Question:

Assalamu alaikum Shaykh,

Since taking the online baya in the latter half of 2020 with spiritual confirmation by Sultan Al Awliya Shaykh Nazim Haqqani QS. I’ve endeavored to maintain my mubtadi awrad, especially since July 2021 when I wholeheartedly committed myself to this path. However, despite my efforts, I find myself grappling with a sense of stagnancy, longing for tangible progress and a deeper connection with murshidi, Syedi Shaykh Hisham. I’ve sought guidance on various issues through eshaykh, including the struggles I face in my spiritual journey. Yet, words seem insufficient to convey the depth of my brokenness and eagerness to progress. Almost every night for the past three years, I lay at night, yearning to see Syedi Shaykh Hisham in my dreams, only to wake with a heavy heart, questioning if there’s something on my end hindering my progress or causing displeasure to my guide. Without physical proximity to Syedi Shaykh Hisham or the opportunity for spiritual openings like Muraqaba, I feel a profound sense of longing and sadness. 

Answer:

wa ‘alaykum salam.

Mawlana Shaykh Hisham is praying for you and guiding you in every moment. Progress is not measured by the tajallis or nour or dreams we receive. Progress is measured by our constancy on the Path, even in the face of immense spiritual hardship. Mawlana Shaykh Nazim emphasized this by saying ajalla al-karamaat dawaam at-tawfeeq, meaning “the greatest miracle in the eyes of Awliya is to be constant on doing the right thing.” 

Mawlana has taught that the dreams, tajallis and anwaar that some see are ‘candy’ to encourage the mureed to continue. We see many mureeds who have intense spiritual experiences only later to wander off the path due to lack of consistency.

Best process is muraqabah which does not require you to be physically present with the Shaykh. Visualize him, even if ever so briefly, in front of you, before beginning a spiritual ‘workout’ such as your awrad or reading Holy Qur’an. This yields immense benefits insha-Allah.

Attend Dhikr in a community circle if you are able as sohbat, association, is a primary element of our tariqah. 

Finally, don’t put conditions on Allah’s Power, by saying “I cannot meet the shaykh now.” Whatever conditions prevent it, are in Allah (swt)’s Hands and He does as He wishes.

was-salam,

Taher Siddiqui