There are two kinds of Imaan, faith. One is real and the other is imitative. The real brings light to the heart of a person; until then, he is only imitating faith. The signs of real faith are three. The first is the ability for listening to the tasbih of all creatures, their praying praise and respects to their Lord. Quran says that there is nothing in existence without tasbih, even inanimate objects. Once the Prophet, salla lahu alayhi wa sallam, took a handful of stones and held them up so that the Sahaba, his companions, might listen to their giving high respects. This was a miracle to give them real faith. The second sign is Allah’s opening of his heart to the fountain of wisdom, to know the wisdom behind all things in existence, to know their purpose and position. Like the essence of the rose forms tiny drops on the surface of rose-water, he has Hikmat, wisdoms, or the essence of knowledge. Thirdly, there are no more veils between him and Barzakh, the heavenly worlds. He may meet anyone from Barzakh without hindrance, the spirit of any Prophet or Saint. Until these three signs appear, know that you are still veiled and not open to the light of Iman. Allah says << Oh, you who believe, believe in Allah and His Prophet and His Books (Surat Nisa 136) This, addressing the believers to believe, indicates that they must improve to real faith and not stop at imitation. Tariqats are preparing mureeds for real faith. The meaning of mureed is one who is asking. What is he asking for - for real faith.

-Seyh Mevalana Nazim al-Hakkani
Mercy Oceans 2, First sohbet.