and to be saved from the impasse of negligence. Yakaza (yaqẓa, spiritual awakening) is the first of the things that give life and illumination to the servant's qalb (the heart). Yakaza consists of three things: The first of these is to look at the blessing (niʿma) by giving up counting it (seeing it as too numerous to enumerate), to recognize one's own limits, to know one's shortcomings regarding the blessing, and to devote oneself to understanding the bestowal of ihsan (spiritual excellence) of the blessing.
The second is to review one's faults, to realize the danger in this regard, to strive with all one's might to make amends, to be freed from being a slave to one's mistakes, and to desire to be rid of them by correcting these faults.
The third is to act carefully in order to comprehend the excesses and deficiencies in one's life, to be freed from the responsibility of the days wasted from one's life, to strive to make up for losses, and to take care to guarantee the cultivation of one's remaining days.
The aforementioned maʿrifa-i niʿma (recognizing and appreciating the blessing) is purified by three things: by the light of intellect, by hoping to be a slave to (divine) ihsan, and by taking heed from the people of tribulation.
Again, the aforementioned reviewing of faults is strengthened by three things: by reverence for the Truth (God), by maʿrifa-i nafs (knowing the nafs), and by affirming the threat (of Hell).
Again, the aforementioned comprehension of excesses and deficiencies in one's life is set aright by three things: by listening to knowledge, by heeding the call to service, and by keeping company with the righteous. Its foundation is entirely based on the necessity of abolishing all ʿādāt (habits/customs). (Manāzil, 6)
Yakaza is an understanding that saves from distress coming from Allah. (Iṣṭilāḥ, 541)
It has been said about yakaza: It is to stand up, that is, to wake from the sleep of heedlessness and to be saved from the impasse of ignorance. (Rawḍa, 477)
(See also gaflet-teyakkuz)