13.) Must
one have mystical experiences in order to be considered a true traveler of the Sufi path?
Mystical
experiences can be valuable sources of direction, encouragement and faith during the long
journey along the Sufi path. Furthermore, these experiences can serve as indicators of
spiritual progress which mark passage through greater and lesser way stations of the
mystical way.
At the
same time, there is no necessity which ties such experiences to making progress on the
Sufi path. In fact, sometimes the very absence of these kinds of experiences may indicate
the existence in the individual of a much deeper spiritual achievement and faith than
would be indicated by the presence of such experiences.
Sometimes
mystical experiences come by the grace of Allah because the individual is in need of such
things to strengthen and enrich her or his faith. In other cases, however, faith takes
root, grows, flourishes and bears a multiplicity of spiritual fruits without benefit of
mystical experiences of any kind.
Both
conditions are through the grace of God. But, one is accompanied by, and manifested
through, various mystical experiences, while the other is not.
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