ATTAINING TRUE SPIRITUALITY- BY PROFESSOR TIMEHIN OLUROTIMI
Alhamdulillah. Eid ul Adhaa has come and gone, but its lessons subsist. This is the first Jum'ah after the blessed festival and today marks the beginning of the airlifting of Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the last Hajj exercise. As we eagerly await them, I urge you to reflect on the true essence of Hajj and 'Eid ul Ad’haa which is the attainment of true spirituality.
Attaining true spirituality is a transformative journey that transcends rituals and outward practices. It is the cultivation of a deep, authentic connection with the Divine, the self, and all of creation. To achieve this, you need a holistic framework for the understanding of what true spirituality entails. The first step in this direction is to develop:
1. Inner Awareness and Sincerity (Ikhlas)
True spirituality begins with a sincere intention—seeking closeness to Allah, not for show, social approval, or personal gain, but out of love, humility, and reverence. This is captured by the submission of Prophet Ibrahim and his family's surrender at the threshold of Allah’s Decree as uncomfortable as their situation was.
Self-reflection (muhasabah) and God-Consciousness (taqwa) are key. You should assess yourself and ask questions like: *What would I have done had I been asked or commanded to sacrifice my only son? How would my family have reacted? Even if I submit, would my wife and kid submit? Surely, spirituality is not a mask but a mirror.
2. Consistent Worship with Presence of Mind
Prayer (ṣalāh), fasting, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and recitation of, and reflection upon the Qur’an must be done with conscious devotion, not mechanical repetition.
Quality of worship matters more than quantity. Even small acts, done with a devoted heart, elevate the soul and attract Divine Light.
3. Moral and Ethical Excellence
True spirituality is not divorced from ethics. Truthfulness, patience, forgiveness, humility, compassion, sympathy, empathy, and justice are signs of a soul that is spiritually alive.
The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “I have been sent to perfect excellent character.” There is no spirituality without moral probity and ethical excellence. When you exhibit high morality, your spirit is carried on the wings of your moral qualities to the gates of eternal recognition and endorsement
4. Service to Humanity
When you see the entire human family as your kith and kin and you extend a helping hand to others, especially the needy, the marginalized, and the oppressed, with genuine compassion and empathy, you have entered the groves of true spirituality.
Your relevance in Allah’s estimation is determined by how you treat those who are not in a position to either benefit you or repay your kindness. Real spirituality inspires mercy and service. How true is the prophetic declaration: mankind, regardless of race, colour, or creed, is Allah’s family; and the dearest person to Allah is one who is most beneficial to Allah’s family!
5. Detachment from Worldly Excess (Zuhd)
When you abstain from the world to pursue true spirituality, it doesn't mean a rejection of the world. Rather, it means liberation from its control.
The phenomenon of donning the Ihram, staying at Mina in a humble dwelling, killing sacrificial animals during the 'eid ul Ad’haa, are all symbols of slaughtering your worldly attachments, desires, and preferences at the altar of Allah’s Majesty. When you use your wealth, power, and fame for Divine pleasure without allowing them to own your heart or define your affairs, you are at the threshold of Allah’s Grace.
Your simplicity and gratitude to Allah with your heart, tongue, and deeds then turn into wings that enable your spirit to soar into the Divine Presence.
6. Connection with Nature and Creation
The natural world reflects Allah’s signs (āyāt). When you reflect and ontemplate the universe and Allah’s creation with awe, your spiritual awareness deepens, and your spirit is freed from the shackles of illusion.
You will thereby enter the state of oneness of creation, treating animals, the environment, and all beings with due respect and a sense of responsibility.
7. Positive Spiritual Companionship (Suhbah)
Keeping the company of the pious, wise, and spiritually aware folks helps nurture your soul during your journey towards the frontiers of spirituality.
The spiritual path is not meant to be walked alone—family, mentors, teachers, and sincere friends are essential. If you do not keep the right company, you will experience constant slips and stumbles on the path.
8. Struggle against the ego (Jihad-un-Nafs)
The greatest spiritual battle is against your own lower self. As you struggle against the promptings of pride, envy, greed, lust, and arrogance, you clear the weeds of Shaytan from your path, and as you engage in daily efforts at self-purification, you gradually attain inner peace and nearness to the Divine.
9. Continuous Learning and Growth
Islamic spirituality thrives on knowledge. This is why the creed itself is based on knowledge. In a holy tradition, Allah says: know Me before you worship Me. Whoever does not know Me, how will they worship Me?
Continously seeking knowledge, therefore, be it revealed (like the Qur’an and the Sunnah) or reflective (like science, philosophy, and literature), is a compulsory milestone on the road to true spirituality.
While knowledge aids the comprehension of divine laws, wisdom nourishes the soul, and the resultant light lit up your inner sight so that you do not get lost on the journey.
The heart of spirituality is love—for Allah, His Messenger, and all of His creation.
This love is expressed through earnestness in obedience, joy in worship, and hope in divine mercy. When you reach this level, your love knows no ethnicity, gender, race, or creed. It embraces humanity as a whole, and the doors of true spirituality are flung open for you.
May Allah grant you the sincerity of purpose, firmness of faith, the purity of intention, and the depth of understanding to earn true spirituality in this life and heavenly rewards in the Hereafter.
Jum'ah Mubarakah
© PROFESSOR TIMEHIN SAHEED OLUROTIMI
- Nigeria
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