This post, though, is for something else. Ignore the corny picture. A while back taqaji shah made some disrespective comments about heretical sufis and their perfect murshids, and a few lessons ago we read the part in [Ghazali's^ra] Ayyuha'l-Walad where he talks about this. So:~
And know that it is requisite for the traveller [of the path of truth] to have a shaykh as guide and preceptor, to expel from him his reprehensible qualities by his training, and to replace them with excellent character; and the essence of this training resembles the act of the plowman who digs out the thorns, removes the wild plants from those sown, to better its growth, to perfect its thriving. and it is necessary for the traveller to have a shaykh to train him and guide him to the path of God, because God sent to His worshippers a Messenger to guide them to His path, and when he (peace and blessings of God be upon him) departed from the world he left behind him in his place the Caliphs, that they guide mankind to God Most High.
And it is conditioned that the shaykh fitted to substitute for the Messenger of God (peace and blessings of God be upon him) is learned, but not every learned one is fit for this. And i [shall] clarify certain signs [of his] in a general way, that not anyone can pretend to be a guide. Thus we say--
- one removed from love of the world[ly life] and love of rank
- and who has followed an individual of insight in a chain of succession to the lord of apostles (peace and blessings of God be upon him)
- and who has gained the contentment of his soul through restraint in food and speech and sleep, and in abundance of prayers and alms and fasting
- and who has followed this shaykh of insight in making good qualities of character his way of life, such as endurance and prayer and thankfulness, and trust in God and conviction and contentment, and tranquility of soul and moderation and humility and trustworthiness, and modesty and quietness and staidness and gravity and veracity, and similar traitshe is then a light from the lights of the Apostle (peace and blessings of God be upon him), worthy to be imitated; but the presence of such a one is rare, dearer than red sulphur.
This then, in a few words, the "murshid kamil", perfect guide, of the spiritual path.
--
[madah rasul]
--
Since He broke the wings of your first intention,
how do you doubt the existence of the Wing-breaker?
Since His ordainment snapped the cord of your contrivance,
how can you remain blind to His Command?
--[thoughts & readings]
