Sheikh Ahmad al-Rifai : "The performance of good Deeds".
Hind Rifai
In the history of Sufism, a handful of people became by the Grace of
Allah (swt) teachers to millions across the centuries. Sheikh Ahmad-al
Rifai ( May Allah sanctify his Sirr) is one such figure.
The collection of his lectures contained in the book " The Status of
people of Haqiqa (Absolute Reality & Truth) with Allah" is rare in its
profundity and the clarity of its teaching. This particular chapter
focuses on the correlation between our deeds in this world and our
connection to our Lord, through a detailed explication of the function
of al-Sirr, and the effect of our deeds on its transparency. What has
been generally taught under halal and haram takes here its rightful
spiritual meaning and dimension.
Al-Sirr ( the Divine Observatory) is our most precious organ that we
should protect and cherish at all price When it becomes veiled, we
loose the continuous contact it provides to Allah swt and have no
longer access to the Divine Presence; we remain lost in this world,
our presence and actions occurring in a vacuum with no entrance and no
exit.
In the words of the Sheikh : "No calamity is more difficult on the
Divine Knower than that of the veil, even for a blink of an eye; no
greater punishment is there for the slave than distance and veiling."
http://www.untiredwithloving.org/rifai_haqiqa_21.html
May Allah swt facilitate for us the maintenance of our closeness to
Him through His own continuous care for us. Ameen.
Special thanks for Dara at untiredwithloving.org for support and
encouragement over many years.
Hind Rifai