On the Stages of Dhikr in Mystical Journey

lectures of (May his soul rest in peace) (Session 440)

Preface

The chapter on *Dhikr* in *Maqamat al-Sairin* by Khwaja Abdullah Ansari is a station in the mystical journey that guides the seeker towards divine proximity and the vision of truth. This station, through the elucidation of the three stages of DhikrJali, Khafi, and Haqiqiillustrates the seekers evolutionary journey from the external faculties to the inner depths of the heart and ultimately to unity with the Divine. The lecture from Session 440, drawing from esoteric teachings and citing verses from the Holy Qur'an, expounds on the stages of Dhikr with scientific precision and profound insight. This work offers key concepts such as the union of the rememberer, the remembrance, and the remembered, the vision of God, and the role of purity and seclusion in the mystical journey.

Part One: The Three Stages of Dhikr and Its Role in the Mystical Journey

Concept of Dhikr and Its Stages

Dhikr, in Islamic mysticism, is one of the fundamental pillars of the seekers journey, guiding them from heedlessness to presence, and from multiplicity to unity. This station consists of three stages: Jali Dhikr, Khafi Dhikr, and Haqiqi Dhikr. Each stage represents a different depth and quality of the seekers relationship with the Divine, as if the seeker is ascending in a spiritual journey from the external to the internal, and from the internal to the ultimate truth. Jali Dhikr involves the outward faculties, Khafi Dhikr relates to the heart and inward dimensions, while Haqiqi Dhikr culminates in the union of the rememberer, the remembrance, and the remembered at the stage of unity.

Key Point:

Dhikr unfolds in three stagesJali, Khafi, and Haqiqiwhich map the seekers evolution from the external to the internal and from the internal to the ultimate truth.

Jali Dhikr: The Outward Stage of Remembrance

Jali Dhikr is the stage of remembrance performed with the outward faculties, especially the tongue. However, it is not restricted to the tongue and can also involve other bodily parts such as the eyes and hands. Although this stage is external, it still requires coordination of the faculties and presence of heart, which makes it challenging. For instance, in prayer, the validity of the prostration depends on the contact of the seven prostration points with the ground, which reflects the intricacy even in the external stages of Dhikr. Jali Dhikr is like a melody played on the instrument of the seekers faculties, yet without the presence of the heart, it is an empty sound.

Key Point:

Jali Dhikr is performed with the outward faculties, and although it is external, it requires coordination and the presence of the heart, much like a melody played on the instrument of the faculties.

Difficulties of Jali Dhikr

Although Jali Dhikr may appear simpler due to its reliance on outward faculties, performing it correctly is not easy and requires divine grace. The seeker must avoid the pitfalls of showing off (Riya), which is common due to the external nature of Jali Dhikr. Riya, like a dark shadow, strips Dhikr of its sincerity and distances the seeker from divine proximity. Abandoning Dhikr under the pretext of Riya is a deviation that leads the seeker away from the path of Sharia. The seeker must continue their Dhikr with sincerity and commitment to Sharia, much like walking a winding path with a prayer bead in hand, with patience and vigilance.

Key Point:

Despite being external, Jali Dhikr is difficult due to the danger of Riya, and the seeker must avoid this pitfall with a sincere intention and commitment to Sharia.

Summary of Part One

Dhikr, as a fundamental pillar in the mystical journey, manifests in three stages: Jali, Khafi, and Haqiqi. Jali Dhikr, performed with the outward faculties, is the initial stage. Though external, it carries its own challenges due to the need for coordination of the faculties and avoidance of Riya. This stage acts as a gateway, guiding the seeker to the inner stages, provided it is accompanied by sincerity and divine grace.

Part Two: Khafi Dhikr and Its Characteristics

Nature of Khafi Dhikr

Khafi Dhikr is the stage of inward remembrance, performed without the intervention of the outward faculties and the tongue. This stage is more challenging than Jali Dhikr due to its focus on the heart and inner dimension, requiring a higher level of presence and concentration. In Khafi Dhikr, the seeker, like a clear spring, channels the remembrance within themselves, without any outward manifestation. This stage is considered more exalted and difficult due to its independence from the faculties, as if the seeker is conversing with the Divine in the solitude of the heart.

Key Point:

Khafi Dhikr is the heart-based stage performed without the use of outward faculties, and due to its inward concentration, it is considered more exalted and challenging than Jali Dhikr.

Difficulties of Khafi Dhikr

Performing Khafi Dhikr is particularly difficult due to the lack of external faculties and the necessity for inner concentration. The seeker, in this state, silently cries out the Dhikr within themselves, without any outward sign. This contrast between external tranquility and internal turmoil is akin to an ocean that appears calm on the surface but is turbulent beneath. Khafi Dhikr requires purification of the soul and continuous practice, so the seeker can maintain their connection to the Divine without relying on material tools.

Key Point:

Khafi Dhikr, due to the need for inner concentration and the contrast between outward calm and inner turmoil, is challenging and requires purification of the soul.

Perpetuity and Connection in Khafi Dhikr

Khafi Dhikr, due to its heart-based nature, possesses continuity and even continues during sleep, as it is a continuous flow within the seekers being. This continuity turns the remembrance from a voluntary action into an existential state. The seeker in this stage remains engaged in Dhikr, even in their sleep, as if the remembrance has become part of their very essence. This characteristic underscores the importance of continuous practice and soul purification in Khafi Dhikr.

Key Point:

Khafi Dhikr, due to its heart-based nature, continues perpetually, even during sleep, like a continuous flow within the seekers being.

Summary of Part Two

Khafi Dhikr is an inward stage, performed without the external faculties, focusing on the heart and inner state. This stage is more exalted and challenging than Jali Dhikr due to its inward concentration and independence from the faculties. The continuity of Khafi Dhikr makes it an existential reality within the seeker, continuing even in sleep. This section, by elucidating the characteristics of Khafi Dhikr, guides the seeker toward higher spiritual stages.

Part Three: Haqiqi Dhikr and the Unity of the Rememberer, the Remembrance, and the Remembered

Nature of Haqiqi Dhikr

Haqiqi Dhikr is the pinnacle of mystical journey, where the rememberer, the remembrance, and the remembered unite. At this stage, the seeker ceases to be distinct, and the Divine becomes both the rememberer and the remembered. Haqiqi Dhikr is like a light emanating from the Divine source, with no trace of the seekers ego remaining. This stage transcends words and concepts, leading the seeker to the direct vision of truth.

Key Point:

Haqiqi Dhikr is the stage where the rememberer, the remembrance, and the remembered become one, and the Divine becomes both the rememberer and the remembered.

Difference Between Haqiqi Dhikr and Jali/Khafi Dhikr

In Jali and Khafi Dhikr, the remembrance is distinct from the faculties or the heart, but in Haqiqi Dhikr, there is no longer any distinction between the rememberer, the remembrance, and the remembered. This difference can be likened to the contrast between an outward melody, an inward whisper, and the light of truth. In Haqiqi Dhikr, the seeker no longer perceives themselves but only the Divine, as if a polished mirror reflects the light of truth without any obstruction.

Key Point:

Haqiqi Dhikr, unlike Jali and Khafi, transcends words, and the rememberer, the remembrance, and the remembered merge into one.

The Vision of the Divine in Haqiqi Dhikr

In Haqiqi Dhikr, the seeker witnesses that the Divine is the true rememberer, and their remembrance is the act of creating all beings. This vision is like witnessing creation at the moment of its manifestation, where the seeker perceives the remembrance not as their own act, but as the Divines presence in the world. The verse *Yusabbihu Lillah Ma Fi As-Samawati Wa Al-Ard* (Al-Hashr: 1) indicates that all beings, in their own way, are engaged in remembrance of the Divine.

Key Point:

In Haqiqi Dhikr, the seeker witnesses that the Divine is the true rememberer and their remembrance is the creation of all beings.

Dhikr as Creation

In Haqiqi Dhikr, remembrance is synonymous with creation. The Divine, through its remembrance, brings beings into existence, as if every being is a word from the Divines speech. This view is like seeing the universe as a book, with each page written through the remembrance of the Divine. The seeker, at this stage, perceives all beings not as separate from the Divine, but as manifestations of His essence.

Key Point:

Haqiqi Dhikr signifies creation, where all beings are words from the Divines remembrance.

Summary of the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Sections

Summary of Section Three

The True Dhikr (Remembrance) is a state in which the seeker (Slik) reaches unity between the Remembrancer, the Remembrance, and the Remembered. This state transcends both word and meaning, guiding the seeker toward the vision of the Divine and the creation of beings. The difference between this state and the outward (Jali) and inward (Khafi) Dhikr lies in the obliteration of the selfhood and the manifestation of truth, as though the seeker is transferred from the mirror of their own being to the Divine Light.

Section Four: The Station of Permanence After Annihilation and Eternal Dhikr

The Station of Permanence After Annihilation

In the station of Permanence after Annihilation (Baq Ba'da Fn), the seeker is liberated from selfhood and reaches unity with the Divine. In this state, Dhikr signifies the manifestation of the Divine within the seeker, such that the seeker becomes the mirror of the Divine and perceives nothing but Him. This station is akin to reaching a summit from which the seeker observes only the Divine Light, with no shadow of their own being.

Key Point: In the station of Permanence after Annihilation, Dhikr signifies the manifestation of the Divine within the seeker's being, and the seeker perceives only the Divine.

Eternal Dhikr and its Vision

True Dhikr, in a deeper station, returns to the Eternal Dhikr of the Divine. In this station, the seeker perceives their own Dhikr as the manifestation of the Eternal Dhikr of God, as though when they utter Ya Allah, the Divine has said it from eternity. This vision is akin to observing a light that radiates from eternity to eternity, with the seeker not perceiving themselves as the doer of the action.

Key Point: True Dhikr is the manifestation of the Eternal Dhikr of the Divine, and the seeker perceives themselves as the recipient of the Divine's Dhikr.

Dhikr of Creatures and the Glorification of the Cosmos

All beings, by their very nature, are engaged in the remembrance of the Divine, whether willingly or unwillingly. The verses Yusabbihu Lillh M F As-Samwti Wa M F Al-Ar (Al-Hashr: 1) and Wa Lillh Yasjudu Man F As-Samwti Wa M F Al-Ar (An-Nahl: 49; translation of Fouladand: And whatever is in the heavens and the earth prostrates to God) point to this truth. In this station, the seeker sees walls, water, and stones not as mere objects, but as words of the Divine Remembrancer, as though every particle of existence is singing the glorification of the Divine.

Key Point: All beings are engaged in the remembrance of the Divine, and in true Dhikr, the seeker perceives the universe as words of the Divine Remembrancer.

Summary of Section Four

The station of Permanence after Annihilation guides the seeker to unity with the Divine and the vision of the Eternal Dhikr. In this state, Dhikr manifests as the Divine's presence within creation, and all beings are seen as words of the Divine Remembrancer. This section, by explaining the relationship between Dhikr, creation, and the glorification of the cosmos, introduces mysticism as the vision of unity.

Section Five: The Etiquettes and Conditions of Dhikr

Purity, Seclusion, and the Qibla in Dhikr

Dhikr, especially for beginners, requires purity, attention to the Qibla (direction of prayer), and seclusion to empty the mind from anything other than God. Seclusion is not only physical but also mental, where the seeker, like a bird in the sky of knowledge, must free themselves from all attachments. A scattered mind, like a busy marketplace, obstructs the presence of the heart, and the seeker must train themselves to purify their mind from unrelated thoughts.

Key Point: Dhikr requires purity, seclusion, and focus on the Qibla so that the seeker's mind is emptied of all distractions and focused solely on God.

The Dhikr of Repentance and its Importance

The Dhikr of repentance, especially the major formula Astaghfirullh al-Ladh L Ilha Ill Huw Al-ayy Al-Qayym Dh Al-Jall Wal-Ikram Wa Atbu Ilayh, is the foundation of the spiritual journey. This Dhikr is like a key that unlocks the locks of sin and heedlessness, preparing the seeker for higher stages. The Dhikr of repentance, emphasizing monotheism and seeking forgiveness, purifies the seeker's soul, like a clear stream washing away impurities.

Key Point: The Dhikr of repentance is the foundation of spiritual practice, unlocking the locks of sin and negligence, and purifying the seeker's soul.

The Role of Dreams in Self-Knowledge

The dreams of the seeker serve as a mirror, reflecting their inner truth. Unlike wakefulness, which may deceive the seeker, dreams reveal the seekers true essence. The seeker must examine their dreams to recognize their own soul and correct their actions, as if the dream were a book that turns the pages of their inner being.

Key Point: The seekers dreams are a mirror of their inner truth and help in self-knowledge and correcting their actions.

Summary of Section Five

The etiquettes of Dhikr, from purity and seclusion to the Dhikr of repentance, prepare the seeker for the spiritual journey. The role of dreams in self-knowledge serves as a mirror to reveal the seeker's inner being. This section, by emphasizing the conditions and etiquettes of Dhikr, smoothens the path of the seeker towards closeness to the Divine.

Section Six: Conclusion and Summary

The chapter on Dhikr in *Mansl al-Sirn* leads the seeker from outer to inner stations, ultimately guiding them to the truth. The outward (Jali) Dhikr, through the limbs, invites the seeker to practice and avoid hypocrisy, while the inward (Khafi) Dhikr, through the heart, guides them to continuity and internal presence. True Dhikr is the pinnacle of the spiritual journey, in which the Remembrancer, the Remembrance, and the Remembered reach unity, and the seeker perceives that God is the Remembrancer and that His Dhikr creates beings. The station of Permanence after Annihilation elevates Dhikr to the manifestation of the Divine within the seeker and the vision of the Eternal Dhikr. The etiquettes of Dhikr, from purity and seclusion to the Dhikr of repentance, and the role of dreams in self-knowledge, prepare the seeker for this spiritual journey. This work, with its comprehensive and precise exposition, offers a reliable source for mystical and theological research. With the oversight of Sadegh Khademi