■ Why Do Saints (Aulia Allah) Seem Hidden Nowadays?
A common question arises: In earlier times, saints (Aulia Allah) were more evident, and their stories were widely recorded in books. Why is it that today, such saints are neither visible nor commonly mentioned?
The answer lies in the difference in respect (adab) between the past and the present. Previously, respect for Aulia Allah was so profound that even animals would show reverence. Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and people of other faiths also showed great respect towards the Aulia Allah.
For instance, Shaykh-ul-Islam Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri ق once narrated an incident during his journey to Ajmer Sharif. His driver, a Sikh and a habitual drinker, decided to accompany him to the shrine of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz. However, before departing, the driver remembered that he had consumed alcohol. Out of respect for the holy site and its sanctity, he chose not to visit, recognizing that being intoxicated would be inappropriate. Despite being a non-Muslim, the driver understood and upheld the respect for Allah’s friends (Aulia Allah).
This respect brought countless blessings in earlier times. The Prophet ﷺ said:
❝The world will not end as long as people remember Allah (Allah Allah).❞
This means that the Day of Judgment will only arrive when no worshipper of Allah remains.
Shaykh Ibrahim Saifuddin ق explained that in earlier times, respect was abundant. Therefore, the lives and stories of Aulia Allah were preserved and accessible. Today, the decline in respect has led to materialism and self-centeredness, where respect for parents, teachers, and elders has diminished.
Previously, even a simple elder walking down a street commanded respect. Children wouldn’t pass by without covering their heads in the presence of an elder. If such respect was shown to ordinary elders, imagine the reverence for Aulia Allah!
Today, the lack of respect has led to saints remaining hidden. If they were to appear openly, the lack of reverence might lead to consequences, as Allah ﷻ has warned in a Hadith Qudsi:
❝I will declare war against anyone who offends My friend (wali).❞
Allah ﷻ forgives sins, but disrespect towards His friends invites His wrath.
Shaykh-ul-Islam Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri mentioned that even today, those filled with immense respect in their hearts can still witness Aulia Allah. Their deep reverence allows them to recognize and benefit from the presence of Allah’s friends, even if unknowingly.
This can be compared to someone unintentionally breaking their fast due to forgetfulness. Such an act is not sinful, but it may still cause a loss of blessings. Similarly, unknowingly disrespecting a Aulia Allah might not invoke punishment but could lead to a loss of barakah (blessings).
In conclusion, the decline in respect and reverence has caused Aulia Allah to remain hidden, safeguarding the community from potential divine retribution. However, those with true adab can still experience the blessings of these noble individuals.
● FJ 2.12.24
Aal-e-Qutub Aal-e-Syed Abdullah Shah Ghazi 