Sittings of September 1959 — Part III

مجالسِ ستمبر ۱۹۵۹ — حصہ سوم

Topics 71–78: The System of the Ghawth and Qutbs; The Supreme Manifestation; The Greatest Name; The Mahdavis; Surah al-Fatihah

The invisible spiritual hierarchy — consisting of the Ghawth (the supreme helper), the Qutbs (the spiritual poles), the Abdal (the substitutes), and others — is a reality affirmed in the Sufi tradition. This inner hierarchy performs the spiritual governance of the world under the command of Allah and the guidance of the Prophet, peace be upon him.

The 'Supreme Manifestation' (Tajalli A'zam) is the most powerful and comprehensive of all divine self-disclosures. It is experienced by the most advanced among the Friends of Allah (Awliya'). Hazrat described important spiritual events and experiences that he had witnessed or been told of by reliable sources.

The Greatest Name of Allah (Ism al-A'zam) — the Name by which, if Allah is called, He responds — is a matter of much discussion among the scholars and mystics. Some hold it to be 'Allah'; others identify it with other Names. Hazrat discussed the nature of this Name and its relationship to the spiritual stations.

Hazrat recited a verse — attributed to Hazrat Qibla himself — about the spiritual path:

مسجد میں رہو تو میں مانتا ہوں سمندر میں ڈوبو تو میں جانتا ہوں ہاں ہاں — میں تو خواجہ میاں کا ہوں

(If you dwell in the mosque, I accept you — If you sink in the ocean, I know you — Yes, yes — I belong to Khwaja Mian.)

8 September 1959

Topics 74–76: The Mahdavis; Practice of Surah al-Fatihah During Tafsir of Surah al-Qalam

Hazrat continued his discussion of the Mahdavi community. He noted that they had their own elders and transmitted their teachings through their own chains, outside the four Sunni schools of jurisprudence. Hazrat's approach was one of respectful engagement rather than condemnation, while making clear the differences from mainstream Sunni teaching.

During the tafsir (exegesis) of Surah al-Qalam, Hazrat explained the practice of Surah al-Fatihah as a complete spiritual exercise — encompassing praise, gratitude, acknowledgement of Divine sovereignty, and the supplication for guidance on the straight path.

Topics 77–79: Recitation of the Qur'an; Monotheism and al-Ash'ari; The Complete Practice

The recitation of the Qur'an with proper tajwid (rules of pronunciation) is not merely a mechanical act but a spiritual one. When the heart is present in the recitation, each verse opens a world of meaning and light.

Imam Abu al-Hasan al-Ash'ari was the great champion of Sunni theology. He systematized the proof of Divine Oneness (tawhid) against both the extreme rationalists (Mu'tazila) and the literalists, establishing the mainstream Sunni creed. Hazrat praised his contribution to Islam.

Hazrat then recited a verse of his own on tawhid:

توحید کی شمع جلاؤ دل میں — اللہ کے سوا کچھ نہیں ہر شے میں پنہاں ہے جلوۂ حق — آنکھوں سے دیکھو تو نہیں