DIRI stands as a transformative space wherein theoretical teaching is transmitted, delicate religious courage is concentrated, and spiritual development is intensified. To provide the transformative spaces to the scholars and beginners of Sufism DIRI performs various activities, including but not limited to academic classes, lectures, conferences, seminars, group discussion, study circles, publica
tion of research Journal, online certificate courses, translating Sufi literature, Tasawwuf Dialogue as well as arranging Sufi retreat and meditation. Founder:
Syed Emdadul Hoque (Maizbhandari) is the founder of DIRI. He is the incumbent Pir (spiritual leader) of Maizbhandar Darbar Sharif. He founded this institute to fulfill the vision of his father and Murshid Syed Delawor Hossain Maizbhandari (R.), the grandson and the spiritual heir of Gawthul Azam Shah Sufi Syed Ahmad Ullah Maizbhandari (Q.), who was the founder of Mazibhandari Tariqa.Mazibhandari Tariqa is originally rooted in Qaderiyya Tariqa, and the only tariqa that sprouted and started its journey from Bangladesh. Although it is relatively a new Sufi order, it managed to attract millions of aspirants and followers both locally and internationally. Syed Emdadul Hoque, initiated in Qaderiyya Maizbhandaria Tariqa, and received his Khilafa in 1974, and has been leading spiritual activities and Sufi teaching ever since. As a Sufi master and a compassionate patron, his dedication to spiritual and moral development and guiding others to achieve such goal, has led myriads of followers and devotees from all walks of life, not only in Bangladesh but also in different continents to join his order. Syed Emdadul Hoque Maizbhandari has appointed his son Syed Irfanul Hoque Maizbhandari as the Managing Trustee of DIRI, under whose leadership this institute has extended its activities and has turned into an ideal academia to exercise, learn, and exchange the knowledge, thoughts, and views of Sufism and Humanity. Basic Theme of DIRI:
It also introduced ‘Seven Principles’- a set of self-imposing self-explanatory training practices- to subdue one’s egoism and to prepare its practitioner for Divine enlightenment. Usul-e-Sabaa or Seven Principles
These principles are explained into two folds. Fana-e-Salasa (Three Annihilations) and
Mawt-e-Arbaa (Four Deaths)
Fana-e-Salasa or Three Annihilations
Fana anil Khalq: Annihilation of Expectation from the Creation
Hazrat Syed Delawor Hossain (R.) described, “It is to dissolve the expectation of getting any service or help from the creation”. As a result, tawakkul or reliance will sprout in his heart making him self-confident that his Lord is there to provide for him. Hazrat Syed Delawor Hossain (R.) explained, “It is to restrict oneself from unnecessary actions and vain talks. As a result, it will ease the life and make it trouble free”. Struggle against the nafs is done by weaning it against its desire and by forcing it to adhere to the divine commands of Allah and his Prophet (pbuh). Fana anil Irada: Annihilation of One’s Own Choice
Hazrat Syed Delawor Hossain (R.) said, “It is to always prefer Divine Will over one’s own wishes and to annihilate his desire into Divine Wills. As a result, taslim -submission and rida -contentment are attained. Four Deaths
Al Mawtul Abyad- White Death
Hazrat Syed Delawor Hossain (R.) said, “It is attained through hunger and self-restraint, as a result, the human mind gets illuminated. For example, fasting during the month of Ramadan or voluntary fasting is among the ways to experience hunger and to develop self-restraint”. Al Mawtul Aswad- Black Death
Hazrat Syed Delawor Hossain (R.) said, “It is attained through criticism and enmity of the enemies”. In this state, the critics and enemies, as he indicated, considered as intimate friends, as they are the mirrors through which the aspirant can take his self to account and correct his mistakes. Al Mawtul Ahmar- Red Death
Hazrat Syed Delawor Hossain (R.) said, “It is attained by liberating the ‘self’ from lust and sexual craving, and (the aspirant) is elevated to the rank of the saints by attaining wilayat.”
Al Mawtul Akhdar- Green Death
“It is attained by being accustomed to a frugal lifestyle. Consequent upon that, the aspirant can repudiate all desires and expectation except Divine Love. It is of ‘Wilayat-e-Khijri’.”
