The Replacement of Worldly Adornments with Spiritual Dust
Human beings generally desire comfort in this world, to be respected in clean and luxurious clothing. However, the path of a perfect believer seeking Allah’s pleasure is filled with trials, sacrifices, and renunciation of selfish desires. Geylani (q.s.) offers this startling advice to the seeker of truth: “Wear only the clothes you first put on. Do not think about easing your fatigue. Do not look at the dust that settles upon you. Those who are covered in dust for the sake of Allah are more acceptable.” This ‘dust’ in the spiritual path is the noble mark of worship, struggle (jihad), and the fatigue endured to subdue the ego. Those who are preoccupied with the greatness of their cause within, rather than the adornment of their outward appearance, are exalted in the sight of Allah.
Leaving Weariness and Complaint Behind
The one who sets out on the path for the sake of Allah should know that they are a guest in this world and should not crave comfort. Various calamities, illnesses, and hardships along the way are part of being covered in this dust. Hazrat Geylani gives the promise: “Continue onward. Allah will feed you. He will quell your excitement. He will make you familiar with Him. He will remove every difficulty for you. He will ease your fatigue.” This indicates that the traveler should proceed without complaint. In that moment when a person ceases to seek their own comfort, and submits entirely, Allah directly descends spiritual coolness into the heart of that servant, alleviating all his weariness.
The Complete Fulfillment Brought by Union (Vuslat)
Those who reject worldly pleasures and rest, and are covered in dust and soil solely to reach the Beloved (Allah), encounter a feast at the end of the path that they could not even imagine. “His nearness is considered the greatest blessing for you. His vision becomes the sweetest nourishment. Yemen, your drinking, all is completed in His presence.” The few days of fatigue experienced in the transient world are completely washed away by the honor of beholding Allah’s beauty in the Hereafter and the realm of secrets, and the servant attains to an endless dominion.