Main Events, Concepts and Characters

Main Events, Concepts and Characters.

• Pre-Creation: Allah (AJ) creates souls and gives them a destiny, including which spiritual guides they will follow.
• The Covenant: Souls make a covenant with Allah (AJ) to acknowledge Him as their Lord ("alastu bi Rabbikum? Wa qalo bala")
• Foundation of Islam: Taking the hand of a spiritual guide (Shaykh), a practice referred to as "bay'at" is foundational to the path of Islam. This "hand" represents a connection to Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ and, ultimately, Allah (AJ). Without this, there is no true Islam
• The Importance of the Heart: Emphasis is placed on the heart as the seat of love, faith, and truthfulness ("siddiqiya"). It is described as the "abode of ishq and muhabbat," and the place where Allah (AJ) is present. The heart must be purified and kept free of hypocrisy and bad character
• The Journey Inward:Muraqabah & Internal Struggle: The path to Divine presence is based on inward struggle and connection with spiritual guides through "muraqabah".
• Istighfar: Seeking forgiveness ("Astaghfirullahal ‘Azim, wa atubu ilayh") is essential as a form of spiritual purification, acting as spiritual ablution.
• Durood Sharif/Salawat: Praising the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is crucial for spiritual growth. It allows his soul and light to accompany and inspire the believer, removing imperfections.
• Zikr: Divine remembrance through repeating the names of Allah, with the heart, is a practice that brings energy and inner transformation.
• Isolation/Contemplation: Time is spent in isolation for contemplation and meditation. Isolation is not necessarily physical isolation, but a turning of the mind away from worldly desires
• Following the Sunnah: Following the practices and teachings of the Prophet ﷺ is crucial, such as using the siwak (tooth cleaning twig), and observing "nazar bar qadam" (keeping one's gaze on the path of Muhammad). The Sunnah is not just a series of actions, but also a pathway to accessing the support of the holy companions.
• Spiritual Guidance & Loyalty: The importance of spiritual guides (Shaykhs) in the "tariqa" is emphasized. Loyalty to one's Shaykh is important for spiritual development, and that shaykh acts as a conduit to the heart of Muhammad.
• The Significance of the Hajj: The physical Hajj is a metaphor for a continuous spiritual journey. A believer’s goal is to perform this “hajj” continuously, in the heart.
• Tawaf: The practice of circumambulating the Kaaba is mirrored by the whirling practiced by the Mevlevis, symbolizing spiritual movement around the heart and Divine Presence
• Overcoming the Ego (Nafs): The ego desires are seen as a major obstacle on the spiritual path. Surrendering one's will to Allah (AJ) is emphasized as a core aspect of Islam. The ego has to be constantly fought and overcome.
• The Path of Love (Ishq/Muhabbat): The pursuit of love for Allah (AJ) and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the central driving force on the spiritual journey. This path surpasses ritualistic aspects of faith
• The Hand of the Shaykh: Taking the hand of the Shaykh means the hand of Muhammad and ultimately the hand of Allah. By this, and only by this, is a Muslim properly on their path of Islam.
• The Nature of Reality:The true reality is seen as the spiritual, not the physical world.
• The heart of the believer is more holy than the Kaaba.
• The spiritual masters can access infinite wisdom and power through connection with a chain (silsila) of teachers.
• Importance of the Muhammadan Light: The "Nurul Muhammad" or light of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the key to spiritual growth, sainthood, and perfect character. This light perfects the character of those who are loved by Allah.
• The Role of the Holy Companions: The holy companions of the Prophet are seen as powerful figures who can support the believer on their journey. Abu Bakr al-Siddiq is mentioned as having a particular connection to the reality of Prophet Musa's (Moses') staff
• The Battle Within: The inner journey is presented as a battle between the ego (nafs) and the divine light. The heart must be purified of the badness and idols.
• Reaching Sainthood: The ultimate goal is to reach a station of closeness with Allah and to achieve the status of a "saintly light", by being granted the Muhammadan lights
• The Eternal Journey: When someone who has attained sainthood through God’s grace (especially by the blessing of the Muhammedan light) passes from this world, their soul continues on an eternal journey in the oceans of Quadra.

Cast of Characters

• Allah (AJ): The God of Islam, the ultimate source of all creation, power, and guidance. All teachings are ultimately connected to him. Referred to as “The Most High”, “Rabb”, “Lord”, “The Creator”.
• Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ: The Prophet of Islam, considered the perfect example of humanity, the source of Divine Light (Nurul Muhammad), and the intermediary to Allah (AJ). All paths are directed towards his heart. His love is the central focus of the spiritual journey. He is referred to as "Rasulul Kareem (The Most Generous Messenger)", "Habibul ‘Azim (The Beloved of the Magnificent)", "Nurul Muhammad (light of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)" , the "face of the moons" and the "government".
• Sayyidina Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (as): A close companion of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, known for his truthfulness and loyalty. Referred to as "Maka’as Siddiq wa Baab as Siddiq" (the Station of the Truthful and the Gate of the Truthful). His support is seen to extend throughout history, even to the time of Prophet Musa. Symbolically he is seen as the "face of the moon" and the "first khalifa".
• Sayyidina Musa (as): The Prophet Moses, whose staff is symbolically linked to the support of Abu Bakr (as).
• Sayyidina Yaqoob (as): The Prophet Jacob, father of Yusuf.
• Sayyidina Yusuf (as): The Prophet Joseph, whose story is used as an allegory for the journey of the seeker.
• Imam Ali (as): A central figure in Shia Islam, and an important figure in Sufi thought. Seen as representing the hidden side of the moon, the ability to die before you die, and the "state of sacrifice". He is seen as playing a "hidden role in realities" alongside Abu Bakr.
• Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (as): A descendent of the Prophet and a key figure in Shia Islam who is regarded as a custodian of divine knowledge. His lineage is one of the two streams of knowledge that feed into the Naqshbandi order.
• Shaykhs/Ulul Amr: Spiritual guides who are seen as inheritors of the Prophet's knowledge and who have a direct connection to Allah (AJ). They are described as those who can connect to and guide people to the "Hand of Muhammad".
• Sultanul Awliya: (king of Saints), this is a title for a great saint. The Naqshbandiya order is described as coming from his heart.
• Sayyidina Muhammad al Mahdi (as): A messianic figure in Islam who is expected to appear at the end of times to lead the world towards justice. He is mentioned as being connected with the Naqshbandi tariqa.
• Mawlana Shaykhs: Spiritual masters who are seen as guides and sources of blessing and teaching.
• Shaykh Hisham Kabbani: Is mentioned as a living guide
• Shaykh Muhammad Nazim al-Haqqani: Is mentioned as a past guide, whose teachings are still influential.
• The Companions (as): The companions of the Prophet (as) are held in high esteem for their loyalty and devotion. They represent a standard for faith and moral excellence. They saw Allah in the Prophet's ﷺ face, and as a result knew that Allah was also watching them.
• Awliyaullah (Saints): Friends of Allah (AJ) who are seen as possessing unique insights and powers, teaching from their hearts, not just from book knowledge. Their role is to inspire love for the Divine and guide people to the path. They are seen as a source of salvation and support. They carry within their hearts the “treasure” of the Prophet, and have achieved “Rabbaniyoon”.
• Mevlevis: A Sufi order known for their practice of whirling (sama), which is seen as a form of spiritual tawaf (circumambulation).
• Rabbaniyoon: A special group of people who have become closer to God.
• Shaitan (Satan): The primary enemy and tempter. He is seen as a deceiver who wants to destroy and decimate those on the spiritual path. He is constantly trying to pull people away from God by manipulating the ego.

Key Themes:

• The primacy of the heart: The heart is the most important element in the spiritual path.
• Love as the path: Love for God and his Prophet is the guiding force.
• The inner journey: The focus is more on internal spiritual transformation than external actions alone.
• The necessity of guidance: Spiritual guides (Shaykhs) are vital to one's spiritual growth.
• Surrender to God's Will: The ultimate goal of the journey is to surrender the will to God.
• The importance of allegiance: Bay'at is the key to actually being a true Muslim, and to having value in the sight of God.