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

isti'dad
Preparedness

(Isti'dad) is closely connected to receptivity (infi'al). It is the readiness to receive what Allah Wills to send. This 'preparedness' was established in Pre-eternity through the Most Holy Emanation (Al Fayd al Aqdas) which gave the preparedness to the archetype itself.


See also: Emanation-Most Holy Fixed Entities Receptivity Spiritual resolve
(Ayan al Thabita). The immutable entities or fixed prototypes or established essences or potentialities. These are the infinite and immutable Possibilities which are fixed in the Ipseity. The fixed entities are the images of the Divine Names and Qualities and 'things' of the Ipseity in the Presence of Knowledge, with specific individuation. The term signifies the essential character of every individual existing from eternity in the Divine Knowledge. They are established according to non-existence and they are not qualified by existence.
(Infi'al). Receptivity or passivity or readiness to be acted upon. The receptivity of the existent entity is closely related to its preparedness. Such a receptivity or passivity is necessary if the murid is to 'travel' along the Spiritual Path, under the direction of his Murshid. And this condition of receptivity was established in Pre-Eternity, at the Covenant.
(Himma). Intense Spiritual Resolve. This is the most powerful force contained within man. It is the sincere and dedicated application of all of one's efforts and strivings towards attaining the desired Object - Allah. The strength of this will results from its sincerity and the purity of its facing, its collectedness and its focusing on a specific matter. 'Himma' is a pure, active force in the human being and is found in the origin of his creation and nature, or else it is acquired and developed later. From the point of view of it being a force, it is capable of attachment and is therefore attached in accordance with the will of its owner. If one attaches one's 'himma' to the world, one achieves riches and position; if one attaches it to worship, one achieves stations and inspirations; and if it belongs to Allah, all attachments fall away and the aspiration becomes one. Al Himma is to turn totally to the Creative Truth without saying “I can’t” or with regards to the self, “what’s in it for me?” By using the means and the connections of work and the convictions of hope and to trust yourself with it totally. In the beginning, himma is that you have made firm your convictions towards obedience to Allah and fulfilling the promise of your repentance. It can develop from there and it is possible for the spiritual resolve to proceed through the following stages: The connection of one’s heart by the real blessing that never diminishes. Swaying the self from the diminishing desires. Seriousness in seeking the Truth when there is reluctance. With regards to conduct, himma is: 1. The desire to remain steadfast in the spiritual actions one performs. 2. With the continuation of visualision and the power of trust in Allah, by doing what you need to do, and you surrender to Him. With regards to manners, one should turn the himma totally towards proper behaviour in order to achieve the ultimate happiness and completeness. With regards to foundations, the himma will pull her owner towards the right of the Creative Truth by the power of ______________. And the peace and tranquillity of being with Allah will not stop her owner or cool down. Through their Spiritual Resolve the great friends of Allah possess the power to perform miracles. Yet, due to their knowledge, their slavehood and their perfect courtesy they refrain from exercising such spiritual resolve except when in compliance with a Divine Command. There can be no greater blessing for a human than the gift of being born into this earthly realm with the pre-eternal yearning to return to his Origin. It is the greatest gift that Allah gives to anyone. And, it is the highest luck, because this yearning, this himma, was established within the, as yet unformed soul, when it was still non-existent, (though existent), within the Knowledge of Allah. The opposites become united in such a human, who, though dwelling in an earthly body of clay and de­composition, has a yearning soul, composed of the noble virtues and immortal qualities. And for this Gift, the seeker will never be able to express his thanks to his Lord. He who has no spiritual aspiration or sincere will in seeking Allah in gratitude or in love cannot have an ambition to follow the Sufi Path of 'Friendship'.

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