All Muslims are One Fraternity

Dear brother Kassim,

Assalaamu alaikum!

Thank you for the e-mail and your kindness regarding Simtud Durar.

I was fortunate enough by the blessing of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) to have met Al-Habib Ahmad Mash-hur bin Ta Ha Al Haddad in 1994, when I went for Umrah. I stayed at al-Habib's residence for a whole day and was present when al-Habib although quite ill, gave a dars on visiting the Holy Prophet in the blessed city of Madina.

In his company I felt safe and aware that I was before a man who was fully immersed in the love of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and one whose every word and action was approved by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala). Prior to meeting him physically I was blessed by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) to have seen him in the world of dreams. In all these encounters al-Habib was tender and loving.

I met his dervishes Salim Khan, Abdul Aziz Khan, Afzal Khan and Abdul Khalique who were from Nairobi, Kenya. In 1995, these blessed brothers started the Burda in Birmingham at their home, Alhamdulillah! by the blessing of al-Habib it has continued ever since.

Al Habib prayed for me when I made my intention clear that I was seeking a spiritual Guide. Alhamdulillah! by his prayer and spiritual insight I took hand in 2000 with my teacher Tugrel Effendi who is the present head of the Jerrahiyya Halvetiyya order of dervishes in Istanbul, Turkey. All tarikats lead to Allah's refined beloved and I feel privileged to have met Al-Habib and his dervishes as they have taught me so much about praising and remembering Habib Al azam. I have also understood why the habaib are so dear to the holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam).

Once again I congratulate you and your colleagues for your most wonderful website and the work that you are doing to keep Al-Habib's legacy alive. May Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) reward you all with nearness to his refined beloved here and in the Hereafter (Ameen).

Wasalaam

Mohammed Tariq Rahim