The nascent desire to spiritually progress and draw nearer to Allāh Ta‘ālā is a profound blessing, known as Divine success (Tawfīq). This feeling is a sensitive and honourable guest from the Almighty; it must be welcomed and capitalized upon while it is still fresh. If this spiritual inclination is neglected or treated with indifference, this precious Tawfīq may fade, making it difficult to rekindle the motivation for inner development in the future.
The Necessity of a Spiritual Guide
For those encountering difficulty in spiritual progress on their own, seeking the assistance of an experienced spiritual guide (Ulama or Murshid) is highly recommended. A truly qualified guide can help easily propel the seeker to greater heights of spirituality by illuminating the pitfalls of the ego and mapping out the precise steps of the spiritual journey (Sulūk).
Guidelines for Choosing an Appropriate Spiritual Guide (Murshid)
The process of selecting a guide must be approached with utmost seriousness, as the guide will impact the seeker’s innermost spiritual state. The following criteria are essential markers of a qualified Murshid:
- Sufficient Knowledge of Dīn: The guide must possess a robust, comprehensive understanding of the entire Islamic faith and its sciences.
- Adherence to Sharī‘ah: His beliefs, practices, and habits must strictly conform to the teachings of Sharī‘ah (Islamic Law). Deviations in practice or belief invalidate his guidance.
- Renunciation of Worldly Greed: He does not have greed for worldly things and is not motivated by wealth, fame, or material gain.
- Tutelage and Authority: He himself must have been tutored by a spiritual guide who established a chain of verified spiritual lineage (Silsilah).
- ‘Ulamā’ Confidence: The respected ‘Ulamā’ (scholars) and the pious individuals must have confidence in him and acknowledge his spiritual integrity.
- Following of the Insightful: People with good foresight and sound understanding of Dīn follow his teachings and example.
- Quality of Followers: The majority of his followers are pious and actively renounce excessive worldly gains, demonstrating the positive effect of his training.
- Corrective Action: He actively corrects his followers and immediately stops them when they commit wrong, acting as a spiritual physician.
- Effect of Company: Even a few days in his company must demonstrate a noticeable spiritual effect: it should remove the love of the world (Dunyā) and instill within the person the love of Allāh Ta‘ālā.
- Consciousness of Allāh: He himself is personally conscious of Allāh (Muraqabah and Taqwa) and meticulously abides by the laws of Sharī‘ah.
Immediate Spiritual Practices for the Seeker
While the seeker diligently attempts to identify a suitable spiritual guide, they should not neglect their immediate obligations and recommended practices. It is crucial to be steadfast on all obligatory prayers (Farā’iḍ).
In addition, the seeker should allocate specific time for the following highly recommended practices (Awrad):
- Qur’ānic Recitation:
- Read Sūrah Yā-Sīn in the beginning of the day (after Fajr).
- Read Sūrah Tabārak (Al-Mulk) and Sūrah Wāqi‘ah before going to bed.
- Daily Tasbīḥāt (Remembrances): Dedicate a fifteen-minute period in both the morning and evening to engage in the following three recitations (Tasbīḥāt):
- The Third Kalimah (Declaration of Glory and Oneness): Recite one hundred times.
- Durūd Sharīf (Salutations upon the Prophet, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam): Recite one hundred times.
- Istighfār (Seeking Forgiveness): Recite one hundred times.
These Tasbīḥāt must be performed with full concentration and sincere love for Allāh Ta‘ālā to ensure their spiritual effect penetrates the heart.