📚 ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD: The Spiritual Covenant in Sufi Mysticism 📖
Definition
ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD (حفظ العهد), often translated as “The guarding of the covenant,” refers to the spiritual practice among Ṣūfī mystics of remaining steadfast and committed in the state granted by God. This involves maintaining trust, faithfulness, and loyalty in their divine connection.
Etymology
- ḤIFZ̤: Derived from the Arabic root “ḥ-f-ẓ” (حفظ), meaning “to protect” or “to guard.”
- al-ʿAHD: Originating from the Arabic root “ʿ-h-d” (عهد), meaning “covenant” or “promise.”
Background and Cultural Context
The term ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD holds significant metaphysical and devotional meanings in Ṣūfī practice. It emphasizes the importance of constancy and loyalty in maintaining one’s spiritual state and divine connection, achieved through prayer, meditation, and ethical conduct.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
While the concept of a spiritual covenant is universally present in many religious traditions, such as the Judeo-Christian idea of keeping God’s commandments, Islamic Ṣūfīsm uniquely highlights personal divine experiences and the subjective maintenance of spiritual states.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Amāna (أمانة): Trustworthiness or faithfulness in fulfilling a covenant.
- Tawakkul (توكل): Reliance on God’s plan and maintaining faith.
- ʾIḥsān (إحسان): Excellence in worship and moral conduct toward others.
- Baqā’ (بقاء): Continuance or permanence in spiritual states.
- Murāqaba (مراقبة): Vigilance and self-examination in Ṣūfī practice.
Antonyms
- Ghadar (غدر): Deception or betrayal against the covenant.
- Naghs (نقض): Violating or breaking a covenant.
Exciting Facts
- Many famous Ṣūfī poets like Rumi and Hafez have extensively written about maintaining their spiritual state bestowed by divine love and grace.
- The practice of ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD is often considered the backbone of authenticity in the Ṣūfī path where a true mystic must consistently align with divine will.
Quotations
- “Do not be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.” — Rumi
- “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” — Rumi
Suggested Literature and Further Reading
- “The Essential Rumi” by Coleman Barks
- “The Conference of the Birds” by Farid al-Din Attar, translated by Sholeh Wolpé
- “The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of Rumi” by William C. Chittick
- “Al-Hikam: The Wisdom of Ibn `Ata’illah” translated by Shaykh Ahmed Ibn Ajiba
- “Sufism: An Introduction to the Mystical Tradition of Islam” by Carl Ernst
Thought-Provoking Farewell
May your quest for spiritual depth illuminate paths previously hidden and foster a deeply personal connection with the divine, inspiring steadfastness and peace in every moment.
### What does ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD literally mean?
- [x] Guarding the covenant
- [ ] Renewing faith
- [ ] Practicing forgiveness
- [ ] Seeking divine love
> **Explanation:** ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD translates to "guarding the covenant," emphasizing the protection and maintenance of one's spiritual state as bestowed by God according to Ṣūfī belief.
### What is the Ṣūfī concept closely related to maintaining spiritual discipline and vigilance?
- [ ] Tawakkul
- [ ] Amāna
- [x] Murāqaba
- [ ] Naghs
> **Explanation:** Murāqaba is the Ṣūfī practice of self-examination and vigilance in spiritual matters, which aligns closely with the continuous self-awareness and discipline required in ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD.
### True or False: ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD is about changing states constantly.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD focuses on maintaining a constant and steadfast spiritual state bestowed by God, not changing it frequently.
### Which famous Ṣūfī poet is known for writings that reflect the idea of maintaining spiritual states bestowed by divine love and grace?
- [x] Rumi
- [ ] Ghalib
- [ ] Rabi'a al-Adawiyya
- [ ] Ibn Sina
> **Explanation:** Rumi extensively wrote poetry that reflects the idea of maintaining the spiritual state granted by divine love and grace, which aligns with the concept of ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD.
### What is an antonym for ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD?
- [ ] Tawakkul
- [ ] ʾIḥsān
- [x] Ghadar
- [ ] Baqā'
> **Explanation:** Ghadar means deception or betrayal, which is opposite to the steadfastness and loyalty implied in ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD.
### What role does Amāna play in the concept of ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD?
- [x] Trustworthiness or faithfulness in fulfilling a covenant.
- [ ] Seeking forgiveness for past actions.
- [ ] Practicing withdrawal from materialism.
- [ ] Synchronizing with divine will.
> **Explanation:** Amāna refers to trustworthiness and faithfulness, which is essential in fulfilling the duties and state granted by the covenant in ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD.
### Which of the following Ṣūfī terms relates to excellence in worship aligning with ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD?
- [ ] Baqā'
- [ ] Murāqaba
- [x] ʾIḥsān
- [ ] Ghadar
> **Explanation:** ʾIḥsān focuses on excellence in worship and moral conduct towards others, aligned with the practice of maintaining one’s spiritual state, a core idea in ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD.
### Which root word does "ḤIFZ̤" derive from?
- [x] ḥ-f-ẓ
- [ ] ḥ-r-r-h
- [ ] h-d-w
- [ ] ḥ-q-m
> **Explanation:** "ḤIFZ̤" derives from the Arabic root "ḥ-f-ẓ" which means "to protect" or "to guard."
### Tafsir is related to which concept in connection to ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD?
- [ ] Understanding faith
- [x] Guarding the covenant
- [ ] Forgiveness
- [ ] Meditation Practices
> **Explanation:** Tafsir also helps in establishing and guarding divine covenants, which is related to the essence of ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD.
### Which book could one read for a deeper understanding of the ṣūfī term ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD?
- [ ] "The Essential Ghalib"
- [x] "The Essential Rumi" by Coleman Barks
- [ ] "The Quran"
- [ ] "Priests and Politics: The Indian Conversions"
> **Explanation**: "The Essential Rumi" by Coleman Barks offers valuable insights into Rumi's works reflecting the spirit of ṣūfīsm and concepts like ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD.
Alḥamdulillāh! May your journey of knowledge be an ever-glowing lantern of spiritual wisdom and inner peace.
