Spiritual Alchemy and the Transformation of the Self
Throughout history, alchemists have sought a hidden formula to transform base metals (such as copper or iron) into gold. On the Sufi path, however, the true “alchemy” (simya) is transforming the human heart – created from earth and filled with lower desires – into a spiritual gold by elevating it to the purity of Divine love and knowledge (marifa). Abdülkadir Geylani (q.s.) states that this transformation can only occur through the station of “Fana” (annihilation in God). The secret (inner realm) should completely detach from worldly desires, experiencing neither pleasure nor giving it to anyone, entering into the realm of “fana” (non-existence). It is at this point of absolute nothingness that an eternal value is bestowed upon the heart.
Becoming a Priceless Gem
The inner world of the servant who attains the station of Fana and dissolves their personal will into God’s will transforms into the most valuable treasure of the universe. Geylani (q.s.) proclaims, “The secret that reaches this state becomes alchemy. This alchemy is worth more than a thousand gold coins,” thus announcing the immense value bestowed upon a person by this spiritual transformation. The phrase “a thousand gold coins” is merely a weak example given for the understanding of the common folk; in reality, no material wealth can be assigned a value to a heart that has reached this station. For that heart has now become a manifestation of God and a treasury of secrets.
A Transcendence Beyond Reason
This alchemical spiritual transformation is not something that can be achieved through intellect, logic, or dry philosophy. It is entirely a Divine grace and the fruit of complete surrender. In accordance with the secret, “If you attain to that state, no one among all creation, neither humans nor jinn, will comprehend it,” the inner world of the wali in this exalted station lies far beyond the understanding capacity of ordinary people. He has become an esteemed individual who, while traversing the earth with his body, has become a sultan of the realm of the unseen (malakut) and attained the station of eternal subsistence (Bekabillah).