The Path to a Perfect Believer

Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmat Allahi wa barakatuh 

Let’s reflect on a profound statement by Masihullah Khan: "Without tasawwuf, a Muslim cannot truly be described as a perfect believer." This statement touches on the very essence of what it means to live a life of faith and devotion. But what exactly is tasawwuf, and why is it considered so integral to achieving the status of a perfect believer?

Tasawwuf, often translated as Sufism, is the branch of Islamic knowledge that focuses on the purification of the heart. It is about cultivating inner virtues such as sincerity, humility, patience, and deep love for Allah. Essentially, tasawwuf is the science of refining one’s soul, eliminating spiritual impurities, and aligning one’s innermost being with the teachings of Islam. It is an inward journey toward spiritual excellence or ihsan, which means worshipping Allah as if you see Him, knowing that even if you do not see Him, He sees you.

During the blessed time of the Prophet ﷺ there was no need for a separate department or category for tasawwuf. The Prophet ﷺ was a perfect embodiment of all aspects of Islam, teaching his companions in a comprehensive manner that included both the outward actions and the inward states of the heart. His life was a holistic guide that fused external acts of worship with the internal purification of the soul.

However, as the Muslim community expanded and time passed, scholars began to specialise in different areas of Islamic knowledge to preserve the vast sciences of Islam and provide deeper understanding. They divided the study of the religion into distinct departments such as Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Aqidah (Islamic creed), and Tafsir (exegesis). Tasawwuf emerged as the dedicated branch that focused on nurturing the soul and purifying the heart, emphasizing the importance of inner character and spiritual consciousness.

A significant aspect of tasawwuf is the concept of tariqa, which literally means "path." Tariqa refers to the various methods or ways devised for the reformation of the inner, spiritual acts of a believer. Unlike other sciences, such as fiqh, which are applied only in specific circumstances (for example, the fiqh of Hajj is considered primarily when one is planning to perform Hajj), tariqa involves a constant, 24/7 awareness of the state of one’s heart. It is a continuous process of introspection and self-improvement, where the believer is always mindful of their inner spiritual state.

Tasawwuf, through the guidance of tariqa, reminds us that spiritual refinement is not a once-off endeavour but a lifelong journey. It requires a believer to maintain a continuous connection with Allah, always seeking to purify their intentions and actions. This perpetual self-awareness distinguishes tasawwuf from other branches of Islamic knowledge and makes it an essential aspect of a believer’s spiritual development.

May Allah allow us to incorporate both the outer practices and the inner purification that Islam teaches, working towards becoming believers who are not only righteous in action but also pure in heart.

Wassalam

Munibah