ABUL MA-AALI AND THE SUFIYAA One morning while Imaamul Haramain, Abul Ma`aali was conducting his lesson in the Musjid, a Sufi Shaikh with a group of his Mureeds passed nearby. They were on their way to a feast to which they were invited. Sheikh Abul Ma`aali observing them, said to himself: "Besides eating, drinking, dancing and jumping these people have no other occupation. Night and day, this is their engrossment." On their way back from the feast, the Sufi Sheikh approached Abul Ma`aali, and said: "I have a question. A man performs Fajr Salaat in the state of Janaabah, then sits teaching in the Musjid and making gheebat of people. What type of man is he?" Hearing this, Imaamul Haramain Abul Ma`aali was overcome with regret and embarrassment. He said: "Truly, I was in need of a Ghusl at that time." He thus realised his error and henceforth appreciated the Sufiyaa. [NB. The Sheikh’s acts of leading the Salaat and remaining in the Musjid in the state of Janaabah were not intentional. Sometimes a man sleeps away after the need for Ghusl develops. When he wakes up he forgets about his Janaabah. This condition of Abul Ma`aali was revealed to the Sufi Sheikh by the inspirational process called Kashf.]
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