Journey toward GOD.

The purpose of our life, the goal of coming into this world is to know God and love God, in spite of all the smoke screens, veils and distractions - the most powerful of which lies in the veil of one’s self.

The soul comes to this world for the purpose of moving through the various tests and obstacles set in his way, and insha’llah, (with the will of God), he will fend off temptations and not stray too far from the path, remaining focused on the true purpose of his journey, and his eventual return to a state of unity with God.

 Allah (swt) points this out repeatedly throughout the Qur’an, for example:

“To Him is our return.” - Qur’an 2:156
"Unto Him you will return." - Qur’an 2:245

It is always very difficult to fight one’s ego-self. In fact according to Sufi teaching if it is not difficult, one is not doing the real work. What makes the struggle against the ego possible is the desire to know and love God, since He has placed this desire in the heart of mankind, whether man knows it or not. When this desire is moved from the state of potentiality to expression in life, one is considered in Sufism, a traveller (salek), on the journey to God-consciousness.



It is in utilising the inner dimensions of our religions, that we face the possibility of transforming our ego domination and achieving peace and tranquillity, both internally and therefore externally. It is for this reason that the Prophet Mohammad, peace and blessings be upon him, conveyed a message relevant for any time and any place. 

Al Qushairi says in his treatise on Sufism to explain Rabia's philosophy of divine love,"She used to say when holding converse with God, 'Consume with fire O God, a presumptuous heart which loveth Thee.'

Brothers, my peace is in my aloneness.

My Beloved is alone with me there, always.

I have found nothing in all the worlds

That could match His love,

This love that harrows the sands of my desert.

If I come to die of desire

And my Beloved is still not satisfied,

I would live in eternal despair

To fulfil the purpose of life we need to turn to the spiritual teachings of our religions and harness the inner meanings of the teachings of our prophets. While the outer dimension of religion is concerned with salvation from the fire of hell, or with securing a place in paradise, the inner dimension of religion is concerned with knowing God and loving God, because being God-conscious (taqwa) and being present with God (hozour), is the highest level of perfection of the soul. The inner jihad is the most fundamental challenge for man, and it is a challenge that must be endured by man.