The Sufi approach is summarized by Sheikh Muzaffer, a modern Sufi teacher: "Keep your hands busy with your duties in this world, and your heart busy with God."

Our hearts have become frozen, armored against the pain and suffering we have all experienced in this world. With the help of a devoted teacher and sincere brothers and sisters along the path, we can defrost them.

Love, service, and compassion help us reopen our hearts and come closer to God. One of the greatest services we can perform is to help heal the injured hearts of others. Our hands are made to lift up those who have fallen, to wipe the tears of those who are suffering from the trials of this world. Sheikh Muzaffer also said, "A kind word or glance softens your heart, and every hurtful word or act closes or hardens your heart."

James Fadiman, Robert Frager, Essential Sufism by James Fadiman, editor, Robert Frager, editor