– continuing the biography of Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi Rahmatullahi Alayh
The response came on the 25th of November to Lucknow. I opened it eagerly. I read it faithfully. Listen to the entire response, not just an abridged version.
“From Ashraf Ali
I am happy at your honesty and simplicity. May Allah Ta’ala make you understand the true nature of things!
It is not necessary to respond in detail to every point of your letter. I have selected the salient points, and my response is as follows:
1. What is your yardstick for bai’t? Clarification on this is firstly necessary, so that the Muslih [reformer] can be selected according to the yardstick.
2. What intention do you have in coming to Thanabawan? The need to ascertain this is for me to see whether your intention in coming here can be fulfilled or not. Furthermore, it is also necessary to disclose whether you are going to maintain silence when coming here, or you are going to say something.
3. The order is as follows: appointing a Shaikh firstly and then treatment of spiritual sicknesses.
Was-Salaam
Thanabawan”
This compact and deep response brought a wave of exuberance to my heart. I was so happy, and Allah alone knows how many people I showed the letter and read the letter to!
