The Transience of Wealth and Power
We see a piercing truth from the works of Abdülkadir Geylânî: the world is a cyclical journey filled with constant ups and downs. Sultans rise, the wealthy shine, but this splendor is merely a momentary illusion. Throughout history, countless civilizations have flourished and then turned to ashes. This situation is deceptive; because the world stimulates human weaknesses, making it dependent on showy and transient things. As Geylânî expresses, such is the custom of this world: it elevates and then brings down. Therefore, realizing that worldly achievements are not permanent is the first step in achieving inner peace and seeking true values.
Looking with the Eye of the Heart
Geylânî invites us to look at the world “not with the eyes of others, but with the eye of the heart.” This requires seeing the flaws behind superficial allure; it is understanding greed, envy, and constant dissatisfaction. Creating a distance between ourselves and the world is the most effective way to prevent it from leading us astray. Only with this inner awareness does the world not harm us, but even allows us to learn from it and progress. Otherwise, being captivated by worldly embellishments makes it impossible to turn towards the true purpose; our ego fuels us and prevents us from seeing the truth.
Disciplining the Self and Reaching Truth
Geylânî’s teaching focuses on disciplining the self. Declaring jihad against the negative emotions within us requires a constant struggle. Harmony between the heart and the secret (sir) is vital in this struggle; obeying their commands is the key to reforming all feelings and thoughts. To reach truth, it is necessary to place faith in the heart, perform actions for the sake of Allah, and stay away from worldly desires and ambitions. Patience and gratitude are essential on this journey; accepting fate and seeking refuge in Mevla (the Divine) will lead us to safety. Ultimately, the ego will disappear, the heart will reign supreme, and humankind will experience the profound joy of drawing closer to Haqq (The Truth).