Sunnats and Aadaab which every person needs to adhere to in his individual life – 9

22. One should always be connected to some pious, rightly guided shaikh (spiritual mentor).

Such a person should be one who leads a life of taqwa, possesses sound knowledge and understanding of deen, follows the sunnah in all departments of his life, and gives preference to the aakhirah over the dunya.

Such a person should be one who the pious, righteous servants of Allah Ta’ala and the ulama recognize him to be a spiritual mentor who is capable of guiding people to Allah Ta’ala.

One should refer to him for seeking guidance in all one’s deeni or worldly matters.

In the Quraan Majeed, Allah Ta’ala says:

وَاتَّبِعْ سَبِيلَ مَنْ أَنَابَ إِلَيَّ (لقمان: 15)

And follow the way of those who turn to Me

عن عبد الله بن عمر قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: لكل شيء معدن، ومعدن التقوى قلوب العارفين. رواه الطبراني وفيه محمد بن رجاء، وهو ضعيف. (مجمع الزوائد، الرقم: 17944)

Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (radhiyallahu anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, “Everything has a mine (source from where one will acquire it), and the mine (source) of (acquiring) Taqwa is the hearts of the Aarifeen (i.e. those who possess the recognition of Allah Ta’ala).”

عن ابن عباس قال قيل يا رسول الله أي جلسائنا خير قال من ذكركم الله رؤيته وزاد في علمكم منطقه وذكركم بالآخرة عمله (مسند أبي يعلى، الرقم: 2437)

Hazrat ibnu Abbaas (radhiyallahu anhuma) reports that once Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was asked the following question by a Sahaabi, “Which person should we associate with and take as our companion?” Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) replied, “The one who when you see him, you are reminded of Allah Ta’ala; when he speaks, your knowledge of deen increases; and when you look at his actions, you are reminded of the Hereafter.”