In the realm of Islamic mysticism, the "Gate of Separation" represents a lofty and critical stage, where the seeker (saalik) detaches from worldly signs and the rituals of the soul, connecting instead to the infinite Divine Essence. As articulated by Nikoonam (May Allah sanctify his soul), this station is the ultimate goal of spiritual attainment, leading to the perfection of servitude (ubudiyyah), culminating in the annihilation in God (Fana fi Allah) and subsistence in Him (Baqa bi Allah), which ultimately leads to the perfection of divine unity (Tawhid). This lecture, drawing upon the verse "And Allah warns you of Himself" (Quran 3:28), explores the grandeur of this stage and its inherent dangers. This verse, one of the most weighty in the Quran, invites the seeker to be cautious when approaching the Divine Essence.
The term "separation" refers to the stage where the seeker detaches from worldly signs and the desires of the soul after connecting to the Divine Reality. This station represents the ultimate goal of spiritual journeying, guiding the seeker towards Fana and Baqa bi Allah, thus culminating in the perfection of Tawhid. Nikoonam (May Allah sanctify his soul) regards this separation as the "Reality of Realities" in the domain of the principles and the perfection of divine unity, wherein the seeker becomes free from all attachments to the self and creation. In a metaphorical sense, separation is akin to the liberation of a bird from the narrow cage of egocentricity, soaring in the boundless sky of truth. This separation is not only from material attachments but also from all forms of self-awareness, guiding the seeker towards merging with the Divine Essence.
The verse "And Allah warns you of Himself" (Quran 3:28), one of the most profound verses in the Quran, invites the seeker to exercise caution before the immensity of the Divine Essence. Nikoonam (May Allah sanctify his soul) emphasizes that the "warning" in this verse does not imply fear in the traditional sense, but rather a guidance towards the perilous nature of the Divine Essence, which surpasses human comprehension. This verse serves as a cautionary message, urging the seeker to refrain from approaching a consuming fire, not out of fear, but to prepare them for encountering an immensity that could obliterate their existence. The Divine Essence, because of its infinitude and sanctity, is a station where the seeker, unprepared, will be overwhelmed and annihilated.
Separation, after connecting to the Divine, marks a stage where the seeker attains the ultimate goal of their spiritual journey. This stage, completed through Fana fi Allah and Baqa bi Allah, leads to the perfection of divine unity (Tawhid). Nikoonam (May Allah sanctify his soul) emphasizes that this stage represents the perfection of servitude (ubudiyyah), as the seeker, in this phase, is separated from both self and creation, ultimately dissolving into the Divine Essence. In a metaphorical sense, separation is akin to a droplet merging into the vast ocean of truth, losing its individual identity in the infinite expanse. This dissolution is not annihilation but eternal subsistence in the Divine, which actualizes active divine unity (Tawhid al-Fi'li).
The term "warning" (tahdhir) in the Quran is used in various contexts. For example, in the verse "The hypocrites fear that a surah may be revealed to them that will inform them of what is in their hearts" (Quran 9:64), tahdhir refers to a warning against the exposure of secrets. However, in the verse "And Allah warns you of Himself", tahdhir denotes a caution against the immense nature of the Divine Essence. This distinction is akin to a warning about avoiding a visible danger versus an invitation to reflect on an infinite grandeur. In the context of separation, tahdhir calls the seeker to delve deeply into the understanding of the Divine Essence and to prepare for entering this critical stage.
The term "self" (nafs) is used in the Quran in a variety of meanings: soul, as in "Allah takes the souls at the time of their death" (Quran 39:42); carnal desires, as in "The soul indeed commands to evil" (Quran 12:53); heart, as in "Your Lord knows best what is in your hearts" (Quran 17:25); and essence, as in "And beware of the Day when no soul shall avail another" (Quran 2:48). In the verse under discussion, "self" refers to the Divine Essence. This multifaceted usage is akin to light manifesting in different vessels, each reflecting its own color. In the context of separation, "self" refers to the Divine Essence, a station that calls the seeker to caution, urging them to refrain from contemplation of it, as its magnitude surpasses human comprehension.
The verse "Let not the believers take disbelievers as allies instead of the believers. And whoever does that will have nothing to do with Allah, except when you fear them. And Allah warns you of Himself. And to Allah is the final return" (Quran 3:28) emphasizes the importance of preserving the faith and avoiding attachment to the enemies of Allah. The concept of "taqiyyah" (dissimulation) in this verse is an apparent exception that negates true friendship. This warning is akin to a red line, preventing the believer from forming alliances with the enemies of truth. In the context of separation, this verse reminds the seeker that any attachment to other than the Truth (al-Haqq) hinders the journey towards the Divine Essence.
In the verse "Yawm tajidu kullu nafsin ma 'amilat min khayrin muhdharan wama 'amilat min su'in tawaddu law anna baynaha wabaynahu amadan ba'idan wa yuhadhirukumullahu nafsahu wa Allahu ra'ufun bil-'ibad" (Surah Aali Imran, 3:30; translation of Fouladwand: "On the day when every soul will find what it has done of good present before it, and what it has done of evil, it will wish that there were between it and that [evil] a great distance. And Allah warns you of Himself, and Allah is kind to the servants"), divine mercy is discussed alongside a warning. Nikoonam emphasizes that the divine mercy, as *Arhamur Rahimeen*, will assume the ultimate intercession on the Day of Resurrection. This combination is like the sun, which, despite its scorching heat, grants warmth and life. The warning invites the seeker to be cautious, while divine mercy envelops him in its boundless embrace.
On the Day of Judgment, the intercession of the Prophets, the saints, and even the Holy Quran is discussed. However, the final intercession is performed by the Almighty Himself, as *Arhamur Rahimeen*. Nikoonam , referencing Dua Kumayl, states that if it were not for God's decree to fill Hell, His mercy would encompass everyone. This intercession is like a door that opens to all at the very last moment. The Truth, with His infinite mercy, does not exclude anyone from His grace, even if the seeker stands helpless in the face of His greatness.
Separation, due to confronting the majesty of Gods essence, is described as a critical stage. Nikoonam emphasizes that the ultimate goal of mysticism is the helplessness before the divine essence. At this stage, the seeker, realizing his incapacity, reaches complete annihilation in the divine essence. This helplessness is like standing before a mighty storm that pulls the seeker into itself. This danger does not signify destruction, but rather annihilation and liberation from all forms of self-conceit, thus fulfilling the perfection of monotheism.
The divine saints, such as Amir al-Muminin (a.s.) and Imam al-Sajjad (a.s.), have endured severe trials and afflictions due to entering the stage of separation. Nikoonam , citing the cries of Amir al-Muminin in the well and the weeping of Imam al-Sajjad, views these afflictions as the result of confronting the majesty of God's essence. These afflictions are like fires that purify the gold of the saints existence. By enduring these trials, they illuminate the path for other seekers and demonstrate that separation requires courage and total submission.
Entering the stage of separation and annihilation necessitates a complete parting with all attachments, including life, family, and even the self. Nikoonam stresses that the seeker must part with everything, even their honour and deeds, to enter this critical stage. This parting is like releasing a heavy burden of attachments at the foot of a towering mountain, where the seeker must become light-hearted to ascend to the summit of truth. This detachment is a necessary condition for dissolution in the divine essence.
Some trials are granted to the seeker by God as a means to draw them closer to Him. Nikoonam regards these trials as signs of divine love that guide the seeker towards the truth. Sometimes, the seeker flees from these trials, yet the Truth draws them toward Himself. These trials are like life-giving water that nurtures the soil of the seekers existence. They are not obstacles, but rather bridges to divine proximity, drawing the seeker closer to the stage of separation.
The stage of separation is a critical milestone in mystical ascension, where the seeker detaches from all worldly and personal attachments and unites with the boundless divine essence. The lessons of Nikoonam , drawing upon Quranic versesespecially "Wa yuhadhirukumullahu nafsahu"explain the grandeur and dangers of this stage. Separation, as the ultimate goal of mysticism and the perfection of servitude, culminates in the unity with God, manifesting Tawhid (monotheism) in its active form. Divine mercy, alongside the warning, guarantees the final intercession of the Truth. The divine saints, through enduring afflictions, have illuminated the path of closeness to the divine essence for seekers. This text, with its detailed analysis and preservation of all aspects, offers a comprehensive resource for Islamic mysticism researchers.
