Question:
I have to clarify something, that which of the stages is first:
1. Fanna Fi Sheikh 2. Fanna Fi Allah 3. Fanna Fi Rasul
As far as I have heard that Fanna Fi Rasul is the last stage not the 2nd one. Why? Because the greatness of our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is as such that no man can ever fathom. It is only Allah who knows it best. As the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is also “Habib Allah” (Beloved of Allah). And Allah is qadeem (ancient) and all His actions are qadeem. If love is one of His attributes it is also qadeem. So Allah’s love for the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is also qadeem.
Answer:
What the masters said is: first fana’ bil Shaykh then Rasul then Allah then baqa’ bil Shaykh then Rasul and the last and highest stage is baqa’ billah, and Allah knows best.
Hajj Gibril Haddad
