Fundamental Principles Regarding the Inner Journey
Sufism is a path that a person must follow to know themselves and draw closer to their Lord. As seen in the works of Shaykh Abdülkadir Geylani, this journey requires detaching from the pleasures of the outward world and undergoing an inner purification process. The advice found in Futuhu'l-Gayb encourages enduring worldly trials with patience, advising goodness, and constantly remembering Allah through dhikr – which helps to distance oneself from the impulses of the nafs and focus on spirituality. A person must realize that this life is temporary and their true purpose is to prepare for the afterlife.
The Salt of Nafs al-Amir: Purifying Oneself from Desire
One of the points frequently emphasized in Geylani’s works is the control of the nafs. In particular, the *nafs al-ammara*, which is dependent on desires, hinders a person’s turning towards Allah. Therefore, those devoted to Sufism must stay away from worldly pleasures and extinguish the fire of desire. The purification process should be supported by patience, gratitude, and constant contemplation; because the desires of the nafs are temporary, but the punishment of the afterlife contains eternity. Reducing attachment to material possessions and demonstrating humility is important for attaining inner peace.
Tawakkul and Submission to Allah
Abdülkadir Geylani particularly emphasizes the importance of *tawakkul*. Tawakkul is being content with Allah’s decree and seeking refuge in Him; it requires a person to recognize their own inadequacy and trust in His divine help. This feeling of submission eliminates negative feelings such as fear and despair, and brings peace to the individual. The prohibition of complaining is also a reflection of tawakkul; because complaining means rebelling against Allah’s wisdom. A person’s contentment with their destiny and considering His pleasure in every situation is an important stage in their spiritual maturation.