of Nokounam, may his sanctity be preserved (Session 216)
The book Manzil al-Sirn, authored by the venerable mystic Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, is one of the most eminent works in Islamic mysticism. It systematically elucidates the stages of spiritual journey with meticulous precision and profound depth. This treatise, by delineating the hierarchical stations of spiritual progression, serves as a definitive guide for the seekers on the path of truth, portraying each station as a step ascending towards gnosis and divine proximity. Among these stations, the Gate of Murqaba holds a pivotal position, for it summons the seeker to perpetual vigilance over the soul and to distance oneself from heedlessness.
Within Khwaja Abdullah Ansaris mystical system, the Gate of Murqaba constitutes a stage wherein the seeker, through diligent and unremitting watchfulness, averts heedlessness and focuses unwavering attention upon the Divine Reality. This station functions as a bridge between the initial phases of the journey, such as Riyah (observance or guarding), and the loftier stages, such as Himyah (protection or safeguarding). In this sense, Murqaba is not merely abstention from negligence, but entails a profound and continual mastery over the self and ones actions, thereby guiding the seeker towards spiritual perfection.
The Gate of Murqaba follows the Gate of Riyah in the hierarchy of the Manzil al-Sirn. Riyah, meaning the avoidance of negligence and the preservation of trustworthiness, is a foundational stage compelling the seeker to uphold divine limits and spiritual covenants. However, Murqaba transcends Riyah by demanding an elevated, continual oversight of the soul and its deeds. This progression signifies the evolutionary trajectory of spiritual endeavour, advancing from mere observance towards deep, conscious vigilance.
For the Gate of Murqaba, verses 8 and 10 from Surah At-Tawbah have been selected; however, these do not seem congruent with the mystical concept of Murqaba. These verses address the conduct of hypocrites and their failure to uphold covenants and agreements:
"How [can there be a covenant] when, if they gain dominance over you, they observe neither kinship nor covenant? They satisfy you with their mouths, but their hearts refuse [to believe], and most of them are defiantly disobedient."
(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:8; )
"They do not observe in the matter of the believer any kinship or covenant, and it is those who are the transgressors."
(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:10; )
These verses refer to the negative behaviour of hypocrites and cannot convey the constructive and positive essence of mystical Murqaba. Since Murqaba fundamentally concerns sustained self-monitoring and concentration on the Divine, verses reflecting this meaning clearly are required.
Similarly, for the Gate of Riyah, a verse has been selected that highlights negligence: "So they did not observe it as they ought to observe it." This verse points to a shortfall in fulfilling trusts and covenants, whereas the Gate of Riyah should emphasise positive and constructive observance. A more appropriate verse would be one that extols the quality of faithful observance of trusts and covenants among the believers:
"And those who are to their trusts and their promises attentive."
(Surah Al-Muminn, 23:8; )
This verse, by underscoring the virtue of faithfully observing trusts and covenants, harmonises with the concept of Riyah in mystical progression, calling the seeker to uphold divine limits and spiritual commitments.
Tlemcen, an exegete preceding Kashani, posits that the verses selected for the Gates of Riyah and Murqaba were chosen primarily for purposes of blessing and auspiciousness rather than semantic congruity. This view has been critiqued because the selection of verses without regard to semantic appropriateness undermines the scholarly and mystical integrity of the text. Within the mystical tradition, Quranic verses serve as theoretical and practical foundations for the spiritual journey, and inappropriate choices may cause misunderstandings of the mystical concepts involved.
For the Gate of Murqaba, a verse from Surah Al-Qasas is proposed, which aptly conveys the concept of mystical vigilance:
"So he left it, fearful and vigilant. He said, 'My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people.'"
(Surah Al-Qasas, 28:21; )
This verse alludes to the story of Moses (peace be upon him), who departed the city in a state of fear and continuous watchfulness (yataraqqab), invoking Gods protection against the unjust people. The three elements of fear, sustained vigilance, and reliance on God constitute the fundamental pillars of mystical Murqaba, which are manifestly reflected in this verse. Moses thus exemplifies the seeker who, through self-surveillance and awareness of his surroundings, avoids both internal and external dangers.
Another verse chosen for the chapter of Murqaba is a verse from Srah Dukhn:
فَارْتَقِبْ إِنَّهُمْ مُرْتَقِبُونَ
(Srah Dukhn, 44:59; s translation: So wait; indeed, they are waiting.)
This verse signifies patience and expectancy in the face of adversaries and is situated within a non-esoteric context, explicitly referring to confrontation with disbelievers. Therefore, it cannot convey the concept of Murqaba understood as continuous self-surveillance.
The concepts of Riyah, Murqaba, irsat, if, Rad, and imyah each emphasize a distinct aspect of vigilance and attention within the mystical path:
These distinctions elucidate a hierarchical framework of concepts in the mystical journey, guiding the seeker progressively towards deeper stages.
Key Point: The semantic differences among Riyah, Murqaba, irsat, Rad, and imyah delineate a hierarchy of spiritual practice progressing from simple adherence to authoritative supervision.
The term Raqb denotes one who possesses the capacity for supervision and vigilance. God is referred to in the Qurn as Raqb Alaykum:
وَاللَّهُ رَقِيبٌ عَلَيْكُمْ
(Srah An-Nis, 4:1; s translation: And Allah is a Watcher over you.)
This verse connotes divine sovereignty and governance. However, it is not entirely appropriate for the chapter on Murqaba, as the seeker must be the Raqb of their own self. Murqaba entails the seekers continuous self-observation, accompanied by fear and reliance upon God.
To elucidate the concept of Murqaba, a parable is offered of a cat hunting a fish. The cat pursues its target with precision, perseverance, and unwavering concentration, never relinquishing its attention for a moment. This parable serves as a mirror reflecting mystical Murqaba: the seeker, like the vigilant cat, must monitor the self with diligence and persistence to avoid error and heedlessness.
Another parable depicts a cat hunting a pigeon. The cat, with patience and composure, remains motionless as if dead, awaiting the opportune moment to seize its prey. This parable emphasises the importance of patience, concentration, and precision in Murqaba. The seeker must exercise such alertness and persistence to restrain the self and avert its lapses.
Key Point: The parables of the cat with the fish and the pigeon vividly elucidate Murqaba, underscoring the necessity of precision, perseverance, and concentration in self-observation.
The Nafs has been metaphorically likened to various creatures such as the pigeon, cat, dragon, serpent, lion, wolf, and fox each symbolising complex and sometimes deceptive behavioural traits. The Nafs Ammrah constitutes the primary impediment on the spiritual path, necessitating constant vigilance:
وَأَمَّا مَنْ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِ وَنَهَى النَّفْسَ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ
(Srah An-Nzit, 79:40; s translation: But as for he who feared the standing before his Lord and restrained the soul from [his] desire.)
This verse underscores the imperative of mastering the Nafs and abstaining from desires and caprices. Through Murqaba, the seeker must restrain the self and prevent its misguidance.
Murqaba remains incomplete without Divine grace. God, as Raqb and guardian, supervises the seeker:
إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَبِالْمِرْصَادِ
(Srah Al-Fajr, 89:14; s translation: Indeed, your Lord is ever watchful.)
This verse accentuates divine oversight. Nonetheless, the seeker must commit to vigilance through effort and trust.
Key Point: Murqaba, through the synthesis of fear, meticulousness, and Divine grace, safeguards the seeker from the selfs misguidance and directs them towards felicity.
The chapter of Murqaba in Manzil al-Sirn represents a pivotal stage urging the seeker towards continual self-observation and avoidance of heedlessness. This station, with an emphasis on fear, precision, and perseverance, guides the seeker towards Divine proximity. The critical examination of the selected verses (Tawbah: 9:8 & 10; Dukhn: 44:59) demonstrated their incongruence with the esoteric meaning of Murqaba. In contrast, the verse:
فَخَرَجَ مِنْهَا خَائِفًا يَتَرَقَّبُ ۖ قَالَ رَبِّ نَجِّنِي مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَ
(Srah Qasas, 28:21) due to its reference to fear, continuous vigilance, and reliance upon God, emerges as an appropriate choice for this chapter.
The parables of the cat with the fish and the cat with the pigeon tangibly elucidate the concept of Murqaba, accentuating the necessity of accuracy and perseverance. The Nafs, as a complex obstacle, demands ongoing mastery, and Divine grace complements the seekers endeavour along this path.
