Overcoming Attachment to Instruments – The Hidden Shirk
Human beings, due to the order of the world, tend to always link their sustenance, healing, or success to the “causes” (other people, doctors, money, etc.) that are visibly present. However, the pinnacle of Sufi contemplation is seeing the true Power behind all these instruments—that is, Allah. Gaylani (may Allah be pleased with him) stated, “Causes are veils against the Essence of Truth. If you turn away from the Shah’s gate, it will close upon you,” indicating that clinging to things blinds the heart. The person who knows their food comes from their boss and their health from a doctor has erected a thick wall between themselves and Allah.
Finding the Creator by Transcending Causes
A true muwahhid (one who affirms the oneness of Allah) resorts to worldly instruments but does not attribute any independent power to them in his heart. Even if someone brings us a kindness through an instrument, while outwardly thanking that person, it should be inwardly known that only Allah is the one who prompted them to do so. The secret “If you transcend the trap of causes, you will reach the creator of your cause. If you abandon customs, you see wisdoms beyond customs” requires recognizing the Absolute Hand behind the causes. For the person who carries out their work according to Allah’s absolute decree and destiny, temporal causes fall like withered leaves.
Complete Tawakkul (Reliance on God) and Salvation
Freeing the heart from the servitude of causes grants immense freedom to a person’s soul. When the heart is only connected to Allah, the Sustainer, the veil of causes lifts, and the servant becomes worthy of Allah’s grace. “The true meaning of tawakkul is not being mindful of instruments… No one’s word prevails except for Allah’s power in good and evil.” The person who entrusts their affairs not to instruments but to Allah escapes from begging at the doors of creation, obtains their sustenance effortlessly while attaining eternal peace.