The Language of the Future

Sufi Terminology by Murshid F.A. Ali ElSenossi

al-ard
Earth

(Al Ard). In comparing the earth with the heavens, the earth is the physical body of clay which is destined to decay and death and the heavens are the spirit (contained within the body) which is eternal and luminous. The earth is also the place of the secondary causes through which man comes to know Allah.

See also: Ascent of composition Ascension of decomposition Lowest of the low Secondary Causes Travelling

('Uruj at tarkib).The supra-formal spiritual ascent of composition (which is actually a descent), during which man journeys from inward non-manifestation within the Knowledge of Allah to outward manifestation within the world. Man's Return Journey to Allah is the spiritual ascent of decomposition.
Ascent of composition

(Asfala safilin). This is the lowest point on man's descent from inward manifestation within Allah's Knowledge to outward manifestation within the world. It is from here that man starts his ascent, his Return Journey to Allah.
Lowest of the low

(Asbab). These were established as a means by which man can come to know Allah, yet for the majority of mankind the secondary causes act as veils over Reality.
Secondary Causes

(Suluk) is travelling or Wayfaring. Suluk is journeying along the Spiritual Path of Return to the Source. It is the methodical travelling, through the states and stations, under the direction of a Spiritual Master (Shaykh, Murshid). The one who travels is the salik. The advance of the slave towards Allah is really the advance of Allah towards His slave. "Verily, I desire them more than they desire Me" says the beautiful Hadith Qudsi.
Travelling
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