Ibn al-Qayyim writes in Madārij al-Sālikin, the commentary to Manāzil
al-Sā’irīn, that when someone takes up Taṣawwuf and begins to reach its
different stages, he will arrive at a stage known as Wiṣāl Muḥammadī. His
words are that when he reaches that stage, then regarding the Prophet
his condition is “کانه معه” – as though he is always with the Prophet
. If we as Deobandis and Barelwis were to make such a statement,
then we would be accused of heresy and innovation; however, these are the
words of Ibn al-Qayyim .
Shaykh ʿUbaydullāh Balyāwī presented himself in the service of
Shaykh Ilyās . When the latter asked whether or not there was anybody
else around, Shaykh ʿUbaydullāh replied in the negative. He further relates
that Shaykh Ilyās stated, “All thanks to Allāh that when my heart longs
for the beauty of the Noble Prophet I close my eyes, meditate
for a short while and permission is granted (to me) to be in the Prophet’s
presence.”
A poem has been related by Shaykh al-Hind Shaykh Maḥmūd Ḥasan .
He states:
O Paradise! We accept that in you reside damsels and servants, and we
accept they do definitely reside therein.
But O Paradise! Circumambulate my heart, as the Prophet
resides therein.
If only we too would make a place for the Prophet in our
hearts and that he would take up a position there. May the Almighty allow
us to see the Noble Prophet at all times, just like (He grants) the
pious people.
At this juncture, I would like to return to where I started, which is the
sermon I recited to you today.
“
“The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”
The Prophet (peace be upon him)