The Twenty-First Flash

On paths where hierarchy and ranks exist, however, the envious desire to acquire thawābThe rewards granted in the Hereafter for deeds performed in pursuit of Allah’s pleasure and acceptance. and surpass others in spiritual effort often gives rise to undesirable and harmful consequences. The painful results of disputes and rivalries among the SufisFollowers or practitioners of Sufism, the spiritual tradition within Islam that emphasizes purification of the heart, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), sincerity, and drawing closer to Allah through worship and spiritual discipline. bear witness to this. Despite their considerable spiritual attainments and powers, they have been unable to withstand the currents of bid‘ahs.

The Third Cause

The third cause that destroys ikhlāsSincerity in worship, seeking only the pleasure of Allah and avoiding the pursuit of fame or status. is fear and greed.

Since this cause, together with several others, is explained fully in the treatise The Six Attacks, we shall content ourselves with referring to that treatise.

We seek the intercession of all the beautiful Names of Arham ar-RāhimīnAllah, the Most Merciful of those who show mercy. and offer the following supplication:

O Allah, grant us pure ikhlāsSincerity in worship, seeking only the pleasure of Allah and avoiding the pursuit of fame or status.. ĀmīnAn expression meaning “O Allah, answer [this prayer],” said at the end of a supplication to ask Allah to accept and fulfill it..

اَللّٰهُمَّ بِحَقِّ سُورَةِ اْلاِخْلاَصِ اِجْعَلْنَا مِنْ عِبَادِكَ الْمُخْلِصِينَ الْمُخْلَصِينَ. اٰمِينَ اٰمِينَO Allah, by the honour of Surah al-Ikhlās, make us among Your servants who are sincere and whom You have purified and chosen. Āmīn, Āmīn.

سُبْحَانَكَ لَا عِلْمَ لَنَٓا اِلَّا مَا عَلَّمْتَنَٓا اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ الْعَلٖيمُ الْحَكٖيمُGlory be to You. We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, You are the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. – The Quran 2:32