Some of them rejected it, while others did not understand it. Still others claimed that the one speaking of it had not attained it. You will find that many shaykhs reach no further than that unitive awareness—“Allah’s oneness in lordship”—and absorption in it. This appears in the words of the author of Manāzil al-Sā’irīn (The Stations of the Wayfarers), despite his eminent standing and the certainty that he observed the recognized commands and prohibitions. Yet they may claim that this is for the sake of the common people.

(Some of them contradict themselves.) And (some say: Adhering to the command serves the welfare of the common people), whom they may describe as hospital patients. And (some call this the station of talbīs [concealment]). And (some say: True realization means witnessing unitive awareness in your heart while expressing differentiation with your tongue). Thus, in his heart he witnesses what is commanded and what is forbidden as equal, even as he distinguishes between them.

And (some regard this as the reality that is the ultimate goal of the spiritual journey of