Actions are but lifeless forms whose soul is the secret of sincerity in them
Ibn Ata AllahRead
Whosoever is determined to seek guidance and follow a path of right conduct must search for a shaykh from amongst those who have realization, one who follows a path methodically, who has abandoned his passions, and who has firmly established his feet in the service of his Lord.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledgeable guidance to lead a righteous life.
Ibn Ata Allah's quote highlights the necessity of finding a spiritual mentor or shaykh who possesses deep understanding and dedication to the service of God. It suggests that to truly follow a path of right conduct and avoid distractions of personal desires, one must be guided by someone who has gained enlightenment through discipline and commitment to their faith.
Themes
GuidanceSpiritualityMentorRight ConductFaith
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the importance of mentorship in personal development.
More from Ibn Ata Allah
All quotes →Extinction is the beginning of the path: it is traveling to God Most High. Guidance comes afterwards. What I mean by guidance is the guidance of God, as described by the Friend of God, Abraham: "Lo! I am going unto my Lord Who will guide me."
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God Most High has said, "Is the reward of virtue aught save virtue?" . . . Know, O man, that the covenant of servanthood is incumbent upon you, and that the covenant of Lordship is incumbent upon His magnanimity, as He Most High has said, ". . . and fulfill your covenant, I shall fulfill My covenant."
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. . . persist in that invocation until the unity of the world is subsumed for you in a single sphere, so that with the eye of your heart you will see naught in the two worlds save the One.
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The most excellent of those who perform good deeds are those who most often remember God in all situations.
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If you do not think well of Him because His qualities are beautiful then think well of Him because of the way He treats you.
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