It is subject to non-apparent realities. The Qutb (spiritual pole) transmits the spirit of life throughout the cosmos, from the highest to the lowest. He does this not by virtue of his humanity, but according to the angelic quality that bears the substance of life; in this respect, he is above the four hearts of Isrāfīl. The influence of Jibrīl (Gabriel) upon him is like the influence of the nafs-i nāṭiqa (rational soul) in the origin of his creation, which is the source of his humanity. The influence of Mīkāʾīl (Michael) upon him is like the force of attraction, while the influence of ʿAzrāʾīl (Azrael) is like the force of repulsion. The station of the greatest qutb (quṭbiyyat-i kubrā, the supreme spiritual pole) is the rank of Quṭb al-Aqtāb (the pole of the poles). The Quṭb al-Aqtāb is the inner reality (bāṭin) of the prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad. Accordingly, since perfection (akmaliyya, being the most complete) is unique to him, qutb-hood befits only his inheritors. The seal of sainthood (walāya) and quṭb al-aqtāb can only be upon the inner aspect of the seal of prophethood. (Jāmiʿ, 4)
(See also: qutb/aqṭāb)