This series describes the relationship between the sheikh al-tarbiya and the murid and it explains the proper adab of the murid towards the sheikh. The sheikh is the vessel in which the Divine Presence is found. A significant part of the murid’s adab includes maintaining an exclusive relationship with the sheikh rather than visiting several sheikhs of tasawuf at one time. It is permissible to visit other sheikhs to learn Islamic sciences other than tasawaf or to conduct business transactions. It is also permissible to attend mawlids for the baraka. When visiting other sheikhs, the murid shows the same adab as would be shown to one’s own sheikh. However, spiritual guidance is not taken from other sheikhs nor from books but solely from one’s own sheikh. The murid may choose to change from one sheikh to another if he does not understand the sheikh due to a language barrier or if he is physically separated from the sheikh and cannot access his teachings. In such cases, the proper adab is to obtain the first sheikh’s permission before leaving. One does not mix guidance from different sheikhs just as one does not mix from the different madhahibs.

This series defines the sheikh al-tarbiya and also includes a description of the conditions needed to be a valid sheikh. A valid sheikh must be a faqih and have a valid ijaza. His aqeeda must be correct and he must practice what he teaches. He must have tread the spiritual path (ie. he has experiential knowledge). He must understand that the Shariah is above every human being and he must not be pleased with himself. Also, Allah and the Rasul (Allah bless him and give him peace) must accept him as a sheikh as evidenced by his fruits.

The series also provides a description of the two types of individuals who tend to seek the company of the sheikh. The first is the person who wants the baraka of visiting the sheikh. This person (the “baraka surfer”) attends mawlids, classes, and lessons of different sheikhs in search of baraka. The second person seeks company with the sheikh because he wants the Divine Presence. This person maintains an exclusive relationship with the sheikh. This is the murid.

Questions and Answers addressed in this series include the following: examples of karamaat, taking awrad from other tariqas, adab of asking sheikhs about their karamaat, attending mawlids when one has make-up prayers, praying Salat al-tawba when one has make-up prayers.