Unearthing Inner Evil: Creating Holes
In Sufi training, a servant must create certain “flaws” or “damages” within themselves in order to be freed from worldly dangers and the seizure of Satan (the unjust king). Abdülkadir Geylânî (q.s.) exemplifies this profound method with the story of Hızır (a.s.) in the Noble Qur’an: “The ship carrying those with Hızır, may it be an example to you. First, he made a hole in it, then restored it to its former state.” Hızır (a.s.) deliberately pierced the ship, rendering it flawed, to save it from the unjust king’s seizure. Similarly, the believer must break their nafs (self) through hunger, sleeplessness, asceticism, and acts of worship that are burdensome to the self (by creating holes).
Spiritual Preservation and Restoration
When the nafs is spoiled, healthy, and full of desires, it is most susceptible to the seizure of Satan and worldly love. The servant who weakens this selfish power through their will is actually saving their own spiritual ship. By enduring hardships, hunger, and striving, the servant who breaks the back of their nafs encounters divine compassion after passing through the dangerous zone.