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

al-naqidayn
Contradictory things

(Naqidayn). The Name 'Allah' cannot be described because it brings together contradictory things (al naqidayn). This is indicated in Allah's Words, 'Nothing is like Unto Him' (The Qur'an 42:11). Knowledge of Allah can be unveiled through the bringing together of opposites in His Mighty Name 'Allah'.

See also: Contrary Names Divine knowledge He brings opposites together Unity of Allah

Contrary Names ( Asma al Mutaqabila )

(Asma al Mutaqabila). This includes such opposing Names as The One who Contracts and The One who Expands, The Life-giver and The Slayer. All of the contrary Names are gathered together in the Name 'Allah', which is the totality of the contrary Names.

Divine knowledge ( ma'rifa )

(Ma'rifa) is a light which Allah casts into the heart of whomsoever He Wills. This is the true knowledge which comes through unveiling, witnessing and tasting. This knowledge is from Allah, it is not Allah Himself, because He Is Unknowable in His Essence. The triad on the Sufi Path of Return is comprised of Fear, Knowledge and Love. Fear leads to Knowledge which leads to Unconditional Love of Allah. It is said that spiritual struggle is child's play while ma'rifa is men's work.

He brings opposites together ( jam'uhu al-diddayn )

(Jam'uhu al Diddayn). When asked, 'Through what do you know Allah?' one of the Masters answered, 'Through the fact that He brings opposites together'.

Unity of Allah ( tawhid (tauhid) )

(Tawhid). The Declaration of Allah's Unity, 'There is no god other than Allah' is the very pivot of Islam. Knowledge of the Declaration of Allah's Unity is a light. Yet, Allah Himself is the affirmation of His Unity. Within the higher teaching all existence is One. The Sufis and the Verifiers have realized Allah's Unity within themselves. In itself, the Unity of Allah is divided into four categories. Unity of Actions, Unity of Attributes, Unity of the Names and Unity of the Essence. And "Allah created you and whatever actions you do" (Holy Qur'an 37:96).

Go Back