Spiritual powers and Authority of Fakirs (Saints)

The earth and the sky hold in their position owing to the Fakirs (Saints). They possess unlimited spiritual powers and authority. Allah says in Quran:

أَنَّ الْأَرْضَ يَرِثُهَا عِبَادِيَ الصَّالِحُونَ

The inheritors of the earth (in the Hereafter) will be My pious servants. (21: 105)

It is written in Tafsir ibn Kathir:

• “Just like Allah will bless His pious men (Saints) in the hereafter, similarly, He blesses them with wealth and authority (in this world). It is a promise of Allah.
• The Saints and pious men of Allah are the inheritors of this world as well as the hereafter.”

Almighty Allah has made the Saints the owner of earth. Ownership and authority are inseparable. It is given that ownership comes with authority. If a heir or owner of something does not have authority over it then they cannot be called an owner or heir. Owner is someone who is sovereign and has complete authority. Today’s governance system grants the heads of states such as president or the Prime Minister certain powers and authority. Even so, their subordinates also enjoy power and authority. If the worldly leaders and their subordinates can have such powers and authorities, then surely the Saints would possess lot more than the worldly leaders.

Imam Nabhani says:

Denial of miracles would infer denial of Allah’s authority and such an act is infidelity. (Jamia Karamat e Aulia)

It is stated in Sharah Fiqh e Akbar:

Miracles of Saints are proven from Quran and Hadith. Those who deny have no weightage. (Sharah Fiqh e Akbar, page 141)

It would be worth providing answers to the questions that may rise in one’s mind through Quran and Hadith.

Quran about the Spiritual powers of Saints:

There is an incident in Surah An-Namal of a companion of Prophet Solomon that casts light on the spiritual powers and authority of Saints.

قَالَ يَا أَيُّهَا الْمَلَأُ أَيُّكُمْ يَأْتِينِي بِعَرْشِهَا قَبْلَ أَن يَأْتُونِي مُسْلِمِينَ قَالَ عِفْرِيتٌ مِّنَ الْجِنِّ أَنَا آتِيكَ بِهِ قَبْلَ أَن تَقُومَ مِن مَّقَامِكَ وَإِنِّي عَلَيْهِ لَقَوِيٌّ أَمِينٌ قَالَ الَّذِي عِندَهُ عِلْمٌ مِّنَ الْكِتَابِ أَنَا آتِيكَ بِهِ قَبْلَ أَن يَرْتَدَّ إِلَيْكَ طَرْفُكَ فَلَمَّا رَآهُ مُسْتَقِرًّا عِندَهُ قَالَ هَذَا مِن فَضْلِ رَبِّي

Meaning: Sulayman (Solomon) said: ‘O courtiers, which of you can bring me the throne (of the Queen) before they come to me in submission?’ One mighty jinn submitted: ‘I can bring it to you before you rise from your seat. And I am indeed powerful (enough) and trustworthy (to bring it).’ Then the one who had some knowledge of the (heavenly) Book submitted: ‘I can bring it to you before your vision turns back to you (i.e., even before the twinkling of an eye).’ So, when (Sulayman [Solomon]) saw it (the throne) placed before him, he said: ‘This is by the Grace of my Lord.’ (27: 38 – 40)

It is evident from the aforementioned verses that one of the saints from the umma of Prophet Solomon had such spiritual powers and authority that he brought the throne of Queen of Sheba to Prophet Solomon in less time than the blink of an eye.

Saints have more Spiritual powers than Jinn

There are some very important but subtle points here that are worth highlighting:

• Prophet Solomon asked his companions who could bring the throne from thousands of miles away. Him asking this question indicates that he knew this was possible and was aware of the spiritual powers and authority of Saints.
• Asif bin Barkhia brought the throne. There was a jinn who also said that he could bring the throne but he said it will be before Prophet Solomon stood up from his place whereas Asif bin Barkhia brought it in no time. This highlights another fact that the spiritual powers and authority of Saints is according to their rank and spiritual exaltation.
• In verse number 39, the jinn who had offered to bring the throne also said: ‘I am indeed powerful (enough) and trustworthy (to bring it).’

This is a very subtle and important point which for most people can become a veil. Those whom Allah blesses with spiritual powers and authority, they treat it as Allah’s trust and only use it according to the will of Allah. This is why the Saints despite having the spiritual powers do not disclose it.

It is this attribute of the Saints which the people with weak faith take as them being void of such powers and authority. And they completely deny such things altogether.

Scarcity of Miracles in Sarwari Qadri Order

The Shaikhs of Sarwari Qadri order keep themselves away from show off and disclosure of their spiritual powers. The Shaikhs of this order are fully accomplished in spiritual authority and they are equally trustworthy in safeguarding this trust of Allah. This is the reason why there are so less miracles that we see in Sarwari Qadri order. The esoteric miracles are hidden and only those with inner eye can see them. This is the reason, the outward people who believe in physical miracles and marvels often leave this path but those who are blessed with inward eye and can see the esoteric miracles never go anywhere else.

When Asif bin Barkhia brought the throne, upon seeing it, Prophet Solomon said: This is by the Grace of my Lord.’ This means the spiritual powers and authority of Saints is in fact the blessing and favour of Allah Almighty. In other words, the deniers of Saints in fact deny the grace and favour of Allah as we discussed previously.

Quran provides guidance about the knowledge that grants such spiritual powers as below:

وَعَلَّمْنَاهُ مِن لَّدُنَّا عِلْمًا

And (We) had taught him infused knowledge (i.e. the inspired knowledge of secrets and gnosis). (18: 65)

Allah reveals in this verse that He had blessed Khidr with the inspired knowledge. This means, whatever Khidr did was based on the knowledge of the hidden. Imam Ghazali says:

‘Sufis say, the inspired knowledge is much more powerful than those types of knowledge that one acquires through hard work.’

Inspired Knowledge is Fount of Spiritual powers

Sultan Bahoo authored more than 140 books despite not having acquired any formal education. This clearly points to his inspired knowledge. It is this inspired knowledge that enables one to understand the real meanings of Quran. On this basis Imam Jalaluddin Al-Suyuti says in Al-Durr Al-Manthur:

‘Inspired exegesis refers to the explanation that the Sufis (Fakirs) make based on their inspired knowledge which allows them to combine the apparent meaning with the real intent behind a particular verse or part of Quran.’ (Tafsir Al-Durr Al-Manthur)

Ibn Arabi’s View about Inspired Knowledge

The Saints acquire inspired knowledge through the light of Prophethood. This reveals the Divine secrets as well as gnosis of Divine Essence upon them.

It is an undeniable fact that the inspired knowledge acquired through the light of Prophethood is revealed on the inwards of Saints with all its spiritual powers and authority. This knowledge is indeed the fount of all authority and is revealed in levels upon Saints according to their spiritual exaltation. Allah says in Quran:

لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُم فِي الْأَرْضِ

Meaning: He will surely bestow upon them khilafa (the trust of right to rule). (24: 55)

Under the exegesis of aforementioned verse, Shaikh Ismail al-Bursawi writes in Tafsir Ruh al-Bayan:

‘A Khalifa (successor) is appointed when the incumbent dies or is away or for some reason is unable to discharge the duties or if the incumbent appoints someone his successor as a symbol of appreciation or honour. The first three situations do not apply upon Allah, so it is the last one that applies here. To become successor or deputy of Allah means that He appoints the Saints to reign as He appointed His successors in the past.’

Allah says in Quran:

وَالْجِبَالَ أَوْتَادًا

Meaning: And (have We not) erected mountains raised (out of it)? (78: 7)

In the exegesis of aforementioned verse, Sufis have described the levels and responsibilities of Autad (a rank of saints) and their role in maintaining peace in the world. (Ahwal e Abdal)

Esoteric Governance System (Nizam e Taqween)

The story of Khidr and Prophet Moses in Quran is an example of the Taqween system. Imam Jalaluddin Al-Suyuti quotes a Hadith in Risala al-Khair al-Dar:

‘Ibn Masood narrates that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said, among the humans there are 300 whose inward is like that of Prophet Adam, 40 are such whose inwards are like that of Prophet Moses, 7 are such whose inwards are like that Prophet Abraham, 5 are such whose inwards are like that of Arch Angel Gabriel, 3 are such whose inwards are like that of Angel Michael and 1 who has the inward like Angel Rafail.

Sultan ul Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib ur Rehman says:

‘Everything that exists in the world is in fact a reflection of the spiritual world. It is a proven fact that an esoteric system of governance exists that the men of Allah (saints) control. Whatever takes place in the physical world is first approved through this esoteric system and then is passed onto the physical world for execution. (Sufism – The Soul of Islam)

Imam Al-Tabarani relates the following:

The earth will never be void of 40 men who will be the chosen men of Allah (i.e. saints). Because of them Allah will descend rain on earth and help His creation (in afflictions). When one of them will pass away, someone else will replace him.

Maulana Abu Rasheed Mohammad Abdul Aziz says:

As Allah says in Quran:

وَالْجِبَالَ أَوْتَادًا

Meaning: And (have We not) erected mountains raised (out of it)? (78: 7)

Among the Saints, there are four (Autad) who safeguard each direction of the earth i.e. the East, West, North and South. They are always 4 in number. Sometimes they are also referred to as ‘Amad’. (Ahwal e Abdal)

Universal Divine Man – Most Elevated Saint

Sultan ul Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib ur Rehman says:

‘There is always a ‘Qutb Madar’ (Universal Divine Man – highest rank among saints) on earth.

Qazi Sanaullah Panipati quotes a saying of Imam Rabbani whilst describing the incident of Prophet Moses’ meeting with Khidr.

“Khidr said, ‘Allah has made me an aide of Qutb Madar who is one of the Saints of Allah. The existence of world owes to him’. He further said, ‘The Qutb Madar of this era is in Yemen and we pray behind him’.” (Tafsir al-Mazhari)

According to Sufis, Qutb Madar is in fact the Universal Divine Man of his era. He is the complete manifestation of Divine Essence.

Ibn Arabi says:

The existence and safety of the universe owes to the presence of the Universal Divine Man. (Fusus Al Hikam)

Sultan ul Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib ur Rehman says:

In view of the requirements of a particular age, it is possible to have two distinguished saints being appointed at the rank of Universal Divine Man. One of them oversees the system of esoteric governance (Nizam e Taqween) and the other guides the people on the righteous path. But it is very rare (to have more than one Saint appointed at this position).

Examples of the Spiritual powers and Authority of Saints

Here are some examples from the lives of past Saints where they used their spiritual powers. This is so that what we discussed above from Quran and Hadith can be proved through real life examples.

Ghawth al-Azam Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani

Syed Abdul Qadir Arbali narrates:

The jinn possessions and witchcraft was common in the time of Prophet Solomon. One day he thought, if this is the case of jinn and evil harming the humans in my time (when they were all under his control), what would be the case of the later generations? As he was thinking that, he heard a voice from the hidden that said: ‘I will end prophethood on my beloved (Prophet Mohammad – peace be upon him). A person named Abdul Qadir (ra) will be born in his umma, all the jinn and Satan will be under his authority. Prophet Solomon was relieved upon hearing this and thanked Allah.

He then ordered to tie all the jinns in chains and throw them in the ocean. He further said that their chains will be removed in later times. All these jinns will be obedient to Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani. They will fear him to such an extent that they will shiver in their homes. This is because Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani will be the king of jinns and angels.”

All these jinns are now obedient to the spiritual successors and disciples of Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani. (Tafrih al-khatir fi manaqib Shaikh Abd Qadir Jailani)

Sultan Bahoo said that he needed to urinate hence went away. When he returned, he had a little clay stone in his hand that he had used to wipe off himself. He addressed the Syed and said:

“I feel sorry, you had to bear such trouble and travel this far, I am an ordinary farmer, I am afraid I cannot help you.”

The Syed was already tired of the long journey and much worried due to his troubled life. He replied furiously:

“Yes! Unfortunately, I am having to ask a farmer for help despite being a Syed.”

This infuriated Sultan Bahoo, he threw the stone that was in his hand in anger, whilst saying the below verse:

نظر جنہاں دی کیمیا، سونا کردے وٹ

قوم اُتے موقوف نہیں کیا سید کیا جٹ

Explanation: Those, whose (spiritual) sight is alchemy (i.e. the Saints), can turn a stone into gold. It does not matter whether they are Syed or a farmer.

The stone he threw tumbled far on the ploughed field and all the clods that it touched turned into gold. The Syed was left perplexed seeing this. He bent down in front of Sultan Bahoo and begged for forgiveness.

Sultan ul Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib ur Rehman

Sultan ul Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib ur Rehman is the Universal Divine Man of present era. He is the present Imam of the Sarwari Qadri order and a perfect spiritual guide. He spends every weekend (Saturday and Sunday) at Khanqah Sultan ul Ashiqeen (to provide the seekers of Allah the opportunity to benefit from his company). The following miracle of him also took place at Khanqah Sultan ul Ashiqeen.

I was once (the writer of this blog – Sultan Mohammad Abdullah Iqbal Sarwari Qadri) at Khanqah Sultan ul Ashiqeen. It was night time. Sultan ul Ashiqeen was present in his room at Khanqah Sultan ul Ashiqeen. I was at Masjid e Zahra (the mosque adjacent to the Khanqah).

I saw, Murshid Paak (Sultan ul Ashiqeen) was coming towards Masjid e Zahra. However, he was alone which is out of norm as he is always with his close disciples wherever he goes. I was quite confused. In the meantime he went past me and did not even look towards me. He entered Masjid e Zahra, I followed.

I saw there was glorious door within the mosque, the other side of which I could see daylight and I saw a thriving city in there. Sultan ul Ashiqeen entered through that door and I followed. After few steps, he arrived at a beautiful house which was like Masjid e Zahra where he entered. I tried to enter but saw that it was already very crowded. There were lots of chairs arranged in rows and people were sitting on them. Towards the front, there was a stage which had a sofa.

The Guarded Tablet

Sultan ul Ashiqeen seated on that sofa. I was frightened to enter hence stayed at the door and was watching all this from there. I saw a book from heavens descended into his hands, he opened that book. There were commandments in that book that Sultan ul Ashiqeen read to the attendees. He delivered 24 commands to each person. I guess there was a command for each hour of the day. After that Sultan ul Ashiqeen said, ‘Everyone congregate here again tomorrow so that I can pass on the orders for the next day’.

Then the book raised towards heavens and disappeared. I heard someone saying, that book was the Guarded Tablet. After that, Sultan ul Ashiqeen stood up and came out of that house. He started walking back towards the Khanqah (and again did not look towards me on the way back). I followed until he arrived at the door that opened in Majid e Zahra. He passed through that door and headed back to the Khanqah. I tried hard to follow him but it felt as if my feet had been tied to the ground. However, as soon as he entered Khanqah Sultan ul Ashiqeen, I could walk again normally. I ran towards the Khanqah and was surprised to see that Sultan ul Ashiqeen was present in his room and there was a large number of disciples and devotees around him and he was discussing some matters with them.

I asked one of the disciples, did Murshid Paak go anywhere lately? He said, ‘No, he has been in his room since afternoon’.

Books Consulted:

1. Sufism – The Soul of Islam
2. Al-Dur al-Manthur
3. Fusus Al Hikam
4. Tafsir Ruh al-Bayan
5. Tafsir Ibn Kathir
6. Tafreeh Ul Khatir Fi Manaqib Shaikh Abdul Qadir
7. Jame Karamat e Aulia
8. Ahwal e Abdal

Note:

This is English translation of Urdu Blog اولیا کاملین کا تصرف اور اختیار that appeared in February 2022 issue of the monthly Sultan ul Faqr Magazine. Sultan Mohammad Abdullah Iqbal Sarwari Qadri authored the original article. Waheed Hassan Sarwari Qadri has translated it in English.

Questions:

Who are Sufi Saints?

The Sufi Saints or perfect Fakirs are the pious men of Allah. As a reward, Allah blesses them with His closeness. The closeness and pleasure of Allah comes with spiritual powers and authority. Whatever they say or wish is accomplished, no matter how difficult or impossible it may seem. However, the Fakirs keep themselves away from show and pomp. They have been through the station of complete surrender and submission to Divine will. Hence, despite having the power and authority to do the impossible, they instead stay away from doing anything that does not conform to the will of Allah. In other words whatever miracles occur through are what Allah wills.

This is the reason that the common people think Saints do not exist today or they have suspicions about the Saints because they do not show off their spiritual powers.