Q: On this website a person asked if it is permissible to read Shaykh ibn Arabi's Hizbul Wiqayah -ad Dowr al A'la and the reply was that the works of the shaykh should not be read, even though the questioner sent a link to the work in question which is very much similar to the Hizbul Bahr which many of our Deobandi Ulama read. The work is actually a simple beautiful dua/wazifa/wird of 33 verses each one containing two names of Allah, a dua and a quranic ayat. What is wrong in this? At least the work should have been looked at before giving the fatwa. Please revise your answer as people will be deprived of this very beneficial work. This work is not at all like the other works of Shaykh ibn Arabi that has difficult tassawuf terminologies. It is merely a dua, consisting of Allah's names and quranic ayats.
A: In seeking self reformation, it is the command of deen that one refer to an experienced and righteous Shaikh who has a proper understanding of Deen. Through adopting this procedure and remaining under the supervision and guidance of the Shaikh, one will find improvement in one's deen. Generally, these types of wazifas are read as a treatment. Hence, when treating different types of people, the Shaikh will prescribe for each person a different treatment in accordance to his capability and spiritual condition. He will instruct certain people to recite certain wazifas while others he will prevent from reciting those wazifas. Therefore, it is not correct for one to personally try to treat himself in the way he feels correct and recite any wazifa he finds of any Shaikh.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Checked & Approved: