The purpose of life is love
Islamic mystics (Sufi’s) seek to find the truth of divine love and knowledge through behaviour change practices. Sufism seek ways to God via spirituality rather than opt for legalisms. The way of the Sufi remains relevant as it can help to deepen spirituality and reset a path toward merciful well-being.
Some spiritual practices focus on resetting the mind, to inspire and maintain symmetry and to bring calmness and clarity to the body, mind and spirit.
Love is the core of Sufi tradition and it suggests the reason for creation is that the Creator sought to reveal Himself and did so by awakening the love of His nature. Some sages advise that “a way” to God is through love.
Thus, to witness reflections of divine love, we should observe individuals who are “in love”.
The dictionary has varied definitions for human love. Some suggest a deeply tender, passionate or deep affection for another person. It could be a feeling of attachment or desire etc. When people are “in love”, they generally tend to think of each other and seek closeness often.
For example, the Taj Mahal was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife. This expression of love of a Mughal nobleman remains the epitome of love. The tribute was immortalised by Diana, Princess of Wales. She sat alone in the shadow of the Taj Mahal contemplating life in the royal family trapped by a loveless marriage to Prince Charles.
Recently, Muslims across the world acknowledged the sacred day and location of Arafat in Saudi Arabia. The plain of Arafat was the location where the Creator allowed Adam and Eve to meet after they were ejected from Heaven and left to wander the earth. It is where pilgrims have their sins forgiven. It is where Muhammed gave his last sermon. Arafat represents a sacred site of divine love.
Those who look beyond ethnicity, culture and dogma etc. can experience divine love. The Creator is merciful and compassionate and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, culture and dogma.
The Creator created humans in a natural state of goodness. We are not born with anger and hate.
We need to see each other through heavens eyes to understand our true purpose. In the beginning as in the end, love matters. Human history consistently rejects hatred and celebrates tales of love.
Cllr Yagyah Adams
Cape Muslim Congress