Jama
Jama (Arabic: جمع, Turkish: Cem) refers to the concept of “gathering” or “all-comprehensiveness” in Islamic Sufism. It is one of the stages of spiritual development central to the Sufi mystical practice, often contrasted with Farq (Arabic: فرق, Turkish: Fark), which denotes “separation.”
Etymology
The term Jama derives from the Arabic root “ج م ع” (j-m-ʿ), which fundamentally means “to gather” or “to bring together.” In Turkish, it is translated as “Cem,” preserving the essence of the term.
Concept and Significance
In the framework of Sufi spirituality, Jama denotes the perception of God’s oneness and comprehensiveness, whereby all forms of multiplicity are unified and perceived as manifestations of the divine presence.
Stages of Spiritual Development
The journey of a Sufi seeker through the stages of spiritual development is marked by a progression from Farq to Jama:
- Farq (Separation): This initial stage is characterized by the awareness of the world’s diversity and multiplicity, where a believer perceives separation between themselves and the divine.
- Jama (Gathering): At this elevated stage, one transcends the distinctions and multiplicities, recognizing the underlying unity of all existence as reflections of God’s oneness.
Divine Image and Human Being
In later Sufi thought, Jama is also discussed in the context of the divine image. The human being, created in God’s image, embodies the comprehensiveness of divine qualities. Therefore, attaining the stage of Jama implies realizing one’s inherent potential to reflect the divine attributes holistically.
Further Reading and References
For a more comprehensive understanding of Jama and its role in Sufi mysticism, the following books are recommended:
- “The Stations of the Sufi Path: The One Hundred Fields (Sad Maydan) by Abdullah Ansari” - A classic Sufi text that details the spiritual stages.
- “The Essential Rumi” translated by Coleman Barks - Offers poetic insights into various stages of the Sufi path.
- “The World of the Sufi: An Anthology of Writings about Sufis and their Work” edited by Idries Shah - Provides broader contexts and discussions on Sufi philosophies, including Jama.
Takeaways
Jama is a profound concept in Sufism that encapsulates the ultimate realization of divine unity. It represents a spiritual awakening to the interconnectedness of all existence and the all-comprehensive presence of God. Achieving Jama signifies a deepening in one’s spiritual journey, moving beyond apparent separations to embrace the inherent unity within diversity.
Conclusion
Through understanding Jama, one gains insight into the deeper realms of Sufi thought and the profound simplicities and complexities within Islamic spirituality. The journey from Farq to Jama signifies the transformative path of a Sufi seeker progressing toward the ultimate perception of divine oneness.
