Glossary of the Path
Short bilingual explanations of terms you meet in Irshadat, FAQ, and the silsila — Bayat, Fana, Dhikr, and more.
Adab ادب
Spiritual courtesy — how one sits, speaks, dresses, and approaches Murshid Pak and the gathering. Without adab, knowledge does not settle in the heart.
Baqa بقا
Subsistence after annihilation — living again in Allah after the ego has been extinguished, with a heart at peace in Divine presence.
Bayat بیعت
The spiritual pledge of allegiance to Murshid Pak on the path of Tareeqat. It is a sacred bond of the heart connecting the seeker to the Prophetic chain through the living guide.
Dhikr ذکر
Remembrance of Allah with the tongue and the heart — the core practice that polishes the mirror of the soul.
Faizan فیضان
Spiritual grace flowing from Allah through the Prophet ﷺ and the living chain of guides into the heart of the seeker.
Fana فنا
Annihilation of the ego — often spoken of in stages: fana in the Sheikh, then in the Prophet ﷺ, then in Allah. It is the dissolving of self-will before Divine will.
Faqr فقر
Spiritual poverty before Allah — emptying the heart of self-reliance so it can be filled with Divine richness.
Khanqah خانقاہ
The spiritual centre where seekers gather for suhbah, dhikr, and guidance — here, Burewala Sharif.
Latifa لطیفہ
Subtle centres of awareness in the spiritual body that are awakened through authorised practices on the path.
Mahfil محفل
A spiritual gathering for dhikr, bayan, or naat — held with adab at the khanqah or online when announced.
Marifat معرفت
Divine gnosis — intimate knowing of Allah that comes through purified worship, love, and the guidance of the path — not through intellect alone.
Muraqaba مراقبہ
Watchful contemplation — sitting with the heart turned toward Allah under the guidance of the path.
Murid مرید
The seeker who has pledged Bayat and walks under the guidance of Murshid Pak with humility, patience, and sincerity.
Murshid مرشد
The spiritual guide who leads the seeker in purification of the self, remembrance of Allah, and love of the Prophet ﷺ. In this silsila we honour the living Murshid as Murshid Pak.
Nafs نفس
The lower self or ego that must be disciplined and purified (Tazkiya) so the heart can turn fully to Allah.
Shajra شجرہ
The recorded tree of spiritual ancestors (mashaykh) in the silsila — a map of blessing and belonging for the seeker.
Silsila سلسلہ
The living spiritual chain linking Murshid to Murshid back to the Prophet ﷺ. The Shajra Pak records this lineage.
Suhbah صحبت
Sacred companionship with the purified — especially Murshid Pak — through which hearts are reformed and faizan is received.
Tareeqat طریقت
The spiritual path of discipline, dhikr, and companionship that perfects Shariah from the inside — the way of the heart walking beside the law.
Tasawwuf تصوف
The science and practice of purifying the heart, knowing Allah, and living Prophetic character — often called Sufism in English.
Tazkiya تزکیہ
Purification of the self through worship, dhikr, good character, and the company of Murshid Pak.
Urs عرس
The anniversary of a saint’s passing — remembered with Quran, dhikr, and gathering, celebrating their union with the Beloved.
Wird ورد
A set daily litany of remembrance given or practised on the path — morning and evening wirds keep the heart awake.