WHAT IS TASAWWUF: 6 (talk by Mufti Taqi Usmani DB)

 THE NEED FOR A SHAYKH (MENTOR)

 

However, usually it is not possible to obtain Tazkiyah without entering into a mentoring relationship with a Shaykh (spiritual mentor). If a person wants to develop expertise in any skill, he has to find a mentor who can teach him that skill. Even if a person wants to become an expert chef, he has to enter into the tutelage of an established chef. It requires a high level of skill to differentiate between different mental attributes, and to decide which of these attributes is desirable, and which one is undesirable. For example, Takabbur (grandiosity, believing others to be inferior to oneself) is Haraam(unlawful), and it is Wajib (necessary) to protect oneself from Takabbur, as it gives rise to many spiritual ills. However, there is another mental attribute which is self-respect. It is Wajib to develop self-respect, as disrespecting oneself intentionally is not allowed in Shariah. However, differentiating between these two, whether a person is doing something out of Takabbur or self-respect, is a very delicate matter. Only an expert on spiritual ills can differentiate between these two, and in particular, it is very difficult for a person to recognize these spiritual ills within himself.

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