The Transience of People’s Assessments
One of the most challenging psychological obstacles a servant must overcome on the spiritual path is the disease of acting according to what people think (elalem ne der). People naturally enjoy being praised and vehemently avoid being criticized. However, in Sufi ethics, it is emphasized that one who does not view praise and reproach equally cannot attain sincere devotion. Geylani (may Allah be pleased with him) summarizes this station as follows: “Praise and blame become one. Sickness and health are the same. Wealth and poverty hold no difference.” The appreciation of transient people adds no value to a person in the sight of Allah, nor can their criticism diminish them from His pleasure.
Not Fearing the Critic’s Reproach
Performing an act of worship or kindness solely for people to see and approve of (riya) is a hidden form of polytheism that kills the soul of the action. The person who only awaits the applause of the people has placed the approval of transient people above the pleasure of Allah. A perfect believer, however, becomes deaf to people’s criticisms or exclusion while fulfilling Allah’s commands. “Those servants of His are not deterred from their path by any reproacher… They assist themselves and others for the sake of truth.” A person who cannot bear being ostracized by society while walking in the way of Allah for His sake cannot be considered to have truly believed.
The Unshakable Steadfastness Brought About by the Station of Acceptance
A true dervish is not like a leaf blown about by the wind, but rather like an unshakable mountain firmly rooted in the root of divine acceptance. Even if the entire world condemns him, if his Lord is pleased with him, he feels himself to be the most fortunate person in the universe. The hypocritical are puffed up by people’s praise and collapse under their reproach; while for the sincere believer, both applause and jeers are like the buzzing of a fly. This exalted station is attained by the servant, who directly enters the protection of his Lord and attains unparalleled spiritual tranquility.