The Excellence of Dua (The Essence of Worship)

 

Du‘a is the most powerful weapon of a believer. It can change fate, while no action of ours ever do. It is the brain of ‘Ibadah or worship. With it we can never fail; without it we can never succeed. With all the suffering and disasters Muslims are facing in various parts of the world, the question of Du‘a can be directed to all of us today. It is not that we have forgotten Du‘a completely; we refer to it regularly. But, our ideas and practice regarding Du‘a have become distorted. Often it is reduced to the level of a ritual. It is belittled through actions and sometimes even with words. Almighty Allah says: 

 

وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِي سَيَدْخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِينَ
“And your Lord said: ‘Invoke Me, I will respond to your (invocation). Verily, those who scorn My worship they will surely enter Hell in humiliation.” [Surah al-Ghafir, Verse 60]
 

The Almighty Allah states:

 

فَلَوْلا إِذْ جَاءَهُمْ بَأْسُنَا تَضَرَّعُواْ وَلَكِن قَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ مَا كَانُواْ يَعْمَلُونَ
When the suffering reached them from Us, why then did they not learn humility? On the contrary their hearts became hardened (with arrogance), and Satan made their (sinful) acts seem alluring to them. [Surah al-An'am, Verse 43]
 

..:: THE EXCELLENCE OF DU’A ::..

There are numerous Ahadith relating to the excellence of Du’a. 

HADITH NO. 1

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam states that Almighty Allah says:

 

أنا عندَ ظنِّ عبدي بي
I am with the supposition of My servant. [Recorded in Bukhari (Hadith 7239), Muslim, Tirmidi, Nisa’i  and Ibn Maja on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah]
 

This means that as a servant imagines or has an opinion concerning Allah, the Merciful Lord accordingly reacts with him. Knowledge and Qudrat is with everything but there is a special proximity of mercy with those who make Du’a to Him. What bigger mercy can a servant ask for than being blessed with the Divine Proximity of the Sublime Lord? Thousands of acceptances and millions of desires and intentions may be sacrificed on such Divine Proximity!

HADITH NO. 2

 

لَيْسَ شَيءٌ أكْرَمَ عَلَى اللهِ مِنَ الدُّعَاءِ
There is nothing nobler to Allah than Du‘a. [Recorded in Tirmidi, Ibn Maja, Ibn Habban and Hakim narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah. Also cited in Tahzib al-Kamil, Vol. 4, Page 309]
 

HADITH NO. 3

The Prophet of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam narrates from his Lord who says:

 

يَا ابْنَ آدَمَ إِنَّكَ مَا دَعَوْتَنِي وَرَجَوْتَنِي غَفَرْتُ لَكَ عَلَى مَا كَانَ فِيكَ وَلَا أُبَالِي
Oh children of Adam Alaihis Salam! Until such time you make Du‘a to Me and have trust and hope in Me, I will continue forgiving your sins no matter what they are, and I do not care of anything (i.e. He is Independent.) [Tirmidi on the narration of Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik, Hadith 3463]
 

HADITH NO. 4

The Beloved Habib SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam states:

 

لا تعجزوا في الدعاء ، فإنه لن يهلك مع الدعاء أحد
“Do not get fed up with Du‘a, for no one will perish with (continuously asking) Du‘a.” [Narrated by Ibn Habban and Hakim, Sahih Ibn Habban, Hadith 872]
 

HADITH NO. 5

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam states:

 

الدعاء سلاح المؤمن وعماد الدين ونور السموات والأرض
“Du‘a is a weapon of a Muslim, a Pillar of Deen and the light of the skies and earth.” [Narrated by Hakim from Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah and Abu Ya’la from Sayyiduna ‘Ali al-Murtudah, Hadith 6163]
 

HADITH NO. 6

It is narrated that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said:

 

إِنَّ الدُّعَاءَ يَنْفَعُ مِمَّا نَزَلَ وَمِمَّا لَمْ يَنْزِلْ فَعَلَيْكُمْ عِبَادَ اللَّهِ بِالدُّعَاءِ
“All those calamities and misfortunes (Bala) that descends and that which will descend in the future can be averted and protected from, by Du‘a. So, Oh servant of Allah! Observe Du‘a!” [Narrated by Tirmidi and Hakim from Sayyiduna ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Umar, Sunan al-Tirmidi, Hadith 3471]
 

HADITH NO. 7

It is reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said:

 

و إن البلاء لينزل فيتلقاه الدعاء فيعتلجان إلى يوم القيامة
“When Bala descends, Du‘a intercepts it and then both wrestle till Qiyamah.” (i.e. Du‘a does not allow the Bala to descend to the earth.) [Reported by Bazar, Tabrani, and Hakim from Umm al-Mu'minin Sayyidah ‘A’ieshah Siddiqah, Mustadrak al-Hakim, Hadith 1813]
 

HADITH NO. 8

The Habib of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam states:

 

الدُّعَاءُ مُخُّ العِبَادَةِ
Du‘a is the essence of worship. 
 

HADITH NO. 9

It is reported that the Noble Prophet of Islam SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said:

 

ألا أدلكم على ما ينجيكم من عدوكم ويدر لكم أرزاقكم؟ تدعون اللّه في ليلكم ونهاركم؟ فإن الدعاء سلاح المؤمن
Must I not inform you of that thing which will protect you from your enemy and increase your sustenance? Make Du‘a to Allah day and night because Du‘a is a weapon of a Mu‘min. [Narrated by Abu Ya’la from Sayyiduna Jabir bin ‘Abdullah, Hadith 6164]
 

HADITH NO. 10

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam states:

 

مَنْ لَمْ يَسْأَلْ اللَّهَ يَغْضَبْ عَلَيْهِ
Allah casts His Anger on those who do not make Du‘a to Him. [Reported by Imam Ahmad, Ibn Abi Shaybah, and Al-Bukhari in Adab al Mufrad, Tirmidi, Ibn Maja and Hakim on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah, Hadith 3295]
 

Such concepts and meanings are also reported in the Hadith al-Qudsi as follows:

 

عَنِ النَّبى صَلَى اللهُ عَلَيهِ وَ سَلَّمَ قَالَ قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالى مَن ْ لاَ يَدعُو نِى اَغضَب ُعَلَيهِ
One who does not make Du’a to Me, I will direct My Anger at him. (Allah save us from this!) [Reported by Al-Askari in his Mawa’iz]
 

Oh Beloved! Du‘a is an amazing wealth that Allah I blessed His servants with, and through it gave them honour. There is nothing more effective and powerful in fulfilling needs in desperation besides Du‘as. Likewise, nothing is more potent in removing Bala than Du‘as. A person benefits from five things of a single Du‘a:

 

1. He is included in the category of ‘Abids (worshippers) because Du‘a by nature is ‘Ibadah, in fact, the secret of ‘Ibadah.
2. In Du‘a one acknowledges one’s inferiority and dependency in relation to the Omnipotent Lord and His Divine mercies.
3. Obedience to the sacred Shari'ah because it has laid great stress in making Du‘a’s and Divine Anger on those who doubt making Du‘a.
4. It is a great Sunnah of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam as he made Du‘a frequently and ordered others to do the same.
5. It is a deterrent of Bala and achiever of goals as mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. If man seeks security from Allah I from calamities, then the Merciful Lord will give it to him. If one seeks a desire to be fulfilled, the Sublime Creator will shower His mercies on him or else blesses him with Thawab in the Akhirah.

 

The Master of the Sinless, Sayyiduna Rasoollulah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam states:

 

“A servant’s Du‘a is never void of three things:

1) either his sins are forgiven,
2) or he benefits in this Duniyah
3) or virtues are accumulated for him in the akhirah.

When the servant will observe this Thawab accumulated for him in the akhirah in recompensation for that which was not fulfilled in the Duniyah, then he will desire that none of his desires should have been fulfilled in the Duniyah, but rather be accumulated for the Akhirah.”
 

This desire and benefit is for him who desires so in this Duniyah when making Du‘a. It is advised that when making Du‘a, this ethic should be considered seriously.
 

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Fazail-e-Shab-e-Meraj Sharif [Youm-e-Besat-e-Nabawi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam]

♥ فضائل شب معراج شریف ♥
یوم بعثت نبوی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم


 

بیہقی شعب الایمان اور دیلمی نے مسند الفردوس میں سلمان فارسی رضی اﷲ تعالیٰ عنہ سے مرفوعاً روایت كی:

 

فی رجب یوم ولیلة من صام ذٰلك الیوم وقام تلك اللیلة كان كمن صام من الدهر مائة سنة وقام مائة سنة وھو  لثلث بقین من رجب وفیه بعث اﷲ تعالٰی محمدا صلی اﷲ تعالٰی علیه وسلّم۔
رجب میں ایک دن اور رات ہے جو اس دن كا روزہ ركھے اور وُہ رات نوافل میں گزارے سَو برس كے روزوں اور سَو برس كے شب بیداری كے برابر ہو، اور وہ ۲۷رجب ہے اسی تاریخ اﷲ عزوجل نے محمد صلی اﷲ تعالیٰ علیہ وسلم كو مبعوث فرمایا۔
 

الفردوس بمأثور الخطاب حدیث ٤۳۸۱ دارالكتب العلمیہ بیروت ۳ /۱٤۲
شعب الایمان حدیث ۳۸۱۱ دارالكتب العلمیہ بیروت ۳ /۳۷٤

نیز اسی میں بطریق ابان بن عیاش حضرت انس رضی اﷲ تعالیٰ عنہ سے مرفوعاً مروی:

 

فی رجب لیلة یكتب للعامل فیھا حسنات مائة سنة، وذٰلك لثلٰث بقین من رجب فمن صلی فیه اثنتی عشرة ركعة یقرأ فی كل ركعة فاتحة الكتاب وسورة من القرأن، ویتشھد فی كل ركعة ویسلم فی اٰخرهن، ثم یقول، سبحٰن اﷲ والحمدﷲ ولاالٰہ الااﷲ واﷲ اكبر مائة مرة ویستغفر اﷲ مائة مرة ویصلی عن النّبی صلی اﷲتعالٰی علیہ وسلم مائة مرة ویدعو لنفسہ ماشاء من امر دنیاه واٰخرته ویصبح صائما فان اﷲ یستجیب دعاء كلہ الاان یدعوفي معصیة۔
رجب میں ایک رات ہے كہ اس میں عمل نیك كرنے والے كو سَو برس كی نیكیوں كا ثواب ہے اور وہ رجب كی ستائیسویں شب ہے جو اس میں بارہ ركعت پڑھے ہرركعت میں سورہ فاتحہ اور ایك سورت، اور ہر دوركعت پر التحیات اور آخر میں بعد سلام سبحن اﷲ والحمد ﷲ ولاالٰہ الا اﷲ واﷲ اكبرسو بار، استغفار سَو بار، درود سو بار، اور اپنی دنیا وآخرت سے جس چیز كی چاہے دعا مانگے اور صبح كو رزہ ركھے تو اﷲ تعالیٰ اس كی سب دعائیں قبول فرمائے سوائے اس دُعا كے جو گناہ كے لیے ہو۔ (شعب الایمان حدیث ۳۸۱۲۱ دارالكتب العلمیہ بیروت ۳ /۳۷٤)
 

فوائد ہناد میں انس رضی اﷲ تعالٰی عنہ سے مروی:

 

بعث نبیا فی السابع والعشرین رجب فمن صام ذٰلك الیوم ودعا عند افطارہ كان لہ كفارة عشر سنتین۔
۲۷ رجب كو مجھے نبوت عطا ہُوئی جو اس دن كا روزہ ركھے اور افطار كے وقت دُعا كرے دس برس كے گناہوں كا كفارہ ہو۔ (تنزیه الشریعة بحوالہ فوائد ہناد كتاب الصوم حدیث ٤۱ دارالكتب العلمیة بیروت ۳ /۱٦۱)
 

جزء ابی معاذ مروزی میں بطریق شہر ابن حوشب ابوھریرہ رضی اﷲ تعالیٰ عنہ سے موقوفاً مروی:

 

من صام یوم سبع وعشرین من رجب كتب اﷲ له صیام ستین شھرا وھو الیوم الذی هبط فیه جبریل علی محمد صلی اﷲ تعالٰی علیه وسلم بالرسالة۔
جو رجب كی ستائیسویں كا روزہ ركھے تو اﷲ تعالیٰ اس كے لیے ساٹھ مہینوں كے روزوں كا ثواب لكھے، اور وُہ وُہ دن ہے جس میں جبریل علیہ الصلٰوة والسلام محمد صلّی اﷲ تعالیٰ علیہ و سلم كے لیے پیغمبری لے كر نازل ہُوئے۔ (تنزیه الشریعة بحوالہ جزء ابی معاذ كتاب الصوم حدیث ٤۱ دارا لكتب العلمیه بیروت ۳ /۱٦۱)
 

تنزیه الشریعة سے ماثبت من السّنة میں ہے:

 

وھذا أمثل ما ورد فی ھذا المعنی۔
یہ اُن سب حدیثوں سے بہتر ہے جو اس باب میں آئیں۔ بالجملہ اس كے لیے اصل ہے اور فضائلِ اعمال میں حدیثِ ضعیف باجماعِ ائمہ مقبول ہے واﷲتعالٰی اعلم۔
 

تنزیه الشریعة بحوالہ جزء ابی معاذ كتاب الصوم حدیث ٤۱ دارا لكتب العلمیہ بیروت ۳ /۱٦۱
ما ثبت بالسنة مع اردو ترجمہ ذكرماہِ رجب ارادہ نعیمیہ رضویہ لال كھوہ موچی گیٹ لاہور ص ۲۳٤
 

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[27th Rajab al-Murajjab] Sayyid at-Taaifa Shaykh Junaid Baghdadi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu

Sayyid at-Taaifa Abul Qasim Hadrat Shaykh
Sayyiduna Junaid al-Baghdadi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu 

 

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.'"
 

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The Divine Vision [Meraj-un-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam]

O Allah, all praise be to You; You are undoubtedly carefree;
Once Moses insisted to see you; here You became anxious to see.

 

All Praise is due to Allah Azzawajal, Salutations upon His most Perfect, unique, and cream of creations, the Intercessor of the Sinners, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam, upon his family, upon his companions and the righteous servants till Doomsday.

 

Some people have misunderstood the reality of the Me'raaj of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) due to their lack of knowledge and research. Their ignorance in this field caused more confusion in their hearts because they failed to understand the unique relation between ALLAH and His Beloved Habeeb (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him). How true is the comment of Sayyidul-Makashifeen Sheikh-e-Akbar Muhiyyudeen Ibne Arabi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) who said that Me'raaj is a secret in a secret. One has to have sound knowledge of the Qudrat of ALLAH and the Station and Status of His August Rasool (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) before commenting on any matter pertaining to them. Due to the lack of this knowledge some people have wrongfully said that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) did not see ALLAH with his naked eye and also did not proceed to the Divine Arsh on the night of Me'raaj. They say that both these things are impossible for any human being to achieve.

 

Indeed the illustrious Ulama and distinguished Imams of Islam have in their authentic books expressed it in great detail. All these are based on the Ahadith Shareef. The narrators and presenters are all trustworthy Scholars of Deen. This matter is not something that entertains ones personal opinion. It depends solely on the authenticity of solid proof. Hence, confirmation deplores contradiction. Ignorance does not necessarily reject its reality. If one rejects it, one is in fact a liar and a contradictor of the Deen.

 

Here are the proofs from Qur'an al Kareem, Ahadith an-Nabawi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam), Sayings of the Noble Sahab and from the writings of great and authentic scholars of Islam that the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam did see ALLAH with his naked eyes and he also did proceed to the Divine Arsh on the night of Me'raj.

 

The Holy Qur'an says:

 

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلا مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الأقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّه هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ
Purity is to Him Who took His bondman in a part of the night from the Sacred Mosque to the Aqsa Mosque around which We have placed blessings, in order that We may show him Our great signs; indeed he is the listener, the beholder. [Al Isra:1]

 

Imam al-Ajal Abu Ja'fer Tibri reported in his commentary 'Jami' al-Bayan':

 

أسرى بروحه دون جسده، لأن ذلك لو كان كذلك لم يكن في ذلك ما يوجب أن يكون ذلك دليلا على نبوّته، ولا حجة له على رسالته، ولا كان الذين أنكروا حقيقة ذلك من أهل الشرك، وكانوا يدفعون به عن صدقه فيه، إذ لم يكن منكرا عندهم، ولا عند أحد من ذوي الفطرة الصحيحة من بني آدم أن يرى الرائي منهم في المنام ما على مسيرة سنة، فكيف ما هو على مسيرة شهر أو أقل؟ وبعد، فإن الله إنما أخبر في كتابه أنه أسرى بعبده، ولم يخبرنا أنه أسرى بروح عبده
 

Me'raj was done with both body and soul. If a person says that it was only soul who did the Meraj or it was only a dream then this will be an insignificant charge.

 

1. If it were so then what would be the evidence of prophet hood in it?
2. How can one name it as a miracle of Prophet (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him)?
3. Why did the Mushrikeen-e-Makkah refuse to accept it because everything is possible in dream?
4. They actually argue on the possibility of completing a journey of months in little part of night.
5. In the above verse the Almighty said, 'carried His bondman' not 'carried His bondman's soul'
6. 'Abd' is a composite of both body and soul." [Jami al-Bayan, Mo'assasa ar-Risalah, Vol 17, Page 350, Verse 17:1]

 

 

Sayings of Prophet (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him)

 

1. Imam Ahmad ibne Hambal (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in his Musnad narrates from Sayyiduna Abdullah ibne Abbaas (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)

قال رسول الله صلى الله تعالى عليه وسلم رأيت ربي عزّ و جل 
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said, "I saw my Sublime Creator". [Musnaf Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (al Maktab al Islami - Berut), Vol 1, Page 285]
 

Imam Jalaludeen Suyuti (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in his Khasa'is al Kubra and Allama Abdur Raof Munadi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in his Tafseer Shar'ha Jameh Sagheer state that this Hadith Shareef is authentic.

 

a. Tayseer Sharha Jami as-Sagheer (Maktaba Imam Shafa'ee - Riyadh), Vol 2, Page 25
b. al Khasais al Kubra (Markaz Barkate Raza - Gujrat), Vol 1, Page 161

 

2. Imam Muhaddith Ibne Asakar (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) narrates from Sayyiduna Jaabir bin Abdullah (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) states:

 

لأن الله أعطى موسى الكلام و أعطاني الروية لوجهه و فضلني بالمقام المحمود والحوض المورود 
Verily, Almighty ALLAH blessed Sayyiduna Moosa, with the privilege of Dialogue and bestowed me with his Divine Vision and exalted me with the Crown of Intercession and the Fountain of Kauthar. [Kanz al Ummal (Mo'assasa Risalah - Berut), Vol 14, Page 447, Hadith 9206]

 

3. Imam Asakar (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) also narrates from Sayyiduna Abdullah ibne Mas'ood (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), who said:

 

قال رسول الله صلى الله تعالى عليه وسلّم قال لي ربي نحلت إبراهيم خلتي و كلمت موسى تكليما و أعطيتك يا محمد كفاحا 
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) states, "My Glorious Lord said to me, 'I gave My friendship to Sayyiduna Ibraheem, and spoke to Sayyiduna Moosa, and O Muhammad ! I blessed you with My Meeting (where you saw My Divine Being without any obstacles)'". [Tarikh Damishq al Kabir (Dar al Ihya - Berut), Vol 3, Page 296]

 

In Majma'al Bihaar, the word كفاحا of the above Hadith Shareef is explained as follows:

 

مجمع البحار كفاحا أي مواجهة ليس بينهما حجاب ولا رسول
Majma-ul-Bihaar explains the word كفاحا that Almighty ALLAH blessed His Beloved with such a Presence and Vision that there were no veils as barriers and no intervention of an Angel. [Majma' al Bihar (Dar al Iman - Madinah Munawwarah), Vol 4, Page 424]

 

4. Ibne Marduwiyya (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) narrates from Sayyadah Asma bint Abu Bakr (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anha) that:

 

سمعت رسول الله صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم و هو يصف سدرة المنتهى (وذكر الحديث الى ان قالت) فقلت يا رسول الله ما رأيت عندها؟ قال رأيت عندها يعنى ربه
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) was praising the excellence of Sidratul-Muntaha when I inquired from him, "Ya Rasoolullah! What did you see at Sidratul-Muntaha?"  He said, "There I saw the Divine Glory (i.e. of Allah)." [Ad-Durr al Manthur (Dar al Ihya - Berut), Vol 5, Page 194, Verse 17:1]

 

 

Comments of the Noble Sahaba

 

1. Tirmidi narrates from Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbaas (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho):

اما نحن بنو هاشم فنقول انّ محمد رأى ربه مرتينWe, the Bani Haashim (Ahle-Bayt), say that undoubtedly, Sayyiduna Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw ALLAH twice.

a. Jami' Tirmidhi (Urdu Bazar - Delhi), Vol 2, Page 161
b. Ash-Shifa Sharif, Vol 1, Page 159
 

2. Ibne Ishaaq (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) narrates from Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abi-Salma (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) that:

 

ان ابن عمر أرسل الى ابن عبّاس يسأله هل رأى محمد صلى الله تعالى عليه وسلّم ربه ؟ فقال نعم
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibne Omar (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) inquired from Sayyiduna Abdullah ibne Abbaas (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) to find out whether Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw ALLAH. He replied, "Yes." [Ad-Durr al Manthur (Dar al Ihya - Berut), Vol 7, Page 570, Verse 18:53]

 

3. The words of Tabraani state:

 

واللفظ للطبرانى عن ابن عبّاس قال نظر محمد الى ربه  قال عكرمة فقلت له نظر محمد الى ربه ؟ قال نعم ! جعل الكلام لموسى والخلة لإبراهيم والنظر لمحمد صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم ( زاد الترمذى ) فقد رأى ربه مرتين
The words of Tabraani states that Sayyiduna Abdullah ibne Abbaas (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) said that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw ALLAH. Akrama (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), who was his student, asked him: "Did Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) see Allah?"  He replied," Yes, ALLAH blessed Sayyiduna Moosa, with Dialogue, Sayyiduna Ibraheem, with Friendship and Sayyiduna Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) with His Divine Vision." [al Maujam Awsat (Maktaba Ma'arif - Riyadh), Vol 10, Page 181, Hadith 9392]

 

(Words of Tabraani) "And verily, Sayyiduna Muhammad saw ALLAH twice". [Jami' Tirmidhi (Urdu Bazar - Delhi), Vol 2, Page 160]

 

Imam Tirmidi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) states that this Hadith Shareef is Hasan. Imam Nisaa'ee (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), Imam Ibne Khuzayma (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and Haakim (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) all record the following:

 

واللفظ للبيهقى أتعجبون ان تكون الخلّة لإبراهيم والكلام لموسى والروية لمحمد صلى الله تعالى عليه وسلّم
Are you surprised at the Dialogue of Sayyiduna Moosa, Friendship of Sayyiduna Ibraheem and Divine Sight of Sayyiduna Muhammad?

 

Haakim has said that this is a Sahih Hadith. [Mawahib al-Ladunniya (Maktaba Islami - Berut), Vol 3, Page 104]

 

Imam Qastalaani and Imam Zarqaani both acknowledge the authenticity of this Hadith Shareef. [Sharha Zarqani ala al-Mawahib (Dar al Ma'arifah - Berut), Vol 6, Page 117]

 

4. It is narrated in Tabraani and Mo'jam Awsat:

 

عن عبد الله بن عبّاس انه كان يقول ان محمدا صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم رأى ربه مرّتين مرّة ببصره و مرّة بفواده  
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibne Abbaas (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) says that "Verily, Sayyiduna Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw his Lord twice, once with his physical eye and once with the eye of his heart".

 

a. Mawahib al-Ladunniya (Maktaba Islami - Berut), Vol 3, Page 104
b. al Maujam Awsat (Maktaba Ma'arif - Riyadh), Vol 6, Page 352, Hadith 5757

 

Imam Suyuti (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), Imam Qastalaani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), Allama Shaami (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and Allama Zarqaani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) - all say that there is no doubt in the authenticity of this Hadith Shareef.

 

a. Mawahib al-Ladunniya (Maktaba Islami - Berut), Vol 3, Page 105
b. Sharha Zarqani ala al-Mawahib (Dar al Ma'arifah - Berut), Vol 6, Page 117

 

5. Imamul A'imma Ibne Khuzayma (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and Imam Bazaaz (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) both narrate from Sayyiduna Anas ibne Maalik (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho):

 

ان محمدا صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم رأى ربّه عزّ و جل 
"Verily, Sayyiduna Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw his Most Gracious Creator". [Mawahib al-Ladunniya (Maktaba Islami - Berut), Vol 3, Page 105]

 

Imam Ahmad Qastalaani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and Imam Abdul Baaqi Zarqaani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) state that the authenticity of this Hadith Shareefis very strong. 

 

a. Mawahib al-Ladunniya (Maktaba Islami - Berut), Vol 3, Page 105
b. Sharha Zarqani ala al-Mawahib (Dar al Ma'arifah - Berut), Vol 6, Page 118

 

6. Imam Muhammad ibn Ishaaq (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) narrates this Hadith Shareef from Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho):

 

ان مروان سأل ابوهريره رضى الله تعالى عنه هل رأى محمد صلى الله تعالى عليه وسلّم ربه ؟ فقال نعم 
Marwaan asked Sayyiduna Abu-Hurayra (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) if Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw ALLAH. He replied, "Yes."

 

a. Sharha Zarqani ala al-Mawahib (Dar al Ma'arifah - Berut), Vol 6, Page 118
b. Ash-Shifa Sharif, Vol. 1, Page 159

 

 

Views of the Tabi'een

 

1. Imam Abdur Razzaaq (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), Ustaaz of Imam Bukhari (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), in his famous Musannaf reports from his Ustaaz Imam Mau'mar (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho):

 

عن معمر عن الحسن البصرى انه كان يحلف بالله لقد رأى محمد صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم 
Imam Muammar (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) narrates from Imam Hasan Al-Basri who swore an oath in the Name of ALLAH that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) positively saw his Creator. [Ash-Shifa Sharif, Vol 1, Page 159]

 

2. Similarly, Imam Ibne Khuzayma (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) narrates from Sayyiduna Orwa bin Zubair (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), who is the cousin ofSayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) and grandson of Sayyiduna Abu-Bakr (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho). He also accepts that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw ALLAH on the night of Me'raj. 

 

و انه كان يشتد عليه إنكارها 
And he used to get very upset if anyone rejected this. [Sharha Zarqani ala al-Mawahib (Dar al Ma'arifah - Berut), Vol 1, Page 116]
 

The following Luminaries held similar views:

 

1. Sayyiduna Kaab Ah'baar (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) who was a great Aalim of the previous Scriptures.
2. Imam Ibne Sha'haab Zahri Qarshi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
3. Imam Mujaahid Makh'zoomi Makki (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
4. Imam Akrama bin Abdullah Madani Haashimi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
5. Imam Ata bin Rabah Qarshi Makki (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) (Ustaaz of Imam Abu-Hanifa)
6. Imam Muslim bin Sabeeh Abud-Duha Kufi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) etc.

 

and all the students of A'limul Quraan Jabrul-Ummah Sayyiduna Abdullah ibne Abbaas (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) confirm the Divine Vision.

 

 

Opinion of the Illustrious Scholars of Islam:

 

1. Imam Khallaal (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in Kitaabus-Sin narrates from Imam Ishaaq bin Maroozi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) that Imam Ahmad ibne Hambal(Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) accepts this Tradition and confirms this by saying that:

 

قول النبي صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم رأيت ربّي 
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said, "I saw my Creator". [Mawahib al-Ladunniya (Maktaba Islami - Berut), Vol 3, Page 107]

 

2. Imam Naqqaash (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in his Tafseer narrates from Imam Sanadul Anaam (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) that:

 

انه قال أتقول بحديث ابن عبّاس بعينه رأى ربه رآه رآه رآه حتى انقطع نفسه
He said, "I accept the Hadith of Ibne Abbas (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw his Creator with his eyes, - he did see Him, he did see Him, he did see Him". He repeated this till his breath lasted. [Ash-Shifa Sharif, Vol 1, Page 159]

 

3. Imam Ibne Khateeb Misri (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) states in Mawaahib Shareef that:

 

جزم به معمر بن راشد بصري و آخرون و هو قول الأشعر و غالب اتباعه 
Muammar bin Raashid Basri (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and other scholars acknowledged this, and this is the Madhab of the Ahle-Sunnah, Imam Abul-Hasan Ash'ari (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and the majority of his followers. [Mawahib al-Ladunniya (Maktaba Islami - Berut), Vol 3, Page 104]

 

4. Allama Imam Sha'haab Khafaji (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in his Naseemur-Riyaad, the commentary of Shifa Qaadi Ayaad, states that:

 

الأصح الراجح انه صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم رأى ربه بعين رأسه حين اسرى به كما ذهب إليه اكثر الصحبه 
The most correct and pure Madhab is that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) on the night of Meh'raaj saw ALLAH with his naked eyes as it is the Madhab and consensus of the  illustrious Sahaba fraternity. [Naseem ar-Riyadh (Barakate Raza - Gujrat), Vol 2, Page 303]

 

5. Imam Nawawi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in Shar'ha Muslim Shareef and Allama Muhammad bin Abdul Baaqi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in Shar'ha Mawaahibstates:

 

 الراجح عند اكثر علماء انه صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم رأى ربه بعين رأسه ليلة المعراج 
It is the consensus of the majority Ulama that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw ALLAH with his naked eyes on the night of Me'raj.[Sharha Zarqani ala al-Mawahib (Dar al Ma'arifah - Berut), Vol 6, Page 116]

 

6. Imame-Ajal Sayyidi Muhammad Busairi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) , in his renowned Qasidah Burdah Shareef states:

 

سريت من حرم ليلا الى حرم
كما سرى البدر في داج من الظلم 

 

The Habeeb of Allah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him), in a short space of time, traveled from Masjid-e-Haraam to Musjid-e-Aqsa. This sacred journey was bright like the brilliance of the full moon.

 

و بت ترقى الى ان نلت منزلة
و من قاب قوسين لم تدرك و لم ترم

 

The Beloved (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) traveled in the night of Me'raj until he reached the station of Qaaba Qosain. No creation could reach this height nor possessed the courage to do so.

 

خفضت كل مقام بالاضافة اذ
نوديت بالرفع مثل مفرد العلم

 

The noble status of the Nabi (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) left everything below him when he proceeded towards the Divine Heights of the Unique Lord, on the Night of Ascension.

 

فخرت كل فخار غير مشترك
و جزت كل مقام غير مزدحم

 

The Beloved (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) enjoyed such excellence that no one can share. He passed such places where no creation set foot. [Qasida al Burda, Chapter 7]

7. Allama Mulla Ali Qaari (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in his Shar'ha elaborates on Imam Boseri's verses:

 

اى انت دخلت الباب و قطعت الحجاب الى ان لم تترك غاية لساع الى السبق من كمال التقرّب المطلق الى جناب الحق و لا تركت موضع رقى و صعود وقيام وقعود لطالبفعة فى عالم الوجود بل تجاوزت ذالك الى مقام قاب قوسين او ادنى فاوحى اليك ربّك ما اوحى
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) passed all the Secret Curtains and reached the Divine Absolute Presence of the Supreme Creator, as one reaches one's goal leaving everyone behind. There was no step of excellence in the entire universe that the Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) did not surpass. In fact, the Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) transcended above the domain of space and time and entered the Station of Qaaba-Qosain and O'adna. Then, ALLAH the Supreme spoke to the Beloved what He had to Say. [Az-Zubdat al Umda (Jam'iyat Ulama Sikandariya - Kherpur), Page 96]

 

8. Imam-e-Humaam Abu-Abdullah Sharfudeen Muhammad (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) states in Ummul-Qurra:
 

وترقي به قاب قوسين ۔۔۔ و تلك السيادة القعساء
The Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) advanced till Qaba-Qosain (Divine Presence) and this is indeed the ultimate.

رتب تسقط الامانى حسرى ۔۔۔ دونها ما وراءهنّ وراء
These are the Secret Stations where desires and thoughts cannot contemplate because there are no paths that lead to them. [Umm al Qura (Hizb al Qadiriya - Lahore), Page 13]

 

9. Imam Ibne Hajr Makki (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) comments in the Shar'ha of Ummul-Qurra:

 

قال بعض الائمه و المعاريج ليلة الاسراء عشرة سبعة فى السماوات و الثامن الى سدرة المنتهى و التاسع الى المستوى و العاشر الى العرش  الخ 
Some A'imma state that there were ten Me'rajs in the night of Isra. There were seven in the seven skies, the eighth, Sidratul Muntaha, the ninth in the Divine Levels and the Tenth to the Arsh. [AfDal al Qura, Vol 1, Page 404]

 

10. Sayyidi Allama Arif-e-Billah Abdul Ghani Nablusi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) re-affirms this in Hadiqa-e-Nadiyyah Sharha Tareeqa-e-Muhammadiyyah:

 

حيث قال قال شهاب مكي فى شرح همزيه لبوصيرى عن بعض الائمة ان المعاريج عشرة الى قوله والعاشر الى العرش و الرويه 
There were ten Me'rajs. The tenth was from the Arsh till the Divine Presence. [Al Hadeeqat al Nadiyyah, Vol 1, Page 272]

 

11. Imam Ibne Hajr Makki (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) states in Shar'he Hamziyya:

 

لما اعطى سليمان الريح التى غدوها شهر و رواحها شهر اعطى نبينا صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم البراق فحمله من الفرش الى العرش فى لحظة واحدة و اقل مسافة فى ذالك سبعة آلاف سنة و ما فوق العرش الى المستوى و الرفرف لا يعلمه الا الله تعالى 
When Nabi Sulaymaan, was given the wind, it carried him the distance of one months journey in one day. Our Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) was given the Buraaq which carried him from the earth to the Arsh in a fleeting moment. The shortest portion of this journey (between earth and the seven skies) takes seventeen thousand years. And Allah only knows the distance above the Arsh to the arcane levels with the Rafraf (to the Divine Presence). [AfDal al Qura li Qar'i Umm al Qura]

 

12. It is also recorded in the same Shar'ha Hamziyya:

 

لما اعطى موسى عليه السلام الكلام و اعطى نبينا صلى الله تعالى عليه و آله و بارك سلّم مثله ليلة الاسراء و زيادة الدنو و الروية بعين البصر و شتان ما بين جبل الطور الذى نوجى به موسى عليه السلام نوجى به نبينا صلى الله تعالى عليه و آله و بارك سلّم 
Nabi Moosa, was blessed with Dialogue (Kalaam). Similarly, our Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) was blessed on the night of Isra with Divine Presence. He saw Allah from very close range with his naked eye. You cannot compare the experiences of Mount Toor with the experiences of our Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) with ALLAH. [AfDal al Qura li Qar'i Umm al Qura]

 

13. It is further recorded in the same book:

 

رقيه صلى الله عليه و سلّم ببدنه يقظة ليلة الاسراء الى السمآء ثمّ الى سدرة المنتهى ثمّ الى المستوى ثم ّالى العرش و الرفرف والرويه 
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) physically proceeded to the skies on the night of Isra in wakefulness. From there to Sidratul Muntaha, then Divine Levels, then Arsh and Rafraf till he had the Divine Vision!  [AfDal al Qura, Vol 1, Page 116/117]

14. Allama Ahmad bin Muhammad Saawi Maliki Khal'wati (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in a marginal annotation of Ummul-Qura writes:

 

الاسراء به صلى الله تعالى عليه و آله و بارك سلّم على يقظة بالجسد و الروح من المسجد الحرام الى المسجد الاقصى ثم عرج به الى السماوات العلى ثم الى سدرة المنتهى ثم الى المستوى ثم الى العرش و الرفرف 
The Beloved Habeeb (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) undertook the journey of Meh'raaj in wakefulness with his body and soul. He traveled from Masjid-e-Haraam to Musjid-e-Aqsa. Then up to the skies, then Sidratul Muntaha, then Divine Levels then, Arsh, and then Rafraf. [Ta'leeqat ala Umm al Qura, Page 3]

 

15. Imam Allama Ahmad Qastalaani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) states in Mawahibul-Ladunniyya and Man'hi-Muhammadiyya, and Allama Muhammad Zarqaani(Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in its Shar'ha state:

 

(و منها انه راى الله تعالى بعينه) على الراجح(و كلمه الله تعالى فى الرفيع الاعلى) على سائر الامكنة و قد روى  ابن عساكر عن انس رضى الله تعالى عنه مرفوعا لما اسرى لى قربنى ربى حتى كان بينى و بينه قاب قوسين او ادنى
It was the exclusivity of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) that he saw Almighty ALLAH with his physical eyes in wakefulness and this is the preferable Madhab. ALLAH Spoke to His Beloved (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) in those high Divine regions which was above all possibilities and imaginations. Imam Ibne Asakar narrates from Sayyiduna Anas ibne Maalik that the Prophet of Allah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said, "On the night of Isra, my Lord drew me so close to Him that we were two bows apart, in fact, even closer".

 

a. Mawahib al-Ladunniya (Maktaba Islami - Berut), Vol 2, Page 634
b. Sharha Zarqani ala al-Mawahib (Dar al Ma'arifah - Berut), Vol 5, Page 251/252

 

16. It is also stated in the same books:

 

قد اختلف العلماء في الاسراء واحداواسراء مرّة بروحه و بدنه يقظة و مرّة مناما او يقظة بروحه وجسده من المسجد الحرام إلى المسجد الاقصى ثمّ مناما   من المسجد الاقصى إلى العرش فالحق انه اسراء واحد بروحه و جسده يقظة في القصّة كلها و إلى هذامذهب الجمهور من علماء المحدّثين و الفقهاءو المتكلّمين 
There was a difference in opinion amongst the Ulama whether there was one Meh'raaj or two, one with the body and soul in wakefulness, and the other in a dream or wakefulness from Musjid-e-Haraam to Musjid-e-Aqsa. Then, from Aqsa in a dream till the Arsh. The truth is that there was one Isra and an entire journey from Musjid-e-Haraam to the Arsh was physical and in wakefulness. This is the Madhab of the majority of Ulama, Muhaditheen, Fuqaha and Mutakallimeen. [Mawahibul-Ladunniyya, Vol 3, Page 7]

 

17. The same book further states:

 

المعاريج عشرة (إلى قوله) العاشر إلى العرش 
There were ten Meh'raajs and the tenth was till the Arsh. [Mawahibul-Ladunniyya, Vol 3, Page 17]

 

18. It is also recorded in the same book:

 

و قد ورد فى الصحيح عن انس رضى الله تعالى عنه قال عرج بى جبرئيل الى سدرة المنتهى و دنا الجبّاررب العزّة فتدلى فكان قاب قوسين او ادنى تدلية على ما فى حديث شريك كان فوق العرش 
It is reported in Sahih Al-Bukhari by Sayyiduna Anas ibne Maalik that the beloved Rasool of Allah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said, "Jibra'eel proceeded with me till the Sidratul-Muntaha. Then, the Divine Power of the Almighty Lord drew me to a distance of two bows close to Him, in fact, even closer". This closeness was above the Arsh as mentioned in the Hadith-e-Shareef. [Mawahibul-Ladunniyya, Vol 3, Page 88/90]

 

19. Allama Shi'haab Khafaji (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), in his Naseemur-Riyaad Sharha Shifa Imam Qaadi Ayaad (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), states:

 

ورد في المعراج انه صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم لما بلغ سدرة المنتهى جاءه بالرفرف جبرئيل عليه  الصلوة والسلام فتناوله فطار به الى العرش 
It is reported in the Hadith of Meh'raaj that when the Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) reached Sidratul-Muntaha then, Sayyiduna Jibra'eel presented the Rafraf, which carried him to the Arsh. [Naseem ar-Riyadh, Vol 2, Page 310]

 

20. It is noted in the same book:

 

عليه يدل صحيح الاحاديث الاحاد الدالة على دخوله صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم الجنة و وصوله الى العرش او طرف العالم كما سياتى كل ذالك بجسده يقظة 
The units of Sahih Ahadith emphasize that the Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) visited Jannah and the Arsh or the boundaries of that region beyond which lies the extra-terrestrial domain (La-Makaan). This all happened physically and in wakefulness.[Naseem ar-Riyadh, Vol 2, Page 310]

 

21. Sayyidul-Makashifeen Sheikh-e-Akbar Muhiyyudeen ibne Arabi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), in the 216^th chapter of his famous Futuhaat-e-Makkiyya, states:

 

 اعلم ان رسول الله صلى الله تعالى عليه و سلّم  لما كان خلقه القرآن و تخلق بالاسمآء و كان الله سبحانه و تعالى ذكر فى كتابه العزيز انه تعالى استوى على العرش على طريق التمدح و الثناء على نفسه اذ كان العرش اعظم  الجسام فجعل لنبيّه عليه السلام من هذا الاستواء نسبة على طريق التمدح و الثناء به عليه حيث كان اعلى مقام ينتهى اليه من اسرى به من الرسل عليهم الصلاة والسلام و ذالك يدل على انه اسرى به صلى الله تعالى عليه وسلّم بجسمه و لو كان الاسراء به روياء لما كان الاسراء ولا الوصول الى هذا المقام تمدحا و لا وقع من الاعراب انكار على ذالك 
The Holy Quraan was the beautiful character of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) and the Unique characteristics of the Divine Names of ALLAH was found in him. In the Holy Quraan, ALLAH Announces through the praise of His Attributive Qualities of His appearance on the Sacred Arsh. Similarly, Allah The Supreme, blessed His Beloved (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) with the reflection of His Divine Appearance of the sacred Arsh and Praised him. The Arsh is that high station where the Isra of Rasools end. This proves that the Isra of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) was physical because if it was a dream then Almighty ALLAH would have not praised his appearance on the Sacred Arsh. Only the unpleasant reject this reality. [Futuhaat al-Makkiyya, Vol 3, Page 61]

 

22. Imam Allama Arif-e-Billah Abdul Wahhab Sha'raani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), in his Al-Yuwaqeet wal Jawahir, quotes from Sheikh-e-Akbar (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) that:

 

انما قال صلى الله عليه و سلّم على سبيل التمدح حتى ظهرت لمستوى اشاره لما قلنا من ان منتهى السير بالقدم المحسوس العرش 
Verily, he (Sheikh-e-Akbar) said that the statement of praises of the exalted Habeeb (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) "And until that time when I was elevated to the Divine Levels" reflects to the fact that the termination of the physical feet's journey was at the Sacred Arsh. [Al-Yuwaqeet wal Jawahir, Vol 2, Page 370]

 

23. Sheikh-e-Muhaqqiq Imam Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlawi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) states in his Madaarijun-Nubuwwah:

 

فرمود صلى الله تعالى عليه و على آله و بارك وسلم بس كسترانيده شد برائى من رفرف سبز كه غالب بود نور او بر نور آفتاب بس درخشيد بآن نور بصر من و نهاده شدم من بران رفرف و برداشته شدم تا برسيدم بعرش 
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said, "Then a green Rafraf (Divine Carrier) was laid for me. Its light was even greater than that of the sun. Its brilliance brightened my vision. I was seated on it and taken into the Heavens until I reached the Arsh of ALLAH. [Madaarij an-Nubuwwah, Vol 1, Page 169] 

 

24. He further states:

 

آورده اند كه جون رسيد ان حضرت صلى الله تعالى عليه و على آله و بارك و سلم بعرش دست زدعرش بدامان اجلال وى 
It is narrated that when Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) reached the Arsh, it respectfully touched his Sacred Garb. [Madaarij an-Nubuwwah, Vol 1, Page 170]

 

25. He states in Ash'atul-Lam'aat Sharha Mishkaat that:

 

جز حضرت بيغمبر ما صلى الله تعالى عليه و على آله و بارك وسلم بالا تر ازان هيج كس نه رفته و ان حضرت بجائى رفت كه آنجا جانيست
No one else besides the Beloved Habeeb (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) reached this Height in the Heavens. This was a timeless and space less transcendental region. 

برداشت از طبيعت امكان قدم كه آن
اسرى بعبده است من المسجد الحرام

Me'raaj surpassed the limits of human nature
As Allah's special servant was taken from Musjid-e-Haraam.

تا عرصه وجوب كه اقصاى عالم است كانجانه جاست نى جهت و نى نشان نه نام

He reached the Divine Arcane Zone that cannot be explained.
This zone has no place, description, name or direction. [Ash'at al Lam'aat, Vol 4, Page 442]

 

26. Also Sheikh-e-Muhaqqiq (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) states in the same book, in the third section, under "Divine Vision of Allah", while discussing the Hadith Shareef  قد راى ربه مرّتين  that:

 

بتحقيق ديد آنحضرت صلى الله تعالى عليه و آله و بارك و سلّم بروردكار خود را جلّ و علا دو بار يكى نزديك سدرة المنتهى بود ، دوم جون بالاى عرش بر آمد
Indeed, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) saw his Sublime Creator twice. First at Sidratul-Muntaha and then at the Arsh.  [Ash'at al Lam'aat, Vol 4, Page 442-449]

 

27. It is recorded in the fourth volume, letter number 283, in the Maktobaat of Hadrat Mujaddid Alfe Thaani Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) that:

 

آن سرور عليه الصلوة و السلام دران شب از دائرهء مكان و زمان نبرون جست و ازتنكى امكان بر آمده ازل و ابد را آن واحد يافت و بدايت و نهايت را در يك نقطه متحده ديد
On the night of Meh'raaj, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) did not leave the boundaries of time and space and surpassed the restrictions of human nature. He saw the Secrets from Eternity till Eternity combined in a dot of Unity. [Maktubat Hadrat Mujaddid Alfe Thaani, Vol 4, Page 366]

 

28. He further states in the letter number 272 that:

 

محمدصلى الله تعالى عليه و آله و بارك و سلّم كه محبوب ربّ العالمين ست و بهترين  موجودات اوّلين و آخرين بدولت معراج بدنى مشرّف شد و از عرش و كرسى در كزشت و از مكان و زمان بالا رفت
Sayyiduna Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) is the most Beloved of Allah and the most unique in creation. He was the only creation to be blessed with physical Me'raaj. He traveled further than the Arsh, Kursi and limitations of time and space. [Maktubat Hadrat Mujaddid Alfe Thaani, Vol 4, Page 348]

 

Conclusion
 

A perfect Man is not he who circles the Arsh and whatever it encompasses, namely, the skies, Jannah and Jahannam. But, a perfect Man is he, whose vision surpasses all these dimensions and sees and appreciates the Glory of the Creator, of all these dimensions. [Imam Abdul Wahhab Sha'raani Radi ALLAHo Ta'ala Anho]

 

He is the First and the Last; He lives in the Absence and the Presence;
His own hidden light went to see His own visible existence.

Sayyid al Alameen (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) was blessed with exclusive gifts and secrets and passed all the heights without any hindrance. Without doubt, this goes to say that the Master (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) traveled the secret and timeless regions alone to the Divine Presence and met and saw ALLAH. [Al Kawakib ad-Durriya, Page 44-46]
 

By the Divine Grace of Almighty Allah, this detailed and informative answer will suffice to remove doubts from the hearts and minds of the Muslims. (In sha ALLAH Azza wa Jal) 

Reference Book

منبه و المنية لوصول الحبيب إلي العرش و الرّوية 
Ala'Hadrat ash-Shah Imam Ahmad Rida Khan Alaihir raHmah wa ar-Ridwan
Translated by: Shaykh Abd al-Hadi al-Qadiri Hafidhahullahu Ta'ala

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