Having a front row seat to the inner workings of evangelical church system, I came to a conclusion early on, that power and control were the basic aspects at work. In my search for Truth, I found that many spiritual groups outside of Christianity, also had the same power struggle. One Buddhist camp will condemn meditation techniques of another group. A Hindu group may accept Buddhism, but at the same time chide it for not accepting a Tennant of faith (and vice versa). Muslims channels on YouTube have debates, attempting to prove other faiths false. It seems everyone is grasping at our attention, seeking to hold us in place, and thereby collect power. The power we give is forms of attendance, financial gift and praise. There is another perspective, and it is found only through the work of the heart.

Instead of trying to analyze a faith with intellectual reasoning, often under the conditions of our personal bias (either for or against the faith), there is another option: seeking Truth from the Heart. Sufism (at least the path that I follow) is open to all. None is chided, and no practice is raised above another. It is a true melting pot of seekers who all have one thing in common – Increasing the Light of God within themselves, until they reflect the Grace, Glory and Peaceful Atmosphere of the Lord. Christians, Muslims, Hindu’s, Buddhists (and more) find their refuge in our Sufi group.

As Sufism is birthed in Islam, I sought guidance from the Quran. The Quran is a book that must be read with an open heart. That is to say, the heart must filter the words and writings of the Quran. One must be in the spiritual Wudu (cleanliness), where the heart is open and receptive outside the bias of personal ego. From this state I was guided to read Surah 2:111-113

The Jews and Christians each claim that none will enter Paradise except those of their own faith. These are their desires. Reply, “Show your proof if what you say is true.” 112. But no! Whoever submits themselves to God and does good will have their reward with their Lord. And there is no fear for them, nor will they grieve. 113. The Jews say, “The Christians have nothing to stand on” and the Christians say, “The Jews have nothing to stand on,” although both recite the Scriptures. And those ‘pagans’ who have no knowledge say the same ‘about the people of faith’. Surely God will judge between them on the Day of Judgement regarding their dispute.

Quran 2:111-113

That inner voice, the voice of God within, interpreted this through my open heart saying…

We can substitute different faiths that fight between themselves, for it is always the same, each will declare themselves true and the other false. But we, True Muslims, must rise above that. It is God alone who judges. It is He who will sit upon the throne in the Day of Judgement. Do not get involved in the tireless debate of who is right or wrong. Allow each to follow the path of their heart, for in it, they may find God waiting. We call God by the name Allah, but another may have a different understanding. Allow it. Do not resist one who is finding Truth.

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