33 Years a Student
Spiritual Progress with a Shaykh
In modern times wealth, status and material possessions are plentiful. Never before has humanity had access to so many things. So why is it that so many people are so unhappy, even depressed? Whilst many of us focus too much on the material side of life, not enough consideration is given to spirituality.
This is where having a Shaykh ( a Spiritual Guide) can help to enlighten the spirit and free the soul from the shackles of ego, desire and the accursed shaytaan (satan).
The spiritual journey is unique and individual for each of us. It is a journey that is difficult to articulate with words. There is one universal truth. To make spiritual progress you have to implement the advice and guidance that the Shaykh gives.
The following is a write up of a ‘khutba’ (sermon) delivered by Shaykh Saeedu Jaawo, at the Sheikh Nazim Sufi Centre in London. The khutba was completed over two Jummah’s (Friday prayers) on 24th and 31st January 2020.
The khutba begins with a conversation between a master Shaykh Shafeeq Balkhi (qs) and a student Hatim Ism. The pair are walking along when the master turns and asks his student;
Shaykh: “Oh my son, you’ve spent most of your life with me, what have you gained after all this time?’
Student: “Oh my master, I’ve listened to thousands of sermons and learnt so many things after 33 years. However, I’ve only been able to keep eight things for myself!”
Shaykh: “Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. You’ve spent 33 years as a student of mine and only managed to keep eight things?”
Student: “To be honest, you’ve given many talks and I realised I was able to condense them into eight main lessons. What makes these specific lessons special is that I’ve been able to apply them to myself. They are so significant that I know, with certainty, that they will lead to success in this life and the hereafter.”
Shaykh: “I’m intrigued. Tell me about these lessons?”
Lesson 1: Righteous Deeds
I look at creation and everyone is looking for someone special; a friend, a partner, a beloved one. I realised that all these companions have their limitation. No matter how much they befriend, love or accompany you through life, they cannot go beyond the grave.
The limit they can reach is your graveside, no further.
I realised that everything has an end. I need a friend that can and will accompany me to my grave and beyond.
I looked and the only thing that could satisfy this need was righteous deeds, which I took as my best friend.
Lesson 2: Don’t be a Hostage to Your Ego and Desires
I look at creation and humanity and everyone is hostage to their ego and desires. I have learnt that anyone who fears the day of judgement and Allah Almighty and restrains his ego and desires ‘Jannah’ (paradise) will be his abode.
So I have tried my best to control, to restrain my ego and desires until they followed my orders and the orders of Allah Almighty.
I understood that the ultimate goal of the Prophets (peace be upon them), the Ulema (scholars), the Awliya (Saints) and the Rijal Allah (people of Allah Almighty) is to help us to identify these two ‘destructive weapons’ inside each of us.
It is up to each and every one of us to neutralise them.
I realised that you cannot go to Jannah if you follow your ego and desires.
Lesson 3: Wealth and Happiness
I look at creation and everyone is trying to gather and accumulate the wealth of this dunya thinking it will lead to happiness and give longevity of life.
Then I read in the Holy Quran that whatever you collect for yourself will finish. Whatever you collect for the sake of Allah Almighty will remain forever.
From this point forward whatever that I collected in my life I spent in the way of Allah Almighty, who will keep it for me for the hereafter.
