The scholar and researcher of the website, the esteemed Sidi Mohamed Al-Radi Kanoun Al-Idrissi Al-Hassani, says:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Praise be to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon our master Muhammad, the opener, the seal, the supporter, and the guide.
Some have asked me about the scholars of the path: Who are they, and what are their signs? I answered them that the scholars of the path are no different from other scholars in terms of Islamic sciences: the Quran, jurisprudence, hadith, exegesis, language, biography, grammar, and syntax, along with many other sacred Islamic sciences and disciplines.
However, the scholars of the path stand out because of their vast knowledge of the conditions, principles, and rules of the path, what the seeker needs in it and what he does not, as well as their knowledge of the jurisprudence of the path—such as what pertains to its prescribed, recommended, preferred, disliked, and forbidden practices. They also have complete knowledge of the biography of our master, the Sheikh, may Allah be pleased with him, from his childhood until his death, including the events and circumstances surrounding his life, the men he learned from and met in his early days, how he attained the great spiritual opening (al-Fath al-Kabir), and how he met his grandfather, the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, in a waking state, not in a dream.
Additionally, the scholar of the path is well-versed in the collected works and investigations related to the path, as well as its references and sources, including manuscripts, printed materials, and other documents. They also keep track of the biographies of the prominent figures in the path who preceded them, including their records, letters, poetry, and other writings.
Furthermore, the scholar of the path is deeply imbued with the prophetic tradition, walking in the light of the two sacred texts: the Quran and the Sunnah. With these, he guides those under his care—his students and seekers. He nourishes them with his words, actions, and movements, providing advice in its proper time and place, always showing care and compassion, like a father to his children.
What has been mentioned in this article is just a small part of what should be possessed by the scholar of the path. More is required, given that their responsibility is to guide the seekers who surround them. You know that one who lacks something cannot give it—just as a person who is poor cannot be asked for money, and one who lacks knowledge cannot be asked for knowledge, and so on.
Moreover, the scholar of the path should have a special authorization, even through intermediaries, from the noble presence (the sacred lineage of the Prophet). As you know, driving requires a license, and one who drives without it is in violation and exposes themselves to punishment. We ask Allah for safety and well-being.
