Should you join a tariqa
The continued importance of a formal spiritual path
It’s been claimed by some and perhaps rings true to many that tariqas can be a breeding ground for abuse of power/spiritual abuse. And while this is true to the degree that hierarchical structures can always lead to abuse of power, it remains true that a tariqa is an important religious structure for anyone hoping to follow a systematic pathway on their spiritual journey.
Of late I’ve been reminded why I took a formal spiritual path years ago. I’ve been beyond imperfect on the path, struggling for many years since that first ‘spiritual high’ to even maintain the bare minimum. Some might ask, what’s the point? And it would have been easy for me to say the same. But despite my shortcomings, choosing a formal path has been an immense blessing for me. In short, I’d say it's because having a path is better than having no path —or many.
Imagine setting out on a journey. At the crossroads you decide to start down one road, then, midway either through the curiosity of the other path or dissatisfaction with your own you head back to the starting point and veer off in an alternate direction. Perhaps you do this once, twice, or indefinitely. Or let’s say you decide to go down a road but this time you stick to that road. You go along the path; the bumps in the road, the inclement weather, the car shut downs, the self-doubt. Whatever you experience on the path, you trust the road, and —eventually, get to your destination.
Choosing a tariqa is like doing the latter. Perhaps all roads are equally good in the eyes of God and will lead to your destination. But will you ever get to the destination if you constantly veer off to some other road? I’m not sure, I don’t know.
For me, the journey started with several paths. I sat in on various tariqa gatherings; looking for the one. And once I found the path that seemed right to me, I stayed on it. At first, the drive was relatively smooth but I’d have to say, I feel as though I stopped my car on the road to look around at the scenery for the past few years. Listening but seldom taking action or following instructions. I’m only now, slowly, putting my foot back on the pedal.
The tariqa is a difficult thing for people who are used to a DIY religious experience. And there are of course some tariqa leaders who care more about power than spiritual purification. But the difficulty of the tariqa for the Western/Modern Muslim and the existence of a few frauds should not overwhelm the immense benefit of choosing a specific path and following a particular journey.
If you are so inclined then perhaps the tariqa is right for you. Learn your religion so you are not fooled by fraudsters, and pray to God for guidance so the path is made clear. What I’ve found, and keep finding, is that the path is always open for those who choose to take it.
And Allah knows best.