Madani travelogue
Travel diaries
Maulana ‘Abdul Habib ‘Attari Madani
For quite some time, I wished to contribute to the work of Dawat-e-Islami in Egypt and bask in the blessings of the saints laid to rest there.
The importance of Egypt
Egypt is a significant religious, cultural, and historical part of the world, mentioned in the Quran and ancient writings.
On Tuesday, 3rd March 2020, at roughly 10.00 pm PKT, the journey began from Karachi to Jeddah, then from Jeddah to Egypt. Although visitors for Umrah were not given entry due to Covid-19 restrictions at that time, I had a 2-year Multiple Visa and was granted entry upon arrival at 1.00 am, by the grace of Allah Almighty.
As I exited the airport, a group of brothers greeted me and the four brothers travelling with me. We arrived at their home at 2.00 am. Many Islamic brothers from India joined us for what was a blessed meal with blessed company. We exchanged views and shared our experiences about pertinent matters relating to the work of Islam.
In Mecca again, my Lord
We then decided that if there was enough time, we will visit the Holy Ka’bah to gain the honour of performing Tawaf in Rajab. At around 4.00 am, we reached the Haram Sharif and performed the rites.
Back to Jeddah
Our flight from Jeddah was scheduled for 9.00 am. We prayed Fajr Salah in Mecca before immediately setting off for Jeddah. Arriving just after 7.00 am, we realised that there is a new terminal for Saudi Airlines at Jeddah Airport and our flight is scheduled to take off from there. It is advisable to arrive at the airport about three hours before the flight so that unexpected events, such as the one we found ourselves in, do not cause you to miss your flight.
Arriving in Cairo
We arrived in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, at 12.00 pm on 4th March 2020. Despite it being a working day, many Islamic brothers welcomed us at the airport. They included students studying at Al-Azhar University.
When we arrived at our temporary residence from the airport, the time for Zuhr Salah had already begun. After offering Salah, dined and then rested till the Asr. After the Asr Salah, we dealt with some important matters and then headed to the venue of the convocation (Ijtima’) after praying Maghrib Salah.
Student convocation
A student convocation was organised under Dawat-e-Islami in Cairo. Many students of Al-Azhar University were in attendance. The organisers had planned for 150-200 students, but by the grace of Allah Almighty, more than 300 students attended. The venue was packed with students from Egypt, Sudan, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Sri-Lanka, Pakistan, and Syria. I had the privilege of delivering a lecture about the responsibilities of an Islamic Scholar.
The grace of Attar
The love with which the attendees met me after the convocation was a truly remarkable sight. I was amazed that in a country where I have no relatives or friends, all these people flooded me with love and care. No doubt, this is the blessings of Dawat-e-Islami and the graceful sight of my guide and leader, Shaykh-e-Tareeqat, Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat, that has granted me such honour and respect in this world that cannot be bought even by spending millions. May Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ preserve this connection of ours even in the grave and the Hereafter, and may He bestow us with honour and dignity in the Hereafter.
Contacts through Social Media
مَا شَــآءَالـلّٰـه, the blessings of Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat and Dawat-e-Islami are found even in Cairo. Throughout the night, we received invitations from across Egypt. I always tried to reply to everyone and invite them all to meet us, because the more connections we make here, the easier it will be to do the work of Islam.
The honour of Egypt
Egypt is a locus of spiritual blessings, brimming with shrines of Companions and saints, flooded by their lights and secrets. Throughout this journey, we had the honour of visiting many mausoleums, and many other sacred sites, which will be described in future parts. We also recorded a few programmes for Madani Channel which were aired under the title ‘Raazon ki Sarzameen.’ To see clips of our journey and various sacred sites, click on the following link, /bit.ly/3p16bmX, or scan the QR code below.
May Allah Almighty accept this journey and allow us to contribute to the works of Dawat-e-Islami in Egypt.
اٰمِیْن
بِجَاہِ النَّبِیِّ الْاَمِیْن صَلَّی اللہ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلہٖ وَسَلَّم
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