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Question: "O assembly of
jinn and humans, if you are able to pass beyond the realms of the heavens and
the earth, then do so; you cannot pass except with Sultan." What is meant
by "Sultan," and how can it be attained?
Answer: In Surah Rahman,
Allah the Almighty declares:
"O assembly of jinn and humans, if you can pass beyond the realms of the
heavens and the earth, then attempt to do so; you cannot pass except with
Sultan."
This verse invites deep contemplation. It reveals
that within human beings exists a latent potential—a spiritual capability—that,
when awakened and activated, allows one to transcend physical and metaphysical
boundaries. "Sultan" represents this spiritual authority, a profound
inner awakening that enables the human soul to access the unseen realms. By
cultivating and energizing the inner aura, a person can venture beyond the
visible confines of existence into the mysteries of the unseen. Thus, achieving
"Sultan" signifies unlocking the spiritual essence that connects the
finite self with the infinite reality. The notion of passing beyond the
"edges of the heavens and the earth" metaphorically refers to
transcending the limitations of worldly perception, entering a state where
divine mysteries unfold.
The unseen encompasses all that is beyond human
perception or knowledge. What lies beyond the edges of the earth and in the
expanse of the heavens is part of the unseen. Beyond the seven heavens lies the
Divine Throne ('Arsh), where Allah the Almighty is established in His
attributes. This implies that every human possesses the potential to achieve
such spiritual authority, referred to as "Sultan," that enables one
to transcend the physical boundaries of the earth and heavens. Upon attaining this,
the Throne becomes unveiled before them. The Throne signifies the supreme
station where Allah manifests His attributes, indicating that the vision of
Allah is possible for every human soul. Some question the feasibility of seeing
Allah, citing the example of Musa (P.B.U.H.), who, when exposed to the Divine
Theophany at Mount Sinai, fainted and could not endure it. However, it is
crucial to reflect: if Musa (P.B.U.H.) had not witnessed anything, why would he
lose consciousness? His fainting indicates that he indeed beheld the Theophany,
but the intensity of the experience was beyond his consciousness to endure.
Thus, Musa's (P.B.U.H.) unconscious state becomes a testament to the reality of
his vision, though it surpassed the limits of his awareness. This underscores
that Divine vision is attainable, provided the soul has prepared itself to
embrace the overwhelming majesty of the encounter.
When one is accustomed to observing the light of a
100-watt bulb, and suddenly a 5000-watt bulb is lit before them, the
overwhelming brightness temporarily blinds the eyes. However, with repeated
exposure, the eyes adapt. Similarly, when Musa (P.B.U.H.) communicated with
Allah the Almighty, he ascended Mount Sinai. He listened to Divine words,
conveyed the people's messages, and returned with Divine responses. For forty
nights and days, he remained on the mount, receiving the Torah, as referenced
in the Qur'anic verses:
"O assembly of jinn and mankind! If you are
able to pass beyond the regions of the heavens and the earth, then pass. You
will not pass except with authority."
This verse carries a profound point: Allah the
Almighty mentions the heavens before the earth, although the discussion
concerns the earth. This indicates that the journey begins from the heavens and
descends to the earth, and no one can transcend these realms without the
Sultan. What is the Sultan? The Sultan lies within—the soul of the human being.
When Allah the Almighty created man, He introduced Himself to humanity by
proclaiming: "Am I not your Lord?" Upon hearing this Divine voice,
every soul turned toward its source and beheld the essence of Allah the
Almighty. Witnessing this, the souls collectively affirmed: "Yes, indeed,
You are our Lord." This signifies that in the realm of spirits, human
souls not only heard the Divine voice but also perceived the presence of Allah
and acknowledged His Lordship. Therefore, the soul inherently knows and has
witnessed Allah. If one discovers and reconnects with this soul that once
beheld the Divine, recognized His voice, and affirmed His Lordship, they attain
the ability referred to as Sultan. Sultan, in essence, is the awakening of the
human soul to its primordial state. It is the capacity to transcend the bounds
of the heavens and the earth, unlocking the latent potential to witness the
Divine realities once again, as the soul did in the realm of spirits.
Khwaja Shamsuddin Azeemi
Dedication
"The heart is the abode of God. Within this sacred
place, I have glimpsed the Azeemi Galaxy. I now entrust this divine document,
containing the knowledge of God, to the radiant stars of the Magnificent
Galaxies, so they may illuminate their hearts with this divine light."