Page 105 - The Importance of the Ahl Al-Sunnah
P. 105

ADNAN OKTAR

               accepting advice will be spared shame.
               One must not obey servants in those matters which are
               sinful in the sight of Allah. One cannot expect anything
               good from those who tell lies. If you enjoy people’s speak-
               ing with you, speak with them in the same manner.
               Accept the apologies of those who apologize. Respect
               those older than you so that those younger than you will
               respect you. The most useful treasure is the love in peo-
               ple’s hearts.” (Ma’rifatname)


              Imam Rabbani
              His real name was Ahmad Sirhindi al-Farooqi. He was born
            in Sirhind, an Indian town, in 1564. Since he was descended
            from Hadrat Umar al-Farooq (ra) through the lineage of his
            father, he was known by the appellation of al-Farooqi.
              He is one of the great figures of tasawwuf in the tradition of
            the Ahl al-Sunnah. He began receiving instruction in Sufism
            under the authorization of Muhammad al-Baqi Billah, a
            Naqshbandi Shaykh. He came into conflict with the Emperor
            Jahangir; he was accused of “damaging the essence of the
            faith,” and was imprisoned in Gwalior Fort in 1619.
              Since he supported the beliefs of the Ahl al-Sunnah and was
            totally against all heretical movements, he was regarded as
            worthy of the esteemed title, Mujaddid Alf Thani (the Reviver
            of the Millennium). His Maktubat (Letters), the collection of
            letters he wrote to his friends and students, is one of the main
            references in tasawwuf.
              Below are some extracts from his Maktubat:
               “A person must first correct his belief. That correction
               must be compatible with those of the Ahl al-Sunnah wal
               Jama‘ah, who are the companions of the Garden. While

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