Chapter VIII: Self-Examination and Self-Accounting
(2) Second matter - Morakaba or deep meditation. The second method of self-introspection is meditation before an action, in other words to examine whether the action is done regularly, lawfully and in right manner. When he keeps watch over the divine laws in every action, he is able to make his intention good in divine service. When he sits, he sits facing the Qibla. He does not sit cross- legged as to sit in such a way before the Highest Power is not at all proper. Hazrat Ibrahim Adham said: Once J.;at cross-legged when I heard a voice from heaven: Kings sit" in such a fashion. Thereafter I gave up sitting cross-legged.
THREE KINDS OF ACTION: All actions can be divided into three classes - virteous acts, sinful acts and lawful acts. Every man is confined within one of these three kinds of actions. Meditation in various actions means to do it with Ikhlas or pure intention and to guard it from faults. Meditation in actions of vices means repentance and examination of engagement in meditation. Meditation in lawful action means observance of rules and laws and to express gratefulness for getting them from the Merciful. So examine yourself in these three kinds of actions.
The Holy Prophet said: A wise man has got four divisions of his time - (1) In one division, he will whisper with his Lord. (2) In another division of time, he will ponder over the wonderful creations of God. (3) In another division of time, he will take account of himself. (4) And in another division of time, he will take food and drink and sleep.
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Four kinds of men in respect of meditation: (1) One class meditate deeply and with minute details over food and drink, over the well-arranged plan of God to save animal life and His ' wonderful gifts in a measured way, and over creation of organs to take food and drink. These are food for reflection of the wise. (2) Another class regard food and drink as troublesome. Greed cannot guide them towards food and drink, rather they are compelled to go to them. This is the stage of those persons who renounce the world. (3) Another class examine and ponder over the skill of creation and realise His attributes. That opens the door of thought. (4) Another class look towards iood and drink with greed. They are worried if they are deprived of these things and become happy when they get them.