Mabda-o-Ma-ad in form of

Questions & Answers

 
Note: All answers are taken from the book Mabda-o-Ma-ad written by Imam
Mujaddid Alf Sani translated & annoated by Sufi Irshad Alam. Questions
formed by Muhammad Zubair Badar

 
Minha 1
 
Question: How Allah fulfilled desire of Imam Mujaddid for his path?
 
Answer: When I had experienced the desire for this path, divine grace (`inaya)
made me reach (rasaandam, mirasanam= to cause to reach) one among the
caliphs (khalifa) of the family of the Hazrat Khwajas (hadrat-i khwajaha) (qs)
[or the Naqshbandi masters]. I learned the tariqa of these masters from him
[i.e. Khwaja Baqibillah] and tenaciously clung to his companionship (suhbat).
 
Question: what is importance of companionship (suhbat) in naqshbandi
tariqa?
 
Answer: Companionship (suhbat): it means to be around a master and
receiving energy from him. Attaining companionship of the teacher is
especially critical for students in the Naqshbandi tariqa. For this Naqshbandi-
Mujaddidi tariqa is the sunna tariqa ― it strictly follows the sunna.
Companions of the Prophet are the greater than the greatest friends of Allah
(awlia’) and they realized their sublime station only via the companionship of
the Prophet. Through the bondage of love and affection they nurtured with
the prophet, they attained energy and blessings abundantly. In the same way,
the aspirants in the Naqshbandi tariqa attain all the benefit that they receive
via the companionship of their teacher.
 
Question: in naqshbandi tariqa attraction (jadhdhba) comes before or
wayfaring (suluk)
 
Answer: attraction (jadhdhba)
 
Question: what are stages of ascent of Imam Mujaddid?
 
Answer:
  Stages of the ascent of the Mujaddid  
stage what the Mujaddid experienced on that By whose spiritual
stage intermediation?
1 attains the Naqshbandi attraction Khwaja Baqibillah
2 reaches the end of the Mujaddid’s path Hazrat Ali
upto the divine name, which is his
origin of entification
3 reaches the supreme receptivity or the Khwaja Bahauddin
Muhammadan reality Naqshband
4 soars above the Muhammadan reality Hazrat Umar Faruq
5 reaches the station of the Hazrat Muhammad,
Muhammadan poles, which is the last Khwaja `Alauddin Attar
station of shadowness
AND
Prophet Muhammad grants the
Mujaddid the post of the pole of good-
instruction-giving
6 reaches the station of the solitaries  
where prototype is commingled with
the shadow; some poles may ascend
here due to their companionship of the
solitaries
7 reaches the prototype (that is exclusive Hazrat Ghauth-i A`zam
to the solitaries) Muhyi ‘l-din Shaykh
`Abdu ‘l-Qadir Jilani
8 reaches the prototype of the prototype As above(Hazrat Ghauth-
(that is also exclusive to the solitaries) i A`zam Muhyi ‘l-din
Shaykh `Abdu ‘l-Qadir
Jilani
 
 
Question: what is transmission of solitariness (nisbat-i fardiyat)?
 
Answer: From my father, I attained the transmission of solitariness, nisbat-i
fardiyat, which is specific to the [station of the] last ascent (`uruj).  My father
in turn had attained it from an exalted man (`aziz) [Qadri sufi saint Hazrat Shah
Kamal Kaithali (qs)] who possessed powerful attraction (jadhdhba) and was
famous for his miracles (khawa’riq). However, due to my own weak
perception (basirat) and a weak display of that transmission, I did not discover
that transmission before I had completed the waystations of the wayfaring
(manazil-i suluk) [and had attained an initial level of perfection on the sufi
path]. Indeed, I even did not at all know that I had that [transmission of
solitariness].  
Shah Kamal Kaithali: Qadri sufi saint from Kaithal which was in the vicinity of
Sirhind. He experienced strong attraction (jadhdhba) and he often used to
roam around that area in an intoxicated (madhdhub) state. He was the sufi
teacher of the Mujaddid’s father in the Qadri tariqa, and the Mujaddid in turn
received his Qadri transmission (nisbat) from his father.
 
Question: what is importance of supererogatory prayers (salawatin nafila) and
why Ordination (ijazat) is required?
 
Answer:  I attained the capability of performing supererogatory worship
(tawfiq-i `ibadat-i nafila), specificaly the ordination (ijazat) to perform
supererogatory prayers (salawatin nafila), by the assistance from my father
[Shaykh Abdul Ahad (qs)]. And my esteemed father attained this felicity [of
performing supererogatory worship] from his own shaykh [Hazrat Shaykh
Abdul Quddus Ganguhi (qs)], who was in the Chishti silsila.
Note: The Mujaddid’s father was Shaykh Abdul Ahad. His shaykh in the Chishti
silsila was Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Quddus Ganguhi (ra). It was from Hazrat Adbul
Quddus who gave Hazrat Abdul Ahad the ordination (ijazat) to perform
supererogatory prayers.
Ordination (ijazat): Its sufi meaning is that when the disciple is given a formal
permission or ordination from a master, that establishes a channel via which
energy transmits from the master to the disciple. That is, Hazrat Mujaddid was
ordained, he started to receive energy in his supererogatory prayers though
the intermediation of his father and his teachers.
 
Question: how Imam Mujaddid received knowledge? By which sources?
 
Answer: Also, I attained other-worldly knowledge (`ulum-i ladunni) via the
spirituality (ruhaniyat) [or spiritual assistance or medium] of Hazrat Khidr
(slm). However, [it was only] until the time that I passed the station of the
poles (aqtab) [that I was attaining knowledge via that method.]
Second, after he ascended beyond the station of the poles, the Mujaddid
started to receive knowledge from God spontaneously within himself without
any intermediation.
Afterwards, I crossed over (`ubur) that station and progressed (taraqqiyat) to
exalted stations [that are even higher]. Then I started to attain knowledge
through myself (haqiqat-i khod) [spontaneously]. Or I started to attain
knowledge [spontaneously] within myself, by myself, from myself (dar khod,
be-khod, az khod). Then I strongly continued to attain knowledge
spontaneously. [lit., nothing else had an opportunity to come in-between.]
 
Question: what were the stages of Imam Mujaddid descent?
 
Answer:

 
Mujaddid’s Descent
Stage Where does he descend to
1 Station of the Chishti great ones
2 Station of the Qubrawi great ones
3 Station of the Suhrawardi great ones
4 Station of attraction
5 Station of the heart or all-comprehensive
reality
 
 
Question: how was the second ascend after descent ?
 
Answer: Now having made his final descent, the Mujaddid ascends again, he
ascends to an even higher place than he ascended the last time, but this time
he becomes stable.
Before I became stable (tamkin) on this station, I ascended (`uruj) [again]. This
time I left the prototype (asl) behind me just as I left the shadow (zill) behind
me. In this ascent (`uruj) ― which took place on the station of the heart ― I
attained stability (tamkin).
  
Sufi Journeys
Sequence Type of Journey
1 (initial) ascent towards God
2 (middle) descent to the created
beings
3 (final) Final ascent towards
God
 
 

Minha2
 
Question: how Imam Mujaddid explained about pole of good-instruction-
giving (qutb-i irshad)??
 
Answer: Such a pole of good-instruction-giving (qutb-i irshad) ― who also
possesses all the perfections of solitariness (jami` kamalat-i fardiyat) ― is
definitely the exalted of existence (`aziz al-wujud). [It is only] after many
(besiyar) centuries and countless (beshumar) ages that such a jewel (gawhar-i)
appears (bi-zuhur mi-ayad).
The light of his emergence (nur-i zuhur-i u) illuminates the darkened cosmos
(`alam-i zulmani) and the light of his good-instruction-giving (irshad) and good-
guidance-giving towards God (hidayat-i u) shines over (shamil) the entire
cosmos.
From the expanse of the heavens (muhit-i `arsh) to the center of the earth
(markaz-i farsh), whosoever realizes well-instructedness to follow the path of
God (rushd) or receives good-guidance towards God (hidayat), faith (iman) or
knowledge on God (ma`rifat), he attains them only on the path of [that pole]
(ra) and realizes benefit only from [that pole]. Without the intermediation, (bi-
twasti u) of that shaykh [who is that pole], no one can attain this felicity.
 
Question: how aspirant (wayfarer) can attain & satisfy by pole of good-
instruction-giving (qutb-i irshad)
 
Answer: the light of his good-instruction-giving encircles the entire world like an
all-encompassing sea (darya-i muhit) and that sea seems to be frozen (munjmad)
and truly still (aslan harkat nadarad). For the aspirant who is face-turned
(mutawajjuh) towards that master and has sincerity (ikhlas) towards that master,
or a aspirant towards whom that master has the state of being face-turned
(mutawajjuh-i hal) ― a small window (ruzn-i) seems to open up (kushadeh
mishod) in the heart of the aspirant during the time of the face-turning. And on
that path, according to the measure of face-turning [on part of that master] and
sincere intention (ikhlas) towards that sea [-like master on the part of the
aspirant], his [the aspirant’s] thirst is quenched and he becomes satisfied (sirab).

The Mujaddid explains that the intermediation of that pole is essential in order to
reach God.
In the same way, a person who is absorbed (mutawajjuh) in the zikr of God (ilahi)
but is not face-turned towards that exalted master because he does not know
[that exalted man], not that he denies [that exalted man] ― in such a case he will
obtain the same measure of benefit from that [exalted man]. However, [the
benefit that he will receive will be] more in the first situation [when he is attentive
to that master] than in the second situation [when he is inattentive to that master
but it is because he does not know that master].

Question: what happens when anyone denies pole of good-instruction-giving

(qutb-i irshad)??

Answer: whosoever denies that master (bozorg) or on whom that master is

dissatisfied, however much is he absorbed in the zikr of God (SWT), still he will be
deprived (mahrum) of the reality of well-instructedness (rushd) and well-
guidedness (hidayat). Likewise, that denial of that master will form barriers (sadd)
on his path of receiving energy (fayd). Even when that exalted man does not wish
him not to receive any benefit (ifada) or does not intend (qasd) him harm (dar),
he will not have any true guidance (haqiqat-i hidayat), instead only the outer form
of guidance (surat-i rushd). Form without meaning has only little benefit.
The people who have sincerity (ikhlas) and love (mahabbat) for that exalted man
― even though they may not have his face-turning (tawajjuh) and they may not
be immersed in the zikr of God (ilahi) (SWT) ― still then, because of that love and
nothing but that love (mujarrad-i mahabbat), they will receive the light of
guidance (rushd, hidayat).
Peace to them who follow guidance  (Wa ‘l-salamu `ala mani ttaba`a ‘l-huda).

Minha3
Question: what is station of perfection (maqam al-takmil) ??

Answer: At first, [on the first station,] the door (dar) that opened up to me had the
desire to receive (dhawq-i yaft) but not the receipt [itself]. Secondly, [on the second
station], the receipt was obtained but the desire to receive disappeared. And thirdly,
[on the third station], the receipt also disappeared in the color of the desire to receive.
And the state of the second [station, where the receipt was obtained but the desire to
receive disappeared] is the state of perfection and “arrival” onto the level (darajatu) of
elect friendness (walayat-i khassa).
And the third station [where both receipt and the desire to receive vanishes] is the
station of the completion of the perfection (maqam al-takmil) or the station of
returning to the creation [i.e. the people] for invitation (da`wat).

Question: what is importance of step-by-step journey in the structured sufi path

(suluk)?

Answer: The sufi who has experienced attraction from God (jadhdhba) and has made
the effort and completed the step-by-step journey in the structured sufi path (suluk),
only he may realize the second or the third station. The attracted (madhdhub) who has
not done the step-by-step journey (suluk) may only realize the first station.
The previous state (hal) [which is the state of the first station] is being perfect in
attraction (jadhdhba) only.
However, when [step-by-step differentiated] wayfaring (suluk) is contained in
(indamma) [the sufi’s journey on the sufi path] and the wayfarer (salik) completes his
attainment of the states [of the first station] then [he advances to the next step, which
is] the second station and then [he advances further to the third and the last step,
which is] the third station.
However, the attracted (madhdhub) who has not done the [step-by-step detailed
differentiated] wayfaring (suluk) truly does not have any share from the states (halat)
of the second or the third station.
The Mujaddid explains that the sufi aspirant should seek to become someone who is
both at attracted-wayfarer and a wayfarer-attracted at the same time. Only then he can
become both perfect himelf and at the same time able to bring others to perfection.
Therefore he who has realized perfection [for himself] and has also attained the ability
to make others perfect (kamilu ‘l-mukammilu), he is an attracted-wayfarer
(madhdhubu ‘l-saliku). Then he is a wayfarer-attracted (saliku ‘l-madhdhubu). If he
has not attained both of those two [states of attracted-wayfarer and wayfarer-
attracted], then he is truly neither perfect (kamil) [himself] nor is he a perfection-giver
(mukammil) [to others]. So do not become [contented by only becoming] one among
those incompetent people [who are neither perfect themselves nor can make others
perfect. But instead, you should strive to progress higher than them and become an
advanced God-realized sufi who can do both that.]
May peace and blessings be on our master Muhammad who is the most exalted of
men and on his pure progeny!

 
Question: what is sequence & level of station of perfection?

Answer:

sequence level description The station of Method of reaching

1 low the desire to   jadhdhba only
receive (dhawq-i
yaft) but not the
receipt [itself].
2 medium the receipt was perfection and wayfaring (suluk) is
obtained but the “arrival” onto the
it’s integral part
desire to receive level (darajatu) of
(indamma) and the
disappeared elect friendness wayfarer (salik)
(walayat-i khassa)
completes his
attainment of the
states [and realizes
perfection]
3 supreme And thirdly, the the completion of A more perfect case
receipt also the perfection of the previous
disappeared in the (maqam al- station
color of the longing takmil) or the
for receipt (dhawq-i station of
yaft) returning to the
creation [i.e. the
people] for
invitation
(da`wat).

 
Minha4
 

Question: The Naqshbandi transmission (nisbat-i naqshbandi) is a name for what?

Answer: in the middle of the Islamic month of Rajab of that year, I was graced by the
presence of the Naqshbandi tariqa (hudur-i tariqa-i naqshbandi), which was on that
homestead of insertion of the end in thebeginning [indiraj-i nihayat dar bidayat]. That
exalted man said, “The Naqshbandi transmission (nisbat-i naqshbandi) is a name for
this presence (hudur) [of the heart].”

Question: why naqshbandi tariqa is superior over others?

Answer: because homestead of insertion of the end in the beginning [indiraj-i nihayat

dar bidayat]

Minha5
Question: why all adherents of this naqshbandi tariqa are elects of God who
will be forgiven in the day of the last judgement and enter paradise without
any judgement?
 
Answer: Spread the word about the blissful gifts (niyamat) of your Lord  (Wa
Amma bi-ni`mati rabbika fahaddith). (Koran 93:11)
One day, I was sitting with my sufi brothers (yar) in a group. And I was
meditating on my defects. This condition pre-dominated me in such a degree
that I found myself completely unconnected with this situation [of being an
aspirant of Allah. That is, I found myself so full of faults that I thought that I’m
not good enough to be even a sufi aspirant of Allah.] At that instance, the
saying, "Whosoever lowers himself in order to please Allah, Allah raises his
honor. Man tawada`a liLlahi rafa`ahu ‘Llahu." ― it raised me, [the Mujaddid
who is] this poor humble man, up from this humiliating position.
Then this “calling” (nida’) started to reverbrate in my inner realm, "I forgive
you and I also forgive everyone who, up until the day of resurrection, will gain
access (tawassul) to Me through you, be it with intermediarie(s) in-between or
without. Ghafartu laka wa li-man tawassalabika ilayya bi-wasitatin aw bi-
ghayri wasitatin ila yawmi ‘l-qiyamati." This meaning started to reverbrate
again and again until I no longer doubted [that it was an inspiration from God.]
Praise be on Exalted Allah for this! This [gift] is plentiful and pleasant! It is
blessed itself and it blesses the recipient! Allah! Send peace and blessings on
Your messenger and our master Muhammad and his progeny. At last, I was
ordered [by God via ilham, inspiration] to disclose this incident.
If the emperor comes to the door of the old woman
Khwaja! Don't pull out your moustache [in anger!]
Agar padishah bar dar-i pir-i zan
bi-yayad to-i khajeh sablat nakun
Verily your Lord is very forgiving. [Inna rabbaka wasi`u ‘l-maghfirati] (Koran
53:32)
 

Minha6
 
Question: what is journey towards Allah or sayr ila ‘llah?
 
Answer: Journey towards Allah (sayr ila ‘llah) is the name for the journey
(sayr) upto that name (ism) among all the names (asma) of God (ilahi), which
is the origin of entification (mabda’-i ta`ayyun) for that wayfarer (salik). This
explanation will be correct only then when the blessed name (ism) Allah will
refer to that level of Necessaryness (wujub) that will bring together
(mustajam`) the names and the attributes (asma va sifat). 
 
Question: what is journey from Allah in Allah sayr `aniLlah bi-‘Llah?
 
Answer: This journey [i.e. the journey from Allah in Allah, sayr `ani-‘Llah
bi-‘Llah] is within the pure person (dhat-i bahat), and so it cannot be
conceived in the end-point of the end of the ends (nuqta’i nihayat al-nihayat).
After reaching that endpoint (nuqta’), [the sufi] does not stop there. Instead,
he returns to the cosmos (`alam). So [this journey] is called the journey from
Allah in Allah , sayr `ani ‘Llah bi-‘Llah.  This [is such a deep] knowledge
(ma`rifat) that it is reserved who have “arrived on” the end of the ends. Except
for me, no friend (wali) of Allah has spoken on this knowledge.
 
Question: Mujaddadi tariqa concentrate more on towards Allah or sayr ila
‘llah or journey from Allah in Allah sayr `aniLlah bi-‘Llah?
 
Answer: journey from Allah in Allah sayr `aniLlah bi-‘Llah. This term refers to
the “person” (dhat) of Allah devoid of any attributes (sifat). In the Mujaddidi
tariqa, we concentrate on the person of Allah, instead of any of His attributes.
 

Minha7
 
Question: how many degrees on the station of the perfection of the friendness
(sayr-i kamalat-i walayat) Imam Mujaddid described?
 
Answer: five
 
Question: how Imam Mujaddid classified level of degree on the station of the
perfection of the friendness (sayr-i kamalat-i walayat) ??
 
Answer: In the journey (sayr) on the [station of] perfection of friendness (sayr-
i kamalat-i walayat), there are different steps (aqdam). There are many who
have the preparedness (isti`dad) to attain only one degree (darajat) from the
many degrees of friendness (walayat). There are some who have the
preparedness to attain two degrees. And another group has the preparedness
for three degrees. Yet another group has the receptivity (qabiliyat) for four
degrees. Still, there are some who are prepared (musta`id) for five degrees but
they are few in number.
 
Question: How Imam Mujaddid defined first two degrees and last three
degrees?
 
Answer: Of these five degrees, attaining the first degree is related to the self-
disclosure of the acts (tajalli-i af'al). The second degree depends on the self-
disclosure of the attributes (tajalli-i sifat). The other three degrees are related
to the self-disclosures of the person (tajalliyat-i dhatiya) which has many
degrees.
Many of my compatriots in the path are related to the third degree, among
the previously-mentioned degrees. And a few are related to the fourth
degree. Even fewer are related to the fifth degree and that is the last one of
the degrees of friendness (darajat-i walayat).
 
Question: what perfection and degree Imam Mujaddid posses (mu`tabir)?
 
Answer: The perfection that Imam Mujaddid declare to possess (mu`tabir) is
beyond these degrees. After the time of the honored companions (sahaba-i
qiram) (daad), this perfection (kamalat) has not been manifested. And that
perfection is beyond the perfections of attraction and progression
(jadhdhba va suluk). Allah willing! In the future, this perfection (kamalat) will
be manifested in Hazrat Imam Mahdi.
Allah gives peace and blessings to Prophet Muhammad who is the best of
creation.
 
Question: what is preparedness (isti`dad) and receptivity (qabiliyat) ?
 
Answer: Preparedness (isti`dad) refers to the ability of something or
“preparedness” to realize advancement on the path of God-realization. The
related term receptivity (qabiliyat) refers to the ability of something to
“receive” advancement.
 

Minha8
Question: in the path of GOD realization SUFI has two segments. Which are
those?
 
Answer: 1. the sufis ascent towards God (`uruj)
2. the sufi’s descent from God back to the created realm (nuzul)
 
Question: explain, higher the sufi ascends in his ascent to God, the lower he
descends in his descent back to the created realm
 
Answer: During the time of the [the sufi’s descent or nuzul, which is his] return
backward (ruju`-i qahqari), [from Allah,] he [the sufi] who has arrived on
(waslan-i) the end of the end, descends to the ultimate limit [i.e. the lowest
point] of the low points (sufl-i ghayat). And when he descends to the ultimate
limit of the ultimate limits (ghayat al-ghayat) [or the lowest of the low points],
he confirms that he has “arrived on” the end of the end.
When the sufi indeed reaches the lowest of the low points i.e. the end of the
ends (nihayat al-nihayat), he no longer employs miracles at all. Instead, he
employs worldly means exclusively
 
Question: according to maktubat what is the reason that  the Great Succour
Abdul-qadir Jilani showed so many miracles??
 
Answer:  because in his descent (nuzul), he only descended upto the subtle
center of spirit (ruh), instead of the heart.
 
Question: what are conditions of subtle centers during the prayer (salat) and
without prayer?
 
Answer: During prayer, the subtle centers of the worshipper are face-turned
towards God. For the obligatory (fard) or sunna salat, it is all the six subtle
centers of the sufi, or during the supererogatory prayer, it is the super-
arcanum (akhfa) that is face-turned. When he finishes the prayer, those subtle
centers turn their faces towards the created things.
This is the summary of this chapter: “Prayer is the station from where the
person of faith ascends in his heavenly ascension (ma`arij). And at the time of
the performance of the prayer (namaz), the subtle centers (lata’if) of the
returned sufi (sahib-i ruju`) [who has completed his journey to Allah (sayr fi ‘l-
Lah) and then completed his return to the creation (??????????) to give them
guidance] are deeply face-turned (tawajjuh-i khwass) towards the holy person
of God (SWT). And it ends when he comes out of the prayer. As soon as he
finishes his prayer (salat), he becomes totally face-turned (mutawajjah)
towards the created things. However, when he performs an obligatory (fardh)
or sunna prayer, his six subtle centers (lata’if-i sitta) becomes face-turned
(mutawajjah) towards the holy person of God (SWT). And when he performs a
supererogatory (nawafil) prayer, only the most subtle (altaf) of these subtle
centers [i.e. the super-arcanum or akhfa center] (lata’if) is face-turned.”
 
Note: according to maktubat, Imam Mujaddid is made connector (SILA)
between the inner esoteric knowledge and the outer knowledge of the Koran
and hadith.
 
Minha9
Question: what is reality about the claim which sufi masters (mashaykh) have said,
“After they have ‘arrived’ on the level of friendness, the people of Allah ‘witness’
(mushahada) in the interior (dar anfas) [i.e. they see Allah located inside their
bodies].”
 
Answer: That witnessing is not really the witnessing of the reality of Exalted Haqq
Note: Allah is unqualifiable (bi-chun va bi-chuguneh). So how can he be seen in this
world which is qualifiable? Indeed, He is transcendant
He (SWT) is “without what manner, bi-chun” and “without how, bi-cheguneh”. And
He cannot [be seen] in the mirror of the how or chun. Then [how can He be seen] in
the mirror of the external world (afaq) or the internal world (anfas)? He (SWT) is
neither within (dakhil) the cosmos nor outside (kharij) of it, and He is neither
conjoined (ittisal) with the cosmos nor disjoined (munfasil) with the cosmos
 
Question: what would be kind of beatific vision of God that the faithful will see in the
last world?
 
Answer: witnessing or vision of God will be a transcendant experience. That’s why
the ulama have decided that the beatific vision of God that the faithful will see in the
last world will also be a transcendent, unqualifiable ((bi-chun va bi-chuguneh)
experience
 
Question: how Imam Mujaddid described his type of the beautific vision of Allah in
this world that very few friends of God have seen??
 
Answer: The Mujaddid alludes that he has received a type of the beautific vision of
Allah in this world that very few friends of God have seen. That vision was also seen
by the companions in the past and it will be seen by Imam Mahdi in the future as
well. And he is describing that first-hand experience in this writing.
[However, Almighty Allah] has unveiled this mystery (sirr) [of the vision of God] to
the elect of the elect in this world  It may be noted that that vision [of Allah that his
elect sees in this world] is not like the vision (ri’wayat nist kal-ri’wayat ast) [which all
the faithful will see in the last world]. This [which is seeing Allah in this world] is a
great felicity
 

Minha10
Question: what are necessary recommendations for aspirant ( a person who has
desire to attain GOD realization) who want to join sufi teacher?
 
Answer:
1.       The aspirant should perform a set of istikhara prayers seeking divine
guidance, and if he does not receive a negative signal only then his training
may be started.
When an aspirant (talib) comes to a [sufi] shaykh, the shaykh should suggest
him to perform istikhara, prayers seeking divine guidance. The aspirant should
repeat the istikhara three to seven times. After the set of istikharas, if the
aspirant does not show any sort of hesitation (tadhbadhbi), his [training] may
be started.
2.       he should be taught the proper way to seek repentance (tariq-i tawba) and he
should be instructed to offer two cycles (raka`at) of prayer of repentance
(namaz-i tawba). It is because without the acceptance of repentance (tawba),
setting feet on this path does not yield any result. However, [for te initial
time], he should consider a brief repentance (tawba bi-qadr-i ijmal) sufficient
and leave full (tafsil) repentance for the future days. It’s because in these
times man has little aspiration (himam). And so, if people are prescribed to
attain a full repentance (tawba) initially, then that is bound to take a long
time.
3.       After that, the aspirant should be instructed (ta`alim) in that tariqa which is
suitable (munasib) to his preparedness (isti`dad). And he should be given
(talqin) that type of zikr that seems gentle (mula’im) for his receptivity
(qabiliyat). And he should give him face-turnings and his state (hal) should be
observed.
There are many different sufi tariqas, e.g. Qadri, Qadri Mujaddidi, Chishti
 Nizami, Chishti Sabri, Suhrawirdi, archaic Naqshbandi, Naqshbandi Mujaddidi
and so on. A specific tariqa may be appropriate for some, and inappropriate
for others. For example, one loves loud zikr and singing, then he may follow
the Chishti tariqa. On the other hand, one loves to follow the sunna strictly
and stay away from all deviation, and then he may follow the Naqshbandi
tariqa.
4.       Master should exhort the aspirant to follow the Koran and the sunna. He
should be taught the manners (adab) and rules (shara’it) of this path. He
should be exhorted to follow the Book, the Sunna and the foot-marks of the
pious predecessors (athar-i salf-i salihin). You should know that it is impossible
to reach the destination without this emulation (mutaba`at) [of the prophet
and the pious predecessors, the salaf].
5.       [The shaykh] should notify [the aspirant] that if he [the aspirant] has any
unveiling or mystic visions (kushuf va waqa’i`) which diverges from the sunna
even by the breadth of a hair then he not consider it. Instead, he [the aspirant]
should seek forgiveness (mustagfir) [from God for experiencing such a deviant
unveiling or vision.]
6.       At the same time, you should give him religious advice (nasihat) so that he
rectifies (durust) his creed (`aqida) according to the established tenets of the
saved sect (firqa’i najiya) [i.e. the mainstream Sunni community].
7.        The teacher should teach the aspirant the sharia and encourage him to
practice it. The Mujaddid believes that belief and practice, both are pre-
requisites for God-realization.
And you should hold it necessary to teach him the rules of religious law
(ahkam-i fiqhiya) and emphasize practicing (`aml) that what is incumbent [on
him] as per that science. It is because without the two wings of belief (i`tiqad)
and practice (`aml), it is not possible to fly (tiran) on this [sufi] path (rah) [of
God-realization].
8.       The teacher should exhort the aspirant to eat only lawful food.
Additionally, you should consider it a good deed (mar`a) to be cautious
(ihtiyat) of even a mouthful of forbidden (muharram) or suspicious (mushtaba)
[food.] He should not eat whatever he finds or from wherever he finds it, until
that food has been proven to be sound (durust) according to the criterion of
the shining sharia [that is discussed] in this chapter.
Note: In short, the aspirant must follow the sunna meticulously.
In short, in every matter, this noble verse should be considered, Obey whatsoever
the messenger of Allah has ordered you and stay away from whatsoever he has
forbidden. (Ma atakum al-rasulu fa-khuzuhu wa ma nahakum `anhu fa-ntahu.)
(Koran 59:7]
 
Question: how many types of aspirants Imam Mujaddid informed?
 
Answer: two, Either he will have unveilings (kashf) and knowledge (ma`rifat)
Or he will be the ignorant and bewildered (arbab-i jahl va hayrat)
 
Question: after GOD realization both types of aspirants have same rank/status?
 
Answer: YES, Imam Mujaddid employs an analogy to explain why these two groups
have the same rank. It is like when two individuals who reach the Kaaba from a
distant place. One of them comes seeing all the interesting things (tamasha) [beside
the road] from that place of departure. And he understands (danistan) those things
as much as he can understand. And the other individual comes with both of his eyes
closed understanding (ittila`) nothing on the road from the place of departure.
On the matter of arriving at the Kaaba, both individuals are equal and neither one
has any superiority (ziyadati) in this arrival over the other, although there is a great
difference between them in learning about the places on the road (manazil-i rah).
To whichever group the sufi belongs, he becomes ignorant and bewildered (jahl,
hayrat) when he realizes God. Then he realizes that he knows nothing about God and
he could never know God.
However, once they have reached (rasidan) the destination, both of them definitely
(dharuri) become ignorant (jahl). It is because when one truly knows (ma`rifat) the
person (dhat) of Allah, he realizes that he knows nothing about Him and that he can
never know Him (ma`rifat).
Note: ultimately both types of aspirants becomes ignorant after GOD realization
 
Question: how many stations sufis consider in wayfaring?
 
Answer: TEN
 
Question: journeying through ten stations of wayfaring, wayfarer depends of which
type of self-disclosure (tajalli) ?
 
Answer: THREE, self-disclosure of the act(s) (tajalli-i af`al)
the self-disclosure of the attributes (tajalli-i sifat) 
the self-disclosure of the person [of God] (tajalli-i dhati)
 
Note: The Mujaddid explains that three types of divine self-disclosure (tajalli) are
related to these ten stations.
You should know that cutting through (qat`i) the waystations of wayfaring (manazil-
i suluk) means journeying through the ten stations. And journeying through the ten
stations depends on the three self- disclosures (tajalli)
 
Question: provide the names of ten stations of wayfaring
 
Answer: 1. repentance (tawba) 2. solicitude (`inayat) 3. God-wariness (wara’) 4.
abstinence (zuhd) 5. patience (sabr) 6. surrender to God (taslim) 7. contentment
(qana`at) 8. gratefulness (shukr) 9. God-reliance (tawakkul) 10. good-pleasure (ridha)
 
Question: what is most highest station and on which self-disclosure (tajalli) it
depends?
 
Answer: The station of good-pleasure (ridha) is the highest of these stations and only
that station needs the self-disclosure of the person of God (SWT) (tajalli-i dhatiya)
and the love of the person of God (mahabbat-i dhatiya) to develop at all.
 
Question: Except the station of good-pleasure (maqam-i ridha), all other stations is
related & depends to what?
 
Answer: Except the station of good-pleasure (maqam-i ridha), all other stations are
related to the self-disclosure of acts (tajalli-i af`al) and the self-disclosure of
attributes (tajalli-i sifat)
 
Question: what is the necessary condition of station of good-pleasure ((maqam-i
ridha)?
 
Answer: when the lover equates both pleasure and pain coming from the Beloved as
equally accepted. Then necessarily good-pleasure (ridha) is realized and
dissatisfaction (karahat) vanishes [from the inner realm of the sufi.]
 
Question: ultimately other nine stations need the self-disclosure of the person of
God (SWT) (tajalli-i dhatiya) at final stage?
 
Answer: YES, In their final stage of development, the rest of the nine stations also
need the self-disclosure of the person of God in order to grow to the highest limit of
their development. This self-disclosure of the person is necessary to engender
complete annihilation in the aspirant.
In the same way, all these stations develop to the maximum perfection (bulugh)
when they receive the self-disclosure of the person (tajalli-i dhati) [of God]. Because,
complete annihilation (fana’-i atamm) depends on this self-disclosure (tajalli) [of the
divine person].
However, in their initial stage of development, these nine stations need only the self-
disclosure of acts (tajalli-i af`al) and the self-disclosure of attributes (tajalli-i sifat) in
order to grow to their normal level.
 Question: how sufi obtains ten stations?
 Answer: For example, when someone witnesses God’s power (qudrat) over himself
and all the things, then he returns to Him with repentance (tawba) and solicitude
(`inayat). He feels fear and dread [from God and as such he becomes Godwary and
abstains from forbidden things.] And he becomes patient [as he is well-pleased] on
whatever God has predestined knowing that he is powerless [over God’s pre-
destination]. And he realizes that the lord is the giver of all bliss and giving or
forbidding a favor is solely his discretion [and as such he surrenders to God and
becomes contented at what God has destined for him.] 
At that point, as a necessary consequence, he is elevated to the station of
gratefulness (maqam-i shukr) and places a firm footstep (qadm-i rasikh) onto [the
station of] God-reliance (tawakkul). And when divine generosity and grace (`atufat va
mihrbani) self-disclose on him, then he enters the station of good-pleasure (maqam-i
ridha).
After then when he witnesses the divine greatness and magnificence (`azimat va
kibriyya), then he finds the world despised and disreputable (khar va bi-i`tibar). As a
consequence, he longer longs (bi-raghbat) for the world (dunya).

  The Self-disclosures and the Sufi Path

Self-disclosure of Station of

the divine attribute of power (qudrat) repentance (tawba) and solicitude (`inayat)
For example, when someone witnesses God’s power then he returns to Him with repentance (tawba)
(qudrat) over himself and all the things, then he and solicitude (`inayat).
returns to Him with repentance (tawba) and solicitude
(`inayat).

the divine attributes (sifat), the divine act (af`al) the first nine of the well-known ten stations

the divine person (dhat) good-pleasure (ridha) which is the last one of
the ten stations of the sufi path

the divine attributes of greatness and magnificence finding the world despised and disreputable
(`azimat va kibriyya) (khar va bi-i`tibar), being disenchanted (bi-
raghbat) with the world (dunya).
After then when he witnesses the divine greatness
and magnificence (`azimat va kibriyya), then he finds the world despised and
disreputable (khar va bi-i`tibar). As a
 
consequence, he is disenchanted (bi-raghbat)
with the world (dunya).
 

 
 The Ten Stations in Sequence and their Self-disclosures

Sequenc the station the self-disclosure

e

1 repentance self-disclosure of the acts (tajalli-i af`al), and the self-disclosure of

(tawba) the attributes (tajalli-i sifat) for normal development
 
2 solicitude
(`inayat) AND
self-disclosure of the person of God (tajalli-i dhati) and love of the
3-4 God-wariness person of God (mahabbat-i dhati) for development to the extreme
(wara’) limit
abstinence (zuhd)

5 patience (sabr)

6―7 surrender to God

(taslim)
contentment
(qana`at)

8 gratefulness
(shukr)

9 God-reliance
(tawakkul)

10 good-pleasure self-disclosure of the person of God (tajalli-i dhati) and love of the

(ridha) person of God (mahabbat-i dhati) for any development at all

 
Question: what are types of friends of GOD ?
 
Answer: TWO, the attracted-wayfarer (madhdhub-i salik) and the wayfarer-attracted
(salik-i madhdhub)
 
Question: what are major differences between these two friends of GOD on the way
to GOD realization?
 
Answer:

    The Two Types: the  

attracted-wayfarer and the
wayfarer-attracted

  What are their primary How do they attain the How the common
characteristics? stations of friendness? people view them?

attracted- first step: the aspirants undifferentiated manner ordinary people

wayfarer experience attraction from (ijmal), completetly attains
(madhdhub-i God(jadhdhba) the cream and the gist
salik)
 
second step:
then they embark on
wayfaring (suluk) or they
traverse the stations step-by-
step by their own effort
 

wayfarer- first step: differentiated manner saintly people

attracted (salik-i (tafsil), these stations are
the aspirants embark on
madhdhub) well-developed
wayfaring (suluk) or they
traverse the stations step-by-
step by their own effort
 
second step: finally they
experience attraction from
God(jadhdhba)
 

 
Question: who is superior?
 
Answer: attracted-wayfarer (madhdhub-i salik) because he does realize the essence
of these ten stations completely; and in a more complete manner than the wayfarer-
attracteds.
  Minha11
 
Question: what are comments of Imam Mujaddid about all-existence-in-one or
monism (wahdatu ‘l-wujud, tawhid) or encompassmentism (ihata) or permeationism
(sarayan) etc ??
 
Answer: He suggests that the sufi aspirant in his journey should now avoid focusing
on the existence of God, he should should focus on the person (dhat) of God. In that
realm [of God] (mawtin), existence may not be predicated [for He is beyond
existence. And you don’t need to believe that God is identical to existence like Ibn
Arabi believes.] Therefore, you should seek that what is beyond existence, wujud,
[which is the person, dhat of God.].
For people [or the Sufis] with great aspiration (buland himmat) who are seeking such
an object [i.e. the person of God, ultimately what will happen is that] nothing will
come to his hand. And he will not find even a clue (nam va nishan) [to the person of
God]. There is a group [i.e. the monist Sufis like Ibn Arabi] that conceives it
differently. They find that that [person of God] is identical to their own persons and
create nearness and withness (qurb va ma`iyat) with Him. [That is, Ibn Arabi believes
that God and the creation are made of the same substance and as such God is
“physically” near them, with them and encompass them, just like a physical object
can be near them, with them or encompass them.]
Where are You and where am I
O lord!
 
Question: what is right proposition/concept on GOD? How true object of the worship
can be established?
 
Answer: The aspirant should negate all false gods both internal and external (nafi
aliha’-i batil’-i afaqi va anfusi).  And he should also erase everything that comes [to
his mind] via understanding or imagination (fahm va wahm), so that the true object
of worship (ma`bud-i haqq) can be established [who is beyond human understanding
or even imagination]. And he should believe that [the idea that] God exists (mawjud)
is all [the idea] that is needed (iktifa) [to be believed in order to progress on the path
of God-realization. And he doesn’t at all need to conceptualize or imagine all those
anti-sharia sufi theories like all-existence-in-one or monism (wahdatu ‘l-wujud,
tawhid) or encompassmentism (ihata) or permeationism (sarayan) etc.]
 
Question: what Imam Mujaddid and mainstream Sunni Ulama further explained
proposition on GOD?
 
Answer: How eloquently have the ulama of the Sunni community have said, “The
existence (wujud) of the Necessary (SWT) is “additional (za’id)” to His person (dhat)
(SWT)”. It’s only due to defect in the considerative faculty. (nazar) that people [like
Ibn Arabi] claim that existence (wujud) is identical to the person or establish nothing
beyond existence. Shaykh Alauddawla [Simnani] has said, “Beyond the world of
existence (wujud) lies the world of the loving Lord (maliku ‘l-wadud) [i.e. the
Mujaddid agrees with Simnani’s idea that God is beyond existence (wujud) which
stands in opposition to Ibn Arabi who proposed that God is existence (wujud) itself.]”
 
Question: did Imam Mujaddid experience intoxication (God-permeates-the-cosmos,
God-is-near-the cosmos) during his ascent?
 
Answer: When I [the Mujaddid] ascended above the world of existence [in the
Mujaddid’s `uruj, ascent towards God] then I was in excessive hal [i.e. then I was
intoxicated in the love of God]. But still then, [despite this intoxication I still had
some sobriety left, so that] I used to consider myself a Muslim by my “idea that I
should faithfully follow the past masters” (`ilm-i taqlid) [i.e. since the masters whom I
follow used to believe in the articles of faith of Islam, I also did so, however, I was so
intoxicated that I did not experience what I perceived as per that articles of faith.].
This intoxicated experience, the Mujaddid experienced once in the earlier part of his
life and later on he progressed much further and experienced all his states in
accordance to the Islamic creed.
 
Question: have creation capability to know GOD?
 
Answer: GOD has made his creation incapable of knowing Him
 

Minha12
 
Question: the exalted Bahauddin Naqshband R.A said, Every shaykh’s mirror has two
sides but my mirror has six sides. In this quote mirror stands for what?
 
Answer:  mirror refers to the heart of the gnostic (`arif)
 
Question: what is isthmus (barzakh) between the spirit (ruh) and the soul (nafs)?
 
Answer: Heart
 
Question: what are two sides of the mirror (heart)?
 
Answer: side of the spirit (ruh) and the side of the soul (nafs) and heart is (barzakh)
between the spirit (ruh) and the soul (nafs)
 
Question: when side of the spirit (ruh) and the side of the soul (nafs) opens?
 
Answer: on the time of arrival of the sufi shaykhs onto the station of the heart, both
of those sides open up.
Note: all the knowledge (`ulum va ma`arif) of both of those two stations [the spirit
and the soul] that are related to the heart [by being on the two sides] effuses out
(fa’id mishod).[to the heart of the Gnostic i.e. the Gnostic realizes that knowledge
internally].
 
Question: when knowledge flows out to the heart of Gnostic (Arif), it means it flows
out to the Gnostic himself. Can you brief on this point?
 
Answer: heart is the organ for cognition in sufi science. So that means that the
knowledge flows out to the heart means it flows out to Gnostic because heart is
HAQIQAT-I-JAMIA of the person
 
Question: why in naqshbandi method you can see six sides in the mirror of the heart
instead of two?
 
Answer: That stands in contrast to the method that Hazrat Khwaja [Bahauddin
Naqshband] instituted. In that method, the end is inserted in the beginning. And in
that tariqa (tariq), you can see six sides in the mirror of the heart. Its clarification has
been unveiled to the great ones of this most distinguished tariqa. Whatsoever that is
in the totality of human individuals (dar kulliyat-i afrad-i insani) is realized in the six
subtle centers (soul, heart, spirit, secret heart, arcanum and super-arcanum) that
exist within the heart that is in the human body. The "six sides" refer to these six
subtle centers.
 
Question: what is difference between journey (sayr) of heart by naqshbandi tariqa
and other tariqas?
 
Answer: The shaykhs in the other tariqas journey (sayr) upto the outside of the heart
(zahir-i qalb) [only, not the inside] but these masters [of the Naqshbandi tariqa]
journey (sayr) into the inside of the heart (batin-i qalb). And in this journey (sayr),
they reach inside the “belly of the bellies” (batn-i butun) i.e. deep inside [the heart].
 
Question: what happens when the shaykh goes deep inside the heart] on this station
of the heart (maqam-i qalb)?
 
Answer: when the shaykh goes deep inside the heart on this station of the heart
(maqam-i qalb), all the knowledge (`ulum va ma`arif) of the each of the six subtle
centers are unveiled (munkashif). However, [although in the first glance, it seems
that this knowledge is coming from all the six subtle centers, actually] this is that
knowledge which is related to the station of the heart. [Remember! The heart is all-
comprehensive and it comprehends all the knowledge of all the six subtle centers.
And all that knowledge can be accessed when the shaykh goes deep inside the
heart.]. This is the clarification of the holy utterence by Hazrat Khwaja [Naqshband]
(qs)
 
Question: what Imam Mujaddid realized many esoteric ideas on the station of the
heart?
 
Answer: On this station, by the blessings of those masters, many and many
[mysteries] were [manifested] to me. I have verified and scrutinized (tadqiq) [those
mysteries]. And obeying the command of the Generous Lord, And propagate the
blessings of Your Lord. (Wa amma bi-ni`mati rabbika fahaddith). (Koran 93:11). Now
I am [revealing] a few mysteries (ramzi) from all those [mysteries that were
manifested to me;] and [I’m divulging] a few allusions from all that scrutinization. It is
God (SWT) who protects from errors and grants the ability [to describe].
Note: READ many esoteric ideas on the station of the heart in coming questions &
answers
 
Question: what are levels of heart?
 
Answer: five,
first level contains all six subtle centers soul, heart, spirit, secret heart, arcanum and
super-arcanum.
Second level of heart is called heart of the heart and contain all subtle centers but 
soul center (nafs) and the arcanum center (akhfa) are manifested partially.
Third level of the heart is the same as second level but  arcanum (khafi) is not
manifested there.
fourth level: the heart (qalb) is in the same state in the fourth level and the secret
heart (sirr) is not manifested there. However, the centers heart (qalb) and spirit (ruh)
are manifested in this level.
Fifth level: In the fifth level, the spirit center (ruh) is not manifested and so only thing
that remains is only the heart that is a purely simple thing (qalbun mahdun wa
basitun sirfun). And nothing to be considered is there [in the heart at the fifth level]
except the prototypal thing (la i`tibar fihi li-shayyun aslan).
That is that heart on the fifth level is an absolutely and purely simple thing and that is
the prototype from which all other levels of the heart are derived. 
 
Question: is human body called microcosm (alam al-saghir), is a smaller form of the
macrocosm (`alam al-kabir)?
 
Answer: YES, Imam Mujaddid says that the human body, also called the microcosm
(alam al-saghir), is a smaller form of the macrocosm (`alam al-kabir). And this
microcosm or the human body contains everything in the macrocosm.
Note: I (IMAM MUJADID) proclaiming by the grace of Allah (SWT), “All that is
manifested (ma zahara) in the macrocosm [the cosmos] (`alam al-kabir) in a
differentiated manner (tafsil), all that is also manifested in the microcosm [i.e. the
human body] (`alam al-saghir) in an undifferentiated manner (ijmal).”
 
Question: how everything that is in the macrocosm in a differentiated form, [all
those appear inside the human body or the microcosm in one undifferentiated form?
 
Answer: when the microcosm [that is the human body] is polished and its inside is
illuminated (nuwwara zahara fihi) 
 
Question: due to illumination the heart capacity to contain more things expands?
 
Answer: As a result of the polishing and the illumination (bi ‘l-siqalati wa ‘l-tanwiri),
[the heart’s] capacity to contain things is expanded (ittasa`a di`a’uhu) and therefore
the rule that it [the heart] remains small is withdrawn (fa-zala hukumu sigari-hi). (li-
annahu bi ‘l-siqalati wa ‘l-tanwiri qadi ‘l-ttasa`a di`a’uhu fa-zala hukumu ‘l-sigarihi)
[and so the heart expands and becomes large.]
Note: We already know that everything that is in the macrocosm appears in the
microcosm or the human body in an undifferentiated form as reflection and in the
same way everything that is in the human body appears in the heart in an
undifferentiated form as reflection.
The relationship that the microcosm has with the heart is the same. We know that all
that is in the macrocosm in a differentiated form appear on the microcosm in the
undifferentiated form. And in the same way, all that is in the microcosm in a
differentiated form, all that appear in the heart in the undifferentiated form. (wa ka-
dha ‘l-halu fi ‘l-qalbi ‘llazi nisbatuhu ma`a ‘l-`alami ‘l-saghiri ka-nisbati ‘l-`alami ‘l-
saghiri ma`a ‘l-`alami ‘l-kabiri min ‘l-ijmalin wa ‘l-tafsilin). 
And in the same way, everything that is in the microcosm i.e. human body appears
on the heart in an undifferentiated form as reflections.
Therefore, when the smallest microcosm (`alam al-asghar) ― which is the world of
the heart (`alam al-qalb) ― is polished (suqila) and the darkness (zulmat) on it is
removed [then an amazing thing happens]. At that point, all those things that are
found in the microcosm (`alam al-saghir) [that is the human body] in a differentiated
manner (tafsilan), all that also appears on it [i.e. the heart, in an undifferentiated
manner. And all that appear] in the same way that [objects appear as reflections] on
a mirror as well.
 
Question: with respect to differentiated and undifferentiated relationship on
different levels of heart what is relationship on second level of heart?
 

Answer: On the second level, the heart of the heart reflects everything that is in the
heart in an undifferentiated form.

This is how is the situation (hal) that the heart has vis-à-vis the heart of the heart.
What appears in the heart in a differentiated manner appears in the heart of the heart
in an undifferentiated manner.
The heart of the heart is similarly purified, its capacity to contain things is increased
and that caused it to differentiate.
Originally the heart was undifferentiated, and then differentiation appeared (zuhur)
there. Whats caused this differentiation was the [heart’s] purification and the
illumination (bi-sabab-i ‘l-tasfiya wa ‘l-nuraniyati).

Question: with respect to differentiated and undifferentiated relationship on different

levels of heart what is relationship on third & forth level of heart?

Answer: in the same previous sequence of context on the third and fourth levels, the
again reflects everything that is in the earlier level in an undifferentiated form. As
before, the heart is again polished and illuminated, and as a result the heart’s capacity
to contain things is increased, and then again, the heart is again differentiated.
The same analogy may be made with respect to the heart which is on the third level
and the heart which is on the fourth level. And the same analogy may be made on the
undifferentiated and the differentiated levels. That is, what is differentiated on the
third level becomes undifferentiated on the fourth level.
Here also, it is the purification of the heart that caused it to differentiate.

Question: respect to differentiated and undifferentiated relationship on different levels

of heart what is relationship on fifth level of heart?

 
Answer: On the fifth level, the heart again reflects everything that is in the fourth level
in an undifferentiated form.
In the fifth level, the heart is in the same situation [that everything that is in the heart
in the fourth level in a differentiated form appears on the heart on the fifth level in an
undifferentiated form.]  Indeed, the heart is simple (bisatatihi) and lacks even the
slightest trace of a thing (`adami i`tibari shay’in) after it has realized a perfect
purification (tasfiya).
However, as before, the heart is again purified, and as a result the heart’s capacity to
contain things is again increased, and then again, the heart is differentiated. And then
everything that is in the cosmos appears in the heart.
And after attaining the complete perfection, what does appear in the heart is
everything that is found in the worlds i.e. all that, which is found in the macrocosm,
microcosm or the smallest world (al-`alami ‘l-kabir wa ‘l-saghir wa ‘l-asghar).

Note: The Mujaddid comments that indeed, the heart is amazing.

Therefore, it [the heart] is the narrow while being the widest thing (al-dayiqu ‘l-
awsa`), the simple while being the simplest thing (al-basitu ‘l-absat) and the fewest
while being the most numerous thing (al-aqallu ‘l-akthar).

Question: what are exclusive capabilities of heart to make strong connection with
GOD?

Answer: And it is the heart that contains many signs from God.
In this singular subtle center (al-latifati ‘l-badi`ati), verily many amazing signs of the
Maker (SWT) appear which do not appear in any of His created things (khalqihi).
And the Mujaddid proves that amazing quality of the heart by a hadith report.
It is written in a hadith report where God speaks in the first person, Neither the
heavens nor the earth can contain Me. However, what does contain me is the heart of
my faithful servant (la yas`uni  ardi wa la sama’i wa la kin yasa`uni qalbu `abdi ‘l-
mu’mini.) [Hadith: untraced]

Note: It is clear , as it is not been hidden that only that thing can be adequate (hariy)
for a relationship [with the person of God] which is the narrow while being the widest
thing (al-dayiqu ‘l-awsa`), the simple while being the simplest thing (al-basitu ‘l-
absat) and the fewest while being the most numerous thing (al-aqallu ‘l-akthar). [The
heart is the only such thing and therefore, it is only the heart that is adequate to relate
to God.]
 

Question: why GOD cannot be found in cosmos?

Answer: The macrocosm (`alamu ‘l-kabir) is the widest mirror in terms of

manifestation (zuhur). Still due to its multiplicity and differentiation (katharatihi wa
tafsilihi), it has no inter-relationship with [the person of God.] For God has no true
multiplicity or veritable (ra’asan) differentiation.

Question: who is heart of all the worlds and all manifestations and who is ruler of
other saints of GOD?

Answer: The Imam Mujaddid describes it as MOST EXALTED PERFECT

GNOSTIC. In the Mujaddidi tradition, it is believed that the Mujaddid is that MOST
EXALTED PERFECT GNOSTIC.

[There may be a rare] gnostic who has realized knowledge completely and have
attained perfect witnessing (shuhud).  Such a gnostic (`arif) may reach this [supreme]
station, which is exalted in its existence (`aziza ‘l-wujuduhu).and noble in its degree
(al-sharifa rutbatuhu). That gnostic would become the heart of all the worlds and all
the manifestations (qalban lil-awalimu kulliha wa ‘l-zuhurati jami`yiha). He realizes
the Muhammadan friendness (walayat-i muhammadi) and he is honored by the
invitation from the chosen one (da`wat al-mustafawiyya) (on its owner, [Prophet
Muhammad] be salutation, peace and benediction).

Question: what kind of relation MOST EXALTED PERFECT GNOSTIC has with all
the poles (aqtab), pegs (awtad) and substitutes (abdal) and the solitaries and the
singulars (afradu wa ‘l-ahadu) and the rest of the classes of the friends (awliya)??

Answer: all the poles (aqtab), pegs (awtad) and substitutes (abdal) are within his circle
of friendness (da’irati walayatihi). And the solitaries and the singulars (afradu wa ‘l-
ahadu) and the rest of the classes of the friends (awliya) are illuminated in the light of
his good-guidance-giving (hidayatihi).

Question: who is appointed deputy (na’ibu manab) of the messenger of Allah (slm)?

Answer: Such a most perfect exalted man is appointed deputy (na’ibu manab) of the
messenger of Allah (slm) and well-guided (mahdiyu) by the good-guidance of
[Prophet Muhammad,] the beloved of Allah.

Question: Even Imam Mahdi will also realize the transmission by MOST PERFECT
EXALTED MAN?

Answer: YES, This transmission is the most exalted spiritual gift.

This exalted and noble transmission is the lot of the elect few whom Allah seeks
(murad). It is not the lot of the [ordinary] aspirants (muridin) to attain this perfection.
This is the highest magnificence (`uzma) and the final station of ultimate pre-
eminence (ghayatu ‘l-quswa). There is no station beyond this perfection and there is
no gift of Allah more exalted than this [transmission].
Everyone should try to connect to that exalted Gnostic via initiatic lineage. Even
Hazrat Imam Mahdi will realize that transmission.

Question: It is he whose speech is like medicine and the glance of his eyes (nazaruhu)
is the cure of diseases. And what further Imam Mujaddid described?

Answer: If a gnostic like this is found once in a thousand years, capture that spoil of
war [by becoming his disciple]. His blessings (barakat) emanate for a long period of
time (mudadin madidatin).in those appointed times [that are found] at distinct
intervals [that he appears] (ajalin mutaba`idatin). It is he whose speech is like
medicine and the glance of his eyes (nazaruhu) is the cure [of diseases]. Hazrat Imam
Mahdi will have this noble transmission in this [Muhammadan] community [after the
Mujaddid – such is the interpretation of it according to the Mujaddidi tradition].
This is the bounty of Allah! He gives whomever He wants and Allah possesses
magnificent bounties! (Dhalika fadlu Llah. Yu’tihi mayyasha’u wa ‘llahu dhu ‘l-fadli
‘l-`azi). (Koran 62:4).

Question: what should be done to attain that great honor and most exalted
transmission(nisbat)?

Answer: one must progress highly in the sufi path.

This felicity (dawlat) is attained maximally (quswa) when the suluk-method and
the jadhdhba-method (tariqayi suluk wa jadhdhba) are completed in a differentiated
manner level after level (tafsilan martabati ba`d martabatin), and when the station of
annihilation is perfected completely and the station of abidingness (baqa) is perfected
perfectly degree after degree (darajatan).
And one may progress highly on the sufi path if one emulates Prophet Muhammad
perfectly.
However, it is impossible to attain unless you follow perfectly [Hazrat Muhammad,]
the noblest of all prophets (sayyid al-mursalin) and the beloved of the Lord of the
worlds (habib-i rabbi ‘l-`alamin). (on him and on his progeny be the most excellent
salutations and the most perfect peace). Praise be to Allah who has made me one of
his followers. I ask Exalted Allah to make me follow (mutaba`at) [the Prophet]
perfectly, keep me firm on it [being the Prophet’s follower], and keep me resolute on
his sharia. May Allah shower mercy (raham) on those ones of His servants who says
amin after this supplication that I have made!

Note: This knowledge is a subtle mystery that is unique to the Mujaddid.

This knowledge (ma`arif) is among those subtle mysteries (asrar-i ‘l-daqiqati) and
undisclosed secrets (rumuz-i khafiyati) about which none of the greatest friends have
spoken or to which none of the greatest sufis have given a clue. Exalted Allah, by the
grace (sadaqati) of His beloved (habibihi) [Prophet Muhammad] (on him and on his
progeny be salutations and peace), has elected to divulge these secrets to me. As a
Persian poet has composed,
If the emperor comes to the door of the old woman
Khwaja! Don't pull out your moustache [in anger!]
Agar padishah bar dar-i pir-i zan
bi-yayad to-i khajeh sablat nakun

Whatsoever that God accepts (qabuluhu) is not caused by anything or occasioned by

any occasion (mu`allalan bi shay’in wa la musabbaban bi-sababin)! Allah does
whatsoever He wills (yasha’) and commands whatsoever He desires! By His mercy,
Allah elects whomsoever He wills. And Allah possesses magnificent bounties!
Almighty Allah! Give peace, blessings and grace to our master Muhammad and his
progeny! And on all the prophets, messengers, the angels who are near you, and the
wholesome humans! Peace be on them who follow good-guidance and are committed
to follow [Prophet Muhammad] the Chosen on whom be peace and blessings.

Minha13
 
Question: The spirit is indeed unqualifiable and non-spatial and God is also
unqualifiable and non-spatial. However, the qualities of God cannot be compared
with the qualities of His creation. And He is unqualifiable and non-spatial in a far
higher degree than the spirit possessing those characteristics. How Imam Mujaddid
explained this point?
 
Answer: The spirit (ruh) is from the [unqualifiable] world that is without-what-
manner and non-spatial (`alam-i bi-chuni, la-makaniyat). However, when we
compare that without-what-mannerness [of the spirit] (bi-chuni-i u) with the
[without-what-mannerness of the] level of Necessaryness (martaba-i wujub), it [the
without-what-mannerness of the spirit] is “what manner itself” (`ain-i chun)”. And
when we compare the non-spatialness of the [spirit] with the true non-spatialness of
God (SWT), it [the non-spatialness of the spirit] is “spatial itself” (`ain-i makaniyat).
The world of the spirits is an intermediary realm between this world and the realm of
God.  This world is qualifiable and spatial. On the other hand, the realm of God is
unqualifiable and non-spatial. Since the world of the the spirits lies in-between them,
so it is at the same time qualifiable and unqualifiable, spatial and non-spatial.
 
Question: what is isthmus (barzakh)  between this world (alam-i-khalq) and the level
of “without what manner” (martaba-i bi-chuni)?
 
Answer: It is said that the world of the spirits (`alam-i arwah) is an isthmus (barzakh)
between this world and the level of “without what manner” (martaba-i bi-chuni)
 
Question: how many colors  world of spirits (alam-i-arwah) have?
 
Answer: TWO, Necessarily, the world of what manner (`alam-i chun) considers it
[world of the spirits] to be without what manner (bichun). On the othet hand, by the
viewpoint of the level of without what manner (bi-chun), [the world of the spirits is]
what manner itself (`ain-i chun). And it is due to [the spirit’s] innate nature (fitrat-i
asli) that it is the isthmus (barzakhiyat) [between world that is without what manner
that is non-spatial (bichuni, lamakani) and the world of what manner that is spatial
(chun, makani).]
 
Question: when quality of spirit (ruh) as a unqualifiable and color of without-how-
ness (bichuni) faded away from the [spirit]?
 
Answer: [the spirit] had been connected to this corporeal body (badan-i `anasiri) and
it had been confined within this dark frame (haykal). And at the time that it was
connected, the spirit came out of this isthmus (barzakh) [that is the world of the
spirits] and completely descended into the world of how (`alam-i chu) [i.e. the world
of empirical things, `alam-i khalq]. As a result, the color of without-how-ness
(bichuni) faded away from the [spirit]. At that point, an analogy for [the spirit] would
be the angels Harut and Marut. It is due to a beneficial reason that the spirits of the
angels came down to the lowest point of humanness. Such is the opinion [of the
Mujaddid and other enlightened masters].
 
Question: spirit after descending in this world and again during its ascend, body and
soul(nafs) also ascend with it? How Imam Mujaddid explained?
 
Answer: YES, after, by divine grace (`inayat-i khudawandi) (SWT), help (dastgiri)
arrived. And I returned from this journey. And from this descent I ascended (`uruj).
The darkened soul (nafs-i zulmani) and the corporeal body (badan-i `anasari) also
followed the spirit (ruh) and ascended (`uruj). And they traversed (ti) through many
waystations (manazil).
And the soul, which was previously darkened and the home of all evil, became
peaceful and illuminated. And the purpose behind why the spirit was connected to
the body became clear to the Mujaddid --- and it seems that the purpose was the
rectification of the soul and the body.
At that time, the purpose behind this connection (ta`alliq) [to the body] and the
descent (tanazzul) of the spirit (ruh) became clear. And the instigating [soul]
(ammara) realized inner peace (itminan). And the darkness gave way to light. When
the spirit (ruh) completed this journey (safr) and when the purpose of the descent
(tanazzul) was attained, it [the descent] reached its conclusion (injam).
Note: after again ascending of spirit successfully one may realize the purpose of
descending the spirit in this world.
 
Question: after extreme ascending above the world the spirits (alam-i-arwah) where
it again descended?
 
Answer: At that point, the spirit started to ascend ultimately reaching back to the
world of the spirits, where the spirit was originally located.
And it [the spirit, it started an ascent that ultimately] reached [back to] (rasidan) the
realm of the isthmus [that is the world of the spirits, which is an intermediary realm
that, on one end, is connected] to the prototype (barzakhiyat-i asl). And that ended
my return to the beginning.
Could that barzakh be the `alam-i ruh
 
Question: truly holy man whose soul seems to be in inner peace, even he can commit
sins? Give detailed reasons mentioned by The Mujaddid
 

Answer: [yes, he can and these are the reasons in this context] The Mujaddid here
explains a quandary. Sometimes, we may see that even a truly holy man whose soul
seems to be in inner peace, even he commits sins. The Mujaddid starts to explain it by
first pointing out that the heart is located in the world of the spirits and so it is
incapable of committing sin. And while the soul originally belongs to the world of
empirical things, it has realized inner peace for a God-realized master and then it has
also ascended to the world of the spirits. Therefore, it is also incapable of committing
sin.
The heart (qalb) belongs (az) to the world of the spirits (`alam-i arwah) [which is
the barzakh]. And so it is domiciled (tatan) in the realm of the isthmus (barzakhiyat).
The soul in inner peace (nafs-i mutma’inna) [although it is of the world of empirical
things, still it] is colored by a color (rangi) of the world of command (`alam-i amr).
[And this nafs-i mutma’inna] is an isthmus between the heart and the body. And so, it
[nafs-i mutma`inna] is also located there [in the barzakh, which is the world of the
spirits.]  

 In contrast, the corporeal body is in the created world that the source of all evil and
rebelliousness. So if the God-realized sufi master shows any rebelliousness, then it
must come from the constituent qualities of the elements.
In contrast, the corporeal body (badan-i `anasiri) that is composed of the four elements
[fire, air, water, earth] is settled in this world of the engendered things (`alam-i kawn)
or the spatial [world] (makan), [meaning the world of empirical things or `alam-i
khalq which stands apart from the world of command that is beyond space or location
i.e. la-makani.]. And it [the body] is polished (pardakht) by good-deeds and
worshipful acts (ta`at va `ibadat). After [the soul have attained inner peace], if [an
aspirant] shows rebelliousness or disobedience (sarkashi va mukhalifat), then that may
be predicated on [his] “natures” (taba`i) or constituent qualities of the elements.
So from which bodily element does the desire to sin comes? The Mujaddid feels that
that rebelliousness comes from the element fire.
For example, let us take the ingredient of fire. By its intrinsic nature (ba ‘l-dhat), fire
is rebellious and quarrelsome (sarkash va mukhalifat). Like the accursed Iblis,
whenever there is an opportunity, it also cries out, I am better than him [Ana khayrum
minhu)!] (Koran 7:12)
However, that rebelliousness could never come from the soul as it and God are
mutually well-pleased towards each other.
In contrast, the soul in inner peace (nafs-i mutma’inna) remains aloof from
rebelliousness because it is well-pleased (radhi) towards the Haqq (SWT) and the
Haqq (SWT) is also well-pleased and agreeable (radhi va mardhi) towards it.  And
you cannot imagine that two beings who are well-pleased and agreeable towards each
other, one of them is in rebellion aginst the other.
Therefore, any rebelliousness for the sufi with his soul in inner peace must come from
the physical body, specifically the element fire.
Therefore, if there is any rebelliousness, then it must come from the corporeal body
(qalib). For this reason, [Prophet Muhammad], the prince of the messengers (slm) has
interpreted the greater struggle (jihad al-akbar) to be [resisting] this satanic
rebelliousness. And the source of that [rebelliousness] is that bodily ingredient [that is
fire.]
Note: In the above paragraph, the Mujaddid is referring to the Hadith “we’re coming
from a lesser jihad to a greater jihad.”

Question: how the The Mujaddid gave an esoteric interpretation on a hadith.

The blessed prophet had said, My satan has been pacified (Aslama shaytani)?

Answer: The Mujaddid now gives us an esoteric interpretation on a hadith.

The blessed prophet had said, My satan has been pacified (Aslama shaytani).
The Arabic verb aslama may have two different meaning. The first is “to become
Muslim”. And the other meaning is “to become pacified” i.e to enter into a state
where it obeys Allah. The Mujaddid seems to be be employing this esoteric meaning
here.
Now that Hadith has two different interpretations. The first interpretation is that the
Prophet referred to the external satan, the genie named Iblis, by the term “my satan.”
That [satan which the Prophet called "my satan",] refers to the “external” (afaqi) satan
who is always with (qarin) the holy prophet (slm). However, [the satan to whom the
Prophet refers in the hadith of greater struggle] is the “internal” (anfusi) satan. [Yes!
We still carry on that struggle against the internal satan, but what the Prophet means
by the external satan becoming Muslim is that] the tyranny (sawlat) of this [external]
satan [that always accompanies every human being, in this case, the Prophet] is ruined
(shakasteh) and his defiance (tamarrud) starts a fast (baz bandeh) [or starts to
disappear. Still that external satan will always remain a rebel against God.] For that
what is in the essence does not leave the essence. (Amma ma bi-‘l-dhati la yanfaku
`ani ‘l-dhati.)
The black complexion of the Ethiopia
That is his innate color
[However hard do you try
Does it ever go away?]
Siyahi az habashi KI ra-wa-dal
keh khod rang ast
write on the Hadith, “Now we have returned from the lesser jihad to the greater
jihad.”
And the second interpretation of the term “my satan is that it refers to the internal
satan, the lower self or the vulgar instinct.
Or "my satan" may refer to the internal satan (shaitan-i anfusi). However, his
pacification does not mean that his rebelliousness will end completely.Although his
soul has been pacified, it is possible that someone may still abandon difficult-to-do
pious deeds (`azimat) and take up only easy-to-do pious deeds (rukhsat). And he may
still commit minor (saghira) sins apart from those good deeds. Instead, the good deeds
of the ‘ordinary pious’ (abrar), they are of the same type as the bad deeds (sayyi’a) of
the near ones (muqarraban). These are all types of rebelliousness (sarkashi). And that
the rebelliousness [of the internal satan] does not go away [completely, instead
remnants of that rebelliousness remains] for his [the sufi’s] own rectification and
progress (islah va taraqqi).
It is though that rebelliousness that spiritual growth takes place
It is because after the sufi abandons [the hard-to-do practices] that are the superior
practices and instead has taken up those bad practices (nihayat-i naqs) that proves his
rebelliousness, he feels sorrow and he regrets, repents and seeks forgiveness (nidamat,
pashmani, tawba, istigfar) greatly. And that [repentance] makes (mawjib) him to
progress to the end (taraqqiyat bi-nihayat) [of his path of God-realization].

Question: what are two types of SATAN?

Answer: external SATAN (shaitan-I afaqi) and internal SATAN (shaitan-i anfusi).

 
Question: when corporeal body becomes deputy of subtle centers?

Answer:  The six subtle centers (lata’if-i sitta) separates from [the corporeal body] and
ascends in the world of command (dar `alam-i amr). Then the corporeal body (badan-i
`anasiri) settles (istiqrar) in its own station. At that point, this very body becomes the
deputy (khalifa) [of the six subtle centers] and it [the body] does all their work [on
behalf of the six subtle centers.]

Question: what is the source to receive inspiration (ilham) for highly GOD-
REALIZED saint?

Answer: [Physical Heart] having reached that point, if an inspiration (ilham) comes
then it is to this very bodily part (mudgha) [that is the heart made of flesh]. And, that
[heart of flesh] is the reality of the comprehensiveness of the heart (haqiqat-i jam`i’a
qalbiya).
And he proves by hadith reports that it is the physical heart that receives inspirations
from God. Some of them are the following.

 He who worships Allah faithfully and sincerely (akhlasa) for forty days in a
beautiful manner (sabahan), streams of wisdom gushes out of his heart and
[flows] onto the tongue. [Man akhlasa liLlahi arba`in sabahan zaharat yanabi`ul
hikmati min qalbihi `ala lisanihi, Hadith: untraced] This hadith refers to the
[physical] heart. Allah knows the best!
 Verily! My heart is blackened [some of the times]. [Innahi layughanu `ala qalbi,
Hadith: untraced] Here, what is blackened is that bodily part (mudgha), not the
reality of the heart (haqiqat-i qalb). For that [reality] is absolutely free from all
blackness.
 The heart of the faithful is between two of the fingers of the All-merciful.
[Qalbu ‘l-mu’minu bayna isba`aini min asabi`I ‘l-Rahmani, Hadith: Muslim] In
this hadith report, this fluctuation (taqallub) of the heart is also mentioned as
well. 
 The heart of the faithful is like that stray feather of a bird which lies in some
open field. [Qalbu ‘l-mu’mini ka-rishatin fi ardi falatin, Hadith: untraced]
  Allah! O You who make hearts fluctuate! Keep my heart firm on doing things
that pleases You. [Allhumma! Ya muqalliba ‘l-qulubi! Thabit qalbi `ala
ta`atika, Hadith: Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah]
 
Question: what further The Mujaddid explained that physical heart receives
inspiration (ilham) instead of the subtle heart as HAQIQAT-I-JAMIA?
 
Answer: fluctuation (taqallubu) and the lack of stability (`adamu ‘l-thabati) of the
heart (thabitatun) refers to that bodily part (mudgha) because truly, the reality of the
[heart] that brings all together (haqiqata ‘l-jami`ata) does not fluctuate (taqallub) in
that manner ― for that [reality of the heart] is in inner peace (mutma’innatun) and it
is deeply rooted (rasikhatun) in that inner peace.
 
Question: by which example The Mujaddid proved that physical heart receives
inspiration (ilham)?
 
Answer: The Mujaddid is corroborating his view by bringing an example from Hazrat
Abraham. When [Hazrat Abraham] the friend (slm) [of Allah] was supplicating for the
heart to be in inner peace (al-itminani li ‘l-qalbi) then he was meaning nothing else
but that bodily part (mudgha) because his real heart (qalbahu ‘l-haqiqiya) had
already been in inner peace (mutma’in). Even his soul (nafs) was in inner peace
(mutma’in) as it was under the administration of his real heart (bi-siyasati qalbihi ‘l-
haqiqiyi).
 
Question: what is proposition of Hazrat Shihabuddin Suhrawardi about receiving
inspiration (ilham) and why The Mujaddid rejected?
 
Answer:  The author of the `Awarif [-i Ma`arif, Shaykh Shihabuddin Suhrawardi] (qs)
has written, “Inspiration (ilham) is the attribute (sifat) of a soul in inner peace (nafsi
‘l-mutma’inna) that has ascended (`arajat) to the station of the heart (maqami ‘l-
qalb).  Verily the variegations (talwinat) and transformations (taqlibati-hin) [of all the
colors, in that case, those] become attributes of the soul in inner peace.” ― It
contradicts the previously-mentioned Hadith report “as you see Him (hua kama
tara)”. 
 
Question: Why The Mujaddid rejected the proposition of Hazrat Shihabuddin about
receiving the inspiration (ilham) through the soul in inner peace (nafsi ‘l-
mutma’inna)?
 
Answer: If Hazrat Shihabuddin could ascend [to a higher level] from this above-
mentioned station [that is on a lower level] then he surely would have experienced
the [correct] knowledge on the matter (`alima ‘l-amra) and would have realized the
truth in what I have told you. In that case, his unveilings and inspirations (al-kashfu
wa ‘l-ilhamu) would have been in accordance with the saying of the Prophet (salam).
 
Question: what is proposition of The Mujaddid about receiving the inspiration
(ilham)?
 

Answer: Certainly, you realize that what I said before contradicts him [Shaykh
Shihabuddin. And I said before] that this bodily part (mudgha) [i.e. the physical heart]
that is the comprehensive reality (haqiqat-i jam`iya) becomes the deputy (khalifa) [of
the soul in inner peace, nafs al-mutma’inna]. And [then, instead of the soul in inner
peace, it is the physical heart itself, which, having become the deputy,] receives the
inspirations (ilham), experiences all the states (hal) and is colored by the different
colors (rang). [What I said is] too hard to comprehend to them who are fanatic,
uninformed and ignorant (al-muta`assibina ‘l-jahilina ‘l-qasirina) of the true meaning
or the reality (haqiqat) of the thing and it is unpleasant (thaqula) to them.

          The Mujaddid quotes a hadith report to demonstrate the validity of his position.
What will they comment on this report of the Prophet, Verily there is a bodily part
(mudgha) in the body of the children of Adam such that when it is wholesome then it
makes the entire body wholesome and when it is corrupt then it makes the entire body
corrupt. Take note! That [bodily part] is the heart. [Inna fi jasadi bani-`adama la-
mudghatan idha saluhat saluha ‘l-jasadu kulluhu wa idha fasadat fasada ‘l-jasadu
kulluhu. Ala! Wa hiya ‘l-qalbu, Hadith: Bukhari]
In this saying, [the Prophet Muhammad,] (slm) has clearly declared this bodily part
(mudgha) to be the heart. And he has created a connection between the
wholesomeness and the corruption of the body (salaha ‘l-jasadi wa ‘l-fasadahu) with
the wholesomeness and the corruption of the heart. Therefore whatsoever is true for
this bodily part (mudgha) is also true for the real heart (al-qalbi ‘l-haqiqiyi). However,
this relationship is on the basis of being the deputy (al-niyabati wa ‘l- khilafati).

Question: who is the deputy of subtle centers in this world?

Answer: physical heart of the body and whole body is dependent on this

Question:  when the spirit (ruh) of GOD-REALIZED sufi Gnostic is separated from
the body (jasad) by the death that occurs before the usual kind of death [i.e. the sufi
experience of death before death] then the Gnostic who has arrived (`arif-i wasil) [on
the station of death before death] what he presumes about his spirit?

Answer: Know! When the spirit is separated from the body (jasad) by the death that
occurrs before the usual kind of death [i.e. the sufi experience of death before death]
then the Gnostic who has arrived (`arif-i wasil) [on the station of death before death]
presumes that his own spirit has neither entered (dakhil) the body nor been outside
(kharij) the body. And it is neither attached to the body (muttasil ma`ahu) nor
detached from the body (munfasil ma`ahu).

Question: the spirit separated from the body before the usual death; still it retains a
connection to the body?

Answer: Yes! When the spirit is separated from the body, however even then it still
retains a connection to the body through which the body receives good.
Then he concludes that the spirit still has a connection (ta`alliq) to the body. And the
purpose is so that the body becomes wholesome. Also another purpose is to return the
perfection of the spirit back to the spirit.
And it is via this connection with the spirit that the body attains good.
And this connection (ta`alliq) [between the spirit and the body], it is the source of the
wholesomeness and good in the body (jasad). If this connection [between the spirit
and the body] were not there, the entire body would be ruined and worthless.

Question: how GOD is connected with the cosmos? Note: the words how,when,what
cannot be attached with person of GOD but here HOW is being used for general
purpose

Answer: God is connected to the world via a connection (ta`alliq) just like the human
spirit has a connection to the body.[we cannot comprehend this just like]. On the other
hand, God has no anti-sharia “monist” relationship with the world.
This is the state [station of death before death] between the Necessary on one hand
and the spirit and the other [subtle centers] on the other hand. Verily God (SWT) is
neither inside (dakhil) the cosmos (`alam) nor outside (kharij) it, neither attached
(muttasil) with the cosmos nor disattached (munfasil) from the cosmos.

Question: how GOD creates, sustains and gives energy to the cosmos?

Answer: [just like the body of GOD-REALIZED sufi Gnostic gets wholesome,
goodness and energy from his perfected spirit when it is separated from body for the
sake and love of GOD]. GOD (SWT) has a connection (ta`alliq) with the cosmos
(`alam) and through which He creates it (khalqan), sustains it (abqa’) and gives energy
(ifada) [to the spirit] for its perfection and makes [the spirit] suitable (ila’n) for
[receiving] bliss and blessings (li ‘l-ni`ami wa ‘l-khayrati)

Note: connection (ta-alluq) between the body and the spirit is the source to receive
wholesome for the body

Question: The ulama of the people of truth, they have not spoken any such thing on
the spirit as what has been spoken [by The Mujaddid].  Instead, they have on the verge
of not permitting them (lam yujayyizuhu) [such statements]. And you consider it
imperative to follow them [the ulama of the people of truth] in both small matters and
big matters. So how do you explain this mutual contradiction?

Answer: the answer is that the ulama have not spoken about this knowledge because
few ulama know it and because it might confuse the common people. I (The
Mujaddid) said that the scholars who know the reality of the spirit (`alimu bi-haqiqat-i
ruh-i) are few. Therefore, because they [the regular alims or scholars] know so little,
they have not said anything on the [little information that they have received via]
unveiling on the [the evolution or the process of] perfection of the spirit (bi-kashfi ‘l-
kamalati ‘l-ruhaniyati). And they have considered it sufficient to describe it briefly
(ijmal). They have avoided this topic out of fear that the common people (`awam) will
fall into error (dalala).

Question: what was the sensitive reason mentioned by The Mujaddid that the scholars
(ulama) did not reveal such sufi mysteries about spirit (ruh)?

Answer: Because [in one specific level], the perfection of the spirit (kamalat al-
ruhiyyata) appears to be similar to the perfection of the Necessaryness (kamalat-
i wujubiyyati). There is a fine difference between them which none knows except the
scholars who are deeply rooted in knowledge (rasikhuna). So they have narrated this
matter in brief and renounced (inkar) them who clarified it and unveiled its reality.
However, they have never renounced its perfection that has been mentioned earlier.

Question: The Mujaddid leaned this knowledge of spirit from his unveilings and
inspirations, not rational consideration or speculation but why he disclosed?

Answer: I [the Mujaddid] am an incompetent person! Still then, I am clarifying and

unveiling some of the major components of the sublime science (khwassihi i`timadan)
[that is the science of the spirit]. [I’m narrating this knowledge] by my true knowledge
(`ala `ilmihi al-sahihi) and clear unveilings (kashfihi al-sarihi). By the help from
Exalted Allah! By the blessing and as the present of His beloved [Prophet
Muhammad] (slm)! Along with it, the hesitation [that was an obstacle] on describing
(ni`atin) this clarification is removed. So try to understand it.

Question: body benefits from its connection to spirit, spirit also benefits from body?

Answer: YES, We know from it (yunbaghi an yu`lama) that just as the body benefits
from the perfected spirit (al-ruhi kamalatin) beyond measures (la tuhsa), so does the
spirit as well. It also acquire from the body sublime energy (fawa’ida `uzma).
[Through the body,] the spirit hears, sees, talks and corporealizes itself into [a
separate] body (mutajassidan) [within the human body.] As a result, the spirit is able
to do many tasks related to the corporeal world (af`alin nasabat bi-`alami ajsad). [That
is, the spirit now can do many tasks, which only a body can do and which the spirit
could not have done by itself beforehand].

Question: when the soul (nafs) joins the world of spirits (alam-i-arwah)?

Answer: when it becomes soul in inner peace (nafs-i mutma’inna) [ascends to the
world of the] spirits and joins them

Question: what is relationship of intellect (aql) in corpus world (alam-i-jasd) with the
soul in inner peace (nafs-i mutma’inna) when it joins the world of spirits?

Answer: the soul in inner peace (nafs-i mutma’inna) [ascends to the world of the]
spirits and joins them (bar ruhaniyan mulhaqq shod). And in the world of the corpus
(`alam-i ajsad), intellect (`aql) sits in its place [the place of the soul in inner peace]
assuming the name the ‘intellect that has returned’ (`aql-i ma`ad). At that time, it
thinks only about the last world and does not at all think (indisheh) about living this
earthly life (ma`ishat). And the light (nur) that Allah gives him makes him worthy of
perspicacity (firasat). This level is the end or final level (nihayat) of the levels of the
perfection of the intellect (maratib-i kamalat-i `aql).
 

Question: The imperfect ones may disagree here. [They may make an alternative
claim] that the end or final level of the levels of the perfections of the intellect should
be when it would forget both this life (ma`ash) and the return (ma`ad) [or the last-
worldly life, and instead concentrate solely on God]. In the beginning the focus
(indisheh) of [the intellect] was nothing but Allah (SWT). Why would it not be the
same [at the end]?

Answer: [The wayfarer] attains this [initial] forgetfulness (nisiyan) on the level of the
annihilation in Allah (martaba’i fana fi-Llah). However, this perfection is realized
after many days journey (marahil) beyond that.

 However, intellect may progress towards many higher stations above that station.
And when the intellect realizes perfection, it progresses to those higher stations.
Here, [in this station of perfection, for that perfected intellect,] knowledge comes back
after ignorance, the full intensity of the separation (`aud-i farq) comes after realization
of the union (tahqiq-i jam`a) and true Islam (islam-i haqiqi) is realized after the
rejection of Islam in the sufi path (kufr-i tariqat).

Question: what are comments of The Mujaddid about The philosophers’s view on the
four level advancement of the intellect?

Answer: Witless philosophers have established four levels (maratib) [of advancement]
for the intellect (`aql) and have reduced (munhasar, mukhtasar) the perfection of the
intellect [to those four levels]. That line of thinking is the result of their ignorance (az
kamal na-danist). Study these four levels

Question: which sufi masters understand true fact of intellect (aql) that has realized
the perfection and how?

 
Answer: However, even the perfected intellect is limited. Only the sufi masters who
strictly follow the sunna may realize, by the method of unveiling, that knowledge that
they obtain from the storehouse of the knowledge of the prophets. Unless the intellect
follows that unveiling-derived inner knowledge, it will not realize true knowledge.
Even when it [the intellect] has realized perfection (kamalat), the reality of the
intellect (haqiqat-i `aql) cannot be realized through [that perfected] intellect and
imagination (`aql va wahm) ― that reality can be realized only via true unveiling
(kashf-i sahih) and clear inspiration (ilham-i surih) collected from the lamp of the light
of prophetness (nur-i mishkat-i nubuwat).
Benediction and peace of Allah on all the prophets and the messengers in general and
especially on His beloved prophet Muhammad PBUH!

Question: what is opinion of The Mujaddid about the sufi shaikhs(exalted guider)
saying “intellect is the translator of the spirit”?

Answer: Some sufi shaykhs have said, “Intellect (`aql) is the translator, tarjuman for
the spirit. `Aql tarjuman-i ruh ast.” What does it mean?
In answer, first, the Mujaddid discusses on the prototypal heart that is in the world of
the spirits. It is that prototypal heart that receives the knowledge from God via
inspiration (ilham).
Answer: The heart (qalb) takes the knowledge (`ilm va ma`rifat) that gushes out of its
fountainhead by the method of spiritual reception (bi-talaqqi-i ruhani). And [we
already know that] the heart is from the world of the spirits (`alam-i arwah).

Second, the Mujaddid teaches us that the intellect translates that knowledge that the
heart has received.
Intellect (`aql) translates (tarjuman) that [knowledge, which has been received by the
heart]. It [the intellect] records and condenses (muharrar va mulakhkhas) that
[knowledge] so that [even] those who are captivated by the world of empirical things
(giriftaran-i `alam-i khalq) could understand that [sublimely spiritual knowledge that
the heart had received originally]. Unless the intellect (`aql) interpretes that
[knowledge], it is very difficult or even impossible to understand it.

 
Question: what is substitute of the true heart of the world of the spirits?

Answer: The bodily part that is the heart (mudgha’i qalbiya) is the deputy of the
reality of the all-comprehending heart (khalifa’i haqiqat-i jam`iya qalbiya). Therefore,
that [bodily heart] realizes the properties of the prototypal [heart, which is a sublime
entity of the world of command] (hukm-i asl)

Note: And its [the bodily heart’s] capability to receive (talaqqi) is similar to the
spirit’s capability to receive (talaqqi-i ruhani). 

Question: bodily heart depends on what to receive inspiration from true heart of world
of spirits?

Answer: that bodily heart] depends on the translator [that is the intellect].

Question: at which level bodily heart do not need intellect as a translator?

Answer: The Mujaddid comments that when the intellect that has returned reaches the
supreme level of perfection, it leaves the mold and makes the physical heart its
substitute. And then the intellect no longer translates the heart, instead, then the heart
translates itself.
You should know that there is a time when the intellect that has returned (`aql-i
ma`ad) longs (shawq) to be adjacent (mujawara) to the soul in inner peace (nafs-i
mutma’inna). [When this longing] reaches the extreme, it elevates [the intellect that
has returned] onto the station of [the soul in inner peace]. Then [the intellect that has
returned] leaves the mold (qalib) empty. At that time, wisdom and zikr (ta`aqqul va
tadhakkur) [takes the place of the intellect that has returned and] settles in the bodily
part that is the heart (be-mudgha qalbiya). Verily, there is advice in this description to
him who has a heart. (Inna fi dhalika ladhikra liman kana lahu qalbun). Then this
very heart translates itself.

 
Question: The cry "I am better than him, Ana khayrum minhu" is an intrinsic nature
(nahad) due to which element?

Answer: the element fire

Question: when obedience of GOD is reduced due to element of fire?

Answer: And [at that time that element fire] is dealt with and it is reduced to
obedience (inqiyad). And degree by degree, it [the element fire] is ennobled by the
noble gift that is true submission to Allah or the “inner” Islam (islam-i haqiqi).

Question: what islam-i-haqiqi means?

Answer: Here the word islam-i haqiqi means not the “outer facets” of the religion of
Islam but instead a true submission to Allah or the “inner” Islam. In that state, the
Gnostic unquestioningly obeys Allah always.

Question: when diabolical robe (khil`at-i iblisi) of the element fire comes off?

Answer: [And when the element fire realizes true submission,] its diabolical robe
(khil`at-i iblisi) comes off. And it reaches the prototypal station of the soul in inner
peace (be-maqam-i asl-i nafs-i mutma’inna). And it [the bodily ingredient or the
element that is fire] becomes the substitute for the principal (na’ib-i munab) [that is
the soul in inner peace.]

 
Question: when diabolical robe (khil`at-i iblisi) of the element fire comes off then
which kind of two transformations take place] within the mold (qalib) [or the physical
body.]?

Answer: 1. The bodily part (mudgha) [i.e. the physical heart] becomes the deputy
(khalifa) of the real heart (qalb-i haqiqi) [that is in the non-spatial realm nearer to
God.] 2. And the fiery ingredient (juzw-i nari) [or the element fire in the human body]
― it becomes the substitute for the principal (na’ib-i munab) that is the soul in inner
peace (nafs-i mutma’inna) [that has ascended to the world of the spirits upom
realizing inner peace].

The copper of my body turns to gold

By the alchemy of burning love [for God]
zar shad  mis-i wujud-i man
az kimiya-i `ishq

Question: the ingredient AIR is related or similar to what?

Answer: The ingredient “air” is related to the spirit (ruh).

Question: when wayfarer arrives at the station of air what he realizes mistakenly?

Answer: when the wayfarer “arrives on” (usul) and ascends (`uruj) to the station of the
air (be-maqam-i hawa), it happens that he [mistakenly] recognizes this very air as the
proof that he has realized God (`unwan-i haqqaniyat). And he becomes a captive in
that station [and he does not even want to progress any further as he mistakenly
believes that he has found God.]

Question: what is similarity between station of air and station of spirit (ruh)?

 
Answer: sufi often makes the same mistake on the station of the spirit[ just like on the
station of air]  ― he is captivated by the spirit and he loses the urge to progress under
the false premise that he has found God.
In the same way, this very witnessing [that is so wrong and defective that happens on
the station of the air] comes in hand in the station of the spirit [as well] and captivates
the wayfarer.

Note: Some sufi shaykhs have said, “Fot thirty years, I have worshipped the spirit
(ruh) as God (khuda) [mistakenly while I was on that station of air. Only] after I have
traversed that station, I have [been able to] distinguish between the truth [that God is
something that is beyond the spirit] and the falsehood [that God is the spirit].”

Question: when wayfarer can distinguish that GOD is beyond station of spirit and
station of air?

Answer: when he traverse above these stations

Question: when spirit ascends from the body which element takes its place in body?

Answer: the element air takes its place

Question: what is the third element in the body after fire and air?

Answer: water

Question: the ingredient water is related to what?

 

Answer:   The ingredient water is inter-related (munasib) with the reality of the
comprehensiveness of the heart (haqiqat-i jami`a’-i qalbiya). It is for this reason that
its energy (faydh) is in each and every thing. As the Koran says, I have made every
living thing from water. [Wa ja`alna min al-ma’i kulla shayyin hayyin.] (Koran 21:30)
Its place of return (baz gast-i U) is also the bodily part that is the heart (mudgha’i
qalbiya).

Question: what is the major constituent (juzw-i `azim) of that mold [that is the human
physical body.]?

Answer: The ingredient earth is the major constituent (juzw-i `azim) of that mold [that
is the human physical body.]

Question: what is the intrinsic nature of the ingredient earth?

Answer: By its intrinsic nature (sifat-i dhatiya), it is bad and nasty (dana’at va
khissat).

Question: when ingredient earth rules over and dominates (hakim va ghalib) the mold
(qalib)?

Answer: after it has been purified [of that evil nature], it [the earth element] rules over
and dominates (hakim va ghalib) the mold (qalib). [The element earth] rules whatever
that is in the mold [or the physical body]. And [that whatever that is in the physical
body] takes on the color [of the earth].

 
Question: what is the relation between the ingredient earth and the elements
fire,air,water(anasiri)?

Answer: The earth element predominates because it constitutes the entire mold. Yes!
There are other elements in the human body (e.g. fire, air and water), but they are like
“colors” that modify the earth element.
[The earth element predominates] because it constitutes the entire [mold] (jam`iyat-i
tam]. Indeed, every particle (ajza’) of the mold is truly a particle (ajza’) of [the earth
element]

Question: what is the reason that the terrestrial earth (kura’i ardi) is the center
(markaz) of the elements (`anasir) and the celestial spheres (aflak)?

Answer: answer is same as previous answer which is that’s why The earth element
predominates because it constitutes the entire mold. Yes! There are other elements in
the human body (e.g. fire, air and water), but they are like “colors” that modify the
earth element.
[The earth element predominates] because it constitutes the entire [mold] (jam`iyat-i
tam]. Indeed, every particle (ajza’) of the mold is truly a particle (ajza’) of [the earth
element]

Question: what is the center of entire cosmos?

Answer: the center (markaz) [of that earth] is the center of the entire cosmos (`alam).
diagram

Question: when The Sufi Saint attains the capability to make others perfect (kamil-i
takmil, kamil-i mukammil)?

 
Answer: [When all the four elements of the mold are pacified,] in such a situation, the
inter-action of the mold (mu`amila’i qalib) concludes and it [the mold] comes to the
end of ascent and descent (nihayat-i `uruj va nuzul). It is the moment that it [the mold]
reaches perfection in its ability to make others perfect (kamal-i takmil). This is that
end that returns to the origin (nihayat keh ruju` be-bidayat).

Question: when spirit ascends and is brought together with GOD, still it focuses on
the world to nurture the body?

Answer: YES, First, we may note that when the spirit is brought together with God
(jam`) during this “union”, it still focuses on the world in order to nurture the body.,
You should know the following. The spirit, along with its own levels and along with
its subordinates (ba maratib va tawabi`-i khod) [i.e. the spirit in its totality], ascends to
(rasideh bud, bi-tariq-i `uruj) its own domicile (bi-maqr-i khod) [or the original
station]. Still then, in order to nurture (tarbiyat) the “mold” (qalib) [or the body], it
[the spirit] concentrates on this world.

Question: when body is perfected then what kinds of two happenings happen?

Answer: When the inter-action [of the spirit] with the mold (mu`amila-i qalib)
concludes [with the mold having reached perfection] then [two happenings happen],

 The spirit ― along with the [six subtle centers, lata’if] secret heart, the
arcanum, the super-arcanum, the heart, the soul (ruh, sirr, khafi, akhfa, qalb,
nafs) and the [entity] intellect (`aql) ― concentrates its mind towards God
(khudavandi) turning its concentration away from the mold.
 And the mold completely (bi-kulliyat) turns its face towards the station of
slavehood (`ubudiyat).

Question: what further two more happenings happen in context of previous question?

 
Answer: Then [two more happenings happen].

 The spirit, with [all] its own levels (maratib-i khod), positions itself onto the
station of witnessing and presence (maqam-i shuhud va hudur) and [at that
point, it no longer] sees or knows (did va danish) anything that is apart from
God (\emph{ma sewa}).
 On the other hand, the mold, in its entirety, become deeply rooted (rasikh) in
the station of obedience and servanthood (ta`at va bandegi). This is the station
of separation after union (farq ba`d al-jam`).
Exalted Allah grants success in realizing perfection (kamalat)!

Question: how The Mujaddid revealed his personal experience on the station
of  “separation after union”?

Answer: I have walked over this station in a unique (khass) way. [It is on this station
that] the spirit, ― with all its levels (maratib) ― returns to the world of empirical
things (`alam-i khalq) in order to invite the people towards the Haqq (SWT). At this
time, the spirit attains the characteristics (hukm) of the body (qalib) and follows it.
And it becomes that if the body is present (hadir) then the spirit is also present and if
the body is heedless (ghafil) then the spirit is also heedless.
salat
However, during the time that one performs the salat (namaz), the spirit ― with all its
levels ― turns its attention (mutawajjah) towards the Holy Being (SWT) even when
the body is heedless (ghafil). It is because, for the person of faith (mu’min), salat is
the platform from where he ascends to the heavens (ma`arij).
Note: The Mujaddid is referring to the hadith report, Salat is the heavenly ascension
for the person of faith (Al-salatu  mi`raju ‘l-mu`min).

Question: Why GOD returns the spirit to the world of empirical things (`alam-i
khalq)?

Answer: in order to invite the people towards the Haqq (SWT).

 

Question: after returning from GOD to the empirical world (`alam-i khalq) the spirit
follows the body or not?

Answer: YES, At this time, the spirit attains the characteristics (hukm) of the body
(qalib) and follows it.

Question: in (hadir)(huzur) spirit remains still dependent on body after witnessing

GOD to come down to the empirical world (`alam-i khalq)?

Answer: YES, if the body is present (hadir) then the spirit is also present and if the
body is heedless (ghafil) then the spirit is also heedless.

Question: what is the time for spirit when it turns his face with its all levels towards
the Holy Being (SWT)?

Answer: during the time that one performs the salat (namaz), the spirit ― with all its
levels ― turns its attention (mutawajjah) towards the Holy Being (SWT) even when
the body is heedless (ghafil). It is because, for the person of faith (mu’min), salat is
the platform from where he ascends to the heavens (ma`arij).
Note: The Mujaddid is referring to the hadith report, Salat is the heavenly ascension
for the person of faith (Al-salatu  mi`raju ‘l-mu`min).

Question: what is station of invitation?

Answer: You should know that when [the sufi] who has reached [or “arrived” with]
God returns [towards the creation] completely (ruju`-i wasil-i keh be-kulliyat) [in his
descent,] then that would be the perfect station for inviting [people towards God]
(akmal-i maqamat-i da`wat).

Question: The God-realized sufi would reach the station of heedlessness again as
compared to initial station of heedless?

Answer: YES, he reaches but this heedlessness is diametrically opposite the initial
type of heedlessness

Question: How The Mujaddid compares and contrasts three stages of sufi saint?

Answer: 1.The initial heedlessness that the sufi had in his initial level
2. The presence that the sufi attained in his ascent, and
3. The final heedlessness that the sufi realized when he had descended completely in
his descent.
[Paradoxically,] this heedlessness (ghaflat) [that takes place after the sufi has
descended completely] is the occasion (sabab) that makes many people to become
attentive (hudur).
[On one hand,] the [truly] heedless ones (ghafilan) [who have been heedless on the
initial level] are heedless to this [good] heedlessness (ghaflat) [that comes on the final
level]. [On the other hand], the attentive ones (hadiran) are ignorant (jahilan) about
this return (raj`at) [that the God-realized sufi makes towards the creation in his
descent].

Note: This station [of final heedlessness] deserves praise although it may seem that it
deserves censure.
People of little understanding may not understand this. However, if I describe the
perfections (kamalat) of this [final] heedlessness (ghaflat), then no one will ever want
to be attentive (hudur).

 
Question: what are the major benefits of this final level of heedlessness that the sufi
realizes after his return from God when he has descended completely to the world of
empirical things?

Answer: This is that heedlessness (ghaflat) that has granted the most distinguished of
men superiority (fadilat) over the most distinguished of the angels.
This is that heedlessness that has made Hazrat Muhammad (slm) the mercy to the
inhabitants of the cosmos (rahmat-i `alimiyan).
This is that heedlessness that elevates one from of friendness to prophetness.
This is that heedlessness that elevates one from being an ordinary prophet
(nubuwat???) to being a major prophet (risalat).

 This is that heedlessness that has granted superiority to the friends of God who
live within the society (`ashrat) over the friends who live in seclusion (`azlat).
 This is that heedlessness that has granted superiority to Hazrat Muhammad the
messenger of Allah (slm) over [Hazrat] Abu Bakr the champion of truth
although they were [so similar that they were] like two ears of the same horse.
 This is that heedlessness that has granted superiority to sobriety (sahw) over
intoxication (sukr).
 This is that heedlessness that has granted [absolute] superiority to the
prophetness (nubuwat) to friendness (walayat) despite what the defective ones
[like Ibn Arabi] say. [And Ibn Arabi said that friendness is superior to
prophetness in some contexts].
 This is that heedlessness, due to which, the pole of good-instruction-giving
(qutb-i irshad) is superior to the pole of the substitutes (qutb-i abdal).
 This is that heedlessness which [Hazrat Abu Bakr] the champion of truth
desired. In this context, he used to say, "Alas! How I wish that I could be an
absent-minded act (sahw) of Muhammad ya laytani kuntu sahwa
muhammadin.”
 This is that heedlessness to which attentiveness (hudur) is a lowly servant.
 This is that heedlessness whose “arrival” (wusul) is prior to (muqaddima) its
“attainment” (husul).
 This is that heedlessness which outwardly appears to be regress (be-surat-i
tanzil) but in reality, it is progress (taraqqi).
  This is that heedlessness which confuses (mushtabeh misazad) the commoners
about the elect (khwas ra be-`awam mushtabeh misazand) and hides their
perfections [before the commoners] (qubab-i kamalat-i ishan migardad).
If I explain it
It would be limitless
Gar be-gu’im sharh-i in
Bi-hadd shod
A little points out to a lot. A drop [of knowedge that is described here] indicates that
there is [a body of knowledge as big as] a sea-like body of water (al-bahru ‘l-ghadir)
[beyond that what has been described here].
Peace to them who follow guidance and fully follow the Chosen One [Prophet
Muhammad]! On him and on his progeny be the most complete and the most perfect
salutation and peace!
 

Minha14
 

Question: in which kind of disclosure (tajalli) of God THE PROPHET

MUHAMMAD PBUH is uniquely distinguished over the rest of prophets?

Answer: Prophet Hazrat [Muhammad], the “seal of the messengers” (slm), has been
uniquely distinguished over the rest of the prophets (SLM) by [being given] the self-
disclosure of the person of God (tajalli-i dhati). This felicity that is above all the
perfections is unique (makhsus). The perfect ones (kummal) who follow him [Prophet
Muhammad] have a share of this elect station.

Question: The perfect ones (kummal) who follow him [Prophet Muhammad] have a
share of this elect station of getting the self-disclosure of the person of God (tajalli-
i dhati)?

Answer: YES
 

Question: Question: Does not this statement prove that the perfect ones (kummal) of
this community are superior to the rest of the prophets [other than Prophet
Muhammad. Since the Sunni creed says that even the highest of the companions is
below the lowest of the prophets,] would that not contravene the creed of the Sunni
community?

Answer: And this superiority (fadl) [of the prophets over the friends] is not partial
(juz’i) ― if it were then there could be some reservation on this elevation [and we
could then believe that a few highly exalted friends may indeed be higher than some
prophets] ― but instead it is universal (kulli) [and that means that each and every
prophet is ranked higher than a friend, even if that friend were the most exalted
friend.]

Question: what are criteria for being superior?

Answer: superiority between men is in accordance to their nearness to God (qurb-i

ilahi) (SWT). All other excellences that one may have are below this excellence [that
is nearness to God. And prophets are indeed nearer to God than anyone else.

Question: how could a Muslim friend have a share of the self-disclosure of the person
of God while all the other prophets do not share that?

Answer: In answer to that question, we say that the perfect ones (kummal) of this
community have a share in that station [of the prophets, not that] they have “arrived”
on that station. [We can consider them] excellent?????  had they “arrived” on that
station. The highest point (nihayat) to which that the perfect ones of this community,
which is best of all communities ascend (`uruj), [that point] is the feet of the prophets
(slm). Right below the prophets is [Hazrat Abu Bakr], the Great Champion of Truth,
(siddiq-i akbar) who is the most excellent of all men [other than the prophets]. Even
for him, the highest point of his ascent (nihayat-i `uruj-i u) is at the feet of the prophet
(nabi) who is ranked the lowest.
In summary, the perfect ones of this community, who follow [our Prophet Muhammad
(slm) perfectly, (kummal-i tabi`an-i in ummat) fully share (nasib-i tamam ast) the
station which is [right] below [the prophet’s station. They obtain] the perfections of
the station that is below. [And thus they share from] the perfections of the station of
beyond the beyond (maqam-i tahta az kamalat-i maqam-i fawq al-fawqa).  [In
contrast,] the station of beyond the beyond is reserved (khass) for the prophets (slm).
Wherever the servant may be, the left-over food of his master will reach him. The far
away servant receives that as a tufayli of his master. The servant who is near, he also
cannot receive it without serving (khidmat) his master.
That is the caravan, which is there
I know that but I can not reach there
This is enough that I hear the sound
Of its bells, from afar.
dar qafila’i keh ust danim neh rasam
in bas keh rasad ze dur bang-i jarasam

Note: sometimes disciples (muridan) may have the idea that after they have attained
the station of their pirs, they have reached equality (musawat) with the pir. However,
the truth on this inter-relationship has been mentioned before

Question: is there any way the equality happens between disciple and Pir?

Answer:  Equality can happen only when the disciple “arrives on (wusul)” those
stations [of his own pir], not when he “attains (husul)” those stations. It is because he
attains [those stations] as a tufayli, [i.e. he receives blessings because of the pir in the
same way as an uninvited servant accompanying the pir to an invitation also receives
food.]
Let none mis-interpret this statement. [It does not] mean that a disciple (murid) can
never become his pir’s equal. It is not like that. On the contrary, equality [between the
pir and his disciple] is conceivable and it does happen some times. There is a fine
distinction between “attaining (husul)” a specific station (husul) and “arriving on
(wusul)” that specific station. Every disciple (murid) is not capable of realizing this
distinction. The true unveiling (kashf-i sahih) and clear inspiration (ilham-i surih) is
needed to understand this fine distinction.
Exalted Allah inspires with what is correct. Peace be on them who follow good-
guidance!

Question: Why the The Mujaddid explained this deep mystery?

Answer: In reality, Allah (SWT) through His grace (fadl and karam) has explained
this deep mystery to me and taught me its true meaning (haqiqat) to his good-pleasure.
That's why I have decided to write down the description of this precious pearl. After
performing special prayers seeking divine wellguidedness (istikhara), I am writing it.
My supplication to Allah is that He protects me from errors and grants me the ability
to describe it correctly.

Minha15
 

Question: Question: A dervish asked “What is the reason (sabab) behind it? While
traversing this path, a hal or state appears and then at a later time, it disappears. After
some more time the [same hal] re-appears and after some more time it again
disappears. The same sequence continues to repeat as long as Allah wishes so. [How
do you explain it?]

Answer: Answer: Man has seven subtle centers (latifa) and each subtle center has a
unique period of time when it [predominates. And at that time, that specific subtle
center] rules and administers (dawlat va sultan) [all the other subtle centers of that
sufi.]
[To illustrate this point, it would be useful to take the case when a situation of
predomination] appears on one of the subtle centers and a powerful hal descends
there. Then, as a consequence, that traveler (salik) is totally (be-kulliyat) colored in
the color of that [predominant] subtle center. And [that means that] that hal [of the
predominant subtle center] spreads to all the subtle centers.
As long as that [predominant] subtle center reigns they [the rest of the subtle centers]
remain in the same hal [that the predominant subtle center has]. When that [so-far-
predominant] subtle center’s felicity [of being predominant] ends [i.e. that so-far-
predominant subtle center is no longer predominant], that hal [where the rest of the
subtle centers are colored by hal of the subtle center that has been predominant so far]
also disappears [and as a result, the rest of the subtle centers are no longer affected by
the hal of that so-far-predominant subtle center].

Question: with how many subtle centers MAN is composed?

Answer:  Man is composed of ten subtle centers (sing. latifa, pl. lata’if). The first six
are points on the physical body. They are 1. heart,  2. spirit, 3. secret heart, 4.
arcanum, 5. super-arcanum, 6. soul (qalb, ruh, sirr, khafi, akhfa, nafs). The four others
constitute the entire physical body (qalib). They are 7. fire 8. air 9. water 10. earth.
These four latifas are also often considered as one single subtle center ― the body
(qalib). If counted that way, then human beings have seven subtle centers.

Question: what are two ways in which the same hal [that the subtle center had before]
re-appears?

Answer:

 Either it [the hal that the subtle center had before] would re-appear on that
“same” first subtle center. And [as a consequence] for that time, that traveller’s
road to progress would be blocked.
 Or it [that hal] would re-appear on “another” [second] subtle center. And then,
[as a consequence,] the traveller’s road to progress would open up.
 

And after that hal would disappear on that new subtle center, the same inter-action
would take place. It would happen in one of the two ways that happened before. [And
this sequence could repeat itself for a while].
Such is what happens for all the subtle centers.

 
Question: what happens when the hal “truly permeates” all the subtle centers?

Answer: In contrast to the above scenario, if that hal “truly permeates” all the subtle
centers (instead of “merely coloring” the subtle centers by its color) then an amazing
transformation takes place. So far the sufi has been experiencing that hal transiently
only. But now, the sufi attains that “station” where that hal is permanent.

Question: when DERVISH relocates from hal to maqam?

Answer: However, if it happens that [that hal] truly permeates (sarayan) all the subtle
centers (lata’if), then [the dervish] relocates from the hal to the maqam, station. [That
is, the dervish, from being a possessor of thehal transiently, becomes a possessor of
the maqam, station where he has the hal permanently.] And he is protected from
decline (zawal) [from that exalted hal and instead, he enjoys that hal permanently.]
Allah (SWT) teaches the reality about hal. Salutations and peace be on the ‘noblest
man’ [Prophet Muhammad] and his pure progeny!

Question: when the hal becomes permanent?

Answer: when DERVISH reaches at MAQAM from HAL then HAL becomes

permanent and all this happens when that hal truly permeates (sarayan) all the subtle
centers (lata’if).

Minha16
 

Question: How the Mujaddid explained the verse of Koran---- Allah (SWT) has
stated, You who have brought faith! Eat from that tasteful food (tayyabati) that I have
given to you as provision (razaqnakum) and be grateful to Allah, if you truly want to
worship Him. [Ya ayyuhallazina amanu! Akulu min tayyibati ma razaqnakum wa
shukuru li’Lahi in kuntum iyahu ta`budun.] (Koran 2:58)?

Answer: Only a person who worships God and God alone may eat those delicacies.
This prerequisite (shartiyatu) [if you truly want to worship Him, in kuntum iyahu
ta`budun] has been set (yahtamilu) regarding eating i.e. eat from the delicacies from
what I have provided for you, (akulu min mustaladhdhati ma razaqnakum.) Therefore,
[that permission] is true for you only when you elect Allah [alone] for worship
(takhussuhu bi ‘l-`ibadati).
On the other hand, a person who follows his passions instead of God may not eat
those. If he does, then he will be afficted with a spiritual disease.
On the other hand, if that pre-condition is not true for you and instead you are slaves
of your [instigating] souls (anfusikum) and immerse yourself in fun and frolic, then
you must not eat the delicacies. For you will be afflicted with an ailment of the inner
realm (marda bi ‘l-maradi ‘l-batiniyyi).
Only a sufi who has purified his inner realm has attained that state where he worships
God and God alone. While we are not worshipping idols, we are indeed sharing
partners with God until we have purified ourselves internally through the sufi method.
And until we have killed our instigating souls completely and have attained a spiritual
re-birth, until we have realized God-realizatiom; we are still slaves of our instigating
souls and we are partnering our passions as gods with God. So we have not fulfilled
that pre-condition and so are not permitted to eat the delicacies.

And eating those delicacies would harm us until we have purified ourselves through
the sufi path.
And the delicacy which is in the abidingness (al-mustaladhdhatu min al-marzuqati),
that is like potent poison to you. However, when you will be healed of this ailment of
the inner realm (al-maradu ‘l-batiniyyu) that is in you, it is then that you may eat the
delicacies.
The Mujaddid replaces the word tayyibat by the word mustadhdhat, taking his cue
according to the Kashshaf, the Koranic exegesisby Imam Zamakhshari.

This interpretation uses an explanation from Imam Zamakhshari.

The author of the [Koranic exegesis] Kashshaf, [Imam Zamakhshari] explained the
word tayyibatu or pleasant here by the word mustaladhdhat or delicacies, noting what
the word shukr or gratefulness may mean.
 

Minha17
 

Question: can sin harm a Gnostic? How the Mujaddid explained some ancient sufi
masters (qs) saying, He who knows Allah, no sin can harm him. (Man `arafa ‘l-Lahu la
yadurruhu dhanbun.) according to SHARIA?

Answer: The Mujaddid now presents several alternative explanations of this sufi
saying all of which agrees to the sharia. The first explanation is:
It may refer to the sins which the gnostic (`arif) committed before attaining God-
realization (ma`rifat) [i.e. those sins will not harm the sufi.]  It is because [conversion
into] Islam erases [the sins] that happened before [conversion to the faith.] And real
Islam (haqiqatu ‘l-islam) is to attaining realization of Exalted Allah [or God-
realization] (ma`rifatu ‘Llah subhanuhu) on the sufi path after attaining annihilation
(fana) and abidingness (baqa). When such God-realization (ma`rifat) is realized, all
past sins are forgiven.
The Mujaddid now presents a second explanation that would also agree with the
sharia.
That statement may also refer to the sins committed after attaining this God-
realization (ma`rifat). In that case, “sin” means “small sin” (al-dhanbu ‘l-saghiru) not
great (al-kabiru). It is because that the friends of Allah are protected from those [great
sins anyway]. And small sins are not harmful for him because the [sufi] does not
engage in them repeatedly; instead he repents (tawba) and seeks forgiveness (istigfar)
for them without any delay.
The Mujaddid presents a third explanation now that also agrees with the sharia.
Or the statement may also mean that he [the gnostic] never commits sins. It is because
if no sin is committed, then it means that there is no harm. So it is a tautology.
The Mujaddid condemns the heretical meaning of this statement.
The deviants (sing. mulhid, pl. malahid) interprete this statement as meaning that the
gnostic may engage in committing sins because sin will not harm him. [Those
deviants who believe in that wrong meaning] are clearly wrong and they are patent
heretics whose existence is a threat to the community (batil, zindiq).

The Mujaddid supplicates to God for protection from those heretics.

Paki book p 44 l 7
“They are the gang of the Satan! Take note! Verily the gang of Satan is ruined. Our
Lord! Please do not renounce our hearts to the twisted path after having blessed us
with good-guidance. And bestow on us mercy from You. Verily, you grant bountiful
rewards.”
 May the Haqq (SWT) bestow His mercy, blessings and greetings to our leader
Muhammad and his progeny.

paki l. 10

I ask Allah the Generous, whose forgiveness knows no bounds, to forgive that gnostic
― who has realized the reality of Islam, tahaqquq-i haqiqatu ‘l-islam ― for the sins
that he had committed before his God-realization (ma’rifat) unless they are because of
oppressing the people or violating the rights of the people. Because He (SWT) is the
lord of forgiveness and the heart of men are between His two fingers. He can change
the heart however He wills.
All Muslims accept that when a nonbeliever accepts Islam, all his past sins are
forgiven
Actually, all sins are forgiven with the acceptance of Islam except the sins for
oppression of man and violating the rights of man. As it’s well-known [among
Muslims]!

Question: when someone accept islam, his/her all kinds of sins are forgiven?

Answer: Actually, all sins are forgiven with the acceptance of Islam except the sins
for oppression of man and violating the rights of man. As it’s well-known [among
Muslims]!

Question: True Islam has two components, what are those and their connection with
gift of forgiveness?

Answer: The Mujaddid qualifies that belief by saying that the mere external form of
Islam is not sufficient to receive that gift of forgiveness, but that Islam must be the
real and perfect Islam. That true Islam has two components ― the first is the external
law and second is the internal purification realized through sufi tariqas.
Therefore, verily, the reality of the matter [i.e. Islam] and the perfection of its
adornment [of Islam] is not [realized] in its external form (laysa limutlaqihi) [which
lacks the spiritual side of islam, namely, sufism.]

Minha18
 

Question: What is concept of Ibn Arabi about existence of GOD which is different
than The Mujaddid?

Answer: Ibn Arabi had proposed that God’s person (dhat) is identical to existence
(wujud) and that divine existence is the only existence that there is. Created things
exist because they “borrow” their existence from God. This science of existential
monism or wahdatu ‘l-wujud, it has held sway all over the Islamic sufi world.

Question: What is The Mujaddid proposition about existence of GOD?

Answer: Haqq (SWT) exists by (mawjud) by His own person (dhat), not by His
existence (wujud). That is unlike the others things that exist by existences. So He
(SWT) does not need to exist by His [attribute of] existence.

Question: what are main reasons of The Mujaddid to reject the proposition of Ibn
Arabi about existence of GOD?

Answer: And he contrasts it with Ibn Arabi who proposes that the existence of God is
“identical” to the person of God.
[Ibn Arabi] has proposed that existence of God is “identical (`in) to the person of God,
not “additional (za’id)” to it. So God does not need to depend on something else to
exist.
In discussing Ibn Arabi’s proposition, first, the Mujaddid comments that there is no
evidence behind Ibn Arabi’s proposition.
However, we need solid evidence to proove that the existence of God is identical to
the person.
Second, Ibn Arabi’s proposition contradicts the decision of the Sunni community
whose scholars propose that the existence of God is additional to His person.
And also we’ll have to face the opposition of many ulama of the mainstream Sunni
community. It is because these great masters do not propose that the existence of God
is identical [to the person of God]. Instead they recognize the existence of God to be
“additional (za’id)” to person of God.

Question: How The Mujaddid compares what he proposed (God exists by His person)
with what the Sunni ulama proposed (God exists by His attribute of existence that
exists additional to His person)?

Answer: First, he notes that if God’s existence is additional to His person, then God is
dependent on things other than Him and that would negate the principle that God is
all-powerful.  Then he notes that
We should not forget that if His existence is additional [to His person] (ziyadat-
i wujud), then it implies that the Necessary needs others.  It is regardless of whether
we say that the Necessary (SWT) exists by an [attribute of] existence that is additional
to Him (be-wujud-i za’id-i wajib) or we say that He exists by His own person.
Second, if we qualify what the mutakallimuns call existence as an “ordinary qualifier”
i.e. by the common understanding of the term existence instead of believing that God
exists by His attribute of existence, which exists additional to Him as a reified
attribute, then the proposition of the mutakallimuns is corrected.
On the other hand, if we take this existence as an “ordinary qualifier (`ard-i `am)” [i.e.
we believe that God exists in the common understanding of the term existence instead
if believing that God exists by His attribute of existence, which exists additional to
Him as a reified thing], then the statement of the mutakallimuns [kalam-scholars] of
the “people of truth” [i.e. the Sunni community] is rectified.
And at the same time, even the objection to the mutakallimun’s proposition that some
people make also disappears. They argue that since God is independent and does not
need anything else, He must be free of the need to have an attribute of existence in
order to exist.
And the opponents [to the Sunni kalam-scholar’s proposition] object on the ground of
God needing others. [They argue that since God is independent of others, then God
must be independent of needing a hypostasized attribute of existence in order for Him
to exist. So if we take existence as an ordinary qualifier then] that objection also
vanishes.

Then the difference between the Ibn Arabi proposition and the Mujaddidi proposition
becomes clear.
And the difference between these two propositions becomes clear, i.e., [between the
Mujaddidi proposition] that the Necessary (SWT) exists by His own person but [His
attribute of] existence truly has no relevence there and [the Ibn Arabi proposition] that
He exists by His own [attribute of] existence but this [attribute of] existence is
established to be identical to His person

Existence of God: Ibn Arabi versus the Mujaddid

Ibn Arabi Mujaddid

God exists by His own existence but this God exists by His own person not by His existence,
existence is identical to His person for He is beyond existence

This knowledge is an elect knowledge that Exalted Allah has uniquely granted me. Praise
to Exalted Allah for this [great gift], and salutation and peace on His messenger!

Minha19
 

Question: How The Mujaddid cautiously ignored the proposition of The faylasufs and

the mutakallimuns and Ibn Arabi about existence of GOD?

Answer: The Necessary Being (SWT) is unique in that that He exists by His own
person (dhat) and He need not depend on His [attribute of] existence in order to exist.
He does so regardless of whether we maintain that God’s [attribute of] existence is
“identical” to His person (`ain-i dhat) or “additional” to His person (za’id-i dhat).

Therefore, we must not believe Ibn Arabi’s proposition that God’s person, dhat is
identical to His existence, wujud. Nor should we believe that God’s existence is
additional to His person, as the faylasufs or the mutakallimuns believe.
We must be cautious [to stay away] from [holding] either of those two [ideas, the
ideas that the existence of God is] identical [to the person of God] or additional [to the
His person] (`ayniyat va ziyadat).

Question: what is GOD’s habit to create things in contingent world according to Ibn
Arabi and how The Mujaddid described about it?

Answer: God’s habit is that whatever that is in His mind as prototype of contingent
things or fixed entities in Ibn Arabi terminology, He creates a specimen of that in the
contingent world.
The habit of Haqq (SWT) (sunnat-i haqq) is that whatever that may be on the
Necessary level (martaba’i wujub) [as prototypes of created things in the mind of
God], He makes an specimen (namuna) of that [prototype] appear on the contingent
level. It does not matter if someone knows it or does not know it. He does make a
model of such characteristic (anmudhaj-i in khassa) [according to the prototype in the
mind of the Necessary] in the contingent world (`alam-i imkan). It is because that the
existence [that is in the mind of God] truly does not exist and instead [that existence]
is a rational concept [lit. secondary intelligible] (keh wujud har chand mawjud nist va
az ma`qulat-i thaniya ast).
Note: Ibn Arabists may explore this idea. The Mujaddid seems to be saying that
whatever that is in the mind of God is a prototype. And each thing of this world is a
worldly manifestation of its prototype. Also, the Mujaddid believes that things that are
in the mind of God may be concepts wereas Ibn Arabi may believe something else.
Even then, God exists by His own person. On the other hand, created things exist
by the attribute of existence.
Still if we consider God’s existence to be required (fardh) then He will exist (mawjud)
by His own person not through some other [attribute of] existence [that exists apart
from His person. This rule is] different from the [rule regarding the] existentness’s
(mawjudiyat) of the other [existent things. The other existent things] depend on
[God’s attribute of] existence (wujud) [to be existent (mawjud)]; their persons are
insufficient [to cause them to exist].

Question: Is GOD dependant on anything to exist?

 
Answer: God is the creator of existences and He is not dependent on any attribute of
existence in order to exist. God is unique in this characteristic.
Indeed, [in case of God], whatever existence that people believe is required for
something to be existent (mawjudiyat-i ashya`) exists (mawjud) then it will exist by
His own person (mawjud be-dhat-i khod). He will not be dependent on some other
existence [even the divine attribute of existence].  What is there to be surprised if the
Creator of existences (khaliq-i mawjudat) (SWT) exists (mawjud) independently (be-
istiqlal) by His own person and truly never dependent on [His attribute of] existence?
Why even bother to discuss the real thing if the ignorant people think it is impossible!
Exalted Allah inspires the truth!

Question: what are those three groups who says “God exists with an existence that is
‘identical’ to His person” and that could be interpreted to mean that God exists by His
own person, which the Mujaddid is also saying?

Answer:

 the sages (hukama) [i.e. the philosophers of the faylasuf tradition]

 the Asharis and
 some sufis [including Ibn Arabi] who have proposed that the person of God
(dhat) is identical to His existence (wujud).

Question: Then what is difference between The Mujaddid and these three groups
proposition?

Answer: according to three groups God’s person is identical to His existence but The
Mujaddid point of view is different as mentioned in detailed in minha 18-20

Question: Question:  [All these three groups], even they have also said just what you
[the Mujaddid] have said in the previous exposition. [These groups are,]
  the sages (hukama) [i.e. the philosophers of the faylasuf tradition]
 the Asharis and
 some sufis [including Ibn Arabi] who have proposed that the person of God
(dhat) is identical to His existence (wujud).
And that [what you, the Mujaddid, and those three groups, all of you have said] is that
the person of Allah (SWT) exists by His person and not by His existence. Because,
this statement [of theirs that “God] exists with an existence that is ‘identical’
(`ayniyat) to [His] person” [could be interpreted to] mean that God exists by His own
person, [which you are also saying, and] not by [His] existence. [It only happens that
God’s person is identical to His existence, but still He exists by His person instead of
His existence. Could you please comment on this matter?]
 
Answer: Answer: We say this much that on this matter, the Sunni community does
not dispute them in a diametrically opposite manner (barabar). Instead, in answering
them, the people of truth [i.e. the ulama of the mainstream Sunni community]
should have said this much here that Allah (SWT) exists by His [attribute of]
existence, not by His person, [and leave it here without saying any more confusing
talks like the divine existence is additional or identical to His person etc. that they
have said. Then there would have been a clear-cut difference in opinion with the
philosophers on one hand who proposed that God’s existence is additional to His
person and the Sufis with defective witnessings like Ibn Arabi on the other hand who
proposed that God’s existence is identical to His person. Instead, the Sunni ulama
have also proposed that this divine attribute of existence is additional to His person.]
In this context, it is incorrect (mustadrak) to establish that existence is additional.
Because, since [the mutakallimuns] have established that existence is additional, it
seems that why these two groups [Ibn Arabi on one hand and the mutakallimuns on
the other hand] differ is not on the matter of existence [i.e. if God exists by His
existence or not by His existence, because both agree that God exist by His
existence] but instead in the matter of the attribute [wasf, of that existence], that
whether it [that existence] is identical to His person or additional to His person.
 
Question: Question: When the Necessary Being (SWT) exists (mawjud) by His own
person (dhat-i khod), then why call the Necessary (SWT) existent (mawjud)? It is
because the meaning of the term existent (mawjud) means something that stands
with wujud, existence [i.e. something that possesses the attribute of existence].
However, [you, the Mujaddid, have said that] that what is there [i.e. the Necessary
Being] truly does not have any wujud, existence.
 
Answer: Answer: Yes! There is no such existence in the Necessary (SWT) by which
the person of the Necessary (dhat-i wajib) (SWT) exists (mawjud). However, it is fine
to say that the Necessary exists [by an existence if by the term “existence”, we mean
a type of] existence that is said about Him as an “ordinary qualifier (`ard-i `am)” and
predicated (mahmul) derivatively (ishtiqaqan) [i.e. it is said that God possesses
existence instead of saying that God is identical to existence]. It is fine to say
something like that. Peace.
 

Minha20
 
Question: How The Mujaddid talks on the incomparability of God?
 
Answer: We do not worship a God who comes within the compass of witnessing
(shuhud), can be seen, or can be known or can be imagined or conceived. It is
because that what can be witnessed, seen, known, imagined or conceived (mash-
hud, mar`i, ma`lum, mawhum, mutakhayyul)― that is a crafted and newly-originated
(masnu` va muhdath) thing just like him who witnesses, sees, knows, imagines or
conceives.
I am searching for that morsel
That is more than a mouthful
An luqma ke dar dihan
negunjad talabam
 
Question: what is purpose of journeying and wayfaring?
 
Answer: The purpose of the sufi is to destroy all barriers that separate him from God.
The purpose of journeying and wayfaring (sayr va suluk) is to tear (kharq) the veil
(hizb) until one arrives onto [the level of] “naked arrival (wasl-i `uryan)”. Be it that
veil that is related to the Necessary Being (wujubi) or be it that veil that is related to
the contingent things (imkani). It is not that [the sufi] will shackle (qayid) or trap
(sayid) the object that is being sought (matlub) [which is God].
You can't hunt the phoenix
O hunter! Pick up your net
He who puts his net out for a phoenix
returns home empty-handed
Anqa shikar kasi nashod va dam baz chin
ke-inja hamisheh bad be-dast ast dam ra
 
Question: How The Mujaddid teaches us on the vision of God that the faithful will
see in the last world?
 

Answer: The Mujaddid teaches us on the vision of God that the faithful will see in the
last world. He believes in it but he does not ponder on its nature.
You should know that the vision (al-ru’iyata) [of Allah] in the last world is true. We
believe in it but we do not ponder on its nature (kaifiyat) [because we are] unable [to
describe it].

The elect have been given a type of the vision in this world.
The common people are unable to perceive (idrak) [that vision]. However, the elect
have been allotted (nasiban) a share of that station [of the vision of God, in their
earthly lives] although it is not called the vision (ru’iyatan).
Peace to them who follow good-guidance.

Minha21
 

Question: is it possible to experience GOD through vision and cognition (did va

danish) and meditation?

 
Answer: Whatsoever that is in the realm of vision and cognition (did va danish) is in
chain (muqayyid) and lower than [the level of] sheer unboundedness [or pure
meditation] (itlaq-i mahd).
The purpose is to become free from all chains. Therefore, you should search for that
what is beyond vision and cognition. This transaction (mu`amala) [of searching for
God who is beyond vision and cognition] is beyond the method of the intellectual
gaze (nazar-i `aql).

Question: does intellect accept those things which are beyond vision and cognition
(did va danish)?

Answer: No, intellect considers it impossible to search for something which is outside
the realm of vision and cognition.

The secret of what is beyond the curtain

Ask the gnostic who is drunk [with love]

The[sober]  sufi  does not possess

The state of this exalted station

raz-i darun-i pardeh ze randan-i mast purs

kin hal nist sufi-i `ali maqam ra

Minha22
 
Question: Many Sufis experience mystic visions and claim that they have come to
“know” God. What is The Mujaddid view about this claim of many sufis?

 
Answer: Many Sufis experience mystic visions and claim that they have come to
“know” God. They bind God who is unbounded. Contradicting them, the Mujaddid
views God as a sheerly limitless, unbounded Being who is unknowable.
The unbounded [being who is God exists] as a sheerly unbounded Being which He is.
(mutlaq bar sarafat-i itlaq-i khod ast). There is no chain (qayd) that binds Him

Question: what actually is that which many sufis experience through mystic visions
and claim that they have come to “know” God?

Answer: However, when GOD is manifested (zuhur) in the mirror of the chained
things (marat-i muqayyad) [or when human beings, who are limited by the limitations
imposed by the human mind, conceive of Him] then by the rule of that mirror [or
human mind], His reflection (`aks) is colored [by the color of human mind] and
becomes chained (muqayyad) [by the shackles or limitations of the human mind] and
brought down (mahdur) [from His sublime unbounded incomparable self to a lower
form that can be conceived by the human mind.] In this way, [God] comes into the
realm of [human] vision and knowledge.

Question: how limitlessly ambitious ones consider reality of GOD?

Answer: to consider vision and knowledge (did va danish) sufficient (iktifa) is like
considering a [mere] reflection of that desired object (matlub) sufficient. However, the
highly ambitious are not satiated by such trivial things. Verily Allah (SWT) loves the
limitlessly ambitious (ma`aliya ‘l-himam)!
Allah (SWT)! Include us among the limitlessly ambitious by Your love for the most
exalted man [Prophet Muhammad]! Peace and blessings be on him and on his
progeny!

Minha23
 
Question: how The Mujaddid describes a vision that demonstrates that man is higher
than the angels?
 
Answer: This is a vision that I had when I was just starting on the sufi path. I saw,
“I am doing circumambulation (tawaf) in some place. And another group is also
circumambulating along with me.  But the pace of their movement is so slow that in
the time that I finished one circle of circumambulation (dur-i tawaf), that group had
taken only two or three steps. Right on that instant, a thought emerged in my mind
that this place was above in the heavens (fawqa ‘l-`arsh) and the circumambulating
group (tawaf-konand-gan) is a group of holy angels (mala’ika-i kiram).”
Allah sends peace and blessings on our prophet and on them [the angels]! By His
mercy, Allah elects whomever He wills. Allah possesses great favors.
The celestial reality of the Kaaba is the Baitu ‘l-Ma`mur (Koran 52:4)
 

Minha24
 
Question: what about the human attributes of friends of GOD?
 
Answer: For the friends of Allah (SWT), their human attributes are the cupolas (
a light structure on a dome or roof, serving as a belfry ) in which they hide. (qubab)

 
Question:  friendness (walayat) of friends of GOD can make them free from human
needs as common people have?
 
Answer: As much as the rest of men need [worldly implements in oirder to do
things], these masters also need (muhtaj) [those things, and they don’t make
miracles all the time.] Their friendness (walayat) does not absolve them from that
need [for worldly mediums].
 
Question: friends of GOD also feel anger like common people?
 
Answer: Their anger is like the anger of the rest of men. When the prince of the
prophets [Prophet Muhammad] (salam) have said, I also become angry like the
others (aghdabu kama yaghdabu ‘l-bashar) then how can the friends of Allah be free
from it?
 
Question: when it comes to eating, drinking, inter-action with the family, social
behaviour etc, they are similar to common peoples are not?
 
Answer: Similarly, these masters are like the rest of the human beings when it comes
to eating, drinking, inter-action with the family, social behaviour etc. They are the
same as the common people in terms of human needs. Allah has said about His
prophets, I have not made their bodies such that they would not eat. (Wa ma
ja`alnahum jasadan illa ya’kuluna ‘l-ta`am). (Koran 21:8)
 
Question: what is further reference from Koran about Prophet in previous question
context?
 
Answer: Those who openly disbelieved [i.e. the polytheists in Mecca and Medina in
the Prophet’s time] used to say [mocking the Prophet], Why do these prophets eat
food and shop in the marketplaces [just like the common people do] (ma li-hadha ‘l-
rasuli ya’kulu al-ta`ama wa yamshi fi ‘l-aswaqi)?”(Koran 25:7)
 
Question: who observe only the external appearences of the people of ALLAH (GOD)
what loss they will face?
 
Answer: they who have observed only the external appearences of the people of
Allah have been deprived. They are facing great losses in both this world and the last
world at that time when the good people will be separated from the evil people.
(naqd-i waqt-i u ayad).
 
Question: why Abu jahl was deprived of the felicity of Islam?
 
Answer: Since Abu Lahab and Abu Jahl saw only the external appearance [of the
Prophet], they were deprived of the felicity of Islam. And it has cast them into
endless loss.
 
Question: which people indeed will realize felicity of islam?
 
Answer: Those people indeed will realize felicity that does not look at the external
appearances of the people of Allah. Instead their sharp sight reaches the qualities of
the inner realm (sifat-i batin) of these saints, and that sight is confined to that inner
realm (batin). They are like the river Nile in Eqypt in that the same water [affect
people differently ― that water] is disaster (bala`) to the people who are forbidden
(mahjubin) [from divine mercy] while it is life-giving water for the people who are
loved (mahbubin) [by God.]
 
Question: human qualities appear in the people of Allah (ahl-i Allah) are matched
with common peoples?
 
Answer: It is indeed amazing! The degrees in which human qualities appear in the
people of Allah (ahl-i Allah) are not matched in the others. It is so because even little
dirt and filth are seen more clearly in a clean and spotless surface. On the other hand
even ample dirt and filth are not visible in a dirty and soiled surface.
 
Question: darkness of dark side of human qualities which harm common people also
harm friends of ALLAH (GOD) and elect of the elect (khass al-khass)?
 
Answer: Actually, darkness of the dark side of human qualities permeates the
common people totally and they overwhelms the body, the heart and the spirit, [the
soul and the rest of the subtle centers as well]. On the other hand, for the elect [i.e.
who have attained the level of peaceful heart (qalb al-salim)] this darkness is limited
to the soul and the body. And for the elect of the elect (khass al-khass) [i.e. those
who have attained soul in inner peace (nafs-i mutma’inna)] even the soul is free from
this darkness (zulmat); [for them this darkness] only affects the body.
 
Question: how The Mujaddid mentioned that darkness ruins and destroys the
common people while it perfects and brightens the elect and what is importance of
darkness of elect?
 
Answer: this darkness ruins and destroys the common people while it perfects and
brightens the elect. This very darkness of the elect removes the darkness of the
common people. [This darkness] cleanses (tasfiya) their hearts and purifies (tazkiya)
their souls. If this darkness were not there, the elect would not have been able to
relate to the common people. And the door of giving benefit (ifadah) and receiving
benefit (iftifadah) would be blocked.
 
Question: what is degree of darkness in friends of ALLAH (GOD) as compared to
common people?
 
Answer: This darkness is too little in the elect such that it may not pollute them,
instead it causes them to progress.
Also this darkness (zulmat) in the elect is not in such a degree so that it pollutes
them. Instead, the remorse that they feel and the forgiveness that they seek, they
are in such a degree that as a result all their dirt and filth are cleaned and they attain
even greater progress (taraqqi). The angels lack this darkness (zulmat) [in their
constitution] and as a result their road to progress is blocked. [This darkness is
actually light and] to call it darkness is like praise that looks like censure.
 
Question: are human frailties (moral weakness) of the sufi saints are totally unlike
the human frailties of the common people?
 
Answer: In short, the human frailties of the sufi saints are totally unlike the human
frailties of the common people.
The common people who are as ignorant as the four-legged animals think that the
human qualities of the people of Allah (ahl-i Allah) are like their own human qualities
and because of this belief they remain humiliated and deprived. This type of error is
made when the unseen are presumed to be seen. Every station has its own unique
distinctions and each place has its own unique characteristics.
Short Summary:

    How does the darkness of human  

qualities affect on people?

  Common people Elect of God Elect of the

elect

Which subtle All subtle centers Body and soul (all the subtle Body only
centers are including the body and centers of the world of command
(even the soul
affected? the soul are purified)
is now purified)

Effects Ruins and destroys Purifies  

Peace to them who follow guidance (Koran 20:47)!  Allah! Give them peace who
follow the Chosen One [Prophet Muhammad]. Peace and blessings to him and his 
family.
 

Minha25
 
Question: what is pre-condition in sufi path for GOD realization?
 
Answer: As long as man is bound in the chain of his own intellect (`ilm va danish) and
remains colored by anything other than Allah, he is worthless. It is the pre-condition
for this path to forget everything except Allah and it is a premise for this path to
annihilate (fana’) everything except Allah.
 
Question: when GOD appears in sufi’s inner realm?
 
Answer: Only when the love of the world will leave the sufi’s inner realm and he
would realize abidingness (baqa’), only then God will appear there.
Until the mirror of the inner realm (batin) is fully cleansed from the color and grime
of contingent things (imkan), it is not possible for Necessaryness to appear there. The
reason is this ― it is impossible that the knowledge of contingentness (`ulum-i
imkan-i) are brought together (jam`a) with the knowledge of necessariness (ma`arif-
i wujubi) just as it is impossible that two things of different kinds are brought
together (jam`a).
 
Question: is it possible when sufi realizes abidingness and he attains ordination as a
sufi guide, his knowledge of the things comes back and unites with his knowledge of
Necessaryness?
 
Answer: YES,  The Mujaddid explains a deep sufi mystery and that is regarding the
fact that when the sufi realizes abidingness and he attains ordination as a sufi guide,
his knowledge of the things comes back and unites with his knowledge of
Necessaryness.
 
Question: Question: Sometimes Allah (SWT) elevates a gnostic (`arif) to the honor
that is abidingness (baqa) and then sends him doen [to the contingent world] to give
perfection to the imperfect (naqis).
At that time, his knowledge of contingentness (`ilm-i imkani) that he had lost before
comes back. That is his knowledge of contingentness (`ilm-i imkani) and knowledge
of Necessaryness (ma`arif-i wujubi) are brought together (jam`a). However,
according to your interpretation, that is like two things of different kinds being
brought together. How do you rationalize that?
 
Answer: When the gnostic who is abiding in Allah (`arif-i baqi bi-‘Llah) returns to the
contingent world (`alam-i imkan) then he becomes an isthmus between
Necessaryness [God] (wujub) and contingent things (imkan) and he is colored by the
color (rang) of the two stations. In this way, if the knowledge (`ilm va ma`arif) of both
of these stations are brought together (jam`a), then why can’t [you they?]
Because, [at that situation], the station where opposites are brought together
(jam`a) does not remain one-and-only-one (ahad); instead it is transformed into
several-in-one (muta`addad). Therefore, that is not the union [of opposites.]
 

Minha26
 
Question: returning down and reaching the higher level of abidingness (baqa) after
annihilation (fana), it causes to defect the sufi’s perfection?
 
Answer: The Mujaddid asserts that this return does not create a defect the sufi’s
perfection, instead it helps him to realize perfection.
The knowledge of the things (`ulum-i ashya) disappears on the level of annihilation
(martaba-i fana) ― if it [that knowledge] comes back after [the sufi has realized a
higher level that is] abidingness (baqa) then it does not create any blemish in the
gnostic’s perfection (kamaliyat-i `arif). On the contrary, the realization of his
perfection depends on this return.
 
Question: when sufi becomes character of ALLAH and when he comes to know the
knowledge of the things just like as Allah knows?
 
Answer: The Mujaddid explains that the knowledge of the things reappears because
When the sufi realizes abidingness, he attains the character of Allah
Allah knows everything about everything including the worldly things.
As a consequence, the sufi also attains that knowledge of the worldly things.
[The knowledge of the things reappears] because having reached abidingness (baqa),
the gnostic attains the character of Allah. The knowledge of the things is complete in
the Necessary. [So logically,] if it would not be complete [in the Gnostic], it would be
mean that his abidingness is defective. Such is the state of the gnostic who have
been colored in the color of Allah [that he comes to know the knowledge of the
things just as Allah knows it.]
 
Question: how the common peoples acquire knowledge of contingent beings and
how that knowledge transforms them and further why this kind of knowledge &
transformation is harmful for aspirant seeking annihilation?
 

Answer: The Mujaddid explains how man acquires knowledge ― in the process of
acquiring knowledge, he is transformed.
[Now I am explaining] the mystery in it. [The method that] the contingent beings [e.g.
man] attain knowledge is the following ― he acquires a “knowledge-form” in him [or
in his brain or mind] (bi-husuli surati ‘l-ma`lumi fihi)”. Therefore, necessarily, the
knower is transformed (yata`aththaru) by attaining the knowledge-form in him. The
greater is the knowledge, the greater is the transformation in the knower.

Such transformation is harmful for aspirant seeking annihilation. So he must forget

the knowledge of the things of this world. Why is it harmful? Think more
As a result, there may be more alteration or variegation (al-taghyyuru wa ‘l-
talawwunu) in the knower [who is aspirimg for annihilation] and that is harmful for
him [in his quest for annihilation.] Therefore, the aspirant must negate this knowledge
[of the things] entirely and forget the things [of the world] completely.

 
Question: why knowledge of Necessary is not harmful for Gnostic?
 
Answer: In contrast, the knowledge of the Necessary never changes ― it is constant
with time. So that knowledge may never harm the Gnostic.
However, the knowledge of the Necessary is not of the same nature. He is free from
that situation where the knowledge-forms of the things known will enter Him.
Instead, things reveal themselves to Him as soon as He conceives of them [lit., bi-
mujarradi ta`alliqi ‘l-`ilmi biha).
God does not change himself in His person, attributes or actions (dhat, sifat, af`al)!
Despite [the fact that] many different things happen in different times! (bi-huduthi ‘l-
akwani).
 
Question: why the knowledge of things cannot harm the Gnostic after realizing
annihilation (fana)?
 
Answer: The knowledge of the gnostic who attains the character of Allah becomes
like this. Thedrefore, the knowledge-forms (suwwaru ma`lumati ‘l-ashya’i) cannot
penetrate (yahullu) him. So it [that knowledge-form] cannot transform (ta’aththura)
him. Because of this, it [that knowledge-form] may not alter him or variegate him (fa-
la taghyyura wa la talawwuna). Therefore, it [the knowledge of the things] does not
harm him but instead grants him perfection.

 
Note:[regarding this minha26] This mystery (sirr) is among the deepest divine
mysteries. Allah (SWT) honors among His servants whom He wants [by revealing this
mystery], by the grace of His beloved [Prophet Muhammad] (may the most perfect
and the most complete salutation and peace be on him and his progeny.)
 

Minha27
 
Question: how The Mujaddid described his realization of the station of good-
pleasure ( maqam-i-radha)?
 
Answer: Twelve years from the beginning of the time period that I had repented (az
ibtida’I zaman-i inabat) [and followed the sufi path], I was honored by the station of
good-pleasure (maqam-i ridha). First, my soul realized inner peace (itminan). Then,
by the by and through divine grace, I was favored by this bliss (sa`adat) [that is the
station of good-pleasure]. And I was honored by this felicity [that is the station of
good-pleasure].
I was able to attain this felicity until a ray (parto) of good-pleasure of God had
appeared before me. Then my soul in inner peace (nafs-i mutma’inna) became well-
pleased (radhi) towards my lord and my Lord also became well-pleased towards me.
Praise to exalted Allah! I am singing pleasant and blessed praises for Allah (SWT),
such blessed praises that my Lord loves and in which He is well-pleased! May peace
and blessings be on His messenger Muhammad and his progeny and progeny for
eternity!
 
Question: Question: When the soul (nafs) is well-pleased towards his Lord (mawla),
why does it supplicate for and seek relief from difficulties?
 
Answer: For one to be well-pleased (radhi) with the act (fa`al) of the Lord (SWT) does
not require him to be well-pleased (radhi) with His created things. Instead, there are
many times when being well-pleased (radhi) on the created things is as bad as being
faithless and disobedient to God (kufr va ma`asi).
At that time, being well-pleased (radhi) with the created things is ugly and being
displeased with bad deeds [of the created things] is obligatory (wajib).
When the Lord (SWT) is not well-pleased with bad deeds, then how can His servants
be well-pleased (radhi) with bad deeds?
Instead then the servant faces a difficult situation. Therefore, there is no
contradiction when one is displeased with Allah's created things but at the same
time is well-pleased with Allah's creation [of their acts].
 
Question: what further The Mujaddid explained about the “station” of good-pleasure
(maqam-i ridha) through inspiration (ilham)?
 
Answer: After thinking along the same lines, praying (du`a) to relieve problems (bala-
musibat) is found to be better (mustahsan). On the other hand, [there are] those
who cannot differentiate between good-pleasure (ridha) with the act (fa`al) of God
and displeasure with [the created things i.e.] those upon whom that act takes place
(maf`ul). They have remained confused over why does displeasure remain even after
having attained good-pleasure (ridha).
 They have played many verbal games (takallufat) to rationalize that confusion.
Indeed, they have [rationalized it by claiming that that] displeasure/hate is harmful
for the “state” of good-pleasure (hal-i ridha) but not the “station” of good-pleasure
(maqam-i ridha).
Instead, the truth is what I have described, which I have learned through inspiration
(ilham) from Allah.
Peace towards them who follow guidance.
 
Minha28
 
Question: How The Mujaddid guided about an important matter of reciting Surah
Fatiha behind Imam and what reasons are given in support of Hanafi school of
thoughts in this matter?
 

Answer: For a long time, I had been wishing so that I could find an acceptable reason
in the Hanafi school for reciting Suratu ‘l-Fatiha when praying behind a imam. It is
because reciting the Koran when following the imam is obligatory (fardh) at all times.
So it does not seem intelligent to reject real recitation (qirat haqiqi) and practice
virtual recitation. (qirat hukmi) At the same time, it comes in the Hadith, “There is no
salat without Sura Fatiha ."

However, since I follow the Hanafi school, I decided not to stop reciting Sura Fatiha.
And I started to count it with a kind of disciplined training and striving (riyadat va
mujahida). It is because rejecting one school of sharia in favor of another school is a
type of rejection (ilhad).

At last, through the grace of my following the Hanafi school, the Haqq (SWT)
manifested the reality of not reciting Sura Fatiha behind an imam. And through my
insight (nazar-i basirat), I learned that virtual recitation is better than real recitation. It
is because the imam and the followers, they both mutually agree (ittifaq) to stand
together as supplicants (munajat) [in the salat.] Like it is said, For the worshipper in
salat supplicates to his Lord  [lianna al-musalliya yunaji rabbahu.] (???)

In salat, [the followers] make the imam their spokesman. So whatsoever speech that
the imam recites during the salat, he recites it on behalf of the group. It is like when a
group of people appears before a magnanimous king to fulfill a need of theirs and
elects a spokesman among themselves so that he can request it on behalf of everyone
there. In such a setting, if someone else also talks while the spokesman is talking, that
would be considered poor manners and that could displease the king. Therefore, the
virtual speech (takallam-i hukmi) of this group through the spokesman is better than
real speech (takallam-i haqiqi) of those people [individually.] It is the same situation
when the group recites [the Koran] (qirat) praying behind an imam. It is because it
disturbs the peace (shaghab), lacks manners and creates disunity (tafriq).
 

Question: Many of the matters where the Hanafi and the Shafi`i schools differ are of
which type?

Answer: Its outer and formal aspect (zahir va surat) accedes to the Shafi`i school but
the inner real (batin va haqiqat) aspect is according to the Hanafi school.

It was manifested to me that in the divergences of opinions in kalam, the truth is on

the Hanafi side. For example, they recognize regard God’s engenderingness (takwin)
as a real attribute (sifat-i haqiqi). While apparently it seems that engenderingness is
not a real attribute; instead) it is the result of the attributes of powerfulness and
desiringness (qudrat va irada). However, we learn via fine consideration and the light
of perspicacity (daqt-i nazar va nur-i firasat) that that God’s power-to-engender is a
distinct and separate (`alihadeh) attribute. Other matters may be formed via this
analogy. In most of the matters where the jurists diverge (khilafiyat-i fiqhi), the
Hanafi school is right. Only in a few matters, the Shafi`is are right.

Question: Why The Mujaddid is a mujathid of the science of kalam and started to
form a distinct opinion in every matter of kalam?

Answer: In a mystic vision, (waqi`a) Hazrat Prophet (slm) stated, “You are a mujathid
of the science of kalam.” After this incident, I started to form a distinct opinion in
every matter of kalam.

Question: According to The Mujaddid, maturidi school of dogmatic theology is more

accurate or the Ashari?

Answer: For most of the matters on which there are differences between the Ashari
school and Maturidi school, at the first glance it seems that the truth is along the
Ashari line. But when it is contemplated with a fine perspicacity or a keen gaze
(hunur-i firasat va huddat-i nazar), then it becomes clear that the truth is along the
Maturidi line. I believe that in all the matters of kalam on which there is a dispute
[that the Maturidis have with the Asharis], the Maturidis are correct.
The truth is that because they perfectly follow the shining sunna, these masters have
attained this high honor. Their opposition has not been able to attain this as they gave
pre-eminence to the philosophical views. However, both of these groups [the Asharis
and the Maturidis] are among the people of truth.

Question: how The Mujaddid described the greatness of Imam Abu Hanifa R.A ?

Answer: How can I write about the high stature of Imam Abu Hanifa? (daad) He was
the wisest of these wise men! The greatest Imam! The leader of the perfect ones! Be
in it knowledge, be it in abstinence (wara’) or be it in Godwariness, (taqwa) he was
the formost among all the mujatahid imams, more than Shafi`i, Malik or Ahmad ibn
Hanbal.

Question: what is Imam Shafi point of view about Imam Abu Hanifa?

Answer: Imam Shafi`i said, “The fuqaha, [the ulama of Islamic jurisprudence,] all of
them are family members (‘iyal) of Abu Hanifa who depend on him for their living.”
(alfuqaha’u kulluhum ‘iyalu Abi Hanifa.) 
It is said that when Imam Shafi`i used to visit the shrine of Imam Abu Hanifa, then he
used to reject his own ijtihad (or interpretations in Islamic practice) and stopped
observing his own practice [that contradicted the ijtihad of the Great Imam.] And he
used to say, "It embarasses me that in his presence I do anything that is contrary to his
decision." [At that time,] he used to suspend both reciting Sura Fatiha when praying
behind a imam and reciting the du`a qunut in the fajr prayer. It was Shafi`i who could
properly appreciate his greatness.

Question: When Hazrat Jesus (slm) will descend [to the earth] in the future, he will
practice according to which school of thought?

 
Answer: When Hazrat Jesus (slm) will descend [to the earth] in the future, he will
practice according to the school (madh-hab) of Abu Hanifa. Khwaja Muhammad
Parsa (qs) wrote in the Fusul Sitta, "This very honor is enough for him that one of the
great prophets will practice according to his school. A thousand other honors cannot
be compared to this honor."

Question: Our Hazrat Khwaja [Baqibillah] (qs) said: "For some time, I used to
disagree with the Imam [Abu Hanifa] and recite Sura Fatiha [when praying following
an imam.] then what Imam Abu Hanifa told Khwaja [Baqibillah] (qs) in dream?

Answer: Our Hazrat Khwaja [Baqibillah] (qs) said: "For some time, I used to disagree
with the Imam [Abu Hanifa] and recite Sura Fatiha [when praying following an
imam.] Finally, I saw the Great Imam in a dream one night.
 I saw that he came to me clothed in a resplendent robe and recited a poem,
This signification is sufficient
That there has been many friends of God in my school
At that time, I stopped reciting Sura Fatiha behind the Imam.

Minha29
 

Question: when a perfect sufi shaykh ordains (ijazat) an imperfect disciple to teach the
tariqa. Normally, a disciple is ordained as a shaykh only when he has reached
perfection. How can an imperfect being bring a disciple to perfection?

Answer: Sometimes it happens that a [sufi shaykh who has realized] perfection
(kamil) ordains (ijazat) an imperfect [disciple] to teach the tariqa. And as he [the
imperfect teacher]  is taking his disciples to perfection (ijtima`), that imperfect
teacher’s own journey (kar-i an naqis) also reaches completion (itmam) [i.e. the
imperfect teacher realizes perfection in the sufi path].
Khwaja Naqshband (qs) ordained (ijaza) Mawlana Ya`qub Charkhi (ra) to teach the
tariqa before he [Mawlana Ya`qub] had reached the rank of perfection. And told him,
"O Ya`qub, give to the people that what you have received from me." Actually, it was
`Alauddin `Attar (qs) who nurtured Mawlana Ya`qub Charkhi (ra) to perfection.
That's why Mawlana Abdur Rahman [Jam`i], in his book the Breath of
Fellowship [Nafahat al-Uns] at first considered the Mawlana [Ya’qub Charkhi] as a
disciple of Khwaja `Alauddin `Attar and only later acknowledged that his
transmission (nisbat) joined Khwaja Naqshband [as Mawlana Ya’qub’s connection
with Khwaja Alauddin was far stronger than than the Mawlana’s connection to
Khwaja Bahauddin].
If a perfect one ordains a disciple to teach the tariqa when he has realized only the
first rank (darajat) of friendness then the ordination is of that nature. Then the disciple
is in a way perfect and in another way imperfect.
And the disciple who has attained two or three ranks of friendness becomes like that
also ― he is perfect in one way and imperfect in another way. It is because before
reaching the end of the ends [the final level], all the initial levels can be called perfect
in one way and imperfect in another way.

Question: when a perfect master ordains a disciple to teach the tariqa after he had
attained only the initial level [of friendness] then does it depend on him [the disciple]
realizing absolute [or the final level of] perfection?

Answer:  when a perfect master ordains a disciple to teach the tariqa after he had
attained only the initial level [of friendness] then it does not depend on him [the
disciple] realizing absolute [or the final level of] perfection.

Note: You may know that although imperfection is an obstacle for ordination still then
when a perfect one who is a perfection-giver [as well, i.e. one who is capable of
making his students perfect] (kamil-i mukammil) [or a highly God-realized master]
selects an imperfect disciple as his deputy (na’ib) and considers that man's hands as
his own hands. Then being imperfect is not harmful.

Minha30
 
Question: How The Mujaddid defined the term yad dasht?

Answer: The term yad dasht means perpetual presence (dawam-i hudur) of the divine

person (SWT).

Question: what is the source to avail the initial state of yad dasht?

Answer: Due to the all-comprehensiveness of the heart (jam`iyat-i qalb), sometimes

people who have attained only the station of the heart (muradbab-i qulub) may attain
this [state of yad dasht]. It is because whatsoever that is in the totality of man
(kulliyat-i insan), all that is established to be in the heart alone (qalb-i tanha).
However, it may be in the undifferentiated form (ijmal) in one [i.e. the heart] and in
the differentiated form (tafsil) in the other [i.e. man].

Question: is it possible for the presence of the person of God (hudur-i dhat) to be
perpetual (dawam) at the station/level of heart?

Answer: YES, on the level of the heart, it is possible for the presence of the person of
God (hudur-i dhat) to be perpetual (dawam), [And that is the first level of yad dasht.]

Question: at the level of heart  yad dasht, has a kind of outer(zahir) or inner(haqiqat)

form?

Answer: on the level of the heart that is the first level of yad dasht, this refers to
merely the outer form (surat) of yad dasht, not its inner reality (haqiqat).

 
Question: the masters have said about the ‘insertion of the end in the beginning’
(indiraj-i nihayat dar bidayat) points to what?

Answer: It may be that whatsoever that the masters have said about the ‘insertion of
the end in the beginning’ (indiraj-i nihayat dar bidayat) points to this outer form
(surat) of this yad dasht. 

Question: when the inner reality (haqiqat) of yad dasht is realized?

Answer: The inner reality (haqiqat) of yad dasht is realized after the soul is purified
(tazkiya-i nafs) and the heart is cleansed (tasfiya-i qalb)

Question: how The Mujaddid teaches us about the second level of yad dasht?

Answer: You may take that the presence of the divine person (hadrat-i dhat) is on the
level of Necessaryness (martaba-i wujub) [which is the second level]. Then the person
(dhat) brings together (jam`i) all the attributes of Necessaryness (sifat-i wujubiya).
Then this level [of Necessaryness] is witnessed (bi-shuhud-i in martaba) after
traversing all the levels of the contingent things (jam`i maratib-i imkani). And along
with it, [the second level of] yad dasht is also realized.

Note: this meaning is also realized in the self-disclosure of the attributes (tajalli-
i sifati). It is because to observe the attributes in this way is not a bar for the presence
of the divine person of God (SWT) (hudur-i hadrat-i dhat).

Question: how The Mujaddid teaches us about the third level or final of yad dasht?

 
Answer: The term “the divine person” may be interpreted to be God, the disengaged
one-in-numberness (ahadiyat-i mujarrad), who is beyond all the names (asma), the
attributes (sifat), the transmissions (nasab) and crossing-overs (i`tibar). In that
case, yad dasht may be realized only after traversing all the levels of the names
(asma), the attributes (sifat), the transmissions (nisbat) and crossing-overs (i`tibar)
that can be conceived [where lies only bewilderment].
P 58 paki
Wherever I have talked about yad dasht, I have taken the meaning that was mentioned
last.time [which is the mindfulness of God who is the disengaged one-in-numberness
(ahadiyat-i mujarrad)].
It is not even appropriate to use the term presence (hudur) on that [third] level. It is
not concealed to the people who possess it, [the station of yad dasht.]  It is because
that [level of God the disengaged one-in-numberness, which is the level of the third
meaning of yad dasht] is above both presence (hudur) and absence (ghaybat).

 Summarization of all three levels of yad dasht taught by The Mujaddid

         
Level # Level of Level of yad dasht    
3 God, the disengaged one-in- self-disclosure of the person    
numberness (ahadiyat-i mujarrad), of God (tajalli-i dhati). This
who is beyond all the names (asma), 3rd level ofyad dasht may be
the attributes (sifat), the realized only after
transmissions (nasab) and crossing- traversing all the levels of
overs (i`tibar) the names (asma), the
attributes (sifat), the
transmissions (nisbat) and
crossing-overs (i`tibar) that
can be conceived.
 
 
2 God on the level of Necessaryness self-disclosure of the attributes (tajalli-    
(martaba-i wujub) who brings i sifati)
together (jam`i) all the attributes of
Necessaryness (sifat-i wujubiya)
1 The heart Outer form (surat) of yad dasht: Perpetual    
presence of the person of God (dawam-i
hudur-i dhat). The term ‘insertion of the
end in the beginning’ (indiraj-i nihayat dar
bidayat) points to this outer form (surat)
of yad dasht
 
 inner reality (haqiqat) of yad dasht: It is
realized after the soul is purified (tazkiya-i
nafs) and the heart is cleansed (tasfiya-i
qalb).

Note: In order to qualify [an attribute] by the word "presence (hudur)", you need to
observe an attribute before you. This meaning of the term yad dasht is that what has
been described as the second meaning, [and God is considered to be on the level of
Necessaryness (martaba-i wujub), which the Ibn Arabi level of the second entification
or one-and-allness or wahidiyat.]
This level is the last level of yad dasht that can be witnessed and that has a presence.
And if you consider that, it is the final level.
Along this line of reasoning, it is possible to say that yad dasht is the last level in
consideration of witnessing and presence (shuhud va hudur).
For beyond this level there is only bewilderment and ignorance.
Above this level, there is no witnessing and presence (shuhud va hudur). Instead, there
is bewilderment, ignorance or knowledge (hayrat, jahl, ma`rifat). But it is not that
knowledge which you consider knowledge ― that knowledge of yours is the
knowledge of acts and attributes and this station is far above the knowledge of the
names and the attributes,. [instead, it is the station of the necessary person of God who
is the disengaged one-in-numberness, dhat-i wajib-i ahadiyat mujarrada. And this
knowledge is the ultimate knowledge that is the knowledge that “the knower knows
nothing”.]
Allah give peace and blessings to [Prophet Muhammad], the noblest of all men
(sayyidi ‘l-bashari) and his pure progeny.

Minha31
 

Question: what is the highest station on sufi path?

Answer: Only after you have traversed through the well-known ten stations [of the
sufi path], you may complete the tariqa and reach the end of the ends (nihayat al-
nihayat). The first station is repentance (tawba) and the last station is good-pleasure
(ridha). On the levels of perfection, no station can be conceived that is higher than the
station of good-pleasure. Even the vision of God in the last world [is not on a higher
level.]

Question: The reality of the station of good-pleasure will be manifested in the last
world? And what about the reality of others stations in last world?

Answer: The reality of the station of good-pleasure (haqiqat-i maqam-i ridha) will be
manifested in the last world (akhirat). The reality of the other stations cannot be
conceived in the last world. There repentance (tawba) is meaningless, abstinence
(zuhd) has no relevance, God-reliance (tawakkul) does not form its form, and patience
(sabr) cannot be predicated. However, take note! Gratefulness (shukr) will indeed be
realized there. However, that gratefulness will be merely a branch from the branches
of good-pleasure (az shu`ab-i ridha), not something separate from it.

Question: Question: Sometimes you can detect longing (raghbat) for the world in a
perfect man who is also a perfection-giver [i.e. someone who can train a student to
become perfect] (kamil-i mukammil). Sometimes you even see in him [behavior] that
shows that he lacks [a wholehearted] God-reliance (tawakkul). You may even see him
displaying impatience that shows that he lacks patience (sabr). You may even see him
acting as if he does not have good-pleasure towards Allah (ridha). How can you
explain it?

Answer:  Attaining these stations is related (makhsus) to the heart and the spirit (ruh).
For the elect (khwass), this station is related to the soul in inner peace (nafs-i
mutma’inna). However, [those characteristics] do not apply to the [physical body or ]
the mold (qalib). Only the hardness (sawrat va shaddat) [of the boby turns into
softness].

Once someone asked [the sufi saint Hazrat Abubakr] Shibli, “You claim to be in love
[with God.] Then how can you have a big body that shows that instead of being in
love [with God, you are a glutton in love with food instead]?
In answer, Hazrat Shibli recited the following poem:
My heart is in love, but my body does not even know it
Had it known it, it would never have become so big?
Ahabba qalbi, wa ma dara badani
Wa law dara, ma aqama fi ‘l-simani
Therefore, if [negative traits] inconsistent with those [sublime] stations are seen in the
mold (qalib) of a perfect man
If you can find [a negative trait] in the behavior of a perfect man that is inconsistent
with his not realizing these stations [of perfections] then that does not imply that there
are imperfections in his inner realm.
On the other hand, in a man who is not perfect, imperfections of those stations are
seen in the totality of that man. Both their inner realms and physical bodies (zahir)
long for the [temporal] world. Their exteriors and interiors (zahir, batin), they both
long for the earthly world (dunya). Both in their outer forms and inner essences (surat
va haqiqat), there are things [like impatience or instability] that are contrary to God-
reliance (tawakkul). Both in their heart and mold, you may observe impatience and
instability (bi-taqati va idtirar). Disgust (karahat) [towards God’s decree] is seen in
both his spirit and body (ruh, badan).
This is how the Real (SWT) has concealed his friends. And has deprived (mahrum)
most of the people from the perfections (kamalat) of these masters.

Question: why there remains any imperfection left in a perfect man?

Answer: There is a fine wisdom is leaving these things [imperfections] in the friends.
There are [two reasons],

 So that the truth does not stand distinct from falsehood. That is required for this
world which is the place for trials. [ So it is necessary that truth does not
become distinct from falsehood. If it were then the trial will become too easy.]
 The other wisdom in these [imperfections] remaining in the friends is their
progress (taraqqi) although these [imperfections] are only in form (surat). If
these [imperfections] leave the friends completely then their road to progress
would be blocked. And they would remain stagnant [in a station] as the angels
are. [Because then there will be no conflict between the higher soul and the
lower soul. It is this conflict that gives man an opportunity for ascending
spiritually.]
Peace to them who follow guidance (hidayat) and take up on following [Prophet
Muhammad] the chosen one. Allah gives the most complete and the most perfect
peace and blessings to him and his progeny.
 

Minha32
 
Question: what are observations of The Mujaddid about inner and outer form of
AUWLIYA (friends of GOD)?
 
Answer: O Lord (Ya Elahi)! What is it that you have done to your friends (awliya)?
Their inner realm (batin) is like the elixir of immortality of Hazrat Khidr (zulal-i
khadir). Whosoever drinks a drop of [that elixir] attains endless life. And their outer
appearence (zahir) is like lethal poison. Whosoever sees that [outer appearence] will
have endless (abadi) death.
 They are such that their inner side (batin) is mercy and the outer side (batin) is pain.
Those who see their inner side (batin) become one of them and those who see their
outer side (zahir) become misguided (badkish). Outside they are like the common
men but inside they are like the elect angels. In the outside (surat), they are on the
saddle [and journeying on the earth] but in the inner meaning (ma`na), they are
[journeying] in the celestial spheres [in the heavens far above the earth]. Those who
sit on their company are saved from misery (shaqawat) and their companions attain
felicity.
They are the congregation of Allah. Take note! Verily it is the congregation of Allah
who will succeed. (Ula’ika hizbuLlah. Ala! Inna hizbaLlahi humu ‘l-muflihun). (Koran
58:22)
Allah! Give peace and blessings to our leader Muhammad and his family!
 

Minha33
 
Question: Allah (SWT) has concealed His friends so well that even their exteriors
(zahir) have no news of the perfections of their inner realms (kamalat-i batin). How
can then other people know about them?
 
Answer: Their inner realm (batin) is “without what manner” (bichun) itself. And it has
been qualified with a quality (nisbat) that is on the level of “without what manner”
and “without-how” (bi-chuni va bi-cheguni). Since their inner realm (batin) is from
the world of command (`alam-i amr) that quality is also “without what manner”.
Therefore, the exteriors, which are totally immersed in “what manner”, how can
those find the inner reality [of the interiors of the friends]?
Instead it is more likely that since he does not know [this quality] and he lacks a
relationship [with this quality], he [i.e. his exterior] could deny the receipt of this
quality. Or it may be that he [i.e. his exterior] could recognize the receipt of this
quality but he will not know what [thing] is related to it [this quality] (muta`allaq-i an
kist). Instead what happens often is that that thing [i.e. the quality that qualifies his
inner realm] denies him with whom he truly has the relationship.
These happen because this quality (nisbat) is very exalted and the quality of the
exterior (zahir) is too low in comparison. Even the interior (batin) itself is pre-
dominated by that quality (nisbat). And it [the interior of the friends] becomes free
from [the limits inmposed by] seeing and knowing (did va danish). He does not know
what [is that quality that] he has and with what [quality] he has that (darad va be-
keh darad)?  Therefore he has no alternative but [to claim] incapacity [when asked
about this quality]. Since it is true that he has no real knowledge (ma`rifat).
 
Note: The Mujaddid now explains a saying of Hazrat Abu Bakr.
Because of this the champion of truth [Hazrat Abu Bakr] (ra) has said, Perception is
the incapacity to perceive perception [al-`ajzu `an darki ‘l-idraki idrakun.]” Here
perception (idrak) refers to a unique quality (nisbat-i khassa`) that one is incapable to
perceive.
It is because the one who perceives (sahib-i idrak) is predominated (maghlubun) [by
his state]. And he may not comprehend his perception [i.e. what he perceives]. And
people other than him may not know his state that have been described above
 

Minha34
 

Question: How The Mujaddid unveiled about fake and real sufis?

Answer: Someone dressed like a sufi was involved in the misfortune that is [holding]
deviant beliefs (bid`at-i i`tiqad).
I was troubled (taraddad) by him. Suddenly I was seeing in a vision that all the
prophets (slm) have gathered together and commenting on that man: "This man is not
among us (laysa minna)"
Then I remembered about another man about whom I was also troubled. When I asked
about him, the prophets (slm) said, "He is among us (kana minna)"
I seek refuge in Allah (SWT) from deviant beliefs and seek refuge (panah) from
mocking His honored prophets .

Minha35
 

Question: how The Mujaddid explained the reality of “allegorical”

or mutashabihat words of the Koran. e.g. hand, face, The words first (awwal), last
(akhir), manifest (zahir), non-manifest (batin)?

Answer: I’ve been shown that the terms nearness (qurb), withness (m a`iyat) and
encompassment (ihata) of Exalted the Haqq that are in the Sagacious Koran are
among the “allegorical” or mutashabihat words of the Koran. e.g. hand, face etc. The
words first (awwal), last (akhir), manifest (zahir), non-manifest (batin) and the likes of
them are also the same.

The Mujaddid proposes that the allegorical verses have deep meanings that cannot be
fathomed by the human mind that is limited.
So we say that the Haqq (SWT) is “near” us, but we do not know what that nearness
means. Similarly, we say (that He is) the first but we don't know what does that “first”
means. The meaning of that nearness and firstness does not come within the bounds of
our knowledge or understanding (`ilm va fahm). The Haqq (SWT) is untainted by
those [imperfections. And indeed He is even] higher (bartar) than that. And [He is
indeed even higher than] that what we know through our unveilings (kashf) and
witnessings (mushahida). Almighty God elevates himself higher that that and he is
pure from those [limitations of the human mind that seek to humanize him or limit
him] as well.

Question: what are The Mujaddid comments about those sufis and ulama who mis-
interpret those allegorical (mutashabihat )verses?

Answer: Some Sufis have realized the meaning of “nearness” and “withness” via
[false] unveiling. They consider the Haqq to be “near us” and “with us” [spatially.]
This is not nice! They have stepped into the school ofmujassima or corporealists. And
some of the ulama have interpreted those terms by allegorical interpretation (ta’wil).
For example, by “nearness,” some have meant “cognitive nearness” (qurb-i `ilmi).
They have made allegories of that in the same way that they have made an allegory of
“hand” by “power” (qudrat) and “face” by “person.” (dhat)
Exalted Haqq knows the truth! Peace to them who follow guidance!

Minha36
 

Question: what is importance of emulation of the ‘noblest of men’ The blessed

Prophet Muhammad (slm)?

Answer: I sometimes prayed the final prayer of the night or the witr prayer on the first
hour of the night and some other times on the last hour of the night.

One night I was shown that for the devotee who goes to sleep with the intention that
he will pray the witr prayer on the last hour of night, the angel in charge of writing
good deeds for him writes good deeds on his book of deeds for the entire night until
the time that he prays the witr. Therefore, it is better to delay the witr prayer.
Still, nothing is acceptable to me on the matter of praying the witr prayer early or late
without following authority of the ‘noblest of men’ [Prophet Muhammad] (slm).

I do not consider any blessed deed equal to emulation [of the Prophet]. The blessed
prophet sometimes prayed the witr prayer at the early hours of night and sometimes
on the last hour of night.

I find felicity if I can emulate the Blessed Prophet (slm) in any of his deeds even if
that emulation is only only in form.

About some sunna practices, some people give greater importance to some deeds with
the intention of being awake for the whole night.
I am amazed at their short-sightedness! Without the emulation [of the Blessed
Prophet], I don't buy being awake for a thousand nights even for half a grain of
barley.

Question: during the itikiaf what The Mujaddid told to his sufi brothers in importance
of emulation of the blessed Prophet (slm)?

Answer: The last ten days of Ramadan, I perform itiqaf i.e. I sequester myself in the
mosque and worship God. At this time, I gathered my sufi brothers together and told
them, “Don’t make any intention except the intention to emulate the Prophet. Else
what benefit is in our seclusion and cutting off our relationship with the world
(tabattul va inqita`)? Instead, if we can emulate a single sunna then in return we are
willing to accept a hundred misfortunes.

Actually, without the benefit of the emulation of the Merciful Prophet (slm), even if
we do a thousand instances of seclusion and cutting off relationship with the world, it
will not be accepted. As some poet have composed,

He who has an evergreen flower garden in his home

Why does he need gardens or the season spring?
An ra keh dar sara`I nigar ist farigh ast
 Az bagh-i ulushan va tamasha-i laleh zar

May Allah (SWT) grant us the ability to emulate the Blessed Prophet perfectly. The
most perfect and complete perace and blessings be on him and his progeny!
 

Minha37
 

Question: How The Mujaddid comparatively exclaimed his statement "Love of that
master [Prophet Muhammad] (slm) have overwhelmed me to such an extent that I
love the Haqq (SWT) because He is the Lord of Muhammad."  With the statement of
Rabia Basri She had said: "In a dream, I told that master [Prophet Muhammad] that I
am so overwhelmed in the love of the Haqq (SWT) that I have no room left to love
you."?

Answer: Once I was sitting together with a group of dervishes. Absorbed in my love
for that master [Prophet Muhammad] (slm), I exclaimed, "Love of that master
[Prophet Muhammad] (slm) have overwhelmed me to such an extent that I love the
Haqq (SWT) because He is the Lord of Muhammad." Everyone present was perplexed
at this saying but none dared to challenge me.
And the Mujaddid contrasts his saying with the saying of Rabia Basri about her loving
Allah so deeply that she does not have any room to love the Prophet (slm).
This saying of mine contradicts to the saying of Rabia Basri. She had said: "In a
dream, I told that master [Prophet Muhammad] that I am so overwhelmed in the love
of the Haqq (SWT) that I have no room left to love you."

Both statements indicate [that they have been made in the station of] intoxication
(sukr), but my statement has genuineness (asalat). While she [Rabia] spoke in the very
midst of intoxication; I spoke at the beginning of sobriety (sahw). And while she
spoke [while being] on the level of attributes of God (martaba-i sifat), I spoke after
returning from the level of the person of God (martaba-i dhat).

On the level of the person of God, there is only bewilderment and ignorance. On the
level of the attributes, there is love and knowledge.
On the level of the person (martaba-i dhat,) there is no room for this kind of love.
There all transmissions (nisbat) are on the level of brevity (kotahi) [i.e.
undifferentiated or ijmal level]. Everything there [on that level of undifferentiated
one-in-numberness or dhat-i mujarradah] is only bewilderment (hayrat) and
ignorance (jahl), instead, the [sufi] denies love happily (be-dhawq) because he does
not consider himself to be worthy of that love in any way. Love and knowledge [of
God] (mahabbat va ma’rifat) are on [the level of] the attributes and that’s all; [they are
not on the level of the Person.]
Those intoxicated Sufis like Rabia were not on the level of undifferentiated one-in-
numberness or dhat-i mujarradah. The first level entification is oneness-crossing-
over-into-one-and-allness or wahdat, which is the level when some fine germs of
attributes or i`tibarat have emerges ― ane her love of God was really the love of the
divine i`tibarat.
The love of the person (mahabbat-i dhati) about which they [those intoxicated sufis
like Rabia] spoke, what they meant is not the one-in-number person (dhat-i ahadiyat),
but the person wherein some “crossing-overs” (i’tibarat) [fine germs of attributes]
have emerged.

On the level of the person of God, there is only bewilderment and ignorance. On the
level of the attributes, there is love and knowledge.
On the level of the person (martaba-i dhat,) there is no room for this kind of love.
There all transmissions (nisbat) are on the level of brevity (kotahi) [i.e.
undifferentiated or ijmal level]. Everything there [on that level of undifferentiated
one-in-numberness or dhat-i mujarradah] is only bewilderment (hayrat) and
ignorance (jahl), instead, the [sufi] denies love happily (be-dhawq) because he does
not consider himself to be worthy of that love in any way. Love and knowledge [of
God] (mahabbat va ma’rifat) are on [the level of] the attributes and that’s all; [they are
not on the level of the Person.]
Those intoxicated Sufis like Rabia were not on the level of undifferentiated one-in-
numberness or dhat-i mujarradah. The first level entification is oneness-crossing-
over-into-one-and-allness or wahdat, which is the level when some fine germs of
attributes or i`tibarat have emerges ― ane her love of God was really the love of the
divine i`tibarat.
The love of the person (mahabbat-i dhati) about which they [those intoxicated sufis
like Rabia] spoke, what they meant is not the one-in-number person (dhat-i ahadiyat),
but the person wherein some “crossing-overs” (i’tibarat) [fine germs of attributes]
have emerged.

Yes! Those intoxicated Sufis like Rabia mistakenly thought that they were in love of
the person of God but actually their love was the love of the divine attributes.
Thus the love of Rabia was on the level of attributes. The Exalted the Haqq inspires
that what is correct! Salutation and peace be on the [Prophet Muhammad,] the prince
of the prophets and his pure family!

Question: is there love & knowledge at the level of person of GOD?

 
Answer: On the level of the person of God, there is only bewilderment and ignorance
but on the level of the attributes, there is love and knowledge.

Minha38
 

Question: ranking of science (ilm) is based on importance of that particular ilm. How
The Mujaddid explained this relevancy by examples?

Answer: The excellence of a science (fadilat-i `ilm) is commensurate with the

excellence of the field of study of the science. The greater is the importance of the
field of study, the higher ranked is its science. Therefore, science of the inner realm
(`ilm-i batin) of the sufis is ranked higher than science of the outer [or physical] world
(`ilm-i zahir), which is the lot of the ulama of outer science. Similarly, outer science
[i.e. science of the Koran, hadith, sharia and kalam] is ranked comparatively higher
than the science of hair-cutting or weaving.

Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the high level of the pir ― his level is several
times higher than the teacher who teaches the outer science. Similarly, it is essential to
be aware of the high level of the teacher of outer science ― his level is several times
higher than that teacher who teaches barbering or weaving. And there are such
rankings in level between every branch of outer science.

The teacher of the science of kalam (`ilm-i kalam) and jurisprudence (fiqh) is ranked
higher than the teacher of grammar (nuh va sarf). Similarly, the teacher of grammar is
ranked higher than the teacher of philosophy

Question: Why philosophy is not a science that we need?

Answer: philosophy is not a science that we need because many of its topics are
nonessential and useless. Philosophers have taken only few topics from Islamic books
and even then they have misapplied them out-of-context. Therefore, they have proven
themselves to be the 'wise fools.'

There is no room for intellect here. The prophetic method is beyond the method of
intellectual consideration (tur-i `aql-i nazari).

Question: what is importance of obligation to the PIR?

Answer: You may know that the obligation to the pir is above the obligation to any
one else, except for the divine blessings and the prophetic favors, after the obligation
to exalted Allah for His blessings and the obligation to His messenger (slm) for his
favors.

Note: Actually, everyone’s real PIR is the messenger of Allah (slm) himself

Question: why spiritual birth after physical birth is extremely important than physical
birth and what is role of the PIR?

Answer: Although the the physical birth is from the parents, the spiritual (ma`nuwi)
birth is from the pir. The physical life is only for a few days but the spiritual life is
ever-lasting

Question: how The Pir cleanses the spiritual filth of his disciples to purify their inner
realm?

Answer: Pir is him who cleanses the spiritual filth of his disciples using his own heart
and the spirit (qalb va ruh) and purifies their inner realm (ishkambeh)

 
Question: When face-turnings (tawajjuhat) are given to the disciples, the spiritual filth
of the disciples dirties the giver of the tawajjuh [i.e. the pir.]?

Answer: When face-turnings (tawajjuhat) are given to the disciples, it is sensed that
the spiritual filth of the disciples dirties the giver of the tawajjuh [i.e. the pir.] And this
effect lasts for a long time

Question: by whose intermediation man reaches God and by whose intermediation the
instigating soul (nafs-i ammara) [of the disciple], which is intrinsically dirty (khabis),
becomes holy and hallowed?

Answer: Pir is him by whose intermediation man reaches God and that is above all the
felicity of this world and the last world. Pir is him by whose intermediation the
instigating soul (nafs-i ammara) [of the disciple], which is intrinsically dirty (khabis),
becomes holy and hallowed. And it is transformed from being instigating (ammara) to
being in inner peace (itminan). And from faithlessness that is its innate disposition
(kufr-i jibilli), [the instigating soul] reaches true Islam (be-islam-i haqiqi). Like a poet
has written:

What can I say [on its benefits]

If I explain it, it will be boundless!
Gar bi-gu’im
sharh-i in bi-had shod

Question: fortunate and misfortunate of the disciple depend on what?

Answer: If a pir accepts [a disciple then the disciple] should consider himsel fortunate.
On the other hand, if a pir rejects a disciple then the disciple should consider it as his
own mis-fortune. I seek refige from Exalted Allah from from this!

 
Question: without getting good pleasure (rida) from the PIR can disciple attain the
good pleasure (rida) of GOD?

Answer: The good-pleasure (rida) of the Exalted Haqq follows the good-pleasure

(rida) of the pir. Until the disciple can submerge (gom nisazad) himself in the good-
pleasure of the pir, he cannot have the good-pleasure of the Haqq.

Question: Every error disciple may do may be remedied but which injury cannot be
remedied?

Answer: Pir’s dis-satisfaction is the disciple’s calamity. Every error he may do may be
remedied but nothing can remedy the injury that is incurred due to the [displeasure of
the] PIR. No adversity may harm the disciple more than this injury due to the PIR. We
seek the refuge of Allah from this!

Question: what are dangerous disaster results when someone hurts The PIR?

Answer: The result [of injuring the pir] is having defects in holding the creed of Islam
(mu`taqadat-i islamiyya) and idleness in performing the injunctions of the sharia
What can one say about the states and ecstasies (ahwal va mawajid) that may come to
his own inner realm? If any physical symptom (athar) from a hal remains in existence,
even after having hurt the pir, you may consider it to be a satanic deception that takes
step-by-step to ruin (istidraj). At the end, it [that symptom] will turn out to be bad and
its end result will be disaster (darr).
Peace towards them who follow guidance. Wa ‘l-salamu `ala mani ttaba`a ‘l-huda.

Minha39
 
Question: what are the names of six subtle centers and their location on physical
body? Note: answer for this question needs to be updated

Answer: The heart (qalb) is from the world of command (`alam-i amr). It was put in a
deep union and a passionate love (ta`alliq va ta`ashshuq-i khass) with the world of
empirical things (`alam-i khalq). And then the heart was bestowed to a bodily part
(mudgha) on the left side of the breast. It is like when an emperor falls in a passionate
love with a lowly woman who cleans excrements (konnas) and for this love he goes to
her home.
And the spirit (ruh), which is more subtle than the heart (qalb), is among the things of
the left ?????? should be right (ashab-i-yamin) [wheras the heart center is located on
the right??? Should be left side of the breast ]. Three more subtle centers (lata’if) [i.e.
the secret heart (sirr), arcanum (khafi) and the super-arcanum (akhfa)], which are
located above the spirit center (latifa-i ruh) ― in the light of the aphorism "the best
thing is that which is in the middle, khair-u ‘l-umur-i awsatuha” ― have been made
noble.
The more subtle is the subtle center (latifa), the more is it related to the middle.
However, the subtle centers (lata’if) the secret heart (sirr) and the arcanum (khafi) ―
they are located in the two sides of the subtle center super-arcanum (latifa-i akhfa) ―
one on each side ― one on the right and the other one on the left. And the soul (nafs)
― which is adjacent to [the faculty of] sense perception (mujawir-i hawas) ― is
related to the brain (damagh).

Question: what is the sequence of progressing for all subtle centers and their hal in the
beginning and in the end?

Answer: While progressing, all the subtle centers move towards the super-arcanum
center one subtle center a time.
For the heart (qalb) to progress (taraqqi), it must arrive on the station of the spirit. And
to the stations that are above the spirit. Similarly, for the spirit (ruh) or [the subtle
centers] that are above it to progress, they must reach (usul) the stations which are
above them.
However, in the beginning, this arrival (usul) is in the way of [many] states (ahwal)
[that are transient] and in the end, in the form of [a] station [that is permanent]. And
the soul (nafs) progresses (taraqqi) only when it reaches (usul) the station of the heart
(qalb) as [many transient] states (ahwal) at the beginning and as [a permanent] station
(maqam) in the end.

Question: when Sufi realizes annihilation (fana)?

Answer: At the end of this [progressing] program (kar-i in), these six subtle centers
(lata’if) arrives on the station of super-arcanum (akhfa) and all, in unison (bi-ittifaq)
starts (qasd) to fly towards the world of holiness (`alam-i quddus). And they leave the
“mold” center (latifa-i qalib) empty (khali va tahi). However, that flight is as [many
different transient] states (ahwal) at the beginning and as [one single permanent]
station at the end. And at that time, he [the sufi] realizes annihilation (fana’).

Question: what are connections of subtle centers with PROPHETS?

Answer: Qalb is connected with Prophet Adam

ruh with Prophet Noah

sir is with Prophet Moses,

khafi is with Prophet Jesus

akhfa is with Prophet Muhammad (slm).

Question: what actually means death before death according to sufis?

Answer: What the sufis have called "death before death" is the separation of the said
six subtle centers (lata’if) from the body (latifa-i qalib). The mystery of why
vibrations and feelings are still in the body even after those six subtle centers (lata’if)
are separated is described elsewhere. That is to be looked for in the proper place.
There is no room for it to be described here in depth. Instead, it has been described
here in brief.

Question: how the subtle centers journey towards GOD either all together or
separately or partially together?

Answer: [In order to journey (sayr)], it is not necessary that all subtle centers (lata’if)
would be brought together (jam`a) in the same station and then would fly (tiran)
[together]. Sometimes it happens that the heart (qalb) and spirit (ruh) both do this in
unison (ittifaq). Or sometimes three! Or sometimes four!

Question: what is perfect way of journeying the subtle centers towards GOD?

Answer:  However, what had been described before [i.e. six subtle centers are brought
together and journey in unison] is the most complete and perfect [way to journey. And
that method] has been reserved for [the Sufis who are to realize] the Muhammadan
friendness (walayat-i muhammadi) (slm). Other than that, other [methods of journey
happen] for other types of friendness [e.g. Abrahamic friendness, Mosaic friendness.]

Question: all six subtle centers after reaching the station of holiness (maqam-i quddus)
do they establish a connection with mold (qalib)?

Answer: These six subtle centers (lata’if) may separate from the body, reach the
station of holiness (maqam-i quddus), may become colored (talawwun) by its color
and then they may return to the mold. And they may establish a connection (ta`alliq)
[to the mold] that is beyond the connection of love. And they may accept the rule of
the mold.

Question: when sufi realizes abidingness (baqa)?

 

Answer: And after [such] distinction [for his subtle centers, the sufi] experiences a
sort of annihilation (fana`) and become like dead [i.e. his old spiritual-self dies]. At
that time, [the sufi is] illuminated by an elect self-disclosure (tajalli-i khass). And he
starts living a new life. And he realizes the station of abidingness in Allah (maqam-i
baqa bi-‘Llah). And he attains the character (akhlaq) of Allah.

Question: then sufi may progress to one of two possibilities, what are those?

 Answer: CAPABLE OF TEACHING: If at that time, if he is bestowed a

resplendent robe (khil`at) and brought down to the earth (`alam), then it would
be as if he drew near and then approached (az dunuw be-tadalli khwahed
anjamid). And it would create the stepping-stone (muqaddama) towards his
realizing the ability to make others perfect (takmil). 
 INCAPABLE OF TEACHING: On the other hand, if he doesn't return from
there to the earth then it would be as if he would not approach after he drew
near (tadalli ba`d az dunuw hasil na-shod), and he would become one of the
reclusive friends (awliya-i `uzlat) [who lives apart from society in a state of
seclusion]. Then his hands will not be able to nurture (tarbiyat) the aspirants
(taliban) or give perfection to the imperfect [i.e. he would not be able to teach
others].
In conclusion, the Mujaddid says,
All these are stories of the beginning and the end (bidayat, nihayat) that has been told
in insinuations and allusions (ramz, ishara). It is not possible to comprehend that save
cutting through these waystations.
Peace to them who follow guidance and take up the emulation (mutaba`at) of the
‘chosen one’ [who is Prophet Muhammad] (slm).
 

Minha40
 
Question: Haqq (SWT) has spoken only one utterance (kalam) from the beginning of
eternity until the end of eternity (azal ta abad). What are further details about this
matter?
 
Answer: The surprising matter is that from the beginning of eternity until the end of
eternity, there is only a moment in that place [which is the realm of God.] Time does
not flow over Him (SWT). Within one moment, what can be spoken but one one-in-
all utterance that cannot be subdivided (kalam-i wahid-i basit)
 
Question: is one one-in-all utterance a origin of so many types of [individual]
utterances with multiple ta`alliqs or “relationships?
 
Answer: That one one-in-all utterance has become the origin of so many types of
[individual] utterances [each] in the context of multiple ta`alliqs or “relationships”.
For example, if it has a ta`alliq of commandingness (ma`m ur), then a command
originates. Or if it has a ta`alliq of prohibitingness (manhi), then it is called a
prohibition (nihi). Or if it has a ta`alliq of news-givingness (ikhbar), then it becomes
news. In short, [that God speaks on not only the news of the present, but also] the
news on the past and the future ― that throws people into confusion.
 
Question: how the priority and posteriority of the ‘turner [of time]’ [God] (dal)
indicates the priority and posteriority of the ‘things that are turned [or put in
sequence in that linear time]’ (madlul)?
 
Answer: The priority and posteriority of the ‘turner [of time]’ [God] (dal) indicates
the priority and posteriority of the ‘things that are turned [or put in sequence in that
linear time]’ (madlul). It is not something hard to understand! It is so because the
past and the future are special qualifiers (sifat-i makhsus’-i dal) with which the
‘turner [of time]’ qualifies [or puts into sequence the events in that linear time. And
He qualifies the events] in that moment that has been stretched (inbisat) [from a
wholistic one-in-all model of time into a linear model of time stretching from the
beginning of eternity to the end of eternity.]
And in the view of the ‘things that are turned [sequentially in that linear time]
(madlul)’, since that moment [when God speaks] is unchanged and it [that timeless
moment] has not been stretched out (inbisat) [to create a linear time as it has been
stretched out in the mundane, temporal realm], then there is no past or future there
[in that timeless moment when God speaks.]
 
Question: how The Mujaddid taught this point by an example in context of previous
question?
 
Answer: The philosophers say, “The essence (mahiya) of a thing may have a distinct
and separate (`alihadeh) [characteristic] with respect to [that thing’s] external
existence (wujud-i khariji). [However, the essence] may not have that [same
characteristic] with respect to [that thing’s] mental existence (wujud-i dhihni).”
[So we see that] a thing can have contradictions it its qualities and inseparable
qualifications (tabayin-i sifat va lawajim) with respect to its existence and it-ness
(huwiyat).
And we also see that] the ‘turner [of time]’ and the “things that are turned
[sequentially in that linear time]’ are [already] truly separate from one another (dal
va madlul keh fi’l haqiqat az yek digar juda’ and).
Therefore, they are also permitted [to differ in their qualities and inseparable
qualifications] as in the previous [illustration].
 
Note: What has been told is that it is only a moment from the beginning of eternity
to the end of eternity. And that [they have said one moment] is due to the
insufficiency of the language (tangi-i `ibarat). Actually, we may not even say “one
moment”. [That time period is so infinitesimally short that] to call it even a moment
would be hard.
 
Question: what condition contingent beings realize when those have realized the
station of nearness (qurb) of the Divinity (ilahi) (SWT), those ones who have [realized
the highest level of nearness?
 
Answer: You should know that among those contingent beings who have realized the
station of nearness (qurb) of the Divinity (ilahi) (SWT), those ones who have [realized
the highest level of nearness, they would] step their feet outside the circle of
contingentness (dai’ira’-i imkan). And there they would find the beginningless
beginning and the endless end (azal va abad) unified (muttahid) together.
 
Question: what The Prophet Muhammad the seal of the messengers (slm) saw
on stations of ascent (maqamat-i `uruj) on the night of heavenly ascension (miraj)
without the factor past and future?
 
Answer: While on his stations of ascent (maqamat-i `uruj) on the night of heavenly
ascension (miraj), Hazrat [Muhammad] the seal of the messengers (slm) found
Hazrat Jonah in the belly of the fish. And he found the storm of Hazrat Noah taking
place. (slm) And he saw the people of paradise in the paradise and the people of hell
in hell. He found five hundred years [of earthly time] equal to half a day after
entering the paradise. [The Prophet] saw a rich companion named Abdur Rahman
ibn Auf entering paradise late, so Hazrat Prophet asked him the reason for coming
late and he gave news of his own trials and tribulations (`aqibat va mihn) [that he
suffered on the way]. He [the prophet]) saw all that in one moment ¾there was
neither past nor future.
 
Question: How The Mujaddid experienced such a states where no past and future
exist and all past and future events can be seen in one moment?
 
Answer: Through the grace of [Prophet Muhammad] the friend of the Haqq (sal), I
have experienced such “states” (i.e., unveilings and mystic visions) once in a while.
[In one those mystic visions,] I [the Mujaddid] saw the angels prostrating before
Adam (slm) and at that time their heads were not raised from the prostration. I saw
the angels of the [highest paradise] `illiyin not performing these prostrations, they
were not ordered to prostate. In my vision, they were absorbed [in seeing that. All
these past events as well as] all the happenings (ahwal) that will happen in the last
world, they were all seen in that same [one single all-inclusive] moment.
 
Question: The Prophet (slm) had attained this state [of heavenly ascension (miraj)]
both bodily and spiritually (jasadi, ruhi). And he witnessed [all that he witnessed in
that heavenly ascension] through both his own eyes and through inner eyes (basr va
basirat). What is similarity of highly God-realized sufi masters or friends of Allah
about this experience?
 
Answer: You should understand that the Prophet (slm) had attained this state [of
heavenly ascension (miraj)] both bodily and spiritually (jasadi, ruhi). And he
witnessed [all that he witnessed in that heavenly ascension] through both his own
eyes and through inner eyes (basr va basirat).
There were others [who were highly God-realized sufi masters or friends of Allah and
they experienced ascents (`uruj) that were a sort of heavenly ascension and they
experienced them] via the intermediation [of Prophet Muhammad.] And this state
[of ascent] came to their hands as they faithfully followed [the Prophet]. (be-tariq-i
tab`iyat). However, all others [but the Prophet, i.e. the friends of Allah see them]
spiritually only ― not through bodily eyes (basirat).
Allah give him [Prophet Muhammad] and his progeny the most complete and perfect
salutations and peace!
 

Minha41
 
Question: is attribute of engenderingness (takwin) real and separate?
 
Answer: Engendering or bringing things into engendered existence (takwin) is a
separate real attribute (sifat-i haqiqiy-i `alihadeh) in addition to powerfulness
(qudrat) and desiringness (irada)
Question: what is point of view of ASHARI school of kalam about the attribute of
engenderingness (takwin)?
 
Answer: Engendering or bringing things into engendered existence (takwin) is a real
attribute (sifat-i haqiqiya) of the Necessary Existence. The followers of Imam Abul
Hasan al-Ashari regard engenderingness to be an “additional attribute” (sifat-i
idhafiya). They consider the attributes of powerfulness (qudrat) and desiringness
(iradat) to be all that is needed for bringing the cosmos into existence (ijad).
 
Question: according to The Mujaddid what is inter-relationship of attributes of
powerfulness (qudrat), desiringness (irada) and engenderingness (takwin)?
 
Answer: Actually, engenderingness is a separate real attribute (sifat-i haqiqiy-i
`alihadeh) in addition to powerfulness and desiringness.
Its clarification is that the attribute of powerfulness [enables one either] to do an
action or not to do that action. [These two options] are both right whereas
desiringness (irada) means deciding on one of the two options for power i.e. either
doing it or not doing it. Therefore, the rank of powerfulness is above the rank of
desiringness.
The rank of engenderingness that they [the Maturidis] consider to be a real attribute
is below the rank of powerfulness and desiringness. The task for this attribute [of
engenderingness] is to bring that object into existence about which [the attribute of
desiringness] has already decided that it would come to existence.
Powerfulness (qudrat) fixes (musahhih) His action [i.e. decide what can be done];
desiringness (irada) specifies the action (mukhassis) [i.e. decides if that fixed action
will or will not occur at all] and engenderingness brings that action into existence
(mawjid). Therefore, we have no alternative but to accept engenderingness [as a
separate attribute].
 
Question: what is ranking of these three attributes of powerfulness (qudrat),
desiringness (irada) and engenderingness (takwin)?
 
Answer:
  How things are created: The  
Mujaddidi view
Level Attribute For what action that attribute is needed
1 Supreme Powerfulness (qudrat) fixes (musahhih-i fa`al) His action [i.e. decide
level what can be done]
2 Middle Desiringness (irada) Specifies the action (mukhassis-i fa`al) [i.e.
level decides if that fixed action will or will not occur
 at all]
3 Low level Engenderingness (takwin) brings that action into existence (mawjid-i fa`al)
 
Question: how The Mujaddid explained the analogy of engenderingness with the
concept of the capability to perform the action (istat`at ma`a ‘l-fa`al)?
 
Answer: For example, the analogy of [engenderingness] is the “capability to perform
the action” (istat`at ma`a ‘l-fa`al), which the Sunni ulama have established to be in
human beings. There is no doubt that [God creates] this capability [to perform the
action] after [God has exercised] both [His attributes of] powerfulness (qudrat) and
desiringness (irada). And the realization of bringing something into engendered
existence (tahaqquq-i ijad) depends on this capability. [That is, this capability enables
man to make or do something.] Instead, that capability [to perform the action]
necessitates the action [of bringing something into existence. That is, when God
gives man the capability to perform the action, He also makes man perform the
action.] Not doing the action is not possible then [when God has already given man
the capability to perform the action].
 
Question: what further The Mujaddid explained engenderingness, which is after both
powerfulness and desiringess. God’s attribute of engenderingness necessarily creates
that what God has chosen employing His attribute of desiringness. But this is not
obligation?
 
Answer: The state of the attribute of engenderingness (takwin) is the same in that
“bringing into engendered existence” (ijad) necessarily must be there (be-tariq-i
ijab). However, this obligation (ijab) [to engender whatever that God has chosen
after employing His choice of desiringness] does not create any defect within the
Necessary. It is because it [this obligation] is exercised (thubut) after the realization
of [the attribute of] powerfulness (qudrat) i.e. [after God has decided] whether the
action will be done or left undone; and the attribute of desiringness (irada) has made
the choice (takhsis) [between those two choices].
 
Question: how The Mujaddid contrasts his opinion with the opinion of the
philosophers of the faylasuf tradition who says God is obligated to create whatever
has been pre-destined to be created?
 
Answer: And [my position] contradicts what the sages of philosophy have proposed.
They regard the first choice [i.e. the choice to do it] as necessarily true and regard
the second choice [i.e. the choice not to do it] as impossible to be true. They also
deny [the attribute of] desiringness (irada). According to them, it is clear obligation
(sarih dar ijab). [That is, they propose that God is obligated to create what is destined
to be created, whether He dersires to create it or not to create it is immaterial.]
 
Question: how The Mujaddid explained that Allah the almighty and exalted soars
higher than this! On the other hand, an obligation (ijabi) that is found after
connecting to desire and determining one of the two choices (ta`alliq-i iradat va
takhsis ahad al-maqdurin) [i.e. that what the Mujaddid has proposed] corroborates
free will; it does not deny free will?
 

Answer: The unveiling of [Ibn Arabi,] the author of Futuhat, also agrees with the
sages [i.e. the philosophers.] On the matter of powerfulness (qudrat), they consider the
first condition (shartiya) [that God will create that what has been pre-destined to be
created] to be necessarily true and the second condition [God will not create it] to be
impossible to be true. However, this proposition [of Ibn Arabi and the sages] supports
obligation (ijab). [That is, God is obligated to create whatever has been pre-destined
to be created and vice versa]. And as a result desiringness (irada) has no function
because God does not have to specify one of the two choices [between creating the
thing and not creating that thing].
The Mujaddid proposes that
If we establish that engenderingness is obligated (ijab) to engender [whatever God
Himself has chosen via His attributes of powerfulness and desiringness] then by that
interpretation, God is free from even a taint of obligation.

This difference is very fine and no one before me has explained it. The Maturidi
ulama have accepted this attribute [of engenderingness as a real attribute] but they
have not discussed this fine point. Among all the scholars of the kalam
(mutakallimun), Maturidis are the only ones who have been honored with this
knowledge because they follow the illuminated sunna of the “chosen one” [Prophet
Muhammad] meticulously. I also follow these great masters [that are the Maturidis.]

Allah (SWT) keep us steadfast on their true articles of faith by the grace  of the prince
of the prophets [Hazrat Muhammad]. The most complete and perfect peace and
blessings be on him.

Minha42
 

Question: what The Mujaddid told about vision of GOD?

Answer: That the faithful (mu’min) will see Allah (SWT) in the last world is true.
This is a matter that except the mainstream Sunni community, none of the sects of
Islam or the sages of philosophy allows it. The others deny because they equate the
unseen (ghayb) to the seen (shahid). And that is erroneous.
When the object that is seen is “without what manner” and “without how” (bechun va
becheguneh) [i.e. unqualifiable] then that vision would also be “without what manner”
and “without how” (bechun va becheguneh) [i.e. unqualifiable].  You should believe
(iman) in it but you should not spend a lot of time pondering (mashgul) on its nature
(kayfiyat).
Presently, this mystery has been revealed before the elect of the friends (khass-i
awliya). Whatsoever they [the elect of the friends] see, although that may not be the
true vision [of God] (ru’iyat), it is still some sort of vision. As the hadith says, “As if
you are seeing Him [ka-annaka tarahu]”

Question: In the future, [in the day of last judgement], all the faithful will see Allah
(SWT) with their own eyes but they will not perceive Him. Just like it says in the
Koran, Eyes will not be able to understand Him [la-tudrikuhu ‘l-absaru]. (Koran
6:103)
However, they will only attain two things, what are those?

 
Answer: In the future, [in the day of last judgement], all the faithful will see Allah
(SWT) with their own eyes but they will not perceive Him. Just like it says in the
Koran, Eyes will not be able to understand Him [la-tudrikuhu ‘l-absaru]. (Koran
6:103)
However, they will only attain two things,

 They will attain knowledge that is certain (`ilm-i yaqini).

 Through that vision, he will attain pleasure (iltidhadh).
These two things will be with (lawazim) the vision. And except these two, all other
things will be gone.

Question: what are the sources to acknowledge vision of GOD by sufis and sufis who
are alims in adition to sufi?

Answer: This is a most abstruse (aghmadi) point in kalam. The rational method is
unable to prove or conceptualize (taswir) it. The ulama and sufis (`alim va sufi) who
follow (mutaba`an) the prophets have found it through the light of the perspicacity
(nur-i firasat) attained from the light of prophetness (nur-i nubuwat). And they have
found it along with the other matters of kalam that reason is incapable or bewildered
in establishing. The Sunni ulama have only the light of the perspicacity (nur-i firasat).
But the sufis [who are alims in adiition to being sufis] attain unveiling and witnessing
(kashf va shuhud) along with the light of the perspicacity (nur-i firasat).
Note: Only the Sufis who are also alims attain both kashf va shuhud as well as nur-i
firasat. The Sufis who are not alims at all do not attain nur-i firasat. That is what the
Mujaddid explained in his writings.

Question: what is the difference between unveiling and perspicacity (kashf va firasat)?

Answer: The difference between unveiling and perspicacity (kashf va firasat) is just
like the difference between estimation and sense perception (haddasiyat va hissiyat).
Perspicacity (firasat) transforms concrete things (nazariyat) into estimated things
(haddasiyat) and unveiling (kashf) in turn transforms those [estimated things] into
things perceived by senses (hissiyat).
All the other matters where the Sunni community contradicts the rationalists (keh
iltizam-i tur-i `aql) ― they are also similar. They [the ulama of the Sunni community]
have known it through the light of perspicacity (nur-i firasat) and witnessed it through
true inspiration (kashf-i sahih).

Question:  rational consideration (nazar-i `aql) is blind in establishing or

conceptualizing such a matters like [vision of GOD]. What The Mujaddid told about
this point?

Answer: If the [ulama try to] explain those matters clearly (idah) then they would only
be able to conceptualize those [matters] and make [people] aware (taswir va tanbih),
they will not be able to establish [those matters] via consideration and proof (nazar va
dalil). It is because rational consideration (nazar-i `aql) is blind in establishing or
conceptualizing those [matters.]
I am surprised at those ulama! Those ulama think that they will establish those matters
via arguments (istidlal) and overwhelm the opposition. However, they will fail.
Instead, their opposition will think that just as their arguments (istidlalat) are weak
and faulty, their decisions are also weak and faulty.

As an example, the Sunni ulama have established on "being capable of action

(istata`at ma`a ‘l-fa`al)”. [For them,] the light of perspicacity and true unveiling (nur-i
firasat va kashf-i sahih) have established this true proposition. However, the evidences
and proofs that they have brought are weak and incomplete.
Their strongest evidence in support of that matter is that the accidents in two points in
time does not subsist (`adam-i baqa-iy i`rad ast dar du zaman). It is because if
accident subsists [in time] then that necessitates that accident subsists by accident
[instead of by substance] and that is impossible.
The opposing party has considered this evidence weak and incomplete and so they
have firmly held the belief (yaqin) that that proposition is also faulty. But they have
not understood that the belief [of the Sunni ulama] in this matter, as well as in the
other similar matters ― [all those beliefs] have been derived by the light of
perspicacity (nur-i firasat) from the light of prophetness (nur-i nubuwat).

But it is our weakness that for consideration by the opposing party, we propose
estimation and vision (haddsi va badihi) as a concrete proof (nazari). And we even try
to establish it [that alleged proof] through elaborate insincere arguments (takalluf).
Its result will be that the opposing party will not accept our estimation and vision as
proofs. In that case we have nothing else to do except to propagate these ideas and
bring them before others. Those with the nature of a good Muslim will accept it
blindly. On the other hand, those who do not have that good fortune in their lot will
deny it.

Question: why The Mujaddid considered Maturidi School of thoughts as superior over
Lashari School of thoughts?

Answer: The Mujaddid teaches us on the the exalted rank of the Maturidi school of
the dogmatic theology. The more dominant school is the Ashari school but the
Mujaddid followed the Maturidi school himself.
How superior are the followers of Shaykh al-islam Abu Mansur Maturidi among the
ulama of the Sunni community! They have considered it enough only to describe the
purposes (maqasid). And they have carefully distanced themselves from fine
philosophical debates.
Among the ulama of the mainstream Sunni community, Shaykh Abul Hasan al-Ashari
is the first one to deliver his propositions with fine philosophical arguments. He
sought to establish the creed of the Sunni community through philosophical
arguments.
It is daunting task and it makes the opposing party more ambitious. As a result, they
ridicule the leaders of the religion and leave the path of the [pious] predecessors (salf).
Allah (SWT) keep us steadfast on the decided decisions of the people of truth, which
are from the lights of the prophetness on whose owner be the most perfect and
complete peace and blessings.

Minha43
 

Question: On matters of kalam or dogmatic theology, how The Mujaddid’s beliefs are
in accordance to? What The Mujaddid told that believing in the existence of sun and
moon has no value when it is compared with the belief on matters of kalam or
dogmatic study?

 
Answer: God has commanded, Propagate the blessings of your Lord [wa amma bi-
ni`mati rabbika fa-haddith] (Koran 93:11) And so I am describing this great blessing.
My creed on the matters of the science of Islamic dogma or kalam (mu`taqadat
kalamiya’) is identical to the creed of the “people of truth” [.e. the mainstream Sunni
community]. I believe this creed in such a firm certitude (yaqin) that when I compare
that certitude to the certitude that I have on self-evident (badihiya) matters, [that
certitude on self-evident matters seem to be so weak] that it seems like a uncertain
matter, or instead a dream (zann, wahm).
As an example, when I compare the certitude that I have received from every matter
of kalam with the certitude that I have regarding the existence of the sun then the
certitude of the second type [that is on the existence of the sun] pales before the
certitude of the first type

Question: Why The Mujaddid belief is much firmer on matters of kalam or dogmatic
study as compared to the belief in result of rational consideration?

Answer: It does not matter whether the rational people (arbab-i `aqul) accept my
saying or not, indeed I think that they will not accept it. It is because this debate is
beyond method of rational consideration.
What's the mystery? The Mujaddid explains that the belief in the heart on the matters
of the faith comes to him directly from the Haqq as inspiration. On the other hand, the
belief on the existence of the sun and the moon comes to his heart indirectly. At first
his organs of perception gather the knowledge and then transmit it to the heart. And
the belief that he gains directly in his heart from the Haqq is much stronger than the
belief that he gains indirectly in his heart through his organs of perception.
The real meaning of this affair is this. Certitude is a matter of the heart. The certitude,
for example, that is attained regarding the existence of the sun is attained through the
sense organs. These organs are like spies who gather information in various ways and
transmit to the heart. [These sensory organs are] like spies [who collect information
and transmit to the authority whi.] On the other hand, the certitude that is regarding
any of the matters of the science of kalam, the heart attains it [directly] without the
intermediation of any one [of the sense organs. And the heart] receives it as an
inspiration (ilham) from God as a transmission (talaqqi) [directly without any
intermediary.]

 
NOTE: Therefore, the first type of certitude is the knowledge of certitude (`ilm al-
yaqin), and the second type of certitude is the vision of certitude (`ain al-yaqin). There
is a great difference between these two levels; [the first level, knowledge of certitude
is far stronger than the second level, vison of certitude.] Like a poet have written,
Does hearing resemble seeing?

Shanideh ki bud manand dideh?

Minha44
 

Question: when the sufi aspirant is free fom all desires other than HAQQ then what he
attains?

Answer: When by pure divine grace the inner realm of the breast of the sufi aspirant
(sahat-i sina’-i u) becomes empty of all wishes (maradat) and he wishes nothing but
Haqq (SWT) then at that time he receives those things that he sought (maqsud) at the
time of his creation [i.e. he receives God-realization.] Then he becomes capable of
real worship (haqiqat-i bandegi). Then if God so desires, He sends him back [to the
world, as a sufi guide] to nurture the imperfect beings (tarbiyat-i naqisan) [to God-
realization].

Question: At the time of God-realization, does God give him back desiringness which
he had lost before during his annihilation in Allah?

Answer: At the time of God-realization, God gives him back desiringness which he
had lost before during his annihilation in Allah.
At that time, Allah (SWT) gives him desiringness (irada) as well as free-will (ikhtiar)
so that he becomes free and independent (mukhtar va majaz) in both words and deeds.
It is like when a slave has been so permitted, [he attains freedom in his words and
deeds].
 

Question: at the level of GOD-realization, the sufi aspirant character becomes the
character of ALLAH?

Answer: And he molds his character in the character of Allah.

This station is where one molds one's character in the "character of Allah” (takhalluq
be-akhlaq Allah). Whatsoever that the possessor of the desire (iradat) wants on this
station he wants it for the others. And his aim (manzur) is others affairs (masalih) [i.e.
to help others], not his own affair. Just like it is the state of the desire of the Necessary
[in that that God needs no help from anyone even Himself, His sole aim is to help his
creation]. Verily Allah has the most sublime analogies.

Question: is this mandatory that whatever that the desirer desires will be fulfilled after
GOD-realization?

Answer: However, the desires of the God-realized sufi are not always met.
It is neither mandatory nor permitted (lajim, ja`ij) that whatever that the desirer
desires will be fulfilled. If it were, it would be tantamount to taking [the desirer as a]
partner to Allah (shirk) and incompatiable to his being a worshipper to Allah.
Hazrat Haqq (SWT) has said to his own beloved [Prophet Muhammad] (slm), You
will not be able to guide him whom you love. Allah guides him whomever He
wants [innaka la tahdi man ahbabtu wa lakinna ‘Llaha yahdi man yasha`u] (Koran
28:57). When the desires of the prince of men [Prophet Muhammad] (slm), may not
be fulfilled then what can be said about [the desires of] the others?

Question: after GOD-realization God may like all the desires of the God-realized sufi?

Answer: And God may not like all the desires of the God-realized sufi.
It is also not necessary that Haqq (SWT) would like every desire of the desires. Had it
been so, then Allah (SWT) would not have objected to some of the words and deeds
of that master [Prophet Muhammad] (slm). Like Allah (SWT) have said, It was not
appropriate for the prophet [ma kana li-nabiyyin] (Koran 3:161) He is not forgiven in
this verse. After that Allah (SWT) said, Allah has forgiven you (`afa ‘Llahu
`anka) (Koran 9:43). Forgiveness comes only after a fault. [So that verse implies that
the prophet must have made a fault.]

Question: God does not even like all His own desires, what are details about this
point?

Answer: God does not even like all His own desires, let alone all the desires of the
God-realized sufi.
At the same time, it should also be remembered that all the desires of Haqq (SWT) is
not to His liking e.g. lack of faith and sin (kufri va ma`asi).
For example, only when God desires so, a man may lose faith or fall into sin. That
does not mean that God like that. This is an abstruse point in kalam that would need
more detailed discussions to understand.

Note: It is because God desires these. Else these actions would not even exist and
people would not even do them. As God has stated, “Allah (SWT) does not like lack
of faith (kufri) from His servants. (Koran)So when the desire of Allah may not be to
His liking then the desires of the servant may not be to the liking of God.

Minha45
 

Question: to whome The Mujaddid said his leader (imam) and guide (pir)?

Answer: My leader (imam) on this deed (kar) [of wayfaring on the sufi path or suluk]
is the word of Allah (kalam Allah). And in this context, my guide (pir) is the noble
Koran. Had the Koran not guiding (hidayat) us, we would not have discovered the
method of worshipping the true god (ma`bud-i haqq).

 
Question: the wayfarer (salik) attains the characteristics of a blind traveller (musafir)
who turns his face towards everything saying, This is my Lord (h aza rabbi) (Koran
6:77) what further The Mujaddid told about wayfaring path and its experenice?

Answer: Every fleck [of dust] however small it may be (latif-i altaf) on this path cries
out "I am Allah". And it beckons every traveller (rawanda) on this path to his worship
(parast). That fleck of dust, if it can be qualified with “how, chun”, then it shows itself
in the form of “without how, bi-chun”. And if it is similar (tashbiya’) [to the worldly
things] then it becomes resplendant in the shape (hi’at) of incomparability [like God
is]. Here, contingent things are interwined (mutamazzaj) with the Necessary (wujub).
And newly-originatedness and primordialness (huduth, qidam) are sown together by
the same string. If it is false (batil) then it shows in the form of truth (surat-i haqq).
And if it is misguidance (dalalat) then it appears in the shape of good-guidance (shakl-
i hidayat).
As a result, the wayfarer (salik) attains the characteristics of a blind traveller (musafir)
who turns his face towards everything saying, This is my Lord (h aza rabbi) (Koran
6:77). The Haqq (SWT) praises himself by referring to Himself as the creator of the
heavens and the earth (khaliqu ‘l-samawati wa ‘l-ardi) and the lord of the east and
the west (rabbu ‘l-mashriqi wa ‘l-maghribi) (Koran 26:28).

Question: How The Mujaddid described his ascent (uruj) and experience of
wayfaring?

Answer: In my ascent (`uruj), all these attributes [that are fitting only to God
almighty] were presented before the imaginary idols (aliha’i mutakhayyila’), and they
[those imaginary idols] were forced (be-ikhtiyar) to reject (aba) [the claim that they
possessed those lordly attributes]. And those [imaginary idols] set down [below the
horizon to oblivion].
Consequently, I turned my face away from those [imaginary idols] saying, I do not
love them who set down below the horizon (la uhibbu ‘l-afilin) (Koran 6:76). And I
made the person of the Necessary Existence (dhat-i wajib al-wujud) my sole object of
attention (qibla’-i tawajju’).
All praise is to Allah who has guided us towards it. Had He not guided us, we would
not be guided. Verily the messengers of our Lord came with the truth. (Laqad ja`at
rusulu rabbuna bi ‘l-haqqi) (Koran 7:43).
 

Minha46
 

Question: how The Mujaddid described his unique relation with Hazrat Khawja
Baqibillah and companionship of Hazrat Khawja Baqibillah appeared as best after the
companionship of the Best of Men [Prophet Muhammad] (slm)?

Answer: There were four people who had more intimate attachments (mulazama) to
our Khwaja [Hazrat Baqibillah] than the rest of my sufi brothers. I was one of them.
Each of us had a unique belief on  Hazrat Khwaja, and a unique inter-action
(mu`amala) with him. [That is, each of us held a unique belief regarding Hazrat
Khwaja and in turn he produced a unique hal in each of us.]
I firmly believed that the likeness of such companionship and gathering (suhbat,
ijtima`), and the resemblances of such nurturing and and good-guidance-giving
(tarbiyat, irshad) have never appeared after the time of our master [Prophert
Muhammad] (slm).And I used to express my gratefulness to Allah that although I was
not honored by the honor of the companionship of the Best of Men [Prophet
Muhammad] (slm), still I was not deprived of an instance of the felicity of this
companionship [of Khwaja Baqibillah].
Hazrat Khwaja used to say like this about the states of the other three, “That man
recognizes that I can make others perfect (sahib-i takmil) but does not consider me
capable to give good-guidance (sahib-i irshad). And to him the level of guidance-
giving (irshad) is higher than the level of perfection (kamalat)." And about that man,
he said, "He does not maintain any relationship with me at all." About another man he
used to say: "He denies me." And whatever that we received was proportionate to our
beliefs.

Question: what is the source to get exalted pir’s superiority and perfection (afdaliyat
va akmaliyat) for wayfarer?

Answer: You should know that the disciple's (murid) belief about his pir’s superiority
and perfection (afdaliyat va akmaliyat) is the result of “love” (mahabbat) and the
consequence of the relationship (munasabat) [that he has with the pir.] And that is the
occasion (sabab) of benefiting (ifada va istifada) from the pir.]

Question: why it is important to give rank to exalted pir (guide) according to sharia?

Answer: But none should rank his pir higher (fadilat) than them whose greatness
(bozorgi va `azimat) has been determined by the sharia. It is because that would be
excessive (ifrat) veneration which is bad.
The Shias show excessive (ifrat) veneration only to the family of Prophet Muhammad
(ahl-i bayat) and that is their fault. The Christians, due to an excessive veneration,
have made Jesus (slm) the son of Allah and as a result they have faced endloss loss.
However, it is permissible if someone gives a higher rank [to his sufi guide] except
these [masters whose higher rank has been determined in the sharia.] Instead, it is
incumbent (wajib) [for a sufi to do so in order to advance] in the tariqa [or the sufi
path].
Now To give such higher rank (fadilat) is not according to the disciple's own volition;
instead if the disciple is capable then such a belief appears spontaneously in his mind
and through the medium (wasila) of such belief he attains the perfections of his sufi
teacher (pir). However, if giving such a higher rank is according to the disciple's own
volition and he tries to create such a belief against his true belief then it is not
acceptable and he gains no benefit by it.

Minha47
 

Question: how The Mujaddid teaught us on the zikr of negation and affirmation (nafi
va ithbat)?

Answer: The supreme degree (daraja’i `aliya) in the [zikr of] negation and affirmation
(nafi va ithbat) by the “pleasant verse” (kalima’I tayyab) la ilaha illa ‘Llah (there is
none worthy of worship but Allah) is this ― that you negate everything. Whatsoever
comes before you in vision, intellect, unveiling and witnessing (did, danish, kashf,
shuhud), all that may be sheerly pure and absolutely ineffable. Notwithstanding that,
you should include that under the la [no].

And the second part is that we should do this zikr by the heart, not verbally.
And with respect to the affirmation (ithbat) you will have to say (takallam) the
exceptional verse (la ilaha illa ‘Llah) which comes out in the homesteads of the heart
(qalb). There should be nothing there in addition to it.

You can't hunt the phoenix

O hunter! Pick up your net
Whosoever puts out a net hoping to catch the phoenix,
He returns home empty handed
Anqa shikar kasi nashod va dam baz chin
ke-inja hamisheh bad be-dast ast dam ra
Peace be on them who follow guidance and take up on emulation of  the Chosen One.
Peace and blessings be on him and his progeny.

Minha48
 

Question: how The Mujaddid comparatively described the Reality of the Koran, the
Reality of Kaaba, and the Reality of Muhammad (slm)?

Answer: The reality of the Koran (haqiqat-i qur’ani) and the reality of the Divine
Kaaba (haqiqat-i ka`ba’i rabbani) are above the Muhammadan reality (haqiqat-i
muhammadi). Therefore the reality of the Koran (haqiqat-i Koran) has become the
leader (imam) of the reality of Muhammad (haqiqat-i muhammadi) [on their
manifestations be salutation, peace and benediction]. And the the reality of the Divine
Kaaba (haqiqat-i ka`ba-i rabbani) has become the place where the reality of
Muhammad prostrates (masjud). Along with it,   the reality of the Divine Kaaba is
above the reality of the Koran (haqiqat-i qur’ani).

Question: what is the station of the reality of the Divine Kaaba?

 

Answer: The reality of the Divine Kaaba is in the station that is right above the
attributes, modes and colors i.e. the realm of God the undifferentiated one-and-allness
(wahidiyat).
There everything is without any attribute or color (bi-sifati va bi-rangi). Modes and
“crossing-overs” (shu’un va i`tibarat) are irrelevant there.  And making incomparable
and sanctification (tanzih va taqdis) have no place in that Blessed Presence.

 
 
 
 
 
There everything is such
That they cannot be spoken about
Anja hameh an ast
Keh barter ze bayan ast
This is a gnostic idea (ma`rifat) on which none among the people of Allah has ever
opened their lips. Nor have they given any hint or allusion.
However, I have been honored with this knowledge and I have been distinguished
before all my peers.
All these, I have received as alms from the Beloved of Allah and by the grace of the
messenger of Allah! The most perfect and complete salutation and peace be on him!
 
Question: how The Mujaddid revealed a unique insight that the reality of
Muhammad (SLM) would ascend to the station of reality of KAABA and station of the
reality of Muhammad (slm) would be vacant for the Prophet Jesus?
 

Answer: You should know that just as the form of Kaaba (surat-i kaba) is that before
which the forms of everything prostrates, the reality of Kaaba (haqiqat-i kaba) is that
before which all their realities prostrate.
Now I shall tell you a wondrous thing that none has ever heard before or none has
ever told before. By his grace and munificence, Allah (SWT) has notified this to me
via inspiration (ilham).

 A thousand and a few years after the death of the that master [Prophet
Muhammad] (slm), a time would come when the reality of Muhammad
(haqiqat-i Muhammadi) would ascend (`uruj) from its station and would be
 united (muttahid) with the reality of Kaaba (haqiqat-i kaba). At this time, the
reality of Muhammad would be renamed as the reality of Ahmad (haqiqat-i
ahmadi). And it would become the place of manifestation of God who is the
one-in-number person (SWT) (mazhar-i dhat-i ahad).
 And both these blessed names [Muhammad and Ahmad] would be realized
with that by which they are named (be-musamma mutahaqqiq shod) [i.e. these
names would ascend to the station where the the reality of Muhammad and the
reality of Kaaba both are stationed super-imposed onto each other.]
 The former station for the the reality of Muhammad will remain vacant until
Hazrat Jesus (slm) descends [in the end of times] and observes the
Muhammadan sharia. At that time the reality of Jesus will ascend (`uruj) from
its station and be settled (istiqrar) in the station of the reality of Muhammad
that had remained vacant.
 

Minha49
 
Question: how The Mujaddid described the excellenses of the pleasant verse
(kalmia-i tayyiba), La ilaha illaAllah "?
 
Answer: If the pleasant verse (kalmia-i tayyiba), La ilaha illaAllah "There is no god
except Allah!” did not exist then who would guide us towards Holy Being of God
(SWT)? Who would unveil the veil from the face of tawhid, the belief that there is
only God? Who would open the doors to the paradise?
The sword of la, the negation cuts off numerous human attributes. And by the
blessing of the repetition of this negation (nafi) makes countless objects related to
the world vanish.  The part of negation (nafi) in that [verse i.e. la] destroys those
false gods. And the part of affirmation [i.e illa ‘Llah] affirms that true God.
By its assistance, the wayfarer cuts through the contingent degrees (madarij-i
imkani). And by its grace (barakat), the gnostic climbs (irtiqa) the stations from
where he ascends to the Necessary (ma`arij-iwujubi).
 
Question: which verse takes the wayfarer from self-disclosure of the acts (tajalliyat-i
af`al) to the self-disclosure of the attributes (tajalliyat-i sifat). And then takes from
the self-disclosure of the attributes (tajalliyat-i sifat) to the self-disclosure of the
person (tajalliyat-i dhat)?
 
Answer: The pleasant verse (kalmia-i tayyiba), La ilaha illaAllah "There is no god
except Allah!”
When the broom of “la” won’t sweep the road
Then how can you reach the home of “illa ‘Llah”
?????????????????/
Peace to them who follow guidance and firmly follow the chosen one [Prophet
Muhammad]. The most perfect and complete peace and salutation be on him and his
progeny!
 

Minha50
 
Question: what is Sharfuddin Yahya Maniri’s opinion that the “two suras seeking
refuge” i.e. Sura Falaq and Sura Nas should not be recited in salats?
 
Answer: Master Sharfuddin Yahya Maniri (qs) has written in his Maktubat that the
“two suras seeking refuge” (mu`awwidhatayn) [i.e. Sura Falaq and Sura Nas] should
not be recited in obligatory (fardh) salat. It is because Hazrat Ibn Mas'ud (ra) had an
opinion that is contrary to the majority [of the ulama, his opinion was that those two
suras are not really parts of the Koran.]. Therefore, he opined that we should not
include these [two suras] in the minimum amount of Koranic recitation that is
obligatory (fardh) in salat.
 
Question: The Mujaddid also used to not recite the “two suras seeking refuge” i.e.
Sura Falaq and Sura Nas but why The Mujaddid started to recite these suras?
 
Answer: [Following him,] I also did not recite these two suras in salat. Then I saw
once [in a dream or mystic vision] that the two suras seeking refuge
(mu`awwidhatayn) are before me and they are complaining about Master [Shaykh
Sharfuddin Maniri], “Why did he take us out of the Koran?”
From that time onwards, I started to violate that prohibition and recite these
two suras within the [minimum] recitation (qirat) in obligatory prayers (fardh). And
whenever, I recited these two Koranic suras in obligatory [prayers], I entered a state
where I used to see amazing mystic visions (ahwal-i 1ajiba mushahadah).
 
Question: which reasons The Mujaddid gave for disbelieving Shaykh Sharfuddin’s
proposition about not reciting the “two suras seeking refuge” i.e. Sura Falaq and Sura
Nas?
 

Answer: The truth is that from the viewpoint of the science of the sharia, there is no
bar to reciting these two suras seeking refugein obligatory prayers (fardh). [The
reasons are,]

 [First,] if there were a doubt to its permissibility, it would violate the

incontrovertible opinion [of the ulama that those two suras are indeed a part of
the Koran.] It is because [the unanimous opinion is that] whatsoever that is
between the two pages [from the first page to the last page], all of it is the
Koran (ma bayna dafatayni qur’anun).
 [Second,] in addition to this, it should also be remembered that reciting
another sura after Suratu ‘l-Fatiha is only wajib, highly recommended [but
not fardh, absolutely required]. Therefore, the prohibition that those two suras
should not be recited [after Sura Fatiha in the salat, out of caution,] is not valid.
If it [the recitation of a sura or part thereof after Sura Fatiha] were obligatory
[only then those salats would not have been accepted at all. So one cannot say
that out of caution, those two suras should not be recited. [It is because in the
worst case, if it turns out in the day of last judgement that these two suras were
not part of the Koran, still those salats would be accepted.]
[In conclusion,] in no way is there a problem to recite those two suras after Suratu ‘l-
Fatiha. I surprised at the great shaykh [Sharfuddin] in this opinion! All of it is
surprising!
Note: Technically, even Shaykh Maniri’s opinion was that those two suras could be
recited, he only proposed that if you do recite those two sura after Suratu ‘l-Fatiha in
the first two cycle of an obligatory (fardh) prayer, you should recite a few more verses
from the Qur’an. It’s because for obligatory prayers, it is incumbent (wajib) to recite a
minimum amount from the Koran after Sura Fatiha.
Salutation and peace be on the prince of man and his pious progeny!
 

Minha51
 
Question: what are main benefits of taqlid, following the tradition?
 
Answer: He has an abundant share of the tariqa of the Sufis, instead from the Islamic
community (millat-i Islam) who possesses the fitrat, habit of taqlid, following the
authority of the predecessors and the innate disposition (jibilla) of imitation
(mutaba’at) abundantly.
Here the principal of affairs (madarikar) is taqlid. Taqlid of the prophets (slm)
elevates one to lofty levels. (darajat) and imitation of the sufis brings one to the
greatest station of ascent (to be blast off on a high ascent or `uruj.).
 
Question: why Hadrat Abu Bakr the truthful (may the Haqq be pleased on him)
became the leader among the truthful (siddiqun) and why abu jahl became the
leader of the accursed?
 
Answer: Hadrat Abu Bakr the truthful (may the Haqq be pleased on him) is greatly
endowed with this habit (fitrat). And because of this, he accepted the prophetness
[of Hazrat Muhammad] (slm) without any delay and became the leader among the
truthful (siddiqun). On the other hand, the accursed Abu Jahl could not favor himself
with that good fortune because he lacked the qualities of taqlid and imitation
(mutaba`at). As a result, he became the leader of the accursed.
 
Question: how The Mujaddid explained the point pir’s error is better than the
disciple’s correct practice?
 

Answer: The perfection that a disciple (murid) attains is through the emulation of his
own pir or guide. A pir’s error is better than the disciple’s correct practice. It is
because of this, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) used to desire to be the error of Hazrat Prophet
(slm) and used to say: "How I wish that I could be the error of Muhammad?” (slm)
Hazrat Prophet [Muhammad] (slm) said about Hazrat Bilal (R): "The sin of Bilal
is shin to the Haqq." Hazrat Bilal was a native of Ethiopia where Arabic was not the
mother-tongue and so used to mis-pronounce ash-hadu as as-hadu during the prayer
call (adhan) and the Haqq accepted it as ash-hadu. Therefore, this fault of Hazrat Bilal
is better than other's correct pronunciation. Like a poet has written:

Bilal's wrong pronunciation as-hadu

Ridicules your correct pronunciation ash-hadu
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

I have heard it from a friend that the supplications (du`a) that is suggested by the Sufi
shaykhs, if a shaykh makes a mistake in them and his followers continue to recite the
supplications with that mistake in them, in the same way that the shaykh used to
recite, then that [supplication] would have results. But if that [supplication] is recited
correctly, then there would be no result.
May the Haqq (SWT) keep us steadfast on doing taqlid of the prophets, imitating
(mutaba`at) the friends of God (awliya) and may He grant us the good fortune of
perfect taqlid of the Prophet (slm).

Minha52
 
Question: My Lord (Rabb) has taught to me (The Mujaddid) and has inspired (ilham)
this to by His grace and generousity (fadl va karam) about ranks of Prophets (slm).
What are those ranks?
 

Answer: Hazrat Muhammad the messenger of Allah (slm) is the noblest of all
prophets (mursalin), on him and on them be salutation and peace. How can I even
compare him with the rest of the human beings [who are not prophets]? Hazrat Jesus
and Moses (slm) have received their share from the station of the self-disclosure of the
person (tajalli-i dhat) in commensurate to their level and preparedness (al-martabati
wa ‘l-isti`dadi).  Allah (SWT) stated to Hazrat Moses (slm), I have selected you for
myself. (Wa ‘stana`tuka li-nafsi) (Koran 20:41) i.e. my person (dhati). And Hazrat
Jesus (slm) is the spirit of Allah (ruhu ‘Llah) and the word of Allah (kalam-i u). There
is a deep inter-relationship between him [Jesus] and that master (sarwar)
[Muhammad].

76, -7
Second in rank is Hazrat Abraham.
While Hazrat Abraham (slm) possesses the station of the self-disclosure of divine
attributes (tajalli-i sifat), still he also possesses a keen sight (hadid al-basar). Hazrat
Abraham (slm) also attained that elect condition () that our own prophet attained on
the station of the self-disclosure of the person of God (maqam-i tajalli-i dhat),
although there were differences in preparedness (isti`dad) between them. Therefore,
on this measure, he is superior to Hazrat Jesus and Hazrat Moses (slm).
Third in rank is Hazrat Jesus and fourth is Hazrat Moses.
After that, Hazrat Jesus is superior to Hazrat Moses and his level (rutba) is above
Hazrat Moses. He had keen perception (hadid al-basar).
77, last line
Fifth in rank is Hazrat Noah.
After these masters  is Hazrat Noah. And the station of Hazrat Noah (slm) that is on
the station of [the self-disclosure of] the attributes (maqam-i sifat) ― it is higher than
the station of Hazrat Abraham (slm).
However, still Hazrat Abraham has a unique rank (shan-i khwass) and a keen sight
(huddat-i basar) on that station that no one else has. And his [Hazrat Abraham’s]
blessed progeny have a share from this station due to emulation and compliance to the
rules (tabi`yat va fari`yat).
Note: The “blessed progeny” of Hazrat Abraham refers to his spiritual descendants i.
e. the Abrahamic community.
Sixth in rank is Hazrat Adam.
The rank of Hazrat Adam (slm) is after Hazrat Noah (slm).
Allah gives peace and blessings to our prophet and all other prophets. My Lord
(Rabb) has taught this to me and has inspired (ilham) this to by His grace and
generousity (fadl va karam). Allah (SWT) possesses the true knowledge!
  The Prophets and their Ranks
Rank Prophet
1 Hazrat Muhammad
2 Abraham
3 Jesus
4 Moses
5 Noah
6 Adam

Refers to the Hadith report, “The rich will enter paradise five-hundred years after the
poor.” This is reason this rich companion, Abdur Rahman ibn Auf, is reaching
paradise late.
 

Minha53
 
Question: Names and attributes of GOD have an end?
 
Answer: No, the names and the attributes have no end
 
Question: Why short journey ( sayr-i-ijmali ) is superior than long journey (sayr-i-
tafsili) in wayfaring (suluk) ?
 
Answer: because the names and the attributes of GOD have no end [no one can
cross them to reach person of GOD so sayr-i-ijmali is better than sayr-i-tafsili to reach
quickly to person of GOD (zat-i-ilahi)]. He is felicitious whose wayfaring in the the
names and the attributes takes place in an undifferentiated manner (ijmal) so that he
reaches the divine person of God quickly.
 
Question: why the path towards the divine person has been blocked for those
wayfarer whose journey (sayr) of that wayfarer (salik) who has fallen into the divine
names and the attributes in a differentiated manner?
 
Answer:  It is because the names and the attributes have no end
 
Question: Why the perfections of the Beloved (kamalat-i mahbub) are endless?
 
Answer: because the names and the attributes of GOD have no end
 
Question: those who have reached the end of the ends must return to invite people
towards God (da`wat). Why its important?
 
Answer: Truly, those who have reached the end of the ends must return to invite
people towards God (da`wat). Not returning from that homestead [that is the end of
the ends] cannot be conceived.
 
Question: why this statement (answer of previous question) contradicts those sufis
who have only progressed to the realm that is midway (mutawastan)?
 
Answer: However, this statement contradicts those sufis who have only progressed
to the realm that is midway (mutawastan) [along the sufi path of wayfaring, who
have realized some measure of perfection although they have not reached the zenith
of perfection] ― they do not consider it imperative (necessary) to return after
reaching the end that their aptitude (ability) will allow them to reach (isti`adadi). It
may be that they may return or it may be that they prefer to remain there.
 
Note: Therefore, those who reach the end point (muntihiyan) complete all the levels
that are to be reached (maratib-i wusul) [and reach perfection], instead it is
imperative for them to do so. [However, they complete those levels in an
undifferentiated or ijmal manner.] But there is no end point for those who journey
(rafteh and) in the names and the attributes (asma va sifat) in a differentiated
manner (tafsil). [So they never reach perfection.]
This is an elect knowledge [that has been given] to me. It is Allah who knows all that
there is to know!
 

Minha54
 
Question: what is importance of the station of good-pleasure (maqam-i ridha) and
how it is attained?
 
Answer: The station of good-pleasure (maqam-i ridha) is higher than all the [other]
stations of friendness (walayat). This exalted station (maqam-i `ala) is attained only
after the completion of [both of the segments of the sufi path, the segment of the
path that lies in the world of empirical things, which is traversed by] the suluk-
method and [the other segment of the sufi path that lies in the world of command,
which is traversed by] the jadhba-method.
 
Question: Question: It is obligatory (wajib) to be well-pleased (ridha) towards the
person of the Haqq (SWT), His attributes (sifat) and His act(s) (af`al). Indeed, it is an
integral part of our faith (iman) [to be so well-pleased]. Therefore, the common
faithful must possess this [good-pleasure]. So what do you mean when you say that
[good-pleasure] is attained only after the completion of [the sufi path by] the suluk-
method and jadhba-method?
 
Answer: Good-pleasure has both an outer form (surat) and an inner reality (haqiqat),
as it is for every other element (arkan) of the faith (iman). In the beginning, the outer
form is realized and in the end, the inner reality is realized. When someone appears
to be well-pleased towards God, then the external aspects of the sharia rules that he
has attained good-pleasure. This is analogous to attestation by the heart (tasdiq-i
qalbi). When you do not observe anything contrary to that attestation [of the faith]
in someone, then you may rule that he has attested [faith].
However, what we are talking about is attaining the inner reality (haqiqat) of good-
pleasure, not its outer form. [And the sufi realizes that inner reality of good-pleasure
only after he has perfected himself through the sufi path].
Exalted Allah knows the best!
 

Minha55
 

Question: How The Mujaddid gave strong comments in favor of following SUNNA
and rejecting deviations (bidats)? Why deviations (bidats) should be avoided?

Answer: Make efforts so that you may follow the sunna and avoid deviations (bid`at).
Especially it is critical to discard such deviations that eliminate the sunna. The
Blessed Prophet (slm) said, Reject him who will add any newly introduced practice to
our religion [Man ahdatha fi dinina hadha fa-hua raddun].
I am amazed at them who add newly introduced things (ihdathat) to the religion (din)
when that religion is already perfect and complete, and who seek to perfect that
religion by these newly introduced things. Aren't they at all worried that the sunna
would be eliminated (God forbid!) by these inventions?
For example, take the case of the tail of the turban. It is a sunna to suspend the tail of
the turban along the centerline of the back. However, many people have chosen to
suspend it along the left-side of the back. By this practice, they seek to imitate the
dead [― the tail of the turban in the burial shroud is along the left side of the back.]
Many people are following them in this practice. However, they do not know that this
practice eliminates the sunna. And takes one from the sunna to its deviations (bid`at).
And if they continue on the same course of action [in which they are not following the
sunna,] they will soon reach the forbidden (haram). Following whom is better? Our
Blessed Prophet Muhammad (slm)? Or the dead? Our blessed Prophet Muhammad
(slm) has been honored by a death that is before death [that the ascended masters who
are the God-realized Sufis also experience]. Some people want to establish a
relationship with the dead but they should instead establish to relate to our blessed
Prophet Muhammad (slm).
Surprising! In the burial shroud, a turban in itself is a deviation! What can you say
about the tail? Some ulama of the later times consider adding a turban to the burial
shroud of someone from the ulama to be a good practice (mustahsan). However, I
believe that adding anything to the burial shroud [beyond what is in the sunna] is like
changing the sunna and changing the sunna is like rejecting the sunna.
Allah (SWT) keeps us steadfast on the illuminated sunna of the chosen one and
salutation and peace be on its originator [Prophet Muhammad]! Allah shower His
mercy on him who will say amin to this prayer!

Minha56
 

Question: how The Mujaddid described reality of genies (jinn) and their limitations?

Answer: Once I was shown the condition of the genies (jinn). I had a vision,
“The genies (jinn) are walking on the streets like men. There is an angel over every
genie's (jinn) head and out of fear of that angel, the genies (jinn) are neither raising up
their heads nor looking towards the left or the right but walking straight. They are like
prisoners in shackles powerless to resist. They can do something only when the Haqq
permits them to do so. It seemed that the angels in charge have iron clubs in their
hands and they are ready to kill any genie (jinn) on the slightest sign of resistance.”
It was like a poet had composed:

It is God who has created evil and calamity

And He has placed the weak at the feet of the mighty.
Khuda’i keh bala’ va past afrid
Zabardast-i har dast dast afrid

Minha57
 

Question: how the Mujaddid refused the statement of Ibn-Arabi that the “seal of the
prohets” learns from the “seal of the friends’” and said friend that attains perfection
(kamal) by the medium (bi-wasta-i) of following his prophet and all his perfections
(kamalat) is one of the results from the numerous results of following the traditions
(sunnat) of that prophet?

 
Answer: The Mujaddid claims that
Whatsoever perfection (kamalat) that a friend (wali) attains or whatsoever degree
(daraja) that he reaches, he reaches there as the accompanied servant eating the left-
over of his master who is his prophet, and through following his prophet (tufayl-i
mutaba`at-i nabiyi khod). Had he not possessed the emulation (mutaba`at) of his
prophet then he would not have possessed the faith.  From where else would he have
found the way to climb to a high degree (darajat)?
Therefore if a friend (wali) attains an excellence (fadilat) from the partial excellences
(fada’il-i juziyya) that the prophet (nabi) had not attained, or if he attains an elect
degree (darajat-i khwass) from the lofty degrees (darajat-i `aliya) that the prophet had
not attained; then the prophet fully shares that partial excellence and that elect degree
[with that friend.] For [that friend] attains that perfection (kamal) by the medium (bi-
wasta-i) of following his prophet and all his perfections (kamalat) is one of the results
from the numerous results of following the traditions (sunnat) of that prophet.
p 80 l 7

 
Therefore, necessarily, the prophet (nabi) possesses all those perfections (kamalat)
completely. As our [Prophet] (slm) have said, He who establishes a good tradition
(sunnat), he will receive its wage and the wages of all who will practice that. [Man
sanna sunnatan hasanatan fa-lahu ajruha wa ajru man `amila-biha]. However, the
friend is the prior (sabiq, muqaddam) in attaining this perfection and in reaching this
degree (darja).  
[The ulama] agree that the friend may legitimately possess this type of superiority
over the prophet as it [this superiority] is [only] partial (juz’i). [And the friend having
that partial superiority over the prophet,] it does not go up against [rule that the
prophets are indeed superior] when everything is considered all-together.
The Mujaddid here criticizes Ibn Arabi who wrote that ???????????????
Ibn Arabi, the author of the Fusus [al-Hikam], has written that the “seal of the
prophets” (khatm al-nubuwat) (slm) have taken the knowledge (`ilm va ma`rifat) from
the “seal of the friends” (khatm al-walayat). I [the Mujaddid] refuse to accept that idea
and instead comply with the sharia completely.
The commentators of the Fusus [al-Hikam] have used convoluted logic (takalluf) to
justify [the above statement]. They have said, “Actually, the seal of the friends (khatm
al-walayat) is the treasurer of the seal of the prophets (khazina-dar-i khatm al-
nubuwat). There is nothing wrong when the emperor seeks something from his own
treasurer.”
However, the true meaning of the matter is what I have explained to you. The reason
why they are using convoluted logic (takalluf) is that they do not know the reality of
this inter-action.
Allah (SWT) knows best the reality of every matter, all of them. Allah gives peace
and bless our beloved Prophet who is the best of all men and his pure progeny! [Wa
‘l-salawatu wa ‘l-salamu `ala sayyidi ‘l-bashari wa `alihi ‘l-athari.]

Minha58
 

Question: How critically The Mujaddid refused Ibn Arabi’s idea that a friend or saint
of Allah (wali) may rise higher than his prophet with respect to his friendness
(walayat)?

Answer: The friendness of the friend (walayat-i wali) is only a part (juz) among the
parts of the friendness of his prophet (slm) (walayat-i nabi-i u). However high rank
(darajat) may the friend possesses, that rank will only be a part among the parts of the
rank of his prophet (nabi). Whatsoever rank that the part may have, it will be less than
the rank of the whole. That “the whole is greater than the part” is a self-evident
(badihiya) proposition (qadiya). He is an idiot who imagines that the part is greater
than the whole. For all parts belong to the whole.
Note: Ibn Arabi proposed that the friendness of a sufi may be higher than the
friendness of his prophet. Friends are focused towards God and the prophets are
primarily focused towards men in order to give them guidance, and secondarily to
God. And so while the prophet is superior is to the friend in his prophetness, an
highly-God-realized friend may be superior to his own prophet with respect to
friendness. The Mujaddid is criticizing that proposition.

Minha59
 

Question: which attribute (sift) is said to be sheer reality of GOD?

 
Answer: The unique knowledge about the attributes that the Mujaddid gives us is this
― the attribute of livingness is the most sublime attribute being the sheer reality of
God. So he is taking livingness out of the roll of the real attributes, where the ulama
has placed it, and instead classifies it as the “sheer reality” of God. However, the rest
of the ideas about the real and additional attributes are generally recognized among
the entire ulama.

Question: what kind of attributes (sifat) The Mujaddid explained?

Answer: The attributes of the Necessary (SWT) (sifat-i wajibi) are of three

types. They are,
1.                 The first type is the additional attribute (sifat-i idhafiya).
Examples are creatorness (khaliqiya), provision-giverness (raziqiya) etc.
2.                 The second type is the real attribute (sifat-i haqiqiya). However,
they are colored by the [additional] attributes. Examples are
knowingness, powerfulness, desiringness, hearingness , seeingness,
speakingness etc. (kal-`ilmi wa’l qudrati wa’l iradati wa’l sam`i wa’l
basari wa’l kalami)
3.                 The third type is the sheer reality (haqiqat-i sirf). The example is
livingness (hayat). No additional [attribute] is mixed with it. We
consider additional [attributes] to be things that are connected to the
world (`alam).
 

  The Attributes of      
God

  Type of attribute Definition qualities of Examples

the attributes

1 Additional Attributes that are lower level creatorness (khaliqiya),

attributes(sifat-i connected to the attributes, provision-giverness (raziqiya) and
idhafiya). created world many in many others
number
   

2 real attributes (sifat-i Attributes that higher level, knowingness, powerfulness,

haqiqiya). [except the relate to the person seven in desiringness, hearingness,
attribute of livingness] of God, except the number seeingness, speakingness
attribute of engenderingness (`ilm, qudrat,
 livingness iradat, sam`a, basr, kalam, takwin)

3 sheer reality Represents the The highest livingness (hayat)

(haqiqat-i sirf) sheer reality of God level, one in
number

 
Note: Livingness (hayat) is usually classified as a real attribute, however the Mujaddid creates a new
category for it calling it the sheer reality of God.
 
Question: what further The Mujaddid described about the attribute of livingness
(hayat), which is God’s sheer reality?
 
Answer: The third type [that is the attribute of livingness] is the most exalted (a`la) of
all the three types. It is the most comprehensive (jam`i) of all the types. [The attributes
of this third type] are the mothers of [all the other] attributes. The attribute of
knowledge (sifat-i `ilm) with all its comprehensiveness (jam`iyat) is subordinate
(tabi`) to the attribute of livingness (sifat-i hayat). The circle (da’ira) of the attributes
and the modes (sifat va shuyunat) ends on the attribute of livingness (sifat-i hayat).
This attribute of livingness is the door to reach God. It denotes the supreme level of
knowledge of God.
Actually, this [attribute of livingness, hayat] is the door to reach the the desired
destination (usul be-matlub). It’s because the attribute of livingness (sifat-i hayat) is
above the attribute of knowledge (sifat-i `ilm). You may reach that homestead
(mawtin) only after traversing [all the different] levels of knowledge. Be it manifest
knowledge or nonmanifest knowledge. Or be it knowledge of the sharia or knowledge
of the tariqa.
This knowledge on this attribute of livingness is sublime. Few Sufis know about this.
Very few people have entered through that door [i.e. traversed all the levels of
knowledge and finally reached the attribute of livingness.] Very few people have also
turned their gaze away from myopia and have instead cast their gaze towards this
[attribute of livingness.] If I reveal even a single secret of this station [of the attribute
of livingness], then I shall be decapitated. 
It's not proper to analyze His attributes beyond this
That what is concealed is the most beautiful
Wa min ba`di haza ma yadiqqu sifatuhu
Wa ma katmuhu ahza ladayhi wa ajmalu
Peace be on them who follow good-guidance [Wa ‘l-salamu `ala mani ‘ttaba`a ‘l-
huda] (Koran 20:47) and tenaciously follow [prophet Muhammad] the chosen on
whom and on whose progeny be peace and blessings.
 

Minha60
 
Question: Hazrat Haqq (SWT) is not blemished by any analogy (mithal) but still
analogies (mithal) are valid (ja’iz)? What is reference from KORAN?
 
Answer: Hazrat Haqq (SWT) is not blemished by any analogy (mithal). He has
said, Nothing can be His analogy [Laysa ka-mithlihi shay’un] (K42:11) Still,
analogies (mithal) are valid (ja’iz). And analogies have been permitted. For He also
says, Allah has the most exalted analogies [Wa liLlahi ‘l-mathalu ‘l-a`la]. (K16:60)
 
Question: The masters of the wayfaring and the companions of the unveilings (arbab-
i suluk va ashab-i kushuf) [i.e. sufi masters, they] attain peace through analogies
(mithal) [that they make of God in the worldly things] and receive comfort through
imagination (khiyal)?
 
Answer: YES, The masters of the wayfaring and the companions of the unveilings
(arbab-i suluk va ashab-i kushuf) [i.e. sufi masters, they] attain peace through
analogies (mithal) [that they make of God in the worldly things] and receive comfort
through imagination (khiyal). They see “without what manner, bi-chun” in the
analogy of “what manner, chun”. And they make Necessaryness (wujub) appear
resplendent in the form of contingentness.
 
Question: what is the actual reality of the matter “anologies of GOD” and what is the
right proposition described by The Mujaddid?
 
Answer:  The sufi traveler (salik) [who follows the faction of the Sufis who are
deviant, he] considers [worldly] analogy as identical to the creator of the analogy (dhi
mithal) [who is God]. And he considers [worldly] form as identical to the creator of
the form (dhi surat).
For example, these misguided Sufis bring divine encompassment down to the way one
objecy encompasses another object in this contingent world.
[This attitude of theirs has] even reached the point that they see the form of the
encompassment of the Haqq (SWT) in the things [of the cosmos. That is, they see
God encompassing the cosmos in the same way that a physical object encompasses
another physical object].
And the encompassment that they witness in the world [when one physical object
encompasses another physical object] ― they think that [that is analogous to] the
encompassment when God encompasses the creation. [That is, these misguided Sufis
think that God encompassing the creation is like when one physical object
encompasses another in this world, and that] is the true meaning (haqiqat) of the
encompassment of the Haqq (SWT).
However, it is not at all like that. The divine encompassment is [unqualified, it is]
“without what manner” and “without how”. He is far removed from being that which
comes within [the compass of] witnessing (shuhud) or unveiling. We believe that the
He (SWT) encompasses everything but we do not know “how it is.” Whatever that we
know are similitudes or analogies (shabh va mithal) of that encompassment.
 
Question: reaility of GOD and similitudes or analogies (shabh va mithal) of GOD are
two different things. How The Mujaddid explained this point?
 

Answer: We believe that the He (SWT) encompasses everything but we do not know
“how it is.” Whatever that we know are similitudes or analogies (shabh va mithal) of
that encompassment.

In contrast, the encompassment of God is “without what manner” and “without how”
(bi-chun va bi-chegun). And He is beyond being witnessed and unveiled (shuhud,
makshuf). We believe that He (SWT) encompasses everything. However, we do not
know the “how it is” or nature (keh chist) of that encompassment. Whatever [worldly
encompassment] that we know are similitudes or analogies (shabh va mithal) of that
[divine] encompassment. We will have to interpret the nearness and encompassment
of God in such a way that all that [we] witness or are unveiled [to us] (mash-hud va
makshuf) from that [divine nearness or encompassment], they are similitudes and
analogies (shabh va mithal) [of that divine nearness or encompassment], not the
reality [of the divine nearness or encompassment].
We believe that God (SWT) is near (qarib) us and with us (ba ma).  However, we do
not know what’s the true nature (haqiqat) of that that nearness and encompassment.
The prophet said in a (salam) hadith report, “Your lord will disclose Himself smiling
(yatajalla rabbakum dahikan)”[Hadith: unknown origin]. [And that hadith describes
God] in an imaginal form (surat-i mithali). For an image of the realization of perfect
good-pleasure would be a smiling form (bi-surat-i dahik). And when we talk about
God having a hand, face, feet or finger ― they also should be interpreted as imaginal
forms.
My lord has taught me such! And Allah chooses whomever He wants! Allah
possesses magnificent bounties! Almighty Allah! Bless our leader Muhammad and his
progeny and give them peace and blessings!

Minha61
 

Caveat
 
If there is any discrepancy or contradiction in this author’s description of the states,
raptures and ideas (ahwal, mawajid, `ulum, ma`arif), then it should be predicated to
the difference in times and contexts. It is so because each and every moment has its
own state (hal) and ecstasies (mawajid). And for each context, the knowledge (`ulum
va ma`arif) is different. Therefore, there is no contradiction or discrepancy.
For example, when an injunction of the sharia is repealed (mansukh) or changed, it
seems that it has reversed. However, when we consider that the times and the contexts
are different, then that contradiction or discrepancy vanishes.
Exalted Allah has been wise and helpful in this [discrepancy in the author’s
description]! Therefore, do not remain a doubter.
Almighty Allah! Bless our leader Muhammad and his progeny and give them peace
and blessings!
in noskheh keh mabda’ va ma`ad benam
ze anfas-i nafis-i hazrat-i FaKHR-i kiram
chun
in noskheh keh mabda’ va ma`ad benam
ze anfas-i nafis-i hazrat-i FaKHR-i kiram
chun