Can a prayer that lacks presence of heart (huzur-e-qalb) and humility (khushu-khudu) truly have the power to keep a worshiper away from all wrongdoing and bring them closer to Allah?

Can a prayer that lacks presence of heart (huzur-e-qalb) and humility (khushu-khudu) truly have the power to keep a worshiper away from all wrongdoing and bring them closer to Allah?

All praise is due to the Most Merciful Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Countless blessings and peace be upon the Grand Mufti, Sheikh-ul-Hadith, Qutb of the world, Allama Hazrat Mawlana Dr. Muhammad Manzurul Islam Siddiqui Pir Saheb.

Today's Topic: How Can a Person Become a True Human Being?

By taking Bay'ah (spiritual pledge) at the hands of a Kamil-e-Mukammil Murshid (a perfect and complete spiritual guide) and practicing under his guidance, one can attain the certainty of truth (Haqq-ul-Yaqeen).

Hazrat Mawlana Rumi (R.A.) said:
"If you want to sit in the company of Allah, then sit in the gatherings of His saints."
Elsewhere, he also said:
"If you wish to unite with Allah, then attach yourself to a perfect spiritual guide." (Masnavi Sharif)

Allah says in the Quran:

"Indeed, prayer restrains one from indecency and wrongdoing." (Surah Al-Ankabut, Ayah 45)

Yet, despite performing prayers, we continue to steal, lie, indulge in interest and bribery, backbite, and usurp others’ rights. Why does our prayer fail to keep us away from sins?

The Quran further states:

"Whatever is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah."

But do we, ordinary people, truly perceive this? We do not! This means that our inability to comprehend the meaning of Allah’s words is undoubtedly our own shortcoming.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"Prayer is the ascension (Mi'raj) for the believers."

Yet, despite praying throughout our lives, have we ever reached the level of Mi'raj? We have not! The reason is that we are deprived of the companionship of a Kamil-e-Mukammil Pir (a perfect spiritual guide).

A prayer that lacks huzur-e-qalb (presence of heart) and khushu-khudu (humility and devotion) cannot truly keep a person away from wrongdoing or bring them closer to Allah.

The Role of the Awliya (Saints)

The Awliya (friends of Allah) are adorned with His attributes. Their character is so pure that even the hardest of sinners find their hearts softened in their company. Just as a foul-smelling object absorbs the fragrance when placed near a flower, an evil person too can gradually become good and noble through the companionship of righteous people.

Mawlana Rumi (R.A.) further said:
"Even if your heart is as hard as stone, if you seek the company of a Kamil-e-Mukammil Pir, you will be transformed. Just as an iron turns into gold by the touch of the philosopher’s stone, your heart too will become a treasure of divine wealth."

A Call to All Seekers of Truth

Dear brothers and sisters of all faiths and backgrounds, I invite you to take Bay’ah with my esteemed Shaykh, Janab-e-Murshid Qibla, Grand Mufti, Sheikh-ul-Hadith, Qutb of the World, Allama Hazrat Mawlana Dr. Muhammad Manzurul Islam Siddiqui Pir Saheb. Under his guidance, you can attain the spiritual level where prayer becomes Mi'raj (ascension), where all of creation glorifies Allah, and where you learn the special ways of calling upon Allah.

An Alim means a knowledgeable person, and every man and woman must strive to gain knowledge of Allah and His Messenger.