The Well-Accepted Rules of Conduct in the Naqshbandi Order

By Shaykh Jamāl al-Dīn al-Ghāzī Ghumūqī al-Ḥusaynī
With Commentary by Shaykh Muḥammad ʿAlī al-Rabbānī
PUBLISHED BY WARDA PUBLICATIONS
Hardback, 276 pages.
LOOK INSIDE some sample pages here.

Timeless Principles of Good Conduct and Spiritual Dedication

Discover the profound wisdom and timeless guidance of The Well-Accepted Rules of Conduct in the Naqshbandi Order—a masterful work that transcends boundaries, offering invaluable lessons on good conduct and spiritual dedication for all. Written by the esteemed Dagestani Sufi master Shaykh Jamāl al-Dīn al-Ghāzī Ghumūqī al-Ḥusaynī (1787–1875 CE), this remarkable treatise lays out the fundamental principles that guide the soul towards sincerity, humility, and devotion.

A Legacy of Dedication and Integrity

Composed during the 19th-century struggle of the Caucasus Muslims against Tsarist Russian forces, this work reflects an unwavering commitment to Allah’s cause. In a time of great hardship and sacrifice, Shaykh Jamāl al-Dīn’s teachings served as a moral compass, directing his followers to embody integrity and steadfastness.

While deeply rooted in a historical context, the principles outlined remain relevant to modern readers, offering timeless wisdom applicable to all who seek to cultivate noble character and sincere devotion. The dedication and precision with which the author addresses every detail inspire us to approach our own lives with greater mindfulness and purpose.

Illuminating Commentary from a Modern Master
Accompanying this profound text is the extensive commentary by the late Shaykh Muḥammad ʿAlī al-Rabbānī (1972–2022 CE), whose insightful interpretations make the book accessible to readers from all walks of life. By unveiling hidden meanings and providing essential context, Shaykh al-Rabbānī bridges the gap between historical teachings and contemporary relevance, guiding readers toward a deeper understanding of good conduct and spiritual growth.

Why Read This Book?

Universal Relevance: Gain insights into ethical conduct and spiritual dedication that transcend time and place.

Practical Guidance: Learn practical principles that shape character and foster a sincere, dedicated approach to life.

Expert Commentary: Benefit from Shaykh al-Rabbānī’s detailed interpretations and contextual explanations.

Inspiration and Reflection: Find encouragement to pursue a life of integrity and spiritual awareness.

Unveiling Spiritual Realities Through Stories

One of the most captivating aspects of this book is its collection of profound teaching stories. Among them is the unforgettable First Story, narrated by the great Sufi master Dhū al-Nūn al-Miṣrī:

One day while I was walking along the banks of the Nile, I saw a scorpion crawling along. I picked up a rock intending to kill it, but it quickly escaped. It then stopped by the shore of the Nile until a frog appeared, and the scorpion jumped upon its back, whereupon the frog made off with the scorpion until it reached the opposite bank of the river. I followed it, and when it had reached the shore, the scorpion jumped off the frog’s back.

There lay a drunk man sleeping it off while a large snake was approaching him to bite him. But the scorpion rushed upon the snake and stung it with a sting that smashed the snake to pieces. At that moment, the man awoke from his sleep, completely shocked and shaking with fear. Seeing the big snake, he wanted to run away, but I said to him, ‘Don’t be afraid, you have been protected from its harm!’ and I told him the whole story.

The man lowered his head for a while, then gazed up towards the heavens and said, ‘O Lord! This is how You treat the one who disobeys You, so how will You treat the one who is obedient? By Your Might and Glory, I will not disobey You after this.’ Then he went away in tears, saying:

O you who sleeps while the Majestic is guarding him
 against every creature crawling in the dark, 
how can the eyes sleep unaware of a King
 while all these blessings come from Him?

Table of Contents

Introduction
    •    Foreword by Shaykh Muḥammad ʿĀdil al-Rabbānī
    •    Translator’s Preface
    •    Rendition of Arabic Terms and Eulogies
    •    Rendition of Qur’ānic Verses and Dates
    •    Explanations Regarding the Indices
    •    About the Author
    •    About the Commentator
Main Text: The Well-Accepted Rules of Conduct in the Naqshbandī Order
    •    Author’s Preface
Chapter 1: Regarding Repentance and Its Excellence
    •    The First Story
    •    The Second Story
    •    The Third Story
    •    The Fourth Story
    •    The Fifth Story
    •    The Sixth Story
    •    Preliminaries, Signs, and Fruits of Repentance
    •    The Seventh Story
Chapter 2: Purification of the Self from Blameworthy Traits and Its Adornment with Praiseworthy Attributes
    •    Blameworthy Traits: Hatred, Envy, Anger, Vanity, Pride, Avarice, Covetousness, Greed, Idleness, Cowardice, Love of This World
    •    Praiseworthy Attributes: Chastity, Love, Humility, Cheerfulness, Soundness of Heart, Openhandedness, Courage, Patience, Spiritual Aspiration, Faithfulness, Keeping Secrets, Contentment, Renunciation, Reliance upon Allāh
Chapter 3: The Rules of Conduct in the Naqshbandī Order
Chapter 4: The Taking of the Pledge and Initial Spiritual Instruction (talqīn)
Chapter 5: The Excellence of the Remembrance of Allāh over All Other Deeds
Chapter 6: Establishing a Spiritual Connection (rābiṭa) with One’s Shaykh and How It Should Be Practised
Chapter 7: The Practice of Remembrance and Its Rules of Conduct
    •    Practising Remembrance by the Heart (dhikr al-qalbī)
    •    Using the Divine Name of the Essence (ism al-Dhāt)
    •    Set Phrase of Negation and Affirmation
Chapter 8: The Practice of Spiritual Introspection (murāqaba) and Its Rules of Conduct
Chapter 9: The Practice of Remembrance with the Tongue and Supererogatory Acts of Worship
Chapter 10: Benefits of Keeping the Company of the Masters, Love and Respect for Them, and Proper Conduct towards Them
    •    Rules of Conduct in the Company of the Masters
    •    Benefits of Love and Receiving Divine Outpourings
Chapter 11: Fundamental Principles of the Naqshbandī Path
Conclusion
    •    Masters of the Distinguished Chain of Transmission
    •    Explanations Regarding Their Lineage
Epilogue
    •    Poem by Mawlānā Jamāl al-Dīn al-Ghumūqī
Appendix
    •    Index of Qur’ānic Verses
    •    Index of Ḥadīths and Reports
    •    Index of Persons
    •    Bibliography

Inspire Your Heart and Mind
Embrace the profound teachings of The Well-Accepted Rules of Conduct in the Naqshbandi Order and allow its timeless wisdom to elevate your conduct and deepen your spiritual journey.

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