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On the death of Hazrat Moulana Shah Abrarul Haq (Allah have mercy on him) (died May 17th, 2005), the last surviving khalifa of Hakeemul Ummat, an individual inquired Sidi wa sanadi Shaykh Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani sahib ( Allah preserve him and allow us to benefit from him a lot. Ameen!) regarding the attitude to be adopted by a mureed on the death of his/her Shaykh.

Shaykh replied,

“Regarding this mureedeen fall into two categories.
First are those who are mojaz (khalifa) (they have the permission to initiate others). For them it is not essential to take another Shaykh. However, it is very beneficial and advisable to take one and not leave one’s self independent.

Second category is the rest of mureedeen (disciples). It is absolutely essential for them to take another Shaykh as soon as possible.

In both the cases it is wise to select the next Shaykh from the same silsila (spiritual lineage) with the similar disposition/style (hum mazaq) in approach to Tasawwuf/islah as the recently deceased Shaykh, for uninterrupted spiritual progress.”

Jeddah, 18th May, 2005