Question:
Assalamualaikum,
Moulana Sahib could you please let me know if the following statements are true regarding Walis and Auliyaa:-
Amongst the Auliyaa are the following groups:
At any given time, there are 4000 Auliyaa living on Earth. They are not recognized by the general public. In fact, amongst them, one does not know the other, and they themselves are not aware of the validity of their actions and devotion.
300 from this group are statesman, involved in the administration of this world. They control all transactions that take place. They are known as the “Akhyaar”.
Amongst these 300, 40 are known as “Abdaal”.
Amongst the 40, 7 are “Abraar”.
Amongst this 7, 4 are “Autaad”.
Amongst these 4, 3 are “Noqabah”.
From these 3, 1 is the “Ghaus” or “Qutub”. He is the most senior of them all, and head of the spiritual assembly.
In reference to the Abdaals, Imam At-Tabraani Radhiallahu Anhu quotes a Hadith Shareef in which the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaiyhi Wa Sallam) declares, “There will always exist 40 persons on the Earth, each of whom is blessed like Hazrat Ebrahim (Alayhis Salaam). It rains because of their Barakah. Allah appoints another when one of them dies.”
In another Hadith Shareef, Abu Na’eem Radhiallahu Anhu reports that the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaiyhi Wa Sallam) said, “There always exist 40 persons among my Ummah. Their hearts are like that of Hazrat Ebrahim (Alayhis Salaam). Allah Ta’ala redeems His human servants from disasters for their sake. They are called Abdaal. They do not attain to that degree by performing Salaah, fasting, or giving Zakaat.”
Ibni Mas’ood Radhiallahu Anhu asked, “Ya Rasoolallah Sallallaahu Alaiyhi Wasallam, by what means do they attain that degree?”
“They attain it by being generous, and by advising Muslims,” said the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaiyhi Wasallam).
Your co-operation in to the above query will be greatly appreciated.
Wa salaam,
Answer:
We were unable to verify what you have written regarding the Auliyaa Kiraam. However, it is correct that Allah has appointed angels over the various systems of the world. Various tasks were assigned to different angels. This is proven from Qur’an and authentic Ahaadith. Supporting this is the mentioned episodes of Hadhrat Khidar (AS) and Zul Qarnain in the Qur’an wherein, from amongst mankind, Allah has selected some to accomplish certain secret tasks. It is as though this is Allah’s hidden arrangement. We do not have more details regarding this. The belief should be maintained that whatever is done by the Auliyaa Kiraam, it is the done by the Qudrat of Allah. They do not do anything of their own accord and Allah is not in need of them. Having this amount of information is sufficient for your Deen. Attaining more information along with increased verifications is not necessary for success in the hereafter.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
22 June 2005
15 Jumaadul Oola 1426