(Mushrik). The one who believes that the 'other' (ghayr) exists. This condition may occur in the earlier stages of the Journey when the lover is kept at a distance from Allah. At such a time, when his yearning is not satisfied and his desire remains unfulfilled, he may momentarily believe that the 'other' exists. However, as the lover matures, his unsatisfied yearnings and unfulfilled desires no longer form a barrier between himself and Allah. As a knower and lover he now looks at the 'other', but he sees and knows that, in reality, it is Allah.
Partner - one who assigns