Scattered Pearls 1

INTRODUCTION
This is a short compilation of selected sayings and anecdotes of the illustrious Auliyaa (the special friends—saints) of Allah Ta'ala. The perpetuation of Islam in its original purity has been ensured by the various classes of Auliyaa among whom are also found the great Fuqaha, Muhadditheen and Mufassireen.

The sayings and anecdotes presented in this book belong to the domain of Islamic morality, spirituality and the remembrance of Allah, which in fact is the goal of life. No order has been observed in this compilation. It is essentially a book of Naseehat—advice and admonition. The aim of these advices is to create a concern (fikr) in the Muslim for the Aakhirah for which mankind as been created. Rasulullah ( صلى الله عايه وسالم ) said: "Verily, the world has been created for you and you have been created for the Aakhirah."

Careful, sincere and reflective reading of the Naseehat of the Auliyaa will create the desired effect, viz. remembrance of Allah and the Aakhirah. The sincere reader in the quest of the truth will derive from this book the necessary enthusiasm to impel him further on in the search for the Path leading to Allah's Proximity.

The company (suhbat) of the Auliyaa is the only sure means of acquiring Islamic moral character and Nearness to Allah Ta'ala. It is precisely for this reason that the Qur'aan commands:

"And join the company of the Saadiqeen (Auliyaa)."

"Devote your nafs to the company of those who call their Rabb morning and evening intending (thereby) His Face. . ."

Thus, the Qur'aan Majeed commands association–constant companionship–with the Auliyaa. Such company produces love for Allah Ta'ala. In these days of fitnah and fasaad (mischief and corruption) there is an acute dearth of Auliyaa. In fact, the world has become bereft of the illustrious type of Auliyaa–of former times. In such spiritually and morally decadent times when there is no physical suhbat of the Auliyaa, the next best option is to study their lives, sayings and anecdotes which will most certainly imbue in the heart the yearning for Allah's Proximity. Towards the achievement of this aim, we present this book which we have named SCATTERED PEARLS.

Do remember the compilers in your dua. Mujlisul Ulama of South Africa P.O. Box 3393, Port Elizabeth, 6056 South Africa Ramadhaan 1417 – January 1997