Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri delivers insightful address on Islamic concept of "Fana"

President of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Professor Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, addressed the congregation on the occasion of the last Friday of Ramadan at Jamia Al-Minhaj Town Lahore, stating that "fana" signifies a transformation. He said that the changes that occur within individuals in the pursuit of proximity to the essence of reality, encompassing personal, psychological, and social transformations, are referred to as "fana" by the Sufis.

“Indeed, the concept of "fana" is inherently opposed to "baqa" (subsistence). Baqa implies continuity, referring to something remaining and enduring. In Sufism, when a seeker embarks on the spiritual journey towards the truth, "fana" plays an influential role.

“The notion of "fana" essentially signifies detachment from self-worship, ego, and transcending one's own identity. Letting go of one's ego and self-worship is encapsulated in the concept of "fana" among Sufis. The city established by Minhaj-ul-Quran International for spiritual retreat is, in essence, a journey towards permanence through annihilation,” he said while explaining the concept.

Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri remarked that actions done for one's self are ephemeral, while those done for others are enduring. Therefore, every action done for the sake of Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) is enduring, whereas those done to fulfill personal desires are temporary.

“"Fana" and"baqa " are among the mysteries of creation ordained by Allah, the Lord of the universe. From one's personal journey to the national journey, embracing "fana" is necessary for Allah to grant continuity. Love does not just mend; it reconstructs. The journey of "fana" is, in fact, a journey of reconstruction,” Prof Hussain further explained.

He continued by quoting Shaykh Akbar Mohi-ud-Din Ibn-e-Arabi, stating that "fana" is not merely the annihilation of existence; rather, it is a process of transformation wherein an individual, by breaking free from the chains of their ego and aligning oneself with the attributes of God, becomes a Sufi and is imbued with His colors.

“This transformation involves a profound change at the level of consciousness, termed as the state of "infisal-e-nafs" (separation from self) leading to "ittisal-e-haq" (union with truth). This is the reality of seekers of the true path.”

Prof Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri said that Shaykh Akbar Mohi-ud-Din Ibn Arabi further states that "fana" is a multi-dimensional concept encompassing both existential and experiential aspects. The existential dimension entails the dissolution of one's essence, ego, self-worship, and inclinations. Purification of the self is the means to attain this state. He said that the experiential aspect of "fana" involves being so engrossed in the remembrance of God that there remains no experience of anything else. Experiential "fana" is achieved by dedicating one's senses to the service of God. Shaykh Akbar Mohi-ud-Din Ibn Arabi emphasizes that love is the most effective element in the journey of "fana" because love ignites flames and, while burning, gives birth to a new life.

The President MQi emphasized that one should immerse oneself in the thoughts and qualities of the Lord, leaving no room for any other form or concentration, and to ignite the divine fire of love in such a way that only permanence remains, with nothing of the ephemeral left behind. He said that those who, by annihilating their ego, self, experiences, feelings, and psychological desires, become united with God, Allah sends them as light into the world. They themselves become luminous, and whoever sits in their company, Allah also bestows light upon them.

He said that ignorance is annihilated, and knowledge remains; disobedience is annihilated, and obedience remains; servitude is achieved, and remembrance of God endures. When the world is annihilated, the hereafter remains, and when forgetfulness is annihilated, remembrance remains.

Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri concluded by stating that the journey of "fana" encompasses four stages: self-awareness and self-realization as the first stage, where individuals begin to recognize and contemplate their internal flaws, defects, and shortcomings. The second stage is purification of the self, where the seeker engages in the purification of the heart and manifestation of the spirit. This involves numerous practices, including prayer, fasting, voluntary acts of worship, spiritual seclusion, and the cultivation of good morals, along with abstaining from sinful deeds. The third stage is love, wherein the seeker, having escaped from worldly love, attains the love of the hereafter. The fourth stage brings about the unveiling of the hidden and veiled, where Allah lifts the veil, bringing the individual into direct contact with Himself.

The prayer of the last Friday of Ramadan was led by Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Al-Madani Al-Qadri, while Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Chairman of the Supreme Council, offered special prayers for the safety and well-being of Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah.