The M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi® School of Islamic Sufism®
M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi®, the School of Islamic Sufism®, teaches students to cognize themselves and ultimately, in doing so, to cognize God. The school dates back 1400 years and has been chronicled to the time of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
Maktab Tarighat Oveyssi® (M.T.O.) translates to "the School of the Path of Oveys." This refers to the great Sufi Master, Hazrat Oveys Gharani, who lived at the time of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him). Hazrat Oveys obtained the Prophet’s teachings by way of true inward cognition without ever physically meeting the Prophet. Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) confirmed this feat by having his cloak delivered to Hazrat Oveys. The reality of Islam has never been left without the heedful watch of a Sufi Master, as depicted by the unbroken chain of the M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi® lineage.
The name of the school of M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi® refers to its forty-first Sufi Master, Hazrat Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, who revolutionized the school by opening its gates to eager pupils worldwide. He then entrusted his son, Hazrat Salaheddin Ali Nader Angha, his successor, to fulfill his mission of spreading the message of Sufism across the globe.
"We are to open to all mankind
The gates of knowledge
To make wisdom the lantern of the path,
And cognition the light of the aware hearts."
- Hazrat Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha
Genealogy of Sufi Masters
Hazrat Oveys Gharani : Hazrat Mohammad (peace be upon him) said, “Amongst my people, there is a man who has the ability to save all believers on judgment day.” The Holy Prophet’s companions enquired, “Who is this man?” He said, “A man of God.” They replied, “What is his name?” Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) replied, “Oveys”...
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Hazrat Oveys Gharani
Hazrat Oveys Gharani is the founder of the School of Islamic Sufism. His sincere love and devotion for Islam and teachings of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) has specific significance for the seekers of the Truth. Although Hazrat Oveys had never met Prophet Mohammad (peace upon him) physically, he received the holy teachings of the Prophet inwardly through his heart.
Hazrat Mohammad (peace be upon him) said, “Amongst my people, there is a man who has the ability to save all believers on judgment day.” The Holy Prophet’s companions enquired, “Who is this man?” He said, “A man of God.” They replied, “What is his name?” Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) replied, “Oveys.”
One of Hazrat Oveys' renowned sayings is "keep watch over your heart." The heart in Islamic Sufism is the gateway to one's soul. There are more than 200 verses in the Holy Qur'an that mention the importance of the heart in the journey of self -knowledge. Thus, Islamic Sufism emphasizes the purification of the heart from all desires, attachments, and limitations in order for one to cognize himself or herself.
Shortly before his passing, Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) asked Hazrat Ali and Omar to pass on his Cloak to Hazrat Oveys; this is an event that signifies Prophet Mohammad's approval of Hazrat Oveys' way of inward cognition.
Hazrat Salman Farsi : Salman traveled great distances to find the Holy Prophet, and on his journey, he was sold into slavery and later bought by a Jewish man. During his time as a slave, Salman heard of Islam and found the truth. A group helped him buy his freedom and he became a Muslim shortly after. After having searched and experienced many other faiths, he met the Holy Prophet of Islam in Medina and became a Muslim. From then on, he became known as Salman Farsi. During his lifetime, he rose to such great heights that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Salman is of our family."
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Hazrat Salman Farsi
Salman traveled great distances to find the Holy Prophet, and on his journey, he was sold into slavery and later bought by a Jewish man. During his time as a slave, Salman heard of Islam and found the truth. A group helped him buy his freedom and he became a Muslim shortly after. After having searched and experienced many other faiths, he met the Holy Prophet of Islam in Medina and became a Muslim. From then on, he became known as Salman Farsi. During his lifetime, he rose to such great heights that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Salman is of our family."
Hazrat Salman Farsi and Hazrat Oveys Gharani were contemporaries, yet their stories are very different. While Hazrat Oveys never met the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) in person, Hazrat Salman traveled, both physically and spiritually alike, through the stages of religion in order to find Islam and submit to the Law of Unity: La ilaha il'Allah.
People asked Imam Ali about Salman, and he has said, "He is a man of our family, and for you, he is like the Loqman Hakim. (Loqman has been mentioned in the Holy Qur'an as an intelligent and wise man.) He knoweth eternal knowledge. He knoweth the Book. He is an endless ocean."
People asked Salman, "What is the greatest sin which will not be absolved no matter how much we persevere with good deeds?" He said, "Pride."
Hazrat Habib Ibn Saleem Raie : After the martyrdom of Hazrat Oveys Gharani, Hazrat Saleem Raie upheld the flag of Sufism in accordance with the Oveysi path, and became the guide for the sincere seekers during 7th and 8th century AD. ...
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Hazrat Habib Ibn Saleem Raie
Hazrat Habib Ibn Moosa Zaid Raie is the successor of Hazrat Oveys Gharani. Due to his close relationship to Salman Farsi he is known as Habib Ibn "Saleem" Raie.
After the martyrdom of Hazrat Oveys Gharani, Hazrat Saleem Raie upheld the flag of Sufism in accordance with the Oveysi path, and became the guide for the sincere seekers during 7th and 8th century AD.
Hazrat Habib Saleem Raie was a shepherd; there is a famous depiction by a pious man of how he encountered Hazrat Raie:
"One day I saw him deep in prayers, whilst a wolf was watching over his herd. I thought to myself, 'after having seen such an astonishing sight I must visit with this great man.' When he finished his prayers, I said 'Hello.' He said 'for what reason have you come here?' I said 'I have come to visit your holiness.' He said 'May God bless you.' I said 'Sheikh how is it that I see a wolf and Sheep in agreement and peace?' He said 'because Raie is in agreement and peace with God.'"
Hazrat Habib Raie was asked: "Where do you find contentment?' He replied: "In the heart which is not covered with the dust of hypocrisy."
A person asked Hazrat Habib Raie: “How did you reach this state?” He said: "By following Hazrat Mohammad (peace be upon him)."
Hazrat Habib Raie was one of the greatest true Muslims in his era and exemplified the life of a Sufi in every way.
Hazrat Ibrahim Adham : His entrance to the world of Sufism is most remarkable. One night, as he lay fast asleep in his bed, he was awoken by sounds on the roof. He asked, "Who goes there?" The voice answered, "I am looking for my camel." Hazrat Adham became puzzled by the man's answer and asked, "How can you be looking for your camel on my roof?" The man replied, "It's no more unbelievable than looking for God while sitting on your throne." ...
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Hazrat Ibrahim Adham
Abu Es'haagh Ibrahim Adham, a prince from Balkh (Northern Afghanistan), was born in 700 C.E. and departed this world in 777 C.E.
His entrance to the world of Sufism is most remarkable. One night, as he lay fast asleep in his bed, he was awoken by sounds on the roof. He asked, "Who goes there?" The voice answered, "I am looking for my camel." Hazrat Adham became puzzled by the man's answer and asked, "How can you be looking for your camel on my roof?" The man replied, "It's no more unbelievable than looking for God while sitting on your throne."
The next day, the imperial court was hosting a public session for the people of the land to express their concerns. A man entered the court and asked Hazrat Adham, "What are you doing in this inn?" Hazrat Adham said, "This is my palace, not an inn!" The man answered, "Who did it belong to before you?" He said, "My father." The man continued, "And before him, was it not your grandfather's and your forefathers'? So tell me, if this is not an inn, what is? Is it not the case that people come and go every so often?" The man did not wait for an answer and left.
These events had a profound effect on Hazrat Adham, causing him to denounce his throne for the world of love and Sufism.
Hazrat Sha'ghigh Balkhi : Hazrat Shaghigh Balkhi: Hazrat Sha'ghigh became captivated by Hazrat Adham's words. He kissed the hand of his teacher and declared, "You are my true Teacher." ...
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Hazrat Sha'ghigh Balkhi
Hazrat Sha'ghigh, an eighth century Sufi Master, was from Khorasan. He was the student of Hazrat Adham and later the teacher of Hazrat Ha'tam As'aam.
After encountering Hazrat Ibrahim Adham in Mecca, he began his journey on the path of love and Erfan. Hazrat Adham asked Hazrat Sha'ghigh, "What event led you on your journey here?" Hazrat Sha'ghigh explained, "I was wandering the desert when I came across a bird with broken wings. I was intrigued to know how he would survive the harsh environment, so I spent a while observing him. A few moments passed before a healthy bird came carrying a worm in his beak. The healthy bird continued to feed and care for his injured companion. Witnessing this inspired me, and I was consumed with an urge to find that creator who motioned the healthy bird to come and aid the forgotten one—the creator who ensures that the balance and harmony of existence is kept constant. The thought of his splendor brought me to my knees in prayer."
Hazrat Adham said, "Why don't you strive to be that healthy bird so that you can help those with broken wings?" Hazrat Sha'ghigh became captivated by Hazrat Adham's words. He kissed the hand of his teacher and declared, "You are my true Teacher."
"In order to live a peaceful life, one must be content with what one has been given. Therefore, eat what you have been given and wear what has been provided."
"If you desire to know how close you are to God, look in your heart. Does your belief lie with God's command, or do you follow what people say?"
Hazrat Sha'ghigh Balkhi advised Hazrat Ha'tam, "If you want to live a good life and die easily, adhere to five things. Never be jealous, as we are all unique and created with different qualities; that is the wish of God, and you cannot change it. Do not try to guide people, as God guides those He wants. Do not pursue greed for the world. Do not pursue wishes. Do not act without the guidance of the teacher."
Hazrat Balkhi has written many books, including Mesbah ol Sharieh va Meftah ol Haghigh, which includes references and quotes from Imam Jafar Sadegh. Adab Al'ebadat describes the journey of cognition toward God. It is important to note that Hazrat Balkhi was the first person in Islam to write such a revealing account of cognition.
