the key that locks the gates of hell & unlocks the...

MAGHALIQU-N-NIRAN WA MAFATIHUL JINAN

The Keythat Locks theGates of Hell

& Unlocks theGates of Paradise

Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba

Maghaliqu-n-Niran wa Mafatihul Jinan

The Key that Locks the Gates of Hell & Unlocks

the Gates of Paradise A treatise for Spiritual Improvement

4 - The Key that Locks the Gates of Hell

MAGHALIQU-N-NIRAN WA MAFATIHUL JINAN(The Key that Locks the Gates of Hell & Unlocks the Gates of Paradise)

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE COMPASSIONATE, THE MERCIFUL

When the Inevitable Event comes to pass, then no [soul] will entertain falsehood concerning its coming. [Many] will it bring low, [many] will it exalt; when the earth shall be shaken to its depths, and the moun-tains shall be crumbled to atoms, becoming dust scattered abroad,

and ye shall be sorted out into three classes. Then [there will be] the Companions of the Right Hand - what will be of the Companions of

the Right Hand? And the Companions of the Left Hand - what will be of the Companions of the Left Hand? And those [that are] Foremost [in Faith] will be Foremost [in the Hereafter]. These will be those

Nearest to Allah, in Gardens of Bliss; a number of people from those of old, and a few from those of later times. (Sura 56 Verses 1-14)

1– Praise be to ALLAH, MASTER OF THE WORLDS, then Prayers and Salutations at [every possible] moment

2– On the One that Sealed the Cycle of the Prophets and verily direc-ted the Envoys (Messengers) coming from the HOLDER OF BENE-FITS (AL-WAHHAAB)

3– Our Lord MOHAMMAD, on his Family and his Companions who are admirers (worshipers) of the OWNER OF MAJESTY (AL-JALIL)

4– The known Hagiographical Traces of the Prophet that one would [normally] seek, are today erased, because of the development of ignorance among the people

5– And in the [very] same way, the Hagiographic Traces of the Companions [of the Prophet], who by Agreement had [obtained] Uprightness and Light, [their traces] disappeared with them as well

& Unlocks the Gates of Paradise - 5

6– Then after these two (2) fates, is [the disappearance of the] in-conspicuous Rightly Guided Spiritual Chiefs, [that were] endowed with Piety, Scholarship and [well] rooted in Knowledge

7– On the Prophet [be] the Prayers of those that are promoted to the row of [the] Selected (Muntaqa), he is the Model of whoever is not among the number [of] the people of damnation

8– On his Family and on his Companions and [those] that he appro-ved, by their blessings, [they are] the partisans of Knowledge who are excessively pious people

9– The one that aspires to [have] a Spiritual Junction (Wusul) [with] the MAJESTIC ONE (AL- JALIL), [should ensure] that he is studded with the Tradition of the Messenger of ALLAH

10– In attending a worshiper that has isolated themselves, neither externally, nor internally, [but in the] Most Perfect Way

11– He will lead you thus, by science and adoration, to the same things that he could educate (elevate) one with through abandoning the habitual practices [over time]

12– Those that go into seclusion to inwardly withdraw themselves [by isolating their blameworthy traits] before being connected to one that has had a Spiritual Junction (Wusul) or one that a Perfect Spiritual Master has educated

13– They will undoubtedly be inserted in an ocean of danger and they will never gain anything significant, [consequently they will] ne-ver [obtain anything] beneficial [to them]

14– Because they will be pulled by Satan, their Carnal Heart and their Profane Passions, like the Spiritual Masters have clarified

15– And know that any ignorant or judicious man that rebels against the Truth, is cursed


16– The Truth is in the initiation of the laudator professing the Divine Unicity (Tawheed) and then the [studying of the] Legal Doctrines (Fiqh) [that are] assigned to the Moslems, before [approaching] the exhilarating [aspects of] Sufism (Tasawuuf)

17– They should rather affiliate themselves with the doctrines from the Men of the Tradition of the Elected Official of ALLAH and the Consensus; this is a guarantee to all of you for the acquisition of Science

18– All of you should hasten for the acquisition of Science, by only aiming at the FACE of the OWNER OF MAJESTY (AL-JALIL)

19– First proclaim [your allegiance] to a True Spiritual Guide, [that is capable of] handling various types of disciples to help you withdraw yourself

20– Because [the] darkness of [the] blameworthy innovations on dog-ma dissipates the lights that carry you to the TRUE GUIDE (AL-HADI)

21– [There will be] those that prohibit you to seek knowledge, from the prohibited concerns of agreement

22– Because in this time, those that prevent the people from getting knowledge, they convoke

23– An execrable innovation; because a practice which is not ins-pired by science is sullied by imperfections

24– The Science and its Practice are Two (2) Invaluable Jewels that generate Happiness in Both Worlds

25– The Most Noble of these Two (2) Principles is Science, which is a priority, as it appeared in the Statements of the Elected Official

26– Because those that acted [only] upon a margin of science, their actions are presented in the form of dust in dispersion


27– And the ones that have acquired science and do not apply its steps, they are charged with being an ass

28– [So] seek knowledge for the FACE of ALLAH but not by competi-tion or emulation

29– Do not have the intention to attract people nor obtain pious gifts by it

30– Those that seek knowledge for the reasons mentioned above, their actions will contribute to the destruction of their piety

31– And they would have exchanged their life in the Next World (Beyond), for this Carnal World and would have wasted their efforts, what a vain action!

32– Because the [opportunity] was lost when their transaction was completed and their exchange [resulted in being] a trade without [any] profit

33– And those that exempted it to them, they definitely helped in their disobedience

34– They will share misfortune with them, equivalent to someone that sells a saber to a criminal

35– So in the beginning, in order to obtain safety by Uprightness, there are Four (4) Objectives [to be followed] for the research of Knowledge

36– The first (1st) of them is to leave Ignorance; the second (2nd) is to be Useful to the Creatures of the OWNER OF MAJESTY (AL-JALIL)

37– The third (3rd), is to vivify the Religious Sciences and the fourth (4th), [is the] application of Science

38– Our Master Zarruq composed distichs to educate those with un-derstanding


39– The one that seeks knowledge to be measured with the juris-consults or to engage a polemic among the ignorant ones

40– Or to obtain prestige from good people, will be a guest of the Hell-Fire and will know the forfeiture

41– On account among the Rules of Good Conduct for those that stu-dy, is the fact of avoiding to bring damage to a [fellow] Moslem

42– Also on account among them, is the fact that a disciple is perseve-ring in their obligatory practices and those that have been confirmed

43– And the fact that they do not delay the execution of prayers beyond their fixed times, without a valid excuse

44– And the fact that they are generous all the time in exempting their knowledge, also forms part of the Rules of Good Conduct

45– Whoever is miserly with their knowledge will be tested before their death

46– Also on account among the Rules of Good Conduct, is the fact that they respect science by honoring what they have learned

47– It is not suitable of their share, to hold a book, place it on a shelf or [put] a sheet on the ground

48– Anytime that they return from the latrine, after satisfying the call of a natural need without them having cleansed their hands with water

49– Because by preference, they should wash their hands afterwar-ds, [if] they want to touch a book

50– They [should] make their ablutions and then after that they [may] take the book, by [this they are] dedicating consideration and respect to themselves, thus they will obtain rewards


51– Also on account among the Rules of Good Conduct, is to be res-pectful, useful and honorable towards their [Spiritual] Master

52– Because one has said that the happiness of the one which stu-dies, depends on the consideration that he dedicates to the Master Scholars

53– On account, [there are] Six (6) Qualities among the Conditions for the Research of Knowledge which generates Uprightness

54– The first (1st) is the fact of supporting an average hunger, equi-valent [to that] of a lion and the second (2nd) is that ALLAH pre-serves you from making mistakes [and having faults]!

55– Then there is the intention and the endurance for the duration of the foundational information during the course [of study] like a vulture, and this [is done] in order to obtain the satisfaction of the teacher

56– The third (3rd) is the fact of being ambitious for the acquisition of Knowledge, with the eagerness equivalent to that of a dog towards the object of its desire

57– The fourth (4th) is being graceful, like a cat in motion; the fifth (5th) is constancy in abstinence

58– The women that dissipate the force of spiritual decisions, are considered to be equivalent to pigs without any type of concern

59– And the sixth (6th) is patience during humiliation whenever it happens, like that of a jackass (donkey); [for those of] you [that are] interested in such a correction

60– And [these] conditions are acquired only by ones effort and ex-pressed perseverance

61– Oh you, brother Moslems! You must combat your Carnal Soul with Righteousness (Virtues), and by this you will gain benefits in


the future and in the other hand [hold a Key to unlock the Gates of] Paradise

62– Those that do not fight against their Carnal Heart, they will not obtain the merits which result from this [battle]

63– And those that are devoted to fighting against their Carnal Hearts, they will be happy during their stay in the tomb

64– As you undertake Spiritual Combat, start among the enemies which are equivalent to the numerical value of the letter “DÃL”, which is four (4)

65– And I swear it by my life! That this combat is [indeed] the Greatest Jihad, in accordance with the information that we possess in reference to it

66– Know that the four (4) enemies are: the Carnal Soul, the Carnal World, the Accursed Satan and the Profane Passions - each one of them is an irreducible enemy

67– You must return to each one of the enemies, a well known weapon; consequently, [if you] imprison them and break their weapons, you will be saved

68– As for the Carnal Soul, it is imprisoned by hunger [that is] len-gthily endured, and it does not have an additional obstacle known apart from this one

69– In regards to its weapon with which it diverts a Worshiper from the Proper Way, it is the appeasing of hunger

70– The dungeon of this Carnal World [is sealed and locked] by reti-ring in Science and Religious Practices, for the FACE of the PROVIDER OF UNDERSTANDING (AL-WASI)

71– In regards to its weapon with which it harms, it is frequentation without profit


72– And the prison of [the Accursed] Satan without divergence, is the repetition of the MOST BEAUTIFUL NAMES OF ALLAH, [specifically] those that protect and bring about peace

73– In regards to the weapon with which he attacks a worshiper, it is negligence

74– And [as for] the prison cell of the Profane Passions, it is to be in a state of silence while in seclusion (cloistering) from those things that are neither profitable, nor beneficial

75– In regards to the weapon with which it subjugates a person, it is chattering about vain things

76– And the fact of taking guard in extreme cases forms part of the Spiritual Combat according to the Law of the Master of the Throne, Who is MAJESTIC (AL-JALIL) and GLORIOUS (AL- MAJEED)!

77– Then to respect His Commands and His Prohibitions and to de-vote yourselves at all times to repentance, confessing your guilt

78– Then your faults, for the FACE of your LORD (RABB), before His Anger falls on you [which can happen at any given] moment

79– And among some of the clauses of such repentance, is the fact of regretting the mistakes that you made, whatever they may be

80– And to take the resolution to never repeat those sins again du-ring your lifetime, because of the fear of [not] being very-close to [ALLAH] in His [Most Intimate] Proximity

81– And that you be a Mukallaf (accountable individual) by refrai-ning from sins, without [any type of] delay [and if not, then know that] you are [a] transgressor

82– But you should never delay repentance or not have the patience to do it, you should also not say: “I attended [waiting for the]


83– Power that will allow the Guidance of the BENEFACTOR (AL-BARR) to reach me [on behalf of ALLAH]”, because that is a sign of abandonment (Khidhlan)

84– That leads to damnation and a dull spot on the heart; I seek re-fuge with my LORD (RABB) against these two (2) misfortunes

85– The true definition of repentance, is the abandonment of the sins that one had previously made and that this abandonment is done,[ex-clusively] for the FACE of the LORD (RABB)

86– By deliberately doing it in an intentional way and not in the event of being [stricken with], deafness, blindness, muteness or a venereal disease

87– But done strictly for the abandonment [of sins], for the GLO-RIOUS ONE (AL-MAJEED), and that this is also [done] by fear of an atrocious punishment from the Magnifier

88– Together with the regret of those things that have already been mentioned, among the faults and the totality of the defects

89– And it forms part of the Conditions for Repentance, according to the opinion of the scientists (scholars), that the situation is repaired when the price has been paid with the victims

90– Legally, you must repair the material damage, if the latter can be located licitly, because they have rights

91– In the case that they cannot be located, it will without any hesi-tation, have to be refunded then with their heirs

92– But if their heirs cannot be found, you should deposit the royalty in Alms, on behalf of the victim, so that the manner of recompensing them is done veraciously (truthfully)


93– Then you must [proceed as mentioned to] be discharged from the moral damage that you caused with other people [as well], [whether it was] because of scandalmongering, slander or a tangible offence

94– If the victim is living; but they cannot be present, pious works must be multiplied [on their behalf], in order to obtain

95– By returning to show respect, the rights to each one [of the] vic-tims, and by being remorseful for the mistakes that have been made, hoping for the Grace of your LORD (RABB)

96– The AVENGER (AL-MUNTAQIM) and the DOMINATOR (AL-QAH-HÂR) prohibited the defects which enable Hell to gain another sub-ject

97– The prohibited defects of character are lying, scandal monge-ring, a misrepresentation intended to harm another’s reputation (ca-lumny), self-pride, self-conceit

98– Then ostentation, love of a reputation, hatred, jealousy, the fee-ling of absolute preeminence over others

99– The winking of the eye [or smirking behind ones back] (Hamz) and the verbal expression of slanderer (Lamz), as well as joking, ma-king mocking remarks, [and even] adultery and fornication

100– With a woman that you are in an illicit relationship with, even a lustful glance is prohibited, in the same [manner] that it is prohibited to enjoy [the sound of] her voice

101– And to use someone [or someone’s possessions] without their consent, leads a person toward punishment

102– Someone that [seeks] to enrich [themselves] unlawfully at the expense of religion, to intercede in a cause based on material gain, as well as the fact of delaying an act of devotion


103– Naturally [you] should not delay [the] execution of the ritual prayer beyond its fixed time, without a valid excuse

104– And [you should not] ridicule, nor push back, neither be scol-ding (abusive), nor overburden a fellow Moslem, and never have re-grets of [doing any of] these practices

105– Unless it is for a reason that is not allowed by the Law, in which case this practice is not prohibited

106– And safeguarding yourselves from expressing words of corrup-tion, is assigned to you by the CONSTRAINING ONE (AL’AFUW), the MASTER OF THE HEAVENS (MALIK AL-MULK)

107– [Wants us to safeguard ourselves] from [expressing] obscene words and from [withholding] the reciprocation of emancipation [from the slaves] and for the repudiation (divorce) of a spouse [as well], remember to apply them all at the same time

108– The prohibition of safeguarding yourselves from an unlaw-ful glance, has been assigned by the willingness of the LORD OF MANKIND (RABBI ‘N-NAS)

109– Avoid looking at Moslems by glances that may obstruct them, and [know that] these [types of glances should not even be directed towards] a culprit

110– Because according to the Legislation, it has been allotted that they carry out a cold war against them with the intention to render service to them, [as a means of] helping them out

111– Stay clear from the company of [any type of] pervert, because those that cannot control themselves are not suitable to be aspirants (Al-Murids)

112– Then preserve the members [of your body], namely; the belly, the tongue, the sex [organs], the feet, the eyes, the hands


113– After that the ears; whoever safeguards the members of their body [from] disobedience, they will obtain beneficial profit

114– Opposite each of the members of the body is a Gate correspon-ding to each of the various stages of Hell, according to all of the au-thentic sources

115– And the one that is constantly devoted to preserving the members of their body will be protected on the Day of the Inevitable Event, from entry into Hell because of the DOMINATOR (AL- QAH-HAR), Who is the MAJESTIC ONE (AL-JALIL)

116– And those that always disobeys the LORD (AR-RABB) by a par-ticular member of their body, the corresponding Gate to Hell [for that desecrated member] will be [unlocked for the proper] punishment in the Next Life

117– And each one among these members will be a challenge to you in relation to the responsibility that it holds, as it is understood among those that comprehend this logically

118– In regards to the belly (stomach), preserve it from the consump-tion of what is illicit (illegal) and from what is doubtful

119– And persevere in the research of what is licit (legal), because it brings them closer to the OWNER OF MAJESTY (AL-JALIL)

120– And peacefully fight and counter satiety (overindulgence), when a particular meal is prepared, because it is the source of temp-ting illusions

121– Because satiety of what is licit can start to cause damage to an individual, because this is indefinitely the situation in all of the [other] cases [as well]

122– It results in Six (6) Types of Damage that one normally would not expect, which are evoked here for your memorization


123– The dryness of the heart, corruption of the spirit, the harmful effect of memorizing that which [is not] authentic [and not from a valid] source

124– Heaviness [of the] members [of the body], preventing adora-tion and the acquisition of the sciences [that are] full of benefits

125– Then the assuaging (appeasing) of hunger [which] helps Satan and also sharpens the [detrimental] pleasures, [you have] thus been made aware of these Six (6) Damaging Defects

126– And the research of what is licit is a duty that falls upon all Moslems, without [any] illusion

127– Neither science, nor adoration is beneficial along with the consumption of illicit (illegal) things, according to the Masters

128– Guard yourself from consuming any of the things that you are certain are of an illicit nature and [even] those individuals that you do not trust because they don’t keep their word

129– And satisfy yourself by just taking an amount of food that makes it possible to have [enough] on your stomach, so that you can Worship (Love) the LORD (AR-RABB)

130– Of course, food is pleasant when it is prepared for eating, but it becomes dirty feces, after it has been digested

131– As for the members [of the body], know that they will testify against you in the future, according to what has been established [by the scholars]

132– Observe the practice of the Ten (10) Principles below, because they constitute the Routes (Paths) of Spiritual Junction [and protect] you from procrastination


133– Abandon and restrict your desires, because [there is] not an ac-tion that you will be able to carry out [properly] until you can get rid of these two (2) defects through the Contemplation of ALLAH

134– Because continuous devotion, leads to a happy end

135– And whoever gives up the vain and unimportant things to de-monstrate regard for the LORD OF THE UNIVERSE (ALLAH), they will be happy [as well]

136– And when you formulate [your] intention, distinguish its ad-vantages and its disadvantages before the execution of any action

137– Avoid conceiving unhealthy ideas and attach yourself to appro-ved nourishing ideas

138– The development of unbeneficial (unprofitable) frequentations [is the] cause of sins and darkness

139– Combat your Carnal Heart in its machination by blaming it, in all of its directives

140– Some naturally prove [to not be] impatient regarding the Ope-ning (Fath) of the Gates for the Lights of DIVINE WISDOM, because that is a “Mahid” (Particularity) for the Men of ALLAH

141– Persevere in your objectives towards your LORD (RABB) and take refuge near Him, in recognition of all that He has granted to you

142– And be devoted to the repetition of the MOST BEAUTIFUL NAMES OF ALLAH (ASMA AL- HUSNA) for the purification of your heart, this constitutes the way of consideration

143– Naturally do not reject the Exoteric Doctrines of Islam, because to abandon the [Exoteric Doctrines of Islam] is to take the path of utter destruction [to Hell]


144– Avoid cohabiting with another other than the MAJESTIC ONE (AL-JALIL), so that ALLAH [may] preserve (protect) you internally and externally!

145– And consciously examine yourself during the morning and eve-ning, so that you may be freed from misfortune [in the future]

146– And be devoted constantly to the repentance of all secret pro-clamations and acts of disobedience

147– These particular principles are highlighted for a Spiritual Junc-tion and these particular principles also return us to the various foundational aspects of Sufism

148– The first among them, is to hold on tight to the Crowned Book (Quran) and the Tradition of the Best Selection, the Master of Good Guidance

149– Then the abandonment of the profane passions and the blameworthy innovations, and after that is to honor the Spiritual Masters, who are excessively pious people

150– Stay away from making excuses to any creature, constantly be in practice of the Wird, for the FACE OF THE REAL (AL-HAQQ)

151– Stay away from the risks [and dangers] of interpretation (Ta’wil) and from the laxism (negligence) of the concessions, by showing re-solution within the Orthodox Tradition

152– The veils of the Carnal Heart have six (6) origins. The Spiritual Volition (Postif) of those that seek to arrive at the Sealed Enclosure is what elevates them by necessity

153– And to know that the origins are; the abusive use of eating and drinking, multiplication of frequentations without a pious objective


154– An abundance of futile words, excessive sleeping and negli-gence in the repetition of the NAMES of the CREATOR OF HUMAN BEINGS

155– And it is proven that Adoration of the MAJESTIC ONE (AL-JA-LIL) is comprised of three (3) sources

156– The first (1st) among them is Fear, the second (2nd) is Hope and the third (3rd) of the sources is Love

157– The Fear of the CLEMENT (AR-RA’UF), is characterized by the abandonment of the prohibitions, without negligence

158– The Index of Hope, is the [focus of your] will [toward the] Worship (Love) of your LORD (RABB), according to the Way of those that obey ALLAH (Al Muqtafl) through the Prophet

159– The Demonstration of Love for the OWNER OF MAJESTY (AL-JA-LIL) is the burning desire for continual repentance

160– It is held by the scientists (scholars) that being disobedient to the MAJESTIC ONE (AL-JALIL) has three (3) root causes as well

161– The three (3) root causes are: Self-pride (Kibr), Cupidity (Hirc) and then Jealousy; whoever is free [from these three causes], will profit from Uprightness

162– Self-pride condemned and cursed Satan; Cupidity drove ADAM the Noble One out of Paradise

163– And Jealousy pushed his son Cain to kill his brother (Abel), al-though the tragedy of Abel was approved by ALLAH

164– Our Noble Al Jili wrote that he does not cease [honoring that which is] Approved by ALLAH, but mainly

165– That the edifice of Sufism is comprised of eight (8) pillars that support it;


166– The Generosity of ABRAHAM the Friend of ALLAH, the Approval of ISAAC, the Forbearance of JOB, which is eminent

167– The Allusive Signs of ZACHARIAH, the Retirement of JOHN THE BAPTIST and the Wool Coat of MOSES, that has been imitated

168– The Travels of the Son of Mary (JESUS), the Spiritual Poverty of our LORD, the Best Selection who is the Benevolent One (MOHAM-MAD)

169– You [should] summarize these lessons as instructed by the scholars that follow the Way of the Most Excellent Tradition of the Best Prophet that was selected as the best of those which follow the Proper Way

170– Our main [focus is on] our Beloved, through our concomitant relationship to MOHAMMAD, on him be the Prayers of his LORD (RABB) eternally

171– It is this that is recommended to you at all times, which is to Worship (Love) your LORD (RABB), according to the Eminent Tra-dition

172– Even in the title of this Treatise, it warns you against the dan-gers of following the Tempting Traitor (Satan)

173– We solicit the [SELF SUFFICIENT] MASTER (AS-SAMAD), the MOST- HIGH (AL- MUTA‘ALI) - Exalted is HE! – For His Protection against the dangers in this world and in the Next Life

174– And that He supports us for following the Tradition of the Most Praised Ahmad, to a prestigious degree

175– And that He grants His Prayer and Safety upon him, to his Fa-mily and with whoever is his partisan

176– And that He grants the favor to those that follow the practices of the Scholars and Perfect Friends of ALLAH among us


177– And that He makes us be able to enjoy it all together, by our virtues both publicly and privately

178– And that He gratify us with the sincere benefits of repentance that would allow the light to reach us, the certainty of the Gate and the opening of it to Spiritual Bliss

179– And that this versified Treatise is eternally a source of hap-piness for whoever puts it into practice

180– And that it is an approved work, by which I return thanks to ALLAH and to His Envoy (Messenger)

181– And that this versification is a Key with Salutations, [that can be used] before the time of death

182– And that it obtains for the sincere aspirant Spiritual Perspica-city, the Revealing of Secrets and [the Unveiling of] Essential Truths

183– And that it constantly affirms Divine Unity, Islamic Jurispru-dence and the Most Glorious [aspects of] Sufism

184– And that I am constantly out of the reach of the Accursed [Sa-tan] and the minions of his horde

185– And that I will be saved from the minions of evil and the things that a virtuous heart detests

186– And that I devote myself to praising the one that is Most Praised (Ahmad), so that my prayers are upon him, at all times

187– So that ALLAH, our LORD (RABB), spreads His Prayer upon him, his Family and his Companions, who have [obtained] Perfection

188– Plus the Purest of Prayers accompanied by the Best of Bles-sings, which have granted favor to me, by allowing me the courtesy of being his Companion.


Oh my GOD! Grant Salutations, Peace and Blessing from our Lord, to our Master MOHAMMAD, to his Family and his Companions…

the key that locks the gates of hell & unlocks the...

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