Sufism, the Sheikh and the Fokara.
There are an infinite number of definitions on Sufism, which, amazingly, do not contradict one another because they all point to the same thing, like when different people in different places point to the sun.
The many definitions range from Sufism is the purification of the heart, and love for others, to Sufism is the science of realities. For us, your brothers at www.sidihamza.us, Sufism represents a miraculous transition from one being to another, from one world to another, and from one life to another. An example of this transition can be illustrated by the following parable: the kind of Muslims we were and have become before and after we have started making Dhikr and learning from our sheikh is like someone who was standing still in front of a very beautiful painting hung on the wall. Staring at it passionately, he was engrossed with every detail on the painting: the greenish mountains, the copious rivers, the flying birds and the multi-colored flowers. Then, something happened. Before he knew it, he caught himself walking peacefully into the painting. Feeling the smooth breeze brushing his hair, he soon started climbing the mountains, walking into the rivers, scooping up handfuls of the sweetest water he ever came across to quench his thirst with; and then he plunged himself deep into the water, hoping that it would wash off his sins and the many uncontrollable desires. That's what has happened to us. But of course, this tremendous change wouldn't have taken place in our life weren't it for the blessings of Allah (swt) and the help of our sheikh Sidi Hamza. Immediately after meeting him, we felt as though we were roused from a very deep sleep to be bathed in the light and mercy Allah (swt) sent His Last Prophet (pbuh) with. The role of a divinely authorized sheikh in any given Tariqa is vital. And only those who are truly seeking Allah (swt) are fully aware of the importance of the companionship of the sheikh in every step taken in the path of Ahl'Allah, the people of Allah. "He Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between, in six days, and is firmly established on the Throne (of authority): Allah, Most Gracious: ask thou, then, about Him of any acquainted (with such things)" (Quran, 25:59).
There are absolutely no words that could ever describe our immense gratitude to Allah (swt) and to our sheikh Sidi Hamza for making it possible for us to see where we are standing and where we are heading. The little we can do to show our gratitude is to keep the painting intact for others coming after us to enjoy and maybe experience, too. As Fokara of the Boutshishi Tariqa, we have made a pledge to not stain it, pull its flowers out or spoil its water. Instead, we strive hard to keep it as it is without adding or taking away a thing and, then, hand it with care and love to whomever seeks to know and benefit from it. "Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says I am of those who bow in Islam?" (Quran, 41:33).
At the end, we do not want to miss the chance today to thank our dearest brothers, the Fokara, for all the wonderful things they have been teaching and sharing with us. We feel that we are not even worth the dirt they walk on, and we are honored to serve them and glean their leftovers on the path of Ahl'Allah. Alhamdulillah, Allah (swt) has blessed them with the best one can ever dream of by making them among those "who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face" (Quran, 18:28). In a Hadith, Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said, "Around the Throne (of Allah) there are pulpits of light surrounded by people whose clothing is light and whose faces are light. They are neither Prophets nor martyrs but the Prophets and martyrs would be happy to be in their state." The people then said: "O Allah's Messenger, describe them to us." He said: "They are the ones who love for the sake of Allah, meet together for the sake of Allah and visit each other for the sake of Allah." (An-Nasa'I and it is Sahih).
by: M.J