The Wali beyond reproach, he who has access to Knowledge (ma’rifa), the great Khalif who is endowed with high station (Maqam), the gatherer of sciences and secrets, the holder of the topmost rank at the summum of the higher levels, the sun of the joy that illuminated the horizon of the higher levels, he who was never paralleled by anyone.


He was among those who had access to knowledge and perfect sainthood, and he had a high rank in the eyes of Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret), who held him in high esteem and mentioned his rank to his companions to such an extent that he was envied by those who were close as well as those who were far away.


About him Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah be pleased with him) used to say: “the Prophet (Grace and peace be upon him) said to me: ‘He is to you what Abu Bakr was to me.’ ” Among the words that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said to Sidi Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret), one can find the following: “Oh you Ahmed! seek for advice with your servant and most valued and beloved Ali Harazim, because to you he is what Harun represented for Musa. Allah is the Most High, the Most Illustrious, the Most Immense and I shall not tell you anything else about him than this. May peace be with you.”


What caused Sidi ‘Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him) to join Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) is what follows. When Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) left Tlemcen in 1191 for Fez where he had to pay a holy visit to Moulay Idriss (May Allah be pleased with him), in Oujda he met with Sidi ‘Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him). The two had not met before.


Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) revealed to him by way of disclosure (Moukachafa) the very vision that Sidi ‘Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him) had of him a few years back, which he was no longer remembering. He finally remembered and came to the conclusion that Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) was telling the truth. He therefore understood, with certainty, that indeed Allah had him perceive the truth through this vision.


Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) said to him: “do no worry about the fact that I had to find, which got me worn out. I wanted but this encounter, and may Allah be praised for that.” He thus said the following: “I did praise and thank Allah. I knew that Allah enormously gratified me and that Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) would be my protection, he to whom I take my affairs after he let me know about it.”


Together, they left for Fez. When they arrived at Fez, they visited the tomb of Sidi Moulay Idriss (May Allah be pleased with him). Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) passed on to him the Khalwatiyya way and taught him what the Most Praised and Most Exalted Allah revealed to him through the science and secret of the Sunna.


When Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) set out to return to Tlemcen, Sidi ‘Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him) voiced his intention to be part of the trip. However, Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) advised him to go to a region that the Most Praised and Most Exalted Allah had chosen for him. After that, and after he bid him farewell, Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah be pleased him) said to him: “hold steadfastly onto the covenant and to the love (Mahaba) till you achieve spiritual opening (Fath).”


During the lifetime of Sidi Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret), Sidi ‘Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him) was his khalife. The conversation they had during their first encounter demonstrates how peculiar this companion was and shows how much care the Most Praised and Most Exalted Allah had for him.


He had a lot of values, among which was the fact that Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) informed him that the Prophet (Grace and Peace be upon him) had a kind of love that surpassed the love a father could have for his children. Also, Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) said this about him: “What the khalife affirmed, I said it.”


One of the fine virtues that Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) revealed about him is the following: “he will be close to me only by the intermediary of Sidi Hajj ‘Ali Harazim.” Some people endowed with Clairevoyance (Basira), as well as all the people and companions who tasted the secret of the Tariqa believe this statement is as valid for his lifetime as it is after his death.


One can reasonably believe that the unwavering assistance of Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) is only received, whether in general or in particular, through the mediation of Sidi ‘Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him), and that the latter represents Seidina (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) in the visible and sensible world after the latter’s death.


However, it is possible that there be someone to fill in his position. And to Allah (the Most Praised and Most Exalted) belongs ultimate knowledge. Therefore, one should fully have faith in both of them and also be aware that it is beneficial to consider the former as the invisible intermediary and the latter or any other person that will fill in his position after being appointed in advance by Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret). The grace of Allah (the Most Praised and Most Exalted) is unfathomable and only He knows best. One of the things that show how particular he is stems from his encounter with the companion of the Prophet (Grace and peace be upon him), the judge (Qadi) Abu Mohamed Chamharouche (May Allah be pleased with him) who was a king of the Djinns. The latter passed down to him, with the permission of Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret), Hizbou Saifi in a clear voice as was the case among the elite of the companions.


One of the things that show his high status is his contribution to the famous and noble book called Jawarihiru-l-Ma’ani about which the Prophet (Grace and peace be upon him) said: “my book is this one, and I wrote it.” In fact, once he settled down in Fez, the city protected by the Most Praised and the Most Exalted Allah, Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) ordered his closest pupil Sidi Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him) to put together and compile the Jawahiru-l-Ma’ani, to organize it in chapters, to purify its topics and set its bases. However, before then, he ordered him to shred everything illustrious and Sunni that he compiled because of its majestic states (Hal) that he was going through at that time, and which were the results of his highest aspirations and his sincerity towards the Most Praised and Most Exalted, Allah.


At that time, Sidi ‘Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him) complied with the commandments of Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) despite the amazement and insistence of the elite among the companions as well as those who followed the latter so that they reconsider the issue. He left behind him nothing but a few notes that could be found with some companions. When he was allowed to write book again, he used those notes to writes quite a lot chapters of the book.


Sidi ‘Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him) started writing the book; i.e., assembling, organizing and fleshing out topics and chapters in Fez at the beginning of the month of Cha’ban. A year later, the book was completed in the middle of the holy month of Dhul Qa’da while Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret, and may He lavish him with the clouds of agreement) was still alive. Once he completed the book, he brought it over to him. He approved the content of the book and by his blessed hand he certified the book from cover to cover in the Diwan mosque. By the grace of the Most Gracious and Most Exalted Allah, the book was highly acclaimed and welcomed with happiness and joy, fame and repute in all the counties of the country and in other countries. To the attention of the companions whom he urged to read the book he said: “You beloved brothers, it is obligated upon you to always read this book, because, by the grace of the All-giving King of kings, when read on a regular basis, and with the sincerest love, it guarantees the attainment of the Ma’arifa (Knowledge) of the Lord of lords. It also ensures the attainment of the most beautiful truths and the rarest of subtleties and finesses, and the reaching of the Divine Presence through all the doors. Whoever loses the book, even after making a lot of efforts reading it, will have lost it his whole head with it. As for those who do not read it appropriately, they will only have themselves to blame.”


To dispel any shade of doubt away from the grandness of this magnificent book, it only suffices to know that its writing was inspired by the Prophet (Grace and peace be upon him). In addition, it was ennobled, made even more improved, illustrated, saddled with merits by the immensity of the status of Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret). Whoever intends to gauge the magnificency of the situation and the grandeur of the book will have to reach the apogee of all efforts.


Whoever reads this book will have scrutinized its content with accuracy, and will have realized with certainty that Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) has no equals in sublime and complete qualities. No one can disprove this truth in his absence, except for those who were forbidden access to his baraka and his kindness, those people whose intent is but reluctance and doubt.


Sidi ‘Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him), by the Master of creation, attested to the status of Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret), which is evidence of his particular love and his exceptional sincerity. The writing of Jawahirou-l-Ma’ani is a miracle that attests to his peculiarity because the person who organized it is that he succeeded in mixing without any distinction, different arts of planning although he had no previous mastery of literary writing skills. One of the baraka of this wonderful book is the number of people it drew to the Tariqa of the Prophet (Grace and peace be upon him) through reading it or by way of just leafing through it.


I often heard one of the companions of Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret), an honourable learned man, an illustrious and noble holder of secrets, say: “it is said that this book guarantees scores of benefits, joy and an improvement of demeanor, in the place that hosts it. This truth can only be denied or underestimated by an imbecil or a rebel.” One other dazzling effects of the book is that the Guide of the living (Grace and peace be upon him) advised Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret), after he ordered that the book be written, to preserve it so that it could benefit the Walis that would come after him.


Sidi Hajj Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him) also authored an epistle entitled “Risalat el Fadl wal Imtinan…” An excerpt of the book dealing with benefit and blessing goes as follows:
“Be aware that the Opening and access to Allah and to the degree of Knowledge will be granted by Allah only through the people who had the special authorization (Idhu Khass) like the necessary permission for prophecy and if it is devoid of special authorization it will have no Opening nor access from part of Allah, and the person will only reap tiredness.


As for the person who only seeks closeness to Allah through reading the Sufi books and who seek to be one with Allah through the Sufis by way of being informed by them, or by way of being close to them, will reap from this path nothing but wasted energy, and the person will get nothing from Allah.


What is meant by access is the fact of reaching the Presence of Knowledge and particularities. Rewards are obtained according to the degree of sincerity. The beginning of rectitude in obedience and constance therein, as well as worship, can only be correct and be a source of success through Knowledge. Whoever is devoid of Knowledge lacks goodness and benefits. Besides, it is upon you to know that worship is valid only through seven things:
-Intention
-Science
- Knowledge
-Law
-Truth
-Prophetic traditions (Sunna) and
-The Sheikh.”

Sidi Hajj Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him) also wrote the following: “My brother, I warn you against thinking that access is slow even when you endured a lot of pain treading the Way, because such a feeling forecloses the attainment of the Hoped for. In fact, if you were walking a thousand times the duration of the life on Earth and you obtained from Allah but the quantity of an atom, you ought to know that what you obtained then was far bigger than the way you went to reach it. Also know that endurance in worship is for you an immense grace. I ask Allah to grant you the keys to wisdom and act onto us with His Grace and Kindness.”


When the Great Opening (Fath) was granted to Sidi ‘Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him), Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) ordered him to travel out of the country wherein he was residing as was the case with any person that was attaining this spiritual station (Maqam). It was reported that Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) one day said: “When Allah grants the Opening (Fath) to one of my companions and if it happens that some live in the country where I reside, it is better that they leave that country for fear that evil should befall them.” That said, some companions asked him: “Is this pronouncement from you?” And he answered: “It is from Allah, without any choice of mine.” Then he added: “The fear is aimed at those whom I ordered to leave so as to spread the words. The rest of the people do not have to fear anything from me.”


Thus is the reason why Sidi Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him) left for Hijaz where he died. Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) ordered him, when he arrived at Egypt, to instruct some of his companions living in that country.


Besides, Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) informed Sidi ‘Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him) that he would reach a high degree and a status of the greatest significance on the condition that he went to pay a visit to the tomb of the Prophet (Grace and peace be upon him), and he was so attracted to Sidi ‘Ali Harazim’s (May Allah be pleased with him) good fortune that he nearly lost his mind.


Before he reached the tomb of the Prophet (Grace and peace be upon him) he recited few of the distinguished names that Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) had taught him to only be recited in front of the tomb of the Prophet (Grace and peace be upon him).


Thus, he saw what he saw and fainted, and his companions who thought that he had died buried him alive at Badr in 1218 H. Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) said, after these events, that: “If they had not buried him, they would have heard some sciences, some knowledge and secrets that they could not have conceived of and that they could not have found in any book.”


Sidi Hajj Abdelwahab ibn El Ahmar (May Allah be pleased with him) who was among those who accompanied him in this trip said: When Sidi Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him) recited the Supreme Names that Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) taught him to be recited only in front of the tomb of the Prophet (Grace and peace be upon him), all is energy was drained and he collapsed. Therefore, I gave him some milk to drink. He started sweating just as he drank it.” Among those whom Sidi ‘Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him) met during his trip there was Sidi Ibrahim Riyahi (May Allah be pleased with him), the famous learned Sheikh El Islam of Tunisia. He taught him the Tariqa, and as the Sheikh was impressed, he wrote a poem in recognition of his multiple high qualities.


When the poem was read to him, he was in such a state that he could not utter a word. He wept considerably and after the reading ended he asked for a piece of paper and a pen. In front of the people sitting by him he wrote the following:

“Our lord, the Prophet (Grace and peace be upon him) says: ‘May Allah reward you on my behalf. From Allah and from Myself you have utter love, you are on the right path, you have the utmost consent and I thereby bring you knowledge, secrets and joy. May peace be upon you.”

And when Sidi ‘Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him) returned to Tunisia, he wedded a Sheriffa as ordered by the Prophet (Grace and peace be upon him) before he left Fez. Later on, he parted with her as the circumstances forced him to do so.


About the preceding, it is reported that before leaving the noble Sidi ‘Ali Harazim (May Allah be pleased with him) told one of his close companions every thing the Prophet (Grace and peace be upon him) revealed to him about the Sheriffa in question with menu details, like her name and that of her father. When he arrived in Tunisia, he saw everything that the Prophet (Grace and peace be upon him) told him. Later on, when that one close companion heard about the divorce, he was as amazed as he was unsettled as the order came straight from the Prophet (Grace and peace be upon him), and during his free time he was entertained by satanic manipulations about what occurred.


One day, as he was sitting with Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) they chatted a long while until his heart smoothed out and his members humbled down, and he could not feel anything. Then, the thought crossed his mind and his purity was shaken. Seidina Ahmed Tidjani (May Allah sanctify his precious secret) stared at him and then looked down, without adding anything else, told him: “She usually did not perform her prayers.” I thus knew that the Prophet approved of what he did. Such is an overview of the life of the noble Khalife Sidi Hajj ‘Ali Harazim Berada (May Allah be pleased with him).


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Sidi Hajj Abdelwahhab ibn El Ahmar T Mouqadem which had the most raised holiness, and the holder of the blessing which carries assistance has a great number of creature, that which does not have to taste with the savour of the sleep since it was separated from Seïdina Ahmed Tidjani T until her death, Sidi Hajj Abdelwahhab Ben Taouadi T known by the name Ibn El Ahmar. This Master, that Allah have mercy on him, started from 1' elite among the companions of Seïdina T, those which accompanied him whether in resident or travel from there until reaching the height of the desires. It makes party of the ten companions to which the Beloved Prophet guaranteed the Large Opening (Fathou-l-Akbar) as had mentioned Seïdina Ahmed Tidjani T Indeed one had questioned him on this subject after they had achieved an important mission: "are they rewarded for that? " Seïdina Ahmed Tidjani T answered: "the Prophet guaranteed the Large Opening for them" Sidi Hajj Abdelwahhab T was a cupboard of the secrecies of Seïdina Shaykh Tijani like that of Khalife Sidi Hajj Ali Harazim Berada . Moreover Seïdina Ahmed Tidjani T had ordered to him to travel with immense Khalife when he left for Hijez (to Arabia), thus he accompanied Sidi Ali Harazim until Sidi Ali's death at Badr in 1218 by 1' Hégire, in this place where our Master and Prophet R have the great victory. Sidi Hajj Abdelwahhab T 1' buried him there then set out again for Fès by having its approval. he was of a healthy heart, walking on the religion by the right way, he hastened to achieve good works thus arriving at best of his intention, he liked the good for all because of his clean heart, far from the diseases of passion. It was reported that he said: "Tariqa Tidjaniya is based on three things which are its core and its secrecy: 1.Constant love towards the family of the Prophet. 2. To make his prayers at its designated hour And 3. Abundance in the prayers on Prophet . " Among all the things of which it recommended the achievement of is the great Salât Tasbih. For it is related that he achieved the completion of this Salat every day. He said on this subject: "I would have liked that all my companions achieve it" It was characterized by particular gifts which Seïdina Ahmed Tidjani T gave him. Among the wonders of Sidi Hajj Abdelwahhab it has the fact there that he often saw the Prophet in dreamstate and wakeful state. Once it is told, with some of his close relations who had questioned him on that, which follows: Once he had seen the Prophet with Abou Bakr and Omar in wakeful state, Sidi Hajj Abdelwahhab joined them, the Prophet turned then to his two companions and said to them: "Write his name on your list (of companions). "while indicating Sidi Hajj Abdelwahhab T. With through this vision there is the statement that was said to Shaykh Ahmad Tijani by the Holy Prophet in wakeful state "the Master of 1' existence R said to me: "Your companions are my companions, and your disciples are my disciples"
Sidi Hajj Abdelwahhab ibn El Ahmar T often settled close to noble Mihrab of the blessed Zawiya of SHaykh Tijani, after the death of Seïdina T, he made his dhikr there. One day precisely, making there his dhikr as with his practice, he saw Seïdina Ahmed Tidjani T leaving his tomb and moving towards him, then he says to him: "RISE! " He rose and made two or three steps with him and here is that the Prophet R appeared. Following that Seïdina Tijani says to him: " here is your Prophet" Sidi Hajj Abdelwahhab T embraced the hand of the Prophet R while crying, then he left his state of absence and was found sitted in his place. Among his wonders, which show his perfect supervisory powers on the things (Tasrif), there is this: Whereas Sidi Hajj Abdelwahhab T accompanied a caravan transporting the goods by Seïdina Ahmed Tidjani T, here are that robbers emerged and took all the goods of the caravan. In front of this fact Sidi Hajj Abdelwwahab T warned the robbers in these terms: "Ô people! Fear Allah, this caravan belongs to Wali of Allah Sidi Ahmed Tidjani. " They answered: "And Then! He is not known and one will not give up even if it were necessary that you die or that someone else dies "and they directed their weapons towards them of seizing all the goods. At this moment they started to feel a heaviness which seized their bodies and choked them, making them impotent to act so much so that they could not go more, as if the ground absorbed them. Vis-a-vis with this situation the robbers exclaimed: "Oh! People come and take again your goods, release us of this misfortune "Sidi Hajj Abdelwahhab Ben Taouadi T says to them: "We had warned you that these goods belong to Sidi Ahmed Tidjani and now repent to Allah what you have just done if not you will run to perdition " They repented thus in Allah and returned all the goods which they had seized then they accompanied the caravan and left to Shaykh TIjani where they took Tariqa Mohamediyya and benefitted from its luck. Thus they set out again in their country, repented their misdeeds, attaches from now on with the cord of the guidance whereas formerly their tribe was recognized like a center of disorder. That was held by the cause of Sidi Hajj Abdelwahhab T and the high spiritual force of Seïdina Ahmed Tidjani T. With its death Fqih Mohamed Kensoussi T celebrates it protested: "the secrecies of Tariqa died by his death"


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O the best person ever laid to rest! When his
blessed body touched the earth His perfumed
bones made the earth and the surrounding forest
fragrant may my soul be sacrificed for the tomb
you reside in In it there is purity, generosity,
munificence

Sidi Hajj Ali TAmasini
When he went to visit Shaykh Tijani he asked him to lead the prayer
despite the presence
of many Alim's and lot of others who deserve to lead the prayer.
while leading the prayer something disturbed him, after the prayer
someone asked seyyidina
if the prayer was valid according to the sharia, seyyidina responded:
"Allah has gifted this man with the Fath(spiritual opening) and
the prayer
behind someone who has the fath is accepted''
this attestation of seyyidina is enough to shows us the importance of
his companion
tamaasin.
one time the servant of seyyidina Sidi Taïeb Ibn Mohamed Sofiani t
who was in charge in
the spending and the needs of the house of Sidinah was asked about one of the
servants who was
sick:

have you given her some medecines
he responded:
he have bought her some medecines but it hasn't take any
effects
maybe it would be better if we treat her with roqiya"
Sidi Taib Sufiani said:
who is going to do the roqiya
Shaykh Ahmad Tijani:
sidi tamaasim is the apropiate guy for this if he is present.
Sidi Taïeb told seyyidina:
i would like you to authorise me for that because you only
authorise
sidi Ali Tamasini for that.
Shaykh Ahmad Tijani then repeated without stoping:
is there someone like Hajj tamaasini?
Sidi Taïeb: seyyidina keep repeating this words till i regret why i
asked him that.
Sidi tamaasin had reach station that after the installation of
seyyidina in the city of Fez
he used to come and visit seyydidina by karamat of one step (for
example going to one
country to another by just moving one step) that caused seyyidina to
prevent him again
from doing miracles by telling him:
if you want to come and visit me for the sake of Allah, you should
come like the common
people, with sandals, with a Horse, escort and feel fatigue, thirst and
with fear(like the common
people)
It has been also reported by particular (khassa) companions of
Shaykh Tijani that one day while
He was leading the prayer with twenty and something of his
companions after finishing
the prayer they (companions) were surprised from the miraculous
happening of dates around them
when seyydina saw that they(companions) were amazed he said:
this is the act of that crazy man.
when seyydina met whith sidi tammasin he asked him what caused him to
do such act:
he responded:
''o my master forgive me, in that time i was in my farm (in Algeria), while the
farmers were collecting the dates I saw how beautiful they were.
and I wanted to send some to you in the
same state, that caused me
send them to you after reciting some secrets words for them to arrive in
your hands.
seyydina ordered him again not to do a similar act again.
When seyyidina passed away the signs of fathul akbar appeared on him
in such that
there was no one like him, and the people used to come to visit him
within all compases
to take the tariqa, one day hundred people came to him from different
sides to request the
taqdim (title of muqaddam).
Hajj sidi Tamasini was blessed with Mukashafa in such way that he
managed (or used it
the way he wanted).
he used to see huzoor Akram Mohamed saw frequently, one day some people
were discussing
about the walis having visions of the holy prophet saw, at hearing
this Sidi Tamasin said:
''there are some walis on our time that there is nothing they can
do small or big
without having the autorization of the holy prophet saw in
real vision and not
in dream''
all the people that were present understood that he was reffering to
himself.
Sidi Tamasin never did something without asking the autorization of
Seyyidina, and
seyyidina certified him that he was the qutb after him.
Sidi Abdelaoui reported : one day he was near Sidi Tamasin and wanted to ask
him for the title of full authorization to give the wird (Muqadaam mutlack)
just by having the intention come through his mind Sidi tamasin then looked at him back and told
him you are authorised!
to give the tariqa, and added i thank Allah for this immense grace .
he died in the 1260 in hegira his tomb is in Algeria in one city
called Tamasin
Allahumma Salli alaa sayyidina muhammadinil fatihi lima ughliqa wal
khatimi lima
sabaqa nasiril haqqa bil haqqi wal haadi ila siraatikal mustaqima wa
laa aalihi haqqa
qadrihi wa miqdarihi azim. amin bi hurmatil makhtum

Sidi Mohammed Ibn ‘Arabi Damraoui
(May God be satisfied with him)



Amongst the great companions endowed with knowledge and wonders, holding the highest levels of sainthood – considered as the elite of the elite, stood Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi Damraoui (May God be satisfied with him) who was native to Taza in Morocco.

At first, Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi Damraoui was the one acting as go-between for Seïdina Ahmed Tdjani (May God be satisfied with him) when this latter one wanted to speak to the Prophet (Peace be upon him). He served so owing to the great modesty that he was filled with.

Despite his young age, Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) often met the Prophet (Peace be upon him) at a waking state. Sidi Abdelaoui (May God be satisfied with him) reported that Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) used to meet the Prophet (Peace be upon him) twenty four times a day. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) advised Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him) to take care of him.

During his stay in Boussemghoune, Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him) often travelled to Taza to meet his companion and student, the great erudite Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) because at that time he was one of his greatest companions and among his beloved.

As time went by, Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him) took care of him more and more in accordance with the advise of the Prophet (Peace be upon him). Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him) used to pay him a visit very often when Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) was alive and in his grave at a point that it was not necessary to mention him in the book Djawahirou-l-Ma’ani.

Seïdina Ahmed Tdjani (May God be satisfied with him) had said:

“The Prophet (Peace be upon him) advised me to take care of Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) and told me that this latter one had rights over me”.

Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him) also said that Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) was a Cherif from Idmar Dachara in the region of Taza. He had a lot of virtues and the most important was the guarantee from the Prophet (Peace be upon him) that he was a beloved one. He was the go-between between the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him) by the consent of the Prophet himself.

When Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) died, Seïdina Ahmed Tdjani (May God be satisfied with him) replaced him by the great Calif Sidi Hajj ‘Ali Harazim (May God be satisfied with him) in the constant command of the Prophet (Peace be upon him).

Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) was a Cherif among the pure Chourafas and was assassinated. When he moved to ‘Aïn Madhi, he was attributed many virtues at a point that all women of the region talked about it and made fun of him with their men. Thus, arousing his enemies’ jealousy, the latter ones encouraged someone to assassinate him. Long before the horrible act, his murderer used to pay him often a visit and he used to ask him for prayers (dou’a) but Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) chased him away every time he came and told him: “ Go away from me, O wrongdoer son of wrongdoers! Enemies will encourage you to take my life”.

Indeed, the villain acted as he said so. One day, when Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) was carefree and busy, that man came to him and and shot him. He collapsed and the order of Allah (His Glory and Highness) is a predestined decree. Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) knew by revelation everything that was going to happen to him even the little scheme of his enemies. Following the event, Allah (His Glory and Highness) punished those who plotted against him as well as his murderer in a harsh way.

Their group was scattered and destroyed, their descendants almost died out and those who survived in that region were completely ruined and were shocked by horror by the consequence of Allah’s (His Glory and Highness) intense revenge.

May Allah (His Glory and Highness) protect us from making the same mistake, i.e. standing against our masters, the Walis, because it undoubtedly leads on the road to ruin. Allah (His Glory and Highness) said in a Qoudoussi hadith: “Whoever sets about one of My walis, I will declare him war…” (Boukhari).

After having heard his death, a Cheikh from Tunisia wanted to take his revenge on all the inhabitants of ‘Aïn Madhi. That Cheikh didn’t belong to the Tariqa Tidjaniya. Seïdina Ahmed Tidjani (May God be satisfied with him) wrote him a letter to warn him from the consequences of such act. So, a group of six persons among which the great erudite Sidi Mohammed Ibn Mechri (May God be satisfied with him) was sent by Seïdina Ahmed Tidjani (May God be satisfied with him) to hand him the message. He had nothing left but to comply with the orders by surrendering.

Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) was the prodigy of his time for what he held in terms of secrets and knowledge. He received from the Prophet (Peace be upon him), both in his dreams and at a waking state, what could astonish spirits and that was only captured by the greatest masters.

One day, in a dream, he was given a poem by the Prophet (Peace be upon him). When he woke up, he saw the Prophet (Peace be upon him) at a waking state and asked him for comments. The latter one explained him that thanks to the love and attachment to Cheikh (May God be satisfied with him), he was rewarded with all these favours but, without that love, he could have never seen him. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) ordered him to convey that poem and its commentary to Seïdina Ahmed Tidjani (May God be satisfied with him).

He was also given from the Prophet (Peace be upon him) a prayer called The Pearl which contains huge benefits for the believers who recite it as it was said by the Prophet (Peace be upon him) himself.

Long before he met with Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him), Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) belonged to the Tariqa Bel Ben ‘Azouz and, for that matter, Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him) was told by the Prophet (Peace be upon him) that: “Bel Ben ‘Azouz is a demon of this community”.

When he met Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him), he asked him the Baraka to follow his Tariqa after having seen in him all the prodigies. Seïdina Ahmed Tidjani (May God be satisfied with him) considered him as his intimate, following in that way the advise of the Prophet (Peace be upon him).

Among the reported facts, there was the one Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him) sent someone to tell Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) to come and see him. Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him) had sent his companion Sidi Hajj Mousaqam (May God be satisfied with him) that has also brought the horse of another companion in his way to Taza. Once he was there, Sdi Hajj Mousaqam (May God be satisfied with him) informed Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) about the message of the Cheikh (May God be satisfied with him).

Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) stood up right away with the obligation to do what he was told to. During the trip, his horse died and he ordered the Rouhaniyoun (spiritual entities) to animate the body of the horse so that he could go to Boussemghoune.

As he was on his way, his travelling companion said: “O my master! The horse’s smell is prejudicial to me”. Then, he ordered to quicken the pace. Once he arrived, he went off the horse and the animal fell down with its worms coming out of it. Later, Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) met Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him) who discussed about secrets with him.

Seïdina Ahmed Tidjani (May God be satisfied with him) said that among all the favours Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) had, there were the following ones:

One day in ‘Ain Madhi, his wife wanted to have honey but it was difficult to find some at that time of the year but he used to never dissatisfy her. And yet, in that period, he apologized for not having what she wanted but she didn’t accept it and insisted.

Then, he said to her: “Go to the courtyard because Seïdina Ahmed Tidjani (May God be satisfied with him) has sent it to you”. She went out and found large quantities of honey laid on skins. She used to flatter her husband when she was with the women of the district at a point that these latter ones made their husbands jealous by their gossips until it became the cause of Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi’s death (May God be satisfied with him).

The son of Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him) has reported that Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) had plantations and when these had to be irrigated, clouds used to form and watered the field that belonged to him without watering the neighbours’ ones. This is one of the extraordinary favours of our masters, the Walis.

Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) encountered problems with some headmen. The latter ones decided to capture him and to fight with people who were against their will. When they came to ‘Ain Madhi, they didn’t give any choice for the inhabitants than to hand Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi over (May God be satisfied with him), at the risk of destroying the entire village. And yet, they were so numerous that they couldn’t push them back.

Then, the inhabitants of ‘Ain Madhi enjoined Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) to hand over those who were looking for him and to accept Allah’s Judgment (His Glory and Highness). Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) didn’t even nod his head or reply but he drew on the sand with his finger something that looked like a writing. After that, he took a little piece of paper and drew letters, then he torn it into two pieces and threw it in the direction of those who were to capture him. The two little pieces flew away and reunited. In accordance with Allah’s Judgment (His Glory and Highness), the group of headmen was torn apart with arguments one another and they fought between them. Their union broke and the hostility continued.

Sidi Ahmed Abdelaoui (May God be satisfied with him) reported that thanks to his Fath strength, Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) envied and desired to reach the level that was exclusively reserved to Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him) despite his young age. Sidi Ahmed Abdelaoui (May God be satisfied with him) wrote Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him) a letter in which he revealed him that he saw a station (Maqam) that was between the Prophet and the Poles but it was not inheritable and reserved to one person in this community.

He acknowledged that he envied that station but he didn’t dare to ask it the Prophet (Peace be upon him) in case that station wasn’t reserved for him and fearing to lose everything. Indeed, he was informed that it was reserved for Seïdina Ahmed Tidjani (May God be satisfied with him), that’s why he went to inform him about this huge favour.

Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) asked Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him) to give him, as for a reward to the good news, the merit of ten times Ismou Allah El A’dham, ten times Salat el Fatihi and ten times the reward of Miftahoul Qoutbaniya. He asked it because he noticed that a single zikr of Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him) was beyond what his ancestors, his sons and him could have done for seventy years.

Among the reported stories by pure sources, there is this story of a group of people who paid a visit to Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) one day. Among them, Sidi Mohammed Ibn Mechri (May God be satisfied with him) and the Erudite (‘Arif) Sidi Hajj ‘Ali Tamacini (May God be satisfied with him) and others asked him this question: “When animals die, do they go to paradise or not?”
Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) thought: “They thought I was a wise man but I was stupid. Those who love me despite my stupidity will go to paradise and those who hate me will go to hellfire. I was confused with that question and I didn’t know what to answer them until I met the Prophet (Peace be upon him) to ask him.

He told me that there are some of the animals that go to paradise, precisely the prophets’, the messengers’, the saints’, those ones killed in a war as well those in Hajj and all that died in the way of Allah (His Glory and Highness).They have a Paradise which is different from the thinking beings and which is full of vegetation they love and desire”.

Sidi Mohamed Ibn ‘Arabi (May God be satisfied with him) died in ‘Ain Madhi at the age of 28 and left only two daughters in that town. He died months before Seïdina (May God be satisfied with him) went to Fes. His grave which is located in ‘Ain Madhi is well-known and is frequently visited by the faithful for its baraka.

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Among Shaykh Tijani large companions the Alim of his time, called the Izzidin Abdul Salaam of his time, Shaykh al Islam, defender fo this Tariqa Al Ahmadiyya-Muhammadiyya-Tijaniyya Shaykh Abul Isaaq Sidina Ibrahim Riyahi Tunisi. Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse said of this companion if Sidina Ibrahim Riyahi was the only student of Shaykh Tijani it would be enough proof for him.

Sidi Ibrahim Riyahi was first of the Tariqa al Shadhiliyya. When the large Khalifah Sidi Ali Harizim visited Tunis is the year 1211 he met and made acquantes with Sidi Ibrahim Riyahi and stayed with him in his Madrassa where friendship grew between them. He saw many wonders from Sidi Ali Harazim and heard of the virtues of Shaykh Ahmad Tijani and his path. While already in the Shadhili Tariqa he was already a man of known wilayah and knowledge.

Before meeting Sidi Ali Harazim, he had a dream which gave him glad tidings of a maqam he will reach among the high stations. Sidi Ali Harazim then explained to him the meaning of these glad tidings that waited him.

One thing that was narrated from Sidi ALi Harazim about the visit in Tunis was one day Sidi ALi Harazim told Sidi Ibrahim Riyahi that he wanted to go inside to make zikr, and to make sure no one enter the room while he was making the zikr until he finished. Sidi Ibrahim Riyahi waited outside to guard the door until Sidi Ali Harizim finished his zikr. While Sidi Ibrahim Riyahi waited outside he waited a very very very long time until he started to get worried. He didnt see anyone leave the room, but he was very worried and fearful because of the length of time he was waiting.

He then pushed open the door to check on Sidi Ali Harazim to see that no one was in the room. This made Sidi Ibrahim very more fearful. and He went outside at the front to wait more. After more time Sidi Ali Harazim came out of the room. When Sidi Ibrahim Riyahi saw this. He exclaimed "Sidi where did you go for I cam in to check on you and i didnt see you" Sidi ALi Harazim answered him that "When one with knowledge does the Supreme Name He can no longer stay in his same state, When he knows and practises it he can not help but to melt away and after finishes return to his original state"
Sidi Ibrahim Riyah was known as those who dua's was answered quickly like the striking of the sword.
Once in Tunis when the Turkish king of the territory of Tunisia invited Shaykh Sidi Saleh el Kaoache to Morrocco to meet the king there, He then declined because of his old age and unability to travel. He then told his pupil Sidi Ibrahim Riyahi to travel in his absence to Morocco. At the advice of Sidi Ali Harazim for him to meet Shaykh Tijani while in Morocco. He did just that.

While arriving at the residence of Shaykh Tijani while he was about to knock on the door. A servant of Shaykh Tijani answered the door and asked him if He was Sidi Ibrahim Riyahi. Sidi Ibrahim Riyahi answered in the affirmative. The servant then told him that Shaykh Tijani has been waiting for your arrival. When He met Shaykh Tijani he told him of the passing of his teacher in Tunis and even told him that he assisted with the funeral prayer for him (a Karama).

While in Morocco Sidi Ibrahim Riyahi was taught and learned much from Shaykh Tijani and grew to love him. He even wrote a book defending the virtues of Shaykh Ahmad Tijani and his Tariqa. He then wrote a poem expressing his love for Shaykh Tijani and till this day anyone that reads that poem he cannot remain in the same spiritual state after reading it. Shaykh Ibrahim Riyah then became a disciple of Shaykh Tijani and his Muhammadi way.

In one letter written from Shaykh Tijani to Sidi Ibrahim Riyahi follows. I give you the permission and the authorization for the whole of blessed, noble, and immense Wird. Stick to it well. awake your (Nafs) of its unconcern and do not obey him in its vice because the business is not futile, it is serious and important matter. Take the way of the efforts because the poor one which gives up his pact, its punishments are very hard and its misfortunes are multiple,
that is to say in the certainty of what you have, do not neglect what you reached and do not occupy yourself of what you already gave up, our tariqa was particularized by Allah of a characteristic which locates it above all the ways and whose language could not sometimes be understood. If ever the veil was lifted for the graces of this tariqa to be seen, Verily the Qutbs will look at it, the way the shepard looks up at the cloulds. Pay attention! Look opposite from yourself, do not let itself delude because all the spiritual ways come from it, it is the source of all the turuq, since the beginning of creation to the horn of the last Judgement, by a veracious promise of the Master of the existence (Sayyid el Woujoud R).

I authorize you completely and entirely for always without change with the obligatory condition giving up any visit with the whole of the saints, exept the visit of the Prophet and his companions and no one other. Know that Allah has us of an immense kindness by the gift of the prayer called Jawhara Kamel because any person who will recite it 12 times with complete ablutions and known as: "This is a gift for you, Ô! Messenger of Allah "it is as if he had visited the Prophet in his" paradisiac garden "(Raouda Chérifa) and it is as if he had visited all Aouliya (Saints men of God) since the exile of the Prophet R (Hijra) until the achievement of this dhikr.

Notice, that Allah makes you mercy, these great favours, these invaluable gems of a great value that Allah the Generous one gave us and whose all the other people were exempted. Our Tariqa is hidden except in comparison with the Master of the existence (Rasoolallah) which knows its like and value. That Allah makes us, like you, of those which clings to it and of those which walk on in its path in the life and death, in peace, good health and safety until the establishment in the highest degrees of the Paradise near the Master of the existence R.
Gaurd with you then guard with you! Abstain from ignoring the wird, to have shame and to neglect what one ordered to you to do, to sit you at the place of the doubt and mislaying, I advise you the fear of Allah internally and outside and to follow the Sunna , close or exceptional in the words and the acts, to be satisfied with Allah in the little and much,
with going towards Allah and giving him the attention in all the states, to detach yourself from the creatures that you then approach or that you move away, to take for each situation the Sunna as judge. I recommend to you uprightness in any circumstance in the movement and the opposition to progress, I advise you patience and the complete abandonment in Allah with the provision of forsaking all that is not right, and patience in misfortune is closer to peace, requires of Allah that he gives you the right way, all the good. That It is occupied of your case as It is occupied of the elite of its servants who are loved at his place, those of the great degrees of Veracious (Siddiqiyya el ` Adhma) and of the great holiness, by the value of the elected official R and that He puts to you in his sponsorship, whom he is enough for you, which you would be under his protection, that he vaccinates you against the evil... "

Sidi Ibrahim Riyahi T died the 17 of the blessed month of Ramadan in 1266 at the 86 years age, his tomb is in Tunis, that Allah is satisfied with him. Thus lived the scientist defender of our Tariqa Mohamediyya.

It should also be known that Shaykh Ibrahim Riyahi held the position of Shaykh al Islam of Tunis and the position of Head Alim at the Zaytuna school in Tunis which outdates Qarawayeen and al Azhar. He was the only one in history to hold these two positions at the same time.

Sidi Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Mishry among the very large alims the one endowed with comprehension of Sharia and Haqiqa, the one that carries the school of Imam Malik, the deposit of the secrets and knowledge, defender of the Tariqa Tijaniya. The sherif of great value Abu Abdallah Sidi Muhammad ibn Mechri.

He made party of the elite of the elite among the companions of Sidi Shaykh Ahmad Tijani, those which inherited the revealed sciences, which had access to secrecies of the world of mysteries.

Shaykh Ahmad Tijani had taken him as his Imam at times of prayer and as his scribe writing his letters and answers and writer of what he heard from Sidi Shaykh or what was dictated to him. He was the first student of Shaykh Tijani. His first meeting with Shaykh Ahmad Tijani was in 1188 AH on the year of Shaykh Tijani's return from Hajj in the Algerian city of Tlemcen. Sidi Muhammd ibn Mishry was originally of the Khalwatiyya tariqa in which he also took from Shaykh Ahmad Tijani before Shaykh Tijani received the Tariqa Muhammadiyya from the Prophet in which he later took. Sidi Muhammad ibn Mishry remained in the company of Shaykh Tijani from 1188 until his death in 1224. He was so dedicated to being in the company of Shaykh Tijani that his companions at times had to remind him of his family and dependents.

Sidi Muhammd ibn Mishri is the author of the book "Al Jam'ia" which he gathered many various sciences which were dictated to him from Shaykh Tijani. This book is not published for it is related that whoever publishes this book will immediately meet his death by the will of Allah.

Shaykh Ahmad Tijani used to take him as him imam in times of prayer due to the great humbleness of Shaykh Tijani and he only lead the prayer when he was with his family in his home. this is until the year 1208AH when the Prophet commanded him in vision not to pray behind anyone with the exeption of Jumah prayer. (As in the hadith which states that the most knowlegeable should lead the salat) . If ever Shaykh Tijani was obliged to make the wudu with Tayyamun and the time of prayer came, and although his companions had ablution with water he would tell them if they like they can make prayer behind an imam with water ablutions for it was better to pray behind one of water ablutions than one of Tayyamun.

The states of Mahaba (love) were very strong and among the proof of that is a story related when Sidi Muhammad ibn Mishry once was riding his horse past the tomb of a great Wali. The Wali in the tomb was known to have a great power of Tasrif(managing hearts). When Sidi Muhammad horse passed by the tomb the ground around the tomb sunk in making the horse face the tomb making the horse walk towards the tomb. But the love of Shaykh Tijani that Sidi Muhammad had in his heart prevented him from that and he said to the tomb. "Either you release my horse or I will complain to Shaykh Ahmad Tijani who will act for me" The horse was immediately released as if nothing happened.

Sidi Muhammad ibn Mishry originates in the city of Touggourt in Algeria. A city famous for its Alims and Awliya. The whole of people of the city had taken the Tariqa, they went to visit Shaykh Tijani and spend 20 days with him. They brought many many goods as gifts for him. Shaykh Tijani met them and he admitted that found nobody better than them in their adaab, religion, and knowledge. Indeed they were already Ulama before meeting Sidi Shaykh Ahmad Tijani. Even Shaykh Tijani was more occupied with them more than his close relations and he gave them more attention, when he was asked about this he replied " They are not like the others because they seek the high degrees and Sunna in all its states.

Sidi Muhammad ibn Mishry was one who had the grand opening (fath) during the life of Shaykh Tijani and for that he was ordered to leave the country where Shaykh Tijani was. So he can go abroad and train others. Sidi Muhammad ibn Mishry then wandered in the desert training others. And soon developed a disease which was due to his great depression from being away from Shaykh Tijani in which he spent 15years with. He is buried near the parents of Shaykh Tijani in Ain Maadi Algeria.

Sidi Muhammad El Ghali
(may Allah be pleased with him)


Among the companions of Seydina Ahmed Tidjani (may Allah be pleased with him), the one who got the knowledge of Allah : Abu Abdullah Sidi Muhammad El Ghali Abu Taleb, Hassania sharif (may Allah be pleased with him). He was a guide towards Allah and a model of know how and good manners. He was a known wali, a man of noticeable prodigious deeds, of noble character and exemplary behavior.

That eminent man was on of the elite of the elite among the companions of Seydina Ahmed Tidjani (may Allah be pleased with him). He was also one of the ten people who received from the Prophet (peace be upon him) the guarantee of the Great Opening and the pillars of the Tariqa.

He was one of those who spread the Tariqa both in the Orient and in the Occident, and it was thanks to him that it reached Saharan Africa (old western Sudan). Seydina Ahmed Tidjani (may Allah be pleased with him) awarded him a high rank in the Tariqa and ordered him to appoint four moqadems and authorize each of them to appoint in turn four others, but not more.

That particular status he was given was only applicable as long as Seydina Ahmed Tidjani (may Allah be pleased with him) was alive, and before Sidi Muhammad El Ghali (may Allah be pleased with him) left for Makkah. After his stay in Makkah, the restriction over the number of moqadems was lifted.

He was well known for his efforts in obeying Allah (Glory and Praise are due to Him). One day, while he was highly concentrated on his dhikr in divine presence, his daughter fell from the height of the house, but this did not alter the state in which he was. He remained where he was, still concentrated till the end of his wird.

In his practice of worshiping Allah, he had a way of saying psalmodies comparable to nothing alike. It was said that he used to glorify Allah twenty seven times during a single prostration. It was also reported that he happened to pray ‘Isha and then do his Lazim for two whole hours, so deep was he in his psalmodies in divine presence.

He used to see the Prophet (peace be upon him) and Seydina Ahmed Tidjani (may Allah be pleased with him) after the death of the latter, and he would question them about some issues. It was said that he once dreamt of the Prophet (peace be upon him) who told him: “You are the son of the beloved one, and you inherited the Tariqa from the beloved one”.

Sidi Muhamad El Ghali (may Allah be pleased with him) told some of his particular companions that he had seen Seydina Ahmed Tidjani (may Allah be pleased with him) after his death and he had said to him: “ô Seydi, you went away and left us alone”. And Seydina Ahmed Tidjani (may Allah be pleased with him) answered: “I am not away and I have not left you, I have just moved from the earthly dwelling to the enlightened one.”

He had reserved a special place where he used to stay all alone at given times to perform specific adhkar. And whenever he was seized by trance during dhikr, he would order visitors to stop at the doorstep of his place of retreat until he finished.

Once, after he finished his dhikr, he invited his companion to come in. The latter found him in such a state of heat that one would think he was inside a hammam (an old Turkish heated room for baths). When his companion asked him why his body was so hot, Sidi Muhammad El Ghali (may Allah be pleased with him) smiled, showed him the outer side of his hand and told him: “Put your finger here”. The companion said that he put his finger on the hand of Sidi Muhammad El Ghali (may Allah be pleased with him) and felt as if he touched embers. He immediately withdrew his finger which was already burnt.

Such a phenomenon is not strange from people of truth, considering what they are authorized to recite. Some people may burn their tongue uttering the Magnificent Name. Some among them encounter other forms of effects of dhikr. It is also reported that some feel a sweet taste on their tongue while saying prayers on the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Sidi Muhammad El Ghali (may Allah be pleased with him) occupied both a high position and rank beside Seydina Ahmed Tidjani (may Allah be pleased with him) who very often complimented him. Sidi Muhammad El Ghali (may Allah be pleased with him) showed sincere love for Seydina Ahmed Tidjani (may Allah be pleased with him). He (may Allah be pleased with him)was very fond of Sidi Muhammad El Ghali’s words (may Allah be pleased with him); he asked about him whenever he was not among the other companion brothers.

One night, Seydina Ahmed Tidjani (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the assembly of companions: “Where is Sidi Muhammad El Ghali?”

When the latter showed up, Seydina (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “My two feet are laid on the shoulders of each Wali (Saint)”.

Sidi Muhammad El Ghali (may Allah be pleased with him) then said to him: “ô Master, are you in a state of consciousness and present-mindedness or in a state of ecstasy (Hal) and “disappearance in Allah” (Fana) ?”

He (may Allah be pleased with him) answered: “I am in a state of full consciousness; all praises are due to Allah”

Sidi Muhammad El Ghali (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: <<So>>

Seydina Ahmed Tidjani (may Allah be pleased with him) answered: “He (Sidi Abdel Qadr Djeylani (may Allah be pleased with him)) is truthful, but he meant the saints of his time. As for me, however, what I am saying is this: my two feet are laid on the shoulders of all the walis from the time of Adam to the end of times.”

Sidi Muhammad El Ghali (may Allah be pleased with him) then asked him: “ô Seydi, what will you reply if someone says the same thing after you?

He (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “No one will ever repeat that after me”.

Sidi Muhammad El Ghali said: “«ô Master, you are restricting what has always been wide open. Isn’t Allah capable of bestowing on another Saint an influx (madad, nour) wherein the divine manifestations, the favors, the high ranking, the knowledge of Allah, the secrecies, the height and the spiritual states (hal) are more important than those He has granted you?”

Seydina Ahmed Tidjani (may Allah be pleased with him) told him: “He is indeed! He is even capable of doing much more, but He will not, because that has not been His Will. Isn’t He capable of making of another man a prophet and of sending him to mankind, giving him more than He gave Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)?”

Sidi Muhammad El Ghali (may Allah be pleased with him) answered: “He is indeed, but such has not been His Will in the pre-existence.”

Seydina Ahmed Tidjani (may Allah be pleased with him) then added: “These two facts are similar. Allah (Gory and Praise are due to Him) has not willed them in the pre-existence, and His Knowledge has not ordained them.”

Sidi Muhammad El Ghali (may Allah be pleased with him) passed away in 1244 in Makkah and was buried in the same graveyard as the mother of all believers, Khadidja (may Allah be pleased with her).

Of the strange things that happened in Sidi Muhammad El Ghali’s life (may Allah be pleased with him), one relates to what Seydina Sheikh Ahmed Tidjani (may Allah be pleased with him) himself told some of his companions: he informed them that it would be indispensable that Sidi Muhammad El Ghali be present and lead the mortuary prayers before his corpse when he died.

However, when Seydina Cheikh (may Allah be pleased with him) died, Sidi Muhammad El Ghali (may Allah be pleased with him) was on a trip. Thus he was not present by the time Seydina Cheikh (may Allah be pleased with him) died and was therefore unable to attend the mortuary prayer and the burial.

The children of Seydina Cheikh Ahmed tidjani (may Allah be pleased with him), following the Will of Allah (Glory and Praise are due to Him), dug up his blessed corpse in order to transfer it to Algeria (*), but the disciples in Fez took him and finally buried him in his noble tomb. On this occasion Sidi Muhammad El Ghali (may Allah be pleased with him) was there, and therefore prayed for Seydina Sheikh (may Allah be pleased with him). Thus, the prediction made by Seydina Sheikh (may Allah be pleased with him) came true.

(*) The wooden trunk which served as a coffin in which the blessed corpse of Seydina Ahmed Tidjani (may Allah be pleased with him) was moved, is still kept inside the great blessed zaouiya of Fez.
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One famous mawatir report is one night Shaykh Tijani called for Sidi Muhammad Ghali. Sidi Muhammad Ghali then came to him, and he was not afraid of Shaykh Tijani because he was a relative and close friend. Shaykh Tijani then said. "My foot is one the necks of all Walis". Sidi Muhammad Ghali then said " are u in a state of fana" or are you sober (baqa) Shaykh Tijani then answered. I am in my state of might with no intoxication of mind. Sidi Muhammmad Ghali then said to him. What do you have to say about the same statement made my Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani "My FOOT is one the necks of all Walis" Shaykh Tijani then answered. "He was correct in his statement, but he was referring to the walis of his time" .
I (Shaykh Tijani) my TWO FEET are on the necks of all walis of ALlah from Adam until the time of the Trumpet. Sidi Muhammad Ghali then said. "What if someone after says the same statement" Shaykh Tijani then answered this will not happen.
Sidi Muhammad Ghali then said "you are definitely putting a restraint on Allah, isnt it possible for ALlah to bring another wali after you who will have higher maqam, more knowledge, secrets and gnosis.
Shaykh Tijani then said. "Yes, but he would not do so because he has not willed it" "Isnt he able to bring another Prophet and give him more than what he has given to our Beloved Prophet if he wanted to?" Sidi Muhammad Ghali then answered yes, Allah could if he desired.
Shaykh Tijani then said "Yes, but he has not willed so" " the matter is the same"


To my knowledge which is very little shaykh abdul qadir jilani(ra) is know as sultan awilya because of that statement.

As reported in the book of Shaykh Ahmad Sukharij "Kashf Hijab" which is a encyclopedia of the biographies of many companions of Shaykh Tijani, there is one companion by the name of Sidi Ali Shitoui. He was a great Qadiri Wali before taking the Tariqa Tijaniya.

When He was in Khalwa he had a vision of Sultan Awliya Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani and Sidi Ali asked him "What do you say of the Wali that received his opening in Abu Samghum (which is the place that Shaykh Tijani got his grand opening at the hands of the Beloved Rasool). And Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani answered him "He is the Tree, and we are all under his shade".

After this Sidi Ali Shitoui took the Tariqa Tijaniyya with the permission of Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani.

where can i obtain a copy of this book.

correct me if i am wrong shaykh abdul qadir jilani(ra)is the king of all walis

As Salaam Alaikum,

As it is agreed in the creed of faith. That the Believer believes the statements of the Prophets and the statements of the AwliyaAllah.

If Shaykh Abdul Qadir (RadiAllah anhu) said He was the King of the Walis. We believe him.

And every century has a "King of the Walis", as we all know the righteous wali Shaykh Nazim Nasqbandi(RadiAllahu anhu) has said that he is the "Sultanul Awliya".
and We believe him.

Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RadiAllahu anhu) was an accepted wali of his time and was known as the Shaykh al Shuyukh in Fes during his time, which is said to always house 124,000 walis. In his lifetime he received two very special maqams. They are Khatmiyya(seal) Khatm Wilaya and Kitmiyya(hidden) Qutb al Maktum. To know of Shaykh Tijani is to know of these two maqams. (If one wants information on them please send me a message)

It is written in the Kitab al Jami of the companion of Shaykh Tijani, named Sidi Muhammad al Mishri(RadiAllahu anhu) that Shaykh Ahmad Tijani asked the Prophet(SalAllahu alaihi wa salim) after reaching the maqam "Who before me reached the closest to this level"
And He answered (SalAllahu alai wa salim) "Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani and Shaykh al Akbar (The Greatest Shaykh) Ibn Arabi. May Allah be pleased with them.

One must know even in the Jawahir al Ma'ani Shaykh Tijani whenever he spoke of them he would always say before their names their titles. Such as whenever he spoke of Shaykh Abdul Qadir he would say before that "Sultan Awliya". And whenever he spoke of Shaykh Ibn Arabi al Hatimi, he would say before his name, "Shaykh al Akbar"

My intention is not to post on this forum who's shaykh is who, and who's shaykh is above all. For all the turuq are one and all go back to Sidi Wujud Nabi'unna Muhammad(May prayers and peace be upon him). And may he be our intercessor for us on the Day of Judgement

We are only repeating what our Shaykh has told us. For the sake of knowledge only.


The book that you ask of is Kashf al Hijaab written by Qadi Shaykh Ahmad Sukharij. It is an encyclopedia of many of the companions and followers of Shaykh Tijani from their times until the time when he wrote it.
Shaykh Ahmad Sukharij was the student of Sidi Abdalawi who was the student of Sidi Ali Tamasini who was the renowned companion of Shaykh Ahmad Tijani. The book is in all Arabic and you can read it online at

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Salaams and regards,

Tijanimureed

Shaykh al-Islam Ibrahim al-Riyahi
By Muhammad Nasiruddin Andrea (detailed)

Ibrahim al-Riyahi (1767-1850), the Imam of the Zaytuna University and Maliki Shaykh al-Islam of Tunis from 1832, stands in the later Ottoman period of intense social and intellectual change as one of the most noteworthy testimonies to the richness of Zaytuna scholarship. He was an enlightened mufti, a dedicated and innovative teacher and an accomplished poet. He also discretely cultivated a profound spirituality throughout his life, and was the man who introduced the Tariqa Tijaniyya in Tunisia.

Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse (d. 1975)[1] said about him: “Were Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani to have no other follower but Abu Ishaq Ibrahim al-Riyahi, it would suffice us as proof to also follow him.”[2]

His full name was Abu Ishaq Ibrahim b. ‘Abd al-Qadir b. Ahmad b. Ibrahim al-Tarabulusi al-Riyahi. He derived the nisba al-Tarabulusi from his great grandfather Ibrahim, a Qur’anic teacher who had moved with his family from Libya to join other members of his tribe (Banu Riyah) who had settled since in the hilly region of Teboursouk, in the inland of Northern Tunisia.[3] Ahmad, son of the latter and grandfather of Ibrahim al-Riyahi, had later moved to Testour, an ancient town in the hills that dominate the Medjerda valley, rebuilt in 1609 by Muslims and Jewish fleeing from Andalusia after the Reconquista. Here, in Testour, Ibrahim was born in 1767 to ‘Abd al-Qadir, a son of Ahmad, who, like his father and his grandfather, earned his living (according to the sources, a rather poor one) by teaching the Qur’an.

After having memorized the Qur’an from his father when he was in his late teens (some time between 1782 and 1785), Ibrahim was sent out to pursue higher studies in Tunis. He settled in the Madrasa of the Hawanit al-‘Ashur (Houanet Achour) ward, a western quarter of the Medina. He attended courses in all the major religious and philological disciplines at the Houanet Achour Madrasa, and then at the Zaytuna, the oldest center of Islamic learning in North Africa, which had been established in the eighth century and functioned as a major hub of Maliki legal thought. Under Ottoman rule, a parallel system of Hanafi law had been established, and the two legal doctrines were taught at the Zaytuna and practiced by the Tunisian courts. A Maliki Shaykh al-Islam (Bash-mufti) supervised the Maliki qadis, while a Hanafi one headed the Hanafi judiciary.

At the Zaytuna, Ibrahim al-Riyahi studied with the most renowned scholars in Tunis of his time. Among his teachers were Muhammad al-Mahjub (Maliki Bash-mufti), Isma’il al-Tamimi (who succeeded the former as Maliki Bash-mufti), Muhammad Bayram II (Hanafi Bash-mufti), Hasan al-Sharif (Chief-Imam of the Zaytuna), Ahmad Abu Khris, Muhammad al-Fasi, Salih al-Kawwash, ‘Umar al-Mahjub, Tahir b. Mas‘ud.[4] He quickly attained great recognition for his sharp intelligence and for the passion with which he devoted to study. After obtaining ijazas in the major disciplines, he was encouraged by his masters to accept students of his own, which he did some time in his late twenties under one of the pillars of the Zaytuna mosque as was customary. He specialized in the teaching of grammar, prosody, rhetoric, and Maliki fiqh. It is related that one day his former teacher Tahir b. Mas‘ud, while commenting on the Mukhtasar of Sa‘d, overheard Ibrahim al-Riyahi teaching the same book to another group of students a few meters away. He interrupted his own lesson, and sent his students to listen to his former pupil’s explanations.

Later on, Shaykh Ibrahim al-Riyahi would also start teaching qur’anic exegesis (the Ash‘ari theological tafsir by Baydawi, for which he had obtained an ijaza from Shaykh Salih al-Kawwash), and hadith (Bukhari, with the commentary of Qastallani). Among his students were a number of influential persons in the intellectual and political life of Tunis in late nineteenth century, such as the historian and Ministerial councilor Ahmad Ibn Abi Diyaf, Bayram V, Mahmud Qabadu, and the poet al-Baji al-Mas‘udi.

The pathway which would eventually lead Ibrahim al-Riyahi to join the Tijaniyya developed out of his early search for knowledge in Tunis. Esoteric sciences, however, were probably already part of his family legacy: indeed the esoteric sciences associated with Arabic letters of the Qur’an (‘ilm al-huruf) were integrated into his ancestors’ study and transmission of the Qur’anic sciences. In any case, while pursuing his training in other classical Islamic sciences in Tunis, he simultaneously evidenced strong Sufi inclinations. He first embraced the path of Sidi Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili, the famous Moroccan saint who visited Tunis, where his Tariqa is still very popular. He devotedly pursued this path under the direction of his master Sidi ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Bashir Mashish.

Some years later, his encounter with the Moroccan Sidi ‘Ali Harazim, one of the closest companions of Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani, would lead him to embrace the Tijani path. ‘Ali Harazim had come to Tunis en route to accomplishing the pilgrimage, after having been confirmed as a consummate ‘Arif billah (Gnostic) by Shaykh Ahmad Tijani and sent from Fez to spread the new order.

Ibrahim met Sidi ‘Ali Harazim in the Zaytuna after a premonitory dream, and then invited the Moroccan Sufi to be his guest in the Madrasa ‘Ashuriyya.[5] ‘Ali Harazim was gifted with many karamat (miraculous signs), and some intense events marked the acquaintance of the two, probably deeply affecting the young Zaytuna professor. It is related that one night ‘Ali Harazim woke up Ibrahim and told him: “wake up and ask God what you desire, for this is the time of the answered prayer”. Ibrahim wrote down 14 implorations (amongst them “to be granted constant vision of the Prophet Muhammad (sAws)”, “obtaining complete ma‘rifa“, “to be granted mastery in exoteric and esoteric sciences”, “to be granted a wife who will assist me”, “pious children”, and “to die as a believer”).[6] It seems that God did indeed grant Ibrahim his supplications through the intermediary of Sidi Ali Harazim.

Notwithstanding the intense period of acquaintance with Sidi ‘Ali Harazim and the latter’s close affiliation with the Tijaniyya, Ib