For the improvement and checking of one’s knowledge and condition it is essential that certain authentic Islamic literature be studied. A list of books recommended will be given hereunder. Each book should be read three times. The Saalik should measure his condition on the standards of the books. One should then with sincerity and honesty notify one’s Shaikh of one’s conditions–the condition which prevailed prior to the study of the books and the condition after having studied the books. The Shaikh should be regularly informed of the rise and fall, the progress and retrogress in one’s spiritual condition in the existence and disappearance of the various attributes of virtue and vice.

This will enable the Shaikh to properly diagnose the Mureed’s condition and prescribe accurate remedies. Furthermore, the Mureed should be diligent and regular in carrying out the instructions of the Shaikh. The Mureed has pledged that he will not conceal from the Shaikh any khatrah which crosses the heart or any condition of the rooh. The Mureed in making bai’t to the Shaikh pledges that he will accept and follow his instruction without quibbling and without finding fault in it. He will follow the Shaikh with firm conviction and the fullest of confidence.

The following is a list of books which the Mureed should study. Qasdus Sabeel, Aadaabush Shaikh wal Mureed, Usulul Wusul, Huququl Islam, Furu-ul Imaan, Safaa-ee Ma’malaat, Hayatul Muslimeen, Aadaabul Ma’aasharat, Shauq-e-Watan, Jazaa-ul A’maal, Tabligh-e-Deen, Ta’leem-e-Deen, Beheshti Zewer, Behesti Gohar, Malfuzaat of Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (rahmatullah alayh) known as Husnul Azees, Nashrut Teeb, Islaahul Khiyaal and Shariat and Tasawwuf.

N.B. Regarding the book, Tabligh-e-Deen by Imaam Ghazaali (rahmatullah alayh), one should not practise the instructions given in the book in regard to food.