Another Visit To Baba Jee

I first met Baba Jee in the rugged mountains of Landikotal in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. He was an immigrant from Afghanistan, having fled the turmoil during the USSR war. Over the years, he had been adopted by a wealthy landlord in the tribal belt of Pakistan and had become a Pakistani citizen. Baba Jee, a man of deep wisdom and quiet strength, speaks Pashto and Dari, and I am sharing a translation of our conversation in English. I make it a point to travel to his remote location a few times a year to seek his guidance and get my pressing questions answered. Most of our conversations are recorded, ensuring I can revisit his deep wisdom whenever needed.

(Sharing the dialogue I had with Baba Jee today)

Sobia (Me): Baba Jee, I have been troubled for the past year. Pakistan is an Islamic Republic, with mosques everywhere, people fasting during Ramzan, and our constitution rooted in Islam. Yet, I see people who lie, cheat, deceive, and steal, while still bowing down in prayer. How can they reconcile these actions with their faith? Are they awake, or just asleep? It doesn’t seem like they are in their senses.

Baba Jee: Ah, Sobia, your question touches the very core of human nature and spirituality. Let us sit by this stream and ponder together. You see, Islam, like all great paths, teaches us the way, but walking the path requires true understanding and self-awareness.

Sobia (Me): But Baba Jee, if the teachings are so clear, why do people stray? How can they stand in prayer and yet commit such wrongs?

Baba Jee: Human beings are complex, my child. Sometimes, rituals become mere habits, actions performed without true reflection. This is a state of ghaflah, or heedlessness. They pray, but their hearts may not be engaged. It’s like a person sleepwalking; they appear awake, but are not truly conscious of their actions.

Sobia (Me): So, they are asleep even while awake?

Baba Jee: Indeed. Their minds may be awake, performing daily tasks, but their hearts and souls are asleep. The real challenge of faith is to awaken the heart, to synchronize our actions with our beliefs. When people deceive or cheat, it is often due to the whispers of their nafs, their lower self, which prioritizes immediate gains over long-term righteousness.

Sobia (Me): How can one wake up, Baba Jee?

Baba Jee: True awakening comes through sincere self-reflection, constant remembrance of Allah, and seeking knowledge not just of rituals, but of the deeper wisdom of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Actions are judged by intentions." To wake up, one must purify their intentions and align them with the teachings of Islam. This requires humility, patience, and a sincere desire to transform.

Sobia (Me): But how can we help others wake up?

Baba Jee: We can inspire through our own example, my child. Show integrity, compassion, and kindness in all your dealings. Speak the truth, even when it is hard. And always invite others to goodness with wisdom and gentle admonition. Remember, change begins within. As each individual awakens, the society gradually transforms.

Sobia (Me): Baba Jee, how do you awaken someone who takes your compassion and kindness as weakness? For instance, someone who steals your money using cunning tactics and refuses to return it, and is habitual in stealing from others. How can you teach such a person through example when they see your kindness as naivety?

Baba Jee: My child, this is indeed a difficult situation. There are people whose hearts are hardened, and they exploit the goodness of others. For such individuals, a balance of compassion and firmness is necessary. You must set clear boundaries and protect yourself from their harm. Show them kindness, but also be firm and just. Sometimes, legal action or community intervention is needed to address their wrongs. Remember, the example you set is not just for them, but for the community watching. Your integrity and resolve can inspire others to uphold justice and truth. Pray for their guidance, but do not allow their actions to undermine your values or well-being.

Sobia (Me): Baba Jee, just a fun last question on behalf of my friend. He asked me to ask you, "What is Taghoot?"

Baba Jee: (smiling) Sobia, I am curious. Do your friends know of our conversations?

Sobia (Me): Yes, Baba Jee. I often share your wisdom with them. They are always eager to hear what you have to say.

Baba Jee: (nodding with a pleased expression) It brings me joy to know that my words reach others through you. Now, about Taghoot. It’s an interesting and important concept in Islam. Taghoot refers to anything that is worshipped or obeyed other than Allah, or anything that leads people away from the path of Allah. It can be idols, false gods, unjust rulers, or even one's own desires and ego when they lead one away from righteousness. It symbolizes rebellion against the divine order and truth. The Quran instructs us to reject Taghoot and follow the path of Allah alone. It’s a reminder to always stay vigilant and ensure our faith and actions are aligned with the teachings of Islam.

Sobia (Me): Thank you, Baba Jee, for your wisdom and guidance. Your insights are invaluable to me.

Baba Jee: May Allah guide you on your path, my child. Remember to always keep your heart open and your intentions pure.

Sobia (Me): Next time, Baba Jee, I will bring some coffee for you so that we can enjoy it, especially in the winters.

Baba Jee: (smiling warmly) I look forward to it, my child. May your journey be safe and blessed.

After our conversation, Baba Jee and I shared green tea with some special Afghan sweets as we watched the sun set behind the mountains. The serene atmosphere and Baba Jee’s wise words left me with much to ponder. As the sky turned a little dark, I thanked Baba Jee once more and began my journey back, feeling a sense of clarity and renewed purpose.