Jihad al-Akbar

There is a consensus among all the well established Sufi masters that the foundation stone of Tasawwuf and spiritual path (sulook) is to cleanse the nafs (lower self) of the blame worthy moral traits (razail).

This is achieved by the aspirant using his determination (himmat) to act against the desires of his nafs.

This acting against the nafs is called the spiritual struggle (mujahidah), endeavor (riyadah) and jihad al-akbar.

Neither excessive remembrance (dhikr), offering supererogatory salah, recitation of litanies and Holy Quran nor even the observance of the essentials (faraiz) disciplines the nafs. This is because the role of these things in removal of blame worthy characteristics is that of secondary assistance and not primary treatment. The individual will receive their reward and merits respectively. However, it is against the norms set by Allah that  the nafs be disciplined without meticulous  spiritual struggle (mujahidah).

This is the reason we observe that most of the religious individuals are inflicted with blame worthy moral characteristics in spite of their extra worship.

Ahzab tahzib un nafus,  Munajat e maqbool, (zamimajat, Saeedi) page 301

What is husun al-khuluq?

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In summary excellent conduct (husun al-khuluq) is that,

1. In reply to  harm and incitement by others one  makes supplication (dua) for them or acts in an exemplary good manner.

2. Not to pay attention to the misconduct of others in the first place (i.e Ignore it).

3. Not being selfish.

4. Being very cautious not to become angry.

5. Be extremely careful not to be arrogant.

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Ahzab tahzib un nafus,  Munajat e maqbool, ((zamimajat, Saeedi)) page 306

Vienna airport

Forth coming book

This book is included in ‘at-Takashshuf, التکشف an essential reading for those in tareeq.

Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah said,

In this book Mawlana Thanwi discusses numerous subtle and complex themes of tasawwuf derived from the ahadith of our beloved Messenger sallallahu alayhi wasallam. His erudite commentary demonstrates time and again how the principles of tasawwuf have their origins in the primary sources of Islam. Mawlana Thanwi’s approach, like that of his illustrious mashai’ikh, stresses the complete harmony between Shariah and tariqah and their interrelatedness.

From: at-Tahawi

ECCMID 2010, Vienna, Austria

Self delusion

Recently it was mentioned that in Tasawwuf error and misguidance is most of the time because of a delusional state  resulting from lay public admiration and following.

Hakim al-Umma Shaykh Ashraf ‘Ali Thanawi (Allah have mercy on him) elaborated this very nicely in an anecdote.

There was an individual who owned a horse. This horse was of no use to him. It was a huge, lazy, stubborn and stolid creature. He ate a lot , defecated and farted much. And was totally unproductive.  Involving him in any chore led to more trouble than ease in effort of the work.  The owner tried everything possible to make him useful. However, neither reward nor punishment worked. He even resorted to amulets and wazifas. All in vain. Exasperated by this irritating creature the owner decided to get rid of him.

He went to the local market to sell this horse. He was approached by a shrewd professional agent who offered his services for selling in return for a decent commission. They agreed on it after some haggling.

The agent brought the animal on the exhibition stall and proceeded with his introduction to draw in customers. In his smart and domineering style he spoke about the noble ancestry of this Arabian stallion. He elaborated on the physical beauty of the animal. Stressing that this steed was worth a fortune. An appropriate gift for a prince. Exalting his enormous strength and stamina. Exaggerating enormously that how economically he ate and how well trained and sharp he was. A life time bargain for sale at a nominal price. He started the bidding.

The horse owner stood mesmerized at the agent’s artful speech. Before anyone else could utter a bidding price he rushed towards the agent and told him that he had changed his mind. He did not want to sell such a magnificent horse with so many qualities. He felt honored to own it.

Similar is my condition. I am well aware of my shortcomings, sins and gross transgression of Shariah,however, the kind comments, praise and admiration of others lead me to believe that there must be something special about me.

This is the self delusion.

It is very common in the religious elite.

A complete antithesis to the teachings of Tasawwuf!

Real Message of Seerah

Sayyid wa sanadi Mawlana Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) wrote:

“What really is important with regard to the Holy Prophet, (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) is,

first to follow his teachings,

and second to make his pious Seerah available to every Muslim,

to preserve it in the hearts of the Muslims from the very childhood,

to educate the family members to run their lives according to it and

to hold it as the most glorious example of the human conduct the universe has ever witnessed.

To do all this with utmost love and reverence, not manifested by some formal activities only, but also through actual behavior of following the Sunnah.

This cannot be done by merely holding processions and illuminating the walls.

This requires constant and consistent efforts and a meaningful program of education and training.”

Islamic Months: Rabiul Awal

Acquiring true religiosity

Hakim al-Umma Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi (Allah have mercy on him) said:

“It is from suhba (pious companionship) that deen (religion) is acquired.

I swear to it that deen can not be obtained from books!

Formal religious knowledge may be achieved via reading, but true religiosity can never be obtained without serving eagerly at the footsteps of a master.

Akbar (Allahbadi ra) who was a fine poet and his verses had wisdom in them, said

دین ہوتا ہے بزرگوں کی نظر سے پیدا

Awaj e Qanowj, page 82

The Prophetic advice

 

إذا قمت في صلواتك فصل صلاة مودع 

 ولا تتكلم بكلام تعتذر منه

 واجمع الإياس مما في أيدي الناس

An individual approached Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) and requested for some concise advice.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

At the time of offering salat, pray as if this is your last prayer.

And

Do not speak anything for which you will have to apologize later.

And

Do not have any desire for what other people possess.

Ahamd via Jawahar al-Hikam, page 23

The reason for our poor state

 

Shaykh Mohammad Badr ‘Alam (Allah have mercy on him) [died 1385H, buried in Baqi, Medina al-munawwarah] said,

‘The main reason for our current degradation  (as a Muslim nation) in my opinion is that in our hearts the characteristic of being at ease, love, forgiveness, forbearance and having a good opinion (of other fellow individuals) have been replaced by envy, animosity, having a bad opinion and quarrelling without a reason.

Therefore, it is vital that I clarify this reality that as per Islamic teachings the characteristics of being at ease and having mutual love is not only for fellow Muslims alone. It is  a fundamental requirement for all the fellow human beings.’

Jawaher al-Hikam, page 21