Foundations of the Path
Al-'ahd
The Pact
The word ‘ahd means a covenant (mīthāq), oath (yamīn), or promise (waʿd).
Al-hadra
The Sacred Dance
The word hadra means to be in the sacred “presence or proximity.”
Al-muraqqa’a
The Patched Cloak
A Muraqqa’a means a garment patched together from could be wool, fur or leather.
Al-Ism
The Name
The term ism means “a word or expression assigned to someone to identify them in speech.”
Siyaha
Wandering
The word siyaha means traveling the land, whether for worship, enjoyment, or observation.
Al-sirr
The Innermost Secret
The word sirr means something obscure that is not easily understood, that is concealed.
Khalwa
The Spiritual Retreat
The word khalwa means a place of solitude where a Sufi goes to engage in worship.
“Lower yourself and magnify others.”
These principles are encapsulated in a maxim that we bequeath to you. May this maxim be your guiding lantern (nibras), lest you lose your way and veer off the Translucent Path (al-mahajja al-bayḍaʾ) of the Messenger (s).
Cling to the grounds of sheer servanthood, grounds that are devoid of the fragrance of lordship over anything in creation. Cling to the grounds of lowliness, humility, and calm repose. Choose mercy and humility toward all of God’s creation within your heart.
Be humble, even toward an insect, for it may be like the ant of our master Solomon, about which God says: "when they came to the valley of the ants, an ant said, ‘O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you, while they are unaware.’ And he smiled, laughing at her words, and said, ‘My Lord! Inspire me to give thanks for Thy blessing wherewith Thou hast blessed me and my parents to work righteousness pleasing to Thee, and cause me to enter, through Thy Mercy, among Thy righteous servants!’" (Q Naml 27:18-20).
Show courtesy, even if it be toward a tree, for Moses was addressed from the tree: "And when he came upon [the side of the Mount] he was called from the right bank of the valley, at the blessed site, from the tree, ‘O Moses! Approach and fear not! Truly, I am God, Lord of the worlds!’" (Q Qasas 28:30).
In short, revere all of God’s creation, and pass away from your lower self and its appetites. Beware of excessive chatter, and keep company with those who will assist you in your religious quest. Soften tongue soft with the remembrance of God, and you shall be in a state of wellbeing in the herebelow, and felicity in the hereafter.
