The Spiritual Administration

The concept of a spiritual hierarchy governing over human and world affairs has been a part of theosophy and other mystical traditions. The Greek neo-platonic philosopher Lablichus [d.330 A.D], who is famous for his work on the organisation and administration of the heavenly spheres, describes the order of division as: a]Gods; b]Demons; c]Heavens; d]Principalities; e]Angels; f]Souls.

In Sufism, though the idea of a spiritual hierarchy responsible for administration in the world, is a common occurrence, yet it confines the members of this hierarchy to human beings alone under the supervision of God Almighty.
In the study of cosmology one comes across the intricate and diversified body of the phenomena of creation and its organisation. In the ancient texts of the Greek and the Roman civilizations, exist legendary descriptions of a belief-system that acknowledged a heavenly administration directly influencing the affairs of the universe and personal human lives at the same time. A civilization as old as the Egyptian one also showed evidence of belief in a life, existence and reality beyond the apparent, worldly and material one. In most religions one finds the tradition of a hierarchical structure in the field of existence. The Supreme Being or the Source of all existence as God, Allah or Brahma as It may be referred to stands at the apex of this hierarchy. As we move down in gradation, we come to the different ranks of the Angels, then the Elementals and finally the world of physical reality. In consciousness this is related to the various levels of knowing: The conscious; the sub-conscious; and the supra-conscious levels of knowing. Travelling through the different levels of consciousness one alights upon the diverse planes of being. There are the physical, mental, psychic, astral and the spiritual planes of existence, reaching up to the angelic realms ultimately culminating in the pure Divine Presence. Mystical traditions have tried to explain this wondrous mode of being in words as best as they could. No matter how well defined all this knowledge becomes in letters, it is something that must be tasted rather than informed. Each one who has experienced this multi-dimensional reality has sought to convey it in the language of his own personal experience.

The Quran gives us information regarding the angelic hierarchy and its functions. We are also told about the various grades that the human souls are divided into. They are referred to as the rasul [messenger], nabi [prophet], wali [friend], siddiqin [truthful ones], saliheen [the righteous ones], shuhada [the witnesses and the martyrs], momineen [faithful ones], and muslimeen [the ones who have submitted]. The only criterion of distinction that the Quran allows is piety, with a secondary one being knowledge. In the Quran man is warned against falsely believing that the seeing individual is the same as the blind one. In reality the reference is to a person with knowledge and insight as opposed to the one who is ignorant. Although there is no specific revelation in the Quran relating to the office and functions of a spiritual hierarchy, inferences have been drawn by mystical interpreters of the text to support their views.

The discipline of Sufism has always been regarded with suspicion by the orthodox religious clergy. Because it is significantly experiential rather than theoretical, the ones who have tried to understand it from the outside have often fallen a prey to the confusion of false impressions formed on the surface of a lake in dim moon-light. Firstly they are not seeing things in the light of day when all becomes clear. Secondly, they are trying to conjecture what lies under the water by merely studying its surface.

Likewise if one were to ask an orthodox Muslim externalist regarding the reality of the spiritual order and its functionaries, he would calmly refute everything on the basis of surface knowledge. To believe in the reality of the spiritual administration one must have had direct experience of this phenomenon, otherwise skepticism would have the better of you.

Below I would like to give an account of the different records in various spiritual texts regarding the organisation, members, stations, and functions of the spiritual administration as found in the writings of Sufi scholars and saints of the past centuries.

According to Sufi belief there is at all times an established number of individuals serving as members in the spiritual administration of human and world affairs. It is due to their intervention and presence that the world is kept spinning on its axis. A holy saying of the Prophet s.w testifies to this: The world shall not perish until in it remains even a single person saying "Allah Allah". It is believed that this reference is to those chosen ones of Allah who due to their constant and pure remembrance of Him have attained to the station of special nearness to the Divine Presence. These privileged souls have been appointed at their stations and ranks by the Will of the Almighty. They maintain balance and equilibrium in the dispensation of world affairs. It is for their sake that Allah eases His Wrath and bestows His Mercy. Rain is made to descend and fields turn green in answer to their supplication. These people of special Grace are not known to the common folk, thus they are varyingly known by the names of "Rijaal-ul Ghayb", meaning the unseen men, or the "Awliya-e-Mastoor", meaning the hidden Friends.

One should not be misled by the term "Rijal-ul-Ghayb" into believing that membership in this hierarchy is only reserved for men, as the word rijal indicates. Shaykh-ul-Akbar Ibn Arabi in his Futuhat-al-Makkiyya relates that once a wali mastoor was asked about the number of the rijaal-ul-ghayb. He answered, "forty souls". He was again questioned regarding his reply as to why he did not say forty men. To this he answered saying that it was so because they included amongst them women as well.

Shaykh Fariduddin Attar says in his "Tadhkirat-al-Awliya", "When a woman gives the proof of courage and chivalry on the path of sulook or wayfaring, then she may no longer be called a female."
Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani in "Safinatul-Awliya" sums up the debate in a beautiful couplet:

If women were such as we have described
They would have precedence over men;

The feminine appellation of the sun is not a handicap,
Just as the masculine reference to the moon does not make it superior.

Mystical Sufi texts carry abundant information regarding the names, stations and number of these holy people.
There are slight variations regarding the number and the placement of the groupings in the different recordings of spiritual narrations. The names of the sub-groups within the larger group of the "Hidden Men", however, remain the same.

According to Shaykh Ali Uthman Hujweri in his Kashf-ul Mahjoob there are a total of four thousand hidden ones. They are not aware of each other and neither do they know of their own stations. They work unbeknownst to themselves and to those around them. There are reports regarding their reality in the narratives of the Awliya and the traditions. They have been called the chiefs of the heavenly troops. They are divided into sub-groups of 300 Akhyar [pious ones], 40 Abdaal [the inter-changeable], 7 Abrars [the pure ones], 4 Awtad [the pillars], 3 Naqeeb [ the pegs] and 1 Qutb [the Pole] who is also called the Ghaus [Helper]. They are known for solving difficulties and bringing relief by the command of Allah.

In other texts you find proof of the fact that some of the ranks recognise each other, and those that Allah wills to reveal, and the Akhyaar are the ones who remain unknown to each other and themselves. The Qutb or Ghaus being the head of all is aware of each ones station.

Shaykh Muhiyuddin Ibn Arabi has written profusely on this subject. He says in his Futuhat-al-Makkiyya that in every age there is an appointed Pole or Qutb whose given name is Abdullah meaning servant of Allah. Under him are his two ministers called the Imam whose names are Abdul Malik and Abdur-Rab. Rab and Malik again being two of the Divine Names. After the demise of the Qutb one of these two graduates to his station succeeding him. Subservient to the two Imams are the four Awtad [Pillars] who are stationed at the four directions of the world, the North, South, East and West. They are in charge of looking after these four directions. There number is confirmed in every age. Their titles are Abdul Hayy, Abdul Aleem, Abdul Qadir and Abdul Mureed being named such after the four of the seven primary Divine names. Following them are the seven Abdaal who are placed over the seven heavenly spheres. The first sphere is under the supervision of Hazrat Ibrahim Khalilullah. The remaining spheres are ruled by the Prophets Hazrat Musa Kaleemullah, Hazrat Harun, Hazrat Idris or Enoch, Hazrat Yusuf, Hazrat Isa and Hazrat Adam respectively. These Abdaal are therefore on the footsteps of these Prophets of God. Their names also come from the attributes of Allah, for instance, Abdul Hayy, Abdul Aleem, Abdul Wadood, Abdul Qadir, Abdul Shakoor, Abdul Sami and Abdul Baseer. According to Shaykh Abu Talib Makki the Abdaal arrive at their rank chiefly due to four things, and they being, hunger, sleeplessness, silence and solitude. After the Abdaal there are twelve Nuqba [plural for Naqeeb]. Their figure is also established and they are appointed watchers over the 12 constellations. They can view such planetary movements and heavenly changes that remain distant from the observation of the astronomers. In addition there are eight Nujaba [plural of Najeeb], meaning Noble Ones. Their station is the throne of Allah and they are given special knowledge regarding the seven primary attributes of Allah and their understanding. After the Nujaba there is one "Hawari" [the faithful companion] and when he dies then another is appointed to take his place. Thereafter are the "Rajbiyoon". They are called thus for they are appointed to their office in the month of Rajb. They are forty in number. The last one is the Khatm [Seal] as the name denotes. This station is reserved for the seal of the Muhammadan Sainthood. The concept of the seal of Muhammadan Walayat or sainthood is one that has great currency in Shaykh-ul-Akbar’s philosophy, in which he claims to be that. It has, however, not necessarily been accepted by other saints and scholars.

According to another opinion given in the Kashf-ul-Mahjub, amongst the Rijal-ul-Ghayb there are 300 Nuqaba whose heart-state is after the heart of Hazrat Adam. They are called Naqeebs because they serve as watchers in the world; keeping things in place and watching over them. The 70 Nujaba have hearts set after the heart of Hazrat Nuh. They are called Najeeb because of their nobility and illumined hearts. The hearts of the forty Abdaal are set on the pattern of Hazrat Musa’s heart. Because they are the replacements of the Prophets, they are called Abdaal, which literally means the changed ones. From the Rijaal-ul Ghayb there are 8 such individuals, who without being named, have been told to have hearts like Hazrat Isa. 7 Akhyaar have hearts after that of Hazrat Ibrahim. They are called Akhyaar [the best] for they are the best amongst humanity. The hearts of the 5 Amaad are likened to the heart of Hazrat Jibrail. Amaad is the plural of amad which means pillar. Their value is that of a pillar to a building. The 3 Awtad are set on the pattern of Hazrat Mikael’s heart. They are called Awtad which is the plural of watad meaning peg. They hold the world in place by their grace. The ghaus or Qutb has the heart of Hazrat Israfil. He is stationed at the acme of the hierarchy. When he passes away, one from the awtad takes his place, and subsequently another from the next lower grade fills the slot emptied by the watad and so it continues. At the end of the line when the station of the Nuqaba is reached then one from amongst the ordinary is blessed with the privilege to take up his place. The fixed number of the rijal-ul-Ghayb is thus maintained under all conditions. When there is some crisis in the world then at first the Nuqaba pray for relief, and if there is still no respite, then the Abdaal intercede. After them the 8 unnamed Rijal-ul-Ghayb, then the Akhyaar. If the prayer still remains unanswered, the Ammad step in. Beyond them the Awtad, and if there is still no reprieve then the Ghaus or Qutb prays. The Ghaus is the helper and reliever of distress and his prayer is rarely left unanswered.

The Rijal-ul Ghayb are the carriers of the miraculous powers of Tai-al-Ard and Tai-al-Zaman. This means that they can cover long geographical distances in no time and so their being confined to a single place is not a limitation [Tai-al-Ard]. They can even traverse time and so past, present and future does not hold them [Tai-al-Zaman]. So it would be correct to say that they have entered the dimension of placelessness and timelessness.

According to yet another report, the whole group of the hidden ones is comprised of 360 individuals. The wali of the most basic level from amongst them, is sovereign in the radius of about 12 miles surrounding his presence or place of living. When the load of work on these unseen servants of humanity becomes too great then their number is increased. But, at no time is the limit to be reduced from the established number.

This in short, is an account of the appointed hidden workers of Allah who form the hierarchy of spiritual administration.

Al-Quran, Surah Naba, verse 6-7: "Have We not made the earth an expanse and made the mountains as pegs in the land".

The mystical interpretation of this verse is that it points to those chosen amongst men, the pious ones, who have been established as the bulwarks of humanity.

Al-Quran, Surah Ra’ad, verse 3: "He is The One Who has spread out the earth for you and has placed therein mountains and streams".

The mystical interpretation of this verse being that Allah has provided in the world means of stability, guidance, nourishment and ease for humanity. The mountain is a symbol of greatness and majesty. It is a physical feature of the earth that helps in keeping the land still and stable. When we reach the height of the mountain we are able to see far and wide and thus discern our direction. The stream offers us water to purify ourselves and to drink when thirsty. It provides relief from the summer heat and its coolness is a source of comfort to us. All dirt may be washed away in the flowing water of the stream. Similarly the holy saints of Allah provide breadth of vision to our understanding, and they teach us to be steadfast and forbearingly calm as the mountains. We are taught to find stability within ourselves by anchoring ourselves in the core of our Being. They are like the flowing streams of water, purifying, refreshing, satisfying and nourishing wherever they go.

All Ability is from Him. Any lack in the expression above proceeds from my limitations and Allah knows best.


By Naila Amat-un-Nur

October 2006




The Manner of Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir's salutation [salam]
(may Allah sanctify his innermost being) to the Cardinal Pole of the Cardinal Poles
[Qutb al-aqtab] (may Allah sanctify his innermost being).

In the Name of Allâh, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate
Bismillâhi 'r-Rahmâni 'r-Rahîm

Peace be upon you, O sovereign of the time, and O leader of the place,
as-salâmu 'alai-ka yâ malika 'z-zaman: wa ya imama 'l makân:
and O chargé d'affaires of the All-Merciful,
wa yâ qâ'iman bi-amri 'r-Rahmân:
and O inheritor of the Book, and O deputy of Allâh's Messenger
wa yâ wâritha 'l-Kitâb: wa yâ nâ 'iba Rasûli 'llâhi
(Allâh bless him and give him peace).
(salla 'llâhu 'alai-hi wa sallam).

O He who has both heaven and earth at his disposal.
yâ man mina 's-samâ'i wa 'l-ardi 'a'idatu-hu.
O he whose family comprises all the people of his time.
yâ man ahlu waqti-hi kullu-hum 'â'ilatu-h.
O He for whom the rain descends in answer to his call,
yâ man yanzilu 'l-ghaithu bi-da' wati-hi
and by whose grace the udders flow with copious milk.
wa yadirru 'd-dar' u bi-barakati-h.
[Peace be upon you] and Allâh's mercy and His blessings.
wa rahmatu 'llâhu wa barakâtu-h.

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The Manner of Shaikh 'Abd al-Qadir's salutation [salâm]
(may Allâh sanctify his innermost being) to the men of the Unseen [rijâl al-Ghaib]
(may Allah sanctify their innermost beings).

In the Name of Allâh, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate
Bismillâhi 'r-Rahmâni 'r-Rahîm

Peace be upon you, O men of the Unseen!
as-salâmu 'alai-kum yâ yâ rijâla 'l-Ghaib.
Peace be upon you, O sanctified spirits!
as-salâmu 'alai-kum yâ ayyuha 'l-arwâhu 'l-mutaqaddasa.

O presidents, O noblemen, O overseers, O spiritual deputies!
yâ nuqabâ ya nujabâ yâ ruqabâ yâ budalâ
O mainstays of the earth, four mainstays! O two leaders!
yâ awtâda 'l-ardi awtâdun arba'a: yâ imâmân:
O Cardinal Pole! O matchless individual! O trustees!
yâ Qutbu yâ fardu yâ umanâ:

Provide me with assitance, look on me with favor,
aghîthû-nî bi-ghawthatin wa 'nzurû-nî bi-nazratin
treat me with compassion, fulfill my wish and my objective,
wa 'rhamû-nî wa hassilû murâdi wa maqsûdi
and attend to the satisfaction of my needs,
wa qûmû 'alâ qadâ'i hawâ' iji
in the presence of our Prophet Muhammad
'inda Nabiyyi-nâ Muhammadin
(Allâh bless him and give him peace).
(salla 'llâhu 'alai-hi wa sallam).

May Allâh (Exalted is He) grant you peace
in this world and the Hereafter.
sallama-kumu 'llâhu (ta' âla) fi'd-dunyâ wa 'l-âkhira.

O Allâh, bestow blessings on al-Khidr!
Allâhumma salli 'ala' l-Khidr.