خانقاه

The Khanqah is a place meant for the rectification of Inner-self (Baatin) and cure of spiritual diseases. The Arabic term equivalent to the Persian and Urdu word Khanqah is Zaawiyah. Zaawiyah literally means a corner, a place set aside for those who seek the pleasure of Allah through devoting themselves to Him (Allah) while detaching themselves from the world. This term thereafter became more general, referring to a place which was dedicated to assisting people who sought reformation and wanted to cleanse themselves of the undignified sins which gather on a persons soul and heart.This struggle against ones Self (Nafs) is generally called Tasawwuf and Tazkiyah, and this practice existed in the time of our Beloved Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, though at that time it did not have a name. The one who practices this science of Tasawwuf is known as a Saalik or Sufi.

Khanqah is the spiritual center providing a facility for Islah-e-Nafs (Self Correction).

Following the traditions of the Ehl-e-Haq (Truth Bearers), Khanqah revives the rare traditions of Sulook, Tazkia, & Tassawuf while staying clear of all kinds of Bidda’hs (innovations in the religion) and complies strictly with the rules and boundaries prescribed by the Sharia.

The buildings of schools and colleges are useless for the students without qualified teachers and professors, buildings of Hospitals are useless for the patients without qualified doctors, similarly a Khanqah is useless with out a "Shaykh-e-Kaamil" as the "Shaykh-e-Kaamil" himself is a Khanqah.

“In short, Tasawwuf (Sufism) comes down to this, overcoming the laziness in doing virtuous acts (ta’aat) and getting them done, and overcoming the desire to commit sinful acts (Gunah) and abstaining from that sin. Whoever attains this condition does not need anything more since this is the very condition that creates a bond with Allah (SWT) (Talluq Ma’Allah), protects this bond and strengthens it”

Hakeem ul Ummah Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi R.A