Better to Light a Candle than to Curse the Darkness
WHO WAS SIRRI SAQTI
Early Life and Family
Sirri Saqti was born in Baghdad in 762 A.D. (approximately 155 A.H.). He was deeply influenced by the rich cultural and spiritual environment of his birthplace. His birth name was Sirrudeen, meaning “Secret of the Path,” which was later shortened to ‘Sirri’. He earned the title ‘Saqti’, also spelled ‘Saqati’ or ‘Siqti’, in recognition of his significant contributions and work.
Sirri Saqti’s father, Hazrat Mughlis (May God be pleased with him), played a crucial role in his early upbringing. Growing up in a family that valued spirituality and learning, Sirri Saqti was well-prepared for his future role as a revered Sufi master. The vibrant intellectual and spiritual atmosphere of Baghdad profoundly shaped his spiritual journey and the teachings that would later influence countless followers.
“Be like the sun which sheds its light on all;
Be like the earth which sustains the burdens of all;
Be like the water which enlivens hearts of all ”.
Hazrat Sirri Saqti
Spiritual Journey and Lineage
Hazrat Sirri Saqti, a revered Sufi Saint, was a Tab’a Tab’ieen, meaning he met those who had met the companions of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). His spiritual journey was deeply influenced by his connection to these early Islamic figures and his lineage within Sufism.
Sirri Saqti was the Mureed (disciple) and Khalifa (successor) of Hazrat Maroof Karkhi (May God be pleased with him), from whom he inherited profound spiritual insights.
He, in turn, became the Murshid (master) of the renowned saint Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (May God be pleased with him). Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi held his master in the highest esteem, saying, "I did not see any person as Kaamil (perfect) as my Peer-o-Murshid (spiritual master)."
Qualities and Virtues
- Kindness: Hazrat Sirri Saqti was the Imam (leader) of the Ahle Tasawwuf (people of gnosis) and possessed profound knowledge of religion and spirituality. Despite his immense stature and knowledge, he was known for his extreme kindness. Hazrat Bishr Haafi (May God be pleased with him) testified to his generosity and piety, saying, "I never used to ask for anything from anyone but Hazrat Sirri Saqti, as I was very well aware of his piety and I knew that he was always happy to give."
- Worship and Striving: Sirri Saqti was a devout worshipper, performing one thousand Rakats of nafil salaah (prayer cycles) daily. Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi noted his unparalleled devotion and effort, saying, "I have never seen a greater Aabid (worshipper) and Zaahid (striver) than him. Even until the age of 98, the only time I saw him rest was at the time of his demise."
- Practice: Sirri Saqti was known for practicing what he preached. Once, while delivering a lecture on Sabr (patience), he was stung by a scorpion but continued his lecture without flinching. When his devotees urged him to kill the scorpion, he replied, "How can I behave contrary to that which I am preaching?"
- Empathy: Sirri Saqti’s empathy and sense of accountability were profound. He once expressed his ongoing repentance for feeling grateful that his shop was spared in a market fire while others’ shops were destroyed. He said, "Thirty years have passed now, and I am still making tauba (repentance) because of one thing that I made shukr (thanks) for." By this, he meant that by thanking God his shop was saved, he felt he had inadvertently considered himself better than his fellow merchants.
Teachings and Life-changing Impact of Sirri Saqti
Hazrat Sirri Saqti (May God be pleased with him) was not only a revered Sufi master but also a profound teacher whose actions and words left an indelible impact on those around him. His life was a testament to the transformative power of kindness, empathy, and unwavering devotion to God.
A Lesson in Compassion
Once, Hazrat Sirri Saqti encountered a drunk person lying on the ground, calling out the name of God. Hazrat washed the man's mouth and remarked, "He does not know that he is taking the most exalted name with his impure mouth." After Hazrat left, the drunken man became sober. On learning what had happened, he felt deep shame and began to curse his nafs (ego) and weep bitterly. He repented, saying, "O Shameless nafs! Sirri Saqti has now seen you in this sad state, and he too left. Now fear God and repent."
That night, Hazrat Sirri Saqti heard a voice from the unseen saying, "You washed his mouth for My sake, and I have washed his heart for your sake." When Hazrat went to the mosque for late-night prayers, he found the once drunk man now praying fervently. Hazrat asked how this sudden change had occurred, and the man replied, "Why do you ask me concerning this, when God has already informed you about it."
Words of Wisdom
Hazrat Sirri Saqti’s teachings continue to resonate with those seeking spiritual growth and enlightenment:
- On Aging and Action: "Do whatever you can before you become old, since in old age you will be able to do nothing, just as I cannot do anything." Despite this, even in his old age, Hazrat's devotion was unparalleled.
- On Controlling Desires: "The bravest deed is to take control of your nafs (desires). One who cannot control his own ego/desires cannot be of assistance to others."
- On Obedience to God: "All become obedient to him who is obedient to God."
- On Social Interactions: "Stay away from the wealthy, those Qaaris (religious reciters) who recite for name and fame, and from very wealthy Ulama (religious scholars)."
- On Devotion: "A Devotee is he, whose food is like the food of the sick, his sleep is like that of a person bitten by a snake, and his lavishness like that of a person who is drowning in water."
The Legacy and Eternal Rest of Sirri Saqti
Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (May God be pleased with him) recounts visiting Hazrat Sirri Saqti during his final illness. Junaid said, "I went to visit Hazrat Sirri Saqti when he took ill. There was a fan kept close to him, so I used it to fan him. He then said, 'O Junaid! Put it down. Fire is more powerful than wind.'"During this visit, Junaid sought advice from his esteemed teacher. Hazrat Sirri Saqti advised, "Do not be diverted from the love of Allah through the companionship of the people."Hazrat Sirri Saqti passed away on Tuesday, the 13th of Ramadan, 253 A.H. (867 A.D.), at the age of 98. His final resting place is in Baghdad, in a place called Shawneez.
