I sat down on a Friday during Jummah time to write an article about Rabi Ul Awal, but instead, ended up writing something entirely different.
When a child is in kindergarten, they’re first taught numbers, and as they progress through the grades, they learn basic arithmetic and eventually algebra. Similarly, in our spiritual journeys, we ascend the learning curve through experiential understanding. As we navigate this path, we encounter various points where we stop, question, ponder, and seek answers. Often, these answers aren’t verbal but manifest as emotional states or deep connections of the heart. One such phase involves striving to understand and fully acknowledge the importance of our perfect mentor, Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
We all grew up with teachers in school and understand the vital role they played in guiding us through our studies. In fact, their contribution extended beyond academics, significantly shaping our overall development. Recall the child within you who would light up at the sight of their favorite teacher. Do you remember the excitement you felt when that teacher came to take your class? Sometimes, we even start to enjoy a subject simply because of a great teacher. This affection naturally sparks our curiosity about them, leading us to want to know more.
What I’m trying to express is that we often don’t reflect deeply on the importance of having a Spiritual Teacher. Our relationship with our Prophet (SAW) transcends simply reading biographies; it’s about connecting—embracing the soulful lessons and applying them in our lives. This practice fosters the growth of our spiritual hearts, helping us achieve goodness in all aspects of our lives in this world and the hereafter.
Just as a student creates a decorative wishing card for their teacher at school, I too write these words of tribute—a small attempt to express my admiration for my most awe-inspiring Mentor and Guide, for all time.
A poem for our Rasool Allah SAW
A Letter to Habibullah SAW
It’s easy to love Allah
He is my Maker, My Creator
A love that flows naturally
I often wondered I say ‘La ilaha illallahu’
I believe there is none worthy of worship except our one and only Allah
A covenant that goes to the core
But why doesn’t my Kalma just end here?
What is the significance of the second half? Why ‘muhammadur rasulullah’?
Yes, I’m awed by Rasool Allah
But do I love our Rasool Allah?
I listen to your tales
I read your stories
I try to understand your Hadith
But do I feel the proclamation with love?
How can I love Allah, and not feel the Love of Rasool Allah?
When I go to Madinah, I sense peace
I sense something welcoming with love
I sense something in the wind
At the green dome, I sense our Rasool Allah
The pigeons flock towards the chandeliers of your Roza (chamber)
The cats rest at your mosque gates
Your ‘ummati’ waits in lines to come to greet you
You are the one who held strongly the burden of Revelation
You extended us the Gift of the Quran
You are the one who conquered hearts
You are the one who conquered Makkah
You are the one who straightened our Qibla
You are the one who gave us the key to open the doors of the Kaabah of our hearts
You are the one who taught us how to Love our Allah,
You gave us direction
You showed us the way
Taught us how to know Allah,
Taught us how to connect with Allah,
Taught us how to seek Allah,
How can I not love my Rasool Allah?
Who couldn’t read but gave us the message of ‘Iqra’
Who didn’t seek the Pleasures of this world
Taught us to seek the Pleasure of the One who gives all Pleasure
You taught us to break the idols of fear within us
You cleared our path for us
You taught us even a smile is charity
You taught us mercy by being ‘Rehmat ul Aalameen’
You showed us to even pray for those who become ‘Taif’ for us
You showed us to not become like the stone thrown at us
You are the Light that came to light us
You are the Love that came to love us
You prayed for us, even when we had no trace of us
Now I am sending Darood and my Salam
You are the Habibullah,
How can I not love, who Allah loves?
I love the one who Allah loves!
