By: Moulana Nabeel Hanif Ismail
All praise is due to Almighty Allah, Peace, Blessings and Salutations upon the greatest of Allah’s creation, Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, His family and all the companions.
Almighty Allah has mentioned in the Holy Quraan:
“Behold! Indeed the friends of Almighty Allah have no fear, Nor do they grieve.”(Surah Yunus,Verse 63)
The Beloved Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam has stated:
“Beware of the perception (awareness) of a true believer, for indeed he sees with the Noor of Almighty Allah” (Narrated by Abu Saeed Khudri Radiallahu Anhu, Tirmidhi)
The friends of Almighty Allah are certain individuals who have gained a special closeness to Almighty Allah after immersing themselves in complete obedience to Him. This is not a position that is self acquired, but rather, it is bestowed upon them. It can happen in an instant or after proving oneself for decades.
After the Sahaba (Companions) of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, the friends of Allah are the greatest people in the kingdom. Throughout history, these saints have helped assist the Muslim Ummah, both physically and spiritually.
Hazrat Suleiman Alaihis Salaam once wanted the throne of the queen of Sheba brought to him, which was huge and said to be over 1500 miles away. After gathering the entire nation together, he asked the leaders of each division,
“O chiefs! Which of you can bring the throne to me before they come to me in submission?” (Surah Naml, Verse 38)
And evil Jinn replied, “(O Suleiman!) I will bring it to you before you rise from your council.” (Surah Naml, Verse 39)
One man, however (who the Holy Quraan describes as a scholar, not a Prophet) said to him;
“(O Suleiman!) I will bring it to you before the blinking of an eye.” (Surah Naml, Verse 40)
Indeed, in just the twinkling of an eye, Hazrat Asif Barkhia Radiallahu Anhu arrived with the throne of Bilkees and placed it before Hazrat Suleiman Radiallahu Anhu.
From this, we can understand the power of the Awliyah Allah (Friends of Allah) from the Holy Quraan which also proves that such personalities are not merely imaginary people created from amongst any community, but rather, they have been in existence for thousands of years and will continue to exist till the day of Qiyaamat.