Stories of the Scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho - Part Eight: His Life, His Deeds, His Way to Al'lah

By Mohammad Amin Sheikho and A. K. John Alias Al-Dayrani

CONTENTS:
-Introduction.
-The Faithful Mentor and the Lost Judge.
-The Devil Was Thwarted and Confessed, “I have No Power over You”.
-The Session of Truthfulness and the Voice of Reality.
-A Terrible Accident Is Avoided by Giving Alms.
-He Cannot Be Blamed for Telling the Truth.
-The Woman Money Lender.
-Success.
-The Compassionate Man and the Little Girl.
-He who Listens Will Hear Good Advice.
-The School Director Acts upon Wise Advice.
-The Curer of the Spirit Treats the Curer of the Body.
-Charity Brings its Own Reward.
-A Loveable Human Being.
-Attempted Assassination.
-Inspiration or Evaluation?
-The Honest Man.
-Words from the Heart.
-Al-Fara Palace.
-Sublime Instruction.
-The Revelation of the August Master about Performing Ablution.
-A Timely Vision.
-Every Hardship Is Followed by Tranquillity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookRix
• Release date: May 29, 2019
• ISBN: 9783748705871

Mohammad Amin Sheikho

Mohammad Amin Sheikho (1890-1964 A.D / 1308-1384 A.H)Early YearsM. Amin Sheikho was born in al-Ward district in Sarouja Quarter, one of the historical districts of Damascus, in Syria which was called mini-Istanbul during the period of the Ottoman rule. He was raised in an Arab style house situated opposite the famous public al-Ward Bathhouse. This house stands there to the present day.M. Amin Sheikho was still young when his father, the merchant Ismael Sheikho, departed this world. Mohammad Saleem, the only and elder brother of Mohammad Amin, was assigned as a director of the Military School during the Ottoman rule.EducationAt the age of twelve the boy who was to become the great scholar was enrolled at al-Rashidiya School, he then went on to complete his studies in Amber, the Royal Ottoman Faculty in Damascus. He received many certificates of praise and commendation during the Ottoman rule and then under the reign of King Faisal in Syria. There are many copies of these certificates still preserved in trustworthy hands.AchievementsDuring the period of the Turkish rule, he was head of many police-stations in Damascus and its dependent counties. He was a shining example to all for his unfailing attention to duty, the vitality with which he approached every task, and the high level of achievement in many varied deeds which were of great benefit to mankind.During the French mandate he was appointed a director of the prisons of the citadel of Damascus.When the great Syrian uprising took place against the French forces, he helped the revolutionaries in every conceivable way until they placed the seal of the revolution in his trustworthy hands. Due to his subversive activities he fell foul of the French governor of Syria resulting in an order being issued for his execution; but the Almighty God saved him. During this period he was compliant in many attempts to overthrow French rule.He was the companion of Sheikh Amin Kuftaro for almost twenty years and following his death M. Amin Sheikho followed his footsteps and became the next in succession to guide and teach the disciples of the eminent sheikh.His assemblies were distinguished by the profound level of wisdom with which he imparted his teaching and guidance.He took great care to draw the attention of his followers to beware of the tales of the Israelites which defame the biography of the noble persons, the Envoys of God (pth), and of anything ascribed to them which conflicts their perfection and impeccability.In 1953, the famous coeval philosopher, Sir John Godolphin Bennett came from Britain to visit him. He remained in his company for three weeks that were filled with lengthy dialogues about the religion of Islam and its actuality.Sir John asked M. Amin Sheikho many questions about the exact definition of the ‘spirit’ and the difference between that and the ‘soul’, as well as asking for clarification about Godly Justice, a topic which he found difficult to comprehend. As a result of this visit, Sir John practised Islamic legislation and performed the prayers along with the followers of the scholar.This visit was referred to briefly in the autobiography of Sir John Bennett in his book Witness; but after his death, a book containing special personal recollections written by Sir John was published in 1975 under the title Journeys in Islamic Countries, wherein he spoke in detail about this meeting. In this book he gave a detailed account of the personality and character of M. Amin Sheikho, and of his lectures and disciples. He also mentioned the great benefits he had derived from his life-changing meeting with him.During his lectures M. Amin Mohammad Amin Sheikho pointed frequently to the belief in the return of Jesus Christ (pth), from the Islamic perspective. He also indicated the near advent of this significant world event as, according to his explanations, most of the conditions for this momentous Hour had been fulfilled.This was disclosed in his book: The Envoy of Peace Looms on the Horizon: the Return of Jesus Christ.In referring to his meeting with M. Amin Sheikho, Sir John made mention of this issue in his two books: Witness and Journeys in Islamic Countries.Professor Abdul-Kadir John, alias al-Dayrani, published the book Stories of M. Amin Sheikho wherein he writes in detail about many deeds performed by his teacher, Mohammad Amin Sheikho.One of His PupilsProfessor Abdul-Kadir John, alias al-Dayrani is the best known and most distinguished among the pupils of M. Amin Sheikho. He received a certificate of General Education (a Syrian certificate which included the study of nine different sciences). Prof. al-Dayrani collected and verified more than fifty books which were dictated by M. Amin Sheikho and written on his behalf. Therefore his name is always mentioned in association with the name of Mohammad Amin Sheikho.PublicationsM. Amin Sheikho dictated to his pupils many books about Islam in the Arabic language, some of which have been translated into English and French. The following are just some of these:1- Interpretation of the Great Qur’an (Lights of Descending & Realities of Meaning)2- Interpretation of Am’ma Section of the Qur’an3- Impeccability of Prophets4- Am’ma Encyclopedia (The Compassionate’s Gifts in Interpreting the Qur’an)5- Al-Amin Interpretation of the Great Qur’an (The Previous Nations)6- Visiting the Prophet (cpth) and the Effect of His Love in Elevating the Believing Spirit7- High Grades of Al-Taqwa (Seeing by Al’lah’s Light)—The Jewels of Rules in Explaining the Pillars of Islam8- The Sources of Spring Water in the World9- The Reality of Our Master Mohammad (cpth) Appearing in the Twentieth Century10- Proclaiming God’s Love (The Scientific and Qur’anic Motivations for Halal Slaughter)11- Islam... What is the Veil for? What is Divorce for? What is Polygamy for?12- The West has Liberated Man from Slavery—Did Islam not do the same?13- The Great Scientific Discovery—the Astonishing Reality of the Six Days and the Seven Heavens14- The Amazing Miracle of the Fundamental Verses of the Book in the Twenty-first Century15- Cupping: the Marvelous Medicine that Cures Heart Disease, Paralysis, Haemophilia, Migraine, Sterility and Cancer—A Prophetic Medical Science in its New Perspective16- The Reality of Tamerlane the Great Appears in the Twenty-first Century17- The Envoy of Peace Looms on the Horizon: The Return of Jesus Christ18- Secrets of the Seven Praising Verses19- Goodbye to the Doctor of al-Muqawqis (Cyrus, Patriarch of Alexandria)Radio and TV Programmes- Illuminative Speculations: al-Quds Radio Station broadcasting from Syria- Lights for Humankind: the Lebanese Radio Station al-Tawheed- Cupping, an Arabic Discovery Spreads All over the World and Cupping, a Prophetic Medical Science in Its New Scientific Perspective: Two documentary films which have been broadcast on many world satellite stations such as Iqraa TV, Sharjah, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and others- Proclaiming God’s Love (The Scientific and Qur’anic Motivations for Halal Slaughter): A documentary film that has been broadcast on Iqraa TV, and satellite stations in Al-Sharjah, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and others- The Descent of the Prophets: A computer programmeA Glimpse of his distinguished thoughts and viewsHe disclosed the true meaning of the letters (acronyms) that are reported at the beginning of the Fortresses of the Holy Qur’an, which was not understood by previous Muslim scholars and said that, “Al’lah knows best His Purpose behind them.”He disproved the stories which are ascribed wrongly to the noble Envoy Mohammad (cpth), such as the story of his being affected by the action of magic, the story of cutting his noble chest (cpth), and all that would put him (cpth) in the wrong.He elucidated that the noble Prophets are impeccable in all of their words, actions and deeds.- He was the first in the world to reveal the source of fresh spring and river water, which is the ice of the North and South Poles.- He gave an exact definition of the ‘human spirit’ and clarified the difference between that and the ‘soul’.- He differentiated between the ‘mind’ and ‘thought’.- He talked about al-Azal world, the very beginning of creation in the world of immaterial spirits, and demonstrated the Godly Justice in that world and the reason for the coming of mankind to this world.- He elucidated the wisdom in turning towards al-ka’ba when communicating with God (praying); he explained the reason for fasting and the meaning of the Night of al-Qadr (Evaluation) and how to attain it.- He interpreted from the noble Qur’an how to derive the proportion of Zakat (almsgiving), and determined it as 2.5%.- He revealed the wisdom folded in each ritual of the rites of pilgrimage.- He clarified the benefits of the medical Prophetic commandments about using an enema of amylum suspension, medicinal castor oil, and the application of leeches for medical purposes.- He called attention to certain eminent personalities who had been wronged by history. Specifically he spoke of Tamerlane the famous conqueror who is known to be a blood-thirsty warrior conqueror in the Middle East, while Asian peoples revere him and regard him as a holy man who had spread the religion of Islam in their countries. In this respect, a book was issued by M. Amin Sheikho under the title: The Reality of Tamerlane the Great.Mohammad Amin Sheikho and CuppingThe name of Mohammad Amin Sheikho is always referred to whenever ‘cupping’ is mentioned, for it is he who disclosed its correct rules. Following the death of M. Amin Sheikho his pupil, Prof. Abdul-Kadir al-Dayrani undertook scientific research about this operation with the participation of a large medical team composed of many professors and doctors specialised in various medical ailments. When the results of the analysis of the blood extracted by the cupping operation were declared and many patients were healed completely after being cupped, the procedure soon spread widely and had a wide following in many societies. The results were published in many magazines and journals, and as a result, many medical people began to apply the procedure according to the exact and correct conditions that had been laid down.Mohammad Amin Sheikho and the reason for Mentioning the Name of Al’lah over a CarcassHe emphasised the necessity of mentioning Al’lah’s Name aloud over animals as they are being slaughtered, for when they hear Al’lah’s Name their meat becomes pure and free of any microbes.Prof. al-Dayrani also subjected the ideas of his teacher, M. Amin Sheikho, in this field, to a scientific study. A great number of doctors and university professors carried out scientific research, the like of which had never been attempted before. They took many samples of the meat of cattle, some of which were slaughtered while mentioning Al’lah’s Name aloud over them, while others were slaughtered without the benefit of this blessing. A comparative analysis of the outcome was then carried out. The results of this study were also published in a book issued on behalf of M. Amin Sheikho, entitled, Proclaiming God’s Love (The Scientific and Qur’anic Motivations for Halal Slaughter.Mrs. Salma Estwani, the BBC correspondent in Syria at that time, announced the scientific results of this study and interviewed the doctors and researchers who carried it out.Also, after revealing these results, many signboards were posted in Damascus streets on which it was written, ‘How terrible! Is it true that we Syrians eat microbes through our food?’ And on the front of the citadel of Damascus, a large sign was displayed on which was printed: ‘The Great Syrian Humane Scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho.’

Book preview

Title Page

Stories of the Scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho

Part Eight

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His Life, His Deeds, His Way to Al’lah

(1890-1964)

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Checked and Introduced by

Prof. A. K. John Alias Al-Dayrani

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English Language Editing by

Jackie Feehan

Introduction

You may wonder, as do I, and as do people everywhere: how could this great scholar have gained access to such truth, when all of the earlier scholars and the great guides and imams failed to do so? I would reply to you: a person has nothing except what they strive for.

Indeed, people are differentiated through their actions.

This is true even for the Envoys (Messengers) and noble Prophets… and there will be a different level for everyone according to their deeds in this world.

Our own great scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho was given awareness and understanding by Al’lah, and he was distinguished by his outstanding deeds and his great and humane sacrifices. Al’lah did not give him anything except that which he deserved.

God says, And We sent it down deservedly, and with righteousness it came down.1

The Faithful Mentor and the Lost Judge

He never uttered a single word unless it was ethical and enlightening, which demonstrated his sharp insight, cogent mind and sound process of thought.

He was imbued with a deep-rooted, profound sense of humanity and a discerning sense for the truth.

These are but a few of the many sacrosanct qualities embedded within him because of his great love for the Almighty, the Origin of sanctity; and this is why his words were like sacred gems enhancing the spirits of those who sought all that is right and true. These words were received in accordance with the listener’s status, and touched whatever occupied his spirit so that he could find the reality which was evident within them. He spoke whenever necessary and always in a manner which was appropriate for the listeners’ spirits so as to bring them nothing but goodness and happiness, both here and in the Hereafter.

His piercing insight and knowledge gave the effective cure for illness garnered from his sublime wisdom so that disease might be eliminated and replaced with sound health and happiness. Thus, the advice of this faithful mentor always resulted in benefits and happiness for his listeners in this world and in the Afterlife.

Everyone who came into his presence recognised his peerless realism and piercing insight by God’s Light. His unparalleled recommendations ensured deliverance and success and, by contrast, those who disagreed with his advice were deprived of these benefits and blessings and ultimately regretted their decision.

This was the humane scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho.

The following event reveals an example of his Godly advice:

A certain hapless judge stood wringing his hands together… saying, ‘Oh… if only I had listened to your advice, Abu Fathi.’ Then, he began to relate what had happened to him in the hearing of several men, repeating yet again, ‘If only I had followed your advice, Abu Fathi!’

So, what is the story of this judge? What was the advice which he ignored and then regretted doing so?

It was during the 1940s, when the salaries given to state employees far exceeded imagination, and those who were employed were extremely fortunate, whether they were employed in a low position or a high one: a gendarme or an officer, as all their salaries were considered to be enormous. Their income was not simply a consistent trickle, but could be described rather as a continuously streaming river. The lowliest official received a monthly salary from which, within a year, he could save enough money to buy a sizeable house and a car; in addition to which all members of the family would enjoy the high life.

At that time, when the luxurious life for people in general and public servants in particular had eased off somewhat, the Ministry of Justice declared that it needed to appoint judges in its official courts.

The judge of whom we write was an acquaintance of the eminent scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho (Abu Fathi), and was one of those applicants who held the certificate of law. The list of names of the persons to be appointed was issued after a while and his name was among them. Needless to say, he was extremely pleased when he became a prominent official, a judge who would earn a large salary which was many times greater than that of an ordinary employee.

He completed the formal assignment papers as fast as he could, and took up his position a few days later; when he received his first salary, he realised that it was quite considerable. He then calculated his monthly needs and found that the amount he needed came to no more than a tenth of that huge salary. Then, an idea struck him whereby he thought that he could draw nearer to the state authorities by presenting himself as an honest and upright human being; so he sought to appear concerned for the state’s public interest, a caretaker of its budget, and honest and righteous in his employment.

He talked to Mohammad Amin saying, ‘Oh, Abu Fathi! As you know I became a judge, receiving a monthly salary that is so large that I need only one-tenth of it to live in comfort. I wondered what I should do with the remaining nine-tenths, and then I had the good idea of returning it to the state treasury, as it is rightfully theirs. So, I decided to write a formal letter to the authorities in the prime minister’s office and ask them to lower my wage to just one-tenth of the current amount.’

The august scholar understood the judge’s reasoning, which was that he cared to show himself as the very soul of honesty and fairness in the eyes of those in authority, but he advised him, saying, ‘Don’t ever do that. They have willingly given you this salary, and it is your right, yet if you find it is in excess of your needs, donate it as charity to paupers and others who are in need.’

The judge replied, ‘But, as I have told you, Abu Fathi, my salary is so large, and I have no right to anything beyond my basic needs, so in fact it belongs to the state, as nine- tenths of my salary is above what I need and I shall return it to the treasury.’

At this point, the candid admonisher repeated his advice and caution to the judge, ‘As I have told you my brother, give the excess as a handout to the poor and needy. You know there are a lot of destitute families in dire need, so if you spend the surplus amount on them you will have eased their embarrassment and saved them from poverty, deprivation and misery by securing for them the essential necessities of life. Through that you will improve their condition and bring them happiness: thereby you will draw nearer to Al’lah because of your noble deed. So, all of their happiness and liberation from the ties of poverty and deprivation will reflect on your worldly life by giving you happiness, joy, and true closeness to Al’lah, the Almighty… and furthermore, you will gain Paradises of bliss in the Hereafter. Be sure, my brother, that all creatures are Al’lah’s servants, and the more one offers them benefits the closer they will be to Him. Al’lah has opened the gateway of Paradise before you, so do not refuse to enter it. Seek Al’lah’s Satisfaction and He will surely be pleased with you and make many people pleased with you too.’

The judge heard the scholar’s true utterance denoting his sublime logic. Those peerless words encompassed great goodness in this life and in the life to come. He thought for a while, then he realised he could not refute these words and the truth and love for humanity and for Al’lah’s Satisfaction that they denoted. Yet, he felt that they did not conform to his wish to present himself as an honest, upright and zealous man before the people… and certainly not before Al’lah, the Almighty. This was his personal, unbending point of view!

Therefore, he did not abide by these Godly gems and divine advice, thinking that his success in this world would not be realised unless he continued on his intended path, so, he decided to carry out his plan. At the earliest opportunity he sent a letter to the authorities in the prime minister’s office stating that he wished to reduce his monthly salary to one-tenth of what he was receiving. He stated, as he had previously said to Mohammad Amin, that it far exceeded his needs and one-tenth of the amount would be sufficient, therefore he felt that he had no right to retain the extra money. He explained that his conscience and deep sense of patriotism dictated that he should return it to the treasury since it rightfully belonged to the state and not to him.

This odd and unprecedented communication was received by the senior personnel in the prime minister’s office. Really, it was such a strange letter, the likes of which had never been seen before! So, those concerned held a meeting to discuss the matter, and after spending some time in discussion and deliberation they found the judge’s communication to be illogical and certainly open to doubt, thus giving rise to many questions about the judge’s abilities, the state of his mind, and the soundness of his reasoning.

Finally, they reached the following conclusions, ‘Truly, this judge is not of sound mind and lacks reasonable judgement, for anyone who refuses money rightfully offered to him is not at all fit to judge others. A judge’s position is so sensitive and strongly related to the citizens’ matters and interests, and consequently to the cases that come before him, that whoever occupies this position must be of sound judicious mind and unerring thought. Accordingly, the judge in question, about whom we held this meeting, is not suited to that position; he must, therefore, be discharged from this sensitive post.’

Thus, the man was instantly dismissed from his position, lost his employment and was left without income. His actions, that he had thought to be so worthy, had gone against him, whereas he had thought that his request would serve to strengthen him in his office and raise his standing in the eyes of the authorities. He believed that by his actions all people would hear of his fairness, honour, and rectitude and that he would become the model for integrity and patriotism.

But, on the contrary, the matter brought him a most unexpected and unpleasant result. When he was informed that he had been dismissed from his position and stripped of his employment, he remembered the great guide’s advice and words of caution against his planned action, and the aim of his intention which was directed at attracting people’s satisfaction not that of Al’lah. So, the authorities became perturbed at his request and he lost the great gains which Al’lah had prepared for him and toward which the eminent scholar, Mohammad Amin, had guided him.

Then it was that he remembered the warning and admonition, and sighing deeply he said, ‘If only I had taken your advice Abu Fathi!’

He was the loser and deeply regretted his decision, but it was too late!

The Devil Was Thwarted and Confessed, I have No Power over You

One day, our noble scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho returned to his home filled with a feeling of great happiness, as his love for God provided him with all that he needed, and His Satisfaction with him was his only aim and desire. Without doubt, honour is attained by rectitude.

Usually, everything was orderly and satisfactory within his household, but that day it seemed that something strange was afoot!

As soon as he entered the house he heard strange sounds and was most surprised for he was accustomed to an air of tranquillity pervading his home. What had happened?! Everything had been fine when he left, but now he was taken aback by the sounds of grief-stricken