The Story of Hazrat Ibrahim ibn Adham (RA) and His Patience Over Desires

 The Story of Hazrat Ibrahim ibn Adham (RA) and His Patience Over Desires

Once, it is narrated that Hazrat Shafiq bin Ibrahim (RA) said:

“I saw Hazrat Ibrahim ibn Adham (RA) sitting in a market near the birthplace of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Makkah Mukarramah. He was sitting aside on the edge of the road and crying. I also turned away from my path and approached him to inquire about the reason for his tears.

Hazrat Ibrahim ibn Adham (RA) replied, 'It is nothing.' I insisted two or three times, and finally, he said, 'If you promise not to tell anyone about this, I will share the reason.' I assured him, and then he narrated:

For thirty years, my heart has been persistently desiring hareera (a type of sweet porridge). However, with great effort and patience, I suppressed my desire and refrained from fulfilling it. Last night, while I was sitting, I dozed off. In that state, a man appeared before me holding a green bowl. Steam was rising from it, and the aroma of hareera was filling the air.

I gathered courage and resisted my inner self, refusing to touch it. The man placed the bowl near me and said, "O Ibrahim! Eat it." I replied, "I have renounced this desire and will never eat it." The man insisted, "When Allah grants something, one should accept it." I had no response to this and began crying.

The man said again, "Eat it. It has come for you." I replied, "We have been commanded not to consume anything until we know its source." He answered, "Eat it. It is sent specifically for you. I was instructed to bring this bowl and give it to Ibrahim ibn Adham, who has suppressed his desires with great patience. Allah has now shown mercy upon him. And remember, O Ibrahim, I heard the angels saying, 'Whoever refuses Allah's blessings when they are granted, will not receive them when they seek them later.'"

Upon hearing this, I said, "If that is the case, I am here before you. Allah alone will resolve this matter." Hazrat Ibrahim ibn Adham (RA) continued, 'Then, I saw another person appear. He gave something to the first man and said, "Feed him with your own hands." The first man started putting morsels into my mouth until I fell asleep. When I woke up, I could still taste the sweetness of it on my tongue.'

Hazrat Shafiq bin Ibrahim (RA) then said, 'After Hazrat Ibrahim ibn Adham (RA) finished narrating this, I held his hand, kissed it, and prayed to Allah, saying:

“O Allah! You fulfill the desires of those who restrain their desires for Your sake. You place certainty in their hearts and grant them contentment. O Allah, have mercy on Your servant Shafiq as well!”

Then Hazrat Ibrahim ibn Adham (RA) raised his hands towards the heavens and prayed, "O Allah! By the blessing of this hand, the one who possesses it, and the favor You bestowed upon him, grant Your mercy to this humble servant who is in need of Your grace, though he is unworthy of it."

After this, Hazrat Ibrahim ibn Adham (RA) stood up and walked towards the Haram (Sacred Mosque).”