Al-Ufuqu ’l-A’la (الأفق الأعلى)
Definition and Context
Al-Ufuqu ’l-A’la (الأفق الأعلى), translated as “The Loftiest Tract,” holds significant importance in both the Quranic and Sufi contexts.
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Quranic Context: In the Quran, the term is referenced in Surah An-Najm (53:7):
<p>“While he [the Prophet Muhammad] was in the loftiest tract (الأفق الأعلى)”. This verse is commonly interpreted to describe the position of the Archangel Gabriel when he transmitted divine revelation to the Prophet Muhammad.</p>
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Sufi Context: In Sufism, Al-Ufuqu ’l-A’la symbolizes the highest spiritual state a human can attain. It is a state of ultimate mystical union and enlightenment, representing the pinnacle of spiritual development.
Etymology
The term Al-Ufuqu ’l-A’la is derived from:
- Arabic: الأفق (al-ufuq), meaning “horizon” or “tract,” and الأعلى (al-a’la), meaning “the highest” or “the loftiest.”
- In Turkish, the phrase can be translated as “En Yüksek Ufuk.”
Thus, the full term can be conceptualized as “The Loftiest Horizon” or “The Highest Plane.”
Significance in Islam
Quranic Significance
The Quranic reference to Al-Ufuqu ’l-A’la highlights the exalted state in which the Prophet Muhammad received divine revelations from Gabriel. This notion underscores the sacred and profound nature of the Prophet’s experiences.
Sufi Significance
In Sufism, Al-Ufuqu ’l-A’la is more than a place; it is a metaphor for spiritual ascent and the ultimate goal of the Sufi path. Attaining this state signifies a union with the divine and utmost spiritual fulfillment, symbolizing reaching the peak of mystical experience.
Books for Further Study
- “The Study Quran” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “The Cambridge Companion to the Qur’an” edited by Jane Dammen McAuliffe
- “Sufism: An Introduction to the Mystical Tradition of Islam” by Carl W. Ernst
- “Revelation and Reason in Islam” by Richard C. Martin
Takeaways
- Al-Ufuqu ’l-A’la (الأفق الأعلى) is used in both Quranic and Sufi traditions to denote a state of spiritual elevation.
- In the Quran, it signifies the lofty position of Gabriel during the divine revelation to Prophet Muhammad.
- In Sufism, it represents the ultimate spiritual state a mystic can achieve, symbolizing unity with the divine.
Conclusion
Al-Ufuqu ’l-A’la (الأفق الأعلى) encompasses profound spiritual meanings within Islamic thought. From its Quranic roots depicting a sacred moment of revelation to its mystical implications in Sufism as the zenith of spiritual attainment, it remains a significant concept reflecting both divine connection and human spiritual aspiration.
