The Rules For Visiting The Distinguished

(Excerpted from Futuwat namah by Khwaja Husayn Wa’iz Kashifi Sabzawari An Naqshbandi Translated by M. Nur Abdussalam)

If asked: How many are the rules concerning visiting the distinguished? Say: Seven.

1.      One should not approach them without permission
2.      Upon entering, one should observe the rites of greeting and service.
3.      After the greeting, one should be silent and not speak except out of necessity.
4.      One should speak respectfully and not in a loud voice.
5.      One should keep one’s ears open for the reply so as not to have to ask again and necessitate a repetition.
6.      One must not offer too many prayers lest you seem hypocritical.
7.      One should watch the time and not approach the great at an improper hour.

If asked: What are the improper times? Say: When it is very hot, such as midday in summer; or when it is very cold, such as at the beginning and end of the day; when there is heavy rain or snow, or a cold wind blowing, during thunderstorms, and the like.