November 29, 2007
THE HAJJ SEASON 1428
It is related that Maulana Jāmi, rahimahu Allah, having composed the following Qaseedah decided to proceed for Hajj. His further intention was to stand before the Rowdha Mubarak and then to recite his poem to Rasulallah, sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.
When he intended to leave for Medina Munawwarah after performing Hajj, Rasulallah, sallallahu ‘alhi wa sallam, appeared in a dream to the Governor of Makka and told him, "Do not allow Mulla Jāmi to enter Medina Munawwarah"
The Governor prohibited him from leaving for Medina Munawwarah. However, his love and longing for Rasul, sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, was such that in spite of the order, he secretly set off for Medina Munawwarah. Once again the Governor saw a dream with Rasulallah, sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, telling him, "O Ameer of Makka that man is coming. Do not allow him to come here". This time the Governor sent some men after him, to bring him back. They caught up with him, treated him most harshly as they arrested him and then cast him into jail.
For a third time Rasulallah, sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, appeared to the Governor scolding and reprimanding him, "He is no criminal. All that he is guilty of is that out of his love for me he had written some lines of poetry that he intended to recite in my presence. If he does that, my hand would have to protrude from the grave in order to shake his hand. Such a thing would cause great confusion. It is for this reason I have asked that you stop him from reaching here.”
*
Bestow your generous attention, O, seal of the prophets, for greatly bereaved is the world since your demise, O Rasul of Allah, sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.
You who are indeed last of the messengers and their seal. How can you ignore us when drowned in wretchedness and ill of fortune we are?
Through your evergreen freshness, O dearest one, grace now this world, and from your restful sleep awake, to fill us with guiding light.
Lift now your countenance from within your Yemeni shroud, for your blessed face is the very life and light of day.
Turn for us the darkness of our sorrowful night into blessed light of day, and crown for us our day with successful accomplishments.
And now do don your fragrant smelling garments, and on your head the white turban do place.
Let your dark and precious locks of hair hang down, that their shade fall upon your blessed feet.
Wrap your feet in your shoes from mountainous Ta’if and make their straps bind our souls to you.
This entire universe desires to be spread out for your feet, and sincerity wishes for the honour that you tread upon her.
Come forth from your sepulchre into the Nabawi Mosque, that we may kiss and lay our heads on the dust under your feet where you do tread.
O Rasul, sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, grant refuge and help for the needy and console the hearts of those filled with love for you.
Sinners are we, drowned in the sea of our iniquity. Yet great is the thirst of our endeavour to follow your way.
You are the rain cloud of mercy and your generosity demands that succour be granted to the thirsty seeker in search of you.
How wonderful would be that day when to your abode I shall come and blacken my eyes with the dust of Medina, (May the Lord hasten that day of my arrival in Medina, to refresh my eyes with the dust of Medina).
How wonderful would be that day, when after prayers of thanks and prostration of thanks, my soul I shall fly midst the Holy Sepulchre?
When in loving madness, cheering heart and overflowing yearning, I shall walk around your grave and the Green Dome.
How glorious that day when from the clouds of my eyes, raindrops of tears shall sprinkle upon the threshold of your Haram and your grave.
When in joyful bliss I shall feel blessed to sweep away the dust of your Haram. And in ecstasy to remove all dust from around you.
Though dust be hurtful to the eyes, yet will your dust be a light and cure for me, and though litter be of no benefit to wounds, to me the litter of Medina shall be a perfect cure for the ills of my heart.
To your honoured mimbar shall I go and rubbing thereon my face, gone pale of love for you, that golden it shall become.
Then to your Musallah and the niche to stand in prayer fulfilling my hearts desires, and standing where you did stand, wash your footsteps in streams of my blood.
Then to every pillar of your Mosque to stand in utmost humbleness. Begging of Allah the faith and rank of the Siddiq.
Indeed will the great hopes and desires of my heart, in extreme pleasure cause every candle on earth to glow most brightly.
And though now my body does not appear in your presence yet, grateful I am to Allah, that my soul is there for me.
O Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alahi wa sallam, frustrated have I become, dejected of my selfishness. Help you this helpless soul and turn to him your look of favour.
If your loving kindness be not showered upon us, paralysis would overtake us and vanquished shall we be.
Our ill-fate has turned us from Allah’s path of righteousness. Pray you to Him on our behalf for complete guidance.
(This du’ā was then said), O Allah, firstly grant us true faith in a goodly, fruitful life. And guide us, Allah, to a steadfast following in the Deen.
And, that, when the terrors of Qiyāmat we meet, the Lord of the day of Reckoning shall save us there from in honour and dignity.
And that in spite of our numerous heinous sins, Allah shall grant Muhammad, sallallahu ‘alahi wa sallam, to intercede for us, for without it we are lost.
And that you shall arrive on the plain of reckoning, while we encircled by our sins, look on as you shall bend your head in prayer, calling out, "Forgive my people, Allah forgive them."
And may through your glorious efforts and the blessings of the holy ones, this Jāmi also be included amongst the accepted and pardoned ones. Āmīn
Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi, Virtues of Salaat ‘Alan Nabi
Episode 13 from this site tells of much earlier time, (555 A.H, while Jaami’s dates were 1414-1492) when our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam did extend his hand. I related this in a previous post on the etiquettes of Ziyarah, noting that the esteemed Sheikh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani Rahmatullah alaihi, was a witness to this.
Insha’Allah all Hujjaj are blessed throughout their journey to Haramain, Ameen.
JazakumuLlahu khairan for sharing this ‘dear reader’.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
November 27, 2007
They ask you about the Hour, ‘When will it happen?’ Say, ‘My Lord alone has knowledge of it: He alone will reveal when its time will come, a time that is hidden from both the heavens and earth. All too suddenly it will come upon you.’ (7:187)
‘When the shepherds of black camels start boasting and competing with others in the construction of higher buildings,’ or in another narration, ‘till the people compete with one another in constructing high buildings.’
Narrated Qais bin Abi Hazim RadhiAllahu anhu: We went to pay a visit to Khabbab RadhiAllahu anhu who was sick and had been cauterized at seven places in his body. He said, "Our companions who died during the lifetime of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam left this world without having their rewards reduced through enjoying the pleasures of this life, they will have perfect reward in the Hereafter, but we have got so much wealth that we find no way to spend It except on the construction of buildings. Had the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam not forbidden us to wish for death, I would have wished for it.’ We visited him for the second time while he was building a wall. He said, A Muslim is rewarded in the Hereafter for whatever he spends except for something that he spends on building. (All Ahadith from Sahih Muslim)
How close is the Hour??? Allah the Almighty knows best.
The old Amercian school buses used for transporting the labourers to and from their compounds and the construction sites.
The area they now park on is one of the many open spaces created by the demolition of the hundreds of older style accommodation places. Up until a few weeks back these open grounds were dust bowls awaiting to be surveyed and then sliced into lucrative hotel plots, now Alhumdulillah they have been levelled and asphalted, providing a respectable much needed car parking area, as well as attracting the swarms of street vendors who never miss an opportunity to catch the passing pilgrims as they come and go from Haram. The minaret of Masjid Uthman stands dwarfed in front of the building with the green safety netting.
….to the right of the previous photo. This time it is the minarats of Haram being dwarfed. This is the bridge that is ear-marked for demolition, to be moved the few meters to almost where I took this photo from, making way for…yes, more hotel complexes to be within the first ring road CBD area. The reasoning I guess behind this decision is that this land under the bridge offers far more as an investment than the refreshing shade it now provides.
A zoom in on the above. The building under construction is the time share one I mentioned in this post.
Compare the massive excavation photo in this previous post with the present height of seven floors. The little touch of green is from a small garden area between the bridge and this building. How long it remains is very doubtful, and yet this is exactly what the city needs. When you consider the millions that come as neighbours to our Beloved Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam during the main peak times and the extended Umrah seasons, coupled with the dense concrete masses in the hundreds, then the amount of carbon dioxide being recycled is almost negligible. Apparently there are two hundred plots of land, in addition to all those under construcion, yet to be developed in the central ring road area alone!
And from the other side…the same side the excavation photo was taken in the Construction 02 post. The rubble in the foreground is the last pile of a hotel recently demolished. It was in a prime place…Haram and Jannatul Baqi were immediately in front of it, but unlike the more recent hotels it did not have any windows facing to the north with views of Haram. Could it be the reason for its demise, who knows? Hotels collect higher rentals for rooms with a view.
They ask about it as if you were eager [to find out]. Say, ‘Allah alone has knowledge of [when it will come], though most people do not realize it.’ (7:187)
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
November 25, 2007
"His, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam mubarak face shone like the full moon"
Hasan ibn Ali RadhiAllahu
"At times I looked at the full moon, and at times at Rasulullah SallAllahu laihi wasallam. Ultimately I came to the conclusion that Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was more handsome, beautiful and radiant than the full moon."
Jaabir RadhiAllahu anhu
If the illumination in the temple and sanctuary is through the sun and the moon, so what.
I desire you, what should I do with my sight.
"His, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam mubarak face was like a full moon with its roundness."
Baraa ibn ‘aazib RadhiAllahu anhu
"He is like a blooming flower in freshness
and the full moon in splendour."
Busairi Rahmatullah alaihi
Photos taken this evening after Esha.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
November 23, 2007
Qasas al-Madinah by Imam Sarnubi
Translated by Sheikh Waleed whilst in Madinah during the Rihla 2007 program.
This is a unique and special collection of Qasas.
· Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was created from the Mubarak earth of Madinah.
· Madinah contains the greatest place in the world, the most virtuous place is the grave of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.
· Many of the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum are buried in Madinah, including the wives and daughters of our Noble Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. By virtue of these people Madinah is blessed. They are the best of the first generation of Muslims, which is the most blessed generation.
· The Shuhadah from the Battle of Uhud are buried in Madinah.
· Allah Ta’ala chose Madinah for the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to migrate to, to establish the Islamic State and to be buried in this Mubarak soil. We should have a deep feeling of awe in our heart for Madinah, and if we cannot be with these noble people, then the least we can do is to strive to be like them.
· Allah Ta’ala chose the Ansar RadhiAllahu anhum to help the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, giving him protection, refuge and sanctuary.
· People embraced Islam before the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam arrived in Madinah. Bayah, the Pledge was from the people of Madinah, and they came to Islam, not by the sword or under duress, but by the virtue of the Qur’an, the main vehicle of Da’wah, and the Akhlaq of the few Muslims they had met.
· Before the conquest of Makkah it was obligatory for Muslims to make Hijrah. No other city was populated due to this reason. Those who migrated to Madinah were not to return to Makkah.
· The most noble from this Ummah will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement from Madinah.
· Some of the names of Madinah are found in the Qur’an. And Madinah is referred to ‘ard, earth, the ‘ardAllah (in grammatical terms this is ‘idafa) Allah Ta’ala refers to Madinah as Allah’s Earth, or the earth of Allah.
· Allah Ta’ala willed that Madinah was founded on Haqq. Sheikh Waleed narrated the story of the Battle of BAdr. How some of the believers did not want to go once they discovered that the original plan to attack the lightly equipped caravan of Abu Sufyan was receiving extra support from Makkah when they found out they were to be attacked. The Muslims wanted the easiest fight, and showed less enthusiasm once they knew they would be outnumbered and the battle would be more difficult.
· Allah Ta’ala swears by Madinah in the Qur’an….I Swear by This City, Surah 90 Al-Balad. (My note: some commentators of the Qur’an state that this Surah refers to Maakh…I am merely relaying what was presented in the session with Sheikh Waleed’s translation of the mentioned text, and Allah The Almighty Knows Best.)
· And say (O Muhammad): My Lord! Let my entry (to the city of Al-Madinah) be good, and likewise my exit (from the city of Makkah) be good. And grant me supporting authority from You. (17:80) (and from another who was at this session: RasulAllah SalAllahu ‘alaihi wasallam said words to the effect that "If anyone heard the adhan and exits from Masjid al Nabvi without a need is close to a hypocrite"…)
· Madinah was referred to in the Torah as the City where Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy descended.
· The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam made the Du’a: O Allah! Make Madinah as beloved to us as You made Makkah beloved or more than that; make it conducive to health, and bless us in its Sa’ and its Mudd and transfer its fever to Juhfa.
· Whenever the Prophet returned from a journey he would stop outside, leave his mount and say, This is Taibah, expressing his joy and happiness upon returning to Madinah.
Imam Malik used to always do the same upon entering Madinah. Many previous scholars, due to utmost respect, would walk bare-footed once they entered the City proper.
· Du’a for Barakah, until today is being made at all the Mubarak places associated with our Noble Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. (update from another attendee at this session: There was not a place RasulAllah salAllahu alaihi wasallam passed but that he made dua for barakah.)
· The Haram area is sacrosanct. Sins committed in the holy confines are more grave than anywhere else, while Hasanat is multiplied by one thousand.
· The first Masjid to be erected in Islam is in Madinah, Quba Masjid. And the first Juma’ah ever prayed was at the site where Masjid Juma’ah is now, which originally was established by the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam with his own hands. Thus they were the first two places where Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam established Qiblah.
· Some say that the Masjid of Taqwa referred to in the Qur’an refers not only to Quba, but also Masjid Nabawi, and Almighty Allah knows best.
Verily, the mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety is more worthy that you stand therein (to pray). (9:108)
· Rowdha Mubarak, the Garden of Jannah is in Madinah. Some interpret this to mean that this section of earth will literally be transferred to Jannah on the Day of Judjement, it will find its place in Jannah. Others say that those who do good works there, then this will be the means of them entering Jannah, And Almighty Allah knows best.
· The corresponding place of the original Minbar in Masjid Nabawi will be the Hawd, the Prophet’s fountain on the Day of Judjement, where people will drink from after crossing the Sirat. (My note: other narrations say it will be upon a river from the rivers of Jannah, and that the steps of the Minbar shall be the steps to Jannah)
· Acts performed in the Haram area gain more Hasanah.
· The one who performs 40 Rak’ats in Masjid Nabawi will gain salvation from Jahannam, and from punishment and hypocrisy.
· Those who are in a state of Taharah as they walk to Masjid Nabawi every step is rewarded with Hasanah and sins are erased.
· Performing two Rak’ats in Masjid Quba is equal to performing Umrah.
· Fasting in Ramadhan in Madinah is as if one has fasted 1000 months, likewise attending Juma’ah is equivalent to attending 1000, and offering Salatul Janazah also equivalent to 1000. All acts similarly multiplied by 1000.
· One should exit Madinah only if for a pressing need, otherwise it is likened to nifaq.
· Ta’lim and Ta’lum in Masjid Nabawi carries great blessings. Some of the greatest scholars attended these Halaqas. Ayesha RadhiAllahu anha used to teach from behind a curtain from her room which is now part of the Masjid.
· O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds may be rendered fruitless while you perceive not. (49:2)
Insha’Allah extra Adab is required when in Madinah, increase reverence and respect for the entire City.
· The position of the Mihrab is 100% correct, as it was established by the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam himself.
· The blessed mountain of Uhud is within the sacred boundary of Madinah, the mountain that loves us, and we love it, and it is also from Jannah.
· The Valley of Aqeeq is also a Mubarak valley and from Jannah. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam encouraged people to reside in Madinah, as well as encouring them to try and seek death here, as they then die as a Shaheed and intercession is granted for them.
SUBHANALLAH!
(If any from the Rihla who attended this session find mistakes in the above, or have additional notes, your comments would be appreciated. JazakumuLlahu khairan for those who have assisted with this post, may your love for the Prince of this Radiant City SallAllahu alaihi wasallam bring you to him, Ameen. And once again JazakiLlahu khairan to Asiyah for her bright, colourful depiction of Radiant Madinah on her creative prayer mat above!)
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
November 21, 2007
In the luminous Madinah, could I be there, always there!
Could I say with all the pilgrims blessings for the intercessor,
In the luminous Madinah….
Could I pray close to the Ka’aba, bowing down, my humble prayers!
In the luminous Madinah….
Could I tell some little matter of my heart to him, our leader!
In the luminous Madinah….
Could I, the repulsive sinner, could I speak the pure profession!
In the luminous Madinah….could I be there, always there!
‘Abdur Ra’uf Bhatti
Lord of Madinah, you friend of the poor,
You will not turn me back empty-handed!
Now God had completed for us the Divine Law,
And has completed prophethood for our Prophet.
Now the office of cup bearer is given to us:
He gave us the last Goblet He had.
Muhammad Iqbal
From Prophethood is our foundation in the world
From Prophethood has our religion its ritual,
From Prophethood are hundreds of thousands of us one,
Part from part cannot be separated.
From Prophethood we all have the same melody,
The same breath, the same aim.
Muhammad Iqbal
The inner man knows no worries on this path.
The inner heart does not know death.
Bodies perish, but not the soul. Those who are gone don’t return.
Bodies are for dying. That’s not what a soul is for.
The heart will never find the pearl it seeks,
even in a thousand years, unless it’s given.
Be careful, your Beloved’s heart is easily broken.
Such fine crystal once shattered is never restored.
And unless you put your cup to the fountain,
even in a thousand years it won’t be filled.
Both Khidr and Elias drank the water of life.
These days they are not dead.
The world was made for the sake of the Prophet and his friendship.
Those who come to this world do not remain.
Yunus, today while you have eyes to see, do what you must.
Those who attain do not come back.
Yunus Emre
The manuscript of jabr [predestination] and qadr [free will]
Is contained in the form of his face and his hair;
This one becomes known from “By the Night” (Surah 92),
And that one from “By the Morning Light” (Surah 93).
Infidelity and faith, in darkness and purity respectively
Have no other kingdom but Mustafa’s cheek and tresses.
If his hair and his face did not bring to the desert Divine wrath (qahr) and Divine kindness (lutf)
Infidelity would remain without provision and faith helpless.
The radiance of your face is what one calls “morning”;
The shade of your two tresses is where you say “evening.”
Sana’i
O bright one! "By the Morning light" (Surah 93:1) is your forehead,
"By the Night!" (Surah 92:1) is your ambergris-coloured veil,
Taha (Surah 20) is a leaf from your tale,
Yasin (Surah 36) is a border on your sleeve;
Paradise is a result of your overflowing grace;
Hell is a spark from the flame of your wrath.
Jami
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
November 20, 2007
The Hajj season is truly bursting in the streets, markets of this Blessed and Radiant City.
The numerous tiny trinket shops, many with less than 2x2 meters of space to stand inside seem to be the most popular destinations for the Hujjaj to buy gifts to take back home. Most items are SR2 –SR 10, and even cheaper if bought in bulk.
These small booths appear only during the Hajj season….usually selling more of the same, along with fresh fruits, and the popular assortment of hats, scarves and tasbihs, etc.
The minaret of Masjid Ali behind the fence and lengths of steel being lifted by one of the hundreds of cranes doing their elegant dance across the skyline within the dense first ring road area.
Pilgrims relax and mingle around the Aswaq Al-Haram, the two story market area on the southern edge of the courtyard. The pavement vendors spread their sheets vying for sales with the long row of shops. Seconds after taking this as I looked up this area was empty! Once the word is instantly passed around that the inspectors are hovering about, the street vendors hurriedly bundle up their stock and run for it. I have seen many caught over the years, the men taken away, the items confiscated with the possibility of being deported if they are illegal. Many being mere lads have been in tears, I guess it is the risk they take in trying to make money while the crowds are about.
The shop to the left is typical of the food outlets immediately around Haram. The usual fare is chicken shawama, although with the recent bird flu scare this has now become scarce and many are wary of eating it. Individually wrapped slices of a simple pound cake, small packets of biscuits, assorted cold drinks, tea and coffee are the staple offerings. For the majority who are in groups that do not supply the daily meals this is a meager selection. Many who are housed further away from the main CBD area have more variety of foods to choose from, with various nationalities setting up small takeaway/eating places…Pakistani, Turkish, Bangladeshi, Egyptian and Malay/Indonesian. Madinah, unlike Makkah has a limited variety of fast food places close to Haram….there is KFC, the local Kudo, Al-Baik and a few other smaller outlets. Further away Pizza Hut, Dominoes Pizza, Mc Donald’s, Hardees, and the local Tazij are to be found.
Imitation watches from SR5 are popular, small and light for gifts.
The inner arcade of Aswaq Al-Haram. Altogether there are four long rows of shops extending the entire length of the Haram courtyard. More temporary stalls are erected during the two peak seasons in the middle of this arcade. No opportunity missed in allowing markets to spring up, with as many as possible cashing in on the millions coming and going.
Looking down on one of the many Miswak vendors who establish themselves at the base of the many pillars in this area. These brothers are mostly Saudi, and many belong to a long chain of generation after generation in this trade. Some of the brothers are very old, patiently sitting day in and day out. During Salat time they simply cover their stock while they walk across the courtyard for prayers.
The pre-wrapped bundles of miswak are easy to purchase for giving, but it is not the best quality. The long fresh pungent twigs are the best. These can be brought as they are, without having them cut, then wrapped in plastic, and kept in a refrigerator while you may have access to one in your rooms….once back in your home country you can then cut into lengths for giving or storing… they can be frozen until needed. The bubble vacuum packs are also good for bulk buying….each individually wrapped stick keeping its freshness far better than the bundles which they keep soaking in water, leaching all the freshness out and leaving the stick very brittle.
This is the main entrance to the Shariah Court, on the other side of the road opposite the Aswaq Al-Haram. This door directly faces the Dome of Felicity, with the souk in between.
From the second floor of the Aswaq looking south towards Makkah. The corner of the Shariah Court on the left.
(Apologies…the net connection is ever so cantankerous, which is sort of contagious to this speck clicking here….Insha’Allah, when both net and speck are back to being reasonable I will insert some comments…meanwhile, pretend you are here… )
Above comments added day after posting.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
November 19, 2007
A BOX
O that all children should have a box….or two…..
maybe one that housed a shoe
or a tube of sticky glue.
Transformed to be a zany zoo
where cows moo
doves coo
to the distant sound of a kazoo.
A secret inn to invite friends for tea,
or sit a teddy on their knee.
A hidden corner where minds run free
Why bother with lock and key.
A playful world of dazzling colours
for sharing with aunts, cousins, friends and brothers,
and all who may drop by as others.
A box in a box in a box
for socks
or rocks.
Or even frocks.
A cottage where they can stand tall
roll a ball
or curl up small.
In their secluded magic hall.
Their own dwelling to laugh and giggle
allowed to scribble and squiggle.
Who cares how much they wriggle?
Sometimes home can be a riot
so little ones dream of quiet.
And the box; you don’t have to buy it.
It’s so much fun, please do try it!
They can retreat inside with their beads
knowing Allah loves them and fulfills their needs,
listening to all their innocent pleads
Precious hearts bursting with love seeds.
A private sanctuary where they can pray
after their active games and play.
A peaceful moment at the end of the day
I wonder what it is they say?
*
May Allah Ta’ala expand our universal love, care, hope and concern to all children of this global village, on this Universal Children’s Day and every day; forever and always. Ameen.
The motivation, contribution and explanation for this post came from Sketched Soul.
The post will appear as dated the 19th, but it is already the 20th in other parts of the globe 
All other posts in this Rainbow series on the blog are for children, child-like hearts and that ever glowing inner child!
November 17, 2007
CORRELATIONS….
Between the given and the Giver…
Between hardships and mercy.
We are all part of this rich fabric called life….and some of the woven textured threads are called suffering….suffering we all know, either having experienced, or are experiencing, or will experience or vicariously know those who have, or are, or will be experiencing. Wars, conflict, natural disasters, pain, death, accidents, sorrow, family/social dysfunctions, various forms of loss, separation, along with the difficulties many face seeking marriage, seeking divorce, seeking careers, seeking children, seeking shelter, seeking relief from burdens that seem higher than Mount "NEVEREST" ….seeking Him….
Correlations….between the Giver and the given in this thickly embroidered tapestry….
Between…..
"The dawning of inner light and making destiny’s weight light.
The opening of the door of insight and help in bearing divine decree’s might.
The advent of subtle gifts and bearing affliction’s rifts.
The acknowledgement of how wholesome is God’s choice and empowerment to bear divine decree’s force.
The knowing that God knows our condition and giving us patience with His decision.
The unveiling of God’s divine beauty and ease in facing God’s actions and humane duty.
The knowing that patience leads to contentment and allowing us to bear fate without resentment.
The lifting of veils of alienation and help with enduring divine decrees without agitation.
The granting of the secrets of intimacy and the strength to bear obligations gravity.
The knowing of divine goodness’ subtleties hidden in every difficulty and the giving of patience in high degrees to endure all the divine decrees."
(based on the writings of Ibn ‘Ata’Allah al-Iskandari in The Book of Illumination where he has elucidated these ten sayings based on the same thing, a single variegated facet of understanding God from God. )
He writes:
"You should know that if the true One desires to strengthen people to bear what divine decree comes over them, God clothes them in the illuminations of divine attributes and qualities, enrobing them with divine gifts and blessings. Know that God sends down decrees upon them and at the same time conveys to them illuminations [helping them to bear the decrees]. This ability to bear such decrees is from the Lord, not from within the people themselves! Thus people are strengthened under every hardship and are able to endure every difficulty….
God bestows support to those people who can discern, in confronting divine decrees, the subtle divine concern."
Patiently hold firm under the decree of your Lord, for surely you are under the observance of our gaze. (52:48)
…whoever entrusts to God their every need, surely God is sufficient for them. (65:3)
Is not God alone sufficient for God’s worshipful servant? (39:36)
Ibn ‘Ata’Allah offers an illuminating parable:
GROPING IN THE DARK
Anyone who is anxious despite God’s attentive supervision is a like a child traveling with her father in a long caravan. As night falls, the father keeps watch over his child from a distance, out of compassionate concern for her welfare. Yet the child cannot see her father because of the terrible darkness that has descended between them. The child may be wracked by anxiety about her own concerns; how will she ever secure all her needs by herself? Yet when the moon rises luminous in the night sky, the child can see her father’s actual intimacy. Therefore her anxiety settles and her fears subside, since she can sense her father’s comforting proximity.
In this way, children are enriched by the care they receive from another. They are relieved of needing to care for their own needs by their own means. Those who are anxious for their own concerns despite the concern of God for them only plot anxiously because they are engulfed in the dark night of separation. They do not witness the intimate proximity of God to them. If only the luminous moon of bearing witness to God’s unity (tawhid) or the brilliant sun of experiential knowledge (ma’rifa) of divine presence would rise over them, they would see the intimacy of the true One to them. Then they would be ashamed of plotting or planning in competition with God. They would consider themselves enriched by the divine concern that enriches them and would rise above plotting for their own well-being.
Surely there are secret subtle graces hidden in trials, afflictions and poverty. Facing trials trains your ego to serve…facing trials humbles it and keeps it off guard, preventing it from always claiming its share [in the world] Humbling the ego comes through trials; in turn, through humbling yourself comes divine aid to vanquish otherness from the heart.
It may be that you loathe something that is good for you. (2:216)
And our Noble Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: Paradise is surrounded by things you loathe, while Hell is surrounded by things you crave.
*
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi addressed this topic, In Need of Allah, reciting the following poem of al-Shushtari
We come to You O Allah, the Rich
The One Who is always Generous
You accustomed us to Your Generosity
We hope it is everlasting.
The Sufis say there is no distance between you and Allah to traverse; there is only your ego. When we journey to Allah, we are going from haram to halal, we are leaving the dunya and going towards the akhirah. Allah is with us wherever we are. We are veiled by our love; our excessive love for our families, children, business, fame, beauty, comfort, luxury, the dunya, it all becomes a distraction. All of these are veils. Sometimes we recognize His bounties, but we don’t recognize Him. Sometimes people look at what is given without looking at the Giver Subhanahu wa ta’ala.
You should come to Allah in a state of poverty. Get rid of your claims. You can have the wealth of the world and still you need Him. You need Allah for every minute, for every second, for every breath.
If your life goes on normally and doesn’t have extremes you don’t feel the Divine Interference. You need to see this Divine Interference in every minute in every occasion. Muslims feel they don’t need Him until they are in difficulty. We are all equal in front of Allah; poverty makes us all equal - fuqara. Make no claims in front of Allah. Come to Him in a state of need.
Ibn ‘Ata’Allah said: ’If Allah opened the door of dua for you, be sure He will give you’. Just to open your hands and ask is a treasure, and without this we are nothing. Even when we are not given immediately, it doesn’t matter. What matters is He allowed us to make dua, to beseech Him, to cry, to come to Him, to ask Him for help. He is making many others forget, but He picked you up and made you from the elite so that you open your hands and make dua. Never belittle dua. Come to Him with hopes that He will give you. Have Husn al DhanilLah. No one is more generous than Him. When you knock on His Door, have firm belief that He will give you, and you get according to your opinion of Him. Allah looks at hearts not the tongues. Dua is the strongest weapon and the first thing we should turn to. Dua is the means of the most powerful people and the most powerful means.
Be thankful to Allah when He afflicts a calamity on you. He’s your Lord. Would He let you down? Would He allow you to suffer? For the believer, everything He Gives is sweet because it comes from Him ta’ala. Everything your Beloved does is beloved to you, because you love Him.
*
And Sheikh Humza Yusuf deals with the same correlations in The Seventeen Benefits of Tribulation.
The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was someone who went through unparalleled hardship, and yet he never allowed any difficulties to perturb him. Learn of this same wisdom that accompanies our suffering. Not only will this lecture completely transform your outlook on calamities, but it will also leave you in total awe of Allah Ta’ala’s magnanimity and infinite mercy.
*
In my heart none dwells but my friend.
No one else can enter in the private chamber of a king.
I have a king within the palace of my heart;
If he camped outside, the seas and lands would be too narrow for him….
Mu’in-uddin Chisti
(An aside….related to the three previous posts on Ziyarah: todays article from Arab News related to additional space in Masjid Nabawi for sisters. Maybe there is a correlation between the hardships sisters face in their ardent desire to visit our Beloved Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and Allah Ta’ala’s bounties on us, Insha’Allah. Sincerest gratitude to the glowing sparkles who knowingly and unknowingly have contributed to this post, JazakumuLlahu khairan.)
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
November 14, 2007
….bringing them from darkness out into light, by His will, and guiding them to a straight path. (5:16)
Picture; a priceless emerald, the deepest, richest green, activating the colour waves that instantly vibrate the spiritual recesses of the heart to sing the praise and glory of Allah Ta’ala and His Habib SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, the blessed resident of this verdant jewel-topped Abode.
This is how the Green Dome, enamoured by all from the best of nations, appeared from the inner courtyard in the mild evening breeze. A glowing emerald set in a sky seemingly woven from the most delicate and silkiest thread directly from the Tooba Tree in Jannah, while diamond-like glints of light danced from the ornate minarets, and the golden glistening from the myriad of chandeliers, adding more and more layers to the ethereal impact.
This was the scene in the open courtyard behind the original Masjid Nabawi, the elegant umbrellas closed as slender sentinels guarding the Sacred Paradise between our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam’s house and his minbar.
Crowds of sisters having just arrived in this City of Radiance stood in awe before stepping on the green carpet designating the Garden of Jannah. Audible sobs of pleading, praising, and gratitude filled the decorative Ottoman domes as foreheads prostrated in adulation and adoration, hands raised, imploring, seeking, revering.
By a new decree from the King, sisters now have the opportunity of visiting a fenced off section of the Rowdha Shareef three times during the day. Previously the times were after Fajr and after Zuhur Salat. The new arrangements have added an evening session from approximately 9pm to midnight. The time between the completion of Salat and the doors to be opened for the sisters to cross the brother’s section to the delineated area for visits can be an hour or so, giving the brother’s time to vacate that part of the Masjid and for the workers to erect the various barriers.
During this waiting time the Masjid ‘duty sisters’ attempt to collect the various nationalities into groups by holding up signs with the names of the main countries for them to congregate around. This previous post details the procedure, while the focus of this entry is on the ‘indoctrination’ that happens while the various nationalities wait to enter the visiting area. The Masjid ‘authorities’ in their organizational plans have employed ‘duty sisters’ capable of conversing in all the main languages, Alhumdilillah, and have obviously trained them to deliver the lecture emphasizing the Adab of going to the Rowdha from a sisters perspective. The duration of the lecture can be at least one hour inside the sisters section…and continuing once the group has moved to the next holding area. Some groups may have to wait longer than others before they are permitted to move to the actual Rowdha area.
The following is gleaned from the talk given in English last night, my comments will follow later.
Sisters need to ask themselves what is their intention in coming from their home country to Masjid Nabawi. If it is to visit the grave of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, then you will be amongst the cursed, as Allah Ta’ala has forbidden women to visit graves. (Supporting Ahadith in Arabic accompanied each point made)
We must obey Allah Ta’ala and the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and not visit graves, as he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam mentioned in the Hadith, so if we love him then we do not come to visit his grave, but to pray in the Masjid. The proof of our love is in how we follow him and his Sunnah. If we go against the Sunnah then we are following our whims and desires and this is very dangerous. Women have been created with a tender heart, men do not have this. Due to the woman having a tender heart she may faint while visiting a grave and some of her body may become exposed. We do not visit graves, this is for the men only.
Women must dress in a humble fashion, loose, thick, non-transparent, covering the body and no perfume to be applied.
We have been told in the Qur’an that we can travel to three places only: Makkah, Madinah and Masjid Aqsa in Al-Quds….the prayer in Makkah is worth 100,000 prayers, while in Masjid Nabawi it is multiplied by 1000.
Some narrations ay that the Rowdha will be lifted and become part of Jannah on the Day of Judgement, others explain that by offering Salat in this piece of Paradise on earth is that it will lead us to Jannah, BUT some commit violations of the creed in the Rowdha and this is very dangerous. Asking for things from Rowdha is very dangerous. Supplication is the right of Allah Ta’ala alone. You are in the Hellfire FOREVER if you do not abide by this as you are commiting SHIRK, and this, unlike other forms of sine will never be forgiven. Another grave sin is wiping, kissing, touching the pillars. Do not seek Barakah from things, nor from the dead, especially the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. The story of the Hawd was narrated, one drink from this and one will never know thirst ever again….but how on the Day of Judgement the angels will tell the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam not to offer a drink from his fountain to certain people as they were involved in innovation, bida, after his time.
Do not raise your voice anywhere in the Masjid, it is sinful, regardless of whether Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam is alive or dead.
Salam will reach the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam form anywhere in the world, it is not necessary to say Salam from the Rowdha. We say our Salam as we enter the Masjid, we give our Salam in Tashahud. And DO NOT CONVEY on behalf of any one to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. We are NOT angels…only Allah Ta’ala and His Angels can give Salam. And women do not offer Salam to Abu Bakr As-Siddiq or Umar Al-Khattab RadhiAllahu anhumaa, this is only for the men.
Islam is clean, it is easy, no complications.
It is not recommended to repeatedly go to Rowdha over and over. This time is enough, stay away so others can have their turn, it is not a Fardh on you, it is not even a Sunnah.
Do not bring Du’a books from your home country, there are too many mistakes and wrong information in them. They do not explain the differences between men and women and their time in the Masjid. Only follow the books you find in the shops around Haram and in the Masjid library.
Do not take your homes as graves, and do not take the grave of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam as an Eid, or festival time. It is not a place to be celebrating the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.
Do not sit in group Dhikr, this is not Sunnah, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum never did such an act.
One question was asked at the end….they were not permitted during the lecture. One newly arrived sister asked when the times for Ziyarah were…the reply came that the Rowdha times wer such ans such….a clear indication that we do not use the term Ziyarah, or visiting, as in visiting our Blessed Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.
I could spend hours commenting on this sad experience, and to a certain extent I have to be ‘careful’. I realize that some of you may have no hesitation in taking all the above as being ‘normal’, along with the desecration of our sacred sites. But basically what I find offensive is that the Masjid of our Noble Nabi, the City of our Prophet, is under the edicts of one aspect, one narrow interpretation of our multi-faceted ways of practicing Islam. Pilgrims come from every corner of the globe, representing all schools of thought, which all deserve to be respected and allowed the freedom to openly apply the different opinions and not to be indoctrinated, coerced, shamed, brainwashed in this manner.
I was speaking to some sisters after all this who were totally confused. They had come with lists of names from their family and friends to offer Salam as an Amanat, they softly said they participated in Dhikr circles….they quickly shoved Du’a books in their bags, they wondered if they should not come again. Ya Allah Ya Wadud, Ya Lateef. May You guide us all to the Siratul-Mustaqim. Ameen.
For all those reading this and who may be coming for Hajj, my suggestion is that you do not join the designated groups according to nationality….that after the Salat of the time you may intent to offer ZIYARAH, you wait some time towards the back of the main sisters section, allowing all the raised voices on mega phones to complete their ‘indoctrination’ and wait even longer until most of the groups have gone through the doors….and then enter without having to listen to that lecture. Depending on the crowds, and to be realistic they are swelling by the minute even now, you may be held in the next holding area, but you would have escaped the talk. On the other hand if your preference is for this way of practicing your Islam, by all means join the lecture…understanding that respect is due to all the diverse paths.
Come, come, whoever you are,
wanderer, worshipper, lover of leaving.
This is not a caravan of despair.
It doesn’t matter that you’ve broken
your vow a thousand times, still
come, and yet again, come.
Rumi
Picture; a priceless emerald, the deepest, richest green, activating the colour waves that instantly vibrate the spiritual recesses of the heart to sing the praise and glory of Allah Ta’ala and His Habib SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, the blessed resident of this verdant jewel-topped Abode.
As-salamu alayka ya habibi sayyidi,
As-salamu alayka ya nabi al-arabi
Ya Habibi Sayyidi
As-salamu alayka ya habibi sayyidi
As-salamu alayka ya nabi al-arabi
As-salamu alayka ya shafial-muznibin
As-salamu alayka rahamtallah lilaalamin.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
November 12, 2007
In an inspired dream tonight I saw Muhammad.
In the clean mirror of the heart I saw Muhammad.
The angels stood in rows and rows,
They donned green garments, beautiful And they exclaimed: “Muhammad!”-Thus
I saw Muhammad.
Muhammad gave a bowl to me,
Intoxicated was I then-
The Lord bestowed such grace on me:
I saw Muhammad.
I, like a drop sank in the seas,
Found healing for my suffering;
Today I was so greatly blessed-
I saw Muhammad!
Yunus Emre
*
I did not see Muhammad…
but I did see the Abode of Muhammad….
and yesterday we all saw the reflection of the Abode of Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam….
SubhanAllah….amazing what a difference a day makes….
….today minutes before Maghrib Adhan….water and reflections replaced by the meticulous precision in the placement of the central star shaped marble slabs.
O Messenger of God, with God I speak through veils, with you openly….
He is my hidden One, you are my evident one!
Iqbal
A beloved is hidden in your heart….
In the Muslim’s heart , there is Muhammad’s home,
All glory is from Muhammad’s name.
Iqbal
On the steed of love, God’s Prophet rose, through the blazing heavens,
The messengers of God rose to salute him, noble-browed he blessed them all.
Rumi
After Maghrib….hundreds heralding the arrival of the first Hujjaj of this Mubarak season, Masha’Allah. The majority racing to offer their Salam, swelling Masjid Nabawi, and excitedly bustling around the shops, the majority of the first influx being Turkish, followed by Malay and then Indian.
Ajeeb…look at that figure of light on the right….a transparent figure, looking even more surreal in the original uncompressed photo…this truly is mysterious. And even if it is some photographic illusion, (as life is anyway) I still find it extraordinary to say the least.
I just decided to upload the next photo taken seconds after the above one. It seems identical, but notice the Turkish man holding a pink bag…he has advanced towards the assembled group…but that transparent figure is still in the same place. VERY interesting…..any ideas?
O Messenger of the one God! I am a stranger,
Succor me, O refuge of the strangers!
O Messenger of the one God! a poor man am I,
Help me, O helper of the poor!
O Messenger of the one God! I am ill and weak,
Heal me, for you are sought for healing.
O Messenger of the one God! if you do not help me
To whom could I look to be my recourse?
Nabhani
STOP PRESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alhumdulillah! Du’a has been answered. Alhumdulillah! The hours for sisters Ziarah has been extended! Beginning from tonight after Salatul Esha from 8.30 to 9.30, with the runour that as the Hajj crowds increase the hours will be extended through till Tahajjud time. More Du’a that this becomes a reality, Insha’Allah!!!
UPDATE….my vivid imagination playing tricks…so VERY interesting lol!!!…the way the light is REFLECTING ON THE MARBLE….days of reflection, reflecting…on the bigger things we are here for…so the "transparent man" can be my lesson for the day….to open more to inner reflection.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
November 11, 2007
I have not praised Muhammad with my words;
Rather, my words are praiseworthy because of him.
Hassan Thabit
Such a beloved art thou, that those who see your beauty find their base earth turned into Gold, by the grace of that regard.
Such a lamp art thou, that on the night of Ascension, your discourse brought light to every one of God’s creatures.
Ahmet Pasa
The light of Muhammad has become distributed in millions of pieces
And has encompassed the whole world.
The Prophet was like the lightening of that light.
When it strikes, all veils of disbelief are torn and
Thousands of monks are influenced by Muhammad and run towards him.
Rumi
God made you the mirror of the Essence,
A looking glass for the unique Essence.
M Khaqani in Hilya
His words are all pearls from the ocean of reality
Because his heart was united with the ocean of truth.
Rumi
The fire of the love of beauties is still aglow in my heart and soul; O death! Stay thy hand for a while so that I can narrate my story (of woe) to my beloved.
Persian verse-Hafiz Nur Muhammad.
If perfection were in reading or writing,
Why then was the qibla of the universe illiterate?
Jami
If you want to be rescued from the Hellfire,
Utter the blessings over him with love and [longing] pain!
Sulayman Chelebi
Photos from this morning whilst delivering Amanat for so many blessed souls. And JazakumuLlahu khairan to all who share their souls blessings.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
November 10, 2007
THUS…..
Thus spoke the worm to the bug
the once-seeing-blinking sapphire beads are mine.
so the latter in a bug rhythm scuttled to the traces that remained of ostrich fat peppermint gel and almond oil
tinctures rubbed over sagging wrinkly skin
attempting relief from an end as inevitable as
the scorching sun pulverizing rocks to crystal sand
and a humming wind stooping to scatter dust where it was destined
only to be hit by feathers from the very same ostrich who donated the fat
in the hands of one so far from
ripening bananas oozing rubber lush tropical exuberance and salty waves
that would instantly be sweet by one drop from a wide-eyed Damsel
all lost in adoration as they perpetually hymn HIS NAMES
THUS….
street gangs hide under offensive billowing puffs
cavorting as if the breath was distributed free
plucking the world their instrument
haunting beating chanting clapping
jangling the pearls that are still shining lustrous threads weaving
layer upon layer of gossamer
draping pure essence of sanity drops
on all who call from wherever they may be
in this inconspicuous chiaroscuro
mimic of art long ago
when marriage was nectar
and separation more ugly than flesh spewed after futile blasts
on lands inhabited by ones who have forgotten they have forgotten they have forgotten
they have forgotten
the Wisdom revealed
THUS…..
may chimes of remembrance hurtle through the magnetosphere and exosphere and all other mysterious twirling ospheres
of an ever expanding inflated balloon-like tiara
across embroidered domains of orbits orbs comets and blazing sparks deflecting the devils auditory mechanisms
this tiny blimp carries a priceless cargo of
musical reflections of diamond rainbows
coloured tribes and nations
floating with intermittent glances upon the Manual scribed beyond space and time by a ruby encrusted Pen
that once wrote THE NAME that signaled the beginning of the beginning of the road to eternity
and sparked the cherished love flame that burns and binds
all together
THUS….
sang the ant to the bee and the bee to the elephant and the elephant to the date and the date to the river and the river to the blossom and the blossom to the hoopoe and and and
you to me and me to you
and us to us
and us to them and them to others
until the entire creation swoons in a swaying ecstatic ripple
S-U-B-H-A-N-A-L-L-A-H S-U-B-H-A-N-A-L-L-A-H S-U-B-H-A-N-A-L-L-A-H
THUS…
where are you going ya unique and precious one
a heart dripping ambrosia from the One
a soul yearning for a destination embellished and emblazoned
with HIM Jala Jalaalahu
and HIS SallAllahu alaihi wasllam?
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
November 9, 2007
FOOTPRINTS….
Do not tread arrogantly about the earth: you cannot break it open, nor match the mountains in height. (17:37)
The servants of the Lord of Mercy are those who walk humbly on the earth… (25:63)
It is He who has made the earth manageable for you, travel its regions…. (67:15)
Imagine how the pattern of our footprints would appear across, above and below the globe if we could see them as indelible tracks documenting every step we have taken. With all the places we have prostrated, recited Qur’an, been immersed in Dhikru Allahor or Amal Saliheen shining a little brighter….all being a witness on That Day. Every single footprint bearing witness!
Imagine the design tracing the journeys of Adam, Ibrahim (whose footprints below are the ones in Maqam Ibrahim Alaihis Salam beside the Ka’abah. These are from when he and Ismail Alaihuma Salam were builbing the Ka’abah)
Nuh, Sulaiman, Yusuf, and all previous Prophets Alaihumus Salam.
And even more heart-stirring, imagine the footprints of our Beloved Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his faithful companions RadhiAllahu anhum. Such blessed brilliance would be a glaring blaze, a blinding incandescence emanating from every step our Noble Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam took would be a light eclipsing the entire creation, SubhanAllah!! It is recorded in the Shamaa-il Tirmidhi that our Blessed Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam’s walk ‘seemed as if he was descending from a high place’, as was every aspect of his eminent being. Footprints of light, from the one without a shadow SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, descending from the Source of Light. SubhanAllah!!
If your blessed foot had not honoured the earth
Ablution with soil would not purify anyone.
The Mubarak footprint of The Rider of the Lightning Mount SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, when he was in Al-Quds Al-Shareef during Al-Mi’raj
*
I was recently sent the following from one of the dear readers of all you dear readers:
“One night I had a dream. I dreamed I was walking in the Blessed City of Madinah with my Beloved Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam. Across the beautiful sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Beloved Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam. When the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life there was only one set of footprints. I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of my life when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat. My heart was grieved by this immensely. I turned to my Beloved Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam and, with tears in my eyes, humbly asked, “Ya Rasoolullah, SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam you promised me that if I followed you, you would walk with me always, and never leave my side. But I have noticed that during the most trying times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why, when I needed you most, you would leave me.” My Beloved Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam held me close and whispered with his sweet, fragrant breath, “My precious child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”
This opened the flood gates to many of my Jahiliyyah memories; that deleted time of my ignorance of Divine Guidance. The slate having subsequently being wiped clean once my heart was pierced with Hidayah…but certainly the memories remain even if the footprints from that era are no longer etched in my account.
Two aspects float about inside my head. One was how I grew up with the ‘Christian’ version of ‘Footprints’ all around me. Grandmothers had faded prints in flowery frames on faded flowery wallpapered walls, neighbours had it written on scrolls, friends gifted it as bookmarks, church fairs sold it burnt on wooden platters, bouquets delivered to hospitals had it written on attached cards and inspirational books included it along with the famous 23rd Psalm, The Lord is my Shepherd. But it was Isa Alaihis Salam (Jesus) whose footprints were in the sand.
And the second aspect that unfetters the mind allowing it wander, as did the feet way back then, is the reliving of some of the rambling I have been blessed to do throughout my life. The most thrilling and extraordinary rambles were a lead up to my heart being pierced with the greatest gift of all….Hidayah.
While mostly as a solitary figure, imprinting my years of footprints on many alien, isolated and potentially hostile places on the planet, it was as if I was ‘accompanied’ and protected as I searched for the Truth. Millions of my footprints were here:
Mt Kailash, in the far west of Tibet, where I did multiple circumambulations of this sacred destination for both Hindus and Buddhists…..and here:
Mt Rinjani on the island of Lombok, Indonesia. (I long ago ‘released’ all the photos I took of my journeys…these are from google image searches, where you can find so many stunning examples, as well as fascinating details about these two places.)
And millions more of my footprints were added to the north, south, east and west as I searched.
In retrospect I was being partly dipped in the lessons referred to in the Ayat above, as well as so many other teachings. Whilst at the mercy of these giant pegs holding the earth in its place, one can be nothing but humbled as all traces of arrogance vanish with the elements, the solitude, the rawness of survival, the total reliance on The One Who gives and takes breath being the only companion with every footprint. It was no surprise to be embraced by Him, Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, to willingly, lovingly and totally submit to Him after such footprints were ardently seeking Him. Alhumdulillah, all praise is for Allah the Almighty.
O Allah! All praise is for You. You are the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and everything that they contain. All praise is for You, You are the King of the heavens and the earth and all the creatures who dwell in them. All praise is for You, You are the Radiance of the heavens and the earth and everything that exists in them. All praise is for You, You are the sole reality. Your promise is irrevocable. And there is no doubt that we will meet You.
O Allah! Keep my both feet steady on Your path, and let them not stray away from Your obedience and all that You command and all that earns Your pleasure.
O Allah! Guide my feet in this world and in the Hereafter and keep them steady on the Sirat on the day when feet will slip and stumble.
O Allah! Send peace and blessings on Your Habib SallAllahu alaihi wasallam equal to the number of footprints that have trod Your earth from Your entire creation, from the beginning of time till the end of time, multiplied by Your unlimited and unknown calculations.
O Allah! Bless him and his family and companions with blessings that cannot be counted in numbers, cannot be "proximated" in space of time, cannot be consumed in terms of having nothing remaining. Ameen, Ameen, Ameen.
And the magnificent, Mubarak and honoured Jabal Nur. I request your Du’a that before my ‘rambling’ time is over that it becomes a reality to leave my humble footprints here. Ameen. Insha’Allah some time this winter. Who is ready to leave their mark and maybe helped to be carried if it is difficult??
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
November 6, 2007
Assuredly, you are of a most excellent character. (68:4)
Resplendent behind locks and grills
forged on the blacksmiths anvil.
Swirls and spirals surround your hujrah,
Just as swirls of salutations spiral from around the globe
Forged from hearts passionately drunk with your pristine light.
An eminence no barriers can conceal.
A fragrance impossible to suppress
as multitudinous angel wings
sprinkle the earth and heavens
with an impregnated dust more precious than the entire creation.
O Allah! Caress the Taj of mankind, crowned by the qubba green.
O Allah! Bless the flag bearer of righteousness whose name You inscribed on Your Arsh.
O Allah! Shower Your favours on Your treasure whose name accompanies Yours in Salat, in the Adhan, in the Kalimah.
O Allah! Bestow Your choicest praises on the one You have honoured in Your Sacred Speech,
O Allah! Adorn Your Beloved, the first to ever be blessed by Your first ever blessing.
O Allah! Raise Your Habib to a station far beyond the leaves of the tress in Your Garden that bear his name.
O Allah! Glorify Your messenger, the spirit of justice, the bringer of peace, wisdom and truth, the paragon of all virtues.
O Allah! Unlock the shackles that hinder our closeness to Your shining star.
Our Lord! We believe in what You have Revealed and we follow the Messenger, so write us down among those who bear witness. (3:53)
O Allah! Imprint the name of Your illustrious one in our hearts just as he has Your name embellished on his.
O Allah! Bless us with an intimate nearness. Ameen, Ameen, Ameen.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
November 4, 2007
What delight is there in life other than companionship with the fuqara?
They are the sultans, lords and princes.
Shaykh Abi Madyan, from the Qasida in Ra.
Allah Ta’ala made the Ashab us-Suffa RadhiAllahu anhum, the chosen companions, the paragons of knowledge and wisdom, the original fuqara. They were free from attachment to anything but His acceptance and to the everlasting favour of remaining in His nearness. While at the same time they also recognized that they could not receive His blessings without His shield to protect them against the mundane deceptive attractions and calamitous fascinations which are fabric of this ephemeral world.
Men whom neither business nor trading can divert them from remembering Allah (24:37)
They were not driven to despondence due to lack of worldly comforts, because they had reached such a status by regarding the world as a temporary passing, not taking pride in company that was fated to return to dirt. Except that of our Beloved Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, who often shared their suffering of hunger and whose teachings permeated their hearts like no other.
Abu Muhammad ibn Hayyan RadhiAllahu anhu narrated that one day after the Fajr prayers, the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu laihi wasallam came and he inquired from the people of Suffa, saying: “How are you doing this morning?” They replied: “Well.” The noble Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “Indeed you are well today, but a day may come, when you maybe served one plate of grapes after another fruit is served, and when you will decorate your homes extensively and drape their walls and windows (to exhibit a grandiose look) with material fir got the Ka’aba!”
Amazed by his statement the Ashab us- Suffa RadhiAllahu anhum asked: “O Messenger of Allah SallAllahu laihi wasallam, will we ever come upon such status in this world, and yet remain observant of our religious practices?” He replied: “Yes, somehow you will!” The people of suffa then rejoiced and said: “Then this should be good for us, and should we live to see such a day, we surely will be generous in our charities, and we will free slaves from bondage!”The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu laihi wasallam pondered for a moment then he said: “Nay! Surely you are better today. When such a day comes, you will have developed jealousy and perfidy towards each other, you will be divided with indifference towards one another, and you will even grow enmity and hatred towards one another.”
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Rahmatullahi Alaihi narrated that Thabit al-Banani said: “Salman al-Farisi RadhiAllahu anhu was sitting with a group of people in the Masjid remembering Allah when the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam came by. When the people saw him they immediately stopped. He asked them: “What are you doing?” They replied: “O Messenger of Allah SallAllahu laihi wasallam, we regularly gather here to remember Allah, and to celebrate His praises.” The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu laihi wasallam then said: “Continue to do what you were doing, for I saw the Divine Mercy descending upon you and I wanted to come here and share with you what I saw.” He then added: “All praises are due to Allah Who made among my followers a group with whom I am commanded to constrain myself and to keep my soul content in their company.”
The achievers of such status and honour of poverty have signs, and those who follow them in their footsteps, up to and beyond the Hour of Resurrection, are surely the princes of faith among the believers. The truthful banners of their commitment cannot be denied, their innermost hearts are a monumental witness and are filled with the omnipresent divine truth, for indeed, the Omnipresent, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing Lord is their divine Guardian and Guide, and His most blessed Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam is their ambassador and monitor. In fact, such blessings are the gift to the few privileged ones who eagerly renounce the comfort of this world, and unrelentingly challenge its arrogance and deceptive nature.
(inspiration and excerpts from here)
And the following illuminating description is from a recent sharing received from one of the many visiting Ashiq readers, (JazakumuLlahu khairan katheeran) excerpted from one of my favourite oft quoted texts by the Crown of Saints from his Necklaces of Gems.
Someone once asked the Sultan of the Saints [awliya] of Allah, the venerable Shaikh Abd al-Qādir al-Jilāni (May Allah be well pleased with him) about the meaning of the term "[spiritual] pauper" [faqīr], he said: "[In the Arabic script, it is written with the letters]: fā-qāf-yāy-rā." Then he explained the significance of each of these letters in poetic verse:
The initial fā of the faqir stands for his absortion [fanā] in his essence and his detachment [farāgh] from his description of his attributes.
The qāf stands for the strength [quwwa] of his heart in [its dedication to] his Beloved, and his commitment [qiyām] to Allah for the sake of His good pleasure.
The yāy shows that he pins his hopes [yarjū] on Him, and fears [yakhāfu] Him, and performs [yaqūmu] his duty as true devotion demands.
The rā stands for the refinement [riqqa] of his heart and its purity, and its return [rujū] to Allah from its carnal desires.
The Shaikh (May Allah be well pleased with him) then went on to say:
"What is required of the spiritual pauper [faqīr] is that he should be flexible in thinking [fikr] and centered in remembrance [dhikr], courteous in disagreement [munāza’a] and ready to assist in reconciliation [murāja’a]. He must seek nothing from the Lord of Truth but the Truth [Haqq], and he must practise nothing but truthfulness [sidq]. He must be the most tolerant of people, and the most self-effacing. His laughter should be of the cheerful, smiling kind, and his curiosity should be used as an instrument of learning. He should be a reminder to the heedless, and a teacher to the ignorant. He must not hurt those who hurt him, and he must not meddle in things that do not concern him.
He must give plenty in the way of favors, but little in the way of offense. He must be careful to abstain from things that are unlawful, and stand well clear of things that are of dubious legality [shubuhāt]. He must be a helper [ghawth] to the stranger, and a father to the orphan. His joy should be apparent in his face, while his sadness is stored in his heart. He should be engrossed in his contemplation [fikr] and happy in his poverty [faqr]. He must not disclose a secret, nor rend a veil. He must be graceful in movement, bountiful in kindness, charming in outlook, generous in providing benefits, refined in taste, excellent in moral character, and very gentle.
"He should be a precious substance that melts and flows. He should be long on silence [samt], agreeable in manner [na’t], forbearing when he is treated foolishly, and very patient with anyone who treats him badly. There should be no freezing [jumūd] of the feelings in his presence, and no extinguishing [khumūd] of the fire of Truth. He must never be slanderous [nammūm], envious [hasūd], impetuous [’ajūl], or malicious [haqūd]. He must treat the elderly with deference, and the young with compassion.
"He must be worthy of trust [amāna] and far from betrayal [khiyāna]. His habit should be true devotion, and modesty should be his natural disposition. He should always be on the alert, and make vigilance his constant practise. He should take little for granted, and be very long-suffering. He should mean little to himself, but a great deal to his brothers. His behaviour should be an example of good conduct [adab], and his speech should be a marvel [’ajab]. He must never gloat over anyone’s misfortune, nor speak ill of anyone behind his back.
"He must be dignified and very patient, content and very thankful. He should spend little time in talking, and make a frequent practise of ritual prayer [salāt] and fasting. He must be truthful of tongue, and steadfast of heart. He should treat his guests with cordial hospitality, and supply everyone present with whatever food is available. When disasters befall him, his neighbours must not be adversely affected.
He must not be a verbal abuser [sabbāb], a backbiter [mughtāb], a slanderer [ghayyāb], a calumniator [nammām], or a faultfinder [dhammām]. He must not be impetuous [’ajūl], inattentive [ghafūl], envious [hasūd,], irritable [malūl], malicious [haqūd], or ungrateful [kanūd].
"He must have a tongue that is stored away [makhzūn], a heart that is grief-stricken [mahzūn], a way of speaking that is measured [mawzūn], and a way of thinking that travels far and wide, through what has been and what is yet to be [mā yakūn]."
Upon Your doorstep my burdens dropped
I don’t dwell on anxieties that once weighed me down
My straits have faded, my joys expanded
It’s all changed to hope what once made me frown.
*
Alhumdulillah once again a reminder of the honour of using the stunning art work of Bint-eh Adam, alias Butterfly of Brum for the header. An expressive ALLAH as if blossoming in a heart of pure love….with fronds reaching out to others for the love of Him. Her visual Dhikrs, which seem to transport one to deep inner contemplative Muraqaba recesses, are for sale, as well as commissions taken. You can read more about the evolution of her works, and make contact here, Insha’Allah. May Allah Ta’ala continue to grace her hands with His gift of creativity, Ameen.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
