The last explanation, which converts _Ana ’l-Haqq_ into an impersonal
monistic axiom, is accepted by most Sūfīs as representing the true
Hallājian teaching. In a magnificent ode Jalāluddīn Rūmī describes how
the One Light shines in myriad forms through the whole universe, and
how the One Essence, remaining ever the same, clothes itself from age
to age in the prophets and saints who are its witnesses to mankind.
“Every moment the robber Beauty rises in a different shape,
ravishes the soul, and disappears.
Every instant that Loved One assumes a new garment, now of eld,
now of youth.
Now He plunged into the heart of the substance of the potter’s
clay--the Spirit plunged, like a diver.
Anon He rose from the depths of mud that is moulded and baked,
then He appeared in the world.
He became Noah, and at His prayer the world was flooded while He
went into the Ark.
He became Abraham and appeared in the midst of the fire, which
turned to roses for His sake.
For a while He was roaming on the earth to pleasure Himself,
Then He became Jesus and ascended to the dome of Heaven and began
to glorify God.
In brief, it was He that was coming and going in every generation
thou hast seen,
Until at last He appeared in the form of an Arab and gained the
empire of the world.
What is it that is transferred? What is transmigration in reality?
The lovely winner of hearts
Became a sword and appeared in the hand of ʿAlī and became the
Slayer of the time.
No! no! for ’twas even He that was crying in human shape,
‘_Ana ’l-Haqq_.’
That one who mounted the scaffold was not Mansūr,[23] though the
foolish imagined it.
Rūmī hath not spoken and will not speak words of infidelity:
do not disbelieve him!
Whosoever shows disbelief is an infidel and one of those who
have been doomed to Hell.”
[23] Hallāj is often called Mansūr, which is properly the name of his
father.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account