What is Araaf?

Question: The Quran has introduced us to many realms, such as resurrection, paradise and hell, the Throne, and the Kusi etc. Among these is the name of A'raf as well. The question is, what is the spiritual significance of A'raf and how do the spiritual seekers (Ahle Suluq) understand A'raf? Kindly explain."

Answer: Generally, the concept of death is understood as cessation. However, death does not imply mere cessation. In Arabic, if we examine the meaning of the word, it translates as transition. This means that a person leaves their physical body and moves to another realm. In our native language, the term "inteqal" (transition) is synonymous with "death," signifying that the person has passed away. The translation of "death" can also be understood as "continuation." Thus, we could say that the person has left this transient life and entered a realm where death does not exist, signifying that they have embraced eternal life. Spiritually dying and physically dying appear to be distinct states, yet the difference, if any, lies in the fact that in one instance, a person, by their will and choice, departs from the body while still within it. In the other case, the body is left in such a manner that it no longer holds any relevance. An analogy can be drawn from our own experience: when we sleep, we dream.

In the dream state, an individual may perceive themselves at great distances, experiencing sensations such as tasting food and feeling the effects of the environment in that distant location. For example, a person residing in a warm climate might dream of standing on the peak of a snow-covered mountain, feeling an intense cold so vividly that upon awakening, the physical sensation of coldness lingers. Similarly, upon transitioning to the realm of ‘A'raf in a dream, a person may experience encounters with the spirits of deceased relatives, loved ones, or acquaintances. These interactions with the spirits of the departed serve as an indication that the individual has entered the realm of ‘A'raf.

The essence of Sufism and spirituality lies in developing within an individual the faculty that functions during the dream state and manifesting it during wakefulness. This faculty, which enables one to transcend the confines of time and space, aligns with the concept of death. The prophetic instruction "موتوا قبل أن تموتوا" ("Die before you die") emphasizes that a person must, within this life, overcome the constraints of temporality and spatiality to attain a direct experience of the realm that lies beyond these limitations. In wakeful states, one can replicate the conditions of dreaming by allowing the perceptual faculties associated with the dream state to prevail, thereby facilitating a transition to the intermediate realm of A‘raf. This process necessitates the intentional focusing of the mind and guiding it toward a condition akin to the psychological state induced by sleep. The methodology involves three key steps: first, adopting a state of complete physical relaxation and repose; second, detaching the mind and consciousness from sensory stimuli associated with wakefulness, redirecting them toward the faculties operative in sleep; and third, closing the eyes, thereby culminating in a state that parallels the onset of slumber.

Come, let us sleep while awake. Sit in utter tranquility and comfort. Free your mind from all worldly thoughts, close your eyes, and step from the realm of consciousness into the subconscious. As the grip of consciousness begins to loosen, a door to the subconscious will appear before your closed eyes. Open this door and step inside. Now you are in the Realm of A‘raf. Just as a traveler enters a vast city, you too are now entering a great city within A‘raf. Here, as on earth, you see settlements and dwellings. The difference, however, lies in the nature of clothing and form. Here, the soul has woven a garment for itself, composed not of flesh and sinew bound by earthly dust, but of radiant light. On earth, the weight of dust binds humanity to the laws of gravity, making movement constrained and reliant on external means. In contrast, in this luminous realm, free of dust, the soul experiences no such restrictions. In the earthly domain, every journey—be it on foot, by bicycle, or aboard a plane—relies on material resources. A man walking covers three miles in an hour, while another, cycling, covers eight. A car travels sixty or eighty miles, and an airplane thousands. Though speed may vary, all movement depends on material means because the human body and its tools are all composed of dust. A bicycle, despite its crafted complexity, is nothing but refined dust. Each of its components—gears, chains, and wheels—is derived from metals, and metals originate from the transformation of earth’s particles. The same is true for airplanes: their countless parts are but dust, molded and shaped. All physical substances—whether metals, plants, or living beings—are transformations of earth. This earth, with its innumerable forms, showcases the infinite artistry and power of Allah the Almighty. As Allah Himself has commanded, "Reflect upon Our signs." Those who contemplate these signs are praiseworthy, chosen, and destined to reach the ultimate truth. From earth, every form arises: a bird, a building, a statue, or an intricate invention. With earth's clay, a sparrow can be shaped; from it, grand structures can rise; it can form the likeness of man or serve as the foundation for mighty creations. The secret lies in uncovering the divine attributes flowing through this dust. It is this profound realization that transforms mere matter into a testament to the Creator’s artistry.