Spiritual Certainty, Knowledge, and Unity of God

Al-Mufsidin (An-Naml: 14)
“And they denied it, while their hearts were certain of it, out of injustice.”

This verse from the Holy Qur’an indicates that certainty may coexist with denial, whereas true assurance renders denial impossible. Assurance is the result of inquiry and the establishment of truth within the seeker’s heart, and it is akin to a light that dispels the darkness of doubt.

The Station of Abraham and the Realised Mystic

The station of inquiry, which is accompanied by assurance, has been likened to the station of Abraham (peace be upon him). The realised mystic is one who has firmly established the truth within themselves and attained inner assurance. This station is a dwelling where the seeker, like Abraham, attains complete submission and certainty in truth.

Illusion and the Outward Appearance of the Saints

Illusion (Talbis) refers to the concealment of the divine inner reality with ordinary outward appearances. Saints hide their inner selves to protect creation from the intensity of divine manifestations. This concealment acts as a veil, softening the burning light of truth so that people are not overwhelmed in bewilderment.

Difference between the Illusion of the Prophet and the Commander of the Faithful

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) concealed his inner reality through complete concealment and embodiment, attracting even individuals like Abu Sufyan. However, the Commander of the Faithful, due to his decisive authority, revealed his inner reality partially, leaving creation in astonishment. This difference resembles two modes of radiance: one like the sun warming all, and the other like a flame attracting only those capable of bearing it.

High Stations and Attainment of Unity: Existence and Discovery of Truth

The station of existence is the stage at which the seeker finds truth within their very essence. This discovery occurs spontaneously and divinely, not merely through effort. Existence functions as a mirror reflecting the reality of truth within the seeker, enabling direct witnessing.

Key point: At the station of existence, truth spontaneously takes residence in the seeker’s essence, leading to immediate witnessing of reality.

Difference Between Inquiry and Existence

In inquiry, the seeker establishes truth within themselves through effort, whereas in existence, truth resides spontaneously in the seeker’s essence. This difference is like that between a gardener planting a sapling and a flower growing spontaneously in the garden. The station of existence represents direct reception of divine grace.

Detachment and Removal of Attachments

“So remove your sandals, for you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa.” (Taha: 12)

Detachment is the stage in which the seeker purifies themselves from all worldly and otherworldly attachments. This removal is akin to a bird freed from a cage, spreading its wings toward the sky of truth.

The Personification of Truth in Detachment

At this stage, the seeker perceives truth not as an abstract concept but as a distinct personified reality. This personification is not physical but represents a determined and singular essence. The unity of personal existence manifests truth as a singular personality in the seeker’s heart.

Individuation and Its Difference from Detachment

Individuation is a more advanced stage than detachment, where the seeker perceives truth not merely as a person but as a distinguished entity with unique attributes. This witnessing is like seeing a face where every feature is revealed. Individuation completes the perception of truth in the seeker’s heart.

Integration and Attainment of Unity

Integration is the stage where the seeker perceives unity and multiplicity in a single witnessing. This integration is like a mirror reflecting both the light of truth and the shadows of creation. Unity results from this integration, freeing the seeker from all dualities and leading to pure oneness.

The Comfort of the Believer in Unity

Unity is the stage where the believer attains complete tranquility, having been freed from all attachments and dualities, and reaches the truth. This serenity resembles a harbour where the seeker anchors after a turbulent journey.

Abandonment of Rituals at the Station of Existence

At the station of existence, the seeker is freed from all rituals and specifications and perceives truth in their essence in a purely abstract form. This abandonment is like shedding old garments, revealing the soul to the naked reality.

Unity of God in Essence and Attributes

Unity is the witnessing of truth in its essence and attributes, manifesting in all forms and appearances. This witnessing is like seeing the sun, whose light spreads everywhere, yet its source is singular.

The Light of Unity and Its Manifestations

The light of unity, shining from eternity, manifests in the names and attributes of God. This light is like a ray that rose at the dawn of eternity, revealing the traces of truth in the structures of unity.

Divine Testimony in Unity

“God bears witness that there is no deity except Him, and the angels and those endowed with knowledge also bear witness.” (Aal-E-Imran: 18)

At the stage of unity, truth testifies to its own oneness. This testimony functions as a mirror reflecting the singular reality in the seeker’s heart.

The Weight of the Remembrance La ilaha illa Allah

The remembrance La ilaha illa Allah, due to its depth in knowledge and monotheism, is the heaviest form of dhikr. This remembrance is like a key unlocking the locks of multiplicity, guiding the heart toward unity.

Key point: The dhikr La ilaha illa Allah is the heaviest remembrance, leading the heart from multiplicity to unity.

Conclusion

The foregoing text, titled Nihayat al-Ma’rifah, represents one of the deepest expositions of the mystical path, outlining the seeker’s transformative journey from knowledge to unity. By presenting ten stations of spiritual progression, the text guides the seeker in a dynamic oscillation between the outward and inward reality of truth. Knowledge serves as a gateway opening the heart to the light of truth, and unity represents the summit where the seeker achieves complete oneness with God. Each station, with its unique characteristics, liberates the seeker from self-centered attachments and directs them toward pure reality.