Naqshbandi Principle: Concentration on God (Yaddasht)

Bismillahi Rahmani Raheem

Allahumma Swalli Alaa Sayyidina Muhammadin Wa alaa Aali Sayyidina Muhammadin Wa Sallim

Madad Ya Al Haqqani Madad Ya Sahibu Saif, Madad Ya Ambiya Wa Awliya Allah

There are eight Naqshbandi Principles formulated by the Imam  of the Khwajagan (early Naqshabndi Silsila) order , Hazret Shaykh Abdul Khaliq Ghujdavani (Q.S) and three other principles formulated by the Imam of the Tariqah Khwajah Muhammad Baha’uddin Naqshbandi Al-Uwaisi Al-Bukhari (Q.S).

They are:

1-Hosh Dar Dam (Awareness of breath), 2-Nazar Bar Qadam (Watching the step), 3-Safar dar Watan (Journey in the Spiritual Path) , 4-Khalwat Dar Anjuman (Solitude in the Society) , 5-Yad Kard (Reminding outwardly and inwardly of God’s Name), 6-Baz Gasht (return to the responsibilities of a person according to  Shari’ah after performing pure Zikr), 7-Concentration on God (Yaddasht), 8-Nigadasht (Guarding one’s spiritual state) 

Other three Principles taught by Khwajah Shah Baha’uddin Naqshbandi (Q.S) as an additional three methods of training the students were:

9-Awareness of time (Wuquf E Zamani), 10-Counting the Zikr repetitions (Wuquf e Adadi), 11-Constant Attachment of Heart to God (Wuquf E Qalbi)

In this article I am inspired to write about: “Concentration on God” (Yaddasht)

Concentration on God (Yaddasht):

It means the seeker would concentrate his relationship with the Creator in his outward and inward action.  His heart must be concentrated in God’s Presence. This is similar to the Principle Constant attachment of Heart to God (Wuquf E Qalbi) the Principle formulated by Shah Baha’uddin Naqshbandi (Q.S).

The difference is similar to the difference found in the principles of Wahdathul Wujood of Ibn Arabi (Q.S) and Wahdathu Shuhood  of Imam Rabbani Ahmad Faruqi Sirhindi (Q.S).

Concentration of God is Practiced in Meditation (Muraqaba/Rabita), the highest level of meditation is when there is nothing remains in meditation except the name of the essence. The Zikr of the elect “Hu”.

Meditation are two types, one is “Contemplation” in which a Seeker recall his day to day life and judging himself in thoughts whether he lived in accordance with that which please Allah and His Prophet (alaihiswalathu wa salam). This is the recollection of God’s Remembrance and attempt to Concentrate on God by a beginner in the path. This is the meditation of thoughts, egoistic thoughts are the lowest, in secular meditations this thoughts are meditated., in the ways of dark forces evil thoughts are meditated to invoke evil, angelic thoughts are invoked in meditation by righteous people to defend the heart falling into the first two thoughts.

The other one is “Meditation with Intercession” , or Meditation with prophets and Saints, reaching in the divine presence and renewing the Shahadath and relationship (Quran 3:18) with in the order (Silsila). In such level the Shaykh become an intercessor between the living and the dead, and those in the spiritual world. For him there is no veil between him and the creations. When the Mediation reach in the Concentration of the Truth (Al Haqq), the divine inspirations are revealed, the angels becomes servants to him, all the creations are subject to the order of the Shaykh who meditate in the truth. This is the rank of Arch-Intercessors (Gaws) and Qutubs (Spiritual Poles).

This levels are found in Hazret Khidr (A.S), Hazret Maryam Binth Imran (A.S), and many companions and high Saints of this nation.

Allah says: 2:141 (Al Haqqu Min’r-Rabbika) The truth is from your Lord, so never be among the doubters.

In this verse “Al Haqq” is mentioned as originated from Ar-Rabb.

17:81 And say, “Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.”

Some innovators, accuse Sufi principles of Annihilation (Fana), because they did not understand this two verses. Truth has come and false hood has vanished?. Truth came to where?,falsehood perished from where?. From the hearts or from some lands?. Does the land have ability to hold Truth?. No, Allah says: about the heart, the truth come and falsehood has vanished!

What will Happen when truth comes ? , the self (falsehood) will be destroyed: this is the state of Fana (Annihilation) and Baqa (Salvation) , Allah says in Quran: 59:21 Had We sent down this Qur’an on a mountain, verily, thou wouldst have seen it humble itself and cleave asunder for fear of Allah. Such are the similitudes which We propound to men, that they may reflect.

This is how the impact the Truth (Quran) can make in believer , as for the spiritual ways those who follow the Book of Allah and Traditions of Prophet (alaihiswalathu wa salam) through the “pious scholars (heirs of Prophets)” reach in the state of perfect faith (Imaan).

So Allah Almighty Orders to follow those who reached in the Straight Path and Truth, to follow those who are mastered in haqiqa and Ma’arifa. Quran 9:119 

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ

O ye who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are true (in word and deed).

17:80:

وَقُلْ رَبِّ أَدْخِلْنِي مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَأَخْرِجْنِي مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ وَاجْعَلْ لِي مِنْ لَدُنْكَ سُلْطَانًا نَصِيرًا

Say: “O my Lord! Let my entry be by the Gate of Truth and Honour, and likewise my exit by the Gate of Truth and Honour; and grant me from Thy Presence an authority to aid (me).”

They are the aid for the believer in the Straight Path.

It is narrated in Hadith that says: “Everything is falsehood except Allah”, as the verse in 17:81 and 2:141 describes, when all the falsehood including the lower self perish in the seeker, only “Al Haqq” remains in the seeker.

if you are a Muhaddis then you must know the Hadith without needing someone else tell you, it is in one of the sahih Sittha . go and find it if you can.

So this is the state of “Anal Haqq” (I am the Truth) which many ignorant external scholars denying for a fact!. When a person concentrate on God, everything perish in him except the Presence of the Mighty and Sublime!

The Dua to ask for “Concentration on Divine Truth” 3:53 Our Lord, we have believed in what You revealed and have followed the messenger Jesus, so register us among the witnesses [to truth].”

So when a Seeker witness truth in the Concentration on God, there is no falsehood remain in him in the state of fana. Since everything else is falsehood except Allah. This is  the station of “Ihsan”.

“Beware the vision of a true believer ,for he sees with the Light of Allah” (hadith)

Concentration on God Require two things:

1- Renounce the World, and 2-Forget the people.

This are the states of Fana and Concentration on God that is explained by our Beloved Prophet alaihiswalathu wa salam. Unfortunately so many have deceived to wrong ways by their misguided leaders and scholars!, May Allah guide them back to the Ahlu Sunnah Wa Soofiya…ameen

Allah says: 3:137 Many were the Ways of Life that have passed away before you: travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth.

6:11 Say: “Travel through the earth and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth.”

A Seeker can achieve concentration in Allah, by doing Zikr often and to do zikr often, one must keep with Awrad (Daily Spiritual Practice) without fail.

Allah says: 62:10 And when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek from the bounty of Allah , and remember Allah often that you may succeed.

This is a promise for Both Men and Women. That may be among the People of Zikr and attain a relationship with their Creator and by which shall they prosper!

The Etiquette of a Seeker (Murid)

Allah says: 33:35 Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.

To gain concentration on God (Yaddasht), the Seeker must observe the following manners:

1- To believe (believing men and Women) with whole heart in his/her Shaykh and in his Path. As the Prophet alaihiswalathu wa salam says: On the authority of Tameem ibn Aus ad-Daree (ra): The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The deen (religion) is naseehah (advice, sincerity).” We said, “To whom?” He (ﷺ) said, “To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk.” [Muslim]

The party of Satan will try to trick you by saying, you are blindly following your Shaykh and make you confuse. But remind yourself I am sincerely following my Shaykh. A seeker who doubt/suspect his Shaykh and refer books for proofs to follow the Shaykh, a woman who is doubt her husband and send a spy behind husband,a husband who doubt his wife and send spy behind his wife, the end of such relationships will come to an end, and you will become a loser.

2-To obey your Shaykh with whole heart. Allah says:4:59 O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination.

The Spiritual Opening will be given to such obedient Seekers.Allah says:

4:69 All who obey Allah and the messenger are in the company of those on whom is the Grace of Allah,- of the prophets (who teach), the sincere (lovers of Truth), the witnesses (who testify), and the Righteous (who do good): Ah! what a beautiful fellowship!

Sahih Bukhari,Book 89  Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle (alaihiswalathu wa salam) said, “Whoever obeys me, obeys Allah, and whoever disobeys me, disobeys Allah, and whoever obeys the ruler I appoint, obeys me, and whoever disobeys him, disobeys me.”

So it is clear that a disobedient one cannot concentrate on God nor reach in Meditation.

Allah says: 108:3 Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off.

The hypocrites, disbelievers, and misguided people are cut off from this relationship!

3- To be truthful. Another manners required is to be a truthful person. God Himself is Truth “Al Haqq” as He is “As-Salam”, falsehood and Truth never goes together, when truth comes falsehood perish. One must avoid lying and spreading false news among people in order to achieve state of Meditation which is one of the doors of concentration on God. This is part of guarding the spiritual progress.

The Prophet (alaihuswalathu wa salam ) says: Malik related to me that he heard that Abdullah ibn Masud used to say, “You must tell the truth.truthfulness leads to right action. Right action leads to the Garden. Beware of lying. Lying leads to corruption, and corruption leads to the Fire. Don’t you see that it is said, ‘He speaks the truth and acts rightly,’ and, ‘He lies and is corrupt.’ ”  (Muwatta Imam Malik,Book 56, Hadith 56.7.16)

4- To be Patient: The Seeker must be patient in order to attain pure meditation and concentration. Patience is the key of success. It is the pre-condition of meditation. One who is not patient will wander though he may close his eyes and sit facing Qibla.

2:153 O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

3:200 O ye who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah; that ye may prosper

11:11 Except for those who are patient and do righteous deeds; those will have forgiveness and great reward.

7:!28 Said Moses to his people: “Pray for help from Allah, and (wait) in patience and constancy: for the earth is Allah’s, to give as a heritage to such of His servants as He pleaseth; and the end is (best) for the righteous.

 Yahya related to me from Malik that Yahya ibn Said said, ”Ubada ibn al-Walid ibn Ubada ibn as-Samit informed me from his father that his grandfather (Ubada) said, ‘We made a contract with the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, to hear and obey in ease and hardship, enthusiasm and reluctance, and not to dispute with people in authority and to speak or establish the truth wherever we were without worrying about criticism.'”  (Imam Malik’s Muwatta,Book 21, Hadith 21.1.5)

Quran 41:35 And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint,- none but persons of the greatest good fortune.

5- To be Humble: The seeker must humble himself. Allah says in Quran 2:45 And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah ]

Allah says: 7:94 Whenever We sent a prophet to a town, We took up its people in suffering and adversity, in order that they might learn humility.

The tests, trials and hardships are for the goodness of the believer, that they may humble themselves through forbearing it.

11:23 But those who believe and work righteousness, and humble themselves before their Lord,- They will be companions of the gardens, to dwell therein for aye!

6- Being Charitable: The great Sufi Shaykhs are known for their generosity and charitable acts. The Khanaqah (Sufi lodge) serve all people.  It is the place of refuge for all people.

Allah says: 2:276 Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity: For He loveth not creatures ungrateful and wicked.

The seeker must refrain from all wickedness and adhere to the virtuous acts , so that he will succeed and gain much blessings and progress in the path.

The Prophet (alaihiswalathu wa salam) says: On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Every joint of a person must perform a charity each day that the sun rises: to judge justly between two people is a charity. To help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity. And the good word is a charity. And every step that you take towards the prayer is a charity, and removing a harmful object from the road is a charity.” [Al-Bukhari][Muslim]