In our journey as believers, it’s important to understand that Islam, our faith, has two distinct yet interconnected dimensions: the horizontal and the vertical. These dimensions reflect the comprehensive nature of Islam, encompassing both our outward actions and our inner states, guiding us not just in our relationship with Allah, but also in our interactions with the world around us.
The Horizontal Dimension: Living Sharia
The horizontal component of our faith is what we often refer to as Sharia. It includes all the external aspects of our religion, the practices and behaviors that guide our daily lives in accordance with Allah’s will. This includes the five pillars of Islam: the shahada (testimony of faith), salah (prayer), zakat (charity), sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). These are the foundational practices that every Muslim is required to maintain.
Observing the horizontal dimension means striving to live in a way that is beneficial not only to ourselves but also to our families, communities, and environment. It encompasses being kind, avoiding harm, and fulfilling our obligations towards others. While we may fall short of perfection, Allah’s mercy is vast and encompasses those who sincerely try their best.
Allah’s mercy is always present for those who uphold the basic tenets of Islam, but there is more to be discovered beyond merely adhering to these practices. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ narrates that Allah says: “My servant draws near to Me with nothing more beloved to Me than the duties I have imposed upon him; and my servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works, such that I shall love him.” This hadith signifies the transition from the horizontal to the vertical dimension of faith.
The Vertical Dimension: Embarking on the Path of Tariqah
The vertical component of Islam is often referred to as Tariqah, the spiritual path that leads to a deeper connection with Allah. This dimension is about transcending the physical and material plane to experience the presence and love of Allah Almighty. It’s about moving from external compliance to internal awakening.
Through Tariqah, a believer seeks to cultivate a state of consciousness that is not only aware of Allah’s omnipresence but is also filled with love for the Creator and His Messenger ﷺ. This journey transforms a person from merely practicing Islam to truly experiencing the beauty of faith. When one begins to taste this vertical component, it reorients their perception of the world, placing it within the context of eternity and divine reality.
Transcending Suffering Through Divine Love
One of the profound aspects of Tariqah is that it allows a person to transcend the suffering that is inherent in the material world. While observing Sharia can reduce suffering by providing structure and guidance, it does not eliminate it entirely. We still face challenges in health, family, and work that can cause anxiety and distress.
However, the path of Tariqah enables a believer to rise above these struggles by shifting their attachments from the worldly to the Divine. This detachment does not mean neglecting responsibilities but approaching them without the debilitating dependence that causes suffering. When our hearts are no longer bound by the temporary, we can experience true freedom and inner peace.
As we advance along the vertical path, we begin to see that our ultimate attachment should only be to Allah Almighty, the only true Ilah, or God. As the Prophet ﷺ said, “Remember death often, for it is the destroyer of pleasures.” This remembrance is a powerful reminder that everything in this world is transient and only the connection with our Creator is eternal.
Awakening the Heart
The journey of Tariqah ultimately aims to awaken the heart. In Islam, the heart is not just a physical organ but a spiritual center of consciousness, much deeper and more profound than the mind. While the mind is preoccupied with thoughts and anxieties, the heart is the seat of real consciousness and peace.
Allah says in the Quran: “On that day, nothing will avail you except a sound heart.” (Surah ash-Shu’ara, Holy Qur’an, 26:89) This “sound heart” or qalbun salim is a heart that is pure, healed, and aligned with the Divine. Attaining this state is the ultimate goal of the spiritual path. It is a shift from the constant turmoil of the mind to the serenity of the heart, from the restless lower self (nafs al-ammara and nafs al-lawwama) to the contented higher self (nafs al-mutma’inna), to which Allah says, “Enter into My Paradise” (Surah Al-Fajr, Holy Qur’an, 89:27-30)
The Role of Worship
Worship, or ibadah, plays a crucial role in this transformative journey. Allah Almighty says, “I have created jinn and mankind only that they may worship Me” (Surah adh-Dhariyat, Holy Qur’an, 51:56). Worship aligns us with our divine purpose and helps us navigate the path of Tariqah. It serves as a means of purification, gradually detaching us from the lower desires and attachments of the self and connecting us more deeply to the Divine.
Conclusion
Understanding and integrating both the horizontal and vertical dimensions of Islam allows us to live a balanced and fulfilling life. The horizontal dimension ensures that we are grounded and responsible members of our communities, while the vertical dimension elevates our souls, allowing us to experience the peace and love of Allah Almighty.
By striving to maintain our obligations and going beyond them in pursuit of spiritual excellence, we align ourselves with the divine purpose and draw nearer to Allah, in whose presence alone lies true peace and fulfillment.
