Muna lived in a land called Low.  She wanted to travel to The High.  The way, she thought, was clear.  She recollected it from descriptions passed down to her, generation after generation.

She hit the road.  Her journey ended in a roadblock.  She doubled back and took an alternate route.  Another detour. 

She consulted her map.  There was another avenue.  She took it.  But another hindrance.  After multiple attempts, she finally consulted her GPS.

Many highways existed.  But they all ended in barricades and barriers, obstructions and obstacles.  

After 11 failed attempts (or more), she stopped.  Frustrated, she got out of her car.  There was no one to ask.  There was no company to seek. 

Along the side of a road was a footpath.  It was narrow, dark and utterly unfamiliar in every way.  

She took it. And walked and walked.  

At the end, a light.  The footpath opened to a vast ocean.  

She felt like walking into the sea.  And did. 

The sea suddenly opened into a path of 99 other paths.  Each path led to the same path. To The High.

A group of students of sacred Islamic knowledge who studied an intensive course in Tazkiya al-Nafs, Usul al-Fiqh and Maqasid took a boat ride on the Mediterranean.

They resolved to make their trip a spiritual and bonding experience.  They consulted with one another about swimming:

One said: I dislike cold water but I will break my nafs. 

One stated: Let’s make dhikr together in the sea. 

One exclaimed: The neighbouring mountains will delight in my remembrance as the hadith promises.

One voiced: I will find serenity in the sea.

One argued: I don’t want to go against the wishes of my blessed brothers.  This is a trip of fellowship after all. 

One opined: The sea is the metaphor for the malakut. I will swim in it.

One mentioned: I don’t want to, but I will join you in case you need help.

One expressed: I wish to dive just like my Shaykh used to do.

One presented:  We will swim together and build the bonds of brotherhood. 

One cautioned: Don’t miss out on this spiritual experience!

They all felt: The life vest is an encumbrance to one’s self.

Each entered the sea. 

None of them were good swimmers.  And there was no lifeguard around.