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MY Journey
in Search of Truth
Interesting and inspiring travelogue

Of

Hazrat Salman FarsiRA

Urdu version

by

Mohammad Yousuf Aslahi

English translation

By

Haroon Rashid Bhat

New Theed Srinagar Kashmir

Email :- minamharoon123@gmail.com
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Intention
Things never remain static what is valuable today may not be valuable next day. Earlier

people used to visit libraries in search of books to attain information of their choice and needs.

Some People used to spend their pocket money to buy books of their choice but with the

advent of new technology like Android phones, computers, laptops etc., human life has been

changed radically. People frequently use the modern inventions to get access to any

information. In this postmodern stage of human life where people are over busy, mobile

internet became the easy tool to access or read any written material available to us as per

their convenience.

There are some individual or agencies who upload the written information in the form

of books or start their channels on INTERNET to put that material or thoughts in public

domain. Some people do it to earn money, some do it voluntarily in order to pass on the

information for research lovers. In this connection, last week, while I was searching the

books on- line, I came a across the book titled as “ Rahe Haq Ka Doo Musafir” by

Mohammad Yousuf Islahi in which he mentioned the life stories of two famous Islamic

personalities Hazrat Salman FarsiRA and Imam Shafi RA in the farm of travelogue which is

available in Urdu. I found this book very interesting and inspiring. I translated its first part into

lucid English that too in the E- Book format without any personal gain with the new title (My

journey in Search of Truth) which is based on the biography of Salman Farsi RA My intention

behind this noble work is to increases the number of readers so that they become familiar

with the struggles and difficulties faced by such great personalities to attain the ultimate

truth. I hope the readers will find this travelogue very interesting and lessons oriented.
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Let us pray to Almighty Allah that this pamphlet will benefit us especially to Ahali-

Kitab who believe in one God and the Divine/revealed books in the true sense. We hope that

they will take this travelogue as the guide to reach to the ultimate truth like Hazrat Salman

FarsiRA . In fact, all the divine religions have one common source and each of them prophesied

the coming of the last messenger of the truth that is our beloved Prophet MohammadPBUH .
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Introduction

Travelling remained the passion of a man in the past and the passion for today. There

are instances in the history that some people got name and fame merely because they

traveled far and wide and recorded their experiences.

In every phase of human life, people traveled for different purposes like some travel

to expand their business to earn money, some travel to attain degrees in order to get a good

reputation. Some travel in search of knowledge to enhance their knowledge and information.

Some travel to know the socio-cultural, language etc. of other societies. There are some

whose intention to travel is to enjoy the beauties and wonders of nature. But there are few

who travel in search of the truth.

Those who documented their different experience in the farm of travelogue not only

benefited themselves but benefit other people who are in search of knowledge. These

travelogues are mostly interwoven with extraordinary stories, full of adventure adding our

knowledge. Even this culture of writing travelogues is still alive in many societies.

The pamphlet which is in your hands are basically based on the travelogue of famous

personality of Islam Hazrat Salman FarsiRA. He traveled a lot merely to achieve the true

knowledge of God/ Almighty Allah.

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In order to quench the thirst of knowledge, a traveler covered hundred kilometers

distance from Medina Munayara to reach Sham (Syria). There he presented himself before

one of the companion of Prophet Mohammad PBUH, Abu Darda

Conversation between them

Companion: O! Brother, “What motivated you to come here?”

Traveler:- “I came here to listen that particular tradition (Hadis) narrated by Prophet

Mohammad PBUH to you directly”.

Companion: I hope, you don’t have any other purpose.

Traveler: No, I am here only to listen the word of ProphetPBUH.

Companion: Any business purpose.

Traveler: No, not at all

Companion: Really, if you are here to listen to the word of Prophet, then listen, Our

beloved Prophet Mohammad PBUH said, “One who travel to seek the truth, Almighty Allah

make his/her way easy that leads him to heaven ( Janna), even Angles spreads their wings,

fishes; remember them in prayers, seeking obeisance for them. The status of Alim (Scholar)

is greater than the status of Abid. It is as great as the appearance of the moon against the

rest of the stars in the sky. Only these people become the real inheritance of prophethood.

Their property is neither the coins of gold nor the coins of silver but only the true

knowledge. The knowledge of Quran and Hadis. Fortunate are those who attained such and

such knowledge”. ( Al Hadis)

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Remembrance of Childhood:

Yes, a small but a beautiful hamlet, Esfan where I was born. My parents chose my

name as ‘Maaba’. They nourished me with a lot of care and affection. My father was a famous

landlord of Booz-khusan. We were Zoroastrian Majusi (worshipers of fire).

My father loved me so much, he could not bear my separation even for a movement.

He was supervising me like a virgin girl. He never allowed me to step out from my home.

Whenever he was out of home for any work, he strictly ordered other family members,

servants not to allow me to go out of the premises of my house.

There was a fire pot within the compound of our house which always remain buzzing.

Right from my childhood, I took a deep interest in religious activities. Though we were

Zoroastrian/ Majusi, and the burning fire was our prime duties, I used to instigate fire in the

pot. There were some people among us who had been assigned the job by religious leaders

to keep the fire on all the time. For me, it became a mere matter of the course to keep the

fire pot alive. We were asked never to leave that pot unfired even for a second.

Days passed, one day my father hired some labors for some renovation work at home.

He said to me, O! ‘My son, there is some renovation work at home so you should go to attend

the duties at fields in my absence. He insisted me to return home before the sunset.

1st - Appearance of Truth:

While I was marching towards the fields, I was perusing each thing seriously because

I got rare opportunities for an outing. While walking, I saw a well decorated tall building. That

happened to be the Church. As I proceeded very near to that building, I heard the collective

voices; chanting beautiful verses. That strange voice appealed my ears and draws my full
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attention. As I have already mentioned that I have been the natural inclination towards

religious activity since childhood, I stayed there for a while and then I walked towards the

Church premises. As soon as I entered, I saw beautiful faces standing in a queue; chanting

verses in front of the unseen authority. I got so involved and forgot my duties assigned by my

father. I stayed there till dusk but that whole episode developed my interest in their religion.

I swear by the originator of my birth that their religion is far better than us.

I started a conversation with them and put forward my inner feeling before them. I

straightforwardly said, “I got impressed by your deeds especially by your prayer. Kindly tell

me where the center of this particular religion is”?

They replied, its center is in Shaam (Syria). They felt over excited about my talk. I spent

some time in their company and returned to my home.

It was late evening, there was a complete darkness all over. My father was waiting for

me; moving here and there in anxiety, a sense of puzzle and despair was reflecting from his

face. He had already sent some of his servants to know my whereabouts. As soon as I entered

my house, my father hugged me catching my hands repeatedly. He sought the reasons for

my late coming. “I have already warned you to return home before the sunset” He said,. His

eyes were filled with tears reflecting his deep love for me.

Dis-Satisfaction over my Father’s and Forefather’s Religion

I was under the strange feeling. The voices which I heard in the Church echoed in my

ears. I shared the whole episode with my father:

Son narrating the episode to his Father:

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O! Father, “while I was on a way to fields, I heard the sweet voices that attracted me

my body and soul. I witnessed a group of people who were busy in prayer. I got so involved

with that particular scene and forgot to attend my work assigned to me. My inner voice, again

and again, struck my heart and I shouted, “This is true path/religion. This is the right way to

prayer”.

Father: No, “My son only religions which we have received from my elders based on

the actually truth. You have to practice our religion according to our forefathers. Our religion

is far better than theirs”.

I responded enthusiastically, No, father “their religion is the best one. They believe in

one God/ almighty Allah. This is the right way of prayer. I will not bow before the fire pot

anymore. I will pray only for unseen authority/ God and will do the actions according to His

wishes. I swear by God that their religion is far better than ours”.

On hearing my talk, my father got worried. He feared that I may renounce the religion

of my forefathers. How can such a strike person like him bear my actions?

My first trail on the path of Truth:

My father put extra vigil on me. He chained my legs with iron bar so that I may not

be able to visit to the Church. I was facing that situation patiently and thinking all the time

how I will be able to meet the Church people? In the meantime, I managed to persuade one

of the servants on duty and requested him to send my message to the Church people and to

ask them to inform me if a group of people will arrive here from Syria.

After few days, a group of traders from Syria arrived at Esfan and one of the Church

priest informed me secretly I requested him to kindly inform me when they will return way
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back to Syria. The traders completed their business activities, they were quite ready to return

back. I had already chalked out my plane to go along with them.

MY journey to Syria

As per my pre-planned Programme, I unshackled the chains with the help of the

servant and managed to come out secretly from my home. I joined the company of traders .

While the trader's group was marching towards Syria following thoughts engulfed me:

“This is my first travel on the path of truth. I was parting from my native village, I

dispossessed myself from the love of parents; leaving all the comforts and privileges that I

was enjoying at my home”. But I was not at all dissatisfied with all this development. I was

fully satisfied. There was peace in my mind and body.

Traveling all along from one station to another, we finally entered the land of Syria. As

soon as we reached there I enquired the address of the grand religious leader /scholar. They

informed me about the address of the priests who was residing in the Church.

My first meeting with the priest:

I left everything behind and reached in the company of the priest. Finally, I found that

particular Church. When I put my first step into the Church, I saw an old aged person sitting

on the ground encircled by a group of people. I bade a Salam to them and sat down in their

company. Without any hesitation, I started my talk, Sir, “I came here from the far of a place known

as Esfan. I found your religion very interesting and attractive. I planned to sit in your company and want

to know more about this great religion so that I will seek spiritual guidance and peace”.

The Priest got delighted. After my brief interaction with him, he allowed me to sit

within the Church Compound in the company of the other priests. I stayed here. I sacrificed
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all the time day and night in prayer (Ibada) and in the service of the priest. After a few days, I

came to know that the priest was not the pious person, he was wicked. He was befooling the

innocent people; collecting alms from them. Instead of spending those alms to the needy and

the poor people, he was spending the same lavishly for their own sake. He saved gold and

silver in seven big boxes. Noticing his wicked actions, I started to hate him by heart. But it did

not distracted me from my prayer. I never compromised with my time table which I framed

for prayer. I thought, I accepted this religion not because of the priest but because of my love

towards this particular religion. If he is involved in such wicked deeds, he will be dealt with

according to his sins. I have to keep my connection with him, not for any other purpose but

to please my Almighty Allah by my good deeds. My inner voice,

The final stage of the priest:

Days were passing, there was a growing hatred in my heart against him. At last, his

days completed and he died. His death news spread like a wildfire in the city, there was a hue

and cry situation. The priests, people from walks of life marched towards that particular

Church in order to attend his funeral rites.

There was complete despondency reflecting from every face. Everybody was

lamenting his death. But my feeling was quite adverse to it. On watching the situation of

common people there, I got angry. I was thinking that I should tell them that whatever they

were doing is nothing but a sin. Finally, I could not restrict myself I told each one of them that

the dead priest does not deserve any respect. He was more concerned about his earing

worldly comfort. He was collecting all that alms for their own purpose rather to distribute

them to needy and poor people. I don’t know what else words I used against him.
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Everyone who was present there was listening to my speech like idol but there were

some wicked persons in the mob who showed some anger but they did not dare to speak

against me because of my associated with the Church. People asked me to prove my stand.

They asked for proof.

I asked them to come along with me inside the Church. I saw them all those boxes

filled with gold and silver. When I proved my claim, they started to curse him. They were

chanting loudly,

“If such people will lead our religious institutions, what will

happen to our religion and nation? Out of anger, they tied up his

corpse by two legs at the public place and started to throw stones on

him so that others would take a lesson from this”.

Appointment of the new priest:

The Church authorities appoint the new head priest. A grand function was organized.

This newly appointed priest was very pious and God fearing person. He remained all the time

busy in prayer with a strict time schedule. I have never seen such an honest and pious person

in my entire life so far. His actions influence me a lot. My veneration towards him increases

by each passing day. I spent all my days and nights under his guidance. I served him by heart.

I learnt religious teaching from him. But unfortunately, this relation could not sustain for a

longer period because of his sudden death.

When his death was imminent I requested him for future guidance. “Where should I

go for future guidance after you”? I asked,

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His Advice

He took a deep breath and said, O! My son, “I am surprised what advice

I will offer you and where I will ask you to go for future guidance?

When I observe the present situation, I found no one best-suited

person who is truly following the religious. They all are running

after worldly things. They became the slaves of worldly ambitions.

They altered the word of God for their personal benefit. Yes, there

is the person in the city of Mosul who is following the teachings of

Christianity. It is my suggestion to you to meet this very person

after my death”.

My Journey to Mosul:

When my beloved mentor left this world for good. I arranged all the necessary

arrangements for his last rites. Once I had completed all the rites, I started my journey

towards Mosul as advised by my mentor. As soon as I entered the boundaries of Mosul, I

enquired about the address of the priest to whom I was asked by my mentor to meet. After a

brief struggle, I attended his place. I narrated the whole story of my travel and did mention

the advice of the priest whom I met in Syria. While I was narrating my tale, his eyes brimmed

up with tears.

The priest nourished me with a lot of love and affection. I started to take as much

advantage as I can from his experience and knowledge. Like the Syrian priest, he was a noble

and kind-hearted person. I was feeling quite free and relex under his guidance. My relation

could not sustain for a long period because his health unstable health condition that leads

him to an untimely death. When he was on the death bed, I asked him for my future guidance.
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I told him that I renounced everything including my family to attain the truth. He heaved a

long sigh. He also showed his disappointment like the earlier priest; kept his head high and

said, “O! “My son, where I will supposed to send you? I am surprised

there is no one in the vicinity who can guide you properly, when I

take the glance of society, I noticed wickedness everywhere. There is

no one who is following the teachings of Christ as taught by him. But

you might have heard about Nasbeen. There is the person who is

following the teaching of Christ in a real way. I advise you to go

him for future guidance after my death.”

My journey to Nasbeen:

After completed his last rites, I commenced my journey towards Nasbeen as advised

by him. After a little bit of hard work, I reached my destination. I shared all my previous

experience with the new priest. He too was very pious and God fearing person like other two

priests.

I spent a very short span of time with him and all of a sudden I heard the news of his

death. When I noticed that his health was deteriorating by each passing day, I shared all the

suffering with him which I faced during my travel and insisted him to guide me where should

I go after his death. On seeing his status, I could not control my emotions my eyes got wet.

His eyes were full of tears. He expressed the same concern which the other two priests

showed at their last breath. Before his death, he asked me whether I knew the place called

Umara. There is a person who is following the teaching of Christ. I advised you to go there

and meet him.

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My journey towards Umara:

At last, the Angel of death met him and he left this world for good deprived me of the

true guide. After completing all the necessary rites. I started my journey towards Umara. Once

I reached there, I enquired about the priest and finally, I found his address.

As soon as I entered the place where he was residing with other priests, they

welcomed me with a smiling face and asked me, O! Son, where from you? I shared all my

good and bitter experienced with them. They were very noble people. They treated me with

a lot of love and affection. I devoted all of my time in their company learning and praying.

During the day I did some manual work with them and saved some amount of money. I started

to rear sheep, goat. My life was passing with ease. When his life came very close to the death,

I requested him for further guidance. While I was requesting him he was listing my words

with care. Then told me with a sad tune, “O! My dear, I swear by God have not seen anyone

from here and there who are following the teachings of Christianity with true spirit. I have

seen only darkness, darkness, nothing else. They all running after the material gains”.

Prediction about our beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH :

Yes, “I will share with you a good news that the period of the last Prophet is about

to come. He will be born in the land of Arab. He will follow the teachings of Hazrat

AbrahimPBUM When he will claim his prophethood and started to spread the real teachings

of Almighty Allah. He will try to prevent the common people from the evil deeds. But those

unfortunate people will force him to leave that particular place”.

He will migrate to the city, which falls in between the two black mountains. There are

orchards of date trees. I will give you some open indication to you so that you will recognize
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him easily.” While he was giving me the last sermon, tears were oozing from his eyes. Then

he said with bold voice;

My dear remember the following indication about the last Prophet Mohammad PBUH

1. He will not accept or rely on Alms/ /Charity/ Sudqa

2. He will accept the gifts wholeheartedly.

3. There will be a seal/stamp (Mohra-Nabuyat) on his back.

My dear, if your luck favors you then attend his service. The eyes of my mentor

reflected his firm faith and love. While I was watching his face, his soul came out from his

body. Tears started to flow down from my eyes. His last advice echoed in my ears. His

prediction gave me a lot of happiness. I was eagerly waiting for a crew who can help me to

reach Arab.

My Journey to Arab:

After few days, I came to know that the group of traders were going to Arab. I attend

that very group and expressed my willingness to go along with them to visit the holy city of

Makah. I promised them that if they would accept my request they would offer all my sheep,

goats to them. The group agreed. I gave all my sheep and goat to them and started my

journey. I was very much contented with my lot. Even I gave all my assets to them, I was fully

obsessed with thought of Arab. But the group deceived me, they sold me out at the valley of

Qura to Jews.

I was leading a helpless life. The jew assigned me the duties to look after his orchards I

was remembering my Almighty Allah, seeking His help O! Load, “Give me refuge from this

world of grief and sorrow”. My odd days started to commence. I was leading a very tough life
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bearing all sorts of odds. The only thought that was giving me the hope was the prediction

given by the priest regarding the noble soul who will come here and will free all salves;

abolished slavery once for all. That positive thought vanished all my pain and anxiety.

One day the person came from Medina who happened to be the cousin brother of the

Jew, I started a conversation with him. During interaction, I came to know that my Jew master

sold me out to him. He told me that I had to accompany him to Medina.

My Journey to Medina:

Now I started my journey towards Medina with my new Master. Once I put my first step

in this beautiful city, I experienced a peace of body and mind. I found this city in between the

two black mountains; there are lots of Date trees as predicted by the priest. I thrilled with

joy. Even it was not confirm to me yet but my inner voice tells me that it is the same city

where the last messenger will come with the word of Almighty Allah. Those were the days

when Prophet Mohammad PBUH claimed prophethood.

Arrival of Prophet Mohammad PBUH in Medina:-

One day an extraordinary episode happened. I was busy in collecting the Dates on the

tree, my Master was sitting under the same tree, his cousin brothers were marching towards

him they shouted,

O ! Brother, “Have you heard the news?

My Master, “What….! I have not heard anything.

There arrived a man with some companions who is residing in the family of Banu-Qayla and

claimed his prophethood. HePBUH is claiming that HePBUH is receiving the message from the
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God, the supreme creator of this universe. The unwise people of Banu- Qayla were sitting

around him.

After I heard that conversation, there was strange feeling in me, my whole body started

shivering. I thought I might fell down on the head of my Master. To avoid such condition, I

came down wished to know about the news but my Master who was very rude thrashed me

and said, “You fool, go and attend your work”. I passed that day restlessly.

My first meeting with beloved Prophet Mohammad PBUH

As soon as the dusk spreads its impression all-around, I left my work and I started my

journey towards Quba. The ProphetPBUH was sitting in the Quba. I sat beside HimPBUH then I

said, “HazratPBUH, I know you came all along from Makah accompanied by your companions

I said, “I have some material which I have collected from the people as Alm/Sudqa. You

deserve this, kindly accept it”

First indication:

He took all that material and disturbed it among the companions but he did not receive

anything from it. I got excited because the first predication proved to be true. (He will not

accept or rely on Alms/ /Charity/ Sudqa) I stayed there for a while; listening

HisPBUH words carefully. While I was listening those words, I experienced an extraordinary

feeling. Finally, I went back and join my work.

Second Indication:-

Now I had one intention how to arrange my second meeting with Him PBUH. I collected

some drinks and food items. When I collected some items, I marched towards Medina to

meet him again. I presented all those to Him PBUH. He PBUH accepted everything whole heartily.
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He tested them and shared them with other associates. One watching this, I got very much

happy because it full filled the second condition. (He will accept the gifts/presents

wholeheartedly)

When I approached to HimPBUH third. HePBUH was attending the last rites of his

companion. HePBUH had worn turban; sitting in the centre, first I greeted them all and then

instead I sat there, I started to make rounds in order to see the third indication of Prophet-

hood. While I was making rounds, ProphetPBUH understood my intention, He took off his

blanket from backside, the Seal/Stamp Pasted on HisPBUH back was quite evident to me.

(There will be a seal/stamp (Mohra-Nabuyat) on his back). I last my patients,

tears rolled down from my cheeks. Prophet MohammadPBUH called me with a lot of affection

and asked me to sit. I sat down there. I shared all my experience that I faced during this

journey. (My journey in Search of Truth).

All Praises to Almighty Allah