Summary
True success in life comes not from words, but from sincere actions that lead to spiritual growth. The greatest obstacles on this path are the self (nafs), the world, and Satan. Of these, Satan plays a powerful and cunning role in pulling people away from the remembrance of Allah by using worldly attractions and internal desires.
Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen explains that anything that distracts a person from Allah is “the world”—and this very world is Satan’s tool. The Quran confirms this in sura At-Takathur, where Allah says that the desire for more has distracted people until they reached their graves. The words of Ali (ra) further strengthen this message: “Lighten your burden so you may catch up with those who move ahead.” In this journey of suluk ilallah (the path to Allah), the heart is like a ship sailing through a storm. The lighter it is—free from desires and attachments—the easier the journey. The Qur’an also warns in Surah Az-Zalzalah that every small deed, good or evil, will be seen on the Day of Judgment. And in sura Bani Isra’il Allah commands, “Read your book; today you are enough to take account of yourself.” These verses prove that no one—not even Satan—will be responsible for your choices but you alone.
In today’s world, it’s easy to blame outside forces or circumstances for our failures. But the truth is, we carry our book of deeds within us. I’ve come to realize that Satan doesn’t need to come with horns and fire—he whispers through distractions, ego, comparison, and emotional traps. The more I’ve disconnected from superficial goals and refocused on my spiritual journey, the more peace I’ve felt. What helped me was understanding that transformation requires action: not just praying more, but living with purpose and letting go of inner weight. Pledging to a spiritual guide like Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen and embracing the power of Ism-e-Allah Zaat has opened a new door for many seekers. It’s not about perfection—it’s about direction. Moving intentionally toward Allah is the only way to defeat Satan, rise above the world’s illusions, and find lasting success.
In Knowing Myself, I Found God
A person must reflect deeply on the responsibilities, actions, and opportunities entrusted to them by God. These are a reflection of their spiritual rank. If someone is engaged in serving the faith, immersed in knowledge and worship, or actively involved in good deeds, it is a sign of their elevated status in the eyes of God. On the other hand, if one is caught up in worldly pleasures and sins, it indicates a need for self-correction.
Ibn Ata’ Allah al-Iskandari states in Al-Hikam al-‘Ata’iyyah:
“If you wish to know your rank in the eyes of God, observe what He has kept you busy with.”
Several insights emerge from this wisdom:
If He keeps you engaged in His remembrance, know that He wishes to remember you.
If He involves you with the Quran, understand that He desires to speak with you.
If He keeps you occupied with righteous deeds, it means He wants you close to Him.
But if He entangles you in worldly matters, take it as a sign that He is distancing you from Himself.
If He involves you in people’s affairs, realize that He is distracting you from your true path.
If He keeps you in the state of prayer, believe that He intends to bless you.
If He immerses you in beneficial knowledge, He is guiding you toward deeper divine gnosis.
If He calls you to strive in His cause (jihad fi sabililah), it means He has chosen you for Himself.
If He engages you in serving others and doing good, recognize that He is involving you in acts beloved to Him.
But if He preoccupies you with unnecessary tasks, it may be a sign that He is removing you from His love.
Therefore, awaken your consciousness and reflect on your current state. Ask yourself: what are you truly occupied with? For your spiritual rank is exactly where God has chosen to keep you engaged.
Self-Realization in Divine Understanding
The concept of self-awareness is beautifully expressed by the Master of the Universe and the Gate of Knowledge, Ali ibn Abi Talib. He said, “It is enough of an ignorance for a person not to recognize their own worth and status.”
A human being is not merely a combination of flesh and bones. They are gifted with immense potential. Among all creations, humans are superior because they possess consciousness, intellect, and understanding. These are the very powers that enable one to distinguish between right and wrong, benefit and harm.
The essence of Ali’s wisdom lies in this: true human dignity is found in recognizing one’s own reality. Even if someone possesses knowledge of the entire world but remains unaware of their own self, they are worse off than animals—because while animals are not capable of self-recognition, a human being is. And if one has this gift yet chooses not to use it, there is no greater ignorance than that.
Iqbal says:
Ye Payam De Gae Hai Mujhay Bad e Sajgahi
Kay Khudi Kay Arifon Ka Hai Maqam Padshahi
Teri Zindagi Isi Se, Teri Abroo Isi Se
Jo Rahi Khudi To Shahi, Na Rahi To Rusyahi
Explanation:
“This message reached me after long prostrations—That those who truly know the self are destined for sovereignty.”
Iqbal emphasizes that true power and dignity come from recognizing and strengthening one’s inward. He teaches that those who understand their true essence are elevated to positions of spiritual kingship. A person’s honor, purpose, and success in life are rooted in this self-awareness. Without it, they lose direction and fall into disgrace.
The Eternal Search for Self and Divine Truth
Regarding Irfan-e-Nafs—the knowledge of the self—my esteemed spiritual guide, Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman, writes in his renowned book Shams-ul-Fuqara:
“Since the day humans set foot on this planet called Earth, certain questions have continually arisen in their minds: Who am I? What is my beginning? What is my end? What is my reality? What is my true identity? What is the purpose of my life?”
Whenever human beings have sincerely sought answers to these questions, God has guided them. In every era and in every region of the Earth, He sent prophets and messengers to provide humanity with the answers they longed for.
In a Hadith Qudsi, God reveals the purpose of human creation:
“I was a hidden treasure. I desired to be known, so I created the creation.”
In a Prophetic saying:
“Whoever recognized their own self has certainly recognized their Lord.”
This realization of the self—Irfan-e-Nafs—is what Allama Iqbal repeatedly referred to in his poetry as khudi (selfhood). At times, he also used terms like mann (mind), dil (heart), and rooh (soul) to describe different layers of the self, all of which are referred to as the “inward” in spirituality.
Iqbal writes:
Khudi Ki Jalwaton Mein Mustafai
Khudi Ki Khalwaton Mein Kibriyai
Zameen o Asmaan o Kursi o Arsh
Khudi Ki Zidd Mein Hai Sari Khudai
Explanation:
Iqbal is expressing that khudi—the realization of one’s inward—is so powerful that it reflects both prophetic excellence and Divine grandeur. When a person fully develops their khudi, they mirror the outward beauty and character of the Prophet Mohammad (Mustafa), and in their inner depths, they reflect the majesty of God.
He goes on to say that the entire universe—the earth, skies, the Divine throne (Arsh), and the footstool (Kursi)—is within the reach of a person who awakens their true self. In other words, khudi connects the human soul to all levels of Divine reality and cosmic power. It’s a poetic way of saying: when you know yourself, you tap into the vast potential and nearness to God that lies within you.
The Universe Within
At another place, my honorable spiritual guide, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen, says:
“Modern man is lost in the external universe, but if he truly recognizes his own existence, he will begin to see the universe reflected within himself.”
(Shams-ul-Fuqara)
The Holy Quran also draws attention—repeatedly—to the inner dimension of the human being. It invites reflection not just on the outer world but on the inward, where the signs of God are deeply rooted.
Thus, the Almighty says:
“And in your own selves—do you not then see?”
(Sura Adh-Dhariyat :21)
“and We are closer to him than his jugular vein.”
(Sura Qaf :16)
These verses point to the profound spiritual truth that God resides closer to us than we realize—within our own being. The journey to find Him is not outward, but inward.
In line with this divine reality, the great saint Bu Ali Shah Qalandar once said:
Yaar Dar Tu Pas Churai Bekhabar
“The Beloved is within you—why do you seek Him elsewhere, O unaware one?”
Awakening the Inner Self—The Key to Divine Proximity
Sultan-ul-Faqr VI, Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali, beautifully stated:
“Seek your reality within yourself—for your true essence is that Divine Being who is closer to you than your jugular vein. In the pursuit of your own self, you will discover Him. Awaken your inward, for that is the true human. It is the inner being whose role is worship. It is he who belongs to Paradise, and it is he who ends up in Hell. When the inward is corrected, the outward naturally follows.”
Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali further states:
“If you wish to unlock the hidden depths of your inward, then seek the key from a Perfect Man—a true spiritual guide (Murshid Kamil). The only key that unlocks the inward is the Ism-e-Allah Zaat (the Personal Name of Allah).”
Regarding Ism-e-Allah Zaat, my esteemed spiritual guide declares:
“The path to nearness, vision, union, and meeting with Allah never opens without the remembrance (dhikr) and contemplation (tasawur) of Ism-e-Allah Zaat. There is no other way to reach Allah.”
Ism-e-Allah Zaat is indeed the Ism-e-Azam—the Greatest Name of Allah. However, it only settles firmly in the heart when it is imparted by a perfect and accomplished spiritual guide (Murshid Kamil Akmal).
However, after all these explanations, one thing becomes absolutely clear as daylight: the true success of a human being lies in attaining Divine Knowledge (Ma’rifah) and the Pleasure of Allah. The secret to this lies in Ism-e-Allah Zaat, and the only way to receive it is through the guidance of a Murshid.
But the journey to Divine Love (Ishq-e-Haqiqi) is not easy. The disciple—whether seeker or traveler on the spiritual path—must pass through intense trials and tests. Just as a goldsmith places gold in the fire to separate the pure from the impure, the Perfect Murshid also puts his disciples through both outward and inward trials. Through this, he purifies their inwards by removing all that is other than Allah.
The Path of Faqr—A Journey of Action, Not Words
It is important to remember that the journey is not one of mere speech, but of action. In this path, there is no room for vanity or superficiality. On one side, a person’s own self is their greatest enemy, and on the other, the world and Satan, like thieves, attack the seeker of truth with all their distractions and temptations.
What is the World?
In answering the question of what the world truly is, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen, states: “Anything that diverts you from the remembrance of Allah and occupies your heart with itself is the world. Any object or entity that captures your heart with love, other than Allah and His Messenger, is the world. It is this very world that prevents the servant from attaining the knowledge of Allah and the union with Him.” (Teachings and Quotes of Sultan ul Ashiqeen)
It is the love of this world and the abundance of carnal desires that have cast veils of heedlessness over mankind. These veils deprive him of the recognition of truth and lead him toward destruction. As stated in the Holy Quran:
“The craving for more and more has distracted you, until you reached your graves.”
(Sura At-Takathur, 1–2)
Ali ibn Abi Talib said:
“Lighten your burden so you may catch up with those who move ahead.”
(Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 21)
Human Journey Toward Divine Perfection
Man is like a traveler in this world, journeying toward a destined end. Some have completed their journey and reached their destination, while others are still on the path. The true destination of a human being is the state of spiritual perfection for which they were created. In the language of gnosis, this journey is called suluk ilallah—the path to Allah.
Life is like a vast and boundless ocean in which the ship of human existence is anchored. But in this ocean, strong winds, raging waves, and terrifying storms constantly obstruct the way. The lighter the load on this ship, the easier and more peaceful the journey becomes. There are even times when, in order to survive, a person must cast away their most valuable possessions into the sea.
Similarly, the heart of a spiritually mature person is like that ship—constantly struck by worldly thoughts, love for material things, the pull of wealth, and storms of desires. The one who frees themselves from the burdens of these deceptive loves and longings is the one who finds success. But the one who remains crushed under their weight falls into failure and regret.
Your Life: A Blank Scroll Being Written by Your Actions
In essence, your life is like a blank scroll, and every action you take is like a word written upon it. Only what you personally do is being recorded—no one else has the authority to add even a single dot or remove anything from it.
In the end, a day will surely come, about which it has been revealed in the Qur’an:
“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it,
And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.”
(Sura Az-Zalzalah :7–8)
The eternal law of the Almighty is simple: every single page of your book of life and every action written on it is solely your responsibility. No one else can be held accountable for what you choose to do.
Reflect on this—one day, this very book will be handed back to you. And the Sovereign of all creation will say:
“Read your book; today, you are sufficient to take account of yourself.”
(Sura Al Isra: 14)
Let us strive to make our book of deeds complete—turning a life of inaction into a life of purpose, and soulless rituals into perfected worship. Take the first step by pledging allegiance at the blessed hand of the perfect, complete, and all-encompassing spiritual guide—Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman.
Through this allegiance, attain the eternal treasure of Ism-e-Allah Zaat (the Personal Name of Allah). By recognizing and understanding Allah, discover the true purpose of life and begin your journey toward everlasting success.
Note:
This is an English translation of Urdu article خودی سے خدا تکت that appeared in the May 2025 issue of monthly Sultan-ul-Faqr Magazine. Mr. Usman Sadiq arwari Qadri authored the original article. Zuhaa Fatima Sarwari Qadri has translated it in English.
Leave a Reply