What is Kashf/Ilhaam?

1. Kashf literally means exposure. In the technical sense, it refers to the exposure of certain non-visible things to certain people. Ilhaam is a reference to knowledge that appears in the heart and it inspires a person to act accordingly without any further proof. There are Ahaadith to the effect that some Sahaaba (Radhiallaahu Anhum) experienced such things. The holy Qur 'aan states, 'Wa awhaynaa ilaa ummi moosaa.' The Mufassireen have interpreted this to mean that Allah Ta'ala had sent Ilhaam onto the heart of Moosa (Alayhis salaam)'s mother.
2. Sufism like so many other branches of Deen were formally developed only after Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). For instance, the present-day Darul Ulooms were not found in this form during the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), but they are not regarded as Bid' at. The same applies to Sufism. Tasawwuf is also a branch of Deen because it entails cleansing of the heart of spiritual ailments. However, we must concede that over the years, certain un-Islamic practices have seeped into this branch of Deen. They would obviously remain un-Islamic. As far as the teachings and objectives of Tasawwuf are concerned, they are established from the Qur'aan and Hadith.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Muhammad Kadwa
FATWA DEPT.

CHECKED AND APPROVED CORRECT: Mufti Ebrahim Desai