In our modern world, it is easy to become submerged in the demands and distractions of daily life, likened to the ocean of dunya (the material world). We focus outwardly, engaging with our senses, and often forget to nurture our spiritual core.
In this excerpt from a livestream session aired originally on May 3, 2023, I reflect on the importance of reconnecting with our spiritual source—Allah Almighty’s divine presence of light and peace—through the act of conscious prayer and breath.
The Breath and the Meeting of the Two Seas
Just as dolphins and whales must come up for air after dwelling beneath the surface, we too must rise from the depths of dunya to reconnect with the Divine. The practice of dhikr (remembrance of Allah), meditation, and especially the five daily prayers serve as our moments to “breathe” and to reconnect, refreshing and reviving the soul. These acts are not merely routines but are meant to be deliberate and profound moments where the heart connects to Allah Almighty, bringing life to our inner selves.
The sacredness of breath in Islam is deeply rooted in the Qur’an, where Allah Almighty tells us He breathed His spirit into humanity (15:29, 32:9, 38:72). This breath, this divine secret, is the bridge between the material and spiritual worlds—the meeting point of the two seas, as symbolized in the story of Musa (as) and Khidr (as) in Surah Al-Kahf. It is a connection that we must cultivate through awareness and presence.
In this session, I discussed how the breath is not only essential for life but also for spiritual awakening. By cultivating mindfulness and presence in our breath and prayers, we open the doors to deeper spiritual realities. As Shaykh Abdul-Khaliq al-Ghujdawani (qs) emphasized, the journey begins with the breath. It is the gateway to our higher purpose as deputies of Allah on earth.
The challenges of our time, where spiritual density and distraction are greater than ever, require us to strengthen our connection to the Divine. Through conscious practice and spiritual companionship, we can stay on the path of growth and awakening, tapping into the eternal reality that transcends the fleeting concerns of this world.
Let us commit to rising for air daily, through prayer, breath, and reflection, to remain connected to the source of life, truth, and light—Allah Most High.
To your divine and eternal success.
