GEMS OF SUFI GNOSTICISM (Jawahir-e-Ma'arifat)

by Alhaj W.B.S. Rabbani

Distinction between a State (Hal) and Station (Maqam)

Generally speaking, a state is a kind of temporary gift in terms of spiritual inspiration (faizan). It comes and goes after some time. It is an experience of joy of God's nearness and grace or spiritual bliss which becomes permanent after practice. When it becomes a permanent exercise or a lasting inspiration it is known as a station (maqam) which the seeker enjoys day and night, both during sleep and wakefulness.

Fana and Baqa

When this experience or joy of satisfaction gets intensified through constant effort, the seeker's soul (spirit) gets purified and starts merging in Divine Essence. This state is called Fana-fi-Allah (unification with God).

In the initial stages of the spiritual journey this blessed experience comes and vanishes after some time and is called 'hal' (state). But when it becomes lasting by practice, the seeker is never without it. he is always lost in God and enjoys the pleasure of union (wasl) with the Divine Beloved. It is then called 'Maqam'.

But since it is a state of complete annihilation of carnal self , absorption or intoxication in God, the pilgrim is unable to participate in worldly affairs, he is made to pass into another state known as 'Fana-al-Fana' (forgetfulness of annihilation). It is a sort of oblivion of unconsciousness. Since two negatives make one positive, the pilgrim at this stage regains his individuality as he was when he started the journey. The only difference is that in the beginning he was self conscious, but after having reposed in the Divine Being, he regains that sort of individuality which is God-consciousness or absorption in God. This state is known as Baqa-bi-Allah, living or subsisting with God.

Since in the state of 'fana' the seeker had identified himself with the Divine Attributes, he retains those superior qualities as propounded by the Holy Prophet of Islam:

"Allah says when a seeker tries to gain my nearness through supererogatory worship, I love him...."