Expounding the Path of Truth

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Shaykh Muhyi ad-Din Abu Muhammad ibn Abu Swalih ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (q.s.) said, as recorded in Sirr al-Asrar, “In our time, those who follow the path of Truth in accordance with the religious law are fewer than few.  The true followers of this path are known by two witnesses.  One is the exterior witness, which shows that the seeker’s daily life is reinforced by religious ordinances and practices.  The second, the inner witness, is the example the seeker follows and emulates and by which he is guided.  Indeed, there is none other to follow than the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.), who is the means, the bridge, and at one time the seeker and the truth he seeks.  Without doubt, his divine spirit is the only intermediary.  That is the law which must be followed for the continuation of religious order in the life of a real believer. 

Alternatively, a saintly being who embodies the inheritance of the Prophet’s (s.a.w.) spirituality may bless the seeker with his material presence.  Indeed, the Devil cannot assume the shape of our Prophet (s.a.w.).  Beware, O traveller on the path to truth, that the blind do not lead the blind.  Your sight should be so keen that you are able to distinguish the smallest particle of good from the smallest particle of evil.”