Beyond the Outer and Inner Eye: The Light of Illumination
Human perception of the world is typically limited to the physical eye. However, a believer progressing on the Sufi path begins to see the universe not merely as a physical structure, but as an exhibition of Allah’s artistry. Abdülkadir Geylânî (q.s.) speaks of a tremendous “third eye” that arises from the union of the outer and inner eye in human spiritual evolution. The servant who sees with his outer eye the wise works scattered by Allah on earth, also beholds the sublime entities beyond matter with his inner eye. “Indeed, after these two eyes begin to see, a third eye is produced, which is the eye of the heart.” The person whose eye of the heart opens transcends limited dimensions and attains an Divine proximity where the very concept of nearness cannot be mentioned.
Ignorance and Negligence Blind the Eye of the Heart
However, the opening of the eye of the heart is not possible for everyone; because the darknesses of the ego and the world draw thick veils over this eye. Geylânî (q.s.) draws attention to the spiritual blindness of those intoxicated by worldly desires, referring to the verse (Hajj, 46): “Their eyes were not blind, but their hearts’ eyes did not see.” Pursuing material possessions does not merely tire the body; it also paralyzes the soul and binds insight. The heart of a person who is captivated by fleeting desires and unlawful gains darkens, the mirror of the heart becomes tarnished, and it loses its ability to reflect the sun of Truth.
Purification, Repentance, and the Birth of Basirat
The reopening of the eye of the heart requires serious spiritual purification. The first condition is to vehemently avoid prohibitions and cleanse oneself from the impurities of sin with sincere repentance. Geylânî (q.s.) emphasizes that for the heart to regain health, both external and internal feelings must be completely aligned with Divine commands. Sincere worship, reading the Quran, and remembrance of Allah are the most powerful polishes that remove the tarnish from the heart.
Divine Observation in the Realm of Secrets
The enlightened knower whose eye of the heart is fully opened sees the manifestation of God in every particle of the universe. For that servant, darkness disappears and everywhere becomes illuminated. Night and day, sorrow and joy unite in his sight; for he observes the Absolute Creator behind everything. The servant who attains this station detaches himself from the world of creation and becomes a guest in the realm of secrets (malakut) of his Lord, and no fleeting pleasure can keep him away from this Divine spectacle.