Misconception

Still another misconception is expressed thus:"We are the descendents(or a followers)of a great Shaikh,or the admirers of a righteous divine,or the admirers of a great 'Sufi'(living or dead).We therefore,think we are free from accountability and,whatever deeds we commit,we shall be accorded forgiveness and favours of Allah'
To such person,I would say:"If these relationship and affinities had been sure means to Salvation,Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Salam would never have warned his own daughter,Fatimah Radhiyallahu Anha thus:"Oh Fatimah,ptotect yourself against Hell-Fire;for I shall not be able to defend you in the court of Allah Ta'ala on the day of judgement".The Hadith implies that,unless a man possesses Imaan and sufficient number of virtues to his credit,mere relationship and affinities with Great 'Shaikhs' or 'Sufis' will be of no avail on the day of judgement.However,if someone possesses Imaan and abundance of virtues and,at the same time,is fortunate enough to have such affinities,then he is invested with two-fold blessings and illumined by light upon light(Noor)and these affinities will be beneficial for him on the day of judgement.Allah Ta'ala says:"And they who believe and whose seed follow them in faith,We cause their seed to join them(there),and We deprive them of naught of their life's work"(At-Tur:21)
This verse means that,through their righteousness,the descendents of the virtous persons will be raised to higher positions of favour attained by their ancestors in Paradise;and this will not decrease the bounties vouchsafed to their forefathers(Jazaa Ul A'maal)