of Nakoonam, may his soul rest in peace (Session 311)
Preface
The station of truth (Sadaq) is one of the fundamental pillars of mystical journeying in the venerable text Manzil as-irn (The Stations of the Wayfarers). This station, elaborated with unparalleled depth and insight in the lectures, encompasses the essence and the firmament of all things. In its primary form, which is the truth of intention (Sadaq al-Qasd), it emphasizes the purity of intention and divine orientation in one's actions. Truth, in essence, is a light that penetrates the darkness of heedlessness, guiding the seeker towards spiritual perfection.
Section One: The Concept of Truth and its Various Stages
Defining Truth: The Essence and Constitution of a Thing Truth (Sadaq), as the very essence and constitution of a thing, serves as a criterion that indicates the extent to which something aligns with and embodies its intrinsic reality. Any act that is imbued with truth becomes steadfast and substantial, drawing nearer to its true nature. This definition presents truth as a foundation for realizing the reality of every thing, akin to the soul that breathes life into the body of actions, rendering them alive and dynamic.
Key Point: Truth is the essence and constitution of all things, determining their alignment and harmony with reality, thereby serving as the basis for spiritual journeying.
The Threefold Stages of Truth
Truth, within mystical journeying, manifests in three stages, with the first stage being Sadaq al-Qasd (Truth of Intention), which is foundational for entering the spiritual path. This stage serves as a gateway that directs the seeker toward higher levels of spiritual realization, and without it, no action can attain its truth and perfection.
Sadaq al-Qasd: Pure Intention for the Perfection of Action
The truth of intention refers to a pure and sincere intention aimed at fulfilling the perfection of the act, without any trace of hypocrisy, pretense, negligence, or delay. This intention brings the action closer to its essence and cleanses it from any worldly or selfish inclinations. Truth of intention, much like a clear stream, purifies the action from both outward and inward impurities, guiding it towards its divine goal.
Section Two: Characteristics and Signs of Truthful Intention
Actualizing the Truth of Action for God
An act performed with Sadaq al-Qasd brings its essence into reality for the sake of God. This requires the utmost sincerity and a focus on divine approval, ensuring that no worldly motive interferes. This purity is like a light that transforms the act from the darkness of egoism into the radiance of divinity.
The Role of Sadaq al-Qasd in Entering Spiritual Stations
Truth of intention is a necessary condition for entering spiritual stations. Without a sincere intention, one cannot attain the rank of spiritual journeying, as the sincere intention is like a key that opens the doors to knowledge and nearness to God. A person lacking this intention finds their actions devoid of truth and stability, unable to reach the spiritual goal.
Key Point: Sadaq al-Qasd is the prerequisite for entering the spiritual path, and without it, outward actions lack intrinsic truth and spiritual worth.
The Two Faces of Truthful Intention: Affirmative and Negative
The truth of intention encompasses two aspects: the affirmative, which refers to the perfect and correct execution of the action, and the negative, which stresses the purity of the action from doubt, weakness, or delay. These two aspects complement each other, leading to the full realization of truth. The affirmative aspect serves as the foundation of the action, while the negative aspect protects it from any flaw or contamination.
Signs of Sincerity in Intention
Sincerity in intention is marked by three distinct signs:
- The rejection of any motive that would lead to breaking one's promise.
- Avoidance of engagement with opposing or contradictory actions.
- Steadfastness in performing the action without slackness or negligence.
These signs act as practical criteria for measuring the purity of intention, serving as a mirror that reflects the inner truth of the seeker.
Rectification and Compensating for Deficiencies
Truth of intention compels the seeker to complete the act, compensate for deficiencies, and rectify faults. These traits draw the act closer to perfection and free the seeker from past heedlessness. Compensating for deficiencies is akin to rebuilding a spiritual structure that was once ruined by negligence, which, through sincere intention, is restored to its former glory.
Section Three: The Impact of Sincere Intention on Action and Spiritual Journeying
The Impact of Sincere Intention on Action
Sincerity in action means the complete execution of the act, free from doubt or suspicion. This ensures that the action reaches its ultimate truth and perfection, safeguarding it from any imperfection or deviation. An action performed with sincerity is like a flower blossoming in the divine garden, spreading the fragrance of God's approval.
The Deficiency of Hypocrisy and Coercion in Action
An action performed with hypocrisy or coercion is devoid of sincerity and cannot achieve perfection. Hypocrisy strips the action of its truth and purity, while coercion distances it from the divine spirit. These two are like clouds that obscure the light of sincerity, plunging the action into the darkness of egoism.
Key Point: Hypocrisy and coercion are the main obstacles to realizing truth in action, and they deprive the action of its divine truth and purity.
Perseverance in Action with Sincere Intention
Sincerity in intention encourages the seeker to persist in their actions, striving for perfection. This perseverance serves as a sign of commitment to the divine goal, guarding the seeker against laxity and heedlessness. Perseverance in action is like a current that carries the seeker toward the ocean of divine perfection.
Example of Fasting: The Key Role of Intention
In the case of fasting, an intention to break the fast alone renders the fast invalid, even if the act of eating does not occur. This illustrates the pivotal role that intention plays in the validity of the action. Intention is the spirit of the act; without it, the act becomes a lifeless body devoid of value.
Section Four: Tireless Effort and the Rectification of Heedlessness
The Example of the Ant: A Symbol of Truthful Intention
The metaphor of the ant, which, despite obstacles, tirelessly works to bring food to its nest, beautifully illustrates the truth of intention. This tireless effort is a sign of the sincere intention that does not deter the seeker, even in the face of setbacks. The ant is like a mirror that reflects the determination and willpower of the seeker on the path to perfection.
Key Point: The example of the ant symbolizes Sadaq al-Qasd, guiding the seeker toward perfection with relentless effort, even in the face of obstacles and failures.
Heedlessness: The Primary Obstacle to Truth
Heedlessness is the primary barrier to achieving truth in action. A heedless person misses spiritual opportunities and cannot attain perfection. Sadaq al-Qasd, by fostering spiritual awareness, removes this obstacle, guiding the seeker towards enlightenment and knowledge.
Rectifying Past Deficiencies
Sincere intention leads the seeker to compensate for past deficiencies and mistakes made during periods of heedlessness. This rectification is like rebuilding a spiritual structure that was once weakened, which is strengthened once again with awakened consciousness and sincerity.
Promptness in Charity and Worship
A sincere intention urges the seeker to hasten in performing acts of charity, worship, and seizing spiritual opportunities. This urgency signifies seriousness and dedication in the spiritual journey, as if the seeker views every moment as a precious gem that should not be missed.
Section Five: The Illuminating Heart and Closeness to God
Illuminating the Heart through Sincere Action
A sincere action illuminates the heart with the light of obedience and purges it from the darkness of heedlessness. This illumination is the direct result of sincerity in both intention and action, guiding the heart step by step towards divine radiance.
Rectifying the Damage of the Heart through Closeness to God
A heart, devoid of intimacy with God, is damaged and desolate. Sincerity in action, by establishing closeness to God, restores this damage. Closeness to God is like a stream that nourishes and revitalizes the dry land of the heart.
Key Point: Sincerity in action, by fostering closeness to God, brings the heart from the ruin of heedlessness to spiritual flourishing.
Purity through Attention to Action
A sincere individual, who is focused solely on the act itself and its outcomes, such as reward or paradise, is purged of any attachment to self-interest and solely directs their attention to God. Attention to the act can be considered a subtle form of shirk (polytheism), which prevents the seeker from experiencing the presence of the Divine. This purity appears as if a veil is lifted from the seekers eyes, leading them to witness the Divine Presence.
Continuous Striving for Perfection
Achieving perfection requires persistent, uninterrupted effort in all conditions. This effort signifies true intent, and it does not deter the seeker, even in the face of obstacles and setbacks. This striving can be likened to a journey that guides the seeker toward the summits of Divine perfection.
Section Six: Summary and Conclusion
The station of Truthfulness in the stages of the spiritual journey, as one of the cornerstones of mystical ascension, outlines a spiritual journey from pure intent toward Divine perfection. Truthfulness, as the very essence and reality of all things, emphasizes, in its first stage, truthful intention, focusing on a sincere desire to complete the act and remedy any shortcomings. This intention has two aspects: positive (the fulfillment of the act) and negative (purity from hypocrisy and negligence), which guide the seeker toward the pursuit of truth and the path to the Divine. Examples, such as the ant and the plant, beautifully illustrate tireless striving toward perfection. Negligence is the primary hindrance to the realization of truth, while sincere intent leads the heart from the darkness of negligence to the light of worship. Truth in action, through fostering intimacy with God, guides the heart from corruption to prosperity, ultimately leading the seeker toward purity and Divine knowledge. This analysis highlights the depth and systematic nature of Islamic mysticism in explaining truthfulness and its role in the mystical journey.
