Shahada | Belief in the Oneness of Allah

The basic foundation of Islam is faith in Oneness of Allah and Prophet Mohammad being the Messenger of Allah. The words of Shahada go as:

“There is no God but Allah, Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

It is actually the acceptance of slavehood in front of Allah through which a Muslim is differentiated from a non-Muslim. Shahada is also referred to as one of the best invocations. With reference to Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah, Jabir ibn Abdullah narrates that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said:

 اَفْضَلَ الذِّکْرِ لَآ اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللّٰہُ

“The best of the invocations is shahada.”

Why is shahada important?

Shahada is the greatest wealth in this world and hereafter which has no other substitute. It is the centre of Islam, termed as shahada because it purifies everything. The Divine light of shahada removed all the veils of disbelief, polytheism and rescued humanity from the era of ignorance. The removal of these veils resulted in creating awareness among individuals towards the aim of their creation. This led to recognition of their Lord.

Recitation of shahada (Kalma Shahadat)

Shahada in Arabic is

  لَآ اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللّٰہُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَّسُوْلُ اللّٰہ  

which is the base of faith for a Muslim as its blessings purify defile innerself and remove its veils thus enlightening the inward with Divine light. Knowledge of Divine Essence is also gained by reaching the reality of Kalma shahadat that is only possible through inward affirmation.

Verification of the inward

Once Prophet Mohammad was distributing war wealth among the Companions, some Bedouins who were newly converted Muslims approached him and requested, “O Master! We are also believers hence bless us like you are blessing all believers.” The Holy Prophet did not even answer that the revelation immediately came:

Meaning:  The Bedouins say, “We have believed.” Say, “You have not believed. Rather say, ‘We have accepted Islam (recited shahada verbally).’ And the belief has not yet gone into your inward (you have not verified inwardly).” (49:14)

This verse and incident is a proof that shahada recitation verbally is not enough but its inward verification is a sign of a true believer. There is a Hadith of The Holy Prophet regarding verbal recitation of shahada: “There are many who recite shahada verbally but only a few recite it sincerely.”

Islamic gift | shahada

Shahada is Allah’s greatest and special gift for a believer. We could not thank Him enough as through the blessing of shahada, believers were informed about the grandeur of Allah and His beloved Prophet (pbuh). But alas, a few are aware of the reality of shahada because of the veil on their innerself. The worldly desires are their idols and they have forgotten their real Lord. For knowing the reality of shahada a seeker must first be honest in seeking the truth. Then search for spiritual guide is of utmost importance. As shahada has a very vast meaning and understanding it is not possible for everyone. Only pious and Allah’s chosen people (spiritual guide) are aware of the reality of shahada. They help seekers of truth in reaching the reality of shahada.

Sultan Bahoo says:

Knowledge has encompassed both the worlds while whole knowledge is in shahada and shahada is in Ism-e-Allah Zaat. Whoever recites shahada with inward verification and understands its essence comes to know every knowledge, then nothing remains hidden from him. (Ameer-ul-Kaunain)

What is the reality of shahada?

Shahada is belief in Oneness of Allah (tawhid). Those who understand the concept of Oneness of Allah know about the secret and reality of shahada. In short knowing shahada is knowing Allah. To know the reality of shahada it is important to understand the Oneness of Allah.

What is Oneness of Allah?

Generally tawheed Oneness of Allah is merely the verbal proclamation that ‘There is no God but Allah’ though confirmation by the inward is only possible when the outside and inside of person manifests only Allah. People think that Allah is One according to the counting while in reality Allah has no partners and is Alone as His Essence is the source of everything present in the world. He is the True God, the world and its creatures are a reflection of His personality and attributes. The essence of each and everything is from the Divine Essence. Only He exists and everything else will end. He is persistent so He deserves to be worshiped and praised.

Why is the Oneness of Allah important?

First part of shahada is negation, ‘There is no (other) God.’ Then affirmation, ‘but Allah.’ Allah is Alone thus only Oneness prevails and He does not accept duality. Then there is declaration of Prophethood of Mohammad, ‘Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah.’ Allah does not accept anyone else’s name with Him except Prophet Mohammad’s as he is the perfect and complete reflection of Allah’s Essence and attributes.

Shahada according to Faqr (Sufism)

In the terminology of Faqr negation of everyone means to negate ones relationship whether they are of love, hate, support or hope. In the way of Faqr and gnosis of Allah affirmation means ‘except Allah’ where seeker negates everything and everyone for Allah. He knows there is no other God except Allah, no beloved and no one but Allah. This breaks the bond of seeker from all temporary worldly things.This makes him one with Allah so he reaches the reality of shahada and continues his inward journey of union with Allah.

Sultan Bahoo says:

There are three levels of shahada. First is negation, second is affirmation and third is declaration of Prophethood of Mohammad. Thousands of seekers reach the level of negation, only some of them ascend to the level of affirmation and a rare reach the level of declaration of Prophethood of Mohammad. Negation is the level of annihilation while affirmation is the level of immortality. Negation at the time of death obliterates all the sins of one’s life and by affirmation he is accepted in the court of Allah while declaration of Prophethood of Mohammad takes him close to the Prophets and Messengers of Allah. The hellfire is forbidden upon Prophets. This is the level of belovedness. (Ain-ul-Faqr)

Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani and shahada

Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani says:

Oneness of Allah (tawhid) means to consider all the creatures as non-existent, to separate oneself from everything and change one’s nature to adopt the purity and piousness of angels and then elevate from the level of angels to annihilate in Allah. (Al-Fateh al-Rabbani)

Shahada according to Sultan Bahoo

Sultan Bahoo says, “I discovered myself having drowned in the river of Oneness.” (Ain-ul-Faqr)

The key to Oneness of Allah is to know the reality of shahada. Sultan Bahoo says, “The key to the path which leads towards the secret of tawhid is the shahada. The seeker who opens the lock of his inward with the key of Islamic creed and gets the Divine secrets of gnosis of Allah from it, becomes indifferent and independent of all needs.” (Kaleed-ul-Tauheed Kalan)

Sultan Bahoo says:

اندر کلمہ کِل کِل کردا، عشق سکھایا کلماں ھوُ
چوداں طبق کلمے دے اندر، قرآن کتاباں علماں ھوُ
کانے کَپ کے قلم بناون، لکھ نہ سکن قلماں ھوُ
باھوؒ ایہہ کلمہ مینوں پیر پڑھایا، ذرا نہ رہیاں الماں ھوُ

Explanation: The secrets of Oneness of Allah are hidden. The first level of Oneness of Allah is the verbal recitation of shahada. Second is the affirmation by inward. Third is to observe and experience the reality of shahada. This is the level of the ones who are close to Allah. Fourth is final level where nothing is seen and present in a person except the Divine Essence. This is the aim of the perfect spiritual guide who bestows this favour and help the true seekers of Allah to reach this reality of shahada.

Sultan Bahoo says that due to Divine love I am able to reach the reality of shahada and this has made my inward restless. Entire universe, all Divine books and Holy Quran’s knowledge is present within shahada. All the interpreters and scholars try to explain the reality of shahada and wrote about it but are unable to understand it.  He says that my spiritual guide taught me the reality of shahada (meaning without the guidance of perfect spiritual guide it is not possible to understand the reality of shahada) and now I am neither sad nor worried. (Abyat-e-Bahoo Kamil)

کلمے دی کل تداں پیوسے، جداں کلمے دل نوں پھڑیا ھوُ
بے درداں نوں خبر ناں کوئی، درد منداں گل مڑھیا ھوُ
کفر اسلام دی گل تداں پیوسے، جداں بھن جگر وچ وڑیا ھوُ
میں قربان تنہا توں باھُوؒ، جنہاں کلمہ صحی کر پڑھیا ھوُ

Explanation: I came to know the reality of shahada when it disclosed the Divine secret concealed in me. Lovers are those who recite shahada with inward verification whereas scholars and seekers of this world are unaware of its reality. I only understood the difference between Islam and infidelity after I found the reality of shahada. I may sacrifice myself for those seekers who have learnt the truth of shahada and have inwardly verified it. (Abyat-e-Bahoo Kamil)

Those Mystics who recognised the reality of shahada achieved that after crossing the station of Oneness of Allah and after annihilating in Divine Essence. They then inculcated the masses about it. One cannot reach the reality of Oneness of Allah until his inward is purified of the desires of inciting innerself.

Confirmation of Oneness of Allah

 In short, Oneness of Allah is that there remains nothing in one’s inward and outward being other than Allah. Shaikh Junayd of Baghdad said, “Inside my robe is only Allah and nothing other than Him.”

To reach the reality of Oneness of Allah it is of utmost importance to purify one’s esoteric self of all worldly love and to oppose falsehood, only then this inward journey towards Allah continues. This is best explained by the example of our beloved Prophet and his Companions. The Holy Prophet always stood against falsehood even against the wrongdoings of his relatives and endured opposition in his family in the path of truth. The Companions also endured great hardships due to which they are highly regarded in Islam.

Qualities of the seeker of Allah

 If a seeker wishes to know the reality of shahada it is obligatory for him to remain courageous and steadfast on the path of truth, firm against all difficulties and patient in all trials. These trials represent the sincerity and perseverance of the seeker and help him progress. In this path towards Allah, Satan and the inciting innerself of a person tries to trap him in every possible way.

Perfect Spiritual Guide

Only the perfect spiritual guide can save the seeker from the traps of Satan and inciting innerself. When the seeker of Allah starts his journey towards Allah, the first step is to pledge allegiance on the hand of the perfect spiritual guide in order to gain beneficence from his company. The spiritual guide knows about the obstacles one would face on this way. He would help them cross all the hurdles and become one with Allah. The seeker must ensure that the spiritual guide is not fake and imperfect spiritual guide. The perfect spiritual guide removes the veils of innerself and bestows with affirmation of inward.

The Holy Prophet said:

اَلشَّیْخُ یُحْیِ الْقَلْبَ وَ یُمِیْتُ النَّفْسَ

Meaning: The perfect spiritual guide (Murshid Kamil Akmal) makes the inward alive and kills the inciting innerself.

Allah says in a Qudsi Hadith:

قَلْبُ الْمُؤْمِنِ عَرْشُ اللّٰہِ تَعَالٰی

The inward of a believer is the Throne of Allah.

It is important to remember that this saying is about the inward of a believer.

Who is a believer?

A person becomes a Muslim when he enters Islam by the verbal recitation of shahada. One who knows about the reality of shahada through affirmation of inward is a believer.

Attributes of a believer

A believer sacrifices everything in the way of Allah, trusts Allah and associates all his hopes with Him. He thinks that Allah has bestowed him with all the blessings and everything bad happens because of his own wrongdoings. He does not give importance to his own self, rather submission to Allah’s will becomes more important than his own being.

Whereas on the other hand, a common person who recites shahada just by his tongue without inward verification associates all his hopes with people and relies on them. They constantly complain in front of Allah, have idols of inciting innerself and remain unaware about Kalma tauheed. Neither they desire nor they try to achieve closeness of Allah and in this state of negligence they eventually die. At the time of death, they come to know about the reality of Oneness of Allah. But nothing can be done at that moment. The opportunity to gain proximity and union with Allah is over. In this way, one wastes their entire life for worldly desires. That’s why it is important to understand Kalma Shahadat in this life.

Shahada is the foundation of faith in Islam

Allah says:

O believers! Enter Islam perfectly and wholly, and do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. He is certainly your declared enemy. (2:208)

In this verse to enter Islam perfectly and wholly means to know about the reality of Islam and Oneness of Allah as well as follow it in our lives. This is not possible without the company and guidance of the perfect spiritual guide. The perfect spiritual guide is aware of the ups and down of this path so he helps the seeker of Allah to safely reach his destination. If a seeker wishes to have belief in Oneness of Allah without the guidance of perfect spiritual guide he would fail as he does not have knowledge about the way towards Allah. He would waste both his lives in this world and the hereafter.

نہ خدا ہی ملا نہ وصالِ صنم
نہ اِدھر کے رہے نہ اُدھر کے رہے ہم

Explanation: Neither I reached Allah nor found union with Him. Therefore, lost both the world and the hereafter.

Also if the seeker takes guidance from a fake and imperfect spiritual guide he destroys his faith.

Sultan Bahoo says:

زبانی کلمہ ہر کوئی پڑھدا، دل دا پڑھدا کوئی ھوُ
جتھے کلمہ دل دا پڑھئے ، اوتھے ملے زبان ناں ڈھوئی ھوُ
دل دا کلمہ عاشق پڑھدے، کی جانن یار گلوئی ھوُ
ایہہ کلمہ مینوں پیر پڑھایا باھوؒ، میں سدا سوہاگن ہوئی ھوُ

Explanation: Everyone can recite shahada verbally but there are a few who verify it inwardly. When lovers find the reality of shahada , there remains no need to recite it verbally because that is the station where they are engrossed in Divine vision and declare Oneness of Allah by observing and experiencing it rather than merely reciting by tongue. Shahada can only be recited in this way by the lovers of Divine Essence. The verbose people are unable to understand the secret of shahada. My perfect spiritual guide has taught me to recite it with inward verification so I have become fortunate in the world and hereafter. (Abyat-e-Bahoo Kamil)

کلمے دی کل تداں پیوسے، جداں مرشد کلمہ دسیا ھوُ
ساری عمر وچ کفر دے جالی، بن مرشد دے دسیا ھوُ
شاہ علیؓ شیر بہادر وانگن، کلمے وڈھ کفر نوں سٹیا ھوُ
دل صافی تاں ہووے باھوؒ، جاں کلمہ لوں لوں رسیا ھوُ

Explanation: I only came to know the reality of shahada when my perfect spiritual guide made me recite it veritably. This recitation of shahada uprooted infidelity from the inward just like Ali ibn Abi Talib slayed the infidels in the battlefield. Without the spiritual guide no one can understand the reality of shahada. Hence reciting it without the guidance of spiritual guide is same as spending entire life in infidelity. The purification of inward is only possible if shahada embraces the entire existence. (Abyat-e-Bahoo Kamil)

Ali ibn Abi Talib and shahada

It is related that first of all Ali ibn Abi Talib sought Faqr from the Holy Prophet. He said to him, “O Messenger of Allah! Please tell the quickest and easiest path to Allah?” The Holy Prophet said, “Invoke Allah’s name continuously in solitude.” Ali ibn Abi Talib asked, “How should it be invoked?” The Holy Prophet said, “Close your eyes and listen to me invoking thrice and then repeat it.” The Holy Prophet closed his eyes and recited shahada thrice in a loud voice. Ali ibn Abi Talib closed his eyes and heard then repeated it in the same way three times. Since then this invocation continued among Mystics. (Rehan-ul-Quloob, Sharif-ut-Tawarikh)

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman says:

“Attaining true knowledge of the Book (Quran) and wisdom is not possible without the guidance of perfect and accomplished spiritual guide. It is he who saves a devotee from the scams of Satan and the inciting innerself and takes him close to Allah the ultimate shelter. Common people have not even heard the name of this mystic way and knowledge let alone becoming adept in it.”

In the path of Faqr, guidance of the perfect spiritual guide is pivotal, but one should be aware of thugs or fake guides. Those who set to the journey with sincere intention to search Allah are safeguarded from fake guides. Allah Himself is their Protector in whose search they have set out and those protected by Allah Himself cannot be misguided.

According to these sayings it is clear that to know the reality of Kalma Tauheed and Islam the presence of perfect spiritual guide is of great importance. Born Mystics also physically pledge allegiance to the perfect spiritual guide as it is the Sunna of our beloved Holy Prophet.

Conclusion

Until the inward of a seeker contains worldly desires and its pleasures it cannot be filled with the Divine love. If the heart is void of Divine love seeker cannot understand or reach the reality of shahada. This is only possible through the company and spiritual sight of the perfect spiritual guide. For this it is must to find the perfect spiritual guide.  Gain invocation and contemplation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat from him to have clear concept of Oneness of Allah to know Divine secret. One who know the Divine secret recognises Allah. He enters Islam perfectly and wholly so the hellfire is forbidden on him. May Allah help us to understand the soul of Islam, reach its reality and guide us to act accordingly in our daily life. Ameen

Indeed Sultan ul Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman is the Universal Divine Man of this era. It is a humble request that may he always keep us among his disciples and guide us to reach the reality of Islam i.e. Faqr. Ameen.

Unveiling | Kashf

Kashf is an Arabic word which lexically means to unveil. Whereas in Sufism it means unveiling of the hidden matters or the revelation of their realities. Common worldly people interpret kashf as when someone sees through walls due to special spiritual powers, becomes aware of the past and future or can experience any event in the world while being at one place. However Sultan Bahoo says “Kashf is to behold the Divine Beauty and engross in it” (Mehak-ul-Faqr Kalan)

On inward journey, the real and supreme unveiling is when, Perfect Spiritual Guide bestows the seeker of Allah and removes his veil of innerself such that he observes Divine Essence. According to hadith “One who finds Allah, finds everything”. Therefore, for the seeker who observes Divine Essence, attaining other kinds of unveiling is not difficult at all. But he considers all other pleasures and powers worthless in comparison to observation of Divine Essence and so he does not pay attention to them. Sultan Bahoo says while explaining the types of unveiling:

There are four types of unveiling:

1. Unveiling of the inward.
2. Second type is spiritual and relates to annihilation that is مُوْتُوْا قَبْلَ اَنْ تَمُوْتُوْا  (Death before dying).
3. Third Unveiling is psychological whose base is desire and pleasure and it relates to excessive devotional struggles and egoism.
4. Fourth type is satanic and relates to sin, covetousness, rise in respect and power.

Inward Unveiling

Inwardly unveiling is related to inward of man. One can gain such unveiling by hard mystic struggles. One who possesses this type of unveiling can find out the inward state of whoever he wants. And can manipulate it however he desires. People with such unveiling are usually yogis, pandits, and monks. Some people use this type of unveiling to gain money and popularity. And some become fake Pirs (spiritual guides) who use it to fulfil the desires of their innerself.

Nowadays a method of treatment called telepathy is being accepted widely in advanced science. In this treatment also, the human heart and mind is willingly brought under siege and controlled. But mere worldly people adopted this way (who have no understanding or relation Sufism). It plays no role in helping humanity or guiding towards a better end.

The person focused only on physical prayers attains the psychological unveiling. As physical prayers are related to physical body, such a person is detached from the reality of body i.e. the soul. Detachment from the soul leads to detachment from the Divine Essence in the inward. And eventually leads to deprivation from all requirements of servitude and inclines toward egoism. Egoism consequently becomes self-conceit because of which the person thinks of himself as superior over all creation. And thus adopts satanic attributes. The power of unveiling possessed by someone with such attributes is entirely satanic. This unveiling always directs him down a path of sins and covetousness, worldly advancement, honour and power. A beautiful deception blindfolds him and this blindness does not come off till his death. And he remains happy in the worldly ill pleasures.

The Seven Inner Parts

Sultan Bahoo has explained seven levels of the esoteric existence of man. He calls them seven inner parts. These are innerself, inward, soul, secret, hidden, concealed and the core. Only the perfect spiritual guide is aware of the depth of inward also known as the core. Only he can take one to the unveiling at this level which is the veritable kashf. Without reach to this unveiling, all other unveilings are incredibly dangerous for the inward. No matter how strong or useful they are in this world. Because they take one away from Allah and towards this damned world. Hence every unveiling gained without guidance of a perfect spiritual guide and invocation and contemplation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat is entirely sensual and satanic. And completely destroys the person by removing him from the true path.

Why is guidance of a perfect spiritual guide important?

Sultan Bahoo says:

• Beware! If a man of secrets indulges in any type of spiritual exercise and piety, supererogatory fasting and Salah, 40 days seclusion without the supervision of his spiritual guide, then all of his hard work is for the satisfaction of his innerself’s desires. His solitude is polluted by satanic whispers and hypocrisy because his prayers have no base. (Kaleed-ul-Tauheed Khurd)

The Misunderstanding of a Disciple

Hazrat Data Gunj Baksh says in his book “Kashf ul Mahjub” regarding how destructive the power of unveiling can be without guidance of perfect spiritual guide. He explains the story of a disciple who deviates from the company of his spiritual guide:

• Once a disciple of Shaikh Junayd of Baghdad misunderstood that he had reached extreme level of spiritual journey. And loneliness is better than company for him. So he left his spiritual guide, went in solitude. Every night someone brought a camel to him and said “Come! Let me take you to heaven”. He rode it and rose up to high levels. He would eat great food in company of beautiful people where he would stay all night. And then he would sleep and wake up at his lonely residence. Ego and imperiousness had overwhelmed him and arrogance enveloped him. He would not stop talking about himself. When Shaikh Junayd of Baghdad came to know of this, he went to him. He found him lost in ego and arrogance. He asked about the situation and the disciple told him everything. Shaikh Junayd of Baghdad advised him to recite howqala (لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّۃَ اِ لَّا بِاللّٰہِ الْعَلِیِّ الْعَظِیْم) thrice the next time he goes to that place at night. So when he was taken there as before, he recited the hawqala thrice just to experiment although he had become a denier of his spiritual guide. Suddenly, the people who brought him ran away screaming. He found himself sitting on a pile of filth and garbage and bones of dead animals were lying around him. Then he realised his mistake, asked for forgiveness and never left the company of his spiritual guide again. There is nothing more disastrous for a seeker than leaving his spiritual guide’s side.

Spiritual Unveiling

Spiritual unveiling is the real unveiling because it is linked to annihilation. What is engrossment and annihilation? “Engrossment is the separation of innerself from its desires for the will of Allah. Annihilation is to erase oneself in Divine vision and Essence.”

Engrossment and Annihilation is the level of مُوْتُوْا قَبْلَ اَنْ تَمُوْتُوْا (Death before dying). In Sufi terminology “Death before dying” means the death of innerself before the death of physical body. That is, when innerself crosses all its stages (inciting innerself to repenting innerself to inspiring innerself to peaceful innerself) for the Divine gnosis and vision. Then his soul becomes pure and subtle like in the beginning. This removes all the veils between man and Allah. Then man starts beholding Allah as he used to in the beginning.

Sultan Bahoo says:

• When a man blessed with inspiration reaches the level مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَہٗ (Whoever recognised his innerself) he becomes the man of unveiling.

Such an amazing unveiling is the heritage of Holy Prophet (pbuh). Companions (ra), perfect Mystics, and the perfect spiritual guides are a part of this heritage due to their honesty, morality and purity of the innerself. The innerselves of these holy people and religious elders are in state of peace since the beginning. And it remains in this state even after adopting human form. They were with Allah then and they are with Allah now. Training of the children of Adam is in their hands.

Granting of Spiritual Unveiling

After the order of prophethood ended at Holy Prophet (pbuh), the people of cloak (ra), Companions (ra), their followers, and the perfect spiritual guides now, all of these entities bear great spiritual powers. They are at high spiritual levels and are guiding the seekers of Allah towards Divine Essence. Spiritual unveiling is given by the perfect spiritual guide whereas inward or psychological unveiling can be achieved by any scholar, pandit, yogi or monk.

Spiritual unveiling can only be gained when the true seeker of Allah renounces all of his authorities. And keeps his head down in the holy company of his spiritual guide with humbleness and sincerity. Sultan Bahoo says:

• Knowledge is not a medium rather it is a door to the right path. The actual medium is spiritual guide who is the guardian, custodian, and one who takes to Divine closeness. As he knows all of its stages and is aware of unveiling.

Actual unveiling is specially related to Divine gnosis and company of Holy Prophet (pbuh). And the blessing of perfect spiritual guide and invocation and contemplation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat opens it upon the seeker. Because the Sarwari Qadri perfect spiritual guide possesses contemplation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat, he takes the seeker to Divine Closeness after saving him from a vortex of false illusions, miracles and unveilings created by innerself and Satan. And on this path, he introduces the seeker to prophets and mystics. A very courageous seeker adopts humbleness at every stage of unveiling. And always focuses on the spiritual guide.

Sarwari Qadri Perfect Spiritual Guide

Why is Sarwari Qadri perfect spiritual guide the only guardian in this path of unveiling?

Allah almighty says:

• O believers! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and those who are Ulil Amr (اولی الامر) amongst you (4:59)

My spiritual guide Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen says in his book “Sufism – the Soul of Islam”:

• Some people derive the meaning ‘worldly leaders’ from the term Ulil Amr but Saints derive it to be the truthful who is the perfect spiritual guide, representative of Prophet Mohammad in each era and whose responsibility is to spiritually train the people. The Quran and Hadith turn our attention again and again towards following him.

Syed Mohammad Zauqi talks about the attributes of perfect spiritual guide in “Sirr-e-Dilbaran”:

• There are some people on spiritual journey who do not lay eyes upon the worldly affairs. They do not waste time searching for despicable and useless things. Rather, they use their special powers to improve their hereafter and to search for affairs related to the hereafter. Some are so magnanimous and courageous and have such great objective that they do not give importance to even affairs of hereafter. Rather, their only aim is annihilation in Allah and immortality with Allah. They are perpetually with Allah and behold everything in every realm as a manifestation of Allah. They raise beyond duality and being other than Allah.

Sultan Bahoo says about the Sarwari Qadri spiritual guide

Sultan Bahoo says about the Sarwari Qadri spiritual guide:

• Sarwari Qadri spiritual guide is comprehensive and complete. He is such a book inwardly as well as outwardly which has the status of ‘book of all the books’. By reading this book, the seeker is annihilated in Allah in such a way that there remains no veil before him.

طالبان را ہر مطالب خوش نما

اعتقاد صدق خواں و ز دل صفا

Explanation: The seekers who read this book with complete faith, sincerity and purity of inward, achieve all their objectives easily. (Kaleed-ul-Tauheed Kalan)

In short, it is compulsory for any seeker to first of all search for perfect spiritual guide if he is searching for Divine gnosis and vision. And when he reaches the perfect spiritual guide, he should humbly sit in his assembly with the question of Divine vision. Because when the perfect spiritual guide blesses him with his sight, all veils will be removed and desires fulfilled.

Sultan Bahoo says:

• Till man does not renounce miracles and unveilings, he cannot reach the reality of truth by any means.

It is a blessing of Allah on the children of Adam (ra) that he sent Shaikh of the present era, heir of Mohammadan Faqr, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib ur Rehman among us to disclose the real soul of Mohammadan Reality upon the seekers of Allah, in this time of materialism, greed and lust. Where religion has been limited to just knowledge. His essence is like a sun for all seekers of Allah. And in its light the seeker stays on the right path even in the darkness of oppression. Only the seeker who is humble, honest, sincere can reach the Divine Essence.

Constant Struggle of Prophet Mohammad for the Soul of Islam

The struggle of Prophet Mohammad is a continuation of struggles of previous Prophets. It will not be wrong to say that his efforts were the sum of all the efforts. He not only preached Islam but also instilled in his Companions its true soul that is Faqr (Sufism).

Whole Life of Prophet Mohammad is a Struggle

Every aspect of the life of Chief of the worlds, the beloved of Allah and the Reason of Creation of this Universe, Prophet Mohammad is fascinating. Similarly, his each single saying is unique and unparalleled. Allah, the Glorious, bestowed him Prophethood at the age of forty but his childhood and youth were as pure and virtuous as his life after Prophethood. Contrary to other children, Prophet Mohammad did not incline towards worldly sports and games. Since childhood, seriousness, depth of thought, patience and perseverance, honesty, clarity, meditation and prudence were the distinct characteristics of his personality. (Madarij-ul-Nabuwwah, vol. 2, pg. 21)

Social System At The Time of Prophet Mohammad

The society in which he opened his eyes was touching the extremes of ignorance and barbarism. They considered the acts of great sins, such as consuming alcohol, gambling and adultery etc. as the acts of great honour and dignity. Even the sacred obligation of worship was not free from nudity and obscenity. Naked circumambulation of the Ka’aba was the custom of that era. In spite of all these circumstances, he never inclined towards those acts. When Prophet Mohammad saw children playing, he used to sit apart from them. When young boys asked him to play with them, he refused by saying that I am not born for playing. (Madarij-ul-Nabuwwah, vol. 2, pg. 21)

Sacred Childhood of Holy Prophet

Even in childhood Prophet Mohammad used to remain far away from idolatry and polytheistic traditions. He did not eat the meat of animals slaughtered in the name of other than Allah. In short, from the time of innocence Prophet Mohammad, the Divine light from head to toe, rebelled against the false system of Arabia.

Meditation in the Cave of Hira

As he grew older, he became more and more disgusted with his society. He was looking for a place near Makkah where he could get rid of the polytheistic behaviour and foolish uproar of that ignorant society. Moreover, he wanted to dwell on the phenomena of the universe and the Creator of the universe in complete solitude. He used to visit the cave of Hira in Jabal al-Nour, about four and a half kilometers from Makkah. He used to bring there something with him to eat and drink. So, he spent there many days in meditation about the Creator of the universe. This is the same cave where he received the first revelation and a fountain of guidance burst forth.

Meditation Is the Attribute Of All Prophets

One of the great virtues of the sacred Prophets is to ponder about the rotation of the Sun and the Moon, the interchanging of night and day, the phenomena of life and death and the creation of the universe.

Sagacity of Prophet Abraham

For instance, Prophet Abraham, the forefather of Prophets and the friend of Allah, used to ask his parents such wise questions that they did not have answers. Even in his childhood he refused to worship idols because humans have carved them. Moreover, they cannot hear, speak or give any benefit or loss to their worshipers. He not only refused to bow before false gods but also invited his parents to the right path. Verily, it was due to the meditation about our Creator and His creation that, at a very young age, Allah revealed such facts upon him that the wise and sage people of that time were incapable of thinking.

Prophet Mohammad Is The Leader Of All The Prophets

Prophet Mohammad is the Imam of all the Prophets and the best and most perfect embodiment of attributes of all the previous Prophets. He is the complete, perfect and accomplished manifestation of all those attributes which were present in previous Prophets. All the Prophets strived for the supremacy of Divine message and longed for victory of truth. However, Prophet Mohammad had such passion that all the time he remained busy in pondering about the ideas of how to spread the message of the Oneness of Allah, tawhid.

The Older The Disease, The Harder It Is To Treat

Prophet Mohammad was very sad upon the constant denial of Makkans. The older the disease, the harder it is to treat. For centuries, the people of Makkah had continued to believe in the religion of their forefathers. Hence, it was very difficult for the disbelievers to respond positively to the new religion Islam and to believe in only one Allah instead of many gods. Therefore, Allah, the Exalted, encouraged the Holy Prophet in many places in the Glorious Quran. He says:

وَ اِنۡ یُّکَذِّبُوۡکَ فَقَدۡ کُذِّبَتۡ رُسُلٌ مِّنۡ قَبۡلِکَ ؕ وَ  اِلَی  اللّٰہِ  تُرۡجَعُ  الۡاُمُوۡرُ ﴿۴﴾‏

Meaning: And if they reject you, many Messengers have been rejected before you. And all matters will be returned to Allah alone.‏ (Al-Fatir: 4)

The authors of Quranic exegesis are of the view that reason for the revelation of above verse is that Prophet Mohammad called the people of Makkah multiple times toward the right path. But they did not pay heed to his advice, rather mocked at him. Under these circumstances, Prophet Mohammad once became so sad that its signs began to appear on his sacred face. Allah, glory unto Him, revealed the following verse of the Quran to console His Beloved:

لَعَلَّکَ بَاخِعٌ نَّفۡسَکَ اَلَّا یَکُوۡنُوۡا مُؤۡمِنِیۡنَ ﴿۳﴾‏

Meaning: (O Esteemed Beloved!) You will perhaps risk your (dearest) life, (grieving) that they do not accept faith.‏ (Al-Shuara: 3)

Invitation Of Islam To Near And Dear Ones

In the early days of the proclamation of Prophethood, only a handful of people accepted Islam. One of the reason for this was that Prophet Mohammad was doing the work of preaching secretly. Hence, Allah’s order came in the third year of the Apostleship:

وَ اَنۡذِرۡ عَشِیۡرَتَکَ  الۡاَقۡرَبِیۡنَ ﴿۲۱۴﴾ۙ‏

Meaning: And, (O Esteemed Beloved,) warn your close relatives (of Our torment).‏ (Al-Shuara: 214)

After the revelation of this verse, the struggle of Prophet Mohammad got a new dimension. He started to invite his relatives at feasts and the motive behind these was to proclaim the Oneness of Allah. Sometimes he used to visit Masjid al-Haram and gave the message of worship to the one and only God, i.e. Allah Almighty, instead of polytheism and idolatry.

Reaction Of The People Of Makkah To The Invitation Of Islam

The people of Makkah out rightly rejected the invitation of Prophet Mohammad to the straight path. Moreover, they imposed restrictions on listening to and accompanying him. Even then Prophet Mohammad did not step back from his mission. They adopted every possible way that came into their foolish minds to stop the sacred Prophet from preaching the message of truth. They threw garbage at him, laid thorns on his way, pelted him with stones, reviled him and threatened him. Moreover, they made plans to kill him (God forbid). They also persecuted those who responded to the call of Prophet Mohammad in such a way that they may turn away from this new religion and return to the religion of their forefathers.

Migration To Abyssinia

By keeping in view all these circumstances, Prophet Mohammad allowed the Muslims to migrate to Abyssinia in the fifth year of his Prophethood. There were two wisdoms behind the migration:

• The first is to save the Muslims from the oppression of the infidels of Makkah.
• The second is to deliver Divine message outside Makkah. The attitude of the disbelievers of Makkah towards Islam was very apathetic.

Efforts of Disbelievers To Bring The Muslims Back

When the disbelievers of Makkah came to know about the migration, they tried their best to bring the refugees back to Makkah. Thus, they sent a two-member delegation to King Negus of Abyssinia. Although King Negus was a Christian but he was a just ruler. So, after hearing the point of view of the refugees, he refused to hand them over to the delegation. At this, the infidels suffered disgrace. In order to express their grief and anger, they started to treat Muslims in Makkah more cruelly.

Constant Struggle Of Prophet Mohammad And Disbelievers’ Bigotary

If a drop of water kept falling on a rock, it would eventually make a way in the rock, but the hearts of the disbelievers of Makkah were harder than stone, neither the verses of the Quran had any effect on their hearts nor the Holy Prophet’s constant struggle and endless patience and perseverance brought about a change in their thinking. Having a soft corner in their hearts is a far cry, rather they had always been looking for new ways to persecute Prophet Mohammad and the believers of Islam.

Resentment Of Prophet Mohammad

The attitude of the people of Makkah became a source of great distress for Prophet Mohammad because five years of apostleship had gone past. Allah sent him as a clear evidence but the people of Makkah insisted upon living their lives in darkness and ignorance. How could he see his umma being caught in the torment of Allah Almighty whereas he came to the land of oppression and barbarism as a Mercy for the worlds? He endorsed all previous Divine books but his own nation denied the last inspired book revealed upon him, the Quran. The one whom the disbelievers testify to be truthful and trustworthy, but when the same truthful and trustworthy person preached the oneness of Allah, the Glorious, he was declared a liar and insane (God forbid).

Consolation Of Allah To His Beloved Prophet

Regarding this plight and the anxiety of His beloved, Allah said in the Quran:

فَاِنَّ اللّٰہَ یُضِلُّ مَنۡ یَّشَآءُ وَ یَہۡدِیۡ مَنۡ یَّشَآءُ ۫ۖ فَلَا تَذۡہَبۡ نَفۡسُکَ عَلَیۡہِمۡ حَسَرٰتٍ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰہَ عَلِیۡمٌۢ  بِمَا یَصۡنَعُوۡنَ ﴿۸﴾‏

Meaning: Surely, Allah holds astray whoever He wills and guides to the straight path whoever He wills. (O Life of the universe!) Let not your soul waste away in grief for them. Surely, Allah is Best Aware of whatever they do.‏ (Al-Fatir: 8)

He further says:

فَذَکِّرۡ ۟ؕ  اِنَّمَاۤ  اَنۡتَ مُذَکِّرٌ ﴿ؕ۲۱﴾‏ لَسۡتَ عَلَیۡہِمۡ  بِمُصَۜیۡطِرٍ ﴿ۙ۲۲﴾‏ اِلَّا  مَنۡ  تَوَلّٰی  وَ  کَفَرَ ﴿ۙ۲۳﴾‏ فَیُعَذِّبُہُ  اللّٰہُ  الۡعَذَابَ الۡاَکۡبَرَ ﴿ؕ۲۴﴾‏

Meaning: So, continuously admonish them, for you are but an admonisher, You are not imposed upon them (as) an oppressor and persecutor. But anyone who turns away and becomes a disbeliever, Allah will torment him with the greatest punishment.‏‏‏ (Al-Ghashiyah: 21-24)

Rejuvenation Of Prophet Mohammad’s Struggle

Prophet Mohammad continued to put his efforts in accordance with the command of Allah even though no significant results of invitation and preaching were forthcoming. Allah Almighty has made us responsible for putting efforts only and He kept the result is in His hands. Therefore, the Holy Prophet did not stop himself in despair from putting efforts. The Holy Prophet did not even think for a moment that he had done enough, and if someone did not embrace Islam than it was a matter between him and Allah. Rather, he prayed to Allah to strengthen Islam so that the Muslims of Makkah could live in dignity.

Prayer Of Prophet Mohammad

• Abdullah ibn Umar relates that Prophet Mohammad prayed, “O Allah! Strengthen Islam with Amr ibn Hisham (Abu Jahl) or with Umar ibn Khattab.” (Tirmidhi 3683, Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal 5696)

The relater of this tradition says that Umar ibn Khattab was the beloved of Allah among the two. Hence in the sixth year of Prophethood, Allah accepted the prayer of Prophet Mohammad in favour of Umar ibn Khattab.

• Abdullah ibn Abbas narrates that when Umar ibn Khattab accepted Islam, the polytheists said that today our nation is divided into two parts (i.e. half is left). (Imam Hakim, Ahmad and Tabarani. According to Imam Hakim this hadith is sahih hadith.)

Turning Point In The Struggle Of The Holy Prophet

In the same year, Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib also converted to Islam. The conversion of these two men, Umar ibn Khattab and Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib, shocked the disbelievers and strengthened Islam. Muslims began to openly invite and preach Islam, which made Islam equally popular among nobles and the rich.

• Abdullah ibn Masud narrated that the conversion of Umar ibn Khattab to Islam was a victory (for us). His caliphate was a mercy. Swear to God! We did not have power to offer prayers in the Ka’aba until Umar ibn Khattab embraced Islam. After conversion to Islam, he confronted the disbelievers of Makkah until we (openly) preached Islam and offered prayers in the Ka’aba. (This hadith has been narrated by Imam Tabarani.)

Social Boycott At Shib Abi Talib

Of course, this success brought some respite to the Holy Prophet in his struggle for the Truth. On the other hand, with the increasing achievements of Islam, the disbelievers of Makkah feared that if they did not stop this group (of believers), the religion of their forefathers would be wiped out. So they started to oppose vehemently. When the infidels of Makkah could not weaken the roots of Islam, the religion of nature, they completely boycotted the friends and relatives of the Holy Prophet and his followers and besieged them approximately three years in Shib Abi Talib. The siege began on the seventh year of Prophethood and ended on the tenth year of Prophethood.

Unprecedented Endurance Of Prophet Mohammad And His Companions

The hardships that Muslims suffered during that time are indescribable. They ate there the leaves of the trees, sucked the kernels of date palm, and chewed the pieces of leather. Hence, they lived there a miserable life. May I devote my life to the coquettish and the matchless pearl whose perseverance remained unshattered in all the times. Even at that difficult time, the Holy Prophet remained focused at one point only, how to carry out the duty of preaching during the siege. He, once again instructed his Companions to migrate to Abyssinia so that the propagation of Islam may not stop in any way.

Sad Demise Of Abu Talib

In tenth year of Prophethood, the deadly siege of Shib Abi Talib came to an end. Sadly, this year the sacred last Prophet of Allah had to face a series of difficulties. Abu Talib, dearest uncle of Prophet Mohammad and the head of his family and tribe of Banu Hashim, passed away.  Although Abu Talib did not embrace Islam but throughout his tenure Prophet Mohammad had protection as a member of the tribe.

Chieftainship Of Abu Lahab

After the death of Abu Talib, the chieftainship of the family and the tribe passed to Abu Lahab. He was the worst opponent of Islam from very first day. Initially, Abu Lahab assured Prophet Mohammad that he could continue his mission as before, but after a while he began to openly express his hatred for Islam. Previously, Abu Lahab, as a member of tribe, used to persecute and oppose the Holy Prophet during his preaching. Similarly, as a chief he also started opposing him and even the rest of the infidels of the tribe under his leadership became more vigorous. Therefore, the death of Abu Talib was a great loss for Prophet Mohammad.

The Year Of Sorrow

It was only a short time after the sad demise of Abu Talib that his consoler and most sympathetic wife, Khadija bint Khuwaylid, also passed away. (According to some exegetists, Khadija bint Khuwaylid passed away three days after the sad demise of Abu Talib. Some others write that she passed away about two and a half months after the death of Abu Talib. However, they are agreed upon the year that they both died in tenth of Prophethood.)

These two incidents, occurred one after the other, grieved the Holy Prophet so much that he called this tenth year ‘the Year of Sorrow’. Because of these two sacred personalities, Prophet Mohammad had a lot of help in spreading the religion of Islam both socially and economically. Both of them were influential and to some extent restrained the infidels from their evil intentions. But their demise, one after the other, allowed the infidels of Makkah to openly oppose Prophet Mohammad. Abu Lahab, who as the chief of the tribe was supposed to play a role in the protection of every individual, instead he himself engaged in complete opposition to Islam, which made the rest of the people more valiant.

Prophet Mohammad’s Journey To Taif

In the same year, Prophet Mohammad visited the valley of Taif to preach Islam. However, the people of Taif proved to be more ruthless and cruel than the people of Makkah. The chiefs of Taif ordered the wandering boys of the town to follow the Holy Prophet. Those ruthless people showered stones on him so much so that his sacred shoes became wet with his blood.

Allah, the Glorious, sent an angel there who asked the Holy Prophet:

• “O Messenger of Allah! If you so order I will join these two mountains and all the inhabitants will be ruined.”

The Mercy for both the worlds replied:

• “No, I hope that their future generations will embrace Islam.”

Miraj – A Gift Of Tireless Struggle Of Prophet Mohammad

After ten years of tireless efforts, Prophet Mohammad received the reward for which all the Prophets wished to leave prophethood, that is, Divine vision during Miraj. Meeting with Allah Almighty at the level of Abduhoo (level gained after annihilation in Allah and being immortal with Him) is the distinct attribute of Prophet Mohammad. Sufis called it “Mohammadan Faqr (Sufism)”. Mohammadan Faqr (Sufism) is the true legacy of the Holy Prophet and the core of Islam.

Journey On The Divine Path Demands Utmost Perseverance And Patience

There is a point to consider for every true seeker and Divine lover that Allah, glory unto Him, bestowed the blessing of Divine vision upon His beloved Prophet after he went through tough trials and ordeals. The polytheists and infidels of Makkah would have left no stone unturned in their persecution. He endured all persecutions for the sake of propagating the religion of Islam and upholding the truth. God forbid disbelievers called him a sorcerer and a liar. They disgraced him, starved him, threatened him to murder, but Prophet Mohammad did not step back from his goal. Therefore, the Divine seekers should also be ready for all kinds of trials while following their beloved Prophet.

Faqr (Sufism) Is A Path Of Divine Love

The path of Faqr (Sufism) is a journey of Divine love and at each step of the way, Allah tests his lover. Only those seekers who have the courage to sacrifice their lives, wealth and children for the sake of their Beloved succeed on this path.

Sultan ul Arifeen Sultan Bahoo says:

• Ishq is like a skillful jeweler who checks and identifies the pure gold as pure and the impure as impure. (Ain-ul-Faqr)

Outcomes Of Never Ending Struggle Of Prophet Mohammad

The people of Makkah rejected the invitation of Islam merely for the sake of their false ego and stubbornness, but Allah sowed the seed of love of Islam in the hearts of the people of Madina. A few people from Madina met the Holy Prophet, two of them embraced Islam. Moreover, these two proved to be a milestone for eight more to enter into Islam. In the twelfth and thirteenth year, twelve and seventy-two people respectively swore allegiance to Prophet Mohammad and converted to Islam. Their allegiances are known as the first pledge of al-Aqaba and the second pledge of al-Aqaba.

Migration To Madina And Foundation Of Islamic Welfare State

Seeing the love and devotion for Islam in the hearts of the people of Madina, the Holy Prophet allowed the Muslims to migrate to Madina. Later on, he along with Abu Bakr Siddiq also migrated to Madina. It was a turning point in the history of Islam when, unlike Makkan era, Islam spread very fast. The Holy Prophet laid down the foundation of an Islamic welfare state in Madina in which the teachings of Islam were put into practice.

The Conquest Of Makkah

The Holy Prophet, by the efficacy of his spiritual sight and company, purified the innerselves of his Companions and instilled in them such spiritual power that a handful of Muslims would shred countless of false forces into pieces. Similarly, he removed the love of this world from their inwards and filled their hearts with pure Divine love. Moreover, he gave them such insight that his sacred Companions remained eager to sacrifice their wealth and lived on the right path in order to surpass each other. In a short span of eight years in Madina, the Holy Prophet achieved such feat that could not be achieved during the most difficult thirteen years in Makkah. The Holy Prophet came to Makkah with ten thousand Muslims in 8 AH. In history it is remembered as the “Conquest of Makkah” or “the Clear Victory”.

Prophet Mohammad Announced General Amnesty For The People Of Makkah

The disbelievers of Makkah, worst enemies of Prophet Mohammad, were standing there with bowed heads in shame and waiting for the safety of their lives. They, who had made difficult the life of the Reason of this Universe and the Ruler of both the worlds, were hoping that now we too would be thrown out and would be accounted for each and every persecution. But the mercy of both the worlds and the embodiment of pardon and tolerance announced general amnesty.

Guidance Is In The Hands Of Allah And He Awards It To Those Who Ask For It

The point to consider here is the Holy Prophet continued to put efforts on the people of Makkah but the outcome of his efforts received in the form of the love of the people of Madina for Islam. Allah is Omnipotent. Guidance is in His hand and He awards guidance to whom He wills. If He closes the door of guidance for the rebellious and disobedient, then who can guide him?

In Present Era Mohammadan Faqr (Sufism) Is As Important As Was In The Days Of Ignorance

Once again history is repeating itself. We despite being Muslims, are living the lives of ignorance like those of Arabs. It is because focusing too much on exoteric aspects of religion has weakened our inwards like termites. Nowadays, a Muslim is as ignorant and unaware of the Mohammadan Faqr (Sufism) as a non-Muslim is. Verily, there is perfect example to follow for us in the life of the absolute guidance Prophet Mohammad. His mission is the best mission for us and his legacy is the best legacy.

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen – The Upholder Of Mohammadan Faqr (Sufism)

In this roguish era, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman has lit the candle of Mohammadan Faqr (Sufism) with the same thought which kept the Holy Prophet restless at every moment of his sacred life. Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen is the 31st perfect Shaikh and leader of Sarwari Qadri order of Sultan Bahoo. He is generously distributing the beneficence of invocation and contemplation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat. He aims that human beings may recognise their Creator and would attain success of both the worlds through Divine gnosis. Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen, by the efficacy of his spiritual sight along with his companionship, purifies the souls of Divine seekers and is leading them towards the purpose of their creation, which is Divine gnosis and marifa.

Presence In The Mohammadan Assembly Is Perfect Faith

The seeker who comes to him with pure intention to seek Allah and walks the path of Faqr (Sufism) steadfastly, Sultan ul Ashiqeen blesses him with his spiritual sight and also bestows him with the contemplation of sacred name of Mohammad. The contemplation of Ism-e-Mohammad grants permanent presence in Mohammadan Assembly. It is one of the most important spiritual stations of esoteric world before union with Allah. The seeker who attains permanent presence in Mohammadan Assembly is the luckiest one because it is the perfect faith.

Only A Perfect Spiritual Guide Can Take His Disciples To Mohammadan Assembly

The esteemed Prophet spent his entire life in upholding the truth and inviting his umma to adopt the right path. It is prerequisite for the love of Prophet Mohammad that we being his umma should create in our hearts a sincere desire for permanent presence in Mohammadan Assembly. Moreover, we should sincerely pray to Allah to lead us to the righteous man who, in this era of tribulation, is on the footsteps of Prophet Mohammad.

Iqbal says:

بہ مصطفیؐ برساں خویش راکہ دین ہمہ اوست

اگر بہ او نہ رسیدی، تمام بولہبی است

Explanation: You must take yourself to Prophet Mohammad (the Mohammadan Assembly) as he is the complete and perfect faith. If you do not take yourself to Prophet Mohammad, your whole faith is like that of Abu Lahab. (Armaghan-e-Hijaz)

Importance of Patience in Sufism

What does Patience mean?

Literal meaning of patience is endurance, tolerance and self-control whereas in terminology of Islam it means to stop your innerself (nafs) from doing things that are forbidden in sharia. Allah says in Quran:

اِنَّ الۡاِنۡسَانَ خُلِقَ ہَلُوۡعًا (70:19)

Meaning: Surely, man has been created impatient and greedy. (70:19)

In aforementioned verse, Allah is expressing the nature of a common man who is impatient since birth. Wasif Ali Wasif said:

“Humans have been instructed to have patience because this world does not run according to our will. We need patience in case we do not get something that we desire or we have to face unfavourable circumstances and people.” (Dil Darya Samandar)

Patience in Quran

More than 90 times Allah has mentioned about patience in Quran, some of them are following:

• So be steadfast. Surely, Allah is with those who are steadfast. (8:46)
• And patiently endure every suffering that touches you. Verily, these are matters of great courage and high resolve. (31:17)
• O believers! Be steadfast and, in perseverance (and tenacity), toil (even harder than the enemy). (3:200)
• And those who remain steadfast, We shall certainly pay their recompense for their righteous deeds which they used to do. (16:96)
• So the steadfast will certainly be given their reward without measure. (39:10)
• And We will most certainly test you somewhat by means of fear and hunger and certain loss of wealth and lives and fruits. And, (O Beloved,) give glad tidings to those who observe patience. (They are the ones) who, when afflicted with some distress, say: ‘Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.’ (3:155,156)

It is evident in aforementioned verse that when Allah says ‘We will most certainly test you’ then it means this world is a place of trial where every human is certainly tested. It is not a place of enjoyment and pleasures where there will be no trials.

Patience Hadith

Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) has declared patience half of faith because of its importance in religion.

Jabir ibn Abdullah (ra) relates that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “On the day of judgement, when people who had suffered affliction will be given their reward (because they adopted patience), at that time people (who lived their lives) with ease and comfort will wish that their skin had been cut to pieces with scissors when they were in the world.”

Abdullah ibn Abbas narrates that Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) once went to few of his Companions and asked: “Are you believers (momin)?” Everyone kept quiet. Umar ibn Khattab (ra) said: “O Prophet of Allah! In comforts of life we are thankful and we are patient during the times of affliction and in misfortune we submit to the will of Allah.” Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) said, “I swear by Allah! You are believers (momin).”

Hazrat Suhayb (ra) narrates that Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) said: “The case of believers is different from others. Their every matter and situation has good hidden in it for them. However if they suffer any kind of pain and affliction, it is a Divine blessing for them.

Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) once said to his Companions about present era that: “There will be days after you when being patient will be same as holding burning coal in fist. In such times, a person who adopts patience will be given reward equal to fifty people doing the same good deed.”

A man is tested according to his faith

It is narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim that Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas relates a tradition that he asked Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): “O Prophet of Allah! Who goes through the most arduous trials? He replied, ‘Prophets and then those who are close to Allah according to their ranks. A man is tested in accordance with the level he is stationed at in religion (meaning the state of his faith). If he is strong in his faith and religion then the trials are arduous. If he is weak in his faith and religion then his trials will be easy. They constantly go through trials (and are purified due to their patience upon afflictions) such that they walk through earth without a burden of a single sin’.”

Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) also said:

• Patience is light.
• Patience is my cloak.
• Patience is one of the treasures of paradise.
• Patience is the key to success

Once Prophet Mohammad said to a woman, “The real patience is (to accept and submit to a calamity) right from the beginning.” It means that real patience is observed when one endures any kind of affliction or misfortune in the beginning. Saying I am patient after lamenting is not patience.

Quotes of Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra)

• Patience is such a ride which never stumbles.
• Being patient upon misfortunes is the greatest blessing of Allah.
• One who adopts patience during the times of afflictions, stays happy as if he experienced no calamity.
• Patience is when a person endures afflictions and controls his anger.
• Patience is a friend and helper in difficult times.
• Relation of patience and true faith is that of a head to a body. A body is of no use without a head.

Quotes of Saints

Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani says:

“Patience is a source of every virtue and safety in this world and in hereafter.  Due to patience, a believer (momin) elevates to the level of submission to Divine will.” (Futuh al-Ghaib – Makala 30)

“The worldly life is like a tree of aloe of which the fruit is bitter but consequences are sweet. No man can acquire sweetness without going through bitterness of life. It means without adopting patience upon hardships of life it is impossible to attain its blessings. However, one who is patient upon trials of life, gains more blessings of the world.” (Futuh al-Ghaib – Makala 45)

“The one who observed patience, mastered it and became contented (at Divine will). Allah says, ‘People who observe patience will receive their due reward’.” (Al-Fath ar-Rabbani – Chapter-3)

“Only believer can acquire both Faqr and patience at a time. Dearest people of Allah are tested through afflictions and misfortunes, so they adopt patience. Despite suffering from trials and tribulations they are inspired to do good deeds. Then Allah sends more trials for them and they still observe patience.” (Al-Fath ar-Rabbani – Chapter-2)

“If one adopts no patience then poverty and hardships are torment for him. If one does observe patience than there is miracles and glory for him. A believer, who adopts patience, enjoys prayers and proximity of Allah and does not want to deviate from it.” (Al-Fath ar-Rabbani – Chapter-3)

Sultan Bahoo (ra) says about patience:

“The seeker should consider himself as the creation of Allah whose destiny, sustenance and status are controlled by Him and He is ever watching him. Also he should submit to what Allah orders and be happy with it. However he should know that the will of Allah is different from the will of creation. Sometimes his fate favours him and sometimes it does not. Sometimes he faces hardships and at times he enjoys pleasures. Man should understand that everything is from Allah. He should heartily accept whatever comes from Allah, show gratitude and stay happy. So that he attains closeness to Allah and on the day of judgment he rises amongst those who are enduring. As Allah says in sura al-Baqarah, ‘Certainly Allah is (always) with those who observe patience’.” (Talmeez-ur-Rehman)

“The men of invocation observe patience and are thankful to Allah. Patience and gratitude is that a seeker of Allah should be patient towards the world and abstain from its love. He should be thankful to God for granting him Faqr, which is the heritage of Prophets.” (Ain-ul-Faqr)

“Be Patient, except patience there is no way out. What else can you do except surrendering before the will of Allah.” (Kaleed-u-Tauheed Kalan)

Once, Shaikh Bashir ibn Mansur (ra) offered a long prayer. He noticed that an individual is very impressed by it. After the prayer he said to the individual, “Do not be surprised on my extended prayer. Satan offered devotion for years but you are aware of his end.”

Junayd al-Baghdadi (ra) says:

“Patience without complaining about afflictions is a sign of devotion and it is a best devotion.”

Dhul-Nun al-Misri (ra) says:

“Patience is to refrain from the things that Allah has forbidden. It is to endure every sorrow and to not worry during scarcity of livelihood.”

Imam ibn Hibban (ra) says about patience:

“Patience is root cause of every good deed. It is a base and safety of mind and wisdom. It is a seed of goodness and its outcome.”

Haris bin Asad Mahasbi (ra) says:

“There is an essence of everything. The essence of man is his intellect while the essence of intellect is patience. Patience in fact means to fight against the innerself.” (Awarif-ul-Ma’Arif)

Sahl ibn Abdullah (ra) says:

“Patience is to wait for Allah to end all sufferings.” (Awarif-ul-Ma’Arif)

Patience of Hazrat Ayyub (as)

Hazrat Ayyub (as) was righteous, humble, forbearing and a man of great patience. Allah blessed him with great wealth and many children. He performed devotions regularly. He gave food to indigents and helped them in every possible way. Satan became jealous of his way of life. So he requested in court of Allah that Hazrat Ayyub (as) is thankful beyond words because he has every blessing, great wealth and many children. If you will take every blessing from him then he will never worship you like he does now and he will never be grateful. So Allah took every blessing from him. All his children and cattle died and his wives left him. Aside from that, he contracted a vile skin disease called leprosy due to which his body started to emit unpleasant odour. Maggots also appeared in his body.

His clan left him in a deserted area far from his tribe. Regardless of so many hardships and misfortunes, his patience and gratitude never lessened. He remained absorbed in remembrance of Allah. According to traditions, time period of his sickness was 12 to 18 years long. In this long period of time, he lost his wealth, blessings and every comfort of life however he still observed patience. Ultimately, Allah cured his disease and again granted him all blessings. Allah says in Quran about patience of Hazrat Ayyub (as):

“Surely, We found him steadfast. How excellent a servant was (Ayyub [Job])! Surely, he was oft-returning (to Us) in repentance.” (38:44)

Patience of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh)

Prophet Mohammad’s sacred life is also a great example of patience for us. The time he declared his Prophethood, people of Makkah who used to call him honest and trustworthy began calling him magician and crazy. Furthermore, people of Makkah tormented Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) physically and mentally in every way possible. Sometimes they lay thorns on his way and sometimes they threw garbage on him. Once they put intestine of camel on his sacred back while he was offering a prayer. Moreover, Holy Prophet (pbuh) faced complete boycott and spend 3 years besieged in Shib Abi Talib. It was a source of many afflictions for him however he responded to every hardship with patience and perseverance. As Allah said to him:

“And observe patience with what they (disbelievers) utter and turn aside from them in a fine manner.” (73:10)

Within same year his beloved wife and uncle died. Moreover, all his sons died at a very young age, still he remained patient. When Holy Prophet (pbuh) went to Ta’if for preaching, impudent youngsters threw stones at him. However, he never cursed but prayed for them. After Migration, he faced opposition from infidels and Jews in Madina. He also endured conspiracies of infidel Abdullah ibn Sa’d with patience. Therefore, Holy Prophet’s life is a great example of utmost patience for us.

Types of Patience

According to scholars there are three kinds of patience.

• Patience upon calamity
• Patience upon the hardships during worship
• Patience upon abstaining innerself (nafs) from committing sins

Patience upon calamity:

This kind includes all trials which come due to the will of Allah. Such as afflictions, misfortunes, poverty, sickness and death of someone who is dear to us etc. Humans do not have the power to change such circumstances. Therefore, in such conditions patience is to not become restless and complain. And impatience is to whine, go into despair and become uneasy. However, in present societies people sob, shout, yell and make others’ life difficult in such situations. Most of the people even develop psychological disorders and it takes them years to recover.

Patience upon the hardships during worships:

Timings of sunrise and sun fall and intensity of weather changes constantly. Condition of people also changes. During all these changes, enduring everything to carry out command of Allah, falls into the category of patience. For example, in summer fasting hours during Ramadan are longer as compared to winter. Therefore, thirst is also intense due to which people do not to fast the whole month. Likewise in winters people do not offer devotions because they have to perform ablution with cold water. On annual pilgrimage while wearing Ihram, strict restrictions and difficult situations are faced while performing the steps of Hajj because of which people avoid performing hajj. This is all because of not adopting patience. However people with courage and patience obey all commands of Allah during tough conditions just as they do under normal conditions.

Patience upon abstaining innerself (nafs) from committing sins:

Allah has made nafs a source of sensual desires. Hastiness and tendency to cross limits that Allah has set is in human nature. Human has two paths to fulfil its desires, halal and haram. The path of haram is full of sins. However this path is easy and short for the one who is engulfed in desires of nafs. And the path of halal is difficult and long for him. People with patience take the difficult and right path and after patience they achieve whatever they desire. However impatient people take the haram path due to which auspiciousness and peace disappears from their life. As in the beginning of this path there is no damage but after some time human gets involve in countless sins. In present time, adultery, usury and deception have become common due to impatience.

Path of Faqr and Patience

Importance of patience gets more relevant in the path of Faqr because it is a way of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). In this path one does not have to fulfil its desires even in halal manner but instead this path requires renouncing all the desires of innerself (nafs). Even one has to defy one’s ownself. Impatience is due to the rebellious nature of innerself (nafs) and one can get rid of it only by the contemplation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat. When Allah bestows His blessing upon a seeker of Allah, he finds the perfect spiritual guide of Sarwari Qadri order – the man of Divine Essence.

Then he contemplates Ism-e-Allah Zaat under the supervision of perfect spiritual guide due to which his inward starts to change. He also becomes a part of mission of his spiritual guide which is to spread the true teachings of Islam – Faqr. His family and friends oppose him when he spends in the way of Allah and spends most of his time on duties that his spiritual guide assigns him. In such case a seeker of Allah should adopt patience in following matters:

• Patience upon being steadfast in renouncing sensual desires
• Patience upon desires of nafs
• Patience upon greed and covetousness
• Patience upon ignorance and bad intentions of people
• Patience upon change of temperament and tricks of people

Why is patience so important?

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najid-ur-Rehman says:

“When a person adopts the path of Faqr then firstly he is mocked and afterwards frightened and intimidated. A word of advice is that these two hurdles are not as easy as described rather difficult to cross because such things are committed by one’s loved ones which completely shatters one.”

If a seeker does not adopt patience then he becomes afraid and turns away from this path. And he also deviates from the contemplation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat. Therefore Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen also says:

“In the ardent love of Allah, a person should keep moving towards the destination bravely and should not feel afraid or nervous by the difficulties encountered.”

In Quran Allah has mentioned these qualities of virtuous people that came before us:

“And how many Prophets have there been who fought in the cause of Allah! A large number of devotees of Allah (Awliya) also joined them. They did not lose heart due to hardships which afflicted them in the way of Allah and neither showed weakness nor gave in. And Allah loves those who remain steadfast.” (3:146)

Wasif Ali Wasif says about the station of Proximity:

“The station on which the seeker of world becomes weary, Believer is patient on that station. On the same station, People closest to Allah show gratitude. This station is known as the station of union with Allah. These people cross all the stations of patience and reach the station of surrender to the Divine will and then to the station of gratitude.” (Dil Darya Samandar)

Path of Faqr has so many levels that one has to cross to reach the final destination.

Types of Seeker of Allah

Sultan Bahoo (ra) has mentioned all spiritual stages of Faqr in his books. He also said that perfect spiritual guide grants the seeker of Allah these spiritual stages and ranks in the first meeting. Moreover, it is also important to mention those seekers who are anxious to cross all stages but do not acquire qualities that Sultan Bahoo (ra) has mentioned of a patient seeker of Allah. For example sincerity, ardent love, perseverance, loyalty and sacrifice etc. If such qualities are present in a seeker of Allah then perfect spiritual guide of Sarwari Qadri order helps him to accomplish all stages faster.

However there are many seekers who are not able to cross these stages faster because their desire to seek Allah is not perfect. They need some time for exoteric and esoteric training.  There are also many Imperfect and pseudo seekers who turn away from this path due to hastiness. Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen says:

“In Faqr (Sufism), every disciple has different experiences according to their intensions, faith and desire to seek Allah as well as because of the level of certainty in this path.”

Therefore, these seekers should always move forward with patience and perseverance. Neither one should be anxious to achieve all stages faster nor should feel afraid or disappointment and deviate from the path of Faqr. Life is full of trials, where everyone whether he is a seeker of paradise or Allah, will be tested through all kinds of afflictions and misfortune. Seeker, who shows more patience on different stages, travels more easily on the path of Faqr. The quality of submission to the will of Allah will become stronger only because of adopting patience. Life of Prophets, Companions of Prophet Mohammad and Fakirs is perfect example for all of us.

Dua

May Allah grant us the ability to understand the true meaning of patience and help us to travel the path of Faqr with perseverance and protect us from misfortunes and afflictions. (Ameen)