of Nekounam, (Session 404)
Introduction: The Station of Adab in the Mystical Path
Within the spiritual compendium Manzil al-S'irn authored by the venerable Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, the chapter on Adab occupies an unparalleled position as one of the exalted stages of the mystical journey, succeeding the stage of irda (will or volition). This chapter, elucidated with profound spiritual insight in the 404th session of Nekounams teachings, portrays Adab not merely as the observance of the limits of created things, but rather as a bridge uniting the inner reality and the outward manifestation of the human being. The Quranic foundation of this station is firmly anchored in the sublime verse Wa al-fina liuddillh (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:112; s translation: And the guardians of the boundaries of God), which establishes Adab as the preservation of equilibrium in the interaction with the Divine, the creation, and all existents.
Part One: Foundations and Principles of Adab in the Path
1. Quranic Basis and Definition of Adab
The chapter on Adab commences with reference to the sacred verse Wa al-fina liuddillh (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:112; s rendering: And the guardians of the boundaries of God and heralds of Paradise). This verse identifies the observance of Divine limits as the very essence of mystical Adab. In this perspective, Adab transcends mere compliance with the boundaries of phenomena and matters, and entails maintaining a balanced equilibrium in ones engagement with the cosmic order. Such observance guides the seeker towards moderation and temperance, thereby averting excess and deficiency.
Mystical Adab is the observance of Divine boundaries which leads the seeker to preserve balance in interaction with God, creation, and all existents, as manifest in the verse Wa al-fina liuddillh.
2. Principles: The Ontological Framework of the Human Being
In mystical progress, principles are likened to the chassis and foundational framework of human existence, just as a chassis underpins the structure of a vehicle. These principles encompass the hierarchical degrees of intention, resolve, determination, will, and Adab. Like the pillars supporting a monumental edifice, these stages shape the seekers path and direct them towards perfection. Adab, as one of these principles, occupies a central role following volition, exerting a pivotal influence on spiritual maturation.
3. Distinction Between the Seekers Will and the Ordinary Humans Will
The will of the seeker shines as a fixed star in the celestial sphere of spiritual journey, contrasting the scattered and mutable will of the ordinary person. The latter is likened to a playful child, drifting capriciously from one whim to another, whereas the seeker, with resolute will, firmly steps upon the path of truth, immune to threats, allurements, or deception. This steadfastness renders the seeker a possessor of genuine will, progressing unwaveringly upon the path of truth.
The seekers will is like a steadfast rock amid the storms of the ego, immune to dispersion and caprice, guiding them towards the Divine truth.
4. The Threefold Stages of Will
In mystical progression, will is defined at three exalted levels:
- The Stage of Knowledge and Awareness: The seeker, endowed with knowledge and awareness, distances themselves from multiplicity and egocentric otherness, concentrating their will upon the truth. This stage is akin to a torch illuminating the darkness of the self.
- Attainment of the Divine State: This state, comparable to physical limbering before exercise, releases the seeker from existential constriction and prepares them to witness the truth. Such mystical limbering equips the soul for receiving the Divine lights.
- The Divine Will: At this stage, the seeker relinquishes their egocentric will and their volition unites with the Divine will. This union transforms the egoic volition into a Divine volition, such that the seeker wills nothing but the truth and the welfare of creation.
The levels of willfrom knowledge and state to Divine willmap the seekers progressive journey from egocentricity towards union with the Divine volition.
5. The Importance of Mystical Limbering
Mystical limbering, much like preparation before physical exercise, prevents contraction and spiritual damage in the path. Just as an athlete harms their muscles without proper warm-up, the seeker, without dispelling multiplicities and inner preparation, encounters disruption in their spiritual progress. This limbering, through liberation from egocentric multiplicities, readies the seeker for the attainment of the Divine state.
6. Egocentrism in the Ordinary Human
Even in acts of apparent virtuesuch as prayer, fasting, or earning livelihoodthe ordinary human often acts with egocentric motives. This egocentrism acts as a chain, impeding the full volition and benevolence towards creation. In contrast, the seeker, at the stage of perfected will, sacrifices the self for Divine and humanitarian interests, prioritising the truth and welfare of creation over personal benefit.
Part Two: Distinction Between Ethics and Adab
7. Ethics: The Inner Essence
Ethics, as the inner dispositions, reside deeply within the human heart and are not directly observable. This essence is like a precious gem within its shell, concealed in the human interior, and becomes manifest solely through the presence or absence of Adab in behaviour and speech.
8. Adab: The External Manifestation of Disposition
Adab constitutes the outward expression of inner dispositions that become evident in the conduct and utterances of the seeker. Just as a mirror reflects an image, Adab reveals the internal character externally. Judgments concerning individuals are often based not on their inner reality but rather on their observable Adab, though such assessments can sometimes be mistaken.
Adab serves as a mirror reflecting inner dispositions in the seekers behaviour and speech, providing a criterion for outward judgment.
9. The Peril of Hypocrisy and Insincerity
Certain individuals emulate propriety and decorum through mere affectation and hypocrisy, yet their inner selves are devoid of virtuous character. This insincerity, akin to a mask upon the visage, conceals the truth of the inner self and stands in stark distinction from genuine adab (etiquette). The anecdote of a scholar who feigns physical infirmity yet runs swiftly serves as a sardonic exemplar of such hypocrisy and the absence of true adab, which ultimately undermines faith.
10. The Criterion of Justice in Congregational Leadership
Outward justice in the imamate of the congregation must be corroborated by the affirmation of close associates, particularly family members. This criterion functions as a shield against hypocrisy and superficiality. Within Shiite jurisprudence, if an individual does not consider themselves just, caution is advised in assuming the role of congregational leadership, although public approval suffices. Such prudence manifests the refined etiquette intrinsic to jurisprudence.
11. Supplication for Perceiving the Virtues of Others
Praying for the vision of others virtues acts as a luminous beacon within the heart, fortifying faith and preventing erroneous judgment and the diminishment of morale. This supplication exemplifies spiritual adab that guides the seeker towards benevolence and good opinion.
Key Note: The prayer to perceive the virtues of creation causes faith to blossom like a flower within the garden of the heart, restraining the seeker from hasty judgment.
12. The Danger of Intrusion and Meddlesomeness
Intrusive investigation into the faults of others acts as a poison within the soul, to the detriment of the individual, alienating them from adab and noble character. Such conduct disrupts spiritual progression and diverts the seeker from the path of truth.
13. The Fourteen-Station Distance Between Morality and Adab
In the framework of Manzil al-Sirn, the interval between ethics (akhlaq) and adab comprises fourteen stations, resembling a long journey between the cities of inner reality and outward form. This metaphor illustrates the complexity and profundity of the relationship between the two. This distance underscores the imperative to avoid precipitous judgment, as the exterior and interior of a human being are as two sides of a towering mountain, far removed from each other.
14. The Error of Premature Judgment
Hasty judgment concerning individuals, due to the vast disparity between their outward appearance and inner reality, resembles a step taken in darkness that leads astray. The extensive example of Mutawall accusing a night wanderer of theft exemplifies this error. Mystical adab restrains the seeker from prejudice and erroneous judgment.
Part Three: Adab in Interaction with Creation
15. Definition of Adab: Observance of the Limits of Entities
Adab constitutes the observance of the bounds of objects and affairs, avoiding both excess and deficiency. This balance, akin to a precise scale, forms the essence of mystical adab. By adhering to these limits, the seeker demonstrates reverence for the station of every being within the cosmic order.
Key Note: Mystical adab is like a scale which, through observing the bounds of entities, guides the seeker towards equilibrium and respect for creation.
16. Adab in Everyday Conduct
Adab manifests in quotidian behaviours as an order within the garden of life. Casting aside clothes carelessly or neglecting objects signifies a weak sensibility and lack of adab. Conversely, the seeker with strong sensibility accords respect even to a spoon and the Qurn, for both are creations of God.
17. Strong Sensibility and Mystical Adab
Strong sensibility, in mystical adab, denotes sensitivity to the limits of things, guiding the seeker to profound understanding and respect for creation. The story of Mamn, who exhibits awareness of the paper beneath him, humorously illustrates this sensitivity, demonstrating adab in meticulous attention to detail.
18. Adab in Pilgrimage and Reverence for the Divine Throne
Mystical adab transcends sacred places, manifesting in reverence for all creatures and even the Divine Throne. The seeker with heightened sensibility shows respect not only to the shrine but also to the walls and the Throne of God, recognising that all hold a place within the order of creation.
19. Social Satire and the Transformation of Norms
The reference to the shift in theft patterns from night to day serves as a satire emphasising the complexity of social judgment and the necessity of adab in analysing behaviour. In contemporary civilisation, where theft has become dependent on expertise and intellect, adab in observing social and ethical limits is more crucial than ever.
Conclusion
The chapter on Adab in Manzil al-Sirn functions as a gateway towards perfection, inviting the seeker to observe the bounds of entities and maintain equilibrium in interactions with the Divine, creation, and objects. This stage, following volition, encompasses the outward manifestation of inner dispositions and is distinct from ethics. The noble verse And those who guard the limits prescribed by God (Qurn) provides the Qurnic foundation for this concept, emphasising the preservation of divine boundaries. The gradations of volition, from knowledge and state to the will of the Truth, underpin mystical adab, which steers the seeker from egocentrism towards benevolence for creation. The fourteen-station distance between ethics and adab reveals the profound relation between inner and outer realities and admonishes against hasty judgment. Adab, accompanied by strong sensibility and attentiveness to the limits of entities, guides the seeker to respect all creatures, from the Holy Qurn to the humblest spoon.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
