Stories of the Scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho - Part Six: His Life, His Deeds, His Way to Al'lah

By Mohammad Amin Sheikho and A. K. John Alias Al-Dayrani

CONTENTS:

1. The French Weapons of Anjar Citadel Are Taken by Syrian Rebels.
2. Man’s Loyalty to His Country Is Paramount.
3. Lack of Commitment Leads to Failure of the Revolution.
4. Our Man Rises to the Challenge in the Region of Al-Sheikh Mountain.
5. The Rebellion against French Rule.
6. An Entire County Is Sentenced to Death.
7. Purer than the Whitest Snow.
8. The Conspiracy against the Head of the Citadel.
9. Persistence in Prayer Leads to Enlightenment.
10. Morality Is Maintained.
11. Timely Repayment of a Debt.
12. Who Dares to Challenge the Envoys of God Will Never Succeed.
13. The Disciple Repeats the Sheikh’s Lesson.
14. This Man Gave Us His Full Support.
15. An Honourable Outcome.
16. The Story of the Deceased who Prayed at His own Funeral.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookRix
• Release date: Sep 24, 2018
• ISBN: 9783743878723

Mohammad Amin Sheikho

Mohammad Amin Sheikho (1890-1964 A.D / 1308-1384 A.H)Early YearsM. Amin Sheikho was born in al-Ward district in Sarouja Quarter, one of the historical districts of Damascus, in Syria which was called mini-Istanbul during the period of the Ottoman rule. He was raised in an Arab style house situated opposite the famous public al-Ward Bathhouse. This house stands there to the present day.M. Amin Sheikho was still young when his father, the merchant Ismael Sheikho, departed this world. Mohammad Saleem, the only and elder brother of Mohammad Amin, was assigned as a director of the Military School during the Ottoman rule.EducationAt the age of twelve the boy who was to become the great scholar was enrolled at al-Rashidiya School, he then went on to complete his studies in Amber, the Royal Ottoman Faculty in Damascus. He received many certificates of praise and commendation during the Ottoman rule and then under the reign of King Faisal in Syria. There are many copies of these certificates still preserved in trustworthy hands.AchievementsDuring the period of the Turkish rule, he was head of many police-stations in Damascus and its dependent counties. He was a shining example to all for his unfailing attention to duty, the vitality with which he approached every task, and the high level of achievement in many varied deeds which were of great benefit to mankind.During the French mandate he was appointed a director of the prisons of the citadel of Damascus.When the great Syrian uprising took place against the French forces, he helped the revolutionaries in every conceivable way until they placed the seal of the revolution in his trustworthy hands. Due to his subversive activities he fell foul of the French governor of Syria resulting in an order being issued for his execution; but the Almighty God saved him. During this period he was compliant in many attempts to overthrow French rule.He was the companion of Sheikh Amin Kuftaro for almost twenty years and following his death M. Amin Sheikho followed his footsteps and became the next in succession to guide and teach the disciples of the eminent sheikh.His assemblies were distinguished by the profound level of wisdom with which he imparted his teaching and guidance.He took great care to draw the attention of his followers to beware of the tales of the Israelites which defame the biography of the noble persons, the Envoys of God (pth), and of anything ascribed to them which conflicts their perfection and impeccability.In 1953, the famous coeval philosopher, Sir John Godolphin Bennett came from Britain to visit him. He remained in his company for three weeks that were filled with lengthy dialogues about the religion of Islam and its actuality.Sir John asked M. Amin Sheikho many questions about the exact definition of the ‘spirit’ and the difference between that and the ‘soul’, as well as asking for clarification about Godly Justice, a topic which he found difficult to comprehend. As a result of this visit, Sir John practised Islamic legislation and performed the prayers along with the followers of the scholar.This visit was referred to briefly in the autobiography of Sir John Bennett in his book Witness; but after his death, a book containing special personal recollections written by Sir John was published in 1975 under the title Journeys in Islamic Countries, wherein he spoke in detail about this meeting. In this book he gave a detailed account of the personality and character of M. Amin Sheikho, and of his lectures and disciples. He also mentioned the great benefits he had derived from his life-changing meeting with him.During his lectures M. Amin Mohammad Amin Sheikho pointed frequently to the belief in the return of Jesus Christ (pth), from the Islamic perspective. He also indicated the near advent of this significant world event as, according to his explanations, most of the conditions for this momentous Hour had been fulfilled.This was disclosed in his book: The Envoy of Peace Looms on the Horizon: the Return of Jesus Christ.In referring to his meeting with M. Amin Sheikho, Sir John made mention of this issue in his two books: Witness and Journeys in Islamic Countries.Professor Abdul-Kadir John, alias al-Dayrani, published the book Stories of M. Amin Sheikho wherein he writes in detail about many deeds performed by his teacher, Mohammad Amin Sheikho.One of His PupilsProfessor Abdul-Kadir John, alias al-Dayrani is the best known and most distinguished among the pupils of M. Amin Sheikho. He received a certificate of General Education (a Syrian certificate which included the study of nine different sciences). Prof. al-Dayrani collected and verified more than fifty books which were dictated by M. Amin Sheikho and written on his behalf. Therefore his name is always mentioned in association with the name of Mohammad Amin Sheikho.PublicationsM. Amin Sheikho dictated to his pupils many books about Islam in the Arabic language, some of which have been translated into English and French. The following are just some of these:1- Interpretation of the Great Qur’an (Lights of Descending & Realities of Meaning)2- Interpretation of Am’ma Section of the Qur’an3- Impeccability of Prophets4- Am’ma Encyclopedia (The Compassionate’s Gifts in Interpreting the Qur’an)5- Al-Amin Interpretation of the Great Qur’an (The Previous Nations)6- Visiting the Prophet (cpth) and the Effect of His Love in Elevating the Believing Spirit7- High Grades of Al-Taqwa (Seeing by Al’lah’s Light)—The Jewels of Rules in Explaining the Pillars of Islam8- The Sources of Spring Water in the World9- The Reality of Our Master Mohammad (cpth) Appearing in the Twentieth Century10- Proclaiming God’s Love (The Scientific and Qur’anic Motivations for Halal Slaughter)11- Islam... What is the Veil for? What is Divorce for? What is Polygamy for?12- The West has Liberated Man from Slavery—Did Islam not do the same?13- The Great Scientific Discovery—the Astonishing Reality of the Six Days and the Seven Heavens14- The Amazing Miracle of the Fundamental Verses of the Book in the Twenty-first Century15- Cupping: the Marvelous Medicine that Cures Heart Disease, Paralysis, Haemophilia, Migraine, Sterility and Cancer—A Prophetic Medical Science in its New Perspective16- The Reality of Tamerlane the Great Appears in the Twenty-first Century17- The Envoy of Peace Looms on the Horizon: The Return of Jesus Christ18- Secrets of the Seven Praising Verses19- Goodbye to the Doctor of al-Muqawqis (Cyrus, Patriarch of Alexandria)Radio and TV Programmes- Illuminative Speculations: al-Quds Radio Station broadcasting from Syria- Lights for Humankind: the Lebanese Radio Station al-Tawheed- Cupping, an Arabic Discovery Spreads All over the World and Cupping, a Prophetic Medical Science in Its New Scientific Perspective: Two documentary films which have been broadcast on many world satellite stations such as Iqraa TV, Sharjah, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and others- Proclaiming God’s Love (The Scientific and Qur’anic Motivations for Halal Slaughter): A documentary film that has been broadcast on Iqraa TV, and satellite stations in Al-Sharjah, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and others- The Descent of the Prophets: A computer programmeA Glimpse of his distinguished thoughts and viewsHe disclosed the true meaning of the letters (acronyms) that are reported at the beginning of the Fortresses of the Holy Qur’an, which was not understood by previous Muslim scholars and said that, “Al’lah knows best His Purpose behind them.”He disproved the stories which are ascribed wrongly to the noble Envoy Mohammad (cpth), such as the story of his being affected by the action of magic, the story of cutting his noble chest (cpth), and all that would put him (cpth) in the wrong.He elucidated that the noble Prophets are impeccable in all of their words, actions and deeds.- He was the first in the world to reveal the source of fresh spring and river water, which is the ice of the North and South Poles.- He gave an exact definition of the ‘human spirit’ and clarified the difference between that and the ‘soul’.- He differentiated between the ‘mind’ and ‘thought’.- He talked about al-Azal world, the very beginning of creation in the world of immaterial spirits, and demonstrated the Godly Justice in that world and the reason for the coming of mankind to this world.- He elucidated the wisdom in turning towards al-ka’ba when communicating with God (praying); he explained the reason for fasting and the meaning of the Night of al-Qadr (Evaluation) and how to attain it.- He interpreted from the noble Qur’an how to derive the proportion of Zakat (almsgiving), and determined it as 2.5%.- He revealed the wisdom folded in each ritual of the rites of pilgrimage.- He clarified the benefits of the medical Prophetic commandments about using an enema of amylum suspension, medicinal castor oil, and the application of leeches for medical purposes.- He called attention to certain eminent personalities who had been wronged by history. Specifically he spoke of Tamerlane the famous conqueror who is known to be a blood-thirsty warrior conqueror in the Middle East, while Asian peoples revere him and regard him as a holy man who had spread the religion of Islam in their countries. In this respect, a book was issued by M. Amin Sheikho under the title: The Reality of Tamerlane the Great.Mohammad Amin Sheikho and CuppingThe name of Mohammad Amin Sheikho is always referred to whenever ‘cupping’ is mentioned, for it is he who disclosed its correct rules. Following the death of M. Amin Sheikho his pupil, Prof. Abdul-Kadir al-Dayrani undertook scientific research about this operation with the participation of a large medical team composed of many professors and doctors specialised in various medical ailments. When the results of the analysis of the blood extracted by the cupping operation were declared and many patients were healed completely after being cupped, the procedure soon spread widely and had a wide following in many societies. The results were published in many magazines and journals, and as a result, many medical people began to apply the procedure according to the exact and correct conditions that had been laid down.Mohammad Amin Sheikho and the reason for Mentioning the Name of Al’lah over a CarcassHe emphasised the necessity of mentioning Al’lah’s Name aloud over animals as they are being slaughtered, for when they hear Al’lah’s Name their meat becomes pure and free of any microbes.Prof. al-Dayrani also subjected the ideas of his teacher, M. Amin Sheikho, in this field, to a scientific study. A great number of doctors and university professors carried out scientific research, the like of which had never been attempted before. They took many samples of the meat of cattle, some of which were slaughtered while mentioning Al’lah’s Name aloud over them, while others were slaughtered without the benefit of this blessing. A comparative analysis of the outcome was then carried out. The results of this study were also published in a book issued on behalf of M. Amin Sheikho, entitled, Proclaiming God’s Love (The Scientific and Qur’anic Motivations for Halal Slaughter.Mrs. Salma Estwani, the BBC correspondent in Syria at that time, announced the scientific results of this study and interviewed the doctors and researchers who carried it out.Also, after revealing these results, many signboards were posted in Damascus streets on which it was written, ‘How terrible! Is it true that we Syrians eat microbes through our food?’ And on the front of the citadel of Damascus, a large sign was displayed on which was printed: ‘The Great Syrian Humane Scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho.’

Book preview

Title Page

Stories of the Scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho

Part Six

His Life, His Deeds, His Way to Al’lah

(1890-1964)

§§§§§

The Great Humane Eminent Scholar

Mohammad Amin Sheikho

(God has sanctified his soul)

§§§§§

Checked and Introduced by

Prof. A. K. John Alias Al-Dayrani

§§§§

English Language Editing by

Jackie Feehan

Introduction

You may wonder, as do I, and as do people everywhere: how could this great scholar have gained access to such truth, when all of the earlier scholars and the great guides and imams failed to do so? I would reply to you: a person has nothing except what they strive for

Indeed, people are differentiated through their actions.

This is true even for the Envoys (Messengers) and noble Prophets... and there will be a different level for everyone according to their deeds in this world.

Our own great scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho was given awareness and understanding by Al’lah, and he was distinguished by his outstanding deeds and his great and humane sacrifices. Al’lah did not give him anything except that which he deserved.

God says, And We sent it down deservedly, and with righteousness it came down.1

The French Weapons of Anjar Citadel Are Taken by Syrian Rebels

During the French occupation of Syria our officer, Mohammad Amin Sheikho, became a regional manager for Anjar Castle which was situated in the border region between Syria and Lebanon. He was appointed to this eminent position for his renowned abilities as a remarkable leader. This castle was used as a temporary arsenal for weapons being trans-shipped through Lebanon, as well as being an important centre and stronghold against the Syrian insurgents.

It happened that the French government sent a large consignment of various kinds of weapons and ammunition to supply its military forces in Syria and Lebanon who were tasked with suppressing the insurgency and other minor uprisings wherever they broke out.

The consignment of war materiel was shipped from France and transported to the castle in the border territory where it was stored pending its distribution to the French forces in Syria.

When the shipment arrived at Anjar Castle the weapons became the sole responsibility of the officer who was in charge of the security of the castle.

Despite having been entrusted with such a high position by the French, Officer Sheikho’s loyalties lay with the rebels who were fighting to liberate their country. And so, he resolved to deliver the weapons to the Syrian insurgents, who were the enemies of the French government, even though he risked losing his own life for what the French would see as the worst possible betrayal.

He duly informed the insurgents and instructed them to start removing the arms under the cover of darkness. Accordingly, he gave leave of absence to some policemen whom he felt unable to trust and told his loyal men to remain on duty along with his faithful adjutant. When night fell and darkness prevailed, the rebels came and began to remove the weapons from the castle under cover of the dark, cloudy sky.

After midnight, the ingenious officer called the commanderin- chief to tell him that the castle had come under attack by a large and powerful force of rebels, ‘The castle’s under attack... my men are fighting back bravely but they’re outnumbered... it’s a major skirmish... the rebels are bent on breaking into the castle, so... hurry... send reinforcements...!’

He had previously ordered his policemen to fire continuously into the air for the local villagers to hear; and he had arranged with the mayor of the village to say that he, Officer Sheikho, had actually sought his help, but that he was unable to offer any assistance because he lacked fighting power as the villagers were merely unarmed farmers. When the French forces, which Officer Sheikho had purposely summoned too late, arrived at the castle, they found that the rebels had emptied the storerooms of every last weapon and piece of ammunition, and had escaped with their spoils, successfully and safely.

When the news of this great catastrophe reached the French commissioner, General Catroux, he was so overcome with rage and aversion towards Officer Sheikho that he felt as though he would pass out. He did not believe the account that the castle had come under attack, and without any doubt he considered that the officer’s actions amounted to high treason. How had Officer Sheikho dared to deliver an entire shipment of weaponry and ammunition to the rebels? It was the greatest military shipment the French government had ever sent to Syria; this vast amount had been necessary after the French army had used up most of its ammunition and war materiel against the insurgents. A most worrying thought came to General Catroux: what would he say to his government? He became so angry that he lost all sense of reason and immediately sentenced both Officer Sheikho and his adjutant to summary execution.

That very night, they were brought to Damascus to be executed at dawn the following day, as was the usual procedure. But, what a miracle! Despite facing the death penalty our officer showed no sign of fear or cowardice, for he felt that his actions at the castle had been right and fully justified, and the expected results would inevitably bring about good for everyone: for the real Doer is Al’lah.

Mohammad Amin actually lay down in the locked cell feeling completely at ease and tranquil and drifted into a restful sleep.

Al’lah says, Remember! He made you drowsy as a reassurance from Him.2 His adjutant, in fear for their lives woke him saying, ‘We’re condemned to death and you’re sleeping! Don’t you know that we’re going to be executed in a few hours? How can you even think about sleep?’ He started to clap his hands together, over and over again, crying and shouting, ‘Oh, my sons! Who will take care of you when I’m gone?’ He was pacing back and forth across the cell as if he had lost his mind, then he turned towards our officer repeating yet again, ‘How can you sleep when we’re going to be executed at dawn?’

Trying to resist sleep and feeling overcome with joy and certain confidence our officer replied, ‘I’m perfectly happy, and sleep seems so desirable... I can’t keep my eyes open. I can think of nothing but sleep... so please... just let me sleep!’

When he heard these words from his superior officer and saw him settling down to sleep again, he burst into tears and began to wail, ‘Oh, my sons! My wife!... What will you do after my death?... What will happen to you?’

He was truly suffering from such overwhelming fear and his heart was broken at the thought of what a bleak future his family would face. The light seemed to go out of his eyes, and he remained in this sorry state until the new day dawned. On the other hand our officer, Mohammad Amin, slept soundly and happily, seemingly without a care in the world, and giving no thought at all to the impending execution.

When they were driven to the place of execution at dawn, the French commander was still enraged, so he went out of the gate of the government house to see the officers who had been condemned to death, for not only had they lost and destroyed France’s ammunitions and military supplies in Syria, they had actually delivered them into the hands of his enemy.

As the two condemned men were passing in front of the government house (al-Saraya)3 he glared at them with a look of intense fury, but at the same time it occurred to him that he should speak to them. So he ordered the military escort to bring the two men before him for he wanted to try to understand the character of Officer Sheikho and discern how that huge loss had occurred, and how he had dared to carry out this shocking action. But catching sight of the courageous officer coming towards him with his head held high, and his strong steady steps denoting his great pride and fearsome strength of character, the commander was filled with a confused sense of wonder combined with condemnation.

Officer Sheikho strode towards him, his face wreathed in smiles, as though he were a man hurrying to his own wedding. The French commander was so confused that he was about to explode... unable to believe what he saw with his own eyes. He could not stop himself from crying out in a quivering voice, ‘What happened to you? What about that great act of treason you are guilty of? You delivered our weapons to the enemy!’

Brimming with confidence and free from any sense of fear, our officer replied in a firm, calm voice, ‘The rebels attacked us, and a great skirmish broke out between them and my policemen which lasted for many hours. I asked your Syrian commander-in-chief for reinforcements and told him that the rebels were very strong and well organised and that we would not be able to defend the castle for much longer. That help was not forthcoming so, I asked the village mayor for whatever assistance he could offer but he had no arms or men to help us to confront the rebel forces. So, as we were not given any reinforcements, and after a suicidal fight bravely fought by my men, the insurgents managed to break into the castle after a lengthy one-sided battle. After that, I had no choice but to order my men to retreat through the secret underground passage.’

The Syrian commandant was sitting near the French general, the commander of the French forces in Syria, who turned to the Syrian and asked, ‘Did this officer really inform you about the serious situation at the castle and ask for help?’

At that point, the Syrian commander, whose thoughts were focused on other matters, failed to understand the question which had been directed at him and he replied simply, ‘Yes.’ When the French general realised what the Syrian commandant had said, he regained his senses, and his intense anger abated. He became deeply absorbed in his thoughts, ‘So, this officer was not responsible for what happened, and in fact he carried out his duties perfectly and faithfully.’

After the general had angrily asked for his opinion about their Syrian police leader, Mohammad Amin continued speaking and replied to the general, ‘Do you really think that you have a high commander? This man is good for nothing but selling beans, so how could he be suitable to hold the position of high commander of the police and armed forces?’

The general turned to the interpreter to ask for an explanation, ‘What does he mean by a beans vendor?’

He replied, ‘Do you remember, sir, when we were touring the country during the Greater Bairam,4 when we saw a slovenly old man with a dirty fez on his head and a pot of boiled beans before him... and beside him there was a table with small stools around, and little children eating beans? Do you remember how you laughed at this odd sight? This is what this officer meant by a beans vendor.’

The general had found the sight of that old man very amusing when he first saw him selling beans from a barrow, and as soon as he remembered the occasion and heard the comparison of the vendor with the Syrian high commander of the police and armed forces, he burst into convulsive laughter: his entire demeanour became relaxed and a look of pleasure and delight seemed etched clearly on his face.

Indeed, with this spontaneous