Are you wearing the right lens?

Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmat Allahi wa barakatuh 

Imam Ghazali once lamented that he had 'wasted' his time delving into the complexities of jurisprudence, saying, “I have found that the knowledge the jurists have is all just a veil from the true knowledge of Allah Most High.” 

A friend of Allah with true gnosis questioned him, offering a transformative perspective: whether it is the science of the jurists or anything in existence, with the right intent and focus, you will find everything as an indicator to the Divine. This profound insight led Imam Ghazali to retract his earlier statement.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on this short incident. It’s easy to get caught up in the minutiae of our routines, the seemingly mundane tasks that fill our days. We might feel, like Imam Ghazali did, that our efforts are wasted. But what if we shift our perspective? What if we approach each task, each interaction, with the intent to seek and reflect the Divine?

How often do we overlook the spiritual dimensions of our work and relationships? When we view our activities through a spiritual lens, they become more than just tasks to complete; they transform into opportunities for growth and connection with The Almighty. 

In our professional lives, this might mean approaching our work with a sense of purpose and dedication, recognizing that diligence and excellence are forms of worship. Every spreadsheet, email, or meeting can be a testament to our commitment to integrity and service. We can see our colleagues and clients as individuals with their own struggles and aspirations, deserving of our compassion and respect.

In our personal lives, the time spent with family and friends, the acts of kindness and patience, and even the challenges we face can all draw us closer to our Lord if we approach them with the right mindset. 

Even pursuing knowledge, whether formal education or personal study, can be a path to spiritual enrichment. Like Imam Ghazali realised, all knowledge has the potential to lead us to a greater understanding of Allah’s creation. Even the secular sciences, arts, and humanities are not just academic disciplines; they are lenses through which we can perceive the wonders of Allah’s power.

This week, let’s challenge ourselves to adopt this transformative perspective. Let’s strive to see beyond the surface and recognize the deeper connections in everything we do. Remember, it’s not just about what we do, but the intent and focus with which we do it.

I’ll leave you with a powerful hadith, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him facing you.” You can check out this short publication for further details.

Wassalam

Munibah