Historical Mysteries of Yafrus and Ibn Alwan [Archives:1999/37/Last Page]

Did you hear about Yafrus? Have you read about it? Do you know Yafrus and where it is located? Do you know the reason behind its fame? Do you know Ahmed Ibn Alwan, the man without whom nobody could have heard about Yafrus?
Before we speak about Yafrus (the district, the mosque, people, poverty and aridity), let us say something about Ahmed Ibn Alwan, the famous Sufi and holy man. The Encyclopedia of Yemen says the following on Ahmed Ibn Alwan:
“One of the most famous Sufi saints of Yemen. He was a well-versed fluent preacher, poet and a brave sufi and religious leader”. He authored many books, some of which are: “Al-Tawheed Al-A’Adham”, “Diram Al-Futuh”, “Al-Mihragan” and “Al-Bahr Al-Mushkel”. Judge Al-Baha’a Al-Ganadi said in his book ‘Al-Sulook’, when he concluded Ibn Alwan’s biography:” I have delayed mention of ibn Alwan, as he is the knight of the later generation of the people of Gab’a and the surrounding areas, so that the knowledgeable knows that my aim is to make him their seal, because God has sealed his prophets by the best of them”.

Ibn Alwan was called “The Ganzi of Yemen” because of the eloquence of his works-both prose and poetry. His poems are so deep and pleasant. He was the first in Yemen who wrote Mubayyat, Muraba’at and Mukhamasat poems. One of these poems is the one performed by the famous Yemeni singer Ayyub Absi:
Hasun has visited you . . .
Sheikh Ahmed Ibn Alwan, in addition to all of the above, is one of the prominent magnates of Sufism in Islamic history. Many of his sayings on Sufism and Sufis are contained in his work, “Al-Tawheed Al-A’Adha”.
Ibn Alwan died during the night of 20th Rajab of 665 of Hijra, which is March 17, 1267 in Yafrus, the center of Gabal Habashi in the Hogariyyah country. His grave had become a visited shrine and had a big dome that was destructed by the then, Emir of Taiz-Imam Ahmed Hamid Addyn, in 1929.
Because Ibn Alwan was a Sufi Saint who was in continuous worship, he became famous for virtue and righteousness. Some ignorant people believe that he could be beneficial or could cause harm to others, so they try to become nearer to God, through Ibn Alwan; by visiting his mosque at Yafrus, offering slain animals and calling upon God in front of Ibn Alwan’s shrine; to treat their diseases, heal their wounds and to drive away their anguish. It is strange that visitors to his shrine bring offerings such as honey, chicken and incense. The Majdhoobs there collect these offerings and tell the visitors their offerings have reached Ibn Alwan.
The way to Yafrus passes through Wadi Al-Dhabab-one of most beautiful Wadis of Yemen, with water and green sceneries that refresh the souls. When you arrive at Yafrus you are welcomed by children, old people and the Majdhoobs (Charmed) who work at the mosque. They compete for acquainting you with the mosque and the shrine for an amount of money.
Children stick upon you demanding money. Old people and women join them; poverty is crushing the population in this area and poor inhabitants depend nearly fully on grants and donations they receive from Ibn Alwan’s visitors.
The Shrine is near Ibn Alwan’s Mosque. There are buildings for long-term visitors. It is worth saying that the original tomb was built by Imam Ahmed, when he noticed that people come to visit it from all over Yemen. It was re-built after 30 years during the reign of Abdulla Al-Sallal, after the Republican system was declared.
Besides the Shrine, you find women, children and old people rubbing their hands on the tomb hoping for medication, and they start calling for their needs to be met by God; through the blessings Of Ibn Alwan. They recite Quran also and bring gifts and donations, which they put near the tomb (as was said before).
The shrine of Ahmed Ibn Alwan has become a destination of Yemenis from all areas of the country, and even some Arabs from outside Yemen. The fame of Ibn Alwan had reached very far areas. Many tourists visit this shrine.
There are many interesting things in Yafrus, despite the aridity this year which is a result of the rains that normally come very late. The scenes of the area are fascinating and very charming. The Islamic white Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Alwan, which is situated on a hill, forms one of the most beautiful scenes, which attracts eyes from far away; informing that the tomb is for a versed holy man who had rendered great services, for his religion and co-believers.
There, at Yafrus, you see the simple people, in their traditional dresses, gathering and welcoming every arriving guest, despite their misery and poverty.
We said farewell to Yafrus hoping to visit it again sometime in the future. We said farewell to Sheikh Ahmed Ibn Alwan, the glorious holy man whom we ask God to bring together in the afterworld.
By: Imad Al-Saqqaf
Yemen Times,
Taiz

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