The power of longing & action profoundly shapes our destiny, as illustrated by this moving story from Medina. This tale emphasizes the critical role of sincere intention and consistent effort in achieving a favorable outcome.
A Tale of Destiny: Longing, Action, and Medina
Narrated by Ismail Hakkı Bursevî, this is a poignant account shared with a virtuous individual residing in the blessed city of Medina, who held the esteemed position of muezzin at the revered Rawda and oversaw the burial rites for the deceased.
The Story Unfolds
The question posed to him was:
“Throughout your years serving these beautiful duties, have you witnessed anything extraordinary or unusual?”
He responded:
“Indeed, I have. But one incident particularly struck me.
One day, we were preparing a body for burial in the Baqi Cemetery – a man who consistently prayed at Rawda. As we prepared to lower him into the grave, individuals from the unseen realm (may Allah know best) lifted him and transported him far away. In his place, they brought someone from afar and laid them to rest.
I was astonished by this event and inquired about its wisdom from those responsible. They explained:
- “This man lived in our blessed city for a long time. However, when he felt the heat and discomfort of the sun, he would lament, ‘Oh, my homeland’s air and water!’”
- “The one we transported from afar lived in his own land according to the Sunnah and character of the Prophet (peace be upon him), always dreaming of joining us here with great longing. He repeatedly expressed, ‘Oh Medina, Oh Rawda, O Messenger of Allah!’ – and attained this blessed end.”
A Profound Lesson
Love is like a current connecting two hearts. Shaykh Veysel Karanî, despite his physical distance from the Prophet (peace be upon him), benefited spiritually through the bond of heartfelt closeness and connection born from his profound love. Numerous spiritual exchanges transpired between those two hearts.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once turned towards Yemen and said:
“I hear the breath of mercy coming from Yemen.” (Tabarani, Kabir, VII, 52/6358)
This demonstrates that distance is insignificant when hearts are connected by love. Conversely, even physical proximity is futile if hearts are estranged. Hence, the saying “My Yemen is with me, and mine is in Yemen” has become a well-known expression.
Physical separation does not lead to spiritual separation; at times, the longing itself brings hearts closer together, uniting them into one.
As for us, even though we are part of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) ummah, living far away after 14 centuries, our closeness to him depends on how closely we resemble him in character and conduct. True proximity to the Prophet (peace be upon him) is linked only to taqwa – righteousness.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The closest of people to me are those who are most righteous, wherever they may be.” (Ahmed, V, 235; Heysemi, IX, 22)