Unlocking Timeless Spiritual Wisdom: Hazrat Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Semnani on the True Sufi

Ever wondered where true contentment lies in life? In this fast-paced world, where everyone is chasing something—money, fame, the latest gadget—there exists a profound path leading to inner peace and spirituality. This transformative journey is known as Sufism.

Today, we delve into the teachings of a remarkable spiritual guide who eloquently articulated the depths of Sufism. We are talking about Hazrat Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Semnani (1285–1386). Though he lived centuries before the internet, his wisdom remains as relevant today as it was in his time. As the founder of the Ashrafi Sufi order, his definition of a Sufi resonates deeply with the soul. Let’s explore his invaluable insights together!

Who Was Hazrat Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Semnani?

Hazrat Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Semnani was a towering figure—a revered Sufi saint, scholar, and philosopher. Hailing from the Semnan region of Iran, he later journeyed to India, where his spiritual teachings and profound wisdom transformed countless lives. Imagine leaving such a lasting impact that your wisdom is still discussed centuries later!

He established the Ashrafi Silsila (Sufi order), which continues to thrive globally. His mission was to connect people with the Divine and spread a message of love and humanity, essentially promoting “good vibes” long before the phrase existed. His grandmother, Hazrat Bibi Sara, was also a great saint, indicating that spirituality ran deep in his lineage. He didn’t just impart theoretical knowledge; he exemplified through his own life how one could transcend worldly attachments and find true happiness. A key aspect of his teachings was providing practical ways to navigate the spiritual path. His words weren’t merely for listening; they were meant to be embodied in one’s life. Among his many profound insights is his compelling definition of a Sufi.

The True Essence of a Sufi: Semnani’s Profound Perspective

Hazrat Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Semnani taught that Sufis are those who sincerely embody these principles:

“…have given up the world, have given up all desire, have given up the self, and have turned their entire being towards God.”

Such a simple yet incredibly profound statement, don’t you agree? Let’s unpack this wisdom further and connect it to our contemporary lives.

1. “Have Given Up the World” (Detachment from Worldly Possessions)

This doesn’t imply retreating to the mountains and completely cutting off from society. Absolutely not! Instead, it signifies detachment from worldly things, rather than complete separation. Consider how many material possessions bring us temporary joy. A new phone, a luxury car, a designer outfit—they offer a fleeting dopamine hit, and then we’re often left chasing the next big thing. It’s like an endless pursuit of a high score that constantly resets.

Hazrat Semnani explained that a Sufi understands the temporary nature of these worldly pleasures. They utilize these things but are not enslaved by them. Their heart remains untangled from material pursuits. If you have something, it’s fine; if not, that’s also acceptable. Essentially, your inner peace isn’t tethered to your latest acquisition. In today’s era of social media, people often compete to project a “perfect life.” This, too, is a form of getting entangled in worldly illusions—endless scrolling, endless comparing. A Sufi rises above this, knowing that the true treasure lies within, in their soul. Detachment brings lasting peace, helping us distinguish between enjoying life’s blessings and being addicted to them.

2. “Have Given Up All Desire” (Freedom from Personal Desires)

This often seems like the most challenging aspect, much like resisting an extra slice of cake. Human nature dictates that our desires are endless. One is fulfilled, and another immediately emerges. “If I get this, I’ll be happy,” “If that happens, my life will be perfect”—this mindset perpetually postpones our happiness. It’s the ultimate bait-and-switch.

A Sufi learns to master their desires. This doesn’t mean having no goals; goals are good, but becoming enslaved by them is not. When desires dictate your life, you become a mere puppet. When our desires overwhelm us, we often lose sight of right and wrong, leading to restlessness. Hazrat Semnani illuminates that by transcending petty, self-centered desires, we gain a broader perspective—one aligned with the Divine will, the welfare of others, and our true purpose. This is freedom from the relentless race everyone is running, often without knowing their destination. It’s about finding contentment in what you have and striving for what truly matters, which extends far beyond material gain. For more on this, you might find asceticism on Wikipedia insightful.

3. “Have Given Up the Self” (Annihilation of the Ego)

This represents the deepest and perhaps most challenging level of Sufism—the “boss level” of spiritual growth. What is the “self” or “ego”? It’s that internal voice that says “I,” “me,” “mine.” It’s what makes us feel distinct from others, making us feel superior or, at times, inferior. This ego often fuels pride and jealousy. According to Hazrat Semnani, a Sufi is one who annihilates their ego. “Fana” means ‘annihilation,’ but it’s not physical; it’s the annihilation of the ego, like pressing the reset button on your internal drama. When your “self” dissolves, you surrender yourself to the Divine will. You realize you are merely a vessel, and the true doer is God.

When the ego dissolves, humility, love, and a spirit of service emerge within a person. You begin to see the Divine spirit in others. This eliminates disputes, ends comparison, and reveals true humanity. Imagine a world free from ego clashes—what immense peace that would bring! Cultivating humility is a cornerstone of this path.

4. “Have Turned Their Entire Being Towards God” (Complete Devotion to the Divine)

This is the climax of all these points. When you detach from worldly illusions, control your desires, and annihilate your ego, your heart, your soul, your entire being turns solely towards God. It’s like upgrading your internal connection to a direct, super-fast link to the Divine. A Sufi lives in constant remembrance of God. Every action, every thought, every intention is for the sake of Divine pleasure. Whether working, with family, or alone—their focus remains on the Divine. This transcends mere prayer or ritualistic worship; it’s a way of life where every moment becomes an act of devotion. Even mundane tasks are transformed into acts of worship.

In this state, one experiences a profound divine connection that no worldly possession can offer. It’s that ultimate inner peace that material pursuits cannot provide. This is the stage where you feel you are never alone, always connected to a powerful Divine force.

Embracing Sufism in Today’s World

You might be thinking, “Can we truly become Sufis in our fast-paced lives?” The answer is a resounding yes! Hazrat Semnani’s teachings are timeless, relevant for every era. While we may not all achieve complete Sufi mastery, we can certainly strive to integrate these principles into our lives. Consider it Sufi-lite, or Sufi-ish:

• Mindful Living: Making conscious decisions, not just for show or to impress others. Your sense of purpose should drive your choices.
• Gratitude: Appreciating what we have. Expressing thanks for every small blessing.
• Selfless Service: Helping others and being there for them. When you live for others, your ego diminishes, and you experience genuine fulfillment.
• Inner Peace Practices: Spending a little time each day with yourself. This could be through meditation, dhikr (remembrance of God), or simply sitting in silence. Nurturing your spirituality, even if it’s just 10 minutes away from your phone.
• Detachment in Practice: Use things, but don’t become attached to them. Love people, don’t use them. Prioritize human connection over material gain.

Becoming a Sufi is a journey, a continuous process of striving for improvement, listening to your inner voice, and strengthening your relationship with the Divine. It’s a lifelong spiritual growth plan for your soul.

Nurturing Spiritual Roots in Children

As we strive to embody these Sufi principles, positive changes will ripple through our lives. Moreover, what values are we imparting to our children? In an age dominated by screens and distractions, how do we teach them the importance of inner peace, moral values, and spirituality? Children need to learn these profound philosophies in ways they can understand and relate to.

When children learn about the virtues of Bhagwan Ram, grasp the wisdom of Krishna, or understand the noble character of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), they develop values that will make them better human beings. If you wish for your children to learn these divine values in a fun and screen-free way, then explore our ScreenFreeWorld Kids books! We offer:

• “Bhagavad Gita for Kids” (Hardcover): Explaining Krishna’s wisdom in a child-friendly language. It’s ancient wisdom, presented engagingly.
• “Ramayan for Kids” (Illustrated Book): The story of Maryada Purushottam Ram, full of values and ideals. Perfect for teaching integrity and dharma.
• “Bible for Kids” (Coloring Edition): Introduces children to Biblical stories in a creative and engaging manner, allowing them to learn while expressing their creativity.

And for parents seeking to integrate Bhagavad Gita principles into their parenting approach, our “Parenting with Bhagavad Gita” (Digital PDF) guide is an invaluable resource. It’s like having a wise guru offering serene advice amidst the daily chaos.

All these books are available at ScreenFreeWorld. Our mission is to help the next generation step away from screens and discover their spirituality through the enriching world of books. Let’s make screen-free learning a reality for every child.

A Final Thought on Sufi Wisdom

The definition of a Sufi given by Hazrat Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Semnani is not just a concept; it’s a way of life. It reminds us that our true wealth lies within—in our heart, in our soul. When we recognize this inner treasure, no worldly challenge can shake us, not even the busiest Monday morning or an unexpected bill.

So, let us strive today to embody a little more of the Sufi spirit. Let’s chase worldly desires a little less (unless it’s for something truly nourishing), exert more control over our impulses, reduce the grip of our ego, and turn our being more towards the Divine. This is the path to genuine inner peace and profound fulfillment.

Stay blessed and keep spreading love! ✨

P.S. Don’t forget to explore our inspiring spiritual books for kids and parents at ScreenFreeWorld—let’s foster a generation rooted in wisdom and compassion. Your inner Sufi (and your children’s future selves) will thank you!