BAYE NIASSE'S VISITS TO FEZ, MOROCCO

SAHIB AL-FAYDAH SHAYKH-AL-ISLAM AL-HAJJ IBRAHIM NIASSE (RA)’S VISIT TO FEZ AND THE MOROCCON MASTERS

Compiled by;

Imam Fakhruddin Owaisi al-Madani al-Ahmadi al-Tijani

A Historic Picture of Sahib-al-Faydah Shaykh-al-Islam Ibrahim Niasse (RA) In Traditional Moroccan Attire

ORIGINAL COPY OF KASHIF AL-ILBAS, IN WHICH BAYE ANNOUNCED THE EMERGENCE OF THE TIJANI FAYDAH AT HIS HANDS, PRINTED IN CASABLANCA MOROCCO IN 1934, BY BAYE’S LOYAL MOROCCON TALIBE SHARIF SIDI MUHAMMAD BU-TALIB

 

Introduction:

What follows is some information I have compiled about the visits of Mawlana Sahib al-Faydah Shaykh-al-Islam al-Haj Ibrahim bin al-Haj Abd-Allahi Niasse (RA) to the blessed city of Fez (Faas) and his meeting with the masters of the Tijani Tariqah in Morocco. Most of the information here is derived from the Shaykh’s 1935 travelogue entitled al-Rihlah al-Hijaziyyah al-Ula as well as his Diwans.

Do note that Shaykh-al-Islam (RA) had the Ijazah Mutlaqah (the highest Ijazah in the Tijani Path) from three Moroccan Savants of the Tariqah, Sidi Shaykh Ahmad Sukayrij (RA), Sidi Shaykh Muhammad al-Hajuji (RA), and Sidi al-Tayyib al-Sufyani (RA), the Muqaddam of the Fez Zawiyah. The first two have been ascribed with Qutbaniyyah.

Also note importantly that Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) traveled to Morocco six years after the Emergence of the Grand Faydah (Tijani Flood) on his hands in Senegal, as Shaykh

Ibrahim (RA) had declared his position as the predicted Sahib al-Faydah, the Qutb al-Zaman and Shaykh al-Tarbiyah in 1929, and he traveled to Fez in 1935. By that time, his affair had become well-known, and quite controversial also among the North and West African Tijaniyyah. Indeed, he had printed his magnum-opus on the Faydah claim, the Kashif al-Ilbas in Morocco.

Nevertheless, as you will read in the following passages; he was given a most grand welcome and reception by the Tijanis of Morocco, including the great Muqaddams of the Fez Zawiyah. These were Men of Kashf (spiritual unveiling) and Firasah (spiritual insight). Their grand welcome of Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) was an Ahmadi Tijani confirmation of his Status as the Sahib al-Faydah. For indeed, nothing takes place in that Fasi Hadrah except through the Tasarruf (spiritual power) of our Master the Qutb al-Maktum (RA). So ponder!

THE YEARNING OF AL-HADRAH AL-IBRAHIMIYYAH FOR AL-HADRAH AHMADIYYAH:

Mawlana Shaykh-al-Islam Ibrahim Niasse (RA) wrote about Fez before visiting it:

O! Greet the Land of Fez!

The Land from which the Sustenance of Mankind flows.

A land that I wish to reach!

The land of the Seal (of Saints) The Refuge from all danger.

The Owner of (Divine) Secrets and Lights! My Beloved!

The Progeny of the Chosen Prophet from Mankind (SAW).

His descendant and his Inheritor!

So his (i.e. Shaykh’s) companions are his (SAW) Companions without doubt!

For the Shaykh received Spiritual Nourishment from the Prophet (SAW)

And the Essence of the Essence is the Essence of Abi’l-Abbas (al-Tijani).

And indeed, I am thirsty for the Spiritual Nourishments from the Shaykh,

And I ask him for further Nourishment.

(for I am) a Passionate Lover, lost in yearning for him,

And following the Path of the (spiritual) Provider of Mankind (RA).

May Allah bless us to reach!

The Presence of Spiritual Power (Shaykh al-Tijani) without any difficulty.

For how many Seekers have gained Arrival (in Allah’s Presence)

On your hands O Essence of the Essence! (i.e. Inheritor of the Prophet SAW)

SHAYKH IBRAHIM’S ARRIVAL IN FEZ:

Upon Shaykh Ibrahim’s arrival in Morocco at the port of Casablanca, he was received by notable Tijanis, among who was also a very old man whose father had been a Companion of Sayyidna Shaykh al-Tijani (RA). This man showed Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) the Blessed Sandal of Sayyidna Shaykh (RA) and Letters with his blessed handwriting. It was as if Sayyidna Shaykh (RA) himself was welcoming Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) into Morocco.

In the Zawiyah of Casablanca, Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) was honored by the learned Muqaddam Sidi Muhammad bin Ali al-Susi (RA) who was so impressed by him that he said:

“The Muqaddam and great Wali Sidi al-Husayn al-Ifrani (RA) spoke the truth when he said, ‘The Black People are the Mine of Sainthood’ (as-Sudan Ma’din al-Wilayah).”

Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) writes after quoting this: “And Sidi Ahmad Sukayrij (RA) told me, ‘Indeed, you are the most learned one of the Black Nation’.”

Upon his arrival in the blessed City of Fez, Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) was greatly honored by the noble men of the Grand-Zawiyah, as he mentions in detail in his Rihlah.

In fact, the noble Fuqara of the Grand-Zawiyah had rushed to wipe and make tabarruk of Shaykh Ibrahim’s tears when he cried profusely during his farewell Ziyarah of Sayyidna Shaykh (RA) and read this Ibrahimi declaration in his Sacred Presence:

 “I make Allah, His Prophet (SAW) and the Shaykh (al-Tijani) a witness that my Creed on which I worship Allah and pray to Meet Him with, is (the following): ‘I testify that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, who has no partners as none is (existing) with Him in reality. He created His Prophet our Master Muhammad before all of Creation, a (direct) creation from Him without the mediation of any creature. And (He) made him (i.e. Muhammad) the origin of Creation, their Intermediary (to God) and the Cause of their Existence. And He created our Shaykh (Ahmad) and made him the intermediary between us and the Prophet (SAW), in a way that we cannot gain anything from Allah but through His Prophet (SAW), and he (i.e. the Shaykh) is the intermediary between us and him (SAW). We have no desire outside of them (i.e. Allah, Rasul and Shaykh).”

We make this our testimony as well. Ameen.

Amongst those who met Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) in Fez and honored him and were impressed by his Divine Gnosis and love for Shaykhna al-Tijani, (RA) were noble Moroccan Tijani leaders like:

-The Grand Muqaddam of Fez, the Sharih Sidi al-Tayyib al-Sufyani (Grandson of the great Sidi al- Tayyib al-Sufyani, the close companion of Shaykhuna al-Tijani, and author of the Ifadah)

-Sidi al-Haj Baradah, the grandson of the Khalifah al-Mu’azzam Sidi Ali Harazim (RA)

-Sidi Muhammad Abd-Allah, author of the famous Ithaf al-Khill al-Wafi bi-Shar’h Alfaz al-Hizb al-Sayfi

-Sidi al-Muqaddam Muhammad bin Abd-al-Qadir al-Alami

-Sidi Muhammad al-Saqqat

-The Muqaddam Sidi al-Ghali al-Sufyani

-Sidi Muhammad bin al-Tahir bin Mawlay Abi’n-Nasr al-Alawi

-Sidi Muhammad bin Muhammad al-Kattani, Caretaker of the Grand-Zawiyah

-The Faqih Sidi al-Hasan Qarrour

-The Imam of the Grand-Zawiyah, Sidi Muhammad bin Abid al-Iraqi, father of the famous Sidi Idris al-Iraqi (RA).

This family was so impressed by Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) that when Sidi Idris al-Iraqi (RA) took over the Imamat of the Grand Zawiyah from his father, he wrote a letter to Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) asking him spiritual permission (Idhni) to lead the prayers in the Fez Zawiyah. This letter is still preserved in Kaolack. Sidi Idris remained the Imam and Muqaddam of the Grand-Zawiyah for 4 decades. Sidi Idris also visited Medina-Baye many times. On one occasion, the present Imam Shaykh Tijani Cisse saw in a dream that Sidi Ali Harazim (RA) was being hosted by his elder brother.

Mawlana Shaykh Hassan Cisse (RA). Then it so happened that Sidi Idris al-Iraqi was hosted by Shaykh Hassan (RA), with his wife who was direct descendant of Sidi Ali Harazim (RA). Shaykh Hassan (RA) confirmed that this was the meaning of the dream.

In fact, the Great Muqaddam and Sharif Sidi al-Tayyib al-Sufyani (RA) kept on honouring Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) and even invited him to stay in his house!

But the Shaykh could not honor his request as Sharif Haddu Bu-Talib the Moroccan murid whose house he was staying at, did not want him to stay anywhere else. During my 2009 visit to Fas, I was shown the original room where Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) had stayed during his first visit. During another visit, I had the honor of visiting and staying at the same Hotel that Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) would stay in during his later visits to Fas! Al-Humduli’Llah!

WITH THE GREAT MUQADDAM OF FEZ, SIDI AL-TAYYIB AL-SUFYANI (RA):

While declining to stay in his house, Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) nevertheless accepted an invitation for supper at Sidi al-Tayyib’s house, where Sidi al-Tayyib (RA) granted Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) his Subhah, his Prayer Mat, the blessed Hair of Sayyidna Shaykh (RA), and a Bottle in which Sayyidna Shaykh (RA) would put his perfumes during Khalwah (Seclusion).

After that, the Sharif Sidi al-Tayyib (RA) granted Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) the Ijazah Mutqalah in “everything he had”, and then shared with him an amazing Tijani Gift of the Arkan al-Arba’ah (The Four Pillars) saying:

(There are) Four from the Companions of the Shaykh (al-Tijani), whom the Shaykh (RA) had given all the Asrar, Khawass, and Tasarrufat, and each one of whom had from the Shaykh (RA) what the other didn’t:

-Sidi al-Ghali Bu-Talib (RA)

-Mawlay Muhammad Abu-’n-Nasr (RA)

-al-Haj Abd-al-Wahhab al-Ahmar (RA)

-My grandfather Sidi al-Tayyib (RA)

All of them said that they had gathered everything they had in Sidi al-Kansusi, and Sidi al-Kansusi said that he had granted all of that to Sidi al-Husayn al-Ifreeni, and Sidi al-Ifreeni said the same to this humble slave (i.e.Sidi al-Tayyib), and the humble slave is not like them for they were all Arifinbi’Llah, and their Maqams were great. However, I tell you (i.e. Shaykh Ibrahim) what Sidi al-Husayn (al-Ifreeni) told me, because you are the Habib (beloved) of Sayyidna (al-Tijani) and the son of his beloved; and know that all barakah is with you!”

Allahu Akbar! What an amazing proof of Shaykh Ibrahim’s complete inheritance of Sayyidna Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani (RA).

The Ahl al-Basirah will immediately realize that this was a Complete Ijazah to Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) from the Glory of Fez and Shams al-Maghreb Sidna al-Qutb al-Maktum himself (RA).

Indeed, it is impossible to believe that a great Tijani Master of Fez like Sidi al-Tayyib al-Sufyani (RA) would grant Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) all his greatest secrets without getting the Orders and Permission of Sayyidna Shaykh al-Tijani (RA) himself.

For these reasons, one of Shaykh Ibrahim’s learned companions in travel, Sidi al-Mishri of Mauritania, wrote thus of their blessed Ziyarah to Fez:

And (he) traveled from Kaolack (Senegal) to Morocco

The leader of the easterners and the westerners (i.e. Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse)

We lodged at the Doorsteps of our Shaykh al-Tijani

And indeed he hosted (well) in private and in public

We will produce more of this poem later on.

And Mawlana Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) himself wrote:

Thanks be to Allah for making me reach

Fez! The Residence of my desired Shaykh

When I visited him, I gained from him (Divine) Sciences

And gained from him the Fayd and Understandings

Here I wish to narrate what Mawlana Shaykh Hassan Cisse (RA) told me that Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse (RA) had told him:

“As for You (O Hassan)! You are given permission in everything (I have).”

We thank Allah for connecting us to this Inheritor of the Secrets of the Seal of Sainthood in our Era. Amin.

THE SAHIB AL-FAYDAH IN TANGIERS:

When Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) arrived in the Moroccan city of Tanjah (Tangiers), the Tijani leaders of the city were there to receive him upon the orders the Muqaddam of Fez, Sidi al- Tayyib al-Sufyani (RA). Thereafter, they hosted him in the Zawiyah there and many of them took special Ijazahs from him. They also requested of him to show them the original Jawahir al-Ma’ani with the Handwriting of Sidi Ali Harazim (RA) and Signature of Sayyidna Shaykh (RA), as well as the Holy Hair of Sayyidna Shaykh (RA).

After Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) showed them all of that, they stated:

“We the people of Tanjah, should be grateful and thankful to Allah that he has honored us by the arrival of a Khalifah from the Khulafa of the Shaykh (al-Tijani).”

Shaykh Ibrahim’s Father’s request to Sayyidna (RA) in Fez:

It is also well-known that when al-Haj Abd-Allahi Niasse (RA) had made his famed visit Fez in the early 1900’s, he took with him 4 wishes to the sacred court of the Qutb al-Maktum (RA). These wishes were:

- That he should inherit some hairs of Sayyidna Shaykh (RA)

- That he should inherit some beads from the Rosary of Sayyidna Shaykh (RA)

- That he should receive the Ijazah Mutlaqah in the Tariqah Tijaniyyah, something that did not exist in Senegal at that time.

- That one of his sons must be the Qutb al- Ghawth al-Jami of his age.

He kept these wishes secret and wished that the Shaykh al-Tijani (RA) himself should fulfill them.

Thereafter, while he was sitting in the blessed Zawiyah, a Man of Shining Face – in Moroccan attire - came to him and told him that his wishes are granted and referred him to a certain Muqaddam sitting in that Zawiyah. When he went to that Muqaddam, he was welcomed and immediately granted those holy relics. The Muqaddam also gave him the Ijazah Mutlaqah. Then he asked him:

“Do you who that man was who referred you to me?”

Al-Haj Abdullahi Niasse (RA) stated: “No”.

Upon describing the mysterious gentleman who had referred him to that Muqaddam, the Muqaddam said:

“That was Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani (RA) himself who sent you to me”!!!

What was left now was the 4th wish, and once again al-Haj Abdullahi (RA) kept it a secret. However when he went to Ziyarah the noble Ahmadi Tijani Tomb, he saw his young son Ibrahim Niasse standing inside of it!

So al-Haj Abdullahi (RA) realized that this was the fulfillment of his 4th wish, and that his younger son Ibrahim would be the Complete Inheritor of Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA).

It is mentioned in the Diwan of Shaykh Ibrahim’s elder brother Muhammad al-Khalifah Niasse (RA) – entitled al-Kibrit al-Ahmar fi Mada’ih’ al-Qutb al-Akbar - that the Muqaddam their father was referred to was the famous saint of Fez, Sidi al-Arabi al- Muhibb (RA).

Based on the above incident, al-Haj Abdullahi Niasse (RA) used to state:

“Was I from the people who like to make claims (da’awi), I would have (justifiably) claimed that I have Ijazah Mutlaqah directly from Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani (RA)!!!”.

I TURN TO NONE BUT AHMAD AL-TIJANI:

The Sahib al-Faydah (RA) praises Sayyidna Shaykh (RA) in one poem saying:

He (Shaykh al-Tijani) is a Full Moon from the Presence of Allah, whose Status

Is beyond Comprehension, even from before Creation!

For the Shaykh (al-Tijani) is the Best of all the Creation of Allah

After the Prophets and his Companions, in the Din

Indeed, Tijani is the Secret of the Seal (of Sainthood which is) Concealed…

from all Qutbs and Prophets save Yasin (Prophet Muhammad SAW)

Indeed, I Love you and Yearn for you O my Shaykh

And the flow of my Tears (in your love) has tired me

Never will I present my needs to anyone but you!

And it is far from you (and your generosity) to disappoint anyone in his Din!

He (RA) also describes the Rank of the Shaykh al-Tijani (RA) in another poem saying:

The Seal of Sainthood, the King of Sainthood

The Door of Sainthood, the Key to all Spiritual Openings

He is the Son of Fatimah (RA)! The Progeny of the Prophet (SAW)

He is the Ahmad the Seal (of Saints)! The Granter of Maqams (to them)

He is the One from whom I desire every moment

The gaining of Openings and the Easing of my Affairs!

THE TRUE LINEAGE OF SAYYIDNA AHMAD (RA):

Mawlana Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) writes about his master Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani (RA):

He is the Provider (to the Saints) and unprovided by them

So whoever compares a Prince with his subjects is indeed deluded

Indeed, His Grandfather (SAW) is manifest in him!

And the Grandfather (SAW) was the Manifestation of God, What a Lineage!

THE LOVE OF AHMAD AL-TIJANI (RA) HAS KILLED ME:

Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) was so Fana in Shaykhuna Ahmad al-Tijani (RA) that he wrote in a line:

I see the love of my Shaykh Ahmad the Seal, killing me

And indeed, his Passion will still not leave my heart!

THE LOVE OF AHMAD AL-TIJANI (RA) IS THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS:

After Shaykh Ibrahim’s astounding success in his visit to Nigeria (where tens of thousands of people of all classes, including the King and the Ulama took the Tariqah Tijaniyyah from him), he was so awed that he wrote in one poem:

I arrived (in Kano), and then I was Overcome

By (a reception) that was not in my imagination, by Allah

Where is Barham and who is Barham?

That they are so annihilated and passionate in his love!

Indeed, had I not been annihilated myself…

in the Shaykh Ahmad (al-Tijani), I would have died of embarrassment

I AM THE SLAVE OF AHMAD AL-TIJANI (RA):

Mawlana Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) writes from his Maqam of the ‘Abd:

In my heart is a manifest passion (for my Shaykh Ahmad)

Indeed his Sub-hah (Tijani Rosary) has become my Stick (that I rely on)

Indeed, Ibrahim ibni Abd-Allah (Niasse)

Is your obedient Slave, Truly and really!

NONE CAN LOVE AHMAD (RA) AND MUHAMMAD (SAW) LIKE IBRAHIM:

Mawlana Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) writes:

Whosoever tries to attain my place in the Passion for our Imam (al-Tijani)

Is like the one who has tried to catch the Moon with his poetry (words)!

And whoever tries to attain my place in the Passion for our Prophet (SAW)

Has indeed tried to attain an impossible and forbidden matter!

ACCEPT MY POEMS O AHMAD AL-TIJANI (RA):

Requesting the Khatam al-Awliya to accept his poems, Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) writes:

Indeed, my Shaykh (al-Tijani) is above all the Gnostics without exception

Equal to us are those of them who died or who are alive

O Master of all the Qutbs! This is the effort of your murid

To adorn (poems in) your Praises! So do accept his effort!

SHAYKH IBRAHIM’S DUA FOR HIS PEOPLE AND HIS LAND:

Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) also prayed to Allah to raise him and all the people of his region

(Saloum - Senegal) in the company of Mawlana Ahmad al-Tijani (RA). He wrote:

Me and my beloved ones, the men of Saloum

May Allah resurrect us all in the party of Ibn-Salim (i.e. Shaykh al-Tijani)

May He grant us the company of the Best of Creation (SAW)

Through the Rank of our Master Abu’l-Abbas (al-Tijani)

Allah answered Shaykh Ibrahim’s prayer and most of the people of the Saloum region of Senegal are Tijanis today.

HIS DUA FOR THE TIJANI FAYDAH TO FLOURISH:

Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) also makes a sincere Dua for the Faydat al-Tijani:

I ask Him from His Great Bounty

And by His Names al-Latif al-Karim

May the Flood of the Tijani cover the whole World!

And may our Generous Lord be pleased with me then

THE SAHIB AL-FAYDAH’S POSSESSION OF THE ORIGINAL JAWAHIR:

Mawlana Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse (RA) also possessed the original Jawahir al-Ma’ani in the handwriting of the author Sidi Ali Harazem (RA) and with the signature of Sayyidna

Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA) himself.

Regarding this, I quote the Sahib al-Faydah (RA) from his work al-Bayan:

“And I possess a copy of the Jawahir al-Ma’ani in the handwriting of the author al-Khalifah al-Haj Ali Harazim Baradah (RA), and it is the copy that was in the possession of the Shaykh al-Khatm al-Tijani (RA) for the duration of 16 years, as narrated to me by my Shaykh and Father, the Tijani Khalifah of Senegal al-Haj Abd-Allah (Niasse) bin Sidi Muhammad, (who quoted) from Sidi al-Bashir the son of Sidi Muhammad al-Habib the son of al-Shaykh al-Tijani, may Allah be pleased with them all.

And Sidi al-Bashir is the one who granted this excellent historical copy to my father in the year 1329 when he met him in Fez.”

This is what is mentioned in the published al-Bayan wa al-Tabyin of Shaykh Ibrahim (RA), which contains many typographical errors.

This however cannot be accurate as al-Haj Abdullahi Niasse (RA) traveled to Fez in the latter part of the year 1328 (AH), while the Grand-Sharif and Tijani Khalifah Sidi al-Bashir had already passed away an year earlier in 1327 (AH). Furthermore, Sidi al-Bashir (RA) spent his entire life in Ayn Madi (Algeria) and never visited Fez (Morocco).

Neither did al-Hajj Abdullahi Niasse (RA) ever go to Algeria.

Therefore, we agree with senior Algerian Tijani researcher/scholar Dr. Abd-al-Baqi Miftah when he mentions in his seminal work on the Tariqah and it’s founder Adwa ala al-Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani wa Atba’ihi (p.134) that al-Haj Abdullahi Niasse (RA) received this copy, not from the Sharif Sidi Muhammad al-Bashir (RA), but from his son the Khalifah al-Qutb Sidi Mahmud al-Tijani (RA).

This definitely makes more sense as Sidi Mahmud (RA) made a historic visit to Fez in 1329, the same time al-Haj Abdullahi Niasse (RA) was present there. This was the first visit by a descendant of Shaykh al-Tijani (RA) to Fez, after the holy family’s departure from there a hundred years earlier, due to the Orders of the Prophet (SAW).

Indeed, Sidi al-Sharif Umar Haidara (who is a grandson of Sidi Mahmud from his father’s side and of Shaykh Ibrahim from his mother’s side), confirmed to me personally that the original Jawahir was given to al-Haj Abdullahi Niasse (RA), by his grandfather, Sidi Mahmud (RA), and not great-grandfather Sidi al-Bashir (RA).

It may however be possible that Sidi Mahmud (RA) was spiritually guided by his father to hand over that precious possession to the Niasse family.

Recently, the Imam of Medina-Baye Shaykh Tijani Cisse published the Jawahir al-Ma’ani based on this original. There he includes a copy of the original letter of Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) where the reference to Sidi Mahmud (RA) is also apparent.

The amazing history of this original Jawahir al-Ma’ani with the actual signature of Khatam al-Awliya (RA) is mentioned by Sidi Sukayrij (RA) in the introduction to his

Tijan al-Ghawani bi-Shar’h Jawahir al-Ma’ani.

He mentions that the Grand-Khalifah of the Tijani Family and direct grandson of Sayyidna Shaykh (RA), Sidi al-Bashir al-Tijani (RA) got possession of this copy after much difficulties and tribulations, as it had been stolen and taken away.

Keeping this in mind, we know for sure that his son, the Grand-Khalifah al-Sharif Sidi Mahmud al-Tijani (RA) would not have granted this precious possession to the Niasse family without the direct spiritual instructions of Sidna Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA), in preparation for the coming Faydah. Indeed, a further proof of this is that after the demise of al-Haj Abdullahi Niasse (RA), the blessed manuscript went into the possession of his younger son, Mawlana Sahib al-Faydah Shaykh Ibrahim (RA), and not the older son as would be expected.

Thereafter, this original Jawahir remained in the possession of al-Shaykh Al-Akbar Imam al-Faydah al-Tijaniyyah in his Time, al-Shaykh al-Imam Hassan Ali Cisse (RA). Now it is in the safe-keep of his brother the Grand-Imam Shaykh al-Tijani Cisse.

Shaykh Tijani Cisse informed me that he had kept this Original Jawahir in a wooden case with some other papers. However, when he opened that case after a few months he noticed that there were many rats had infiltrated the case, and had eaten up all the papers….but had not done anything to the Jawahir al-Ma’ani! Allahu Akbar!!!

This Original Copy is now safely preserved in Medina-Baye Kaolack (Senegal), the Capital of the Faydah Tijaniyyah….a city worthy of keeping it as the actual Ma’rifah and Fat’h mentioned and explained in the Jawahir is experienced here daily!

Al-HumduliLlah! Recently, Shaykh Tijani Cisse republished the Jawahir al-Ma’ani based on this original version, in two volumes. May Allah support him. Amen.

SHAYKH IBRAHIM (RA) AND SHAYKH SIDI AHMAD SUKAYRIJ (RA):

The Bright Moon of Morocco Sidna Shaykh Ahmad Sukayrij (RA) also held Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) in very high esteem, and had granted him the Highest Ijazah Mutlaqah in the Tariqah.

When Baye (RA) wanted to visit Morocco during the Second World War, Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA) appeared in the dream of Shaykh Sukayrij (RA) and told him to tell Baye to delay his trip. Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA) gave this message in couplets, and Sukayrij posted them to Shaykh Ibrahim (RA). Here they are:

O Carrier of the Secret and you are the one deserving it

For none can carry what you were made to carry

Delay your arrival until the gloom is gone from the hearts

And Submit the affair to the One and Only

Delay your visit O Aba-Ishaq (Shaykh Ibrahim)

O most deserving Inheritor of my Secret

For none can carry the Secret here

So stay there and pour (the drink of Ma’rifah) of Pourer

Thereafter Sidi Sukayrij (RA) himself wrote a couplet addressed to Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA) as a rejoinder for the couplets for Baye (RA). Here it is:

O Provider of the drink to the People (i.e. Shaykh Ahmad Tijani)!

Do not be stingy in providing me with the Same drink as you provided others

For indeed, Abu-Ishaq (Baye) gained from you a Wish

In Wakefullness what others do not gain in Sleep

Here is a scan of these couplets and the whole incident in the handwriting of Baye (RA):

Sidi Sukayrij (RA) wrote to Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) in the latter days of his life:

 “Indeed, you are the living Shaykh of this Tariqah. Whoever has taken from you, then it is as if he took directly from the Shaykh al-Tijani himself. And whoever has taken from the Shaykh al-Tijani, then it is as if he took directly from the Messenger of Allah (SAW).”

I have a copy of this letter in the handwriting of Shaykh Sukayrij (RA). His last letter was also written to Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse (RA).

Shaykh Sukayrij (RA) also told him:

“You are the Khalifah, Of Shaykh (Ahmad) al-Tijani, Of your Father, Of me, And of all the Khulafa of the Shaykh (al-Tijani)”

Allahu Akbar!

Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) personally quotes this from Sidi Sukayrij (RA) in his collection of Ijazahs in the Tariqah. I have a copy of this document also.

Shaykh Ahmad Sukayrij (RA) also possessed Ijazahs in the Islamic sciences from more than 600 Shaykhs of Islam, which he transcribed in his seminal work Qadam al-Rusukh fima li-Mu’allifihi min al-Shuyukh. At end of the same book, Sidi Sukayrij (RA) wrote:

“The first one to whom I gave authorization in all these chains of transmission was the Khalifah al-Hajj Ibrahim Niasse”.

This Ijazah was dated on the 23rd of the month of Safar of the year 1358 A.H.

He also said to him, “You are the Alim of the Sudan (Land of the Blacks i.e. Africa)”, as mentioned by Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) in al-Rihlah al-Hijaziyyah.

Sidi Sukayrij (RA) also wrote the following words for Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) after narrating to him the Hadith al-Musalsal bi-Yawm Ashura:

“I have narrated this (hadith) to the one who holds the place of my son, al-Shaykh al-Khalifah Sayyidi al-Haj Ibrahim bin al-Marhum Abd-AllahiNiasse.”

He also writes to Shaykh Ibrahim in a poem that starts with the words, “Ya Za’iri wa bi-Qalbi Kana Mathwaka” (O My visitor who lives in my Heart!):

You have indwelled in me like the Spirit in my Body

Because of the Sincere Love that your Lord has granted you

And your Chest is enlightened with the Light of God

Therefore its Secret shines on your Face!

Sidi Sukayrij (RA) also praised Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) in poem that can also be read on his website:

Among of them is Abu-Is’haq, Ibrahim, who,

I have given residence in my heart as long as I live

Admirable are they! Noble masters who have guided

To the Truth in private and in public

They knew the path and remained steadfast in the journey

Seeking by it to attain (Allah’s) pleasure and forgiveness

They drew from the (Divine) secrets with which they learned

The way of the arrival (in the Divine Presence), and obtain every safety

Sidma Shaykh Ahmad Sukayrij (RA) also granted Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) the most coveted Ahmadi Tijani Secret formula of Sirr al-Ru’yah, which means that any Muslim who would see his blessed face on that day of its recitation would enter Paradise without any accountability on the Day of Judgment! This is a Mercy of Allah that He manifests through His Awliya. This secret is only passed on to extremely few Men.

Sidi Sukayrij (RA) had inherited this Gift from his Shaykh, Arif-bi’Llah Sidi Ahmad al-Abdalawi (RA) who had inherited it from great Saint Mawlay Muhammad bin Abi’n-Nasr (RA) who had inherited it from the Seal of Muhammadan Sainthood our Imam Sayyidna al-Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani (RA).

Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) mentions this in a letter documented in the Ziyadat al-Jawahir.

Note however that Sidi Sukayrij (RA) only gave Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) that particular Zikr and not the Maqam. The Zikr is only effective on the day of its recitation. It is not a permanent Maqam. However, the higher Awliya inherit the Maqam of Sirr al-Ru’yah, which means anyone who see them will enter Paradise, regardless of whether the Wali recited Sirr that day or not.

Sidi Sukayrij (RA) mentions that difference between the two in his Answers to the Mauritanian questions.

As for the Maqam of Sirr al-Ru’yah, Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) inherited it directly and eternally from Sayyidna Rasul-Allah (SAW) and Shaykhuna Mawlay Ahmad al-Tijani (RA); for there is absolutely no one between them and Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) in such matters.

Referring to that, he (RA) wrote:

Whoever loves me and Whoever sees me

Will be entering Paradise without doubt

As I am the Khalifah of (Shaykh) al-Tijani

A Gift from (our Prophet) Ahmad from the Tribe of Adnan (SAW)

If someone doubts this, then let him know that…

I see and hear what others don’t see and hear

As the Mauritanian Master, Sidi Mahmud bin Muhammad al-Saghir al-Shinqiti (RA) said to Shaykh Ibrahim (RA):

“You have no need for appointment by Creation as you have been appointed by the Creator.” (Kashif al-Ilbas, p.158.)

In a letter dated 1356, Sidi Sukayrij (RA) addressed Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) in the following words:

"The Carrier of the Banner of the (Tijani) Tariqah, the Knower of the Knowledge of Haqiqah, the One who drinks what flows from it and quenches the thirst of the people (for it). The Respected Khalifah and the Honorable Muqaddam. The Son of my Spirit and the Cure of the sore heart. Aba-Is’haq Sayyidi al-Haj Ibrahim

Niasse…”

Shaykh Ahmad Sukayrij (RA) also praised Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) with these great words:

I testify that you have (gained) a manifest Opening

Specially granted to you by God from amongst all people

Indeed you have inherited the Khilafah from Shaykh al-Tijani

And I state to you my clear testimony to that

And I see the Shaykh al-Tijani as a Khatam (Seal/also a Ring)

And you are the One who has become the Ruby in the Ring!

And indeed! I did not state this out of my own Desire or Vanity

Nor due to an ecstatic state that made me dance!

Rather, it is due to a Warid (Divine Inspiration) that came

And spread the Banner of Good Fortune that casts down those jealous of you!

And how many an arrogant bird tries to fly next to you at your height

But alas their wings are already cut

It is narrated that when Baye (RA) was about to bid farewell to Shaykh Sukayrij (RA), the latter told him: “Conquer Africa with Salat al-Fatih”.

Thereafter, when Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) requested Sidi Sukayrij (RA) to write for him an Ism Tarikhi (name based on date) for the opening of the Zawiyah al-Ibrahimiyyah in Medina-Baye Kaolack, Sidi Sukayrij (RA) gave it the historical name:

“The Station of Ibrahim! And whoever enters it will be safe through his guidance!”

I have a copy of the letter in which this is mentioned by Shaykh Sukayrij.

ORIGINAL LETTERS OF SHAYKH SUKAYRIJ (RA) TO SHAYKH IBRAHIM (RA)

On my Facebook account (Fakhri Owaisi), I have uploaded an album with scans of 8 original letters of Shaykh Sukayrij (RA) to Shaykh Ibrahim (RA). I acquired these copies from Shaykh Hassan Cisse’s collection which he inherited from his father Saydi Ali Cisse (RA) who kept the letters of Baye (RA). I copied them from Mawlana Shaykh Mahy Cisse (RA) who has them now.

In these letters, Sidi Sukayrij (RA) praises Baye (RA) as:

- The Carrier of the Banner of Tariqah and Tarbiyah

- Who cannot be praised enough

- The living Shaykh of this Tijani Tariqah

- Whoever takes from him takes directly from Shaykh al-Tijani (RA)

- Whoever enters the Maqam of Ibrahim will be saved

- Inheritor of the Grand Khilafah of Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA)

- Carrier of the Greatest Secret

- The Jewel of the Ring of Khatmiyyah and the Engraving of the Katmiyyah

All are welcome to peruse these letters there.

SHAYKH IBRAHIM’S LAST VISIT TO MOROCCO:

I translate here selected lines from Shaykh Ibrahim’s Travelogue of Trip to Morocco in 1373, rendered by his traveling companion in body and spirit Arif-Bil’Llah Shaykh Sidi al-Mishri (RA). The Mauritanian Sharif writes:

He traveled from Kaolack to Morocco

The Imam of the Easterners and the Westerners

The Shaykh of the Shaykhs, the Master of Masters

The Slave of Allah, the Perfect of Character

He left from Medina (Baye) on Saturday

And he bid farewell to all loved ones

And the Father of Existence Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani (RA)

Was accompanying us in private and public

Indeed, to him (RA) we flee, and in him we rejoice

And we were going to none but him

We traveled towards his ancient (city of) of Fez

In love and yearning for his Esteemed Presence

(On the way) We visited the Tomb of the Pious Ahmadi Saint

Our Master, al-Arabi the son of al-Sa’ih (RA)

Then we settled in complete Joy (in Fez)

In the Hotel known as “Qasr al-Jami”

We spent the night by the Doorstep of our Shaykh al-Tijani (RA)

Indeed, He hosted us Physically and Spiritually

In the Presence of the Grand Shadow (of the Nabi SAW)

We were witnessing him (RA) with our eyes and our hearts

So we approached the Noble Tomb after the Obligatory Prayers

And all of us faced him (RA) in sincerity and total devotion

Indeed, this is the Station of the Seal of the Saints

In this Realm of Existence and Providence

Indeed, this is a Station whose Rank is Unknowable

For all the Saints have drunk from it only

Then mentioning their return to Rabat and visitation of Sidi al-Arabi bin al-Sa’ih (RA) again he mentions:

Then we returned to Rabat

With all Success, Victory and Opening

Thereafter, we concluded our Journey

In the Presence of Ibn al-Sa’ih (RA), the Pious Ghawth

Then mentioning the Shaykh (RA)’s meeting with the Descendants of Shaykhuna al-Tijani (RA) in Rabat, he writes:

He bid farewell to the Sons of our Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA)

They prayed (for him), then He prayed (for all)

Mentioning the final Wazifah they performed before arriving back in Medina, he writes:

And the Wazifah of the Shaykh al-Tijani (RA) was commanded (to be recited)

By the Khalifah (RA) that appeared from him (RA)

The Hotel Qasr al-Jami (Palais Jamie) mentioned in his Poem is located very close to the Entrance Gate of the Old City of Fez, where Sidna Shaykh al-Tijani (RA) is buried. Praise be to Allah, during our Trip to Morocco for the Tijani Conference, we were accommodated at this very Hotel where Mawlana Sahib al-Faydah (RA) also stayed.

SHAYKH IBRAHIM (RA) AND OFFICIAL MOROCCO:

Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) made many visits to Morocco during his lifetime, and was duly welcomed and honored in all these trips by the Government as well as the Tijanis. In 1960, he was invited to attend in the Anniversary Commemoration of the Qarawiyyin University. He was also part of the Founding members of the Organization of Islamic Universities, started in Fez.

The Shaykh (RA) also received the Medallion of the Throne, the Highest Decoration of Morocco, from the Late King Muhammad the 5th.

In 1394 (1973-4) he was invited by the King Hassan the 2nd to attend the Durus al-Hasaniyyah Ramadan lessons in the Royal Court.

Note that our Master, Sayyidna Ahmad al-Tijani (RA) was also welcomed in this manner by the Kings of Morocco, when he migrated to Fez, from his native Algeria. May Allah be pleased with them and us through them. Amin.

In his speech at the ancient Qarawiyyin Mosque (where Shaykh Ahmad Tijani had also lectured), Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) praised the anti-colonialist stances of King Muhammad the 5th, and reaffirmed the Islamic brotherhood between the peoples of North Africa and West Africa, affirming that we are ordered to love the Arabs and especially the Ahl al-Bayt, also reminding at the same time that the Qur’an and Sunnah make clear that no fairskinned person has preference over a dark-skinned person, and no Arab over a non-Arab but by Taqwa and God-Consciousness.

Author: Imam Fakhruddin Owaisi al-Madani al-Tijani, Cape Town, South Africa

fdowaisi@gmail.com

This is a picture of Mawlana Shaykh-al-Islam (RA) receiving the Medallion of the Throne, the Highest Decoration of Morocco, from the Late Sharifian King Muhammad the 5th. This was part of the Sahib-al-Faydah’s Ahmadi Tijani Inheritance. For about 150 years prior to this, Our Master Sidi Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA), an Algerian by birth, was also welcomed in Morocco and honored by the King then, Sultan Mawlay Sulayman (RA). Both Kings were Tijanis.

A Picture of Sayyidna Shaykh Imam Hassan Cisse (RA) with King Muhammad the 6th of Morocco – He is with the Malik (King) but the Eyes are in the Malakut!

A Picture of Imam al-Faydah Shaykh Tijani Cisse (RA) with King Muhammad the 6th

A Picture of the Servant of the Tijani Door, Fakhruddin bin Ahmad al-Tijani, standing at the Doorsteps of the Zawiyah and Tomb of Our Master (RA) in Fez.