Although every religion talks about a spirit or a soul, modern science does not recognise this and there is little or no research done on this subject matter although it is very real and apparent. The forgotten Soul.
With the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
What’s more, by concentrating so much on materialism, inventions and exploring our physical environment, humanity has been completely distracted from learning about and growing our spirituality.
The soul and spirituality is completely different to our physical beings and surroundings. It’s another dimension to our beings, another whole lot of experiences to explore.
Its about growing our inner consciousness, our feelings of love, intuition and sixth sense while at the same time learning to control our greed, anger, jealousy and physical needs such as the need for food.
It’s is because of today’s lack in learning about and teaching spirituality that humanity is experiencing a whole lot of problems, such as wars, increase in crime, poverry/ exploitation, divorce and so forth.
There are basically three stages in the development of the human spirit; “…(1) but there are among them some who wrong their own souls:(2) some who follow a middle course and (3) some who are, by Allah’s leave, foremost in good deeds: that is the highest Grace. Al Quraan 35:32
There are other verses of the Quraan, which are brought to our attention by the Aulia Allah, which elaborates on these three stages. The first stage is called “Nafse Ammara”, which has been translated as “…Verily this soul is prone to evil” Al Quraan 12:53.
When a person begins to question his actions, control his desires and take steps to do good deeds he has reached the second stage called “Nafse Lawamma”, which has been translated as “… the self accusing soul.” 75:2.
This consciousness is very delicate. If a person does not follow the correct route that this soul directs us to then this consciousness is damaged and it would not warn us again on this matter. Wrong would become normal to us.
If we follow the leads that it gives, then it becomes stronger teaching us even more refined forms of righteousness until our souls becomes perfect. This perfect soul is called “Nafs mutmaina” which is translated to read: “O soul that is at rest!…” Al Quraan 90:27 and 89:28
– From a carnal soul to a searching soul to a peaceful soul.
In Islam, Tasawwuf or Sufism specializes in the development of the soul, and spiritual guides, guide people to developing the soul.
Jalaludin Rumi (RA) in poetry explains the importance of a spiritual guide:
“Nothing came into existence by itself: No iron did become a sword by itself. The molvie could never become Maula-e Rum Until he became the slave of Shams-e Tabriz”
If you think science is great in that it can take you to the moon and it can show you what is happening in another world, then religion is far greater for the soul at rest has tremendous power as it can do all of this and much more without any fancy expensive gadgetry and without even aspiring to do any of this. The only wish of the soul at rest is to experience the joy of lovers meeting without boundaries and barriers—submerged into one.
“Happy the moment when we are seated in the palace, Thou and I. With two forms and two figures, but with one soul, Thou and I.” Shamsi Tabraiz
Read more about the soul in Imam Gazalli’s book Ihya Ulum ud deen. END
Peace and Blessings be upon Muhammad Salallahu Alayhe Wasallam.
Published by Anjuman e Waris e Mohammedi.
Anjuman e Waris e Mohammedi was foundered by Dr Hakim Hazrath Khwaja Sayed Shareef Ahmed Ali Shah RA (lovingly known as Hazrath Poona Wale Shah Saib RA)
Author: Mohammed Hassan Gaffoor (WhatsApp +27849101486)
Read a more detailed article on Spirituality titled ENLIGHTENMENT