Question:
As-Salaamu ‘Alaikum
I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual status of al-Qutb al-Mutassarif.
I read on this previous article: https://eshaykh.com/sufism/to-k-tourk-and-j-haddad-dream-i-gave-birth-to-baby-abubakr-essadiq/
“His cane is a symbol of power and the globe on it means that the whole world is under his command. He is Qutb al-Mutassarif whom nothing moves in the world without his permission.”
What does it mean that the whole world is under his command? Is it the simple meaning that he actually can say a command for an event to occur on this world, for example he can command that the solar eclipse should occur at a certain date, and he has the ability to make it happen because of his spiritual status?
“Nothing in the world moves without his permission” – does it mean that for example, every breath a person takes cannot happen without his permission?
Answer:
Asalamu Alaikum,
The spiritual status of every human being is a hidden secret that Allah reveals to His servants as He chooses. Each one of us has a unique spiritual status that we ourselves are veiled from. So when asking about one of the most highest ranking servants of Allah, we must be humble enough to accept that we cannot fully understand the intricate meanings of that spiritual rank.
That being said, some of our Shaykhs have revealed some information to give us a basic understanding of that rank and the function of that particular Saint. The word Mutasarrif in Arabic means the one who manages or conducts the affairs under his responsibility.
According to Mawlana Shaykh Nazim the Qutb al-Mutassarif manages the energy that is available in this world for mankind, such as electrical energy, solar, wind and motion. So Allah has given that particular Saint the responsibility to manage that energy in the world. And without that energy nothing can move. Other Sufi shaykhs have also spoken about this rank and have given similar explanations.
That is a general definition of Qutb al-Mutassarif because it is difficult for our minds to fully comprehend the spiritual realities. Allah (swt) is the ultimate source of energy, favours and all existence in the universe and He has given responsibility for distributing these favours and energies to Prophet (pbuh) as he is Abu-al-Qasim (father of the Divider). And it is mentioned in hadith that “Allah gives, and I divide”. As Allah gives the responsibility for angels to bring down every drop of rain, so too are the Saints of Allah responsible for dispensing His favours. As the inheritors of the Prophet (pbuh) the Qutbs inherit spiritual responsibilities from him for every time.
And Allah and His Prophet know best.
Hajj Khalid Aboulela
