The Language of the Future
Sufi Terminology
by Murshid F.A. Ali ElSenossi
hamd
Praise
(Hamd). "The seven heavens extol His limitless glory, and the earth, and all that they contain; and there is not a single thing but extols His limitless glory and praise" (The Qur'an 17:44).
This is the celestial name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace). Ahmad is 'the most praiseworthy of those who praise Allah'. His praise, which is none other than The Qur'an, is the complete and most elevated of all praises. All praises are gathered together in his praise. When he was asked, "Are you the One?" the Holy Prophet answered, "No! I am Ahmad without the M". On his Ascension to the Divine Presence he heard the words, "Stop, Oh Muhammad, your Lord is praising you". Before this stage he was 'the most praiseworthy of those who praise Allah'. Then he became 'the praised one'.
(Alhamdulillah). It is not possible for man to praise Allah as He should be praised, for He is "the Lord of Inaccessibility, above what they describe" (The Qur'an 37:180). Our inability to praise Allah is our praise of Allah.
(Liwa al Hamd). This is the Banner which will belong to the Holy Prophet Muhammad on the Day of Resurrection. The Banner of Praise is his banner because his praise, which is none other than The Qur'an, is the complete and most elevated of all praises. All praises are gathered together in his praise - (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace).
('Ibada). Worship and service of Allah with absolute obedience and love. Man was created in order to 'know' Allah. Therefore the essential meaning of worship is Knowledge of Allah. Allah says in The Qur'an, "I created jinn and men only to worship (know) Me" (51:56). The Holy Prophet Muhammad said, "Perfection is to worship (know) Allah like you see Him". Worship should penetrate every aspect of a man's existence. The rites and rituals of Islam are the outer forms containing the inner meanings which will enable the worshipper to become a knower.
