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

qalb
Heart

(Qalb). The human heart is the place of constant change and fluctuation. It is the supra-rational organ of intuition where the Transcendent Realities enter into contact with man. The heart is the isthmus between this world and the next. The battlefield of the Greater Holy War is the heart. This is where the downward-pulling lower self is confronted by the yearning spirit. The battle is fought between these two adversaries in order for one to take possession of the precious heart of man. Under the misguidance of the Misguider, the lower self wants the heart to plummet to the depths of ignorance. However, the spirit, which is from Allah, exerts a powerful attraction upon the heart, as it endeavours to guide it towards Knowledge of Allah. The greater the purification of the heart the more receptive it is to this irresistible attraction of the celestial spirit. The heart is the sanctified centre of man because it is the place which contains Allah. Keeping watch over the heart is part of the spiritual struggle of the Journey of Return. Those well-advanced along the Path never allow any intruders to enter their sanctified hearts. The heart of the Perfect Man is the Divine Throne around which circle the spiritual realities.

See also: Concentration Fluctuation Gatekeepers Isthmus Perfect Man Renewal of creation at each instant Taking account Thoughts Throne

Concentration ( muraqabah )

(Muraqabah). This term applies to the vigilant concentration, with all the power of mind and thought and imagination, and the examination through which the slave carefully keeps guard over himself. During his muraqabah the slave observes how Allah becomes manifest both in the cosmos and within himself.

Fluctuation ( muqallab )

(Muqallab). This term indicates the constant change and fluctuation of spiritual states within the heart.

Gatekeepers ( sadana )

(Sadana). Within the hierarchy of existence that which occupies a high level is guarded and protected by that which is at the level beneath it. Some of the Divine Names act as gatekeepers to other Names which are above them in degree. For example, The All Hearing and The All Seeing act as gatekeepers to The Knowing. The mature and spiritually advanced murids also act as gatekeepers to their Murshid, jealously guarding him and keeping curious intruders away. This is due to their respect, honour and love for their Murshid, who is the locus of manifestation for the Name 'Allah'. Through the intensity of a man's spiritual struggle he may become the gatekeeper of his own heart, standing watch and never allowing anything 'other-than-Allah' to enter the door to the Sacred Centre.

Isthmus ( al-barzakh )

(Barzakh). Barrier or isthmus or separating partition. The barzakh is the symbol of an intermediate state. It is something which separates two other things while never going to one side. It is the barrier between the known and the unknown, the existent and the non-existent. Imagination is the most excellent barzakh in that it is 'neither this nor that', or 'both this and that', or the realm of 'He/not He' (Huwa/la Huwa). "It is He Who has let free the two bodies of flowing water: One palatable and sweet, and the other salt and bitter; yet has He made a barrier between them, a partition that is forbidden to be passed" (25:53) .

Perfect Man ( al-insan al-kamil )

(Al Insan al Kamil). He is the viceregent of Allah, through whom Allah contemplates His Own Name-derived Perfection. The Perfect Man has actualized the divine form and in carrying the Trust has fulfilled his reason for being. It is through the Perfect Man that Allah enters the world. Al Insan al Kamil is also one of the names given to the Supreme Isthmus. Man consists of a body and a spirit which governs it. The cosmos also consists of a body and a spirit which governs it. Its spirit is the Perfect Man. Without him the cosmos is likened to a discarded body.

Renewal of creation at each instant ( tajdid al-khalq fi'l-anat )

(Tajdid al khalq fil anat). This is an incessant outpouring of Being into the manifest realm. The one with the preparedness to receive this perpetual irradiation of the Essence, realizing the ceaseless revelation and constant renewal within himself, is a Verifier and Knower of Allah.

Taking account ( muhasabah )

(Muhasabah). The constant analysis of the heart and its changing states. During muhasabah the contemplative takes stock of the heart's most secret motions. He calls himself to account, here and now. He does not wait till the Hereafter.

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