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The Stages of the Wayfarers: The Separation from the Divine and the Guidance of Creation

the Lectures of (May His Soul Rest in Peace) Session 639

Introduction: Elucidating the Stage of Separation from the Divine in Mystical Journey

The stage of Tafrid an al-Haqq (separation from the Divine) represents one of the most elevated levels of spiritual progression in the path of the wayfarer. It is a station that leads the mystic to the ultimate goal of guiding creation towards the Divine. This station, which is characterized by outward expansiveness in the invitation to God and inner contraction towards all that is other than Him, manifests the full expression of monotheism (Tawhid) and sincerity (Ikhlas) in the soul of the wayfarer. This stage is grounded in the verse of the Holy Qur'an:

"Say: This is my way; I call to God, with insight, I and those who follow me. Glory be to God, and I am not of the polytheists." (Joseph 12:108) Translation by Professor emphasizes the importance of insight, sincerity, and expansiveness in guiding others to the Divine.

Section One: The Concept of Separation from the Divine and the External Expansiveness

Definition of Separation from the Divine (Tafrid an al-Haqq)

Tafrid an al-Haqq is a mystical state wherein the wayfarer, through complete outward expansiveness in guiding creation towards the Divine, is freed from any reference to what is other than the Divine. This outward expansiveness, accompanied by an inner contraction away from all that is not Divine, transforms the mystic into a true channel of Divine guidance. In this state, all the speech and actions of the mystic are for God and from God, as illustrated by the verse:

"Say: This is my way; I call to God, with insight, I and those who follow me..."

Tafrid an al-Haqq is likened to the opening of a portal to Divine light, inviting creation towards the truth.

Key Point: Tafrid an al-Haqq is an outward expansiveness in guiding others towards God, which entails an inner, pure contraction towards anything other than the Divine.

The Relationship Between Expansion and Contraction in Separation from the Divine

Expansion (the outward invitation towards creation) is a result of contraction (the closing of the heart to all that is not Divine). Through complete contraction towards what is not the Divine, the wayfarer attains the station of monotheism, which then guides them towards complete expansiveness in guiding creation. Contraction is like the closing of the hearts windows to the external world, while expansion is the opening of the selfs doors to creation, inviting them to the truth. Without inner contraction, outward expansion is impossible, as any attachment to other than the Divine would render the guidance incomplete.

The Role of God in the Contraction and Expansion of the Wayfarer

In the stage of Tafrid an al-Haqq, God is the primary agent in the contraction and expansion of the wayfarer. God withdraws the wayfarer's attention from all that is other than Him and subsequently expands them in the guidance of creation. This process aligns with the concept of the wayfarer as a mercy to the worlds, as expressed in the Quran:

"And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds." (Prophets 21:107)

As a gardener removes pests from the tree, God purifies the wayfarers heart from the pests of attachment to other than the Divine, preparing them to bear fruit for creation.

Key Point: God is the principal agent in both the contraction and expansion of the wayfarer; He closes the wayfarers heart to what is not Divine and opens their being to guide creation.

Section Two: The Stages of Separation and the Spiritual Journey

The Three Stages of Separation

Separation is described in three stages: Ilah al-Haqq (towards the Divine), Bil-Haqq (by the Divine), and An al-Haqq (from the Divine). In the first two stages (Ilah al-Haqq and Bil-Haqq), the wayfarer works on eliminating imperfections and acquiring true perfections. The wayfarer adorns themselves with Divine qualities and, in a sense, prepares for the ultimate readiness to guide others. However, in the third stage (An al-Haqq), the wayfarer is freed from selfhood and reaches the station of guiding creation. This stage is akin to the highest flight, where the wayfarer sees nothing but the Divine and acts only for the Divine.

The Third and Fourth Stages: Creation and Guidance

In the third stage, the wayfarer attains the quality of Khalaqiyyah (being with creation) and becomes an active guide. They begin calling creation to the truth amidst them. In the fourth stage, which is the completion of this station, the wayfarer becomes a mercy to the worlds (Rahmat lil-Aalameen), expanding fully to guide even the misguided towards the Divine. This stage aligns with the mission of the Prophets, who not only invited the believers but also the misguided to the truth. In this stage, the wayfarer is like the sun, whose light shines upon all, both the righteous and the unrighteous.

Key Point: In the third and fourth stages, the wayfarer attains creation and, with full expansiveness, guides even the misguided towards the Divine.

Section Three: Insight and Sincerity in Guidance

The Role of Insight in Guiding Creation

Guiding creation in the station of Tafrid an al-Haqq requires insight. The verse:

"Say: This is my way; I call to God, with insight, I and those who follow me..."

emphasizes that guidance must be conducted with complete awareness and insight. Insight is the result of inner contraction and liberation from polytheism, purifying the wayfarer from any self-centeredness or desire in guiding others. Insight is like a lamp, illuminating the path of guidance for both the wayfarer and creation.

Freedom from Polytheism in Guidance

In the station of Tafrid an al-Haqq, the wayfarer must be free from all forms of polytheism, even subtle forms of it. The Qur'anic verse emphasizing:

"And I am not of the polytheists,"

shows that if a guide has any form of desire or self-interest in their guidance, their guidance will be incomplete and ineffective. The Prophets, by stating, "My reward is only with God," disassociated themselves from any desire in guiding creation. This sincerity is like a crystal-clear stream that leads creation to the ocean of truth.

Key Point: Guiding creation requires both insight and sincerity; the guide must be free from any form of polytheism or desire, so that their guidance may be effective.
Guidance Without Selfishness or Pretense

Guidance without Greed or Hypocrisy

Section 1: The Journeyers Pure and Selfless Guidance

The traveller, in this state, guides creation towards the Divine with complete openness, free from any desire or hypocrisy. His guidance, whether through knowledge, state, or vision, is solely for the sake of God. This purity stems from his inner detachment from all things other than the Divine, which cleanses him from any form of pretension or self-display. The guidance of the traveller is like a breeze that carries the fragrance of the Divine to the creation, without any trace of egoism.

Section 2: The Awliya (Saints) and the Constant Remembrance of God

Due to their perfect inner detachment, the Awliya of God are constantly in remembrance of the Divine. This subtle, constant remembrance protects them from forgetfulness even while interacting with creation. Even in sleep, their remembrance continues, as their hearts remain connected to the Divine. This quality signifies the station of 'Baqa' after 'Fana', wherein the traveller, outwardly among creation, is inwardly with the Divine. The remembrance of the Awliya is like an unbroken flow that never ceases, even during the most difficult moments.

Key Point: The Awliya of God are always in subtle remembrance, even during sleep and interactions with creation, preventing them from falling into forgetfulness.

Section 3: "Outwardly with Creation, Inwardly with the Divine"

The traveller in this state is outwardly with creation, but inwardly with the Divine. While speaking to creation, he remembers the Divine, and while engaged in remembrance, he is not neglectful of creation. This balance between the outward and the inward is the result of his complete inner detachment and expansion, making him a manifestation of Divine guidance. The traveller is like a mirror that reflects the light of the Divine to creation without his own self being reflected in it.

Section 4: The Difference Between Prophets and the Degrees of Guidance

The difference between the Prophets in their stations of excellence is due to the variation in their levels of inner detachment and expansion. The more perfect a Prophets inner detachment from anything other than the Divine, the greater his expansion in guiding creation. This difference is manifest in the scriptures given to the Prophets, including the Scrolls, Psalms, Torah, Gospel, and Qur'an. The Holy Qur'an, as the most complete book of guidance, is the result of the perfect expansion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in guiding creation. This difference is like the branches of a tree, each one receiving the light of the Divine according to its capacity.

Key Point: The difference between the Prophets in the degrees of guidance is ir inner detachment and expansion in the Oneness of God; the more complete the detachment, the greater the expansion.

Section 5: The Prophetic Guidance and the Absence of Greed

The Prophets, with their emphasis on the verse Say, This is my way; I invite to God with insight, I and those who follow me, absolve themselves of any selfish desire in guiding creation. This purity transforms them into unparalleled guides who call even the misguided towards the Divine. The guidance of the Prophets is like rain that falls upon the earth, without expecting any reward from creation.

Section 6: Guidance and Forgetfulness in the World

The lesson points to human forgetfulness in the face of death, where sometimes, even at the moment of death, a person may think they are still asleep. In contrast, animals such as crows and sparrows, whose remembrance is linked to their nature, do not die in forgetfulness, and their death is not concealed. If a person possesses inner detachment, they can recognise the moment of death and free themselves from forgetfulness. This analogy acts as a mirror, revealing the human forgetfulness in the face of the truth of death.

Section 7: Guidance and Freedom from Forgetfulness

Guiding creation requires freedom from forgetfulness. The traveller, through his inner detachment, frees himself from forgetfulness and invites creation towards awakening. This awakening is the result of the constant connection to the Divine and the perpetual remembrance, which protects the traveller from any lapse in guidance. Guidance is like a cry that awakens creation from the slumber of forgetfulness.

Conclusion

The station of Tafreed an al-Haqq in the stages of the traveller is a place where the traveller reaches the station of guiding creation towards the Divine. This station is the result of perfect inner detachment from all that is other than the Divine and outward expansion in calling towards the Divine. The traveller, with insight and sincerity, guides creation to God without any selfish desire or ego. The reference to the verse Say, This is my way; I invite to God with insight, I and those who follow me highlights the importance of insight and freedom from polytheism in guiding. This text, through its precise explanation of the concepts of detachment, expansion, and guidance, illuminates the mystical path for seekers of truth and clarifies the role of the Awliya in calling towards the Divine.

Final Note: With sincere observation of the divine attributes and guidance, the Awliya' illuminate the path to the Divine, transcending self and ego in their perpetual remembrance of God.
With sincere regard, Sadiq Khadami