The Mask of the Enemy and the Inner Struggle
The fundamental struggle of human existence is the war waged with the devil within our inner world. This battle takes shape not from external factors, but in the dark recesses of the ego. The teachings of Abdülkadir Geylânî guide us in this struggle: Satan is our enemy, and there is a separation between us as if it were a blood feud. Being aware of this separation is the first step in avoiding his traps. Yielding to the desires of our ego leads to eternal destruction. Therefore, we must constantly engage in self-accounting, suppressing the suspicions and evil intentions of the ego; for this is an indispensable element of progress on the Sufi path.
The Balance Between Worldly Life and the Hereafter: The Purification of the Heart
Maintaining a balance between worldly life and the hereafter is essential on the path to true happiness. Geylânî advises us to break free by carrying the world in one hand and the afterlife in the other. This does not mean ignoring our material needs; rather, it means using this worldly life to serve faith. The purity of our hearts is the key to establishing this balance. When greed for the world and fear of the hereafter permeate our hearts, reaching Truth becomes difficult. Therefore, purifying our hearts from worldly desires is the most important step to take in turning towards Mevlâ.
Turning Towards God with Patience: The Shield of Faith and Boundless Abundance
Patience is our strongest weapon as we progress on the path of Truth. When faced with trials and tribulations, we must stand firm and offer thanks to Allah instead of complaining. According to Geylânî’s expressions, the shield of faith protects us from all kinds of difficulties and illuminates us with a light of safety. On this path, we must be ready to make the sacrifices required by faith. For in return for patience, one reaches an inexhaustible treasure; which opens the doors to boundless abundance and guidance. Welcoming the angel of death wholeheartedly, preparing for the afterlife, and dedicating our worldly life to faith is the path to true happiness.