Instruction for Sufis
Q: How can I be sure that I am aligned with Allah’s will if He gives me what I want even though it might not be what He ultimately intends for me? How do I know that my goals match Allah’s plan for me?
A: First, there are a lot of ‘Is’ and ‘me’s’ in that question, which might give us a hint at what the answer could shape up to be. The place to focus on is Trust and Truth. We are rarely given the ability to see all the pieces of our life-puzzle at once. We are given what we can deal with. If you allow Allah to be your teacher, your Guide, then over Time and Experience we will be given enough pieces to build up a picture of what we need to know in this moment. So first, we learn how to Trust Allah. Secondly, we need to be focused on the truth. That is, the truth of whatever experience you are passing through. We cannot know what Allah ultimately plans for us, I am barely able to plan the next day let alone figure out what Allah is planning.
To be in accord with Allah, is to be in accord with our heart. Therefore, our focus is on being with our hearts as much as we are able. Allowing Allah to unfold whatever the story is and learn from it is a sometimes delightful way to appreciate the lesson. As I often say, get out of the way, enjoy the show , observing and deducing whatever you can from the event helps to put you in agreement with Allah. We are very good at getting in the way, and thinking the ongoing play is about us, but it usually isn’t. It’s about Allah revealing Himself in whatever way He wishes, and for us to derive whatever we can from play.
Perhaps one way to think of your goals and Allah’s is to imagine that you are in a dance together. Sometimes Allah leads, sometimes you think you lead. Goals are not what is important. It is the dance that has meaning. The give and take, the movement of gliding across the world floor. You may think of goals as markers, but Allah makes the music and gives your feet grace. Goals help us as humans to provide a signpost and direction. But perhaps the best goal is to be with Allah. Usually that is all you really need.
Salaam Alaykum, murids, seekers, curious and interested listeners,
We appreciate you, and are happy to share our Sufi Message. Your donation will help support our Sufi Centre in Sydney where we offer Zikr, Sohbet, spiritual counselling and healing services. We believe the message should be free, but it costs equipment, rental, services, software and hardware to get this to you.
Thank you for choosing our podcast amongst all the millions available. If
Please send your questions to: shaykhibrahim@ansarisufiorder.org
