A brother once told Al Habīb 'Alī al - Jifrī privately: I feel disconnected. Al Habīb: That is a sign of connection because a disconnected person never feels. Brother: What shall I do? Al Habīb: Do you keep up your litanies {awrad}? Brother: Yes. Al Habīb: A sign of drinking externally only is to feel satiated & a sign of drinking internally is continuing to feel thirsty..so you will continue to feel thirsty, thus, drink more!
This quote offers profound insight into the spiritual journey and the nature of true connection with the divine or one's innerSelf. Often, individuals seek outward signs of progress—like performing religious duties or litanies—but may overlook the deeper, internal transformation that such acts aim to foster. The idea that feeling disconnected can actually be a sign of true connection is a powerful reversal of common perceptions: when we detach from superficial comforts, we may paradoxically become more aware of our inner states and the divine essence. The analogy of drinking externally versus internally emphasizes that true fulfillment or spiritual nourishment doesn't come from external acts alone. When one only drinks externally, they feel satiated temporarily, but internally, the thirst remains unquenched—leading to a cycle of superficial engagement. The spiritual path, therefore, is not about accumulating outward acts to satisfy a thirst that was never truly addressed but about internalizing and deeply experiencing the connection. This emphasizes sincerity and internal awareness over mere external appearances. The conversation encourages humility and self-awareness, reminding us that true spiritual progress requires internalization and genuine engagement with oneself and the divine, not just outward displays. It speaks to the importance of aligning one's inner state with external practices and recognizing that feelings of discomfort or disconnection may be signs of growth, not failure. Ultimately, the quote is a reminder that persistent internal thirst signifies ongoing spiritual awakening, urging us to continue seeking inner truth and connection.
