Can you benefit from a shaykh at a distance?

Where distance or time keeps a disciple from being in the presence of his shaykh, the nur, or light, of the shaykh's teachings would still reach him, if he is ready to accept it. Therefore one should not be disheartened, as someone who lives far from the shaykh may be the closest to his heart.

Generally a disciple would visit his shaykh, listen to his words, take benefit, apply it to his life and follow up with him. In the past, when travelling was hard and disciples lived far from their shaykh, letters were the common mode of communication, and the letters of Mujaddid Alf Thani rahimahullah to his disciples are the perfect example.

Those letters show great care and attention, tawajjuh, towards his disciples, and his focused guidance for them in all matters, worldly and religious. They were written to disciples who lived away from the Mujaddid rahimahullah, yet they still carry the light, the nur, of his words, to the extent that they are still read and used as a great reference to Tasawwuf.

Nowadays technology has made it easier to save and spread the words of the shaykh, making them accessible to those not living in his vicinity. The importance of the shaykh's company cannot be denied, and it has its own profound benefits, but the intent can be gathered from his words, whether heard or read.

Allah's Divine concern, inaya, has its own ways, yet the best way prescribed is still the traditional one: listening to the words of the shaykh and keeping him informed of one's ahwal, one's states.

Quite often, by the Divine Blessing of Allah, the seeker may have a question in mind and find its answer in the words of his shaykh without even posing it. Listening to the lectures of one's own shaykh is the most beneficial form of getting the benefit, and no doubt Jalal al-Din Rumi rahimahullah began the Mathnavi with the word "Listen". [Keller, Sea without Shore]

A seeker who lives in another city or country is still to make an effort to visit his shaykh when possible. Recordings of the shaykh's lectures may be available nowadays, and where distance leaves a seeker unable to attend the gatherings, he must listen to them.

Seekers who are blessed with nearness to their shaykh must not consider themselves superior. Suhaib Roomi may Allah be pleased with him and Salman Farsi may Allah be pleased with him came from far-off lands and were blessed, whereas Abu Jahal and Abu Lahab were profane, even though they were close to the Prophet ﷺ.