This article delves into a core element of Anatolian Sufism: fana fillah. Understanding this concept is key to grasping the spiritual landscape of the region, offering insights into a profound connection with Allah and the journey towards enlightenment.
What is Fana Fillah?
Fana fillah, literally meaning ‘annihilation in God,’ represents a complete surrender of oneself to divine love and faith. It signifies a state where one’s entire being is enveloped by devotion, transcending the limitations of the ego.
The Shura of Seeing Allah Everywhere
Anatolian mystics possessed a remarkable ability – a profound spiritual insight that allowed them to perceive the signs of God in every aspect of their surroundings. As eloquently expressed by Eshrefoglu Rumi:
Gel bu nefsin zulmetinin tozunu sür aradan,
Kande baksan gözlerine görüne ol Yaradan.
“Remove the dust of this ego’s darkness, and wherever you look, you will see your Lord.” This embodies the essence of seeing divine signs in all things.
Shared Purpose and the Language of the Heart in Anatolian Sufism
Anatolian dervishes, whether Halveti, Jelveti, Mevlevi, Naqshbandi, or Qadiri, shared a common spiritual goal. While their methods may have differed, their direction always pointed towards Mecca and Medina.
The constant awareness of being in the presence of God has infused the Turkish language with Quranic inspiration through Sufi poetry and hymns. The language spoken by Anatolian dervishes is one that resonates with the Quran.
This rich and flowing language has given rise to a vast literature, including prayers, invocations, praise of the Prophet Muhammad, descriptions of his character, and more, enriching the hearts of people across Anatolia.
The Sufi Path: A Journey of Transformation
Consider the insightful definitions of Sufism offered by Ibrahim Efendi, Sheikh of Aksaray Olanlar Lodge:
Bidâyette tasavvuf, sûfi bî-cân olmağa derler,
Nihâyette gönül tahtında sultân olmağa derler.
“At the beginning of Sufism, it is said that a Sufi becomes devoid of life; in the end, it is said that they become a sultan on the throne of the heart.”
Tasavvuf urvetü’l-vüskā yükün cân ile çekmektir,
Tasavvuf mazhar-ı âyât-ı gufrân olmağa derler.
“Sufism is bearing the responsibility of the Quran, which is a trust entrusted to mankind by God, with one’s soul. Sufism is being the recipient of verses that herald divine forgiveness.”
Tasavvuf ism-i âzamla tasarruftur bütün kevne,
Tasavvuf câmi-i ahkâm-ı Kur’ân olmağa derler.
“Sufism is managing the entire universe with the ‘Great Name.’ Sufism is to gather the rulings of the Quran in the heart, that is, to be a living Quran.”