by Saniyasnain Khan
Traditional Sufi practice or heartfelt spirituality is based on muraqaba, zikr-meditation and remembrance of God. Sometimes it is also combined with music and song. This results in peace of mind which transforms into a kind of ecstasy as it progresses. Sufis believe that through activating certain points in the heart, its hidden treasure is unfolded, bringing enlightenment, peace and closeness to God.
There is also another kind of spirituality which resides in the mind and not in the heart, and is achieved at a purely intellectual level. The Qur'an uses several terms to express it: tawassum, tadabbur and tafakkur meaning drawing lessons through reflection, thinking and contemplation.
All things around us, from a tiny blade of grass to the vast Milky Way, and from the trees, plants and mountains to the sun, the moon and the sky — all are silent reminders of the greatness of the Creator. Everything that exists on this planet or in the universe is an amazing artistic marvel extolling the magnificence and magnanimity of the great Creator.
The vastness of the universe tells us that its Creator is so vast and great that it is beyond human imagination to comprehend Him or see Him through worldly eyes. Therefore, man can realise the Creator at the level of his intellect solely by activating his thinking processes. It is only by contemplating and deep thinking over the various signs scattered abundantly around us, that one can achieve true spirituality and God-realisation.
The inner transformation of mind and soul translates into outer spirituality blessed with peace and blissfulness. The spirituality of one who is spiritual on the inside will also reflect on the outside. Peace inside will radiate peace outside. Such a person will become more content, tolerant and respectful towards others. Anger, jealousy and negativity will be converted into a positive attitude which radiates forgiveness and compassion and, instead of thrusting his viewpoint on others, he will be more considerate and understanding. He will talk less and listen more. Instead of pointing out the faults in others, he will spend his time in introspection. His focus will be on his duties rather than on his rights. He will live as a harmless individual, contributing to society in positive and meaningful ways.
It is, therefore, the responsibility of every individual to uplift himself spiritually and realise the Creator. And then lead his life in accordance with God's creation plan. The main reasons for their not doing so are their forget-fulness of the Hereafter, and their obsession with worldly pursuits.
Man wants to earn more and more so that he may accumulate more and more material things. He is totally preoccupied with this urge till the day he dies. Only at the time of death does he realise that whatever was truly worth accumulating was one thing, while what he pursued was something else. A surfeit of worldly goods only increases a man's accountability to God. But in his foolishness, he thinks that with each acquisition, he is going from success to success.
The unenlightened want to build a paradise right here on earth. But this life has not been given to any individual as a reward, or as an unconditional blessing; and the present world has not been designed for human luxury and comfort, but is meant specifically to be a place of test and trial, to determine human eligibility to enter the eternal life of Paradise in the Hereafter. Let's not forget that.
