Far from the hustle and bustle of city noises and distractions, one finds a greater opportunity to look into one's heart, to explore and to experience the miracles within. This happens often amidst the peaceful and natural surroundings of two particular rural Muslim American villages. These villages are the homes of two of the world's most revered places of spiritual reflection and retreat (Khanqah): the Holy Khanqah Gilania Sufi Lodge #1 (South Carolina, USA) and the Holy Khanqah Gilania Sufi Lodge #2 (New York,USA). [1]

This new year started off in a most exciting way: One Friday in January, as the Muslim villagers attended, on the day of Jumu'ah, the Friday congregational prayers, yet another miraculous sign from Almighty Allah shone in the Holy Khanqah in Holy Islamville, SC. Approximately 40 people witnessed the name of the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him), written in Arabic in bright shining Noor (Divine Light) on the ceiling in the Holy Khanqah.

Below are a few accounts from the eye-witnesses to this miraculous manifestation:

Ustaz Ali Rashid: "We completed Salaat-ul-Jumu'ah and made a very intense du'a [supplication to the Creator] during which I noticed an intense bright light. After the du'a, I looked up and saw the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad's (peace be upon him) name, written clearly on the ceiling. A young boy (Muslihudeen A. Qayyum, aged 8) sitting next to me tapped me, pointing to the ceiling, and asked, 'What's that?' I replied, 'It's Ism Muhammad (the name of Muhammad, may Allah's peace be upon him and his family).'"

Muslihudeen A. Qayyum, age 8: "I was looking around at the ceiling when I saw Ism Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him.) I told Ustaz Ali. He said, 'Isn't it beautiful?'"

Chandani A. Qayyum, age 13: "I was in the ladies' section of the Holy Khanqah. Suddenly everyone stood up and headed towards the brothers' side. Not understanding why, or what was happening, I remained seated. Then, I heard someone speak of an Ism Muhammad (peace be upon him) shining on the brothers' side. I went to see for myself. One of my friends showed me the direction of the Ism. It was an Ism Muhammad (peace be upon him), and it was a Noori white light. I began to smile because I had never seen anything so beautiful before. This was actually my first time seeing such a miracle!"

Umm Muslihudeen Majeedah A. Qayyum: "After finishing Jumu'a Salaat, we were about to proceed with Durood Salaam (a hymn of praise and peace for the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad, peace be upon him) when Mayor Sha'ban requested his mother (Umm Abdul-Qadir) to approach. He pointed out the ceiling on the men's side, as it projected Ism Muhammad (peace be upon him.) He summoned others to witness. I walked in and saw the bright light. I clearly saw the two Meems. I went back and joined the Duroods. I returned and again saw the bright Noori letters."

Khayriyyah A. Batin (14): "On January 30, 2009 I went to the Holy Khanqah for Salaat-ul-Jumu'ah. We usually recite Duroods for the Holy Last Messenger after the Jumu'ah prayers are over, but at this time I saw Auntie (Amirah Najah Qadria, rahmatullahi alaiha) standing on the men's side; she said they had seen Ism Muhammad (peace be upon him). When all the ladies stood up to approach the miracle, I could not see. However, as soon as they left, the Ism was clear and beautiful. Masha Allah! That is the beauty that I witnessed."

Hanna A. Batin (15): "On Friday, I witnessed a miracle. Written on the ceiling was [Ism] Muhammad (peace be upon him.) I was overwhelmed by the sight, so afterwards I made two rakaats [cycles of prayer] to thank Allah for this beautiful blessing He bestowed on me! I made du'a to Allah, the Most High, to keep me on the right path and to please help me."

Ustaza Aisha Muqit: "The Ism was bright, white Noori light. It was clear from all sides. Viewing from one side, one could see [the Arabic letters] Ha Meem, on the other side, Meem, Ha, Meem, Daal. The Meem in the middle was extremely bright. The Ism was not static, it moved and changed as we watched."

Ashiqah A. Alim (13): "One of the ladies announced that people had witnessed Ism Muhammad (peace be upon him) on the ceiling. So I looked on the men's side and there I saw Ism Muhammad (peace be upon him) clear as daylight."

All Praises and thanks are to the Almighty Creator of all the Worlds. These miracles we witnessed in 2009 are no impossibility, as they have occurred for over a decade in the Holy Khanqah (Sufi Lodge #1 in SC) and, as of last August, in Sufi Lodge #2 in NY. Six months ago, the name of Hazrat Ali (May Allah ennoble his countenance) was seen shining.

Just last month Hazrat Ali's name was seen in the moon of the 13th of Muharram. His Eminence, Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gillani, our spiritual guide, explained that this meant that Hazrat Ali's descendants will be victorious world leaders. Now we see the will of the Almighty Creator is being fulfilled with the presidency of Syed Barack Hussein Obama. The United States President is a descendant of the Holy Last Messenger, Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Fatimah (may the peace of Allah be upon the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad, and his noble family.) Allah does what He wills and He is the Best of Planners.

These miraculous signs have appeared as both a warning and glad tidings, informing those who would seek to put out Allah's light (however intense might be there efforts of false propaganda) that Al-Islam will never ever be diminished or finished.

On the contrary, Al-Islam will be regarded in the highest degree of respect and love as a comfort and source of assurance to the believers worldwide.

Endnotes

[1] This edited article has been extracted from The Islamic Post, and international newspaper.