THE NEED FOR TASAWWUF
Now that it is clear that Tasawwuf is not contrary to the Deen, but is in fact a branch of the Shariat, its need is evident. Hadhrat Hakeemul Ummat (Rahmatullah Alayh) states in the introduction of Haqeeqat-ut Tareeqat:
"After rectification of beliefs and external acts it is Fardh (compulsory) upon every Muslim to rectify his esoteric acts. Numerous Qur'aanic Aayat and innumerable Ahadeeth narration explicitly indicate the Fardhiat (compulsion) of this. However, most people of superficial understanding are neglectful of these because of their subservience to lowly desires. Who is not aware that the Qur’aan and the Ahaadith are explicit regarding the significance of zuhd, Qanaa’at, Tawaadhu', Ikhlaas, Sabr, Shukr, Hubb-e Ilahi, Radha bil qadha, Tawakkul, Tasleem, etc., while at the same time they emphasise the acquisition of these noble attributes? And, who is not aware that the Qur’aan and Ahaadith condemn the opposites of these noble qualities, viz., Hubb-e dunya, Hirs, takabbur, Riyaa, Shahwat, Ghadhab, Hasad, etc., and has warned against them? What doubt is there in the fact that the noble qualities have been commanded and the bestial traits have been prohibited? This is the actual meaning of reforming the esoteric acts. This is the primary purpose of Tareeqat. It being Fardh is undoubtedly an established fact."
In Tareeq-ul Qalandar, he says:
"All the authentic principles of Tasawwuf are to be found in the Qur'aan and Ahadeeth. The notion that Tasawwuf is not in the Qur’aan is erroneous. Errant Sufis as well as the superficial Ulama (Ulama-e-Khushq) entertain this notion. Both groups have misunderstood the Qur’aan and Ahaadith. The Ulamaa-e-Khushq claim that Tasawwuf is baseless since they believe that the Qur’aan and Ahaadith are devoid of it while the errant and transgressing (ghaalee) surfs assert that in the Qur’aan and Hadith are only the exoteric (Zaahiri) laws. Tasawwuf they say, is the knowledge of the Baatin (esotericism). According to them - Na’uzu Billah - there is no need for the Qur'aan and the Hadith. In short, both groups consider the Qur’aan and Hadith to be devoid of Tasawwuf. Thus in conformity with their opinion, one group has shunned Tasawwuf and the other group has shunned the Qur’aan and Hadith."