Every Muslim experiences a unique progression that transforms their relationship with Allah (ﷻ). This journey of islamic faith, far from being a simple matter of following prescribed rituals, represents a deep and meaningful progression that reshapes our understanding of existence itself and our relationship with Allah.
The Ascending Path
“˹Some of˺ the nomadic Arabs say, “We believe.” Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “You have not believed. But say, ‘We have submitted,’ for faith has not yet entered your hearts.1 But if you obey Allah and His Messenger ˹wholeheartedly˺, He will not discount anything from ˹the reward of˺ your deeds. Allah is truly All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Quran 49:14 (Surah Al Hujurat) [1] The verse makes a distinction between Islam (the declaration of accepting the faith, then performing Islamic duties such as prayers and fasting) and Îmân (a higher state of Islam, which means to embrace the faith wholeheartedly). This distinction is very clear in a famous narration from the Prophet (ﷺ), commonly known as the Ḥadîth of Gabriel.
The journey begins with what scholars term as Taqleed, or Imitative faith. This initial stage is much like a seed planted in fertile soil, where we first encounter the practices and beliefs of Islam through our families and communities. We learn to pray, fast, and follow the basic tenets of our religion. While this stage is essential and natural, it’s merely the beginning of a immersive journey that awaits every sincere seeker.
As we nurture this seed with knowledge and contemplation, it grows into Tasdeeq, or Absorptive faith – a stage where faith begins to take root in our understanding. Here, the wisdom behind Islamic practices starts to unfold before us. The five daily prayers are no longer merely physical movements but become windows to divine connection. Fasting transforms from a daylight abstention to a spiritual journey of self-discipline and God-consciousness (Taqwa). At this stage, we begin to taste the sweetness of faith that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) spoke about.
The highest realm of faith, Tahqeeq, or Authentic faith – represents the flowering of our spiritual journey. Here, faith becomes a living reality that permeates every aspect of our being. The heart finds its rest in the remembrance of Allah, and our actions flow naturally from a place of deep conviction and love. This is the stage where the artificial boundary between the spiritual and mundane dissolves, and every moment becomes an opportunity for divine connection.
The Embodiment of Divine Connection with Allah swt
True worship in Islam transcends the physical realm, encompassing a harmonious engagement of our entire being (Body + Heart + Soul + Essence). When we stand in prayer, our bodies align with the divine command, but this physical alignment is merely the outer manifestation of a deeper reality.
Each dimension must be engaged and nourished for our worship to reach its full potential. When these elements align, we experience moments of immersive connection that transform our understanding of what it means to be in a state of worship.
The Integration of Faith Through Our *Multidimensional Being
*Multidimensional Being defined as Body + Heart + Soul + Essence
This integration shows how spiritual development is not just about perfecting external actions but involves the progressive awakening and alignment of all dimensions of our being. Each level of faith brings a deeper integration of body, heart, soul, and essence, ultimately leading to complete harmony in divine presence.
The journey through these levels is not linear but spiral, as each dimension continues to deepen and refine even as higher levels are attained. The ultimate goal is to achieve complete integration where all aspects of our being are in perfect harmony in their orientation toward Allah swt.
At the Level of Taqleed (Imitative Faith)
The Body (jism) performs the physical movements of prayer – standing, bowing, and prostrating while facing the Kaaba. These actions are learned and imitated, following the prescribed form taught by scholars and family. At this stage, the focus is primarily on getting the external actions correct.
At the Level of Tasdeeq (Absorptive Faith)
The Heart (qalb) begins to awaken to the meaning of these movements. Each posture takes on deeper significance:
- Standing becomes a position of humble servitude
- Bowing transforms into a physical expression of reverence
- Prostration evolves into the ultimate submission to the Allah swt our Creator
The worshipper starts to feel emotional connection and reverence during prayer, rather than just performing mechanical movements.
At the Level of Tahqeeq (Authentic Faith)
The Soul (ruh) ascends in its connection with the Divine. Here, prayer becomes a spiritual ascension (mi’raj) where:
- The physical movement becomes a vessel for spiritual elevation
- The heart’s presence transforms into complete absorption in Divine remembrance of Allah swt
- The soul experiences direct communion with its Creator
The Essence (sirr) – the innermost secret of our being – becomes fully aligned with Divine presence. At this stage:
- The body moves in perfect harmony with Allah’s command
- The heart is completely present and overflowing with Allah’s love
- The soul attains a state of intimate discourse with Allah
- The essence experiences fana (spiritual annihilation in Allah’s presence)
A Practical Example Through the Act of Prostration
Taqleed Level:
- Body (Jism): Places forehead on ground in prescribed manner
- Heart (Qalb): Basic awareness of performing worship
- Soul (Ruh): Limited consciousness of spiritual dimension
- Essence (Sirr): Not yet awakened to deeper realities
Tasdeeq Level:
- Body : Maintains proper form while understanding its significance
- Heart : Feels humility and submission
- Soul : Begins to sense divine proximity with Allah swt
- Essence : Starts experiencing glimpses of divine presence
Tahqeeq Level:
- Body : Becomes a pure vessel of worship, every cell in prostration
- Heart : Dissolves in the ocean of divine love and recognition
- Soul : Experiences direct witnessing (mushahada) of divine presence
- Essence : Achieves complete annihilation in divine unity (fana)
Another Practical Example : The Integration in Dhikr (Remembrance)
Taqleed Level:
- Body: Moves lips in recitation
- Heart: Maintains basic focus on words
- Soul: Basic awareness of performing worship
- Essence: Limited consciousness of deeper meaning
Tasdeeq Level:
- Body: Coordinates breath with recitation
- Heart: Feels the meaning of the words
- Soul: Begins to taste spiritual sweetness
- Essence: Awakens to divine nearness of Allah swt
Tahqeeq Level:
- Body: Becomes completely still in divine presence of Allah swt
- Heart: Fully absorbed in divine remembrance of Allah swt
- Soul: Experiences direct divine manifestation of Allah swt
- Essence: Achieves complete absorption in divine unity with Allah swt
The Illuminated Path: The Role of Spiritual Guides
“And [had you been present], you would see the sun when it rose, inclining away from their cave on the right, and when it set, passing away from them on the left, while they were [laying] within an open space thereof. That was from the signs of Allah. He whom Allah guides is the [rightly] guided, but he whom He leaves astray – never will you find for him a protecting guide.”
Quran 18:17 (Surah Al Kahf)
In traversing this path of spiritual development, we are not meant to walk alone. The tradition of seeking knowledge through qualified teachers, those who possess an unbroken chain of transmission (sanad) back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), serves as a crucial safeguard against misunderstanding and innovation. These guides, having walked the path themselves, can identify the subtle pitfalls that await the seeker and provide practical methods for spiritual advancement.
The relationship between a seeker and their spiritual guide is a sacred one, modeled after the relationship between our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions. It goes beyond the mere transmission of information to encompass spiritual nurturing, character development, and the passing down of time-tested wisdom that cannot be found in books alone.
WORSHIP IN ISLAM ENCOMPASSES FAR MORE THAN RITUAL ACTS. IT REPRESENTS A COMPREHENSIVE WAY OF LIFE THAT INCLUDES DEVELOPING A DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF ALLAH AND HIS ATTRIBUTES, CULTIVATING A LOVING RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR CREATOR.
Understanding Our Divine Purpose
“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.“
Quran 51:56 (Surah Adh-Dhariyat)
This declaration from the Quran encapsulates the ultimate purpose of our existence. However, worship in Islam encompasses far more than ritual acts. It represents a comprehensive way of life that includes developing a deep knowledge of Allah and His attributes, cultivating a loving relationship with our Creator, and serving His creation with compassion and wisdom. Every act done with consciousness of Allah becomes an act of worship, elevating the mundane to the sacred.
How to Achieve Authentic Faith (Iman Tahqeeq)?
I’la Ya’rifun الا يعرفون
To understand and become proficient at knowing Him
“Sayyidina Abbas RA was quoted asking Allah (in a deeper spiritual sense) to enable people to recognize or understand the true meaning of worship. The phrase “i’la ya’rifun (الا يعرفون)” could be understood as “until they know,” meaning Sayyidina Abbas is asking for a deeper recognition or understanding of the purpose of creation, which is worshipping Allah. So, the phrase “i’la ya’rifun” could be interpreted as “until they recognize” or “until they understand”, which implies a deeper insight or spiritual awareness of the reason for creation — to worship and serve Allah.”
Quran 51:56 (Surah Adh-Dhariyat)
As you contemplate your own spiritual journey, remember that every soul’s path to Allah is unique. The key is to begin where you are, with sincerity and commitment.
Seek out qualified teachers who can guide you along this path, immerse yourself in circles of knowledge, and most importantly, maintain a consistent practice of self-reflection and spiritual development.
The journey of islamic faith is the most important journey we will ever undertake, for it determines not just our state in this world but our eternal destiny.
Begin today by taking one step toward deeper understanding and connection with your Creator.
Find a teacher with authentic knowledge, join a community of seekers, and commit yourself to this noble path of spiritual excellence.
Remember, every moment spent in sincere seeking is itself an act of worship, and Allah promises in the Quran that those who strive toward Him will surely be shown His ways. May Allah guide us all to the straight path and grant us the wisdom to recognise and follow true guidance, may Allah accept and grant us mercy.
