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How is the Ba `Alawi Path inwardly Shadhili and outwardly Ghazalian?

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

What is meant by the statement that the Ba Alawi path is inwardly Shadhili and outwardly Ghazalian?

Most spiritual paths have a foundation that is either Shadhili or Ghazalian. Both the Ghazali and Shadhili paths are founded upon spiritual striving (mujahadah) but the Ghazalian method begins by focusing on the external aspect and then works towards the internal whereas the Shadhili method begins internally. Both methods agree that obligatory actions must be performed, prohibited actions must be avoided and supererogatory actions should be performed in abundance, but the Shadhili method places less emphasis on outward actions. Mujahadah according to the Shadhili method focuses on attaining constant presence of heart with Allah, awareness of His bounty and showing gratitude to Him. The Ghazalian method emphasises seeking knowledge and acting upon it thereby attaining constant presence and the station of gratitude. Continue reading How is the Ba `Alawi Path inwardly Shadhili and outwardly Ghazalian?

On Strengthening the Ties of Brotherhood between People on the Path

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

How can we strengthen the ties of brotherhood between those who have taken this spiritual path?

We can do this by reminding those who have taken this spiritual path that they are travelling companions, and that those travelling together on the same path must be united. They are all the children of the same chain of connection and this dictates that they be brothers and sisters to each other. We also need to remind them that the tariqah is founded upon spreading harmony and brotherhood throughout the whole Ummah so this brotherhood should be even stronger between those affiliated to the tariqah. So let us apply these things and then spread them.

On Informing the Shaykh of One’s Affairs

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

Should the seeker inform his Shaykh about all of his affairs?

He should refer to his Shaykh concerning those affairs which require clarification and guidance, or that which the Shaykh has asked about, or those things which are related to the affairs of spiritual wayfaring of his heart, or actions of the limbs. Continue reading On Informing the Shaykh of One’s Affairs

On Strengthening Your Connection to Your Shaykh and Attaining True Love for Him

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

How can I strengthen my connection to my shaykh?

Generally speaking, you strengthen your attachment to your shaykh by knowing his merits and unique attributes and realising that he is a deputy of the Prophet ﷺ and the imams in his chain of connection. Furthermore you must strive to obey his instructions and love him for the sake of Allah. Continue reading On Strengthening Your Connection to Your Shaykh and Attaining True Love for Him

On the Meaning of a Spiritual Opening (fath) and Different Types of Shuyukh

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

What is the meaning of an opening (fath)? Is it something that happens instantly or gradually?

An opening has different degrees and different meanings. When the people of tasawwuf talk about it, they mean by it an unveiling which allows the person who receives it to witness the spiritual and angelic realm having previously being restricted to witnessing the physical realm. He is thus raised from the state of certainty based upon knowledge (`ilm al-yaqin) to the state of certainty based upon witnessing (`ayn al-yaqin). Continue reading On the Meaning of a Spiritual Opening (fath) and Different Types of Shuyukh