The state of union (Maqm al-Jam') represents one of the highest spiritual stations in the journey towards divine knowledge, guiding the seeker towards an ontological unity between their own actions and the actions of God. This state, which holds a significant position in the spiritual journey outlined in the Manzil al-S'irn (The Stages of the Wayfarer) of Khwja Abdullah Ansr, addresses the dissolution of the separation between the created and the Creator. It elevates the seeker to a station where they perceive all their actions, qualities, and essence as reflections of the Divine. In this state, the seeker transcends dualities, viewing the world as a manifestation of God's light, as if every act and movement is but a reflection of the infinite will of the Almighty. In the lecture series of session 642, delivered by , this mystical state is elucidated through the Qur'anic verse: وَمَا رَمَيْتَ إِذْ رَمَيْتَ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ رَمَىٰ (Srat al-Anfl, 8:17). The translation of this verse, as provided by Fouldwand, reads: "And you [O Prophet] did not throw when you threw, but rather God threw." This verse has been used as the Qur'anic basis for explaining the state of union. However, a detailed examination of the context of this verse and its benevolent nature raises questions regarding its alignment with the state of union.
The Gate of Union is a station where the seeker attains ontological unity between their own actions and those of the Divine. Contrary to apparent interpretations that regard human actions as independent of God's will, this station views all actions as manifestations of God's actions. In this perspective, the seekers efforts, which may be accompanied by sweat and spiritual toil, are not negated but are affirmed as expressions of the Divine act. Each movement and effort is akin to a wave emerging from the vast ocean of Gods will, only to return to it.
In the lecture, the verse وَمَا رَمَيْتَ إِذْ رَمَيْتَ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ رَمَىٰ is used as the Qur'anic basis for explaining the state of union. This verse, revealed during the Battle of Badr, refers to the action of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) throwing pebbles at the enemy. It indicates that this outward action is ultimately attributed to the Divine will, and the great victory of the Muslims is not credited to the Prophets effort, but to the infinite power of God. However, the benevolent nature of this verse, which emphasizes divine grace without focusing on the servants effort, raises questions regarding its compatibility with the state of union. Key Insight: The verse *وَمَا رَمَيْتَ إِذْ رَمَيْتَ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ رَمَىٰ*, due to its benevolent nature and negation of the independence of the servants actions, faces challenges in aligning with the concept of the Gate of Union, which emphasizes the ontological unity of the servant's actions and God's actions.
One of the most prominent characteristics of the state of union is the dissolution of duality. The seeker, in this state, removes the separation between the created and the Creator and no longer perceives themselves as separate from the Divine action. This dissolution of duality is akin to the disappearance of a shadow before the sunlight, resulting in the removal of any distance between the seeker and God. In this station, the seekers hand, eye, and all their attributes are perceived as manifestations of Gods action. It is as if the seeker, in the mirror of their own existence, sees nothing but the infinite light of the Divine.
Spiritual stability (Tamkn) is a key component of the state of union, referring to the establishment of the seeker in this station. In this state, the seeker does not lose their own identity, but rather, in observing the Divine, maintains their existence as a manifestation of the Divine. This stability is akin to a tree standing firm against the storm of Divine truth, deeply rooted within it. The seeker, in this station, not only sees the Divine but also sees themselves as a reflection of the Divine, without falling into complete annihilation. Key Insight: Spiritual stability and inner power lead the seeker to maintain a balance between annihilation and survival, perceiving themselves as a manifestation of the Divine.
Certain mystical viewpoints, which regard the world as mere illusion or of little value, are incompatible with the station of Jam' (the Unity of Creation). At this station, the mystic perceives creation as a reflection of the Divine, and does not reject it. This view is akin to contemplating the waves of the sea as an expression of the ocean. Creation, in the light of the Divine, is seen as valuable. Denying creation equates to denying the Divine manifestation, whereas in the station of Jam', creation is observed as a mirror reflecting the Divine Truth. This critique highlights the importance of balance in mysticism. At the station of Jam', the mystic neither sees creation as independent of the Divine, nor does he entirely negate it. It is as though the mystic, like a painter, views only the divine hues on the canvas of creation, without denying the existence of the canvas itself.
The station of Jam' refers to the perception of the Divine in conjunction with creation, while Jam' al-Jam' pertains to the direct perception of the Divine alone, without the consideration of creation. However, Jam' al-Jam' does not involve the negation of creation, but rather the perception of creation as the very essence of the Divine. At this station, the mystic, like a mariner submerged in the ocean of unity, perceives the waves of creation solely as a manifestation of the ocean of the Divine. The distinction between these two stations lies in the depth of unity. In Jam', the mystic sees the Divine and creation together, whereas in Jam' al-Jam', creation is viewed solely as a manifestation of the Divine, without any independent existence. This station is like the peak of a mountain, from which the mystic perceives only the boundless Divine Light, without any trace of division remaining.
The station of Bab al-Jam', one of the highest mystical stations, guides the mystic toward unity between their own actions and the Divine Will. This station, as elaborated in the lectures of Nakounam (may his soul rest in peace) verse "And you did not throw when you threw, but it was Allah who threw," addresses the dissolution of division between creation and the Divine and leads the mystic to a level where they perceive all their actions, attributes, and essence reflected in the Divine Light. However, the challenging nature of this verse, given its implied gratitude, has raised issues in aligning it with the station of Jam', which can be resolved through an emphasis on the unity of the subject of the throwing. The effects of this station include the dissolution of separation, cessation of pointing (or directing attention elsewhere), submission, and liberation from the diseases of the soul. The mystic at this level attains a pure heart, which, like a clear mirror, reflects only the Divine Light. This station not only refrains from negating creation but considers it as a valuable manifestation of the Divine, leading the mystic toward equilibrium between annihilation and subsistence.
