Taken from the lectures of Nakoonam, may his soul rest in peace (Session 589), this work elucidates the spiritual station of expansion (Bast), a critical stage in Islamic mysticism that guides the seeker from the constriction of contraction (Qabd) to the expansive realm of spiritual and divine openness.
In the domain of Islamic mysticism, the station of Expansion (Bast) represents one of the highest degrees of spiritual journeying, guiding the seeker from the constriction of Qabd (contraction) to a vastness of spiritual and divine expanse. This station, akin to an infinite sea, engulfs the seeker, allowing them to interact with creation while remaining untouched by its negative influences, ultimately becoming a beacon of light, guiding others towards the truth. Lecture 589 from the collection Halls of the Wayfarers, teachings of Nakoonam, may his soul rest in peace, delves deeply into this noble station, elaborating upon its essence and categorizing the seekers of Expansion into three distinct stages.
The lecture opens with the invocation of the verse Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Raheem (In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful). This phrase, like a golden key, opens the gates of divine knowledge, emphasising the importance of unity and divine mercy in the spiritual journey. The station of Expansion is like a spiritual realm that liberates the seeker from the constriction of Qabd, placing them in an expanse where engagement with creation and connection with the Divine reach a state of equilibrium.
The station of Expansion is akin to an ocean that frees the seeker from the confines of Contraction, placing them in an expansive spiritual space where they remain untouched by the negative effects of creation, and in turn, become a guiding light to others.
Seekers of the station of Expansion are divided into three distinct groups: Ahlu al-Bast ma al-Khalq (Those of Expansion with Creation), Ahlu al-Bast fi Quwat al-Qabd (Those of Expansion in the Power of Contraction), and Alam al-Masabih (The Heralds of the Lamps). Each group represents a specific degree of spiritual perfection, which will be elaborated upon in the following sections.
This group of seekers is entirely expansive among creation, with no sign of contraction in their being. They flow through society like a river, interacting with others in a natural and unpretentious manner. While this stage is valuable, it lacks the profound inner depth found in the subsequent stages, thus placing it at a lower level. These seekers, though outwardly harmonious with creation, may lack the necessary inner strength to preserve their spiritual state against the negative influences of others.
This group, while present among creation and outwardly expansive, maintains their spiritual state internally. They possess dual lives and dual inclinations; externally, they are in harmony with creation, but inwardly they remain in the state of Contraction. These seekers, like deeply rooted trees, stand firm against the corrosive winds of worldly customs and not only remain unaffected by negative influences, but also have the ability to positively influence others. The strength of their inner meanings (the inner beliefs) and the stability of their spiritual visions shield them from any passivity towards the vices and bad customs of creation.
Those of Expansion in the Power of Contraction are akin to expert healers, present among creation but untouched by negative influences. With their inner strength, they guide others towards goodness and righteousness.
The Heralds of the Lamps are the collective saints who have harmonized both Contraction and Expansion within their inherent nature. They shine like blazing lamps among the prophets, saints, and their followers, representing symbols of hope and vitality for the servants of God. This group stands at the highest station of the spiritual journey, and their ability to unite Contraction and Expansion is a sign of their spiritual perfection. Not only are they untouched by the negative effects of creation, but they also serve as luminous guides, leading others towards the truth.
The Heralds of the Lamps, like shining beacons, combine both Contraction and Expansion, guiding creation towards the truth and standing at the peak of spiritual perfection.
The station of Expansion, with its categorization of seekers into three stages, showcases the hierarchy of mystical progress. From those of Expansion with Creation, who outwardly harmonize with creation, to those of Expansion in the Power of Contraction, who maintain a balance between inner and outer states, and finally to the Heralds of the Lamps, who, at the zenith of their spiritual journey, serve as guiding lights to others, each stage represents a step towards spiritual perfection. This categorization provides a clear map for the seeker, guiding them towards union with the Divine.
The second group of seekers, namely those of Expansion in the Power of Contraction, are immune to the negative influences of Riha al-Rusum (the winds of societal customs). These winds, akin to poisonous gusts, represent bad morals, undesirable actions, and the negative environmental influences that could lead the seeker astray from their spiritual path. However, these seekers, like solid rocks against a storm, remain unaffected by these winds, preserving their spiritual state. The negative traits of creation do not affect them, and their inner purity remains unsullied.
The difference between the second and third groups in terms of passivity clearly illustrates the stages of perfection. The second group is immune to passivity towards misfortunes and the bad qualities of creation, while the third group, the Heralds of the Lamps, not only remain unaffected but also serve as a stable container for both Expansion and Contraction. These beings, called the best of creation, are like an unshakable mountain, unaffected by disturbances, and, like burning torches, they guide others towards the Divine.
The Heralds of the Lamps, due to their inherent perfection, are not only immune to passivity, but also, like stars in the sky of knowledge, guide creation towards the truth.
External behaviours, as manifestations of creation's ordinary conduct, can potentially distract the seeker from their attention to the Divine. However, the second group, due to their strong inner meanings and stable spiritual visions, remain unaffected by these outward behaviours. These external manifestations do not cloud their perception of truth, and the winds of societal customs do not disturb their spiritual existence. They remain like a polished mirror, reflecting only the truth, and are immune from the impurities of external appearances.
Ordinary people, when faced with the bad behaviour of others, may experience a shift in their emotional state. This shift manifests either as anxiety and distress or as a tendency towards negativity. A narration states: "Associating with the wicked leads to a suspicion of the virtuous." This saying highlights the negative impact of the environment and companionship with the wicked on ordinary individuals, which can weaken their faith and cause a shift in their spiritual state.
The saints of God, due to their inner strength and stability, not only remain unaffected by the negative behaviour of creation, but also have the ability to guide others towards goodness. They are like expert healers, who associate with the sick, not to fall ill themselves, but to cure the spiritual and moral ailments of others. This analogy demonstrates the exalted position of God's saints as spiritual guides.
God's saints, like expert healers, not only remain immune to the negative effects of creation, but with their inner strength, they guide others towards goodness and righteousness.
The characteristics of the seekers of expansion, particularly in the second and third stages, signify their inner strength and immunity from the negative influences of worldly traits. These seekers, with their firm beliefs and spiritual insights, are not only shielded from turmoil but serve as radiant beacons, guiding the masses towards the truth. The distinction between stages, from apparent expansion to the integration of contraction and expansion, highlights the hierarchical nature of spiritual perfection, the pinnacle of which is expressed in the declaration of the lamps of manifestation.
To be among the people while maintaining one's spiritual state, a seeker must possess inner strength. Without this strength, associating with the masses may lead to deviation. This strength does not imply permission to commit sin or participate in wrongdoings, but rather reflects the purity and inner sanctity that protects the seeker from negative influences.
If a seeker is able to transform a sinful gathering into a righteous one, their presence in such gatherings becomes obligatory. However, if they are unable to do so, their presence is forbidden. It is narrated that if someone sits in a gathering of wine-drinking and cannot alter the situation, they are akin to the sinners themselves. This principle underscores the responsibility of the seeker in transforming the environment. The friends of God, with their inner strength, possess the ability to change sinful gatherings into virtuous ones, but for ordinary individuals, attending such gatherings without the ability to reform them leads to sin.
If a scholar enters a gathering of sin and is able to transform it into a righteous one, their presence is obligatory. However, if they cannot do so, they must leave. This principle demonstrates the active role of scholars and saints of God in societal reform. They are akin to physicians, who enter the spiritual and moral ailments of the people for their healing.
Regarding the testimony of adultery, if the witness looks with the intention of testifying, this gaze is not sinful and is obligatory. However, if the gaze is without the intention of testimony, it is considered a sin. This principle points to the complex jurisprudential and mystical intricacies involved in confronting sin. A gaze at sin, if with the intent to rectify and testify, is not only not sinful but required. This balance between jurisprudential and mystical rulings emphasizes the significance of intention in deeds.
The presence in a sinful gathering is obligatory for the strong seeker, provided they can transform it into righteousness; otherwise, it is forbidden.
The friends of God, upon entering gatherings of sin, are not only unaffected but are capable of absorbing the sin. This ability stems from their inner strength and complete annihilation in their perception of the Divine Essence. They are like an infinite ocean, dissolving all impurities and replacing them with goodness and virtue.
Sin is never permissible for the friends of God, unless the environment of sin is transformed into an environment of goodness. This principle emphasizes the purity of the friends of God. Even when confronted with sin, they act with the intention of good and reform, remaining immune from any impurity.
The difficulty in proving adultery in Islamic jurisprudence, due to stringent conditions (such as the requirement for four just witnesses and complete visibility), highlights the divine mercy in protecting the reputation of individuals. By making the proof of sin difficult, God prevents disgrace from befalling His servants, thus demonstrating His boundless compassion.
The difficulty of proving adultery in jurisprudence is a sign of divine mercy, preventing the disgrace of individuals and emphasizing the preservation of their dignity.
The responsibility of seekers in societal reform, especially in the face of sinful gatherings, is of paramount importance. The friends of God, with their inner strength, are not only immune to negative influences but are also capable of transforming the environment towards goodness. This responsibility, rooted in maintaining purity and avoiding sin, reflects the exalted role of saints in guiding the people. The difficulty in proving sin in Islamic jurisprudence is also a manifestation of divine mercy, which underscores the importance of preserving the dignity of individuals.
The beliefs and spiritual observations of the friends of God are so steadfast that they never change. Even in the face of adversity and hardships, they remain resolute. This stability reflects the depth of their faith and certainty, which emanates from their connection with the Divine Essence. They are like an unshakable mountain, immune to any form of instability.
The incomplete seeker, when associating with the masses, may risk their own downfall, but the complete seeker, not only remains unaffected, but also guides others towards righteousness. This distinction highlights the different levels of spiritual progress. The complete seeker, due to their inner strength, is immune to negative influences and, like a skilled physician, guides others towards goodness.
The friends of God are akin to a physician who interacts with patients not to become ill themselves, but to heal them. This metaphor highlights their guiding role. Like skilled physicians, they cure the spiritual and moral diseases of the people, replacing sin with goodness and virtue.
The friends of God, like skilled physicians, are not only immune to the spiritual diseases of the people, but also heal them with their inner strength.
True guidance occurs through the friends of God and scholars, not through worldly tools such as cinema and films. These tools merely increase knowledge, but do not bring about true guidance. The guidance of the friends of God, like a pure spring, nourishes the people with truth, whereas worldly tools only lead to the augmentation of superficial awareness.
True guidance can only be achieved through the friends of God and scholars, not through worldly tools that merely increase superficial knowledge.
The role of the friends of God in guiding the people, due to their inner strength and the depth of their beliefs and observations, is unparalleled. Like skilled physicians, they are not only immune to negative influences, but also lead others towards goodness and righteousness. Promoting the guidance of the friends of God, instead of relying on worldly tools, is essential for directing society towards the truth.
The station of expansion, like an endless ocean, leads the seeker from the confines of contraction to a vast realm of spiritual openness. The categorization of seekers into three levels those of expansion with the people, those of expansion in the power of contraction, and the proclaimers of the lamps of manifestation showcases the hierarchical nature of spiritual perfection. The friends of God, with their inner strength and firm beliefs, are not only immune to the negative influences of the people, but like radiant lamps, guide them towards the truth. The difficulty of proving sin in jurisprudence is a sign of divine mercy, emphasizing the preservation of the dignity of God's servants. True guidance can only come through the friends of God and scholars, and while worldly tools may increase superficial knowledge, they cannot replace spiritual guidance.
