1. At times a person errs inthe different methods of reforming the
heart that were mentioned previously. The shaykh shows the correct
path in this regard.
2. At times the effect and benefit that one derives from a book is not
as great as that which one would have obtained fromthe guidance of a
shaykh. One gains the barakah of the shaykh. Furthermore, if the murîd
displays any shortcoming in carrying out a good act or commitsan evil
act, he will be ashamed of this in front ofthe shaykh.
3. The person develops confidence and love for the shaykh. Based on
this, he is inclined to follow and emulate the ways of the shaykh.
4. If the shaykh is strict in giving his advice or displays his anger,
the person does not feel offended and endeavours to act upon his
advice.
There are many other benefits which are acquired by those whom Allah
has favoured. These can only be known by acquiring and experiencing
them.
Qualities to be found in the Shaykh
If a person wishes to become a murîd, he should first consider the
following factors in the shaykh. If the latter does not possess these
qualities, do not become his murîd.
1. The shaykh must know the masâ'il of Dîn. He should not be ignorant
of the Sharî'ah.
2. He must not possess any quality that is contrary to the Sharî'ah.
His 'aqâ'id (beliefs) must be the same as those that have been
mentioned in Part One of Bahishti Zewar. He should not possess any
quality that is contrary to all the masâ'il and all those things
connected to reformation of the heart that have been mentioned in this
book.
3. He must not be carryingout this programme (of shaykh and murîd) as
a means of sustenance. (That is, he must not be doing it for financial
gain).
4. Become the murîd of a person who is regarded asa pious person by
the majority of good people.
5. Become the murîd of a person who is spoken highly of by good people.
6. His programme of instruction must be such that one develops a love
and inclination for Dîn. This can be gauged by looking at the
condition ofhis murîds. Even if fifty-sixty percent of his murîdsare
good, consider such a shaykh to be effective. Do not have doubts on
him by looking at the condition of a few murîds. You may have heard
that the pious persons have a lot of effect. This (looking at the
condition of his murîds) is the criterion whereby one gauges the
effect and power of a shaykh. Do not gauge the effect and power of a
shaykh through other means, such as something occurring exactly as he
mentioned it to you, someone getting cured by his mere touch, that a
ta'wîdh worked according to the reason for which hegave it to you or
that if he fixes his gaze on a person he becomes completely entranced
and at a loss. Never be deluded by theseeffects and powers.
7. The shaykh must be such that he does not takeinto consideration the
status of his murîds when giving them advice of the Dîn. (That is, he
does not favour his murîds when it comes to reprimanding them in
matters of the Dîn). He stops them from useless and foolish things.
Once you have found sucha shaykh, seek permission from your parents
(if you are unmarried) or from your husband (if you are married), and
become a murîd of such a shaykh solely for the purpose of putting your
Dîn in order. If your parents or husbanddo not permit you to become a
murîd, do not become one as it is not fard to become a murîd. However,
it is fard to treadthe path of the Dîn. You should therefore continue
treading this path even if you are not a murîd of a shaykh.
Rules connected to the shaykh and murîd
1. Be respectful to your shaykh. Remember the name of Allah in exactly
the way shown to you by your shaykh. Have the following belief with
regard to your shaykh: "The spiritual benefits thatI can gain from
this shaykh cannot be gained from any other shaykh."
2. If the murîd's heart has not been reformed properly as yet and the
shaykh passes away, he must become a murîd of another shaykh in whom
the above-mentioned qualities are found.
3. When you come across any wazîfah in any book or read about the
frugal life of someone, do not actupon it on your own accord. Ask your
shaykh about it first. If any good or evil thought enters your heart
or you decide to do something, first consult your shaykh.
4.Women should not remove their purdah in the presence of their shaykh.
--
:->
No comments:
Post a Comment