Bayah & The Necessity of a Spiritual Guide/Murshid explained through Quran & Ahadith

Bayah & The Necessity of a Spiritual Guide/Murshid explained through Quran & Ahadith

Whoever dies and did not make an oath of allegiance (to a Muslim leader) has died a death of jahiliyah (ignorance). [ Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Immarah]” 

Contents of Article:

1.0   Introduction: The meaning of Bay'at:
2.0   Quotes from Quran:
-       Incident of bayah al ridwan.
-       Allegiance to Prophet is allegiance to Allah.
-       Incident of Prophet Musa and Khizr.
-       Covenant of all Prophets
-       Seek the means towards Allah
-       The advent of word murshid.
-       Obeying a leader/Imam.
-       Adhering to the covenant/pledge.

3.0   Quotes from Ahadees:
3.1   Pledge of Allegiance to Prophet (peace be upon him)
-       Pledge of allegiance on hands of prophet.
-       Incident of bayah al ridwan.
-       Womens pledge of allegiance to prophet
-       Incident of Al-aqaba pledge.
-       Subject of pledge of allegiance
-       Advantage of pledge and mercy of allah.

3.2   Pledge of Allegiance to Caliphs/Sahaba/Imam
-       Pledge of allegiance to Abu Bakr.
-       Pledge of allegiance to caliphs
-       Pledge of allegiance to sahaba
-       Pledge of allegiance to Imam having authority
-       Pledge of allegiance to Imam mahdi
-       Obeying a leader/Imam
-       Deviation/disobedience to Amir.
-       The one who dies without allegiance to an Amir/leader (spiritual guide)

4.0   Sayings of pious
-       Explanation of Aayah “seek closeness to allah” – by Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani
-       Explanation of Surah kahf – by Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani.
-       Saying of Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi
-       Saying of Imam Abu Hanifa.
-       More quotes by Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani

5.0   Summary and Conclusion 

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1.0 Introduction: The meaning of Bay'at

Pledging allegiance, also known as taking bayah or bayt, is a tradition from the times of Beloved Messenger of Allah.

The meaning of Bai'at or pledging allegiance is to totally surrender yourself to a Muslim leader to guide you to Allah Taala. The one to whom you surrender, the one who helps you to walk on the path of Shari'ah and Tariqah is known as a “Murshid” in Arabic (teacher/ guide/sheikh) and the one who follows the guide is called "Mureed" (Disciple)

If a person wants to learn any art form or gain knowledge/science he will seek help from an expert in that field. Knowledge of deen and the AllahSubhanahu wa Ta'alaZaat (Being) is the important knowledge, science and difficult secret in the universe. It can only be achieved with the help of its experts. Only the expert’s can be accepted as Murshids (guides). The aim of this article is to define the need and necessity of a guide. The selection of spiritual guide/qualities/ranks is different discussion and will dealt separately inshallah azzawajal in the forthcoming articles.

Pledging allegiance (Bayah) is a tradition from the times of Beloved Messenger of Allah. The bayah & tajdeed-e-Bayah (renewal of bayah) used to take place in the time of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), followed by khulfa-e-rashideen, Sahaba radi allahu tala anhu and generations after that until now.

Though the index quote should suffice to understand the necessity of pledging allegiance to a Muslim leader, more references have been cited from Quran and Ahadees for better understanding.

2.0 Quotes from Quran:

The baya’h is established in the Qura’n, the baya’h was given to the Prophet (peace be upon him) not only as part of the belief in Islam and his messenger ship but also as part of his authority and organization of the affairs of the Muslims in the deen and duniya:

Once such example is when the Noble Companions pledged oath to Prophet under the tree (Bayah-Al-Ridwan), before Al Hudaiba treaty. In this incident, each Companion placed their hand in the hand of the Beloved Prophet, and affirmed their faith in the oneness of Allah (tawheed).

This incident is reported in the Holy Qur’an, which states,

1)  “Certainly Allah was pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you, [O Muhammad], under the tree, and He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down tranquillity upon them and rewarded them with an imminent conquest.” [Surah Al-Fath 48:18]

More evidence from the Quran:

2)  The one who gives baya'ah is making a promise in front of Allah to worship Allah by clinging to the Islamic system.
"Those who swear allegiance to you (O dear Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him), do indeed in fact swear allegiance to Allah; Allah’s Hand* of Power is above their hands; so whoever breaches his oath, has breached his own greater promise; and whoever fulfils the covenant he has with Allah - so very soon Allah will bestow upon him a great reward". (allah's hand used as a metaphor to mean Allah’s power). [Surah Al-Fath 48:10]

3) Allah azzawajal says

“O dear Prophet (Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him)! If Muslim women come humbly to you to take oath of allegiance that they will neither ascribe any partner to Allah, nor steal, nor commit adultery, nor kill their children, nor bring the lie that they carry between their hands and feet, nor disobey you in any rightful matter - then accept their allegiance and seek forgiveness from Allah for them; indeed Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Surah Mumtahenah 60:12]

4) It is recorded in Sura Kahf, where Allah had ordered Hazrat Musa (Alaihis Salaam) to seek the company of Hazrat Khizr (Alaihis Salaam) to gain certain hidden knowledge that Allah had bestowed upon Hazrat Khizr (peace and blessings be upon him). [Sura Kahf 18, verses 65-82]

5) Allah azzawajal took the solemn pledge of all Prophets and Messengers to believe in the final Messenger and to support him. Allah says,

“And remember when Allah took a covenant from the Prophets; “If I give you the Book and knowledge and the (promised) Noble Messenger (Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him) comes to you, confirming the Books you possess, you shall positively, definitely believe in him and you shall positively, definitely help him”; He said, “Do you agree, and accept My binding responsibility in this matter?” They all answered, “We agree”; He said, “Then bear witness amongst yourselves, and I Myself am a witness with you.”  [Surah Al mran 3:81]

6) And remember O dear Prophet (Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) when We took a covenant from the Prophets - and from you - and from Nooh, and Ibrahim, and Moosa, and Eisa the son of Maryam; and We took a firm covenant from them, So that He may question the truthful regarding their truth; and He has kept prepared a painful punishment for the disbelievers. [ Surah Ahzab 33, verses 7 & 8]

7) O People who Believe! Fear Allah, and seek the means towards Him, and strive in His cause, in the hope of attaining success. [Surah Maidah 5:35]

8)  "... whomever Allah guides - only he is therefore guided; and whomever He sends astray - you will never find for him a friend who guides". [Surah Kahf 18:17]

(The word 'Murshid' has come from this verse 18:17)

9) The general implication of the following ayah also makes the baya’h to the Imaam obligatory because it is the method to enter into the sharia’h system, structure and authority along with the beliefs

“O you who believe! Obey Allah, obey the messenger and those in authority amongst you and if you differ in anything between yourselves then refer it back to Allah and His messenger if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.” (Surah Nisa 4:59)

There are many other ayah’s indicating the obligation of the sharia'h authority, unity and the prohibition of disunity in a’qeedah or authority in general however the selected one are quoted. Inshallah the forthcoming sections will shed more light clarifying what is authority and how is it passed on in chain.

10)  "And fulfil the covenant of Allah when you have made the promise, and do not break your oaths after ratifying them, and you have made Allah a Guarantor over you; indeed Allah knows your deeds". [Surah Nahl 16:91]

11) “...and fulfil the promise; indeed the promise will be asked about." [Surah bani israel 17:34]

As seen in the above verses the Qur'an is encouraging the people to give their oath and to keep their oath to the Prophet (peace be upon him), who leads them to the presence of Allah, Almighty and Exalted. Initiation of bayah muslims was done in the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and continued after his physical departure from our vision.

The Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave bayah to the caliphs of the Prophet (peace be upon him) after his physical passing away from the world. It is narrated through the books of Sirah of the Sahhaba that the Sahaba gave bay'ah to Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, the to Umar ibn al-Khattab, then to Uthman ibn Affan, to Ali, to Muawiya, and to all the caliphs who came later, as they had given it to the Prophet (peace be upon him)

3.0 Quotes from Ahadees:
According to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him), the oath was taken from men, women, as a group, as a group or as individuals, and from children as narrated by Imam Bukhari and Muslim.

The Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave bayah to the caliphs of the Prophet (peace be upon him) after his physical passing away from the world. It is narrated through the books of Sirah of the Sahhaba that the Sahaba gave bay'ah to Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, the to Umar ibn al-Khattab, then to Uthman ibn Affan, to Ali, to Muawiya, and to all the caliphs who came later, as they had given it to the Prophet (peace be upon him)

There are several ahadith discussing the incidents of bayah on various occasions such as bayah al ridwan, bayah al aqaba, hijrah, jihad, oath for listening and obeying to muslim leaders/imam, renewal of bayah etc however again only few are selected to limit the article. Those who are interested can easily get more quotes in books and particular volumes referred below.

3.1 Pledge of Allligiance to Prophet (peace be upon him):

a)     Abdu'r-Rahman ibn Razin said, "We passed by az-Zubda and were told, 'There is Salama ibn al-Akwa'. I went to him and he greeted us. Then he brought out his hands and stated, 'With these two hands I offered allegiance to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.' He held out his palm which was as huge as a camel's foot, and we got up and kissed it."

Reference: Al-Adab al-Mufrad Al-Bukhari by Imam Bukhari. Greetings Chapter 445 Hadith No 973.

b)     Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: On the day of Al-Hudaibiya, Allah's Apostle said to us' "You are the best people on the earth!" We were 1400 then. If I could see now, I would have shown you the place of the Tree (beneath which the pledge of allegiance was given by us)," Salim said, "Our number was 1400." 'Abdullah bin Abi Aufa said, "The people (who gave the pledge of allegiance) under the Tree numbered 1300 and the number of Bani Aslam was 1/8 of the Emigrants."  (Sahi Bukhari, Book 59, Hadith 475)

c)     Narrated Urwa: Hazrathe Aisha the wife of the Prophet, said, "Allah's Apostle used to examine the believing women who migrated to him in accordance with this Verse: 'O Prophet! When believing women come to you to take the oath of allegiance to you... Verily! Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.' (60.12) Hazrathe Aisha said, "And if any of the believing women accepted the condition (assigned in the above-mentioned Verse), Allah's Apostle would say to her. "I have accepted your pledge of allegiance." "He would only say that, for, by Allah, his hand never touched, any lady during that pledge of allegiance. He did not receive their pledge except by saying, "I have accepted your pledge of allegiance for that."  (Sahi Bukhari, Book 60, Hadith 414)

d)     Narrated 'Ubada bin As-Samit: who took part in the battle of Badr and was a Naqib (a person heading a group of six persons), on the night of Al-'Aqaba pledge: Allah's Apostle said while a group of his companions were around him, "Swear allegiance to me for:

1. Not to join anything in worship along with Allah.
2. Not to steal.
3. Not to commit illegal sexual intercourse.
4. Not to kill your children.
5. Not to accuse an innocent person (to spread such an accusation among people).
6. Not to be disobedient (when ordered) to do good deed."

The Prophet added: "Whoever among you fulfills his pledge will be rewarded by Allah. And whoever indulges in any one of them (except the ascription of partners to Allah) and gets the punishment in this world, that punishment will be expiation for that sin. And if one indulges in any of them, and Allah conceals his sin, it is up to Him to forgive or punish him (in the Hereafter)." 'Ubada bin As-Samit added: "So we swore allegiance for these." (Points to Allah's Apostle)  [Sahi Bukhari, Book 2, Hadith 17]

3.2 Pledge of Allligiance to Caliphs and imams: 

a)     Pledge of Alligiance to Abu Bakr

After physical passing away of prophet, Umar ra said to Abu Bakr, that we elect you, for you are our chief and the best amongst us and the most beloved of all of us to Allah's Apostle." Then 'Umar took Abu Bakr's hand and gave the pledge of allegiance and the people too gave the pledge of allegiance to Abu Bakr.

The detailed hadith is narrated by hazrathe aisha is recorded in Sahi bukhari, Vol 57 hadith 19.

b)     Pledge of Alligiance to caliphs

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "The Israelis used to be ruled and guided by prophets: Whenever a prophet died, another would take over his place. ”There will be no prophet after me, but there will be caliphs who will increase in number” people asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What do you order us (to do)?" He said, "Obey the one who will be given the pledge of allegiance first. Fulfil their (i.e. the Caliphs) rights, for Allah will ask them about (any shortcoming) in ruling those Allah has put under their guardianship."

[Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 56, Number 661]

c)     Pledge of Allegiance (Bay't) to sahaba:

Narrated 'Abdullah bin Dinar: When the people took the oath of allegiance to 'Abdul Malik, 'Abdullah bin 'Umar wrote to him: "To Allah's Slave, 'Abdul Malik, Chief of the believers, I give the pledge of allegiance that I will listen to and obey Allah's Slave, 'Abdul Malik, Chief of the believers, according to Allah's Laws and the Traditions of His Apostle in whatever is within my ability; and my sons too, give the same pledge."

(Sahi Bukhari, Book 89, Hadith 312)

d)     Pledge of alligiance (Bay't) to Imam (Having Authority):

Abu Huraira (may allah be pleased with him) narrated on the authority of Abu Bakr that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Three are the persons with whom Allah would neither speak on the Day of Resurrection, nor would He look towards them, nor would purify them (from sins), and there would be a tormenting chastisement for them:

1) A person who in the waterless desert has more water (than his need) and he refuses to give it to the traveler.

2) A person who sold a commodity to another person in the afternoon and took an oath of Allah that he had bought it at such and such price and he (the buyer) accepted it to be true though it was not a fact,

3) A person who pledged allegiance to the Imam but for the sake of the world (material gains). And if the Imam bestowed on him (something) out of that (worldly riches) he stood by his allegiance and if he did not give him, he did not fulfil the allegiance. (Sahi muslim, Book 1, Hadith 196)

e) Pledge of Alligiance to Imam mehdi:

Umm Salamah relates: she heard the messenger of allah, say: there willl be difference of opinion over the death of the caliph, (i.e difference on who should be appointed as the next caliph. on seeing this) a person from the tribe of Hashim (fearing he may be selected to take the burden of caliphate) will leave for makkah from medina. Some people will come and take him out of his house although he will resist it. Then they take the oath (of caliphate) on his hand between the black stone and station of ibrahim (maqam ibrahim) (on hearing the news of their allegiance) an army will set out towards them from Syria but it will be crushed into the ground as it reaches Bayda (a plain between makkah and medina). after this, the saints of Iraq and the abdal (substitutes) of Syria will call on him. then a (sufyani) person will come from syria, his maternal relatives belonging to the kalb tribe, he will dispatch his army to wage war on him. Allah will defeat them, resulting in them facing a catastophe. This is the battle of kalb. so anyone who(does not take part in the battle of kalb and as a result) does not share in the booty, will be in loss. Then the caliph Mahdi will discover treasures and distribute them generously (among the people). Islam will be fully established on earth. people wil live (in this state of prosperity and comfort) for seven or nine years (that is people will live in peach and comfort until the death of Mahdi)

Ref: Abu Dawud, as sunan, book of mahdi (kitab al mahdi) Hadis nu. 4287

f)     Hadith on obeying the leaders:

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: There is no Prophet after me, and there is no Ummah after you, so you should worship your Lord and say your 5 daily prayers, and fast in your month (Ramadan), obey your leaders and thus enter the Blessed garden of your Lord [Imam Tabarani in Muj’am al Kabir, Volume No. 8, Hadith 7217]

g)      Those who separated from amir would die the death of one belonging to the pre-islamic days.

It has been narrated (through a different chain of transmitters) on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Who defected from obedience (to the Amir) and separated from the main body of the Muslim-then he died in that state-would die the death of one belonging to the days of Jahillyya. And he who is killed under the banner of a man who is blind (to the cause for which he is fighting), who gets flared up with family pride and fights for his tribe-is not from my Umma, and whoso from my followers attacks my followers (indiscriminately) killing the righteous and the wicked of them, sparing not (even) those staunch in faith and fulfilling not his obligation towards them who have been given a pledge (of security), is not from me (i. e. is not my follower).  (Sahih Muslim Book 20, Hadith 4557)

h)     “Whoever dies and did not make an oath of allegiance (to a Muslim leader) has died a death of jahiliyah (ignorance)”. (Sahih Muslim, Kitaab al-Imaarah)

4.0   Sayings of pious:

• In regards to surah maida 5:35, “seek means to approach Allah” Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani states in Ghunyatut Talibeen that a murshid is to be accepted as a link and a mediator between himself and his lord, and also as a method and a means by which to attain him. He further says that the spiritual guides are the road to Allah, the signposts to it, and the gate by which it is entered. For every seeker of Allah a spiritual guide is therefore necessary. – [Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani]

• "Whoever travels without a guide needs two hundred years for a two-day journey" – Moulana Rumi.

• In regards to Sura Kahf verses 65-82 where Allah had ordered Hazrat Musa (Alaihis Salaam) to seek the company of Hazrat Khizr (Alaihis Salaam) to gain certain hidden knowledge that Allah had bestowed upon Hazrat Khizr (Alaihis Salaam). Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani says “Allah has caused it to be a normal state of affairs on this earth for there to be a murshid (guide) and a mureed (seeker) a follower and one who is followed from the time of Hazrat Adam (Alaihis Salaam) through the era of the various Prophets, Hazrat Noah (Alaihis Salaam), Hazrat Ebrahim (Alaihis Salaam), Hazrat Musa (Alaihis Salaam), Hazrat Isa (Alaihis Salaam) and the Holy Prophet Muhammad . The Sahaba learnt from the Holy Prophet , then the Taba'in learnt from the Sahaba, then the Tabe Taba'in learnt from the Taba'in. In this way, century after century the master and disciple sequence continued without a break through the saints until the present period and will continue till the advent of the final hour. [Ghunyaat-ut-Talibeen - Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani ]

• “Maulvi hargis na shud Maula e Rum, Ta ghulame Shams Tabrizi na shud"

      Maulana (religious teacher) Rumi could never have become Maulana Rum (Spiritual Guide) without submitting to      Spiritual Guide Shams Tabrez – Moulana Rumi.

• Imam Abu Hanifa said, emphasizing the importance of sitting at the feet of a spiritual guide and teacher, “If it were not for two years, I would have perished. For two years, I accompanied Imam Jafar al-Sadiq and I acquired the spiritual knowledge that made me a knower in the Way (i.e. Tasawwuf).” [Ad-Durr Al-Mukhthar, Vol. 1, page 43]

• Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi states in his Masnavi, “Butter cannot be acquired without milk, as recognition of Allah (ilm-e-baatin) cannot be obtained without a spiritual guide or Murshid.

•  Ghaus-ul Azam (radi Allahu anhu) says: "If a person is unable to differentiate between a true and false Murshid, he should perform 2 Rakaats Nafil for achieving recognition of Allah at Tahajjud time. Then he should ask Allah to inform him of those pious people who will be able to guide him on the Right Path. He should beseech Allah to show him the person who will intoxicate him with Allah's love and adorn the eyes of his heart with the light of Allah's closeness and inform him of unseen happenings that he personally witnessed". (Insha-Allah by doing so, one will receive the answer)(Al-Fath-ur Rabbani, pg.146) (If someone is unable to do this then he should seek the advise of a well versed Sunni Aalim. At times, people take        advice from the ignorant and become Mureeds of Shaitaan. May Allah Taala protect us )

• Hazrat Ghausul Azam- Hadrat Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jailani Radi Allahu anhu brings home the necessity of a Murshid in a beautiful metaphor. He says: "The heart is the plantation for the Aakhirah (Hereafter). Sow the seeds of Imaan in your heart. Irrigate, fertilise and mature it with regular good deeds. If there is kindness and energy in the heart it will be fertile and an abundant harvest will result. Should the heart be harsh and contemptuous, the soul becomes infertile and barren and no crop will be able to grow. Learn this art of farming by its farmers/ experts, the Awliya Allah. Do not think your opinion to be sufficient. Our ProphetSalla Allahu 'alayhi wa Salam says, Seek help in every field from an expert in that field". (Al-Fath-ur-Rabbani, pg. 202)

• Hazrat Ghausul AzamRadi Allahu anhusaid: "Arrogance, hypocrisy, egoism, are all arrows of Shaitaan aimed at your hearts. One should formulate a strategy to defend oneself from this attack. The correct strategies are explained and demonstrated by the Mashaaikh (Guides). You should heed to their commands and act on them. They will guide you on the path of AllahSubhanahu wa Ta'ala since they have already travelled on this path. Ask their advise on matters relating to the Nafs (carnal desires), cravings and other weaknesses because they have also suffered their consequences and are well aware of the dangers and harms of evil desires. They have battled these over a long period of time and can confront, control and defeat them". (Al-Fath-ur-Rabbani, pg. 150)

5.0 Summary & Conclusion:

The Baya'tu Taa'ah [pledge of obedience] is a contract of listening and obeying between the Imaam and the Muslims.

The bayah is an agreement in the Sight of Allah (swt) to follow the Sunnah of the Messenger (saw) in clinging to the jama'h of the Muslims through the system of unity via the acceptance of leader. This agreement takes place between the Imaam and those pledging their obedience to him. The Imaam is promised general obedience including the mentioned articles and in exchange for this, the one fulfilling those conditions will get paradise, as long as they avoid kufr and the major sins, and repent for any lapses, dedicating their lives to the worship of Allah subhanahu tala. The one taking the baya'h is also benefited by all of the worldly and spiritual consequences emanating from the system of unity and the Imaam's command in accordance with the shari'ah.

The Bayah should not be done as a fashion or for the wordly gain, but disciple should to submit oneself whole heartedly to the true guide to seek closeness to Allah, follow the sunnah and to adhere to his commands in accordance with sharia
Through the baya'ah the Muslim enters into the system of unity and Islamic authority by which the Quran and Sunnah have explained the structure of the Islamic way of life.

As evident from quran and ahadith pledge of allegiance to imam (true guide/kamil murshid) is obligation on every muslim. At the same time it is necessary to identify the guide whom we select so we will not fall in the wrong hands and the one who has the capacity to lead the followers close to allah azzawajal and increase spiritual state of his followers/disciples.

"(OAllah) Guide us on the Straight Path, The path of those whom You have favoured" [Surah Fatiha 5l6]

Sourced from : http://islamicbeliefsandteachings.blogspot.ae  Blogger : Ahmed Kabeer Biabani

Mujhe unki yaad hai raath din, mujhe ab unhien ka khayaal hai

Bismi’llaahi ‘r-rahmaani ‘r-rahiim

Assalatu was’salaamu alaika Yaa Rasoollullaah!
 

Mujhe unki yaad hai raath din, mujhe ab unhien ka khayaal hai
Na jahaan ki dil me hai aarzu, na kisi se mera sawaal hai…..

Koyi khud parasti ka manchalaa, koyi buth parasti me mubtilaa
Mai Khuda ki kha ke khasam kahoon, na ye qurb hai, na wisaal hai…..

Koyi maal ke hai khayaal me, koyi ishq-e-husn-o-jamaal me
Na kisi ke paas ye rah sake, inhein raath din ka zawaal hai…..

Kabhi mujhse poochh haqeeqatein, wo hon naar ki ke na’eem ki
Mere yaar ki do Tajalliyan, wo Jalaal hai, ye Jamaal hai…..

Tera naam le ke jo NOORIYAA, maine maanga usse, wo dediyaa
Kaha AAMIRA, tu na ranj kar, hamein kab na tera khayaal hai…..

 

(Peer Hadrath Allama Al-Haaj Syed Muhammad Umar Aamir Kaleemi Shah Hasani al Hussaini Jaffarul Jeelani Chisti Qadri Noori Damath Barakatuhum)

The Pillars [Al-Masjid An-Nabawi As-Sharif]

 Al-Ustawanah, The Columns, The Pillars in the Sacred Garden.

“What is between my house and my minbar is a meadow of the meadows of Jannah, and my minbar is on my pool,” said our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. 

There are many other places inside Masjid-e Nabawi Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam at which special prayers may be offered. Most of these are normally mentioned in Haj guides. A few relating to the pillars in the Sacred Mosque will be mentioned here.

 

Hadrat Mullah Ali Qari Rahmatullahi 'alayh writes. “Those pillars of the sacred mosque, which are of special virtue and blessed should be indeed be visited by the visitor to madina. There he should keep himself busy with voluntary prayer and dua. This applied especially to that portion of the Mosque, which used to be the mosque during the time of our beloved Prophet Sayyedina Muhammad Mustufa Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam before its enlargement. 

The pillars in this area are of special blessed nature. According to Hadrat Imam Bukhari Rahmatullahi 'alayh the Companions Radi Allahu anhum of Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam used to offer many prayers at these pillars. Pilgrims should take the opportunity of offering prayers at these pillars. 

SubhanAllah, the heart bursts. Exploding and descending into unimaginable depths of sweetness. Transported to realms heavenly and divine. Transfixed; not only due to the sanctity and sacredness of this chosen Mubarak piece of ground that Allah Ta’ala has blessed as the earthly parallel of Jannah, but this is where His Habib SallAllahu alaihi wasallam worshipped, taught, listened, received revelations from Jibreel Alaihis Sallam, walked, smiled, fasted, distributed booty, united so many in marriage, prayed Janazah over his daughters, his son, his companions, called for Jihad. 

This is the very place where thousands of the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhu walked, sat, listened, worshipped, and where thousands of our illustrious predecessors Rahmatullah alaihum also graced the hallowed ground. And where today, and tomorrow, until Allah Ta’ala deems  otherwise, our pious scholars raise their hands, praising, and seeking  for the entire Ummah, where individuals from every far-flung corner of the globe humbly present themselves to the Mercy of the Worlds SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, where millions more turn their hearts from wherever they may be. Such Shukr that we have been blessed with the power of projecting our hearts and minds to this place regardless of where our physical body may be, and such Shukr that Allah Ta’ala has blessed  us with Angels roaming the entire Universe to convey our Salam and Durood upon His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. SubhanAllah, Alhumdulillah, La ilaha illAllah, Allahu Akbar.

The columns, or pillars in the Sacred Rowdha stand in the exact place where the original palm tree trunks erected by our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum stood.  Constructed under his SallAllahu alaihi wasallam gaze! This image in itself is enough to induce delirium, and a state of ecstasy! With all the expansions and renovations, the distinct positions have not altered. And each of these honoured places has a soul stirring tale to tell.   

The Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum loved to pray behind these columns, as did billions throughout the centuries and the millions now. Umar Radhiallahu anhu, used to say: “Those who pray have more right to the trunks than those who sit there conversing.” And when he saw a man praying away from them, he pulled him to behind a pillar saying: “pray facing it.” Anas ibn Malik RadhiAllahu anhu said: “I saw the elders among the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum rush to the pillars at Maghrib to pray, until the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam came out.”  

These columns are marked with a relief medallion near the top, bearing the specific name inscribed in Arabic with golden letters on a green background.  

1. Al-Ustuwanatul-Mukhallaqah, also known as the Hannana column, and Column of the Mushaf.

This is the thickset column immediately behind the Mihrab.(detail above) It marks the place where Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam used to lead Salat after the direction of Qiblah was changed to the Ka’abah. Various narrations are cited as to the name of “the perfumed pillar”. One states that one day our Beloved Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam saw that someone had spat on the trunk, so one of the Sahabah cleaned it and then applied perfume (Khalooq) to the place. Another account is during the time of the caliph, Haroon Rashid, his mother, Al-Khayzuran, when she came for Hajj in 170 A.H.  perfumed all the pillars, applying more to this one and Aishah’s Pillar. 

This column is also named Hannana because it was the site of the trunk of a palm tree against which the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam used to lean during the Khutbah. When he began using the new Minbar the trunk shook and wept, shaking bitterly as if it was going to burst with agony, until our gentle Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam stepped down from the Minbar and calmed it with his hand. He continued to offer Salat at this trunk until work on extensions began during the time of the caliphate of Uthman RadhiAllahu anhu. Some narrations say that it was then moved to the house of Abu ibn Ka’b, where it remained until it decayed, some say it was buried where it was, others say it was buried under the Minbar, while I have also heard some scholars say that it was buried in Jannatul Baqi. And only Allah the Almighty knows the truth. 

Hasan Basri Rahmatullah alaihi used to cry when he described these narrations saying: “O you believers, this piece of wood used to cry for the love of Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. You should display more enthusiasm and love to meet the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam on the Day of Judgement.”

Imam Shafi’ Rahmatullahi 'alayh said: “The miracles given to the Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam were not given to any other Prophet.” A person said to the Imam: “Isa, alaihis Sallam was given the miracle of bringing the dead back to life.” Whereupon Imam Shafi’ replied: “Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was given the miracle where a tree cried. Crying of a dead tree is a bigger miracle indeed.” 

Imam Malik Rahmatullahi 'alayh says; “Of all places the one I prefer for my Salaah in the blessed Masjid e Nabawi is this one.” 

The reason why this same column is also known as the Column of the Mushaf is according to a narration by Malik ibn Anas, that Hajjaj ibn Yusuf sent copies of the Qur’an Majeed to many of the major cities at the time, and the one sent to Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah was placed in a box and kept to the right of this column. And Allah the Almighty knows best.

4. Ustuwaana A’isha Radi Allahu anha

Also called Ustuwaana –e- Muhajereen and Ustuwaana –I-Qur’a This is called the Ustuwaana-e- Muhajereen, because originally the Muhajereen used to sit near this spot.

Our Beloved Prophet Sayyedina Muhammad Mustufa Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam used to say their prayers here and afterwards moved to the place at Ustuwaana Mukhallaq (no1).

It is called the Ustuwaana –I-Qur’a., the reason for this is that Hadrat A’isha Radi Allahu anha reports that Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said;

“ In this mosque is one such spot that if people knew the true blessed nature of it; they would flock towards it in such numbers that to pray there would have had to cast lots” People asked Hadrat Aisha Radi Allahu anha to point out the exact spot; which she refused to do.

Later on at the persistence of Hadrat Abdullah ibn Zubair Radi Allahu anhu , she pointed out this spot. Hence it is called Ustuwaana –I-A’isha because she reports the Hadith and she showed the exact spot. It is a fact that Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu anhu and Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu anhu  very often used to pray here.

5. Ustuwanatal-Tawba, Column of Repentance, or the Pillar of Abu Lubabah.

This column is so named as it represents the place where Allah Ta’ala accepted the repentance of Abu Lubabah RadhiAllahu anhu.

Our Beloved Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam surrounded the Jewish Tribe of Bani Quraiza on the outskirts of Madinah for twenty five days due to their treachery. After their provisions were exhausted they requested to be given permission to travel safely to Syria. Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam told them that whatever decision Sa’ad ibn Muath RadhiAllahu anhu made as mediator, they should accept that. But the Jews requested that Abu Lubabah RadhiAllahu anhu be the one to negotiate with as he had been their ally before Islam, and he had family and property in this area, so they thought he would be kinder to them. The Noble Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, forever displaying the fairest of manners in all dealings agreed to their request, and hence sent Abu Lubabah RadhiAllahu anhu to them. The tribe came rushing to him in distress, playing on his emotions. They asked what would become of them if they left the security of their fort, would they be safe. He replied in the affirmative, but while saying so gestured cutting of the throat with his hand, indicating that their head will be cut off. This was in fact the secret the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam made with Abu Lubabah RadhiAllahu anhu. 

As soon as Abu Lubabah RadhiAllahu anhu did this he realized his grave betrayal, saying: “My legs had not moved from their place before I knew that I had betrayed Allah and His Messenger.” He immediately rushed to the Masjid where he bound himself to the pillar, vowing to remain in this condition until his repentance was accepted. Some narrations say he was there for seven days and seven nights, being untied only for ritual purification and prayers. He barely ate during this time and passed out several times. When Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam heard of what he had done he said: “He could have come directly to me and I would have prayed for his forgiveness. Now he has left the whole matter to Allah. He should wait till Allah accepts his repentance directly.”

At dawn on the seventh day, while the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was in Umm Salama RadhiAllahu anha’s house, she saw him smile. When she inquired why he was smiling he informed her that Allah Ta’ala had forgiven Abu Lubabah RadhiAllahu anhu. She asked if she could be the one to convey the happy news, whereupon the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “If you wish.” Umm Salama RadhiAllahu anha walked to the door of her house, being beside the Masjid, and called out to Abu Lubabah: “Receive the good news O Abu Lubabah! Allah has forgiven you!” 

The Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum present in the Masjid at the time rushed to congratulate and untie him, but he said: “Leave me until the Messenger of Allah, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, comes and unties me with his own hands!”

They left him and he was untied according to his wish when Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam came out for Fajr Salat. 

Such drastic measures taken by the Sahabah to rectify a mistake! And now this very column is sought after by many as the auspicious place to make Tawba, SubhanAllah! May Allah Ta’ala save us, and accept our repentance. Ameen.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was said to often pray his Nawafil Salat at this pillar, and it was one of the main places he would sit to receive the poor, the weak, the needy, guest and others after Salatul Fajr. They would sit in circle around him listening to his advice, reciting the latest revelations to them and see to their needs. And Allah the Almighty knows best. 

6. Ustuwanatul-Sarir, Column of the Bed

This marks the place where a mat made of palm fronds and a leather cushion filled with palm fibre used to be spread for the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam during his Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan. 

It is narrated that our Blessed Lady Aishah RadhiAllahu anha, could sit at the door of their house washing and combing his Mubarak hair while our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was actually in the Masjid, as the door to their simple quarters was beside this pillar!

The Guard Column on the right and the Delegates Column on the left with the doorway that roughly corresponds to the Mubarak door our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam used to enter the Masjid from the narrow passageway that separated the houses of Lady Aishah and Lady Fatimah RahdiAllahu anhima.

7. Ustuwanatul-Haras, Column of the Guard.

The position of this column was adjacent to the Mubarak door leading to the humble home of our Blessed Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and our Beloved Lady Aishah RadhiAllahu anha, and it is where some of the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum would stand guard. Narrations say that Ali RadhiAllahu anhu was the main guard, along with Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas and Abu Saeed Khudri RadhiAllahu anhum. Once Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam returned weary from battle saying to our Lady Aishah: “I wish a man of virtue should come to guard me tonight.” Soon after he heard the clanging of weapons outside his house, and when he inquired as to who was there, the reply came: “Sa’d, I have come to guard you.” So the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam slept. 

Soon after Allah Ta’ala revealed:

And Allah will protect you from people… (5:67), 

so Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam informed the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum that they were no longer needed to stand guard.

8. Ustuwanatul-Wufud, Column of the Delegations.

This column stands where Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam used to receive the numerous delegations that would arrive in Madinah from various tribes to announce their entry into Islam and pledge their allegiance to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, as well as other dignitaries from other lands.
Burzanji Rahmatullah alaihi said: “The bed, the guard and the delegates columns used to be somewhat inside the Sacred Chamber. In 888 A.H., the wall of the Sacred Chamber was rebuilt during the period of Qaitabai, when half of each column was built outside the wall to mark the locations.” 

9. Grave Square Column.

This position is said to be one of the Maqamas of Jibreel Alaihis Sallam. THIS WAS THE USUAL PLACE WHERE JIBRA'IL AS. USED TO ENTER TO VISIT RASULULLAH (Sallallahu Alaihe wasallam) This column is on the northwestern corner of Lady Aishah’s house, and since our Noble Al-Mustafa SallAllahu alaihi wasallam is in this house which is almost square in shape, they refer to this as the Grave Square Column.  This column cannot be seen as it is behind the metallic enclosure. 

“O Allah, the leveler of the Plains, the Maker of the Firmament, and the Molder of Hearts into the good and the bad, grant Your noblest blessings, most fruitful favours and most loving kindness to our master Muhammad, Your Servant and Your Messenger, the opener of what was locked and the Sea; of what had gone before, the announcer of truth with truth, and the refuter of the forces of falsehood! He who took upon himself the responsibility of Your order in obedience to You, speedily seeking Your Pleasure, earnestly heeding Your Revelation, keeping Your Promise, carrying out and executing Your Command, so that, by kindling a burning brand for the seeker, his followers gain access through him to the blessings of Allah! Hearts were guided through him after having entered into discord and sin, and he gladdened with evident signs, with enlightening laws and illuminating Islam! And he is Your trustworthy one and safe custodian of Your secret Knowledge, Your witness on the Day of Judgement and Your envoy, a favour for us, and Your Messenger, in truth, a mercy for us! O Allah, widen for him his place in Your Eden and reward him doubly with the goodness of zyour Favour granting him untarnished felicitations from the victory of Your Reward, which is plentiful and fitting, and from Your Lofty Gift!”  Dala’il al-Khayrat.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.  May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen. 

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