Intellect and Consciousness

Question: In Sufism, there is a profound emphasis on the necessity for the disciple (Murid) to submit unconditionally to the commands of the spiritual guide (Pir o Murshid). The disciple's unwavering compliance is seen as essential for spiritual progress, regardless of whether the guidance aligns with rational or intellectual understanding. This raises the question: if the Sheikh gives an order that contradicts reason or intellect, should the disciple still comply?

Answers: This concept can be illustrated through the process of learning. When a student first enters the educational system, they are instructed to recite the alphabet, such as "A, B, C. etc." At this stage, the student does not yet understand the meaning or significance of these letters but follows the teacher’s directive without question. The student’s compliance with the teacher’s instructions is crucial to their educational development, even though they may not yet grasp the deeper meanings of what they are repeating. If the student were to insert their own reasoning at this stage and refuse to accept the task of reciting, they would impede their own progress and fail to acquire the necessary knowledge. Similarly, a child acquiring their mother tongue accepts the names of objects and words spoken by their parents and caregivers without initially understanding their meanings. The child repeats "water" upon hearing it and "fire" when it is spoken to them, gradually internalizing these words and their meanings over time.

In the same manner, when a disciple embarks on the spiritual journey, they enter a realm where they are unfamiliar with the "alphabet" of the spiritual path. At this early stage, the disciple has not yet acquired the deeper insights necessary for spiritual realization. The role of the Murshid, therefore, is to guide the disciple step by step, taking into account their intellectual capacities and spiritual potential. The Murshid reveals deeper spiritual truths (Ghayb) to the disciple gradually, but obstacles such as the disciple’s ego, emotional states, past experiences, ancestral conditioning, and attachment to conventional practices often hinder their progress. These barriers must be purged before the disciple can ascend the spiritual ladder, and such purification cannot be achieved through individual effort alone. It is the Murshid who possesses the wisdom to guide the disciple in this cleansing process.

Therefore, it is essential for the disciple to adopt a mindset similar to that of a beginner or a child, accepting the Murshid’s guidance without intellectual resistance. Just as a child learns the alphabet and basic words by accepting the teacher’s instructions without question, the disciple must similarly surrender to the guidance of the Murshid without hesitation or rational analysis. Applying reason or questioning the guidance will hinder progress and delay the disciple’s spiritual development. The disciple must trust the guidance fully and refrain from introducing doubt or intellectual resistance.

In this regard, it is important to narrate an incident involving Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Quddus Gangohi (may Allah be pleased with him). He had a particular disciple who, whenever the opportunity arose, would request:

"Your Excellency, many people have benefitted from your grace, but your son (the Sheikh’s son) is still deprived. Please bless him as well."

For a long time, the Sheikh delayed responding to this request. One day, the disciple made his request at a moment when the Sheikh was in a state of deep spiritual absorption (Istighraq). Seeing that the Sheikh appeared content, the disciple hurriedly called the Sheikh's son and instructed him, "Sit quietly and massage your father's feet."

The son sat down and began massaging the Sheikh’s feet. During this act, the Sheikh placed one of his feet on the son’s chest. The son, feeling discomfort, spoke up and said, "Father, this chest contains the knowledge of Shari'ah."

Shah Sahib responded, "My son, this is precisely what I am attempting to erase," and continued rubbing his foot across the son’s chest. The son, still uneasy, said, "Father, this chest also contains the Qur'an" (as the son was a Hafiz of the Qur'an).

The Sheikh replied, "Yes, my son, I am erasing that as well."