Photo by Raffi Hashemi, Hayward, CA.
Of the many things we were told by our teachers on the Rihla, a particular message from Shaykh Abdul Hakim Murad resonates: Every prayer in Masjid-an-Nabawi is different. Every time I walked into the Haram I knew to expect the unexpected. One of the more memorable visits to the Haram was just two days before we were about to leave Madinah. I sensed a kind of nervousness in the Rihla camp – the thought of returning back to our home cities seemed to unseat us. I myself was counting down my last prayers in the Prophet’s Mosque, trying to savour the sweetness of each and every single moment in worship. This particular afternoon I had arrived early for ‘Asr prayer and settled myself down in one of my favorite spots in the Haram. Then just before the congregational prayer was about to begin an elderly man sat down next to me. He rolled out in front of him his blanket cum Musalla and neatly placed a miswak and a bottle of water in the center. Having clearly marked his territory, I thought I would move to another spot. As I moved away he grabbed my hand to make my stay where I was– but instead of a feeling of shock, a strange sense of security overcame me and I ended up praying next to him.
I prayed one of the most amazing prayers of my life. After the salaat as I stood up, the man turned to face me and shook my hand. His smiling face emanated light. His beard shone white. His aura was profound. I was sure he was the most beautiful person I had ever met. Yet I only ever said to him ‘Assalamu’alaykum’ and only saw his face for a split second. In a flash, he was gone.
Insha’Allah I will meet him again.
1 comments:
Salams Rihla Family,
Ma Sha Allah I know exactly who this brother is speaking of. The Shaykh's name is Sayyid Abu Bakr from Afghanistan. Alhamdolila, I too had the same experience with this man. After one of the Asr prayers in the masjid, I noticed this man setting up shop in a section of the masjid under the umbrellas, posting up waiting for the next prayer. I immediately approached him with the intention of salams. When I arrived the man tugged me on my arm insisting I sit with him. He had a beautiful long white beard, blue eyes, and a beautiful face. His voice was gruff, however his hospitality was generous. In Arabic he would convey important duas and suggestions following salat. After that I departed desiring to see him again amongst the sea of believers. The next morning as we were on our way to a site visit, I noticed in my peripheral an elder crossing the street. Out loud I said "Who was that?!" I bolted out to meet the elder...lo and behold Ma Sha Allah it was the same Shaykh. We smiled exchanged hugs and planned to meet after Asr. After offering Asr, I was hoping to meet the man again. The minute I lifted my head the Shaykh was directly in front of me. He looked back, smiled, and then signaled me to join him. He took me by the arm and I found myself in a circle of elders who's faces were just filled with Nur. "Ma Sha Allah these people are shining!!!" I thought to myself. I approached a man whom Sayyid Abu Bakr approached earlier. I am him "Who is that man?!" The man replied "He's Sayyid Abu Bakr from Afghanistan". I said "Ma Sha Allah, he's a big friend of Allah" "ALHAMDOLILA" the man said with a smile! It's people like this that I'll/we'll miss. The lovers inhabiting the masjid of the Beloved PBUH. Outwardly they may be passed up, but inwardly they are connected and present with Allah and His Messenger PBUH. I hope and pray all of us will have an opportunity to be in these blessed cities, in the company of these lovers, attaining nearness to Allah and His Beloved. For now I hope and pray we're filled with gratitude for where Allah has placed us, and see this an opportunity to spread the love. Whether in Medina or in the US, the UK, wherever. Allah surely is most Wise. May Allah bless you all and grant you success & well-being in this life and the next, Amin.
Salams,
A brother requesting your duas...
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