Ahlan wa Sahlan

The ‘Arusi branch of the Qadiri sufi way is one of the authentic rivers to the Divine Ocean that is widely followed in South and South East Asia. It originated and took shape during the early part of the 19th century under the watchful gaze of the Arwi saints of the Qadiri way. It crystallised and reached the zenith under the auspices of the 19th century renewer, Imam Sayyid Muhammad al-‘Arus al-Qahiri, Allah sanctify his secret.

The aim of this website is to bring to the forefront the rich spiritual heritage of the Arwi region (present day South India & Sri Lanka) by focusing on the ‘Arusi-Qadiri order. This will be done by letting the biographies of the luminous Arwi saints and their works speak for themselves.

What this Site is NOT

The purpose of this website is not to wax lyrical about Tasawwuf/Sufism/Islamic spirituality. Only one blinded by ignorance, deluded by the rhetoric of rage, devoid of an atom of intellect and bereft of any knowledge of the tradition of the Islamic faith can claim that Tasawwuf/Sufism/Islamic spirituality is not a valid part of Islam.

Neither is the aim of this website to glorify this order (Tariqah) to the exclusion of other legitimate branches or paths to the Divine. Elevation and abasement is the domain of Allah and we make no claims to superiority. Our cloak of honour lies in aligning our actions, fulfilling our duties and discharging our responsibilities in a manner that is in congruent with the dictates of the sacred law (Shari’ah) and harmonious with the Prophetic example (Sunnah).

May Allah protect us from knowledge and states of being that are harmful to our souls here and in the hereafter.

The Need for this Site

There is a conspicuous dearth of information on the internet about the spread of Islam in the Arwi region (present day South India & Sri Lanka) and the flavour of Islam therein. This vacuum has been effectively filled by the literature of the petro-dollar funded methodologically challenged self-styled saviours who have acrimoniously hijacked the Islamic faith.

They hark the banner “Qur’an & Sunnah” and claim to follow the way of the pious predecessors (Salaf al-Salihin). In truth, they are the furthest from that which they claim to adhere to. Just as not everything that glitters is gold, it has become increasingly evident that not every group that carries the slogan “Qur’an & Sunnah” is a defender of the religion.

To destroy a Nation, one need not cleanse the land of its people. Just re-write history. And that is precisely what the Zionists are trying to do around the world and the BJP of India attempted to do with the national curriculum. And unfortunately, the puritans and reformers associated with this faith have been conspicuously doing the same with our tradition and texts for some time now.

May Allah protect us from their excesses and give them their due recompense.

Taking into account the prevailing hostile climate, both within the Muslim ranks and otherwise, it is our wish that this website, together with a collection of other related websites on Arwi Islam and Muslims, will serve to re-connect the Arwi/Tamil Muslim diaspora back to their roots.

If the realisation dawns on readers (especially the Arwi/Tamil Muslim diaspora) that Arwi Islam and Muslims have been a vibrant and dynamic force to be reckoned with, half our aim will be fulfilled. The other half will be achieved when readers faithfully return to their tradition in practice with fervour and zeal.

There is no power or might except Allah, the incomparable in Majesty. Success and guidance are from Allah, eminent is His Glory.