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

al-ghaflah
Negligent

(Ghaflah). To be negligent or heedless or unconscious of Allah. From the viewpoint of the higher teaching, al ghaflah indicates a state which, at times, may overcome some of the lesser knowers. In this state they succumb to such a state of heedlessness as to utter phrases which should be kept concealed. Perfect spiritual courtesy (adab) towards Allah is preserved when the knower keeps His secret within himself.

See also: Ecstatic utterance Secret Spiritual courtesy Spiritual courtesy of the Truth

Ecstatic utterance ( shath )

(Shath). An ecstatic utterance is spoken while the ecstatic is in a state of spiritual intoxication. To the outsider his utterance may appear to contradict the Sacred Law, to be pretentious, thoughtless and even verging on associating partners with Allah. The perfect knower is inwardly intoxicated and outwardly sober. He keeps hidden those secrets which should never be divulged, for 'If the reality of the Sufi was to be unveiled he would be worshipped'. His servitude preserves his courtesy towards Allah.

Secret ( sirr )

(Sirr). The secret or mystery is a subtle substance of Allah's Grace. It is the innermost consciousness, the point of secret communication between the Lord and His slave. It is the hidden place where Allah manifests His mystery to Himself.

Spiritual courtesy ( adab )

(Adab) is spiritual courtesy and gracious behaviour of the Path and perfect refinement of words and deeds. Adab is giving each thing and each moment its proper due. The science of the higher teaching is based upon adab, which encompasses all of human life. It extends from right behaviour with regard to the Sacred Law (Shari'a), right behaviour with one's fellow travellers, proper conduct towards the teaching and one's teacher, and reaches to unceasing spiritual courtesy to Allah Himself. The proper courtesy towards the Law is to stay within its boundaries, the proper conduct with regards to good actions is to complete the action and disconnect from it. Adab with regard to the Real is knowing what belongs to oneself and what belongs to Allah. Each moment and each situation has it's own adab. It has been said that the higher teaching is all adab and the greater your understanding and implementation of proper conduct is, the higher you are in the teaching.

Spiritual courtesy of the Truth ( adab al-haqq )

(Adab al Haqq). This spiritual courtesy requires a knowledge of the hierarchy of existence, in which each and every existent has its own right or truth. The man who possesses 'spiritual courtesy of the Truth' understands 'The Real through Whom Creation takes place'.

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