🌍 Understanding NĀSŪT: Exploring Human Nature in Sufism
Comprehensive Definition
Nāsūt (ناسوت) refers to the natural state of human nature encompassing physicality, emotions, and ordinary consciousness before one embarks on the journey of Sufi mysticism. It is conceptualized as a non-transcendent state opposed to a more divine or spiritual realms within oneself. Sufi teachings emphasize that nāsūt represents mankind’s earthly characteristics which need to be transcended for reaching higher spiritual awareness.
Etymology
The term Nāsūt originates from the Arabic root “ناس” (“nās”) meaning ‘people’ or ‘mankind.’ The suffix “ūt” implies a state or condition, so nāsūt essentially connotates the ‘state of mankind’ or ‘human realm.’
Background
In Sufi philosophy, Nāsūt is the essential nature of human being firmly rooted in worldly existence. Every individual initially resided in this state before an awakening propelling the entry onto the journey of mystical realization. Ascending from the nāsūt involves transcending worldly desires and ego (Nafs) and opening oneself to higher states (lāhūt and jābārūt), representing divine or angelic aspects of existence.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Across cultures:
- Islamic Sufism: Nāsūt is centered around transcending to realize divine truth within oneself.
- Hinduism: The equivalent-like concept could be analogous to the basic human state of ignorance (Avidya) before enlightenment (Moksha).
- Christian Mysticism: Similarities are seen in the transformation from a worldly nature towards spiritual purification and union with the divine.
Despite religious differences, the shared emphasis is on spiritual progression transcending human’s base nature toward a divine union or awareness.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Basal state
- Human realm
- Earthly nature
- Material existence
Antonyms:
- Lāhūt (Divine nature)
- Mālikūt (Angelic realm)
- Jābārūt (Omnipotence)
Related Terms with Definitions
- Nafs (نَفْس): The ego or self in Islamic mysticism, which represents the carnal soul that must be purified.
- Lāhūt (لَاهوت): The realm of divinity, suggesting transcendental states beyond the human understanding.
- Jābārūt (جبروت): Another spiritual realm representing God’s omnipotent and omnipresent nature.
Exciting Facts
- Sufi metaphysics divide existence into spiritual World (Álam-i-Hubbub or Divine Presence) and mundane world (Nāsūt) reflecting dialogues between love and worldly attachment.
- The transition from Nāsūt to higher spiritual states involves practices like Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and Tafakkur (meditative reflections).
Quotations
Rumi: “The human heart is akin to the sea, boundless and deep, but within it endures the shell of mystic pearls, separating the nāsūt from the divine secrets.”
Suggested Literature and Other Sources
- Rumi’s Mystical Design: Reading the Mathnawi, Book One by Seyed Ghahreman Safavi
- The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn Arabi’s Metaphysics of Imagination by William C. Chittick
- Paths to the Heart: Sufism and the Christian East edited by James Cutsinger
Quizzes
Nāsūt is not just a concept but a part of our spiritual potentiality that calls for the mystic journey to fulfil one’s divine purpose.
Remember, every journey starts at the genesis point — accepting who we are yet seeking who we can become.
Zara Al-Murad
Published: October 3, 2023
In every heart exists a longing for transcendence, a journey from Nāsūt to infinite divine realms.
