The Mirror of the Excellences of Islam — Page 91
90 Ā'ĪNA-E-KAMĀLĀT-E-ISLĀM―DĀFI‘UL-WASĀWIS 1211934 import of the verse, 1, which the Sufis designate as fanā [self-annihilation] and which the Holy Quran describes as steadfast- ness the grades of baqā [revival] and liqā [communion] follow immediately. In other words, when a person empties himself com- pletely of his condition as a created being, altogether discards desire and design, and reaches the point of perfect surrender, the stage of baqā commences immediately upon the firm establishment of his con- dition[of fanā]. But the stage of baqā cannot manifest until this con- dition of fană is firmly established and the complete inclination towards God Almighty becomes a natural affair. AUTHOR'S MARGIN NOTE Characteristics of the stages of liqā and baqa That stage of baqa will manifest only when every aspect of artificiality in obedience is removed, and just like a natural blossoming, the swaying, verdant branches of obedience sprout forth from the heart, and all that is considered one's own, truly becomes God Almighty's, and just as other people find pleasure in indulgence, such a person's whole delight lies in worship and remem- brance of God, and the desires of God Almighty take the place of his personal desires. Then, when this condition of baqā becomes firmly established and permeates every nerve and fibre of the seeker, and becomes an essential part of his being; and a light is seen to be descend- ing from heaven and all veils are immediately lifted upon its descent, and a fine, sweet, and pleasant feeling of love, which had not been perceived before, is kindled within the heart; and the heart feels such a freshness, contentment, peace, and delight the like of which one experiences upon suddenly meeting and embracing a long-sepa- rated dear friend; and the bright, pleasant, blessed, comforting, elo- quent, fragrant, and glad tidings of Almighty God begin to descend 1. Whoever submits himself completely to Allah (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:113) [Publisher]