In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful the Infinitely Merciful

Written by Shiraz Mohammed Khan Bozai

Peer-o-Murshid Maulana Abul Fatah Syed Nusrat Sahib Qibla Tashreefullahi, in a recent sermon said, The purpose of our creation is to do ibadath, and the purpose of ibadath is Deedar.Every time I am fortunate enough to hear the blessed sermons of Peer-o-Murshid, it is as though my heart fills with Iman and my spirit is uplifted. His words, like the ones above, truly in a brief and concise manner provide the listeners with an ocean of knowledge. Knowledge that is sacred. Knowledge that cannot be found in books, but is found only with Sohbath-e Sadiqeen (Company of the Truthful).

As I sat in a Masjid filled with my beloved Mahdavi brothers and sisters, listening to our Spirtual Guide, I was moved into a reflection of whose Company I was in; Peer-o-Murshid who is a Syed, a Master and direct descendent from the noble Ahle Bayt (Household of the Prophet^(SAW)). Furthermore he is a descendent of Mahdi Mauood^(AS), who himself as we know was from the Ahle Bayt. Peer-o-Murshid is an heir to the Seal of the Prophets^(SAW) and the Seal of the Saints^(AS) both. All of this goes through my mind as I listen to the blessed words of Peer-o-Murshid. Knowledge that he received from his father, who received from his father, going back all the way to Mahdi^(AS) and further back to the Messenger of Allah^(SAW). As we know from our tradition, Allah^(SWT) bequeaths upon those who are dear to Him, knowledge which they do not readily possess. In a world where Muslims are constantly and rigorously searching for the Sanad(Chain) of sources of knowledge for authenticity, by the grace of Allah^(SWT), I feel a direct connection with Mahdi^(AS) and Prophet^(SAW), through the words of my Peer-o-Murshid Qibla.

After listening to these words I am filled with inspiration and overcome with emotion. After the completion of the sermon, I approach my Peer-o-Murshid along with everyone else who is present. I approach and greet my Murshid, with the Adab(Respect) that is required of me. This Adab that my Peer-o-Murshid did not teach me, but which comes from the depth of the heart. The basis of this Adab is love. I bow down in recognition to whom I stand before. My touching of the feet of my Peer-o-Murshid is symbolic of the humility I have in my heart. As I give my respect to this source of guidance that is amongst us, I realize the Adab which the Companions(may Allah be pleased with them all) of Mahdi^(AS) and those of the Prophet^(SAW) had given to the source of guidance who were present amongst them.

Before I could reach the feet of my Murshid, he grabs my hand and stands me up, and gestures a handshake. I struggle anyways to touch his feet. Just as my bowing down and touching the feet of my Peer-o-Murshid is symbolic of my humility for him, him grabbing my hand and standing me up is symbolic of his humility before Allah sup>(SWT). Only in my struggle to have the presence of heart while in the Company of my Murshid, do I realize how much presence of heart my Peer-o-Murshid possesses. I bow down because I am aware of this place this man has with respect to Mahdi^(AS), with respect to Prophet^(SAW), and above all with respect to Allah^(SWT).

In this blessed month of the birth of our beloved Imamuna Mahdi^(AS), I pray to Allah^(SWT) that may He keep us in the best of Sohbath.
May Allah make us empty vessels in which our Murshideen can pour forth the blessed water. Water which gives life to dead hearts. And may Allah guide us to His pleasure and His nearness, Ameen.