Key Terms and Definitions

Key Terms & Definitions:

1. Dunya: The material world; the realm of physical existence and worldly possessions, often considered an obstacle to spiritual growth.
2. Hawa: Physical pleasures; the desires and attractions to the tangible and sensual aspects of life that can distract from spiritual pursuits.
3. Nafs: The ego or lower self; the part of the human being that is prone to desires, selfishness, and negative tendencies.
4. Shaytan: Satan; a symbol of negative forces, temptations, and the enemy of spiritual progress, representing deception and evil.
5. Tariqa: The spiritual path or Sufi order; a specific method or way of practice aimed at spiritual purification and closeness to God.
6. Shaykh: A spiritual guide or teacher; a person who has attained spiritual knowledge and provides mentorship to others on the path.
7. Nazar: A spiritual gaze or attention; the blessings and guidance from a Shaykh that can influence and protect a student on their path.
8. Fana: Annihilation of the self; a state of being so consumed by love for the divine that one’s ego and desires vanish.
9. Tafakkur: Contemplation or reflection; the practice of deeply considering the divine signs and inner state.
10. Zikr: Remembrance of God; the act of repeating divine names or phrases as a form of worship and spiritual practice.
11. Salawat: Blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad; expressions of love and praise for Prophet Muhammad, often done repetitively.
12. Muhasaba: Self-accounting; the practice of daily examining your actions, intentions, and thoughts, seeking to align them with divine guidance.
13. Maqam: Spiritual station; the different levels of spiritual development on the path towards God.
14. Haqaiaq: Realities; the true or core meanings of things, often unveiled through spiritual insight and understanding.
15. Mulhima: Inspired self; the third level of the nafs, characterized by good predominating but still having the possibility for bad.