Spiritual Experiences - The Living Martyr and the `Arif

The Living Martyr and the `Arif

1. It is a fact that wherever the Qur'an mentions physical martyrs, it also includes the mention of spiritual martyrs. This is because every fruit of the paradise of knowledge is in pairs. That is, it has a physical aspect and a spiritual aspect and undoubtedly, every verse of the Qur'an has both an exoteric and esoteric aspect.

2. Reflect upon the verses (47:4-6) carefully: "Those who are slain in the way of Allah (spiritual jihad), He renders not their deeds vain. He will guide them and improve their condition and admit them to that paradise which He has made them recognise". In this Divine teaching there is mainly the mention of the living martyrs of spiritual war. This is because the assurance of deeds not being wasted, the need for guidance, the improvement of one's condition and prior recognition of paradise is possible only in this worldly life.

3. Whether it is the advanced recognition of paradise or the recognition of God, neither is possible without the recognition of one's self (khud-shinasi). The recognition of one's self is not at all possible without the death of the carnal soul and the experience of [undergoing] resurrection. Therefore, immensely blessed is the mu'min-i salik who dies before physical death and observes the entire resurrection. Since resurrection is the final da`wat and spiritual war of the true religion which takes place through the Imam (May peace be through him) of the time (17:71), therefore, whoever dies in this war becomes a living martyr and a perfect `arif.

4. Reflect on verse (3:169): "And do not reckon those who are slain in the way of God (spiritual war) to be dead. Nay, in reality they are alive with their Lord receiving provision". This verse is primarily related to spiritual martyrs because a physical martyr dies physically but a spiritual martyr does not die physically at that time [he dies the death of the carnal soul]. He receives nourishment that is, spiritual knowledge, from His Sustainer. From this explanation we know that the one who is a perfect `arif is also a living martyr.

Zulfiqar Abad, Gilgit, 24th May 1997
Saturday, 16 Muharramu'l-haram 1418 A.H

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