The Tariqa: Path to Purity and Guidance
By “the Tariqa,” we mean the path of the Qur’an and the way of the Prophet ﷺ, his household, and his noble companions — the straight Tariqa mentioned by Allah in the opening chapter of the Qur’an: “Guide us to the straight Tariqa, the Tariqa of those upon whom You have bestowed favor” — meaning the Tariqa of truth and guidance, the path of Allah Almighty. Those who stay on it achieve success and blessing in both this world and the Hereafter: “And if they had remained on the [right] way, We would have given them abundant provision”.
The Need for the Tariqa
Some may question why there was no widespread call to the Tariqa in the early days of Islam, and why it only appeared after the era of the Companions and Followers. The answer lies in the fact that there was no need for it at that time, as the people of that era were naturally ascetic, pious, and committed to striving in worship. Living close to the Prophet ﷺ, they competed to emulate him in all his actions and behaviors: “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern”. The first school emerged in Madinah, where many ascetics appeared early on, adhering to the Qur’an and taking the Prophet ﷺ as their role model in asceticism.
Imam Ali and the Tariqa
This continued until Imam Ali (may Allah honor his face) became the second imam of the Tariqa after the Prophet ﷺ, as he was among the closest people to the Prophet ﷺ, the most beloved to him, and the keeper of his secrets. The Prophet ﷺ held him in the highest regard, declaring at Ghadir Khumm: “Whoever has me as his master, then Ali is his master. O Allah, befriend those who befriend him, and oppose those who oppose him”. Such hadiths affirm Ali’s greatness and leadership in the Tariqa, as he is its Imam and gate, following the Prophet’s ﷺ saying: “I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate”.
The Spread of the Tariqa
Imam Ali had disciples among the Companions known for their sincerity, purity, and piety. Among these were Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (d. 22 AH), Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (d. 81 AH), and Salman al-Farsi (d. 26 AH), and among the Followers were Sa’id ibn al-Musayyib (d. 91 AH) and Salim ibn Abdullah (d. 106 AH). The school of Madinah became one of the major centers for the Path and Islamic Sufism, followed by the school in Basra, led by the ascetic Imam Hasan al-Basri (may Allah sanctify his soul), who passed away in 110 AH. He established the foundations of the Tariqa, receiving the pledge (bay’ah) from Imam Ali and continuing his school in that manner.
Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani and the Kasnazani School
The Tariqa then continued from master to master until it reached the era of Sultan al-Awliya’ and the Grey Falcon, Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani (may Allah sanctify his soul), who established a school that was unique for its time. Hundreds of people, devoted to the Tariqa, Islamic sciences, asceticism, and truth, flocked to it, drawing from its knowledge of the Tariqa, Shari’ah, and Sufism. The school’s reputation spread widely, guiding many to the Tariqa of truth and faith. Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani (may Allah sanctify his soul) used this school to deliver sermons to large groups of people and seekers, who came to listen to his guidance.
Shaykh Abdul Karim Shah al-Kasnazani
After that, bright lights appeared on the horizon, embodied in the great and sacred figure of Shaykh Abdul Karim Shah al-Kasnazani (may Allah sanctify his soul), who illuminated the world with his presence and whose light, derived from the light of his noble ancestor, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, spread across the earth. He became a prominent symbol of the Tariqa and guidance, serving as a beacon for people from various parts of the world, including kings, princes, and many notable figures who humbled themselves at his door, seeking his blessing.
The Universal Message of the Tariqa
The Kasnazani School produced faithful men who honored their covenant with Allah, becoming callers to the Tariqa, guiding people to goodness and love. They were among the best at enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and following the path of righteousness. The history of the Path, as mentioned above, is confirmed by the statement of the Hadith scholar, Sayyid Muhammad Sadiq al-Ghumari (may Allah have mercy on him), when he was asked about the origin of Sufism (the Path) and whether it was divinely inspired. He responded, “As for the origin of the Tariqa, know that it was established by divine revelation as part of the Muhammadan religion, as it is undoubtedly the station of Ihsan (spiritual excellence), which is one of the three pillars of religion that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described, after explaining each one, as the religion, saying: ‘This is Jibril (Gabriel), he has come to teach you your religion’.”
References
- 1 – Surah Al-Fatihah, Verses 6-7: “Guide us to the straight Tariqa, the Tariqa of those upon whom You have bestowed favor.”
- 2 – Surah Al-Jinn, Verse 16: “And if they had remained on the [right] way, We would have given them abundant provision.”
- 3 – Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse 21: “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern.”
- 4 – Narrated by Muslim: “Whoever has me as his master, then Ali is his master.”
- 5 – Narrated by Muslim: “I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate.”
- 6 – Part of a hadith narrated by Imam Muslim in his Sahih, in the Book of Faith, from Umar Ibn Al-Khattab.
- 7 – Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse 92: “Indeed this, your religion, is one religion, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.”
- 8 – Surah Al-Mu’minun, Verse 52: “And indeed this, your religion, is one religion, and I am your Lord, so fear Me.”
Source: Sayyid Shaykh Muhammad al-Kasnazan al-Husseini – *Al-Tariqah Al-‘Aliyyah Al-Qadiriyyah Al-Kasnazaniyyah*, p. 73.
