INTRODUCTION

This is a short compilation of selected sayings and anecdotes of the illustrious Auliyaa (the special friends—saints) of Allah Ta'ala. The perpetuation of Islam in its original purity has been ensured by the various classes of Auliyaa among whom are also found the great Fuqaha, Muhadditheen and Mufassireen.

The sayings and anecdotes presented in this book belong to the domain of Islamic morality, spirituality and the remembrance of Allah, which in fact is the goal of life. No order has been observed in this compilation. It is essentially a book of Naseehat—advice and admonition. The aim of these advices is to create a concern (fikr) in the Muslim for the Aakhirah for which mankind as been created. Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) said:

"Verily, the world has been created for you and you have been created for the Aakhirah."

Careful, sincere and reflective reading of the Naseehat of the Auliyaa will create the desired effect, viz. remembrance of Allah and the Aakhirah. The sincere reader in the quest of the truth will derive from this book the necessary enthusiasm to impel him further on in the search for the Path leading to Allah's Proximity.

The company (suhbat) of the Auliyaa is the only sure means of acquiring Islamic moral character and Nearness to Allah Ta'ala. It is precisely for this reason that the Qur'aan commands:

"And join the company of the Saadiqeen (Auliyaa)."

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"Devote your nafs to the company of those who call their Rabb morning and evening intending (thereby) His Face. . ."

Thus, the Qur'aan Majeed commands association–constant companionship–with the Auliyaa. Such company produces love for Allah Ta'ala. In these days of fitnah and fasaad (mischief and corruption) there is an acute dearth of Auliyaa. In fact, the world has become bereft of the illustrious type of Auliyaa–of former times. In such spiritually and morally decadent times when there is no physical suhbat of the Auliyaa, the next best option is to study their lives, sayings and anecdotes which will most certainly imbue in the heart the yearning for Allah's Proximity. Towards the achievement of this aim, we present this book which we have named SCATTERED PEARLS. Do remember the compilers in your dua.

Mujlisul Ulama of South Africa
P.O. Box 3393, Port Elizabeth, 6056
South Africa
Ramadhaan 1417 – January 1997

FOREWORD

THE SUNNAH
Islam is the Sunnah of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) and vice versa. The Wali or Sufi (special friend of Allah or Saint) is an embodiment of the Sunnah. Every facet of the wali's life is in strict obedience to the Sunnah. The wali follows the Sunnah in the minutest detail. Since he is motivated by divine love, discardance of the most 'insignificant' aspect of the Sunnah is intolerable to the wali.

A Wali is not one who necessarily has to demonstrate karaamaat (miracles). While the Auliyaa (Sufiyaa) do perform miracles, it is not a requisite for wilaayat (sainthood). The essential requisite for wilaayat is strict obedience to the Sunnah. A man whose daily life does not conform with every aspect of the Sunnah cannever be a Wali even if he walks on water, flies in the air, transforms base metals into gold, heal the sick or even bring to life the dead.

Sometimes some utterances and acts of the Auliyaa conflict with the Shariah. Ignorant people, men of shallow understanding and men bereft of roohaaniyat misunderstand these utterances. Some derive nafsaani gain from these utterances while others condemn the Auliyaa as heretics. Such seemingly heretical/blasphemous utterances ensued from some Auliyaa while they were in high states of spiritual ecstasy. The revelation of spiritual realms and their spiritual states of mi'raaj (ascension) constrain the Auliyaa to proclaim mysteries which are incomprehensible to laymen. Since these utterances are made in states in ecstasy, the Auliyaa during these states are considered to be ma'zoor (excused, blameless and exculpated of guilt).

Any utterance, statement or action of any wali which appears to be in conflict with the Shariah shall be set aside. It is not permissible to either follow such statements and actions or to criticize the Auliyaa. A suitable interpretation shall be tendered to exonerate the wali.

Since the wali is an embodiment of the Sunnah, every detail of his life will necessary conform with the Sunnah, even his rigid ibaadat practices and austerity in matters of daily life. Sceptics argue that there is no basis in the Sunnah for the rigid and austere practices of the Sufiyaa. Their claims are the product of ignorance or bias or little learning or defective understanding of the Qur'aan and Hadith.

In the life-style of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) is a pattern for both the layman and the wali. The moderation and simplicity in life which the masses have to adopt are the style of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ). Similarly, rigid forms of ibaadat, abstinence and austerity which the Auliyaa practise are also the style of Rasulullah (). The Hadith is replete with examples of rigidity, austerity and abstinence of Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) and the Sahaabah. Just as there is a basis for the moderation which laymen have to adopt, so too is there a basis in the Sunnah for the austerity, abstinence and seclusion of the Auliyaa. But everyone lacks the moral and spiritual stamina to adopt the road of total abstinence, austerity and renunciation. For them the moderate path indicated by the Sunnah suffices.