Maqamat al-Arifin

Praise to the presence of the One, self-sufficient God, who was not born and gave birth to none. He is the giver of all kingdoms and the root of existence; in all creation nothing exists but Him. That generous One whose bounty reaches everyone, the giver of faith, the guardian of Islam. Blessings and greetings upon Ahmad, from the generous, loving, singular, and one God. He to whom the whole world owes its debt of grace; loving him is an everlasting fortune.

Listen, seeker of the road to grace: this, in truth, is the way to God. For those who truly see, there are a hundred stations; the first is awakening, the last is oneness with God. Though one could say far more than this, and pierce this meaning with a hundred kinds of speech, still these hundred are the foundation of it all; through them every traveler reaches the goal. These hundred stations fall into ten groups, each one marked off and named apart from the rest.

Start with the beginnings and move on to the gateways, then to the dealings between people and what is right. After that, know ethics as the chapter of first principles, and then the remedies; do not grow weary. Next comes the chapter of inner states, then the saintly ranks, so you won't mistake them for empty raving and nonsense. Then come the truths, know this for certain, and finally the ultimate ends, my dear one of this age.

The first word is about the beginnings. Listen, and after that reflect. Know them as awakening, repentance, and self-reckoning, then comes contemplation, so the truth grows clear. After this comes remembering yourself, and then taking hold of God and fleeing toward Him. Then spiritual discipline, and a listening beyond compare; with the beginnings, the whole path is complete.

The gates, they say, are ten in number; only someone already on the path can know this. First comes grief, then fear, then tender awe; after that, humility, with no trace of hypocrisy. Next comes the station of complete surrender, and then they prove the worth of renunciation. Then scrupulous restraint, then devotion and hope; after that comes longing, and that is our true home.

So now I begin with matters of practice, and tell you all the principles and their branches. Know that the first of these is watchfulness; then there is a place for you in self-observation. After that come longing and sincerity, for they are the path to safety and release. Then turn toward purifying the soul and standing firm; after that, arrive at the door of trust in God. Beyond this lies the station of surrendering all to God; so hold fast in confidence, my generous friend. After this you rise up through complete submission, so that you may find rest from every bitter torment.

After that come the stations of good character, which are the marks of the Creator's own attributes. Patience, then contentment, gratitude, and modesty; honesty, and self-sacrifice for the sake of God. Good nature, and then humility is beautiful; then generosity, then an open heart, my friend.

After that came the sweet exchanges of arrival, for all of them were signs of being accepted. Aim, resolve, and devotion are good; then good manners, then certainty and closeness to Him. Remembrance, reflection, richness of soul, the goal's high station: the list is complete; may all these qualities be yours.

Now understand the Odit vow; its first stage is the station of bodies. Knowledge and wisdom, insight, and then keen perception, so that the soul becomes aware. Then comes reverence, and after it inspiration; then comes tranquility, O noble one. Then comes serenity and pure resolve, which free you from the realm of dust.

What follows now is the account of the soul's states; whoever grasps them is a true man of faith. Know that the first of them is love; after that come holy jealousy and heartfelt longing. Then comes restlessness, then thirst, my heart; and after that, ecstasy becomes your dwelling place. There is bewilderment, a flash of light, and pure delight; here it ends, with greeting and farewell.

After this comes the sharing out of the spiritual domains; only someone who has climbed the mystic stations can understand it. First the moment and its right time, then clarity and joy; then the secret and the breath, and being far from yourself. Then absorption and awe, then steadiness; and after all this the road to the deep truths opens.

First comes revelation and certainty; after that, look and truly witness what you know. Then come the deeper meanings and life itself: contraction and expansion, and the intoxication that leads to salvation. Next is sobriety, and then union; and after that will come separation. Beyond this, the words reach their end, for once all truths are grasped, everything is complete.

True knowledge is what keeps the soul alive, so passing away becomes an everlasting kingdom. Through genuine seeking it grows known, through disguise it stays hidden away. First comes existence, then the stripping bare of self; then singleness, then union, and at last, oneness with God. Qasemi is a friend to whoever holds the faith; whoever kept the faith owns only this. God's blessings upon Ahmad, and upon the souls of his most glorious companions.