The road most travelled here refers to the physical path that leads to the centre of the Universe, as well as the parallel spiritual road we most travel that Insha’Allah leads Allah Ta’ala.
To consider ourselves of the Ummah of Al-Mustafa SallAllahu alaihi wasallam we need to be constantly and consistently on the spiritual road.
Faithful seekers traverse every imaginable terrain, oceans and skies, answering the call to present themselves to the Sacred House of their Lord, have journeyed and will continue to journey from all corners of the globe. And Allah the Almighty knows best whether the numerous roads leading to His House do constitute the ‘road most travelled’.
The inner road most travelled is a perpetual journey of the heart and soul seeking Oneness. We may be neglectful but we never leave this road. Constant effort is exerted as we contemplate all the challenges that steep inclines and the deep valleys present us in our attempt to reach Allah Ta’ala.
The outer is the relatively easier to negotiate. Vast expanses of geographical space colour the road; hills, mountains, ravines, rubble, desert, cityscapes, forests, oceans, urban bustle, manicured parks, highways and gardens. Add to this the rich layer of diverse conditions and hazards that impede and challenge, regardless of historical time; storms, heat, sun, rain, snow, wind, stillness, illness, bandits, thieves, crooks, not to mention the hidden enemies, nafs and Shaytan lying in ambush. Add yet another layer that represents our human predicament; endurance, will, determination, courage, sincerity, wisdom, love. Top all this with Allah Ta’ala’s Plan for us all. A marathon indeed. But one filled with joy that illuminates the heart.
Ultimately our physical journeying leads to an ‘end’ signalling the finish of the road for this earthly existence, whilst at the same time opening a new chapter and adventure for the spirit. The terrain of this segment of the road most travelled being determined on how we have availed ourselves on the earthly road.
The physical destination of this road most travelled, the apex of our desires manifest on earth is the Ka’abah, and to reach it is fulfillment. A momentary home coming of the heart after a long and arduous journey. And once physically reached the desire is sparked all over to travel the road again and again, to once more be part of a movement in orbit to Him.
Alhumdulillah for the gift of prayer where we can step on the esoteric ‘road most travelled’, aiming to perfect our journeying to Allah Ta’ala repeatedly throughout the day and night.
Once Rabi’a Al-Adawiyyah Rahmatullah alaiha was on her way to Makka, and when half-way there she saw the Ka’ba coming to meet her. She said, “It is the Lord of the house whom I need, what have I to do with the house? I need to meet with Him Who said, ‘Who approaches Me by a span’s length I will approach him by the length of a cubit.’ The Ka’ba which I see has no power over me; what joy does the beauty of the Ka’ba bring to me?”
Imam Ghazzali Rahmatullah alaihi in Minhajul Abideen elucidates many of the perils one can face on the inner road most travelled, followed by recommended preparations for the traveller to attain Eternal Bliss.
A man traversing on this path must know that provision for the journey is indispensable which is nothing but worship and obedience. If anyone has not provided himself with this provision in this world, he cannot get it after death. One who has furnished himself with it will reach the goal of success and will be prosperous in both worlds. He who remains deprived of this provision is grievous in loss and doomed to perish. So this is a very difficult and perilous path.
…the path lies very straight and illuminated before him who wants to follow the path of His worship and obedience. All kinds of proof and guidance are clearly available to those who possess a discerning vision. However it is only Exalted Allah Who has the exclusive power to guide on the straight path of guidance or to push into the darkness of error and straying whomsoever He wills. He knows very well who are following the straight path of guidance who are in error.
The path leading to Paradise is difficult and hazardous, as according to our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam:
Paradise has been covered with unpleasant and undesirable things, while Hell has been covered with desires and lust.
Also: Beware! Paradise is situated on a high steep ground while Hell is situated on a smooth low ground.
SubhanAllah! When the reality of these facts resides deep in the heart, as it did with the Sahabah, RadhiAllahu anhum, as they begged for greater hardships, then conditions experienced by most these days seem to be covered with desires and lust and on smooth low ground. May Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy be showered upon us all, Insha’Allah, Ameen.
The following represent some of the contrasting conditions along the road most travelled from Madinah to Makkah last week. Recorded Images and details from along the inner road most travelled continue to be filed away to be revealed on the Day of Qiyamah. May Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy override His Wrath Insha’Allah. Ameen.
May the steps you take along both roads most travelled lead to success in both Worlds, Ameen.
JUMA’AH MUBARAK!
The road most travelled by rail; the restoration of the Hijaz line between Turkey and the Kingdom, the Hajj circuit and the Makkah-Madinah proposal (1) Insha’Allah.
More from this trip in subsequent posts Insha’Allah.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
