Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry)

In this next session, Skaykh Yahya discusses two more character traits of Futuwwa mentioned in Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa: (1) to break a nonobligatory fast to make your brother or sister happy; and (2) to bring happiness and joy in your relationships with others. With respect to breaking a nonobligatory fast, Shaykh Yahya explains the larger significance of this trait and why service to others is the quickest way to receive spiritual openings. He also begins the session with a beautiful discussion on ihsan (beautiful character) using a system of trees as a metaphor.

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In his book Kitab al-Futuwwa, Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) states that it is from Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) to view what remains from one’s wealth as what was spent in charity and not what was withheld. Shaykh Yayha mentions that this great character trait derives from a faith-based perspective and is found in all of the Prophets, starting with the Prophet Adam, alayhi as-salaam. Several examples from the Qur’an and Hadith are mentioned, providing a clear and illuminating explanation. 

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The next trait of Futuwwa discussed in Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa, is to begin eating only after everyone else has started eating. Although this trait may appear to be small and easy, Shaykh Yahya explains why you cannot have a leader without this fundamental etiquette. He then discusses the meaning of leadership with examples from the Qu’ran and Hadith. Additionally, a story about a righteous scholar, a rope, and a stone is told, providing a beautiful lesson on consistency. 

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In this session on Futuwwa based on Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa, Shaykh Yahya continues with the next great trait of spiritual chivalry: showing good hospitality and honoring guests. He mentions the story of what Sayyida Khadijah, radi allahu anha, said to comfort the Prophet, sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, after he received his first revelation: specifically, the five traits that the Prophet (saas) possessed, including receiving guests hospitably. Shaykh Yahya also explains how the prophetic methodology can be found in these five traits. Short discussions on why prayer is our “primary occupation” and why the entire earth is a masjid are also provided.

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This next session on Futuwwa based on Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa, states that the real work is with rectifying one’s inner state. As part of the discussion, Shaykh Yahya mentions that when the Prophet, sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, taught, he sometimes wore nice clothes and sometimes wore simple clothes, and Shaykh Yahya discusses the wisdom behind that. Also, two examples from the life of Muhammad Ali are related which show the strength of his inner character and explain why so many people loved him. 

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Shaykh Yahya continues his discussion on Futuwwa based on Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa with the next character trait: speaking truthfully and fulfilling trusts. The six different levels of truthfulness are mentioned, with a focus on the first level—always maintaining truthfulness in speech and being careful with what we say. He also discusses the virtue of fulfilling trusts in the context of a hadith that lists four traits that if possessed, it does not matter what someone misses from the dunya. Prior to the discussion on Futuwwa, Shaykh Yahya relates a beautiful story about the Prophet’s, sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, great-great-grandson, Ja’far al-Sadiq.

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In this next session on Futuwwa, Shaykh Yahya first translates a poem by Al-Habib ‘Ali Bin Muhammad Al-Habashiyyi, which teaches us how to implore our Lord and which can be found in the book Al-Khulasah (The Cream of Remembrance). Afterwards, Shaykh Yahya discusses the next two character traits mentioned in Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa: (1) to love and visit each other for the sake of Allah, Ta’ala, and (2) to love and care for strangers. The concept of “stranger” is explored through several ahadith. 

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In this session Shaykh Yahya first translates a beautiful poem about Hababah Khadijah al-Kubra, radi Allahu anha. the beloved first wife of the Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alaihi wasallam. He then discusses the next character trait of Futuwwa mentioned in Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa: to show compassion to your brothers (sisters) and to share your possessions with them. We are encouraged to give things away in accordance with the sunnah and provided practical advice on how to make this trait a reality in our own lives. 

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In this especially powerful session, Shaykh Yahya discusses the next character trait of Futuwwa mentioned in Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa: To be generous of soul and pure of heart. Someone may not be a person of knowledge or worship or be able to do what other people do, but acquiring this trait is a door for everyone to draw near to Allaah, Ta’ala. Several relevant ahadith are discussed and a particularly beneficial du’a is provided. 

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In this next session, Shaykh Yahya shares some beautiful insights about the deen, specifically discussing how to benefit from the night and day of Jumu’ah, including the hour during which supplications are answered according to the well-known hadith. He then discusses two more traits of Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) as mentioned in Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa. Shaykh Yahya first gives a lengthy discussion on respecting one’s friends and moving for them, and the corresponding ayah in Surah al-Mujadila (58:11). The session then concludes with a discussion on being upright as forth in the hadith, “Say, ‘I believe in Allah and then remain upright.’”

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