The Six Faces of the Relationship Between the Spiritual Wayfarer and God -
Teachings of ‘Aziz al-Nasafi

"O, dervish! It has become clear that you are the Seeker, you are the Path, and you are the Destiny. When all your attributes and qualities are realized, then the never- ending journey of God in you begins." 'Aziz al-Nasafi

‘Aziz al-Nasafi, born in the thirteenth century in Central Asia, was one the most important Islamic mystics of the medieval period. Although not well-known today he was one of the greatest Sufi masters of his time. Deeply imbued with the teaching of Najm al-Din Kubra and Muḥyī al-Dīn ibn ʻArabī he taught Ibn ‘Arabi’s teaching in the vernacular of Persia, in a simple way to allow the populace to gain from it. In fact, his popularization of Ibn’ Arabi’s teaching is one reason it spread throughout Asia and the sub-continent.

In our fall class we will study the six stations (maqamat) Aziz al-Nasafi outlines of the spiritual wayfarers deepening relationship with God. There is a well-known understanding that the map is not the territory. How can it be otherwise as each of us has a unique signature to our soul and consequently a unique path to follow and blossom within. That said there is an understanding that there are universal stages of spiritual development. The problem is that among the various Sufi masters there is no agreement of what these stages (maqamat) are. What is offered by ‘Aziz al-Nasafi, a synthesis of the teachings of Ibn ‘Arabi and Najm al-Din Kubra, is a universal approach that allows for a unique awakening of each individual. The lessons provided will offer practice to taste and drink from each of the six, in a manner that guides you in your passage to the goal.