Analysis and Elucidation of the Introduction to Manzil al-Sirn

of Nokounam (May his sanctity remain)
(Session 38 Introduction Part 38)

Introduction: Entry into the Valleys of the Illuminated Unseen Intellect

Session thirty-eight of the venerable work Manzil al-Sirn, authored by Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, is dedicated to the exposition of the chapter on the Valleys (Awdiya). This chapter represents a pivotal and arduous stage in the mystical progression (sulk), wherein the seeker (slik) is guided toward the unseen valleys of the intellect illuminated by the sanctified light (nr al-quds). The Awdiya, analogous to a rugged and perilous desert, extricate the slik from his state of comfort (fiyah) and expose him to divine illuminations, intense trials, and spiritual admonitions. Through delineation of the ten sequential stages of the Awdiya, this chapter sketches the maturational process of the slik confronting profound spiritual challenges.

Section One: The Concept of the Slik and the Status of the Awdiya in Spiritual Progression

Distinction Between the Slik and the Non-Slik

In the lexicon of mystical terminology, the slik is one who formally embarks upon the path of spiritual progression according to a structured programme under the tutelage of a guide (murshid). Unlike the ordinary believer who may possess piety and spirituality, the slik directs his entire focus upon the path, abstaining from dispersion in aims and attentions. Much like a professional athlete training under the direction of a coach and a fixed regimen, the slik differentiates himself through his unwavering commitment to the principles of sulk, unlike laypersons who, despite their spiritual inclination, lack professional engagement.

The Structure of the Manzil and the Position of the Awdiya

The Manzil al-Sirn comprises ten divisions (aqsm), each subdivided into ten chapters (abwb). The initial five divisions, ranging from awakening (yaqah) to principles (ul), form the foundational structure of the spiritual journey, while the subsequent stages the Awdiya, states (awl), spiritual jurisdictions (wilyt), and the ultimate (nihyat) constitute the ensuing phases. The Awdiya mark the stage that ensues after the principles, that is, once the slik attains the heart (qalb). This phase is the most arduous and weighty segment of the sulk, extracting the slik from comfort and placing him in a spiritual desert fraught with hazards.

Section Two: The Heart and Courage in the Principles

The Heart as the Axis of Inner Transformation

Within the principles phase, the slik attains the heart, a luminous centre and the pivot of his inner transformation. The heart is the receptacle of divine gnosis (marifah), from which courage (jarah) emanates. This relation resembles that of vessel and content: the heart is the bowl in which courage, like water, is contained. Until the slik reaches the heart, genuine courage remains unattained, and prior to this phase, he remains at the level of the nafs (lower self).

The Nafs and the Limitations Prior to the Heart

Before attaining the heart, the slik remains at the nafs level, which, even with the acquisition of virtuous ethics, does not reach firmness. Ethics serve as the primary vessel of sulk and only through the attainment of the heart does the slik realise the principles. This distinction is analogous to the difference between a crude structure and one that has been fortified through building works.

Section Three: The Awdiya The Most Difficult Stage of the Spiritual Journey

The Spiritual Deserts of the Awdiya

The Awdiya are likened to a rugged and perilous desert, constituting the most challenging phase of sulk in which the slik is his comfort zone, with no clear return path or evident destination. This stage resembles a journey through an unknown wilderness wherein the slik encounters trials such as benevolence (isn), patience (abr), insight (barah), inspiration (ilhm), and the assaults of devils (shayn). As the poet expressed, In this desert, feet were severed, the slik is refined and brought to fervour within these valleys.

Trials and Wilyah

The Awdiya exemplify the maxim al-bala lil-wal (Trials are the prelude to sanctity). The saints (awliy) attain wilyah (divine authority) through passing these trials. This stage resembles a furnace wherein the slik is purified and liberated from impurities. The intensity of the valleys experienced by prophets and saints distinguishes their spiritual ranks.

Section Four: Love and Maturation within the Awdiya

True Love and the Illuminated Heart

True love does not arise in the sliks heart until he enters the Awdiya. The love of Gods saints resembles an infinite ocean encompassing even stones and clay. This love is the fruit of maturation within the Awdiya, differing markedly from ordinary love which is confined to selfish gains. Like meat cooked over fire and prepared for consumption, the heart of the slik reaches the heat of love within the Awdiya.

Testing and the Sliks Endurance

The Awdiya constitute the arena in which the sliks endurance (burd) and wilyah are revealed. By grappling with hardships and trials, the slik manifests his strength and perseverance. The distinctions among the ranks of prophets and saints are measured by the intensity and nature of the valleys they have traversed.

Section Five: The Illuminated Intellect and the Light of the Quds

The Illuminated Intellect as the Heart of the Slik

The Glorious Quran states: Thus he enters valleys of the unseen intellect illuminated by the Light of the Quds (Manzil al-Sirn). The illuminated intellect is the intellect enlightened by the sanctified light (nr al-quds) that constitutes the heart of the slik. This intellect differs from mundane calculative or acquisitive reason and governs long-term spiritual decision-making. In the short term, reason commands, but over the longer horizon, the heart supersedes it as guide.

The Light of the Quds and Divine Grace

The Light of the Quds represents Divine Grace which preserves the slik throughout the Awdiya. Absent this grace, the slik would disintegrate amid the perils of the valleys. The supplication O Allah, do not entrust me to myself even for the blink of an eye underscores this necessity. Like a wrestler guarded more vigilantly by his coach than by himself, the slik is sustained by the Light of the Quds.

Section Six: Illuminations, Flames, and Warnings

Variety of Experiences in the Awdiya

Within the Awdiya, the slik encounters illuminations (anwr), flames (nrn), and warnings (akhr): And therein are the lights, the flames, and the warnings. The anwr are divine manifestations, the nrn are afflictions and trials, and the akhr are spiritual admonitions that maintain the sliks vigilance. This diversity resembles a forest inhabited both by doves and wolves, requiring the sliks discernment to distinguish among them.

The Desired Reality in the Form of Fire

The desired (malb), i.e., the Truth, sometimes manifests in the form of fire: Indeed, sometimes the desired appears in the form of fire. This is reflected in the Quranic narration of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) perceiving fire, which was a divine manifestation (Quran, H 20:10). The slik must, therefore, perceive the truth beyond its outward fiery appearance with profound insight.