the Lectures of Nokounam, (Session 554)
Introduction
The Chapter of Estrangement (Bb al-Ghurba) constitutes one of the exalted stations of the mystical path within the section of Al-Wilyt in the treatise Manzil al-Sirn. In the detailed discourse of Session 554 delivered by Nokounam, , this station is meticulously examined with reliance upon the Quranic verses, prophetic traditions, and profound mystical reflections. Following the prior stations of La, Waqt, af, Surr, Sirr, and Nafs, this stage directs the seeker towards solitude and isolation from the multitude tainted by polytheism and hypocrisy, guiding them towards purity and independence on the path of Tawd (Divine Unity) and Wilyah (Spiritual Authority).
Though estrangement imposes a heavy burden and an arduous trial upon the seekers soul, it functions akin to a furnace that refines the heart, preparing it to receive the Divine Light. This exalted station is intimately connected with the noble Quranic verse:
فَلَوْلَا كَانَ مِنَ الْقُرُونِ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ أُولُو بَقِيَّةٍ يَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْفَسَادِ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا مِمَّنْ أَنْجَيْنَا مِنْهُمْ
(Srah Hd, 11:116)
which profoundly alludes to the singularity and solitude of the saints of Truth in opposition to the corrupt majority. This treatise presents the content of the aforementioned lecture along with its extensive analytical commentary, articulated in a refined and scholarly language within a coherent academic framework, thereby providing a comprehensive and profound resource for researchers and specialist audiences in the fields of mysticism and theology. The ensuing text, preserving all details and primary meanings, elucidates the initial category of the Chapter of Estrangement namely, Ghurbat al-Awn (Estrangement from Homelands) and clarifies its position within the mystical journey.
Section One: Elucidation of the Station of Estrangement in the Mystical Path
The Concept of Estrangement and Its Connection to Divine Unity
In Islamic mysticism, estrangement signifies the station of solitude and singularity apart from creation, wherein the seeker is severed from polytheism and hypocrisy and guided towards Divine Unity (Tawd). This station serves as a threshold that the seeker steps into after traversing the prior stages of Wilyah namely La, Waqt, af, Surr, Sirr, and Nafs. Estrangement is not merely physical detachment from familiar circles and polytheistic milieus, but an inner state that liberates the heart of the seeker from worldly attachments and acquaints it intimately with the Truth.
Key Point: الْغُرْبَةُ انْفِرَادٌ عَنِ الشِّرْكِ وَالنِّفَاقِ يُؤَدِّي إِلَى التَّوْحِيدِ
Estrangement denotes singularity apart from polytheism and hypocrisy which culminates in Divine Unity.
At this station, the seeker attains ease and relief (tanfs) and emancipates themselves from the fetters imposed by created beings. They resemble a bird liberated from the narrow cage of multiplicity, soaring freely in the boundless heavens of unity. This singularity not only distances the seeker from the tumult of the polytheists but also refines their inner essence, preparing it to receive the light of Tawd.
The Relationship Between Wilyah and Tawd
Wilyah constitutes the manifestation of Divine Unity; whoever lacks Wilyah cannot truly possess Tawd. This inseparable bond attains its zenith at the station of estrangement. The seeker, upon the realization of perfect servitude (Ubudiyyah), arrives at Divine Unity. Hence, servitude is loftier than prophetic mission, as it represents the essential cause underpinning it.
مَنْ لَا وَلَايَةَ لَهُ لَا تَوْحِيدَ لَهُ
Wilyah is the very essence of Divine Unity, and servitude is the cause of prophethood and its most noble aspect.
Servitude is like a seed sown in the heart of the seeker that, nourished by af and estrangement, grows into the sturdy tree of Divine Unity. This station leads the seeker to a state where they perceive nothing but the Truth and find intimacy with none other.
Estrangement as the Fruit of af and Tanfs
Estrangement emerges as the fruit of progression through the stages of af, Surr, Sirr, and Tanfs. After the purification of the heart and the manifestation of the light of faith, the seeker reaches a state wherein they are freed from worldly confines and attain inner purity and freedom. This tanfs is like a gentle breeze that removes the dust of attachments from the mirror of the heart, preparing it to reflect the light of the Truth.
الْغُرْبَةُ نَتِيجَةُ الصَّفَا وَالتَّنْفِيسِ
Estrangement is the consequence of purity and relief, which leads the seeker to freedom and clarity.
At this station, the seeker resembles a polished gem, transformed from the raw stone of existence into a radiant jewel, thereby finding their place within the circle of Wilyah.
Summary of Section One
The station of estrangement is a sublime degree in the mystical path whereby the seeker is severed from polytheism and hypocrisy and guided towards Divine Unity and Wilyah. This station results from af and Tanfs, preparing the heart of the seeker to receive Divine Light. Wilyah embodies Divine Unity, and servitude serves as the key to this station. Although estrangement entails solitude and singularity, it grants the seeker purity and independence, conveying them from the multiplicity of creation to Divine Unity.
Section Two: Estrangement in the Light of Quranic Verses and Traditions
Exegesis of the Noble Verse from Srah Hd
The Holy Quran, in Srah Hd (11:116), references the singularity of the saints of Truth amidst a corrupt majority:
فَلَوْلَا كَانَ مِنَ الْقُرُونِ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ أُولُو بَقِيَّةٍ يَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْفَسَادِ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا مِمَّنْ أَنْجَيْنَا مِنْهُمْ
: "Why were there not among the generations before you those of understanding who would forbid corruption in the land, except a few of those We saved?"
الْقَلِيلُ الْمُنْفَرِدُونَ عَنِ الْفَسَادِ
The few who stand apart from corruption. The verse highlights the singularity of the saints of Truth against corruption as a cause of deliverance.
This verse elucidates the estrangement of the saints as a factor preserving societies and averting ruin. The saints shine like stars in the dark sky of corruption, forbidding wickedness and thus securing salvation for their people. Yet, their scarcity signifies the arduousness of the station of estrangement, borne only by the few.
Estrangement as the Consequence of Hijrah
Hijrah (emigration), whether from the material homeland or from the egocentric self, constitutes the prerequisite for estrangement. The seeker undertakes hijrah to distance themselves from the polytheistic and impure surroundings, so as to attain purity and Divine Unity in the solitude of estrangement.
الْهِجْرَةُ عِلَّةُ الْغُرْبَةِ
Hijrah is the cause of estrangement, leading the seeker from polytheism to purity.
Hijrah resembles a journey transferring the seeker from the land of multiplicity to the abode of unity, and estrangement becomes the station in which they are freed from worldly attachments and united with the Truth.
The Tradition from the Messenger of God (PBUH) to Amir al-Muminn (AS)
In a narration from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) addressed to Amir al-Muminn (Ali, peace be upon him), it is stated that true believers are few, whereas the majority constitute the disbelievers in aversion to faith. This tradition explicates the estrangement of the people of Truth amid the dominance of polytheists.
الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الْحَقِيقِيُّونَ قَلِيلُونَ وَالْكَرْهِيُّونَ غَالِبُونَ
True believers are few, and the disbelievers predominate.
This scarcity is akin to a rare gem found only by the discerning eye amidst the multitude of pebbles. The estrangement of the people of Truth marks their perfection and purity in the mystical path.
Summary of Section Two
Estrangement, illuminated by Quranic verses and prophetic traditions, is a station that segregates the saints of Truth from the corrupt majority. The verse from Srah Hd explicates the rarity of the saints and their vital role in societal salvation. Hijrah is the prerequisite of estrangement, while the Prophets tradition to Amir al-Muminn highlights the scarcity of the people of Truth amid the many polytheists. This station guides the seeker to purity and Divine Unity, situating them among the estranged saints.
Section Three: Ghurbat al-Awn The First Category of Estrangement
The Concept of Ghurbat al-Awn
The initial category of estrangement is Ghurbat al-Awn estrangement from homelands which signifies detachment from the material homeland and separation from familiar environments permeated by polytheism. This detachment liberates the seeker from worldly attachments and leads to solitude and purity.
الدَّرَجَةُ الْأُولَى: غُرْبَةُ الْأَوْطَانِ
The first degree: Estrangement from homelands. Detachment from material homeland leads the seeker to purity and independence.
Ghurbat al-Awn resembles the severance of a flower from its branch, transferring it from the soil of the earth to a celestial garden. At this station, the seeker seeks refuge from the multiplicity of creation towards Divine Unity.
The Estranged Martyr
Death in estrangement is martyrdom, and the stranger in the grave is transported to their true homeland. This martyrdom, by virtue of singularity and purity, elevates the seeker to the station of witnessing the Truth.
Key Concept: الْغَرِيبُ مَوْتُهُ شَهَادَةٌ
Death in alienation is martyrdom. Death in a state of estrangement is considered a form of shahda (witnessing), wherein the stranger is transported to his ultimate, primordial homeland. The death of the alienated is akin to the extinguishing of a candle whose light eternally radiates in the heavens. This martyrdom signifies the perfection and spiritual proximity of the seeker to the Divine Truth.
Conjunction with Jesus son of Mary (s ibn Maryam, peace be upon him)
On the Day of Resurrection, the estranged shall be gathered with Jesus son of Mary (peace be upon him). Due to his own state of estrangement and solitude, Jesus (peace be upon him) embodies the paradigm of the alienated, and being resurrected alongside him is an indication of the highest degree of this spiritual station. Key point: يُجْمَعُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ إِلَى عِيسَى بْنِ مَرْيَمَ عَلَيْهِمَا السَّلَامُ The alienated is resurrected with Jesus son of Mary (peace be upon them both). This conjunction is likened to a droplet merging into the ocean, whereby the stranger is immersed in the boundless ocean of Divine mercy.
Estrangement of Imam Reza (peace be upon him)
Imam Reza (peace be upon him), on account of his hopeless estrangement from return, is known as Gharb al-Ghurab (the Stranger of the Strangers). This very estrangement elevates him as the exalted exemplar for those who journey in the mystical path of alienation. Key concept: الْإِمَامُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ غَرِيبُ الْغُرَبَاءِ Imam Reza (peace be upon him) is the archetype of the alienated. The estrangement of Imam Reza (peace be upon him) mirrors a mirror reflecting the grandeur of the solitude of the Friends of God before the multitude of creation.
Summary of Section Three
The estrangement from homelands (Ghurbat al-Awtan), the first tier of alienation, separates the seeker from the material homeland and worldly attachments, guiding him towards purity and independence. Death at this station constitutes martyrdom, and the alienated is resurrected alongside Jesus son of Mary (peace be upon him) and alienated saints such as Imam Reza (peace be upon him). This station facilitates monotheism and spiritual guardianship (wilyah) and leads the seeker towards ultimate spiritual perfection.
Section Four: Estrangement and Poverty as the Essence of the Men of Knowledge and Action
Purity and Independence through Estrangement
Estrangement bestows purity and independence upon the seeker, transporting him from the multiplicity of creation towards Divine unity. This station polishes the heart and prepares it for the reception of the Divine Light. Key point: الْغُرْبَةُ تُؤَدِّي إِلَى الصَّفَا وَالْاِسْتِقْلَالِ Estrangement leads to purity and independence. Purity is like crystal-clear water springing forth from the fountain of estrangement, cleansing the seekers heart from the rust of attachments.
The Heaviness and Sweetness of Estrangement
Although estrangement is heavy, accompanied by solitude and abandonment, it harbours a sweet delight that manifests in the seekers spiritual proximity to the Truth. Key point: الْغُرْبَةُ ثَقِيلَةٌ وَلَذِيذَةٌ Estrangement is heavy yet sweet. This heaviness acts like a burden that bows the seeker down, while its sweetness resembles nectar that sweetens his heart.
Estrangement and Poverty: Vital Stations
Estrangement and poverty are two vital spices for the men of knowledge and action that inflame and soften the heart, rendering it ready for spiritual guardianship (wilyah). Key point: الْغُرْبَةُ وَالْفَقْرُ چَاشِنِيَّانِ لِأَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ Estrangement and poverty are the seasoning of the people of knowledge. These two stations resemble fire and water that melt and refine the heart within the furnace of spiritual progression.
Example of Shaykh Ansari
Shaykh Ansari, by refusing to abandon poverty, demonstrated the pivotal role of this station in spiritual growth. He preserved poverty as a precious treasure. Key point: الشَّيْخُ الْأَنْصَارِيُّ رَفَضَ التَّخَلِّي عَنِ الْفَقْرِ Shaykh Ansari preserved poverty for spiritual development. His steadfastness is akin to guarding a gem concealed deep within estrangement and poverty.
The Role of Angels in Estrangement
God sends angels to accompany the alienated in order to alleviate the heaviness of estrangement and soothe his heart. Key point: اللَّهُ يُرْسِلُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ لِمُشَايَعَةِ الْغَرِيبِ Angels escort the alienated. This Divine benevolence is like rain falling upon the thirsty soil of estrangement, quenching the heart of the alienated.
Summary of Section Four
Estrangement and poverty constitute essential stations for the men of knowledge and action, bestowing purity, independence, and proximity to the Truth. Though arduous, these stations possess a sweet delight that prepares the heart for spiritual guardianship. The example of Shaykh Ansari and the Divine escort of angels exemplify the greatness of these states.
Section Five: Estrangement in the Spiritual Journey of Prophets and Saints
Estrangement of the Prophets
The Prophets too traversed the realm of emigration and estrangement. The valley of Abu Talib exemplifies the Prophet Muhammads (peace be upon him) estrangement, wherein he sought refuge from the multiplicity of creation to Divine unity. Key point: الْأَنْبِيَاءُ كَانُوا فِي ظَرْفِ الْهِجْرَةِ وَالْغُرْبَةِ The Prophets journeyed through emigration and estrangement. The estrangement of the Prophets is like a journey that leads them from the narrowness of creation to the vastness of the Truth.
The Scarcity of the People of Truth
The people of truth are few and, amidst the multitude of polytheists, live in estrangement and solitude. This scarcity is a sociological principle explicating the estrangement of the saints. Key point: أَهْلُ الْحَقِيقَةِ قَلِيلُونَ وَالْمُشْرِكُونَ كَثِيرُونَ The people of truth are few, and the polytheists are many. This scarcity is like a light shining amidst the darkness of multiplicity, visible only to the discerning.
Estrangement as a Prerequisite for Spiritual Guardianship
Without estrangement, spiritual guardianship (wilyah) cannot be realised. This station is a furnace that readies the heart for the reception of the light of guardianship. Key point: لَا وَلَايَةَ بِدُونِ غُرْبَةٍ There is no guardianship without estrangement. Estrangement is like a fire that melts the heart, preparing it to assume the role of guardianship.
The Bitterness of Estrangement Stemming from the Seekers Weakness
The bitterness of estrangement originates in the weakness of the seeker. A strong seeker perceives estrangement as an opportunity for perseverance and proximity, finding it sweet and purifying. Key point: تَلْخِيُّ الْغُرْبَةِ مِنْ ضَعْفِ السَّالِكِ The bitterness of estrangement arises from the weakness of the seeker. A strong seeker is like a mountain steadfast against the storm of estrangement, drawing purity and strength therefrom.
Summary of Section Five
Estrangement is a station traversed by the Prophets and saints, separating the people of truth from the multiplicity of creation. It is a prerequisite for spiritual guardianship, and its bitterness stems from the weakness of the seeker. A strong seeker embraces estrangement as an opportunity for purity and proximity, thus attaining spiritual perfection.
Final Summary
The chapter of Estrangement in Manzil al-Sirn represents an exalted station in the mystical journey, severing the seeker from polytheism and hypocrisy and guiding him towards monotheism and spiritual guardianship. The initial tier, Ghurbat al-Awtan, denotes separation from the material homeland and detachment from the polytheistic multitude. Estrangement, despite its heaviness and solitude, yields purity, independence, and proximity to the Truth. The noble verse of Surah Hud elucidates the scarcity of the friends of God, and the narrations depict the estrangement of the people of truth against the multitude of polytheists. Death in estrangement is martyrdom, and the alienated is resurrected alongside alienated saints such as Jesus son of Mary (peace be upon him) and Imam Reza (peace be upon him). Estrangement and poverty season the men of knowledge and action, preparing the heart for spiritual guardianship. This station is a furnace that refines the seeker, bringing him to spiritual perfection. Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
