The proceedings of the ceremony got underway with the recitation from the Holy Qur`an by Qari Allah Baksh Naqshbandi followed by recital of Na`t by Muhammad Afzal Nawshahi. Farhat Hussain Shah of Directorate of Training conducted the proceedings of the ceremony. Chairman of Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society and renowned journalist, Wasif Nagi, felicitated Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri for undertaking the translation of the Holy Qur`an. He said the Memorial Society felt privileged to organize such a sacred ceremony.

Addressing at the occasion, Secretary-General of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Dr Raheeq Ahmad Abbasi, said that MQI had become the leading organization of the Muslim world in its 25-year-long journey. The scholarly contributions of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri would continue to guide the Umma for hundreds of coming years. Irfan-ul-Qur`an is a unique and valuable addition to the history of translations of the Holy Qur`an.

Mufti Muhammad Iqbal Kharal, the Khatib of Hazrat Mian Mir Mosque, said that Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri had a distinguished status among the contemporary intellectuals and scholars. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri had tried to spread the gnosis of the Holy Qur`an in the world by undertaking the translation of the Holy Qur`an. He said Shaykh-ul-Islam was such personality who was uniting Umma on a single platform as well as spreading the Quranic teachings in the modern way.

Dr Jamil-ur-Rahman Chishti of the Chishtia Abad, Kamoki, which is a famous seat of spiritualism, said that Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri’s translation of the Holy Qur`an enlightens the readers with the real spirit of the Holy Book. The unique and lucid style of translation distinguishes Irfan-ul-Qur`an from the existing body of translations.

Central Amir of Jamat Ahl Hadith, Pakistan, Allama Zubair Ahmad Zaheer said that Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri did full justice to the demands of translation and rendered the translation beautifully by rising above sectarian affiliations. He congratulated Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri for doing translation of the Holy Qur`an for the entire Muslim Umma and all sects.

Renowned scholar Dr Tahir Hameed Tanoli said that if the translations of the Holy Qur`an done in the subcontinent were the tree, Irfan-ul-Qur`an, the translation of the Holy Quran by Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri was its fruit. This translation had the unique quality of an exegesis in terms of its meaningfulness. Shaykh-ul-Islam’s translation of the Holy Book was a great scholarly feat of the contemporary age from which the Umma would continue to derive benefit for centuries. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has made the reverence for the Holy Prophet (saw) the pivot and no where does the translation go away from this.

Khawaja Muin-ud-Din Koraija of Kot Mitthan said that Irfan-ul-Qur`an would continue to be read till the Day of Judgment. Irfan-ul-Qur`an not only removes the doubts and reservations of the modern mind but also offers remedy for the scourge of sectarianism. Our society is engulfed in terrorism. The Islamic message of peace was the dire need of the hour and Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is known as an ambassador of peace in the entire world. He also declared to hold the inauguration ceremony of Irfan-ul-Qur`an in the annual spiritual celebrations of Kot Mitthan.

Provincial Minister for Religious Affairs of the Punjab, Sa`id-ul-Hasan Gilani, said that there was a need to revive the passion for reading the Holy Qur`an. Irfan-ul-Qur`an is the unique translation, which would surely ignite the fire of getting connected with the Holy Qur`an, and the readers would further be led to develop the understanding of the Holy Qur`an.

Principal of Pakistan Law College, Dr Hamayun Ihsan, said in his talk that undertaking the translation of the Holy Qur`an was the most difficult job of the world. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri deserved felicitation that he did a great favour to the Umma by doing simple, lucid and modern translation of the Holy Qur`an, which is also compatible with the contemporary demands. Dr Ihsan said that if the translations of the quality books were undertaken, it would go a long way in guiding people through a maze of problems. The Umma could regain its lost glory by reading Irfan-ul-Qur`an, for such is its scholarly depth.

Shaykh-ul-Hadith Muhammad Mi`raj-ul-Islam said that there were a few translation of the Holy Qur`an, which did not contain the element of reverence and respect. Irfan-ul-Qur`an is such a valuable treasure as removes all doubts and enhances respect for the holy personages.

Sayyid Ali Ghazanfar Kararwi said that people undertook translations of the Holy Qur`an in accordance with their personal belief system but the Divine and Prophetic demands were kept in view in Irfan-ul-Qur`an. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri stands for unity among sects and Umma. His translation, Irfan-ul-Qur`an, would certainly extinguish raging fires of sectarianism.

Provincial Tourism and Culture Minister of the Punjab, Mian Muhammad Aslam Iqbal, said that Irfan-ul-Qur`an would revive the relationship with the Holy Qur`an which was otherwise getting disconnected. He said that the scholarly contributions of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri were a matter of immense pride for the nation especially Irfan-ul-Qur`an, which had the potential of providing remedy for the spiritual ills. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri’s efforts were of historical nature so far as conveying of the Qur`anic light to people was concerned.

Shaykh-ul-Hadith of Jamea Nizamia, Lahore Maulana Abdut Tawab Siddique said in his speech that there was dire need of reviving our relationship with the holy Quran. This endeavour of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri really deserves appreciation. His Quranic translation “Irfan-ul-Quran” is a became of light for all Muslims.

Arab scholars, ash-Shaykh Dr al-Farfur, ash-Shaykh Dr Sayyid Mahmud Abu al-Huda al-Husaini and ash-Shaykh As`ad Muhammad Sa`id as-Sagharji also addressed at the ceremony at the occasion. They said that they could not fully benefit from Irfan-ul-Qur`an because of their ignorance of the Urdu language, which they branded as great deprivation.

Concluding the ceremony, Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri said that great scholars undertook translations of the Holy Qur`an but he only made humble effort to translate it in a way as is compatible with the contemporary demands so that doubts and questions facing the youth could satisfactorily be addressed. He prayed to Allah Almighty to grant his efforts.

http://www.irfan-ul-quran.com

• This book of about one thousand pages contains eleven hundred ahadith.
• Simple Urdu translation along with proper references has also been done for those familiar with the Urdu language.
• This collection of hadith derived from vast treasure of the Prophetic traditions is equally useful for people of every category.
• About three hundred authentic books on hadith have been consulted.
• This book prepares the ground for correction of religious beliefs, inspires readers to act piously and provides practical guidance in practical life.

Here are some more details:

The writer has set up 16 chapters of the book including an abridged version of his chains of authorities (Mukhtasar al-Jawahir al-Bahira fi al-Asanid at-Tahira) and a firm word on the science of hadith and branches of doctrine which is termed as al-Khutba as-Sadida fi Usul al-Hadith wa Furu al-Aqida.

The first chapter is on the subject of Iman, Islam and Ihsan (belief, faith, Islam and excellence) and dilates upon such topic as belief, reality of faith, signs and attributes of a Muslim, rights of a Muslim over other Muslim, benevolence, signs and attributes of benefactor and signs of infidelity and dissention.

The second chapter deals with al-Khawarij, blasphemers of the Holy Prophet (saw) and apostates.

The third chapter throws light in detail on such subjects as worships, excellence of prayer, fasts during the holy month of Ramadan, optional fasts & optional prayers, excellence of Itikaf, alms-due (zakat) and charity and Hajj, etc.

The fourth chapter describes the manner in which the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) offered his prayers in addition to description of leading the prayer and not saying tasmiya (bism Allah) in a loud voice, of not undertaking raf yadain (raising hands) in prayer other than after the utterance of the first takbeer and of not reciting when ones’ prayer is led by the Imam etc.

The fifth chapter is about salat tarawih (Ramadan night vigil prayer) and the number of its cycles (rakat).

The sixth chapter deals with making prayer after the obligatory prayers, the excellence of prayer (dua), the raising of hands for dua (supplication).

The seventh chapter throws light on the subjects of sincerity, purgation of heart, indifference to the worldly pursuits, truth, weeping out of fear of Allah, being resigned in life, repentance and praising the Glory of God.

The eighth chapter describes the importance and excellence of productive knowledge, pious deeds, scholars, remembrance of Allah, sending blessings and salutations on the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and reciting nat (nashid, hymn) etc.

The ninth chapter is a statement on the greatness and excellence of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), his knowledge and gnosis, the Prophet’s intercession during the Day of Judgment, extreme love for the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), and his reverence and respect.

The tenth chapter dilates upon the attributes of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), attributes and excellence of the Prophet’s family, of the holy Companions, the coming of Imam Mahdi and spiritual excellence of the saints and Friend of Allah.

The eleventh chapter is dedicated to the subject of miracles by the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) as well as those by the saints and Friends of Allah.

The twelfth chapter describes the privileged and distinguished status of the Umma of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), excellence of this Umma in the last age, Umma’s never being together while in error and misguidance and the raising of reformers and revivalists in the Umma.

The thirteenth chapter is on the topic of holding the Sunna of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) firmly, and keeping oneself away from evil innovation etc.

The fourteenth chapter is a detailed statement on excellence of morality and good manners. It throws light on such topics as providing help to people in need & difficulty, meting out good treatment towards parents and elderly people, rights and obligations family and children including comprehensive statement on rights.

The fifteenth chapter is dedicated to the description of respects, regards and other good manners of eating, talking, dressing, and sitting in the company of people.

The last and final chapter throws light on uni-link and bi-link traditions reported by Imam al-Azam Abu Hanifa (ra) and tri-link traditions reported by Imam Bukhari.

Following Allah’s commandment, the above mentioned chapters have been crowned with the praise and glorification of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him). This book provides happiness for the Prophet’s lovers and those who send durood and salutation on the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), on the one hand and is a comprehensive collection of Prophetic traditions on the other.

As this book is all-comprehensive in terms of description of sayings, actions and other matters of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), in the same way its name, assigned to the book by the author, is also comprehensive of all hadith of the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him).

The second volume that encompasses the remaining five aims namely recourse to the Holy Quran, promotion of knowledge & awareness, unity & brotherhood of Umma, organization into a coherent grouping and establishment of religion will be published later on.

In addition to hadith, each chapter of this book contains the Quranic verses that deal with the subject, and sayings of the holy Companions and saints along with Urdu translation and detailed references.

-          A collection of authentic Prophetic traditions on the excellence and virtues of the Holy Companions and the Prophet’s family

-          A matchless book on the greatness of the Holy Companions and the Prophet’s family

-          An influential book for love and affection of the Holy Companions and the Prophet’s family

-          Representation of correct beliefs of the noblest and chosen people of the Umma about the holy Companions and the Prophet’s family

-          Effective book for elimination of sectarian tendencies

-          Arabic text along with Urdu translation and references

-          A beautiful collection of authentic Prophetic traditions on the virtues and excellence of saints and friends of Allah along with Urdu translation and references

-          Description of love for the beloveds of Allah Almighty and seeing them in dream

-          Attributes, status and stature of friends of Allah has been highlighted in the book based on 23 chapters

-          The rare blessing of seeing Allah Almighty would be endowed on the His friends and saints on the Day of Judgement

-          Righteous and pious believers get to know about the inner conditions of man with the help of insight and wisdom conferred on them by Allah

In the quest of knowledge, the modern man has also discovered that the centuries old concepts about religion are contrary to the scientific thought and, therefore, need to be either discarded or made compatible with the scientific method. This is the challenge that the religious scholars and theologians have failed to face. Instead of analyzing the problem on scientific basis, they have adhered to their timeworn ideologies with a practical surrender to the materialistic values in vogue. Even the torchbearers, the so-called intellectuals and modern scholars of Islam who pretend to be abreast with the modern scientific thought have given in to the onslaught of modern sciences and in secret depths of their hearts feel nervous how to defend their position. They are doing more harms than good by defending their post with archaic weapons.

However, towards the dawn of new millennium, there has risen one guiding star on the intellectual horizon that has showered rays of his effulgent wisdom on the modern mind fallen prey to stray ideologies. Equipped adequately with the scientific and religious knowledge, he has given the call to modern man that Islam is the religion that, ever since its revelation, has the scientific bases which the modern scientific thought is now claiming to discover and further needs to explore in its totality. What Descartes and his successors (Locke, Barkeley, Hume, Kant and Hobbes, Montesquieu, Mill and Benthem and others) did to promote scientific method and rational thought in Europe, has been accomplished in the world of theology, single-handedly by Prof. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. The world has already recognized him as ‘outstanding man of the century’ and ‘leading intellectual of the world.’

This is not in our purview here to reckon the contributions made by Prof. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri to the modern Islamic thought and its reconstruction. Nor can we measure his achievements in clearing and purifying Islamic ideology from muddling of various ‘isms’ wrought over centuries. But the aspect of his intellectual ventures focussed here relates to a sensitive issue that has disintegrated the intellectual unity of Muslim thinkers and their followers.

Who is ‘Wali’ and what role he plays in spreading light of divine guidance among the believers is a question that has been answered divergently under the reflective influences alien to Islam. A huge reservoir of literature exists on Mysticism, Islamic Mysticism, Pantheism and Transcendentalism, nature of Mystic Experience, its variety, allied philosophies and schools of thought. The antagonists too have generated colossal works proving it contrary to the ‘true Islam’ and labeling it as an impious innovation in the approved Islamic code of life. This controversy has inflicted serious damage to the modern Muslim mind leading the young educated Muslims all over the world to desperation and abhorrence from Islam. They are confused and blatantly question the intellectual validity and logical wellbeing of Islamic thought. The Muslim scholars engaged in this unfortunate controversy, however, ill afford any attempt to recover from the ‘spin’. They drastically lack in advanced knowledge and are unaware of the ‘phenomena’ of modern scientific mind. Being the odd ones, they now stay out of this war of wits, which has spread over East and West. How to satisfy the modern scientific mind on the question of Islamic Spiritualism, its nature and significance; the ‘Friends of Allah’- Auliya, their role and task, status and dignity and the phenomenology of spiritual experience is an uphill task which Prof. Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri, however, has performed with tantamount facility, authority and command.

Without entangling himself in sterile controversy on mysticism and its various ‘schools’ and types, he has taken the Holy Qur’an as the basic and exclusive source of his logic. He triumphantly convinces the reader that a Wali Allah (a friend of Allah), whether a mystic or a saint (whatever term one may use to describe him), is a spiritually privileged Muslim. He acquires heavenly acquaintance and proximity to Allah through absolute obedience to and an overpowering love and adoration for the Holy Prophet (A). He then himself becomes a source of spiritual bliss and inspiration for those who stand fast in his company.

Simultaneously, endowed with a vividly historic insight, he educates the modern Muslim mind how, centuries ago, the Muslim scholars defeated their rival thinkers employing the then contemporary logic against them. He emphatically exhorts all educated Muslims of the world to acquire perfect knowledge of modern logic and defeat the antagonists of Islam who have joined hands against the ‘Ummah’ with an intention to shake the solid spiritual realities which are the bases of Islamic thought and ideology. Prof. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, the intellectual spirit of our age, the divine genius of the new millennium and a ‘Friend of Allah’ has a sagacious eye on rise and fall of the Muslim and non-Muslim empires. He possesses a vision that penetrates into future and clearly discerns the impending dangers and their remedies.

While handling this most difficult and controversial subject of Islamic spiritual philosophy, disseminating it to the modern inquisitive mind, he has adopted an easy and logical style to communicate the ideas with the help of similitudes and parables and enviably sublime and inspiring expression. This is exactly the style of exposition and elucidation manifest in the Holy Quran where the divine principles and the spiritual realities of life are made home to man loud and clear through parables and similitudes. While explaining the nature of friendship with Almighty Allah he has based his arguments on the verses of the Holy Qur’an and has taken similitude from modern scientific subjects specially ‘Magnetism’ and ‘Electric Charge’. The concept of ‘Spiritual Magnetism’ and ‘Spiritual Charge’ enabling Auliya Allah to get into the ‘spiritual channel’ which originates from the Holy Messenger (A) is a dazzlingly unique and exceptional addition to the existing literature on Islamic Spiritualism. It attracts and convinces the modern educated reader and deletes his disbelief in spiritual values. It irrefutably proves that the phenomenology of Islamic Spiritualism is compatible with the modern scientific method. This dissertation in this way is, by any standard, a classic piece of literature produced on the subject.

            This work, besides spiritualism, also enlightens the reader on ventures of modern science especially in the field of parapsychology. An account of scientific research into finding the underlying reality of psychic experiences and supplying empirical interpretations to extra-sensory perception (ESP) and out-of-body-experience (OBE) has added substantial value to intellectual status of this exposition. The glimpses from spiritual life of Auliya, of their divine experiences in comparison to ESPs, OBEs and the concept of an infinite power within man, highlighting the real significance of Islamic Spiritualism, invite the scientific mind to struggle if it can and belie the spiritual reality. When they decline to disbelieve in psychic reality and its wonders on electromagnetic ground, how can they decline to believe in spirituality of real self of man, its special link with Allah and its acquired infinite spiritual competence towards conquering the universe, demonstrated by Auliya Allah. Studying spiritualism in the perspective of most modern scientific investigation in the field of parapsychology is an amazingly emphatic maiden attempt in the field. It has indeed opened the doors, to embrace Islamic Faith, on those who have been enabled by this study to develop their belief in Islamic Spiritualism on rational scientific grounds. We the believers, welcome this courage to convert to Islam on this rational basis.

Triumphant indeed is he who purifies himself (of afflictions of self and sins’ pollution) .[1]

Corresponding to this allegory of Super Electro Magnetic System, Auliâ through self-strife, and self-control get rid of all lusts and low impulses like anger, jealousy, vanity, revenge etc.’ which impede our way to Allah  . They cool their ‘self’ down and look like an embodiment of this Qur’anic verse:

They control anger, tolerate others faults and follies (working for their betterment) and Allah love those who strive to make up others’ deficiencies.[2]

As the Super Electro Magnet gets charged through cessation of resistance and works wonders in the physical world Allah’s Friends likewise, get purified from wrong impulses and worldly urges and absorb the bounties of Allah   and His Messenger (A). So charged with spiritual energy, they perform wonders in the worldly life. Through this metamorphosis, their hearts work like conducting magnets. The Electro Magnet is passed through a particular process to make Super Conducting Magnet, which is then processed through Nuclear Magnetic Resonant. When a patient is placed before it, all his internal organs invisible to naked eye become discernable. The scanner with magnetic capability distinctly perceives all that is hidden and concealed inside the physical body. The ‘Auliya Allah’ through purification process acquire a vision which penetrates like a scanner and discern, through their internal (magnetic) awareness, things which are hidden may be thousand miles distant, and know the unseen. They can perceive that which the naked eye cannot see. They can look into and ahead of time.

[1]           Qur’an (al-A‘ala) 87:14.

[2].             Qur’an (Al Imran) 3:134.

Well-grounded and groomed in the purifying and illumining, holy and divine companionship of the Spiritual Sovereign of the Universe, the close associates and comrades of our dearest Prophet (A) were the Spiritual Super Conducting Magnets refined through process of ‘Tazkia’. The Holy Messenger (A) himself spiritually charged them. Without physical means, they could spiritually scan and monitor even the combats against the unbelievers and issue commands to their war commanders engaged in far-off battlefields. In a war against the adversaries of Islam, the commander of the Muslim army Saria bin Jabal had deployed his troops against the adversaries. In the event of war, the enemy changed its strategy and encircled the Muslim troops, catching them unaware. The Second Caliph of the Muslims, Hadrat Umar Farooq (RTA) was, at that moment, delivering his Juma’a address in Madînah. Owing to his spiritual concentration, he scanned the battlefield, saw the positions of both the warring armies and addressed the commander of his forces:

 O Saria, take cover of the hill.’

After issuing this command, he continued his address. He was neither equipped with any radar nor had he any direct TV Channel to monitor such a distant activity. Delivering his address in ‘Nabvi Mosque’ in Madînah, he issued instructions to his army commander engaged in the strategy of war. This was his Spiritual Magnetic Force and his inner vision that watched everything. The commander Hadrat Saria-bin-Jabal received the message of the Caliph, implemented his orders, took shelter of the hill as advised and in consequence thereof won the war. The enemy was defeated and the Muslim forces gained victory.

            This episode needs to be studied in the perspective of ESP we have already discussed in the preceding chapters. How Hadrat Suleman (D) and the little ant interacted serves an analogy to the underlying spiritual reality that engenders such events.

The Auliya Allah inculcate in themselves the spiritual magnetic force. They achieve it through strenuous worship aimed at winning Allah’s pleasure. They employ methods including philanthropic and Allah fearing deeds. They implement the Holy Prophet’s instructions, follow his foot- steps and strictly comply with shariah, his code of conduct. Conforming to spiritual commands, and obeying Allah’s commandments, they purify their inner self through enveloping themselves in love and obedience of the beloved Muhammad (A) and thus receive favours from the Holy Messenger (A) and his worthy Companions.

The materialistic progress of the scientific age has almost turned the world into global village. The computer has reduced the distance and the Internet facility has reduced the world to a rye grain. A common man can observe the whole world like a rye grain placed on his palm through scientific devices. It is the scientific advancement that has elevated our vision to this level. Nonetheless, the servants of the Holy Messenger (A) have obtained this capability through their spiritual vehemence and well-being. They have infinite capability to bring the forces of nature into their control and service. Hadrat Ghawth-e-A‘zam Sheikh Abdul Qadar Jilani (AR) pronounced: 

I discern all countries of Allah like seeing a rye grain on my palm.

(ii) Abu Nu‘aym, Dalail–un-nubuwwah (p. 507);

(iii) ‘Ali al-Hindi Kanz-ul-‘ummal (12:571,572,573#35788-91).

Thorough and effective comprehension of the Holy Quran attaches special significance to semantic inter-relationship of the Qur’anic verses. While studying the chapter of ‘Al-Kahf’ we should investigate the semantic relations of the verse under study.

With the episode of Ashab-e-Kahf, (the companions of Kahf) this study will bring to fore the message contained in the verse and the episode. They were Auliya Allah from the former Ummah who, under security threat of the cruel ruler and the adversaries of Islam, migrated from their abodes for safety and hid themselves in a cave for shelter. They prayed to Allah:

O’ our Lord, bestow on us your special kindness and provide us with (means of) guidance in our affair.[1]

Allah Almighty accepted their imploration and gave them the happy tiding that He would provide them with His kindness. What was that special kindness conferred on the companions of Kahf needs to be comprehended. An in-depth study of the context of the Holy Qur’an will reveal that the Companions of Kahf reposed in the cave for 309 years. Independent of their physical needs and provisions of life, in a grave like circumstances, they were kept from decomposition and degeneration, which should have inflicted their physical bodies due to atmospheric changes over long 309 years. It was a special shower of Allah’s kindness that the sun changed its course to keep their bodies intact, safe and secure from climatic effects and temperature variations. The 309 Lunar years equal 300 Solar years. They remained there fresh and retrievable for three centuries. For the companions of Kahf, however, such a long span of time took flight in hours. The Holy Qur’an describes:

And you behold, when the sun rises it moves away from their cave on their right and when it sets it shifts away from them on their left and they are lying in the spacious hollow (in the cave).[2]

This is a special sign of Allah that for His Friends, he changed the rules of rising and setting of the Sun, which change was incorporated in the overall system of the universe for long 309 years. He amended a fixed and predetermined heavenly system for 300 rotations of the Earth round the Sun with the sole purpose to keep His Friends safe from any possible damage. He changed the course of nature for His Friends This was the ‘decision’ of the All-Powerful, All-Knowing.

After describing the whole episode, Allah Almighty exhorted, “Those who seek My nearness, must persist with the companionship of my Friends.”

The Holy Quran further specifies:

He whom Allah guides is on the right path but whom He makes stray you will find them friendless with no help or guide.[3]

Allah the most benevolent, the most merciful, lulled the Companions of Kahf to an undisturbed and profound sleep and exalted them to a heavenly status; then he thoroughly engaged and involved them in an ecstatic state of visioning ‘the ultimate reality’. The time got wings to fly and centuries passed like moments. The Doomsday lasting for 50,000 yours would not be more than an Asar Prayer time (late afternoon prayer time) for His Friends. For Allah’s adversaries, however, this would stretch as long as 50 millennia of indescribable agony and pain. The inference is that the time reduces in the heavenly experience of visioning reality; the measure of time changes: centuries pass as moments.

On that day, Allah will direct his angels to arrange for a glimpse of Allah’s sight for those who pursued and sought Him all along their worldly and earthly term of life. Instead of luxuriating in their comfortable and overstuffed beds and couches, they kneeled and bowed their heads down in front of Allah at night ‘for half of night or less or a little more’ to seek His favour, consent and delight. On the day of judgement all veils will be removed and ‘His Friends’ will be positioned on enlightened mounds. For them the day will not be longer than their ‘Asar Prayer’ i.e. a few hours, while for others it will span 50,000 years.

[2].             Qur’an (al-Kahf) 18:17.

[3].             Qur’an (al-Kahf) 18:17.

The Holy Quran confirms that “Ashab-e-Kahf” spent three centuries like a few hours. When they inquired after waking up as to how long they had slept, one of them retorted, “a day or a little more”. The time they had actually spent according to the Holy Quran was three centuries, hence undeniable. Nonetheless, their clothes had not worn and the physical well being was intact, as if they had a nap, which restored their strength and vitality.

Then, one of them was assigned to take coins they possessed and go to bazaar to make some purchases. When he paid the coins the shopkeeper felt bewildered and gazed at his customer in astonishment as to wherefrom he had brought centuries-old coins. He refused to accept the payment in the out-dated and antiquated coins. The customer, one of the Ashab-e-Kahf, said, “We took these coins with us a day before.” The shopkeeper replied, “how is it possible? I don’t understand wherefrom have you brought these centuries-old coins.” On that the customer looked curiously at every thing around and felt puzzled to find them changed altogether. Such ‘Auliya Allah blessed with vision’ stay in caves for centuries but their physical conditions remain unchanged, natural and normal. Similarly, such people with vision, in-transit, spend thousands of years in graves and this period passes like a few hours. It is not a contrived parable. The Holy Qur’an has revealed it. Auliya Allah even after their physical transfer from this world, live with an intuition of Allah. What to talk of the Holy Messenger (A) who came to distribute the boon of life among the lifeless! And this holy distribution is continuously on even today!