and the Mashaa'ikh of Tariqat, i.e. the mystic Sufis, where the rank of the ulama is higher than the Mashaa'ikh. According to a Hadith it is stated that when one person presents a gift to another in the presence of others, that gift becomes the joint property of all present there.

Once a saintly shaikh was presented with a gift, while in the company of others. Someone from among the audience jokingly reminded him of this Hadith; saying; 'Gifts become joint property.' The Shaikh replied: "It was in order to avoid from any form of shirk (setting partners) that for so many days I have exerted myself so diligently. I am not interested in sharing this gift. It is yours." When that man could not lift it, the shaikh sent it with a servant to that person's house.

When Hazrat Imaam Abu Yusuf رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , the great Hanafi jurist once was presented wit ha gift in the presence of others: someone called out: "Presents become joint property." The Imaam replied: "The present is not the type that is referred to in the Hadith."

Then he had the gift taken to this home. It is not our intention to discuss the Hadith and its meaning here, for this is not the place for it. However here we see one Hadith with two vastly different explanations according to their differences in rank and positions. The ulama have stated that both handled the cases correctly and properly. If for example Hazrat Imaam Abu Yusuf R.A had shared the present it would become his maz'hab to do so, and in that case would have been an ordeal for hi followers. The writer of Rowdh says: "It has always been the custom of the Nabis and saints to prepare themselves in those things wherein lies the best benefit and which avoid s most disadvantages, but in spite of this no one should criticize those who prefer abstinence and depended solely on Allah.

Rasulullah ﷺ , himself is the guide and leader of this Shari'ah. It was necessary for him to guide on the easiest manner possible like the leader of a caravan whose duty it is to lead the caravan members along the best, shortest and easiest road. If however, he should lead them along a path that proves to be hard, arduous and insurmountable for the majority of the caravan, then he will not be considered to be sympathetic and merciful to them. And about Rasulullah ﷺ the Qur'aan says:

"Now has come unto you a Rasul from amongst yourself; it grieves him that you should perish; Ardently anxious is he over you; to the Believers is he most kind and Merciful (Surah Towbah-128/129)

Now if on the other hand some of the caravan members because of their own accord, choose to go along the difficult path they may do so, and the leader will not be able to stop them." (Rowdh)

This is also the reason why Rasulullah ﷺ prohibited the Imaams from prolonging the salaah, and in fact scolded them for doing so. He said: "Whoever becomes an Imaam should keep his salaah light and short, and when performing salaah on his own may prolong it for as long as he wishes.

3) The third point to bear in mind from these stories is the fact that in many of these stories we read about people accepting upon themselves unnecessary hardship and difficulty which at times is almost tantamount to self destruction and not permissible in shariat. First of all it should be borne in mind that these stories and incidents are actually a form of spiritual medicine. These are cases where a trained physician has to administer or prescribe poisonous medicine, but in such cases this medicine is the most suitable or even necessary. In any case it would be wrong and dangerous to use such medicine except under the care of a doctor and according to his prescription.

Similarly in these stories we find people who had used these bitter and seemingly unsuitable medicines. To criticize them or condemn them is to show one's own ignorance about this special art of spiritual healing. In fact for one who is a doctor, in this field or who has not acquired the advice of one who is a doctor, these stories appear to be against he Shariat and not permissible at all. This is wrong. We should also bear in mind that it is not haraam in all cases to destroy oneself. When it is being done for the sake of our Deen it is not only permissible but at times even becomes compulsory.

Rasulullah ﷺ said: "Allah is indeed very pleased with two people; The first one is that person who lies under a warm blanket with his beloved wife, and then suddenly with the same joy and pleasure departs from there to stand in salaah before the Lord. Allah boasts to the angels about him. The second person is he who goes to and in jihaad for Allah's sake. On the battlefield the army is defeated all flee. Than one man out of his fear for Allah, returns and he alone fights the enemy till he becomes a martyr.

About him Allah says: "Look at this, my servants; who, for the blessings of my favor and for ear of my displeasure has returned to fight till even his blood does flow" (Mishkaat). Here we see a person returning all alone to face a conquering army. It is only too clear that he returns to be for his ideals. When a whole army had been defeated and fled, how much can one man do against the conquerors? Allah praises him, although he had thrown himself to destruction. In another Hadith Rasulullah ﷺ said: "Among the lives of men the best life is the life of that person who, sitting on his horse, reins in hand, rides in the way of Allah. Wherever he hears of any trouble he speeds in that direction searching for battle and death. Wherever he imagines it to be; there he reaches." (Mishkaat)

When these people throw themselves into danger we find it most difficult to criticize them or to object against their actions; especially so because Raslullah ﷺ said: "The real Mujaahid is he who strives against himself"; (Mishkaat); and also; 'The real Mujaahid is he who stives against his own desire." (At'tasharruf) For this reason this form of Jihaad is called the 'Jihaadul Akbar'; the great jihaad, among the Sufis. Rasulullah ﷺ , himself used this term. Hazrat Allama Shaami رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: "The virtues of Jihaad are numerous; very largely because her a person sacrifices his most beloved and precious possession……. His life. In order to gain Allah's pleasure he overloads himself with great obstacles, yet there is something even more difficult than in Jihaad; and that is to force one's nafs-self-towards the obedience of Allah and to keep it away from following vain desires and sinning against his will. Hence, for this Rasulullah ﷺ said once; on return from a battle:

"We have now returned from the minor jihaad to the major jihaad" i.e, toward fighting against ourselves.

Hazrat Jabir رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports that some people, returning from battle; came to Rasulullah ﷺ and he said to them: "Your arrival is very meritorious; as it is an arrival to return from the minor jihaad to the major jihaad."-i.e. You have now returned to fight and strive against your own passions and desires. (At'tasharruf, vol 2.) So we see that these people exposed themselves to obstacles and difficulties. They are not to be criticized. The cause is a meritorious one, because when one strives to conquer and subdue an enemy he deserves reward and praise; and not condemnation. Rasulullah ﷺ said: "Your greatest enemy is your own nafs;-self-which resides between your two flanks." This is the enemy that has to be subdued, and when a person with this intention; of his own accord and choice remains hungry and thirsty, exposes himself to danger and undergoes ordeals, it is something exceptionally praiseworthy as long as this does not prevent important religious duties from being carried out.

And now I make duaa: "May Allah in His infinite Mercy cause some of the bounties and blessings to reach the humble writer of these words-and its publishers-for it is not impossible at all that such blessings reach unto whomever He pleases."

This booklet was written during my stay in Nizamuddin in Shawaal 1366 Hijri. Thereafter it occurred to me to add the section including the various stories. When I returned to Saharanpur. For months I did not even find time to look at what had been written; due to the tremendous pressure of work. Finally towards the end of Rabi'ath Thaani, I managed to find some time to complete it; and at last today, Friday the fourteenth of Jamaadil'Ula, 1367 Hijri, I have come to the end of this book.

It is my last and earnest wish that readers should remember me in their duaa at special times, and that whenever they remember me, they should pray for me- A similar request is made by the publishers.

"And our last call shall be; Praise be to Allah the Lord of all the worlds." "And may Allah's choicest blessings and peace be upon the most virtuous of all Rasuls; and upon his family, and his Companions and his followers till the day of Qiyaamah. We beg this O Allah, through Our Mercy; O You Most Merciful One."

Mohammed Zakariyya Kandhalwi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ Mazaher-ul-Ulum, Saharanpur 29 Zilhaj 1348 Hijri.