Turning to Another Spiritual Guide After One’s Guide Passes Away

Question

After passing through the stages of suluk — that is, after the teachings and so on are completed, and after khilafa (spiritual succession) has also been granted — is it necessary, after one’s spiritual guide passes away (wisal), to turn to another elder? Has this been the way of our elders?

Answer

(1) The true purpose is the purification of the inner self (tazkiya al-batin), through which the state of ihsan and huzur (presence of heart) is attained, whether or not ijaza and khilafa are granted; full effort is required for this.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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