Khwaja ‘Ali Ramitini used to practice
dhikr
in a loud voice.When asked
about this, he replied that a beginner was supposed to repeat the name of
Allah loudly, but advanced mystics could do it in their hearts, that is, by
silent repetition. His dedication to the mission is evident from the way he
worked to disseminate the teachings of his order.While living in Khwarizm,
he went every day to the market and engaged labourers. First of all, he
would explain to them the Islamic rules of keeping oneself clean, then
instruct them on how to say the prayers and what were the proper ways of
engaging in other forms of worship. Afterwards he would ask them to do
dhikr
at all times, even when occupied in work.Then, at the end of the day,
after having given them religious and spiritual education, he would pay
them their wages and let them go home. He kept up this practice for a
long time till he died. His ceaseless efforts succeeded in bringing about a
spiritual revolution in the region.
Disciples of Khwaja Naqshband
Khwaja Muhammad Parsa (d. 1419) and Khwaja Nasiruddin Ubaidullah
Ahrar (d. 1490) were the most noteworthy disciples of Khwaja Naqshband.
Khwaja Muhammad Parsa (d. 1419) was the sole adherant of Bahauddin
among the
ulama
of Bhukhara and had to endure much ill will. However he
established relations with theTimurids and laid the foundation for the future
greatness of the order. He was a great Sufi of his time, and one can gauge
his spiritual greatness from his often repeated saying: “One should always
pray to God with the same fear and faith with which a dying person turns
to Him in supplication.” Only a soul that has experienced God could have
uttered such words, for it is indeed true that God hears our supplications
only when they are made in all sincerity.
Th e Na q s h ba n d i Or d e r 156
