Author: Ali Shan

Allah says in Quran: اَلَا بِذِکْرِ اللّٰهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوْبُ Meaning: Surely in the invocation (zikr) of (Ism-e-Allah Zaat) do hearts find peace. (Al-Rad-28) وَاذْکُرُو اللّٰهَ کَثِیرََا لَّعَلَّکُمْ تُفْلِحُوْنَ Meaning: And invoke (Ism-e-Allah Zaat) frequently so that you may prosper (spiritually). (Al-Juma-10) حٰفِظُوْا عَلَی الصَّلَوِتِ وَالصَّلٰواتِ الْوُسْطٰی Meaning: Guard all your prayers strictly, especially the middle (central) prayer (the inward prayer i.e. invocation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat). (Al-Baqarah-238) The invocation of the name creates Noor of faith in the heart. Therefore, one who is ignorant of its invocation is declared as depraved Abu Musa al-Ashari razi Allah anhu narrates that the Holy…

The concept of Rahee Tasawwuf (Traveler on the Path of Sufism) has seen a notable revival in recent years, owing to a renewed interest in spiritual practices aimed at inner purification and nearness to the Divine. Central to this revival is Sultan ul Ashiqeen, a revered Sufi guide and the 31st descendant in the spiritual lineage of Hazrat Sultan Bahoo. Sultan ul Ashiqeen is spirtual guide of present era. The Meaning of Rahee Tasawwuf Rahee Tasawwuf represents individuals committed to the principles and practices of Sufism, journeying with dedication on the path to divine love and enlightenment. The term “rahee”…

Introduction: Divine love or Ishq (in Arabic) encapsulates the profound essence of deep and ardent love. This term has been extensively used in Sufi poetry and literature throughout the history to describe selfless, ardent and burning love for Allah. The intensity of this word defies easy comparison or contrast. Divine Love as described in Sufism Divine love is sometimes metaphorised as fire and other times to the depths of the sea. It is the most intense and powerful passion bestowed upon humans. According to Sufi Saints, it is a driving force that directs a man towards Divine Essence. It leads them beyond…

Across the globe, Sufi poetry and literature continue to inspire and captivate audiences with their profound messages of love, spirituality, and connection to the divine. Often described as “the language of the heart,” Sufi literature uses poetry, stories, and parables to explore the themes of self-discovery, unity, and the search for divine truth. Figures like Hazrat Sultan Bahoo, Bulleh Shah, Rumi, and Ibn Arabi remain central to this genre. Their verses are widely celebrated, with many translated into multiple languages and shared across cultures, reflecting universal ideas that resonate as deeply today as they did centuries ago. Rumi, for instance,…

Sufi orders, known as tariqas, have long played a vital role in Muslim communities worldwide, blending spirituality with a deeply rooted ethical code that impacts both individuals and society at large. Today, these orders are experiencing renewed interest as people seek spiritual connection, ethical guidance, and communal solidarity amid rising global uncertainties. Sufi orders trace their origins to the early followers of Islam who sought to achieve closeness to God through a life of piety, self-discipline, and inner purification. Through centuries, these groups have provided a structured spiritual path, where adherents follow a shaykh or spiritual guide. Unlike many religious…

Sufism is the mystical or spiritual branch of Islam, focusing on the inner, personal experience of God. It’s not a separate sect but rather a practice and approach that emphasizes love, compassion, and a direct connection with the divine. Influence on Punjabi Culture Sufism has a powerful influence on Punjabi culture, especially in Pakistani Punjab, shaping its values, traditions, and way of life. Sufi teachings of love, devotion, and tolerance have been passed down through poetry, music, and rituals, leaving a lasting impact on the people of Punjab. Punjab is home to many famous Sufi saints, such as Hazrat Sultan…

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen, Sultan Mohammad Najib ur Rehman, the 31st perfect spiritual guide of the Sarwari Qadri Order, dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of Faqr, the soul of Islam, around the world. His mission was to enlighten people about the true essence of Islam, the path of Faqr, the methods of attaining divine union, and the privilege of gaining the presence of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions. To fulfill this divine purpose, he established the Tehreek Dawate Faqr, an organization committed to disseminating the teachings of Faqr. The Tehreek comprises various departments, each contributing to…

Oneness of Allah (tawhid) is the basic pillar of Islam. For a common Muslim it is quite simple and easy but Fakirs and Mystics find great depth and profoundity in its meanings. For the masses first part of shahada is merely the proclamation of Oneness of Allah, ‘There is no God but Allah.’ He has no partners and is Alone. He deserves all the praise and adoration. He is the Creator and the Master. On the other hand the interpretation of Sufis, Fakirs and Mystics consists of so many implications and graveness which at times overwhelm the scholars and theologians…

For every field, there’s a vast ocean of knowledge available. If you want to become a doctor, engineer, or lawyer, there are specific colleges, books, and teachers to guide you. While books are essential, they’re not enough without a teacher who can explain their content. As the quote says, “A teacher doesn’t teach by the book; they teach by heart.” Similarly, on the path of Sufism, many writers have penned books. However, merely reading books won’t lead to significant benefits. It’s like buying a medical book without a teacher; you won’t understand the reality of the path. First, seek a…

The human rights situation in Muslim-majority countries is a complex issue with varying degrees of progress and challenges. While some nations have made strides in upholding fundamental rights, others grapple with persistent violations. Key issues include religious freedom, women’s rights, freedom of expression, rule of law, and conflict-related displacement. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948 sparked a debate on human rights in the Islamic world, leading to the Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam (CDHR) in 1990. While the CDHR is seen as a significant milestone, it is heavily qualified by shariah law. Individual countries vary…