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

Free choice
ikhtiyar

(Ikhtiyar). Free choice or spontaneity (as opposed to compulsion). The angels are servants of Allah only by compulsion. They have no choice. Man is a servant of Allah by compulsion through his obligatory works and he is a servant of Allah by free cho...

Hell
Jahannam

(Jahannam) is distance (bu'd) from, and forgetfulness of, Allah. Man finds himself in Hell when he imagines that there actually is a real chasm between Allah and himself.

Teach or Instruct
Talqin

To teach or explain a point. In Tasawwuf, Talqin is used when the Shaykh or Murshid says something and the murid repeats it back to him. This may be used when one enters Islam at the hand of the Shaykh or when entering upon the Path of Allah during b...

Abandon abandoning
tark at-tark

(Tark at tark). To 'abandon abandoning' or to 'quit quitting'. This is to utterly surrender by forgetting poverty, surrender and quitting.

Annihilation
fana'

(Fana'). Self-annihilation or self-effacement or dissolution or passing away from self. Through being joined to Allah, the Real; man is annihilated from himself - the 'limited existence' of the traveller is ov...

Kaf Ha Ya ‘Ain Saad
Kaf Ha Ya ‘Ain Saad

Muqata'at Bestowals or Divine gifts
mawahib

(Mawahib). The spiritual states (ahwal) are referred to as bestowals . They are gifts from Allah to His slave and are given without any asking, effort or desire on the part of the slave. These gifts are connected to the Beautiful Name of Allah Al Wa...

Audition
Sama'

Sama' - see 'Spiritual concert'.

Seeker
Murid

(Murid). The one who desires Allah. The murid is the seeker of Reality who is under the direction of a Spiritual Guide (Murshid). He has entered the company of those who concentrate upon Allah through the Remembrance of His Most Holy Name 'Allah'.

Spiritual Guide
murshid (shaykh, pir)

(Murshid/Shaykh/Pir). The Murshid is a True Inheritor of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace). After having been taken to the Divine Presence during his ascension the slave has been returned, by Allah, to the...

Imprisonment by the gaze
Habs Nadhr

(Habs Nadhr). Holding or imprisonment of a creation of Allah by the spiritual power of the gaze.

The Two Imams
al-imamani

(Imamani). Within the Sufi hierarchy there are two who are called the Imams. One is from the right of the Ghawth and he oversees the invisible world. The other is from the left of the Ghawth and he oversees the material world. The latter acts as depu...

Unique and alone in his time
wahid al-zaman bi'aynihi

(Wahid al zaman bi'aynihi). This term indicates the Ghawth.

Needy
miskin

(Miskin). Needy, poor and utterly and totally bereft. The 'miskin' is the slave who is at the absolute extremity of need of Allah. He has been stripped of everything and exists purely to manifest the All-Comprehensive Name 'Allah'.

Islam (B)
islam

Islam means peace and the person who follows this peace is called the Muslim. From another root meaning of the word, Islam means complete submission and surrender, and the person who submits and surrenders himself to ...

Islam (A)
al-islam

The Surrender. The Journey of Return to Allah is from the first Islam which is merely verbal submission, through the levels of ascent to the second and Real Islam, which is total and unconditional surrender with knowledge and love to the Will of All...

Ghazali, Abu Hamid Muhammad
al-Ghazali

(450-505/1058-1111) Philosopher, theologian, jurist and mystic; he was known in Europe as "Algazel". He was born and died in Tus, Persia. An extraordinary figure, al-Ghazali was the architect of the latter development of Islam. In his youth al-Gha...

Object of knowledge
al-ma'lum

(Ma'lum). The object of knowledge. Allah, as the Knower (al 'Alim) requires an object of knowledge (ma'lum), just as the Powerful (al qadir) requires an object of power (maqdur) etc.

Immaculately Pure, The
Al Taahir

(Al Taahir). The Immaculately Pure.

Strength, The
Al Shadeed

(Al Shadeed). Strength, hardness, forceful. One of the Divine Names. This is the attribute which stands under the Name Al Qawi.

Sender, The
Al Mursil

(Al Mursil). The Sender, The One who sends out

One who accepts thanks, The
Al Shakour

(Al Shakour). This Beautiful Name of Allah belongs to the earthly realm .

Putting on the white garments
Al Ihram

(Al Ihram). At the beginning of the pilgrimage, one puts on the two pieces of unstitched cloth known as the ihram. This is a state of consecration and specifc restrictions apply to the pilgrim who is in the state of Ihram. Entering the state of ihra...

Shortening
Taqsir

(Taqsir). One of the rituals of the Piglrimage, shaving of the head or cutting of the hair is an indication to cleansing the mind of negative thoughts and a reminder not to seek leadership in the human domain (by ‘getting ahead’). Like washing of th...

Precise Time
Al Miqaat

(Al Miqaat). The precise time. This is an indication to the Heart – Mecca – the state of Divinity

Black Stone
Hajarat al Aswad

(Hajarat al Aswad). The Black Stone is an indication to the human essence. The darkness of the Black Stone is the corruption of the spiritual self by the earthly nature.

Prayer of Unity
Salat ul Ahadiyya

(Salat ul Ahadiyya). This is an indication to the manifestation of the Ahadiyyah, or Oneness, and it’s manifestation in the ‘Alam an Nasut (the world of mankind) for those who have the capability to witness such Unity. It is desirable to be performe...

Constitution, Human
Al mizaj/Al mizaj al mustaqim

Al mizaj/Al mizaj al mustaqim - see 'Human Constitution' and 'Harmonious Human Constitution'.

Throne of the All Merciful
Al 'Arsh ar-Rahman

(Al 'Arsh ar-Rahman).

There is no god other than Allah
La ilaha il Allah

(La ilaha il Allah). These words which form the first part of the Islamic Testimony of Faith could be paraphrased as 'there is no reality, only Reality' or 'there is no truth, only Truth' or 'there is no love, only Love'. The phrase is the supreme d...

Outward, The
Al Thahir

(Al Thahir). The Principle insofar as It manifests Itself through and in the World; from this derives the perspective of analogy. Mystery of universal Manifestation; of Symbolism.

Merciful, The
Ar Rahim

(Ar Rahim). The Merciful. The Principle insofar as It manifests its Goodness ‘after’ the creation of the World and within it. The mystery of extrinsic Goodness.

Unseen of the Unseen
Ghayb ul Ghayb

(Ghayb ul Ghayb).

Talker
Hakawi

(Hakawi). Literally - a 'jaw wagger'. The one whose Murshid has passed away before his training was completed (or the one who has separated himself from the teaching). His lower self will not allow him to move any further. Instead of seeking a Shayk...

Garment of the Pilgrim
Ihram

(Ihram). Putting on of the white garments. Entering the state of ihram is an indication to not seeing the creation, but seeing the Creator. Wearing the unstitched cloth is an indication to the transformation of the negative qualities to the higher ...

Rest
Muttaka

(Muttaka). A support, cushion - something that you rest upon. At a certain stage, the Sacred Law becomes a muttaka.

Perfume
'Attar

('Attar). Not using perfumes during the Hajj is an indication to the annihilation of the Names and Attributes in the Essence of Allah itself.

Eyeliner
Kohl

(Kohl). Not using kohl on the eyes during the Hajj is an indication to ceasing to seek unveiling by the continuous immersion in the Essence of Unity.

Abstain
Ta'afouf

(Ta'afouf). To abstain from. The suspension of the marital relationship between husband and wife during the Hajj is an Indication to the elevation of utilisation of existence; connecting oneself to the Divine Nature, thereby surpassing the human elem...

Time
Al Miqaat

(Al Miqaat). The precise time. This is an indication to the Heart – Mecca – the state of Divinity.

Circumambulation
Tawaaf

(Tawaaf). To reach the knowing of the Essence of your being, how it has come to be manifested within your own existence and how it has come to be the way it is. Circulation around the Ka’aba seven times is an indication to the seven states of consc...

Station of Abraham
Maqam Ibrahim

(Maqam Ibrahim). The station of Abraham is an indication that the Unity has manifested Itself clearly through you. Ibrahim was known as khalil Allah, or ‘the friend of God’.

Sacred Monument
Mash’aar al Haram

(Mash’aar al Haram). The Sacred monument at Muzdalifah. This is where the pilgrims spend the night after coming down from Arafat. "Then when you pour down from (Mount) Arafat, celebrate the praises of Allah at the Sacred Monument, and celebrate His p...

Circumambulation - Completion
Tawaf al Ifadah

(Tawaf al Ifadah). The completion circumambulation represents the continuation of elevations and the Divine manifestations.

Circumambulation - Farewell
Tawaaf al Wida'

(Tawaaf al Wida'). The farewell circumambulation is an indication to the wonderful gift of guidance to Allah through the awareness of the states of consciousness.

Gratitude
Imtinaan

(Imtinaan). Gratitude or indebtedness – Comes under the Name Al Manaan (The Giver of all Good).

Grace and Entitlement
Minnatu wal istihqaaq

(Minnatu wal istihqaaq). (Favour, Grace, Gift and One’s due or Entitlement) – In the Realities of things, the Love is from the Generosity of Allah (al Karam al Ilahi). These two loves (favour and entitlement), are different because one is a love th...

Burial ground of the sacred
Madfinou al Haqq

(Madfinou al Haqq ).

Graveyards of the Real
Maqbarat ul Haqq

(Maqbarat ul Haqq). These are the hearts of those who are in a state of forgetfulness. Their heart is the centre of divine knowledge and the realities of the Real, however, because they do not recognize this Real knowledge within them – it becomes l...

Impenetrable, The
As Samad

(As Samad). The Principle insofar as nothing can be added to It, given that It contains everything; there is nothing that It does not already possess, thus nothing can enter into It. The mystery of Exclusivity.

Kindness
Ma'arouf

(Ma'arouf). With regard to the Qura'nic verse ‘And live with them in kindness’ (4:19). (Wa asharahouna bil ma’arouf). Conduct of kindness is perfection of manners with those who cause unkindness to you and those whose company you dislike.

Sleep of forgetfulness
Nawm al Ghafla

(Nawm al Ghafla). The sleep of forgetfulness and sleep of habit are not desirable. It is a defect or sickness and it is related to his brother, death. It has been said “If there is a benefit in sleep, the Beloved Allah will have provided it in Para...

Three Pillars
Jamaraat al Thalaatha

(Jamaraat al Thalaatha). The three pillars represent the self, the character and habit. Through the action of stoning the pillars, one annihilates these qualities and replaces them with the seven attributes of Allah.

Farewell Circumambulation
Tawaaf al Widaa’

(Tawaaf al Widaa’).

Glass
Zujajah

(Zujajah). The glass that is referred to in the verse of light is the heart and the misbah or lamp is the spirit. The tree that the lamp is lit from is the self.

People of indications
Ahl al Isharat

(Ahl al Isharat).

Forbidden
Haram

Haram - see 'Unlawful'.

Not Witnessed
Ghayr mashhoud

(Ghayr mashhoud)

Knowing by Allah
'Arafat

('Arafat) - is a state of 'knowing by Allah'.

Unity in Multiplicity
Jam' al Jam

(Jam' al Jam). See - 'Union of Union'.

Seclusion
Khalwa

(Khalwa). The spiritual retreat and seclusion. Initially seclusion is undertaken by physically withdrawing from those outside disturbances which have the potential of distracting one in his contemplation of Allah's Names and Attributes. Ultimately th...

Love of the travellers
Mahabbat as Salikin

(Mahabbat as Salikin). The Love of the travellers is in their inclination towards the beauty of Divinity. 'And you are what you are inclined towards'.

Known non-existent
Ma'lum aI ma'dum

(Ma'lum aI ma'dum). The known non-existent. The entity who has not yet been brought into existence through the Divine Command and is therefore in a state of relative non-existence, is known by Allah within His Eternal Knowledge. This entity is the kn...

Coming out of the state of consecration
Khorouj al Ihram

(Khorouj al Ihram). Coming out of the state of consecration indicates the return back to the realm of the creation – serving them without attributing capability to one’s own self in the seat of Truthfulness.

Hidden of the Hidden
Ghayb al Ghayb

(Ghayb al Ghayb). There is no entry for this in the original Qamus, but it is referred to under 'Essence' and 'Absolute Essence'.

Gaze
Nadhar

(Nadhar). To look, to gaze, to inspect or investigate. Also to consider.

Ablution
Wudhu

(Wudhu). This is the ritual ablution that all Muslims perform before entering the prayer and is unique to Islam. The literal meaning of the word ('Wu-dhu') is 'to turn on the light'. This 'turning on the light' is the first step to entering the room...

Glory be to Allah
Subhan Allah

(Subhan Allah). A form of glorification of Allah.

Contrary Names
Asma al Mutaqabila

(Asma al Mutaqabila). This includes such opposing Names as The One who Contracts and The One who Expands, The Life-giver and The Slayer. All of the contrary Names are gathered together in the Name 'Allah', which is the totality of the contrary Names...

People of transition
Ahl al Fatarat

(Ahl al Fatarat). These are the people to whom no prophet or messenger was sent. They have not heard or received or had contact with them. They lived in isolation or in a time 'between' messengers and will be judged based on what knowledge of the Div...

Prayer of Existence
Salat ul Wujud

(Salat ul Wujud). Every particle in existence is in a state of continous prayer. It does not stop, even for the blink of an eye. The entire creation is in a state of servitude to Almighty Allah in every moment and in every breath. If anyone were to f...

Come together
Ijtima'

(Ijtima'). Allah, the Real is both Essence and Divinity. The Real, as Divinity, may come together with His creation. Allah descends and the slave ascends to meet within a mutual waystation. But such a 'coming together' is impossible for the Essence ...

Letters of Light
Huruf al Mutaqqati'at

(Huruf al Mutaqqati'at). These are the letters that preface certain chapters of the Holy Qur'an.

Science of numbers
'Ilm al arqam

('Ilm al arqam).

Science of letters
'Ilm al huruf

('Ilm al huruf).

Truthfulness
Sidq

(Sidq). Truthfulness is a gift from Allah. When it enters the heart, the heart becomes intoxicated with the luminosity that it brings and it will create rapture in the heart of the slave. It enters the head and spreads to the rest of the body; every...

Veil of the lower self
Hijab al Nafs

(Hijab al Nafs). The veil of the lower self is connected to desires, the sweet things of life and the arrogance of the personality. Hell is decorated by desires and fancy, while states of bliss are decorated by things that the ego self finds distaste...

Veil of the Heart
Hijab al Qalb

(Hijab al Qalb). The veil of the heart is observing and contemplating on ‘other than the Creative Truth’.

Manifested
Muhdith

(Muhdith). Manifested, produced, created, originated, engendered, generated, brought into being, made, caused. A certain aspect of the Divine within us.

Binding
Taqid/Taqayyad

(Taqid/Taqayyad). To be bound, shackled, restricted, curbed, limited or confined. Taqayyad is also to be recorded, written down, noted.

Inactive
Ta'teel

(Ta'teel).

Bedchamber
Al mikhda'

(Al mikhda'). A place which veils the Pole from the Individuals who have attained.

Bridal Pavilion
Manasah

(Manasah). The place where wedding-feasts occur. They are occasions of Allah's revealing Himself spiritually.

Gown
Rida'

(Rida'). To appear clothed with the attributes of the Real.

Lookout tower
Muttala'

(Muttala'). Observation of the created world, when the observer has the eye of the Real, the veil of glory. It is blindness and bewilderment.

Trustee
Wakeel

(Wakeel). Authorized agent, representative, or deputy. This position within the Tariqa is generally awarded by the Shaykh for a particular purpose and a specific period of time.

Mirror
Mirat

(Mirat).

Eloquence
Lasan

(Lasan) is that, by means of which divine statements fall upon the ears of the knowers of Allah.

Caretaker
Wasi

(Wasi). In general usage, this word is similar to the executor of a will' or 'bequest'. In Tariqa, this title is given as a direct appointment by the Shaykh to one who is responsible for looking after the affairs of the Zawiyya and endeavouring to b...

Subduer, The
Al Qahhar

Al Qahhar - see 'The Dominant'.

Universal Intellect
Al 'Aql al Kulli

(Al 'Aql al Kulli).

Universal Reality
Al Haqiqat al Kulliyat

(Al Haqiqat al Kulliyat). The Universal Reality, the Truth of truths. The Reality of realities. Al Haqiqat al Kulliya is one of the names given to the Supreme Isthmus.

Veil of the Hidden Secret
Hijab al Sirr as Sirr

(Hijab al Sirr as Sirr). The veil of the Hidden Secret is the veil of greatness and majesty. This is called the Station of the unveiling of the attributes. This is still not the end of the road. One must continue on to the unveiling of the Essence a...

Veil of the Intellect
Hijab al 'Aql

(Hijab al 'Aql).When we are veiled by the intellect, we become stationary with the outer meanings of what we study and that which makes sense to our minds only. Anyone who thinks that greatness of life is through fulfilling our animalistic needs and ...

Veil of the Secret
Hijab as Sirr

(Hijab as Sirr). The veil of the Secret is to stop when you reach the ‘Station of the Secret’. When unveiling takes place for the traveller on the Path of Allah and he moves out of the entanglement of his worldly affairs, he will encounter the wisdom...

Veil of the Spirit
Hijab ar Ruh

(Hijab ar Ruh). The veil of the Spirit is witnessing. This is known as ‘spiritual unveiling’. In this station, the removal of the veil of time, place and direction occurs. The past and the future become one in time. Many wonderful things will be witn...

Islam-Universal
Islam al jabari

(Islam al jabari).

Islam of the Intellects
Islam ul 'Uqul

(Islam ul 'Uqul).

Estrangement
Ghurbah

Ghurbah - see 'Exile'.

Disabled
Ta'teel

Ta'teel. See 'Inactive'.

Gathering of gathering
Jam' al Jam

Jam' al Jam. See 'Union of Union'.

Emanate
Afada

Afada - see 'Overflow'.

Contemplations
Afkar

Afkar - see 'Meditations'.

Pledge
'Ahd

'Ahd - see 'Covenant'.

Determinations
Ahkam

Ahkam - see 'Rulings'.

Orders
Ahkam

Ahkam - see Rulings

Unknowable
Tanzih

Tanzih -see 'Incomparability'.

Manners
Adab

Adab - see 'Spiritual Courtesy'.

Griffon
Al 'Anqa

Al 'Anqa - see 'Phoenix'.

Fire
Nar

Nar - see 'Hellfire'.

Causes
Asbab

Asbab - see 'Secondary Causes'.

Disorder
Tawhil

Tawhil - see 'Turbidity'.

Verse
Ayat

Ayat - see 'Sign'.

Entity, Fixed
Ayan al thabita

Ayan al thabita - see 'Fixed Entities'.

Religion
Deen

Deen - see 'Life Transaction'.

Dear One
Al 'Aziz

Al 'Aziz - see also 'Powerful'.

Ocean
Bahr

Bahr -see 'Sea'.

Blessing
Barakah

Barakah - see 'Spiritual Energy'.

Cloud
Al 'Ama

Al 'Ama - see 'Blindness' and 'Air' (Hawa').

Insight
Basirah

Basirah - see 'Inner eye'.

Mischief
Fasad

Fasad - see 'Corruption'.

Setting
Fass

Fass - see 'Bezel'.

Victory
Fath/Futuh

Fath/Futuh - see 'Opening'.

Hints
Isharah

Isharah - see 'Indication'.

Anger
Ghadab

Ghadab - see 'Wrath of Allah'.

Heedless
Ghaflah

Ghaflah - see 'Negligent'.

Murshid
Murshid

See 'Spiritual Guide'.

Supreme Isthmus
Barzakh al 'Ala

Barzakh al 'Ala - see 'Isthmus-Supreme'.

Yearning
Shawq

Shawq - see 'Longing'.

Presences- Divine
Hadarat

Hadarat - see Divine Presences.

Root
'Asl

'Asl - see 'Origin'.

Spontaneity
Ikhtiyar

Ikhtiyar - see 'Free choice'.

Striving
Ijtihad

Ijtihad - see 'Effort and striving'.

Prayer
Hizb

Hizb - see 'Litany'.

Real, The
Al Haqq

Al Haqq. See 'Truth, The (Creative)'.

Thought
Khatir

Khatir. See 'Incoming thoughts'.

Science of the Self
Tasawwuf

Tasawwuf - see 'Higher teaching'

Means
Asbab

Asbab - see 'Secondary Causes'.

Universal Islam
Islam al Jabari

Islam al Jabari - see 'Islam-Universal'.

Consecreation
Ihram

Ihram - see 'Garment of the Pilgrim'.

Unbeliever
Kafir

Kafir - see 'One who covers the Truth'.

Exchanged One
Kafir

Abdal - see 'Substitute'.

Gate
Bab

Bab - see 'Door'.

Hidden Treasure
Kanzi Makhfiyan

(Kanzi Makhfiyan).

Lie
Zur

Zur - see 'Falsehood'.

Obligation
Wujub

Wujub - see 'Necessity'.

Time
Waqt

Waqt - see 'Moment'.

Pause
Waqfah

Waqfah - see 'Stop'.

Emulation
Taqlid

Taqlid - see 'Following authority'.

Allusion
Isharah

Isharah - see 'Indications'.

Complete surrender
Istislam

Istislam - see 'Islam-complete'.

Jaw wagger
Hakawi

Hakawi - see 'Talker'.

Sufism
Tasawwuf

Tasawwuf - see 'The higher teaching'.

Heaven
Jannah

Jannah - see 'Paradise'.

Immutability
Thubut

Thubut - see 'Latency'.

Transcendence
'Uluww

'Uluww - see 'Sublimity'.

Alignment
Tawajjuh

Tawajjuh - see 'Turn the face towards'.

Abjad
Abjad

See 'Science of letters'.

Carpet
Sajjadah

Sajjadah - see 'Prayer Carpet'.

Bless
Salah

Salah - see 'Pray'.

Connection
Silla

(Silla).

Water
Maa'

(Maa').

Possessor
Sahib

Sahib - see also 'Master' or 'Man'.

Denial of the Truth
Kufr; Kufr-i-haqiqi

Kufr; Kufr-i-haqiqi - see 'Covering the Truth' and 'Real Suppression'.

Misbelief
Kufr

Kufr - see - 'Covering the truth'.

Rich
Ghina

Ghina - see 'Independence'.

Spiritual Intoxication
Sukr

Sukr - see 'Intoxication'.

Analogy
Mithal/Amthal

Mithal/Amthal - see 'Similitude' and 'World of Similitudes'.

Form - Muhammadan
Form - Muhammadan

See - 'Muhammadan Form'.

Sickness
Marad

Marad - see 'Disease'.

Individualization
Ta'ayyun

Ta'ayyun - see 'Self determination'.

Making manifest
Takwin

Takwin -see 'Be (bringing to being)'.

Master
Sahib

Sahib - see also 'Possessor'.

Jinn
Jinn

See 'Subtle beings'.

Inheritance
Nasib

Nasib - see 'Lot in life'.

Reflective Consideration
Nadhr al Fikri

Nadhr al Fikri - see 'Consideration-Reflective'.

Attentiveness
Tawajjuh

Tawajjuh - see 'Turn the face towards'.

Station
Manzil

Manzil - see 'Waystation'.

Portion
Nasib

Nasib - see 'Lot in life'.

Listening
Sama'

Sama' - see 'Spiritual Concert'.

Hearing
Sama'

Sama' - see 'Spiritual Concert'.

Buraq
Buraq

See - 'Heavenly Steed'.

Compassionate Beatitude
Rahmaniyyah

Rahmaniyyah - see Mercy-Blessed.

Universal Decree
Al Hukm al Kulli

(Al Hukm al Kulli).

Provision
Rizq

Rizq - see 'Sustenance'.

Divine
Ilahi

(Ilahi). That which refers to Allah.

Attachment
Ru'una

Ru'una - see 'Frivolity' and 'Frivolities of the ego'.

Vision
Ru'yah

Ru'yah - see 'Dream-vision'.

Journey
Safar, Sayr

Safar, Sayr - see 'Spiritual Journey' and 'Travelling'.

Intimate Conversation
Munajat

Munajat - see 'Private Prayer'.

Names of the Inward
Asma al Batiniyyah

(Asma al Batiniyyah).

Associate, one who assigns
Asma al Batiniyyah

Mushrik - see 'Partners-one who assigns'.

Substance
Jawhar

Jawhar - see 'jewel'.

Meditation, Concentrated
Muraqabah

Muraqabah - see 'Concentration'.

Spokesman
Mutarjim

Mutarjim - see 'Interpreter'.

Moment
An

An - see 'Instant'.

Voluntary work
Nafl

Nafl - see 'Supererogatory'.

Ego
Nafs

Nafs - see 'Self'.

Self - Universal
Nafs al Kulliya

Nafs al Kulliya - see 'Universal Soul'.

Discourtesy
Su al adab

Su al adab - see 'Bad Manners'.

First Intellect
'Aql al Awwal

'Aql al Awwal - see 'Intellect-First'.

Creative Truth, The
Al Haqq

Al Haqq - see 'Truth, The'.

Murid
Murid

See 'Seeker'.

Knowledge of Allah
Ma'arifa

Ma'arifa - see 'Divine Knowledge'.

Non-Manifest, The
Al Batin

Al Batin - see 'The Inward'.

Existence
Wujud/Kawn

Wujud - see 'Being'. Kawn - see 'Engendered existence'.

Transcendence
Tanzih

Tanzih -see 'Incomparability'.

Command
Al Amr

Al Amr - see 'Divine Command'.

Relations
Ahl

Ahl - see 'People'.

Chosen One
Mustapha

See - 'Mustapha'.

Thin
Raqiqa

Raqiqa - see 'Intangible'.

Etiquette
Adab

Adab - see 'Spiritual Courtesy'.

Prime Matter
Jawhar al Hayulani

Jawhar al Hayulani - see 'First substance'. Also 'Prime matter' or the 'Universal plastic substance'.

Coercion
Jabr

Jabr - see 'Compulsion'.

Animal Self
Nafs al Hayawaniyyah

Nafs al Hayawaniyyah - see 'Self - Animal'.

Charismatic gifts
Karamat

Karamat - see 'Miracles'.

Coming into existence
Takwin

Takwin - see 'Making manifest'.

Love
Minnatu wal istihqaaq

Minnatu wal istihqaaq - see 'Grace and Entitlement'.

Finding
Wujud

Wujud - See 'Being'.

Disbelief
Kufr

Kufr -see 'Covering the truth'.

Bereft
Muflis

Muflis - see 'Destitute'.

Subtlety
Lutf

Lutf - see 'Gentleness'.

Balance
Mizan

Mizan - see 'Scale'.

Outwardness
Thuhur

Thuhur - see 'Manifestation'.

Personal prayer
Du'a

Du'a - see 'Supplication'.

Pure
Al Taahir

Al Taahir - see 'Immaculately Pure'.

Desire, the object of
Murad

Murad - see 'Object of desire'.

Vanquisher, The
Al Qahhar/Qaahir

Al Qahhar/Qaahir - see 'Subduer'.

Differentiation
Farq

Farq - see 'Separation'.

Unconscious
Ghaflah

Ghaflah - see 'Negligent'.

Saint
Saint

Who is the Saint? The one who empowers by miraculous power and it is hidden from him. Can the saint know that he is a saint?

Zam Zam
Zam Zam

The well spring, represents ‘Ilm al Haqaiq (the knowledge of Realities). “For whatever reason you drink . . . “

Initiation
Bay'ah

Bay'ah - see 'Pledge of Initiation'.

Vision
Mubashirah

Mubashirah - see 'Heralding vision'.

House, The Supreme
Al Bayt al 'Ala

Al Bayt al 'Ala - see 'Supreme House'.

House, The Sacred
Bayt al Haram

Bayt al Haram - see 'Sacred House'.

Law, The
Sharia'

Sharia' - see 'Sacred Law'.

Blessings
Salawat

Salawat - see 'Salutations'.

Muzdalifah
Muzdalifah

The plain between Mina and Arafat where, during the rites of Hajj, the pilgrim collects 49 pebbles with which to symbolically stone the Satan. On the higher plane, this represents the collective state of nearness.

Marwa
Marwa

"Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the House in the Season or at other times, should compass them round," (2:158). In the rituals of Hajj, the pilgrim passess seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa,...

As Safa
As Safa

An indication to the purification of the self from the human qualities.

Al Mash’aar al Haram
Al Mash’aar al Haram

The satisfying of the desires of the people of nearness.

Traces
athar

(Athar). Remainders or traces or vestiges or effects. The effects of the Divine Names are the phenomena of the cosmos. That is, the things and the forms and the entities which manifest the Names are the effects. When the inner-eye is opened the 'seer...

Grandeur
'azamah

('Azamah). Grandeur and Tremendousness. This is Allah's Majesty which overwhelms His slaves and fills them with awe.

Names of Majesty
asma' jalaliyyah

(Asma Jalaliyyah). These Names relate to Allah's Incomparability and are demanded by the very fact of Allah's Being and our nonexistence. The Names of Majesty include such Names as The Tremendous (al 'Azim), The Overpowering (al Qahhar). When the tra...

Character traits
akhlaq

(Akhlaq). Character traits or moral traits. The Science of the higher teaching is based upon assuming the beautiful and noble character traits which were perfected by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace).

Beautiful character traits
husn al-akhlaq

(Husn al Akhlaq). The beautiful character traits with which the Holy Prophet Muhammad was sent and of which he is the perfect embodiment. The assuming of these beautiful character traits is the alchemical work of the Islamic Spiritual Path. Under th...

Boredom
malal

(Malal). For the knower ('arif) and the lover ('ashiq) of Allah there can be no boredom, either in this world or the next, because of the ever renewing Self-disclosures with which Allah floods their hearts in each instant.

New Creation
khalq jadid

(Khalq Jadid). This term signifies the state of constant change (new creation) which everything undergoes in each indivisible instant. Nothing remains the same for two successive moments. It is through the observation of the new creation (khalq jadi...

Object of vision
manzur

(Manzur). For the Perfect Men of Allah the Object of vision is always Allah Who they perceive through the forms of the creation.

Essence
dhat

(Dhat). The Essence. This is Allah in Himself without regard to His creations, His Attributes or His Names. The Essence is beyond knowledge or conceptualization. Allah warns us of this aspect of Himself. The Essence is Absolute Blindness, the Hidden ...

Divinely Inspired Master
'alim rabbani

('Alim rabbani). A divinely inspired master. He is the one who has returned to the creations to guide and perfect the imperfect ones. His knowledge from Allah is spontaneous.

Rulings
ahkam

(Ahkam). Orders or determinations or laws or rulings. Allah has set down these ahkam in His Sacred Law. Certain gnostic sciences are contained within these rulings but they are not unveiled unless the rulings are put into practice. This is due to His...

Air
hawa'

(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 Cl...

Freedom
hurriyyah

(Hurriyyah). This is the ultimate freedom of being a slave of Allah. Such a slave is the noble soul who is emancipated from his lower self. In finding himself to be a slave he discovers his own essential non-existence and is therefore free. But, the...

Inaccessibility
'izza

('Izza) indicates Allah as the "Lord of inaccessibility above what they describe" (The Qur'an 37:180). No laudation on the part of the creattions can attain to Allah.

Removal of the bridal veil
jilwa

(Jilwa). This symbolizes the slave's coming out of spiritual retreat (khalwa) dressed in the robes of honour which are the Divine Characteristics. Self-disclosure is Allah's unveiling of Himself to His creations and most particularly to His slaves.

Engendered things
ka'inat (kawn)

(Mukawwanat)). These are the creations which have been brought into existence through Allah's Word of Command "Kun!" and which will leave this world when their stay here is terminated. It is within the Cloud, which is the Supreme Isthmus, that form i...

Word, The
kalima

(Kalima). The word. When Allah breathes out and speaks, each one of His creations is a word (kalima) of His.

Divine Side
al-janab al-ilahi

(Al Janab al Ilahi). The 'Divine Side' which is the sum of the Divine Qualities. Al janab al ilahi indicates the Divinity in so far as It produces and dominates the world (which is the creations' side).

Perfection
kamal

(Kamal). Perfection is the transendence of the attributes and their effects. Perfection is attained by each creation when it actualizes the total range of possibilities inherent within the level pertaining to its creation. Man's reason for being is ...

Book
kitab

(Kitab) The Great Silence became qualified with letters. The letters formed into words. The words gathered into sentences and the sentences into a book. It is said that each part of every existent thing is a 'letter' of Allah, and each creation is a ...

Self-disclosure never repeats Itself
la takrar fi'l-tajalli

(La Takrar fil Tajalli). This expression indicates that there is never any repetition in Allah's Infinite Self-disclosures (Tajalli). This is 'the renewal of creation in each instant' (Tajdid al Khalq fil-Anat). Allah does not unveil Himself in the s...

Levels of existence or finding
maratib al-wujud

(Maratib al Wujud). The ontological levels of existence or finding. These are the various degrees in which the creations participate in the Divine Presence.

Object of vision
mar'i

(Mar'I). The object of vision, which is Allah, is light and that through which the perceiver perceives Allah is light. Light returns to the root from which it became manifest. None sees Allah but Allah. This perception depends upon the light carried ...

Turn the face towards
tawajjuh

(Tawajjuh). Alignment, concentration or attentiveness, or 'to turn the face towards something'. Tawajjuh can refer to the spiritual concentration exercised between the Murshid and his murid. On a higher level of meaning it is Allah's Attentiveness to...