The universe has a collective consciousness. Every piece of sand, stars, satellites, animals, birds, insects, humans, jinn, and angels receive the feedback of life from a consciousness that contains the absolute knowledge of the whole universe. In modern times, we can use the analogy of a computer that has all the information loaded into it.
Through Muraqaba we are able to access that consciousness. One of the sources of communication with that consciousness is sound, known in Sufism as Haatif e Gaybi (the voice of the unseen world). This voice runs through the universe all the time. Anyone who achieves higher mental concentration and is free of negative thoughts can not only hear it but also receive answers.
In the universe, sound is what first emerges. In the human senses, hearing is the first to register. When hearing is activated, sight focuses, then touch and taste develop. Whatever man sees and feels are extended features of sound.
According to the Qur’an, in the beginning the sound “KUN” (Be) emerged and the universe came into being. The Creator addressed the created: “Am I not your Lord?” That voice gave vision and activated the senses.
All religions stress the importance of sound. The Gospel says: “God said, let there be light, and there was light.” In Hinduism, the sound “Om” is considered the holiest. Mystics believe the resonance of Om runs through the universe. Sufis also mention a hidden sound called Saute Sarmadi (Divine Voice) through which saints receive guidance.
The correct method for listening to Haatif e Gaybi: Sit in meditation, place cotton in the ears, and focus inward while imagining sounds like ringing bells, humming bees, waterfalls, or flute. With practice, these sounds become audible, first as tones, then as words and sentences revealing mysteries.
The method for asking questions: Repeat the question once or twice, then sit in Muraqaba focusing only on the Haatif e Gaybi. Relative to mental strength, answers appear in the mind.
TAFHEEM (Wisdom): The Divine Name Al-Aleem (The All-Knowing) is significant. Through it, all branches of knowledge are transferred. Tajalli (Divine Light) of the Names is marked inside the human spirit as records. When a person activates the link to Al-Aleem, they witness the Tajalli of Divine Names.
Tarze Tafheem (Cognitive Mode) is the method by which prophets and saints access Divine knowledge. During this practice, sleep is reduced and visions appear first with closed eyes (Warood) and later with open eyes (Shahood).
SPIRITUAL JOURNEY: With continued Muraqaba, the Divine light in the student is raised, clearing the mirror of consciousness. The student embarks on Sayr Afaaq (Journey of the Heavens) and then Sayr Anfas (Journey of the Self). The Qur’an says: “And He lives in your nafs, couldn’t you see?” and “Soon We will show them Our signs in Anfas and in Afaaq until the Truth is revealed to them.”
MURAQABA OF HEART (Qalb): The universe is like a circle (chakra), containing everything. In Sufism, this circle is called qalb (heart). In practice, the student visualizes a black circle in the heart and mentally enters it, witnessing realities proportional to depth.
MURAQABA OF UNITY (Tawheed): The universe functions with order and rhythm. This order comes from the Unity of Works (Tawheed Ifa’ali). Through this, a student sees that behind all movements is one controlling Mind.
MURAQABA OF NEGATION (La): “La” means no. In Sufism, it symbolizes awareness of void and nothingness. The awareness of ignorance is knowledge of La; the awareness of knowledge is Ilia. Recognizing La is the first step into God-consciousness, leading to fana (annihilation). Through this Muraqaba, one may communicate with saints, Khidr, and angels, as meanings of hidden messages are unveiled.
MURAQABA OF VOID: The student imagines absolute nothingness—a desert, still ocean, or total silence. This leads the mind from conscious states into subconscious realities.
MURAQABA OF FANA (Annihilation): The student imagines their life erased, existing only as a point of light. This connects them to the timeless realm, where events of past and future exist. Through deepening practice, the Realm of Allegory (A’lam Mithaal) is revealed, where forms of unseen events become visible.
MURAQABA OF DIVINE NAMES: Everything exists through attributes (Sifaat). Prophets received the knowledge of these through revelation. God’s attributes are limitless; creation’s attributes are limited.
NAME OF DIVINE ESSENCE (Dhat): The Name Allah is the Name of Essence. Through this, all creation is linked, for if the universe did not belong to One Being, creatures would not be connected. In practice, the student visualizes the Name Allah written in luminous letters in the heart. Rays spread through the body and cosmos. At its height, the Divine Light of Creation and Sovereignty is revealed in the heart.