The chants of Ahlan Wa Sahla, pervaded through Mombasa, from within the hearts and homes of every Mumin to the masjids, minarets and landscapes of the city. For there was a skip in every step and an urge of overwhelming gratitude when the news of Aqa Maula’s TUS arrival reached the city. When a Dai Mutlaq graces any land or city with his presence there is an abundance of barakat that is seen and continues to be seen through generations to come. The difference and growth in human spirit is so palpable and real that even the ordinary is touched with extraordinariness. And so, from the humble perspective of an ordinary person, let me elucidate why Mufaddal Maula’s TUS visit to Mombasa was so special. There are multiple reasons (some that we might know and so many others that we cannot even begin to imagine) why a Dai chooses to visit a particular place. When a leader makes his way into the masjids, streets and homes of his followers, a positive and heartfelt energy is gained that ripples from him reaching the furthest corners. For all the said and unsaid wishes and emotions that were either on the surface, our lips or buried in our souls, found not only expression but Maula’s gaze, acknowledgment and smile. He heard even what was never thought and said with as much truth as what was. A 24-hour day might seem to have its constraints. There is only that much one can do in a day. But as its famously known, the tasks and things that Mufaddal Maula TUS completes within a single day, are mindboggling. Maula TUS was in Mombasa for around 13 days, but is seemed like a life time opportunity for all of us. Each day was packed with so much to do, observe, contemplate, reiterate, ponder and absorb. Of course, Maula TUS day is incomparable with any other. Each day there were several qadams, ziyafats, qadambosis. Maula TUS waaz Mubarak in Mombasa of two hours achieved results worth lifetime. But the proximity both physical and spiritual makes even the laziest of amongst us spring in energy and enthusiasm. Just a ‘Ya Hussain’ by Maula TUS has our full focus and endeavour on shedding tears upon the tragedy of Imam Husain, or causing another to shed tears, or revealing his grief through his facial expressions. Just a split minute of deedar can invigorate us and make us into a better version of ourselves. Yes, the self when connected with an elevated and pure soul, seeks to become more satisfactory and effective. Just as the preparations for Maula’s TUS arrival were in full swing, there were speculations and concerns of how and when could each one of us seek his blessings. Would we be able to pray namaz or do deedar? Would we be able to see Maula TUS from close quarters and be able to listen to the waaz in quietude? There was anticipation, concern and an underlying fear that we hoped against hope of not missing out or being left bereft due to our situations, circumstance, miscalculations, misdeeds, and sins. But the benevolence of our leader is such, that each day there were umpteen opportunities for each Mumin. Perhaps we got tired some days but never did Maula TUS. Perhaps, we slackened in spite of several possibilities, but never did the possibilities cease. From the first day to the last, Maula TUS continued to toil for our sake. There is so much more, but in cases such as these, words often fail. It is the sentiments and immense feeling of being loved, accepted and blessed forever. There is no end to the barakaat that Maula TUS left behind. But we ask for more, because we know that from whom we ask, has unlimited goodness for accommodating all our wishes. Maula TUS journey, for each participant is a journey of transformation and reinvigoration. Whether it is the knowledge we gain during sermon, the realization that dawns upon us in a discussion group after a communal meal, or the satisfaction we experience in feeding another or lending them a helping hand, each moment Maula’s TUS journey brings us closer to an ideal version of ourselves. And as the days pass, the milestone of thought and service to one another that we cross each day remind us of who we are and enlighten us with the possibilities of who we can become. It’s a journey towards the depths of human meaning and the heights of human possibility.
