of Nekounam, May His Sanctity Be Revered (Session 243)
Steadfastness constitutes the very soul that animates the states and actions of the seeker along the mystical path. This lecture, the profound discourse of Nekounam, elucidates the gradations of steadfastness across three levels: practical, experiential, and essential. Through a novel metaphor, it charts the journey of spiritual progression from the Wahad al-Tafarruq (valleys of division) to the Rawabi al-Jam' (peaks of unity). Steadfastness guides the wayfarer from the confines of created limitations towards the manifestations of Divine Oneness, ultimately bringing him into the realm of Jam' al-Jam' (the absolute unity of the Essence).
Steadfastness is akin to a soul that breathes life into the seekers states and fortifies his general actions. Without steadfastness, the states dissolve and deeds become ineffectual, much like a body bereft of its soul. This fundamental reality occupies a central role within mystical progression, sustaining the wayfarer on the path towards Divine proximity. The Noble Quranic verse underscores this:
s translation: And those who strive in Our way, We will surely guide them to Our paths. This verse accentuates the role of steadfastness as the precondition for spiritual guidance and vitality.
Steadfastness within the path manifests in three distinct levels: practical constancy, relevant primarily for the general populace and related to the realm of actions; experiential constancy, pertinent to the intermediate seekers, pertaining to the domain of states and Divine Names; and finally, essential constancy, exclusive to the perfected, relating to the realm of Essence and representing absolute steadfastness. These gradations delineate a hierarchical progression from outward deeds to intrinsic unity. Practical constancy pertains to perseverance in canonical devotions such as prayer; experiential constancy denotes stability within the souls states in relation to Divine Names; and essential constancy is absolute endurance in the station of subsistence beyond annihilation.
The gradations of steadfastness correspond to three metaphysical receptacles: Furq (division), signifying fragmentation in deeds, relevant to the general; Furq al-Jam' (collective division), indicating fragmentation in states, applicable to intermediates; and Jam' al-Jam' (the unity of unities), the intrinsic unity reserved for the perfected. Within Furq, the common folk may persevere in some acts and falter in others; in Furq al-Jam', intermediates maintain stability in certain states or Divine Names but remain susceptible to multiplicity; whilst in Jam' al-Jam', the perfected persist steadfastly beyond all distinctions of deeds, states, or tribulations. The following Quranic verse highlights:
s translation: So be steadfast towards Him. This verse alludes to steadfastness directed towards Divine Oneness.
Steadfastness functions as a bridge that guides the wayfarer from the Wahad al-Tafarruq (valleys of division) to the Rawabi al-Jam' (hills or peaks of unity). The Wahad symbolises customary limitations and veils from Truth, whilst the Rawabi epitomise the manifestations of Oneness and sovereignty over all things. In the valleys, the seeker perceives nothing but constraints; on the peaks, he attains perfect witnessing. This metaphor depicts the spiritual trajectory from the depths of multiplicity to the zenith of unity. The Noble Quranic verse proclaims:
s translation: Say: Indeed, my prayer and my sacrifice... are for Allah, Lord of the Worlds. This verse emphasises the necessity of attention to unity in the path.
The valleys, due to their lowliness, preclude the seeker from witnessing the Truth, whereas the hills, by virtue of their elevation, afford comprehensive oversight and complete witnessing. Within the valleys, the seeker is veiled and perceives only limitations; atop the peaks, he attains the manifestations of Divine Oneness. The Quranic verse elucidates this opening of vision through guidance:
s translation: So whoever Allah wants to guideHe expands his breast to Islam. This verse underscores the opening of witnessing as a consequence of divine guidance.
Within the valleys, risks are lesser but witnessing remains limited; in the hills, risks intensify but witnessing attains perfection. The valleys offer apparent security due to veiling, yet distance the seeker from the Truth. The peaks, by contrast, due to their oversight, pose greater hazards but facilitate full witnessing. Steadfastness preserves the seeker from falling within both realms. The Quran affirms:
s translation: And whoever fears AllahHe will make for him a way out. This verse highlights divine support upon the path of steadfastness.
Steadfastness in action, for the general populace, is confined to perseverance in outward worship such as prayer and fasting. Steadfastness in state, for the intermediate seekers, pertains to constancy in spiritual states when encountering Divine Names. Steadfastness in essence, for the perfected, signifies absolute endurance against all afflictions and conditions, manifesting within the station of Jam' al-Jam'. The Quranic injunction states:
s translation: So be steadfast as you are commanded, and those who have turned back with you. This verse underscores absolute steadfastness and the collective adherence of the community with the Prophet.
Absolute steadfastness unfolds in the station of Jam' al-Jam'subsistence beyond annihilationwhere the seeker is firmly established in all Divine Names and connected to the Essence of Oneness. At this level, distinctions among actions, states, or tribulations vanish, and the seeker persists unwaveringly in all respects. This station epitomises exclusive unity (tafrid) and Divine Oneness, whereby the seeker regards nothing other than the Divine Essence. The Quranic verse reiterates:
s translation: So be steadfast towards Him. This verse alludes to this absolute steadfastness.
Steadfastness in the Truth, which transpires in the station of Jam' al-Jam', is the heaviest grade owing to its intimate connection with the Divine Essence and emancipation from all constraints. Unlike steadfastness in action, limited to worship, and steadfastness in state, confined to spiritual conditions, steadfastness in the Truth is absolute and all-encompassing, bringing the seeker into intrinsic unity.
Steadfastness acts as a bridge between the messenger (the wayfarer) and the intended goal (the Truth), transporting him from created limitations to Divine manifestations. This intermediary state prevents stagnation in division and motivates ascent towards unity. The Quran proclaims:
s translation: And if they had been steadfast on the way, We would surely have given them abundant water. This verse highlights the fruition of steadfastness in attaining the goal.
Steadfastness animates the states of the seeker and energises general deeds. For the common folk, steadfastness in actions results in order and discipline; for the seeker, steadfastness in states enables endurance amid Divine Names and trials. The Quranic verse illustrates:
s translation: Then they stood firm and said, Our Lord is Allah. This indicates that steadfastness forms the foundation for constancy in faith.
Steadfastness yields fruitful outcomes, whereas its absence engenders difficulties. Various Quranic verses, such as Then they stood firm and And if they had been steadfast on the way, underscore the merits of steadfastness and the ramifications of its deficiency. Steadfastness paves the way for divine grace and guidance, ensuring the seekers progression towards ultimate unity.
