The Language of the Future
Sufi Terminology
by Murshid F.A. Ali ElSenossi
al-ghayb al-mutlaq
Absolute Unknown
(Ghayb al Mutlaq). The Absolute Unknown or Pure Non-Manifestation. The Unknowable Essence Itself. This is alluded to in the words, "None knows Allah but Allah" and "Allah is, and there is nothing with Him".
(Ghayb). The Mystery or the Non-Manifested or the Unseen. The Unknowable or the Mystery of Mysteries. The hadith, "Nothing is like Him" refers to al ghayb. It is His Incomparability. It is all that is beyond reach of our vision. Al ghayb is all that Allah veils from you because of you, not because of Him. To attain to 'The Unseen', the slave and lover is told, 'Leave aside your self and come!' And, when he obeys, it is Allah Who Sees Allah.
