Prayer before Prophet's Tomb | by al-Shadhili

Great saint Abu-l-Hassan ash-Shadhili (b. 1196/1197 - d. 1258), may God sanctify his station was the Qutb of his time and the founder shaykh of the Tariqa ash Shadhiliya.

When al-Shadhili, approached Medina, may God ennoble and exalt it increasingly, he stood before the door of the sacred precinct (the tomb of the Prophet) from early morning until noon, bareheaded, and barefooted requesting permission of the Apostle of God to enter.

Asked why he did so, he replied, "That he might give me permission, for God says, 'O you who believe, enter not the Prophet's houses until permission be grated to you.' (Q 33.53).

Then, he heard the voice of one calling from within the Noble Garden, like that of the one dwelling there, saying, "Blessings and peace in abundance, O 'Ali! Enter!"

So he stood before the Noble Garden and said, "Peace be upon thee, O Prophet, with the mercy and benediction of God! The blessing of God be upon thee, O Apostle of God!"

The most excellent, the purest, the most sublime, and loftiest prayer that he offered on behalf of His prophets and chosen ones is this:

"I bear witness that thou, O Apostle of God, hast conveyed that with which thou wast sent, and hast admonished thy people, and served thy Lord until the certainty (yaqin) came to thee, and that thou wast as God described thee in Scripture: "An Apostle from among yourselves has come to you, for whom your adversity is hard to bear, who watches over you, and who is compassionate and merciful towards the believers." (Q 9:128)

May the prayers of God, His angels, His prophets, His apostles, and all His creatures and the inhabitants of His heavens and His earth be upon thee, O our master, O Apostle of God. (...)

I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Apostle, the seal of the prophets, and the leader (imam) of the apostles.

I testify that every command, prohibition and information regarding the past and future that he brought is true, containing no uncertainty or doubt. I acknowledge to Thee my crime and and disobedience in thought, reflection, will and negligence.

Whatever Thou hast preferred for me, whether something for which Thou dost punish, if Thou wilt, or something for which Thou dost pardon, if Thou wilt, or anything that is comprised in unbelief, hypocrisy, heresy and error, or transgression or misconduct toward Thee, Thine Apostle, Thy prophets, or the angels, men and jinn who are near Thee, or whatever things of Thy dominion that Thou hast especially allotted, in all of which I have wronged myself, bestow upon me what Thou didst bestow upon those near to Thee, for Thou art God, the King, the Generous Bestower, the Compassionate Forgiver."

- selection from The Mystical Teachings of al-Shadhili by Ibn Al-Sabbagh

remembering beloved Prophet Muhammad, on his blessed birthday, 12th Rabiul Awwal of Hijri calendar / 19th or 20th March (depending on location and moon) this year. May profound Divine peace and blessings be upon the Prophet of Light, and may through his love - the light of our heart and soul be unveiled.

Alnnabiyyu awla bialmu'mineena min anfusihim ...
The Prophet is closer to the Believers than their own selves (...)
- The Quran | Al-Ahzab, 33.06

# Reference:
. Abu-l-Hassan ash-Shadhili
. Qutubanniyya | the concept of Qutb in sufi path
Qutb or Qutub ("axis, pole," or ghauth, "help.") is the highest inner spiritual authority of the age.
. Mawlid links from past year
. Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al Madinah and Meccah