The Upward Progress or Ascent of Man in Islamic Philosophy
Introduction
In Islamic philosophical and mystical traditions, the concept of the “Upward Progress or Ascent of Man” articulates a journey through various stages towards spiritual and intellectual enlightenment. This process encompasses an individual’s growth in belief, worship, detachment from worldly desires, and ultimate union with divine knowledge.
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: The term “ascent” comes from the Latin word ascensus, meaning a rising or climbing.
- Arabic: ترقّي الإنسان (Taraqqī al-Insān)
- Turkish: İnsanlığın Yükselişi
Stages of Spiritual Ascent
1. Belief (Iman)
- Stage: Assuredness of the truth of Revelation.
- Designation: Múmin (مؤمن) - “Believer”
- Description: At this foundational stage, an individual fully accepts the revealed truths of Islam, achieving a state of belief.
2. Worship (Ibadah)
- Stage: Obedience to the will of God through prayer and worship.
- Designation: ʾA′bid (عابد) - “Worshipper”
- Description: This stage involves dedicated worship and devotion, partitioning time for prayer and other acts of piety.
3. Reclusion (Zuhd)
- Stage: Detachment from worldly desires.
- Designation: Záhid (زاهد) - “Recluse”
- Description: Here, the individual expels the love of worldly pleasures, focusing on the contemplation of the greater whole.
4. Knowledge (Marifah)
- Stage: Knowing God and understanding the mysteries of nature.
- Designation: ʾA′rif (عارف) - “One who knows”
- Description: This involves acquiring profound knowledge of the divine and the universe’s subtle mysteries.
5. Sainthood (Walayah)
- Stage: Attainment of divine love.
- Designation: Welí (ولي) - “Saint”
- Description: A stage characterized by deep love for God, often marked by prodigious spiritual illumination.
6. Prophecy (Nubuwwah)
- Stage: Prophetic inspiration and miraculous abilities.
- Designation: Nebí (نبي) - “Prophet”
- Description: This level includes receiving divine inspiration and the power to perform miracles.
7. Apostleship (Risalah)
- Stage: Deliverance of God’s message.
- Designation: Rusúl (رسول) - “Apostle”
- Description: The individual is entrusted with spreading God’s message to humankind.
8. Mission (Ulu al-Azm)
- Stage: Abrogation and institution of a new divine dispensation.
- Designation: UluʾlʾAzm (أولو العزم) - “One who has a mission”
- Description: The mission to abrogate a previous dispensation and preach a fresh divine law.
9. Seal (Khatam)
- Stage: Finality of the divine message.
- Designation: Khatm (خاتم) - “Seal”
- Description: The apex of spiritual progress where the individual’s mission is considered the culmination of prior dispensations.
Afterlife and the Eternal Progress
In Islamic thought, the soul ascends to corresponding heavenly realms based on its attained stage. The believer resides in the lowest Heaven, whereas the Seal ascends to the highest.
Metaphysical Perspectives
Metaphysicians contend these stages represent states of intellectual attainment rather than literal realms. the soul, absorbed into the corresponding heavenly intelligence, reflects the purity and knowledge acquired during life.
The Unitarian View
The Unitarians propose an endless upward progression as man continuously learns, echoing the hadith, “He who progresses daily is yet of feeble mind.”
Islamic Mystical Interpretations
Islamic mystics emphasize the indivisibility of light and darkness within life, referring to the dual natured aspirations of man. The goal is to let the divine light prevail and become manifest through practices that enlighten one’s instinctive spirit.
Books for Further Studies
- “The Path of Muhammad: A Book on Islamic Morals & Ethics” by Shaykh al-Sadiq ibn Daud
- “The Divine Reality: God, Islam and The Mirage of Atheism” by Hamza Andreas Tzortzis
- “Islamic Mysticism: A Short History” by Alexander Knysh
Takeaways
- Spiritual Hierarchy: The upward progress represents a hierarchy of spiritual attainments from belief to finality.
- Knowledge Continuum: Continuous striving for divine knowledge underscores an endless journey.
- Darkness and Light: The metaphor of separating darkness from light symbolizes inner purification and enlightenment.
Conclusion
The concept of the Upward Progress of Man in Islamic philosophy provides a sophisticated understanding of spiritual, intellectual, and moral growth within the framework of Islamic thought. Each stage signifies an advancement in spiritual closeness and divine understanding, culminating in the ultimate union with the divine light. This philosophy underscores continuous striving for knowledge and goodness throughout one’s life and beyond.
