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
III. Practical Implementation
A. Prerequisites for Ma’rifah
Before one can venture on the path to divine recognition, or Ma’rifatullah, the necessity of cultivating certain foundational qualities—foremost among them trustworthiness (amanah)—becomes evident.
Trustworthiness (Amanah)
Trustworthiness stands as a cornerstone in the pursuit of sacred knowledge. It embodies an unwavering commitment to moral integrity, ensuring that the seeker not only acquires knowledge through honest means but also preserves and conveys that knowledge with fidelity.
This quality requires believers to handle spiritual teachings and insights responsibly, never distorting or misusing what has been entrusted to them, but instead honouring the sanctity of divine guidance.
The importance of amanah is both practical and spiritual.
Practically, it guards against the misuse or misinterpretation of knowledge, preventing spiritual teachings from being twisted for personal gain or error.
Spiritually, it ensures that the heart of the seeker remains pure and receptive, capable of receiving the subtle insights and wisdom that come from Allah.
In this way, trustworthiness protects the transmission of sacred knowledge across generations and sustains the sanctity and purity essential for true ma‘rifat to blossom in the heart of the believer.
Sincere Intention (Niyyah)
Sincere intention, or niyyah, is a fundamental prerequisite on the path toward ma’rifat and the spiritual journey as a whole. At its core, niyyah is about purifying one’s purpose—approaching every act, especially the pursuit of divine knowledge, with the sole aim of seeking Allah’s pleasure and nearness.
This requires a deep, genuine yearning for divine recognition (ma’rifat), untainted by any worldly motives or desires for status, prestige, or material gain. The sincere seeker constantly renews and checks their intention, ensuring that it remains aligned with the purest aspiration: to know and serve Allah above all else.
The impact of such an intention is transformative. When the heart is wholly oriented toward Allah, it becomes receptive to deeper spiritual realities, and the doors to higher understanding are gradually unlocked.
Moreover, the angels and the divine realm assist those whose intentions are pure, facilitating their journey, removing obstacles, and guiding them toward the light of true knowledge.
In this way, niyyah not only sanctifies the path of learning but also invites the special mercy and support of Allah, making the journey toward ma’rifat both possible and fruitful.
THIS SPIRITUAL READINESS BEGINS WITH THE PURIFICATION OF THE HEART—A PROCESS KNOWN AS TAZKIYAH—WHEREIN ONE STRIVES TO CLEANSE THE SOUL FROM SPIRITUAL AILMENTS SUCH AS PRIDE, JEALOUSY, AND HEEDLESSNESS.
Spiritual Readiness
Spiritual readiness is a vital condition for embarking on the journey toward ma’rifat, ensuring the seeker is truly prepared to receive the subtleties of divine knowledge.
This readiness begins with the purification of the heart—a process known as tazkiyah—wherein one strives to cleanse the soul from spiritual ailments such as pride, jealousy, and heedlessness.
Alongside purification, the development of humility is essential. The seeker acknowledges their dependence on Allah, recognising their limitations and approaching the sacred path with reverence and lowliness.
Equally important is cultivating a state of receptivity, an openness to the transformative effects of spiritual knowledge.
Preparation for this journey involves regular self-assessment, honestly evaluating one’s actions and intentions in light of divine standards. The aspirant must work diligently to identify and eliminate spiritual obstacles that could impede progress, such as persistent sins, negative habits, or harmful attachments.
Finally, the development of proper adab—exemplary etiquette and manners in the presence of Allah, teachers, and fellow seekers—serves as both a protection and a key to receiving ma’rifat.
With tazkiyah, humility, receptivity, self-reflection, and adab forming its foundation, spiritual readiness enables the heart to become a true vessel for divine recognition.
Key Takeaways
Before embarking on the journey of divine recognition, certain foundational elements must be established:
Trustworthiness (Amanah)
- Essential Quality:
- Moral integrity in seeking knowledge
- Reliability in preserving sacred teachings
- Responsibility in handling spiritual insights
- Importance:
- Safeguards against misuse of knowledge
- Ensures proper reception of divine insights
- Maintains the sanctity of spiritual knowledge
Sincere Intention (Niyyah)
- Foundation:
- Pure seeking of Allah’s pleasure
- Genuine desire for divine recognition
- Freedom from worldly motives
- Impact:
- Aligns heart with divine purpose
- Opens doors to deeper understanding
- Attracts divine assistance
Spiritual Readiness
- Requirements:
- Purification of heart (Tazkiyah)
- Development of humility
- Cultivation of receptivity
- Preparation:
- Regular self-assessment
- Elimination of spiritual obstacles
- Development of proper adab (etiquette)
