Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).
What is the status of someone who studies under a shaykh by means of the internet? Is he considered a student of the shaykh? Continue reading On the Status of Someone who Studies under a Shaykh through the Internet
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
How can I find a place in the hearts of the people of Allah? I feel very distant from them.
You must be true to Allah and emulate them as far as you are able, study their lives and virtues and strive to be like them. Continue reading On Feeling Distant from the People of Allah
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
How does the seeker know if the Shaykh is pleased with him or her?
The sign of this is true love in your heart for him and also your being content with that to which the Shaykh guides and invites. Continue reading Signs of a Shaykh’s Good Pleasure
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
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
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).
How do we fill the void in our hearts that we feel from not physically being in your company? Continue reading On Feeling Distant from Your Shaykh
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
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
Is it possible for a seeker to enter khalwah (spiritual seclusion) without the supervision of a shaykh?
This is like someone taking medicine without the supervision of a doctor. There may be general benefit in taking the medicine, but the patient will not receive full treatment without the supervision of the doctor.
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).
If you see your shaykh in a dream, what does it signify?
For the seeker to see his shaykh in a dream is generally a sign of his connection to him. It may be accompanied by some advice, direction or encouragement from the shaykh. If this advice is clear and in accordance with the principles of the Sacred Law and the spiritual way, then he can act upon it. If it is not, he should not follow this advice and he should know that his lower self is to blame.
If my Shaykh gives me a certain dhikr in a dream should I start reciting it?
This follows the same principle as anything else that is received in a dream, such as advice or instructions: if it is in accordance with the methodology of the Shaykh, then you should act upon it without hesitation.
If, however, it is not in accordance with the methodology of the Shaykh, then you should not act upon it and instead should consult the Shaykh.
