Reflections on Divine Presence: A Letter from the Geylani Manuscripts
The people of spiritual presence reflect the joy of the blessings they have attained, as God says: “You see the delight upon their faces from the grace they have received.” (Mutaffifin/24)
O Noble One,
Pass through this deceptive world—this is itself a divine command. For the Exalted God says:
–“Do not be deceived by the pleasures of this worldly life…” (31/33)
Here, the deceiver is Satan. He compels you to act as he wishes, then says:
– “Allah is generous; He grants forgiveness through repentance.”
And deceives you with such words! Do not be fooled by his words. How do you know that seeking forgiveness will be granted? Is the number of those who die without repentance small?
Reflect on the degrees of the people of spiritual presence. The Exalted God describes them with the verse:
–“You see the delight upon their faces from the grace they have received…” (Mutaffifin/24)
The realm of blessings into which they enter is itself the very realm of union (vuslat). Those who attain the realm of union are known even in this world.
When you look at their faces, you understand; a sense of peace fills your heart. Divine light illuminates your essence. And it is hoped that through this, you will grasp the meaning of what is decreed for those noble ones:
–“Therein is comfort, rayhan, and rewards.” (56/89)
You will understand the meaning of that verse. And those tastes, scents, and blessings will come to you…
–“They will be given to drink wine, sealed with musk.” (Mutaffifin/26)
You will partake of the wine mentioned in that verse.
Then your insight will open.
–“It has come to you from your Lord.” (Yunus/94)
The veil of meaning described in that phrase will be lifted for you. And at that moment, you will be presented in a display of distinction. You now belong to another realm. You cannot devote yourself to random pursuits. Therefore, this command comes to you:
–“Do not desire what Allah has forbidden for you.” (Yunus/106)
That is, do not expect anything from them. Do not hope for anything. Fear nothing.
Your inner ear also opens. You hear stories and anecdotes written like tales of intimacy and familiarity. For the Exalted God says:
–“We will tell you the most beautiful of stories.” (Yusuf/3)
Indeed, He narrates them… After hearing those narratives, who is the witness? Who is the observed?
You understand. The secret in this is made manifest to you.
Then your state changes. You find yourself filled with a love and fervor reaching their peak.
And you are restless. The taste of melodies captivates you; you rise and turn away.
–“Give glad tidings to My servants who listen to the word and respond to the best of it.” (39/18)
Can such a discourse leave your soul alive?
While this is the case, it is also necessary that you not go too far. Therefore, sometimes, in contrast to your previous joy, your head may bow down into contemplation of sadness…
–“Be steadfast in what has been commanded you, and fear Allah.” (Hud/112)
This verse brings you to this state.
Now you are attached to the chain of the divine caravan. You have become one of the noble ones. You perceive this state through your various actions. You see that:
–“Cling together to the rope of Allah.” (Al-i Imran/103)
In accordance with this command, you are clinging to a vine.
While doing so, you see no self within yourself.
–“Help comes only from Allah.” (Enfal/10)
You cling to His decree.
Meanwhile, you tremble and moan, finding yourself on the shore of the command:
–“Allah is compassionate and merciful to you.” (Hadid/9)
Sometimes, you enter the garden:
–“Whoever hopes for the meeting with their Lord, let them perform righteous deeds and associate none with their Lord in worship…” (Kahf/110)
With hands of sincerity.
–“All grades are given according to one’s deeds.” (An’am/132)
You drink from the rivers of that noble verse. And the following sentence, which you will read there, provides shade for you:
–“My prayer, my righteous deeds, and my death are all for Allah, Lord of the worlds.” (An’am/162)
And there, you are seated at a divine banquet and partake.
The sentence that opens that divine table to you is this:
–“Who fulfills promises better than Allah? So rejoice in your dealings with Him.” (Tawba/111)
Your path of union has opened. You have found the owner of your being. You have reached the divine presence. Your journey is complete. Many blessings are within you. But as you embark on a path of slight sadness due to not fully understanding wisdom, this divine sentence comes to your aid:
–“O My servants, there will be no fear for you today…” (Zukhruf/68)
May the Exalted God include us among these servants.
Amin.