Introduction: An Introduction to Benevolence in the Mystical Journey
The mystical journey is a path that guides the seeker from the darkness of heedlessness to the light of divine knowledge and nearness to God. In this journey, benevolence, like a radiant light, manifests not only in actions but also in the spiritual states and inner quality of worship. Nekounam's lectures in Session 459, focusing on the chapter of benevolence and the examination of the spiritual states of worship, open a gateway towards a deeper understanding of this stage of the mystical path. The aim is to outline a comprehensive map of benevolence in spiritual states, methods to identify the divine nature of worship, and warnings regarding the pitfalls of the spiritual journey.
Section One: The Concept of Benevolence in Spiritual States and the Importance of the Purity of the State
Benevolence in States: The Purity and Integrity of the Worshipful State
Benevolence, in the second sense, refers to the purity and integrity of the inner states resulting from worship. Worship, beyond its external form, must create effects in the soul and heart of the seeker that guide them towards divine proximity. These states may sometimes be divine, connected to the Truth, and other times they may be non-divine, stemming from egoistic desires or satanic whispers. The purity of the spiritual state is like a breeze that soothes the soul after the storm of the self. A worship that lacks a divine state is like a tree without fruit: though it appears green, it yields no fruit. This concept is in harmony with the noble verse from the Quran:
Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing. (Quran: 29:45)
Prayer, as the ascension of the believer, should distance the seeker from the vices of the self and guide them towards divine virtues. The absence of this effect is indicative of a deficiency in the way or the ultimate goal of worship. Key Point: Benevolence in states refers to the purity and integrity of the inner states of worship, which should keep the seeker away from egoistic vices and guide them towards divine proximity.
Challenges of Non-Divine States
Non-divine states are like dark clouds that conceal the light of truth from the seekers heart. These states either stem from egoistic desires (such as seeking pleasure or self-importance) or from satanic whispers that direct the seeker towards sin. Distinguishing these states from divine ones requires a precise and scientific criterion, which will be clarified in the subsequent sections.
Section Two: Methods of Recognizing Divine States
Three Ways to Recognize Divine or Non-Divine States
In order to distinguish whether a state of worship is divine or non-divine, three methods have been outlined: by knowledge (علم), by understanding (معرفة), and by signs (علامة). These three methods, like three torches in the dark path, guide the seeker towards the truth.
By Knowledge (علم) Conformity with Shari'ah
Worship must, in both its essence (like the number of units in prayer) and in its validation (such as the time and conditions for performing the prayer), conform to Shari'ah. Worship that deviates from Shari'ah is like a ship that strays from its course and heads towards a cliff. For example, a prayer performed with five units instead of four is invalid, and its state will be satanic. Similarly, worship performed at an inappropriate time, such as a prayer performed instead of fulfilling a believer's need, lacks spiritual effect.
Take whatever the Messenger gives you, and refrain from whatever he forbids you. (Quran: 59:7)
The Shari'ah, like a divine map, outlines the correct path for worship, and any deviation from it leads the seeker astray.
By Understanding (معرفة) Knowledge of the True Object of Worship
Worship is a branch of the true object of worship, and without knowledge of God as the true deity, it will be either fruitless or harmful. The object of worship is like the destination the seeker is heading towards; if the destination is incorrect, the journey, no matter how difficult, will not reach its intended goal. False conceptions of God (such as Him being partial, specific, or absent) divert worship from the true path.
Know that there is no deity except Him. (Quran: 47:19)
Understanding the true nature of God is like a key that unlocks the door of worship and guides the seeker towards divine proximity.
By Signs (علامة) Examination of the Signs of States
The signs of states, such as spiritual vitality or lethargy, are indicators to assess the validity of those states. This method is personal and predominant but lacks absolute certainty. However, it still serves as a valuable guide for the seeker. For instance, worship that generates spiritual vitality and draws one closer to the truth is divine, whereas worship that induces lethargy and fatigue is non-divine.
And those who strive in Us We will surely guide them to Our ways. (Quran: 29:69)
The struggle in worship should lead to guidance and spiritual vitality, and the absence of these signs indicates a deficiency in the states of worship. Key Point: The three methods of recognizing spiritual states (by knowledge, by understanding, and by signs) serve as foundational criteria for ensuring the validity of worship and guiding the seeker towards the divine path.
Section Three: Critique of Incorrect Worship and Its Negative Effects
The Negative Effects of Non-Shari'ah Conformant Worship
Worship that does not conform to Shari'ah is like a seed planted in unsuitable soil, yielding only weeds. Whether in terms of essence (such as structural changes) or validation (such as being performed at the wrong time), such worship creates satanic states. For example, prayer performed to fulfill a believer's need when it is done at an improper time lacks spiritual effect because it has not been placed in the correct context.
Establish the prayer and give the zakat. (Quran: 2:43)
Divine obligations only bear fruit when performed in the right context. Deviation from that context renders the worship ineffective.
The Negative Effect of Worship to a False Object
Worship that is directed to a false object, such as worshipping desires or incorrect concepts of God, strengthens egoistic tendencies and illusions rather than drawing the seeker closer to God. Such worship is like drinking from a mirage, which only intensifies thirst. Instead of gaining knowledge and peace, the seeker becomes trapped in self-importance and rebellion.
Have you seen the one who has taken as his god his own desire? (Quran: 45:23)
Worship of desire leads the seeker to corruption and misguidance, trapping them in egoistic tendencies instead of elevating them towards spiritual ascent. Key Point: Incorrect worship, whether in terms of method (non-Shari'ah) or goal (false deity), strengthens egoistic tendencies and satanic states, rather than guiding the seeker to divine proximity.
Spiritual States and the Science of Thoughts
Spiritual States and Their Influence on the Heart of the Seeker
The states of worship, much like thoughts, hold dominion and have a profound impact on the heart of the seeker (slik). Each thought, akin to pitch, settles in the heart and creates a lasting impression, provided it is not of a carnal nature. Spiritual states that are divinely inspired resemble a light that illuminates the heart post-worship, leading the soul towards the Supreme Truth. This effect is akin to a taste that lingers beneath the tongue after consuming a delicious meal; even after the completion of worship, divine worship preserves its effects within the heart of the seeker. This principle resonates with the noble hadith **"The prayer is the ascension of the believer."** As an ascension, it is meant to guide the seeker towards the spiritual heavens.
Key Insight: Spiritual states, much like thoughts, have enduring effects. If they are divinely inspired, they guide the heart towards proximity to the Divine.
Characteristics of Divine Spiritual States
Divine spiritual states strengthen their impact without the need for excessive remembrance, leading to good and steering away from evil. These states, like a flowing river, nourish the heart, continuously generating positive outcomes. For instance, a prayer that softens the heart, leads to charity, and in turn, fosters inner growth towards the Divine is a divine spiritual state. This effect is described by the phrase **"It does not vanish through negation"**meaning that it does not dissipate, but rather grows stronger with each repetition. This principle demonstrates the dynamic nature of divine states in spiritual practice.
Classification of Spiritual States in Worship
Spiritual states can be categorized into four types:
- Divine (Rahmn): Pertaining to the Divine, devoid of personal gain, such as worship that leads to closeness to the Divine.
- Angelic (Malak): Motivating towards good and preventing evil, such as worship that directs towards charity or service to others.
- Satanic (Shayn): Motivating towards evil and sin, such as worship that leads to hypocrisy or self-admiration.
- Psychic (Nafsn): Related to carnal desires and pleasures, such as worship performed for fame or personal gratification.
This classification serves as a map that separates the various paths of spiritual practice. Divine and angelic states guide the seeker towards the Divine, while satanic and psychic states lead them astray. This classification aligns with the following verse from the Qur'an:
فَأَلْهَمَهَا فُجُورَهَا وَتَقْوَاهَا
Translation (Fouladwand): "And He inspired to it its wickedness and its righteousness" (Surah Ash-Shams, 8). The soul is susceptible to both paths of sin and righteousness, and worship should guide it towards righteousness.
Summary of Section Four
Spiritual states, like thoughts, hold dominion and influence the heart of the seeker. If they are divinely inspired, they guide the heart towards proximity to the Divine. The classification of states into divine, angelic, satanic, and psychic provides clear criteria for discerning the path of spiritual practice. Divine states, with their enduring and increasing effects, lead the seeker towards spiritual ascension.
The Role of Shari'a and Guidance in Spiritual Practice
Shari'a: The Standard for Discernment of Spiritual States
The Shari'a, much like the scales of justice, is the primary criterion for determining the validity of spiritual states. The seeker must, through personal effort (ijtihd), align their states with the Shari'a, distinguishing the false from the true. This principle is encapsulated in the phrase **"The scale is knowledge."** The Shari'a serves as the measure of knowledge and truth. This concept is reinforced by the following Qur'anic verse:
وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ
Translation (Fouladwand): "And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion" (Surah Al-Bayyina, 5). True worship is only realized under the guidance of the Shari'a, and any deviation from it leads the seeker away from the path of truth.
Key Insight: The Shari'a is the primary criterion for discerning spiritual states, and the seeker must align their states with it through personal effort.
Seeking Assistance from the Sheikh and the Brotherhood of Truth
If the seeker is uncertain about their states, they must seek assistance from a Sheikh or the Brotherhood of Truth (Ikhwn al-idq). This assistance is akin to seeking guidance in a dark desert, as it saves the seeker from misguidance. The request for guidance should be made in secrecy to avoid pitfalls such as ostentation and self-display (danas). This principle aligns with the noble hadith **"Seek knowledge, even if it is in China,"** which encourages seeking guidance and knowledge even from the most distant of places.
Seeking the Essence of the Awliya' (Friends of God)
Seeking the essence of the Awliya', whether alive or deceased, provides a way to clear any ambiguity in spiritual states. Visiting the graves of scholars and believers, attending the sick, and participating in funeral ceremonies are like invoking the pure spirits for guidance. These acts illuminate the heart with the light of knowledge. This principle is confirmed by the Qur'anic verse:
وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ
Translation (Fouladwand): "And seek help through patience and prayer" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 45). Seeking help from the Awliya' acts like patience and prayer, strengthening the heart against temptations.
Seeking Help and Protection from Allah
Ultimately, the seeker must seek help and protection from Allah to shield themselves from the whispers of Satan. This protection serves as a shield that guards the seeker from the arrows of Satan. This principle is aligned with the following Qur'anic verse:
وَقُلْ رَبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ
Translation (Fouladwand): "And say, 'My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the whispers of the devils'" (Surah Al-Muminun, 79). Seeking refuge in Allah fortifies the seeker against whispers and misguidance.
Key Insight: Seeking help from the Sheikh, the Awliya', and Allahs protection guides and shields the seeker from ambiguities and temptations.
Summary of Section Five
The Shari'a, the Sheikh, the Awliya', and seeking help from Allah, like four firm pillars, guide the seeker in the path of spiritual practice. The Shari'a serves as the measure of truth, the Sheikh and the Awliya' as guides on the path, and seeking help from Allah as a shield against Satan. These elements lead the seeker towards a pure heart and closeness to the Divine.
Spiritual Pitfalls and the Hardening of the Heart
The Critique of a Hardened Heart
Advising others without action is like planting seeds in rocky soil; it hardens the heart and renders one impervious to influence. This is akin to an infidel who calls others to the faith but remains distant from its truth. This critique is supported by the Qur'anic verse:
لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ
Translation (Fouladwand): "Why do you say what you do not do?" (Surah As-Saff, 2). Inconsistency between words and actions hardens the heart and deprives it of the light of knowledge.
The Danger of Divine Blessings and Deception
Divine blessings are sometimes bestowed to increase sin, much like a leech that sucks the blood of its victim, choking them in negligence. The seeker must be cautious of heedlessness in gratitude for blessings, for blessings can sometimes be a means of divine deception. This concept aligns with the Qur'anic verse:
إِنَّمَا نُمْلِي لَهُمْ لِيَزْدَادُوا إِثْمًا
Translation (Fouladwand): "We give them respite so that they may increase in sin" (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 178). Divine deception is like a balm that suffocates the sinner with blessings, and the seeker must avoid this trap through gratitude and vigilance.
Key Insight: The hardening of the heart and negligence towards blessings are pitfalls in spiritual practice that distance the seeker from the Divine.
Summary of Section Six
The hardening of the heart and negligence towards blessings are like two pitfalls on the path of spiritual practice. Advising without action hardens the heart, while blessings can sometimes be tools of divine deception. The seeker must act according to their words and be vigilant in their gratitude to avoid these pitfalls and move towards a pure heart.
Conclusion and Final Summary
