Irshaadul Mulook is a treatise on Tasawwuf. Tasawwuf is that branch of Islamic Knowledge which deals with self-purification and the attainment of Divine Proximity (Qurb-e-Ilahi).

Although Irshaadul Mulook deals adequately with the initial phase of Tasawwuf, viz., self-purification which envisages the elimination of the evil attributes (Akhlaq-e-Razeelah) and the cultivation of the lofty angelic qualities (Akhlaq-e-Hameedah), its emphasis is on the second and higher stage of Tasawwuf, viz., Ser Fillah or the Journey around the Zat (Being) of Allah Ta’ala. This highest stage of Tasawwuf is the elevation or progress in the stages of Divine Proximity (Qurb-e-Ilahi). The Slave of Allah soars in this stage from one lofty rank of Qurb to another, in an everlasting flight of progress. The elevation in the ranks of Qurb is never-ending. Allah Azza Wa Jal is The Eternal Being.

It must be stressed here that most people – laymen as well as Ulama – are incapable of comprehending many of the expositions recorded here in Irshaadul Mulook. Since the concept of Qurb-e-Ilahi is inexplicable, human words cannot adequately convey what exactly the divine and spiritual stages of Qurb-e-Ilahi are. Words fail to translate the experience, meaning and splendour of the stages in this Divine Journey of eternal Bliss. Imam Ghazali too had voiced his inability to describe this concept and said that the only way of discovering this Divine Reality is to enter the Path which leads to Divine Proximity.

We have to confess that in this age, there hardly remain any Masha-ikh of the calibre described in Irshaadul Mulook. The world is empty of such outstanding Auliya who dwell in the lofty realms of Ser Fillah. The elevated stages of Fana, Baqa and Liqa mentioned and outlined in this treatise are not only inexplicable concepts nowadays, but remain mere theories for us to expound. The wholly inadequate explanation which men of our standing – unqualified in practical Tasawwuf of the higher stage – present to the public, is gleaned from the writings and teachings of the Masha-ikh. The need for stating our incompetence and inexperience in the higher stage of Tasawwuf, is for saving readers from the possible misunderstanding that the translators of this treatise are anywhere near to the ranks of those Auliya whose abode even here on earth was the Lofty Mansions of Divine Presence.

Although a considerable portion of the teachings expounded in this treatise will remain locked and hidden to most people, including the Ulama, there is a tremendous wealth of moral and spiritual benefit which the sincere seeker of Truth can gain from Irshaadul Mulook. Even the sections which appear inexplicable and confusing will provide some baatini illumination which in turn will aid the Mureed in his endeavour to purify himself from the evils of the bestial attributes of the Nafs.

Islahun Nafs (Purification of the Nafs) is a Fardh (compulsory) duty on every Muslim just as Salat and Saum are Fardh. This treatise will assist the sincere reader who is in the quest of Allah's Pleasure and Nearness, to go a long way in the Path of self-purification. May Allah Ta'ala save us all from the evil and mischief which lurk within our Nufoos.

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