The Language of the Future
Sufi Terminology
by Murshid F.A. Ali ElSenossi
al-jawhar al-thabit
Immutable Substance
(Al Jawhar al Thabit) is also known as the Cloud and the Breath of the All Merciful. However, sometimes it is said that the Cloud is not altogether identical with the Breath because the Cloud comes into existence through the Breath.
(Hawa). The word hawa' was used by the Holy Prophet Muhammad when he described the 'place' where Allah was before He created the creations. 'He came to be in a cloud, neither above which or below which was any air'. Here is an indication that this Cloud (which is the Supreme Isthmus, is controlled by Allah and is the nearest of existent things to Allah.
(Nafas ar-Rahman). The Breath of the All Merciful. This exceedingly beautiful term indicates the evanescent nature of existence in its state of constant change and renewal. It is the Supreme Isthmus and the very substance of the universe is the Breath of the All Merciful. In their state of non-existence the entities are contracted and distressed). This Divine Breath brings relief to them by giving them their existence. Allah breathes out, and through His All Merciful Breath He speaks. We, the creation, are His Words. We are the forms and He is the meaning.
