In the Paradise of Majlis — Nasiha from Sheikh Muhammad Bava Usthad

In the Paradise of Majlis — Nasiha from Sheikh Muhammad Bava Usthad

 

In the sacred atmosphere of the Majlis, known to the people of the path as a heavenly garden, Sheikh Muhammad Bava Usthad delivered a nasiha drawn with words sourced from the springs of Divine wisdom. The Sheikh reminded the gathering that the greatest caution a seeker must exercise is against deviating from the holy path they have been entrusted with.

Taqwa: Love in Sujood before the Divine Majesty

The Sheikh stressed that taqwa is not merely fear of Allah nor merely love of Him, but the harmonious union of both. Promises made by Allah to His servants are certain and will be fulfilled — the blessings of this world and the Hereafter will come without fail. What the seeker should truly be concerned about is breaking the covenant made with their Lord, for such a breach is a wound upon the soul that echoes through eternity, leaving one bereft in both worlds. 

وَأَوْفُوا۟ بِعَهْدِ ٱللَّهِ إِذَا عَـٰهَدتُّمْ وَلَا تَنقُضُوا۟ ٱلْأَيْمَـٰنَ بَعْدَ تَوْكِيدِهَا وَقَدْ جَعَلْتُمُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَيْكُمْ كَفِيلًا ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَفْعَلُونَ

“And fulfil the covenant of Allah when you have taken it, and do not break oaths after their confirmation, while you have made Allah your surety. Indeed, Allah knows what you do.”

Surah An-Nahl (16:91

“This Majlis,” Sheikh Bava Usthad said, “is a heavenly garden where all desires of the soul are met. Just as in the sacred Harams, sit here in complete purity, free of all thoughts except those of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.” In such a state, one can attain spiritual purity as flawless as that of a newborn child.

Yet, the Sheikh warned of those whom the Qur’an describes: “No matter what they do against their will, you will not be able to guide them, O Prophet.” There have been many who entered the religion after taking the hand of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ,  (referral to the divine covenant) but later turned away. If they return and seek forgiveness, Allah may pardon them - but the hypocrites, who prayed behind the Prophet ﷺ in masjid Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque) yet did not find salvation, remain a grave warning.

Faith, Respect, and Self-Improvement

Sheikh Bava Usthad urged the gathering to sit with firm faith and deep respect, aiming for self-purification and forgiveness of sins. He reminded that the best gift one could give their loved ones is to bring them closer to this blessed Majlis — a chain that began with Sayyid Muhammad Badush(RA) and continues through his 142 caliphs across the world.

Those connected to Shaykhuna Qadeerullah Shaykh Yusuf Sultan Shah(RA), the Sheikh said, have attained special excellence. Through association with them, a seeker is guided to goodness, forgiven by the grace of Allah, and protected from falling back into sin. Remaining steadfast in this path is itself a sign of accepted repentance.

 

 

The Transformation of the Soul

The Sheikh reminded that the soul transforms according to one’s deeds, and this transformation will be evident in both this world and the Hereafter. On the Day of the Grave, every soul will be accompanied by its deeds.

The Sheikh recalled how, in the time of Musa (AS), some people were transformed as a punishment for disobedience. In the era of the Messenger ﷺ, such outward transformations ceased by his supplication — yet the inner state of the soul still changes. He shared how Imam Shafi’i (RA) and Zainuddin Makhdoom (RA) once witnessed congregations whose inner corruption appeared to them as non-human forms. Those who remain true to their pledge on this path and live with purity will be spared such transformations of disgrace.

Complete Obedience and Inner Purity

“When you attend the Majlis,” the Sheikh said, “seek forgiveness sincerely and remain in complete obedience to your covenant. Be more attached to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and the Shaykhs than to yourself. Guard even your thoughts.” Leaving the Majlis should be accompanied by the realization of its purpose and the protection of faith amidst the moral dangers of the world.

He advised parents not only to place their children in madrasas, but also to bring them to such Majlises where they may learn the innermost truths of the faith.

On Debt and Worldly Attachments

The Sheikh cautioned against excessive debt, for although Allah takes upon Himself the debts of believers, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and the Prophets themselves avoided it. He reminded his disciples that when a Majlis of Dhikr is held on earth, angels line up to the Throne, carrying the requests of the participants to Allah, who answers that their prayers are accepted.

If one prioritizes only worldly matters, the Hereafter will suffer. For a believer, even speaking ill of someone becomes a burden on the soul.

A Life Pleasing to the Lord

“For the sake of the Lord who sees into our hearts,” the Sheikh said, “make every thought, every movement, and every action pleasing to Him.” Without faith, even a husband and wife will become estranged. Therefore, bring those in need to the path of faith, and engage continuously in the service of the pure faith.

He concluded with a prayer: “May Allah bless you and keep you firm on this path. Āmeen.”