Understanding Tasawwuf: Practices, Objectives, and By-Products on the Spiritual Path

Lecture No. 27

Fahm-ut-Tasawwuf (English Translation)
Hazrat Zain-ul-abideen حفظه الله
Khanqah Rehmkaria Imdadia - H# CB 1991/1 Near Masjid Ameer Hamza RA, Street 4, Allah Abad, Westridge 3, Rawalpindi

Summary of the Lecture:

This session marks the beginning of Part 3 of Fahm-ul-Tasawwuf, focusing on the practical side of Tasawwuf—what a seeker actually does on the path of spiritual purification.

🔹 Essence of Tasawwuf (from Shariat o Tariqat of Hakim al-Ummah Thanwi RA):

  • Purpose: To attain servitude (‘ubudiyyah) and Allah’s pleasure (rida) through constant obedience and remembrance.
    • Structure: Two dimensions – actions to be performed and objectives to be achieved.

      🔹 Actions in Tasawwuf:

      1. Negative Traits to Remove (Salbi A‘maal): Arrogance, jealousy, greed, impatience, showing-off, love of the world, hatred.
        1. Positive Traits to Acquire (Jalbi A‘maal): Love of Allah, humility, patience, gratitude, sincerity, trust in Allah, contentment, and truthfulness.

          🔹 Objectives (Outcomes):

          • Servitude (Bandagi): Lifelong worship and obedience to Allah.
            • Nearness (Wusool ilallah): Attaining Allah’s pleasure and spiritual closeness.

              🔹 Means (Tools and Methods):

              Used only as means—not objectives:

              • Struggles (Mujahada): Speaking less, eating less, seclusion, minimizing unnecessary company.
                • Active Practices: Zikr (remembrance), Shughl (spiritual exercises), Muraqaba (meditation).
                  • Certain risky methods—like Tasawwur-e-Shaikh or Ishq-e-Majazi—should only be practiced under qualified guidance.

                    🔹 By-Products (Unintended Spiritual Effects):

                    Not goals in themselves, but may occur:

                    • Harmless By-Products: Acceptance of dua, Ilham, true dreams, Baqa, ecstasy (Wajd).
                      • Potentially Harmful By-Products: Over-absorption (Istighraq), influence (Tasarruf), Wahdat-ul-Wujud with intoxication, Kashf (spiritual unveilings), and Karamat (miracles). These can mislead a seeker if mistaken as final achievement.

                        🔹 Core Message:

                        Focus on obedience, sincerity, and Allah’s pleasure, not on mystical experiences or extraordinary states. Means and by-products are temporary; the true success is steadfast servitude to Allah