Psychology in Sufism, Vol. 1

An introductory text in which the psychological process of transformation of the self (nafs) is explored from within the context of sufism. Click Here!

Letter from the Editor

Can we step beyond our limitations and become fair in our understanding?

by Shah Nazar Seyed Ali Kianfar, Ph.D.

When studying the teachings of Divine Messengers, we often learn that they advise human beings to avoid passing judgment against one another. Yet, we rarely give ourselves opportunities to carefully examine the advice of the wise or to understand divine teachings according to their reality. At best, we superficially memorize words of wisdom, gradually become accustomed to them and speak those words and phrases without paying attention to or concentrating on their meanings.
Jesus says: “Whoever has not committed a sin may cast the first stone.” This well known quotation and instruction is advice to stop people from passing unfair judgment or remaining prejudice toward each other. Beneath this teaching lies a deeper meaning, other than the obvious instruction.

Can a human being who has not passed through the stages of purification and who has continuously contaminated his being by distractions and confusion profess to be a true follower of any religion?

The human ego cannot distinguish good from evil until the ego is completely purified from prejudice and unfairness and it must step beyond limitations, otherwise one is not able to examine, deduce or make accurate judgments.
How can we step beyond our limitations and become fair in our understanding? The Prophet Mohammad, peace and blessings be upon Him, says: “Whatsoever you distinguish and recognize by your senses is only your creation and thus will be returned to you.” Let us examine the meaning of this statement: If we pour an ingredient into a container in which there is already a multitude of mixtures, it will take on the colors and fragrances of those mixtures and become difficult to recognize as a single item in its purity. Yet, if the same ingredient is poured into an empty, clean container, it will maintain its identity and will be recognizable. The same logic holds true when understanding Divine Teachings. Unless the heart of a human being is like a mirror, continuously polished, it will not be able to recognize the Divine Light in its purity, since the teachings of the Divine Messengers must be understood in their purity, away from imagination and presumptions.
In the life story of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon Him, we read that He spent much of His youth in a cave called Hira, in a state of meditation, purification and concentration. At the age of forty, He received divine messages and revelations. In other words, passing through the stages of meditation and purification are essential to understanding Divine truth. Thus, how can a human being who has not passed through the stages of purification and who has continuously contaminated his being by distractions and confusion profess to be a true follower of any religion? How can such a person pass judgment on his or any religion or criticize another’s faith, especially when . . .

To read the rest of this article,
press the subscribe button below and order
Volume 9, Number 4 from our Archive Page,
and while you are there you can subscribe
so you never miss another issue!