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HONOURING A SAYYID – THE TRANSFORMATION AND ELEVATION OF JUNAID BAGHDAADI
Prior to his entry into the Path of Divine Love and Proximity, Hadhrat Junaid Bagdhaadi (rahmatullah alayh) was a powerful wrestling champion in the employ of the king. He had defeated numerous wrestlers from all parts of the world.
Once a lean man who appeared physically weak came to the king and issued a challenge to wrestle with Hadhrat Junaid. The king looking at the physical state of the man said: “Junaid is a powerful wrestler while you are a handful of bones. You cannot wrestle with him.” The man pleaded and said: “Do not look at my physique. The decision will be in the arena. I challenge your Junaid.” Finally the king agreed.
A date was fixed for a public wrestling match.
On the arranged date, thousands of people came to witness the match. When the two wrestlers met in the arena, the man whispered to Hadhrat Junaid: ‘I am a member of the family of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). I am destitute with a wife and children. You can now make your choice.”
The heart of Junaid melted. Tears welled up in his eyes. The contest began. After a few minutes of combat Junaid feigned defeat and fell down. There was a hue and cry from the audience and the king was shocked. He ordered another round. The same thing happened. Again a hue and cry, and the king ordered a third round.
In this round, Hadhrat Junaid dropped down totally ‘defeated’.
There was a tumultuous uproar and Junaid was humiliated and mocked from all sides. But in honour of the holy relationship, he chose the humiliation.
The king piled the new ‘champion’ with considerable wealth and gifts. He departed a wealthy man. The king summoned Junaid and sought an explanation. When Junaid explained the episode, the king was amazed, and said: “O Junaid! May everything be sacrificed for you. For the honour of a Sayyid you preferred being disgraced and to lose everything.”
That very night, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) appeared in a dream to Junaid, and said: “Congratulations, O Junaid! You have acquitted yourself wonderfully regarding my offspring. In return, you will soon meet with me.”
In the morning Hadhrat Junaid gave away all his belongings. He donned a simple coarse garment and joined the companionship of Hadhrat Sirri Saqati (rahmatullah alayh).
(Haven of Serenity)
PERHAPS WE TODAY HAVE THE SAME OPPURTUNITY AS HAZRAT JUNAID RAHMATULLAHI ALAY.
THE SLIGHT DIFFERENCE IS WE ALL HAVE THE OPPURTUNITY TO HONOR THE SUNNAH OF NABI ALAYHIS SALAAM WHERE JUNAID HAD THE OPPURTUNITY TO HONOR THE FAMILY OF NABI ALAYHIS SALAAM.
AND ALLAH IS KIND AND LOVING TO HIS SLAVES. (QALAMUL HAQ)
