ARTICLES

Among the Awliyâ’ of the Umma of Muhammad (’alaihi ’s-salâm), the one who deserved to be his khalîfa (caliph) was Abu Bakr as-Siddîq (radiy-Allâhu ta’âlâ ’anh), who was loved most by the Awliyâ’ and by the imâms and was more suited for the caliphate than others. After prophets, he is the highest and the most auspicious of all human beings, past and future ones alike. He was the first to attain the status and honour of caliphate. As a favour and blessing from Allâhu ta’âlâ, he had not worshipped idols before Islam commenced. He had been protected against the defects of disbelief and heresy.

After him, the highest of human beings is the second khalîfa ’Umar ibn al-Khattâb (radiy-Allâhu ta’âlâ ’anh), whom Allâhu ta’âlâ chose as a friend to His Beloved Prophet.

After him the highest of human beings is the third khalîfa of Rasûlullah (’alaihi’s-salâm), Dhu’n-Nûrain ’Uthmân ibn ’Affân (radiy-Allâhu ta’âlâ ’anh), the treasure of favours and blessings and the source of modesty, faith and spiritual knowledge.

After him, the most auspicious of human beings is the fourth khalîfa of Rasûlullah (’alaihi’s-salâm), ’Alî ibn Abî Tâlib (radî-Allâhu ta’âlâ ’anh), the possessor of astonishing superiorities and the Lion of Allâhu ta’âlâ.

Hadrat Hasan ibn ’Alî (radiy-Allâhu ta’âlâ ’anhum) became the khalîfa after him. The thirty years of caliphate mentioned in the hadîth ash-sherîf was completed with him.

After him, the highest human being is Hadrat Husain ibn ’Alî (radiy-Allâhu ta’âlâ ’anhum), the light of Rasûlullah’s (’alaihi’s-salâm) eyes.

The next highest ones of the Sahâbat al-kirâm (Companions of the Prophet) were al-’Asharat al-Mubashshara, the ten people blessed with the good news of [going to] Paradise. After them, the highest Muslims were the 313 Muslims who took part in the Holy Battle of Badr. The next were the 700 brave Muslims who took part in the Holy Battle of Uhud. Next to them were the Bî’at ar-Ridwân, the 1400 Muslims who took the oath of allegiance to Rasûlullah under the tree.

When mentioning the Sirât Bridge, we should not suppose that it is like bridges that we know. As a matter of fact, we say that it is necessary to pass the bridge of examination in order to pass the course. Every student will pass the bridge of examination. We call it a bridge because all students have to pass it. However, an examination is in no way similar to a bridge. There are those who can pass the bridge of examination, and there are also those who cannot pass it and fall down. But this is unlike falling down into the sea from a bridge. Only those who have passed the bridge of examination know how it is. Likewise, everybody will have to pass the Sirât Bridge, and others, being unable to pass, will fall down into Hell. But this bridge, passing it or falling down into Hell, is not like worldly bridges or the bridge of examination. It has no aspects resembling them.

On an occasion, somebody asked [the great Walî] Ibrâhim ibn Ad’ham (quddisa sirruh) for advice. He said:
“If you accept six things, nothing you do will harm you. These six things are:
1) When you mean to commit a sin, do not eat the food He gives! Does it befit you to eat His food and to disobey Him?
2) When you want to rebel against Him, go out of His Domain! Does it befit you to be in His Domain and to be in rebellion against Him?
3) When you want to disobey Him, do not sin where He sees you! Sin where He does not see you! It simply is unbecoming to be in His Domain, to eat His food and then to sin where He sees you!
4) When the Angel of Death comes to take away your soul, ask him to wait till you repent! You cannot turn that angel back! Repent before he comes, while you are able, and you have the chance at this very hour, for the Angel of Death comes unexpectedly!
5) When the two angels Munker and Nakîr come to question you in the grave turn them back! Do not let them test you!”
“It is impossible,” said the person who asked for his advice.
Shaikh Ibrâhîm said, “Then prepare your answers now!
6) On the Day of Resurrection, when Allâhu ta’âlâ orders: ‘Sinners, go to Hell!’ say that you will not!”

The person said, “Nobody will listen to me,” and then repented, and he did not break his repentance till death. There is Divine Effect in the words of Awliyâ’.