Labib Mahfuj Chisty
The spiritual path is never a straight line. It is a long journey—where the seeker has to purify his heart step by step, to attain closeness to Allah. In the language of Sufism, these steps are called Maqamat.
Maqamat is the ladder of self-purification. Each ladder has to be crossed through hard work, patience, and surrender to the love of Allah. Sufis believe that until a person crosses these seven Maqamat, his heart does not become a suitable vessel for the light of Allah.
The concept of Maqamat
The word Maqamat (singular: maqam) means a spiritual position or level. It is not a sudden state; rather, each maqamat has to be achieved through hard work, remembrance, meditation, and struggle against the self. Status (Ahwal) is a gift from Allah, but maqam is the achievement of the seeker.
Seven Maqamats According to Sufis
- Repentance
The first step of the spiritual journey is repentance—the admission of one’s mistakes, sins, and weaknesses and turning to Allah. The Quran says: “O you who believe! Turn to Allah sincerely, that you may be successful.” (Surah An-Nur 24:31). Repentance is the door to a new life.
- Abstinence
In this step, the seeker abstains from everything that is doubtful or brings him close to the forbidden. Imam al-Ghazali (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Leaving that which is doubtful is the perfection of faith.”
- Detachment
Zuhd means giving up attachment to the world. Dependence on money, wealth, fame—these things diminish. However, zuhd does not mean leaving the world, but rather removing the things of the world from the heart. Rumi (RA) wrote: “If you keep gold and stones in your heart, they become a burden; if you keep them in your hand, they become useful.” - Poverty
Poverty does not mean poverty, but complete dependence on Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Poverty is my pride.” (Ibn Majah) Here, poverty means not considering oneself poor to anyone except Allah. - Patience
Patience is one of the most difficult stages of Maqamat. Patience in adversity, steadfastness in worship, and complete obedience to Allah’s command. The Quran says: “Indeed, the patient will be rewarded without reckoning.” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:10) - Tawakkul (Trust in God)
In this stage, the saint places all his hope and trust in Allah. He makes his own efforts, but he relies only on Allah’s will for the outcome. Allah says: “And whoever puts his trust in Allah, then Allah is sufficient for him.” (Surah At-Talaq 65:3) - Rida (Contentment)
The last station is Rida—complete satisfaction with Allah’s decision. In happiness or sorrow, in profit or loss—the seeker always submits to Allah’s will. This is the highest stage, where the heart is at peace, and the soul finds peace in the presence of Allah.
Practical Lessons of Maqamat
These seven stations are not just a book. Applying them in modern life means—
Ask forgiveness for mistakes (Tawbah)
Refrain from injustice (Ura’)
Not being overly attached (Zuhd)
Not bowing down to anyone except Allah (Faqr)
Continuing with patience (Sabr)
Relying on Allah after hard work (Tawakkul)
Accepting whatever comes with a calm mind (Rida)
Conclusion
Maqamat is a spiritual ladder. At each step, man shakes off the darkness within him and accepts the light of Allah in his heart. The journey begins with repentance and ends with Rida—a life where the servant lives only in the love and peace of Allah.
The Sufis say: “Maqamat is the key to the door; each door you open brings you closer. When you open the last door, you will no longer be you—only Allah.”