Hazrat Sultan Bahoo concept of Divine Love holds a central place in his teachings and Sufi philosophy. As one of the most revered saints in Islamic mysticism, Sultan Bahoo (1629–1691), a spiritual leader of the Sarwari Qadri order, extensively preached the importance of Ishq-e-Haqiqi (Divine Love) as the foundation for attaining closeness to Allah. His writings, particularly in his magnum opus Ain-ul-Faqr and other works, emphasize that Divine Love transcends all worldly attachments and leads the seeker to ultimate union with the Beloved, Allah.
Here’s a deeper exploration of the significance of Sultan Bahoo’s concept of Divine Love:
1. Divine Love as the Core of Spiritual Journey
In Sultan Bahoo teachings, Divine Love (Ishq-e-Haqiqi) is the most powerful force that propels a seeker toward spiritual enlightenment and union with Allah. Unlike worldly love (Ishq-e-Majazi), which is temporary and transient, Divine Love is eternal, pure, and the true purpose of human existence. Sultan Bahoo views this love not as an emotion but as a transformative state of being that completely consumes the seeker’s ego and material desires, leading them to the ultimate reality of Allah’s presence.
- He teaches that it is only through Ishq-e-Haqiqi that a seeker can achieve the stage of annihilation in Allah (Fana Fillah), where the self is completely absorbed in Divine Oneness.
2. The Path of Faqr and Divine Love
The path of Faqr (spiritual poverty), which Sultan Bahoo advocates, is intrinsically linked to Divine Love. Faqr is not merely a renunciation of worldly wealth or status, but the shedding of all attachments to the self and materialistic pursuits to embrace love for Allah. Sultan Bahoo’s concept of Faqr is rooted in the idea that Divine Love empties the seeker of all desires except the desire for union with Allah.
- According to Sultan Bahoo, the love for Allah is the ultimate treasure a seeker can attain, and Faqr is the key to unlocking that treasure. He writes, “Faqr is the king of all treasures, but this treasure is only accessible to those who have been purified by Divine Love.”
3. Divine Love as the Path to Self-Annihilation (Fana Fillah)
A core element of Sultan Bahoo’s philosophy is the idea of self-annihilation (Fana), where the seeker’s individual identity dissolves in the ocean of Allah’s Divine Essence. This self-annihilation can only be achieved through intense love for Allah, where the seeker sacrifices their ego, desires, and attachment to the material world.
- Sultan Bahoo teaches that Divine Love makes the seeker forget themselves entirely, allowing them to experience the reality of God. In one of his famous sayings, he explains, “The lover becomes nonexistent in the existence of the Beloved, and only the Beloved remains.”
4. Union with Allah Through Ism-e-Allah Zaat
Sultan Bahoo places great emphasis on the practice of meditating upon Ism-e-Allah Zaat (The Personal Name of Allah) as a means of realizing Divine Love. Through the invocation and meditation of Allah’s Name, the seeker’s heart is illuminated with the light of Allah’s presence, leading them to experience love in its purest form.
- He explains that the remembrance (Zikr) of Ism-e-Allah Zaat creates a direct connection between the seeker and the Divine. This practice intensifies the seeker’s love for Allah, deepening their spiritual journey and bringing them closer to the state of Fana Fillah (annihilation in Allah) and Baqa Billah (subsistence through Allah).
5. Overcoming the Ego and Nafs Through Divine Love
In Sultan Bahoo’s view, the human ego (nafs) is the greatest obstacle in the path of Divine Love. The ego is tied to the material world, pride, and selfish desires, all of which prevent the seeker from experiencing true closeness to Allah. He emphasizes that Divine Love purifies the heart and destroys the ego, freeing the seeker from the prison of the self.
- He states that the fire of love for Allah burns away the impurities of the ego, and only a heart that is fully immersed in Divine Love can receive the blessings of Allah’s closeness. Sultan Bahoo explains that the true lover of Allah has no room for self-centeredness; instead, they become a reflection of Divine qualities such as mercy, compassion, and humility.
6. Divine Love Transcends Rituals and Formal Worship
Sultan Bahoo asserts that while the outward rituals of worship are important, they are insufficient without the inward experience of Divine Love. He believes that true worship is not just about performing prayers or fasting mechanically, but about nurturing a deep, intimate relationship with Allah that goes beyond formal practices.
- In this context, Sultan Bahoo’s concept of Divine Love elevates spirituality from mere religious observance to a deeply personal and transformative connection with Allah. He warns against those who perform rituals without love in their hearts, emphasizing that without Ishq-e-Haqiqi, such acts are hollow.
- As he says, “When the heart is filled with love for Allah, even a single moment in His remembrance is better than years of ritual worship.”
7. Divine Love as the Solution to Worldly Suffering
Sultan Bahoo teaches that Divine Love is the solution to all forms of suffering and distress in the world. He explains that when a seeker’s heart is truly connected with Allah, they are freed from the anxieties, fears, and sorrows of the material world. Divine Love gives the seeker a sense of peace, contentment, and fulfillment that no worldly achievement can provide.
- He writes, “The world and all it contains are illusions, but the love of Allah is the only truth. When the heart is filled with His love, no worldly hardship can disturb it.”
8. Divine Love Unites All of Humanity
Sultan Bahoo’s teachings on Divine Love extend beyond individual spirituality to the collective unity of humanity. He emphasizes that Divine Love transcends all barriers of race, nationality, and religion, uniting all people in their shared relationship with Allah. His concept of love is inclusive and universal, urging people to look beyond their differences and focus on the love of the Creator.
- In his writings, he encourages seekers to view others with compassion and love, reflecting Allah’s mercy in their own actions. For Sultan Bahoo, those who experience Divine Love are naturally inclined toward kindness, selflessness, and service to humanity.