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

dalala
Argument

(Dalala). Argument or proof or denotation or evidence. This term is applied to the World of Imagination which is the closest thing to a denotation or proof of the Real. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace) is a crystal clear proof of Allah. This proof is absolute for the ones who love Allah and His Beloved more than anything. Their hearts perpetually bear witness to the perfect proof of the Prophet. They see him in their visions within the Imaginal Realm.

See also: Boy He-not He Imagination Proof World of Imagination

Imagination ( khayal )

(Khayal). Imagination indicates a reality that becomes manifest in three different places. Firstly, the Khayal is manifest within the cosmos where existence is the same as imagination. Secondly, the Khayal is manifest within the macrocosm where the isthmus between the spiritual and corporeal worlds is imaginal. Thirdly, the khayal is manifest within the microcosm where the human self is the reality between the body and the spirit. Khayal is synonymous with images. The Realm of Imagination is the isthmus between the World of the Unseen and the Visible World and it is within this khayal that man is given the clearest expression of the 'He, not He' (Huwa, la Huwa) mystery of existence. The human faculty of imagination (khayal) is purely passive with regard to the active conjectural faculty of illusion and with regard to the Spirit which may imprint upon it heralding visions.

Proof ( burhan )

(Burhan). Proof or demonstration. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace) is the possessor of the proof (Sahib al Burhan). He is the Ultimate Proof who demonstrates the Supreme Reality through his very being. The slaves who love and follow him witness this proof with the eye of their hearts. Yet, the Essence Itself (Dhat) is beyond demonstration and proof.

World of Imagination ( 'alam al-khayal )

('Alam al khayal). This is the isthmus in which the friends of Allah encounter each other. Within this World the murid may encounter the Murshid, from whom powerful and decisive lessons are transmitted. It is here that the friends may receive instructions and directions from the saints of the Sufi hierarchy and even from the Holy Prophet Muhammad himself (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace).

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