The Mirror of Hearts

One of the great scholars of the 13th century, Ibn Ataullah al-Iskandari (quddisa sirruhu), a prominent figure in the Shadhili Sufi tariqah, offers profound wisdom in his book "Taj’ul Arus":

Consider how easily an act of worship that pleases your nafs comes to you and how burdensome an act that your nafs dislikes feels. A voluntary pilgrimage, known as "nafilah" Hajj, serves as an example. If you were told, "Give the money you set aside for the nafilah Hajj as charity," it would weigh heavily on you. This is because Hajj is a visible act of worship in which your nafs has a share. On the other hand, giving charity is a discreet and often forgotten act of worship.

Similarly, seeking knowledge for reasons other than pleasing Allah bears similar qualities in terms of having an appeal that pleases the nafs. You may spend the entire night pursuing knowledge, and your nafs will find it enjoyable. But if you were asked to perform a two-rakah prayer at night, it would seem challenging. This is because your ego has no share in those two rakah of prayer. Learning and acquiring knowledge, however, involve a shared interest with others, making it easier for the nafs to accept.

Direct your breaths toward obedience to the Almighty and nothing else. Do not underestimate the value of each breath; consider the reward Allah will grant you for every breath spent in worship.

Every breath is a precious gem. Have you ever seen someone throw a gem into the trash? You adorn the outward appearance that people see while neglecting to purify the inner sanctuary of your heart, which is the receptacle for your Lord’s gaze.

Wisdom is like a chain. If you link it with your nafs, you will be kept away from evil. Otherwise, you will leave it uncontrolled and may fear the harm it causes. Think of it as a madman in your house who destroys everything, cuts up your clothes, and you do not restrain him. If you tie him up, you will find relief; if you leave without binding him, the harm continues.

O old man! You have reached the twilight of your life. Therefore, compensate for the days that have passed by. Your hair and beard have turned white, the unmistakable signs of aging. Remember, a dark stain looks especially stark against a white surface.

The heart is like a mirror, and the nafs is like the breath that fogs it. Every time you breathe, the mirror fogs up. The heart of a sinner is akin to the mirror an elderly woman peers into but cannot clean because she lacks the strength. In contrast, the heart of a true knower of Allah resembles the mirror of a young girl. The young girl cleans and polishes it daily because she gazes at herself in it. While ascetics strive to perform numerous deeds, those truly connected to Allah work to refine their inner state.