Blessed Birth

Hadrat Baba Farid al-Din Ganj-e-Shakar Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho was born on the 29th Sha’ban in 569 A.H. [April 4, 1179 C.E.] in Khotwal, a village near Lahore . He is the direct descendant of Hadrat Umar Farooq Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho, the second Caliph of Islam.

Genealogy tracing back to Hadrat Umar Ibn al-Khattab

1. Hadrat Umar Bin Khattab, second Caliph
2. Hadrat Abdullah Ibn Umar
3. Nasir
4. Sulaiman
5. Adham, King of Balkh and Bukhara
6. Ibrahim Bin Adham aka Abou Ben Adham
7. Ishaq
8. Abul Fatah
9. Abdullah Waa’iz Kobra
10. Abdullah Waa’iz Soghra
11. Masood
12. Sulaiman
13. Ishaq
14. Muhammad
15. Naseeruddin
16. Farrukh Shah Kabuli, King of Afghanistan
17. Shahabuddin Kabuli
18. Muhammed
19. Yousuf
20. Ahmed, died fighting Hulaku Khan
21. Shoaib
22. Jamaluddin Sulaiman
23. Baba Fareed Gunj Shakar

Childhood

It is narrated that a miracle occurred before his birth proving his Saintship. One day, during the pregnancy of his mother, she wanted to pluck some plums from her neighbour’s tree without his permission, but the child in her womb (Hadrat Baba Farid) created a severe pain in her stomach that forced her to abandon the idea of plucking. After a few years after Hadrat Baba Farid’s Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho birth, his mother lovingly expressed: “My dear son, during your confinement I never ate anything which was unlawful.” Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho, however, smiled and said, “But, my dear mother, you wanted to pluck some plums from our neighbour’s tree without his permission when I had created a severe pain in your stomach which saved you from this unlawful act.”

Hadrat Shaikh Nizamud Deen says that once while Hadrat Shaykh Faridud Deen’s mother was performing Salaat, a thief entered. When he gazed at her, he immediately became blind. The thief cried out: “I came with the intention of stealing and have become blind. I pledge never to steal again.”

At this time Hadrat’s age was approximately 6 years. He made dua and the man’s sight was restored. In the morning he came with his entire family and accepted Islam. He was named Abdullah. He remained in Hadrat’s service to the end.

Early Education

After he had completed his early religious education at the age of 7 in Khotwal, his mother sent him for higher education to Multan. Here he stayed in a masjid where he learnt the Holy Qur’an by heart and studied Hadith, Fiqh, Philosophy and Logic under the tutorship of Mawlana Minhajuddin.

Under Spiritual Guidance of Khwaja Qutbuddin Baktiar Kaki Alaihir raHmah

During his studies, Hadrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Baktiar Kaki Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho of Delhi visited Multan where Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho became his Murid (disciple) in the Chishtiyya Silsila. Upon the instructions of his Pir-o-Murshid, he undertook a tour of Islamic countries, for about 18 years from 593 A.H. to 611 A.H. [1196 C.E. to 1214 C.E.] he traveled to Ghazni, Baghdad Sharif, Jerusalem, Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Makkah Mukarrama and Madinah al-Munawwarah meeting many great saints and Sufis. After the demise of Hadrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho the mantle of spiritual leadership in the Chishtiyya Silsila fell on the shoulders of Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho when Khwaja Qutbuddin Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho nominated him to be his Khalifa or spiritual successor.

Baba Farid’s Sufi Order

1. Hasan al-Basri
2. Abdul Waahid Bin Zaid
3. Fudhail Bin Iyadh
4. Ibrahim Bin Adham
5. Huzaifah Al-Mar’ashi
6. Abu Hubairah Basri
7. Mumshad Dinawari
8. Abu Ishaq Shami
9. Abu Ahmad Abdal
10. Abu Muhammad Bin Abi Ahmad
11. Abu Yusuf Bin Saamaan
12. Maudood Chishti
13. Shareef Zandani
14. Usman Harooni
15. Moinuddin Chishti
16. Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki
17. Fariduddin Ganj Shakar

Journeys and Mujahida

It is narrated that when Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho visited Madina Sharif he was spiritually commanded by the Holy Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam to visit Baghdad Sharif and meet Hadrat Abdul Wahab, son of Hadrat Ghaus-al-Azam Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho. He was to receive some sacred relics from him. Accordingly, when he reached Baghdad Sharif, he received a box from Hadrat Abdul Wahab Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho which contained the following holy relics: Two flag-poles which were used by the Holy Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam in some of the battles fought by him; one wooden bowl in which the Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam used to eat from; one pair of scissors and one turban which was used by the holy Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam.

Because of political upheavals in Delhi, he was obliged to shift the centre of the Chishtiyya mission from Delhi to Ajodhan now known as “Pak Patan”. The Khanqah of Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho, with his patronage, became a great university of “moral and spiritual training.” Thousands of aspirants, scholars, dervishes and Sufis reaped benefit from this spiritual university. Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho reached the pinnacle of spiritual glory through extremely hard Mujahidas (spiritual striving) to gain mastery over the Nafs.

Why Called “Ganj Shakar”?

There are several views for him being known by his famous title of Shakar Ganj. When he decided on mujaahidah, his Shaikh advised hunger. He therefore began fasting. After three days a man came and presented some bread. Thinking this to be by divine direction, he accepted and ate the bread. Within a few moments he became nauseous and vomited out whatever he had eaten. He reported this incident to his Shaykh who said:

“After three days you ate the food of a drunkard. Shukr unto Allah that the food did not remain in your stomach. Now remain hungry for another three days and then eat what comes from the Ghaib.”

After three days nothing came. He was overcome by weakness. On account of the extreme hunger he put some pebbles into his mouth. The pebbles turned into sugar. Fearing that this may be some deception, he spat it out. A short while later, the extreme hunger again constrained him to put pebbles into his mouth. These too became sugar which he again spat out. This happened again for a third time. In the morning he reported to his Shaykh who said:

“It would have been good if you had ate it.”

Since that day he was called Shakar Ganj.

It is also narrated that once a trader was taking a caravan of camels laden with sugar from Multan to Delhi. When he was passing through Ajodhan, Hadrat Baba Fariduddin Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho enquired casually as to what he was carrying on his camels. The trader sarcastically replied, “It is salt.” Hadrat Baba Fariduddin Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho also affirmed, “Yes, it may be salt.” When the trader reached Delhi, he was awfully perturbed to find that all his bags of sugar had turned to salt. He immediately returned to Ajodhan and apologized before Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho. Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho said: “If it is sugar then it shall be sugar.” The trader returned to Delhi and was pleased to find that the salt had turned back to sugar by the Grace of Almighty Allah. This is how Hadrat Baba Sahib Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho received the title of “Ganj-e- Shakar.”

An staunch devotee of Prophet Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam

He fasted throughout his life and maintained his nightly prayers and devotions. Fear of Allah always dominated him. He was an staunch devotee of Prophet Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam and dedicated his entire life to the veneration of the beloved Prophet’s Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam immortal glory. At the mention of the Holy Prophet’s Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam character he would often weep out of his love and devotion. Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho avoided kings, government officials and the rich. He also warned his Khalifas, devotees and Murids to avoid their company. He was a living picture of humility. Whatever he received was spent in the name of Allah and his chest overwhelmed with mercy and forgiveness. Many miracles are attributed to him during his lifetime and after his passing away.

Anecdotes of Hadrat Baba Farid

One of the devotees of Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho named Mohammed Nishapuri lived in Gujrat and was going to Delhi with three other companions. On their way through the jungle, robbers encountered them. Mohammed Nishapuri and his companions had no weapons to defend themselves. In such a helpless state, Mohammed Nishapuri remembered his Pir, Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho, and also offered prayers seeking Allah’s help in their predicament. Surprisingly, the robbers threw away their weapons and offered an apology to the party and went away.

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One day some poor people came from Arabia to see Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho and said that they were strangers to the land and that all their money was spent before the end of the journey. Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho gave them some dried dates which were lying in front of him at the moment and said, “Take them and go. Your journey shall be completed by the Grace of Allah.” Apparently, these persons were very disappointed with such a “cheap gift”. After leaving the Khanqah, they wanted to throw away the dates, but just as they were about to do so, to their amazement, the dates turned into gold. Regretting their thoughts, these people left happily uttering their heartfelt gratitude and prayers for Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho.

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Once seven hundred holy men were sitting together. An inquirer put them four questions to which Baba Farid replied.

Q.1 Who is the wisest of men?
A.1 He who refrain from Sin.

Q.2 Who is the most intelligent?
A.2 He who is not disconcerted at anything.

Q.3 Who is most independent?
A.3 He who practices contentment.

Q.4 Who is the most needy?
A.4 He who practice it not.

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Once an old woman came to Baba Fairid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho and said that her son had disappeared some twenty years ago and that his whereabouts had not been traced since then. She requested him to pray for her son’s return. Baba Farid Radi Allah Anhu went into a trance and after some contemplation told to the old woman:” Go, your son has reached home.” The old woman was overjoyed to learn this and met her son on her way home.

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The Officer-in charge of Lahore sent Baba Fairid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho one hundred Dinars through someone. The man kept fifty Dinars for himself and offered the remaining fifty to him. Accepting the fifty Dinars he told him: “Indeed, you have divided them equally well.” The man was ashamed. Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho returned the fifty Dinars to the man too, warning him that criminal breach of trust is a sin that render’s all prayers futile and ineffective.

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Once, due to utter weakness, Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho helped himself to walk with the aid of a staff. But after a few steps, the colour of his face suddenly became purple, as if he was under heavy pressure. He threw away the staff. When Hadrat Khwaja Nizamuddin Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho, who was escorting him, inquired the reason for this, Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho replied, “I wanted to take help of the staff, but Allah’s Displeasure frowned upon me for depending on other’s help instead of His. I, therefore, threw away the staff and felt highly ashamed of this weakness in my faith in Lord, the Almighty.”

A man came to Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho once and submitted that he had no son, and requested Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho to pray for one. Thereupon, Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho said that he had given him seven sons. After some years, the person came to him again, but this time, He was not alone, but accompanied by his seven sons.

Journey to other World

On the 5th of Muharram, during the Isha prayer while in the act of Sajdah, he uttered “Ya Haiyyu Ya Qauyum” [O Self-Subsisting, O Eternal] and with these words on his lips his soul disappeared into the eternal bliss of his Lord Almighty.

An old woman that was one of the devotees of the Saint presented a piece of cloth for the kaffan of Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho. She implored:

“I have not spun even a single thread of this cloth without having Wudu . I had prepared it for my own coffin but if it is accepted for the kaffan of this great Saint, I feel confident, Allah would be pleased with to pardon my sins and grant me salvation.”

Hadrat Baba Farid’s Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho son accepted this cloth as the Kaffan.

Mazar Sharif

His Mazar Sharif is in Pak Patan, Pakistan. Hadrat Sabir Pak, Hadrat Nizamuddin Auliya and Hadrat Jamaluddin Hansi rehmatulla alaihim are among his favorite Murids and Khalifas. It is generally recognized that he had three wives and many children. Hadrat Baba Farid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho was indeed one of the most brilliant stars of the Chishtiyya Order and is held in high esteem by one and all.

My restlessness has reached such a level – I spend morning and evening in your love.
Look upon me now with a merciful eye! Salutations to you, do now make my heart pleased, O Faridudeen Gunj e Shakar!

• Stay away from jealousy if you want tranquility in your heart.
• The termination of self consciousness occurs with that ibaadah in which both the head and heart bow down.
• Only that heart can become the treasury of wisdom and intellect in which there is no love for this World.
• That which people regard as trouble is but only a gift from the beloved Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala, regard it as a demand made by love.
• The completion of man occurs with 3 things – Fear, Expectation and Love. The fear of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala stops one from sin. Expectation keeps on steadfast on following commands and orders. Love makes one see only the pleasing of the beloved.
• A Dervish is that person who keeps his eyes, mouth and ears closed, i.e. He hears, sees or speaks no evil.
• Never forget Death under any circumstances.
• Avoid all quarrelling & polemics.
• Non-violence is the most beautiful ornament of Peaceful life.

Al-Hasan ibn Abi al-Hasan al-Basri was born at Madina al-Munawwarah in 21 (642), the son of a slave captured in Maisan who afterward became a client of the Prophet Mohammad’s Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him secretary Zaid ibn Thabit. Brought up in Basra, he met many Companions of the Prophet including, it is said, seventy of those who fought at the Battle of Badr. He grew up to become one of the most prominent figures of his generation, being famous for his uncompromising piety and outspoken condemnation of worldliness in high places. Whilst the Mo’tazelite theologians claim him as the founder of their movement (and ‘Amr ibn ‘Obaid and Wasel ibn ‘Ata’ are counted amongst his pupils), in Sufi hagiography he is revered as one of the greatest saints of early Islam. He died at Basra in 110 (728). Many of his speeches —he was a brilliant orator— and sayings are quoted by Arab authors and not a few of his letters have been preserved.

The conversion of Hasan of Basra

The beginning of Hasan of Basra’s conversion was as follows. He was a jewel merchant and was called Hasan of the Pearls. He traded with Byzantium, and had to do with the generals and ministers of Caesar. On one occasion, going to Byzantium he called on the prime minister and conversed with him a while.

“We will go to a certain place,” the minister told him, “if you are agreeable.”

“It is for you to say,” Hasan replied. “I agree.”

So the minister commanded a horse to be brought for Sayyiduna Hasan al-Basri. He mounted with the minister, and they set out. When they reached the desert Hasan perceived a tent of Byzantine brocade, fastened with ropes of silk and golden pegs, set firm in the ground. He stood to one side. Then a mighty army, all accoutered in the panoply of war, came out; they circled the tent, said a few words, and departed. Philosophers and scholars to the number of nigh four hundred arrived on the scene; they circled the tent, said a few words, and departed. After that three hundred illumined elders with white beards approached the tent, circled it, said a few words, and departed. Thereafter more than two hundred moon-fair maidens, each bearing a plate of gold and silver and precious stones, circled the tent, said a few words, and departed.

Sayyiduna Hasan relates that, astonished and filled with wonder, he asked himself what this might be.

“When we alighted,” he went on, “I asked the minister. He said that the Caesar had a son of unsurpassable beauty, perfect in all the branches of learning and unrivaled in the arena of manly prowess. His father loved him with all his heart.”

Suddenly he fell ill so Hasan related on the authority of the minister. All the skilled physicians proved powerless to cure him. Finally he died, and was buried in that tent. Once every year people come out to visit him. First an immense army circles the tent, and they say: “O prince, if this circumstance that has befallen thee had come about in war, we would have all sacrificed our lives for thee, to ransom thee back. But the circumstance that has befallen thee is at the hand of one against whom we cannot fight, whom we cannot challenge.” This they say, and then return.

The philosophers and the scholars come forward, and say: “This circumstance has been brought about by one against whom we cannot do anything by means of learning and philosophy, science and sophistry. For all the philosophers of the world are powerless before him, and all the learned are ignorant beside his knowledge. Otherwise we would have contrived devices and spoken words which all in creation could not have withstood.” This they say, and then return.

Next the venerable elders advance, and say: “O prince, if this circumstance that has befallen thee could have been set right by the intercession of elders, we would all have interceded with humble petitions, and would not have abandoned thee there. But this circumstance has been brought upon thee by one against whom no mortal man’s intercession profits anything.” This they say, and depart.

Now the moon-fair maidens with their plates of gold and precious stones advance, circle the tent, and say: “Son of Caesar, if this circumstance that has befallen thee could have been set right by wealth and beauty, we would have sacrificed ourselves and given great moneys, and would not have abandoned thee. But this circumstance has been brought upon thee by one on whom wealth and beauty have no effect.” This they say, and return.

Then Caesar himself with his chief minister enters the tent, and says: “O eye and lamp of thy father, O fruit of the heart of thy father, O dearest beloved of thy father, what is in thy father’s hand to perform? Thy father brought a mighty army, he brought philosophers and scholars, intercessors and advisers, beautiful maid-ens, wealth and all manner of luxuries; and he came himself. If all this could have been of avail, thy father would have done all that lay in his power. But this circumstance has been brought about by one before whom thy father, with all this apparatus, this army and retinue, this luxury and wealth and treasure, is power-less. Peace be upon you, till next year!” This he says, and returns.

These words of the minister so affected Hasan that he was beside himself. At once he made arrangements to return. Coming to Basra, he took an oath never to laugh again in this world, till his ultimate destiny became clear to him. He flung himself into all manner of devotions and austerities, such that no man in his time could exceed that discipline.

Hasan of Basra and Abu Amr

It is related that Abu Amr, the leading authority on the reading of the Qur’an al-Karim, was teaching the Quran one day when suddenly a handsome boy arrived to join his class. Abu Amr gazed at the child improperly, and immediately he forgot the whole Quran, from the Alif of “al-Hamd” to the Seen of “wa al-Naas”. A fire possessed him, and he lost all self-control. In this state he called on Hasan of Basra and described to him his predica-ment.

“Master,” he wept bitterly, “such is the situation. I have forgotten the whole Quran.”

Sayyiduna Hasan was most distressed to hear of his situation. “Now is the season of the pilgrimage,” he said. “Go and perform the pilgrimage. When you have done that, repair to the mosque of Khaif. There you will see an old man seated in the prayer-niche. Do not spoil his time, but let him be until he is disengaged. Then ask him to say a prayer for you.”

Abu Amr acted accordingly. Seated in a corner of the mosque, he observed a venerable elder and about him a circle of people seated. Some time passed; then a man entered, clad in spotless white robes. The people made way before him, greeted him, and conversed together. When the hour of prayer arrived, the man departed and the people departed with him, so that the elder remained alone.

Abu Amr then approached and saluted him. “In Allah’s name, help me,” he cried.

And he described his predicament. The elder, much concerned, raised his eyes to heaven.

“He had not yet lowered his head,” Abu Amr recounted, “when the Quran came back to me. I fell down before him for joy.”

“Who recommended me to you?” the elder asked. “Hasan of Basra,” Abu Amr replied.

“Anyone who has an Imam like Hasan,” the old man commented, “what need has he of another? Well, Hasan has exposed me. Now I will expose him. He rent my veil, and I will rend his as well. That man,” he went on, “in the white robes who entered after the afternoon prayer and left before the rest, and the others did him reverence — that man was Hasan. Every day he prays the afternoon prayer in Basra and then comes here, converses with me, and returns to Basra for the evening prayer. Anyone who has an Imam like Hasan, why should he ask me for a prayer?”

Hasan of Basra and the Fire-worshiper

Hasan had a neighbor named Simeon who was a fire-worshiper. Simeon fell ill and was at death’s door. Friends begged Hasan to visit him; he called, to find him in bed, blackened with fire and smoke.

“Fear God,” Hasan counseled him. “You have passed all your life amid fire and smoke. Accept Islam, that God may have mercy on you.”

“Three things hold me back from becoming a Muslim,” the fire-worshiper replied. “The first is, that you speak ill of the world, yet night and day you pur-sue worldly things. Secondly, you say that death is a fact to be faced, yet you make no preparation for death. In the third place, you say that God’s face shall be seen, yet today you do everything contrary to His good pleasure.”

“This is the token of those who know truly,” Hasan commented. “Now if believers act as you describe, what have you to say? They acknowledge the unity of God; whereas you have spent your life in the worship of fire. You who have worshiped fire for seventy years, and I who have never worshiped fire — we are both carried off to Hell. Hell will consume you and me. God will pay no regard to you; but if God so wills, the fire will not dare so much as to burn one hair of my body. For fire is a thing created by God; and the creature is subject to the Creator’s command. Come now, you who have wor-shipped fire for seventy years; let us both put our hands into the fire, then you will see with your own eyes the impotence of fire and the omnipotence of God.”

So saying, Hasan thrust his hand into the fire and held it there. Not a particle of his body was affected or burnt. When Simeon saw this he was amazed. The dawn of true knowledge began to break.

“For seventy years I have worshiped fire,” he groaned. “Now only a breath or two remains to me. What am I to do?”

“Become a Muslim,” was Hasan’s reply.

“If you give it me in writing that God will not pun-ish me,” said Simeon, “then I will believe. But until I have it in writing, I will not believe.”

Hasan wrote it down.

“Now order just witnesses of Basra to append their testimony.”

The witnesses endorsed the document. Then Simeon wept many tears and proclaimed the faith. He spoke his last testament to Hasan.

“When I die, bid them wash me, then commit me to the earth with your own hands, and place this document in my hand. This document will be my proof.”

Having charged Hasan thus, he spoke the attestation of faith and died. They washed his body, said the prayer over him, and buried him with the document in his hand. That night Hasan went to sleep pondering what he had done.

“How could I help a drowning man, seeing that I am drowning myself? Since I have no control over my own fate, why did I venture to prescribe how God should act?”

With this thought he fell asleep. He saw Simeon in a dream glowing like a candle; on his head a crown, robed in fine raiment, he was walking with a smile in the garden of Paradise.

“How are you, Simeon?” Hasan inquired.

“Why do you ask? You can see for yourself,” Simeon answered. “God Almighty of His bounty brought me nigh His presence and graciously showed me His face. The favours He showered upon me surpass all description. You have honoured your guarantee; so take your document. I have no further need of it.”

When Hasan awoke, he saw that parchment in his hand.“Lord God,” he cried, “I know well that what Thou doest is without cause, save of Thy bounty. Who shall suffer loss at Thy door? Thou grantest a Guebre of seventy years to come into Thy near presence because of a single utterance. How then wilt Thou exclude a believer of seventy years?”

Gems of Wisdom by Sayyiduna Imam Hasan al-Basri Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho

• That work that is free from wisdom becomes a burden. That silence that is free from wisdom is inattentiveness. That sight that is free from wisdom is disgraceful.
• The magnificence of knowledge is with tolerance and that of tolerance is with knowledge.
• The person who lives in the World safeguarding himself from the love of the World, has benefited himself and others.
• Sorrow gives the soul strength.
• The freedom of sight and tongue imprisons the soul.
• Whoever ALLAH SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala wished to disgrace becomes engrossed in the search of wealth.
• Those people are truly afraid who are truly afraid of ALLAH SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala.
• The punishment of this World is that your heart becomes dead.
• There is no greater or bigger animal that is more foul mouthed ruder and harsher than the Nafs.

Sultan al-Awliyah, Burhan al-Asfiyah, Qibla-e-Saalika, Waaqif-e-Haqeeqat, Jaami’e Uloom-e-Ma’rifat, Hadrat Shaykh Abu Saeed al-Mubaarak al-Makhzoomi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho is the sixteenth Imam and Shaykh of the Silsila Aaliyah Qadiriyah Barakatiyah Ridawiyyah Nooriyah. He is the Great and Eminent Shaykh (Murshid) of Peeran-e-Peer Dastgeer Hadrat Sayyiduna Gawth al Aa’zam Shaykh abd al-Qadir al-Jilani Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu. He was also appointed as a chief justice, but he later left his position. He spent all his time in the Zikr of Allah.

BIRTH:

Hadrat Abu Saeed Mubaarak Makhzoomi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was born in Baghdad Shareef.

NAME:

His blessed name is Mubaarak bin Ali bin Hassan bin Bandaar Al Baghdadi Al Makhzoomi and he was known as Abu Sa’eed. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen]

PEER-E-TAREEQAT:

He is the mureed and Khalifa of Shaykh Abul Hassan Ali Hakaari Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. The Shajra of his Khirqa Mubaarak is as follows :

Hadrat Shaykh Abu Saeed Mubaarak Makhzoomi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was blessed with the Khirqa by Hadrat Shaykh Ibrahim Abul Hassan Ali Hakaari Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho, He received this from Shaykh Abul Farah Tartoosi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,who received it from Shaykh Abul Fadhl Abdul Waahid bin Abdul Aziz Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,who received it from Shaykh Abu Bakr Shibli Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. [Maqamaat-e-Dastageeri]

HIS EXCELLENCE:

His spiritual sight was so powerful, that when he embraced anyone, or placed his sight on him, then he would become so pure, that his heart would divorce itself from the world and everything in it. He was one of the greatest Imams of Fiqh in his era. He was a muqalid of Imam Ahmed bin Hambal Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho.

Hadrat Abu Saeed Mubaarak Makhzoomi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho is the founder of Baabul Azj, the most famous madrassa in Baghdad Shareef. He handed this madrassa over to Hadrat Ghaus-e-Azam Jilaani Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho in his physical life. Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho taught at this Madrassa, and his beloved children taught in it after his wisaal.

Hadrat Abu Saeed Mubaarak Makhzoomi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho says,

“Shaykh Abdul Qaadir Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho wore the Khirqa from me and I from him, and each of us attained blessings from the other.”

He was also a great Saahib-e-Karaamat and held a very exalted position in the chain of wilaayat. The incident relating to how Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho attained the Khirqa from his Peer, can be found in the next chapter, which deals with Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho.

HIS FORESIGHT:

Hadrat Shaykh Hamaad Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho who is from amongst the Masha’ikh of Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho says,

“Once Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho presented himself in the Darbaar of his Peer-o-Murshid. He sat with great respect in the court of his Peer. When he woke up and went outside, His Peer, Hadrat Abu Saeed Mubarak Makhzoomi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho said, The foot of this non-Arab is such, that in his era, his foot will be on the shoulders (necks) of all the Awliyah Allah, and this will occur when he says, This foot of mine is on the shoulders of all the Awliyah Allah, he will say this, and all the Awliyah will lower their necks.”

HIS KHULAFA:

Many of the predecessors have remained silent concerning the names of his Khulafa, but the one name that shines out clearly is that of Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam, Shaykh Muhiyyudeen Abdul Qaadir Jilaani Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho.

WISAAL:

He passed away on a Monday, the 7th of Shabaan 513 Hijri, in Baghdad Shareef. Some scholars have also said his wisaal to be on the 4th of Shabaan, 27th Shabaan or 10th Muharram.

MAZAAR SHAREEF:

His Mazaar Shareef is situated in his Madrassa “Baab al-Azj” and is the place of attaining blessings for the servants of Allah.

HIS POSITION IN THE SILSILA: Shaykh ala al-Itlaaq, Qutb al-Istihqaaq, Mamba-e-Israar, Sultan-e-Tariqat, Sayyid at-Taaifa, Hadrat Shaykh Junaid Baghdadi is the eleventh Imam and Shaykh of the Silsila Aaliyah Qadiriyah Barakatiyah Ridawiyah Nooriyah. He is the Mureed and Khalifa of Hadrat Sirri Saqti Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu.

BIRTH: He was born around the year 218 Hijri in Baghdad Shareef.

NAME: His name is Junaid-e-Baghdadi. He was known as Abul Qasim and he was blessed with titles such as, Sayyidut Taaifa, Ta’oosul Ulama, Qawareeri, Zuj’jaan and Lisaanul Qaum.

HIS CHILDHOOD: When he was seven years old, he went to Haramain Sharifain in the company of Hadrat Sirri Saqti. When they reached the Haram Shareef, four hundred Ulama were seated there, discussing the topic of Shukr (Gratefulness). All of the Ulama presented their views during this sitting. Hadrat Sirri Saqti then turned to Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi and said, “O Junaid! You too should say something.” He lowered his sight for a few moments, and then said, “Shukr (gratefulness) is this, that you should not be disobedient through whatever bounties Allah has blessed you with, and you should not use it as a means of disobedience and causing distress.” On hearing this, all the Ulama said together, “O Coolness of our Eyes. Whatever you have said, is the truth and you are honest in your words, and we cannot say better than what you have said.” Hadrat Sirri Saqti said, “O My Dear Son! From where did you learn such exemplary words?” Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi said,”This is through the blessing of your esteem companionship.” [Masaalik as-Saalikeen]

HIS EXCELLENCE: He was a great Aalim and Mufti. In his era, he was ahead of all in wisdom and eloquence. From the beginning, right up to the end of his life, he was loved by all. Everyone was pleased with him as the leader. There is no person that can point even a finger at the Maqaam of Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi. The only people who could not see the station of Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi were those who were blind in faith. He was known as the voice of the people, but he always called himself Abdul Masha’ikh (the servant of the Masters). Many of the Ulama also called him Sultan al-Muhaqiqeen. He had reached very high levels in Shariat and Tariqat. Many great Shaykhs followed his Silsila. He was the greatest Shaykh of his era. He spent time in the khidmat of Hadrat Muhaasibi. Once someone asked Hadrat Sirri Saqti if the Mureed can be more famous than the Peer and Hadrat Sirri Saqti said, “Yes, it is possible. The perfect example is right before you. I am the Peer of Junaid-e-Baghdadi, but he is more exalted than me.”

HIS CHARACTER AND HABITS: Even though Hadrat Junaid-e- Baghdadi was such a great Wali, he was very humble. He always showed great respect to others, even to those who were not as exalted as him. Once he said to his mureeds, “If only I knew that it was better to read two rakaats of nafil than being with you, then I would have not sat amongst you.” He kept fast for most of his life.

BUSINESS: Hadrat Junaid Baghdadi initially did business, and used to sell mirrors. His manner was, that he used to enter his shop, and then read four hundred rakaats of nafil salaah. This, he continue for many years. He then left his shop, and sat in the khidmat of his Peer-o-Murshid. He took a room in the house of his Peer and then spent his time their cleansing his heart. When he used to enter the state of Muraqiba, he would remove the musalla from under him as he did not wish to concentrate on anything. He only engrossed himself in the love of Allah and His Rasool. He spent forty years in Muraqiba (deep spiritual meditation). For thirty years, he stood after Esha until Fajr and make Zikrullah. He used to make his Fajr Salaah with the wudhu of Esha. He says, “For twenty years, I did not miss the Takbeer-e-Oola (First Takbeer of Namaaz in Jama’at), and if I thought of any worldly thing during Namaaz, I would repeat my Salaah, and if I thought of Jannat or the Hereafter in my Salaah, then I used to make Sajdah-e-Sahw.”

HIS EXCELLENCE IN THE COURT OF THE PROPHET: A Buzurg narrates, that he dreamt of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam     and Hadrat Junaid-e- Baghdadi was also seated in the Mehfil of the Prophet. He then saw that a person came and presented a query to the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said, “Hand it over to Junaid. He will write the answer.” The person then said, “Ya Rasoolallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam May my parents be sacrificed at your feet. How can it be given to Junaid in your presence?” The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said, “Just as the Prophets are proud of their entire Ummah, I am proud of Junaid.” [Khazinat al-Asfiyah, Vol.1 Page 86]

Once a Sayyid who lived in Jilan, left home with the intention of Hajj. On his journey, he passed through Baghdad Shareef. He thus presented himself in the Darbaar of Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi. Hadrat asked him where he had come from. He said that he was from Jilan, and was a descendant of Hadrat Ali. Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi then said, “Your forefather Hadrat Ali used to draw two swords. One against the Kufaar and Mushrikeen, and the other against his Nafs. Which sword do you draw?” When the man heard this, he went into a spiritual state and began to roll on the ground. He then said, “This is my Hajj. Put me on to the path of Allah.” Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi said, “Your heart, is the special Haram of Allah, thus you should try to the best of your ability no to allow any non-mahram to enter it.” [Kashf al-Mahjoob, Page 119]

HIS LECTURES: Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi spent his entire life, serving the Deen of Allah and His Beloved Rasool. Once his Peer-o-Murshid, Hadrat Sirri Saqti asked him to deliver a lecture, and he said that he did not find it ethical to lecture in the presence of his Peer. One night, he dreamt of the Holy Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam commanded him to lecture. When morning came, he went to his Peer and found that his Peer was already awaiting his presence. As he entered the Khanqah, his Peer said, “We have all been asking you to lecture. Now the Beloved Rasool SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam has given you the command to speak.” He asked his Peer how he had known of his dream, and he said, “Last night I made Deedar of Allah Subhaanahu Ta’aala and I heard a voice which said that the Prophet had already commanded Junaid to lecture.” He agreed to lecture on condition, that there were not more than forty people in his lectures. They agreed and he delivered his first lecture. During his first lecture, Eighteen people passed away. He then stopped his lecture and went back home. [Kashf al-Mahjoob, Page 201]

A SINCERE MUREED: Hadrat Junaid Baghdadi had numerous mureeds, but there was one particular mureed, towards whom he paid special attention. A few disciples were not pleased with this and asked him why he gave preference to the mureed over others. Hadrat said that he is the most intelligent and wise amongst all of them, and it was for this reason that he gave preference to him. Hadrat then said, “Let me prove this to you.” He gave a chicken and a knife to each mureed, and asked them to sacrifice it where none would be able to see them. Each of the mureeds found a very quite and secluded area, and sacrificed the chicken. This one mureed, came back without slaughtering the chicken. Hadrat asked why he did not slaughter the chicken, and he said, “Huzoor! Where ever I went, I found the Qudrat of Allah present there, and I knew that He is All Seeing. It is for this reason that I had no option but to return without success.” Hadrat then said, “Now, did you hear his answer. This is the reason due to which he is so dear to me.”

HIS TRUST IN ALLAH: Once a man presented him with five hundred Ashrafis (coins). Hadrat asked if he had any other wealth with the exception of the five hundred Ashrafis. The man replied that he did. Hadrat said, “Will you ever need any more money in the future?” He said, “Why not Huzoor. There is always a need for money.” Hadrat said, “Then you should keep these Ashrafis for yourself, for you are more needy than I am, since I have nothing, and still, I have no need for anything more. Even though you have wealth, you are still in need of more. I would really appreciate it if you would please take back this money, as I do not take from those who are in need themselves and I believe that My Lord alone is Ghani and the rest of the world are Faqeer.”

HIS KARAAMATS: Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi says, “The greatest Karaamat is to remain firm on the Shariat-e-Mustafa SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam.” There is no doubt, that Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi was very firm on the Shariah, and his every action was the reflection of the Sunnah of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam.

BEING AWARE OF HIS MUREEDS CONDITION: There was a mureed of Hadrat who used to live in Basra. He once intended to commit a sin. The moment this thought entered his heart, his entire face turned black. When he looked in the mirror, he was amazed to see his condition. He was very ashamed and stayed in doors. After three days, the blackness disappeared and his face returned to its original colour. On the same day, a person delivered a letter to him, which was from His Peer-o-Murshid, Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi. When he opened the letter, he found the following written inside, “Keep your heart in control, and remain respectfully as a servant (of Allah). For three days and three nights, I had do to the job of a laundryman, so that I may wash away the blackness of your face.” [Masaalik as-Saalikeen]

A FIRE WORSHIPPER: Once a Majoosi (fire worshipper) put on a Zanaar (a so-called sacred thread worn by fire worshippers), and then disguised himself as a Muslim, by putting on the Arabian garb. He then presented himself before Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi and said, “I have come to ask the meaning of a Hadith Shareef, which says, “Itaqu bi firaasatil Mo’min Fa In’nahu yanzuroo bi Nooril’laahi” (Fear of the sight of a true believer, for he sees with the Noori of Allah). “Could you explain the meaning of this Hadith?” Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi heard his questioned and smiled. He said, “It means that you should break your zanaar, leave kufr and accept Islam.” When he heard Hadrat’s reply, he was astonished, and immediately recited the Kalima Shareef and accepted Islam. [Tazkirat al-Awliyah, Page 233]

PROTECTION FROM SHAITAAN: Once, there was a mureed of Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi , who felt that he had perfected himself (become Kaamil). He thus, began to live in total seclusion. At night, he used to dream an Angel, which used to present a camel for him. He used to then sit on the camel, and the Angel would take him on a journey of Jannat. He used to enter a place that was very beautiful. He used to partake in delicious food and drinks, and he saw the most handsome people there. After a while, he would return to his home. He reached such a state, that he began to tell people, “I am amongst those who visits Jannah daily.” This message reached Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi. Hadrat then went to visit him, and found him sitting with great pomp and splendour. Hadrat asked him about his claims, and he explained everything in detail. Hadrat said, “Tonight, when you reach this place, you must read Laa Howla wa Laa Quwwata il’la Bil’laahil Aliyil Azeem” That night, when he had the dream and he reached the so-called Jannat, he read as Hadrat instructed him to. The moment he read this, all those in his dream began to shriek and flee from him. He then sees that he is on a horse, and there are skeletons in front of him. On seeing this, be became afraid, and realised his mistake. All that he was seeing was just an illusion of Shaitaan. He immediately rushed to Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi and repented for his behaviour. He also learnt, that for a mureed to be by himself is like taking poison.

HIS JALAAL: Due to his piety and knowledge, Hadrat Junaid-e- Baghdadi became very famous in Iraq. There were however those, who were jealous of his fame. They continuously made accusations against him, and also complained against him to the Khalifa. The Khalifa said that they could not do anything to him as long as there was no evidence against him. The Khalifa then said that he had a purchased a very beautiful slave girl, whose beauty outshone all the women of the city. He thus commanded that she be dressed in the most beautiful clothes and adorned with precious pearls and diamonds. Once she had been dressed, he called her and said, “I want you to go to where Junaid is and remove your veil from over your face and tell him that you want to be his, and that you have become weary of the world. All that you want is to live with him, and for him to help you to gain closeness to Allah.” The Khalifa then appointed a servant to go with her, so that he may be witness to whatever may transpire. The woman presented herself before Hadrat and removed her veil, saying what the Khalifa had commanded. Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi looked up at her once and said something. The woman, could not bear the sight of the Jalaal of Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi and fell to the ground and passed away. When this message reached the Khalifa, he was very sad. He said, “Some people say things about the Masha’ikh which they should not say. The Shaykh has reached a level that he is able to see that where our sights can not venture.” [Shajrat al-Kaamileen, Page 153/154]

GEMS OF WISDOM: Some of his beautiful and wise sayings are being presented, so that we may read and make amal upon them.

• A Sufi is like the earth, that all the dirt is thrown onto him and yet it blossoms into a green pasture.
• A Sufi is one, whose heart is like Hadrat Ibrahim , that it is free from the love of the world and one which is always ready to obey the commands of Allah, his acceptance should be like that of Hadrat Ismaeel , his sadness should be like that of Hadrat Dawood , His patience like that of Hadrat Ayoob , his eagerness should be like that of Hadrat Moosa and in Dua, his sincerity should be like that of The Beloved Rasool.
• Tasawwuf is that which kills you and lives by itself.
• The most powerful relationship, is that of the servant to his Creator, when he tries to understand the secrets of Tauheed, and all roads are sealed to the creation, except the road of the Prophet.
• Do not follow him, who follows the Quran and leaves the Prophet.

HIS KHULAFA: Some of his most respected Khulafa are:

Hadrat Abu Bakr Shibli,
Hadrat Mansoor Abraar,
Hadrat Shah Muhammad bin Aswad Dinoori and
Hadrat Shah Ismaeel Al Aziz (Ridwanullahi Ta’ala Alaihim Ajma’een).

WISAAL: When Hadrat became aware of his passing away, he asked for those present to assist him in wudhu, which they did. They had forgotten to make khilaal of his beard, so he reminded them of this. He then went into Sajdah, and began to weep. “O our Peer! You have sent before you so many good deeds and heaps of obedience. What is the purpose for this Sajdah?” He said, “Junaid has never been in so much need as he is now.” He then began to recite the Quran, so one mureed said, “Hadrat! Are you reciting Quran Shareef ?” Hadrat said, “What better time is there than now, when my book of deeds will soon be close. I am seeing my deeds before me, hanging in the air by a thin thread as it sways from the wind blowing against it. I am not sure if this wind is one of union, or one of absolution. On one hand, I am seeing the Angel of death, and on the other hand, I am seeing the Pul Siraat. There is the Most Supreme Judge, and the path is there. I am not sure of which path I will pass through.” After saying this, he completed the recitation of the Quran. He then read seventy verses of Surah Baqarah. Those present asked him to chant the words “Allah, Allah” He said, “Why are you reminding me. I have not forgotten.” He then began reading the tasbeeh on all his fingers. When he reached the Shahaadat finger (index finger), he lifted his finger and said, “Bismil laah hir Rahman nir Raheem” He then closed his eyes, and the soul left his body, allowing him to travel from this mundane world into the Glorious hereafter. Hadrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi passed from this world, on a Friday, the 27th of Rajab, 297 or 298 Hijri.

After his wisaal, he was given Ghusl. Those giving ghusl wished to put water on his eyes, when they heard an unseen voice saying, “Do not touch the eyes of my beloved, since those eyes that have closed in my remembrance, shall not open before they see me.” They then tried to open his fingers, and the voice said, “Those fingers that have been closed in my name, shall only open on my command.” [Masaalik as-Saalikeen, Vol. 1, Page 308].

MAZAAR SHAREEF: His Mazaar Shareef is in a place called Shaunizia, which is in Baghdad Shareef. Once someone asked Hadrat Abu Bakr Shibli a Masla (religious query) whilst he was at the Mazaar of Hadrat Junaid- e-Baghdadi. He said, “I feel ashamed to answer in front of the Mazaar of Hadrat as I felt ashamed to answer in his presence, for I still feel that his sight is upon me.”

AFTER HIS WISAAL: After his wisaal, a pious person dreamt of him and asked about the questions of the Angels Munkar and Nakeer. He said, “The Angels came to me and asked who is my Lord, and I smiled and said, “My Lord is He, Who took the pledge from me on the first day, thus what need is there for me to answer to the servants, after I have already answered to the King. They Angels then left me and said, ‘He is still drowned in love and is resting in the same love.’”

HIS POSITION IN THE SILSILA: Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam Moosa Kaazim Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu is the Seventh Imam and Shaykh of the Silsila Aaliyah Qadiriyah Barakatiyah Ridawiyah Nooriyah. He was a great Aalim and is a Wali-e-Kaamil.

BIRTH: He was born in Abwa Sharif (between Makkah Mukarrama and Madinah Munawwarah), on a Sunday, either on the 7th or the 10th of Safar, 128 Hijri. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen, Vol. 1, Page 225]

NAME: His name was Moosa, and he was also known as Saami, Abul Hassan and Abu Ibrahim. His titles were Saabir, Saaleh, Ameen and Kaazim.

HIS PARENTS: His father was Hadrat Imam Jaafar Saadiq and his mother was Umm-e-Wulad Bibi Hameeda Radi Allahu Ta’ala Alaihim Ajma’een .

HIS FEATURES: He was of good height, and very handsome. He was tan in complexion and some have said that he was not very fair in complexion. [Anwaar-e-Sufiyah, Page 92]

SHAYKH-E-TARIQAT: He is the mureed and Khalifa of his father, Hadrat Imam Jaafar as-Saadiq Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu.

HIS EXCELLENCE: Hadrat Moosa Kaazim was such a blessed personality, that whomsoever took his name as a wasila, they found that all their duas were accepted. It is for this reason, that the people of Iraq referred to him as Baabul Hawaa’ij (The Door at which all their problems were answered).

Hadrat Imam Shafi’i Radi Allahu Anhu says that

The Mazaar Shareef of Imam Moosa Kaazim is a great means of acceptance.

Hadrat Imam Jaafar as-Saadiq Radi Allahu Anhu says,

“From all of my children, the most exalted is Moosa Kaazim. He is a pearl from amongst the pearls (treasures) of Allah.”

He was an Aabid and Zaahid, and spent his days keeping fast, and his nights in the ibaadat of Allah. He was also known as Abdus Saaleh, due to the lengthy nights that he used to spend in the Ibaadat of Almighty Allah. He was known as Kaazim (one who drinks his anger), due to his humility and simplicity. He was also very generous and kind. He would go out in search of the needy in Madinah Munawwarah, and would then send people to distribute money to them in the darkness of night, and none would know from where they had received the money. He never turned any supplicant away at any time. He always fulfilled the needs of those who asked his assistance. Whenever he met any person, he would be first in making Salam. If someone spoke against him or tried to harm him, then he even took care of that person by sending him money and treating him kindly. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen, Vol. 1, Page 226]

Hadrat Shafeeq Balkhi who was a contemporary of Imam Moosa Kaazim says,

“On my way to Hajj in 149 Hijri, I stopped over at a town called Qaadisiya. I was looking at the behaviour and the manner of the people living there, when my sight fell upon a very handsome young man, who was wearing a Suf (blended cotton fabric) cloth over his clothes, and a pair of shoes. He sat away from the rest of the people. I began to think that he was a Sufi kind of person and wanted to be an obstacle in the way of the people. I thus went towards him to give him some advice. When he saw me coming towards him. He called my name and told me exactly what I was thinking. I then thought in my heart, that this is definitely a pious man, as he does not even know me, yet he called me by my name and said what was in my heart. I felt that I should meet with him and ask his forgiveness. I rushed to find him, but he had already gone away. I searched for a very long time, but could not find him. We stopped at a place called Fida during our journey, and again I saw him. He was in namaaz, and he was trembling and weeping. I walked towards him again, with the intention of asking him to forgive me, when he said, “O Shafeeq Read! Verily I am Compassionate towards him who repented and brought faith and did good deeds and then walked the straight path.” He read this verse, and then walked away. I then began to think that he was from amongst the Abdaals (a station of Wilaayat), for he has read my heart twice already. Then we went to Mina, and I saw him again. He was standing at a well, with a huge bowl in his hand. He was intending to take some water. Then all of a sudden the bowl fell from his hands into the well. When this happened, he recited the following couplet: ‘You are my Sustainer, when I am thirsty for water, and You are my strength when I intend to eat.’ He then said, ‘O Allah! O my Creator! O my Lord! You know that with the exception of this bowl, I have nothing else. Do not deprive me of this bowl.’ By Allah, I saw that the water in the well reached the top of the well and he stretched out his hand and filled his bowl with water. He then performed wudhu and read four rakaats of Namaaz. After Namaaz, he filled sand into his bowl of water and began to stir it. He then began to drink the mixture of sand and water. I went close to him and said salaam. He returned my salaam. I then asked if he would bless me with some of the blessings which he has attained. He said, ‘O Shafeeq! My Lord has always bestowed his hidden and apparent bounties upon me, so always intend good from your Lord.’ He then handed his bowl over to me. When I drank out of it, By Allah it was a sweet drink, and never have I tasted something so delicious. The barkat of that meal was such, that I did not feel any hunger and thirst for may days. Then I did not see him until we entered Makkah Mukarramah. I again saw him late one night near the well of Zamzam, reading Namaaz, weeping and trembling. After his Namaaz he sat there for a long time and read tasbeeh. He then read his Fajr Salaah and went to the Haram to perform the Tawaaf. As he left the Haram, I followed him, but I was amazed to see him in a completely different situation to which I had seen him during our journey. I saw his friends, disciples and servants all around him. They sealed of the entire area around him as he arrived and they began to make his khidmat. Each one of them were making salaam to him with great love and respect. On seeing this, I asked one person, ‘Who is this young man?’ He said, ‘he is Moosa bin Jaafar bin Muhammad bin Ali bin Hussain bin Ali bin Abi Taalib.’ [Jaami’ al-Manaaqib, Page 226/230]

KARAAMATS: Imam Moosa Kaazim performed many miracles. A few of his miracles are quoted below for us to attain barakaat.

KNOWLEDGE OF THE UNSEEN: Ishaaq bin Amaar says, that when Imam Moosa Kaazim was imprisoned, then the Saahibain of Imam Abu Hanifa, namely Imam Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad bin Hassan (Ridwaanullahi Ta’ala Alaihim Ajma’een) went to meet with him, so that they ask him some important questions. Whilst they were seated with him, a prison guard came to him and said, ‘I am now about to complete my duty and I am on my way home. If there is anything you need, please let me know, so that I may arrange it for you tomorrow when I return.’ Hadrat Moosa Kaazim looked at him and said, ‘There is nothing I need. All is well.’ As he left, Imam Moosa Kaazim said, ‘I am amazed by him, that he wants to know if there is anything that he can do for me tomorrow, whereas tonight he will pass away.’ When Imam Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad (Ridwaanullahi Ta’ala Alaihim Ajma’een) heard this, they said, ‘We came here to learn about some laws relating to fard and sunnahs and he discusses Ilm-e- Ghaib (Knowledge of the Unseen).’ Both of them, then sent a man to follow the prison guard to see the outcome of what Imam Moosa Kaazim said. The man sat outside the house of the prison guard, as he was instructed. When he heard the sounds of weeping and screaming, he enquired as to what had happened. The people of the house informed him that the guard had passed away. When this message reached Imam Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad (radi Allahu anhum), they were astonished. [Tashreef al-Bashar, Page 84]

HIS FORESIGHT: Esa Mada’ini says that he worked for a year in Makkah Mukarramah and then decided to spend a year in Madinatul Munawwarah as he felt that this would be a means of achieving many blessings. He arrived in Madinatul Munawwarah and often visited Imam Moosa Kaazim whilst he was there. One day whilst he was seated in the presence of Hadrat Moosa Kaazim, the Imam looked at him and said, “O Esa! Go and see, your house has collapsed over all your belongings.” Esa Mada’ini immediately rushed home and found that his house had collapsed over all his belongings. He quickly employed a man that was passing by to remove all his belongings from the house. He then realised that his jug was missing. The following day, he went to meet Hadrat Moosa Kaazim who said, “O Esa! Did you lose anything when your house collapsed. If so, let me know, so that I may make dua and Allah shall bless you with something better in its place.” Esa Mada’ini answered that everything was found except a jug. Hadrat then lowered his head for a while and then raised his head and said, “You removed it from the house before it collapsed and you have forgotten about where you left it. Go to the maid of the house and ask her to give the jug to you.” He did this, and found that the maid handed over the lost jug to him. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen, Page 83]

HIS CHILDREN: Almighty Allah had blessed Imam Moosa Kaazim with many children. The names of his children are as follows:

Sons: Hadrat Ali Raza, Zaid, Aqeel, Haaroon, Hassan, Hussain, Abdullah, Abdur Rahmaan, Ismaeel, Ishaaq, Yahya, Ahmad, Abu Bakr, Muhammad, Akbar, Jaafar  Akbar, Jaafar Asghar, Hamza, Abbas, Qaasim

Daughters: Bibi Khadija, Asmaul Akbar, Asmaul Asghar, Faatimatul Kubra, Faatimatus Sughra, Zainab Kubra, Zainab Sughra, Umme Kulthoom Kubra, Umme Fardah, Umme Abdullah, Ummul Qaasim, Aaminah, Hakeema, Mahmooda, Imaama, Maimoona (Ridwaanullahi Ta’ala Alaihim Ajma’een).

HIS KHULAFA: The names of all his Khulafa can not be found, but His two well-known khulafa are being mentioned:

1. Hadrat Shaykh Ali Raza
2. Hadrat Shaykh Matlibi [Anwaar-e-Sufiyah, Page 93]

WISAAL: He commanded one of his servants to be the administrator of his funeral arrangements. Hadrat Sayyiduna Moosa Kaazim was poisoned by his enemies. He passed away on either the 5th or 25th of Rajab, 183 Hijri on a Friday, at the age of 55.

MAZAAR SHAREEF: His Mazaar Shareef is in a place called Kaazmeen (Kadhimiyah) in Iraq.

Imam al-A’zam Abu Hanifa’s (Alaihir raHma) full name was Nuʿmān ibn Thābit ibn Zuṭā ibn Marzubān. He was born in Kufa in Iraq in 80 A.H. He belonged to the pious period of the Taabi’ins (Successors of the Sahabas).

DIVINE MISSION

It is stated in a Hadith Shareef which Imam al-Harizmi reported from Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radi Allahu anhumA) that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: “Among my Ummah, there will come a man called Abu Hanifa. On the Day of Resurrection, he will be the light of my Ummah.” Another Hadith Shareef states: “In every century, a number of my Ummah will attain to high grades. Abu Hanifa will be the highest of his time.” These two Ahadith are recorded in “Durr al-Mukhtar.”

EARLY LIFE

While still in his youth, he met great Sahaba like Sayyiduna Anas bin Maalik, Sayyiduna Sahl bin Saad and Sayyiduna Abul Tufail Amir bin Wathilah (radi Allahu Anhumul Ajma’een). Imam A’zam Abu Hanifa (Alaihir raHma) was first brought up as a trader, but soon started taking deep interest in Islamic learning.

EDUCATION

He attended the lectures of Sayyiduna Hammad Basri (radi Allah anhu) in Fiqh and then began to study the Hadith. He learnt under great scholars in Kufa. In Basrah he studied under two great Taabi’ie scholars who had learnt Hadith under the Sahaba. In Makkatul Mukarammah and Madinatul Munawwarah, he learnt under Sayyiduna Ata bin Abi Rabah and Sayyiduna Ikramah (radi Allahu Anhuma). In fact, Imam A’zam Abu Hanifa (Alaihir raHma) had numerous teachers. Some historians say that he learnt Hadith from about 4000 scholars. Some of his famous teachers were:

Sayyiduna Imam Baaqir
Sayyiduna Imam Jafer Saadiq
Sayyiduna Ali
Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas’ud
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar
Sayyiduna Aqabah bin Umar
Sayyiduna Safwaan
Sayyiduna Jabir
Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah and etc. (Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma’een).

AS A TEACHER

When his teacher, Sayyiduna Hammad Basri (Alaihir raHma) passed away, Imam A’zam Abu Hanifa (Alaihir raHma) was 40 years old and he began teaching. He became very famous and travelled many places. Students from all over the Muslim world came to him to listen to his lectures, interviews and debates. Imam Maalik (Alaihir raHma) also learnt under him. When he was 56 years old, Caliph Mansur came to power after the Ummayad dynasty was overthrown by the Abbasids in 132 A.H. Since Imam Abu Hanifa (Alaihir raHma) opposed the Caliph’s ruthless killing of the Ahle Bait, he was arrested. The Caliph offered the Imam the post of a Qaadi (Judge), but he refused. The Caliph Mansur had him beaten with a stick 30 strokes. His feet bled. Caliph Mansur repented and offered Imam A’zam Abu Hanifa (Alaihir raHma) 30000 pieces of silver. The great Imam refused once more. He was imprisoned again and thrashed 10 more strokes every day.

PASSES AWAY

Imam A’zam Abu Hanifa (Alaihir raHma) passed away while in Salaah. He had been poisoned by the orders of Caliph Mansur. His Janaza Salaah was performed six times and each time 50 000 people took part. People continued to come and pray for him for 20 days after he was buried. He was 70 years old. In 459 A.H. a Mazaar (Tomb) was built for him by the Seljuki ruler Alp Arsalan. He lies buried in a Tomb situated near Baghdad in Iraq.

STUDENTS

Imam A’zam Abu Hanifa (Alaihir raHma) left behind about 980 students. The most famous among them being:

a. Sayyiduna Qadi Abu Yusuf (Alaihir raHma)
b. Sayyiduna Imam Muhammed (Alaihir raHma)
c. Sayyiduna Imam Zufur (Alaihir raHma)

PERSONALITY

Imam A’zam Abu Hanifa (Alaihir raHma) earned his living by trading. Every Friday, he distributed 20 gold coins to the poor for his parents soul. For 40 years Imam A’zam Abu Hanifa (Alaihir raHma) performed the Fajr Salaah with the Wudu that he made for the Esha Salaah (ie. he did not sleep after the night prayer). He performed Hajj 55 times. He used to recite the entire Holy Quran once every day and once every night. Imam A’zam Abu Hanifa (Alaihir raHma) had so much of Taqwa (Piety) that for 30 years he fasted every day (except for the 5 forbidden days). He often read the Holy Quran in one rakaah or two. He did not accept any presents from anyone. He wore clothes like those of the poor. Imam A’zam Abu Hanifa (Alaihir raHma) once said: “I laughed once in my life and I regret it.” He talked little and thought much. It is said that at the place where his soul was taken, he read the Holy Quran 7000 times.

GREATNESS OF IMAM ABU HANIFA

Yahya ibn Sa`id al-Qattan said:

“We have not heard better than Abu Hanifa’s opinion and we have followed most of his positions.”

 Yahya ibn Ma`in, he said of Abu Hanifa that

“He is not only thiqa (trustworthy) but thiqa thiqa. Al- Dhahabi even calls Ibn Ma`in a fanatic Hanafi.”

Al-Fadl ibn Dukayn, one of the major authorities of Ahl al-Hadith. He said:

“Muslims should make du`a to Allah on behalf of Abu Hanifa in their prayers, because the Sunan and the fiqh were preserved for them through him.”

Waki` ibn al-Jarrah, he replied to some of them:

“You barred us from Abu Hanifa, are you going to bar us from Zufar??” (Zufar took over the teaching of Hanafi Fiqh in Kufa and Basra after the Imam.)

Abu Mu`awiya al-Darir, he said:

“Love of Abu Hanifa is part of the Sunnah”.

Ibn Dawud al-Khuraybi:

“Among the people there are plenty of enviers and ignorant ones concerning Abu Hanifa.”

Bishr al-Hafi, he said:

“None criticizes Abu Hanifa except an envier or an ignoramus”.

 Ibn al-Mubarak. When al-Awza`i criticized Abu Hanifa, Ibn al-Mubarak copied a compilation of Abu Hanifa’s fiqh under the name al-Nu`man. Al- Awza`i read it without interruption except for Salat al-Fard. Then he said:

“This Nu`man is a grand master (hadha nabilun min al-ashyakh). Go to him and take as much as you can from him!” Ibn al-Mubarak said: “This is the Abu Hanifa you had forbidden me to see.” (Tarikh al-Baghdad)

Ibn al-Mubarak considered one’s hatred of Abu Hanifa a mark of Divine wrath.

He also said:

“If Allah had not rescued me with Abu Hanifa and Sufyan [al-Thawri] I would have been like the rest of the common people.” Al-Dhahabi relates it as: “I would have been an innovator.”

Ibn `A’isha mentioned a fatwa of Abu Hanifa then said:

“Truly, if you had seen him you would have wanted him ! Truly, his similitude and yours is as in the saying:

Curse them much or not, I care little to blame you;
But fill – if you can! – the space they left vacant.”

GOLDEN WORDS OF WISDOM:

• Knowledge without deeds is like a body without a soul. As long as knowledge does not embrace the existence of action it will not be enough not agreeable nor sincere.
• Difficulties are the result of sin. The sinful therefore does not have the right to lament when difficulties befall him.
• To reduce the connection of the World means that a person takes that which is essential from the World and leaves that which is non essential.
• That person who seeks knowledge to attain the World finds that knowledge has no place in his heart.
• That person whose knowledge does not prevent him from committing sin and transgressions then who is that person who has suffered or incurred a greater loss than him.
• For the attainment of knowledge satisfaction is useful and satisfaction is not gained by increasing information but by decreasing it.

Sayyid al-Mu’azzineen (Leader of the Mu’azzins), Imam al-Aashiqeen, The great devotee, faithful companion and Mu’azzin of the beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Sayyiduna Bilal al-Habashi Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu is a famous and exalted Sahabi who accepted Islam in its early days in Makkah al-Mukarramah. When he accepted Islam, the non-believers placed great difficulties upon him which he bore with great forbearance in his youth. His father’s name was Rabah and his mother’s name was Hamamah.

His birth place is Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and this is why he is known as Habshi (the old name for Abyssinia is Habsh). Born in the late 6th century, the preferred view is that Bilal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu was 43 years old at the time of Hijra but it has been suggested by some that he could have been as old as 53.

He was either a slave of a woman in Makkah who had made Umayyah bin Khalaf her agent in the matters of Hadrat Bilaal or Umayya Ibn Khalaf himself when he accepted Islam. The Kaafirs of Makkah persecuted him severely. When Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu came to know about the pain and anguish which he underwent at the hands of the Kuffaar, he bought him and set him free. One of the many emancipated slaves of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu, Bilal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu was known for his beautiful voice and was given the honour by the Holy Prophet Muhammad SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam of being the first Mu’azzin of Islam. He remained constantly in the company of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. He was at the service of the needs of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Muhaddith Hakim and Hafidh Abu Nu’aym also regarded him as one of the Ashaab of al-Suffah.

After he had accepted Islam, he participated with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam in the battle of Badr and in all other battles. He called the Adhaan and he was the Mu’azzin of Masjid al-Nabawi as long as he remained with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. His greatness and excellence is mentioned in numerous books of Ahadith.

VIRTUE

One day at the time of Fajr, beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam asked Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu, ‘O Bilaal, Show me one action that you have done after accepting Islam, whose virtue is above all other actions, because I have heard your footsteps in Jannah’. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu explains that I have not done any action whose virtue is more than the others. But it is true, that during the day or night, whenever I made Wudhu, I made it my duty to read some Nafl Salaah, and from amongst the Salaah I read, I verily read Tahiyyatul Wudhu (Salaat after Wudhu)” when beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam heard this, he said that it was because of this action that he had attained such status.

Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu used to mention

أبو بكر سيدنا وأعتق سيدنا
Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu is our leader who freed our leader Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala.

In ‘Hilyat al-Awliyaa’, beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam mentions that he is Sayyid al-Mu’azzineen (leader of the Mu’azzins).

ENDURANCE OF DIFFICULTY ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF ISLAM

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu was harassed and beaten the day long and during the night. He was tied in chains and lashed. On the next day, he was again made to lie on the hot desert sands which cause even greater injuries to the body of Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu, who was loved by Allah Ta’ala.

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu used to be beaten by many people. When one would get tired, another would take his place. Sometimes it was Abu Jhal’s turn and sometimes Umayyah bin Khalaf and others. Each of them would beat him until they got tired but no mercy was spared for the slave whom they so brutally injured and whose status in Jannah was to surpass that of many Arabs.

In the sweltering heat under the Arabian skies, Hadrat Bilal’s love for Allah shone brighter than the sun itself. So strong was it that he could not conceal it despite the punishment and torture afflicted on him by his cruel master.

There were times when a large boulder would be placed upon his chest as he lay on the scorching sand, his ribs being crushed under the weight. Yet the words ‘Ahad! Ahad! (There is only one Allah!)’ were constantly repeated by Hadrat Bilal, so strong was his faith and love.

His Jewish master would insult him and threaten him to denounce Islam, beat him, whip him and humiliate him on the streets of Makkah, but nothing was able to shake Hadrat Bilal’s heart.

FREEDOM

One day, it so happened that Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu was passing that way and saw Sayyidina Hadrat Bilal crying out, “Ahad! Ahad!”, despite the immense torture he was being subjected to. As he watched, Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique’s heart became agitated upon seeing Hadrat Bilal under such persecution, and tears filled his eyes.

He then called Hadrat Bilal towards himself and advised him to utter Allah’s name in solitude and not to utter it in the presence of his persecutor, or he would be subjected to further persecution and torture. Hadrat Bilal replied, “O Honoured One! You are the Siddique of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, and therefore I accept your advice and will act accordingly.”

The following day, Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu happened to pass that way, and again he witnessed the same sight.

Hadrat Bilal was once more uttering the cry of “Ahad! Ahad!” while the Jew was torturing him to such an extent that again his body became soaked in blood. Seeing this, Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique’s heart was filled with pain and he advised Hadrat Bilal, “Brother, why do you utter ‘Ahad’ in the presence of this persecutor? Utter it silently and secretly within yourself”.

Hadrat Mawlana Rumi Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu says:

“When Abu Bakr advised him towards silence and secrecy,
Bilal repented again,
But when love overwhelmed, he swallowed the repentance.
It is the message of the troubled heart.
Without You there can be neither peace nor comfort.”

Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique, on numerous occasions, gave Hadrat Bilal the same advice but on every occasion when he passed that way, he saw the same scene – the Jew persecuting Bilal who was all the time crying, “Ahad! Ahad!”

Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu finally went to Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and related the story to him. When Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam heard the story, he was filled with sorrow and tears flowed from his blessed eyes. He asked, “O Siddique! What is the solution to this problem? How can we save Bilal from this calamity?”

Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu replied: “Ya Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, I shall buy Bilal. Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam agreed and said, “Let my share also be therein”.

SubhanAllah! How great the fortune of Sayidina Hadrat Bilal, that Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam himself took part in purchasing him.

Hadrat Abu Bakr then approached the Jew while he was again torturing Hadrat Bilal. Hadrat Abu Bakr said to him, “Why are you beating this friend of Allah?” How long will you carry out this practice on this poor person?” Umayyah bin Khalaf retorted that, ‘since you have instigated him (by teaching Islam to him) so you free him.” Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu answered, “Yes, I will free him. I have a black slave who is even stronger than him and who is in your religion. Will you accept this slave in exchange for him?” Umayyah bin Khalaf accepted the offer. Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu exchanged the slaves and thus bought Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu and freed him before migration. It is also narrated that Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique paid the ransom and freed Hadrat Bilal. Besides Bilal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu he bought other slaves who were being beaten and harassed for accepting Islam and freed them also.

After this, Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, out of love and joy, embraced Hadrat Bilal and held him to his heart.

Hadrat Mawlana Rumi Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu says:

“Beloved Mustafa embraced Bilal and held him against his chest. The ecstasy Bilal felt! Who can ever imagine that?”

CONQUEST OF MAKKAH

When the Muslims finally conquered the city of Makkah, its people fled to their houses in fear and bolted the doors and windows. They feared that the Muslims would avenge themselves for the wrong done to them years ago.

The Muslims advanced towards the Holy Kabah and then Hadrat Bilal assured the people that they were safe. He announced out loud, “All those who lay down arms are safe. All those in the house of Abu Sufyan are safe. All those behind closed doors are safe.”

BROTHERHOOD

After the migration Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam formed brotherhood between the Sahaaba Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhum Ajma’een which meant that two two brothers should be concerned about each other’s difficulty and necessity. In this way all of them became Muslim brothers and they shared in the sorrow and grief of each other. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam made Hadrat Bilaal and Hadrat Ubaida bin Haarith (Radi Allahu Anhuma) brothers and a few Historians mention that beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam made Hadrat Abu Rawahah Khashami Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu the brother of Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu.

PARTICIPATION IN THE BATTLE OF BADR AND THE KILLING OF UMAYYA BIN KHALAF

A year after beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and his beloved Sahaaba Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma’een migrated from Makkah Mukarramah to Madinah Munawwarah, the battle of Badr took place. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu also participated in this battle with the other Sahaaba Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma’een. The leaders of the Mushrikeen of Makkah (who were the enemies of Islam and the Muslims – who forced the Muslims out of Makkah, who also oppressed Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) were killed in this battle. Specially, Abu Jahl and Umayyah bin Khalaf who severely punished Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu were both killed in this battle.

THE BEGINNING OF ADHAAN AND THE APPOINTMENT OF HADRAT BILAAL RADI ALLAHU TA’ALA ANHU AS MU’AZZIN

In the second year after Hijrah, the announcing of the time of Salaat began and Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu was appointed Mu’azzin and always remained the Mu’azzin of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam both in his presence and also during travel.

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu stayed with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam In Madinah Munawwarah, he was the Mu’azzin and even while travelling, he went with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, and at the time of Salaah he used to give Adhaan. Very seldom beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam went somewhere and someone other than Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu called the Adhaan. Whenever beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam went to Masjid al-Qubaa, then Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu would give the Adhaan and when hearing him, the people living around the area knew that beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was in the area.

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu used to give the Fajr Adhaan from the roof of the house of a lady from the tribe of Banu Najjaar. Her home was joined to the Masjid. From the time of Sehri he used to sit on the roof waiting for the time of Fajr. When it was time to commence the Adhaan then he should stretch his limbs, and make the following Du’a after which he gave the Adhaan.

اللهم إنى أحمدك وأستعينك على قريش أن يقيموا دينك
‘Oh Allah I praise you, and I desire that You become aid to the Quraysh to establish Your Deen’

The woman from whose roof he gave the Adhaan said that there was not a day that he did not mention this Du’a. [Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol. 2, Page 198, Hadith 519]

TREASURER OF BELOVED PROPHET SALLALLAHO ALAIHI WA SALLAM

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu was the Muazzin of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and his treasurer. If anyone came to beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam with any necessity then he used to ask Hadrat Bilaal to carry out this task who would then make sure to get the necessary item and fulfill the need on behalf of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam

Hadrat Bilal mentioned it to Abdullah Al-Hawzaani that if some Muslims came who did not have anything to wear, then Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam should order me to take a loan and purchase a cloth to clothe the needy.

Whilst doing this once Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu accumulated a heap of dates. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam asked Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu what is this? Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu answered I have accumulated this for you and your visitors. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said, ‘Oh Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu, spend it and do not fear it becoming less’

ENDURANCE OF HUNGER

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu was the special companion of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. It is for this reason he also endured difficulties. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said that undoubtedly, the fear he had for Allah was greater than anyone else. On one occasion thirty nights and days passed with him and Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu having had only that amount to eat which could be concealed under the armpits (side) of Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu.

COMPANIONSHIP WITH BELOVED PROPHET SALLALLAHO ALAIHI WA SALLAM

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu was always present in the company of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Hadrat Jaabir Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu mentions that at the time of Eid, he was present with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam started the Salaah without the Adhaan and Iqaamat and thereafter gave the Khutbah. Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu stood up and stood side by side with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam while beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam stood up resting on him and after praising Allah, beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam delivered a lecture and reminded the people about the commands of Allah and encouraged the people to be obedient to Allah Ta’aala. Thereafter, he took Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu with him and addressed the women and ordered them to fear Allah and advised them and reminded them about the commands of Allah.

At one time Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu presented himself in the company of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam It was morning and beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was having meals. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam told Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu to join him. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu mentioned to beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam that he was fasting. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam remarked, ‘We are eating our sustenance and the sustenance of Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu is preserved in Jannah.” Then he told Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu that the bones of a fasting person make Tasbeeh and the Angels request his forgiveness when something is eaten near him.” [Mishkat al-Masabih]

HEARTBREAK & IMMENSE GRIEF

After the passing away of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Bilal was overcome with immense grief. This death had completely shattered his heart and in this state, he decided that he could no longer stay in Madinah Sharif. He then gathered his belongings and left for Syria. He had just left the border of Madinah Sharif, when sleep overcame him. He found a tree to sleep under and took some rest there. In his sleep, Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam appeared in his dream and said, “Bilal, why did you leave me?” Hadrat Bilal immediately woke up and, without hesitation, made the journey back to Madinah Sharif.

When the people of Madinah saw Hadrat Bilal returning through the city gates, they were overwhelmed with joy. Word spread through the streets that Bilal, the Holy Prophet’s Muazzin had returned. As Hadrat Bilal made his way to the Holy Prophet’s Masjid, requests for him to do the Azan were ringing in his ears. People followed him through the streets, pleading for him to deliver the call to prayer once more. The blessed city had been deprived of his beautiful Azan for too long, and the people craved to hear it one last time.

However, since the passing away of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Bilal’s grief had been so immense that he resolved that he would never do the Azan again, and so he refused the pleas of the people. As he advanced towards the blessed Masjid, he saw the two beloved grandsons of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Hassan and Hussain. They too requested for him to do the Azan, and when he looked upon their blessed young faces, his love for them overwhelmed his heart. He knew he could never refuse them anything, and they were, after all, the grandsons of the one whose love had penetrated his heart through and through.

Hadrat Bilal then stood up on the Mimbar, assumed his position as the Muazzin and started to read the Azan. His voice, beautiful as it was, rang through the streets of Madinah Sharif, his pain and heartbreak evident in the painful tune. He read to his heart’s content, and in such a manner that there was not a person in the blessed city whose eyes were not wet with tears.

When Hadrat Bilal reached “Ash-hadu anna Muhammadur Rasulallah”, he broke down and could not continue. His pain and the pain of Madinah’s people was unbearable. Memories of the beautiful days when Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam sat amongst them penetrated their hearts with hurt and agony. The emptiness of their lives and their souls without Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam had devastated them and left them broken inside. Even the strongest amongst them who were usually able to suppress the pain could not hold back any longer.

STAY IN SYRIA

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu then came in the presence of Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu and said, ‘Oh Khalifah of Rasoolullah, without doubt I have heard from beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam that the best action of a Mu’min is Jihaad in the path of Allah and I have intended now to spend my life in Jihaad till I die.” Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu said, ‘Oh Bilaal! I swear by Allah and my right which is deserving to honored (it is for this reason) that during my lifespan you spend it in Madinah al-Munawwara and give Adhaan. Because I have become old and my time is near (death).” Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu then remained in Madinah Munawwarah. [Asad al-Ghabbah]

After Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu, Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu became Khalifah, then Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu came to him and said the same thing again. Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu gave the same answer which Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu had given, but Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu respectfully refused to stay any longer. Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu granted permission to him. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu became a Mujaahid forever and went to Syria. During the Khilaafat of Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu when he went to Syria, then Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu gave Adhaan in his presence. The narrator says that on this day, Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu thinking of the days of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam cried to such an extent which we never saw before.

MARRIAGE

While in Syria, Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu got married but it is not known whether he had any children or not. The author of Asad al-Ghabbah states that at the time of death, Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu had no children.

PASSING AWAY OF THE PROPHET’S MU’AZZIN

The great devotee and Muazzin of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, the courageous and beloved Abyssinian by the name of Hadrat Bilal Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu passed away in the 20th year after Hijrah in the middle of reading Adhan in Damascus, Syria between the years 638 and 642 (AD) at the age of 60 or 63 and there he is buried near ‘Bab as-Sagheer’. When beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam proclaimed Prophethood, he was 30 years old. He spent the remaining 33 years of his life in the assistance of this Deen, persecuted severely for admitting his Islam and despite this, he continued to announce boldly, ‘Ahad, the One Allah!’. He participated in the battles and endured both hunger and pain. He was not only a Mu’azzin, but was granted the status of being the leader of the Mu’azzins.

His respected stature during the birth of Islam is a perfect example of the importance of pluralism and racial equality in the foundations of Islam. May Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala be pleased with him forever… Aameen!!

Sayyidah Juwairiyah bint Harith, may Allah be pleased with her, was a very charming, sweet and very beautiful lady. All who saw Sayyidah Juwairiyah (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha) were stunned by her exceptional beauty. Brought up as she had been in one of the foremost families of the time, she was not only beautiful but graceful, elegant and eloquent. Anyone who saw her could not help being captivated by her charm and pleasant demeanour. Her father was Harith ibn Abi Dirar, who was the chief of the Banu Mustaliq. When Sayyidah Ayesha (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha) first saw Sayyidah Juwairiyah (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha) she exclaimed that she was as beautiful as a fairy.

She married the beloved Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him) in Sha’baan 5 A.H., when the beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was fifty-eight years old and she was twenty, not long after his marriage to Sayyidah Zainab bint Jahash. Before then she was married to Musaafi’ bin Safwaan who was not a Muslim and was killed in the very battle wherein she was captured.

Before her marriage to the Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) her name was Barrah, but beloved Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam changed it to Juwairiyah. Sayyidah Zainab bint Jahash, Zainab bint Umm Salamah and Maimoonah bint Harith Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhunna were also named Barrah, but the beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam changed their names as well.

Marriage of Sayyidah Juwairiyah bint Harith (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha):

News reached the Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) on Sha‘ban 2nd to the effect that the chief of Bani Al-Mustaliq, Al-Harith bin Dirar had mobilised his men, along with some Arabs, to attack Madinah al-Munawwarah. Buraidah bin al-Haseeb al-Aslami was immediately despatched to verify the reports. He had some words with Abi Dirar, who confirmed his intention of war. He later sent a reconnoiterer to explore the positions of the Muslims but he was captured and killed. The Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) summoned his men and ordered them to prepare for war. Before leaving, Sayyiduna Zaid bin Harith was mandated to see to the affairs of Madinah al-Munawwarah and dispose them. On hearing the advent of the Muslims, the disbelievers got frightened and the Arabs who were with them defected and ran away for their lives. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr as-Siddiq Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu was entrusted with the banner of the Emigrants, and that of the Helpers went to Sa‘d bin ‘Ubada. The two armies were stationed at a well called Muraisi. Arrow shooting went on for an hour, and then the Muslims rushed and engaged with the enemy in a battle that ended in full victory for the Muslims. Some men were killed, women and children of the disbelievers taken as captives, and a lot of booty fell to the lot of the Muslims. Only one Muslim was martyr by mistake by a Helper. Amongst the captives was Sayyidah Juwairiyah, daughter of Al-Harith, chief of the disbelievers.

It is written that after this battle the prisoners were distributed among the soldiers, and Juwairiyah (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha) fell to the lot of Thaabit bin Qais (or his cousin, according to some reports). Her father took along a number of camels as ransom for his daughter, hoping to buy her freedom. As he was on his way to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam), he decided to keep back two camels that he liked. So he hide the two camels in a valley just outside Madina Munawwarah and continued with the rest. When he arrived in the presence of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) he presented the camels and asked that these be accepted in lieu of his daughter’s freedom. The Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) asked him: “And what about the two camels you hid in the valley?!?!” Haarith was totally flabbergasted. Immediately he uttered the Shahaadha and entered Islam, admitting that none besides Allah could have given information to the Messenger about these camels.

Meanwhile, Sayyidah Juwairiayh had made an agreement with her new master Thaabit to pay for her freedom. This was the famous Mukaatabat Contract in Islam in terms of which slaves could work and buy their freedom for a fixed sum of money. However, Juwairyah had no intention of working for her freedom. She had a better idea. She asked to see Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam).

In fact, she demanded to see the Prophet Muhammad, with the intention of asking him to help her with the ransom money. At that time The Messenger of Allah was in the house of Sayyidah Ayesha (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha). She was permitted to see the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him) and was taken to him while he was with Sayyidah A’isha. After she had finished speaking, the Prophet thought for a moment, and then said, “Shall I tell you what would be better than this?”  She said, “And what is that Our Messenger of Allah?” He replied: “I pay your freedom money, and you marry me.”

Moved deeply by this unexpected elevation in her status, she exclaimed she would be more than happy to accept. She was freed, and swearing allegiance to Islam, she married the beloved Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam). Although Juwairiyah was young and beautiful and of noble lineage, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was thinking of how to save her and all her tribe from an ignoble fate. By marrying Sayyidah Juwairiyah, the Banu Mustaliq would be able to enter Islam with honor, and with the humiliation of their recent defeat removed, so that it would no longer be felt necessary by them to embark on a war of vengeance that would have continued until one of the two parties had been annihilated. As soon as the marriage was announced, all the booty that had been taken from the Banu Mustaliq was returned, and all the captives were set free, for they were now the in laws of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). This is when Sayyidah A’isha said of Sayyidah Juwairiyah, “I know of no woman who was more of a blessing to her people than Juwairiyah bint al-Harith.”

Virtues of Sayyidah Juwairiyah (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha):

Most of the time she would be found engrossed in prayer. It has been related by Juwairiyah that early one morning the Messenger (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) left her room while she was doing the dawn prayer. He returned later that morning and she was still sitting in the same place. “have you been sitting in the same place since I left you?” he asked. “Yes,” she replied. Whereupon the Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) said, “I recited four phrases three times after I left you, and if these were to be weighed against what you have been reciting since dawn, they would still outweigh them. They are:

سبحان الله وبحمده عدد خلقه ورضا نفسه وزنة عرشه ومداد كلماته
‘Glory be to Allah and Praise be to Him as much as the number of his creations, and His pleasure, and the weight of His Throne, and the ink of His words.’” [Sahih Muslim, Kitab Al-Dhikr, Hadith 6575]

Which reminds us of the following verse of the Holy Qur’an:

قل لو كان البحر مدادا لكلمات ربي لنفد البحر قبل ان تنفد كلمات ربي ولو جئنا بمثله مددا
“Proclaim, ‘If the sea became ink for the Words of my Lord, the sea would indeed be used up and the Words of my Lord would never – even if we bring another like it for help.’” [Surah al-Kahf, Verse 109]

Her Demise:

Sayyidah Juwairiyah was married to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) for six years, and lived for another thirty-nine years after his demise. She passed away at the age of sixty-five in Safar in the year 50th after Hijrah during the caliphate of Sayyiduna Mu’awiyah bin Abi Sufyan. The governor of Al-Madinah, Marwan bin Hakam led the funeral prayer and she was buried in Jannat al-Baqi.