We say: ... (In reality) the Sufi is present with both the Real (God) and with his own nafs (the lower self). This alludes to jamʿ al-jamʿ (the union of unions). For, as long as a person continues to see his own nafs, and is not absent from it, a state of presence (ḥuḍūr) without absence (ghayba) does not occur. When the state of regarding the nafs disappears, then a state of presence without absence is realized. This is exactly what Shiblī said: 'The Sufi is with Allah in both worlds and sees nothing other than Allah.' In summary, the existence (wujūd) of the servant is something other (gayr), it is 'others' (aghyār). When the Sufi does not see that which is other (gayr), he does not see his own nafs either. In the state of negation and affirmation, he becomes completely annihilated (fanāʾ) from himself. (Hujwīrī, 48-49)
The essence of ghayra (zeal/jealousy) is to observe the other (gayr, i.e., things other than God). When it is established...