Yearning for the Divine: The Journey from Nafs to Fana

In this episode a senior Sufi Shaykh leads a reflective session before Isha, exploring the deep inner work behind outward religious practice. Through personal anecdotes and teachings about his own Shaykh, the speaker guides listeners into the distinction between external ritual and the inner purpose those rituals point to. The talk emphasizes that acts of piety are means, not ends, and invites listeners to seek the real satisfaction—an intimate discovery of Allah—rather than temporary comforts or social markers.

Key topics include the nature of human yearning and restlessness, the search for permanence, and why ordinary achievements or ritual observance cannot fully satisfy that longing. The Shaykh outlines the three stages of fana—annihilation in the Shaykh, annihilation in the Rasul ﷺ, and ultimate annihilation in Allah—and explains how the negation of the artificial self (the I) is central to spiritual realization.

The episode also covers practical spiritual guidance: the value of silence and inner calm, the difference between outward imitation of the Sunnah and its inner embodiment, how the nafs influences actions, and the role of constant inner witnessing in progress. Listeners hear illustrative remarks about the purity and presence of past Mashayikh, and how a purified heart becomes like a mirror reflecting Divine light.

A brief Q&A segment addresses who benefits from ritual practice, the relationship between the soul and discovery of Allah, and signs of true spiritual progress. This episode is for anyone seeking deeper understanding of Sufi concepts—fana, inner Sunnah, and the transformation from doing to letting Divine presence act through the heart.

Purification and Prophethood: The Role of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Cleansing the Soul

In this episode the Shaykh opens a post-Ramadan series on a vast and powerful theme: the role of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in spiritual purification. After a brief reminder that we are tested by Allah and a request for dua for Brother Idris — who attended despite illness — the host explains the plan for a multi-week exploration with contributors including Brother Tariq, Brother Rafay, Brother Isa, Asif, Brother Sajid and, God willing, Brother Idris when he is able.

The discussion centers on three foundational priorities for purification: correct aqidah (belief), the obligations (fara'id) led by salat, and then the further disciplines that draw the heart closer to Allah. The Shaykh stresses that genuine purification must be rooted in the Sunnah and Sharia and that without sound creed all deeds are judged. He emphasizes the centrality of salat — performed on time and in congregation — as the primary act that pleases Allah and paves the way to further spiritual states.

Episodes also warn against contemporary confusions in Sufism: the misuse of labels, separation of spiritual practice from fiqh and Quranic knowledge, and the danger of elevating karamat and novelty over istiqamah and adherence to shar'i methodology. The Shaykh contrasts authentic awliya, steeped in Quran, hadith and fiqh, with modern trends that borrow terminology or practices from non-Islamic traditions or ungrounded scholarship.

Practical guidance is offered: prioritize learning the basic beliefs and obligations first, build life around salaah and the masjid, beware of excessive nawafil that cause one to miss fard duties, engage in zikr and azkar to weaken the nafs, and seek consistency (istiqamah) and humility before a qualified shaykh. The episode includes illustrative anecdotes and Qur'anic/hadith reminders (including references to Surah al-Baqarah on seeking help through patience and prayer and historical examples from the Companions) to reinforce the urgency of returning to fundamentals.

Listeners should expect a mix of theological clarification, practical admonition, and spiritual counsel aimed at reorienting personal practice toward Sharia-based purification. Future sessions will unpack the Prophet’s ﷺ role in purification in detail and offer multiple speakers’ perspectives and applied lessons for daily worship, zikr, and lifelong istiqamah.

Allah knows how many mistakes we commit, but as we say, Allahumma aghfir wa raham, amma ta'alam, tajavuz amma ta'ala — may Allah overlook our mistakes and accept our ibadah through the wasilah of our Shaykh. In this episode we reflect on the life, karamat (miracles), and teachings of a Shaykh who preferred anonymity yet whose influence grows after his passing.

The host and guests recount visits to Daar-ul-Ehsaan and the Shaykh’s headquarters in Faisalabad, Pakistan noting a dramatic rise in visitors and demand for his books. We hear eyewitness stories — including a 1980 account from Moti Masjid of the Shaykh’s miraculous arrival as a ‘river of nur’ and the experience of Hazrat Junab Najib — and the Shaykh’s own written reflections on being spiritually tasked with people in far-flung places.

Central to the episode is the Shaykh’s teaching on ‘awakened hearts’: a hierarchical classification describing 300 hearts like Adam, 40 like Musa, 7 like Ibrahim, 5 like Jibreel, 3 like Mikhail, and a single heart like Israfil. The guests explain the responsibilities and barakah (blessing) of such hearts — that by their dua and presence they can bring life, increase the ummah, send rain, boost produce, and lessen calamities — and how only an awakened heart can truly rouse other hearts from spiritual sleep.

We also cover practical spiritual guidance from the Shaykh: the purpose of the body and its faculties (eyes to behold, heart to adore, tongue for dhikr, ears to hear the Rasul ﷺ, hands for purity, feet for service), the emphasis that the body is for worship not desire, and a reminder that provision and honor are ultimately in the hands of the Most Generous — Allah. The episode blends storytelling, spiritual classification, and actionable reminders on devotion and reliance on Allah.

Guests and voices include narrators and mureeds who share first-hand memories (notably Hazrat Junab Najib and mentions of Brother Shakeel), excerpts from the Shaykh’s writings, and reflections on how the Shaykh’s karamat and teaching continue to guide and awaken people today.