"It is related that one night Shaykh Bayazid went outside the city and found everything wrapped in deep silence, free from the clamour of men. The moon was shedding her radiance upon the world and by her light made night as brilliant as the day. Stars innumerable shone like jewels in the heavens above, each pursuing its appointed task. For a long time the Shaykh made his way across the open country and found no movement therein, nor saw a single soul.
Deeply moved by this he cried:
"O Lord, my heart is stirred within me by this Thy Court displayed in all its splendour and sublimity, yet none are found here to give Thee the adoring worship which is thy due. Why should this be, O Lord?
Then the hidden voice of God spoke to him:
"O thou who art bewildered in the Way, know that the King does not grant admission to every passer-by. So exalted is the Majesty of His Court that not every beggar can be admitted thereto. When the Splendour of My Glory sheds abroad its radiance from this My sanctuary, the heedless and those who are wrapped in the sleep of indolence are repelled thereby. Those who are worthy of admittance to this Court wait for long years, until one in a thousand of them wins entrance thereto."
No religion would be complete without providing the path for the "one in a thousand". Islam as an integral tradition and the last plenary message of Heaven to the present humanity has preserved to this day the possibility of following the interior life, a life which, although actualized fully only by the few, has cast its light and spread its perfume over all authentic manifestations of the Islamic tradition.
June 9, 2011
June 6, 2011
The farmer who followed his dream | a palestinian folk-tale
In the village of Sirees there lived a poor farmer. He lived in a small house with two lemon trees in a garden at the front. The farmer and his seven children worked all year round, but money was short.
One morning, while they were having breakfast, his wife said, "You look worried. What is the matter?"
The farmer replied, "I had a dream last night, and I can't explain it. I dreamt that I had to go to Jerusalem - I don't know why - and had to wait at a certain place by Damascus Gate."
"Wait for what?" asked his wife.
"That's it," said the farmer. "I have no idea what I was waiting for."
He went off to work and by the end of the day forgotten all about his dream. But that night and night after, he had the same dream again.
After having same dream three times and consulting with his wife, he decided to follow the dream's instruction. After three days of walking (being poor he couldn't afford to hire a horse or mule), he reached Damascus Gate in Jerusalem. There he stood and waited. People came and went, bought and sold, went to work and came back. Everyone passed by him and still he waited.
The farmer waited and waited and waited, but nothing happened. Night came, shops closed, people went home, but still he waited. Next day, same thing happened. On the third day he was still there.
On the third night, as the shops were closing, a man approached and said, "I own the leather shop just behind you, and I noticed you have been standing the same spot for the last three days. What is your story?"
The farmer told the shopkeeper about his dream, "... and as you can see, I am still waiting for something to happen."
The shopkeeper laughed and laughed and said, "Thats the craziest thing I've ever heard. You walked for three days and waited here for three days and nights - just because of your dream?"
"Well, yes," now embarrassed farmer said.
The shopkeeper laughed even more and said, "Go home. You have already wasted six working days. If everyone left their jobs to follow their dreams, no work would ever get done. Take me, for example. I had the same dream every night for seven nights, and in the dream I saw treasure buried between two lemon trees in a garden in front of a small house in a village called Sss - see, I can't even remember the name! Do you really think I am crazy enough to close my shop and go to that godforsaken place to look for treasure I saw in dream? I..."
Before the shopkeeper could finish, he saw to his surprise that the farmer had disappeared up the road out of sight
One morning, while they were having breakfast, his wife said, "You look worried. What is the matter?"
The farmer replied, "I had a dream last night, and I can't explain it. I dreamt that I had to go to Jerusalem - I don't know why - and had to wait at a certain place by Damascus Gate."
"Wait for what?" asked his wife.
"That's it," said the farmer. "I have no idea what I was waiting for."
He went off to work and by the end of the day forgotten all about his dream. But that night and night after, he had the same dream again.
After having same dream three times and consulting with his wife, he decided to follow the dream's instruction. After three days of walking (being poor he couldn't afford to hire a horse or mule), he reached Damascus Gate in Jerusalem. There he stood and waited. People came and went, bought and sold, went to work and came back. Everyone passed by him and still he waited.
The farmer waited and waited and waited, but nothing happened. Night came, shops closed, people went home, but still he waited. Next day, same thing happened. On the third day he was still there.
On the third night, as the shops were closing, a man approached and said, "I own the leather shop just behind you, and I noticed you have been standing the same spot for the last three days. What is your story?"
The farmer told the shopkeeper about his dream, "... and as you can see, I am still waiting for something to happen."
The shopkeeper laughed and laughed and said, "Thats the craziest thing I've ever heard. You walked for three days and waited here for three days and nights - just because of your dream?"
"Well, yes," now embarrassed farmer said.
The shopkeeper laughed even more and said, "Go home. You have already wasted six working days. If everyone left their jobs to follow their dreams, no work would ever get done. Take me, for example. I had the same dream every night for seven nights, and in the dream I saw treasure buried between two lemon trees in a garden in front of a small house in a village called Sss - see, I can't even remember the name! Do you really think I am crazy enough to close my shop and go to that godforsaken place to look for treasure I saw in dream? I..."
Before the shopkeeper could finish, he saw to his surprise that the farmer had disappeared up the road out of sight
June 4, 2011
The story of the three old men
A woman came out of her house and saw three
old men with long white beards sitting in
her front yard. She did not recognize them.
She said ‘I don’t think I know you,
but you must be hungry.
Please come in and have something to eat.’
They asked, Is the man of the house in the house?
She replied, no he is out
They replied, Then we cannot come in.
In the evening when her husband came home,
she told him what had happened
he said: ‘ Go tell them I am in
the house and invite them in ‘
The woman went out and invited the men in .
They replied, we don’t go into the house together.
She asked, Why is that?
One of the old men explained :
‘His name is Wealth ,’
he said as pointing to one of his friends,
and said, pointing to another one , ‘He is Success,
and I am Love ‘
Then he added, ‘Now go in and discuss
with your husband which
one of us you want in your home .’
The woman went in and told
her husband what was said.
Her husband was overjoyed
he said, How nice ! since that is the case,
let us invite Wealth
Let him come and fill our home with wealth !
His wife disagreed .
‘ My dear, why don’t we invite Success ?’
Their daughter in law was listening from
the other corner of the house.
She jumped in with her own suggestion
: ‘ Would it not be better to invite Love ?
Our home will then be filled with love .’
‘Let us heed/follow our daughter in law’ s
advice,’ said the husband to his wife !
‘Go out and invite Love to be our guest.’
The woman went out and asked the three
old men , ‘Which one of you is Love ?
Please come in and be our guest .’
Love got up and started walking toward the house.
The other two also got up and followed him.
Surprised, the lady asked Wealth and Success :
‘I only invited Love ; Why are you coming in?’
The old men replied together : ‘If you had invited
Wealth or Success , the other two of us would’ve
stayed out, but since you invited Love ,
wherever He goes, we go with him.
Wherever there is Love, there is also
Wealth and Success.
old men with long white beards sitting in
her front yard. She did not recognize them.
She said ‘I don’t think I know you,
but you must be hungry.
Please come in and have something to eat.’
They asked, Is the man of the house in the house?
She replied, no he is out
They replied, Then we cannot come in.
In the evening when her husband came home,
she told him what had happened
he said: ‘ Go tell them I am in
the house and invite them in ‘
The woman went out and invited the men in .
They replied, we don’t go into the house together.
She asked, Why is that?
One of the old men explained :
‘His name is Wealth ,’
he said as pointing to one of his friends,
and said, pointing to another one , ‘He is Success,
and I am Love ‘
Then he added, ‘Now go in and discuss
with your husband which
one of us you want in your home .’
The woman went in and told
her husband what was said.
Her husband was overjoyed
he said, How nice ! since that is the case,
let us invite Wealth
Let him come and fill our home with wealth !
His wife disagreed .
‘ My dear, why don’t we invite Success ?’
Their daughter in law was listening from
the other corner of the house.
She jumped in with her own suggestion
: ‘ Would it not be better to invite Love ?
Our home will then be filled with love .’
‘Let us heed/follow our daughter in law’ s
advice,’ said the husband to his wife !
‘Go out and invite Love to be our guest.’
The woman went out and asked the three
old men , ‘Which one of you is Love ?
Please come in and be our guest .’
Love got up and started walking toward the house.
The other two also got up and followed him.
Surprised, the lady asked Wealth and Success :
‘I only invited Love ; Why are you coming in?’
The old men replied together : ‘If you had invited
Wealth or Success , the other two of us would’ve
stayed out, but since you invited Love ,
wherever He goes, we go with him.
Wherever there is Love, there is also
Wealth and Success.
This too shall pass
A Sufi village was attacked and captured by a group of warriors. The king of the victorious tribe called the Sufi leader and said that unless they could tell him what would make him “happy when he was sad, and sad when he was happy,” the entire village would be put to death the following morning.
The village people constructed a large bonfire, and all night long their wise men and women strove to answer the king’s question: What could make a person happy when he is sad, sad when he is happy? Finally, sunrise came and the king entered the village. Approaching the wise ones he asked, “Have you fulfilled my request?” One of the wise men then reached into a pouch and presented the king with a gold ring. The king was perplexed. “I have no need for gold,” he exclaimed. “How can this ring make me happy when I am sad, and sad when I am happy ?” The the king looked again and saw an inscription. It read “THIS TOO SHALL PASS.”
The village people constructed a large bonfire, and all night long their wise men and women strove to answer the king’s question: What could make a person happy when he is sad, sad when he is happy? Finally, sunrise came and the king entered the village. Approaching the wise ones he asked, “Have you fulfilled my request?” One of the wise men then reached into a pouch and presented the king with a gold ring. The king was perplexed. “I have no need for gold,” he exclaimed. “How can this ring make me happy when I am sad, and sad when I am happy ?” The the king looked again and saw an inscription. It read “THIS TOO SHALL PASS.”
March 30, 2011
A story of an Arab Lady
An elderly Arab lady was sitting at the trunk of a tree, on the way to Haj. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) happened to pass that way. He was also heading for Baitullah, for Hajj, and to the Sacred tomb of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu ?layhi Wasallam). Seeing this lady very disturbed and in a state of despair, (distressed) he spoke to her. The discussion is recorded as follows:
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah
The lady: “The word from a merciful Lord is Peace” (Surah 36 Aayat 58). She meant that the reply of salaam is from Allah, Most High, Himself.
She said further: “Those whom Allah sendeth astray, there is no guide for them.” (Surah 7 Aayat 186). She meant that she has lost her way.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Where are you coming from?
The lady: “Glorified be He who carried His servant by night from the Musjid-e-Aqsa (invioble place of worship) to the Musjid-e-Haraam” (Far distant place of worship) (Surah17 Aayat1). She meant that she had come from Musjid-e-Aqsa.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): How long are you in this place?
The lady: “For three nights” (Surah 19 Aayat10).
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): What arrangements are made for your food?
The lady: “And who (Allah) feedeth me and watereth me” (Surah 26 Aayat 79). She meant that somehow or the other, her food is provided to her by Allah.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Is there any water for Wudhu?
The lady: “And ye find not water, then go to high clean soil and (make tayammum) rub your faces and hands.” (therewith) (Surah 4 Aayat 43). She meant that she makes tayammum, due to not finding water.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Here is some food. Partake of it.
The lady: “Strictly observe the fast till nightfall” (Surah 2 Aayat 187). She indicated that she is fasting.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): This is not the month of Ramadaan.
The lady: “And he who does good of his own accord (for him) lo! Allah is responsive, aware”. (Surah 2 Aayat158) meaning that I have observed an optional (nafl) fast.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): It is permitted to break the fast when in a journey.
The lady: “And that ye fast is better for you, if you did but know.” (Surah 2 Aayat 184)
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Speak like how I speak.
The lady: “He (man) uttereth no word but there is with him an observer ready” (Surah 50 Aayat 18). She meant that since every word of a person is observed and recorded, she is taking precaution by speaking only in the words of the Holy Quran.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Which clan do you belong to?
The lady: “Follow not that whereof thou hast no knowledge, lo! The hearing and the sight and heart of each of these it will be asked” (Surah 17 Aayat36). She meant those things that you have no knowledge of, nor do they concern you, you are wasting your strength (senses) by enquiring about them.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Forgive me. I have certainly made a mistake.
The lady: “Have no fear this day. May Allah forgive you” (Surah 12 Aayat 92)
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Would you like to travel on my camel and meet your caravan?
The lady: “And whatsoever good ye do Allah knoweth it” (Surah 2 Aayat 197). Meaning that if you will do this good deeds towards me, Allah will recompense you for it.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Well, then you may mount it.
Saying this he made the camel to sit down.
The lady: “Tell the believing men (when confronted by women) to lower their gaze”. (Surah 24 Aayat 30).
Hadhrat Abdullah understood and (turned) looked away. While she was mounting, the camel jerked and her clothes got estrangled in the saddle (dorsers) and she proclaimed: “whatever of misfortune striketh you, it is what your hands have earned.” (Surah 42 Aayat 30).
In other words she was drawing Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak’s (RA) attention towards this mishap. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) understood and he tied the legs of the camel and he straightened the straps of the saddle (or dorser).
She applauded him for his proficiency and capability by saying “And we made Sulaiman to understand” (Surah 21 Aayat 79). When the journey was about to begin, the lady recited the Aayats which are read when undertaking a journey “Glorified be he who hath subdued these unto us, and we were not capable (of subduing them). And lo, unto our Lord we are returning.” (Surah 43 Aayat 13).
Hadhrat Abdullh bin Mubarak (RA) held the bridle (or nose string) of the camel. He began to hum the (Huddi) famous Arabic song for travelling, and he started walking very fast.
The lady: “Be modest in thy bearing and subdue thy voice” (Surah 31 Aayat 19). Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) understood. He began walking slower and he lowered his voice.
The lady: “Recite of the Quran that which is easy for you.” She meant that instead of humming the Huddi, he should rather recite the Holy Quran.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) began reciting the Holy Quran.
The lady became very pleased and said “but none remember (accept advice) except men of understanding” (Surah 2 Aayat 269).
After reciting the Holy Quran for a while, Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) asked (the lady if she had a husband) (if he was alive) “O Aunt, have have you a husband? (meaning is he living)
The lady: “O you who believe, ask not of things which if they were made known unto you, would trouble you” (Surah 5 Aayat 101). She meant that no questions should be asked regarding this matter which indicated that her husband has most probably passed away. Finally they (caught up) met the caravan.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Do you have any son or relative (friend) in this caravan who has connection (contact) with you?
The lady: “Wealth and children are an ornament of life of the world” (Surah 18 Aayat 46). She meant that her sons were with this caravan and he has provisions with him.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): What work are your sons doing for the caravan? (Hadhrat Abdullah’s object for asking was to make it easy for him to recognise her son).
The lady: “And landmarks, and by the star they find a way” (Surah 16 Aayat 16). She meant that he is a guide for the caravan.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Can you tell me their name?
The lady: “Allah chose Ibrahim as (for) a friend” (Surah 4 Aayat 125). And Allah spoke directly unto Moosa” (Surah 19 Aayat 12). By reciting these Aayats the lady informed him that her sons names were Yahya, Ibrahim and Moosa.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) called out these names in the caravan and immediately three young people came forward.
The lady: (addressing her children) “Now send one of you with this your silver coin unto the city. And let him see what food is purest there and bring you a supply thereof” (Sura 18 Aayat 19) In other words she instructed them to feed Hadhrat Abdullah (RA).
When the food was brought, she told Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): “Eat and drink at ease for that which ye sent on before you in the past days.” (Surah 69 Aayat 24), and with this Aayat she recited another Aayat, the object of which was to convey (show) her gratefulness to him for his good conduct and courtesy. The Aayat was: “Is the reward of goodness aught save goodness?” (Surah 55 Aayat 60).
Their conversation terminated on this Aayat. The lady’s son informed Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) that his mother has been speaking in this manner, i.e. using only the Aayats of the Holy Quran in her speech, for the last forty years.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah
The lady: “The word from a merciful Lord is Peace” (Surah 36 Aayat 58). She meant that the reply of salaam is from Allah, Most High, Himself.
She said further: “Those whom Allah sendeth astray, there is no guide for them.” (Surah 7 Aayat 186). She meant that she has lost her way.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Where are you coming from?
The lady: “Glorified be He who carried His servant by night from the Musjid-e-Aqsa (invioble place of worship) to the Musjid-e-Haraam” (Far distant place of worship) (Surah17 Aayat1). She meant that she had come from Musjid-e-Aqsa.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): How long are you in this place?
The lady: “For three nights” (Surah 19 Aayat10).
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): What arrangements are made for your food?
The lady: “And who (Allah) feedeth me and watereth me” (Surah 26 Aayat 79). She meant that somehow or the other, her food is provided to her by Allah.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Is there any water for Wudhu?
The lady: “And ye find not water, then go to high clean soil and (make tayammum) rub your faces and hands.” (therewith) (Surah 4 Aayat 43). She meant that she makes tayammum, due to not finding water.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Here is some food. Partake of it.
The lady: “Strictly observe the fast till nightfall” (Surah 2 Aayat 187). She indicated that she is fasting.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): This is not the month of Ramadaan.
The lady: “And he who does good of his own accord (for him) lo! Allah is responsive, aware”. (Surah 2 Aayat158) meaning that I have observed an optional (nafl) fast.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): It is permitted to break the fast when in a journey.
The lady: “And that ye fast is better for you, if you did but know.” (Surah 2 Aayat 184)
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Speak like how I speak.
The lady: “He (man) uttereth no word but there is with him an observer ready” (Surah 50 Aayat 18). She meant that since every word of a person is observed and recorded, she is taking precaution by speaking only in the words of the Holy Quran.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Which clan do you belong to?
The lady: “Follow not that whereof thou hast no knowledge, lo! The hearing and the sight and heart of each of these it will be asked” (Surah 17 Aayat36). She meant those things that you have no knowledge of, nor do they concern you, you are wasting your strength (senses) by enquiring about them.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Forgive me. I have certainly made a mistake.
The lady: “Have no fear this day. May Allah forgive you” (Surah 12 Aayat 92)
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Would you like to travel on my camel and meet your caravan?
The lady: “And whatsoever good ye do Allah knoweth it” (Surah 2 Aayat 197). Meaning that if you will do this good deeds towards me, Allah will recompense you for it.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Well, then you may mount it.
Saying this he made the camel to sit down.
The lady: “Tell the believing men (when confronted by women) to lower their gaze”. (Surah 24 Aayat 30).
Hadhrat Abdullah understood and (turned) looked away. While she was mounting, the camel jerked and her clothes got estrangled in the saddle (dorsers) and she proclaimed: “whatever of misfortune striketh you, it is what your hands have earned.” (Surah 42 Aayat 30).
In other words she was drawing Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak’s (RA) attention towards this mishap. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) understood and he tied the legs of the camel and he straightened the straps of the saddle (or dorser).
She applauded him for his proficiency and capability by saying “And we made Sulaiman to understand” (Surah 21 Aayat 79). When the journey was about to begin, the lady recited the Aayats which are read when undertaking a journey “Glorified be he who hath subdued these unto us, and we were not capable (of subduing them). And lo, unto our Lord we are returning.” (Surah 43 Aayat 13).
Hadhrat Abdullh bin Mubarak (RA) held the bridle (or nose string) of the camel. He began to hum the (Huddi) famous Arabic song for travelling, and he started walking very fast.
The lady: “Be modest in thy bearing and subdue thy voice” (Surah 31 Aayat 19). Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) understood. He began walking slower and he lowered his voice.
The lady: “Recite of the Quran that which is easy for you.” She meant that instead of humming the Huddi, he should rather recite the Holy Quran.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) began reciting the Holy Quran.
The lady became very pleased and said “but none remember (accept advice) except men of understanding” (Surah 2 Aayat 269).
After reciting the Holy Quran for a while, Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) asked (the lady if she had a husband) (if he was alive) “O Aunt, have have you a husband? (meaning is he living)
The lady: “O you who believe, ask not of things which if they were made known unto you, would trouble you” (Surah 5 Aayat 101). She meant that no questions should be asked regarding this matter which indicated that her husband has most probably passed away. Finally they (caught up) met the caravan.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Do you have any son or relative (friend) in this caravan who has connection (contact) with you?
The lady: “Wealth and children are an ornament of life of the world” (Surah 18 Aayat 46). She meant that her sons were with this caravan and he has provisions with him.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): What work are your sons doing for the caravan? (Hadhrat Abdullah’s object for asking was to make it easy for him to recognise her son).
The lady: “And landmarks, and by the star they find a way” (Surah 16 Aayat 16). She meant that he is a guide for the caravan.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Can you tell me their name?
The lady: “Allah chose Ibrahim as (for) a friend” (Surah 4 Aayat 125). And Allah spoke directly unto Moosa” (Surah 19 Aayat 12). By reciting these Aayats the lady informed him that her sons names were Yahya, Ibrahim and Moosa.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) called out these names in the caravan and immediately three young people came forward.
The lady: (addressing her children) “Now send one of you with this your silver coin unto the city. And let him see what food is purest there and bring you a supply thereof” (Sura 18 Aayat 19) In other words she instructed them to feed Hadhrat Abdullah (RA).
When the food was brought, she told Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): “Eat and drink at ease for that which ye sent on before you in the past days.” (Surah 69 Aayat 24), and with this Aayat she recited another Aayat, the object of which was to convey (show) her gratefulness to him for his good conduct and courtesy. The Aayat was: “Is the reward of goodness aught save goodness?” (Surah 55 Aayat 60).
Their conversation terminated on this Aayat. The lady’s son informed Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) that his mother has been speaking in this manner, i.e. using only the Aayats of the Holy Quran in her speech, for the last forty years.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)