Introduction
The Sufi orders are spiritual methods based on the application of Islamic law, focusing on both the outward and inward aspects of a person. Each Sufi order aims to achieve the goals brought by revelation from the heavens, and our Kasanzi order is no different. It is distinguished by being one of the fastest paths in guiding its followers to achieve their spiritual goals, with a focus on the highest ranks of pure love for God Almighty.
Goal of the Kasanzi Path: Annihilation in Divine Love
One of the primary goals of the Kasanzi path is to direct its followers to the ultimate divine love, which represents annihilation in the divine presence and achieving the stations of annihilation in God’s essence. This spiritual understanding aligns with Allah’s saying: {يُحِبُّهُمْ وَيُحِبّونَهُ} (Surah Al-Maidah: 54). The elders of our order have drawn the shortest practical legal path to this great goal through following the verses of the Qur’an and the prophetic tradition.
Love in the Quran and Sunnah
The love in this path begins with the correct understanding of Allah’s saying: {إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ} (Surah Al-Imran: 31), where a Muslim’s love for Allah is not valid unless it is coupled with following the Messenger ﷺ. This following is the path to reaching the station of being beloved by Allah, making the Muslim one of Allah’s beloved. Therefore, true love for Allah can only be achieved through following the Messenger ﷺ. Without this, the love is superficial, not real, as Allah states: {يُخَادِعُونَ اللَّهَ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَمَا يَخْدَعُونَ إِلَّا أَنفُسَهُمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ} (Surah Al-Baqarah: 9).
Complete Following of the Messenger ﷺ
Allah emphasizes the importance of following the Prophet ﷺ in His saying: {النَّبِيُّ أَوْلَىٰ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ مِنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ} (Surah Al-Ahzab: 6). The noble companions embodied this complete following of the Prophet ﷺ in every detail of their lives, as their lives and souls were a sacrifice for him. This prophetic example represents the foundation of the path to divine love.
Annihilation in Love
Annihilation in the love of the Prophet ﷺ is the ultimate goal of the Kasanzi path. Here, annihilation doesn’t simply mean the dissolution of the self, but it represents the achievement of complete servitude to Allah through annihilation in the love of His Messenger ﷺ. The path to this annihilation begins with the companion’s submission to the Prophet ﷺ in his time, then through the continuous chain passed on by the elders of the order across generations. This annihilation leads the follower to experience the luminosity of the Prophet ﷺ in their heart and conduct.
The Path to Love for Allah through Love for the Prophet ﷺ
Annihilation in the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is the way to achieve love for Allah Almighty. While following the Prophet ﷺ in his time was easy, this love continues to this day through the Sheikhs of the order who inherited the state of purification and luminosity from the Prophet ﷺ. Consequently, the follower becomes able to love Allah because of their love for the Prophet.
Love as a Means of Worship and Submission
In the Kasanzi path, love is the means that leads the follower to true worship, as love signifies true spiritual interaction with the beloved. The more the follower loves Allah and His Messenger, the more their obedience increases, thus maintaining a constant state of remembrance and spiritual presence with Allah. In this way, love becomes the means to dissolve the spiritual barriers between the servant and their Lord, allowing the follower to realize the complete divine presence.
Remembrance and Love in the Method of the Order
In the Kasanzi method, remembrance is essential to achieving love. Through abundant remembrance, the heart becomes purified, and the doors of love open for the follower. Constant remembrance is regarded as a voluntary act aimed at reaching love, where the heart is purified and prepared to receive the spiritual radiations that fill their being. These radiant illuminations make the follower feel close to Allah and give them the ability to realize many metaphysical truths.
Love and Obedience
Love is also a means to achieve complete obedience to Allah and His Messenger, which is the path to fulfilling Islamic law in both outward and inward forms. Love is the force that drives the servant to obey the beloved without hesitation or negligence. True obedience does not come from merely performing actions without a present heart, but it is filled with spiritual presence with Allah.
Conclusion: Love as a Means to Reach Annihilation in the Beloved
In the end, love in the Kasanzi path is the primary path to reaching annihilation in the presence of the beloved. Here, annihilation means that the follower dissolves in the light of love until everything within them is connected to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. As their love increases, so does their knowledge of Allah, and they achieve high degrees of spiritual closeness.