Category: The Path

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

Imam al-Haddad on Steadfastness

In this short poem, Imam al-Haddad counsels us to be people of sabr (steadfastness or patience). He extols the virtues of steadfastness, gives glad tidings to those who possess this trait and points to its connection to other lofty spiritual stations. He reminds us of the nature of tribulations and their connection to the divine decree. Finally, he calls upon us to emulate the steadfastness of the pious who have gone before and their master, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Continue reading Imam al-Haddad on Steadfastness

What Should I Do if I Have a Bad Dream?

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

As soon as you wake up, you should spit on your left side (without any spittle coming out) three times and seek refuge in Allah from any evil you have seen. You should not inform anyone about what you have seen. Then no harm will come to you.

Recite before sleeping: Ayat al-Kursi once and Surat al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq and al-Nas three times each as well as some prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ. This will be a protection from bad dreams.

The Soul’s Estrangement

Habib Muhammad al-Saqqaf shares an intimate conversation at a blessed time in a blessed place with his own soul.

My Generous Lord honored me to be at the Ennobled Kaaba during the last part of the night on a Friday. Heralds of longing began to stir in my heart for the reality of what Allah has created us for. I penned some of that in the following words, which I ask Allah the Exalted to make a means to direct the reader with truth and sincerity to Him the Exalted.

I ask you, dear reader, to read it in a calm and serene place.

The Soul’s EstrangementDownload

Original Arabic text:

غربة-الروح.pdfDownload

Dealing With Thoughts of Disbelief

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

Thoughts of disbelief sometimes come into my mind. Does this take me out of the fold of Islam?

No this does not take you out of the fold of Islam. We are only taken to account for the thoughts which we are content with and agree with. We will not be taken to account for the thoughts which you dislike and ignore. Continue reading Dealing With Thoughts of Disbelief

How Do We Avoid Backbiting?

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

How do we avoid backbiting (ghibah)?

We do this by bringing to mind the ugliness and danger of backbiting. We should also reflect on the punishment for it in the next life. In the Quran, Allah likens the person who backbites to someone who eats the flesh of his dead brother. We should see backbiting as a lightning bolt which destroys our good deeds. We should accustom ourselves to only mentioning a person’s good deeds and qualities if there is a benefit in doing so.

If we are tempted to backbite someone due to a perceived fault, we should do two things instead: pray for them and give them sincere advice either directly or indirectly.

Instead of allowing yourself to backbite, you must hold your tongue and use it to remember Allah. Instead of talking about worldly things, use wisdom in choosing a topic of conversation which is beneficial, such as stories of the Prophet, the Companions, the pious or the next life. In this way you will be acting upon the hadith: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should say what it is good or remain silent.”