The Grief of His Loss & the Strength of His Memory

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا وَمَسَاكِنَ طَيِّبَةً فِي جَنَّاتِ عَدْنٍ ۚ وَرِضْوَانٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ

'Allah has promised to Mumineen, men and women, jannats under which rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in jannats of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the good pleasure of Allah: that is the supreme felicity.'

(Surat al-Tawba: 72)

This article was written by Ra'sul Hududil Mayameen Janab Syedi Aziz Bhaisaheb Qutbuddin in 2016.

In the Rasail Ikhwan al-Safa, Imam Ahmed al-Mastur SA narrates that when the wise philosopher Socrates was breathing his last few breaths, his disciples gathered around him and wept in grief. Socrates told them that they, his students, of all people should know that he was going to a far better place - a place free from worry and deceit, a place of eternal peace. “Why do you weep for me when you know that I am leaving your company for the company of great philosophers and noble men?” Still weeping his disciples replied, “we know that you will be in Paradise. We do not weep for you, we weep for us. We weep for the benevolent and wise father who we are losing. We weep for our loss.”

A few years ago, a student of a prestigious university left for some time to seek knowledge from Syedna Khuzaima Qutbuddin RA. Surprised at her decision, her counsellors questioned her choice. She replied, “if you had the chance to sit at the feet of Socrates and learn his wisdom, would you let that opportunity pass?”

As we attempt to come to terms with the loss of Syedna Qutbuddin, we try to overcome our state of shock and disbelief of coming to Darus Sakina for ziarat, and not qadambosi. When we reflect on our memories, we can scarcely believe that such an incredible force of humanity and spirituality graced our lives and prayed for us every night and day. Syedna Qutbuddin completely expended his self and soul for the service of Dawat and Imamuz-Zaman SA, fighting to protect the safinah of Dawat till the very end, despite the storms it weathered. He stood unwaveringly at the helm of this ship, unflinchingly facing each seemingly impossible wave. He served his father Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA throughout his formative years leading into adulthood, then his brother Syedna Burhanuddin RA for 50 years as his Mansoos and Mazoon, and then as the Dai al-Mutlaq he served Imamuz-Zaman SA for 2 years and 3 months. Throughout his life, Syedna Qutbuddin’s conviction, sincerity, and compassion was a lighthouse for Mumineen as they toiled through this stormy world.

In was in the darkest of times that Syedna’s tawwakul was most awe inspiring. Especially after the wafaat of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA, when there was an overwhelming sense of grief that was interrupted by the abuse and violence of those who usurped the seat of Dawat, Syedna Qutbuddin led 40 days of Khatmul Quran Majlis with incredible respect and dignity. In the face of degenerate behavior, he was unaffected and concentrated on the days of mourning and remembering Syedna Burhanuddin. Syedna Qutbuddin was truthful, he was on Haqq, and so he was at peace.

Syedna Qutbuddin’s eternal image is of a steadfast warrior holding firm the banner of Dawat (liwa’), no matter how strong the winds filled with hail and stones stormed against him. Despite the unrelenting challenges, he stood firm. His strength came from an unwavering faith in the Almighty, a relentless conviction to serve His Dawat, and a tireless desire to care for Mumineen.

Is not the banner of our Fatemi Imams raised high in the heavens by their Du’aat (Syedna Taher Saifuddin)

Syedna Qutbuddin ascended to Jannat only after passing this banner of Dawat to one who is the image of a young Syedna Qutbuddin and has the spirit and voice of a young Syedna Qutbuddin, his son and Mansoos, Syedna Taher Fakhruddin TUS. Through him, Syedna Qutbuddin’s legacy endures. Through him, Syedna Qutbuddin’s wishes for Dawat and our community will be fulfilled. Through him, we find hope in this difficult time.

Sabar is the only remedy for our crushing grief. Syedna Qutbuddin’s example of sabar, himmat and optimism is unparalleled. His compassion and doa for every Mumin, every minute of every day, is beyond compare. Mumineen will aspire to follow his example for generations to come. We will be forever grateful that we were fortunate and blessed to witness his divine presence. His smile is forever etched in our hearts and his conviction will forever inspire our souls. Future generations will wonder in awe that such a saint in flesh and blood walked this very earth. Let us honor Syedna Qutbuddin’s life and sacrifices by following his example - by standing steadfast by the truth, and by serving his successor in order to fulfill Syedna Qutbuddin’s dreams. May Allah Ta’ala give us all the opportunity, the courage, and the ability to build and complete Syedna Qutbuddin’s vision together under the saya and guidance of Syedna Fakhruddin.