the Sufis have classified them into 3 or 4 categories.
1. Miracles of Prophets [mu'jizat]
2. Miracles of the Saints [Karamaat e Auliya]
3. Miracles of Falsehood [istidraj]
4. Illusions of tricksters [shu'bda baazi]
We may also add to this list "seeming miracles" which are really the development of latent & hidden [to some] powers of the human mind, body & soul- such as Chi, levitation, ESP, hypnosis etc, which can be developed by the correct practices & a degree of asceticism.
Where No.s 1 & 2 above are concerned, these are important. Some ignorant ones claim that miracles of Prophets -peace be upon them !- and Saints, may God bless them!- are unimportant, and we should ignore them and focus just on their teaching and character.
Our teachers have said, however, that this is foolishness and ignorance of the teachings of the Holy Qur'an, because true Miracles are Signs & Gifts of God Almighty, expressly given by the Almighty, to show that such and such a person is a Prophet or a Friend of God.
7/37 Who doeth greater wrong than he who inventeth a lie concerning Allah or denieth Our tokens
As such they are for noticing and reflecting upon, and no ignoring.
It is important to note that another kind of miracle is a test from the Almighty Lord too, which is called istidraj. This may occur to a believer, to test his belief, or when God has decided that He wishes to lead someone astray, or confirm someone in their disbelief. God guides whom He wills, and He leads astray whom He wills. But truly none are led astray except the arrogant or the evil-livers.
In such a case a miracle, even walking on water, would be a test for the believer and a condemnation for the disbelieving miracle performer.
As the almighty has declared:
7/99 Are they then secure from Allah's scheme ? None deemeth himself secure from Allah's scheme* save folk that perish.
*[makr Allah:- lit. Divine Deception]
So seekers on the Path, as Darvaish bhai has pointed out, are to beware of miracles, and not imagine that they have acquired some station with the Lord. "Always suspect/doubt your state" the Masters of the Path have said.
For such events could be a test & trial from the Lord. He will surely test His slaves!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
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2 comments:
This is a really fascinating post. I was just reading that Abu Ali Jauzjani said: "Practice constancy (in God); don't go looking for miracles, for it's your nafs that want miracles, while God wants constancy from you."
Thank you for enlightening me further :)
Ya Haqq!
True Darvaish bhai, That's for the seeker, to distrust his station & miracles, not to deem himself safe from Divine trials.
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