Why Do I Not See My Shaykh in My Dreams?

I used to see my Shaykh in my dreams but I haven’t seen him for a while. Why would this be?

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

If you have stopped reciting some of your adhkar or stopped doing some other good action that you were doing, or if your connection to him has weakened, then this is a reminder to work on this. Continue reading Why Do I Not See My Shaykh in My Dreams?

Is Bestowing Abundant Prayers Upon the Prophet ﷺ a Substitute for a Shaykh?

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

If someone bestows abundant prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ it helps them to overcome obstacles on the spiritual path, remove blameworthy qualities and gain noble qualities. Then through the blessing of bestowing those prayers, Allah unites that person with a shaykh who will be a means for them to reach Allah. So bestowing abundant prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ (and also abundant istighfar) is one of the best means to prepare someone for spiritual progress and facilitate their meeting with their shaykh.

Do We Need to Follow Classes Live?

We want to follow your classes and other programmes live but the time difference makes it difficult. What should we do?

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

The desire to follow these programmes is an expression of your heart being connected and this is not governed by time. It is not necessary that you follow these programmes live. You can listen to a recording whenever you have time.

How do we know if our connection with our Shaykh is sound?

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).

The signs that your connection is sound are:

a keenness to follow his teachings and emulate him;

a feeling of ease and contentment when you hear his qualities and instructions being mentioned

witnessing that he is the door to closeness to the Best of Creation ﷺ and to attaining the pleasure of Allah.

What does rabitah between the Shaykh and the seeker mean?

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

Generally speaking, the word rabitah means any type of connection between one thing and another. More specifically it is used to mean the sincere connection of one’s heart to one of the people of Allah. It could entail bringing one’s Shaykh to heart in a specific way while reciting a certain dhikr. Continue reading What does rabitah between the Shaykh and the seeker mean?

Clarifying Our Methodology

Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) emphasises the necessity of adhering to the Sacred Law and clarifies elements of the methodology of the Ba Alawi path. He issues a warning to those who claim to be connected to the path but do not follow its principles. 

It has been brought to our attention that someone engaged in calling to Allah who is connected to this path has said and done certain things which go against the Sacred Law and the principles of the path generally and our path specifically. Continue reading Clarifying Our Methodology

Times with Habib Muhammad al-Haddar: Reminiscing

In an emotional talk, Habib Umar bin Hafiz reminisced about time spent with his shaykh and mentor, Habib Muhammad al-Haddar. He recalled as a young child seeing him in the company of his father, the shahid Habib Muhammad bin Salim bin Hafiz.

Habib Umar then described meeting Habib Muhammad al-Haddar in his Ribat in al-Bayda. Still a teenager, Habib Umar had left the oppression of South Yemen and was planning to seek knowledge in the Hijaz. Habib Umar was yearning to visit the Prophet ﷺ and spend time in those blessed places, but Habib Muhammad assured him that the spirit of the Prophet was with him in al-Bayda. Continue reading Times with Habib Muhammad al-Haddar: Reminiscing

Imam al-Haddad Rebukes One of His Students

We are blessed to have a large number of letters that Imam al-Haddad wrote to his students. Each letter contains many lessons for us and paints a picture of the methods the Imam used in nurturing his students and guiding them along the path.

In this letter, Imam al-Haddad issues a strong rebuke to one of his students. Before even addressing him personally, he eloquently reminds him of the worthlessness of this life and warns him against being attached to anything worldly. He asks Allah to rectify his heart and bless him with contentment. Then comes the rebuke: Continue reading Imam al-Haddad Rebukes One of His Students

On Maintaining a Daily Connection to Your Shaykh

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) 

What are the best means of connecting to your shaykh on a daily basis?

Reading the shaykh’s books, reciting the adhkar he has given you, attaching and focusing the heart upon the shaykh and calling people to Allah are all means of connection. All of these means are virtuous and whatever thing focuses the heart on Allah more is best for each individual.