HADHRAT HAATIM ASAMM (Rahmatullah alayh)

HADHRAT HAATIM ASAMM

(Rahmatullah alayh)

Hadhrat Haatim Asamm (rahmatullah alayh) was the Mureed of Hadhrat Shaqeeq Balkhi (rahmatullah alayh). He was among the well-known Mashaaikh of Khurasaan. In zuhd and wara’ he was incomparable during his time. Hadhrat Junaid Baghdadi (rahmatullah alayh) said: “Haatim Asamm is the Siddeeque of our era.”

* Hadhrat Haatim said to his mureeds: “If anyone asks you what have you learnt from me, then say that you have acquired two things from me. One: To be contented with whatever you have, and two: to have no hope in whatever others have.”

* Once he said to his mureeds: “I have devoted a great portion of my life teaching you. Is there anyone among you   who could be said to be cultured and refined? One mureed said: A certain person has spent much time in Jihad.” Hadhrat Haatim said: “He is called a Ghaazi. I am in search of a cultured and refined person.” Someone else said: “A certain person had spent much wealth in the Path of Allah.’ Hadhrat Haatim said: “He is called a generous person. I want a cultured and refined person.” Another mureed said that a certain person had performed many Hajj. Hadhrat Haatim said: “He is called a Haajji. I ask for a cultured and refined person.”

They said: “Hadhrat, do inform us who is a cultured and refined man.” Hadhrat Haatim said: “The one who fears Allah Ta’ala and has no hope on anyone but Allah Ta’ala.”

* The following episode bears testimony to the modesty and nobility of Hadhrat Haatim. Once a lady came and posed a question. Accidently she released wind. Obviously, she was smitten by shame. However, Hadhrat Haatim pretending to be deaf, said loudly: ‘O Sister! Speak up! I am quite deaf.’ After the lady raised her voice and repeated the question, he again instructed her to speak loudly, saying that he could not hear well. Understanding him to be deaf, the lady felt at ease. Then he answered her question. As long as she was alive, Hadhrat Haatim pretended to be deaf. Everyone believed he was deaf, hence they nicknamed him ‘Asamm’ (The Deaf One).

* Once in the City of Balkh, Hadhrat Haatim was delivering a wa’z (lecture). During the course of the lecture, he supplicated to Allah Ta’ala: “O Allah! Forgive even the worst sinner who is today in this gathering.” In the gathering was a man whose heinous profession was to steal the kafan of the newly buried dead.   That very same night this kafan-thief went to the Qabrustaan with the intention of opening a new grave to steal the kafan. As he was about to commence his evil act, he heard a Voice saying: “You were today forgiven in the gathering of Haatim Asamm, and now you again resume your evil.” The kafan-thief was terrified. He sincerely repented and never again resorted to his evil profession.

* Hadhrat Muhammad Raazi (rahmatullah alayh) said: “I lived in the company of Hadhrat Haatim Asamm (rahmatullah alayh) for many years. In all this time I saw him only once becoming angry. Once while he was walking in the marketplace he saw a trader who had apprehended one of his (Haatim’s) students. The trader was shouting at the student: ‘You had bought goods from me. You have consumed it. Now pay.’ Hadhrat Haatim proferring advice said to the trader: “O Respected one be lenient.” The trader retorted: ‘What leniency? I shall extract my money now.’

Overwhelmed with anger, Hadhrat Haatim removed his shawl and struck it on the ground. Immediately, the entire marketplace was filled with gold. Then he commented: ‘Take what is owed to you. But, I warn you – take nothing more. If you do, your hands will become paralyzed.” Greed overcame the trader. As he took more than his due, his hands became paralyzed.”

* Once an affluent man came to invite Hadhrat Haatim Asamm (rahmatullah alayh). Despite his refusal, the man persisted in his request. Finally Hadhrat Haatim said: “I shall accept your invitation on three conditions: One: I shall sit wherever I wish. Two: I shall eat whatever is pleasing to me. Three: You will have to obey whatever I request.” The man accepted all three conditions.

When Hadhrat Haatim reached the home of the host, he sat at the rear where the shoes were kept. The host begged him to come forward and be seated in the place reserved for him. He reminded the host of the first condition. When all the sumptuous food was spread out, he began eating two pieces of dry bread which he had brought with him. When the host begged him to eat from the delicious foods, Hadhrat Haatim reminded him of the second condition. After all the guests had ate, he instructed the host to bring a hot tawa (a hot metal plate on which bread is baked). Then standing on the tawa with his bare feet, he said: “I have eaten two pieces of dry bread and some pride has developed in me. Do you believe that tomorrow on the Day of Qiyaamah, Allah Ta’ala will demand an account for whatever you had consumed?” All present responded: ‘Yes, we believe.’

Hadhrat Haatim said: “It is my opinion that you do not believe. On the contrary, you deny this belief. If you are truthful in your claim, then everyone should imagine that this is the Day of Qiyaamah. Each one should in turn step on to this hot tawa, and enumerate what he has eaten today in this house.” All replied that they lack the ability for this. Hadhrat Haatim then said: “Now reflect! Tomorrow on the Day of Qiyaamah how will you be able to give Allah Ta’ala a reckoning. He says in the Qur’aan Majeed: “Most certainly on that Day will you be questioned about the bounties (which Allah has provided for you).”

The impact of Hadhrat Haatim’s word reduced everyone to tears and sobbing. It appeared as if there was a funeral in the house.

Once Hadhrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu anhu) and Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) were with Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) eating some dates. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) recited the aforementioned verse to emphasize that a reckoning will be taken on the Day of Qiyaamah for every Ni’mat Allah Ta’ala has provided on this earth. There is a need to reflect how we earn and how we spend and use the Ni’maat (Bounties) of Allah Ta’ala. A reckoning will be demanded for the minutest bestowal and for every act of commission and omission.

* Once a wealthy man offered a considerable sum of money to Hadhrat Haatim. Refusing to accept, he said: “I fear that after your death, I shall have to supplicate: “O Provider of Sustence in the Heavens! The provider on earth has died. So now You take care of me.”

* Once someone asked Hadhrat Haatim: “From whence do you eat?” He responded: “From such a kitchen of Allah Ta’ala in which there is no fear of reduction.” Then the man retorted: “You eat from the wealth of people, which you acquire by deception.” Hadhrat Haatim said: “Did I ever eat from any of your wealth?” The man said: “No.” Hadhrat Haatim said: “Indeed it would be good if you become a Muslim.” The man said: “You are unnecessarily disputing.” Hadhrat Haatim said: “On the Day of Qiyaamah, Allah Ta’ala will demand proof from everyone.” The man said: “All of this is idle talk.” Hadhrat Haatim said: “Do not think of this as idle talk, if Allah Ta’ala had not revealed these laws, then your mother would not have been lawful for your father.”

Then the man said: “In all honesty, does your sustenance (Rizq) descend from the heavens?” Hadhrat Haatim said: “Forget about my Rizq, the Rizq of entire creation comes from the heavens. Just as Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’aan Majeed: “In the heaven is your Rizq and what you have been promised.”

The man said: “I thought that your Rizq comes to you by entering through the window of your home. I desire that you lay down to enable me to see how your food comes to your mouth.” Hadhrat Haatim said: “ On hearing this, Hadhrat Haatim went to lay on the bed. He remained there for two years and his Rizq would come miraculously to him. Thereafter, the man repented and asked for naseehat (advice). Hadhrat Haatim said: “Banish having hopes on others. So that they too will have no hope in you. Worship Allah in such a manner that no one besides Allah and you are aware thereof. Wherever you are, be of service to creation.”

* Once Hadhrat Haatim asked Imaam Ahmad Bin Hambal (rahmatullah alayh): “Do you search for Rizq?” He said: “Yes.” Hadhrat Haatim said: “Do you search for it before its time or after its time?” Imaam Hambal thought: “If I say, before its time, he will respond: ‘Why waste time?’ If I say: ‘After its time?’, he will say: ‘Why   pursue something which has already transpired?’ If I say: ‘I search for it on its time’, he will say: ‘Why search for something which is already found?’ Imaam Hambal remain silent in this bewilderment.

A Buzrug commented: “The answer for this question is: The search for Rizq is not Fardh nor Waajib nor Sunnat. Why should one search for something which is beyond the confines of these three categories? And why should one search for something which itself is searching for you?’ This is affirmed by Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). This in fact is the response of Hadhrat Haatim to his question. Hence, he said: “Upon us is to worship Him as He has commanded, and upon Him is to feed us as He has promised.”

COMMENT

An objection with which this response could be assailed are Ahaadith such as: “The quest for halaal (Rizq) is the obligation after the obligation (of Salaat).” Also, Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur’aan Majeed: “When Salaat has been performed (i.e. after Salaat), then spread out in the earth...” (to seek your Rizq). These narrations confirm that at least the quest for Rizq is Sunnat. So how can its Sunniyat be negated?

The answer for this objection, and Allah knows best, is: These narrations are directed at the masses of weak Tawakkul. As for the selected Auliya whose Tawakkul is of the highest state of perfection, the quest for Rizq is superfluous and a waste of time. Their Yaqeen in Allah’s Razzaaqiyat, and in Rasulullah’s statement that Rizq follows one like one’s shadow, is perfect. Thus, they have no need to devote time to pursue what has been destined to reach them. And, Allah knows best.

* Hadhrat Haamid Lifaaf (rahmatullah alayh) narrating from Hadhrat Haatim (rahmatullah alayh) said: “Every morning Iblees tempts me by saying: ‘What will you eat today?’ I respond: ‘I shall eat Maut (Death).” When iblees says: “What will you wear?”, I say: “The kafan.” When he says: “Where will you live?’, I say: “In the Qabar.” Perplexed, Iblees blurts out: ‘You are extremely harsh and hard-hearted.’ Then he flees from me.

COMMENT

Hadhrat Haatim Asamm, in this naseehat, depicts the general state of people. He states their fears and provides the answer and the solution. People fear poverty. They struggle to acquire their Rizq. In so doing they pursue unlawful and doubtful ways and means. All these fears are baseless and inspirations from shaitaan. The remedy is to contemplate on Maut and the Aakhirat so that the reality of the shortness of this ephemeral life and the real existence of the Qabar and Aakhirat become a vivid perception to instil life in our dead beliefs. Our Rizq is predestined and so are all our affairs. Operate within the bounds of the Shariah and assign all affairs to Allah Ta’ala. Whatever the end result is of our lawful efforts is Allah’s decree with which we must be contented.

* Once Hadhrat Haatim decided to participate in Jihad for four month. He said to his wife: “How much should I leave for your maintenance?” His wife responded: “For as long as you wish me to live.” Hadhrat Haatim said: “Your life is not in my control.” The wife said: “Similarly, my Rizq is not in your control.”

After Hadhrat Haatim’s departure, an old lady asked his wife: “How much has Haatim left for your Rizq?” The wife said: “Haatim himself used to consume Rizq. He has now left while the Provider of Rizq is right here.”

* During the battle, a Turk overwhelmed Hadhrat Haatim and was on the verge of killing him. Hadhrat Haatim afterwards said: “Not the slightest fear had settled on me. I did not turn my attention to anyone or anything. But, I awaited to see how the command of Allah will unfold. Suddenly an arrow struck the Turk who fell down dead. He came to kill me, but he himself perished.”

* Once before departing for Hajj, a man asked for naseehat (advice). Hadhrat Haatim Asamm said: “If you are in search of a friend, make Allah Ta’ala your friend. He is sufficient as a friend. If you desire companions, then Kiraaman Kaatibeen (the two Recording Angels) are sufficient. If you desire to derive lesson, the world is sufficient. If you desire a consoler and sympathizer, the Qur’aan is sufficient. If you desire (to listen) to a lecture, the cock is sufficient. If what I have said are not palatable to you, then Jahannam suffices for you.”

* Once Hadhrat Haatim said to Hadhrat Haamid Lifaaf: ‘How are you?” He replied: “I am with salaamat (peace) and aafiyat (safety).” Hadhrat Haatim said: “Salaamat and Aafiyat are only after having crossed the Siraat (The Bridge in Qiyaamah) and having entered into Jannat.”

* Someone asked Hadhrat Haatim: “What do you desire?” He said: “That I be with aafiyat (safety) from morning till evening.” The person said: “All your days pass whilst you are with aafiyat. Hadhrat Haatim said: “The day that I am not sinning and disobedient, only then will I be with aafiyat.” No one should feel snug in his imagined ‘sinlessness’ and in his own piety.

* Someone said to Hadhrat Haatim: “Do you need anything?” He said: “Yes, I need something.” When asked what the need is, he said: “My need is that I do not see you nor do you see me.”

* A Shaikh asked Hadhrat Haatim: “How do you perform Salaat?” He replied: “With water I perform the external Wudhu, and with Taubah the internal Wudhu. When I enter the Musjid, I contemplate on entering Musjidul Haraam. I focus on Maqaam-e-Ibraahim being infront of me. I view Jannat on my right side and Jahannam on my left side. My feet are on the Siraat, and Malakul Maut is behind me. My heart is focused on Allah Ta’ala. Then I proclaim the Takbeer with utmost reverence. I stand with utmost respect and recite the Qiraa’t with great awe. I perform Ruku with great humility, and with even greater humility the Sajdah. I sit with great diligence in Qa’dah, and make the Salaam with profound gratitude.”

* Once Hadhrat Haatim addressing a gathering of Ulama said: “If there are three attributes in you, then you are safe otherwise Jahannam is waajib for you. One: Regret for the day which passed you without you having been able to offer much ibaadat nor could you avoid sins. If you endeavour today to compensate for yesterday’s lapse, then when will you compensate for today’s loss? Two: Regard today as an opportunity to please Allah and to displease the enemies – the nafs and shaitaan. Three: Fear for tomorrow. Will tomorrow be destruction or salvation.” That is, will you remain a Mu’min or become a kaafir. No one has any guarantee for his Imaan. What the morrow holds, is unknown to us. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Imaan is suspended between fear and hope.”

* “Allah Ta’ala has wrapped three things in three things:

(1) Faraaghat (leisure) in ibaadat.

(2) Ikhlaas (sincerity) in abandoning hopes in people.

(3) Freedom from divine punishment in obedience to Allah Ta’ala.”

* “Fear death in the state of pride, greed and self-conceit. Before the proud one is taken away from this world, Allah Ta’ala humiliates him with others who are proud and arrogant as he is. Allah Ta’ala takes the avaricious ones (the greedy) from this world whilst they are hungry and thirsty. They will be throttled (by Malakul Maut) and nothing will slip down their throats (not even drops of water). Those who are self-conceited are removed from this dunya whilst they are wallowing in their faeces and urine.”

When assaulted by any evil attribute of the nafs, it is necessary to immediately contemplate on Maut and the Qabr to neutralize the evil promptings of the nafs.

* The pride and arrogance of the Ulama and Qurraa (qaaris) of our time exceed by far the pride and arrogance of the kings and the wealthy.”

* “Do not be proud on account of your palatial mansions and orchards. There is no place more adorned and beautiful than Jannat.”

* “Do not be proud of your ibaadat. You are aware of Iblees, the accursed one. Despite the stupendous amount of his ibaadat, he was cast out as an accursed. Do not be proud of karaamat (miracles) and abundance of ibaadat. You are aware what the fate of Bal’am Ba-oor was. He was from the Bani Israaeel during the era of Nabi Yoosha’ (alayhis salaam). The Qur’aan describing him, says: “His similitude is like a dog.”

COMMENT

Bal’am Ba-oor died as a kaafir. He was a great Aabid who was Mustajaabud Da’waat (i.e. all his Duas were immediately accepted by Allah Ta’ala). Falling in the trap of his wife, he dared to supplicate against the Nabi who was leading Bani Israaeel in Jihad against his (i.e. Bal’am’s) nation. He perished with his tongue hanging out and stuck to his chest like a dog. All his ibaadat and karaamat went to waste.

* “Whoever enters into the path of the Deen, shall taste three types of Maut (Death).

(1) Mautul Abyadh (the White Death), i.e. Poverty.

(2) Mautul Aswad (the Black Death), i.e. Patience and Endurance.

(3) Mautul Ahmar (the Red Death), i.e. Donning the garments of the mendicants (the Sufis).”

In this context the “Deen” refers to the special Path of Renunciation of the Auliya.

* “Whoever does not recite one Manzil of the Qur’aan in a day and night and does not make incumbent on him reading some of the stories of the Auliya will not be able to maintain the safety of his Deen.”

* There are five types of hearts.

(1) A dead heart. This is the heart of the kuffaar.

(2) An ailing (sick) heart. This is the heart of sinners.

(3) An oblivious heart. This is the heart of those who fill their stomachs.

(4) An inverted heart. This is the heart specifically of the Yahood.

(5) A healthy heart. This is the heart of those who are filled with fear and who are at all times eager for worship and obedience.”

* “Be alert and examine the nafs on three occasions.

(1) When you do a deed. Remember that Allah is ever present and seeing.

(2) When speaking. Remember that Allah is hearing.

(3) When being silent. Remember that He is aware of your silence (and what transpires in your heart). “

* “A person has three desires (i.e. such desires which perpetually makes demands).

(1) The desire to eat. Repose trust on Allah Azza Wa Jal in this regard. (i.e. Be careful what you eat and how you eat).

(2) The desire to speak. Speak the truth and what is beneficial. (Abstain from falsehood and futility).

(3) The desire to look. Cast looks of Ibrat, i.e. derive lesson and admonition from whatever you look at.”

*   “ There are three kinds of Jihad.

(1) The silent Jihad against shaitaan until this accursed one is defeated.

(2) The open Jihad, i.e. the fulfilment of the Commands of Allah Azza Wa Jal.

(3) The Jihad against the kuffaar until they are killed or you are killed.”

* “The initial stage of Zuhd (i.e. renouncing the world) is to repose trust on Allah Ta’ala. Its middle stage is Sabr, and its final stage is Ikhlaas.”

* “Everything has an adornment. The adornment of Ibaadat is Khauf (Fear for Allah Ta’ala). The sign of Khauf is the absence of hope (i.e. having hope on anyone or for anything of this world).”

* “If you desire to be the friend of Allah Azza Wa Jal, then be pleased with His every decree. If you desire to be recognized in the heavens, then be truthful and honour your promises.”

* “Haste is from shaitaan except in five acts.

(1) Feeding the guests.

(2) Burial of the mayyit (deceased).

(3) The marriage of a baalighah girl.

(4) Payment of debt.

(5) Repenting for sins.

* When Hadhrat Haatim came to the city of Baghdad, the people informed the Khlaifah that the Zaahid of Khuraasaan has arrived. The Khalifah sent for him. As Hadhrat Haatim entered the palace doorway he exclaimed: Assalamu Alaika, O Zaahid!’. The Khalifah responded: “I am not a zaahid because the world is under my governance. You are a zaahid.” Hadhrat Haatim said: “In fact you are a zaahid.” The Khalifah asked him to explain how he has become a zaahid. Hadhrat Haatim recited the Qur’aanic aayat:

”Say (O Muhammad!): ‘ The provision of the world is little.”

You are satisfied with this little worldly provision while I am not contented with the whole world and the Aakhirat. How can I be a zaahid?”