The Truth of Tawhid and the Veil of Causes
The fundamental principle of Islam and Sufi ethics is establishing complete tawhid, that is, the unity of Allah, in the heart. Mankind often becomes negligent, clinging to outward means and causes and forgetting the true possessor of power. As stated by Shaykh Abd al-Qadir al-Geylani, causes are veils stretched against the Essence of God. Focusing on what people have, expecting sustenance and goodness from transient beings is a hidden form of shirk (associating partners with Allah) that darkens the heart. To become a true muwahhid (one who affirms the oneness of Allah), the heart must only be attached to Allah and turn away from the false power of people. Instead of presenting needs to servants, it is the sign of true faith and freedom to ask from the absolute Owner of everything, the Creator.
The Danger of Reliance on People
Trusting in transient humans, seeking help from them, and acting according to their praise or criticism enslaves a person spiritually. Shaykh Geylani warns against this hidden idolatry, saying, “Every object you rely upon is your idol.” When people, kingdoms, rulers, and wealth become deities, true servitude is damaged. If someone acts not for the sake of Allah but to gain the approval of people, their deeds are rendered void. All good and evil are in the powerful hand of Allah; servants are merely means. Therefore, when we suffer harm or attain a blessing, we are obligated to see the ultimate actor behind it, namely Allah, the Initiator of Causes (Müsebbibü’l-Esbap).
Complete Tawakkul and Divine Freedom
True tawakkul is completely uprooting causes from the heart and having a firm belief that no one’s word prevails except for Allah’s power in both good and bad. When a servant entrusts their existence and needs entirely to Allah, everything in the universe begins to serve them. Shaykh Geylani proclaims, “Take everything through the door of Allah,” announcing that what comes from Him is the best and most abundant, and that there is no weariness in what is taken from Him. A heart freed from the darkness of associating people and causes with Allah tastes true freedom and does not experience humiliation before any transient power.