What is the Straight Path?

In Arabic lexis, a path around which there are dangers is called Sirat. According to shariah the straight path is called Sirat-e-Mustaqeem. Indeed, this world is like a straight path around which Satan has set traps. And he makes every effort to misguide the descendants of Adam (as).
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) has explained the straight path as follows. It is related in Sunan ibn Majah that Jabir ibn Abdullah says:

• We were with the Holy Prophet (pbuh), he drew a line on the ground. And then drew two more lines on left and right side of the previous line. He then put his finger on the middle line and said that this is the path to Allah.

It is related in Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal:

• The Holy Prophet (pbuh) put his finger on the middle line and said that this is the straight path. This is my path and the lines on the sides are paths of Satan. Try to avoid these paths.

Allah’s help and favour is required to travel the straight path and avoid satanic paths because man cannot travel this path on his own. However, it is up to him to wish for it. And this is what Allah commands.

اِہۡدِ نَا الصِّرَاطَ الۡمُسۡتَقِیۡمَ ۙ﴿۵﴾

• Show us the straight path. (1:5)

Who Does Allah Reward with Straight Path?

Allah also says: “Ask from me I will provide”. “The Almighty Allah grants this path to those who sincerely have a desire to walk on the straight path”. Allah said:

• As those who strive hard for Our cause, We certainly guide them to Our ways and verily Allah blesses the men of spiritual excellence with His companionship. (29:69)

It is clear from this verse that Allah helps and fulfils the demands of those who strive. Now it is up to the person how intensely he desires something.

Ibn Arabi says:

• The orders given to us by Allah are because of the requirement of our spiritual existence. Actually, we ourselves are our masters in Divine knowledge because knowledge is given to the knower by the Known. Whatever we demanded according to our capabilities, Allah the most munificent bestowed it. Whether it was poison or antidote, infidelity or Islam. Allah the most munificent keeps bestowing. We ourselves request and also order according to our capabilities. That is why Allah says:  فَلِلّٰہِ الۡحُجَّۃُ الۡبَالِغَۃُ  meaning “Only Allah’s is the irrefutable argument.” (6:149)

No one will be able to complain to Allah on the day of judgement. Allah will reveal the reality upon them that closeness and distance from Him is only according to their desire.

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen says:

• Destiny has nothing in hand for man. He has what he looks for in the path of Allah and he finds it.

Allah blesses the people who travel the straight path with His help. These are the people who proved rewarded by gaining Divine closeness.

The Rewarded Group

The Quran mentions four rewarded groups:

• And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (pbuh) are the people who will be in the company of those whom Allah has blessed with His favour: the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs and the most pious. (4:69)

The first group in this verse is the group of Prophets whom Allah rewards regardless. Because the chain of prophethood has ended at the Holy Prophet (pbuh), who are the people of guidance now? Who should we follow? They are the truthful, martyre and pious people whom Allah rewarded. Their path is Allah’s path. Hamid Saeed Kazmi calls these people as the perfect Saints. A perfect Saint has these three attributes:

The Truthful:

A perfect Saint is honest and always says truth. His esoteric self is clean like a mirror because of the light of truthfulness. And he is at the level of inward verification.

The Martyre:

Martyr is someone who sacrifices himself while travelling the straight path. And the person who dies while travelling it is also a martyr. A perfect Saint’s whole life is on the straight path. No matter how many obstacles are in his path, he never refrains from raising the voice of truth.

The Pious:

The Saints and Fakirs are righteous people and loving them is in fact loving Allah. Because their inwards are filled with Divine love.

It is in Mirat-ul-Arifeen:

• These are the people whose self has annihilated in the fire of love for Allah and the Holy Prophet (pbuh). They have reached their true reality i.e. the Mohammadan Reality. And now Mohammadan Light is their reality.

Saints and Fakirs and the Straight Path

Some people think the Saints’ and Fakirs’ path is different from that of Prophets and refuse to follow it whereas it is not the case.

Fakirs’ path is the same as Allah’s and His Prophet (pbuh)’s and the Holy Quran has ordered to follow it. Allah says:

• O believers! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (pbuh) and those who hold command amongst you. (4:59)

In this verse, “Those who hold command amongst you” are the Fakirs whose obedience is in fact the Holy Prophet (pbuh)’s obedience and his obedience is in fact Allah’s obedience. These Fakirs are vicegerents of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Their obedience is compulsory.

• It is related from Abu Hurairah (ra) that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Know! There will be no Prophet after me” the Holy Companions asked O prophet! Then who will guide the mankind? The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said “My spiritual successors will guide and then their spiritual successors will guide. So whomever you find on the true path, pledge allegiance to him and fulfil it. And if you find anyone has strayed from the true path, fulfil their right upon you and ask Allah for yours.

Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani says:

• As Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) is not physically present for you to follow so when you follow the sacred men who are his perfect followers and have always obeyed him steadfastly, it is as if you have followed the Prophet (pbuh). Seeing them is like seeing him. (Al-Fath ar-Rabbani, Section-14)

Whoever wants to traverse the straight path should attach themselves to the Fakirs and perfect Saints and follow their path. The path of these rewarded people is the straight path.

Allah’s True Reward for the Straight Path

Many people misunderstand and think that money, offspring, health, fame, etc. are the rewards of Allah but this is not true. These are all just Allah’s kindness for His creation. Allah provides these blessing to even those who do not believe in Him or commit polytheism.

His true reward is Divine gnosis, closeness and vision. This special reward is for the people who love Allah, whose inwards are filled with Divine light, on whom Allah’s beauty has spread and they have reached the level of immortality with Allah and annihilation in Allah by annihilating their self. They are the people about whom it is said that if you see them you see Allah, if you feed them you feed Allah and whoever sat beside them sat beside Allah. These are the people who light up inwards, none of their breaths is without Allah’s remembrance. This is the rope Allah has said to grasp.

Conclusion:

It is important to associate with the perfect spiritual guide to walk the straight path. The straight path is the path of Divine gnosis and closeness which is accomplished through the Fakirs. Finding the perfect spiritual guide is actually help from Allah.

اندرین عالم نیرزی باخسے

تا نی آویزی بہ دامانِ کسے

Explanation: You do not have any worth in this world unless you associate yourself with the perfect spiritual guide.

Following the perfect spiritual guide guarantees forgiveness because travelling any path without the guide is traveling in error. Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen is present today as the perfect spiritual guide of this era. Whoever wants to travel the straight path should know that no other way is correct. He grants Ism-e-Allah Zaat daily without allegiance and austerity and hard work. It is an open invitation to everyone to come and associate themselves with him and become a part of the rewarded group. May Allah help us travel the straight path. Ameen.

Questions:

Q.1 What is the straight path?

Ans. The straight path is the path of Divine gnosis and closeness which is reached through the Fakirs.

Q.2 Who can help travel the straight path?

Ans. It is important to associate with the perfect spiritual guide to walk the straight path. Finding the perfect spiritual guide is actually help from Allah. Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen is present today as the perfect spiritual guide of this era.

This blog is English translation of an Urdu article of the magazine “Mahnama Sultan-ul-Faqr Lahore” for the month of February, 2022. The title of the Urdu article is:

Sirat e Mustaqeem ksy kehte hain? (صراط مستقیم کسے کہتے ہیں؟ ).

Originally penned by Faqiha Sabir Sarwari Qadri from Lahore is presently in English by Mohammad Bin Moghees Sarwari Qadri, exclusively for websites.

Abu Bakr Siddiq

The Pinnacle of Ardent Love and Truthfulness

“Abu Bakr Siddiq ’s love and gratitude towards him is compulsory for my umma.” (Daylami, al-Khatib al-Baghdadi)

The Companions are the elevated people who met the Holy Prophet sall’Allahu alayhi wa’alihi wasallam whilst believing in him, benefitted from his company and died as his followers. Although all Companions are august and eminent and are most glorious amongst umma. However, four of them are known as Rightly Guided Caliphs or Rashidun Caliphs. The first Caliph is Abu Bakr Siddiq razi Allah anhu who is so exalted in spiritual ranks that he is titled as the leader of the pious, the man of perfect faith, the commander of men of separation and isolation, the comrade of the Prophet, the leader of the truthful and best amongst mankind after Prophets. He is the first among men to embrace Islam.

Virtues of Abu Bakr Siddiq

The Holy Prophet sall’Allahu alayhi wa’alihi wasallam said:

• The superiority of Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) is not because of his extensive prayers, recitations or fasting rather it is because of a great thing in his inward (love for the Prophet).

It is a saying of the Holy Prophet:

• Whosoever I invited towards Islam at first showed reluctance and hesitance but when I invited Abu Bakr al-Siddiq he accepted it immediately without hesitation. Will you stop persecuting my friend for me? I said: O people! I am a messenger from Allah to you all. You all denied me, but Abu Bakr Siddiq verified me. (Bukhari)

Prophet Mohammad said to Abu Bakr Siddiq:

• You are my companion of the river (of al-Kawthar) and you are my companion of the cave (of Hira). (Tirmidhi :3670)

The Holy Prophet sall’Allahu alayhi wa’alihi wasallam said:

• There was not a Prophet except that he had two viziers from the heavens and two from earth. My two viziers from the heavens are Angel Gabriel and Angel Michael and two from the earth are Abu Bakr and Umar.” (Tirmidhi 3680)

Such grandeur and majesty of Abu Bakr Siddiq was due to the fact that he was a reflection of morals of Prophet Mohammad. The following Hadith confirms just that:

• Whatsoever Allah bestowed upon my inward, I bestowed it upon the inward of Abu Bakr Siddiq.

Abu Bakr al-Siddiq was the beloved of Holy Prophet. This is because he had sacrificed his life, wealth, family, ranks and power for his beloved Prophet.

Merits of Abu Bakr Siddiq in words of Shah Waliullah Dehlvi

Shah Waliullah Dehlvi writes that there are four grounds of the Abu Bakr Siddiq’s excellence:

1. Attaining most exalted rank among umma. i.e., he was at the highest level of truthfulness.
2. His unprecedented support to beloved Prophet from the very first day.
3. He completed all pending tasks of prophecy.
4. Extreme level of eminence on the Judgment Day as the following Hadith of the Prophet indicates:

• There is no one whose favor I have not repaid except Abu Bakr whose recompense is due. Verily! Allah will repay him on the Judgment Day. (Tirmidhi 3661)

Grandeur of Abu Bakr Siddiq

The Holy Quran ranks the truthful as second to the Prophets and Mohammadan umma as the best umma. Abu Bakr Siddiq is the leader of the truthful of umma.

While describing the grandeur of Abu Bakr Siddiq, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen writes:

The first Caliph Abu Bakr as-Siddiq is the shining star of the Sun of Prophethood. He is so exalted in prestige that he is titled as the leader of the pious, the commander of men of separation and isolation, the man of perfect faith, the comrade of the Prophet, the leader of the truthful and best amongst mankind after Prophets. No Saint can reach the glory and eminence of Abu Bakr Siddiq. His life is a beacon of the path for Allah’s seekers. (Khulfa-e-Rashideen)

 All Companions of Prophet Mohammad were the embodiment of love, utter devotion, sincerity and selflessness. They would not let the ablution water of the Prophet fall on ground. In the rain of arrows, they stood in front of the Prophet to protect him. Sacrificing lives and wealth for the beloved was their very desire and achieving a look of his affection was the aim of their life. From tears to smiles they had engraved every single act of the Prophet’s life in the book of minds. They all were the stars on the sky of love but the zeal of love and sincerity which is seen in Abu Bakr as-Siddiq is unseen in the annals of love. He was the supreme light of the sky of love, the first manifestation of the light of Prophethood.

Birth of Abu Bakr Siddiq

Abu Bakr Siddiq’s birth name was Abdulkaaba meaning ‘servant of Kaaba’. Preceding his conversion to Islam, Prophet Mohammad sall’Allahu alayhi wa’alihi wasallam named him Abdullah. His filial appellation is Abu Bakr, and he was from the clan of Banu Taym. His lineage goes back to Holy Prophet in the sixth generation.

Who is Abu Bakr Siddiq?

Abu Bakr’s full name was Abdullah ibn Abu Quhafa Uthman ibn Amir ibn Amr ibn Ka’b ibn Sa’d ibn Taym ibn Murrah ibn Ka’b ibn Lu’ay ibn Ghalib. Upon reaching Marah ibn Ka’b, his lineage goes back to the Holy Prophet. His father’s name was Uthman ibn Amir better known with his filial appellation Abu Quhafa. He converted to Islam at the age of ninety during the conquest of Makkah and died during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab. Abu Bakr Siddiq’s mother Salma bint Sakhar also belonged to the clan of Banu Taym. He was born two and a half years after the Year of the Elephant and hence was two and half years younger than the Prophet. (Khulfa-e-Rashideen)

Abu Bakr – Early Life

The environment in which Abu Bakr Siddiq opened his eyes was the age of disbelief, polytheism and immorality. When he turned four years old, his father Abu Quhafa led him to the chamber of idols and pointed to the biggest idol installed there and said to him, “This is your exalted God, prostrate before him.”

Little Abu Bakr advanced towards the idol and said:

“I am hungry, give me food. I am naked, give me clothes.”

Upon not getting an answer from the idol he struck it and knocked it down. Seeing this his father slapped him and dragged him home to his mother. The mother hugged her son and said to Abu Quhafa:

“Leave him alone! When he was born, I was told many good things about him from the unseen.” Thereafter he was not forced for idol-worshiping and remained pure of polytheism.

Acceptance of Islam

When Holy Prophet announced his Prophethood, the very first few sacred personalities who respond to his call and embraced Islam were Khadija bint Khuwaylid, Abu Bakr Siddiq, Ali ibn Abi Talib and Zayd ibn Harithah.

Oppression of Quraish on invitation to Islam

When the Messenger of Allah began the preaching of Islam openly, the infidels intensified their opposition. Despite this Abu Bakr Siddiq wished to call people openly to Islam. Although the infidels were in majority and Muslims were only thirty-nine, Abu Bakr Siddiq still expressed his desire to preach Islam publicly. Even though the Prophet prohibited him at first, but gave his consent when Abu Bakr insisted. He went to Masjid al-Haram with the Holy Prophet to preach. There he stood among people and began delivering sermon. Thus, Abu Bakr Siddiq was the first ever orator to call people towards Allah and his Prophet. In a fit of fury, the disbelievers pounced upon Abu Bakr Siddiq and began beating him so savagely that he fell unconscious. They left no stone unturned in killing Abu Bakr Siddiq. When they felt that he had died, they left him.

The fervent love of Abu Bakr for the Prophet

When members of the Banu Taym found out they carried him to his house. After mutual consultation they decided to take revenge. Abu Bakr Siddiq was still alive. His father, mother and family members were waiting for him to regain consciousness. However, when he opened his eyes the first words which came to his tongue were:

“How is the Holy Prophet?”

Hearing this the whole family got angry and left him.

When his mother insisted him to eat or drink anything, he would reply:

“I will not eat or drink anything until I hear about the well-being of my beloved.”

Seeing the plight of her darling son she said:

“By Allah I am not aware of your friend’s well-being.” On that he asked his mother to go to Fatima bint al-Khattab and inquire her about the Holy Prophet.

She went to her and explained the situation. Since Fatima bint al-Khattab was ordered to keep her faith a secret, so she said:

“I do not know Abu Bakr Siddiq and his friend Mohammad ibn Abdullah. However, if you want, I will go with you to your son.”

When Fatima bint al-Khattab came to Abu Bakr Siddiq along with his mother, she could not control her emotions seeing his condition and said:

“I hope that Allah takes your revenge from them.” On that Abu Bakr Siddiq said:

“Leave that and tell me how is Prophet Mohammad?”

She gestured that his mother was listening. Till that time Abu Bakr Siddiq’s mother had not accepted Islam.

Abu Bakr Siddiq said:

“Do not worry about her and tell me.” She then said.

“The Holy Prophet is safe and fine.” He asked:

“Where is he?”

She replied:

“Prophet Mohammad is at the house of al-Arqam (a house of the Companion al-Arqam ibn Abi al-Arqam which was selected as a safe place for early Muslims to meet, pray and learn about Islam).”

Hearing this Abu Bakr Siddiq insisted to go see his beloved Prophet.

Therefore, they took him to the house of al-Arqam. When Holy Prophet saw his lover coming, he stepped forward and held him. Seeing the grief-stricken condition of his consoler, Prophet Mohammad’s eyes welled up in tears. Abu Bakr Siddiq requested the Prophet to pray for his mother. The Holy Prophet prayed for her, and she embraced Islam.

Preferring the life of beloved over his own life

Mohammad ibn Sirin says:

When Abu Bakr was walking with Prophet Mohammad towards the Cave of Thawr, he would sometimes walk in front of Holy Prophet and sometimes behind him. Prophet Mohammad asked:

“Why do you walk like that?” He responded:

“When I think about people finding us then I walk behind you and when I think of enemies lying in wait then I start walking in front of you to protect you from any danger.”

The Prophet asked:

“Would you want to die ahead of me in case of danger?  Said Abu Bakr:

“By Allah! That is my wish!”

Once someone asked Abu Bakr Siddiq:

“What do you like the most in the world? He instantly replied:

“I like to see the sacred face of the Holy Prophet the most.”

Characteristics of Abu Bakr Siddiq

Allah blessed Abu Bakr Siddiq with numerous qualities. No one was given the title of Siddiq except him. He accompanied the Prophet in the cave, and also during the migration. The Holy Prophet appointed him to lead the prayers while all other Companions were present. Abu Bakr Siddiq was an advisor to the Holy Prophet. He used to consult him in all matters. He is second who accepted Islam, second in the cave, second in the camp on the day of the battle of Badr and he is the second in the shrine as well. Holy Prophet always preferred him over others.

Abu Bakr Siddique understood every gesture of the Holy Prophet. Seekers of Allah should also be so devoted to their spiritual guide that they submit to his every command and leave no stone unturned in carrying out his orders.

Sacrificing everything for the beloved Prophet

Zayd ibn Aslam narrates a tradition from his father that he heard Umar ibn Khattab saying, “The Prophet instructed to donate in the way of Allah. I had a handsome fortune that day. I thought that it was the only opportunity to take lead from Abu Bakr Sidiq in donation. So, I brought the half of my total wealth. The Prophet asked, ‘What have you left for your family?’ I replied, ‘I have left an equal amount for them.’ Meanwhile Abu Bakr Siddiq arrived with all of his possessions. The Prophet asked him, ‘What have you left for your family?’ He replied, ‘I have left for them Allah and His Messenger’.” Umar ibn Khattab said that he could never take lead from Abu Bakr at anything. (Tirmidhi 3675)

Abu Bakr Siddiq not only sacrificed his wealth and possessions but also endured all the difficulties that befell on Muslims in the expedition of Tabuk along with Holy Prophet. Allah blessed him with the ability to fight in the way of Allah with his life and wealth for the support and victory of the religion. From battle of Badr onwards, he participated in all battles with the Holy Prophet.

Salma ibn Aku relates:

I participated in seven battles with Holy Prophet. In addition to that he sent us to nine war campaigns. Sometime Abu Bakr Sidiq would be our commander and sometime Usama ibn Zayd.

Abu Bakr’s life is a beacon of the path for Allah’s seeker

By sacrificing his wealth in Allah’s way Abu Bakr Siddiq set an example for Allah’s seeker that there should be no reluctance in spending one’s wealth in Allah’s way. He never considered his wealth as his own. Instead, always considered it Allah’s wealth. A seeker should also love his spiritual guide more than his life, wealth and family. That is the secret of success in Faqr (Sufism).

The perfect spiritual guide Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman says:

One cannot achieve Allah’s closeness until he sacrifices all that is dear to him in the way of Allah. And in agonies his loyalty and faith in his spiritual guide does not falter even a bit. (Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen)

Abu Bakr Siddiq’s love for the Prophet was matchless. He was a reflection of morals of Prophet Mohammad. Among men he was the first one to embrace Islam. He was the first one to name the Holy Quran as Mushaf and also the first one to compile it. The first person to fight with the disbelievers of Quraish in support of the Holy Prophet and to endure sufferings was Abu Bakr Siddiq razi Allah anhu. He was also the first to establish Bayt-al-mal (public treasury). First of all, he laid down four principles of jihad and inference.

Abu Bakr – the first Muslim Caliph

Prophet Mohammad during his terminal disease instructed Abu Bakr razi Allah anhu to lead the prayer at Nabvi mosque. On Monday 12th Rabi al-awwal 11 AH, the Holy Prophet departed from this world and Muslims pledged allegiance of caliphate on the hands of Abu Bakr. He conquered most of Iraq and a large part of Syria during his caliphate. Abu Bakr Siddiq died on Monday 22nd Jumada ath-thani 13 AH at the age of 63. The period of his caliphate was two years and four months. (Khulfa-e-Rashideen)

The valor, courage, strength and determination shown by Abu Bakr Sidique in his life and during his caliphate despite the perilous circumstances is unparalleled in history. Today, while the Muslim umma is in a distress condition in the face of infidels due to conspiracies, it is imperative that the Muslim rulers, scholars and people of the Muslim umma face these difficult situations with the same faith and courage following the Sunna of Abu Bakr Siddiq. May Allah bless us with the ability to strive for the revival of Islam following the virtues of Abu Bakr Siddiq. (Ameen)

Important Read

Sufi Teachings Blog

Certainty | The Light

The main goal of Allah’s worship is to attain complete certainty that He is the Creator, Lord and Provider. And that He is omnipotent and watching every physical and inward deed of man. Allah commands his people in the Holy Quran:

• And worship your Lord till you attain to the station of certainty of faith. (15:99)

Just like the stability of any relationship is based upon trust, the relationship with Allah is based upon certainty. The relationship with Allah is just as strong as the perfection of this certainty since it is faith. Certainty has such importance in Islam because faith is linked to the hidden in Islam. It is hard for man to have faith in the hidden because he, in the physical realm, believes in something after seeing, hearing, tasting it or using his other senses.

It is a hard task to reach the hidden and have certainty about it. And being certain about it without reaching it is weak faith. The Holy Quran is a physical book that is read and understood with physical senses but its guidance is only for those who have certainty about the hidden. Allah has clearly stated in the beginning of the Holy Quran:

(This is) the glorious book in which there is no chance of doubt. (It is) a guide for those who guard against evil and fear Allah. Only those who are certain in the unseen have its guidance. (2:2-3)

How to Keep Certainty Strong?

So if anything that can take a person away from Divine Closeness that was gained after extreme struggle, it is uncertainty. And if anything makes it stronger then it is certainty.

Attaining certainty is imperative for gaining gnosis of Divine Essence, but it is also crucial in normal life and worldly affairs. If someone does not believe that Allah is the bestower of all blessings, he cannot adequately thank Him. The one who does not believe that he came from Allah and to Him he must return and be answerable to Him, neither does he try to stay away from evils nor inclines towards good deeds. In that fashion a person who does not believe that it is possible to see and speak to Allah, neither do they desire for Divine Vision nor try for it. Hence stay deprived of this blessing.

What Happens to Someone Who is Uncertain?

The one who does not believe that the Holy Prophet’s life is eternal, and he listens and answers to our greetings, exalts us with his sight and helps his umma. His greetings are incomplete. Love and respect for the Holy Prophet are impure. Hence, faith is impure. Just like the person who does not believe that Holy Prophet will intercede sinners on the Day of Judgement. They are also deprived of this blessing. So certainty is such a wonderful asset that whoever has it, is as if they are the richest person. And those who are deprived of it, may have worldly possessions and worship in abundance, but in fact are the poor ones. Sultan Bahoo says:

• Understand that certainty is the foundation of love, gnosis and desire for Allah as well as of all the levels of invocation, reflection, Divine presence, spiritual inspirations, closeness of Allah, annihilation and immortality.

اصل یقین است یقین گر شود

کار تو از ہفت فلک بہ گزرد

Explanation: Certainty is the basic requirement, if you have it, your matter will surpass the seven skies. (Kaleed-ul-Tauheed Kalan)

Just like the light of knowledge, certainty is obtained gradually and it is impossible to gain it instantly. There are three stages of certainty:

1. Knowledge of Certainty
2. Eye of Certainty
3. Truth of Certainty

Knowledge of Certainty

Knowledge of Certainty is the first and weakest level of certainty. It means that man believes in something simply by hearing from others and not through research. In this case his certainty becomes very weak. Just like how ordinary Muslims believe that Allah exists simply because people told them. And due to this weak certainty they cannot escape sins and cannot worship Allah properly. This level can be right when after hearing news about something, a man develops curiosity to see it for himself. If this does not happen, then that means the man has not even reached the first level of certainty. He does not give any importance to knowledge related to Allah and has committed negligence.

Eye of Certainty

Eye of certainty is when a person sees some reality for himself. In this case his level of certainty increases significantly. His heart will research about whether the given information is true or false. This is a better level of faith when a Muslim recognizes, knows and worships Allah by seeing Him. He finds Allah close to him and watching him, and therefore tries his best to refrain from committing sins.

Truth of Certainty

Truth of certainty is not only to see the reality but to go into its depths and identify every aspect. Learn every detail of those aspects by mind and heart not only through observations but also experience. The person becomes the informant due to his reach to profundities of reality. The one who reaches the truth of certainty is the Momin who has recognized Allah within himself. He feels Allah’s reality within and knows that real doer is only Allah just like Abu Bakr Saddiq.

The three stages of certainty can be explained with one example. Someone who does not know about the ocean, no matter how much knowledge you give him about the size and depth of the ocean he will never be able to comprehend it. His knowledge about it will be completely poor. If he is intelligent and wise then he will definitely be curious to see the ocean after obtaining the knowledge. He will try to see it. When he will see the ocean he will be able to understand what the ocean is. Only then will his knowledge about the ocean’s size and depth will turn into affirmation. His heart will confirm that what was told to him was reasonably true but when he will go inside the ocean only then his knowledge will be complete.

He will know that it is much deeper than it seems from the outside. The deeper he goes, the more he discovers the hidden about the ocean. Then he will be able to convey knowledge about it to others. This is the highest level of certainty where only lovers of Allah, those who annihilate themselves in Him, Allah’s friends and Saints reach.

Importance of the Three Levels

If these three levels are in correct direction, they play a key role in the spiritual life of the seeker. Rather correction of knowledge of certainty which is considered to be the lowest and weakest level is most important. If one’s knowledge of certainty is correct, his eye of certainty is correct and truth of certainty is correct. It is like the first step of the ladder. If it is not correct and strong, reaching the top is impossible. Hence seeker should prioritize correction and strengthening of his knowledge of certainty. Accurate and authentic knowledge of Allah and Deen (Islam) should be obtained from the Holy Quran, Hadiths and sayings of Saints. Knowledge should be confirmed because not everything written in books is true.

We should never give space in heart and mind to misleading words that weaken certainty. When certainty towards Allah reaches maximum knowledge, then observations about this knowledge begin to occur. The intelligent people start getting observations very often. Certainty provides affirmation that Allah knows all about that is in the heart. He is the one who gets me out of difficult times. Provides me with food. My heart is in His hands, He gives me peace or restlessness whenever He wants. Endless observations like this increase the light of certainty and take to the level of knowledge of certainty. In the journey from knowledge of certainty to truth of certainty, man observes the real existence inside him, Mohammadan Light. He gets convinced of the fact that he is like a wave of the ocean which is Mohammadan Light. His end is to return to this ocean otherwise he will perish.

Knowledge Leads to Observations

Henceforth his knowledge gives birth to observations and observations give him strength to return to the reality. Finally, he fully gains reality of the ocean by annihilating in it in the form of a drop. He reaches the level of truth of certainty which is infinite. From this explanation we know that knowledge of certainty is the level of struggle, eye of certainty is the level of observation and truth of certainty is the level of annihilation.

Certainty is Knowledge

Sultan Bahoo says about these levels:

• Certainty is knowledge as a knowledgeable person is blessed with certainty while the ignorant is deprived of it. There are three stages of certainty which have their respective titles. First is knowledge of certainty which is the station of scholars who gain certainty through their knowledge. Second stage is eye of certainty which is the station of majdhub who behold exact Divinity and become unconscious of themselves, then they do not observe anything else in the universe. Third is the stage of truth of certainty which is to experience the amazing states of Divine closeness and becoming the beloved of Allah. The seekers of Allah who reach the station of truth of certainty and find the Truth, achieve all their objectives. They observe the truth through the Truth, achieve and learn everything through it annihilating and removing themselves from in between. (Aqal-e-Beydar)

Allah has expressed intense sorrow for those with impure certainty towards Him in Surah Al-Takathur:

• Your greed for massive wealth and the superiority complex has made you negligent (of the hereafter), until you go down to the graves. No indeed! You will soon learn. Again (you are warned.) No! Never! You will soon learn about (your end). Yes indeed! Would that you knew with the knowledge of certainty. You will surely see Hell. Then you will certainly see it with the eye of certainty. Then on that Day, you will certainly be questioned about the bounties. (102: 1-8)

All Saints have inculcated Muslims to reach these levels of certainty towards Allah level by level. So that their faith becomes perfect.

Going Towards Certainty

Ghaus-ul-Azam says:

• After researching, definitely grasp certainty because it is the real faith. Without certainty, there will be no duties performed and no struggle to go through in the world.
• Attain the reality of Islam so you can reach faith. And then clench it as hard as you can so you reach certainty. So you will start witnessing what you could not before. You will see the reality of everything. The news will become a scrutiny. This certainty will take the inward to Allah and will show that everything points to Him.
• When your faith becomes certainty and your gnosis becomes knowledge, you will become a servant of Allah.

Sultan Bahoo’s Poetry about Certainty

Sultan Bahoo states while explaining certainty:

عبادت حق ببر تا وقتِ مردن

یقین شد از یقین ایمان بردن

• Explanation: Worship the Lord till the end of your life and attain certainty because certainty guarantees perfection in faith.

یقین قرآن برو اعمال کردن

یقین آنست خود باحق سپردن

• Explanation: Certainty means to follow the entire teachings of Quran and entrust oneself to Allah.

یقین سرمایۂ ایمان نورش

یقین با معرفت قربِ حضورش

• Explanation: Certainty is the asset and light of faith, it grants the gnosis and closeness of Allah.

یقین از یک پدر یک پسر باشد

دوئی شیطان را از دل تراشد

• Explanation: Certainty should be as strong as a son is certain about his father. Such certainty ends the evil duality from the inward.

یقین دیدہ بچشم خویش بیند

کہ صحبت عارفان باہم نشیند

• Explanation: Certainty is gained when one beholds Allah with one’s own eyes. This felicity is obtained by the company of Mystics.

یقین از حق شود حق رازِ اللہ

خطی درکش بگرد لاسویٰ اللہ

• Explanation: Certainty about Allah leads to the Divine secrets. To gain certainty, exterminate everything from the inward except Allah.

یقین ببرد حضوری بے ریاضت

یقین شد از یقین صاحبِ اجازت

• Explanation: Certainty carries one to the Divine presence without any struggle. It can be acquired only from the man of certainty (the perfect spiritual guide).

کسی را شد یقین حق بحاصل

رسد حق الیقین عرفان واصل

• Explanation: Whoever is blessed with certainty, acquires the truth and becomes the Mystic one with Allah reaching the truth of certainty. (Kaleed-ul-Tauheed Kalan)

Sultan Bahoo also says:

• Know that the infidels, enemies of Islam, dissenters, kharijites and hypocrites are deprived of certainty. Certainty is purity and is related to the Truth while these wretched people are against the Quran, its injunctions, Hadiths and the Sunni way. Their belief is based on falsehood because they trust the false and filthy carrion world. While the true followers of the Holy Prophet who belong to the Sunni sect are so certain about their faith that if they do not have sustenance even for a day and someone offers them one lakh gold coins, they would never retreat from their faith because their certainty about Mohammadan faith blesses them with gnosis and closeness of Allah. (Kaleed-ul-Tauheed Kalan)
• The Arabic word for ‘certainty’ is یقین transliterated as yaqin which has four alphabets; ی (Y), ق (Q), ی(Y), ن (N). By the alphabet ی (Y), certainty makes one with Allah. With the alphabet ق (Q), certainty grants closeness of Allah. By the second ی (Y), certainty makes one with Allah. With the alphabet ن (N), certainty annihilates the inciting innerself making it naught and purifying it from the lust and sensual desires. Certainty makes one completely resigned to the will of Allah conforming to the verses;

حَسْبِیَ اللّٰہُ

Meaning: Enough for me is Allah. (9:129)

  وَکَفٰی بِاللّٰہِ

Meaning: And Allah is Sufficient. (33:39) (Kaleed-ul-Tauheed Kalan)

Real Certainty and Fake Certainty

It is very important to know after learning the importance and levels of certainty that not every certainty is real certainty and not every light is real light. Rather, most certainties cannot even be counted as real certainties and it would be better to call them misconceptions. These are the certainties or misconceptions that the Jews, Christians and infidels have on their religions and beliefs. No doubt, such certainty is absolute darkness and misguidance. Similarly, Muslims also get misguided by their own beliefs. For example, the misconception that Allah resides in one of the seven heavens. The misconception of ignoring the Holy Prophet’s (pbuh) spiritual reality and focusing on his humanity. Believing their devotions. Trusting their beliefs so much that they do not care to listen to the truth. Such misconceptions are counted as egotistic actions and take them away from the reality. Sultan Bahoo says:

• If the imperfect people claim that their certainty has carried them to the Throne, Chair, Guarded Tablet and the Pen then they are wrong. Their certainty carries them away from the gnosis and Oneness of Allah. The certainty of the truthful and Mystics engrosses them in the observation and gnosis of Allah and confers eternal presence of Mohammadan Assembly upon them. (Kaleed-ul-Tauheed Kalan)

Finding True Certainty

He says while talking about the levels of certainty:

• Whoever attains certainty, instantly achieves Divine union while the one deprived of certainty achieves nothing. There are two kinds of certainty; one is the escaping certainty that is the certainty of idol worshippers, infidels and pagans who are people of hell. Other is the affirming certainty that is to affirm لَآ اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللّٰہُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَّسُوْلُ اللّٰہِ (There is no God but Allah, Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah). Verified certainty is that which a man of verification attains through Divine persuasion. This kind of certainty is firm like a mountain, neither it shakes nor wavers or tumbles. Certainty is an attribute and form of Faqr which helps the humble seekers. It is called the sultan of One whose existence is adorned with certainty, elevates from the level of faithlessness.

Real certainty is light and light takes to Allah, how is it gained? Sultan Bahoo says:

اصل یقین است یقینِ مصطفیٰؐ

اصل یقین است یقینِ مرتضیٰ

Explanation: True certainty is that which takes you to the Holy Prophet and Ali ibn Abi Talib and grants their perfect recognition and belief in them.

یقین باشد خلاف نفس دائم

یقین با زندگی دل ہست قائم

Explanation: Certainty is gained by going against the innerself and is maintained by having the enlivened inward. (Shams-ul-Arifeen)

• The certainty that the Holy Prophet gained during Miraj at the station of two-bow length (qab qausain), the same certainty is bestowed to the immortal Mystics through the invocation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat. (Aqal-e-Beydar)

Sincerity and Verification of Certainty

• Hence, everything depends upon the sincerity and verification of the inward (certainty). How can this sincerity and verification of the inward be acquired? Through the inward invocation. And from where this invocation is obtained? From the spiritual guide who has found Divine unification. What is the quality of a perfect spiritual guide? He enlivens the inward and kills the innerself. (Ain-ul-Faqr)

What is Important for Certainty?

So, the light of certainty that connects with Allah is neither found through extreme worship nor recitals. Rather the first most important thing is awakening of love for Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) which is the life of faith. Then it is important to kill the innerself for the gain of Miraj i.e Divine Vision by attaining eternal life under the following of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Killing the innerself is killing its desires. The perfect spiritual guide helps the seeker in the fight against innerself. He not only purges his innerself but also grants him eternal life by giving invocation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat. Hence, four things are need for light of certainty: love for the Holy Prophet (pbuh), company of perfect spiritual guide, invocation and contemplation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat and getting rid of inner desires.

Now, the important thing is what we should have certainty upon in Faqr. Firstly, upon the perfection of perfect spiritual guide, his status and upon whatever he says whether you understand or not. Secondly, upon Ism-e-Allah Zaat that it is the key to Divine Vision and Closeness according to saying of Sultan Bahoo. Invocation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat with faith verifies the status of spiritual guide and opens the path of Divine Vision and Observation. Thirdly upon inward observations gained by the invocation and contemplation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat and favour of perfect spiritual guide is extremely important. Moreover, he should also be certain that the changes occurring esoterically and exoterically are by the effect of perfect spiritual guide and Ism-e-Allah Zaat.

Faith and Certainty are the Foundation

When seeker gains presence in the Mohammadan Assembly by reciting Ilm-e-Dawat. And he is blessed with conversation with Allah by waham. And reaches the extreme levels of Divine Vision. It is also extremely important to be certain that this is the bestowal of spiritual guide or else uncertainty can make him lose these blessings. To believe in the inwardly orders given by Allah and to follow them is also very crucial. The more one is certain about their inward, the more progress the inward makes and Divine proximity increases. Faith and certainty are the foundation of the relation of seeker and spiritual guide. If one lacks them, neither can they hand themselves over to the spiritual guide for purgation of innerself nor will the spiritual guide bless them with his spiritual attention. Sultan Bahoo says:

• The spiritual guide should give persuasion of Ism-e-Allah Zaat and the seeker must have faith in it. Faith is established on observing the Divine presence with one’s own eyes. One who cannot elevate his disciples to this level is not aware of the calls of a spiritual guide. If the disciple is not gaining faith in his spiritual guide then the guide should show him the Guarded Tablet so that his faith in the guide is established till the Day of Judgment. (Aqal-e-Beydar)
• Every seeker who becomes an immortal Mystic and attains the status of the best of humans being blessed with evident vision of Allah learns its lesson from the perfect spiritual guide. The seeker who believes in the words of spiritual guide and follows him without questioning is the true seeker whom the spiritual guide elevates to Divine vision by his spiritual attention. (Aqal-e-Beydar)

Being Uncertain when Blessed

• If the spiritual guide blesses the seeker with the vision and closeness of Allah but the seeker does not believe it, then surely his end is accursed. If the seeker believes it and keeps faith in his spiritual guide, then he is not separated from the vision of Allah even for a moment and always remains immersed in the light of vision of Allah. (Ameer-ul-Kaunain)

Sultan Bahoo says about the uncertain seeker:

• If a seeker joins the company of spiritual guide but does not believe in the words of Saints, the inciting innerself in his existence acts as an enemy, everyone considers him unfortunate as he is stranger and blind to the Beloved Who is present within him. (Aqal-e-Beydar)
• Even if the insincere and uncertain seeker keeps offering supererogatory prayers day and night, his own self will become his veil. The perfect spiritual guide can grant presence of the Mohammadan Assembly through the inward mystic way but the dead-hearted fools cannot understand this reality even if they keep reading books throughout their life. If the reprobate and apostate disciple not at all believes in the words of the spiritual guide neither upon the gnosis, union and vision of Divine beauty granted by him then what is the remedy of his illness? The treatment and medicine of such an uncertain and irreligious seeker is to bless him with Divine vision and presence. If he will observes with certainty and stays firm on it, he will elevate to Divine union otherwise will be demoted and declined to the level of a seeker of the world, a henpecked, worshipper of innerself or a conceited person. Beware! Whoever steps on the path of Faqr must make his spiritual guide his mediator and leader and should make certainty the provision for his spiritual journey. (Aqal-e-Beydar)

Questions:

• How is certainty a light?

Ans. Certainty is a light whose reality is Mohammadan Light in the realm of Divinity. Similar to knowledge, love, trust and faith, certainty is also light. All of these lights are connected and their reality is same; Mohammadan Light. Increment in one light causes increment in others.

• What are types of Certainty?

Ans. There are three types of certainty:

1. Knowledge of Certainty
2. Eye of Certainty
3. Truth of Certainty

This blog of Sufi teachings is an English translation of an Urdu article of the magazine “Mahnama Sultan-ul-Faqr Lahore” for the month of December, 2021. The title of the Urdu article is:

Noor e Yaqin (نورِ یقین).

Originally penned by Ambreen Moghees Sarwari Qadri from Lahore is presently in English by Mohammad Bin Moghees Sarwari Qadri, exclusively for websites.

Deen and Religion

The Difference

Usually Deen and religion are thought to have the same meaning but there is a difference between the two. What is Deen? What do we call religion?

Deen

Literal meaning of Deen is belief, abstinence, reward, revenge, prayer and sect.

Its actual meaning is a complete code of life and system of obedience. It includes complete guidance for different parts of life such as beliefs, prayers and ethics.

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said “Deen is the name of reward of good and bad”. (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen says about Deen:

• Deen covers every type of worldly matter whether Individual, collective, political or social.
• Deen means to strive to recognise man’s essence, and work hard to attain that level.

A religious scholar defines Deen as:

• Deen is a collection of six things: Belief, prayer, cultural norms, financial, economic and political system.

Therefore, Deen is a complete, authentic reality. And it is the system from Allah that He bestowed upon the creation through prophets. Deen is the system which is pure and complete in every field of life and a complete code of life.

Religion

Religion does not have an exact defined state due to difference in beliefs and practices and its scattered form.

• Professor Liaquat Ali Azeem says about Deen in his book “A comparative study of religions”: Religion is a path to walk on”.
• Alfred North Whitehead writes, defining religion: “Religion is a case of decision. It is identified and understood by practical reasoning. Meaning we should do certain things or act in a certain way.
• Amolia Ranjan Mohapatra defines religion as: The art of living through appropriate action is religion.
• Matthew Arnold writes about religion: Religions are nothing more than morals overdone with emotions.

Hence religion is not a complete code of life. It is only a part of Deen

Types of Deen

Allah sent prophets in every era to guide people. They preached Oneness of Allah. There was a prophet for every nation to lead them. When Allah sent the seal of prophethood – Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), his teachings were not for any single nation, rather they are for everyone who will be born till the judgement day. Allah Almighty included teachings of all prior Divine books in Islam and chose it as the complete Deen for humanity.

But there are still three Deens:

1. Islam
2. Christianity
3. Judaism

Allah is one and unparalleled. Then how is it possible that there is no unity in His teachings? The core message in every Deen is same. But unfortunately, the guardians of Deen changed its real shape and so Christianity and Judaism still exist.

Islam is the Only Complete Authentic Religion

Without a doubt, today everyone knows that not only did Allah send His last message (the Quran) through the Holy Prophet (pbuh), but He also took the responsibility to safeguard it. As Allah says in the Quran:

• Assuredly, We alone have revealed the Quran and surely We alone will guard it. (15:9)

Al-Qurtubi writes:

• Abu al-Hassan relates from Yahya ibn al-Qasim that Al-Ma’mun used to hold gatherings to share knowledge. One day, a Jew came into his gathering wearing very nice clothes. He talked very well. After the gathering, Al-Ma’mun asked him if he was Israeli. He answered yes. Then Al-Ma’mun said: If you become a Muslim, I will give to you a lot of reward and riches. The Jew refused saying: “This is my and my ancestors’ religion.”

Then, a year later the same man came into Al-Ma’mun’s court as a Muslim. When Al-Ma’mun asked him the reason for converting he answered “When I returned from your gathering I thought I should test these religions. First I intended to distort the Torah. I wrote three copies and changed some things and then went into Jews. They bought them from me. I repeated the same process with the Bible and the Christians bought the distorted versions too. Lastly, I tried the same with the Quran. I wrote three distorted versions and went to an Islamic library. They read and examined it. When they found my distortions they gave it back and did not buy. Thus, I learned that this book is under Divine protection and no one can change it. And this is the reason of my conversion.”

Yahya ibn al-Qasim confirmed this. And there is affirmation in the Quran that Allah entrusted safety of Torah and Gospel into their respective scholars’ hands.

Allah trusted the scholars for protection of Holy Books

Allah said:

“Indeed, We revealed the Torah wherein was guidance and light. In accordance with that the messengers who were the obedient (servants of Allah) used to give orders to the Jews. And the diviners (i.e their spiritual masters) and the rabbis (also judged in accordance with that) because they were assigned to safeguard the Book of Allah and they were the guardians of it.” (5:44)

This verse says that Allah trusted the Jews and Christians with their respective Holy Books. But Allah Himself is the guardian of the Holy Quran. (al-Jami’ al Ahkam al-Quran, part 10, p. 6-7, published by Dar Al Fikr Al Lubnani in 1415 AH)

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said “If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony with the principles of our religion, that thing is rejected.” (Sahih al-Bukhari-2697)

There is only one Deen in every era and all other are religions. Islam is a Deen that encompasses every part of life. Allah says:

• Truly, Islam is the only Deen in Allah’s sight. (3:19)
• And whoever seeks a Deen other than Islam that shall not at all be accepted from him, and he will be amongst the losers in the hereafter. (3:85)

Perfect Fakirs and Islam

Allah says:

• And with regard to adopting the Deen, who can be better than the one who submits his whole being entirely to Allah, whilst he also holds spiritual excellence, and persistently follows the Deen of Ibrahim (Abraham) upright? And Allah had taken Ibrahim for a sincere and intimate friend. (4:125)

And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (pbuh) are the people who will be in the company of those whom Allah has blessed with His favour: the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs and the most pious. And how excellent these companions are! (4:69)

One can gain the beneficence of Islam only through perfect Fakirs now. Hadith:

• Asmaa bint Yazeed ibn Al-Sakan said that she had heard the Holy Prophet (pbuh) saying “Shall I tell you who is better among you?” The Companions replied ‘Oh Prophet of Allah (pbuh)! Please do.’ Then he said “The people better among you are the ones upon seeing whom others will remember Allah.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Surely the perfect Fakirs are the representatives and revivers of Deen.

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen says:

• Of all the religious movements in the history of Islam, the movement of spiritual orders has been the strongest, most credible and successful as well as having long lasting effects. This is because it is related with the inward i.e. with the gnosis and nearness to Allah which directly touches the soul. Islam has an esoteric as well as an exoteric aspect. Sharia is the exoteric while mysticism (Sufism or Faqr) is the esoteric aspect which leads to the path of Divine reality and gnosis of Allah.

Sarwari Qadri Order

In all orders of mysticism, Sarwari Qadri Order is the most superior. All great spiritual guides of Sarwari Qadri Order elevated Islam in their respective eras. For example Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani started a series of sermons for the advancement of Islam. And as a result, thousands of seekers of truth found Divine Gnosis.

The great Fakir of this order, Sultan Bahoo authored 140 eternal books on the knowledge of Divine Gnosis. Even now, these books enlighten the inward of people who read with respect, true intentions and ethics. Moreover, he spread the treasure of Faqr by going to different villages for good of mankind and to take them to extreme level of Divine Closeness.

When this order reached Sultan ul Faqr VI Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali, he spread the teachings of Faqr even further. He passed on the gift of Faqr, in his life, onto his true spiritual successor, real lover and confidant Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen. And for the guidance of mankind with the order and permission of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). He said to Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen “Now Ism-e-Allah Zaat and Ism-e-Mohammad are your responsibility.”

The promotion of Deen developed with the development in technology. Only the real spiritual successor of Deen transfers it from the previous era to current era in its truest form. His intention is the betterment of Allah’s creation because that was the way of the prophets. These perfect Fakirs are the vicegerent of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) who follow his footsteps for the revival of Deen. They are called perfect spiritual guides and Fakirs.

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen

In the present era, the great Fakir upon whom Allah has bestowed Faqr of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) is Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib ur Rehman. He is the 31^st Shaikh of the Sarwari Qadri Order. He has made the soul of Islam – Faqr, easy to gain for Allah’s creation and has written 24 books on Faqr and Sufism. In the history of Faqr and Sufism, for the first time, he started granting Ism-e-Allah Zaat and Ism-e-Mohammad to common people. This speaks for itself as evidence of his extremely exalted spiritual level. He has revolutionised Faqr by utilising all modern social media platforms. Seekers of Allah who reap the benefits of Ism-e-Allah Zaat and Ism-e-Mohammad in Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s presence not only follow Deen physically and spiritually, but they also enlighten their inwards with the blessings of closeness and eternal presence in the Mohammadan Assembly. This is real success.

We invite everyone to adopt company of Sultan ul Ashiqeen so that they may complete their Deen which is the journey from shariah to Divine Closeness.

Questions:

Q: What is the difference between Deen and religion?

Ans: Deen is a system of Divine Oneness and is free of Polytheism. So Deen is pure Oneness whereas religion can include polytheism along with Oneness. For example, the concept of Trinity in Christianity and Trimurti in Hinduism. It is compulsory to believe in all prophets in Deen while those who follow different religions believe in some and deny others. For example Hinduism, Buddhism and African Traditional Religion. Deen gives much more importance to beliefs while they are treated as partial and not necessary in religion. Deen guides every person as it is a complete code of life and includes all ethical and social aspects of life. On the contrary, there is no such concept in religion. Religion is deprived of these privileges.

Q: What is the true religion?

Ans: Islam is the true religion. Allah says:

• Truly, Islam is the only Deen in Allah’s sight. (3:19)
• And whoever seeks a Deen other than Islam that shall not at all be accepted from him, and he will be amongst the losers in the hereafter. (3:85)

Note:

This blog is English translation of an Urdu article of the magazine “Mahnama Sultan-ul-Faqr Lahore” for the month of November, 2021. The title of the Urdu article is:

Deen aur Mazhab mei faqr ( دین اور مذہب میں فرق ).

Originally penned by Aneela Yaseen Sarwari Qadri from Lahore is presently translated in English by Mohammad Bin Moghees Sarwari Qadri.

Iqbal and Universal Divine Man

Allama Iqbal was a famous Sufi saint, poet, philosopher, mystic, thinker and lover of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). He mentioned Faqr (soul of Islam) and Universal Divine Man in his poetry. Only a person with enlightened inward can truly understand the writings of an Arif (saint). In this regard, Sultan Bahoo says:

عارف دی گل عارف ہی جانے، کیا جانے نفسانی ھوُ

Explanation: Only an Arif (saint) truly understands the teachings of another Arif.

Allama Iqbal’s speech is universal. People of every age and time derive meaning from it according to their inner potential. The exact explanation of this is that despite the passage of so much time, new research on the literary work of Allama Iqbal is coming to the fore as time passes. Check out his universal poem:

بمصطفیٰؐ برساں خویش را کہ دیں ہمہ اوست

اگر بہ او نرسیدی تمام بولہبی است

Explanation: Strive to reach the holy assembly of Prophet Mohammad (Mohammadan Assembly) as that is complete religion. If you do not reach there, then your whole religion is the religion of Abu Lahab.

Allama Iqbal made many topics a part of his literary work but one point around which all his words seem to revolve is the love of prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and that all his thoughts are in accordance with the teachings of Holy Qur’an and the sunna of the prophet. One of the subjects of Allama Iqbal’s thought is the believer or Universal Divine Man which he has described in the light of Quran and Hadith. Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri writes, “Allama Iqbal has presented the idea of ​​’believer’ in his literary work.

Universal Divine Man is True Believer

Other Sufis and Fakirs have also used the terms ‘Universal Divine Man‘ and ‘perfect Fakir’ for the believer. In terms of Faqr, a believing man, a Universal Divine Man, a perfect Fakir, a Qalandar means a being who is endowed with all the attributes of Allah and is enlightened in it, is the vicegerent of the Prophet Mohammad, and guides men of Allah on the right path. The status of a Universal Divine Man is the highest position in Faqr. There is no one higher than him. It would not be out of place to say that this status is the sum of all levels. Of all human beings, the most perfect and Universal Divine Man is Holy Prophet (pbuh). After him, his deputies get this status through his medium.

Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman is the Universal Divine Man of today. The attributes of a believer described by Allama Iqbal in light of Quran and Hadith are all characteristic of his personality. He purifies the inwards of seekers and enlightens their souls.

Ardent Divine Makes Deeds Pure and Acceptable

Allama Iqbal beautifully describes adent love and says:

اگر ہو عشق تو ہے کفر بھی مسلمانی

نہ ہو تو مردِ مسلماں بھی کافر و زندیق

عقل و دل و نگاہ کا مرشد ِ اولیں ہے عشق

عشق نہ ہو تو شرع و دیں بت کدہ ِ تصورات

Ishq (ardent Divine love) is everything. If there is no (Divine) love then the outward deeds of Muslims are a mere pretense and hold no value.

Allama Iqbal has described the attributes of a believer. The believer is the embodiment of true love. Love is his religion, love is his life and love is his motto.

صدقِ خلیل بھی ہے عشق، صبر ِحسینؓ بھی ہے عشق

معرکۂ وجود میں بدر و حنین بھی ہے عشق

توڑ دیتا ہے بت ہستی کو ابراہیمِ عشق

ہوش کا دارو ہے گویا مستی تسنیم عشق

The sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim and Imam Husayn ibn Ali was all because of ardent Divine love. Similarly, the companions who fought in the battles of Badr and Hunain were only because of love of Allah and His beloved (Prophet Mohammad).

Embodiment of Exemplary Character

The believer is a model of good morals. ‘Wrath and Mercy’ are the attributes of Allah and the more one absorbs the light of nearness and gnosis of Allah, the more these attributes become prominent in him. Iqbal says:

ہو حلقہ یاراں تو بریشم کی طرح نرم

رزمِ حق و باطل ہو تو فولاد ہے مومن

The believers are soft hearted like the silk when amongst each other. But when they are in the battle field fighting with the enemies of Islam, they become strong like steel.

ان کی ہر ہر ادا سنتِ مصطفیؐ

ایسے پیر طریقت پہ لاکھوں سلام

In this couplet, Iqbal expresses the attributes of Perfect Fakirs (spiritual Guides). He says, their every act is in complete accordance with the sunna of the holy Prophet. Countless salutations upon such spiritual guides (as they are the medium to reaching Mohammadan Assembly and gaining gnosis of Allah).

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman’s character is a reflection of the character of the holy Prophet (pbuh). The book ‘Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’, beautifully describes his personality and his high character.

Sultan ul Ashiqeen

Reflection of Prophet Mohammad’s Character

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman is a perfect example and reflection of the Prophet’s morality and is a reflection of the fact that he is fully on the footsteps of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). Honesty, forbearance, humility, patience, perseverance, faithfulness, modesty, understanding, high morale and endurance are the salient attributes of his personality. ‘Karam’ is another name for the sight of his spiritual sight, the word ‘compassion’ is not enough to describe his kindness. (Sultan Al-Ashiqeen)

The attributes of his personality that have been described can, of course, belong only to the believer. In fact, he is a manifestation this poem of Allama Iqbal:

ہر لحظہ ہے مومن کی نئی شان، نئی آن

گفتار میں، کردار میں، اللہ کی برہان

یہ راز کسی کو نہیں معلوم کہ مومن

قاری نظر آتا ہے حقیقت میں ہے قرآن

جس سے جگر ِلالہ میں ٹھنڈک ہو، وہ شبنم

دریاؤں کے دل جس سے دہل جائیں وہ طوفان

Iqbal describes the grandeur of Universal Divine Man here. Every moment they are under a new theophany of Allah. The Universal Divine Man is a complete embodiment of attributes of Divine Essence. Whatever he says or does is from Allah.

Piety and humility:

The attribute of a believer is piety and humility.

إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ

Surely the most honorable of you in the sight of Allah is the one who fears Him. (49: 13)

This attribute of a believer can be clearly seen in the personality of Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman. He is supreme example of piety and greatness. Despite having a very high status, he is always very humble. It is a sign of his great humility that in spite of being honoured with the status of ‘Sultani’, he used the title of “Khadim Sultan-ul-Faqr” to express his love and humility towards his Spiritual Guide. This title remained a part of his name for almost thirteen years after the demise of Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali. Recognising his ardent Divine love, Mohammadan Assembly bestowed him with the title of Sultan ul Ashiqeen in September 2012 and now this title is a part of his name.

Inward of a Believer:

The inward of a believer reflects Divine theophanies and attributes. The holy Prophet (pbuh) said:

اَلْمُؤْمِنُ مِرْاٰۃُ الرَّحْمٰنِ

The believer is a mirror of the Most Gracious Allah).

Every sincere and loyal disciple of Sultan ul Ashiqeen will testify this fact. The inward of the Spiritual Guide is like a mirror in which the seeker sees his own inward state. Allama Iqbal put this beautifully:

خاکی و نوری نہاد، بندہ مولا صفات

ہر دو جہاں سے غنی اس کا دل بے نیاز

The Outward of Believer:

Just as the inward of a believer is light (Noor), so is his outward being. The Almighty says:

نُورْ عَلٰی نُورِِ يَهْدِي اللَّهُ لِنُوْرِہٖ مَنْ يَشَآئُ

Light upon light. Allah guides whom He wills to His light. (24: 35)

“Indeed Sultan ul Ashiqeen’s inward and outward is completely in accordance with this verse.

Allama Iqbal says:

ہاتھ ہے اللہ کا، بندۂ مومن کا ہاتھ

غالب و کار آفریں، کار کشا کارساز

The hand of the believer is in fact the hand of Allah. This means whatever a believer does is with the command and consent of Allah. So Allah’ favour is with him in every situation.

The attribute of a believer Allama Iqbal described in this verse can be explained in light of the below hadith:

I fall in love with my servant when he gets close to me through supererogatory prayers. So I become his ears with which he hears, I become his eyes with which he sees, his hands with which he grasps and his feet with which he walks. (Sahih al-Bukhari: 963)

Character of Believer:

A believer’s every action is to seek pleasure of Allah.

مردِ  حر   از لَآ   اِلٰہَ    روشن  ضمیر

می نہ گردد بندۂ سلطان و میر

The Universal Divine Man is complete Oneness due to his complete faith in La Ilaha (there is no one but Allah), there is complete monotheism. He does not bow to any sultan or influential person.

That is, his faith and trust in Allah is so strong that he does not bow before anyone except Allah. Sultan ul Ashiqeen inculcates this great lesson to every one of his disciples. He passes them through the stages of purification and nafs (innerself) and leads them to the enviable station of complete trust upon Allah.

قُلْ  اِنَّ صَلاَ تِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَاءَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالِمِينَ

Say: Surely my prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of the worlds. (6: 162)

Seeker of Allah:

اے طائر ِلاھوتی اس رزق سے موت اچھی

جس رزق سے آتی ہو پرواز میں کوتاہی

The soul of a believer flies from realm of Physical world, realm of Angel, realm of Power to the realm of Lahut (Divinity). In fact, his position is even higher. One of the signs of a believer which Allama Iqbal mentions is that the status of a believer is special yet he livesamong the people like a normal human being. Although he interacts with people, his heart and mind are always engaged in the remembrance of Allah. In the Holy Quran, the Almighty has instructed about this attribute:

وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ فِي نَفْسِكَ تَضَرُّعاً وَخِيفَةً وَدُونَ الْجَهْرِ مِنَ الْقَوْلِ بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ

And remember your Lord in your heart with humility and tearful submissiveness and fear and repentance and also by calling in low tones. (Persevere with His remembrance) morning and evening (7: 205)

Zikr is the source of energy for the soul. The last and most elevated level of dhikr is dhikr of ‘Hoo’, which is called Sultan-ul-Azkar, meaning the Sultan of all dhikrs. The height of this dhikr takes the seeker to the station of no stations. Immediately after the pledge of allegiance, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen grants the invocation of ‘Hoo’ to his disciples.

Allama Iqbal says:

می نگنجد آں کہ گفت اللہ ھوُ

در حدودِ این نظام چار سو

Those who perform the invocation of ‘Allah Hoo’ (under the guidance of a Perfect Spiritual Guide). Their grandeur is so exalted that it goes beyond the boundaries of this universe.

One of the titles of Sultan ul Ashiqeen is ‘Sultan uz-Zakirin’ which means the Sultan of invokers (people who remember Allah).

Centre of Faqr:

The Universal Divine Man has the status of the centre of Faqr. Allama Iqbal says:

فقر کے ہیں معجزات تاج و سریر و سپاہ

فقر ہے میروں کا میر، فقر ہے شاہوں کا شاہ

Faqr is indifferent to everything. The possessor of Faqr is more powerful than the kings as he is annihilated in Divine Essence.

The possessor of Faqr is the centre of Faqr. Whoever gets the treasure of Faqr after the permission of the holy Prophet (pbuh) gets it from the centre of Faqr. In present era, Sultan ul Ashiqeen is the Centre of Faqr. Under his supervision the team of Tehreek Dawat e Faqr is striving to spread the message of Faqr throughout the world.

The holy Prophet (pbuh) has spiritually inculcated Sultan ul Ashiqeen through Mohammadan Assembly to build a physical Khanqah that would serve as the centre of Faqr for the seekers of Allah. In order to fulfil this, Sultan ul Ashiqeen launched the construction of Masjid e Zahra and Khanqah Sultan ul Ashiqeen in Rangeelpur village (near Lahore, Pakistan) which will be a source of blessings and the centre of Faqr for the Muslims for many centuries to come.

The Glory of the Believer (Universal Divine Man):

ہر زماں اندر تنش جانی دگر

ہر زماں او را چو حق شانی دگر

Every moment there is a new life in his (Universal Divine Man) being and every moment he has a new glory (Divine Theophany).

The Universal Divine Man inculcates only the love of Allah to his disciples.

ہے وہی تیرے زمانے کا ’امامِ برحق‘

جو تجھے حاضر و موجود سے بیزار کرے

Universal Divine Man is that who cleanses the inwards of his disciples and makes them completely indifferent to everything other than Allah.

Universal Divine Man – The Possessor of Quran

Allama Iqbal points to another sign of Universal Divine Man that he is the possessor of Quran i.e. he understand the true meaning of Quran. All the mysteries and secrets of the Quran are revealed in his inward. An incident of Allama Iqbal in this regard is recorded in the book “Iqbal and Quran” that:

When Iqbal was still studying in Sialkot, he used to recite the Holy Quran after the morning prayers. One day, at the same time, his father came to him and said, “When reciting Quran, if you don’t feel the light of Quran descending on your inward, like it did to the holy Prophet (pbuh), then you have not really done justice to reciting the Quran”.

Allama Iqbal put this beautifully in Bal-Jibril as follows:

ترے ضمیر پہ جب تک نہ ہو نزولِ کتاب

گرہ کشا ہے نہ رازی نہ صاحب ِکشاف

Until and unless you have a sanctified inward that can absorb the essence of Quran and its Divine light, there is no point reading it superficially.

The attributes of Universal Divine Man, whether it be high morals, glory, motto, principles or Divine teachings, all these qualities are present in the personality of Sultan Al-Ashiqeen. It is as if he is the exact manifestation of them. He cleanses the inwards of the seekers through his spiritual attention. He awakens them from the sleep of ignorance. Gradually, the seekers get to their destination under the guidance of Sultan ul Ashiqeen i.e. presence in Mohammadan Assembly and Divine vision.

How can one Identify a Universal Divine Man

In every age, there is a saint who is on the footsteps of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and attains the status of a Universal Divine Man through the Holy Prophet (pbuh). In order for someone to identify the Universal Divine Man, it is necessary for them to be sincere in the desire to attain closeness and gnosis of Allah. Whoever seeks the straight path with sincerity of intention, Allah guides him to the Universal Divine Man of the era. Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman is the Universal Divine Man of the present age. On the very first day of pledging allegiance, he grants Ism Allah Zaat to the seeker, by the practice of which the soul of the seeker enlivens and the heart enlightens, and through it the seeker recognises the reality of the Universal Divine Man.

We pray to Allah to grant us the ability to be faithfully and sincerely remain attached to Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman. (Ameen)