Page 6 - SQ Ratib al Attas

obscurity and turning away from the people, but no one knows
him because most of his perfections are hidden, and no one will be
drawn towards him except for those of understanding and spiritual
insight.”

On other occasions, Ḥabīb Umar himself would reveal his rank,
c
unintentionally when he was overcome by a spiritual state. Such
as his response to one of his students when he was asked: “Is it
possible for one to reach the rank of Shaykh Abd ul-Qādir Jīlānī?”
c
He d replied, “I am like him, and like him, and like him,” repeating
it twenty times.

Such a statement would only be made when he was overwhelmed
by his spirituality, for he d was upon the path of extreme humility.
He was very tolerant and had an aversion to fame, as he did not
consider himself to be a man of rank, spirituality, knowledge
or action. He only relied on the mercy and favour of Allah. In
congregations he did not designate a specific place for himself. He
would sit wherever there was space and would not allow people to
move from their places for his sake. He generously gave money to
the poor and widows and showed affection to all people, especially
to children. The people of rank remarked that his state was unlike
other saints, despite his exalted station, he was characterised with
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