177 - You had given me this idea

You had given me this idea, 

You will give me way to go there, 

You will lend me strength, 

You will give me wisdom, 

I will do anything to feed my hobby and my souls.

Now give me instructions and way.

Dear Divine Creator,

You had given me this idea, a spark of inspiration to pursue my passion and feed my soul's longing. I trust in your guidance and provision.

You will give me a way to go there, guiding my steps along the path laid out for me. Illuminate the way ahead, showing me the opportunities and openings to fulfill my purpose.

You will lend me strength, empowering me with the resilience and determination needed to overcome challenges and obstacles that may arise along the journey.

You will give me wisdom, granting me the insight and clarity to make wise decisions and discern the best course of action as I pursue my dreams.

I surrender myself to your divine will, ready to follow your instructions and embrace the ways you provide. With unwavering faith and dedication, I commit to doing everything in my power to nurture my hobby and nourish my soul.

Amen.

Explaination

Yes, "La ilaha illallah" is a fundamental phrase in Islam known as the Shahada, which translates to "There is no god but Allah" in English. This declaration of faith is the core belief in monotheism in Islam, affirming that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. It signifies the oneness of God and the rejection of any form of polytheism. Each word in this declaration holds deep theological and spiritual significance, emphasizing the absolute sovereignty and uniqueness of Allah in Islamic belief.

Yes, in Sufism, the phrase "La ilaha illallah" is interpreted in a broader spiritual context beyond just monotheistic belief. Sufis emphasize the inner dimensions of faith and the mystical union with the divine. So, the phrase takes on deeper meanings such as:

1. "There is no strength but in God's strength": Recognizing that all power and ability come from God, and human strength is dependent on divine support and assistance.

2. "There is no will but God's will": Acknowledging that human desires and intentions should align with the divine will, surrendering one's own will to the divine plan.

3. "There is no wish but God's wish": Understanding that true fulfillment comes from aligning one's desires with the divine purpose, seeking contentment in God's decree.

4. "He will grant anything to anything He wishes": Affirming the omnipotence of God, who has the power to fulfill any request according to His wisdom and divine plan.

These interpretations highlight the Sufi emphasis on spiritual surrender, humility, and devotion to the divine will, reflecting a profound mystical understanding of the Shahada beyond its literal meaning.

Next

Certainly, in Sufism, "La ilaha illallah" holds various deeper meanings that reflect the mystical journey and the relationship between the individual and the divine. Here are a few additional interpretations:

1. **Unity of Being (Wahdat al-Wujud)**: This concept suggests that all existence is one, and the phrase signifies the ultimate truth of divine unity. In this interpretation, "There is no god but Allah" reflects the idea that all manifestations are ultimately divine and interconnected.

2. **Annihilation in God (Fana fi Allah)**: This concept involves the dissolution of the self into the divine presence. "There is no god but Allah" signifies the annihilation of the ego and the realization of one's essential unity with God.

3. **Subsistence through God (Baqa' bi Allah)**: Following annihilation, the individual experiences a state of subsistence or continued existence in God. "There is no god but Allah" represents the eternal presence and sustenance found within the divine reality.

4. **Divine Love (Ishq)**: The phrase reflects the intense longing and love for God that characterizes the Sufi path. "There is no god but Allah" embodies the deep yearning for union with the Beloved, surpassing all other desires.

5. **Remembrance of God (Dhikr)**: Reciting the Shahada serves as a constant remembrance of the divine presence in all aspects of life. It serves as a reminder to turn inward and seek God's presence in every moment.

These interpretations highlight the multifaceted nature of the Shahada in Sufism, encompassing themes of unity, spiritual transformation, love, and divine remembrance.

The attitudes towards Sufism within the Muslim community, and the comparison with Christian attitudes towards mysticism, involve complex historical, theological, and cultural factors. Here are a few points to consider:

### 1. **Diversity within Islam:**

Islam, like Christianity, is diverse, with a wide range of beliefs and practices. Sufism, with its emphasis on mysticism and the inner, personal experience of God, has historically been one of the influential ways Muslims express their faith. However, reactions to Sufism have varied across different Islamic traditions and communities. Some Muslims embrace Sufism for its deep spiritual practices and insights into the Quran and the prophetic traditions, while others may be wary of its practices and interpretations that they view as deviating from their understanding of Islam.

### 2. **Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy:**

In many Islamic societies, there is a strong emphasis on orthopraxy (correct practice) as well as orthodoxy (correct belief). Sufism, with its additional practices and beliefs (e.g., specific rituals, the veneration of saints, and the use of music and poetry in spiritual practice), can sometimes be seen as conflicting with the more literal interpretations of Islamic law and theology preferred by some groups. This can lead to tensions between Sufi Muslims and those who identify with more conservative or reformist interpretations of Islam.

### 3. **Reform Movements:**

Islamic history has seen various reform movements that aimed to purify the faith by returning to what they consider the practices and beliefs of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions. Some of these movements have been critical of Sufism, seeing it as an innovation or bid'ah that detracts from the original teachings of Islam. This perspective has influenced certain Muslim attitudes towards Sufism.

### 4. **Comparison with Christian Mysticism:**

Christianity has its own rich tradition of mysticism, with figures like St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and Meister Eckhart emphasizing personal, experiential knowledge of the divine. While Christian mysticism has also faced scrutiny and sometimes opposition from within the broader Christian community, especially during the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, it has generally been integrated into the Christian tradition. Many Christian denominations value mysticism as part of their spiritual heritage.

### 5. **Cultural Acceptance and Historical Context:**

The acceptance of Sufism or Christian mysticism also varies according to cultural and historical context. In some cases, mysticism has flourished in environments that valued spiritual exploration and theological diversity. In others, political or social pressures have led to a more cautious or even hostile approach to mystical practices.

In summary, attitudes towards Sufism within the Muslim world, and the comparison with Christian acceptance of mysticism, are influenced by a variety of theological, historical, and cultural factors. Both traditions have internal diversity, with varying degrees of acceptance and integration of their mystical components.