Iradah
Definition
Iradah – An Arabic term (إرادة) translated as “will” or “desire,” particularly in the context of Islamic Sufism. Iradah signifies the aspirant’s spiritual resolve and journey towards God through a disciplined practice within a Sufi order. It also indicates the commitment to a Sufi way of life and denotes the initial vows or intentions of a seeker who wishes to join and be inducted into a Sufi order (ṭarīqa).
Etymology
The word Iradah is derived from the Arabic root ر و د (r-w-d), which means “to seek” or “to want.”
Turkish Translation
- İrade
Spiritual Significance
Journey of the Soul
In Sufi philosophy, Iradah represents the essential desire that propels the soul on its journey towards divine union. Once moved by this profound yearning, the seeker enters into a covenant with a Sufi order, committing to a rigorous spiritual discipline designed to purify the heart and mind, ultimately leading towards the realization of God.
Commitment and Discipline
Iradah is more than an initial spark of spiritual curiosity; it embodies a sustained and disciplined effort throughout one’s spiritual journey. Initiates in a Sufi order demonstrate Iradah by engaging in various practices such as dhikr (remembrance of God), fasting, and guided meditation, all under the guidance of a Sufi master (shaykh).
Use in Sufi Poetry
In Sufi poetry, Iradah often symbolizes the deep, almost overwhelming longing to merge with the Divine. Poets utilize the term to express the fervent and almost ecstatic desire that drives the seeker to forsake worldly attachments in favor of spiritual enlightenment and closeness to God.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Heart of Sufism: Essential Writings of Hazrat Inayat Khan” by Hazrat Inayat Khan
- “The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of Rumi” by William C. Chittick
- “Luminous Night’s Journey: An Autobiographical Fragment and A Biographical Memorial of Shaykh Ahmad al-’Alawi” by Martin Lings
Takeaways and Conclusion
Iradah occupies a central place in Sufi spirituality, acting as both the initiatory desire that brings a seeker into the fold of a Sufi order and the ongoing commitment required to traverse the spiritual path. It is this resolute and yearning desire that fuels the individual’s journey towards divine union, rendering Iradah a foundational concept in the mystical landscape of Islam.
