Timeline of Main Events and Concepts

Timeline of Main Events and Concepts

This timeline focuses on the spiritual concepts and practices discussed in the provided teachings, rather than historical or political events.

• Pre-Creation:
• • Allah (AJ) makes a covenant ('ahd) with all souls, asking "Am I not your Lord?", to which they respond "Bala" (yes). This agreement forms a core part of their existence and purpose.
  • The light of Muhammad (saw) is created and perfected. Allah (AJ) makes Muhammad (saw) the source of all blessings and power, and gives him the seal of “Khuluqal ‘azheem” (magnificent character).
  • Souls are given a mission before coming to earth.
• The Importance of Bay'at:
• • Taking a hand of the shaykh is likened to taking the hand of the Prophet Muhammad (saw).
  • Through this bay'at, one connects to the power of Allah (AJ) through the hand of Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ.
  • Bay’at is necessary for one’s submission to the Will of Allah (AJ).
  • A Muslim without bay’at is considered an "empty, hollow person" with little value in Divinely Presence.
  • Allah (AJ) describes holding tight to the rope of Allah (AJ) and not to separate.
• The Nature of Spiritual Practice:
• • The importance of sincerity in prayer, fasting, and other acts of worship is emphasized.
  • Practices must be done with full senses and awareness, not just as rituals.
  • The path (tariqa) is described as an important element of faith.
  • Seeking perfection is an ongoing process; it is not claimed, but continuously strived for.
  • Focus is shifted from the external forms of worship to the internal state of the heart.
• The Month of Ramadan:
• • Ramadan is a time for spiritual purification and growth.
  • It's described as a time when Allah (AJ) resets the entire 12 months of one's life, returning the servant to a "nuqt" (dot), pure and purified.
  • Fasting is not just abstaining from food and drink, but from all negative senses such as hearing bad speech, seeing negative things and engaging in negative touch and breath.
  • The first 10 days are Baab ur Rahmah (Gate of Mercy), the second 10 days maghfirah (forgiveness) and the final 10 days are a time of immense blessings.
  • Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) occurs in Ramadan, when rewards are multiplied by thirty thousand.
  • Each Ramadan provides opportunities to open a different spiritual sense.
• The Concept of "Muttaqeen":
• • "Muttaqeen" are those who have immense taqwa (consciousness) of Allah (AJ), using all senses for Him.
  • They are defined by having pure characteristics, such as not wanting to hear bad or speak unnecessary things.
  • They train themselves in silence and abstinence.
• Hajj and its Inner Realities:
• • The first Hajj is said to be in the mother’s womb, when a single seed (sperm) enters the egg.
  • The outer Hajj is a journey, but it is important to remember the inner Hajj, which is to purify the heart.
  • The Kaaba is not just a physical structure; it's symbolic of the purified heart, which should be the "house of Allah".
  • The rituals of Hajj are symbolic. The tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba is also a symbolic act, and we are to circumambulate the light and not the physical structure.
  • Hajj also occurs on a cosmic level with the Earth going around the sun and is symbolic of every atom making tawaf.
  • Five levels of Hajj are discussed - The journey in the mother's womb, the earth moving around the sun, the cleansing of the body in Islam, the cleansing of the heart (tasqiya), and the state of love.
• The Heart as the House of Allah (AJ):
• • The purified heart is the true Masjid and Kaaba where Allah resides.
  • It must be cleaned and freed from negative qualities like anger and bad characteristics.
  • Love and zikr (remembrance of God) are key to occupying the heart with Allah’s (AJ) presence.
• The Battle Against Shaytan:
• • Shaytan is an enemy of the soul and tries to defile the heart.
  • The inner battle with nafs (ego) is more difficult than any external struggle.
  • Zikr is a means of battling shaytan and purifying the heart.
• The Significance of the Number 72
• • This number is referenced as a secret during the month of Sha’ban, specifically referring to the number 9 by 8 which is the 8th month in the lunar calendar.
• The Reality of Stars:
• • Sainthood is likened to becoming a star.
  • Spiritual practice activates one’s "star" to combat Shayateen.
  • The light of a star is seen as a metaphor for the spiritual journey.
• Qurban (sacrifice)
• • It is the finale for the year, where we correct mistakes made during the year and strive to achieve Maqamul Ihsan.
• The Concept of Barakah:
• • Barakah is a blessing that comes without specific conditions or intention.
  • It is especially found in acts of zikr where Allah bestows grace.
• The Spiritual Hijrah:
• • This is a move away from the darkness and towards the light.
• Judgment Day
• • One should not desire to be judged by Allah.
  • Judgment will take into account not only external actions but the sub-regions, curriculum and criteria.
• The Importance of the Hand:
• • One’s hand should be aligned with Allah’s (AJ) Hand, and used to give and be generous.

Cast of Characters

• Allah (AJ): The One God in Islam, the ultimate source of all power, mercy, and guidance. Referred to as Azza wa Jall (The Mighty and Majestic)
• Sayyidina Muhammad (saw): The final Prophet of Islam. The source of all spiritual light and the means by which Muslims connect with Allah (AJ). He is described as having a magnificent character, and is the source of all knowledge and power from Allah (AJ). The hand of Muhammad is presented as the conduit through which Allah's hand can be reached.
• Sayyidina Ibrahim (as): A prophet known for his devotion to God and willingness to sacrifice. Allah tests him by asking for sacrifice of his possessions.
• Sydna Hagar (as): The wife of Sayyidina Ibrahim (as), who demonstrated complete trust in her Lord.
• Sahabi (Holy Companions of Prophet Muhammad (saw)): These 124,000 individuals displayed immense devotion to the Prophet (saw) and were willing to sacrifice their lives for Allah.
• Sayyidina Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (as): One of the closest companions of Prophet Muhammad (saw), known for his immense sincerity. His name is Abdullah but he is known as Abu Bakr. He demonstrated patience by keeping a rock in his mouth for seven years to train silence.
• Sayyidina Umar (as): One of the early Caliphs, and companion of Prophet Muhammad (saw).
• Sayyidina Uthman (as): One of the early Caliphs, and companion of Prophet Muhammad (saw).
• Sayyidina Ali (as): One of the early Caliphs, and companion of Prophet Muhammad (saw).
• Sayyidina Ismail (as): The son of Ibrahim (as), who demonstrated complete submission to Allah’s (AJ) will.
• Shaykh: Spiritual guides and teachers who are the inheritors of the Prophetic tradition and lead disciples on the path to Allah. They must be followed to achieve true Islam.
• Mawlana Shaykh Muhammad Nazim al-Haqqani (Q): A respected spiritual figure.
• Mawlana Shaykh Muhammad Adil (Q): A respected spiritual figure.
• Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani (Q): A respected spiritual figure.
• Shaykh Adnan Kabbani (Q): A respected spiritual figure.
• Ulul Amr (saints): Those who have a connection to the Prophet (saw) and are charged with guiding the community. Their hands are on the hand of the Prophet.
• Shaytan: The devil, who seeks to lead people astray.
• Nafs: The ego, the lower self that must be disciplined to achieve spiritual progress.
• Mashayikh Kiram (Honourable Spiritual Guides): A general term referring to respected spiritual leaders.
• 'Ashab ul Kahf (Companions of the Cave): Referenced as a symbol of resilience and good character.

This timeline and cast provide a framework for understanding the key concepts and individuals discussed in the given texts. The sources focus heavily on the importance of inner spiritual work, sincerity, and love for Allah and the Prophet (saw).