The Nature of Faith (Vera) and Its Three Stations
In Islamic ethics and Sufi path, for the heart to be healed from spiritual ailments, it is necessary to meticulously abandon not only forbidden acts but also doubtful matters (vera). Abdülkadir Geylânî (q.s.) advises that after deeply regretting the sins committed in one’s inner and outer world, a person should strive towards the true state of vera that will heal the heart. Ferîdüddîn Attar states that there are three main stations of vera: Firstly, speaking only truth and right, whether one is angry or calm; secondly, protecting one’s organs from anything that may incur the wrath of Allah, the Possessor of Majesty and Glory; thirdly, making only what Allah approves as one’s goal. These stations serve as a means for a person to completely detach from worldly ambitions and purify their heart.
Avoiding Doubtful Matters and Self-Accounting
True vera is the complete abandonment of all things and actions whose permissibility cannot be fully ascertained, leaving doubt in one’s conscience. Possessing vera also requires constant consideration of self-accounting and avoiding heedlessness. Spiritual masters have stated, “Blessed is he whose heart’s motto is vera, whose soul is free from greed, and who holds his nafs accountable for every deed,” thus indicating how this superior morality elevates a person. For indeed, craving worldly pleasures is a leash around the neck, shackles on the feet; it is necessary to break and cast off these chains in order for the soul to attain freedom. Vera is also the most fundamental starting point of asceticism (zuhd) and genuine reliance on Allah (tawakkul).
Piety in the Balance of Faith and Sincerity
Faith and sincerity attained without piety are incomplete in a person’s spiritual journey. Attar emphasizes that a person without piety cannot possess perfect faith, and a person without faith cannot possess sincerity, highlighting that avoiding doubtful matters is a direct indicator of faith. Piety has both an outward (zahir) and inward (batini) aspect; outwardly observing rights and laws, inwardly being sincere in actions and intentions. For if a person does not have piety as a companion even when poor and needy, they may be deceived by their nafs and fall into unadulterated sin. Vera and piety, which are the most secure armor that brings humans closer to Allah, is the first condition of turning away from the false adornments of the temporary world and proceeding towards eternal union.