Question:
Should I do a lot of Dhikr, and try to reach Divine presence and seek an answer from saints and Kashf.
Or will you provide me with the answer?
I ask because poses like in yoga and Movements like in Tai chi work with the breathe (domain of nafs).
Answer:
Audhubillahiminshaytanirajeem
BismillahirRahmanirRahim
As salaam alaikum,
The Naqshbandi Nazimiyya Way does not emphasize kashf/unveiling. Instead there is a deep purification and refinement of the character/nafs which is done in connection to the presence of Prophet Muhammad (saws) and Awliya. Meditation includes form of muhasabah, accounting for the negative characteristics of the self and perfecting internal and external Adab with Allah and His creation. Islamic obligations and sunnah can be seen and practiced in the light of the deepest and highest aspiration. Dhikr (remembrance) Fikr (meditation) and khidma (service) bring us closer and closer to our destinations in the Divine Presence.
On the authority of Abu Hurairah (r) who said:
The Messenger of Allah (upon whom be Allah’s blessings and peace) said, “Allah the Almighty has said, ‘Whoever has mutual animosity with a friend (wali) of Mine, I declare war upon him. My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more beloved to Me than the religious duties that I have imposed upon him; and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works such that I love him. And when I love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his leg with which he walks. Were he to ask of Me, I would surely give him; and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it.’” (Recorded by Al-Bukhari)
Wa Allahu Alam,
Kamau Ayubbi
