of Nokounam, (Session 547)
Introduction
Within the expansive realm of Islamic mysticism, the treatise Manzil al-S'irn by Khwaja Abdullah Ansari stands as a luminous beacon, guiding the seekers upon the path of ultimate Truth. This seminal work meticulously delineates the various stages of spiritual progressionfrom the initial stations to the loftiest summits of wilyahthus offering a comprehensive cartography of the human souls pilgrimage towards the Divine Reality. Among these stages, the Station of the Secret occupies an exceedingly exalted rank, positioned immediately after the Station of the Master within the category of Ulm al-Wilyt. It is characterised as one of the most arduous and profound phases of the mystical journey. In the 547th session of his lectures, Nokounam, may his spirit be sanctified, provides an incisive exposition on the first tier of this stationnamely, the rank of the Akhfiy, the Hidden Saints of God. These Akhfiy, who are termed the Divine Treasures, possess in their inner reality elevated resolve, pure intention, and a correct mode of spiritual conduct, yet outwardly manifest no indication of such perfections. Their presence is akin to an unassuming tree, silently bestowing spiritual and material blessings upon the community, without any visible sign of their sublime excellence.
Section One: Explication of the Station of the Secret and the Rank of the Akhfiy
The Concept of the Secret in Mystical Progression
The Station of the Secret, within the hierarchical sequence of Manzil al-S'irn, is attained by the seeker following their passage beyond the Station of the Master. This station is subdivided into three strata, each reflecting varying degrees of perfection. The initial stratum is the rank of the Akhfiy: saints who in their inner reality possess lofty resolve, pure intention, and sound spiritual conduct, yet externally display no sign of these perfections. These individuals are like a jewel enclosed within a shell, concealing the Divine Secret within their bosoms and deliberately eschewing all forms of renown and external manifestation. The phrase هُوَ ثَلَاثُ طَبَقَاتٍ لِثَلَاثِ دَرَجَاتٍ in the original text alludes to this triadic structure, wherein the first stratum, owing to its external silence and inner tumult, constitutes one of the most challenging stations on the mystical path. Key Point: The Akhfiy are the concealed saints of God who are outwardly silent yet inwardly tumultuous. They are termed Divine Treasures because their blessings reach creation without any outward manifestation.
Characteristics of the Akhfiy: The Hidden Saints
The Akhfiy, as described in the lecture, constitute a group whose resolve has ascended, whose intention is purified, and whose conduct is sound, yet they are neither associated with any formal designation nor attributed any specific name. Outwardly, they bear no colour or sign of their resplendent inner reality. Their resolve is elevated like an eagle soaring towards lofty summits; their intention is as a clear spring, devoid of any impurity; and their conduct is a direct and unwavering path. They belong to no sect, adopt no formal garb, and are not identified by any of the Divine Names. Inwardly immersed in the Divine Truth, outwardly they tread among the people as ordinary wayfarers.
Lofty Resolve: The Ascent Towards the Divine
The resolve of the Akhfiy is positioned at the highest degree of perfection: عَلَتْ هَمَمُهُمْ إِلَى الدَّرَجَةِ الثَّالِثَةِ مِنْ بَابِ الْهِمَّةِ. This resolve is detached neither from worldly affairs nor from the reward of the Hereafter; rather, it is solely directed towards the Essence of the Truth. The seeker at this stage resembles a moth circling the candle of the Divine, sacrificing all for the attainment of the Beloved. They devote their nights to worship and their days to service of creation, never permitting fatigue or weariness to enter their hearts. The lectures metaphor of prolonged prostration or worship continuing until dawn bears testimony to the exalted nature of this resolve.
Pure Intention: The Clarity of the Journey Towards Annihilation
The intention of the Akhfiy is unblemished and sincere: صَفَتْ قَصُودُهُمْ عَنِ الِالْتِفَاتِ إِلَى الْغَيْرِ فِي التَّوَجُّهُ نَحْوَ الْحَقِّ. This purity denotes the negation of any diversion towards anything other than the Truth. At this station, the seeker is like an arrow released from a bow, directed solely towards the Divine Goal, impeded by no worldly pleasures or promises of the Hereafter. This intention is a determined resolve to undertake iqtim bar al-fanthe immersion into the ocean of self-annihilation for the attainment of the Divine Essence.
Correct Spiritual Conduct: Removing Obstacles and Severing Attachments
The spiritual conduct of the Akhfiy is entirely free from deviation: "Their conduct is sound through the removal of obstacles and the severance of attachments." The correctness of this conduct is achieved through two principal avenues: first, the elimination of intellectual impediments, meaning the purification of the mind from erroneous thoughts and doctrinal deviations; second, the removal of practical obstacles, namely the severance of carnal attachments and worldly inclinations. These individuals resemble a gardener who expels thorns and brambles from the garden of the heart, removing every hindrance along their spiritual path and surrendering the heart solely to the Divine Truth.
Divine Treasures: The Hidden Charities of the Akhfiy
The
Akhfiy are described as
"the treasuries of God Almighty wherever they may be", signifying that they constitute divine repositories whose presence brings forth blessing and beneficence wherever they dwell. Without any ostensible activity, much like a tree that silently purifies the air, they bestow both material and spiritual benefits upon society. Their presence revitalises a community; their prayers avert calamities; and their gaze, though unrecognised, illumines hearts. The Holy Qur'an alludes to this concealed role, referring to believers whose good reaches others without seeking fame or notoriety.
And of the people is he who sells himself, seeking the pleasure of Allah (Qur'an, 2:207) "And among mankind is he who sells his soul seeking the pleasure of God."
Apparent Silence and Inner Tumult
One of the most salient characteristics of the Akhfiy is the duality between their external appearance and their internal reality: "Outwardly silent, inwardly resounding." Externally, they resemble ordinary individuals devoid of any visible signs of their profound inner stature. Yet inwardly, they are like a turbulent sea, replete with divine grace and benevolence. This silence is not born of torpor or lethargy but is an intentional concealment aimed at preserving the Divine secret. The teaching discourse elucidates this attribute through the example of the Prophet Hd (peace be upon him), who, despite his exalted station, presented himself in an unassuming manner to veil his sanctity.
Part Two: The Role and Position of the Akhfiy within Society
Invisible Influence: The Inner Prosperity of the Community
The presence of the Akhfiy within society is akin to that of a devoted sage dwelling within a neighbourhood, whose mere existence brings blessing and prosperity. They do not preach publicly nor lead congregations, yet through their prayers, glances, and remembrance, they support and guide the populace. The discourse likens their role to a tree that bears abundant fruit without ostentation: "Like a tree that does not grow visibly yet yields much." Unlike the baker whose work is manifest, the tree silently and unassumingly sweetens the air. Similarly, the Akhfiy dispense blessings to the people without seeking recognition.
Warders Against Calamity: The Role of Divine Treasuries
According to the discourse, the
Akhfiy repel calamities from the servants of God:
"God wards off affliction through them." This function is analogous to a treasury that alleviates poverty and need. Their presence, like a divine shield, safeguards the community from afflictions and disasters. The Qur'an, describing this role, refers to saints whose prayers convey benefit to the people:
We made them leaders guiding by Our command (Qur'an, 21:73) "And We appointed them as leaders who guided by Our command."
Deliberate Concealment: Preserving the Divine Secret
The Akhfiy, to protect their secret, sometimes employ stratagems to avert those who might perceive their inner reality: "When they require a device, they keep far those who scent the disclosure of their secret." This concealment is neither motivated by fear nor weakness but is a conscious act to safeguard their station of spiritual authority. The discourse explicates this feature by citing the example of the Prophet Hd (peace be upon him), who, despite his prophethood, appeared ordinary so that his secret remained hidden. These individuals are like a jewel embedded within a stone, visible only to those endowed with insight. Key Point: Through intentional concealment, the Akhfiy preserve the Divine secret. Like a hidden gem, they manifest solely for the Truth and their benevolence, devoid of any outward display, reaches the people.
Part Three: Distinction of the Akhfiy from Other Saints
Non-Attribution to Specific Names or Titles
Unlike saints who are affiliated with particular Divine Names such as
Abd al-Karm or
Abd al-Qayym, the
Akhfiy remain free from attribution to any of Gods Names:
"They are not ascribed to any of the Names of God Almighty." They are annihilated in the Presence of the Divine Unity and manifest only for the Truth. The discourse clarifies this distinction by referencing
Abdullh, a station encompassing all Divine Names. Abdullh, like a mirror reflecting all Divine manifestations, represents the highest degree of spiritual authority.
Indeed, it is the servant of Allah who calls upon Him (Qur'an, 72:19) "Indeed, it was the servant of God who rose while calling upon Him."
Contrast with Servants Attributed to Particular Names
Saints ascribed to particular Divine Names, such as Abd al-Azm or Abd al-amad, occupy a station inferior to that of the Akhfiy. These are confined to specific manifestations of the Divine Names, whereas the Akhfiy, through annihilation in the Divine Presence, transcend all nominal attributions. The discourse elucidates this distinction through the analogy of various plants and beings, each named according to its particular manifestation, whilst the Akhfiy are akin to a liberated spirit, unbounded by such constraints.
The Hadith of Qib and the Critique of Fame
The Akhfiy are recognised by the hadith "My saints are under my Qib; none knows them except Me." Here, Qib metaphorically represents Divine Wilaya that shields them from recognition by anyone but the Truth. Nevertheless, the discourse casts doubt on the attribution of specific individuals, such as Uways al-Qaran or Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Jabbr Nafr, to this rank: "How can the Akhfiy be known if they are under my Qib?" This critique underscores the contradiction between concealment and fame, warning that attachment to unauthentic narrations diverts the seeker from the path of Truth.
Part Four: Critical Appraisal and Conclusion
A Warning Against Relying on Words and Narrations
The discourse, in a sagacious tone, cautions the spiritual seeker against attachment to non-authentic mystical terminology and fabricated transmissions: "One ought not to cling to words and newly invented concepts in gnosis." True gnosis is contingent upon adherence to the Holy Qur'an and reliable prophetic traditions. This admonition stresses the imperative return to original sources and the avoidance of human accretions. The seeker, like a dove flying toward the nest of Truth, must free themselves from the snare of mere terminology to attain pure reality.
Final Summary
The station of the secret, among the stages of the spiritual traveller, constitutes one of the loftiest degrees of mystical conduct, specifically allocated to the Akhfiythe hidden saints of God. These exemplars, with resolute endeavour, pure intention, and correct conduct, are divine treasuries whose beneficence reaches creation. Their outward silence and inward tumult, deliberate concealment, and non-attribution to any name or title are their most distinctive traits. Their presence repels calamities and revitalises society, all while remaining unrecognised. Abdullh, as the locus of all Divine Names, represents the highest rank; yet the Akhfiy, through annihilation in the Divine Unity, are freed from all nominal ascriptions. The emphasis on Quranic authenticity and the rejection of unsubstantiated narrations remains an enduring message for all truth-seekers. Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
