The correct route

If you have taken the correct route, then you can reach your destination by a single step also. But a lifetime also will not be enough to reach your destination if you have taken the wrong direction. Speaking of the Shari'ah and the Deen, the Sunnah of Rassouloullah ‎(Sallallaahou A'laihi Wasallam) is the right way for a person to reach his destination with ease and safety.

As for Bid'ah, which is in the opposite direction of Sunnah, it only makes the person go further away from his destination. Each step takes him further away from his destination. Not only has the person himself exhausted in vain, but he also deprives himself of the Shafaa'at of Nabi ‎(Sallallaahou A'laihi Wasallam) due to going against his Sunnah. So it is very important to accomplish 'Ibaadaat by observing the Mubaarak Tarîqah of Nabî ‎(Sallallaahou A'laihi Wasallam). We should not use our logic to suggest another way of doing 'Ibaadah.

If a practice is an 'Ibaadah, then there must be a Sunnah way to accomplish it also. It must be sought in the teachings of the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam and the Taabi'in. This knowledge is obtained with great ease in the research of the Fuqahaa (jurists) who know the degree of each practice better as well as the most appropriate way of accomplishing it. Therefore, they are those who deserve to be followed.

The Nour-e-Baseerah (Internal Nour) that Allah Ta'aala has granted them, enables them to analyze a practice meticulously and thoroughly from all angles. Not only do they analyze a practice in its current context but they take into consideration the evolution and development of this practice and the form it can take in future. Therefore, in some cases, they can be seen to prevent a certain practice in its initial stage although it seems to be effective and interesting. They take action quickly so that it is not too late when this practice has already taken root and has already gained momentum.

The Fouqahaa such as Hazrat Imaam Abu Hanîfah (R), Hazrat Imaam Malik (R), Hazrat Imaam Shaafi'i (R) and Hazrat Imaam Ahmad Bin Hambal are those who have preserved the boundaries of Deen against all perverse, deviates and innovators. They always acted as a fortress against all those who have tried to add or subtract something from the Deen. They presented the Deen in its real and original form. The interpretation and correct implementation of the Deen lies in their teaching.

On the other hand, the Mashaaik and spiritual guides have focused on reformation to free the soul of its diseases such as arrogance, pride, jealousy, egoism, vanity, etc. If we ponder carefully, we would see that this branch is the most essential of all, but unfortunately it is this same branch which is the most neglected, to such an extent that even those who know its importance and its indispensability like the Ulamaa also, do not attach the importance that it requires to it. It is important and indispensable as it develops the will to apply the knowledge that a person has acquired properly. Sometimes a person knows something, but either he practices it as required or practice it according to his personal interest. This branch corrects these anomalies and makes a person practice the Shari'ah for the pleasure of Allah Ta'aala with sincerity. Sometimes a practice may seem disadvantageous, but it will never be an obstacle to practice it for someone who has been treated of his illnesses.

A person who has been treated, will never hesitate to retract if he realises his mistake. He will find honour in retracting and dishonour in persisting. It is against Ikhlaas and sincerity that a person insists and persists on his mistakes despite knowing that he is mistaken. After a good treatment under the supervision of a competent spiritual guide, this kind of slipping decreases to a very considerable degree.

That is the right way. Without it, it is difficult or even impossible to have balance. Siraat-ul-Moustaqeem is found in this very equilibrium and this is found in strictly following the Fouqahaa and the Mashaaikh.

[English version of "La bonne direction" - Al Jamiat Vol.7 No.11]