Experience has proven that the following
ways are highly efficacious in
strengthening one’s resolve and in
overcoming weakness and lack of courage.
1. Association with a Kaamil (expert and
qualified) Shaikh of Tasawwuf (Spiritual
Mentor or Guide). The following are the
signs of a Shaikh-e-Kaamil.
(a) He possesses sufficient knowledge of
the Deen.
(b) He is a firm adherent of the
beliefs, practices and morals of the
Shariah.
(c) He is devoid of worldly greed.
(d) He lays no claim to perfection and
excellence.
(e) He had lived a while in the company
of a Shaikh-e-Kaamil.
(f) The contemporary uprighteous Ulama
and Mashaa-ikh hold him in esteem.
(g) Comparatively, more intelligent
persons than ignorant ones incline
towards
him.
(h) The condition of the majority of his
mureeds in relation to obedience to the
Shariah and reduction in worldly greed,
is good.
(i) He is alert and is concerned about
the conditions of his mureeds. He
reprimands and admonishes them for their
wrongs and defects. He does not
permit his mureeds to be the slaves of
their desires.
(j) After having been in his company
several times, one feels a reduction in
worldly love while at the same time
discerns progress in the love for Allah
Ta’ala.
(k) He engages in thikr and shaghl
(spiritual exercises). Without such
practice
there is no barkat in ta’leem
(instruction and teaching).
Kashf (a form of revelation which comes
to the Auliyaa), Karaamat (miracles),
istijabat-e-duaa (acceptance of duaa and
tasarrufaat (metaphysical acts) are not
requirements of a Shaikh. The
companionship of a Shaikh-e-Kaamil is
wonderfully efficacious. However, for
achieving the benefits of a Shaikh, the
mureed’s intention must be sincere.
The mureed, himself must desire
spiritual progress and obedience. He
must desire to be imbued with a
detestation for sin. It is essential
that the mureed keep his Shaikh informed
of the changing conditions of his heart.
Whatever the Shaikh prescribes, the
mureed should accept and practise
accordingly.
2. The second way will apply when the
company of a Shaikh-e-Kaamil is not
available. In this case, read and study
the life – conditions and spiritual
strivings of the Ahlullah (the Saints of
Allah). But, never engage in the
mystical practices of Tasawwuf which are
written in relation to the lives of the
Sufis. Yes, readily follow their advices
and statements regarding spiritual
purification.
3. The third way in which to eliminate
weakness of heart and lack of courage is
Muraaqabah (meditation) of Maut and
Muraaqabah of the period which will
follow maut. This form of meditation
consists of setting aside at least
twenty minutes daily. Meditate in
solitude about the events which will
occur from the time of Sakaraat (pangs
of death) until entry into Jannat or
Jahannum. Think about these future
events, e.g. the questioning in the
grave by the two Angels, the punishment
and comforts of the grave, resurrection,
the scaling of deeds, reward, crossing
the Siraat, etc.
The attributes of excellence, e.g. zuhd
(being abstemious of the world),
khashiyat (fear of Allah), etc., which
are influenced by the development of
courage, will attain perfection by means
of this form of Muraaqabah.
