Preface
Within the domain of Islamic mysticism, Maqamat al-Sa'ireen (The Stations of the Wayfarers) shines as a brilliant gem, offering an unparalleled explanation of the stages of the spiritual journey. Among these stations, the "Gate of Sahw" stands as an exalted resting place following sakar (intoxication), guiding the wayfarer from the constriction of qabz (contraction) and heedlessness towards the expansive realm of bast (expansion) and the pure perception of the beauty and majesty of the Divine. This state, through the dissolution of remnants of the ego and the bewilderment of the self, elevates the soul to the station of hayat (life) and ihya (revival). Here, the being of the wayfarer is veiled within the light of the Divine and attains its ultimate existential perfection. This treatise, lectures of Nakounam (may Allah sanctify his soul), provides a scholarly and detailed exposition of the station of Sahw.
Section One: Distinction between Sakar and Sahw
Contraction in Sakar, Expansion in Sahw The state of Sakar (intoxication) is akin to a constriction that traps the wayfarer in the qabz and bewilderment of loss. Conversely, Sahw is like an open gate leading towards the expansive realm of bast (spiritual expansion), guiding the wayfarer to the illumination of the Divines beauty and majesty. While Sakar is accompanied by remnants of the ego that keep the soul in contraction and heedlessness, Sahw leads to expansion and the perception of purity. The letter "B" in the phrase "bil-haqq" (by the Truth), is a key that unlocks the constriction of Sakar and draws the wayfarer into the realm of bast.
This distinction is akin to the difference between a dark night and a bright day. In Sakar, the wayfarer wanders in the darkness of bewilderment, while in Sahw, they emerge into the brightness of spiritual enlightenment.
L tudrikuhu al-absr (Surah al-An'am: 103)
"No vision can grasp Him." (Surah al-An'am: 103)
In the state of Sahw, the wayfarer comes to witness the beauty and majesty of the Divine, and finds themselves standing at the threshold between the essence and attributes, the "Muzhir" (the Revealer) and "Mazhar" (the Revealed). This bewilderment, contrary to doubt, arises from the intensity of witnessing the Divine presence. As the Qur'an states, "No vision can grasp Him" (Al-Anam: 103), this highlights the overwhelming nature of the vision of the Divine.
Section Two: Characteristics of the Station of Sahw
Sahw: The Awakening of the Heart Sahw is a form of conscious intoxication, which, unlike the intoxication of loss in Sakar, arises from the clarity and awareness gained through witnessing the beauty and majesty of the Divine. The wayfarer, in this state, becomes overwhelmed with a sense of wonder, akin to opening a door to vast and awe-inspiring scenes. This vision does not come from absence, but from the intensity of the presence.
This conscious intoxication is akin to a light shining from the sun of truth, drawing the wayfarer into a divine allure. The wayfarer, like a traveller reaching a great destination after a long journey, is overwhelmed with awe. In the state of Sahw, the wayfarer is lost between the essence and attributes, between beauty and majesty, between the Revealer and the Revealed. They do not know whether it is "Him or not." This bewilderment does not arise from doubt but from the intensity of witnessing the Divine presence.
Inna salati wa
The Impact of the Words and Works of the Awliya
In Sahw, the words and works of the Awliya (Saints), such as their relics or sayings, possess a healing and revitalising quality due to their connection to the life of Haq (the Divine). This influence can be likened to a breeze that blows from the higher realms, revitalising weary souls. Surah Al-Muminun and the relics of the Awliya, like a source of life, bring others back to life.
Summary of Section Three
Sahw is the realm of life and revival, guiding the seeker towards existential perfection and the ability to rejuvenate others. The verse "إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي" (Indeed, my prayer and my rites) serves as a testimony to the total submission of the seeker at this stage. The words and works of the Awliya, due to their connection to the life of Haq, are curative and life-restoring. This section clarified the position of Sahw in the domain of life.
Section Four: The Luminous Manifestations of Existence and the Valleys of Union
Sahw is accompanied by the Valleys of Union (أودية الجمع) and the Luminous Manifestations of Existence (لوایح الوجود). The Luminous Manifestations are intrinsic appearances that transcend the Valleys of Union, which encompass the attributes of union. This distinction is akin to the difference between a breeze that blows from the garden of truth and a river flowing through the valley of attributes. The Luminous Manifestations bring the seeker closer to the necessity of existence and the vision of the One (the Divine).
Removal of the Veils of Attributes
In Sahw, the veils of attributes are lifted, and the essence of being is revealed. This removal of veils is like the parting of a curtain that allows the light of truth to shine through completely. The seeker transitions from the veiling of attributes to the veiling of essence, and then to the direct vision of the essence, where divine names like "The One" and "The Omnipotent" hold the seeker in an existential awe.
Summary of Section Four
Sahw, accompanied by the Luminous Manifestations of Existence and the Valleys of Union, guides the seeker to the direct vision of the essence and the removal of the veils of attributes. Due to their intrinsic nature, the Luminous Manifestations surpass the Valleys of Union and bring the seeker closer to the necessity of existence. This section elucidated the role of these features in the transcendence of Sahw.
Section Five: Sahw and the Perfection of Existence
In Sahw, the seeker is enveloped in the light of the Divine existence, where everythingfrom prayer and ritual to life and deathbecomes oriented towards the Divine. This concealment is like a droplet merging into the vast, boundless ocean of truth. The seeker, cleansed and humbled, dissolves in the light of the Divine, reaching the station of life and revival.
Sahw and the Station of the Purified Ones
Sahw elevates the seeker to the station of the Purified Ones (المخلَصین), where the great danger is removed and purity culminates in salvation. This station is like a bird freed from the cage of the ego, soaring in the skies of truth. "Purity is salvation" symbolizes the complete freedom of the seeker from the self and peril.
The Perfection of Divine Attributes in Sahw
In Sahw, the seeker attains the perfection of the Divine attributes and is freed from the deficiencies of attributes or transient states. This perfection is like a mirror that has been cleansed of every speck, reflecting the Divine light in its entirety. At this stage, the seeker is no longer affected by imperfections or changing states.
The Role of Honour and Zeal in Sahw
The Divine honour is accompanied by restraint and veiling from others, placing the seeker in a state of awe between the beauty and majesty of the Divine. This honour is like a fortress protected by Divine zeal, preventing the seeker from engaging with anything other than the Divine. The reference to the Devil's oath by honour underscores the distinction between the station of the Awliya and others.
Sahw and the Station of Observing the Divine
Sahw elevates the seeker to the station of observing the Divine (المطلعین), where the seeker has knowledge of the Lordships and sees both the Divine and creation through the Divine perspective. This station is like an eye that, without the need for external tools, perceives everything in the light of the Divine.
Summary of Section Five
Sahw leads the seeker to the perfection of existence, the station of the Purified