This is an English translation and explanation of a popular book named هدايه الاذكياء الي طريق الاولياء (Guidance Of Intelligent Towards The Way Of Awlia) written by Zainuddeen Bin Ali Bin Ahmed Al Malabari (AH 873-928). It is regarded as the formal textbook in Tasawwuf in all Arabic Colleges in Kerala. Many commentaries and explanations are written to elaborate on the meaning of the poem by different Arab scholars.
Leaving the means of livelihood on the pretext of Tawakkul doesn’t make any sense. Tawakkul has different aspects and it changes according to the people involved. In any circumstance, Tawakkul should not contradict any established law of Shariah
Sincerity is the backbone of a Muslim’s life. Allah will not accept anyone’s worship if it is not done in a sincere way. One who… Read More »Sincerity (الإخْلاص)
Following the path of the prophet is very important in the life of a Muslim. His acts and sayings should be strictly followed. The famous book compiled by Imam Nawawi , Riyadu Saliheen, is a popular one with regard to the study of prophet’s sayings. One should not forget to perform Fard (Wajib), because Fard is better than Sunnah. Even performing an act of Sunnah a thousand times is not equivalent to performing an act of Fard.
Shiekh Zainudin here says that studying these three basic branches of knowledge: Aqeeda (Islamic theology), Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and Tasawwuf (Islamic mysticism) is the Fard Ain or personal obligation of every Muslim.
One can maintain Zuhd in all walks of life. Doing activities such as business, marriage, job, and socialization are not against maintaining Zuhd. The substance of Zuhd is to consider wealth as nothing and to make sure that his heart is not connected in any way with his health. Neither having money nor a lack of money bothers him. It is a state of love for Allah that makes him neglect everything other than Allah.
Contentment means to be satisfied with what Allah has given, even if it is slight, and not to look to what is in the other’s hand. It is regarded as the mark of sincere faith in Allah. The Prophet says:
Tawbah or repentance has significant importance in a Muslim’s life. The author promised us that he would explain the path to Allah and began it with repentance. This topic has been thoroughly explored in almost all Sufi books
According to the author, only Faqeeh (jurist) is entitled to be a Sheikh. His knowledge of Fiqh should be applied practically throughout his life. Tariqah is meant to be an easy way to enforce and apply the knowledge of Fiqh in his life. Eventually he may reach Haqiqah, the core of Tasawwuf . One of the major misconceptions about Tariqah is that it is a shortcut way towards Allah, without giving much importance to Fiqh rules. In fact, Tariqah is the shortcut to applying Sharia in practical life.
Sheik Zainuddeen explains in the above lines how to reach to the stage the Haqiqah with examples.
He also provoides examples for all three stages of Tawawwuf: Sharia, Tariqa and Haqiqa.
He compared Sharia with a ship and Tariqah with a sea and Haqiqah with a pearl.
Piety (Taqwa) is the backbone of all good deeds. Given the fact that this book Adhkia is dedicated to someone who wants to be Waliy (true believer with high rank), the author Sheikh Zainuddeen categorically begins the book with Taqwa, the highest character of a Muslim.