(Labbayak). These words are on the lips and in the heart of the slave at his time of entry into the Sacred City of Mecca when performing the pilgrimage (Hajj). He is extremely near to Allah at this point in his journey, having been stripped of everyt...
(Lawh al Mahfuz). The Inscribed or Preserved Tablet upon which the Supreme Pen writes the destinies of all creation. Lawh al Mahfuz is also called the Universal Soul..
(Makasib). The spiritual stations are referred to as earnings because they result from the sincere endeavour and intense spiritual resolve of the traveller. The spiritual states are called bestowals, being purely gifts of Divine Grace.
(Mithaq or 'Ahd). The Covenant refers to that 'event' or 'day' in pre-existence when all of the children of Adam bore witness to Allah's Lordship over them; Allah asked his non-existent creation, "Am I not your Lord?". They answered, "Yes, we bear w...
(Muhasabah). The constant analysis of the heart and its changing states. During muhasabah the contemplative takes stock of the heart's most secret motions. He calls himself to account, here and now. He does not wait till the Hereafter.
(Mujahadah). The spiritual struggle and endeavour against the passions and downward-pulling tendencies of the lower self. Mujahadah is the ceaseless combat called the Greater Holy War. The war is fought with the celestial weapons of the Remembrance o...
(Mukashafa). When the explanation of something expressed symbolically becomes apparent to someone with 'some force' and this causes an increase in state. There are three kinds of opening - the opening of verbal expression in the outward dimension a...
(Nafs al Lawwama). The Self that Blames.The Qur'an refers to this Self, "And I do call to witness the self that blames" (75:2). This Self is conscious of its own imperfections. Its journeying is for Allah. The Blaming Self is equated with the second ...
(Nass). This term indicates those texts in which there is no confusion or equivocality. When Self-disclosure occurs through the Name, 'the Manifest', in the realm of realities and meanings, such plain texts may then be perceived through insight. Th...
(Nida'). Allah calls mankind to felicity. The different Names call the creatures. Man calls to his Lord in supplication and need.
(Qaba Qawsayn). This term is also called 'Union of Union', or 'The Gathering of the Gathering'. It signifies one of the highest spiritual stations of Perfection which is attained by the greatest Perfect Men, that is, many of the Prophets of Allah an...
(Rabbani). The man who stands for, and upholds justice, that is, the man who stands for Truth, is called 'haqqani'. Such a man is then transformed in a manner through which he is blessed with Divine Attributes. He becomes 'rabbani' (lordly). The div...
(Ar Rasikhun fil 'ilm). These are the divine sages who possess correct knowledge of themselves and their Lord and Master, Allah. When their Master, Allah Commands them to do something they occupy themselves totally until the task is achieved. On com...
(Ruh al Idafi). The attributed spirit. Allah breathed His Spirit into man. In possessing the indistinct status of being both Divine and human the spirit is called Al Ruh al Idafi. It is 'attributed' to Allah.
(Ruh al Ilahi) is 'uncreated'. It is also called the Holy Spirit and the Reality of Muhammad.
