AL-MUSTAPHA INSTITUTE OF BRISBANE

Compiled by Br. Abdul-Halm Khall (26-04-14)

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahm

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.