City of I'tikaf 2025: Shaykh-ul-Islam’s Speaks on "The Spiritual States and Miracles of the Companions in the Light of the Qur'an and Hadith"

Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri delivered a thought-provoking address to thousands of attendees in the eighth session of the City of I'tikaf. The topic of his discourse was "The Spiritual States and Miracles of the Companions in the Light of the Qur'an and Hadith."

He stated that the subject of love is not one of intellect and reason, but rather of the heart and soul. Some saints, in the language of Sufism, are referred to as Maghloob-ul-Haal (overwhelmed by spiritual states) or Ghalib-ul-Haal (dominant over spiritual states). Their outward state appears as if they are in a trance, immersed in ecstasy and spiritual intoxication. However, Allah did not allow the prophets to be Maghloob-ul-Haal because they were entrusted with divine revelation and guidance. If they themselves were overwhelmed by spiritual states, how could they fulfill their duty of delivering guidance and wisdom?

Explaining the concept further, Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri said that the same applied to most of the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH)—they remained Ghalib-ul-Haal, dominant over their spiritual states. The Prophet’s (PBUH) blessed gaze of mercy bestowed upon them spiritual conditions and experiences, yet His love and association granted them such self-restraint that they remained composed. Allah Almighty endowed them with immense strength and patience. They experienced deep spiritual states and stations but exercised self-control. Occasionally, these spiritual states would manifest, but they never hindered them from fulfilling their religious responsibilities.

Dr. Qadri further elaborated that worldly people remain confined within the boundaries of status and position, whereas the people of Allah remain intoxicated with love for humanity.

Shaykh-ul-Islam emphasized that true servants of Allah do not hesitate to serve others; they feel no shame in carrying someone's shoes or attending to the needs of others. This spirit of service becomes the light of their faces and the charm of their personalities. Allah loves humility; therefore, those engaged in religious service should free themselves from the confines of personal pride and ego. When a person transcends the prison of self, the secrets of the Divine reality begin to unveil themselves.

He said that it is for this reason that the saints of Allah were always surrounded by people during their lifetimes due to their kindness and service to humanity. Even after their passing, their shrines remain centers of devotion because they dedicated their lives to serving humanity. Allah accepted their service and granted them eternal remembrance.

In his concluding remarks, Shaykh-ul-Islam advised all office bearers and leaders never to take pride in their positions or lineage. Instead, they should remain embodiments of sincerity and humility, for true success and salvation in both this world and the Hereafter lie in these virtues.