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

khirqa-i sharif (burda)
Noble and Blessed Mantle

(Khirqa i Sharif (Burda)).The Noble and Blessed Mantle of the Holy Prophet Muhammad al Mustapha (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace) is so greatly honoured, respected and guarded that it has never been photographed and, according to its present guardians, never will be. The overpowering spiritual energy (barakah) emanating from the Sacred Khirqa is transferred, not only to the one who looks upon it, but also to any delicate material which has fleetingly come into contact with it. In the past, pious Muslims were privileged to such an exalted degree as to be able to gather and hold tightly to some of this barakah by lightly touching the Mantle with a piece of purified cloth. The one who has such a Sacred Object in his possession has been truly blessed by Allah and His Beloved.

See also: Ahmad Muhammad Mustapha

Ahmad ( AHMAD )

This is the celestial name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace). Ahmad is 'the most praiseworthy of those who praise Allah'. His praise, which is none other than The Qur'an, is the complete and most elevated of all praises. All praises are gathered together in his praise. When he was asked, "Are you the One?" the Holy Prophet answered, "No! I am Ahmad without the M". On his Ascension to the Divine Presence he heard the words, "Stop, Oh Muhammad, your Lord is praising you". Before this stage he was 'the most praiseworthy of those who praise Allah'. Then he became 'the praised one'.

Muhammad ( MUHAMMAD )

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace) is the Glory of the Universe, the Best of Creation, the Seal of the Prophets and the friend of those who truly love him. He is from the Light of Allah and all of existence is from his light. He is the key to unlock the Mystery of Existence and he is also the treasure of Existence. He is the key to Allah's Mercy and the key to Paradise. Muhammad al Mustapha is the niche and the goal of the wayfaring lover and the burning rapture within his breast. He is the Beloved of Allah. He owns the Banner of Praise and the Station of Glory. Outwardly he is the Perfect Slave and inwardly he is The One. When the Reality of Muhammad has been unveiled to the lover his heart prostrates before the sheer beauty of this most Noble Sanctuary.

Mustapha ( MUSTAFA )

The Chosen One. The Holy Prophet Muhammad al Mustapha (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace) is the Chosen One of Allah. From Pre-Eternity he was chosen to be the one through whom the Hidden Treasure would become manifest. From Pre-Eternity he was chosen to be the Beloved of Allah. From Pre-Eternity he was chosen to be the Glory of the Universe and the Best of Creation and the Perfect Man. In being a Prophet when Adam was still between water and clay he was chosen to have Firstness. In being the Seal of the Prophets, the one to deliver the perfected religion to humanity, he was chosen to have Lastness. Allah chose to give him two of His Own Most Beautiful Names - The All-Clement (ar-Rauf) and The All-Compassionate (ar-Rahim). In following in the footsteps of Muhammad al Mustapha, in clinging to him and loving him more than life itself, the slaves of Allah are brought near and drink the wine of Divine Love.

Go Back