Download PDF: [S] What is Tassawuf

Shaikh Abu Jafer Sifaar – may Allah be pleased with him – is said to have spent many days in the barren wilderness and due to immense  hunger and thirst he could not manage any longer. He suddenly saw someone standing at a distance with is mouth wide open looking at the sky. Shaikh Abu Jafer – may Allah be pleased with him – asked him, “What are you doing at this place?”

 

The person replied of what business was this to him. He also asked him who had given him permission interfere between a slave and His Creator. This person pointed towards a certain section of the road. Shaikh Abu Jafer – may Allah be pleased with him – then walked towards that direction.

 

As Shaikh Abu Jafer – may Allah be pleased with him – walked further, he noticed a few pieces of hot bread, some meat and a glass of water. After eating and satisfying his hunger, he returned to this person who had pointed him in that direction.

 

Shaikh Abu Jafer – may Allah be pleased with him – then asked him what was the meaning of Tasawwaf and the Saint replied after smiling a little, “There was something which was waiting to become apparent and it has become apparent. It has now become complete.”

 

Shaikh Abu Mohammed Abdullah Yemeni Yaafi – may Allah be pleased with him – states that, “Tasawwaf is that revelation which appears on those things are secret and it overtakes a person and takes him away. It also takes away his wealth and possessions until the slave keeps nothing for himself.”

 

Pertaining to this state of nonexistence, Shaikh Abul Ghais Yemeni – may Allah be pleased with him – explains. “The people of Tasawwaf are of three types. The first is that who has been spoken to and his entire being become like his ears. The second is that which has been shown secrets and his entire become like his eyes. The third is that person who has been overtaken by the light of manifestation. The fourth is that being who is a manifestation of intercession and this is the greatest of states.”

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