Category Archives: A. Reality of Tasawwuf

The nature, definition, goals and principles of Tasawwuf

Sheikh’s censuring

Hakeemul Ummat Hazrat Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi ra said:

“If a Sheikh censures a mureed, he starts making excuses. If attention is drawn to a fault he immediately begins to justify his actions.

By acting such he claims to be free from all deficiencies. What is the Sheikh going to do islah(reform) of then?

If he does not consider himself to be sick, then what is the need of a physician?

(The proper attitude is that) If Sheikh censures him, he should listen very attentively and try to understand the criticism. It is inappropriate to start justifying his mistake.

Even if it is not his mistake he is not at loss with this advice. At least, he gained some useful information. That is, even if he did not had the disease now he knows its treatment and can use it in future if need arises.

Moreover, mureed’s considering himself disease free is not reliable. Some times patient does not recognizes his own illness. An experienced physician after examination and laboratory tests makes the diagnosis, especially in the very early stages of the disease. The doctor insists on immediate treatment fearing imminent full blown disease. Having being informed of this vital fact the patient must comply with initiating the treatment right away. He must not confront the physician’s diagnosis, claiming to be completely healthy and disease free. ”

Waaz: Rahat-ul-quloob; Mawaiz e Ashrafiya volume 22, page 262

Nisbat & Sins

Hakeemul Ummat Hazrat Mawlana Mohammad Ashraf Ali Thanawi ra said:

“The special relationship that develops as a result of excessive zikir (remembrance of Allah SWT) and being consistent in following His commands is called nisbat.

This nisbat ceases to exist if sin is committed.

However, if one was to repent (sincerely) it will return back.”

Ma’asir e Hakeemul Ummat ra, page 415

Prescription for wilayat

Mufti Mohammad Shafii’ ra, senior khalifa of Hakeemul Ummat ra said:

“This is the prescription to attain the level of wilayat (Allah SWT friendship). It comprises of three components. That are;

  1. Suhba (company) of a wali (Allah SWT’s friend)
  2. Following his advice and recommendation
  3. ZikirulAllah ( excessive remembrance of Allah SWT)

Ma’ariful Quran, volume 4, page 550

Requisites in tareeq

A mureed inquired: what is the requisite thing to be acquired by the aspirant in this tareeq?

Hakeemul Ummat Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi ra replied:

“Firstly, overwhelming remembrance of Allah SWT so that least time is spent being forgetful (of Allah SWT) and secondly, consistency in fulfilling the commands of Shariah so that no disobedience occurs at all.

These are the essential things to be acquired and all the effort, struggle and therapies are adopted for these.”

Tarbiyatus Salik, volume 3, page 365

Benefit of Sheikh’s suhba & wird

Hakeemul Ummat Hazrat Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanavi ra said:

“The suhba (company) of Sheikh is most beneficial only if the mureed is consistent in zikir (remembrance) and shugul (special concetration excericse for recollection) prescribed by the Sheikh.

There are individuals who are always around the Sheikh but do not do the wird prescribed. They do not benefit at all and always remain deficient.

And some others spend most of their time with the Sheikh and spare a short interval to do some zikir & shugul hapzardly. This is also not beneficial.

The major portion of the time should be for the prescribed zikir & shugul (i.e wird). Only then the suhba (company) of Sheikh is beneficial.

 Ma’asir e Hakemmul Ummat ra page 228   

Reality of Tareeq

Hakeemul Ummat Hazrat Mawlana Ahsraf Ali Thanavi ra wrote to a spiritual aspirant:

“The goal of tareeq (Tasawwuf/sulook) is to gain Allah SWT’s pleasure.

For it two things are required, one knowledge regarding the method of obtaining it and other is action according to it.

As for the method, it is only one. That is to act on the exoteric (zahiri) and esoteric (batini) commands of Shariah.

Two things assist in it. Firstly, zikir (remembrance of Allah SWT) as much as one can consistently do. Secondly, suhba (company) of the ahlulAllah (pious) as much possible. If one can not spare time for it (for genuine reasons) then reading books of and about the pious can also substitute for it.

Two things are an obstacle in acheiving this goal. That are, sins and being occupied in fadhool (useless/non-essential).

One thing that is a requisite for all this is to be effective is consistently informing the Sheikh of one’s condition (halat).”

Masair e hakeemul Ummat ra page 270

Ignoring the Suhba of Ahlul-Allah

 

In a letter Shaikh al Hadith Maulana Zakariya Kandhlawi/Madani (1898 –1982) wrote to Maulana Abdul Majid Daryabadi (1892 –1977) [Allah have mercy on them]:

Suhba (company) of ahul-Allah (the pious) holds a unique position and importance in bringing about firmness in actions, correct understanding of religion and motivation to act on demands of faith.

Ignoring the suhba of pious is one of the tribulations (fitnah) from the many major ordeals of our era.

No doubt, a lot of information can be acquired from reading books. But the effectiveness of accompanying a living (pious) person is totally unique.

I agree it is essential to safe oneself from worshiping the Sheikh. But ignoring the suhba of pious is equally destructive.

Specially, the fatal moral characteristics of u’jub (high regard for self), arrogance, importance of self suggestion and self admiration can never be eliminated without the company of the pious (especially the Shaikh).”

Hakeemul Ummat ra, (by Mawlana Abdul Majid Daryabadi ra) page 568-9

What to do when in Sheikh’s majlis?

A mureed asked this question.
Sayyidi wa sanadi Hazrat Mawlana Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah SWT preserve him and allow us to benefit from him abundantly. Ameen!) replied:
“If the Sheikh is talking one should whole heartedly concentrate on listening.
If he is silent or busy in some thing one can read, recite or complete his wird, etc.”
On being questioned further regarding the classical tasawwuf teaching that a mureed must sit in Sheikh’s presence with the muraqabah (concentrated thinking) that anwar & fayuz (enlightening blessings) emanating from Sheikh’s qalb (heart) are coming into my heart.
Hazrat db replied; “Yes! As per our pious elders this muraqabah is beneficial.
Although my heart is empty but by the barakah of a true seeker Allah SWT may enlighten it.”
Islahi khutoot

Salik’s First Step

Hazrat Maseehulummat Mawlana Mohammed Maseehullah Khan sahib, Allah SWT have mercy on him, a senior khalifa of Hakeemul Ummat ra, while defining the first step of suluk, stated:

“Consider yourself to be the most inferior (human being).
To the extent that even if you observe another individual indulging in the worst of sins with your own eyes, then even neither despise him, nor consider yourself superior to him.
On the contrary be fearful. Bear in mind that it is possible that the this sinner may resort to sincere tawbah (repentance) and become a person of high piety, while I may be ensnared (Allah SWT save us!) in the deceptions of the nafs (self/ego) & Shaytan and be diverted from Ibadat (worship) and obedience.
We do not have any guarantee regarding our final state before death..
Therefore, there is no basis for looking down on others with contempt.

From (Edited): Glaring into the heart of a Chishti

Also see previously posted: Chisti Asbaq & Real Humility

Etiquettes of being a Civilized Individual

The rulings of Shariah have been broadly classified into five categories. They are:
1. those related to the beliefs (‘aqaid)
2. those pertaining to the forms of worship (‘ibadaat)
3. those related to the mutual financial transactions (ma’amlaat)
4. those associated with manners of civilized living (ma’ashrat) and
5. finally, those dealing with the inner morals (ikhlaq)

It is sad to see that most of us, Muslims, only consider a’qaid and ‘ibadaat to be the components of deen and are completely ignorant of the rest.

Few select practicing ones include ma’amlaat to be deen also.

Ikhlaq, all praise to Allah SWT is practiced by those involved in tasawwuf.

The Shariah ruling regarding how to live a civilized life is abandoned by most of us.
However, it is ironic that we brothers/sister who are involved in discussions of higher & lofty realities of Tasawwuf are disregarding the rights of fellow individuals. The fact remains true that the rights of fellow human beings (haqqul ‘abd) can not be forgiven by repentance alone. It require asking forgiveness from the aggrieved individual. Most of us are totally unaware of the rulings of Shariah pertaining to the etiquettes of civilized living. The extent of this ignorance is so great that enemies of Muslims regard Islam to be incompatible with the civilized world life. Post 9/11 western strategy is to modify Islam to make it civilized.Hakeem ul Ummat Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi ra being the mujaddid high lighted the importance of these rulings in most of his discourses and writings. The most beneficial of these is a concise treatise “Aadab ul Ma’ashrat” (Etiquettes of Civilized living).
The importance of this book is evident by the fact that it is the first reading in the nisab e Tasawwuf (curriculum for salikeen) recommended by Hakeemul Ummat ra.
The basic principle underlying the rulings of civilized living is,
“My words, actions and attitude should not be the source of any discomfort or annoyance for fellow human beings at all.”
InshaAllah, quotes from this book regarding some important and common lapses in our every day (uncivilized) life will be posted here.
Allah SWT give us the tawfeeq. Ameen!

نصاب تصوف

نصاب تصوف

عارف باللہ ڈاکثرعبدالحئ عارفی قدس سرہ فرما تے ہیں:

حضرت والا رح (حکیم الامت) نے اہل تصوف اور سالکین کے لیے بھی چند کتابوں کا نصاب مقرر فرمایا ہے۔

جس کا پڑھنا اور سمجھنا اور اس کے مطابق عمل کرنا نہایت ضروری ہے۔

انشاءاللہ اس کے مطالعہ سے سالکین کو نفس و شیطان کے مکائد معلوم ہونگے اور ہر طرح کی بدعات و ضلالت باطنیہ کی ضروری اور تفصیلی معلومات حاصل ہوگی۔

اگر کسی عالم سے سمجھ کر پڑھ لیا جاۓ تو ذیادہ مناسب ہے۔

جس طرح کتابوں کی نمبروار ترتیب دی گئ ہے اسی طرح پڑھنے کی ہدایت ہے۔

1۔ آداب المعاشرت حضرت تھانوی رح

2۔ معمولات خانقاہ

3۔ رحمۃ المتعلمین حصہ اول

4۔ تعلیم الدین باب اول و دوم حضرت تھانوی رح

5۔ التکشف حصہ اول حضرت تھانوی رح

6۔ فروع الایمان حضرت تھانوی رح

7۔ نزہۃ البساتین امام یافعی رح

8۔ وعظ: راحت القلوب حضرت تھانوی رح

9۔ تبلیغ الدین: امام غزالی رح

10۔ جہاد اکبر سیدالطائفہ حضرت حاجی امداداللہ صاحب مہاجرمکی رح

11۔ قصد السبیل حضرت تھانوی رح

12۔ تعلیم الدین بقیہ حضرت تھانوی رح

13۔ التکشف حصہ دوم و سوم حضرت تھانوی رح

14۔ مسائل السلوک حضرت تھانوی رح

15۔ کلید مثنوی دفتر ششم حضرت تھانوی رح

16۔ تربیت السالک حضرت تھانوی رح

17۔عوارف المعارف شیخ سہروردی رح

18۔ الدرالمنضود علامہ شعرانی رح

19۔ آداب العبودیۃ علامہ شعرانی رح

20۔ تنبیہ المفترین

21۔ اکمال الشیم شرح الحکم شیخ عطا اللہ اسکندری رح

22۔ رفع الضیق

23۔ اصول الوصول مولانا عبدالغنی پھولپوری رح

24۔ الابتلاء لاہل الصطفاء

مآثر حکیم الامت رح 328

RAMADAN SCHEDULE

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Make a practical and doable time table for daily activities.

The point to remember is that in Ramadan acts of primary form of worship are to be increased. These lead to an increasing direct relationship with Allah SWT (i.e. ta’luq ma’Allah).

This must include the following:

Tahajjud Salah: Easier than usual as one has to get up for suhoor. Preferably 8 rakah.

Dowazdah tasbeeh & zikr Ism e zaat
As instructed by the Sayyidi wa sanadi Hazrat Sheikh db.

At tahajjud real, sincere dua and begging for Allah SWT’s mercy, love, guidance, strong relationship, true knowledge & understanding of deen, observance of Sunnah and a’fiyah in this world and the after-life
Munajat e maqbool: Daily manzil (hizb).

Al fathiha: Recite سورة الفاتحة 41 times, preceded and followed with durood درود شريف 11 times between the Sunnah and faraz of fajar.

Recite Shajarah daily and make esal-e-sawab for theses pious predecessors.

Recite سورة يس after fajar.

Tasbehat: Hundred times each as instructed by Sayyidi wa sanadi Hazrat Sheikh db.

1)سبحان الله و بحمده سبحان الله العظيم

2) سبحان الله والحمد لله و لا اله الالله و الله اكبر

3) استغفار

4) درود شريف

5) لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله العلى العظيم

Tilawat Quran majeed: At least one parah (hizb) daily. This is the basic essential. Increase it as much as possible depending on your schedule. 

Ishraq salah: Approximately twelve minutes after sunrise pray 2 rakah.

Chaast salah: Around 10 AM 2-4 rakah

Awabeen salah: 6 rakah after maghrib

(PS: Nawafil are for those who do not have any qaza salah pending.)

Recite سورة واقعه after zuhar

Reciteمزمل سورة after maghrib

Recite سورة سجده and سورة ملك after e’sha & taraweeh 

Taraweeh:
Twenty rakah in jama’h.

In each taraweeah (i.e. resting between each 4 rakah) Hazrat Thanvi ra

used to recite درود شريف25 times.

Kalimah e tayyabah:
لا اله الالله with occasional محمد رسول الله , 500 times after taraweeh and in all other
spare times while doing the daily chores.

Muraqaba:
Try to concentrate on: “I am in front of Allah SWT and He is watching me.”
Five minutes, immediately following asr prayers.

This is the soul and essence of fasting. Try and extend it to other daily activities.

Excessive dua/prayers:
Any time you get a chance.
Especially prior to the iftar. Reserve 10 to 15 minutes for this alone.

Ask above all for Allah SWT’s pleasure, acceptance, jannah, refuge from His displeasure and hellfire.
All other minute and big things desired.
Most importantly to be included in His awliya (special friends).
Pray for the Muslims suffering around the world and betterment of the Ummah’s condition.

P.S. Each individual should do in consultation with his/her Shiekh what is practical for him her.

Also, it is essential to remember faraiz and wajibat (work,study & taking care of family) have priority over nawafil.

Success in sulook: Not achieving anything!

Hakeemul Ummat Hazrat Moulana Shah Ashraf Ali Thanvi ra said:

Hazrat Mawlana (Rasheed Ahmad) Ghangohi ra used to say that after all the labor and toil of life (of sulook) one comes to the conclusion that he did not achieve any thing then in reality he has attained everything.

Even if the stations (of sulook) had been traversed, the pleasure experienced during them is nothing as compared to the bliss of the belief that I have not even stared the journey as yet! Like the bull making the (seed) oil pressing machine work. (That is, by continuously walking in circles around the machine, without going anywhere.)

This is the pleasure of humility, feeling destitute, unworthy and absolute slave hood.

Maasir e Hakeemul Ummat ra 368

(Rp)The thing to take from The Pious

Sayyidi wa sanadi Hazrat Moulana Mohammad Taqi Usmani sahib (Allah SWT preserve him & allow us to benefit from him abundantly. Ameen!) said:

“The thing to acquire from the pious (buzurg) is the fanayiat (annihilation of self-suggestions/desires/expectations). People consider taking wird, azkar, ashagals and litanies etc from them. But the essential thing to take is this fanayiat. That is total effacement of self suggestions, opinions, expectations and complete submission to the commands of Shariah.

It is acquired by accompanying the pious.
Their suhba is essential:
To observe them practicing Shariah in different settings.
To learn from their attitude & behavior.
To correct yourself by their way of practice and implementing Shariah.
To uphold to their chastisement.
To be ready for trials and testing by them, in order to test your sincerity.
To submit to their instructions wholeheartedly.
To do each and every major action in your life with their consultation and approval.

And if this suhba is not readily available then it is essential to correspond with them via letters, mail, phone etc. (As explained in earlier posts.)

Also, important and perhaps most beneficial for this is the study of the malfoozat (suhba talks/utterances) of Hakeemul Ummat Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi quddus sirrahu. Reading them regularly will allow you to absorb the style/disposition of Hakeemul Ummat ra.

Equally significant is the study of the biography of our pious elders (buzurg) in acquiring it. Books like: Ashraf us sawanih (Hakeemul Ummat ra’s biography), Tazkirat ur Rasheed (Moulana Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi ra’s bio), Tazkiratul Khalil (Moulana Khalil Ahmed ra’s bio).

If all of these are done sincerely and seriously, inshaAllah, gradually this fanayiat will eventually develop and grow to the optimum level required.”

Challenging the aspirant

A young gentleman approached Sayyidi wa sanadi Hazrat Moulana Mohammad Taqi Usmani sahib (may Allah SWT preserve him and allow us to benefit from him abundantly.Ameen!) and requested to be accepted as a mureed to establish the islahi ta’aluq (relationship for self reformation).

Hazrat db replied, “I am the most destitute in these matters. There are many other proficient people in the Darul Uloom (Karachi) to be taken as a Sheikh. Please, approach them.”

The aspirant was not disappointed by this tawadhu’ (humility) and politely insisted on his requested.

Hazrat db eventually told him to attend the weekly majlis (gathering) for the spiritual aspirants regularly.

It is quite common and appropriate to test the genuineness of the aspirant’s desire by our Shuyukh.

This is to ascertain their sincerity and commitment for taking the tareeq (path).