1.) What
is the goal or purpose of the Sufi path?
There
are many correct answers which could be given to this question. They
would all be variations on the same theme.
The goal
or purpose of the Sufi path is to realize our true identity and unique spiritual capacity
for knowing, serving and loving God. If, by the grace of Allah, the individual comes to
such a realization, then she or he will understand the essential nature of one’s
relationship with Divinity, along with the nature of true worship, as well as what being
God’s khalifah or vicegerent actually entails.
Some
people mistakenly believe that the purpose of the Sufi path is to acquire spiritual
powers, and/or to enhance psychic abilities, and/or to develop the ability to see the
future, and/or to undergo various 'cool' altered states of consciousness. In reality, all
of these possibilities are entirely secondary to, and even distracting from, the main task
of the Sufi mystical journey.
One could
have a bushel basket full of mystical treats and gifts and, yet, never come close to
realizing the purpose of one's life. The lure of powers, states and so on is a challenge
to the would-be seeker - namely, very early on, the individual must make the decision of
what is more important: Allah, or spiritual powers and states.
When the
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) went on his spiritual ascension and was brought to
within a few 'bowlengths' of closeness or proximity of Allah, the Qur'an indicates that
the Prophet looked neither left nor right, despite the fact that all manner of secrets and
mysteries were being displayed in these directions.
The focus
of the Prophet was soley on the meeting with his Lord. The novice would do well to keep
this example of the Prophet in mind and heart as she or he travels on the Path of Allah.
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