COUNSELS FROM AL -FIRDOUS

Compiled by Professor Akbar Dad Translated by Muhammad Muzamil Khan Jamia Masjid Sharif al-Firdous Gulhar Sharif Kotli, Azad Kashmir

Articles originally selected by Janab Hadrat Sahib

 THE FIRDOUS C OUNSELS, 2012 Compiled by Professor Akbar Dad Translated by Muhammad Muzamil Khan Published on the Occasion of Hadrat Sahibs 4th Urs Sharif, 31st December 2012

Jamia al-Firdous

PREFACE The purpose of Rasul Allahs coming to earth

was, to connect the individual with his Lord, enlighten his heart with the awareness of Allah, achieve the highest level of moral characteristics, acknowledge Allahs favours and spread the unity of Allah all over the world. Through Rasul Allah , Allah granted us his great book the Holy Quran so that human beings could obtain knowledge from it, and search for the hidden treasures in the universe thus gaining an understanding of their Creator and ultimately fulfilling the purpose of their existence. Rasul Allah provided a personal example of

how to implement the Quranic teachings in ones life. Through individual and collective training, he formed an exemplary society. He created a group of loyal and

dedicated Companions, whose equal cannot be found in history. After him , his Companions (may Allah be

pleased with them all) set a beautiful example of love and obedience to him love and followed his Companions spread his , immersed themselves in his blessed Sunnah (way). The teachings with utmost love,

devotion, sincerity and sacrifice. Consequently they were able to defeat the superpowers of the time: the Roman and Persian Empires. The Holy Quran states: Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom, (16:125). Therefore the silent transformation in the din (religion), takes place through the proper adherence to the Shariah. The Shariah consists of three pillars: a) knowledge b) action and c) sincerity. Dawah (calling people to Islam) by knowledge alone has always been insufficient, and it is through wisdom that it becomes effective. Real change never takes place by mere speech or slogans. However for a silent transformation to succeed, it is essential that it is based upon knowledge, action and sincerity. In addition, it is vital that people share a common goal. It is the People of the Heart who can give a (common purpose), and transform talented individuals in society, thereby
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effectively creating a lasting change. The People of the Heart consider this task of guiding people as an important obligation, whilst utilising their noble

characteristics: patience, steadfastness, humility and sincerity to achieve the objective. It is through wisdom, coupled with clear evidence, that they guide people; dispelling all their doubt and uncertainty. When dealing with people, the employment of sincerity, kindness and wisdom leads to them paying heed to the advice offered to them thus considering it essential to follow it for the rest of their lives. As the saying goes:
Gufte uh gufte allah bawad, garche ze halqum-e abdallah bawad. His speech is from Allah, Although it comes from the servants throat.

Regarding the way the Awliya Allah call people to Islam, the Sufi masters state, Ordinary Muslims preach; forbidding bad and promoting good, the scholars use the pen, the warriors use the sword, the Sultans use power but the People of the Heart and foresight (Awliya Allah), use their gaze (spiritual attention) to call people
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to Islam. Whilst the teachings of others reach the ear and mind, the teachings of the Awliya reach the heart. The association with flowers changes the colour of the heap, but the company of the prophets and saints changes peoples hearts. The foundation of Islam is based on observance of Shariah; complete love and adherence to the Bringer of the Law . Adab (good conduct) is the first step,

without it all else is futile. Even if an individual endeavours numerous efforts, (without adab) he shall remain unsuccessful. It was by adhering to the Sunnah of the Prophet , that Hadrat Mujaddid Alf Thani Rahmatullah
Alayhi wrote

letters to his deputies and followers, to rise up

against the tyrant. He formed a common goal for his followers thus succeeded in bringing about a spiritual revolution, which defeated the tyrant. The results that emerged from that movement are well known to the student of (Indian Muslim) history. After the Prophet Abu Bakr Siddiq , the work done by Hadrat

and his descendents to stabilise and

assist the din, is worthy of note. His tenth descendent

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Hadrat Shaykh Kamal al-Din

Rahmatullah Alayhi

left his rule in

Yemen, and taught Hadith Sharif in the vicinity of Rasul Allah for fifty years. He then migrated to Sistan,

where his family served the din for many centuries. His descendent Hadrat Qadi Qiwam al-Din Rahmatullah
Alayhi

migrated from Sistan (Iran) to India, where he settled in Haryana. His family kept the flame of knowledge and spirituality burning for many centuries. His descendent Hadrat Qadi Fath Allah Rahmatullah
Alayhi

left Rohtak (India), and came to seek knowledge

from the master of Shariah and Tariqah, Hadrat Sayyid Mubarak Shah
Rahmatullah Alayhi at

the famous Madrasa of the

time- in Alipur Sayyidain, near Behra District, Sargodha. Apart from knowledge, Hadrat Qadi Fath Allah Rahmatullah
Alayhi

also sought a spiritual master. The learned teacher

saw the potential in the student and guided him to The Treasurer of the Divine Trusts, the complete master, Hadrat Khwaja Muhammad Hasan Rohtasi Rahmatullah Alayhi. If there is genuine desire in the seeker, then it does not take long for things to happen accordingly.

According to the Divine plan, Hadrat Khwaja Muhammad Hasan

Rahmatullah Alayhi

came to Alipur, and in his

Rahmatullah

first meeting he saw that Hadrat Qadi Fath Allah

Alayhi was

capable of carrying the treasures of the Divine

Trust. He brought him along to Rohtas in District Jhelum. Hadrat Qadi Fath Allah
Rahmatullah Alayhi

spent many

years in the company of his Master, and was granted khilafat by him and instructed to go to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, where he was appointed to the high rank of Chief Justice. In order to guide people he built a mosque, and in his spare time he would retire to the basement of the mosque, where he would occupy himself with the remembrance of Allah. From Mirpur, the descendants of Hadrat Qadi Fath Allah
Rahmatullah Alayhi

moved to a village called

Checheyan Sharif, in Fathpur. The enlightened members of his family changed peoples destinies, corrected the misguided, removed the un-Islamic customs, and guided people to Islam. They reminded the people of the temporal nature of the world and guided them towards the hereafter; encouraging them to speak the truth, give
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up backbiting and to follow the Shariah. The mosque was the source of their guidance and wherever they lived, they made sure to build a mosque there. Hadrat Khwaja Muhammad Rukn Alam
Rahmatullah Alayhi

once went

to Kaini, near Panjera Tehsil Kotli. After reciting his wazifa, he would go to the nearby spring and carry stones on his head. After amassing them in the village he said, We shall build a mosque here. Hadrat Khwaja Muhammad Sultan Alam
Alayhi also Rahmatullah

built a mosque outside the village of Checheyan

Sharif, and had living quarters built next to it. Indeed this family inherited love for mosques from one generation to another. Our Hadrat Sahib
Rahmatullah Alayhi

also inherited a

mosque; the same mosque where sincere people would gather around Qibla Alam
Rahmatullah Alayhi

and scholars and

Sufis would come from afar, to gain benefit from him. Although the walls of the mosque were made of mud, its pillars uneven, the people who went there were sincere people of firm resolve, and due to their visits, bad traits would be removed from them. Seeing these people visiting this mosque, a person joked, These days either
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German forces are gathering or the followers of Qadi Sahib in the Underhill area.

The spark lit from this blessed mosque is now spreading light everywhere. Having inherited only one mosque, he (Hadrat Sahib Rahmatullah Alayhi) took good care of it. And due to his efforts, today magnificent mosques are to be found everywhere. Subsequently, the knowledge of the Quran has become widespread, and the financial needs of seekers of knowledge are met by the Spiritual Centre. Nowadays, thousands of huffaz (memorisers of the Quran) and hundreds of scholars are linked with this movement and are serving the din day and night. May Allah grant them courage, aspiration and sincerity so that they continue to serve the din with sincere intentions. And from this spiritual centre, the light of gnosis rains down upon those people who have great willpower and determination. Consequently the peoples lives are being transformed, as they are trained and gain increased

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passion for the din. May Allah turn this blossom into an everlasting spring. For a while, the customary way of calling and advising people to din has been suspended in this mosque. Even Friday prayers are offered without a sermon. Nonetheless, all members of the family are practically involved in guiding and instructing people. The first and main centre of this movement is Khanqah-e Sultaniyya in Kaladeo, Jhelum. Most members of the family serve the din there. There is no difference between what they preach and practice. Whatever they do is according to the Sunnah. This is the effect of spreading the din. In old age everyone turns to God but, here, thousands of young men and women are busy trying to achieve their salvation. The true seekers are discreetly told some words of wisdom, which they hold onto firmly for the remainder of their lives and no further preaching or encouragement is necessary. Since 27th September 1985, for the purpose of communal guidance, every week, once or twice or in times of need, some necessary words are written on the
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blackboard and placed in a prominent position. The Sangis listen to these words and remember them, and some people note them in their diaries and try to follow them with their heart and soul. The subjects of the writings on the blackboard cover all aspects of life: prayers, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, virtues of the Quran, blessed Traditions, matters of fiqh, piety, dhikr, repentance, supplications, salutations on the Prophet , Islamic etiquette, humility, reflection, diseases of the heart and their cures, trials and tribulations and their solutions, tenth of Muharram, Birthday of the Prophet , the Night of Ascension, the Night of Power, the company of the pious people, focusing on the master, connection with the master, the benefits of connection with the Spiritual Centre, the benefits of taking baya and its evidence, sayings of pious people, quotes, words of wisdom, advice and consul and many other topics are highlighted. All of these writings have been preserved, and have now been compiled and duly published under the title al-Balagh al-Mubin (The Clear Message, 2007), so that the Sangis and their descendents may take benefit from it. In the effort to collect, write and preserve all the
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writings, I was assisted by Master Muhammad Shafiq (Kurti) more than anyone else, other Sangis also, sometimes, helped me. I thank all of them from the bottom of my heart, may Allah accept their efforts. Professor Akbar Dad TRANSLATOR S NOTE In the Urdu book al-Balagh al-Mubin (2007), Professor Akbar Dad Sahib compiled these anecdotes on the instruction of Hadrat Sahib
Rahmatullah Alayhi.

Sometimes it

is a direct quote, and at other times it is paraphrased by him. The anecdotes were arranged in the order they were written on the board. I have taken the liberty to rearrange the anecdotes and add sub-headings, for the benefit of non-literate Urdu Sangis. I have not translated the whole book, and instead have compiled a selection from it.

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QURANIC COUNSELS: D ON T BE NEGLECTFUL

O you, who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that-then those are the losers. And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous. But never will Allah delay a soul when its time has come. And Allah is acquainted with what you do. (63:8-11)

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SAYINGS OF THE HOLY PROPHET The Five Pillars : : :

()

On the authority of Abd Allah, ibn `Umar ibn al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with both) who said, I heard Rasul Allah say, Islam has been built on five pillars: testifying that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the salah (prayer), paying the zakah (obligatory charity), making the Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House, and fasting in Ramadan. (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

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The Lucky Seven

()

There are seven whom Allah will shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade: A just ruler. A youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic. A man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears. A man whose heart is attached to the mosque. Two men who love each other for Allahs sake, meeting for that and parting upon that.
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 A man who is called by a woman of beauty and position [for illegal intercourse], but he says, I fear Allah. A man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity. (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim).

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SAYINGS OF HADRAT ABU BAKR SIDDIQ Hadrat Junayd Rahmatullah Alayhi states that the best definition of tawhid is by Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddiq , Glory be to Allah who has not shown the path of His marifah (knowledge of God) to men, except through their confession of their inability to know him. If for some reason you fail to do the good deeds then try to attain it and if you achieve that then move forward. If advice has no effect on a person, he should know that his heart is dead. When the power of knowledge goes beyond its limit, it causes corruption and too much talk, and when it is defective then it leads to foolishness and stupidity. Keep your speech short. Speech is only beneficial if it can be heard with ease. Long speech effectively make one lose some parts of it.

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 The heart is dead and its life is knowledge. Knowledge is also dead and its life is in seeking (more knowledge). It is shameful if the cockerel rises at dawn before you. Knowledge is the legacy of the prophets whilst wealth is the inheritance of the Pharaoh and Qarun. When a noble person studies knowledge, he becomes humble and when a bad person learns the same knowledge, it makes him arrogant. Charity is a good act for a wealthy person, but it is even better for a poor person. Repentance is a good act for an old person, but it is even better for a young person. Humility is a good act for a poor person, but it is even better for a wealthy person. Justice is a good act for everyone, but it is even better for a king. Laziness towards Allahs worship is bad in ordinary people, but is even worse amongst the learned people.
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 Pride is a bad act for the rich people, and it is even worse in the poor people. Whatever incidents takes place is near, but nearer still is death. Sin from a young person is bad, but it is even worse from an old person. Seclusion is better than the company of a coward, and the company of the good people is better than being alone. The ways of the world are strange but even stranger is to be heedless. Sincerity means that one should not seek any reward for ones good deeds. Leave the world for the Hereafter and leave the Hereafter for Allahs sake. The pupil of the eye is the door to the heart, and all desire enters the heart through it and it creates lust and passion. If a person keeps his eyes closed he is protected. A human is weak yet it is strange that he disobeys Allah, who is Almighty.

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Cry upon that day in which you did not perform any good deeds.

When he used to visit anyone to express his condolence he would say, There is no affliction in patience, and there is no benefit in crying. Just remember the death of Rasul Allah then your problem will seem insignificant. Unfortunate is he that he dies but his sins live on: for example he began some bad thing, or made a false coin, started some bad game or published a harmful book and so forth. When a person becomes proud because of some worldly thing, then Allah becomes angry with him and takes that thing away from him. The one who cannot cry should show mercy towards those who do cry. He who occupies himself in Allahs work, Allah occupies Himself in his work. Control your tongue from complaints and you shall have a blissful life. and

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 You are busy gathering provision to live in the world, and the world is busy trying to get rid of you. Offer charity to a poor person with humility and respect, as to give charity happily is a sign of its acceptance. The redness of Gold and the yellowness of Saffron have destroyed women. Worship is a trade, the shop is its seclusion, its wealth is piety and its profit is Paradise.

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HOLY MONTHS: MUHARRAM Muharram al-Haram: The 10th of Muharram is a blessed day and it is known as ashura, as 10 thousand prophets were born on this day, and according to another narration 10 thousand prophets were granted prophet hood on this very day. It is written in Khalasatul Akhbar that Rasul Allah said, Allah Almighty has chosen

ashura, and Allah created my light on this day and also the spirits of the prophets. Also according to another tradition, ten things were created on ashura: the Throne and the Stool, the Pen and the Tablet, Hadrat Adam, Hadrat Hawa, the Spirits, the Earth, and the Skies. Some state that Heaven was also created on ashura. Ten things are sunnah on ashura, and anyone who acts upon them shall be forgiven: 1) to stroke the head of an orphan 2) To provide abundant food for ones family 3) To keep a fast 4) To offer voluntary prayers 5) To bathe 6) To put kohl in your eyes 7) To visit the ill 8) To visit a learned person 9) To reconcile people 10) To make supplications

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It is written in Shariq that Rasul Allah

said that

the day of ashura atones for one years sins. It is related in Riyahin, that if anyone spends as much as a mosquitoes wings, he shall gain as much sawab as if he had given the mountain of Qaf in charity, and this is due to the blessing of ashura. Know that it is good to supplicate to Allah, but it is even better on ashura. On the morning of ashura the gates of mercy are opened. A person should pray to Allah for Heaven and His vision, as prayer on this day is not rejected. The Virtue of the Fast on Ashura Anyone who fasts on ashura, for him the eight gates of heaven shall be opened and he can enter from any gate he wishes. Rasul Allah has said that, Anyone who keeps a fast on ashura, for every moment, 700 hundred angels shall pray for his forgiveness until the day of Judgement. Rasul Allah has said that anyone who keeps a

fast on ashura, shall attain the blessing as if he had performed one thousand hajj and umrah, and equal to the

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inhabitants of the Heaven and the seven earths and seven skies. Hadrat Rabia Rahmatullah Alayhi states that in the period of Rasul Allah , the sahaba used to keep this fast of ashura so that the later generation in the ummah would also keep this fast. Indeed this fast was fard upon Adam. Hadrat Shubi Rahmatullah Alayhi writes in Kifaya that it is an obligation upon the parents to order their children to keep the fast of ashura. It is mentioned in a hadith sharif that Rasul Allah instructed Sayyida Fatima, not to feed Imam Husayn on the day of ashura as, on this day, even the animals and birds do not give milk or eat grass. Nafal on Ashura It is related in a hadith sharif that, anyone who prays four units of nafal, in which he recites ayatul kursi once and sura Ikhlas three times after sura Fatiha, in each unit, and after whatever he asks of Allah, it shall be granted to him.

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Rasul Allah

said that anyone who offers 100

units of nafal on the night of ashura, in which he recites sura Ikhlas three times after Fatiha and on completion reads the third kalima 70 times, Allah shall forgive all his sins and grant him good deeds throughout the year.

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COUNSEL OF HADRAT IMAM JAFAR SADIQ Rahmatullah Alayhi Avoid the company of five people: 1) The liar, as one is ultimately humiliated by associating with him. 2) A foolish person, as the more he tries to help you the more damage he causes. 3) A miser, as he shall waste your precious time. 4) A coward, as he cannot be trusted and might abandon you at the most critical period. 5) The hypocrite, as he shall leave you in order to gain one morsel.

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HARAM IS HARMFUL According to the teachings of Allah and His Messenger , anyone who is nourished with haram food shall not enter Paradise. Therefore save your children from Hellfire by providing them with lawful

nourishment. He who eats haram shall be inclined towards forbidden things. Consequently his grave shall become a pit of Hell. Those who are inwardly blind enjoy eating haram. But if a person is influenced by the holy Quran, then he will not accept haram even when it is offered to him. It is necessary to keep forbidden or doubtful food from your stomach, and obligatory to seek lawful livelihood. It is recommended that one only eats what is necessary from the lawful food, as overeating hardens the heart and creates discord in the mind. Additionally overeating weakens the memory and one becomes lazy towards worship and pursuit of knowledge;

strengthening the evil forces. If overeating halal food

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leads to this much damage, then what kind of harm would haram food bring? To seek halal livelihood is an obligation upon every Muslim. To offer worship or to seek knowledge whilst eating haram food is akin to building a beautiful structure on a rubbish heap. When you can manage a full year with a cotton shirt, and survive on two chapattis every day, then you shall have abundant halal earnings to spend on yourself. Hadrat Khwaja Baqi Billah Rahmatullah Alayhi states, Remember that the heart cannot experience contentment, focus and presence unless one eats lawful and pure food according to ones need. Even if you

worship for one thousand years, you shall not gain the purity of the soul and will not reach your high aim, unless your food is lawful. It not enough that your food is lawful but the wood, water and utensils must also be from lawful income. Whilst cooking, ones heart should be focused on Allah, and the one eating the food should reflect on his life and upon Allahs favours; as to eat a morsel without focus takes away the blessing of food.

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ETIQUETTE OF SPEECH It is better not to talk too much as it indicates lack of intellect and leads to loss of status. Hadrat Aishah narrates, That Rasul Allah was moderate in

his speech and when he spoke one could count the words. The philosopher Barzjamer states, That too much talk makes one crazy. Hadrat Ibrahim Nakhi
Rahmatullah Alayhi

narrates that Rasul Allah

stated that, The

previous nations were destroyed because of excess in three things: talking, eating and sleeping. Always talk less and listen more. Once, people asked a wise man, Why do you speak less and listen more? He replied, Because I have been granted two ears and one tongue. Hadrat Umar states, I have never had a better

friend than controlling my tongue. Think carefully before you speak, the wise ones have said, First ponder then talk, pehlay toulo phir bolo. Talk only when it is necessary and do not repeat the same thing lest people get bored of you. If someone
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mentions something in private, then do not try to hear their conversation. When addressing elders do not talk with gestures and speak in a mild manner. Keep your speech short and precise, do not talk nonsense. Do not talk about difficult matters to someone who cannot comprehend it, talk to people according to their ability.

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HOW TO WALK Do not walk too fast as it is a sign of anger and do not walk too slowly as that indicates illness. Do not sway your body like a woman and walk at a moderate pace. Do not look back again and again as it is the practice of idiots and do not always lower your head as it is a sign of depression. SOLITUDE As he said farewell, a person requested Hadrat Abi Warraq Rahmatullah Alayhi for advice, he replied, Based on my personal experience, goodness of both worlds is based on two things: Seclusion and minimum dealings with people, if you can do this then goodness stays with you. ETIQUETTE OF SLEEP When you intend to sleep then face the Qibla and lie on your right side. Reflect on the fact that sleep is similar to death.

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VIRTUES OF NAFILA WORSHIP Some nafila (voluntary) worship gives a person an extra merit (sawab) and with a little effort one attains a great reward. The following nafila prayers are highly recommended. Tayyatul Wudu When a person performs ablution and then offers two cycle of prayer it is called tayyatul wudu and this act carries a great reward according to hadith sharif. However one must not offer this prayer at forbidden times: midday, after fajr and after asr. Ishraq It is related in a hadith sharif that any person who performs fajr with jamaat and then occupies himself with the remembrance of Allah until 21 minutes after sunrise, then offers 2 or 4 cycles of prayer then he receives as much reward as if he has performed hajj or umrah.

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Awwabin Six nafals should be offered after the two sunnat of maghrib. Tahajjud When a person gets up to pray after midnight it is called tahajjud and one attains great reward. This prayer is very dear to Allah Almighty and there is great merit in it. A minimum of four units or a maximum of twelve units should be read. If time is short then two units will suffice. If a person does not have the ability to read it late at night then it can be read after isha but the reward is not the same. Perform tahajjud prayer regularly as to stay awake in the early part of the night and to fall asleep at tahajjud time is a sign of misfortune. Salatul Tasbih Rasul Allah said to his uncle Hadrat Abbas: O

Abbas, my uncle! Shall I not give you a gift? Shall I not show you something by means of which Allah will forgive your sins: the past and the present, the intentional and unintentional, the major and the minor, the hidden
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and the manifest? Rasul Allah

then taught him the

salatul tasbih, and said at the end: If you can pray it daily, do so. If not, then once every week. If you are unable to do that, then pray it once every month. If you cannot do that, then offer it once every year. And if you cannot do that, then at least read it once in your lifetime. (Narrated by Abu Dawud) The Tasbih: Subhan Allahi wal-hamdulillahi wa-la ilaha ilallahu wallahu Akbar (Glory be to Allah, all praise belongs to Allah, and there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest).

The Method The tasbih is read 75 times in each cycle (rakah), totalling 300 at the end of a 4 cycle prayer, as follows: After beginning the prayer by raising your hands and saying Allahu Akbar, recite (subhankallah) and recite the above tasbih 15 times. Then recite bismillah, sura alFatiha and another sura followed by the above tasbih10 times. Then go into the kneeling position (ruku) and after
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reciting the usual tasbih recite the above tasbih 10 times. After standing up from that position recite rabbana lakal hamd and thereafter recite the above tasbih 10 times. Then go into prostration and after reciting the usual tasbih recite the above tasbih 10 times. Then sit up from the prostration and recite the tasbih 10 times. Thereafter go into prostration again and after reciting the usual tasbih recite the above tasbih 10 times. Get up for the second cycle and start with the tasbih 15 times, then follow the same pattern. At the end of the second prostration for the second cycle you will remain seated for the tashahud (attahayatu lillahi...). Complete as normal then rise for the third cycle and start with the tasbih 15 times and follow the above pattern again in the fourth cycle, (Narrated by Abu Dawud).

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WISE COUNSELS Do not hide your genealogy and do not claim descent from other families as it is forbidden in Islam. To label a Muslim a disbeliever (kafir) is worse than murder. There is a severe warning in the Shariah for such an act: Rasul Allah stated that, Anyone who calls his brother kafir, this word shall return to one of them (make him a kafir). It is also a grave sin to curse a Muslim. Do not sit alone with a strange woman. The Devil is your eternal enemy and he might destroy you by making you commit a major sin. Do not consider something that has been forbidden by Allah Almighty as lawful otherwise you shall commit disbelief. Therefore stay away from forbidden matters. Every matter that a novice on the spiritual path sees in a dream, vision, inspiration and

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meditation should be tested with the Book and the Sunnah and if it in accordance then believe it, otherwise consider it as a whispering of the Devil. To consider any sin whether major or minor lawful or to treat it lightly and to make fun of the Shariah amounts to disbelief. To tell jokes using words of disbelief, to believe the predictions of the astrologers and to lose hope in Allahs mercy also amounts to disbelief. The miracles of the saints are true but no matter how high ranking the saint is he can never equal a prophet. Do not praise a Muslim brother to his face as it might cause his ego to rebel and he might become obsessed with self pride and glory. Be kind to your neighbours so that your Lord becomes happy with you. Try to safeguard the rights of your neighbours as much as possible. Do not solely act upon the advice of women as they are not necessarily wise.
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 If you become angry then try to control yourself as anger is from the Devil. However to be angry for the sake of your Faith is commendable. In every situation fear Allah and obey His commands. To conceal someones faults is a virtuous act. Do not break ties of kinship with your relatives even if they cause you problems. The perfection of a Darwish is that he should be independent of all else but Allah and have no desire in his heart for support from anyone else. Do not seek anything from Allah, except Allah. Keep your gaze on your feet and remember Allah as you walk. The day which is spent in neglect shall be a source of regret on the Day of Judgement. Durud Sharif is a great gift for the Believers and superior to all other litanies.

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 He is superior who does not consider himself superior. When one thinks highly of himself than his greatness departs. The real saints are those who do not view their sainthood and he who considers himself a saint than his sainthood departs. Spiritual poverty (faqr) is a trust from Allah and as long as the person hides it, he keeps the trust. But when he discloses this trust it leaves him as does spiritual poverty. If one accepts the Divine will happily then he is patience otherwise one is far from the rank of patience. A saint (wali) can never be a polytheist (mushrik) and a mushrik can never be a wali. It is difficult to find pearls and even more difficult to find the Friends of Allah. The one who hurts his parents his prayers, fasting, charity and pilgrimage shall not save him from Hellfire. To deny Hadith is to deny the Quran and one who denies the Quran loses his faith.
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 Illness is a warning for a person. Sufism from beginning to end is nothing but good manners. When asr time begins then read four units of Sunnat, the Prophet has mentioned the

virtues of these four Sunnat. A person visited Shuyab ibn Harb

Rahmatullah Alayhi

and expressed his desire to stay with him. He replied, My friend, servant hood requires unity and anyone who does enjoy intimacy with Allah in solitude than he shall never have enjoyment in anything of the world.

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COUNSELS OF SHAYKH DHUNUN AL-MISIRI Rahmatullah Alayhi He states that six things corrupt peoples deeds: 1) Weak intention for the actions for the hereafter. 2) Slavery to the Ego. 3) Delusions. 4) Preferring peoples pleasure above Allahs pleasure. 5) Observance of ones own opinion above the teachings of the Prophet . 6) To cite the mistakes of earlier people as examples to justify ones bad actions.

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THREE DANGEROUS TRAITS 1) Arrogance (takabbar) 2) Envy (hassad) 3) Pride (ujab) Ujab means to be proud. Hassad means to wish evil for others so they suffer loss and takabbar means to be arrogant. Indeed, Allah likes to see the trait in His servants that He does not have which is humility and pride is the cloak of Allah which does not befit a human being. One can remove these three harmful things by acts of kindness and good deeds. Takabbar is known as the mother of all illnesses and has defeated many renowned people indeed. Many spiritual people have fallen prey to this dangerous illness. May Allah protect us from pride, amin.

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DHIKR The seeker on the spiritual path should perform abundant dhikr and sit in seclusion and make dhikr with the rosary. Nothing can be achieved by just day dreaming. Action requires passion. Make abundant dhikr on the heart so that you awaken from your slumber. A follower asked his master, Make my heart perform dhikr. The Master replied, This matter is not like a grain that I can fill your lap. Indeed, this requires effort; from thought to the heart and from the heart to the Throne of Allah, focus on the point that outpourings are coming from the Throne to your heart. Make dhikr as long as you are alive.

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DISEASE OF THE HEART The disease of the heart is a very dangerous illness and numerous people suffer from it. The ratio of healthy and unhealthy might be one out of a thousand but the ratio of those people who suffer from the disease of the heart is 99.9%. Remember only he who has a healthy heart shall be saved. The sign of ill health is loss of appetite and the sign of illness of the heart is lack of passion for the remembrance of Allah. As one cannot survive without food similarly the heart cannot remain healthy without the passion and remembrance for Allah. Contentment comes from Allahs remembrance and through remembrance the heart gains strength. Anyone who does not spend his life in Allahs remembrance, his heart is dead. A healthy heart leads to a healthy body and increases desire for sincere and pious deeds. The best method of curing the heart is to make abundant dhikr of Allah. There are certain cures for specific ailments of the heart, try to understand and implement these rules and attain benefit.
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OVEREATING AND ITS CURE Overeating leads to many sins. One must be mindful of these traps, one must not get used to eating tasty dishes. However having a tasty meal occasionally is fine. Avoid haram (unlawful food) as any person that is fed on haram shall not enter paradise. If a person is fed haram during his/her childhood then the sin is upon the parents. However in adulthood a person is responsible for ones own actions. Do not overeat and leave some room in your stomach, there are many benefits in this act. The heart stays healthy and is able to thank Allah for His favours. It increases love for Allah. The heart softens which leads to enjoyment in both supplications and dhikr. It pains the carnal soul and reminds it of Allahs punishment and thus it avoids sins. It decreases the passion for sin. A person feels light, less sleepy and is able to perform Tahajjud and other prayers.
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One shows mercy to the hungry and the destitute and feels compassion for other people.

CURE FOR THE HEART Hadrat Ibrahim Khawass Rahmatullah Alayhi was a great Awliya and he stated that five things can cure the heart: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) To read the Holy Quran with contemplation. To stay hungry. To read tahajjud at night. To weep before Allah at early dawn. To adopt the company of the pious.

THREE DONTS It is imperative for you to avoid three things: 1) Lying 2) Deceit 3) Backbiting

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CONSULS OF HADRAT MUJADDID ALF THANI Rahmatullah Alayhi Letter Dear son (daughter), free time is a great opportunity and it should not be wasted in pursuit of useless activities. Indeed, all free time should be spent in acts that please Allah, the Glorious, and the most High. Perform all five prayers in congregation with devotion and serenity, and offer tahajjud (early dawn prayer) as well. Do not forget to seek forgiveness at early dawn, and do not oversleep or over indulge in the pleasures of the flesh. Make remembrance of death and matters relating to it your objective. In short, turn away from the world and towards the Hereafter. Reduce worldly affairs to the minimum. Spend all your time in preparation for the Hereafter. In summary, your heart should be free from all else except Allah and your outer appearance should be adorned with the Shariah.
Kar in hast wa ghyar az in hame hech, This is what really matters all else is futile.

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(Maktubat Sharif, Letter Number 31, Volume Two) Free Time Today when you have free time and possess the things that your heart desires, dont delay things for tomorrow. The best age is the age of youth, and one should stay busy with the best acts: worship and obedience to Allah. One should avoid things which are either forbidden or doubtful in the Shariah, and must offer the five prayers in congregation. And pay the zakah (poor due), if one has the means to do so, as it is a necessity in Islam. One should pay (zakah) gladly, indeed one should be grateful to Allah for such an opportunity. The ulama (scholars) state that to insist on small sins, leads one to big sins, and to insist on major sins can lead to disbelief, may Allah Almighty protect us from this, (Maktubat Sharif, Number 96, Volume One). Youth What wonderful gift it is from Allah that one is granted the chance to repent in youth, and then is made
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steadfast. All the gifts in the world cannot compare with this one grant. It is correct to compare this one gift to morning dew, and the rest to river water as this one gift leads to Allahs pleasure. Of all the gifts in this world or the next, the pleasure of Allah is the highest and greatest gift. Sow Now, Reap Later Allah has made this world as the planting field for the Hereafter. That person is indeed unfortunate who eats all the seed and plants nothing in the fertile earth; failing to turn one seed into hundreds of seeds. And saves nothing for the day when, a brother shall run from a brother, and a mother shall forsake her son. Such a person is a loser in both worlds, and shall have nothing but remorse and regret. Dear Beloved, time is a sword that cuts. Who knows whether one shall see tomorrow or not? One should carry out the necessary work today, and leave the unnecessary work for tomorrow. Such is the view of the intellect which focuses on the Hereafter, but the intellect

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which merely focuses on the material world thinks otherwise. Be With Allah, Always All deeds depend on the heart, and if the heart is entangled with other than Allah, then it is ruined and destroyed. Merely carrying out practices as a custom, is of no benefit. It is necessary to protect your heart from other than Allah, and perform good deeds. Without physically performing pious deeds, it is foolish to claim that the heart is sound. As it is not possible in the world to think of a body without a spirit, similarly it is impossible to protect the heart without pious deeds. Many heretics in this time claim such, may Allah save us from such false beliefs by the grace of His Beloved . (Maktubat Sharif, Letter Number 39, Volume One). Keep Away From the Fat Cats Association with the people of the world is a poison, and anyone who drinks this poison falls into an everlasting slumber. For an intelligent person, a hint is sufficient, let alone constant reminder and overstatement
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of the fact. The tasty morsel from the kings court increases the disease of the heart. Run away from them more than the lion. As a lion only takes your life and does not destroy your Hereafter, but association with kings and rulers can cause an everlasting damage. Therefore avoid their company, shun their tasty dishes and even avoid seeing them. Real Illness When a noble and fortunate person suffers from some physical ailments, and if any of his limbs are in pain, then every effort is made to cure the illness. Yet no effort is made to cure the illness of the heart (which means to be attached to other than Allah), despite the fact that it has reached a critical stage and it is possible that it might put one to an everlasting sleep; condemning one to eternal punishment. Indeed, very little effort is made to remove the illness. If a person is unaware of the illness, then he is a complete fool and if he is aware and does nothing to cure it, then he is a stupid person.

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Importance of the Sunnah An important advice is to make the Sunnah of the Prophet an obligation upon oneself, as without it salvation is impossible. Dont give any thought to the world; its adornments and decorations. As in Allahs sight, this world is despised and detested. Before Allah, this world has no value. The people of Allah should be more pleased at the lack of it, as its temporal nature and betrayal is well observed and documented. One should learn a lesson from the lives of previous people who loved the world. May Allah grant us and you the ability to follow the path of the Prophet . Three Aspects of Islamic Law The Shariah has three parts: a) knowledge, b) action, c) sincerity. Unless all three elements are in place, the Shariah cannot be considered complete. And when the Shariah is attained, then Allahs pleasure is obtained; the greatest blessing in the both worlds. Always occupy yourself in dhikr, and every action which is done in the light of the Shariah is dhikr, even buying

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and selling. Hence one must be mindful to perform all movements in line with the Shariah; turning every action into dhikr. One must be careful that what one eats is legal, and it is not proper to eat food from an unlawful source; paying heed to what is permissible and what is forbidden in the Shariah. The best of all good deeds is to spread the Shariah. To implement one act of Shariah when its signs are being demolished, is more praiseworthy in the sight of Allah than spending millions of rupees. As spreading the teachings of the Shariah is the work of the prophets, peace be upon them. And it is evident, that the ability to do great deeds is granted to the prophets, whereas the ability to spend wealth is given to ordinary people. In the Naqshbandiyya Tariqat spiritual progress is dependent on the observance of the Shariah. Although Hadrat Mujaddid
Rahmatullah Alayhi

used to give

initiation in the Qadiriyya and Chishtiyya, his main influence came from the Naqshbandiyya. He took utmost care in following the Shariah, and advised his
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companions to strictly follow the Sunnah and study matters of fiqh with great care. Even though he was an expert in matters of fiqh he always carried the leading books of fiqh with him, whether at home or travelling. If the Jurists disagreed about a matter, whether it was permissible or not, he would avoid such an act; thus completely leaving what is ambiguous. He would say there is no greater excellence than following the Sunnah of the Prophet . He would state that, whatever little I have achieved has been through following of the Sunnah. Virtue of Namaz O Beloved, the world is a place of action and the Hereafter is a place of reward. Therefore one must keep busy in doing good acts. The best act is to establish namaz, as it is the pillar of the din and the ascension of the Believer. Therefore one must take utmost care in its performance; keeping its conditions and etiquette. Repeatedly I have overstated the need to perform it with contentment and concentration. Fulfil these

requirements, as many warnings have been made to

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people regarding this. If the namaz is sound then there is hope for salvation, as the din has been established and the ascent to ascension has reached its peak. Special Time That special time that the Prophet enjoyed,

referred to as I have a time with Allah, was during the namaz, according to this faqir. . It is namaz which wipes away sins; it is namaz which prevents one from obscene and forbidden things. It is namaz in which the Prophet used to seek solace, as he stated: O Bilal, bring me comfort. Namaz is the pillar of the din and the thing which separates Islam and disbelief. Real Progress Progress and development is dependent upon piety, the details of this summary is as follows: a) To fulfil the commands b) To avoid what it forbidden The Angels accompany a person in matters of commands. If success was dependent on merely
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following commands, then the angels would progress but is not possible for them to avoid the forbidden matters. As they are sinless by nature and so they cannot disobey, therefore there is no need to stop them from forbidden matters. Hence it is necessary that progress is linked with the second part, and this avoidance is nothing but going against your egos desires. Indeed the Shariah has come to remove obedience to the ego and following wrong customs. It is the ego which leads one to commit what is forbidden, or indulge in useless activity, which ultimately leads to forbidden things. Therefore to avoiding both the forbidden and useless things, is in reality opposing the ego. Problems! Do not be disturbed due to worldly problems or other complications. These situations are not such that a person need lose hope. This world is temporary and shall end; one must occupy ones self in this world with actions that are pleasing to Allah, whether it is a life of hardship or ease. No one but Allah is worthy of being desired.
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Your daily provision is fixed. Consider that sufficient and focus on the real work. Do not use it as means of gaining more wealth. That way it leads to a never ending spiral, and to have endless desire whilst being a Darwish amounts to disbelief. The Blessing of Ramadan The month of Ramadan is a very blessed month. The nafila prayers that are offered in this month are equal to fard of other months. And performing fard in this month is equal to seventy fard in other months. If a person has the ability to give charity and perform pious deeds in this month, then this ability shall last throughout the year. It is Sunnah to break the fast straightaway and to delay the Sehri. To complete a Quran and read the tarawih is an established Sunnah. In the Hadith Sharif it is narrated that when one of you opens a fast, he should open it with a date as this is more blessed. Stay Close to the Awliya Know that sweeping the quarters of the Awliya, is far better than attaining high position amongst the
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wealthy people. Whether you understand this today or not, you certainly will in the Hereafter, but then it will be too late. The desire for lavish clothes and tasty food has misled you. It is still not too late, concentrate on your real purpose and do things which are pleasing to Allah; avoid things that become an obstacle on His path. O Brother, you have become disillusioned with the company of the Awliya, and have become an acquaintance of the wealthy. This is a very bad thing that you have done. If you lack insight today then tomorrow it shall not be the case, but then there is nothing but remorse and regret. It was my obligation to inform you. Good Manners with the Master One must reflect that in order to gain this despicable world, so many etiquettes are required, then what about things that lead to Allah, how much more care is needed in that. Therefore as much as possible, the murid (disciple) should not stand where his shadow would fall on his murshid (master) or his clothes. He should not step on the prayer mat of his murshid, and or

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perform wudu where he (master) performs wudu. He (murid) should not use his (murshid) particular utensils, he should not eat in his company or converse with anyone in his presence, and indeed he should not pay any attention to anyone else. In the absence of the murshid, he should not spread his feet or spit in that direction. He should consider what the murshid does as correct, even if it seems contrary. As whatever the murshid does is based on inspiration therefore one cannot object. Khatam Sharif It is a source of great blessing to read the Khatam Sharif of Hadrat Mujaddid Alf Thani Rahmatullah Alayhi and send him the merit, the Khatam is as follows: Durud Sharif 100 times La hawla wala quwata illah billah 500 times Durud Sharif 100 times

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THE IMPORTANCE OF C ONNECTION WITH THE SHAYKH AND THE SPIRITUAL CENTRE

The murid (novice) has two very dangerous enemies; firstly the Ego, and secondly the Devil. In order to protect oneself from the trickery and deception of these two enemies, two things are essential; a) abundant dhikr and b) connection with the Shaykh which acts as the Red Sulphur. The role of the Shaykh is akin to a shelter that provides coolness and refuge, for the murid. The pious people state, The shade of the Master is part of dhikr of Allah. The role of the Shaykh is like a magnet whilst the position of the murid is like a piece of metal. The piece of metal kept near a magnet attains magnetic properties and acts as a magnet for other pieces of metal. Similarly when a murid spends time with the Shaykh, his heart becomes magnetic with Divine love and hence it becomes easier to save oneself from the Ego and the Devil.

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When the sun rises it burns and dries the filth from the earth. According to the Jurists the piece of earth on which rays of the sun have fallen, and as long as no filth is visible, that area is classified as clean. In a similar manner, when the heart of the murid is full of filth of sins and lust then the Shaykhs heart sends rays to his heart and removes the filth. The flowers and plants take the rays from the sun for their development. The heart of the murid is like a flower and the Shaykhs heart sends light to it and helps it grow. The plant which sprouts by itself is often ugly and crooked, but the plant which is monitored by a gardener is both straight and beautiful. Likewise, the murid who spends time in the association with the Shaykh, has his crookedness straightened. The training by the Shaykh creates good characteristics in the murid. Subsequently, the murid becomes polite and considerate, and develops into a good individual in the society. Faith is nothing but good manners

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The person who sells colour is termed a colour seller, and the one who dyes clothes is called a Dyer. The Quran and the Sunnah are the colour and the religious scholars are sellers, and the Shayukh are the dyers. When a murid stays in the company and service of the Shayukh, then he is dyed in Allahs colour. (We take our) colour from Allah, and who is better than Allah at colouring, (2:138).
Stop being hypocritical and become sincere, Either totally become wax or be a stone.

If the murid leaves the company of the heedless and joins the company of the Shaykh, then it is as if he has become friends with a perfume seller. Either he shall obtain perfume or at least have the nice smell. But the example of bad company is like friendship with a Blacksmith, even if you are not burnt, you shall still smell of black smoke.
If you go with the smell of perfume, Then one day you shall come drenched in perfume.

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However if you go towards the fire, Then one day you shall burn your clothes. I accept that you kept your clothes safe, But you still felt the heat of the fire.

Some trees produce fruit that is small and tasteless. But evidence suggests that if you graft this tree with another tree, then it grows much bigger and tastier fruit. In the same manner the murid is a like fruitless tree, and when he is spiritually grafted with the Shaykh, then he produces the fruits of abundant good deeds.
In good company flowers fell into my lap, But the opposite happened in bad company.

Imam-e Rabbani Hadrat Mujaddid Alf Thani writes,

Rahmatullah Alayhi

There is little time and one must spend that time in worthy pursuits. That is to be in the presence of the Pious People, as there is nothing better than good association. Do you not see that the Companions of the Prophet are superior to all others except the prophets,

due to association, even if those people were Awais al64

Qarni and Umar Marwani (Hadrat Umar ibn Abd alAziz); although these two individuals reached perfection on each stage, with the exception of association with the Prophet . It is for this reason, that due to the blessing of the association with the Prophet , Hadrat Amir Muawiyas fault is better than the good deeds of these two. And the mistake of Umar ibn al-As, is better than the mistakes and good deeds of these two. As the Companions faith was based on witnessing Rasul Allah , arrival of the angels, revelation and miracles therefore no other person except the Companions has a share in this perfection. And if Awais al-Qarni knew the benefit of this association, then he would have not let any obstacle come in its way. But Allah will choose for His special Mercy whom He will- for Allah is the Lord of grace abounding, (2:105). Thus the association with a Shaykh has hundred cures for the murid. Fortunate are those murids who had complete association with the Shaykh and gained numerous benefits from it. (Letter, Number 120, Volume One)

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One day Shaykh Sadi went to the Turkish baths and saw a nice piece of clay, and then this conversation transpired, I said to it, are you musk or ambergris as I am intoxicated by your smell. It said to me, I was worthless clay but I spent some time with the Rose. That association with the Rose has transformed me; otherwise I should have remained a piece of dust. One holy person used to state, Not only should the murid keep a close contact with the Shaykh, but also his spiritual centre. He maintained, When we used to visit our Shaykhs spiritual centre in his absence, we would gain blessing from the walls. A murid should have such deep devotion for his Shaykh, that he loves the Masters residence.
I encircle the street of Leyla, Sometimes I kiss this wall and then the other. I do this not out of love for the walls, But due to my love for its inhabitant.

When the grindstone grinds, all the grains are crushed, except for those few grains which are nearest to

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the axis.. Similarly the grindstone of dunya is turning, and will crush everyone except for those few people who are closely linked with the spiritual centres. Some holy people have said, When trials and tribulations occur, then only the Awliya Allah and those who are linked with them shall remain safe.

When

an

ordinary

person

stands

at

the

crossroads, then no one gives him any respect. However, if that person wore a soldiers uniform than he would be shown respect. He who makes trouble with the soldier, invites trouble from the whole army. Likewise if a person has strong connection with the Awliya Allah, then their support is with him. Therefore the Devil is afraid to mess with such a person. That connected person is not alone, as he has the support of the Awliya behind him. It is for this reason that some people have said, Our Elders supplication has safeguarded us.

Two bricks are made from the same factory. One is placed in the toilet, and no one likes to step on the brick with naked feet, even if there no visible filth. But
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the brick that is used in the mosque, people shall happily rub their forehead upon it. What is the difference? One brick is associated with the toilet and the other with the mosque, and it is this link that makes one superior to the other.

When white paper and cardboard are bound together to make the holy Quran, then the Jurists state that, None touch it except the purified,(56:79).This not only means that do not touch the white sheets on which it is written, but also the binding cover, as it cannot be touched without ablution. See the link to the holy Quran gave honour to the cardboard. Likewise when a murid has a strong link with the Awliya, he becomes dear to Allah. Every murid should try to strengthen his link with his spiritual centre.

With the gaze of the perfect Shaykh, one achieves love for the Prophet , The love of the spiritual centre leads to Allahs nearness. FREE DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE ON http://www.noorulislam.org/
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An English compilation from al-Balagh al-Mubin,

Vol One
2012

Published on the Occasion of Hadrat Sahibs 4th Urs Sharif

Janab in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah during Ramadan

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