(Ta'alluq). Connection or firm adherence. Ta'alluq signifies a relationship, such as that which exists between an attribute and its object, or a name and its effect. When considering Self-annihilation (fana') as three distinct stages, ta'alluq occupies the third stage. This indicates that the knower of Allah remains firmly attached to the essential property of sainthood (wilayah) and is never separated from it in any situation. The first and second stages of fana' are Assuming the Divine character traits (takhalluq) and Realization (tahaqquq).