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AlGhazalisIhya-Book_of_Destructive_Matters_of_Life, page : 12
either as a transient „shaft of lighting‟, or – but this is exceedingly rare – as a
permanent condition. For this reason the Sufis have not been concerned only
with book learning, but have instead sought to reach this state where the veil is
lifted, by means of self-discipline, the wiping away of vile attributes, the severing
of all ties, and earnestly directing themselves to Allah. As this goal draws near,
the seeker should isolate himself for a while, far from all distractions, and recall
(dhikr) Allah within himself. If his determination is sincere, collected and strong,
gleams of Truth may appear in his heart, and these may then be followed by
others of different kinds, coming at increasingly short intervals. The variety of
such stations is beyond reckoning, but all are granted after a process of self
purification and diligent polishing of the heart.
The philosophers and theologians (al-nuzzar) do not deny this way, but they
consider it extremely difficult to pursue, since it is rigorous and slow, and may, if
pursued to excess, be harmful to the body. Similarly, if the spiritual voyager is not
well versed in scholarly learning he may be veiled by a false imagining, which he
will never be able to shake of.
permanent condition. For this reason the Sufis have not been concerned only
with book learning, but have instead sought to reach this state where the veil is
lifted, by means of self-discipline, the wiping away of vile attributes, the severing
of all ties, and earnestly directing themselves to Allah. As this goal draws near,
the seeker should isolate himself for a while, far from all distractions, and recall
(dhikr) Allah within himself. If his determination is sincere, collected and strong,
gleams of Truth may appear in his heart, and these may then be followed by
others of different kinds, coming at increasingly short intervals. The variety of
such stations is beyond reckoning, but all are granted after a process of self
purification and diligent polishing of the heart.
The philosophers and theologians (al-nuzzar) do not deny this way, but they
consider it extremely difficult to pursue, since it is rigorous and slow, and may, if
pursued to excess, be harmful to the body. Similarly, if the spiritual voyager is not
well versed in scholarly learning he may be veiled by a false imagining, which he
will never be able to shake of.