Sufism, is not just a branch of Islam, but it is the essence of Islam. Many people disagree with Sufism, some think it is just a part of Islam and others disagree with the concept of spirituality entirely and oppose the very idea that the blessings of the Prophet-SAW are everlasting. Then there are yet others who also challenge the system and method of reforming the heart altogether. But Sufism is not just a mere branch or field of Islam, but infact it is the essence, the core of Islam. The blessings of the Prophet-SAW are everlasting and the concept and method of reforming the heart is completely plausible.
Many a person has developed an aversion towards Sufism or the Sufi path due to the con pulled by many a fakes claiming to be Sufi’s but infact using it as a means to fill their pockets and spread corruption. Because of such fake saints who have completely debased the reality of Sufism and its authenticity, people infact began to deny Sufism altogether, but this line of thinking is debatable. Just because some swindlers decided to work under the garb of Sufism for their own mundane scams and power struggles, you cannot disregard the works, efforts and authenticity of all the Sufi saints who dedicated their lives for the preservation of Islam.
It is a known fact that whenever there is something of a superior nature available, many a people decide to copy it or mass produce a cheaper version of it. For example there is an original Sony TV and then there is a repaired TV of a cheap make, the machinery of which has been placed in the casing of a Sony TV. Both may look the same, but there is an immense difference. Now just because someone floods the market with the fake Sony TV, one cannot start denying the authenticity of the original altogether or start claiming that all Sony TV’s are fake.
People also reject the concept of the eternal blessings of the Prophet-SAW, mainly due to their belief that, since the Prophet-SAW is no longer physically present in this world, it is no longer possible to tap into his-SAW blessings. These blessings were which reformed the hearts of the so-called ‘barbaric’ Arabs, over night and turned them into immaculately remarkable people. So much so that Allah-SWT mentioned them-RAU in the Quran with the words that Allah-SWT is pleased with them and they-RAU with Allah-SWT. To me this stance seems rather illogical.
And the first to lead the way, of the Muhajirin and the Ansar, and those who followed them in goodness Allah-SWT is well pleased with them and they are well pleased with Him-SWT and He-SWT hath made ready for them Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide for ever. That is the supreme triumph. 9:100
The Prophet-SAW had four duties as defined by the Quran in Surah Al-e-Imran and Surah Al-Jummah. These were in the order of priority. The first and four most duty was to invite the people towards Allah-SWT and to make them realize His Signs. The second duty was to sanctify and illuminate their spiritual hearts (with Noor/ Divine Light), or to do their Tazkiyya (purify or cleanse). After they had been purified, his third duty was to teach them Allah-SWT’s words, the Quran. The fourth and final duty was to explain the wisdom behind Allah-SWT’s words and elucidate the Commands and the Laws provided there in.
Allah-SWT has surely been gracious to the believers when He-SWT sent among them a Messenger-SAW from themselves to recite to them His-SWT verses, to purify them, and to teach them the Book and the Wisdom (Prophetic sayings), though before that they were in clear error. 3:164
Muhammad-SAW was the only Prophet-SAW sent for the entire mankind for all times to come, before him all other Prophets-SAW came only for a group of people or for the people of their country or area. Since Muhammad-SAW was the final Prophet-SAW of Allah-SWT and no new Prophet-AS was to be sent to the people after him, each of his duties were taken up by his trained Companions-RAU to be passed on from generation to generation through Muslims who were trained to excel in those fields.
Muhammad-SAW is not the father of any of your men but (he-SAW is) the Apostle of Allah-SWT and the Seal of the Prophets: and Allah-SWT has full knowledge of all things. 33:40
The Quran was preserved in the hearts of the Haafiz-e-Quran, who had memorized the Quran to such perfection that they not only learnt each word but also each symbol and hyphen of the Quran. The Muhadith preserved the Sunnah and the Hadith of the Prophet-SAW and his Companions-RAU. Seventeen subjects were created for the preservation and authenticity of these. And thus the explanation of the wisdom of the Quran was preserved. The department of Fiqh or Islamic Law was preserved by the four imams, Imam abbu Hanifa, Imam Shafi, Imam Malik, and Imam Hambal. The field of Tasawwuff (cleansing) and Tazkiyyah (purification) was taken up by the Sufi and the Aulia (those people who enjoy a special relationship of intense love with Allah-SWT). And thus the Sufi Orders or Tariqat (different schools of Sufism) came into being.
Sufism is the key to keeping our Spirit healthy, it is the most important field of Islam. Only when the Spirit is healthy and functional, can it truly benefit from the Divine Light descending on it. And only then can it truly understand and implement the injunctions of the Quran in their true essence. The below mentioned ayaat from Surah Al-Nur practically sum up the entire basis of Sufism and Spirituality.
Allah-SWT is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His-SWT light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light, Allah-SWT guideth unto His-SWT light whom He-SWT will. And Allah-SWT speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah-SWT is knower of all things.
(This lamp is found) in houses which Allah-SWT hath allowed to be exalted and that His name shall be remembered therein. Therein do offer praise to Him-SWT at morn and evening (engaging in His-SWT Remembrance)--
Men whom neither merchandise nor sale beguileth from remembrance of Allah-SWT and constancy in prayer and paying to the poor their due; who fear a day when hearts and eyeballs will be overturned;
That Allah-SWT may reward them with the best of what they did, and increase reward for them of His-SWT bounty. Allah-SWT giveth blessings without stint to whom He-SWT will.
As for those who disbelieve, their deeds are as a mirage in a desert. The thirsty one supposeth it to be water till he cometh unto it and findeth it naught, and findeth, in the place thereof, Allah-SWT, Who-SWT payeth him his due; and Allah-SWT is swift at reckoning.
Or as darkness on a vast, abysmal sea. There covereth him a wave, above which is a wave, above which is a cloud. Layer upon layer of darkness. When he holdeth out his hand he scarce can see it. And he for whom Allah-SWT hath not appointed light, for him there is no light. 24:35-40
This is not just a very logical and simple concept but is infact the reality. When Allah-SWT created us He-SWT blew into us of His-SWT Spirit. The Spirit that lies within us, combined with our physical body and soul completes ‘us’. The same way the Body has its vital parts and their respective functions, as does the Spirit. The Vital Points of the Spirit are known as the “Latifa” (singular) “Lataif” (plural). The first and foremost Latifa is the Qalb, which is the Brain centre of our Spirits and is placed within our physical heart.
Behold! thy Lord said to the angels: "I–SWT am about to create man from sounding clay from mud molded into shape;"When I–SWT have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My–SWT Spirit fall ye down in obeisance unto him."” 15:28,29
The function of the Qalb is to a) receive and absorb the love that Allah-SWT feels towards us, b) Love Allah-SWT back and c) radiate Allah-SWT’s love to others. Since Allah-SWT is Nur, His-SWT Orders, Attention, Affection and Love are all Nur. The Spirits that lie within are also Nur and can thus relate to Allah-SWT. The food and energy for the Spirit is also Nur.
That He–SWT may make the suggestions thrown in by Satan but a trial for those in whose hearts is a disease and who are hardened of heart (Qalb): verily the wrongdoers are in a schism far (from the Truth): 22: 52
The problem starts when our Qalb becomes dysfunctional! This happens due to repeated disobedience of Allah-SWT and His Prophet-SAW. Since every sin leaves a black mark on the Qalb, slowly the black marks envelope the Qalb and make it lose its capacity to illuminate and radiate, it becomes dull and loses its capacity to receive and absorb Allah-SWT’s Nur and thus it becomes diseased and cannot find the energy required for the Spirit to be healthy and functional.
When Our–SWT Signs are rehearsed to him he says "Tales of the Ancients!"
By no means! but on their hearts is the stain of the (ill) which they do! 83:13, 14
Now the question arises that how are we to make our dysfunctional hearts functional again? How do we make our diseased Spirit healthy again?
The heart or qalb is purified through the method of zikr Allah-SWT, which taps into the Blessings being radiated from the Prophets-SAW Qalb. This concept is very simple for any average educated person to understand in this era of the internet. In the exact same way the entire internet is connected to one large main frame. The Qalb of every Muslim can be connected to the Qalb of the Prophet-SAW. The Qalb gets connected the second one accepts belief in one Allah-SWT and that Muhammad-SAW is His–SWT Messnger-SAW. Once you are connected you start receiving the barakah (blessings) through his-SAW Qalb. The problem arises when your Qalb gets enveloped by impurities and is no longer receptive to the barakah being directed towards it. For this cleansing is required, the means of which are through zikr Allah-SWT (remembrance of Allah-SWT).
Hadith: Al-Bayhaqee relates from Ibn 'Umar radiallaahu 'anhu that Allah-SWT's Messenger-SAW said: "For everything there is a polish, & the polish for the hearts is the zikr (remembrance) of Allah-SWT. There is nothing more potent in saving a person from the punishment of Allah-SWT than the zikr of Allah-SWT." It was said: Not even Jihad in the path of Allah-SWT. So he replied: "Not even if you were to continue striking with your sword until it breaks."
Reformation of the soul being one of the duties of Prophethood. The Taba'een (those Muslims who received purification of their hearts directly from the Companions-SAW) reformed themselves in the company of the Sahaba-SAW (Companions) and the Tab'a Taba'een (those Muslims who received purification of their hearts directly from the Taba’een) acquired it from them. Just as a person has to go to a scholar to acquire knowledge, one has to similarly remain in the company of an accomplished Shaikh and strive earnestly to acquire spiritual blessings.
Hadith: Muslim, Narator Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab-RAU: Umar went out one day to the masjid of Allah-SWT's Messenger -SAW and found Mu'adh ibn Jabal sitting by the Prophet-SAW's grave, weeping. He asked what was making him weep and he replied that it was something he had heard from Allah-SWT's Messenger-SAW. He had heard him say, "a little hypocrisy is polytheism, and anyone who is hostile to a friend of Allah-SWT has gone forth to fight Allah-SWT. Allah-SWT loves the upright, pious and retiring ones who are not missed when they are absent and are not given invitations or treated with honour when they are present. Their hearts are the lamps of guidance, and they come forth from every dusty and dark place."
The Prophethood of the Holy Prophet Muhammad-SAW remains as effective till the last day of this universe as on the first day of his raising. The beneficence emanating from him-SAW comprises of his-SAW teachings which form the basis of religious knowledge. Along with these teachings, he-SAW also radiated invisible blessings. These blessings charged the hearts of the believers with firm belief and enlightened them forever. Those who partook, both from these teachings and the blessings were indeed perfect Muslims. They received this beneficence directly from the Holy Prophet-SAW and therefore occupy a unique status in the whole Ummah. His-SAW teachings and his blessings would be preserved in their pristine purity till the end of this world. Nobody has any right to change the code of permission and prohibition defined by him-SAW. Similarly, in the realm of faith, his-SAW is the final word.
Nowadays people demand every reference from the Quran, without appreciating the source through which it reached us. After all who told us that it was the Divine Word and who read it over to us? In fact, Quran is the perception of the Divine revelation by the Holy Prophet-SAW alone. Nobody else can claim that he ever heard the revelation or saw and recognized the angel Gabriel. The Holy Prophet-SAW is the only one to certify that Quran is the Word of Allah-SWT and not his-SAW own. His-SAW explanation and interpretation of the Quran is known as Hadith.
The Quran states: "Nor doth he speak of (his-SAW own) desire." 53:3
It asserts that the Holy Prophet-SAW did not speak a single word through the whisper of his-SAW soul. His-SAW conversation was always based on Divine revelation. In the case of Quran, both the words and meanings were revealed by Allah-SWT, while the meanings of Hadith were inspired by Allah-SWT and verbalized by the Holy Prophet-SAW. This explanation has the approval of the Holy Prophet-SAW himself. Therefore it is not correct to demand the reference of everything from only just the Quran. On the other hand, it is equally improper to interpret the Quran without reference to the Hadith. Only that meaning of the Book would be considered authentic which was given by the Holy Prophet-SAW and adopted by his Companions-RAU. On this subject, he-SAW is the final authority.
Just as the teachings of the Holy Prophet-SAW still continue to benefit mankind, so do his-SAW blessings. In the past, when the blessings of the earlier Prophets-AS waned with the passage of time, the faith of their followers weakened and they renounced their religion. This necessitated the raising of a new Prophet-AS to illuminate the hearts of people once again with his blessings. The blessings of the Holy Prophet-SAW would neither wane nor fade but stay forever like his-SAW Prophet-hood, because no new Prophet-AS would be raised after him-SAW. Therefore, the responsibility of preaching and preservation of Islam in its pristine purity has been entrusted to the Sufi and the Aulia of this Ummah. Therefore, like his-SAW teachings, the blessings of the Holy Prophet-SAW must also be and, in fact, have been preserved, from bosom to bosom, under a Divine arrangement. Just as one has to go to an institution or a scholar to learn his teachings, one has to similarly seek audience with a person carrying his-SAW blessings. But there ought to be a yardstick or a criterion to determine the genuineness of a particular institution or a person. The answer lies in the simple method of comparison of one's condition with those who received these blessings from the Holy Prophet-SAW directly. His company completely reformed their lives, illuminated their hearts and infused in them love of the virtue and hatred for the vice.
These were the Companions-RAU, the most pious group amongst the entire Ummah. Piety and Companionship are synonymous. They stand at that acme of human excellence where all the virtues of a non Companion pale into insignificance. They transmitted his-SAW blessings down the line and thus a chain of transmission survives in the Ummah till today and will so continue till the Doomsday. The company of any Sufi in that chain should produce a positive change within us. Not only our outward practical life be reformed but our inner self (heart) should also be so imbibed as to experience hatred for vice and love for the virtue. We should feel pleasure in doing good and if due to any human weakness we commit a sin, it should divest us of inner peace and tranquility. Only that person, whose company, by Allah-SWT's grace, initiates such transformation would be a true saint. This indeed is the difference between a true and a pseudo saint. If one discovers an accomplished Sufi or Wali, one should stick to him like a shoe lace to a shoe. The criterion, therefore, is neither the increase of wealth and status nor the acquisition of mundane benefits.
The Universe and all its systems have been designed by Allah-SWT since antiquity. The total providence of every human being, encompassing all his worldly requirements, has also been divinely proportioned. No one can consume anybody else's providence nor can leave this world before completely consuming his own. Allah-SWT may increase some one's provisions to see if his wealth attenuates the clarity and strength of his relationship with his Provisioner. Similarly, He-SWT may straiten the provision of some one to see whether he returns to his Creator in adversity or seeks recourse to others. While He-SWT may alternate someone's condition between prosperity and adversity, His-SWT system is so perfect, smooth and flawless that it simply does not have any room for our suggestions. Human visitation to this world is ephemeral, whereas His-SWT system is operating since time immemorial and only He-SWT knows how long it will continue to function. It is the permanent, perfect system which affects the temporary visitor but not vice versa.
It is, therefore, incorrect to presume that we acquired wealth or health or worldly comforts in the company of a Sufi. These mundane benefits are of no consequence because Allah-SWT has given these to even those who do not believe in Him-SWT, His-SWT Prophet-SAW and the Aulia. They also enjoy the fruits of this life. So, it is not justified to identify truth with worldly gains. Wealth or comforts of this world are not the criteria of truth.
Hadith: "Had this world weighed equal to the wing of a gnat, Allah-SWT won't let a non believer have a drop of water to drink. It carries no value with Him-SWT ".
All its comforts and miseries are temporary and momentary. But the states that descend from Allah-SWT on the hearts and the blessings which are acquired through the Holy Prophet-SAW are everlasting and guarantee success both here and in the Hereafter. This should be viewed from two angles. First, we should identify the process of reformation initiated as a result of our association with any person, institution or school of thought. Secondly, if someone belongs to that category of people who do not get easily influenced, he should see others associated with that institution or person and look for any positive changes resulting from that association. If he finds that they are reformed but he himself remains unaffected, then he should critically analyze himself. Probably some of his failings preclude him from receiving those blessings. But if he finds no change in anyone, it is better to quit immediately. It will be sheer waste of time to continue an association where sincerity of purpose, love of virtue and hatred for vice are missing. One has very little time, death is chasing every one born in this world. To die in search of truth entitles one to Allah-SWT's mercy because according to a Divine declaration anyone who migrates towards Allah-SWT will receive his reward whether he reaches the destination or dies en-route.
So first of all, one should purify one's intention and purpose. He must then set out in the cause of Allah-SWT and in search of truth and piety. The worldly comforts, if received, are insignificant byproducts of this journey and should not be taken note of. The real valuable achievement is firm belief in the Divine Unity, the Prophet-hood, and life of the Hereafter. Practical life increasingly influenced by these beliefs will be an indication of the acquisition of blessings and beneficence from the Holy Prophet-SAW. One should not waste one's time with an association which does not lead to this achievement.
In today’s age of science and technology all this has become very easy to understand. The way man has created Satellite, which sends out the waves and signals that cannot be seen by the naked eye, but are received by other instruments such as the mobile phones and receivers for television. The proof of which is experienced by us, in the case of the phone; every time we have a conversation over the mobile phone and not only hear the person on the other end but also talk back to him. Similarly every time we watch the Television and surf through the various channels being received through the dish. Allah-SWT too created the Qalb with the function to receive and radiate the Divine Light, the effects of which can be seen in the form of obedience to Allah-SWT and his Messenger-SAW out of immense love and humility.
And hold fast all together by the rope which Allah-SWT (stretches out for you) and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah-SWT's favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love so that by His grace ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of fire and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah-SWT make his signs clear to you: that ye may be guided. 3: 103
In the exact same manner as the mobile phone can be connected to the laptop through infra red or bluetooth, the Qalb is connected to the Qalb of the Prophet-SAW. Since the Spirit never dies, even when the person is no longer present amongst us in the physical form, his Spirit still remains in the Alm-e-Barzakh (Realm or dimension in which the spirits reside, after the physical death, until the Day of Judgment) and we can still be connected to each other through the Qalb. And the Love for Allah-SWT that enlightens the Prophet-SAW Qalb, when connected to another person’s Qalb, simply transfers that Light of Love into the other Qalb according to its individual capacity. The effects of which can be seen by the transformation in that persons character, personality and his actions. It is simple logic; that if man can create such technology, Allah-SWT being the Creator can and has definitely created something far superior!
One of the Attribute’s of Allah-SWT is Al-Munsif (The Just). Allah-SWT, the Absolute Just and Fair, He-SWT sent Prophets-AS with guidance to humanity time and again. Allah-SWT never left the people unattended and unsupervised by Prophets-AS, Apostles-AS, Messngers-AS or Saints at any given time. It would not be befitting of Allah-SWT’s justice had He-SWT left all the coming generations of humanity deprived of Muhammad’s-SAW Blessings in all their entirety after his-SWT physical death. Thus to me it is the most obvious and logical conclusion that Sufism is the essence of Islam and the Blessings of the Prophet-SAW are everlasting. For without these there is no faith and whatever of Islam remains is totally superficial, which completely goes against this ayat of the Quran:
"But only he (will prosper) that brings to Allah-SWT a sound heart; 26:89
Lo! men who surrender unto Allah-SWT, and women who surrender, and men who believe and women who believe, and men who obey and women who obey, and men who speak the truth and women who speak the truth, and men who persevere (in righteousness) and women who persevere, and men who are humble and women who are humble, and men who give alms and women who give alms, and men who fast and women who fast, and men who guard their modesty and women who guard (their modesty), and men who remember Allah-SWT (engaging in His-SWT Remembrance) much and women who remember Allah-SWT engaging in His-SWT Remembrance) hath prepared for them forgiveness and a vast reward. 33.35
(Sahih Muslim Hadith 1671) Narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas: I spent a night with my maternal aunt (sister of my mother), Maymunah. The Apostle-SAW of Allah-SWT rose during the night and relieved himself-SAW, then washed his-SAW face and hands and went to sleep. He-SAW then rose again and came to the water-skin and loosened its straps, then performed a thorough ablution between the two extremes. He-SAW then stood up and observed prayer. I also stood up and stretched my body fearing that he-SAW might be under the impression that I was there to find out (what he did at night). So I also performed ablution and stood up to pray, but I stood on his-SAW left. He-SAW took hold of my hand and made me go round to his-SAW right. The Messenger-SAW of Allah-SWT completed thirteen rak'ahs of his-SAW night prayer. He-SAW then lay down and slept and snored (it was his-SAW habit to snore while asleep). Then Bilal came and he informed him about the prayer. He-SAW (the Holy Prophet-SAW) then stood up for prayer but did not perform ablution. His-SAW supplication included these words: "O Allah-SWT, place light in my heart, light in my sight, light in my hearing, light on my right hand, light on my left hand, light above me, light below me, light in front of me, light behind me, and enhance light for me." Kurayb (the narrator) said: There are seven (words more) which are in my heart (but I cannot recall them) and I met some of the descendants of Abbas, who narrated these words to me and mentioned in them: (Light) in my sinew, in my flesh, in my blood, in my hair, in my skin, and mentioned two more things.
(Sahih Muslim Hadith 7178) Narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud: Since our acceptance of Islam and the revelation of this verse in which Allah-SWT has shown annoyance to us: "Has not the time yet come for the believers that their hearts should be humble for the remembrance of Allah-SWT?" (57.16), there was a gap of four years.
Has not the time arrived for the Believers that their hearts in all humility should engage in the remembrance of Allah-SWT and of the truth which has been revealed (to them) and that they should not become like those to whom was given Revelation aforetime but long ages passed over them and their hearts grew hard? For many among them are rebellious transgressors. 5.16
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