________________
MYSTICISM OF DARVISHES: ASMA-UL-HUSNA
139
1. "La ilāh ill' Allāh! (There is no God but Allah), a confe
ssion of his unity. 2. Ya Allāh! (0 God), an exclamation referring to Him, the
Almighty. 3. Ya Hū! (O Him), He who is. An authentic acknowledgment
of His eternal existence. 4. Ya Haqq! (O just God). 5. Ya Hai! (Ya Haiyo !) (O living God). 6. Yā Qayyum ! (O existing God). 7. Ya Qahhār! (O punishing God).
These seven attributes allude to the seven heavens called the Sab'āsamā, and the seven Divine lights, called the anwar-e-Ilāhī from which seven principal colours viz, white, black, red, yellow, blue, deep green and light green, are said to emanate. The initiation of Darvishes is generally by means of these mysteries. The Shaikh, that is the chief of the Order breathes thrice into the ear of the pupil each of these attributes in sequel but at interval of days months or years according to the spiritual advancement and disposition of the candidates. The full period is called Chilla and extends over several months and sometimes even more. The Shaikh in his capacity as spiritual guide is called murshid and the candidate during his novitiate is called Kāchak and thereafter murid, (pupil). A reputed saint is commonly called Shaikh, murābit, or wali. The last correctly signifies a favourite of heaven, an eminent and very devout saint, but it is commonly applied to real or pretended idiots also. If he has reached the highest stage of union and is consequently forgetful of this world he is more properly termed majzūb, or maslāb.
The names of God as also prayers from the Qurān such as the famous Panj (five) Surahs (chapters) and particularly Surah-e-yäsin (considered to be the heart of the Qurán) and Ayats (verses) like Ayat-al-Kursi and Daruds like Darud-e-Sharif and others are recited several times and are considered to possess miraculous effects. It is considered that the veil is raised by reciting Darud-e-Sharif and the presence of God is expe.
Jain Education International 2010_03
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org