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

                                                  In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Gracious.

 "Has not the time arrived for the Believers that their hearts in all humility should engage in the remembrance of Allah and of the Truth which has been revealed (to them), and that they should not become like those to whom was given Revelation aforetime, but long ages passed over them and their hearts grew hard? For many among them are rebellious transgressors"    (Quran, 57:16).

  Asalaamu alaikum and welcome to everyone visiting this website about the Boutshishi Tariqa and its beloved sheikh Sidi Hamza (may Allah be well pleased with him, and grant him health and a long life.)
 Both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, people from different backgrounds, ethnicities and race are welcomed to join us in seeking guidance and Truth through Dhikr (remembrance of God) and Mahabb'a (love of Allah).

 The similitude of this website, its content and goal is of a field of flowers, which a swarm of bees visit from time to time to do what they are best at: collecting nectar, processing it into honey, and then taking it back to the hive for others to benefit from. Our dear sheikh once said that a generous person is not always the one who gives out of his/her money, but also the one who shares with others the knowledge Allah has given him/her.
 But before we go any further, it is important to remind each other that not everything we have been taught is true. At a certain time in life, Santa, for example, was thought to be real; the stork was thought to give away babies; and clay-made idols were thought to be gods who protect, heal and provide.

 It is also important to mention that it is absolutely not our intention to offend anyone in their beliefs or way of thinking. We hope to shed light on the path that leads safely to the hereafter. We, the Fokara and Fakirat of the Tariqa, do not wish to die before we know what is awaiting us. "But those who were blind in this world, will be blind in the Hereafter, and most astray from the Path " (Quran, 17:72).

 May Allah (exalted is He) open our hearts and minds to His Light, and enlighten our way so that instead of continuing to grope in the darkness of this vanishing world, running after insatiable whims, we will be able to see clearly and without doubt where the Truth really lies. "Can he who was dead, to whom We gave life, and a Light whereby he can walk amongst men, be like him who is in the depths of darkness, from which he can never come? Out thus to those without Faith their own deeds seem pleasing" (Quran, 6:122).

 Hoping to be among Allah's righteous servants, the Fokara and Fakirat of this Tariqa are proudly following the example of sidi Hamza who has instilled in our hearts an ineffable love for Allah (exalted is He) and His last and beloved Messenger Sidna Muhammad (peace be upon him).  He has opened for us myriads of doors that lead to the hidden wonders of love, kindness and Divine Knowledge.

 Before we met sidi Hamza we were kind of lost in this worldly life and didn't know where to turn. Alhamdulillah, everything is different now. We know, now, for example, the purpose of our being in this ephemeral world as much as we know how important it is to be doers of good at all time.
 Among the numerous and wonderful things we have learned from him is that Allah (swt*) does not dwell in the heart of someone who hates; therefore, it is incumbent upon us as both Muslims and Fokara of the Boutshishi Tariqa to show mercy, love, respect and humbleness to all the creation of Allah (swt). We don't look down on any animal, let alone human beings. We don't hate or make fun of those who hold opposing views to ours. Instead, we remain aloof from the Haram (forbidden deeds) and make Dhikr to purify our hearts because we deeply believe that the Divine Knowledge is only bestowed upon those whose hearts are cleansed enough of sins. "But only he (will prosper) that brings to Allah a sound heart" (Quran, 26:89). We also pray for our families, neighbors, relatives and people everywhere. We pray for peace, love and mercy to reign in the world. We pray for the Light of Allah (swt) to take over our hearts and dissipate the undesirable darkness of hate and ignorance where so many of our fellow humans find refuge. We pray for a blessed and happy life for His righteous people in both this world and the hereafter. Ameen.
 Last but not least, this website is built for us all.  We hope it will serve as a window that has a view on the world we all came from and to where we are going someday. Thus, everyone is invited to join us on this everlasting journey of beauty, love, peace, hope and mercy. And let's never forget that we are here, on earth, for a purpose that we should be aware of, and fulfill,    "I have only created Jinns* and men, that they may serve Me" (Quran, 51:56).
 May Allah (swt) forgive us for "He is the One that accepts repentance from His Servants and forgives sins, and He knows all that ye do" (Quran, 42:25).
                                                                                                                                                                                               by: M.J