Finding Solace
15 May 2016
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
فَصَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ
'Patience is fitting'
(Surat Yusuf: 18)
This article was written by Ra'sul Hududil Mayameen Janab Syedi Aziz Bhaisaheb Qutbuddin in 2016.
As we observed the 40th day since Syedna Khuzaima Qutbuddin’s RA wafaat, Chehlum, our sorrow was renewed. We remembered that it was less than two and a half years ago that we mourned the wafaat of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA.
Yet, this is the reality of life. In the Quran Majeed Allah Ta’ala addresses Rasulullah SA and plainly states, “you will die and they will die” (innaka mayyitun wa innahum mayyitun – Surat al-Zumar: 30). To come to terms with the death of any loved one is painful. How can we learn to come to terms with the wafaat of Syedna – the nai’b of the Imam, our guide, our spiritual father?
Each Imam, and in his seclusion each Dai, will only appoint one who is [exactly] like him (la yuqimu illa mislahu). This continuation of succession is fundamental to the survival of Dawat and its heritage of knowledge. It is the basis of the fundamental promise that, at all times, Mumineen will have divine guidance. Allah Ta’ala’s justice necessitates this continuation. Highlighting this point, Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA said while describing his successor Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin in one of his qasidas that, “this young man is me.”
In our present context, this becomes all the more relevant: each Imam and Dai only appoints one who is like him, because otherwise the sorrow of a Dai’s loss would be impossible to overcome.
After Rasulullah, despite the turmoil that ensued, the Shi’a found solace in Amirul Mumineen’s SA presence among them.
After Syedna Burhanuddin’s wafaat, despite the turmoil that ensued, Mumineen found solace in Syedna Qutbuddin.
Now, as we come to terms with Syedna Qutbuddin’s wafaat, our only solace is that we have in Syedna Taher Fakhruddin TUS, one who is like him. Syedna Fakhruddin is indeed a young Syedna Qutbuddin.
Syedna Qutbuddin’s ‘ilm (knowledge) has been inherited by Syedna Fakhruddin. The compassion and care that Syedna Qutbuddin had for Mumineen, is now espoused by Syedna Fakhruddin. The resolve that Syedna Qutbuddin had to establish Imam-uz-zaman’s Dawat, is now carried by Syedna Fakhruddin.
Chehlum is in one sense a day of farewell (wada’). Syedna Qutbuddin’s memories will always remain and his presence will always be missed. However, his successor is a living testament to Syedna Qutbuddin’s life. May Allah Ta’ala sanctify Syedna Qutbuddin’s ruh mubarak in a’la iliyyeen, the highest levels of Jannat. May Allah Ta’ala grant longest life to his successor Syedna Taher Fakhruddin. And may Allah Ta’ala grant sabar and solace to Mumineen on the loss of their beloved father.
