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Expansion: The Liberation of Nature in the Light of Loyalty and Generosity

of Nokoonam, may his soul rest in peace (Session 372)

Preface

The present work is an academic and specialised rewriting of the lecture from Session 372 of the *Maqamat al-Sairin* (The Stations of the Wayfarers) delivered by Nokoonam, may his soul rest in peace, on the 2nd of Dey, 1390 (Persian calendar), focusing on the redefinition of the concept of *Inbisat* (Expansion) as one of the stations of character traits in spiritual ascension. This section critiques traditional interpretations by Sharh and Tlemsani, elevating *Inbisat* from a simplistic notion to a rational and knowledge-based virtue.

Section One: Contextualization and Critique of Traditional Interpretations of Inbisat

Introduction and Spiritual Context of the Discussion

The lecture begins with the noble phrase: Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim (In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful), which creates a spiritual and divine atmosphere for the discussion. This common practice in Islamic texts directs the hearts towards divine knowledge. The text then critiques the traditional interpretations of *Inbisat*, particularly by Sharh and Tlemsani. *Inbisat*, as a state of inner liberation and expansion in behaviour, requires a precise definition free from misinterpretations. The lecture, with a critical tone, emphasises that Sharh and Tlemsani incorrectly associate *Inbisat* with concepts such as the denial of collective destruction or the attribution of trials to God. These interpretations not only do not align with the essence of *Inbisat*, but they also incline towards grandeur and severity. *Inbisat*, like a breeze, blows through an atmosphere of trust and generosity, not a storm arising from anger and protest.

Key Point: *Inbisat* is a state of inner liberation and expansion in behaviour, which is incompatible with the traditional interpretations of Sharh and Tlemsani, which are based on grandeur and protest.

Section Two: Referencing the Quran and Analysing the Noble Verse

The Noble Verse and the Reaction of Prophet Musa (AS)

The lecture references verse 155 from Surah Al-A'raf: Wa ikhtara Musa qawmahoo sab'ina rajulan limiqatina, falamma akhazathumu ar-rajfatu qala: Rabbi law shi'ta ahlaktahum min qablu wa iyyaya, atuhlikuna bima fa'ala as-sufahaa'u minna, in hiya illa fitnatuka tudillu biha man tasha'u wa tahdi man tasha'u, anta waliyyuna faghfir lana wa rahmanna wa anta khayru al-ghafirina (And Musa chose seventy men from his people for our appointed time, but when the earthquake seized them, he said: "My Lord, if You had willed, You could have destroyed them before this, and me as well. Will You destroy us for what the foolish among us have done? This is only Your trial; You lead astray 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) This verse reveals the reaction of Prophet Musa (AS) to the destruction of seventy men from his people. The lecture argues that this reaction is one of grandeur and is a consequence of social pressures and estrangement, not *Inbisat*. Musa (AS), by protesting to God, questions why the wise are destroyed because of the actions of the foolish. This protest is more like a cry from the depths of estrangement and suffering, rather than an opening born of assurance and generosity.

Key Point: Verse 155 of Surah Al-A'raf demonstrates Prophet Musa's (AS) reaction, which is of grandeur and is inconsistent with *Inbisat*, indicating estrangement and pressure.

Section Three: Redefining Inbisat and Its Distinction from Grandeur

Definition of Inbisat

The lecture defines *Inbisat* as *Irsaalu as-Sajiyah* (the release of nature), where an individual acts freely, unafraid and without reservation, according to their authentic nature. This state is illustrated by the behaviour of a child in the presence of their father, such as playing with his beard or hat. *Inbisat* occurs when, from above, a green light is shown and the person, in an atmosphere of trust and generosity, releases their natural self. This definition presents *Inbisat* as a mystical and human virtue accompanied by openness and trust. *Inbisat* is like a bird soaring in the skies of loyalty and generosity, spreading its wings and flying freely. This virtue is fundamentally different from grandeur, which signifies intensity and firmness.

Key Point: *Inbisat* is the release of ones authentic nature in an atmosphere of trust and generosity, akin to the free behaviour of a child in the presence of their father.

Section Four: Critique of the Sharh's Interpretation and Distinction Between Irsaal and Ihamal

Interpretation of Inbisat by Sharh

Sharh defines *Inbisat* as *Ihmaal al-Tabi'ah bihalaaha 'ala khalqiha al-jabilliyyi min ghayri takalluf fi ri'ayat al-adab* (the neglect of nature as it is, without effort to observe etiquette). The lecture rejects this definition as incorrect, since neglect means carelessness and lack of attention, whereas *Irsaal* refers to a deliberate and conscious release of nature. This critique emphasises the semantic differences between *Irsaal* and *Ihmaal*. *Irsaal* is like releasing a kite that is guided by a cord of trust, while *Ihmaal* is like letting it go aimlessly and carelessly. Sharh's interpretation reduces *Inbisat* to an uninformed and negligent state, devoid of knowledge and awareness.

Key Point: *Inbisat* is the conscious release of nature (Irsaal), not neglect or carelessness (Ihmaal), contrary to Sharh's interpretation.

Fifth Section: The Role of Nature and Instinct in Expansion

Movement with Instinct

The lesson defines expansion as السَّيْرُ مَعَ ٱلْجَبَلَّةِ (acting according to ones instinct), emphasizing that each individual acts ir inherent nature, without consideration for prestige or formalities. This definition is illustrated with an analogy of the different behaviors of children in the presence of their father, such as throwing off their cloak or covering it. Every person, in alignment with their nature, behaves in the realm of expansion. This perspective introduces expansion as a virtue that is both inherent and natural, wherein the individual is freed from social and external constraints and is in harmony with their intrinsic disposition. Expansion, like a river, flows towards the source of its own nature, without the stones of prestige or formalities blocking its path.

Key Point: Expansion is behavior based on one's instinct and true nature, free from the constraints of prestige and formality.

Diversity of Nature in Humans

The lesson, by referencing the natural differences among individuals, emphasizes that expansion allows each person to act in accordance with their own nature. This diversity is also visible in families and cultures. For instance, one family might enjoy a movie outing, while another delights in simple home laughter. These differences reflect the authenticity of expansion, which harmonizes with each individuals nature. Expansion is, as if a garden where each flower blooms in the color and fragrance of its own nature.

Key Point: Expansion respects the diversity of human nature and liberates each individual according to their instinct.

Sixth Section: Critique of the Interpretation of Fitnah and its Attribution to God

Interpretation of Fitnah by the Commentator and Tlemsani

The commentator reduces fitnah to an examination (اختبار), while Tlemsani interprets it as *تَظْهَرُ* (manifestation). The lesson considers these interpretations incorrect, describing fitnah as a profound challenge, sometimes misleading. The attribution of fitnah to God by Moses (AS) is not out of respect, but out of severity and grandeur. This critique emphasizes the importance of precision in interpreting Quranic terms. Fitnah is like a whirlpool that pulls one into difficult trials, not just a simple test or the revelation of truth. Moses (AS) objection signifies pressure and isolation, not expansion or relief.

Key Point: Fitnah is a deep and misleading challenge, not merely a test or manifestation, and its attribution to God is one of grandeur.

Critique of the Etiquette in the Attribution of Fitnah

The commentator regards the attribution of fitnah to God as a sign of etiquette, while the lesson views it as a sign of grandeur and objection. Moses (AS), by saying *إِنْ هِيَ إِلَّا فِتْنَتُكَ* (It is nothing but Your trial), refers to God not out of respect, but from intense suffering and alienation. This perspective sees expansion as devoid of intensity and objection. Expansion is, like a smile that blossoms in an atmosphere of generosity and loyalty, not a cry arising from pain.

Key Point: The attribution of fitnah to God by Moses (AS) is from severity and grandeur, not etiquette, and is incompatible with expansion.

Seventh Section: Qushayris Poetry and the Literary Explanation of Expansion

Poetry and the Meaning of Expansion

The lesson refers to a poem by Qushayri: فِيَّ ٱنْقِبَاضٌ وَحَشْمَةٌ ۖ فَإِذَا صَادَفْتُ أَهْلَ ٱلْوَفَآءِ وَٱلْكَرَمِ ۖ أَرْسَلْتُ نَفْسِي عَلَىٰ سَجِيِّتِهَا ۖ وَقُلْتُ مَا قُلْتُ غَيْرَ مُحْتَشِّمٍ (Translation: In me is restraint and decorum, but when I meet those of loyalty and generosity, I let my soul follow its nature and speak without restraint). This poem elucidates expansion as the release of ones nature in the presence of the loyal and generous. The poet, with a nature of restraint, opens up in the company of the generous, speaking without decorum. This definition portrays expansion as an interactive virtue based on trust. The poem is like a melody describing the opening of the heart in the shade of generosity and loyalty.

Key Point: Qushayris poetry portrays expansion as the release of ones nature in the presence of loyalty and generosity, emphasizing trust and openness.

Critique of the Commentator in Light of Poetry

The lesson, with scholarly wit, critiques the commentator for overlooking the beauty of Qushayris poem and misinterpreting expansion. The poem delicately links expansion with a green light from above (loyalty and generosity), whereas the commentator, by reducing expansion to negligence, misses this truth. Expansion is like a flower that blooms in the garden of loyalty, not a weed that grows in neglect.

Key Point: The commentator, by disregarding the beauty of Qushayris poetry and reducing expansion to negligence, has strayed from the true essence of this virtue.

Eighth Section: Critique of Misguided Social Behaviors Under the Name of Expansion

Behaviors of the Ninth of Rabi' al-Awwal

The lesson, with a critical tone, addresses wrongful behaviors during certain ceremonies, such as the ninth of Rabi' al-Awwal, where under the guise of expansion, immoral and divisive actions were justified. These behaviors, such as covering a donkey with a hat and tie or mocking scholars, were justified by invoking the idea of lifting the pen. These actions are like a veil of hypocrisy that hides the true nature of expansion.

Key Point: Unethical behaviors on the ninth of Rabi' al-Awwal, under the guise of expansion, are incompatible with the true essence of this virtue and are divisive.

Critique of the Misuse of the Lifting of the Pen Concept

The lesson also addresses the misuse of the concept of lifting the pen during the ninth of Rabi' al-Awwal, which led to the justification of unlawful and immoral acts. This misunderstanding, based on fabricated hadiths, declared three days for any permissible action, thus fostering corruption and division. True expansion, like a light that shines with ethics and unity, is not darkness associated with corruption and hypocrisy.

Key Point: The misuse of the lifting of the pen on the ninth of Rabi' al-Awwal, by justifying unlawful actions, has reduced expansion to corruption and division.

Ninth Section: The Role of Colonialism in Distorting Expansion

The Impact of Colonialism on Social Behaviors

The lesson attributes certain wrongful behaviors to colonial influence, which aimed to sow division between Shi'a and Sunni Muslims. Such actions, like those seen during the ninth of Rabi' al-Awwal, promoted passivity and corruption, weakening Islamic unity. Colonialism, like a serpent, strikes the body of the Islamic ummah with the poison of division.

Key Point: Colonialism, by distorting expansion and promoting divisive behaviors, weakened Islamic unity.

Historical Critique of the Ninth of Rabi' al-Awwal Ceremony

The lesson, referencing examples from the ninth of Rabi' al-Awwal ceremonies, such as immoral displays and mockery, attributes these actions to colonialism. These behaviors, by misusing religious concepts, have led to corruption and division. True expansion is associated with dignity and unity, not mockery and hypocrisy. This view regards expansion as a star shining in the sky of unity.

Key Point: The ninth of Rabi' al-Awwal ceremonies, influenced by colonialism, reduced expansion to mockery and corruption, thus tarnishing Islamic unity.

Tenth Section: Conclusion and Redefinition of Expansion

Final Definition of Expansion

The lesson redefines expansion as the liberation of one's nature in the presence of the loyal and generous. This virtue is realized through the green light from above, signifying trust and openness. Qushayris poem elegantly elucidates this concept, linking expansion to an interaction of generosity. Expansion is like a mirror reflecting the true nature of humanity in the light of loyalty and generosity.

Key Point: Expansion is the release of one's nature in the presence of loyalty and generosity, achieved through trust and openness from above.

Final Summary

Lesson 372 of *Manazil al-Sairin* redefines the concept of expansion from a simplistic virtue to a rational and epistemologically grounded principle. The critique of the interpretations of the commentator and Tlemsani, the reference to verse 155 of Surah Al-A'raf, and the use of Qushayris poetry demonstrate the depth of analysis in the lesson. Expansion, through the liberation of ones nature in the space of loyalty and generosity, is distinguished from grandeur, negligence, and divisive behaviors. This work offers scholars in the fields of mysticism, theology, philosophy, and sociology a valuable resource for interdisciplinary analysis. Expansion is like a melody describing the opening of the heart in the shadow of generosity and loyalty.

Note: With the supervision of Sadegh Khademi.