An Examination of the Heirs of Muhammad
Taking the covenant
Knowledge
Struggle against the nafs (the lower self)
Dhikr (remembrance of God)
Muzākara (spiritual discussion)
INTRODUCTION
The importance and rank of Sufism (taṣawwuf) in shaping the character of the complete Muslim, in reforming the outward practice of Islam, in cultivating the inner dimension, in the formation of akhlaq (character and ethics), and in the correction of worship and transactions, was explained to us in the previous section.
The Saadat-i Sufiyya (the noble Sufis) do not suffice with merely explaining the rulings and etiquettes of the sharia (the sacred law) to people with abstract words. Rather, in addition to this, they take their students by the hand and guide them on the paths of spiritual ascent. They accompany their students through the stages of drawing near to Allah, surrounding them with assistance and care. With mercy and compassion, they embrace them, directing them with their states and words. Through their lofty himma (spiritual aspiration) and great loyalty, they uplift them. When the student forgets, they remind; when he deviates, they correct; when he is lost, they seek him; when he becomes lax, they invigorate him... In this way, by outlining a program based on action, they realize, as much as possible, the three pillars of the religion: "iman (faith), Islam, and ihsan (spiritual excellence)."
Indeed, the Sufis are not people of empty claims and words, but rather people of state and action. Speaking and teaching are easy; acting and applying are difficult. In this section, we will present the action-based paths of the tariqas (Sufi orders) and the practical realization of Allah's pleasure and maʿrifa (experiential knowledge of God) by the people of Sufism (taṣawwuf). This practical method is only through implementing the Book of Allah and following the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) and His noble Companions (ṣaḥāba, may Allah be pleased with them). Certainly, the Sufis did not invent this path as an innovation, nor did they open a new way. Rather, they walked by following the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) "in word, deed, and character."