HUMILITY OF OUR SHAYKHS?

HUMILITY OF OUR SHAYKHS?

 

    QUESTION

    Salams Alaykum,

    I have read many letters by Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse, where he claims his position as the bringer of the Faydah and tells people of his position with the Prophet (saw).

    In my ignorance and faulty nafs I have never witnessed his humbleness or simplicity when he was in this world. I only see the Shaykhs of the tariqa in fine clothes and big entourages with umbrellas, more like they are kings of Africa. I know this is probably my problem to deal with, but it hinders my progress on the path.

    Could you advise me please?

    Kind Regards

 

    ANSWER

    Wa Alaykum As-Salam brother,

    I will advise you to read more about Shaykh Ibrahim and the Prophet (SAW).

    In most places in his poetry and works, Baye calls himself as the "Slave" only. He even calls himself the worst of sinners, the carrier of all evil and the a poor begger at Allah's door.

    Its only on certain occasions did he proclaim his Maqam (Divinely endowed status) to the people and that also by PERMISSION and ORDER from Allah and Rasul (SAW), as he clearly stated in his poems.

    The same goes for all Awliya-Allah!

    Their role model in that is the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself who made numerous "boastful" statements about his own sublime status as Allah's greatest messenger, most beloved creation, best of mankind, purpose of existence, carrier of the keys of heavens and earths, more knowledgeable than all humans.....etc.

    Note that such truthful statements are NOT boasting. Its simply informing the people of one's status, when ordered to do that by Allah, who Himself states: "And proclaim the bounties of your Lord".

    Its for the people's own benefit. Otherwise, how will they realize who they are dealing with?

    As for our Shaykhs being well-dressed and well-served. Well note two things:

    1-They weren't always like that. They went through extremely hard times in their childhoods and youth, sacrificing all joys for knowledge and sainthood. If they are treated nicely now by their millions of followers, its Allah's Gift to them.

    2-Although they are sometimes surrounded by worldly comforts, their hearts are with Allah only. They are only in the service of Allah and His servants. I have been with our Shaykhs, day in and day out. I have seen beyond those nice robes and cars. I know how they live for Allah only.

    Their nice clothes are just to proclaim Allah's Bounty, cover their great spiritual ranks and attract the people of today who are impressed by such things.

    The Prophet (SAW) himself used to put on nice clothes when receiving special guests. Allah stated: "Say: who can prohibit the bounties of Allah that He granted His servants?".

    The Prophet (SAW) said: "Allah does not look at your appearances and bodies, but at your hearts and actions".

    He (SAW) also stated: "When Allah blesses a servant of his (with wealth), He likes to see its effect on them".

    Al-Humdulillah, the hearts of our Tijai Shaykhs are pure and their actions are bright! Even brighter than the nice robes they wear and nice cars you see them in.

    And we only say what we have experienced. Wallah!

    Was-Salam

    Servant of the Tijani Door

     fakhruddin al-Tijani

      Aug 6, 2013