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

taqwa
Consciousness of Allah

(Taqwa). Godfearingness. Without taqwa man cannot attain to direct tasting (dhawq) or unveiling (kashf). When faith and practice are combined with Consciousness of Allah then knowledge will be gained. The hadith says, "The head (or beginning) of wisdom is fear of Allah".

See also: Bewilderment Heavenly Steed Deliverance Work

Bewilderment ( hayrah )

(Hayrah). Bewilderment, perplexity or wonderment. Hayrah indicates a moment of utter perplexity, when the mind ceases to function, unable as it is to resolve or find an answer to a particular spiritual impasse. At such a blessed time, for it is by the Grace of Allah that such bewilderment was reached, the murid must attempt not to panic or give up. Out of this knot of bewilderment a spiritual reality is given the opportunity to unravel and reveal itself in shattering clarity. The Ultimate bewilderment is that possessed by the knowers and lovers of Allah. They are utterly bewildered because they have found Allah and in finding Allah they know that He is Unknowable yet in each moment they are opened to a fresh and new Knowledge of Allah! 'So, Glory be to Allah Who is known only through the fact that He is not known!'

Heavenly Steed ( buraq )

(Buraq). The Heavenly Steed upon which the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace) made his Night Journey and Ascension. Buraq is the steed of Divine Attraction and overwhelming love and longing (shawq) which carries the Lover to the Divine Presence. The provision on this Journey is Consciousness of Allah.

Deliverance ( najat )

(Najat) is attained through acquiring useful knowledge and then practising it. It is happiness and felicity in this worldly life and in the hereafter.

Work ( 'amal )

('Amal). Work or action or practice. When faith and practice are combined with godfearingness then knowledge will be gained. The knowledge which brings man closer to Allah is not merely theoretical knowledge. Felicity is attained only when knowledge and practice (work, action) are combined. On the Journey of Return to the Source the traveller (salik) is required to put into practice every knowledge gained during his travelling. This will lead to further unveilings of knowledge, for in the words of the Holy Prophet Muhammad "He who acts upon what he knows, Allah will make him inherit that which he does not know".

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