What are the Sufi Tariqas (Orders) and why is it important to join one of them in our time?
The Tariqa is what you should do to get to Almighty Allah according to the style of the Sheikh in teaching his disciples. Ash-sharif Al Jerjany Annaqshabandi, (1) may Allah be pleased with him, said, “It is covering distances and getting promoted from rank to rank until one gets to Allah”. (2) Look at the relation between these three things: Al Shari’a, Al Tariqa, and Al Haqiqa. Al Shari’a is like a sea; Al Tariqa is like a ship; while Al Haqiqa is like the pearls which the driver gets when he arrives at the intended place. So, the three things are in order: Al Shari’a, then, Al Tariqa, then, Al Haqiqa. He, who gets through the first two stages, can get to the third rank, which is getting to know Almighty Allah and watching His Lights manifested on his heart; then, he can see some of the unseen things.
Sheikh Mohammad Bahaa’ Eddin Shah Naqshaband said, “Islam, acting upon its rules, having high resolutions in worshipping and leaving out all kinds of licences as possible as you could, are all the means by which you can reach the high ranks of Al Awleyaa’"(3) (The righteous pious people)”. Nowadays, we notice that we are in a very bad need for such conducts because corruption has been prevailing everywhere. May Almighty Allah help us to convey this message to His slaves. Amen.
What will I benefit from being a Sufi?
Thus, the target of being a Sufi is not watching the lights or some unseen things. It is because in this case, you will be worshipping such things not Almighty Allah. Our ultimate goal of worshipping is to be close to Allah. Being sincere to Allah in your worship is the only way to attain this target. Upon which, you attain the satisfaction of your Lord, which is the most important thing. He says,
And the pleasure from Allah which is greater. That is the greatest winning. [Attawba 72]
Why are there so many Sufi Tariqas? How can the Mureed choose what suits him of them?
Every Sheikh has his own method of teaching his Mureeds according to their abilities and their needs. Tariqas also differ according to the different circumstances of places and countries. No harm in this as long as the target is the same, which is getting to know Almighty Allah. So, all Tariqas are on the right way, on two conditions:
- The Tariqa must have a continuous link of lineage which passes down from the Messenger of Allah (Prayers and peace be upon him) through perfect guides until it reaches to the present Sheikh.
- The teachings of the Tariqa mustn’t deviate from the rules of Shari ‟a and the Prophetic guidance, according to the following Holy Verse,
Whatever the Messenger gives you, accept it; and whatever he forbids you, abstain. And fear Allah; surely, Allah is Stern in retribution. [Al Hashr 7]
We notice that some guides chasten their Mureeds through hard practices of worship such as fasting, carrying out so many prayers, paying out alms, and reciting the daily Dhikr (Awrad), besides earning their living. Other guides ask their Mureeds to travel so much searching for the righteous scholars and benefitting from them. Some take the road of submission to Allah and asking Him for forgiveness. Others take the road of going directly to Almighty Allah and parting from all His creatures. The best but the most difficult way is to teach the Mureeds through hard spiritual exercises, conquering oneself, deserting the customary things, clearing the heart out of its diseases and leaving the people’s company.
Each Tariqa has some signs of its way of teaching, which the new Mureed should take notice of, so as to choose the road which suits him. Then, he must make sure that the guide of the selected Tariqa behaves according to the Holy Quran and the Prophet’s Tradition. Sometimes, some new Mureeds find themselves driven to a certain Tariqa by success and good fortune granted by Allah.
Reference : See: Guidelines on Sufism and the Naqshabandi Tariqa (Questions and Answers) by Counselor Dr. Mohammad Najm Addin Al Kordy, Translation: Taha Ibrahim Badr
- Refer to "Al Hada'eq Al Wardia" p. 149
- Refer to his book, "Atta'reefat" (Definitions) p. 482
- The first article of "Al Kalemat Al Qodsia" (The Divine Words)