Response of Moses to God’s Question

The response of Moses to God’s question demonstrates sincerity and an unselfish dialogue with the Divine.

Knowledge in Conduct towards Creation

True knowledge manifests in conduct towards others. The seeker must behave towards the creation of God as if facing God Himself. This principle, like a mirror, reflects the seeker’s behaviour with creation and indicates how they interact with the Divine. Knowledge without proper and gentle interaction with creation remains incomplete, akin to a tree that bears no fruit.

Key point: True knowledge is revealed in gentle conduct with creation, and spiritual progress is impossible without sincere and considerate interaction with others.

The Resurrection in Present Actions

The Qur’an states: “Read your record; sufficient is yourself against you this Day as accountant.” (Al-Isra: 14)

The Resurrection manifests in the present conduct of individuals, and worldly actions determine their accounting in the hereafter. This verse serves as a warning to the seeker to reflect on their deeds and traverse the path of spiritual journey consciously.

Key point: The Resurrection is reflected in present actions, and worldly deeds determine the reckoning in the afterlife.

Conduct with Objects and Creation

Gentle, respectful, and humble conduct towards objects and creation demonstrates the seeker’s knowledge and spiritual journey. True scholars interact respectfully with all, from clothing and books to other beings. Such humility reflects the depth of the seeker’s knowledge. The seeker must treat objects and beings as manifestations of the Divine to attain perfection in their path.

Key point: Humble conduct with objects and creation indicates knowledge and spiritual journey, and respect towards them manifests Divine knowledge.

Critique of Misuse of Books

Disrespect towards books and others’ possessions indicates a deficiency in conduct and knowledge. A book, as a repository of knowledge, should be treated with respect. This critique serves as a warning to preserve the sanctity of knowledge and others’ rights, avoiding negligence towards Divine manifestations.

Key point: Disrespect towards books and possessions reflects deficiency in knowledge and conduct.

Selflessness of the Prophets

Prophets and saints attained Divine stations without desire or personal gain. The Qur’an addresses Moses’ selflessness: “Indeed, I am Allah”, and addresses the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in purity of love: “Read in the name of your Lord who created”. Prophets, like stars, shine in the sky of knowledge without seeking rank. This selflessness serves as a model for seekers to free themselves from personal motives.

Key point: Prophets attained Divine stations without desire, serving as a model for liberation from egoistic motives.

Difference in Levels of Supplication

Requesting worldly or otherworldly matters from God is permissible, yet noble spiritual conduct involves seeking God without ulterior motive. The true seeker loves only union with the Beloved, not acquisition of His gifts. This distinction separates ordinary from elevated spiritual paths.

Key point: Elevated spiritual conduct seeks God without ulterior motives; worldly and otherworldly requests remain at a lower level.

Conclusion

This study highlights the causal relationship between beginnings and ends, emphasising the necessity of correcting initial dispositions to achieve elevated ends. Beginnings were analysed in three phases: pre-capacity, capacity container, and actualisation, considering primordial, environmental, and acquired factors in shaping conduct. Sincerity as the axis of initial correction, and liberation from reward or motive as the condition of true spiritual conduct, are emphasised. Distinguishing between peace and submission, and advocating a continuous and integrated approach over discrete metrics, guides conduct towards unity and sincerity. The Qur’an and the Prophetic traditions emphasise selflessness and pure obedience. The seeker’s conduct towards creation and objects mirrors their knowledge, and the Resurrection manifests in present deeds.

Maladies of Spiritual Conduct and Identification of Seekers, Guides, and Pretenders

Spiritual conduct is a journey from multiplicity to unity, from division to gathering, and from desire to pure love. This path, like a river flowing to the sea of truth, requires adherence to Sharia, sincerity in intention, and avoidance of egoistic and satanic maladies. The study highlights spiritual maladies and distinctions among seekers, the guided, and pretenders.

Key point: Spiritual seekers must adhere to Sharia, respect prohibitions, uphold Divine boundaries, show compassion, live simply, avoid wasting time, and guard against heartly distractions.

Stages of Spiritual Journey: Sharia, Tariqa, and Haqiqa

Spiritual conduct is like a journey starting with Sharia, flowing through Tariqa, and merging with the sea of Haqiqa. Sharia is the river entrance; Tariqa is the stream; Haqiqa is the ocean. Without Sharia, reaching truth is impossible. This framework structures spiritual practice logically.

Key point: Sharia is the foundation of spiritual conduct; without it, mysticism may lead to deviation.

Three Levels of Mystical Journey

1. Intention of Journey: Conscious intention is the spark initiating the journey. The seeker must integrate intention with action to commence a purposeful journey. Key point: Intention is essential to distinguish purposeful spiritual progress from aimless action.
2. Estrangement (Ghurba): Natural outcome of the mystical journey, estrangement disconnects the seeker from worldly attachments, preparing them for Divine proximity. Key point: Estrangement leads to Divine closeness and reflection of the Divine face to the seeker.
3. Vision of Divine Unity: Final stage of the journey, witnessing the absolute unity of God, where multiplicity disappears and pure unity manifests. Key point: Vision of Divine unity is the ultimate goal, achieved through intention, estrangement, and Divine proximity.

Advanced Seekers (Mufarridun) as Pioneers of the Path

The hadith “Proceed; the pioneers are ahead” identifies the Mufarridun as path leaders, distinguished by their detachment and Divine grace. They guide others while remaining unbound by worldly distractions.

Key point: The Mufarridun exemplify leadership in spiritual progress through detachment and Divine favour.