The Reliability of Inner Discoveries
The seeker (sālik) progressing on the Sufi path sometimes begins to experience inspirations, feelings, or dreams (waridat) within their heart. However, it is vitally important to discern whether these feelings are truly Rahmani (from Allah), or whether they are satanic or egoistic. Abdülkadir Geylânî (q.s.) establishes the “two-mirror” rule to overcome this dangerous passage on the spiritual path. The servant first ‘examines their outward actions according to religious rulings, seeing them in that mirror.’ That is, they look into the Mirror of Sharia (Quran and Sunnah) to see if the inspiration coming to their heart conforms to the halal and haram of Islamic law.
Presenting it to the Mirror of Knowledge
If the inspiration receives approval from the Mirror of Sharia, the sālik ‘presents his inner world to the mirror of knowledge and puts his heart to work according to it.’ The knowledge referred to here is the science of marifatullah (the science of knowing God) and the scale of sincerity. It is weighed whether that action strokes a hidden pride of the ego or is done purely for the sake of Allah. An inspiration that conforms to both the rules of outward religion and the sincerity of inner knowledge is a true light of guidance. The external Sharia and the internal Mirror of Truth must be in perfect harmony with each other.
Permission to Ascend to the Shah’s Realm
As long as these two mirrors do not confirm each other, it is spiritual suicide for the sālik to act upon that inspiration. “If one mirror follows truth, the other does not, then one is not admitted into the Shah’s realm.” For example, if a whisper comes to the heart, such as ‘you are now in a very exalted station and do not need to pray,’ this feeling may seem sweet in the inner mirror, but it will be shattered in the Mirror of Sharia; therefore, this is a trap of Satan. The pious servant who accepts no discovery that does not pass the confirmation of both mirrors is safely accepted into the presence of the Shah (God) without faltering or falling into heresy.