A Spiritual Journey with Sheikhuna

Travelogue:

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah alone, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family, and his companions.

Embarking on a spiritual journey is a profound experience, a quest to seek closeness to the Divine and to immerse oneself in the teachings and blessings of Islam. This travelogue narrates our blessed journey, guided by the esteemed Sheikhuna (our respected spiritual teacher) Ibrahim Baqavi al Haithami, as we traversed sacred sites, mosques, and dargahs, each step deepening our connection to Allah and our understanding of the faith.

قُلْ سِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ بَدَأَ ٱلْخَلْقَ ۚ ثُمَّ ٱللَّهُ يُنشِئُ ٱلنَّشْأَةَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌۭ

QURAN 29:20

As we boarded the bus, our hearts filled with gratitude and anticipation. The recitation of dhikrs (remembrance of Allah) resonated within us, invoking His presence throughout our travels. Led by Sheikhuna, we embarked on this spiritual odyssey, united by a shared reverence for our beloved Sheikhuna and the teachings he imparted.

Prayer became the compass guiding our every step, the pillar upon which our journey stood. The rhythm of our days was intertwined with the five daily prayers, led by Sheikhuna, our spiritual guide. We joined together, prostrating in unison, seeking forgiveness, guidance, and blessings from the Almighty. Each prayer served as a reminder of our purpose, our connection to Allah, and our unwavering devotion.

Through the teachings of Sheikhuna, we were enlightened about the principles of Jamm and Qasr, the combining and compressing of prayers permissible for travelers. These teachings allowed us to maintain our spiritual commitment even as we journeyed to distant lands, never straying from the path of righteousness.

As we set foot in each sacred place, the atmosphere enveloped us with a sense of reverence. The dargahs and masjids echoed with our collective supplications, as we sought blessings and spiritual enlightenment. Our hearts swelled with gratitude for the opportunity to visit these holy sites, to absorb the spiritual energy, and to connect with the spiritual legacy of our faith.

This travelogue is a testament to the transformative power of prayer, the guidance of our Sheikhuna, and the collective devotion of our fellow travellers. It is a chronicle of our spiritual journey, where every step drew us closer to Allah, where every prayer illuminated our souls, and where every experience enriched our understanding of Islam.

May this travelogue inspire others to embark on their own spiritual journeys, seeking the closeness of Allah and the nourishment of the soul. May it serve as a reminder that in the pursuit of worldly travels, the true destination lies in the realm of the heart and the eternal connection to the Divine.

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ

Quran 13:28

Day 1 - July 1, 2023

Our spiritual journey began at 5:55 pm as students of Bayanul Uloom Dhars, an Islamic institution located in Muttichira. Under the guidance and blessings of our beloved Sheikhuna, Ibrahim Baqavi al Haithami, we embarked on a journey to seek the gathering of all believers in heaven.

We gathered at the Muttichira Shuhada Mosque, a place that holds a special significance for us. The mosque stands as a symbol of unity and devotion. We gathered together and recited Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Yaseen, Surah Ikhlas, and the Muawwidhatain (the last two chapters of the Quran) as a collective act of devotion. These recitations were done at every location we visited, throughout our journey. After offering our prayers, we boarded the Puttekkaat Holidays bus with registration number KL 38 A 0007, which was arranged for our journey.

As the bus set off, anticipation filled the air. Our hearts were eager to learn and experience the spiritual teachings that awaited us. The journey itself was a beautiful opportunity to bond with fellow students and strengthen our connection with our faith.

During the bus journey, the senior students led us in reciting the recommended dhikrs (remembrance of Allah) for the journey. It was a beautiful way to connect with our spirituality and set the tone for the entire trip.These dhikrs continued throughout our trip whenever we boarded the bus.

At 8:06 pm, we arrived at our first destination, the Nattukal Valiyullahi Makham & Muhyudheen Juma Masjid. The mosque stood gracefully amidst serene surroundings, exuding a sense of tranquillity. Sheikhuna, our esteemed teacher and spiritual guide, enlightened us about the concepts of jamm and qasr, which allow for the combining and compressing of Salah during long travels. His teachings served as a reminder of the flexibility and practicality of our faith.

At 8:50 pm, Sheikhuna led us in the Maghrib and Isha prayers, combining them as per the teachings he had just shared. It was a profound experience to stand in a congregation, led by our beloved Sheikhuna. The prayers brought us closer to our Creator and deepened our connection with each other as a community of believers.

Following the prayers, we were nourished both spiritually and physically. We enjoyed a delicious meal of Chicken Biryani, prepared with love and care in Muttichira. The aroma of the fragrant rice and spices filled the air, adding to the warmth and joy of our gathering.

This was just the beginning of our spiritual journey. We eagerly looked forward to the days ahead, knowing that each moment would bring us closer to our ultimate goal: gathering in heaven under the guidance and blessings of our beloved Sheikhuna. With renewed energy and faith, we continued our travels, ready to embrace the spiritual treasures that awaited us.

At 9:45 pm, we boarded the bus again, bidding farewell to the Nattukal Masjid. Our next destination awaited, and the journey continued.

Throughout the day, while travelling on the bus, we recited the Haddad Ratheeb, seeking blessings and protection. This recitation fostered a spiritual atmosphere and connected us to the teachings and spirituality of our faith.

At 11:03 pm, we arrived at the Manjakulam Dargah Shareef. The dargah holds a special place in our hearts, and we were delighted to pay our respects. The peaceful atmosphere and spiritual aura of the dargah left a lasting impression on all of us.

After spending some time at the Manjakulam Dargah Shareef, we returned to the bus at 11:40 pm, ready to continue our journey. As we boarded the bus, we carried with us the blessings and serenity we had experienced during our visit to the dargah.

The first day of our travelogue came to an end as we embarked on the next phase of our spiritual journey. We eagerly looked forward to what the coming days had in store for us, knowing that we were guided by our beloved Sheikhuna, whose teachings and blessings would accompany us throughout this memorable trip.

Day 2: July 2, 2023

The second day of our spiritual journey was filled with more blessed moments and meaningful experiences.

We started the day early, at 5:50 am, with Sheikhuna leading the congregation in Salathu Subah (Fajr prayer) as our Imam at a local masjid. The serene atmosphere and the collective prayers uplift our spirits and prepared us for the day ahead.

At 6:10 am, we visited the Thiruparankundram Dargah located on a small mountain named Sikkanthar Malai. This dargah held great significance, and we immersed ourselves in prayer and reflection in its sacred surroundings. The peaceful ambiance and the panoramic view from the mountain added to the spiritual experience.

After spending some time at the dargah, at 7:50 am, we had the opportunity for a little bit of shopping. It was a chance for us to connect with the local culture.

At 8:05 am, we had a delightful meal. Some students among us prepared curry for the parottas that we had brought from Muttichira. The homemade flavours and the camaraderie during the meal made it even more enjoyable. After satisfying our hunger, at 9:00 am, we boarded the bus to continue our journey.

Our next destination was the famous Pamban Bridge, which we reached at 1:20 pm. This iconic bridge, connecting the mainland with the island of Rameswaram, offered breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean. We marvelled at the engineering marvel and the beauty of the bridge. It was a sight to behold and cherish.

At 2:20 pm, we boarded the bus once again, feeling enriched by the experiences of the day. The journey had brought us closer to Allah and deepened our understanding of the spiritual path we were following. With each stop, our connection with our Sheikhuna and the teachings of Islam grew stronger.

At 3:15 pm, we arrived at the Keelakkarai Sadaqathullah Darga and Jinn Masjid. This holy place held deep significance, and we were humbled to be in its presence. The dargah and masjid provided a serene and tranquil atmosphere for prayer and reflection. We immersed ourselves in the spiritual ambiance, seeking blessings and connecting with the teachings of Islam.

Following our visit, at 3:30 pm, Sheikhuna conducted a class, enlightening us about the history and significance of the holy place and dargah. Sheikhuna's teachings and explanations deepened our understanding and enriched our spiritual journey.

At 4:15 pm, we boarded the bus, filled with a sense of reverence and gratitude for the experience we had just encountered. The journey had not only taken us to physical locations but also to a deeper understanding of our faith and the spiritual path we were treading.

As we departed from Keelakarai, our hearts and minds were open to the lessons and guidance that awaited us in the upcoming days. We were eager to continue our journey, knowing that each destination held its own unique spiritual treasure

Our spiritual journey continued with more profound experiences and moments of enlightenment.

At 4:40 pm, we reached the Ervadi Ibrahim Bathusha Darga. This revered dargah held deep spiritual significance. We were filled with awe and reverence as we entered the premises. At 4:50 pm, before the ziyarath (visit to the tomb), we had a meal consisting of chapatis brought from Muttichira. It provided nourishment for our bodies as we prepared ourselves for the spiritual encounter.

After the meal, at 5:30 pm, we checked into the Hotel Hilton and Kerala Rest House, where we left our bags in a room temporarily. As time was limited, specific rooms were not assigned at that moment. We then walked to the Ervadi masjid, guided by Sheikhuna.

At 5:50 pm, Sheikhuna conducted a class, reminding us about Jamm and Qasr, the combining and compressing of Salah for long-distance travellers. These teachings allowed us to maintain our spiritual practice while on the journey. At 6:00 pm, Sheikhuna led us in combine Luhar and Asar prayers as our Imam at the Ervadi masjid. The prayers were performed in the shortened manner as prescribed for travelers.

After the prayers, at 6:25 pm, we had our first ziyarath (visit to the tomb) at Ervadi. With each step, our hearts filled with reverence and devotion. The spiritual energy of the place enveloped us, deepening our connection to our faith.

A short walk from there led us to the Kattupalli Dargah at 6:40 pm. We followed Sheikhuna with utmost respect and devotion, absorbing the spiritual blessings of the journey.

After visiting the Kattupalli Dargah, we walked back to Ervadi, where rooms were allotted to us. I was fortunate to be in Mustafa Usthad's room. Despite being my Usthad, he treated me like an elder brother throughout the journey, fostering a sense of unity and kinship.

At 10:30 pm, Sheikhuna led us in the Isha prayer in the shortened Qasr manner at the Ervadi masjid. Our hearts were filled with gratitude for the opportunity to pray in this sacred place. At 11:30 pm, we had our second ziyarath at Ervadi, allowing us to deepen our connection with the spiritual legacy of the dargah.

Day 3: July 3, 2023

We started the day early at 5:20 am, with Sheikhuna leading us in the Subah prayer as our Imam at the Ervadi masjid. The tranquillity and serenity of the early morning prayer filled our hearts with peace.

At 5:45 am, we had our third ziyarath at Ervadi, further immersing ourselves in the spiritual atmosphere. Following the ziyarath, we had a meal consisting of chapatis brought from Muttichira, along with curry and tea prepared on-site. We also prepared our lunch and carried it with us on the bus, ensuring we were nourished for the day's journey.

At 7:35 am, we boarded the bus, bidding farewell to Ervadi. Our time spent in this blessed place had been transformative, deepening our connection with Allah and strengthening our faith.

Our spiritual journey continued with visits to more significant places of reverence and devotion.

At 9:12 am, we arrived at the Mahan Seyyid Mohammed Valiyulla Dargah in M.V. Pattinam, Mugilthagam. This dargah held special spiritual significance, and we immersed ourselves in prayer and contemplation. The serene atmosphere and the blessings of the dargah left a profound impact on our hearts. At 9:37 am, we boarded the bus, grateful for the spiritual experience we had just encountered.

Next, at 10:29 am, we reached the Ravuthar Appa Dargah Kottaipattinam. This sacred place offered us another opportunity for spiritual reflection and connection with the Divine. After spending some time there, at 11:02 am, we boarded the bus, carrying the spiritual blessings of the dargah with us.

At 12:31 pm, we arrived at the Muthupet Dargah. The visit to this dargah filled our hearts with tranquillity and devotion. After the ziyarath (visit to the tomb), some students enjoyed sweet mangoes received from a street seller. We shared the joy and the sweet taste of the mangos, taking some to enjoy later on the bus.

At 1:40 pm, Sheikhuna led us in the combined Luhar and Asar prayers as our Imam at the Muthupet masjid, following the principles of Jamm and Qasr. Sheikhuna also conducted a class at 1:55 pm, reminding us about the importance of discipline and the teachings regarding Jamm and Qasr for long-distance travellers.

At 2:18 pm, we boarded the bus, filled with a sense of spiritual fulfilment and a deepening connection with our faith. The journey had been a transformative experience, guiding us on the path of devotion and obedience to Allah.

As we left Muthupet behind, we carried the memories and blessings of the places we had visited. Our spiritual journey continued, and we eagerly awaited the upcoming destinations that would further enrich our souls and strengthen our bond with Allah.

Our spiritual journey continued with visits to more significant dargahs and moments of devotion.

At 3:15 pm, we arrived at the Neermulai Darga, a place of spiritual significance. The serene atmosphere and the blessings of the dargah provided us with a peaceful environment for reflection and prayer. After spending some time there, at 3:34 pm, we had lunch that had been prepared in Ervadi. The meal nourished our bodies as we continued our spiritual journey.

At 4:15 pm, we boarded the bus, grateful for the experience at Neermulai Darga. Our journey continued, and we moved forward to the next destination.

At 4:40 pm, we reached the Papavoor Dargah in Papakovil. We recited Yaseen from the bus itself, seeking blessings and divine guidance. At 5:05 pm, we boarded the bus once again, leaving the dargah with a sense of tranquillity and spirituality.

Next, at 5:35 pm, we arrived at the Nagore Dargah Sharif. This place held additional significance for us as it had a connection to our spiritual guide, Kizhserry Usthad, and our Jalaliya Ratheebh that we recited monthly in our Dhars. Sheikhuna led us in the combined Luhar and Asar prayers at the Nagore masjid, following the principles of Jamm and Qasr. The spiritual energy of the place and the connection to our guide deepened our spiritual experience.

At 6:10 pm, Sheikhuna led us in reciting the Jalaliya Ratheebh at the Nagore Darga. However, due to some constraints, we couldn't complete it. Sheikhuna left us for sightseeing as there were many religiously significant sites to explore in the area.

At 8:05 pm, Sheikhuna led us in the combined Maghrib and Isha prayers as our Imam at the Nagore masjid. The collective prayers fostered a sense of unity and devotion among us. At 9:30 pm, we enjoyed sliced mangoes and food, including Avil and Sharkkara, prepared locally along with tea.

At 9:50 pm, we boarded the bus, grateful for the blessings received at Nagore and the memorable experiences of the day. Our hearts were filled with gratitude as we continued our journey, eager to discover more spiritual treasures in the days ahead.

Day 4: July 4, 2023

Our spiritual journey continued with more moments of devotion and concluding activities.

At 3:11 am, we visited the Hazrat Thable Alam Badhusa Nathervali, Tiruchirappalli Dargah. This revered dargah offered us a sacred space for prayer and reflection. After spending time in the presence of this spiritual shrine, at 4:20 am, we boarded the bus and continued our journey.

At 5:40 am, Sheikhuna led us in the Salathu Subah (Fajr prayer) as our Imam at the Mayannur masjid near a railway crossing. Following the prayer, we prepared tea and bought rusks from a nearby bakery. We enjoyed tea accompanied by two rusks each, providing us with sustenance and warmth as we started the day.

At 11:52 am, we had lunch at a Kudumbasree hotel in Palakkad. Despite the rain starting, we relished the meal, grateful for the nourishment it provided. At 1:45 pm, we boarded the bus, ready to continue our journey.

Next, at 2:19 pm, we arrived at the Theyyottuchira Juma Masjid. Sheikhuna led us in the Salat Al Asr prayer as our Imam at the masjid. Following the prayer, at 2:50 pm, Sheikhuna conducted a class, concluding the journey with a dua (supplication) and declaring that the students were now free to leave.

At 3:10 pm, we boarded the bus once again, marking the end of our journey to the various sacred locations. Despite the rainy weather, our spirits remained uplifted and grateful for the spiritual experiences we had encountered.

At 6:00 pm, we returned to the Muttichira Shuhada Mosque (Masjid), our starting point. As our journey came to an end, we reflected upon the transformative experiences, the lessons learned, and the spiritual growth we had attained. We departed with a sense of gratitude, knowing that this journey would forever remain etched in our hearts and memories.

As our spiritual journey comes to a close, our hearts are filled with gratitude and our souls are enriched with the blessings we have received along the way. This travelogue has been a testament to the power of prayer and the transformative nature of seeking closeness to Allah.

Through the guidance of our esteemed Sheikhuna, we embarked on a path of devotion and spiritual growth. Every prayer, every prostration, and every supplication brought us closer to the Divine and deepened our connection to Islam. The teachings of Sheikhuna reminded us of the importance of discipline, unity, and the principles of Jamm and Qasr, allowing us to maintain our spiritual commitment even in the midst of our travels.

The sacred sites, dargahs, and masjids we visited served as beacons of spiritual energy. We immersed ourselves in their holy atmosphere, seeking blessings and finding solace in our connection to the spiritual legacy of our faith. The ziyaraths and recitations became moments of profound reflection, reminding us of the eternal truths and the timeless teachings of Islam.

Throughout this journey, prayer was our constant companion, guiding our footsteps and nourishing our souls. It was in the moments of prayer that we found tranquility, strength, and a deep sense of connection to Allah. Whether reciting the prescribed prayers in congregation or offering individual supplications, we experienced the power of prayer to uplift, heal, and transform.

As we return to our starting point, we carry with us the memories of the sacred places we visited, the teachings we received, and the blessings we attained. This travelogue serves as a testament to the transformative nature of spiritual journeys and the profound impact they can have on our lives.

May the lessons learned and the spiritual experiences shared inspire us to continue seeking closeness to Allah in our daily lives. May we remain steadfast in our devotion, emulating the teachings of our Sheikhuna, and nurturing the bond of prayer that connects us to the Divine.

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ سِنَانٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا هُشَيْمٌ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا سَيَّارٌ ـ هُوَ أَبُو الْحَكَمِ ـ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا يَزِيدُ الْفَقِيرُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا جَابِرُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ أُعْطِيتُ خَمْسًا لَمْ يُعْطَهُنَّ أَحَدٌ مِنَ الأَنْبِيَاءِ قَبْلِي، نُصِرْتُ بِالرُّعْبِ مَسِيرَةَ شَهْرٍ، وَجُعِلَتْ لِيَ الأَرْضُ مَسْجِدًا وَطَهُورًا، وَأَيُّمَا رَجُلٍ مِنْ أُمَّتِي أَدْرَكَتْهُ الصَّلاَةُ فَلْيُصَلِّ، وَأُحِلَّتْ لِيَ الْغَنَائِمُ، وَكَانَ النَّبِيُّ يُبْعَثُ إِلَى قَوْمِهِ خَاصَّةً، وَبُعِثْتُ إِلَى النَّاسِ كَافَّةً، وَأُعْطِيتُ الشَّفَاعَةَ ‏

Sahih al-Bukhari 438

Let us remember that wherever we may be, we can always turn to prayer to find solace, guidance, and the presence of Allah.May Allah accept our prayers and bless us with the opportunity to embark on further spiritual journeys that deepen our faith and draw us closer to Him. - Aameen