History of Asia

What is haft haikal?

Haft Heikal (Persian: هفت هیکل, lit. 'seven temples') is a Persian term that refers to the seven stations or stages of Sufism. The term is derived from the Arabic word "hekal", which means temple or sanctuary, and is used in Sufism to symbolize the different levels of spiritual progress.

The haft heikal are as follows:

1. Nafs (Self): This is the starting point of the spiritual journey and represents the individual's attachment to their ego and worldly desires.

2. Qalb (Heart): The heart is the seat of love, compassion, and intuition, and represents the second stage of the journey, where the individual begins to develop a deeper connection with their inner self.

3. Sir (Secret): The secret represents the hidden wisdom and knowledge that is revealed to the individual as they progress on the spiritual path.

4. Khafa (Hidden): This is the stage of complete selflessness and unity with the divine, where the individual experiences the presence of God in all things.

5. Ruhaniyat (Spirituality): This is the stage where the individual transcends their physical body and experiences the realm of the spirit, entering into a state of pure consciousness.

6. Lahu (Divine Flame): The divine flame represents the fire of love and devotion that burns within the individual's heart, guiding them towards the ultimate goal of union with the divine.

7. Aql-e-Kull (Universal Mind): This is the highest stage of spiritual development, where the individual attains complete knowledge and wisdom, and becomes one with the universal consciousness.

These stages are not linear and can be experienced at different times and in different orders, depending on the individual's spiritual journey and understanding. The haft heikal ultimately serve as a guide for the seeker to progress on the path of spiritual development and attain union with the divine.