The Disappointment Brought by Expectations
The root of human disappointment in this world lies in giving excessive value (with an immortal eye) to other people, as if they were immortal, absolute power holders, or would never make mistakes. Abdülkadir Geylani (r.a.) eliminates this psychological and spiritual trap with the golden rule: “O child! Do not look at people with an immortal eye. Think that they will perish; look at them like that. Do not expect benefit or harm from them. Know them as helpless and humiliated.” A believer who pre-accepts that people are mortal, flawed, and helpless will not be shattered when they fail to reciprocate, are abandoned, or wronged. Because he has been aware of their deficient nature from the beginning.
Reliance Only on the Eternal
Attaching oneself to transient beings is actually a sign of deficiency in the belief (Tawhid) in Allah in the heart. Geylani (r.a.) advises, “Instead of expecting something from people, affirm God and rely upon Him.” The wise person who knows that everyone will die and every position will perish leans not against walls that will crumble, but always on the Most High Allah, who is Eternal and Living. Both good and bad things that happen to people occur only with the permission of Allah; the true Actor is Allah.
The Safety Brought by Expectationlessness
The person who sees people as mortal and helpless and stops expecting benefits from them attains immense serenity and mental peace. He does not flatter anyone for his own benefit, nor fears the criticism of others when defending the truth. This high rank of self-sufficiency (needlessness) also makes the believer respectable and dignified in the eyes of other people. Those who lock their hearts from the transient court of servants and only focus on the eternal pleasure of their Lord have tasted the most unshakable freedom of the universe.