('Amal). Work or action or practice. When faith and practice are combined with godfearingness then knowledge will be gained. The knowledge which brings man closer to Allah is not merely theoretical knowledge. Felicity is attained only when knowledge ...
(Ana Ahmad bila mim). When the Holy Prophet Muhammad was asked, 'Are you Ahad?' he said, "No! I am Ahmad without the 'M" (Ana Ahmad bila mim). Ahmad - M = Ahad. Ahad is 'The One'. Within these words are indications of the Mystery of Muhammad al Musta...
(Al Aqdasi). The most holy one. He is the one who is united with the Essence, whereas the holy one (qudsi) is illuminated by the Divine Attributes.
('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 (...
(Al 'Arsh). Allah, Who is without place, created a heaven called 'The Throne' where He could 'sit' in order for man to supplicate and seek his needs from Allah. This Throne upon which Allah 'sits' is the seat of those Divine Names that are bound to ...
(Asma Dhatiyyah). These are the Names which express the Pure Transcendence of the Essence. They are distinct from the Qualitative Names (Asma Sifatiyyah). The Names expressing the Essence include The One (al Ahad), The Most Holy (al Quddus) and The I...
(Asma ash-Sharif). The Noble Names. These are the ninety-nine noble names by which the Holy Prophet Muhammad is named, may the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace.
(Asrar). The asrar are hidden within the depths of the inner consciousness. They pass between the purified centre of the emancipated soul (who is a true slave!) and his Lord. All of the secrets derive from the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutatio...
(Aw adna). This term implies Union and disappearance in Allah. It is the final stage in the ascension to Allah, coming after the stage of Qaba Qawsayn ('Two Bows' Length'). It is purely through the Grace of Allah that the station of 'Or Nearer' is at...
(Bab) Door or gate. Sitting patiently, with total respect and utter humility, at Allah's door, is the work within tariqa. While knocking on Allah's door the murid waits mindfully, never distracted, in readiness for whatever Allah Wills for him. The l...
(Al Bayt Allah). The House of Allah. The heart of man has the potential of becoming the most noble house of Allah. It can contain Allah, but only when it is prepared for His arrival. This preparation is the heart's purification and transformation thr...
(Al Bayt al Ma'mur).The Celestial Archetype of the Ka'aba. This is the heart which is filled with the Divine Attributes. Just as the muslims circle around the Ka'aba in Holy Mecca, so do the spiritual realities circle around this heart.
(Bid'at). What is innovation? Transgressing the limits of the Divine Law, belittling the science of the Prophet (saw) and following one’s own opinion and whims, and abandoning the footsteps and the method of luminations. The People of Allah, those ...
(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 carrie...
(Burhan). Proof or demonstration. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace) is the possessor of the proof (Sahib al Burhan). He is the Ultimate Proof who demonstrates the Supreme Reality through his very being. Th...
