Why the Sufi Chains Reach Back to Hazrat ‘Ali

Question

Some people say: since all four chains (silsilas) of the elders reach ‘Ali through the intermediary of Hasan al-Basri, the chain of transmission (sanad) of these silsilas appears doubtful, and this raises suspicion of Rafidi machinations. For, firstly, there is disagreement over whether Hasan al-Basri ever met Hazrat ‘Ali ﵁; and even if the meeting is established, did not Hazrat Abu Bakr al-Siddiq ﵁, Hazrat ‘Umar al-Faruq ﵁ and the other great Companions possess perfection in tasawwuf and inner knowledge (‘ilm…

Answer

The connection of ihsan (spiritual perfection) which Hazrat ‘Ali obtained from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, he further strengthened and consolidated through the first caliph (al-Siddiq al-Akbar), then through the second caliph (‘Umar al-Faruq), then through the third caliph (‘Uthman Ghani).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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