May the glory of Bilad al-Sham endure forever!

Written by: Dr. Mohammad Akram Nadwi
Oxford

This morning, on Saturday, the 7th of Jumada al-Akhirah, 1446 AH, I awoke to the sound of resounding chants of tahlil (proclaiming Allah’s oneness) and takbir (declaring His greatness) from Jamia al-Iman in the heart of Damascus, before the Fajr prayer. I had visited this mosque and attended some lessons there during my journey to you, O Bilad al-Sham, from Thursday, the 22nd of Jumada al-Akhirah, 1426 AH, which lasted until Monday, the 24th of Rajab, 1426 AH.

I rejoiced at the faith emanating from this mosque, and my spirits were uplifted by the chants of tahlil and takbir—a joy far surpassing that of dance and music gatherings. I was intoxicated by these chants in a way unmatched by the intoxication of wine or spirits. Tears clung to my cheeks, eventually falling like glistening pearls.

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They cried out, saying:
“What has passed is gone—its ways were detestable, it brought no blessing upon itself or its people, and its actions were far from praiseworthy. It departed, leaving behind enmity between it and human joy, animosity between it and promises and pacts.”

Trustworthy narrators informed us of the flight of the tyrannical oppressor and the coward accustomed to oppressing the weak. What joyous and certain news this is!

Do the Nimrods and Pharaohs escape the wrath of time at the height of their power and might?

Perish oppression and its allies,

Woe to tyranny and its champions.

Darkness has fallen, the haze has vanished, and dawn has unveiled its light and lifted its veil.
There is no god but Allah—He reigns alone in His sovereignty, unmatched in His blessings. He is dominant over His affairs, though most people do not realize it.

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I awoke to a wave of joy sweeping across the lands of Allah, from end to end, amidst rising chants:

“O Bilad al-Sham, celebrate your glorious victory!
Live in renewed joys and repeated blessings, morning and evening.
May happiness and delight envelop you, and may you be spared grief and sorrow.
Victory has come to you—rejoice, O lands of peace—and know that victory does not visit a people who have not endured hardship and trials.”

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O winds of change!
Visit the assemblies of my teachers in Bilad al-Sham—those from whom I learned, heard, and received permission (ijaza), or for whom Muhammad al-Rashid and others sought permission on my behalf.

Bear witness to their manifest relief, these elders and companions unparalleled in loyalty and virtue. Whenever I met them, I admired the radiance of their joy and was pleased with their words and deeds.

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Convey congratulations to:

The Umayyad Mosque,

The Barada River,

The Umayyad Square,

The al-Hamidiyah Souq,

Mount Qasioun,

Nawa,

Homs,

Rastan,

Hama,

Maarrat al-Nu’man,

Idlib,

Aleppo.

Announce my name to these blessed places and convey my greetings to them, saying:
“I am not absent from you; I share in your sorrows and your joys. If they ask about me, tell them: He carries the dust of your pain yet remains well.”

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O morning breeze!
Visit the gathering that includes:

Abu al-Huda al-Yaqubi,

Ala al-Din al-Farfour,

Wa’il al-Hanbali,

Umar al-Nashuqati,

And other beloved ones, whose manners are like the gentle clouds, radiating the glow of a luminous face.

Drink a cup or two of that intoxicating beverage whose sweetness is unforgettable. My soul was healed when I was told that Ahmad Ashour was a devoted admirer of it, as one devoted to the daughters of the vine.

Oh, how beautiful those times were, when strangers mingled with residents, a bond of love among them. They are friends for whom I would accept no substitute, nor would I exchange those lands for any other.

How delightful is the Hijaz, and how delightful is Bilad al-Sham!
May its lands be watered by abundant rain, and may Allah’s bounties and kindness forever reach it.

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Disclaimer: This article was translated by AI.
Source: https://t.me/DrAkramNadwi/5719