In the name of our Creator, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

I came across a video clip where part of the topic was focussed on Al-Ikhlas (“Sincerity”). I immediately connected with it. It inspired me to reflect on a few things including a piece of writing I previously pulled together. More so, I found it relative to a personal experience.

Recently, a friend highlighted a behaviour which resulted in impacts on others that persisted on my part. I always appreciate the honesty, and with this behaviour there were a lot more inward triggers. No matter how many times it was highlighted in the past, I could not see that it was something I needed to resolve. I then began reflecting deeply, as uncomfortable as it was, I continued going deeper within myself, to a point that I felt afraid of what I may find. The deeper I went, letting down my layers and letting go of my false perceptions of self, at the root of it all, I found something which I needed to change and resolve. I realised, my own judgements, and as a result how long it has taken me to own it and work at it, more so, how much it may have affected those around me directly or indirectly. This triggered a connection to a previous pattern of thought…

“To know yourself is to know your Creator” (Prophet Muhammad (PBUH));

“What does “know yourself mean”?

1. If to “To know yourself…” is a journey towards developing infinite levels of “Consciousness and Awareness/Mindfulness” via a sincere, spiritual heart, how is this attained?
2. Can it be attained through the continuous seeking, curiosity and engagement of learning, unlearning, practice, commitment to knowledge gained and knowledge shared?
3. Can this “knowledge” translate into the interpretation of “Truth” through seeing demonstrable, reliable patterns? “Truth” being defined as a state of absolute nature, it either is or is not,
4. Can this truth increase or solidify your faith?”

I reconnected this pattern of thought which focussed on the knowledge of everything around us including revelation as a guidance, God’s creation in every respect, in essence; how does one apply this to self?

Does this ultimately lead you towards a journey of attaining knowledge of inner-self, digging deep, being brutally honest with yourself, finding your truth, removing your mask and dealing that truth irrespective of what that truth is, accepting it and working at it, making the adjustments with an aim of developing a sincere and pure heart…achieving Al-Ikhlas “Sincerity” in all your actions.

The realisation that the only thing standing in your way of achieving this Al-Ikhlas is your “Ego”/“Nafs”. “The greatest Jihad/struggle is to battle your own soul/al-ruwh, to fight the evil within yourself” (Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)).

So why is it important to consistently test yourself against this? What does actions without Al-Ikhlas/sincerity mean for your soul? Are your actions/behaviour sincere and pure?
Achieving this level of consistency in your actions and behaviour requires hard work, it is not easy…however consistent self-reflection and striving towards a sincere, pure, spiritual heart, consciously and intentionally can only lead to better, beautiful outcomes…

FJ❤