The Illusion of Sight: True Vision Beyond the Senses

The Danger of Over-Reliance on the Senses: A Warning from the Quran

In our modern world, we are constantly told to "see it to believe it." This mindset, rooted in materialism, heavily relies on what we can touch, measure, and experience with our senses. But is this true sight? Or is it a deception—one that blinds us to a greater reality?

The Quran warns us that excessive dependence on physical sight and worldly perception can lead to spiritual blindness. Many assume they have clarity simply because they see the world through their eyes, but the Quran reveals a hidden truth:

“And whoever is blind in this [life] will be blind in the Hereafter and more astray in way.” (Quran 17:72)

This verse does not refer to physical blindness, but blindness of the soul—the inability to see beyond dunya, beyond temporary pleasures, beyond the illusions of material life.

The Limits of Sensing (Se & Si) and the Trap of Dunya

The MBTI functions of Extraverted Sensing (Se) and Introverted Sensing (Si), while necessary in our youth and in practical life, can become spiritual traps when relied upon excessively:

• Se-dominant individuals chase experiences, external stimulation, and worldly pleasure, always seeking the next thrill. This can lead to impulsivity, material attachment, and distraction from deeper truths.
• Si-dominant individuals cling to traditions, routines, and the past, sometimes mistaking cultural habits for true faith. This can create stagnation, preventing real spiritual evolution.

The Quran warns us against following in the blind footsteps of our forefathers without seeking deeper understanding:

“And when it is said to them, ‘Follow what Allah has revealed,’ they say, ‘Rather, we will follow that which we found our forefathers upon.’ Even though their forefathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?” (Quran 2:170)

Both Se and Si can lead a person to trust dunya too much—mistaking sensory experiences for truth, or mistaking familiar traditions for genuine faith.

The Reality of True Sight: Basirah (Spiritual Vision)

Allah makes it clear: true vision is not with the eyes, but with the heart and soul:

“For indeed, it is not the eyes that are blinded, but blinded are the hearts which are within the breasts.” (Quran 22:46)

To truly "see," we must detach from the illusion of dunya and reconnect with divine realities.

Why Affirmations Fail & Why Asma’ ul Husna Transforms

Many turn to affirmations, believing they can change their mindset by repeating positive statements. However, affirmations only affect the conscious mind, creating temporary changes that do not penetrate deep enough to reprogram the subconscious.

In contrast, the Asma’ ul Husna (Names of Allah) are not just words—they are divine realities. Each Name carries an active force that reprograms not just the mind, but our spiritual DNA, aligning us with the divine attributes of Allah.

When we deeply engage with the recitation and understanding of the Quran and the Names of Allah, we do more than just memorize—we restructure our perception. This is the true act of seeing beyond dunya.

How to Regain True Sight

1. Shift from Sensing (Se/Si) to Intuition (N) – Move beyond the surface level of existence. Engage in deep reflection, seek hidden meanings in life, and focus on the unseen (ghayb).
2. Recite and Reflect on Asma’ ul Husna – Not as affirmations, but as realities that shape our consciousness and genetic program.
3. Engage with the Quran Actively – Instead of just reading, let it challenge and transform your mind and heart.
4. Detach from Materialism – Understand that what we see is a temporary illusion, while the unseen world is the true reality.

Allah warns us that those who remain blind in this world—trusting only in their senses—will wake up to a terrifying reality in the Hereafter. May we never be among them.

“And We had certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.” (Quran 7:179)

Are we truly seeing? Or are we being deceived by the world of the senses?