Comprehensive Definition
FAIẒ-I-AQDAS (فيض اقدس): This Persian term refers to the manifestation of divine grace communicated specifically to angels, prophets, and other exalted intelligences. It embodies the idea of spiritual nourishment and blessings directly bestowed by Allah upon His chosen messengers and beings in the spiritual hierarchy.
Etymology
The term FAIẒ-I-AQDAS (فيض اقدس) combines “Faiz” (Persian/Arabic: فيض), which means “abundance,” “overflow,” or “grace,” with “Aqdas” (Persian/Arabic: اقدس), meaning “most holy” or “sacred.” Thus, it can be translated as “the most sacred grace” or “the holy overflow of divine grace.”
Background
In Islamic theology, FAIẒ-I-AQDAS reflects the transmission of divine messages and spiritual enlightenment. This concept emphasizes the connection between the divine and His chosen messengers, providing them with wisdom, guidance, and holiness that surpasses ordinary human experience. It correlates closely with the belief in prophetic revelation (Wahy) and angelic communication, where divine wisdom is not just revealed but deeply infused with sanctity.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
In various religious traditions like Christianity and Judaism, similar concepts exist:
- In Christianity, the “Holy Spirit” represents divine grace communicated to believers, especially apostles and prophets.
- In Judaism, “Shekhinah” refers to the divine presence, and the “Ruach HaKodesh” (Holy Spirit) imparts spiritual insight and prophecy.
Despite different terminology, the underlying notion of divine communication and grace remains a shared spiritual theme across these religions.
Synonyms
- Divine Overflow
- Sacred Grace
- Holy Revelation
Antonyms
- Profanity
- Worldly communication
- Secular message
Related Terms
- Wahy (وحي): Islamic concept of divine revelation to prophets.
- Ilham (إلهام): Inspiration from God.
- Rooh al-Quds (روح القدس): Literally “Holy Spirit,” experiencing God’s sacred presence.
- Nuzuul (نزول): Descent of divine command or message.
Exciting Facts
- FAIẒ-I-AQDAS implies a higher state of divine interaction, distinguishing the profundity of the spiritual experiences of prophets and angels from ordinary human perception.
- The concept is also represented in Sufi mysticism as an essential aspect of spiritual enlightenment and union with the divine.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Rumi: “The grace of the Beloved flows not just to us, but also we, the cup, overflow, passing the wine to higher angels and lower creatures alike.”
- Al-Ghazali: “Divine grace is an overflowing ocean, and prophets are its disseminating springs, spreading wisdom and holiness.”
Recommended Literature
- “The Jewels of the Qur’an: Al-Ghazali’s Theory” by Imam Al-Ghazali: An in-depth exploration of Islamic spiritual insights.
- “Rumi’s Mystical Design: Reading the Mathnawi, Book One” by Seyed Ghahreman Safavi: Insights into divine grace as interpreted in Sufi poetry.
- “Mystical Dimensions of Islam” by Annemarie Schimmel: A historical study of the different mystical aspects of Islam, including divine grace.
Quiz Questions
“In our journey of spiritual enlightenment, let us be ever receptive to the divine grace bestowed upon us and strive to live as vessels of holy light.”
- Kamran Hassan, October 2023
