You are here » Home » The Shadhili Path
The path of Tasawwuf is generally understood to be the inner, mystical dimension of Islam. It is a complex entity which have broken down into digestible chunks so you may reap the rewards of following The Shariah and the Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.W):
What Is Tasawwuf
Tasawwuf is a branch of Islamic knowledge which focuses on the spiritual development of the Muslim.
Allah sent His final messenger, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), as a source of knowledge for the entire ummah. He was the fountain of Quran, Hadith, tafsir, rhetoric, fiqh, and so on. After the Prophet (S.A.W), the scholars of this ummah carried and propagated each of these branches of knowledge. Because no one person can attain the perfection of the Prophet (S.A.W), who single handedly assumed all of these roles, various branches of the Islamic sciences developed. For example, Imam Abu Hanifah preserved the science of fiqh and after him thousands of scholars continued in his footsteps. Hence these scholars preserved the fiqh of the Prophet (S.A.W). Similarly Imam Bukhari and the other famous scholars of Hadith, preserved the words of the Prophet (S.A.W). The scholars of tajweed preserved the recitation of the Prophet (S.A.W). And, the scholars of Arabic grammar preserved the language of the Prophet (S.A.W).
Along these lines, the Prophet (S.A.W) was the model of spirituality for the world. His God-consciousness, deep spirituality, acts of worship, and love for Allah were preserved and propagated by an Islamic science called Tasawwuf. The aim of the scholars of this science was purification of the heart, and development of consciousness of Allah through submission to the Shariah and Sunnah.
back to top
How is Tasawwuf Related to Sufism?
Studying the life of the Prophet (S.A.W), the scholars who propagated the science of tasawwuf understood that a requisite for approaching Allah was abandonment of the common pursuits of the world. They often wore wool because of its simplicity and low cost. In Arabic the word for wool is suf and thus, those who wore it became known as the Sufis. Another possible derivation of the word comes from the root word safa, which means "to clean." Because the scholars of tasawwuf focused on cleansing the heart, they later became known as the Sufis.
I Thought That All One Needs Is The Quran And The Sunnah?
It is true that the Quran and the Sunnah are sufficient. However, at the same time it is also true that a teacher is required to master any subject. If the Quran was sufficient, then Allah could have easily sent the book without a messenger. However, he sent the Prophet (S.A.W) as a model of the Quran so that people could directly learn from his example. This then became the method of learning for each of the Islamic sciences. For example, each hadith that Imam Bukhari compiled in his collection of hadith is directly linked to the Prophet through a continuous chain of narrators. Thus, each person in the chain must have learned from someone and must be able to state who that person was. Similar requirements are present in other branches of Islamic science as well. The science of tasawwuf is no exception.
The Shadhili Tariqa
The Shadhili Tariqa is one of the many branches of Sufism, founded by Abu-l-Hassan ash-Shadhili. The main emphasis of the tariqa may be characterised as attachment of the heart to Allah Most High.
Sufism is an in-depth, spiritual science that involves itself with direct knowledge of Allah. This science can lead you from the limits of your egoic self (or the nafs) to the limitless secrets of Truth (al-Haqq) that exist inside you - leading to the Truth of who you are.
The Shadhili Sufi Way supports you to live your Truth as the path as a part of the world; with your family, in your job, through acts of kindness and caring, and through the helping of anyone who needs help; to see the Truth (al-Haqq) inside everything. As Allah has said, "if you love Me and wish to do right by Me, then love your brothers and sisters and do right by them". In this way, everything becomes a prayer, whether taking out the rubbish, playing football with your son, kissing your spouse, closing the business deal, eating dinner, or sitting quietly in contemplation.
What Is The Goal Of The Student The Shadhili Tariqa?
The goal is complete submission to the Shariah and Sunnah in order to attain purification of the heart and soul and to develop a true, deep, and lasting connection with Allah.
Is It Mandatory That I Learn And Develop My Spirituality Under A Shaykh?
A Shaykh of tasawwuf spends years in training in order to develop his character, mannerisms, daily schedule, outer being, acts of worship, and knowledge under the guidance of a spiritual master. They learn the essence of worship and practical implications of abandonment of the mundane life of this world from those who are models of god-consciousness. Further, they often spend years mastering the Islamic sciences of Hadith, Quran, tafsir, fiqh, etc. Each aspect of their training further connects them through chains of scholars to the Prophet (S.A.W) who, of course, was sent to connect creation to their Lord.
When you enter the company of such a Shaykh, their knowledge and extensive experience allows them to assess your spiritual state and hence, advise you on the best "medicine" to cure the diseases of your heart. Just as a doctor is trained to cure physical ailments, so the scholars of tasawwuf treat the maladies of the diseased heart.
What Are The Responsibilities Of The Murid (Student) Of The Shaykh?
The murid takes an allegiance with his Shaykh seeking Allah's forgiveness for past sins, shortcomings, and mistakes, and pledging to establish the Shariah and Sunnah in his life. The Shaykh then assigns certain daily exercises of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) to the student in order that they attract the blessings of Allah. Each student has a set daily regimen of Quranic recitation and dhikr, which, if done diligently leads to rapid progress.
How Do I Become A Student (Murid) Of Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi?
When someone is ready to accept Shaykh Muhammad as their guide. He allows them the opportunity to make a promise to Allah that will set the intention for their walking on the Sufi Path. This is called the Bay’ah. Shaykh Muhammad takes the hand of the student in his hand signifying a commitment to guide and be guided. This echoes the verse in the Qu’ran when Allah tells the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) that those who take a pledge with him are in reality taking the pledge with Allah. It is said by the Sufis that there is no arrival except at the hands of a guide. When we take the promise to Allah and follow Him and obey His orders, we take the key that helps us to return to our real Life, which He created for us from the beginning.
If you are interested in learning more about the Tariqa or in taking Bay'ah then please contact us.