The Heaviest Veil: The Claim of “I”
O, misguided human, captivated by the illusion of existence! The thickest veil between you and the Exalted God is not mountains, seas, or heavens, but your very declaration of “I.” When a person trusts in their own intellect, actions, worship, or goodness, attributing independent existence to themselves (egoism), it is the most subtle and dangerous form of shirk (associating partners with God) in Sufi ethics. Imam Ghazali (may Allah be pleased with him) proclaims that pride and self-admiration (ucub) are a deadly poison that nullifies all acts of worship. The highest peak reached in the Makamat-i Shah-i Nakshibend is for the servant to cast off this false garment of self, that is, to attain the station of Fana (annihilation). As long as the claim “I do it, I know it” persists, the doors of Truth will not open.
Knowing the Self is Knowing Your Lord
In accordance with the secret of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), “He who knows his own self knows his Lord,” the more deeply a person understands their own impotence, poverty, and nothingness, the more they comprehend the boundless power, richness, and greatness of Allah. The essence of the Nakshibendi path is to break down all egoistic idols (with “La” – no) through zikr (remembrance of God) strikes upon the heart (Lā ilāha illallah), leaving only Absolute Existence – God (Illallah).
Finding True Being in Annihilation (Fana)
The training of the ego is not to destroy it completely (to kill it), but to make it a subservient slave obedient to divine commands. The rebellious and spoiled nature of the Nafs-i Emmare is broken through asceticism, zikr, and guidance from a spiritual mentor, and successively elevated to the stations of Levvame (reproaching), Mülhime (inspired), and finally Mutmainne (tranquil). When the servant becomes “fani” (non-existent) in their own self (attains annihilation), Allah makes them eternal (“beka”) with the light of His own being. He who relinquishes his own power is clothed by the Most High with immense spiritual power.
Tawhid and Nothingness in the Path of Nakshibend
Shah-i Nakshibend (may Allah be pleased with him) founded his path on absolute nothingness and humility. Those who follow this path should see every creature on earth as superior and more valuable than themselves. A dervish who walks with the awareness “I am the most sinful of all” cannot harbor pride in their heart. These perfect believers, accepting praise and criticism alike as dust, focusing only on the pleasure of Allah, may appear ordinary among the common people, but within their inner worlds, they savor that unique “Fana” experience as the spiritual pillars (poles) of the universe. Those who escape the prison of self are the true owners of eternal freedom.