What Is a Sufi Tariqa—and Why Does Lineage Matter?

In today’s spiritual landscape, many seek authentic guidance. But what makes a Sufi order (tariqa) legitimate—and why does lineage matter?

A tariqa is a path—a disciplined journey of purifying the soul under the guidance of a living master, connected by an unbroken spiritual chain (silsila) to the Prophet ﷺ. At Khanqah Ehsaniyyah, we follow a unique confluence of five major Sufi lineages: Chishti, Qadiri, Naqshbandi, Suhrawardi, and Sanusi.

Lineage is not about prestige; it is about transmission. Like water flowing through a pipe, divine knowledge and grace are passed down heart to heart. Without this connection, practice risks becoming imitation without presence.

Our guide, Shaykh Ehsanullah Shah, was entrusted with 45 such lineages by his teachers. His role is not to be followed blindly, but to mirror back your own journey toward Allah with sincerity and care.