Definition of Tasawwuf (Sufism)

Brothers in Islam! Imam Abul Qasim Al-Qushayri (رحمه الله) narrates that “Nasrabadhi said: ‘The reality of Tasawwuf is that a person adheres to the Quran and Sunnah, abandons desires and innovations, and respects and honors the elders of the religion.'”

The Imam of Ahl al-Sunnah, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمه الله), regarding the reality of Tasawwuf, said: “There is absolutely no inherent contradiction between Shari’ah (Law), Tariqah (Path), Haqiqah (Truth), and Ma’rifah (Gnosis). Whoever claims this, if he says it out of ignorance, he is purely ignorant; and if he says it understandingly, then he is a misguided deviant from the religion. Shari’ah consists of the statements of the Most Holy Prophet, the Master of the Worlds (ﷺ), Tariqah is his actions, Haqiqah is his states, and Ma’rifah is his incomparable knowledge.”

So, those who adhere to these matters remain engaged in the study of the Quran and Hadith and lead a life of contentment. These figures propagated teachings of love, affection, ethics, self-control, and mutual tolerance. They embraced the outcasts of society, negated extremism and radicalism, and through their actions, spread the true teachings of Islam. Through their spiritual power, character and speech, and sincerity and selflessness, an atmosphere was established that guaranteed peace and tranquility, purification of the soul, and reformation of society.

The Status and Rank of the Sufi Saints

Honorable and esteemed brothers! The status and rank of these sacred souls is exceedingly high in the court of Allah Almighty. Through His grace and bounty, the Lord grants them His special proximity. The righteous servants of Allah are, in reality, the deputies of the Master of the Universe (ﷺ). They are made a means for the guidance and training of creation. The Creator of the Universe (ﷻ), describing their status, said: “Unquestionably, [for] the allies of Allah there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Yunus, 10:62)

Respected brothers! The hearts of these accepted ones in the divine court are perpetually immersed in the remembrance of Allah. Their days and nights pass in glorification and praise. Their hearts are filled with the love of Allah and His Messenger. Their friendships and enmities are also for the sake of Allah and His Messenger. These figures persistently choose obedience to Allah, while avoiding engagement in disobedience and worldly pleasures. The Lord of the Worlds (ﷻ) helps these beloved servants of His in every way and guides them in the secrets and symbols of the religion of Islam and its propagation. The love and conviction for Allah and His Messenger in their hearts and minds are of the highest degree. Their speech and silence are impactful. Springs of knowledge gush forth from their chests. They are practitioners of the Muhammadan Shari’ah and embodiments of beautiful character. These figures play a historic role in delivering the message of Islam to creation, and they are the beautiful and easy path to reaching Allah. By following their teachings, a servant can attain access to his Lord’s court. Their companionship is a cause for the remembrance of Allah.

In a Hadith Sharif, these dervish-like personalities have been declared the best servants of Allah Almighty. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman bin Ghanm (رضی الله عنه) that the Mercy to the Worlds (ﷺ) said: “The best of Allah’s servants are those who, when seen, remind you of Allah.” (Narrated by Al-Bayhaqi)

The commentator of “Mishkat,” Allama Al-Tibi (رحمه الله), writes in the explanation of this holy hadith: “The light and marks of worship on their faces are such that upon seeing them, one immediately remembers the Lord (ﷻ). Their faces are mirrors reflecting God.” Not only does one’s outward appearance become illuminated by the companionship of these servants of Allah the Generous, but one’s inward self also finds the means for reformation.

The Social Services of the Sufi Saints

Honorable attendees! The Sufi saints (قدس اسرارهم) are that class of the Islamic community who, in every era, have protected the outward and inward aspects of Islam through spiritual purity and their character and actions. In the darkness of oppression, ignorance, shirk, and sin, they lit the lamps of love, knowledge, peace, guidance, righteousness and piety, selflessness and sacrifice, and brotherhood. Through their good conduct and manner of action, they eliminated all the prevalent societal ills, such as the distinctions of caste and rich-poor. Their behavior towards everyone was uniform and compassionate. By promoting mutual tolerance, they created a pleasant social environment in society based on unity, harmony, and emotional integration. These figures are the true ambassadors of peace, and by the virtue of their teachings, peace and security are established in most regions of the world today.

Preaching of Tolerance

Respected brothers! Tolerance is defined as enduring others with patience and forbearance, without falling prey to any bigotry based on ideology and belief, race and ethnicity, or language and homeland. Due to their magnanimity and breadth of heart, the Sufi saints (قدس اسرارهم) demonstrated a level of tolerance through peace and tranquility, forbearance, consideration, patience, dignity, equal treatment of all, and gentleness, the likes of which cannot be found in any other group.

Honorable gentlemen! On the basis of tolerance, feelings of pardon and forgiveness, brotherhood, and fraternity flourish in society. A Muslim is tolerant in his dealings with others and adopts patience and gentleness in the face of others’ transgression and harshness. The religion of Islam encourages us to adopt such qualities. Allah the Almighty says: “And those who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good.” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:134)

In another place, He says: “Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.” (Surah Al-A’raf, 7:199)

My dear brothers! Just as Islam commands a Muslim to deal with his Muslim brother tolerantly, it also commands him to treat non-Muslims with good conduct, to do good and be kind to them, not to cause them any harm without a legitimate religious excuse, to deal with them justly and fairly, and to protect their lives, property, honor, and dignity in his homeland. Allah the Almighty says: “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (Surah Al-Mumtahanah, 60:8)

Honorable gentlemen! It is a distinctive feature of Islam that it teaches its followers to interact with the followers of other religions with benevolence and tolerance. Since there are some matters common between previous divine religions and scriptures and the religion of Islam—such as belief in Allah Almighty, angels, heavenly books, messengers, the Last Day, and good and bad destiny; justice and fairness; mutual tolerance; pardon and forgiveness; maintaining family ties; agreement and unity; peace and tranquility; mutual love and affection; and the protection of sacred places and places of worship—therefore, all should adhere to these matters so that an atmosphere of peace and security may remain established in society and no bitterness arises on religious grounds.

The Teaching of Pardon and Forgiveness

Brothers of the Islamic community! The religion of Islam always teaches a Muslim to adopt a positive attitude, mutual compassion, and to forgive each other’s mistakes and shortcomings. The blessed Ahadith greatly emphasize and state the virtue of this. Mustafa, the Life of Mercy (ﷺ), said: “Be merciful, you will be shown mercy. Forgive, Allah will forgive you!” (Narrated by Imam Ahmad)

Dear brother! This is the reason why the Sufi saints (قدس اسرارهم) also always taught the creation of Allah to act with pardon and forgiveness and discouraged violence, fighting, and vengeful thinking.

Dear brothers! The noble objectives behind these teachings of the Sufi saints based on pardon and forgiveness are the elimination of vengeful thinking from society and the establishment of peace and security; because events and circumstances show that once the fire of revenge is ignited, it continues for generations, resulting in nothing but the waste of life, wealth, and time. Furthermore, the peace and security of society is also destroyed.

The Spiritual Education and Training of Man

Honorable gentlemen! For the reformation of humanity stuck in the quagmire of materialism, the Sufi saints (قدس اسرارهم) focused special attention on the spiritual aspects of the religion of Islam and adopted the path of spirituality. They taught man that by making asceticism his covering and striving against carnal desires, he should prepare himself to renounce pleasures and lusts. He should first reform his outward and inward self, constantly engage in self-accountability, and remove inner diseases and impurities from within himself. He should populate the world of his heart with spirituality, benefit the creation of Allah through his actions and character, and avoid falling into the allurements and tribulations of this world; for in this lies his own good. Because Allah, the Lord of Majesty, has no need for our worship and spiritual exercises. His Lordship is not in need of our struggles and vigilances. He is independent of and unconcerned with all these things. Allah (ﷻ) says in the Holy Quran: “And whoever strives only strives for [the benefit of] himself. Indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.” (Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:6)

Know for certain! If we sincerely strive to reform our outward and inward selves and make the attainment of Allah’s (ﷻ) pleasure our life’s goal, then every obstacle will automatically be removed, and the paths leading to the desired destination will begin to appear by themselves due to divine help; because Allah, the Lord of Majesty, has promised this in the Holy Quran. Allah the Almighty says: “And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.” (Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:69)

The Interrelation of Shari’ah and Tariqah

Honorable attendees! Some so-called Sufis and fake spiritual guides, unfamiliar with the injunctions of Shari’ah, create doubts and suspicions among the common people regarding Tasawwuf and the spiritual path, and they also propagate such ideas that have no connection, even remotely, with the teachings of the Sufi saints. Remember! It has never been the teaching of the Sufi saints to pay attention to Sunnahs by abandoning obligatory and necessary acts (Faraidh and Wajibat), or to engage in performing supererogatory acts (Nawafil) by leaving the Sunnahs. Those who do so are fools and misguided.

Respected brothers! It has never been the teaching of the Sufi saints (قدس اسرارهم) to follow other things by leaving a command of the Shari’ah—to leave prayer and fasting and rely only on remembrance (Dhikr) and spiritual retreats (Chilla). If any so-called Sufi says such a thing and holds such thoughts and ideas, then he has no connection with the group of the Sufis. He is from the misguided sect. The true Sufis express their dissociation from such so-called Sufis. The teachings of the Sufi saints (قدس اسرارهم) are that the relationship between outward actions and inward practices is like that of the soul to the body. Outward actions are the Shari’ah, and inward actions are Tasawwuf.

My dear friends, elders, and brothers! The essence of all the teachings of the Sufi saints (قدس اسرارهم) is that the etiquette of the Shari’ah be observed, one refrains from forbidden and doubtful things, one’s senses are not polluted with illegitimate superstitions and thoughts, and carnal desires are subjugated to the pure Shari’ah. It is stated in a Hadith Sharif: “None of you will believe until his desires are in accordance with what I have brought.” (A Hadith)

The Role of the Sufis in Establishing Peace

Esteemed brothers! History bears witness that the role of the Sufis in establishing peace in the world has been unparalleled. Who can deny today that if anyone conquered the temples of heart and sight in distant lands, it was these very Sufi saints (قدس اسرارهم). It is these sacred souls who, not only through sermons and advice but through humanitarian attitudes, captivated the world of hearts. Our history is filled with such dervishes and Sufi humans who are always seen preaching peace, love, and safety and negating mischief through their words and deeds. These people, who are actually called Sufis, striving at all times to establish peace, safety, and brotherhood in society, adorned their hearts with piety and purity, mended broken hearts, embraced even strangers, and gave the message of love and affection. This is why, even centuries later, the love for these figures remains established and enduring in our hearts today.

Respected brothers! From India to Arabia, from Central Asia to Europe, from Japan to America, today’s human, burning in the fire of tyranny and barbarism, sectarianism, terrorism, extremism, and narrow-mindedness, is in search of a sanctuary. Life, scarred by the conflicts of caste, is begging for the alms of peace from the teachings of the Sufis. For world peace, there is once again a need for that same Sufi character, which gave the jewels of love, brotherhood, and social etiquette to the entire world and acquainted the world with peace and tranquility. If we truly desire peace and tranquility today, then we must gain awareness of the teachings of the Sufi saints and act upon them. Believe me! The day we succeed in doing this, terrorism, extremism, and injustice will be eradicated from this world filled with tyranny, barbarism, and war; peace will prevail everywhere; and furthermore, our society will become an abode of joys and prosperity, Allah willing!

A Dangerous Conspiracy in the Guise of Tasawwuf

In the present time, in the name of Tasawwuf and the Sufi saints, there is an attempt to popularize Sufi poetry with dancing and singing to musical tunes and with Dhamal (a type of ecstatic dance). These things have no connection, even remotely, with the teachings of the Sufis. Nowadays, on media, singers and performers (Marasī) are seen reciting some Sufi poetry. And to make matters worse, these performing reciters, in the obscene and naked environment of dance and musical assemblies, with impermissible music, are seen discussing the subtleties of Tasawwuf with great pride, as if they were experts in the art of Tasawwuf and spirituality. Although, if these so-called conspiratorial Sufis are scrutinized, it becomes clear that they are not even fully aware of purity and impurity. The gentleman has no knowledge of prayer, fasting, and other essentials. It seems that, with a specific thought and purpose, a conspiracy is being hatched to introduce a specific type of Dhamali Pop Musical Sufism, full of irreligiosity, into society, which has absolutely no connection whatsoever with the religion of Islam and its teachings.

True Tasawwuf is to strive fully to avoid all outward and inward sins and evils and to act upon all obligatory and necessary duties. Therefore, it is extremely important to avoid all these corruptions and to protect the environment around us from them.

Dua

O Allah! Save us and all our coming generations from the evil environment. Make us those who have true love for Allah, His Messenger, and the noble Companions (رضي الله عنهم). Grant us the ability to keep the company of the righteous and to follow in their footsteps. Make us among those who act upon their teachings. Make this love and affection of ours for the righteous saints, based purely on seeking Your pleasure, a source of comfort and ease for us in this world, and a cause for salvation and elevation of status in the Hereafter.

Grant blessing in our lawful provision, always protect us from the need of creation. Grant us the ability for true worship along with Your love and obedience. Make our chests broad and our hearts soft for Your creation. O Divine! Make our character good and our works excellent. Accept our good deeds. Protect us from all sins. Grant freedom to our Kashmiri and Palestinian Muslim brothers and sisters. Protect their lives, property, honor, and dignity. Resolve the issue of Kashmir for them with goodness and blessing.

O Divine! Protect the lives, property, honor, and dignity of all Muslims. Grant them deliverance from the trials and tribulations they are facing. Protect our beloved homeland from internal and external dangers and conspiracies. Protect us all from all kinds of terrorism, strife and discord, bloodshed and slaughter, plunder, and all accidents. By granting religious and political understanding and insight to our rulers, grant them the ability to serve the country and nation with sincerity for the betterment of this God-given state. Grant mercy to those who sacrificed their lives for the protection of the religion and the beloved homeland; elevate their ranks. Grant us the ability for Your true obedience and the true obedience of Your Beloved, the Generous One (ﷺ).

O Allah! Purify and cleanse our outward and inward from all filth. Grant us the ability to reform our lives according to the Quran and Sunnah, acting upon the instructions of Your Beloved, the Generous One (ﷺ), and to obey with the true love and sincerity for the Master of both Worlds (ﷺ) and the noble Companions (رضي الله عنهم). Grant us goodness in this world and the Hereafter. Grant us a plentiful share from the beloved prayers of the dear Mustafa, the Generous One (ﷺ). Make us Your and Your Beloved, the Generous One’s (ﷺ) beloved servant. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims, protect them all, and make us do that work in which Your pleasure is included. Grant goodness to the entire Muslim world, Amen, O Lord of the worlds!

And may Allah the Almighty send blessings and peace upon the best of His creation and the light of His Throne, our Master, our Prophet, our Beloved, and the apple of our eyes, Muhammad, and upon his family and all his companions, and bless and grant peace. And all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds!