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

kamal
Perfection

(Kamal). Perfection is the transendence of the attributes and their effects. Perfection is attained by each creation when it actualizes the total range of possibilities inherent within the level pertaining to its creation. Man's reason for being is to actualize the perfections which are hidden within himself. There are four stations of perfection; 1) Nearness of supererogatory works, 2) Nearness of obligatory works, 3) Gathering of the Gathering or Union of Union, which is also called Two Bows' Lengths, 4) Unity of All-Comprehensiveness which is also called 'Or Nearer'. Perfection (Kamal) is the balance between Beauty and Majesty.

See also: Names of Beauty Names of Majesty Nearness of Obligatory Works Nearness of Supererogatory Works Supererogatory good works Unity of All-Comprehensiveness

Names of Beauty ( asma' jamaliyyah )

(Asma Jamaliyyah). The Names of Beauty. These Names relate to Allah's similarity) and are demanded by the fact that Mercy precedes Wrath and Light erases darkness. The Names of Beauty include such Names as The Friend (al Wali), The Subtle (al Latif), The All Merciful (ar-Rahman). When a traveller is under the influence of a spiritual state in which a Name of Beauty dominates he is filled with ineffable sweetness and joy.

Names of Majesty ( asma' jalaliyyah )

(Asma Jalaliyyah). These Names relate to Allah's Incomparability and are demanded by the very fact of Allah's Being and our nonexistence. The Names of Majesty include such Names as The Tremendous (al 'Azim), The Overpowering (al Qahhar). When the traveller is under the influence of a spiritual state in which a Name of Majesty dominates he is utterly overwhelmed.

Nearness of Obligatory Works ( qurb al-fara'id )

(Qurb al fara'id) is the second lowest of the four stations of Perfection. The slave who performs the obligatory works attains this proximity. While retaining his own properties his reality is annihilated in Allah. Allah manifests Himself with His Name, the Outward, so that the lover remains hidden within Allah. The subject and agent is Allah and the lover's hidden presence is manifested by his becoming Allah's faculties. The lover becomes the Beloved's sight, hearing . . .

Nearness of Supererogatory Works ( qurb an-nawafil )

(Qurb an-nawafil) is the lowest of the four stations of Perfection. The slave who performs the supererogatory works attains this proximity. While retaining his own reality he is completely dominated by Allah's Oneness and becomes qualified by His Attributes. Allah manifests Himself with His Name, the Inward, so that He remains hidden within the lover. The agent and subject is the lover and Allah's Presence within him is manifested by Allah becoming the lover's faculties. The Beloved becomes the lover's sight, voice etc.

Supererogatory good works ( nawafil al-khayrat )

(Nawafil al Khayrat). Through the Infinite Grace of Allah the sincere practising of the nawafil al khayrat may result in the spiritual perfection in which the slave's hearing, sight, speech etc. are negated. He then hears, sees and speaks through Allah. This is the Nearness of supererogatory works.

Unity of All-Comprehensiveness ( ahadiyyat al-jam' )

(Ahadiyyat al Jam'). This is the stage of 'Or Nearer'. It is Union. It is Annihilation and Disappearance in Allah. Ahadiyyat al jam' is the final stage in the ascension to Allah, coming after the stage of 'Two Bows' Length'. This station belongs exclusively to the Holy Prophet Muhammad and certain of his Inheritors.

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