Monday, 26th Rabīʿ al-Awwal 1435H
His Maula, Imam al-Zaman, appointed him (al-Dai al-Ajal al-Fatimi Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA) as his vicegerent amongst the umma during the Imam’s seclusion. The Imam ordained him his gate, his veil and his chamberlain. He was an eminent proof; he was singularly unique with no equal. And “None can inform you like the one who is All-aware” (35:14). He was the most eloquent of all people. His manners and behaviour were a delightful, beautiful garden. He had acquired sublime perfection and magnificent beauty. His splendid banner was firmly planted in the highest degrees of excellence, and his grace and benevolence led blissfully towards jannat. His attainment of all virtuous qualities ensured that his adherents were well-provisioned with blessing after blessing for their journey towards the Hereafter. He was a prominent banner and “a Dāʿī (summoner) to Allah by His permission and a beacon of light” (33:46). His character was flawless, “and his disposition is of Tasnīm (a spring in heaven)” (83:27). His roots were pure, and his resolve was undeterred. In his outward and evident actions he inspired awe, yet “within him were grace and mercy” (57:13). Upon ascending to the station of his predecessor,he brought it furter grandeur and splendour, “And Allah knows where to place His message” (6:124).
At the tragedy of his demise, the sun of the Righteous Dawat has eclipsed, uttering “The approaching ‘Hour of Judgment’ has drawn near; none save Allah can avert it” (53:57-58). And when upon his passing, the tree of life wilted, “the Hour drew nearer and the moon split into two” (54:1). Alas, we suffer with anguish at his loss. “Surely to Allah we belong, and unto him, we shall all return” (2:156).
His succeeding al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Taher Saifuddin was among the greatest of things Allah had honoured him with. As was his position as the qibla of the Duʿat, those who have renounced worldly possessions and show no interest in the material world. His redolent manners emanated the fragrance of roses and daffodils. As for his eloquence, all those who heard him speak spontaneously proclaimed, “This is nothing but evident enchantment” (37:15). His demise is a great tragedy the likes of which no difficulty can even compare. It is a heart rending calamity best expressed in Allah words: “Indeed, it hurls sparks [as big] as huge buildings” (77:32).
O the heart’s agony! Where now is that someone whose very presence transported us to meadows of bounty and bliss? He is gone now and those meadows are “reduced to ashes” (68:20). His loss has truly filled us with grief; we are in distress and anguish. In him (Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA) we truly saw and heard Syedna Taher Saifuddin. It was as if we were unsure if he (Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA) had even really passed, “until the certitude (of death) came to us” (74:47) [with the passing of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA]. [In losing Syedna Burhanuddin RA] we have lost his (Syedna Taher Saifuddin) successor and living image who rejoined him after following his example in completing fifty bountiful years. He ascended to heaven and was received with “vessels, pitchers and cups of pure water” (56:18). At the time of his passing, patience and restraint were inconceivable. “Then and there Mumineen (the faithful) were tested and were violently shaken” (33:11). Is there a tragedy greater or more agonizing than this? “Indeed, this is greatly astonishing” (38:5).
He (Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA) is a treasure of rubies. He is a scripture of light inscribed by the right hand of He who gives life and nourishes it. He (Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA) is an erudite, sagacious and dignified Dai. He is a perceptive, trustworthy and resolute guide. He is an intellect bestowed with the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. He has been endowed with character that emanates with the fragrance of roses and jasmine, and virtues which shine like precious pearls.
He perceived with Allah’s Light and respired from the air of Imami guidance. He bestowed various honours and distinguished himself with marks of knowledge and traits of wisdom. He is our beloved Maula, Syedna Abu al-Qaidjohar Mohammed Burhanuddin; may Allah extend the life of the radiance emanating from his noble countenance until the day of Qiyamat. How many times has he recited in this masjid (Ghurat al-Masājid), this very place, on the day of ʿĀshūrāʾ, the shahādat of Imam Husain, the Lord of Martyrs? How many times has he bestowed on Mumineen the barakat of his final sajda and ultimate duʿāʾ — barakat which persists to this day for it is linked to the memory of that sajda and that duʿāʾ. How many times has he cried out: Ya Husain! Ya Husain! His call of Ya Husain reminds Mumineen of his father, Syedna Taher Saifuddin’s, following verse:
It behoves us to sacrifice for him (Imam Husain) our souls — not just gold and silver.
May Allah increase his exalted sanctity, and bless us with his utmost care and eminent concern.