performing good deeds, and abstaining from actions that displease Allah Almighty and His Messenger صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم.

Sadly, in today’s era, some people have turned the sacred bond between a shaykh and their murīds into a means of worldly gain. Numerous misguided and deviant individuals, wearing the robe of taṣawwuf (spiritual wayfaring), are corrupting the faith of Muslims. These foolish people have become the foundation upon which opponents of this bond of spiritual mentorship and discipleship are misleading people, giving this sacred connection a distorted meaning.

Remember that abandoning prayer, mixing with non-maḥram women, engaging in inappropriate physical contact with women, attending gatherings of music and dance, and violating Islamic law is not a representation of the bond between a shaykh and their murīd.

This, in reality, actually means:

1. Adhering to Islamic law.

2. Ensuring the preservation of Islam.

3. Acting upon the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.

4. Embodying good character and teaching others to adopt positive traits.

5. Striving for the propagation of Islam.

6. Avoiding sins and helping others do the same.

7. Acting upon the Sunna and mustaḥabbāt (recommended acts) consistently, and inspiring others to do so too.

8. Living in accordance with Islam.

Who qualifies as a shaykh?

Dear Islamic brothers! Before taking anyone as your murshid, four essential conditions must be considered.

Imam Aḥmad Razā Khanرَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه  writes: