Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman is a renowned Sufi master known for his deep spiritual wisdom and guidance. His quotes emphasize the essence of Divine love, self-purification, and the importance of true knowledge in one’s journey toward Allah. Let’s explore some of his key quotes in detail:
1. Effort in the Way of Allah.
Quote:
“Continue to put in your effort in the way of Allah and never hold back. Because Allah has just asked you for the effort, not the outcome.”
Explanation:
This quote highlights a fundamental Sufi teaching—sincerity in action without attachment to results. In Islamic spirituality, effort (struggle or Mujahida) is considered an essential part of faith. The believer is expected to make continuous efforts to purify their soul, perform good deeds, and seek Allah’s closeness, without worrying about immediate results.
Why is this important?
Many people become discouraged when they do not see quick results in their spiritual journey. However, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen teaches that Allah values our sincere struggle more than the outcome itself. The results are in Allah’s hands, but the effort is our responsibility.
Example:
Imagine a student studying hard for an exam. The teacher asks for effort, not the guarantee of passing. Similarly, Allah asks us to strive in His way—whether we succeed or fail is His decision.
2. True Knowledge in Islam.
Quote:
“Combining the outward and inward knowledge is the true (Divine) knowledge and the soul of religion and faith.”
Explanation:
In Islam, knowledge (Ilm) is of two types:
- Outward (Exoteric) Knowledge: This includes religious sciences like Quranic studies, Hadith, jurisprudence (Fiqh), and rituals of worship.
- Inward (Esoteric) Knowledge: This refers to spiritual understanding, self-purification (Tazkiyah), and direct knowledge of Allah (Marifah).
Why is this important?
Some people only focus on Islamic laws and rituals without working on their heart’s purification, while others only concentrate on spirituality without following religious obligations. Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen teaches that true faith comes from balancing both.
Example:
A person who prays five times a day but has arrogance in their heart is missing inward knowledge. On the other hand, a person who meditates and seeks spirituality but ignores Salah is incomplete. True knowledge is when both aspects are combined.
3-Walking the Path of Righteousness.
Quote:
“Do not leave the path of righteousness just because its travellers are very few. The righteous path does make you alone but there is a strange attraction in this solitude.”
Explanation:
Many people are afraid to follow the path of truth because it seems lonely or unpopular. Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen reminds us that righteousness is not determined by how many people follow it. Even if very few people are on the right path, one should not abandon it.
Why is this important?
Society often pressures individuals to conform to popular opinions, even when they are wrong. True spirituality requires courage to walk the path of righteousness, even when it is difficult and lonely.
Example:
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was alone when he stood against idol worship in his community. Yet, his solitude was honored by Allah, and today he is known as the father of monotheism. Similarly, true seekers of Allah must embrace solitude as part of their journey.
Key Lessons from Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Quotes.
✅ Keep striving in Allah’s way, without worrying about results.
✅ Balance outward religious knowledge with inner spiritual purification.
✅ Don’t be afraid to follow the right path, even if you are alone.
His teachings guide us towards spiritual enlightenment and self-purification, reminding us that ultimate success lies in seeking Allah with sincerity and patience.