Prophethood and mortality

Hazrat Shah Waliullah Dehlavi (rahmatullahi alaihe) writes in “Faizul Haramine” about his experiences while he was in Madinah al-Munawara.

Hazrat Shah Waliullah Dehlavi (rahmatullahi alaihe) narrates that while in the holy city of Madinah al-Munawara, he often visited the Rouza-e-Rasool Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). During these visits, he was able to see the blessed soul of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). Not only this, Hazrat Shah Waliullah Dehlavi (rahmatullahi alaihe) was also able to see many times the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in His (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) true physical form. Such characteristics are unique to the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam).

Hazrat Shah Waliullah Dehlavi (rahmatullahi alaihe) writes that Prophets and Messengers do not die in the literal sense of the word. They are alive in the grave and lead a life similar to the one in this world. They regularly offer prayers in the grave and also perform the Hajj.

Hazrat Shah Waliullah Dehlavi (rahmatullahi alaihe) narrates that whenever he gave his salaam at the blessed Rouza, the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) would return his salaam and would express satisfaction. Such superior attributes can only be ascribed to the Rahmatullil Aalamin or “Mercy for all the Worlds.”

It is the opinion of the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamayat that the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) is alive in his holy grave. Hazrat Maolana Qasem Nanutabi (rahmatullahi alaihe) has written on this subject in his book “Abehayat”.

Rahmatullil Aalamin

Allama Quazi Muhammed Sulaiman Monsurpuri (rahmatullahi alaihe) wrote the book Rahmatullil Aalamin. The words Rahmatullil Aalamin means “Mercy for all the Worlds.” The words have been used in the Holy Qu’ran to refer to the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam).

After the completion of his book, Quazi Sulaiman Monsurpuri (rahmatullahi alaihe) went to Madinah al-Munawara. One day, he was coming out after having finished his prayers at the Masjid an-Nabi. The Imam of the Masjid an-Nabi was with Quazi Sulaiman Monsurpuri (rahmatullahi alaihe) at this time. The two were speaking as they were coming out of the mosque. When they reached the outside gate of the Masjid an-Nabi, the Imam bent forward and straightened the shoes of Quazi Sulaiman Monsurpuri (rahmatullahi alaihe). At this, Quazi Sulaiman Monsurpuri (rahmatullahi alaihe) rushed to the Imam to hold his hand. He then asked: “What are you doing? Allah Subhanahu Wa Tala’a has given you such an elevated position.”

Hearing this, the Imam became tearful and went on to say: “You may not know by whose command I have carried out this task. At night, I was blessed with the vision of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in a dream. In the dream, the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) commanded: “Muhammed Sulaiman is my guest. Honour him in all respects.”

Hazrat Shah Waliullah Dehlavi

In Hijri 1143, Hazrat Shah Waliullah Dehlavi (rahmatullahi alaihe) traveled to the Arabian Peninsula. He was only thirty years old at that time.

Over time, Hazrat Shah Waliullah Dehlavi (rahmatullahi alaihe) reached Madinah al-Munawara. Once in the holy city, Hazrat Shah Waliullah Dehlavi (rahmatullahi alaihe) concentrated, day and night, upon the Rouza-e-Rasool Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) and received spiritual benefits and knowledge.

Hazrat Shah Waliullah Dehlavi (rahmatullahi alaihe) gives details of his experiences in his book “Faizul Haramine”. Hazrat Shah Waliullah Dehlavi (rahmatullahi alaihe) narrates that the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) himself guided him to traverse the spiritual path. He further writes that the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) taught him with his own blessed hands. Hazrat Shah Waliullah Dehlavi (rahmatullahi alaihe) had the rare distinction to receive spiritual knowledge directly from the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam).

Hazrat Shah Waliullah Dehlavi (rahmatullahi alaihe) writes that the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) gave him the glad tidings that he was chosen by Allah Subhanahu Wa Tala'a to organize a select group within the Muslim Ummah.

Dream of Hazrat Shah Abdul Ghani

Arif Billah Ashiq-e-Rasool (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) Hazrat Shah Abdul Ghani (rahmatullahi alaihe) was once blessed with the auspicious vision of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in a dream.

In the dream, the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) stated: “Your name will be Abdul Momen since you cultivate my deen and illuminate the servants of Allah with the light of the remembrance of Allah.”

One may very well succeed in becoming a servant of Allah. It may relatively be easy to strive in the path of Allah. One can also become a Sufi with relative ease. One may even succeed in the constant remembrance of Allah. However, it is not easy to become a Momen or a true believer.

An individual only becomes a Momen or a true believer when all aspects of taqwa or piety are present in the individual. At that time, this individual attains higher status in the eyes of Allah and his Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam).

"Do not forget Allah."

Hazrat Maolana Muhammad Hassan Naqshbandi Mujaddedi (rahmatullahi alaihe) wrote the treatise called Mashayekhi Naqshbandia Mujaddedia.

Maolana Naqshbandi (rahmatullahi alaihe) narrates that he was looking for employment after the completion of his education. Despite recommendations from many influential individuals, Maolana Naqshbandi (rahmatullahi alaihe) failed to secure work. Anxious and worried, he went to Muslim saints and asked them to pray for his employment.

During this time, Maolana Naqshbandi (rahmatullahi alaihe) was blessed with the auspicious vision of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in a dream. In the dream, Maolana Naqshbandi (rahmatullahi alaihe) found himself saying, albeit unintentionally, the following words: “Please pray for my employment.” At this, the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) stated: “You will find employment. Do not forget Allah.” Maolana Naqshbandi (rahmatullahi alaihe) replied: “Please pray for this as well.” The Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) then stated: “You will also remember Allah.”

Upon hearing this, Maolana Naqshbandi (rahmatullahi alaihe) hugged the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) and started crying.

"Tell him to abandon this desire."

Hazrat Mujaddedi Alfesani (rahmatullahi alaihe) had a grandson. The name of the grandson was Sheikh Abdul Ahad.

Sheikh Abdul Ahad once desired to become a hermit. He therefore decided to completely forsake the company of men. During this time, his brother Sheikh Saduddin was blessed with the auspicious vision of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in a dream.

In the dream, Sheikh Saduddin saw that he was at the august court of the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). An individual addressed the court and stated: “Oh Rasul Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam)! Sheikh Abdul Ahad desires to become a hermit. What is your instruction regarding this matter?” At this, the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) stated: “Tell him to abandon this desire. I have entrusted to him with duties for this world.”

After Sheikh Abdul Ahad came to learn of the dream, he himself went into a meditative state and focused his attention on the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). Sheikh Abdul Ahad came to know that the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) did not approve of his desire to renounce the company of men.

Dream of Syed Nakhvi

Syed Muhammad Hassan Jaman Nakhvi narrates that on July 27, 1924, he fell asleep at around 3:30 in the morning. He had been suffering from a fever for a few days at this time.

During his sleep, Syed Nakhvi was blessed with the auspicious vision of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in a dream. In the dream, Syed Nakhvi saw that the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) was leading a salaat in congregation. Syed Nakhvi was standing in the second row with other Muslims. After the end of salaat, dua was offered.

In the dream, the individual in front of Syed Nakhvi hugged the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) as soon as the salaat ended. Syed Nakhvi was able to hold the blessed hands of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). He then went on to kiss the blessed hand of the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) and stated that a number of individuals think that kissing hand is not permitted in Islam. At this, the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) stated: “It is permitted, as it shows love.”

Syed Nakhvi woke up afterwards. He became overwhelmed with his love for the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). His eyes became filled with tears and he found himself reciting Durood Shareef spontaneously. Syed Nakhvi became saddened that the dream had ended so quickly. Afterwards, he started to cry and engaged in reciting Durood Shareef in earnest.

Syed Nakhvi then prayed: “Oh Allah! Let it be everyday that I become blessed with the vision of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) during a fever.”

“You desire my presence, yet you stay in the company of the oppressors?”

Kutubur Rabbani Imam Sharani (rahmatullahi alaihe) writes that Syed Muhammad Ebne Zain was a great admirer and a devoted follower of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam).

Syed Muhammad Ebne Zain had the rare distinction of being blessed with the vision of the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in the waking state.

Once an individual came to Syed Muhammad Ebne Zain and asked him to intercede to the emperor on his behalf.

When Syed Muhammad Ebne Zain came to the royal court, the emperor greatly honoured him and went on to seat him on the royal throne. From that day onward, Syed Muhammad Ebne Zain was deprived of the vision of the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam).

Concerned and alarmed, Syed Muhammad Ebne Zain recited a special poem in praise of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). Soon afterwards, Syed Muhammad Ebne Zain saw something in the distance. During this time, he heard the blessed voice of the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). The Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) stated: “You desire my presence, yet you stay in the company of the oppressors?”

It is not known if Syed Muhammad Ebne Zain was subsequently blessed with the vision of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam).

Sheikh Abdullah Aref Billah Bodaunabi

Sheikh Abdullah Aref Billah Bodaunabi belonged to a non-Muslim caste in Punjab before he embraced Islam.

One day during his childhood, Sheikh Abdullah was reciting the work composed by the famous poet Sheikh Saadi. At one point, Sheikh Abdullah came across the following line which can be translated to mean:

It is not possible to strive in the spiritual path without following the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam).

Sheikh Abdullah asked his tutor about the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). The tutor offered his pupil a brief description of the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). Upon hearing the description, a change came over Sheikh Abdullah. He decided to embrace Islam and went on to become one of the most pious and learned scholars of his time.

Shortly before his death, Sheikh Abdullah Aref Billah Bodaunabi issued specific instructions to his followers with respect to his funeral prayer. He stated that only the individual who had never missed four rakah Sunnat of the Asr prayer would lead the funeral prayer. An individual came forward to lead the funeral prayer for Sheikh Abdullah just as his followers started to worry whether they would find anyone to lead the prayer.

Sheikh Abdullah also instructed his followers to bury him upon his death where the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) had placed his blessed cane and from which place water flowed when he was blessed with the vision of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). His followers had chosen this particular place for his burial. Sheikh Abdullah was buried at this very place in Bodayun.

A long awaited dream

Maolana Muhammed Sayyid Gohanabi (rahmatullahi alaihe) once went to see Hazrat Khawza Muhammed Sayyid Quraish (rahmatullahi alaihe). During his visit, Maolana Gohanabi (rahmatullahi alaihe) stated that he has not been blessed with the vision of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in a dream for a long time. Hazrat Khawza Quraish (rahmatullahi alaihe) advised Maolana Gohanabi (rahmatullahi alaihe) to recite some verses. The verses can be translated as follows:

Oh Rasul Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam)! Where are you?
My eyes, engulfed in darkness, do not behold your luminous appearance.
How much I long for your presence with fervent hope and anticipation.
How nice it would have been if I had been blessed with your magnificent appearance!
Wherever I am, I am still alive because of your blessed aroma.
I am eagerly awaiting your luminous appearance.
Oh Rasul Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam)! Where are you?

Maolana Gohanabi (rahmatullahi alaihe) recited the verses at night and drifted off to asleep. He was blessed with the auspicious vision of the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in a dream.

In the morning, Maolana Gohanabi (rahmatullahi alaihe) went to see Hazrat Khawza Quraish (rahmatullahi alaihe) and narrated his dream. Hazrat Khawza Quraish (rahmatullahi alaihe) stated that one can verily see the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in a dream when special amaal or invocation is performed.

"I am very pleased with you."

Hazrat Khawza Muhammed Akel (rahmatullahi alaihe) was the most illustrious spiritual successor to Hazrat Khawza Noor Muhammed Moharavi (rahmatullahi alaihe).

Hazrat Khawza Muhammed Akel (rahmatullahi alaihe) dedicated his entire life in the strict observance of the Sunnah of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam).

A few days before his demise, Hazrat Khawza Muhammed Akel (rahmatullahi alaihe) was blessed with the auspicious vision of the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in a dream. In the dream, the Beloved Messenger (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) stated: “I am very pleased with you. You have revived all my Sunnah.”

According to Khawza Jalalpuri (rahmatullahi alaihe), Hazrat Khawza Muhammed Akel (rahmatullahi alaihe) is among the most dedicated and distinguished followers of the Sunnah of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam).

Maolana Majduddin receives two loaves of bread

Maolana Majduddin was famously known as Shah Muhammad Masum.

Maolana Majduddin used to maintain complete trust and reliance in Allah Subhanahu Wa Tala'a for sustenance. He was always content with less. Nothing would ever shake his firm reliance in Allah Subhanahu Wa Tala'a and his practice to be always content with less.

On one auspicious night, Maolana Majduddin was blessed with the vision of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in a dream. In the dream, Maolana Majduddin saw that the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) gave him two loaves of bread.

Upon awakening, Maolana Majduddin patiently waited for the interpretation of his dream.

After some time, Nejamul Mulk Asef Jamani donated the ownership of two villages to Maolana Majduddin. Maolana Majduddin stated that this was the interpretation of the dream in which the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) gave him two loaves of bread.

Dream of Sheikh Aslam

Sheikh Aslam Ibne Yahiya Ibne Moyeen Kashmiri narrates that one night he was blessed with the vision of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in a dream.

In the dream, the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) prayed for barakah for Sheikh Aslam Ibne Moyeen Kashmiri. Afterwards, the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) gave Sheikh Aslam Ibne Moyeen Kashmiri a hair from His (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) blessed hair.

Upon awakening, Sheikh Aslam Ibne Moyeen Kashmiri found a black hair in his hand. He also found that his room was filled with exquisite aroma.

Sheikh Aslam Ibne Moyeen Kashmiri discovered that his beard had turned white during this time.

"My eyes do not want to see anything else."

Hazrat Bahrul Ulum Hafez Muhammed Azim was the Imam and Khatib of the Gong mosque in the city of Peshawar.

This particular area of Peshawar became famous because of Hazrat Bahrul Ulum Hafez Muhammed Azim. His love and devotion for the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) was beyond description.

Hazrat Muhammed Azim was once blessed with the vision of the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in a dream. In the dream, Hazrat Muhammed Azim stated: “Oh Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam)! My eyes do not want to see anything else after being blessed with your sight.”

Upon awakening, Hazrat Muhammed Azim found that he had lost his eyesight. His love for the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) was thus unparalleled.

Allah Subhanahu Wa Tala'a gave Hazrat Muhammed Azim Ilme Ladunni (divinely inspired knowledge) because of his great love for the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). Hazrat Muhammed Azim narrated Hadith with ease all his life even though he was visually impaired. He knew the Hadith by heart.

Hazrat Muhammed Azim passed away in 1275 Hijri. In the Gregorian calendar, it was the year 1858.

His Janaza Salah or funeral prayer was attended by an astonishingly large number of individuals.