Mystic stations (Sufism)

The Sufi path or [tariqa]

is not a continuous process of change. There are stable stations or [maqamat]

on the way, which mark particular spiritual attainments achieved by the aspirant's personal effort on the way of [muhajada]

(striving). Each maqam is reached when the soul experiences a number of spiritual states or ahwal, and lasts for a fixed time. As soon as a maqam is reached then the earlier station has been completely attained. A hal (singular of ahwal) is not the same as a maqam; it is an unstable or passing mystical feeling of the heart granted by the grace of God to a chosen few on the illuminative way of [mukashafa]

(contemplative vision). Thus maqamat are the results of actions of self-mortification while ahwal are gifts during which the individual is dead to himself, standing by a state created in him by God. Both are considered expressions of God's love.

At each level or station on the spiritual path, the individual is referred to by a particular title indicating his status. The first stage has been described as repentance, the turning from that which is against God. Further stages include poverty and love, leading to purity of soul and a feeling of oneness with God. The last station is [fana]

, the soul's absorption into God. At the stage of [baqa]

, perfection is reached, the sufi as [perfect man]

abides in the world of divinity.