Lessons of the Naqshbandi Mujaddidi Tariqah

Following is a list of the lessons and spiritual stages of the Naqshbandi Mujaddidi tariqah, as taught by the masters of the Mujaddidi tariqah.

It is important to know that these lessons are learned from a perfected master of the Naqshbandi tariqah and doing them without proper guidance may not benefit. However,  Naqshbandi mashaaikh  generally allows everyone to do the first Zikr, which is the Zikr of Latifa Qalb. But it is always recommended to get permission for it from a shaykh, which may be received even without making Ba’yah.

Part 1: Zikr

The exalted Naqshbandi tariqah starts from ten Latâif (pl of Latîfâ), which translates to subtlety. According to Imam Rabbani, a human is composed of ten subtleties, five of which belong to the Command-World (Âlam al-Amr) and five to the Creation-World (Âlam al-Khalq). The five from the Command-World are: Qalb, Rûh, Sirr, Khafî and Akhfâ; and the five from the Creation-World are: Nafs, and the four elements (fire, air, water and earth).

The Command-World is so named because it came into being instantaneously with the command “Kun”. The Creation-World was created in steps. The Circle of Possibility (Dâerâ-i Imkân) combines these two worlds. The Arsh is at the center of the Circle of Possibility. The Command-World is the higher half (above the Arsh) and the Creation World is the lower half (below the Arsh).

Lesson 1: Zikr in Latîfâ Qalb (the Heart subtlety)

The Qalb (heart) is located two finger-widths below the left breast in the chest, somewhat oriented towards the side. When the shaykh teaches this lesson to a new seeker, he places his right index finger on this place and says “Allah Allah Allah”, while exerting his spiritual Tawajjuh on his heart (this method is only for men, women are taught verbally).

The method of Zikr is like this: the disciple, after being taught this lesson by the master, starts proclaiming the Personal Name of God, Allah Allah Allah, in his heart by way of meditation. The tongue is not used in this method, rather it is recommended to touch it to the upper side of mouth to keep it silent. The disciple should clear the mind of all unnecessary thoughts and should keep busy in this Zikr at all times, even during the work.

Initially, it might be hard to do this Zikr at all times due to external distractions. But slowly, by practice and by the Shaykh’s blessings, the heart becomes used to this Zikr so much that no further effort is required to do the Zikr. It becomes automatic like breath.

The Nûr (light) of the heart is shining yellow, as described by the masters of this tariqah. However, viewing this color is not required, neither is the physical sound of heart’s Zikr required in this path. The real sign of completion of this lesson is that the heart is cleared from the lust and love of the worldly desires, and attraction to the real Beloved and keenness of following the Sunnah and Shariah is achieved. It becomes easier to control the appetite.