(Shath). An ecstatic utterance is spoken while the ecstatic is in a state of spiritual intoxication. To the outsider his utterance may appear to contradict the Sacred Law, to be pretentious, thoughtless and even verging on associating partners with Allah. The perfect knower is inwardly intoxicated and outwardly sober. He keeps hidden those secrets which should never be divulged, for 'If the reality of the Sufi was to be unveiled he would be worshipped'. His servitude preserves his courtesy towards Allah.
(Hal). A spiritual state which overwhelms the heart. A hal enters the heart as a gift and a bestowal of Allah's Infinite Grace upon His slave. A spiritual state cannot be attained through effort, desire or invitation. It arrives unexpectedly and departs unexpectedly. The spiritual states are numerous and the spiritual stations are numerous. The Perfect Ones have passed beyond both.
(Lisan al Hal). These are the words which issue from the Knower or Lover when he is under the domination of his state. An example is the famous utterance "I am the Truth". But, in reality, everything in the cosmos speaks with the tongue of its state.
