The Language of the Future

Sufi Terminology by Murshid F.A. Ali ElSenossi

English words starting with S

Similitude
mithal

(Mithal). Image or form or analogy or symbol. This term is synonymous with Imagination (khayal). The Mithal is the isthmus between the World of the Unseen and the Visible World and it is within this Realm of Imagination that man is given the clearest...

Similitudes
mathal

(Mathal). In the Qur'an Allah speaks about the similitudes with which He explains various things through the use of symbolism and imagery. The term mathal also indicates the forms which appear in the imaginal realm.

Sincere lover
'ashiq-i-sadiq

('Ashiq-i-Sadiq). The sincere lover (of Allah).

Sincerity
ikhlas

(Ikhlaas). Sincerity and purity of intention. Without this noble quality man is unable to advance towards his Lord or live in harmony with the creation. With it he is able to traverse great distances and attain to great heights of knowledge. The core...

Singular, The
al-fard

(Al Fard). The Singular or the Incomparable. This is a Divine Name.

Singular, The
Al Farad

(Al Farad). The Singular, The One and Only. One of the beautiful Names of Allah.

Singularity
fardiyyah

(Fardiyyah). Singularity or individuality or oddness. This term derives from the Divine Name al Fard.

Sitting
jalsa

(Jalsa). This term refers most particularly to the fifth posture of the ritual prayer (Salat). The sitting (Jalsa) comes after the first prostration (Sajda) and symbolizes the fifth stage of the Spiritual Journey (Nafs al Radhiyya) and the fifth leve...

Slave
al 'abd

('Abd). The slave (and worshipper) is the one who is in a state of total and utter submission to the Will of Allah. After having been annihilated in Allah where all duality vanished and distinctions were erased, he returns to creation with perfect co...

Slave of the moment
'abd al-waqt

('Abd al waqt). He is the one who, having found Allah in each and every indivisible moment, has surrendered, unconditionally and knowingly, to the moment. Because each moment is utterly unique the requirements of that particular moment are also uniqu...

Slavehood
'ubudiyya

(Ubudiyya). What is slavehood? To leave that which is yours and to be steadfast upon that which you have been commanded. Slavehood is the state of the one who is drawing near to Allah through acts of devotion. 'Ubudiyya is 'the Nearness of supereroga...

Slayer, The
Al Mumeet

(Al Mumeet). The Slayer. One of the beautiful Names of Allah.

Sleep
nawm

(Nawm). The hadith says, "Man is asleep and when he dies he wakes". The Sufi is the one who has died to self and is awake in the Supreme Self. Once man has awoken there is no more sleep. Within mystical poetry and Sufi songs the lover often complains...

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...

Small world
'alam saghir

('Alam saghir) contains all the worlds in latent form. This world is Man himself.

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