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

ma'qul
Intelligible

(Ma'qul). Intelligible, logical, reasonable, explainable. That which is conceived by the reason ('aql). On the Journey of Return the traveller reaches a point which is indicated by the name 'The Lote Tree of the Uttermost Boundary' where there is no longer anything that he could refer to as intelligible (ma'qul). Reason (al 'aql) and all things which can be conceived by it (ma'qul) must be left behind if the slave is amongst the chosen ones who are destined to be taken to the Divine Presence.

See also: Attraction Gabriel Heavenly Steed Intellect Lote Tree of the Uttermost Boundary Night of Ascension Night Journey Passionate love of Allah

Gabriel ( Jibrail (Jibril) )

(Jibreel) The Archangel Gabriel (Peace be upon him), through whom the Final Revelation, The Qur'an, descended into the heart of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace). His station is the borderland between The Angelic Realm and World of Dominion. Due to the fixed stations which the angels occupy, Jibreel could travel no further than the 'Lote Tree of the Uttermost Boundary' (Sidrat al Muntaha), through fear of being burned up.

Heavenly Steed ( buraq )

(Buraq). The Heavenly Steed upon which the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace) made his Night Journey and Ascension. Buraq is the steed of Divine Attraction and overwhelming love and longing (shawq) which carries the Lover to the Divine Presence. The provision on this Journey is Consciousness of Allah.

Intellect ( al-'aql )

('Aql). The intellect or the faculty of reason. The word 'aql derives from 'iqal which means fetter. The intellect fetters man and it also puts its hooks into him, preventing him from making the final stages of the ascent. On the ascension to Allah (mi'raj) there is a point which is indicated by the term 'The Lote tree of the Uttermost Boundary'. It marks the 'place' where reason (the fetter) must be left behind. From this point onwards the traveller journeys with passionate love, yearning and bewilderment. On the Ascension of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace) it was at the Lote tree of the Uttermost Boundary that his companion, the Archangel Gabriel (Peace be upon him) stopped through fear of being annihilated. This station of fear is the highest point to which the intellect can attain.

Lote Tree of the Uttermost Boundary ( sidrat al-muntaha )

(Al Sidrat al Muntaha). This tree marks the boundary of the intellect. It is located at the extreme verge of the created universe. Beyond it is nothing but the Pure Selfhood.

Night Journey ( 'isra )

(Isra). This is first stage of the Spiritual Journey where the traveller (salik) travels in the universe itself, gaining knowledge from everything he encounters. Only after this journey has been completed can the traveller begin his ascent (mi'raj) to the Divine Presence. 'Isra is synonymous with the journey in the universe).

Passionate love of Allah ( 'ishq )

('Ishq). Intense, overflowing and passionate love of Allah. Some say that 'ishq cannot arise without actual vision of the Beloved. 'Ishq is the highest stage before absorption in Allah. It is as rare as the red sulphur. It burns away everything of the lover ('Ashiq) transforming him into the beloved. After annihilation in Allah and absorption in Allah, where all is blindness and there is no longer any vision, the lover is separated from the Beloved and his 'ishq burns afresh. Passionate love of Allah is without limit.

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