Friends we are weak and helpless people in front of the all-knowing Allah (SWT) and His Prophet (SAW). We only have the option to repent and seek forgiveness. The second option is to follow the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). We can cry in our prayers what else can us weak and powerless humans do? The ones who had the delusion of being powerful they ended up impoverishedand destitute failing in every field of life despite having the resources. On the other hand, the feeble and the powerless who apparently had no one to look after often succeedede simply because of their staunch resolve and unwavering trust in Allah (SWT) and His Prophet (SAW). The ones who tried to control the world with their ploys and tricks, they ultimately got tired, and had to bowand kneel in front of their Creator (SWT) out of weakness.
Friends, humans are inherently greedy. We wish to obtain everything ahead of its time, and to utilize all our resources to fulfil our worldly desires. But Allah has other plans. Fate cannot be altered with tricks and tactics it can only be changed if Allah (SWT) wills.
In my opinion there is no remedy better than Durood Pak which can soften a stone. But it requires trust and strong belief. Instead of crying over our fate, we should seek Allah’s (SWT) blessing which He has mentioned Himself.
On the other hand, we should utilize all our worldly resources permitted byour Prophet’s (SAW) to achieve our desired results but then we must leave the rest to Allah (SWT). He knows what is best for us. May Allah grant us the ability to think positively.
Friends! there was a time when wild animals used to roam freely in the villages, especially the vultures and crows andfed on dead animals. Now, they are found rarely. Once a Sufi expressed his view on this matter and said that the humans have replaced them.
Our beloved Prophet (SAW) says:
“There will be no distinction between Halal and Haram near the end of time”. Today, people prefer worldly comforts and desires over the Hereafter. There is no demarcation between right and wrong one can do anything. Recite Durood Pak are considered bad and flawed, and the society wants them to become just like everyone else. Unfortunately no one raises voice against the prevalent wrongdoings because everyone fears the wrong doers. They are harshand cause harm while the ones who recite Durood Pak are soft spoken and tolerant. Friends keep your tongues moist with the Durood Pak. We are on the right track no matter what others say. We tread the path of peace and eternal life (of the Hereafter).
Friends! Today a liberal ideology is becoming popular among people. There is no harm in practicing it every human is the master of hisown will. But even the liberals are also bound in one form or the other. If one works in an office or institution one has to abide by the rules and regulations if one wishes to continue working there. Similarly, if you live in a joint family system you have to live according to the norms of the household. If you are traveling regardless of whether it is a bus or an airoplane you have to follow the applicable rules and regulations. If you are traveling with friends you need to consider their comfort and wellbeing as well. In the same way no matter how very openminded you are, you have to follow the customs and traditions of your neighbourhood and the society. Just like you have to take the medicine and precautions prescribed by the doctor should you fall ill. Also, it will not be possible for you to live in a country if you do not obey its laws. In the same way while looking after your human needs you must learn the difference between the lifestyle of humans and other creatures. You must learn to differentiate between humans and beasts disguised as humans. Whether a free thinker or not if you cannot follow the law, you cannot lead a disciplined life. In this world, religious and financial matters are intertwined through certain laws and regulations. Islam is a complete religion that offers a comprehensive set of rules and standards which humans shouldabide by in their lives. The Creator (SWT) has given us a comprehensive code covering all aspects of life in this world in the form of the (the Holy Qur’an) and the Hadeeth which latter is a narration of the life of His representative and Mehboob (SAW) and the examples of the Prophet’s followers. If there ever arose an ambiguity, the scholars and Sufis of that time practically demonstrated it to clear the confusion. That is how we are connected under one law. No matter how modern and liberal we may call ourselves, from our birthto the last journey of life, we are not free. We are so helpless that if any part of our body becomes incapacitated, we are unable to control it. Now it is time to think about why one should not follow a defined set of rules. As narrated in the Hadith from Hazrat Abu Hurayrah (RA), “This world is a dungeon for a believer and the paradise for the infidel.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 2324).
Shah Abdul Latif (RA) says:
In life’s journey, I met various companions and we shared conversations of love and affection. We saw each other to our heart’ fill. But we could not clearly understand their personality at that time, until it was too late.
Friends, our organization follows the Sufi school of thought; we shun sectarianism and hateful attitude. We believe that it is better to do practical work than to waste time indulging in useless personal and ideological discussions. Surely this question might have crossed your mind, “who are we?” The answer is simple we are directionless people who have been used by others one way or the other for personal reasons, for financial gain, or other deceitful purposes. In this exhausted state when we start reciting Durood-e-Pak on the advice of some pious person, and keep ourselves clean (remain in wazoo), our troubled souls begin to feel comfort. And when suchdistressed people offer Durood-e-Pak in abundance, they develop reverence and love for the person (Prophet Muhammad SAW) to whom they are offering the Durood. A desire to learn about his blessed life kindles. One adopts this sacred personality as his ideal dispelling all other temporary and fabricated ideals. As a result, one gets associated and spiritually connected with those who love this personality (Prophet Muhammad SAW). Once you have acquired the art of love from these people, you break free of all the difficulties and hurdles created by the society. These people, who are brimming with extreme love for Prophet Muhammad (SAW) are called Sufis; their education and spiritual training is in accordance with the teachings of their beloved ideal, i.e. Prophet Muhammad (SAW). While this is the true meaning of Sufism, we cannot stop counterfeit models that appear in the market in the name of Sufism. But our purpose is clear. Friends! Spirituality is our way of life. This is the way of purity that encompasses all aspects of life including personal and social reformation with patience and love instead of criticism. By practicing these teachings that we have inherited, we can strengthen both our bodies and souls. May Allah be the supporter of us all.
Friends! every man-made thing has to go through a process before being manufactured. A silversmith first softens the alloy by heating it (today people use modern systems, though), so that it can be moulded as needed and turned into a piece of art. How beautiful and attractive do these gold and silver ornaments look? In reality, they are made from the combination of various metals. Similarly, alloys such as copper and silver are also made from different metals. When one sets off to achieve greatness, whether worldly or spiritual, they have to face several challenges, tests and difficulties. Only then they can achieve excellence. Friends! all the Sufi saintsput their followers to extreme tests and challenges – to strengthen them, enabling them to broadcast their messages for the centuries to come. The inexperienced ones who managed to become their spiritual heirs, they injected their self-made stories and concoctions into the teachings of their ancestors. This led to irreparable damages of catastrophic proportions.
Shah Saeen (RA) once again said:
If you wish to find a silversmith (who can mould your life), first be ready to sacrifice yourselfand to endure the blows of his hammer. Then one day, you will be stronger than the Khudrak tree. One has to follow the teachings of the Sufi Saints if one wishes to achieve any worthwhileposition.
Maulana Rum (RA) once said:
It’s (Allah’s) love that makes one achieve excellence and if it doesn’t this loves itself will prove detrimental for him. Life is a blessing which has been endowed upon us. From childhood to primary education, livelihood, life-partner, upbringing of children and looking after the parents. These are all integral components of life just like obeying our Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) instructions and teachings. Achieving these life goals requires continuousstruggles and commitment. You cannot finish a goal unless you have passion for it. We call it “Ishq”. Everyone has their own aspirations, and the desire to fulfil them fuels passion. Unlike common people, there are others who fulfil these duties as “HaquqUllah” (rights of humans toward Allah SWT). They try to maintain a balance between the rights of Allah (SWT) and His creation. However, they tend to be more cautious regarding the former. Friends, (Qalandaris) your struggle to balance life’s responsibilities with the preaching of Durood Pak, is also a form of “Ishq”. This passion of yours will entitle you to such blessings from Allah which will ease your worldly affairs. May Allah be our supporter and protector, InShaAllah.
My child, repentance is truly a blessing from Allah (SWT). May Allah bless you. Son, you must realize that recitation of Durood-e-Pak is a great blessing. Whosoever makes Durood-e-Pak a part of his routine, is bound tosuccessed in the challenges of this life and the Hereafter. Develop persistence. Set a daily target for reciting Durood-e-Pak. If you make a habit of reciting at least 3,000 times each day, all the worldly worries will vanish, and you will feel a new wave of internal peace and happiness in life. All hidden and open enemies will be eliminated, and with the Grace of the Almighty you will be rid of all kinds of physical and spiritual diseases, debt and financial worries. All you need to do is to develop the passion of keeping your Beloved Karim (PBUH) the foremost and the most beloved. May Allah bless you with real happiness.
Friends! We are all living in this temporary world as long asour lives permit. Then why should we waste our limited time on jealousy, hatred, and malice? We cannot write our destiny, but that should not prevent us from strategizing. And the best strategy for success we have is the abundance of Durood Pak. Doing so will bring us out of the darkness of sin towards the light of the truth, as our beloved Prophet (SAW) Himself has said that he will personally take responsibility of the one who recites Durood Pak abundantly. Thus, my friends, develop a habit of reciting Durood Pak in abundance.
Syed Ghulam Hyder Shah Qalandri
Kunri, Sindh, Pakistan.