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

Sayyiduna wa Mawlana-l Imam 'Uthman ibn Affan
Sayyiduna wa Mawlana-l Imam 'Uthman ibn Affan (576CE to 35AH/656CE)

Sayyiduna wa Mawlana-l Imam 'Uthman ibn Affan was born in Taif in 576CE. He was the third caliph and twice son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace), and known as 'the possessor of the two lights'. Upon becoming caliph, Imam 'Uthman led a simple life, despite a flourishing family business. Although offered a stipend from the public treasury, the Bayt al-mal, Imam 'Uthman never took any salary for his service as caliph. He showed patience and endurance as leader of the Muslim community and made it his practice to free slaves every Friday, look after widows and orphans, and give extensively in charity.

Silsilat


See also: Spiritual Chain Increase the greatness of the Chosen One, May the salutations of Allah be upon Him, and Peace
(Silsilat). The Spiritual Chain of each tariqa descends from the Holy Prophet Muhammad himself (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace) down to the present-day Shaykh. It is through his attachment to the silsilat that the newly initiated murid has the means to travel to Allah under Divine Protection.
Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace) is the final Prophet and Messenger and is known as the Seal of the Prophets (khatm al-anbiya). He (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace) is the most central figure within the Islamic tradition, in general, and in Sufism, in particular. All Sufi Orders trace their lineage to The Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace), for it was through him that Allah transmitted the final Divine revelation to humanity and it is within him that Allah has granted an incomparably great character. His (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace) incomparably great character is the model par excellence for the individual seeking to draw close to Allah.

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