World of Tasawwuf

Reward of Following The Shaykh : leads to the Sahaba e Kiraam

The next morning everyone was asked to gather in the Hotel foyer inorder to commence the purpose of the visit. As the group recollected eager to be led by Hadrat Shaykh al-Islam there was an air of eagerness and excitement felt all around. As soon as Hadrat appeared from the Hotel lifts everyone instantaneously stood up in respect to welcome their arrival. Hadrat made a quick glance at the group and then lead them out onto the streets of Istanbul.

At times there was frantic movement amongst the group scurrying to get close to The Shaykh, whilst many others had their digital cameras and mobile phones set eager to take snapshots of Hadrat Shaykh al Islam from every possible angle. Walking behind Hadrat Shaykh al Islam gave everyone an amazing sense of feeling that was not possible to put into words. Everyone felt a level of attachement and importance to be in the same company as this incredibly devout and much sought-after Scholar who was the focus of attention from the entire Turkish community where ever they went.

The words 'Mashallah' and 'marhaba, marhaba', were constantly heard as the group of 40 plus led by The Spiritual Heir of Muhaddith al-'Azam Rahmatullahi alayh walked the streets and side roads on approach to the Blessed and varacious Shrine of Hadrat Sayyidina Abu 'Ayub al Ansari Radi Allahu Ta'ala anhu. The Great Sahabi-e-Rasool particularly renowned since after the Hijrah 'migration' they became the envy of all the fellow Companions and Ansars as their blessed home became the first stop and temporary lodgement of The Noble Messenger Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam. Hence it is more than ironic that Almighty Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala the All Knowing and Most Wise has made the Blessed Shrine of Hadrat Abu 'Ayub al Ansari also the first stop for 'ziyarah' for many of the Pilgrims visiting Istanbul. Infact amongst the locals the most prominent name amidst the Sahabah resting in Istanbul is that of Hadrat Sayyidina Abu 'Ayub Al Ansari Radi Allahu Ta 'ala anhu and this humble and unworthy group had the honour to be led to their abode behind the distinguished descendant of The Noble Prophet who is the envy of all the present day Ulema, Sufiya and Mashaykh alike.

Upon entrance to the exalted mausoleum the entire group was gathered around Hadrat bowed to the Sahabi-e-Rasool Radi Allahu Ta'ala anhu. As the verses of the Qur'an were recited by one member of the group other pilgrims, visitors and children also gathered around awaiting Hadrat's closing du'a [supplication]. The atmosphere was breathtaking, an air of pure peace and benevolence was felt in the hearts. However when certain members truly focused on the situation in their minds, thus presenting themselves both mentally as well as physically by pouring their hearts to The Noble Companion of Allah's Most Beloved Messenger through the 'waseela' of their Peer-o-Murshid, the hearts burst open and uncontrollable tears flowed down the cheeks. However the most blissful and awe aspiring moment was when Hadrat Shaykh al Islam w'al Muslimeen raised their hands and beseeched The Almighty Lord by the feet of The Sahabi-e-Rasool. This was the essence and the pinnacle of the tour thus far. This was the very reason why so many Muslims ranging from the youth to the very old aspired and yearned to be part of this spiritual journey to benefit with the presence of one Shaykh al Islam while attending the Tombs of some of the Great Companions and Awliya-Allah. After the supplication of 'Fatiha' and Hadrats lengthy du'a, 'salat-o-salaam' was collectively recited out aloud.

The Blessed Tomb of Hadrat Abu Ayub al Ansari

The words 'Mashallah' and 'marhaba, marhaba', were constantly heard as the group of 40 plus led by The Spiritual Heir of Muhaddith al 'Azam Rahmatullahi alay walked the streets and side roads on approach to the Blessed and varacious Shrine of Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu 'Ayub al Ansari Radi Allahu Ta'ala anhu. The Great Sahabi-e-Rasool particularly renowned since after the Hijrah ['migration'] they became the envy of all the fellow Companions and Ansars as their blessed home was the first stop and temporary lodgement of The Noble Messenger Sallallaho alayhi wa Sallam. Hence it is more than ironic that Almighty Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala the All Knowing and Most Wise has made the Blessed Shrine of Hadrat Abu 'Ayub al Ansari also the first stop for 'ziyarah' for many of the Pilgrims visiting Istanbul, thus preserving the Sunnah of His Beloved Messenger Sallalahu Alayhi wa Sallam. Infact amongst the locals the most prominent name amidst the Sahabah e Kiraam resting in Istanbul is that of Hadrat Sayyidena Abu 'Ayub Al Ansari Radi Allahu Ta 'ala anhu and this humble and unworthy group had the honour to be led to their blessed abode behind the distinguished descendant of The Noble Prophet who is the envy of all the present day Ulema, Sufiya and Mashaykh alike.

Upon entrance to the exalted mausoleum the entire group was gathered around Hadrat bowed to the Sahabi-e-Rasool Radi Allahu Ta'ala anhu. As the verses from the Qur'an were recited by one member of the group, other pilgrims, visitors and children also gathered around awaiting Hadrat's closing du'a ['supplication']. The atmosphere was breathtaking, an air of pure peace and benevolence was felt in the hearts. However when certain members truly focused, thus presenting themselves both mentally as well as physically by pouring their hearts to The Noble Companion of Allah's Most Beloved Messenger through the 'waseela' of their Peer-o-Murshid, the hearts burst open and uncontrollable tears flowed down the cheeks. But the most blissful and awe aspiring moment was when Hadrat Shaykh al Islam w'al Muslimeen raised their hands and beseeched The Almighty Lord by the feet of The Sahabi-e-Rasool. This was the essence and the pinnacle of the tour thus far. This was the very reason why so many Muslims ranging from the youth to the very old aspired and yearned to be part of this spiritual journey to benefit with the presence of one Shaykh al Islam while attending the Tombs of some of the Great Companions and Awliya Allah. After the supplication of 'Fatiha' and Hadrats lengthy du'a, 'salat-o-salaam' was collectively recited out aloud.

Reciting Salaam aloud was probably not something the local people were used to or expected. Having said that it was not anything new for them neither as they seemed more than happy, contented and relaxed by joining in with some of the words which are very familiar amongst the Turkish spiritual gatherings....

Ya Nabi Salaam alayka, Ya Rasool Salaam alayka

Ya Habeeb Salaam alayka, Salawa tullah alaykah...

Peace and serenity engulfed the entire area whilst the gathering continued to passionately chant Salaam upon Allah's Beloved Messenger Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam. Emotion got the better of certain members of the group as again the focus of the mind and soul would reflect on the company of Hadrat while attending the tomb of The Great Sahabi e Rasool. The very thought of reciting Darood and Salaam upon The Noble Messenger in the presence of Hadrat Shaykh al Islam is an honour and a half but to recite the same with the Shaykh in the Blessed presence of a Sahabi-e-Rasool was something many would certainly savour for the rest of their lives. After a final du'a the 'khadim' of the Blessed Shrine of Hadrat Abu Ayub al Ansari opened the gate and invited Hadrat inside the enclosure of the varacious Chamber to the exalted Tomb. Rather than leading Hadrat inside he prefered to follow Hadrat in. The whole group was dumbfounded and never expected to witness such an awesome and monumental moment. The entire occupants inside the Mausuleom had their eyes firmly placed on Shaykh al Islam while Hadrat humbly stood by the exalted Tomb enjoying the moment of pure bliss and benevolence. During the time Hadrat spent inside the Chamber of bliss a blanket of calmness and composure was cast over the hearts and minds of all those present. A short while later Hadrat respectfully signalled permission and a parting farewell to The Noble Companion Radi Allahu Ta'ala anhu before modestly departing in an almost crouched position slowly moving backwards to the normal standing area. The group slowly retreated while clinging close-by and gathered around Hadrat wanting to benefit from the Mercy and Blessings around them. Members of the tour witnessed the Khadim of the blessed Tomb embrace Hadrat quite emphatically and attempted to kiss their hands but Hadrat quickly managed to withdraw them away from him while quietly uttering the words 'Astaghfirallah'! Members of the group witnessed more locals lining up outside the Mausoleom waiting to greet and kiss the hands of Shaykh al Islam. Hadrat could not halt the recognition and honour they desperately sought to avoid such was the magnimity of 'noor' manifest on their face and character.

The fact that Shaykh al Islam were chosen and invited inside thus showered with the blessings of The Noble Companion was not really that suprising due to their status, piety and purety but for the group the thought of enjoying 'nisbah' and affiliation with this awesome Shaykh was now made to be even more breathtaking for the remaining days of 'ziyarah'.