Tasawwuf has numerous Zhikrs and practices that can be helpful to the spiritual seeker. All of these need to be performed under the guidance and permission of a teacher. If one is not careful and tries to perform these exercises by themselves, they may end up harming themselves instead of acquiring any spiritual benefit.
Possible Side-Benefits of Shaghal Akseer
With the blessings of Allah, practicing Shaghal Akseer can lead to the following results:
- A better understanding of life
- Improved health
- Psychic ability
- Kashf (visions and unveilings)
- The awakening of the sixth sense
Keep in mind that the actual goal of the exercise is to develop one’s focus in remembering Allah. Also, make note that these benefits count only as possible effects of this exercise, the actual result may vary and depends on the Will of Allah and the sincerity of the seeker.
Procedure
1– Sit comfortably with your legs folded under you. If that is not possible, then sit with your legs crossed while squeezing the rightmost nerves under your left knee with the large toe of your right foot. If even that is not possible, then sit however you can (you can also sit on a chair if sitting on the floor is difficult).
2-Create a protective circle around yourself by reciting Surah al-Fatiha, the four Quls, Ayat al-Kursi, and the first and third Kalimahs.
3-While sitting, make sure that your head, neck, and back are in a straight line.
4-Close your eyes, place both of your hands on your lap, and place your tongue on the palate of your mouth.
5-Slowly inhale through the nose.
6-Now hold your breath and look straight in front of you. Your eye level should remain horizontal to the ground, but your eyes themselves should remain closed.
7-Hold this position until you feel you cannot hold your breath much longer, then release your breath by exhaling slowly through the nose.
8-Relax for a while and repeat.
9-While inhaling, mentally repeat the name Allah and imagine it entering into you. When you hold your breath, picture it in your chest. Finally, when you exhale, mentally repeat the name Hu.
Precautions
- While performing this exercise, do not take sour foods or foods that produce gas (such as red meat) or you might risk bleeding through your nose and ears.
- Stay away from foods that are warm in their nature.
- Always breathe slowly, do not breathe quickly or with pressure.
- Always breathe through the nose, do not breathe through your mouth or you might injure your mouth or damage your teeth.
- Keep your eyes closed during the procedure, do not open them until you finish.
- Do not perform this exercise on an empty or a full stomach, but somewhere in between.
- Sit in a quiet place, without any distractions. Make sure the place you are sitting in is not too dark, nor too bright, and that it is not too damp or too windy.
- Always start this exercise by reciting Surah al-Fatiha and sending Salawat on the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. You should be in a state of outer and inner purity and you should begin by sincerely turning to Allah and asking Him for forgiveness. When performing this exercise, make sure you rid yourself of all unwanted and distracting thoughts.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing. Do not wear clothes that are too stiff or tight or which cling to your body.
- When you inhale, inhale deeply and make sure you fill your lungs with air.
- Avoid cold foods or drinks and stay away from cold air after performing the exercise.
- Make sure you have the permission and guidance of a qualified spiritual teacher. Do not attempt any spiritual exercises without the guidance of a teacher and always consult them in case anything happens.
Note: This procedure should not be practice with proper ijazah (authentic permission) from us.