Category: The Path

On the Concept of Khilafah and the Reality of Political Power

At a time of political turmoil in the Muslim world, Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) expounds on some of the meanings of khilafah and clarifies the reality of political power. 

There are two types of khilafah. The first is the outward khilafah which relates to political power, which is not noble and honourable in itself. Anyone may attain political power, whether they be pious or corrupt, whether they be a believer or a disbeliever, whether they be a Prophet or a wretched person. Continue reading On the Concept of Khilafah and the Reality of Political Power

On Consulting More Than One Shaykh

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

Is it considered bad etiquette to consult more than one shaykh on the same matter and then to follow that which one feels most comfortable with?

Firstly, if it is an issue of suluk (spiritual wayfaring) you must only consult one shaykh. You may not consult another shaykh on the issue and you certainly may not make your own judgement.

Continue reading On Consulting More Than One Shaykh

On the Methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah

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

Are the Salafis considered to be from the Ahl al-Sunnah w’al-Jama’ah?

We have to look at people’s true state, and not at names or titles. Whoever follows the principles of the Ash’aris and Maturidis in tenets of faith and the principles of the four schools of Sunni Law is considered to be from Ahl al-Sunnah w’al-Jama’ah. These schools are the closest in their emulation of the pious predecessors (salaf). Those who follow these principles are considered to be from the Ahl al-Sunnah w’al-Jama’ah whatever name they are given. Those who do not follow these principles are not considered to be from the Ahl al-Sunnah w’al-Jama`ah, whatever name they are given.

On How to Benefit from the Dowra

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

We are planning to attend the Dowra in Tarim this year. How can we prepare to attain the biggest of openings?

Attend the Dowra with truthfulness, sincerity, humility and veneration. Broaden your perspective on everything you experience, have a present heart, maintain a good opinion and be keen to benefit. May Allah grant us all success. Continue reading On How to Benefit from the Dowra

On Delaying Hajj

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

What is the ruling on spending money on other things if someone has enough money to perform Hajj?

It is permissible to spend money on anything that is permissible. However, if someone has the financial means to perform Hajj in a given year but does not do so, then this person is negligent, even though many of the scholars say that if someone anticipates being able to perform Hajj in future years, the obligation is not immediate. There is no harm in spending money on those in dire need or spending it on travelling to seek obligatory knowledge (instead of spending it on performing Hajj).

On Travelling to Allah in a Bad Environment

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

How can I travel the path to Allah when I am in a bad environment which hardens my heart?

You can do this by making sure your heart is continually present with Allah and those in Allah’s presence. Thus although your body is in a bad environment, your heart is in a good one. You can only do this by sincerely turning to Allah and by forcing yourself to be present with Him. One of the best means of softening the heart is bestowing abundant prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ and imagining that you are in the blessed Rawdah in front of him.