Question No. 3214 31 August 2022 Official answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat) verified Content level: Intermediate

How Can We Increase Our Capacity for Devotion and Worship?

Primary reference: See the answer text 38 views 23 explanatory notes and annotations

Verified answer Documented and evidence-based

Dear questioner, Master Ali Saei

Tracking code: #Q-3214

Dear teacher, each person’s capacity for devotion to God is set and defined. Even the Qur’an states that everyone will be questioned and held to account according to their ability. So how can we increase our capacity for devotion to God? When I think about it, I cannot think of anything I could add myself. We worship God as much as we are able, and our daily lives are also a form of worship; we must be mindful and accountable in everything we do. Beyond that, I don’t know what I should do. Please advise me on how we can deepen our devotion. Thank you.

Subject category: Ethics and Spirituality Supplication and Litany Ethics and Spirituality

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

To increase our capacity for devotion and worship, we should draw closer to Almighty God and seek His favor through the Ahl al-Bayt (AS). The sacred Name “Al-Wāsiʿ” (the All-Embracing) and its manifestations expand our being. Serving God’s servants and holding fast to Him with steadfastness, love and spiritual insight are also ways to enlarge the soul and one’s inner capacity.

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

Teacher and researcher in the intellectual tradition of wisdom and the Ahl al-Bayt | Soroush Bamdadān Cultural Center

The more closely we connect ourselves to the Source of Vastness, the more expansive our being will become in equal measure.

In other words, the closer a person draws to the Divine Name al-Wāsiʿ, “the All-Encompassing,” the more expansive his being becomes in proportion to that nearness.

The sacred Name “al-Wāsiʿ” and its manifestations expand the human being.

Put simply, the key to developing one’s capacity lies in drawing near to the Divine Presence; and the means of attaining that nearness is the spiritual authority of the Household of the Prophet, peace be upon them.

In the simplest terms, the supreme secret of finding the answer to the problem is determined, loving, gnostic and sincere adherence.

Another of the secrets of expanding the soul and one’s being is to serve, to devote oneself to serving the servants of God, and to serve in obedience to God.

و إن العبد إذا اختاره الله عز و جل لأمور عباده شرح صدره لذلک و أودع قلبه ینابیع الحکمه و ألهمه العلم إلهاما فلم یعی بعده بجواب و لا یحیر فیه عن الصواب‏

رب اشرح لی صدری‏

و أنت الذی اتسع الخلائق کلهم فی وسعه.

اللهم صل على محمد و آله، و طیب بقضائک نفسی، و وسع بمواقع حکمک صدری

Did you find this answer illuminating? Your feedback helps us refine our responses and organize future sessions.

Audio attachment: This question currently has no audio file; the answer is provided in written form, with supporting arguments.

How Can We Increase Our Capacity for Devotion and Worship?

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

Related questions