In the path of mystical journeying (suluk), each station is akin to a lamp illuminating the way for the seeker towards the Divine Truth. "Bab al-Barq" is a station within the series of discussions in *Manazil al-Sa'irin* that, like a radiant spark, guides the seeker from the darkness of mere desire towards the light of Divine selection. This section, drawing upon the luminous verses of Surah Taha and the mystical experience of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), elucidates the concept of "Barq" as the entryway to the station of Wilayah (Divine Guardianship). This text, maintaining all the details of the lecture and its related analyses, expounds upon the significance of "Barq" in the mystical journey, its connection to Wilayah, and its role in Divine selection. The lecture begins with reference to the Qur'anic verse إِذْ رَأَى نَارًا (Surah Taha, Ayah 10), which alludes to Prophet Musa's (PBUH) experience with Divine light. This verse, translated by , reads: "When he saw a fire, he said to his family, 'Wait here, I have seen a fire, perhaps I can bring you a torch or find guidance at the fire.'" This encounter is metaphorical, symbolizing the sudden flash of light that leads the seeker from a state of spiritual slumber to the station of Wilayah. "Barq" in this context signifies the sudden manifestation of Divine light, which, like a lightning bolt, illuminates the heart of the seeker and calls them to the sacred realm of Divine Sovereignty. In Islamic mysticism, "Barq" represents the instantaneous manifestation of the Divine Truth that guides the seeker from the darkness of mere desire to the light of Divine selection. As exemplified in Prophet Musa's (PBUH) experience, the apparent fire led to the Divine call: "Indeed, I am your Lord, so remove your sandals, for you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa." Surah Taha, referred to in this lecture as the "Surah of Barq," is the abode of monotheism, majesty, and the station of Wilayah. The initial verses of this Surah, especially طَه * مَا أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْقُرْآنَ لِتَشْقَى * إِلَّا تَذْكِرَةً لِمَنْ يَخْشَى (Taha, 1-3), translated by as: "Ta-Ha * We have not sent down the Qur'an to you to cause you distress * but only as a reminder for him who fears," lay the groundwork for understanding the station of "Barq." These verses, emphasizing Divine mercy and the monotheism of God, invite the seeker to reverence and remembrance, which are prerequisites for entering the realm of Wilayah. Surah Taha, due to its focus on Divine manifestations and the selection of Musa (PBUH), is regarded as a surah of Wilayah and majesty, containing profound concepts of unity (tawhid) and nearness (qurb) to the Divine. In the system of *Manazil al-Sa'irin*, "Barq" follows the station of "Himan" (the fervent yearning of the heart) and is described as a vessel that guides the seeker towards the station of Wilayah. This station marks the transition of the seeker from the beginner's path (the journey to Allah) to the intermediate state (the journey in Allah). "Barq," like a Divine spark, leads the seeker from superficial desire towards Divine selection, a place where the Almighty Himself chooses the seeker. This transition is reflected in the verse وَأَنَا اخْتَرْتُكَ فَاسْتَمِعْ لِمَا يُوحَى (Taha, 13), translated by as: "And I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed to you." This Divine choice is the gateway to the station of Wilayah. The verse فَلَمَّا أَتَاهَا نُودِيَ يَا مُوسَى * إِنِّي أَنَا رَبُّكَ فَاخْلَعْ نَعْلَيْكَ إِنَّكَ بِالْوَادِي الْمُقَدَّسِ طُوَى (Taha, 11-12), translated by as: "When he came to it, a voice called out, 'O Musa, indeed I am your Lord, so remove your sandals, for you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa,'" portrays the moment when Musa (PBUH) moves from seeking material fire to receiving the Divine manifestation. The removal of the sandals symbolizes liberation from worldly attachments and entry into the sacred realm, where the seeker, in the vessel of "Barq," attains closeness to the Divine Sovereignty. This moment, like a flash of lightning, dispels the darkness of the self and guides the seeker towards the light of Wilayah. The lecture divides the seekers into two categories: the "Lovers" (those who seek the Truth) and the "Beloveds" (those chosen by the Truth). "Barq" is the vessel of the Beloveds, those whom the Almighty Himself chooses and calls to the station of Wilayah. This distinction is evident in the experience of Musa (PBUH), who, while seeking the fire, ultimately encounters the call: "Indeed, I am Allah, there is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish the prayer for My remembrance." (Taha, 14). This verse exemplifies the pinnacle of monotheism and Divine nearness within the vessel of "Barq," where the seeker moves from mere seeking to annihilation in the Truth. In the vessel of "Barq," the seeker reaches the station of "Yad" (Hand), which is a metaphor for the spiritual authority and the influence of the Divine Vicegerents. This "Yad," unlike royal sovereignty which is based on force, is rooted in Divine love and nearness to the Almighty. The lecture references Musa (PBUH) as the possessor of the "White Hand" (*Yad al-Bida'), explaining this spiritual authority. The speech of the Divine Vicegerents, due to their connection with the Truth, even impacts the hearts of the wicked, as evidenced by the case of Abu Lahab, who, despite fleeing, was affected by the speech of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). "Yad" in the vessel of "Barq" signifies the spiritual authority of the Divine Vicegerent, whose words, due to their connection to the Divine, penetrate hearts and even influence adversaries. Introduction
Origin of Manifestation: Surah Taha and the Experience of Musa (PBUH)
The Key Concept: "Barq" as a Manifestation of Divine Light
Surah Taha: A Surah of Wilayah and Majesty
The Station of "Barq" in the Journey
The Divine Manifestation and the Removal of the Sandals
Distinction Between Lovers and Beloveds
"Yad" and the Power of Wilayah
Conclusion
The lecture asserts that, according to the view of Shaheed Thani in his Lam'ah, Wilayah (spiritual authority) is the result of the Sacred Queen (a state of inner purity and sanctity), rather than simply being derived from jurisprudential or technical knowledge. The Sacred Queen refers to a state that leads the scholars and the holy saints from superficial knowledge to a profound religious understanding. This inner purity elevates the seeker to the level of nearness and Wilayah, where they are not only knowledgeable of the faith, but also bear the divine love and are capable of guiding others. In the lecture, "Barq" (lightning) is compared to the Baqurah (early fruit), which ripens ahead of its time due to the spiritual heat that enables it to reach its fullness before others. This metaphor, referencing the sweetness and pleasantness of early fruit, illustrates the spiritual delicacy and appeal of this stage. Examples such as Aghuz (the first milk of the mother) are brought forth to emphasize the value and impact of this early stage. The infallible saints, such as Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her), Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn (peace be upon them), and Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him), are exemplified as the most prominent instances of the Baqurah who attained lofty spiritual stations from a young age. The lecture differentiates "Barq" from "Wajd," where "Barq" is the divine permission to enter Wilayah, and "Wajd" is the provision (or sustenance) of the spiritual journey. Wajd is the state that excites and motivates the seeker along their path, whereas Barq, as a more intense light, leads the seeker to complete annihilation (fana) and ultimate closeness to God. Barq is like a lightning boltits duration is short but its intensity is immensewhile Wajd is more enduring but less intense. This distinction is manifested in the verse: "And I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed to you" (Taha, 13), The lecture outlines the four stages of the spiritual journey as follows: Barq is situated in the Fi Allah stage, and it marks the beginning of Wilayah, where the seeker transitions from seeking (talab) to divine selection (ikhtiyar), entering the station of nearness to God. The lecture emphasizes that the speech of the holy saints, due to their connection to the Divine Truth (Haqq), has the power to affect even the hearts of the most corrupt individuals. This influence is a sign of the Yad (Hand) and spiritual authority granted to the seeker within the realm of Barq. For example, the words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) even had an impact on the heart of Abu Lahab, despite his fleeting reaction. This characteristic distinguishes the speech of God's saint from others, as their words penetrate the hearts like light, leading to transformation. The "Gate of Barq" in the Mansil al-Sa'irin (Stations of the Seekers) is a station that, like a spark of light, guides the seeker from the darkness of seeking to the light of divine selection. This station, grounded in the verses of Surah Taha and the experience of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), is presented as the starting point of entering the station of Wilayah. Barq is a sudden manifestation of divine light that transports the seeker from the journey towards God to the journey in God, where the Almighty Himself selects them. The distinction between Barq and Wajd, the role of the Baqurah (early ripening), and the emphasis on the Sacred Queen all highlight the depth and complexity of this stage. The infallible saints, as the finest examples of the Baqurah, provide models for understanding this station. This text, through a precise explanation of mystical and Qur'anic concepts, strives to present the teachings of Nikkounam in a scholarly and elevated manner for researchers and seekers of knowledge. The Sacred Queen and Wilayah
The Sacred Queen and Wilayah
The "Baqurah": The Early Fruit and Divine Manifestation
The Distinction Between "Barq" and "Wajd"
which highlights the moment of divine selection.The Four Stages of the Spiritual Journey and the Role of "Barq"
The Influence of the Speech of the Holy Saints
Conclusion
