Reality of Annihilation or Fana'

Question: What is the reality of Annihilation/Fanaa?

Shaykh AI:

B’ism Allah… Alhamdulillah, from the teachings of Mawlana Shaykh Nurjan Mirahmadi (QS), the reality of annihilation or Fana’ is a profound spiritual concept in Sufism. It involves the process of annihilating the physical ego and understanding to reach the atomic reality. This annihilation is not about the physical form of the individual, but rather about annihilating the attachment to the physical form and realizing the greater existence beyond it.

The analogy given is that of a drop in the ocean. When the drop merges back into the ocean, it becomes one with the ocean and gains the ability to sense and hear everything. This is likened to the concept of being dressed from the oceans of love by Allah ‘Azza wa Jal, which leads to a heightened spiritual perception and awareness.

The annihilation process involves destroying the attachment to one’s form and understanding that the associations of light are not comparable to any other association. As the physical form is annihilated, the atomic reality begins to emerge, and the individual begins to sense a greater energy and connection beyond their physical existence.

The guides of light play a crucial role in this process, dressing and blessing the atomic reality of the seeker. They teach the seeker to think from the world of light and to annihilate the self in order to make way for the Muhammadan reality to manifest within them. This leads to an increase in love for Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and a heightened spiritual connection.

In summary, the reality of annihilation or Fana’ involves transcending the physical form and ego to reach the atomic reality and be dressed with the light of divine love, ultimately leading to a profound connection with the Muhammadan reality.

May Allah bless you with deep understanding and spiritual elevation, and may you be of service to the Tariqa and others. Ameen.

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