Shaikh (Spiritual guide)

A spiritual guide, a leader; a teacher, is he who is able to train the seeker (salik) through his knowledge, spirituality, mediation, influence, blessings and grace, and to lead the seeker to union with God. By virtue of being a guide, he is also the deputy of the Holy Prophet and furthers the mission that the Holy Prophet started in his lifetime. He is holder of authority from Allah, the Most exalted, in both the phenomenal world as well as in the spiritual world of angels. The status of a Shaikh is higher than the status of a wali (friend of God).

A Shaikh has the power to perform miracles. His miracles are of two kinds: (1) miracles in Divine matters; (karaamat-fi-Allah) which relate to relationships between God and man. These miracles are hidden from others. (ii) miracles concerning creation which affect human beings. (karaamat-fil-khalq). This again has two categories:

(a) Tassaruf-fil-khalq (influence on creation).

(b) Izhaar-e-kharq-e-aadaat (display of supernatural powers).

Tassaruf-fil-khalq:- is influence which is beneficial and useful for the spiritual aspirants and through it the reformation of their hearts, conduct, habits and character. The work of reformation and spiritual evolution is gradual and imperceptible therefore it is not immediately apparent to people.

Izhaar-e-kharq-e-aadaat:- Supernatural feats are immediately apparent, these are not beneficial in spiritual guidance and in the search for Truth. Except when those witnessing the Shaikh’s miracles are spiritually influenced and remain attached to him, so that he can guide them to Allah.

Shaikh are of three categories:

(i) Shaikh-e-kaamil (a perfect guide) is perfect in himself, but cannot take others to perfection. Nevertheless he can initiate the seekers (salik) on the Sufi path.

(ii) Shaikh-e-mukammal (an accomplished guide). He himself is perfect and takes others to perfection. He is dominant over his spiritual states (abul-haal).

(iii) Shaikh-e-akmal (a peerless guide). He is as capable as the Shaikh-i-mukammal and can take others to perfection, but does not do so, because he is overwhelmed by his own spiritual states, and cannot spare himself to focus attention on others.

A spiritual guide, a leader; a teacher, is he who is able to train the seeker (salik) through his knowledge, spirituality, mediation, influence, blessings and grace, and to lead the seeker to union with God. By virtue of being a guide, he is also the deputy of the Holy Prophet and furthers the mission that the Holy Prophet started in his lifetime. He is holder of authority from Allah, the Most exalted, in both the phenomenal world as well as in the spiritual world of angels. The status of a Shaikh is higher than the status of a wali (friend of God).

A Shaikh has the power to perform miracles. His miracles are of two kinds: (1) miracles in Divine matters; (karaamat-fi-Allah) which relate to relationships between God and man. These miracles are hidden from others. (ii) miracles concerning creation which affect human beings. (karaamat-fil-khalq). This again has two categories:

(a) Tassaruf-fil-khalq (influence on creation).

(b) Izhaar-e-kharq-e-aadaat (display of supernatural powers).

Tassaruf-fil-khalq:- is influence which is beneficial and useful for the spiritual aspirants and through it the reformation of their hearts, conduct, habits and character. The work of reformation and spiritual evolution is gradual and imperceptible therefore it is not immediately apparent to people.

Izhaar-e-kharq-e-aadaat:- Supernatural feats are immediately apparent, these are not beneficial in spiritual guidance and in the search for Truth. Except when those witnessing the Shaikh’s miracles are spiritually influenced and remain attached to him, so that he can guide them to Allah.

Shaikh are of three categories:

(i) Shaikh-e-kaamil (a perfect guide) is perfect in himself, but cannot take others to perfection. Nevertheless he can initiate the seekers (salik) on the Sufi path.

(ii) Shaikh-e-mukammal (an accomplished guide). He himself is perfect and takes others to perfection. He is dominant over his spiritual states (abul-haal).

(iii) Shaikh-e-akmal (a peerless guide). He is as capable as the Shaikh-i-mukammal and can take others to perfection, but does not do so, because he is overwhelmed by his own spiritual states, and cannot spare himself to focus attention on others.