In a brief and comprehensive letter, the great Sheikh of the Naqshbandi Order, Hazrat Haji Dost Muhammad Qandhari, may God sanctify his secret, writes:
From the humble and insignificant Faqir Dost Muhammad, may he be forgiven, greetings of love filled with Salam Masnun (traditional Islamic greeting) are extended. Afterward, advice for friends is penned down.
And one should always be engaged in the remembrance and contemplation of Allah.
Hazrat Haji Dost Muhammad Qandhari, may God sanctify his secret
It should be known that for the promotion and permission of the Sufi path, it is a condition that one fully adheres, both outwardly and inwardly, to the commands of the Sharia of Muhammad, peace be upon him, without deviating even slightly from the boundaries of Sharia. And one should always be engaged in the remembrance and contemplation of Allah. One should speak less, sleep less, and eat less. Attributes such as repentance, detachment from the world, patience, contentment, trust in God, gratitude, fear of God, and acceptance should be present. Like ordinary people, no importance should be given to manifestations of kashf (unveiling of hidden things) and karamat (miracles) that appear contrary to custom. Hopes should not be attached to one’s self or any creation, and there should be no greed for the wealth of disciples. People’s respect or disregard should not be cared for. One should avoid the world and worldly people and serve scholars and the poor with life, wealth, and body. One should abstain from backbiting and condemning God’s creation. This is a brief statement of the Sharia of Muhammad, peace be upon him.
اَللّٰہُمَّ ارْزُقْنَا مُتَابَعَۃَ حَبِیْبِکَ فِعْلاً وَ قَوْلًا وَ اِعْتِقَاداً، اَوَّلًا وَ اٰخِراً، ظَاھرا وَ بَاطِنًا۔
O Allah, grant us the following of Your beloved in action, speech, and belief, from the beginning to the end, outwardly and inwardly.