An Introduction To Rabita Sharifa and Muraqabah
by
Shaykh Muhammad Nazim Adil al-Qubrusi al-Haqqani
Know that through the Rabita Sharifa, and the making of Muraqabah,
one is separated from the dark characteristics of the Nafs and its bad manners, and is taken into the state of
Real Existence.
"Verily
she (Zulaika) desired him (Yusuf), and he would have desired her if it had not been that he saw the evidence (burhan) of
his Lord. Thus it was, that We might ward off from him evil and lewdness. Lo! He was of Our chosen slaves (12:24)”
"The evidence
(burhan) of his Lord" mentioned here in the verse about Yusuf (alaihi salam), who was in Egypt, is the vision
of Ya’qub (alaihi salam) who was in Jordan,
as a direct result of the honorable Rabitah Sherifa, which even the Prophets practiced.
Muraqabah is
the first step in grasping the reality of Salah, prayers, which are an Ascension for the believers. There are
three stages to this Muraqabah, and this Muraqabah is made on three levels. The first level is to make
Muraqabah with ones Shaykh, the second level is with the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and the final
level being making Muraqabah to Allah. The first three stages are within these levels are:
1. Love
2. Presence
3. Extinction
The highest state of the third stage in the third level, ends in the state of Ihsan,
but is merely a taste of the Haqiqat Muhammadiyya, the Muhammadan Reality. None other than the Apostle of Allah
are privileged to stay in that state of perfect connection in the station of non-existence (la makan). You should also
know, in creation, the only creation to enter it, and stay in it constantly, was and is ‘AbduHu wa Rasuluh’
(sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)! All of the others who entered
it, beginning with our father Adam [alaihi salam], were cast down after it because they were unable to achieve complete submission
(Islam) in that state, and as such, in ecstasy, some who came after even uttered sentences like “I am the Truth”
and were removed. It was for them an ascension, and not more than that. Those of constancy in that state, like
the Prophets and accomplished ones, only obtained it through the third stage of the second level, and that is the eternal
meaning of “If you love Allah, follow me”, because the Light of Muhammad existed before all creation, and
the Prophets believed in it as well. The Apostle of Allah was always in that state of Submission (Islam), to the extent
that the entire Qur’an was revealed to him, but it did not burden him, whereas, if it were revealed onto a mountain,
it would tremble. Due to this secret state of his, even his words other than the Qur’an constituted revelation
as well. The true Companions saw him in that state, completely absorbed in the third level from within, and it was revealed
in the Holy Qur’an, “Whosoever follows the Messenger, has followed Allah”, and “those who
pledged their allegiance to the Prophet, actually pledged their allegiance to Allah”. They understood what
that meant, and hence were over awed in his company with respect and reverence, due to his Reality.
Hence, as our way is the way of the Sahabah, we focus our initial concentration on the company of the
Guide and its reality. This is why our Pir, Khwaja Baha’uddin Shah Naqshband was reported by our Master Khwaja
Muhammad Nazim to have said, “Our Way is founded on association, and goodness comes from congregation”.
In reality, every time you enter the presence of the Shaykh, you are entering the presence of another reality. It is
from the Anwaar of that association one’s beliefs, and actions are corrected, and one is reformed. The
Apostle of Allah is reported to have said, “the best of Allah’s slaves are those upon seeing of whom, you are
reminded of Allah” and the Holy Qur’an orders believers, “be with truthful ones”.
In their association, with their connection, we are to lose our very existence by the reflection of their majesty and lights
onto our hearts and soul. You must strive to keep this connection while with them, and when away from them. To
keep with it when away from them, is to establish the honorable connection, known as the Rabita Sharifa and the Rabita
is established through the Muraqabah.
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