Sufi Quotes of Prophet Muhammad in English and Arabic

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Hello! Are you looking for an explanation of the Sufi quotes of Prophet Muhammad in English and Arabic? If your answer is "Yes," congratulations! You are now reading the right article. Why? Because that’s exactly what I will explain in this article. So, you must read it until the end!

The sufi quotes of Prophet Muhammad that I will quote in this article are from a book titled "Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah" by Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi. You can refer to this book to validate this article and explore other sufi quotes of Prophet Muhammad .

What Are the Sufi Quotes of Prophet Muhammad?

Before I explain the specific sufi quotes of Prophet Muhammad, I will first clarify what is meant by these sayings. I believe it is crucial for you to understand this concept first, as "Sufi" is a term attributed to those who follow the teachings of Sufism. Sufism, generally considered the spiritual branch of Islam, aims to achieve closeness to Allah through spiritual practices such as meditation, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and self-control. Over time, these practices have been epistemized into a distinct branch of Islamic knowledge.

Sufi Quotes: What Are They?

A Sufi, simply, is someone who practices the teachings of Sufism in their real life. By "real life," I mean a life where one's knowledge, heart, and behavior are in harmony. This excludes certain aspects of life that might be fabricated or displayed by some followers of Islam, even though in some cases, they appear or are portrayed as ideal examples of practicing Islamic teachings.

A Sufi, by practicing the pillars of Sufism, is able to digest Islamic teachings and align them with life in a more wise and discerning manner. It is within this way of living that they utter sayings as responses to various aspects of life.

So, in simple terms, you can understand that sufi quotes are the words spoken by those who practice Sufism, as expressions of their attitudes towards various aspects of life.

Sufi Quotes of Prophet Muhammad

In the previous paragraph, I explained the meaning of sufi quotes in simple terms. However, this explanation would be highly inadequate from a scholarly perspective if used to interpret the phrase "Sufi quotes of Prophet Muhammad." Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi himself does not include Prophet Muhammad as one of the first generation of Sufis in his book, "Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah," but rather as the foundational figure of Sufism in Islam.

Given this fact, as well as the definition of a Sufi as someone who follows the teachings of Sufism, we need to consider another fact to better understand the phrase "Sufi quotes of Prophet Muhammad." In the time of Prophet Muhammad, the sources of Islam were the Quran (revelation), Hadith Qudsi (revelation), and Hadith Nabawi (revelation and logic). These three elements formed the standard of Islam at that time, including the Prophet’s own practice of Islam.

Read Also: Sufi Quotes of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq in English and Arabic

I won’t delve too deeply into the Prophet Muhammad’s practice of Islam and its standards here, as that would require extensive time, thought, and effort. Perhaps we can discuss it another time. Here, I only want to say simply that "Sufi quotes of Prophet Muhammad" in this article refers to the words spoken by Prophet Muhammad as expressions of his attitudes towards various aspects of life or as teachings for Muslims. These sayings are codified in the books of Hadith Nabawi and Hadith Qudsi, which have become guides for the lives of Muslims.

Sufi Quotes of Prophet Muhammad in English and Arabic

There are many sufi quotes of Prophet Muhammad. In the book "Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah," Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi quotes a hundred sayings of the great figures of Sufism. Some of these sayings are derived from authentic, hasan, and weak Hadiths, all of which are used as arguments for noble behavior in Islam. Below are sufi quotes of Prophet Muhammad that I have quoted from the book "Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah" by Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi:

Sufi Quote of Prophet Muhammad About Humanity

One of the proofs of humanity is helping the poor. Muslims who are able to assist them are strongly encouraged to do so. We can find one such encouragement in the Sufi quote below:

^[1]اتَّخِذُوْا عِنْدَ الفُقَرَاءِ أَيَادِيَ , فَإِنَّ لَهُمْ دَوْلَةً يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ

Be a helper to the poor, for they will have strength on the Day of Judgment.

If you understand the Sufi quote above, you can conclude that Muslims who have more wealth are encouraged to help the poor so that they do not suffer in their lives. On the Day of Judgment, they will have the power to help those who assisted them in the world. Moreover, with their power, they can also hold accountable those who refused to help them.

Sufi Quote of Prophet Muhammad About Intentions and the Consequences of Evil Deeds

Intentions are extremely vital for Muslims. Intentions affect the value of their actions. If their intentions are good, their deeds are good. But if their intentions are bad, the value of their deeds is also bad.

In Islam, bad intentions followed by evil deeds will result in very severe consequences for the doer. You can find this explanation in the Sufi quote below:

^[2]ابْنَ آدَمَ , لَكَ مَا نَوَيْتَ , وَعَلَيْكَ مَا اكْتَسَبْتَ , وَأَنْتَ مَعَ مَنْ أَحْبَبْتَ

O son of Adam! You will gain benefit from your intentions. You will bear the consequences of your actions. You will be with those you love.

In the Sufi quote above, Prophet Muhammad explains that a person will benefit if their intention is good. But if their intention is bad and is followed by evil deeds, then they will bear sin.

Additionally, Prophet Muhammad also explains that a person will be with those they love. This means that if we love someone, we will naturally do whatever they do. If we love Prophet Muhammad, we will strive to do whatever he did and avoid what he forbade (to the best of our ability). We will make every effort not to anger him. For this reason, in the Hereafter, we will be with him in Paradise.

Sufi Quote of Prophet Muhammad About Zuhd and How to Be Liked by People

Zuhd is a highly commendable trait in Islam. Zuhd means not being influenced by worldly luxuries and pleasures. Prophet Muhammad strongly encouraged Muslims to possess the trait of zuhd. You can find this explanation in the Sufi quote below:

^[3]ازْهَدْ فِي الدُّنْيَا يُحِبُّكَ اللهُ , وَازْهَدْ فِيْمَا فِي أَيْدِى النَّاسِ يُحِبُّكَ النَّاسُ

Be zuhud from the world, and Allah will love you. Be zuhud from what people possess, and people will like you.

If you understand the Sufi quote above, you can conclude that Prophet Muhammad specifically encourages Muslims to practice zuhd in this world, meaning not to be influenced by worldly luxuries and pleasures. The purpose of this is so that their focus remains solely on Allah. If they can achieve this, Allah will surely love them. Additionally, he also encourages them not to be swayed by the wealth possessed by others. This is one way for people to love them.

Sufi Quote of Prophet Muhammad About Morning and Evening

In Islam, morning and evening are signs of Allah's power. Many unexpected events can occur during these times, such as death, illness, happiness, sorrow, and so on.

There is a particular Sufi quote from Prophet Muhammad about morning and evening that is very important for you to understand. The Sufi quote I am referring to is as follows:

^[4]إِذَا أَصْبَحْتَ فَلَا تُحَدِّثْ نَفْسَكَ بِالْمَسَاءِ , وَإِذَا أَمْسَيْتَ فَلَا تُحَدِّثْ نَفْسَكَ بِالصَّبَاحِ

When you enter the morning, do not speak to yourself about the evening. When you enter the evening, do not speak to yourself about the morning.

In the Sufi quote above, Prophet Muhammad specifically advises us not to think about what will happen in the evening during the morning, and not to think about what will happen tomorrow morning during the evening. The most reasonable explanation for this is that we are not certain to live until those times. We are strongly encouraged to focus our attention solely on Allah.

Sufi Quote of Prophet Muhammad About Prayers for Parents and Sustenance

Our parents are the two most important people in our lives. They gave birth to us, provided us with food, drink, clothing, shelter, love, and so much more. We can never repay their kindness.

There is a Sufi quote from Prophet Muhammad about the connection between prayers for parents and sustenance. I hope you understand it very well. Pay close attention!

إِذَا تَرَكَ العَبْدُ الدُّعَاءَ لِوَالِدَيْهِ انْقَطَعَ عَنْهُ الرِّزْقُ فِى الدُّنْيَا^[5]

If a servant neglects to pray for his parents, his sustenance in this world will be cut off.

In the Sufi quote above, Prophet Muhammad specifically explains the close relationship between prayers for our parents and sustenance. In this world, we will easily receive uninterrupted sustenance if we consistently pray for our parents. Conversely, if we do not pray for them, our sustenance in this world will be cut off. The Sufi quote above highlights the importance of being dutiful to our parents.

Sufi Quote of Prophet Muhammad About Humility

Humility is the opposite of arrogance. In Islam, humility is a highly commendable trait. Humility prevents a person from looking down on others.

There is a very interesting Sufi quote from Prophet Muhammad about humility. As Muslims, we are strongly encouraged to understand it. Pay attention!

^[6]إِذَا تَوَاضَعَ العَبْدُ رَفَعَهُ اللهُ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ السَّابِعَةِ

If a servant is humble, Allah will elevate him to the seventh heaven.

In the Sufi quote above, Prophet Muhammad explains that if a Muslim is humble, Allah will elevate their status to the seventh heaven. In other words, Allah greatly favors humble Muslims. This is one of the best Sufi quotes of Prophet Muhammad on humanity that we need to understand.

Sufi Quote of Prophet Muhammad About Poverty

Generally, no one likes to live in poverty. It is difficult for a person to do or obtain the things they desire, such as buying food, clothes, and so on.

In Islam, poverty is a condition that can be very beneficial for drawing closer to Allah. There is a Sufi quote from Prophet Muhammad about poverty that is very interesting for you to understand. Pay attention to the quote below!

إِذَا رَأَيْتَ الْفَقْرَ مُقْبِلًا فَقُلْ : مَرْحَبًا بِشِعَارِ الصَّالِحِيْنَ , وَإِذَا رَأَيْتَ الْغِنَى مُقْبِلًا فَقُلْ : ذَنْبٌ عُجِّلَتْ عُقُوْبَتُهُ^[7]

When you see poverty approaching, say, "Welcome, emblem of the righteous (ash-Shalihin)." When you see abundance, say, "A sin whose punishment is hastened."

In the Sufi quote above, Prophet Muhammad teaches wise words for us to say when we are in a state of poverty. The phrase is, "Welcome, the symbol of the righteous (مَرْحَبًا بِشِعَارِ الصَّالِحِيْنَ)." On the other hand, if we are in a state of wealth, we are advised to say words that remind us to always be cautious and do good, "A sin whose punishment is hastened (ذَنْبٌ عُجِّلَتْ عُقُوْبَتُهُ)."

Thus, an important lesson we must always remember is that many righteous people in the past lived in poverty.

Sufi Quote of Prophet Muhammad About Sin and Its Consequences

Sin is a violation of religious laws. In Islam, sin has fatal consequences both in this world and in the Hereafter. One of Prophet Muhammad's Sufi quotes about sin is as follows:

إِذَا كَثُرَتْ ذُنُوْبُ الْعَبْدِ ابْتَلَاهُ اللهُ بِالْحُزْنِ حَتَّى يُكَفِّرَهَا^[8]

If a servant has committed many sins, Allah will test him with sorrow until He purifies the sins.

In the Sufi quote above, Prophet Muhammad explains the fatal consequences of having sins. The more sins a person accumulates, the more Allah will test them with sorrow until He forgives them.

Sufi Quote of Prophet Muhammad About the Danger of Praising a Wicked (Fasiq)

A wicekd (fasik) is someone who disobeys Allah and Prophet Muhammad. Some examples include thieves, liars, and so on. One of Prophet Muhammad's Sufi quotes about sinners is as follows:

إِذَا مُدِحَ الفَاسِقُ غَضِبَ الرَّبُّ وَاهْتَزَّ الْعَرْشُ^[9]

When a wicked (fasik) person is praised, Allah becomes angry and the Throne (‘Arys) shakes.

In the Sufi quote above, Prophet Muhammad explains that Allah will be angry and the Throne (Arsy) will shake if a sinner (fasik) is praised. Therefore, we should speak the truth. If what they have done is wrong, we must have the courage to say that it is wrong.

Sufi Quote of Prophet Muhammad About the Danger of Oppression

There are many Sufi quotes of Prophet Muhammad about oppression. One of them is as follows:

^[10]يَقُوْلُ اللهُ - عَزَّ وَجَلَّ : اشْتَدَّ غَضَبِيْ عَلَى مَنْ ظَلَمَ مَنْ لَا يَجِدُ لَهُ نَاصِرًا غَيْرِيْ 

Allah 'Azza wa Jalla says, "My anger is greatly intensified against the one who wrongs another who has no helper but Me."

Sufi Quote of Prophet Muhammad on Life: The Principle of Reciprocity in Social Interactions

Below is a Sufi quote of Prophet Muhammad on life that explains the principle of reciprocity in social interactions:

كَمَا تَدِيْنُ تُدَانُ^[11]

Just as you treat others, so will you be treated.

In the above Sufi quote about life, Prophet Muhammad explains the principle of reciprocity in social interactions, which means that the way one treats others will reflect how they themselves will be treated. In other words, the kindness and fairness we show to others will come back to us in the form of similar treatment. If we are friendly, fair, and compassionate, we are likely to receive the same treatment from others. Conversely, if we are harsh or unjust, we will also experience similar behavior. This principle highlights the importance of empathy and integrity in our relationships with others.

In the Sufi quote above, Prophet Muhammad explains that Allah is extremely angry with someone who is very unjust toward another person who is helpless and has no protector other than Allah.

That concludes the discussion of some Sufi quotes of Prophet Muhammad that you need to know. If you feel there is anything missing, please let me know by writing in the comments.

I hope this is helpful! See you again in the next article!

Source Citations

[1] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1 (Cairo: Maktabah ad-Dar al-Arabiyah li al-Kitab, 2009), 107.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1, 108.

[4] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1, 109.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1, 110.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1, 113.

[11] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1, 107.