The Essence and Three Stations of Faith (Vera)
In Islamic ethics and Sufi teachings, for the heart to be healed from spiritual ailments, it is essential to diligently abstain not only from forbidden acts but also from doubtful matters (vera). Shaykh Abd al-Qadir al-Geylani (q.s.) advises that after deeply regretting sins committed in one’s inner and outer world, a person must strive towards the true state of vera which will heal the heart. Fariduddin Attar states that vera has three main stations: Firstly, speaking only truth and righteousness, whether one is experiencing anger or tranquility; secondly, safeguarding one’s organs from anything that may incur the wrath of Allah, the Exalted in Might and Majesty; and thirdly, making only what Allah approves as one’s goal. These stations serve as a means for a person to completely detach from worldly desires and purify their heart.
Avoiding Doubtful Matters and Self-Accountability (Muhasabah)
True vera is the complete abandonment of all things and actions about which one cannot be certain whether they are permissible or not, leaving doubt in the conscience. Possessing vera also necessitates constant self-accountability and avoiding heedlessness (ghafala). Spiritual guides have said, “Blessed is he whose heart’s guiding principle is vera, whose soul is free from avarice, and who holds his nafs accountable for every deed.” For indeed, craving worldly pleasures is a leash around the neck, a shackle on the feet; in order for the soul to attain freedom, these chains must be broken and cast aside. Vera is also the fundamental starting point of asceticism (zuhd) and genuine reliance upon Allah (tawakkul).
Piety (Taqwa) in the Balance of Faith (Iman) and Excellence (Ihsan)
Without piety, faith and excellence attained on the spiritual path are incomplete. Attar states that a person without taqwa cannot possess perfect faith, nor can a person without faith possess excellence, emphasizing that avoiding doubtful matters is a direct indication of faith. Taqwa has both an outward (zahir) and inward (batini) aspect; the zahir involves respecting rights and laws, while the batini involves sincerity and intention in actions. For if a person is poor and needy and does not have taqwa as a companion, they may be deceived by their nafs and fall into unadulterated sin. Vera and taqwa, which are the most steadfast armor that draws humans closer to Allah, are the first requirement for turning away from the false allurements of this transient world and proceeding towards eternal union.