The following question was asked to a muqaddam of Shaykh Hassan Cisse in South Africa:
One thing I’ve heard persistently about the Tijani Tariqa is that if someone takes the Tariqa and then leaves it to join another, then all future spiritual development is cut off (I’m not sure of the correct terminology), how do Tijani’s explain when this is not what happens. I’ve been informed by someone who I would consider reliable in such matters that Shaykh Abdur-Rahman as-Shaghouri , perhaps most famous as the Murshid of Shaykh Nuh Ha Mim Keller, was a murid in the Tijani Tariqa before leaving it for the Shadhilli after meeting Shaykh Ahmad al-Alawi, not only becoming a murshid in the tariqa but the successor of his own Shaykh and in essence the highest authority for the Shadhilli’s of Syria?
Here is his answer:
Know that people take a Tariqah for Barakah and Intisab (to be attributed to it), OR for Tarbiyah and Suluk (spiritual journey to God).
Technically, the Tariqah Tijaniyyah is not given for Barakah only. It can only be given for Training. However, there are always people who may simply take it for Barakah. It is difficult for the Initiating Muqaddam to judge the seeker.
I have read the biography of the respected Shaykh al-Shaghouri (RA). It seems that he took the Tijani Tariqah in the beginning of his spiritual quest for Barakah only, as is the habit of many young seekers. The proof being that at the same early period of his life he took many other Turuq as well. It is obvious that he never really practiced the Tijani Way or perhaps even comprehend its realities.. He probably just wanted to get Ijazah in Salat al-Fatih or be connected in some way to Shaykhuna al-Tijani (RA).
The person he took the Tariqah was a Syrian merchant called Sidi Ata al-Ghabrah, who was not an Alim or a man with permission of Tarbiyah. In any case, Shaykh al-Shaghouri (RA) did not spend any time with him.
Now, such murids are not really condemned if they leave the Tariqah respectfully, because they never really practiced it in the first place. They only wanted some barakah. They were eternally not meant for Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA). Their “training” was meant for someone else. They will then naturally grow in another Tariqah.
As long as they don’t disrespect the Tijani Way, we don’t criticize them or disrespect them in any way.
Of course, by leaving the Tijani Way and choosing another Way, they will still be spiritually deprived of the unique Openings guaranteed only for Tijanis.
Even if such a person became a great Saintly QUTB in another Tariqah, he is nevertheless behind the Tijani murid. This is because Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA) clearly stated – as informed by the Prophet (SAW) – that:
لو أطلع أكابر الاقطاب علي ما أعده الله تعالي لاهل هذه الطريقة لبكوا و قالوا يا ربنا ما اعطيتنا شيئا
“If the greatest Qutbs had to know what Allah has prepared for the followers of this Tariqah, they would cry and say: O Allah you gave us nothing”!!!
(Narrated in al-Rimah by Amir al-Mu’minin al-Haj Umar al-Futi)
This is something that may be understood only by Dhawq in this Dunya and witnessed openly in the Akhirah.
As for the person who leaves the Tijani Tariqah out of disrespect for it, or its Wirds or it’s Shaykh (RA), then Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani (RA) has warned that:
يحل به الهلاك
“He will face destruction”
And:
و لا يموت إلا كافرا
“He will die on Kufr“
May Allah protect us. Amen.
This is because this person has turned his back to Sayyidina Rasul-Allah (SAW) himself, as the Shaykh of this Tariqah is no-one but Rasul-Allah (SAW) himself, and we recite his Litany and give Bay’ah to him only.
Along with Shaykh Ahmad Tijani (RA), we are all murids of the Prophet (SAW) himself.
Indeed the Prophet (SAW) had told our Master the Seal and Provider of all Saints (RA):
أصحابك أصحابي و أنا شيخهم و مربيهم
“Your companions are MY COMPANIONS and I AM their Shaykh and Trainer”
Indeed, I have personally seen terrible things that happened to people who left this Muhmmadan Way out of disrespect, apathy or laziness. Some left Islam, some went on drugs, some got afflicted with Jinn, some became slaves of theDunya, some lost their wealth and many such things. What awaits in the Hereafter is worse.
One may play with everything but Allah and His Prophet (SAW) and those who represent them with authority. The Shaykh al-Tijani (RA) will either make you or break you. There is no turning back from it.
The Prophet (SAW) even guaranteed Jannah to those who just love the Hidden Pole Shaykh Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani (RA), even without taking the Wird and even if they are sinners. Didn’t he (SAW) say to him openly:
أنت من الأمنين ومن أحبك من الأمنين
أنت باب لنجاة كل عاص تعلق بك
You are from the Safe ones, and all those who love you are from the Safe Ones
You are the Door of Salvation for every sinner that attaches himself to you
(See the Kashf al-Hijab of Sidi Sukayrij)
Be sincere to him and you will gain the Best in Both Worlds. Wallahi.
May Allah keep us steadfast on this Ahmadi Muhammadi Ibrahimi Way and forgive all our shortcomings.. Amen.
Was-Salam
Servant of the Tijani Door,
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