Malfoozat Hakimul-Ummah Hazrat Thanvi

This Path is Very Delicate

In a conversation, he said: 

"This path is very delicate. One may understand it through the company of a true scholar, otherwise, it cannot be fully comprehended through books alone, nor can one succeed by relying solely on them. Just like one cannot become a skilled physician by merely reading medical books without spending time with an expert. If such a person were to treat a patient, that patient would not be safe. Similarly, the condition of a spiritual patient would not improve either; who knows what wrong methods a misguided person might adopt, leading to harm instead of benefit. To recognize a true guide, one needs the testimony of another accomplished person. Nowadays, ignorant people have become spiritual guides and have tarnished this path with their ignorance. May Allah grant us sound understanding."

Malfoozat Hakim-ul-Ummat, Volume 1, Page 150

Malfoozat Hakimul-Ummah Hazrat Thanvi

Hazrat Thanvi's Vision 

A scholar said, "Hazrat, even Satan is a great enemy of yours. His enmity towards you is as intense as it is towards all the Muslims of India combined, because you continuously warn Allah’s creation about his deceit and trickery. He must be burning with anger because of this."

Hazrat replied, "It is possible, but at the same time, he also benefits me greatly in a way. He misguides people, and they unjustly insult me. I endure it with patience, and in return, Allah forgives my sins and elevates my ranks."

Malfoozat Hakim-ul-Ummah: Volume 1, Page 149

Malfoozat Hakimul-Ummah Hazrat Thanvi

The meaning of "Better than a hundred years of unpretentious devotion.

A scholar asked, "Hazrat, please explain the meaning of this phrase:

"The companionship of the righteous, even for a moment,  

Is better than a hundred years of asceticism and devotion."

(If one is blessed with the companionship of the righteous, even for a moment, it is better than a hundred years of asceticism and devotion (that is performed without a complete guide).

He (Hakim-ul-Ummah) replied, "You are more knowledgeable than I am, but my understanding is that sometimes, in the company of a perfect mentor, a secret is revealed, or a state arises in the heart that becomes the key to happiness for a lifetime. This is not a general rule but an exceptional case. It is not meant to imply that every moment is beneficial, but only that specific moment when such a state occurs."

The scholar asked, "Does this mean that not every companionship would be beneficial?"  

He replied, "It is true, but who knows which moment it will be when such a state will be attained. There is always a possibility of this happening in every companionship, so one should be diligent in seeking companionship. This indicates that every companionship has the potential to be beneficial and useful. To understand how this state can be equivalent to a hundred years of devotion, consider this example: If someone possesses a hundred coins, outwardly, he may not have any valuable items, but if we think deeply, he actually has access to everything. Similarly, if this quality arises within a person, he may not seem to possess specific acts of worship, but in reality, he holds the essence of everything."

"So, the main point is that it is the ability to act upon deeds that matters. With that ability, everything will fall into place, and the essential part is those deeds for which this key has been attained through companionship. If those deeds are not performed, then the key alone is of no use."

"That's why I say that without actions, neither words, states, nor conditions have any significance. One should not become too attached to these things. If there is anything worth considering, it is actions, and actions are difficult without the grace of Allah. This grace, generally, depends on the companionship of a perfect mentor."

Malfoozat Hakim-ul-Ummah (RA), Volume 1, Page 49

Malfoozat Hakimul-Ummah Hazrat Thanvi

Ranks of spiritual progress are quickly traversed through grief.

In response to a letter, he wrote: 

The duration of my displeasure is very short. After some time, it weakens, and with a little apology, it completely disappears. 

It was mentioned in the letter: "I am in great distress and sorrow." 

I replied that it is the sorrow that actually serves the purpose. The ranks of spiritual progress are traversed much faster through grief than through struggle. This is a point worth remembering.

Malfoozat Hakim-ul-Ummah: Volume 1, Page 38

Malfoozat Hakimul-Ummah Hazrat Thanvi

Malfoozat Hakim-ul-Ummat Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi

Focus on Yourself

Someone presented an issue and mentioned that a certain person had inquired about it. In response, according to their state, he advised:

One should focus on what is necessary for oneself and not get involved in others' matters. The most important thing is that every person should focus on his own concerns and work on improving his own deeds. Nowadays, it has become a widespread problem among both the general public and the elite that they are more concerned with correcting others than themselves. My uncle used to say, "Son, while protecting others' shoes, make sure you don't lose your own bundle." Truly, he gave very wise advice.

Malfoozat Hakim-ul-Ummat: Volume 1, Page 26