Ranks of Ahl al-Tamkin

Like tasting a dish, reviews can vary,

Some give short, some long and detailed,

So too are the ranks of Ahl al-Tamkin,

In their spiritual mastery unveiled.

Ahl al-Tamkin, in their wisdom profound,

Describing the metaphysical ground,

Their knowledge deep, their insights clear,

Guiding souls with wisdom dear.

The more objective and detailed the view,

Forming a framework of metaphysical truth,

Applying it to various fields anew,

Shows their spiritual depth and youth.

Ahl al-Tamkin, in their wisdom profound,

Describing the metaphysical ground,

Their knowledge deep, their insights clear,

Guiding souls with wisdom dear.

Today, Tariqah teachers are held high,

Above metaphysicians who don’t specialize,

Yet both can guide the spiritual path,

With knowledge that deeply lies.

Professor al-Attas speaks of intuition,

At higher levels of truth’s fruition,

It comes to those devoted and wise,

Who see God’s oneness with clear eyes.

Ahl al-Tamkin, in their wisdom profound,

Describing the metaphysical ground,

Their knowledge deep, their insights clear,

Guiding souls with wisdom dear.

Understanding the soul, called by many names,

Akal, ruh, nafs, and qalb in their frames,

Purification of the soul and mind,

In thought, language, and civilization combined.

Ahl al-Tamkin, in their wisdom profound,

Describing the metaphysical ground,

Their knowledge deep, their insights clear,

Guiding souls with wisdom dear.

Spiritual experiences should address,

The problems of thought and civilization’s stress,

Not just spiritual highs, but reasons too,

Engaging with Islamic and Western views.