The True Endeavor: Dawud al-Ta’i (Quddisa Sirruhu)
Dawud al-Ta’i (quddisa sirruhu) was a beacon of knowledge and insight, a lantern illuminating the path of truth, and a revered master among the ranks of the Sufis. He had reached the pinnacle of piety and scrupulousness, and his share of knowledge was vast. For twenty years, he was a devoted student of Imam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullahi alayh). He also had the honor of meeting Fudayl b. Iyad and Ibrahim b. Adham, and his spiritual guide in the Sufi path was Habib al-Ajami.
The story of his repentance begins with hearing a song sung by a minstrel. The lyrics pierced his heart:
"What beautiful face has not turned to dust?
What enchanting eye has not fallen to the ground?"
These words overwhelmed Dawud, shaking him to his core. A burning fire of realization was kindled in his heart, leaving him distraught and disoriented. Seeking guidance, he went to Imam Abu Hanifa, who noticed the change in his appearance and asked, "What has happened to you, Dawud?"
Dawud replied, "I have become disenchanted with the world, but I am unable to describe this state I am in. I cannot find any explanation for it in the books I have studied. What do you advise me to do?"
Following the advice of Imam Abu Hanifa, Dawud withdrew to his home for seclusion and deep reflection. After some time, Imam Abu Hanifa visited him and said, "Secluding yourself at home is not the answer. This is not the true endeavor. Return to your companions among the students, listen to their discussions, but do not speak a word."
Dawud obeyed this counsel and attended the gatherings for an entire year without uttering a single word. At the end of the year, he was told, "The reward you have gained from this one year of silence equals that of thirty years of previous worship."
Later, Dawud met Habib al-Ajami (quddisa sirruhu) and attended his gatherings. The radiant spiritual gaze of Habib was enough to churn Dawud’s soul like millstones grinding grain. Overwhelmed, Dawud fell at his feet, and his heart was ignited by the light of Habib’s spiritual flame.
In a decisive act of renunciation, Dawud took the books he had accumulated over the years and cast them into the Tigris River, severing all ties with worldly attachments. Immersing himself in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and tasawwuf, he attained ijazah (spiritual authorization) from Habib al-Ajami and became one of the great leaders of tasawwuf. He adopted a life of asceticism and piety, distancing himself from people. After completing his spiritual journey and reaching the heights of self-purification, Dawud chose a life of solitude, dedicating himself entirely to Allah.
His famous saying, often repeated by those who follow his path, is:
"O seeker, if you desire safety, bid farewell to the world. If you seek miracles, renounce your longing for the hereafter."
Thus, Dawud al-Ta’i became a shining example of spiritual refinement and devotion, guiding others toward the ultimate truth through his life and legacy.
