As we grow into healers in the way of Allah, gradually all our human qualities are “washed” or unveiled until they become pure like the Qualities of God. One of the Qualities is “as-Sami'”, the All Hearing. “He listens to all the prayers and sounds of creatures without disruption … Nothing is beyond His hearing … so call upon Him in times of ease and in times of difficulty.”
Allah is our role model. We are created in God’s image, so we should model ourselves after our Creator. So what does it take to be the “ears of Allah”?
First you need a big heart that can contain everything in love and without judgment and an ability to discern what voices that we are hearing so that we can discern how to respond.
Our heart automatically stretches into a wider container as we heal ourselves. Healing is washing and emptying the heart of everything except God. Life gives us a myriad of challenges and opportunities to stretch ourselves. When challenges come up, pray for God to help you to accept what He has put in your path. If we strive to walk through life embodying God’s Qualities, our hearts naturally become a bigger, more loving and accepting container.
Once you discern which of the voices that you hear is the voice of God, listen only to that voice. As you listen more and more to the voice of God, you will notice that life gets easier. You will feel more love and peace inside. This may not mean that the events in your life get easier; it just means that you can contain them with more peace. This will motivate you (give you himma) to follow God’s guidance.
To be the “ears of Allah” it is essential to understand the voices. Ignore the voice of your nafs and shayton, and listen only to the voice of God. This will take much practice! This is crucial to containment and to a life of less struggle, more peace, and more effective service to others.
Becoming the ears of Allah is a gradual process. It is a key aspect of both your walking into proximity with God and developing your healership. It requires depth of heart and mastery of the walking. Be patient and merciful with yourself as you grow to embody this quality.