THE WISDOM OF IBN ATA'ALLAH
(Excerpts Only)
Translation and Commentary by Shaykh
Fadhlalla Haeri
The
Hikam (Wisdom)
Section Nineteen
HIKMA 174
The arrival of
desperate needs is the celebration of the seekers.
The experience of a
need and impoverishment is a reminder to the low nature of self, and
the Original Purpose of creation, which is to witness and seek His
glory, and rejoice in realising His mercy and generosity. It is said
that bereft ness is the flag of victory for sincere seekers for it
leads them to only His door.
HIKMA 175
Sometimes you will
find more benefit in states of desperate need than you find in
fasting or prayer.
With acts of worship
there is a certain pleasure and ease for the self whereas with
difficulties, the self is restricted. Attention and awareness of His
Might and Supremacy are heightened with desperate needs and the self
is subdued and the heart is softened and becomes alert. The seeker
has to be cautious and patient when he calls upon Allah in times of
need and is in gratitude in times of ease. The enlightened one
rejoices with the constriction of need, and is cautious with ease.
HIKMA 176
Desperate needs
open up latent gifts.
The
vigilant seeker will learn and evolve most during times of
constriction and affliction. The reflective seeker will experience
heightened spiritual growth and openings when there is nowhere else
to turn except to Allah. During these times spiritual fruits grow
from the earth of the abased self, which has given up its pretence
of power and independence and unconditional contentment with His
decrees.
<snipped>
