We have seen in earlier posts how a young Inayat was awakened to an interest in Sufism, and how he began his search for a teacher. Here we see the destined meeting with his murshid, a moment that completely changed his life.
This experience of different Murshids prepared me for the ideal master, and after six months of continual searching I chanced to visit an old and revered acquaintance, Maulana Khairulmubin, to whom I confided my desire to embrace Sufism.
While reflecting on the matter he suddenly received a telepathic message that his friend, a great Murshid, was about to come to him. He at once arranged a seat of honor, placing cushions upon it, and walked towards the gate in order to bid him welcome.
After a period of suspense the Pir-o-Murshid entered, bringing with him a very great sense of light. As all those present greeted him, bowing down in their humility, it seemed to me all at once that I had seen him before, but where I could not recall. At last, after gazing at him earnestly, I remembered that his was the face which so persistently haunted me during my silence. The proof of this was manifested as soon as his eyes fell on me. He turned to his host, saying, ‘O Maulana, tell me who this young man may be? He appeals intensely to my spirit.’
Maulana Khairulmubin answered, ‘Your holiness, this young man is a genius in music, and he desires greatly to submit himself to your inspiring guidance.’
Then the Master smiled and granted the request, initiating me into Sufism there and then.
The day is short, the work abundant, the laborers inactive, the reward great, and the master of the house urges on.
– Hebrew saying
Muhammad Abu Hassim Madani belonged to a distinguished family of Medina, and was a direct descendant of the Holy Prophet. My joy in him was so great that it found its expression in poetry and music. I had at last found my pearl among men, my guide, my treasure, and beacon of hope. I composed a song and sang it to him, and this I feel certain has brought me all my success, and will aid me in my future life.
And this was my song:
Thou art my salvation and freedom is mine,
I am not; I melt as a pearl in sweet wine!
My heart, soul, and self, yea, all these are thine;
O Lord I have no more to offer!
I drink of the nectar of truth the divine,
As Moses thy word, as Yusuf they shine
who walk in thy ways; and Christ is thy sign:
Thou raisest to life everlasting!
Thou art as Muhammad to them that repine,
My spirit is purged as the gold from a mine!
I only know that my heart beats with thine,
And joys in boundless freedom!
My Murshid greatly appreciated this outburst of love on my part, and exclaimed in deep emotion, ‘Be thou blessed with divine light and illuminate the beloved ones of Allah!’
To be continued…