Ebrahim Moosa – 18 Rabi uth Thani 1438/17 January 2017

It is truly hard to quantify the depths of shock you encounter, when you had shared the company of a soul most recently, only to hear of that individual’s unexpected departure barely a few hours later. That shock is only magnified, when the individual involved is of such a high spiritual standing – a man whose mere presence could not leave one untouched.

I did not know Hazrat Moulana Abdul Hafeez Makki RA personally, nor did I enjoy any special relationship with him. I, like many others, was just an ordinary seeker, who would endeavour to take benefit from his uplifting discourses whenever he was around. There are obviously scholars and confidants far more well versed in Hazrat Moulana’s life and teachings, who would doubtlessly be sharing the brilliance that was his service to Islam in the days to come.

From my side then, this little journal entry of mine, is merely a reflection of just how numb and stirred I feel, having been endowed with a farewell set of cherished glimpses of Moulana on Sunday, that I now feel utterly compelled to share.

Hazrat Moulana had landed in South Africa on Saturday, January 14. On Sunday evening, as was previously announced, it was expected that he would be having an Islahi Majlis at Khanqah Khaliliyah Makkiyah in Johannesburg, as part of his itinerary.

After Maghrib Salaah at the Masjid, which Hazrat RA performed on a chair, the Majlis began with recital of Surah Yaseen for the collective of the Ummah. The rendition of the 40 Durood followed, after which collective Zikr was made. Hazrat Moulana sat on the floor, but did not lead any of the proceedings.

As the Majlis continued, at a certain juncture, Hazrat Moulana notified the audience through the host of news that had just reached him of the demise of Hazrat Moulana Saleemullah Khan RA in Pakistan, and special duas were requested for the deceased.

For those who had gathered, it was widely expected that Moulana, as the guest of honour, would be addressing the Majlis at some stage, even briefly. This, for all present, was, after all, one of the key catalysts of them coming. However, as it was to be, Hazrat Moulana opted not to do so on the evening.

Moulana Junaid Hassim instead shared a few words requesting Duas for Barakah on the upcoming tour, and thanking Hazrat Moulana for coming to South Africa in spite of his health difficulties.

Curiously, even when the time for making Dua arrived, then too did Hazrat RA politely decline, again requesting Moulana Junaid to lead it instead.

His words at this juncture still clearly ring through my ears:

“Khayrul Kalaam ma Qalla wa Dalla,” he said smilingly, quoting the famous Arabic saying that indicates that which is short and to the point to be the best speech.

At the conclusion of the Dua, all those in the Majlis slowly made their way over to Hazrat, who was still sitting upon the floor, greeting him in turn. Some presented to him their special needs and requests for Duas. I recall one brother imploring him to include a visit to his town as part of the current itinerary, to which, after consulting, Moulana RA politely said was not possible, but promised to follow up on a subsequent visit – a commitment he urged be put in writing.

Whilst greeting, Moulana Junaid requested of all guests to take special care in steering clear of Hazrat RA’s feet so as to not cause him any difficulty.

With still a few minutes remaining for Isha Athaan, Hazrat RA requested a Mushaf and proceeded to sit at the forefront of the Masjid where he engaged in Tilawah of the Quraan.

After Isha, he met and greeted a few more people, after which he walked, with assistance, to one of the Khanqah’s rooms to take meals.

With not too many guests needing to be fed, I was fortunate, along with about 10 others, to be afforded a place at the same dastarkhaan where he sat, for what Allah destined to be one of Hazrat’s final meals on this earth.

Gazing at him from barely 2 metres away, my eyes met that sublime face that radiated gentleness, that gait that exuded humility and that intermittent smile that had melted hearts. He sat relaxed, eating lightly as an attendant shared with him some general news and anecdotes.

His gaze was fixed mostly downward, and towards those who interacted with him at his immediate end of the tablecloth.

Just before he was to get up, a platter of watermelon did its final round of the dastarkhan, and by the time it was to reach him, there was just one piece remaining, that was duly offered to him. Having completed eating already, Hazrat gently declined and got ready to depart, but not before sealing the gathering with a memorably fragrant breeze.

“Khitamuhu misk,” he announced as he handed over the lone piece of melon to his neighbour.

Hazrat RA was quoting an Ayah from Surah al Mutafifin, wherein Allah SWT continues a series of descriptions from previous Ayaat that detail the delights the Abrar (righteous) will enjoy in Paradise.

“The last thereof is musk. So for this, let the competitors compete,” reads a translation of these Words of Allah.

Hazrat RA had completed the marathon of this earthly life. Now was his time to race to Allah.

He rose to his feet with a slight exertion and then walked away slowly with the assistance of an aide toward the side door of the Masjid where a conveyance awaited him.

As I took to washing my hands, little was I aware that Hazrat Moulana Abdul Hafeez Makki RA had just begun the last leg of his farewell earthly voyage.

(During Sunday evening’s Majlis, upon the announcement of the news of the demise of Hazrat Moulana Saleemullah Khan RA, Moulana Junaid Hassim made reference to the practice of Hazrat Sheikh Moulana Mohammed Zakariyyah RA – Moulana Abdul Hafeez RA’s spiritual mentor – who would immediately upon receipt of news of any Muslim’s passing away, send Esale Thawaab for the deceased, without indulging in futile conversation about the circumstances of death etc. Ina similar spirit, with a heart tinged from love and longing, we pour out our Duas for this elevation of heavenly status of this spiritual icon, and beseech the Almighty that we are able to continue deriving benefit from his sacred legacy.)