Daily Experience of the Pilgrimage of the Heart with Alignment of Prayers and Seven Stages of Spiritual Journey
As discussed, Haj, as an inner journey for spiritual growth and elevation, is not only an external act but an inner journey towards God. This daily journey can be realized by aligning the acts of Haj with obligatory prayers and the seven spiritual principles (commitment, vigilance, accountability, reflection).
How can the experience of Haj be made daily and internal?
1. Commitment: Clear Intention and Goal Setting (Ihram of the Heart)
- Time: Half an hour before the morning call to prayer with the night prayer.
- Begin your day with a sincere intention. Make a pact with yourself to set aside worldly attachments and step on the path of God’s pleasure.
- Practice: Practice the Ihram of the heart by setting aside envy, resentment, and greed, and ask God to grant you the success of servitude.
2. Vigilance: Circumambulation of the Heart and Connection to God
- Time: Morning prayer with its supererogatory prayer.
- Inner circumambulation means turning the heart’s attention to God. Start your day with invocations like “There is no god but Allah” and focus on God’s presence.
- Practice: Imagine your heart as the house of God and cleanse it of any dust.
3. Striving: Effort for Inner and Outer Balance
- Time: Throughout the day and during life’s endeavors.
- Balance your material and spiritual needs. Like Hagar who sought water, remember God in your daily tasks.
- Practice: Repeat the invocation “O Allah” in moments of hardship and effort, and have faith in God’s grace.
4. Accountability: Standing in Arafat (Reflection and Knowledge)
- Time: Afternoon prayer.
- Dedicate this time to reflection and repentance. Standing in Arafat symbolizes self-awareness and repentance.
- Practice: Read the supplications of Arafah by Imam Hussein (AS) and review your daily actions.
5. Sacrifice of the Self: Abandoning Selfishness and Altruism
- Time: Evening prayer.
- Sacrifice symbolizes abandoning selfish attachments. Practice this daily by performing acts that demonstrate altruism and love.
- Practice: Ask God to distance the commanding self from you and grant you a tranquil soul.
6. Stoning: Fighting Temptations and Satan
- Time: Night prayer.
- Stoning Satan means fighting carnal temptations. Consider mistakes and slips as arrows towards Satan and avoid them.
- Practice: Ask God for help to stay away from sin and temptation.
7. Reflection: Farewell Circumambulation (Gratitude and Review)
- Time: Before sleep.
- Review your day and thank God for blessings and successes. This nightly circumambulation prepares you for the next day.
- Practice: Tell yourself how to create a better tomorrow and learn from today’s mistakes.
Conclusion: The Pilgrimage of the Heart, a Constant Path to God
The pilgrimage of the heart is a journey that flows every moment and every day in our hearts and souls. By aligning the acts of Haj with prayers and using the seven spiritual principles, you can experience this path of elevation in daily life. As Rumi said:
“What you seek is you, this lost one is in your house.”