Greatness of Knowledge Is Reflected in the Truthfulness of Character: Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri

Teachings of Ghaus-ul-Azam (RA) Present Shariah and Tariqah as Complementary Paths to Human Reform

Founder and Patron-in-Chief of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, has said that the true greatness of knowledge is reflected in the truthfulness of one’s character. He said that the teachings of Sayyiduna Ghaus-ul-Azam (RA) present Shariah and Tariqah as complementary paths for the reform and spiritual development of human beings.

He said that Sayyiduna Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA) was a learned teacher, a visionary reformer and a mentor dedicated to the purification and development of the human soul. He taught that true courage lies in freeing the self from attachment to the world and the heart from dependence on personal desires. He further taught that detachment from everything other than Allah is Tawakkul (trust in Allah); obeying every command of Allah and refraining from whatever He has prohibited is Sabr (patience); and being content with whatever comes from Allah is Rida (contentment).

Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri said that the company of the righteous transforms a person's inner self, while the pious continue to guide people through their righteous deeds and teachings. The greatness of Sayyiduna Ghaus-ul-Azam (RA), he said, cannot be studied merely within the bounds of devotion and reverence. The truth of faith is not demonstrated through verbal claims but through purity of intention and integrity of action.

He said that in the teachings of Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA), Shariah and Tariqah are two dimensions of the same journey of spiritual and moral reform. Shariah gives proper direction to a person's actions, while Tariqah instills sincerity and purity within those actions. If worship does not liberate a person from arrogance, knowledge does not make him truthful, and spiritual affiliation does not make him sensitive to the suffering of others, then such a person should reassess his actions, conduct and all his claims.

He said that true love for Sayyiduna Ghaus-ul-Azam (RA) means drawing guidance from his teachings and holding oneself accountable in light of them. His spiritual training did not make people prisoners of their own selves; rather, it directed them toward Allah Almighty.

He further said that even today, the true measure of a spiritual guide is that his company increases within a person the remembrance of Allah, adherence to the example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the desire for self-reform, and sincere concern and goodwill for others.