Sittings of Late October – Early November 1959

مجالسِ اواخر اکتوبر — اوائل نومبر ۱۹۵۹

Topics 125–128: Companions; Nadim, Rafiq and Murshid; Allah's Greatness Through Knowledge; Occasion of Revelation

Hazrat distinguished three types of associates on the path: the nadim (intimate friend), the rafiq (companion), and the murshid (shaykh). In the journey of life — like passengers in a railway compartment — not all who travel with us are true companions. The true rafiq is one who helps on the path. The murshid is our guide on the path of the Shari'a and the tariqah — our leader (pishwa), and it is Allah and His Messenger who remain in guidance, providing what is necessary at every stage.

"Allah's Greatness Through His Knowledge" — Hazrat remarked: 'When I try to comprehend Allah's greatness through His knowledge, the image of Allah's greatness comes to me. I think to myself: I am always in Hyderabad. How large is Hyderabad? What is Hyderabad in India? India in Hindustan? Hindustan in the world? And how many suns face us? And the suns face billions of suns... the thought extends to infinitely far distances — yet the mind cannot encompass it. But this thought is always before me.'

29 October 1959 (Thursday)

Topic 128: Occasion of Revelation (Shan al-Nuzul)

Hazrat spoke about the concept of 'shan al-nuzul' — the occasion or context of the revelation of Qur'anic verses. Each verse was revealed at a specific time for a specific purpose, yet the verse is not limited only to that context — it is for its purpose and for all who fall under that description. The statement 'It was revealed in such circumstances' (nuzilat fi kadha) does not mean that its meaning applies only to that specific incident; rather, the verse contains a general principle that applies wherever its conditions are met.

Topic 129: The Love of Abu Bakr and 'Umar is Necessary for Salvation

Hazrat cited a hadith: 'No one can be saved until the time he loves Allah and until he loves La ilaha illa Allah; and no one can love La ilaha illa Allah until the time he loves Abu Bakr and 'Umar' (from Kanz al-'Ummal, p. 132). A person cannot be saved until he loves the two great Companions — Abu Bakr al-Siddiq and 'Umar al-Faruq, may Allah be pleased with them. This love is not mere sentiment; it is a theological necessity rooted in love of the Prophet and love of those whom the Prophet loved most.

30 October 1959 (Friday)

Topic 130: Hazrat Ali on Truth

Hazrat said: 'Hazrat Ali asked — in his time, were you with him, fighting alongside him?' Someone said: 'Just as my grandfather was with him — Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr.' If Mu'awiyah came before us now, Hazrat 'Ali would have to cut him down — yet in that time, I would not be able to say ill of them. They are Companions — I am not their contemporary. I am in this time, not in their time. I act as my grandfather did. Hazrat Ali was satisfied with me — this is my school of thought.

Topic 131: Hazrat Mu'awiyah

Hazrat said: 'But one thing is clear — I do not have personal love for him; it is out of respect for his Companionship that I hold him in esteem. I saw his grave in one place...' He continued: 'I face great difficulty with them — I am always in Hyderabad and I read and submit to Sayyidunā ʿAlī, may Allah ennoble his face. May Allah guide me.'

Topic 132: A Good Supplication

Hazrat read out a noble supplication (du'a):

يَا أَحَدَهُ وَيَا أَسَنَدَهُ مِن لَا أَسَنَدَ لَهُ انقَطَعَ الرَّجَاءُ الأَمَانَكَ وَخَابَتِ الآمَالُ الأَلَافِيكَ، نَجَّنِي، نَجَّنِي مِمَّا أَنَا عَلَيْهِ بَجَاهِ وَوَجِّهِ الكَرِيمِهِ وَبِحَقِّ مُحَمَّدٍ عَلَيْكَ

O Unique One! O Support of those who have no support! The hopes in Your mercy have been cut off, and all hopes have fallen away except You — save me, save me from what I am in, by the honour of Your Noble Countenance and by the right of Muhammad upon You. Amen. (My correctness and my right is from Him.)