Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra) was the cousin and son-in-law of the prophet Muhammad (saw), and ruled over the Islamic Caliphate from 656 to 661. Sunni Muslims consider Ali the fourth and final of the Rashidun (rightly guided Caliphs), while Shi’a Muslims regard Ali as the first Imam and consider him and his descendants the rightful successors to Muhammad (saw), all of which are members of the Ahl al-Bayt (people of the house of Muhammad (saw)).
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I. L. Peretz
BONTSHA THE SILENT[1]
Here on earth the death of Bontsha the Silent made no impression at all.
Ask anyone: Who was Bontsha, how did he live, and how did he die? Did his strength slowly fade, did his heart slowly give out—or did the very marrow of his bones melt under the weight of his burdens? Who knows? Perhaps he just died from not eating – starvation, it’s called.
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Khawaja Haji Shareef al-Zandani Rahmatullahi ‘alayh was a master in the field of the undertaking of mujaheda and riyazat. He used to perform his salaah with great love and used to get so engrossed in it, that even if someone tried to disturb or harm him he would be totally unaware of it. The people questioned him as to the reason for his engrossment to such a level, to which he replied;
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As we progress through this month we are aware of the approach of Ramadan coming on the horizon. Our preparations for reaching that sacred time can prepare our heart for all the inner works and insights available to us during that time.
Of course we continue our du’a, imploring Allah (swt) to grant us blessing during this month and the next, Sha’aban, and allow us to reach Ramadan. This du’a can be repeated as often as you wish during these two months. Remember to clear your heart and mind of distractions and make your intention to sincerely ask for this blessing.
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Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti was born in 1141 and died in 1230 CE, also known as Gharib Nawaz , is the most famous Sufi saint of the Chishti Order of South Asia. He was born in 536 A.H./1141 CE, in Sajistan, Khorasan (other accounts say Isfahan) in Persia. He was a direct descendent of the Prophet Muhammad.
He was one of the most outstanding figures in the annals of Islamic mysticism and founder of the Chistiyya order in India.
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Stations of the Wayfarers has always been one of the pillars of Sufi studies for Arabic-speaking scholars and students. For generations, seekers and novices have depended on it to build up their knowledge. The fact that no English translation of this basic treatise exists is regrettable, although excerpts of it have been provided, notably in Professor Ravan Farhadi's work on Abdullah Al-Ansari published in the Curzon Sufi Series in 1996. The present complete translation is therefore aimed at filling that gap. English-speaking scholars and students will find in it an authoritative, detailed and inspiring description of the spiritual stages leading to annihilation and union with the Supreme Being. The depth of its concepts is astounding, yet Al-Ansari is invariably rational and devoted to Orthodox Islam, as represented by Hanafi School. The book has a structure that is unique, both in form and content. The Shaikh dictated it as a manual under a format designed to facilitate memorizing by students. It follows a mnemonic system, each chapter being divided into three levels, indication the degrees of the spiritual experience, as well as the "hierarch" of the candidates for the experience. A verse of the Qur an introduces each chapter. It is noteworthy that Al-Ansari was already blind when he dictated the treatise in 1082 A.D. (475 H.) The Stations consists of the following Parts or Sections: 1. The Beginnings, comprising chapters on Awakening, Repentance, Reckoning, Turning to God, Reflection, Meditation, Taking Shelter, Escape, Retreat or Inurement and Audition. 2. The Gates, comprising chapters on Grief, Fear, Solicitude, Reverence, Capitulation or Humility, Renunciation, Piety, Consecration or Devotion, Hope and Aspiration. Behavior, comprising chapters on Caring, Observation, Reverence, Honesty, Betterment, Rectitude, Reliance, Delegation, Trust and Submission. Distributed in USA by Rumi Bookstore
