The famous scholar, historian, linguist and author Moulana Syed Suleman Nadwi ra was in search of a Sheikh. He visited Hazrat Hakeemul Ummat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi ra for the first time. While departing he requested Hazrat Thanvi ra for some general advice (nasiha).

Hazrat Thanvi ra later told his mureedeen that I felt perplexed for a second. I was thinking what advice would be suitable for such a high ranking scholar? I turned my attention towards Allah SWT and requested Him for guidance in this matter.

Hazrat Thanvi ra replied, the first and also the last thing in our tareeq (path) is annihilation (fana).

Hearing this Moulana Syed Suleman Nadwi ra started to cry.
He became a mureed and later a khalifa of Hazrat Hakeemul Ummat ra.

This annihilation is that of self-suggestion, planning, expectations & of blame worthy traits۔ And acting as being told by the Sheikh.

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سوختن – و آفروختن – و جامہ دریدن
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شمع زمن پروانہ زمن گل زمن آموخت