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The event of Aqsa Week (24 February to 2 March) jogs my memory of how the Sufis rejoice the love of Masjid Al-Aqsa – the Al-Aqsa Sanctuary in Jerusalem.
Earlier than discussing two nice Sufis, Abd Al-Ghani Nabulusi and Ibrahim ibn Adham, it’s important to notice that Sufis from throughout the globe are obsessed with Masjid Al-Aqsa. Within the seventeenth century, there have been over 70 zawiyas (Sufi religious centres) in Jerusalem.
Each Masjid Al-Aqsa and the town of Jerusalem have been central within the imaginations and day by day lives of Sufis. Many Sufis have invested their ideas and a few of their lives in extolling the virtues of Masjid Al-Aqsa. Many Sufis travelled over lengthy distances from so far as Indonesia, Southern Africa and Bosnia to go to Al-Aqsa. Some made Jerusalem their house. Sufis have additionally been on the forefront of strengthening Muslim religion by the love of Al-Aqsa.
Within the late seventeenth century, Al-Nabulusi of Damascus set out on a religious journey to Al-Aqsa. His memoirs of the street to Al-Aqsa reveal the honour bestowed on his group by these they handed. All alongside the route, individuals thronged to fulfill him, not solely due to his scholarly credentials, but in addition as a result of he was heading to Al-Aqsa and the holy metropolis of Jerusalem. It was a reminder of tracing the footsteps of pious predecessors just like the companion of the Prophet, Abu Dhar Gaffari. It was additionally to reignite the connection made by the Prophet on the evening journey of Al-Isra when he travelled from Mecca to Jerusalem.
Al-Nabulusi’s journey, which took practically ten days, was lastly rewarded with the sight of superb Al-Aqsa. Al-Nabulusi writes how he dismounted his trip on seeing the partitions of Jerusalem and walked the previous couple of miles. Each step reminded him of the companions of the Prophet and pious predecessors, who trod the bottom and the good prophets like Ibrahim, Suleyman, Daud and Isa, who resided in Jerusalem. These, and lots of different prophets, acquired revelation from the Creator right here, and a few are buried within the holy grounds.
The religious ecstasy he skilled when, lastly, Al-Nabulusi entered the Noble Sanctuary of Al-Aqsa is detailed in his diary. He connects the Dome of Rock to the believer, not solely by its bodily magnificence, but in addition its sanctity.
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He wrote: “How stunning is the frequented mosque whereby I attended the 5 day by day prayers. My eyes have been dazzled by the subtlety of its pleasure and my coronary heart to its doorways used to race. One feels the reverence of the prophets and saints in it, and whoever reaches it loses his method out.”
Earlier, within the eighth century, a religious awakening for Prince of the Kingdom of Balkh Ibrahim ibn Adham occurred – just like the attraction to Al-Aqsa that Al-Nabulusi skilled.
Shaykh Rumi writes that ibn Adham was woke up one evening by a voice that modified his heedlessness. He deserted his palace and privileged life dedicated to worldly pleasures. After wandering for some time, he lastly got here to Jerusalem. He used the partitions of Al-Aqsa as his pillow for the evening. Right here, within the sanctuary of Al-Aqsa Mosque, he attained peace that the dinars of the princely property and the posh of palaces couldn’t present.
In sacrificing a kingdom to acquire the love of the Creator, ibn Adham is reported to have achieved a really excessive religious standing. Many miracles are recorded to have taken place by him.
Relating to ibn Adham, Sheikh Akhtar writes: “The royal individual robed in a beggar’s robe. The royal honour clothed in poverty. When the soul of the king of Balkh grew to become pure and clear, when it grew to become stricken with the ache of divine love, it grew to become acquainted with the treasures of poverty. The soul of the king as soon as free of the world grew to become a recognised soul within the court docket of the Creator.”
The sacrifices of the good Sufis and their devotion to Al-Aqsa remind us of the necessity to (re)join with Al-Aqsa Sanctuary to strengthen our spirituality. Aqsa Week must be used to revive our love for the wonderful Al-Aqsa Sanctuary.
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The views expressed on this article belong to the creator and don’t essentially replicate the editorial coverage of Center East Monitor.
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