A seeker wrote, ‘The condition of this lowly writer is that the (spiritual) ailment of suspicion (bud-gumani/soo-e-dhan) is deeply rooted in my heart for a long duration. I become suspicious of fellow brothers and sisters on very minute things. I have tried many remedies according to my sub-standard intelligience. However, this ailment did not go away.

Please, recommend a remedy to cure this destructive (spiritual) disease.

Hakim al Umma Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Allah have mercy on him) replied,

‘Whenever, thoughts of suspicion come to mind (qalb)

1. Firstly, sit alone and remind yourself that Allah has forbidden suspicion. A sin has been committed. There are (fair) chances of getting punishment for sinful actions. O nafs! How are you going to endure this punishment?

2. After this reflection repent.

3. Make supplication (dua). O Allah ! Cleanse my heart (and mind).

4. Make supplication for the individual you had suspicions. O Allah! Bestow him with the blessings of both the worlds.

Do this three times daily. If the affects (of suspicious thoughts) remains then repeat it for 2 or 3 days. If it persist even after this, then approach this individual and tell him that I had baseless suspicion about you. Please, forgive me and make supplication for me that this (spiritual ailment) is cured.’

Tarbiyet us Salik volume 3, page 111

Hakim al Umma Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Allah have mercy on him) prescribed the following to a seeker,

‘The therapy for the reality of arrogance is a special form of contemplation (muraqaba). It must be renewed and repeated at all the times when the thought of arrogance passes (in the mind).

This muraqaba includes,
1. Although I have this achievement, it is not my own creation. It has been bestowed by Allah.

2. This bestowal is without my being deserving of it. It is Allah’s mercy and benevolence.

3. After bestowal preserving it is beyond my control. Allah has the power to take it away anytime.

4. Although the other individual does not possess this achievement as yet. It is possible that eventually he will achieve more than me and I will be looking up to him for assistance in this regards.

5. Even if eventually he does not achieve this, as it sometimes evident by the apparent (lack of) means. It is possible that right now he has some other achievement that is hidden from me but evident to others or hidden from all. It is known to Allah alone. By the virtue of this his overall achievements are better than mine.

If none of his achievement come to mind than bring to mind the possibility that as per the knowledge of Allah he is accepted (maqbool) and I am not. And if I am accepted to than he is more accepted than me. Hence, how can I think of him to be inferior to me?

6. Think that even in case he is lower than me in all regards than he has a right on me. As the deficient individual has on the perfect one. Like the sick person has on a well individual, a weak on the strong, and a poor on the wealthy. Hence, I should be kind and have empathy for him. Moreover, I should try to assist him in achieving them successfully. If I do not have any means or power or time even than by making supplication (dua) for his success. Then start effort in regards to successful accomplishment of his achievements. This will create a bond of kindness with this individual. And it is a natural phenomenon that working for an individual’s development and success leads to loving him. After (feeling of) love there is no thought of considering him inferior.

7. If this (#6) can not be done than occasionally talk to him gently and politely. Inquire about his well being. This will create a mutual bond. And after this bond thought of considering him inferior will dissipate.’

Tarbiyet us Salik, volume 3, page 108-9
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