Bread from the dream

Shaikh Abul Khair Tasniatul Akhtar was afflicted with a serious ailment in one of his legs. Physicians of the time wanted to amputate his leg. However, Abul Khair did not agree to the amputation. His disciples suggested that the amputation could take place when the Shaikh stood for salaat since he became totally oblivious to the outside world during his salaat. In the end, the amputation was carried out while the Shaikh was in salaat. After the completion of salaat, the Shaikh discovered that his leg was amputated. Upon realization, the Shaikh asked: “What happened to my leg?”

“Tasniat” is a place situated in Egypt. Shaikh Abul Khair’s tawakkul (reliance) upon Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wa Tala'a was almost unmatched. Even the tiger of the jungle was loyal to him. His name was Hammad. He passed away in 322 hijri.

Shaikh Abul Khair narrates that he was without food for five consecutive days. He had not eaten anything at all during those five days. On the 6^th day, Shaikh Abul Khair arrived at the blessed Rouza-e-Rasool Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in Madinah al-Munawara. Shaikh Abul Khair conveyed his salaam to the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). He also conveyed his salaam to Hazrat Abu Bakr (radi Allah unhu) and to Hazrat Omar (radi Allah unhu). Afterwards, Shaikh Abul Khair stated: “Oh Rasool Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam)! Today, I am your guest.” Shaikh Abul Khair then lied down behind the Pulpit. After some time, Shaikh Abul Khair was blessed with the auspicious vision of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in a dream. In the dream, the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) arrived accompanied by the Companions. Hazrat Abu Bakr (radi Allah unhu) was to the right of the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). Hazrat Omar (radi Allah unhu) was to the left and Hazrat Ali (radi Allah unhu) was in the front. In the dream, Shaikh Abul Khair got up and kissed the blessed forehead of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). The Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) gave Shaikh Abul Khair a loaf of bread.

Shaikh Abul Khair woke up after he had eaten half of the bread in the dream. The other half remained in his hand.