The Path · foundations
The fifteen principles
The tradition sums up the Pîr's way in fifteen principles. Samarrâî takes them from two later Rifāʿī authorities, Abu'l-Hudā al-Ṣayyādī's al-Ṭarīqa al-Rifāʿiyya and Ibrāhīm al-Rāwī's Mukhtaṣar al-Qawāʿid, pairing each with a saying of the Pîr.
Below, each principle is given in a short paraphrase. Atik gives the same fifteen in shorter form, from Okhan's biography of 1964.
- 1The unity of God
Affirming God’s oneness and keeping Him free of any likeness to created things. - 2Reverence for the Book
Taking the Qur’an as guide and following the Prophet’s explanation of it, not one’s own opinion. - 3Faith complete
Affirming with the tongue, assenting with the heart, keeping the pillars, and worshipping as if one sees God. - 4Continual remembrance
Remembering God with heart and tongue, joined to the breath, beyond counting. - 5Love of the Prophet
Loving him deeply, sending blessings upon him, holding to his Sunna. - 6The creed of the early generations
Holding the faith of the salaf, with courtesy toward those who came later. - 7Honouring the Companions
Praising them for their good and leaving their quarrels unspoken. - 8Trust in divine decree
Believing that good and ill both come from God, without using it as an excuse for idleness. - 9Reflection
Pondering God’s works and blessings, rather than speculating about His essence. - 10Remembrance with companions
Open dhikr with the brethren, with order and full courtesy, sitting or standing. - 11Simple dress
Avoiding clothes worn for fame or display. - 12The character of the Prophet
Taking on his character, for the best of beauty is beautiful conduct. - 13Qur’an and knowledge
Reciting the Qur’an and seeking knowledge for God’s sake. - 14Leaving what does not concern one
Taking what benefits and leaving what does not. - 15Following the Sunna
Keeping to the Prophet’s way and away from innovation.