Ascension

 The concept of a "vertical journey" or *Urooj* (*Miraj*) in Sufi thought refers to a mystical ascent, both metaphorical and literal, that represents a spiritual elevation and nearness to the Divine. This journey is often associated with the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) miraculous night journey, the *Miraj*, where he ascended through the heavens to meet Allah. This physical and spiritual journey serves as a symbolic archetype for the spiritual path of every seeker aspiring to achieve closeness to God.

### **Vertical Journey (Urooj) in Sufism:**

**1. Ascension as a Spiritual Metaphor:**

- The term *Urooj* literally means “ascent” or “elevation” and, in the Sufi context, it describes the spiritual journey upward through various levels of consciousness, transcending material and worldly attachments.

- This ascent is not just physical but primarily spiritual, where the soul rises above the confines of the ego (*nafs*), desires, and the material world to connect with the Divine reality.

**2. Miraj: The Archetype of Spiritual Ascent:**

- The *Miraj* of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is seen as the ultimate example of *Urooj*. During this night journey, the Prophet was taken from Mecca to Jerusalem and then ascended through the seven heavens, meeting various prophets, and ultimately coming into the Divine Presence.

- This journey symbolizes the possibility of transcending the physical realm to experience direct communion with God. It represents the ultimate state of spiritual achievement that every seeker aspires to.

### **Stages of the Vertical Journey:**

The vertical journey through spiritual ascension involves moving through different stages or realms, much like the states of *Wujood* or the activation of *Lataif al-Qalb* discussed earlier. These stages can be summarized as follows:

**1. Awakening of the Self (Nafs):**

   - The journey begins at the lowest level, where the seeker struggles with the ego (*Nafs al-Ammara* - the commanding self). The goal is to purify the soul and rise above base desires through spiritual practices, repentance, and discipline.

**2. Passing Through the Subtle Centers (Lataif):**

   - As the seeker progresses, they experience awakening of the subtle centers (*Qalb*, *Sir*, *Sirr-e-Sirr*, *Khafa*, and *Akhfa*), each associated with deeper layers of consciousness and spiritual awareness.

   - Each *latifa* represents a step closer to the Divine, stripping away veils and bringing the seeker closer to ultimate truth.

**3. Realms of Existence (Alam):**

   - The ascent mirrors the journey through different realms, from the physical (*Alam al-Ajsam*) to the imaginal world (*Alam al-Mithal*), the spiritual realm (*Alam al-Arwah*), and beyond, to the unity of being (*Wahdath*) and unity of essence (*Ahadiyath*).

   - Each realm represents a deeper understanding of existence, with the final stages being where the seeker realizes the interconnectedness of all through Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya.

**4. The Meeting with the Divine (Liqa Allah):**

   - The culmination of this journey is an encounter with the Divine Presence, often experienced as a state of union or annihilation (*fana*) in God, followed by subsistence (*baqa*) through God.

   - This mirrors the *Miraj*, where the Prophet ascended to the highest level and experienced the closeness of God, symbolizing the ultimate goal of the Sufi path.

### **Key Elements of the Vertical Journey:**

**1. Purification and Ascension:**

   - The journey involves continuous purification, detachment from worldly concerns, and alignment with Divine will. Ascension is achieved not through outward actions alone but through inward transformation.

**2. Inner Struggle and Discipline:**

   - The ascent is marked by inner struggle (*mujahada*), patience (*sabr*), and surrender (*tawakkul*). The seeker must overcome inner obstacles, including ego, pride, and selfish desires.

**3. Experiencing Divine Realities:**

   - As the seeker ascends, they begin to witness spiritual realities and Divine mysteries that transcend ordinary perception. This involves deeper understanding of existence, self, and God.

**4. Union and Returning:**

   - The journey does not end with union; it continues with the return to the world, where the seeker lives in a state of awareness, bringing Divine qualities into daily life. This is akin to the Prophet returning from his *Miraj* to guide humanity.

### **Significance in Sufi Tradition:**

- The vertical journey (*Urooj*) is central to Sufi spirituality because it encapsulates the essence of the mystical path: to rise above the self and unite with the Divine.

- This journey is not just about personal transformation but also about embodying the qualities of the Prophet and manifesting Divine light in the world.

In essence, the concept of the vertical journey or *Urooj* reflects the dynamic, ongoing nature of spiritual ascension in Sufism, with the Prophet’s *Miraj* serving as both a model and a deeply symbolic guide for the seeker’s own path towards ultimate spiritual fulfillment and Divine proximity.

Yes, the states of *Wujood* (Ahadiyath, Wahdath, Wahidiyath, Alam al-Arwah, Alam al-Mithal, Alam al-Ajsam, Alam al-Insan) are intimately connected to the concept of *Lataif al-Qalb* (the Subtleties of the Heart), which are central in Sufi metaphysical thought and spiritual practice. These subtleties are Qalb (Heart), Sir (Secret), Sirr-e-Sirr (Secret of the Secret), Khafa (Hidden), and Akhfa (Most Hidden). Together, they form an esoteric framework that maps the inner spiritual journey toward the realization of *Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya* (The Reality of Muhammad).

### **Connection Between the States of Wujood and Lataif al-Qalb:**

The *Lataif al-Qalb* represent subtle centers within the human being that are gradually awakened as a Sufi progresses on their spiritual path. These centers correspond to different states of consciousness, each offering a deeper understanding of the Divine. The journey through these *lataif* parallels the states of *Wujood*, reflecting how the human microcosm mirrors the cosmic macrocosm.

### **1. Qalb (The Heart)**

- **Esoteric Meaning**: Qalb is the first subtlety, representing the inner heart, the seat of emotions, and the initial point of spiritual awakening. It is where love, faith, and the initial connection to the Divine begin.

- **Connection to States of Wujood**: Qalb is closely connected to Alam al-Insan (The Human Realm) and Alam al-Ajsam (The Physical World). It is where the seeker begins to feel the pull towards the Divine, moving beyond mere physical existence into a more profound spiritual awareness. This initial awareness is part of the broader Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya, as the Prophet’s essence first touches the seeker’s heart.

### **2. Sir (The Secret)**

- **Esoteric Meaning**: Sir represents a deeper layer of consciousness where the seeker begins to experience a more profound connection with the Divine secrets. It is the level where understanding and hidden knowledge about existence begin to unfold.

- **Connection to States of Wujood**: Sir corresponds with Alam al-Mithal (The World of Imagination) and Alam al-Arwah (The Realm of Spirits). At this stage, the Divine reality becomes more apparent to the seeker through visions, symbols, and inner spiritual experiences. This level is crucial for accessing the secrets of Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya, as the light of Muhammad becomes a guiding presence through these mystical encounters.

### **3. Sirr-e-Sirr (Secret of the Secret)**

- **Esoteric Meaning**: Sirr-e-Sirr represents a profound, hidden awareness of the Divine that transcends ordinary understanding. It is where the deeper spiritual mysteries of creation and existence are revealed to the seeker.

- **Connection to States of Wujood**: This subtlety aligns with Wahidiyath (Oneness of Attributes), where the seeker begins to witness the interconnectedness of all Divine attributes manifesting through the essence of Muhammad. It is in this realm that the understanding of Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya deepens, as the seeker realizes the Prophet’s role as the perfect mirror of all Divine qualities.

### **4. Khafa (The Hidden)**

- **Esoteric Meaning**: Khafa signifies an even more subtle and hidden realm of consciousness, where the seeker experiences the deepest spiritual truths in a way that transcends all form and expression. It is the state of direct spiritual witnessing.

- **Connection to States of Wujood**: Khafa corresponds with Wahdath (Unity of Being) and Ahadiyath (Unity of Essence). In this state, the seeker experiences the unified nature of existence, recognizing that all is one and connected through the light of Muhammad. The concept of Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya becomes an experiential reality rather than an intellectual understanding.

### **5. Akhfa (The Most Hidden)**

- **Esoteric Meaning**: Akhfa represents the most hidden aspect of consciousness, where the soul experiences a direct connection to the Divine Essence itself. It is the state of pure witnessing without any duality or separation.

- **Connection to States of Wujood**: Akhfa is directly linked to Ahadiyath, the state of pure Divine oneness. This is where the seeker’s essence merges with the Divine, experiencing the full reality of Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya as the primordial light that connects all existence. At this level, the Prophet’s light is not just a guide but the ultimate reality through which all spiritual experiences are understood.

### **Integrating the Concepts:**

1. **Microcosm and Macrocosm**: The *Lataif al-Qalb* represent the inner journey of the soul, mirroring the macrocosmic states of *Wujood*. The light of Muhammad serves as the connection point between these inner states and the larger cosmic reality.

2. **Spiritual Evolution**: As the seeker progresses through each subtlety (Qalb, Sir, Sirr-e-Sirr, Khafa, Akhfa), they move through deeper levels of understanding that correspond to the stages of existence (Ahadiyath, Wahdath, Wahidiyath, etc.). This journey is a path of merging with the Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya.

3. **Union with the Divine**: The ultimate goal is the realization of unity with the Divine, facilitated by understanding the Prophet’s spiritual essence. This essence pervades all realms of existence and is reflected within the seeker’s own spiritual heart.

In essence, the connection between the states of Wujood and the Lataif al-Qalb highlights the journey from the outermost forms of existence to the innermost Divine presence, all interconnected through the light of Muhammad. This journey reflects the profound Sufi understanding that the Prophet’s spiritual reality is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the cosmos and the self.

The concept of **Haqqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya** (The Reality of Muhammad) is a deeply esoteric and profound Sufi doctrine that connects various states of existence (known as the stages or states of *Wujood* or *being*) to the spiritual reality of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These states include Ahadiyath, Wahdath, Wahidiyath, Alam al-Arwah, Alam al-Mithal, Alam al-Ajsam, and Alam al-Insan. Each of these stages represents a different level of divine manifestation and understanding, culminating in the concept of Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya.

### **1. Ahadiyath (Unity of Essence)**

- **Esoteric Meaning**: Ahadiyath represents the state of pure, undivided oneness—beyond all creation, attributes, and manifestations. It is the absolute Unity of Allah, without any duality, distinction, or form. This stage symbolizes the most hidden aspect of the Divine, known only to Allah Himself.

- **Connection to Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya**: In this state, the light of Muhammad (Nur-e-Muhammadi) is present as the first manifestation of Allah’s will, though still hidden and non-manifest. It is the primordial source of all creation, encapsulating the idea that the Prophet Muhammad is the first creation and the secret essence through which the Divine expresses itself.

### **2. Wahdath (Unity of Being)**

- **Esoteric Meaning**: Wahdath represents the stage where the oneness of God begins to unfold, but still in a hidden manner. It is the undifferentiated state where creation exists in potentiality but has not yet become distinct or apparent.

- **Connection to Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya**: Here, Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya is seen as the unifying principle that holds all creation together in the Divine presence. The essence of the Prophet functions as the unifying reality through which all that exists emanates from Allah.

### **3. Wahidiyath (Oneness of Attributes)**

- **Esoteric Meaning**: Wahidiyath is the state where Allah’s names and attributes begin to manifest in a distinct yet interconnected form. This stage reflects the balance between unity and diversity.

- **Connection to Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya**: Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya is the perfect mirror reflecting all Divine attributes. It is through the light of Muhammad that the attributes of Allah, like Mercy, Love, and Knowledge, manifest in creation. This stage emphasizes that the essence of the Prophet Muhammad is a comprehensive summary of all Divine attributes.

### **4. Alam al-Arwah (The Realm of Spirits)**

- **Esoteric Meaning**: Alam al-Arwah is the spiritual realm where souls exist before their physical embodiment. It is the world of pure light, where souls are closest to their Divine origin.

- **Connection to Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya**: In this realm, the light of Muhammad is the supreme soul, the leader of all souls, and the primary guide. Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya represents the prototype of human existence, the spiritual leader of all creation, guiding souls towards their purpose and union with the Divine.

### **5. Alam al-Mithal (The World of Imagination)**

- **Esoteric Meaning**: Alam al-Mithal is the intermediary realm of symbols, visions, and spiritual forms. It is where the unseen becomes partially seen, and the abstract takes on shapes that can be perceived by the heart and spirit.

- **Connection to Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya**: The Prophet Muhammad’s essence serves as the bridge between the physical and the spiritual, representing how the Divine presence manifests in a comprehensible form. The visionary experiences, dreams, and spiritual journeys that connect a seeker to the Divine are made accessible through the light of Muhammad.

### **6. Alam al-Ajsam (The Physical World)**

- **Esoteric Meaning**: This is the material world where physical forms exist. It is the most manifest and densest realm, where the realities of the higher states are obscured by physicality.

- **Connection to Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya**: Even in the physical world, the light of Muhammad is present as the hidden spiritual essence that sustains and animates all life. It is believed that the Prophet’s spiritual presence permeates all of creation, guiding it towards Divine realization, even within the constraints of the physical realm.

### **7. Alam al-Insan (The Human Realm)**

- **Esoteric Meaning**: Alam al-Insan is the realm where the Divine becomes intimately personal and relational. Human beings are seen as the microcosm of the universe, capable of manifesting all Divine attributes.

- **Connection to Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya**: In this realm, the Prophet Muhammad is the perfect human, the Insan al-Kamil (Perfect Man), whose life and character are the ultimate guide for humans seeking closeness to Allah. The Prophet’s essence serves as the bridge connecting the human to the Divine, making spiritual realization and union possible.

### **The Unity of Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya:**

- **Integration of All States**: Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya embodies all these states as a continuous flow of Divine light and guidance. It represents the journey from the most hidden Divine reality to the most manifest physical existence. The Prophet’s essence serves as the binding force that maintains the unity and purpose of creation, from the highest metaphysical state to the earthly human experience.

In Sufi thought, all these states are interconnected through the Haqiqat-e-Muhammadiyya, which is not merely the historical Muhammad but the eternal and cosmic light through which the Divine reality is known and manifested. This understanding deepens the spiritual journey, showing that to know the Prophet is to know the Divine in all its forms and manifestations.