Preface

The book Manzil al-Sirn, akin to a luminous beacon along the path of mystical wayfaring, serves as an indispensable guide for the seekers endeavouring to attain the ultimate truth of Divine Unity (Tawd) and the direct vision of the Truth (aq). This work, in elucidating the noble adth Worship God as though you see Him; and if you do not see Him, then indeed He sees you, transcends the mere jurisprudence of adth (fiqh al-adth) to probe the hierarchical stages of servitude and lordship within a profound epistemological framework and a cohesive structural paradigm. Herein, through a refined and academic lens, the content of the thirtieth lecture of Muammad-Re Noknm is rendered anew, to present a radiant gem of Divine knowledge for scholars and seekers of truth alike.

Part One: The Jurisprudence of adth and the Degrees of Worship in the adth al-Isn

Exposition of the Core Theme of the adth

The revered adth Worship God as though you see Him; and if you do not see Him, then indeed He sees you, narrated from the Prophet Muammad (peace be upon him) to the Archangel Gabriel (Jibrl), delineates worship within two exalted degrees: foremost, worship accompanied by the imaginative vision of the Divine Reality, and secondly, an awareness of Divine surveillance. This adth does not aim to investigate the ontological verities of Divine Unity at its highest stations, but rather concentrates on a verbal and structural analysis to elucidate its apparent and esoteric meanings within the framework of mystical wayfaring. Such an approach serves as a pivotal key that opens the gates of gnosis for the traveller, without immersing them in the intricate profundities of the supreme stages of Tawd.

The Superior Degree: Omission of kaannaka

Beyond the adth's literal wording, a loftier state of worship emerges whereby the wayfarer beholds the Truth not metaphorically but through direct and unmediated vision: Worship God as you see Him. The removal of kaannaka (as though) signifies transcendence beyond imagination and metaphor towards immediate witnessing as if the seeker is immersed in an ocean of Divine Light and perceives the Divine Presence with all their being. This station, reflected in the words of the Commander of the Faithful, Al ibn Ab lib (peace be upon him), with the phrase amiyat ayn l tark (blind be the eye that does not see You), manifests the actuality of direct witnessing and the attainment of the station of presence.

Absence and Presence in the Linguistic Structure of the adth

The usage ofka  

The Divine Act in Service of the Seeker

At the elevated stages of spiritual progression, the salik (seeker) compels the Divine to act, thereby drawing forth the Truth into manifestation. It is as if the seeker functions as a magnet, irresistibly attracting the Divine Light towards themselves. This phenomenon is evocatively encapsulated in the Quranic verse:

"So blessed be Allah, the best of creators" (Surah Al-Muminun, 23:14, trans. )

This verse alludes to the Divine marveling at the creation of the saints, who embody the Truth in the realm of nasut (the material world).

Critique of the Heresy of Ibn Abi al-Awja

The inquiry posed by Ibn Abi al-Awja Can God create one greater than Himself? stems from his apostasy. Should the seeker claim I am greater, such a declaration mandates execution, for it constitutes a rupture from servitude and a deviation from monotheism. This critique functions as a stern admonition, warning the seeker against the snares of self-conceit and spiritual arrogance.

Section Six: Mysticism as a Knowledge of the Heart Rather Than Theoretical Science

Perils of the Spiritual Path

The spiritual journey is protracted and fraught with hazards; its foremost requisite is liberation from egoism. The seeker must, metaphorically, like a bird, unshackle their wings from the fetters of selfhood in order to soar within the firmament of Divine Unity. This path resembles an ocean into which one cannot immerse except with an open and receptive heart.

Mysticism as Epistemology

Mysticism is neither theoretical science nor an academic lecture but a profound cognition of the heart, actualised through the opening of the spiritual centre. The Truth is ever-present; however, the unveiling of the heart constitutes the necessary condition for its direct vision. This knowledge is akin to a precious gem concealed deep within the heart, revealed solely by the purification of the self.

Summary

The thirtieth lesson of Manzil al-Sirn, akin to a radiant torch, elucidates the Hadith al-Ihsan within the framework of jurisprudential tradition and the doctrines of Divine Unity. This hadith, addressing the angel Jibril, delineates worship on two planes: the vision by analogy and awareness of Divine supervision, both situated within the dimensions of multiplicity and concealment. In contrast, the exalted stages of spiritual wayfaring, as reflected in the utterances of the Commander of the Faithful (Al ibn Ab lib, peace be upon him) and the verses of the Holy Quran, point towards the immediate witnessing and existential unity. The relationship between servitude and lordship is analogous to glass, through which the light of the Divine Reality is manifested by diminishing egoism. The spiritual path is boundless, extending from concealment to presence, multiplicity to unity, and determination to indeterminacy. The saints, by dismantling the confines of the material realm, attain comprehensive witnessing of the Divine in all His Names and manifestations. Mysticism, therefore, is not theoretical knowledge but a cognition of the heart which, through the opening of the heart and emancipation from the self, directs the seeker toward the verity of Divine Unity. Supervised by Sadegh Khademi