What is raabta with a shaykh?

Raabta e Shaykh, communication with the shaykh, is the broad term used for attending the meetings of one's shaykh and informing him of the changes in one's self, either good or bad. The disciples who live in his close vicinity are encouraged to visit him for the weekly meetings, and those living remotely should still visit him when they can.

Another way of getting the benefit from the shaykh is to travel with him, or to perform Eitikaf with him, the ritual retreat in the mosque. The extended period of the journey or of the Eitikaf gives the disciple an opportunity to observe the shaykh's routines, and through his example the disciple finds it easy to follow.

It is worth noting that a true shaykh always follows in the footsteps of Rasul Allah ﷺ and ensures that his disciples do the same, as connecting them to the Prophetic Sunnah is the ultimate goal. Attending the meetings or travelling with the shaykh has another benefit: it gives the shaykh an opportunity to observe the disciple and help him to overcome his shortcomings.

There is no substitute for tarbiya, the spiritual training given by a shaykh, and it happens best when one attends the meetings of the shaykh or listens to his words while keeping him updated with one's state.

A seeker's spiritual matters are for his own shaykh, and he must not discuss them with anyone else. In reporting them he must be concise, and bear in mind that the shaykh has travelled the path of Tasawwuf already and fully understands them.