56. Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe!

Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect. [Al-Ahzab (33:56)]

Thursday, September 20, 2007

"Call him Syed Ahmad"

Shaykh Muhammad Bin Ilias Saon Gharfoshi (rahmatullahi alaihe) was the father of Syed Ahmad Saon (rahmatullahi alaihe). Muhammad Gharfoshi (rahmatullahi alaihe) used to live in Punjab, Pakistan. He passed away in 1593 A.D. After his demise, his son Syed Ahmad Saon (rahmatullahi alaihe) succeeded him.

Jahangir was the Emperor of the Indian subcontinent during the time of Syed Ahmad Saon (rahmatullahi alaihe). The Emperor called Syed Ahmad Saon (rahmatullahi alaihe) to capital Agra.

Syed Ahmad Saon (rahmatullahi alaihe) came to the royal court but refused to prostrate before the Emperor as it was the usual practice during the time. Because of his refusal, Syed Ahmad Saon (rahmatullahi alaihe) was incarcerated in jail in Gwalior for three years.

During his confinement, Syed Ahmad Saon (rahmatullahi alaihe) used to show utmost respect to the chains which were used to confine him. He used to say: “These have shown me the right path.” He was an Owaisi.

Syed Ahmad Saon (rahmatullahi alaihe) lived to be eighty years old. He was buried in his hometown. He was called “Saon” because of the following reasons.

The father of Syed Ahmad Saon (rahmatullahi alaihe) was once blessed with the auspicious vision of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in a dream. In the dream, the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) stated: “Your son Sheikh Ahmad is among my descendants. Do not call him Sheikh Ahmad. Call him Syed Ahmad.”

From that day on, Sheikh Ahmad took on the title of Syed Ahmad.