Introduction: An Introduction to the Role of Talbs in Mystical Journey

In the mystical journey, which is akin to a voyage from the darkness of the self towards the divine light, the station of Talbs is one of the elevated stages for the seekers of truth. This station, as elucidated in the lectures of Nakonam (May his soul rest in peace) in session 624, pertains to the concealment of divine truths within the garments of worldly attributes, in order to maintain the order of the corporeal realm and guide the creation. Talbs is analogous to hiding the essence of the truth within earthly coverings so that the people, who are still incapable of perceiving pure light, can benefit from it without falling into the abyss of misguidance.

Section One: Definition and Place of Talbs in the Mystical Path

Nature of Talbs and its Station

The term "Talbs" linguistically means to cover or mix. However, in mystical terminology, it refers to a deliberate act by the seeker, wherein they present divine truths in the form of worldly attributes to prevent the creation from deviating. This station appears after the realization of the active divine attributes in the seeker: In this station, the seeker has attained such a degree of truth that, if they were to expose their essence without covering, it would lead the creation towards misguidance or confusion. Therefore, like a wise gardener, the seeker clothes the light of truth in the garment of worldly attributes so that the creation, still veiled by the corporeal realm, can benefit from it. Talbs is a mystical act that only becomes possible in the realm of unity, where the seeker has reached oneness with the divine.

Objective of Talbs: Preserving the Creation and the Order of the Corporeal Realm

The primary aim of Talbs is to preserve the integrity of the creation and the system of the corporeal realm. Through this act, the seeker prevents the adverse effects of their truth upon the creation: This social responsibility of the seeker is akin to the duty of the captain of the ship of knowledge, who is responsible for guiding the passengers from the storm of pure truth to the shore of guidance. Talbs is not an act of weakness or concealment, but rather one born out of wisdom and benevolence for the creation. In this station, the seeker is like a physician who presents the healing remedy in a sweet form to the patient to protect them from the bitterness of the truth.

Section Two: Talbs as the Concealment of Divine Truths

The Concealment of Truth in the Garment of Worldly Attributes

Talbs means covering the divine truth and expressing it in the form of worldly attributes. Instead of directly proclaiming "He is the Truth" (هو الحق), the seeker uses pronouns such as "I", "You", and "He": This act is akin to covering a blazing light in a lantern, which then releases the light in a measure according to the capacity of the viewers. With this approach, the seeker presents the truths in a form that is understandable to the creation, as though reflecting the truth in a worldly mirror so that the creation can benefit from it without being consumed by the flame of truth.

Section Three: Qur'anic Verses and Talbs

Central Verse and Analysis of its Appropriateness

The Qur'an in Surah Al-An'am refers to Talbs:

"And We certainly made what they wear, wear upon them." (Al-An'am: 9)

This verse refers to a hypothetical scenario, in which, had God sent an angel as a messenger, He would have clothed it in human form to prevent the creation from suffering. However, the text critiques that this verse is not entirely appropriate for explaining the mystical station of Talbs, as Talbs is a concrete act, not a hypothetical one: This critique reflects a precise mystical approach in selecting verses that correspond with the stations of the mystical path. Mystical Talbs is an intentional and active act performed by the seeker for the benefit of the creation, whereas the verse discusses a hypothetical scenario, thus only offering a shadow of Talbs.

Suggested Qur'anic Verses for Talbs

Two verses from Surah Al-Anfal are proposed as more fitting examples of Talbs:

"And you did not throw when you threw, but it was God who threw." (Al-Anfal: 17)

"And you did not kill them, but God killed them." (Al-Anfal: 17)

These verses clearly demonstrate Talbs, as the seemingly human actions of throwing and killing are, in truth, attributed to God. This Talbs acts as a veil, covering the divine action in the guise of human action to guide the creation towards the truth.

Section Four: Distinction Between Talbs and Similar Concepts

Distinction Between Talbs and Jabr (Coercion)

Talbs, unlike Jabr, which refers to the removal of free will, is a completely distinct concept: Talbs is an intentional and wise act performed by the seeker, done with awareness and for the welfare of creation, while Jabr contradicts free will and mystical practice. This distinction is like the difference between a captain who wisely steers a ship and a ship that, in a storm, drifts helplessly towards rocks.

Distinction Between Talbs and the Trickery of the Mystic

Talbs is also different from the trickery of the mystic. The trickery of the mystic is an act to protect their inner self from the gaze of others, while Talbs is done for the preservation of the creation and the system of the corporeal realm: The trickery of the mystic is like a shield used to protect oneself from the inquisitive eyes of the creation, while Talbs is like a bridge that the seeker builds to guide others towards the truth. Talbs is a higher station that can only be attained by those who have reached the state of unity.

Conditions for the Trickery of the Mystic

The trickery of the mystic must meet three conditions:

• It must not contradict the divine law or involve sin, as sin nullifies the mystical path.
• It should be performed by a mystic who has not yet reached full spiritual perfection, as a perfect mystic does not require trickery.
• It must not be for personal material or egoistic gain, but solely for the protection of the mystic's inner self.

These conditions act as guardians that protect the path from deviation. Any trickery that leads to sin or material gain is like a fire that burns the field of the mystical journey.

Section Five: Analysis of the Term "Rajal" in the Verse

Analysis of the Term "Rajal" in the Verse

In the verse "And We certainly made what they wear, wear upon them," the term "Rajal" is used instead of "Insan" (human): This choice of word indicates the exclusivity of prophethood for men, as women, due to their emotional and delicate nature, are not deemed suitable for authoritative roles such as prophethood, leadership, and judiciary. This analysis sheds light on the gender-specific differences in the roles assigned by divine law and mysticism. The term "Rajal" emphasizes the masculine qualities that align with these positions.

Conclusion

The chapter on Talbs, as expounded in the lectures of Nakonam (May his soul rest in peace) in session 624, is one of the elevated stages of the mystical journey. It invites the seeker to conceal divine truths in the form of worldly attributes for the purpose of preserving the creation and the system of the corporeal realm. This station, which emerges after the realization of the divine active attributes in the seeker, requires reaching the state of unity. Talbs, unlike the trickery of the mystic, which is intended for the protection of the mystics inner self, has a social and communal purpose. The verses from Surah Al-Anfal, demonstrating a concrete act of Talbs, are more appropriate for explaining this station than the verse from Al-An'am. Talbs is a wise and voluntary act that is distinct from coercion and highlights the responsibility of the mystic in guiding creation.