Connection to the Unseen Realm and The Truth of the Heart
In Islamic Sufism, great importance is attributed to the heart; for it is a unique organ capable of connecting with both the worldly and the otherworldly realms. As emphasized in the works of Imam Ghazali, the heart is actually two-faced. One face turns towards the realm of witnessing (shahada), that is, the world we can perceive with our senses, while the other communicates with the unseen realm (ghayb), the unseen spiritual dimension. This spiritual connection is a gateway to inspiration and revelation; the truth shining on this face of the heart points to reality beyond the visible world. However, in order to grasp this truth, it is necessary to purify the heart from worldly attachments.
The Deceptive World of Dreams and Traces of True Meaning
The world we see with our eyes is a dreamlike screen; therefore, our visual perceptions can be misleading. The shapes and forms we see are merely reflections of reality and do not always fully express the truth. Just as a beautiful-looking person’s inner world may be dark or rotten, the deceptive nature of appearances must also be taken into consideration. To grasp true meaning, however, one must listen to the heart’s face turned towards the unseen realm and turn inward for introspection; because this face accurately reflects divine messages from the realm of malakut. In this way, we can see the truth behind the illusory mask of the visible world.
Waswases (Whispers), Hemmat (Spiritual Zeal), and The Judgement of the Heart
Among the thoughts that come to the heart may be malicious waswases (whispers); but what is important is whether these thoughts are acted upon. As mentioned in the works of Imam Ghazali, if a bad idea or desire that passes through our minds is not uttered and suppressed, we will not be questioned for it. On the contrary, thinking about goodness and turning towards it is a purifying process; even this intention brings reward. This demonstrates the heart’s resistance to negative thoughts and its effort to draw closer to Allah. The heart, like other organs, is tested; it is shaped by good or bad thoughts and judged by our actions.