4 stages of achieving the spiritual goal

In this Majlis [gathering], Shaykh Adam Lunat Sahib (hafizahullah) elaborated on words from Maulana Roomi.

The lesson was explained through an example [as is both Maulana Roomi’s and Shaykh's teaching style, All praise be to Allah]. If one wants to dig a well to find water, one must first pass through 4 stages. At first when the person is digging, they will come across:

1. Dry earth
If he gives up at this stage and thinks ‘how can I get water from dry earth?’ then he will not achieve his goal. [Do not be deceived by the apparent impossibility of your goal.]

2. Slightly wet earth
If he gives up at this stage and thinks ‘how can wet earth be of any benefit?’ then he will not achieve his goal. [Do not be deceived by the apparent imperfections faced.]

3. Muddy water
If he gives up at this stage and thinks ‘how can mud be of any benefit as it is not pure enough to clean or quench?’ then he will not achieve his goal. [Do not be deceived by the apparent distance faced.]

4. Clear, pure water
It is due to not giving up that the person reaches the last and final stage where his goal is finally fulfilled. Now he can enjoy the water.

Using this, Maulana Roomi explains and Shaykh elaborates on Roomi’s words:
If a man wishes to be submerged in Deen, he will find it difficult at first. For example, he will feel no inclination, happiness or joy in worship and will see no good dreams and such like. If he doesn’t stop despite all this, then he will reach the 2nd stage. Now he begins to see the fruits of carrying on. For example, his Du'a will start being accepted. If he stops at this stage, then he will lose everything but if he carries on, he will gain everything. If he continues to persevere and increases his good deeds, he will reach the last and pure stage of complete contentment with Allah’s will. His words will be, ‘Oh Allah! Mujhe teri thaat se Muhabbat hein [O Allah! I love you completely] and whatever you decide, pleases me’. This is a Mu’min Muttaqi [Pious Believer].

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