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

'ilm al-batini
Knowledge of the Inward

('Ilm al Batini). Because Allah is the Outwardly Manifest (al Thahir) and the Inwardly Hidden (al Batin) Knowledge of Allah necessarily encompasses both the Inward and the Outward aspects of existence.

See also: Companions of inward knowledge He brings opposites together Inward Reality Outward Psuedo mystic Secondary Causes Sign

Companions of inward knowledge ( ashab-i-'ilm-i-batini )

(Ashabi 'ilmi batini). The companions of inward knowledge.

He brings opposites together ( jam'uhu al-diddayn )

(Jam'uhu al Diddayn). When asked, 'Through what do you know Allah?' one of the Masters answered, 'Through the fact that He brings opposites together'.

Secondary Causes ( asbab )

(Asbab). These were established as a means by which man can come to know Allah, yet for the majority of mankind the secondary causes act as veils over Reality.

Sign ( 'alama )

('Alama). Sign or omen or mark. The cosmos ('alam) is a sign and a mark ('alama) of Allah. It is a proof of Allah. But a mark denotes only that which is limited, so the cosmos does not denote His Essence, only the knowledge that He exists. Every sign, every mark indicates Allah, but the majority of mankind recognize Allah only in that particular mark or sign in which they have limited Allah. The knower and lover never limit Allah. They recognize Allah in every 'alama.

Go Back