(2.) HAJJ: TIME TO MEET THE FRIENDS OF ALLAH:
A group of merchants once traveled to Mecca for Haj by boat. Along the way the boat broke down. The time for Haj come very near. One of the merchants carried with him goods to the value of 50,000 dirhams, left all his goods on the boat and left his partners enroute to Mecca. His companions advised him against it saying that he could possibly sell some of his goods if he stayed behind but to this he replied:
“By Allah I swear, even though I should receive the whole world, still will I not prefer it above this opportunity of performing Haj. There in Mecca I shall meet the Auliyaa (saintly friends of Allah); and whatever I have already experienced and seen of these people, I can never explain.”
His fellow traders asked: “Tell us, what did you see about them.”
He explained: “We were en-route to Mecca to perform Haj. Water became very scarce and we all suffered great thirst. At exorbitant prices did we have to buy water. On a certain day almost dying of thirst, we searched the whole caravan for water but found not a drop. At no price could it be bought anywhere. I felt as if I was dying. A short distance away we found a faqir who carried with him a spear and a bowl. He pierced his spear into the earth and water gushed forth from under it. This water ran into a pond. I drank myself to the full from this pond and filled my skin bag. Then I went to inform my companions. They also came, drank and filled their bags. Yet the pond remained as full as ever. Can one stay away from such a place where such people gather?”
(3.) YOUNG MAN’S LOVE FOR ALLAH (SWT)
Hazrat Shaikh Yusuf bin Hamdaan (R.al) says: “I once traveled to Mecca from Basra, together with a group of poor pilgrims. Among these Haajis was a young man who proved to be a very righteous and saintly person; always busy with zikrullah and righteous works. It was a pleasure to be in his company. I became infatuated with him.
When we reached Madina, he became ill; and we did not see him for a few days. One day we went to visit him. When we saw him, we became worried about his health and among ourselves it was resolved that a doctor should be consulted to diagnose the illness; and to treat him, that some kind of medicine may cure him.
He heard us making this decision; and opened his eyes smiling and saying; “Respected brothers, friends; what a bad thing it is that agreement should be followed by disagreement and opposition. Is it not against Allah’s will and desire that He choose for us one way; and we on the other hand prefer another?” we heard these words and felt ashamed of ourselves.
He looked at us and said: “If ever medicine is to be found for him; who has the illness of the love for Allah, from such a person; who has already been healed from such love, then seek medicine. Let it be known that these illness we see are in fact ways of attaining purity of body and forgiveness for sins. Illness causes us to remember the Hereafter.”
Then he recited three couplets:
“My medicine is only in Allah’s hands; He alone knows my disease.”
“Through having followed my desires; I persecute my soul unjustly.”
“When for an ailment I drink medicine; my disease only increases.”