Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim
Praise belongs eternally to Allah, the One, the Irresistible Conquerer
may Blessings and peace perpetually shower our ultimate Beloved, the jewel of creation Sayyidina Muhammad, as well as his household and progeny and companions...

"Indeed - the Friends (Awliya) of Allah, no fear is upon them, nor do they grieve" (Q10:62)

It's with great heaviness that i'm sharing this recent news that a few hours ago, this 14th day of the holy month of Rajab, our grandshaykh passed away into the Mercy and Pleasure of Allah Most High and His Loving Care, due to liver complications in the hospital... inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un!

If a number of you have not heard of him, it is because he chose to live a life based on the principle of hiding and erasing yourself to instead show a reflection of Allah's Attributes, and indeed anyone who came into contact with the gentle tranquility and effacing humility of his being knew that he was one of those that Allah chose to guard under His veils of jealousy. His entire life - from when he was conscious of his surroundings until his passing away at an age exceeding 80 years - was truly spent entirely for Allah. He was a man of gentle compassion, of piercing knowledge, of impeccable character, of deep contemplation, of generous hands to the point of being brave with his generosity, of genuine care and concern for those under his training and for the Muslims in general, fierce against falsehood and unbridled lust for the Dunya, preferring the simple and elegant over the extravagant and vulgar, and one who was fully pleased and content with Allah being Allah.

I personally learned so much from him, and there is still so much that I wanted to ask him and gain from him. We plan (I planned on spending a month in Egypt this Ramadan to be with him), and Allah plans, and it is my hope from Allah that I will still benefit from him and maintain my connection with him after his passing.

I remember his face becoming lit up when I asked him privately how I could obtain the vision of the Prophet (alayhi salat wa salam), and him then going into the Burdah of Imam Busayri.
I remember spending the night with him in the same room, and him seeing the blanket off of me tucking me inside the blanket, as a true grandfather would, and then later that night praying tahajjud and reading Qur'an with him.
I remember him correcting my mistakes and focusing me on the fundamentals when I wanted to delve into the higher details.

I remember him praying over the young girl who was having an asthma attack, and she immediately becoming better under his blessed hand.
I remember him teaching me to never say or claim anything unless I knew 100% that it was the truth, and not waste my words guessing or estimating... because he loved the truth and upholding the truth and giving victory to the truth.
I remember the many times when he called me "my son" and "my beloved", when I was worried and had little hope in myself, and his confirmation being all the fuel I needed.

His last words of teaching and advice to me was "Realize that there is NO distance when it comes to the Ruh (soul)", when I told him I felt I had to physically be next to the graves of the righteous to feel their presence.

He was a hafiz of the Qur'an, as well as numerous ahadith; he was a master in the fiqh of the Maliki and Shafi'i madhhabs; he was a master in the arabic language, and admired universally for his unique ability to always choose the right exact word, and for his subtle supplications (du'aa) to his Lord; as well as being a gifted trainer and uplifter of souls, shortening the way for them to be with Allah in a pure state.

He loved orphans, and said many times that no one can build a sound connection with Allah while ignoring the orphans; like the Prophet alayhi salat wa salam, he was always looking out for new opportunities to make du'a for someone; he preferred that people know Allah more than knowing him, because "Allah is greater and more everlasting" as the Qur'an says, and because of this his whole being and demeanor was subtle and limpid. When he one time saw my large moroccan style Tasbih, he showed me his tiny unnoticeable tasbih.

He never extended his feet, even when he sat alone, because he never felt himself absent from Allah's vision. He slept very little during the night, and regularly spent his nights reciting Qur'an and having intimate conversation with Allah, even into his old age.

He will be missed for all of the above, as well as for many other deeper spiritual aspects of his being, spiritual aspects which even many Muslims would find confusing and distant, being unfortunately so tied up with the material world while being unfamiliar with the matters of the soul. I ask Allah to rest his graceful soul firmly on the carpet of His Presence and Nearness, and I also ask each of you to recite a "Fatiha" on his behalf, and feed an orphan in his name.

al-Fatiha!
Ibrahim Hakim Al Shaghouri is an auhtor and translater and a coordinator for ISRA

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Tasawwuf on March Sufis hold global meeting in Marrakech. Latest ISRA News Update July 13, 2009 The Sidi Chiker World Meetings brought Sufis from 50 countries together in Marrakech on July 10th-12th. Participants discussed the creation of an international Sufi organisation. By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Marrakech – 13/07/09 [Sarah Touahri] Many Sufis believe their teachings can help states resist terrorism and extremism. One thousand followers of Sufism from 50 countries travelled to Marrakech on July 10th, as part of an event intended to forge links between Sufism in Morocco and its various branches around the world. The Sidi Chiker World Meetings, organised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Habous, ran through Sunday (July 12th). "We are seeking to draw inspiration from the spiritual values of Sufism and come up with innovative approaches to educating Muslims about various aspects of their lives, in order to foster their religious and spiritual development", said the ministry in a statement.   Participants hailed the Moroccan initiative, which promotes Sufism in what some see as an era of disagreements and misunderstandings. Many Sufis believe their teachings can provide a remedy for problems currently faced by states, such as terrorism and extremism. Ibrahim Saleh, who comes from Niger, said that Sufism calls on Muslims to rally together and to steer clear of disputes and conflicts. "A meeting like this, which brings together Sufis from all walks of life, makes it possible for us to share points of view so that we can achieve the goals of Sufism," he said.   Nahila Kivana from Pakistan said that it is necessary to project an image of Islam as a religion of tolerance and peace at a time when extremism is on the rise. Hussein Sherif from Jordan said that it is time to revive Sufism so that it can play its role as an ethical path to personal and collective development within Islam. During the event, it was proposed that a world body representing followers of Sufism be created. "It would serve as a flexible framework to promote understanding, work, contact, and exchange regarding the activities of brotherhoods around the world," said Moroccan Minister of Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq. He added that the body could begin its work by implementing essential projects such as a comprehensive overhaul of Sufi institutions and the creation of a website to meet their needs. Morocco offered to host the new institution, as Sufism plays an integral part in its national identity, Toufiq said.   King Mohammed VI wrote an open letter to the participants, saying that Sufism in Morocco shows a balanced view of Islam, advocating love and fraternity. "In addition to their ability to identify the roots of the problem and propose solutions," the king wrote, "the great perspicacity of the Sufis has helped them to identify a way forwards whenever the interests of our community have been at stake".   Mohamed Jabbour, a professor of Islamic affairs, said that Morocco has a long history with Sufism. "It's both a religious and a political choice at the same time. For centuries, the kings of Morocco have maintained a strong link between the Commandery of the Faithful and Sufi brotherhoods in order to preserve the Sunni faith as well as religious doctrine. Gifts are regularly given to mausoleums to sustain the tradition," he commented. He also said that it is no accident that international meetings are held in Sidi Chiker, since the site has been a meeting-place for ulemas ever since Islam arrived in Morocco in the seventh century and has been a centre for religious guidance. International meetings for followers of Sufism have been held every two years in Sidi Chiker since 2004.   ISRA News      World Sufi Conference Opens in Morocco Full text of king's message to the second World Sidi Shiker Gathering ISRA Delegates attend the world gathering   Marrakech - King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, sent, on Friday July 10, a message to the participants in the second World Sidi Chiker Gathering of Sufi partisans.     The gathering opened on Friday in Marrakech and is being attended by about one thousand Sufi partisans from many countries. Here follows the full text of the message, which was read by Minister of Habous and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq.   Praise be to God Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, his kith and kin Venerable Participants Ladies and Gentlemen The holding of the second World Sidi Chiker Gathering under my high patronage reflects the special importance I attach to these Sufi meetings. Such congregations stand out as shining spiritual and civilisational landmarks in the long history of Morocco. We are pleased to have you with us in the Kingdom of Morocco. You surely know how much this country has done to contribute, throughout its history, to the preservation of the spiritual heritage of Islam. It has also been instrumental in fostering bastions of wisdom and faith, building on the spiritual education curricula initially developed by virtuous, pious figures from this nation. Their teachings and guidance have, over the centuries, reached different communities in  various countries and continents.   You are all aware of the symbiotic relationship which has always existed between Imarate Al Muminin (Commandership of the Faithful) in this nation and the chief Sufi leaders. They have endeavoured together to preserve the country's Sunni creed and its doctrinal orientations. These auspicious congregations are graced with the patronage I grant them in my capacity as Amir Al Muminin, protector of the creed and the faith. I am, likewise, the custodian of the key values for which the nation stands, namely its immutable tenets regarding faith, doctrine and social behaviour, as well as its determination to stick to the policy of moderation and the happy medium it has opted for. These values are the very basis on which this entity was built as a nation. Indeed, they have enabled it to preserve its balance and stability and made it possible for its brilliant and dedicated scholars to enlighten the world with their knowledge and achievements.   This is why we are keen to see more and more of these gatherings convened, thus perpetuating the tradition set by our illustrious ancestors, the Alaouite Sultans and Kings. These great Monarchs forged close ties with the nation's spiritual leaders. Their ultimate objective was to advance the interests of the nation and secure the sanction and the blessings of the Almighty. When the good and the righteous get together, their meeting is bound to generate a positive interaction which stimulates their hearts and enlightens their minds.   Ever since the light of faith started shining on its inhabitants, the Kingdom of Morocco has constantly provided support and protection to those who are ideal–seekers, good doers, selfless workers ; those who are true followers of the Sunna of the Prophet Mohammed , and who are wholeheartedly submitted to the Master of the universe ; those who constantly seek guidance from our most revered ancestor, the Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon Him). He said : "O people, your God is one, your father is one, you are all (related) to Adam, and Adam is from dust".   Guided by the teachings of the Prophet and by their belief in the oneness of their Creator, and their faith in God, they have developed a new approach to moral education. In the process, they have become increasingly seasoned interpreters of the scriptures, mastering the innovative exercise of "Ijtihad" and displaying in all their deeds and renunciations, complete devotion and sincere submission to their Creator.   They are the ones who, thanks to their flawless conduct and their objective attitude, have attained true freedom which lifts the soul upward and takes it above all sorts of presumptuousness and all inclinations to subjugate others. The Sufis' keen desire to respond to the call of the Creator has led them to advocate cooperation and joint action to support fellow humans, to show them love, fraternity and compassion and to provide them with good guidance, while urging them, at the same time, to display solidarity and mutual support when needed by their fellow humans. Venerable Participants Ladies and Gentlemen, Drawing on your wisdom and your longstanding commitment to upholding peace and attending to the protection and the well-being of society, you will undoubtedly come up with new orientations and make a positive contribution during this auspicious assembly. The school of Moroccan Sufism trained a wide range of righteous reformists who were knowledgeable about and attuned to their epoch. They have left a legacy which attests to their good perception of the true designs of religion and of the connotations of love and fraternity underpinning it. They had the necessary insight and sagacity to diagnose existing disorders and to prescribe the relevant treatment, as well as to identify and achieve what is potentially beneficial to society.   They would, in all circumstances, guide people and show them how to address their problems, how to express their devotion to their Creator, and how to be compassionate to one another. They always advocated flexibility and leniency, while insisting on self-accountability and stressing the need to resist temptations, display determination and seek the highest accomplishments. They were fully aware of the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and of the need to transcend them spiritually. They followed different paths and used various methods, but their objectives and designs were the same.    Venerable Participants Ladies and Gentlemen, Your meeting in the Kingdom of Morocco, as part of the Sidi Chiker rally, is a highly symbolic event which is likely to strengthen the bonds uniting you and to rekindle your feelings about these lofty ideals. It will certainly enhance your determination to make renewed efforts for the dissemination of these virtues and values.   Today, there is a pressing need for the revival of those human ideals which call for the dissemination of the values of understanding, tolerance, compassion, solidarity and cooperation, as well as positive emulation in the pursuit of noble objectives. May God bless this gathering and help you in your endeavour to trace and follow the path of your virtuous ancestors. May He shower the blessings of peace, unity and concord on this nation, and guide us in our effort to achieve what He deems appropriate and what is good for this land and for its people.   "Whosoever surrends his purpose to Allah while doing good, he verily has grasped the firm hand-hold. Unto Allah belongs the sequel of all things". Wassalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.   Dr. Waleed El Ansary and Shaykh Manzarul Islam Azhari represented ISRA  organization as delegates to the conference. Other participants included Shaykh Ahmed Abdur Rashid , Dr. Abdel Hadi Honerkamp , Dr. Abd Al Haqq Godlas and Hazrath Ghulam Qutab Uddin Faridi, members of ISRA's Irshad council who were also in attendance.   copyright ISRA 2009