‘WILAAYAT’ DISCUSSION ON WALI’S (SAINTS) – Bahaar E Shariat Vol 1

Wilaayat is a special closeness which Almighty Allah has afforded to some of His beloved servants through His Grace and Mercy.

Law: Wilaayat cannot be acquired by self-effort. It is bestowed by Almighty Allah. However, good deeds and virtuous behaviour is a means of allowing it to be bestowed. Some blessed personalities are blessed with this privilege in advance.

Law: Wilaayat is not given to anyone without knowledge. This knowledge is either that which one has acquired, or if Allah Wills, then knowledge is bestowed upon him before he receives the station of Wilaayat.

Law: The greatest Awliyah from the beginning until the last day, are those in the Ummat of the Prophet Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam. The greatest amongst them are the Four Khulafa in order of excellence.

The first being Hazrat Abu Bakr, then Hazrat Umar, followed by Hazrat Uthman and Hazrat Ali رضى الله تعالى عنهما . Huzoor Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam bestowed the splendours from the rays of Nabuiwat to Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar and he made Hazrat Ali Radi Allahu anhum the station for distribution of the splendours of Wilaayat.

It is for this reason that all the Awliyah Allah turn towards Hazrat Ali Radi Allahu anhu and they shall continue to acquire this blessing through him.

Law: Tariqat is not conflicting to Shariat. In reality it is inseparable from the Shariat. Some so-called Sufis say that Shariat and Tariqat are two separate ways and distant from each other.

This is absolutely incorrect. To regard oneself independent and free from the need to adhere to the Shariat on the basis of this baseless view, leads to infidelity and heresy.

Law: No Wali is exempt from any Religious Obligation, no matter how exalted in status he may be. There are some ignorant ones who say that Shariah is only the path in order to reach the objective and they have already reached their objective, so there is thus no need for the path anymore (Allah forbid). Sayyiduna Junaid-e-Baghdadi Radi Allahu anhu has stated as follows concerning such ignorant ones:

FROM AL-MALFOOZAAT SHAREEF by AlaHazrat radi allahu anhu

Question: A person is a Mureed of a certain Murshid who passed away a long time ago. Now, can this Mureed of the demised Shiekh became the disciple (Mureed) of another Shiekh?

Answer: It is forbidden to change the Bay’at for no specific valid Islamic reasons. Yes, it is permissible to renew one’s Bay’at (Tajdeed). In fact, it is recommended to take Bay’at with another Murshid-e-Kaamil in the exalted Silsila of Qaderiyah without breaking ties with your Shiekh. Such Bay’at will not be regarded as a new one but a renewal of the old one. This is so because all Silsilas (Spiritual orders) leads to the main stream being the Silsila of Qaderiyah.

A’la Hadrat went on further: Once three Qalandars (certain type of Dervishes) humbled themselves in the illustrious presence of Shiekh-ul Mashaa’ikh, Sultan Nizamuddin Mehboob-e-Elahi (Radi Allah Anhu). They requested for food so the Shiekh ordered the Khadim (servant) to give them whatever was present. When the Khadim presented the food, the Qalandars looked at the food, picked it up, threw it and demanded better food. Witnessing this attitude of the guests, the great Sheikh did not comment, but ordered the Khadim to present better food. The Khadim then got better food and presented it to the guests. They looked at the food, picked it up and threw it for the second time. They then demanded better food. The Noble Shiekh still kept calm and ordered for better food. Better food was presented for the third time and the Qalandars threw it away and still demanded better food. After the third time, Sheikh-ul Mashaa’ikh called the Qalandar close to him and spoke very softly in his ears: “At least this food is better than the dead ox you ate on your way to me”.

When he heard this, the condition of the Qalandar changed. (On their way they were without food for three days and were starving. Eventually they came across a dead ox so they ate from it to survive). The Qalandars fell on the feet of great Shiekh and cried. Shiekh-ul Mashaa’ikh lifted them up and embraced them. They were spiritually blessed by the Sheikh. After this spiritual blessing, they started dancing in ecstasy saying: “My Murshid blessed me with Ne’mah”. The disciples present there said to them: “You fool! You came here as a destitute. Whatever you received was from our Sheikh (Murshid) and not from your Murshid”. They replied: “You are fools, because if it was not by the guidance of our Murshid, why would your Murshid bless us?” On hearing this, Khwaja Nizamuddin (Radi Allah Anhu) said: “They are speaking the truth. O my Brothers (disciples), if you want to learn how to become a Mureed, learn from these Qalandars”.

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TYPES OF BAI’AT

There are two types of Bai’at – Bai’atul Barakah and Bai’atul Iraadah:

Bai’atul Barakah (Allegiance of Blessing):

One pledges Bai’atul Barakah by joining a Sisilah (spiritual order) for attaining Barakah (spiritual grace). Bai’atul Barakah is more widely pledged. However, one must be absolutely sincere in pledging to this Bai’ah. For the Bai’atul Barakah to be complete, it is necessary that the four conditions of a Sheikhul Itisaal be met. (The four conditions has been explained). This Bai’ah is also very auspicious. To be amongst those who are loved by Allah Ta’ala and linking to their spiritual order is an honour itself.

Bai’atul Iraadah (Allegiance of Devotion)

In Bai’atul Iraadah one pledges to detach oneself completely from one’s self-will wholly, and unconditionally place oneself in the hands of the Murshid such that one may be moulded through the ways of Tariqah (the path to Allah through spiritual training). No action or decision may be taken without the consent and approval of the Sheikh. This Bai’ah is pledged and carried out by the Saalikeen (Travelers on the path of Tasawwuf), hence it is also called Bai’atus Saalikeen. It is also the purpose of the Mashaa’ikh and a conveyance to Allah Ta’ala. The Holy Prophet Muhammed (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) took this Bai’ah from the Noble Sahabah (radi Allahu anhum).

The Noble Companion, Abaada Ibnu Saamit Al Ansaari (radi Allahu anhu), narrates: “We pledged Bai’ah to the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in all our matters of good and misfortunes, in all trials and tribulations. We pledged to consult the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in all our matters and to unflinchingly follow his orders and not to query his commands”. (Fatawa Afriqa by A’la Hazrat, pg.135)

From this discussion one can deduce that Bai’ah should be done on the hands of such a person who is worthy and meets with the criteria of a Murshid.

MEANING OF BAI’AT (PLEDGING ALLEGIANCE)

“Bai’at” means “to be sold”. When one becomes Mureed of a Murshid, he sells his heart, life and wealth to his Murshid. After this sale he no longer has a say in these matters nor can he do as he pleases.

A’la Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) writes that it is mentioned in “Suba Sanabil” that a person was sentenced to death by an Emperor. As the executioner unsheathed a sword to behead the person, the person faced the grave of his Murshid. The executioner said, ” At times like this you should face the Qiblah.” The person answered: “Do your duty, I have faced the Qiblah. It is true that the Kaaba is the Qibla of the body, and the Qibla of the heart and soul is the Murshid.” This is real Iraadah (to become a disciple). If one persists with one’s Sheikh with this kind of sincere devotion then benefits will definitely be received.

If the Sheikh is lacking, the Sheikh’s Sheikh may not be inadequate. Otherwise, Ghausul A’zam (radi Allahu anhu), who is the source of spiritual grace and fountain of lights, will provide you with grace as long as the Silsilah (spiritual chain) is authentic. (Malfoozaat A’la Hazrat, pg.189)

A’la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) has mentioned that people regard Bai’at as a custom and do not really comprehend it’s meaning. A good example of Baiat is that of a certain Mureed of Sheikh Yahya Munayri (radi Allahu anhu). This Mureed was about to drown when Khizr (alaihis salaam) appeared to him and said, ” Give me your hand so that I can rescue you”. The Mureed replied, “I have already given this hand to Sheikh Yahya Munayri. Now I will not give it to anyone else”. Khizr (alaihis salaam) disappeared and Sheikh Yahya Munayri (radi Allahu anhu) appeared and rescued him from drowning. (Malfoozat A’la Hazrat, pg.164)

THE ONE WITHOUT A MURSHID HAS SHAITAAN AS ONE’S MURSHID

Murshids are two types:
A. Murshid Aam (General Guide,) and
B. Murshid Khaas (Specific Guide)

The Murshids Khaas comprises of the Sheikhul Ittisaal and the Sheikhul Isaal.

The Murshid Aam comprises of the Quran, Hadith, the writings of the Jurists, the Murshids, authorities of Tasawwuf, the writings of the scholars, and the writings of the people of guidance and righteousness. The guide of the general public is the Kalaam (Speech and Writings) of the Scholars. The guide of the Ulema or Scholars is the writings of the Imaams of Fiqh. The guide of Imams of Fiqh is the Sunnah and Hadith of Nabi (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). The guide of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Quran/Speech/Revelation of Allah.

From this it can be seen that the Murshid Aam is an absolute necessity. A person without guidance of both the Murshids, i.e. Khaas and Aam is under the reign of Shaitaan. It is in this sense that A’la Hazrat, Moulana Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (radi Allahu anhu) writes that Sayyiduna Baayazid Bustaami’s (radi Allahu anhu) declaration in “Awaariful Ma’arif” that those without a Murshid (Khaas and Aam) have Shaitaan as their guide. (Fatawa Afriqa, pg.124)

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MUREED AND THE MURSHID

1. The Mureed should not harbour any objections against the Murshid. This would cause the Mureed destruction if the Mureed has some doubt about the Murshid. He should keep in mind the example of Hazrat Khidr (alaihis salaam) because he did things that were apparently quite objectionable, for example, making a hole in the boat belonging to poor people and taking the life of an innocent child. It later became apparent that these actions
were justifiable. Similarly, the Mureed should be convinced that even if some of the Murshid’s deeds do not seem appropriate, the Murshid knows better and he has justifiable reasons for his actions.

2. The Mureeds will not benefit from his Murshid unless he (the Mureed) is convinced that from all the Saints of the time, his Murshid is most advantageous to him.

3. One should become a Mureed for the sole purpose of

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COMPETENT AND AN INCOMPETENT MURSHID

Sultaanul Fuqara, Hazrat Faqir Nur Muhammed Sarwari Qaadri (radi Allahu anhu), defines a perfect Shaikh as one who discards the Nafs (carnal desires), purifies the soul and cleanses the mind of his Mureed for the sole purpose of guiding his disciple on the correct path and delivering him to Allah. A perfect Murshid does not attain worldly gain.

A false Sheikh takes Mureeds so that his worldly status is boosted. The Mureed gives his hard-earned income to his Murshid who lives a luxurious lifestyle, which cannot even be afforded by the affluent people. These “heavensmarketers” have furnished their homes with the trappings of Hell and have they become the Fuel of Hell.

A disciple must first evaluate the Murshid in the context of worldly transactions. As soon as he is convinced of a selfish or worldly motive he should immediately disassociate himself from such a Murshid. The Murshid should not claim his status because of lineage, rather, he should have been under training of a perfect Sheikh and practiced upon the spiritual exercises, travelled the inner paths and be well versed with all the stages of  spiritual progress. Acquiring oneself with books of Tasawwuf or attaining superficial knowledge of Jurisprudence or logic or being born in the household of a pious person or claiming Khilafat (permission to take Bai’ah) from a false Murshid does not qualify one as a Murshid. One cannot hope for any guidance (Hidayah) or grace (Faiz) from such a false Murshid. Unfortunately, these pretentious Murshids roam our streets in abundance causing mayhem and chaos. May Allah Ta’ala grant Hidayah to these customary Sheikhs (Peers) and bless the Mureeds with better judgement. (Irfaan, pg. 326)

EXPECTATIONS THAT A MUREED SHOULD HAVE IN HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MURSHID

Some people become Mureeds hoping for financial prosperity, release from the worldly hardships and living a comfortable life. At times, the Awliya Allah bless their Mureeds with worldly favours. The Mureed should avoid worldly motives and take Bai’at (pledge allegiance) solely to attain Allah Ta’ala’s Ma’rifah, cure the soul and express true repentance. He should have the pure intention of complete obedience to Allah Ta’ala and The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

THE MURSHID AND HIS COMMITMENT TO SHARI’AH

The Murshid is obligated to follow the commands of Shari’ah with absolute respect and dedication. The role of the Murshid is to enlighten the path of those who are astray with righteousness and guidance. A “Murshid” who does not respect and follow the Shari’ah is himself in darkness and totally incapable of illuminating (rating someone else’s path or guiding them). Such people are disciples of Shaitaan and the enemies of Islam. Some Murshids go about sowing doubts in the minds of their followers. They teach that Salaah and Saum (Fasting) are outward forms of worship and should be left to the Ulama. They claim that they practice and worship with their hearts only. Such Mushids are astray and mislead their followers too. They feast in Ramadaan openly mocking the Shari’ah and Tariqah. Yet, ignorant Mureeds are convinced that these people will

THE NECESSITY FOR A MURSHID

If a person wants to learn any art form or gain knowledge/science he will seek help from an expert in that field. Knowledge of Allah Ta’ala’s Zaat (Being) is the most difficult secret in the universe. It can only be achieved with the help of its experts, the Awliya Allah. Only these people can be accepted as Murshids (guides). The following quotation define the need and guidance of a Murshid.

Ghausul A’zam, Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jailani (radi Allahu anhu) brings home the necessity of a Murshid in a beautiful metaphor. He says: “The heart is the plantation for the Aakhirah (Hereafter). Sow the seeds of Imaan in your heart. Irrigate, fertilise and mature it with regular good deeds. If there is kindness and energy in the heart it will be fertile and an abundant harvest will result. Should the heart be harsh and contemptuous, the soul becomes infertile and barren and no crop will be able to grow. Learn this art of farming by its farmers/experts, the Awliya Allah. Do not think your opinion to be sufficient. Our Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) says, ‘Seek help in every field from an expert in that field’”. (Al-Fath-ur-Rabbani, pg. 202)

Ghausul A’zam (radi Allahu anhu) said: “Arrogance, hypocrisy, egoism, are all arrows of Shaitaan aimed at your hearts. One should formulate a strategy to defend oneself from this attack. The correct strategies are explained and demonstrated by the Mashaa’ikh (Guides). You should heed to their commands and act on them. They will guide you on the path of Allah since they have already travelled on this path. Ask their advise on matters relating to the Nafs (carnal desires), cravings and other weaknesses because they have also suffered their consequences and are well aware of the dangers and harms of evil desires. They have battled these over a long period of time and can confront, control and defeat them”. (Al-Fath-ur-Rabbani, pg. 150)