Withdrawal (Sufism)

This level of awareness in Sufism is described as a stage on the way to the mystic goal of fana (cessation). It is the withdrawal of all except Allah from the heart-consciousness. As man withdraws himself, so Allah may withdraw a man. He may be the Hidden Imam or Mahdi, the Hidden Pole, the Abdal, or al-Khadir (the "green man"); a secret spiritual master known only to a few as he is, but also possibly experienced as a spiritual force among his people.