The book Mansil al-irn divides the stages of mystical ascension into ten primary sections: Badyt (Beginnings), Abwb (Gates), Mumlt (Transactions), Akhlaq (Ethics), Ul (Principles), Awdiya (Desires), Awl (States), Wilyt (Divine Authority), aqiq (Truths), and Nihyt (Ends). Each section comprises ten chapters, with each chapter further subdivided into three degrees, totaling three hundred stages of ascension that guide the seeker from the initial stages of repentance and awakening to the elevated peaks of witnessing and reaching Divine guidance. Key Point: *Mansil al-irn*, by dividing the mystical path into three hundred stages in ten sections, provides a comprehensive system for guiding the seeker from the beginnings to the ends.
The section of al-aqiq is a point where, after completing the stages of *Wilyah* (Divine authority), the seeker enters the domain of vision and the attainment of truth. This section includes ten chapters: Mukshafah (Revelation), Mushhadah (Observation), Muyanah (Perception), ayt (Life), Qabz (Contraction), Bast (Expansion), Sakr (Intoxication), Sahw (Sobriety), Ittisl (Union), and Infisl (Separation). Each chapter represents a stage of witnessing and internal experience, ranging from the distant revelation of truth to the intimate proximity of perception and the ultimate union with the Divine. Key Point: The stages of *Mukshafah*, *Mushhadah*, *Muyanah*, and so forth, represent a gradual ascent of vision that leads the seeker towards ultimate unity with the Divine, preparing them for the full experience of truth.
The station of compliance is the culmination of the chapter on *Wilyah* and the commencement of the chapter on *aqiq*. This station directs the seeker to the domain of vision and the attainment of truth, where the signs of the mystical journey become apparent as revelation and observation. Compliance acts as a key that opens the doors to witnessing, transitioning the seeker from effort and patience to the direct experience of the truth. This station marks the beginning of the second journey, min al-aq f al-aq (from the truth in the truth), which leads the seeker to dwell in the truth and then return to guide creation. Key Point: Compliance serves as the final station of *Wilyah* and the first step in the section of *aqiq*, guiding the seeker towards direct vision and the initiation of the journey min al-aq f al-aq.
The section of *al-aqiq* includes ten chapters, each one representing a stage of witnessing and the attainment of truth:
Key Point: These ten chapters represent the stages of witnessing and experiencing the truth, from distant revelation to ultimate union and return for guidance of creation.
The stages of *Mukshafah*, *Mushhadah*, and *Muyanah* are the primary stages of vision in the section of *aqiq*. *Mukshafah* represents distant vision, akin to seeing a star in the night sky. *Mushhadah* represents close observation, like gazing at the moon in a clear sky. *Muyanah* represents complete proximity to truth, akin to feeling the light of the sun in the heart. These stages guide the seeker from fleeting visions to stable realization and from external sight to inner sight.
ayt is the stage where the seeker attains divine life, being spiritually enlivened by the light of the Divine. This life is not material but spiritual, where the seeker becomes fully integrated with the divine essence, growing like a tree nourished by the spring of truth, offering fruits of guidance to creation.
Fiqh, in addition to its foundational principles and jurisprudential knowledge, necessitates a sacred virtue, which refers to inner purity, piety, and steadfastness against sins. Nekounam, quoting from Shahid Thani, stresses that jurists (faqihs) must possess a heart that is pure and mirror-like in order to preserve the religion of God. True justice transcends outward appearance and is reliant upon the purification of the heart and inner steadfastness. While outward virtue may serve as a sign of justice, true justice is like a gem that radiates within a purified heart. "This distinction serves as a critique of viewpoints that reduce justice merely to outward appearances. Nekounam, may his soul rest in peace, cautions that one who lacks inner steadfastness cannot be entrusted with the religion of God." The jurists must, like the saints, possess an unshakable inner strength to withstand sins and temptations. This inner virtue acts as a shield that preserves the jurists on their path to guide the creation. The Holy Qur'an refers to Prophet Musa's (AS) experience of seeking the vision of God in the following verse: فَلَمَّا أَفَاقَ قَالَ سُبْحَانَكَ تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَأَنَا أَوَّلُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ Translation (Fouladand): "When he recovered, he said: 'Glory be to You, I turn to You in repentance and I am the first of the believers'" (Al-A'raf: 143). This verse refers to Musa's (AS) reaching the realities after his self-annihilation. Nekounam explains that after recovering, Musa repented for his selfhood and attained the rank of complete faith. This repentance signifies liberation from the self and reaching the perception of truth. Musa, like a traveler who dies to himself, attained the light of divine guidance and was selected for prophethood. يا مُوسَى إِنِّي أَنَا اصْطَفَيْتُكَ عَلَى النَّاسِ بِرِسَالاتِي وَبِكَلَامِي فَخُذْ مَا آتَيْتُكَ وَكُنْ مِنَ الشَّاكِرِينَ Translation (Fouladand): "O Musa, indeed I have chosen you over the people with My messages and with My words. So take what I have given you and be among the thankful" (Al-A'raf: 144). This verse signifies Musa's selection for guiding the creation. After receiving the realities, he was tasked with transferring the light of guidance to his people. This example illustrates the role of the saints in reaching the truths and then guiding the creation. The divine saints, by receiving the realities of knowledge and wisdom from the Name "Al-Hadi" (The Guide), are equipped to guide creation. Nekounam emphasizes that these secrets arm the saints with divine truths so that they can lead others to the truth. This guidance occurs independently through prophethood and dependently through inheritance. The saints, like clear mirrors, reflect the light of divine guidance and lead creation toward purification and gnosis. The divine saints, in the vessel of prophethood and inheritance, guide creation. Prophethood is the origination of guidance, and inheritance guarantees its continuation. Jurists, as heirs to the prophets, require sacred virtue and true justice to preserve the religion of God. The example of Musa (AS) illustrates reaching the realities and then assuming the mission of guiding. The reception of the secrets of the Name "Al-Hadi" equips the saints with tools for guiding creation. This section, like a gem in the ocean of knowledge, depicts the role of the saints in spiritual practice and guiding creation. The seeker in the realm of truths attains the qualities of divine ethics. Nekounam, may his soul rest in peace, emphasizes that the seeker sees creation with the eyes of God and considers all as the family of God. This perspective, like a divine breeze, eradicates animosity and selfishness from the heart, filling it with love and compassion. In this state, the seeker is so detached from himself that even in the face of harm, he thinks of his enemy, like Imam Ali (AS) who treated his assassin, Ibn Muljam, with kindness. "Imam Ali (AS) treated his assassin, Ibn Muljam, with kindness, illustrating this level of compassion and purity of heart." The heart of the saints in the realm of truths is like an ocean, remaining untouched by any impurities. Nekounam, may his soul rest in peace, states that God does not transfer His perfections and qualities to impure hearts. The heart of the saints, like a clear mirror, is ready to receive divine realities. This clarity is the result of annihilation of the self and connection to the truth, purging the heart from any worldly desires. The conversation with the divine, known as "musamara," takes place in the solitude of the night. Nekounam, may his soul rest in peace, describes the saintly mystic as one who does not sleep during the night but engages in whispering and revelation with the divine. The night, being a sacred time, is a moment for receiving divine inspirations. This state signifies reaching the realm of truths where the seeker, through the whisperings of the heart, attains the perception of truth. In the realm of truths, the seeker attains the ability to perceive truth without the use of physical eyes. Nekounam, may his soul rest in peace, explains that the seeker does not require eyes to see or ears to hear. This vision is an internal perception, freeing the seeker from the limitations of the external world. With the eye of the heart, the seeker sees the truth and hears the words of God with the ear of the soul. The saints, in the realm of truths, embody divine ethics, possess a clear and pure heart, and engage in nightly conversations with the divine, attaining the highest level of perception. Without the need for physical sight, they perceive the truth and guide creation with divine love. Imam Ali's (AS) treatment of Ibn Muljam exemplifies this profound compassion and purity of heart. This section, like a clear mirror, illuminates the qualities of the saints in the light of truth. The path of the seeker in the realm of truths requires the rectification of beliefs, ethics, and actions. Nekounam, may his soul rest in peace, emphasizes that the seeker must first solidify his beliefs, then purify his ethics, and finally perform righteous deeds. Without correct beliefs and pure ethics, righteous actions are ineffective. These stages, like the foundations of a building, guide the seeker toward spiritual perfection. In the modern era, the seeker, in addition to beliefs, ethics, and actions, also requires an understanding of social and political issues. Nekounam, may his soul rest in peace, warns that without understanding the social and political dynamics, the seeker may be vulnerable in society. Fiqh encompasses both politics and social matters, obligating the jurists to have a deep understanding of social issues. This understanding acts as a shield protecting the seeker from social temptations. Nekounam, may his soul rest in peace, critiques unsubstantiated claims in the realms of mysticism and jurisprudence. He stresses that claimants must demonstrate the truth of their assertions through study, research, and presenting scholarly works. Claims of inheritance or mystical authority without scientific and practical backing are like wind that carries no gem. The seeker must avoid claims and instead focus on research and guiding others. Nekounam, may his soul rest in peace, refers to the will of the late Feyz Kashani, who prevented a dome from being constructed over his grave. He stresses that the saints avoid claims and self-promotion. Purity and sincerity, like a gem, shine in the hearts of the saints, freeing them from any attachment to worldly appearances. This purity is a sign of reaching the realm of truths. The path to the realm of truths requires the rectification of beliefs, ethics, actions, and understanding social issues. Unsubstantiated claims hinder progress, and the seeker must prove their authenticity through research and guidance. The example of the saints, like Feyz Kashani, highlights the value of purity and humility on the path to spiritual perfection. This section serves as a reminder to the seeker to focus on purity and the divine mission. The realm of truths is a lofty station in mystical practice that leads the seeker to the vast ocean of perception and the realization of truth. This station, with its ten chapters, outlines the stages of vision from revelation to connection and disconnection. The seeker, by conforming to divine ethics, receiving divine guidance, and purifying the self, travels on the path of guiding creation. The saints, equipped with the secrets of the Name "Al-Hadi," guide creation toward the truth. Their hearts, like clear oceans, remain untainted, and through nightly conversations, they attain the vision of truth. The challenges of the path, from unsubstantiated claims to the lack of social understanding, can be overcome through research, purity, and inner refinement. The teachings of Nekounam, may his soul rest in peace, illuminate this path like a lamp, offering guidance to seekers of truth. Key Points in Prophethood and Inheritance
The Sacred Queen and True Justice
The Example of Moses (AS): Reaching the Realities
The Awliya and the Reception of the Secrets of the Name "Al-Hadi"
Summary of Part Three
The Qualities and Conditions of the Awliya in the Divine Realm
The Oceanic and Clear Heart
The Nightly Conversation with the Divine
Seeing the Truth Without the Physical Eyes
Summary of Part Four
Challenges and Requirements in the Path of Truth
Social and Political Dimensions
The Danger of Unsubstantiated Claims
The Model of the Saints: Purity and Humility
Summary of Part Five
Conclusion
