Habib Al-Raee is considered the ancestor of the Arains. The title “Raee” eventually changed over time to Ra’een, Ara’een, and then Arain. Shaikh Habib’s son, Haleem Al-Raee, also came to India with Mohammad ibn al-Qasim to spread Islam.
Connection with Salman the Persian
Habib Al-Raee was a respected Tabi’un saint, which means he lived at the same time as the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad and learned from them. Salman the Persian, who was part of the al-Suffa group, is considered an important figure in mysticism and spirituality. He was trained by the Prophet and is seen as a key leader in the Naqshbandi order, after Abu Bakr, is also his successor.
Shaykh Ali ibn Usman al-Hujwiri wrote about his high status in his famous book, Kashf al-Mahjub. He said that Habib ibn Saleem al-Raee is a well-respected mystic and leader with many signs of his sainthood. He was also a companion of Salman the Persian.
Miracles of Habib al-Raee
Habib ibn Saleem al-Raee was a shepherd who lived by the Euphrates River and enjoyed solitude. One noble man shared:
“One day, I visited him while he was praying, and I saw a wolf guarding his sheep. I thought I must meet this wise man, as I saw signs of his sainthood. After he finished praying, I greeted him, and he asked why I was there. I said, ‘I came to see you,’ and he blessed me.
I wondered how a wolf could guard his sheep. He replied, ‘It’s because I am close to Allah.’
Then he placed a wooden bowl under a rock, and two springs came from it—one of milk and one of honey. He filled the bowl and offered it to me. I asked, ‘O Shaykh, how did you achieve such a status?’ He said, ‘The people of Prophet Moses opposed him, yet Allah gave them water from the rock. Since I am connected to Prophet Muhammad, why wouldn’t Allah provide me with milk and honey, especially since the Holy Prophet’s status is the highest of all?'”