ETHICS FOR THE MUREED
by
Ghousul-Waqt Abul-Fadl Shamsudeen Sayyid Ale'Ahmad Ach'che Mia Husaini Al-Qaadiri Barkaati
Translated by
Durwesh Abu-Muhammad Abdul Haadi
Al-Qaadiri Barkaati
Published by
Durban.
South Africa
A Barkaatur-Raza Publication
COPYRIGHT
All
rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior
permission in writing from the publisher.
Name
of Original Kitaab: Adaabus-Saalikeen
Translator:
Durwesh Abu-Muhammad Abdul-Haadi Al-Qaadiri
First
edition: Muharram 1421 - April 2000
No.
of copies: 3 000
Publishers:
Barkaatur-Raza Publications
Cover
Design and Typsetting: Raza Graphics
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DEDICATION
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dedicate
this Sufi manual to a radiant star in the firmament of excellence who had
illuminated the hearts of millions of seekers of Truth in the path of Sulook.
He embedded Divine Love in the existence of the Mureeds and left
everlasting beams of guidance and succour of the Grand Masters as a brilliant
torch for the journey towards the Lord of Power. Though he has departed
physically from this mundane world, but his spirituality is an intimate
companion for all those who love him. I salute the last of the greats of the
Noble Barkaati Mashaa’ikh, the Ahsan of the Ulama,
the Mustafa of the Elite, the manifestation of Haidar
and the Rose of Hasan. He is indeed our Pride and Joy and our
Beacon of Love. The world will never forget the dazzling personality of the
Master, Ahsanul-Ulama, Murshid-e-Kaamil Sayyid Mustafa Haidar Hasan
Al-Husaini Qaadiri Barkaati (العزيز
قدس
الله سره).
O Allah! Shower Your choicest blessings upon him and brighten his grave with Your Divine Love. May his Foyuood and Barkaat always be with us. Aameen.
Durwesh Abu-Muhammad
Abdul-Haadi
Al-Qaadiri Barkaati Radawi
PREFACE
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his
book, A'daabus-Salikeen, was compiled by one of the greatest Awliya
living in the eleventh century Hijri. He was Ghousul-Waqt Abul-Fadl
Shamsudeen Sayyid Ale'Ahmad Ach'che-Mia Husaini Al-Qaadiri Barkaati(Radi ALLAH Anh).
He
wrote this mystical thesis in the Persian (Farsi) language. It was first
translated to Urdu in 1935 and published by Taajul-Ulama Allama Sayyid
Awlaad-e-Rasool Muhammad Mia Qaadiri Barkaati(Radi ALLAH Anh).
Taajul-Ulama was a great Sufi and Aalim. His
translation was only fit for the Ulama fraternity and was not easy for
the general public to understand. Therefore, it was necessary to simplify it so
that everyone could understand and benefit from it. This enormous task was
undertaken by another genius of the noble Barkaati family. He was Professor
Dr. Sayyid Muhammad Ameen Al-Husaini Barkaati (MA PhD). He is presently a
lecturer of Urdu at the famous Aligarh Muslim University in UP.
India. He is also the eldest son and spiritual successor of Murshid-e-Kaamil
Ahsanul-Ulama Sayyid Mustafa Haidar Hasan Mia Husaini Al-Qaadiri Barkaati(Radi ALLAH Anh).
Though the Urdu translation was simplified, it was again limited only to those who could read and understand this rich language. The other language commonly understood internationally is English. Although this is a very poor language to correctly explain the in-depth meanings of the wisdom of Tasawwuf, it is the only alternative for English-speaking Muslims. Before embarking on this tremendous task of translating, I made Du’a to Almighty ALLAH and offered the Fateha to the sacred soul of the author, Ghous-e-Kabeer Sayyidi Ale'Ahmed(Radi ALLAH Anh). By the virtue of this Fateha I gained the Masters approval and assistance to undertake this English translation.
Alhamdulillah,
the Mercy of the Almighty ALLAH
and the blessings of the spiritual Masters guided me throughout the translation.
I undertook this enormous task to the best of my limited capacity and hereby
present it to the Mureeds of Sulook all those interested in Sufism.
I hope they that will read and benefit from it. If there are any mistakes or
shortcomings in the translation, please bring these to my attention. I will be
very much obliged to rectify them. May the Almighty ALLAH
and
all my Spiritual Masters accept this humble endeavor. Aameen.
Durwesh
Abu-Muhammad Abdul Haadi
Al-Qaadiri
Barkaati Radawi
- BRIEF LIFE HISTORY OF-
GHOUSUL-WAQT SAYYID ALE' AHMAD ACH'CHE MIA AL-HUSAINI AL-QAADIRI BARKAATI(Rehmatullah Aleh)
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he
author, Ghousul-Waqt Abul Fadl Shamsudeen Sayyid Ale' Ahmad Ach'che Mia
Al-Husaini Al-Qaadiri Barkaati(Rehmatullah Aleh) was born on 28 Ramadaan-ul-Mubarak 1160 A.H. in
Marehra Shareef, U.P., India. He was the eldest son of Qutbush-Shaheer
Asadul-Arifeen Sayyid Hamza Al-Husaini Al-Qaadiri Barkaati(Radi ALLAH Anh).
He is a direct descendent of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah e in the 39th generation via the noble
Zaidi Sa’daat chain. His ancestors migrated from Madina Munawwarah to
Iraq because of political harassment. Later, they moved to the Indo-Pak
sub-continent. By Divine Command,
the elders of the family were ordered to settle in Marehra, a small village in
U.P., India.
His
family genealogy is as follows: Sayyid Ale’Ahmed(Rehmatullah Aleh) s/o Sayyid Hamza(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Ale'Muhammed(Rehmatullah Aleh) s/o Saahibul Barakaat Sayyid Barkatullah(Rehmatullah Aleh) s/o Khaja Sayyid Meer Owais(Rehmatullah Aleh) s/o Khaja Sayyid Meer Abdul Jaleel(Rehmatullah Aleh) s/o Qutbul-Aqtaab Khaja Sayyid Meer Abdul Waahid Bilgraami(Rehmatullah Aleh)
(author of the famous thesis on Tasawwuf, Sab'ah Sanabil Shareef) s/o Sayyid
Ibraheem(Rehmatullah Aleh) s/o Sayyid Qutbudeen(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Maha-Rooh(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Baddah(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Kamaal(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Qaasim(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Husein(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Naseer(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Husein(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Khaja Omar(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Khaja Sayyid Muhammad Sughra(Rehmatullah Aleh)
(Mureed and Khalifa of Qutbul-Aqtaab Khaja Qutbudeen Bakhtiyaar
Kaaki Aw'shee(Rehmatullah Aleh) ) s/o Sayyid Ali(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Husein(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Abul Farah Thaani(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Abul Firaas(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Abul Farah Waasti(Rehmatullah Aleh) s/o Sayyid Da'ood(Rehmatullah Aleh) s/o Sayyid Husein(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Yah'yah(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Zaid (3rd)(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Omar(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Zaid (2nd)(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Ali Iraqi(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Husein(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Ali(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Muhammad(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyid Esa
(Al-Maroof-bi-Mo'timul-Ash'baal)(Rehmatullah Aleh) s/o Sayyid Zaid Shaheed(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyiduna Imam Zainul'Aabideen(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Sayyidush Shohadah Imam Husein Shaheed-e-Karbala(Rehmatullah Aleh)
s/o Ameeril-Moh'mineen Sayyiduna Ali
Al-Murtudah(Rehmatullah Aleh) h/o Khatoon-e-Jan'nat Sayyadah Faa'timatuz-Zah'ra(Rehmatullah Aleh)
d/o Imamul-Ambiyah wal Mursaleen Sayyiduna Muhammadur-Rasoolullah
GLAD TIDINGS BEFORE THE MASTER’S
BIRTH
Saahibul Barkaat Sayyiduna Khaja Barkatullah(Rehmatullah Aleh) foretold to his son, Burhaanul-Muwah’hideen Sayyid Ale'Muhammed(Radi ALLAH Anh), the following: “By the Grace of Almighty ALLAH, in my fourth generation, I will be blessed with a son who will increase the spiritual glow of my family.” He then gave his son (Sayyid Ale'Muhammed) a special garb (Khir'qah) and ordered him to present it to the forthcoming child. When Sayyid Ale'Ahmed Ach'che Mia(Rehmatullah Aleh) was born, his grandfather, Sayyid Ale'Muhammed(Radi ALLAH Anh), performed the ritual of Bismillah Khaani. He placed the child on his lap and took a good look at him and said: “This is the very child whose birth was predicted by my father, Saahibul Barkaat t” This prediction was of a Qutub three generations before the child’s birth.
HIS EDUCATIONAL CAREER
Ghousul-Waqt
Sayyid Ale'Ahmed(Rehmatullah Aleh) undertook his training of Shari'ah and Sulook under the able
guidance of his father, Asadul-Arifeen Sayyidi Sha Hamza Al-Husaini
Al-Qaadiri Barkaati(Radi ALLAH Anh).
He received deeper mystical perfection in Alam-e-Baatin from Sultaanul
Awlia Sayyiduna Ghousal A’zam Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilaani(Radi ALLAH Anh).
The sacred soul of the great Ghous(Rehmatullah Aleh) guided him to perfection in Sulook. It is said
that the physical out-looks of Sayyid Ale'Ahmed(Rehmatullah Aleh) resembled Sayyiduna Ghousal A’zam(Radi ALLAH Anh).
He
studied medicine (Hikmat) from the celebrated physician, Hakeem
Nasrullah, of his time. Hundreds of patients came to him for treatment.
Being a great physician, he always prescribed simple medication for all
sicknesses. It was mostly leaves from common trees. This simple medication cured
all types of ailment. He did this to divert the attention of people from his
mystical powers. He was an exceptionally humble person. In fact, it was not the
medicine that cured the sick, but his blessed Du’as. He was gifted by ALLAH
to cure the sick. This was one of his many Karamaat (Miracles).
Sheikhul-Muhaditheen
Sha Abdul Azeez Muhaddith Dehlawi(Radi ALLAH Anh),
the son Sha Wali-ullah Muhaddith Dehlawi(Radi ALLAH Anh),
was his contemporary. The Muhaddith records excellent attributes to him
in his famous Malfozaat-e-Azeeziyyah. Refer to Malfozaat-e-Azeeziyyah
for more details.
HIS DEVOTION AND IBAADAH
He
was a very devout Sufi and performed some of the most strenuous and
occult forms of devotion of Sulook. He was a master of the occult Zikr
of Habse-Kabeer (to engross oneself so intensely in Zikrullah that
the Saalik breathes only twice in 24 hours).
He
also regularly practised Salaatul-Makoos. This entails hanging upside
down in a well by ropes tied to one’s feet. In this awkward posture, the
Masters perform Salaah. This form of Ibadah was a speciality of
all the Mashaa'ikh of Khandaan-e-Barkaat. It is believed that Sayyiduna
Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him)
also performed this occult Salaah.
He never missed his Tahajjud Salaah from the young age of ten.
All
the articles of spiritual ethics mentioned in this Kitaab were actually
his daily practices. Surely it is only a great Wali who can perform such
strenuous forms of worship. He was certainly cherished by the Merciful Lord I.
HIS ACADEMIC CONTRIBUTION
His
biggest academic contribution was the compilation of a masterpiece entitled, Ah'een-e-Ahmadi,
in thirty-four bulky volumes. These unique volumes consisted of every science of
knowledge known to man existing on earth. This alone will tell us of the fathoms
of his comprehensive knowledge. His academic capabilities were indeed
multi-faceted, this being is one of the many qualities of a Ghous. Ghousul-Waqt
Sayyidi Abdul Azeez Dabbaagh Al-Magh’ribi(Rehmatullah Aleh) states in Ibreez Shareef that
Almighty
ALLAH
blesses a Ghous with complete knowledge of all the Shari'ahs of
the Prophets. Hence, he was a Master of every known science of knowledge. This
was certainly no ordinary knowledge but Ilme-Ladunni (Divinely Inspired
Knowledge).
ALLAH
Bestows this form of blessed knowledge to one who is entrusted with the higher
stations of Sainthood (i.e. Wilaayat-e-Kubra). Unfortunately, some of
these valuable volumes were stolen, and some borrowed and never returned. The
remaining volumes are preserved in a private family library at Marehra Shareef.
His
other works are:
1. Bayaade Amal wa Mah'mool بياض عمل و معمول
2. Adaab-us-Salikeen آداب السالكين
3.
Mathnawi مثنوى
Poetry in Tasawwuf
4.
Dewaane Ash'aar ديوان
اشعار in the Persian language.
HIS KARAMAAT (MIRACLES)
There
are many of his Karamaat recorded. Since this is only an introduction, we
will only mention two of them.
Once
a policeman suffering with leprosy visited him. Due to this disease, the man
stood at a distance from the noble Sheikh. The noble Sheikh observed
this and called the man closer to him. The man replied, “I am not fit to
come any closer to you”. The Sheikh-e-Kaamil(Rehmatullah Aleh)
insisted that he come close and sit down. The man eventually came close and sat
next to the distinguished Sheikh. The Wali of Allah(Rehmatullah Aleh)
placed his sacred hand on the white spots on the man's body and said: “I
don't see anything here”. When the policeman looked at his body, he
was amazed to see that all the white spots of leprosy had instantly vanished!
It
is recorded in Aa'thaar-e-Ahmedi that once a young man came from Bukhara
(Russia) to visit Sayyiduna Ach'che Mia(Radi ALLAH Anh). He first went to the Musjid and offered Zohr
Salaah. Thereafter, he humbled himself at the feet of the Grand Master and
said: “O Khaja! I heard of you and traveled a long way to meet you. I
am a very weak servant of Almighty ALLAH
and do not possess the strength and courage to make strenuous Mujahidah.
I have come to you for Divine Blessings so that I may achieve this
enormous gift without any effort and struggle".
When he heard this, the spiritual Master smiled and said, “You wish to
achieve such a great wealth in so little time”. One of the disciples
who was present remarked, “Do you think that this is some type of sweet
to be put into the mouth and eaten!” This remark displeased the Murshid-e-Kaamil(Rehmatullah Aleh)
so he reprimanded the disciple by saying, “Nothing is impossible for the
Qudrat of Almighty
ALLAH”.
He
then taught the young man a specific Durood Shareef (Salawaat alan Nabi r)
with necessary instructions and ordered him to recite it at night. That night
the Mureed complied with all instructions and began the recital in
seclusion. Suddenly, he experienced
a state of spiritual ecstasy. He was blessed with the Ziyarah of Sayyiduna
Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him). This experience was not spiritual but physical. While
he was engrossed in this sacred Ziyarah, his inner-self (Baatin)
was illuminated by Divine Lustres.
Early
the next morning, he rushed to the Murshid-e-Kaamil and cried, "Subhan-Allah!
Last night I met Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him)
who said to me, ‘In every century there will be a person in my Ummah who will
revive my Deen’.
Hence, O Master! Verily, you are that eminent personality in this
century”.
Just
by the prescription of a single Durood Shareef and personal guidance,
this Wali of Allah, in a short period of time, led a disciple to
spiritual dimensions of perfection without lengthy Mujahidah.
It is said that Mujahidah is the most difficult field in the
mystical path of Sulook. According
to the exalted Mystics and Grand Masters of Sulook, it takes a minimum of
80 consecutive years of undivided devotion to reach this stage.
But
in this case the blessings of this august Wali of Allah condensed
a long period of 80 years to less than 80 moments.
All Glory and Praises are due to ALLAH,
Who Entrusted His intimate servants with such Divinely-blessed powers.
Therefore, ALLAH
states in a Hadith-e-Qudsi:
اوليائى
تحت قبائى لا
يعلمهم سوائى
My
confidants (Awliya) are concealed under my Divine Garb (Veil of Secrets) and no
one knows them besides Me.
HIS MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN
Ghousal-Waqt,
Murshid-e-Kabeer(Rehmatullah Aleh) was married and had one son and a daughter. The son passed away at a very young
age. He was a born Wali and
whatever he said became a reality. His
daughter also passed away while she was an infant.
THE KHANQAH AND SPIRITUAL SUCCESSOR
He
had thousands of Mureeds and many Khulafa.
There were numerous Mureeds who lived at the Khanqah undertaking
spiritual training of Sulook. He
also cared for hundreds of poor and destitute persons.
He personally bore part of these expenses and the rest was subsidised by
the contribution of the then governing Mogul Kings.
All the Mogul Kings of his time paid great respect to him.
Since
he had no sons, he adopted his beloved nephew, Khatimul-Akaabir Sayyid Sha
Ale' Rasool Ahmadi(Rehmatullah Aleh) as his son. Sayyiduna Ach'che
Mia(Rehmatullah Aleh)
personally educated and perfected Sayyid Sha Ale'Rasool(Rehmatullah Aleh)
in the fields of Shari'ah, Tariqah, Marifah, and Haqiqah. After this
perfection, Khatimul-Akaabir(Rehmatullah Aleh) was then entrusted with the holy status of Qutbiyat. Sayyid Sha
Ale'Ahmed(Rehmatullah Aleh) was the 4th succeeding Qutub of the Barkaati Sufi
order. Khatimul-Akaabir Sayyid Sha Ale-Rasool(Rehmatullah Aleh) was his successor and the 5th Qutbul-Waqt.
Hence,
Sayyid Sha Ale'Rasool Ahmadi(Rehmatullah Aleh) succeeded the spiritual throne (Sajjada) after the demise of the Murshid-e-Kaamil.
Khatimul-Akaabir(Rehmatullah Aleh) was the Peer-o-Murshid of Ala’ Hadrat, Imam Ahmad Raza Al-Qaadiri
Barkaati(Radi ALLAH Anh).
It was the Peer-o-Murshid that greatly influenced the life of this
great Mujaddid. The blessings of the Sheikh-e-Kaamil led the Imam
to the heights of excellence. When Ala'Hadrat(Rehmatullah Aleh) was such a great multi-facet personality, then what is to be said about his Sheikh-e-Kaamil(Rehmatullah Aleh)
who led him to those stations of excellence?
HIS WISAAL SHAREEF (DEMISE)
Qutbul-Waqt,
Taajul-Aarifeen Sayyid Sha Ale'Ahmad Ach'che Mia Husaini Al-Qaadiri Barkaati(Rehmatullah Aleh)
peacefully left this mundane world at the age of 75 in the morning of 25 Rabbi-ul-Awwal
1235 A.H.. He was put to rest on
the right side next to his great grandfather, Qutbul Aqtaab,
Saahibul-Barakaat Sayyiduna Sha Barkatullah Al-Qaadiri(Radi ALLAH Anh).
Although the illustrious Ghous has physically departed from this
material world, but the spiritual beams of Fuyood (guidance) and Barkaat
(blessings) still manifests as a radiant beacon for Mureeds of the
sanctified Qaadiriyyah Barkaatiyya Order.
May
ALLAH
The Supreme, instill in our hearts the love and honour for all the Awliya-Allah
and give us courage to follow the principles of mystical ethics laid down in
this Kitaab.
Inferior
Mendicant of The Masters
Durwesh
Abu-Muhammad Abdul Haadi
Al-Qaadiri
Barkaati
مسبحا
ًمهللاً
محمداً
مصلياً
مثنياً
محمداً
الله
و لا سواه
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ll Praise and Glory is to Almighty ALLAH and Choicest Salaams and Salutations upon His Beloved Habeeb
Sayyiduna Muhammadur-Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him),
his noble
family and Sahaba.
This humble servant of ALLAH, Aale-Ahmad, son of Sayyid Sha Hamza(Radi ALLAH Anh), spent many years in the company of my illustrious predecessors and noble Ulama of Islam. By the Barakaat (virtues) of this blessed company, I hereby note a few guidelines for the path of Tasawwuf. I have named this book Aadaab-us-Salikeen (Spiritual Ethics for the Mureed). There is great wisdom and advise in this book for the Mureed of Sulook. It is also a perfect guide on how to spend the day and night in the worship of Almighty ALLAH. The foundation of Tasawwuf is based on Moral principles. Therefore, I will firstly discuss ethics, and thereafter, the methods of worship and devotion
CHAPTER ONE
CODE OF ETHICS
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his chapter discusses those ethics that guides a Mureed towards
great
spiritual success. A person can reach his goal if he
obediently executes them regularly. If these are carried out in the presence of
one’s Murshid, then one’s struggle is greatly reduced. The company of
one’s Murshid increases his potentials immensely. Here are a few
ethics:
FIRST ETHIC
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irstly, a Mureed must avoid seeking anything from any creation
other than ALLAH. This
is so because when you become the beloved of ALLAH, then His entire creation becomes subjugated to you.
Thus, it is wisely said:
من
له المولى فله
الكل*
One who becomes a beloved of the Master, then
everything becomes his.
Almighty ALLAH gave preference
to the words of Sayyiduna Nabi Ibrahim u because of his great love for ALLAH. This Ummah is blessed with ten of this noble Prophet's Sunnahs
(Traditions).
When Nimrod placed Sayyiduna Ibrahim u in a leather sling and threw him into a bonfire, Sayyiduna Jibra'eel
u immediately arrived accompanied with 70 000 Angels of Mercy.
The Angel said to the Prophet of ALLAH:
هل
لك حاجة؟ *
Have you any desires or requests?
The Prophet of ALLAH replied:
امّا
إليك فلا *
Yes, but not from you.
(Meaning that, those who submit themselves totally to ALLAH, always depend on Him Alone.) “Hence, I am also
dependent as you are dependent on Almighty ALLAH, therefore I do not require your assistance.
It is foolish to seek assistance from someone who is dependent. This
displays ignorance of the Sublime Lord I . ” The Angel was amazed at this answer.
Since the entire creation of ALLAH loves those whom ALLAH loves, thus the love for the Prophet was increased in the
heart of the Angel.
So the Angel Jibra'eel u said: “Fine! If you do not have any desires
so be it. But if you have any
requests from ALLAH, I can
convey it to His Divine Court with great speed.”
Sayyiduna Ibrahim u replied:
حسبي من
سوالي علمه
بحالي *
He (ALLAH) is certainly
Aware of my desires and
what is sufficient for me.
(Meaning, I don't have to request of Him for anything because He is
All-Knowing.) When Sayyiduna Jibra'eel u heard this answer, he became silent and observed the noble Prophet
sitting relaxed in the huge bonfire. The fire of Nimrod changed to a comfortable garden
instead of burning the Prophet of Allah u. Sayyiduna Jibra’eel u at once
realised the lofty pedestal of Sayyiduna Ibrahim u.
This is indeed a very high pitch of Imaan. Such Imaan
is only found in the hearts of the super-elite servants (Ambiyah) of
ALLAH This incident proves that it is unethical to seek
any sort of assistance from anyone other than the Supreme Lord. Such a quest is
against the morals of Love.
SECOND ETHIC
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sincere Mureed should
always utter words that resemble modesty, poverty and submission.
Nothing otherwise should be
mentioned. He must not complain about anything at any time.
The status of the Awliya is indeed most elevated.
At times these intimate servants utter words that may literary sound
detrimental. Such statements should be observed in the light of Love and
devotion to the Supreme Creator, ALLAH.
Listed below are some sayings extracted from the Holy Quran and
Ahadith Ash-Shareef. In
the Holy Quran it is recorded that Sayyiduna Moosa u once said to ALLAH:
ان
هى الّا فتنتك*
This is nothing but Your (Allah's) Test.
Sayyiduna Ibrahim u said:
يجادلنا
في قوم لوط *
He (ALLAH) Argued with me concerning the nation of Loot.
Sayyiduna Noah u said:
انك
ان تذرهم
يضلّوا عبادك
و لا يلدوا الا
فاجراً
كفّارا *
Verily, if You (ALLAH) let them stay, then they will mislead Your servants, and if they have
any children, then they too
will be nothing but evil and ungrateful.
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him) states in a Hadith Shareef:
اللهم
ان تهلك هذه
العصابة لن
تعبد في الارض
ابدا *
O ALLAH! If this is what You Ordain that none worships
You on this earth, then grant the disbelievers all the power
and strength so that they may destroy this small group
of Believers (Muslims).
In another Hadith Shareef it is stated:
اذن
لا ارضى و واحد
من امتي في
النار *
I will not be in peace as long as any of my followers
be in the Fire of Hell.
Never misinterpret these words of the confidant and beloved of ALLAH. Allah
forbid! If you do so, then it will result in total destruction. They
themselves did not make these comments. They were Divinely inspired to say so.
In fact, the Qudrat of ALLAH Spoke through their tongues. Therefore,
it is most important for a Mureed to always be cautious and not exceed
the limits of one’s understanding.
THIRD ETHIC
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n the path of Sulook, a Mureed must never
divulge to anyone any secret bestowed upon him by Almighty ALLAH. If ALLAH, the Supreme,
grants the Saalik the privilege to change something on the sacred
Tablet of Records, he should not regard this happening due to his personal
power. His spiritual state is at
all times dependent on Almighty ALLAH. If this is not
so, then there will exist the dangers of pride and vanity. Such pride leads one
to spiritual destruction. When a Saalik performs his Fardh and
Nafil Salaah, he is blessed with the intimacy to ALLAH. This is indeed a secret blessing from the Merciful ALLAH and should be kept a secret at all times. Do not disclose this to
anyone. Adopt a low profile when questioned about it. This will be advantageous
for further spiritual advancement.
FOURTH ETHIC
|
O |
ne must always be cautious that the All-Powerful ALLAH is always fully Aware of one’s internal and external conditions. This
means that one’s fundamental belief must be that ALLAH Knows everything about one’s condition. Furthermore, by the Grace of ALLAH, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him) too, is fully aware of the Saalik’s external and
internal condition. Therefore,
whilst holding such a unique belief, the Saalik will never oppose ALLAH and His Beloved Rasool(Peace Be Upon Him) at any time or
place. It is stated:
الشيخ
في قومه
كالنبيّ في
امته
(In light of guidance) ِِِa Murshid amongst his disciples is
like a Prophet amongst his nation.
Hence, the Saalik must also regard his Murshid-e-Kaamil to
be aware of his entire condition at all times. This is so because the Murshid
is a representative of the Supreme Lord I and a viceroy of the Glorious Prophet of ALLAH. Hence, one will avoid the opposition of his Murshid, because
opposition to the Murshid is direct disagreement to ALLAH and His Rasool(Peace Be Upon Him).
FIFTH ETHIC
|
N |
o matter how big or small an act may be, always follow the Shari'ah.
This means that you should do everything in accordance to the Sunnah
of the Beloved Nabi(Peace Be Upon Him). This is the only way that
one can achieve the Pleasures of ALLAH. To follow any path other than that of the Shari'ah is the
path of the Cursed Shaytaan.
SIXTH ETHIC
|
G |
reat reverence and respect must be shown at all times to those noble
personalities who are from the sacred family of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him), that is, Sa'daat (descendants of the Nabi), Masha'ikh-e-Kaamil (The pious spiritual Masters and Awliya)
and Ulama-e-Islam. They must be regarded as chosen and the
representatives of Sayyidul Alameen(Peace Be Upon Him), therefore they must be respected.
SEVENTH ETHIC
|
T |
he Mureed must always regard his Murshid as the greatest Sheikh
on earth. Likewise, whatever
benefits and success the Mureed achieves in this mundane world is all due
to the Du’as of his Murshid. Therefore, no other Murshid can
assist him besides his own Sheikh. For salvation and guidance, the
Murshid's commands for a Mureed holds the same status to that of a
Prophet's command to his Ummah. This means that the commands of the Murshid-e-Kaamil
are in fact the commands of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him). One
must not misunderstand this concept. This does not mean that the Murshid
holds the same status of a Prophet. It
actually means that the Murshid is a subservient and a spiritual
representative (Khalifa) of the beloved Prophet of Allah(Peace Be Upon Him)
EIGHT ETHIC
|
A |
Mureed must regard himself at all times to be under the
control of his Murshid-e-Kaamil. The behaviour of the Mureed
in the presence of the Murshid must be similar to a corpse in the hands
of the person bathing it. Always
consult your Murshid before performing any external or internal act, so
much so that not even eating, drinking, or any movement is done without the
approval of the Sheikh.
A Mureed must fully discharge every command of the Murshid.
The Mureed must not use his own discretion to change any command
of his Sheikh. This
is because the Sheikh knows best the condition and desires of the Mureed. When a Mureed reaches this stage, then whatever doubt
or fear arises in the heart, the Murshid will spiritual guide him and
eliminate the discomforts of his heart. A
Mureed must have absolute faith and confidence in the Divine Powers of
Almighty ALLAH, which are always at the disposal of the Murshid.
NINTH ETHIC
|
S |
piritual ecstasy is developed in the Mureed when he observes
Divine Lustres in the path of Sulook (Spirituality).
Sometimes these experiences are beyond the imagination of the Saalik.
It is important for the Saalik to control himself when this
happens and not to exceed his limitations.
Hence, a Saalik must not at any time claim similarity to his Murshid
and Spiritual Masters. In
fact, it is best for him to exercise humility and regard himself inferior to
them. This practise, which is only
blessed by the Mercy of ALLAH, is the highest
statues of humanity.
In a Hadith-al-Qudsi, Almighty ALLAH Addresses His Beloved Habeeb(Peace Be Upon Him) as follows:
لولاك
لما خلقت
الأفلاك *
O My Beloved! Had it not been for your creation I would
not have created the skies.
This is indeed a great honour for Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him). Despite this unique
honour, the Glorious Prophet of Allah(Peace Be Upon Him) always humbled himself and made the following Du’a:
اللهم
أحيني
مسكيناً و
امتني
مسكيناً و
احشرني في
زمرة المساكين
*
O ALLAH! Keep me alive
poor, raise me from the Duniya poor and Resurrect me on the Day of Qiyamah with
the poor.
One can deduce the goodness of humility from this virtuous attitude.
TENTH ETHIC
|
A |
ll your actions relating to the strengthening of the heart and soul, and
your entire existence, may it be by the deceit of desire or virtues of piety,
must be totally submitted to ALLAH The Almighty, The Supreme. This means total obedience to the Supreme Lord
I at all times.
ELEVENTH ETHIC
|
A |
bstain from the company of the general public and always control your
lustful desires. Adopt seclusion and remove the worldly desires of pride from
yourself. By doing this it keeps
one’s ten important senses intact (five external physical senses, i.e. Sight,
Hearing, Smell, Feeling, and Taste and five internal mystical senses,
i.e. Common Sense, Thought, Doubts, Memory, and Greed).
When all these ten senses are together, they will not suffer from
depression, confusion or fear. Hence, they achieve the closeness of Almighty ALLAH.
TWELFTH ETHIC
|
A |
s far as possible, eat and sleep very little. The eminent Awliya and Mystics of the past abstained
from food and drinks for as long as 12 years.
There are immense benefits in eating and sleeping less. Always consume
little food in accordance to the Sunnah of the noble predecessors.
If the Mureed sincerely observes the twelve above-mentioned ethics
then, the Merciful ALLAH will be pleased with him. By the Grace of ALLAH, an obedient Mureed will reach the ultimate goal if he carefully
discharges all the commands of his Murshid-e-Kaamil, i.e. he will be
blessed with the closeness to ALLAH (Qurb-ilallah).
The physical company of one’s Murshid-e-Kaamil is more virtuous
than these twelve codes of Ethics. This
is because a single moment in the presence of the Murshid-e-Kaamil can
eliminate countless obstacles and difficulties in the path of Sulook.
Always remember that one of the greatest obstacles for a Mureed in this
path is sitting in the company of people engrossed in this world.
The worldly people spend much time in obtaining knowledge of Deen,
and doing good deeds by worshipping ALLAH and following the path (Sunnah) of Sayyiduna
Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him). Hence, they think that ALLAH will bless them because of their good deeds.
O Beloved Mureed! This is certainly a dangerous and lustful desire. These thoughts are
linked with Satanic conspiracies. They are very destructive for a Mureed
of Sulook. One should not
worship ALLAH for the greed of Jannah. Devotion must be based solely to achieve
the Pleasure of the Merciful ALLAH. If He blesses you with Jannah, then it is nothing but His
ultimate Mercy, and if He sentences you to the Fire of Hell, then this by
His ultimate Justice. A Saalik can easily understand the above advice.
They are a gift from the secrets of the Eminent Spiritual Masters to the devout Saalik.
FANA (SPIRITUAL EXTINCTION)
|
I |
t is important to know that there are three types of Fana. Every
person's experience differs from others. A Saalik may achieve nothing
from the world of Baqa (Eternal Existence) if he does not successfully
complete all 3 stages of Fana. Since the subject of Fana and Baqa
are very intense and intricate, therefore it will not be possible for me to
fully explain it in this concise book. Nevertheless, I feel it important to
briefly explain the subject of Fana because one cannot achieve
spiritual tranquillity without it. Furthermore, it inculcates strength and
encouragement in the heart of the Mureed to accomplish the stations of Sulook.
Thus, I will briefly explain
the three types of Fana.
|
T |
his stage is known as Fana-fish-Sheikh. This
means that a disciple (Mureed) engrosses himself so deeply in the thought
of his Murshid that he completely forgets his own existence. This is the
first step of spiritual extinction. Whatever he sees here, will be nothing but
the vision of his Sheikh. Thus, he finds himself at all times in the
presence of his Sheikh. In other words, the disciple totally
forgets his existence and regards his Murshid's existence as his own.
The movements of his body will be regarded as that of the Murshid’s.
Therefore, at all times, consider that the movements of his body are in
total control of his Murshid, that is, the body of the Mureed
actually becomes the body of the Murshid. The Mureed must realise
that none other than his Murshid understands the concept of his physical
existence. Therefore, the Mureed must also behave accordingly. In this
stage, the Murshid is in total control of his existence.
|
T |
his is the station of Fana-fir-Rasool. In this mystical stage, the
sacred luminous face of the Holy Prophet(Peace Be Upon Him) is always in front of him. This sanctified vision will then guide him in
every avenue of life. Whatever Divine experiences and visions experienced by the
Saalik in this station, is considered as the blessings of Sayyidul
Alameen(Peace Be Upon Him).Never at any
time think that “My Spiritual status has been elevated therefore, I am
receiving these Divine blessings”.
The station of Fana-fir-Rasool is
achieved by the virtues of Fana-fish-Sheikh. First,
the Mureed becomes Fana (extinct) in his Sheikh while his Sheikh
is Fana in Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him). Thus, it becomes easy for the Saalik to achieve the
station of Fana-fir-Rasool. This is because the Sheikh is a medium (Waseela)
between the Mureed and Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him).
|
T |
he third Fana is called Fana-fillah. When
the Saalik reaches the last stages of Fana-Fillah he then
enters the kingdom of Baqa. When
the great Mystic, Sheikh Junaid Al-Baghdadi(Rehmatullah Aleh) reached this stage, he said: “For forty years I was speaking to
Almighty ALLAH and the people thought that I was speaking to
them”. Many Distinguished Awliya of Allah
made similar statements.
The station of Fana-fillah is so great that after acquiring it,
the Saalik becomes aware of the secrets of Tauheed (Unique Oneness
of ALLAH). Thus, he is cleansed from all impurities and
thoughts of Shirk (Polytheism).
A Saalik must seriously consider all these rules before he sets
foot on the path of Sulook. Firstly,
he must purify his heart and tongue from all forms of sins and thereafter tread
steadfastly on this spiritual path. It is important for the Saalik to have Imaan
(faith) like the preceding noble Awliya concerning the Blessings of
Paradise, the Punishment of Hell, the Virgins and Palaces of Jannah and
all other Bounties of Almighty ALLAH. All these realities are
mentioned in the Holy Quraan, Sunnah of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him) and traditions of the exalted Sahaba and predecessors.
After having sound faith in all these principles, he will then humble
himself at the feet of a Murshid-e-Kaamil who will then initiate him in
the path of Sulook. The Murshid-e-Kaamil must himself be also
fully aware of the path of Sulook and blessed with all the spiritual
formulae and mystical deliberation that will be required to be undertaken in
this path. If the Murshid
himself is ignorant of these secrets then both he and the Mureed are
doomed. They will be like two blind men in search of direction.
It is compulsory for a Saalik to be with Wudhu at all
times. Avoid being without Wudhu
at anytime no matter how short a period it may be. Each time after making Wudhu,
perform two Rakaats of Tahayyatul-Wudu. This is from one of the many secret practices of the great
Mystics. It is stated in the Hadith
Shareef that, “Wudhu is
a powerful weapon of a Muslim". There are many benefits hidden in Wudhu.
Its foundation is very strong. Hence, high buildings can be erected on powerful
foundations. Abstain from eating
food without Wudhu and always pay attention to one’s spiritual
condition. Always recite the
following Du’a after eating any food. Almighty ALLAH will not question anyone about that food if you recite this Du’a:
الحمد
لله الذي
أطعمني و
سقاني و جعلني
من المسلمين *
Glory be to Allah Who has fed me and gave me something
to drink and made me a Believer.
After the Du’a recite 7 times Surah Quraish.
Make this a permanent habit.
Get up daily in the last quarter of the night. Relief yourself from Istinja
(toilet) and then perform Tayammum. Thereafter, recite the following
couplets with great submissiveness and devotion. Cry while reciting them for this was a spiritual tradition of
our past noble Mashaa'ikh.
O ALLAH! Grant me a
pure heart and an understanding soul.
First spiritually intoxicate me in Your path and then guide
me towards You I in this state.
O ALLAH! It is not
difficult for You to save me from being rejected and it is no task for You to
guide me on the mystical
path that leads to You I.
You have cleansed many souls from the filth of disbelief and transformed
them into true Believers. Hence, You I will not be harmed if You I change one more arrogant and disobedient (like me) to a true Believer
(Insaan-e-Kaamil).
Instil in my heart repentance, for I am sorrowful, and guide me on the
right path, for I am a Believer (Muslim).
O You Who grants me strength! Be merciful upon me. Return me to my
destination for the caravan has already departed.
Grant me my sustenance from the Secret World and do not make others
greedy and lustful like me.
After reciting the above lines, now make the following intention to
perform Wudhu (Niyyah):
نويت
أن أتوضأ لرفع
الحدث و
استباحة
الصلوة
تقرّباً إلى
الله تعالي
الاسلام حقٌ و
الكفرباطلٌ
اعوذ بالله من
الشيطان
الرجيم لا حول
ولا قوة الا
بالله العلى
العظيم
لبسم الله
الرحمن
الرحيم *
I hereby make intention to acquire the Pleasure of Almighty
ALLAH and cleanse
myself from all impurities and qualify
myself for the performance of Salaah.
Islam is true and
genuine and Kufr is false and rejected.
After making this intention, perform proper Wudhu and offer two Rakaats
of Tahayyatul-Wudhu. Recite Surah Fateha and Surah Ikhlaas
three times in every Rakaat. On completion of these two Rakaats,
go into Sajdah and recite three times the following Du’a:
اللهم
أحيني محباً
لك و امتني
محبّاً لك و
احشرني تحت
أقدام كلاب
أحبائك *
O Allah! Keep me alive in your Love and take me from this world whilst I
am engrossed in Thy Love. And raise me on the Day of Qiyamah under the feet of
your beloved servants.
Rise from Sajdah and perform twelve Rakaats of Tahajjud.
One has the option to perform these twelve Rakaats in sets of two or
four. Here too, in every Rakaat,
you will recite Surah Ikhlaas three times after Surah Fateha.
A Saalik must perform all these duties regularly and never at any time
make his Salaah Qadha. If he is obedient then he will find himself
getting closer and closer to the Secret Mystical Kingdom. After the Salaatul
Tahajjud recite the following Du’a:
Even though I had done no good but soiled my Book of Records with sins,
but O Merciful Lord! Ignore the dirt
of my sins and bless me with Your Mercy.
I do not have any guarantee of my deeds but I have full trust
and hope on Your Favours and Grace.
Assist me (O Allah)
for I am your helpless and inferior servant. If You do not
help me, then who will?
I will not prostrate at any doorstep besides Yours and if You
do not Bless me, then who will? O You Who cherishes the servants! Your
single Blessing is greater than my Salaah
and
devotion of a thousand years.
Assist me because I am a weak servant. If You do not assist me, then who else can I go to?
I
will never prostrate at the doorstep of anyone. And if You do
not
fulfil my needs then who else would?
O
Cherisher of the Servants! An atom of your Divine Blessing is more excellent
than a thousand years of worship.
After this, engage yourself in devotion of spiritual deliberation until
the appearance of Subho-Saadiq. Before Adhaan of Salaatul Fajr recite يا رزاق
100 times with Salawaat Alan Nabi(Peace Be Upon Him) (Darood Shareef) three times at the beginning and at the end.
Now perform two Rakaats Sunnah of Fajr and thereafter,
recite this Istighfaar 70 times:
استغفر
الله الذي لا
اله إلا هو
الحي الفيّوم
و أتوب إليه *
Then recite 41 times Surah Fateha with Bismillah, joining
the Meem of Raheem with the Alif-Laam of Alhamdu.
Now perform your two Rakaats Fardh of Fajr. Thereafter,
recite 100 times
يا غفّار
يا غفور
with the intention of brightening the heart for the
salvation and easiness in the path of Sulook. If one can recite Surah Muz’zammil 11 times between
the Sunnah and Fardh of Fajr, he will experience amazing
spiritual benefits.
It has been a practise of the Seniors of my Noble Family that after the
performance of Salaatul Fajr, they sat on the same spot and engaged
themselves in Zikr Jali or Khafi. This was done in absolute concentration in the inner self (باطن).
When the sun rises (approximately 20 minutes thereafter) perform two Rakaats
of Shukrun-Nahaar (thanking Allah for the rise of the morning).
In all two Rakaats, after Surah Fateha, recite Surah
Ikhlaas three times. Thereafter, recite
يَا
َفتَّاحُ 100 times with Durood Shareef (Salawaat) three times each at the
beginning and at the end.
Now get up from your Musallah and never at any moment after this,
become unconscious of meditation. The
Holy Quran reminds us:
فاذكروا
الله قياما و
قعودا و على
جنوبكم *
Always be alert and mindful of Allah's Zikr.
After a few moments perform twelve Rakaats Chasht, for Almighty ALLAH. This is for acquiring His
I closeness. This is how you
will make the Niyyah:
نويت
ان اصلى لله
تعالى ركعتين
تقرباً الى
الله تعالى
متوجهاً الى
جهة
الكعبة
الشريفة الله
اكبر *
“I make the Niyyah of performing this Salaah for
Allah to acquire His closeness, facing the Qibla, Allahu-Akbar”.
Begin your Salaah and recite three times Surah Ikhlaas
after Surah Fateha in every Rakaat. The Hadith Shareef of Sayyiduna
Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him) states:
“The Shaytaan says that he does not have the courage to mislead anyone who
performs his Chasht Salaah.”
Hold fast to this Salaah and never make it Qadha.
There are numerous benefits concealed in the Salaah.
Now recite يا نورُ 706 times. Thereafter, perform two Rakaats of Hifzul-Imaan
(Salaah for the protection of your Imaan).
Recite the following Ayah five times after Surah Fateha in
both Rakaats.
ربنا
لا تزغ قلوبنا
بعد اذ هديتنا
و هب لنا من
لدنك رحمة انك
انت الوهاب *
O Allah! Do not
let me go astray because it You Who has
guided me on the
Right Path. Grant me Your Divine Mercy.
Verily, You are
the Great Benefactor.
Perform another two Rakaats Hifzul-Imaan in this manner. In
the first Rakaat after Surah Fateha recite seven times Surah
Ikhlaas and once Surah Falaq. In
the second Rakaat after Surah Fateha, recite seven times Surah
Ikhlaas and Surah Naas once.
After Salaatul Zohr engage yourself in Tilaawat of Quran
as much as possible. In fact, it
must not be less than one complete Para (Chapter).
After Tilaawat, engage yourself in Devotion of Spiritual inner
purity until Asr Salaah.
Abstain from eating or drinking anything between Asr and Maghrib
because you will be included in the group of those pious Mureeds who
observe Fast.
After performing Salaatul Maghrib, perform the following Salaah:
1. Two Rakaats of Hadiyyatush-Sheikh
2. Two Rakaats of Sheikh-ush-Sheikh
3. Two Rakaats of Hadiyyah-e-Sheikh-ush-Sheikh.
If you are a Mureed of the blessed Qaadiriyyah Spiritual
Order, then offer the following Salaah as well:
4. Two Rakaats for Sayyiduna Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilaani
5. Two Rakaats for Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him)
In all the above Salaah, after Surah Fateha, recite Surah
Duha in the first Rakaat and Surah Alam-Nashrah in the second.
Thereafter, the following Salawaat (Durood Shareef) is read 200
times:
اللهم
صلى على سيدنا
محمد عبدك و
حبيبك و رسولك
النبي الامي
و
على آله و بارك
و سلم *
Thereafter, again engross yourself in Spiritual inner deliberation, until
Salaatul Esha.
After completing Esha Salaah, raise your hands and say the
following once:
افتح
رزقي يا فتّاح
*
O Bounteous Cherisher! Increase for me my sustenance!
Now recite 100 times هو
الحق هو
الباسط. While reciting
these Magnificent Attributive Qualities of ALLAH, The Supreme, concentrate on their meanings as well. This humble servant
of Allah (the Author) received the above-mentioned Zikr from the Secret
Mystical Kingdom and this Zikr has an amazing effect in the spiritual
station of Jamul-Jam’ah, which is a domain of the devout intimate
Mystic.
Now recite 100 times لا
حول و لا قوة
الا بالله
العلى العظيم and three times Surah Muzzammil Shareef in the following manner:
1. Ten times Salawaat (Durood Shareef).
2. Ayatal-Kursi once.
3. Istighfaar three
times.
4. Ta'ooz and Tasmiyyah recited each time with Surah
Muzzammil.
This was a regular practise of my predecessor Mashaa'ikh. This is
to guard one’s self from spiritual hardships and confusion.
Now proceed to your clean bed and recite Durood Shareef (Salawaat)
200 times, لا
اله الا الله
الحكيم
الكريم 200 times, Surah Ikhlaas 25 times, Kalima Tamjeed 10
times, and carry on reading Kalima Tayyib until you fall
off to sleep.
CHAPTER TWO
CONCERNING THE ETHICS AND SEQUENCE OF ZIKR
Always engage oneself in the Zikr of Kalima Tayyib.
It is mentioned in the Hadith Shareef that
this is an excellent Zikr. For
every 100 times you say the Zikr of لا
اله الا الله , read once محمد
رسول الله. This is because according to the Laws of Shari'ah, the
verification of Risalah (Prophethood of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah r) is necessary for the completion of Tauheed.
Furthermore, the Beloved Habeeb of Allah(Peace Be Upon Him) enjoys a very unique closeness with ALLAH, The Supreme. This Zikr is called Nafi wa Ith'baat (Negation
and Confirmation). When the Saalik
is engaged in this Zikr he must first concentrate of the negation, that
is, لا اله and then when he is content with this aspect, he will revert to the
confirmation i.e. الا الله. Hence the Saalik
will continue the Zikr of Nafi wa Ith’baat until his heart and
soul is spiritually nourished.
Thereafter, he will begin the Zikr of the mystical and intrinsic
personal name of ALLAH.e. الله
الله . The Saalik will begin by reciting 1100 times Zikre Nafi wa
Ith’baat. He has the option
of reading it in the manner of Jali (loudly) or Khafi (silently).
Thereafter, recite 5,000 times Zikr Ith’baat and 10 000 times Zikr
Ism-e-Zaat. The reason why the
Noble Spiritual Masters have prescribed such great numbers is for the Saalik
to embed the concentration of Almighty ALLAH in his heart.
This takes a very long time for the secret chambers of the heart to
confirm the intrinsic Personal Name of ALLAH. It requires a very lengthy wait to get immensely
engrossed and saturated in the Divine Being of Almighty Allah. Please note that there is
a very special moment to achieve the ultimate Favour and Blessing of ALLAH.
Therefore, it is important for the Saalik to engage himself twice
a day in deliberation of the above-mentioned Zikr.
The one is at Tahajjud time when the Mercies of Almighty ALLAH are released in abundance. It is at this time that
the Sublime Creator I Descends from
the Super Arcane Levels to His Magnificent Throne (عرش). The Divine move refers to the concentration of the Divine Beams of the
Splendid Lustures of Almighty ALLAH. Hence,
the unique beams of Lustre are very special at this moment. The Infinite Mercies
of the Lord of Power I addresses His
general and Elite servants as follows: “O My servants! At this moment,
ask Me for what you desire and I will grant your desires”.
The other special time is after Maghrib. For the general public,
at this time, night commences, but it is morning for the ardent lovers (Mystics)
of Allah I It is morning for those special servants of ALLAH who stay awake all night and engage in worship and Zikr. Thus, if
a Saalik fully executes the commands and obeys the principles of the
illustrious Spiritual Masters, then for him will be the promise of the Holy
Quran:
لا
تقنطوا
من رحمة الله
*
Don't give up hope in the Mercy of ALLAH.
The virtues of this and the guidance of the Murshid-e-Kaamil will
beam the radiance of secret lustre on the Saalik.
On the contrary, a Saalik looses his senses here and becomes stagnant in the
region of Jazb (spiritual intoxication) or becomes the victim of the
Cursed Shaytaan and is totally destroyed. When the traveller (Saalik) of Sulook reaches
this dangerous region of Jazb, then he feels nothing but ignorance
everywhere. At this critical point if the guidance of the Murshid-e-Kaamil
does not come to his assistance, then the Saalik gets permanently
besieged there.
We seek refuge in ALLAH from our lustful desires and evil actions. If the Murshid-e-Kaamil guides and protects the Saalik, then he reaches the station of "Divine Conduct". Therefore, at all times and conditions, the guidance, protection and blessings of the Murshid-e-Kaamil is the most important factor and weapon for the Saalik. If the Saalik does not have this to back him, and then he plays in the hands of the Cursed Shaytaan. May the Merciful ALLAH always protect us from this destruction! Aameen.
CHAPTER THREE
CONCERNING
THE BENEFITS OF ZIKR, DEVOTION AND SPIRITUAL CONCENTRATION THAT PREVENTS
SPIRITUAL DISASTERS
Whenever dangers of obstruction are experienced in Zikr or
Devotion, that is, one becomes careless or neglectful of spiritual duties, then
the Saalik must remove them instantly. The method of destroying these
interference's, is by spitting angrily to one’s left side, imagining that he
spat on the face of the Cursed Shaytaan. This Cursed Shaytaan along with his evil army, then
runs away from the Mureed. Thereafter, the Saalik will continue
with whatever worship he was engaged in.
If the Shaytaan tries to interfere again, then the Saalik
must take a deep breath and forcefully blow out the air through his nostril as
if cleansing the brain from all impurities. Imagine that by doing this that you
are ejecting all doubts and interferences in Zikr and devotion.
Now nothing but absolute devotion in left in the brain.
After this, peacefully engage yourself in the deliberation of Zikrullah.
Thereafter, if any fear or hindrance is still experienced, with great power,
loudly read three times Zikre-Nafi wa Ith'baat i.e. لا
اله الا الله, striking the
heart with a Darb. Now engage yourself in whatever you were doing. By
now, the Grace of Almighty ALLAH will protect you for as long as you sit in Zikr. This Divine
Protection will remove all fears, interference and doubts from your existence.
Whenever necessary, follow the above principles, which is the prescribed method of our past
Noble Spiritual Masters. The Disciples (Mureeds) have successfully
benefited from it.
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he method of performing Zikr is as follows: Firstly, perform Wudhu.
Then, sit cross-legged or in the Qada (Tashahud) position facing the Qibla.
Now, with great concentration and devotion recite, Ayatul-Kursi and the
four Qul's (Suras Kafiroon, Ikhlaas, Falaq, and Naas) once each, and blow
on yourself creating a spiritual protective circle. Now avoid looking around and
consolidate your sight to your body. Remove the thoughts of all creation and give undivided
concentration in Almighty ALLAH. You are now engaged in the unique remembrance (Zikr) of the
Supreme Being, Who with Majestic Powers of Vision is Watching and Listening to
you. Hence, it is compulsory on you to turn your attention away from everything
other than the Lord of Power, The Supreme, The Almighty ALLAH. By His Divine Grace, He I is beaming His
Splendid Lustre (Tajalli) on every portion of your body. As a result,
your physical body too, is now reflecting that Splendid beams, through Divine
Radiation. Let this condition captivate you so forcefully that you experience
the state of:
اعبد
الله كأنك
تراه *
Worship ALLAH as if you are seeing Him.
Commission your entire life in this state until you become the example of the Ayaat Kareema:
واعبد
ربّك حتى
يأتيك اليقين *
And worship ALLAH until death.
If a Saalik fully obeys these set rules, he will acquire immense
spiritual blessings from the pure souls of the dignified Awliya of
ALLAH. As a result, he will then
advance from the station of Shari'ah to the rank of Tariqah. It is
in this domain where he will get all his questions
answered by the Angles of
ALLAH.
One who accomplishes these two levels will also qualify for the rank of Ilmul
Yaqeen and Ainul Yaqeen. Thereafter, the company of the Murshid-e-Kaamil
will lead him to the ultimate level of Rohul-Yaqeen and Haqqul-Yaqeen.
Remember, O Beloved Saalik! No spiritual progress can be achieved in the
Mystical domain without a Murshid-e-Kaamil. So never forget the Golden
Rule: “Find the Murshid-e-Kaamil”.
O Almighty ALLAH, Master of the
Universe, through the Waseela-e-Uzma of Your Beloved Habeeb Sayyiduna
Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him)
and the blessings of Your super-elite servants, the
esteemed Awliya, forgive our sins and grant us Divine guidance on the
path to Sulook, which leads to Your I Proximity and Pleasure.
آمين و الحمد لله ربّ العالمين و الصلوة والسلام على شمس العارفين امام المحبوبين سيّد العاشقين حبيبنا و مولانا محمد و آله و صحبه و اوليآء امته و شهدآء محبته اجمعين
Durwesh Abu-Muhammad Abdul-Haadi
Al-Qaadiri Barkaati Radawi
11:40 a.m. Wednesday
13 Jamadi-ul Awwal 1411 A.H.
The Imam Ahmed Raza Academy is an organisation that was established on the 5th of July 1986 (1406 A.H.) in South Africa with the sole purpose of serving the Muslim community and to provide some form of academic and spiritual direction to the Muslims.
The
organisation has been named after the great Muslim scholar and Saint, Imam
Ahmed Raza Khan Bareilvi(Radi ALLAH Anh), who lived in India between 1856 and 1921, and was
popularly known as
"Ala’ Hadrat" in the Islamic world. Ala’ Hadrat Imam Ahmed
Rada Al-Qaadiri(Rehmatullah Aleh) achieved the status of a versatile scholar and obtained
a high distinction in over 50 branches of learning. On his visit to Makkatul
Mukarramah and Madinatul Munawwarah, Imam Ahmed Raza Al-Qaadiri(Rehmatullah Aleh)
was treated with great
dignity and was conferred the title of "Imam-e-Ahle-Sunnat"
by eminent Ulema. He was also hailed as the Mujaddid or Revivalist of the Century. He acted as a shield against
those who wanted to assault the principles of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah.
As a
devout Sufi, Ala’ Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza Al-Qaadiri(Rehmatullah Aleh)
was awarded the Ijaazah and Khilafat
(Certificate of Spiritual Successorship) in the Qaaderiya Silsila
(Order), as well as in 13 other branches of Sufism.
As an
author, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan(Rehmatullah Aleh) has left to his credit more than a 1 000 books on 50 different subjects ranging
from Tafseer, Logic, Grammar, Literature, Islamic Jurisprudence,
Education, Sociology, Astronomy, Mathematics, Physics, History, Science of
History, Engineering, Biographies, Philosophy, Mysticism to Persian, Arabic,
Urdu and Hindi Literature.
We
are presently offering a variety of services to the community on a daily basis,
from being a centre for imparting Islamic education for our children - to
issuing Fatawa (Legal Islamic Decrees). At the same time, in the last few
years, we have also developed as an organisation laying emphasis on the
publication of Sunni literature for the community and have thus far to
our credit a regular newsletter – “Raza” and numerous titles
of authentic Sunni books, and we will, Insha-Allah, be adding more
titles each year. We have already designed a set of madressa textbooks
that are being implemented locally and, we are proud to add that these textbooks
have gained international repute.
The key
aim of the Imam Ahmed Raza Academy is to promote and propagate the
teachings of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah.
In order to achieve this key objective we have dedicated ourselves to
translate, compile, publish and distribute useful Islamic literature, books,
magazines, brochures, periodicals, newsletters, pamphlets, etc. with special
reference to the teachings of A'la Hadrat
Imam Ahmed Raza Al-Qaadiri(Rehmatullah Aleh)
and his Successors(Rehmatullah Aleh) In this age of immorality and emergence of corrupted
Sects claiming to be the beacons of salvation, it is our responsibility to save
our society from such wickedness and adopt the correct perspective of Islam
based on the teachings of the Ahle Sunnah. A vital ingredient in this
work is the publication of Sunni literature in English – to which we
have committed ourselves.
We need
your help not only to retain but promote our Ahle Sunnah Aqaa’id
at a time when we are surrounded and bombarded by non-Sunni publications,
which have corrupted our Aqeeda and have made deep inroads in the minds
of the youth. All such activities in Islam that helps in promoting Islam
constitute an act of Jihad for which there will be an enormous reward.
The celebrated Saint, Sayyiduna Sheikh Sirri Saqti(Rehmatullah Aleh) said, “That
person can never become perfect until he does not give preference to Deen over
his personal desires.”
The Imam
Ahmed Raza Academy is an organisation that relies solely on the assistance
and Waseela of Sayyiduna
Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him)
and the Fuyood and Barakaat of the Awliya
Allah, and the support of our
well-wishers, and our vision for the future and our dedication to the mission of
Ala’ Hadrat(Rehmatullah Aleh) has a significant contribution to be made locally and in
the world - a world in which, we pray, that Sunni Islam dominates.
Insha-Allah!
General
Secretary
Yunus Abdul-Kareem Al-Qaadiri Radawi
