Gham Ho Gaye Be Shumar Aka

Gham Ho Ghaye Bai Shumar Aka

 EXPLANATION OF EACH COUPLET

Couplet 1:

Gham Ho Gaye Be Shumaar Aka     Banda Tere Nisaar Aka

My sorrows are in abundance, O Master     

I humbly need guidance, O Master.

Glossary of Terms:

Gham = Sorrow.

Be Shumaar = Abundance.

Aka = Master.

Banda = Imam Ahmad Raza is referring to himself.

Nisaar = Sacrifice.

Explanation of the Couplet: O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), may I sacrifice myself for you. I have many worries. Free me from these troubles.

The first part of the couplet is referring to the verse in Surah Tauba:

لَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مِنْ أَنْفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُمْ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌ رَحِيمٌ

“Assuredly there has come to you a Messenger from among yourselves, heavy upon him is your suffering; ardently desirous of your welfare, to Muslims is most Kind and Merciful.”

In the explanation of this verse it states: “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is fully aware of the difficulties and sufferings of his followers because with this knowledge, his blessed heart would not be heavy upon him.”

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) being concerned for his followers who are in difficulty is not an innovated concept. There are many narrations on this matter; however, it is not only the Muslims but also the non-Muslims about whom he was concerned. It is worth mentioning one such incident:

Captures of Badar

After the prisoners had been captured in the battle of Badar, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) could not sleep. The companions (May Allah be pleased with them) asked, “What is the matter?” He said, “Can you not hear ‘Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) in pain?”

He gave a general order that all the captives should be well treated, though clearly, they had to be bound. But the thoughts of his uncle suffering such constraint prevented the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) from sleeping that night. He gave orders that his bonds should be loosened. So they loosened the bonds and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Loosen the rest of the captures too.”

The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had and has great warmth and feeling towards our welfare. A question may arise that this happened only during the life of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), the next incident is worth reading.

Assistance after Physical Departure

Al-Samarqandi said: “I heard my father narrate; it happened that while Sayyidina Sufyan al-Thawri was circling the Ka’bah, he saw a man who did not raise his foot nor lower his foot except that he offered a prayer (durood) for the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Sayyidina Sufyan said, I told him, “O you! You have stopped saying, ‘Subhan-Allah and La ilaha ill-Allah,’ and have proceeded with the prayer for the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! How do you explain this?’

He asked, ‘Who are you, may Allah (The Exalted) pardon you?’ I said, ‘I am Sufyan al-Thawri.’ He said, ‘Had it not been that you are of the strangers among the people of your own time (i.e. one of the Sunnis), I would not have told you of my condition, nor exposed to you my secret. I went with my father for the pilgrimage to the house of Allah (The Exalted), when I reached a resting station, my father became sick and I began to care for him. Then one night, when I was at his bedside, he died, and his face turned dark. So, I said, ‘We belong to Allah (The Exalted) and to Him we are returning!’ Then, I pulled the covers over his face, after which sleep overcame me. I saw a man next to me with a face such as I had never seen a more handsome one, nor clothes cleaner than his, nor a scent finer than his; he was raising one foot and lowering the other until he came close to my father and removed the cover from his face, whereupon the face turned light.

Then he started to go back, so I held onto his clothes and said, “O servant of Allah (The Exalted), who are you, with whom Allah (The Exalted) has graced us in this foreign land?” He asked, “Don’t you know me? I am Muhammad ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), the Companion of the Qur’an. Your father transgressed against himself, but he used to invoke blessings on me frequently and when he was affected with his illness he called on me for help (isthagatha) and I am a prompt helper of one who invokes blessings for me frequently.”

He said, “Then I woke up and saw that the face of my father was full of Noor.””

Subhan-Allah! From this we find Durood is very powerful. If the Durood is this powerful, then imagine how powerful the one whom Durood is sent upon is? The Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) light made the person’s face light up too. This also proves that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) physically came to that person, as the person described the physical attributes.

On the Day of Judgement, when people will be screaming ‘Nafsi, Nafsi’ (‘Myself, Myself’), the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) will be saying ‘Ummati, Ummati’ (‘My follower, My follower’). Even today if you ask for the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) help, he will no doubt help you as it is mentioned in many books of Seerah and history. We need to build a strong bond with the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) by reciting durood in abundance.

In this couplet Shaykh Ahmad Raza is asking the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) assistance to free him from difficulties.

The second part of the couplet is showing the sacrifice, which is the Sunnah of the companions of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). They would say many times ‘May my mother and father be sacrificed for you!’

Sacrifice

In the hadith we find, A man was with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) staring at him. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked, “What is wrong with you?” He replied, “My father and mother be your ransom! I enjoy looking at you.” On the Day of Rising, Allah (The Exalted) will raise you up because of His high estimation of you!

The companions would receive blessings, peace and comfort by being in the company of and by looking at the blessed face of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). They sacrificed everything just for a glance at him (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). 

Sayyidina Abu Hurayra (May Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Those in my community (Ummah) with the strongest love for me, are the people who will come after me. Some of them would give their family and wealth to have seen me.”

All the Awliya (friends of Allah) have been given this rank because of their love for the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Shaykh Ahmad Raza (May Allah have mercy upon him) was one of the fortunate ones who sacrificed everything for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Read the following incident:

His love for the Messenger of Allah

(may Allah bless him and grant him peace)

A’la Hadhrat (May Allah have mercy upon him) spent every moment of his life praising the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Everything he did was for the Pleasure of Allah (The Exalted) and His Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Once A’la Hadhrat (May Allah have mercy upon him) went into the Masjid in Bareilly. He was confronted by a Majzoob, Hadhrat Dhoka Shah (May Allah have mercy upon him). The Majzoob said, “O Ahmad Raza! I see the Power of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) only on the earth and not in the skies.”

A’la Hadhrat (May Allah have mercy upon him) in turn replied: “The Power of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is on the earth and in the skies.” The Majzoob said that he could not see this. A’la Hadhrat (May Allah have mercy upon him) said, “Whether you see it or not, it is still present.” The Majzoob, in a highly spiritual state, said, “Go! I have dropped him.”

At that moment, the son of A’la Hadhrat, Muhammad Mustafa Raza (May Allah have mercy upon him), who was still a child, was playing on the roof of the house. When A’la Hadhrat (May Allah have mercy upon him) reached the house, his mother came up to him and said, “You should know better than to argue with Majzoobs. Look! Muhammad Mustafa Raza has fallen off the roof.” A’la Hadhrat (May Allah have mercy upon him) enquired if his son had been hurt. When he was told that he was not injured, he said, “I am prepared to sacrifice a thousand Muhammad Mustafa Raza’s for the pleasure of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), but I will not allow one word to be uttered against the dignity of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).”

After some time, the Majzoob returned and met A’la Hadhrat (May Allah have mercy upon him) and said, “O Ahmad Raza! You are victorious. Our case was brought up before ‘The King of India’ (Sultaanul-hind), Hadhrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaaz (May Allah have mercy upon him). He had passed the verdict on your behalf and all praise to Allah (The Exalted), through your blessings, I am now able to see the mercy of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) even in the skies.” Subhan-Allah! The Awliya in this life have access to the realm of Barzakh meaning the Life between death and resurrection.

Harsh with Enemies!

It has been recorded that Sayyad Naee’muddeen Muradabadi once asked A’la Hadhrat (May Allah have mercy upon him) the reason why he was so severe with those who disrespected the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). A’la Hadhrat (May Allah have mercy upon him) replied, “O Mawlana! I am severe with them, because instead of insulting the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), they should rather make me the target of their insults. I do not have any interest in what they are calling me. At least, while they are busy insulting me, my beloved Master, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is spared from these insults.”

This incident clearly highlights the following thoughts of Imam Ahmad Raza (May Allah have mercy upon him): “If you desire my life, I will sacrifice it. If you desire my wealth, I will give it. But, there is one thing that I will never sacrifice, and that is, the love and reverence for the beloved, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).”

May Allah (The Exalted) increase our love for the Prophet (May Allah bless him and grant him peace), without any efforts, tests, with goodness, affection and harmony, Aameen,

Not only did the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) help whilst he was physically with us, but he still does and will do on the Day of Judgement this will be proven in the explanation of later couplets. Next time you are feeling run down, turn your attention towards the reliever of troubles. 

Gham Ho Gaye Be Shumaar Aka     Banda Tere Nisaar Aka

My sorrows are in abundance, O master     

I humbly need guidance, O master.

Couplet 2:

Bigra Jaata He Khayl Mera     Aka Aka Sawaaro Aka

I am almost losing this game     Please help me in Allah’s Name.

Glossary of Terms:

Bigra = Ruin.

Khayl = Game.

Aka = Master.

Sawaaro = Assist.

Explanation of the Couplet: O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The work done is gradually ruining; assist me as soon as possible.

It has been the practice since the time of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to ask for his assistance.

Assistance

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was making Wudhu for Tahajjud Salaah at the home of the mother of the believers’ Sayyida Maimuna (May Allah be pleased with her). He suddenly called out three times, “Labbaik, Labbaik, Labbaik!” (Here I am!) and “Nusirtu, Nusirtu, Nusirtu!” (I helped you!). After saying this, he remained where he was. Sayyida Maimuna (May Allah be pleased with her) further said: “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) completed his Wudhu, I asked him why he had called out those words,” He replied: “Raajiz was calling me.”

What happened was that the Quraysh wanted to kill Sayyidina ‘Umar bin Saalim Raajiz (May Allah be pleased with him), as he was on the road leading to Madinatul Munawwarah. He called out: “O Nabi (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! Help me or else the enemies will kill me!” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) responded to his call from home and saved him from death.   

This Hadith proves some points:

1. The companion asked help from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) knowing he was elsewhere.
2. Sayyida Maimuna did not object that the companion should have asked from Allah (The Exalted).
3. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is observing his Ummah.
4. It is permissible to call the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) for help.
5. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) can hear the call of his Ummah.
6. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) can help those in distress regardless of distance.

A Blind Companion

A blind companion went to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and said, “Invoke Allah (The Exalted) for me that he may help me.” He replied, “If you wish I will delay this, and it would be better for you, and if you wish I will invoke Allah (The Exalted) (for you).” He said, “Then invoke Him.”

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to him, “Go and make ablution, offer two cycles of prescribed prayer (Salaah), then say, “O Allah, I am asking you and turning to you with your Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), the Prophet of mercy; O Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), I am turning with you to my Lord with your intercession concerning the return of my sight so that He will fulfil my need. ‘O Allah, allow him to intercede (with you) for me.””

With regards to this Hadith Allama ‘Abdul Ghani Dihlawi (May Allah be pleased with him) says, “It proves the permissibility of mediation (Wasila) and that of the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) intercession. This command was such off during his life and also after his passing.” Thus, one is allowed to seek the Wasila (mediation) of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) even after his passing.

The blind man went and did as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) requested. Shortly thereafter, he returned to the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) session with his blindness cured.

This invocation was also used after the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) life time, as is proven by the Sahih hadith on the authority of Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn Hunayf’s nephew Sayyidina Abu Imama ibn Sahl ibn Hunayf: a man would come to Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn Affan for a certain need, but the latter would not pay him any attention nor look into his need, upon which he complained of his condition to Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn Hunayf who told him, “Go and make ablution, then go to the Masjid and pray two cycles, then say this supplication;

“O Allah, I am asking you and turning to you with your Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), the Prophet of mercy; O Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), I am turning with you to my Lord with your intercession concerning the return of my sight so that He will fulfil my need.”

Then go (to Sayyidina ‘Uthman again).” The man went, did as he was told, then came to Sayyidina ‘Uthman’s door, to which the door attendant came, took him by the hand, and brought him to Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn Affan who sat with him upon the carpet, and said, “Tell me what your need is.” After this the man went out he met Sayyidina ‘Uthman in Hunayf again, and said to him, “May Allah (The Exalted) reward you! Previously he would not investigate my need nor pay attention to me, until you spoke to him.” He replied, “I did not speak to him, but I saw the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) when a blind man came to him complaining of his failing eyesight,” and he mentioned to him the substance of the previous narrations.”

SubhanAllah! This hadith carries proof that it is permissible in Islam for one to ask Allah (The Exalted) for one’s needs, by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) during the lifetime and after his physical departure. This is exactly what Shaykh Ahmad Raza is doing through this couplet and following the companions and the pious predecessors.

Bigra Jaata He Khayl Mera     Aka Aka Sawaaro Aka

I am almost losing this game     Please help me in Allah’s Name.

Couplet 3:

Manjdaar Pe Aake Naaw Tuti     De Haat Ke Ho Me Paar Aka

My boat is creaking, I shudder     Rescue me from this stormy river.

Glossary of Terms:

Manjdaar = Middle of the ocean.

Naaw = Boat.

Paar = To shore.

Explanation of the Couplet: The boat has wrecked in the ocean, give me your hand and pull me to shore. The explanation is like the previous verse. However, we will quote another hadith at this point:

Imam Bukhari in Adaabul Mufrid, Imam ibn-us-Sunni and Imam ibn Bashkool have reported the following incident:

“Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) once suffered from a leg cramp. Someone advised him to remember someone whom he loved most. He proclaimed loudly, “O Muhammad! (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)” he was immediately relieved.”

Imam Nawawi in his commentary of Sahih Muslim in Kitabul Adhkar reported that some people were sitting in the company of Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him). Suddenly one of them suffered from a leg cramp. He advised the man to remember the person whom he loved most. The man proclaimed, “O Muhammad! (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)” he was immediately cured.

SubhanAllah! There are many companions who narrated similar incidents.

It is an established practice of the people of Madinah to proclaim “O Muhammad! (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)” in times of difficulty and anxiety. This was true love that came from their hearts.

Drought

A drought, known as “Aamur Ramadah” occurred during the Caliphate of Sayyidina ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him). His tribe, the Bani Muzaina, approached him and complained they were dying of hunger, and thus requested the Caliph to sacrifice a few sheep. When he told them, there was nothing left of the sheep, they still insisted. After the sheep were cut and cleaned, they noticed that only red bones were to be seen. Sayyidina Bilal (May Allah be pleased with him), seeing this, proclaimed loudly, “O Muhammad! (may Allah bless him and grant him peace),” in grief and concern. He was blessed with seeing the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in his dream, who informed him of future glad tidings. Subhan-Allah!

Imam Buseeri (608-695 AH) wrote the famous Qasida Burdah, when he suffered from a stroke. That night the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) appeared in his dream and Imam Buseeri recited this poem in front of him. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) granted him a scarf (burdah) and prayed for him. When he woke in the morning he was miraculously cured from his illness.

Imam Buseeri writes in one of his couplets:

Wa Mun Dhul Zamtu Afkari Madaihahu

Wa Jadtuhu Likhalasi Khayra Multazimi

“And since I have devoted my thoughts to his praise, I have found him to be the best sanctuary for my difficulties.”

Ya Akramal Khalqi Mali Man Alu Dhubihi

Siwaka ‘Inda Hululil Hadithal ‘Amami

“O the most noble of creations! Who can I seek refuge in other than you when widespread calamities begin?”

We find that asking for help in the time of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), as well as the time after him, is the Sunnah of the Companions and the pious including Shaykh Ahmad Raza, who revived these teaching, hence, asking the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) help.

Manjdaar Pe Aake Naaw Tuti     De Haat Ke Ho Me Paar Aka

My boat is creaking, I shudder     Rescue me from this stormy river.

Couplet 4:

Tuti Jaati He Peet Meri Lillah Ye Bohj Utaar Aka

I am carrying a Heavy sack.

For the sake of Allah, please take it off my back.

Glossary of Terms:

Peet = Back.

Lillah = For the sake of Allah.

Bohj = Burden.

Explanation of the Couplet: My back is going to break with the immensity of my sins, for the sake of Allah (The Exalted), O my Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) remove this mass, meaning that any difficulties of life become easy.

The Awliya Allah are protected from sins, they are humble servants and at times if their worship is reduced they feel as if committed a sin and this was due to other religious commitments like helping others with their issues.

Asking the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to make supplication on your behalf is part of Islam and proven by the companions of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). It states in the Hadith that “Supplication changes destiny.” This type of destiny is known as ‘definite but avoidable’ (Muallaq Shabeeh-ba-Mubram). There are three kinds of destiny:

1) Mubram-e-Haqeeqi (Unavoidable)

2) Muallaq Shabeeh-ba-Mubram (definite but avoidable) and

3) Muallaq Mahadh (hanging or in abeyance). Let us look at them in detail.

1) Mubram-e-Haqeeqi (Unavoidable): This kind is definite and cannot be changed no matter what. The certainty of this destiny is so final, that even the intercession and supplication by the foremost favourites of Allah (The Exalted) prove ineffective and are ultimately returned to them without any outcome.

For example; when the angles descended to the Earth to unleash disaster upon the people of Prophet Lut (upon whom be peace), Prophet Ibrahim (upon whom be peace) tried to save them by interceding and in his bid, even went to the extent of dispute with Allah (The Exalted). This has been mentioned in the Qur’an:

فَلَمَّا ذَهَبَ عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الرَّوْعُ وَجَاءَتْهُ الْبُشْرَىٰ يُجَادِلُنَا فِي قَوْمِ لُوطٍ

“Then when the fear of Ibrahim disappeared, and he got glad-tidings, he began to dispute with Us about the people of Lut.”

The calamities that befell the people of Prophet Lut (upon whom be peace) were unavoidable. That is why when Prophet Ibrahim (upon whom be peace) prayed to Allah (The Exalted) to avert it, He said:

يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ أَعْرِضْ عَنْ هَٰذَا ۖ إِنَّهُ قَدْ جَاءَ أَمْرُ رَبِّكَ ۖ وَإِنَّهُمْ آتِيهِمْ عَذَابٌ غَيْرُ مَرْدُودٍ

“O Ibrahim! Do not plunge in this though. No doubt, the Command of your Lord has come, and no doubt, the torment is to approach them, that cannot be averted.”

Allah (The Exalted) informs them there is nothing you can do.

2) Muallaq Shabeeh-ba-Mubram (Definite but Avoidable): This kind of destiny is also definite, but its occurrence is always subject to some reason or cause. This kind can be changed through the intercession of Prophets and saints. Only they have access to such destiny and can change it through their prayers and prostrations. According to a hadith it says, ‘The prayers, no doubt, ward off the ‘Qadha-e-Mubram’.

Abul-Muzaffar was a merchant who went to Ghaus-e-Azam’s teacher (Sayyiduna Shaykh Hammad) and said to him, ‘I am taking 100 gold coins and some goods with me to trade in Syria. Please pray for me.’  Sayyiduna Shaykh Hammad replied, ‘Don’t travel because if you go, robbers will steal all your coins and goods and they will also kill you.’ After hearing this, the merchant was upset. 

He was returning home when he met Ghaus-e-Azam. He asked him, “Why are you upset?” Abul-Muzaffar told Ghaus-e-Azam everything. Ghaus-e-Azam replied, “Do not worry, travel to Syria, In Sha Allah everything will be for the better.” 

So, the merchant set off for his destination and upon reaching made a huge profit. He was returning home with a bag full of 1000 Gold coins, when he put it somewhere and forgot. He was very upset and tired and fell asleep. The merchant saw a very scary dream, he saw he was returning with his bag of gold coins when robbers attacked him and stole the bag of gold coins and they murdered him. He woke up with a fright and saw there were no robbers there. He remembered where he had left the bag of coins and went to get it. 

When he returned to Baghdad, he couldn’t decide whether he should meet Ghaus-e-Azam or Shaykh Hammad first. On the way he met Sayyidina Shaykh Hammad who said to him, “Go and meet Ghaus-e-Azam because he is loved by Allah (The Exalted). Ghaus-e-Azam prayed for you 70 times before Allah (The Exalted) changed your destiny. The dream that you saw would have taken place if it was not for the prayer of Ghaus-e-Azam.” The merchant went to meet Ghaus-e-Azam. As soon as Ghaus-e-Azam saw the merchant, He said, “I did indeed pray for you seventy times.” SubhanAllah!

3) Muallaq Mahadh (Hanging or in Abeyance): Muhadh destiny can be changed and angels have been informed about the changes possible. Prophets and Saints by their recommendations and prayers to Allah (The Exalted) can influence this type of destiny. The age of Prophet Dawood (upon whom be peace) was fixed at 60 years on the Divine Tablet (Lowh-e-Mahfooz), but it was extended to one hundred years by the blessed prayer of Prophet Adam (upon whom be peace) to Allah (The Exalted).

Complaint to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)

(Al-Hafiz) Abu Bakr al-Minqari said, “I was with (al-Hafiz) al-Tabarani and (al-Hafiz) Abu al-Shaykh (‘Abd Allah ibn Muhammad al-Asbahani) in the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Masjid, in some difficulty. We became very hungry. That day and the next day we didn’t eat. When it was time for the night prescribed prayer (‘isha), I went to the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) grave and said, “O Messenger of Allah, we are hungry, we are hungry!” Then I left. Abu al-Shyakh said to me, “Sit, either there will be food for us, or death.” Abu al-Shaykh and I slept. Al-Tabarani stayed awake, researching something. Then an Alawi (a descendant of Sayyidina ‘Ali) came knocking at the door with two boys, each one carrying a palm-leaf basket filled with food. We sat up and ate. We thought that the children would take back the remainder, but they left everything behind. When we finished, the Alawi said, “O people, did you complain to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)? I saw him in my dream and he ordered me to bring something to you.”

Shaykh Ahmad Raza is asking the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to make supplication to Allah (The Exalted), to remove the “sins” and ease the difficulties.

Tuti Jaati He Peet Meri Lillah Ye Bohj Utaar Aka

I am carrying a Heavy sack For the sake of Allah, please take it off my back.

Couplet 5:

Halka He Agar Hamara Palla Bhaari He Tera Waqar Aka

My sins are too many in number

Take pity on me, O Allah’s Messenger!

Glossary of Terms:

Halka = Light.

Palla = Scales.

Waqar = Dignity.

Explanation of the Couplet: Even if my deeds on the scales are very little, your dignity is substantial and with your intercession the scales of good deeds will become weighty.

The true believers look at their own sins and short comings paying no attention towards themselves or their deeds.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “My intercession is for those from my Ummah with major sins.”

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said; “I have been appointed the ‘Intercessor’ and special intercession will be granted to me. No Prophet has this power other than me.” Indicating towards Shafat-e-Kubra (The Great Intercession).

In a hadith it states that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whosoever fulfils a Muslim brother’s need, I will stand near the scales of that person on the Day of Judgement, if he has enough good deeds then all praise be to Allah (The Exalted) or else I will intercede for him.”

In a sound and famous hadith, it says, “Every Prophet has a supplication which he makes. I have reserved my supplication for intercession for my community on the Day of Rising.”

The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) cared for his Ummah; when he came into this world, and he still does to this day and will continue to do so until the Day of Judgement, may we increase in our love, without any efforts, tests, with goodness, affection and harmony, Aameen,

Sayyidina Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah said to Sayyidina Yazid al-Faqir (ibn Suhayb), “Have you heard of ‘the station of Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)?” (i.e. the station which Allah (The Exalted) has granted him). He replied, “It is the Praiseworthy Station of Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) by means of which Allah (The Exalted) will bring out of the Fire whoever comes out of it,” and he mentioned the hadith of the intercession about bringing the people out of Jahannam.

We find that with the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) intercession we will be saved, In Sha Allah!

Halka He Agar Hamara Palla     Bhaari He Tera Waqar Aka

My sins are too many in number     Take pity on me, O Allah’s Messenger!

Couplet 6:

Majboor He Ham To Fikar Kya He Tum Ko To He Ikhtiyaar Aka

There is nothing which we can do

But Allah has given every power to you.

Glossary of Terms:

Majboor = Helpless.

Fikar = Concern.

Ikhtiyaar = Authority.

Explanation of the Couplet: O Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! Even if with my sins I am hopeless and helpless, this is not a problem, as Allah (The Exalted) has given you the free will.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Allah (The Exalted) gave me the choice to either have intercession or half of my Ummah entered into Paradise. I took the intercession, as there will be more use in that. Do you think my intercession is only for good Muslims? No, but for the sinful who are very impure.”

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “My intercession is for those from my Ummah with major sins.”

Once, Sayyidina Maghir (May Allah be pleased with him) committed a grave sin, he went to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and asked him to purify him. Although the companion had sinned against Allah (The Exalted), he asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to purify and cleanse him, because he knew that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has been given the authority from Allah (The Exalted) and would give great benefit to him.

It states in the Qur’an:

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِنْ رَسُولٍ إِلَّا لِيُطَاعَ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ ۚ وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ إِذْ ظَلَمُوا أَنْفُسَهُمْ جَاءُوكَ فَاسْتَغْفَرُوا اللَّهَ وَاسْتَغْفَرَ لَهُمُ الرَّسُولُ لَوَجَدُوا اللَّهَ تَوَّابًا رَحِيمًا

“And if when they do injustice unto their souls, then O beloved! They should come to you and then beg forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger should intercede for them, then surely, they would find Allah Most Relenting, Merciful.”

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “I am the one who distributes and Allah (The Exalted) is the One who gives.”

Sayyidina Rabee’ah (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “I was with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and when I bought him his water for ablution and what else he required, he asked me to make a request. I said; “I ask to accompany you in paradise.” He asked if I had any other requests to make. I replied, “That was all.”

The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was pleased with Sayyidina Rabee’ah and asked him what he desired, because Allah (The Exalted) has given the keys to all the worlds to His beloved. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not place any conditions. Sayyidina Rabee’ah asked for something amazing, he loved the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and he wanted to be with him (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in Paradise because this is the eternal goal. Everything is because of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), how can one ask for paradise and not desire to be with the one whom will get us paradise?

Sayyidina Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) never said ‘No’ if he was asked for something.”

It is obvious from these ahadith that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is the one who distributes throughout the universe and he who is a distributor in the entire universe, has the power of giving benefit. Shaykh Ahmad Raza writes here that there is nothing to worry about as Allah (The Exalted) has given the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) the authority, hence, relying on the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) receives everything from Allah (The Exalted), if someone says the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not have this or that or limits it, then one is pointing towards deficiencies in Allah (The Exalted)!

Majboor He Ham To Fikar Kya He Tum Ko To He Ikhtiyaar Aka

There is nothing which we can do

But Allah has given every power to you.

Couplet 7:

Me Door Hu Tum To Ho Mere Paas     Sunlo Meri Pukar Aka

I am so far, yet you are so near     Please steer the ship of my destiny clear.

Glossary of Term:

Pukar = Cry.

Explanation of the Couplet: Although I am far from you, however, O Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) you are close to me, you can assist me in any difficulty. Give me some attention and listen to my cry.

In the Qur’an it states;

النَّبِيُّ أَوْلَىٰ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ مِنْ أَنْفُسِهِمْ

“This Prophet is the owner of the Muslims even more than their own selves…”

Imam Suyuti writes; “To keep watch of his own followers and to pray for their forgiveness, their abstention from bad deeds, to come and go in the parts of the world, to give this auspiciousness, if a pious person dies from his followers, then to come and attend his (funeral) all this is done by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)”

This is the same Imam Suyuti who saw the beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) with his physical eyes in the state of wakefulness no less than 70 times. Imam Jalauddeen Suyuti himself, Imam Sha’rani and Imam Nabhani mentioned; that he (Imam Suyuti) met the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) 72 times.

News of Martyrdom

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was in Madinah and was able to witness the Battle of Muta as it ensured – the veils of distance being removed for him to see it in its entirety. It is due to this he gave news of the martyrdom of Sayyidina Zaid, Sayyidina Jaafar and Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn Rawaha (May Allah be pleased with them), before the news came from the battlefield. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stated that, “The flag was held by Sayyidina Zaid and he has been martyred, and then given to Sayyidina ‘Abdullah who also tasted martyrdom. The flag has now been taken by ‘a Sword from the Swords of Allah’ (Sayyidina Khalid Ibn Walid).”

This hadith proves that near and far is all present to him and this meaning, in other words, is said as; Haazir wa Naazir (Present and seeing). An attribute gifted to His beloved.

Hearing of The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “I hear all that which you do not hear.”

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has stated: “I hear with my own ears the Durood of those who love me, and I also recognise them.” Meaning the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) hearing is not like ours but unique without comparison.

Sayyidina Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrates: “We were in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and suddenly he heard a sound. He asked the companions regarding the nature of the sound. The companions replied, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “This is the sound of a stone that had been thrown into Hell, seventy years ago, and now it has reached the bottom.”

Not only did the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) hear the sound but knew the reason and much more which he kept secret. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had observed everything because the first creation was the light of the Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).

Imaam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa (May Allah be pleased with him) writes that Sayyidina Haaris ibn La’man and Sayyidina Haarisa bin Na’man (May Allah be pleased with them) have said that: “Once I went to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked me a question, “O Haaris! In what state did you pass the day?” I replied, “As a true Muslim.” Then the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked me the state of my Faith. I replied, “I see the Throne of Allah (The Exalted) and the people of Paradise helping each other and the people of Hell lamenting in Hell. I see in front of me Eight levels of Paradise and Seven levels Hell as clear as idol worshippers see their idols. I can recognise everyone just like a grinder can recognise wheat from barley that is, who is to go to Paradise and who is to be found in Hell. In front of me people are like fish and ants. Shall I stay silent or continue to speak?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) told him to stop and say no more.

This narration illustrates the sight of a companion which was received through the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). He could see the Throne of Allah (The Exalted), the Paradise, the Hell and their inmates! Imagine the sight of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! Addressing the companions (May Allah be pleased with them), the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) proclaimed: “What I see you cannot see, and what I hear you cannot hear.” Allahu Akbar!

Shah ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Muhaddith Dihlawi (May Allah be pleased with him) wrote: “Through the help of Noor-e-Nabuwwat, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is aware and well informed of the condition and status of every religious person. He knows of the point where that person has reached in his religion and what is the condition of his faith and through which veil it is that he is deprived of elevation. Thus, he knows our sins, intentions and ideas. This is why, according to Shari’ah, he will be the witness for the Ummah in the world and in the Hereafter.”

Me Door Hu Tum To Ho Mere Paas     Sunlo Meri Pukar Aka

I am so far, yet you are so near     Please steer the ship of my destiny clear.

Couplet 8:

Mujsa Koyi Gham Zada Na Hoga Tum Sa Nahi Gham Ghusaar Aka

I am miserably rueful   You are exceedingly merciful.

Glossary of Terms:

Mujsa = Like me.

Gham Zada = Grief-stricken.

Gham Ghusaar = Comforter.

Explanation of the Couplet: O Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). There probably is no-one as sad as me, and no-one like you who relieves this. To the extent you even remove grief of animals.

The Camel Complains

“The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked some people about a certain camel and they said they wanted to slaughter it.” In another version he said, “It has complained of too much work and too little fodder (food),” and in another, “It complained to me that you want to slaughter it after you have made it work in hard labour since it was young.”

In the above story of the split-eared camel, it complained to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) itself, that it was put out to pasture and that wild beasts avoided it, but calling out to it, “You belong to Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)!” After the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) left this world, it would neither eat nor drink until it died.

Not only did the animals know the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), but they even knew that he (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) can help. They even complained to him (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Non-living things, like stones and tree trunks, also became alive and spoke, due to the reality (Haqiqat) of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).

The Yearning of the Palm-trunk (Sutoon-e-Hanana)

Sayydina Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah said: “The Masjid was constructed of the trunks of palm-trees with a roof laid on top of them. When the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) addressed the people, he would lean against one of the trunks. When the mimbar was built for him, we heard that a trunk that made a sound like a camel.” Meaning it was crying in separation from the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).

In Sayyidina Anas’s version, “Until the Masjid was shaken by its moaning.”

In the version of Sayyidina al-Muttalib and Sayyidina Ubayy, “Until it nearly split and burst apart, at which the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) came to it and placed his hand on it. Then it was still.”

There are many other narrations with regards to this.

Gazelle Is Freed

Sayyida Umme Salama said that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was in the desert when a gazelle called out to him, “Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)!” He replied, “What do you need?” It said, “This Bedouin has captured me, and I have two fawns (kids) in the mountains, so release me so I can go and suckle them. Then I will return.” He asked the man, “Will you do that?” He replied, “Yes.” Then he let it go. It went, returned and he tied it up. The Bedouin came back and said, “Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), is there anything you want?” He said, “Let this gazelle go.” He let it go and it went running off into the desert, saying, “I testify that there is no god but Allah and that you are the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).”

Confronted By a Lion

There is also what is related about the lion being subjected to Sayyidina Safina, the companion of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), when he sent him to Sayyidina Mu’adh ibn Jabal to Yemen. He met the lion and told him that he was the companion of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and that he was carrying his letter. The lion snarled and moved from the road.

When the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) can know, understand, help animals and creation without life, then without a doubt, he can help his followers.

Mercy Onto The Worlds

When people rejected the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), in Taif, Sayyidina Jibreel (upon whom be peace) came to him and said, “Allah (The Exalted) has heard what your people say to you and how they reject you. He has ordered the angels of the mountains to obey whatever you tell them to do.” The angel of the mountains called him, greeted him and said, “Send me to do what you wish. If you wish, I will crush them between the two mountains of Makkah.” The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Rather, I hope that Allah (The Exalted) will bring forth their loins those of who will worship Allah (The exalted) alone and not associate anything with Him.”

This is exactly what happened, SubhanAllah!

The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is Rahmatul lil Aalameen, Mercy unto mankind. For the skies, on land, in the sea and even the unseen worlds.

Mujsa Koyi Gham Zada Na Hoga     Tum Sa Nahi Gham Ghusaar Aka

I am miserably rueful     You are exceedingly merciful.

Couplet 9:

Gardaab Me Pargayi He Kashti     Duba Duba Utaar Aka

My boat is in the whirlpool now     Save me! Please save me! Somehow.

Glossary of Terms:

Ghardaap = Whirlpool.

Kashti = Boat.

Utaar = Save.

Explanation of the Couplet: Due to my sins, my boat is sinking. Only you can save us.

It states in the Qur’an:

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِنْ رَسُولٍ إِلَّا لِيُطَاعَ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ ۚ وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ إِذْ ظَلَمُوا أَنْفُسَهُمْ جَاءُوكَ فَاسْتَغْفَرُوا اللَّهَ وَاسْتَغْفَرَ لَهُمُ الرَّسُولُ لَوَجَدُوا اللَّهَ تَوَّابًا رَحِيمًا

“And if when they do injustice unto their souls, then O beloved! They should come to you and then beg forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger should intercede for them, then surely, they would find Allah Most Relenting, Merciful.”

In this verse there is no restriction concerning transgression, transgressor, time and place. O My Beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), all types of transgressors and wrong-doers, during all periods of time, must come to your sacred shrine or abode. It should be remembered that the phrase ‘they should come to you’, does not confine the transgressor of going only to Madinah, but he can achieve this by sincerely and mentally turning to him.

Sayyidina Ibn Mas’ud (May Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “My life is a great good for you: you will relate to me and it will be related to you; and my death is a great good for you: your actions will be presented to me (in my grave) and if I see goodness I will praise Allah (The Exalted), and if I see evil I will ask forgiveness of Him for you.”

We find that even after the physical departure from this world of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), he is also beneficial and benefits his followers.

Sayyidina Al-Utbi said, “As I was sitting by the grave of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), a Bedouin Arab came and said, “Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah! I have heard Allah (The Exalted) saying, “And if when they do injustice unto their souls, then O beloved! They should come to you and then beg forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger should intercede for them, then surely, they would find Allah Most Relenting, Merciful.” So, I have come to you asking for forgiveness of my sins, seeking your intercession with your Lord’. Then he began to recite poetry:

O best of those whose bones are buried in the deep earth,

And from whose fragrance the depth, And the height have become sweet,

May I be the ransom for a grave which thou inhabit,

And in which are found purity, bounty and generosity!

Then he left, and I slept and saw the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in my dream. He said to me, “O Utbi, run after the Bedouin and give him glad tidings that Allah (The Exalted) has forgiven him.” Subhan-Allah!

Gardaab Me Pargayi He Kashti     Duba Duba Utaar Aka

My boat is in the whirlpool now     Save me! Please save! Somehow.

Shaykh Ahmad Raza writes in accordance to the Qur’an and hadith. He is asking the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to save him.

Couplet 10:

Tum Woh Ke Karam Ko Naaz Tum Se     Me Woh Ke Badi Ko Aar Aka

Virtue is proud of your righteousness     Vice is ashamed of my viciousness.

Glossary of Terms:

Karam = Generosity.

Naaz = Proud.

Badi = Vice.

Aar = Ashamed.

Explanation of the Couplet: O Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), you are such a beloved to Allah (The Exalted) that forgiveness is proud, as it has association with you. And I am such a sinner, that bad deeds are ashamed of me.

In the first couplet Shaykh Ahmad Raza humbles himself saying the better one’s bond, the better the person. For example, the family of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is superior to the family of other Prophets (upon whom be peace). The companions of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) are superior to the companions of other Prophets (upon whom be peace). The followers of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) are superior to the followers of other Prophets (upon whom be peace). Hence, Allah (The Exalted) states in the Qur’an:

كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ

“You are the best among all those nations appeared unto mankind.”

In the second couplet Shaykh Ahmad Raza is referring to himself as a sinner. Regardless how sinful a person, because he has a bond with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), on the Day of Judgement, the other Ummaties will be amazed by the bond.

Humbleness

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Allah enriches the cautious and deprives the waster; Allah elevates the humble and whoever oppresses others, Allah (The Exalted) will crush him.”

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said; “Allah (The Exalted) will not increase His servant except in honour. No one humbles himself for the sake of Allah (The Exalted), but Allah (The Exalted) will raise his status.”

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had once observed that as many as seventy thousand of his followers will be allowed entry into Paradise without any questioning. Each of those seventy thousand blessed people will enter Paradise along with another seventy thousand people who too will not be subjected to any accounting. Subhan-Allah! This is all your Sadaqa Ya Rasool-Allah!

Narrated by Sayyidina Anas bin Malik: “While I was with the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) a man came and said, “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! I have committed a legally punishable sin; please inflict the legal punishment on me.” The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not ask him what he had done. Then the time for the prayer became due and the man offered prayer along with the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), and when the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had finished his prayer, the man again got up and said, “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! I have committed a legally punishable sin; please inflict the punishment on me according to Allah’s Laws.” The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Haven’t you prayed with us?” He said, “Yes.” The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Allah has forgiven your sin.” or said, “….your legally punishable sin.””

Allahu Akbar! All it takes is the glance of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), the condition is love, those who loved the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) without any motive but love, all will be dealt with. Proving that we do not depend on the actions as our actions are not worthy, if there is anything that will save us, it is without doubt love. The companions would be teased by the non-believers, as they would stay hungry and wear simple plain clothes. The Ahle Sunnah also are teased by the corrupt sects regarding deeds (amal), masjids being empty and not having done a lot of work etc. However, the Ahle Sunnah has everything, as this is inheritance.

Tum Woh Ke Karam Ko Naaz Tum Se     Me Woh Ke Badi Ko Aar Aka

Virtue is proud of your righteousness     Vice is ashamed of my viciousness.

Couplet 11:

Phir Muh Na Phire Kabi Khaza Ka     De De Esi Bahar Aka

Autumn may never dare to sting     Give me such a lasting spring.

Glossary of Terms:

Khaza = Autumn.

Bahar = Flourishing state.

Explanation of the Couplet: O Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), give me the ability to perform good deeds, that are everlasting. In other words, have attention towards me always.

If the attention of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is not with someone, then he will start committing sins and lead to disbelief (Kuffar).

Disobedience and Destruction

Sayyidina Abu Umama Bahili (May Allah be pleased with him) narrates Tha’laba bin Hatib Ansari asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) “Supplicate for me so that I become wealthy.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied; “O Tha’laba! You will be ruined. Little wealth which you thank for is better than the wealth you will not have the ability to thank for.”

Tha’laba asked again, “Supplicate.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said; “I swear by the One who has my life in His hands, if I wanted these mountains to become gold and silver, then with the virtue of Allah (The Exalted) it would become gold and silver and walk with me.”

Tha’laba said; “I swear by the One who has sent you with the truth, if you supplicate to Allah (The Exalted) and Allah (The Exalted) gives me wealth, I will fulfil the right of the needy.”

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) invoked:

“Allahummar Zuq Tha’labatan Maalan” (O Allah! Give wealth to Tha’laba.)

Sayyidina Abu Umama Bahili (May Allah be pleased with him) states Tha’laba bought some goats and they increased to the extent it become difficult to live in Madinah and went outside. He would offer the Dhuhr and ‘Asr prayer in congregation, leaving the rest. His wealth increased so much he had no choice but to go into the jungle. Now he had stopped coming to the Masjid completely except Jumu’ah. Due to the love and increase of wealth, he even missed Jumu’ah.

Once the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked, “What has Tha’laba done?” People said, “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! It became difficult for him to live in Madinah due to his goats.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) showed signs of grief and said, “Tha’laba for you is destruction.”

Allah (The Exalted) revealed verses of Zakaah (charity) and therefore the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) sent two men to collect charity from the Muslims.

When they came to Tha’laba he said, “The meaning of Zakaah is nothing, this is tax. I don’t understand what this Zakaah is! You go and collect from others and return on your way.” When they returned, Tha’laba asked, “Can I just have a look at the command?” When he read it he said, “This is nothing but tax. This is a kind of tax. Go for the time being, I will think about it.”

They went and mentioned this to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), Allah (The Exalted) revealed the following verses regarding Tha’laba:

وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ عَاهَدَ اللَّهَ لَئِنْ آتَانَا مِنْ فَضْلِهِ لَنَصَّدَّقَنَّ وَلَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ . فَلَمَّا آتَاهُمْ مِنْ فَضْلِهِ بَخِلُوا بِهِ وَتَوَلَّوْا وَهُمْ مُعْرِضُونَ . فَأَعْقَبَهُمْ نِفَاقًا فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يَلْقَوْنَهُ بِمَا أَخْلَفُوا اللَّهَ مَا وَعَدُوهُ وَبِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ . أَلَمْ يَعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ سِرَّهُمْ وَنَجْوَاهُمْ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ

“And of them there are some who had covenanted with Allah that if He will give us out of His grace then we shall surely give in charity and we shall surely become good men. Then when Allah gave them out of His grace, they became niggardly of it and turned away their faces. Therefore, after it Allah put hypocrisy in their hearts, until the Day they meet Him – the recompense of that they acted against what they had promised to Allah and the recompense of that they used to lie. Are they not aware that Allah knows the secrets of their hearts and their whisper and Allah is the well Knower of all hidden things?”

When these verses of Tha’laba’s destruction were revealed there was a person in the court of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), who knew him well. He went to him and said, “O Tha’laba! These verses have been revealed about you, you are ruined. What have you done?”

Thereafter he came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) with his Zakaah and said, “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) accept this.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Allah (The Exalted) has said to refuse your charity.”

Then Tha’laba threw dust on his head. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “This is your own doing.”

After the physical departure of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Tha’laba brought it to Sayyidina Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) during his Caliphate and was rejected, the same happened in the Caliphate of Sayyidina ‘Umar and Sayyidina ‘Uthman (May Allah be pleased with them) but was also rejected. He eventually died an apostate during the Caliphate of Sayyidina ‘Uthman (May Allah be pleased with him).

This tells us that one who is rejected by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) will never find peace and security anywhere. We must pray that the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) attention stays towards us at all time and this is what Shaykh Ahmad Raza is asking the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), that his attention stays towards him at all times.

Shaykh Taj ud din Ibn Ataullah mentions in Lataif al-Manan, that once a person asked Shaykh Abul Abbas al Mursi: O Master kindly shake your hand with me, at this he replied By Allah I do not shake my hand except with the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace),Shaykh Mursi also said: If I do not see the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in time of twinkling of an eye then I do not consider myself Muslim in that moment. (Allama Alusi said): These incidents are mentioned overwhelming times in books. Allahu Akbar!

Ya Allah! Give us the ability to meet the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in abundance, without any efforts, tests, with goodness, affection and harmony, Aameen,

Phir Muh Na Phire Kabi Khaza Ka     De De Esi Bahar Aka

Autumn may never dare to sting     Give me such a lasting spring.

Couplet 12:

Jis Ki Marzi Khuda Na Tale     Mera He Woh Naamdar Aka

Whose recommendation Allah does not alter

I have such a distinguished master.

Glossary of Terms:

Marzi = Choice.

Khuda (Persian) = Allah.

Tale = Discard.

Naamdar = Renowned.

Explanation of the Couplet: He states that the choice of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), whatever it may be, Allah (The Exalted) didn’t discard it. This is my renowned Master!

It states in the Qur’an:

وَلَلْآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لَكَ مِنَ الْأُولَىٰ

“And undoubtedly, soon your Lord shall give you so much that you shall be satisfied.”

It means Allah (The Exalted) will grant him such abundance in this world, that He will make the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) very pleased. Thus, Allah (The Exalted) grants him countless miracles in the world, so much so that he is the very embodiment of miracles. He spread his religion from East to West i.e. to the four corners of the world. He granted him a huge progeny and the biggest Ummah (followers). He provided him with every kind of knowledge, of the past and the future. He raised and elevated his remembrance. He made the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) recognition in the grave, as the criteria for the person’s success in the grave test. Until the Day of Judgement, Angels, humans and Jinns would be extending salutation to him, at his Sacred Tomb.

He is granted bounties, like general intercession of the sinful believers in this world and the Hereafter, the Lofty Station (Maqam-e-Mahmood), medium of forgiveness (Shafa’ah), the Fountain of Kauthar etc. At the revelation of this verse, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “By Allah! I will not be pleased i.e. be happy, until such time, that the last follower of mine is not out of Hell.” It should be remembered that here not only the receiving of Prophethood, revelation, being beloved of Allah (The Exalted) are denoted, as these are already received before the revelation of Surah Duha, and not just the Fountain of latter moment is superior to the former moments because at every moment his status would become apparent and his moon would remain on the highest elevation. This blessed verse could also mean that through his intercession and means, the hereafter of the people will be better than their worldly life. One who cuts his association with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would be disgraced in this world and the Hereafter.

Change of Qibla

Another verse in the Qur’an states:

قَدْ نَرَىٰ تَقَلُّبَ وَجْهِكَ فِي السَّمَاءِ ۖ فَلَنُوَلِّيَنَّكَ قِبْلَةً تَرْضَاهَا ۚ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ ۚ وَحَيْثُ مَا كُنْتُمْ فَوَلُّوا وُجُوهَكُمْ شَطْرَهُ ۗ وَإِنَّ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ لَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ ۗ وَمَا اللَّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا يَعْمَلُونَ

“We are seeing the turning of your face towards heaven repeatedly: necessarily then We will turn you towards that Qibla which pleases you.”

It was the desire of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that the Ka’bah becomes the new Qibla of the Muslims. Once, while in Salaah the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) looked skywards instead of towards the earth, eagerly awaiting the revelation for the changing of the Qibla. At this stage he was given the glimpse of the forthcoming change. This verse suggests that the change of Qibla was the expressed wish of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). If Allah (The Exalted) can make the Ka’bah as Qibla, to fulfil the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) wish, it is certain that Allah (The Exalted) will not reject the forgiveness of sinners, like us, as desired by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).

When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) changed his direction, there were ten companions who without any hesitation followed him. They were given the certificate of Paradise in this world and are famously known as ‘The Ashra Mubash-Shara’ the ten granted Paradise in this world.

Once in a Lifetime

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “O people, Allah (The Exalted) has made Hajj compulsory upon you so perform Hajj.” A companion asked, “Is Hajj compulsory each year?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) remained quiet until he had asked his question thrice. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “If I was to say yes it would become Wajib (necessary) upon you (each year) and you would not possess the ability (to comply with it).”

We find from these examples that whatever the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, was not rejected by Allah (The Exalted), but whatever pleased Allah (The Exalted) pleased the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Similarly, whatever pleased the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) pleased Allah (The Exalted), Subhan-Allah!

When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) placed his blessed feet on the earth, Allah (The Exalted) made the entire earth a Masjid, meaning Salaah can be offered anywhere on earth. Also, the reward of Salaah was increased in Makkah and Madinah, yet 124,000 Prophets, more or less came but nothing like this was granted.

Shaykh Ahmad Raza mentions in this couplet the status and authority of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).

Jis Ki Marzi Khuda Na Tale     Mera He Who Naamdar Aka

Whose recommendation Allah does not alter     I have such a distinguished master.

Couplet 13:

He Mulke Khuda Pe Jis Ka Kabza     Mera He Woh Kaamghar Aka

He rules over Allah’s Land, no wonder!    

He is Allah Almighty’s Last Messenger.

Glossary of Terms:

Mulke = Lands.

Kabza = Command.

Kaamghar = Obtaining whatever is desired.

Explanation of the Couplet: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has been given the authority, by Allah (The Exalted) over His creation. He is my Master, acquires whatever he desires.

Sayyidina Abu Na’eem ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Sayyidina Aamina (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was born, I saw that a white cloud covered him and he vanished from my sight and when this veil moved I saw he had a green silk cloth wrapped around his fist and a caller was saying “Excellent! Well done! Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has taken the whole world in his control. There is not a creation on earth or in the heavens, which is not in his control.”

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “I have been given the keys to the worlds. Sayyidina Jibreel (upon whom be peace) came on a piebald (horse) to me upon which there was a beautiful saddle.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “I was asleep when all the keys to the treasures of the earth were placed in my hands.”

Sayyidina Abu Hurayra (May Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “I was asleep, and the earth’s treasures were brought to me.” Were it mentions asleep, it means the eyes are closed but he is still aware, the heart is in the presence of his Lord.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “My eyes sleep, but my heart does not sleep.”

Note: His attention was and always is with Allah (The Exalted). Physically the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) performed actions so the Ummah has a way in which to follow and call it a Sunnah and be rewarded. However, some have literally taken this as the state of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). We must learn our beliefs from the Awliya and Sufiya as they are the ones who have a very close relationship with the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). By reading the Qur’an and ahadith to our impure understanding, with our egos and understanding is not the true reflection of the words of The Mighty Allah and His beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). 

The Ransom

Sayyidina Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: “While we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), a man came to him and said, “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), I am undone.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked him: “What has happened to you?” He said: “I had sexual intercourse with my wife while I was fasting.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then asked him: “Will you get a slave to go free?” He said: “No.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked: “Can you fast two consecutive months?” He said: “No.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “Have you means to provide food for sixty people?” He said: “No.” He said: “Sit down.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then waited for a time, and meanwhile an ‘Araq containing dates was brought to him, an ‘Araq being a huge basket. He asked: “Where is the man who had questioned me?” He said “(Here) I am.” He said, “Take this and give it as charity.” The man said, “Am I to give it to one who is poorer than I am, O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)? By Allah, there is no poorer family than mine between the two lava plains of Madinah.” i.e. the two Harras. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) thereupon smiled so that gap between his blessed teeth became visible and said, “Give it to your family to eat.””

Subhan-Allah! The companion breaks fardh action, which is for Allah (The Exalted), but presents himself in the court of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The companion is given three things to do to compensate for the breaking of his fast, but he is unable to do so. He is then given another option, which he was worthier of, which the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) gave him and that compensated the breaking of his fast. This is the authority given to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) by Allah (The Exalted). The message is clear; love the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and leave the rest to him.

Paradise Granted

Sayyidina Rabee’ah (May Allah be pleased with him) said; “I was with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and when I bought him his water for ablution and what he required, he asked me to make a request. I said, I ask to accompany you in paradise. He asked, if I had any other request to make and I replied that that was all.”

It is obvious from these Ahadith that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is the one who distributes throughout the universe, and he who is a distributor in the entire universe has the power of giving benefit.

He Mulke Khuda Pe Jis Ka Kabza     Mera He Woh Kaamghar Aka

He rules over Allah’s Land, no wonder!     He is Allah Almighty’s Last Messenger.

Couplet 14:

Soya Kiya Nabikar Bande     Roya Kiye Zaar Zaar Aka

Sinners kept sleeping in utter laziness     

He kept on praying for their forgiveness.

Glossary of Terms:

Nabikar = Fool.

Zaar Zaar = Bitterly.

Explanation of the Couplet: The inadequate Ummaties sleep without any worry and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would spend nights crying for us. Where have you seen such a Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)?

Sayyidina Mughirah bin Shu’ban (May Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) performed such lengthy voluntary prayers, that his blessed feet became swollen. The companions said: “You undergo such great difficulties, whereas Allah (The Exalted) has forgiven your past and future sins.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Should I not be a grateful servant?”

The Qur’an states:

لِيَغْفِرَ لَكَ اللَّهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِكَ وَمَا تَأَخَّرَ وَيُتِمَّ نِعْمَتَهُ عَلَيْكَ وَيَهْدِيَكَ صِرَاطًا مُسْتَقِيمًا

“That Allah may forgive the sins of your formers and those after you on account of you and may complete His favours upon you and may show you the straight path.”

The Sufis have explained the meaning of sins when associated with the Prophets’ (Upon them be peace), as they are free from committing a sin before and after their declaration of Prophethood.

Where it mentions sins of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), it means the sins of his followers whose intercession and forgiveness is being made the responsibility of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), like the attorney of a case says, “this is my case,” meaning I am conducting its proceedings. It is for this reason the phrase ‘on account of you’ is mentioned here i.e. through your blessings and intercession. Being sinless is part of Prophethood. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is being grateful that Allah (The Exalted) has forgiven his Ummah.

Reality of Forgiveness

Another reason for the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asking for forgiveness is part of being a true servant, being thankful upon the bounties, to continue staying in the fear of Allah (The Exalted). According to Allama Washtani Maliki the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is elevated daily and would ask forgiveness from the previous stage from the veils of light of the next stage.

Mulla ‘Ali Qari states that it is not in our capabilities to talk about the heart of the Prophet (May Allah bless him and grant him).

Shaykh Shahabuddeen Soharwardi states that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would always be in the state of annihilation in the manifestations of the lights of Allah giving him difficulties. Allah (The Exalted) would relieve him from this state hence asking for forgiveness.

Some say that the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asking for forgiveness was a lesson for the followers to show that this is also a form of worship.

Allama Jalaluddeen Muhalli states the reason the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked forgiveness was that when we perform it we get the honour of following the Sunnah.

Qadhi Iyad states Allah (The Exalted) loves those who repent hence the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would repent to increase in love.   

Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn Abi Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that Sayyida ‘A’isha (May Allah be pleased with her) said, “Never abandon the night prayer, for the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) never missed it. If he was ill or felt tired, he would pray while sitting.”

Shaykh Ahmad Raza writes that we spend our time sleeping; however, the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) spent his nights worshipping. Many of us cannot worship all night; however, the least a person should do is to perform the five obligatory daily prayers. We get time to do many things but not offer Salaah. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is sinless but prayed for us. He had so much concern for us, yet we don’t have concern for our hereafter.

Soya Kiya Nabikar Bande     Roya Kiye Zaar Zaar Aka

Sinners kept sleeping in utter laziness     He kept on praying for their forgiveness.

Couplet 15:

Kya Bhool He Unke Hote Kehlaye     Dunya Ke Ye Taaj Daar Aka

Everything on Earth the Messenger of Allah knows      

Before him these Kings are mere shadows.

Glossary of Terms:

Kya Bhool = What a mistake.

Unke Hote = Whilst the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is present.

Taaj Daar = Kings/rulers.

Explanation of the Couplet: What a major mistake! In the presence of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), a ruler or king of the world, calls himself a leader, the greatest of them all. He is but a mere servant of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).

Maqam-e-Mahmood

All the Prophets of Allah (The Exalted) believed the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to be the leader. Hence, Sayyidina Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “I will be the first to emerge when men are brought back to life and I will be their spokesman when they arrive (at the Gathering). I will give them the good news when they despair. The Banner of Praise will be in my hand. I am the noblest of the children of Adam (upon whom be peace) with my Lord, and it is no boast.”

In the version of Sayyidina ibn Zahr from Sayyidina Rabi’ ibn Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “I will be the first of people to emerge when they are brought back and will be their leader and intercessor, when they are constrained. I will give them good news when they despair. The Banner of Praise will be in my hand. I am the noblest of the children of Adam (upon him peace) with my Lord, and it is no boast. A thousand servants will go around me as if they were hidden pearls.”

He is the true King, the Awliya and Sufiya recognise the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in this world and mankind will see this on the day of judgement. Allah (The Exalted) will hold a greatest Milad on the day of judgement, those who celebrated in this world will be in the state of ecstasy (wajd), whilst those who did not will be in the state of shock and despair. Contemplate for a moment and ask yourself, what is the purpose of the day of judgement? The entire reason of creation was because of him anyway, the Sunnis believed it, however, that day will all be about the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the entire mankind will see with their own eyes.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has been given the station of Maqaam-e-Mahmood. This is that point of intercession, where all will praise and honour the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).

The Qur’an states:

وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِ نَافِلَةً لَكَ عَسَىٰ أَنْ يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا

“It is near that your Lord may make you stand at a place where all should praise you.”

The position of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) will rightfully be revealed, at the place of Mahmood, because on that day the Prophet will become Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), object of praise of the Creator and the creation. The reality of the Prophet (Haqiqat-e-Muhammaddiyya, May Allah bless him and grant him peace) meaning Ahmad the light from Allah (The Exalted) will become apparent and no one will reject it that day, Allahu Akbar!

Intercession

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “I will intercede for my Ummah until my Creator summons me, “O Muhammad! (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Have you been pleased?” I will say, “O my Creator! I am pleased.”” We find that Allah will be pleased when the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is pleased, and here he is giving the news of the end of time too.

Sayyidina Abi bin Ka’ab (May Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “On the Day of Judgement, I will be the Leader and Khatib of all the Prophets (upon whom be peace) and I will be the master of their intercession. I do not say this out of arrogance.”

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stated: “On the Day of Judgement, I will be the leader of the children of Adam (upon whom be peace). I will be the first to rise from my grave. I will be the first to start interceding and my intercession will be the first to be accepted.”

Allah (The Exalted) will give His beloved Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Maqam-e-Mahmood (Grade of praise). This is where the people from before and after him, will praise him (will speak high of him).

Shaykh Ahmad Raza writes that all other rulers and kings are mere shadows in front of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Allah (The Exalted) will grant him the highest station on the Day of Judgement. We will only understand Allah (The Exalted) on the Day of Judgement when we see the reality of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). However, many Awliya have had some sort of indications of the reality.

Kya Bhool He Unke Hote Kehlaye     Dunya Ke Ye Taaj Daar Aka

Everything on Earth the Messenger of Allah knows     

Before him these Kings are mere shadows.

Couplet 16:

Unke Adna Ghada Pe Mit Jaye     Ese Ese Hazaar Aka

A humble servant of The Messenger of Allah can do     

What thousands of Kings are unable to.

Glossary of Terms:

Adna = Humble.

Ghada = Servant.

Mit Jaye = Sacrifice.

Hazaar = Thousands.

Explanation of the Couplet: The position of an oppressive ruler is that he cannot even breathe or take a breath in front of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).

The Arrogance of Khusroo Parweez

There was no boundary to the Prophet’s Messenger-ship (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as it included the entire universe and was not restricted to only the Arabian Peninsula; he had now intended to spread Islam universally and, as a result, sent letters to six kings including the king of Persia (Iran), inviting them towards Islam.

When this letter had reached Khusroo Parweez, the king of Persia (Iran), he became angry and asked, “Why did Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) put his name before mine?” He tore the letter into shreds and threw them on the floor. When the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was informed of this, he said, “He had torn my letter into shreds, Allah (The Exalted) shall tear his kingdom into shreds.”

After some time Sheerwiyah (the son of Khusroo Parweez) killed his father, by cutting open his stomach whilst he was asleep, which was the beginning of the decline and ‘shredding’ of his kingdom. Eventually the Persian Empire was completely defeated during the Khalifat of Sayyidina ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with him).

Respect

Ismail Haqqi (May Allah have mercy upon him) writes: The name of Mahmood Sultan’s servant was Ayaz, whose son was called Muhammad. Once, the Sultan needed to perform ablution. So, he called out “O son of Ayaz, bring me some water.” Ayaz heard this and was anxious about what my son had done wrong; that the Sultan said Ayaz’s son and not by his name Muhammad. When the Sultan saw Ayaz anxious, he asked for the reason and he said you did not take his name but called my name. The King smiled and said I didn’t have ablution and was ashamed of bringing this name on my tongue. Therefore, I said Ayaz’s son.

This is the respect of a Sultan in front of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Sultan Mahmood was given a successful rulership only because of his respect for the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and through his blessings.

Unke Adna Ghada Pe Mit Jaye     Ese Ese Hazaar Aka

A humble servant of The Messenger of Allah can do     

What thousands of Kings are unable to.

Couplet 17:

Be Abre Karam Ke Mere Dhabbe     La Tagh Siluhal Bihar Aka

Only you can wash through generous rain     

Otherwise oceans cannot remove my stain

Glossary of Terms:

Abre = Cloud.

Karam = Generosity.

Dhabbe = Sins.

La Tagh Siluhal Bihar = Which oceans can’t wash.

Explanation of the Couplet: O my Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), without your generosity, not even the oceans can wash away my sins.

Sayyidina ‘Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) relates that three days after the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) physical departure from this world, a villager came to the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) tomb and wept a great deal because of the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) passing. Clinging on to the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) grave, in his grief he started putting the dust around the grave upon his head saying, “Ya Rasool-Allah! We heard everything you said! Allah (The Exalted) revealed the Qur’an to you in which He has stated:

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِنْ رَسُولٍ إِلَّا لِيُطَاعَ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ ۚ وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ إِذْ ظَلَمُوا أَنْفُسَهُمْ جَاءُوكَ فَاسْتَغْفَرُوا اللَّهَ وَاسْتَغْفَرَ لَهُمُ الرَّسُولُ لَوَجَدُوا اللَّهَ تَوَّابًا رَحِيمًا

“And We have not sent any Messenger, but that he should be obeyed by Allah’s will. And if when they do injustice unto their souls, then O beloved! They should come to you and then beg forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger should intercede for them then surely, they would find Allah Most Relenting, Merciful.”

Ya Rasoolullah! I have wronged myself greatly, by the numerous sins I have committed! I present myself before you! Please pray for my forgiveness!’ Sayydina ‘Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) says, ‘A voice from the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) tomb said, “(Go!) You have been forgiven.” Allahu Akbar!

Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn Mubarrak (May Allah be pleased with him), narrated by Sayyidina Sa’eed ibn Musayyib (May Allah be pleased with him) states, “Not a day or night passes by, without the deeds of the Ummatis being placed in front of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Therefore, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) recognises his followers in two ways firstly, by their sins and secondly, by their deeds.”

The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “My life is a great good for you: you will relate to me and it will be related to you; and my death is a great good for you: your actions will be presented to me (in my grave) and if I see goodness I will praise Allah, and if I see other than that I will ask forgiveness of Him for you.”

Be Abre Karam Ke Mere Dhabbe     La Tagh Siluhal Bihar Aka

Only you can wash through generous rain     Otherwise oceans cannot remove my stain.

Couplet 18:

Itni Rahmat Raza Pe Karlo     La Yaq Rubuhul Bawaar Aka

To Raza show so much consideration     Please save him from annihilation.

Glossary of Terms:

Rahmat = Mercy.

La Yaq Rubuhul Bawaar = Destruction doesn’t come near me.

Explanation of the Couplet: O my Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), have mercy upon Ahmad Raza, that difficulties do not even come near him, in both worlds.

Many proofs have been presented from the Qur’an and ahadith; however, we will mention another.

It states in the Qur’an:

وَلَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ كِتَابٌ مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ مُصَدِّقٌ لِمَا مَعَهُمْ وَكَانُوا مِنْ قَبْلُ يَسْتَفْتِحُونَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَلَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ مَا عَرَفُوا كَفَرُوا بِهِ ۚ فَلَعْنَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَى الْكَافِرِينَ

“…And before that they were asking for victory (through the medium of The Messenger of Allah) over the infidels by means of the same Prophet…”

Circumstances of its Revelation

When the people of the Book (the true Jews and Christians) had fought with the pagans, they would always pray for their victory and success by seeking the mediation of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “Oh Allah grant us success for the sake of the final Prophet.” Allah (The Exalted) would always make them victorious.

Imam Suyuti in Asbab al-nuzul said: Ibn Abi Hatim narrated through Saeed or Ikrima from Ibn Abbas; the Jews used to pray for the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) victory against the Aws and Khazraj (Tribes in Madinah), before he was sent. Then, when Allah sent him from among the Arabs, they disbelieved in him. They denied and rejected what they used to say about him. To this, Sayyyidina Muadh ibn Jabal, Sayyidina Bishr ibn al-Bara and Sayyidina Dawud ibn Salama said; “O Jews! Fear Allah and submit! For you used to pray for victory against us through Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) when we were disbelievers, you used to tell us that he is a Messenger soon to be sent and would describe him for us.” Furthermore Salam ibn Mashkam, one of the Jewish tribe of Banu Nadir said, “He did not come to us with something that we recognise, and he is not the one that we used to describe and speak about before.” It is for this reason Allah (The Exalted) revealed the verse.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said on the authority of Sayyidina ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with him), “When Sayyidina Adam committed his ‘mistake’, he said, “O my Lord, I am asking you to forgive me for the sake of Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).” Allah (The Exalted) said, “O Adam, how do you know about Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) whom I have yet not created?”

Sayyidina Adam (upon him peace) replied, “O my Lord, after You created me with your hand and breathed Your Spirit into me, I raised my head and saw written on the heights of the Throne, ‘There is no deity but Allah Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’ (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). I understood that You would not place next to Your Name, but the Most Beloved One of Your creation.” Allah (The Exalted) said, “O Adam, I have forgiven you, and were it not for Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) I would not have created you.””

The Anbiya (Prophets) are Wasilas (mediators) for their Ummah, in every form, and the mediation of the Anbiya is the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Hence, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is the Source of all mediations, even the mediation for the Prophet Adam (upon whom be peace).

If Sayyidina Adam (upon him be peace) did not do what he did, we would have not known how and where to seek repentance from.

Itni Rahmat Raza Pe Karlo     La Yaq Rubuhul Bawaar Aka

To Raza show so much consideration     Please save him from annihilation.

CONCLUSION

Whatever Shaykh Ahmad Raza said and wrote, the companions would ask from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) i.e. Dua, intercession, forgiveness. This is the teaching of Shaykh Ahmad Raza, who is reviving the teachings of the companions.

We also find that his praising of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is from the Qur’an and hadith. This was the immense love of Shaykh Ahmad Raza for the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).

May Allah (The Exalted) give us the true sincere love and increase our love for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) every moment, without any efforts, tests, with goodness, affection and harmony, Aameen!