The Essence of Destiny and Submission
The profound spiritual radiance reflected in the works of ʿAbd al-Qādir al-Gīlānī emphasizes the importance of confronting one’s destiny (qadar) and submitting to the divine will within that destiny. The origin of our actions is destiny; thus, every deed occurs within a process. In this process, the situations an individual encounters signify a transition from their current ḥāl (spiritual state) to a different one. However, for this transition to take place, objections to absolute realities such as decree, command, and knowledge must be eliminated; for objection hinders submission and pushes the person toward the opposite of their previous state. Instead of opposing his destiny, a person should strive to understand it and become united with it.
Three Stages: Stability, Acceptance, and the Unification of Being
Al-Gīlānī’s Sufi (taṣawwuf) teaching sets forth three fundamental stages of the spiritual journey. The first step is for the person to attain a state of inner tranquility, a stable and steadfast ḥāl; this means laying the foundations of spirituality. The second stage is to accept every circumstance that comes and to be in harmony with it—that is, to allow the divine will to manifest within oneself. The final stage is to reach the point where one’s being is completely dissolved and unified, where the self is annihilated. In this last stage, the person surrenders entirely to the Real (al-Ḥaqq) and becomes united with Him; this is an indication of attaining the station (maqām) of fanāʾ (annihilation in God) and realizing the true reality (ḥaqīqa). By following this process, the believer (muʾmin) is protected from the tribulations of the world, from transgressing the boundaries of the sharia (sharia), and from evil.
The Renewed Unity of Being: Unity in Love
In al-Gīlānī’s teaching, love is the most important sign of unity (wahda). Instead of feeling envy at the successes of others, a person should give thanks (shukr) knowing that all blessings come from Allah. The quest for unity in love prevents the division of the qalb (the heart) and the diminution of love for Allah; for He loves to be One. Rather than comparing oneself to others, one should be immersed in divine love and turn toward one’s Lord. The hadith of the Prophet (sunnah)—"Hearts are created to love those who do good to them"—also confirms this truth. In order not to be deprived of Allah’s grace, one must turn to Him, unify Him, and love only Him; thus, a person transcends the nafs (the lower self) and attains the truth (ḥaqīqa).