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

ithar
Prefer

(Athar). To prefer, have greater regard and concern for others than for oneself. To give the choices of the brothers above your own self with regard to your spiritual plane of consciousness and with regard to your worldly existence. The concept of athar is perfected in the practice of spiritual chivalry.

See also: Beautiful Model Chivalry

Beautiful Model ( uswa hasana )

(Uswa hasana). The Holy Prophet Muhammad al Mustapha (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace) is the beautiful model. Through his perfect example man is given the means of drawing closer, and yet closer, to Allah. The degrees of such nearness depend upon the manner and attitude in which one follows the beautiful model. Those who love Allah and His Messenger more than anything, more than life itself, are the slaves who follow Muhammad al Mustapha in their outer lives and in their inner realities. To approach Allah, the slave must first meet the Holy Prophet Muhammad. This meeting is a Mystery. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, the beautiful model, becomes the slave's inner reality through the unveiling of the Reality of Muhammad. The hadith says, "Who has seen me has seen Allah".

Chivalry ( futuwwah )

(Futuwwah). Chivalry. This is 'heroic generosity', a code of honourable conduct following the examples of the Prophets, saints, sages, friends and lovers of Allah. It is exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace). With regards to chivalry: There is a sign of chivalry – His condition does not change nor does he feel the need to change his conduct when he sits with the people of chivalry. The one who sees the people of chivalry and he does not feel shy from them with regards to his conduct and his actions, that is chivalry. (There is no pretencewithin him or his actions).

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