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The Stages of the Spiritual Journey: Expansion in the Light of Divine Majesty

lectures of Nekooham, Session 371

Introduction

In the domain of Islamic mysticism, the state of expansion shines as a brilliant gem, revealing the mystical journey of the seeker in a state of spiritual intimacy and openness towards the Divine. This state, which is delicately explored in Maqamat al-Sairn by Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, is examined in this lecture series from the collection of talks by Nekooham, may his soul rest in peace. This particular session, titled "Maqamat No. 371" (held on 1st of October, 2011), focuses on the interpretation of the noble verse:
Will You destroy us for what the foolish among us have done? It is but Your trial. (Surah Al-A'raf: 155, ) The session critically evaluates the mystical interpretations, particularly those of Tilmisani and Kashani, and delves into the concept of expansion in relation to the Divine Majesty.

Section 1: Defining the Concept of Expansion in the Light of the Holy Qur'an

The Nature of Expansion in the Noble Verse

In the mystical context of the verse Will You destroy us for what the foolish among us have done? It is but Your trial, expansion is defined as a rejection of the collective destruction of the people due to the folly of the foolish, while attributing the tribulation solely to the Divine wisdom, and not to Samiri (the leader of the rebellious). This perspective, as a gentle breeze enveloping Divine grace, shows Moses (peace be upon him) in a state of reverence and knowledge, avoiding the attribution of destruction to the foolish and instead turning the trial back to the Divine will. This definition portrays expansion as a mystical state in which the seeker, through understanding the wisdom of Divine trials, attains spiritual openness.
Key Insight: Expansion, like a flower blossoming in the garden of knowledge, flourishes in reverence and understanding of Divine wisdom. It does not attribute destruction to the foolish, nor does it separate tribulation from the Divine will.

The Complexity and Difficulty of the State of Expansion

The discussion of expansion is like a rugged path through the mountains of knowledge, full of interpretive obstacles that require skill and precision on the part of the seeker. Mystics, with caution in their expression, have avoided delving too deeply into meanings or creating misunderstandings. This caution stems from a sensitivity to maintaining respect before the Divine. However, it has sometimes led to complexity and ambiguity in mystical interpretations. The lecture, using the metaphor of inexperienced drivers navigating winding roads, emphasizes that interpreters lacking sufficient skill in analyzing expansion often make errors. The seeker, like a professional driver, must pass through these obstacles with insight and discernment.

Historical Background of Interpretations of Expansion

The book Maqamat al-Sairn by Kashani, which is derived from the Tilmisani commentary on the work of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, includes additions and modifications that have sometimes led to complexity or error. The lecture refers to the interpretive challenges faced by Khwaja, Tilmisani, and Kashani, pointing out that these issues have remained unresolved over centuries (hundreds or even five hundred years). This ongoing problem indicates the need for scholarly and precise revision of mystical interpretations. Although Tilmisani was a strong student, and Kashani, in turn, organized his work based on Tilmisani's teachings, both faced difficulties in accurately explaining the concept of expansion.

Section 2: Critique of Mystical Interpretations of Expansion

Critique of Tilmisani's Viewpoint

Tilmisani, referring to the noble verse, asserts that its apparent meaning indicates the expansion of Moses (peace be upon him): "The apparent meaning of the verse implies the expansion of the speaker." He interprets expansion in the words of Moses when he says, It is but Your trial. However, this view is critiqued in the lecture, as Moses' actions, including killing seventy people from his people and his harsh dealings with Aaron and Samiri, are inconsistent with the concept of mystical expansion. Such behavior, akin to a storm of majesty, lacks the spiritual intimacy and openness of expansion. Tilmisani, by interpreting the verse, distances himself from the apparent meaning of the text and has thus made an error.
Key Insight: Expansion, like a light emanating from intimacy with the Beloved, is not found in the majestic actions of Moses; Tilmisani's interpretation contradicts the verse's apparent meaning.

Divine Majesty in Response to Moses

In response to the majestic behaviour of Moses (peace be upon him), God manifested His own majesty, causing the death of seventy of His people. This act of divine punishment is understood by the discourse as a sign of God's majesty, which was applied in response to the severity of Moses actions. This event, akin to a mirror reflecting divine majesty, negates the possibility of expansion in this verse. Through this act, God placed Moses in the face of a great torment to remind him of the sanctity of His servants.

The Punishment of Moses

The discourse describes Moses (peace be upon him) after the death of his people as being on the verge of collapse, overwhelmed by the weight of the situation. This condition was the result of his demand for justice and his own majestic actions, which led to Gods punishment of his people. When Moses (peace be upon him) exclaimed, "Would You destroy us for what the fools among us have done?" he mistakenly believed that the fools were the cause of the calamity, whereas he himself, through his negligence of his people, had set the stage for this tribulation. This punishment serves as a lesson for the seeker, warning them to refrain from challenging God's will.

Section Five: The Sanctity of God's Servants and the Avoidance of Harshness

The Sanctity of All Servants, Including the Disbelievers

God, like a gardener who guards His saplings, protects the sanctity of His servants, even the disbelievers, and does not overlook their transgressions. The discourse, emphasising God's zeal, encourages the seeker to exercise caution when dealing with God's servants. God defends even the most wicked of His creatures, such as Satan and Shimr, because of the sanctity inherent in their creation. This principle calls the seeker to treat all servants, regardless of their righteousness or wickedness, with respect and dignity.

Key Point: The sanctity of God's servants, like a precious gem in God's treasure, even extends to the disbelievers; the seeker must be polite and considerate to avoid God's wrath.

Avoiding Direct Curses

The discourse, referencing the noble verse "Say, 'I seek refuge with Allah from the whisperings of the devils'" (Qur'an, Surah An-Nas: 2), emphasises the importance of avoiding direct curses upon oppressors. Instead of saying "Curse upon Yazid," one should say "May Allah's curse be upon the wrongdoers," thus preventing direct confrontation with God's servants and avoiding provoking God's zeal. This polite expression helps protect the seeker from God's anger.

The Consequences of Harshness by Prophets

Prophets who were harsh with their communities, such as Moses (peace be upon him) and Jonah (peace be upon him), faced difficulties as a result. The discourse, referencing Moses (peace be upon him), who weakened his people, Aaron, and Samiri, and Jonah (peace be upon him), who turned away from his people, regards harshness as a factor leading to the tribulations faced by the prophets. This teaches the seeker the importance of gentleness and kindness when dealing with others. Jesus (peace be upon him), by saying "If You forgive them, and if You punish them," refrained from intervening in the fate of God's servants, setting an example for the seeker.

The Story of Nader Qoli

The discourse, illustrating the story of Nader Qoli, who blinded his son and later regretted it, highlights the consequences of harshness. Nader, by ordering his son's blinding and then blaming the executioner, found himself trapped in a cycle of regret. This story, like a mirror, warns the seeker that harshness, even when in a position of power, leads to punishment and remorse.

Section Six: Expansion in the Conduct of the Infallibles

The Expansion of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him)

Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him), like the sun shining with majesty in public and beauty in private, was playful and affectionate in his home, showing kindness and generosity to God's servants. The discourse, describing this expansion, presents him as a role model for the seeker who, while embodying authority, draws near to God's servants with warmth and affection. This behaviour exemplifies true expansion that originates from divine knowledge and grace.

Key Point: The expansion of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him), like a breeze that spreads love in the home, serves as a model for the seeker in developing closeness and ease with God's servants.

The Forgiveness of Imam Husayn (peace be upon him)

Imam Husayn (peace be upon him), with his unparalleled grace, might even forgive Shimr, as he forgave Harb. The discourse, referencing Imam Husayn's forgiveness of Harb, emphasises that his grace invites the seeker to forgive and show leniency, even towards oppressors. This forgiveness, like pure water, cleanses the soul from rancour and leads to spiritual expansion.

The Perspective of Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her)

Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her), upon saying "I saw nothing but beauty," viewed the calamity of Karbala as a divine blessing. The discourse presents this perspective as the pinnacle of spiritual expansion, wherein the seeker sees even suffering as beautiful through the lens of divine wisdom. This knowledge leads the seeker to surrender and accept divine will.

The Story of Karbala

The tragedy of Karbala was the result of Amir al-Muminin's (peace be upon him) sword in defense of the faith. The discourse, viewing Karbala from this perspective, sees it as a profound connection with the actions of the infallibles in their pursuit of truth. This connection demonstrates divine wisdom in the trials of God's servants and calls the seeker to reflect upon the consequences of their actions.

Section Seven: Critique of Superstitions and Preparation for the Appearance of the Imam

Critique of Superstitions Concerning Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance)

The discourse critiques the fabricated narrations about Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), such as those claiming widespread killings and the grinding of blood. These superstitions, like dust that obscures the truth, present a false image of the justice and grace of the Imam. Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), with his appearance, will mature minds and end disputes: "God gathers the minds of His servants." This wisdom leads to peace and coexistence, not violence and vengeance.

Key Point: The appearance of Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) is like the sunrise of rationality, dispelling superstitions and establishing peace through wisdom and grace, not through bloodshed.

Calamities Before the Appearance

The discourse, referencing the calamities before the appearance, stresses the necessity of purifying society from impurities. These calamities, like water that washes away dirt, prepare the way for the appearance of Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance). This purification preserves the Imam's dignity and prevents his involvement with the wicked.

Critique of Laziness and the Superstitions of Invocation

The belief in things becoming easy through mere invocations is a superstition that leads to laziness and passivity. The discourse, using the metaphor of a baker who does not rely solely on invocations, critiques this belief. These superstitions, like a shadow that covers effort, weaken responsibility and action. The seeker must strive through effort and deeds in service of the faith and society.

Section Eight: The Study of Wisdom and Knowledge

The Story of Imam

The discourse, recounting the method of testing used by Imam , who avoided causing hardship to students, highlights the importance of fairness in assessment. Imam, after hearing a students recitation and saying "Accepted," would relieve the pressure on them, allowing their abilities to emerge. This method, like a breeze bringing peace, serves as a model for teaching and ethics.

Key Point: Imam 's method of fair testing, like a clear mirror, showcases fairness and kindness in education and judgment.

The Necessity of Preserving the Authenticity of Quranic Texts

Manipulating Qur'anic verses, such as changing "fitnah" to "ikhtibar" or "tudhill" to "tuzhir," is akin to altering a legal document and undermines the credibility of the Qur'an. The discourse, with the metaphor of a document that loses its validity due to a single mistake, stresses the importance of preserving the authenticity of the Qur'anic verses. These verses, like a divine treasure, must be protected from distortion and unfounded interpretations.

Section Nine: Conclusion and Future Perspectives

The station of expansion in the stages of the wayfarers is like a brilliant gem in the treasure of Islamic mysticism, calling the seeker to closeness and openness with the Beloved. This discourse, focusing on the noble verse "Would You destroy us for what the fools among us have done? It is but a trial from You," critiques the interpretations of Tilmsan and Kashn and stresses the necessity of preserving the authenticity of the Qur'anic text. The majestic actions of Moses (peace be upon him) and the divine majesty manifested in the destruction of his people negated expansion in that event, yet the expansion in the conduct of the Infallibles, especially Amir al-Muminin and Imam Husayn (peace be upon them), presents a radiant example for the seeker. The distinction between trials, tests, and afflictions, as well as the sanctity of God's servants, invites the seeker to knowledge, politeness, and dignity.

With the supervision of Sadeq Khadami