The Language of the Future

Sufi Terminology by Murshid F.A. Ali ElSenossi

sifat
Attribute

(Sifat). An Attribute or Quality by which Allah reveals Himself in a relative manner. A sifat is a radiation from the Divine Essence through which man can approach Knowledge of Allah. The Essence has no manifestation without the manifestation of Attributes (sifat). The Essence is the source of the Attributes and the Attributes are the source of actions.

See also: Actions Essence Journey in Allah Names of the Qualities

(Af'al). Human actions or deeds. Allah created man, but to what extent did He create man's actions and works? This question of free will and predestination should not be a major concern to the traveller to Allah. He must occupy his time and devote his efforts towards purifying his intentions and actions so that they conform to those of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, who is our Beautiful Model. In following him and striving to emulate his actions and deeds man will attain to felicity. Predestination is a secret of Allah which He only reveals to the most perfect Knowers.
Actions

(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 of the Hidden, the Unknown of the Unknown. This is the World of Absolute Non-manifestation.
Essence

(Sayr fillah). The Journey in Allah, from the Names through the Attributes to Oneness.
Journey in Allah

(Asma Sifatiyyah). The Names of the Qualities.
Names of the Qualities
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