193-The Rawha- Guidance for Seekers- Seeking Guidance – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

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Continuing to look at Imam Harith al-Muhasibi’s “Treatise for the Seekers of guidance” Shaykh Faraz Rabbani discusses reliance on Allah and seeking guidance from Him, two qualities highlighted in the Fatiha. We take the outward means, but we turn to Allah first—only He has true Ability and Power. He also talks about the prayer of seeking guidance (istikhara), its importance, and how it offers guidance on making a choice pleasing to Allah.

Shaykh Faraz sheds light on leaving objection to Decree, which only brings harm to one. Instead, one should ask oneself how to respond in a way pleasing to Allah Most High and cites a parable to illustrate this concept. Next, he looks at a criterion in making choices: only do something you’d want to die doing. He gives the example of some early Muslims who “could not increase in good works if they were to die tomorrow.” Having false hopes is to imagine you will live to the next moment without the possibility of death. Shaykh Faraz closes by looking at counsels to leave qualities one dislikes in others and to leave the discretionary company that doesn’t improve one. Finally, he highlights the importance of actively seeking out good company.