Concept of mureed

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Murid: ‘One who seeks’; in the Shia Ismaili Tariqah, a follower of the Imam of the Time; in Sufi traditions, a disciple of a shaykh, murshid or pir.

In Sufism, the concept of mureed refers to a seeker or a disciple who is actively pursuing spiritual enlightenment and knowledge under the guidance of a spiritual master, known as a murshid, pir, or shaykh. The word "mureed" comes from the Arabic word "iradah," which means "desire" or "to want." Therefore, a mureed is someone who possesses a strong desire for spiritual growth and understanding.

The relationship between a mureed and a murshid is central to the Sufi path. The murshid acts as a guide and teacher, providing the mureed with spiritual practices, teachings, and support to help them progress on their journey. The mureed, in turn, commits to following the murshid's guidance and instructions with obedience and dedication.

Here are some key aspects of the mureed concept:

• Bay'ah: This is a formal pledge of allegiance that the mureed makes to the murshid, marking the beginning of their spiritual relationship. Through bay'ah, the mureed expresses their commitment to following the murshid's guidance and accepting their authority.

• Sulūk: This refers to the spiritual path that the mureed undertakes under the guidance of the murshid. It involves various practices and disciplines, such as dhikr (remembrance of God), muraqaba (meditation), and chilla (retreats).

• Purification of the heart: One of the primary goals of the mureed's journey is to purify their heart from negative qualities and distractions. This involves practices such as self-reflection, repentance, and cultivating positive qualities like generosity, patience, and humility.

• Love and devotion: The relationship between a mureed and murshid is often characterized by deep love and devotion. The mureed sees the murshid as a source of spiritual knowledge and guidance, while the murshid sees the mureed as a potential vessel for spiritual realization.

It's important to note that the concept of mureed is not universally accepted within Islam. Some scholars view it as an innovation that goes beyond the core teachings of Islam. However, within Sufism, the mureed-murshid relationship is considered a sacred and essential element of the spiritual path.

I hope this provides a helpful overview of the concept of mureed. Please let me know if you have any further questions.