The Objective Of Spiritual Knowledge.

[Abu Hafsat]

As-Salaam alaikum, 

In chapter 53 of 'Futuhat-Makkiyah', Sayyadi Ibn Arabi transcribes the external states one should impose to oneself prior the path of Divine, and they are, hunger (ju), vigilance (Sahar), silence (samt) and seclusion (uzla). These are all cautionary advice regarding body asceticism, to lighten and purify the journeying spirit. 

The phenomenon of hunger, vigilance, silence and seclusion decorates the body of the performer to the status of utter servant hood. The body seeks poverty in the beautiful presence of God. Does not God desire absolute surrender from His servant? 

The seeking body is transformed by a reality of trust and patience, waiting in a most respected manner befitted to the servant when confronted by the Majesty of Allah. 

Sufi Sheikh Abu Yazid al-Bistami when asked, "How did you find Wisdom"? his reply was a quiet insight : "By hunger and poverty". 

The nightly vigilance to keep oneself in hunger enhances the spirit to yearn of becoming the perfect servant of Allah. The one who is performing hunger, vigilance, silence and seclusion discards earthly values and seeks valuables that are not of this earth, which is the deepest presence that is the Face of Allah. 

"WHEREVER YOU TURN, THERE IS THE FACE (Reality) OF ALLAH." (2:115)

This is the true objective of arkan al-ma'arifa (spiritual knowledge) of Ibn Arabi's Sufi metaphysics.