Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
If someone sees the Prophet ﷺ in a dream and he commands them to do something how should they respond? Continue reading On Seeing the Prophet ﷺ and Obeying his Commands
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
How do we understand the statement that “whenever the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was given the choice between two things he chose the easier one, as long as this did not entail a sin, in which case he was the furthest of people from it”? Continue reading On the Prophet ﷺ Taking the Easier Option
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
Is the Messenger of Allah ﷺ aware of our thoughts, just as he is aware of our sending greetings of salam to him?
He has access to our thoughts, but the question is whether he pays attention to them, since he is completely focused upon his Lord. He pays attention to thoughts that pertain to him or his call to Allah, and thoughts that are of benefit to his Ummah.
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
Does the Prophet ﷺ know every member of his Ummah? Does he know my name and does he know that I am Muslim, just as he knew the Companions? Continue reading On the Prophet’s Knowledge of Every Member of his Ummah
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
Some of the followers of other spiritual paths make movements while making dhikr. Should we take part?
They do this seeking to attain presence with Allah following the instructions of their shaykhs. We should joyfully participate with them in the dhikr without making these movements.
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
We have a weekly gathering in which we read adhkar of the Ba Alawi Tariqah. Is it fine for people who are not connected to the Tariqah to attend? Continue reading On People Not Connected to the Tariqah Attending Gatherings
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.
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).
Which books would you recommend reading to gain an understanding of the Path?
The books of Imam al-Ghazali, Imam al-Nawawi, and Imam al-Haddad are good for acquainting newcomers with the Path. The Path is to act on what is in those books and to combine between strengthening one’s faith and performing good deeds. ‘The Book of Assistance’ by Imam al-Haddad, for example, practically defines the Path. Continue reading Books Which Clarify the Path
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).
Can you recommend books containing the biographies of the masters of the Ba Alawi?
You can read al-Mashra` al-Rawī, Ghurar al-Bahā’ al-Ḍawī and Sharḥ al-`Ayniyyah. These are some of the books that contain biographies of many of the Imams of the Ba Alawi path that have been published. These books and similar books (some of which have not yet been published) may be read. Continue reading Suggested Readings on the Imams of the Ba Alawi Path
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
What is meant by the statement that the Ba Alawi path is inwardly Shadhili and outwardly Ghazalian?
Most spiritual paths have a foundation that is either Shadhili or Ghazalian. Both the Ghazali and Shadhili paths are founded upon spiritual striving (mujahadah) but the Ghazalian method begins by focusing on the external aspect and then works towards the internal whereas the Shadhili method begins internally. Both methods agree that obligatory actions must be performed, prohibited actions must be avoided and supererogatory actions should be performed in abundance, but the Shadhili method places less emphasis on outward actions. Mujahadah according to the Shadhili method focuses on attaining constant presence of heart with Allah, awareness of His bounty and showing gratitude to Him. The Ghazalian method emphasises seeking knowledge and acting upon it thereby attaining constant presence and the station of gratitude. Continue reading How is the Ba `Alawi Path inwardly Shadhili and outwardly Ghazalian?
