The appearance of Sufis never made sense to me; clad in flowing, earth-toned robes that dance with the wind, their heads crowned with humble turbans, their bare feet grounding them to the earth like a channel of energy; their necks are draped with stones, each carrying the legacy of heroes, their hands are adorned with rings, harmonising their inner energies; a string of prayer beads rests in their grasp; their lips constantly murmur the sacred names of the Creator. Now, I see meaning in it all.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always felt a deep connection with the Sufi way, but lately, it’s been more than that – it’s been transformative. Do you know how a Pokémon evolves through its bond with its trainer? I believe we experience a similar evolution through the depth of our relationship with our Creator.

It’s almost comical, the thought that used to cross my mind whenever I encountered a Sufi: “He is lost, with God.” What a beautiful state to be in, right? Yet, despite its beauty, I never truly understood the meaning behind their appearance. But now, I see it. Every aspect of their attire and every choice they’ve made is a deliberate step towards bridging their connection with God. Naturally, they adorn themselves with stones once worn by prophets and imams, each imbued with a significance we may not yet fully comprehend. There is a profound depth to it, one that I am determined to uncover on my own journey.

One elixir of these mystics, I feel, is something I’ve come to understand: the prayer beads and their constant repetition of the Creator’s names. The 99 names, representing attributes of the Divine, hold a captivating beauty. Each name reflects a quality that the Creator has bestowed upon us in some measure – mercy, wisdom, strength – while He embodies these attributes in their highest, most infinite form. It serves as a reminder that, while we are reflections of His qualities, He remains the pinnacle, the ultimate source of their true and boundless power. Through this repetition, the mystics align themselves with these divine attributes, striving to manifest them in their purest form.

As with all profound tales, the essence lies in unwavering belief. To truly embody and resonate with what you seek, you must possess a conviction that remains unshaken. I have always been grateful for the abundance of love in my life – God has showered it upon me in ways I never anticipated. Yet recently, I felt like a soldier surrendering in the quest for love.

It felt like a hero’s moment when, at my lowest, I discovered the profound power of God’s names, each a gateway to His infinite attributes. In that surrender, this soldier turned to his prayer beads and began with the name Al-Wadud – The Most Loving, calling upon the One who embodies all love that exists.

I have experienced love before. There have been moments when I believed I could never love anyone more deeply. But this was different. It transcended every moment of love I had ever known, leaving me in awe. It was surreal and boundless, so much so that I struggled to articulate it. Words failed me.

And then, I realised: not every miracle of God is meant to be explained. Some are meant to be felt – intimately, profoundly and quietly within. This realisation brought me peace. The birth of love through spiritual alignment became a testament to the infinite grace of Al-Wadud. It marked a transformative chapter in my journey, one that I will forever cherish.

I’ve started collecting stones too. If there’s even the slightest chance that they can help me resonate more deeply with God, I’ll embrace it wholeheartedly. Let them call me lost. Let them say, “He is lost, with God.” To me, there’s no better place to be.

The writer is an ex-serviceman and a freelancer.

He may be reached at shaafayzia@gmail.com

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A serene landscape capturing the essence of Sufi mysticism.