The term seyr u suluq encompasses the collective acts and conduct that guide a dervish toward divine truth. It is a spiritual journey undertaken by an individual, guided by a perfected mentor ( murshid kamil ), to attain the pleasure of Allah. Those embarking on this journey are known as saliks , travelers who strive to embody noble character, discipline their egos, and purify their hearts.
The people of Allah have aptly said, “There is no arrival without method.” That is, to reach a goal, one must adhere to the principles that lead to it. A salik who faithfully follows their guide will ultimately achieve divine union ( visal ). This journey, in essence, is a progression from ignorance to knowledge, from ill manners to virtue, from arrogance to humility, and from the illusion of selfhood to the annihilation of self ( fana ). As the salik delves deeper into the layers of their being, they begin to uncover their own reality and comprehend their connection to the Divine.
Sheikh Yusuf Hamadani [quddisa sirruhu] succinctly advises,
"Engage in companionship with Allah. If you are incapable of this, then seek the company of those who are in Allah’s companionship."
