The Essence of the Problem That Lies Before Us - Part 4

A Commentary concerning the events of October 7, 2023.

This episode explores some basic considerations concerning the nature of the Sufi path. Included is a discussion involving the Names of Divinity as well as an account of spiritual abuse at the hands of an alleged Sufi shaykh.

This podcast provides a brief overview of various ways of engaging the notions of: States, stations, and stages in conjunction with the mystical journey or suluk to which the mystical dimension of Islam gives expression. The Sufi path is neither linear nor static, but entails a nuanced and diverse dynamic which gives expression to a complex interaction involving: (1) the capacity or fitra of a seeker; (2) the nature of the practices observed (as well as the quality through which those practices are pursued); (3) the nature of the nisbath or spiritual chemistry between the seeker and the Sought that takes place through the locus of manifestation that is referred to as a spiritual guide or shaykh who has been assigned various degrees of oversight on the authority of the Prophetic tradition, and (4) the barakah or spiritual blessings that are conferred on a given individual as God wishes.

After an extended break to recover from some of the contingencies of life, a ensemble of six pieces of floetry (poetry accompanied by music) have been assembled which address or touch upon various themes of relevance to the Sufi mystical path.

Episode 13 of the Sufi Reverberations Podcast offers some critical reflections concerning the issue of shari'ah. It is based on materials from the book: "Shari'ah: A Muslim's Declaration of Independence, 2nd Edition.

If one were to characterize scientific methodology, one might indicate that it consists of the following sorts of procedures or protocols: (1) empirical observation; (2) the use of instrumentation; (3) recursive methodology; (4) objectivity; (5) a community of expertise; (6) experimental replication, and (7) reliable prediction. My contention is that authentic mysticism gives expression to all of the aforementioned aspects of scientific methodology, and the following discussion seeks to provide something of an overview that lends support to the foregoing contention concerning the scientific nature of mysticism when this existential orientation is properly pursued, and I will use the Sufi path as a specific case study. 

Describes nine stages of love from a Sufi perspective by providing brief characterizations of: (1) compatibility, (2) inclination, (3) fellowship, (4) passion, (5) friendship, (6) exclusive friendship, (7) ardent affection, (8) enslavement, and (9) bewilderment.

An overview is provided concerning different kinds of knowledge -- both secular and spiritual. During the course of this overview a number of anecdotes are related, and, as well,  several Hadiths and an ayat of the Qur'an are also provided.

Two short Hadiths (sayings) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) are briefly explored and connected.

My memory of an account concerning a Sufi shaykh that had been related by my spiritual guide.