Superior saintship (Sufism)

In the Naqshbandiyya order this state follows the stages of major saintship. Contemplation is on al-Batin, the Inward, and the three elements of water, fire and air are purified and perfected. Selfhood is annihilated although the seeker remains conscious in union with God. In the illumination of being, the [dhat]

of [Allah]

, which may sometimes be seen, then the lover may lose all consciousness.