Muʿīn al-Dīn Chishti رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه. There, I saw what appeared to be a pious personality. I kissed his feet and showed him respect.

Some people there said to me, ‘Become his murid!’

I replied, ‘I am already a murid of Imam Aḥmad Razā Khān (رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه).’

When I said this, people suggested, ‘There (with Imam Aḥmad Razā Khān), you have an oath of allegiance in shariah; pledge an oath of allegiance in ṭarīqah here.’

Hearing these words of the people, I pledged an oath of allegiance to that person. After that, I returned to my lodging, lay down to rest for some time and fell asleep. I had a dream in which I saw Imam Aḥmad Razā Khān. He had an awe-inspiring expression and said, ‘Return my shajarah to me.’ I woke up as soon as he said this. Since that day, I have lost interest in doing anything. I used to study in school, and now I have left that too. Now, I feel like crying all the time.”

Sayyid Ayyūb ꜤAlī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه continues:

Hearing the young man’s words, we consoled him and said, “Do not worry, Imam Aḥmad Razā Khān will arrive for Ẓuhr Salah. After salah, say that you are presenting yourself to renew your oath of allegiance.” Our words offered the young man some comfort.

This conversation was taking place when Imam Aḥmad Razā Khān left his room, contrary to his normal routine. He turned to the young man and said, “Why have you come?” We were surprised, as the imam usually met people by saying “Why have you troubled yourself?” (i.e. the choice of wording suggested he was very angry with the young man).