Sufi and the Soul

To each his own tasawwuf. Sufism has its roots deep into the hearts of many. A spiritual science coupled with philosophy and creative writing, it is one of my favorite genera for some very obvious reasons and some not. The first time I heard Sufi songs, it was at a mosque near my place, which my father was quite fond of visiting every Thursday evening. As I grew into it, I began to rather enjoy it, I wanted to know more about it, explore its realms. The first teaching of sufism, leads you to surrender to the almighty. Towards his love, over and over, to clasp that love that is shared, encapsulate every moment together with your perception, thoughts and emotions and instils in you, contentment.

Sufism might be closer to Islam, but its reach is as widespread as it should be. Going through all the definitions, they all seem to just voice one thing. Love his will. He knows what’s good for you, what lessons you need to learn, and what good and bad you have to suffer but in the end, trust him, have faith in him. Even though it may dwindle, but do not let anything possess you, do not get attached to anything. Walk on the path he shines light on, keep walking even if he leads you into darkness, but don’t lose faith. Not now, not ever. It’s often seen that the root cause of any problem eventually is us. The lack of mobility or willing to choose a different path, than the one destined. The struggle to get over your ego is tough and very real.

Sufi genre has been a more popular affair since music came into view. As far as sufi music is concerned, nothing beats the raw live music that happens every Thursday at Durgahs, but if we go mainstream, then for me personally Nusarat and Rahat  &  Fateh Ali Khan ji towards more contemporary artists like Rabbi Shergil, Ali Azmat and ofcourse Kailash Kher since  I’m more inclined towards Qawali’s and not so much towards Ghazals.

To touch upon Sufi poetry will be like opening up the universe full of stars. Even though Rumi is the most popular sufi poet by choice but I kind of always preferred Hafiz, because he speaks of heart and love, almost the upliftment that is credited to it. Rumi I always figured is more towards philosophy of life, and is a bit sad. Rumi, I always find to be a bit overrated. His perception of love is mostly though has a sad connotation whereas Hafiz embraces life. The way Hafiz's writing inspires one to start living. His teachings are positive and guide you towards sunshine. Here are a few examples to back my preference, even though am discovering many more.

Eternal Verities!

Some mornings are hopeless. There is a flood of memories that wake you up. Sleep evades you and you are left wondering about the conspiracy that the universe is plotting against you. 

You wake up each day a little stronger or weaker than yesterday. Some days you just push yourself to go out there and live. You can never opt out of life. You busy yourself in meaningless tasks, daily chores or might even employ numerous distraction tactics. They help. Sometimes. And other times you need to remember the hurt that was caused so you can fight the memories, the void, the pain. 

If you've had a life full of struggles, you end up getting used to the realities of life. You learn to accept that destiny. You learn to walk the thorny path, blood drips but you get used to the pain. Relief is only within you. Tears are the only way to console you. Smiles and hugs, heal you. 

Hurt and humiliation caused by someone, is a blow that hardens you into a blade. You cannot deny yourself happiness at the cost of someone who offers you only pain. The scary part is, what else is left for you to see and feel? You don't know! 

Happiness in a Random Text!

One of the pre-eminent feelings in this world is the verdict that someone wants you, someone really cares enough to make you glad that you woke up. The acknowledgement of the fact that they can’t wait till you’re up so that they can talk to you, hug you, kiss you and laugh with you. To make an effort to see you smile, make your day great or check in to see how your day’s going, to let you know that you are the last thought they have when they sleep. When they want to know what you’re doing, or want to see you, spend time with you. When they want to tell you about how their day went, ask for your opinion and keep you informed. So, it can be whether they pick up the phone to let their voice speak to you about how much you are needed, or send you a wonderful good morning text that makes you bloom. Or the fact that they express the need to meet you or send a random text mentioning something reminded them of you. You just feel so important knowing that you’re on their mind, and they care enough to let you know that you always are.

Of Feelings and Thoughts!