Spiritual
DISCOURSE
By Mufti Taqi Uthmani
The evil glance and its cure
Someone once wrote to Hazrat Thanawi, “Obscene
thoughts dominate my heart all the time. I do not hesitate
at all to look at ghayr mahram (marriageable) women with an
evil intent.”
One of the principles of the relationship with a shaykh is
that one must tell him everything about himself; otherwise,
the shaykh would not be able to suggest the appropriate
remedy for his spiritual ailment. He should not conceal
anything from him nor feel shy to reveal things that appear
to be shameful. It is akin to a patient’s relationship with his
physician. If a patient conceals his symptoms or a disease
from his physician, he would not be able to treat him
properly.
One must not think that by revealing his weaknesses or
shameful acts, the shaykh would have a bad opinion about
him or would consider him an evil person. When Allah
bestows the task of reforming His creatures to a shaykh,
He blesses him with compassion and mercy towards them.
Therefore, when someone reveals his shortcomings to his
shaykh, no matter how bad that act might be, the shaykh
would never think bad about that person and would treat
his condition with compassion. It is just like when a child
falls sick or develops a certain disability, his parents have
more compassion towards that child compared to any
other child. While others may repulse or distance themselves
from that child, the parents hug and nurture him. Similarly,
a shaykh has the same love for his disciple, regardless
of the gravity of the sins he commits.
Disclosing sins to mentor
Some people argue as to why one should disclose his secrets
to a shaykh when a hadith explicitly prohibits us from
disclosing our sins to others. This is true that one must not
mention sinful acts done in secrecy to anyone except Allah
and seek His forgiveness and help.
However, Maulana Thanawi has commented on this hadith
that this command excludes the entrusted shaykh who we
seek guidance from. Again, it is comparable to a patient
who, when necessary, can uncover his body in front of a
treating physician. If he has an ailment or a condition that
requires exposure of his ‘aura to him, he is allowed to do so
as it might be necessary to establish the correct diagnosis
and treatment. However, he is not allowed to expose himself
to anyone else.
Similarly, one is not allowed to reveal his sins to anyone
and must repent to Allah, but it is important for him to disclose
his shortcomings and sins to his shaykh in order for
the shaykh to treat him. Therefore, it is allowed to disclose
our sins to our shaykh, teacher, or a father who has undertaken
the task of guidance.
To the effect of the principle mentioned above, the person
wrote to Hazrat Thanawi that obscene thoughts would
dominate his mind and he would not hesitate in staring at
women with evil intent.
Had he not revealed that to his shaykh, how would he have
treated him? It appears that he was deeply involved in this
sin and sought guidance from his shaykh.
Using willpower to lower the gaze
Hazrat Thanawi wrote in reply, “This particular sin takes
away the nur (light) of every kind of ibada (worship). Therefore,
its treatment must be done promptly and carefully.
The root cause of this sin is innate; therefore, the desire
itself is not a sin. However, it is a sin to obey the urge and
act on your desire. The urge of this desire is voluntary, therefore,
the act through which it is countered is also voluntary
i.e. willpower. You are not helpless in this. You should
observe willpower in not giving in to the urges of this
desire. Willpower and perseverance are the answers to your
ailment. Although there would be some difficulty in the
16 May – June 2021 | AL-MADINAH