From Sensing to Vision: Shifting from Dunya to Akhirah Through Inner Growth

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Understanding the role of the S function in personality, its dunya orientation, and how Islamic practices guide us toward inner vision and higher spiritual alignment.

Introduction: The Call to Inner Vision

Allah warns us in the Qur’an, “And whoever is blind in this [life] will also be blind in the Hereafter and more astray in way.” (Qur’an 17:72). This verse reminds us of the critical importance of inner vision—the ability to see beyond the immediate, tangible world and into the unseen realities that truly matter.

The secular world often approaches personality with neutrality, offering frameworks like the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) to better understand oneself. While these tools can be useful, the issue lies not with the models themselves but with their secular origins. The real responsibility falls on us, as Muslims, to bridge the gap between these frameworks and the spiritual guidance we receive from Islam. It is not our duty to reject such studies, but to integrate them into an Islamic worldview.

This is precisely what the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Saw) exemplified—he bridged the gap between the divine and the society in which he lived. By doing so, he provided a model for us to follow, showing that it is possible to engage with the world while aligning ourselves with divine wisdom. In the same way, it is our responsibility to take secular tools like the MBTI and contextualize them through an Islamic lens, allowing us to better understand ourselves and others while remaining grounded in our faith. By doing so, we fulfill our duty to connect the knowledge of the world with the teachings of Allah (SWT), enriching our understanding of human nature and leading us toward spiritual growth.

Personality as a Creation of the Brain

Our personality, at its core, is created in the brain. Functions like Sensing (S), Intuition (N), Thinking (T), and Feeling (F) shape how we perceive the world and make decisions. But as Muslims, we cannot view these traits as neutral. We must judge them in light of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

The Sensing (S) function, for example, is inherently dunya-focused. It relies on external senses and connects us primarily to the material world. This is not a "bad" function, but it is limited. Its role is transitional, meant to aid us in navigating the early stages of life. However, as we grow, especially past the age of maturity, the focus must shift toward developing the inner vision—the N function—that allows us to perceive the unseen and align with the akhira.

Islamic Guidance on Inner Vision

Imam Ali (AS) said, “The dunya and the akhirah are like two sister-wives; you cannot come closer to one without distancing yourself from the other.” This profound statement captures the essence of the struggle between S and N. If we are overly connected to our outer senses, we handicap our inner vision.

The Qur’an, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:2-3), describes the muttaqeen as those “who believe in the unseen.” This is the hallmark of the N function—having an inner eye that perceives beyond what the physical senses can grasp. The Prophets and Imams (peace be upon them) exemplified this. Their focus was never on the immediate and tangible but on the eternal and the unseen.

The Path from Sensing to Vision

Transitioning from the S function to the N function is not automatic. It requires intentional effort and practices that strengthen the inner eye. Secular psychologists provide tools like journaling for self-awareness, but these assume an extroverted approach. In Islam, the journey inward must begin with introverted practices that cleanse the heart and awaken the soul.

Key Islamic practices to shift from dunya-focused Sensing to akhirah-focused Vision include:

• Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Regular dhikr cleanses the heart and fosters mindfulness of Allah, training us to see beyond immediate gratification.
• Recitation of the Qur’an: Both in Arabic and with understanding, Qur’anic recitation builds spiritual depth and nurtures the inner self.
• Du’a (Supplication): A deeply personal practice that connects us to Allah, reminding us of the unseen power guiding our lives.

These practices awaken the N function, drawing us away from the distractions of the dunya and aligning us with our divine purpose.

Addressing the Role of Sensing Talents: A Balanced Perspective

Some might argue that if we are not supposed to become overly detailed with the Sensing function, how can we encourage creativity or pursue careers in fields that rely on sensory awareness, such as art, cooking, or perfume-making—fields that seem so intrinsically tied to the Sensing function? After all, the Prophet Muhammad (Saw) loved perfume, a sensory experience that is undeniably linked to the world of Sensing.

The answer lies in how we approach these gifts. It is not that sensory experiences or careers should be rejected, but rather that they must be approached with a higher purpose. These sensory talents should be cultivated and used, not for their own sake, but as a means of spiritual growth and connection. When we develop our intuition, particularly through engaging with the beautiful Names of Allah, our Sensing functions naturally align with a deeper, divine understanding.

Creativity—whether through art, food, or fragrance—becomes a means of connecting to the divine beauty that Allah has imbued in His creation. The Prophet Muhammad (Saw) appreciated perfume not merely for its sensory pleasure, but because it symbolized purity, elegance, and beauty—qualities that align with divine attributes. When we engage in these sensory pursuits, it should be with the intention of drawing closer to Allah’s beauty, reflecting His creation, and expressing gratitude for His gifts.

As we feed our hearts with remembrance (dhikr) and supplication (duas), our intuition is nurtured, and our creativity flourishes. In this way, we are able to express the divine beauty within us, guided by the Creator’s light. This makes our creative endeavors not just sensory experiences, but spiritual expressions that elevate our hearts and bring us nearer to Allah.

A Balanced Model for Growth

To truly grow, we must integrate Islamic education with secular understanding. While the secular world provides valuable tools, its lack of spiritual context can mislead us. We must judge these tools against Islamic principles, ensuring that we are not deceived into complacency.

Moreover, this integration is essential for effective Tablig. By understanding the frameworks of secular psychology, we can communicate Islamic wisdom in a language the world understands. This dual approach strengthens both our personal growth and our ability to convey the truth.

Reflection: Where Are You Now?

Ask yourself: Are you predominantly living through your S function, tethered to the dunya? Or have you begun developing the N function, perceiving the realities of the akhira?

The journey from S to N is not about abandoning the dunya but subordinating it to a higher purpose. As Imam Ali (AS) said, “The dunya follows one who turns away from it.” By focusing on the akhira, the dunya will naturally fall into place.

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Further Reading:

1. "Inner Vision in Islam: Lessons from the Qur’an and Ahlul Bayt"
2. "Islamic Practices for Personal Growth: A Practical Guide"
3. "Balancing Dunya and Akhira: Lessons from the Prophets"