Spiritual Health Learning Community Center Exploring Life's Horizons   »   Streams Menu God has seventy thousand veils of light and darkness. Were they to be removed, the Glories of God's Face would burn away everything perceived by the sight of God's creatures. - Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him] Mithal The world of symbols and similitudes (al-mithal) is a realm with which most of us have had some contact. When we dream, we travel to this world. The language of dreams is expressed through symbols and similitudes which are drawn from this realm. Consequently, there is a need for interpreting the significance or meaning of dreams. According to practitioners of the Sufi path, there can be no standard reference book of dreams. In other words, a given symbol or similitude can mean something quite different to different people under the same or different circumstances. In fact, one and the same symbol or similitude may mean something very different to the same individual at various stages of the spiritual journey. For example, light, as a symbol, may refer to guidance or it could be a reference, of some sort, to the angelic realm. It could refer to mental processes or to the condition of the heart. Light might refer to hope or aspiration. It also could be a similitude which reflects a quality or dimension of some condition, object or person. One's own spirit or the spirit of someone else could be alluded to through light. Alternatively, it might serve as an harbinger in relation to some aspect of the future. The realm of Divine Names and Attributes could be signified by the symbol of light. On the other hand, it might be a similitude for some sort of illusory or distorting influence. Light might be a warning of some kind. It also might be an indication of spiritual progress. Any one of a number of planes or realms of existence could be signified through light. Light also might refer to one's degree of purity or sincerity. The possible meanings and significances surrounding light as a symbol or similitude could be continued indefinitely beyond the few possibilities suggested in the foregoing. Moreover, light is just one of an infinite number of possible symbols or similitudes which exists in the world of al-mithal. Each of these possibilities, like light, encompasses many kinds of meanings and significances. When a person dreams, the meaning of the symbols and similitudes given expression in the dream depend on many factors. The spiritual condition of the individual is one, obviously important factor. However, the needs, desires, problems, and circumstances of the individual also are important considerations. There is a dialectical interaction between the individual and the symbols and similitudes of the world of al-mithal. How the two fit together is not always straightforward. According to Sufi masters, the ability to interpret dreams is a spiritual gift. It is not an intellectual exercise. Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him) did not go to a handy reference book of dreams in the prison library and proceed to mentally work out the meaning of the dreams of his fellow prisoners. The significance of the dreams came through spiritual unveiling and inspiration. One of the ways in which a spiritual guide may help the initiate is through interpreting the dreams of the seeker. Initially, this assistance may come in helping the initiate to differentiate between dreams which are primarily about the world, and those dreams which are, in some fashion, spiritually significant. When a person starts to make some degree of progress in the early stages of the path, one of the first places this may show up is in dream form. The character of the individual's dreams may undergo a transition away from worldly and ego preoccupations and toward spiritual issues. During certain subsequent stages of the path, the individual may dream very little in a way that can be remembered. Instead, spiritual experiences, which previously had been restricted to dreams, may begin to occur during the waking state. The world of symbols and similitudes is not just about dreams. As indicated in the foregoing paragraph, one can have non-ordinary, waking experiences whose form is shaped, colored and oriented by this realm of symbols and similitudes. Sufi masters indicate the initiate's situation becomes somewhat precarious when these sort of experiences begin to happen. The source of this potential danger arises from the fact that a number of different forces are operating in the world of al-mithal. In addition to spiritual forces, there are also satanic forces which are present in this realm. In addition, one's own ego can influence what symbols or similitudes come into play. Consequently, although there is a potential for guidance and spiritual benefit being derived from one's encounters with the realm of al-mithal, there also are numerous opportunities for the individual to become exposed to, and influenced by, various sources of misguidance, distortion and falsehood in that world. Furthermore, as is the case with dreams, no matter what happens in the world of al-mithal, those experiences require interpretation in order for the individual to be able to understand the significance and meaning of the symbols and similitudes which occur in various non-ordinary experiences. Once again, the spiritual guide can provide both assistance and protection for the initiate with respect to interpreting such experiences. Indeed, if God wishes, by means of the spiritual wisdom and insight which come through the spiritual guide, the initiate is enabled to navigate through the potentially treacherous waters of the individual's experiential encounters with the world of al-mithal. Unfortunately, some initiates believe they are independent of the spiritual guide's protection and assistance. As a result, they proceed to put their own interpretations on their non-ordinary experiences. This may happen in any number of ways. For instance, the initiate may not tell the spiritual guide about certain experiences and, then, proceed to place his or her own interpretations onto these experiences. On the other hand, the initiate may tell the shaykh about such experiences but not accept the teacher's guidance in relation to them. Both of these actions are serious breeches of spiritual etiquette on the Sufi path. Moreover, almost invariably, the initiate encounters spiritual problems as a result of her or his mistakes concerning the experiences in question. If one is fortunate, the mistakes and problems can be remedied. If one is unfortunate, one may fall away from the spiritual path, either temporarily or permanently. Although the dangers associated with the world of al-mithal should not be minimized, this realm also may be a source of many blessings. Among other things, the individual may be brought into contact with the spirits of Prophets, saints and other spiritual luminaries. There is much which can be gained and learned through these encounters. The world of al-mithal is vast, subtle, and rich in possibilities. One easily could become caught up in its intricacies and complexities. However, Sufi masters warn against this temptation. There are many more worlds or realms which must be traversed on one's journey to God. Sufi masters recommend one learn only what is necessary at each stage and, then, proceed on to the next stage. Necessity is defined as that which will help one fulfil the purpose of life - namely, to realize one's true identity and essential capacity in order to be able to worship, serve and love God to the extent of our potential to do so. | Return to Streams Menu | Copyright © 2004 Interrogative Imperative Institute. All Rights Reserved.