Energy Points of Lataif e A'lme Amr (Metaphysical World) Energy Point of Soul - Part I

II- The Position, Colour and Conditions of Latifa e Rooh (Energy Point of Soul) - Part I

According to the wisdom of Sufism and philosophical understanding, the concept of the Latifa e Rooh (Energy Point of Soul) can be explored in a more profound manner. By delving into its essence, we discover that it manifests itself tangibly as the heart, yet in a metaphysical realm, it assumes a position slightly to the left, equivalent to two fingers' width at one inch to ribs from right-teat in a corporeal sense.

Just as the heart occupies the left side of the human body, positioned two fingers away, the spiritual soul of an individual resides at precisely one inch distance on the right side. Within the realm of philosophy, this specific location represents the dwelling place of the human spiritual soul. It serves as the sacred axis, where Allah bestows His divine light (Noor), a manifestation of His transcendent illumination (Tajalli), upon humankind.

Humans’ Feelings, Connection with Brain and Body Organs

According to both psychologists and philosophers, our feelings (like desires and emotions) are the first things that arise in our hearts. These feelings then connect directly to our brains, which tell our bodies what actions to perform. It's similar to when you really want to drink a bottle of Pepsi. Your brain thinks about how to get it, and if you have money, it tells you to go to a shop. So, your brain makes a plan, you get the money from your pocket, buy the Pepsi, and happily drink it.

In Sufism, the heart is closely connected to our actions. It is where God's divine presence is revealed/conceived and it reflects God's actions in the world. That's why the heart is closer to our physical bodies than the soul, which is to explain at a further stage. The qualities we nurture in our hearts have a greater impact on our souls than just the things we do outwardly. So, it's important to focus on cultivating positive qualities in our hearts.

 Iqbal Says:

Qahhari-o-Ghaffari-o-Quddusi-o-Jabroot

Ye char anasir hon to banta hai musalman

(The traits of totality of “the Persecutor, the Pardoner, the Self-Purificator and the Arroganted” make a muslim Real and ideal.)

Every individual possesses a set of qualities, and when someone harbors negative qualities, it naturally leads to undesirable desires. When the mind nurtures unwholesome thoughts, the body tends to engage in negative actions. On the other hand, when the mind embraces virtuous qualities, it gives rise to fruitful desires. As a consequence, the human body is inclined to perform good deeds when the mind is filled with positive thinking.

Fana (the Annihilation) of Soul

The process of spiritual remembrance, particularly during meditation, leads to the enrichment of the soul. It deepens the connection with divine presence, evokes feelings of divine manifestation, equality, and Allah's affection. Worldly attachments diminish, focus and clarity of mind increase, and inner peace and insight are experienced. These varied dimensions represent the diverse flavors of spiritual remembrance.

Allah says: 

"Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah”. 

(Surah Ar-Ra'd 13, 28)

4) What is the Meaning of Annihilation?  

The concept of the annihilation of Latifa e Rooh (Fana of the soul) does not imply the complete disappearance of the soul. Rather, it refers to a state where the soul becomes absorbed in the sweetness of remembrance of Allah. In this state, the soul's desires and thoughts are solely focused on love and obedience towards Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, with no inclination towards anything else. This deepens the impact of remembrance (zikr), leading to a moderation of anger and rage, a transformation of one's nature, and the emergence of inner peace. The color and light associated with this state is red.

When a person displays signs of snarling, staring, and anger, it indicates that their soul is impure, corrupted, and in need of attention. Such individuals should engage more in the spiritual practice of Latifah, emphasizing the remembrance of Allah.

An incident illustrates this point: A person approached the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) seeking advice. The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised him not to be angry, and when asked again, he reiterated the same advice. Even on the third request, the Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of controlling anger. This highlights the significance of taming the soul and avoiding anger as a vital spiritual counsel.

“Do not get angry.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) understood that anger is his sickness.

Hafeez Jalandhri says;

Kabhi ghora agy brahany pay jhagra

Kabhi pani peeny pilany py jhagra

Yun hi hoti rehti thi taqraar un mein

Yun hi chalti rehti thi talwaar un mein

(Referring to the quarrelsome nature of “Badhooz” rustic Arale tribal and tradition and some well-known evil incidents of long tribal fights;)

(They would start fighting only due to horse race  competition and fetching water from well animals.)

(They carried on fighting a blood-shed war and their swords would find no sort over trifle matters.)

The Root Causes and Effects of Anger:

The prevalence of quarrelsomeness and ill-natured behavior stems from constant fighting and hostility, perpetuating a state of war and conflict even within families. Such individuals engage in frequent arguments, harboring an evil and destructive spirit. Their souls become disheveled, impure, and devoid of divine grace. In certain communities, a prevalent disposition of hostility and anger is observed.

When the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked how to deal with anger, he advised, 

"Drink water, change your position. If you are standing, sit down. If you are sitting, lie down. If you are in one room, go to another room."

(Sunan Abi Dawud 4782, Book 43, Hadith 10)

In other words, divert your attention and engage in a different activity, as anger impairs one's intellect. A person becomes mentally weak, leading to utterance of foolish and ignorant words that cannot be taken back. Many individuals in such a state lack comprehension and seek guidance from scholars, asking for ways to rectify their impulsive actions, such as divorcing their spouse in a fit of anger. Scholars respond that nothing can be done at that point, questioning why they didn't consider the consequences before. It becomes evident that anger can drive a person to temporary or even semi-madness, resulting in a loss of intellect. It is during these moments that irreversible mistakes with severe consequences occur, including instances of violence and even loss of life.

Anger gives birth to countless problems, creating an array of negative repercussions that are difficult to quantify. It is the root cause of numerous diseases and leads to a cascade of negative outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to exercise control over their anger. The Holy Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of managing anger, understanding its potential destructive nature and the need for self-restraint.

“A strong man is not one who knocks down someone in the arena, but is the one who can control himself in the face of anger”  (Al-Bukhari and Al-Muslim) 

The Suppression of Anger in the Realm of Spiritual Remembrance and Hazrat Ali (R.A) 

An indication of the soul's engagement in sincere remembrance (zikr) is that the seeker does not lose control in fits of anger. In one of his battles, Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) knocked down one of his opponents, overpowering him and mounting his chest. However, as the opponent, in his moment of defeat, spat on Hazrat Ali's face, the anger within him surged. Hazrat Ali recognized the negative influence of anger and reminded himself that it is not a virtuous state. He made a firm resolution to deal with the opponent only when he could regain control of his emotions.

He realized that it would be unbecoming of a servant of Allah to continue slaughtering an enemy out of anger. Hazrat Ali (R.A) fought for the sake of Allah's pleasure, not to satisfy his personal anger. This incident demonstrates the profound wisdom behind the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): 

"Let your love be for Allah and let your hatred be for Allah." (Al-Muslim)

 It signifies that the love of the people of Allah is solely for the sake of Allah, as is their anger. Witnessing this magnanimous display of character, the opponent recognized the greatness and truth of Islam and embraced the faith.

In this story, we find a profound lesson about channeling our emotions and aligning them with the will of Allah. It teaches us to differentiate between acting out of personal anger and acting in accordance with the love and obedience of Allah. By embodying this principle, we can elevate ourselves spiritually and attract others towards the path of righteousness.

To be continued….