‘Wa Wajadaka Daalan Fahadaa’
-And find you lost (that is, unrecognized by men) and guide (them to you)?-
Today, al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS, took us on a journey on the straight path of guidance: Siraat e Mustaqeem. He showed us the road signs that ensure that we reach our intended destination, directed us to observe the laws and etiquette by which this road is traveled and the aspects we should heed so that we arrive safely.
Allah Ta´ala sent his Rasul, Mohammed al-Mustafa SA to deliver guidance. Rasulullah SA in turn stated that ‘Indeed Ali is the banner of guidance’. Likewise, the radiance of Maulatona Fatema’s AS shawl guided many towards Islam. Imam Hasan and Husain AS illuminated the path to Islam by virtue of their noble character. Each Imam is the leader and guide of Mumineen, and when they chose seclusion they appointed Duat Mutlaqeen AS who made sure that all those who followed their guidance and held steadfast to the path they showed would eventually reach their heavenly abode. Duat Mutlaqeen AS made sure that this dunyaa (the physical world) would function in accordance to deen (faith) and never vice versa. For example, they directed that Asharah majaalis would take place from the 2nd to 9th of Moharrum before zohr, while at night majaalis would take place from the eve of 3rdMoharrum. On Ashuraa’ a majlis would take place in the morning, and the maqtal of Imam Husain AS would be recited in the afternoon, culminating at maghrib.
Syedna al-Dai al-Ajal TUS mentioned that we have traveled long and far to reach our human form, and prayed that until our last breath we remain steadfast on this path of guidance. One can adhere to this path by maintaining silat, attachment with Maula. This allegiance is through mohabbat. and then through one’s ilm, knowledge, bukaa’ and maatam, this silat can be strengthened.
In today’s waaz mubarak, Maula cast light on the meanings entailed in the ayat shareefah ‘Wa Wajadaka Daalan Fahadaa’ from the surat ‘Wa al-Duhaa’. Rasulullah SA was a jewel whose value and quality was not appreciated by those around him. In that sense he was ‘lost’ to all but the knowing jeweler. His legatee Amirul Mumineen AS, Aimmat Tahereen AS and Duat Mutlaqeen AS are those who have truly fathomed who he truly was. Al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA related this ayat shareefah to his mansoos al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA, and throughout his life, in his qasaaid and rasaail established his unparalleled standing. Further, by cementing this understanding through our silat with Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA by doing the tasbih of his name, seeking shifaa’ from him and embracing his firmaan and directives we can remain steadfast on this path of guidance. Over the course of 50 years Mumineen held firm to him and upon his sad passing, Mumineen rushed to his janaazah mubarakah, physically and spiritually. Further, it is by the ‘ilm of Aale Mohammed AS and the m´arefat (understanding) of Khamsat Athaar, Aimmat Tahereen and Duat Mutlaqeen AS that we reinforce our conviction, remain steadfast on the path of guidance, rid ourselves of doubt and confusion, and attain complete and thorough guidance.
The traveler on the road of guidance must ensure that he or the vehicle he travels in is fit to drive upon it. That is why during the five compulsory and other namaaz we recite Surat al-Faatehaah, which contains the ayat ‘Ehdenaa al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem’- Guide us towards the Straight Path. Additionally, in the wudu, when we wipe our feet we implore Allah to keep out feet firmly on Siraat Mustaqeem. Firmness of footing in a car is by its tyres which need to be in good condition in order to keep the car stable. Speaking of firmness of foot Maula gave two examples from sport in which one has to remain steadfast in order to succeed. In gymnastics, having gone through a routine, the gymnast has to end by landing on the floor mat with both feet absolutely together and straight, without buckling. Failure to do so leads to a deduction in points. The same is true in football (soccer), where if a player were to slip as he draws near to the goal he will not be able to score. In football there is the added challenge of opposing players whose aim is to cause the attacking player to stumble before reaching the goal.
Those traveling on this road are also required to fasten the seat belt of ta´at, obedience, of the guide. This fascinating simile made it clear that in order to make it through to the end of the journey unscathed, obedience is a must. Navigating the nation’s roads was previously accomplished through the aid of printed road maps which has now given way to GPS navigation. However, even this highly accurate technology is only as useful as the willingness of its user to listen to it. An obstinate person who disregards the directions given by the GPS system will never find his way!
One aspect of adhering to the correct path spiritually was seen in the time of Imam Sadiq AS. A group of people set out from Madinah Munawarah for China in order to seek knowledge. Hearing of their intentions and hoping to make them realise their folly, Behlul Daana placed himself on a road outside the city, where their caravan was to pass, and began to sieve sand. When the group passed by, they questioned him as to what he was doing. Behlul replied ‘I have misplaced my needle in Madinah, and am looking for it here.’
Upon hearing this, they began to ridicule him, ‘we held you in high regard, yet your actions are to the contrary.’ Behlul replied, ‘It is you who should examine your conduct. The city of knowledge is here in Madinah, yet you are leaving him’. They realised the errors of their ways and turned back. Citing the manner in which Behlul acted to show them the error of their ways Syedna al-Dai al-Ajal TUS counseled us that if we are ever in a situation where we have to explain something to others, then it should be done with such tact and warmth that they immediately accept your words. He further added that it is a needle’s job to attach and stitch together, thereby, upon donning the clothes of mohabbat and raza, one may set forth and travel across the lands. This guidance to the right path was demonstrated by Syedi Khanji Feer QR who remained at the door of Syedna Qasim Khan Zainuddin RA in order to seek his forgiveness. Similarly, Syedi Abdulqadir Hakimuddin QR, when he arrived for Dawat at Sidhpur presented himself with exemplary humility and addressed himself as their ‘khaadim‘. Upon returning to Jamnagar, Syedna Badruddin RA, asked him whether he had any needs? Syedi Hakimuddin QR beseeched him that he wished to hold the wedding of his son, Faizullah bhaisaheb. Syedna asked about the expense, Syedi Hakimuddin QR had calculated the expenditure and informed Syedna that it would come to 300 rupees. Syedna bestowed him the amount. The wedding took place, and a negligible amount was left unspent which he wrapped in a handkerchief and presented it to Syedna Badruddin RA. Upon seeing this, Syedna Badruddin RA replied there is no one like you, no one who is so trustworthy. After narrating this, Maula TUS counseled all khidmatguzars to adhere to the unimpeachable traits of trust and character of Syedi Hakimuddin QR, as much as possible.
An example of a deed that helps us remain on this path is sadaqah. It was an intriguing choice of action to use as an example in this waaz about guidance and the straight path; since we are instructed to do sadaqah before embarking on any journey or travel. The call to offer sadaqah in order to ward off impending calamity and to do so especially when one falls on hard times is worthy of reflection. Maulana Ali AS stated that, ‘When you fall upon hard times, then engage in trade with Allah through sadaqah. By his own action he exemplified these words. In order to acquire provision for his household, Amirul Mumineen AS sold a sheet of his for 6 dirhams. He was on his way to make his purchases when he was stopped by a pauper, who uttered the words ‘Your habit is one of beauty’. Upon hearing this Amirul Mumineen AS handed all 6 dirhams to him. He went on and came across a Bedouin who offered to sell him his camel for 100 dirhams. A trade was agreed. Almost instantly, another Bedouin appeared who offered to purchase the camel from him. Amirul Mumineen mentioned to him that he had purchased this camel for 100 dirhams, and he was free to offer what he wished. The buyer offered 160 dirhams, and an exchange was made. Amirul Mumineen handed 100 dirhams to the first Bedouin and took the 60 dirhams which he placed before Rasulullah SA and related the entire episode. Rasulullah SA smiled and said, ‘Most noble was the seller and most noble was the buyer. The seller was Jibraeel and the buyer was Mikaaeel! Allah has selected you, and if you had given more you would have received more’. Syedna al-Dai al-Ajal TUS pointed out that the pauper did not have to openly ask for alms, nor did Amirul Mumineen AS contemplate giving 1 or 2 dirhams of the 6, but gave him all that he had.
The second narrative on the importance and benefits of sadqah, was the well-known incident of the Bedouin who used to climb up a tree and take pigeon eggs from its nest. The pigeons complained to Allah Ta´ala, who promised that if he attempted to take them once more he would meet his end. On his next attempt, just as he was to climb up the tree a pauper came to his door. He immediately descended, offered him something and climbed up the tree and took the eggs. The pigeons immediately protested to Allah Ta´ala and reminded Him of the promise He had made. Allah Ta´ala answered that this Bedouin has carried out such an act that his life had been spared, and relocated the pigeons to Baitullah where they and their descendants have lived unharmed for hundreds of years. Maula TUS stressed that as soon as the Bedouin saw the pauper he attended to his needs. He did not ask him to wait until he had descended from the tree.
Sadaqah comes in different forms. The act of giving alms and charity is one of them. Another is zakaat and waajebaat. Maula TUS urged us to follow Amirul Mumineen’s AS directive to trade with Allah Taala by giving waajebaat. He asked all of us to recollect how Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA had secured the prosperity of Mumineen by strictly enjoining upon them to refrain from all forms of interest and offer waajebaat as per his guidance. Maula TUS recalled that many naysayers, nefarious voices, countered Syedna Burhanuddin RA saying that the community will go into economic decline, gallas will become empty. ‘I am asking you today, are the gallas empty or full?’ Today, Mumineen are free of the worries of paying interest on loan repayments, unaffected by fluctuating rates and vagaries. He is free of the worry that I have allowed into my home something that has been cursed by Rasulullah SA or that I am indulging in an act that pains Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA. A Mumin may have a small business but he has peace of mind and that – is priceless.
In order to travel upon Siraat e Mustaqeem, we are required to attach ourselves to the mohabbat of Maula TUS, obey his directives and follow his guidance and instructions. By doing so, we are equipped and sure of the fact that we will reach our intended destination in his wake. May Allah Ta´ala grant our guide, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin a long and prosperous till the Day of Qiyaamat.