Dealing with Opposition on the Path of Sufism

When an aspirant tries to invite God into his heart, he faces hurdles from the Devil in the form of evil whispers. 

'Both Jinns and human beings insert evil whispers in you.' Quran 114:1-6

All Sufis were vehemently opposed by the religious clerics who only followed the outer aspect of the religion.

Bulleh Shah said, ‘When people call you a disbeliever, say, “Yes, I am”’.

Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jillani (ra), known to be the greatest saint and Leader of the Saints in Islam, was issued 500 fatwas of Kufr (disbelief) by the religious clerics of his era. People called Bulleh Shah a disbeliever. Religious verdicts were not just issued against Mansoor Hallaj; he was awarded capital punishment too. Sultan Haq Bahu was often denounced being uneducated. These great Sufis are merely examples of a widespread issue: the religious cleric's outspoken opposition of all Sufis. 

Ordinary Muslims may believe that religious clerics are correct, but the Quran presents a different perception.

‘When God will send his nation, they will love God and God will love them. They will be gentle with the Devout Believers and be strict upon the disbelievers. They will not fear any humiliation’. Quran 5:54

In other words, when God's nation comes on Earth, they would face opposition and humiliation just as the Sufis have. This Quranic clause asserts that the members of God's nation will not be affected by any amount of humiliation.

It is often said in Sufi circles that the tussle between Sharia and Ishq (Agape Love) is as old as time. 

The entire world seems to turn against a novice Sufi as they embark upon the path. Seekers ought to be aware that they are bound to face resistance once they pledge allegiance to a true Spiritual Mediator. Strangely enough, if they encounter no opposition at all, it is a sign that their chosen Spiritual Mediator does not qualify to be known as such. A true Spiritual Mediator is always the subject of fierce opposition.

Moula Ali (ra) said, ‘It is not the truth if it is not opposed’.

Moula Ali (ra) faced opposition from the very people who used to spend time in the company of Prophet Mohammad (saw). Such vehement disapproval on the Sufi path is a sign that one is headed in the right direction.

Allama Iqbal said, ‘O' hawks, don’t be afraid of the winds, they are only there to make you fly higher'.

Ever since HDE Gohar Shahi began this mission and implanted the Ism e Dhaat Allah in the hearts, there has been no shortage of fierce opposition. Religious scholars have bombarded HDE Gohar Shahi with a constant stream of fatwas, accusations and allegations for the past 40 years.

Have received the spiritual benevolence and studied the Sufi teachings, a novice Sufi may want to discuss it with others. 

He will find that on one hand, some people will appreciate it and say, ‘I would like to learn this knowledge too’. 

On the other hand, many of their friends, relatives and acquaintances will socially boycott them once they bring up Sufism in a conversation. Normally, friendships are not terminated over theological or philosophical disagreements. Unfortunately, Sufism appears to be an exception to the rules governing relationships; people seem willing to end friendships over it.

Everything written in this course is well-furnished with referenced from the Quran and Prophetic Traditions. Readers who understand and appreciate Sufi teachings in light of the Quran and Prophetic Traditions are morally obliged to set the record straight for others who may have misunderstood it. People should be made aware that the teachings of Sufism come directly from the Quran. If they find the opposing party to remain unconvinced, they may simply agree to disagree.

‘There is no compulsion in the religion’. Quran 2:256

When someone claiming to be a police officer knocks on the door, a wise occupant would ask them to show their ID card. By doing so, the occupant safely avoids allowing anyone who is impersonating a police