‘The intimates of the reality’ are those who have been guided to the knowledge of the reality. With the knowledge disclosed to them by the Rabb of the worlds they inform us of the real meaning of each verse.
“Only Allah knows their (true and precise) interpretation. Those who are grounded in knowledge (deep contemplators) say, 'We believe, all of it is from our Rabb.' And none can discern this except those who have reached the essence (the intimates of the reality through whom Allah hears, sees and speaks; ulul albab).”[1]
These intimates of the reality are those who have been guided to laduni knowledge (the knowledge pertaining to the potential of the Names comprising one’s essence). They live without any veils; they have attained the reality.
“The (tree’s) oil (the observation of the reality in consciousness) would almost glow even if untouched by fire (active cleansing)...”[2]
This is a divine bestowal, a bounty…
“That is the favor of Allah; He bestows it upon whom He wills.”[3]
And none can question why He does this.
“He is not questioned (called to account) for what He does!”[4]
There are some people who have merely heard of the ocean; all their knowledge is based on what they have heard. Then there are
some who have seen it, but due to their inability to swim, they have only walked on the shore, perhaps gone in knee-deep. And then there are some who know how to swim and they swim out far. Yet beyond all of these, there are some who have almost become the ocean, they swim deep and far and discover new things all the time.
This is how people are in regards to real knowledge. Some have only heard of it, some read the Quran and suffice with fulfilling its orders and refraining from what has been forbidden. This is the case for the majority of the Muslims.
But then there are some who try harder and commit to mastering all of its intricate subtleties. They are referred to as the ‘abrar’.
There are others still, who are highly capacitated, and Allah bestows His favor on them. They too swim out far and deep and thus discover and discern the divine secrets. They are known as the ‘muqarriboon’. They are the chosen ones.
“Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills…”[5]
They think well and base their assumptions on perfection in regards to their Rabb! They act in accordance with the hadith Qudsi:
“I am as my servant assumes me to be.”
And the verse:
“Indeed, certain assumptions are an offence (lead to or are an outcome of duality)!”[6]
Dear reader, know that…
The Creator is constantly providing innumerable provisions to His creation. Firstly, on the external level, He provides for your body with food and drink. Then He provides for your consciousness with knowledge. And then, through a new manifestation at every instance,