In the mystical journey of spiritual ascension, the Chapter of the Glance (Bab al-Lahz) shines forth like a luminous spark at the outset of the path of sovereignty, guiding the seeker toward the witnessing of truth through the infinite grace of the Divine. This station, which manifests as a fleeting and abrupt moment, does not arise from merit but from Divine favor. It compels the seeker to experience the preemptive grace, spiritual joy, and gratitude toward the Almighty. The present lecture offers a profound elucidation of the Chapter of the Glance in the Maqamat al-Sa'irin, teachings of Nikkounam (May his soul rest in peace), elaborating on the characteristics, stages, and the connection between this station and sovereignty and divine lordship.
The Chapter of the Glance, as elucidated in the lecture, represents the commencement of sovereignty, emerging suddenly, abruptly, and immediately. This station, which originates from a flash of light (lamh), is a manifestation of Divine light that guides the seeker toward the witnessing of the Truth. The glance (lahz), akin to a spark, illuminates the darkness of the seekers soul and introduces them to the threshold of sovereignty.
This definition, which introduces the glance as a momentary and transient manifestation, emphasizes its ephemeral but radiant nature. The glance is not a station, but a condition that prepares the seeker for entry into the grand domain of sovereignty. Its focus is the Divine grace, not the merit resulting from effort or seeking.
The Chapter of the Glance serves as a gateway, guiding the seeker from the ever-changing conditions to the firm and stable stations of sovereignty. This station, as highlighted in the lecture through its connection with the Chapter of the Lightning (Barq), indicates a profound relationship between conditions and sovereignty. The glance is like light that originates from lightning, directing the seeker toward the realization of Divine grace. To understand the position of this station, one can liken it to a moment when the seeker, after traversing the winding paths of various conditions, suddenly stands at the threshold of sovereignty, with a Divine spark illuminating their way. Though brief, this moment marks the beginning of a monumental transformation in their spiritual journey.
The glance, according to the lecture, represents the initiation of sovereignty, leading the seeker to the realization of the Divine lordship and omnipotence of God. This station, which is accompanied by Divine grace, shields the seeker from fear and change, bringing them to a state where they remain unchanged forever. In this station, sovereignty is the manifestation of Divine lordship, adorning the seeker with the robe of power and tranquility. The lecture, with references to examples such as Imam (may Allah have mercy on him), describes this power as being based on Divine truth, where the saints of God, relying on the truth, fear no injustice. This state is akin to a mountain that remains steadfast against earthly storms, guiding the seeker toward a realm of assurance and serenity.
The Chapter of the Glance marks the beginning of sovereignty, guiding the seeker toward the witnessing of the Truth through a sudden burst of Divine light. This station, associated with the flash and lightning, serves as a gateway that leads the seeker from conditions toward sovereignty. The glance, with its manifestation of Divine lordship and power, brings the seeker to a state of tranquility and steadiness, preparing them for entry into the stable stations of sovereignty.
Divine grace, as explained in the lecture, is the container of God's mercy, bestowing goodness and perfection upon the seeker without effort or desire. This station, which is defined as a gift that exceeds merit, liberates the seeker from the burden of seeking, leading them to a state of rest and tranquility. Grace is like rain that falls unexpectedly upon the thirsty earth of the seeker's soul, quenching their thirst.
The lecture explains grace with examples, such as a hidden goodness that reaches the seeker or a perfection that comes to them without request. This gift, which originates from the preemptive favor of God, leads the seeker to the realization of God's boundless kindness.
Merit, in contrast to grace, is the container of God's compassion, in which the servant becomes entitled to God's favor through their efforts and desires. The lecture emphasizes that the servant does not inherently deserve Gods favor; rather, it is Divine mercy that grants them this right and claim. Merit is like a budget that is used where necessary but would be wasted if not sought. This container, which is accompanied by effort and striving, compels the seeker to work and desire. The lecture, through references to questions on the Day of Judgment regarding unused potentials and opportunities, underscores the importance of seeking in this container. Merit is the path the seeker walks with their own feet, while grace is a gift that reaches them without effort.
The fundamental difference between merit and grace lies in effort and ease. Merit is a container of seeking and effort, obligating the seeker to strive and work, whereas grace is a container of ease that reduces obstacles and bestows goodness without effort. The lecture clarifies this distinction through a metaphor of lovers and beloveds: lovers reach Divine grace through crying and striving, while beloveds receive Divine grace even in their sleep. This distinction is like the difference between a traveler who reaches their destination by walking and a rider who arrives without effort. Grace takes the seeker to a realm of certainty and rest where seeking is no longer required.
The lecture, to explain God's preemptive favor and justice, references a verse from the Holy Quran:
"He is not unjust to His servants" (Aal-e-Imran: 182).
This verse emphasizes God's justice and preemptive favor, reassuring the seeker of God's goodness and leading them to trust in His fairness. The lecture considers this verse as a mirror in which the seeker sees the boundless kindness of God, freeing them from anxiety and doubt.
Divine grace is the container of God's mercy, bestowing goodness and perfection on the seeker without their effort, while merit is the container of God's compassion, accompanied by effort and striving. The difference between the two lies in the ease of grace and the effort required in merit. The verse "He is not unjust to His servants" emphasizes God's justice and preemptive favor, guiding the seeker toward certainty and reliance on God. The Chapter of the Glance, by relying on grace, frees the seeker from the burden of seeking and brings them to rest and tranquility.
The Chapter of the Glance, as explained in the lecture, has three stages: the contemplation of previous grace, the emergence of joy, and the induction of gratitude. Each of these stages is conditioned by the phrase "except" (إلا), indicating the instability and imperfection of the glance in relation to higher, more perfected states. The glance, though luminous, is subject to deception and impurity, and only within the realm of witnessing can the seeker be freed from these limitations.
The concept of "باب اللحظ" (The Gate of the Glance) has three distinct stages: ملاحظة الفضل السابق (Perception of Prior Grace), تنبت السرور (The Growth of Joy), and تبعث علی الشکر (The Inducement to Gratitude), each of which is qualified by the phrase "إلا" (except).
In the stage of ملاحظة الفضل السابق, the seeker arrives at the awareness of the divine grace that precedes all actions, which detaches him from the desires of asking or seeking. This understanding, stemming from knowledge of the eternal will of God (سر القدر), leads the seeker to reliance and surrender, liberating him from worry and anxiety. The discourse describes this state as a form of rest, where the seeker sees divine provisions as specifically allotted to him, rendering him free from the need to manipulate or contrive causes. This stage can be likened to a moment when the seeker beholds his destiny in the mirror of divine will, and with firm trust in God's mercy, is freed from fear and concern. In this state, the seeker resembles a traveller whose destination is clear, marching confidently towards it.
In the stage of تنبت السرور, the perception of divine grace generates a great joy in the heart of the seeker. However, this joy is conditioned by the caution against the divine deception. The discourse likens the divine deception to the bestowal of wealth, talent, or power, which might lead to pride or ignorance. The seeker must remain vigilant, concealing his joy and maintaining patience to avoid this peril. This joy is akin to a flower blossoming in the garden of the seeker's soul, but the shadow of divine deception looms over it, urging him to remain alert. At this stage, the seeker must be like a vigilant gardener, protecting his joy from the blight of deception.
The stage of تبعث علی الشکر compels the seeker to offer thanks to God. However, this gratitude is limited to the rank of the grateful ones. The discourse refers to the divine command of gratitude as mentioned in the Qur'an, where God is described as forgiving and appreciative:
The gratitude due to God is of the type of شکوریت, which transcends even the saints unless they attain it in the state of annihilation, where the seeker reaches the true form of appreciation. This stage is compared to a stream that flows from the spring of divine gratitude, urging the seeker to fulfill the duty of acknowledging God's lordship.
باب اللحظ, with its three stages of ملاحظة الفضل السابق, تنبت السرور, and تبعث علی الشکر, guides the seeker through the awareness of grace, spiritual joy, and gratitude towards God. Each stage is conditioned by the phrase إلا because these glimpses are fleeting and susceptible to divine deception. In these states, the seeker is freed from seeking, experiences joy, and is induced to gratitude, yet only in the state of annihilation can the seeker attain the obligatory gratitude due to God.
مکر الهی: Divine Deception Divine deception, as described in the discourse, is a subtle trick that may lead the seeker from joy and assurance back to ignorance and desire. This deception, which can manifest through the gift of wealth, talent, or power, puts the seeker at risk of arrogance or negligence. The discourse illustrates this trick with metaphors like the loss of a key or the squandering of time, depicting it as an obstacle that is both subtle yet impactful. Divine deception is like a shadow that falls upon the pure mirror of the seekers joy, urging him towards vigilance and patience. The seeker must remain protected from this trick through concealment and mindfulness, guarding his joy from the corruption of deception.
Ingratitude and Its Consequences Ingratitude, as illustrated in the discourse through the example of the Children of Israel (the rejection of the divine provision of quail and manna), brings the seeker back to the burdens of desire and deprivation. Ingratitude is compared to a knee that strikes the smooth pipe of the seekers heart, dragging him into the mud. The discourse considers this a great obstacle in the seekers path, cutting him off from divine mercy. This consequence is like a fall that sends the seeker from the peak of joy into the valley of desire and anxiety. Only through gratitude and vigilance can the seeker remain safe from this danger. Vision and Liberation from Deception In the realm of vision, the seeker is freed from the concern of divine deception, transforming the divine trick into acceptance. The discourse, with reference to Imam Hussain (a.s.) and the phrase رضا برضاک و مطیعاً لأمرک (I am content with Your will and obedient to Your command), describes this state. The seeker, in this station, sees everything as a divine trust and, through complete surrender, is liberated from fear and concern. This liberation is like a love gamble in which the seeker calls for Gods grace and accepts whatever is taken from him with gratitude and contentment. At this stage, the seeker is like a lover who sees nothing but the Beloved, remaining immune to any deception.
Divine deception places the seeker in danger of negligence and arrogance, while ingratitude draws him back into the burdens of desire and deprivation. It is only in the realm of vision that the seeker, through surrender and contentment, transforms divine trickery into a divine trust. This station leads the seeker to a state of peace and assurance, in which no concern remains except for God.
