787

The teaching Qasides of our master Chekh Ahmadou Bamba Mbacke

Iman-Islam-Ihsan Touba Dar Ul Ihsan Abd787@yahoo.com Abdallah Salihu- Sufi Tazawudu-c-Cighar
(Provisions for the Youth)
I seek ALLAH's Protection from Satan the rejected one.

"And I commend her and her offspring to Your Protection from Satan the rejected one" (3:36) "O my LORD! I seek refuge with Thee from the suggestions of the Satans. And I seek refuge with Thee, o my LORD! Lest they should come near me" (23:98) In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful May ALLAH Bestow His Peace and His Blessings upon our Lord and Master Muhammad, upon his Family and his virtuous Companions and may He Bless them all... Peace and Blessings that would take whoever reads this book unto the Heaven promised to the righteous. Let it be so O CHERISHER and SUSTAINER of the Worlds!

1- The one named Ahmad who pays infinite tribute to his ABSOLUTE MASTER and who regards himself as a subject of ALLAH and the Servant of the Prophet, says: 2- Praise be to ALLAH, the ETERNAL BENEFACTOR Who has always treated me with benevolence... 3- I render Him thanks for having bestowed on me the Science of Divine Unity (Tawhd) and the two related branches (Islamic Law and Mysticism) which make up the Path of the One 4- May Peace and Blessings be upon His Friend, the Beloved Prophet Ahmad 5-Upon his Family and his Companions that were Real Believers, Practicing Muslims, Noble and Genuine Worshippers ... 6- This blessed and beneficial work is an introductory book [that] I put into "Rajaz" verse 7- I entitle it "PROVISIONS FOR THE YOUTH" leading unto ALLAH's Gardens [beneath which] rivers [flow] 8- This is solely from ALLAH, my LORD, to venerate Him I do solicit [Him] to accept my deeds, to grant me Safety, Pure-heartedness and Fortitude 9- And that this versification should direct unto His Straight Path anyone that learns it 10- And that this book be a way unto Bliss for adolescents, the elderly, youth and women... 11- Now it is time to enter the heart of the matter, ALLAH's Satisfaction remaining forever [as] my sole purpose...

13- E12- O young people! Never concern yourselves with anything but righteousness and seeking knowledgendeavour to evenly learn and revise your lessons; steer clear of [the] dens of vice 14- Link up closely with someone who never ceases to worship his LORD, so that he should lead you in His Straight Path 15- Because whoever hastens to take the Right Way in his younger days shall surely be granted rest in his elder days...

16- And anyone [during adulthood] who makes up for time lost in futilities [during his youth] and devotes himself resolutely to use his lifetime advisedly... 17- ...Through genuine repentance and turning steadfastly towards ALLAH, [they] shall achieve perfection for sure 18- Do follow these pieces of advice, so [that] you will undoubtedly gain advantage here below and be ranked amongst the Blessed in the Hereafter... 19- The parts which make up our LORD's Religion are: Faith (mn), Practices of Worship (Islm) and Spiritual Perfection (Ihsn)

Chapter I: The Profession of Faith (Iman)

20- O young people! Your faith in [ALLAH], to Whom belong youngsters as well as elders,... 21- Consists in believing in ALLAH, in the Angels, in the Revealed Books - [which guide any man or woman committed in ALLAH's Path] 22- In the Judgment Day, in ALLAH's Noble Messengers and in the Heavenly Decree - [that fulfils my wishes] 23- Your faith in your LORD is first testifying that His Existence is undoubted 24- That He is the Beginningless FIRST and the Everlasting LAST 25- That He DIFFERS from all the creatures and He needs nobody - [He that gathered me all Favors] 26- He is the ONE and He is alike to nothing - [He Who never ceases to demonstrate His Greatness...] 27- He is indeed PEERLESS in His Essence, UNIQUE through His Attributes and in all His acts- [He that subdued my enemies...] 28- He has no peer, neither in His Essence nor in His Attributes nor in His Acts; However He elects whosoever He pleases... 29- ALMIGHTINESS and PERFECT WILL are necessary Attributes of ALLAH - [do adore Him and stand in awe before His Majesty...] 30- ALL-KNOWING, LIFE as well as HEARING, SIGHT and SPEECH are also essential [Attributes] with regard to the LORD of Mankind 31- It is thenceforward necessary to believe that our LORD MOST HIGH is ALMIGHTY, is ENDOWED WITH WILL - [He that never ceases to show His gratitude...] 32- That He KNOWS ALL, He is LIVING, He HEARS and SEES ALL 33- ...And that He SPEAKS - [may ALLAH provide thee Guidance through the grace of "Laa ilaaha illa Laah"...]

34- Conversely, it is improper to assign the opposites of such Attributes regarding His Essence - you are thus reminded to set Him apart from that 35- I am referring to non-existence, having a beginning point or an ending point, needing somebody or being alike with any creature whatsoever 36- Multiplicity, inability, constraint, deafness, ignorance, death, blindness or muteness [are likewise considered as being unseemly regarding His Greatness] 37- From that fact - being unable, deaf, constrained, ignorant, blind... 38- Or mortal or dumb, such terms are indeed inconceivable regarding the LORD of Heavens - Praise be to Him! 39- In fact ALLAH is not compelled to do anything; rather He bestows His favors by Pure Mercy May His Glory be celebrated! 40- Do acknowledge that ALLAH is at complete liberty to create or to not create all that exists; so shall you be free from mistakes... 41- I have already summed up in an earlier work, [called "THE GIFTS OF THE PURE ONE"], welldetailed particulars regarding these twenty Divine Attributes [that are mentioned above] 42- [For that reason, I will not dwell upon that here] because this book stands just as a preliminary component of the main treatise which better expands on its content... 43- As regards the Angels, faith in them is asserting and being really convinced... 44- ...That their existence is unquestionable and that they are entirely safeguarded against sinning 45- That they are creatures who neither excrete feces nor urinate; they are wholly Purified 46- Neither do ALLAH's Angels eat nor do they drink - Peace be upon them... 47- They are eternally placed in High Honor and none of them disobey the ETERNAL ABSOLUTE 48- Each one of them carries out any Order he has been given by ALLAH - [those who provided me with Safety and Bliss...] 49- Their LORD, the EVERLASTING, has created them from Pure Light 50- Celebrating the Praises of their LORD is their sole beverage, glorifying His Name is their only food; about this you should never doubt... 51- [O young people!] Your faith in the Sacred Books is attesting that their Revelation is truthful 52- And that the whole Message they convey [prior to the adulterations] is indubitably authentic whosoever has trust in them shall gain loftiness... 53- According to reliable sources their number corresponds to one hundred and four (104) of which ten [(10)]were revealed to the Prophet Adam

54- Fifty (50) out of them were revealed to his son Seth, thirty (30) were revealed to Esdras (Ezra), ten (10) were revealed to Abraham, ALLAH's Friend 55- The TORAH was entrusted to Moses whilst Jesus received the GOSPEL 56- David received the PSALMS and the QURN was entrusted to the Prophet Muhammad 57- May they all be imparted Peace and Blessings, as long as the LORD of the creatures will love them... 58- Your faith in the Messengers is having trust in them and in acknowledging the genuineness of the Message entrusted to them by their LORD 59- One is compelled to testify among their necessary qualities: Sincerity, Faithfulness and the Right Conveyance of the Message that they were entrusted [with] 60- Thenceforth deeming them as capable of untruthfulness, false witness or concealment is declared unlawful by ALLAH - Who is in charge of Rewarding 61- I mean that such terms as these are all inadmissible regarding the Messengers - [you should be steadfast in calling Peace upon them...] 62- Acknowledge that they are nevertheless subject to human troubles insofar as these [human troubles] breed not demeaning disabilities 63- Such as diseases, provided they are not repulsive like leprosy and the like because all of the Prophets are venerable 64- As for everyday activities like selling, purchasing, getting married and any other [kind of] lawful act... 65- They only enhance their standing with ALLAH, the MOST BOUNTIFUL, the HONORABLE PAR EXCELLENCE, the PRAISEWORTHY... 66- As the evidence of their truthfulness is in the Miracles they work, that proceed from the MAGNIFICIENT 67- Just as though ALLAH, the MOST HIGH, was saying [through such miracles]: "My Servant here is truthful through all his acts and all his words"... 68- The number of the Messengers (Rusl) corresponds to three hundred and thirteen (313) 69- As for the entire Community of Prophets (Anbiy) and Messengers (Rusl), their number adds up to one hundred and twenty-four thousand (124,000) 70- May they all be eternally granted Peace and Blessings... 71- Your faith in the Last Day is being fully convinced of its ineluctable Advent with all that it involves 72- Such as the Resurrection, the Great Gathering, the Scales, the Basin, Heaven and Hell 73- The Sirt Bridge [overhanging Hell], its Crossing, the Calling into Account, the Messenger's

Intercession and the Grievous Chastisement 74- On that Day a subject shall be called unto infinitesimal accounts as slight as "Qitmir", "Ftil" or "Naqir" about his deeds 75- The lexicographical distinction made between the words "Naqir", "Ftil" and "Qtmir" is this: 76- "Naqir" is the external husk of the date, whilst "Ftil" is the small groove of its stone 77- [And] the white translucent internal covering membrane of the date is called the "Qtmir" 78- As a symbol of extreme Justice [which will prevail on that Day] there will be a fair settlement between any unhorned animal [that was] harmed by a horned animal... 79- For my part I do render thanks to ALLAH for having spared me from being called to account and for having set all my life as an everlasting quest for good... 80- Death, the Questioning as well as the Chastisement in the grave belong to the stages of such a terrible Day - you [should] know this 81- Because the Resurrection process comprises two main Stages : the 1st Stage (Lower Stage) which takes place as soon as [a] human soul departs [from this] worldly life 82- And the 2nd Stage (Higher Stage), [which takes place] following upon the Trumpet's Blowing - [my Covenant shall never be disappointed on that Day...] 83- Your Faith in the Decree of ALLAH, the MOST GRACIOUS, the NOBLE BENEFACTOR that grants Security... 84- Is [having] absolute certainty that anything which occurs, secretly or openly, in whatever circumstances... 85- Proceeds from our LORD's Knowledge, His Will and His Almightiness - which all entail [His] Favors... 86- Whether it is in a good way - such as obeying ALLAH - or in the opposite way - such as committing transgressions 87- And whether [what is in question] is pleasant - as a Reward granted to the Muslims - or bitter - as the Chastisement undergone by the wrong-doers 88- So [that] anything which happens in an obvious or hidden way originates from the very Decree of my LORD, the ABSOLUTE RULER ... 89- That His Decree which grants the wishes of any servant He Loves the same way as He dispels any harm [away from] him without no trouble... 90- His Decree to whosoever He Loves not likewise entails [a] tough calling into account, chastisement and veiling... 91- Indeed it is compulsory to believe that causing whatever effect is our LORD's exclusive Privilege, not included under the scope of the creatures

92- It is inherently not allowed to any creature, throughout the entire universe, to entail whatever effect [on its own self]; such an assertion is assuredly indisputable...

Chapter II: Practices of Worship (Islam)

93- O young people! Your Submission to ALLAH, LORD of this present world and MASTER of the next world... 94- Consists in the Islamic Testimony of Faith, Prayer, Fasting, Pilgrimage and Legal Charity (Zakt); all of these are mandatory indeed... 95- The Testimony: "There is no other god but ALLAH, Muhammad is ALLAHs Messenger" 96- Peace and Blessings be upon [the Prophet], upon all his Companions and Family 97- [Such a phrase] is assuredly the best speech that can be uttered; anyone who denigrates (belittles) it shall bring ruin upon himself... 98- Any who devotes himself to repeating it with due reverence shall gain great advantages and shall be freed from distress... 99- Know that the Five Prayers are Canonical Obligations [so that] you may be guarded from mistakes... 100- This is according to the Holy Book and the Prophetic Tradition as well as the Consensus [of the Scholars]; thence any who deliberately gives up observing them... 101- ...Out of a spirit of negation, is held as an apostate (one who repudiates his faith); he will be given three chances to repent in accordance with the Islamic Law [implemented in a Muslim Community] 102- He will be left alive if he repents; otherwise, he will be put to death by the sword in conformity with the Messenger's Legislation 103- Peace and Blessings be upon him, upon his Family and his clear-sighted Companions 104- And neither will [the one sentenced to death] be subject to funeral washing nor will he be covered with a shroud; he will be deprived of the ritual prayer for the dead and will not be buried in a Muslim cemetery 105- The Imm will contend himself with sending someone [to be] in charge of burying him 106- He will not be turned towards the Kaaba, and his whole inheritance will be deposited within the Muslim Public Funds... 107- Now, as regards the case of the one who agrees with the obligatory nature of Prayer and refuses however to perform it without any valid excuse 108- He will be allowed respite until prayer time in the hope of seeing him comply, 109- They will keep warning him about his duty to pray until there is just enough time to perform one rak'a

within the prayer time limit 110- To spare him execution, one would wait until not even an interval sufficient to entirely recite Al-Ftiha and to mark the standing posture is left 111- In [the] case [that] he persists in disobeying, the concerned Authority will put him to death by sword, in conformity with the kind of penalties provided for Muslims but however not with those usually implemented for unbelievers 112- And even if he makes pretence of regretting his behavior in saying: "[Please!] Do enable me to obey now!" One will not take into account such a plea in an ultimate attempt to escape death... 113- His funeral prayer will not be directed by an eminent person so as to admonish the others 114- His grave will not be leveled [as in the previous case] but left bumpy for he is still only considered a Muslim by the Masters 115- This opinion is expressed by Imm Al 'Awf - may he be granted the Satisfaction of ALLAH, the One that enlightens my heart... 116- Purification is an Obligation for us [that is] well-established by the Book and the Prophetic Tradition as well as the Consensus [of the Scholars] 117- Any [member of a Muslim Community] that neglects to conform thereto with no valid motive will be put to death - but not because of unbelief however 118- Because prayer cannot be performed without it; its compulsory nature remains therefore undeniable... 119- Whoever performs his prayer in the most perfect manner... 120- In praying as ALLAH has ordered in strict conforming to all the apparent prayer modes - Glory be to Him! -... 121- In adequately accomplishing genuflections and prostrations as well as the standing and sitting postures... 122- With no noticeable omission during the prayer; but if he is questioned after the completion... 123- About Obligatory Acts (Far'd) and the Traditional Acts (Sunnah) relating to Prayer according to the Scholars 124- And about the legal character of Prayer; whether it is mandatory, commendable or just traditional according to the Texts... 125- Then such a one, being quite unaware of what he is asked about, contents himself in replying to his questioner: 126- "I just imitate [the] people as I see them doing while performing their prayers..." 127- Some of the Scholars consider that his prayer is not valid and [that] his excuse will not be accepted 128- According to the Scholars the same applies to the one who in the most flawless ways performs his

ablutions 129- In fulfilling all its noticeable conditions that is to say : 1- Washing one's hands up to the wrists three times 130- 2- Gargling [water in] one's mouth and rinsing out one's teeth three times, 3- Sniffling and flushing water out of the nostrils three times 131- 4- Washing one's face three times, 5- Washing one's two forearms three times 132- 6- Rinsing one's fingers [by letting water run across them] and rubbing them, 7- Running one's drenched hands on the head forward and backward, 8- After water renewal, cleaning one's ears 133- 9- Washing one's feet and allowing water to pass between the toes, then putting the finishing touches to one's ablutions in the most perfect way... 134- The one who impeccably performs the Purification Bath [is ranked in the same juridical case], meaning: 135- 1- Rinsing one's hands up to the wrists three times, 2- Purifying one's soiled body's parts 136- 3- Cleansing one's meatus secretion and formulating the intention of purification upon washing the penis or the vulva - [which is a Divine Obligation] 137- 4- Passing afterwards to ablutions [as described above, but] with unique washing specifically for each part, 5- Entirely rubbing one's hair and moistening it 138- ...Starting from the nape [of the neck] up to the forehead - [so as to ward off evil] 139- 6- Washing one's head with three sprayings of water after rubbing [their] hair 140- 7- Taking some water in one's right palm, inclining one's head and washing one's right ear 141- 8- Washing one's left ear in the same way, 9- Washing one's neck 142- 10- Washing one's right side down to the knee, 11- Proceeding likewise with pure water in sufficient quantity to one's left side 143- 12- Washing one's right leg down to the ankle, 13- Proceeding likewise with one's left leg 144- 14- Washing one's back, 15- Finishing [up] by [washing] one's stomach and chest 145- And if after this performance it turns out that through all these acts such a one is not able to tell Obligatory Acts (Far'd) from Traditional Acts (Sunan) 146- That one keeps his state of minor impurity as well as [this state] of major impurity - you [should] bear that in mind! 147- His prayer [following upon such a purification] is considered null and will not be accepted [by ALLAH], as indeed he has committed sins through all his acts! 148- He has disobeyed his LORD and the Prophet - ALLAH's Most Excellent Blessings be upon him

149- This opinion expressed by Imam Al 'Awfi assuredly gives [to any heedless person] serious grounds for fearing... 150- He furthermore adds that any other practice of worship performed in similar conditions is not valid 151- Such as Pilgrimage, Holy War, Fasting and other recommended deeds like spending on charity, feeding the needy and so [on] 152- However other Scholars consider that anyone who performs [a] Purification Bath or Ablutions with no actual shortcomings 153- Just the way mentioned above and who forms sincere intention to fulfill what ALLAH has ordered up to performing Ablutions or [the] Purification Bath 154- His performance is valid and according to well accredited arguments he is considered as having discharged his duty 155- His prayer is likewise valid since he has expressed a genuine intention to carry out his LORD's obligation 156- He is not considered as [being] sinful or disobedient simply owing to his lack of education and to his shortcoming 157- Now, regarding Imam Al 'Awfi's opinion - may he be granted Mercy by ALLAH who has the power to dispel fear... 158- That is assuredly a way to Guidance, a valuable teaching and a piece of advice for any ignorant person 159- So that everyone may strive to know his religious duties outside [of] any [temptation] from stubbornness 160- May our MOST BOUNTIFUL LORD reward him with His Favors - the way He bestowed His Advantages and Security on me 161- For my part I do put this : "Our LORD forbids to any person recognized as accountable for his actions... " 162- " ...To perform any practice of worship prior to knowing the particular legal conditions which rule it. " ; such a point of view is verily reliable... 163- Indeed any such [one] who ignores his religious obligations and who persists in not asking information thereon is bringing ruin upon himself and is wronging himself... 164- There are fifteen (15) Obligatory Acts relating to Prayer according to Al 'Awfi, the distinguished jurisconsult: 165- 1- The first one is expressing the intention to pray, 2- The second one is the first sacramental phrase (Takbir: "Allhu Akbar") 166- 3- The third one is the standing posture when saying the Takbir, 4- The fourth one is the reciting of the Surt Al-Fatih

167- 5- The fifth one is the standing posture when reciting the Fatih 168- 6- The sixth one is genuflection, 7- The seventh one is straightening from genuflection - [the MUNIFICENT is indeed in my favor...] 169- 8- The eighth one is prostration, 9- The ninth one is straightening from prostration - [the Intercessor has guided me...] 170- 10- The tenth obligation is when praying behind an Imam [that is leading the prayer] to express [your] intention at the beginning to follow behind the Imm

171- 11- The eleventh one is respecting the established linking of the Obligatory Acts, 12- The twelfth one is pausing a little between prayer steps 172- 13- The thirteenth obligation is being in balance during each posture, 14- The fourteenth one is the final salutation ("Assalmu 'Aleykum") 173- 15- The fifteenth obligation is maintaining sitting posture when saying the final salutation - [so was it conveyed] 174- There are eighteen (18) Traditional Acts relating to Prayer: 175- 1- The prayer announcement (Iqma), 2- The Surt recited after the Fatih 176- 3- Standing posture when reciting that second Surat, 4- Reciting in [a] loud voice whenever it is suitable 177- 5- Reciting in [a] low voice whenever it is suitable, 6- All the Takbr ("Allhu Akbar") save the first one [which is obligatory] 178- 7/8- The two Professions of Faith (Tashahhud), 9- Calling for Blessings upon the Prophet - [whose servant here is guarded against his enemies] 179- May ALLAH grant him Peace and Blessings [by] the way He has lifted him up to a High Station... 180- As [well as] his Family and his Companions and may He rank this present versification as the Most Sublime Light... 181- Such a Calling for Blessings only occurs in the second Tashahhud, according to the Erudite 182- 10/11- Sitting postures when saying the first and second Tashahhud 183- 12- Extending slightly [the] times of pause between prayer postures, 13- Pausing a little before or after [the] final salutation 184- 14- Audible uttering of the final salutation which concludes the prayer, 15- Salutation in reply to the Imam [in case we were praying under his direction], 16- Salutation in answer to our left prayermate 185- 17- Believer's silence if praying behind an Imam who is reciting the Quran loudly, 18- Symbolic object (Sutr) put before one that is praying, so as to mark the prayer place

186- This applies only to an isolated person or to an Imam, but a believer that prays behind an Imam must content himself with the Imam [serving as a Sutr] 187- Ablutions comprise eight (8) Obligations, in the Master's opinion: 188- 1- Expressing intention to perform Ablutions, 2- Washing one's face, 3- Washing one's forearms up to the elbows 189- 4- Washing one's fingers and intertwining them 190- 5- Passing one's drenched hands on the head, 6- Washing one's feet, 7- Rubbing each part with one's hands, 8- Linking unbrokenly Obligatory Acts of Ablutions 191- Traditional Acts [of] Ablutions equals its Obligatory Acts (8) in Al 'Awfi's opinion 192- 1- Washing one's hands, 2- Rinsing one's mouth, 3- Sniffling water through one's nostrils, 4- Cleaning one's ears, 5- Water renewal, moistening for this purpose 193- 6- Flushing water out of one's nostrils, 7- Running one's hands on the back of the head [from the nape back to the forehead], 8- Respecting the right linking [Obligatory Acts of Ablutions] 194- There are five (5) Obligatory Acts relating to [the] Purification Bath: 1- Expressing intention when beginning purification 195- 2- Rubbing concerned parts when washing, 3- Linking obligatory purification acts unbrokenly, 4Rubbing one's hair, 5- Passing water under one's braids, for any man with plaited-hair 196- There are four (4) Traditional Acts relating to [the] Purification Bath: 1- Washing one's hands when beginning [the] Purification Bath as with [the] Ablutions 197- 2- Rinsing one's mouth, 3- Sniffling water through one's nostrils, 4- Cleaning one's ears and moistening them 198- There are eight (8) Obligations relating to Tayammum (purification with sand): 1- The first one is expressing the intention to perform Tayammum 199- 2- Use clean sand, 3- Linking of the Tayammum obligatory acts unbrokenly, 4- The tapping of one's palms on the sand first 200- 5- Passing one's palms on the face, 6- Rubbing one's palms up to the wrists, 7- Performing Tayammum immediately before practicing the intended worship 201- 8- Accomplishing Tayammum within the time assigned to the prayer but never before 202- There are three (3) Traditional Acts relating to Tayammum: 1- Respecting the established linking stages, 2- Tapping one's palms on the sand once again 203- [Remember that] such a tapping is made with both palms... 3- Rubbing one's forearms from the wrists up to the elbows 204- [I advise you however to] cease performing Tayammum without [a] valid excuse and to prefer

purification with water if you are in good heath 205- But in case you have water at your disposal while having a valid constraint, in this instance sand may well be used as a substitute for water - [Do conform to this advice...] 206- [The] Fast is made up with just two (2) Obligations: 207- 1- Intention to perform fast, 2- Abstention from anything which may break it -[aiming there through the Satisfaction of the EVERLASTING LORD Who provides us with pure Sustenance...] 208- As for its Traditional Acts there are three(3), according to the clear-sighted Master: 1- Breaking fast as soon as possible after sunset 209- 2- Having one's last meal (Suhr) as late as possible in the night, 3- Preventing one's tongue from vain chattering 210- There are four (4) Obligations relating to Legal Charity: [Remember to observe them all!] 211- 1- Expressing genuine intention to pay Zakt, 2-Respecting the legal expiry date, 3- Property must [be] worth the minimum taxable base, 4- Zakt must not be transferred elsewhere 212- Zakt has furthermore three (3) fine rules of propriety which grant [a] reward 213- 1- Paying Zakt willingly, 2- Zakt quality must be representative of the taxable property 214- 3- Avoiding public payment of Zakt, lest one should fall into ostentation which is most detrimental to worship... 215- There are four (4) Obligatory Pilgrimage Acts, according to the Masters: 1- Expressing [the] intention to perform [the] Pilgrimage 216- 2- Going round the Ka'aba (Tawful Ifda) 217- 3- Ritual walk between Safa and Marwa 218- 4- Being present at Mount 'Arafa 219- [The] Pilgrimage comprises twelve (12) Traditional Acts: 220- Four (4) out of these acts take place during the Sacrament (Ihrm) and have to be performed by all deferential pilgrims: 221- 1- Global Purification symbolizing effective entry in dedication, 2- Removal of any stitched garment 222- 3- Ritual wearing of linen cloth (Izr), of a scarf-garment (Rid) and of a pair of sandals 223- 4- The fourth Traditional Act is, according to Al 'Awfi - may he be granted ALLAH's Satisfaction224- Reciting the "Talbiya" - [which imparts ALLAH's reward, according to the Tradition of the Prophet, the Accredited Intercessor, the Virtuous] 225- Peace and Blessings be upon him, upon his Family and his Companions that are pure and noble-

hearted... 226- Four (4) other Traditional Acts take place within the ritual going round the Ka'aba (Tawf): 5- Walking during the Tawf, 6- Kissing the Black Stone with one's lips or through one's hands 227- 7- Men [should have a] fairly rapid pace (Raml) during the three first laps, 8- Making wishes during the Tawf 228- The four (4) remaining Traditional Acts are connected with the Ritual Walk between Safa and Marwa: 9- Kissing afresh the Black Stone up to departing from the Sacred Mosque to Safa 229- 10- Walking up the hills of Safa and Marwa 230- 11- Men [should have a] pace [that] quickens halfway [in] the valley once level with Batnul Masl 231- 12- Making wishes on each of the two hills (Safa and Marwa) without any definite limitation set to the invocations... 232- It has been reported from the Holy Prophet, the Best Creature, that whoever utters just after the performance [of] his ablutions the following Testimony of Faith: 233- "I do testify that... " and so forth, then Heaven's Gates will be wide open before him so that he may enter thereto 234- He shall be allowed to enter through any Gate [that] he would please; the only point of divergence of the Scholars is when such an opening occurs... 235- Ahmad [the author of this work] thanks his LORD, the ONE GOD, for protecting him from damage and sorrow... 236- He shows HIM his gratitude for [having sent the Prophet], the Accredited Intercessor [as the Sign of His Mercy] - Peace and Blessings be upon him 237- ALLAH, the EVERLASTING, has honored his Covenant without any risk of downfall, thus he will never face damnation and harm stemming from jealous enemies... 238- It is compulsory for the believer to make up for the ra'ks he missed of a prayer performed behind an Imam 239- According to the Scholars the established interval for Morning Prayer (Subh) goes from dawn to [the] complete appearance of daylight 240- In case you miss one ra'ka of Morning Prayer: 1- Stand up at the end of the prayer without saying the Takbir ("Allahou Akbar"), 2- Recite the Ftiha in a loud voice 241- 3- Recite any other Surat of the Qurn in a loud voice; but there is no need to repeat the "Qunut" if it has been already said by the Imam 242- The time appointed to Early Afternoon Prayer (Zhuhr) starts when the sun is at its zenith and ends when [the] profile equals its shadow 243- If you miss one ra'ka of that prayer: 1- Stand up at the end of the prayer without uttering the Takbir,

2- Recite the Ftiha in a low voice 244- 3- Recite any other Surat in a low voice, 4- Sit down, recite the Profession of Faith (Tashahhud) and utter the final salutation 245- Whenever you miss two rak'as of [the] Zhuhr Prayer: 1- Stand up at the end of the prayer and utter the Takbir, 2- Recite in a low voice the Surt Ftiha whose verses are sublime 246- 3- Recite another Surat in a low voice, 4- Do not stay in sitting posture however, move on straight to the fourth and last ra'ka instead 247- In case you miss three ra'kas of [the] Zhuhr Prayer: 1- Stand up at the end of the prayer without uttering the Takbir, 2- Recite the Surt Al-Ftiha in a low voice 248- 3- Recite another Surt in a low voice, 4- Sit down and recite the Tashahhud 249- 5- Then stand up and perform another rak'a within which you recite the Ftiha and any other Surat, 6Go straight to the next rak'a without staying in sitting posture 250- 7- Do perform the remaining rak'a during which you recite only the Ftiha in a low voice - [so shall you be freed from any compensation] 251- Late Afternoon Prayer (Asr) time starts when an object's height equals its shadow and extends until sunset begins 252- The way of mending Asr Prayer is literally the same as mending Early Afternoon Prayer (Zhuhr) [as previously described] according to all well-learned persons 253- Evening Prayer (Maghrib) takes place from sunset and extends until [the] complete fading of daylight 254- In case you miss one rak'a of the Maghrib Prayer: 1- Stand up at the end of the prayer and utter the Takbir, 2- Recite the Surat Al-Ftiha in a loud voice 255- 3- Recite in a loud voice another Surat of the Quran - [the Book of the MOST BOUNTIFUL LORD, the MOST HONORABLE...] 256- Whenever you happen to miss two rak'a of Maghrib prayer: 1- Stand up at the end of the prayer without uttering the Takbir 257- 2- Recite in a loud voice the Surat Al-Ftiha - [which is the Receptacle of Knowledge and great Favors and whose greatness is magnified...] 258- 3- Recite another Surat in a loud voice, 4- Sit down and recite the Tashahhud, 5- Stand up and repeat exactly the same procedure for the last rak'a, then utter the final salutation 259- Early Night Prayer ('Isha') time begins at [the] complete disappearance of [the] glow [of] sunset - this is admitted unanimously 260- And lasts until the end of the first third of the night; that is indeed the favorite interval to perform 'Isha Prayer for anyone that is endued with intelligence 261- In case you miss one rak'a of 'Isha' Prayer: 1- Stand up at the end of the prayer without uttering the

Takbir, 2- Recite the Surat Al-Ftiha in a loud voice 262- 3- Recite another Surat in a loud voice, 4- Sit down, say the Tashahhud then [the] final salutation 263- But if your missing consists in two rak'as: 1- Stand up at the end of the prayer and utter the Takbir, 2Recite the Surat Al-Ftiha in a loud voice 264- 3- Recite another Surat in a loud voice: 4- Go straight to the last rak'a without staying in sitting posture - [which is prohibited because that last rak'a is considered as the third one] 265- In case you miss three rak'as of 'Isha Prayer: 1- Stand up at the end of the prayer without uttering the Takbir 266- 2- Recite the Surat Al-Ftiha and another Surat in a loud voice 267- 3- Sit down and recite the Tashahhud 268- 4- Stand up again, 5- Perform another rak'a during which you recite the Ftiha and another Surat in a loud voice 269- 6- Do not stay in sitting posture but stand up and only perform the last rak'a in which you recite the Ftiha in a low voice 270- Scholars have established that a rak'a must not be made up ... 271- ...Only if the believer succeeds in accomplishing the genuflection with the Imam within that rak'a 272- As for one that comes after the Imam's genuflection, there is no doubt that he must make up for the corresponding rak'a 273- As for him that showed up while the Imam is saying the last Tashahhud, he has to stand up and to start afresh his prayer...

Chapter III: Spiritual Perfection (Ihsan)

274- O young people! Your Spiritual Perfection with ALLAH, to Whom belongs [the] soul as well as [the] flesh... 275- Consists in worshipping ALLAH as if you see Him - do then conform scrupulously to the Canon Law 276- For even if you do not see Him, He is watching you all - then stand in awe and keep watchful of His Supervision... 277- If you really aspire to attain lofty spiritual degrees, follow closely these recommendations of mine: 278- I advise you to strive hard for knowledge, always act with a sense of propriety, show gratitude towards ALLAH, be sincere in worship and generosity 279- I recommend you to practice silence, patience and abstinence, to show gentleness whilst seeking for knowledge and to always look for better understanding...

280- Do always persevere in obeying the MOST GRACIOUS [to get] out of any transgression, no matter you are 281- Do avoid wordiness and excessive sleeping, stay aside from aught that entails immorality and corruption 282- Strive to steer clear of ostentation, of pride and of hatred, do always seek for Light wherever you may be... 283- I advise you to be sincere, to put your entire trust in ALLAH, to stay in modesty [and self-effacement] and to restrain from making endless worldly plans... 284- I recommend you to always show much propriety, for such a virtue grants ALLAH's Reward 285- Indeed being endowed with far-reaching scholarship without any sense of propriety and politeness leads to peril and sorrow 286- O young people! Never strike up a friendship with anyone that is insane, instead make [a] friend with a thoughtful companion 287- Because a thoughtful companion is one that cures his fellow of five (5) vices and leads him to five (5) corresponding virtues... 288- Such a companion cures his fellow [companion] of ostentation and teaches him perfect sincerity, so as to save him from hypocrisy 289- He cures his fellow [companion] of arrogance and leads him to modesty and forbearance 290- He gets his fellow [companion] out of a spirit of discord and teaches him a spirit of concord [to get] out of any misfortune 291- A sensible friend cures his fellow [companion] of permanent skepticism and leads him to spiritual certainty liable to heave him up to lofty degrees 292- He dispels from the disciple longing for anything harmful and directs him towards beneficial concerns... 293- Do take advantage of five situations before the coming of their five opposites, as recommended by [the Prophet] the Best of humankind 294- May Peace and the Finest Blessings be upon Him, upon his Family and his Companions that are PureHearted and Honorable 295- The first situation is youth before old age, The second situation is physical capacity before ill health 296- The third situation is wealth before neediness, The fourth situation is having enough time at one's disposal before lack of time, 297- The fifth situation is life before death; do hasten ye towards pious deeds before it becomes too late! 298- Thereupon comes to [the] end [of] "PROVISIONS FOR YOUTH" in praising ALLAH, [the One] that

has [the] Might to protect against dishonor 299- I composed it for the sole Satisfaction of my LORD, the MOST BOUNTIFUL, from Whom I hope [to receive] everlasting Rewards 300- That is a versification which introduces Religious Knowledge, for practicing and propriety and which enables one to reach [their] aims 301- It is a most beneficial and blessed "Rajaz" metric [that] I put at the disposal of any fortunate person 302- My LORD - by the grace of the Prophet, the Elected One, Peace and Blessings be upon him -... 303- ...Has shown Satisfaction with this work through which He will benefit all who are destined to Bliss, who are pure-hearted and clear sighted 304- That is a book which leads to obeying ALLAH and which removes any kind of damnation and delusions 305- I was ordered to write it by ALLAH, the ETERNAL-ABSOLUTE, He Who never leads me towards any source of misfortune 306- I write it for His sake solely and He honored our Covenant in bestowing me Eminence 307- Praise be to ALLAH and Peace be eternally upon the Prophet Ahmad, the Intercessor laden with favors, upon his Family and his Companions 308- The one named Ahmad, who considers himself as a subject of ALLAH and the Servant of the Prophet, [ends here] by thanking his ABSOLUTE MASTER...

*A Treatise for Spiritual Improvement*

`MAGHALIQU-N-NIRAN WA MAFATIHUL JINAN

(The Key that Locks the Gates of Hell & Unlocks the Gates of Paradise)
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE COMPASSIONATE, THE MERCIFUL When the Inevitable Event comes to pass, then no [soul] will entertain falsehood concerning its coming. [Many] will it bring low, [many] will it exalt; when the earth shall be shaken to its depths, and the mountains shall be crumbled to atoms, becoming dust scattered abroad, and ye shall be sorted out into three classes. Then [there will be] the Companions of the Right Hand - what will be of the Companions of the Right Hand? And the Companions of the Left Hand - what will be of the Companions of the Left Hand? And those [that are] Foremost [in Faith] will be Foremost [in the Hereafter]. These will be those Nearest to Allah, in Gardens of Bliss; a number of people from those of old, and a few from those of later times.
(Sura 56 Verses 1-14)

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Praise be to ALLAH, MASTER OF THE WORLDS, then Prayers and Salutations at [every possible] moment On the One that Sealed the Cycle of the Prophets and verily directed the Envoys (Messengers) coming from the HOLDER OF BENEFITS (AL-WAHHAAB) Our Lord MOHAMMAD, on his Family and his Companions who are admirers (worshipers) of the OWNER OF MAJESTY (AL-JALIL) The known Hagiographical Traces of the Prophet that one would [normally] seek, are today erased, because of the development of ignorance among the people And in the [very] same way, the Hagiographic Traces of the Companions [of the Prophet], who by Agreement had [obtained] Uprightness and Light, [their traces] disappeared with them as well

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Then after these two (2) fates, is [the disappearance of the] inconspicuous Rightly Guided Spiritual Chiefs, [that were] endowed with Piety, Scholarship and [well] rooted in Knowledge On the Prophet [be] the Prayers of those that are promoted to the row of [the] Selected (Muntaqa), he is the Model of whoever is not among the number [of] the people of damnation On his Family and on his Companions and [those] that he approved, by their blessings, [they are] the partisans of Knowledge who are excessively pious people The one that aspires to [have] a Spiritual Junction (Wusul) [with] the MAJESTIC ONE (ALJALIL), [should ensure] that he is studded with the Tradition of the Messenger of ALLAH In attending a worshiper that has isolated themselves, neither externally, nor internally, [but in the] Most Perfect Way He will lead you thus, by science and adoration, to the same things that he could educate (elevate) one with through abandoning the habitual practices [over time] Those that go into seclusion to inwardly withdraw themselves [by isolating their blameworthy traits] before being connected to one that has had a Spiritual Junction (Wusul) or one that a Perfect Spiritual Master has educated They will undoubtedly be inserted in an ocean of danger and they will never gain anything significant, [consequently they will] never [obtain anything] beneficial [to them] Because they will be pulled by Satan, their Carnal Heart and their Profane Passions, like the Spiritual Masters have clarified And know that any ignorant or judicious man that rebels against the Truth, is cursed The Truth is in the initiation of the laudator professing the Divine Unicity (Tawheed) and then the [studying of the] Legal Doctrines (Fiqh) [that are] assigned to the Moslems, before [approaching] the exhilarating [aspects of] Sufism (Tasawuuf) They should rather affiliate themselves with the doctrines from the Men of the Tradition of the Elected Official of ALLAH and the Consensus; this is a guarantee to all of you for the acquisition of Science All of you should hasten for the acquisition of Science, by only aiming at the FACE of the OWNER OF MAJESTY (AL-JALIL) First proclaim [your allegiance] to a True Spiritual Guide, [that is capable of] handling various types of disciples to help you withdraw yourself Because [the] darkness of [the] blameworthy innovations on dogma dissipates the lights that carry you to the TRUE GUIDE (AL-HADI) [There will be] those that prohibit you to seek knowledge, from the prohibited concerns of agreement Because in this time, those that prevent the people from getting knowledge, they convoke

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An execrable innovation; because a practice which is not inspired by science is sullied by imperfections The Science and its Practice are Two (2) Invaluable Jewels that generate Happiness in Both Worlds The Most Noble of these Two (2) Principles is Science, which is a priority, as it appeared in the Statements of the Elected Official Because those that acted [only] upon a margin of science, their actions are presented in the form of dust in dispersion And the ones that have acquired science and do not apply its steps, they are charged with being an ass [So] seek knowledge for the FACE of ALLAH but not by competition or emulation Do not have the intention to attract people nor obtain pious gifts by it Those that seek knowledge for the reasons mentioned above, their actions will contribute to the destruction of their piety And they would have exchanged their life in the Next World (Beyond), for this Carnal World and would have wasted their efforts, what a vain action! Because the [opportunity] was lost when their transaction was completed and their exchange [resulted in being] a trade without [any] profit And those that exempted it to them, they definitely helped in their disobedience They will share misfortune with them, equivalent to someone that sells a saber to a criminal So in the beginning, in order to obtain safety by Uprightness, there are Four (4) Objectives [to be followed] for the research of Knowledge The first (1st) of them is to leave Ignorance; the second (2nd) is to be Useful to the Creatures of the OWNER OF MAJESTY (AL-JALIL) The third (3rd), is to vivify the Religious Sciences and the fourth (4th), [is the] application of Science Our Master Zarruq composed distichs to educate those with understanding The one that seeks knowledge to be measured with the jurisconsults or to engage a polemic among the ignorant ones Or to obtain prestige from good people, will be a guest of the Hell-Fire and will know the forfeiture On account among the Rules of Good Conduct for those that study, is the fact of avoiding to bring damage to a [fellow] Moslem

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Also on account among them, is the fact that a disciple is persevering in their obligatory practices and those that have been confirmed And the fact that they do not delay the execution of prayers beyond their fixed times, without a valid excuse And the fact that they are generous all the time in exempting their knowledge, also forms part of the Rules of Good Conduct Whoever is miserly with their knowledge will be tested before their death Also on account among the Rules of Good Conduct, is the fact that they respect science by honoring what they have learned It is not suitable of their share, to hold a book, place it on a shelf or [put] a sheet on the ground Anytime that they return from the latrine, after satisfying the call of a natural need without them having cleansed their hands with water Because by preference, they should wash their hands afterwards, [if] they want to touch a book They [should] make their ablutions and then after that they [may] take the book, by [this they are] dedicating consideration and respect to themselves, thus they will obtain rewards Also on account among the Rules of Good Conduct, is to be respectful, useful and honorable towards their [Spiritual] Master Because one has said that the happiness of the one which studies, depends on the consideration that he dedicates to the Master Scholars On account, [there are] Six (6) Qualities among the Conditions for the Research of Knowledge which generates Uprightness The first (1st) is the fact of supporting an average hunger, equivalent [to that] of a lion and the second (2nd) is that ALLAH preserves you from making mistakes [and having faults]! Then there is the intention and the endurance for the duration of the foundational information during the course [of study] like a vulture, and this [is done] in order to obtain the satisfaction of the teacher The third (3rd) is the fact of being ambitious for the acquisition of Knowledge, with the eagerness equivalent to that of a dog towards the object of its desire The fourth (4th) is being graceful, like a cat in motion; the fifth (5th) is constancy in abstinence The women that dissipate the force of spiritual decisions, are considered to be equivalent to pigs without any type of concern And the sixth (6th) is patience during humiliation whenever it happens, like that of a jackass (donkey); [for those of] you [that are] interested in such a correction

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And [these] conditions are acquired only by ones effort and expressed perseverance Oh you, brother Moslems! You must combat your Carnal Soul with Righteousness (Virtues), and by this you will gain benefits in the future and in the other hand [hold a Key to unlock the Gates of] Paradise Those that do not fight against their Carnal Heart, they will not obtain the merits which result from this [battle] And those that are devoted to fighting against their Carnal Hearts, they will be happy during their stay in the tomb As you undertake Spiritual Combat, start among the enemies which are equivalent to the numerical value of the letter "DL", which is four (4) And I swear it by my life! That this combat is [indeed] the Greatest Jihad, in accordance with the information that we possess in reference to it Know that the four (4) enemies are: the Carnal Soul, the Carnal World, the Accursed Satan and the Profane Passions - each one of them is an irreducible enemy You must return to each one of the enemies, a well known weapon; consequently, [if you] imprison them and break their weapons, you will be saved As for the Carnal Soul, it is imprisoned by hunger [that is] lengthily endured, and it does not have an additional obstacle known apart from this one In regards to its weapon with which it diverts a Worshiper from the Proper Way, it is the appeasing of hunger The dungeon of this Carnal World [is sealed and locked] by retiring in Science and Religious Practices, for the FACE of the PROVIDER OF UNDERSTANDING (AL-WASI) In regards to its weapon with which it harms, it is frequentation without profit And the prison of [the Accursed] Satan without divergence, is the repetition of the MOST BEAUTIFUL NAMES OF ALLAH, [specifically] those that protect and bring about peace In regards to the weapon with which he attacks a worshiper, it is negligence And [as for] the prison cell of the Profane Passions, it is to be in a state of silence while in seclusion (cloistering) from those things that are neither profitable, nor beneficial In regards to the weapon with which it subjugates a person, it is chattering about vain things And the fact of taking guard in extreme cases forms part of the Spiritual Combat according to the Law of the Master of the Throne, Who is MAJESTIC (AL-JALIL) and GLORIOUS (ALMAJEED)! Then to respect His Commands and His Prohibitions and to devote yourselves at all times to repentance, confessing your guilt Then your faults, for the FACE of your LORD (RABB), before His Anger falls on you [which can

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happen at any given] moment 79. And among some of the clauses of such repentance, is the fact of regretting the mistakes that you made, whatever they may be And to take the resolution to never repeat those sins again during your lifetime, because of the fear of [not] being very-close to [ALLAH] in His [Most Intimate] Proximity And that you be a Mukallaf (accountable individual) by refraining from sins, without [any type of] delay [and if not, then know that] you are [a] transgressor But you should never delay repentance or not have the patience to do it, you should also not say: "I attended [waiting for the] Power that will allow the Guidance of the BENEFACTOR (AL-BARR) to reach me [on behalf of ALLAH]", because that is a sign of abandonment (Khidhlan) That leads to damnation and a dull spot on the heart; I seek refuge with my LORD (RABB) against these two (2) misfortunes The true definition of repentance, is the abandonment of the sins that one had previously made and that this abandonment is done,[exclusively] for the FACE of the LORD (RABB) By deliberately doing it in an intentional way and not in the event of being [stricken with], deafness, blindness, muteness or a venereal disease But done strictly for the abandonment [of sins], for the GLORIOUS ONE (AL-MAJEED), and that this is also [done] by fear of an atrocious punishment from the Magnifier Together with the regret of those things that have already been mentioned, among the faults and the totality of the defects And it forms part of the Conditions for Repentance, according to the opinion of the scientists (scholars), that the situation is repaired when the price has been paid with the victims Legally, you must repair the material damage, if the latter can be located licitly, because they have rights In the case that they cannot be located, it will without any hesitation, have to be refunded then with their heirs But if their heirs cannot be found, you should deposit the royalty in Alms, on behalf of the victim, so that the manner of recompensing them is done veraciously (truthfully) Then you must [proceed as mentioned to] be discharged from the moral damage that you caused with other people [as well], [whether it was] because of scandalmongering, slander or a tangible offence If the victim is living; but they cannot be present, pious works must be multiplied [on their behalf], in order to obtain By returning to show respect, the rights to each one [of the] victims, and by being remorseful for

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the mistakes that have been made, hoping for the Grace of your LORD (RABB) 96. The AVENGER (AL-MUNTAQIM) and the DOMINATOR (AL-QAHHR) prohibited the defects which enable Hell to gain another subject The prohibited defects of character are lying, scandal mongering, a misrepresentation intended to harm another's reputation (calumny), self-pride, self-conceit Then ostentation, love of a reputation, hatred, jealousy, the feeling of absolute preeminence over others The winking of the eye [or smirking behind ones back] (Hamz) and the verbal expression of slanderer (Lamz), as well as joking, making mocking remarks, [and even] adultery and fornication With a woman that you are in an illicit relationship with, even a lustful glance is prohibited, in the same [manner] that it is prohibited to enjoy [the sound of] her voice And to use someone [or someones possessions] without their consent, leads a person toward punishment Someone that [seeks] to enrich [themselves] unlawfully at the expense of religion, to intercede in a cause based on material gain, as well as the fact of delaying an act of devotion Naturally [you] should not delay [the] execution of the ritual prayer beyond its fixed time, without a valid excuse And [you should not] ridicule, nor push back, neither be scolding (abusive), nor overburden a fellow Moslem, and never have regrets of [doing any of] these practices Unless it is for a reason that is not allowed by the Law, in which case this practice is not prohibited And safeguarding yourselves from expressing words of corruption, is assigned to you by the CONSTRAINING ONE (ALAFUW), the MASTER OF THE HEAVENS (MALIK AL-MULK) [Wants us to safeguard ourselves] from [expressing] obscene words and from [withholding] the reciprocation of emancipation [from the slaves] and for the repudiation (divorce) of a spouse [as well], remember to apply them all at the same time The prohibition of safeguarding yourselves from an unlawful glance, has been assigned by the willingness of the LORD OF MANKIND (RABBI N-NAS) Avoid looking at Moslems by glances that may obstruct them, and [know that] these [types of glances should not even be directed towards] a culprit Because according to the Legislation, it has been allotted that they carry out a cold war against them with the intention to render service to them, [as a means of] helping them out Stay clear from the company of [any type of] pervert, because those that cannot control themselves are not suitable to be aspirants (Al-Murids) Then preserve the members [of your body], namely; the belly, the tongue, the sex [organs], the feet, the eyes, the hands

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After that the ears; whoever safeguards the members of their body [from] disobedience, they will obtain beneficial profit Opposite each of the members of the body is a Gate corresponding to each of the various stages of Hell, according to all of the authentic sources And the one that is constantly devoted to preserving the members of their body will be protected on the Day of the Inevitable Event, from entry into Hell because of the DOMINATOR (ALQAHHAR), Who is the MAJESTIC ONE (AL-JALIL) And those that always disobeys the LORD (AR-RABB) by a particular member of their body, the corresponding Gate to Hell [for that desecrated member] will be [unlocked for the proper] punishment in the Next Life And each one among these members will be a challenge to you in relation to the responsibility that it holds, as it is understood among those that comprehend this logically In regards to the belly (stomach), preserve it from the consumption of what is illicit (illegal) and from what is doubtful And persevere in the research of what is licit (legal), because it brings them closer to the OWNER OF MAJESTY (AL-JALIL) And peacefully fight and counter satiety (overindulgence), when a particular meal is prepared, because it is the source of tempting illusions Because satiety of what is licit can start to cause damage to an individual, because this is indefinitely the situation in all of the [other] cases [as well] It results in Six (6) Types of Damage that one normally would not expect, which are evoked here for your memorization The dryness of the heart, corruption of the spirit, the harmful effect of memorizing that which [is not] authentic [and not from a valid] source Heaviness [of the] members [of the body], preventing adoration and the acquisition of the sciences [that are] full of benefits Then the assuaging (appeasing) of hunger [which] helps Satan and also sharpens the [detrimental] pleasures, [you have] thus been made aware of these Six (6) Damaging Defects And the research of what is licit is a duty that falls upon all Moslems, without [any] illusion Neither science, nor adoration is beneficial along with the consumption of illicit (illegal) things, according to the Masters Guard yourself from consuming any of the things that you are certain are of an illicit nature and [even] those individuals that you do not trust because they dont keep their word And satisfy yourself by just taking an amount of food that makes it possible to have [enough] on your stomach, so that you can Worship (Love) the LORD (AR-RABB)

114.

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Of course, food is pleasant when it is prepared for eating, but it becomes dirty feces, after it has been digested As for the members [of the body], know that they will testify against you in the future, according to what has been established [by the scholars] Observe the practice of the Ten (10) Principles below, because they constitute the Routes (Paths) of Spiritual Junction [and protect] you from procrastination Abandon and restrict your desires, because [there is] not an action that you will be able to carry out [properly] until you can get rid of these two (2) defects through the Contemplation of ALLAH Because continuous devotion, leads to a happy end And whoever gives up the vain and unimportant things to demonstrate regard for the LORD OF THE UNIVERSE (ALLAH), they will be happy [as well] And when you formulate [your] intention, distinguish its advantages and its disadvantages before the execution of any action Avoid conceiving unhealthy ideas and attach yourself to approved nourishing ideas The development of unbeneficial (unprofitable) frequentations [is the] cause of sins and darkness Combat your Carnal Heart in its machination by blaming it, in all of its directives Some naturally prove [to not be] impatient regarding the Opening (Fath) of the Gates for the Lights of DIVINE WISDOM, because that is a "Mahid" (Particularity) for the Men of ALLAH Persevere in your objectives towards your LORD (RABB) and take refuge near Him, in recognition of all that He has granted to you And be devoted to the repetition of the MOST BEAUTIFUL NAMES OF ALLAH (ASMA ALHUSNA) for the purification of your heart, this constitutes the way of consideration Naturally do not reject the Exoteric Doctrines of Islam, because to abandon the [Exoteric Doctrines of Islam] is to take the path of utter destruction [to Hell] Avoid cohabiting with another other than the MAJESTIC ONE (AL-JALIL), so that ALLAH [may] preserve (protect) you internally and externally! And consciously examine yourself during the morning and evening, so that you may be freed from misfortune [in the future] And be devoted constantly to the repentance of all secret proclamations and acts of disobedience These particular principles are highlighted for a Spiritual Junction and these particular principles also return us to the various foundational aspects of Sufism The first among them, is to hold on tight to the Crowned Book (Quran) and the Tradition of the Best Selection, the Master of Good Guidance

131.

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134. 135.

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137. 138. 139. 140.

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146. 147.

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149.

Then the abandonment of the profane passions and the blameworthy innovations, and after that is to honor the Spiritual Masters, who are excessively pious people Stay away from making excuses to any creature, constantly be in practice of the Wird, for the FACE OF THE REAL (AL-HAQQ) Stay away from the risks [and dangers] of interpretation (Tawil) and from the laxism (negligence) of the concessions, by showing resolution within the Orthodox Tradition The veils of the Carnal Heart have six (6) origins. The Spiritual Volition (Postif) of those that seek to arrive at the Sealed Enclosure is what elevates them by necessity And to know that the origins are; the abusive use of eating and drinking, multiplication of frequentations without a pious objective An abundance of futile words, excessive sleeping and negligence in the repetition of the NAMES of the CREATOR OF HUMAN BEINGS And it is proven that Adoration of the MAJESTIC ONE (AL-JALIL) is comprised of three (3) sources The first (1st) among them is Fear, the second (2nd) is Hope and the third (3rd) of the sources is Love The Fear of the CLEMENT (AR-RAUF), is characterized by the abandonment of the prohibitions, without negligence The Index of Hope, is the [focus of your] will [toward the] Worship (Love) of your LORD (RABB), according to the Way of those that obey ALLAH (Al Muqtafl) through the Prophet The Demonstration of Love for the OWNER OF MAJESTY (AL-JALIL) is the burning desire for continual repentance It is held by the scientists (scholars) that being disobedient to the MAJESTIC ONE (AL-JALIL) has three (3) root causes as well The three (3) root causes are: Self-pride (Kibr), Cupidity (Hirc) and then Jealousy; whoever is free [from these three causes], will profit from Uprightness Self-pride condemned and cursed Satan; Cupidity drove ADAM the Noble One out of Paradise And Jealousy pushed his son Cain to kill his brother (Abel), although the tragedy of Abel was approved by ALLAH Our Noble Al Jili wrote that he does not cease [honoring that which is] Approved by ALLAH, but mainly That the edifice of Sufism is comprised of eight (8) pillars that support it; The Generosity of ABRAHAM the Friend of ALLAH, the Approval of ISAAC, the Forbearance of JOB, which is eminent

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167.

The Allusive Signs of ZACHARIAH, the Retirement of JOHN THE BAPTIST and the Wool Coat of MOSES, that has been imitated The Travels of the Son of Mary (JESUS), the Spiritual Poverty of our LORD, the Best Selection who is the Benevolent One (MOHAMMAD) You [should] summarize these lessons as instructed by the scholars that follow the Way of the Most Excellent Tradition of the Best Prophet that was selected as the best of those which follow the Proper Way Our main [focus is on] our Beloved, through our concomitant relationship to MOHAMMAD, on him be the Prayers of his LORD (RABB) eternally It is this that is recommended to you at all times, which is to Worship (Love) your LORD (RABB), according to the Eminent Tradition Even in the title of this Treatise, it warns you against the dangers of following the Tempting Traitor (Satan) We solicit the [SELF SUFFICIENT] MASTER (AS-SAMAD), the MOST- HIGH (ALMUTAALI) - Exalted is HE! For His Protection against the dangers in this world and in the Next Life And that He supports us for following the Tradition of the Most Praised Ahmad, to a prestigious degree And that He grants His Prayer and Safety upon him, to his Family and with whoever is his partisan And that He grants the favor to those that follow the practices of the Scholars and Perfect Friends of ALLAH among us And that He makes us be able to enjoy it all together, by our virtues both publicly and privately And that He gratify us with the sincere benefits of repentance that would allow the light to reach us, the certainty of the Gate and the opening of it to Spiritual Bliss And that this versified Treatise is eternally a source of happiness for whoever puts it into practice And that it is an approved work, by which I return thanks to ALLAH and to His Envoy (Messenger) And that this versification is a Key with Salutations, [that can be used] before the time of death And that it obtains for the sincere aspirant Spiritual Perspicacity, the Revealing of Secrets and [the Unveiling of] Essential Truths And that it constantly affirms Divine Unity, Islamic Jurisprudence and the Most Glorious [aspects of] Sufism And that I am constantly out of the reach of the Accursed [Satan] and the minions of his horde

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185. 186.

And that I will be saved from the minions of evil and the things that a virtuous heart detests And that I devote myself to praising the one that is Most Praised (Ahmad), so that my prayers are upon him, at all times So that ALLAH, our LORD (RABB), spreads His Prayer upon him, his Family and his Companions, who have [obtained] Perfection Plus the Purest of Prayers accompanied by the Best of Blessings, which have granted favor to me, by allowing me the courtesy of being his Companion.

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Oh my GOD! Grant Salutations, Peace and Blessing from our Lord, to our Master MOHAMMAD, to his Family and his Companions

NAHJOU KHADA I HADJI

(The Way of the Satisfaction of the Needs)
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICIENT, THE MERCIFUL By the Night as it conceals (the light). By the Day as it appears in glory. By (the mystery of) the creation of male and female. Verily, (the ends) ye strive for are diverse. So he who gives (in charity) and fears (Allah), and (in all sincerity) testifies to the best - We will indeed make smooth for him the path to Bliss. But he who is a greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient, and gives the lie to the best - We will indeed make smooth for him the path to Misery. Nor will his wealth profit him when he falls headlong (into the Pit). Verily We take upon Ourselves to guide, and verily unto Us (belongs) the End and the Beginning. Therefore do I warn you of a Fire blazing fiercely; none shall reach it but those most unfortunate ones who give the lie to Truth and turn their backs. But those most devoted to Allah shall be removed far from it; those who spend their wealth for increase in self-purification and have in their minds no favor from anyone for which a reward is expected in return, but only the desire to seek for the Countenance of their Lord Most High; and soon will they attain (complete) satisfaction. {Sura 91} That ALLAH the Most High grants Peace to our Master Mohammad, to his Family and to his Companions and ensures Safety to them.

1. Mohammad, the descendant of his Spiritual Master, with whom he shares his first name and who is his innermost being, has said: 2. Praise be to GOD! He is the ONE that dissimulates my defects, Him that lays out the direction of my connection and assists me. 3. I exalt His GLORY! The NOBLE LORD that has been to me spendthrift of the gifts that lead me to testify my gratitude to Him 4. And He is ONE of a modest origin (descent) and by [removing the] veil which dissimulates ignorance he makes education pleasing, 5. And He is in control of the privileges and good to the men of science, by congratulating [them with], the straight [path] and the reward 6. Because the Peace and Safety is from the Sublime One who strengthened Al Burak 7. Our Lord, [is] He who called out to the Creator by the best of the Codes of Conduct and Morality 8. In fact MOHAMMAD, Peace and Salutations be upon his Family, who have precedence and his

Companions, who obtained favors that last forever 9. They have perpetuated the Message without discord, because they had fixed their carnal hearts towards obedience 10. They had left fortunes to make pious expenditures, without ostentation through human eyes and without hypocrisy 11. They rested on the ADVANTAGEOUS ONE, that is the PROVIDER, being submissive towards him with regard to their subsistence 12. They all were resolutely turned towards the Beyond, because they had irremediably repudiated its rival (the Physical World) 13. They are not frightened at all, not by fear [of any danger], nor by destitution, [they adhere to] the Regulation of the LEADER, Which is the CREATOR 14. In truth, they were devoted to the execution of the Orders [of GOD], with love, while not being diverted by the goods from the fairs (spoils) 15. By Science they had dissipated darkness from the horizons; by science, through their action and harmony 16. They are noble! These lords imbued of sagacity, who, by experiment, have fully enjoyed the spiritual delights 17. Their approval has granted me the means in which I reach the Holder of Absolute Preeminence 18. In fact MOHAMMAD, on him be the Prayer of the ETERNAL, his Family and his Companions of which the degrees of merit are treated on a hierarchical basis 19. Know to present that this is a recitation that I deliver at the request of certain disciples that wanted it rhythmically 20. A request for a versification that deals with LEGAL COURTESY, so that virtuous conduct can be obtained from it, that draws us to what of course is necessary 21. Because he who seeks has but to obey, because the exclusion of this [versification that deals with Legal Courtesy] will deprive them of happiness and profit 22. And it constitutes the best Treasure in the Two Residences and is arguably most honorable to the Men of Distinction 23. By what it illuminates in the Heart, as well as [how it] brings them closer to Paradise 24. It causes praise on behalf of those near us (neighbors), as well as move them away from Hell 25. Thus, I have undertaken this task to put forth the answer [of their request], hoping for the Approval and Reward of GOD 26. It has as its content the prose of a Saint, MAN OF GOD, who spoke enigmatically (obscurely) and I especially hope to carry out his wishes

27. Because this prose joins together with conviction the majority of what the former writers had split up 28. However all that is abridged in sufficiency is preferable to an abundance full of difficulties 29. I contained it in a versified poem of profit, by the Grace of He Who ensures Defense* (Quran 22:38)
Surely Allah will defend those who believe; surely Allah does not love any one who is unfaithful, ungrateful .

30. So that for my part, I can obtain Approval, Safety and be Discharged, from the Day of Terror 31. I lay this out for you All of you collectively, among my disciples! And it is to you that I recommend this present answer 32. It contains Moral Character and Virtuous Conduct which is something that will undoubtedly lead you to the most Noble Practices

33. It contains the instructions and benefits (advantages) of the men that are not weary in animating these things 34. The beginners and the initiated enjoy its infinite utility as well as its benefit! 35. Because it contains the conditions which bring forward the Best of Hopes and Virtues 36. It is entitled "THE WAY OF THE SATISFACTION OF THE NEEDS, IN THE MANSIONS OF THE CULTIVATED FIELDS BY OUR MASTER FROM THE FAMILY OF DAL HAJ" 37. It is GOD Alone whom by His GRACE, I request for approval to perfect the achievement of it 38. And that in keeping with its name, He gives a happy exit to the fate of those that learn it, so that they are happy 39. And that He preserves me from ostentation and self-conceit, by the Grace of being selected by Excellence, as the Holder of the Standard 40. He also preserves me from other defects apart from these two and supports me with virtues 41. And that He preserves me at all times. Exalted is He!!! From the evil of Satan, who is [the] rebellious [one]. 42. And from the evil of what He has created on the ground, in the sky and what is between them both 43. And that He supports me by the Best of Creatures, who is in charge of Intercession and who is the [Perfect] Model 44. After having spread our Prayer and our Salutations on him, his family and their families and their companions and this for all eternity 45. It is here that the Preamble of this work is completed; presently, I adore the rules of Spiritual Cultivation 46. I profess to versify what Sheik Ahmad [Dal Haj] had put in prose, [from] the abyss of knowledge

47. O you, [among the] totality of researchers! Be attentive to the salutary council of my work, so that it moves you away from misfortune 48. A council which allows you to fulfill your intention for the Simple FACE OF GOD, an exhortation for whoever has been negligent and [seeking positive change] 49. The Way of Virtuous Conduct consists in showing [the proper] indulgence toward young people, following the example of father and mother, to respect those in authority 50. And to treat your peers like you would treat yourself, for the FACE OF THE CREATOR, that occupies the Throne (Arsh) 51. Be lenient towards the youth and give them no council except that which according to you, can save them 52. [It] is likely [to] put them on the Right Path; [if they] respect the people of authority, even if they appear despicable and vulgar 53. It forms part of your Virtuous Conduct, if you do not consider yourself to have rights over another individual, see [this clearly]! 54. And that you see that you merit not the least mark of veneration on behalf of the ones that love you 55. In truth, it is your place to observe the Rules of the Virtuous Conduct, even without requiring it of others 56. [You should] be with everyone, during your life, exactly as you would wish them to be with you 57. And respect the Rights of the Holder of Majesty, the Powerful One, at their place, for His Face, like the expression of the poet 58. You [should not] associate with those that are higher than you, except by constraint, as this is the case 59. For example, while learning or while cohabiting; [do not] associate not with them on the same bed 60. However, if you associate with them, do it with respect, not in aggression, [but] with humility 61. And reservation, you should not associate with them while being at their level, nor by putting yourself above them and do not stretch out 62. Your legs in their direction, O my brother! If however you sit down in front of them, lower your gaze (glance) 63. Do not turn your glance around much in all directions (randomly about), except in the event that it is required 64. Because that is an obvious index of ignorance and it is acknowledged in the Book of GOD [as being] "recommended to believers..." 65. Thus observe scrupulously the Orders of the MASTER OF CREATURES, because it appears in the Prophetic Statement which says: "It arrives to an individual..."

66. And a poet has already versified it saying: "And as for you..."; thus never make your glance turnabout everywhere 67. Regardless of where you are do not frequently deliver yourself with doing something recreational, have agitation with laughter, have futility (uselessness) 68. With disorder and conduct investigations in order to reveal a glance of the hidden things, whatever it may be 69. Even if it appears as an index of clumsiness or smallness of spirit, on behalf of whoever in fact adheres to its practice 70. Through [divine] assistance, the body is controlled, thus devote yourself to silence by the reservation that you will be enlightened 71. Support with patience the defamatory ones and do not return [defamatory comments to] any of them, you should be known as the courteous one: "Certainly..." 72. Because the exchange of defamatory remarks and the fact of treating the liar himself mutually, are marks of the purest practices, just as the exchange of blows 73. And the frequency of laughter desiccates (dries out) the heart; decrease your laughter then, so that you may obtain the Approval of the LORD 74. When you associate with somebody older in age than you, laugh only by smiling 75. You should not be prolix (drawn out) in your conversation because that is not beautiful (elegant) 76. Remain silent until they ask you to speak, and in that moment respond only to the question that was put forth 77. It is then [also] Virtuous Conduct, to observe them in their interactions; [so please consider this]! 78. If they appear harsh towards you, endure their arrogance, if they makes a blunder, it is necessary to veil them 79. Do not cease excusing yourself to [be] close to them and you should never hold [anything] against them 80. Do not direct your glance towards them at any moment, while fixing it (staring) without turning [away] 81. If you wish to offer your assistance, rise with caution at the time of the standing 82. And, do not spread (throw) dust in their face, because of their inadequacy (insufficiency) for a correction 83. As much as you can, avoid sleeping in the presence of people [that are] in a waking state 84. Such conduct does not form part of the Rules of Propriety, because it results from those that comprise an annoyance 85. Know that the activity of the elements forms part of the causes of ignominy (disgrace) and of reproach

86. However the one that subordinates his will (spiritual volition) to eating food and having sex, that individual joins together the causes of criticism 87. As far as food, you just need enough to stand up, so that you can adore the LORD 88. Avoid veracity at all the times, because it is the origin of all evil (harm) 89. Control your hands and do not [get them in the] habit of amusements or recreation, because that constitutes a manifest defect 90. Do not use your hands to seize those things that contain no profit, and you will be happy 91. If you hear an older person (elder) occasionally requesting the satisfaction of a need 92. Seeking, for example, in need of an envoy for a service, satisfy it, for Allahs Sake (FACE) 93. [So] that no one solicits himself for a service, without you not doing it, and in that you will be honored 94. Never say to someone "Youre lying or "What you said is not true (false)" or "You are wrong" 95. Or any other possible variation of this kind, that can frustrate (irritate) them, even if they are a child, because it is a mistake 96. If they affirm something that you do not know, show them respect in that, thus you will have shown nobility 97. Say to them rather "I did not see it that way" or "I believe that..." or "For my part, I was unaware of that..." 98. And [as for] other [formulas] of that kind, among the Good Formulas, avoid offending and committing prejudice! 99. Accustom your language to fine words, thus you will be happy and you will be preserved of any evil 100. According to the remarks of the Master of all Creation - "The one that believes in GOD and the Day of Judgment, must hold their remarks until it is appropriate or keep himself silent" So that the continual Peace and Blessings of His LORD may be upon him 101. And for such a precise goal must move very precisely, without sauntering; because wandering inflicts a lesson of correction 102. Never laugh unless it is for something funny, because it carries out a displacement; [laugh] only by necessity 103. Each one of these behaviors is [related to] ignorance and they are contrary to Virtuous Conduct and are not easily over turned by those that adhere to them 104. And never, roll up your trousers, that is a deviation from the way of Good Manners (Noble Behavior) 105. Such behavior is class among the Moors, to degrade the villains who are rebellious from the tribe of "Hassan"

106. Keep [silent about] what you have discovered below your belly, specifically the parts located between the navel and the knees, for the same reasons 107. It is a sign of stupidity, ignorance, and lack of decency, [remaining silent about that is] such a magnificent quality 108. Because such decency is an assurance of Faith; regardless of where it is [if decency is] missing, Faith will not exist, as it has been confirmed by the Learned Ones 109. If ever you are concerned about a Spiritual Cultivation, greet the teacher (instructor) as soon as you arrive 110. If he starts to greet [you] first, then return the civility (courtesy) to him in words 111. If you give each other a hand, one cordially needs your right hand [to be] against his, according to what is approved 112. And do not withdraw it until the latter has started to remove his [hand] in a manifest way 113. Because they (the learned ones) regard the withdrawal of the hand in a fast manner during a greeting, in the same way as the absence of exchanging words 114. So then, to greet them both ways (verbally & physically); the hands form part of the whole related to Good Uses (Beneficial Application), like the two preceding examples that were [used as models] 115. O you who are intelligent! Formulate your share - because this forms part of the acts which exonerate the seven deadly sins and it has its place, among the Good Uses (Fruitful Actions) 116. If you wish to enter the residence of others, [first you should] announce yourself to them, that way you will be filled with prosperity 117. If they grant permission to you, then enter; if not, then withdraw (remove) yourself from there 118. [Do not seek to find things] at the house of others, for fear of discovering that there are frustrating things that may [have] been veiled (hidden) 119. Choose, when you seek a companion, [one that is] not stupid, [they should be] neither jealous, nor envious 120. You should only sit near or be with those that will always benefit you religiously and intellectually, thus you will carry out the [best of] intentions 121. They (learned ones) said, bring back a Prophetic Statement, [so] that [other] individuals [may] conform to the practice of their friend 122. Do not seek to detect stumblings (shortcomings) and never make investigations on the modest things 123. Know that not keeping a promise and lying form part of the defects that sully (defile) a conversation, [so] avoids them 124. One finds in the statements of the One that we perpetuate prayers [upon], [in the statements] of his

Family and his Companions who are supported 125. Hadiths [that start with,] I recommend to you..."; so be sincere and avoid lying to be considered [as exonerated from these sins.] 126. Obey both of your two parents, you should be benevolent towards them and hasten to carry out their orders 127. Keep yourself from all that they prohibit to you, for the Face of ALLAH and you will then gain more consideration 128. And whoever is higher than you, among your close relatives (parents), you should be deferent (honorable) towards them 129. And towards others among them and [have] good character [while] with people, then as a necessary consequence what you show will be loved [even] by the innovators 130. Perfect your character in cordiality (accessibility) and in sympathy towards them, thus you will be loved 131. Soften your remarks towards people, because that forms part of the characteristics of the perspicacious intellectual ones 132. One reports the facts that it is half intelligent to gain with regard to others, according to the Holder of Benefits 133. It forms part of the happiness of an individual, [regardless of where he is from] or wherever he may go, to be not rejected by the Heart of the Virtuous One 134. Always return a visit of courtesy to the Elite of the Scientists (Scholars/Shaykhs) and with the Virtuous, render service to them at all times for the Love of God, the MOST HIGH 135. Request their prayers and you should be in search of their blessings at all times, and you will gain some [benefit] in [the way of] uprightness 136. To venerate a Scholar that puts his knowledge into practice amounts to venerating the MASTER OF THE THRONE, according to what is profitable 137. Anytime that you are in the company of a person higher than you, do not cease dedicating respect to them 138. At the time of a voyage or on another occasion, assist them with honor and yield the bed to them 139. Associate among yourselves and although you may not [always] agree, do not separate yourself from them, you should fulfill any request from them with generosity 140. Except in the event that it may cause you to lose control; even if they extend a meal or drink to you O you, young man! 141. Never precede them in action, in truth, you must await their orders, they are in possession of wisdom! 142. Always yield [first choice] to them, if there is a more pleasant dish, in order to show them honor

143. Thus offer to them your service in all that they would need, [and by doing that] your needs will be satisfied thereafter 144. Anytime that you are in the company of people, even during a voyage, assist them in all of their needs [regardless of what] they may be 145. Offer them your service (assistance), supervises their mountings (arrangements) and protect their luggage in their absence 146. Help them accordingly while attending to your responsibilities, but excuse yourself from their presence if you are negligent 147. Neither idleness, nor rest benefit a person who wants everything easily 148. Because good never comes from such an attitude, they are otherwise prejudicial (detrimental) to the disciple (Al Murid) 149. Know that Glory is acquired only according to the effort that is put forth, after what has been said 150. When one deserving makes a request near you, satisfy it without reservation 151. You should never be miserly with worldly goods, to the point of being dishonored in the Beyond 152. Because those that are striking of avarice are moved away from GOD and the whole of His creatures, everywhere or as the case presents itself 153. The miserly ones will be led to Hell and definitively diverted from Paradise 154. They opposed the Generous One, after it had been stated that, You should be generous and not miserly! 155. Honor the hosts by cordiality, hospitality, rejoicing and intimacy 156. [So] that your heart is not tightened by the presence of the host, wait until his departure is imminent 157. One finds in a statement from the Elected Official [That has] the Peace of GOD [upon him], his family and whoever follows his example 158. "Whoever believes..." and the poet will say into metric "Kamil": "the host honors..." 159. Do not cease seeking knowledge everyday and applying it in the Worship [of GOD] 160. Because knowledge vivifies the heart of the student, [it] illuminates the heart, as it moves away mislaying (loss) 161. Know that what differentiates [them] is in Knowledge and Faith, [so] you should have patience! 162. It is by these two (2) things, knowledge and faith, that one is superior [to another] and not by their descent from someone of eminence that had prevailed 163. [And not by] their descension from a paternal or maternal ancestor; thus persevere in these two (2)

[virtues items], in accordance with Legal Courtesy! 164. If you are in search of knowledge, resort to GOD, so that the sincerity of your heart is reassured 165. With the constancy of the lessons, have continence (self-restraint), reduce your sleep and remain sober. 166. Persevere in studying, by revising what you have learned, without slackening 167. Oppose your heart, because the carnal heart encourages that which is related to the Day of Judgment 168. Reduce sleep, combat idleness, decrease resting and you should [remain] sober [while working] on projects! 169. Know that those which refuse to seek knowledge in their youth, will fall into regret [later in their life] 170. Because whoever does not hasten to acquire knowledge, while being devoted to it exclusively, before being attacked by [other] concerns 171. Their goal in that attempt will generally never be achieved; they will not carry out their intentions 172. Because some have tried to render instruction to young people by assimilating what was engraved in stone 173. As the young people compared the instructions of the old men (elders) to the script of someone that writes on the surface of water 174. Know that knowledge is difficult [to obtain], one acquires it only while abstaining from palaver (idle talk) 175. No one will ever acquire a part of it, if the whole [of it] is not laid out to him, so you should always persevere [in acquiring it]! 176. Thus exempt (deliver) it to them completely - without any reservation, take care during the night and endure hunger 177. For acquisitions, face thirst during the whole day, so that it pains each of the members of your body, and this [is to be] done with courtesy 178. Those that do not seek knowledge under such conditions, will not thoroughly enjoy it - thus is the price to be paid 179. One also reports that the savage (unprepared), only acquire it through a patient individual that [demonstrates understanding] 180. Devote yourself to obliteration, by modesty, during all periods of study, so that you will obtain Illumination of the Heart 181. Because if a student is proud, he will never carry out his intentions successfully 182. Flee ease and you should never associate on a bed during the hours of study, if it is not essential 183. Concentrate your will on the object of your research, without turning towards what is not forced (easily understood)

184. You should be attentive neither with people, nor with what they posses, [because] they are the subjects of argument 185. Do not delay seeking knowledge at any time and do not distribute it until 186. Discharged of the totality of its problems, if you ever wish to reach the level of scholarly men 187. Because the world is aware of the issues and concerns that block access to the Right Way as well as that which seems to have no end 188. As death occurs to someone that is unprepared, it very often removes that individual from the problems that they were submerged in 189. Consider your Spiritual Guide with the maximum [amount] of respect; make a Lord of them and lay out your goods to them 190. Provide them with what they need during your life, by giving them gifts, and by working for them, as much as you are able to do 191. Prevent laughter, joking and idle chatter in front of your Spiritual Master (Shaykh/Marabout), if you aspire to have Virtuous Conduct 192. You should not turn your head about and around in all directions, in their presence 193. In truth, do not speak much when [you are] near them; keep silent, if you want to benefit from their uprightness 194. During your life you should never be in their presence, without honoring them, as this is the practice of the present generation 195. Never regard them as a familiar presence, except in the case that the event is beyond control 196. Obey the directives that they give you and hasten to achieve them, even if it is contrary with your will 197. Observe what they prohibit to you and move away from it; be wary of your profane passions 198. Never cease sending gifts, in the amount (degree) of your potential 199. However moderate they are, conform your intentions to what is transmitted, namely so that if it increases their affection through that which brings them satisfaction 200. Anything that you see them leaning [towards], endeavors to understand it 201. Secure yourself therefore with their realization, because the beauty of an action lies in its completion 202. Testify with all those which are attached to them - family, servants and the whole of all the others 203. So that your Spiritual Master (Shaykh/Marabout) may bless you with a glance that will allow you to obtain to that which you aspire, as a [sincere] consideration 204. And by that your LORD (GOD) will profit you, without a lot of sorrow, it should awaken you up!

205. Even one affectionate glance from a Spiritual Master (Shaykh/Marabout) towards his follower, is a source of benefit and rise (ascension) 206. You should be near your Spiritual Master (Shaykh/Marabout) like a dead person between the hands of its washer, so that you will profit from him 207. If you research knowledge near a teacher, requests their approval of this knowledge, for the FACE of GOD 208. You should be close to your Spiritual Master (Shaykh/Marabout) as if [you were] his property, by this you will obtain by their grace the levels of the sovereigns 209. Know that profit is obtained only after the price has been paid, through veneration 210. It is in the amount of your veneration towards your Spiritual Master (Shaykh/Marabout) that you will enjoy what you wish and will acquire blessings 211. Whoever does not satisfy his Spiritual Master (Shaykh/Marabout), will not obtain the perfection of a sincere disciple (Murid Sadiq), it will only be a wish [to them] 212. Indeed, it often happens that an individual dissipates his knowledge, even though he does not see anyone adhering to it 213. GOD has preserved us and protected us all from a knowledge which does not benefit its holder 214. A true relative and a sincere friend, in truth, are the rarest of rare things 215. And they are defined as those that dissipate darkness: "Your true relatives are those that act in agreement (concord) with you" 216. And they are useful when the adversities of the world strike out attempting to harm you 217. I add [to this], that they share their wealth to rehabilitate you and hide your defects, to return even more to you 218. I have entirely cited the Rules of Virtuous Conduct that grant the solemn promise of those that are devoted to it 219. The remedies stated here are enough for those that want to use them 220. They give an orientation to all of the other branches related to this chapter, for those that are endowed with intelligence if they apply them with [sincere] devotion 221. Until they exhaust the disciplines (ramifications) of Legal Courtesy; it then forms part of the way that brings about Virtuous Conduct 222. So that you may achieve what you regard as beneficent and give up what you consider maleficent (producing evil) 223. One of the Virtuous Ones was asked: "Who educated you? Or, in other words: "For example, how did you become so virtuous?"

224. He answered: "I have spent all my time meditating on the ignorance of the one whose misconduct is manifest 225. Then I avoided it systematically ", and it is by this that the conclusion of the answer was completed 226. "The Way of the Satisfaction of the Needs, in the Harvest of the Cultivated Field by our Master from the family of DAL HAJ" ends here. 227. I return grace to GOD who grants the Providential Help to the applicant, in the order that He made me spout it out 228. I testify gratitude to Him; He kept me safe from misfortune and by LOVE made me rise to glory 229. So that Peace and Safety are together upon the One which joins together all of the Advantages 230. Our Master, the Leader, the One that profits, [who is] in fact MOHAMMAD, the Intercessor of all Intercessors. 231. Our Master, the One that was given Praise for his Noble Character and Benevolence in the QURAN, 232. On his Family and on his Companions, who are brothers in sympathy that were tested one against the other, to the exclusion of any hatred 233. I solicit near GOD, in the name of the Elected Official and with them, a discharge which brings me closer to them 234. And that he gratifies me, by his grace and theirs, with a supplement of knowledge that leads me to love them even more 235. That this poem is for me and the whole of the "Murids", a means to reach Divine Favor 236. And that it is a point of blessing, and that it is rampart against danger 237. And that it is a shield against misfortune 238. And that it is a factor of accession (adherence) for us all, to be near ALLAH and the Messenger 239. And that it carries us to Paradise, and that it is a shield against punishment 240. And that it generates happiness, science, practice and the Worship [of Allah] 241. And that it attracts to us a happy end, in the name of the father of Fatima, the Pure One 242. On him be the Peace of GOD, the SOVEREIGN of the Lords, on his Family and his Companions 243. [So that] we will always obtain the best fate in both worlds, as long as we adhere to Virtuous Conduct 244. And as long as the Lights of the OWNER OF MAJESTY lives in the hearts of the People of Patience and Perfection.

How Glorious is your Lord!

Lord of Absolute Power, concealing himself in what they describe. Peace on the Messengers, Praise to God, Master of the Worlds

Axiru Zaman
(The End of Time)
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICIENT, THE MERCIFUL
"GOD took a covenant from the prophets, saying, 'I will give you the scripture and wisdom. Afterwards, a messenger will come to confirm all existing scriptures, You shall believe in him and support him.' He said, 'Do you agree with this, and pledge to fulfill this covenant?' They said, 'We agree.' He said, 'You have thus borne witness, and I bear witness along with you." Sura 3:81 "The Hour (End of the World) is surely coming, I will keep it almost hidden. For each soul must be paid for its works." Sura 20:15 When the Inevitable Event comes to pass, then no [soul] will entertain falsehood concerning its coming. [Many] will it bring low, [many] will it exalt; when the earth shall be shaken to its depths, and the mountains shall be crumbled to atoms, becoming dust scattered abroad, and ye shall be sorted out into three classes. Then [there will be] the Companions of the Right Hand - what will be of the Companions of the Right Hand? And the Companions of the Left Hand - what will be of the Companions of the Left Hand? And those [that are] Foremost [in Faith] will be Foremost [in the Hereafter]. These will be those Nearest to Allah, in Gardens of Bliss; a number of people from those of old, and a few from those of later times.
Sura 56:1-14

"God is the Knower of the future; He does not permit anyone to unveil such knowledge. Only through the messenger that He chooses does He reveal future and past events" Sura 72:27 1. 2. I thank the Lord, the Owner of Happiness, so that peace and happiness be On His Prophet Mohammed, as long as Islam exists, and on his family and his companions who were also guided.

3.

After that, [we start] here with the recommendations that are useful, which are [also] full of happiness and significance. All of the believers must fulfill the orders of the Saints (Awliya) and recognize the Sunnah of the Prophet, who is the Owner of Truth. This book is full of directions, of [major] significance. This book is filled with [recommendations that direct you towards] happiness. It allows [you to] avoid the misdeeds of hell. It leads [those that follow it] toward the Paradise. This book makes it possible to carry out all wishes, and desires. It opens with the one that has knowledge of the way of Light. Because all that this book contains are like theories and what they contain as guidance [is unlimited]. I have within [this book], the books of the great scholars that were guides towards the way of [unveiling, which is one type of Spiritual] Opening. This book contains the recommendations of Allah and the Tradition (Practices) of the Prophet. It allows the realization of wishes for those that are directed towards Allah. You must then confirm that you have the Recommendation of Allah. Oh muslim brothers, adore Allah and follow His orders. After you know and politely follow His recommendations. And move away from punishment and from all that makes us move beyond that. Continue to follow the tradition (practices) and recommendations of the Prophet. And even those of his venerated companions. All the while, being wary of the prohibitions of Allah. And let us remind you to be aware of them, and to follow the proper way. Do not seek an equal to Allah, so that you may remain friendly. Because to seek an equal to Him, will lead you to hell. Do not victimize your fellow man to punish them for not assisting you voluntarily, because this action is prohibited. Do not approach [anyone] to delight yourself by the selfishness of adultery. Avoid speaking evil of those that are not present, that are wary from ostentation (pretending), that are evil, or that were banished, [because they did] what was bad [Avoid speaking bad] of those that owe a debt, that lie, that have pride, that use what does not belong to them, as well as those that commit treason. Do not look those at those close to you with envious eyes. Do not accompany the one that neglects his religion (religious obligations) except when you are obligated.

4.

5.

6. 7.

8.

9.

10. 11. 12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18. 19.

20.

21.

22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27.

You should repent as soon as possible if you sin. And, calm down when you are angry. Conform to good qualities. Always be wary of hypocrisy. Be calm at all times. Align yourself towards Allah. Be ready for prayer as soon as the moment arrives. Do not trust the head and what surrounds it, nor the belly and what it contains. I see by your eyes (what you see), by your ears (what you hear), by your sex organs (when you have sex), by your language (what you say), by your legs (where you walk). Always ask for blessings, as well as send greetings upon our Prophet. Attach yourself, by day and night, to the wirds and entreaties using the Names of Allah Fast continuously for three days in each month. During each month, if you feel like things are quite unbearable Repent constantly with Allah, during your life, before death intervenes. Receive well the invitation when it arrives to you. Receive all that is presented to you. Remember to visit a muslim, if he is sick. In life, be wary of the prohibited activities. For useless talking, direct yourself with the entreaties of the Names of Allah until you are wary. Think of Allah first. [Make] requests at night, give away food to eat, wish the best for people and consolidate your bonds. Do not express (expose) the defects of others and be courageous. Do not start a fight, do not run from a fight. Do not insult people, do not flatter people. Do not dispute [with people], do not praise [people]. [If] you want only good among you, [then] you [should] make only good [between you]. Respect the marabouts as well as the old people (elders). Have pity on the orphans as well as the other children. Help the poor, [especially] the unhappy ones as it involves them being in debt. Recognize your bad acts and repent from them before it is too late and the time does not arrive for you to escape the punishment. Accept the evils which are predestined to you. Thank Allah for the favors which are granted to you. Avoid jealousy, hatred, mockery, vanity and ignorance, avarice and mocking remarks.

28. 29. 30.

31. 32. 33. 34.

35.

36. 37. 38.

39.

40. 41.

42.

43.

44. 45.

Be accustomed to requesting things in large amounts, so that you will be saved from misfortunes. Dear friends, conform yourself to the regulations of Islam, so that you can escape the punishments from beyond. These regulations are initially Belief, Prayer, the Pilgrimage [to Mecca], Fasting and giving Zakat (Almsgiving). Do not look at the bad dimensions (aspects) of men; because that act can direct you to the Punishment of Allah. Disencumber yourself from clothing [with] impressions because the stains [and fading] tarnish your practice. Always [foster a] clean [and healthy] relationship among friends. Avoid sin and filth. Always be good to your friends. Respect your parents for the duration of your life. Dear brothers, know that you are in a world that will have an end. We see the signs which announce the arrival of the end. [In the end], even a wretch man will be willing to conform to these recommendations. But this time (End of Time) is the worst of all; because the bad acts are so numerous in all of the countries [around the world]. The diseases and the epidemics have become numerous. Mortalities [have even become more] accentuated as well. Ignorance will persist in treason, and fidelity will tend to disappear. The lack of respect is frequent in the young ladies (girls), just as it is in the other children. It is common to always see people [perform atrocious] and immoral acts. To the point that people will honor a rich person and one will underestimate the marabout. Although the regard to be honored [is based on the fact that] the one under regard is considered to be an Alim (learned person). Deception and hypocrisy among the people will be seen constantly. This is also a time that you must be satisfied with what you have, while [not complaining but by] remaining quiet (silent). This is a time when it is really necessary to be insulated (withdrawn) or flee towards the stones (mountains) and cover (guard yourself from attack). It is also a time when many will direct themselves towards the Nassarans (Romans/Christians). Such that it is good that Allah curses the latter. Cursed are all the Nassarans (Romans/Christians), in the name of those that go to Mecca and

46.

47.

48.

49. 50. 51. 52.

53.

54.

55. 56. 57. 58.

59. 60.

61.

62.

63.

those that meditate at the tomb of the Prophet 64. 65. Cursed are all the Jews, in the name of Noah and Hud. Cursed are all the unbelievers, in the name of the grandfather of our venerated [Shaykh Sanussi], the mystical marabout of the 19th century. Cursed are all of the unbelievers, in the name of the Light of the Prophet (Mohammed). The punishments that will be upon the rich people that do not believe in the Prophet, is that they will mislay (lose) because of a bad destiny. The punishments that will be upon those that go towards the enemy, is that their actions will be filled with bad acts. But, the worst curse goes to the Nassarans (Romans/Caucasians); [their punishment will be] that they reside in hell. Specifically those that moved towards the unbelievers without them being obligated. To have favor from God or to seek the assistance of Allah Will help them avoid serious anger, the contempt of Allah and the Prophet Mohamed without any doubt. Flee [from] the unbelievers and enemies, desires, pleasures and Satan. Do not trust much of what is prohibited to you and you should attach [yourself] to the practices that will carry you towards Allah. Take for example, the practices of the Prophet Mohammed. Be wary of the practices manufactured by the unbelievers. Attach yourself to the examples of the Prophet and prefer those that his companions preferred as well. Thus ends this eminent and beautiful [book of] recommendations. The summit of all that you are recommended of here, my brothers, is to constantly beseech the Lord and to receive from Him happiness and grace. So that the blessing of Allah and His salutations are always on Mohammed. As [well as] his venerated companions and all those that imitate them. Attach yourself to the items quoted here my brothers, because these things elevate you high above the branches of the trees.

66. 67.

68.

69.

70. 71. 72.

73. 74.

75.

76.

77. 78.

79. 80. 81.

*Treatise on Spiritual Improvement*

MANAWWIRU-C-UDDUR
The Illumination of the Hearts, Its States and All of Its Stations
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE COMPASSIONATE, THE MERCIFUL Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: that is the achievement supreme.
Sura 9:111

See thou not that Allah sends down rain from the sky, and leads it through springs in the earth? Then He causes to grow, therewith, produce of various colors: then it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then He makes it dry up and crumble away. Truly, in this, is a Message of remembrance to men of understanding. Is one whose

heart Allah has opened to Islam, so that he has received Enlightenment from Allah, (no better than one hard-hearted)? Woe to those whose hearts are hardened against celebrating the praises of Allah! They are manifestly wandering (in error)! Allah has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself, (yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects): the skins of those who fear their Lord tremble thereat; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the celebration of Allah's praises. Such is the guidance of Allah: He guides therewith whom He pleases, but such as Allah leaves to stray, can have none to guide.
Sura 39:21-23

And We have set none but angels as Guardians of the Fire; and We have fixed their number only as a trial for Unbelievers, in order that the People of the Book may arrive at certainty, and the Believers may increase in Faith,- and that no doubts may be left for the People of the Book and the Believers, and that those in whose hearts is a disease and the Unbelievers may say, "What symbol doth Allah intend by this?" Thus doth Allah leave to stray whom He pleases, and guide whom He pleases: and none can know the forces of thy Lord, except He and this is no other than a warning to mankind.
Sura 74-31

That the Prayers and the Salutations of ALLAH, the MOST HIGH, are on our Lord and Master MOHAMMAD, his family and his companions and that HE blesses them with Prayers, Safety and Blessings by the Grace of which this present versification will be a priority among the premises of the people promised to enter Paradise. YOU, MASTER of the WORLDS! It is YOU that I ask, so that it be so! Foreword 1. 2. 3. The Slave of ALLAH and the Privileged Servant of the one that has allowed him to reach the Proximity of ALLAH said, for the Simple FACE of GOD By the actions of Ahmad, which have entirely mollified his hope toward ALLAH (THE ONE), while opening the sealed doors of Divine Favors I return thanks to ALLAH Who made the Slaves (of ALLAH) and the members (of their body), so that they follow the Hearts of the Slaves of ALLAH and with that being said I exalt His SANCTITY! He is the LORD that makes the call with the Religion of THE ONE whose Authority confers safety Glory to Him! He is the OWNER of the MOST GLORIOUS THRONE, the one that brings things into existence, the One that creates without a model, he is

4. 5.

certainly THE MOST GENEROUS 6. 7. He is the One that created the whole of the men and the djinns so that they adore Him, by reverence and major aspiration So, that as long as my wishes attract me towards that which has a valuable return, prayers and safety be upon the one that carried me towards that which is most profitable To be with the Messenger, the Ascetic, the Intercessor who directs us in the way of the benefits through Love Especially [so that prayers and safety be] towards him that taught us that the Physical World is for [the perfection of] all Moslems and this, is without the exclusion Of our Lord MOHAMMAD; on him be the Prayers of THE ONE that destroyed my prison, by adoration, purity and [with] safety O you that are gifted, know now that the Best Science is the science which brings you closest to the original (intentional) meaning of the text For example, the original inner meaning of the Profession of Faith and the Canon Law; obtaining the intended inner meaning is the usefulness of Sufism and all of the other sciences

8. 9.

10. 11. 12.

Preamble 13. 14. you, that began early in the search and research of knowledge! Receive this requirement from my share and observes my words Proceed with the search for knowledge, [but do it] simply for the FACE of your LORD, so that you will be the joy of the Men of God and be among the Scientists (Scholars) Naturally do not worry yourself exclusively with the traditional transmission [of knowledge verbally], but on the contrary, you must reconcile the knowledge with [applicable] comprehension Naturally [in the search of knowledge], do not seek to have others turn to you in the beginnings and regard you as an example to be followed

15.

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Ouch! [Beware of the painful repercussions] But rather have the ambition to leave the darkness of ignorance, so that you are exempted from the damage of mislaying And so that you never seek knowledge or the acquisition of goods to satisfy the whims of your passions for something [If so, know that] you would have exchanged your life in this Physical World for your life in the Next World; each time you find yourself in this situation run away [and seek protection]! So, if the hearts of your generation lean towards you, among your contemporaries Without you requesting it, [this is an] exemption for those that reach you [with] a knowledge that moves [them] away from presumption So stick to the reverence [of ALLAH], with propriety and modesty, thus all people of courtesy (Adab) will visit you Realize that Science and Good Deeds, just as Good Character and Noble Conduct are beneficial to Everyone. Your spiritual perfection is not for you to enjoy any of these provisions and does not lean towards any of them, [because] that would be selfdestructive. you who challenge me on the Elected Religion, adhered to closely as the Religion of Purest Elected Official Upon him be the Prayers of ALLAH, accompanied by His Salutations, on his family and companions, in the same manner that He erased that which is unfavorable from me Being convinced that the only Religion recognized for its proximity near ALLAH is our beloved ISLAM and not the [other religions] from the people [that are] deceived by illusions Because those that professes a religion other than this one, will be cursed and they will never be accommodated in the Paradise Apply this useful versification! It is a versification that by priority has the Elected Official in the Forefront of the Religion for the Erasing of Sins by the permission of his LORD The title of this treatise is "THE ILLUMINATION OF THE HEARTS, ITS STATES AND ALL OF ITS STATIONS

18. 19.

20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

25. 26. 27.

28. 29.

30.

31. 32. 33.

you that are clear-sighted! Give up the perishable things and establish your support with the things that do not become exhausted by time [through] eternity Attach yourself to the Tradition of Best Envoy (Messenger) - on him be the Purest Prayers of the CONSTITUENT (ALLAH) Because it is in the strict application of [attaching yourself to the Tradition of the Prophet] that you will be saved and by giving up all that you would be found guilty of [That would] terminate spiritual growth. The sagacious one is the one that scrupulously observes the regulations and prohibitions, because they are the best of professions The one which is interested in this Low / Physical World, without meditating upon it to the point that they may become a victim of it At last [the Low / Physical World] is in the image of an old hideous woman, disguised in invaluable clothing The stupid ones only foresees the clothing, which dazzles them As is the case with a gracious woman whose love gradually evolves within a catastrophic marriage with her lover When she removes the clothing that she had on, he will find what was camouflaged from him as dreadful [She is] one-eyed, hoary, with a stench, and with saliva running out like something repugnant to foam [She is also] lacking [eye] lashes and equipped with a shabby physique; but her appearance would allure any transgressor At that time their lover would bite all over their fingers, full of regret because of all that was familiar to them before Regarding the clear-sighted one, how he meets her, how he carefully scans her and if he discovers dangers there, know that he will simply reject her with total resolution And by allegory, the Low / Physical World is like the dream of someone sleeping, whoever comprehends it will obtain the spoils (booty) In times past, the Low / Physical World turned to me, I rejected it and the yoke was separated from me

34.

35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43.

44. 45.

46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51.

At that time the Low / Physical World turned back to me and I did not make recourse to it, knowing that there remains the obscure residence of darkness Then the Low / Physical World returned to me as an offering, but as for me, I turned to ALLAH - THE ONE that made my favors everlasting Everything that is in this world, is the subject of my pleasure within the framework of my use Being a provision for the Paradise, after the transaction and spiritual combat, I myself am [now] the one being obliged I return thanks to my LORD, through the saintly verses that He has granted me by Testifying my gratitude for the completion of having reaching Him in my travels towards Him, in the company of the Eraser [of sins] and [because] ALLAH made my provisions non-returnable I have warned all of you about the manifest sacrifices that I endured before [I gained] an imperishable approval that is [indeed] truly Eternal [So] combat your carnal heart and do not follow its profane passions, rather follow the Way [that grants the] Approval [of ALLAH] you that are worried about this Low / Physical World! Take heed of my council, because this is sincere, beneficial and invigorating because of my sincere intention So flee the temptations of this Low / Physical World. Even if you have not mastered your carnal heart, you will end up obtaining virtues. It [will] make you smile today and [then it] will make you cry tomorrow, as long as you have not renounced it; so, refuse to accept it and you will live in happiness It generates only disappointment and dishonor, whoever renounces some of it is preserved [from] a congratulated depreciation 58. They will be granted a reward to [the degree] that their LORD made them able to give up [the Low / Physical World], they will be seen as being promoted to a high station. 59. CHAPTER I THE TWO PARTS OF RELIGION

52. 53. 54.

55. 56. 57.

59.

Know that [our] religion comprises two (2) doors, as the wise irrefutable

[scholars] have [mentioned in] writings before me 60. The first (1st) is the absolute abandonment of that which is prohibited, while detesting the things that have been imposed as restrictions, [and this is done] simply for the FACE of the ETERNAL ONE that [is capable of] freeing [us]! The second (2nd) is the scrupulous achievement of all that is prescribed, those that are devoted to the prescriptions will be protected from the approbation of the chiefs who exert the right authority to interpret and apply the law Although the first (1st) is the most difficult, those that will be nearest to them will be the ones that have faith and those that have demonstrated perseverance. And in the remarks of the Best Selection (Al Mustaf), [it was stated that those that send] prayers upon him, his family and his companions, and [those that demonstrate] gratitude, they will be the ones that will be promoted to the forefront [as the foremost] One finds the following statement: "The Muslim is he from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe, and the Emigrant is he who abandons what God has prohibited" and this is done for discernment; [so] detest evil without participating in it! Even by the statement which is drawn from him [when asked about the best deed, he replied:] "To believe in Allah and to fight for His Cause"; [Such] that ALLAH, the ALMIGHTY, spreads The purest prayers plus the best safety, upon those in his faction and those that adore the truth REPENTANCE 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. Repentance is unconditional and obligatory for man, [it is accomplished] by regretting the sins that [have] tarnished [the soul] One should regret the sins before knowing the torment of them, because if the torment occurs, the [window of opportunity for] repentance is no longer valid Reconsider [being] near your LORD, the SUBLIME ONE, by respecting His Dignity; do not delay [repentance], because the arrival of His Disgrace [can fall upon you at any time] Although repentance on this level is not utilized for anything, except for what you [intended to] carry out prior to your repentance, it will be efficient Through the consent (of your culpability) and by contrition, accompanied by

61.

62. 63.

64.

65.

60.

humility in front of the ALMIGHTY ONE, The Dominator (Al-Qahhar) 72. 73. Even without [certain] conditions and persistence in a favorable situation that is constraining, it does not matter; With the resolution of not repeating more acts of disobedience toward your LORD, that exempts through Divine Grace EXPOSING THE DEGREES OF REPENTANCE 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. There are seven (7) levels of repentance, that are retained on account according to the [various] Schools' The first (1st) is the conversion of the non-believer from reoccurring inaccuracy, by the permission of his LORD, to righteously embrace the religion The second (2nd) is the contrition of the sincere worshipper from great sins, the third (3rd) repentance of the just from venial (pardonable) sins The fourth (4th) is the repentance of an excessively pious person that has been broken with good works and few inadvertencies that would degrade them The fifth (5th) is the repentance of the engaged beginner, worried by the concerns resulting from the dull spots and rubbish of the Heart The sixth (6th) is the repentance from scrupulous, doubtful aspects that conduct you towards purification And the seventh (7th) is the repentance of the contemplators, reflecting upon the mistakes that their hearts have undergone because of their fear of being reprimanded by ALLAH It may be necessary to hasten your repentance and put yourself in search of proper guidance, before the door of repentance is closed. This is an essential

81.

presupposition for you!

82. 83. 84. And it moves you away from delaying repentance through sincerity, just as it does from idleness, sleep and the vice of being tenacious (towards sins) The damned, which are extremely unhappy are those that leave this world covered in sins and sullied with defects The foremost that have carried out their repentance [have their] deliberation in front of the SUBLIME ONE - Exalted is HE! THE LORD OF THE SUBLIME PEDESTAL

SERIOUS SINS 85. 86. The serious sins of the transgressors are twenty (20), according to the authentic and well-authorized sources There is self-conceit, pride, jealousy, then ostentation; these are the defects which equal the equivalent of the numerical value of the letter "Dl" which is four (4) and these [defects] should be cleaned from the Heart!; they are known As being particular causes of murder and fighting, [it must be remembered that] the hands should be used for returning gratitude to the ONE that prevented you from being a criminal There is [also] scandal mongering, calumny (namna), enjoying the pleasure of what is allotted to the mouth, as seen in the example of one that consumes alcohol So by even diverting the good of an orphan or an oath [stating], I want to say the false oath; I am not mistaken that the number of those [serious sins] which return to the mouth, corresponds to the numerical value of the letter "H", which is eight (8) As a supplement, the eighth (8th) of these execrable serious sins is the bearing of false evidence even by slandering of a women that is pure Then, there is fornication and sodomy which are strictly allotted as transgression of the sex organs, whoever tries these dilapidate practices will be deposed These types of sins are numerically equivalent to the numerical value of the alphabetical compound "YAWUN" which is sixteen (16), among the twenty (20) more serious sins, hate them all! Never allow my transaction to result in bankruptcy! Being born does not incline you towards these sins, because that is a safeguard against them for you, but they are uniquely related to the safeguarding of all mysteries As for those of you with the four (4) sins that affect the whole body; the setting of ones heart on the weightiest of the items belonging to this group of sins! [The first (1st) is] to reject your two parents, [the second (2nd) is] to walk in front of those that are non-believers or flee from their troops The third (3rd) is to waste the good of a Moslem, [and] the fourth (4th) is the abandonment of the ritual prayer which is obligatory, this should clearly be understood!

87.

88. 89.

90. 91. 92.

93.

94. 95. 96.

97. 98. 99. 100.

The renunciation from the ways of the ignorant and unjust ones, to pursue the path of the perspicacious which is the most virtuous Why disobey those that set apart the most licit favors and have chosen not to insert you in the ocean of turpitudes? And he made licit favors, which lead to His Paradise that contains all of the high degrees of gratification Being born does not give you support from the Favors of ALLAH so that you may disobey Him, but rather [you should] research [the favors] through their great merit

101. Because if the things that are allowed do not carry you to Paradise, they will be used to lead you to Hell

CHAPTER II PURIFICATION OF THE HEART AND THE MEMBERS OF THE BODY 102. The Heart is like the image of the king among the members of the body; anywhere that the body goes, the other members are supported with Mercy (under its influence) So, you should want to improve the whole body and all of its members for the FACE of the ONE that subjugated His enemies Purify your Heart of dull spots until it is in Intimacy with ALLAH Those that perceive beyond a thing, other that ALLAH, the SINGLE ONE, is an Apostate. Anyone that is not rebellious toward ALLAH will foresee Him in everything and ALLAH will grant them excellent gifts in what they see THE PERTINENCE OF PURIFYING THE HEART 107. [You should] purify your Heart from defects and avoid them with the best of virtues 108. 109. 110. 111. 112. 113. Avoid jealousy, ostentation, pride, hatred, so that you may draw perspicacity from them As for ostentation, it is a minor sin of association, those that are sullied with such a vice will be eternally deposed Neither science, nor action are profitable with ostentation, those that are imbued with these join together all misfortunes Naturally [you should] direct yourself towards the LORD OF POWER, in all verbal expressions (words) and actions (deeds) The way of purifying the Heart is long; those that are engaged in this must place their confidence in ALLAH, the SUBLIME ONE The lazy cannot comprehend how sins affect an individual!

103. 104. 105. 106.

HANDS 114. 115. 116. All of you among the spiritual novices! It is atrocious to seize anything with hands that make you sin Do not write, or touch anything that is prohibited by our guide in the way nor anything that will influence others to go against what he has recommended Utilize the hands within the framework of worship, at all times and FEET 116. 117. Be on guard against using your feet for moving towards prohibitions, rather rest on them in your aspirations Walk towards the mosque and not towards sins, stick to worship and everything that can compensate it

118. Use your feet for a just cause that is recognized for bringing you closer to ALLAH 119. For instance, to visit a relative for reconciliation or to return a visit to them for the same reason, these would be [considered] good deeds within our religion BELLY / STOMACH 120. 121. 122. 123. 124. 125. Do not introduce illicit things into the belly, nor those that are doubtful, but only licit things, without any interruption O you among those that [sincerely] worships Him! If you want to obey ALLAH and the Messenger, you should consume that which is licit And if you have [access to] that which is licit, do not waste it; [because] whoever wastes a licit thing, will be condemned to the greatest dangers Adore your LORD while establishing your life upon licit goods from the people who are in the Right Way and this should be done without hypocrisy Those that turn to their LORD with the illicit ones will never be happy Anyone who has ill intentions [towards their LORD], undoubtedly adores ALLAH with the illicit ones and they will only gain penitence and abjection

126.

And anytime that you have licit goods, it is necessary to be satisfied with the quantity and strictly expect assistance from ALLAH LANGUAGE / SPEECH

127. 128. 129. 130.

Consecrate the Testimony of Gratitude (Shukr) to ALLAH by verbal expression and return a Good Deed by performing one that is much better Sanction the reading of the Holy Quran and verbally express in repetition the numerous formulas for prayers and salutations Upon the most glorious of [human] beings, in fact the Most Praised (Ahmad), on his family and his companions, so that you will have [the appropriate] approval And give up all that you are sure is of an illicit character, and even those that you [may hold] some doubt about SEX ORGANS / INTERCOURSE

131.

Naturally you should not approach adultery or anything that leads you to the first steps [of illicit fornication]; this should be done, [strictly] for the FACE of the ETERNAL, Who has placed a considerable [amount of beautiful maidens] (Houri), [to dwell in paradise for the enjoyment of the faithful]. Avoid frequent body contact with women whom you do not have any licit bond with, just as you should avoid lasciviously glancing [at them] Because if you do not have any honorable bond with her, then she is not considered to be a licit women and she should not be in your home, know that all women besides those that are licit are [the tempting] traps of Satan [That have been] set in place to protect the women who do not have any licit bond from selling and auctioning themselves to you before marriage, so that you may achieve the happiness of a Spiritual Junction Far-off from women or the conditions of your continence, so that you reach spiritual perfection because of being preserved from stumbling

132. 133.

134.

135.

HEARING / EARS 136. Some are naturally not seized by hearing prohibitions, they [only] fear the Punishment of the ONE that prescribes [what is right through divine authority] and condemns what is unlawful to ALLAH The hearing was established for you so that you could listen to the WORD OF ALLAH; thus, you should listen closely! If you listen to the execrable one, your happiness will be transformed into misfortune, [it is] important that you clearly understand this! Therefore you should never believe that the sin of scandal mongering will be charged only to the one that perpetrated it All of those that listen to scandal mongering join the author of it, simply based on what they heard Listening to the reading of the Quran, the aphorisms of the saints and all that connects them, so that you will receive the most from this straight path

137. 138. 139. 140. 141.

142. So that you will gain noble character by only listening to what which gives you certainty SIGHT / EYES 143. 144. 145. 146. Do not observe someone with the eye of prohibition, on the contrary, the goal of the eyes are for you to be respected not to divert you from the truth of The one that was sent from ALLAH, upon him be the Prayers of ALLAH, his family and those that followed him. It has been prohibited O my brother, to make someone throw their glance on any type of document without their consent, so [be aware and] avoid this! Never look at the good that a Moslem has received with a prejudicial glance; be broad-minded in your perspective without your sight being impartial so that you will obtain safety The eyes were created for you, so that you could be directed [by light upon light] away from the darkness of sin, and you should know not to exceed this. To benefit from the eyes, strive for the eyes to be aware of your needs and do not employ them with the same action as those that are transgressors when they are being neglectful [of their trust]

147. 148.

149.

Observe the Miracles of the OMNIPOTENT ONE with your eyes, just as you should do with anything worthy of meditation, [contemplation or reflection]. EXPOSING THE ENEMIES OF MAN

150.

The profane passions just as a carnal heart, the carnal world and even Satan, the accursed are the obstacles that block the accession from THE HELPER (ANNASIR) Providentially, the combat against these [enemies] is the Greatest Jihad, according to the account that has reached us from the Spiritual Masters Imprison each one of these enemies and destroy each one of their weapons, so that you may be liberal, honored, gratified and saved If the carnal heart makes you exceed the limits, starve it! Then it will be flexible in front of you; without inciting evil Do not introduce any food into your belly without being hungry, thus you will be in good health, [know that I] am not mistaken Do not attend a transgressor deliberately and [do not] take the side of the ungrateful Whether, involuntarily or not, you [should] frequently incline yourself or [even] another worshipper, according to the mandates of time Attach yourself to the Profession of Faith, the way of the Most Merciful (ARRAHMAN) and the excellent practices that have been established for your Spiritual Improvement, thus you will never be among the blameworthy

151. 152. 153. 154. 155. 156. 157.

158. And cooperate with those that believe in pious solidarity and not in the transgression [of it] 159. 160. 161. And cooperate with the Moslems and the Virtuous Ones in the worship of the Guardian (Al-Muhaymin) that ensures protection And know that malevolent ambitions, do not give HIM satisfaction It is necessary to separate yourself from negligence even when you fear a threat from Satan, the Accursed, by requesting help from Providential One, so that you may draw it aside Namely persevering in the repetition of the NAMES of ALLAH, thus you will be preserved from any laxism and [even] Satan

162.

163. 164. 165. 166.

Challenge your passions for the Approval of your LORD and testify your gratitude to him for the benefits that HE has granted to you HE supported you with intelligence and a [functional] body; thus [seek to] benefit from HIS Gifts by recognizing what has been entrusted to you Naturally you should say what is good and keep silent about anything other than that, thus your wishes will be assimilated to his approval Each time that you refrain from making useless remarks, you are being turned towards what is advantageous and not towards what is foolish

THE UNCORRUPTED GRACE OF THE BELOVED AND THE EVIL OF THE TREACHEROUS ENEMY 167. 168. It consecutively forms part of the advantages from the Messenger of ALLAH; so that the Peace of ALLAH is on him eternally As well as the Safety. But it is a fact that we have benefited from all the [sincere] intentions that he made, which makes it possible for others to gain profit and be triumphant[as well] He elevates his followers above the evil of the Enemies of ALLAH; [they are elevated] over the curses that were made towards ALLAH Such that, they definitely have to turn their backs to Paradise for its [corresponding] Hell, which perpetuates the affliction On count among the benefits of the Selected (Al Muntaq), on him be the prayer of his LORD, as well as those that he has selected The wise councils that lend faith to the LORD On account among the misdeeds of our sworn enemy Satan, the accursed one, is the cursing of the ETERNAL ONE that furnishes the inimitable Providence Those that contribute from their share by using words that put people in search of ALLAH, HE is the provider of the most beautiful gifts He has grafted (the spirit of) each of the grateful ones and multiplied seduction among the rest of them And ALLAH intensely preserves the most fortunate ones from those that go against him and from the products of their offspring

169. 170. 171. 172. 173. 174. 175. 176.

177.

This is among the Graces of the Selected Prophet (Al Mujtab), upon him be the Safety and Peace of the MOST GENEROUS ONE that elected him to fame and nobility They left their heritage to safeguard their religion and keep it intact Their way was to repeal anything that was apart from their religion, but not the reciprocal of this because it is a way which carries them away from HIS grace And they were among the wonders of the intercessor that were carefully chosen upon him be the purest selection of prayers Upon his family and his companions, in this World and in the Next. Followed up by Salutations towards his LORD The eminence of the last [statement] by his faithful servant ensures that the LORD lays out gifts in this poem; [gifts]that are formed with harmonious words that are fitted to make this [writing] as precious as an priceless pearl One that is a reconcilable and an inviolable means of supervision with Divine Assistance, owing to the fact that I am the Heir of the Prophets as well as a Companion of the Prophet [Mohammad]. Those that perform the machinations of Satan, the Accursed will be among those that will be struck with ostracism and execration, which entitles them to an additional penalty The extraction of the profession of divine unity from the heart of those that are condemned to misfortune and this is done privately for their safety The DOMINATOR has driven [it] out, by means of a doubled expulsion of being publicly disgraced and by that which overlays it Because those that will not have the profession of divine unity driven out of them are the ones that will be promoted with the happiness of being in the Proximity of ALLAH that grants favors among the common people This is among the wonders of the Best Selected Prophet, upon him be the Prayers of the MOST EXCELLENT, the ETERNAL ONE that elected him So that ALLAHs safety be [eternally] upon him, his noble family and his [beloved] companions, for as long a time as my wishes are carried out by his Grace Thus the [faithful] servant is allowed to reach a Spiritual Junction with ALLAH, by the Grace of ALLAH, just as I myself was one being obliged by ALLAH, as

178. 179. 180. 181. 182.

183.

184.

185. 186. 187.

188. 189.

190.

191. 192.

the Privileged Servant By separating themselves from all that [ALLAH] disapproves and making a remedy for all of the patients [in need], by HIS Grace On account among the factors related to being corrupted by Satan, the Outlaw, is that he be isolated from us so that he never reaches us and is directed towards others [for example:] The seduction of those that give up reading the Quran; in other words, everyone that gives up reading the Quran will be dishonored and will perish like those that die of thirst Those that give up the recitation of the Revealed Books will be considered misfortunate and will be cut off The Noble Book from our LORD is in truth and it is in this book that He evokes: " This Book, there is no doubt in it, is a guide to those who guard (against evil). (Sura 2 Verse 2) He is the One that perpetuates my rise! It is also among the damages of the Rejected One that the ETERNAL ONE (AS-SAMAD) degrades them; [Even] the diversion of a beginner (novice) from their spiritual ambitions, [especially when they] seek knowledge simply for the FACE of ALLAH, the MOST SUBTLE (AL-LATEEF) and ALL KNOWING (AL-ALIM) Those that neglect the knowledge of the traditional practices and divine obligations, while hoping for benefits They will be last and will stray according to that which mislays; the counterpart of this will be the Revenge from the MAJESTIC It is among the Gifts of the Messenger of ALLAH, upon him be the safety and the blessing of the MOST SUBLIME (AL-JALL), which is in fact ALLAH THE MIGHTY (AL-'AZZ) So you should not cease reading the Quran until your elevation; those that do not read it will be led [to Hell] by force It is among the Wonders of the son of Abdallah may ALLAH continue to grant him Peace and Salutations That ALLAH, the EVER LIVING sent him as a light among humanity and as an intermediary for the saints until the end of time, each one [of them] being guaranteed [their promise]

193.

194. 195.

196. 197.

198. 199. 200.

201. 202. 203.

204. 205. 206.

Within the noble tradition of the Elected Official and to preserve them from blamable innovations by inspiring his servants [to] "Proclaim what you have been asked to announce" And ordering them [to send peace and blessings] upon him, his family and those that followed him in the Purest Prayers toward ALLAH Thereby informing his companions (disciples) of who made them reach the vicinity of ALLAH, after stripping them of undesirable qualities and honoring them with the ornaments [of virtues] [It is] here that, "THE ILLUMINATION OF THE HEARTS, ITS STATES AND ALL OF ITS STATIONS" ends The Privileged Servant of the Prophet versified this in the year 1324 of the Hijra, after the tests (trials) which he underwent from 1313/h (1895) to 1323/h (1905) As a testimonial expression of his gratitude toward the LORD that never ceases to be ABSOLUTE and is in fact requesting blessings upon the Carrier of the Good News, the Most Praised (Ahmad) Peace be upon his family and his companions who form the Faction of ALLAH and return thanks to those [that have] allowed them to have a Spiritual Junction with ALLAH.

207. 208. 209.

210.

Glory to thy Lord! Glory to thy Lord, the Lord of Honor and Power! (He is free) from what they ascribe (to Him)! And Peace on the messengers! And Praise to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds.
Sura 53: V180 182