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:Awareness of Numbers (Wuquf e Adadi)
Counting the Zikr for Awareness of Numbers (Wuquf e Adadi):
Awareness of the Number means to prepare the heart to reach in the perfection of remembering “Al Ahad-the One”
“Awareness of numbers” means that the Murid (Seeker), while reciting Zikr (Wird) should count his Zikr and follow up according to the order of precedence (Thartheeb). It is the traditional example taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). All prayers, including ritual prayers ,formal prayers , voluntary prayers, and voluntary remembrance of God (Zikr) all practiced on certain numbers. You cannot say: I am praying four raka (Circle) Maghrib prayer, because you feel more attachment to God today!, you can only pray three raka for Maghrib, but if you still like to pray you need to follow the numbers and rows allowed for each prayer.
Counting Zikr is part of disciplining the heart and mind and to be focused on what is required in the time. This will help heart to focus on the Zikr and the One who purify the seeker who Sit’s in the Adkaar -the One and Only Allah Almighty.
Khwajah Baha’uddin Naqshbandi (Q.S) said: “Focusing on the number of Zikr is the first step in the field of acquiring spiritual knowledge!”
The daily spiritual practice (Awrad) are set up in three orders. First: it is to make intention to do Zikr, the intention also include the days of spiritual retreat (Khalwat or Riyada) and one should observe the number of days second, it has certain number to be recited.Third is the step by step order (thartheeb), and the Zikr has to be recited in this order.
The Sufi orders ,especially Naqshbandiyya are known for forty days retreat .
Allah says: 2:203 And remember Allah during [specific] numbered days.
The Prophet alaihiswalathu wa salam says: Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah has ninety-nine Names, i.e., one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Paradise; and Allah is Witr (one) and loves ‘the Witr’ (i.e.,odd numbers). (Book #75, Hadith #419)
This are the mysteries of keeping a special numbers for each Zikr.
The Quran gives examples that the Prophets were sent for 40 days retreat, three days seclusion and or isolation/ signs etc to equip them to receive certain divine blessings.
The numbers have a spiritual energy and a value. We can see how the digital electronics and satellite are working.
Only number that exist is Number One (1), rest remain as “Zero (0) , it is the one that give value to Zero. One manifest in Zero in various levels and equations and bring the miracles. Digital technology is based on 1 and 0.
When a person recite 100 la ilaha illa Allah it brings a value in the spiritual energy and make a positive effect in the Soul of the person who recite the Zikr.
When a person use computer , he put A to Z words and 1 to 0 numbers and the digital technology read it as Zero and One (0 and 1) mode, which then reverted and displayed in the screen in an understandable words.
The Awliya Allah were known the miraculous powers of Numbers and the essential way of arranging Zikr in numbers and order.
Counting the Zikr repetition is part of proper manner in the tariqah (Spiritual Way). One who does Zikr without counting it falls into heedless stations. Conscious breathing and consciousness of numbers are essential parts for a follower to progress in this way.
if a person misses the Zikr, he must do as soon as he is able to do it. The Prophet (alaihiswalathu wa salam) says: “Whoever misses any part of Wird (essential supplications) or portion (of reciting Quran) at night, and reads it between Fajr prayer and Zuhr (noon prayer), it will be as if he read it all night” (Sahih Muslim 747, Musnab Ahmad 377-Chapter Musnad Umar Ibn Khattab)
THE COUNTING OF SEEKER AND COUNTING OF THE CREATOR:
The Seeker should count his Zikr in a manner , as if he feels he is sitting in the presence of Allah the Mighty and Sublime!.
Because every action begin with intention (Niyyah)and rewarded according to the Sincerity. Counting Zikr is part of attentiveness to engage with it completely and to disregard other things and to guard heart from falling to heedlessness.
Quran 54.52. And everything that they did exists (recorded) in (their) notebooks (of deeds):
Quran 72:28 “This is to ascertain that they have delivered their Lord’s messages. He is fully aware of what they have. He has counted the numbers of everything”
Imam Malik narrates in his Muwatta: Yahya related to me from Malik from Abu’z Zinad from al-Araj from Abu Hurayra that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “By the One in Whose hand my self is, the smell of the breath of a man fasting is better with Allah than the scent of musk.’ He leaves his desires and his food and drink for My sake. Fasting is for Me and I reward it. Every good action is rewarded by ten times its kind, up to seven hundred times, except fasting, which is for Me, and I reward it.’ ” (Book 18, Hadith 18.22.58)
Counting of special days: Narrated ‘Aisha(R.A): Allah’s Apostle (alaihiswalathu wa salam) said, “Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.” (Sahih Bukhari,Book 32, Hadith 234)
Example:Imagine if a treasury gate is left opened , and so many people coming in, the watchman is not there to count and regulate the people and to safeguard other than the appointed people entering in it. What will happen? So robbers will enter in the treasury and steal the wealth. But if there is a guard near the gate, and he is recording who is entering inside the treasury and keeping a record , that time he is making sure the right people have come inside and the correct duties are undertaken there.
Therefore awareness of numbers and counting the Zikr repetition eventually make a seeker to safeguard his heart from everything other than his Creator. He will observe what is coming in to his heart and he regulate the flows that is coming into the heart. By counting one does not over burden himself, this is how a Seeker benefit from Counting the Number and keeping awareness of the Zikr he is doing. It has been narrated in Hadiths that the Prophet alaihiswalathu wa salam, instructed Sahaba with specific number of Zikr for different occasions.
This is only an introductory note , by following a true Shaykh, one may reach further inner understanding of the methods and Sufi principles .
The 12th Principle of Naqshabandi Sufi Way: Awareness of Places: 17th Day of Ramadan 2022, April 19
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
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”.
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, “Verily Allah ta’ala has said: ‘Whosoever shows enmity to a wali (friend) of Mine, then I have declared war against him. And My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more loved to Me than the religious duties I have obligated upon him. And My servant continues to draw near to me with nafil (supererogatory) deeds until I Love him. When I Love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, and his sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him; and were he to seek refuge with Me, I would surely grant him refuge.’ ” [Al-Bukhari]
“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.
On the authority of Abu al-’Abbas Sahl bin Sa’ad as-Sa’idee (may Allah be pleased with him) who said:A man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said, “O Messenger of Allah, direct me to an act which, if I do it, [will cause] Allah to love me and the people to love me.” So he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Renounce the world and Allah will love you, and renounce what the people possess and the people will love you.” A hasan hadeeth related by Ibn Majah and others with good chains of authorities.
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:4:59O 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]
Allah says: 2:3 Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;
7-To Fast (to practice Asceticism/Renunciation of Worldly desires/attachments): the meaning of fasting in the aya (verse 33:35) refers to Asceticism, which is regulating the diet, desires, thoughts and deeds. A bad diet system bring a bad nourishment. So the fasting is to protect the heart from it’s sickness.
A seeker in order to progress in the way , to gain concentration and meditation, he must control his diet and desires. One feed the body and other feed the mind. What is fed will manifest. His heart must be fasting,not just his stomach. For a beginner, the fasting for heart is to refrain heart from all unlawful thoughts. For an intermediate the fasting is to remember what please Allah and to apply it in life. for someone advanced in this way, he must observe his heart must refrain from everything except Allah.
This is related of the two Naqshbandi Principle: Solitude in the Crowd and Watching the steps.
The Prophet alaihiswalathu wa salam says that: Allah is not in need of someone leaving food and remain hungry.
The Prophet (alaihiswalathu wa salam) says:
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (ra):The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Allah the Almighty is Good and accepts only that which is good. And verily Allah has commanded the believers to do that which He has commanded the Messengers. So the Almighty has said: “O (you) Messengers! Eat of the tayyibat [all kinds of halal (legal) foods], and perform righteous deeds.” [23:51] and the Almighty has said: “O you who believe! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you.” [2:172]” Then he (ﷺ) mentioned [the case] of a man who, having journeyed far, is disheveled and dusty, and who spreads out his hands to the sky saying “O Lord! O Lord!,” while his food is haram (unlawful), his drink is haram, his clothing is haram, and he has been nourished with haram, so how can [his supplication] be answered? [Muslim]
9: Guarding One’s Sexual Organs. the Prophet alaihiswalathu wa salam promise paradise for anyone who believe in Islam and guard his private parts (sexual organs) and his tongues. This is most important, and struggle against ego.
The Prophet (alaihiswalathu wa salam) says: On the authority of Abu Muhammad Abdullah bin ’Amr bin al-’Aas (may Allah be pleased with him) who said:The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “None of you [truly] believes until his desires are subservient to that which I have brought.” [Imam an-Nawawi says:] We have related it in Kitab al-Hujjah with a saheeh chain of narrators.
Our Shaykh, Sulthanul Awliya Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Al Haqqani (Q.S) says: “The second order for a follower of our way after his Baya (initiation) is to marry”. Because we are living in the second Jahiliya, people are naked everywhere. The man must safeguard his eye and his private parts.
Allah says: 2:187 …………They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them..
Man and Woman are clothing for each other when they are married, the clothing that veil their mind and bonding them to each other. So that their minds will be cautious of seeking what Allah has forbidden outside the wedlock!
Dressing modestly, guarding the ears and vision and leaving that which does not concern you are all part of guarding one’s sexual organs.
10: Remembering Allah: When the above etiquette are observed the seeker is ready himself to sit for meditation and to attach himself to the Remembrance of God (Zikr Allah) and keep Meditation. When he is able to follow the nine principles found in the ayat (verse) and applies, the he sits doing Zikr and facing Qibla reaches in the state of “Concentration on God”, thus helping him to attain perfect meditation.
To reach in this state, one must follow a Shaykh and Submit to the Shaykh sincerely with whole heart. You cannot swim just by reading a book!
“When any group of men remember Allah, angels surround them and mercy covers them, tranquility descends upon them, and Allah mentions them to those who are with Him.” (Muslim)
“They are the most wise who remember Allah, standing sitting and lying down” Quran (Surah 4: Verse 190)
So the perfection of Zikr is depends on the Purity of the heart and the purity of the heart depends on the Sincerity and Submission of the seeker. it is said that: “Religion is Sincerity”
So a person who is stuck in the Maqams, titles and Miracles end up in the same station without progressing in the way. This is happening in many Sufi Orders. The Maqams and Miracles becoming a veil on many seekers and they are forgetting the purpose of their creation. Only Naqshbandi Way remains in guiding a seeker to perfect realization and annihilation.
This a brief reference note on the Naqshbandi Priciple: “Concentration on God” (Yaddast). You may learn in detail and practice this principles from a Shaykh.
Seek God as moths seek light, One’s the fly reach light it never returns, it dies and become dusts. you will need a guard, a Shaykh of Tasawwuf to guide you, otherwise some lizards and frogs will snatch you and mislead you!
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 (Inward 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: Returning to the World of Religious duties after Pure Zikr (Bazgasht)
Returning to the World of Religious Duties (Bazgasht):
Allah says: Quran: 62:10 And when the prayer (Zikr) has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek from the bounty of Allah , and remember Allah often that you may succeed*.
A Seeker in the way followed by the Zikr and Annihilation (Fana), he is required to return to the world in order to fulfill his obligations and duties according to the Islamic Laws (Shari’ah) and Traditions (Sunnah) of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
Some have misinterpreted or misunderstood this principle due to their lack of understanding on this principle. This is the Sixth principle according to Hazret Abdul Khaliq Ghujdevani (Q.S) the mater of the Khwajagan Way. When a seeker (Murid) is submerged in the Zikr and ascended in the spiritual journey while he is physically in this world, it requires him to follow the book of Allah and Traditions of Prophet alaihiswalathu wa salam, and keep the duties that is commanded by God, this is the perfect state (Kaamil) of a Seeker.
When the seeker progress in his Zikr, reach in a state of complete emptiness and annihilation in the Divine presence, through meditation (Muraqaba) , the lower world vanish from his heart, his physical body in this world and his spiritual being in the divine presence. This is a very delicate state of a seeker. Al Hallaj Mansoor (Q.S), Al Bistami (Q.S) and others were outspoken from the self sacrifice and divine relationship ,words that are considered as forbidden in the law in the world of creations.
The meaning of the Word “Baz Gasht” (Returning) is to Return to the Servants of God after reaching in the Divine Presence(nearness) which is followed by “Journey Homeward”,returning to the Shaykh and to the Jama’ath after the state of Annihilation (Fana) which happens after purification. And perfect purification is when nothing remains in a person except God, everything vanishes in the seeker including his self. The returning can also be to guide others if he seeker has given shaykh-hood. That his Shaykh may need him as an assistant/deputy to work for him in order to guide the people.
For others, the seekers it is only to follow the ways of the Prophet alaihiswalathu wa salam which based on Sunnah and Shari’ah.
17:80 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).”
Allah says: 17:81 Say: ´Truth has come and falsehood has vanished. Falsehood is always bound to vanish.
Thus Allah says[Quran 89:27-28] [To the righteous it will be said], “O reassured soul,Return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him],
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Qur’an 13:28)
When the Soul is reassured in the Zikr and Find Peace and Certainty , then you shall enter in the way of righteous and favored.
Quran [15:99]:Worship your Lord until you attain certainty.
Quran [89:29] And enter among My [righteous] servants
Since the Seeker is still alive in this world in his flesh he shall fulfill his religious obligations in the Path of those whom Allah has bestowed favor. In other words, a person whom God has guided will be in the Path of Sufi Tariqah
Quran [1:7], See Link for Explanation: 1:7 The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor,
The seeker is obligated to follow the outward life style and duties commanded in the religion of Islam. It is a part of guarding his spiritual state and following the Prophet (alaihiswalathu wa salam).. If a seeker fail to follow the Prophet (alaihiswalathu wa salam) it is obvious chance that he may lose his spiritual progress and status and can even become a heretic or an unbeliever.
Because Allah says:[3:31]Say: “If ye do love Allah, Follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
God commanded all Angels and Iblees to prostrate to Adam (A.S), to accept him as the Khalifa of Allah on earth. But Iblees failed, though he had a high maqam, and he become blind in his state and status. So he became Satan and ruined his spirit and ruining the souls of millions of people since then!.
In the case of a seeker who does not follow the Prophet (s.a.w), he also ruin himself and may ruin millions of people, who just see the Karamath (Miracles) and eloquent speech from his experience in the spiritual journey!
So many spiritual travelers and even so many Shaykhs are fooled in this stages and have been drowned from their ranks due to the failure of following the Sunnah of Prophet (alaihiswalathu wa salam)
So the Naqshbandiyya Principle: “Returning to the World” means to come back to the God’s Religion and Righteousness.
Allah says: Qur’an 49:7 And know that among you is Allah’s Messenger: were he, in many matters, to follow your (wishes), ye would certainly fall into misfortune: But Allah has endeared the Faith to you, and has made it beautiful in your hearts, and He has made hateful to you Unbelief, wickedness, and rebellion: such indeed are those who walk in righteousness;-
The aim of the Returning is to live in the world in Servant hood (Abd), because Allah says: ” I have not created jinn and mankind except to serve Me. (51:56)
Because it is the Sunnath of Allah to Preserve his servant for His Own Sake. That he may be a sign for the people and a clear proof for the believers so that they may understand the promise of Allah is true.
Allah says in Al Kahf: 18:21 And similarly, We caused them to be found that they [who found them] would know that the promise of Allah is truth and that of the Hour there is no doubt…
For the beginners,this principle means that they should not only following the spiritual exercises , but also fulfilling other duties that are obligatory on every believer.
On the authority of Abu Tha’labah al-Kushanee — Jurthoom bin Nashir (may Allah be pleased with him) — that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Verily Allah ta’ala has laid down religious obligations (fara’id), so do not neglect them; and He has set limits, so do not overstep them; and He has forbidden some things, so do not violate them; and He has remained silent about some things, out of compassion for you, not forgetfulness — so do not seek after them. A hasan hadeeth narrated by ad-Daraqutnee and others.[40 Hadith,Nawawi)
*62:10 : The most virtuous day is Friday and Juma Prayer , the prayer is to establish the Zikr of Allah, so this is the context verse from Sura Juma quoted for the Principle of Naqshbandi Way: Returning” as Allah says: 20:14 Verily, I am Allah: There is no god but I: So serve thou Me (only),and establish regular prayer for celebrating My praise.
This is a brief explanation of what the Principle Baz Gasht means “Returning” in the Naqshbandi Way.
wa salamun alal Mursaleen
walhamdulillahi Rabbail Aalameen
By- Jouhar Ali Naqshbandi Al-Hassani
Returning of Jesus Christ (A.S) -An Example for the Purpose of “Returning”
HE LOOKS AT HIMSELF OR HE LOOKS AT THE HIDDEN SHIRK IN YOU Quran 25:43 and 45:23, the idols you placed therein (heart)
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: Awareness of breath(Hosh dar dam)
Awareness of breath(Hosh dar dam):
Consciousness of breathing (Hosh Dar dam) means to safeguard the breath from entering into heedless station and inclinations. According to Imam of Khatamul Khwajagan, Hazret Abdul Khaliq Ghujdevani, the seekers who are serious in the path must observe his breath from all forms of notions of the bodily desires and direct his breathing toward’s God Consciousness. Every breath that is inhaled and exiled must circulate through the cells of body must be occupied with the Divine Presence in it. The breathing that is is inhaled and exhaled without God’s Presence in it leads to heedlessness and death of the heart. This is the summary of Hazret Abdul Khaliq Ghujdevani (q.s)’s teaching on the awareness of breath.
Comments : God Almighty has placed a divine breath in every human being when he is formed in the womb of the mother and the soul is placed in the fetus by the Angel, that make the connection between the breath of the mother, the breath of the infant in the womb and connect with the heart of the mother with the heart of the child and make the spirit enter in it. A seeker by constantly safeguarding his breath from heedlessness unveils that earliest divine breath in his spirit to be discovered and reaching to recognize his own soul and his rank in the divine presence and his relationship with his Lord. By recollecting this Divine Breath in him , the seeker is able to find the Divine Sustenance (Rizq) that is bestowed by his Lord during his creation in his womb.
Allah says :[15:29]And when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] soul, then fall down to him in prostration.”
The Prophet alaihiswalathu wa salam said:
On the authority of Abdullah ibn Masood (ra), who said:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and he is the truthful, the believed, narrated to us, “Verily the creation of each one of you is brought together in his mother’s womb for forty days in the form of a nutfah (a drop), then he becomes an alaqah (clot of blood) for a like period, then a mudghah (morsel of flesh) for a like period, then there is sent to him the angel who blows his soul into him and who is commanded with four matters: to write down his rizq (sustenance), his life span, his actions, and whether he will be happy or unhappy (i.e., whether or not he will enter Paradise). By the One, other than Whom there is no deity, verily one of you performs the actions of the people of Paradise until there is but an arms length between him and it, and that which has been written overtakes him, and so he acts with the actions of the people of the Hellfire and thus enters it; and verily one of you performs the actions of the people of the Hellfire, until there is but an arms length between him and it, and that which has been written overtakes him and so he acts with the actions of the people of Paradise and thus he enters it.” [Bukhari & Muslim]
The Prophet Isa Son of Maryam (peace be upon them) were bestowed by Allah the Power to regenerate that breathe into make creation by Allah’s Will.
Allah says: (Quran 5:11)
[The Day] when Allah will say, “O Jesus, Son of Mary, remember My favor upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Pure Spirit and you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and [remember] when I taught you writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and when you designed from clay [what was] like the form of a bird with My permission, then you breathed into it, and it became a bird with My permission; and you healed the blind and the leper with My permission; and when you brought forth the dead with My permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from [killing] you when you came to them with clear proofs and those who disbelieved among them said, “This is not but obvious magic.”
Prophet Jesus Christ (Peace be upon him)’s breathe was protected even before his birth. The Prophet Muhammad alaihiswalathu wa salam says:
Sahih Bukhari: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “When any human being is born. Satan touches him at both sides of the body with his two fingers, except Jesus, the son of Mary, whom Satan tried to touch but failed, for he touched the placenta-cover instead.” (Book 54, Hadith 506)
Mary (Peace be upon her) mother of Isa (alaihissalam), was also a protected woman,a woman whom Allah chosen over all other women. She remains highest in sainthood among woman. Her breathe was also protected by Allah Almighty even before her birth.
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “During your sleep, Satan knots three knots at the back of the head of each of you, and he breathes the following words at each knot, ‘The night is, long, so keep on sleeping,’ If that person wakes up and celebrates the praises of Allah, then one knot is undone, and when he performs ablution the second knot is undone, and when he prays, all the knots are undone, and he gets up in the morning lively and in a good mood, otherwise he gets up dull and gloomy. ” (Book 54, Hadith 491)
Quran 21:91 And (remember) her who guarded her chastity: We breathed into her of Our spirit, and We made her and her son a sign for all peoples.
Allah says: [3:42] And [mention] when the angels said, “O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.
YAWNING:
For the reason of Safeguarding the breathe, Allah’s Messenger forbid Yawning, because it is through heedless breathing that the seeker may enter in egoistic stations.
Sahih Bukhari: Narrated Abu Huraira(R.A): The Prophet (alaihiswalathu wa salam)said, “yawning is from Satan and if anyone of you yawns, he should check his yawning as much as possible, for if anyone of you (during the act of yawning) should say: ‘Ha’, Satan will laugh at him.” (Book 54, Hadith 509)
Sahih Bukhari,Narrated Abu Huraira(R.A): The Prophet (alaihiswalathu wa salam) said, “Allah loves sneezing but dislikes yawning; so if anyone of you sneezes and then praises Allah, every Muslim who hears him (praising Allah) has to say Tashmit to him. But as regards yawning, it is from Satan, so if one of you yawns, he should try his best to stop it, for when anyone of you yawns, Satan laughs at him.” (Book 73, Hadith 245)
This is enough evidence for the importance of conscious breathing and an evidence against those who oppose the exalted Naqshbandi Principle.
Therefore the Prophet alaihiswalathu wa salam says:
On the authority of Abu Muhammad Abdullah bin ’Amr bin al-’Aas (may Allah be pleased with him) who said:The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “None of you [truly] believes until his desires are subservient to that which I have brought.” [Imam an-Nawawi says:] We have related it in Kitab al-Hujjah with a saheeh chain of narrators.
Holding fast to Naqshbandi Way helps a seeker to follow the Quran and Sunnah with it’s most correct and purest form and the Naqshbandi Way explains and make it easy to understand the followers the correct way of Islam. The Shaykhs helping the seeker and training the followers in all the aspects of life which must be according to Quran and Sunnah.
The Shaykh (Saint of Allah) can know the state of a seeker by observing the breath of his follower. Whether the murid is near of far.
The Shaykhs are the heirs of the Prophets (hadith), because they sees with the Light of Allah (Hadith)
Allah says: [12:94] And when the caravan departed [from Egypt], their father said, “Indeed, I find the smell of Joseph [and would say that he was alive] if you did not think me weakened in mind.”
This are some of the examples of the Divine Breathing into the Chosen Souls. It is said that that one breathe of the Saint is enough to guide whole mankind, because it is the living breath, the breath that give life to the dead.
Shah Baha’uddin Naqshbandi (Q.S) said: “The foundation of this way is upon conscious breathing, so it is a must for the followers of this to safeguard his breathe in inhalation and exhalation, as well as to safeguard it in it’s intervals.
The breathing reach in every cells, to the heart to the brain and brings an impact in the internal and external organs.
It is said that: Satan moves in the body of human where his blood circulates.
It is also said that: The heart, if it is pure, the person is pure, if it is corrupt the person is corrupt.
Quran:91:9–10 He has succeeded who purifies it, And he has failed who instills it [with corruption].
Therefore we can see that there is a direct relationship between Purification and Breathing.
Different types of emotions also affect one’s breathing, when a person sees the majesty of Allah in a Creation, like a Tsunami or a landslide, or a motor accident, he take a deep breathe and remember God and inhale the name of God with such an emotion.
A man who stare at a beautiful woman takes an evil breathe and may cause him to send the waves of lust and forbidden desires and cause him to get in the trap of evil.
A person who sees a wild animal coming behind to chase him, takes another form of breath and produce the adrenaline and hormones related to that breathing and making him to safeguard his steps and make him defend or run away for safety.
The significance of breathing can be seen in all aspects. Since the 11 Naqshbandi principles are inter-related,Awareness of consistent Breathing and Watching the Steps are very near to each other.
So the Murid must avoid the company of those who take false breathing, if he were with others, then he must observe Khalwat Dar Anjuman (Solitude from the Society) in order to preserve his breathe.
One who sincerely follow the Shaykh, the Shaykh help the seeker to open his breathing , so he constantly remembers God in the Heart , in mind and in spirit.
It is the opening of that divine breathe which bring the Fayda (Spiritual flow) and gives inspiration to the Seeker when he/she progress into the higher levels.
So if someone want to know what is coming from his ego and what is coming from Shaykh, then let him observe his breathing.
WHEN THE BREATHING AND ZIKR COMES TOGETHER:
It is evident that the people who are perfected their Zikr are the People of paradise. Someone asked Prophet alaihiswalathu wa salam, whether the inhabitants of the people are known or not. The Prophet (alaihiswalathu wa salam) said: They are known.
Sahih Bukhari: Book 77 Hadith 595 Narrated Imran bin Husain: A man said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Can the people of Paradise be known (differentiated) from the people of the Fire; The Prophet replied, “Yes.” The man said, “Why do people (try to) do (good) deeds?” The Prophet said, “Everyone will do the deeds for which he has been created to do or he will do those deeds which will be made easy for him to do.” (i.e. everybody will find easy to do such deeds as will lead him to his destined place for which he has been created).
Sahih Muslim Jabir reported: I heard Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying that the inmates of Paradise would eat and drink but would neither spit, nor pass water, nor void excrement, nor suffer catarrah. It was said: Then, what would happen with food? Thereupon he said: They would belch and sweat (and it would be over with their food), and their sweat would be that of musk and they would glorify and praise Allah as easily as you breathe. (Book 40, Hadith 6798)
Sahih Muslim: Jabir b. Abdullah reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said that the inmates of Paradise would eat therein and they would also drink, but they would neither void excrement, nor suffer catarrh, nor pass water, and their eating (would be digested) in the form of belching and their sweat would be musk aged they would glorify and praise Allah as easily ai you breathe. (Book 40, Hadith 6800)
So from the above hadiths (the three hadiths altogether) should make you understand the who are the people of salvation, you must follow them. Follow the Ahlu Zikr (people of Zikr) for they are those who do Zikr just as they breathe.
It is narrated to me by a Qadiri Sufi, that Hazret Muhyiddin Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani (Q.S) said: “Hypocrites cannot call upon my name and Allah’s name 1000 times in one stand”
Is narrated that Ali (R.A) have said: “mostly one’s Imaan (faith) departs in the time of death”-Al Jawaaahirul Ajeeba , daqa’iqul akhbaar (Quoted)
It is the time, a person find hard to safeguard his breath and Satan try to trick him in that time of great trial!
I remember one time, the night (Saturday, in shaban 2012) when my Shaykh Sahibu Saif Hazret Shaykh Abdul Kerim Al-Kibrisi Ar-Rabbani (Q.S) passed away, I saw my Grand Shaykh Hazret Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Al-Haqqani Ar-Rabbani (Q.S), I was sleeping on the floor in my home (as a guest occupied my bed who were staying with us since Friday), I saw myself standing in the presence of Sultanul Awliya, who told me: “You should continue the work of Osmanli Naqshbandi Haqqani Tarikat and Shaykh Abdul Kerim Al-Kibrisi , he mentioned both Shaykh abdul Kerim and the name of the Order (Osmanli Naqshbandi Haqqani tariqat), then Mawlana Shaykh Nazim took a White turban from him and which is tied on a green cap and put it in my head, as soon he put that in my head, a kind of heavy inhalation came to my chest with so much power , in that heavy inhalation of breathing I woke up suddenly, though that night I was fell sleep with weeping and agony, due to the passing away of Sahibu Saif Hazret Shaykh Abdul Kerim AR-Rabbani (Q.S)
This are one the examples of the breathing that passes from Prophets and Awliya Allah. When Jibreel (A.S) meeting Prophet alaihiswalathu wa salam in Mountain, holding Prophet tightly as if squeezing him into angel Gabriel (A.S), the Prophet (alaihiswalaathu wa salam) body become sick in the next days.
This are the various explanation of the Naqshbandi principle of awareness breathe with day today examples that relate the reader to understand and observe what is it the importance of breathing and safeguarding it in order to progress in this way.
So do not ask me, if it is ok to smoke Cigarette , our Way teach even polluting the nature also a blame worthy deed!
This articles (Naqshbandi Principles) are written on an inspiration by the support of my Shaykhs, this is not a complete article,rather it is only a brief note, but it guides a person to the real principles that are experienced differently by person to person.
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:Journey in the Spiritual Path (Safar Dar Watan)
Spiritual Journey to the Kingdom of God (Safar Dar Watan):
Spiritual Journey to the native land/home/to the country/to the House of God means the Seeker travels from the world of unreal to the world of reality. It is said in a Hadith that: “Everything is falsehood except Allah”.
The end of the Journey is ‘Annihilation’ (Fana) in the Divine Essence. so God Almighty said to the Saint Abu Yazid AL Bistami: “Leave yourself and come to me”
It is therefore Spiritual Journey to the Divine Presence, to the Presence of Allah. Similar to other Journey’s one must set up his provisions,he will have a vehicle and he follow the rules of the journey. There is no roads(Paths) without rules.
The Night of Ascension (Mi’raj) is the Journey of the Prophet (alaihiswalathu wa salam) to the divine presence, Sufi Saints who are the inheritors (heirs) of Prophetic knowledge (both internal and external) receive the understanding and vision through a similar journey which will be through a spiritual experience.
Because a true believer who is chosen to be the heirs of Prophets will receive the spiritual as well as outward understanding of religion that is to aid him.
Doesn’t Allah say: “Enter in Islam completely and perfectly and do not follow the footstep of Satan” (Al Bakara)?
So the pious Saints are given spiritual journey as well as Journey of the Soul during sleep , as Prophet (s.a.w) says: “A Good dream of a believer is one of the forty six party of Prophethood. (Sahih Bukhari, Book of dreams).
Also Narrated Abu Qatada: The Prophet said, “A true good dream is from Allah, and a bad dream is from Satan.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “The (good) dream of a faithful believer is a part of the forty-six parts of prophetism.” (Sahih Bukhari)
39:42 It is Allah that takes the souls (of men) at death; and those that die not (He takes) during their sleep: those on whom He has passed the decree of death, He keeps back (from returning to life), but the rest He sends (to their bodies) for a term appointed verily in this are Signs for those who reflect.
The Journey of the Seeker is not divided, since the inward and journey is spiritual yet his outward state and inward states follows together in his spiritual journey. The external Journey is to seek a Shaykh, anyone who intent for his spiritual journey must seek a Shaykh, for this reason he Journey to the house of Allah or the Places of the Saints and seek for a spiritual guide there.
Allah says: 5:35 O ye who believe! Do your duty to Allah, seek the means of approach unto Him, and strive with might and main in his cause: that ye may prosper.
29:69And those who strive in Our (cause),- We will certainly guide them to our Paths: For verily Allah is with those who do right.
So the believer is obligated to seek a path, he must obey what is commanded by Allah and His Messenger (alaihiswalathu wa salam), enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil.
As for the “External Journey” is concerned, the duty of the seeker to Journey to find a guide, and any effort to fulfill the obligations of Islam (Shariah) is considered as external journey. It is not just about moving to another country or town. Because it is evident that many seekers who moved to another country or to the land of Prophets and Saints (in their time) became heedless and never began their internal journey. There are examples that one who never moved to a Shaykh, yet achieved closeness to the Shaykh through spiritual connection. The spiritual connection between Abdul Khaliq Ghujdevani (Q.S) who lived 200 years before Imam Shah Baha’uddin Naqshbandi (Q.S) and the spiritual connection between Prophet (alaihiswalathu wa salam) and Owais Al Qarni (R.A) is another examples for inward journey to the Shaykhs (Prophets or Awliya Allah)
God Created Death and Life to Test Mankind. To Make Himself Known to the Man, by striving in that test and Journeying to Allah. Allah Knows Himself and the State of every Man, but He created Life and Death for the Creations to know HiM, He is to be known in them, to make them into striving in His Path.
Allah says: 67.2. He Who has created death and life, so that He may try you (and demonstrate to yourselves) which of you is better in deeds.And He is the All-Glorious with irresistible might (Whose will none can frustrate), the All-Forgiving (Who forgives many of His servants’ sins so that they learn from being tested);
Death is mentioned before life. So it is clear that one must die to become alive again. Some people say: You must be born again. It is explained in my Blog: Book of Soul. So there is no birth without death, death of the self and birth of the divine Will in one’s life.When the Light and Guidance of Allah enter in one’s heart, his past dies and he is born again. It is commonly agreed that one who did Hajj perfectly is like a born again person, when a person convert to islam, he is like born again. But in the spirituality it has another meaning. It is when Allah guide one and the Light (Noor) enter in the heart , he is born again in divine guidance. Allah says: 17:97 It is he whom Allah guides, that is on true Guidance; but he whom He leaves astray – for such wilt thou find no protector besides Him. On the Day of Judgment We shall gather, them together, prone on their faces, blind, dumb, and deaf: their abode will be Hell: every time it shows abatement, We shall increase from them the fierceness of the Fire.
Since the Most praiseworthy deed is Remembrance of Allah, the verse means: To Remember Allah in Ihsan , It is to reach a state of Divine Witnessing, He created Life and Death for Him (S.W.T) to be known in the best of way as known to “Ulool Ilm”, so it is obligatory for everyone (sound mind and healthy) to strive to know Allah to remember Him with best “Remembrance”
On the other hand some claim spiritual height and perfection based on their physical relationship with Shaykhs. When Musa (A.S) accompanied Khidr (A.S), in that journey Musa (A.S) was unable to continue the Journey as he was unable to fulfill the oath of with hazret Khidr (A.S). Similar to that, there can be many Khalifas and followers under a Shaykh, but one who Journey spiritually with the Shaykh and complete the Journey and his soul being sanctified (Ref Sura As-Shams) is the real inheritor of that Shaykh. A person can live under a Shaykh for all his life, eat with a Shaykh all his years, do everything as his shaykh orders for all his life,and remain without a “Spiritual Journey”. Because, if there is no full love (100%) and full submission and full sincerity , seeks fame and attention of the world, then which means he is remaining without a Journey ascension.
Similarly a person can study all books that is related to authentic Islamic knowledge, but he can remain where he is, and not having a Journey to all.
But some groups deny spiritual journey, while they are making Journey to the “house of Allah” in Makkah, (for Hajj and Umrah). That is an outward Journey which is to remind inward Journey.
The HADITH About Spiritual Journey:
It is narrated on the authority of Amirul Mu’minin, Abu Hafs ‘Umar bin al-Khattab (ra) who said:I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “Actions are (judged) by motives (niyyah), so each man will have what he intended. Thus, he whose migration (hijrah) was to Allah and His Messenger, his migration is to Allah and His Messenger; but he whose migration was for some worldly thing he might gain, or for a wife he might marry, his migration is to that for which he migrated.” [Bukhari &Muslim]
So it is clear that innovators never have a spiritual journey or spiritual progress.Prophet (alaihiswalathu wa salam) says: “They speak the truth but they are not of the truth”. Since innovators believe Prophet (alaihiswalathu wa salam) is dead, he does not help, hear or respond”, they will not attain a correct and sincere intention. So without a pure and firm intention the Journey to Allah is not possible. Because the Prophet alaihiswalathu wa salam sais: “Actions are (granted it’s benefit/which is judged) by it’s intentions”. So deeds of the innovators are in vain, it will be give to those (Awliya Allah and Ahlul Bayth) who are attacked slandered by innovators!. How fortunate the Awliya Allah and Ahlul Bayth are!, God has multiplied their rewards.
The innovators and those who have malice (envy, hatred, anger etc) against Awliya Allah and or to Ahlul Bayth, their worship and religion will not give any benefit to them!
The Journey requires “correct and sincere intention” (Niyyah), the intention that is sealed before beginning the journey, which is never re-writing once the journey is begun!. If the “Intention” is not sealed and concealed from ego before travelling, the ego try to corrupt the “Niyyah” in between the Journey, then the ego take leadership in the heart and you will be fooled by your ego, and your conscious will continue to think that you are still under the guidance of your Shaykh”. So “Watching the Steps“ is very necessary in the “Journey to the Divine Presence”
When a person accept (made Baya) to follow a Shaykh , then his internal journey begins. It is then the Journey to the divine presence begins. The “Means” (Waseela) is the Shaykh and the Spiritual Path (Tariqah). The conduct and manners of the seeker must be according to the orders of the Spiritual Guide. He should renounce all sinful desires and following his own ego!
Following the Obligation of Shari’ah will sanctify a person’s physical life and forgive the sins of his external and organs. Following the Way of Tasawwuf (Ihsan) will Sanctify his Soul from the corruptions that is caused by his mind. It is said: “Purity is half of faith”, when the seeker reach in the state of purity, and traveling in the Path, in his Spiritual Journey the other half of the Faith is completed.
Then he reach in the heavenly “Witness” of the Tawheed” (Oneness of God”, there he is completed His Journey and return to His Servants as a Purified Soul.
Allah says: 3:18 There is no god but He: That is the witness of Allah, His angels, and those endued with knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Power, the Wise.
The Seeker is raised into the status of “Ulool Ilm” People of Knowledge. “Ulool ilm” is not book scholar, but the spiritual Scholars of Allah (Rabbaniyyun 3:79): “”Be pious scholars of the Lord because of what you have taught of the Scripture and because of what you have studied.””
The Scripture is taught by Allah’s Messengers (Peace be upon them), not from books. It is from the presence of Prophets and Saints (the heirs of Prophets).
In the Spiritual Journey, the through the help and support of his Shaykh (Quran 17:80) , the Shaykh unveils the Seeker his provisions which is necessary for his relationship and commitment in each stage.
Allah says (11:6)“There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance dependeth on Allah: He knoweth the time and place of its definite abode and its temporary deposit: All is in a clear Record.”
The Prophet (S.A.W) says: “Allah is the Giver and I am the Distributor”
THE MIGRATION SPIRITUAL JOURNEY IN QURAN:
Quran 88:29 And enter among My [righteous] servants
Who are the servants?:
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!
Where do they End their Journey?:
Quran 89:30: And enter My Paradise.”
So it is clear that the Spiritual Journey requires Prophetic Morals and Manners. A coward or an enemy of Prophets ,Awliya Allah (Saints) and Ahlul bayth (Family of Last Prophet alaihiswalathu wa salam, will never travel or never arrive. Their journey will be with the devil (Thagooth, Quran 2:256-257)
So Your Journey is with the one whom You love, those whom you Love are your friends and close related ones, and your religion is their religion. (Ref Sunan Abu Dawud), So you inward and outward Journey will be with the one whom you love and whom you take as intimate friends.
TWO SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS:
Allah says in Quran 2:257Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light.Of those who reject faith the patrons are the evil ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness.They will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein (For ever).
Since, every Road has an End a destiny, there is nor return one’s they reach in the Divine Presence. in the Spiritual Journey though the seeker returns to his normal life, His Soul remains busy in the Divine Presence. This is another principle and we will,Insha Allah, explain therein.
So those who does not travel with the Pious ones, then surely he is traveling with the Companions of fire. Because the straight path is here, the Path of those upon whom ALLAH has bestowed His Favor.
A Muslim reciting minimum five times a day:Sura al Fatiha 1:6-7 Guide us to the straight path -The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.
So isn’t a Muslim on Straight path?, Whose Path Prophet (s.a.w) referring to?
Some innovators says the Path of Islam according to Companions. Didn’t Companions (Sahaba) did this prayer? (i.e Guide us into the straight Path)?
So stop fooling yourself with false arguments. The path of Prophets, Siddiqin and Saliheen, the unbroken path, the path with pure spiritual lineage , Allah says: 2:256
“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things”.
So the Path is not just the Salaf Salih: Allah says: 2:136 Say ye: “We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam).”
When you make up Islam into a particular generation, at that time you are inventing a falsehood in religion, a division and a sect!
2:208 O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the evil one; for he is to you an avowed enemy.
So it is the time you realize the correct Path (Straight Path) and Journey in it.
So the innovators are stubborn and they says: We only follow Salaf Salih, some says only some Imams, and they are stubborn and arrogant against others, they are making themselves fools. ALLAH Says about them: 2:130 And who turns away from the religion of Abraham but such as debase their souls with folly? Him We chose and rendered pure in this world: And he will be in the Hereafter in the ranks of the Righteous.
So remember Abraham (A.S) was not a Shia or Salafi!, It is the Way of Prophets,Siddiqin and Saliheen (the Unbroken Path of Awliya Allah) that a Muslim must follow with correct intention.
On the authority of Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), who said:The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) took me by the shoulder and said, “Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a wayfarer.”And Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say, “In the evening do not expect [to live until] the morning, and in the morning do not expect [to live until] the evening. Take [advantage of] your health before times of sickness, and [take advantage of] your life before your death.” [Al-Bukhari]
So the Journey is Vast, long and requires a helper, an Aid, who guide them into the Truth. Allah is not guiding you directly, He is not Coming Himself . He Send Angels to Prophets and Pious Family of Prophets (eg: Mother of Musa A.S and Mother of Isa A.S and so on).
Allah says in 17:80 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).”
So Journey to the Divine Presence and Returning from that State to this worldly responsibilities that is commanded in the Shari’ah of Allah, requires the support of a Spiritual Guide. The verse in Quran is plain clear. Some misguided translators have twisted the word “Sidq” in their translation.
Insha Allah , we will continue to explain the other Principles especially Baz Gasht (return to the responsibilities of a person according to Shari’ah after performing pure Zikr)
This is only a short note to give seekers an idea about what it is the meaning of this Principles and it’s relations to Quran and Sunnah.
But to taste the sweetness of honey, you need to put it in your mouth, reading about honey does not bring a clear idea about honey. You cannot “Study” swimming in a distance learning course, you need a swimming instructor and jump into the pool.H
So get ready to learn Swimming or go to a Honey seller and buy honey, do not keep it in home, taste every day, the more you taste the more you are familiar with honey.
Quran 2:155-156 Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere,Who say, when afflicted with calamity: “To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return”:-
20:10 When he saw a fire and said to his family, “Stay here; indeed, I have perceived a fire; perhaps I can bring you a torch or find at the fire some guidance.”20:11But when he came to the fire, a voice was heard: “O Moses!20:12 Indeed, I am your Lord, so remove your sandals. Indeed, you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa.
Naqshabandi -Rabbani Way 