When it became clear that for the purification of the soul, spiritual progress, and attaining closeness to Almighty Allah, the allegiance to and companionship with a Sheikh are crucial means. Now, it’s important to recognize the significance and status of the Sheikh’s companionship to fully attain the desired benefits. When a seeker is in the company of the Sheikh, he should focus his soul and heart towards the Sheikh, because the Sheikh grants spiritual sustenance through his attention. If the disciple is not internally focused towards the Sheikh, the grace meant for him may be received by another eager and attentive disciple, because the disciple’s internal distraction makes the perfect Sheikh indifferent towards him, and the Sheikh then bestows his attention on the eager and attentive individual. Therefore, sitting inattentively in the company is depriving oneself.
Imam Rabbani, Mujaddid Alf Sani, may Allah’s mercy be upon him, writes to Hakeem Abdul Wahab about benefiting from the company of the Sheikh, stating that:
One should come to the saints empty, to be filled, and show one’s poverty, so they are moved to pity, and thus, the way for the disciple to gain benefit is opened. Coming and going fully satiated is not enjoyable, as overfullness only leads to illness. Arrogance and carelessness lead to nothing but defiance.
Maktoobat Shareef
This blessed letter from Imam Rabbani, may Allah’s mercy be upon him, clarifies that one should always keep complete attention towards one’s inner self and heart in the company of the Sheikh and strive for its purification and correction. One should not oversee other disciples, seekers, and practitioners present there, and avoid any act or word that might cause discomfort or harm to anyone present in the Sheikh’s company or his abode. One should never engage in trivial and meaningless talk in front of the Sheikh, as often such talks can cause discomfort or displeasure in the Sheikh’s heart, which is detrimental to the disciple’s progress.
it is imperative for the disciple not only to consider presence in the company necessary but also to make it frequent.
Furthermore, the disciple should understand that merely informing the Sheikh of one’s conditions through phone or letter from afar is not beneficial, but presence in the Sheikh’s company is necessary and indispensable. Without the company of the Sheikh, the disciple will not gain beneficial things. Even if a disciple engages in numerous rituals and recitations without the Sheikh’s company, he will not benefit, because it is Allah’s method of giving benefit, rewards, and grace always through means. Therefore, it is imperative for the disciple not only to consider presence in the company necessary but also to make it frequent.
Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Pir Mitha Rahmatpuri, may Allah’s mercy be upon him, writes in his blessed letters that one should visit the Sheikh’s place so frequently that it feels like one’s own home. But it should also be remembered that the saints have considered love for the Sheikh as the primary condition for benefiting from his company. Sheikh Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlvi, may Allah’s mercy be upon him, writes in his letters that if one stays in the company for years without affection and love, it will yield no benefit. Therefore, it is obligatory for the disciple to attend the Sheikh’s company with complete love, full attention, and concentration to deserve the transformative gaze that will become a blessing for a lifetime. This is why one should always be eager and fulfill the right of love so that one may deserve this transformative gaze.