The Chapter of Wilayat in the Stations of the Seekers: Annihilation in Wilayat and the Manifestation of the Divine in the Servant
the lectures of , (Session 529)
Introduction
In the domain of Islamic mysticism, "Maqamat al-Sa'irin" (The Stations of the Seekers), authored by Khwajah Abdullah Ansari, stands as a precious gateway that opens the path for seekers towards Divine knowledge. The "Chapter of Wilayat" is one of the exalted stations within this work, dedicated to the pinnacle of mystical ascension, that is, the annihilation (fana) in Wilayat. This station represents the point where the seeker, through enduring the fire of trials and the flame of love, experiences complete self-annihilation in the Divine, leaving nothing behind except the Divine Presence. The lecture of Session 529 elaborates on this station from the perspective of , , discussing the roles of trials, love, and annihilation in the realization of Wilayat and guiding the seeker towards unity with the Divine.
Section One: Explanation of the Station of Wilayat in Mystical Ascension
The Nature of the Chapter of Wilayat and its Position within the Stations of the Seekers The "Chapter of Wilayat" in the mystical journey of Khwajah Abdullah Ansari serves as a high pinnacle, inviting the seeker to the ultimate stage of spiritual ascension and annihilation in the Divine. This station is the realm of annihilation (fana), where the seeker dissolves completely in every aspect of their beingessence, qualities, and actionsbecoming wholly immersed in the Divine. Wilayat encompasses multiple stages of annihilation, in which the seeker, by being consumed in the fire of trials and the flame of love, attains unity with the Divine. As stated in the corrected text: "Wilayat consists of stages of annihilation, where the Divine takes over the affairs of the servant, and there is no power left for them, for there is no existence, essence, description, or action remaining." This station represents the ultimate submission, guiding the seeker from the multiplicities of the self to the unity of the Divine.
Annihilation in Wilayat: The Dissolution of the Servant in the Divine
Annihilation in Wilayat refers to the complete dissolution of the seeker in the Divine to the extent that no name, form, essence, or trace of the seeker remains. In this state, the Divine assumes complete control over the affairs of the servant, who is then like a drop lost in the boundless ocean of the Divine. Their life and survival are contingent upon the Divine's life and survival, as stated in the Holy Qur'an: "Everyone upon it is perishable, and the Face of your Lord will remain, full of majesty and honour." (Ar-Rahman: 26-27) This verse points to the truth of annihilation and the eternal presence of the Divine, guiding the seeker towards complete dissolution in the Divine Face.
Key Point: Wilayat is the realm of annihilation, where the seeker, by dissolving their name, form, essence, and traces, survives only through the life and eternity of the Divine.
Section Two: The Prerequisites and Stages of Annihilation in Wilayat
Love: The Spark of the Fire of Wilayat Love serves as the spark that ignites the fire of Wilayat in the heart of the seeker. Without divine love, entry into the realm of Wilayat is impossible. This love, which forms in the heart of the seeker, draws them from their self towards the Divine, paving the way for annihilation. The Holy Qur'an mentions: "Say: If you love Allah, then follow me, and Allah will love you." (Aali Imran: 31) This verse establishes love as the precursor to obedience and divine nearness, inviting the seeker to follow the Prophet (PBUH) in order to achieve Divine love. Trials: The Fuel of Wilayat and the Instrument of Annihilation Trials act as the fuel that intensifies the fire of Wilayat. Without trials, Wilayat and annihilation cannot be realised. These trials, referred to in the lecture as "the fuel of Wilayat," purify the seeker from the roughness of the self and its impurities, making them soft and ready to receive the Divine manifestations. The hadith "The trial is the fuel of Wilayat" from *Bihar al-Anwar* emphasises the inseparable link between trials and Wilayat. These trials are not degrading, but rather elevating, guiding the seeker towards spiritual perfection. As mentioned in the lecture, the friends of God transform trials, much like salt turning to sweet water in a purification device, into the nectar of contentment.
Key Point: Trials are the fuel of the fire of Wilayat, which purifies the seeker, allowing them to achieve spiritual purity and annihilation in the Divine.
The Stages of Annihilation: External, Qualitative, and Essential
Annihilation in Wilayat consists of three stages: external, qualitative, and essential. In external annihilation, the seeker detaches from worldly appearances such as wealth and status. In qualitative annihilation, they are freed from attributes of both excellence and deficiency, such as worship or virtues. In essential annihilation, their essence dissolves entirely, leaving only the Divine. The statement "There is no home except for Him" mentioned in the lecture points to the essential annihilation, in contrast to the statement "There is nothing in my robe except for God", which reflects the error of self-worship. The hadith "Servitude is the essence of Divine Lordship" from *Misbah al-Shari'a* explains that perfect servitude leads to Divine lordship.
Section Three: The Characteristics of the Seeker in the Realm of Wilayat
Breaking Free from Deficiency and Perfection In the realm of Wilayat, the seeker is not attached to worldly deficiencies, such as wealth or status, nor to apparent perfections, such as acts of worship or virtues. This detachment frees them from self-worship and the worship of perfection. The Holy Qur'an states: "Whoever renounces false deities and believes in Allah has certainly grasped the firmest, unfailing handhold." (Al-Baqarah: 256) This verse highlights the necessity of liberation from all forms of attachment in order to achieve complete faith.
Research on Spiritual Concepts in Islamic Mysticism
The Deficiency of the People of Perfection within the Realm of Wilayah
In the domain of Wilayah, even outward perfection, such as formal morality or virtues, is considered a deficiency, as attachment to it brings forth polytheism. The true mystic seeks to diminish and burn away their ego, rather than to augment and display it. The narration من راءى في نفسه شيئا فقد اشرك from بحارالانوار underscores this truth, highlighting that any form of self-admiration, even within perfection, is a form of polytheism. The wayfarer, like a bird burning its wings in the fire of Wilayah, reaches a state of lightness and liberation.
Complete Annihilation and the Custodianship of the Divine
In complete annihilation, the Divine becomes the guardian of the servants affairs, and no trace of independent action remains for the wayfarer. The mystic becomes like a puppet in the hands of the Divine, moving solely according to God's will. As the Qur'an says: إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ (Al-Anam: 162), translated by as: My prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are for God, the Lord of the worlds. This verse encapsulates the utmost annihilation of the wayfarer, where both life and death belong solely to God.
Key Insight: In complete annihilation, the Divine assumes the custodianship of the servants affairs, and the wayfarer, through the total eradication of their ego, becomes the manifestation of Divine will.
Wilayah and the Divine Saints
Wilayah, in its highest station, is exclusively realised by the infallible saints, as absolute obedience requires complete annihilation, which is found only in the infallible. The Qur'an instructs: أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ (An-Nisa: 59), translated by as: Obey God, and obey the Messenger, and those in authority from among you. The أولي الأمر are the infallibles, whose obedience is absolute due to their complete annihilation. The infallibles neither fear hell nor covet paradise, as Imam Ali (peace be upon him) stated: I found you worthy of worship, signifying their devotion to God purely for His own sake.
Devotion to Wilayah: The Core of Spiritual Life
Devotion to Wilayah is the cornerstone of the believer's spiritual life. Neglect of it leads to the ruin of knowledge, religion, and worldly life. Scholars such as Sheikh Ansari, Sheikh Mufid, and Sheikh Tusi attained perfection through their adherence to Wilayah. The narration شيعتنا خلقوا من فاضل طينتنا from بحارالانوار indicates that the Shia are created from the essence of Wilayah. The wayfarer must safeguard themselves from misguidance and corruption through their devotion to Wilayah.
Wilayah and the Avoidance of Carelessness
Wilayah must never lead to carelessness or lawlessness. The misuse of Wilayah to justify sin or immorality contradicts the example of the Divine saints, who were patient and sorrowful. The narration التقيّة ديني و دين آبائي from Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) emphasises the connection between Wilayah and piety. The wayfarer must manifest Wilayah in their life with responsibility and piety.
The Conduct of the Wayfarer within the Realm of Wilayah
Patience and Contentment in the Face of Affliction
The Divine saints endure affliction with patience and contentment, to the point where pain becomes sweet for them. As the Qur'an states: وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ (Al-Baqara: 155), translated by as: And give glad tidings to the patient. This patience is a sign of the annihilation of the saints, who transform hardship into a sweet elixir of contentment. The wayfarer must attain the station of contentment and annihilation through patience in the face of trials.
Avoiding Ostentation in Worship
Ostentation in worship is a sign of deficiency and polytheism. The true wayfarer refrains from self-display in prayer and worship, for they seek annihilation and the eradication of self. The narration الإخلاص سرّ من أسراري from Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) underscores the importance of sincerity in worship. The wayfarer must perform their worship solely for God, not for self-display or the pursuit of outward perfection.
Exaltation through Affliction: A Tool for Spiritual Refinement
Affliction within Wilayah is an exaltation that leads the wayfarer to the station of annihilation, as opposed to the affliction of punishment or retribution. The narration تمهيزا لذنوبهم from بحارالانوار speaks to the role of affliction in the purification of sins. This affliction is like a boiling water that cleanses the roughness of the soul, leading the wayfarer to the purity of Divine reality.
Key Insight: Exaltation through affliction serves as a tool for the spiritual refinement of the wayfarer, leading them from the coarseness of the soul to purity and annihilation in the Divine.
Conclusion
The section on Wilayah in منازل السائرين defines Wilayah as the domain of annihilation, in which the wayfarer arrives through love and affliction. In this station, the Divine assumes full custody of the servant's affairs, and the wayfarer, by eradicating their name, form, essence, and influence, remains alive in the eternal life of the Divine. Wilayah represents the pinnacle of spiritual ascent, achievable only through immersion in the fire of affliction and the flame of love. The infallible saints exemplify this station, as they neither fear hell nor covet paradise. Devotion to Wilayah is central to spiritual life, and the wayfarer must attain this station through patience, contentment, and sincerity. This text serves as an authoritative and comprehensive source for researchers in the fields of theology and mysticism.
