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Stories of the Scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho

Part Eight

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His Life, His Deeds, His Way to Al’lah

(1890-1964)

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Checked and Introduced by

Prof. A. K. John Alias Al-Dayrani

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English Language Editing by

Jackie Feehan

 

Introduction

You may wonder, as do I, and as do people everywhere: how could this great scholar have gained access to such truth, when all of the earlier scholars and the great guides and imams failed to do so? I would reply to you: a person has nothing except what they strive for.

Indeed, people are differentiated through their actions.

This is true even for the Envoys (Messengers) and noble Prophets… and there will be a different level for everyone according to their deeds in this world.

Our own great scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho was given awareness and understanding by Al’lah, and he was distinguished by his outstanding deeds and his great and humane sacrifices. Al’lah did not give him anything except that which he deserved.

God says, “And We sent it down deservedly, and with righteousness it came down.”1

The Faithful Mentor and the Lost Judge

He never uttered a single word unless it was ethical and enlightening, which demonstrated his sharp insight, cogent mind and sound process of thought.

He was imbued with a deep-rooted, profound sense of humanity and a discerning sense for the truth.

These are but a few of the many sacrosanct qualities embedded within him because of his great love for the Almighty, the Origin of sanctity; and this is why his words were like sacred gems enhancing the spirits of those who sought all that is right and true. These words were received in accordance with the listener’s status, and touched whatever occupied his spirit so that he could find the reality which was evident within them. He spoke whenever necessary and always in a manner which was appropriate for the listeners’ spirits so as to bring them nothing but goodness and happiness, both here and in the Hereafter.

His piercing insight and knowledge gave the effective cure for illness garnered from his sublime wisdom so that disease might be eliminated and replaced with sound health and happiness. Thus, the advice of this faithful mentor always resulted in benefits and happiness for his listeners in this world and in the Afterlife.

Everyone who came into his presence recognised his peerless realism and piercing insight by God’s Light. His unparalleled recommendations ensured deliverance and success and, by contrast, those who disagreed with his advice were deprived of these benefits and blessings and ultimately regretted their decision.

This was the humane scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho.

The following event reveals an example of his Godly advice:

A certain hapless judge stood wringing his hands together… saying, ‘Oh… if only I had listened to your advice, Abu Fathi.’ Then, he began to relate what had happened to him in the hearing of several men, repeating yet again, ‘If only I had followed your advice, Abu Fathi!’

So, what is the story of this judge? What was the advice which he ignored and then regretted doing so?

It was during the 1940s, when the salaries given to state employees far exceeded imagination, and those who were employed were extremely fortunate, whether they were employed in a low position or a high one: a gendarme or an officer, as all their salaries were considered to be enormous. Their income was not simply a consistent trickle, but could be described rather as a continuously streaming river. The lowliest official received a monthly salary from which, within a year, he could save enough money to buy a sizeable house and a car; in addition to which all members of the family would enjoy the high life.

At that time, when the luxurious life for people in general and public servants in particular had eased off somewhat, the Ministry of Justice declared that it needed to appoint judges in its official courts.

The judge of whom we write was an acquaintance of the eminent scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho (Abu Fathi), and was one of those applicants who held the certificate of law. The list of names of the persons to be appointed was issued after a while and his name was among them. Needless to say, he was extremely pleased when he became a prominent official, a judge who would earn a large salary which was many times greater than that of an ordinary employee.

He completed the formal assignment papers as fast as he could, and took up his position a few days later; when he received his first salary, he realised that it was quite considerable. He then calculated his monthly needs and found that the amount he needed came to no more than a tenth of that huge salary. Then, an idea struck him whereby he thought that he could draw nearer to the state authorities by presenting himself as an honest and upright human being; so he sought to appear concerned for the state’s public interest, a caretaker of its budget, and honest and righteous in his employment.

He talked to Mohammad Amin saying, ‘Oh, Abu Fathi! As you know I became a judge, receiving a monthly salary that is so large that I need only one-tenth of it to live in comfort. I wondered what I should do with the remaining nine-tenths, and then I had the good idea of returning it to the state treasury, as it is rightfully theirs. So, I decided to write a formal letter to the authorities in the prime minister’s office and ask them to lower my wage to just one-tenth of the current amount.’

The august scholar understood the judge’s reasoning, which was that he cared to show himself as the very soul of honesty and fairness in the eyes of those in authority, but he advised him, saying, ‘Don’t ever do that. They have willingly given you this salary, and it is your right, yet if you find it is in excess of your needs, donate it as charity to paupers and others who are in need.’

The judge replied, ‘But, as I have told you, Abu Fathi, my salary is so large, and I have no right to anything beyond my basic needs, so in fact it belongs to the state, as nine- tenths of my salary is above what I need and I shall return it to the treasury.’

At this point, the candid admonisher repeated his advice and caution to the judge, ‘As I have told you my brother, give the excess as a handout to the poor and needy. You know there are a lot of destitute families in dire need, so if you spend the surplus amount on them you will have eased their embarrassment and saved them from poverty, deprivation and misery by securing for them the essential necessities of life. Through that you will improve their condition and bring them happiness: thereby you will draw nearer to Al’lah because of your noble deed. So, all of their happiness and liberation from the ties of poverty and deprivation will reflect on your worldly life by giving you happiness, joy, and true closeness to Al’lah, the Almighty… and furthermore, you will gain Paradises of bliss in the Hereafter. Be sure, my brother, that all creatures are Al’lah’s servants, and the more one offers them benefits the closer they will be to Him. Al’lah has opened the gateway of Paradise before you, so do not refuse to enter it. Seek Al’lah’s Satisfaction and He will surely be pleased with you and make many people pleased with you too.’

The judge heard the scholar’s true utterance denoting his sublime logic. Those peerless words encompassed great goodness in this life and in the life to come. He thought for a while, then he realised he could not refute these words and the truth and love for humanity and for Al’lah’s Satisfaction that they denoted. Yet, he felt that they did not conform to his wish to present himself as an honest, upright and zealous man before the people… and certainly not before Al’lah, the Almighty. This was his personal, unbending point of view!

Therefore, he did not abide by these Godly gems and divine advice, thinking that his success in this world would not be realised unless he continued on his intended path, so, he decided to carry out his plan. At the earliest opportunity he sent a letter to the authorities in the prime minister’s office stating that he wished to reduce his monthly salary to one-tenth of what he was receiving. He stated, as he had previously said to Mohammad Amin, that it far exceeded his needs and one-tenth of the amount would be sufficient, therefore he felt that he had no right to retain the extra money. He explained that his conscience and deep sense of patriotism dictated that he should return it to the treasury since it rightfully belonged to the state and not to him.

This odd and unprecedented communication was received by the senior personnel in the prime minister’s office. Really, it was such a strange letter, the likes of which had never been seen before! So, those concerned held a meeting to discuss the matter, and after spending some time in discussion and deliberation they found the judge’s communication to be illogical and certainly open to doubt, thus giving rise to many questions about the judge’s abilities, the state of his mind, and the soundness of his reasoning.

Finally, they reached the following conclusions, ‘Truly, this judge is not of sound mind and lacks reasonable judgement, for anyone who refuses money rightfully offered to him is not at all fit to judge others. A judge’s position is so sensitive and strongly related to the citizens’ matters and interests, and consequently to the cases that come before him, that whoever occupies this position must be of sound judicious mind and unerring thought. Accordingly, the judge in question, about whom we held this meeting, is not suited to that position; he must, therefore, be discharged from this sensitive post.’

Thus, the man was instantly dismissed from his position, lost his employment and was left without income. His actions, that he had thought to be so worthy, had gone against him, whereas he had thought that his request would serve to strengthen him in his office and raise his standing in the eyes of the authorities. He believed that by his actions all people would hear of his fairness, honour, and rectitude and that he would become the model for integrity and patriotism.

But, on the contrary, the matter brought him a most unexpected and unpleasant result. When he was informed that he had been dismissed from his position and stripped of his employment, he remembered the great guide’s advice and words of caution against his planned action, and the aim of his intention which was directed at attracting people’s satisfaction not that of Al’lah. So, the authorities became perturbed at his request and he lost the great gains which Al’lah had prepared for him and toward which the eminent scholar, Mohammad Amin, had guided him.

Then it was that he remembered the warning and admonition, and sighing deeply he said, ‘If only I had taken your advice Abu Fathi!’

He was the loser and deeply regretted his decision, but it was too late!

The Devil Was Thwarted and Confessed, “I have No Power over You”

One day, our noble scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho returned to his home filled with a feeling of great happiness, as his love for God provided him with all that he needed, and His Satisfaction with him was his only aim and desire. Without doubt, honour is attained by rectitude.

Usually, everything was orderly and satisfactory within his household, but that day it seemed that something strange was afoot!

As soon as he entered the house he heard strange sounds and was most surprised for he was accustomed to an air of tranquillity pervading his home. What had happened?! Everything had been fine when he left, but now he was taken aback by the sounds of grief-stricken voices. He could hear women crying as if something terrible had happened. But throughout his noble life, whenever he was taken aback, our great scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho sought refuge in his Provider, the Almighty, Who relieved him and saved him from every single difficult problem.

As always, the spirit of Mohammad Amin Sheikho flowed towards the place of the event, and then continued towards the Holy Mosque. It travelled to al-Ka’ba, which is honoured throughout the world for its holiness and purity and is the holy place where God sent down lights upon His Envoy (cpth);2 and these lights continue to come down because this is the location of the descent of the Godly Manifestations. Our eminent scholar put his full trust in Al’lah, without Whom there is no refuge or protection, and he commended the case to Him.

Within a few moments quietness prevailed once more in the house, and the recent fear and confusion were replaced with tranquillity: all signs of distress and suffering had disappeared… and moreover all of this happened within a single moment.

The scholar’s wife then came out of the women’s quarters and walked towards him, as she had sensed his arrival. She began to tell him about the events leading up to that point, relating the reason for the loud voices and what had happened before he arrived home. She said, ‘Some of the women of the neighbourhood came here, bringing an epileptic woman with them. She was having a seizure and thrashing around on the floor. Her limbs were in spasm, contracting and extending in a most unnatural way, and her whole body was making involuntary movements. Foam was frothing from her mouth and her eyes were bulging as though they were about to pop out of their sockets. She was struggling to breathe… it was as though she was being suffocated, or someone was trying to strangle her. Then she became very pale and the pall of death covered her face… she was struggling so hard in an attempt to escape from seemingly inevitable death. It was really a terrible sight.

‘Her state was very distressing. All of the women were sure that she was just moments away from death, and they all started shouting and crying and lamenting.

‘A few of her female relatives brought her here, hoping that God would heal her through your blessing. The people advised them to resort to you because they know about your uprightness and piety. Although they had previously taken her to many physicians, who prescribed different medicines and tranquillizers and analgesics for her, but these attempts to cure her had achieved nothing. The doctors failed to cure her because they do not have any effective medicine for such diseases. Every one of their medicines only provided temporary relief. But as soon as you entered the house, she became calm and recovered as if there had been nothing wrong.’

Mohammad Amin understood the case immediately.

He said to his wife, ‘Actually, she is possessed by evil spirits. This has been brought about by her wicked associate from djinn-kind who wants to destroy her and lead her to hellfire. But she has resorted to us, “and anyone who enters your home seeking protection from you, you should protect them.” However, this case is very easy to resolve, as Satan’s scheme is weak. The evil webs that he weaves are weak and ineffective as they have no material existence, even though he acts against those who are deserving.’

The great scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho could hear the cursed devil that had entered into the woman speaking to him.

It said, ‘I will leave her and enter you.’

The scholar answered in a loud voice, ‘And I will break your head.’ Then, he began to recite the noble fortresses, al-Falaq (All that’s coming to Appearance), al-Nas (Oblivious Humankind, Oblivious DJinn-kind), and al-Ikhlas (Sincerity), as he began to direct his mind towards God and his heart fully towards the Holy Mosque. It was not long before that obnoxious devil left the woman and the house, defeated and subdued.

Due to the timely intervention of Mohammad Amin the afflicted woman regained her health and was able to return to her normal life, for all the pain and the effects of the attack had disappeared completely. As a result of her recovery, a feeling of joy and pleasure prevailed in the house, and incomparable signs of thanks and gratitude shone from the faces of those present. They all then left the house giving thanks and praising Almighty God and asking Him to give the august scholar great rewards.

Later on that night, Mohammad Amin was lying in his bed, trying to rest. As he lay there, neither fully asleep nor fully awake, he felt, suddenly, the alarming presence of a black spirit. He heard it saying, ‘No fault! No blemish! There’s no way I can enter into you! I have never met a man like you, who is such a hopeless case for me!’ The black spirit then uttered curses at the scholar’s religion and fled, for fear of being burned by God’s Light when the scholar sought refuge in Him.

And if you ask about the reason that the Almighty God allowed the devil to curse and swear at our religion, it is because He, the Almighty God, just wanted to show Mohammad Amin the profound enmity of the devil, his disbelief, and his humiliation and ultimate defeat.

The Session of Truthfulness and the Voice of Reality

His assembly (his soul has been sanctified by Al’lah) was a session of truthfulness, and his tongue was the voice of reality.

The gatherings of the noble scholar, Mohammad Amin Sheikho, were scented with the essence of paradises and refreshment; they were flooded with blessedness so that true life would descend upon the faithful hearts who seek to know their Provider, and these gatherings would make their hearts fragrant, clear and tinted with shades of brilliance and purity. They would be illuminated by God’s Lights and cultivated by the jewel of His Supreme Attributes so that they will be reclaimed and refined. The low deeds they had previously insisted on would be abolished, releasing them from the chains which had confined them and prevented them from soaring into the orbit of truth and reality where the luminosity, the light, the beauty and the majesty are to be found. Here too is where the hearts of the grand Prophets and Envoys (cptt) melt when they witness the Greatest Treasure and the Origin of goodness and generosity where the sacrosanct Grants of the Almighty God, Glory to Him, are manifested.

Because of his truthfulness in guiding Al’lah’s creatures and his aspirations to bring the optimum goodness upon them, the Almighty made him a doctor for the hearts. To this end He disclosed to him the conditions of everyone who had resorted to him, with the aim of curing them and leading them towards the truth, if that is what they truly sought. Therefore Al’lah’s Light reveals to him the truthful man and the liar and shows him both the ailment and the remedy. It discloses to him the cause that drove some disciples to distance themselves from the Almighty, and where the fault might be, and the direction in which the spirits of others may scatter or incline. By Al’lah’s Light, he knows the cause which gives rise to a slackening in seeking its aim and requirement if the spirit really sought to be acquainted with Almighty Al’lah.

Thus, this venerable guide Mohammad Amin Sheikho was a healer for their hearts: it is he who saved them from their alienation from Al’lah and then invited, guided and led them to Al’lah, to the levels of closeness to Him, and to sublime paradises. That’s why the Almighty ensured that his heart’s eye was always observing them, looking by His Light at all their conditions and knowing their inclinations and inward thoughts.

And why should this not be so? For he was their spiritual doctor assigned by Almighty Al’lah to guide and help them to attain and realise the truth.

Mohammad Amin was so gentle, so merciful: his kindness towards his murids and disciples was limitless. If he wanted to refine a fault in the manner of a certain disciple, or draw attention to a particular weak point in one of them which might prevent him from persistence in adopting the way leading towards his Provider, he would do so in a sensitive manner. In order to show the murid the method and the medicine which would release him of the weakness he found in his spirit, the eminent guide would refrain from speaking out openly and frankly to the disciple about what he found inside him or pointing out his faults openly. He would, however, relate stories and lessons in which he would refer to the ailment and its appropriate remedy. Hence, and without being aware of it, this murid would receive a description of his complaint or the mistake he had made, along with the suitable cure and the necessary medicine to rid himself of the malady and reject what was making him withdraw from Al’lah which caused him to degrade his position and debase him with Al’lah, and fellow humans.

All this occurs by Al’lah’s Light, when the diagnosis for spiritual disease and the prescribed remedy were given through Al’lah’s Manifestation by His Light for this true guide and merciful, humane doctor to know the condition of his murids, and the methods for effecting a rescue, cure, and success for each one of them.

Indeed, this true master really astounded all people who sincerely sought the truth through his incontrovertible luminous science and his superb diction in guiding and directing those who had resorted to him for guidance in loving God and drawing nearer to His Presence, Glory to Him.

He had amazed all people who aimed at sublimity and attaining the heavens. Why not, since the Almighty God spoke through the master’s tongue, enabling his lofty revelation to flow in abundance.

At this particular seminar and assembly of guidance, there were more than four hundred murids from various cities and villages. They were all leaving after the sanctified lesson during which their hearts were filled with great light and measureless gratitude and praise for God Who had sent this grand blessing. Indeed, everyone of them had profited by gaining solutions to all his problems or a diagnosis for his ailments and the weak points in his spirit. Moreover, the master would have given him the medicine and an unfailing cure which would never miss the target since it had issued from the Almighty Al’lah through the tongue of this eminent true guide. All of this diagnosis and cure came through his kind stories, gentle words and actual, realistic lessons and incidents within which he explained a particular point of weakness, its causes, and the ways man can rid himself of it.

One wonders just how many questions they were concealing in their hearts, yet by the end of the lesson all questions were answered and resolved; and so it was with all doubts and uncertainty which would be replaced with lofty Godly Wisdom and the luminous certainty of shining reality. In this manner, all questions and doubts would be resolved without anyone actually voicing a question or stating his problem publicly! Even if the questions had arisen only in a person’s mind, they would be answered with cogency, logic and firm evidence by the end of the lesson.

Then the disciples would leave the session, their hearts filled with light and love for Almighty Al’lah, since everyone of them would have achieved his own aim and been made aware of the right way in proportion to his personal closeness, and his level of aspiration and desire to be acquainted with his Provider.

One would also see that in their daily life the disciples were ordered and fully followed the law learnt from their eminent master: visiting the master would have its appointed terms;

Impressum

Verlag: BookRix GmbH & Co. KG

Texte: Amin-sheikho.com
Lektorat: Prof. A. K. John Alias Al-Dayrani
Übersetzung: Jackie Feehan
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 29.05.2019
ISBN: 978-3-7487-0587-1

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