Umme Sara Blessing Corner

As we look around us- we see so many contradictions in the way people practice our religion. Even for a muslim who was born into this faith- it is difficult to perceive as to which practices are correct and which are wrong so the effect of this on a convert or a new muslim is beyond comprehension.

Often- due to a lack of knowledge on our parts in understanding our religion- we are "taken for a ride!!".

By none others than our own in the guise of a "so-called Sheikh" or a "so-called Peer" or a "so-called Rehber".

Today- the term - "Peer" or a "Sheikh" or a "Rehber"- is used loosely. Here I am referring to those who claim spirituality.

The claims are laid based on :

⁃ Being a Hafiz-e-Quran
⁃ Reading & speaking a little Arabic
⁃ Being the custodian of a shrine of a "spiritual & noble personality"
⁃ Or even simply having a long beard & wearing a "jubba"

Yes, indeed- claims of being called a "Peer"/"Sheikh"- is often based on the above reasons & is justified by having a group of followers (paid or unpaid) who follow you & sing your praises in front of people.

Though the above traits or basis are indeed honorable - yet the claim in actuality is unjustified. All Hafiz-e-Quran are not Wali's or Peer's. Speaking or reading Arabic a little does not imply that you are a Sheikh & being a custodian of a shrine of a wali of ALLAH does not make you by default a Wali- it just makes you blessed to be a Custodian of a Shrine of a Noble personality.

Growing a long beard & donning the clothes that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to be attired in- is a noble act full of love & respect for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but don't use that noble act for dishonorable acts!

Unfortunately, there is a "Market" for this kind of activity which has undermined the beliefs of our religion & the sacrifices made by the True Wali's of ALLAH- who had spent their lives- every breathing second just to gain pleasure of ALLAH & HIS Beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Spirituality is the essence of our religion which was taught by the blessed Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to the sahaba-e-karaam (RA)- who practiced Islam under the direct & blessed guidance of the Perfect of All Creations- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It cannot be denied yet its practice today is not as pure as it should be & its use is more for commercial purposes than for noble reasons.

The key concern that I would like to focus on in this topic is- what are the qualities of a True Sheikh/ Peer- so as not to allow people to be misguided & for non-muslims to use this as another reason to mock our religion & practices.

I have enumerated a few points to look out for while doing "bayah" on the hands of true Sheikh or a Peer- who HAS spirituality and can guide you to success here & in the hereafter. Please be reminded that I am ONLY discussing the qualities to be found in a Peer/Sheikh who claims to have spirituality and not titles related to pure academia.

1) Your sheikh/peer must be conversant fluently in the Arabic language because without it- understanding of the Quran, Hadith & legalities will not be possible.
2) Your sheikh/Peer MUST observe the Shariah in his day-to-day life including eating, sleeping, talking,etc.
- On the above point- I would like to elaborate- This is VERY VERY Important- observing Shariah is not limited to obsering Sunnah while eating or sleeping only but even during Bayah and other interactions with the opposite gender- there should be NO TOUCHING AT ALL- NOT EVEN A HANDSHAKE!

Often we see if the Shiekh is old in age- various female mureed kiss their hands or feet or touch them to gain barakah or faiz. This is completely HARAM. A man who is a "ghair-mehram" will remain a "ghair-mehram" whether he is old or young.
3) Your Sheikh should while advising you on your problems- (worldly or spiritual) should ALWAYS bring you on the path of ALLAH & HIS Blessed Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He should not give you tahveez ONLY and that's it.
4) Your Sheikh should be fully conversant & educated in Quran (including tafseer & tajweed), Hadith, Fiqh, Usool, Islamic history,etc- and must be able to cite references.
5) Your Sheikh should NOT pay more attention to your wives, mothers, daughters or sisters- irrespective of any age of the Sheikh or the female members of the family.
6) Your Sheikh should have a spiritual accession to Sultan-ul-awliya Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA) through to Imam-ul-Awliya Maula Ali (AS) to the Blessed Seal of Prophet-hood Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) irrespective of any salasil.
7) Your Sheikh should not automatically call the male members of his family be it their brothers, sons or uncles- as Peer's or Sheikh's because a Spiritual status is not an inherited one but declared through the Divine Law. So, the sons or brothers of a Peer do not "by default" become Peer's.
8) Do not expect MiRACLES from a true Peer/Sheikh BUT Expect Blessings & Mercy & love of ALLAH & of HIS Beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
9) Your Sheikh should not converse for long periods of time with the female members of your family.
10) Your Sheikh should not ask or request to be alone with the female members of your family without a 3rd or a 4th person present (it can be mehram or another female member of the family- preferably an older relation).
11) Your Sheikh should NEVER in any condition touch a female member of the family even during any spiritual session of curing or reading of the Quran. But, touching (as a gentle tap) on the top of the head is permissible BUT where there is a cloth in between.

The above list is in no way complete but yes, it has certain key points that a person has to remember & which will help them tremendously.

The above are based on real-life examples & happenings that a person can witness around them.

If anyone has more points to add- please feel free to do so.