Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem
ALLAH TA'ALA has commanded us:
“O You who Believe, Fear
Allah and join the company of the Truthful ones (the pious, the Auliya Allah).”
[Surah At-Taubah 9 : 119]
Our
Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had
explained that the highest rank among the
Auliya Allah (Friends of Allah Ta’ala) is that of the Sawdiqeen or Siddiqeen. Hadhrat
Moulana (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had also presented a beautiful definition of a
Siddique: Siddique is a mirror
reflection of Nubuwwah. Subhanallah!
Allah
Ta’ala instructs us to keep the company of the Sawdiqeen, the Truthful ones …
because these are people who are truthful in their piety. They have the reality
of piety. Their piety is not just an act or performance of piety. There is no
pretence in what they say or do. Allah Ta’ala revealed the plural, ‘Sawdiqeen’,
making known to us that there will always be such sincere servants of Allah Ta’ala, until
the end of time. And it is through the blessings
of the noble company of the Siddiqeen, that we will nurture the quality of
Taqwa.
When
Allah Ta’ala grants His Taufeeq, Fadhl and Rahmah, and man makes an effort, he can
develop his relationship to a level of Sidq, where he is counted amongst the
Siddiqeen. …The Ambiyaa (Alaihimus Salaam) were selected by Allah Ta’ala to
convey His Message to mankind; so this quality of Sidq would naturally be
inherent and characteristic in all of the Ambiyaa (Alaihimus Salaam), to a more exalted and lofty level. We find in the Qur’aan Sharief, that Hadhrat Yusuf (Alaihis
Salaam) is described by the honourable title, “Siddique”:
“(He said:) Yusuf! O Truthful
one!...”
[Surah Yusuf 12 : 46]
And again, by Zulaikah:
“…and
indeed, he is of the truthful (Sawdiqeen).”
[Surah Yusuf 12 : 51]
Allah Ta’ala mentions Hadhrat Ibraheem (Alaihis Salaam) as Siddique:
“And
mention in the Book (the Qur’aan) Ibraheem. Verily! He was a man of truth (Siddique), a
Nabi.”
[Surah Maryam 19 : 41]
Allah Ta’ala also mentions Hadhrat Idris (Alaihis Salaam) as Siddique:
“And mention in the Book (the Qur’aan)
Idris. Verily! He was a man of truth (Siddique), (and) a Nabi.”
[Surah Maryam 19 : 56]
Rasulullah
Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam was the embodiment of Sidq and was given the noble title of "As-Sawdiq" (The Truthful One). ...When
Allah Ta’ala highlights the virtue and merit of the company of the Auliya
Allah, how much more meritorious must it be to spend time in the company of
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), from whom the Siddiqeen have
acquired this Sidq!
Alhamdulillah, we are most fortunate in that we have certainty as to
where our Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is buried, and we have
the honour of visiting him – with much ease. When visiting Nabi (Sallallaahu
'alayhi wasallam), we should also make the intention of benefiting directly
from the Mubarak company of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam). Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) is alive in his
grave, and from whom we can draw immense benefit. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu
‘alayhi wasallam) said: “The
Ambiyaa are alive in their graves and they pray.”[1]
Hadhrat
Sheikh Abdul-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehlawi (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had explained that
the Messengers of Allah Ta’ala are alive in their graves, just as they were
alive in the world. For them, life (in the grave) is a real, physical
life, like they had in this world.
When
we keep company with the pious, we hope to acquire, within our own hearts, their
virtuous qualities. Whilst we are at the Raudha Mubarak, we should intend to
imbibe and absorb the noble, beautiful qualities of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu
'alayhi wasallam) – for there is no person ever who can match the perfection
that Allah Ta'ala had blessed His Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam)
with. His beauty, his character, his speech, his actions and his
interaction with people surpasses and transcends all.
“And
you are surely on an excellent standard of character.”
[Surah
Al-Qalam 68 :4]
This
opportunity of being in the company of our Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is a most
exclusive and prized gift and tremendous favour for any Ummati and should be
cherished and deeply appreciated. Do not let the stay in Madinatul
Munawwarah go to waste – by being heedless and negligent of this unique
opportunity of directly drawing the Anwaaraat and Barakaat that are found at
the Raudha Mubarak, in the Suhbat of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).
When
in Masjidun Nabawi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), we should try and find a
place near the Raudha Mubarak. Convey Salaat and Salaam with Adab and respect.
Make Dua to Allah Ta’ala: O Allah, let
me benefit from the Fuyoodh, Barakah, Tawajjuh and Duas of Rasulullah Sallallaahu
‘alayhi wasallam.
Of course, to truly take benefit from our Ziyarah, we need to develop the love for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam). This, we can easily acquire from one who has sincere love, whose entire life is in conformity with the beautiful Sunnah and who will also teach us the etiquettes and demands of love, that we are able to present ourselves with humility and respect, value and cherish the opportunity, and take maximum benefit when in Madinah Sharief. We will draw these qualities from the hearts of the Ahlullah, the Lovers of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and should thus avail ourselves of their noble company.
Of course, to truly take benefit from our Ziyarah, we need to develop the love for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam). This, we can easily acquire from one who has sincere love, whose entire life is in conformity with the beautiful Sunnah and who will also teach us the etiquettes and demands of love, that we are able to present ourselves with humility and respect, value and cherish the opportunity, and take maximum benefit when in Madinah Sharief. We will draw these qualities from the hearts of the Ahlullah, the Lovers of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and should thus avail ourselves of their noble company.
On another note:
The
very honourable companions, Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddique (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and
Hadhrat Umar Farouq (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) were blessed with very lofty and
exceptional qualities. It is a well-known fact that Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu
‘anhu) was given the title of “Siddique” by Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) because he did not hesitate in regard to
anything that was conveyed by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), and he maintained
firm faith at all times. This honourable title is testimony of Hadhrat Abu Bakr
(Radhiyallahu ‘anhu)’s high status amongst the Sawdiqeen. No Ummati can match
Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu). After the Ambiya (Alaihimus Salaam), the
highest in rank is Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu).
Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) had said, regarding Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu
‘anhu): “Indeed, Allah has placed truth upon Umar`s tongue and heart.”[2] And
in another Hadith: “If there were a Nabi after me, it would be Umar,
son of Khattaab.”[3] Hadhrat
Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was given the title “Al-Farouq” – the one
who distinguishes, between Haq (Truth) and Baatil (Falsehood). These Ahadith clearly
establish Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu)’s exceedingly high level of Sidq.
Allah
Ta’ala accepted them to be buried beside Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi
wasallam). Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn 'Abbas (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had
said: “Every person will be buried in the soil from which he was
created.”[4]
…SubhanAllah! How extremely special Hadhrat Abu Bakr and Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu
‘anhu) are, to have been created from the earth, which houses them with the
Beloved of Allah Ta’ala (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi sallam)! Indeed, they were the
closest to him in life and are closest after their demise. In this, Allah
Ta’ala also perpetuated for them, the bounty of Suhbat and nearness to Nabi (Sallallaahu
‘alayhi wasallam). SubhanAllah! What great honour and acceptance!
When
we reflect over all of this, we feel a sense of deep shame that despite our
unworthiness – and we are indeed undeserving of this bounty – Allah Ta’ala
allows us such close proximity to these great personalities. This is only Allah
Ta’ala’s Karam. At the same time, we should hope that when Allah Ta’ala has
accommodated us with such a visit, that we leave, having taken
benefit from their blessed company.
Hadhrat
Hajee Farouk Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had presented, very beautifully, the
manner of meeting and greeting Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and
his two companions (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum). Hadhrat Hajee Farouk Saheb (Rahmatullahi
‘alayh) related the Hadith in praise of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu): “The
most merciful of my Ummah upon my Ummah is Abu Bakr!”
Hadhrat (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) advised that while
we are there, close to Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu), we should make
Dua to Allah Ta’ala to grant us the mercy, soft-heartedness and other beloved
qualities of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu).
In
respect to Hadhrat 'Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi
wasallam) said: “The firmest, regarding the commandments of Allah,
is Umar.” …So we should make Dua to Allah Ta’ala to also grant us firmness and Istiqaamah on Dien – which was one of the many outstanding qualities
of Hadhrat 'Umar (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu).
May
Allah Ta’ala grant us life and death in the company of His lovers! Indeed, this
is honour in both worlds!
By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)
[1] Baihaqi
[2] Tirmidhi
[3] Tirmidhi
[4] Musannaf
‘Abdur Razzaq, Hadith: 6531
