The Chapter of Lightning (باب البرق) is one of the most significant stages in the mystical journey outlined in the renowned work Manazil al-Sairin by Khwaja Abdullah Ansari. It represents a spiritual state wherein the divine light manifests within the heart of the seeker, guiding them towards nearness and knowledge of God. The third degree of this chapter, which is the subject of lecture number 524 of Nekounam , is dedicated to the manifestation of divine grace within the seekers state of spiritual poverty. This stage, with the appearance of the cloud of joy, the droplets of spiritual ecstasy, and the river of pride, highlights the peak of perfection in the Chapter of Lightning.
The third degree of the Chapter of Lightning is defined as:
"A lightning flash that emanates from the direction of divine grace, in the eye of the seekers poverty. From it arises the cloud of joy, which rains the droplets of spiritual ecstasy, and flows the river of pride."
This degree represents the manifestation of the divine grace within the seekers state of poverty and need, leading them to spiritual joy, vitality, and pride. This manifestation is likened to a lightning strike from the direction of divine grace, which illuminates the sky of the seeker's heart, giving rise to the clouds of joy, which then pour forth the drops of ecstasy, culminating in the flowing river of pride.
In this degree, divine grace manifests as the gentle purification of the seeker's essence, hidden within the secrets of their heart. This grace is like a breeze that lifts the veils of obscurity from the seekers heart, protecting them from divine deception and drawing them closer to the sacred realms. Grace frees the seeker from the limitations of the earthly existence and guides them to the celestial realms, such that the ground of their being becomes prepared to receive divine light.
Divine grace arrives at the seeker through "the eye of poverty", not through arrogance. Spiritual poverty is the first step towards annihilation (fana), where the seeker, through their awareness of their essential poverty and existential need, becomes the vessel for receiving divine grace. This state is like dry land awaiting the rain of divine grace, and through the dissolution of self-righteousness and power, the seeker becomes prepared to receive the light of divine manifestation. Arrogance and self-importance are like veils that prevent the heart from receiving grace and entrap the seeker in divine deception.
Polytheism, arrogance, and self-importance are the primary obstacles to receiving divine grace. A seeker who sees themselves as entitled or powerful will be deprived of grace and will fall into the trap of divine deception. These obstacles are like dark clouds that conceal the light of grace from the seekers heart, keeping them in the darkness of earthly existence.
Divine grace in the third degree of the Chapter of Lightning first appears as the cloud of joy, which creates the potential in the seekers heart to receive grace. This potential then becomes actualized, turning into the droplets of spiritual ecstasy, which nourish the seekers heart like a rain that nourishes the earth. Finally, this process culminates in the river of pride, a continuous flow of divine nearness and dignity. This journey is like a sapling that sprouts from the seed of potential, grows through the rain of grace, and transforms into a strong tree of spiritual perfection.
In this stage, spiritual pride arises from nearness and divine dignity, not from narcissistic arrogance. The seeker, by observing the etiquette of servitude, conceals this pride, revealing it only when necessary. As the Holy Quran states:
"And as for the blessing of your Lord, speak of it."
(Surah Adh-Dhuha, 93:11)
This spiritual pride is like a pearl hidden within the shell of humility, only revealing itself when the blessing of God needs to be proclaimed.
The Holy Quran refers to Divine Grace in several verses, demonstrating its role in guiding the seeker (Salik): These verses illustrate Divine Grace in aspects such as perception, will, creation, and sustenance, guiding the seeker toward the Truth. Divine Grace manifests in the sustenance and actions of the seeker. Some individuals are uplifted by lawful sustenance, finding joy and vitality, while others, despite lawful provisions, fall into deceit and trickery. For example, both the confectioner and the pickle seller may have lawful sustenance, but the difference lies in how Divine Grace influences their hearts and actions. Grace directs both sustenance and deeds toward goodness, like a light illuminating the path of the seeker. Shariah and the Discipline of Spiritual Journey Shariah, with its rulings such as prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage, prepares the seeker to receive Divine Grace. These commandments, like strong ropes, prevent the seeker from distraction and negligence, guiding him toward the state of humble submission. The discipline of Shariah is like a map that paves the way for the seekers spiritual journey. Principles of Divine Grace The principles of Divine Grace include acts such as visiting the sick, performing pilgrimage, reciting the Quran, engaging in supplication, solitude, silence, and reflection. These acts, like seeds planted in the soil of the heart, bear fruit when watered by Divine Grace. Through these acts, the seeker prepares the ground for the manifestation of the light of revelation and knowledge. Divine Grace and the Attraction of the Seeker Divine Grace is accompanied by affection, which manifests through attraction, proximity, and knowledge of the essence of the Divine. Affection is the result of the interaction between the active grace (from the Divine) and the receptive potential (from the servant). This affection removes the veils from the heart and guides the seeker toward knowledge and proximity, like a stream originating from the spring of Divine Grace that nourishes the soil of existence. Examples of Divine Grace in the Saints The divine saints, such as Mustafa, Murtada, and Mujtaba (peace be upon them), achieved lofty ranks due to receiving Divine Grace. This distinction is a result of Divine favor and selection, granted according to their potential and humble submission. This grace is like a precious gem shining in the hearts of the saints, leading them to the highest levels of proximity and knowledge. The recitation of Ya Latif frees the seekers heart from pride and delivers him from despair. This invocation acts like a key, opening the locks of the heart and guiding the seeker toward humility and hope. Through the repetition of this invocation, the seeker is liberated from polytheism and self-conceit, preparing him to receive Divine Grace. The third stage of the Chapter of Lightning in the "Maqamat as-Sairin" (Stations of the Seekers) is a station where Divine Grace manifests in the vessel of the seekers humble submission, leading him to the cloud of joy, drops of bliss, and the river of honor. This grace, by refining the self and removing the veils, guides the seeker away from divine deception and draws him closer to the sanctities of the Divine. Quranic verses, such as "إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَطِیفٌ بِعِبَادِهِ" and "وَهُوَ اللَّطِیفُ الْخَبِیرُ," illustrate the role of grace in sustenance, creation, and will. Shariah and the principles of grace, such as reciting the Quran and supplication, prepare the seeker to receive this light, while polytheism and arrogance are the main obstacles to its reception. The invocation of "Ya Latif" and adherence to the etiquettes of servitude deliver the seeker from pride and despair, guiding him toward perfection. Divine Grace in Quranic Verses
Quranic Evidence of Divine Grace
(: He perceives the sight, and He is the Subtle, the All-Aware) (Surah Al-An'am, Verse 103). This verse highlights Divine Grace in the perception of insight.
(: My Lord is Subtle in whatever He wills) (Surah Yusuf, Verse 100). This verse manifests the subtlety of Divine Will.
(: Wherever it may be, God brings it forth. Indeed, God is Subtle and All-Aware) (Surah Luqman, Verse 16). This verse signifies the omnipresence of Divine Grace.
(: Indeed, God is Subtle towards His servants and provides sustenance to whomever He wills) (Surah Ash-Shura, Verse 19). This verse expresses the Divine Grace manifested in the sustenance of His servants. Grace in Sustenance and Action
The Role of Shariah and Deeds in Receiving Divine Grace
Divine Affection and Its Effects
Recitation of "Ya Latif" and Its Effect
Conclusion
