the lectures of Nekounam, (Session 242)
Preface
The present volume constitutes a comprehensive and scholarly rewriting of the lectures delivered by Nekounam, , elucidating the chapter on Al-Istiqaamah (Steadfastness) from Manzil al-Sirn, the immortal work of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, a mystic of the fifth Islamic century. This treatise introduces steadfastness as the firmness of intent within the journey towards God, a station which, following purification and preceding reliance (tawakkul), plays a foundational role in the firmness of the seeker's intention. Steadfastness functions as a pillar that maintains the edifice of spiritual progress resilient against the tempests of carnal desires and divine trials.
Part One: The Concept and Position of Steadfastness in the Spiritual Path
Definition of Steadfastness
Steadfastness is defined as the firmness of intent in the spiritual pathway towards God, signifying the maintenance of a pure and unwavering intention in the pursuit of the Divine. This form of steadfastness represents a preliminary stage relative to the steadfastness in sulk f Allah (steadfastness within Gods names, i.e. istiqaamat asmiyyah), whereby the seeker traverses between the Divine Names. Steadfastness of intent is akin to drawing a straight line that preserves the seeker from both internal and external deviations, whilst steadfastness in the Divine Names resembles a tumultuous voyage across the ocean of Divine Attributes.
Steadfastness in intent pertains primarily to the disciples at the level of mumalaat (transactions), whereas steadfastness f Allah manifests amongst the beloved or the perfected among them through appropriation of Divine qualities. This distinction parallels the difference between establishing a robust foundation for the spiritual edifice and ascending its higher levels.
Key point: Steadfastness is the firmness of intent in the path towards God, which, like a straight line, safeguards the seekers intention from deviation, yet it ranks below the steadfastness of Divine Names in the journey within God.
Structure of Manzil al-Sirn
Manzil al-Sirn comprises ten major chapters, one hundred intermediate sections, and three hundred subsections, systematically categorising the spiritual journey. The chapter on steadfastness follows the chapter on purification (tahdheeb) and precedes that on reliance (tawakkul), situating itself within the third stage, namely mumalaat. This stage involves the seekers engagement in transactions with their intention, resolve, and actions in order to attain purification and firmness of the self.
This architecture resembles a map illustrating the path of spiritual progress from beginnings such as wakefulness, repentance, and self-accounting, to intermediary chapters such as sorrow, fear, and humility, and ultimately to transactions like observance, vigilance, and sincerity. Steadfastness functions as a bridge connecting purification with reliance.
In summary, steadfastness is the firmness of intention in the spiritual path located at the stage of transactions, positioned after purification and prior to reliance. Distinguished from the steadfastness of Divine Names, it is defined for disciples as preservation of a pure intention. The structural framework of Manzil al-Sirn elucidates the systematic placement of steadfastness within the mystical journey.
Part Two: The Relationship Between Purification, Steadfastness, and Reliance
The Necessity of Purification for Steadfastness
Purification (tahdheeb) is the prerequisite for steadfastness, as it cleanses the intention from impurities. Without purification, an intention that is hollow, weak, or insubstantial cannot withstand the pressures of the spiritual path. Purification is akin to strengthening a fragile substance, rendering the intention resilient to spiritual and divine trials.
An unpurified intention resembles decayed wood or thin glass which shatters under the slightest pressure. Purification eliminates carnal impurities such as undesirable habits, erroneous beliefs, and latent inclinations, thereby forging the intention into strong iron capable of withstanding adversity.
Steadfastness as the Prelude to Reliance
Steadfastness equips the seeker with courage and confidence to practise reliance (tawakkul). Without resilience, the seeker fears complete surrender to God and hesitates to entrust their heart to reliance. Steadfastness is like welding weak iron beams, preparing the intention to bear the heavy burden of reliance.
Reliance resembles casting oneself into the Divine ocean, achievable only through the assurance conferred by steadfastness. The resilient seeker is comparable to a structure whose foundation has been solidified by purification and whose pillars have been fortified by steadfastness, thereby sustaining the load of reliance.
Key point: Purification functions as the reinforcement of the spiritual edifices foundations, preparing the intention for steadfastness; steadfastness, like a sturdy pillar, leads the seeker towards reliance.
The Hierarchy of Purification, Steadfastness, and Reliance
Purification, steadfastness, and reliance form a continuous hierarchical sequence within the spiritual path. Purification cleanses the intention from impurities. Steadfastness strengthens this intention against challenges. Reliance represents complete surrender to God, achievable solely by the assurance provided through steadfastness. This hierarchy is analogous to a building whose foundations are purified, whose pillars are steadfast, and whose roof is perfected by reliance.
The lecture metaphorically compares the intention to materials such as wood, iron, or glass, demonstrating that without purification the intention remains fragile, and without steadfastness, reliance becomes unstable. This interconnection acts as a chain guiding the seeker from beginnings to exalted spiritual stations.
In summary, purification, steadfastness, and reliance are sequential stages in the spiritual journey that cleanse, fortify, and prepare the intention for total surrender to God. Purification forms the basis of steadfastness, which in turn serves as the prelude to reliance. This sequence resembles a building that attains perfection through the solidity of its foundation and pillars.
Part Three: Types and Levels of Steadfastness
The Two Types of Steadfastness
Steadfastness is categorised into two types: 1) Steadfastness in intent (in the pathway towards God), applicable at the level of mumalaat and for disciples; 2) Steadfastness in the pathway f Allah (steadfastness in the Divine Names), relevant to the beloved or those perfected among them in the appropriation of Divine attributes. Steadfastness in intent involves preserving the purified intention against internal and external pressures, whereas steadfastness in the Divine Names involves a journey through the Divine Names withstanding their contractions and expansions.
Steadfastness in intent resembles a guardian protecting the treasure of intention. Steadfastness in the Divine Names resembles a traveller in the ocean of Divine Names, tossed wave to wave, enduring increasingly severe trials.
Steadfastness in Intent
This level of steadfastness preserves the purified intention within the stage of transactions. The seeker must act like a vigilant guard, shielding their intention from carnal and external deviations. This steadfastness resembles drawing a straight line on the path of spiritual progress that corrects any distortion.
The lecture emphasises the need for care so that the seekers intention is not deflected by whispers, habits, or external pressures. This vigilance is akin to protecting a candles flame against carnal winds to keep it steadfast.
Steadfastness in the Divine Names
Steadfastness f Allah (in the Divine Names) denotes the movement between Divine Names, such as from Ar-Rahman to Ar-Rahim, or from Al-Qahhar to Al-Latif, and vice versa. This movement entails significant contractions and expansions, strengthening the seeker through contradictory trials associated with each Name. The lecture quotes Abu Yazid Bastami who likened this motion to a migration from one Divine Name to another.
The seeker in this steadfastness is like a passenger who is passed from one Divine Name to another; at times immersed in the gentleness of Al-Latif, at others tested by the severity of Al-Qahhar. This dynamism resembles a dance guiding the seeker through the waves of Divine Names toward Truth.
Key point: Steadfastness in the Divine Names is akin to a tumultuous journey across the ocean of Divine Attributes, guiding the seeker through severe contractions and expansions from one Name to another.
Absolute Steadfastness
Absolute steadfastness (istiqaamah mutlaqah) relates to the station of Jam al-Jam (the gathering of the gathering) and subsistence after annihilation, a station commanded for the Holy Prophet in the verse فَٱسۡتَقِمۡ کَمَآ أُمِرۡتَ
(So be steadfast as you have been commanded). This form of steadfastness transcends that within Gods Names and is specific to the perfect saints journeying within the Unity (Wahdah).
Absolute steadfastness is likened to standing upon a summit where all worlds converge, whereby after complete annihilation the seeker attains Divine subsistence. This station is a light dissolving all darkness and accessible solely to the Prophet and perfected saints.
Levels of Steadfastness and Their Audience
Steadfastness in intent is designated for disciples who preserve their intention at the stage of transactions. Steadfastness f Allah applies to the beloved or those perfected among them who journey through Divine Names. Absolute steadfastness is reserved for the Prophet and the perfected saints residing in the station of Unity and Jam al-Jam.
This categorisation resembles a ladder whose steps correspond to the seeker's capacity: disciples occupy the lowest rung, the beloved the intermediate, and the perfected saints the highest.
In conclusion, steadfastness is defined across three levelsintentional, Divine Names, and absoluteeach aligned respectively with disciples, the beloved, and perfected saints. Steadfastness in intent preserves the intention; steadfastness in Divine Names fortifies the seeker among Divine attributes; absolute steadfastness pertains to the station of Jam al-Jam. These levels function as rungs of a ladder guiding the seeker towards spiritual perfection.
Part Four: Quranic Verses and the Elucidation of Steadfastness
Quranic Verses on Steadfastness
The lecture references two Quranic verses to clarify the concept of steadfastness:
فَٱسۡتَقِيمُوا إِلَيۡهِ وَٱسۡتَغۡفِرُوهُ
(So be steadfast towards Him and seek His forgiveness) Srah Fussilat 41:6
فَٱسۡتَقِمۡ كَمَآ أُمِرۡتَ وَمَن تَابَ مَعَك
(So be steadfast as you have been commanded, and [so too] those who have turned back with you) Srah Hd 11:112
The verse from Fussilat, due to its general nature and the conjunction with Qul and Istagfiruh, pertains to steadfastness in intent and is addressed to disciples at the transactional stage. The verse from Hd, being a direct singular imperative without Qul, refers to steadfastness in the Divine Names and higher stations specific to the Prophet and perfected saints.
Verbal Distinctions in Quranic Verses
The Verse of Fussilat employs the plural imperative form ("فاستقیموا", be steadfast), accompanied by the command "قُل" (Say), thereby addressing the generality of all seekers. Conversely, the Verse of Hud utilises the singular imperative form ("فاستقم", be steadfast), a direct address devoid of "قُل", thus being specific to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). This verbal differentiation is analogous to the distinction between a universal invitation and a particular injunction, elucidating the gradations of perseverance. The lesson discourse, in its critique of the commentator who inadequately considers these distinctions, emphasises that Quranic verses constitute the key to an exact understanding of perseverance. The Verse of Fussilat denotes perseverance in transactional dealings, whereas the Verse of Hud points to an esoteric and absolute form of steadfastness.
Repentance as a Safety Valve
In the Verse of Fussilat, repentance operates as a safety valve that mitigates the pressure of perseverance. Absent repentance, the seeker is subject to "وَيْلٌ" (destruction), as befell the polytheists due to their denial of zakat and the Hereafter. Repentance thus functions like a relief valve, preventing the rupture caused by the intense pressures of spiritual progression. The lesson discourse employs the metaphor of repentance as a boiler safety valve, illustrating how this act preserves the seeker from deviation and ruin, permitting steadfast persistence upon the spiritual path. Key insight: Repentance serves as a safety valve that moderates the strain of perseverance, safeguarding the seeker from self-destructive ruin.
Critique of the Commentator
The lesson discourse reproves the commentator for insufficient engagement with the Quranic texts and for offering incomplete exegeses. Reliance on the Holy Quran is indispensable for elucidating mystical concepts, for its verses illuminate epistemological obscurities. The commentators cursory treatment of the verses forfeited the opportunity for precise explication of perseverance. This critique acts as an admonition urging scholars of mysticism to incorporate Quranic hermeneutics in their conceptual analyses. The verses of Fussilat and Hud, through their verbal and semantic distinctions, serve as essential keys for comprehending the stages of steadfastness.
Summary of Section Four
The Quranic verses Fussilat and Hud distinctly clarify the degrees of perseverance: the former addresses disciples in worldly transactions, and the latter instructs the perfected saints in esoteric and absolute perseverance. Repentance functions as the safety valve of perseverance, protecting the seeker from spiritual destruction. The commentators critique underscores the imperative of Quranic reference. These verses act as guiding beacons illuminating the seekers path of steadfastness.
Section Five: Constriction and Expansion in the Spiritual Path
Constriction and Expansion in the Spiritual Path
The spiritual path comprises phases of constriction (qabd) and expansion (bast) across three levels: actual constriction (actions), descriptive constriction (attributes), and nominal constriction (divine names). Actual constriction manifests as being overwhelmed by blessings such as knowledge, beauty, or wealth, which test the seeker. Descriptive constriction occurs within worship, nearness to God, or inner qualities. Nominal constriction denotes the tension arising from oscillating between contrasting Divine Names, for example, Al-Qahhar (The Subduer) and Al-Latif (The Subtle). The lesson discourse likens constriction to traps along the spiritual journey, emphasising that perseverance is the key to transcending these trials. The seeker resembles a traveller who encounters successive pressures and openings at each stage and must remain resilient.
The Danger of Constriction in Spiritual Progress
The actual, descriptive, and nominal constrictions pose impediments to spiritual advancement. Actual constriction, like suffocation in worldly blessings, misguides the seeker with superficial delights. Descriptive constriction, such as difficulties in worship, distances the seeker from divine proximity. Nominal constriction, such as the overwhelming pressure from the Name Al-Qahhar, may deter continuation on the path. The lesson discourse illustrates with examples of being engulfed by knowledge, beauty, or wealth, demonstrating how constriction acts as snares challenging the seeker at various phases. Perseverance is the shield that protects against these hazards. Key point: Actual, descriptive, and nominal constrictions function as snares within the spiritual path, from which perseverance enables the seekers safe passage.
Metaphor of the Seeker in Nominal Perseverance
The seeker engaged in nominal perseverance is likened to a traveller passed hand-to-hand among Divine Names. At times, immersed in the gentleness of Al-Latif, and at others, tested by the severity of Al-Qahhar. This dynamic embodies alternating constriction and expansion, fortifying the seeker against contrasting trials. The lesson discourse, citing Abu Yazid al-Bistami, compares this process to being transferred from one Name to another. The seeker is like a bird soaring in the sky of Divine Names, whose every wingbeat draws them nearer to ultimate Truth.
Summary of Section Five
Constriction and expansion constitute spiritual trials on actual, descriptive, and nominal levels, subjecting the seeker to diverse pressures and reliefs. Constriction is analogous to snares, with perseverance as the master key for transcendence. The seekers perseverance at the nominal level mirrors a traveller handed between Divine Names, growing stronger through each test.
Section Six: Assembly and Attainment of the Divine Essence
Assembly (Hashr) in the Spiritual Path
Assembly (hashr) in the spiritual context manifests in four types: actual (righteous deeds), descriptive (adoption of divine attributes), nominal (transition between Divine Names), and essential (attainment of the Divine Essence). Actual assembly encompasses ethical perfection and virtuous actions. Descriptive assembly entails embodying divine attributes. Nominal assembly involves movement from one Name to another, such as from Ar-Rahman (The Merciful) to Ar-Rahim (The Compassionate). Essential assembly represents union with the Divine Essence at the level of Unity (Ahadiyyah). The lesson discourse likens nominal assembly to the seeker being passed hand-to-hand among Divine Names, whereby nominal perseverance culminates in this stage. This journey guides the seeker from outer forms to inner realities, and from the Divine Names to the Divine Essence.
Attainment of the Divine Essence
The attainment of the Divine Essence represents the ultimate stage of spiritual progress, achievable only after transcending actual, descriptive, and nominal constrictions. This station is reserved for the beloved and perfected saints who traverse the domain of Unity. The lesson discourse compares the seeker to a rain-soaked wolf, illustrating that reaching the Essence necessitates enduring arduous trials and full maturation. Attainment is akin to reaching the shore following a tempestuous voyage across the ocean of Divine Names. The seeker, having navigated the waves of constriction and expansion, attains the tranquility of Unity.
Distinguishing the Beloved and the Lover
The beloved ones are distinguished by their unique fragrance, comparable to the finest rice, setting them apart from the lovers. A seasoned seeker can discern whether one is a lover or beloved. The lesson discourse illustrates the beloved as rice whose aroma intensifies when warmed, symbolising that the beloved, having passed through rigorous trials, emit a distinctive scent of gnosis and divine proximity. This distinction resembles the contrast between an ordinary grain and a precious jewel. The beloved exude the fragrance of maturity attained through spiritual tribulations. Key insight: Attainment of the Divine Essence resembles reaching a shore after a stormy journey through the ocean of Divine Names, achievable solely through steadfastness amid severe trials.
Summary of Section Six
Assembly in the spiritual path encompasses actual, descriptive, nominal, and essential stages, guiding the seeker from virtuous deeds to the Divine Essence. The ultimate attainment demands perseverance through intense constrictions. The differentiation between the lover and the beloved reflects the maturation borne of these arduous spiritual tests, akin to the contrast between fragrant premium rice and ordinary grains.
Final Conclusion
This volume, rewriting the lesson discourses of Nokounam (may his sanctity be preserved) on the chapter of steadfastness from Manazil al-Sairin, elucidates perseverance as the firm intention in the path to God. Perseverance manifests in three degreesintentional, nominal, and absoluteplaying a pivotal role in stabilising the seekers resolve and progression. Purification forms the foundation of perseverance, which itself precedes trust in God. The Quranic verses Fussilat and Hud delineate the tiers of perseverance: the former for disciples in worldly dealings, and the latter for perfected saints. Repentance acts as the safety valve preserving perseverance from spiritual ruin. Constriction and expansion at actual, descriptive, and nominal levels constitute spiritual trials, overcome through perseverance. Assembly, from deeds to essence, reveals the seekers evolutionary stages, with ultimate attainment demanding endurance in severe constrictions. The distinction between lover and beloved highlights the maturity wrought by these spiritual trials. Supervised by Sadegh Khadami
