of Nekounam, (Session 416)
Certainty, akin to a radiant light along the path of mystical wayfaring, liberates the heart of the seeker from the darkness of doubt and hesitation, guiding him towards the realm of Divine Unity (Tawd). This precious jewel, manifested within the Divine Scripture and the exemplary conduct of the saints, unfolds in three progressive degrees: Ilm al-Yaqn (Certitude of Knowledge), Ayn al-Yaqn (Certitude of Vision), and aqq al-Yaqn (Certitude of Reality). In the present treatise, relying on the profound lectures of Nekounam, , we undertake an in-depth examination of the third and highest degree of certainty, namely aqq al-Yaqn. This highest degree, resembling a lofty summit in the spiritual journey, leads the wayfarer to total annihilation in the Truth and direct Divine witnessing.
Within the realm of mysticism, certainty is defined as the firmness of heartfelt assurance coupled with the complete release from doubt. Such assurance not only expels hesitation from the seekers existence but also bestows a profound stability upon the heart. The possessor of certainty is one whose confidence has become so steadfast that no skepticism can penetrate it. This definition situates certainty as a robust pillar in the edifice of the mystical path.
Certainty manifests through three distinct degrees, each representing a successive stage in the seekers spiritual evolution:
These three degrees function as the rungs of a ladder, guiding the seeker from reasoned belief to sensory witnessing, and finally to the witnessing of the Divine Reality.
The difference between Ayn al-Yaqn and aqq al-Yaqn lies primarily in the agent of vision. In Ayn al-Yaqn, the seeker himself is the instrument of perception, saying, I see
(an anur wa ar). Such vision, owing to the involvement of the ego, remains susceptible to error and carnal desires. For example, a person travelling swiftly in a vehicle perceives the asphalt as moving, though this is an optical illusion. Conversely, in aqq al-Yaqn, God is the true agent of vision, and the seeker proclaims, With me, the Truth sees
(bi yanur wa yurd). This vision is pure, untainted by any psychic sediment.
The first part has laid a theoretical foundation for understanding mystical wayfaring by elucidating the essence and degrees of certainty. Certainty, as a light dispelling the darkness of doubt, manifests through the three degrees of Ilm al-Yaqn, Ayn al-Yaqn, and aqq al-Yaqn. These levels guide the seeker progressively from belief to witnessing, and ultimately towards Divine Unity.
aqq al-Yaqn represents the stage at which the seeker beholds with the eye of Truth, God being the agent of vision. This certainty is not of created origin but of ultimate reality, transporting the seeker into the realm of Divine Unity and annihilation in the Truth. At this stage, the seeker becomes a vessel for the manifestation of the Divine Reality, emancipated from carnal distractions.
aqq al-Yaqn unfolds through three successive stages, each a milestone in the seekers progression towards Divine Unity:
The term Asfr denotes the manifestation of the radiant light of dawn that disperses the darkness of night. This metaphor epitomises the advent of Divine unveiling, by which the darkness of egotistical selfhood is eradicated. The Holy Quran proclaims this Divine Light thus:
Allhu nru al-samwti wa al-ar
(Quran 24:35, : God is the Light of the heavens and the earth.)
This light purifies the heart of the seeker from the darkness of carnal desires.
The Kulfat al-Yaqn refers to the heaviness and difficulty inherent in sustaining created certainty. At the stage of Ayn al-Yaqn, due to the interference of the ego, the seeker often struggles to maintain his vision and may inadvertently disclose esoteric truths. Within aqq al-Yaqn, the seeker entrusts his certainty to the Truth, thereby being relieved of this burden. An apt analogy is that of a person who deposits money in a safe and thereby attains peace of mind; similarly, the seeker delegates the stewardship of certainty to the Divine.
The words of the Commander of the Faithful (Al ibn Ab lib, peace be upon him) elucidate this:
The Reality is a Light that shines forth from the dawn of eternity, illuminating the structures of Unity with its effects.
The second section, by elucidating Haqq al-Yaqn and its tripartite stages, delineated the seeker's journey from the emergence of the light of unveiling to complete annihilation within the Truth. Haqq al-Yaqn, akin to a towering summit, grants the seeker direct divine witnessing and absolute Unity.
The profound words of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) offer an insightful delineation of the path of certainty:
The ultimate goal of faith is certainty, the ultimate goal of certainty is sincerity, and the ultimate goal of sincerity is deliverance.
Hence, the culmination of faith is certainty; the culmination of certainty is sincerity; and the culmination of sincerity is deliverance. Sincerity denotes the removal of all that is other than the act itself, whereas deliverance signifies the removal of even the self from the act. This exalted station leads the seeker to Haqq al-Yaqn and perfect Unity.
Weak certainty, which remains at the level of probable belief (ann), is susceptible to destabilisation by doubts and suspicions. Many individuals, lacking true certainty, abandon their religious convictions upon hearing rumours or historical scepticism. For instance, a doubt concerning the Prophets (peace be upon him) personal life may unsettle weak faith.
To elucidate the stages of certainty, a poetic analogy is employed: memorised poetry corresponds to Ilm al-Yaqn (knowledge-based certainty); spontaneously inspired poetry corresponds to Ayn al-Yaqn (experiential certainty); and poetry that flows from the Truth itself corresponds to Haqq al-Yaqn (the certainty of the Reality). At this highest stage, the poet becomes an instrument of the Truth, and their poetry manifests divine illumination.
A profound question arises: is it preferable for the seeker to become an instrument of the Truth or to subjugate the Truth as their instrument? The answer favours the former. The seeker who becomes an instrument of the Truth perceives themselves as a mere conduit for the Divine, relinquishing all forms of self-will and egotism. This is analogous to the seeker being mounted upon the Truth, rather than employing the Truth as a means to their own ends.
The possessor of certainty harms no creature whatsoevernot human, animal, nor even inanimate objects such as paper. Inflicting harm is a hallmark of a hardened heart and a deficiency in certainty. For example, one who unnecessarily tears paper or plucks flowers lacks the gentleness of the heart that characterises the possessor of certainty. The possessor perceives all beings as manifestations of the Truth and treats them with kindness and forbearance.
Harsh actionssuch as tearing paper, consuming a sandwich with severity, or uprooting flowersindicate a hardened heart and estrangement from certainty. Such behaviours reflect egotism and negligence of Unity. For instance, one who damages bread with harshness is bereft of the spiritual tenderness emblematic of the possessor of certainty.
In a personal account, a purported mystic who fed meat to a dog and hurled a flowerpot towards his wife exemplified the contradiction between mystical claims and lack of true certainty. The possessor of certainty refrains from harming not only animals but also humans.
A supplication recommended for the removal of harmfulness is:
Do unto me that which You are worthy of, and do not do unto me that which I am worthy of.
This invocation signifies total submission to Divine Will and a plea for liberation from egotism.
The third section, through elucidation of the roles of sincerity and deliverance, the signs of the possessor of certainty, and critique of harsh behaviours, provides a practical framework for spiritual conduct. The possessor of certainty, bearing a harmless hand and compassionate heart, embodies Unity.
Manzil al-Sirn, by expounding the degrees of certainty, offers a clear path towards redeeming the seeker from misguidance and directing them towards Unity. Haqq al-Yaqn, as a lofty pinnacle, leads the seeker to direct divine witnessing and annihilation within the Truth. This treatise, by elucidating in full detail the discourses of Nokounam (may his secret be sanctified), provides a rigorous scientific and mystical framework for researchers and spiritual wayfarers alike. The hallmark of the possessor of certainty is a harmless hand and a merciful heart that perceives all beings as manifestations of the Truth. Supplication for the removal of harm and submission to Divine Will guide the seeker towards this exalted station.
