The Categories of Awliya (Saints)

■ The Categories of Awliya (Saints)

1. Awliya Mahboobin (The Saints of Love)

The Awliya (Saints) who are endowed with the highest level of Mahboobiyyah (Belovedness) are those who share a deep connection with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Their spiritual journey is rooted in the love for him, and their connection to the divine source of mercy and light is in union with the blessed Prophet ﷺ. They are connected to the source of divine grace (مبداء فیض) through the shadow of knowledge (ظل شان العلم). These Aulia Allah are blessed with an inherent relationship with the Prophet ﷺ and enjoy the distinct status of Mahboobiyyah Zaatiyyah (personal belovedness), meaning they are naturally aligned with the Prophet’s source of light and mercy.

(Sharh Maktubat, 37)

2. Awliya Muhibbin (The Saints of Love for Allah)

The Awliya who attain the level of Muhibbiyyah (the degree of loving Allah) follow the spiritual path of the great Prophets. Their source of grace (مبداء فیض) aligns with the attributes of these Prophets:

The Adamiyy al-Mashrab (spiritual connection with Adam) whose source of grace is aligned with the attribute of creation (تکوین).

The Nuhiyy al-Mashrab (spiritual connection with Noah) whose source of grace is aligned with the essence of the attribute of knowledge (علم).

The Ibrahimiyy al-Mashrab (spiritual connection with Abraham) whose source of grace is the detailed manifestation of knowledge.

The Mūsawiyy al-Mashrab (spiritual connection with Moses) whose source of grace reflects the divine attribute of speech (کلام).

The Isāwiyy al-Mashrab (spiritual connection with Jesus) whose source of grace reflects the divine attribute of power (قدرت).

This division is according to divine will and the eternal decree of Allah, and the individual’s own actions do not influence this distribution. The conduct of these saints is defined by the power of their love and devotion to Allah and His Prophets.

(Sharh Maktubat, 1/338)

3. Awliya Mahboobin (The Saints of Absolute Love)

It is clear that absolute belovedness is an attribute specific to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. However, some of the Awliya are honored with this status of belovedness due to their following the Prophet ﷺ and inheriting his spiritual blessings. Among these saints are figures like:

Hazrat Sayyidna Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani

Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya

Hazrat Khawaja Sayyid Bahaa’uddin Muhammad Owaisi Bukhari, also known as Shah Naqshband

Hazrat Imam Rabbani Mujaddid Al-Thani Hazrat Sheikh Ahmad Farooqi (RA)

These saints are gifted with divine favor by Allah, and this is a result of His will and grace, as the Quran says:

❝That is the grace of Allah; He grants it to whom He wills.❞

(Al-Mubīnāt Sharh Maktubat, 365/1)