Introduction: The Essence of Expansion in Mystical Spirituality
In the vast realm of Islamic mysticism, Maqamat al-Sa'ireen (Stations of the Seekers), authored by Khwajah Abdullah Ansari, serves as a luminous beacon, guiding the seeker of divine knowledge. The Chapter of Expansion (Bab al-Insbat), as the final station in the ethical section of this work, presents a profound and multifaceted concept: a magnanimous opening from the Higher to the Lower, which, like a soul-refreshing breeze, leads constricted hearts towards freedom and sincerity. This concept, in both human and divine interactions, is a manifestation of love and the removal of severity, where fear and submission give way to trust and openness. However, the reference by Khwajah to the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) in the Qur'an, due to its grandeur and crisis-laden nature, seems incompatible with the definition of expansion.
Part One: Defining Expansion in Islamic Mysticism
The Definition of Expansion: An Opening in the Realm of Interactions
In both linguistic and mystical terms, Insbat (Expansion) refers to the broadening and opening of spaces in human and divine interactions. This concept, like a door ajar, creates a space where the individual, when facing the Higher, no longer fears expressing their thoughts and emotions freely. Expansion, as if forming a bridge between hearts, transforms severity and authority into love and sincerity.
Key Point: Expansion is a magnanimous opening from the Higher to the Lower, which turns fear and submission into trust and freedom of expression.
Expansion in Human Relationships: A Metaphor of Father and Child
In human relationships, expansion is akin to the behavior of a father who, with a gracious demeanor, grants his child the freedom to express whatever is on their heart, without fear of judgment or reproach. This opening prevents emotional blockage and establishes a relationship grounded in trust and affection. The father, with a kind smile, invites the child to play with his beard, turning a fearful space into one of joy and warmth. This metaphor portrays expansion as a flow from the Higher to the Lower, where the superior figure, by removing severity, creates a platform for open dialogue.
The Unidirectional Nature of Expansion
Expansion is a unidirectional flow from the Higher to the Lower. The ruler, teacher, or parent, with openness and the removal of authority, creates a space in which the lesser individual can express themselves freely, without fear of being judged. This opening, like sunlight falling on the earth, shines without expectation of the earth returning an equal reflection.
Key Point: Expansion is a unidirectional flow from the Higher to the Lower, creating a space for intimacy and ease.
Summary of Part One
Expansion, in Islamic mysticism, is a concept that explains the opening and graciousness in human and divine interactions. This concept, emphasizing a one-way flow from the Higher to the Lower, provides a secure space for free expression, eliminating the fear of authority. Human metaphors, such as the father-child relationship, beautifully depict this concept. However, explaining expansion within a divine context requires a careful examination of Qur'anic references, which will be explored in the following section.
Part Two: Critique of Khwajah's Qur'anic Reference to the Story of Moses (Peace Be Upon Him)
Khwajah's Qur'anic Reference
Khwajah Abdullah Ansari, in the Chapter of Expansion, refers to the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his conversation with Allah in the Qur'an. The relevant verses, found in Surah Al-A'raf, particularly verse 155, recount the event where seventy men from the Children of Israel were selected to meet with God and the subsequent events. However, this reference seems incompatible with the concept of expansion due to the grandeur and crisis-laden nature of the story.
"And Musa chose seventy men from his people for Our appointed time, then when the earthquake took them, he said: 'My Lord, if You had willed, You could have destroyed them before, and me as well. Would You destroy us for what the foolish among us have done? It is only Your trial. You mislead whom You will and guide whom You will. You are our protector, so forgive us and have mercy on us, and You are the best of the forgivers.'" (Translation by Fouladwand)
The Crisis in Prophet Musa's Life
This passage in the life of Prophet Musa refers to the most critical moment he faced. After the incident of the golden calf, which led to the deviation of the Children of Israel, Musa encountered multiple challenges: disputes with his brother Harun, accusations of murder, and the loss of trust among his people. These circumstances created a storm that led to his social and psychological isolation. Musa, like a ship stranded in a turbulent sea, struggled to rebuild the trust of his people and prove his righteousness.
Key Point: In this period, Musa (PBUH) was in a state of utter helplessness and isolation, as though facing the social rejection of his people.
Musa's Effort to Rebuild Trust
In an attempt to restore trust and clear his name, Musa selected seventy of the elders and leaders of the Children of Israel to accompany him to the appointed time. This choice, akin to selecting the brightest stars from the nation, was an effort to prove his direct connection with Allah and dispel doubts. However, this action did not lead to expansion, but rather resulted in a tragic outcome.
The Tragedy of the Earthquake and the Death of Seventy Men
At the appointed time, Allah sent a great earthquake, causing the death of seventy of the leaders of the Children of Israel. This event was like a thunderbolt, not only shattering Musa's hopes but also placing him in the position of being accused of the murder of these prominent figures.
"And when the earthquake took them..." (Translation by Fouladwand)
Key Point: The death of seventy leaders due to the divine earthquake intensified Musa's crisis, placing him under suspicion of their murder instead of achieving any form of expansion.
Musa's Majestic Protest to Allah
Amidst this crisis, Musa raised a majestic protest to Allah. As if like a child overwhelmed by intense pressure, he asked why this catastrophe had been attributed to him, questioning why he was placed in a position of blame. This protest, a cry from the depth of his heart, illustrates the immense psychological strain that Musa was under.
"My Lord, if You had willed, You could have destroyed them before, and me as well." (Translation by Fouladwand)
Critique of Divine Justice by Musa
Musa, with a bold and majestic tone, challenged the divine justice. He argued that the destruction of his people due to the foolish actions of some was unjust. This stance, like a sword aimed at the divine justice, reveals the depth of Musa's crisis and the absence of expansion in this narrative.
"Would You destroy us for what the foolish among us have done?" (Translation by Fouladwand)
Key Point: Musa's protest regarding the divine justice, questioning the destruction of his people for the foolishness of some, reflects the absence of expansion in this story.