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

'assa
Staff of Moses

('Assa). The staff of Prophet Musa (Peace be upon him). The staff symbolizes the (corporal) world which it is to be feared when it controls and dominates. However, the knower of Allah can take it up, as did the Prophet Musa, and use it in the Way of Allah, to bring benefit to himself and to humanity.

See also: Abiding after annihilation Assuming [the Divine Character Traits] Equilibrium In the way of Allah Knowers Travelling

Abiding after annihilation ( al-baqa' ba'da 'l-fana' )

(Baqa ba'da-l fana). Eternity or perpetuity after extinction. This is abiding after passing away. The knower abides in Allah and yet goes out towards creation with love, generosity, honour and dignity. Abiding after annihilation is for the Perfect Man who has work to do in the world with guiding and perfecting the still imperfect ones. If there is no work to be done Allah keeps His slave with Himself in the Station of stations.

Equilibrium ( i'tidal )

(I'tidal). Equilibrium and balance. Spiritual equilibrium is attained through assuming the noble character traits which were perfected in the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace). Under the direction of the Murshid, who is a divine physican, the murid's constitution may be brought into harmony and (I'tidal); equilibrium and balance. Perfection is an equilibrium in which all of the Divine Names are in balance. No one Name predominates over another. This is the perfect balance of the Perfect Man, who is a locus of manifestation for the All-Comprehensive Name 'Allah'. The Name 'Allah' contains all the Divine Names.

In the way of Allah ( fi sabilillah )

(Fi Sabilillah). As the traveller ascends on his Journey he gains an ever-increasing awareness of the significance of each of his thoughts, words and actions. The more refined and purified these thoughts, words and actions become, then the greater is his intention that they be spoken or undertaken 'In the Way of Allah' (Fi Sabilillah). Such is the Way of the friends of Allah.

Travelling ( suluk )

(Suluk) is travelling or Wayfaring. Suluk is journeying along the Spiritual Path of Return to the Source. It is the methodical travelling, through the states and stations, under the direction of a Spiritual Master (Shaykh, Murshid). The one who travels is the salik. The advance of the slave towards Allah is really the advance of Allah towards His slave. "Verily, I desire them more than they desire Me" says the beautiful Hadith Qudsi.

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