Manāzil al-Sā’irīn 20

Introduction: Mystical Conduct in Light of the Differences Among Wayfarers

Mystical conduct is an inward journey that guides the wayfarer from the darkness of the self towards the light of truth. The twentieth lesson from the esteemed work *The Stations of the Wayfarers* by Khwaja Abdullah Ansari delves into one of the most intricate and profound aspects of this journey: the significant differences between wayfarers on the mystical path. These differences, rooted in the diversity of creation and the innate capacities of individuals, are not an obstacle on the path of spiritual ascent. Rather, they serve as a divine mercy, facilitating the perfection and spiritual elevation of each person in their unique path.

Section One: The Profound Differences Among Wayfarers in the Stations of Mystical Conduct

"And know that the wayfarers in these stations are on an immense and significant difference, which is not unified by a definitive order, nor halted by a common end."
(Translation by Fouladund) Mystical conduct can be likened to an infinite sea, with each wayfarer navigating towards the shore of truth in their own unique boat. This vast difference, described in the original text as *mufazza*, is not to be understood as chaos, but rather as a divine diversity rooted in the different existential qualities and inherent capacities of individuals. This diversity renders the establishment of a singular, unified sequence or a common goal for all wayfarers impossible, for each individual embarks on a specific path according to their own existential potential.

Key Insight: The vast differences among wayfarers are rooted in the diversity of their inherent abilities and existential stages, making the mystical journey a unique one for each individual.

The Qur'an in Surah Nuh (verse 14) states: "He created you in diverse stages." This verse affirms that humans are created in different forms, not only pointing to individual differences but also to the ever-changing nature of each individual. As mentioned in the lecture, human beings are in constant transformation, as their existence unfolds through various divine manifestations (Qur'an, Surah Ar-Rahman, verse 29). Just as the varying colours of the creations canvas give each individual a unique existence, so too does this diversity guide each wayfarer on their unique journey.

Key Insight: The mutable forms of humanity, rooted in divine manifestations, are the source of difference in the mystical paths of the wayfarers, guiding each individual towards a unique journey.

"I have created you in stages." (Quran, Surah Nuh, verse 14) The differences among wayfarers can be classified into two primary categories: personal differences, which are unique attributes and inherent characteristics of each wayfarer, and categorical differences, which refer to broader classifications, such as those between the beloved (Mahbub) and the lovers (Mahib). The former are akin to intricate patterns on the fabric of an individuals existence, arising from their inherent capacities. The latter, however, are comparable to branches on a sturdy tree, distinguishing broader categories of wayfarers. This classification reveals the complexity of the mystical journey and shows that even within categorical frameworks, each individual follows their own specific path.

Key Insight: The differences between the lovers and the beloved in mystical conduct are indicative of distinct mystical experiences, with the beloved experiencing immediate divine realisation, while the lovers must progress gradually.

Section Two: Lovers and the Beloved in Mystical Conduct

One of the most pivotal classifications of wayfarers is the distinction between the lovers (Mahibin) and the beloved (Mahbubin). The lovers are wayfarers who start at the beginning of the path, striving and endeavouring towards the ultimate end. The beloved, however, are akin to birds who, before taking flight, have already perceived the horizon of their destination. From the outset, they possess an innate vision of the ultimate goal and proceed towards it from the very beginning.

Key Insight: The beloved have an immediate divine vision from the beginning, differentiating their path from the lovers, who must gradually progress towards their final goal.

This distinction is rooted in different existential stages and innate abilities, which allow the beloved to receive divine grace at the very start of their existence. They are, in essence, 'pre-determined' in their spiritual station, unlike the lovers who must engage in a gradual spiritual struggle. The Quranic verse, "Indeed, I am the servant of Allah, He has given me the book and made me a prophet" (Surah Maryam, verse 30) refers to the innate vision of Jesus (AS) from birth, which reflects the station of the beloved who from the very beginning are connected to the divine. The beloved, in their spiritual essence, have received the divine decree in full from the moment of their entry into the world. Abraham (AS), as a representative of the lover, achieves the station of leadership (Imamate) only after enduring trials and spiritual purification. His journey, which involves progressing from the darkness of the self towards the divine light, is the quintessential example of the lovers gradual ascension. This stands in contrast to the beloved, who from the very beginning are connected to the divine.

Key Insight: Abraham's (AS) gradual ascension contrasts with the beloved, who possess immediate divine vision from the outset.

The infallible saints (AS), exemplifying the ultimate beloved, possess an intrinsic divine vision from birth. The lecture alludes to narrations regarding the birth of these saints, particularly Imam Mahdi (AS), emphasising their connection to the divine from childhood. They are in a constant state of spiritual perfection, much like a child who, before entering this world, already perceives the divine realms. This inherent vision, as exemplified in the verse "Indeed, I am the servant of Allah," signifies their constant connection to the divine truth.

Section Three: Self-Knowledge and its Role in Mystical Conduct

"He who knows himself, knows his Lord." (Hadith) Self-knowledge is the key to unlocking the divine mysteries. Without understanding one's own self, the wayfarer cannot discern their place within the cosmic order. This self-awareness extends beyond outward actions like prayer and is about grasping the core of ones being and innate abilities. The lecture refers to self-knowledge as 'knowledge of the seed,' meaning reflection on the roots of ones existence that ultimately lead the individual to both their own truth and the truth of the Divine.

Key Insight: Self-knowledge, which involves understanding ones inherent abilities and existential essence, is the key to unlocking divine truth and determining ones position on the mystical path.

Self-knowledge requires solitude and deep reflection on the roots of existence. This solitude, akin to a journey to the depths of the ocean of ones being, liberates the wayfarer from worldly attachments and brings them face-to-face with their intrinsic nature. The wayfarer must withdraw from external inquiries, such as seeking answers from others, and instead focus on uncovering their own latent potential. This process frees the individual from the confusions of blind imitation.

Attention and the Spiritual Path

Suluk, in its essence, denotes profound attention to the truth. The seeker, unlike ordinary people, must pay meticulous attention to their abilities and the path laid before them. This attention, much like a beacon in a dark night, saves the seeker from misdirection and guides them towards the true destination.

Section Seven: The Diversity of Spiritual Stations and Pathways

The Diversity of Paths in Sufism

The paths to God are as numerous as the breaths of creatures. (Hadith) This hadith speaks to the diversity of spiritual paths, equating them to the number of souls in creation. Each seeker, like a traveller on a unique journey, follows their own specific route towards the destination. This diversity makes it impossible to set a singular, comprehensive goal or an absolute order, for each individual, ir inherent potential and capacity, embarks upon the path towards truth in their own distinct way.

Key Insight: The diversity of spiritual paths, equated to the number of souls in creation, directs each individual towards a unique path that aligns with their inherent capabilities.

Difference as Divine Mercy

My community is a mercy. (Hadith) The differences among the seekers, as interpreted by the scholar, are seen as divine mercy, stemming from the vastness of creation and the variety inherent in existence. These differences, much like the varied colours in a painting, are not flaws but rather signs of perfection and the expansive mercy of the Divine, guiding each individual towards their unique end.

Section Eight: The Influence of Inherent Abilities and Obstacles in the Path

Differences in Abilities and the Speed of the Path

Inherent abilities determine the speed and quality of the journey. Some seekers, like a train racing toward its destination without pause, may reach a high station with ease, while others require a longer process. This disparity arises from the strength of their natural capacity and divine attraction, which enables some to bypass stagnation at intermediate stages.

Key Insight: The strength of a seeker's inherent ability allows them to bypass intermediate stations and swiftly progress toward their final destination.

The Danger of Becoming Stuck in Spiritual Stations

Getting stuck in spiritual stations, akin to traps along the journey, halts the seeker's progress. The saints, who avoid lingering in these stations, are like travellers who do not set up displays of vanity and, in their exalted journey, even consider the lower realms. This avoidance protects them from being distracted by the trivialities of the stations.

The Impact of Spiritual Achievements

Spiritual accomplishments, such as knowledge and piety, have varied effects on individuals. Some, due to their strong abilities, remain unaffected by spiritual intoxication, while others may become overwhelmed by it and lose their awareness. The discourse illustrates this difference beautifully through the metaphor of physical drunkenness: some become intoxicated by a small amount of wine, while others remain sober despite consuming much.

Section Nine: Knowledge and Piety in the Path

The Impact of Knowledge and Piety on the Self

Knowledge and piety are valuable only if they lead to the lightness and elevation of the soul. If these virtues burden the seeker and lead them to arrogance, they become a weight upon them. However, if they lighten the soul, they serve as wings, elevating the seeker towards the heavens of truth. The discourse emphasizes that the seeker must avoid the heaviness of arrogance.

Key Insight: Knowledge and piety must lead to the lightness and elevation of the soul, not to heaviness and arrogance, which hinder the spiritual path.

Critique of Arrogance

Arrogance, particularly that stemming from acts of worship such as the night prayer, is a significant barrier on the path. The discourse cautions against a seeker who, due to their nocturnal devotion, looks down upon others with disdain. Such a seeker, rather than ascending, becomes trapped in pride, and their worship becomes counterproductive, causing harm rather than benefit.

Section Ten: Critique of the Commentator and Obstacles to the Path

Critique of the Commentator's Interpretation

The discourse critiques the commentators view, which arranges the stations for those who are intermediate lovers. The beloved, because of their innate vision, do not adhere to conventional classifications of stations and their path transcends these frameworks. This critique highlights the difference between the perspectives of lovers (محبین) and the beloved (محبوبین), demonstrating that the path of the beloved is freed from conventional restrictions.

Earthly and Innate Obstacles

The obstacles to the spiritual path, which arise from worldly and innate limitations, ensnare the seeker. These obstacles, much like stones in the path of a flowing river, even when the seeker possesses full potential, hinder the full realization of their capacities. The seeker must strive diligently to overcome these impediments in order to reach their destination.

Conclusion and Summary

The twentieth lesson of the stages of the traveller (منزل السائرین) delves into the profound and complex nature of the spiritual journey, highlighting the significant differences among seekers. These differences, rooted in the diversity of creation, human nature, and inherent abilities, transform the spiritual path into a unique journey for each individual. The distinction between lovers and the beloved, the role of self-awareness, the impact of inherent abilities, and the obstacles along the path are key themes in this lesson. Knowledge and piety are valuable only when they lead to the lightness of the soul and humility, while arrogance remains a formidable obstacle on this sacred journey.

صادق خادمی

The Path of Sufism and Attention