Sultan-ul-Faqr VI Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali R.A. was a revered spiritual leader and a prominent figure in the Sufi tradition of Islam. As the sixth Sultan-ul-Faqr, he played a vital role in reviving the teachings of Sufism, particularly focusing on the concept of Faqr (spiritual poverty) and attaining closeness to Allah. His teachings emphasized spiritual purification, love for Allah, and practical ways to achieve a state of divine union.
Here are some of his key teachings and contributions:
1. Faqr – The Essence of Sufism
- Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali R.A. defined Faqr as the highest form of spirituality.
- Faqr means complete reliance on Allah and detachment from worldly desires.
- He taught that Faqr is not about physical poverty but about spiritual richness and surrender to Allah’s will.
- He emphasized the verse:
“Allah is sufficient for His servant” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:36), highlighting that Allah alone is enough for a true seeker.
2. Divine Love (Ishq-e-Haqiqi)
- He stressed that the ultimate purpose of human existence is to achieve Ishq-e-Haqiqi (Divine Love).
- Love for Allah is attained by purifying the soul and focusing entirely on Him.
- Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali R.A. often quoted:
“Whoever loves Allah, Allah loves them in return.”
3. Self-Purification (Tazkiyah)
- Sultan-ul-Faqr VI placed great importance on the purification of the inner self (nafs).
- He believed that the journey to Allah begins with cleansing the heart from:
- Pride
- Greed
- Jealousy
- Ego
- Self-purification allows a person to reflect divine attributes and achieve spiritual tranquility (nafs al-mutma’innah).
4. Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr)
- He encouraged his followers to engage in constant Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) as a means of connecting with the Divine.
- He recommended practices such as:
- Reciting Ism-e-Allah Zaat (the Personal Name of Allah).
- Meditating on Allah’s presence in every moment.
5. Spiritual Guide (Murshid Kamil)
- He taught the importance of seeking guidance from a Murshid Kamil (Perfect Spiritual Guide) for the spiritual journey.
- He explained that a Murshid Kamil:
- Helps the seeker overcome obstacles on the path to Allah.
- Guides the disciple towards enlightenment and self-realization.
6. Practical Approach to Spirituality
- Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali R.A. believed in combining spirituality with practicality.
- He encouraged his followers to fulfill their worldly responsibilities while remaining spiritually connected to Allah.
- This balance ensures that one’s daily life aligns with divine principles.
7. Service to Humanity
- He emphasized serving humanity as a form of worship.
- Helping the needy, spreading knowledge, and working for the welfare of others were integral to his teachings.
8. The Importance of Ism-e-Allah Zaat
- Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali R.A. revived the practice of meditation on Ism-e-Allah Zaat (Personal Name of Allah).
- He taught that meditating on Allah’s Name allows one to experience the presence of Allah and eliminates the ego (nafs).
- This practice leads to spiritual enlightenment and a direct connection with Allah.
9. The Unity of Allah (Tawheed)
- His teachings were centered on Tawheed (the oneness of Allah).
- He emphasized living every moment in complete submission to Allah’s will.
- He reminded his followers to detach from materialism and focus on the eternal reality of Allah.
10. Revival of the Sultan-ul-Faqr Order
- Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali R.A. worked tirelessly to spread the teachings of the Sultan-ul-Faqr Order.
- He compiled and explained many Sufi texts to make the path of Faqr accessible to modern seekers.
- He is remembered for his dedication to spiritual enlightenment and guiding countless individuals toward Allah.
