1
التقوى في السر والعلانية
Piety in Private and in Public
Observing the pleasure of Allah Almighty at all times, whether in private or in public, and avoiding everything that Allah has forbidden.
Tasawwuf
The Objective of Tasawwuf
is Iḥsān
"That you worship Allah as if you see Him."
Ḥadīth of Jibrā'īl
Jibrā'īl (عليه السلام) came to the Blessed Prophet ﷺ and asked him, "What is Iḥsān?" The Blessed Prophet ﷺ replied:
أَنْ تَعْبُدَ اللَّهَ كَأَنَّكَ تَرَاهُ
"That you worship Allah as if you see Him."
Tasawwuf is another name for Iḥsān — or, one may say, the acquisition of the attribute of Iḥsān. It is also called Taṣawwuf and Sulūk, or whatever else you may call it. These are merely different names of the same thing.
Imām al-Nawawī, in his kitāb "Al-Maqāṣid", makes mention of five fundamental principles of Tasawwuf.
The Five Principles
Foundations of the Path
2
واتباع السنة في الأقوال والأفعال
Following the Sunnah in Words and Actions
Embodying the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in all aspects of life, by emulating his actions and words in worship, dealings, and in general.
3
والإعراض عن الخلق في الإقبال والإدبار
Indifference to the Acceptance or Rejection of Others
Not being affected by the praise or blame of others, rather directing the heart and mind to Allah Almighty in all circumstances.
4
والرضا عن الله في القليل والكثير
Contentment in Both Small and Large Matters
Accepting all that Allah Almighty has decreed, good and bad, being content with both small and large matters, and being grateful for blessings.
5
والرجوع إلى الله في السراء والضراء
Turning to Allah in Good Times and Bad
Turning to Allah Almighty in all circumstances, whether in prosperity or adversity, and seeking refuge in Him in all that befalls one.
The Importance of These Principles
The Foundation of the Path
These five principles are considered the foundation of the path of Tasawwuf. They represent guiding principles for the sālik (disciple) in his quest to purify the soul and draw closer to Allah Almighty.
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