The Language of the Future
Sufi Terminology
by Murshid F.A. Ali ElSenossi

nisab
Relations

(Nisab). The cosmos, which is plurality, consists of relations. Allah has placed the Divine Names between Himself and the cosmos, and from this connection relationships are formed. Examples of such correlations are the Creator and the created, the Merciful and the object of Mercy, etc.

See also: Names Relationship

Names ( asma' )

(Asma). Names. The Names designate permanent 'aspects' of the Essence. Every Name has a meaning and a form. The meaning of every Name is Allah. It is only through the Names, all of which are Allah's, that we have access to Knowledge of Allah. The Divine Names seek the Perfect Man (Insan al Kamil) to be their perfect locus of manifestation. Through their seeking him and their requiring his existence the knower comes to understand the nobility and grandeur of the Perfect Man.

Relationship ( nisba )

(Nisba). Lordship is the relationship of the 'He-ness' to the entity. The 'He-ness' in Itself does not require such a relationship, but it is the entities that demand it. Allah has placed the Divine Names between Himself and the cosmos, and from this connection relationships (nisab) are formed. Each Name is a relationship, not an entity. Each existent thing has a specific relationship with one particular Divine Name. That Name will exert a stronger effect and a greater power over the existent thing than any of the other Names.

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