The Language of the Future
Sufi Terminology
by Murshid F.A. Ali ElSenossi

Alastu birabbikum
Am I not your Lord?

(Alastu bi Rabbikum?) (The Qur'an 7:171). These words were spoken in Pre-Eternity when Allah addressed the as yet 'non-existent' sons of Adam. This Primordial Covenant is called by the Sufis 'The Day of Alast'.


See also: Affliction Covenant Preparedness
(Bala). The friends of Allah are visited by many sicknesses and tribulations. Affliction refers to bodily illnesses and diverse troubles. It is Allah's favour to His friends. They love only Allah and see only Allah, so whatever comes from Allah is good. On the Day of Alast when the sons of Adam answered "Yes" to the Divine Address of "Am I not your Lord?", the Lovers of Allah answered 'Bala', which means both 'Yes' and 'Affliction'.
(Mithaq or 'Ahd). The Covenant refers to that 'event' or 'day' in pre-existence when all of the children of Adam bore witness to Allah's Lordship over them; Allah asked his non-existent creation, "Am I not your Lord?". They answered, "Yes, we bear witness". This day of the Covenant is called, by the Sufis, the Day of Alast. It has been said that those spirits who were in close proximity on this day will recognize each other when they meet in this realm. When you meet someone for the first time and you feel like you have known them forever, or since 'before the before', this is the recognition of the spirits from that Day.
(Isti'dad) is closely connected to receptivity (infi'al). It is the readiness to receive what Allah Wills to send. This 'preparedness' was established in Pre-eternity through the Most Holy Emanation (Al Fayd al Aqdas) which gave the preparedness to the archetype itself.

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