Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has said that any old person should be respected, but his actions which are in conflict with the Shariah should not be obeyed. In the order of rights, first comes one’s father, then one’s Ustaadh, then one’s Sheikh (spiritual guide). However, the opposite order prevails among people. They believe that the Sheikh’s right is the greatest, then the right of the Ustaadh and lastly the right of the father.
When Hazrat Thaanwi رحمه الله accompanied his father to Makkah Muazzamah, Hazrat Hajee Imdaadullah Makki Sahib رحمه الله (the spiritual guide of Hazrat Thaanwi رحمه الله) requested that he should remain for six months with him. When this was mentioned to his father, he refused permission. Hazrat Thaanwi’s رحمه الله father said that he cannot bear the separation. When Hazrat Thaanwi رحمه الله mentioned this to Hazrat Hajee Imdaadullah Makki Sahib رحمه الله, he commented that the right of the father has priority. He said; “Go with your father. Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله will bring you again.”
(SOURCE: MALFOOZAAT OF HAZRAT MOULANA ASHRAF ALI THAANWI SAHIB رحمه الله, PART 6)
REFLECTIONS
In the light of the teachings of Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله, our lives should be to observe rights and stay within limits.