Loyalty to the Covenant in the Heart
The essence of Islam and faith lies in unwavering loyalty to the promise (covenant) a person makes to the Exalted Creator. A spiritual seeker, a believer, makes a heartfelt vow to obey Allah and His commands. Abdülkadir Geylânî (may Allah be pleased with him) reminds us of how crucial covenant-keeping is for the permanence of faith, saying, “Keep your promise. Do not abandon it so that your faith does not vanish and certainty does not forsake you.” If a person turns back on or weakens in their commitment when faced with difficulties or trials burdensome to the self, they extinguish the light of faith within their heart with their own hands. The promise given to Allah is too sacred to be sacrificed for fleeting desires or worldly fears.
Unwavering Steadfastness Free from Doubt
Countless suggestions (doubts) may assault a person’s heart during the journey, either from Satan or the self. Those who possess sincerity and certainty disregard these doubts and demonstrate an unwavering steadfastness on their promise like mountains. “When the feeling of loyalty becomes strong and firmly established within you, you become the recipient of Allah’s words: ‘Today you are secure (safe) and trusted’ (Yusuf, 54).” To be worthy of this divine favor, a person must never cease seeking Divine Approval, nor falter, even as circumstances change. No undertaking, feeling of closeness, or selfish desire should deter them from the promise they have made.
Revelation of Secrets and Divine Reward
The servant who remains true to their word and abandons complaint despite all difficulties experiences a spiritual purification. No desires or wishes remain for anything other than Allah; they reach a state where they desire nothing but Him in this world and the Hereafter. 26, 27 The believing servant who fulfills their covenant attains a prosperous and blissful life (spiritual contentment) where the full meaning of Allah’s actions is manifested. The doors of knowledge, gnosis, and truth open one after another for that faithful servant. Remaining true to one’s promise delivers the servant from worldly humiliation and brings them closer to “the Most High,” bestowing upon their heart the secrets of the paradisiacal levels while they are still in this world.