بسم اللّٰهِ الرحمن الرحيم
Hadrat
Imam Sari al-Saqati
(Rahimahullah) رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ
Abu al-Hasan
Born in Baghdad in 155 AH. He grew up in the city's bustling marketplaces and in his early years worked as a retailer selling bric-a-brac. From these humble beginnings he would rise to become one of the greatest saints in all of Islamic history (155 AH) — Baghdad
- ◈Performed one thousand units of nafl (voluntary) prayer every single day — a practice he maintained throughout his life, performing this worship hidden within his marketplace shop
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈Was famous throughout Baghdad for consuming only absolutely pure and unambiguously halal food — he exercised extraordinary caution in matters of earning and eating, surpassing even the great ascetics of his age
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈Wrestled against his nafs (carnal self) for thirty continuous years, refusing to dip a carrot in date juice — a small comfort he denied himself as a form of spiritual discipline and subjugation of the lower self
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈After hearing an unseen voice, he never again stretched his legs in the direction of the Masjid — an act of supreme reverence and awe before the sanctity of the House of Allah
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈His famous student and maternal nephew was Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) — who became Sayyid al-Ta'ifah (Leader of the Saintly Division) and the most celebrated mystic in Islamic history. The master produced the master
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈Was the direct spiritual successor of Hadrat Ma'ruf al-Karkhi (rahmatullahi alayh) — one of the greatest saints of Baghdad — receiving from him the secrets of the Qadiriyyah Razawiyyah 'Attariyyah spiritual chain
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈In his trade he would purchase items and sell them, taking a profit of only half a dinar on every ten dinars. If someone gave him more than this, he would not accept it — his scrupulousness extended even to his earnings in the marketplace
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈On his deathbed, his final advice to Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) was: 'Whilst residing amongst creation, do not become heedless of the Creator' — his last words were a gift of guidance to his greatest student
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
Born in Baghdad and raised as a marketplace retailer
He was born in Baghdad in 155 AH and spent his early years as a trader selling saqat (bric-a-brac and mixed goods) in the city's markets. This everyday environment became the setting for one of the most extraordinary spiritual transformations in Islamic history
Turned to Allah through the words of Hadrat Habib al-Ra'i (rahmatullahi alayh)
While working as a retailer, Hadrat Habib al-Ra'i (rahmatullahi alayh) made a statement that pierced his heart deeply and awoke him to the reality of the life of this world. From that moment he turned with complete sincerity toward Allah and the path of spiritual purification
Took discipleship under Hadrat Ma'ruf al-Karkhi (rahmatullahi alayh)
He became the devoted disciple of Hadrat Ma'ruf al-Karkhi (rahmatullahi alayh), one of the most celebrated saints of Baghdad. Under his guidance he underwent the full rigours of spiritual training and received the transmission of the Qadiriyyah Razawiyyah 'Attariyyah order
Established as the 10th Shaykh in the Qadiriyyah Razawiyyah 'Attariyyah spiritual order
His position in the great chain of spiritual succession links him directly between Hadrat Ma'ruf al-Karkhi (rahmatullahi alayh) and his own blessed student Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) — placing him at the heart of the most luminous spiritual lineage in Islam
Spent thirty years in sustained battle against the nafs
For thirty continuous years he denied himself the simple pleasure of dipping a carrot in date juice. This was not mere asceticism but a deliberate, sustained campaign to subordinate the carnal self — a campaign that became the foundation of his extraordinary spiritual station
Washed the face of a drunkard and witnessed his repentance
In an act of pure sincerity and compassion, he washed the face of a drunkard. By the power of that sincere intention, the man's heart was cleansed and he repented to Allah completely — demonstrating that the sincerity of a true saint carries a power that transforms souls
Guided Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) — his maternal nephew
His greatest contribution to the Muslim Ummah was the spiritual formation of his maternal nephew Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh), who would go on to become Sayyid al-Ta'ifah — Leader of the Saintly Division — and the most celebrated saint and spiritual authority in all of Islamic history. He advised him to drink from clay pots as a lesson in humility
Capped his trade profit as an act of scrupulousness
Throughout his years as a marketplace trader, he would purchase items and sell them at a profit of only half a dinar per ten dinars. If a customer offered him more, he refused it. This discipline in earnings was a form of worship — ensuring that every morsel he consumed was without doubt permissible
Final advice to Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) at the point of passing
As he was leaving this world, his last counsel to his greatest student and nephew Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) was: 'Whilst residing amongst creation, do not become heedless of the Creator.' These words encapsulate the entire teaching of his life in a single sentence
Passed away on the 6th of Ramadan 253 AH after the Fajr azan, whilst performing the dhikr of Allah
Sayyiduna Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) states that he acted upon the Sunnah by visiting Sari al-Saqati (rahmatullahi alayh) every three days. When he visited him one day, he was on his deathbed. He sat next to his head and cried. When Junayd's tears fell on his face, he opened his eyes and looked at him. Junayd said: 'Advise me.' He replied: 'Do not sit in the company of evil people, and do not be heedless of Allah even in the company of the pious.' Then he passed away whilst performing the dhikr of Allah. His tomb is located in the Shuniziyyah cemetery, Baghdad.
Supplication of his spiritual guide Sari al-Saqati for Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh)
Sayyiduna Sari al-Saqati (rahmatullahi alayh) supplicated for Imam Junayd (rahmatullahi alayh): 'May Allah make you an expert in Hadith before making you a sufi, and not make you a sufi before becoming a scholar of Hadith.' Imam Muhammad al-Ghazali (rahmatullahi alayh) explains: 'Whoever acquires religious knowledge before adopting tasawwuf is successful, but the one who wishes to adopt tasawwuf before attaining religious knowledge is on the path towards destruction.'
Sayyiduna Hasan Bazzaz's testimony to his protection of Baghdad
Sayyiduna Hasan Bazzaz (rahmatullahi alayh) stated: 'Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (rahmatullahi alayh) and Sayyiduna Bishr al-Hafi (rahmatullahi alayh) were with us in Baghdad, and we believed Allah protected us because of these pious people. When they both passed away, Sayyiduna Sari al-Saqati (rahmatullahi alayh) was with us, and I believed Allah protected us because of him.' Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (rahmatullahi alayh) honoured him with Persian poetry: 'O Sari al-Saqati, my shaykh! Prevent me from falling at the doors of others; help me.'
Four incident: Unique method of accountability — 30 years of unintentional ostentation
He said out of humility: 'I was unaware of an illness I was afflicted with for 30 years. Every Friday, I would go for the Jumu'ah prayer with a few individuals early in the morning, and we would sit in our own particular places known to the people. My neighbour passed away one Friday, and I joined his funeral then arrived for Jumu'ah later than usual. As I approached the masjid, my nafs said: The people will see you arriving later than normal. This saddened me, and I said to myself: You were performing these actions out of ostentation for 30 years and were unaware of this. So I left my specific place and started praying in different places, so that no place would be particularly associated with me.'
Born in Baghdad and raised as a marketplace retailer
He was born in Baghdad in 155 AH and spent his early years as a trader selling saqat (bric-a-brac and mixed goods) in the city's markets. This everyday environment became the setting for one of the most extraordinary spiritual transformations in Islamic history
Turned to Allah through the words of Hadrat Habib al-Ra'i (rahmatullahi alayh)
While working as a retailer, Hadrat Habib al-Ra'i (rahmatullahi alayh) made a statement that pierced his heart deeply and awoke him to the reality of the life of this world. From that moment he turned with complete sincerity toward Allah and the path of spiritual purification
Took discipleship under Hadrat Ma'ruf al-Karkhi (rahmatullahi alayh)
He became the devoted disciple of Hadrat Ma'ruf al-Karkhi (rahmatullahi alayh), one of the most celebrated saints of Baghdad. Under his guidance he underwent the full rigours of spiritual training and received the transmission of the Qadiriyyah Razawiyyah 'Attariyyah order
Established as the 10th Shaykh in the Qadiriyyah Razawiyyah 'Attariyyah spiritual order
His position in the great chain of spiritual succession links him directly between Hadrat Ma'ruf al-Karkhi (rahmatullahi alayh) and his own blessed student Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) — placing him at the heart of the most luminous spiritual lineage in Islam
Spent thirty years in sustained battle against the nafs
For thirty continuous years he denied himself the simple pleasure of dipping a carrot in date juice. This was not mere asceticism but a deliberate, sustained campaign to subordinate the carnal self — a campaign that became the foundation of his extraordinary spiritual station
Washed the face of a drunkard and witnessed his repentance
In an act of pure sincerity and compassion, he washed the face of a drunkard. By the power of that sincere intention, the man's heart was cleansed and he repented to Allah completely — demonstrating that the sincerity of a true saint carries a power that transforms souls
Guided Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) — his maternal nephew
His greatest contribution to the Muslim Ummah was the spiritual formation of his maternal nephew Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh), who would go on to become Sayyid al-Ta'ifah — Leader of the Saintly Division — and the most celebrated saint and spiritual authority in all of Islamic history. He advised him to drink from clay pots as a lesson in humility
Capped his trade profit as an act of scrupulousness
Throughout his years as a marketplace trader, he would purchase items and sell them at a profit of only half a dinar per ten dinars. If a customer offered him more, he refused it. This discipline in earnings was a form of worship — ensuring that every morsel he consumed was without doubt permissible
Final advice to Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) at the point of passing
As he was leaving this world, his last counsel to his greatest student and nephew Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) was: 'Whilst residing amongst creation, do not become heedless of the Creator.' These words encapsulate the entire teaching of his life in a single sentence
Passed away on the 6th of Ramadan 253 AH after the Fajr azan, whilst performing the dhikr of Allah
Sayyiduna Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) states that he acted upon the Sunnah by visiting Sari al-Saqati (rahmatullahi alayh) every three days. When he visited him one day, he was on his deathbed. He sat next to his head and cried. When Junayd's tears fell on his face, he opened his eyes and looked at him. Junayd said: 'Advise me.' He replied: 'Do not sit in the company of evil people, and do not be heedless of Allah even in the company of the pious.' Then he passed away whilst performing the dhikr of Allah. His tomb is located in the Shuniziyyah cemetery, Baghdad.
Supplication of his spiritual guide Sari al-Saqati for Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh)
Sayyiduna Sari al-Saqati (rahmatullahi alayh) supplicated for Imam Junayd (rahmatullahi alayh): 'May Allah make you an expert in Hadith before making you a sufi, and not make you a sufi before becoming a scholar of Hadith.' Imam Muhammad al-Ghazali (rahmatullahi alayh) explains: 'Whoever acquires religious knowledge before adopting tasawwuf is successful, but the one who wishes to adopt tasawwuf before attaining religious knowledge is on the path towards destruction.'
Sayyiduna Hasan Bazzaz's testimony to his protection of Baghdad
Sayyiduna Hasan Bazzaz (rahmatullahi alayh) stated: 'Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (rahmatullahi alayh) and Sayyiduna Bishr al-Hafi (rahmatullahi alayh) were with us in Baghdad, and we believed Allah protected us because of these pious people. When they both passed away, Sayyiduna Sari al-Saqati (rahmatullahi alayh) was with us, and I believed Allah protected us because of him.' Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (rahmatullahi alayh) honoured him with Persian poetry: 'O Sari al-Saqati, my shaykh! Prevent me from falling at the doors of others; help me.'
Four incident: Unique method of accountability — 30 years of unintentional ostentation
He said out of humility: 'I was unaware of an illness I was afflicted with for 30 years. Every Friday, I would go for the Jumu'ah prayer with a few individuals early in the morning, and we would sit in our own particular places known to the people. My neighbour passed away one Friday, and I joined his funeral then arrived for Jumu'ah later than usual. As I approached the masjid, my nafs said: The people will see you arriving later than normal. This saddened me, and I said to myself: You were performing these actions out of ostentation for 30 years and were unaware of this. So I left my specific place and started praying in different places, so that no place would be particularly associated with me.'
Born in Baghdad and raised as a marketplace retailer
He was born in Baghdad in 155 AH and spent his early years as a trader selling saqat (bric-a-brac and mixed goods) in the city's markets. This everyday environment became the setting for one of the most extraordinary spiritual transformations in Islamic history
Turned to Allah through the words of Hadrat Habib al-Ra'i (rahmatullahi alayh)
While working as a retailer, Hadrat Habib al-Ra'i (rahmatullahi alayh) made a statement that pierced his heart deeply and awoke him to the reality of the life of this world. From that moment he turned with complete sincerity toward Allah and the path of spiritual purification
Took discipleship under Hadrat Ma'ruf al-Karkhi (rahmatullahi alayh)
He became the devoted disciple of Hadrat Ma'ruf al-Karkhi (rahmatullahi alayh), one of the most celebrated saints of Baghdad. Under his guidance he underwent the full rigours of spiritual training and received the transmission of the Qadiriyyah Razawiyyah 'Attariyyah order
Established as the 10th Shaykh in the Qadiriyyah Razawiyyah 'Attariyyah spiritual order
His position in the great chain of spiritual succession links him directly between Hadrat Ma'ruf al-Karkhi (rahmatullahi alayh) and his own blessed student Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) — placing him at the heart of the most luminous spiritual lineage in Islam
Spent thirty years in sustained battle against the nafs
For thirty continuous years he denied himself the simple pleasure of dipping a carrot in date juice. This was not mere asceticism but a deliberate, sustained campaign to subordinate the carnal self — a campaign that became the foundation of his extraordinary spiritual station
Washed the face of a drunkard and witnessed his repentance
In an act of pure sincerity and compassion, he washed the face of a drunkard. By the power of that sincere intention, the man's heart was cleansed and he repented to Allah completely — demonstrating that the sincerity of a true saint carries a power that transforms souls
Guided Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) — his maternal nephew
His greatest contribution to the Muslim Ummah was the spiritual formation of his maternal nephew Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh), who would go on to become Sayyid al-Ta'ifah — Leader of the Saintly Division — and the most celebrated saint and spiritual authority in all of Islamic history. He advised him to drink from clay pots as a lesson in humility
Capped his trade profit as an act of scrupulousness
Throughout his years as a marketplace trader, he would purchase items and sell them at a profit of only half a dinar per ten dinars. If a customer offered him more, he refused it. This discipline in earnings was a form of worship — ensuring that every morsel he consumed was without doubt permissible
Final advice to Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) at the point of passing
As he was leaving this world, his last counsel to his greatest student and nephew Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) was: 'Whilst residing amongst creation, do not become heedless of the Creator.' These words encapsulate the entire teaching of his life in a single sentence
Passed away on the 6th of Ramadan 253 AH after the Fajr azan, whilst performing the dhikr of Allah
Sayyiduna Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) states that he acted upon the Sunnah by visiting Sari al-Saqati (rahmatullahi alayh) every three days. When he visited him one day, he was on his deathbed. He sat next to his head and cried. When Junayd's tears fell on his face, he opened his eyes and looked at him. Junayd said: 'Advise me.' He replied: 'Do not sit in the company of evil people, and do not be heedless of Allah even in the company of the pious.' Then he passed away whilst performing the dhikr of Allah. His tomb is located in the Shuniziyyah cemetery, Baghdad.
Supplication of his spiritual guide Sari al-Saqati for Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh)
Sayyiduna Sari al-Saqati (rahmatullahi alayh) supplicated for Imam Junayd (rahmatullahi alayh): 'May Allah make you an expert in Hadith before making you a sufi, and not make you a sufi before becoming a scholar of Hadith.' Imam Muhammad al-Ghazali (rahmatullahi alayh) explains: 'Whoever acquires religious knowledge before adopting tasawwuf is successful, but the one who wishes to adopt tasawwuf before attaining religious knowledge is on the path towards destruction.'
Sayyiduna Hasan Bazzaz's testimony to his protection of Baghdad
Sayyiduna Hasan Bazzaz (rahmatullahi alayh) stated: 'Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (rahmatullahi alayh) and Sayyiduna Bishr al-Hafi (rahmatullahi alayh) were with us in Baghdad, and we believed Allah protected us because of these pious people. When they both passed away, Sayyiduna Sari al-Saqati (rahmatullahi alayh) was with us, and I believed Allah protected us because of him.' Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (rahmatullahi alayh) honoured him with Persian poetry: 'O Sari al-Saqati, my shaykh! Prevent me from falling at the doors of others; help me.'
Four incident: Unique method of accountability — 30 years of unintentional ostentation
He said out of humility: 'I was unaware of an illness I was afflicted with for 30 years. Every Friday, I would go for the Jumu'ah prayer with a few individuals early in the morning, and we would sit in our own particular places known to the people. My neighbour passed away one Friday, and I joined his funeral then arrived for Jumu'ah later than usual. As I approached the masjid, my nafs said: The people will see you arriving later than normal. This saddened me, and I said to myself: You were performing these actions out of ostentation for 30 years and were unaware of this. So I left my specific place and started praying in different places, so that no place would be particularly associated with me.'
- ♥Performed one thousand units of voluntary nafl prayer daily, carrying out this immense act of worship discreetly within his marketplace shop so as not to draw attention to himself
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥For thirty years he denied himself the small pleasure of dipping a carrot in date juice — maintaining this internal battle against the nafs without wavering. This was his way of teaching that spiritual strength is built through sustained, patient self-denial
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥Was exceptionally scrupulous about consuming only absolutely pure halal food. His standard in this matter was legendary — he would accept no food about which there was the slightest doubt regarding its permissibility
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥After hearing an unseen voice addressing him with awe-inspiring words, he resolved never to stretch his legs toward the Masjid again — displaying a degree of reverence and spiritual awareness that distinguished him from all those around him
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥In his marketplace trade he capped his own profit at half a dinar per ten dinars and refused to accept any more than this — bringing the same spiritual rigour to his commercial dealings that he brought to his worship
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥He made du'a to Allah Almighty for forty years to be shown one of His saints, as he yearned deeply to gaze upon someone who truly loved the Divine — such was the intensity of his longing for the company of the people of Allah
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥He desired to eat a morsel of food which he would not be questioned about by Allah, and which would not be a favour of the people upon him, but he could not find such a morsel — such was the extraordinary standard of his scrupulousness in matters of halal provision. He said: 'One day, we left Makkah. I saw a cluster of vegetables in flowing water. I reached out, took them, and said Alhamdulillah, thinking there was no favour involved. When I took them, an onlooker who was carrying similar vegetables said: O Abu al-Hasan! Give those to me and take these instead. I replied: There is no favour from anyone in the vegetables I found, whereas there is an exchange in those you are offering. So I kept my own.'
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.14 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥He purchased a measure of almonds for 60 dinars and wrote his profit down as 3 dinars. After a few days the value rose to 90 dinars. A commission agent came asking for them and he said: 'Take them.' The agent asked the price. He said: 'For 63 dinars.' The agent replied: 'The price has become 90 dinars — I will only buy them for 90.' He said: 'I resolved to do something which I will not forsake. I will only sell the almonds for 63 dinars.' This was the ideal business of a saint — preferring his covenant with Allah over every worldly gain.
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.15 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥Every day he looked at his nose many times to check if his face had been made dull because of his sins — such was the degree of his self-scrutiny. He said out of humility: 'I do not favour myself over anyone else.' He also said: 'It is my wish to die someplace other than Baghdad because I fear that if my grave does not accept me, I will be disgraced in front of the people.'
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.28 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥When he fell ill in Tarsus, some people came to visit whose coming was not appealing to him. They sat for so long that he became annoyed. Before they left they asked him to supplicate, so he said: 'O Allah, teach us how to visit the ill' — turning even his own annoyance into a du'a and a lesson in proper conduct.
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.19 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥When his sister visited him and saw that an old woman was cleaning his house and making two pieces of bread for him every day, she informed Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (rahmatullahi alayh). The imam spoke to Sari al-Saqati (rahmatullahi alayh) about this, and he replied: 'Allah has made the world subservient to me, such that it spends money upon me and serves me.'
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.19 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥He had a cough, and when a young man came with medicine for him and asked for its price, he had not been told. He said: 'Convey my salam to your father and tell him: For 50 years I have been teaching people not to consume anything in exchange for their religion. Now should I consume this medicine in exchange for my religion?' He also said: 'It is despicable for a man to sell his religion and eat from that.'
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.26 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥When Sayyiduna Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) visited him as he was ill and picked up a fan to give him relief, he said: 'How can the wind from a fan give relief to the one who is burning from the inside?' Then he recited Arabic poetry, saying: 'O Allah! If there is anything that can provide me comfort, favour me with it for as long as I have even a little life left in me.'
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.26 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦Once washed the face of a drunkard with sincere compassion — and through the sincerity of that single act, the drunkard's heart was cleansed and he repented completely, turning to Allah in true tawbah
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦When his neighbour's son was seized by soldiers who threatened to harm him, Hadrat Sari al-Saqati (rahmatullahi alayh) stood and offered salah with profound humility and concentration, continuing with complete focus despite the neighbour's pleas to hurry. On finishing, he calmly declared: 'O servant of Allah Almighty! I am resolving your problem.' At that very moment the neighbour's servant arrived to announce that the son had returned home safely
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦Had an encounter with a luminous pious man in the mountains of Lukam — a man who came once a month to pray for the sick who gathered there, healing them all instantly. The man turned to him by name and declared: 'O Sari al-Saqati! Do not turn to anyone except Allah Almighty. Remain immersed in His remembrance. Do not place your hope in anyone else, lest you are not accepted in His court. Ensure you do not turn your attention to anyone else.' Saying this, the man departed in the direction he had come
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦At his funeral, a man who participated in the funeral salah later saw Hadrat Sari al-Saqati (rahmatullahi alayh) in a dream and asked how Allah Almighty had treated him. He replied: 'Allah forgave me and those who participated in my funeral.' The man said he too had participated, but when Hadrat Sari al-Saqati (rahmatullahi alayh) opened the paper listing the names of the forgiven, the man's name was not there. Yet when the saint looked again a second time, the man's name appeared written in the margin — a divine testimony to the far-reaching mercy that accompanied him even after his passing
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦Sayyiduna Junaid al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) said: 'I had four dirhams, so I went to Sayyiduna Sari al-Saqati (rahmatullahi alayh) and said: I have come to give these four dirhams to you. The Shaykh said: O son! Be happy for you have attained success. I needed four dirhams, so I supplicated: O Allah! Send me four dirhams upon the hands of such a person who is successful in your court.' — the prayer was answered through the arrival of his own nephew.
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.20 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦Sayyiduna Ali ibn Abd al-Hamid al-Ghada'iri (rahmatullahi alayh) states: 'One day, I went to Imam Sari al-Saqati's home and knocked on the door. As the imam approached the door, I heard him supplicating: O Allah! Whoever made me heedless of You, busy him in Your remembrance. One of the blessings of this supplication was that I walked from Aleppo in Syria to perform hajj 40 times.' — such was the transforming power of his supplications for those who came to his door.
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.22 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦Sayyiduna Ya'qub ibn Abdullah (rahmatullahi alayh) said: 'I saw Imam Sari al-Saqati (rahmatullahi alayh) in a dream and asked him: How has Allah dealt with you? He answered: He permitted me to behold Him.' — a testimony to the supreme station he attained with Allah Almighty.
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.32 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦Sayyiduna Junaid al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) states: 'I was sleeping in Sayyiduna Sari al-Saqati's home when, in the night, he said: O Junaid! Are you asleep? I replied: No. He said: Allah stood me in His court and said to me: O Sari! Do you know why I created creation? I replied: No. Allah said: I created the creation, and everyone claimed to love me. Then when I created the world, 90% went towards it. When I created Paradise, 90% of those remaining became preoccupied striving for it. When I tested the remaining with affliction, 90% became preoccupied. I asked the remaining: You did not choose the world or Paradise, and you did not run from tribulation. What is your goal? They answered: Our purpose is to live for You. We will love You no matter how You test us. Then Allah Almighty said: O Sari! These are My true servants and true devotees.'
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.24 — Maktaba tul Madina
Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) — who was also his most famous student and spiritual successor, and who became the foremost saint of his era
Sari means 'brave man'. The title Saqati came from his trade of selling bric-a-brac (saqat) in the markets of Baghdad
6th of Ramadan 253 AH
“The sign of salvation is using one's intellect before acting”
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“The world is like a carcass — those who desire it are like dogs”
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Whoever loves Allah is alive — his remembrance will always remain in people's hearts. Whoever loves the world is disgraced”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“I know a path leading straight to Paradise: perform acts of worship and do nothing but them until this becomes the only action you do”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Patience entails one becoming like the earth, which carries both mountains and mankind without considering it a burden or calamity — rather, it considers this a blessing and gift from its Lord”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Your greatest strength is to overcome your carnal-self. The one who cannot reform himself cannot reform others”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“The world is frivolous except for five matters: bread which fills the stomach, water which quenches thirst, clothing which covers nakedness, a home in which a person resides, and sacred knowledge which one utilises”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“If only I received the entirety of the world's sorrow so that all people could be free from it”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“The short path to Paradise: neither take from anyone nor ask from anyone, nor should you possess anything to give to anyone”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“He who claims inward knowledge yet contravenes the outward commands of Islamic law is a wrongdoer”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Maintain sincerity in your actions until they become sincere — this is more difficult than the action itself, and saving actions once they are sincere is just as difficult”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Do not seek refuge in anyone other than Allah — for whoever seeks refuge in other than Allah has placed his hope in a wall of sand”
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“The heart that is attached to the world cannot be attached to Allah — they are two vessels that cannot both be full”
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Whoever is not watchful over his own heart will find his heart has become a home for everything other than Allah”
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“The people of the world are like travellers sleeping on the road — they will be awakened before they have rested”
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Gratitude for a blessing is to recognise that the blessing belongs to Allah, not to yourself”
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“The one who is truly alive is he whose heart beats for Allah — all others are walking dead”
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Do not be deceived by the sweetness of sin — for its bitterness will arrive in proportion to its sweetness”
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Fear is the companion of hope — whoever has hope without fear has been deceived, and whoever has fear without hope has despaired”
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“The richest of people is he who is content with what Allah has given him”
seerat-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“The foolish person spends his morning and evening in lowly activities, whilst the intelligent person searches for his own faults”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Some methods for the one who works for the Hereafter: becoming beloved to Allah Almighty through voluntary salah, attaching one's heart to the Quran, staying steadfast upon Allah's commands and prioritising them, being humble knowing that Allah Almighty is watching, devoting full effort to pleasing Him, being pleased with a small amount of provision, and satisfaction with anonymity”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Whoever possesses these five is brave to a great extent: unwavering steadfastness in acting upon Allah's commands, striving in which there is no forgetfulness, wakefulness without negligence, focussing upon Allah Almighty in solitude and public whilst avoiding ostentation, and preparation for death alongside reflecting upon it”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“He who is distant from Allah Almighty due to two matters is truly distant, and he who is close to Allah Almighty due to four matters is truly close. The two matters by which one becomes distant are to abandon obligations and engage in voluntary deeds in their place, and outward actions the heart does not attest to. The four matters by which one draws close are holding fast to His court, continually striving in worship, being patient upon difficulties, and refraining from publicising one's wrongdoings”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Allah Almighty grants the sweetness of His dhikr and a distaste for Satanic whispers to whoever implores Him consistently”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Five things are most superior: crying over sins, rectifying flaws, obeying He who knows the unseen, removing rust from the heart, and not allowing desires to dominate you”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Five things are such that their existence in the heart prevents establishment of anything else: fear of Allah Almighty alone, hope in Allah Almighty alone, love of Allah Almighty alone, being modest before Allah Almighty alone, and having love for Allah Almighty alone”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“I have seen benefit manifest by carrying out acts of worship in the night's darkness”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Do not do anything for the sake of people, or leave or open anything for their sake — all of one's actions should be for Allah's sake”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“I am astounded by someone who spends morning and evening seeking worldly benefit, but never does anything to benefit his carnal-self (nafs)”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Preoccupation with amending the carnal-self diverts one's attention from people”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“He who obeys those above him shall find those below him obeying him”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Do not sever ties with your brother over suspicions, and keep him pleased. The sign of knowing Allah Almighty is to fulfil His rights and to prioritise them over yourself as much as possible”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“A person is not deserving of praise until he gives preference to his religion over his desires, and he is not ruined until he gives preference to his desires over his religion”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Abstinence (zuhd) is to despise this world whilst not demanding anything from creation”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Do not incline towards the world, as the rope from Allah Almighty will be severed. Do not tread arrogantly upon the earth, as it will soon become your grave”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Someone who wastes the days of his life in procrastination is deceived, as well as he who dreams of the stations of the righteous but makes no attempt to gain them”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“A person's faith is incomplete until three attributes are found in him: when angered, his anger does not prevent him from speaking the truth; when pleased, his happiness does not cause him to sin; when capable of doing so, he still does not usurp the wealth of others”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“There are ten stations for the one who fears Allah: consistent sadness, being overcome with sadness, fear which leaves one restless, crying to a great extent, spending days and nights in anxiety, fleeing from places of relaxation, profound levels of uneasiness, fear stemming from one's heart, life becoming languid, and finally to hide one's melancholy and preserve it”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“If people were as compassionate to themselves as they are to their children, they would find happiness in their outcomes”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Save yourself from a situation in which your praise is widespread and your faults are hidden”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Four matters elevate a person: knowledge, decorum, chastity, and trustworthiness”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Those who have proximity to Allah Almighty have hearts which always remain concerned about divine decree, whereas the general body of pious people have hearts concerned of their endings. The latter say: 'How will our ending be?' and the former say: 'We do not know what judgement Allah Almighty may have made concerning us'”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Protecting actions from that which destroys them is more difficult than performing them”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Make friends, but do not take them as confidants. Save yourself from evil acquaintances and remain wary of your friend the same way you are wary of your enemy”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“He who procrastinates about pious deeds will have immense regret on the Day of Judgement”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“What do those who fill their stomachs gain from filling them? The hungry gain wisdom from their hunger, whilst those who eat to their fill have indigestion”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Three matters are from the character of the pious: fulfilling obligations, avoiding forbidden acts, and abstaining from heedlessness”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Three qualities found in the righteous lead to Allah Almighty being pleased with a person: seeking forgiveness abundantly, humility, and profuse charity”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Whoever does not value bounties has them taken from him without him even realising. The one for whom calamities are lightened — due to continued patience — gathers reward”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Consign your neediness to Allah Almighty; He shall liberate you from people”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Character and manners translate your intellect, whilst your tongue translates your heart. Your face is the mirror of your heart, because whatever is hidden in the heart becomes visible upon the face”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Hearts are of three types: those which are sturdy and immovable like mountains; those which are like date palm trees, whose roots are firmly planted in the earth yet wind causes them to sway; and those which are like feathers, thrown here and there by the wind”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“The best sustenance is that which is protected from five matters: sin when earning it, humiliation by begging for it, deception in one's profession, earnings derived from sinful instruments, and infringement of people's rights”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Only someone who avoids doubtful matters has strength to save himself from his evil desires”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Whoever mentions me in a bad light, I have forgiven him. Yet I will not forgive someone who deliberately says something against me whilst knowing I did not do it”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Few are those whose statements and actions bear no contradiction”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Someone who does not value blessings will experience a decline he shall not even realise”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Modesty and love come to the door of the heart. If they find abstinence and piety in it, they stay; otherwise they leave”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Intelligent is he who understands the secrets of the Quran and reflects upon them”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Whoever projects himself amongst creation contrary to his reality falls in the sight of Allah Almighty”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Powerful is he who subdues his anger”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“There are three causes of abstaining from sin: fear of Hellfire, longing for Paradise, and modesty before Allah Almighty”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“The whole world becomes obedient to the one who is obedient to Allah Almighty”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Rather than causing people harm, good character is to be patient upon the harm received from them”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“A person attains ascendancy by giving preference to worship over his desires”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“Whilst residing amongst creation, do not become heedless of the Creator”
aphorisms-sari-al-saqati — Maktaba tul Madina
“The first thing a person should do after repenting is abandon evil company and refrain from every action that leads him to sin. Instead of acting upon his desires, he must try his utmost to make emulation of the examples of the saints more beloved to him than his own life.”
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.29 — Maktaba tul Madina
“True repentance is not correct without advising yourself and your Muslim brothers. This is because the one who achieves true repentance wishes for other people to repent for their sins too.”
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.29 — Maktaba tul Madina
“If someone walks into an orchard in which every type of tree grows, and every kind of bird is sitting on them, each saying in its individual voice 'O saint of Allah! Peace be upon you', he is a prisoner of those birds if his soul feels relieved upon hearing this.”
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.30 — Maktaba tul Madina
“I wish the sorrows and difficulties of every creation were transferred to me so they would be free from pain.”
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.17 — Maktaba tul Madina
“I have been repenting for 30 years for saying Alhamdulillah once. A fire spread across a marketplace in Baghdad and every shop was destroyed. My shop was in the same marketplace, but someone informed me that it was not destroyed, and I said 'Alhamdulillah.' So I have been ashamed for 30 years because I considered the loss of other Muslims to be beneficial for me.”
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.17 — Maktaba tul Madina
“Do not sit in the company of evil people, and do not be heedless of Allah even in the company of the pious.”
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.30 — Maktaba tul Madina
“How can I complain to my doctor about the illness when the illness is from the doctor himself — the test is from Allah Almighty.”
seerat-sari-al-saqati, p.26 — Maktaba tul Madina
“If people had as much compassion towards themselves — by avoiding sins and performing pious deeds — as they do towards their children, they would receive happiness in their outcome, i.e., death.”
40 Statements of the Righteous Elders, p.20 — Maktaba tul Madina
- 🌟Hadrat Sari al-Saqati (rahmatullahi alayh) got his special name 'Saqati' because he sold mixed goods in a market in Baghdad — he was a shopkeeper who became one of the greatest saints in Islamic history!
- 🌟He prayed 1,000 extra voluntary prayers EVERY SINGLE DAY — on top of his five compulsory prayers — quietly in his little shop so that nobody would see!
- 🌟For 30 whole years he refused to dip a carrot in date juice, just to train his nafs (his inner self) to obey Allah rather than seek comfort!
- 🌟He once said Alhamdulillah when his shop was saved from a fire — and then spent 30 YEARS repenting for it, because he realised that deep down he had been happy that other people's shops were destroyed! That is how careful the saints are about their hearts!
- 🌟He once washed the face of a man who was doing wrong, and — through his sincere kindness — that man's heart changed completely and he repented to Allah!
- 🌟His own nephew Hadrat Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (rahmatullahi alayh) became one of the most famous saints in all of Islamic history — and it was his uncle who taught him!
- 🌟When someone asked him how Allah treated him after he passed away, he appeared in a dream and said: 'He permitted me to behold Him.' — the greatest gift any servant can receive!
