Sittings of August 1959 — Part I

مجالسِ اگست ۱۹۵۹ — حصہ اول

8 August 1959 (Saturday)

Topic 2–6: The Soul and the Body; Differences Between Human and Angelic Souls

The relationship between the soul and the body is like that of a rider and a horse. When death comes, the horse — that is, the body — separates from the rider — that is, the soul. The soul controls the body just as a skilled rider controls his horse; it directs it, guides it, and when the time of separation comes, it leaves the body behind.

The souls of humans and the souls of angels differ in two fundamental ways. First, the human soul is joined to a physical body, whereas the angelic soul has no such junction. Second, human souls are capable of both sin and virtue — they face trial — whereas angels are exempt from this struggle and are fixed in their worship.

The soul has several centres within the body — known as the latif points (subtle centres). The most important of these is the centre known as the 'qalb' (heart). It is from these centres that the spiritual work (shughl) of the Sufi path is conducted.

The governing soul (ruh mudbir) is the soul that actively manages and guides the physical body. It is the 'rider,' so to speak — present within the body, directing its functions, and ultimately departing at death.

Topic 7: Islam is for All of Humanity

Islam is not limited to one race, one land, or one people. It is a universal message sent for all of humanity regardless of geography. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was sent as a mercy to all the worlds (rahmatan lil-'alamin). Therefore, Islam must be presented to the people of every land, and its teachings are applicable universally.