Seeking Help from Transient Beings
One of humanity’s deepest ailments is seeking help and refuge in Allah’s weak and transient servants, abandoning Him. While Islam has destroyed outward idols, this ‘trusting the people’ idol (hidden shirk) subtly corrodes the faith of many. Shaykh Geylani (q.s.) cites the Prophetic hadith: “Cursed is he who relies on a creature like himself,” clearly stating that seeking refuge in others leads to being expelled from Allah’s mercy. Those who expect sustenance from their employer, healing from a doctor, or status from someone in power by submitting to them implicitly deny the greatness of Allah, the possessor of absolute power.
Veiling the Door of Gratitude Towards People
True tawhid is when the servant presents all his needs directly to Allah alone. Shaykh Geylani (may Allah be pleased with him) states: “Veil the door of gratitude towards people, and you will see that at that time, the door of Allah’s goodness will open to you,” making it a condition that expectations are entirely directed towards Allah. As long as you tie your hopes to people, Allah hardens their hearts against you and humiliates you in their hands. However, if you turn your face towards Allah, saying, “The one who gives and the one who takes is only He,” then Allah will send blessings to you through the hands of those He wills, in unexpected ways.
True Wealth: Independence from People (Istighna)
A perfect believer does not cast his eye on the tables of kings or the wealthy; he pays no attention to their transient favors. He knows that “Causes are veils before Allah’s Essence.” The person who removes the need for creation from his heart (possessing istighna) becomes the most free person on earth. The muwahhid servant, who instead of begging from people, binds all his being only to his Lord’s pleasure, enters under Allah’s absolute protection and attains absolute security and honor in both worlds.