Category: The Path

On Priorities in Choosing Whose Company to Keep

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

Should we give priority to keeping the company of people who are on the same path or those who remind us of Allah?

You should strive to keep the company of those who remind you of Allah but at the same time give those who are on the same path their rights. Their rights are that you check up on them, help them as far as you able to and pray for them. It is not our way to avoid keeping the company of anyone as long as there is benefit in that and no harm.

On Permission to Read the Books of Imam al-Ghazali

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

Do we need permission to read the books of Imam al-Ghazali?

The books of Imam al-Ghazali are extremely beneficial and are quick to rectify and illuminate the heart. It is said that the early Ba `Alawi Imams praised two things to a great extent: the books of Imam al-Ghazali and the visit of the Prophet Hud (peace be upon him). This shows that there is a general permission to read the books and there is nothing to stop the person reading it.

 

Principles Regarding Taking Bayah

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

I have taken bayah with another shaykh previously. May I still take bayah with you?

Anyone who has taken bayah with another shaykh whose tariqah is sound should remain true to that bayah as far as he is able. He should only take bayah with another shaykh with the intention of seeking blessings from that shaykh (tabarruk) as long as he has the permission of his original shaykh. Continue reading Principles Regarding Taking Bayah

Who was Habib Abd al-Qadir al-Saqqaf?

Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) was asked:

Who was Habib `Abd al-Qadir al-Saqqaf?

He replied:

He was a complete and perfect heir of the Prophet ﷺ. His father and all his forefathers were representatives (khulafa’) of the Prophet and he inherited this khilafah from them. Continue reading Who was Habib Abd al-Qadir al-Saqqaf?

Dealing with Unpleasant Things

Habib Abdullah bin Husayn bin Tahir (may Allah have mercy on him and benefit us by him) wrote the following piece of advice to help people deal with the oppression and turmoil that was taking place in Hadramawt at the time. His advice remains relevant to the times in which we are living.

It is rare in this time to find peace of mind and comfort. Worries, concerns and distractions are numerous. A person must be content and tranquil in the face of these things. He must surrender (to Allah’s decree) and not be dissatisfied. Continue reading Dealing with Unpleasant Things

On Removing Scary Thoughts

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

What can be recited to remove scary thoughts?

When you experience these thoughts, recite the following Surahs: Quraysh, al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq and al-Nas. If this continues, recite verse 154 of Surat Al `Imran (3:154).