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

al-sam'iyyat
Knowledge (Transmitted)

(Sam'iyyat). Transmitted knowledge. This knowledge, which is specific to the higher teaching, passes from Murshid to murid, down through the spiritual chain. Initially this knowledge is transmitted by means of verbal expression and subtle indications, and then from heart to heart, through unveiling and tasting.

See also: Divine knowledge Indications Sesame seed Tasting Unveiling Verbal expression

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.

Indications ( isharah )

(Isharah). Symbolic allusions (or hints). The Sufis express themselves through these symbolic allusions thereby communicating with those men who have 'tasted' and recognize their message. Isharah exists in the state of nearness to Allah when the heart is present with Allah, and also when one is distanced from Allah, because in knowing one's distance, one is brought nearer!

Sesame seed ( simsimah )

(Simsimah) indicates a spiritual realization of such subtlety and delicacy that it is beyond verbal expression. It can only be understood, through heart to heart communication, by the one who also has realized that Truth.

Unveiling ( kashf )

(Kashf). Unveiling or revelation is one of the types of direct experience through which Knowledge of Reality is unveiled to the heart of the slave and lover. In His Infinite Grace Allah gives His slave and lover a Divine Self-disclosure which not only increases his Knowledge of Allah but also increases his yearning and intense love of Allah. The great Sufis are called The People of Unveiling and Finding. Within the unveiling they find Allah. This unveiling and finding frequently occurs during the spiritual concert. In a moment, when it is perceived through unveiling that 'Allah is the singer and Allah is the hearer', the singer and the hearer become One, disappearing into Allah.

Verbal expression ( 'ibarah )

('Ibarah). Many of the Great Masters of the higher teaching have been given the gift called 'Opening of Expression' through which they are able to express highly mystical concepts, visions and seemingly inexpressible spiritual experiences. In some cases it is the murid who gives verbal expression to the subtle allusions through which his own Murshid transmitted the Teaching.

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