Resurrection After Non-existence (Bekâbillah)
One of the deepest misconceptions in the Sufi path is the belief that someone who has completed their spiritual journey and attained union with God (experiences annihilation – Fana) will constantly remain secluded in the mountains, detached from people. In reality, the servant who has been baked in the spiritual oven and transcended their ego is sent back among the people by God’s command. Geylani (q.s.) explains this as follows: “Whoever attains this state feels dead whenever they mix with the people; when they are immersed in the manifestation of God, they come alive… God destroys them, then revives them if He wills.” 18. Now that person is a Divine servant who breathes on earth not for personal gain but solely for the sake of Allah.
Serving the People as a Caliph of the Sovereign
These distinguished servants, freed from their own sorrows and the ambitions of their egos, bear the burden of the people with God’s permission. “He appoints him as a saint. He rains down His commands through him, makes him a sultan for His servants.” 19 According to this secret, perfect saints become rescue ships. They grieve with the people’s troubles during the day, show them the right way, and at night they return to their Lord, finding peace in their inner worlds. Their descent among the people is not an abandonment of God but rather God Himself using their hands to deliver His mercy to humanity.
The Compassion and Tolerance of the Station of Guidance
The ignorance, ingratitude, or hostility of the common people cannot anger or discourage these perfect individuals. Because they know that even those who throw stones at them are actually spiritually ill. With the promise, “Your heart will expand; you will get along well with them. Your breast will open; wisdoms will be scattered there,” those great ones show immense tolerance (broadness of chest) towards the people’s suffering. They guide those who have lost their way on the path of truth not for personal gain but solely because of the manifestation of God’s mercy. Thus, they become the greatest poles that maintain the spiritual balance of the universe as heirs to the Prophets.