Question:
Salaam Alaykum,
I know that in the Naqshbandi Tariqa, one of the important things are congregation. I believe that it shapes our character, since we have to meet and deal with people who are different. It can make us better people.
Also, I sometimes feel the need to be alone and think/evaluate my life in order to become a better person and build understanding of this life.
I find both needs sometimes conflicting. Sometimes it makes me feel like not meeting with people, while on the other hand I know that it is important in the Naqshbandi Tariqa.
Can you please shed some light on how we can implement the ‘Goodness comes from congregation’-part in our lives together with the need of being alone? Is it good to have a balance in this?
Thank you and Salaam Alaykum,
Answer:
wa `alaykum salam,
Whenever you can sit with Naqshbandis, do so. Also people need to sit alone, as the Prophet (s) said, “to meditate about creation of earth and heavens and about Allah and His Prophet you will be reward as 70 years of worship. So it is good to sit and think about what is going around you.
Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani
