Ilm-e-Deen – Knowledge of the Deen- A Lifetime Occupation – Part 3

Company of the Awliya

If someone cannot pursue Ilm constructively then at least he should meet frequently with the Ulama and ask them Masaail of the Deen. He should adopt their company for some time. In fact, this should be adopted even with one’s course of study. One should not stop at just studying books because there is something which cannot be acquired without the company of the Awliya. And that is affinity with the Deen. Relationship with Deen cannot be achieved without company of the Awliya. The effect of company is as described by Shaikh Sa’di (Rahmatullahi alaih). He says in a parable: “I picked up a sweet-smelling lump of soil. I asked it whether it was musk or ambergris. It replied that it was plain sand; however, the company of a sweet-smelling rose left its impression on it.”

See how sand became sweet-scented by virtue of being in the company of a rose! In the same manner, by keeping the company of the Lovers of Allah, love for Allah and affinity with Deen are produced.

The Sahaabah and Their Greatness

The greatness of the illustrious Sahaabah was by virtue of this company, to the extent that no Imam, no Faqeeh and no Wali, regardless of how great the Wali may be, can reach the rank of the most junior Sahaabi, whereas the Sahaabah weren’t academics. Many sciences were formulated after their era. During their age all these sciences were non-existent which are in vogue today. But their greatest virtue was that they saw Rasoolullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and they were blessed with his company. Thus, remember that company of the Awliya can be beneficial even without being a scholar; however, being a scholar without the company of the Awliya is seldom beneficial. For this reason Ulama are plentiful, but only a handful are True Guides of the Deen. They are those who benefitted from the company of a Master of Tasawwuf.

(Ta’meemut Ta’leem by Hazrat Moulana Thanwi Rahmatullahi Alaih)