Sura Yunus was revealed in Makka during last years before Prophet's (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) immigration to Madina.

Prophet Yunus (عليه السلام) was sent to the people of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria (present Iraq). Yunus (عليه السلام) asked his men to leave idol worship and turn towards Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ). They denied and called him a liar. When Yunus (عليه السلام) realized that they were adamant, he gave up on them. On Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) commandment, he gave them the news of an impending torment that will envelop them all. His people consulted each other as they knew that Prophet Yunus (عليه السلام) never told them a lie. They decided to watch him. If he leaves the town during the night, surely the torment will come the next day morning. During the night, Prophet Yunus (عليه السلام) left the town. In the morning they saw the traces of the torment. A dark cloud appeared over the sky and covered the town into thick darkness. Looking at the dark cloud, they knew the torment has arrived. They tried to search for Prophet Yunus (عليه السلام), but they did not find him. They left the town along with their families towards forest. They repented for their past sins and testified their belief in Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ). They started weeping and asking for Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) forgiveness. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) turned towards them with mercy and the torment was lifted.

الر [ Alif-Laam-Ra ] - - 'Alif-Laam-Ra' is known as ‘Solemn Verse' (Ayat-e-Muqatta'at - آیتِ مقطعات).

Fourteen Arabic alphabets have been used, in varied combinations, in 14 ‘Solemn Verses' (Ayaat-e-Muqatta'at - آیاتِ مقطعات) in the form of initials of 29 Chapters (سورة) of holy Quran. Alif-Laam-Ra (الر ) is one of them.

Since Quran is 'Mubeen' (الْمُبِينِ); its description is clear and manifest. The meanings of all the verses of Quran, including 'Solemn Verses' (آیاتِ مقطعات) are surely known to its principle addressee, ie., Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). It is also likely that Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) has informed the meanings of these Verses to some of his Sahabah and Awliya Allah.

We believe in whatever is meant by the 'Solemn Verses' (آیاتِ مقطعات) by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Apostle Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم).

Since we have been commanded to read the Quran carefully and try to understand the significance of every verse of the Quran, we do ponder over these verses. And when we think, by focusing our attention towards Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Apostle Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) for guidance, it comes to our mind that the 'Solemn Verses' (آیاتِ مقطعات) are actually the 'Solemn Titles of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) given by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) throughout the Quran. Our understanding is based on the fact that Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) has addressed Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) in the Quran by specific names, like Muzzammil (مزمل - O' beloved who covers self in a coverlet), Muddassir (مدثر - O' beloved, who covers self in a bed sheet). With this understanding, it is most likely that Prophet’s (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) other names / titles have been mentioned in Quran by denoting certain initials/alphabets.

It is important that the teachers should be from the same community and specie. If he is from other specie or community, people will not be able to understand his teachings.

It is in Quran - وَلَوْ جَعَلْنَاهُ مَلَكًا لَّجَعَلْنَاهُ رَجُلًا [ And if We had made him an angel (a prophet), We would have made him (appear as) a man.] (Al-An-aam - 9)

The knowledge and understanding is transferred from heart to heart. It is very difficult to understand the subject matter by reading a book unless you find a teacher who could explain it to you.

What is the meaning of explanation by a teacher? It means that the knowledge is being transferred from heart to heart.

Quran was revealed 'on the heart of Prophet Mohammad' (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). This fact has been mentioned in the following verse.

It is in Quran - قُلْ مَن كَانَ عَدُوًّا لِّجِبْرِيلَ فَإِنَّهُ نَزَّلَهُ عَلَىٰ قَلْبِكَ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَهُدًى وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ [ Say, 'Anyone who opposes (angel) Jibreel (عليه السلام) should know that he has brought down this (Quran) into your heart, in accordance with Allah's will, confirming previous scriptures, and providing guidance and good news for the believers.] (Al-Baqara - 97).

When Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) taught Quran to Sahabah, it was heart to heart transfer of Quran which made them strong in Iman.

Deviant sects like Salafis, Wahhabis, Kharijis, and their like minded groups claim that people should read the Quran and the books of Ahadith on their own and act as per their understanding. How is it possible? They claim they do not need any teacher, Shaikh of Ihsan to explain them Quran and Sunnah. They have gone astray and led many along with them away from Islam.

The light of guidance of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is received by human beings via the hearts. This is mentioned in the following verse.

It is in Quran - أَفَمَن شَرَحَ اللَّهُ صَدْرَهُ لِلْإِسْلَامِ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ مِّن رَّبِّهِ ۚ فَوَيْلٌ لِّلْقَاسِيَةِ قُلُوبُهُم مِّن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۚ أُولَـٰئِكَ فِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ [ If Allah renders one's heart content with submission, he will be following a light from his Lord. Therefore, woe to those whose hearts are hardened against Allah's message; they have gone far astray.] (Az-Zumar - 22).

People have strange perception. If they do not understand a thing, they brand it to be sorcery. How can you claim it to be sorcery when you do not know the art of sorcery? The sorcerers understand what is sorcery and what is the truth. Like in the case of Musa (عليه السلام), when sorcerers saw the staff of Musa (عليه السلام) swallowing their ropes, they immediately understood the truthfulness of Musa (عليه السلام) and submitted themselves to Allah.

It is in Quran - وَلَوْ نَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ كِتَابًا فِي قِرْطَاسٍ فَلَمَسُوهُ بِأَيْدِيهِمْ لَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِنْ هَـٰذَا إِلَّا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ [ And even if We had sent down to you, (O Prophet ﷺ), a written scripture on a page and they touched it with their hands, the disbelievers would say, 'This is not but obvious magic.'] (Al-An-aam - 7)

It is in Quran - وَلَقَدْ ذَرَأْنَا لِجَهَنَّمَ كَثِيرًا مِنَ الْجِنِّ وَالْإِنْسِ لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌ لَا يَفْقَهُونَ بِهَا وَلَهُمْ أَعْيُنٌ لَا يُبْصِرُونَ بِهَا وَلَهُمْ آَذَانٌ لَا يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَا أُولَئِكَ كَالْأَنْعَامِ بَلْ هُمْ أَضَلُّ أُولَئِكَ هُمُ الْغَافِلُونَ [ And indeed We have created many jinns and men for Hell; they have hearts in which there is no understanding; and the eyes they do not see with; and the ears they do not hear with. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless. ] (Al-Araaf - 179)

It is not difficult to distinguish the talk of an Apostle from that of an sorcerer. The sorcerers are great liars. They try to deceive people by their falsehood. A few sittings with them are sufficient to understand that they are purely selfish and their talks are contradictory, only aimed at exploitation of the people. While, in the company of an Apostle, the man changes, gets reformed and becomes a model of high morality and excellent conduct.

The sun, moon and our earth are part of this Cosmos. A day in our life consists of 24 hours that is calculated from the earth revolving on its axis and around the sun.

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) says that He created this Cosmos in 6 days. It is difficult to comprehend this period with our limited knowledge and mental ability. May be Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is referring to the 6 spans or periods known to Him, in which the Cosmos was created.

To establish oneself on the throne means to take control of its creation for its smooth functioning.

What is Arsh? It is a Tajalli, a place within His Cosmos from where all affairs of this Cosmos are being directed. It is important to note that Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is not confined to His Arsh?

It is in Quran - وَكَانَ اللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ مُّحِيطًا [And Allah encompasses all the things.] (An-Nisa - 126)

It is in Quran - اللَّهُ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ [ Allah is the light (existence) of Heavens and Earth.] (An-Noor - 35)

People take it casual the radiating sun and moon with all its determined stations in a month. If the sun's radiation at a specific temperature does not reach earth, we all will freeze to death. And if increases its radiation, we will all die of heat and radiation. Similar is the case with moon from which we calculate our time and days. These are the signs of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) which are essential for our survival on planet earth. With these clear facts, how can someone deny the Almighty or associate partners with Him?

As our existence on the planet Earth is a fact, our Resurrection is also a fact where people will be rewarded or punished as per their deeds. It is a common sense that a person who lived a life of decency under the guidance of the Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and kept himself away from the materialistic greed and lust cannot be equated with a man who lived the life of a rebel, killed people, exploited and tortured fellow human beings. The earlier has to be rewarded for his good deeds and the later has to be punished for his evil deeds. It is the demand of justice that they should be treated differently. Thus, we all will be gathered in front of our Creator on the Day of Judgment and will have to answer for our deeds. This is so manifest to understand. If someone deliberately does not accept these facts, surely he will pay for it in Hereafter.

What will be the best, most prominent and repetitive deed of the people of Paradise? It is described in the above verse. While they will be provided with all the comforts of life, they will be busy in invocation of Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) glory. Their salutation to each other will be 'peace be on you'. They will pray in Paradise and their Zikr will be 'All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds'.

It is in Quran - لِّلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا الْحُسْنَىٰ وَزِيَادَةٌ ۖ وَلَا يَرْهَقُ وُجُوهَهُمْ قَتَرٌ وَلَا ذِلَّةٌ ۚ أُولَـٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ [ For those who have done good is the best (reward - Paradise) and even more ( having the honor of glancing at the Countenance of Allah. Neither darkness nor dust nor any humiliating disgrace shall cover their faces. They are the dwellers of Paradise, they will abide therein forever.] (Yunus - 26).

It is in Hadith - It is narrated by Jaber (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) who narrates it from the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) that the People of Heaven (Paradise) will be busy in their delights and suddenly a divine light will glitter over them. They will raise their heads to find that their Lord is manifested on them saying ‘Peace be upon you O’ People of Heaven’. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said, this is the exegesis of the verse "سَلَامٌ قَوْلًا مِّن رَّبٍّ رَّحِيمٍ" ( Yasin - 58 ). The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said ‘ The Sustainer looks at them, they see their Sustainer; and they do not look at any of the graceful things provided to them as long as they are seeing their Sustainer, until their Sustainer gets back into the veil. And the traces of His Light will remain on them. (Tirmidhi, Mishkaath).

The problem with the people, in general is, they want to accept certain commandments and reject the others. This has been the scenario right from the beginning.

During Prophet's (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) time, the Makkan pagans thought that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) is writing the Quran on his own and presenting it to people saying that it is from Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ). Thus, they asked him to edit or rewrite or bring a different Quran in which there should be a compromise between him and them. They should be allowed to continue their age old practices in some way or other at the same time they should have share of paradise in Hereafter. This amended Quran was necessary for them because they cannot accept the moralistic values taught by Islam in toto.

In reply to their above demand the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said, I have no authority in making any alterations because I am not the author and Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is the one who is sending it to me. There cannot be any compromise in it. 'Accept it in full or reject it, it is your choice.'

Prophet's (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) life in Makka was an open book for the people. He was famous as honest among men. No one taught him reading or writing. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) was his teacher who taught him everything. Thus, it is evident that Quran could not have been written by him. It is divinely sent for the benefit of mankind. If they had used their reasoning, they would have realized these facts.

In every era and time frame, people belonging to different parts of the world have been worshiping different idols. Their shapes and their names are different. They also develop theories about these Idol gods. These idol gods keep on changing within the community over a period of time as, certain new idols are added to their existing idols. Some devils get associated with these idols over a period of time and this practice continues unabated. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) says that all these idols/shapes and the devils associated with them will be gathered in front of their worshipers on the day of Judgment and they will be questioned. In the end, the lies fabricated by the idol worshipers will not help them. The idol worshipers along with their idols and the devils associated with them all together will then be consigned to Hell.

To originate the creation means to bring them into existence. To bring them back means, all people will be resurrected on the day of resurrection and will be brought in front of their Lord to answer for their deeds.

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is commanding us to rejoice on the Advice of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) through Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). Thus, the advent of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) is not only mercy on us human beings, he is mercy on all the world.

It is in Quran – وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ [ (O’ Prophet ﷺ) ‘We have not sent you except for the Mercy upon all worlds (in the cosmos).] (Al-Anbiya – 107).

Thus the birth of Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) is a joyous moment for the entire mankind, because through him we came to know about our Creator.

It is in Quran - هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَى وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَكَفَى بِاللهِ شَهِيدًا [ It is He Who has sent His Apostle - صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم with the guidance and the true religion, in order to make it prevail over all other religions; and Allah is sufficient as a Witness.] (Al-Fatha - 28)

Thus, celebration of the birth of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), is mandatory on all of us as a show gratitude and happiness towards Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ), for His favor on humanity by sending His Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) as mercy for all the worlds.

Awliya Allah are the true 'Sawad al-Azam' ( سواد الاعظم ),about whom the Quran commands us as follows.

It is in Quran - اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ - صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ [ (O'our Lord) Lead us to the straight path. The path of those on whom you have awarded your bestowal; and not the path of those who have been subjected to Your Wrath and the path of those who have gone astray.] (Fatiha - 6-7)

The above Quranic verses confirm that only the path of Sawad al-Azam (the path Sahabah and Awliya Allah) is the right path of Islam. All the other paths are deviated and the people who are following those paths have gone astray who will be subjected to Allah's wrath in this world and in Hereafter.

SAWAD AL-AZAM ( سواد الاعظم )

Some people translate Arabic term 'Sawad al-Azam' (سواد الاعظم) as 'large Group, or the group of large number of Muslims. This translation has contributed a lot of confusion in Muslim Ummah.

Every Muslim sect claims that they are 'Ahle Sunnah wal Jama'a' and Sawad al-Azam and Naji Group (those who will get salvation on the Day of Judgement). Even the hard core Salafis, who are well known Kharijis and worshipers of huge Sky Idol God, also claim that they are Muslims and Ahle Hadith, therefore, are the largest group and are on the right path of Islam. This misleading claim has put millions of people on the way that leads them to only one place - the Eternal Hell Fire.

It is in Hadith - Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said : Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) will never let my Ummah agree upon misguidance and the hand of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is over the group (Awliya Allah), so follow Sawad al-Azam' ( سواد الاعظم ) (the Pious or Great Group of Believers - Awliya Allah/Sufi Shuyookh) and whoever dissents from them departs to hell". (Tirmidhi 4/2167; Hakim 1/116 - Dhahabi agreed with him)

The Arabic word 'Azam' ( اعظم ) is generally used to describe 'the greatness / importance of a person or group', rather than 'the large number of people in a Group. Like we say Imam al-Azam ( امام الاعظم ) or Ghawth al-Azam ( غوث الاعظم ), or Wazir al-Azam ( وزىر الاعظم ). In this context, when we look at the wordings of the Hadith, it says 'Sawad al-Azam' ( سواد الاعظم ); meaning the most important or prominent group, which need not be the largest group.

As all individuals of the largest group may not necessary be pious believers, then how can we follow a group which is a mix of (i) Deviants, (ii) Absolute wrongdoers (fasiqeen), (iii) Average wrongdoers and (iii) believers?

For following a Group, all members of the group should be pious. Therefore, in 'Sawad al-Azam' category only Awliya Allah qualify to be followed, because they are on the right path of Islam.

We are not talking here about 'fake Sufi babas' and 'illiterate peers' who hunt needy people and run their 'spiritual shops' to make a fast buck.

Some people may argue that some very famous Scholars of Islam have translated the Arabic term 'Sawad al-Azam' ( سواد الاعظم ) as Ahle Sunnah Wal Jama’a.

Indeed, the scholars and Imams were right in translating the term that way because the real Ahle Sunnah Wal Jama’a are only the Awliya Allah. By following their foot steps others can also try to become true Ahle Sunnah.

Thus ‘Sawad al-Azam’ are only Awliya Allah / Sufi Shuyookh of Ihsan, and those who follow their foot steps sincerely.

Sufi Shuyookh walk on the path of Ihsan. Allah ( عَزَّ وَجَلَّ ) provides them vision and understanding with which they can see the facts of things. They are pious and knowledgeable. They help in purification of minds of the people (tazkia nafs), correct people’s notions, educate them about the inner values and significance of Islam and draw their attention towards Divine signs and secrets in the cosmos. They follow Prophet Mohammad’s (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) foot steps in propagation of Islamic teachings.

It is in Hadith - Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said : He who deviates from 'Sawad al-Azam' ( سواد الاعظم ), even as much as a hand span, has himself cut off his connection with Islam”. (Abu Dawood)

It is in Hadith - Abdullah ibn Masood (رضئ الله تعالی عنه) reported that once Allah's Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) drew a line in the dust with his hand and said, "This is the straight path of Allah." Then he drew a series of lines to the right of it and to the left and said, "Each of these paths has a devil at its head inviting people to it." He then recited وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَن سَبِيلِهِ ۚ (Al-An'aam - 153). "Verily this is my straight path so follow it and do not follow the (twisted) paths, for you will be separated from His (Allah's) way." (Ahmad, Nasai, Darimi; Mishkat, etc.)

CATEGORIES OF AWLIYA ALLAH

There are certain big categories of Sufi Shuyookh / Awliya Allah who are known as al-Aqtaab and al-Abdaal. The biggest among them is known as al-Ghawth.

Look at the following Ahadith that confirm the existence of Sufi shuyookh in the World all the time, till Qiyamah.

(i) It is in Hadith - Tabarani wrote in his Mu'jam al-Awsat that Anas (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) said that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said : "The earth will never lack forty men similar to the Friend of the Merciful (Prophet Ibrahim - علیھ السلا م) and through them people receive rain and are given help. None of them dies except Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) substitutes (Abdaal) another in his place."

The above Hadith confirms the existence of Abdaal (and of course other categories of Sufi Shuyookh) all the time in the world, till Qiyamah.

Commenting on the above Hadith, Qatada said : "We do not doubt that Hasan al-Basri is one of them (abdaal)."

Ibn Hibban also narrated this Hadith in at-Tarikh through Abu Hurayra (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) as : "The earth will never lack forty men similar to Ibrahim (علیھ السلا م) the Friend of the Merciful ( ابراهيم خليل الله ), and through whom you are helped, receive your sustenance, and receive rain."

(ii) It is in Hadith -It is reported that Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) once said after the Salah : 'O' people! Listen to this, understand it and know it. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) has servants who are neither prophets nor martyrs and whom they prophets and martyrs yearn to be like, due to their seat and proximity in relation to Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ). One of the Bedouin Arabs who came from among the most isolated of people twisted his hand towards the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and said : O' Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم)! People from humankind who are neither prophets nor martyrs and yet the prophets and martyrs yearn to be like them due to their seat and proximity in relation to Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ)! Describe them for us!"

'The Prophet's (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) face showed delight at the Bedouin's question and he said : "They are of the strangers from this and that place. They frequent this or that tribe without belonging to them. They do not have family connections among themselves. They love one another for Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) sake. They are of pure intent towards one another. On the Day of Resurrection Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) will place for them pedestals of light upon which He will make them sit and He will turn their faces and clothes into light. On the Day of Resurrection, the people will be terrified but not those. They are Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) Friends (Awliya), upon whom fear comes not, nor do they grieve".

References The above Hadith is related through several chains by (a) Abu Dawood, (b) Ahmad, (c) Baghawi in Sharh al-Sunna, (d) Hakim in the Mustadrak, (e) Ibn 'Asakir, (f) Ibn Abi al-Dunya in Kitab al-Ikhwan, (g) Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, (h) Ibn Abi Hatim, (i) Ibn Mardawayh, and others. (j) Haythami in Majma'al-Zawa'id says: 'Ahmad relates it, and (k) Tabrani relates something similar, and the men in its chain of transmission have been declared trustworthy".

(iii) It is in Hadith - Imam Ahmad narrated a Hadith in his Musnad (5:322) through Ibn Ata (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ): The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said: "The Substitutes (Abdaal) in this Community are thirty like Ibrahim (علیھ السلا م) the Friend of the Merciful ( ابراهيم خليل الله ). Every time one of them dies, Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) substitutes another one in his place."

References - Tirmidhi cites the above Hadith in Nawadir al-Usul and Imam Ahmad's student, Al-Khallal has mentioned this Hadith in his book Karamat al-Awliya'.

(iv) It is in Hadith - narrated by Anas (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ). The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said: "The similitude of my Community (Ummah) is as the rain: it is not known whether its greater good lies in its beginning or in its ending".

References - The above Hadith is in Sunan (book of Amthal), Ibn Hibban in his Sahih from `Ammar ibn Yasir (#2307), Ahmad in his Musnad in several places (cf. 3:143, 4:319), Baghawi in Sharh al-Sunna (1:405), Tabarani in his Kabir, Ibn Kathir in his Tafsir (7:493), al-Khatib in Tarikh Baghdad (11:114), Abu Ya`la, al-Daraqutni, al-Bazzar, and Ibn `Abd al-Barr".

(v) It is in Hadith - Narrated by Abu Hurayra (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) "The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) came to the graveyard and said: "Peace be upon you, O' abode of a people of believers! We shall certainly join you, if Allah (سبحانہ و تعا لی) wills. How I long to see my brothers! "They said: "O' Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), are we not your brothers?" He replied: "You are my Companions! As for my brothers, they are those who have not yet appeared." They said: "How will you recognize those of your Community who had not yet appeared (in your time) O'Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم)?" He replied: "Suppose a man had horses with shiny white marks on their foreheads and legs: would he not recognize them among other horses which are all black?" They said: "Yes O' Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم)!" He continued: "Verily, they (my brothers) shall be coming with shiny bright foreheads and limbs in view of their ablutions, and I shall precede them to my Pond." (Muslim, Nasa'i, Malik, and Ahmad).

(vi) It is in Hadith - Narrated Abu Hurayra (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) : The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said - ان الله يبعث لهذه الامة على رأس كلّ مائة سنة من يجدد لها دينها (Surely, Allah will send for this Ummah at the advent of every one hundred years a person who will revive its religion.” (Abu Dawood, Vol 4, Hadith # 4291)

The above Hadith is also mentioned by Hakim in his Mustadrak; Bayhaqi in Al-Ma'rifah and Al-Mudkhal; Suyuti in al-Jame' al-Sagheer; Hasan bin Sufyan and Bazar both in their Musnads, Tabarani in al-Mu'jam al-Awsat, Ibn 'Adee in his Kamil and Abu-Nu'aym in his al-Hil'ya.)

Above Ahadith and Quranic verse confirm the following facts.

(a) Sufi Shaikhs / Awliya Allah will be there in the world all the time till Qiyamah. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) also indicated that some of the latter day Sufi Shuyookh may achieve higher ranks as compared to their predecessors. These Ahadith nail the lies of Salafis and their like minded groups who claim that there is no real Sufi Shuyookh.

(b) The Ahadith emphasize that Awliya Allah are 'Living" after their death. Prophet's (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) has conveyed 'Salaam' on them and his love and affection for them as he calls them 'his brothers', testifies their "Living status after their death."

(c) When there is no Wali Allah/Sufi Shaikh in the world, Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) may call it a day and Youmul Qiyama (the end of this world) will happen. Because it is in Hadith (mentioned above) that people of the world are getting sustenance because of Awliya Allah's presence in the world.

Awliya Allah are chosen people. They inherit their knowledge, stations, and states from Prophets.

It is in Hadith - “Whoever takes a Wali of Mine an enemy, I will wage war on him; and My slave will not perform any act with which he draws closer to Me, more beloved to Me then when he fulfills what I have ordained on him; and My salve will keep drawing closer to Me by performing the Nawafil (voluntary acts of worship) until I love him, and when I love him, I will be his hearing with which he hears, his sight with which he sees, his hands with which he strikes, and his legs with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him; and if he seeks refuge with Me, I will grant him refuge” (Bukhari).

The emphasis on "Wali of mine" in the above Hadith shows that this human being is the chosen one.

The story of Prophet Noah (عليه السلام) is described to serve a warning to those who persistently rejected the message of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). So far arguments were presented to them to identify their misdeeds and warn them about the consequences. From here, examples of the people of Nooh, Musa and other prophets (عليهم السلام) is given to let them remind what happened to them for rejecting Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) signs.

Quranic description regarding Musa (عليه السلام) refers to two Pharaohs. The first was the one during whose reign Musa (عليه السلام) was born and in whose palace he was brought up. The second was his son whom Musa (عليه السلام) invited to Islam and who was asked to liberate the Israelis. It was this Pharaoh who was drowned. The first Pharaoh is considered to be Rameses I, while the second Pharaoh was his son, who had become a co-sharer in his father's authority during the latter's lifetime and who, after his death, became the ruler of Egypt. There is no authentic record of the dates and years of their rule. The historical accounts and dates of their rules are disputed in view of the discrepancies in Egyptian, Israeli and Christian calendars.

Brief History

Pharaoh's mummified dead body was discovered in 1881 in the tomb of a high priest named Pinedjem II who lived almost 400 years after the pharaoh’s reign. The mummy was likely moved from the pharaoh’s original tomb in the Valley of the Kings, designated KV7, after looters desecrated the burial chamber and the priests of the time feared that someone might even try to ruin or steal the body of the Pharaoh.

Upon discovery, the body of Ramesses II was found to be in pristine condition as compared to other Mummies. His skin was entirely preserved, as well as most of the hair on his head. Since his facial features remained virtually intact, researchers compared them to the statues which represented him. They concluded that many statues accurately depicted Ramesses II, his strong jaw and aquiline nose, who died by drowning in the sea, and later his dead body was found at the seashore.

It was realized in 1970s that, in view humidity in the room in which the Mummy of the Pharaoh was kept in Egyptian Museum in Cairo, its condition started to deteriorate. This prompted Egyptian authorities to search for experts to help them restore the Mummy.

In 1980s, the Mummy was transferred to France for its restoration. In France, the mummy was taken to a special wing of the French Monuments Center, and renowned archeologists, surgeons and anatomists started to conduct a study on the mummy in an attempt to delve into its mysteries and restoration. Professor Maurice Bucaille, the senior surgeon and scientist in-charge at this Center was the Head of the team of restoration of the Mummy. Maurice Bucaille was the most famous surgeon in France. In their final report, the experts at this center concluded that the death of the Mummified Pharaoh was because of drowning into the sea. The remains of the salt stuck on his body and inside ears was the conclusive evidence in this context. They also concluded that the body was mummified in haste over 3000 years ago after recovering it from the sea. The experts were puzzled over a question. How did this body, to the exclusion of other mummified bodies of ancient Egyptians, remain that intact although it was recovered from the sea?

The Mummy was restored in France and it was sent back to Egypt in a splendid glass coffin which is being displayed in Cairo Museum till date.

The Head of the restoration Team in France Prof. Maurice Bucaille was amused by their findings. He realized that the facts described in Quran about it were truthful.

The above verse signifies that Hidaya is Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) hands. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) knows about His creatures before their coming into external existence. He knew cow as cow, elephant as elephant. He also knows who will accept Hidaya and who will reject.

The meaning of "And had your Lord willed' (وَلَوْ شَاءَ رَبُّكَ) are, Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) 'willingness' is as per the nature of the person. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) will not force a good nature man to steal. If the person is good, he will accept the Hidaya, if not he will reject it. Proves and evidences to an ill natured person does not make any difference. The evil person will surely be inclined to do evil deeds. He will surely feel happy to be in association with devils and will feel satisfied in their company.