Increasing Demand For Spirituality

Interview with Syed Muhammad Faridudeen Gilani,
published on Muslim Murasu, May 2011

Tarikath does not exist in the absence of Shariah. Shariah is the base for Tarikath. One cannot become a spiritual person without religiously following rules and procedures laid down in the religion.
40 years back pristine spirituality emanated during the period of Syed Noorishah Kibla (rah). In present situation, spiritual teachings will go wasted when people do not appreciate its importance. Youngsters demand lot of proofs. They are not ready to accept spiritual leaders who are not masters in knowledge. In 75% of the spiritual centers, proper spiritual education is not imparted. Qanqah, centers where spiritual gurus impart personal training, has gone down in numbers. One can get deep knowledge and understanding from elders. But youngsters are after rules, procedures and proofs. This will not help in spiritual awakening or improve realizing God’s presence. Youngsters do not opt to follow gurus who are undisciplined or lacking knowledge.
Sufism is related to the heart. Tarikath purifies innards, heart and soul. We accept the curriculum of Madrasa Jamia Nizamia. It is impossible to impart spirituality to one who does not appreciate it.
Today’s generation respects the importance of knowledge. They do not accept those who display lacunae in their character. Young generation is confused by the preachings of Ahl-e-Hadees.
There is development in our silsila. Spiritual leaders are doing their works in Hyderabad, Chennai and other regions. Spirituality continues to spread. It is true that the brilliance that was exhibited during the period of Noorishah is not there now. Followers today cannot reach the heights of their leaders of previous generation. My father continues to deliver pristine spiritual discourses.
Imam Malik (rah) once said thus: A person is good and complete in Shariah, religious rules, but is not showing interest in Tasawuf, then this person is a sinner, a Faasik. Tarikath starts from the point where Shariah ends. Some sufis display lapses in Shariah, while some other sufis declare sweeping diktat as ‘do not bury one who did not do Namaz’. Tarikath is like soul. Spirituality cannot be separated from Shariah. Ulemas show interest only in masa’il. They do not cultivate inner heart and its currents. Spiritual teacher knows the art of maneuvering Nafs, heart.
People from magazines and media should publish complete texts of spiritual speeches. They should zero in on certain spiritual topics and publish articles and creations on those topics. Who gets to know his self, gets to know God. God does not see a person’s surfacial features. He sees his heart and its desires. If heart is not in the Namaz then it won’t be accepted. But religious scholars will say that it will be accepted if rules are properly followed. Shaikhs, spiritual leaders, will show importance to qalb. Muhaideen (rah) spent 15 to 20 years in acquiring religious education. He spent many years in jungle. To answer to the spiritual quest of the people, he came out among them and served them. The prayer ‘Iyyaka Nahbudhu va iyyaka nathayeen’ adds in the same vein ‘ihdi nassirathal musthakeem’. We pray to God for guidance, but the verse does not end there, it extends. Four groups of people who have gone in good path are Nabi, sidheek, shuhada and saliheen. We should stay firmly tethered to them. It will give us good guidance and benefit our lives. Once when Prophet was returning along with his companions from one major battle, he advised them that this is only Jihad-e-Azgar, a small battle. But Jihad-e-Akbar, big battle, is the one that is done against Nafs, one’s self. Real battle will come once in a while, but the battle with heart will come often and ever lasting.
After Noorishah, Noorullalshah Noori Arifullah Gilani, Kamalullahshah Noori Muneerudeen Gilani and Asrarullahshah Noori Nasarudeen Gilani are together doing the spiritual works. Noori Maskan is the spiritual center. Jamia Ilahiyat-e-Nooria operates under it. Curriculum is for 8 years, at the end of which ‘Noori’ title will be given. Each Thursday Zikr is arranged. Daily spiritual discourse happens between Asar and Maghrib. Speeches are held every night during Ramzan. 11 days Milad Zuhoor-e-Noor, 11 day program for Faizan-e-Ghousul Azam, Noorishah Urs on 11th day of Rabius Saani, these are the spiritual events we conduct every year. Arrangements are made for the stay and food of the followers who come to take spiritual benefits. We are doing everything that can be done to inculcate remembering God.