Q: Imaan-4 : Are the miracles of the Auliyaa (saints and friends of Allah jalle jalalahu) true or not?

Answer: The miracles of the Auliyaa are true and substantiated by the Quraan and Ahadeeth. It is stated in the book "Aqaa'idun Nasafi" (Pg.12) that the miracles of the Auliyaa are true.

It should however be borne in mind that the mischief of Shaytaan is also a reality and it is not within the ability of just any person to distinguish between the miracles of the saints and the mischief of shaytaan. There is an incident reported in this regard.

Hadhrat Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jaylaani RAH. relates' "l once stayed awhile In a deserted forest. One day, I became extremely thirsty and despite searching for water, I could find none. Just then, a cloud appeared and some raindrops stared to fall, which gave me some comfort' However, a light then beamed from the cloud, which illuminated the entire sky. A most remarkable apparition then took shape that addressed me with the message: ?O Abdul Qaadir! I am your Rabb and am making all Haraam things Halaal for you. You may therefore do as you please because you will not be questioned.' I immediately said (I seek Allaah's protection from the accursed shaytaan'). Accursed shaytaan! Get away, from here what nonsense are you talking?! As soon as I recited (audhu billahi minas shaytannirrajim) the light furned to darkness, the apparition disappeared and a voice said" O Abdul Qaadir! It is because of your knowledge of the Shari'ah, your insight, your Taqwa and the fact that you ate a wise and pious scholar that has saved you from me. I have already misled seventy ascetic worshippers and Sufis at this very place. "O wretch!' I said, 'l have been saved only because the grace of Allaah."2

This incident makes it evident that just any person cannot distinguish between the miracle of a saint and the mischief of Shaytaan. Regarding every extraordinary feat to be a miracle and placing one's faith in it is often a cause of deviation. And Allaah knows best what is most correct.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.1

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