UNDERSTANDING THE FAYDAH TIJANIYYAH

UNDERSTANDING THE FAYDAH TIJANIYYAH

By: Imam Fakhruddin Owaisi al-Madani al-Tijani 

THE ORIGINS OF THE BLESSED FAYDAH:

The word Faydah means, Flood. It also means An Overflow of Spiritual Grace . As we are aware, our Master the Qutb al-Maktum (RA) predicted that a Faydah will come on his community, as is mentioned in the book al-Ifadah al-Ahmadiyyah by his close murid, Sidi al-Tayyib al-Sufyani (RA).

This Faydah was described by Sidna (RA) as possessing four characteristics:

1-It will come at a time when humanity will be facing extreme problems.

2-Large numbers of non-Tijani people will enter the Tijaniyyah when it comes.

3-Many people from the Tariqah will experience Ma rifah (The Gnosis of Allah)

4-It will come soon, not too late.

The renowned Tijani scholar of Marrakesh, Arif-bi Llah, Shaykh Sidi Muhammad bin Abd-al-Wahid al-Nazifi (RA) pointed to these conditions in al-Durrah al-Kharidah. He wrote:

"The Tariqah Tijaniyyah will persist, remaining through many ages. And in the latter times, it will bring forth a Faydah. Then mankind will enter it in droves, longing for what they witness of Divine connection blossoming (before them)."

Therefore, Tijani Shaykhs after the Qutb al-Maktum (RA) waited for the blessed Faydah. Then, in 1929, on the blessed night of the Mawlid-al-Nabawi, Shaykh al-Islam Ibrahim Niyass (RA) claimed that he was the Sahib-ul-Faydah and the Faydah will emerge on his hand, and that Sayyidna Rasul-Allah (SAW) and Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani (RA) himself had confirmed it to him. That is why the year 1929/1348 was known as the Aam al-Fayd , i.e. The Year of the Fayd .

He was only 30 when he claimed this and had a handful of followers. Most people thought he was mad. But the next 50 years proved them all wrong! Soon thereafter, Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) proclaimed and explained the matter very clearly in his masterpiece, Kashif al-Ilbas an Faydat al-Khatm Abi l-Abbas (Removal of Confusion from the Faydah of the Seal Abi l-Abbas), where he stated in unequivocal terms that this predicted Faydah has appeared on his hands. He also stated in the same blessed book that the hands of Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA) himself had written this book of his. This was the same as Shaykh al-Tijani (RA) had stated that the hands of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself had written his book Jawahir al-Ma ani. Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) also wrote in his mysterious Mash-had of 1366 A.H., printed in the book Sa adat al-Anam bi-Aqwal Shaykh al-Islam:

"So I praise Allah who made his (Shaykh al-Tijani s) favor on me, and decided with his Fadl to make the Faydah flow through me, and said, Take it from the Shaykh (al-Tijani) to You."

SHAYKH IBRAHIM (RA) PROCLAIMS THE FAYDAH:

In a forthright letter documented in the Jawahir ar-Rasa il, Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) writes:

"And may your know that the Shaykh (al-Tijani), may Allah be pleased with him, mentioned a Faydah that would appear in the latter days, and some of the people of Kashf from the Disciples of Shaykh Muhammad al-Hafiz have said that the Imam al-Faydah will be 30 years old (i.e. when he appears). So understand my Isharah.

This is what I have told others before you, and I only tell it to those who believe in my words...

 And I have complete conviction that all benefit is in my company, as per the assertion of the Prophet (SAW) himself and the assertion of the Shaykh al-Tijani!...

And I am well aware of my Matter as I have two Shaykhs: My Shaykh in the Zahir is the Qur an and Sunnah, and there is none that understands them better than me.

And my Shaykh in the Batin is al-Shaykh (Ahmad al-Tijani) and he does not leave my side for a second.

Therefore, how can evil come from the Qur an and Sunnah, and the Shaykh (al-Tijani)???

Shaykh Ibrahim wrote this letter at the age of 30 thus indicating that he is the Sahib al- Faydah as per the insight of the Hafizi Shaykhs. It is also interesting to note that Sidi Alial-Tamasini (RA) remained the Supreme Khalifah of Shaykh al-Tijani for 30 years!Also note that the latter part of the letter also points towards Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) being the Qutb al-Ghawth of his Age.

THE MANIFEST AND PREDICTED SIGNS OF THE FAYDAH:

Al-Hamduli Llah, all three above-mentioned Signs of the Faydah (mentioned by Shaykh al-Tijani himself) were manifest in Mawlana Shaykh Ibrahim s case.

Firstly, he appeared with the Faydah during a time when the whole Muslim world was ruled by kafirs and even the whole kafir world was going through the Great Depression and World War.

Secondly, more people entered Tariqah Tijaniyyah at his hands than any other Muqaddam in the history of the Tariqah Tijaniyah. Some reports say 50 Million people. About the large numbers of people entering into Islam and the Tariqah on his hands, Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) himself stated (reflecting on Allah s bounty):

"And I - and all praise is for Allah - know of tens of millions of Muslims who took this Tariqah through me; and even more who were unbelievers, idol-worshippers and Christians before coming in contact with us; and even more who attained the Opening (of the Knowledge of Allah) through witnessing and beholding (the Presence of Allah) without any proof or reasoning. And it is as if I beheld Shaykh (Ahmad) al-Tijani reciting (to me): They have chosen you for a matter if you only understood (its importance), so beware of your ego, lest you indulge in negligence."

Thirdly, millions of Shaykh Ibrahim s followers have experienced Ma rifah, Wilayah and the Open Vision of the Manifestation of Allah. This is the Fat'h al-Akbar that the Khatam al-Awliya (RA) spoke about in the Jawahir al-Ma'ani and guaranteed for all Tijanis.

Most Tijanis would normally reach that state of Fana fi Llah and Baqa bi Llah only before they die and few experienced it early in their life. However, among the people of the Faydah Tijaniyyah, nearly all murids experience that even young ones who are not even muqaddams experience the Extinction in Allah directly. This is a well-known thing which I have witnessed myself! Simply by taking the Salat-ul-Fatih from Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) or one of his muqaddams and then reading it regularly, one experiences the in-depth Ma rifah of the Hadarat al- Butun of God, His Prophet and the Seal of Sainthood. The people of the Faydah call thisprocess, The Tarbiyah. Even some members of the family of Shaykhuna al-Tijani (RA)took the Tarbiyah from Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) and his muqaddams and experienced the Ma rifah al-Ilahiyyah.

Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) Speaks about Himself and His Disciples. Referring to the great Openings Allah has granted him and his disciples through the Faydah, Sidna Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) wrote:

                                    

Kafaytu Sihabi fi t-Tariqi Ana a

Fa-Kulluhumu bi l-Jazbi Nala Muna a

Wa Ashkuru Rabbi Laysa Sirri Aaqiran

Fa-Asgharu Atba i Unila Fana a

Wa Lam Yakun Lil-Aqtabi Qabli Mithla ma

Li-Dha l-Abdi min Faydain Yaruqu Sana a

Fa-Iksiru Hadha l-Abdi Hubbu Muhammadin

Wa Kanzi an Uthni Alayhi Thana a

"I have sufficed my disciples from all difficulties in the Path (to Allah)

For all of them will gain their Desire (of Ma rifah) by Jadhb (the Divine Pull)!

And I thank Allah that my Secret is not sterile (i.e. unproductive)

For even the smallest of my disciples has been granted the Annihilation (in Allah)

And indeed, even the Qutbs before me did not attain

The Bright and Shining Fayda that this Slave attained

For the Elixir (of the success) of this Slave is the Love of Muhammad (SAW)

And my treasure is my praising of him most often

And furthermore:

Wusulu Jami al-Masikina bi-Habliya

Tahaqqaqahu man lam Yukadh-dhib bi-Rabbiya

Wa Jawbi Fayafin fi l-Ma arifi lam Turam

Faqad Qasura l-Aqtabu an darki Sha wiya

Bi-Fadli Ilahi n-Nasi Jalla Jalalahu

Wa Hubbi Rasuli Llahi Taha Nabi iya

Halaftu Yaminan Innani La Yuhibbuni

Siwa As adin wa l-Aksu fi Hali Bughdiya

Wa Ma Qultu Qawli Shatihan Mutabajjihan

Wa Ma Massani Sukrun Yughayyibu Aqliya

Wa Ma Qultu Hadha duna Idhnin wa Innani

La-Aktumu Sirran La Yubahu li-Ghayriya

"All those who hold on to my rope arrive (in the Presence of Allah)

This is apparent to anyone who does not deny Allah

And indeed I have traversed into fields of Ma arif not entered by anyone!

Indeed, even the Qutbs have fallen short of comprehending my Attainment!

By the Grace of Allah, Glorified is His Glory

And the through the Love of His Messenger, Taha, my Prophet (SAW)

I take an solemn oath that none loves me but

A fortunate person! And the opposite is true for those who hate me

And indeed, my writings are a blessing for mankind!

He will never be unlucky, who has seen Me or My writings!

Indeed, the Nations know that I am the Servant of the Prophet (SAW)

By gaining Me, one will gain the Beloved Prophet of Allah (SAW)

And I do not make this statement of mine in Ecstasy or in Vanity

And neither have I been afflicted by a Spiritual Intoxication that removed my mind

Indeed, I did not make this (above) statement without Permission

And indeed, I hide a Secret that cannot be revealed to none but me"

The Shaykh-al-Islam also writes:

Tawaytu wa Sahhaltu t-Tariqa ila l-Haqqi

Li-Kulli Muridi l-Wasli lil-Haqqi bi l-Haqqi

Tawaytu Uluma l-Arifina bi-Asriha

Bi-Shammi Rayya l-Mustafa Sahibi s-Sidqi

"Indeed, I have rolled up and made easy the Path to the Haqq (Allah)

For every seeker who desires to reach God through God

Indeed, I have folded (i.e. combined in me) the Knowledges of all the Arifs

Because I smelt the Fragrance of the Mustafa, the Truthful One (SAW)"

The Nigerian Tijani Khalifah Shaykh Abu-Bakr Atiqu (RA) writes in the footnote to this couplet:

(he means) He made easy the Path to Allah for all sincere seekers, therefore they arrive to Allah (SWT) in the shortest period. And this we have seen! All of this is nothing but the Barakah of the Faydah Tijaniyyah promised by the Qutb al-Maktum (RA). May we continue drinking from it forever. Amin.

SHAYKH IBRAHIM’S DEPICTION OF THE FAYDAH:

About the spread of the Divine Knowledge on his hands (and the attribution of that to the Faydat al-Tijani), Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) wrote:

Hamaltu Sirra Khatam al-Wilayah

Jama tu Bayna d-Dhawqi wa d-Dirayah

Fafaada minni Sirruhu fala Ahad

Yaqsuduni; Ma Arafa Allah as-Samad

Sawa un iz-Dhukranu wa n-Niswanu

Sawa un as-Sa luku wa s-Sultanu

Wa Dhaka Kullan Faydat al-Tijani

Madadu Mustafa l-Wara l-Adnani

Wa Marratan Ukhra Tarawna Ajaba

Min Faydhi Dha l-Khatmi Imam al-Nujaba

Wa Dhaka Kulluh Faydat al-Tijani

Madadi Mustafa l-Wara l-Adnani

Wa Dhaka Kullan Minnat al-Mannani

Ahmaduhu fi s-Sirri wa l-I lani

Awjadani Haqqan li-Jabri l-Kasri

Fa-innani Wakilu Sirri s-Sirri

"I carried the Secret of the Seal of the Saints (Ahmad al-Tijani)

I combined in me both the Experiential Knowledge and the Rational One

Then from me overflowed His Secret, so there is no one

Who follows me and does not Know Allah, the Self-Sufficient

Whether they be Males or Females

Whether they be servants or King (i.e. they will all know Allah)

And once again you will see amazing matters

From the Fayd of this Seal (of Saints), the Leader of the Chosen (Masters)

And all of that is the Faydah of the (Shaykh Ahmad) al-Tijani

The Assistance of the Chosen One from (the tribe) of Adnan (The Prophet SAW)

And all of that is the Gift of the Generous Lord!

I Praise Him in private and public

Indeed, He Created Me to bridge the Gap (between God and His Creation)

For, I am the Vice-regent of the Secret of the Secret"

The Sahib al-Faydah al-Tijaniyyah’s Unending Call to Allah:

SHAYKH IBRAHIM (RA) STATED ABOUT HIS UNENDING CALL TOWARDS ALLAH:

Fala Analu Rahatan lil-Qalbi

Wa fi l-Basitati Yu sa Rabbi

"My heart cannot find peace

As long as my Lord is disobeyed on this earth"

In the above couplet is also an indication that the Tijani Faydah of Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) will last and flourish till the Day of Judgment because disobedience to Allah will continue till then.

And mentioning the purpose of his Complete Manifestation, he writes:

Wa l-Ummatu Qasdi fihum an Asuqahum

Ila Hadrati l-Barri r-Rahimi Ilahuna

Wa Ta lamu Hal fi l-Khalqi Ahna Alayhimu

Mada d-Dahri Minni, wa l-ba idu Kama Dana!

"And my goal with the Ummah is to

Guide them to the Presence of our Lord the Merciful One

And you know that there is none who is more Compassionate on the Creation

Than Me, ever, and those far are as those near (in gaining Ma rifah from me)"

Then mentioning the perfection of this Grand Faydah, he writes:

Wa Faydat al-Tijani Tadaffaqat

Bi-Yaounda, Wa l-Anwaru Qad Tafattaqat

Wa Hadarat al-Qudsi qad Tahaqqaqat

Wa Tilk al-A jamu qad Tafawwaqat

"And the Faydah of the Tijani surged

In Younde, and the Lights (of Guidance) broke out

And the Hadarat of the Divine Presence have been fulfilled

And the non-Arabs surpassed!"

An Advice and a Warning from Shaykh Ibrahim (RA):

In a straightforward letter to one of his father s Tijani disciples, Shaykh Ibrahim wrote:

From Ibrahim bin al-Shaykh al-Haj Abd-Allah al-Tijani to Know that I am advising you for Allah and by Allah, and know that you and whoever else, are only Slaves of Allah and Disciples of the Shaykh (al-Tijani). And indeed, Allah has decreed in His Eternal Decree that this Faydah would flow in the Tariqah Tijaniyyah at the hands of its Owner, may Allah be pleased with him.

He (Shaykh Ahmad Tijani) is its Owner, and he may put it wherever he wishes with the Decree of Allah. And indeed, the Faydah will cover the Horizons with the Power of Allah. None can stop it or limit it, for it must spread to every place on this Earth where the Tariqah Tijaniyyah exists. And indeed, Allah has afflicted some shaykhs and leading muqaddams to conspire against it and make false claims (against it), in order to extinguish the Light of Allah. However, Allah refuses except that His Light should be fulfilled. You are my beloved since I was small boy, therefore I wrote to you, and I warn

you to be from those who wish to extinguish the Light of Allah. I warn you out of compassion for you and not due to an eagerness for the spread of the Faydah.

For, the Faydah will spread with the Power of Allah. Whoever, tries to cover it will only make it more obvious, and whoever tries to turn away the people from its Bringer (i.e. Shaykh Ibrahim), will only turn away people from himself and not from the Faydah. And observe with eyes of your heart and you will see the Truth of what I am telling you.

MEANING OF THE TERM SAHIB AL-FAYDAH:

Note also that the title, Sahib al-Faydah, doesn t mean that the Faydah came upon Shaykh Ibrahim (RA). Rather, the Faydah came upon the followers of Sidna Shaykh al-Tijani (as predicted), however it came through Shaykhuna Ibrahima Niyass (RA). Indeed, every Arif knows that such Major overflows of Divine Grace (or Shu un Ilahiyyah) are always manifested through a Human Being, as he is the Khalifah and Executor of the Divine Will. History is a witness that this Grand Faydah came upon millions of Tijanis, but through Shaykh Ibrahim (RA). So the term Sahib al-Faydah means, the Catalyst of the Faydah. Shaykh al-Haj Abd-Allah al-Alawi al-Mishri writes in al-Indhar wa al-Ifadah:

As for the profusion of Fath among the disciples of Shaykh Ibrahim (RA); it is something evident! Even the non-Tijani will see it! The Akhir Sa ah (Last Hour) Egyptian Magazine estimated the disciples of Shaykh Ibrahim to be more than thirty million, in its Issue of August 6 1975. And a large number of them are maftuh alayh (have achieved the Spiritual Opening). There is nothing strange about that, as the Prophets (SAW) guaranteed it! And Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) was the carrier of the banner of Tarbiyah (Spiritual training) in the Tariqah Tijaiyyah.

NO COMPULSION:

Nevertheless, believing in this Maqam of Ibrahim has nothing to do with the principles and rules of the Tijani Tariqah and can only be recognized and realized through a Spiritual Opening and very high Dhawq, unrestricted by any Hijabs. Therefore, no one is obliged to believe in it or accept it. La Ikraha fi d Din! But fortunate are those who do! For safety lies in believing what the Awliya have said about themselves and others. Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) advised the one who did not want to accept his Divinely endowed status:

And observe with the eyes of your heart and you will see the Truth of what I am telling you .Otherwise, remain in the state you are in and do not do anything .

In other words, if your heart is not inclined to this Ibrahimi Reality, then keep quiet and mind your own business. Do not criticize it or undermine or deny it, for that will bring

about your own disaster.

May Allah protect us. Amin.

THE FAYDAH TIJANIYYAH AND THE IMAM AL-MAHDI (AS):

The same will be true till the Imam al-Mahdi (AS) emerges and takes the Wird from the people of the Faydah Tijaniyyah. While Sidna Shaykh (RA) mentioned that the Mahdi (AS) will take the Tijani Wird, he did not connect the appearance of the Faydah to him. In actual fact, the Faydah will appear before the Mahdi, and then prepare the scene for him. What proves this is that Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) himself mentioned in his Diwan that he will be the Shaykh of the Mahdi (AS)! I quote from his Diwan Mubarak:

Arju Liqa l-Mahdi Awnan wa Murshida

Lahu Kula Waqtin min Ridaya Majaluhu

"I desire to meet the Mahdi as a supporter and Guide

Always, my support and consent be with his domain"

And in another poem:

Wa Ahdi l-Imam al-Mahdi l-Khatma Murshidan

Lahu Kulla Waqtin Fi Majalin wa Marqadi

"And May I guide the Imam al-Mahdi the Seal, all the time

as his Teacher, while Alive and from the Grave"

So, Shaykh al-Tijani (RA) predicted that the Imam al-Mahdi (AS) will take the Wird of this Tariqah from its Men. Shaykh Ibrahim (RA), the Khalifah of Sidna (RA), confirms that he will be the Murshid of the Mahdi (AS), whether alive or from the grave. What this means is that he is already the Murshid of the Imam al-Mahdi (AS) in the Batin, and that the Mahdi (AS) will take from his Khalifah in the Zahir. For the FaydahTijaniyyah is itself a preparation for the Mahdi, as the Mahdi s support will be the Men of Complete Ma rifah, which is only found in the Ahmadi Muhammadi Ibrahimi Path. It is also known that when Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) went to Sudan, he was asked, Are you the Mahdi? , so he replied: No, but I carry his sword! The sword here is interpreted to mean, the Ma rifah.

SHAYKH IBRAHIM (RA) AS THE MAHDI OF THIS TARIQAH:

It is well known that the role of the Seal of the Saints (RA) and his Muhammadan Tariqah in the world of Wilayah is the same as the role of Seal of Prophethood (SAW) and his Islamic Religion, in the world of Nubuwwat. The Inheritance is complete. Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani s position among the Awliya is like that of Sayyidina Muhammad (SAW) among the Anbiya. Subsequently, the position of the Tariqah Tijaniyyah amongst the Turuq is like the position of Islam amongst the Religions. Upon research, one will be astonished at the similarity between the two! I mention five points here:

- In the Islamic Shari ah we have the Surat al-Fatihah; in the Tijani Tariqah we have the Salat al-Fatih.

- In the Shari ah we have the Salat al-Jum ah; in the Tariqah we have the Hadrat al-Ju mah

- In the Shari ah we have extensive rules and regulations regarding the performance of the Obligatory Ibdadat; in the Tariqah we also have we have extensive rules and regulations regarding the performance of the Obligatory Awrad

- We cannot combine the Muhammadan Shari ah with any other prophetic Shari ah. Likewise, we cannot combine the Ahmadian Tariqah with any other saintly Tariqah

- The Muhammadan Shari ah guarantees great rewards for small deeds; the Tariqah

Tijaniyyah also guarantees great Spiritual Stations for little effort.

Another point that has been mentioned in this regards it that the Prophet Muhammad

(SAW) predicted the appearance of the Mahdi in his Ummah, who will appear in the most

difficult times, to renew and revive the Din al-Muhammadi and then millions of people

will enter the Din of Islam. In the same manner, the Saint Ahmad (RA) predicted the appearance of the Faydah in his Tariqah, which will also appear in the most difficult times, to renew and revive the Tariqal-Ahmadi and then millions of people will enter the Tariqah Tijaniyyah.

Indeed, this makes a lot of spiritual sense. Accordingly, we may say that the Maqam of the Sahib al-Faydah in this Tariqah is spiritually parallel to that of the Imam al-Mahdi in Islam.

Both spiritualities will be combined in the Akhir al-Zaman, with the Faydah Tijaniyyah providing the support base of the Mahdi al-Muntazar.

THE SAHIB AL-FAYDAH AND THE MAQAM OF KHILAFAH KUBRA:

It must be understood that the Faydah that appeared with Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) was not only about large numbers of people entering the Tariqah and experiencing the Opening of Ma’rifah, as predicted by the Shaykh al-Tijani (RA). This was its Zahir aspect. In the Batin however, it was moreso about the Manifestation of the Ibrahimi Reality, i.e. the Maqam of the complete Khilafah Ahmadiyyah Muhammadiyyah Ilahiyyah. Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) appeared as the Complete Khalifah of the Seal of the Saints and the Greatest Door to his Divine Secrets of this age.

While many other Khalifahs appeared before him and even after him, the Sahib al-Faydah was the seal of the Seal. Indeed, many of the great Masters of Mauritania and Nigeria have openly described him as Khatm al-Khatm (Seal of the Seal) or al-Khatm al-Thani (the Second Seal) or Khatam al-Khatmayn (The Seal of the Two Seals, i.e. of the Nabi and the Wali). This also made him the Abd-Allah (Slave of Allah), i.e. the complete Slave of God in His Manifestations of Nubuwwah and Wilayah; Muhammad and Ahmad, for Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) clearly stated that none knows them better than him. He wrote in his Diwan:

Faman Rama Darki fi Istiyaqi Nabiyyina

Faqad Rama Amran Mustahalan Muharrama

"And whosoever tries to attain My Place in the Passion for our Prophet (SAW)

Has indeed tried to attain an impossible and forbidden matter!!"

Faman Rama Darki fi Istiyaqi Imamina

Kaman Rama Maska ’l-Badri minhu ’s-Sawaji’u

"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 songs!"

This Maqam was also manifested by the appearance of the Grand Tijani Faydah on the hands of Shaykh Ibrahim (RA), and his Talibes inherited it as well. The sum total of this was the Ma’rifah of Allah in all His levels. Indeed, throughout his poetry Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) refers to himself as “al-Abd”. For example he says:

"And I thank my Lord who has granted His Guidance to the Slave

For the smallest of my followers is free from Shirk (i.e. is an Arif)

And that is the Bounty of Allah, for the Slave is powerless

To Guide anyone to the Truth or remove their Doubt"

This was the Maqam of Khilafah, vice-regency. So, the Maqam of Mawlana Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) is that of Harazimiyyah Kubra and Khilafah Mutlaqah of the Qutb al-Maktum (RA). And this was outwardly manifested in the Zahir in his position as the “Sahib al-Faydah al-Tijaniyyah”, a Colossal Gift that none of the Tijani Khalifahs before or after him were granted by the Hadrah al-Ahmadiyyah. This Maqam is higher than that of all the Aqtab, but nevertheless, under the rank of the Qutb al-Maktum (RA).

SIDINA SHAYKH AHMAD AL-TIJANI (RA) POINTS TO THIS RANK

Sidina Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani (RA) pointed to this Rank and its Holder when he stated:

 “Nothing reaches anyone from me save through the channel of Ali Harazim. He is to me as Abu-Bakr to the Messenger of Allah (SAW).

And:

”I have no Khalifah but him”

And:

”A Man will appear from my Group, whose rank will not be known in this World or the Hereafter”

The title “Ali Harazim” above, as in “Ali bin Abi-Talib” (Hadith: I am the City of Knowledge and Ali is its Door!), refers to nothing but the Maqam/Martabah/Da’irah of Khilafah Batinah (Hidden Spiritual Viceregency). “Abu-Bakr” here refers to nothing but the Maqam/Martabah/Da’irah of Khilafah Zahirah (Manifest Spiritual Viceregency). “I have no Khalifah but him” refers to this special person’s complete Khilafah of the Seal of the Saints, outwardly and inwardly. There is only one Eternal Master of this Da’irah/Circle of Khalifah (just as in the Dawa’ir/Circles of Nubuwwah and Wilayah).

Indeed, the first Sidi Ali Harazim RA (whose name is used for this Maqam) died in the lifetime of Shaykh al-Tijani (RA), and was buried ALIVE in Badr (accidentally) before he could reveal the Special Knowledge of Allah that was granted to him then. Nevertheless, after him, many Tijani Saints (e.g. Mawlay Muhammad bin Abi’n-Nasr RA, Sidi Ali al-Tamasini (RA) claimed that Harazimi Maqam, proving thereby that this Maqam is transferable. The Qutb Sidi al-Arabi bin al-Sa’ih (RA) points to this in his Bughyah, as well as Sidi Ahmad Sukayrij (RA) in his Kashf al-Hijab.

ISSUES OF LINEAGE AND DIVINE JUSTICE:

While there is no doubt that most of the great Maqams in this Ummah are reserved for our Masters, the Ahl al-Bayt, the noble descendants of the Prophet (SAW), nevertheless, Our Lord Allah is most Just and Fair, and His Habib (SAW) as well. He granted the Nubuwwah to Sayyidna Muhammad (SAW). And Wilayah to his Family (Shaykh al-Tijani RA). And Khilafah to his Ummah (Shaykh Ibrahim RA). This is Justice from our Just Lord, al-Rabb al-Adl, and the Generosity of the Hadrah al-Muhammadiyyah. Some of our Gnostic Shaykhs said that this is what is alluded to in our prayer:

Allahumma Salli ala Sayyidna Muhammadin wa Alihi wa Sahbihi!

Indeed, the Khalifah of the Prophet (SAW), Sayyidna Abu-Bakr al-Siddiq (RA) was not from the Ahl al-Bayt, and neither was Sidi Ali Harazim (RA), the Khalifah of Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA). However, all three were related to the Prophetic Household by marriage, for Sayyidna Abu-Bakr (RA)’s daughter Sayyidah Aishah (RA) got married to the Prophet (SAW), and both Sidi Ali Harazim (RA) and Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) married a Sharifah. Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA) did not predict that the Faydah would appear at the hands of a Sharif neither did he say that the Faydah would appear at the hands of the Mahdi. Of course, while the Ahl al-Bayt represent the living family of the Prophet (SAW), the Qutb al-Ghawth al-Khalifah is the living representation of the Prophet (SAW) himself! Therefore, numerous Shurafa came to submit to Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) knowing well that they were coming to no one but their own Grandfather (SAW).

 “There is a parable the Professor Ibrahim Mahmud Diop (Head of the Rabitat Ulama al-Senegal wa ’l-Maghrib) heard from Shaykh Ibrahim which helps to explain the concept of fayda.We are to picture five things.First imagine a fathomless well – not an ordinary well, but a well that has nobottom. Next imagine a leather bucket that never needs repair. Next, imagine a tireless worker who continually draws water from that well. Fourthly, imagine a basin next to that well which eventually becomes full. Finally, imagine water so precious it cannot be thrown away and yet cannot be put back into the well already overflowing. The question arises, what should be done with the water after the basin is full? The answer: many basins will be constructed around the well to receive theprecious water.In the parable, the well represents Allah, glorified and exalted is He, whose beingis continuous without end. The water is Divine gnosis (ma’rifa) and experience(dhawq).The leather bucket is the Prophet (SAW). A saying among Sufis indicates,

‘Without an intermediary, one never reaches a goal and the Prophet (SAW) is the greatest intermediary between the creation and Allah’.

The worker in the parable is Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani. The basin is an extraordinary spiritual adept who has received so much in the way of Divine gnosis that he must communicate this Gnosis to others or it will overflow. He is the bringer of the fayda or Flood – Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse.”

THE TESTIMONY OF ARIF-BI’LLAH AL-SHAYKH AL-AKBAR SIDI AHMAD SUKAYRIJ (RA):

The Pride of Morocco and Tijanism, Mawlana Shaykh Ahmad Sukayrij RA (whose Shaykh was the Algerian Sidi Ahmad al-Abdalawi RA) praised Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) with these great words which should be memorized:

Shahidtu Lakum Fat’han Mubinan Bima Lakum

Bihi ’l-Haqqu min bayni ’l-Bariyyati qad Khassa

Warith-ta an ish-Shaykh it-Tijani Khilafatan

Wa inni Lakum fiha Anussu Lakum Nassa

Wa Inni Ara ’sh-Shaykh al-Tijani Khataman

Wa Anta ’l-Ladhi qad Sirta fi ’l-Khatam il-Fussa

Wa Ma Qultu Hadha an ’il-Hawa wa Tabajjuhin

Wa La Kana an Shat’hin Raqastu bihi Raqsa

Wa Lakinnahu an Waaridin Ja’a Nashiran

Liwa’a Sururin minhu Hasidukum Ghussa

"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!"

Confirming all of the above, Shaykh Sidi Ahmad Sukayraj (RA) also said to Shaykh Ibrahim (RA) after granting him the unrestricted and complete Ijazah Mutlaqah in the Tariqah:

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

Was-Salam

Imam Fakhruddin Owaisi al-Madani al-Tijani South Africa