Spiritual tension (or metaphysical tension) is an inward posture, a sort of standing to moral and spiritual attention. In its positive aspect, it means that believers hold an exceptionally strong and determined disposition for all that is good and permitted. They are preoccupied with such matters, and always work to achieve them. It has other … Continue reading What is the Purpose of Spiritual Tension?
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How to avoid claiming divine favors upon oneself?
Question: There are positive developments around the world in the direction of a revival of ethical and spiritual values. How should believers position themselves on a safe ground to avoid claiming divine favors upon themselves? This matter has two aspects; we are concerned with one aspect, while the other one is beyond our capacity. Regarding … Continue reading How to avoid claiming divine favors upon oneself?
Desire to Emulate, Envy, and Hastening to do Good As If Competing with One Another
How do we distinguish between the desire to emulate and envy? What are your thoughts regarding the charities and alms given away openly by some leading people in good work in order to inspire others and stimulate their feelings of generosity, while others cannot help but feel envy of their generosity? Desire to emulate (gibta) … Continue reading Desire to Emulate, Envy, and Hastening to do Good As If Competing with One Another
What is Ulfa (Familiarity)? And What Are its Negative Effects?
The word ulfa means familiar intercourse, familiarity, friendship. But what is meant in the question has a far broader and more comprehensive meaning than the bare translation of the word conveys. Humanity’s relationship to things and events, the meanings and conclusions drawn by them from such relationship, the actions and reactions that are aroused by … Continue reading What is Ulfa (Familiarity)? And What Are its Negative Effects?
How Should We React to the Evil Thoughts and Desires Whispered by Satan?
Involuntary evil thoughts, fancies, or associations of ideas usually are the result of Satan’s interference. Just as a battery has two poles, there are two central points to our hearts. These two poles work like the two poles of a battery; one receives angelic inspirations, while the other is susceptible to the suggestions of Satan. … Continue reading How Should We React to the Evil Thoughts and Desires Whispered by Satan?
How to Keep Free of Satanic Suggestions?
In fact, the guile of Satan is ever feeble (4:76). It is like a cobweb appearing before you—it cannot prevent you from going forward, and you do not have to attach any great importance to it. Satan only suggests or whispers, gilds sinful acts and presents them in falsely ornamented wrappers. Believers must never accept … Continue reading How to Keep Free of Satanic Suggestions?
What About Involuntary Thoughts and Fancies?
Involuntary evil thoughts, fancies, or associations of ideas usually are the result of Satan’s whispering. Just as a battery has two poles, so do our hearts have two central points or poles. Like the two poles of a battery, there are two central points or poles in man’s heart: One receives angelic inspiration, and the … Continue reading What About Involuntary Thoughts and Fancies?
Humility (Tawadu)
Tawadu (modesty and humility) is the opposite of arrogance, pride, and haughtiness. It can also be interpreted as one’s awareness of one’s real position before God, and as letting that realization guide one’s conduct toward God and with people. If one sees oneself as an ordinary, individual part of creation, a threshold of a door, … Continue reading Humility (Tawadu)
The nature of the self (ego)
Question: What is the exact nature of the self? The ego[1] is basically what we call the essence of human nature with qualities that are prone for goodness and evil. God Almighty has placed both good and evil feelings and emotions in our nature. In this respect, we can be both angelic and devilish. Just … Continue reading The nature of the self (ego)
What is “Unity of Being” (Wahdat al-Wujud)? Does it Conform in Any Way to the Teachings of Islam?”
Wahdat al-wujud (literally, oneness or unity of being) is a teaching mostly spoken of in connection with mystics and Sufis. Although the phrase refers to a subjective state or direct, inward experience attained by Sufis, it has also been understood and discussed as a philosophical concept and, as such, interpreted in different ways. Some have … Continue reading What is “Unity of Being” (Wahdat al-Wujud)? Does it Conform in Any Way to the Teachings of Islam?”