Author – Labib Mahfuj Chisty. Biography.
Throughout the ages, some beloved servants of the Creator have appeared in this world. Who taught people the rituals of divine love during their lifetime and then passed away in the bliss of the great Creator. Their entire life is a lesson for people who are plagued by the lusts and desires of the world. They are the greatest beings of the age. All religions have strongly urged them to imitate them. In our discussion today, such a shining being is “Hazrat Khwaja Wais Karni”.
Khwaja Wais Karni’s Love for the Prophet
Hazrat Khwaja Wais Karni is the best lover of the Prophet. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would occasionally look towards Yemen and say, ‘I smell the fragrance of mercy from Yemen.’ His example of prophetic love is legendary. In the battle of Uhud between the Muslim army and the infidels, the Prophet was injured and a tooth in his mouth was martyred by a stone. As soon as he heard this news, the Prophet’s lover, Wais Qarni, personally knocked out all his teeth one by one with a stone. Such an example of prophetic love is rare in the world.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) receiving a robe
When the time of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) passing away approached, the companions asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) to whom his sacred robe would be given. The Prophet (peace be upon him) told him about the mad Prophet Wais Qarni who lived in the Qaran forest of Yemen. Later, the companions delivered the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) robe to Wais Qarni. Then Wais Qarani prayed for the sinful Ummah of the Holy Prophet.
Life and Lifestyle
Wais Qarani was a perfect man who renounced the world. He always disliked the company of people. He lived quietly in the Karan forest with his old mother. He would ride camels in the forest during the day and would spend the whole night in the worship of the Lord. His prayer was also very strange! Sometimes he would say, “The night is so short that it ends with a single prostration”, and again, he would say, “Time is so narrow that it ends with a single bow”. He would stay awake all night in prayer. If people asked him, “How are you?” he would reply, “How can a person who wakes up in the morning not know whether he will live till evening, how can he live?”
The Status of Hazrat Wais Qarni
Hazrat Wais Qarni was the greatest saint of the post-Prophet era, a perfect man and a perfect human being. He holds a special status for his extraordinary love for the Prophet. His impeccable wisdom, knowledge of knowledge and above all, love for the Prophet made him the greatest saint of the era. His advice awakened the Prophet and provided food for the souls of those who followed the path of knowledge of knowledge. When he met Ibn Hibban, Hazrat Wais Qarni told him, “I do not know that someone who has known Allah has found peace in the love of anyone other than Allah. Know that no one can ever be happy by befriending anyone other than Allah.” He also said, “When you go to sleep, remember that death is on your head. When you wake up, you will know that death is before your eyes. Do not consider any sin to be small. Because considering a sin to be small is also a sin.”
On the Path of Ilm-e-Ma’rifat
Hazrat Khwaja Wais Al Qarni was immersed in a divine mystery and did not meet the Prophet (PBUH) during his lifetime. After the Prophet (PBUH) passed away, he joined Hazrat Ali in his last years. As a result of his long association with Hazrat Ali, he attained Ilm-e-Ma’rifat or Ilm-e-Haqiq and received Maulayyat from Maula Ali. The secret knowledge of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), which flows like a continuous stream through Maula Ali, Khwaja Wais Karni became the nectar of Ilm-e-Nabvi by joining himself in that stream of knowledge.
Death
Hazrat Khwaja Wais Karni, as a result of his life dedicated to the love of the Prophet, participated in the Battle of Siffin with Maula Ali during the conflict with Muawiya. Even in his last years, he continued to fight with infinite zeal. He fought against Muawiyah and drank the nectar of martyrdom. He ended his loving life by placing his head on the lap of Murshid Maula Ali.
Finally
Hazrat Khwaja Wais Al Qarni is a luminous and enlightened being of the world who has lit the torch of prophetic love and spread the divine love throughout the world. Only when his brilliant ideals become the path of our religious life will true religion be established. May the teachings of Qarna shine in its glory throughout the world.
Date of writing – 26/08/2021
Author – Labib Mahfuj Chisty