■ The Miracles (Karāmāt) of Sayyidī Abū al-Hasan al-Shadhilī, may Almighty Allāh

The Pole of Poles and Refuge of Seekers

“Steadfastness is the greatest miracle.”

In Your Name, O Allāh, with Your praise, and through the outpouring of Your radiant lights.

Know that miracles, in the eyes of the Shaykh may Allāh be pleased with him, were never sought for their own sake. Rather, he used to say:

“Steadfastness upon the Path is the greatest miracle.”

Yet despite this, Allāh manifested through his hands many extraordinary events that astonished minds, serving as signs of the truthfulness of his sainthood and the firmness of his spiritual station. Among the most famous transmitted accounts are the following:

▪︎ Part One: The Miracle at the Sea of ʿAydhāb and the Story of Hizb al-Bahr

This is among his most famous miracles.

It is related that while traveling through the
Sea of ʿAydhāb, there was with them a distinguished man whose ship became stranded when the wind ceased completely. Days passed without movement, and distress overtook the travelers.

The Shaykh, may Allāh be pleased with him slept and saw the Prophet ﷺ in a dream, who taught him the litany known as Hizb al-Bahr (“The Litany of the Sea”).

The Shaykh then ordered his companions:

“Raise the sails.” They replied:

“There is no wind.” He answered:

“Do as you are commanded.”

As soon as the litany was recited, the wind arrived, Allāh opened the way for them within
a single hour, and they were saved through the blessing of that remembrance.

▪︎ Part Two: His Knowledge of the Thoughts of Disciples and Hidden Matters

Shaykh Abū al-Abbās al-Mursī, may Almighty Allāh sanctify his secret, said:

“By Allāh, I never sat with our master Abū al-Ḥasan for even a single day except that he informed me of what was within myself before I spoke of it.”

It is also narrated that a man once came to him inwardly objecting to the Shaykh’s wearing of elegant clothing.

Before the man even spoke, the Shaykh turned to him and said:

“My son, these garments of mine say:
‘I am independent of you, so give me nothing.’
While your garments say:

‘I am in need of you, so give me something.’”

The man was left speechless and repented at the Shaykh’s hands.

▪︎ Part Three: His Command Over Beasts and Protection from Enemies

It is mentioned that during one of the Shaykh’s journeys in the mountains, a great lion appeared before them. His companions became terrified.

The Shaykh stepped forward, took the lion by its ear, shook it gently, and said:

“O Maymūn, we are servants of Allāh.”

The beast immediately submitted and retreated, overcome by the awe Allāh had clothed His saint with.

It is also narrated that a group once intended harm against the Shaykh and his companions on the road to the Hijaz. The Shaykh invoked Allah through Hizb al-Nasr (“The Litany of Victory”), whereupon their enemies’ sight was veiled.

They passed directly beside the Shaykh and his companions yet could not see them, as though they were concealed within the protected veil of Allāh.

▪︎ Part Four: The Multiplication of Food and Drink Through Blessing

It is reported that a group once stayed with the Shaykh during a time of hardship, while they possessed only a small amount of provisions.

The Shaykh ordered that his hand be placed upon the food. Everyone ate until satisfied,
and much still remained afterward.

The Shaykh said:

“This is spiritual aid from the Presence of the Most Generous. The blessing lies not in the food itself, but in obedience.”

▪︎ Part Five: His Miracle at the Time of His Passing in Humaythirah

Among his greatest miracles was his foreknowledge of the place and time of his death. While traveling for pilgrimage, he told
his companions:

“At Humaythirah shall the meeting take place.”

In another narration:

“At Humaythirah you shall witness.”

He instructed them to carry axes and digging tools. When they arrived at that desolate place, where there was no water, the companions became severely thirsty.

It is narrated that the Shaykh took an arrow from his quiver and cast it into a bitter salty well. Immediately, sweet pure water burst forth from it, the famous Well of Humaythirah, known to this day.

That same night, the Shaykh,  may Allāh sanctify his secret. passed away while in prayer, and it is also said while remembering Allah.

Thus ends what we intended to mention of his miracles. These accounts are but a drop from an endless ocean. The station of the Shaykh is greater than words can encompass, but these are signs for people of understanding.