As-salamu alaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh. Good evening, my dear, respected elders, brothgers, sisters, and youngsters in Islam! With regard to the brief khutbah at Salat ul-Jumu'ah, today (09-05-14) - concerning the condition and status of the blessed Friends of Allah, Azza Wa-Jal - please find attached the relevant research which necessarily informed such discussion. May it illuminate your beautiful hearts with a desire to attain the precious friendship of Al-Wali, 'The Portecting Friend', Insha'Allah Ta'ala.
As-salamu alaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh. Good evening, my dear, respected elders, brothgers, sisters, and youngsters in Islam! With regard to the brief khutbah at Salat ul-Jumu'ah, today (09-05-14) - concerning the condition and status of the blessed Friends of Allah, Azza Wa-Jal - please find attached the relevant research which necessarily informed such discussion. May it illuminate your beautiful hearts with a desire to attain the precious friendship of Al-Wali, 'The Portecting Friend', Insha'Allah Ta'ala.
As-salamu alaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh. Good evening, my dear, respected elders, brothgers, sisters, and youngsters in Islam! With regard to the brief khutbah at Salat ul-Jumu'ah, today (09-05-14) - concerning the condition and status of the blessed Friends of Allah, Azza Wa-Jal - please find attached the relevant research which necessarily informed such discussion. May it illuminate your beautiful hearts with a desire to attain the precious friendship of Al-Wali, 'The Portecting Friend', Insha'Allah Ta'ala.
Those who swoon from the Divine perfume, And, from the Heart, Love exhume From it, the Faith Al-Wl bids us consume. 1
1 Al-Wl (The Protecting Friend): refer to the Glorious Quran, Qurn, Surat ash-Shra (the Chapter of the Consultation) 42:28
Truly, God has a drink for His friends. When they drink it, they are intoxicated; and when they are intoxicated, they are enraptured; and when they are enraptured, they are blessed; and when they are blessed, they dissolve; and when they dissolve, they are free; and when they are free, they devote themselves purely; and when they devote themselves purely, they seek; and when they seek, they find; and when they find, they arrive; and when they arrive, they are at one; there is no difference between them and their Beloved." 2
And He it is Who sendeth down the saving rain after they have despaired, and spreadeth out His mercy. He is the Protecting Friend, the Praiseworthy.
Brief poesy verse by Br. Abdul-Halm Khall 2014. 2 Narrated by Imam Ali ibn abi Talib (radi Allhu anhu).
1. Definition of the term Wl Perhaps, it may prove prudent to commence this brief discourse (upon the merit of the blessed Friends of Allah, the Awliy), by considering the denotation which Allh Al- Mmin, Al-Mujb, At-Tawwb ascribes to the term wl in the Glorious Qurn. Wl (plural Awliy), is an Arabic word, its lexical meaning being guardian, protector, supporter, etc. The word, in its different forms, appears throughout the Glorious Qurn more than 200 times. Thus (of this blessed term, and the relationship it refers to) Allh Subnahu Wa Ta'la pronounces in the Qurn Majd:
Al-Qurn Majd, Surat Al-Baqarah (The Chapter of the Cow): 2:257
English Roman script Allh is the Protecting Friend (Wl) of those who believe. He delivers them from darkness to Light. And those who disbelieve, their patrons (their friends: awliy) are false deities. They deliver them from light to darkness. They are the companions of the Fire. They shall abide therein eternally. al-lahu waliyyu al-ladhna man yukh'rijuhum mina l-ulumti il l-nri
w al-ladhna kafar awliyuhumu l- ghtu yukh'rijnahum mina l-nri il l- ulumti ulika abu l-nri hum fh khlidna
2:257 Allh
: al-lhu
Protecting Friend
of those
who believe
He delivers them
from
[the] darkness
toward
[the] Light
And those who
disbelieve
their patrons (friends)
[are] false deities
They deliver them
From
[the] light
to
[the] darkness. waliyyu
al-ladhna
man
yukh'rijuhum
mina
l-ulumti
il
l-nri
w al-ladhna
kafar
awliyuhumu
l-ghtu
yukh'rijnahum
mina
l-nri
il
l-ulumti
They
[are] the companions
[of] the Fire.
They
therein (in it)
shall abide eternally
ulika
abu
l-nri
hum
fh
khlidna
2. Who is a Wl The word wl can also mean ally or friend. Therefore, a Walyu 'llh denotes one who is a Friend of Allh. As such, the Shariah definition of a wl is cogently conveyed by Allh through the following Ayat (verses):
Al-Qurn Majd, Surat Yunus (The Chapter of the Prophet Yunus): 10:62-64
English Roman script 10:62 Behold! Indeed, upon the Friends of Allh there is no fear, nor shall they grieve; Al inna awliya l-lhi l khawfun alayhim w l hum yazanna 10:63 Those who believe and are conscious (of Allh);- Al-ladhna man w-kn yattaqna 10:64 For them are glad tidings, in the life of the present and in the Hereafter; no change is there in the Words of Allh. This is the great success. La-humu l-bush'r f l-ayati l-dun'y w f l-khirati l tabdla li-kalimti l-lhi dhlika huwa l-fawzu l-amu
10:62 Behold!
Indeed
[upon the] Friends
[of] Allah
[there is] no
fear
upon them
and
nor
they
shall grieve : Al
inna
awliya
l-lhi
l
khawfun
alayhim
w
l
hum
yazanna 10:63
Those who
believe
and
are
conscious (of Allah: viz., people of Taqwa) :
Al-ladhna
man
w
kn
yattaqna 10:64 For them
are [the] glad tidings,
in
[the] life
of the present (viz., of this world)
and
in
[the] Hereafter;
no
change
[is there] in the Words (Kalam) : Lahumu
l-bush'r
f
l-ayati
l-dun'y
w
f
l-khirati
l
tabdla
li-kalimti
of Allh.
That
is
[the] success
the great
l-lhi
dhlika
huwa
l-fawzu
l-amu
3. The Great Hadth of the Wl It is reported upon the authority of Abu Huraira : The Blessed Prophet said: Allh said, 'I shall declare war against him who shows hostility to a wl of Mine. And the most beloved things with which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil, 3 until I love them, so I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I shall give him, and if he asks for My Protection, I shall protect him; 4
and I do not hesitate to do anything as I hesitate to take the soul of the believer, for he hates death, and I hate to disappoint him. 5
3 Offering additional, voluntary prayers, or performing additional good deeds, beyond what is fard (obligatory or prescribed). 4 That is, provide the humble supplicant, the wl, the Refuge of Allh. 5 This is a very famous, sahh (authentic) hadth, and it is narrated through multiple narrations, each containing more, or less, what is mentioned here. This beautiful narration may be found in the following great texts: Imam Bukhari (rahmullah) narrated it in his Sahh (Kitab ar-Riqaq, hadth number [#] 6021: upon the authority of Abu Huraira ) (also refer to Fath al-Bari [11.340 41, #6502], Ibn Majah (Kitab al-Fitan, #3979: upon the authority from Umar bin Al-Khattab ,
Indeed, with deference to the stature of the Great Awliy 6 the Love of Al-Wadd in which they dwelt and utterly exuded the love of Imam Ahmad (rahmtullahi 'alay) for Bishr Al-Hafi (or Bishr ibn Hareth, May Allh bestow His Perpetual Mercy upon him) - a great saint in the history of Islam, an ascetic 'mountain of knowledge' (according to Al-Daraqutni) constitutes a beautiful example of the reverence with which we should consider the close Friends of Allah.
Imam Ahmad (rahmtullahi 'alay) once passionately narrated: 'once Bishr (rahmtullahi 'alay) was walking from his majlis in the streets of Baghdad, and a man who is completely drunk comes up to him and embraces him, saying "O Sayyidi! O Sayyid!" ... and he grabs him [Bishr] and kisses him on both cheeks and won't let go. Of course, the other disciples are shocked by this impure, disgraceful person, but Bishr (rahmtullahi 'alay) doesn't push him away. He allows him to finish, and go on his way. And then Bishr (rahmtullahi 'alay) (... his murds ... looking at him), his eyes filled with tears, and he says: "there is a man, who loves another man, because he is imagining that there is some good in him. But, perhaps the lover is saved, but the one who is loved is unsure about his final destination."'
Therefore, is this most ascetic, beautiful, and utterly humble Islam not what we desire for ourselves, furthermore others?
Imam Ahmad, in his Musnad (6:256: upon the authority of Aisha and in his Kitab az-Zuhd (pp. 61 and 65), Ibn Hibban (2:58 #347), At-Tabarani, in his Mujam al-Kabir (8:221 #7880; 12:145 #12719) and in al-Awsat (1:192 #609; 9:139 #9352), Abdur-Razzaq (11:192-93), Qudai (Musnad Shihab, 2:327-28 #1456-57), Ibn Abi Dunya, in his Kitab al-Awliya (#1 and #45: also upon the authority of Anas ), Abu Nuaym, in his Hilyat al-Awliya (1:5; 8:318), Abu Yala, in his Musnad (12:520), upon the authority of Maymuna , Bazzar (Zawaid, 4:241-42, 248), Hakim at-Tirmidhi, in his Nawadir al-Usul (Asl #75, #162, and #228), Daylami, in his Firdaws (3:215 #4472 and 3:216 #4475), Imam Bayhaqi, in his Sunan al-Kubra (3:346) and Kitab az-Zuhd (pp. 269-270 #696,99), Ibn Shahin (Targhib, #285), Imam Qushayri, with his chain (isnad) in the Risala (pp. 292 and 348), Ibn Asakir, in his Tarikh (7:95), Abu Abdur-Rahman as-Sulami (Forty Hadiths on Tasawwuf, #36), and others. 6 Refer to Sheikh Abdal-Hakim Murad, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal: Victor Over Tribulation (Quilliam Press).
Thus, [i]f a friend among your friends errs, make seventy excuses for them. If your hearts are unable to do this, then know that the shortcoming is in your own selves. 7 Indeed, '[i]t is only the merciful who are granted mercy by the All- Merciful. Be merciful to those on earth and the Lord of the Heavens will be merciful to you.' 8
4. Dall (Evidence) of Providence of the Blessed Awliy Al-Qurn Majd
(i) Asif bin Barkhiya Asif bin Barkhiya (rahmtullahi 'alay) is the wl who was in the presence of Sayyidina Sulayman ( ), and who delivered the throne of Bilqis (the Queen of Sheba) to the Prophet Sulayman ( ) quicker than the blink of an eye. Such humble wl is simply characterized as one who had knowledge of the Book (Al-Qurn). Indeed, of this blessed event Allh Subnahu Wa Ta'la Reveals, One with whom was knowledge of the Book said, 'I will bring it to you before your gaze returns to you' (Q27:40)", This is the proclamation of Asif bin Barkhiya (rahmtullahi 'alay), a simple believing man, but Great Friend of Al-Wl, and scribe and relative of the Prophet Sulayman ( ). 9
Narration the Karmat of Hadrat Asif in Al-Qurn Majd (Surat An-Naml [The Chapter of the Ant], 27:38-42) 27:38 He (Sayyidina Sulayman [ ]) said (to his own men): Ye chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne (of Bilqis) before they come to me in submission?" 27:39 Said an 'Ifrit, of the Jinns: "I shall bring it to thee before thou rise from thy council: indeed I have full strength for the purpose, and may be trusted."
7 Imam Bayhaqi, Shu`ab al-Iman, 7.522. 8 Reported in the texts of At-Tabarani and al-Hakim with a sahh (authentic) chain. 9 According to the tafsir of Ibn Abbas, and the majority of true mufassireen (commentators of the Qurn Majd). 27:40 Said one who had knowledge of the Book: "I shall bring it to thee within the twinkling of an eye!" Then when (Sulayman [ ]) saw it placed firmly before him, he said: "This is by the Grace of my Lord!- to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And if any is grateful, truly His gratitude is (a success) for his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, truly my Lord is Free of all Needs, Supreme in Honour!"
27:41 He (Sayyidina Sulayman [ ]) said: "Transform her throne out of all recognition by her: let us see whether she is guided (to the truth) or is one of those who receive no guidance." 27:42 So when she arrived, she was asked, "Is this thy throne?" She said, "It was just like this; and knowledge was bestowed on us in advance of this, and we have submitted to Allh (in Islam).
(ii) Sayyidina al-Khadir Similarly, Sayyidina al-Khadir (although, understood to be a prophet of Allh, by some commentators of Al-Qurn Majd) possessed knowledge which the Prophet Msa ( ) did not. Such knowledge was bestowed upon him directly from the Ilm and Hikmah of Allh, without intermediary. Allh Tala confirms this in Surat Al-Kahf (18:65). 10 According to Tafsir Al-Baghawi, Allh Tala, Ar- Rashid (The Righteous Teacher): taught him [Al-Khadir] the inward (batin) knowledge by Revelation (ilham).
Verily, Allh, Azza Wa-Jal, perfectly narrates:
10 Refer to the Glorious Qurn, Surat Al-Kahf (The Chapter of the Cave) 18:65. So they found one of Our servants, on whom We had bestowed Mercy from Ourselves and whom We had taught knowledge from Our own Presence. Msa ( ) said to him [Al-Khadir]: "May I follow thee, on the footing that thou teach me something of the (Higher) Truth which thou hast been taught?" 11
(iii) Sayyida Maryam Allh Tala Ar-Rfi (The Exalter), Al-Muizz (The Bestower of Honours) has anointed Sayyida Maryam a Siddiqa (see Q4:69 and Q5:75), which is one of the highest categories of Ihsan, and she was granted many karmat (miracles), as a Beautiful Wla (female friend) of Allh. For example, Allah, Al-Wahhb, Ar- Razzq, Al-Muqt provided Sayyida Maryam with His Sustenance without intermediaries, or secondary causes.
Right graciously did her Lord accept her: He made her grow in purity and beauty: To the care of Zakariya ( ) was she assigned. Every time that he entered (her) chamber to see her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Mary! Whence (comes) this to you?" She said: "From Allh: for Allh Provides sustenance to whom He pleases, without measure." 12
Sayyida Maryam was also blessed with the miracle of giving birth (to the Noble Prophet Isa [ ]) without traditional impregnation.
11 Refer to the Glorious Qurn, Surat Al-Kahf (The Chapter of the Cave) 18:65-66. 12 Refer to the Glorious Qurn, Surat li Imrn (The Chapter of the House of Imran) 3:37.
She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?" He said: "Even so: Allh Createth what He willeth: When He hath Decreed a plan, He but saith to it, 'Be,' and it is! 13
She said: "How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?" 14
In conclusion, from the Power and Strength of Allh Al-Azz, Al-Qaw, Al-Qdir Sayyida Maryam was granted a blessed touch and great strength.
And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree: It shall let fall fresh ripe dates upon thee. 15
(iv) Ashab al-Kahf (The Companions of the Cave) These servants of Allh, AL-Latf (sometimes referred to as the Seven Sleepers [albeit, Allh, Al-Hakm does not Reveal the precise number of their company]), were not prophets, nor messengers, but still were blessed with special ranks and favours viz., the karmat of the Awliy. This group of young believers withstood the immense oppression of their people, to unjustly worship false deities, other
13 Refer to the Glorious Qurn, Surat li Imrn (The Chapter of the House of Imran) 3:47. 14 Refer to the Glorious Qurn, Surat Maryam (The Chapter of Sayyida Maryam ) 19:20. 15 Refer to the Glorious Qurn, Surat Maryam (The Chapter of Sayyida Maryam ) 19:25. than God. As such, they took refuge in a cave, seeking the Nearness and Solicitude of Allh (Al-Qarb, As-Salm, Al-Mumin, Al-Muhaymin). Thereafter, Allh, Al- Wl (The Protecting Friend) sealed their souls in slumber for three hundred (300) solar years (or 309 lunar years), whilst being guarded by a dog, their faithful companion, and blessed creature of Allh.
18:10 Behold, the youths betook themselves to the Cave: they said, "Our Lord! bestow on us Mercy from Thyself, and dispose of our affair for us in the right way!" 18:11 Then We draw (a veil) over their ears, for a number of years, in the Cave, (so that they heard not): 18:12 Then We roused them, in order to test which of the two parties was best at calculating the term of years they had tarried! 18:13 We relate to thee their story in truth: they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We advanced them in guidance: 18:14 We gave strength to their hearts: Behold, they stood up and said: "Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and of the earth: never shall we call upon any god other than Him: if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity! 18:15 "These our people have taken for worship gods other than Him: why do they not bring forward an authority clear (and convincing) for what they do? Who doth more wrong than such as invent a falsehood against Allh? 18:16 When ye turn away from them and the things they worship other than Allh, betake yourselves to the Cave: Your Lord shall shower His Mercies on you and disposes of your affair towards comfort and ease." 18:17 Thou wouldst have seen the sun, when it rose, declining to the right from their Cave, and when it set, turning away from them to the left, while they lay in the open space in the midst of the Cave. Such are among the Signs of Allh: He whom Allh, guides is rightly guided; but he whom Allh leaves to stray for him wilt thou find no protector to lead him to the Right Way. 18:18 Thou wouldst have deemed them awake, whilst they were asleep, and We turned them on their right and on their left sides: their dog stretching forth his two fore-legs on the threshold: if thou hadst come up on to them, thou wouldst have certainly turned back from them in flight, and wouldst certainly have been filled with terror of them. 18:19 Such (being their state), We raised them up (from sleep), that they might question each other. Said one of them, "How long have ye stayed (here)?" They said, "We have stayed (perhaps) a day, or part of a day." (At length) they (all) said, "Allh (Alone) Knows best how long ye have stayed here.... Now send ye then one of you with this money of yours to the town: let him find out which is the best food (to be had) and bring some to you, that (ye may) satisfy your hunger therewith: And let him behave with care and courtesy, and let him not inform any one about you. 16
16 Refer to the Glorious Qurn, Surat Al-Kahf (The Chapter of the Cave) 18:10-19.