The Three Essential Requirements for One to Benefit from the Sheikh

Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned:

When a person takes someone as his Sheikh or Deeni guide, then in order for him to benefit from the Sheikh, he will have to fulfil three essential requirements. These three requirements are among the rights which he owes to the Sheikh and should be borne in mind at all times. These requirements are:

• He should have I’tiqaad in him i.e. he should have mahabbat and respect for him and accept him to be a pious, rightly guided person who follows the sunnah.
• He should have I’timaad in him i.e. he should have confidence in the guidance and knowledge he imparts and regard him capable of guiding him correctly in Deeni matters.
• He should have Inqiyaad for him i.e. he should follow the advices and teachings of the Sheikh diligently with complete commitment and dedication.

(Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 23/77)