Quran Surah 2:23 (Rumi, Ibn Arabi and Baha'ullah)

"And if you are in doubt as what we have occasionally revealed to our Servant, then produce a Surah like it. Call your witnesses and gods besides the Spirit. But if you cannot - and certainly you cannot - then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for those who reject faith."

The Glorious Qur’an dramatically broke upon the Arab world. The Arab people were proficient at poetry and ballads. There were poetry competitions, and poets from warring tribes often composed in honor of their own tribes and against the enemy. For a clan to have great poets was a mark of honor. But these poetical people(s) were unprepared for the power of the Qur’an. Even today crowds become almost hypnotized when it is recited. No translation, including ours, can do it justice.

Muhammad was already in his 40s when he received the revelation. He was known for being a just, honest and discerning man. But he was unknown as a poet. In fact, he was often poked fun at because of the fact that he couldn’t rhyme. When the Qur’an passed his lips people knew that something extraordinary had happened.

The passage speaks to the Arabs of Muhammad’s day. In all the land, with its many poets, it challenges anyone anywhere to approximate it. And no one could. As Jesus’ (pbuh) proof of being the Messiah was in his miracles (for his book has been lost), Muhammad’s proof as the Seal of the Prophets is in the miracle of the Recital.

But what of today? Has another Surah been found?

We say no! But what we would like to suggest is that three post-Qur’anic divine inspirations have taken portions of the Message and clarified them. Perhaps one can compare this to homeopathy, where the original substance becomes more powerful each time it is whirled. So too with the divine message of the Qur’an. If one were to read only these two works alone, one would gain a clearer understanding of the Truth than if one were to read only the Qur’an, even though these works are “commentaries” on the Qur’an.

How many sincere people read the Qur’an every day, completing it several times each year, but do not grasp its light? How many scholars and mullahs stand blind before it?

What are these works?

The first is the Mathnawi, by the Sufi Saint Rumi, in its entirety. The second includes the writings of Ibn Arabi. And the third is the entire corpus of writings of Baha’ullah. Taken together these works take us deep into the ocean of the Qur’anic Light – where we ourselves, unguided, could not hope to journey. After having read the above one can then return to the Qur’an, eyes opened, and behold its magnificence.

For more Rose Crescent commentary on the Glorious Qur'an click here.

Quran Surah 3:96 (Bakka - First House of Worship)

Surah 3:96 states:

“The first House appointed for humans was at Bakka. It is a place full of blessings and guidance for all beings.”

What is Bakka?

Bakka is a place where all beings (angels, jinn, humans, animal spirits and spirits of every sort) from time immemorial have gathered. It is a place of grand mosques, gardens, fountains, cathedrals, temples and synagogues. Each great incarnation of the Rasul-Logos has later built a house of worship there. All of the Manifestations of the Spirit of Wisdom have houses and gardens there.

Where is Bakka located?

Bakka is located at both the center of the universe and at what is today called Mecca. In reality, Bakka is located on each of the various levels of the universe. To understand this one should contemplate on the significance of the Pythagorean tetractys. Each dot represents an emanation from the Source (the One – hence Allah). The first dot at the top represents the Source. The next row has two dots (The Throne and Bakka), which face each other. As one moves away from the Source one eventually arrives at this earthly plane (where we find Mecca).

How can one travel to Bakka?

Yesterday we explained that to make the Hajj one must do it out of body. To enter Bakka one should follow the same directions, calling upon ones Shaykh and Rabia (‘alayhi ‘s-salam) for assistance. You must realize, though, that which Bakka you go to will depend entirely on your own spiritual station. The techniques of astral travel can be learned by anyone. However, a righteous person will ascend upwards towards a heavenly Bakka. An evil person will descend towards a hellish Bakka. Since the universe is infinite, the levels of Bakka are also infinite.

What can I do in Bakka?

One can spend an eternity in Bakka conversing with all of the Saints and Prophets. The founders of all of the world’s religions are often there. You may also meet spirits and angels.

Is there any danger to this type of out of body travel?

As long as you are with your Shaykh (and/or a Saint such as Rabia) your journey is safe. Once in Bakka the only danger is that there is so much to do and learn you may not want to return. Thus, we suggest you use a drumming tape with a built in call back to ensure that you do not stay there.

For more Rose Crescent commentary on the Glorious Qur'an click here.

For more information on Islamic/Sufi gnosticism click here.

Rabia, Sufism and the Hajj

How does Sufism view the yearly pilgrimage (the Hajj) to Mecca?

According to the Rose Crescent Sufi tradition, Sufis follow the guidance of Rabia Al-Adiwiyya (pbuh). Before proceeding, though, let us highlight her authority.

It is reliably reported that Allah spoke to her and revealed that:

"On the Day of Resurrection your rank will be above even the closest companions of Allah."

According to the Rose Crescent tradition, Rabia ('alayi 's-salam) was a manifestation of the Spirit of Wisdom (like Kuan Yin, Mary and Fatima before her).

With regards to the Hajj:

Rabia never physically made it to Mecca. Instead, the House of the Spirit, the Kaaba, traveled to her. Chastising Ibn Adhan, who following a 14 year journey to Mecca found the Kaaba had magically been transported to meet Rabia, said: "You were crazy enough to take 14 years to get to the Kaaba with your ritual prayer, wile I, with my inner prayer, am already here."

Although most Muslims (and many Sufis) desire to physically travel to Mecca, Rose Crescent Sufis follow her admonition and mystically and shamanically journey to the Kaaba.

Rabia taught us the following ritual:

1. Say: "Bismallah ar-rahman ar-rahim"
2. Perform ablutions
3. Enter into a deep state of meditation (bring your body just to the edge of sleep but do not fall asleep)
4. Move your soul out of your body*
5. Travel to your personal shaykh (spirit teacher)
6. Perform prayers at the upper world mosque that your Shaykh is associated with
7. Call upon Rabia Al-Adiwiyya (pbuh) to join you and your Shaykh
8. Take the hands of both your Shaykh and Rabia and let them bring you to Bakka
9. Once in you are in Bakka perform the rituals as directed by your Shaykh and Rabia Al-Adiwiyya
10. Return to your body

*Out of body travel can be easily mastered. There are many techniques available to learn this. Simply learn to see with your eyes closed. In spirit, walk around geographic locations that are familiar to you. Then choose a place that is unfamiliar. Feel your soul lifting out of your body.

Quran Surah 41:53 (Yes to Matter and Spirit)

"We demonstrate our signs in both the universe and within their own souls. And it should be apparent to all that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that the Spirit is manifested in all things?"

In this passage the Archangel Gabriel reveals both the exoteric and esoteric nature of the revelation.

41:53 of the Glorious Qur'an, as interpreted by the Rose Crescent, begins by pointing us towards the world of matter. Correcting the previous gnostic faiths, which had denigrated the world of matter as opposed to the realm of spirit, the Qur'an teaches that God is manifest within matter. All things are permeated with the Spirit.

Like the alchemists (which descend from Islam) we are asked to explore the world of matter in order to apprehend the Light. And like the Buddha and Yogis, we are asked to explore the inner world of ourselves to discover the Source of All Being.

Thus, True Islam/Sufism attempts to achieve a direct connection to the Spirit without denying the physical world. True Islam/Sufism embraces both life and the world of the Spirit.

Reconciling Nietzsche and Plato, we say both "Yes to Life" and "Yes to Death"!

For more Rose Crescent commentary on the Glorious Qur'an click here.

Quran Surah 39:53 (Sufism and Grace)

"Say: Oh my servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not about the Grace of Allah for Allah forgives All sins. The Spirit is Forgiving and All Merciful."

How does Sufism approach the question of forgiveness, grace and legalism?

Let's begin by stating that Grace cannot be earned. It is a free gift from God to undeserving humans. The Abrahamic Faiths notoriously miss the mark when they posit either a necessary intermediary who serves as redeemer (such as Jesus) or a strict legalism (such as following the law as in popular Islam and Judaism). 39:53 clearly confirms what Sufis have been teaching for centuries, namely that forgiveness is for all humans/Jinn/spirits for any and ALL sins.

Just the very realization of the ultimate love of the Spirit should be enough to draw all beings back to the Source.

One of the strategies of Satan is drive people from the Light. Satan attempts to accomplish this by turning individuals against themselves. Guilt and shame acts, then, as a vehicle by which humans flee the Light. It is guilt and shame that become the prisons of our eternal hell.

If we embrace the Light and the Love of the Ultimate Source, realizing that grace is free to all, we will find ourselves drawn ever closer to Being.

So mote it be!

For more Rose Crescent commentary on the Noble Qur'an click here.

Quran Surah 16:44 Mysticism and Magic in the Quran

"We sent Messengers before you with Signs of Light, and we sent Books of Shadows. And unto you, Oh Mohammed, we have also sent the Message that you may explain clearly to humans what we have sent to them previously, and that they may recollect."

In 16:44 we discover two means by which the Spirit has revealed itself unto humans. The first, "Signs of Light," points towards those many esoteric Gnostic books delivered by mystics and prophets. The second points towards secret "books of shadows" developed by sorcerers. The first is designed to guide the disciples towards the inner world; the latter towards the outer world. The first reveals the means by which one may overcome the lower self (nafs) and move towards union with the Light. The latter presents the means by which one may produce magical spells to affect change in the world of matter for the furtherance of the Kingdom.

The Glorious Qur’an has both functions. Many passages guide one towards union with Light (as taught by the Prophets Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tsu, etc). Other passages are designed to be used as spells to thwart evil and encourage good (as taught by Al Khidr).

By studying the Qur’an and mastering both mysticism and magic the Sufi recollects his/her True nature.

For more Rose Crescent commentary on the Glorious Qur'an click here.

Quran Surah 2:22 The Earth and the Caliph

In Surah 2: ayah 22 of the Holy Recital the Archangel Gabriel revealed:

"Allah has made the earth your couch and the heavens your canopy, and Allah sends down rain from the heavens; And brings fruits from out of the earth for your sustenance. Then set not up rivals unto Allah after you have achieved gnosis."

This passage seems simple enough, but actually creates a number of difficulties. First, does the passage imply that humans are the center of the universe? Has God really created all things for mankind? Who are "the rivals" that we are warned not to set up?

Let us begin by recalling that all humans are the Kalifat Allah, or the representatives of Allah on earth. The title we bear upon our crowns gives us the sacred trust (33:72), the duty, to care for the earth and all of its inhabitants. We are the guardians of what belongs to Allah. It is our highest duty while on earth to protect the environment, the animals and other humans (especially the poor and the orphans).

Yet, 2:22 seems to privilege humans over the earth, placing us at the center. Throuhout the centuries Ahriman has attempted to convince us that we are, in fact, the Lords of the earth and that everything belongs to us. Ahriman’s ultimate goal is to destroy the earth. Judging from the state of the environment, global warming, pollution, over population, and the loss of species it becomes obvious that most people have fallen for Ahriman’s perspective.

So does the Qur’an support Ahriman’s worldview? On the contrary!

The key to interpreting the passage is God’s declaration that we not set up rivals? Who are the rivals? They are, in fact, ourselves!

Not only do humans have the power to affect changes on the earth, but our very thoughts can create forms that later manifest. By thinking positive or negative thoughts we can create harmony or disharmony. By giving someone the “evil eye” we can create illness. By wishing them peace we can benefit others. The passage reveals the powerful position of humans, both in the physical plane and in the astral world. However, it reminds us that, despite our position as “caliph,” we are not God. We are called to act as the representative of Spirit for the good of all and the furtherance of peace (the Kingdom), but to refrain from the error of privileging ourselves over others (e.g. the environment, animals and humans).

Perhaps this is an opportune time to comment on the difference between Islam/Sufism and certain New Age philosophies (particularly the Course in Miracles). Many New Age thinkers (and Hindu thought) would erroneously have us believe that all things are a manifestation of our own minds, and that you are God. Islam/Sufism takes issue with this. As stated above, we believe in the plurality of beings, that the Light is within all things, and that, as caliphs, we have a sacred duty towards the Other and the power to affect our surroundings. However, we reject the solipsism of the Course in Miracles. There are many factors, powers and influences in the universe beyond yourself and your ability to manifest events, including angels, demons, humans, jinn. Yes, we have magickal powers. But so do others. There is, in fact, a reality outside of yourself. Ultimately, nothing happens without the permission of Allah. Thus, it is not you but the Spirit that is All.

For more Rose Crescent commentary on the Glorious Qur'an click here.

Islam: Rightful Succession to the Prophet

One of the perenial questions facing Islam is who is the rightful successor to the Prophet (pbuh). The great divide split Islam into several camps. Most Sunnis believe that there was no successor, but that Abu Bakr rightfully took over the administrative management. The Shia, however, believe that Ali ibn Abi Talib was The successor. Shia view Ali as the gate and the Prophet as the city. In order to come to the Prophet one must pass through the gate.

The Rose Crescent position differs from both Sunni and Shia. We believe that the Prophet's wife Aisha (pbuh) was chosen as the rightful earthly administrator of the Prophet (rather than Abu Bakr) and that the Prophet's daughter Fatima Umm Abi Ha (pbuh) is the gate by which one comes to the Prophet. As the Prophet was the incarnation of the Logos-Rasul (as was Jesus before him) so Fatima is the incarnation of the Spirit of Wisdom (as was Mary before her).

The Prophet himself is reliably reported to have said: "Take your religion from the words of Aisah." A further proof is that the Prophet removed himself from the others and died alone with Aisha, his head upon her lap. Moreover, Fatima ascended into the heavens where she sits upon a throne at the gate of paradise. One should carefully consider that the Prophet died just six months after Fatima (ppuh), allowing Fatima to prepare paradise before his ascension.

Whoever today recognizes Aisha and Fatima is among the rightly guided Muslims.

Quran Surah 2: 21 (Islam, Pantheism and Spiritism)

Oh People! Worship, revere and praise Allah, Who created you, and adore those who came before you that you may be counted among the Al-Muttaqun.

Islam is traditionally misunderstood as being a strict monotheistic religion. This misinterpretation occurred when Islam came into contact with the Hellenic-Christian civilization and had to make apologetic adjustments in its public image.

The truth is that Islam (like early Judaism and esoteric "gnostic" Christianity) has been far more accomodating of a spiritual hierarchy of beings. Surah 2: 21 creates an equality of reverance of both Allah and "those who came before." This is because the doctrine of unity has us understand that ultimately we can only know Allah through creation, which is imprinted with the Spirit of Allah. In other words, rather than reject worship of the golden calf as opposed to worship of YHWH, Islam asks us to see Allah in the calf. Thus, we worship and revere Allah by adoring nature, viewing creation as sacred.

Theologically, Islam and Sufism maintain that Allah is both transcendent (and thus beyond comprehension) and eminent (knowable through creation - both physical and metaphysical).

Who are ‘those who came before’? They are the entire hierarchy of beings, including Elohim, Rasul-Logos, Spirit of Wisdom, Archangels, angels, spirits, elementals, ancestors, good Jinn, power animals and spirits of nature.

If we come to understand that the entire universe is impregnated with Allah, then we avoid setting up rivals to Allah. However, if we believe that Allah is strictly separate from creation (as many “fundamentalists” believe) than we make the mistake of setting up rivals. This is dangerous and leads to shirk. For example, every time a fundamentalist beholds an aesthetic moment (e.g. a sunset), s/he is in danger of creating a rival (e.g. the beautiful sunset) to Allah’s beauty. However, if we come to behold the sunset as imbued with Allah, providing us with a glimpse of the eternal Source, than there is no rivalry. There is only unity – that which Islam and Sufism strive to reveal.

The "fundamentalist" (viz. the Wahhabi), though, like Iblis (who refused to understand this and bow down before Adam), foolishly rebukes Allah for asking humans to adore “those who came before.”

The Rose Crescent advocates that in order for the individual human to move closer towards God one must establish a relationship with "those who came before" (i.e. angels, spirits and spirits of nature).

To learn more about Rose Crescent commentary on the Qur'an click here.
To learn more about Islamic Gnosticism click here.

Quran Surah 2:20 (To banish Satan and Tyrants)

Surah 2:20 is historically used by Sufi masters to bind both Satan and Tyrants of all types. It is a powerful verse and should only be invoked by one pure of heart and skilled in the Sufi-Islamic magickal-martial arts. Aya 20 completes the entire passage dealing with mischiefmakers (human, jinn and demonic).

Begin by lighting a candle on your alter.
Perform your ablutions.
Clear your mind.

Say: Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim

Imagine the Throne of Allah.
In your mind, go before it (shamanically journey to it).
Prostrate before the Throne.
Ask that Al Kadir stand beside you.
See the mighty Archangels as they surround the Throne.
See the wings of Gabriel stretching.

Say: “Allah, may you protect me. I call upon the Light to surround me and keep me safe as I call upon YOUR POWER to vanquish the enemy. May only good result. May this be done in the service of the Kingdom of Light. May the enemy repent and be brought back to the Kingdom.”

When you are ready, take your sword in hand and banish the enemy by repeating Surah 2 verse 20 as follows and then strike at the image of the enemy:

We call upon the Power of the Lightning to snatch away your sight
And when the Light appears, may you turn and walk therein
[But if you fail to turn]
Then we call upon the Powers of the darkness to grow around you
Stand still!

For if Allah wills, Allah could take away your faculty of hearing and seeing [forever]
For Allah has power over all things!

So mote it be!

For more Rose Crescent uses and commentary on the Glorious Qur'an click here.