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

bid'at
Innovation

(Bid'at). What is innovation? Transgressing the limits of the Divine Law, belittling the science of the Prophet (saw) and following one’s own opinion and whims, and abandoning the footsteps and the method of luminations. The People of Allah, those of the Spiritual Path, are sincere and devoted followers of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace). Through their awesome fear of Allah and their respect for the Sacred Law which was brought by the Holy Prophet Muhammad they never overstep the boundaries which have been established by the Law. They observe correct moral courtesy at all times.

See also: Follower People of Allah Spiritual courtesy

Follower ( tabi' )

(Tabi'). This term refers to the one who is a follower of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace). A follower strives to emulate his perfect and beautiful character. A friend of Allah is always a follower (tabi') of the Prophet Muhammad and is never independent of his guidance. To be a true tabi' is to be greatly blessed. To be utterly dependent upon our Master, Sayyiduna Muhammad, is a gift from Allah.

People of Allah ( ahl Allah )

(Ahl Allah). This title embraces the entire humanity, but there are many degrees within the Ahl Allah. These are the various levels of 'knowing Allah', for it is in knowing Allah that one is brought near to Allah. Amongst humanity there are people who do not want to know Allah, and there are people who do not know Allah, and people who do want to know Allah and at the higher levels there are the people who do know Allah. The men of this last group, the knowers of Allah ('arifin), occupy numerous ascending levels in their 'knowing'.

Spiritual courtesy ( adab )

(Adab) is spiritual courtesy and gracious behaviour of the Path and perfect refinement of words and deeds. Adab is giving each thing and each moment its proper due. The science of the higher teaching is based upon adab, which encompasses all of human life. It extends from right behaviour with regard to the Sacred Law (Shari'a), right behaviour with one's fellow travellers, proper conduct towards the teaching and one's teacher, and reaches to unceasing spiritual courtesy to Allah Himself. The proper courtesy towards the Law is to stay within its boundaries, the proper conduct with regards to good actions is to complete the action and disconnect from it. Adab with regard to the Real is knowing what belongs to oneself and what belongs to Allah. Each moment and each situation has it's own adab. It has been said that the higher teaching is all adab and the greater your understanding and implementation of proper conduct is, the higher you are in the teaching.

Go Back