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

asas
Foundation

(Asas). A house will not stand firm without a solid foundation. Starting from the foundation the murid methodically reconstructs his entire being. The building process starts with his first spiritual practices (awrad). If these are approached and fulfilled with sincerity, need and love then his foundation (asas) will be solid. Ultimately the foundation of everything is Allah.

See also: Door Fortress House Key Keys

Fortress ( sur )

(Sur). Fortress or rampart. The Fortress (sur) which the slave enters to gain Eternal Protection is 'There is no god other than Allah'. The Foundation upon which this Impenetrable Fortress is built is 'Allah'. The Door to the Fortress is 'Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah', and the Key to the Door is 'There is no power and no strength except in Allah'. The Foundation and the Fortress and the Door and the Key form the Noble Protection (Tahsin ash-Sharif) within which the slave of Allah is safe.

House ( dar )

(Dar). House or abode or dwelling. When a murid is engaged in spiritual warfare and struggle his physical body is the 'abode of warfare' (Dar-ul-Harb). Within this abode there reside Allah's enemies; all the infidels, unbelievers and tyrants. They must be subdued. The purified human body (and the sanctified heart which it contains) then becomes the 'abode of Islam' (Dar-ul-Islam) and the 'abode of peace' (Dar-us-Salam). Now it is blessed and worthy of being called Allah's temple. The Sacred City of Medina, the City of the Holy Prophet Muhammad is referred to as 'the Abode' (ad-Dar). And the lover sits and knocks on the door of the Sacred House yearning for a word, a glance or a message from the Beloved. One Great Lover said "For years I thought I was knocking from the outside, but the whole time I was really knocking from the inside!"

Key ( miftah )

(Miftah). The key is the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace). He is the key with which to open and enter the door to Divine Knowledge. He is the key which opens the doors of Paradise and locks the doors of Hell. He is the key to unlock Generosity's sealed chest. Amongst his holy names are Miftah ar Rahmah (The key to Allah's Mercy), Miftah al Jannah (The key of Paradise), and Miftah al Khouloud (The key to eternal existence).

Keys ( mafatih )

(Mafatih). On the Spiritual Journey of return there are many keys with which to unlock the doors of knowledge. A key may be in the form of a word, a glance, a litany, a moment, a breath. And because knowledge of Allah is endless, the keys to open the doors to such knowledge are also without limit.

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