In the teachings of Sultan ul Ashiqeen, the path of Faqr in Sufism is not merely a philosophical concept but a journey toward self-realization and spiritual closeness to Allah. The stages of Faqr, as elucidated by Sultan ul Ashiqeen, offer seekers a structured progression, allowing them to purify their inner selves and attain the ultimate union with the Divine.
- Fana (Annihilation): The initial stage is Fana, where the seeker learns to dissolve their ego and attachments. This process involves renouncing material desires and focusing purely on the love and remembrance of Allah. According to Sultan ul Ashiqeen, true Fana is the dissolution of the self to become a mirror reflecting the divine attributes.
- Baqa (Subsistence): After Fana, the seeker enters Baqa, the state of “subsistence through Allah.” In this stage, the seeker’s existence continues but is solely for serving Allah and upholding divine virtues. Here, the disciple moves beyond personal aims, embodying the qualities of compassion, humility, and wisdom.
- Fana-fi-Shaikh (Annihilation in the Shaikh): Sultan ul Ashiqeen emphasizes the role of a perfect spiritual guide (Shaikh). In this stage, the disciple attains Fana-fi-Shaikh, where they wholeheartedly surrender to the guidance of their Shaikh. This submission aids in internalizing the Shaikh’s teachings, which are aligned with divine wisdom, ultimately leading to enlightenment.
- Fana-fi-Rasool (Annihilation in the Prophet): As seekers advance, they enter the stage of Fana-fi-Rasool, where they deepen their love and connection to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Sultan ul Ashiqeen teaches that this stage is essential for embodying the prophetic morals, compassion, and dedication.
- Fana-fillah (Annihilation in Allah): The culmination of the journey is Fana-fillah, or total annihilation in Allah, where the seeker reaches a state of union with the Divine. In this final stage, they no longer perceive any separation between themselves and Allah, becoming a channel of divine grace.


The teachings of Sultan ul Ashiqeen on Faqr are widely shared through his social media channels, spreading the message of divine love and selflessness globally. His approach emphasizes Faqr not just as stages to be achieved but as a lifelong dedication to truth and spiritual unity.