
Tafsir 72:16 Keep Your Tariqat Path
Tafsir 72:16 Keep Your Tariqat
Stay Firm on your Spiritual Path
From the Realities of Mawlana Shaykh (Q) as taught by Shaykh Nurjan Mirahmadi.
A’udhu Billahi Minash Shaitanir Rajeem
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the rejected one
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
﴾وَأَن لَّوِ اسْتَقَامُوا عَلَى الطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسْقَيْنَاهُم مَّاءً غَدَقًا ﴿١٦
72:16 – “Wa alla wis taqaamoo ‘alat tareeqati la asqaynaahum maa’an ghadaqaa” (Surat Al-Jinn)
“And [ Allah revealed] that: “If they had only remained firm on their tariqa (straight path), We would have bestowed on them Rain/water in abundance. ” (The Jinn, 72:16)
Alhamdulillahhir Rabbil Alameen wa Salatu wa Salaam ala Ashrafil Muslimeen Sayyedina wa Mawlana Muhammad ul Mustafa ﷺ bi Madadakum an Nazarakum Syeddi Ya Rasool Kareem Ya Habeeb ul Azeem unzur halana wa ishfalana. Madad Ya Syeddi Ya Sultanul Awliya Mawlana Shaykh Abdullahil Faizad Daghestani Mawlana Shaykh Muhammad Nazim Al Haqqani Sultanul Qulubina Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani Madad Al Haqq Ya Hujjatullahi Mukhlis
A’udhu Billahi Minash Shaitanir Rajeem Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem. Atiullaha wa atiur Rasula wa Ulil amre minkum (Obey Allah, Obey the Messenger, and those in authority among you…) (Quran 4:59 ) And a reminder always for myself ana abdukal ajizu daifu miskeen wa zalim wa jahl, it’s by the Grace of Allah (AJ) that I’m still in existence. That we pray that Allah (AJ) accept us on this path of trying to be nothing.
9th Surat is At-Tawbah (Repentance)
Start Muharram with an intention to Leave Bad and Move Towards Goodness
Every month there’s a baab (door), and the people of the gate. They take awliya (saints) and those whom following awliyaullah through these 12 gates; the first of which, by the zulfiqar (two-spiked sword) with Imam Ali (as) and the last of which in the hands of Sayyidina Mahdi (as). And these are the realities of the moon and traveling the way of the qamar (moon).
The first month and the Sultanate of 9, the power of 9, and the 9th surat of holy Qur’an is Surat at-Tawbah. No Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem. So, this gate is a gate of realities, a gate in which to become zabiha (sacrificed), to be nothing. This way of marifah (gnosticism) is not going to allow the form and is not going to allow the head. So, the first month Muharram is Baab at-Tawbah. So, Muharram and all the difficulties of every nation of Allah (AJ) was relief on Ashura (10th day of Muharram). So this means that Muharram and the significance of Muharram, you stepping and asking Allah (AJ), ‘Make my way to you, ya Rabbi, with no haram. I’m asking to leave bad and make a hijrah (migration) towards goodness.’
8th Holy Month is Shaban – 9 x 8 = 72 is Reflection of 27
Malakut Controls the World of Form
The second month comes and the 9 times the 2nd month opens the power of 18. And the 18th surat of Holy Qur’an is surat of the Cave. So we’ve been into that many times, just for us to understand, that this is the 8th month (Sha’ban). And the 8th times 9 is 72. 72. 72 is a reflection of 27 and every holy night is on the 27th. It means then 72 has a secret with the heavens from the unseen world, not the seen. Because we have the mulk (earthly realm), and malakut (heavenly realm) and the malakut is the one that controls the mulk. The unseen controls the seen. The unseen atoms, electrons, they control the form. We only understand the form because we’re not going into our realities. Allah (AJ) describes it, ‘Kulli shay’ in Surat YaSeen. Malakut (heavenly realm) has everything and all power in it, it’s controlling this world of form.
﴾فَسُبْحَانَ الَّذِي بِيَدِهِ مَلَكُوتُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ ﴿٨٣
36:83 – “Fasubhanal ladhee biyadihi Malakotu kulli shay in wa ilayhi turja’oon.” (Surat YaSeen)
“Therefore Glory be to Him in Whose hand is the dominion/ kingdom over everything in heavens, and to Him you will be returned.” (YaSeen, 36:83)
72nd Name of Allah (AJ): Al-Mu’akhir (the Delayer)
72nd Name of Prophet ﷺ: Al Makin (the Firm)
As soon as we enter into the month of Prophet ﷺ, the holy month of Sha’ban, then the people of the gate, they direct us to the 72nd surat. They say pay attention and read from this surat its understandings. It will give a description of this gate that you’re entering into. 72nd name of Allah (AJ) Mu’akhir (the Delayer) and the 72nd name of Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ from Dalailul Khairat, Al Makin, the Firm. So, it means then these secrets, these understanding, as they’re entering into that gate.
Then their path is based on holy Qur’an. So Surat al-Jinn is then going to be describing the reality of this malakut (heavenly realm), and what going to be transpiring for the servant of the path. That they entered into the cave (2nd month), they understood the 27 and the Kingdom, and how to receive the realities of the Kingdom (3rd Month). They went into the 36th, which was the heart of holy Qur’an, the heart of Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ, Sayyidina YaSeen ﷺ. (4th month) And all the way now into the month of Shaban (8th month).
Be Loving Even to the Hand That Crushes You
Allah (AJ) and Prophet ﷺ, and awliyaullah’s inspiration, they give to us an understanding from a expression of Imam Ali (as) that be loving, even to the hand that crushes you. Be loving even to the hand that crushes you.
(كُنْ كَالزَّهْرَةِ الَّتِيْ تُعْطِيْ عِطْرُهَا حَتَّى لِلْيَدِ الَّتِي تَسَحَّقُهَا – (الإمام علي بن أبّي طالب
“Kun kazzahratil lati tu’ti ‘itruha hatta lilyadi allati tasahhaquha” (Al Imam ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib)
“Be the flower that gives its fragrance even to the hand that crushes it.” — Imam Ali (as)
This way is not an easy way, this way is, is nothing from the understanding of this material world. If you explain it to a material person, they think you’re crazy. This way is the way of the Kingdom of Allah (AJ). And we’ve talked on different occasions how every Prophet of Allah (AJ) had to take a path in which to be crushed. Why? To be in the presence of Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ.
Awliya (saints) are Roses in the Garden of Prophet ﷺ
This flower they describe is a rose and we call Gul E Muhammadi (flower of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ ). The rose is the sultan of flowers, the sultan of fragrances. We talked before that these flowers, that Allah (AJ) wants to describe, these are those whom buried themself in the soil of Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ. They took a path in which to annihilate.
So when someone doesn’t understand, it’s always by analogy. Where do you see annihilation in this dunya (material world)? Is a seed. The seed, and every seed in life, it thinks its something, and it thinks that that’s it, I am the best of what Allah (AJ) created. And people come and say, but you’re just a seed. 72:You didn’t reach to what Allah (AJ) wanted from you. Although you think you’re great and although whatever entrapment Allah (AJ) has put upon that servant, they think that they made it.
The Purity of the Teen (Soil) is what makes the Seed Perfect
They come into our life and say, no, no, these servants of Allah (AJ) – they (saints) understood they’re just a seed. And as soon as they plant themself into the soil, they understood that it wasn’t them that was going to be anything, but the power of the soil. So, it means the good teen (soil). When we say Sayyidina TaHa ﷺ, RasulAllah, Tahir ul Hadi (Purified Guided), and the perfected teen, a perfected soil. That whatever you plant into that soil will come out something perfect. Allah (AJ) not caring about the seed, the seed good or bad, doesn’t make a difference. They say, whatever I put into this soil is going to come beautiful.
﴾وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ مِن سُلَالَةٍ مِّن طِينٍ ﴿١٢
23:12 – “Wal laqad khalaqna al Insana min sulalatin min Teen.” (Surat Al-Muminoon)
“And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay (water and dirt).” (The Believers, 23:12)
We Are Seeds – Plant Yourself in the Reality of Prophet ﷺ to Reach your Full Potential
That’s why effacing, ‘Ya Rabbi, I’m nothing, I’m nothing.’ When they throw you into the soil, it means you take a path of isolation. You begin to isolate yourself, begin to distance yourself, begin to try to understand yourself. Reach to that reality, that this seed is not what I want. I want what you have in store for me. Plant yourself in this reality of Prophet ﷺ. The reality of Prophet ﷺ will come and begin to crush everything and bring out the flower that Allah (AJ) wants, the beautific garden.
Halaqa Zikr (Circles of Zikr) are Gardens of Paradise
That’s why Riyad Saliheen – these are the gardens of Paradise because their flowers are blooming here. Why Prophet ﷺ said come to the halaqas zikr and circles of paradise?
حَديثُ اِبْنِ عُمَرِقَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:« إِذَا مَرَّرَتْهُمْ بِرِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ فَاِرْتَعُوْا .قَالُوا: وَمَارِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ يَارَسُولِ اللهِ ؟
قَالَ:حَلْقُ الذِّكْرِ, فَإِنَّ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى سَيَّارَاتٌ مِنَ الْمَلَاَئِكَةِ يُطَلِّبُوْنَ حَلْقَ الذِّكْرِ، فَإِذَا أَتَوْا عَلَيْهُمْ حَفُّوْابِهُمْ ” رَوَاهُ التِّرْمِذِيُّ
Ibn ‘Umar (Radi Allahu Anhu) qala, qala Rasulullahi (saws):
“iza marra rathum beriyadil jannati, fa irta’o. Qalu: wa ma riyadil jannati ya Rasulillah?
Qala: Halaquz Zikri, fa inna lillahi ta’ala sayyaratun minal malayikati yutallibona halqaz zikre, fa iza ataw ‘alayhum haffubihim.” [Rawahu Tirmidhi]
The son of `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “When you pass by the gardens of Paradise, avail yourselves of them.” The Companions asked: “What are the gardens of Paradise, O Messenger of Allah?”
He replied: “The circles of dhikr. There are roaming angels of Allah who go about looking for the circles of dhikr, and when they find them they surround them closely.” [Narrated by Imam Tirmidhi]
Angels Carry the Fragrance of Sincere Hearts to Divine Presence
And awliyaullah (saints) explain that not only they’re circles, the ahlul zikr (people of zikr), but they’re flowers of paradise; fragrant, beautific flowers. When we reciting in the naat, each one who loves Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ, Allah (AJ) gives them a perfume from their soul. As they praise, they make a unique fragrance that the malaika (angels) are picking up the fragrance. They’re not coming to listen to our words. The angels have nothing to do with words. You can pray all you want with your fancy tongue, if the angels don’t smell the fragrance they want, they don’t come. If your tongue is speaking nice, but your heart is filthy, the angels stay at a distance. They don’t carry the kalam (words). They don’t carry the words of people. They carry the fragrance emitting from the hearts of those whom are sincere.
So, these are the gardens in which these flowers bloom with the love of Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ, each with a fragrance that the angels are carrying to Divinely Presence. So, then they understood to plant themself into that soil. As they plant themself they are annihilating, they becoming nothing.
Sayyidina Khidr (as) Was Sent to Crush Sayyidina Musa (as)
As they becoming nothing, then this way of marifah (gnosticism) begin to teach to them, that in that soil, is a lifelong process. So, those from the highest, then to the lowest. Highest were the prophets. Nabi Musa (AS), whatever was bestowed upon Sayyidina Musa (AS), it was not enough to be a messenger of his people. He said, ‘Ya Rabbi, I want where these two rivers meet. Where La ilaha ilallah meets Muhammadun RasulAllah ﷺ.'(Quran 18:60)
﴾وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِفَتَاهُ لَا أَبْرَحُ حَتَّىٰ أَبْلُغَ مَجْمَعَ الْبَحْرَيْنِ أَوْ أَمْضِيَ حُقُبًا ﴿٦٠
18:60 – “Wa idh qala Musa lefatahu laa abrahu hatta ablugha majma’a albahrayni aw amdiya huquba.” (Surat Al-Kahf)
“Behold, Moses said to his attendant, I will not give up until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in travel.” (The Cave, 18:60)
We’ve talked before, that he has to take off his taj (crown), his risalat (messengership), and go to one of my servants, a Muhammadan representative. And that Muhammadun representative was like a hand crushing a flower, very tough with Sayyidina Musa (as). Kalimullah, one whom Allah (AJ) spoke to. You didn’t think he knows all those realities? But he agreed, that for this path, we’re going to crush you. With whatever we bestowed upon you, you are famous amongst the people, but in our Divinely Presence, that means nothing.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the City of Knowledge and
Imam Ali (as) is the Gate
This way is based on crushing. This way is based on testing. This way is based on the quality of the character. And why then the owner of the gate Baab Hu? Who Imam Ali (as) Prophet ﷺ described, ‘I am the city, but come to Imam Ali (AS). He’s taking care of that gate.’
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : “أَنَا مَدِينَةُ الْعِلْمِ وَعَلَىٌ بَابُهَا، فَمَنْ أَرَادَ الْمَدِينَةَ فَلْيَأْتِ مِنْ بَاْبُهَا.”
Qala Rasolullah (ﷺ) “Ana Madinatul ‘Ilmi wa ‘Aliyyun Babuha, Faman Aradal Madinata falya’ti min Babuha.” (Hasan)
The Prophet (s) said: “I am the city of knowledge and Imam ‘Ali is its gate/gatekeeper, so whoever wants from the city must take from its gate/gatekeeper” [Sound hadith by Imam Tirmidhi in al-Awsat]
This is Garden of Nabiyeen, Siddiqeen, Shuhada was Saliheen
Prophets, Truthful Ones, Witnesses, and Righteous
So, means that gatekeeper comes in and teaches to us that you’re going to be crushed. And in that crushing, be sweet to the hand that crushes you because then this garden that they make, these are the gardens of roses. These are the saliheen (righteous), siddiqeen (truthful), shuhada (witnesses), taking from the nabiyeen (prophets).
﴾وَمَن يُطِعِ اللّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمَ اللّهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ النَّبِيِّينَ وَالصِّدِّيقِينَ وَالشُّهَدَاء وَالصَّالِحِينَ وَحَسُنَ أُولَـئِكَ رَفِيقًا ﴿٦٩
4:69 – “Wa man yuti’ Allaha war Rasola faolayeka ma’al ladheena an’ama Allahu ‘alayhim minan Nabiyeena, was Siddiqeena, wash Shuhadai, was Saliheena wa hasuna olayeka rafeeqan.” (Surat An-Nisa)
“And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger (pbuh) are in the company of those on whom Allah has bestowed His Favours/Blessings – of the prophets, the sincere Truthful, the witnesses (who testify), and the Righteous, and excellent are those as companions.” (The Women, 4:69)
All Prophets Sought Help From Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ
And even in the naat, all the nabiyeen (prophets) are being crushed to take from Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ. Then all we’re seeing in the naat that all the Nabiyeen are coming to your door to ask for help. Everyone who wanted to reach went into the garden.
شاہِ مدینہ ، شاہِ مدینہ
طیبہ کے والی، سارے نبی تیرے در کے سوالی
Shahe Madina, Shahe Madina
Tayba ke waali, Saare Nabi terey dar ke sawali
O Sultan of Madina, O Sultan of Madina
The King of Madina (city of light), The Protector of good,
All the prophets seek answers at your door, O King of Madina
The Essence of the Rose Only Comes Out When It’s Crushed
Then Allah (AJ) said that the beauty of the rose, your life is a stem with thorns. And you’re making yourself now a beautiful rose, but you, nobody really can appreciate your rose until I squeeze you. What’s a benefit of a rose that you can’t smell? Is it the color? Or no, we are the people of atter (perfume). We’re the people who love the scent of rose and gulab. Well, you only got the scent and the fragrance because the rose got crushed. So Allah (AJ) is giving a reality for this dunya (material world). That I’m going to make you into a rose. I’m going to make you be from ashiqeen (lovers). I’m going to make you deep into the reality of Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ. But your only benefit for humanity is if you be crushed. Because the rose, when it gets crushed, it releases a immense fragrance.
Broken Heart Awliya Release an Essence & Fragrance That Attract Humanity
This means the broken hearted, ashiqeen, they release a fragrance for humanity. The broken hearted and tested, they release a light, an oil, a fragrance, an essence for humanity that attracts people to that reality. It’s the fragrance, now you going into the reality of the rose. Who knows himself, will know his Lord.
مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهْ فَقَدْ عَرَفَ رَبَّهُ
“Man ‘arafa nafsahu faqad ‘arafa Rabbahu”
“Who knows himself, knows his Lord.” Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
You are in Rose-Training Facility at a Rose Garden –
How You Get Through the Thorns Determines the Quality of Your Flower
If he knows himself to be a rose, Allah (AJ) describing, ‘If you’re sitting on these carpets, you’re in the rose training.’ Even you say I didn’t mean to come, I came for 5 minutes. I stopped in accidentally. There is no accidents. There is no way, if you didn’t know this address, that Allah (AJ) would let you to come, not even if you’re the cleverest person. This means then is an understanding of our self. Who knows himself will know his Lord. If you know yourself, you’re in the rose training facility.
And that Allah (AJ) wants you to know in your whole life because a warning is coming, that your life is a stem with thorns. How do you get through these thorns will determine the quality of your flower. And if you able to get through the difficulty in life and actually begin to produce a flower that people are attracted. Their juzba, and their attraction, maybe thousands, maybe millions attracted to them. Because there is a flower now and it emits a fragrance. And Allah (AJ) want us to know, do you know how many of your flowers we crush to produce a little bit of oil? It means those whom love, their reality from Divinely presence is a continuous crushing. And it doesn’t matter because when we understand the reality, it doesn’t matter who is doing the crushing. It’s just your life is in difficulty.
Be the Flower, Not the Hand That Crushes It
You prefer to be the rose versus the hand because this is the school of the rose. If somebody come say, ‘No, I want to be the hand.’ That hand going to be crushed by Allah (AJ) in a way that can’t be imagined. That’s not a good place to want to be. Our life is to be the flower. Ya Rabbi, I’m trying to keep a way of love. I’m trying to keep my path of love. I’m trying to be an example of love. And Allah (AJ), when He says, ‘I accept, then I’m going to crush it.’ At that time, your fragrance and your beautific reality will be a rahmah (mercy) for this creation.
Sacrifice of Imam Hussain (as) is Example of How Others Come Against Us
We’re on the birthday of Imam Hussain (as). What was their example? We came to do good. They called him into Karbala. Come to teach us. Come to represent your family. And what they did? They slaughtered, slaughtered Imam Hussain (as). So, any Muslim who is complaining of their life being difficult, they come to our life and teach, you’re actually inheriting from our way. When you know that you being tested and crushed in life, Imam Hussain (as) comes and Ashabi Nabi ﷺ, (holy companions of Prophet ﷺ) all of them crushed. They come and teach, you’re inheriting actually from the real way of Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ.
That in your life is filled with difficulty. You came to do good, but this dunya (material world) is filled with devils. Doesn’t matter what they call themself, what religion they call themself, what tribe they call themself. Your own tribes, your own tariqa (spiritual path), your own path will crush you. Your own people that you think are your people, they will crush you. And this was the legacy of Ashabi Nabi ﷺ and Ahlul Bayt Nabi ﷺ. That we did what we did for Allah (AJ), not for the people because if you do for the people in life, people will crush you. They will come to whatever good they see and try to destroy it because this dunya (material world) doesn’t like roses. Whenever they see a rose, they want to destroy it. And this is the reality of life.
For Ashiqeen, the Only Source of Relief is Love of Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ
This is the reality of testing, where every type of mushkilat (difficulty) comes to ashiqeen (lovers). Because as soon as they become disturbed, as soon as they become in difficulty, as soon as they become saddened, they were trained to go back to the love of Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ, and praise and praise, glorify Allah (AJ), praise upon Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ, and they find the relief only in that love to Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ. And as a result, these beautific lights and beautific fragrances come.
Because Allah (AJ) want don’t be focused on the filthy dunya (material world). I’ll show you how filthy it is. As soon as you look, they going to attack you. And you come running back to the cave of Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ where you’ll find your only happiness upon praising Allah (AJ), and praising and glorifying the magnificence status of Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ. Hasn’t it happened yet? Don’t worry, it’s coming. So, somebody says, I don’t know what you’re talking about, Shaykh. Don’t worry, it’s coming. Nobody exempt from it. So, do you think you’re going to get to where you’re going to go without being tested like those who came before you? With their life, with their money, with their property, with their families, with their children. Nothing can be achieved unless we understand that reality.
﴾أَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ أَن يُتْرَكُوا أَن يَقُولُوا آمَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ ﴿٢﴾ وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ ۖ فَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ اللَّـهُ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ الْكَاذِبِينَ ﴿٣
29:2-3 – “Ahasiba annasu an yutrako an yaqoolo amanna wa hum la yuftanon. (2) Wa laqad fatanna alladheena min qablihim falaya’lamanna Allahu alladheena sadaqo wa laya’lamanna alkadhibeen. (3)” (Surat Al-Ankabot)
“Do the people think that they will be left to say, “We believe” and they will not be tried? (2) But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.” (The Spider, 29:2-3)
When in Difficulty, Remember Suffering of Ahlul Bayt in Karbala
So, on these holy nights, its remembering, say every time we think our life was difficult, they, knock knock, excuse me, we were slaughtered by our own people. They were calling azan (call to prayer) and waiting. As soon as the azan was finished, they were killing. Not me and you, the grandchildren who were playing on Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ. Why they didn’t see? Why didn’t they remember, that oh you are the grandchildren? Because they don’t care.
And Allah (AJ) giving for us an understanding. It doesn’t matter because awliyaullah (saints) understood that, you know, this is what Allah (AJ) wants, taslim, submit to Allah’s Will (AJ). So, they give us an understanding that this path of annihilation is continuous squeezing. Based on the darajat (station); if the darajat is high, their squeezing is high, because they emit more fragrance and more beautific lights.
Allah (AJ) says in Holy Qur’an To Follow Tariqa – 72:16-17
What Allah (AJ) says in 72nd surat of holy Qur’an, Surat al-Jinn? This is the surat for this month. Its realities for the arifeen (knowers) and those whom entering into that baab (door). Verse 16 and Verse 17 of Surat al-Jinn. Just the 16th verse for right now.
﴾وَأَن لَّوِ اسْتَقَامُوا عَلَى الطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسْقَيْنَاهُم مَّاءً غَدَقًا ﴿١٦
72:16 – “Wa alla wis taqaamoo ‘alat tareeqati la asqaynaahum maa’an ghadaqaa” (Surat Al-Jinn)
“And [ Allah revealed] that: “If they had only remained firm on their tariqa (straight path), We would have bestowed on them Rain/water in abundance. ” (The Jinn, 72:16)
‘Istaqamoo fit tareeqat’ (Stay firm on the path). So, when they don’t understand tariqa and even they say there’s no tariqa (spiritual path) in holy Qur’an. Allah (AJ) is clarifying, ‘No, no, there is.’ And this reality of Surat al-Jinn, Allah (AJ) is telling to Prophet ﷺ, to tell his community, and the horrible English translation, it shouldn’t be even read. It starts it off with, ‘And if they have remained on their tariqa. If they have remained on their tariqa, surely we would have given them to drink, ‘Maai’, water in abundance.’ So, after they described, the beginning of our life is about this flower, continuous testing, continuous testing.
Allah (AJ) is warning, that this tariq (path) that you’re in, this path that you’re on; if you’re not in a tariqa (spiritual path), your path is Islam. This is the path of your religion and your faith. If Allah (AJ) wanted you to even understand it greater, you wouldn’t have a doubt, and you would have been inspired to join a tariqa (spiritual path). Because he wants you to clarify your path, don’t say you’re just general Islam. No problem, that’s for the general people. When Allah (AJ) wants something even higher, He even defines it in Islam. Come to the tariqs (paths), these are the schools of the paths. Their whole reality, wake up, their whole reality is the path.
Stay Firm on Your Tariqa (Path) and Keep Your Feet Planted Deep
And Allah (AJ) is describing that this path you are on, stay, istiqam, firmly plant your feet on your path because you’re about to get smacked left and right. Don’t doubt it, don’t say no. Every difficulty and hardship comes to whom Allah (AJ) loves. Istiqam (firmness) is not something light that they write. They write some crazy stuff about idolatry. This has nothing to do with idolatry. This has to do with Allah’s order (AJ) that stay firm upon your path, keep your feet planted deep.
﴾وَأَن لَّوِ اسْتَقَامُوا عَلَى الطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسْقَيْنَاهُم مَّاءً غَدَقًا ﴿١٦
72:16 – “Wa alla wis taqaamoo ‘alat tareeqati la asqaynaahum maa’an ghadaqaa”
(Surat Al-Jinn)
“And [ Allah revealed] that: “If they had only remained firm on their tariqa (straight path), We would have bestowed on them Rain/water in abundance. ” (The Jinn, 72:16)
Awliya Are Like Trees and Mountains With Deep Roots
And accompany those whom they’re like trees, not like a flower on a rock. They’re evergreen. Mawlana would describe they’re trees, the Awtad – these are category of awliyaullah (saints). They’re Qutubs and they’re Awtad. The Awtads are like player, pegs, they dig deep.
﴾وَالْجِبَالَ أَوْتَادًا ﴿٧
78:7 – “Wal jibala awtadan.” (Surat An-Naba)
“And Mountains like Pegs.” (The Tidings, 78:7)
But in the world of analogy of trees, their roots are very deep. Their istiqam (firmness), Allah (AJ) gave them roots that go very deep, and as a result, they’re continuously being tested and slapped left and right, and they barely move. And they remain green, they remain green. In a world that is ever dying, and plants they come and go and trees that come and go, they’re in a continuous state of Hay (ever-living). The green signifies the hayat (ever-living). Their roots deeply planted and Allah (AJ) says accompany them.
﴾يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ ﴿١١٩
9:119 – “Ya ayyuhal ladheena amanoo ittaqollaha wa kono ma’as sadiqeen.” (Surat At-Tawba)
“O you who have believed, have consciousness of Allah and be with those who are truthful/ Pious /sincere (in words and deed).” (The Repentance, 9:119)
Secret of Maai – Meem and Alif –
Nothing Comes between Allah (AJ) and Sayyidina Muhammad (saws)
Keep your istiqam, and surely if you keep your path, we’re going to dress you from maai (water). Why maai? Because these are Ahlul Hayat. Why Allah (AJ) describe from maai, that My Qudra, My Power, My Arsh (throne) is upon that maai.
﴾ وَكَانَ عَرْشُهُ عَلَى الْمَاءِ… ﴿٧
11:7 – “… wa kana ‘arshuhu ‘alal maa …” (Surat Hud)
“…And His Throne had been upon water …” (Hud, 11:7)
What is maai? Meem Alif. There is nothing between Meem and Alif. This is Izzatullahi wa Izzathi Rasul. Every reality comes from that maai because the reality of that maai (water), that nothing come between Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ and Allah (AJ). So, then the reverse is ummi (Alif Meem) Why you say ummi? There is no teacher between Allah (AJ) and Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ. The other way is maai. Understood? It’s not he’s unlettered. These crazy people say like that. It’s that Allah (AJ) didn’t allow anyone to teach Prophet ﷺ. He’s not in need of anyone to teach, ‘Wa Shadeed al-Quwa.’ Allah (AJ) said he has been taught by one whom extreme in power – Allah (AJ) directly! [Img]
﴾عَلَّمَهُ شَدِيدُ الْقُوَىٰ ﴿٥
53:5 – “Allamahu shadeedul quwa.” (Surat An-Najm)
“He was taught by one Mighty in Power.” (The Star, 53:5)
If You Stay Firm, Allah (AJ) Shower You With Maai and Oceans of Hayat
So, the secret of maai, Allah (AJ) say, ‘I am going to dress you, give you abundance of water.’ This means through these difficulties you think you’re going to be experiencing? With your training, you should be in oceans of water from us, oceans of hayat (ever-living), oceans of power from our Divinely Presence. This dunya (material world) will crush you, but we will be raising you in heavens. You be dressed from the realities of maai. You be dressed by the realities of this qudrat and these lights, and these blessings. Keep upon your path.
Stay Firm On Your Tariqa Through Testing
Then we’ll go quickly to the next verse 17th.
﴾لِّنَفْتِنَهُمْ فِيهِ ۚ وَمَن يُعْرِضْ عَن ذِكْرِ رَبِّهِ يَسْلُكْهُ عَذَابًا صَعَدًا ﴿١٧
72:17 – “Linaftinahum feeh; wa many yu’rid ‘an zikri rabbihee yasluk hu ‘azaaban sa’adaa” (Surat Al-Jinn)
“That We might Test them by that (means). But if any turns away from the remembrance of his Lord, He will cause him to undergo a severe punishment.” (The Jinn, 72:17)
It means keep your tariqa (spiritual path). Allah (AJ) don’t, don’t, don’t guess on what he’s talking about. Allah (AJ) then define, no, yeah, he was talking correctly. That tariqa (spiritual path), and then Allah (AJ) describes them, ‘That we might test them’. Keep istiqam (firmness) and your way, everything going to be a fitna. Your wife and children will be a fitna for you.
﴾يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّ مِنْ أَزْوَاجِكُمْ وَأَوْلَادِكُمْ عَدُوًّا لَّكُمْ فَاحْذَرُوهُمْ ۚ وَإِن تَعْفُوا وَتَصْفَحُوا وَتَغْفِرُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّـهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ﴿١٤
64:14 – “Yaaa ayyuhal lazeena aamanooo inna min azwaaji kum wa awlaadikum ‘aduwwal lakum fahzaroohum; wa in ta’foo wa tasfahoo wa taghfiroo fa innal laaha ghafoorur Raheem” (Surat At-Taghabun, 64:14)
“O ye who believe! Truly, among your wives and your children are (some that are) enemies to yourselves: so beware of them! But if ye forgive and overlook, and cover up (their faults), verily Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (The Mutual Disillusion, 64:14)
If You Leave the Circles of Zikr, You Will Be Tested By Other Means
Everything in your life will be a difficulty for you, and Allah (AJ) says, ‘Well, you better stay firm on your belief’. And why? ‘So that we may test them’. Therein and whoever turns away means the tariq (path), your path is going to be testing. Whomever turns away from zikrullah (remembrance), whoever turns away from the zikr of Allah (AJ), he will make him to enter a punishment severe. With reward, comes danger. With reward, comes danger. Allah (AJ) warns us, ‘This station I want to give to you, is not because you get to eat nice food and make zikr. But I want to raise your darajat (station) and raise your reality, want to dress upon you every ocean of reality. Stay firm onto your belief and on your practices.’
And if for any moment you think, in your cleverness, that I will walk up and leave the zikr (remembrance) of Allah (AJ). They say, ‘Oh the zikr (remembrance) of Allah (AJ) is this and this’. No, no, the zikr of Allah (AJ) is zikr. And to be from the people of zikrullah. And that they sit in circles and halaqas and they praise upon Allah (AJ), and they praise upon Allah’s (AJ) most beloved (Prophet Muhammad ﷺ).
If you leave that, know that difficulty will be coming. Why? Because this station that Allah (AJ) wanted to grant, He will grant it, because He loves you. He will grant it whether you sit on the ground doing the practices or whether you think you’re going to run into the world and do whatever crazy thing you want to do. You will get your cleansing in that world. This means every difficulty and hardship will begin to come towards that servant until they reach the goal that Allah (AJ) wanted them to reach. You can reach with a beautific…sit there do zikr, praise, cry, and love Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ. Or you go the other way and every difficulty comes and crushes you, collapses you until all your crying, your blood and your sweat, and your tears, and you’ll still achieve what Allah (AJ) wanted this servant to achieve.
So, we pray that Allah (AJ) inspire us to achieve it through goodness, through good practices, through ease, not through egoism inshaAllah.
Subhana rabbika rabbal ‘izzati ‘amma yasifoon, wa salaamun ‘alal mursaleen, walhamdulillahi rabbil ‘aalameen. Bi hurmati Muhammad al-Mustafa wa bi sirri surat al-Fatiha.
Special thanks to our transcribers for their help with transcribing this suhbah.
Original date of suhbat: April 21, 2018
Related Articles:
- Don’t Be a Seed, Be a Tree
- Secrets of Khalwah (Seclusion), Punishment of the Grave
- I am the City of Knowledge and Ali (as) is Its Gate
- Imam Hussain (as) Is Our Hero
- The Way of Testing is to Remain Silent and Have Good Character
Please Donate and support us to spread these heavenly knowledges.
Copyright © 2019 Naqshbandi Islamic Center of Vancouver, All Rights Reserved.