Shaykh Hammad speaks on 'immersing in the sea of divine love' as part of ongoing lecture series - Grand Mawlid Camp 2024 - UK

Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri delivered the third keynote lecture in the ongoing series, “The Spirit of Chivalry in the 21st Century,” titled “Immersing in the Sea of Divine Love.” This profound lecture explored the nature, stages, and conditions of divine love (Mahabba), urging attendees to delve into the spiritual depths necessary to experience the proximity and presence of Allah.

Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri began by drawing inspiration from the great saints of Basra and Baghdad, who sought divine love through seclusion, reflection, and detachment from the distractions of this world. He explained that the Arabic term Mahabba originates from various roots, each shedding light on the dimensions of divine love. These roots highlight qualities such as purity, steadfastness, humility, and the complete filling of the heart with the love of Allah ﷻ, leaving no space for attachment to worldly desires.

Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri outlined the twelve stages of divine love, beginning with Ilaqa (attraction), where a person first feels an inclination towards Allah, and culminating in ‘Ubudiyyah (servanthood), where one becomes entirely consumed by worship and witnessing Allah ﷻ. At the highest stage, Mushahada (spiritual witnessing), the lover worships Allah as though they see Him. This transformative journey, Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri explained, is one of immense devotion and sacrifice, requiring the lover to annihilate their own desires and focus solely on their beloved Lord.

Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri narrated the story of Shaykh Sarri Saqati, who cried so much out of his longing for Allah ﷻ that he lost his eyesight multiple times. When Allah ﷻ restored his sight, Shaykh Sarri Saqati continued to cry, expressing that his tears were not out of fear of Hell or desire for Paradise but from a yearning to witness Allah’s beauty and majesty. Allah ﷻ responded, acknowledging the sincerity of his longing, affirming that crying was the right response for those who yearn to see Him.

In describing the conditions of divine love, Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri emphasised that true love requires obedience, unwavering remembrance, and humility. He quoted the words of a saint who said, “Divine love is forbidden to those whose hearts remain attached to this world.” He explained that only by purging one’s heart of worldly desires can the love of Allah ﷻ take root. True lovers of Allah ﷻ are those who sacrifice everything for His sake, even their own comforts and preferences.

Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri shared the example of a saint who, when accused of madness due to his devotion, responded, “If Allah were to be removed from my sight for even a moment, I would die on the spot.” This reflected the state of Mushahada, where the lover feels perpetually in the presence of Allah ﷻ.

To illustrate the transformative power of divine love, Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri recounted the encounter between a saint and a young man who refused financial assistance, declaring, “I would never sell this state of poverty and closeness to Allah, even for Paradise itself.” This example highlighted how true lovers of Allah ﷻ find contentment in their nearness to Him and reject worldly gains.

Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri concluded by urging attendees to immerse themselves in remembrance (dhikr) and reflect on their connection with Allah ﷻ. He reminded them that divine love is not a mere emotion but a transformative force that requires complete submission, purification of the heart, and total reliance on Allah ﷻ.