Knowledge of Quran and Sunnah
Even if not a formal scholar from a madrasa, he should know the meanings of the Quran and hadiths to a necessary extent and be fully acquainted with jurisprudential matters. This ensures the spiritual guide commands only those actions prescribed by Sharia, such as prayer, fasting, patience, gratitude, contentment, reliance on Allah, and refrains from prohibitions like lying, backbiting, theft, etc. This is possible only if he is knowledgeable; otherwise, “How can one who is lost guide others?”. And along with this, the guide should train their disciples with good manners and love. Allah Almight says in the holy Quran:
ٱدْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلْحِكْمَةِ وَٱلْمَوْعِظَةِ ٱلْحَسَنَةِ ۖ
(Invite ˹all˺ to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and kind advice, and only debate with them in the best manner).
Surah 16:125
Piety and God-fearing Nature
He should be safeguarded from major sins and not persist in minor sins if committed, quickly turning to repentance. His focus should be more on the hereafter than the world, engaging in worldly matters in a lawful manner without letting them detract from his religious obligations. His actions should be done eagerly, and he should always be mindful of Allah, no matter how involved he is in worldly affairs.
Beneficiary of a Perfect Sheikh’s Company
He should have sought the companionship of a perfect sheikh with respect and love, receiving spiritual light from him. This is essential because human transformation is inspired by seeing reformers, similar to how knowledge is sought from scholars.
Free from Greed for Followers’ Wealth or Praise
He should not desire his followers’ property or seek their adulation. Aware of his disciples’ abilities, he tailors their spiritual training accordingly. If a follower from a lesser guide seeks his guidance, he diagnoses the spiritual ailment before prescribing a remedy, focusing on ethical weaknesses and using teachings to correct them. A deficient guide can be as harmful as a lethal poison, and turning to them can exacerbate spiritual diseases, leading to the wastage of a follower’s potential. True spiritual completion can only be achieved under the guidance of a perfect sheikh. Thus, it’s not permissible to seek spiritual education from an imperfect guide or from someone whose ancestors were perfect but who hasn’t followed in their footsteps, lacking the requisite qualities themselves.