The signs of a perfect guide (murshid kamil) in the context of Sufism and the spiritual path have been elaborately discussed, yet here they are detailed further to ensure that a newcomer doesn’t fall prey to merely ritualistic peers, which could lead to harm rather than benefit. On this significant topic, a famous Sheikh of the Naqshbandi order, Hazrat Haji Dost Muhammad Qandhari (may God sanctify his secret), writes in one of his letters:
The first sign of a Wali (saint) is that he should fully adhere to the beliefs of Ahl as-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah, meaning the sign of a Wali is that firstly, he should be firmly grounded in the beliefs of Ahl as-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah.
Hazrat Haji Dost Muhammad Qandhari (may God sanctify his secret)
Hazrat Imam Rabbani, Mujaddid Alf Sani (may God sanctify his secret), also mentioned in a letter written to Khwaja Jamaluddin Husayn (may God have mercy on him) that among the acts pleasing to Allah Almighty, the beliefs of Ahl as-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah are of foremost importance. He emphasized this point in his writings:
First and foremost, consider it essential to align your beliefs with those of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah. Secondly, act in accordance with the legal rulings of Sharia. Thirdly, follow the path laid out by the revered Sufis. Whoever is granted the success in these tasks will achieve great success, and those who are deprived of it will incur a significant loss.
Maktoobat Shareef – Letter 177, Volume 1 Part 3
In short, he is adorned with all good deeds and embodies the morals of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Then, the companionship of such a person is a tremendous blessing and a great fortune.
Hazrat Haji Dost Muhammad Qandhari – Letter 19
Hazrat Haji Dost Muhammad Qandhari, may God have mercy on him, further elaborated on the third commandment, stating:
“A person who has achieved the ten stations mentioned by the revered Sufis, namely repentance (returning to Allah), asceticism (detachment from the world), piety, patience and gratitude, reliance on Allah, submission and contentment, either in summary or in detail, and whose company has the effect of detaching one’s heart from the world and its people, removing heedlessness from the hearts of his companions, and considers himself to be the least and even the worst among all creation. He does not praise himself, and is characterized by commendable morals and desirable qualities such as humility, knowledge, endurance and patience, nobility and generosity, cheerfulness, good temperament, truthfulness, humility, and modesty, and stays as far away as possible from causing harm to hearts, avoiding the forbidden, dubious, and disliked matters. In short, he is adorned with all good deeds and embodies the morals of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Then, the companionship of such a person is a tremendous blessing and a great fortune.”