MARTABAT 7 - BUYA DR. ARRAZY HASYIM, MA

Summary

This video script delves into the concept of 'martabat tujuh' (Seven Degrees of Being), a mystical framework within Sufism that explains the relationship between Allah and the universe. Tracing its origins to scholars like Imam Al-Qusyairi and Syekh Abdurrauf al-Singkili, the script explores how this idea spread across Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia. The Seven Degrees represent stages of divine manifestation, from the oneness of Allah to the creation of the world and the perfect human being (al-Insan al-Kamil), offering a path to spiritual understanding and closeness to the divine.

Takeaways

• 😀 *Martabat Tujuh* (Seven Stages) is a concept in Islamic mysticism that describes the process of understanding the relationship between Allah and creation.
• 😀 This concept was initially brought forth by the followers of Imam Al-Qushayri and later developed by prominent scholars like Sheikh Abdul Samad al-Palimbani.
• 😀 The philosophy of *Martabat Tujuh* has spread across Southeast Asia, with notable influence in regions like Sumatra, Banten, and the Buton Sultanate.
• 😀 The stages outlined in *Martabat Tujuh* are a framework for understanding the connection between the divine and the world through a Sufi lens.
• 😀 The approach contrasts with traditional theological perspectives like Ash'ariyyah and Salafi, offering a more mystical and experiential understanding of Allah.
• 😀 The Seven Stages explain how Allah’s presence manifests in the world, starting from a state of singularity (Ahad) to a complete display of divine attributes and names (Wahid).
• 😀 The process begins with Allah's essence (Ahad), followed by the emergence of divine names and attributes in a more detailed manner (Wahid).
• 😀 According to this teaching, the creation of the world is an emanation of Allah’s divine attributes, with the universe seen as a reflection of Allah’s qualities.
• 😀 The concept culminates in the understanding of *al-Insan al-Kamil* (the Perfect Human), particularly embodied by Prophet Muhammad, who is seen as the one capable of fully understanding and embodying these divine attributes.
• 😀 *Martabat Tujuh* has been preserved and transmitted through scholarly works and spiritual practices, including those of Sheikh Abdurrauf al-Singkili, Sheikh Burhanuddin, and other key figures in the Nusantara region.

Q & A

What is the concept of martabat tujuh, and how is it significant in Islamic thought?

Martabat tujuh refers to the 'seven stages' or 'levels' of existence in Islamic mysticism, particularly within Sufi tradition. It is a framework that helps understand the relationship between Allah and His creation. These stages describe a journey from Allah's pure essence, represented by 'Ahad' (the One), to the manifestation of creation and the ultimate understanding through the perfect human, 'al-insan al-kamil,' symbolized by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

How did the early philosophers influence the development of the martabat tujuh concept?

Early philosophers like Aristotle introduced the idea that the universe emanates from a singular source, a concept that later influenced Islamic philosophy. This idea was integrated into Islamic thought, where philosophers and mystics used it to explain the relationship between Allah and creation. The concept of 'emanation' in these philosophies helped shape the understanding of how divine attributes are reflected in the cosmos.

What are the key stages in the martabat tujuh framework?

The martabat tujuh stages begin with 'Ahad' (the One), where Allah exists alone without attributes, and move through 'Wahid' (the Unique One), where Allah reveals His attributes. These stages include the creation of the universe as a reflection of divine will, culminating in 'al-insan al-kamil' (the Perfect Human), represented by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who embodies the complete understanding of divine attributes.

What is the role of 'al-insan al-kamil' in the martabat tujuh framework?

In the martabat tujuh framework, 'al-insan al-kamil' (the Perfect Human) represents the highest stage of spiritual and intellectual understanding. This stage is embodied by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who is seen as the being who perfectly understands and embodies the names and attributes of Allah, serving as the model for all humanity.

How does the martabat tujuh concept relate to Islamic mysticism (Sufism)?

The martabat tujuh concept is deeply rooted in Sufi thought, where it is used as a guide for spiritual development. Sufi mystics believe that through these stages, individuals can attain a closer relationship with Allah. The journey through these stages is not just intellectual but experiential, emphasizing personal spiritual growth, purification of the soul, and enlightenment.

What is the philosophical difference between 'Ahad' and 'Wahid' in the martabat tujuh concept?

'Ahad' refers to Allah in His pure essence, without any attributes or names, representing the ultimate singularity. 'Wahid,' on the other hand, is when Allah reveals His attributes and names, showing Himself as the One who encompasses all divine characteristics. The difference lies in the manifestation of Allah’s nature: 'Ahad' is the unseen essence, while 'Wahid' is the first appearance of divine attributes.

How does the concept of 'emanation' explain the relationship between Allah and creation?

Emanation, as described by early philosophers like Aristotle, suggests that creation is a result of divine will flowing outward from Allah. This concept was adopted by Islamic philosophers and Sufis to explain how Allah, in His pure essence, manifests the universe. Creation is seen as a reflection or projection of divine attributes, which makes it possible to understand Allah through His names and qualities.

Who were the key figures that popularized the martabat tujuh concept in Southeast Asia?

Key figures in Southeast Asia who popularized the martabat tujuh concept include Syekh Abdurrauf al-Singkili, Syekh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Samman, and other scholars from Indonesia and Malaysia. Their teachings helped spread the concept throughout the region, especially in the context of Sufi practices and Islamic mysticism.

What is the significance of the 'Perfect Human' (al-insan al-kamil) in Islamic philosophy?

The concept of the 'Perfect Human' (al-insan al-kamil) is central to Islamic philosophy, particularly in Sufism. This idea represents an ideal human being who fully understands and embodies the divine attributes of Allah. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is regarded as the perfect human, serving as a model for believers in their journey to attain closeness to Allah through spiritual purification and enlightenment.

How does the martabat tujuh differ from other methods of understanding the divine in Islam?

The martabat tujuh offers a mystical and experiential approach to understanding the divine, contrasting with more intellectual methods like Kalam theology, which focuses on rational arguments and doctrinal principles. While other Islamic traditions, like Ash'ari and Salafi aqidah, emphasize doctrinal understanding, martabat tujuh provides a path based on spiritual experience, personal transformation, and the unfolding of divine knowledge through stages of existence.