What is “Tasawwuf” or Sufism?

Tasawwuf is the way of purifying ones inner self so the one can see the refection of the beloved (Allah ) in the heart. It
is one of the four main purposes of the advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammad .

Translation: “This is Him (Allah ) who has sent amongst the unlettered a messenger from among themselves, 1) to
rehearse to them, His signs, 2) to sanctify them, to 3) instruct them in scripture (Quran), and 4) wisdom although they had
been before, in manifest error.” [Surah Jumu’ah, Ayah 2]

There are Three Stages of the Purification of the Self

1) Cleaning the Self: Eradication of all evil qualities like ego, jealousy, and menace of any kind.
2) Developing the Self: After cleaning the self, making the self transparent enough to be able to adopt noble
qualities of generosity, hospitality, patience, and forbearance.
3) Beautifying the Self: It means the process of acquiring noble qualities and decorating the self with piety, trust in
Allah , generosity, and exhibiting happy and thankful attitude towards whatever one gets or possesses
(Qanaat).

Elements of Tasawwuf

There are three important elements of “Tasawwuf” (mysticism).

1) Touheed: Practicing monotheism or believing in oneness of Allah with perfection. The whole Qur’an is filled
with the teachings of Touheed, which is the main purpose of the revelation of the Qur’an.

Translation: “To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; it is He who gives life and death; and He
has power over all things.” [Surah Al-Hadid, Ayah 2]

2) Taqwa: Taqwa is the practice of avoiding sins and avoiding actions or things those are forbidden by Allah .
After emphasizing the importance of Touheed, the whole Qur’an is full of lessons of Taqwa (practice of avoiding
sins). Whoever practice Taqwa, attains Allah’s nearness.

Translation: “For Allah is with those who restrain themselves and do good.” [Surah Al-Nahl, Ayah 128]

3) Perfect Devotion and Love: Tasawwuf is based mainly on love and devotion for Almighty Allah. In other words,
love is the only path leading towards the ultimate objective of finding Allah .

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 Translation: “But those of faith are overflowing in their love for Allah ” [Surah Baqra, Ayah 165]

Interrelationship among elements of Tasawwuf

The above mentioned elements of Tasawwuf are closely interrelated with the integral bond of love for Allah , peace,
and well being of every soul. One could, because of his/her limited or narrow vision, choose an imperfect or mortal
beloved but Tasawwuf leads to the choice of a perfect and immortal beloved with qualities that are everlasting and unique.
A beloved who have been there, are there, and will remain there forever. Nothing changes Him, affects His beauty, His
existence, His authority, or His presence because He is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient and He loves all His
creations. He is Allah . Development and attainment of love for Him is the ultimate goal of Tasawwuf. Tasawwuf
teaches Touheed, it means . When one begins loving Allah then he/she sees to Him that he/she does not do
anything that earns him/her the displeasure of Allah , for example he/she refrains from committing any acts that harm or
hurt any other human being or some other creature of Allah . Through this attitude of love he/she tries to foster the love
that Allah has for all of His creations. Thus a Salik (student of Sufism) or a Sufi incorporates the above mentioned
elements in his life, and meditates to observe that he/she acts and thinks in conformity with the will of his/her beloved
Allah and he/she spreads the spirit of love and peace all around.

Basic Principles of Tasawwuf

There are ten basic principles of Tasawwuf. These are derived from Surah Al-Muzzamil of the Holy Qur’an:

1) Waking up for the sake of Allah in a part of the night (usually after mid night/last part of the night).
2) Pray Tahajjud or special prayer in the last part of the night just before Fajr.
3) Recite the Qur’an slowly so that one reflects it on his soul.
4) Subdue the worldly desires through Dhikr, meditation, and thinking.
5) Frequently chant the name of Allah .
6) Tabbatal, taking time off from daily routine and spending it in solitude to meditate, worship, and pray to Allah .
7) Keeping complete trust and faith in Allah that He is the Doer, Disposer of all things, and He has an absolute
control over all things and all matters.
8) Be patient and tolerant, even if he/she gets hurt or harmed by any of His creations including fellow human beings.
9) Mentally and physically abstaining from opposition or opponents.
10) Avoiding any futile debate or confrontation with opponents, just for the sake of greater cause of peace, love, and
harmony.

Rules of Tasawwuf

Besides the teachings of Tasawwuf related to clean the inner self, its other teachings are also proven by Quran Al-Karim
and the traditions or the sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad .

There are eight such rules:

1) Bai’at, the pledge to join the circle of Tasawwuf:

Translation: “without doubt those who pledge allegiance on your (Prophet )’s hand do so on Allah’s hand”
[Surah Fath, Ayah 10]

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In the time of the Prophet there used to be three kinds of Bai’at.
1) Bai’at-e-Islam was done by those who embraced Islam.
2) Bai’at-e-Jihad was done in those times before going to the battlefield.
3) Bai’at-e-Tareeqat was done to strengthen the faith to forsake ascribing of partners to Allah and to get rid of all
evil deed. It is also known as Bai’at of Ehsan. It is mentioned in the Ahadith. One such Hadith is in Saheeh
Muslim narrated by Auf bin Maalik Shajee .

Translation: “Hazrat Auf bin Maalik Shajee narrated, we were present in the company of the Holy Prophet ,
there were nine or eight or seven men, the Holy Prophet asked why you don’t make the Bai’at? We spread out
our hands and asked on what matter should we make the Bai’at? He said worship Allah do not ascribe partners
to Him and pray five times a day and listen to the orders (Ehkaam) and believe and the He said rather slowly that
do not ask the people for anything. The narrator says that those people followed it so much to the extent that even if a
whip fell out of their hands (while riding on horse/camel) they never asked anyone to pick it up [Muslim,
Abudawood, Nisai]

2) Company or closeness to Murshid (spiritual master): The way the companions of the Prophet Muhammad ,
purified their inner and outer self in company, by observing the Prophet , directly learning from Him, and from
His guidance. It is clear that this process of guidance and teaching has been continued and will be continued for
the future generations through blessed wise men (Murshids, Sufi Saints, and Auliya Allah) who are continuously
showing up in the world to show people right path.

[Translation: “O the faithful fear Allah and join the company of truthful.”]

As in medical hospitals, for the treatment of bodily ailments, care and attention by doctors and surgeons is essential.
Therefore in the same way, in spiritual treatment centers, the guidance, care, and teachings to purify the soul and
character, by a Murshid Kamil or Wali are also needed and essential.

Translation: “O man, who you are (what is your significance)? Just a handful of clay. If you remain clay, one day
you will perish into dust. So I advice you, convert this clay into gold by joining the company of man of spiritual
wisdom (Kamil Shaikh Wali).”

3) Solitude and Isolation: Deep meditation and a work towards the development of wisdom and purification of soul
is attained in isolation or solitude as was done by the Holy Prophet in the cave of Hira prior to the declaration
of the Prophethood, for 3 years. So the saints and men of wisdom and Shaikhs of Tareeqat have been ordering

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 their followers to meditate in solitude. Akbar Allahbadi (late) has said highlighting the utmost importance of
meditation:
4)

Translation: “Observe the act of God, what occurs later and what occurs first
I observe the cave of Hira before Badr.”

4) Aitikaf: It is the act of taking time off and staying away from worldly affairs of life in seclusion for the sake of
prayer and meditation to establish connection with Almighty Allah especially in the Masjid as the Holy Prophet
used to be in Aitikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan. Men of wisdom (Auliya and Mashaikh) ask their followers to
perform Aitikaf.

5) Love and Devotion: The basis of Tasawwuf is the attainment of closeness to God by fostering love for Him and
thus devoting oneself to that love by following the of Tareeqat, prayers, and meditation.

Translation: “But those of faith are overflowing with their love for Allah” [Surah Baqra, Ayah 165]

6) Meditation and Self Assessment: It is very important to analyze ones words and actions completely to see that
they do not harm anyone and they are in accordance with the code of conduct prescribed by Shariah and Tareeqat
based on the avoidance of all evil and harmful deeds and by fostering God’s love and spreading it all around.

Translation: “….Let every soul look to what (provision) he has sent for the morrow……” [Surah Hashr, Ayah 18]

The Holy Prophet Muhammad said:

Translation: “and consider yourself among the dead.” [Bukhari and Tirmizi]

It means, dead cannot perform any evil or bad deeds so should you avoid all bad deeds in the world as if you are
completely powerless and lifeless to do so. Meditation also ensures the accomplishment of the above goal as is stated
by Hakim-ul-Ummat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanawi (RA) in Al-Munkshif, page 267.

7) Endeavor (Mujahida): Without practicing Mujahida, successfully passing through the stages of Tasawwuf is not
possible. Therefore in the Holy Qur’an Allah says:

Translation: “And those who strive in our cause we will certainly guide them in our paths: for verily Allah is with
those who do right.” [Surah Ankabut, Ayah 69]

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Translation: “you just embark upon your journey of love without noticing, O fellow traveler, whether the destination
is near or far.”

Translation: “A lover has difficulties only prior to insanity, few days of sorrow then a lifetime of bliss (happiness).”

8) Dikr and Fikr: Remembering and praising the Creator of the universe by focusing on the heart is not only the
practice of the people of wisdom but it is the core spirit Sufism. As Almighty Allah states in the Holy Qur’an:

Translation: “Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are
indeed signs for men of understanding. Men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on
their sides, and contemplate the (wonders) of creation in the heavens and the earth, (with the thought): “Our Lord!
You have glory to you! Give us salavation from the penalty of Fire! [Surah Al-Imran, Ayah 190-191]

Therefore the Saalik (the follower of Sufism) is advised to continue to make the Dikr all the time or as much as
possible as his welfare is contained within it. Sufies are constantly and continuously engrossed in Dikr and deep
meditation. As it is said in the Holy Qur’an:

Translation: “……..and celebrate the praises of Allah often (and without stint): that you may prosper.” [Surah
Jumuah, Ayah 10]

Elimination of a Doubt: Some people fortunately or unfortunately creating doubts about the Sufies by falsely
accusing them of Shirk and or Bida’at by making absolutely untruthful and unjustified objections. Because of their
ignorance and prejudice the department of Sufism or Tasawwuf has been virtually divided into two types.

1) Islamic Tasawwuf: It is derived form the Qur’an, traditions and practices of the Holy Prophet Muhammad
and His companions and Auliya-e-Kiram (RA) as it has been discussed above.
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2) Un-Islamic Tasawwuf: This can be best understood with the example of a bottle full of opium or some other
intoxicants, which is labeled as sweet and fragrant rose syrup. Opponents of Tasawwuf portrayed Sufism as a
bottle full of opium by making wrong propaganda by creating doubts in the hearts of people just to keep them
away from enjoying the benefits of Tasawwuf. Is there someone who can rectify this and bring people to the true
light to Tasawwuf?

A Proof of Establishing the Sufi Institution (Khanqah)

According to a Hadith of the Holy Prophet :

Translation: “It is narrated by Hazrat Abu-Hurraira that the Holy Prophet stated no group or nation got to
gathered in any house of Allah for any purpose, but to recite from the book of Allah , teach each other from it and
Allah showers special peace and mercy on their hearts and shrouds them in His blessings. Allah and His angels
mention them in the gatherings of sacred souls those are present in front of them.” [Abu Dawood]

Benefit: Qur’an-e-Karim is in itself is a great Dikr and also the gatherings of people meditating, remembering and
praising Allah lead to the experience of great blessing, inner peace, and purification of hearts and souls. Besides
mosques, the Sufies and Mashaikh have also established special places for Dikr and meditation known as Khanqah.
[Derived from Al-Takshif 273 Harzrat Hakimul Ummat Thanvi (RA)]

Prescribed Practices of Dikr for Followers (Mureedeen)

(Recite Daily without Failing)

1) 100 times
2) 100 times
3) 100 times
4) 100 times
5) 100 times
6) 2000 times or at least 500 times
7) After every Salah (prayer), Suratul Fatiha, Ayatul Kursi, Suratul Kaafiroon, Suratul Ikhlas, Suratul Falaq and
Surat un Naas (four QULS) one time each Tasbeeh-i-Fatmi, SubhanAllah 33 times Alhudulillah
33 times, Allahu Akbar 34 times.
8) Reciation of the Holy Qur’an: For non Hafiz one Paarah daily and for Hafiz 3 Paaras daily.

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 Bed Time Routine Dhikr

9) Ayatul Kursi.
10) Last Ayah of Suratul Baqra from ……. to the end.
11) Last Ayah of Surat Al-Imran from ……to….
12) Surah Mulk one time.
13) Surah Ikhlas 100 times or at least 33 times or 11 times.
14) Maauzattain (Surah Falaq and Surat-un-Naas, Qul Auz….) 3 times each blow upon yourself and cover the house.
15) In addition to the above whenever possible continue to recite and sometime add .
Moreover keep the habit of reciting the Durood Sharif every now and then.

In the beginning it will seem that this Dikr or recitation is only verbal but it will descend into the heart and then no matter
what your other body parts would be doing your heart will continue the Dikr as it continues to beat.
May Allah bless you with righteousness peace harmony and his love Ameen.

Special Additional Routine of Dikr and Prayers (optional)

1) Tahajjud Prayer (12 Rakaat or at least 4). It is better to pray in the last part of the night. However till one gets
used to waking up early, one can pray between the Fard of Ishaa and the Vitr, four Rakaa with the intention of
special nightly prayer. (Salaat-ul-Lail).

One should make effort to pray in the last part of the night.

2) Doazda Tasbeeh namely 200 times 400 times 600 times and only one hundered
times. These special 12 Tasbeehaat should preferably be recited after Tahajjud prayer, if not possible then after
Fajr prayer.
3) Ishraaq, Chaasht and Awwabeen prayers, 4 Rakaa Nafl before Asr and Isha.
4) Surah Yaseen and Muzzammil, should be recited at one’s convenience anytime of the day.
5) On Friday recitation of Surah Kahaf.
6) Pray Salat-ul-Tasbeeh, once a week.
7) At the time of Fajr, between Sunnah and Fard, recite Surah Fatiha 41 times preceded and followed by Durood
Sharif 11 times. This is a golden prescription, tested by many elders and has solved many problems. If not
feasible between the Sunnah and Fard of Fajr, it can be recited as mentioned above, after completing the Fajr
prayer, and on completing one should blown on the chest.

Observance of the routine Dikr is the key to the success. [Shaikh ul Hadith]

Instructions for Mureedeen (Followers)

1) Consider yourself inferior to all Muslilms.

2) Taunting and criticism by others should be tolerated considering it as a source of your own benefit.
3) Treat other Muslims with courtesy provided they do not invite you for a bad deed or vice.
4) Avoid unpermitted talks and Haraam food.
5) Avoid unnecessary talks and argument.
6) With enemy also express good and pleasant behavior, treat them with service and hospitality.
7) Have complete affection for his Shaikh and not consider anyone else a greater benefactor.
8) In every respect remain obedient to the Shaikh and Murshid, provide him the utmost service by all means.

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9) Whatever he says should follow without question, should not follow the Shaikh without asking him to do so
(without his permission).
10) Whatever Wadaif are given by him to recite, should be practiced with full devotion and focus. Except for Faraid
and Sunnah, should not pray other Nawafil or Wadhif without his permission
11) As much as possible one should void spreading his shadow on his/her Murshid or his cloths. One should not step
on Murshid’s prayer mat.
12) Should not wash up or make Wudu infront of him nor should use his utensils, without his permission.
13) Should not talk to anyone in the presence of Shaikh nor should pay attention elsewhere. Sould not spread his legs
in the direction the Murshid even though if he is not sitting right in front of the Murshid.
14) Whenever one receives any spiritual benefit in meditation or in a dream, he/she should always consider it coming
from the Murshid even if he/she observes it coming from some other holy man. Sometimes a benefit coming from
the Murshid appears to be from some one else in dream.
15) Should not fight for worldly things or gains but leave in the hands of God.
16) Protect oneself from the clutches and designs of Satan.
17) Should answer strongly those who object or taunt at Ulema and Sufies.
18) Should remain debt free.
19) Should not devote him/herself to the pleasure and glamour of this world, but always keep interest in the hereafter.
20) If observes any fault or lacking in Murshid, should see the same in him/herself as the Murshid is the mirror in
which one sees his/her own refection. As much as we love our Shaikh, so shall we will benefit form him.
21) Have good thought about fellow Muslims and avoid ill will about anyone.
22) The success of the world and religion lies in the humility. So do not seek grandeur or fame.
23) Should not pity the rebels of God and the Prophet .
24) Should not accept invitation based on illicit income.
25) Should not turn away the needy and poor empty handed, if one has the ability to fulfill their need.
26) Should not consider him/herself superior to any Sayyed even though if one found them ignorant, illiterate or
Fasiq. Their superiority is a special gift from God to them.
27) One should love his/her brethren (other followers of the Murshid). One should also remain concerned with his/her
brethren’s well being
28) Should not sleep with out having a bath, after having intercourse with spouse unless a reasonable physical or other
acceptable excuse exists. It is because, during sleep the spirit or soul is taken towards Allah and if one is clean
angles of mercy remain with the sleeping one.
29) In the last part (third) of the night, one should not continue to sleep but should be up for the remembrance of
Allah , especially in the nights of Jumah (Friday) and Eid ul Adha. A healthy person should sleep less. He/she
should shed tears of shame on sins, seek forgiveness, blessings, and mercy of Allah .
30) It should be kept in mind that begging to Allah and seeking forgiveness with tears is preferred to pride on
prayers and all other practices of worship.
31) If flattered by someone, tell them not to admire or flatter you. Tell them politely that you are mortal and do not
deserve any praise, but praise is all due to Allah , the Omni present Omniscient.
[Derived from Mujadid Alf Sani and Hakim-ul-Ummat Hazrat Thanvi (RA)]

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