In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Awwaluddin Ma’rifatullah
The beginning of faith is knowing Allah
- Purpose of Life: Why Do I Exist?: Preface
- How to Worship & Know Allah: The Journey of Experiential Knowledge
- The Beginning of Deen is Knowing Allah
- Part 1/8: Acquired & Bestowed Knowledge
- Part 2/8: Sharia, Tariqa, Haqiqa, Marifa
- Part 3/8: Integration of Heart & Mind
- Part 4/8: Prerequisites for Ma’rifah
- Part 5/8: Steps Toward Ma’rifat
- Part 6/8: Importance of a Teacher
- Part 7/8: Signs of Progress
D. Signs of Progress
Transformation of Worship
One of the most telling signs of progress on the journey toward ma’rifat is the visible transformation in the quality and spirit of worship.
As the seeker advances, there is a marked increase in presence and attentiveness during prayer, turning routine movements and recitations into meaningful acts of communion with Allah.
The heart becomes more deeply connected to every form of worship, and acts of devotion—whether obligatory or voluntary—are performed with a heightened sense of sincerity and submission.
This inner transformation manifests outwardly in greater concentration, allowing distractions to fall away as the worshipper enters a focused state of remembrance.
Understanding of the meanings behind acts of worship deepens, and each ritual act becomes a window into greater spiritual realities.
Heightened devotion is reflected in eagerness for worship, contentment during moments of prayer, and a longing to prolong times of intimate dialogue with Allah.
These changes signal that worship is no longer a duty alone, but a cherished opportunity for drawing near to Allah—a sure sign that the light of ma’rifat has begun to illuminate the heart.
Deepening Awareness
A deepening sense of awareness is another clear marker of progress on the path to ma’rifat.
As spiritual insight develops, the seeker becomes more attuned to the countless divine signs present in both the universe and within themselves.
This recognition is not limited to intellectual acknowledgment, but involves an increased spiritual sensitivity that allows the heart to perceive subtle meanings and spiritual realities woven throughout every aspect of creation.
Enhanced inner perception means that glimpses of Allah’s wisdom, mercy, and presence are detected in events both ordinary and extraordinary, and the veil (hijab) between the seen and the unseen gradually becomes thinner.
The fruits of this deepening awareness are evident in daily life. With clearer perception comes better decision-making, marked by greater reliance on guidance from Allah and the courage to act upon inner certainty.
Character is continually being improved, as deeper understanding inspires gentleness, patience, and sincerity in relationships with others. Above all, this journey leads to a stronger, more resilient faith, as the heart finds growing assurance and tranquility in its unshakeable connection to Allah, regardless of life’s tests and circumstances.
Enhanced Spiritual States
An enhanced spiritual state becomes increasingly evident as the seeker advances on the path of ma’rifat. This elevated state is marked by a deep inner peace that permeates the heart, remaining undisturbed by the turbulence and uncertainties of the world. There develops a genuine contentment (Nafsu Muta’innah) with whatever Allah decrees, accepting both ease and hardship as manifestations of divine wisdom and mercy. This acceptance is accompanied by a gradual detachment from worldly concerns, as the attractions and anxieties of material life lose their grip, and the heart finds its anchoring point in Allah alone.
THE HEART BECOMES MORE DEEPLY CONNECTED TO EVERY FORM OF WORSHIP, AND ACTS OF DEVOTION—WHETHER OBLIGATORY OR VOLUNTARY—ARE PERFORMED WITH A HEIGHTENED SENSE OF SINCERITY AND SUBMISSION.
The evidence of this spiritual elevation is found in the seeker’s steadfastness during difficulties—facing trials and tribulations with patience, dignity, and unwavering reliance on Allah. Gratitude flourishes in every condition, whether in abundance or scarcity, as the believer recognises each circumstance as part of a greater plan. Above all, there is a constant and living awareness of Allah, turning every moment—even those spent in mundane activity—into an opportunity for remembrance and connection. This enduring state reflects the maturity of ma’rifat, signifying that the light of divine recognition has begun to spread throughout every aspect of the believer’s life.
Key Takeaways
Transformation of Worship
- Changes:
- Increased presence in prayer
- Deeper connection in worship
- Enhanced spiritual awareness
- Manifestations:
- Greater concentration
- Improved understanding
- Heightened devotion
Deepening Awareness
- Indicators:
- Recognition of divine signs
- Increased spiritual sensitivity
- Enhanced inner perception
- Results:
- Better decision-making
- Improved character
- Stronger faith
Enhanced Spiritual State
- Characteristics:
- Inner peace
- Contentment with divine decree
- Detachment from worldly concerns
- Evidence:
- Steadfastness in difficulties
- Gratitude in all conditions
- Constant awareness of Allah
