Modern Sufi Thought
Sufis distinguish between the mind's intelligence (aql) and the heart's intelligence (qalb). While the mind analyzes and categorizes, the heart perceives divine realities directly.
The heart's intelligence:
• Recognizes divine presence in all things
• Understands through love and intuition
• Sees beyond surface appearances
• Connects us to universal consciousness
Modern Sufis emphasize developing both forms of intelligence for complete spiritual growth.
Key Insight
"The heart has an intelligence that the mind cannot comprehend."
Related Teachings
The Unity of Being
Modern Sufi ThoughtThe concept of Wahdat al-Wujud (Unity of Being), developed by Ibn Arabi, teaches that all existence is a manifestation of divine reality. There is only One Being, and all creation is like waves on the ocean of divine existence.
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The Nature of Divine Love
Core ConceptsIn Sufi understanding, divine love (ishq) is the highest form of spiritual attainment. It is not mere emotion, but a transformative force that annihilates the ego and unites the soul with God.
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Fanaa: Annihilation of the Self
Core ConceptsFanaa (annihilation) is the Sufi concept of ego dissolution. The individual self (nafs) must be extinguished for divine consciousness to emerge.
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