Is a Shaikh Faradh for Reformation?

Q: Is it faradh to go to a Shaikh for self-reformation? Why can’t one do this on his or her own?

A: If it was possible for a human to achieve spiritual reformation and rectitude on his or her own then there would be no need for Allah to send His Messenger sallallahu alaihi wa sallam to this world. One of the main functions of Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam was to provide tazkiyah or spiritual reformation.

Almighty Allah states in the Holy Quran: “It is He who has sent among the unlettered people a Rasool from among them; he (the Rasool) recites to them the Verses of Allah, and he purifies them spiritually…” (Surah Jumu’ah, verse 2) The As-haab radhiallahu anhum acquired spiritual rectitude and rehabilitation directly from Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, and they in turn reformed other members of the Ummat, and ever since this chain of reformations has continued unabatedly.

The Holy Quran commands: ‘O Believers: fear Allah and associate with the Truthful Ones’ (Surah Taubah) By always associating with pious people, one finds it easy to achieve reformation. Treading the Path of Sulook is like undertaking a journey towards an unknown place. Without a guide this is almost impossible.