Category: The Ba`Alawi Way

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

The Renewal (tajdid) of Imam al-Haddad

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

Imam al-Haddad is known as the ‘renewer’ (mujaddid) of the 12th Islamic century. What form did his renewal (tajdid) take?

Imam al-Haddad brought about a general renewal and a specific renewal. He brought about a general renewal by giving life to the meanings of the religion in the hearts and the lives of its adherents. This was the promised renewal which the Prophet ﷺ informed us would take place every century. He brought about a specific renewal by explaining the spiritual path of his predecessors and making it easy for those who wish to travel it. He placed everything that a wayfarer on the path needs – whether it be the Ba Alawi path specifically or any Sufi path – in two of his books: ‘Good Manners’ (Adab Suluk al-Murid) and ‘The Book of Assistance’ (Risalat al-Mu`awanah).

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.

 

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?

On Seeking Spiritual Assistance from the Ba Alawi Imams

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

How do we seek spiritual assistance from the Ba Alawi Imams?

We do this by loving and revering them for the sake of Allah, regularly reciting some of the Qur’an or some adhkar and donating the reward to them, reading their biographies and sharing what you have read with your family.

Your portion of assistance depends on how truthful you are, the greatness of your perception and the degree to which you emulate them.